Switchmas 2012

Ira J. Finkelstein [Elijah Nelson] longs to experience a real Christmas, but his Jewish family isn’t ready to celebrate in the same way. His father, Max [David DeLuise], a filmmaker, explains he’s working on a low-budget holiday sci‑fi project and has cast the controversial and temperamental Jennifer Cameo [Julianne Christie] as the lead. Ira’s mother, Rosie [Angela DiMarco], a caterer, is busy planning a cheerful Christmas party, trying to keep the peace in a household that is about to face a bigger cultural clash than a single holiday movie could contain. Ira’s parents tell him he’ll be spending Hanukkah with his grandparents, Sam [Elliott Gould] and Ruth [Meg Savlov] Finkelstein, in Florida, promising fun and family time, while Ira secretly longs to visit somewhere with real snow to experience a genuine Christmas atmosphere.

Ira’s journey begins at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where he can’t help but anticipate snow outside the gates. In a bustling indoor play area, he meets Mikey Amato [Justin Thomas Howell], a cheerful if a little naïve Christian boy from Chicago who is visiting relatives in Washington. Mikey explains he’s heard about a place “just like in the movies” and is curious about Hanukkah’s eight nights of gifts. The two boys hatch a plan to swap places, trading hats, coats, and ID tags—along with Ira’s glasses—hoping the swap will go unnoticed, even though Ira’s eye prescription makes the disguise imperfect. They share their phone numbers and swap a postcard with Mikey’s cousins’ details, unsure if the plan will hold under airport scrutiny but hopeful that the spirit of the holidays will bridge their differences.

Ira lands in Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and is greeted by Libby Wilson [Cynthia Geary] and Walt Wilson [Tony Doupe] and their children Jessica [Jenna Levin] and Clare [Shaye Hodgins], with Kyle nearby as part of the bustling, loving family. Mikey, meanwhile, arrives in Florida to be welcomed by Ira’s grandparents, elated at how seamlessly the switch seems to work because the two families never expected their relatives to be so similar in appearance. Neither side suspects a thing, and the two families set out toward Christmastown, Washington, a place Ira finds “just like the movies,” an idea that fuels his dream of directing a community play.

In Christmastown, Ira—a visitor in a new world—sees a town alive with holiday music and talent. He becomes determined to stage a community performance called Christmas Is For Everyone. Jessica and her friend Spike sing and busk for money on the streets, while Clare, who can sing but avoids performing publicly, writes a song for the show. The two girls rally local kids to audition, and a chorus forms around the central message Ira wants to convey. The town comes alive with curiosity about this out‑of‑towner who is secretly Mikey Amato, wrapped in New World wonder and old‑fashioned holiday magic.

A local bully, Jack the Jerk [Ashton Herrild], introduces a sharp edge to the village’s festive mood when he unleashes his dog, Killer, on Ira. To escape, Ira climbs a tree, a moment that underscores his vulnerability in this unfamiliar place. The situation shifts when Clare and Ira rescue Killer, who becomes a pivotal part of the play, renamed Mistletoe and integrated into the community spectacle to show how even a tough start can become a heartwarming solution. The incident also leads to a surprising moment of connection between the two families as they begin to understand the power of collaboration and inclusion.

Back home, Mikey suffers a broken arm just as the holiday plans intensify. Ira’s parents rush to support him, and the truth about the swap eventually comes to light. The families confront the reality that the boys have swapped places, but rather than tearing themselves apart, they choose to come together. Ira’s family travels to Washington to surprise Mikey on the night of the big performance, while Mikey’s relatives in Florida react with their own blend of astonishment and pride when they learn the full story. The moment becomes a turning point for everyone involved, as both sides see how much they value family, connection, and the shared joy of the season.

As the final scenes unfold, Ira’s parents acknowledge his effort and express pride in what he has accomplished, even if the circumstances were unusual. The community gathers for a closing song, “Christmas Is For Everyone,” celebrating a message that transcends faith and background. In the end, the holiday spirit wins: the families embrace, forgiveness abounds, and the children’s improvisation becomes a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring importance of family during the holidays.