Alone on Christmas Day? 10 movies to watch plus their perfect snack pairings

How the Grinch Stole Christmas means popcorn! plums! and roast beast

We didn’t have a video or DVD player when we were young. So every Christmas season, we would sit wide-eyed in front of our television and watch the 1966 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Could anyone take on that grumpy character more believably than Boris Karloff?

With apologies to Boris Karloff fans, we’ve become believers in the talent of Jim Carrey, who plays the Grinch in the 2000 version of that Dr. Seuss classic. The fantasy comes to life under the direction of Ron Howard. Carey as the terrifyingly cold-hearted Grinch (his attempt at smiling is even scarier than his sneer!) is perfectly supported by a talented cast including Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, and Molly Shannon.

But our favorite character in How The Grinch Stole Christmas isn’t even a human.  Applause, please, and a dog biscuit (or two…or three…) for the delightfully adorable Max the dog. According to Screenrant, the talented pup is actually a female dog named Kelley. Five paws up for Kelley exchanging those sweet little glances with Carrey. You’re the modern-day version of Toto in the Wizard Of Oz, doggy girlfriend!

While you’re giving your own dog some biscuits as a consolation for admiring another pup, consider the unusual options for what to feed yourself while you’re watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Dr. Seuss provides some clues in the book.

When the Grinch is on his stealing spree, his thefts include “Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums! Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums!” (Note: In honor of the green makeup, you could wash it all down with green juice.)

So get the popcorn popping as the credits roll and bring out the plums. Then, if you’re feeling really hungry, channel your inner Grinch and let the warm glow of Christmas spread as you carve the, er, roast “beast” (we’re suggesting you substitute turkey).

“And he, he himself… the Grinch.. .carved the roast-beast!”

We wish you the happiest of holidays this season, and hope you enjoy your Christmas — however you spend it!