Home for the Holidays

Claudia Larson, a single mother, feels the weight of recent job loss as she embarks on a flight from Chicago to Baltimore. This trip represents an escape and a much-needed break from her struggles as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

While on her journey, Claudia finds herself overwhelmed and begins to pour her heart out on her younger brother Tommy's voicemail. This act reflects her feelings of loneliness and the challenges she faces as a single mother.

Upon arriving in Baltimore, Claudia is eager to reconnect with her family. She anticipates a delightful reunion with her parents, Adele and Henry, but also feels uncertainty regarding Tommy's presence at the gathering.

To Claudia's surprise, Tommy arrives unexpectedly with his business partner Leo Fish. Their arrival complicates Claudia's feelings as she mistakenly suspects Leo to be Tommy's new romantic interest.

As family dynamics unfold, Claudia bumps into an old school acquaintance, who brags about her recent divorce. This encounter intensifies Claudia's feelings of inadequacy, triggering insecurities about her own life situation.

On Thanksgiving Day, Aunt Gladys, with signs of dementia, shocks the family by confessing her love for Henry. This revelation adds to the already tense atmosphere and highlights the chaos of holiday family gatherings.

The family chaos escalates when Tommy accidentally drops the turkey on their conservative sister Joanne. This event sparks a fierce argument that leads to the shocking revelation that Tommy secretly married his partner Jack months earlier.

In search of solace from the family drama, Tommy and Claudia retreat to the kitchen to enjoy a quieter dinner. This moment offers a brief reprieve before they must confront the swirling family issues around them.

After dinner, a lighthearted game of football among the men devolves into a brawl between Walter and Tommy. The fight reaches a climax when Henry intervenes, dousing them with a hose in an attempt to restore order.

Henry answers a phone call from Jack, revealing that he and Tommy are still happily together. This shocking news sends ripples through the family, altering their perceptions and causing tensions to rise.

Later that evening, Claudia and Leo drive Aunt Gladys home, creating a moment of calm amidst the turmoil. They also take the opportunity to deliver leftovers to Joanne's family, attempting to mend the situation.

During the drive, Leo reveals that Tommy had shown him a picture of Claudia, which prompted his visit to Baltimore. This conversation deepens Claudia's connection with Leo as they share personal insights.

As they approach their destination, a romantic moment unfolds between Leo and Claudia, culminating in a sincere kiss. This event marks the start of a potential new chapter in Claudia's life, contrasting sharply with her family’s chaos.

Back at Claudia's family home, the chemistry between her and Leo escalates, leading to a passionate kiss in the living room. Tommy, sensing the moment, reminds them of their early departure the next day, bringing an end to their interaction.

The next morning, Claudia wakes to see Tommy and Leo leaving, prompting her to rush to the airport. Determined not to let this connection fade, she boards a flight to Chicago, only to find Leo sitting beside her, solidifying their bond.