Summary
Highlights
While stealing the Christmas tree, the Grinch is momentarily interrupted by the innocent Cindy-Lou Who. He quickly devises a lie to explain his actions and sends her back to bed before continuing his theft.
The Grinch finishes clearing out the Who houses, leaving behind only tiny crumbs. He then takes his loaded sleigh to Mount Crumpet, eagerly anticipating the sorrowful cries of the Whos upon discovering their stolen Christmas.
The Grinch's heart grows three sizes, prompting him to return all the stolen Christmas items to Whoville. He even carves the roast beast with the Whos. He concludes the story (or tries to) by emphasizing his personal role in "stealing" Christmas back and maintaining his tough demeanor.
To the Grinch's surprise, the sound he hears from Whoville is not sadness but joyous singing. He comes to the realization that Christmas 'came somehow or other... just the same,' leading him to ponder that 'maybe Christmas... means a little bit more.'
The Grinch is introduced by an off-screen narrator for 'Story Time with the Grinch' but immediately expresses his annoyance, refusing to be treated like a performing dog. He eventually concedes to tell the story, but on his own terms, taking the book from the narrator.
The Grinch begins reading 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!', emphasizing his disdain for the holiday and the Whos' celebrations. He interrupts the narrative with his own grumpy remarks and takes jabs at the off-screen narrator.
The Grinch takes a 'break' to practice his sneer, further illustrating his malicious intentions. He then recounts his plan to stop Christmas from coming, focusing on his hatred for the noise and feasting of the Whos. He pauses the story to demand food from the narrator.
The Grinch excitedly shares his 'wonderful awful idea' to disguise himself as Santa Claus and steal Christmas. He enlists his dog, Max, as his makeshift reindeer and prepares his sleigh to commence his wicked plan.
The Grinch arrives at the first Who house, sliding down the chimney. He describes how he steals all the presents, food, and even the Christmas tree, taking everything in sight.