During the Christmas season, Miranda (Krakow) departs from Seattle, carrying a suitcase brimming with gifts, to reunite with her estranged family in Carlton Heath. There, she will partake in the festive customs she missed out on during her childhood. The previous Christmas, Miranda developed feelings for Ian (Matter), a local resident who assisted her in her quest to find her father, James Whitcomb, a renowned stage actor she suspected had ties to the town. At the behest of his widow, Margaret (Malick), Miranda consents to keep this information confidential to shield the family from potential scandal.