What Is Under the Christmas Tree About?
The premise of Under the Christmas Tree in 334 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the snow‑kissed town of Camden, Maine, the holiday season feels almost tangible, a blend of crisp air, twinkling lights, and a deep reverence for the traditions that bind the community together. Every year the state’s governor‑led celebration hinges on a single, breathtaking Christmas tree—one that seems to embody the very spirit of the season. The town itself hums with a quiet charm, its narrow streets and historic storefronts making it the perfect backdrop for a story where magic lives in the ordinary.
Alma Beltran runs the family’s century‑old Christmas‑goods shop, a beloved fixture that bridges generations of holiday makers. As a savvy marketing strategist, she balances the weight of legacy with the restless pull of modern ideas, striving to keep the business thriving while honoring the memories that have shaped her. Her world is filled with handcrafted ornaments, warm scents of pine, and the steady rhythm of a close‑knit community that looks to her shop for seasonal joy.
Charlie Freemont is known around the region as a tree whisperer—someone with an uncanny talent for locating the perfect ever‑greens that seem to choose her as much as she chooses them. Assigned by the state to secure the centerpiece for the governor’s ceremony, she arrives in Camden with a practical, almost scientific approach to what many consider a festive myth. Her confidence and dedication set her apart, yet the very nature of her work hints at a deeper, almost mystical connection to the forest and its quiet guardians.
When these two women cross paths—Alma defending the legacy of her family’s land and Charlie seeking the tree that will light up the capital—a lively tension sparks between them. Their clash soon softens into curiosity, fueled by the town’s talented pâtissière and a magical tree that seems to whisper possibilities. Amid the glitter of holiday lights, they find themselves drawn into a shared vision of faith, love, and enchantment, hinting at a romance that could rewrite both their stories without ever losing the wonder of the season.
What Happens in Under the Christmas Tree?
The complete story of Under the Christmas Tree, from the first scene to the last, in 482 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
On a state assignment to locate and secure a Christmas tree for the annual tree lighting ceremony in Maine’s capital, Charlie Freemont Shawn Ahmed travel to the seaside town of Camden and quickly zero in on an ideal tree, found on the property of the Beltrans, owners of a century‑old Christmas goods business. The Beltrans receive a consultant’s report that outlines several ideas to modernize the family business, a plan that Alma Beltran [Elise Bauman] rebuffs, since she and her parents are retiring at the end of the year. Charlie formally meets Alma at her friend Marie’s pâtisserie, and the two hit it off, sparking an unexpected connection between the two women.
Charlie and Rohan visit the Beltrans to discuss the tree, not realizing that Alma Beltran [Elise Bauman] is their daughter. While her parents show cautious enthusiasm for the plan, Alma disagrees with cutting down the tree. She texts Charlie to decline the offer, and later Charlie shows up at Alma’s business where the two spend time together. Alma’s mother tells Charlie about Camden’s annual gingerbread decorating competition, and Charlie enters, pairs with Alma, and they win the event. Afterward, Charlie presses Alma to reconsider the tree decision, but Alma remains firm in her stance.
The following day, Charlie invites Alma on a date to the pâtisserie, and the two share a kiss. After the date, Alma learns that the consultant’s recommendations include moving the Beltrans’ warehouse to Arizona, while Charlie discovers that legally she only needs Alma’s parents’ signatures to obtain the tree. She plans to tell Alma about these developments but chooses not to after they spend more time together admiring the tree. During a party that night, Rohan tells Sonal Sonia Dhillon Tully that they have not yet secured the tree, and mistakenly relays the news that Alma’s signature might not be required.
Sonal arrives in town the next day, and Charlie protests, insisting she is still pursuing alternatives. When Alma happens to pass by, Sonal pushes Charlie to reveal the truth: they can take the tree without Alma’s permission. Alma leaves angrily, and Charlie and Rohan retreat to a nearby reforestation project area, following the hoots of an owl Charlie saved the previous year. The two share a tearful goodbye as they realize the personal and professional stakes are high.
The next day, Charlie receives the trophy she and Alma won in the gingerbread contest, a reminder of the connection they forged. At the Camden tree lighting ceremony, Alma tells her parents she will not relocate the company to Arizona. Charlie arrives and reveals that she has found a new tree and plans to apply to be the executive director of the reforestation project, signaling a hopeful turn in both their lives. The two decide to try a relationship in Camden, and the Beltrans invite Charlie onstage as part of their family to light the tree together.
