"Christmas doesn't come from a store"

Growing up, I never watched the 1966 animated Christmas special Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in its entirety.  This may be surprising, but it’s true.  However, in recent days and years, I did view it (thanks in part to the Jim Carrey live-action adaption) and I have come to appreciate its charm.

I know the story is familiar, but let me go over it quickly.  The inhabitants of a town called Who-ville loved Christmas, except for the Grinch, who lived like a reclusive hermit on the outskirts of the town.  He hated Christmas, and the citizens of Who-ville for their passion for the day – and their habit of singing a happy Christmas tune on Christmas morning.  The Grinch wanted to find a way “to stop Christmas from coming” as he put it.  He concocted a plan.  On Christmas Eve, as Who-ville slept, the Grinch stole everything Christmas related; all the presents, Christmas decorations, even the food for their Christmas feasts was gone.

The stage was set; the Grinch was certain that the denizens of Who-ville would be sad and somber, but as he listened intently for their reaction, they still sang a joyous Christmas song!  The Grinch was shocked.  As he tried to wrap his head around it, he thought to himself, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store; maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”  The Grinch was changed that day.  He returned all the Christmas items, and was welcomed by Who-ville.  In fact, the Grinch cut the roast beef for the Christmas feast.

While the Grinch’s transformation is exciting, I have to admit that the example of the citizens of Who-ville is what inspires me the most.  It was their influence that inspired the Grinch to reconsider his view on Christmas.  He had completely misunderstood the appeal of Christmas.  He thought it came from the external traditions, but Who-ville taught him that it came from an internal joy that could not be taken from them.

Let me conclude with this.  I’m riveted by the line, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store; maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”  Christmas does mean more.  So much more.  One of the memorable modern day Christmas songs is from the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir (https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3423034/).  The song always touches me deeply; it states, “Happy Birthday, Jesus.  I’m so glad it’s Christmas.  All the tinsel and lights; and the presents are nice, but the real gift is You.  Happy Birthday, Jesus.  I’m so glad it’s Christmas.  All the carols and bells make the holiday swell, and it’s all about You.”

Kevin