Stop what you're doing and watch Disney's heartwarming holiday short from Taika Waititi

Let's be honest, it's been a crazy time in America these past few weeks. The 2024 election cycle brought out some of the worst in people, and I think we're all just a bit exhausted from it all. Hopefully, the holidays offer a bit of a reprieve from the endless cycle of doom and gloom.

And with that, Disney has debuted a heartwarming holiday short that was created in collaboration with Academy Award winner Taika Waititi. When it comes to holiday advertisements, there's no shortage of classics that tug on the heartstrings — especially as I get older and the wheels of time start spinning faster.

The latest from Disney, titled A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy and The Octopus, serves as a reminder of the "precious everyday moments of childhood and friendship."

The holidays are a magical time of year. For children, it's filled with wonder and excitement. As we get older and (maybe) have children of our own, that excitement is passed on and we experience it through the curiosity of our kids. It's a different feeling, but an equally satisfying one nonetheless.

A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy and The Octopus is a "timeless story of childhood friendship against the backdrop of this magical season.” Watch the short video below about a boy who discovers a curious octopus has attached to his head during a seaside vacation. The boy forms a true friendship with the octopus and introduces his new companion to his life on land.

This heartfelt story of wonder and friendship is also a reminder of the connection generations of families all over the world have with Disney. Keep a look out below fo rall of the fun Disney easter eggs hidden throughout the video. As a quick hint, you'll find references to films such as Moana, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story among others.

For those wondering, the song you heard is a melodic rendition of "Part of Your World" from the Disney classic The Little Mermaid. It was recorded live by a 60-piece orchestra and mixed in the legendary studio Abbey Road.

If you enjoyed this short, be sure to check out some of the other work from acclaimed flimmaker Taika Waititi, who has also directed Marvel Studios' Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, as well as Searchlight Pictures' Jojo Rabbit and Next Goal Wins.