When the holidays are knocking on the door and everyone’s off for work, it’s time to break out the feel-good movies. How do you pick? Well, here’s what you can do to squash sudden rebellions.
4
Bring Plenty of Snacks
How’s anyone going to argue if they’re eating? I know I wouldn’t be doing any talking if I was stuffing my face with popcorn, cookies, and chips. Of course, you’d want some candy thrown in there, too. Arguably, the best method is a variety of treats people can throw together themselves.
Cookies and fudge are wonderful, but so is a bowl of M&Ms, gummies, pretzels, and so on. A little customization makes movie night a little more personal, and in my house, we end up sharing each other’s crazy concoctions. Just keep the portions small to avoid sugar crashes and upset tummies. Us adults will definitely be resorting to the best ways to detox after all that holiday food.
3
Make Sure Everyone is Comfortable
It doesn’t matter if it’s the holidays or a night in the summer—comfortable seating is the bedrock of your holiday movie night. Think of it as an indirect way of deterring arguments. If someone is uncomfortable and shifting in their seats all the time, they’re going to be a bother to others.
I like moving the coffee table out of the way for movie nights. That way, I can throw down a couple of thick blankets and pillows, just in case any of my kids (or myself) want to camp on the floor for movies. Oh, and give at least each person a bit of elbow room in the event someone needs to readjust themselves.
It also wouldn’t hurt to set the mood. These are holiday movies, after all, so maybe cut the lights, turn on the Christmas tree, and a festive candle or two. Together, it’ll create one less point of argument.
2
Create a List of Movies Everyone Agrees On
Now for the hardest part: choosing a movie to watch, of which there are a myriad of festive Christmas movies to spark everyone’s holiday spirit. If you’re having multiple movie nights in a row, you’re going to have a much easier time, but I find the best way to decide which movies to watch is to:
- Curate a list of holiday movies beforehand, but keep it small. Five is a good number.
- Everyone chooses a handful. No more than two.
- Narrow down that list to the ones that overlap, and pick one.
With this method, you’re minimizing the outliers, especially if you keep the original curated list small. Anything more than five, and you start introducing choice paralysis and infighting. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
In the event someone does end up picking an outlier, then consider giving them a tablet to watch and a pair of headphones. If you have a second TV, you could set up the movie there, too.
1
Give Others Alternative Activities
I’m going to commit a holiday sin, but I don’t want to watch A Christmas Story again or really any of the classic holiday films that have been played for decades. If any of those movies got chosen, I’d want a way out and others should be afforded the opportunity, too.
I recommend having alternative activities for those who want to do something more active, such as:
- Board games
- Video games
- Arts & crafts
- Reading books
- Playing outside in the snow
Honestly, anything that gives people more options will be a winner. Not everyone is into movies, and it creates friction if you force someone into sitting there for nearly two hours. I know I wouldn’t mind changing things this year with a few Christmas audiobooks.
In other words, the best way to decide on a holiday movie is to ensure everyone’s fed and comfortable. At that point, you can get people to agree on just about anything. I might even watch A Christmas Story for the millionth time if you enticed me with homemade cookies!
