A store’s mingling of displays of 2 different holidays inspired a poem and years later, a 1990s film with this name

On Friday, December 19, 2025, Jeopardy! featured a thought-provoking clue in the category “Movie Inspirations.” Contestants were asked to reflect on how a retail store’s decision to blend decorations from two major holidays led to both a literary creation and, decades later, a well-known film. The clue read:

“A store’s mingling of displays of 2 different holidays inspired a poem and years later, a 1990s film with this name.”

The correct response was:

What is The Nightmare Before Christmas?

The inspiration behind The Nightmare Before Christmas dates back to the 1980s, when writer and animator Tim Burton observed a curious merchandising decision at a department store. Halloween displays had not yet been fully removed when Christmas decorations were already being set up. This visual juxtaposition of spooky imagery with festive cheer sparked Burton’s imagination. He penned a short poem in 1982 that captured the idea of a Halloween-themed character discovering and becoming fascinated with Christmas.

The poem, which bore the same title as the eventual film, laid the foundation for the darkly whimsical story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Jack stumbles upon Christmas Town and, captivated by its joy and color, attempts to take over the holiday, with predictably chaotic results. The poem was eventually published in 1993, the same year the stop-motion animated film was released.

From Poem to Cult Classic Film

Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas was released in 1993 under Walt Disney Pictures’ Touchstone label. The studio was initially hesitant to market the film directly to children due to its macabre visual style and tone. However, the unique narrative and groundbreaking animation earned it critical acclaim and an enduring fan base. Danny Elfman provided the musical score and voiced Jack’s singing parts, adding to the film’s distinctive atmosphere.

The movie remained faithful to the core idea that inspired the original poem: the culture clash between Halloween and Christmas, with Jack Skellington’s misguided attempt to recreate something he doesn’t fully understand. The story explores themes of identity, curiosity, and unintended consequences—all sparked by the simple act of two holidays being visually intertwined on a store shelf.

The Enduring Impact of the Film

While it did modest business at the box office upon release, The Nightmare Before Christmas grew into a cult classic over the following decades. Its legacy has been cemented through seasonal re-releases, merchandise, and a devoted fan base that continues to celebrate both Halloween and Christmas with themed events based on the film. Disney eventually embraced its popularity, incorporating the film into theme park attractions such as the seasonal overlay at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.

The film’s lasting appeal is largely due to its unique aesthetic, memorable music, and its position as one of the few pieces of popular media that bridges two major holidays in a single narrative. It has become both a Halloween and Christmas staple, watched by fans in October and December alike.

How It All Ties Back to the Clue

The Jeopardy! clue highlighted the rare moment of retail marketing that had a profound creative impact. It illustrates how everyday observations—like seeing pumpkins and Christmas trees side-by-side—can spark artistic expression that resonates across generations. Tim Burton’s transformation of this experience into a poem, and eventually a film, underscores the power of inspiration drawn from unexpected sources.

This clue challenged contestants not only to recall a well-known movie but to think about the deeper origin story behind it. The correct response, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a perfect example of how a simple juxtaposition of holidays led to a rich and enduring piece of storytelling.