Debunking the Myth: Santa Claus in Christmas Movies
Discover the dark side of Christmas with movies like Gremlins and Black Widow that challenge the traditional notion of Santa Claus, leaving you questioning the magic of the holiday season Brace yourself for an unconventional twist in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Christmas Cabin Fever, where Santa's secrets are unveiled Get ready for a Christmas experience like no other!
Some Christmas movies accurately portray Santa Claus, depicting the truth about the man in the red suit and white beard who brings gifts to children worldwide. However, there are some festive films that spread false information, with the following three being the worst offenders.
The story of Santa is filled with magic, wonder, and joy, making it a popular theme in numerous Christmas movies, from Santa Claus: The Movie and Elf, to The Santa Clause and The Christmas Chronicles.
Several adaptations of the legend have emerged, such as Get Santa sending him to jail and Violent Night portraying Father Christmas as a formidable warrior. Nonetheless, the core elements of Santa's story, including reindeer, a sleigh, the North Pole, and a massive toy workshop, have remained consistent. Despite this, there are some films that have spread falsehoods about Santa, such as the outrageous assertion that Saint Nick is not real. Bah humbug!
Gremlins (1984)
Although Gremlins was not intended for a young audience, the lovable Gizmo and a clever marketing strategy made it a must-see for kids in the 1980s. This particular scene definitely left a lasting impression on my 8-year-old mind when I watched the creature feature on video.
The lie in question occurs when Kate (Phoebe Cates) informs Billy (Zach Galligan) about how she "discovered" that there was "no Santa." Here is the full, startling speech, concluding with that significant untruth.
"It was Christmas Eve. I was 9 years old. Mom and I were decorating the tree, eagerly anticipating Dad's return from work. A couple of hours passed, and Dad still hadn't come home. Mom called the office, but there was no answer. Christmas Day came and went, and still no sign of him. So the police started a search.
Several days passed with both of us unable to eat or sleep as everything seemed to be in disarray. The snow outside made the freezing house even colder, prompting me to try lighting a fire. It was then that I noticed a strange odor. The firemen arrived and soon discovered the source: my father, dressed as Santa Claus, had tragically fallen down the chimney on Christmas Eve while attempting to surprise us with gifts. He had died instantly, revealing to me and my mom the heartbreaking truth that there was no Santa Claus.
Black Widow (2021)
You wouldn’t expect a superhero movie – about a trained assassin – to try and debunk the Santa story, but in 2021, Black Widow did just that.
The scene takes place in the middle of a tense family dinner. Sitting around the table are Natasha (played by Scarlett Johansson), Yelena (played by Florence Pugh), Alexei (played by David Harbour), and Melina (played by Rachel Weisz). The conversation shifts to the falsehoods Alexei told his daughters when they were young.
Melina remarks, "Like when you told them they could stay up late to see Santa Claus." Alexei defends himself, saying, "What? That was fun. You know, 'He comes down the chimney, girls. Look out, where is he?' You wait for him, and then when the cookies are gone, then you see he's there... I want them to follow their dreams."
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Christmas Cabin Fever (2023)
Melina rejects the falsehood as being "No good," while Natasha describes it as a "fantasy." The irony is heightened by the fact that David Harbour played the real Santa in Violent Night just one year later.
The recent Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie sparked controversy this week, and understandably, the movie implies that Santa may not exist. The animated sequel takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas, as Greg frets over whether he will receive a game console on the holiday.
Santa makes an appearance on the calendar and in a TV special shown in the movie. Additionally, Mom introduces a toy elf that she claims is keeping an eye on the boys for Father Christmas to determine if they have been behaving well.
However, Greg discovers his MegaStation 9000 hidden in the linen closet, implying that his parents, and not Santa, are the ones purchasing his gifts. This revelation allows Greg to selflessly give his present away on Christmas Eve. The elf seemingly comes to life at the end of the movie, adding a bit of confusion to the situation.
However, the harm has already been done in a film targeted at children aged six and older, making Diary of a Wimpy Kid the worst offender on this list. For better Christmas movie options, see our list of the top 25 celluloid Santa tales.
Editor's P/S
As a devoted fan of Christmas movies, I find it disheartening that some films choose to distort the traditional portrayal of Santa Claus. The magic and wonder associated with Santa's character are essential to the holiday season, and it's disappointing to see movies like Gremlins and Black Widow spread misinformation about his existence. These films not only undermine the cherished beliefs of children but also contribute to a sense of disillusionment and skepticism.
On the other hand, I appreciate movies that stay true to the spirit of Christmas and accurately depict Santa Claus as the benevolent gift-giver he is. Films like Santa Claus: The Movie and Elf capture the essence of Santa's character and reinforce the joy and excitement that come with the holiday season. These movies remind us of the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving.
