Family movie nights can be a great, easy way to spend some time together. I used to love putting together super fun nights filled with crafts, games, and a themed meal all corresponding to the movie of the night. But that got old (AKA overwhelming) quick. So I came up with a solution: Family Movie Fun. Read on to see what it is and how you can join in!
We LOVE movies in our house. We love snuggling up on the couch, dimming the lights, popping some popcorn, and enjoying a family movie. I also love theming things and putting a little extra special touch on things for my kids.
What I don’t love?
- Unrealistic expectations
- Stress
- Feeling like I have to make everything a production
A couple years ago, I started doing these super fun family movie nights where I’d plan a whole menu around the movie, do a craft, play a game, have decorations, etc. etc. and I got burnt out SO FAST. Yes, it was fun. Yes, my kids loved it. But after the first one, I started to dread it. I had set up this expectation and it was exhausting to meet. I would put off family movie night for weeks because I couldn’t bear the thought of all that work.
How sad is that? We didn’t create those fun moments, laughing and crying over some great films, all because I decided it had to be done a certain way.
The truth was, while my kids loved those over-the-top movie nights, what they really loved was spending time together. They’d rather have a basic movie night than no movie night at all!
Tone it Down
But I still loved the idea of making movie nights a little extra special, a little different than just turning on the tv. So I came up with a solution: now our family movie nights have one food OR one activity–and it’s always super simple.
I’m talking a craft that takes like 15 minutes max to complete (but more like 5-10), and is really easy (because I’m definitely not crafty). Or one food, like a snack item, not a full-scale 7-course meal with fun names for each item that fit the movie characters. Just one simple snack.
So now we either spend a few minutes before the movie making a snack, then eating it while we watch. Or we spend a few minutes making a craft that the kids can hold while we watch. Plus, it only adds about ten minutes to the night, and minimal stress or prep work on my part.
Introducing Family Movie Fun
And guess what the best part is?!
I’m going to post my ideas here each week so you can replicate them in your home! I’m calling it Family Movie Fun. Each week I’ll post a short video on Facebook and Instagram that shows the activity/food. Then I’ll put up a blog post with step-by-step instructions and supply list you can print off.
Join in the Fun
I’d love to see you participate in Family Movie Fun. If you use one of the ideas, snap a pic, post it on social media, and use #familymoviefunwithPIM so I can see what you’re doing.
Stay tuned for the first Family Movie Fun, coming next week!
What’s your favorite family movie?
Britney is a wife and mom with a passion for helping other women see the good inside of them. She loves podcasts, polka dots, and dancing around the kitchen with her family.