The Grinch

I know that "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is required holiday viewing, but last night I remembered that I just don't like the movie version. I'm fine reading the story to the kids or hearing it read, but please don't make me watch it. Why? Max the dog. I always feel so sorry for him. He's such a happy little guy, ready to ride on the Grinch's sleigh. But instead, the Grinch is so horrible to him - making him wear the horn on his head, making him pull the huge, present-laden sleigh. I remember crying about poor Max when I was a kid.

Last night I watched the movie with the girls, and again, I got upset about Max. It ruins the whole movie for me. I know the story has a happy ending and Max gets a slice of roast beast, but it just doesn't matter.

It occured to me that I ready don't like any of the Christmas kid shows. We recorded Rudolph, Frosty and Frosty returns for the girls, and I let them watch the shows this weekend. Blech. Ella, like me as a child, was scared silly by the Abominable Snowman in Rudolph. She didn't care that in the end he just wanted a job. I don't care either. They shouldn't put such creatures in holiday movies for kids.

I think "It's a Wonderful Life" is awful, as is "Miracle on 34th Street." I don't care how cute Natalie Wood is in it.

So what holiday movies do I like? I can only think of a few. One is "Holiday Inn" with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. At least I think that's what it's called. The "Charlie Brown Christmas" is acceptable, as is "The Christmas Story." In fact, "The Christmas Story" is the only one of the holiday movies that I really enjoy watching. Poor Ralphie in his bunny suit.

I'm trying not to prejudice the kids with my feelings about the holiday shows, but it's hard. But did tell Ella I agreed with her that the Snowman was scary.

Bah humbug.