It’s been more than 50 years since Dr. Seuss penned the beloved tale about that mean-spirited, cranky pessimist—the Grinch, a bitter creature with a heart two sizes too small. From his high mountaintop home near Whoville, he hears the happy Christmas festivities of the Whos.
Envious, he steals their Christmas presents and decorations to prevent Christmas from coming, but Christmas comes just the same. Realizing that Christmas is more than just presents, his heart grows three sizes larger.
He returns all the presents and trimmings, and is warmly welcomed into the community of the Whos.
We love this story partly because it reflects our own heartfelt holiday dilemma when our inner Grinch meets our inner Santa.
With the economy foremost on our minds this holiday season, we might feel as grouchy as the Grinch while secretly hoping for Santa to bail us out. How can we find balance and a true happy ending?
Here are some lessons from the classic battle between the Grinch and Santa Claus.
Know Who You are and What You want
The Grinch isn’t happy. He doesn’t know what he wants and needs and he has no goals or plans for the future. Santa Claus, on the other hand, knows exactly where he wants to go, with a list and a map and a checklist to show how he’s doing.
Have an Attitude of Hope and Gratitude
The Grinch can’t believe there’s a bright side and so, of course, he can’t find one. Santa Claus feels he has the best job in the world, though it’s one of the most challenging as well. He has a lot to be grateful for, faith in the future, and confidence in himself.
Feel Connected to Others
Things change for the Grinch when he puts on a Santa suit. Even while stealing all those gifts, he is standing in someone else’s boots. Christmas turns out to be something money can’t buy, a time of sharing and togetherness, even for a Grinch.
Give Back
Once the Grinch decides to give back, he lands at the heart of a happy holiday celebration, and the good life opens before him. Santa, of course, always knew the importance of giving. How else did he get to be so jolly and contented?
The Grinch and Santa Claus is all about the real meaning of happiness and abundance. And in the end, true wealth and happiness come from sharing.
Thank you for sharing this past year with us. We hope our knowledge and gifts can inspire you to greater wealth of every kind in the coming new year.
Happy Holidays from WIFE.org
If you believe it, you can achieve it. |
Beatrice–
We are so excited to hear you have used our site to reach your goals. Congratulations and Best Wishes for a wonderful Christmas!
Just to let you know that by following the ideas on your website I was able to still retire at 62 instead of having to wait until later. Thank you for all your hard work. Take care and enjoy celebrating whatever holiday you observe at this time of year. It is Christmas for our family.