Celtic have launched their annual Christmas advert as they toned down the shenanigans for 2022, with a classy clip putting the Celtic Foundation up front and centre.
The club's hilarious videos have become a highlight of many fans' festive seasons with Gavin Strachan's laptop skit last year going viral on social media. Previous years have also seen Neil Lennon turn into a Christmas storyteller, Jota go full George Michael and Jonny Hayes having his wings clipped as the club embrace the festive fun and games.
This year isn't entirely without its hijinks, as Carl Starfelt is seen teasing Kyogo by holding a Christmas tree out of his reach while Josip Juranovic and skipper Callum McGregor step in as DJs for the Christmas party. Mostly, though, it's a more sincere affair than years gone by, with the club rolling their annual Christmas film and the Celtic Foundation's Christmas appeal into one.
There is a focus on "sharing the magic" during the festive period. Jota and Matt O'Riley help some fans with their wrapping at a coffee shop, James Forrest and Callum McGregor help a stranded supporter into a taxi, and women's team stars Jacynta and Shen Menglu bring the gift of warmth to one fan standing at a bus stop with a hat and pair of gloves. Joe Hart's safe hands come in handy as he catches a falling gift while Greg Taylor is presented with a toy dinosaur from a junior fan as a reward for his fine form this season.
The club opted to tone it down this year to acknowledge how tough things are especially tough for many families, encouraging fans to show kindness and help each other out where they can. They announced plans alongside the Celtic Foundation to host a number of parties for local kids at Celtic Park - one of which is shown in the film - and a £10,000 donation to charity. They also launched a Walfrid's Wishlist - a portal where every gift purchased will see the club make a contribution to the Celtic Foundation’s Christmas Appeal
Ange Postecoglou closes out the video by saying: "Your support means the world to us, and this Christmas, when you share the magic, you'll be helping others too. From everyone at Celtic Football Club and the Celtic FC Foundation, we wish you a very Merry Christmas."
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