What Is Almost Christmas About?
The premise of Almost Christmas in 337 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quiet suburb that still smells of pine and baked sweet potatoes, Walter—a retired mechanic whose steady hands once kept a family’s home running—finds himself navigating the first Christmas without his beloved wife, Grace. Her absence hangs over the house like unfinished ornaments, and the holiday season becomes both a reminder of loss and a fragile chance for renewal. The film settles into a warm, slightly bittersweet tone, blending humor with heartfelt moments as it explores how grief can linger in the most ordinary rituals.
The gathering brings together four grown children, each carrying their own ambitions and anxieties. The eldest daughter, Cheryl, returns with a partner whose confidence sometimes feels louder than compassion, hinting at the frictions that can surface when old expectations clash with new realities. Christian, the poised son with a budding political career, arrives with the weight of public scrutiny and personal convictions, offering a glimpse of how legacy and duty intersect. Rachel, a determined single mother juggling a legal degree and her spirited daughter, embodies the tension between personal dreams and familial responsibilities. The youngest, Evan, still feeling the raw edge of his mother’s death, hints at the quieter battles that can accompany the louder holiday cheer.
Adding a touch of generational continuity, May—the supportive sister‑in‑law—steps in to help stitch the family’s frayed edges, her presence underscoring the importance of extended kinship in times of transition. As the house fills with the clatter of casseroles, the hum of familiar songs, and the faint echo of past celebrations, Walter quietly attempts to recreate Grace’s signature sweet potato pie, a simple act that becomes a symbolic effort to honor memory while forging a new tradition.
Through the lens of a single, hopeful holiday, the story invites viewers into a world where love is tested, laughter is reclaimed, and the promise of togetherness glimmers just beyond the doorway of grief. The season’s magic lies not in grand gestures, but in the subtle, tender moments that suggest healing may be just a shared table away.
What Happens in Almost Christmas?
The complete story of Almost Christmas, from the first scene to the last, in 519 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film commences in the 1970s, showcasing an evocative montage of the relationship between Walter and Grace Meyers, who fall in love, marry, and raise four children. Fast forward to 2016, where tragedy strikes as Grace passes away, leaving Walter to navigate life alone, now that his adult children have moved out.
As the holiday season approaches, ten months after Grace’s death, Walter is busy preparing for Christmas, just five days away. He takes the time to catch up with his children: his eldest daughter, Cheryl, is married to the self-centered basketball player Lonnie. Their oldest son, Christian, is in the running for congressman, married to Sonya and has two kids, Cameron and Dee. The determined single mother Rachel is balancing her responsibilities to her daughter Niya while pursuing her law degree, and the youngest, Evan, struggles emotionally with the loss of their mother.
Walter honors Grace’s memory by volunteering at a homeless shelter, mirroring her dedication, while attempting to perfect her beloved sweet potato pie—though with little success. His sister-in-law, May, visits to lend a hand in bringing the family together.
Once the festivities begin, Christian arrives with his campaign manager [Andy Brooks](John Michael Higgins), followed by Rachel and Niya, where Rachel encounters an old acquaintance, Malachi. Their interactions are fraught with tension, and the siblings quickly fall into discord over May’s cooking. Evan’s emotional turmoil surfaces as he copes with their mother’s absence.
As Christmas approaches, the family’s mood starts to shift when they indulge in their favorite songs and dance around the Christmas tree. Just as joyous moments begin to emerge, Evan’s struggle with prescription pills takes a dark turn, and Lonnie’s reckless nature booms during a football game, leading to further family disagreements.
Complications arise in Christian’s campaign regarding community re-zoning affecting the local homeless shelter. He grapples with the moral implications of his actions as Walter confronts him about their family’s values.
Amidst rising tensions, Rachel’s ongoing encounters with Malachi escalate into a passionate kiss, indicating unresolved feelings from their past. The sisters attempt to recreate Grace’s recipes, leading to moments of bonding, climaxing with the discovery of a box of treasured family recipes.
