When Did People Start Bringing Blankets To The Movie Theater?

When did people start bringing blankets to the movie theater? I've never noticed people doing it until just now and it's blowing my mind. Have you seen more people bringing blankets to he movie theater recently? Or have I just not been paying attention? I feel like I have always been a regular movie-goer up until the pandemic. I've never noticed people bringing blankets to the movie theater until I just went to see Gladiator II this week (great movie for the record) and I kid you not more than half of the people in the theater brought their own blanket with them from home! I have never seen anything like it! Is this a new thing brought about by the pandemic or have people been doing this and I just never noticed? Are People Now Bringing Blankets To The Movie Theater? I was truly jaw dropped standing in the lobby seeing seemingly everyone walk by me carrying their own blanket. It didn't matter what age they were or what movie they were seeing. Older people had their blankets, kids had their blankets, young and middle-aged adults had theirs as well! It also didn't matter if they were going to see Gladiator II, Wicked, or whatever else is in theaters right now--they all had their blankets. Then, as I'm in line to get some overpriced concessions I notice the movie theater is also selling some cheap fleece blankets! When did this become a thing? Sure, movie theaters are always cold. That's why I always go in sweatpants and a hoodie. It's comfortable and will keep me warm and cozy during the movie. Plus, it keeps my skin from touching the chairs because they always feel so gross. There's no way that they're properly cleaned between every showing. That's another reason I would be nervous about bringing a blanket from home to the movie theater. I'd be scared it would catch germs, lice, or fleas. You never know. However, that's besides the point. This isn't about reasons I don't bring a blanket with me to the movie theater. I just never knew it was an option! I have never even considered it until I saw what seemed like everyone else with one at the movies. Another potential problem, what if people think I'm doing something inappropriate under the blanket? People have been busted doing that and that reputation sticks with them! I don't want to be accused of that or look like that's what's happening. Have you noticed this recently? Is it a new thing or have I just not been paying attention? I took to TikTok to ask this question and received some comments about it. Some people commented on how gross it would be to bring a blanket to the movies and others say they've been doing it for years, and some agree that it's a new thing that started during the pandemic and "quiet quitting" era. What do you think? You can watch my video discussing it and check out the comments below! https://www.tiktok.com/@cortfreeman/video/7441942416292351278