It’s Christmas time. You know, Jingle Bells, Deck The Halls, Fa-la-la-la-la and all that stuff. And while we’re thinking about tidings of comfort and joy, is there a better example of the joys of the season than the sheer glee expressed by one George Bailey towards the end of “It’s A Wonderful Life”?

Here’s a guy whose lifelong dreams were to leave his small town and conquer the world. Yet his dreams were repeatedly denied by his innate desire to do right by his fellow man, particularly against the evils of society represented by Bedford Falls’ very own Scrooge, Henry Potter. You know the story (spoiler alert, but if you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should)- Old Man Potter wanted to control the town and George Bailey kept getting in his way. After Potter framed George for some bank fraud, George thought his life was in ruins and wanted to end it all. He was saved by his Guardian Angel. When he ran back into town yelling “Merry Christmas” to anyone, everyone, every business and every building, if you didn’t shed a tear then you have ice running through your veins.

Perhaps more powerful is when he runs up to the window of is nemesis, the evil Mr. Potter, and offers him a “Merry Christmas” with all the same vigor and spirit. The misanthropes among us will then give a snarling grin when they hear Mr. Potter’s miserable retort.

and, while we’re at it……MERRY CHRISTMAS INTERNET!