"The Night Before Christmas"(formerly "Solstice") was written during what was for me, a very difficult Christmas. Not only was I dealing with some serious personal issues, but I was also overwhelmed by the plight of other less fortunate people during what was supposed to be a season of faith and goodwill. As I poured most of what I was feeling out onto paper in an effort to sort things out, it occurred to me that I was quite obviously, not the first person nor the last to have to confront these issues and attempt to make sense out of them. I think everyone can relate to "The Night Before Christmas" in that we've all been down, and we've all had our faith challenged at one time or another. In Nick's case, this happens during the holidays, a time when everyone's expectations run high. Although his own life is in disorder, he sees others around him not in tune with the holidays, and this is what sparks his journey and eventual rediscovery of what Christmas should be about. Like Nick, sometimes we're so busy feeling sorry for ourselves, that we don't recognize the positive that can come out of a seemingly bad situation, and that's the human spirit. I think if there's a message in "The Night Before Christmas", it's that no matter how bleak we sometimes perceive things to be, we should never give up hope or faith, because in our hearts they're what give us the strength to forge ahead. I hope those of you who are reading this will have the chance to see "The Night Before Christmas" during the holiday season, and that you enjoy viewing it as much as I enjoyed making it.

-Jerry A. Vasilatos

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