Under the Christmas Tree Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Assignment to locate a Christmas tree in Camden” to “Ceremony and new beginning”. 13 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Assignment to locate a Christmas tree in Camden
Maine assigns Charlie Freemont and her assistant Rohan to locate and secure a tree for the capital's annual tree lighting. They travel to Camden to scout options and prepare for a difficult negotiation. The mission sets the goal but also the first clash with local perspectives on tradition.
When:Day 1 Where:Camden, Maine
- 2
Discovery of the ideal tree on Alma Beltran's property
They discover an ideal tree on Alma Beltran's family property. Alma's parents own a century-old Christmas goods business, which adds emotional weight to the decision. The moment sets up the central conflict over whether the tree should be cut.
When:Day 1 Where:Alma Beltran's property, Camden
- 3
Consultant's ideas and Alma's resistance
The Beltrans receive a consultant's report with modernization ideas for their business, including potential relocation. Alma rebuffs these ideas, preferring to preserve the family legacy. The tension foreshadows whether they will allow the tree to be cut.
When:Day 1 Where:Beltran family business
- 4
First meeting with Alma at the pâtisserie
Charlie formally meets Alma at Marie's pâtisserie, and the chemistry is evident as they start to connect. They share a light conversation and realize they might have common ground beyond the tree project. The meeting marks the beginning of their personal connection.
When:Evening, Day 1 Where:Marie’s pâtisserie
- 5
Visit to discuss acquiring the tree; unaware Alma is daughter
Charlie and Rohan visit the Beltrans to discuss acquiring the tree, not knowing Alma is their daughter. The parents lean toward accepting the plan, while Alma remains opposed to cutting the tree. Alma texts Charlie to decline the offer, heightening the personal stakes.
When:Day 2 Where:Beltran family business
- 6
Charlie visits Alma's business; growing connection
Charlie shows up at Alma's business, and the two spend time together, deepening their budding relationship. The scene blends business talk with shared moments, underscoring the conflict between duty and romance. The connection complicates the tree dispute.
When:Day 2 Where:Alma's business
- 7
Gingerbread competition and win
Alma's mother tells Charlie about the town's annual gingerbread decorating competition. Charlie enters and is randomly paired with Alma; together they win the event. Afterward, Charlie hints she hopes Alma will reconsider the tree offer, but Alma still refuses.
When:Day 2 Where:Town gingerbread competition venue
- 8
Second date and signature revelation
The next day, Charlie invites Alma on a date to the pâtisserie and they share a kiss. Meanwhile, the consultant's recommendation to move the warehouse to Arizona surfaces, and Charlie learns she only needs Alma's parents' signatures to secure the tree. She intends to tell Alma but decides not to yet as they spend time together near the tree.
When:Day 3 Where:Pâtisserie and Beltran warehouse vicinity
- 9
Party call leak about signatures
During a party that night, Rohan inadvertently tells Sonal that they haven't secured the tree and reveals that Alma's signature may not be required. The misstep creates a larger political and personal pressure around the mission. The revelation accelerates the looming conflict.
When:Night, Day 3 Where:Town party/event
- 10
Sonal arrives and forces a confession
Sonal comes to town to oversee the process and pushes Charlie to tell Alma that they can take the tree without permission. Charlie resists at first, but Sonal's pressure and Alma's presence trigger a confrontation, and Alma leaves angrily. The relationship between duty and romance reaches a breaking point.
When:Next day Where:Camden
Show the other 3 events of Under the Christmas Tree Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Search for a new tree and bittersweet goodbye
Charlie and Rohan explore a nearby reforestation project, following the owl Charlie saved years before. They locate a potential substitute tree, but the moment is bittersweet as Charlie and Alma share a tearful goodbye. The search tests both characters and their future choices.
When:Following day Where:Reforestation project area
- 12
Gingerbread trophy arrives
As Charlie prepares to leave, she receives the gingerbread competition trophy that she and Alma won together. The trophy serves as a tangible reminder of their connection amid the ongoing conflict. It hints at possible reconciliation in the future.
When:Next day morning Where:Town
- 13
Ceremony and new beginning
At the Camden tree lighting ceremony, Alma tells her parents she will not move the company to Arizona. Charlie reveals she found a new tree and plans to apply to be the executive director of the reforestation project. They decide to pursue a relationship, and the Beltrans invite Charlie onstage to light the tree with them.
When:Ceremony day Where:Camden tree lighting ceremony
Who Are the Main Characters in Under the Christmas Tree?
