I have always liked the holidays enough but worrying about how we will get everything done and pay for all of it kept me from fully allowing my holiday spirit to shine.
A few years ago, I decided to let financial worry go and work to make the holidays a time of love, memories and good cheer for my family. With planning ahead, budgeting and focusing on WHY you are doing each thing on your list, you can have a more joyful holiday season as well.
I started by adding one new tradition each year. Last year was the start of our favorite new tradition to date: Grinch Night! I pulled this off last minute but it was such a hit, I have been planning for this year ever sense. The concept is simple: watch your favorite version of the classic holiday tale Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Enjoy some Whoville inspired snacks with your family and relax!
I am sharing some tips to help you plan your own Grinch Night:
- Get the movie–Order it online just in case it isn’t on TV for easy recording before your party. Trust me, thank goodness for Amazon. Are you an old school Grinch fan or does your family love Jim Carrey? The choice is yours, just consider the length of the movie when setting the time of your party. The kids may be off school, but no one wants them to turn into little Grinch’s!
- Pick a date-During the hectic holiday season it can be hard to find an evening that works. I chose the last day of school before break, whatever day of the week it happens to fall on. The weekends are packed so a weeknight works best for us. Also, it doesn’t have to be at night, a Grinch Afternoon works just as well.
- Invite your friends and family-You may choose to keep it small and enjoy a little party with your kiddos and hubs. We have a large family, so the more the merrier at our place!
- Plan your menu-The Grinchier the better! We provided snacks for our guests last year, I am shooting for a full meal this year! Think green chili, guacamole and chips, green veggies, dip, Great Who Roast Beast, the possibilities are endless!
Our Menu {simple, fun and inexpensive}:
- Grinch Hearts-Heart shaped Rice Crispy treats turned green with food coloring with a cinnamon candy in the center
- Grinch Corn-Green caramel corn with white chocolate drizzle and cinnamon candy
- Grinch Punch-This was the kid favorite! Lemon-lime soda with lime sherbet. I dipped the cups in corn syrup and then into sprinkles-this was DELICIOUS.
- Green veggies and dip. You need healthy choices too, right?
Hot Tips:
- Do as much of the work ahead of time so you are able to relax and enjoy the party with your guests.
- Go as big or as small as you like…it’s your party but no one wants you to be a Grinch about it!
- If you invite guests, ask them to get in on the fun and come up with their own Grinch Night snack, just ask them to keep with the theme.
This little party was a so much fun last year! It really was a nice way to kick off that last week before Christmas. Remember, this isn’t about adding more to your plate, it is about creating treasured memories with your family. Jump in and plan your own Grinch Night, but only if doing so won’t turn you into a Grinch!
What is a family favorite holiday tradition in your house?
What a FUN idea! I have a co-worker that does a “Who-Ville Dinner” every year and now seeing this, it makes me want to implement something similar! Thanks for sharing!
“Who-Ville Dinner” sounds amazing! Give it a try!