Homegrown Christmas

The film opens with Maddie Finley selling her successful shoe empire, Madd Shoes, which she built from nothing over 17 years. Feeling 'numb' and directionless after the sale, she returns to her hometown of Claremont for an extended Christmas stay at the urging of her mother, Peg. Upon arrival, she immediately encounters her high school sweetheart, Carter Allen, whom she left behind to pursue her dreams in New York. The reunion is awkward; Maddie literally hides behind a tree with her suitcases to avoid him. The central plot is set in motion when the high school gym floods, threatening the holiday formal. Peg volunteers Maddie and Carter to co-chair the event, hosting it in the family's barn. As they work together, the 'elephant in the room' is addressed: Carter reveals he 'chickened out' of moving to New York with her years ago because he didn't think he could make it as a furniture maker in the big city. Meanwhile, several subplots unfold. Maddie's sister, Hallie, feels overshadowed and resentful, believing she only runs the family business by 'default.' Carter’s niece, Ava, is a talented aspiring fashion designer, and Maddie secretly helps her apply to a prestigious New York institute, causing friction with Ava's mother, Natalie, who fears the risk of failure. The tension peaks when Maddie receives a lucrative job offer from Wendy Williams in New York. Simultaneously, Hallie and Maddie post photos of Carter’s hobby—intricate miniature Christmas villages—online without his permission, leading to a confrontation where Carter expresses that his quiet life is 'enough' for him, even if it isn't for her. However, after a heart-to-heart with Peg about taking risks, the characters find resolution. Natalie gives Ava her blessing to go to New York. Hallie and Maddie reconcile and decide to run the family business as partners. In the climax, Maddie turns down the New York job, choosing to stay in Claremont. She and Carter confess their love at the dance, agreeing that losing each other a second time is a risk they aren't willing to take.