The Christmas Dinner

"The Christmas Dinner" by Shepherd Knapp is an endearing play set in a cozy farmhouse kitchen around the turn of the century. It reveals the heart of Christmas through a family's preparations for their holiday feast, exploring themes of family ties, childhood memories, and the magic of the season. Walter and Gertrude, two young children, star with their parents, grandparents, and even magical beings such as Brownies and Fairies. As Christmas nears, family members swap cherished memories, playfully contrasting their childhoods with those of the younger ones. The story culminates on Christmas Day when Santa Claus, with the help of enchanted hazel nuts, magically turns the adults back into children, filling the house with laughter and joy. The story underscores the importance of youthful spirit and the wonder of life, making "The Christmas Dinner" a celebration of familial affection and the delightful magic of Christmas.