The Christmas List

Melody Parris seems to be stuck in a flavorless routine, working in the perfume department and dealing with a pompous boyfriend and an overbearing mother who lives next door. She longs for something more meaningful beyond the safe, predictable patterns of her daily life. The city of Seattle serves as a backdrop for her growing sense that happiness is just out of reach.

On the bus, Melody's best friend Naomi pushes her to craft a Christmas list for selfish fun. The idea is playful and rebellious, a spark that hints at Melody taking control of her own happiness. It sets the stage for the list to become a life-changing catalyst.

Melody speaks with her boyfriend George, who is returning from a business trip. The call underscores the tension in their relationship and foreshadows the choices Melody may face. The mood is strained, contrasting with the upcoming holiday magic.

In a tense conversation with her mother, Melody asks if they could try a Dickens-style Christmas, full of old-fashioned warmth. Her mother hesitates, still pushing for conformity and traditional expectations. The moment reveals the underlying family pressure Melody feels to be 'proud' in her mother's eyes.

At the department store, Melody learns she has been passed over for a promotion to a younger, more sales-focused coworker. The result deepens her sense of being undervalued and fuels her determination to pursue genuine service rather than just a title. The setback sharpens her resolve to change her life.

Melody resolves to finish her Christmas list and Naomi places it in Santa's Mailbox at work. The whimsical act marks the first concrete step toward embracing the holiday magic she had resisted. It sets in motion a chain of small, hopeful changes.

Danny Skylar, a boy who wants a perfume reminiscent of his late mother, struggles to pay the full price. Melody lends him the remaining amount, forming a temporary bond. They both sign up for the store's sweepstakes, listing Melody's name and Danny's as entrants.

Danny drags his father to the Mustang drawing, and Melody also attends. They win the car together, but store policy complicates entries. Danny explains the mix-up and pledges to share the car with Melody until he is old enough to drive.

Melody feels a growing attraction to Dr. David Skylar, Danny's father, as they begin to share time with the car and mutual respect. George remains in the picture, creating a complicated triangle. This budding connection signals a potential new chapter in Melody's life.

A Christmas tree suddenly appears in Melody's apartment, and her mother softens, becoming more maternal. The family decides to celebrate Christmas Dickens-style, signaling a tangible shift toward warmth and togetherness. The home becomes a symbol of Melody's evolving priorities.

Danny invites Melody to lunch with George; the tension erupts when Melody and George argue, leading Melody to pour creme brulee onto George's lap. The act is a dramatic outlet for Melody's frustration with George's clumsy attitude and the mounting pressure to choose her own path.

Faith pretends to be engaged to Dr. Skylar, trying to sideline Melody and claim the doctor as hers. David discovers the ruse and ends things with Faith, marking a turning point toward honesty and commitment. The rejection clears a path for Melody to move forward.

David drives to Melody's apartment building and proposes, confident in a future together. Melody accepts, much to Danny's delight, sealing the new family arc forming around Melody, David, and Danny. The moment marks a pivotal shift from longing to a concrete life plan.

Melody continues to cross items off her list as the family embraces Dickens-style Christmas togetherness. She learns that what you want isn't always what you need. The story closes with a hopeful new life that includes David, Danny, and even a new baby.