Christmas Getaway

Emory Blake is a travel writer who avoids traditional holidays, a trait that leads to a breakup with her boyfriend, William, who wants a more settled life. Her editor, Veronica, tasks her with writing an article on an 'old-fashioned American Christmas' and books her a cabin in Pine Grove. Simultaneously, Scott Hays, a lawyer and widower, takes his daughter Katy to the same town to fulfill a 'Christmas bucket list' of traditions her late mother loved. Due to a clerical error by Hal, the local candy shop owner and rental agent, Emory and the Hays family are double-booked in the same cabin. A massive snowstorm and a failing alternator in Emory's car force the group to share the space. Emory initially acts as a detached observer, taking notes on the family's activities for her article, but she is soon drawn into their traditions. They cut down a tree, go ice skating, and build an elaborate gingerbread house together. Scott's mother, Marilyn, arrives and notices the chemistry between Scott and Emory, encouraging her son to move past his grief. A minor conflict arises in the form of Alice, a local mother who seems perfectly suited for Scott, causing Emory to feel like an outsider. At a Christmas party, Emory overhears Scott telling Marilyn that 'she's not the one' and that they aren't 'suited for each other.' Emory mistakenly believes he is talking about her, when he is actually referring to Alice. Heartbroken, Emory decides to leave for a last-minute assignment in Kathmandu on Christmas Eve. However, her car breaks down in a blizzard on the way out of town. Scott, realizing Emory left because of the misunderstanding, tracks her down in the storm. He rescues her and confesses that he has no interest in Alice and has fallen for Emory. They return to the cabin to celebrate Christmas morning with Katy and Marilyn. Emory decides to stay, finally finding the 'home' she had been avoiding, and begins working on a book about her experiences.