Navigating Christmas

Melanie Dalton is a high-powered financial professional in Seattle who is struggling to connect with her teenage son, Jason, following a difficult divorce. When her ex-husband, Max, cancels Jason's long-awaited snowboarding trip to Whistler, Melanie impulsively books a stay at a historic lighthouse on St. Nicholas Island to save their Christmas. The trip begins poorly when Melanie gets seasick on the water taxi and is accidentally soaked by a wave after ignoring the warnings of a local man who turns out to be Peter Sanderson, the lighthouse owner. Upon arriving at the lighthouse, Melanie is horrified to learn that the 'immersive experience' she booked actually requires the guests to perform all the decorating duties for the island's 'Christmas Star' festival. Peter, who has returned to the island for the first time in eight years and is known as a local 'Scrooge,' initially clashes with Melanie over the workload. As the week progresses, the tension softens. Jason, initially resentful, begins to bond with Peter, who teaches him about the lighthouse's history and Morse code. Jason also develops a crush on Sara, the daughter of the eccentric Mayor Katie Cameron. Melanie and Peter find common ground in their shared histories of parental disappointment and the fear of vulnerability. During the town's 'Reindeer Games,' Melanie and Peter compete as a team, and Jason wins a trophy with Sara, signaling a turning point in his mood. However, conflict arises when Melanie discovers that Peter is secretly planning to sell the lighthouse to a developer, Ray, who intends to demolish it for vacation homes. Simultaneously, Jason overhears a private conversation between Melanie and Peter where it is revealed that his father's new girlfriend is pregnant—a secret Melanie was keeping to protect him. Feeling betrayed by both his mother and his new mentor, Jason takes Peter's boat out into the choppy waters alone on Christmas Eve. When the boat stalls, Jason uses his newly learned Morse code skills to signal 'Happy Holidays' with a flashlight. Melanie and Peter rescue him, and Melanie uses the moment to promise Jason that she will always be his 'lighthouse.' In the aftermath, Melanie uses her financial expertise to propose a business partnership with Peter, saving the lighthouse from the developer by turning it into a historic landmark and non-profit. The film concludes with Melanie and Peter confessing their feelings and sharing a kiss under the light of the 'Christmas Star,' while Jason embraces his new life on the island.