Movie Night: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This is probably my favorite Christmas movie of all time:  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!  It's so nostalgic and it ups my Christmas cheer every time I watch it.  When Pottery Barn Kids came out with a Rudolph tabletop line my head almost fell off.

This table was too fun to set up!  I found the Rudolph candy at World Market.

My parents gave me this tablecloth last year and I could not wait to bust it out.

I'm pretty sure I let out an actual squeal when I spotted these at my local grocery... Rudolph mugs holding plush a Rudolph and Clarice.  

I used the mugs for pasta because I love all the holiday pastas.  They would also work for soup... or hot chocolate!

I found this pack of bookmarks at Target for a dollar.  We each got a couple to use while we read over Christmas break.

These beautiful cakes were so simple for dessert but so pretty.

We enjoyed hot chocolate during the movie.  The white mugs are from Pottery Barn Kids and the red ones I found with a random hot chocolate set at the grocery a few years ago.  I'm telling you... the grocery store is a great place to find movie night merch.

These hot chocolate toppers were the perfect finishing touch.  You can track some down here.

I love the vintage feel of this movie.  There's something cozy about those holiday classics you know by heart. 

"Ready, Santa!"

This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting my little blog!

Christmas Fun for Families in Colorado

It's Christmas crunch time!  We have less than a week to pack in all the fun, wear all the Christmas socks and jammies, and listen to our favorite Christmas songs.  Today I want to share some of our family's favorite holiday events in the Denver area.  Even if you live elsewhere, these are the kinds of things I think you can find similar versions of in your hometown, or the closest big city.  Also, if you're a crazy Christmas lady like me, you're already thinking ahead to next year!

Breakfast with Santa at The Brown Palace

Oh, this event puts me in the most festive mood every year.  Highlights include live piano music, dancing elves, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and a kid-sized section of the buffet.  Find out more here.  

The Broadmoor

It's worth the short drive to Colorado Springs to visit the Broadmoor at Christmas.  You'll find unbelievable gingerbread creations and a whole Christmas store in its own little house!  There are special events throughout the season as well.

Denver Christkindl Market

Several years ago, we visited Vienna, Austria for Christmas with my husband's family.  I could not get enough of the Christmas markets!  We collected the mugs at each one and still use them each year at the holidays.  Denver's version transports me back to that magical Christmas in Vienna.

The Polar Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum

Another event that turns me into an excited kid at Christmas!  The Polar Express is sold out for this year, but plan ahead for next year!  There are lots of train events around the holidays, but I highly recommend finding a licensed Polar Express.  For years we made a weekend trip to Durango (still my favorite!) until one came closer to home.  Spring for the first class seats... go big or go home!  My kids have yet to outgrow this... it's more fun each year.

Christmas Eve Services at Church

The candlelight service at church is a highlight of the year for me.  If you are looking for a place to attend, visit here.

These are only a handful of the many events in our area, but they are all our favorites.  If I left off one of yours, let me know in the comments!  Also, if you live elsewhere, tell me about the events you love year after year.

Merry Christmas!

Movie Night: Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

KEVIN!!!!!!

It's a double decker movie night... because we love both Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.  Two movies in one night is almost as fun as being on your own without any parents!

I set the scene with a table inspired by Kevin's pranks he used to defend his house against the Wet Bandits.

I had fun rounding up things to put in the center of the table... including Buzz's tarantula. 

I bought empty paint cans at Home Depot and hung them from my chandelier.  This was my favorite part!

When I found this little sign at our grocery store, I had to have it for movie night.

For dinner, obviously, we had, "a lovely cheese pizza just for me."  (Plus one with more toppings for the parents.)

I served ice cream sundaes for dessert just like the ones Kevin orders from room service at The Plaza Hotel.  These Target bowls are a gift that keeps on giving.

"Two scoops, sir?"

"Two?  Make it three.  I'm not driving."

Parental disclaimer... these movies have some language and Kevin acts HORRIBLY at times.  You might be like...

We've seen them so many times we use the parental filter... either hitting the mute button at the right time or loudly asking, "EVERYONE ENJOYING THE MOVIE??? KIDS, DO YOU NEED ANYTHING???" to drown out the bad parts.  My kids also know I'll say, "We don't say that!" an exhausting amount of times.

That said, these movies just never get old for us!  

"Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal."