Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you were never born? What if you had the chance to see what it’s like? Would it even matter?

Altruistic businessman George Bailey is given this opportunity on Christmas Eve after being rescued from a suicide attempt by his less-than-graceful guardian angel Clarence Odbody. At first confused as to why the world is such a different place, George is given the opportunity to see how his life has impacted his childhood town as well as his family and friends.

This movie is a tradition for my dad and I. Every year around the holiday season, we make the trek to Jordan Creek and pay ungodly prices for popcorn and a Coke, just to see this film on the big screen. And before you ask, yes, it’s absolutely worth it. It’s one of my dad’s favorite movies, and it’s quickly becoming one of mine. A black and white classic holiday film, tied in with a life lesson? I know, it sounds lame in text. But it’s not. It hits you in the feels, and if your one millenial-esque hang-up with this movie is that it’s black and white, there’s a version that comes in Technicolor.

Although it’s not your typical Santa-filled Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life has maintained a record as one of the most acclaimed films of all time; it was nominated for Best Picture (Liberty Pictures), Best Actor (James Stewart), Best Director (Frank Capra), Best Film Editing (William Hornbeck), and Best Soundmixing (John O. Aalberg).

This isn’t just a wonderful movie; it’s a wonderful life.