COUNT down to Christmas with a festive family movie night.
If the price of a cinema trip leaves you feeling a bit Scrooge-like, though, here is how to host your own film night on a budget . . .
STREAM FOR FREE: First, find your movie.
This year, there is no need for a subscription as the main TV channels are showing plenty of films.
Catch Home Alone and Home Alone 2 on Channel 4, watch The Holiday on BBC iPlayer or stream Love Actually and The Grinch on ITVX.
Another option is to check out the Great! Christmas free-to-view channel, which will be streaming festive films exclusively until the new year.
SET THE SCENE: Atmosphere is everything, so create your own little festive grotto.
Turn off the lights and use the glow from the Christmas tree to light the room. You can also drape some fairy lights for a magical festive effect.
For the full at-home cinema experience, get creative and have a go at making your own ticket stubs.
SNACK ATTACK: Instead of pricey cinema popcorn, make your own festive version at home.
Head to Tesco and pick up a bag of popcorn kernels (£1.90), a bar of Molly’s white chocolate (65p) and a pack of gingerbread men (£1.40).
Make the popcorn on the hob, drizzle over the melted white chocolat then break up the gingerbread and stir it through for a delicious snack.
The 500g bag of kernels will last for several movie nights so you can always whip up another batch of popcorn during the Twixmas period.
INTERVAL TREATS: Pause halfway for some homemade hot chocolate.
At Asda, grab the Festive Gingerbread Flavour Hot Chocolate (£2.89) then try adding some giant marshmallows (reduced to 98p).
Bonus points if you can make it in a milk frother for that barista effect.
Thirsty parents can also make a batch of mulled wine to sip on.
A bottle of Grove Manor mulled wine is only £2.39 at Aldi.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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Little helper
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SAVE: £8
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