City couple still stealing Christmas 30 years later

By Lethbridge Herald on December 12, 2025.

HERALD PHOTO BY JOE MANIO Whovilled started in 1995 with one decoration and over 30 years evolved into a cherished annual display of nearly 60 hand-made wooden Who-themed decorations and a veritable institution in and of itself with The Grinch and Max (a.k.a. homeowners Steve and Tami Keiver) doing meet-and-greets with the community on select days leading up to Christmas.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Christmas decorations can take on a life of their own: start with one simple homemade wooden Grinch poking out of a chimney placed atop a roof in 1995, add at least one new decoration continually every year and the next thing you know Lethbridge has its very own Whoville. 

For 30 years, Steve and Tami Keiver (a.k.a. The Grinch and Max) have been setting up Whoville, a cherished display and veritable institution whose appearance signals that the holiday season has officially arrived, much like the Historic Annandale Christmas House on 13th Street.

What Whoville and Annandale have in common are over-the-top, eye-catching displays that are worth the drive to go see whether you’re seeing them for the first, 10th or 30th time.

“We currently have 47 characters in our collection,” says Steve Keiver. “We have tried to focus on themes from the original cartoon such as the Who’s singing around the tree, the Who musicians, the Who kids, the toys and sled, and some of the characters from the Who feast. We have also added enhancements such as the handmade Welcome to Whoville, The Grinch, Max, and Merry Grinchmas lighted signs and other Grinch related decorations to enhance the experience.”

The Grinch and Max will be making their first public appearance outside Whoville tonight and Saturday (weather permitting) with more appearances toward Christmas.

Whoville is located at 24 Street and 13 Avenue South, across the street from Our Lady of the Assumption School. You cannot miss it, whether you’re visiting by daylight or (especially) by night.

“When we were kids, this was a very popular Christmas show and became a tradition to watch each year for many families,” says Keiver, “As many people have shared with us when they visit each year, this tradition has continued throughout the generations which is great to see.”

Over the decades, the Grinch has seen a steady rise and evolution in popularity, particularly in recent years. His enduring and increasing appeal is fueled by multiple adaptations across different media and a growing cultural relatability to his cynical perspective on holiday consumerism.

During this year’s Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade, the Grinch made three appearances during the parade…one driving a golf waving to and  buzzing spectators and two walking in the parade (near the front and near the tail-end) giving out candy and posing for pictures with spectators. 

“Every year there are memorable encounters from all the people that visit,” says Keiver. “Numerous times each season we run into families who are back for their annual Christmas picture and express how long they have been doing this as their children have grown up.

“We recognize how much work this is to put up each year but it is the simple thank you’s, smiles, laughter, hugs, and genuine appreciation that makes it all worthwhile! From the littlest ones who can barely speak we have become affectionately know as ‘Ginch and puppy!’”

The Grinch made his debut in the Dr. Seuss children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” published by Random House in 1957. And on Dec. 18, 1966, the beloved animated television special directed by Chuck Jones and narrated by Boris Karloff first aired on CBS.

Since then there have been two major feature films and several other TV specials and adaptations.