When the weather outside turns frightful, our family loves to cuddle up and watch a holiday-themed movie or television show. Here are some of our favorites to share with your own family!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
There are many versions of Dr. Seuss’ classic story on the screen, but our family always takes in the original 1966 animated version created for television. The Grinch hates Christmas and decides that by taking away the decorations and gifts, he can stop the celebration from happening. This version isn’t as scary for younger viewers as some of the others and has the bonus of having a fairly short run time.
Muppet Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is one of the most classic Christmas stories. Many versions and adaptations exist, and every family seems to have a favorite. An elderly man is forced to face his life’s choices and priorities and is given the chance to turn things around. Our family has always loved the Muppet version, although, like most A Christmas Carol adaptations, there are scary moments, including the Ghost of Christmas Future.
The Polar Express
Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, this animated film has become a family tradition since it was released in 2004. A group of children board a midnight train to the North Pole to witness Santa’s final preparations and see the ‘first gift of Christmas’. It contains several intense scenes, which may be scary for younger viewers, and features characters who struggle with belief.
Frozen
An icy spell grips their kingdom, and two sisters are confronted with family secrets, magical abilities, and true love in this beloved Disney movie. While the movie isn’t holiday-based, it still takes place in a wintry setting and has become a seasonal favorite for many.
Elf
The story of Buddy, who was accidentally transported to the North Pole and raised as one of Santa’s elves. As an adult, Buddy doesn’t feel he fits in and goes looking for answers. There is some potty humor, physical comedy, and alcohol use.
Klaus
A modern animated film with an uplifting message about kindness that our family greatly enjoyed, the film reimagines the origin story of Santa Claus. It may not be appropriate for some younger viewers, as there are some intense scenes.
Trista is a stay-at-home mom and loves to share her discoveries about how to make life in Calgary work for families of all kinds.
Hot Chocolate & Movie Pairings
Grinch Hot Chocolate
This recipe is a fun, colorful hot chocolate to enjoy alongside the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas film or
book! This recipe can be easily adapted to make different-colored hot chocolate to coordinate with other movies
your family may enjoy!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 cups milk
1 cup white chocolate chips
12 cup green candy melts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5-6 drops green food coloring (optional)
whipped cream (optional)
assorted sprinkles
Instructions
Add milk to a medium saucepan and heat thoroughly. Do not boil. Lower heat and add white chocolate chips and green candy melts, and stir until they dissolve. Add vanilla extract and 5-6 drops of green food coloring. Pour green hot chocolate into a cup. Top with whipped cream and assorted colored sprinkles.
Recipe source: gigglesgobblesandgulps.com/grinch-green-hot-chocolate
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
The classic flavor profile pairs excellently with classic films like A Christmas Carol or with a snowy day.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
6 cups chocolate milk
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Biscoff spread or any brand
of cookie butter
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
Combine the chocolate milk, cocoa powder, brown sugar, Biscoff spread, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in
a large saucepan.
Turn the burner on medium heat and cook while stirring occasionally until the sugar and Biscoff dissolve completely. Do not overcook and do not boil. You don't want to scald the hot chocolate.
Cook until the mixture is steaming and is warmed thoroughly. This should take about five minutes or so. One small tip is to remove a small amount of the hot chocolate with a ladle so you can test it prior to removing the saucepan from the heat. This allows you to check the flavor and the temperature in case either needs adjusting.
Next, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot chocolate into mugs. I recommend filling each mug
¾ full so there is still room for add-ins like marshmallows.
For a nice finishing touch, you can top each mug with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and some cocoa powder over top. Finally, add a cinnamon stick for stirring and a gingerbread man for dunking.
Recipe source: cravingsofalunatic.com/gingerbread-hot-chocolate
Frozen Hot Chocolate
If hot beverages aren’t your thing, try out this frozen hot chocolate! Perfect to pair with Frozen or other films in a cold setting.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 packets hot cocoa mix
1 12 cups ice
1 12 cups whole milk
1 cup whipped topping
2 tablespoons winter-themed sprinkles
4 whole blue candy canes
Instructions
Add the ice, powdered hot cocoa mix, and milk to a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour frozen hot chocolate into cups. Top with whipped topping, sprinkles, and a candy cane. Enjoy cold!
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