What I Learned From Watching “Elf”

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Elf is hilarious.  No matter how many times I watch it I find myself laughing out loud at the same silly scenes.  I think the funniest part is when he first gets to New York and screams “Santa! Oh, My God!” when they announce that Santa is coming to the department store the next day.  The part where he mistakes Miles Finch for one of Santa’s elves is pretty funny too.

If you haven’t seen it, I don’t want to ruin it for you so continue reading at your own risk.  But, as you know, Buddy’s real dad, Walter, works way too much at Greenway Publishing.  As we learn during the movie, the reason he works so much is because he is under enormous pressure by his boss, Mr. Greenway.  Unfortunately, Buddy’s brother, Michael, thinks their dad works too much because all he cares about is money.

As the story unfolds, Buddy and Walter have a falling out and then Walter is forced to work late on Christmas Eve by Mr. Greenway.  Just as Walter is about to give his presentation to Mr. Greenway for a new children’s book, his son Michael bursts in and says that Buddy has gone missing.  Walter has to make a decision to keep working or leave immediately and go help find Buddy.  Of course he makes the right decision and tells Mr. Greenway, “up yours”.  As he is leaving Mr. Greenway is yelling at Walter that he’ll never work at Greenway Publishing again.

In the end, Walter and Buddy reconcile.  Walter starts his own publishing company and their first book about a human who thinks he is an elf is a big hit.  And, of course, everyone is happy.

So here is what I learned:

1. Money (or your job) isn’t nearly as important as family.

2. Holiday time with family is important.  Don’t sacrifice it for anything.  If you’re like me you have family all over so what I mean by “family” is specifically your spouse and children (or others closest to you if you aren’t married or don’t have kiddos).  And, if you are in the military and are away from your family on Christmas, God bless you.  Thank you for your service to our country and I pray that you make it back home safely.

3. True freedom is in being your own boss/having your own business.  Sadly, too many people are like Walter and have jerks for bosses and don’t have any other options.  In the movie, Walter had other options.  He had the knowledge and experience to start his own publishing company.

Thus,

4. Becoming an expert in a particular field and then combining that with basic business skills so that you can start your own successful business* equals true FREEDOM!

*I know that running a business isn’t for everyone.  After all, we do need police, fire fighters, school teachers, etc.  But, I would just say that if you are “working for the man”, so to speak, just make sure it is what you love to do and what you are supposed to be doing.