How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This movie really is a classic! Maybe when you watched this movie as a child, you thought the Grinch was mean and selfish, but as you get older, you realize that you are starting to relate to him more and more!
Spoiler Alert: The Grinch wasn’t people or Christmas aversive, he simply had unresolved childhood trauma.
The Grinch was an orphan and did not have parents who loved and cared about him. He spent his holidays alone and the whole town of Whoville disliked him. He was bullied andteased by his peers, denied by the girl he liked and was not accepted for who he was. The Grinch simply had a desire to feel loved, connected, understood, and valued – like all of us. As a defence, the Grinch was mean. He pushed people away by being nasty and isolated himself. He became lonely and depressed and hated Christmas because it brought up traumatic memories and reminded him that he was alone. His actions proved to him that he was not worthy of love of belonging.
As an attempt to connect with others, the Grinch attempted to steal Christmas so that others could understand and relate to his pain. However, as the story goes, Cindy Lou Who decided to show kindness, respect, and love to the Grinch despite his efforts of pushing her away. All it took was one person to recognize the Grinch’s value.
Christmas is supposed to be spent with loved ones, filled with gifts, food, and laughter. However, this is not the case for many of you. Maybe Christmas is actually one of the most difficult times of the year for you. It brings up the memories of someone who is no longer with you, and all you can feel is grief. It reminds you that your kids are with your wife this Christmas and you have to spend it alone. Maybe Christmas is the time of year when you are forced to be with your family, and you know that there is going to be at least one giant blow-up between you and your mom.
Maybe you feel like the Grinch this Christmas and you are not in the Christmas spirit at all. You have the urge to isolate yourself and push others away. I want to encourage you that you are not alone. Reach out to someone that you love and share with them how you are feeling. If you consider yourself religious, remember the true meaning of Christmas. Focus on the hope that was brought on Christmas day.
What can you do to make this Christmas better than the last? Maybe it’s lighting a candle or writing a letter to that special person who is no longer here with us. Maybe it’s setting up boundaries with your family and spending it with your close friends instead? Maybe it’s ordering take-out on Christmas day because having to cook is overwhelming and not a strong suit. Do what you need to do this Christmas. It’s okay to put yourself first and allow yourself to feel “Grinchy” for a few days. However, if you find yourself pushing others away – I challenge you to push against that defence and allow yourself to be vulnerable – to reach out for help. Because just like the Grinch – you are not alone.
