This week I’ve decided to review 1966’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to be paired with my colleague’s review of the Jim Carrey version.

Obviously I’ve watched both and I love both. But there’s something special about the original version. It’s shorter and not nearly as fleshed out but there isn’t anything wrong with that.

There’s something to be said about not overdoing it when telling a story and that’s the case with this movie.

For those of you who have been living a very sheltered life under a rock I’ll give you a summary of the movie:

PHOTO PROVIDED The poster for 1966’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is pictured.

“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” is a television special based off of Dr. Seuss’s children’s book of the same name. It tells the story of how the mean old Grinch, whose heart is three sizes too small, attempts to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville. All with the help of his trusty dog, Max.

Sometimes I can’t help but find similarities in the Grinch and I. I also live on a mountain with my dog and up until the day after Thanksgiving avoid Christmas like the plague. (I realize that my metaphor could be seen as a bit more literal this year … stupid 2020.)

However, once it hits December I turn into the Grinch post-epiphany and absolutely relish in the holiday. So I suppose I spend my year like the Grinch after all … minus the small heart (don’t ask my brothers or sister about that last part.)

You wouldn’t think that a whole lot of work would have gone into just a half-hour special, which included commercials I might add. However, you’d be wrong just like I was.

It turns out Director Chuck Jones was given $315,000 (that’s close to $2,465,000 present day) to create the film. It took 11 to 14 months to create with 15,000 drawings and cels, 250 background layout drawings, 1,200 character layout drawings, 60 musicians working for 8 hours to finish the special. Talk about putting the work in.

And it wasn’t futile either. Given how often the special still plays today it clearly has been appreciated for the masterpiece it is. It even has a 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, which is pretty rare.

Not only did this special gift us with a televised version of the well loved children’s story. It also gave us the masterpiece that is Thurl Ravenscroft’s “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

If you can manage to listen to this absolute classic and not join in then I’m a little worried for you. Even humming along to the tune is unavoidable as far as I’m concerned.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a staple to the holiday season. It’s got a wonderful story that showcases the true meaning of Christmas. It’s never about the gifts, it’s about sharing the season with your loved ones.

Although it took some time, even the mean ol’ Grinch figure that out … and his heart grew three sizes that day.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” can be rented from YouTube and is more than likely listed in your TV Guide.

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Laura Jameson is a staff reporter for The Express.