Artist The Santaland Diaries

David Sedaris is an undisputed master of the personal essay, always adding in just enough humor to keep the unvarnished accounts of his life from buckling under the weight of his blistering satire and pathos. “The Santaland Diaries” story was first published in 1994’s Barrel Fever, and it finds Sedaris at the top of his game as he recounts a stint working as Crumpet The Elf at Macy’s. The stage adaptation has become a holiday staple for theaters everywhere, often featuring singing elves and a go-go-dancing reindeer. If nothing else, The Santaland Diaries offer a welcome antidote to the relentless assault of nauseating holiday cheer.

Updated 12/08/2011