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Under the Christmas Tree (2018) movie poster

Timeline

Under the Christmas Tree (2018) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 3 mins · English
Directed by
Jenn Wexler
Starring
Anastasia Veronica Lee

Produced as part of Glass Eye Pix's 2018 Creepy Christmas Film Festival, this short film is the sixteenth installment in the series. Each film draws inspiration from a holiday-themed word, and this one is based on the concept of “jingle bells.” It’s a darkly imaginative piece, designed to offer a chilling twist on traditional Christmas imagery.

Comedy Cast, crew & box office
On this page (4)
  1. 1 Events in order (14)
  2. 2 Timeline questions answered
  3. 3 Movie threads
  4. 4 Every angle

14 events in order · contains spoilers

Under the Christmas Tree Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Under the Christmas Tree (2018) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Arrival in Camden for tree assignment

    Charlie Freemont and her assistant Rohan are assigned by the state of Maine to locate a Christmas tree for Camden's annual tree lighting ceremony. They travel to Camden to begin their search and scope possible trees. The mission is to find a tree that matches the town's tradition and holiday spirit.

    Where
    Camden

  2. Discovery on Alma Beltran's property

    They find their ideal tree on the property owned by Alma Beltran and her retiring parents, operators of a century-old Christmas goods business. The tree appears perfect and ready for transport, tying the Beltrans’ family business to the town's ceremony. The moment sets the stage for a conflict about cutting down the tree.

    Where
    Alma Beltran's property

  3. Consultant report and Alma's reaction

    The Beltrans receive a consultant's report proposing modernization strategies for their business. Alma rebuffs the ideas, preferring to preserve tradition as her parents plan to retire. The report heightens the tension between preserving heritage and adapting to change.

    Where
    Beltrans' family business

  4. First meeting at the pâtisserie

    Charlie formally meets Alma at Marie's pâtisserie, where they exchange introductions and quickly hit it off. The pastry shop becomes the backdrop for their budding connection. Their chemistry foreshadows a potential collaboration over the upcoming decision about the tree.

    Where
    Marie’s pâtisserie

  5. Tree discussion and Alma's opposition

    Charlie and Rohan visit the Beltrans to discuss acquiring the tree, unaware that Alma is their daughter. Alma expresses that the tree should not be cut down, despite her parents’ preference for the plan. Alma texts Charlie to decline the offer, creating friction that strains the budding relationship.

    Where
    Beltrans' property

  6. Close connection at Alma's business

    Charlie shows up at Alma's place of work, and the two spend time together, growing closer as they negotiate the tree issue. The scene deepens their connection while the business dilemma looms. Their chemistry adds emotional weight to the looming decision.

    Where
    Alma's business

  7. Gingerbread competition and victory

    Alma's mother informs Charlie about Camden's town gingerbread decorating competition. Charlie enters and is randomly paired with Alma; together they win the event. Afterwards, Charlie asks Alma if she has reconsidered using the tree, but Alma has not.

    Where
    Gingerbread decorating competition, Camden

  8. Date invitation and first kiss

    A day later, Charlie invites Alma to a date at the pâtisserie, and the pair share a kiss. The moment marks a deepening romance amid ongoing tree negotiations. They enjoy a night together before the next twists in the plan.

    Where
    Marie’s pâtisserie

  9. Arizona move idea and signatures twist

    The consultant’s recommendations come into play: moving the Beltrans’ warehouse to Arizona becomes a possibility, while legally Charlie only needs Alma's parents' signatures to secure the tree. Charlie resolves to tell Alma, but she decides to wait until the moment feels right given their time together.

    Where
    Beltrans' business

  10. Party misstep and urgency

    During a party that night, Rohan tells Sonal, his mother and Charlie's boss, that they have not yet secured the tree and unintentionally reveals that Alma's signature may not be required. The information triggers further urgency and concern for both sides.

    Where
    Camden party

  11. Sonal arrives and confrontation

    Sonal arrives in town the next day. Charlie must confront Alma about taking the tree without her permission, and Alma leaves angrily in response. The tension between the people closest to the situation peaks as decisions tighten.

