Title: Christmas Inside Out: Emotions in the Holiday Spirit
Characters:
Joy (yellow, bubbly and upbeat)
Sadness (blue, gentle and thoughtful)
Fear (purple, jumpy and cautious)
Anger (red, fiery and expressive)
Disgust (green, dramatic and critical)
Anxiety (light blue, worried and fidgety)
Envy (green, jealous and longing)
Ennui (gray, uninterested and bored)
Embarrassment (pink, blushing and shy)
Riley (wearing casual winter clothes, expressing a mix of feelings)
Carolers (a small group of children singing Christmas songs)
Scene 1: The Control Room of Riley’s Mind, Decorated for Christmas
(Joy enters first, excitedly hanging Christmas decorations.)
Joy: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is here, and I can’t wait to make it the
happiest holiday EVER!”
(Spins around, addressing the audience) “Who’s ready for some fun? Christmas makes
everything brighter!”
(Sadness enters, gently touching the decorations, looking thoughtful.)
Sadness: “Sometimes Christmas isn’t just about joy. It’s okay to feel a little down, especially
when you miss someone or something.”
(Turns to the audience) “Do you ever feel sad around the holidays? It’s okay to feel that way.”
(Fear enters, looking around nervously, constantly glancing at the decorations.)
Fear: “What if something goes wrong? What if we forget to get the perfect gifts or we go over
budget?”
(Looking worried) “Is anyone else worried about the holidays not going as planned?”
(Anger enters, stomping in with crossed arms, frustrated.)
Anger: “Ugh, Christmas can be so frustrating! There’s always too much to do, and everything’s
rushed!”
(Turns to the audience) “Can anyone relate? Sometimes the holiday madness drives me crazy!”
(Disgust enters, looking at a set of Christmas sweaters with disdain.)
Disgust: “And what’s with all the cheesy holiday movies? They all have the same plot!”
(Smirks and glances at the audience) “Who’s with me on the predictable movie marathons?”
(Anxiety enters, nervously looking around and fidgeting with a Christmas ornament.)
Anxiety: “What if things go wrong? What if we forget someone’s gift or the food gets burnt?
There’s so much to worry about.”
(Turns to the audience) “Anyone else feeling anxious about the Christmas preparations?”
(Envy enters, glancing jealously at some perfectly wrapped gifts.)
Envy: “Why does everyone else always have the best holiday decorations and gifts? I wish I
could be like them!”
(Turns to the audience) “Does anyone else ever feel envious of other people’s Christmas
celebrations?”
(Ennui enters slowly, looking uninterested and yawning.)
Ennui: “Honestly, I don’t see what the big deal is. Christmas is just the same every year. Same
decorations, same songs. I’m bored.”
(Turns to the audience) “Anyone else feeling a little... meh about Christmas?”
(Embarrassment enters, blushing and avoiding eye contact.)
Embarrassment: “Uh-oh, I just realized I’m the one who accidentally wore the wrong outfit to
the holiday party... again.”
(Looking embarrassed) “Does anyone ever get embarrassed during Christmas gatherings? It’s
hard to avoid!”
Joy: “Hey, everyone! I know we all have different feelings during Christmas, but that’s okay.
Every emotion plays an important part in how we experience the holiday season.”
(Encourages the audience) “Let’s remember, it’s okay to feel whatever we’re feeling!”
Scene 2: Riley’s Living Room
(Riley enters, holding a Christmas card, her face showing a mix of emotions. She sits down and
looks out the window as snow falls outside.)
Riley: “Why do I feel so many things at once during Christmas? I’m happy, but also a bit
anxious and sometimes even frustrated. Is that normal?”
Joy: “Riley, every emotion you feel is valid. Christmas isn’t just about joy; it’s about embracing
all the feelings that come with it. Respecting each emotion helps you truly understand yourself.”
(Joy turns to the audience, her tone serious yet warm.)
Joy: “We often think we should only feel happiness during the holidays, but respecting every
emotion—whether it’s joy, sadness, or even fear—is what makes this season special. Who here
has felt more than just happiness during the holidays? It’s okay; you’re not alone.”
(Sadness steps beside Joy, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.)
Sadness: “When you acknowledge and respect your emotions, even the tough ones, you find
strength. Feeling sad when you miss someone or feeling anxious when things don’t go as
planned is part of what makes us human.”
(Anger, Disgust, and the other emotions join in, nodding in agreement.)
Anger: “It’s true. When you respect your frustration, you can channel it into making things
better, not just for yourself, but for those around you.”
Anxiety: “And recognizing worry helps you prepare and stay mindful. It’s not a weakness; it’s a
reminder to stay grounded.”
(Riley looks at her emotions and smiles, understanding dawning on her face.)
Riley: “So, it’s okay to feel everything—the happiness, the sadness, the stress—all of it? That’s
what makes Christmas real?”
Joy: “Exactly, Riley. When we respect and understand our emotions, we find deeper joy and
connection. And that’s the real gift of the season.”
Final Dance:
(Transition to Dance)
Music: An upbeat mashup of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Formation:
Main Emotions at the center, leading the dance.
Emotion Helpers and Dancers fill the stage in festive outfits.
Carolers step to the side, clapping along and singing the chorus.
Choreography Ideas:
Simple, synchronized moves with each emotion showcasing their own unique style (e.g., Joy
does twirls, Sadness sways, Anger stomps and claps, Fear jitters, Disgust rolls her eyes, Anxiety
wrings hands, Envy looks around jealously, Ennui does slow, uninterested moves,
Embarrassment blushes and shies away).
Ending Pose:
(All characters freeze in place, smiling and holding props like candy canes or stars.)
Joy steps forward and says: “Merry Christmas, everyone! Remember, every emotion is a gift,
and together they make the holiday season even more special!”
(Turns to Riley) “Thanks for embracing every feeling, Riley. Merry Christmas, everyone!”
