photo credit: @ly$ in wonderland
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.” ~ Dr. Seuss, from ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Nice quote you used here Lance. Christmas has become very commercial and is a season of excesses. My attitude has changed over the last few years. Thinking about others less fortunate than us this time of the year and making some sort of small contribution is now an important part of my Christmas.
Leanne Magraith | Forever Change´s last blog post..Is Human Stupidity Infinite?
Hi Lance — Another fabulous quote. Christmas certainly does not come from a store. Christmas comes from the heart, and it’s that spirit we can have all year long if we choose to.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Barbara Swafford — Blogging Without A Blog´s last blog post..Twitter — Social Media’s Hidden Gem
I love Dr Seuss! His writing is timeless.
To me Christmas is about giving and receiving, not just gifts, that is a very small part.
Giving of ourselves, listening to others, sharing, being kind to each other.
It would be nice to think we could be this way all year round but as that doesn’t always seem to be possible, at least we try and make an effort at Christmas time.
I will be very interested in reading the comments on this post.
Always happy to be enlightened!
Hope you and your family have a joyous, peaceful Christmas Lance.
Peggy
miruspeg´s last blog post..Managing Our Ups and Downs
I love Dr Suess and found the books in Dutch to read to my sons. The Grinch is for when they’re a bit older. But it’s always spot on, it rhymes, it’s funny, simple and true. That’s how our Christmas will be: simple, funny, true. With lots of good food and quality time and wine
Have a great Christmas Lance and hope to read lots more posts in the new year.
Mimi
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..Do schools kill creativity?
Hi Lance
So true. I must admit that when I see the first “Christmas-ware” being put on the shelves in October (!) I groan. It is so commercial.
I prefer to stay away from the shops and the glitter and rather surround myself in meaning.
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet´s last blog post..Experiencing Fear As It Is Meant To Be
Morning Lance, Merry Christmas to you and yours. Yep I entirely agree. I totally enjoy the pause from regular activity and the special reflection time that always comes during these holidays. Peace Brother.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..Five Tools to Sharpen Your Authentic Edge
Hi Lance,
Love this quote and the Grinch is one of our home’s favorite Christmas movies! Christmas means so much more. I try and make/get small meaningful gifts and not give into the commercialism of it all. I love that it means seeing family we don’t get to see very often and use it as a time to pay gratitude for all the goodness the year has brought!
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Jenny
Jenny Mannion´s last blog post..“What If?” — A Movie that can Change the Way you See EVERYTHING — Clip 3
Ah yes, Lance…my thoughts too…
This is such a great quote and thought for people to keep reading and reading over and over. We can have the best Christmas ever just by being with the right people or even by ourselves just connected to our Spirit!
There is no need for gifts and packed tables of food and all the trimmings to have a great Christmas. Although all those may be “nice” and serve as great personal creations to have more vibrant experiences in this life, we must remember they are not NECESSARY.
Christmas indeed means so much more, may this simple quote inspire many to always remember that!
Wishing you a beautiful days during the holidays, just as all other days should be
Evita´s last blog post..Human Doings versus Human Beings
I love Dr. Seuss books.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Lance! I wish you a new year filled with good health, peace, love, laughter and prosperity!
Linda Abbit´s last blog post..Funny Fridays: Because It’s Better to Laugh than to Cry!
I LOVE THIS QOUTE!!! Merry Christmas Lance to you and your family:) I know that you guys have so much to be thankful for!
bobbi´s last blog post..She’s On Holiday
Dr. Seuss is the coolest guy ever. I wish I could have been in his brain for one day. What it must have been like? My guess is his world was filled with magic. I’m learning to cultivate this within myself. The more that I learn from imaginative giants such as Dr Seuss the richer my world becomes.