On Christmas Day, as the family gathers, secrets unfold. Rachel inadvertently invites Jasmine, Lonnie’s lover, leading to chaos when Jasmine discloses their affair—prompting Cheryl to confront Lonnie with a rifle, causing panic. The revelations culminate with news of Evan being hospitalized after a tragic accident related to his medication.
In the wake of these trials, the family comes together, revealing their vulnerabilities. Walter and Christian shift their focus towards community service, reaffirming their commitment to help those in need. After reconciling, Rachel and Cheryl find common ground, leading to an unexpected financial gesture that propels Rachel closer to her dream.
The film concludes on a hopeful note as Walter, though still grieving, finds solace in the company of his family, rekindling the spirit of joy with Grace’s sweet potato pie, which turns out to be better than he ever imagined. The family ultimately gathers, celebrating love, unity, and the memories they hold dear as they cherish their first Christmas without Grace, together.
Almost Christmas Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Walter and Grace's Love Story” to “A Hopeful Conclusion”. 2 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Walter and Grace's Love Story
In the 1970s, Walter and Grace Meyers fall deeply in love. Their relationship blossoms as they marry and go on to raise four wonderful children together.
When:1970s
- 2
Grace's Passing
In 2016, tragedy strikes the Meyers family as Grace passes away. Walter is left to navigate life alone while his adult children have moved out, creating an emotional void in his heart.
When:2016
- 3
Preparing for Christmas
Ten months after Grace's death, Walter prepares to celebrate Christmas, just five days away. He takes this time to reconnect with his children, reflecting on their past and the family bond.
When:December 2016
- 4
Walter's Volunteer Work
In honor of Grace's legacy, Walter begins volunteering at a local homeless shelter. He strives to replicate her famous sweet potato pie but finds himself struggling in the kitchen.
Where:Homeless Shelter
- 5
Family Reunion
As the festivities approach, Walter's sister-in-law, May, arrives to support him and bring the family together. The stage is set for a reunion filled with both joy and tension.
- 6
Sibling Tensions Surface
Christian arrives with his campaign manager, along with Rachel and her daughter, Niya. Old tensions resurface among the siblings as they engage in animated discussions about May's cooking.
When:Days before Christmas
- 7
Evan's Emotional Struggles
Evan's emotional turmoil becomes apparent as he grapples with their mother's absence. His struggle with his feelings is compounded during the family gatherings leading to unhappiness.
- 8
Dark Turn of Events
As Christmas approaches, moments of joy are overshadowed by Evan's issues with prescription pills. A football game reveals Lonnie's reckless nature, escalating disagreements within the family.
- 9
Christian's Ethical Dilemma
Complications arise in Christian's congressional campaign when community re-zoning affects the local homeless shelter. Walter confronts him, stressing the importance of their family values.
- 10
Rachel and Malachi's Encounter
Rachel's interactions with Malachi grow more intense, culminating in a passionate kiss. This moment highlights unresolved feelings from their past amidst the family's holiday chaos.
Show the other 5 events of Almost Christmas Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Recipe Discovery
While attempting to recreate Grace's cherished recipes, the sisters grow closer and bond over their shared memories. They stumble upon a box of treasured family recipes, deepening their connection.
- 12
Christmas Day Secrets
On Christmas Day, the family gathers, but tensions rise when Rachel accidentally invites Jasmine, Lonnie's lover. The ensuing chaos leads to confrontations and deeply buried secrets being revealed.
When:Christmas Day
- 13
Evan's Hospitalization
The dramatic events culminate in the tragic news of Evan's hospitalization due to an accident related to his medication. This crisis prompts the family to reflect on their struggles and vulnerabilities.
Where:Hospital
- 14
Commitment to Community
Following the storms of tension and crises, Walter and Christian renew their commitment to community service. This decision marks a turning point, emphasizing the importance of helping others.
