Christmas spectacular play
We are outside on Turtledove Ln. in Louisiana. The Caroling Troupe is deciding what to sing and which house to go to first.
Carol: Okay, this is what we’re going to do. We are opening with Jingle Bells, followed by Silent Night and closing with We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
Joy: Even though all those ideas are GREAT… I really feel like we could close with a better song.
Carol: And what exactly do you suggest?????? JOY?
Joy: Well, CAROL… Personally, I think Joy to the -
Ethel: OH! Like your name? Joy?
Joy: Oh wow! What a coincidence. I think that’s a sign… like the star in the east.
Carol: You know I think solid planning is better than signs. I have worked on this setlist since last Christmas. And you can’t just…
Patricia: Don’t we only have 3 songs? Was that really so much work?
Ethel: Patricia! Carol does SO MUCH for this Caroling Troupe. So many sleepless nights. Tears on her face…
Joy: (under breath) dear God…
Carol: Ethel. Thank YOU for appreciating and understanding me. It means a lot. Ethel.
Patricia: I have to be home by 9:00. So are we still doing this?
Joy and Carol stare at each other. A light comes on in the first living room. Lights on the rest of the stage go dark.
SCENE 1
The living room has a couch and television. But is dominated by all the Christmas decorations. A large family photo is in pride of place above the t.v.. Stocking hung above the “fireplace”. Daisy’s is obviously different. She has attempted to paint it black with nailpolish. It is a travesty. And Becki is trying to ignore it. Becki is screaming.
Becki: CHRISTMAS! IT’S CHRISTMAS! WAKE UP EVERYBODY!!!!
Emily runs into the living room. She is wearing elf ears and clutching a christmas blanket. Wearing a Santa/Reindeer onesie.
Emily: I’m so excited!
Hugs Becki. They both cry.
Becki: Mr. Smith!!! Get Daisy down here! Christmas is here!
Mr. Smith drags an unwilling Daisy into the living room. She is covered in a black blanket. She is not happy. Becki tries to hug Daisy. Daisy fights her from under the blanket. Emily sneaks up behind her and grabs the blanket.
Emily: SURPRISE! IT’S CHRISTMAS!
Daisy glares. Becki is hurt because she didn’t hug her.
Mr. Smith: Daisy. Hug your mother. It’s Christmas.
Daisy hugs her mom from faaaar away with one arm. Becki grabs her in bear hug. Emily joins in grabbing Mr. Smith into the family Hug.
Becki: I wish we had a photographer! This moment in perfect! Right, Daisy?
Daisy growls. And throws arms around and gets out of the hug.
Emily: Can we have pancakes? Or should we watch a movie? Or can I open that BIG present over there?? Please? Please????
Emily is shaking the biggest present under the tree.
Becki: Well…
Mr. Smith: We open stockings first. That’s tradition.
Becki: Oh! Yes! Daisy? Will you go gather the stockings I hung by the chimney with care???
Daisy doesn’t move.
Emily: I’ll get them mom! (star child for life)
Mr. Smith: Becki. Where is the leftover christmas punch?
Becki: Mr. Smith! It’s not even noon! You don’t want to get put on the naughty list!
Daisy groans and lays down, covering her face. Emily brings the stockings, trying to hide the mutilated one. Looks concerned. Hands Mr. Smith his.
Emily: Here you go, dad! Is that a toothbrush?
Becki: MAYYYBEE?!?!
Emily sets hers down on the couch.
Emily: Mine is heavy!
Becki: You’ve been a good girl!!
Emily hands Becki hers. Emily tried to hide Daisy’s. Becki sees and snatches it.
Becki: Daisy…. What happened to your lovely stocking???
Daisy: (rolls over and takes blanket off of face)
Becki: Your grandmother made this for you when you were a baby!
Daisy: (covers face again)
Becki: I…. I just don’t understand. Why? Why do you have to ruin things? What is so awful about Christmas? What is so awful about this family? All I wanted was for us to open our presents and eat christmas pancakes and share a few happy memories. I guess that’s too hard for you? Emily doesn’t seem to be struggling? Why are you? Why are you always struggling? I mean, from your inability to smile for family photos or being nice to your grandmother or to do simple things like having dinner with your family or making friends or even just a simple good morning?! What did I do wrong with you! Your sister is fine! She can say good morning? WHAT DID I DO TO YOU TO MAKE YOU THIS WAY?
Daisy cries.
Mr. Smith: Now see here Becki…
Enter the carolers…
The Caroling Troup rings the doorbell, lights come up on them, upstage of the Smith Household. They are perfectly arranged, holding their hands in the traditional caroler position. Singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”.
Emily: Oh It’s Carolers!
Becki is still fuming. Exhausted by her rant. Mr.Smith sits down and reads the paper. Daisy crawls away under the cover of her blanket. Emily tries to get Becki to enjoy the carolers.
Emily: “We wish you a merry christmas…” (singing along grabbing Becki in a hug)
The lights fade on the Smith household as the carolers finish their song.