Directed by

Jon Lucas
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for A Bad Moms Christmas (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
As Amy Mitchell settles into a blissful relationship with Jessie Harkness, she dreams of a peaceful Christmas filled with love and joy. Preparing for the holiday celebrations, her children, Jane and Dylan, along with Jessie’s daughter, are all set to share in the festive spirit. However, the tranquility of Amy’s meticulously crafted plans is shattered when her overly critical mother, Ruth, reveals her intention to join them for Christmas, creating an unexpected tension.
Simultaneously, Kiki Moore finds herself grappling with the chaos of four exuberant kids, alongside her husband Kent’s recent surge in helpfulness. Just when she believes that life couldn’t get any more demanding, her mother Sandy surprises her with an unannounced visit, planning to stay for a taxing three weeks.
On the sidelines, Carla Dunkler is navigating her own holiday troubles caused by her mother, Isis, who unexpectedly drops by. While Carla initially feels excitement at their reunion after many years, she is acutely aware that Isis typically seeks something in return. Amidst their holiday struggles, Amy, Kiki, and Carla meet at the local mall, where they unite over shared grievances and pledge to “take Christmas back” from the burdens of expectations imposed by others.
The drama intensifies as Ruth’s flair for theatrics threatens to derail Amy’s careful plans. As Amy attempts to reclaim a sense of normalcy, she takes her family to a trampoline park instead of the traditional Nutcracker, where they fortuitously meet Kiki and her family. This spontaneous get-together leads to a significant moment as Ruth opens up about her past traumas, sharing her own experiences of being mistreated by her mother.
In another twist, Carla encounters the charming erotic dancer Ty Swindel, who is in town for a daring Sexy Santa competition. When he invites her to join him as his date, Carla eagerly accepts. Meanwhile, Kiki grapples with the suffocating presence of her control-freak mother, prompting her to seek help from Dr. Karl. However, that therapy session quickly unravels into chaos, resulting in Kiki being labeled “crazy.”
As the night progresses, Amy and Kiki ultimately decide to join Carla for an exhilarating evening at the Sexy Santa event, where they are awestruck by Ty’s captivating dance routine. The evening takes an unexpected turn when Isis spontaneously joins Ty on stage, leading to a comedic mishap where she takes a fall, causing chaos that obliges Carla to forfeit her connection with Ty to offer her mother some financial help, despite knowing it may not end well.
With Christmas Eve festivities dwindling and tensions heightened, Sandy’s revelation about her recent purchase of the neighboring house throws Kiki into a frenzy, inciting her to demand some boundary respects. Amy’s festivity plans are further jeopardized when she discovers that Ruth has invited a motley crew of unfamiliar faces to their home for what was meant to be an intimate holiday gathering, an action that ignites a heated clash between them and results in the accidental destruction of their Christmas tree. This explosive dispute leaves the once-happy atmosphere cold and tense, with Amy’s children observing the fallout and becoming distressed.
As the clock ticks towards midnight, Ruth seeks a moment of peace at church, accompanied by Sandy and Isis, where they reflect on their failings as mothers, each remarking on the others’ imperfections. In a different area of the sanctuary, Amy’s father, Hank, shares insightful wisdom with Amy, shedding light on Ruth’s insecurities and her genuine desire to be a good mother.
Seizing this chance for reconciliation, Amy and Ruth engage in a heartfelt discussion, expressing their love for each other, allowing the burden of past grievances to dissipate. As the clock strikes midnight, with newfound understanding, they rush back home to restore the holiday spirit.
Christmas morning unfolds with Jane and Dylan waking to find Ruth back in their lives, their relationship healed, and the house transformed into a delightful winter wonderland. Kiki and Sandy find common ground, with Sandy admitting to feeling isolated during the holidays since Kiki’s father passed away and putting the neighboring property up for sale.
As the holiday spirit peaks, an unconventional Christmas gathering ensues, bringing together an unlikely mix of family and friends. The matriarchs, Amy, Kiki, and Carla, express admiration for each other’s resilience, fortified by their resolve against the holiday pressures. In a tender twist, Ty discovers blossoming feelings for Carla and sets off on a romantic quest to capture her heart, beginning with a sincere visit to Amy’s home. Meanwhile, Ruth, Sandy, and Isis relish in their strengthened bond, outlining plans for an extraordinary adventure to Las Vegas, fulfilling Kiki’s long-held wish for Sandy to see the legendary Wayne Newton perform live.
