The following day, the trio plays tricks and pranks, including swapping the cooked turkey with a live one at dinner.
The boys, distraught at what they have done, read Donald and Daisy's card and they realize Christmas is about presents and being with family.
As the boys spread love and cheer by kissing Gertie and helping Daisy with dinner, Donald eventually becomes suspicious that they forgot something.
Their neighbor Pete tells Max that Santa does not exist, saying that it is impossible for him to fly around the world in one night.
Things begin to get worse when an unprepared Goofy poses as Santa for some kids and Max finds out that he tricked him.
The real Santa actually comes and gives Max the gift he had asked for earlier (as well as burying Pete's house next door in snow as punishment for his cruel disbelief).
After playing music for a toy drive with the Firehouse Five, Mickey realizes he can trade his harmonica for the gold chain.
In 2000, the film was part of McDonald's Happy Meals toys as one six titles highlighted as the Disney Video Showcase Collection.
Each toy came as one of three interlocking characters from the film (Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto) packaged in a simulated video case.
[31] Allison McClain Merrill of Screen Rant called the three stories of Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas "memorable",[32] while Zach Grass wrote, "This movie is like a cup of hot chocolate with all the marshmallows and toppings you could possibly ask for.
"[35] Andrea Beach of Common Sense Media gave Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas a grade of three out of five stars, and praised the depiction of positive messages and role models, citing love, caring, and the spirit of giving.
We're reminded why Mickey and the gang have endured for so long,"[39] while Ashley Amber ranked the film ninth in their "10 Best Animated Christmas Classics" list and described it as a "memorable watch for gen Z-ers and millennials alike.
Kids who love Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and the whole crew won't be able to resist these heartwarming stories.