Dozens of families filled the Prairie View Community Center in Morton Grove for the second annual “Brunch with the Grinch,” spreading holiday cheer despite the green one’s iconic grouchiness.

The Saturday morning event included a breakfast buffet and photo opportunities, along with meet-and-greets with The Grinch, the character from the pages of the Dr. Seuss book, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!”

The book describes the transition of the fictional Grinch, who had focused on the misunderstanding of materialism but was transformed by love and holiday spirit into a helpful, caring being who became part of the community.

Pancakes and Grinch-green colored iced cookies were served to Skokie siblings Allison Lenhardt, 9, and Sophia Lenhardt, 8, and other attendees of the annual “Brunch with The Grinch” event Dec. 20, 2025 at the Prairie View Community Center in Morton Grove. (Karie Angell Luc/for Pioneer Press)
The Grinch poses with families at the annual “Brunch with The Grinch” event Dec. 20, 2025 at the Prairie View Community Center in Morton Grove. (Karie Angell Luc/for Pioneer Press)

“This holiday experience helps families make lasting memories together by combining festive fun, quality time and joyful interactions with a beloved character,” said Morton Grove Park District Superintendent of Recreation Sue Braubach. “For many families, attending a themed holiday brunch has become an annual tradition.”

There were two breakfast seatings for the Dec. 20 event, with the earlier time for the Maine-Niles Association for Special Recreation.

“This is a wonderful offering for their families as well,” Braubach said about the first of two seatings.

Park District Executive Director Jeffrey Wait helped serve on the buffet line. The menu included pancakes and Grinch-green colored iced cookies with a candy heart. Some adults wore festive holiday pajamas, many with The Grinch theme.

“We don’t always have to be Grinch-ey,” Wait said. “We can all remember what the spirit of the holidays are, and peace on Earth and goodwill to all.”

The Grinch walked around to each table, offering candy canes to youngsters.

Visiting with The Grinch was the Vicens family of Morton Grove, including Erica Vicens with her children Anakin, 8, and Isla, 5.

“The message of The Grinch,” said Erica Vicens, is that “there’s always room to grow.”

Jon Luecht, of Morton Grove, attended with his children Waylon, 4, and Wren, 3.

Waylon showed hesitation approaching The Grinch, but then smiles ensued.

Jon Luecht said the message of The Grinch is, “It’s never too late to change.”

Jacob and Erin Braslavsky, of Morton Grove, took their 3-year-old son Lucas to the brunch.

Jacob Braslavsky said the holidays are “about presence, not presents. It’s about love and being together and caring for each other.”

Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/05/morton-grove-holds-annual-grinch-holiday-brunch/