Christmas night a big night for movies at Marcus North Shore Cinema

MEQUON -- On Christmas, not much is open. Many places closed down for the day so employees could be with family. However, there were a select few places that were open for business, and a few people out and about, participating in some alternative Christmas activities.

At the Marcus North Shore Cinema in Mequon, Christmas night is one of the busiest nights of the year.

"Every year we come to a movie after we've had a Christmas brunch at our house. We actually came to see 'This is 40' but it sold out so we're staying. We bought a pitcher of beer so we can wait for an hour," one patron said.

Three new films premiered Tuesday at Marcus, and employees kept the popcorn at the ready.

For Brad Tenin, who is Jewish, Christmas Day was just another day. 

"It's kind of a normal day. The only thing that stunk was the gym was closed. I'm Jewish, so like a good Jew -- we go to the movies and eat Chinese food," Tenin said.

After visiting his father in the hospital, Andy Christman also had Chinese food on his mind.

"I just thought I'd find somewhere that was going to have food and from A Christmas Story, you know that the Chinese always are open on Christmas," Christman said.

These folks say having an alternative Christmas is their ticket to relieving some holiday stress and celebrating the season.

"I think it's just fun to leave the house and leave the mess and go see a good movie," one person said.