Why the Grinch Stole Christmas

Everyone knows the classic tale of the hairy green outcast that plans to ruin Christmas for the whimsical town of Whoville. The story is not so much about How the Grinch Stole Christmas, even though it is the title, but Why the Grinch Stole Christmas and What he learned in the process. This story is simple, it follows a well planned story spine, is relatable and even though the main character is a grumpy, selfish, beast, in the end we all fall in love with him. But why is that? Why does this interest us? Lets take a closer look at the mechanics of the story.

Once upon a time…

The story begins by describing a secluded Grinch. The author, Dr. Seuss, paints a picture of an outcast that is not like others. “Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot… but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville did NOT!”

His location is outside of the town. His name is and identity are different; he’s a Grinch not a Who. And he is the only one that does not like Christmas. While I don’t always like to admit it, there have been times in my life where I felt like I didn’t fit in, like I was not part of the group. Making that connection with the character, makes it feel like we are involved in the story.

Every day…

As the story continues, we learn that every Christmas the Whos’ wake early (disrupting the Grinch’s sleep), quickly open their presents and make a lot of “Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!” They are then described to sit down to a feast of “Who-pudding, and rare Who-roast-beast”. And if that weren’t enough they would then join hands and start singing!

When it seems like everyone around us is jolly and enjoying all the events, festivities, music, materialism of the season but all we feel is stress, chaos, and empty wallets. I think this one of the reasons this story is so powerful as there are so many that can relate to how the Grinch feels like an outsider, all alone in the craziness of the season. If it wasn’t already, by now the readers interest is peaked. We have an understanding of why he is so grinchy but what will the Grinch do?

But, one day…

For the Grinch this is too much to bare “I must stop this whole thing! Why, for fifty-three years I’ve put up with it now! I MUST stop this Christmas from coming!… But HOW?” All of a sudden, the Grinch got an idea that would finally break the Christmas routine for the Whos’.

This is where the Grinch is able to break the routine he has become accustomed to. He is no longer willing to endure the joy of the Whos’ and has decided to take action. The storytelling is a bit suspenseful here as the author doesn’t tell us exactly what the idea is and is a great way to keep the reader engaged.

Because of that…

The Grinch now must put his idea into action. First, he dresses the part “What a great Grinchy trick! With this coat and this hat, I look just like Saint Nick!” He even enlists the help of his sidekick, his dog Max to play the part of the reindeer.

At this point in the story we are not too sure what the Grinch is up to but we appreciate his creativity and ingenuity. Our curiosity keeps us engaged, which can be challenging today with our short attention spans. This book was original published in 1957 but this story has a strong narrative that promises to keep the readers attention.

Because of that…

They journey to Whoville on a sleigh with empty boxes and sacks in anticipation. In a rather clever way the Grinch imitates Santa Clause and goes down every chimney and clears out every home in Whoville. “Then he did the same thing to the other Whos’ houses. Leaving crumbs much too small for the other Whos’ mouses!”

While the thought of breaking and entering another persons home is not something that most of us would condone, we can relate. There has been times in everyone’s life when we have been driven to the brink of insanity and had thoughts of doing things that are questionable. Watching someone act on those thoughts is interesting. To anyone that has ever thought “what if?” this is a glimpse into that reality. This is yet another way the reader feels involved in the story.

Because of that…

Once their mission is complete they travel back up north to dump everything that was collected. The Grinch is filled with excitement in anticipation of what all the Whos’ will find when the awake. “They’re finding out now that no Christmas is coming!” He waits to hear their disappointment, so he can rejoice in their sorrow.

We know that the climax of the story is coming and we are anticipating the outcome. We expect that the Whos’ will wake and be saddened by what they find, much like the Grinch.

Until finally…

To the Grinch’s surprise what he hears is joy. He is confused that Christmas still comes even though he had stolen all the material items that make Christmas. But then he comes to the realization that ” ‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!’ ” The Grinch then takes back all the presents and food and decorations to Whoville.

This is where the theme or message of the story is revealed. And it is the opposite of what we had thought would be the Whos’ reaction. It instructs us and provides meaning that, while at Christmas time there are presents and decorations and food and drinks and materialism, that is not the true meaning of Christmas. It is about the friends and family you share your time with. It is about giving. It is about celebrating together. It is about community. It is about believing in the magic that we all have inside of us. This is where I get those warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas.

And ever since then…

The Grinch then joins the Whos’ in their celebration. “And he… HE HIMSELF…! The Grinch carved the roast beast!

This is the resolution of the story. It eludes to the fact that from that time forward the Grinch participates in Christmas with the Whos’. And I’d like to think that he is no longer an outsider. The Whos’ accept the Grinch into the community the whole year. In the end this leaves us with a sense of happiness and the belief in the magic of Christmas. The ending inspires us to live the true meaning of Christmas.

A Classic Christmas Tradition

As you can see the story has a good foundation. The story spine shows the simplicity of the timeless tale. And the 4 I’s of good storytelling definitely hit the mark. Because of this How the Grinch Stole Christmas has had longevity and a timelessness that has been proven time after time in the many different adaptations of the tale. From the first animated cartoon, to the live action movie, a full length animated movie and even a Broadway musical, audiences through the generations have embraced the true meaning of Christmas.