Synopsis

When Santa cannot be roused for Christmas, Gary Coleman appears as an elf and turns to 'N Sync for help. The group takes over the holiday operation, spreading cheer through visits with families, playful moments with children, gift giving, and an airborne sleigh ride. Between the charity-minded scenes, the members perform energetic dance sequences in festive sets. The video plays like a colorful Christmas card, balancing a loose rescue story with the song's upbeat message of togetherness, generosity, and holiday spirit.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in a single, very long day. The tight schedule was partly driven by the need to finish it in time for the Christmas television season.

• The group had substantial creative input and specifically wanted the clip to feel "pop, fun, and energetic," with a deliberately cheesy Christmas-card aesthetic.

• 'N Sync requested Gary Coleman for the elf role. His appearance connects the video to his best-known television character, although he does not deliver his signature "Whatchu talkin' about, Willis?" line.

• Local radio was used to recruit extras, making the casting process unusually easy because fans were eager for a chance to meet the group. Some extras may even have worked without payment.

• Justin Timberlake was recalled as especially energetic during the shoot. Between takes, he reportedly breakdanced and tried to imitate the director's sneaker style.

• The video debuted on MTV's Total Request Live on December 14, 1998, and became the group's third video to reach No. 1 on the countdown.

• The song was co-written by JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake with Veit Renn and Vincent DeGiorgio. It also appeared in the closing credits of the 1998 holiday film I'll Be Home for Christmas.