The Two Things Writers Need Most (According To The Grinch)

I recently watched the new Grinch (by Illumination Pictures) with my family. While I haven't seen either of the other two, this version of the familiar story quickly became a keeper for our Christmas movie collection.

Likely everyone here knows the general basis of the story. A furry green monster called the Grinch hates Christmas because of the years he's spent the holiday by himself. He comes up with an elaborate scheme to quote, "steal Christmas," unquote. And it works.

Or does it? Because even as he stalks away with all their presents, all their trees, all their lights, the Whos are still singing.

And when the Grinch closes his eyes and listens (thanks to some advice from a little girl who believed he was Santa Claus), he realizes what he's been missing.

He returns the gifts, much to the Whos' astonishment, and retreats to his cave. But Cindy Lou still shows up to invite him to her family's Christmas dinner--despite all that he did.

It's there, over the Christmas dinner, in the final minute of the movie, that the Grinch finishes a rhyme equally as applicable to writers as to the Whos. He raises his glass and leads the Whos in a toast.

"To kindness and love, the things we need most."

And he's right. We could argue that it's an incomplete list--after all, where's Jesus. But, God is love, after all.

Christmas is hectic. Christmas in 2020 is even more hectic. And if you're like me, the urge to write doesn't go away because it's Christmas. We're juggling family, decorations, gift shopping, school events, fundraisers, and finishing our novels like items in Max's precariously packed little wagon.

Those are all good things. Fantastic things. It's part of what makes this season special. But I've learned to relax between those spectacular traditions and to just enjoy those moments.

But whatever we're doing, kindness and love are what we need most.

What good is it if I've finished my novel, but not taken time for my family this season?

If I didn't have time to brighten someone's day at work?

If my book is full of twists and turns, but its heart is two sizes too small? If it has nothing to share with the rest of the world?

This is why we're here, doing this, writing. We're the drop of kindness that turns a mean one into a Mr. Grinch. We're the song of love that makes others close their eyes and listen. Or rather, God's kindness and love through us is.

Even as the Grinch leaves Whoville with his sleigh piled high with the Whos' Christmas, Cindy's mother, Donna comforts her daughter who fears the missing Christmas is her fault. "He didn't steal Christmas," she says. "He just stole stuff. Christmas is in here." She lays a hand over her heart.

The same is true of us. We know what Christmas is really about--Love that came into a world of Grinchs. Worse than Grinchs, actually. Who would die for them. Who would rise for them. For us.

Kindness and love.

Christmas is inside us. And nothing can steal it from us. Not 2020. Not a Grinch with elaborate inventions.

So this Christmas, let's listen with our hearts and refuse to keep silent.

To kindness and love, the things we need most!

*Which version of The Grinch is your favorite? Original, live action, or remake? How are you sharing kindness and love this Christmas season? Share your adventures in the comments below!

Alright, so it has nothing to do with writing, but if you can't post puppy graphics around Christmas, when can you post them?

Alright, so I have a writing one, too.