Christmas Under the Lights

The film opens with Emily Ross successfully launching a new light-therapy mask for CEO Aurora in L.A., though she is clearly disconnected from her family. Back in Meadow Grove, her brother Nick is overwhelmed by the 103 animals on their rescue farm and the upcoming 25th anniversary Christmas Carnival, which their late mother, Melody, used to run. Emily reluctantly returns home to help, immediately clashing with the local pace of life. Upon arrival, she nearly runs over Luke, a farmhand who is actually Lucas Hodges, a famous artist who retreated from the city after a difficult divorce. Initial friction between Emily and Luke softens as they are forced to collaborate on the carnival's attractions. Emily realizes the event needs a 'wow' factor and convinces Luke to create a light installation inspired by their mother’s 'stained glass' Christmas cookies. Throughout the process, Emily experiences poignant flashbacks and visions of her mother, Melody, which highlight her guilt for staying away from the farm for so long. Subplots involve Emily reconnecting with her high school friend Taylor and Nick's struggle to maintain the farm's legacy without their mother's 'manual.' Emily and Luke go on a supply run to Seattle, where they visit an empty art studio. Luke encourages Emily to 'jump off the edge' and start her own business rather than remaining a corporate cog. The conflict peaks when Aurora arrives at the farm and offers Emily a dream job as Head of Content for her entire corporation, which would require an immediate return to L.A. Luke, believing Emily will choose the city, prepares to move on. However, a final vision of her mother gives Emily the courage to choose her own path. At the carnival's climax, the light installation is a massive success. Luke reveals he has rented the studio in Seattle to return to his art. Emily counters Aurora's offer by proposing she hire Emily's new independent marketing agency instead. The film concludes with Emily and Luke planning a future together in Seattle, balancing their professional dreams with their connection to the farm.