8 characters, among them Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones), Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman) and Marie (Ricki Lake): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- CF
Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones)
Played by Tattiawna Jones
A skilled 'tree whisperer' assigned by the state to locate a Christmas tree. She is resourceful, driven, and capable of improvising when plans shift. Her growing affection for Alma complicates her professional mission as she navigates political pressure and personal integrity.
- 🎭 Protagonist
- AB
Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman)
Played by Elise Bauman
Owner of a century-old Christmas goods business who values family legacy and community traditions. She resists the consultant-driven modernization plan and must decide how to balance heritage with change. Her evolving relationship with Charlie challenges her views on what's best for the town and the family business.
- 🌟 Protagonist
-
Marie (Ricki Lake)
Played by Ricki Lake
Alma's friend who runs a pâtisserie in Camden. She adds warmth to the community and hosts events that bring people together, including the gingerbread decorating competition that becomes a focal point for local camaraderie.
- 🍰 Friend
- S(
Sonal (Sonia Dhillon Tully)
Played by Sonia Dhillon Tully
Charlie's boss and, in-universe, a guiding yet demanding authority who influences the pursuit of the tree. She embodies the professional pressures and strategic decisions that frame the mission.
- 💼 Boss
- R(
Rohan (Shawn Ahmed)
Played by Shawn Ahmed
Charlie's assistant and Sonal's son. He relays information and helps move the plan forward, illustrating the generational dynamics at play and the way family ties intersect with work.
- 👦 Assistant
-
Alma Beltran's Dad (Enrico Colantoni)
Played by Enrico Colantoni
Co-owner of the family business who represents the traditional perspective. He contemplates modernization but remains a key voice in decisions about the Beltran legacy.
- 👨 Family
-
Alma Beltran's Mom (Wendy Crewson)
Played by Wendy Crewson
A central family figure who carries the weight of retirement and the future of the business. She provides perspective on tradition and the impact of major business decisions on the family and town.
- 👩 Family
- GB
Grandma Beth (Louise Kerr)
Played by Louise Kerr
A seasoned elder in the Camden community who embodies the town's holiday memories and continuity. Her presence underscores the multigenerational ties that shape the Beltran family's Christmas traditions.
- 🧓 Elder
Where and When Is Under the Christmas Tree Set?
Under the Christmas Tree is set in Camden, Maine, Augusta, Maine and Arizona. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Camden, Maine, Augusta, Maine, Arizona
Camden, Maine serves as the film's central setting, a town rooted in holiday commerce and close-knit community. The Beltran family's century-old Christmas goods business anchors the story and the annual gingerbread competition adds a local festive flavor. The state capital, Augusta, hosts the ceremonial tree-lighting, framing the town's holiday pageantry within a broader regional context. The plot also touches on plans to move operations to Arizona, highlighting a clash between tradition and modernization.
- ❄️ Small-town charm
- 🎄 Christmas traditions
- 🏡 Family business
- 🌲 Environmental stewardship
What Are the Themes of Under the Christmas Tree?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Romance, Duty vs. Dream and Conservation.
-
01
Romance
A slow-burn romance develops between Charlie and Alma amid holiday pressures and conflicting loyalties. Their growing connection softens professional boundaries and reframes what is at stake beyond securing the perfect tree. The story uses their relationship to explore how love can navigate duty, tradition, and personal values.
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02
Duty vs. Dream
Characters confront a tension between preserving a family legacy and pursuing modernization. Alma wants to protect the family business's traditions, while Charlie pursues a broader, future-oriented solution. The ethical choices about property, signatures, and community impact drive the dramatic current of the film.
-
03
Conservation
Environmental themes surface through the reforestation effort and the search for a viable alternative tree. The narrative links personal relationships to stewardship of natural resources, underscoring the idea that true progress honors both people and the land. The eventual plan centers on sustainable solutions rather than unilateral decisions.
-
04
Community & Holiday Spirit
Festive traditions—gingerbread decorating, the pâtisserie gatherings, and the tree-lighting ceremony—bind the town together. The story uses these communal rituals to emphasize belonging, generosity, and the joy of shared celebrations. The resolution reinforces the town’s sense of identity and mutual support.
What Kind of Film Is Under the Christmas Tree?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A cozy and uplifting holiday romance that gently follows two women finding love amidst a charming small-town Christmas celebration, offering a warm and hopeful viewing experience.
- hopeful
- cozy
- uplifting
- romantic
- wholesome
- festive
- christmas romance
- lesbian relationship
- family business
- small town
Quiz
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