Santaland Diaries

A Macy's Santaland in Portland, Oregon (2008)

"Santaland Diaries" is an essay written by David Sedaris. It is a humorous account of Sedaris' stint working as a Christmas elf in "Santaland" at Macy's department store.

Sedaris first read the essay on National Public Radio's Morning Edition on December 23, 1992.[1] The piece was well received, and provided Sedaris with his first major break.[2] Sedaris later published the essay in the collections Barrel Fever (1994) and Holidays on Ice (1997). A much longer version of the piece first aired on December 20, 1996, on the Public Radio International program This American Life.[3] In 1996, Joe Mantello adapted Sedaris' essay for the stage as a one-man, one-act play, which debuted (as The Santaland Diaries) at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York City on November 7, 1996.[4] Timothy Olyphant originated the role. Mantello's adaptation has since become a seasonal staple of regional, college, and high-school theatre.[1]

  1. ^ a b Lane, Raymond M. (2005-12-23). "Acerbic Adventures in 'Santaland'". Washington Post. Retrieved 2006-12-29.
  2. ^ "Sedaris and Crumpet the Elf: A Holiday Tradition". NPR website. Retrieved 2006-12-29.
  3. ^ "Christmas and Commerce". This American Life website. 20 December 1996. Retrieved 2011-12-24.
  4. ^ "Offstage: An Audience Guide to The Santaland Diaries" (PDF). Long Wharf Theatre website. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2006-12-29.