How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Grinch stole our uniforms.  All we have to wear are our Christmas sweaters.

Are we on the Nice List?

Or are we naughty?

The behavior chart confirms it! Officially on the nice list!

The nice list? Are you sure?

It wasn't my fault! My sister did it!

Oh, Snap!

Go Light Your World

Snow Cute

Getting Ready to see The Grinch

Movie Fun

Relaxing at the Movies

Popcorn!

Playground!

Candy Cane Hunt!

Pizza!

Christmas Tree Brownies for Dessert

Ummmmm

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

Party Time

Enjoying Time with Friends

We Like It!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of my all-time favorite stories.

So when we made plans to see the new Grinch movie at the theater, I wondered how the new version would measure up to the original. I'm happy to say that the new version did not disappoint. In this movie, the Grinch hates the Christmas season because he holds on to anger and resentment over hurts from his past. Holding a grudge keeps him from taking advantage of the kindness and joy available all around him. But in the end of the movie, as in the original, kindness, caring, and forgiveness triumphs.

The Grinch may not be coming to steal Christmas this year, but there are a few other thieves that rob us of joy.

One joy-stealer is Greed. During this time of year, the kids get so excited about all the fun, festivities, gifts, and gadgets that they sometimes slip into a Me-Me-Me, I-Want-I-Want-I-Want mode.

Another thief is Ingratitude. If kids aren't taught to be grateful, they develop a sense of entitlement. They take for granted the gifts and blessings they receive.

 God lavishes us with good gifts, and He wants us to celebrate. Celebrations, decorations, and presents under the tree--they're all good things. But they're not essential. Christmas will still come without the "ribbons and tags, packages, boxes, or bags." God provided the Greatest Gift of all---His Son, who came as an atoning sacrifice for our sins---because we're all on the Naughty List, and we all need a Savior. (Romans 3:23-26)

So we celebrate. We have fun. But we remember the real Reason for the Season. We remember that we love Him because He first loved us. And we remember that we can return His love by keeping His commandment to "love one another." (I John 4:7-12)

If place our emphasis on Jesus, and if we teach our children to care for others and to express gratitude, then nothing can steal our joy at Christmas.