Thank you to all participants in the Christmas challenge
I have read through all of your entries for the Christmas challenge to win the Grinch and I'm very grateful to all who took the time to share their stories on what makes Christmas special to them. Every individual has their own "quirks and features" (yes ht to Doug) - and the selection of entries was no different.
Below I will make a comment on each entry.
Coming from a very divided family myself, I completely understand how living in a different country to your family might take some getting used to, but it seems you have found numerous ways to make the best of a less than ideal situation. I particularly enjoyed how you described the way you place the presents under the tree whilst your daughter was sleeping. It reminded me of how I woke up to my parents doing that when I was young and sadly had come to the realization that "Santa doesn't exist"
Unfortunate to hear that covid has brought misfortune to your plans for Christmas, but it looks as though you have recovered it somewhat with a still very impressive display of culinary skill. Where I'm from, we eat Octopus raw, so I don't know how to go about cooking it the way you did. I also appreciate that you dedicate Christmas to being kids day. I would agree, but I hope you got something out of it as well.
I enjoyed reading this one a-lot. It was descriptive and yet a stark reminder of the reality people face today and yet despite the apparent adversity, the ending was reeled back in with the final reminder of hope. On this point I can relate with much better because it is the thread with which I have held onto with my sanity for the last few years. Thank you for your message of hope.
I'm learning more about you every day it seems. I was touched by a particular sentence in your post, and that was "the main present was seeing my family this trip." I'm glad that you haven't forgotten what matters most beyond the gifts and formalities. I mentioned myself that presents are just an intangible proxy for what we actually care about.... which is the opportunity to see our family, be together, and share some dedicated time together.
A cursory glance at your pictures, would have me guessing you're around my age or maybe a bit younger (I'm 35 btw) But with the way you seem to have filial piety and make effort to visit your entire family impresses me. Granted that is simply not possible for many people including myself, it is still something worth admiring. A very pleasant write-up and a lovely selection of images to match!
It seems that you held onto the Santa charade a little longer than I did. I chuckled at the response your family gave you when you told them what you saw. Honestly, I'd probably come clean in their position but keeping the dream alive for a 7 year old is not bad either! My impression from your post is that presents make you smile, but only because of the memories they enable. I feel the same way. I can't remember all the presents I received as a child, but I vividly remember all the emotions and time spent around Christmas with the family much more clearly. Material possessions only help to stir those memories, not make them.
I couldn't expect any less from our resident Iron man! Some how you found a way to run, workout and celebrate Christmas. A lot of people went through kummerspeck during the lockdowns of 2020, and even more so after the holiday period. Perhaps you are showing the world that there's no reason to stop doing what you do everyday if that makes you happy. A true fitness fanatic!
After thinking about who won the challenge, and therefore the Grinch, I've realised it's impossible to separate you all because you all have shown terrific Christmas spirit, especially upholding the family virtues I also hold dearly. I have decided to go with the entry which touched me the most and that is @gonzo's entry. Mostly because of how many times you have seemingly beat the odds despite having all the cards stacked against you. I think it's time you had one thrown your way in admiration of your unrelenting willpower to make things work. Congratulations!
I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to you all for sharing and participating in this challenge. You are all winners because.. I'm sending you all a consolation punk!
Stay tuned for the next challenge with more NFTs to win!