Every holiday season, Disney Studios transforms the simple act of storytelling into an invitation to dream. This year, the magic arrives with a short film that places childhood wonder at the very heart of its narrative. The studio has teamed up with director Taika Waititi for Best Christmas Ever, a gentle, emotionally-rich short that’s streaming on Disney+. 

The Story: Doodle Comes to Life

At the center of the film is a young girl whose simple drawing — created in innocent delight — magically springs to life on Christmas morning, thanks to a Santa-style mix-up. She wakes to find the character of her doodle, named “Doodle” and voiced by John Goodman, standing beside her in real life. The short blends humor and tenderness, and makes imagination the protagonist.

Craft & Creative Vision

Waititi abandons blockbuster spectacle in favor of something more intimate: hand-drawn animation, human scale, and emotional simplicity. With legendary animator Eric Goldberg (of Aladdin fame) on board, the film revives the traditional artistry of Disney while infusing it with fresh energy and modern sensibility. 

Why It Matters

In an age of dazzling effects and hyper-sensory marketing, this short film reminds us that magic often lies in the quiet, the personal and the imaginative. The kind of magic that connects a child’s drawing to their belief in possibility. Through Doodle and the girl’s journey, Disney invites both children and adults to re-embrace wonder, generosity and that child-like belief in “what if?”

Lessons for Creators & Storytellers

• Put emotion first. Rather than relying on spectacle, the film leans into sincerity and simplicity — reminding us that audiences often respond most to heart.

• Celebrate imagination as a gift. In creative work, we often chase “big ideas.” But this reminds us the most potent gifts are often small — someone believing, someone noticing, someone imagining.

• Turn story into action. The campaign around the film shows that you can embed a story into a broader ecosystem of impact — animation + tour + giving = meaningful brand narrative.

• Blend old craft with new voice. The involvement of a hand-drawn aesthetic and a modern auteur (Waititi) demonstrates how tradition and innovation can co-exist and amplify each other.

Conclusion

Best Christmas Ever is more than a festive add-on. It’s a reminder: imagination is a gift. And when we give it — through art, through kindness, through believing in possibility — we give something that lasts. In this holiday season, maybe that’s the greatest magic of all.