In this year’s short film released as part of Disney’s annual Christmas campaign, “Make the Holidays Magic,” a budding young Grinch sees his faith in Christmas magic restored when he meets an invisible horse.

Disney UK’s third Christmas short is directed by Blinkink’s Dougal Wilson, who also helmed animated theatrical film Paddington in Peru. The short was produced in collaboration with London-based ad agency adam&eve/TWBA. The spot is set to Roger Miller’s “Oo-de-Lally,” the theme from Disney’s 1973 animated film, Robin Hood.

Jack isn’t feeling the spirit of Christmas while his family gathers to decorates the Christmas tree. When he steps outside onto the porch (where many Disney-originated toys lounge about), he gets a surprise: an invisible creature is munching on the decorative grass. Those who study animal tracks will be quickly aware that the invisible animal in question is no horse, but no matter.

Jack becomes obsessed, figuring out ways to lasso and saddle said “horse,” who seems to be very amenable to the process. Before long, Jack and his new friend are galloping across a wide valley. When it starts snowing, a surprise is revealed: the “horse” is really a reindeer. And a bigger surprise: he – and his seven cohorts – can fly.

Jack’s wise little sister gives him the Santa hat out of her pocket, which he puts on as the family watches the herd fly off, presumably on their way to perform their Christmas duties. 

This is the third year in a row that Disney has published an animated short for the holidays. The first two were both directed by Taika Waititi. In all three films, a child makes an unlikely friend.

“Disney has long been part of the traditions, memories, and moments that make the holiday season so special for families around the world,” said Asad Ayaz, chief marketing and brand officer, The Walt Disney Company, in a statement. “This season, we’re bringing the best of Disney together to give families more ways to make the holidays magic: a trip they’ll talk about for years, a new favorite to watch together, the perfect gift under the tree and, for the children and families who need it most, a wish come true.”

In addition to the short, Disney is working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Blue Star Families, Toys for Tots and other nonprofits to grant holiday wishes, create special moments for military families and play its own sort of Santa as it delivers toys and surprises to kids around the world.

These moments will come to life through activations, events, performances, talent appearances, wishes, toy drives, Disney Store shopping sprees and more across the company, including at Disney Parks, Disney on Broadway and Disney On Ice. Onscreen, the holiday magic will continue through a special Dancing with the Stars holiday broadcast, and stories shared all season long on Good Morning America, The View, Tamron Hall, Live with Kelly and Mark, The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular and Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.

Fans can join Disney and help create holiday magic for kids and families in need by visiting Disney.com/HolidayMagic, where they can donate to Make-A-Wish or donate a toy to Toys for Tots through Disney Store.

Disney also has plenty of holiday classics on offer on its streaming services Disney Plus and Hulu as well as on its television networks. 

On Disney+ and Hulu, audiences can find such comfort-watches as Home Alone and A Christmas Story, to favorites such as Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. New holiday specials debuting this season include Mickey’s Home Alone, A Proud Family Wizmas, Dasher and Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: The Getaway, along with new holiday episodes of favorites from Phineas and Ferb, Sofia the First: Royal Magic, Big City Greens, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, and more, as well as Hulu-exclusive holiday offerings from hit adult animated series Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy. 

On ABC, annual holiday specials include Dancing with the Holidays, CMA Country Christmas from Nashville, The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular, and Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, along with holiday episodes of comedies Abbott Elementary and Scrubs.

Finally, Freeform’s annual 25 Days of Christmas runs December 1 through Christmas with such programming as A Very Jonas Christmas, The Santa Clause, Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas, Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas and more.