Merry Christmas! No deep reading this week, just a fun, lighthearted list to spread a little holiday joy. Here are ten famous Christmas movie good teammates: (*Feel free to debate among yourselves…)
10. Sergeant Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson)
Die Hard
Whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie may be debatable, but whether Sergeant Al Powell is a good teammate is not. He’s loyal and defends John McClane when the FBI and his superiors try to wrongfully vilify Bruce Willis’ character. Good teammates don’t abandon their teammates during times of peril.
9. Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
She kept an open mind and didn’t allow her thoughts to be swayed by the negative, and more popular, opinions of others. Cindy Lou Who empathized with the Grinch and convinced the citizens of Whoville that the Grinch was simply a misunderstood creature. Good teammates have the courage to stick to their convictions.
8. Clark Griswald, Sr. (John Randolph)
Christmas Vacation
Clark Griswald is a contender for generously welcoming his eccentric relatives into his home, as perhaps is Cousin Eddie for kidnapping Clark’s boss. But the best “good teammate” is Clark’s father. Good teammates share, and Clark Griswald, Sr. shared his knowledge by teaching his son everything he knows about “exterior illumination.”
7. Mother Parker (Melinda Dillon)
A Christmas Story
Not that we need anymore evidence than her tolerance of the dreadful leg lamp, but Ralphie’s mother was also patient, kind, and caring. She loved her children enough to discipline them. Good teammates hold the other members of their team accountable.
6. Clarence (Henry Travers)
It’s a Wonderful Life
Clarence enlightens George to his own obliviousness. Clarence is the angel who helps George see the value he brings to his team. Good teammates believe in others, even when others don’t believe in themselves. “Attaboy, Clarence.”
5. The Conductor (Tom Hanks)
The Polar Express
The Conductor facilitates hope. He uses his resources to inspire the passengers on his train (team) to believe. Good teammates are perpetual purveyors of hope. They are the ultimate optimists.
4. Bob Cratchit (Richard E. Grant)
A Christmas Carol
Ebenezer Scrooge’s underpaid clerk endures poor working conditions and his boss’ abuse. He sacrifices greatly for his family—his team. Yet Bob Cratchit selflessly maintains a positive attitude, the way good teammates do.
3. Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin)
Home Alone
Despite being initially scared of his neighbor, Kevin helps “Old Man” Marley reconcile with his estranged son. And…Kevin confronts the threat posed by Marv and Harry. Acting despite fear is a mark of a good teammate.
2. Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell)
Elf
Buddy makes good teammate moves. His enthusiasm is contagious and influences those around him. His commitment to the Christmas spirit is unwavering. Like any good teammate, Buddy is all in.
1. Fred Gailey (John Payne)
Miracle on 34th Street
Fred Gailey emerges during Kris Cringle’s time of despair. Fred is the lawyer who reassures Kris of his worth and fights for him during his trial. Good teammates stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and Fred Gailey brilliantly stands up for Kris.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate and have a merry Christmas!
