Happy Holidays From Cherry Lane

In the heart of the holiday season, three distinct stories unfold, each exploring different facets of family, relationships, and the unexpected moments that define Christmas. From 1960 to 1998 and 2015, these intertwined narratives show the complexities of love, familial bonds, and the sometimes tricky dynamics that come with celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

1960: A Christmas Time Capsule and Family Tensions

In 1960, Eli and his wife, Penny, find themselves facing the challenge of welcoming Eli’s grumpy and difficult father, Walter, into their home for the holidays. Walter, with his curmudgeonly attitude, adds tension to what should be a joyous occasion, as the couple tries to balance the demands of hosting a family member they don’t always see eye-to-eye with. As they navigate the delicate waters of family relationships, they must also contend with the task at hand: helping their son, Alex, with a Christmas-themed time capsule for his school project. The project, meant to be a lighthearted activity, becomes an unexpected source of stress as Eli and Penny try to find the right balance between their strained family dynamics and the spirit of the season. What begins as an attempt to create a memorable Christmas moment for Alex transforms into a story about reconciliation, understanding, and the importance of family, even when it's not easy.
Fast forward to 1998, where we meet Regina and Nelson, two strangers brought together under unusual circumstances. On Christmas Eve, a blizzard traps Nelson in Regina’s home, leaving them stranded together during the holiday. With no way to leave due to the storm, they must spend the night together, creating a unique opportunity for the two to get to know one another. The unlikely circumstances lead to a deep connection between the two characters, transforming a holiday of isolation into one of unexpected warmth and understanding. Their time together amidst the snowstorm becomes a symbol of how love can blossom in the most unlikely of situations, turning what could have been a lonely night into a life-changing event. By the end of the evening, Regina and Nelson find themselves at the beginning of a new chapter, one that will grow into a lifelong relationship.
The third story is set in 2015, where Jessie faces a significant challenge while planning her sister’s surprise Christmas Eve wedding. The pressure of pulling off a wedding at the last minute during the busy holiday season is enough to test anyone’s patience, but Jessie’s personal dilemma adds another layer of complexity. The officiant for the wedding is none other than Tim, Jessie’s high school sweetheart, whom she hasn’t seen in nearly two decades. Their reunion is filled with emotional tension as old feelings resurface, and both must confront the past that they’ve spent years avoiding. As Jessie juggles the wedding preparations, she must also navigate the unresolved emotions between herself and Tim. Their interactions bring to the surface what was left unsaid all those years ago, forcing both of them to reconsider their relationship, their past, and what they truly want moving forward.

These three stories, set across different decades, weave together a tapestry of family, love, and the complexities of human connections. Each story brings its own set of challenges and heartwarming moments, reminding us that the holiday season is not just about the perfect celebrations, but about the relationships that help us grow and heal. From tensions to reconciliations, these Christmas tales capture the true essence of what it means to come together, even when life gets complicated.

Director: Gail Harvey

Genre: Comedy, Romance, TV Movie

Cast: Benjamin Ayres, Catherine Bell, Erica Durance, James Denton, Julie Gonzalo, Ryan Rottman