The Scarborough Theatre brings “The Christmas Spirit” to the stage and with it, a theatrical encouragement to the public to spend quality time with their loved ones this holiday

By: Aliya Karimjee

A banner presenting the actors, the production and design team, the director and the producer of “The Christmas Spirit” production. (Courtesy of Scarborough Theatre Guild)

Santa’s coming down the chimney for his annual delivery, but this year’s present could be a deadly one.

“The Christmas Spirit,” presented at the Scarborough Theatre Guild, encapsulates an off-beat, dark comedy directed by New York-based playwright Frederick Stroppel.

Screening from Dec. 12 - 17, this holiday play reminds the audience of one of the true meanings behind this time of year — being at home with loved ones. Julia Dowling, the focal point of the performance, intends to do just that when the Grim Reaper gives her one last day to live.

During this festive time of year, the story’s family members must try to be on their best behaviour. Gossip, chatter and bickering over disagreements is not an uncommon scene at the Christmas dinner table. But as the play’s plot unveils, so does the message of the vitality of loving and appreciating each other despite familial differences.

Play director Kevin Shaver describes the play as a wonderful story about family that acts as a reminder of the true essence of the Christmas spirit. He encourages everyone to enjoy every moment with family and loved ones.

“Like any other family, there’s always dynamics, but it’s about resolving those problems and dynamics,” Shaver said. “And I think Christmas is all about family, getting together, despite all the issues and problems.”

Family and community values are not just major themes within the play; they are equally present among the production cast and crew of “The Christmas Spirit.”

In a cast consisting solely of volunteers, all participating bodies are passionate about theatre despite coming from various backgrounds, such as teaching, funeral home directing and television production work.

According to cast member Mallory Holmes, the team became their little family through 10 extensive weeks of practice, three times a week for three hours each day.

Many audience members appreciate community theatre, especially when they’re able to spend time with family simultaneously. The feeling of a tight-knit community can be felt as soon as the audience enters the auditorium.

“I’ve been coming here for quite a long time, maybe about 10 years. I just like watching community theatre,” said Mary Gouch, an audience member.

Another spectator, Christina Hampton, had the pleasure of seeing this play as a birthday present from her sister.

The family Christmas celebration set for “The Christmas Spirit” at the Scarborough Theatre Guild. (Courtesy of Scarborough Theatre Guild)

The crew welcomed the audience to further submerge themselves in the experience. At the end of the play, the audience had the opportunity to discuss the show with cast members over drinks and snacks included with admission.

Holmes, who plays the role of Melissa, newly-introduced as son Paul’s girlfriend at the Christmas celebration, said she appreciates the opportunity community theatre has given her.

“I work in television production now so that’s where most of my time is, but then I get to come here and play around,” said Holmes.

As a theatre graduate from York University and a practitioner in television production, Holmes said it has been a “jolly” theatrical experience being able to perform for other theatre-lovers.

“There are specific people in my life that I’ve lost. Seeing that happen right in front of my eyes — even though it’s on stage, and even though it’s acting — it feels real,” said Jarett.

As the holidays quickly approach, this play also acts as a reminder that familial love and affection is a privilege often taken for granted. While the holidays are a busy time for everyone, it’s important to take the time to turn to the neighbours who often get overlooked and under-loved. They deserve it more than most.

For anyone struggling with hard times, grieving a loved one or not making it home for the holidays, we wish you an extra special Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Five timeless treasures you can make yourself to show how much you care

By: Sabrina Scroppo

My earliest memory of the holiday season is one of my mom dressed in a ruffled apron decorated in stains and hovering over our oven while notes of warm vanilla float through the air. With her face powdered with flour, we put together gift boxes of gingerbread cookies to drop on each doorstep in our neighbourhood.

With the commercialization of the holidays, gift-giving is usually accompanied by big box store buy-one-get-one sales and expensive shiny gadgets. Who’s to say that the gesture of giving something homemade doesn’t mean more than a new perfume or a pair of shoes?

Here’s a few DIY Christmas presents your friends and family are guaranteed to cherish and never forget.

Baked goods

There’s no going wrong with a care package of chewy snickerdoodles, cranberry orange shortbread bites or traditional holiday fruitcake. No matter your level of baking expertise, homemade treats are always served with a side of love. Bring back all the nostalgia from childhood traditions and present a platter of festive desserts to your co-worker, neighbour or favourite teacher.

A self-care kit

The holiday season marks the end of a stressful month of deadlines, exams and last-minute tasks. Take the time to relieve your friends and classmates of that stress with a DIY self-care kit.

You can personalize a box with their favourite candy, a book and a candle, with an added handwritten note to get them through the day. Including handmade spa day essentials like bath bombs or face masks are great additions to a gift everyone wants but won’t get themselves.

Handcrafted jewelry

Dedicating hours to a new skill is often rewarding, so sharing what you’ve learned is always a prize. As an affordable alternative to pricey diamonds, a handcrafted bracelet tailored to the person you are gifting makes a unique keepsake. You may choose to string colourful plastic or wooden beads through a thread in a random pattern or even assemble your loved one’s name in a bracelet. A different route could be to create friendship bracelets together using embroidery floss for some extra quality time during the holiday season.

You can also scour Esty’s online shops to support small Canadian businesses and do a little extra good for artistic entrepreneurs this time of year.

Personalized family cookbook

Tucked away and hidden from kitchen messes is the collection of recipes my grade 6 class compiled for a Mother’s Day gift. As a relentless 12-year-old, I knew my mom’s mashed potatoes deserved the first page.

A creative idea for the chef in your life is a handpicked assortment of recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. From your great aunt’s apple pie to your new friend's famous pizza, this unique cookbook won’t be one just anyone could find on a storefront shelf.

Frame anything!

The beauty of a homemade Christmas gift is that it can be personalized in every which way. Wrap a shiny red bow around a family portrait and you have the perfect balance between sentimental and practical.

It is close to guaranteed that any grandparent’s heart will melt over a special scrapbook of memories. A collection of home videos or old collectibles will promise no dry eyes on Christmas morning.