Trading Christmas (2011)

As the festive season unfolds in the cozy town of South Woodbourne, Washington, the air is thick with anticipation and the sweet scent of tradition. Emily Spengler, a widowed second-grade teacher, cherishes these moments, relishing the joyous rituals she established with her late husband, Frank, and their grown daughter, Heather. However, this year, the anticipated family reunion is threatened when Heather, studying in Boston, reveals she won't be returning home for Christmas. Meanwhile, in Boston, Charles Johnson, a novelist, and English professor, bears a stark contrast to Emily. He and his industrious brother Ray, a successful entrepreneur, shun the season's joviality. Faced with looming deadlines for his latest novel, Charles craves a serene refuge away from the urban clamor. Fate intertwines their lives when Emily and Charles cross paths on a house swapping website. Emily, yearning to be near Heather, and Charles, seeking tranquility, agree to exchange homes for a week leading up to Christmas. However, their plans take a tumultuous turn as they are caught off-guard by the overwhelming Yuletide spirit of their new surroundings. In Boston, Emily finds herself stranded when Heather absconds with her boyfriend, Jason, leaving Emily with Ray. A slow-burning romance kindles between them, prompting questions about their future beyond this fleeting week and the role they might play in each other's lives. Back in South Woodbourne, Faith Kerrigan, Emily's best friend and a divorced corporate event planner from San Francisco, unexpectedly appears on Emily's doorstep, intending to spend the holidays with Emily. Instead, she finds herself reluctantly sharing the house with Charles. As their initial disdain for each other evolves, they must confront their past relationship scars and decide whether they can endure a week in each other's company. Trading Christmas is a heartwarming journey of unexpected encounters, forging new bonds, and rediscovering the magic of Christmas in the most unforeseen circumstances.

Trading Christmas is a family movie featuring Tom Cavanagh.

Trading Christmas is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Pluto TV and it's also available on DIRECTV and Hallmark Movies Now Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Trading Christmas on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.