The Global Search for Education: Mr. Moore’s Gift — Origins of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas

Posted By C. M. Rubin on Jun 5, 2026

This month on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube channel, audiences can watch Mr. M o ore’s Gift, a short film curated for Planet Classroom by the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.

Directed by Adam Senior and written by Non Vaughan-O’Hagan, Mr. Moore’s Gift brings new life to the origins of the beloved poem A Visit from St. Nicholas—’Twas the Night Before Christmas—through the wonder of a child’s imagination.

The film follows Maggie, a young girl in modern-day New York City who dreams her way into the past, where she encounters Clement Clarke Moore in the act of creation. What unfolds is not just a glimpse into history, but a reminder that stories we cherish often begin with a spark of imagination.

Warm, magical, and quietly moving, Mr. Moore’s Gift transforms a familiar holiday tradition into an invitation—to wonder, to question, and to connect. It encourages young viewers—and the adults alongside them—to see storytelling as something alive: a bridge between generations, a source of meaning, and a way of understanding the world.

With its gentle tone and sense of discovery, the film opens the door to conversations about creativity, tradition, and the enduring power of imagination.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome director Adam Senior.

An emerging filmmaker, Adam Senior brings a thoughtful visual sensibility to the project, collaborating with cinematographer Kate Montgomery and production designer Eve Oakley to create a cinematic world that feels both intimate and timeless.

C. M. Rubin: What inspired you to reimagine the origins of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas through a child’s dream perspective?

Adam Senior: Our goal was to tell the story in a way that would appeal to a wider audience—especially children. The dream sequence came from our exploration of when the story would be told and how that connects to bedtime. It also provided a creative way to transition between the present day and the past.

Non Vaughan O’Hagan was the mastermind behind the story. We had several conversations during the initial stages, which did shape things slightly—especially around production and capabilities. That said, this approach is her vision and imagination. My role was to help bring that to life.

C. M. Rubin: How did you balance historical accuracy with fantasy to create a story that feels both authentic and magical?

Adam Senior: We ensured that the historical accuracy was consistent with The General Theological Seminary, while also casting Clem to resemble documented paintings of Clement Clarke Moore.

C. M. Rubin: The film has a warm, intimate tone—can you talk about your creative choices in cinematography, music, and pacing to achieve that feeling?

Adam Senior: Working closely with cinematographer Kate Montgomery, we wanted the overall look to feel welcoming and warm—especially as this would be a film watched by families, hopefully while they are cuddled up and cozy in the lead-up to Christmas.

The camera, equipment, and lighting we used—including staging—helped us create a world that complemented this vision. Eve Oakley, our production designer, really helped bring all of our spaces to life, and I think this is reflected on screen—especially in Clem’s study and the closing scenes with “Nikolas.”

C. M. Rubin: What do you hope young audiences take away about storytelling, imagination, and the meaning behind classic holiday traditions?

Adam Senior: The general sentiment of the poem is wonderful, and I think that is why it’s loved by so many. I hope this short film opens new doors for wonder, especially when it comes to Christmas and its connection to The General Theological Seminary.

The thought—and the mystery—around Santa is just so magical. Who inspired this wonderful poem? Who was that man? Was it… you know who?

Thank you, Adam!