The Christmas Grinch



Kinwomen DEC 2018 Blog Images

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”

Dr. Seuss

Growing up I was a Christmas fanatic. Begging my parents to put the tree up in October. Singing carols out loud and proud all year long, but since becoming a parent myself, a little bit of the Christmas Grinch has settled in my heart.

Eye’s rolling when another invite hits my inbox, worry about our bank account and the expectations remaining unmet.

I have had a Christmas intervention this year and have called a truce. I am asking my 40-year-old self to hold hands with my 4-year-old self and bring back the Christmas spirit.

I have made the decision however to lessen the expectations I am placing first of all on myself and secondly on those around me.

Saying no to obligations and prioritising my presence for my family.

Putting down my phone and listening to the person sitting in front of me.

Turning up the Christmas carols and this week I even put on a snowman broach, to make me smile again.

How’s your Christmas fuel tank feeling?

Do you need to turn up the volume and not take yourself so seriously? Finding happiness wrapped at the bottom of a garish Christmas costume with a smile designed just for you!

Happy Christmas Kin.

We are kin women

You are our kin.


About Amanda

Amanda Viviers has published ten books and is a presenter on radio across New Zealand and Australia. She is also the co-founder of Kinwomen; a network created to inspire women to start conversations that matter. Head of Narrative for Compassion Australia, she is driven by a passion for social justice, she loves supporting projects for women in developing countries. Teaching women to live creative lives, beyond the circumstances, is something she pursues daily. Wife of Charl and Mum of Maximus and Liberty, she lives a creative life, longing to see people live inspired. Pinterest/ Twitter/ @Mandaviviers Instagram: @amandaviviers Facebook: @amandaviviersperth