←Recommendations of Cookie Cutter Christmas

Haunting words from a master. I appreciate how Partain doesn't go for the simple, easy answers here, but instead leans into the melancholy and the grief, and shows the underbelly of losing oneself in those emotions as well - as well as the importance of expressing them to those people who love us most. This play is a hug, occasionally a cozy one, but it's also a hug in solidarity and a hug offered to bring comfort in times when joy seems unachievable.

Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is a deeply moving tale of a ghost from Christmas past whose annual visit leaves her grieving son unable to move on. The repetition of the visit over the course of 18 years is a clever device, and works brilliantly as evidenced in an excellent audio production by Ruby Sky Productions. I highly recommend giving it a read and a listen.

This play was so beautifully written and so exceptionally haunting yet comforting. Francis having the chance to speak to his late mother ever year after her death even though she says the same words over and over again, that one moment of her being there is truly special. The ending was heartbreaking because Francis has a breakdown but his mother continues to say the same lines until she disappears. A spiritual play that examines how the human connection stays even after their gone. Beautiful.

12.10.24 - I just listened to Ruby Sky's production of this. It's beautifully realized. A tale of grief that somehow becomes a gift that keeps on giving. Francis is able to communicate with his late mother who passed making holiday cookies and who now visits with him every Christmas. It's poignant, touching and leaves you wanting to gather those closest to you and hold them tight. You never know when the unexpected might take them away. Lindsay Partain has given us something special.

What Lindsay Partain has created here is exceptionally haunting. There is something so eerie about this scenario, but you can’t help for feel for this character who must bare the weight of this knowledge. A lovely piece to read as we come up on the holiday season.

A play filled with holiday spirit and the human spirit too. A poignant play that many can relate too. Beautifully done.

A beautiful and moving play about grief during Christmas time. Deeply touching.

This is very touching. What an incredibly crafted show and as an audience member you're hoping for one little moment, one moment of change. Lindsay does an incredible job of not allowing that moment of change though and we are all better for it. Forcing Francis to find hope and life in Selena. It's brilliant and creative.

This is such a beautiful play by Lindsay, moving, poignant and emotional. The idea itself is inspired, a yearly visit from a loved one stuck in a loop, how could anyone move away from a yearly opportunity to see a loved one passed? Simply stunning!

This short play absolutely gutted me!!