Ho Ho… Oh My: Santa’s Take on “A Christmas Message from Albert Wesker”
Well, well, well… what do we have here? Mrs. Claus just showed me this peculiar piece of holiday entertainment that’s apparently celebrating its 12th anniversary today! Twelve years of spreading its own unique brand of holiday cheer, and it only just crossed my desk! adjusts spectacles nervously while checking timestamp
I must say, finding out this has been circulating for 12 years without my knowledge has given this jolly old elf quite a lot to think about! Perhaps I need to update the North Pole’s YouTube subscription list… tugs at beard thoughtfully
The Creative Elves Behind It All
Now, let me tell you about the talented folks who put this together. First, there’s Jonathan Wrathborne – or as we called him up at the North Pole, “The Animator Who Made Santa Do a Double Take.” His work under the name “Outsideboxproduction” certainly lived up to its name. While his passing in November 2023 saddened us all, his creative spirit continues to bring both chills and cheer to audiences worldwide.
* Elfoboros the Research Elf appears, adjusting his tiny spectacles*
Ahem! If I may interject with some information from the North Pole Archives: Jonathan Wrathborne was a remarkable talent in the animation community. Operating under the alias “Outsideboxproduction,” he was particularly active on Newgrounds, where he shared numerous animations and engaged with fellow artists. His portfolio included delightful webcomics like “Joy To The World” and “Breached,” each showcasing his unique artistic vision. He even maintained a YouTube channel featuring works like “2XXX” and engaged with supporters through Patreon. While we lost him to a heart attack in November 2023, his creative legacy continues to inspire animators worldwide.
*shuffles papers back into candy-cane striped folder*
Then there’s Lily Popova – and let me tell you, her musical arrangement had even my reindeer tapping their hooves! As someone who’s heard countless renditions of “The 12 Days of Christmas” (believe me, the elves sing it NON-STOP from July onwards), I must admit her sinister twist on the classic tune was… uniquely refreshing. Though I did have to explain to Rudolph why his nose was glowing extra red after hearing it!
* Elfoboros pops up again, this time from behind a Christmas tree*
Oh! Oh! Let me share what I know about Ms. Popova! She’s a distinguished Bulgarian-born pianist and composer who began her musical journey at just five years old! Her achievements are most impressive – she’s won the Bronislaw Kaper Piano Competition, The Music Center Spotlight Award, and has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Esa-Pekka Salonen! She’s released albums like “Favorite Short Pieces” and “Compositions,” and even composed for films like “Duck, Duck, Goose!” and “The Crooked Eye.” She’s quite the musical genius, if I do say so myself!
*straightens tiny bow tie proudly*
And D.C. Douglas! tugs at collar I’ve checked my lists twice, and I’m still not quite sure whether to put his performance in the naughty or nice category! The way he brings Wesker to life makes my “ho ho ho” sound positively tame in comparison. Though I must say, his delivery of those… er, unusual gift suggestions had me reconsidering my own gift-wrapping techniques!
* Elfoboros slides down a nearby chimney, landing with a puff of research papers*
If you’ll permit me one final interruption, Santa! Mr. D.C. Douglas is quite the accomplished performer! Born in Berkeley, California, he’s been entertaining audiences since the 1980s. While he’s famously known as the voice of Albert Wesker in the Resident Evil series, he’s also brought characters to life in Mass Effect, One Piece, and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. He’s even appeared in shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and 2 Broke Girls! Plus, he’s a director and producer too. Most wonderfully, he’s known for his delightful interactions with fans!
*brushes soot off candy-cane striped tie*
A Different Kind of Christmas Spirit
Now, as someone who’s been delivering presents for longer than I care to count (let’s just say “a while” and leave it at that), I’ve never quite encountered gift requests quite like these. Biohazards? checks list again That’s definitely not something we stock at the workshop! Though I must admit, the production value almost makes up for the rather unsettling content. Almost.
The animation quality had even my most skilled toy-making elves impressed – though they’ve requested we don’t implement any of the “gift ideas” into our current production line. Can’t say I blame them! Mrs. Claus had to bring me a cup of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows after my first viewing.
Twelve Years of a Different Kind of Christmas Cheer
While it may not be quite what I’m used to seeing during my Christmas Eve rounds, I have to admire how this creative production has brought its own special brand of holiday spirit to folks for twelve whole years now! That’s nearly as long as it takes to train a rookie reindeer!
To all the creators involved: while this may not be exactly what I had in mind for Christmas spirit, I appreciate your… unique take on holiday giving. Though perhaps next time, we could focus more on toys and less on biohazardous materials? Just a suggestion from your friendly neighborhood Santa!
straightens hat and checks pocket watch
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go double-check that none of these items accidentally made it onto any of my elves’ production lists. Can’t be too careful these days!
Sincerely,
Santa Claus
(Currently updating my workshop’s safety protocols)
