Demopolis residents getting “Grinched” during Christmas season

Grinch 1The operators of Uprooted Junk in downtown Demopolis have found a new and exciting way to spread a little Christmas cheer this holiday season. Sinda Fendley and Pam Clink, who dedicate their professional and artistic efforts to repurposing various items and antiquities have repurposed the meaning of Dr. Seuss’s iconic Christmas curmudgeon, The Grinch.

“The Grinch concept came out when we kept seeing the meme online for the simplest Christmas decor. Sinda said she wanted to do that to her house this year. I told Sinda I could make them if she wanted one,” Clink said of the genesis of the concept. “I got a sheet of plywood, traced the shape out and discovered I could get four out of a sheet. So we decided I would make one for Sinda, one for my apartment and try to sell the others so I could have a little money for Christmas for the kids.”

When the plywood grinches drew no takers, the duo decided to use the holiday decor to see whose heart they could make grow three sizes each day.

“When I didn’t sell a single one of those boogers, I was laying in bed trying to figure out what to do with them and it hit me. Let’s use one for putting in random people’s yards to give them a little surprise, and something to hope for,” Clink said. “We decided it would be a good promotion for the store and to spread a little Christmas cheer from Uprooted Junk.”

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” — Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Employing the assistance of their own children, Fendley and Clink set out to “Grinch” their first home, the residence of Deborah McAfee.

Grinch 2“When we pulled up, there were neighborhood kids headed to visit and they saw us! Instead of giving our location away, they joined in on the fun,” Clink recalled. “Suddenly McAfee started heading out the front door to see what all the commotion was and we bolted! Just in time! When we drove back by, we received lots of cheers and excitement over the surprise.”

The duo now has three Grinches that manage to find their way into the yards of unsuspecting citizens and each carries a message urging residents to enjoy the Grinch and the fleeting nature of the holiday season.

“We made our list at first of people we knew that wouldn’t get offended, and that had children who would be excited to wake up to see the grinch in their yard,” Clink said. “After a few people, we realized from then on it had to be people that had outside decorations, hoping it would encourage others to decorate their yards.”

The employment of The Grinch and the Whoville trees Fendley created helped earn the store Best Christmas Decor recognition from Demopolis in Bloom. But, more than anything, The Grinch has created a new buzz and excitement about the holiday season for a number of residents who have been visited by the surly Santa.

“People have been so excited about getting the grinch in their yard, they have been posting pics all over Facebook tagging us in them and getting others excited too! One person even went as far as asking Sinda how much it costs to have the grinch put in someone’s yard. It doesn’t cost anyone anything,” Clink said. “It’s just something that we have enjoyed doing with our children to spread a little Christmas cheer.”