Spirited Away: Lessons on Reimagining Holiday Cheer
The holiday season can be fraught with last-minute errands, emotional meltdowns, and unanticipated cooking disasters. When this happens, it can be easy to overlook the opportunities to revel in joy, express gratitude, and pause for reflection, taking an honest look at how we’re living our lives. For many (and definitely for the EduCred Services Team), Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol provides a timeless reminder of the power of redemption and the beauty of second chances. During these times, it can be helpful to look at the world from a different perspective, like the delightful musical comedy of Spirited (who doesn’t love Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds). A classic holiday story with a modern twist, which reimagines this beloved tale in a way that is both fresh and deeply meaningful.
At first glance, Spirited is all fun and games—it’s hilarious, energetic, and full of catchy tunes. But as you dive deeper, the movie challenges us to rethink our perspectives, offering valuable lessons wrapped in laughter and song. This contemporary retelling of A Christmas Carol provides relatable lessons about the spirit of the season and how it can inspire personal growth.
The Ripple Effect of Redemption
Unlike the original tale, where Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation stands at the center, Spirited explores the idea that redemption is not just a one-time event but a journey. The movie reminds us that changing for the better doesn’t only impact our lives; it has a ripple effect on everyone around us. Each of us has the potential to inspire goodness in others through our actions, no matter how small. This theme feels especially relevant in a world where we’re often inundated with negativity—from divisive headlines to the pressures of daily life. This is embodied by Clint Briggs (played by Ryan Reynolds), whose initial cynicism and profit-driven lifestyle have far-reaching consequences, influencing his employees and society. However, as he begins to change, his decisions inspire his team to think beyond mere success metrics. The scene where Clint reflects on his viral campaigns—previously designed to sow discord—reveals how his redemption sparks a shift in his approach, inspiring his team to focus on messages that promote unity and kindness. This perfectly illustrates the idea that even small acts of change can cascade into larger social impact.
Embracing Complexity
Spirited takes the time to humanize its characters. Instead of immediately categorizing the cast as good or bad, the movie makes the effort to show people as they truly are, with flaws stemming from complex relationships. This nuanced storytelling invites us to embrace the complexity of others, as well as ourselves. After all, we are all works in progress. Will Ferrell's portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Present adds depth to the concept of complexity. His internal struggle with his own past as Ebenezer Scrooge shows that redemption is neither linear nor absolute. The scene where he hesitates to fully "retire" underscores the ongoing tension between personal growth and self-doubt. This reminds viewers that embracing the messy, multifaceted nature of personal change is essential—no one is wholly good or bad, but a mix of their choices and circumstances. During the holidays, we often hold ourselves and others to impossibly high standards. Instead of striving for perfection, let’s focus on progress.
Rewriting Your Narrative
Perhaps the most empowering message in Spirited is that we are never truly “finished.” Every day is an opportunity to rewrite our narrative. The characters remind us that it’s never too late to start anew, whether that means mending relationships, finding your purpose, or simply being kinder to yourself. The movie’s musical number "Good Afternoon" hilariously encapsulates the idea of reframing a narrative. Clint and the Ghost of Christmas Present turn a Victorian insult into a celebration, symbolizing how we can shift perspectives on our own stories. The holidays are often steeped in tradition, but they can also be a time to chart new paths. What story do you want to tell about yourself in the coming year? Use this season as a launching pad for positive change—set intentions, make amends, and dream big.
Finding Joy in the Journey
In true musical fashion, Spirited celebrates the ups and downs of the redemption journey. It’s not about achieving a picture-perfect ending but about finding joy and meaning in every step along the way. The finale, where the characters reflect on their individual growth journeys, beautifully captures the essence of progress over perfection. The Ghost of Christmas Present, in particular, learns to value his contributions without striving for a definitive "ending." This is a great reminder that life isn't about reaching an ideal state or a “finish line;” it’s about appreciating each step of the process, no matter how imperfect it may be. As the year winds down, take a moment to reflect not just on where you want to go but on how far you’ve already come. Celebrate the small victories, the lessons learned, and the connections made. Life is a beautiful, messy work in progress—and that’s something to be grateful for.
Spirited is more than just a holiday movie; it’s an invitation to see ourselves and our world through a lens of optimism and possibility. Its message is clear: no matter where you are in life, you have the power to change, inspire, and grow. So, this holiday season, take a page from this modern twist on A Christmas Carol and embrace the opportunity to reimagine your own story. Let’s make this a season of kindness, connection, and endless possibility.
Ask yourself this holiday season, if we can Do a Little Good (even if it’s just a little).
