Disney has released a new Christmas advert to mark the holiday season, supporting long-term charity partner Make-A-Wish. The Gift is a three-minute animated short that celebrates the comfort that storytelling brings families during times of change and how it deepens their bonds through togetherness.
The advert is the final instalment of Disney’s ‘From My Family To Yours’ trilogy, which premiered on Wednesday across TV and Digital plus Disney’s own channels in 46 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia.
Disney’s first ever Christmas advert ‘Lola’ was released in 2020. In this first instalment, fans were introduced to Nicole and her grandmother, Lola, and watched how their bond deepened as festive traditions were passed down through the generations.
Last year’s sequel, ‘The Stepdad’ followed a grown-up Nicole and her own children, Max and Ella, who welcomed stepdad Mike into their home. At the heart of the story was a very special storybook that celebrated the magic that small moments like reading together creates for families.
Both the 2020 and 2021 adverts reached over 184million views worldwide combined.
This year, the family prepare for another festive period and the touching arrival of a new baby.
“The Gift” is a story of sibling relationships, experienced through the eyes of youngest child Ella, as she adjusts to the changing family dynamic. At the heart of the story is a glow in the dark Mickey Mouse soft toy, which connects both past, present and future. Whilst the elder brother, Max is first shown giving Ella the Mickey Mouse to comfort her at night, Ella then gifts the soft toy to her new-born sibling at their first meet, welcoming them to the family.
Sarah Fox, VP Marketing & Comms, Disney Consumer Products, EMEA, said: “For the last three years millions have watched our characters in our ‘From Our Family To Yours’ animated series, as they spend time together building connections and making memories. We set out to create a family unit that would resonate with audiences world-wide. We are truly grateful for the support we have received for this festive campaign and hope that families and fans enjoy this fitting, heart-warming final instalment of the trilogy.”
A collection of products inspired by the advert, including the glow in the dark Mickey Mouse soft toy by Simba, are available for fans to purchase at selected retailers.
Star of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar-winning 2021 film Encanto, Jessica Darrow, performs the emotive soundtrack A Little More – penned exclusively for the advert by LA-based songwriters PARKWILD, Sofia Quinn and Rose Tan.
Jessica said: “The holidays hold such a special place in my heart and what better way to come together with family and loved ones than through the joy of music? It was such a wonderful song to perform, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the heart-warming story which concludes this inspiring trilogy.”
As part of the trilogy finale celebration, Disney is encouraging fans all over the world to join in and donate to Make-A-Wish and will match all qualifying donations up to $100,000 helping to grant even more wishes.
To give a gift of hope and joy to children living with critical illnesses this holiday season, fans can donate to Make-A-Wish through shopDisney at checkout, or via Make-A-Wish International at worldwish.org/disney.
