A California Christmas

A California Christmas

Year: 2020

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Shaun Paul Piccinino

DramaComedyRomance

As Christmas draws near, a carefree and wealthy man attempts to convince a hardworking rancher to sell her family’s beloved land. He must adopt the appearance of a ranch hand to achieve his goal, but finds himself unexpectedly charmed by the close-knit community and the farmer’s independent spirit. He begins to question his intentions and discovers the true meaning of the holiday season.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A California Christmas yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – A California Christmas (2020)

Trace every key event in A California Christmas (2020) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Joseph's Farewell

In a luxury hotel room in San Francisco, Joseph Van Aston bids goodbye to Jasmine, who is still in bed. This marks the beginning of his journey as he prepares to tackle his mother's demands regarding the company.

Three weeks before Christmas San Francisco
2

Call to Break Up

On his way to the dairy farm, Joseph calls his girlfriend Gemma and decides to end their relationship. This decision reflects the pressures he feels from both his personal and professional life.

On the road
3

Arrival at the Dairy Farm

Joseph arrives at the dairy farm and meets young Hannah, who asks for help as a cow gives birth. Despite his lack of experience, he steps in to assist, showcasing his willingness to adapt.

Next day Dairy Farm
4

Meeting Callie

Joseph meets Callie, who immediately judges him based on his appearance as he takes on the guise of Manny, a ranch hand. This misunderstanding sets up a challenging dynamic between them as she expresses doubt about his capabilities.

Dairy Farm
5

Callie's Responsibilities

Callie assigns Joseph various tasks around the farm, highlighting the workload that she manages alone. Joseph struggles to keep up, thinking he can impress Callie and make his mother happy.

Dairy Farm
6

Callie's Family Issues

The audience learns about Callie's family's struggles, including her mother's health issues and the financial burdens on the farm. These challenges further deepen Callie's character and motivations, highlighting the stakes for her.

7

Growing Connection

As Joseph spends more time on the farm, he and Callie begin to bond, culminating in their first kiss. This moment marks a turning point in their relationship, moving from tension to a genuine connection.

Dairy Farm
8

Joseph's Dilemma

Joseph grapples with his feelings for Callie while contemplating the truth he must eventually reveal about his identity and intentions. He knows that revealing the truth could jeopardize their blossoming relationship.

9

The Confrontation

After Connor, a local man, becomes suspicious of Joseph's identity, tensions rise, culminating in a confrontation between Joseph and Callie. She is furious upon discovering his deception after being informed by Connor.

Morning Dairy Farm
10

Amy's Arrival

Joseph's mother, Amy, arrives to discuss plans to buy the farm, further complicating the situation. Callie refuses to sell, exposing the deep-rooted problems the farm faces and her personal stakes in keeping it.

Dairy Farm
11

A Plan to Save the Farm

Realizing he cannot let Callie's family lose the farm, Joseph concocts a plan that could help her avoid financial ruin. He seeks an expert to evaluate the vineyard and hopes to secure a viable future for Callie's family.

Dairy Farm
12

The Christmas Celebration

As Christmas approaches, Joseph brings everyone together to celebrate the holiday in the renovated barn. This joyous occasion signifies hope and community, with Joseph finally expressing his feelings for Callie.

Christmas Eve Dairy Farm
13

Final Revelations

During the Christmas celebration, Joseph reveals the truth about his identity and intentions to Callie. Despite the hurdles they faced, their bond proves stronger, and they open up about their pasts, leading to a deeper connection.

Barn
14

Looking to the Future

As the celebration concludes, Joseph and Callie sit on a bench dedicated to her deceased parents. This moment of reflection symbolizes new beginnings and the deepening of their relationship, filled with potential for the future.

End of Christmas Day Dairy Farm

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

Unlock the Full Story of A California Christmas

Don't stop at just watching — explore A California Christmas in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A California Christmas is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A California Christmas Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A California Christmas, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A California Christmas Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A California Christmas

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A California Christmas. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A California Christmas

A California Christmas Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of A California Christmas? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

A California Christmas Ending Explained

More About A California Christmas

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A California Christmas: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A California Christmas