Dear Santa

Crystal Carruthers leads a carefree life funded by her wealthy parents, but their ultimatum casts a shadow over her days. They tell her she has until Christmas to reinvent herself or lose access to their money. The looming deadline sets the stage for a life-changing choice she may or may not be ready to make.

Crystal discovers a seven-year-old Olivia's heartfelt letter to Santa asking for a new wife for her widowed father. The note sparks a sense of purpose in Crystal and plants the idea of becoming the girl's gift. She resolves to locate Olivia's family and offer herself as the present.

To get closer to Derek Gowen, Crystal volunteers at his soup kitchen. She quickly feels out of her element serving the homeless, but her empathy grows as she watches the volunteers and patrons. Her perspective broadens beyond self-indulgence toward genuine care.

Crystal and Olivia spend time together at the local ice rink, where Crystal teaches Olivia some skating tricks. The sessions deepen their bond and reveal Crystal's nurturing side to both Olivia and Derek. Derek begins to notice their growing connection.

Derek works overtime to raise money for the soup kitchen after receiving a Notice of Eviction. The looming debt threatens the shelter, forcing him to juggle work, bills, and the well-being of the people he serves. Crystal's presence becomes a stabilizing factor.

One evening Crystal volunteers to watch Olivia while Derek takes on an emergency snow-plowing job. Crystal's imperfect cooking yields to a candid moment as Olivia talks about her mother, and the two fall asleep together. Derek returns, moved by their closeness, and invites Crystal to stay the night.

At a party, Jillian reveals that Crystal never graduated from college, shaking Crystal's credibility and threatening the growing bond with Derek. The confrontation compounds Crystal's self-doubt and tests her commitment to change. Derek's opinion becomes uncertain.

Crystal receives a final $10,000 check from her parents, the last lifeline they offer. She decides to use it to fix the finances behind the soup kitchen’s vulnerability, hoping to avert closure. The gesture signals her shift from self-interest to a broader sense of responsibility.

Shortly afterward, Derek goes to the soup kitchen prepared to shut it down, only to learn that the back rent has been paid. The debt is cleared for now, and the kitchen remains open to serve the community. The moment reinforces Crystal's impact on Derek's world.

Derek returns home and discovers Olivia is missing, triggering a town-wide sense of worry. Crystal joins the search, hoping her growing bond with Olivia will help locate her safely. The stakes rise as Christmas approaches.

Crystal heads to the town Christmas tree in a desperate bid to find Olivia and reunite her with Derek. She clings to hope as Olivia reveals she was keeping her letter to Santa close. The moment stokes relief and renewed determination.

Just as Crystal tells Olivia she found her letter to Santa, Derek arrives and apologizes for the misunderstandings. The three share a heartfelt embrace, signaling a hopeful new chapter for Crystal, Olivia, and Derek. Christmas seems brighter as the family comes together.