Forget popcorn and peppermint bark this season; it's all about eating what you watch. From "Elf"-inspired spaghetti sundaes to "Love Actually" cheese boards, home cooks are turning their favorite holiday films into edible experiences that are taking over social media.
The immersive experience has multiple courses, and when the food appears in the film, participants eat the same dish.
Here are four different ways to join in on this holiday trend with cult classics that could become a fun tradition.
"Home Alone"
'Home Alone'
One way to taste the movie is through the classic Christmas favorite "Home Alone." Fans have turned the film into a full-course viewing party, pairing scenes with matching bites.
Start with pizza and Pepsi when Kevin finally has the house to himself, followed by popcorn during his carefree jump-on-the-bed movie marathon. Next is a towering ice cream sundae while he watches old movies late into the night. A shrimp cocktail platter makes an appearance when his dad serves it at a holiday gathering, while a simple cheese pizza pairs with the delivery scene. For dinner, enjoy mac and cheese with a glass of milk — just as Kevin does before saying grace at the table. And finally, end on a sweet note with cookies, carrots and milk set out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"
'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'
Fans of Whoville can eat their way through the notorious Christmas icon, the Grinch's redemption story. Starting off with Who hash, using a skillet of diced potatoes, sausage and peppers or onions or cheese served while the Grinch grumbles from his cave.
As the Who's in Whoville sing and feast, move on to the roast beef, prime rib or a roast beef sandwich, a nod to the centerpiece of their jubilant banquet. Pair it with some Who pudding or "Grinchy greens," any green vegetable will do.
When the Grinch's heart finally grows three sizes, finish off the evening with hot chocolate and heart-shaped sugar cookies.
"A Christmas Story"
'A Christmas Story'
This nostalgic viewing menu brings Ralphie Parker's 1940s world straight to the dinner table.
Starting off with oatmeal paired with milk or orange juice, while Ralphie and his brother Randy are eating breakfast before school.
Then go to a Midwestern classic — meatloaf, mashed potatoes and red cabbage — during the family's nightly dinner scenes. While listening to the "Little Orphan Annie" radio show, Ralphie decodes the secret message, only to realize it's a commercial for Ovaltine — drink chocolate milk, a chocolate milkshake or a pudding cup during this scene.
Wrap it all up with Chinese takeout, a fitting end to the holiday throwback.
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'
For those who prefer their Christmas dinners with a dash of chaos, the Griswold family delivers a feast that's as outrageous as it is iconic.
Kick off with spiked eggnog for adults and eggnog for kids, bonus points if enjoyed in moose mugs, while Clark chats with the family. Next up, cereal, while Clark daydreams of a pool with his bonus at work.
Followed by Aunt Bethany's "gift" of Jell-O salad with cat food pieces inside during Christmas Eve dinner, eat a jello mold, instead of cat food use cereal or fruit pieces. Serve cake, cookies or dessert after dinner when the family is trying to keep spirits up by toasting together despite the madness that's ensued. Serve a 'slightly overcooked' roast turkey at the same moment the family's bird deflates onscreen with gravy, as a tribute to the film's culinary disasters. With mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce or your choice of side dishes.
End with a showstopper — leftovers — for a finale as dramatic as Clark's Christmas meltdown, eaten while the squirrel escapes.
