A Norwegian Christmas advert that shows Santa getting a boyfriend has prompted both widespread praise – and lots of tearful reactions.
The commercial for Norway‘s postal service, Posten, shows a relationship developing between the two men over a number of years.
It was produced to mark 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in the country.
Called “When Harry met Santa” – a reference to 1989 movie When Harry Met Sally – the advert shows the pair first meet when Harry spots Father Christmas while he is delivering presents to his home.
The two men gaze at each other, clearly smitten, before Santa disappears up the chimney.
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The advert goes on to show annual meetings between the pair as Father Christmas arrives at Harry’s home to deliver gifts – with Harry shown carefully selecting his outfits and spraying himself with aftershave.
The pair are seen becoming closer and closer during their fleeting festive rendezvous each year, with Harry shown weeping at one point after Santa leaves, having told him: “I’ll miss you.”
He is eventually shown writing Santa a letter, saying: “All I want for Christmas is you.”
After apparently arranging for Norway’s postal service to deliver Harry’s presents, Santa appears in his living room and tells him: “Well, I arranged some help this year… so I can be with you.”
The two men are then seen kissing.
Text then appears on the screen, saying: “In 2022, Norway marks 50 years of being able to love whoever we want.
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
“From: All of us.
“To: All of us.”
The online response appeared to be almost universally positive, with many saying the commercial had reduced them to tears.
One YouTube user said: “This is just the most beautiful commercial, I’m in tears how lovely it is. What a wonderful message to share in celebration of a very important anniversary.”
Another said: “So beautiful, so cinematic! You really feel Harry’s emotions, the longing to see someone again, the difficult times, the hope, the worrisomeness, I didn’t even know such a powerful, strong message could be delivered in just under 4 minutes. Congratulations Norway, congratulations Posten!”
There was also praise on Twitter, including from Canadian MP Randall Garrison, who said: “Ok I’m breaking my no Xmas before December rule to thank Posten Norge for this strong and moving message of inclusion celebrating 50 years since the decriminalization of homosexuality in Norway.”
The postal service’s marketing director, Monica Solberg, told LGBTQ Nation: “Posten is an inclusive workplace with great diversity, and we would like to celebrate the 50th anniversary with this fine love story.
“In last year’s campaign, Santa was angry at Norway Post, which took away from him the ‘business’ – this year, Santa is happy that Norway Post can relieve him a little, so that he can be with the one he loves.”