What Happened to Christmas? 

From IMDB: Christmas is just around the corner, and we're all a sucker for Christmas-themed movies. Filmmakers, especially from the Rom-Com genre, haze the audience with over-the-top, and most of the time, unrealistic love stories with Christmas theme on the sidelines that everyone keeps gushing about for a minute and then forget the next. Hey, it's understandable! After all, this has been the trend for as long as one can remember - and might we dare say that Netflix is not helping with this at all. Among this race is a budding Philadelphia-born director, Chuck Fresh, who aspires to trailblaze his own way instead of heading in the direction where everyone is at. Chuck Fresh and Indie Originals came up with this awesome idea for a short movie 'What Happened to Christmas?' that is not just entertaining to watch but thought-provoking and meaningful in its message, to say the least. However, surprisingly there isn't a dull moment in this thirteen-minute film, and the more you watch it, the more it sweeps you in. The movie raises many significant issues that have engulfed humankind and are very powerful in delivering the message. It won't be an understatement to say that this is NOT your typical Christmas movie, but in this case, it's a good thing! The short film kicks off with a rhyming yet amusing commentary about all the hustle, bustle, joy, and shenanigans that Christmas brings along with it. From fake Santas putting on extra pounds to get into the character and online retailers shoving EVERYTHING Christmas down the gullible consumers' throats - it kind of covers it all in a way that puts a smile across the viewer's face! The Christmas-themed music in the backdrop at the beginning sets the tone of the movie, oozing all the Christmasy vibes that and we're living for it. We see a disgruntled and drunk Santa played by Chuck Fresh, trying to get through Christmas eve. And boy, oh boy! It's not an exaggeration when we tell you that this Santa does not like POUTY mouth and ENTITLED children. Chugging one bottle after another (well, he was dizzy feet after all that drinking, and the bottles kept slipping and cracking), the drunk St. Nicholas dozes off in the backyard - and Voilà - it's time to see Jesus! At first, he thinks he has died and rejoices that the curse has lifted and he didn't have to live through yet another bastardization of the Christmas holiday. But not so fast, dearie - this Santa ain't dead - and from there on there is no stopping him as he lets his heart out to Jesus as he inquires about what happened to Christmas since St. Nicholas took the reins as it is not what it used to be once! Santa tells Jesus all about how Christmas has lost its true spirit and meaning as people have turned it into a spectacle of gluttony, increased deforestation, mass production, and EVERYTHING that screams carbon footprint. Well, Jesus has a rather perfect and befitting proclamation to make it a "holy day" once again. Want to know what it is? Then you must watch this delightful movie here. All in all, it won't be wrong to say that this movie is a breath of fresh air. In a short span of time, it communicates what it needs to say to the audience. It's entertaining, compelling, and fun to watch. Chuck Fresh is definitely one of the directors to watch, and we have a feeling that great things are meant to happen for this talented filmmaker. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

This is perhaps one of the most well done holiday shorts I have ever seen. I understand it’s low budget and it’s a first time effort but the story and dialogue is very strong. Very nice work. I look forward to seeing more. You should enter this in film festivals across the country.

So proud of you Chuck! This is the story you told on our last cruise, and it's perfectly adapted to film. We were afraid it might be too angry, but there's a nice touch of humor to soften it a bit. Well done! See you in the Bahamas next week!

Another great classic by Indie Originals. I loved it. Great work. I loved Jesus, and the whole Cockburn line. This is great !!!

This is a great neo classic in the making. I loved it completely and Jesus guy was hysterical. I loved how it was even connected to Bocas slightly. Is Jesus going to be in Bocas 2 next? Chuck you played an awesome St Nick. I had my children watch this over and over. I'm hooked. Keep it up my old friend.

Well done!! Chuck Fresh and Jesus deserve an Oscar for this one!

Jesus H. Christ. This has TRUTH written all over it! Nice work! Enjoyed it.

BRILLIANT!!! Great work! Sad but true :(

This is funny, but sad at the same time. Long ago and far away, in a simpler time - Christmas was truly magical. It wasn’t about iphones, gift cards, or wish lists that were a mile long. It wasn’t about Black Friday sales, it didn’t send families into bankruptcy, and children enjoyed the simple act of finding a tree and decorating it with handmade popcorn laces and tinsel. Children baked cookies to give to teachers, and hand made gifts brought the magic of Christmas to grandparents and extended family alike. Christmas Eve was painted with eager children awaiting Santa, kids who weren’t afraid to go door-to-door caroling and parents who prepared home made food for days, waiting on family to join them in the blessing of a meal together. All so children could wake up on Christmas morning to a special gift, a warm fire, and something that truly exemplified the gratitude and selflessness that is Christmas. These same families went to church, for midnight mass and Christmas morning services rather than embarking on credit card paid ski trips to fancy resorts around the globe. So, what happened to Christmas? Who is to blame for the darkness that has enveloped such a magical holiday? And most importantly, how can we get back to our grass roots Christmas, experienced by so many so long ago?

Seriously, that is some old school Santa! They should hire you to do cartoons voices. This is awesome. Going to share it with my kids

Funny, but sadly true. Society has gone crazy, and the spirits are NOT happy.

Just stumbled upon this in 2020. Seems like Christmas sure could use a reboot like a lot of other things. LOVED the unbaked cookies - too funny!

Just found this in 2021 and it's more true than ever. Sharing with my family!

I like this! Thought I'd be offended, but it's actually kind of cute. Truth about Christmas for sure.

The music - ahhhhh

I typically hate Christmas shows but this one is so honest it's hard to hate. Can't wait to read the comments from the ultra religious nuts. They're going to hate this. Subbed.

Yes! YES! YES!

LOL Fiverr Jesus ROCKS!

Food for thought for sure.

The patron saint of Caucasian hippies hahaha and nothing wrong with that either.

How do we get working with you indie original guys? We need to see more of your stuff guys! Great work.

This was awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed watching this short film and I agree with the other commenters: enter in film fests! #indiecon #makemorefilms