Christmas will be here sooner than you think! What nicer gift than an evening out at the theater? Here're just a few shows we think worthy of being early stocking-stuffers.

You've probably already seen the XL cover or read the AusChron piece (damn, Jonathon Morgan gets around!)—Yellow Tape Construction Company's Ultimate Christmas Musical: The Musical! opened last weekend. We loved it! For some teaser-fun, check out the hysterical photos of elves and santas making "appearances" around Austin, or take a gander at Wylie Maercklein's amazing show shots.

Speaking of show shots, we're convinced by photographic evidence alone that Austin Latino Theater Alliance's La Pastorela is an event to be seen. This annual "shepherd's play" tells the twists and turns the shepherds make on their way to visit the nativity. ALTA's locally written version of the oldest of stories has been running for ten years. Take in this fine piece of Austin theatre lore!

Lastly, we already mentioned a few shows that would be returning this season...and now they're here. Hyde Park's Thom Pain runs Th/Fr/Sa through the 22nd. (See our review later today!) Also, Refraction Arts' The Assumption opens tomorrow and runs Th/Fr/Sa through the 21st. (Do we smell a Giveaway?)

For the rest of the trouserload of theatre in Austin, check out this week's Ist List.