Living Outside The Lines: “Life Lessons From Buddy The Elf”

There is good news though, Christmas may be over, but the lessons Buddy the Elf brings us, are applicable all the year through.

by, Becky j Miller

December 26, the Christmas fanfare has dissipated and won’t reappear for another 364 days. Santa worked his magic then escaped to the North Pole, the stockings hang emptily on the fireplace, the trash cans overflow with wrapping, the Christmas turkey lives on only in the form of dreaded leftovers, and the few extra pounds we all gained will likely linger on into the new year. 

There is good news though, Christmas may be over, but the lessons Buddy the Elf brings us, are applicable all the year through. I promise. He may seem like a buffoon, but perhaps we’d all be just a little bit happier if we approached life from Buddy’s perspective.

“Treat every day like Christmas” – Looking at each day as a surprise filled gift is liable to turn even the grumpiest outlook just a bit brighter. Will each day be fabulous? Of course not, but each day is new and brings with it the opportunity for something different and unexpected. 

“There’s room for everyone on the nice list” – Sometimes we label people, ‘unredeemable pain in the @$$’ which impacts all of our interactions with them. If we work hard to look for the good, we just might be surprised at what we find. Everyone has the potential to be virtuous. If we give them room, we may find hidden treasure.

“Get Excited About the World’s Best Cup of Coffee” – Life is all about the little things. Finding joy in the mundane then sharing it with others is sure to cause a smiling chain reaction. Maybe it’s not really the world’s best coffee, but sharing the experience with a friend will surely build memories.

“Sleeping in a store display window is totally acceptable” – Well…maybe not, but it’ll sure create some excitement. 

“Smelling like beef and cheese is bad” – This one is really self-explanatory. Dairy and cured meat do not make good cologne.

“Elves don’t belong in jail.”  – Seriously, if elves get locked up, who will tell Santa when humans are good?? This could be a problem. Personally, I want to find surprises on Christmas morning. #nojailforelves

“You are never too old to be tickled” – Of course this rule flies in the face of anyone with bladder issues. Tickling plus poor bladder control equals a recipe for embarrassment.

“Syrup is delicious” – We all know this fact otherwise candy and soft drink companies would go bankrupt, as would Starbucks. Come on y’all, what do you think provides the yummy flavors for Peppermint Mocha and Pumpkin Spice lattes?  Why, it’s syrup, of course!

“Jumping on display mattresses in a department store is so. much. fun.” – You don’t believe me? Go visit Macy’s, Dillard’s, Foley’s or any store that sells mattresses and give it a try. First sneak a peek to ensure no employees are looking and then get to bouncing! There are few things in life that evoke giggles in the way that mattress bouncing does. 

“Hanging the star on the top of a tree is definitely an art form”  Go ahead, I dare you. Unless you are over six feet tall, that star will not reach the tippy top of any tree very easily. This feat requires talent, mad skills and regular practice. Don’t want to practice? When next year’s tree topples as you attempt to hang the star sans practice, do not call me. #Itriedtowarnyou

“Francisco is a fun name to say” Oh just try it.  F R A N C I S C O, F R A N C I S C O, F R A N C I S C O. 

“Grown men can wear tights” I guarantee a pair of stretchy tights is more comfortable any. given. day. than a pair of stiff Levi’s or starched Wranglers, and yes, even more comfy than a pair of designer Lucky Brand or American Eagle jeans. 

“Working in a mailroom is an absolute party” This lesson may only be true if work in the mailroom is accompanied by a flask, which everyone should take to work at least once! Hey now, I didn’t say anyone should drink on the job. Nope. The flask could be filled with any noncarbonated beverage. #sweetteaanyone?

We should all answer the phone, “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color” – This greeting is sure to provide a welcome respite from the normally dull workday. #justtryit

There are so many more lessons we could learn from Buddy, but those will have to wait for another day.  Stay alert for Life Lessons from Buddy the Elf Part 2. 

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller

“Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.