'Sesame Street' star Elmo gives tips for surviving the holidays
- - USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.'Sesame Street' star Elmo gives tips for surviving the holidays
Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAYDecember 9, 2025 at 7:01 AM
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NEW YORK – Mark Rober, the NASA engineer-turned-YouTuber, has had a career that's taken him to many places and screens. And now, that list includes Netflix and the iconic Sesame Street.
In "Elmo & Mark Rober's Merry Giftmas" (streaming now on Netflix), Rober pairs his creativity with Elmo's imagination for gifts that all of Sesame Street can enjoy.
"Elmo's been friends with Mr. Mark for a long time," the furry red monster, seated alongside Rober, tells USA TODAY in his beloved, signature third-person speak. "We both really love making things. Elmo does arts and crafts and stuff. And Mr. Mark makes rollercoasters and space satellites, so a little bit more advanced."
(From left) Mark Rober and Elmo team for Netflix's "Merry Giftmas," a 35-minute special where the duo creates holiday gifts for all of Sesame Street to enjoy.Mark Rober spills on what it's like working with Elmo and Cookie Monster
The duo creates the gifts at Rober's CrunchLabs. Elmo also invited some friends along, even if they didn't exactly understand what magic happens inside an engineering lab.
"Elmo went in the foam pit; I think he might've even done a flip into the foam pit," Rober, 45, recalls. "And Cookie Monster ate all the foam. That was kind of a problem, actually. We had to cut him off."
Cookie Monster's appetite was one of a few factors Rober worked through in creating the special with Sesame Street, though.
Rober on the biggest difference between filming for Netflix vs. YouTube
Rober was used to being able to, for the most part, control the circumstances when filming for his YouTube channel, which has over 72 million subscribers.
But Netflix has been a different beast. "It takes a little longer to film," he says of working with the cast of characters for the Netflix special. "For the YouTube thing, it's like pull out a phone, let's film the scene. But working with Sesame Street, you really had to up the production value."
Where Rober found common ground with the Netflix production is in kid-friendly concepts that are easy to understand, and that reframe failure as a tool for learning. Rober leads by example, for starters, as he demonstrates in his YouTube videos how his creations fail before eventually succeeding − and he repeats that in Netflix's "Merry Giftmas."
Rober even steps out of his comfort zone in a duet with Elmo on the song "Failure is Awesome," although he's never sung on camera before. "It was really great singing with Mr. Mark," Elmo says. "You'd think failure is a bad thing, but it's not because you learn from failure."
See exclusive photos from the immersive experience that will delight fans of "Wednesday," "Stranger Things," "One Piece" and more.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Step inside Netflix, literally. The biggest shows from the popular streaming service come to life in the company's new Netflix House attractions, the first of which opens outside Philadelphia on Nov. 12. See exclusive photos from the immersive experience that will delight fans of "Wednesday," "Stranger Things," "One Piece" and more.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EaXJOVocqYpKobb_RpE6HA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/15416346e70bba1e2de2d4a57e8c4986 class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
Step inside Netflix, literally. The biggest shows from the popular streaming service come to life in the company's new Netflix House attractions, the first of which opens outside Philadelphia on Nov. 12. See exclusive photos from the immersive experience that will delight fans of "Wednesday," "Stranger Things," "One Piece" and more.
">Step inside Netflix, literally. The biggest shows from the popular streaming service come to life in the company's new Netflix House attractions, the first of which opens outside Philadelphia on Nov. 12. See exclusive photos from the immersive experience that will delight fans of "Wednesday," "Stranger Things," "One Piece" and more.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EaXJOVocqYpKobb_RpE6HA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/15416346e70bba1e2de2d4a57e8c4986 class=caas-img>The entrance hall for Netflix House. The attraction is in a former Lord & Taylor in the King of Prussia Mall in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rlJ9ny9QoAgUU4ytI1N0OQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3300bbad349800220716177738fdc42f class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
The entrance hall for Netflix House. The attraction is in a former Lord & Taylor in the King of Prussia Mall in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
">The entrance hall for Netflix House. The attraction is in a former Lord & Taylor in the King of Prussia Mall in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rlJ9ny9QoAgUU4ytI1N0OQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3300bbad349800220716177738fdc42f class=caas-img>Netflix House has free and paid experiences for fans. In the free areas are many photo opportunities, like this "Bridgerton"-style throne.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/S2wVYtOxLyIcDrAsNifmXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/467da8023bbce8778b306b70fa9ef758 class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
Netflix House has free and paid experiences for fans. In the free areas are many photo opportunities, like this "Bridgerton"-style throne.
">Netflix House has free and paid experiences for fans. In the free areas are many photo opportunities, like this "Bridgerton"-style throne.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/S2wVYtOxLyIcDrAsNifmXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/467da8023bbce8778b306b70fa9ef758 class=caas-img>Another free spot in Netflix House is this recreation of the Byers family living room from "Stranger Things."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vXve7VQApURW3doEG7ZGfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4103ada2ec0c95fd116fc674aaffc2ce class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
Another free spot in Netflix House is this recreation of the Byers family living room from "Stranger Things."
