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Real Estate Life Lessons from “White Christmas”

Blog posted On December 23, 2025

A timeless classic of the holiday season, “White Christmas” dropped in 1954, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. It was the top grossing film that year, and its iconic songs have permeated every winter of the last seven decades, with memorable melodies and important life lessons that resonate with families still to this day. As we near the holidays and close out the year, we want to explore how the life lessons in “White Christmas” can apply to the lives of home buyers and homeowners alike.

“Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army!”

The Importance of VA Loans & Programs

“When the war was over, why, there were jobs galore
For the G.I. Josephs who were in the war
But for generals things were not so grand
And it's not so hard to understand”

  • Lyrics from “What Can You Do With a General?” by Irving Berlin

One of the biggest themes in “White Christmas” involves the bonds of friendship and fellowship formed during war. The film begins at the height of World War II while our leads, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, are performing a Christmas Eve showcase to their fellow soldiers. They admire and respect their commanding officer, General Waverly, who has bravely lead them through warfare, saving many lives. Years pass and the events of the movie lands Wallace and Davis at a Vermont inn, run by none other than General Waverly! Sadly, the General is down on his luck, buried in debt and struggling as a small business owner. He feels that he’s lost his sense of purpose. Wallace and Davis surprise the General by inviting their entire 151st division to the inn to honor him on Christmas Eve, leading into the final performances of the movie. It’s a message about giving back to Veterans and providing a leg up to friends and family in need of assistance.

VA Programs & Benefits

“We'll follow the old man wherever he wants to go
Long as he wants to go opposite to the foe
Because we love him, we love him
Especially when he keeps us on the ball
And we'll tell the kiddies we answered duty's call
With the grandest son of a soldier of them all”

  • Lyrics from “We’ll Follow the Old Man” by Irving Berlin

Much like the characters in “White Christmas” giving back to their commanding officer, VA Loans can help out the Veterans in your life. And not only VA Loans, but there exist multiple programs with benefits for military personal and servicemembers.

  • VA Loans
    • No down payment
    • Waived mortgage insurance
    • Flexible underwriting requirements
    • Eligibility extends to: active-duty military, Veterans, reservists, National Guard, and surviving military spouses
  • VA Renovation Loans
    • Renovate your home with 100% financing!
    • 30-year and 15-year options
    • Includes the costs of home purchase & renovations into one loan
    • Remodeling & non-structural repairs
  • First Responders’ Extra Savings for Heroes (FRESH)*
    • Waived tax service & credit report fees
    • $250 off appraisal fee
    • Eligible for: Veterans & armed forces, law enforcement, 911 dispatchers, teachers, and more!

So, if you’ve counted all your blessings and hummed along to the famous tune of “White Christmas”, you might just be ready for the holidays. Don’t forget about our VA offerings, especially if a few financial curveballs get thrown your way. Remember, no one is without friends and support this holiday season. We’ve got your back, all year round.

Source: Wikipedia, Melanie Novak

*Borrower will be credited these costs via a lender credit in the amount of these costs at closing. Loan must close and fund to receive these credits. This program is only available for Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and USDA fixed-rate loan programs.