The series was created by actress Fran Drescher and her-then husband Peter Marc Jacobson, and developed by Prudence Fraser and Robert Sternin.

Based on an idea inspired by Drescher's visit with a friend and The Sound of Music, the series revolves around Fran Fine, a Jewish woman from Flushing, Queens, New York, who is hired by a wealthy Broadway producer to be the nanny to his three children.

Drescher stars as the titular character, Charles Shaughnessy as British-born producer Maxwell Sheffield, and the children – Maggie, Brighton and Grace – portrayed by Nicholle Tom, Benjamin Salisbury, and Madeline Zima.

In this animated Christmas special, Brighton is more concerned with receiving presents than the spirit of giving, so Fran decides to take him to a homeless shelter to teach him about the less fortunate.

Fran eventually solves the problem, saves Christmas, and even teaches Brighton the true meaning of the holiday.