">Another free spot in Netflix House is this recreation of the Byers family living room from "Stranger Things."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vXve7VQApURW3doEG7ZGfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4103ada2ec0c95fd116fc674aaffc2ce class=caas-img>Fans can buy tickets for more in depth experiences, including "Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts," which combines an interactive mystery with carnival games.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zl_OMBQjx4f1WynlYLxbkw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b5b33527fe7691ac401253462c77a743 class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
Fans can buy tickets for more in depth experiences, including "Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts," which combines an interactive mystery with carnival games.
">Fans can buy tickets for more in depth experiences, including "Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts," which combines an interactive mystery with carnival games.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zl_OMBQjx4f1WynlYLxbkw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b5b33527fe7691ac401253462c77a743 class=caas-img>The "Wednesday" experience can bring fans inside the set of the Addams Family show.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4BZ7Pl65ClSMj3FyemjiLw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a27229f95360dd1e910dbd0a858e4a3a class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
The "Wednesday" experience can bring fans inside the set of the Addams Family show.
">The "Wednesday" experience can bring fans inside the set of the Addams Family show.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4BZ7Pl65ClSMj3FyemjiLw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a27229f95360dd1e910dbd0a858e4a3a class=caas-img>A nine-hold mini golf course is also available, with holes themed around shows and sports from Netflix like WWE and "Love is Blind."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zz8_Io8ZDL7qDBhXSg_wfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6927fa036378ad83f631b9ff6a17a651 class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
A nine-hold mini golf course is also available, with holes themed around shows and sports from Netflix like WWE and "Love is Blind."
">A nine-hold mini golf course is also available, with holes themed around shows and sports from Netflix like WWE and "Love is Blind."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zz8_Io8ZDL7qDBhXSg_wfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6927fa036378ad83f631b9ff6a17a651 class=caas-img>Fans will have to try to break out of the multi-tiered escape room experience, "One Piece: Quest for the Devil Fruit."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/omfR9IOYG4QgqM61L2vlaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aeb46689c3aa16180859b3615dcbc2c8 class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
Fans will have to try to break out of the multi-tiered escape room experience, "One Piece: Quest for the Devil Fruit."
">Fans will have to try to break out of the multi-tiered escape room experience, "One Piece: Quest for the Devil Fruit."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/omfR9IOYG4QgqM61L2vlaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aeb46689c3aa16180859b3615dcbc2c8 class=caas-img>Get up close and personal with the "One Piece" set.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wcKbo3mD88AGwhrE3sSK3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1383d01c066da0581d10a1b4ed1889fc class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
Get up close and personal with the "One Piece" set.
">Get up close and personal with the "One Piece" set.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wcKbo3mD88AGwhrE3sSK3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1383d01c066da0581d10a1b4ed1889fc class=caas-img>Step inside the world of "Stranger Things," "Squid Game" and "Rebel Moon" in this VR experience.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UYNb4o8DbicyUHaKcmFh2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/42d49e2c1ae2a2ecd6ccbb1256f7e93f class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
Step inside the world of "Stranger Things," "Squid Game" and "Rebel Moon" in this VR experience.
">Step inside the world of "Stranger Things," "Squid Game" and "Rebel Moon" in this VR experience.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UYNb4o8DbicyUHaKcmFh2g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/42d49e2c1ae2a2ecd6ccbb1256f7e93f class=caas-img>In addition to games and attractions, Netflix House has a large merchandise store with bits and bobs from all your favorite Netflix shows.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_yLOQNxbCFFQwDYJs6Xvww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/17ea088ac7d703cc572c63bd06fe3d8d class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
In addition to games and attractions, Netflix House has a large merchandise store with bits and bobs from all your favorite Netflix shows.
">In addition to games and attractions, Netflix House has a large merchandise store with bits and bobs from all your favorite Netflix shows.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_yLOQNxbCFFQwDYJs6Xvww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/17ea088ac7d703cc572c63bd06fe3d8d class=caas-img>And if you're hungry you can get Netflix-themed dishes at Netflix Bites, a full-service restaurant.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/isJqr3uk05nXjQ4to_gESA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/833b6912b2c1d494316f5f39d8dfaade class=caas-img data-headline="'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)" data-caption="
And if you're hungry you can get Netflix-themed dishes at Netflix Bites, a full-service restaurant.
">And if you're hungry you can get Netflix-themed dishes at Netflix Bites, a full-service restaurant.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/isJqr3uk05nXjQ4to_gESA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/833b6912b2c1d494316f5f39d8dfaade class=caas-img>
1 / 12'Wednesday' and 'One Piece' come to life in Netflix House attraction (exclusive photos)
Step inside Netflix, literally. The biggest shows from the popular streaming service come to life in the company's new Netflix House attractions, the first of which opens outside Philadelphia on Nov. 12. See exclusive photos from the immersive experience that will delight fans of "Wednesday," "Stranger Things," "One Piece" and more.
Elmo's advice for managing 'big feelings' during the holiday season
Elmo is certainly filled with wisdom; the monster has made headlines in recent years for offering advice on mental health and simply asking, "How are you doing?"
And since the holiday season is in full swing, Elmo has a few thoughts about managing "big feelings" around this time of year, which can be filled with high highs and low lows for some.
"The holidays can be a little stressful, but Elmo takes a moment where he could just kind of calm down," the monster says. "And one of the things Elmo does to calm down is do some body wiggles; you can kind of shake it out if you're feeling stressed."
As for the rest of Sesame Street, Elmo reveals that everybody is "doing great" and says "hello"... except for Oscar.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stressed over the holidays? Elmo has the best advice
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
