A Christmas Without Snow (1980)

In the heartwarming tale of A Christmas Without Snow, a recently divorced woman, seeks solace and a fresh start in the diverse, bustling city of San Francisco, leaving her hometown Omaha and her cherished young son reluctantly behind with his grandmother. Amidst the chaos of rebuilding her life, she finds an unexpected sanctuary in the choir of a humble, local church. The choir, an eclectic ensemble, is led by a tough, unyielding choirmaster, an old curmudgeon with a heart of gold, whose relentless pursuit of perfection is equally inspiring and intimidating. As the holiday season nears, the choir embarks on an ambitious journey to master Handel's Messiah for their Christmas concert, a task that tests their mettle and reveals the intricate tapestry of their personal struggles. The choir's journey is not without its trials. Deep-seated issues of racism and ageism rear their ugly heads, threatening to fracture their unity. A young choir member grapples with teen angst and false accusations, while others navigate the complexities of middle-aged relationships and the burdens of single parenthood. The choirmaster himself wrestles with a pressing health concern, casting a shadow over their collective endeavor. The narrative gracefully intertwines these diverse storylines, reflecting the profound struggles of a low-income church striving to replace the old with the new. The plot, though leisurely paced, delves deep into social issues that resonate as much today as they did in the 1980s. A Christmas Without Snow is a poignant exploration of resilience, unity, and the transformative power of music. It's a captivating ode to fresh beginnings, an underdog story that will strike a chord with adult choir groups and anyone seeking a heartfelt, thought-provoking watch for the holiday season.

A Christmas Without Snow is a drama movie featuring Michael Learned.

A Christmas Without Snow is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Cineverse, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, Tubi TV and Xumo Play and it's also available on Fandor Amazon Channel, FlixFling and IndieFlix.

It is also possible to buy A Christmas Without Snow on FlixFling and Vudu.