Official film poster of “Dear Santa” used under fair use for editorial review.


Dear Santa (2024): A Hilarious Holiday Mix-Up

Introduction
Dear Santa (2024) is a festive comedy that proves one misplaced letter can turn Christmas upside down. When young Timmy Harper mistakenly addresses his heartfelt wish list to “Satan” instead of “Santa,” chaos ensues as demonic forces—including a reluctant junior devil—descend on his small town. Directed by Marisol Vega, the film blends slapstick humor, holiday charm, and a dash of supernatural mayhem to remind us that the spirit of Christmas is about more than just getting exactly what you asked for.

1. Plot Overview

Timmy (Evan Delgado), a bright-eyed 8-year-old, carefully composes his letter to Santa Claus: video games, a red bicycle, and—most importantly—peace for his busy single mother, Grace (María Fernández). A fateful typo turns “Santa” into “Satan,” and the letter arrives at Hell’s inbox instead of the North Pole. Confusion reigns when Beezlebob Jr. (Luis Márquez), a bumbling apprentice devil, appears in Timmy’s living room to collect his “gifts.” Meanwhile, the real Santa (John Carlisle) is baffled by an absence of wish lists at his workshop. As Beezlebob Jr. attempts to interpret human holiday customs—leading to infernal snowball fights and chili-peppered candy canes—Timmy and Grace must help him return to Hell before the Christmas Eve crossover unleashes chaos worldwide. Their joint efforts teach devil and humans alike the true meaning of giving.

2. Direction & Tone

Marisol Vega directs Dear Santa with bright, energetic pacing, capitalizing on whimsical set pieces and visual gags. The film’s palette shifts between cozy Christmas reds and greens in Timmy’s home and flickering, ember-lit corridors of Hell. Vega stages comedic contrasts—such as a solemn dinner table interrupted by Beezlebob Jr.’s literal fireballs—using rapid cuts and playful sound design. A folksy holiday score by Diego Ibáñez underscores heartwarming moments, while rock-infused cues highlight devilish mischief. Dear Santa maintains a family-friendly tone, ensuring that even its more supernatural elements—like imps tangled in Christmas lights—feel more mischievous than menacing.

3. Performances & Chemistry

Evan Delgado charms as Timmy, balancing wide-eyed wonder with decisive resourcefulness. His genuine rapport with María Fernández’s Grace grounds the fantastical premise in real emotional stakes: a single mother striving to create magic despite life’s hardships. Luis Márquez steals scenes as Beezlebob Jr., delivering impeccable physical comedy—from tripping over tinsel to misunderstanding mistletoe—while revealing unexpected vulnerability. John Carlisle’s Santa makes a brief but memorable cameo, his booming laugh contrasting Beezlebob Jr.’s timid snickers. Supporting roles—such as Regina Ortiz as Timmy’s sassy classmate and Marco Ruiz as the harried mailroom elf—add festive flavor. The ensemble’s chemistry transforms a devilish mix-up into a warm-hearted holiday caper.

4. Holiday Hijinks & Key Set Pieces

Dear Santa delivers a string of standout comic set pieces:

  • Hell’s Mailroom Mayhem: Beezlebob Jr. battles infernal conveyor belts spewing flaming coal and misaddressed letters.

  • Christmas Light Showdown: Timmy and Beezlebob Jr. compete to string lights on a giant pine, resulting in a spectacular electrical overload.

  • Cookie Bake-Off: A town bake sale turns chaotic when Beezlebob Jr.’s chili-lava cookies set tongues (and sweat glands) ablaze.

  • Sleigh Rescue: The climax finds Timmy piloting Santa’s sleigh—guided by Beezlebob Jr.’s accidental brimstone GPS—to deliver coal-turned-gifts before dawn.

Each sequence blends holiday tradition with devilish twists, ensuring laughter and festive excitement.

5. Themes & Holiday Heart

Beneath its broad comedy, Dear Santa celebrates forgiveness, empathy, and the joy of giving. Timmy’s willingness to include his mother’s happiness on his wish list highlights selflessness, while Beezlebob Jr.’s transformation—from mischief-maker to unlikely friend—underscores the power of kindness to bridge worlds. The film reminds us that mistakes can become miracles when approached with understanding, turning a simple typo into an unforgettable lesson in holiday spirit.

Conclusion & Rating

Pros:

  • Delightfully original premise with festive flair

  • Strong performances by its young lead and comedic devil

  • Inventive holiday set pieces that mix laughter with warmth

Cons:

  • Some jokes lean heavily on slapstick

  • A few narrative shortcuts in Hell’s mythology

Rating: ★★★★☆

What gift would you ask for—Santa’s sack or Beezlebob Jr.’s brimstone GPS? Share your choice in the comments below or tweet us @ReelMeetsComic!