Klaus

 So, a christmas movie I watched with the family yesterday evening, fitting at these days.

And that was Klaus, a 2019 spanish / american Netflix animation movie.  And this was actually a very good one to boot, becoming the first streaming film to get an Oscar nomination, as well a winning a heap of other prices like a BAFTA.

The film is set in 19th century Norway, and takes a twist on the story of Santa.  Jesper is the spoiled son of the postmaster's director, who has gotten fed up with his son.  He sends him to Smeerensburg, a village run by two clans bound on killing each other.  

When desperatly searching for letters to post, in order to reach his deadline and be able to return to his life of luxury, he meets a reclusive woodsman named Klaus.  As he loses a drawing of a sad child at his place, Klaus forces Jesper to go there and deliver a toy to the child.

Word spreads, and more children start appearing at Jesper's door with letters to be send to whomever is delivering the toys.  Jesper convinces Klaus to donate his toys to the children, and they go on nightly delivery rounds to secretly bring the children some joy, and this starts changing the village.  The kids start going to school, parents are starting to live together as kids start behaving in the hopes of Santa visiting them... and this works against the mood of the two village elders.

They make a ruse to destroy the budding legend and get rid of the annoying postman in order to be able to start feuding again, but a plan was made to prevent this.  And when the clan elder's children fall in love, they must put down enimities once and for all.  Jesper opted to stay in the village, and start his won family, while delivering presents every year at christmas.  But after 11 years, Klaus walks off following a whisk of wind, finally going to meet his long passed on wife again.

Every year though, on christmas eve, Jesper sets ready cookies and milk, for he will see his friend again that one night in the year.

A beautifull movie, and yes, even typing the last sentence above still waters my eyes though.  So if you are looking for a good film to watch with the kids today or tomorrow, look no further!