Cultures, Comedy, and Christmas Spirit Collide in “The Tradition Collision”

Holiday laughter and heartwarming lessons will take center stage as The Tradition Collision has begun rehearsals in anticipation for production in mid-December. Presented by the Franklin County Arts Council, performances are set for December 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 1 p.m. A cast of twenty area children ages 8 to 18 have been cast in the roles representing four families in the sleepy Midwest town of Muckburg.

Written and directed by local playwright Nathan Pralle, his fourth written play and his fifth year as director for the Arts Council, the story unfolds as a medley of global holiday traditions meet—sometimes hilariously—under one roof. From Scandinavian straw goats to Spanish holiday logs, Ukrainian spider-web trees to the Welsh Mari Lwyd, the families must navigate a neighborhood where their typical American holiday has developed a multicultural flair.

“It’s a play about what happens when everyone brings their own idea of Christmas to the same party,” said Pralle. “It’s funny and chaotic at first—but by the end, it becomes a story about empathy, curiosity, and the beauty of sharing traditions rather than competing over them.”

Colorful, comedic, and full of heart, The Tradition Collision celebrates the joy of community and the shared spirit of the holidays.   The show will play December 12-14th at the historic Windsor Theatre, downtown Hampton, and tickets will be available at the door for all three performances.