Karl — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Day 18 of 30 – Bonus – No Complaining
Hi Lance. Dr. Seuss rocks! Like Karl I wish I could have been inside his brain for one day. I’ve finally let the Christmas spirit in today. Huge snowflakes are falling outside, candles are lit, carols are playing and a yummy breakfast is on the stove. Life is good. Looking forward to the new year. All the best of the season to you.
Davina´s last blog post..A Positively Dysfunctional Christmas
My all time favorite children’s book.…Maybe it’s not just for kids right?
It’s so easy to get hung up in what society has told us how Christmas is supposed to be. Who have you purchased presents for, what parties were you invited to, what is on your list for gifts to receive, how many lights are on your house & your tree. What is that all about? How distorted is that?
Yes we should try and make good memories with our kids and families, but perhaps as one of the memories we paste into the photo albums this year could one be remembering the Christ child born into the world, born with a mission to give us the most wonderful gift of all, born to be a sacrifice for us.
Maybe Christmas DOES mean a little bit more. Thanks Lance for the reminder!
…the next thing he said with a grin, “maybe Christmas, like all things, arises from within.”
Thank you, Lance!
Many blessings to you and all you hold dear,my friend,
CG
CG Walters´s last blog post..CelebraZine 19Dec08
You know my position on this, Lance.
It’s all about our hearts, FEELING our hearts—and sharing that feeling. All the love and joy to you and your loved ones this holiday season! Love, Julie
Julie´s last blog post..Our World in a Christmas Tree
One of my favorite quotes from a favorite book. I’ll read that one to the grandson tonight.
Kim´s last blog post..Happy Winter!
The Grinch may seem like a fictional character, but some part of him is inside every human being. He reminds us we each go through our own process of meaningful revelations. Thanks for reminding readers another way to view the power of love. Happy holidays!
Liara Covert´s last blog post..5 Tips to help you weather your current storm
Perfect!
Mama Zen´s last blog post..I Guess I Should Have Learned In Kindergarten
or my favorite miracle on 34th street quote:
Kris Kringle: Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.
brandi´s last blog post..an anniversary of an entirely different sort
@Leanne — Christmas has become very commercialized. What a nice way to share the true holiday spirit, by giving to those who are less fortunate — that’s awesome Leanne! Have a wonderful Christmas!
@Barbara — Having the true Christmas spirit all year long — that does sound wonderful! Merry Christmas Barbara!
@Miruspeg — I debated using this quote, and the more I thought about it, the more I decided that it said exactly what I wanted to share. Dr. Seuss sure has a way of saying things! Merry Christmas to you and your family Peggy!
@Mindful Mimi — I really like the story of the Grinch, and I think that’s because, in the end, he really gets it — what Christmas is all about! Good food and wine — I’m coming over Mimi!! You have a great Christmas too, you and your whole family!
@LifeMadeGreat | Juliet — It’s hard to believe how early Christmas-ware gets out. I’m with you, Juliet — and really try to avoid much of the commercialization. Have a wonderful Christmas!
@Tom — It is nice to have a break from the normal day-to-day activities, and put our focus on other things — family, traditions, friends, whatever it is for each of us. Have a super Christmas holiday Tom!
@Jenny Mannion — We like the Grinch, too! Making gifts is a great way to really give from the heart — that’s great Jenny! And, to you and your family — have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas!
@Evita — Gifts are nice, especially those that come with real meanint behind them. And the same with a table full of food. And yet, while these are nice, they are certainly not necessary. Christmas is giving from the heart. And that can be a thoughtful gift, or a meal together, or just time together. And, Evita, may your Christmas season be everything you’ve hoped for!
@Linda — Dr. Seuss was a regular bookshelf item when our kids were younger. We should get those out and read more often, now even, when they’re older! Merry Christmas Linda, and may you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
@Bobbi — I love this one too — the Grinch really gets it in the end! And, Merry Christmas to you and your family too! Really savor the true meaning of the season…
@Karl — Dr. Seuss is very cool! He was so creative! While he really concentrated on kids books, it’s just pretty awesome that so much of what he wrote we, as adults, can take and apply ourselves. Merry Christmas to you and your family Karl!