    Where
    Camden

  12. New tree found and bittersweet goodbye

    Charlie and Rohan venture into a nearby reforestation project area and locate a new tree after following the owl hoots Charlie saved in a previous year. The moment is hopeful but bittersweet, as Alma and Charlie bid each other a tearful goodbye.

    Where
    Reforestation project area

  13. Gingerbread trophy arrives

    The next day, Charlie is about to depart and receives the gingerbread trophy that she and Alma won, a tangible reminder of their shared victory. The trophy serves as a symbolic bridge between their past collaboration and a possible future together.

    Where
    Camden

  14. Tree lighting ceremony resolution

    At the Camden tree lighting ceremony, Alma tells her parents she will not move the Beltran business to Arizona. Charlie appears and reveals she has found a new tree and plans to apply to be the executive director of the reforestation project. The two decide to give their relationship a chance, and the Beltrans invite Charlie onstage as a family to light the tree together.

    Where
    Camden tree lighting ceremony

Last updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:42

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Timeline questions answered

Under the Christmas Tree Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Under the Christmas Tree (2018): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Alma refuse to let Charlie cut down the tree?

Alma is deeply connected to her town's natural landscape and worries about destroying a living part of Camden's environment. As her parents prepare to retire and she prepares to take over the family business, Alma feels a responsibility to protect the traditions and surroundings that define her community.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Alma expresses environmental concerns when she texts Charlie to decline the offer.

  • Alma Beltran
  • Christmas tree
  • Camden
  • environmental concerns
Q2

What does the consultant's report propose for the Beltran business?

The consultant's report outlines modernization strategies for the century-old Beltran Christmas goods business, including the recommendation to move the family's warehouse to Arizona. This proposal creates tension as Alma prepares to take over the business from her retiring parents.

  • consultant report
  • Beltran business
  • modernization
  • Arizona move
Q3

Why doesn't Charlie tell Alma that she only needs her parents' signatures?

Charlie learns she only needs Alma's parents' signatures to legally secure the tree, but she chooses not to tell Alma because she wants to enjoy their growing romance without complicating it with business pressures. Charlie prefers to spend quality time with Alma rather than introduce conflict.

Foreshadowing: This decision later backfires when Sonal reveals this information to Alma.

  • Charlie Freemont
  • Alma Beltran
  • signatures
  • tree permission
Q4

Why does Alma leave angrily after Sonal's visit?

Alma becomes angry when Sonal insists that Charlie tell Alma the tree could be taken without Alma's approval. This reveals that Charlie knew about the legal loophole but didn't disclose it, making Alma feel betrayed and like her feelings weren't considered important compared to completing the mission.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Charlie decides to wait until the moment feels right to tell Alma, but never does.

  • Sonal
  • Alma Beltran
  • confrontation
  • betrayal
Q5

How does Charlie find a replacement tree?

Charlie and Rohan venture to a nearby reforestation project area, following owl hoots that Charlie had saved from a previous year. Their journey leads them to discover a fresh, viable tree for the ceremony, solving the problem without taking the Beltrans' tree.

Foreshadowing: The owl hoots Charlie saved in a previous year serve as a meaningful guide.

  • reforestation project
  • replacement tree
  • owl hoots
  • Charlie Freemont
Q6

Why does Alma decide not to move the business to Arizona?

During the Camden tree-lighting ceremony, Alma tells her parents she will not relocate the Beltran business to Arizona. This decision reflects her commitment to keeping the family business in Camden and preserving the town's traditions, aligning with her earlier resistance to modernization changes.

Foreshadowing: Alma consistently resists the consultant's proposals to change the family's traditional way of doing business.

  • Beltran business
  • Arizona move
  • family tradition
  • Camden
Q7

What is Charlie's plan to become executive director of the reforestation project?

Charlie announces her plan to apply for the executive director position at the local reforestation project, a role that would allow her to combine her passion for trees and nature with professional work. This represents her commitment to staying in Camden and pursuing meaningful work.

