It’s a Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation. Hard to put these two flicks in any sort of similar category other than “my two favorite Christmas movies.” Both for very different reasons (obviously)!

For seven years of my life, I was the proud owner of a 40-foot diesel pusher. With that came many forms of levity and harassment…and of course a humorous comparison to my fellow RV companion Cousin Eddie. Naturally I have been known to dawn a black dicky, undersized white sweater, white patent leather shoes and moose mug to celebrate the season. Real nice! A sure winner at the ugly sweater contest!

George Bailey, the main character in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is a more compelling and inspiring story (duh). After this year’s annual family watch party, I found myself in a much more reflective spirit than normal.

George was given an incredible and unusual gift: an opportunity to see what the world around him would have been like had he not ever existed. Have you ever given that any thought yourself? What would the world be like had I never existed?

George had big dreams and big plans, none of which ever manifested themselves because he was “trapped by the measly old Bailey Building & Loan” business that his father had left in his hands. At least that’s what he thought until he was given the gift of seeing the impact his life, his leadership, his influence, his impact, his values, his “measly” old business had on the lives of other people and his community. Further, we see the contrast of what would have happened in his absence and the impact of his nemesis Potter (not such a wonderful life).

What’s my influence, impact and legacy going to be? Will my business be a platform for positively impacting and influencing the lives of other people? Cheers to an impactful 2018 and the building of your wonderful legacy!