What Is The Holiday List About?
The premise of The Holiday List in 295 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
The holiday season drapes the English countryside in a gentle, wintry glow, offering the perfect backdrop for a family determined to gather once more despite the recent loss of its matriarch. The house, once the nucleus of laughter and shared meals, now feels both empty and hopeful as relatives from near and far consider reconvening. The film moves with a warm, introspective tone, letting the quiet charm of the setting amplify the unspoken tension that lingers whenever a beloved figure is remembered.
Iris Simpkins, a society columnist in London, is navigating the emotional fallout of a broken romance while clinging to the idea that a fresh start might be found among familiar faces. Across the Atlantic, Amanda Woods, a Los‑Angeles entrepreneur, is equally restless, seeking solace in a brief escape from her fast‑paced life. Their chance connection through a home‑swap arrangement hints at the ways strangers can become unexpected allies when the holidays call for generosity and openness.
At the heart of the gathering, Graham—Iris’s brother—carries his own blend of humor and melancholy, while his teenage daughters, Sophie and Olivia, embody the innocent spark that keeps family ties alive. Their neighbor, Arthur Abbott, an aging screenwriter with a glittering past, offers a gentle reminder that stories can be rewritten at any age, encouraging those around him to step into the leading roles of their own lives. Meanwhile, Miles, a colleague entangled in his own relationship doubts, provides a quietly steady presence, illustrating how budding connections can surface amid holiday bustle.
Together, these characters weave a tapestry of yearning, humor, and quiet resilience. The film’s mood balances the bittersweet sting of loss with the comforting rituals of the season, inviting viewers to wonder how love—whether rekindled, newly discovered, or simply re‑affirmed—might reshape a family’s cherished traditions.
What Happens in The Holiday List?
The complete story of The Holiday List, from the first scene to the last, in 926 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Two women, two worlds, one holiday season that changes everything. In London, Iris Simpkins, a sharp society columnist for The Daily Telegraph, finds her heart stuck on her ex, Jasper Bloom, even as he moves forward with a new engagement. When Jasper inevitably reappears at the company party and Iris learns of his engagement, the pain of being kept close under the guise of friendship becomes overwhelming, shattering her holiday spirit. Across the ocean, Amanda Woods—the proprietor of a film trailer company in Los Angeles—faces a similar heartbreak after discovering her boyfriend Ethan’s infidelity and emotional distance. A chance connection via a house-swap website brings Amanda to Iris’s Surrey cottage, and the two decide to exchange homes for two weeks, hoping a change of scenery can reset what feels broken.
A quiet English countryside, a starkly different pace, and the first spark of unlikely kinship. Iris settles into Amanda’s grand, tranquil home with a genuine sense of relief, savoring the chance to breathe away from London’s social whirl. Amanda, however, struggles with the silence and stillness of the English countryside, feeling unmoored and uncertain in a setting so unlike her life in Los Angeles. The arrival of Iris’s brother, Graham, who shows up after a night of heavy drinking, adds a new dynamic to the cottage’s already delicate balance. A risk is taken in a moment of vulnerability when Graham unexpectedly kisses Amanda, and she, feeling that life may still offer surprises, suggests they explore a possible connection. The next morning brings a surprising truth: Graham is a widower with two young daughters, Sophie and Olivia, and he has been purposefully keeping his children and his romantic life shadowed to protect them. He explains that he compartmentalizes his life to avoid breaking their fragile routines, a revelation that complicates Amanda’s feelings and forces her to weigh what she truly wants from love.
Iris’s world widens as she leans into cinema’s founding heroines and new friendships. At a dinner with Arthur Abbott, a veteran Oscar-winning screenwriter who embodies the Golden Age of Hollywood, Iris is counseled to borrow strength from strong female leads. He gifts her a list of classic films featuring confident, central women, encouraging her to become “the leading lady of her own life.” Iris’s journey of self-assertion begins to mirror the resilience she admires in the films he recommends, and she finds renewed motivation to chart her own path, independent of a man’s approval. This new momentum threads through her growing connection with Miles, a colleague of Amanda’s former partner Ethan, who is navigating his own heartbreak after a broken engagement with Maggie, a hopeful actress. On Christmas Eve, Iris and Miles discover shared shadows from past relationships, forging a quiet companionship that hints at brighter possibilities ahead.
