Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

We've all heard the term "it's in the cards," but in this case, the reading of tarot by Serena uncovers a truth for Brooklyn that wasn't there to see... at first. It's an insightful and touching story with a touch of magic that even a skeptic might embrace.

A stream of recognition and self-awareness runs through this short and endearing play about two very different men taking their first steps into what we hope is their new lives as friends and -- hopefully -- lovers and partners. Eli and Jeremy both show their brave fronts and tender nervousness as they learn about each other and themselves, and it is done in such a way that its nearly impossible not to feel what both of them feel, and hope that this is the start of -- dare I say it -- a beautiful friendship, quirks and all.

I'm sorry to say -- or am I? -- that until I read this play, I was unfamiliar with the "Elf on the Shelf" plague. But thanks to Matthew Weaver, I'll be sure to tell all my friends and colleagues in Rivendell that those dedicated and passionate defenders of the tribe who work for The Man in the Polar Suit are doing their best to make sure that any Christmas festival that is invaded by EOS's and their madness will not go unanswered. And again, Matthew Weaver, after all these years, still excels at amazing me.

I think what struck me the most about this short Christmas play -- "Christmas" in the sense that it takes place that time of year and the two characters are searching for a place to stay -- was the humanity and vulnerability that shines through. DC Cathro has given us plays that demonstrate these qualities before, but for one very personal reason, this one struck a chord. I believe that it will do the same for anyone who sees it. That makes it a real gift to us, and the title... Well, you'll see.

It can be hard to explain in words how friendships are formed, especially when it involves three middle-aged men of very different backgrounds and life experiences. But the men in Darrin Friedman's story find their way to this unspoken bond by sharing their strengths, weaknesses, hopes, fears, triumphs, and tragedies, in a way that makes us understand them even more. Seth, Javie, and William are people you know -- maybe you're even them -- and this taut and brutally honest story will leave you with a new perspective on friendship and how important it is to life.

I could not help but think of my own late husband doing something as well-meaning and quirkily mis-guided as Brian's attempt to make up for a botched holiday trip to the Florida Keys with ... well, not exactly the gifts of the Magi. While Claire throws every epithet she can think of in repelling the gift, there's love in every caustic barb, and Brian's love shines through. Making a new tradition takes some ingenuity, creativity, and just plain love. I want to see this play regardless of the season.

As a recovering teacher of English, and having just sat through the first episodes of Season Six of "The Crown," I can certify that Scott Sickles nails the royal family -- not to mention their love of the equines -- to a fair-thee-well. This is a hilarious, jovial (comma) sketch, and no one dare say neigh.

The Three Wise Men are schooled to the scams that some theatre producers pull off when they're plucking playwriting pigeons for their submissions. Jennifer O'Grady hits every one of the bait-and-switch tactics that playwrights are bludgeoned with in their attempt to get their play read, much less produced. This is the way to shame the shameless, and I would pay real money to see this in a festival, Christmas or any other time.

Sometimes the glue that holds relationships together -- and even may strengthen the bond -- is the differences two people have in their family and cultural traditions. When Andy brings Julie to Noche Buena in Miami and all the trimmings -- and voices -- that come with it, they have to resolve the conflict while they're standing on the doorstep. To some, compromise is anathema, but in the deft hands of Samara Siskind, they find that love -- as well as a certain cinematic pig -- can bridge the gap.

Watching Dan and Dorie work through their first Christmas in a new place presents obstacles that go beyond the unusual setting for someone who's grown up with Jack Frost nipping at your nose. But these are just the surface issues, and as I have come to expect from Marj O'Neill-Butler, there's much more to discover in the moments we're seeing them try to figure out how to make the season bright. The depth and intricacy we see is as complex, conflicted, and ultimately well-told as any full-length play, and the resolution is genuine, loving, and true.