“It’s A Wonderful Life” is easily one of the most classic movies to date, and it still seems relevant when watching it today, 70 years after its release in 1946. No matter the time or place, the universal themes and messages of this film ring true. Although the film is set during the Christmas season, it will give you the warm fuzzies no matter what time of year you watch it. There are few Christmas films that do not feature Santa Claus or the joyous proceedings of the holiday season, “It’s A Wonderful Life” instead begins with a man contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve and tells the story of his life in order to inform his guardian angel how to save him.

George Bailey joins classic characters, such as “To Kill A Mockingbird’s” Atticus Finch, as a role model for generations to come. His congeniality, generosity and genuinely good heart are what allows George Bailey to stand the test of time and inspire audiences for generations to come. George would seem completely unrelatable if it were not for his various personality flaws displayed throughout the film as he struggles with his frustrations of constantly being held back in Bedford Falls, unable to attain his childish definition of success based on wealth and adventure.

The relationship between George and Mary, who has had a crush on him since childhood, can be frustrating at times as he fails to realize what is right in front of him, but when they finally marry, it is impossible to keep a smile from creeping across your face. One of their sweetest scenes is the failed honeymoon after George gives away all of their savings during the bank run on the Building and Loan, but Mary makes their rickety house a home for George as they start their life together. Together, George and Mary Bailey keep the town of Bedford Falls from the greedy clutches of Mr. Potter.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” embodies the true spirit of Christmas, it does not rely on gingerbread houses or gifts wrapped under the tree; instead it focuses on unwavering generosity in the face of adversity and the strength of a relationships built on genuine concern for others. If tears are not brimming over your eyelids as the entire town of Bedford Falls rushes in to help George in his time of need and toast him as “the richest man in town” because of all of the love in his life, then you are quite possibly dead inside; and if you definitely aren’t crying as little ZuZu declares that “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings” and George knows that his guardian angel Clarence is the recipient of said wings, then you are quite possibly the grinch himself.

Overflowing with warmth, relatability, inspiration and heart, “It’s A Wonderful Life” is a Christmas classic that is not to be missed.