Under the Christmas Tree

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.