Christmas Day Big For Movie Goers

By Margaret Stokes, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- While some people are traveling and others are busy visiting friends and family, many people headed to a place that's always open on Christmas, the movie theater.

Some families said that after all of the stress of shopping, wrapping and cooking that comes along with the holidays, a movie seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

The parking lot was packed, the line to buy tickets long, it turns out a lot of people turn to the movies to entertain relatives and take a much needed break from the holiday rush.

"There is a lull everybody kind of rests after getting something to eat, opening presents and a movie is a great way to come and relax, still do something with the family and just chill out a little bit," said Misty Zelent.

"It's a good way to spend part of the day and it's a good family outing," said Carl Mitchell.

The theater was so packed, not everyone got a ticket for their first choice.

"We wanted to see the one with Brad Pitt, but it sold out," said Jessica Cestie.

And it turns out families don't even have to go to the same movie for togetherness.

"Half of us are seeing Marley and Me and half of us are seeing Valkyrie," said Misty Zelent.

Everyone seems to have a different reason for trading in the turkey for popcorn.

"Yeah, on Christmas day but nothing else is open either," said Cestie.

"We're in the process of moving and our family's not all together. So we're meeting with friends and going to the theater," said Carol Mathews.

Some people even plan for the pricy drinks and candy.

"We put it in our budget because we knew we were going to splurge for it, it's Christmas," said Dana Cox. "This year is really crowded as opposed to last year."

Experts say the end of the year is a popular time to not only go to the movies, but a great time for new films to be released. The end of the year tends to be one of the best times for ticket sales.

Movies released on Christmas day include Marley and Me, Valkyrie, Benjamin Button and Bedtime Stories.

Out of the people The News On 6 spoke with, Marley and Me seems to be the favorite so far, but we will see what happens at the box office.