Jingle All The Way Is Really About Dad's Making Things Happen

 

I introduced my five year old daughter to Jingle All The Way over Thanksgiving weekend. While I initially got some "Daddy can we watch something else?" Questions. She ended up liking the movie, and we have watched it everyday sometimes twice a day since. 

Now, in my opinion Jingle All The Way is a top 5 Christmas movie. I think it deserves a lot more credit than it gets and is a Christmas classic. As a kid I loved the movie because of the whole Turbo Man character and the thrill of finding that toy. Watching it back as an adult, I realized what the movie truly is about.

It's really about dad's and Fatherhood, and the lengths not just dads but parents in general will go; to see a smile on their kids faces. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Howard Langston appears to be a mid level successful businessman. Which has afforded his family a comfortable life, but interferes with him always being there for his son.

A common issue Dads of all income levels have struggled with, doing what you have to in order to provide. Versus always being there for your kids. It is a heavy balancing act if your working multiple jobs, or have a demanding job that allows a certain lifestyle.

Besides being what appears to be a workaholic, Howards out of touch on whats popular with the kids. He thinks it'll be a piece of cake to cover his tracks and obtain the most wanted Christmas toy ever. Once he finds out that is not the case and having already disappointed his son the day before. Howard becomes a mad man on the hunt for a Turbo Man.

Right alongside him as a friend and foe is Postal Worker Myron played by Sinbad. Who is in the same boat as Howard, often running into one another on their quest. Their day leads to a showdown at a Holiday parade.

So you have two dad's from two different backgrounds and careers. Trying their very damn best not to disappoint their kids Christmas morning. Even when they come off overbearing and entitled, stealing from others and other nefarious methods. They just want to see joy and excitement on Christmas.

Which is all any father wants really. Raise good kids and see their faces light up in excitement at something Dad made happen. Throughout the film, Howard and Myron are trying to make something happen. Which is another dadism, figuring things out when plan A doesnt work. Making things happen, trying your damn best and hoping it all works out in your favor.

One last message hidden in the film, its ok and normal to have fictional characters and athletes as your "hero". But dads should be a child's first and main hero.

This film is a masterpiece in Fatherhood, if you love it as a Christmas movie. You'll love it even more when the message resonates with you.

You can tune into Disney +, Hulu, tubi, and of course cable TV to check this classic.