Graham’s quiet honesty reshapes Amanda’s view of love and family. As Amanda and Graham spend more time together, she learns the full weight of his responsibilities as a father and the patience with which he handles his life’s demands. He reveals that he never tells new partners about his daughters because he fears how it could derail something real should it begin to falter. This honesty opens a window for Amanda to consider how love could fit into a life already defined by caretaking and commitment. Their bond deepens slowly, underscored by late-night conversations and shared moments that reveal how much they both want a future where their loved ones aren’t kept at arm’s length.
The holiday gala, temptations, and a moment of truth. The day of the gala brings a swirl of emotions. Jasper reappears, eager to rekindle their romance, but his disclosure of an ongoing engagement shatters Iris’s fragile hope and compels her to reclaim her dignity by stepping away. At the gala, Arthur’s heartfelt speech becomes a communal reminder of courage, resilience, and the magic of possibility that the season promises. Miles, standing at the edge of commitment with Maggie, refuses to pretend a future exists where one person’s happiness comes at the expense of the other’s. Iris’s heart takes a turn toward Miles when he asks her out for New Year’s Eve, and she accepts a chance at love with someone who understands her past while looking toward a shared future.
From heartbreak to hopeful futures. As the calendar turns, Graham confesses his love for Amanda, and while she does not immediately return the sentiment, they decide to pursue a long-distance path that could bring them together in time. A pivotal moment unfolds as Amanda, on the brink of leaving for the airport, breaks down in tears, only to race back to the cottage and find Graham similarly moved. Standing at a crossroads, they choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve together—embracing his daughters and stepping into a future that honors both their personal ambitions and the family responsibilities that define them.
A hopeful, imperfect ending that lingers. On New Year’s Eve, Iris, Amanda, Miles, Graham, Sophie, and Olivia come together in a warm, imperfect circle of love, friendship, and forgiveness. The film closes on a note of quiet optimism: two women from opposite sides of the Atlantic have learned to redefine what happiness looks like, and two men and their children stand at the threshold of new chapters, with the promise that honesty, courage, and a willingness to take risks can open doors to a more fulfilled life. The holiday becomes not just a season of celebration, but a testament to resilience, connection, and the possibility that love, in all its forms, can arrive exactly when one chooses to stop chasing it.
The Holiday List Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Iris's heartbreak at the Christmas party” to “New Year's Eve reunion at Graham's house”. 13 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Iris's heartbreak at the Christmas party
Iris Simpkins, London's society columnist, is crushed when Jasper Bloom's engagement is announced at the company Christmas party. She has been clinging to a fragile hope that they can still be together, despite his past cheating and current relationship. The moment leaves her feeling exposed and determined to reframe her life.
When:Company Christmas party Where:London
- 2
Iris and Amanda arrange a two-week home swap
Iris and Amanda agree to swap homes for two weeks, with the swap set to begin the next day. Iris moves into Amanda's Los Angeles house, while Amanda returns to England. The plan offers a chance for both women to reassess their lives in new environments.
When:The next day Where:London and Los Angeles (home swap)
- 3
Amanda returns to Los Angeles; Iris settles in
Amanda decides to return to Los Angeles the next day, hoping for practical grounding and closer contact with Graham. Iris settles into Amanda's large house, adjusting to the quiet of a different country and new surroundings. The swap shifts focus from planning to navigating new relationships.
When:The next day Where:Los Angeles
- 4
Graham's unexpected visit and kiss
That night, Iris's brother Graham arrives at Amanda's home after drinking and ends up kissing Amanda. She suggests they have sex, stepping into a complicated but tempting moment. The morning after, they part, but Amanda resolves to continue seeing Graham despite the risk.
When:That night (first night of the swap) Where:Amanda's home (Los Angeles)
- 5
Iris meets Arthur Abbott
Iris meets Arthur Abbott, Amanda's elderly neighbor and Oscar-winning screenwriter, during a dinner where she vents about Jasper. He offers a long list of classic films with strong female leads to help her become 'the leading lady of her own life.' The encounter plants seeds of inspiration for her personal journey.
When:Early in Iris's stay in Los Angeles Where:Los Angeles
- 6
Iris helps Arthur prepare for the gala
Iris returns the kindness by helping Arthur prepare for the Writers Guild of America gala honoring him. They work together behind the scenes, deepening Iris's connection to film history and giving her a sense of purpose. The collaboration ties her heartbreak to a broader, celebratory moment in his career.
