Rediscovering the Joy of Christmas: Lessons from the Grinch
Merry Christmas! Today is the perfect day to pause, soak in the joy around you, and reflect on what truly makes this season so special. Whether it’s a quiet moment of gratitude, the laughter of loved ones, or simply the beauty of a simpler celebration, let’s embrace the heart of Christmas—love, connection, and peace.
The Interview That Sparked a Reflection
It was an unusual interview. The interviewer explained she was writing an article for a national women’s magazine on clever ways to put more joy into the holidays. In that I’ve written a book on the subject, she called hoping I would help her with the story. I knew that I could.
In my typical overly excited manner I proceeded to pitch to her one marvelous holiday cost-cutting idea after another—some of them principle-based, others uniquely practical. It didn’t take long for me to realize that something wasn’t right. One after another, my ideas landed with a thud. She didn’t like them at all. And that’s when she made a comment that effectively brought the interview to a screeching halt …
She called me a grinch.
Now she didn’t actually come right out and say, “You Grinch!” She said that if she wrote an article encouraging the unthinkable practice of not incurring debt, buying fewer gifts, or cutting back in any way, her readers would think she’d interviewed that old you-know-who himself.
While she suggested my ideas would take all the fun and joy out of the season, she assured me it was nothing personal. But still, she called me a grinch.
Not being one who can easily let things go, I had to get to the bottom of this. I had to find out if what she suggested about me was in any way true. In my zeal to encourage people to take back control of Christmas from the locked jaws of commercialism, had I taken on a striking resemblance to that cranky old holiday grump, the Grinch?
Lessons from the Grinch
I was quite certain I knew where to find out. And sure enough, right there on the shelf between Horton Hears a Who and Hunches in Bunches I found it—that familiar bright red storybook: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The Grinch hated Christmas. The whole Christmas season! Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason….
It seems that for 53 years the Grinch has lived in a cave just north of Who-ville—he’s an ornery old soul with a heart two sizes too small.
The Grinch detests the holiday celebrations down in Who-ville. He hates the singing, the celebrating—all that noise, noise, noise, noise! So he devises a great Grinchy trick to get rid of Christmas forever: He dresses up like Santy Claus, ties a big horn to his dog Max, and hitches him up to a makeshift sleigh. He waits until all the Whos are fast asleep then heads on down into Who-ville.
He steals all their presents, their ribbons, the wrappings; the tags, and the tinsel, the trimmings—the trappings! He hauls all the loot to the top of Mt. Crumpit where, in a huge fit of glee, he proceeds to—you guessed it—dump it!
There! His task is complete. He’s taken care of Christmas once and for all. All the noise of the fun, all the joy and the love—even the smallest hint of the season is gone forever.
But what’s that sound? It’s not sobbing, but singing! The Whos begin celebrating with no presents at all. The Grinch couldn’t stop it, Christmas came just the same. It came without packages, boxes, and bags.
What Really Steals Our Joy
I sat there recalling why I love this story so much. And I admit it, I felt delightfully smug. That writer was way off base. I’m not the grinch in her story. I didn’t steal the joy. Her grinches are consumerism, overindulgence, and overdoing—the attitudes that insist Christmas is something we can find in a store, mail order catalog, or the Internet.
If you’ve noticed the joy of the season is missing from your life—that no matter how hard you try, something’s just not right—maybe those grinches are to blame. Maybe it’s time to let them know they’ve lost their power.
Finding Joy This Christmas
Christmas Day is here—a moment to pause, reflect, and savor the joy of the season before it winds down. True joy doesn’t come from the sparkle of decorations or the perfection of gifts but from the light that shines through acts of love, gratitude, and kindness. Today, let’s embrace that light and carry it forward into the days ahead.
1. Reflect on the Highlights
Take a moment to think back on this season. What brought you the most joy? Perhaps it was a heartfelt conversation, the glow of a candlelit evening, or the quiet peace of a moment shared with loved ones. These are the treasures that don’t fade with time.
2. Share Your Gratitude
Expressing thanks is one of the simplest yet most profound ways to spread joy. Whether it’s a warm hug, a note of appreciation, or a few words of thanks around the table, gratitude has a way of deepening our connections.
