Call Me Claus

In 1965 Los Angeles, Lucy Cullins, her mother, and her brother visit a mall to see Santa Claus. The real Santa (nearing the end of his 200-year reign) is seeking a successor. When Lucy sits on his lap, he places a glowing hat on her head, signaling she would be his replacement.

Leaving the mall, Lucy receives news that her father has been killed, a blow that shatters her faith in the Christmas spirit. The tragedy plants doubt and cynicism that linger into adulthood.

Now an adult, Lucy is a sharp, skeptical network executive for the Shop-A-Lot channel, focused on profits rather than family. Her personal life suffers as colleagues and relatives feel neglected.

Nick, spending his last Christmas as Santa, tracks Lucy down after learning that Shop-A-Lot is auditioning a new Santa. He sees an opportunity to reconnect and begins to orchestrate a meeting.

Lucy interviews and hires Nick as Santa for the network's campaign, unaware of his true identity as the 200-year-old Claus. She assumes he is a talented actor and business asset, not the former Santa.

Nick's presence triggers a spike in calls and sales, and the network rides a holiday rush to record highs. He starts to experience the Christmas spirit again and forms a tentative friendship with Lucy. He reveals he has been seeking a successor and hints that failure to find one could spell doom, like Noah's Ark.

One night, Nick tells Lucy the truth about his search and tries to escort her to the North Pole by magical means. Lucy closes her eyes, experiences the journey, and wakes up thinking it was a dream. Still unconvinced, she refuses to embrace becoming Santa.

Nick delivers a final broadcast on Christmas Eve, urging viewers to never give up on the Christmas spirit and thanking the staff for their hard work. He leaves Lucy the hat with a note that says it's never too late. The glowing hat sits on her dresser as she contemplatesthis words.

On the ride home from work, Lucy's boss reveals himself as profit-driven and dismissive of the Christmas spirit. Lucy begins to believe Nick's words and rejects the idea that money owns Christmas, resolving to reclaim it.

Back at her home, Lucy finds the hat and the note, and curiosity overwhelms her. She places the hat on her head and feels a surge of power and warmth as the glow confirms she truly is Santa.

At the North Pole, an elf spots Lucy wearing the hat through a snow globe, signaling the awakening of the next Claus. Ralph and Nick rush to collect her, and Lucy travels in a cab where she fully transforms into Santa. The scene marks the moment she begins delivering with real authority.

Lucy, now Santa, helps with a festive delivery run alongside Nick. They stop at a church where her niece is performing, and a snowfall and sleigh sighting over Los Angeles prompt her family to realize Lucy is Santa. The moment fills the town with wonder and acceptance.

After a heartfelt goodbye to her family and friends, Lucy heads off with Nick and Ralph into the Christmas night. They ride into the sky as the city watches in awe, and the legend of Santa continues. The story closes with Christmas magic enduring through Lucy's new role.