Graham plans a Christmas surprise for his family, but finds them already celebrating with his ex-fiancée, Ali. A humorous battle ensues as Graham and Ali compete to win back the family’s affection and determine who will be spending Christmas Day with them, and who must leave.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of EXmas (2023), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Six months after ending their engagement, Ali Leighton Meester reminisces about their time together as Christmas approaches. As she bakes, she laments giving up her ex-fiancé’s loving family, while Graham Robbie Amell works nonstop as a game developer, and his boss moves up the work deadline to Christmas, forcing him to tell his family he cannot leave LA.
Graham travels to Minnesota as a surprise, only to find Ali there. Sheepishly, his mother Jeannie Kathryn Greenwood and sister Mindy Veronika Slowikowska reveal that they invited Ali and gave her his childhood bedroom. He learns that his father Dennis Michael Hitchcock and brother Elliot Steven Huy have also stayed in touch with her. Graham decides to stay and try to cast Ali as the villain to force his family to choose him over her. Realizing his plan, Ali makes a bet with him to see who can win over the family. The two then engage in childish sabotage.
At the Stroop Christmas party, Ali meets Brady Thomas Cadrot, Graham’s old high school rival who now works for Dennis. Meanwhile, Graham hits it off with Jess Donna Benedicto, a local. Later that night they all go to a bar where Ali and Graham try to make each other jealous. In the midst of their hijinks, Mindy reveals that she has broken up with her girlfriend, Heather, so Graham and Ali both comfort her.
The next day, the competition continues as the family prepares for Christmas Eve dinner. Graham sabotages Ali by using up all the butter, so she finds a jar of butter to use for her cookies instead. At dinner, Brady and Jess unexpectedly join. Graham and Jess refuse to eat dessert as everyone enjoys Ali’s cookies—only for the group to realize that she used THC butter. While everyone else is stoned, Graham accidentally reveals Mindy’s breakup to his parents, dampening the mood.
Graham drunkenly stumbles into his childhood bed, waking Ali up. The two begin arguing which culminates in a kiss. The next morning, they wake up cuddling only for Jeannie to barge into the room with breakfast. As Ali hides under the covers, Jeannie gives Graham advice about Ali which both take to heart. At church, Graham attempts to talk to Ali about the prior night and says that he’s willing to forgive her for dumping him. She retorts that perhaps he is the one that needs her forgiveness.
As the family head to the local ice rink for Christmas hockey together, Dennis suddenly has a heart attack. Graham immediately administers CPR, saving his life. At the hospital while Dennis recovers, Ali and Graham have a truce and wish each other the best.
The next morning Ali says a tearful farewell to the whole family and heads to the airport. Finally realizing he can’t let her go, Graham races to stop her only to find her back on the doorstep. After giving an impassioned speech, the pair finally get back together.
A year later the family celebrate Christmas in LA at Graham and Ali’s new house. The pair are engaged once more, Graham has his own business and Ali finally gets her food truck.
In a post-credits scene, two years have gone by and the family is celebrating Christmas in LA once again. Hearing a knock at the door, Mindy and Graham, who is carrying his baby, go to open it only to see Heather on their doorstep. Graham reveals that he invited her as revenge.
Last Updated: January 06, 2026 at 10:49
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Exes collide at family gatherings, sparking a playful battle for affection.If you enjoyed the playful battle of exes in EXmas, you'll love these movies. This collection features holiday romantic comedies where former flames use competitive hijinks to win over a family's affection, leading to heartwarming second chances.
The narrative pattern follows a straightforward, fast-paced sequence of events where a character's holiday plans are upended by the unexpected presence of an ex. A series of comedic set-pieces involving playful sabotage and festive chaos creates conflict, which is ultimately resolved through a genuine emotional moment that reminds the characters of their connection, culminating in a happy reunion.
These movies are grouped together because they share a specific blend of holiday cheer, romantic competition, and lighthearted comedy. The central 'battle of the exes' premise provides a reliable structure for fast-paced, entertaining stories that balance silly antics with a genuinely heartwarming emotional core.
Lighthearted stories that move quickly from one humorous situation to the next.Fans of EXmas's quick, humorous pace will enjoy these movies. This selection highlights fast-moving comedies with a light tone and low emotional weight, perfect for when you want comforting entertainment that's consistently fun and never slows down.
Narratives in this thread are built on a foundation of rapid-fire events and quick-witted dialogue. The plot is driven by a succession of humorous situations—like parties, misunderstandings, and playful conflicts—that keep the energy high. Character arcs are simple, focusing on personal growth or reconciliation without heavy drama, ensuring the overall journey remains upbeat and breezy.
These films are united by their primary goal of delivering effortless, cheerful entertainment through a specific rhythm. The combination of fast pacing, a light tone, and straightforward complexity creates a uniquely comforting and energizing vibe that feels like a delightful escape.
Don't stop at just watching — explore EXmas 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 EXmas is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of EXmas with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape EXmas. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of EXmas that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about EXmas: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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