It's very important that you watch Elf with your family every year, valuing the lessons it teaches and remembering to sing "bum bum bum bum bum, bum buh bum buh bum" in unison when the movie starts.
1. Treat every day like Christmas
Our whole lives should be filled with days of giving, spreading cheer, enjoying time with family, and taking time to be thankful for what we have.
2. Make smiling your favorite
Smiles are free and everyone can benefit from a smile! They are the same in every language, and there is always, always a reason to smile.
3. Be young and silly
Embrace your inner child and don't ever forget to be vibrant, lively, and to have fun!
4. Make friends easily
It's important to connect with people who share your interests and even with people you have nothing in common with. Making friends everywhere you go is a great way to spread encouragement!
5. Be excited about life!
Whether it's Santa coming at 10 A.M. tomorrow, the ginormous toilets, or the fact that you saw a dog today, there is excitement to be found in everything!
6. Be confident in yourself!
Even though we all have moments that we could call ourselves a cotton-headed ninny muggins, it's important that we remain confident in ourselves and learn from our mistakes. Be confident enough to take a leap on the Christmas tree, to travel through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, and the sea of swirly twirly gumdrops!
7. Do what you love!
Always make time to do the things you love with the people you love!
8. Give hugs freely
Everyone needs a hug! Even an angry raccoon!
9. Sing loud for all to hear!
It's the best way to spread Christmas cheer!
10. There are no rules when it comes to family!
Whether you're blood-related, friends, adopted, a step-brother, or an elf -- family is family!
11. Speak your mind
Don't be afraid to be blunt and to speak up! Give compliments, spread words of encouragement, and stand up for what you believe!
12. Admit when you're wrong
It's important to admit when you're wrong and to genuinely apologize when you have wronged someone.
13. Be supportive
Show support and encouragement to others as much as you can!
14. Love unconditionally
Love freely, with all of your heart! Remember, there's always room on the nice list!
15. Help others!
Help each other and have each other's backs! Protect others, fight for others, and lend a helping hand!
16. Do the best you can!
Whatever you do, commit to it and give it your all!
17. Be persistent!
Keep trying and fighting for what you want! Don't take no for answer and don't give up!
Bonus lessons!
If someone is lying, tell them they are sitting on a throne of lies and that they smell like beef and cheese!
If you need a clean way to curse, just shout, "son of a nutcracker!"
If you want to be included in a whispering conversation, just go over and whisper, "I like to whisper, too!"
If you want to give someone a really great compliment, tell them their face should be on a Christmas card!
If you find gum on the ground, don't eat it!
If you want to stick to the four basic food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup, then keep some syrup with you!
If you need to ride the escalator, but are nervous, just do the splits!
