The last few years we have closed our Christmas show with Horton and I reading The Night Before Christmas (based on an old Bergen routine)

Now that Jeff did it on his Christmas special, I have had people saying I stole it from him.

I am trying to find a good substitute or a good strong Christmas closer.

Any ideas?

Neal, your not alone. I have been using that idea for many years.

I started doing it at a party at my own home. Perfect with folks in a small circle or large auditorium. My story (like other Laughology routines) is more family friendly. Jeff does help with being accepted more as a ventriloquist. Just finished the 3rd of 4 workshops for teens on the art of Puppetry.(including of course vent)

Songs are always a good way to close. With the audience joining in on either the chorus or last verse. As you know audience participation is a great way to make individuals come together.

Choices can be fun...Mother got run over
to more traditional ..Silent Night...

I have a running gag with Oh Christmas Tree, or Rudolph. Nigel gets it wrong all the way through the program..and then at the end ask for help and gets it.

Used to use the 12 days of Xmas..but find using the whole song is toooooo long.

and of course for church programs...you could tell THE Christmas Story....

or write something from your or you kids experiencing xmas. (I find I can sell things that are more personal to me.

Comment from teacher this afternoon.."you had the students in the palm of your hand from the get go" .....Priceless..


Harris

Neale:

Although I cannot name any specific stories (being Jewish, I'm not fully up on the Christmas literature), I'll bet there are many other heart-warming tales you could find on an internet search.

Or perhaps better yet, maybe there is a Christmas story from your youth you could tell Horton, with some enhancements, if need be. I think something personal from you would be truly heartfelt and would resonate with the audience much more than a poem everyone (even me!) knows.

Bob

Bob, Well said.

Shalom,


Harris