Christmas generosity can help one realize that ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

This year, the economic slowdown has hurt many Americans, including here on the North Shore. Some people have lost jobs, while others face uncertain job futures. And the economic troubles are particularly painful during the holiday season.The holidays are a festive time. On Saturday, TV viewers had a chance to watch Rudolph’s red nose shine bright and listen to Burl Ives’ magic music in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” But grim economic forecasts make it a little harder to focus on the festivities.Some have been hurt harder than others this year, including a Lynn mother of three who writes that in years past, she was able to give her children a good Christmas. This year, however, she is unable to due to her illness and disability. She fears her 8-year-old daughter will not have a chance to enjoy a gift that would allow her to continue her passion for arts and crafts ? and that her 5-year-old son would not be able to see a Transformers toy under a tree.It is telling that just as TV networks air “Rudolph” at holiday time, they also play a more somber film ? Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Viewers on Saturday night saw the characters of George and Mary Bailey (Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed) and their children endure economic hardship, depicted through such telling symbols as a beaten-down car and a house with a faulty staircase.Ultimately – and, one hopes, not spoiling the film for those who have not seen it – the community comes forward to help George and his family to provide a note of redemption and a rousing finale as “Auld Lang Syne” plays in the background. Yet this year, it seems, the need for communities to step forward in a similar fashion is no less significant.You, too, can show the generosity of George Bailey’s family and friends by helping those in need. As more people and their families struggle with unemployment, the Greater Lynn community can show they have not forgotten the need for assistance – especially in assisting the youngest victims of poverty to enjoy some holiday cheer.Lynn has a history of helping its citizens, whether through the Agganis Scholarships to benefit student-athletes attend college or through the Lynn Woods Reservation that provides people with a stimulating environment for exercise and contemplation of the beauty of nature. When the holidays arrive, Lynners – and members of the larger community – should remember their proud heritage.So, this holiday season, the people of Lynn and the surrounding area have a chance to show those in less-fortunate circumstances that through a little bit of community help, the holidays don’t have to be a time to feel the economic pinch ? they can also be a way to remember that it truly is a wonderful life.Click here to make a donation to Item Santa.