“Age is just a number” is how the saying goes, and you might think that your age matters when you are asked about a favorite movie. However, when it comes to holiday films, it appears that no matter how old you are, you adore the holiday classic, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, narrated by Boris Karloff. Both teachers, Mary Beth Jordan(English 9), and Francesca Krywosa (‘25), despite being many years apart, both revealed the special place the animated version of the Grinch holds in their hearts. 

Growing up, Ms. Jordan describes her enjoyment of the animated Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Despite the movie only airing once a year on TV while growing up, she continued to carry the holiday joy beyond her childhood and into her high school and college years. Ms. Jordan shares how she wrote and directed “How the Grinch Stole Halloween!” for her high school play. During her college years, she conducted an annual reading of the Dr. Seuss book version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas with her friends, sure to share the joy she felt throughout her childhood. Jordan explains how the most important aspect of the book is the timeless message. In the movie, the Grinch realizes that people make the holiday season come alive, and not the presents.  Jordan explains that this idea was especially true during the first pandemic Christmas two years ago.  That “Covid Christmas”  highlighted the importance of family as Covid hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming as her family gathered around a campfire. Similarly to the Grinch, Jordan explains how time with the people she loved led her “heart to grow three sizes that day”. 

Similarly, Krywosa explains how The Grinch was and continues to be a favorite Christmas movie for both her and her family. She explains how the movie brings her back to “drinking hot chocolate on a snow day, while her grandparents and her gather around the TV”. Each year the movie continues to bring her the same excitement, as her sister, and she still “giggle” at the Grinch’s funny facial expressions. Krywosa goes on to share the messages hidden behind the green scrooge. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas teaches us how the holiday season is who you surround yourself with and the memories you share, rather than the ribbons, boxes, and bags. Krywosa explains how this movie taught her the true importance and deeper meaning of the holiday. As the Grinch explains, “Christmas… doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps… means a little bit more”. 

Despite the difference in age, both Mary Beth Jordan and Francesca Krywosa share the love and importance of the movie, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The movie continues to shed light on the importance of loved ones around the holiday season and brings a feeling of togetherness to all who watch. It is certainly a movie to place on your watchlist this holiday season.