TLDR:

(too long, didn’t read)

• The Grinch’s Loneliness Mirrors Real-Life Struggles: The 2018 Grinch highlights the character’s isolation and pain, reminding us that many real-life "Grinches" may be shaped by similar feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

• Everyday Grinches Are All Around Us: From the grumpy coworker who hates the office party to the stressed-out mom at the mall, real-life Grinches take many forms, often reflecting deeper struggles or frustrations with the holiday season.

• Kindness Is the Real Magic: Like Cindy Lou Who’s empathy changed the Grinch, small acts of kindness—whether a smile, a kind word, or simply giving someone space—can soften even the grumpiest heart.

• Extend Holiday Spirit Year-Round: The urge to spread goodwill shouldn’t be limited to the holidays. Persistent small acts of compassion and connection throughout the year can make a lasting impact.

• You Can Be a Cindy Lou Who: While you can’t fix everything for everyone, you can help plant seeds of hope and joy with simple, genuine gestures. Often, these small efforts are more meaningful than grand displays.

Give Me the Deets!

Give me the juicy details

Tis the Season to Watch the Grinch

This past week, my daughter and I sat down to watch the 2018 version of The Grinch. And while the original 1966 version and even the Jim Carrey Grinch (2000) focused more on misunderstandings about Christmas consumerism, this newer rendition brought something else to light—just how lonely the Grinch really is. From the moment baby Grinch is shown in the orphanage, watching and hearing the Whos revel in the love and community he doesn’t have, you can feel the ache of isolation that shapes his entire personality. It’s both heartbreaking and relatable.

We cheer for the Grinch’s transformation and love how he becomes his best, greenest self by the end. But when it comes to the real-life Grinches—the ones we meet at the office, in line at the grocery store, or even at family dinners—we don’t always feel the same empathy.

Examples of Real-Life Grinches

There are the everyday examples of the Grinch you know: the Scrooge at work, who hates the Christmas party; the “No Christmas Carols” Neighbor (self explanatory); the Family Grinch, who sucks the joy out of every room just by breathing; the Hectic Shopping Mom, who means well but is swelling with rage; and the Facebook Feud Grinch, who doesn’t take a break from leaving nasty notes in your comment section.

And then there are the more parallel Grinches: the kids and people who don’t have family or just lost family and officially hate the holidays; the people who hate the materialism of the holiday and have now boycotted the season; the general have-nots- the people who spend all year and especially the holidays without basic needs, let alone extra family gatherings or gifts. 

How We Can Show Empathy for Grinches This Season

Here’s the thing: the Grinch didn’t change because someone argued with him or told him to “just get over it.” He changed because Cindy Lou Who showed him kindness and understanding, even when he didn’t “deserve” it. It is the story it is because his heart is changed instantly. Very seldom does healing and progress from things like depression, heartbreak, and a life full of disconnection and trauma end after one nice thing happens. 

The thing is, real suffering and tragedy isn’t going to be healed by one text, phone call, or conversation. And while it is good to especially notice who needs a hug or help or a “hi” during this season, let us bring the season into the rest of the year and realize/remember that being kind can be an all year long celebration. I think there is a truth to the season, when people want to donate time, energy, or money to those that are less fortunate, and it could be even more impactful if we are persistent with small acts of kindness throughout the year. 

As a side note: if you are at your wits end and do not have the ability to volunteer time or money, smiles and kind words don’t cost much. Often genuine connection in whatever form it is offered is more appreciated than material goods.

SO, during this season, when you encounter a real-life Grinch, take a moment to consider what might be behind their grouchy exterior. Maybe they’ve been hurt, overlooked, or just forgotten how to let themselves feel joy. And while you can’t fix everything, small acts of empathy go a long way:

• Invite them in: Whether it’s sharing a laugh, an extra Christmas cookie, or a moment of real conversation, connection can break down walls.

• Don’t take the grumpiness personally: Their mood probably isn’t about you. Give them space while staying open to connection.

• Find small ways to brighten their day: A kind note, a funny holiday meme, or even just a smile can make a difference.

We may not be able to make every Grinch’s heart grow three sizes in one day, but we can plant the seeds of community and kindness. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be the Cindy Lou Who that changes someone’s holiday—and their outlook—for the better.

So, let’s remember the message behind the story of the Grinch. It reminds us how much we all need connection, kindness, and a little patience during the most wonderful (and sometimes most difficult) time of the year.

Happy Holidays,

Astrid M

P.S. If you are looking for ways to volunteer this holiday season, consider checking out this post.