@Davina — Sounds like a perfect Christmas setting you have, Davina! Life is indeed good! Merry Christmas!
@Laurie — Dr. Seuss — definitely not just for kids!! It’s so easy today, to get caught up in the commercials offering the latest electronic gadget, or the new and improved widget, or the “how can I live without it” kitchen appliance. And we go to the malls, getting angry as we wait in lines, frustrated with traffic — and then not even sure if the person receiving the gift will like it. And through it all, are we really remembering what Christmas celebrates? Christmas does mean more. And sometimes, we have to be reminded by a funny looking green character that might scare us if we met him… May your Christmas be wonderful for you and your family, Laurie!
@CG Walters — YES! From within! That’s the rest of the story…and a great rest of the story it is! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones this holiday season!
@Julie — I know, Julie, our hearts. Much like what the Grinch realized — it’s not just about the gifts, it’s about the people, the moments, and what comes from within! Isn’t that a great message! And may your holiday season be wonderful and joyous for you and your family, Julie!
@Kim — I think of the movie when I hear this quote. And yet, there is a book — and a good read that is! Thanks, Kim, for reminding me — this started from a book… Have a wonderful Christmas!
@Liara — Well, that’s exactly how I feel Liara! It feels like he sneaks into “me” ever so often. That’s a great message to take from the Grinch — that, even if we are like this, or like this sometimes, we can change. And a lot of that comes from love… Have a wonderful holiday season Liara!
@Mama Zen — Dr. Seuss provides some great material, and this is right up there with his best. Merry Christmas!
@Brandi — Brandi, thank you for sharing that quote. Christmas doesn’t have to be just a day in December. It can become who we are — and what a positive image that is! May you and your family and a very Merry Christmas this year!
I have that quote on my blog too
I love it. And I watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” every year (the version with Jim Carey). It’s strange how we went from “let’s celebrate the birth of Christ” to “let’s go into debt in order to make sure there are more presents under our tree than there are under our neighbors’ tree”.
I love Dr. Seuss.
The Broadway version was terrific.
Christmas has become commercialized along with so many other things in life.
Spending it with the ones you love and making memories are more important and you cant buy that.
Merry Christmas to You and your family
Bunny got Blog´s last blog post..2 Short Stories By Bunny
A giant surprise to no one I’m sure, but I LOVE the Grinch! Happy Sunday and Happy Holidays, Lance.
Writer Dad´s last blog post..Four Seasons
I love this quote. As an outsider looking in, it sometimes appears that the true spirit of Christmas is missing when people are stressfully shopping and shopping for more and more stuff.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..Gifts From My Dad
Dr. Seuss is fantastic. There is so much more to Christmas than the physical aspect of it.
That is MY FAVORITE quote from my FAVORITE Christmas movie. EVER!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Stream Of Consciousness
Christmas is not complete without How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The original! Not that horrible movie one. Do NOT get me started on that one. Um … oh yes. When I get to that line in the cartoon, ‘my heart grows three times that day’ and I have the strength of ‘ten Panthers plus two’.
Urban Panther´s last blog post..Maid, Mother, Crone Collection
Yes, Lance, Christmas means a whole lot more than just gifts. That is why I haven’t written lately. Took a road trip with my 4yr old nephew. Wanted him to spend time with his great grandmother. (I never had the chance to meet mine.) Family is so important and I didn’t realize how much until I saw my nephew hugging his great grandmother. (Sigh)
Angel´s last blog post..How cupcakes affect your body
There you go again, Lance! You never cease to amaze me, and you know what I mean! Merry Merry Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Daphne´s last blog post..A Season To Celebrate
@Marelisa — This is a great quote, isn’t it! You really feel that the Grinch “gets it” — and maybe we do to… I love this movie, too — it’s so fun to watch! And I agree, Mare — it is strange how we’ve evolved over time — to where the main focus of Christmas seems to be how much we can spend, not the celebration of Christ’s birth. Are we really focusing on the true meaning of this celebration? Merry Christmas Marelisa!
