70 Years of White Christmas and Its Lessons of Faith

For years, families have gathered around to enjoy many Christmas classics from the Golden era of Hollywood. One classic has stood the test of time, and that was White Christmas. The movie is packed with great choreography, timeless music, a beloved classic song that shares the namesake of the film winning an Oscar, and comedy from Danny Kaye. The movie was also the sequel to a 1942 classic called Holiday Inn, in which the song of the 1954 classic first appeared and won an Oscar for Best Original Song.

Released in 1954, the movie follows Bob and Phil, soldiers from World War II, who agree to get into show business after Phil saves Bob’s life. Along the way, they meet Betty and Judy who have a song and dance act, and romance begins to build.

When the two found out that their former commanding general’s hotel in Vermont was struggling, they brought a Broadway production to the hotel while attracting big donors to help in its success. This would be met with some friction in each’s romantic relationship. Bobby and Betty break so she can take a solo gig in New York after a staged engagement. Phil and Judy struggle with the understanding that they love each other and see their romance collapsing.

As they perform for the retired general at his Vermont hotel, it is covered with snow. Betty and Bob forgave each other and helped honor the general who led Bob and Phil in Europe.

For 70 years, this great Christmas classic has stood the test of time. It also has lessons of faith that can be looked at again.

Count Your Blessings

Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney performed the second-best song from the movie, “Count Your Blessings.” The song would be nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song after its release.

The lyrics of the song suggest that when we’re anxious, it’s important to reflect on our lives by looking at ways in which we’re fortunate. Catholics have a great spiritual practice known as an examination of conscience. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what went right and didn’t go right

Check Reality, Not Your Thoughts

The biggest love story in the film is that of Bob and Betty. All is going well until Betty gets second-hand information about Bob that questions his integrity. It would prompt her to take an overnight train to New York. Bob tries to find her and convince her to help with the show in Vermont.

It teaches us to go to the source and not associate ourselves with gossip. It can serve as a reminder to not engage in gossip.

Serve Others

The main plot of the movie revolves around Bob and Phil’s ambition to help General Waverly’s hotel avoid potential bankruptcy. Bob appears on Ed Sullivan and appeals to his comrades to come out and give back after what Waverly has done for them.

Every time we serve others or give back, we get a sense of joy in our hearts.

White Christmas was a movie that has stood the test of time. While it was created to entertain movie fans for generations to come, it also has wonderful life lessons that are worthy of keeping close to one’s heart.

As the song of the title movie tells us, “May your days be Merry and Bright. And may all your Christmases be white.”