- 15
A Hopeful Conclusion
The film concludes with the family finding solace in each other as they honor Grace's memory. Walter successfully replicates her sweet potato pie, leading to a first joyful celebration of Christmas without her.
When:Christmas
Who Are the Main Characters in Almost Christmas?
5 characters, among them Walter Meyers, Cheryl and Rachel: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
- WM
Walter Meyers
Walter is a devoted father grappling with the loss of his wife, Grace. He embodies strength and resilience while navigating the challenges of the holiday season and his children's struggles. His journey of honoring Grace's legacy through family gatherings and community service highlights his commitment to love and support for his children.
- 👨👧👦 Father
- 💔 Grief
-
Cheryl
Played by Kimberly Elise
Cheryl is Walter's eldest daughter, balancing her family's expectations and her tumultuous marriage with the arrogant basketball player Lonnie. Amidst family drama, she experiences personal growth as she confronts her issues and ultimately seeks reconciliation within her family.
- 👩👧👦 Daughter
- 🤨 Conflict
-
Rachel
Played by Gabrielle Union
Rachel is a determined single mother and law student who struggles with her responsibilities while dealing with the loss of her mother. Her character reflects strength and determination, as she attempts to reconnect with her siblings and rekindle a past romance, adding layers to her personal story.
- 👩👧 Single Mother
- 🎓 Ambition
-
Christian
Played by Romany Malco
Christian is Walter's son and an aspiring congressman, facing the moral dilemmas of political life against the backdrop of family values. His character arc explores themes of integrity and civic responsibility, as he navigates his campaign while addressing familial connections.
- 👨 Son
- 🎓 Politician
-
Evan
Played by Jessie Usher
Evan is the youngest son who struggles with the emotional impact of their mother's death. His character highlights the complexities of grief, as he grapples with substance misuse, leading to pivotal moments of family crisis and support during their time of need.
- 👦 Grief
- 💔 Struggle
Where and When Is Almost Christmas Set?
Almost Christmas is set in Walter's home and a homeless shelter (1970s, 2016). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1970s, 2016
The movie starts in the 1970s, portraying the love story of Walter and Grace as they build a life together and raise their children. The main events take place in 2016, a year marked by grief and the challenges of reuniting family ties after Grace's passing, particularly around the Christmas holiday.
Where
Walter's home, a homeless shelter
The film primarily takes place in Walter's family home, where his children gather for Christmas, providing a backdrop for family bonding and conflict. Additionally, the local homeless shelter plays a significant role, reflecting the family's commitment to community service and honoring Grace's memory.
- 🏡 Home
- 🏠 Shelter
What Are the Themes of Almost Christmas?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family, Love and Loss and Redemption.
-
01
Family
The theme of family is central to the film, exploring the dynamics of familial relationships during a difficult holiday season. As the family confronts their grief, they navigate conflicts, rekindle bonds, and ultimately find strength in unity and shared memories.
-
02
Love and Loss
This theme highlights the depth of love between family members as they cope with the loss of Grace. The characters struggle with their emotions and unresolved feelings, ultimately learning to accept their grief and cherish the love that remains.
-
03
Redemption
Redemption plays a crucial role as characters confront their past mistakes and strive to make amends. Through acts of service and rekindled relationships, they discover paths toward personal redemption while honoring their family's legacy.
What Kind of Film Is Almost Christmas?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A heartfelt and bittersweet holiday drama that balances the chaos of a dysfunctional family reunion with the poignant grief of a first Christmas without their matriarch, ultimately finding hope in reconciliation.
- nostalgic
- heartfelt
- dysfunctional
- hopeful
- confrontational
- familial
- family gathering
- grief and loss
- dysfunctional family
- holiday chaos
Content notes: addiction, infidelity, emotional breakdown, hospitalization.
Quiz
How well do you remember Almost Christmas? Test yourself on the story.
