The Christmas Wishing Tree

The film opens with Elizabeth Thatcher writing in her journal about her longing for Jack Thornton, who has been away for six months. She introduces her students to the legend of the Wishing Tree, a tradition where people write wishes on ornaments for others to fulfill. While Elizabeth is hesitant to wish for Jack's return, fearing it is selfish, her friends Rosemary and Abigail encourage her to have faith. Meanwhile, Abigail Stanton prepares for her daughter Becky's return from school, and Lee Coulter struggles to adapt to a week of 'leisure' after closing his sawmill for the holidays. The emotional core of the film is established when Bill Avery surprises Elizabeth by arranging for Jack to return home for a few days. However, the joy is bittersweet as Jack reveals he must return to the Northern Territories on Christmas Eve. Several subplots unfold: a young student named Robert wishes for a crib for his unborn sibling because he senses his parents' anxiety over a difficult pregnancy; Dr. Carson Shepherd tries to break through the icy exterior of the reclusive Mrs. McCormick; and the disgraced former mayor Henry Gowen is brought back to town from a detention camp to perform community service. The tension rises when Becky is stranded at a train depot during a blizzard. In a surprising turn of events, Henry Gowen uses his knowledge of local shortcuts to rescue her, earning a modicum of respect from the townspeople. As the Christmas parade commences, Lee Coulter is 'voted' into playing Santa, and the town gathers to see the wishes fulfilled. Robert's family receives their crib, and Mrs. McCormick finally joins the community. The film reaches its climax on Christmas Eve as Jack prepares to ride out. Just as he is about to leave, Bill Avery arrives with a telegram stating that a massive blizzard has blocked the northern passes, ordering all Mounties to stay put for another week. The movie concludes with Elizabeth and Jack celebrating a miraculous extension of their time together under the glow of the Wishing Tree.