Follow the complete movie timeline of A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Amy's Blissful Relationship
Amy Mitchell enjoys a blissful relationship with Jessie Harkness, dreaming of a peaceful Christmas surrounded by family. She prepares for the holiday celebrations with her children, Jane and Dylan, alongside Jessie's daughter.
Ruth's Arrival
The tranquility of Amy's Christmas plans is disrupted when her overly critical mother, Ruth, announces her intention to join them. This unexpected revelation creates tension as Amy struggles to maintain her ideal holiday atmosphere.
Kiki's Chaos
Kiki Moore juggles the demands of four energetic kids and a suddenly helpful husband, Kent. Just when she feels overwhelmed, her mother Sandy makes an unannounced visit, planning to stay for a taxing three weeks.
Carla's Reunion
Amidst the holiday chaos, Carla Dunkler faces her own struggles when her mother Isis unexpectedly arrives. While excited about their reunion, Carla is aware that Isis often seeks something in return, creating further tension.
Meeting at the Mall
Amy, Kiki, and Carla meet at the local mall, where they bond over their shared holiday grievances. This encounter prompts them to unite and commit to taking back Christmas from the burdens of expectations placed on them.
Trampoline Park Adventure
To escape Ruth's theatrics, Amy takes her family to a trampoline park instead of their usual Nutcracker visit. There, they fortuitously meet Kiki and her family, leading to a heartfelt moment where Ruth shares her past traumas.
Carla's Night Out
Carla encounters Ty Swindel, an attractive erotic dancer, who invites her to accompany him to the 'Sexy Santa' competition. Excited for a night of fun, Carla eagerly accepts, hoping to escape her holiday woes.
Kiki's Therapy Chaos
Kiki, feeling overwhelmed by her mother's control, seeks help from Dr. Karl. However, the therapy session spirals out of control, ending with Kiki being labeled 'crazy,' adding to her stress during the holiday.
The Sexy Santa Event
Amy and Kiki join Carla for the exciting 'Sexy Santa' event, where Ty performs a captivating dance. The atmosphere turns chaotic when Isis joins Ty on stage, resulting in a humorous mishap that throws the night into disarray.
Tensions Rise
As Christmas Eve approaches, Sandy shocks Kiki with news of her recent purchase of a neighboring house. This revelation sends Kiki into a frenzy, leading her to demand that her mother respect her boundaries.
Ruth Invites Strangers
Amy discovers that Ruth has invited a motley crew to their home for Christmas, disrupting her carefully laid plans for an intimate gathering. This decision ignites a heated clash, resulting in the accidental destruction of their Christmas tree.
Heartfelt Church Reflection
As the clock nears midnight, Ruth, Sandy, and Isis gather at church, reflecting on their shortcomings as mothers. Meanwhile, Amy's father Hank offers valuable insights that help Amy understand Ruth's deep insecurities.
Reconciliation Between Amy and Ruth
Seizing the opportunity for reconciliation, Amy and Ruth engage in a heartfelt discussion in the church. They express their love and understanding for each other, allowing the burdens of their past grievances to dissipate.
Christmas Morning Reunion
On Christmas morning, Jane and Dylan awake to find the holiday spirit restored, with Ruth back in their lives and their relationship healed. The house has transformed into a delightful winter wonderland, filled with joy.
Unconventional Christmas Gathering
The holiday culminates in an unconventional gathering of family and friends, where the matriarchs Amy, Kiki, and Carla bond over their shared experiences. Ty also discovers feelings for Carla, beginning a quest to win her heart.
Explore all characters from A Bad Moms Christmas (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Amy Mitchell (Mila Kunis)
Amy is a multitasking mother striving to create a perfect Christmas for her family. Her aspirations collide with the chaotic dynamics introduced by her mother, leading to emotional confrontations. Through her journey, Amy learns the value of acceptance and love in the face of familial pressures.