@Bunny — Dr. Seuss wrote many fantastic books. I’ve never seen the Broadway version — how cool that you have! I think it all goes along the line of ‘money can’t buy happiness’. That’s sometimes forgotten at Christmas… May your Christmas be merry and bright, Bunny!
@Writer Dad — Hmmm.…no, that doesn’t come as a big surprise, Sean! May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season!
@Stacey/Create a Balance — We get wrapped up in this idea that we need more, more, more. And yet, if I were to look around our house, or my closet — at what I really use — it would only be a small percentage of all that is there. I think this all fits well with the idea of balance — and in having excess, our balance gets thrown off. Stacey, may your holiday season be bright and wonderful for your whole family this year!
@Sagan — We get wrapped up in the physical — the gifts we can touch and hold. Yet, sometimes the greatest gifts are those we only touch with our heart — friendships, family, togetherness. Have a wonderful Christmas, Sagan!
@Meleah — It is a great movie! And this line just really makes the Grinch into a lovable character! Merry Christmas Meleah!
@Urban Panther — Ha! So you don’t like the Jim Carey version of the Grinch! I like them both (how’s that for a politically correct answer…). The line about the Panthers, I bet you do like that! Happy holidays to you and your family, Urban Panther!
@Angel — Good for you, taking a break Angel, and spending time with your family! I think we realize this more, the older we get — the importance of time spent with family. What a wonderful gift — you spending time with your nephew and his great grandmother (probably eating cupcakes!). Have a wonderful Christmas, Angel!
@Daphne — I’m laughing!! You are funny, Daphne (I know what you mean!). And to you too, Daphne — may your Christmas be very merry and bright!!
That quote warms me as much as the gorgeous glow of those candles. Thank you! Merry Christmas, you big tiara-sporting sport, you.
Jannie´s last blog post..Suggestions?
You have many fabulous quotes collection, Lance.
Yes, Christmas is more than just buy anything new. Christmas is should be something comes from the heart.
Arswino´s last blog post..Bend, but Don’t Break
I’m glad he took our presents. You can’t hurt Christmas, Mr. Mayor, beacuse it isn’t about the… the gifts or the contest or the fancy lights. That’s what Cindy’s been trying to tell everyone… and me. I don’t need anything more for Christmas than this right here: my family.
Love your post! I tripped in from Meleah’s place.
Cheers!
catscratch´s last blog post..Flashin Bras, Local Sites & Dolly Parton
Beautiful photo and lovely quote. I’m not especially a Grinch fan. I prefer Charlie Brown. Love that Snoopy! Happy Holidays, Lance, to you and your family.
Dot´s last blog post..How to Get Published, Part 2
Nice Quote Lance! Love Dr. Seuss! Hope you and your family have a fantastic holiday!
Rupal´s last blog post..Aero-plane remorse
Even at the ripe old age of 50, I still believe in Santa Claus.….….…:)
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
LisaNewton´s last blog post..Have you considered paying yourself when you reach a goal?
Dr. Seuss puts it best once again! Happy Holidays to you and your family as well, Lance!
Jamie | WiredParentPad´s last blog post..HHTYAY — Happy Holidays to You and Yours
It appears we all love Dr. Seuss. This is a great quote. I love Santa Claus and I still believe in the wonder of it all.
Merry Christmas Lance to you and your family.
Tammy/A Cricket in a Garden´s last blog post..Change
@Jannie — Awww, Jannie, thanks! And a very Merry Christmas to you, you bra-flinging, song-singing wonder lady!
@Arswino — Thanks much Arswino! And may your holidays be everything you desire them to be…
@Catscratch — Isn’t that a great line by the Grinch. And thanks for adding part of the story here, the more we hear it’s meaning the more it sticks. Merry Christmas to you!
