Holiday Movie Night: Keeping Our Traditions Alive (Grinch-Approved!)

If you know our family, you know this: we are movie fanatics.

If we’re not at a premiere, popcorn in hand and red carpet chaos all around us, we’re curled up at home doing our own private screening — matching pajamas, themed snacks, the works. Movies are our language, our love, our family glue, and Christmas movies are the icing on the fruitcake.

And this year, more than ever, those traditions mean everything. It’s the first holiday season without Jackson home for the whole stretch (he’s off at the Air Force Academy — cue the proud tears). While we couldn’t be happier for him, there’s a little empty seat on the couch that hits differently when the Christmas lights go up.

But one thing we won’t let fade? Our movie night traditions — the laughter, the cocoa, the matching pajamas, and the comfort of knowing that home will always feel the same.

💚 The Grinch (and Why He’ll Always Be Our Holiday Hero)

It’s no secret we’re big Dr. Seuss fans — after all, San Diego was practically his second home! There’s something special about celebrating a creator who loved holidays in our city as much as we do, and when it comes to holiday movies, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is always at the top of our list.

Maybe it’s because the story reminds us that Christmas isn’t about the stuff — it’s about the people. Maybe it’s because Jim Carrey’s Grinch is the perfect mix of chaos and charm. Or maybe it’s just that we’ve seen it a hundred times and still laugh like it’s the first.

Whatever it is, the Grinch has officially earned his spot in our family’s annual movie lineup — right alongside a few other must-watches.

Our Favorite Tween-Approved Holiday Movies

We may have graduated from animated classics, but that doesn’t mean we’ve outgrown the magic. Here’s what’s on rotation in our house:

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas — The Jim Carrey version. Iconic. End of discussion.
2. Elf — Because even tweens secretly love a man in yellow tights yelling, “Santa!”
3. Home Alone — A masterclass in independence and slapstick survival.
4. The Christmas Chronicles — Kurt Russell as Santa? Enough said.
5. The Santa Clause — For the 90s kids raising kids.
6. Noelle — Totally underrated and tween-approved.

We like to make it fun: each week leading up to Christmas, a different family member picks the double feature. And yes, we still vote on snacks.

💤 Pajama Party Rules (Tween Edition)

You know it’s serious movie business when the pajamas come out. Matching pajamas have been our thing forever, and somehow, they’ve survived the tween years. The trick? Find something that’s fun but not babyish.

Enter: The Grinch Collection at Kohl’s.
Soft, festive, and just cool enough that no one complains when mom insists on a family photo. Even the too-cool-for-matching phase can’t resist these.

Because let’s be honest — half the fun of movie night is being comfy, coordinated, and maybe just a little ridiculous together.

Shop the Look!

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Snack Like a Who: Our DIY Movie Bar

If you’ve ever hosted a tween movie night, you know — holiday snacks are everything. This year, we went full Whoville with a DIY snack bar that lets everyone build their own treat tray.

Here’s what made the cut:

• Grinch Chex Mix — chex mix, green and red M&Ms, pretzels, white chocolate drizzle (don’t skip the drizzle).
• Hot Cocoa Bar — whipped cream mountains, candy cane stirrers, crushed peppermint toppings.
• “Whoville Pizza Bites” — because finger food is a must.
• Green Smoothies or Apple Cider Floats — for when you’re trying to balance sugar with something slightly healthy.

It’s chaos, but it’s the good kind — the kind that smells like cocoa and sounds like laughter.

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💫 Keeping the Magic Alive (Even When We’re Apart)

As the kids get older and life changes, our traditions shift — but the heart of them stays the same.
When we press play on The Grinch, it’s not just about watching a movie. It’s about remembering that no matter how big they get, or how far they fly (literally, in Jackson’s case!), home will always be waiting with cocoa, chaos, and matching pajamas.

So this season, whether your tweens are laughing at Buddy the Elf or quoting the Grinch line-for-line, throw on some cozy Kohl’s pajamas, grab a bowl of popcorn, and press play on your family’s favorite story.

Because the holidays aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection. And that’s one tradition we’ll never let go of.

Movie Night Must-Haves

Ready to recreate your own Grinchy family movie night? Here are a few of our favorite ways to make it extra fun (and extra comfy):

🛋️ Matching Grinch Pajamas – The softest, silliest, and most festive sets you’ll ever wear. We found ours at Kohl’s (they have styles for everyone — even your too-cool tweens).

🍿 Popcorn Bar Essentials – Grab cute holiday bowls, topping jars, and a mini scoop set so the kids can DIY their own mixes.

☕ Cocoa Station Setup – Holiday mugs, peppermint stir sticks, and marshmallow toppers — because presentation is half the fun.

🎬 Festive Throw Blanket – Nothing says “home movie theater” like a giant shared blanket.

🎄 Mood Lighting – Fairy lights, twinkle strands, or even a string of green bulbs to channel your inner Whoville.

✨ Pro Tip: Make it a weekly tradition leading up to Christmas — different movie, same pajamas!

What are some of your favorite family movie night traditions? Comment below!