Addicks fans got an early Christmas present at Turf Moor, the catering unit in the away end distributed Charlton tee shirts to the travelling fans.
But that was as good as it got for the Valley faithful.
A 4-0 thumping was bad enough, but Karel Fraeye lost Ricardo Vaz Te and Bauer to injuries, further depleting an already thin squad.
It was a grey, wet, windy afternoon in Lancashire, making conditions awkward. Karel Fraeye made three changes to the team that drew with Bolton on Tuesday.
Morgan Fox, Patrick Bauer and Simon Makienok returning in place of Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Ademola Lookman, the latter two also being omitted from the bench as they were carrying injuries.
The first half was a fairly even affair, with both sides creating chances, but the game changed a minute before the interval.
The ball was played in from the right, evading several players, before reaching Sam Vokes. The Welshman’s fierce drive was touched in at the far post by Scott Arfield.
Two goals early in the second half killed the game. A corner from the right after 54 minutes was turned in from 12 yards by Arfield with the aid of a deflection.
A minute later, George Boyd sent Andre Gray clear to add the third.
Eleven minutes from time, the visitors’ misery was compounded when a low right-wing cross from the right, was flicked in by Vokes.
The result ended Burnley’s six match winless streak. For Charlton, Christmas will be a time of concern. Bolton and Rotherham both won, with the Millers climbing above the Addicks on goal difference.
The trip to Ashton Gate on Boxing Day is now of paramount importance, it really is a must win game.
Charlton: Henderson; Solly, Bauer (Sarr 66), Lennon, Fox; Diarra (Bergdich 62), Cousins, Jackson, Ghoochannejhad; Vaz Te (Ahearne-Grant 29), Makienok.
Subs (not used): Pope, Konsa, Holmes-Dennis, Charles-Cook.
Burnley: Heaton, Lowton, Duff, Keane, Mee; Boyd (Taylor 82), Barton, Marney, Arfield; (Kightly 82), Vokes, Gray (Hennings 80).
Subs (not used): Gilks, Ward, Jones, Darikwa.
Goals: Arfield 44, 53, Gray 55, Vokes 78.
Referee: Paul Tierney (Lancashire).
Attn: 15,697 (234 Charlton).
TAGS: Charlton Athletic