The Christmas Star (1986)

Edward Asner plays Horace McNickle, a twice-convicted counterfeiter who ends up in jail just before Christmas. His strong resemblance to Santa Claus—with his white beard and round face—presents a chance for escape by posing as the jolly gift-giver. He breaks out of prison on Christmas Eve, seeking refuge in a nearby suburban home where he befriends two children who believe he is the real Santa. While hiding with them, McNickle exploits the children's trust to recover his hidden counterfeit money from a local department store. As he grows closer to the kids and begins to appreciate the spirit of Christmas, McNickle faces a moral choice: continue his life of crime or adopt the values he’s discovered through their kindness. This touching story combines humor, drama, and adventure to examine themes of redemption, affection, and how innocence can change people during the holidays.