It’s the most wonderful time of the year! All things hot cocoa, blanket scarves and twinkle lights are now widely accepted, and encouraged. You have Buddy the Elf saved in your Netflix queue and have already watched it, at least once.
Buddy the Elf is the master of Christmas. He teaches us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, and educates us about the four main food groups— candy, canes, candy corns, and syrup.
It turns out that Buddy has an impact that extends way past December 25th. Here are 10 life lessons that I learned from Buddy the Elf:
1. "I love smiling. Smiling's my favorite."
Smiling is good for the soul. Quite literally. There are proven studies that say smiling has a positive effect on your health. Smiling can have a positive effect on your mood, decrease your stress level (never a bad idea during finals), and make the people around you feel better. Ever heard the phrase smiling is contagious? They weren’t kidding!
2. Santa: “I’ve been to New York thousands of times.”
Buddy: “Really?”
Santa: Mm-hmm.”
Buddy: “What’s it like?”
Santa: “Well, there are some things you should know. First off, if you see gum on the street, leave it there. It isn’t free candy.”
Buddy: “Oh.”
Oh, the wise words of Santa. The first lesson we learn as New Yorkers is anything on the street is mean to be left there. No matter how long you've gone without eating lunch.
3. “First we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can, and then, we’ll snuggle.”
The holidays only come around once a year. Don't waste them! Channel your inner elf and take full advantage.
4. “This place reminds me of Santa’s workshop! Except it smells like mushrooms and everyone looks like they want to hurt me.”
It never hurts to have a positive attitude! There are always going to be difficult situations we have to face in life. It is up to us to have the best outlook possible and get through them with a smile! Who does that better than Buddy the Elf?
5. Buddy: Deb, you have such a pretty face, you should be on a Christmas card.”
Deb: “Oh, you just made my day!”
6. Emily: “So, Buddy, how’d you sleep?”
Buddy: “Great! I got a full 40 minutes!”
The life of a college student and an elf are pretty similar. We are both incredibly ambitious, efficient and energetic. Whether it is Santa or coming or finals looming over our heads, there is no time for sleep. There is work to be done.
7. “You sit on a throne of lies.”
Never underestimate the importance of speaking your mind. If you know someone is wrong, call them out on it! Buddy knew that wasn’t the North Pole, and he wasn't about to let them get away with it! Why should any of us sit back and let anyone get away with sitting on a throne of lies?
8. “I love you, I love youuuuuu!”
Always tell that special someone how you’re feeling (even if they've been acting a little naughty like Walter Hobbs). It’s always good to hear.
9. “I’m sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR.”
Honesty is the best policy! It only gets better once you have come clean. Buddy did, and Walter Hobbs finally got some Christmas spirit!
10. “I’m a cotton-headed ninny-muggins.”
If you're going to have a pity party, make it a good one. I mean, is there really a better insult than cotton-headed ninny-muggins? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
