Happy Brother's Day!

Three brothers - Harry (10), Liam (9) and Andrew (7) - wanted a day to celebrate their love for each other, so they decided to create Brother's Day. They make food, exchange small gifts and spend the day doing fun, brotherly stuff. They've been celebrating Brother's Day for six years!

The video was produced by Kristen McGregor and Jennifer Treuting. Be sure to read our interview with them after the video about what it was like to produce this short documentary.




Why did the brothers create this day?
 
We think the oldest brother, Harry, had the most to do with this one. All of the brothers have a wonderful awareness of how special their bond is, and the importance of celebrating it, and besides, Brother's Day is a way to have a day just for brothers (instead of only celebrating Mother's/Father's Day).

How did the brothers react when you told them you wanted to do a documentary about their special day?

Kristen: They were definitely excited when we told them. They were thrilled that we wanted to share their enterprising and touching day with other sibling sets!
 
Jen: They also had a lot of great questions about our production process and hoped the finished film would inspire other families.

How did you first meet Harry, Liam and Andrew?
 
Jen: My mom works at the local library in my hometown, and when I was getting ready to cast a short film that I was shooting in the area, she helped me put together auditions. Working in the library's Children's Room, she runs into a lot of wonderful kids (readers have awesome imaginations!). Harry and Liam both auditioned.
 
While they weren't right for that particular project, there was something special about the brothers. They had a really unique perspective compared to a lot of other children their own age. They stuck in my head long after the auditions.
 
Kristen: A few months after that, I was working on a global research project, and Jen set me up to do fielding at the local library (where her mom works) - that's how I met the boys.

What made you want to produce this documentary?

Kristen: Upon my return from my research trip, Jen and I compared notes and the boys came up, of course. When she mentioned that they started this holiday called Brother's Day together, and had been doing it for years, we realized that we had to produce this! Seeing as we are both children's television producers, it was a natural fit - being in the right place at the right time sort of a thing!

Jen: Honestly, how could we not share their story? We got more and more excited as we realized we were talking about the same family of boys.
 
Can you describe what the film day was like?
 
Kristen: It was long! We started with a three-hour drive up to their town. Once we arrived, we hit the ground running with a jam-packed and coordinated schedule.
 
Jen: Before the shoot, we worked with the boys' mom, Noeleen, to figure out what activities they had planned for the day. The boys really led this - we didn't ask for anything special to happen for the documentary, and just followed what they had already organized. We tried to be as unobtrusive as possible.
 
Kristen: Since Brother's Day is all about spending the day with your brothers, the boys take it pretty literally, and try to spend as much time together as humanly possible. Of course, with this level of intensity, there were times when Harry, Liam and Andrew would get into small arguments, but all was resolved with a little space and a hug, which was inspiring for us grown-ups to witness in person.
 
How do the boys celebrate Brother's Day? Are there gifts, cards and food?
 
Kristen: Brother's Day is on the last weekend in April - either the Saturday or Sunday (depending on the boys' softball schedules, of course).
 
In the words of oldest brother Harry, "Brother's Day isn't about the gifts; it's about your family." The gifts are under $10, and include things like cards, cake mixes to bake together, handmade bead charms, used books, etc. One of the best things we appreciated is the lack of material things needed to celebrate Brother's Day.
 
Jen: Each year, they do something a little different. This past year, they had a picnic at a local park and Andrew treated Harry and Liam to ice cream. Baking or cooking together seems to be a popular activity. Instead of cupcakes, the boys made cookies this year.
 
When picking the perfect gift for Brother's Day, it's really the thought that counts. One year, apples were given as a gift because they were one of the boys' favourite foods.

What do their parents think about the day?
 
Their parents are definitely supportive of the holiday, and let the boys really take the reins on how they choose to celebrate. They take a backseat on the day, helping when needed, but otherwise, letting it truly be all about the brothers.
 
When Noeleen, the boys' mom, saw the finished documentary, she said that she teared up with joy. The story her boys tell is remarkably touching.
 
Does anyone else in their town celebrate Brother's Day?
 
Not yet! The best thing that we're hearing about the documentary is that kids are watching it, and then after, coming up with a special way to celebrate their siblings. To kids, this is a holiday that totally makes sense.

Can you share any tips on how kids can celebrate their own Brother's or Sister's Day?
 
Kristen: Keep it about the family, not about the gifts. If you get impatient with each other, take a break. Hug often. Cherish the unique personalities your siblings are, and your bond together.
 
Jen: Pick a date that works for you, whether you work it around softball, summer camp, play rehearsal, whatever. Be flexible and remember why you're doing it. Have fun.