Grinchmas!!

It's that time of year when everyone starts to get excited, snow may start tumbling from the sky, trees are adorned with lights and you can hear the bells and songs of Christmas chiming everywhere. And yet... some people say "bah-humbug". I don't think Daddy BookBairn will mind me saying that he's a bit of a Grinch for much of this time of year: he hates getting the decorations out of the loft, he hates the shops being so busy and the seasonal commuters, he hates the pressure of buying gifts, he hates Christmas cards and wrapping presents. But he does love watching BookBairn enjoy Christmas - because that's what Christmas is really about. It's about meeting up with friends and family, it's about being amongst our loved ones.

When your #bookpost matches your jumper choice.

And deep down, I think that's what the story of The Grinch is all about. It tells the story of the Grinch who lives on the outskirts of Who-ville who hates Christmas: hates the noise, the feasting, the singing. So one year he decides to stop Christmas from coming. He dresses as Father Christmas, and dresses his dog as a reindeer, and sneaks down all the chimneys in Who-ville removing all the presents, stockings, turkeys and even the trees, until not a trace of Christmas is left. He even took the log from the fire! And yet the next morning, when he listens for the crying he expects, he hears merry singing. How can that be?

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
"Maybe Christmas ... perhaps ... means a little bit more."

The Grinch, full of regret, finds his heart grows three sizes that day he returns all the toys, turkey and trimmings and joins in the festivities. Maybe Christmas isn't so bad after all?

But, for me this story, isn't just a tale about finding merriness in our family and friends this festive season. It's also about noticing the outsider. It's about making sure no one is left out. Every year we donate to our local Toy Drive which gives Christmas gifts and food hampers to those considered most in need in our local community. Nobody should be without a stocking, food and family on Christmas day (or any other day for that matter).

So to all the Grinches out there: join in the singing. And to the rest of us: let's help them feel welcomed.

To celebrate the Grinch turning 60 this year we have a copy to give away!!

*UPDATE* This competition is now closed and the winner has been notified!
***We have a copy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas to give away. If you would like to win a copy please comment below with your least favourite part of Christmas. (Additional entries will be available so keep an eye out by following us on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.) UK residents only please. Competition closes Friday 15.12.17. ***