3. Embrace the Quiet
As the day unfolds, let its stillness be a gift. Step outside to admire the beauty of creation, enjoy the soft twinkle of lights, or simply sit in quiet reflection, soaking in the meaning of this day and the blessings it holds.
4. Be Fully Present
The most meaningful gift you can give is your undivided attention. Turn off distractions, set aside tasks, and truly focus on the people around you. Savor the conversations, laughter, and even the peaceful moments of stillness.
5. Look Ahead with Intention
The spirit of Christmas doesn’t have to end today. Consider how you might carry its essence into the coming days—whether through acts of kindness, nurturing your relationships, or focusing on the things that bring peace and purpose to your life.
If you’re spending Christmas alone this year, know that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions—this day can be tender and bittersweet. While the world may feel quieter, it’s also a chance to create moments that bring you comfort and warmth. Whether it’s enjoying a favorite meal, watching something that makes you smile, or simply reflecting on the kindness you’ve shared with others, small acts of care can make all the difference. You’re not alone in spirit—there’s still so much light to be found, even in quieter spaces.
This Christmas, may we remember that joy is a gift—not wrapped in paper and bows but revealed through love and grace. As we celebrate, let’s cherish the light of this day and let it guide us in the year ahead.
Question: How will you hold onto the spirit of Christmas in the days to come? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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I could not agree more. I have been struggling with conspicuous consumption for years. I have been brave enough to change things up in our family. One year we spent Christmas Day at Legoland. It was my gift to all. No cooking, cleaning, wrapping etc. My son treated us to dinner. One year it was an Escape Room. We still enjoy our traditional Christmas celebrations some years and my gifts are Christmas letters, repurposed family treasures or family activity gifts. One of my favorite books is “ Unplug The Christmas Machine” It validated my beliefs. It is sometimes hard to go against commercialism-people think I don’t like Christmas. I remind them that it is what has become of Christmas that I do not like, not Christmas itself.
I love this!! Thank you so much for showing the blatant projection… at least that’s how I felt about it. I’m personally not a fan of the holiday season due to so much that has occurred in the last 2 years of my life, but adding to that, the changes I see in my preteen nieces and it’s all thanks to social media, which adds significantly to the over the top consumerism of today. Like as if it’s everyone is trying to keep up with the Jones’. I digress, but as I was stating regarding my sister’s daughters, their attitudes just plain stink. Long gone are the sweet girls who didn’t feel like they had to look like everyone else at the school, who valued handmade gifts and even asked if I’d make something for the next event (birthdays, for example), respecting their parents and other family members… it saddens me to the point where I’m more bitter. My nephew, on the other hand, though he’s become a teenager, he’s still the same sweet kid, just a little immature and of course has his moments, however, even sweet kids fall for the commercialism a bit.
This brightened my day, because it just proves what I had been trying to tell them (with their eyes rolling so far to the back of their head, you would think they may never straighten).
Merry Christmas to you and your family with a healthy New Year to come.
Merry Christmas Mary and Everyone!! What a beautiful article to read Christmas morning! I must admit that this year like many others I have focused too much on gifts-the shopping, wrapping, etc. I’ve tried to do a month’s work in several days and have the house nice and “ready” for Christmas. But if the celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus, is not at the center, the true meaning is lost. We really should be like those Whos down in Whoville and sing!! We have much to sing about. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!! Much love and a blessed Christmas to all!
This is extremely well-written and spot on.
Thank you, Mary, for the courage to speak the truth.
May you and yours have a delightful and deeply satisfying Christmas this year~!!
Awesome response!!!
You are right, right, right! Christmas is too commercial. We are careful how much we spend and do not get into debt. Christmas is about Christmas, not commercialism. Happy Holidays to you, and may God Bless You for helping us to save money.
YOU are such a JOY Mary. I discovered your site over 20 years ago.
My husband and I used your wonderful financial wizardry to get ourselves
out of debt in less than 2 years. What an accomplishment it was. I became
convinced we had “escaped” the claws of materialism then and still hold
that close to my heart. I love Christmastime as much as you do Mary and
it means the love of Jesus and Joy in his Birth not how many gifts are
under the tree. Sending much love to YOU Mary for all the Christmas Seasons
Ahead.
I love this story! Thanks so much for sharing. Merry Christmas!
You are so right! HE is the reason for the Season! Love your columns/posts.
The times in our lives that bring us the most joy, have nothing to do with money or things.
