My family loves movies and there is nothing cozier then all of us curling up under the blanket on the couch and enjoying Christmas movies.
We all have our favorites and it is a battle to make sure everyone gets to watch their own, but it is family time at its best. I have to admit that there were a few times last week that I let my son stay up past his bedtime on a school night because we were all enjoying a Christmas classic.
Movies are a great way to bring a family together and with a few extra steps the movie can be extended to a day of family time fun.
For instance, my son's favorite movie is Polar Express. He loves the action packed adventure of them sliding across the ice. So instead of just popping in the movie and being done with it for the day-why not make him feel special with a Polar Express Day.
Make some hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows and snuggle up for the movie. Go ice skating at a local rink afterwards to keep the wintery mood. Make necklaces or bracelets with the bells like the one on the movie that he gets for a gift. Last but not least, read the book before bedtime to end the day!
My husband's favorite is A Christmas Story. He tries to get the kids to write on their Santa letter and ask for a Red Rider BB Gun every year. He quotes that movie throughout the entire year. So how do you make a day out of the movie? Well, this is probably the easiest.
After you watch the movie, sit down and write letters to Santa. Be sure to go to the mall and visit Santa. Have lunch at a chineese restaurant. Brave ones can request the waiters to sing "Deck The Halls." Come back home and pretend with your kids to fight the bad villains in the movie. Of course, you have to have mashed potatos for dinner and all enjoy acting like pigs while eating. End the day with a tall glass of Olvaltine and the movie has come to life.
My daughter's favorite is Rudolph. Activities for this movie are a little more craft oriented. Take out the red lipstick and make everyone Rudolph for the day. After watching the movie, make the classic Rudolph out of a candy cane. Get red puffs for the nose and glue on eyes. Don't forget the pipe cleaner antlers. Sing Rudolph as a family. My daughter probably sings the song 50 times a day and has as much enthusiasm the 50 th time as she did the first time. Then just play toys and games with your kids. They will love the extra attention.
My favorite is Christmas Vacation. Who doesn't want to have a Clark Griswold kind of Christmas. This is the movie that should really kick off the Christmas season. After watching the movie, decorate your house with lights Griswold style. Go visit that crazy family member that you have been trying to avoid all year. Visit a tree farm as a family to find that perfect tree. If you have snow, go sledding as a family. Drink some egg nog and kick back and laugh with your family.
A new movie we added this year to our viewing menu was The Nativity. There are some parts that can be scary for young ones, but it is a great lesson for Christmas. There are so many activities that you can do after viewing this movie. Put out your own nativity scene and retell the story. Take out your Bible and show your kids where the story can be found. Sing Christmas carols like O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night. Color sheets with pictures of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. Cut out and make puppets by gluing a craft stick to the back. Have your kids act out the story. Visit a live nativity in the area. The possibilities are endless.
Christmas movies are so prevalent during this time. Why not make watching them a time for getting closer to your family. Make memories during this vacation time and enjoy one another. The possibilities are endless with the movies just watch and be creative. I would love to hear about your favorite Christmas movies or if you try any other activities with your family. Just leave a comment below.
