Dr. Suess’s famed character, the Grinch, was known for having a heart three sizes too small before one little girl shared with him the true meaning of Christmas. His character development has inspired many film adaptations, which have become a holiday season staple. However, before his heart grew to the same proportion as the rest of the village (known as Whoville), the media considered him to be Santa Claus’s opposite. This raises the question as to which of Santa’s lists would the Grinch’s name make it on. 

For many children and families, Santa Claus is the Christmas poster face. He rides in a sleigh driven by reindeer, delivers gifts, and leading up to Dec. 25, he watches closely to see if one has been naughty or nice. It is safe to assume that the Grinch would originally have been on Santa’s naughty list.  

“It seems like Santa and the Grinch were kind of born to be rivals, so I am sure Santa had his eye on the grumpy Grinch from the start,” Mackenzie Cainn, junior, said.  

The Grinch’s attempt to ruin Christmas in Whoville would not have won many points in Santa’s book, due to him stealing the gifts Mr. Claus had delivered earlier that night. Yet, he might have redeemed himself after one certain Who, Cindy Lou Who, changed his mind on what the meaning behind the holiday was and how much it meant to the Whos, gifts or not. He learned that Christmas was not about presents but instead centered around love and family. This realization and the effort put into righting his wrongs could definitely earn him a place back on Santa’s nice list. 

“Personally, I think the Grinch would have ended up on the nice list because he eventually learned from his mistakes and became cheerful and festive,” Rachel Fair, freshman, said.  

Many speculate Santa was cheering on the Grinch’s character development, as he encourages people to find joy and love in the holidays, no matter if they begin in disbelief of the Christmas spirit. The naughty list is not definite, so it is a sound assumption that the Grinch would have appeared on the nice list as soon as he remedied his mistakes in Whoville.  

“I think Santa would have waited for the Grinch to return the presents (before judging him), because he already somehow knew that the Grinch would fix the situation and make it up to all the Whos in Whoville,” Mason Etter, senior, said. 

The Grinch’s story can be found in Dr. Suess’s book titled “The Grinch,” along with various movies under the same name. While reading or watching, one should keep in mind what exactly they think Santa would have to say about this antihero’s story.