What Holiday Movies Can Teach Us About Brand Strategy

(Because Why Not Learn From the Classics?)

Is it just me, or does watching holiday movies hit different when you’re a brand strategist? Like, one minute I’m curled up with hot chocolate enjoying the classics, and the next I’m thinking “Wait… the Grinch’s character development arc is literally a masterclass in brand evolution.”

(This is what happens when you can’t turn off your strategic brain. Send help. Or cookies. Preferably cookies.)

But since we’re here, let’s lean into it. Because honestly? These holiday favorites are secretly dropping some serious brand strategy wisdom. Here’s what I mean…

The Grinch: When Your Brand is Ready to Grow (But Fear is Holding You Back)

Remember how the Grinch started? Green, grumpy, and determined to stay in his comfort zone on Mount Crumpit? (Sound like any business owners we know?)

But here’s what the Grinch teaches us about brand evolution:

• Sometimes your brand’s “too small” problem is all in your head (or your heart that’s two sizes too small)
• Growth doesn’t mean losing who you are—it means becoming more of who you’re meant to be
• Your audience might already see potential in your brand that you’re missing

Lesson: Don’t let fear of change keep your brand stuck on top of a mountain. Sometimes you need to sled down into new territory.

Elf: When Your Brand Voice Needs Balance

Buddy the Elf is enthusiasm personified. He’s authentic, consistent, and VERY committed to his personal brand. But remember that conference room scene? Yeah… sometimes authenticity needs a little… calibration.

What Buddy teaches us about brand voice:

• Authenticity is great, but context matters
• Your core personality can stay the same while adapting to different situations
• Sometimes you need a coffee shop meeting with your dad’s coworkers before bursting into Christmas carols

Lesson: Find the sweet spot between staying true to your brand and meeting your audience where they are.

Home Alone: Strategic Thinking vs. Overcomplication

Kevin McCallister is basically a tiny strategic genius. But let’s be honest—sometimes his plans are a bit… extra. (Did we really need the blowtorch AND the flying paint cans?)

The brand strategy takeaways:

• Strategic thinking is essential, but don’t overcomplicate things
• Use what you already have (like Kevin with his Christmas ornaments and toy cars)
• Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective

Lesson: Strategy doesn’t have to be complex to be brilliant.

Miracle on 34th Street: Traditional Values Meet Modern Relevance

This classic shows us how to balance tradition with innovation. Macy’s didn’t need to completely reinvent itself—it just needed to remember what really mattered to its audience.

What it teaches us about branding:

• Traditional values can be your strength
• Sometimes your biggest differentiator is simply being genuine
• Trust builds brand loyalty better than any marketing tactic

Lesson: You don’t always need to reinvent the wheel—sometimes you just need to remember why the wheel was great in the first place.

So, What’s Your Brand’s Holiday Movie Personality?

Just like these classic characters, your brand has its own unique story and growth potential. Maybe you’re:

• A Grinch brand ready to let your heart (and market reach) grow three sizes
• An Elf brand learning to balance enthusiasm with sophistication
• A Home Alone brand cleverly outsmarting the competition (maybe with fewer paint cans)
• A Miracle on 34th Street brand staying true to timeless values

The key is recognizing where you are and where you want to go. Because just like our favorite holiday characters, every brand has room for character development.

Ready to Write Your Brand’s Next Chapter?

If you’re feeling like your brand needs its own holiday movie transformation (minus the cartoon heart growth or elaborate booby traps), let’s chat. My Creative Kickstart session is perfect for figuring out your brand’s character arc and planning its next big scene.

And tell me…. Which holiday movie does YOUR brand relate to most? Drop me a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! (And yes, Die Hard counts as a holiday movie. I said what I said. 😉)