Miller Minutes: What to do the weekend after Christmas
I’ve explored holiday traditions, the importance of relaxation, and Christmas movies and music in my column this season. But upon watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Penn Theater this weekend, I realized I have yet to touch on seasonal gratitude.
George Bailey is a character I’ve wanted to emulate my entire life. His desperation to leave Bedford Falls is stilted by his enormous heart for his community. Throughout the movie, he (and Mary) give their time and attention to those in need with little to no recognition. Until the very end.
I’m always moved by “It’s a Wonderful Life,” regardless of how many times I watch it. This year, I discovered a new truth that’s actually written on the wall of his father’s office: “All you can take with you is that which you have given away.”
George jumps into the water to save Clarence, his guardian angel, paralleling the time he saved his little brother. Clarence only threw himself into the water because he knows George is unwilling to stand by when someone needs help. While George grumbles about it later, we come to understand how different life would be in Bedford Falls if our protagonist wasn’t selfless.
George understands the differences he makes and it reminds him to keep going. As he prays, “Please God, let me live again,” we know he will live his life the same: with a hand outstretched to those in need. And we know now that he will never regret putting someone else before himself.
And isn’t that what this season is all about? Isn’t that why we celebrate the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and even the jolly old man leaving presents under trees? Has it not always been about giving without expectation of receiving?
We are innately born with the desire to give, but we are also prone to selfishness and want of recognition. As we move toward Christmas, I encourage you to seek out ways to give selflessly and live like George Bailey. Because remember: “No man is a failure who has friends.”
If you’re looking for ways to make friends or be selfless this season, see what’s going on in Butler County this coming week.
Friday
Donate an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and gain access to over 200 decorated Christmas trees at the Litzenberg Annual Holiday House Tour, 1734 Oneida Valley Road in Concord Township. Tours are available from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Stroll through the festive winter wonderland known as Enchanted Lights every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 30. The decorations and twinkling lights are sure to dazzle your whole family. So, head on down to 282 Rochester Road, Freedom, and purchase your tickets at enchantedlightspittsburgh2025.santaticket.com.
Revisit Page 1 of the Dec. 23 edition of the Eagle for a list of houses decked out with lights this holiday season. Make a road trip of it.
Next week
“KidsMas” at the Butler YMCA is holiday fun for children who are off school. There are events at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, and Tuesday, Dec. 30. Each event requires individual registration and payment. This event is for children ages 5 and up. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. See the list of activities at the registration link bcfymca.org/events/kidsmas-4-days-fun.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Harmony’s Silvester celebration. You can enjoy a traditional German dinner at Harmony Museum, watch the Christmas tree-throwing contest, participate in the 5K or fun run at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, and watch the ball drop and a fireworks display on German time (6 p.m. in the town square). For a full schedule and list of activities, visit harmonymuseum.org/silvester.
If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
