History of The Spirit of Christmas (short films) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 9, 2024

The Spirit of Christmas refers to two adult stop-motion animated shorts by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, "Jesus vs. Frosty" (1992) and "Jesus vs. Santa" (1995). These films laid the groundwork for the animated series South Park, with the latter introducing familiar settings and characters. Clips from both appear in the opening sequence of South Park's first four seasons.

December 1992: The Spirit of Christmas (Jesus vs. Frosty) Premieres

"The Spirit of Christmas" (later known as "Jesus vs. Frosty") premieres at a student film screening in December 1992. The film is created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who met while attending the University of Colorado.

1992: Fox Executive Sees "Jesus vs. Frosty"

After seeing "The Spirit of Christmas" (aka "Jesus vs. Frosty") from 1992, Fox executive Brian Graden commissions Trey Parker and Matt Stone to make a similar film to be used as a video Christmas card.

1992: The Spirit of Christmas (Jesus vs. Frosty) is Released

The first "Spirit of Christmas" short film, later dubbed "Jesus vs. Frosty", is released in 1992. This film marks the first collaboration between Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park.

1992: Avenging Conscience Production Company is Formed

Trey Parker and Matt Stone form the production company Avenging Conscience in 1992 alongside two other students while attending the University of Colorado.

1993: Avenging Conscience Produces "Cannibal! The Musical"

Avenging Conscience produces the film "Cannibal! The Musical" in 1993.

December 1995: Brian Graden Distributes "Jesus vs. Santa"

In December 1995, Brian Graden distributes the short film he commissioned, "The Spirit of Christmas" (aka "Jesus vs. Santa"), as a video Christmas card to 80 of his friends.

1995: Avenging Conscience Produces "The Spirit of Christmas" and Changes Names

Avenging Conscience produces "The Spirit of Christmas" (aka "Jesus vs. Santa") in 1995. The company also changes its name to Krankin-Brass Productions and then to Braniff Airlines.

1995: The Spirit of Christmas (Jesus vs. Santa) is Released

The second "Spirit of Christmas" film, later called "Jesus vs. Santa," is released in 1995 after being commissioned by Fox executive Brian Graden.

1996: "Jesus vs. Santa" Wins a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award

"The Spirit of Christmas" (aka "Jesus vs. Santa") wins a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for best animation in 1996.

August 1997: South Park Premieres on Comedy Central

After the success of "The Spirit of Christmas," Trey Parker and Matt Stone create the animated series "South Park," which premieres on Comedy Central in August 1997.