A Mom for Christmas

A Mom for Christmas

Year: 1990

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: George T. Miller

FamilyFantasyComedyTV Movie

When a department‑store mannequin magically springs to life at Christmas, she becomes a surrogate mother for a lonely little girl who has no mom. The mannequin’s kindness also warms the heart of the girl’s devoted, overworked father, creating a heartfelt holiday family bond.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Mom for Christmas (1990)

Trace every key event in A Mom for Christmas (1990) 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

Jessica's loss and a distant father

Jessica Slocum's mother died when she was three, leaving her to grow up without her mom. Her father Jim is a workaholic who has had little time for her and seems to be still mourning. This fractured family dynamic sets the emotional groundwork for the story.

Eight years earlier Family home
2

A wish from the wishing well

Just before the Christmas season, Jessica wins a free wish from a wishing well. The wish is granted by Philomena and Amy Miller, a department store mannequin who is brought to life to be a mom for Jessica. The magical promise comes with a catch that will test them all.

Just before Christmas Town square / wishing well
3

Amy becomes a mom

Amy Miller comes to life to be Jessica's mom, though she can only be a mom until Christmas Eve. She claims to be a nanny from Australia and is given a spare room on top of the garage to live in. Jessica's father Jim is initially wary but slowly begins to bond with Amy.

Immediately after the wish Jessica's home, spare room above the garage
4

Amy moves in

Amy settles into her role and moves into the spare room above the garage. At first, Amy and Jessica form a quick bond as the mother-daughter dynamic begins to take shape.

Early days after wish Garage area / home residence
5

A fragile bond and a scare

Amy and Jessica get along until a misunderstanding creates tension between them. Jessica fears something is wrong after seeing Amy appear lifeless in her bedroom window and runs outside in the rain.

Soon after Amy's arrival Jessica's home
6

Jessica seeks to reverse the wish

The next day, Jessica visits Philomena at the department store to see if she can undo the wish. Philomena warns of consequences but reveals a larger threat: the store plans to replace all mannequins with faceless ones unless they act fast.

Day after the scare Department store
7

A pact to save Amy

Philomena explains there is one way to save Amy: Jessica and the others must join hands with Amy to stop the threat. They must act quickly to protect the living mannequins.

Soon after Department store
8

The detective and the missing Santa mannequin

An inquisitive store detective suspects Amy of stealing a missing Santa mannequin for Jessica's Christmas pageant. Amy's mannequin friends rally to her defense, including a male driver mannequin who warns the detective to keep away.

During investigation Department store
9

Stage fright conquered

With help from Amy and the other mannequins, Jessica overcomes her stage fright and delivers a convincing performance for the pageant. Jim captures a photograph of Jessica, her first since her mother's death.

Before Christmas Eve Store stage
10

Christmas Eve rush and the ritual

On Christmas Eve, Philomena is late to perform the ritual needed to save Amy, so Jessica persuades Jim to help. They hurry to the store to try to complete the ritual in time.

Christmas Eve Department store
11

Amy becomes lifelike again

When they reach the store, Amy has already returned to life as a mannequin. Jessica begs her father to take Amy's hand, and the ritual is completed to restore Amy before them.

Christmas Eve Department store
12

Ending and a hopeful future

Amy's mannequin friends wish her luck as she remains among the living, and the store detective is awakened by Philomena's magic feather duster, signaling that danger has been averted. The film ends with a warm Christmas portrait of Jim, Amy, and Jessica.

Epilogue Store and home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:02

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A Mom for Christmas Summary

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A Mom for Christmas Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Mom for Christmas

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Mom for Christmas

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