Reissue: From villain to icon: Why the Grinch is everywhere this Christmas

The mistlestoe's hung, the bells are a'ringing

And all through the malls Mariah Carey is singing

It's the same old story, told year after year

Of Santa and reindeer and widespread good cheer

But look a bit closer, and you might see a crack

In the stronghold St Nick has had since way back

Where once stood a hero, red coat and beard white

A sack on his sleigh promising Christmas delight

Now stands a figure, towering six foot two tall

With a coat of green fur, heart two sizes too small

The Grinch who stole Christmas is making a play

For the title of hero come this Yuletide day

For poor old Saint Nick, this might not end well

And to give us the lowdown is Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.

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