By Kelly Brakenhoff
It’s that time of year when I snuggle up to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. You know that heartwarming tale of George Bailey, the man who learns that his existence matters more than he could have ever imagined. Did you know the town where the movie was filmed is actually the real-life Seneca Falls, New York? The local museum hosts an annual It’s a Wonderful Life festival and it’s totally on my bucket list to attend some day!
Now, my ideal movie night scenario is the one where I convince the kids or grandkids to cozy up with me until the angel bells ring at the end. However, the Bedford Falls gene must have skipped a generation because 90% of the time, I’m camped out on the couch alone with my hot cocoa, geeking out for the fortieth time about how much I love this story. In my Cassandra Sato Mystery series there’s even an old run-down mansion just like the one in the movie, and that’s no coincidence!
Today I invite you to settle in with me as we study how George’s journey through life is like a masterclass in cozy wisdom. Here are five things George Bailey taught me about cozy mysteries:
The Importance of Community in a Cozy World.
Remember what Clarence, George’s guardian angel, said? “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole.” It’s the same in the world of cozy mysteries. Our sleuths thrive in tight-knit communities, just like George did in Bedford Falls where everyone knows everyone else, and all their secrets. The real beauty of sitting at home curled up in a recliner reading is that we get to live in those imaginary communities with the quirky cast of supporting characters in the story.
Embracing the Imperfect.
George faces hard times throughout the movie, like when he gushes, “I’m shakin’ the dust of this crummy little town off my feet, and I’m gonna see the world.” How many of us had similar dreams in our youth? His family is messy, irresponsible, and his daughter keeps playing the same song on the piano! George is impulsive, holds a grudge, and is too gullible when dealing with mean old Mr. Potter. But his imperfections make him more human. Readers cheer for characters who overcome their personal flaws and still manage to solve the mystery.
Unexpected Blessings and Small Miracles.
Remember when George tells Mary, “What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.” Cozy mysteries often revolve around noticing the unexpected blessings and small miracles hidden in everyday life. Moments like meeting a good friend for a drink and chat, interviewing a suspect who turns out to be innocent, or showing up for a friend during their darkest point. Like many of us, George can’t see all the blessings in his life because he has taken them for granted. It’s these surprises that keep us hooked on a story, whether it’s finding a hidden clue or discovering the best scone recipe in town.
Finding Joy in Everyday Moments.
Clarence shows George all the ordinary moments in his life when Love intervened on his behalf. Then he says, “Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.” One of my favorite poignant examples is when Zuzu gives him her flower petals to fix and he slips them into his pants pocket. George’s revelation that life is worth living is rooted in the idea that your life is what you’re doing right now in this present moment. And isn’t that just like cozy mysteries? The characters find joy in the mundane activities, special celebrations, and hot cups of tea, showing us that happiness is often found in the simplest pleasures.
The Power of Redemption.
It’s a Wonderful Life is all about George Bailey’s journey from despair to redemption. Clarence says, “You’ve been given a great gift, George. A chance to see what the world would be like without you.” This powerful theme is echoed in cozy mystery series as well. In communities where darkness and even murder can be part of the plot, our sleuths travel similar paths of growth and self-discovery. The stories may begin with shadows and uncertainties, but in the end, light overcomes the darkness and goodness triumphs over evil. The sleuth’s journey serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even when the real world’s messiness feels overwhelming, stories provide an escape of entertainment and optimism.
As you cozy up with a good story this holiday season, remember George Bailey’s invaluable life lessons we’ve shared today: embracing your community no matter how quirky, our imperfections make us human, appreciating your blessings and small miracles, looking for joy in ordinary moments, and the healing power of hope. And if you’re like me, enjoying your favorite movie on the couch with nothing but your loyal hot cocoa, well, let’s just say fictional characters make for wonderful company. Even if your family doesn’t quite share your enthusiasm for cinematic choices, it’s all part of the cozy holiday experience. So, embrace the holiday spirit of Love coming into the world by snuggling up with a good book or movie and reminding yourself that it truly is a wonderful life.
ABOUT KELLY BRAKENHOFF
Kelly Brakenhoff is an author of eleven books and an ASL interpreter. She divides her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and picture books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog. Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity books because they teach American Sign Language using fun stories. And if you like a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, you’ll enjoy the Cassandra Sato Mystery series. The mother of four young adults and a hunting dog, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.
