Is ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Truly a Christmas Film?
Does ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ really deserve its festive status, or is its Christmas connection more tenuous than we think? We examine the film’s reputation and what actually makes a Christmas classic.
Every December, the familiar debate over what qualifies as a Christmas film resurfaces, often with a touch of exasperation. While some argue about whether a story must be set entirely during the festive period or if the holiday should be central to the plot, there’s a certain irony in the fact that It’s a Wonderful Life—widely regarded as the quintessential Christmas film—spends much of its running time far removed from anything particularly seasonal.
On first viewing Frank Capra’s enduring classic, it’s striking how late the so-called ‘Christmas miracle’ arrives. James Stewart’s George Bailey doesn’t encounter Clarence Oddbod, the well-meaning angel played by Henry Carter, until nearly three-quarters of the way through. The story’s festive elements only truly come to the fore when George, in a moment of elation, dashes through the snowy streets of Bedford Falls, wishing everyone he meets a ‘Merry Christmas’. For a significant stretch between the opening and the final act, the holiday itself is barely present.
Life in Bedford Falls: More Than Just Christmas
The narrative primarily follows George’s life, chronicling his repeated, thwarted attempts to leave his hometown. In fact, the plot is more concerned with the aftermath of the Wall Street crash than with mince pies or fairy lights. The original short story that inspired the film essentially covers only the final segment, so the bulk of the film is devoted to George’s personal struggles and sacrifices, rather than the trappings of the season.
One could argue that George’s crisis could have occurred at any point in the year. Standing on the bridge, contemplating his fate, the only overtly festive detail is the snow drifting in the background. It raises the question: would the story’s impact be any different if Clarence had appeared at Easter, Halloween, or even on Arbour Day? Does the time of year truly matter to the heart of the story?
The Spirit of the Season: Ideals and Emotions
Despite its loose connection to the holiday, the film is imbued with the values often associated with this time of year. George Bailey is portrayed as the embodiment of kindness, generosity, and unwavering morality—qualities that many aspire to during the festive season. He never explicitly claims to represent the ‘Christmas spirit’, yet he could easily be seen as a version of Scrooge after his transformation in A Christmas Carol.
The emotional highs and lows depicted in the film mirror the intensity of the season itself. Christmas is often a time of heightened feelings, and the film’s conclusion captures this perfectly. Before his realisation, George is consumed by despair; yet, when the townspeople rally to support him and his family, it becomes a moment of pure, uncomplicated joy. It’s a scene that encapsulates the joy of giving and the warmth of community, resonating with audiences year after year.
Defining a Christmas Classic
If one were to be strict about definitions, It’s a Wonderful Life might not fit the bill as a Christmas film, given how much of its story is unrelated to the holiday and how tenuous the actual links are. Yet, it’s difficult to deny the power of that final scene, as the townsfolk join together to sing
‘Auld Lang Syne’
. In that moment, the film manages to capture the essence of what many cherish about the season, arguably more effectively than most films that are overtly about Christmas.