12 Gifts of Christmas

The film begins with Anna Parisi, a classically trained artist with a Master's degree, being rejected by the prestigious Hope Gallery because she lacks a 'name' in the art world. Struggling to pay rent to her sister Marie, Anna encounters Marc Rehnquist at a local bakery. Marc is a stressed advertising executive who has forgotten his assistant's birthday; Anna helps him by suggesting an 'off-the-menu' cupcake sampler. Inspired by her knack for finding the perfect gift, Anna creates a flyer for a personal shopping service. Marc sees the flyer and hires her as his 'Christmas Gifter' to handle his list of twelve recipients. Their first hurdle occurs when Anna ignores Marc's request for an expensive smart watch for his friend Graham, instead buying nostalgic Knicks tickets and a ramen dinner. Though Marc initially fires her for the insubordination, he rehired her after Graham calls to say it was the best gift he ever received. As the two spend more time together, Marc invites Anna to his company's Christmas party to help him choose a gift for the entire staff. Anna suggests a radical idea: giving everyone a paid week off between Christmas and New Year's. The gift is a massive success, and Marc begins to soften his workaholic exterior. He joins Anna for ice skating with his family and eventually invites her to a family dinner, where Anna's warmth charms his mother and sister. However, conflict arises when Marc's agency faces losing the Cerulean Digital account. The client demands a campaign that makes people 'feel' something. Marc, having seen Anna's private Christmas-themed paintings in her basement studio—which she considers 'just for fun' and not 'serious art'—uses them as the centerpiece for his pitch without her consent. When he presents her with a contract for the campaign as a 'gift,' Anna feels exploited and betrayed, believing he only valued her for his own professional gain. She breaks off their professional and personal relationship. On Christmas Day, after heart-to-hearts with their respective families, both realize their mistakes: Marc should have respected her artistic integrity, and Anna realizes that her 'fun' paintings are her most authentic work. Anna surprises Marc at his family home, where they reconcile. Marc admits she is the best gift he has ever received, and they share a kiss as the family celebrates together.