Christmas As Usual (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story begins in Los Angeles where Jashan proposes to Thea, then shifts to Telemark in rural Norway for the Christmas gathering. The Norwegian countryside serves as the main setting, featuring snowy landscapes and traditional holiday celebrations that contrast with the laid-back LA atmosphere.

• telemark norway
• los angeles
• setting
• christmas location
• norwegian countryside

The film takes place in the present day, during December. It begins on December 1st in Los Angeles and progresses through the Christmas season in Norway, with a later scene set one year later when the couple returns to continue blending their cultures.

• present day
• december
• christmas
• time period
• contemporary

The movie centers on the clash between Indian and Norwegian customs during Christmas. Jashan's Indian background collides with Thea family's Norwegian traditions, including food, holiday rituals, and family expectations. The film explores how these differences create both barriers and bridges in the relationship.

• culture clash
• indian norwegian
• cultural conflict
• traditions

The film explores four interconnected themes: culture clash between Indian and Norwegian traditions, intercultural love and identity merging, family expectations and generational differences, and how stereotypes and labels affect belonging. The story uses humor to examine these tensions while ultimately celebrating blended traditions.

• themes
• culture
• family
• identity
• traditions
• stereotypes

Jashan Joshi is Thea's Indian fiancé, portrayed by Kanan Gill. He is warm and confident, eagerly embracing his partner's Norwegian family while navigating cultural misunderstandings. His attempts to fit in, including trying Norwegian food, reveal both his resilience and vulnerability as he balances two cultural worlds.

• jashan
• jashan joshi
• indian character
• fiancé

Thea Evjen is the Norwegian protagonist, portrayed by Ida Ursin-Holm. She serves as the bridge between her Indian fiancé Jashan and her Norwegian family. She balances her love for Jashan with her family's expectations, seeking the right moment to announce their engagement while honoring both sides of her identity.

• thea
• evjen
• norwegian character
• protagonist

Anne-Lise Evjen is Thea's mother, portrayed by Marit Andreassen. She represents traditional Norwegian views and initially struggles with accepting her daughter's Indian fiancé. While she embodies Norwegian hospitality, she holds strong opinions about Christmas traditions. Her perspective evolves as she confronts her own cultural assumptions throughout the film.

• anne-lise
• mother
• family
• norwegian family
• traditions

The film examines how labels and perceptions slip into everyday life, from spice labels to cultural misunderstandings. Jashan faces microaggressions and unspoken judgments from relatives, particularly after a tattoo incident is misread as a cultural insult. These moments drive characters toward either greater empathy or alienation.

• stereotypes
• identity
• microaggressions
• acceptance
• cultural judgment

Hildegunn Evjen, portrayed by Veslemøy Mørkrid, is Simen's wife and brings an open-minded perspective to the family because she has lived in India. She adds warmth and experience to the family dynamic and shares her own tattoo story, which underscores the theme of cultural exchange and helps other family members see beyond their initial prejudices.

• hildegunn
• simen
• wife
• india experience
• cultural exchange

The Norwegian Christmas rituals collide with Indian customs, revealing generational expectations and pressure to conform. Food, decorations, and cultural moments become focal points for acceptance or rejection within the family. The film examines what family means across cultures and how traditions can both unite and divide.

• family
• traditions
• christmas rituals
• generations
• norwegian customs

Jørgen Bruun is Thea's neighbor and ex-boyfriend, portrayed by Mads Sjøgård Pettersen. His unexpected reappearance during Christmas complicates the engagement announcement. He challenges the couple's resolve through past connections and creates tension that tests loyalties and the ability to move forward.

• jorgen
• neighbor
• ex-boyfriend
• antagonist
• relationship tension

The film maintains a consistently light and humorous tone despite moments of cultural tension and awkwardness. While there are conflicts arising from cultural differences and family expectations, these are balanced with comedic elements. The resolution celebrates blending traditions rather than choosing between them, emphasizing communication and understanding.

• tone
• comedy
• humor
• resolution
• blended traditions