CALABASAS, Calif. — Making gingerbread cookies is a holiday season tradition, but a new one for Jingle Jangle director, David Talbert – despite Christmas being his favorite time of the year. 

“This is my first gingerbread that I’m making. He’s bald like me, so we have something in common", said Talbert.

Having something in common is an important theme for Talbert and his wife Lyn who created the new Netflix holiday film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.

Growing up Talbert loved musical films like Willy Wonka and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

When Talbert showed the films to his son, he was not interested because no one on the screen resembled him.

“I realized he didn’t dig the movie because on his wall is Black Panther and Miles Morales. He didn’t see anyone that looked like him," said Talbert.

That is when Talbert knew it was time to create a holiday classic – like the ones he grew up watching – but with representation.

His dream came true, after a meeting with Netflix and executive Scott Stuber.

“I’d sit down and watch the television and there’s nothing on there to watch with anybody that looks like us. I said, if we feel this way, then how many families like us around the world feel the same way? Scott said I never thought about that, we need to do something about that", said Talbert.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is Netflix’s first original live-action musical. The holiday tale follows a toymaker, his granddaughter, and a magical invention. The film is changing the holiday musical status-quo by starring people of color.

“To see it on-screen, it just honored so many people that have paved the way before us, at the same time may have not gotten the credit, you know, just because of the color of their skin", said Lyn Sisson-Talbert. 

As the Talberts decorated their tree, representation in Jingle Jangle is something they want for their son, and for people around the world to see, normalizing the beauty of all races.

“It’s an ownership; it’s a pride in our culture. In our ability to have something that represents us at the highest level", said Talbert.

After a hard year with the pandemic, and racial and social unrest stemming from the death of George Floyd, the Talberts feel their film offers relief and joy at the right time, and a new holiday classic film for all to watch year after year.

“Humanity doesn’t have a color to it. It’s not a race, humanity and love is universal," said Talbert.

Symbolizing the holiday spirit in Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey by spreading a message of humanity and that everything is possible.