Secret Santa is on TV

The magic of Christmas begins in childhood. Hanging stockings. Sharing festive food. Presents under the tree. But for vulnerable children across the UK, Christmas is anything but magical.

The Action for Children Christmas TV ad will be running again this year, giving people around the country the chance to experience the magic of our Secret Santa campaign.

The advert features our Christmas campaign's three characters – Nathan, Lucy and Tripti. Narrating the advert is Larry Lamb. He shares their individual stories as they come to life through Christmas cards displayed on a festive mantlepiece.

Nathan, Lucy and Tripti represent the 4.2 million children across the UK living in poverty. These children don’t have the basic things that every child should. Things like hot meals, winter clothes, and a warm home. But they also don’t have the things that make Christmas magical: a trip to visit Santa, a special present just for them, a hot Christmas dinner.

It’s no surprise that for these families, making happy memories feels out of reach. But with your help, Action for Children could be there for these families when no one else is. Our Secret Santa advert shows you how.

As the advert continues, Larry Lamb tells the story of how the Secret Santas magically transform the Nathan, Lucy and Tripti’s Christmases. The dark and dreary scenes in the Christmas cards turn into the bright and magical Christmases so many of us experience. Presents under the tree. Food on the table. And a safe and warm place to sleep.

The ad reminds you that these transformations are only made possible through the generous support of our real Secret Santas – the generous support of people like you.

At Action for Children, we see children who are struggling every day. But we also see the difference you can make. Thanks to you, we’re there when families can’t afford the basics. We top up the gas meter when the house feels cold. Put food on the table so no one in the house goes hungry. Buy a Christmas present when a parent can’t.

By becoming a Secret Santa – and raising money – you could help bring happiness, warmth, and safety to vulnerable children this Christmas and beyond.

The Christmas ad will feature on a whole host of channels, including More4, Film4, various Sky Channels and Quest.