It could be said this Christmas tradition has become its own blockbuster hit, even before the movie gets rolling.

For the eighth year in a row, a local family is getting into the Christmas spirit by giving back in an unique way.

Tanya Tait, (who works at Langley MP Mark Warawa’s office,) along with her husband Chuck and two children, Kennedy, 11, and Peyton, 8, have been renting out the historic Clova cinema each Christmas season and inviting all their friends, family and soccer teams, etc., to come take in a festive movie by donation.

All the donations raised that morning go to the Langley Christmas Bureau to sponsor at least one big family, and make sure they have a special holiday.

This year they are playing Jim Carrey’s version of A Christmas Carol on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m.

“People are very generous. We take what is donated and buy the gifts, Christmas dinner etc.  Secretly, we invite the sponsored family to the film also, but only they know who they are. We keep it very discreet. They love seeing the love and generosity that is poured out to them and others,” said Tait.

“Chuck and I buy or conjure up door prizes throughout the year and spend the first half hour just giving stuff away. The kids love it.”

It doesn’t end there.

“We’d hate to have an empty seat go to waste, so we give 100 tickets and concession vouchers to the Christmas Bureau and they give them out to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to see a movie at Christmas time. So it’s a double win/win,” she said.

“This is our eighth year and people now tell us it’s one of their families’ favourite Christmas traditions,” she said.

“We enjoy doing it for the community, and well, it just feels good!”

Doors open at 10 a.m. Admission is by donation. It is suggested at least $3 per person. For more details call 604-514-6559. The Clova is located at 5732 176 St.