All I Need for Christmas
Goldie, Frank, and Myrna, three counselors at an emotional helpline, have devised a way to have Christmas Eve off this year. They have engaged Thomas Wellmore, a charming but self-centered Wall Street type, to man the phones. He willingly embraces the opportunity to “balance his karma” and “do something real at Christmas for those less fortunate.” As the evening wears on and no one calls, he becomes increasingly irritated and his true character is revealed. Then, at the stroke of midnight, a cleaning woman enters with her young son, Christopher. Though the eyes of this mysterious child, Thomas is forced to examine himself and he learns what is really important in life. It is a humorous and heartwarming story about the spirit of Christmas. Approximately 45 minutes. (Some mature language which can be modified, if necessary.)
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT ANNETTE TRINGHAM TALKS ABOUT HER PLAY
“ALL I NEED FOR CHRISTMAS”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: A married couple I knew wanted to spend their Christmas helping out at a local homeless shelter instead of buying each other gifts that they really didn’t need. When they called to offer their assistance they were told the shelter was “overwhelmed by volunteers at this time of year” and their assistance wasn’t needed. My friends were quite disappointed. It struck me that instead of being happy that the homeless would be well taken care of, they were sad because their plan to do something good for people had been thwarted. I knew there was a play in there somewhere.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: “Sometimes the simplest things are the most beautiful if you just hold them up to the light. Everyone should have a kaleidoscope.” The line reminds me that things we take for granted may be the things that make us happiest. We need to look at them with fresh eyes sometimes.
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM? ARE THEY BASED ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
A: The characters are all fictitious.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: In writing this story, I hoped to convey that we shouldn’t let life become so complicated. If we can remember to look at things with the simplicity of a child we’ll see that they sometimes make more sense. And also that wealth of the soul is more important than wealth of the pocketbook.