Yes, we celebrate because of Jesus the best gift of all. Putting thought, love, time into making gifts is the best
Thank you for the two best Christmas articles I have ever read
Amen!
Amen, Mary!
The first person I encountered (as an adult) who had great ideas about how to save money was – wait for it – Martha Stewart. She was on one of the morning shows demonstrating how to use brown mailing paper to wrap Christmas presents and still make them festive (metallic paint stencils, IIRC). That was back before God started making dirt, so…(also wrap celery in tin foil, it keeps FOREVER). But most important, this is a forum for sharing. Mary does the work so we don’t need to. The Grinch shared nothing, he just took. Mary shares everything to help us make our lives better. Mary is Christmas writ small – EVERY DAY (I’m making that 3 ingredient cake tomorrow, btw, thank you very much!) Merry Christmas everyone – and Mary, thank you!
You’re not a Grinch! I remember picking up a paperback version of your Debt Free Christmas book at a thrift store years ago. It had so many creative ideas for making Christmas more affordable and meaningful. Like you, I loved shopping for others at Christmas-time at the mall. It was a bit like a drug. It made me so happy, but I was always stressed out about picking the right gift and anxious about over-spending. I also remember a friend of mine who always picked small, unique, thoughtful gifts to give which didn’t cost a lot. I was impressed by that and by your gift ideas. Now that I’m older, I think the gift of time and telling those important to you that you love them and that you appreciate them is the best gift of all. Those words and actions are what people remember. At least that’s my thinking.
Keep providing those wonderful ideas for gifts. Ine if my favorites is the gift in a jar of questions tailored to the individual. Still haven’t done this but maybe 2022 is the year I will. Thank you for the years of excellent advice on living below one’s means.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Amen, Mary, and well said! You are not a grinch, you’ve expressed what we all could use as a reminder: JESUS is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas, happy New Year and God bless you and your family and all of your readers.
I love this article! You are right over the target! Jesus is the reason for the season.
Yes, thank you – let the singing begin! I am asking my family for donations to the charities of their choices in my honor for Christmas, because I don’t need more “stuff”. Or a promise of lunch together or something else. It’s more fun to make memories together, and not have to spend lots of money to do it!
Spot on!!
No way are you a Grinch. The complete opposite! You are a giver and not a receiver…the meaning of Christmas. I sought you out for that reason; and thank you for the bright light you shine in my families life this Christmas
Thank you!!!! We have so much to be thankful for, and it does not come in a bright red package. Christmas is a feeling!!
Thank you for a fabulous article. I hope the writer who interviewed you will see it and have her eyes opened. I look back at my childhood Christmases with fond memories of family, love, and some gifts. My parents didn’t go into debt for Christmas and our eyes stayed focused on “the reason for the season.” My sister and I never felt deprived, only excited and loved.
Amen! while i abhor the commercialism I love the fact that the world celebrates this day. the very way we keep track of time is based on His birth! Glory to God in the highest!
For unto us a child is born, hallelujah! The Savior of the World!
Amen! A Savior is Born!
I don’t think you are the Grinch at all. We need to live within our means. Overspending causes a lot of stress. If we can find nice gifts at a bargain, I say go for it. I don’t want to live in debt. And I don’t think people who love us would want us to suffer from that kind of stress. Christmas is not about gifts, it is about Christ. Let’s get back to that.
What a great article! That’s exactly how I feel! I feel terrible that people feel pressured into spending money they don’t have during a time when they should be resting, recharging and enjoying time with their families. I decided long ago to celebrate Christmas my way and forget about traditions that don’t mean anything to me.
My feelings exactly! Beatriz you put exactly what I think into words:
Beatriz R. Fernandez
December 24, 2021
What a great article! That’s exactly how I feel! I feel terrible that people feel pressured into spending money they don’t have during a time when they should be resting, recharging and enjoying time with their families. I decided long ago to celebrate Christmas my way and forget about traditions that don’t mean anything to me.
Yes, let’s let the singing begin! We do have much to be thankful for…here in America, especially! I’ve been poor..with barely a penny to stretch between paydays, and a child to care for, and now I’m some better off…but I’ve always had something to be thankful for! And it’s all because of that little babe born over 2000 years ago! Thanking You, Lord Jesus!
Merry Christmas to all! Let the singing begin!