This is a wild card. Some movie theaters open their doors on Christmas Day. Why? Because families go. They go to escape. They go to watch a superhero punch something after hearing “Jingle Bells” for six hours straight.
Call ahead. Seriously. Don’t just show up expecting a showing of a 1998 rom-com. But if they’re open, it’s a vibe. Popcorn for dinner? Yes, please. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a reason.
The Final, Grumpy Truth
Here’s the thing: most big stores—Target, Walmart, Costco, Best Buy—are closed. Like, locked-up, nobody-home closed. Don’t waste your gas. Don’t be the person who pulls on a metal gate at 2 PM.
So, what do you do? You embrace the chaos. You pivot. You go to a gas station for a frozen pizza. You learn to love a microwave burrito next to the tree. You remember that the holidays aren’t about the butter. They’re about the people—and the open convenience store that saves your bacon.
Merry Christmas. Now go get that Snapple.
