First released way back in 2000, Bring It On is one of the greatest high school movies ever made.

Though it may seem like it's just a movie about cheerleaders and the boys that they love, it's actually a movie that celebrates friendship, creativity, honesty, and just the joy of being young. It's a movie that perfectly captures how important the little dramas are when you're a teenager and it's a film that even manages to say something worthwhile about economic inequality and systemic racism. It's fun, it's funny, and, best of all, it's real.

Every year, I force my sister Erin to watch it with me. She always says that there's no way I'm going to get her to sit through Bring It On again. But I always manage to talk her into it. It's one of our family traditions and tradition's a good thing. And really, that's the main reason I like Bring It On. It's a movie that reminds me to cherish those little traditions. I know that it'll come on HBO at least once a year, Erin will say that she's no way that she's going to watch it for a thousandth time, and somehow, I'll always talk her into it.

Traditions like that are important. I fear that too many people out there are forgetting that life isn't just about arguing, fighting, and worrying. Life is about those moments that you share with people you love, whether they're members of your family or just your friends. That's one reason why I always make it a point to watch Santa Claus Conquers The Martians with the Late Night Movie Gang. It's something we do every Christmas and I hope it's something that we'll continue to do for many Christmases to come.

For many, this year has been defined by conflict. While I've remained my usual upbeat self, I've seen my own friends get into fights with each other. I've seen people drift away from each other, unable to forgive the fact that someone believes different than they do. It's sad to see but hopefully, our traditions will remind us that, regardless of how we vote or worship or anything else, we're all human and we're all in this crazy world together. Hopefully, people will remember that the person who voted differently than you did can also be the same person that you once shared a joke with, had a drink with, watched a movie with, or shared a moment with.

Our traditions remind us that conflicts are temporary but our shared humanity is forever.

As I said to my sister tonight, as we watched Bring It On: "Spirit fingers!"

And, as I'll say in December: "Hooray for Santy Claus!"

Never give up on the old traditions. And never hesitate to make new ones.