The problem, of course, is its message, which has been hijacked by a secular culture intent on removing Jesus Christ from the Christ Mass.  The entire film revolves around the exhortation to “believe,” with promises that we can’t always see that which is real. But sadly, faith in this film means believing in Santa – nothing more, nothing less – which is symbolized by the ability to hear the chime of a certain sleigh bell.  When Santa does appear, he is a benevolent giant looming over everyone, magically choosing one child to receive the first gift of the year.  Like the millions of elves who wait breathlessly for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve, we, too are asked to hold our breath in anticipation, then bow to this pagan god. 

To my surprise – and to the great detriment of the story – Santa chooses (brief spoiler ahead) Hero Boy rather than Lonely Boy to receive that gift.  How sad, for it is Lonely Boy who has lived his entire life in poverty, never receiving even one Christmas present.  And what a lesson that might have been for children to care for those less fortunate, putting the needs of others ahead of their own.  Yet there is no selflessness here.

Instead, the story hammers once again its crucial “believe in Santa” message, when Hero Boy opts not for a toy but for a bell that has fallen from Santa’s sleigh.  Santa commends him for his wise choice, because the sleigh bell is “a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas.”  Santa then reminds the child that “the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”  Ah, the old feel-good “spirit of Christmas.”  What is it but chestnuts roasting on an open fire, winter wonderlands and warnings to behave, lest Santa cross you off his list?  What else could Christmas be but stockings hung by the chimney with care, visions of dancing sugarplums and a merry “Ho! Ho! Ho!” fading into the twilight of dawn?

Nostalgia is wonderful thing, and this story is full of references to yesteryear, from Hero Boy’s “Lone Ranger” slippers to the background Sinatra and Crosby songs (not a Christian hymn was playing, not even a tune).  But these happy memories also came during a time when families were intact, unlike the current stew of ‘steps,’ ‘partners,’ ‘significant others’ and wildly-creative euphemisms we must apply to strangers invading our family celebrations – which may or may not involve family.  Of course, those same Baby Boomers who long for that brief moment in childhood history are also the ones who shattered that era with exhortations to “Make love not war,” “Find yourself” and “If it feels good, do it.”  So it’s a little late now to expect us to believe that by embracing the man in red, all will be well in the world.  Call me the Grinch, but that ain’t the North Pole – that’s La La Land.