Santa Claus and the Grinch are two of the most popular characters during the Christmas holiday. This sparks a debate between the two: Santa Claus or the Grinch?

Jennifer Antonio for Santa Claus:

The Grinch does not compare to Santa. When you think of Christmas, you instantly think about Santa Claus. Santa is the main mascot for Christmas. He is the one person people write letters to in hopes of a present in return. He is a respected figure, unlike the Grinch.

People, more specifically kids, do everything in their power to be added to Santa’s nice list. They all hope they don’t make his naughty list. Every kid does anything to please Santa Claus. To them, Santa makes Christmas magical and fun to the point where children leave cookies and milk for Santa Claus. To feed him through his long journey on Christmas night.

Kids love Santa, while they just see the Grinch as someone who wants to ruin the Christmas fun. They see a grinch as anti-Christmas.

Compared to the Grinch, Santa Claus has always been good. Always bringing joy to the public from the beginning. Unlike the Grinch, who is full of hate. For Christmas to be jolly and full of love, Santa is needed.

Emely Vasquez for the Grinch:

The Grinch is better than Santa Claus because his story creates a relatable connection. Everyone is familiar with the infamous Grinch story. The Grinch is introduced as a grumpy and mean character who hates Christmas, but eventually he realizes the real meaning of the holiday. His experience teaches an important lesson: anyone can change for the better.

At the beginning of the story, the Grinch’s hatred for Christmas is very strong; the holiday makes him feel lonely and different from everyone else in Whoville. Santa, however, has always been passionate about Christmas and has never doubted the Christmas spirit, which makes the Grinch’s transformation much more significant.

Initially, the Grinch thinks that Christmas is all about gifts and materialistic things, which is the reason why he decides to steal the Whos’ Christmas presents. To him, he stole Christmas and expected everyone in Whoville to be upset. Instead, they continue to celebrate Christmas without presents. This moment helps him realize that Christmas is about love, family, and unity.

The Grinch has a change of heart and decides to return the gifts. He does this because he wants to, not because he has to, unlike Santa, as it is his job that continues to encourage his capitalist propaganda. This only attracts people who are focused on materialism, instead of what the holiday is truly about.

In the end, the Grinch is better than Santa because he shows that kindness is a choice, and people can change for the better. Santa Claus is deemed a perfect figure, while the Grinch carries many flaws, which makes him seem more human, which is why the Grinch is more relatable and better than Santa Claus.