Less Stress. More Peace.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is watching  How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I have a special place in my heart for little Cindy-Lou Who, who was no more than two. And Max… with no care of how mean the Grinch can be, Max is joyful and excited for his next adventure.

The Grinch writhes in frustration over the mystery of Christmas and wonders at how the Who’s can be so joyful:

"They'll feast on Who pudding, and rare Who roast beast,
Roast beast is a feast I can't stand in the least!

And then they'll do something I hate most of all!
Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,

They'll stand close together, with Christmas bells ringing.
They'll stand hand-in-hand, and those Whos will start singing!"

Dr. Seuss speculates as to why The Grinch is so grinchy.

"The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason.

It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right.

But I think that the most likely reason of all
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small."

The Grinch embarks on his mission to stop Christmas, but instead, discovers the love of the “Who’s” and the meaning of Christmas:

"And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say
That the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day!"

 My love of The Grinch was found in childhood when I reveled in many of the imaginings of Dr. Seuss. Through countless stories, he shares words of wisdom that have carried me through more than one hard time in life. I find his missives particularly poignant this time of year.

 Although I love the holidays, I would love to love them a little more. We run a wholesale and online business with product that is perfect for gift giving. So, we’re slammed busy in November and December! We work hard to support our stores, our customers and our associates this time of year, because we’re grateful for the trust people put in us. I want to find special gifts for my own family and friends. I want to bake cookies. And it can all be wearing.

I have an imagination, that though your life may be different than mine, you face similar trials during the holidays. The pace of the season can feel overwhelming and tiresome, distracting us from the joy of sharing with family and friends.

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and family and it’s easy to get lost and forget. Come on home. Let Dr. Seuss remind us all to slow down, to listen and to share in the joy of the season.

"Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer,
Cheer to all Whos, far and near.

Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp.

Christmas Day will always be
Just as long as we have we.

Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand."

Wishing you and yours joy and peace this holiday season.