Fred is the older and resentful brother of Santa Claus. Living in the shadow of his saintly brother has left Fred feeling bitter and overshadowed. After growing up in the North Pole, Fred moves away to Chicago to lead a normal life, distancing himself from the magic and responsibilities of his family's legacy. However, Fred's life is far from successful; he is a small-time con artist who struggles to make ends meet. His disdain for conformity and authority keeps him from finding stable employment or maintaining healthy relationships, leaving him isolated and financially desperate.

The turning point comes when Fred's life hits rock bottom, and he reluctantly reaches out to his brother for help. Santa agrees to help him on one condition: Fred must come to the North Pole and work in the family business to earn the money he needs. Reluctantly, Fred travels to the North Pole, where he is tasked with reviewing the naughty and nice lists. His unconventional approach to these duties and his general disregard for the elfin rules and regulations lead to chaos, threatening the very essence of Christmas. As he navigates the complexities of his new role and his relationships with both his brother and the elves, Fred begins to understand the true meaning of family and the spirit of Christmas, even as his actions inadvertently cause problems that could cancel the holiday for children around the world.