"We've always played at Christmas parties, but this is the first Christmas performance we're giving for the public," said Silva, who answered Five Questions:

Why this Christmas, finally, to do a public show?

"We figured it might be about time. We were giving private-company comedy and Christmas shows on the Neighbor Islands (last week), playing on the Big Island in Hilo and Kona, and on Maui. So we're ready."

Is it easy to make folks laugh this time of the year?

"There's so much material out there; you could go shopping today, or walk the mall, and watch people. In 10 minutes, you have a lot of material, so it's easy fo' write the stuff. You sit back and put yourself in the situation — the busiest days of shopping is, No. 1, the first day after Thanksgiving, and No. 2, the day after Christmas. Of course, the day before Christmas is pretty crazy, too. The best is watching husbands' or men's faces, who will start shopping Friday (today). You see the desperation in the faces."

You mean you pau shopping?

"No, but was fun to work. Whenever you're dealing with the holidays, it's always nice to have the walls down. We pretty much know what to expect; you pretty much know what's on the (people's) minds. So comedy's easy. The first 5 or 10 minutes might be tough, like starting a lawnmower without gas or oil; once you start, it's just fine."

How do you like to spend Christmas Eve. Working?

"Not really, it's family time. We always used to turn it down, because of this, but the shows are early enough. In fact, we might have the families in to see the show. Then go out afterwards."

What if the kids squawk?

"You slip an extra $20 in the envelope; doesn't hurt."