When:Before the gala Where:Arthur Abbott's home
- 7
Iris and Miles bond over Christmas Eve
Iris forms a friendship with Miles, a colleague of Amanda's ex, who is dating aspiring actress Maggie. After Miles finds Maggie with another man, Iris and Miles connect over their shared relationship troubles. They share a meal together on Christmas Eve, strengthening their companionship.
When:Christmas Eve Where:Los Angeles
- 8
Amanda and Graham grow closer; his family life revealed
Amanda and Graham's connection deepens as she discovers he is a widower with two young daughters, Sophie and Olivia. He reveals he hides his family life from new partners to avoid upheaval, explaining his cautious approach to relationships. The tension between past commitments and potential future grows more evident.
When:Early in the swap Where:Graham's home (Los Angeles)
- 9
Maggie and Miles; the gala day and Jasper's reappearance
On the day of the gala, Maggie asks Miles to reconcile, but he refuses. At the same time, Jasper shows up at Amanda's, hoping to reignite their romance, but Iris discovers he is still engaged and throws him out. The day blends romantic tension with bittersweet resolutions.
When:Gala day Where:Los Angeles
- 10
Arthur's gala speech and Iris's New Year's Eve invitation
During the gala, Arthur delivers a rousing speech that electrifies the room and validates his career achievements. Miles then asks Iris out for New Year's Eve and offers to travel to England so they can be together, a gesture she accepts with a kiss. The evening marks a turning point for Iris's outlook on romance.
When:Gala day Where:Gala event venue / Los Angeles
Show the other 3 events of The Holiday List Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Graham declares his love; Amanda's cautious response
Graham tells Amanda that he has fallen in love, but she says she does not return the sentiment. Nevertheless, they agree to try a long-distance relationship, hoping that time and distance won't ruin what they feel. The moment highlights their willingness to take a risk for a real connection.
When:Shortly after Christmas Eve Where:Graham's home
- 12
Airport departure and homeward scramble
As they head to the airport, Amanda breaks down crying for the first time in years. She runs back to the cottage to find Graham in tears as well, realizing they don't want to part. They decide to spend New Year's Eve together with Graham's two daughters, embracing the possibility of a future together.
When:Airport departure day Where:Graham's cottage
- 13
New Year's Eve reunion at Graham's house
On New Year's Eve, Iris, Amanda, Miles, Graham, Sophie, and Olivia gather at Graham's house to celebrate together. The scene caps a transformative Christmas period where each character negotiates love, loss, and the possibility of new beginnings. The shared moment cements the intertwined fates of the four main players.
When:New Year's Eve Where:Graham's house
Who Are the Main Characters in The Holiday List?
10 characters, among them Iris Simpkins, Jasper Bloom and Amanda Woods: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- IS
Iris Simpkins
A London society columnist who is devastated by her ex Jasper’s infidelity and engagement. The house swap with Amanda becomes a turning point that fuels her journey toward independence and self-fulfillment. Iris learns to trust her own desires and take charge of her happiness.
- 💖 Romantic resilience
- 🧭 Personal growth
- JB
Jasper Bloom
Iris’s ex-boyfriend who cheated and is now engaged to someone else. His drama and ongoing involvement complicate Iris’s healing process and push her to redefine her life. His actions set the stage for Iris to pursue a future without him.
- 💔 Heartbreak
- 🕊️ Old patterns
- AW
Amanda Woods
Owner of a film trailer company in Los Angeles who breaks up with her cheating boyfriend Ethan. She agrees to the swap with Iris and forms a surprising connection with Graham, navigating a new romance while managing her business and personal life.
- 💼 Career
- 💖 New beginnings
- E
Ethan
Amanda’s film composer boyfriend who cheats on her, revealing emotional unavailability. His actions catalyze Amanda’s decision to seek independence and a fresh start. His betrayal contrasts with Amanda’s evolving confidence.
- 💔 Betrayal
- 🧭 Personal growth
- G
Graham
A widower with two young daughters, Sophie and Olivia, who keeps his life compartmentalized to manage his responsibilities. He forms a deep connection with Amanda and eventually opens up to the possibility of love again, balancing family duties with romance.
