Under the Christmas Tree (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in Camden, Maine, a charming small town known for its holiday commerce and close-knit community. Some key scenes also occur in Augusta, the state capital, where the ceremonial tree-lighting takes place.

• camden maine
• augusta maine
• setting
• location
• small town

Alma Beltran runs her family's century-old Christmas goods business and resists a consultant-driven modernization plan, including a potential move to Arizona. Charlie Freemont represents a more future-oriented approach, seeking sustainable solutions. Their clash explores the tension between preserving legacy and embracing change.

• tradition
• modernization
• family business
• conflict
• camden

The movie explores four key themes: the slow-burn romance between Charlie and Alma, the duty versus dream conflict over the family business, environmental conservation through reforestation efforts, and community holiday spirit through traditions like the gingerbread competition and tree-lighting ceremony.

• themes
• romance
• duty
• conservation
• community
• holiday spirit

Charlie Freemont is a skilled 'tree whisperer' assigned by the state of Maine to locate the perfect Christmas tree for the Governor's Holiday Celebration. She is resourceful and capable, though her growing affection for Alma complicates her professional mission.

• charlie freemont
• tree whisperer
• maine
• state assignment

Alma Beltran is the owner of a century-old Christmas goods business in Camden, Maine. She deeply values family legacy and community traditions, resisting modernization efforts that threaten the Beltran family's heritage.

• alma beltran
• family business
• christmas goods
• owner
• camden

Charlie discovers a magnificent Christmas tree growing in Alma's yard, perfect for the Maine Governor's Holiday Celebration. Their first meeting is contentious since Charlie needs the tree for her state assignment while Alma is protective of her property and family traditions.

• charlie
• alma
• meeting
• christmas tree
• first encounter

Marie is Alma's friend who runs a pâtisserie in Camden. She provides warmth to the community and hosts events like the gingerbread decorating competition, which becomes a focal point for local camaraderie and holiday spirit.

• marie
• pâtisserie
• gingerbread competition
• camden
• community

The annual gingerbread decorating competition is a beloved local tradition in Camden that brings the community together. Hosted at Marie's pâtisserie, it represents the town's holiday spirit, belonging, and the joy of shared celebrations.

• gingerbread competition
• tradition
• camden
• community
• holiday

The movie touches on conservation through Charlie's search for a tree and the eventual reforestation effort. The narrative connects personal relationships to stewardship of natural resources, emphasizing that progress should honor both people and the land through sustainable solutions.

• conservation
• environment
• reforestation
• tree
• sustainability

Alma's parents, her dad (co-owner of the family business representing traditional values) and her mom (concerned about retirement and the business's future), play key roles. Grandma Beth, a longtime community elder, embodies Camden's multigenerational holiday traditions and continuity.

• alma's family
• parents
• grandma beth
• generations
• beltran family

The movie has a gentle, hopeful, and lighthearted tone typical of holiday romances. Conflicts are minor and interpersonal, with a steady pacing and straightforward narrative that leads to an unambiguously happy ending focused on new love and seasonal magic.

• tone
• mood
• holiday romance
• feel-good
• hopeful
• lighthearted

The movie is set in the contemporary holiday season, though no specific year is mentioned. The modern setting allows for themes of business modernization and environmental awareness to feel current and relevant.

• time period
• holiday season
• modern
• contemporary