A Charming Holiday Treat from Waaber: The 2021 Plasticine Christmas Short
In 2021, animator Rich Webber—known to millions online as Waaber—released a delightful plasticine clay stop-motion short that perfectly captures the warmth and whimsy of the holiday season. The film, simply titled Merry Christmas!, features one of Waaber’s signature clay characters joyfully getting into the festive spirit in a way only stop motion can deliver. With expressive movements and a wonderfully tactile handmade look, the piece reflects the playful, character-driven animation style that Webber has refined through decades of professional work.
Although brief, the holiday short embraces the charm of traditional clay animation, where every fingerprint, squash, and stretch adds life to the performance. The simplicity of the character design makes the animation even more endearing, letting the physicality and personality of the puppet take center stage.
Following the short, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes clip showing Webber himself animating the plasticine character frame by frame. The BTS footage highlights the hands-on nature of clay animation—incremental adjustments, subtle poses, and the rhythmic dedication required to bring a small figure to life. It’s a rare and welcome glimpse into the craft, offering fans and fellow animators a chance to appreciate the process behind the charming final product.
Together, the short film and the accompanying animation clip stand as a small but joyful celebration of stop motion, crafted with the humor, warmth, and handmade spirit that have become Waaber’s signature.
Sources
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Waaber YouTube Channel – Merry Christmas! – Stop Motion Animation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKdNothp06o -
Waaber (Rich Webber) official site
https://waaber.com/
