Mockumentary proves this postal service is more reliable than Santa

Fame comes at a cost.

And no one knows that better than Rudolf.

Yes, the red-nosed reindeer.

In a satirical twist on celebrity culture, Norway’s Postal Service has taken the holiday season by the antlers with a mockumentary chronicling Rudolf’s meteoric rise to fame—and his inevitable fall from grace in ‘The Reinfall.’

This clever campaign isn’t just a jab at fame’s pitfalls. It’s a masterclass in modern, self-aware holiday advertising.

Posten’s latest Christmas ad delivers a familiar narrative arc that mirrors the public’s obsession with fame gone wrong.

Rudolf, the once-beloved misfit turned red-nosed superstar, spirals into a cautionary tale of excess.

From his gaudy supercars and debaucherous nights at the club to tantrums on set and tabloid-worthy antics, Rudolf’s story feels all too real.

Yet, the campaign is as much about the postal service as it is about its infamous protagonist. Even amid Rudolf’s meltdown, Posten reminds audiences that their track record of holiday deliveries since 1674 remains untarnished.

And that, no matter how chaotic Santa and his team may be, they’ve always had it covered, delivered with a smirk and impeccable timing.

Posten’s knack for injecting cultural commentary into Christmas is no accident.

Year after year, their ads bring a new perspective to the holiday season. They're known for blending humour, irreverence, and sharp storytelling to stand out in a sea of overly saccharine campaigns.

Monica Solberg, Director of Marketing at Posten Bring Group, explains the creative philosophy behind their ads:

'Often, our Christmas stories focus on Santa himself. But there are other holiday characters even more relevant to us.

Set in a Netflix-style documentary world, this year's campaign introduces Santa’s reindeer, including a red-nosed superstar whose fame has gone straight to his head (or rather, his antlers).'

Past campaigns have included a reimagining of Santa as a gay man finding love, a satirical take on Trump’s presidency, and a cheeky suggestion that Jesus might just be the postman’s kid.

Each effort pushes boundaries, using humour and fresh perspectives to get attention in all the right ways.

So, why does this particular campaign resonate so strongly?

Because it’s not just a funny reindeer parody. It's a reflection of our obsession with fame—and the ways we delight in both its creation and destruction.

Very Nietzsche.

Rudolf’s story is eerily familiar. His iconic nose, once a symbol of individuality, becomes a commodity. The fame it brings lures him into a lifestyle of opulence and recklessness. It alienates him from his peers and ultimately leads to his downfall.

Sound familiar? It’s the story of countless celebrities, repackaged with a holiday twist.

For audiences, the campaign is as entertaining as it is disarming.

The brand has taken a beloved Christmas figure and placed him in a hyper-modern, relatable context. And, by doing so, Posten dismantles the traditional holiday narrative. Instead, it replaces it with something sharper, fresher, and infinitely more shareable.

At its core, Posten’s campaign underscores the power of subversion in marketing.

By flipping expectations on their head, they do more than grab attention. They invite audiences to engage with their brand in a deeper way.

In the increasingly crowded space of holiday advertising, sentimentality often reigns supreme. So humour and irreverence act as a refreshing antidote.

And in tackling a universal theme—our love-hate relationship with fame—Posten crafts a message that’s relatable beyond Norway’s borders.

What can marketers learn from this reindeer-fuelled success?

Cultural relevance is king.

The best campaigns speak to the moment. They tap into cultural conversations that are already, or about to happen. Posten’s satire lands because it mirrors a well-trodden trope in pop culture.

Humour disarms. 

While shock value has its place, humour often creates a more lasting impact. It lowers defences and makes even the most audacious messages feel palatable.

Take the risk, reap the rewards. 

Whether it’s a reckless Rudolf or a gay Santa, Posten isn’t afraid to challenge norms. Boldness, when executed well, can transform a simple ad into a cultural moment.

Stay true to your brand. 

Despite the theatrics, the message remains clear—Posten delivers, no matter what. The spectacle serves the story, not the other way around.

This year, Rudolf may be out of commission. But Norway’s Postal Service is very much in.

And with campaigns like this, they aren’t just delivering Christmas parcels.

They’re delivering masterful lessons in how to do holiday advertising right.

-Sophie, Writer