Under the Christmas Tree (2021) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Alma refuses because the tree is on her family's property, which has been in their family for a century as part of their Christmas goods business. She views it as part of her family's legacy and heritage. Additionally, Alma and her parents are already planning to retire at the end of the year, so cutting the tree feels like an unnecessary disruption to something precious to them.

Foreshadowing: The consultant's report about modernizing the business hints that Alma values tradition over change, which explains her resistance to letting go of anything tied to her family's history.

• Alma Beltran
• Christmas tree
• family business
• Camden
• resistance

Charlie learns that legally she only needs Alma's parents' signatures to obtain the tree, not Alma's approval. She initially plans to tell Alma but chooses not to after they spend more time together admiring the tree and growing closer. Charlie wanted to preserve their developing romantic connection without letting the business conflict come between them.

Foreshadowing: This decision not to disclose the legal loophole directly stems from the growing emotional bond between them during their date at the pâtisserie.

• Charlie Freemont
• signatures
• legal
• deception
• relationship

Alma becomes angry when Sonal reveals that Charlie's team can take the tree without Alma's permission, only needing her parents' signatures. Alma feels betrayed because Charlie knew this information and chose not to disclose it, making Alma's earlier refusal seem pointless and suggesting Charlie was being dishonest about their growing relationship.

Foreshadowing: The party scene where Rohan mistakenly reveals the signature situation plants the seed for this confrontation.

• Alma Beltran
• Charlie Freemont
• Sonal
• betrayal
• anger

Charlie and Rohan retreat to a nearby reforestation project area after the confrontation with Alma. While there, they follow the hoots of an owl that Charlie had saved the previous year, which leads them to discover an alternative tree suitable for the ceremony. This new discovery allows Charlie to resolve her professional obligation without taking the tree from Alma's family.

Foreshadowing: Charlie mentions the owl she saved the previous year, hinting that her connection to the local environment would play a role in the resolution.

• alternative tree
• reforestation project
• owl
• Charlie Freemont
• ceremony

At the Camden tree lighting ceremony, Alma tells her parents she will not relocate the company to Arizona. Her decision reflects her deeper connection to Camden and her family's legacy there. Being with Charlie and choosing to build a future in Camden reinforces her commitment to staying rather than moving the business away from everything she knows and loves.

Foreshadowing: Alma's earlier resistance to the consultant's modernization ideas showed she valued preserving her family's traditions and location.

• Alma Beltran
• Arizona
• family business
• relocation
• Camden

Charlie decides to apply to be the executive director of the reforestation project after her experience in Camden. Her connection to the local environment, demonstrated by her previous rescue of an owl and her exploration of the reforestation area, shows her passion for conservation. This job represents a new professional direction that aligns with her values and allows her to stay in Camden rather than returning to her previous life.

Foreshadowing: Charlie saved an owl the previous year and was drawn to explore the reforestation project area, showing her existing interest in environmental work.

• Charlie Freemont
• reforestation project
• job
• executive director
• environmental

The gingerbread decorating competition brings Charlie and Alma together unexpectedly when they are randomly paired as partners. Winning the competition together creates a meaningful shared experience and deepens their connection. The trophy later serves as a reminder of their bond when Charlie receives it before leaving town, providing a hopeful symbol of reconciliation.

Foreshadowing: Alma's mother suggests Charlie enter the competition, acting as an unintentional matchmaker for the two women.

• gingerbread competition
• trophy
• partnership
• winning
• Marie's pâtisserie

The owl Charlie saved the previous year becomes significant when she and Rohan are searching for an alternative tree. The owl's hoots guide them to a new location where they find a suitable replacement tree. This moment connects Charlie's personal history with the local area and demonstrates her existing commitment to nature conservation, foreshadowing her later career decision.

Foreshadowing: Charlie mentions saving an owl in a previous year, establishing her prior connection to Camden's environment.

• owl
• Charlie Freemont
• saved
• reforestation
• nature

At the tree lighting ceremony, the Beltrans invite Charlie onstage to join them in lighting the tree together. This gesture symbolizes their acceptance of Charlie as part of the family and their blessing of her relationship with Alma. It represents the reconciliation after the conflict and marks Charlie's integration into the Beltran family and Camden community.

Foreshadowing: The warm interaction between Charlie and Alma's parents throughout the film builds toward this acceptance moment.

• Beltrans
• Charlie
• tree lighting ceremony
• family
• acceptance