Call Me Claus

Call Me Claus

Year: 2001

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Peter Werner

FamilyTV Movie

Lucy Cullins, a successful but irritable home‑shopping network producer, hires actor Nick to portray Santa Claus on her program. As he steps into the role, she discovers that saving Christmas will be far more challenging than she imagined, and Nick must live up to the legendary expectations.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Call Me Claus yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Call Me Claus (2001)

Trace every key event in Call Me Claus (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Lucy is chosen as Santa's successor at the mall

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.

1965 Los Angeles, shopping mall
2

Tragedy strikes: Lucy loses her father; faith in Christmas falters

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.

1965 Los Angeles
3

Present-day Lucy: a cynical Shop-A-Lot network executive

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.

Present day Los Angeles
4

Nick seeks Lucy after learning about Shop-A-Lot auditions

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.

Present day Los Angeles (Shop-A-Lot studios)
5

Lucy hires Nick as Santa, unaware of his past

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.

Present day Shop-A-Lot studio
6

Nick's success and growing bond with Lucy

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.

Present day Various locations around LA
7

Truth revealed: journey to the North Pole and Lucy's skepticism

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.

Present day Lucy's home; North Pole
8

Nick's final broadcast and the hat's message

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.

Christmas Eve Shop-A-Lot network / Lucy's home
9

Lucy reconsiders Christmas on the drive home

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.

Christmas Eve Los Angeles, in a car
10

Lucy dons the hat and realizes she is Santa

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.

Christmas Eve night Lucy’s home
11

Elves spot the future Santa and Lucy becomes 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.

North Pole sequence North Pole / cab
12

Lucy-as-Santa delivers and the family sees the magic

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.

Christmas Eve night Los Angeles
13

A renewed Christmas bond: Lucy leaves with Nick and Ralph

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.

Christmas night From LA into the night

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:39

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Call Me Claus Summary

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Call Me Claus Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Call Me Claus

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Call Me Claus

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Call Me Claus Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Call Me Claus

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