The Players de Noc cast for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" practices their post-production bow and farewell after a rehearsal. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

I understand that this is a very busy time of year for all of us, but I have just one more thing to add to your holiday list. Go see Players de Noc’s family-friendly production(s) of “The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off!” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” now being performed at the Besse Theatre at Bay College. In this season of bargain hunting, you can rejoice in your two-for-one ticket and enjoy these two holiday-themed productions featuring youth and adult performers telling stories and songs that will make you reflect on Christmas, its traditions, and perhaps more importantly, the true spirit that underlies our annual celebrations.

Players veteran Kelly Pepin directs eight aspiring young chefs all competing in “The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off,” a one-act musical written by Rick Hip-Flores, with songs that tell each individual’s reason for striving for the prize.

The eager roster vying to win the cash and cookbook deal were MacKenzie (played by Zoey Kramer), Amelia (Alizah Knauf), Julian (Joe Micola), Brianna (Braelyn Delveoux), Josh (Ayden Kleen), Hailey (Paityn Hood), Gabe (Monroe King) and Logan (Levi Kenneally). Each character makes revelations that help us see how we all need connection and friendship as we follow our path in life.

Joe Russo shines as host Lawrence Odom, while Dale VanDrese, Kristen Pilot and Macy Neumeier, as the judging panel, keep anticipation high with humorous pontification as the contenders are eliminated. Family members Phil Shields (Mr. Tillman), Dana Harper (Mrs. Beasley) and Panda Wera (Hailey’s grandma) provide thoughtful support as this tasty treat of a show unfolds.

The second half of the evening takes a different slant on revealing the true meaning of Christmas with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” written in 1972 by Barbara Robinson and skillfully and warm-heartedly directed by Karin Beveridge.

This is a tale of the retelling of the birth of Jesus in a way that graciously casts a light into our own hearts. It deals with being kind to people who aren’t easy to like.

The cast brightly animates the story of a small town Christmas pageant gone off the rails when the Hurdman clan with the “worst kids in town” take over the main roles in the play. The Hurdmans are drawn into this unfamiliar church circle through the promise of “free snacks.” This grungy bunch is winningly portrayed by Ty Peterson as Ralph, Hadley Sargeant as Imogene, Declan Wagner as Leroy, Rowan Wyckoff as Claude, Georgia Ellis as Ollie and Tori Feuerbach as the fierce and intrepid Gladys. Grace Bradley (Erika Mead), is the valiant mom trying to hold things together, with the help of steadfast spouse Bob (Darren Widder). Their kids, Beth and Charlie, are genuinely and earnestly portrayed by Amelia Chouinard and Caden Gylock.

The cast as a whole elicits familiar and sometimes unexpected reactions to difficult situations and unexpected grace, with Alice (Genevieve Chouinard), Elmer (Harry Trottier), Maxine (Evie Young), Hobie (Reese Lindstrom), Shirley (Lindsey Dagenais), Dana (Elise Shepeck), Beverly (Danni Kenneally), Doris (Arianna Beauvais), Henry (Henry Shepeck), and the precious angels: Ava Robinson, Charlie Shepeck, Mabel Ellis, Eliza Lee, Willow Petrouske, Aria Petrouske, Addie Lucas and Kinslee Rudden. Helpful — and sometimes unhelpful — guidance is offered along the way by Mrs. Armstrong (Heidi Provost), Mrs. Slocum (Rebecca VanEnkevort), Mrs. McCarthy (Gail Brazeau), Mrs. Clark (Jessica Chouinard), Mrs. Clausing (Erin Totten-Jones), Katelyn Rexford (firefighter) and Jeff Woerpel as the Rev. Hopkins.

Music by Travis Dubord evokes memories of every small-town Christmas pageant (ever!), with nostalgia, and the wonder of miracles.

The cast and production crews deserve an extra-tumultuous round of applause for bringing these joy-filled productions to the Besse Theatre despite the challenges of having their home theatre at the Bonifas catch fire, necessitating rehearsals being held in a variety of venues thanks to the kindness of our community. It put me in mind of some weary travelers from long ago who had no place to stay and yet brought forth a miracle.

And while not quite a miracle, with a few minor flaws and glitches, this night of theater succeeds in sincerely delivering the vision of hope, compassion, friendship and love expressed in these two tales. So while you’re decking the halls with boughs of holly, take a time out to have your spirits lifted and refreshed by these holiday productions.

Performances still can be seen at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Besse Theatre at Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Road in Escanaba. Tickets are available at playersdenocinc.ludus.com. For wheelchair-accessible spots, patrons can call 906-553-9778.