COEUR d’ALENE — The most wonderful time of year really is a time filled with wonders.

And within those wonders, for those who are paying attention, are miracles.

Singer-storyteller and cabaret star Abbey Crawford said she believes in those miracles.

“I’m certain that I do,” she said Friday, as she prepared to rehearse for Ellen Travolta's “Christmas Miracles” holiday show.

“It’s awesome to see the kind of goodness and kindness that happens this time of year,” she said. “I think everybody’s had some sort of Christmas miracle, and I think it’s because of the goodness and kindness that comes out of people this time of year.”

She smiled as she added, “And good will toward men.”

This year's “Miracles” theme is sure to tug heartstrings and evoke a sense of wonderment as Ellen, sister Margaret Travolta, and daughter Molly Allen share the stage with Crawford, bringing to life miraculous holiday stories submitted by community members.

“It reminds me that change can happen if you’re open to it, if you allow yourself to open yourself up to see the miracle,” Margaret said. “Some people don't see the miracle that’s right in front of them.”

Audience members will embark upon imaginative journeys as the performers bring life to the letters, which include tales of wooden soldiers, flat tires, snow banks and more.

“There’s going to be that arc of sorrow to happiness,” Margaret said.

This is the ninth year for Travolta's Christmas show in The Coeur d'Alene Resort. In a cabaret setting, attendees can plan to get cozy as they enjoy the show.

“When I look out, when I'm on the stage, I feel like my friends are back. I don’t know everybody, but I know a lot of the same people do come back,” Margaret said. “It’s such an intimate show. It feels like a little family that came into the living room to sit down and talk, and that;s how comfortable the audience is for us.”

Songs and smiles, tales of triumphs and tears, memories and music. It's the perfect recipe for a rounded holiday experience.

“I love this show," Crawford said. “I love being in Coeur d’Alene during this time of year. It’s like Christmas Town out here.”

Ellen said she has an incredible respect and love for her co-stars and everyone working on the show, but she also wants the community to know something.

“I want to say a special ‘thank you’ to the community for providing us with such an important part of our show,” she said. “The letters.”

Directed by Troy Nickerson and featuring musical talents, Jennifer Twitchell, Eugene Jablonsky and Scott Martinez, “Christmas Miracles” opens at 7:30 pm Friday night and runs through Dec. 22. The Resort is at 115 S. Second St. in Coeur d’Alene.

Info: www.cdachristmas.com