Jessie Harkness (Jay Hernandez)
Jessie is Amy's supportive partner, hoping to bring joy to their festive celebrations. He acts as a calming presence amid the chaos introduced by their families. His character embodies the balance of seeking joy while managing the family dynamics during the holiday season.
Kiki Moore (Kristen Bell)
Kiki is a mother overwhelmed by the demands of her children and the presence of her overbearing mother, Sandy. Throughout the movie, she grapples with the desire for independence while dealing with familial obligations. Kiki's journey highlights the struggle for personal space during the holidays.
Carla Dunkler (Kathryn Hahn)
Carla is a free-spirited friend facing pressures from her mother, Isis. Her vibrant personality shines through even in the midst of family drama. Carla's character seeks solace and connection, finding support within her circle of friends as they confront holiday struggles together.
Ruth (Christine Baranski)
Ruth, Amy’s mother, is a strong-willed character whose traditional values clash with modern ideals. Her arrival shakes up Amy's plans, marking a critical point of tension. Throughout the film, Ruth reflects on her past actions and desires to connect with her daughter amid familial estrangements.
Learn where and when A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Christmas Season
The movie takes place during the Christmas season, a time filled with excitement, joy, and familial pressures. This period is characterized by festive celebrations and expectations, leading to both chaos and heartwarming moments for the characters. The pressures of the holiday season amplify the characters' struggles and challenges, ultimately culminating in emotional revelations and reconciliations.
Location
Trampoline Park, Local Mall, Church, Amy's Home
The story unfolds across various locations that capture the festive holiday spirit. The trampoline park serves as a lively venue for family bonding, offering a break from traditional activities. The local mall acts as a gathering spot for Amy, Kiki, and Carla, where they unite against holiday pressures. The church becomes a reflective space that helps the mothers confront their past, highlighting themes of reconciliation and understanding.
Discover the main themes in A Bad Moms Christmas (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Family Dynamics
The film explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly between mothers and their daughters. Each character navigates personal challenges with their parents, highlighting the tension that often accompanies family gatherings. Through humor and heartfelt conversations, the characters gradually move toward understanding and acceptance of their imperfections.
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Holiday Spirit
Despite the numerous challenges they face, the characters ultimately embrace the holiday spirit, showcasing resilience and camaraderie. The setting of Christmas serves as both a backdrop for tension and a catalyst for healing. The climactic moments of celebration signify the importance of community and the joy derived from genuine connections.

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Discover the spoiler-free summary of A Bad Moms Christmas (2017). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the midst of twinkling lights and endless to‑do lists, three exhausted parents find themselves at the breaking point of the holiday season. Amy has finally settled into a calm relationship and dreams of a low‑key Christmas filled with quiet moments, while her best friends grapple with their own chaotic family lives. Kiki juggles a bustling household of four kids and a suddenly over‑helpful husband, and Carla balances her career ambitions with the ever‑present pressure to be the perfect hostess. Their shared frustration turns into camaraderie when they meet at a bustling mall, each silently promising to reclaim the holiday from the weight of unrealistic expectations.
The reunion of the trio quickly becomes complicated by the arrival of their own mothers, whose well‑meaning but meddlesome presence threatens to hijack the celebration. Ruth, Sandy, and Isis each arrive with their own brand of holiday tradition, ready to impose their visions on a season that the younger women had hoped to shape for their families. The clash of generational perspectives creates a comedic battlefield of decorations, dishes, and decorum, amplifying the pressure the moms already feel.
Against this backdrop of glittering ornaments and over‑caffeinated family gatherings, the film balances sharp humor with genuine affection. The tone is unapologetically lively, turning the familiar chaos of Christmas into a fertile ground for witty banter, playful rebellion, and heartfelt moments of connection. As the three friends plot to “take Christmas back,” the audience is invited to laugh at the absurdities of holiday perfection while rooting for a more relaxed, authentic celebration.
The Bad Moms Christmas captures the frantic energy of the season, the love‑hurting‑love dynamics between mothers and daughters, and the fierce determination of women who refuse to let the holidays become a source of misery. It’s a raucous, feel‑good reminder that sometimes the best gifts are the ones you give yourself—a chance to breathe, be imperfect, and enjoy the magic of the holidays on your own terms.
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