We sat down for a Jingle Jangle picnic and movie night this weekend and my littlest asked if that meant it was Christmas now. Sorry, no! To which she replied, “then why are we watching Christmas movies?”. Ummm, because it’s fun OK?
I have the worst memory. Mr. Bins is over hear rattling off the names of every teacher he ever had while I can’t come up with a single one (except 2nd grade because her name rhymed with bagel). What I do remember from childhood are the holidays. Maybe that’s why I love Christmas so much. It’s also why I try to sprinkle in special traditions with my kids. In the likelihood that any of them inherit my horrible memory, hopefully they will hang on to at least a few fond recollections – like themed movie nights!
Looking back through the blog I realized I haven’t done one of these since FEBRUARY! I’m a little shocked, we had months of quarantine and then basically more months of doing more of nothing. Oh well, if every day was special then nothing would stand out. Right?!?
In years past the kids would get a new holiday movie on Christmas Eve and we would sit down and watch in new holiday PJ’s with special snacks (maybe that’s why she thought it was the big day). But with everything streamable these days buying movies seems like a waste so we’ve switched to game night on Christmas Eve instead.
All of our special movie nights include a fun themed menu. The food for our Jingle Jangle picnic was no exception.
Christmas Tree Pizzas
These were super simple to make and great finger food. Simple cut tree shapes from a Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet with a cookie cutter. Lay them out on a baking pan and top with sauce, cheese, and toppings (I used mini pepperoni).
St. Nick Fruit Kabobs
Layer grapes, a slice of banana, strawberry or raspberry, and top it with a mini marshmallow for an instant Santa snack.
Santa’s Reindeer Celery
This is a twist on the classic ants on a log. Using celery sticks filled with your favorite nut butter, add candied eyes, pretzel pieces as antlers, and a raisin or raspberry nose.
Jingle Eggs
Hard boiled eggs might seem weird but my kids like them and it’s protein. To make them more festive I colored a few in red and green by soaking the egg in cold water and adding 8-10 drops of food coloring.
Jangle Pretzels
Every movie night has to include at least one treat. I coated half of the pretzels in colored white chocolate – simple and tasty!
Jingle Jangle was a cute movie and definitely worth a watch. Traveling for the holidays? Check out these tips for traveling with kids + a free holiday road trip BINGO.
Wishing you a happy & healthy holidays!
For your pinning pleasure:
