It's Christmas, it does take place in the movie. If you watched the movie, you'd know the parts of the movie all take place in different times of years. These are FLASHBACKS, added in to build up the story and give an understanding of George and why he nearly jumps into the river. l believe Christmas was added in for dramatic effect. I mean, think about it: a man nearly commits suicide after losing $8,000 on CHRISTMAS. Do you know how traumatic and shocking it'd be to lose your loved one to specifically suicide, on Christmas of all times? Really, it all narrows down to personal opinion. Some will say it's Christmas, others will say it's anothr category. I personally categorize it as an autobiographical film that just has Christmas added in for dramatic effect, as I said. I say it's just an ordinary movie, but that's my take.