Lord Rogers introduces this animated film by explaining the customs of his kingdom, and by telling us he has invented the light bulb.Princess Odette just lost her father and she is spending Christmas in a different kingdom with Prince Derek. They travel with a puffin named Puffin, a turtle named Speed who has Eeyore's personality, and a frog with a German accent named Jean-Bob who wants to be kissed by a princess and turn into a prince. He also hates Christmas.And he's not the only one. The ghost of Rothbart, who can be heard but not seen, wants Number 9, a tuxedo cat who has lived 8 of his 9 lives. to do what is necessary to bring him back. Since Derek killed Rothbart, he must be the one to open a trunk that will restore certain abilities to Rothbart and allow him to eventually come back to life. Number 9 experiences a number of comic misadventures in the process of getting this done. Rothbart goes back on his word several times but eventually has to give in when Number 9 has the advantage.Meanwhile, Chamberlain blows his bugle to announce the arrival of the young couple. He and Bridget like each other.Queen Uberta welcomes Odette and immediately becomes very demanding, apologizing quickly each time she does. It is Ornament Day, when the official Christmas tree is decorated with ornaments made to represent good deeds, depicted as in a painting or photograph.Derek goes out in the woods with Bromley and encounters danger from snow leopards and Number 9 (who isn't dangerous at all).Uberta, Lord Rogers and Odette make preparations for Christmas. When Rothbart gets his powers, his true intention is revealed. He wants to destroy Christmas! The first step: change people's behavior.So will Rothbart succeed? What will bring back the magic of Christmas if he does?