Using a skillful blend of irony and humor, this work is designed to reveal the realities of Christmas -- both the detrimental and the divine. Involving no scenery or props, cast members address visualized listeners as if no interruptions from other characters or changes of subject occur. Lines may be read or recited and the cast may stand or be seated on various levels. No one needs to move about, though use of pantomime is suggested in some cases.

Characters include:

- Patient -- a resident of a nursing home

- Homemaker -- a food-happy matron

- Shopper -- a wealthy, materialistic socialite

- Sportsman -- a ski enthusiast

- Merchant -- a toy store owner

- Traditionalist -- a sentimental Swedish-American grandmother

- Corporation Man -- a heavy-drinking partygoer

- Child -- a greedy little girl

- Working Wife -- a frazzled victim of the Christmas rush

With a presentation time of about 30 minutes, this creative, easy-to-produce play can be used in a variety of situations and settings. It will be one of the most popular programs of the entire year. Copying privileges included.

Jerry Nordstrom, a former teacher, was director of drama and produced over 50 plays and musicals at Minnehaha Academy, a K-12 Christian school in Minnesota. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the University of the South. He currently resides in Minneapolis.