Christmas Commusings: A Story of Redemption by Jeff Krasno

Dear Commune Community,

It’s Christmas Eve in the fictional town of Bedford Falls.

George Bailey is a frustrated business man, down on his luck, facing financial ruin and contemplating suicide.

Yet, the universe conspires, through the medium of a charmingly inept angel named Clarence, to show George the immeasurable impact of his existence. Clarence reveals to George what life in Bedford Falls would have been like if he had never been born.

As George witnesses his town devoid of his influence, he sees how his actions have spread through the lives of those he loves in benevolent ripples. Bedford Falls without George is a darker, more despairing place.

George's return to his actual life is met with an outpouring of support from the community, affirming his worth and the care they have for him.

This story of redemption culminates in George's renewed appreciation for his life, despite its hardships. He comes to understand that the value of being here on earth is not measured in wealth or success, but in relationships, community and the small but significant impacts we have on each other's lives.

Of course, I am describing the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Five years ago, as the calendar turned winter’s corner, I found myself down and out like George Bailey. My career was at a crossroads and my health was teetering. I had wicked insomnia and was drinking too much.

Fortunately, I navigated my way out of depression’s maze. I immersed myself in the collective enterprise of Commune – both the work and the people. I rediscovered meaning in my life through creativity and connection to friends, and, of course, my beloved family.

My awakening, like George’s, was about reclaiming my own sense of worth and understanding the intrinsic value of my seemingly insignificant life and its actions.

In response, a few years ago I summoned my best Jimmy Stewart to shoot, edit and score my own 2-minute, black-and-white, tongue-in-cheek tale of redemption titled Christmas Time Is Here. A Christmas Eve Commusings felt like the right moment for its global premiere.

May we all awaken to our own significance, to the role each of us plays in the interconnectedness of life.

Here at [email protected] and on IG @jeffkrasno.

In love, include me,
Jeff