Grinch, You Better Have a Change of Heart: A Doctor Seuss Classic

When one thinks of children's classics, several titles come to mind: Charlotte's Web, Tom Sawyer, and Sounder to name just a few.  And among that list would have to be some of the most enjoyable, nonsensical books written by the great Dr. Seuss.  Theodore Seuss Geisel died in 1991, but he left an enormous body of literary masterpieces that will live on for generations.  And among these is his very early effort from 1957 How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 

The story takes place as Whoville prepares for Christmas much to the chagrin of the Grinch who overlooks the town from his mountain home.  He decides that he simply must disrupt Christmas.  He ponders the problem and finally arrives at a solution.  He will dress up as Santa and go take away all of the presents, decorations and food that have been prepared for the holiday. 

The plan is working well until he runs into Cindy Lou Who and he has to tell a lie to conceal what he is really doing.  So he loads down his sleigh with all of the goodies from Whoville and starts back up the mountain.  By the time he reaches the top, he knows it is time that all of the fine boys and girls should be waking up to find their trees, gifts and food missing.  He listens but is surprised at what he hears.

Yes, most all of us have read this classic story.  But have we really understood the grand moral Dr. Seuss was striving to impart?  Christmas isn't about the decorations, the gifts and the food.  It is about what is inside of us.  It is about caring for each other.  And in the end, the Grinch has a change of heart.  The story is also about changing our hearts.  You see, our actions can be evil.  But when we realize that even our evil doesn't overcome the good that is in the world, then we too can enjoy that good by changing our hearts and doing good.  It's a great deal more fun.

Dr. Seuss was a master wordsmith.  He knew how to tell stories that had positive meanings and that thrill the listeners for years to come.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas has stood the test of time.  Having been published some half century ago, it will live on to thrill the hearts of many generations to come.  And hey, just because Christmas is past doesn't mean we can't continue to enjoy the book year round.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss
Random House
0-394-80079-6
1957, 1985
 
Included in the depiction at epinions is the 50th anniversary edition with puppet.