Dear Santa (2020)

3 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

For a Good Claus

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Filmmaker Dana Nachman, who makes uplifting, kid-friendly documentaries like Batkid Begins and Pick of the Litter, returns with this holiday delight, sure to inspire smiles and reaches for the tissue box. Dear Santa begins by looking at the millions of letters sent to Santa Claus each year, and then tells all about "Operation Santa," in which kind, ordinary people — i.e. "helper elves" — read the letters, and then do what they can to make the wishes come true in real life. Nachman misses a chance to answer some basic questions about the whole program, but some of the individual stories — one in which a boy wishes for a pet rabbit, and another for a ride in a limo — are truly special. The movie stays near kid-level, with interviewees referring to the real Santa, so it's safe for family viewing.