Why is October 1st Willy Wonka Day?

Believe it or not, today, October 1, 2015, is the 20th Annual Willy Wonka Day in the Drury Home.

My wife and I began this tradition long ago, and have kept it up all this time. I’m sure you have many questions, so I will give you further information using a handy method I invented where I ask myself hypothetical questions and then answer them. I call this “Frequently Asked Questions.” This is a bit of a misnomer, as the questions are not actually asked that frequently, in fact, in this case nobody has ever asked me any of these questions. On the plus side you can call this a “FAQ” which sounds like “FACK” to the ears.

“FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS” ABOUT THE DRURY WILLY WONKA DAY TRADITION:

What is Willy Wonka Day?

It is a day of joy and happiness caused by excessive nostalgia and sugar intake celebrated annually by the Drury Family.

Why was Willy Wonka Day started?

David and Kathy Drury, on their honeymoon, discovered that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was the only movie they both listed on their “top 10 movies of all time” lists. They created a holiday centered on the movie for this reason.

Who participates in Willy Wonka Day?

Originally the practice began between Dave and Kathy, then extended to their kids. Now anyone can join in.

What is done on Willy Wonka Day?

We all hide candy for each other with nametags signifying what treats are for whom (like Gene Wilder would do, if he also rented a creepy man-sized Easter Bunny costume). We then all look through the house in search of the goodies. After finding them we sit down to watch.

Do you watch the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie directed by Tim Burton?

No.

Why?

The new version is “strictly for suckers” (like contracts). In fact, movie star Johnny Depp was so ashamed he subsequently became a full-time on-screen pirate for the remainder of his career to pay his debts to society.

Do you ever get sick of the movie, or do you children get bored of it?

No. We just get better and better at quoting it at opportune moments. But I shouldn’t expect you to know the answer to this question. Of course you don’t know. You don’t know because only I know. If you knew and I didn’t know, then you’d be teaching me instead of me teaching you – and for a student to be teaching his teacher is presumptuous and rude. Do I make myself clear?

Do your children get tummy aches from all the candy?

Periodically. When they do, we just remind them that a Wangdoodle would eat ten of them for breakfast and think nothing of it.

Can my family do this holiday?

Sure you can. Go for it. Or choose your own favorite movie and make a holiday around that movie. It’s best to choose a movie you can watch over and over again and to add some thematic element related to that movie that you can sustain through the years. This is our 20th annual Willy Wonka Day in the Drury home. (We have traditions watching several other movies on certain classic days of the year, but more on that some other post.)

When does Willy Wonka Day happen?

It occurs annually on October 1st, or as close a night as we can find due to school activities and my travel.

Why does it happen near October 1st, of all days you might choose?

Big fans of the movie know why… Share this page and put “I know why it’s October 1st” in your post if you do. If you don’t know, then watch the movie and find out. Here’s a clue:

And now for something completely different…

Have you heard what Max Lucado said about my book called Being Dad? Here’s his endorsement:

“Everything about this book says: read me! Dads are torn by time demands, wracked by guilt and confused by the thousand and one messages they hear. Fathers need help. This book will provide it. As a longtime friend and coworker of David Drury, I can vouch for his faith and preparation. His words will encourage men to embrace the highest call of their lives . . . fatherhood.” – Max Lucado, pastor and bestselling author

Being Dad by David Drury