18 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ‘ELf’

things we can learn from elf life lessons

In my opinion, Elf is one of the best Christmas films ever. Every year, when I begin to feel just a little bit festive, I dig it out and enjoy yet another viewing. It never gets old, and it never will. Whenever it reaches that point in November where it’s OK to talk about Christmas, I ask my partner if we can watch Elf yet. Everyone has so much love for this ridiculously funny, heart-warming film.

You can’t help but feel joyful and embrace the Christmas spirit when you watch Elf. Will Ferrell is at his best as a happy go lucky elf who ends up in New York, searching for his less than joyful father. If you haven’t seen it, I beg you, give it a try this winter. Snuggle up on the sofa with your loved ones and a cosy cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine and embrace this wonderful movie.

Although it’s a tad silly, and at times just a little bit cheesy, there are some things we can all learn from Elf. It’s an inspirational movie that has the power to motivate people to be just a little bit happier. Here are some things we can all learn from this Christmas classic.

1. Don’t be afraid to be yourself

In this movie, Buddy proves that you don’t need to be anything but yourself. He strolls through New York spreading his elfish joy without a care in the world. Oh how we all wish we could wander down the street feeling completely satisfied with our lives and not worry about what everyone thinks. He sings whenever he likes, says whatever comes into his head, and does odd little Elf things wherever he goes. Well done Buddy, you unique, wonderful inspiration.

2. Pasta can be eaten any time of day

Thank god for pasta, the wonder carb. Buddy has spaghetti for breakfast, because why the hell not? Why should we eat boring toast and cereals when we could have a pasta dish for breakfast? I made Macaroni cheese last night (for the first time, and it was delish in case you are wondering). Did I have it for breakfast? Hell yes! Do I regret it? Nope. I love carbs. Plus surely it’s better to eat heavier meals earlier in the day because then you have the rest of the day to burn it off!

3. Candies make everything taste better

Oh yes. Buddy basically has candy when he wants and adds sugar sweets to all his meals. This is definitely not something I would recommend doing in real life (hello diabetes). However, it is acceptable to treat yourself to the odd bit of candy every once in a while, especially at Christmas time.

4. If people don’t love you for who you are, screw them

If people turn their nose up when you are just being who you are, screw them. As you get older you learn only to spend your time with the people that love you for you. Your friends and family should love your quirks and personality traits. Buddy manages to find people in this film who love him just the way he is.

5. Happiness & positivity is infectious

Buddy shows in this movie that happiness is most definitely infectious. If someone is acting as bright as a button around you, it’s difficult not to feel warm and fuzzy too (unless you are having a reaaally bad day). Surround yourself with positive people and you will be a lot happier.

6. You can never have too many Christmas decorations

Yup, there is no shame in going all out when decorating your home at Christmas, especially in America. Buddy completely transforms the department store shop he works in with the most amazing decorations and everybody loves it (apart from the shop manager). Baaa humbug.

7. Always keep an open mind, people might surprise you

Don’t judge a book by its cover. People who seem a little odd at first like Buddy just might surprise you. Even his grumpy old dad, who at first seems miserable and uncaring comes through in the end. With a little bit of inspiration, some people can change.

8. Singing in public is awkward

Singing in public is awkward, end of. Still, you can’t help but adore Buddy when he sings. He is probably the only one who can get away with it. Buddy believes ‘The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear’.

9. Snowball fights can be brutal

I speak from experience, having got hit on the head with a snowball on birthday and thrown up everywhere from a mild concussion. Buddy shows in Elf that snowball fights can be epic and brutal as he takes out several kids with his snowball throwing skills.

10. If you smile, people can’t help but like you            

It’s difficult to hate smiley people. I am definitely not a smiley person, and that’s why people struggle to warm to me at first. Buddy on the other hand, loves smiling. He says in the film ‘I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favourite.’

11. Swearing is unnecessary

Buddy sees no reason to swear with nasty words, because he makes up his own rather polite swear words and phrases. For example ‘cotton headed ninny muggins’. Personally, I think everyone should swear like this.

12. Embrace your natural talents

Buddy is good at making people happy, singing and making Christmas decorations. These are things he embraces. Everyone should embrace their natural talents, not matter what they happen to be.

13. It’s OK to fail

In Santa’s workshop, poor Buddy can’t keep up with the elves. He’s not made to make toys as he is too large and doesn’t have the natural skills that the elves do. When he finally realises who he is, he goes off to find something else he’s good at. It’s OK to fail at lots of things before we find what we do best.

14. Offices can be a drag

Buddy does not enjoy his experience of working in an office. Some offices can be a real drag. When he’s in the office he says ‘This place reminds me of Santa’s Workshop! Except it smells like mushrooms and everyone looks like they want to hurt me’.

15. Look both ways when you cross the road

Simple advice yet so important. One of the funniest moments in the film (in my opinion) is when Buddy gets run over. Lols.

16. New York is magical at Christmas time

Everyone should visit New York at Christmas at some point in their lives. It’s simply magical, as demonstrated in the film.

17. Don’t try and hug everyone/thing you meet

Not everyone wants to be hugged, including raccoons. Buddy learns this the hard way.

18. Santa really does exist

Yup, the evidence is in this film. Santa really does exist, you just need to believe

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