Being home for the holidays is always magical. But it can also be exhausting and overwhelming and frustrating.
Getting out of the house for a change of scenery is a nice idea. Many families head to the mall for last-minute shopping, but just the thought of being around so many people can be overwhelming. But here's a secret: The absolute best place to go for your well-deserved treat is your local movie theatre. And the best way to embrace the specialness of the holidays is to make that a double feature.
“WHAT?! Two movies?! But how is this spending time with family? How is this holiday related?!” - I know this is what you are thinking. But you have forgotten two things that are very important to successful family gatherings. Digestion and being together. It doesn’t matter that the “being together” isn’t always a verbal conversation. You are in a movie theatre having a communal experience. You are gathering the fodder for the conversations that will happen later - either over the main meal or over the leftovers.
If you successfully pull off a family double-feature outing, you have just established a new family tradition!
Here's what you need to keep in mind to get it done:
Who's going: Take a look at the ages and interests of your family. Find the common ground. If possible give everyone the option to veto. (We have found veto power to be a wonderful thing.)
Figure out the showtime math: Identify the films you want to see, then look at the showtimes and running times. Then look at the next showtime for the films.
Start early: It’s possible to start a double feature experience as late as you want, but if you are planning this across generations, earlier is better. Then you get the bonus of discussing the films over supper.
Buy your tickets in advance: Once you have identified the films and done the showtime math, take advantage of Fandango’s advanced purchasing and go ahead and grab your tickets.
Reserve those seats: If you are looking to sit together, reserved seating is your best friend. If you purchase your tickets in a timely fashion you should have no problem creating the best seating configuration for your family. This is especially important for the 2nd film you will be seeing as chances are you may be making it to the theatre during the previews.
No sneaking into the 2nd movie: Seriously. Don’t be THOSE people. You know why and you know better.
Make it a refill: Ever see those GIANT tubs of popcorn and wondered who the heck buys those? Double feature families! Get the biggest tub and ask the concessions worker for some empty water cups. You can use the water cups to dole the popcorn out to your family. Or you can pass the popcorn down the row. Whatever works best!
Bathroom awareness: Look at the theatre number assigned to each film you are going to and then locate the closest bathroom for each. You are welcome.
If your 2nd movie is a 3D - get those glasses before the 1st movie: The ticket taker may go ahead and give you the glasses - but just in case. Ask for them. You don’t want to have to dart back out to a line of moviegoers to grab glasses.
I have so many fun memories of going to double features over the holidays. The best movies come out this time of year and going to the cinema feels more special. Seeing films back to back became one of my favorite things to look forward to. This year will be the first time we attempt to coordinate a double feature with my son. The tradition keeps on going!
Dresden Shumaker is a writer, advocate, and appreciator of (butterless) movie popcorn. She chronicles her adventures in single parenting on CreatingMotherhood.
