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For the last few years, Nikki Butler and her son Nickolas have made it a point to go to the movies for Christmas.
"Once my kids got older, and we're not wrapping gifts and putting toys together, it was just something we could do together," she said. "That's why we started and why we continued to do it."
She says some families may bond best in front of the Christmas tree, but for them its the big screen.
"As our kids grow, we grow apart. And it's nice to just be able to block out a period of time where we can just be in each other's space. That's all," Butler said.
Nickolas says he and his mother work completely different shifts, so this time together is an extra-special present.
"A day that we're both off," he said. "I want to keep spending it with her, and it's great. I love it."
Nickolas is the one treating his mom to see "Cats" at the AMC theater in the Fashion District in Center City, and it's one of her favorite gifts.
"I hope we can continue to do it for a long time," she said.
According to the National Association of Theater Owners, Christmas is a close second to Thanksgiving for the busiest day of the year for movie theaters.
Robin Paul is one those Americans who spend the day at the movies.
"For the past three years, it's been a tradition," he says.
Paul took his dad to see "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."
He says cabin fever starts to build during the holidays, so they buck some of the traditions.
"I just don't want to do the normal thing that people do," he said. "They cuddle up and enjoy Christmas at home. I'd rather be out."
Herbert Folks says he'd rather be watching a Denzel Washington movie for Christmas, but he'll settle for another blockbuster.
"I come out Christmas, New Years, Easter, all those holidays," he said. "I'll come to the movies if something good's playing."