Christmas Movies and Food Pairings!

Whether you like cheesy rom-coms or animated stories from your childhood, it just wouldn’t be the holiday season without watching a few Christmas movies. No matter where your tastes lie, you can find a Holiday movie that matches your personality.

My adult son is quite sure that the Die-Hard movies are actually holiday movies (they’re not for children – violence and bad language). One year, we watched all of them while eating warm Chex Mix. I’m not sure why Chex Mix seemed to belong, but it did. We made a yummy gluten-free version and it was so good that we had to make a second batch.

That got me thinking about other movie and food pairings. Here’s what I came up with:

Elf

This one is easy; Spaghetti and Meatballs (maple syrup optional). And, for the adults, mom and dad can try to make The World’s Best Cup of Coffee (also featured in the movie). My youngest grandkids love Elf. They would happily watch it on repeat. How great would it be to add spaghetti to their next viewing?

Home Alone 1

Pizza played such a big part in this movie. We like to order pizza every Christmas Eve anyway and give the driver an extra big tip. Adding a “Home Alone” viewing party to this tradition would make it even more fun.

Home Alone 2

When Kevin orders those Hot Fudge Sundaes from the Plaza, I am so jealous. It’s easy to make your own sundaes at home. Just buy lots of gooey toppings and ice cream (make sure you have hot fudge!) and you’ll feel like you’re at the Plaza too.

Home Alone 3

I happen to like this movie (some don’t think it measures up to the originals). It features a very young Scarlet Johansson and the spies make me laugh. Microwave Mac and Cheese is featured. What could be easier for a quick dinner? Or, if you’re feeling up to it, make a homemade version. As an homage to the first two movies, pizza and sundaes also play a part. So, your kids have plenty of choices to choose from.

The Grinch

There are lots of Grinch movies now. My new favorite is “The Grinch”. I think every movie would benefit from the addition of screaming goats and this retelling does just that! Anyway, all the Grinch movies feature “Roast Beast”. If you’re short on time (and who isn’t?) grab a rotisserie chicken from the deli, add a couple of sides, and you have the perfect Grinch movie meal.

Shop Around the Corner

Not many people know about this movie but I love it. It’s the original story that You’ve Got Mail was taken from. It’s an old black and white movie featuring Jimmy Stewart. In one of the final scenes, Chicken Noodle Soup and Apple Strudel are offered to a young man spending Christmas alone. It would be so easy to heat up some canned soup and bake a frozen strudel for a viewing party.

Polar Express

This is another easy one, Hot Chocolate and cookies! What a perfect pairing for a cozy night.

Meet Me in St. Louis

Okay, this is another one of my favorites. This classic movie starring Judy Garland, shows what life was like in the old days. In the movie, the women made homemade ketchup and bottled it. Everyone in the family had their own idea of how it should be made and kept adding ingredients behind each other’s backs. Can you imagine having to make your own ketchup? Why not bake up some French Fries and serve them with ketchup? You are free to BUY the ketchup from the store!

White Christmas

While on a train, the characters order Club Sandwiches and Malteds. And now I really want a chocolate malted milkshake!

A Christmas Story

This movie shows what the holidays were like in the 1940’s. When their dinner is ruined, the family heads to a Chinese restaurant and hilarity ensues. Grab some takeout Chinese Food and share laughter with your family.