The long weekend paid dividends to the box office. The three-day total was up 34% over the year before. Christmas on Tuesdays means “Let’s go to the movies.”

On Christmas Day, new films opened with a strong showing: MGM’s “The Great Debaters” and “Aliens vs. Predator — Requiem.”

“Debaters” did $3.6 million in one day, and “Aliens” did $9.5 million in one day.

Disney’s “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” continued to hit pay dirt, grossing $65.4 million in the first five days.

“I am Legend” maintains it’s runner-up spot while “Alvin and the Chipmunks” followed at number three.

“Sweeney Todd” made number four spot, and much publicized “Charlie Wilson’s War” came in fifth., followed by “P.S. I Love You.”

I would have liked to see higher numbers for “Charlie.” With the Oscar winning actors and director and talented screenwriter, you’d think it would have done better.