Christmas Traditions Your Kids Force You Into: My Three-Year-Old’s Obsession with the Grinch

Ah, Christmas traditions. Mine was wearing that Santa hat for weeks before Christmas. Yes, weeks!  Then you start your own family and plan for cozy moments, twinkling lights, and heartwarming cheer. Along came my beautiful baby girl, and suddenly our traditions are dictated by her unyielding passions for all things on repeat…it was baby shark earlier this year. In my house, this year’s Christmas tradition is The Grinch. Specifically, every version ever made—and yes, we’ve watched them all on repeat. More times than I care to admit.

It all started innocently enough. My three-year-old fell in love with the green grouch after watching the 2018 animated The Grinch. Her big brown eyes lit up, giggles erupted during every scene, and before I knew it, we were on a Grinch marathon. Since then, I’ve been on a whirlwind journey through Whoville, diving headfirst into the world of Dr. Seuss and his famous creation.

A Brief History of the Grinch

The Grinch first came to life in Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The tale of a grumpy, Christmas-hating creature who tries to ruin the holiday for the Whos down in Whoville only to have a change of heart is a timeless classic.

The Grinch’s big screen journey began in 1966 with the animated TV special directed by Chuck Jones. Voiced by Boris Karloff, this version has stood the test of time as a holiday staple. Then came Jim Carrey’s live-action portrayal in 2000’s Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Love it or cringe at it, it’s undeniably iconic. Fast-forward to 2018, and we got another animated reboot voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, giving the Grinch a modern, family-friendly vibe.

The Grinch—On Repeat

Here’s where my family’s new “tradition” kicks in: my three-year-old has watched The Grinch (all versions combined) at least 25 times this year. That’s not an exaggeration. We’ve had the original 1966 Grinch on during breakfast, Jim Carrey’s antics at lunchtime, and the 2018 version as a bedtime “treat” and dare to admit even in the middle of the night when she can’t sleep…well I can’t sleep.

My child doesn’t just watch the Grinch; she lives the Grinch. She hums “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” in the car. She reenacts scenes and has picked up his mannerisms. And yes, now I’ve turned me into a Grinch historian, complete with a mental catalog of every tiny difference between the versions.

Grandma Joins the Fun

Even Grandma has been roped into the Grinch obsession. This year, she plans to wrap every single Christmas gift for my daughter in Grinch-themed wrapping paper. No reindeers, no snowflakes—just green faces with sly smiles staring back at us from under the tree. Grandma, ever the enabler.

Making Peace with Green

Despite the overload, there’s a charm to this kid-driven Christmas. Watching my three-year-old laugh at the Grinch’s escapades and planning the Grinchiest Christmas. I’m excited to watch her grin ear-to-ear when she unwraps her gifts surrounded by Whoville-themed paper. These are the days that remind me why these traditions matter and antics that you will never forget.

So, here’s to Christmas traditions we never saw coming. Whether it’s a love for the Grinch, endless cookie baking, or playing the same carol 500 times, these little moments are what make the holidays unforgettable. Now, excuse me while I queue up The Grinch for its 26th viewing.

Do I dare to jump in and have a Grinch tree…you tell me?? 🎄