How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of my all-time favorite holiday cartoons. I remember watching the Grinch at a very young age and remembered how much I looked forward to seeing it again every year. I have watched this beloved holiday cartoon every year since I can remember. This year, however, the Grinch took on a different meaning for me. I began to wonder what holiday stress relief was like Grinch-style.
Grumpiness is futile.
You most likely have come across all kinds of shoppers, especially waiting in lines to enter the stores. It’s important to show gentleness, manners and respect that is the spirit of humankind now that the volume of holiday tension is cranked. The Grinch, no matter how hard he tried, couldn’t resist the contagious love and kindness in the air from Whoville. Open your heart and feel the positive vibes of the season. Carry them with you to share year round.
Christmas is coming no matter what.
Regardless of how stressed you get with decorations or finding the most perfect gift, the holiday season will come and go. The Grinch finally realized that Christmas didn’t come from a store. He realized that there was so much more to the season. Details may be very important to you. But is that very special bow or paper the thing your loved one will remember after the holidays? So, when you feel holiday stress take a deep breath and believe that the love in your heart is more than enough for everyone.
You can find something positive in anything.
The Grinch absolutely hated Christmas morning. He truly thought the holiday was about all the noise, toys and roast beast for their holiday feast. And, of course, he hated the Who’s singing most of all. Bring awareness to see beyond the stress and aggravation around you. Pick a random act of kindness and give to someone you don’t know. And, don’t forget your gratitude list to shift you out of a negative experience or mood.
The Spirit of the season lives in us always.
The Grinch’s plan was to remove everything that would cause the Who’s to have a happy holiday. What he didn’t count on was that the Whos didn’t need anything to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. They had everything they wanted by connecting with each other. That’s something beautiful that the Grinch learned that day. We also have everything we need right now to celebrate happiness, whether in the middle of the holiday season or all year.
My question is what if we lived with the spirit of the holidays year round? What if we put such love and caring in everything we did 365 days of the year? What if those acts of kindness weren’t connected with the latest gadget or bauble?
I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below to tell me about stress relief and the meaning of the season for you.