On this day in 1966, the original Grinch animation was aired for the first time – the good one, the real one, the one with Boris Karloff.

There is Cindy Lou Who, who is no more than two.

There is Max with the reindeer horn tied on his head, sliding down Mount Crumpit.

There is one of the best song lines of all time – you’re a three-decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich, with arsenic sauuuuuuuuuce!

There is the Grinch himself, heart expanded, carving the roast beast. 

Friends, here we are, in the darkest days of the year, waiting for the light.

May our Grinchy ways be forgiven.

May our gatherings warm these longest nights.

May our traditions sparkle like stars.