Best. Christmas. Ever. 2023

As snowflakes delicately drift down outside, the Sanders family finds themselves nestled in their intimate apartment, enveloped by the quiet frustrations of their simple existence. Charlotte Sanders and her husband Rob Sanders are entrenched in a sense of stagnation, their envy piqued as they peruse Jackie Jennings’ annual Christmas letter, a sparkling display of her seemingly perfect life. Jackie’s tales of impressive accomplishments stand in stark contrast to the Sanders’ plain reality: Dora’s obsession with Marvel comics, Grant’s emotional bond with his beloved stuffed monkey, Rob’s outlandish idea of flipping houses, and Charlotte’s forsaken ambitions of creating something truly revolutionary.

When Grant misreads his mother’s sarcasm, he persuades the family to join the Jennings for Christmas. This decision lands them snowed in, prompting an uncomfortable confrontation with their insecurities. As the evening progresses, Charlotte’s doubts about Jackie’s ideal life amplify, particularly regarding her fit Latino husband, Valentino. This growing suspicion leads Charlotte to engage in some underhanded sleuthing, determined to uncover the truth behind what she perceives as the Jennings’ unreal achievements.

Meanwhile, the kids, Dora and Grant, embark on a misguided mission to unmask the mall Santa, resulting in a dramatic encounter that leaves everyone reeling. Charlotte’s accusations against Jackie, originating from a distorted interpretation of a benign tradition, only serve to further fracture their already tenuous relationships.

As the narrative races toward a climax, an elaborate solar-powered hot air balloon takes the spotlight — an emotional tribute to Jackie’s late son, Daniel. A cascade of events leads to a Christmas pageant that results in an unexpected mishap, where Santa’s sleigh becomes inadvertently tethered to the balloon. The sheer absurdity of this moment underscores the vital lesson of embracing our idiosyncrasies and imperfections.

In the film’s epilogue, the Sanders and Jennings families unite to craft a collaborative Christmas letter. This heartwarming endeavor signifies their newfound appreciation for each other’s unique qualities and weaknesses. Charlotte exuberantly shares her latest invention, while the Jennings highlight their non-governmental organization (NGO) with their solar-powered hot air balloon journeys, showcasing the strength that lies in community and collaboration.