24 NIGHTS

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and a serendipitous encounter with a sidewalk Salvation Army Santa traumatized toddler Jonathan into an unshakeable belief in Kris Kringle that has stuck with him well into adult hood. “Dear Santa,” writes the 24-year-old bookstore clerk, “I want you to find me my dream man and send him to me.” It's December 1, and only 24 shopping days remain when Tobie walks into Jonathan's place of work. Tobie is a fresh-faced guy from Arkansas enjoying his taste of New York City – but not particularly relishing proximity to Jonathan. Secretly he asks the other clerks if that weird guy at the cash register is learning-disabled or not. Even worse, Tobie is in town to shack up with Keith, his high-school sweetheart. On the first day of Christmas, will true love be brought to Jonathan? Okay, so maybe we're showing it out of season, but Kieran Turner's cheeky comedy, creatively shot on a stocking-stuffer budget, slides down the chimney bearing a sackful of (snow) flaky characters both straight and gay, and one memorably disgruntled Noo Yawk elf.