These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 19 – Great Dads In Holiday Movies

This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I wanted to have some fun since we are ready to celebrate Christmas. So I made a list of dads in holiday movies that deep down are doing it right. If you think I missed a dad or want to share your thoughts on dads in holiday movies please leave it in the comment section below. 

George Bailey – It’s A Wonderful Life – The OG Dad In Holiday Movies 

George Bailey is the main character in It’s A Wonderful Life. This was my mom’s favorite Christmas movie. It is a staple when it comes to holiday movies. I didn’t get why it was a big hit when I was a kid. Now as a dad this movie has all the feels. George is a building and loan banker who sacrifices his dreams in order to help his community of Bedford Falls to the point where he feels life has passed him by.

Eventually, due to difficulties in keeping the building and loan solvent, Bailey falls into despair so deep that he contemplates suicide. That is until his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, gives him a valuable perspective on the worth of his life. George finds through Odbody’s angelic power and gift what life would be like if he didn’t have his wife, Mary, his children and friends, and what their lives and the social structure of Bedford Falls would be like without him. In the end Bailey realizes that everyone makes a difference. That is a great lesson we all need to remember. 

Scott Calvin – The Santa Clause – Taking Over For Santa

Scott Calvin is a successful toy salesman. He is going to spend Christmas Eve with his young son Charlie. Scott wants Charlie to maintain his belief in Santa Claus, despite not believing himself. Scott’s former wife, Laura and her psychiatrist husband Dr. Neal Miller both stopped believing in Santa at a young age and feel that Charlie needs to do so as well. On Christmas Eve, Scott and Charlie are awakened by a noise on the roof. Scott investigates and finds a man standing on the roof, whom Scott startles into slipping and falling to the ground.

The dead man’s body disappears and leaves behind a red suit and business card. That card states that if anything were to happen to Santa Claus, whoever is responsible would have to put on the suit and continue from where Santa left off. Ensured by the card that “the Reindeer will know what to do” and to please Charlie, Scott dons the suit and spends the rest of the night delivering gifts before the reindeer take them to the North Pole. Even though others are telling Scott’s son not to believe in Santa, Scott encourages Charlie. Through their adventure the bond between  Scott and his son grows stronger. That is one of the best Christmas gifts that any parent can receive on that day. 

Ralphie’s Father – A Christmas Story – Coming In The Clutch On Christmas 

There are dads that might not seem like they are listening, but in the end they were paying attention the whole time. That is the case in A Christmas Story. Ralphie’s dad might seem like the foul-mouthed, angry dad, but in the end he is a softie. Ralphie wanted only one thing that Christmas: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Ralphie’s desire is rejected by his mother, his teacher Miss Shields, and even a Santa Claus at Higbee’s department store, all giving him the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Christmas morning arrives and Ralphie dives into his presents. He does receive some presents that he enjoys, but he is disappointed that he did not receive the one thing that he wanted more than anything. It appears that all of the presents have been opened when father directs him to look at one last present that he had hidden. Ralphie opens it to reveal the Red Ryder gun. Ralphie’s says that was his best Christmas present of all time. Well done dad. 

John McClane – Die Hard – One Man Against The World 

No matter what side you are on about whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie we all can agree on the fact that John McClane is a legit dad. On Christmas Eve, NYPD Detective John McClane arrives in Los Angeles intending to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly. He goes to Nakatomi Plaza to attend a Christmas party held by Holly’s employer.  While McClane changes clothes, the tower is seized by Hans Gruber and his heavily armed team. McClane believes it is up to him save his wife and her colleagues. With the help of an LAPD sergeant,   Al Powell, John is able to save the day. He reunites with his wife and they go home to celebrate Christmas with their kids. 

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