We’re two days away from Christmas and the Grinch is getting tired of Whovilles Christmas prep. Why does their celebratory nature bother him so much? Is Grinch the embodiment of Seasonal Depression? Let’s take a look at three of his Christmas movies. Wait, have you read the book? If you’ve only seen the movies, Universal Orlando Resort, shared a fun read aloud of the origin story. There’s some initial theatrics, but it does get to the point.
Now that you’re all caught up, let’s take a look at the first musical/short.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) NR 26 m
The original Grinch is motivated by a need for silence. It’s like he goes through a sensory overload. Considering he lives on a mountain, it’s surprising that he can hear all the noise coming from celebrations and presents. It doesn’t seem like he has a problem with the citizens. They’re just neighbors that makes an inconsiderate amount of noise on an annual basis. Is he really upset with the racket or does he just feel left out. Their joy highlights his self imposed isolation. He successfully robs everyone. They still find something to be happy about.
Welcome, welcome! Fah who rahmus!
Dr. Suess, How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, Welcome Christmas Lyrics
Welcome, welcome! Dah who dahmus!
Christmas Day is in our grasp!
So long as we have hands to clasp!
He thought the decorations, food, and presents brought everyone together. At the end of the day, they were thankful that they had each other. Moved by this, he’s able to save Christmas Day and celebrate with them.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) PG 1 h 45 m
We go from 26 minutes of face time with the Grinch to an hour and 45 minutes. Maybe it be more accurate to say the Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch split it 50/50. Cindy’s a little disenchanted with Christmas and wonders why the Grinch is loathed. For a season that promotes kindness and love, the Grinch is excluded every year. What did he do? Why does he live alone. These are questions most didn’t care to answer. Cindy’s investigation reveals that he never really cared for the holiday. When he put an effort to celebrate, he was ridiculed. This traumatic experience led to his departure.
It would seem the Grinch’s feelings towards Christmas stems more from the town hypocrisy. When the Grinch finally attends a town party, his merriment is ruined by a trauma trigger that’s openly mocked by everyone. Sounds like the perfect storm for vengeance. Considering he has no intention of stealing Christmas till he burned the town tree down, he worked very quickly to take away their joy. The only reason he brings “Christmas” back is because the citizens remember the reason for the season and welcome Christmas.
The Grinch (2018) PG 1 h 30 m
The latest adaptation takes a different approach from the popular live action. For starters, the Grinch doesn’t have to sneak around Whoville. He doesn’t live at the dump either. It seems like he’s a lazy protege. Hear me out. The Grinch has systems in place that require minimal effort. He still had to set them up to make them structurally sound. So, is it really worth the effort? Anyways, it doesn’t appear that the town has a overall negative opinion of him. In fact, he has a friendly neighbor that tries to get him involved with Whoville’s jubilee. The fact that no one adopted him from the orphanage must have scared him with abandonment issues. The holidays always leave a bitter feeling inside, because it was the season he left the orphanage to live alone.
Since the Grinch can’t stand all the noise. News of a bigger and louder Christmas pushed the Grinch of the edge. He simply can’t take it anymore. Out of all three Grinch’s, he spends the most time preparing for the heist. If Whoville won’t stop making Christmas bigger and brighter, he’ll make em. He’s like a neighbor that goes into a fit of rage destroying outdoor Christmas lights that disrupt his sleep.
Final Thoughts
I decided to talk about the Grinch today, because many people have a hard time being merry and bright this weekend. Sometimes that’s brought on by their environment, circumstances, and/or their past. Like the original Grinch, those negative feelings aren’t a one time thing, it’s annual.
The commercial theatrics that add a layer of wonder to the season, makes the holiday less appealing to others. They may not go out of their way to ruin others merriment, but some are suffering in silence.
Consider taking off the rose tinted holiday glasses and see what’s happening around you.
By the way, did you know about The Mean One? There’s a horror adaptation of this iconic character out there. Don’t worry, I’m not sharing it here. Do what you will with that information…
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