Write Before Christmas

The film begins with Jessica Winthrop, a cellist working at a music shop, being dumped by her boyfriend Wes—an optician she calls 'Dr. Handsome' despite him not being a doctor—at Primo's, a restaurant nicknamed 'The Proposal Palace.' Heartbroken and disillusioned with dating, Jessica decides to send five Christmas cards she had originally bought for Wes to people who truly matter to her: her Aunt Lila, her brother Carter (who is serving in the military), her best friend Mimi, her childhood music teacher Mrs. Miller, and Jax, a former boy band star whose music helped her through the loss of her parents. As these cards are mailed, the narrative follows the ripple effects they create. Her brother Carter meets a fellow soldier named Angie, and they bond over their shared loneliness and a first-time experience building a snowman. Aunt Lila meets a widower named Tom and his dog Blitzen, eventually deciding to keep the dog and pursue a new relationship. Jax, the pop star, is so moved by Jessica's letter that he reconciles with his former bandmates and decides to perform a reunion show with new, meaningful music. The most significant connection occurs when Luke Miller, a photographer and the son of Mrs. Miller, receives the card intended for his mother, who is currently teaching in Kenya. Luke tracks Jessica down at her shop to thank her and gifts her his mother's prized cello. As Luke and Jessica spend time together—decorating a tree for an orphanage and caroling—a romance blossoms. However, complications arise when Jessica sees Luke with a beautiful woman at an ice rink (who turns out to be a client) and Luke sees Jessica with her ex-boyfriend Wes (who was merely returning a forgotten item). Encouraged by her friend Mimi, who has decided to start a family after being inspired by Jessica's card, Jessica auditions for the Chicago Heritage Orchestra and wins a seat. The film culminates on Christmas Eve at a Jax concert, where Luke finds Jessica in the crowd. They clear up their misunderstandings, and Luke presents her with a childhood photo of them together, revealing they had met years ago at a recital. They share a kiss as Jax performs a song dedicated to Jessica, celebrating the power of a simple Christmas card.