Keep Up The Kind: Netflix original ‘Klaus’ has a deeper meaning of kindness that should stretch beyond the holidays

After watching the fifth rendition of “The Christmas Prince,” Netflix Christmas originals start to lose their appeal. While I don’t mind a cheesy remark every once in awhile, it was refreshing to see predictable plotlines and generic characters step aside with 2019’s holiday release: “Klaus.”

Without a doubt, it extends my list of Christmas classics through its deliverance of that one-of-a-kind Christmas feeling you can only find in holiday films — the ones that express the true meaning of Christmas — love. But since when has this so-called love been restricted to just Christmas?

“Klaus” is about how Santa Claus came to be, but underneath the surface it illustrates how even the most despicable of places — such as the fictional arctic island of Smeerensburg — can change with a little bit of kindness.

Christmas has been given the reputation of a time for thinking beyond yourself, when it’s better to give than to receive — but the tree isn’t the only thing that comes down on Dec. 26.

After the holidays, the idea of kindness dwindles down. The number of toy donation bins decrease almost as fast as people’s Spotify recently played shifts from “Holly Jolly Christmas” to Billie Eilish’s “Bury a Friend.”

Giving back, like Mr. Klaus giving toys to the children, should be a part of our mindset throughout the whole year. Yeah, maybe ringing bells in Santa hats wouldn’t work so well post-Christmas, but the thought that goes into spending time to help or give back is incredibly important and should be continued past the holidays. 

Another thing to remember is that kindness is not all about grand gestures. It’s also about the simple words, friendly smiles and open hearts that make someone’s day.

The catalyst for kindness in “Klaus” began when main characters Jesper and Klaus give a sad, lonely boy a toy. And what did that boy do when a girl, who’s supposed to be his enemy, spots him with the toy? He shares it. And they play with it together — laughing. 

Throughout the rest of the movie you see this simple act continue to grow and change the dreary, old town into a gracious and loving community. Imagine what would happen if the jolly season of Christmas that was displayed in this storyline was spread through the whole year, people would be so much happier.

We don’t live in a town like Smeerensburg where “fun” is burning down your neighbor’s house or throwing mud on someone else’s laundry. So if a place like Smeerensburg can change, how hard could it be for us?

Don’t let Christmas be where the love stops. Continue to show compassion towards others in big and small ways. Because without a doubt, to that person, it will matter.

You can be curled up in a blanket on Christmas Eve or relaxing after a day in the July sun, and the takeaway doesn’t change. “Klaus” is a true reminder of the importance and the impact that kindness can have. 

I don’t care if it’s after Christmas and you’re strict on watching holiday movies during the holidays — humbug. Sit down, grab some friends and family and watch “Klaus.” I promise you won’t regret it. It challenges you to be a better person and feel good about the big impacts you can make as a person. 

Because at the end of the day, Klaus said it best: “a true selfless act always sparks another.”

*featured image courtesy of imdb.com