The short was inspired by the song "Same Old Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg. When writing the script, Jordan Crowder read an interview with Jill Anderson where she divulged what really happened that Christmas Eve. That interview served as much of the source material.
The beer they drink in the film is "Goose Island IPA" a brand of beer from Illinois, where the story is set (Peoria, Illinois.)
The car has vintage Illinois plates in the wide shot.
The film was shot overnight and in the early morning to create the illusion of empty streets on Christmas Eve.