Two years ago, Posten—Norway’s postal service—began producing an annual holiday advert. It’s since become something of an anticipated part of the country’s festive season.
This year’s new commercial has prompted plenty of comments. The organization decided to mark 50 years since the country decriminalized homosexuality with the tale of a man falling in love with Santa. The film is called When Harry Met Santa.
There are no subtitles, but basically, the man discovers Santa visiting his house and the men exchange looks. In subsequent years, the man continues to keep an eye out for Santa, but his visits are all-too-brief. During one, Santa says, “You snore. I’ll be back next year.”
The next year, Santa says, “I’ve got many gifts to deliver. I’ll be back next year. Do I look nice?
It culminates with Santa staying for a bit longer, saying he got some help from Posten and they can spend more time together. They then kiss.
Watch below
A caption at the end says, “In 2022, it will be 50 years since it became legal to love whomever you want in Norway.”
Related: Gay couple feature on new billboard campaign promoting joy of sex in later life
Online, many say the advert brought a tear to their eye.
“This needs a ‘Tissues Alert.’ It’s so beautiful. Thank you,” said one YouTube commentator.
“I think I’m going to have to learn Norwegian! This was amazing!” said another.
Oda Rygh, of Norwegian LGBTQ organization FRI, told marketing magazine Kampanje, “For many of us, Christmas is a time we spend with those we love, and it’s nice to see Norway Post show that love belongs to everyone, regardless of orientation, age, or whether you live at the North Pole.”
Related: Norway slaps Grindr with whopping $12 million fine. Here’s why…
UPDATE 24.11.21
After this story was first published, Posten shared a version of the video with English subtitles. Watch below.
Takk Posten for such a sweet advert!
woodroad34
I find even more effective and affective that the single man is someone of a certain maturity—a good man waiting for his Christmas Prince to arrive
Cam
What happens in a country where the qualification to be a member of a church isn’t hate.
jayceecook
Dafuq? LMAO Religions that are in opposition to same-sex relationships/desires don’t magically become pro-LGBTQ because they simply exist in Norway.
Den
Actually, they do. Recent schisms in the Anglican and Episcopal churches happened specifically over the issue of marriage equality. And they were pretty much based on what country the churches were in. So, yes, some congregations DO become gay friendly based on what country they are in.
jayceecook
@Den Actually, they don’t. Church congregations and religion are not the same thing. Members of a religious community choosing to ignore fundamental principles of religious teachings and what’s written in their sacred mythology does not magically erase or change them. Christianity doesn’t become pro-LGBTQ because some of it’s belivers are. Just as it didn’t become pro-choice because some of it’s members are.
Cam
@jayceecook
The mainstream churches in Norway are not anti-LGBTQ, you’re welcome to post anything disputing that.
Fahd
Another good thing from Norway. If it weren’t for the weather…….
andrewl
Could you imagine the collective meltdown if the US Postal Service did such an add? Actually it would be amusing at first to read/hear all the collective outrage from the usual suspects such as One Million Moms, Focus on Family etc. but then it would simply turn to a cacophony of nastiness and turn the taste of such an add from sweetness to bitterness.
cubcmh
LOL! And What are they going to do – boycott USPS? See how long *that* lasts.
jayceecook
Why are all my replies still in moderation Queerty?
scotty
Cause ura dick.