By Megan Odom, Student View 

There are certain symbols of the holiday season that define this time of year for me. The sights, the sounds, the smells … it’s all so overwhelmingly wonderful and meaningful.

First and foremost, I envision a child emptying a stocking on Christmas morning or a dreidel being spun to smiles and chants. The season is about the angel on top of the tree with white, snow-covered pines in the backyard; it’s sledding, skiing, skating, or watching the Holidazzle parade. It’s the letters, and cards, and photos from family and friends. Harry Connick Jr., Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus (of course!), all come to mind. So, too, does a fresh evergreen scent mingling with the aromas of gingerbread cookies and candy canes. I think of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas¸” Charlie Brown, and “A Christmas Carol,” Hollywood’s interpretations of the holidays. Megan Odom

Above all else, though, “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes to mind. Frank Capra’s 1946 story is a classic, its message the epitome of the season. When it comes to the holidays, the quintessential theme is the value of life and the prevalence of life’s blessings.

The film begins with George Bailey contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve after a catastrophe at his family’s loan business. He feels as if nothing he could do would make a difference. Clarence, his guardian angel, intervenes after hearing the pleas of his peers who value George’s life more than he does.

When George wishes he never existed, Clarence grants his request. George is then able to see a snapshot of what his community would have been like had he never been born to enhance the picture. Without him, it would be torn, disheveled, and a very dreary black and white. George’s brother dies and Henry Potter monopolizes the community; everyone is worse for the wear because of George’s absence. With him, on the other hand, the photograph is colorful and lively, despite what George doubts.  

This scenario rings true for each and every person, myself included. Just as George came to see how he had a wonderful life, I recognize my imprint on the world when I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Time and time again, I am reminded of the power in the little things. We tend to disregard them when compared to the seemingly more important things that we’d like to leave up on the fridge door, yet this is warped beyond reason.

It’s so easy to cast aside the tiny things we do on a daily basis: A thank you, a hug, or an endearing smile. Just because they are unintentional doesn’t mean they’re insignificant. It certainly doesn’t mean they are unnoticed.

Watching this movie helps me to see life in a new light -- in the light of Clarence -- and consider the monumental impact of the small things. More often than not, the little things a run-of-the-mill guy does are exceptionally important. They carry a surprisingly disproportionate weight and value.

Just as our small deeds affect the actions of others, each life affects another. Forgetting that is a terrible mistake. Even when we aren’t cognizant of it, all we do influences those around us. When it comes down to it, life is a chain reaction: it’s a web of people and a complicated game of action or inaction. As Clarence reaffirms, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

The holiday season provides us with an opportunity to step back and remember just how wonderful life is: both our lives and the lives of others. Don’t miss your chance to embrace that. So, settle down with some popcorn and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the coming weeks; let it be a reminder of the people (including you) that make this the most wonderful time of the year. 

 (Megan Odom is a student at Burnsville High School and one of two regular contributors to Student View. This column is one of several opinion and commentary pieces appearing regularly in this newspaper.)