ATHIRD-PERSON CELEBRATION

Finding meaning in this season of giving

Isat with my younger brother in the movie theater watching the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes larger in the newest adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, one of my favorite children’s books growing up. It was funny and it rhymed, had great illustrations, and was about my favorite time of the year—how could I not love it?

The Grinch, who hates Christmas just as much as the Whos of Whoville love it, tries to steal their Christmas by taking their presents and decorations in the middle of the night. When the next day begins, he is shocked to hear yuletide carols, surprised that despite his efforts there was still Christmas in Whoville. I like to think that he learns a bit more about the true meaning of Christmas.

When I was little, Christmas was all about the presents I got to open and the bright, shiny decorations that filled up our house and other houses. I thought the Grinch was a character that could only ever be in a book because it was simply impossible for anybody to dislike the holiday season.

Then I started getting a bit older and had a greater sense of the larger Christmas picture. I started to curse the traffic congestion of the holidays. I started to get annoyed with the interruptions to my regular schedule, and I stressed over how I had to complete all the holiday chores. Bah humbug! I began sounding like a classic Grinch or Scrooge (McDuck).

After watching the new movie, I decided to revisit the book. I again read this part:

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store... Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”

And the Grinch races back to Whoville to give back all the presents and toys, and even carves the roast beef for the Christmas meal. I think my heart is the right size and does not need to grow three sizes larger. But it is easy to lose perspective on Christmas, amid the jingles and promos and shopping mall lights.

While The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is a classic read to young children during the holidays, and despite its numerous adaptations, the quintessential holiday film has to be It’s a Wonderful Life

and

Stewart Frank Capra’s James

starring

It starts

Donna Reed.