Today is Boxing Day. A day I typically spend in a comfortable chair watching football on the television—the round ball type. Alas, the holiday season ended for me. My favorite team Chelsea lost to Fulham at Stamford Bridge. For over 40 years, The Bridge has been a fortress when my Blues faced off against the invaders from Craven Cottage.
That did not happen today. Chelsea fell 2-1 after leading 1-0 at halftime. My enjoyment was robbed. For some reason, this reminded me of a book about a holiday thief. The Grinch. The first villain point-of-view story written by Dr. Seuss (Theordor Seuss Geisel) in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Everyone knows the story. This grumpy old monster living high in his mountain cave descends on Whoville and robs the town blind of its Christmas presents and food for their feasts and even their decorated trees. On Christmas morning the reaction of the residents surprises the curmudgeon. Where he expected cries of loss and anguish, he hears only songs of joy.
Most of you know how it ends. It turns into a sappy Hallmark or Lifetime movie. I am fond of saying how I found the Grinch to be one of the greatest literary characters ever invented until he sold out to peer pressure.
But it goes deeper than that. What can we learn from this? In addition to extolling the virtues of the Grinch, I also try to remember that, should I react to something someone else has done to me, I am giving power over myself to them. I tell those few who will listen that when you get angry over something a stranger or rival or mortal enemy says, they control you.
The Grinch tried to control the residents of Whoville. Instead, they did not give up their power and made the most of what they had—each other. Even though his heart allegedly grew larger than it had been, you do realize the Grinch got away with it, right? He never bought anything for the Whos of Whoville. He merely suffered from a guilty conscience and gave everything he had stolen back. Then he audaciously accepted the place of guest of honor and even carved the beast.
In the end, the citizens retained their power, and the Grinch gave up his after trying to steal their joy. So, I will follow the example of Cindy-Lou Who and all her fellow citizens. Chelsea’s loss will not dictate to me how I spend the rest of my holiday season. I will sing songs of joy and keep on being happy. Time to break out the Boxing Day presents I have squirreled away for my family.