@Dot — Thank you, Dot! Charlie Brown and his sidekicks are pretty cool too! I hope you have a happy and joyous Christmas, Dot!
@Rupal — Dr. Seuss is awesome! Enjoy your holiday, as well — Merry Christmas Rupal!
@LisaNewton — Good for you, Lisa — Santa can always live on in us! Have a wonderful and happy Christmas Lisa!
@Jamie | WiredParentPad — I looked for a quote that would fit the Christmas season, and I just kept coming back to this one — it said everything I wanted to say — so well! You, too, have a very wonderful Christmas with your family Jamie!
@Tammy — Dr. Seuss, Santa Claus, and all those three-eyed snowmen — Christmas traditions that live on and on!! Tammy, I hope that your Christmas is a wonderful and happy time. Enjoy your children…
When we get caught up in what the store holds and brings, we miss out on so much, don’t we! My family is just buying for the kids this year. Us adults are just enjoying our time together.
Jennifer´s last blog post..A Simple Holiday and Life Hack
aw i love dr seuss!! Happy Holidays, Lance!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Kelly Turner´s last blog post..Happy Holidays!
Great quote! We soooo much need to go back to the basics when it comes to the holiday season. I wish it wasnt so commercial too.
Happy holidays!
Carla´s last blog post..Green and Chic Blog | What is it?
Hey Lance,
It amazes me how commercial Christmas has gotten, the evidence is how early they bring out the Christmas stuff in the stores. Right after Halloween this year. I wish that I focused more on giving throughout the year. Something to work on in 2009! I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
That is a great thought! I’ve been talking to my son about Christmas and the true meaning. He’s 4 so his response is pretty much “OK mama, but I still get presents, right?”
Natalia Burleson´s last blog post..Good Friday Morning!
@Jennifer — We do miss out, yes! That’s exactly it! In an effort to buy “things”, we lose focus on what is truly important during the Christmas season. Jennifer, I like what you’re doing — the focus is on time together with loved ones! Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
@Kelly — Dr. Seuss is pretty awesome! Merry Christmas to you, too, Kelly!
@Carla — We’ve slipped into this pattern of Christmas starting in October (or earlier) — right through Christmas (and beyond). And it’s led to the meaning of Christmas getting lost sometimes, amongst all the wrapping paper and bows. Here’s to getting back to simpler days. Have a wonderful Christmas, Carla!
@Natalia — For kids, Christmas is a special time of year. And I do think that’s important — that we don’t want to take that away. There is something magical about opening presents from under the tree. Yet, I don’t think it has to be about having the most or the best gifts. It’s about being together, sharing moments, and really appreciating all that has been given and received. Merry Christmas to you and your family Natalia!
I just read the Grinch with my niece and nephew and loved the end with that quote…and the part about his heart opening. Beautiful message, isn’t it? Christmas is commercial, we forget about the true meaning.
Happy Holidays, Lance and all the best for 2009!
Stacey Shipman´s last blog post..Get Back to Your Senses: Take a (mini) Vacation
Stacey, isn’t that a great book (well, really most of Dr. Seuss’ books are pretty great)! I love hearing about you spending time with your niece and nephew — that is so cool! Really, very cool! Stacey, keep doing that — you are an awesome aunt to them! Okay, back to the message — yes — it really is beautiful as we watch the Grinch really start to “get it”. It becomes way too easy to forget what the true meaning of the season is…
You too — Stacey — have a very wonderful Christmas! And here’s to 2009 and all the promise it holds!
Dr. Seuss is my ideal communicator–he wrote for kids, but grownups can get the fundamental truths of human nature there as well. Wonder what he had against toes, though?
G.
Grace Kleppin´s last blog post..Savoring Life
It would be nice if people would take this to heart during the holidays!
–HIB
HIB´s last blog post..6 Reasons Why I Joined Toastmasters