SeeCalifornia.com

Just 6 days shy of Christmas 2018 “Mrs. Seuss” or Audrey Stone Geisel, widow of the late children’s book icon Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, passed away at 97. As Californians celebrate Christmas with fantastical visits to Universal Studios Hollywood Whooville attraction, they can partially credit Audrey’s work & legacy when they enjoy one of the best known Christmas stories written by her husband, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”

The La Jolla philanthropist credited with reinvigorating her husband’s creative output during their 25 year marriage founded Dr. Seuss Enterprises for the licensing of Dr. Seuss characters and properties. She managed the estate, was executive producer of animated film adaptations of Seuss books, and licensed Seussical, the Broadway musical which opened in 2000.

The Grinch stole Christmas because the people in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, and their noise, feasts and singing bothered him till he couldn’t stand it. He had to make it stop! He stole their presents but surprisingly that didn’t work.

“They’re finding out now that no Christmas is coming!”
“They’re just waking up! I know just what they’ll do!”
“Their mouths will hang open a minute or two,
Then the Whos down in Whoville will all cry BooHoo!”
“That’s a noise,” grinned the Grinch, “That I simply MUST hear!”

Much to his shock he heard merriment and singing on Christmas instead. He puzzled for three hours over the situation and came to a realization:

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.”
“Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”

If you’re looking for something fun to do on Christmas Day, here’s a list of more than 40 things ranging from ice rinks, to theme parks, nativities to light decorations.