At first, he's mean and green, but by the end of the story, the Grinch is kind, though still green, having learned the lesson that Christmas is not all about the gifts you get. Make this beloved Dr. Seuss character into a Grinch float for a holiday parade or other event. There are a few different ways to build a Grinch-themed parade float, so choose the one that works best for you.
A Grinch Christmas Parade Float
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The first step in making any float is determining transportation. It's often easiest to have a trailer to pull behind a car or truck, but the car or truck could be the actual float if you prefer. You can look for premade float kits, but it is less expensive to make your own. One of the best ways to make a Grinch parade float is to recreate Whoville, where the beloved story takes place.
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The central part of the float can depict Cindy Lou Who's living room. Create a rectangular enclosure (you can use an empty refrigerator box) painted like a brick chimney with a mantle and Christmas stockings, plus a rug and a Christmas tree. The Grinch can emerge from the fireplace, holding a sack with one hand and grabbing gifts.
Actors can play both characters; the Grinch stealing presents is a classic scene that audiences may recognize. You can design and build Whoville houses to go in the background; you can find images and templates online to guide you.
The Grinch Made Simple
For a more effortless Grinch float, make a snowy cliff as the background instead. Draw or paint the Grinch's tiny dog Max pulling up the heavily-laden sleigh on one side. You might include a broken Christmas tree, inside-out stockings and wrapping paper trailing behind. The Grinch himself can sit on top of the cliff, gleefully sitting with a large pile of presents. He can even toss candy or other light presents into the crowd as the float passes by, as Whoville characters stand around, singing Christmas carols.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has featured a Grinch Thanksgiving float balloon. It shows the bad guy sitting on top of a large, yellow sled. This design also had a large wreath on the side; in the middle, it reads "Dr. Seuss's Grinch at Macy's." Yours could say "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" instead. The most important consideration with a Grinch-themed parade float is having the Grinch at the scene stealing presents, whether in Whoville or out in the snow.
The Grinch Story
"Grinch" was not even a word until it first appeared in the 1957 holiday classic book. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) based the main character on himself when he "noted a very Grinch-ish countenance in the mirror." He wrote the book to rediscover the Christmas spirit. He also wanted to deal with his frustrations about Christmas becoming so commercialized.
Though Geisel originally hesitated about selling the rights to the book, Chuck Jones of Warner Bros. convinced him to do so. Nine years after the book was published, it was adapted into the now-famous television holiday special. Today, kids of all ages look forward to reading the book and watching the show during the holidays.