The film beautifully reimagined the “The 12 Days of Christmas,” turning it into a haunting visual feast. From teens a-texting to swipers swiping, each scene was elaborately crafted to have its own magical feel, from extendable couches to a 20-foot Santa Claus.

A master of the practical, the director created every special effect in-camera using a mix of miniatures, time-lapse footage, green screen and the first-ever “dreidel-cam.”

Each “day” of the song required a new location and the corresponding number of people—for a total of 16 sets and 70+ actors. They also composed a completely new version of the song before shooting began, and principal actors actually sang their parts on camera (something rarely done in film).

And every paper activity from the film could be printed at hp.com, including a paper airplane designed by the director himself.