Dear Santa may very well leave you crying like a babe in swaddling clothes by the time it is over. It is heartwarming to see the joy and wonder on the children’s faces when they receive their gifts, especially those who live in Chico, California. Both families there had relocated from Paradise after the horrible wildfires over the last couple of years. Jamie, the lead elf for Chico, was also displaced from her home in Paradise, so to see her press on when her own home was lost is extremely touching.
Another moment that made me cry my eyes out is when Michael, an adopter elf from Manhattan, receives a letter from a young gay child. This kid asks Santa if he supports the LGBTQ community and asks God if he loves him for being gay. Michael had decided he would take the year off from being an elf, but this letter changed his mind.
“…heartwarming…inspiring…”
Writer/director Dana Nachman is an expert at tugging heartstrings. The last twenty minutes of Dear Santa, as I said before, were a cry-fest for me. More importantly, she made an inspiring documentary in the midst of one of the most venomous political climates this country has ever experienced. It takes your mind off the complete disaster the year has been and makes us realize that giving is important and what the whole holiday season is about. She also slyly imparts the importance of the USPS in a time where it’s mere existence is in question.
Overall, I think this documentary is perfect, even if it is a bit of Christmas propaganda. This is an excellent time for that. We, as a country, really do need a little Christmas right this very minute. I’m going to sign off before I say anything else too unbearably cheesy, but please watch Dear Santa, especially if you have kids. It is family-friendly and doesn’t expose any truths that kids aren’t ready for yet.
"…finally put me in the holiday spirit..."
