The Williamson Grinch

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing, but of reflection.” - Winston Churchill

Hello, gentlemen. “Tomorrow is Christmas. It’s practically here!” Yes, it’s The Holiday Season and time for our annual Holiday issue. Have you made your wish list? What are YOU wanting for Christmas this year?

It’s a time to celebrate, a time for family and friends, a time for giving—It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Who do you think of when you think of Christmas?

I had the pleasure of getting to share eggnog and conversation with someone that I think of when I think of Christmas. Not who he was or possibly what he may have done… but who is and who he has become.

Meet Mr. Grinch.

Tell me about your journey in life.

Nobody wants to be different. Yet we all are. But nobody wants to feel different or be the outcast. I felt “different” my whole life. There was always somebody smarter, faster, more handsome and so on, but I was born green. I was shy, insecure and a loner. My early years were difficult. We had very little, and I went to school with rags for clothes and often teased and made fun of. This time of year was especially hard because I would see the popular “who’s who” kids laughing and celebrating and talking about all the things THEY were getting for Christmas. I hated Christmas… the whole Christmas season. It’s been said because my shoes were too tight, or my head wasn’t screwed on right. What I hated most was the joy, the Christmas bells ringing and, oh yeah, the singing and singing and singing.

As I grew older, I had a LOT of wonderful, awful ideas. I pretended to be someone I wasn’t in hopes I would fit in. To fool people and get what I wanted. I would think up a lie and would think it up quick. Thinking I was sly and slick. A regular silver-tongued devil… I thought… I went through life like a hurricane leaving wreckage. For fifty-three years my heart was an empty hole. Nobody would touch me. Not even with a 39½ foot pole!

Living a lie. I tried many “coping mechanisms” to change how I felt. I wanted to be 10,000 feet up and away from everyone else. I tried moving to different areas and the thing is… wherever I went, there I was… and my grandiose plans of making others feel bad or sad didn’t work. The fact is, I’m not that important. The thought that I could change others’ lives or feelings. In fact, the only one uncomfortable, angry and upset was me. Then I realized… it’s not everyone else. The puzzler was me.

So, what changed?

One Christmas it happened. The Christmas miracle happened. I had people in my life that loved me. I realized they loved me for me. They had loved me until I could learn to love myself. That “burning bush “moment felt like my heart grew three sizes or even more. I could feel it grow in my chest. I surrounded myself with the people I admired, wanted to be with and looked up to. I felt the ice melt. It was a feeling I had never felt before. Happiness and Joy. I discovered the joy of caring for and doing for others. The amazing gift of giving back. Believing… believing in something far greater.

Don’t get me wrong… not every day is unicorns, hearts and rainbows… I have my “off/bad” days, but my bad days today are far greater than my best days ago. I still have things that try and send me over the edge like spam callers, traffic, people that walk by trash—just because you didn’t throw it there doesn’t mean you can’t pick it up, arrogant people, being late, someone making me late, people saying they will do something and don’t and so on.

Today, I am comfortable in my own “green” skin. My best days are ahead. I look for the good in everyone. I know the importance of being humble, treat everyone with respect and dignity. Always be open to listening to and hearing others. Think before speaking. Daily, tell the ones I love I love you and give thanks to God for the blessings I have.

What advice would you give a younger you or this younger generation?

Whatever you do. Do your best. Don’t hit the easy button. You can’t please everyone. The only person you must please is God. If you are doing that, everyone else will notice. Don’t be afraid to try. If you fail at something, it doesn’t define who you are. Pull those bootstraps up, push your heels in, wiggle your toes and move forward. Keep your head up. Get a mentor. Do the things nobody else wants to do, is going to do or feel like they need to do. Set yourself apart. You be you… everyone else is taken.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Martha May and I traditionally go to church service on Christmas eve. We then have dinner (reservations made in June) at our favorite restaurant and home to open one gift each she, max and I. Every year I read ‘Twas the night before Christmas. For THE BIG DAY we host all our family and friends embracing the time we can be together sharing gifts, food, music. I now get excited for the "rush for the toys! And then! Oh yeah, the noise! Oh, the beautiful Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!" Celebrating this special Day and keeping foremost THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

So, Mr. Grinch what would you like for Christmas?

I don’t have a BIG want list anymore. This year I have been dropping hints for a new pair of Lucchese boots, a new hat and gloves, and a new cologne. I like to read… maybe I will get a new book. What I really, really want is a new pair of Jing Tinglers and a brass Gardinker.

Obviously, you are a man of fashion. What is your dress code for the Holidays?

Oh wow! I believe you dress how you feel. It’s a special festive time so get your special festive attire. Put some extra time and thought into it. Get out your holiday bow ties, your best suit or sport coat, shine those festive shoes and don’t forget the socks. Feel great and look great. WE live in a world of phone photos and social media… what do you want to be seen, and remembered for, wearing?

What tips do you have for other gentlemen on Holiday hospitality?

Meet every guest at the door with a genuine WELCOME, take their coats, tell them the lay of the land (bathrooms, food and drinks), show them in and introduce to all others. Ask: “Can I get you anything?” Stay attentive. Stay connected and involved. Build good memories.

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Thank you, Mr. Grinch, for sharing your time with us. Merry Christmas!

Gentlemen, WELCOME CHRISTMAS. Bring your cheer. Let’s embrace this season. Host your family to a holiday feast. Cherish the honor to carve the roast beast. Fill your heart with love and maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel your heart grow… Remember, “Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

No, not every day is Christmas, but wouldn’t it be GREAT if it were? Why not carry that Christmas spirit throughout the year? Or at least try.

Merry Christmas!