Episode 172

172 - Beyond What You Can Prove on 34th Street

172 - Beyond What You Can Prove on 34th Street

In this episode of our podcast, I talk about a movie that always reminds me of the magic of Christmas - "Miracle on 34th Street." The movie tells the story of Macy's store hiring a new Santa Claus, who is a kind and genuine person resembling Santa. As we follow the plot, we see how belief, mistrust, and the power of helping others during the Christmas season shape the story.

One of the central characters in the movie is Susan Walker, a young girl who initially doesn't believe in Santa Claus due to her practical-minded mother's influence. But as the movie progresses, Susan's faith in Santa Claus is restored as she witnesses acts of kindness and experiences the magic of Christmas.

As the story unfolds, we also see a subplot involving a lawyer, Mr. Galley, who defends Kris Kringle (Santa Claus) in court, risking his own reputation and job. The court case becomes a turning point in the movie, as the post office delivers numerous letters addressed to Santa Claus to the courthouse, validating Kris Kringle's existence. The judge dismissed the case, and Kris Kringle was set free.

The movie concludes with a heartwarming scene where Susan's wish for a house is fulfilled, symbolizing the power of belief and the magic of Christmas. Watching this movie always leaves me feeling inspired and hopeful, reminding me of the importance of kindness, compassion, and the power of believing in something greater than what meets the eye.

As we approach the holiday season, I encourage all of you to embrace the spirit of Christmas, show kindness to those around you, and have hope for a better tomorrow. Merry Christmas, everyone!

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3820

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_on_34th_Street

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Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.