- 💞 Fatherhood
- 🏡 Vulnerability
- M
Miles
A colleague of Ethan who is dating Maggie; Iris and Miles bond over shared relationship troubles. He later asks Iris out for New Year’s Eve, signaling a hopeful new chapter and the potential for compatibility beyond past patterns.
- 💬 Communication
- 💫 New romance
- M
Maggie
An aspiring actress dating Miles who experiences heartbreak after being caught with another man. Her arc intersects with Iris and Miles, highlighting the ups and downs of pursuing acting dreams and personal happiness.
- 🎭 Ambition
- 🧡 Relationship shifts
- AA
Arthur Abbott
An elderly neighbor and Oscar-winning screenwriter who mentors Iris. His gift of film recommendations frames Iris’s path toward empowerment and helps shape the gala moment that honors his career. He embodies the guiding mentor archetype in the story.
- 🎬 Mentorship
- 📝 Wisdom
- S
Sophie
Graham’s daughter, one of his two young daughters who anchors his life and motivates him to seek a healthier balance between love and family. Her presence emphasizes the importance of stability and care in moving forward.
- 👧 Family bonds
- 🧭 Growth
- O
Olivia
Graham’s other daughter, whose interactions with her father and Amanda contribute to the emotional texture of the story. Olivia helps reveal the softer aspects of Graham’s guarded nature and the impact of new relationships on children.
- 👧 Family bonds
- 💖 Hope
Where and When Is The Holiday List Set?
The Holiday List is set in London, Surrey (UK) and Los Angeles (Present-day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present-day
The events unfold during a contemporary Christmas season, with key moments from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve. The two-week house swap drives much of the plot, creating urgent shifts in mood and intention. The modern setting grounds the romance and personal growth in current life, work, and social pressures. The time frame underscores new beginnings that can emerge even during holiday disruptions.
Where
London, Surrey (UK), Los Angeles
The story moves between London’s social scene and Iris’s quiet Surrey cottage, then swings to Amanda’s sunny Los Angeles film-world. London anchors Iris’s career and social life, while Surrey offers a peaceful backdrop for personal reflection. Los Angeles provides a glamorous contrast, highlighting Amanda’s business and the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. The locations together emphasize the contrast between two very different worlds and how they shape the characters' search for happiness.
- ❄️ London
- 🏡 English countryside
- 🏙️ Los Angeles
What Are the Themes of The Holiday List?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Romance, Self-empowerment and Family.
-
01
Romance
Romance acts as the engine of change for both Iris and Amanda, guiding them toward healthier, self-affirming connections. The narrative shows love evolving beyond old hurts and uncertainties, with new partners offering genuine compatibility. It highlights that romance can be a force for personal reinvention rather than simply a destination. The film presents love as a chosen path that reshapes futures rather than a fixed fate.
-
02
Self-empowerment
Iris is urged to become the leading lady of her own life, not a spectator to her heartbreak. Arthur’s gift of classic films becomes a toolkit for courage, resilience, and strategic self-reinvention. The story champions agency, encouraging characters to set boundaries and pursue happiness on their own terms. Through courage and new choices, the women redefine what success and fulfillment look like for them.
-
03
Family
Graham’s role as a widowed father reveals the weight of responsibility and the tenderness required to balance work with parenting. His guarded approach to new relationships is challenged as he reconnects with Amanda and his daughters Sophie and Olivia. The girls anchor his decisions and soften his defenses, illustrating how family can open doors to emotional risk and growth. Family bonds become a catalyst for honesty, trust, and renewed happiness.
-
04
Connections
The narrative threads friendships, neighbors, and colleagues across continents, showing the sustaining power of human connections. Iris’s bond with Miles and Arthur’s mentorship emphasize how support networks help people heal. The cross-cultural swap creates bridges between lives that might otherwise remain separate, reinforcing the idea that shared experiences can spark unexpected beginnings. Ultimately, connection—romantic, platonic, and familial—propels the characters toward new futures.
What Kind of Film Is The Holiday List?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A heartwarming holiday film that balances the melancholic weight of loss with an uplifting journey of self-discovery, leading to a hopeful and optimistic conclusion about new beginnings and the resilience of love.
- hopeful
- heartwarming
- melancholic
- introspective
- romantic
- nostalgic
- holiday romance
- family bonds
- grief and loss
- self-discovery
Quiz
How well do you remember The Holiday List? Test yourself on the story.
