Description
Christmas should be a time to focus on the needs of the less fortunate.
Doing so helps the realization that love is the greatest gift of all to give, or receive.
Keywords: Christmas, giving, unemployment, love, family
Beautifully written by former DramaShare member Randy Harding
Cast: 4+ m or f
- Store Santa, adult male 30-50
- Harried Shopper, either gender, 30-50
- Shopper #1, any age, gender
- Shopper #2, any age, gender
- more shoppers would be preferable
Bible Reference: Luke 3:11
Set:
- Store exterior: table or tripod with donations bucket, sign/decorations related to Christmas.
Sound: wireless mics if possible
Song: none
Lighting: standard
SFX: none
Props:
- Hand bell, Christmas-wrapped packages, shopping bags.
Costumes:
- “Santa” wears ill-fitting/shabby costume & beard. Others wear normal street
Special Instructions:
- In order to properly perform this piece there is a need for pausing between lines to allow the interaction to happen between Santa and the individual shoppers. DO NOT rush this. The spoken words are short but the actual run time is 8 minutes or more. The key to the success of this script is the shopers with no spoken lines but ESSENTIAL geatures and reactions, practice this very carefully!
Time: 10
Sample of script:
SANTA stands outside a department store and RINGS a HANDBELL next to a collection bucket. SHOPPERS rush past in a frenzy, dropping a coin or two into the bucket.
Santa, in tired monotone:
Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas.
(to shopper #1)
Thank you, friend, God Bless you.
(to shopper #2)
Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho.
A HARRIED SHOPPER steps out of the store, carrying several packages. The shopper completely ignores the Santa and walks past.
Santa: Ho, ho, ho! (sotto voice, sarcastic) Thanks for your generosity, pal.
Shopper, stopping suddenly, startled: I’m sorry, what did you say?
Santa, feigning innocence:Who, me? I said; ho, ho, ho.
Shopper, perturbed: Actually, I think you said something else, and it sounded pretty surly.
Santa: I don’t know what you’re talking about, friend. Merry Christmas, okay? (continues RINGING BELL) Ho, ho, ho!
Shopper, unwilling to drop it: You know, I don’t think this store would appreciate their Santas being sarcastic. Not that it’s any of your business, but I happen to be in a hurry, and I just don’t have any change for your bucket. Is that a crime?
Santa, growing more uncomfortable: Sure, friend, sure. No problem. You have a nice day and a Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!
Shopper: I’d like an apology.
Santa, stops RINGING, incredulous: An apology?
Shopper: You heard me. The last thing I need today is a guilt trip from a five-dollar an hour Santa. You either apologize or I report you to the manager.
The two glare at each other for several long and anxious moments.
Santa, visibly chagrined:
You’re right, I’m sorry. It was stupid. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.
Shopper: Take what out?
Santa: Christmas.
Shopper, puzzled: Christmas?
Santa: Well, Christmas rage, I guess. Frustration. (a beat) Look, all day long I watch people come in and out of this store loaded down with packages. I mean, this is supposed to be such a tough economy, right? But they’re carrying computers, video games, even plasma TV’s. I’m trying to raise money for people who can barely afford to feed their kids, let along give them these kind of presents, yet what do I get? An embarrassed smile, if they even bother to look me in the eye, and then every once in a while, somebody’ll toss in the change from their frappuccino. Great, huh? Merry Christmas. (RINGS bell)
