STAFF EDITORIAL

by Grant Barnes ‘23 FEELING EXTRA SANTA-MENTAL

THE SANTA CLAUSES ON DISNEY PLUS IS A MUST WATCH FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

After 28 years since the release of the original movie The Santa Clause, Tim Allen is back in the red coat. In the new Disney Plus series The Santa Clauses, we see Santa Claus (Scott Calvin) at the North Pole preparing for the most important day of the entire year: Christmas. But a few hiccups caused by the frighteningly low levels of Christmas Spirit has left Santa considering passing the torch and retiring. Hoping to spend the rest of his days with his family back in the normal-sized human world, Scott Calvin realizes his replacement may end up being a threat to Christmas. This six-episode series is full of the humor and Christmas nostalgia found in the trilogy of films and brings it to be streamed on the small screen. Disney has produced another holiday favorite that will soon be a tradition to watch yearly. This Christmas, you should be logging into Disney Plus to receive the gift that is The Santa Clauses.

Growing up, the Santa Clause movies were necessary for me to have a holly, jolly Christmas. All three of them made the Christmas season complete. There was something magical about watching a movie, not about Santa delivering gifts but how Santa handles being Santa. No other movie examines the highs and lows that a person goes through during the transformation into Santa Claus. As viewers, we were able to see the amount of responsibility that Santa has and everything that goes into delivering presents to all the children of the world. It was a new story, a new side to the legend that had never been told before. The new series does not disappoint in the magic and storytelling of Santa Claus as a person. In fact, we learn more about Santa and his family in the new show. We get personal with Mrs. Claus and how she has defined her role in her life. We learn about their two children, Cal and Sandra, and how they adapted to live in the North Pole surrounded by elves and magical creatures. So many unanswered questions finally got answered. It is worth watching the show because of the writing. The story feels complete and is aligned with the original movies. This show makes you feel like a kid again; you can immerse yourself in a world of magic and endless possibilities.

Although I have never spotted Santa coming down my chimney, as a little boy, I always pictured him being Tim Allen’s Santa Claus delivering gifts. The Santa Clauses made me feel like that little boy again. This show has a little bit for everyone to enjoy and is the perfect way to get into the Christmas Spirit. You may be able to find your inner child, the Christmas Spirit that made you wake up your parents early in the morning so you can go open up presents. So, consider watching this new series this Christmas. It may be a gift you don’t know you really need right now.

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During this season, we think it is important to count our blessings and be mindful of those who may struggle during the holidays. It is especially difficult this time of year to remember those facing food insecurity, poverty, and those trying to avoid global conflict by seeking refuge. Getting caught up with the gifts, music, and emotions from the holidays is easy. We must see through the garland and lights and look closely at what is truly important. We must remember the true spirit of Christmas.

You cannot buy the spirit of Christmas. It is spread through our actions. We should dedicate our time to volunteering and giving back to our community. We can make donations to battered women’s shelters and provide clothes and warmth to those who must endure the outdoors. Donate toys for children and families who may not afford them or be unable to celebrate the holidays in the comfort of their homes. We can serve food to those experiencing homelessness. Make time for others and give what you can to those who are in need. If A Christmas Carol has taught us anything, it is not to be a scrooge.

It is crucial to remember why you are doing this. Recently in our society, social media circulates images of celebrities and influencers “helping others.” Sometimes these are true acts of kindness from their hearts. Other times, they are for the views, for the likes, and for completing the most recent viral trend. We often see large-scale acts that involve planning and lots of money. Many of us would not be able to provide the same aid without changing our lifestyles. Society should not be compelled to assist another human being, our brothers and our sisters in need, because it makes us look good. Promoting these acts to boost our self-image is selfish and the exact opposite of what we are meant to do. We should be compelled to help those year-round. Give assistance whenever we can, providing aid for those who need it most. Someone always needs a helping hand, not only around the holidays.

We are all capable of spreading the spirit of Christmas this season and throughout the entire year. Through acts of kindness like holding the door, helping to clean up with someone else, and donating our time to other people, we can profoundly impact someone’s life. At Regis Jesuit, we are fortunate to be given assignments to go out into the community and assist wherever needed. This is so important to our institution that juniors and seniors get two weeks of no classes and no homework to go out into the community and spread hope, love, and assistance. You can easily choose to see this as fulfilling a requirement, checking another box on your list of things to get done and over with, and another annoying school activity. Or you can choose to give it one-hundred percent of your effort and energy. See your impact, form relationships, and make a difference. Remember this for your own immersion projects later this school year.

This holiday season, hold onto those feelings of being there for another human being. See the impact that you can have on their lives. Be Men and Women With and For Others.

Happy Holidays!

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MAGAZINE

Gabriella Chernoff ‘23 steps up to the microphone to bring the auidence some holiday cheer along side the Cantabelles and Vox Lucis. They sang at the Winter Choral Concert on December 7, 2022. Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24