Did you sleep well last night? Millions of children didn't. Understanding the importance of being good, especially with presents at stake, they went to their beds, crawled underneath the covers, and closed their eyes tight. But they were still listening for the sound of sleigh bells.
When Christmas is over, many parents will take their kids to see Christmas themes films, in which Santa Claus is a popular star. Of course, busy as he is with his toy factory, he can't always be there in person, so often he's played by an actor. But if what the films tell us is anything to go by, there are also times when Santa is unavailable even on Christmas Eve. When that happens, somebody else has to take the reins.
The best known movies on the subject of substitute Santas are the Santa Clause films, in which an ordinary man called Scott (played by Tim Allen) inadvertently inherits the Father Christmas role. He soon discovers that it's hard work distributing presents all around the globe, especially if one has a family to take care of at the same time. In The Santa Clause 2, taking on temporary help goes horribly wrong when his assistant proves to have a very different idea about what constitutes naughty and nice, so he's forced to return in a hurry to save Christmas.
If you thought family was supposed to be a help, rather than a hindrance, in hard times, you clearly haven't met Father Christmas' family. His brother, Fred Claus, becomes an unwilling recruit at the North Pole factory after he falls on hard times, and proves to have his own ideas about how to run the place. But when push comes to shove, Fred is a nice guy. Inspired by his concern for an orphaned boy, he becomes determined to do his best, and when Santa puts his back out it's up to Fred to deliver the world's presents on time.
Fred isn't the only unlikely Santa substitute out there. Despite his initial attempts to destroy it, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas ultimately discovers what the fun of it is all about, going to great lengths to put things right. And in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington tries to get into the Christmas spirit by delivering some unusual gifts. He may have kidnapped Santa Claus, but his heart's in the right place, and ultimately he's ready to take on the scary Oogie Boogie man to make sure things are alright.
Of course, there have also been many more ordinary people who have disguised themselves as Santa to make Christmas fun for kids. In Jingle All The Way, even Arnold Schwarzenegger got into the act! But for somebody ostensibly ordinary who might just have a touch of real Christmas magic about him, you can't beat Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) in Miracle On 34th Street, a classic film that still warms people's hearts to this day. In the end, no matter who's wearing the big red suit, Christmas at the movies brings plenty to celebrate.
