One of my favorite Christmas decorations is our large, elaborate Advent calendar. I always feel a sense of excitement as I pull it out of the box and place it on the wall. For me, it represents traditions and memories that will last a lifetime. I spend months prepping and planning the activities that are carefully placed within each pocket. There are daily biblical activities, candy-cane hunts, letters to Santa, service projects, and more!
This year we are adding a new event: a Grinch-themed family night! If you’d like to host your own Grinch theme party, here are my top 7 tips to pull off an epic Grinchy family night!
1. Grinchy Pajamas
If you really want to get into the Grinchy spirit, it all starts with the attire! I got these cute Grinch pajamas for my girls from Pottery Barn Kids during the off-season. But if you’re looking to deck out the whole family, Amazon is the place to go! They have plenty of Grinch gear for all!
2. Decor
Decor doesn’t have to be expensive. Use items you already have or ones that can be checked out from your local library. The “How the Grinch stole Christmas” book and DVD can make a great centerpiece during dinner.
I purchased the tablecloth, paper plates, napkins, utensils, and straws from Walmart. After spending an afternoon prepping and cooking dinner, easy clean up is a must. Five dollars well spent!
Pinterest was my inspiration for this whole evening. There are plenty of free printables that can give your Grinchy evening the perfect touch! I found these cute napkin rings, signs, and fonts to create the perfect Grinch menu.
While wandering the aisles of Hobby Lobby last week, I came across this beauty at 50% off!
3. Dinner
Since we were having our Grinch celebration on a weeknight, I didn’t have the time to spend all day in the kitchen. So I looked for a combination of quick/easy recipes, as well as one or two that took just a little more effort.
Menu
- Roast Beast – Mississippi Pot Roast
- Who Hash – Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Grinchy Greens – Canned French Green Beans and Cooked Bacon
- Who Rolls – King’s Hawaiian Rolls
4. Dessert
Who doesn’t love dessert?! What better way to watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas, then with green Grinchy popcorn and floats?
Sprite Float with Lime Sherbet
5. Activities
I found this really cute printable board game. With a few modifications, it fit my preschooler perfectly!
Pin the heart on the Grinch was probably my favorite game! Just watching my preschooler try to get it right, as my one-year-old is trying to stick the hearts all over the wall was hilarious!
These coloring sheets were a perfect filler for those in-between moments of moving from one activity to the next.
6. Book
Once the games ended, sitting down quietly to read How The Grinch Stole Christmas was the perfect transition. It set the tone for some delicious Grinchy treats and movie.
7. Movie
The great thing about throwing a Grinch family night is that you have the option between two great movies. You could go with the classic animated version or the live action movie starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch. Since we have a little ones, the classic animated version was the perfect time frame to hold their attention span and finish out the evening.
Our Grinch night was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! What traditions does your family look forward to?