Foreshadowing: Charlie is known around town as a diligent tree whisperer with deep knowledge of trees.

  • reforestation project
  • executive director
  • Charlie Freemont
  • career
Q8

What does the gingerbread trophy represent for Charlie and Alma?

The gingerbread trophy that Charlie and Alma won together during the town's decorating competition becomes a symbolic reminder of their shared achievement and potential for reconciliation. When Charlie receives it before departing, it serves as a tangible bridge between their past collaboration and a possible future together.

Foreshadowing: The trophy was won when Charlie and Alma were randomly paired for the competition.

  • gingerbread competition
  • trophy
  • Charlie and Alma
  • teamwork
Q9

How do Charlie and Alma end up together at the tree lighting?

At the Camden tree lighting ceremony, after Charlie reveals she found a new tree and announces her plan to stay in Camden for the reforestation project, the two women decide to pursue their relationship. The Beltrans, moved by the outcome, invite Charlie onstage as a family member to light the tree together.

Foreshadowing: Their relationship began at Marie's pâtisserie's and grew through the gingerbread competition and date.

  • tree lighting ceremony
  • Camden
  • relationship
  • resolution
  • Christmas

Movie threads

More Movies Like Under the Christmas Tree, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Under the Christmas Tree tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Cozy Holiday Romance Movies like Under the Christmas Tree

Gentle stories where festive traditions help new love and personal growth blossom. If you enjoyed the warm, festive romance of Under the Christmas Tree, you'll love these movies. Discover similar gentle stories where holiday traditions bring people together, leading to new love and happy endings in a cozy, comforting atmosphere.

  • cozy
  • romantic
  • festive
  • hopeful
  • gentle
  • warm
  • Tone: hopeful, warm
  • Pacing: steady, gentle
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow one or more characters at a personal crossroads who find connection and purpose during the holidays. A low-stakes conflict, often related to family, business, or tradition, serves as a catalyst for romance and self-discovery, culminating in an unambiguously happy and hopeful resolution.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a specific combination of a festive, cozy setting, a lighthearted romantic plot, and a gentle, hopeful tone. They are united by their feel-good nature, low intensity, and focus on positive emotional outcomes, making them perfect for viewers seeking comfort and uplift.

Holiday Affair movie poster

Holiday Affair

1949
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Under the Christmas Tree

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Winter in Vail

2020
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2018
A Castle for Christmas movie poster

A Castle for Christmas

2021
Christmas Wedding Planner movie poster

Christmas Wedding Planner

2017
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Christmas Inheritance

2017
My Santa movie poster

My Santa

2013

Movies about Community and Belonging like Under the Christmas Tree

Character-driven tales where a small town or tight-knit group fosters belonging. Fans of Under the Christmas Tree who appreciated its themes of community and finding a new home will enjoy these selections. Explore similar movies with a steady pace and light emotional weight, where characters build connections and discover where they truly belong.

  • community
  • hopeful
  • gentle
  • comforting
  • character-driven
  • warm
  • Tone: hopeful, comforting
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves an outsider or someone at a transition point being welcomed into a group—be it a town, a family, or a workplace. The conflict is minimal and revolves around acceptance and collaboration, leading to a resolution that strengthens community ties and provides a sense of fulfillment for the protagonist.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared emphasis on community as a central force for positive change. They possess a similar steady rhythm, light emotional touch, and hopeful outlook, creating a consistently warm and satisfying viewing experience focused on human connection.

Come to the Stable movie poster

Come to the Stable

1949
What Happens Next movie poster

What Happens Next

2011
Results movie poster

Results

2015
Chance movie poster

Chance

2002
Happy Days movie poster

Happy Days

2007
Book Club movie poster

Book Club

2018
On the Line movie poster

On the Line

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It Happens Every Thursday movie poster

It Happens Every Thursday

1953

Every angle

Under the Christmas Tree (2018) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Under the Christmas Tree in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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