Dear Santa
Directed By: Dana Nachman
For over 100 years, the US Postal Service has been participating in Operation Santa, a special program that allows children to write letters to Santa and his elves in the North Pole, detailing what they’d like for Christmas. Their Christmas wishes range far and wide, from video games to family pets to help with getting food on the table. Every child’s letter is processed for Santa and sent to the “North Pole.”
Dear Santa is a heartwarming documentary detailing Operation Santa and the kind workers behind the operation. I didn’t know much about the lengths the USPS went through each holiday season for Operation Santa, but I’m so glad to know about it now! Each year, the workers process the letters for the children and digitize them to be seen online. Certain letters can be read online and “adopted” by anyone who feels moved to help them out in the Christmas season.
The documentary effectively utilizes children’s perspective on the Christmas season and Santa. Who do they think Santa is? What does he look like? Why are there Santa’s in the mall? Their answers are wonderfully entertaining, capturing the childlike innocence at Christmas. It’s fascinating to see the wide variety of Christmas wishes from children all over the country: Bryan wants one ride in a limousine. He loves the way it looks in the movies. Christopher asks for 10 Dutch bunnies. He loves animals more than anything in the world. Lorelei and Victoria want to return to their homes that burned down in a California wildfire. Each child has a unique Christmas wish, and they hope that Santa will make their Christmas wish can come true.
One cannot help be moved by the people showcased in Dear Santa. Whether it’s the head elf or one of the people delivering presents, the spirit of giving is a beautiful thing to watch. Seeing so many people come together to make Christmas wishes come true made me tear up. It’s wonderful to see kids experience the joy of receiving a Christmas gift.
The USPS Operation Santa program highlights the importance of giving through the Christmas season. It’s moving to see workers, volunteers, and families spend their time helping others to bring joy from “Santa” on Christmas. Dear Santa is an effective documentary that’s perfect for watching this holiday season.
My Rating: 8/10