XENIA — Xenia Area Community Theater (X*ACT) will host is 2018 Christmas show “Believe!” opening weekend 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

It’s 10 days before Christmas, and 15-year-old Alex Norton is struggling. He’s always loved Christmas, but the shine has left his favorite holiday. He sees Christmas as nothing more than an over-hyped, greedy, present-grabbing time of year.

Where is the peace in this season that’s supposed to be all about the Prince of Peace? Alex wants to believe in something … but what? Reluctantly, he participates in “Project Christmas” at his church, where members of his youth group are preparing items for the homeless.

First, we get a glimpse of the younger children’s adorable Christmas pageant rehearsal, including a child in half a donkey costume and a herd of adorable sheep complaining about their itchy wool costumes. Still not warming up to the season, Alex is finally convinced by Angela, a young friend who Alex finds out is homeless, to realize that if you work to make this world a brighter and better place, the peace grows.

Believe! is directed by Jennifer Sparks, will be presented in X*ACT’s Kettering Health Network Theater. Opening Night Santa Gala fundraider will feature a visit by the bearded fellow himself. The show will also take place 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16.

Believe! is sponsored by Kiddie Kingdom Country Childcare, Xenia Shoe and Leather, and Better Images Photography.

Tickets for the Santa Gala only are $20 for all adults and $7 for children 12 and under. For the remainder of the shows, admission will be $17 general admission, $14 seniors/students, and $7 for children 12 and under. Visit https://www.shopxact.org/theater/tickets/ or call 937-372-0516.