SOUTH PARK: THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS (JESUS VS. SANTA) {SHORT FILM}

Summary

This short animated film is one of two such pieces to serve as a precursor for the series “South Park.”

The program opens as Colorado elementary schoolboys Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman sing Christmas carols, until realizing that Kyle is Jewish. Cartman mocks his dreidel song, and they argue until they are surprised by a visit from Jesus, who requests to go to the mall. Once there, he confronts Santa Claus for his “blasphemy” and for ruining the meaning of Christmas, and they begin to fight. Stan and Kyle are torn as to whom they should support, and Kenny and several others are killed in the ensuing melee. Both Jesus and Santa request the boys’ help, and they wonder what Olympic figure skater Brian Boitano would do in their situation. Coincidentally, he arrives in their midst and tells them that Christmas is really about harmony and getting along with others, and they help Santa and Jesus to resolve their difference. The boys reflect on the day, deciding that regardless of faith, the true meaning of the holiday season is presents, and upon learning that Jews receive eight days of gifts, decide to abandon Christmas for Hanukkah after all.

This program contains adult language and material.

Details

• NETWORK: N/A
• DATE: 1996/12
• RUNNING TIME: 0:05:15
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: B:52382
• GENRE: Short films
• SUBJECT HEADING: Short films; Animation; Christmas
• SERIES RUN: N/A
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• Trey Parker … Producer, Created by, Writer, Director, Music by, Cast, Voice
• Matt Stone … Producer, Created by, Writer, Director, Cast, Voice