Holiday Movie Night
These days we tend to have a movie night at my house every night. It’s rather become a tradition since we had the hunker down stage a year ago. Right now, we are enjoying all the holiday movies out on Hulu and Netflix. I Wondered the other day however, if there was a way to make this more festive. And boy howdy did I find ways!
Making your movie night a bit more memorable doesn’t take too much effort. It just takes a few fun touches that elevate the entire experience. For example, move your movie night to the floor with plenty of pillows, poufs, and blankets. Even just a small change like sitting on the floor can redefine the entire experience.
Alternatively, you can create a virtual movie night to gather your loved ones near and far.
Netflix has an extension you can use to allow your friends and family watch the same movie as you’re at the exact same time! Here’s how:
To install the extension, visit the Netflix Party website and select the "Install Netflix Party" button. You'll be redirected to the Chrome Web Store where you can select "Add to Chrome." When prompted, select "Add Extension," which will add an "NP" icon next to the address bar on the upper right-hand side of your browser window.
When you're ready to start your virtual movie night, head to Netflix and select your show or movie of choice. To create a "party," click the "NP" icon, then tap "Start Party." Copy the URL, send it to friends or family, and start streaming simultaneously.
The plug-in is free to download and use, but everyone participating must have a Netflix account and add Netflix Party to their own browser. The extension is only available with the Google Chrome browser on desktop or laptop computers, so, unfortunately, you can't use the function on your smart TV. If you want to enjoy your show on a larger screen, however, you can share your laptop screen to the TV by plugging it in with an HDMI cord. (instructions obtained at Host a Virtual Movie Night with Friends Using This Free Streaming Plug-In | Better Homes & Gardens (bhg.com) )
I searched the internet tirelessly for ways to make this night extra special and here are a few great ones that came up:
· Decorate with Red and Green Napkins
· Party Favors – think of this as a mini Christmas stocking
· Christmas Candy
· Reindeer Treat Cups
· Santa Suit Drinks
· Christmas Movie Night Bingo
· Kids Christmas Movie Trivia
· Candy Canes
If you want to go that super extra mile, I found a few fun ideas to add to the mix. However, please remember that our goal is self-care so if these seem to overwhelming to include don’t feel bad! Instead recognize that nights are made special by those gathered around you not by the over-the-top decorations and goodies.
I love all these ideas but for me they are a little to much for my brain to handle at the moment so I for one am going to focus on homemade popcorn, making a fire in the fireplace, ordering in our favorite pizza, and gathering all the comfy blankets and pillows in the house to make a nest for my husband and I to curl up in. that seems super special to me!
Christmas Movie Bingo:
This will make your party a lot of fun! Print these cute Christmas Movie Bingo boards.
Bingo Boards are attached below.
Once your boards are printed, watch your movie and watch for the little symbols on the board. When you see one, put a marker on it. When you get 5 in a row you get Bingo!
CHRISTMAS MOVIE TRIVIA GAME:
This is a fun game for before the movie. While you sit at the table and eat treats you can ask the kids to answer these questions!
Find trivia attached below.
Answer sheet is also attached😊
Santa Suit Drinks:
Supplies Needed:
14oz. Cup – disposable and clear
Black tape (I used electrical tape)
Silver glitter paper or foam
Hot glue gun/glue
Red drink
Instructions:
Wrap one piece of black electrical tape around your cup. Cut a square from your silver glitter foam or paper. Cut out the center as well to make it look like a belt buckle. Glue this in place. Fill our cup with red drink and you are all set! Santa suit drinks for everyone.
Reindeer Treat Cups:
Love how these cute little guys add a touch of fun to the party! And they are so easy to make!
Supplies Needed:
14oz. Cup – disposable and clear
Brown Pipe Cleaner
Red pom poms
Googley Eyes
Hot Glue Gun/Glue
Popcorn to put in them (see recipe below)
Instructions:
Cut a piece of pipe cleaner in half. Twist it around a little to make it look like an antler. Cut two more small pieces and twist them on to make a three-pronged antler horn. Hot glue pipe cleaner to the inside of the cup. Hot glue eyes and pom pop for the nose. Fill with chocolate popcorn!
Chocolate Reese’s Popcorn Recipe:
Ingredients:
Popcorn
1/2 C Karo syrup
1 and 1/3 C sugar
1/4 C cocoa
2 sticks of butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 bag miniature wrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Instructions: Pop the popcorn and pour it into a very large bowl. If you need to, split it between 2 bowls.
Combine karo, sugar, cocoa, butter and vanilla in a saucepan and heat until they boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 90 seconds and then remove from the heat.
Now, work fast. Pour the chocolate mixture over your popcorn. Using a wooden spoon, stir it quickly to coat all of the popcorn. Once it has cooled a little bit add your Reese’s to the popcorn.
And then try not to eat the whole bowl.
Here's a link to Pinterest board I made as well for even more ideas!
However you choose to create your movie night remember to…Enjoy Your movie night my friends!
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