A Bad Moms Christmas

A Bad Moms Christmas 2017

Directed by

Jon Lucas

Jon Lucas

Made by

Test your knowledge of A Bad Moms Christmas with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of A Bad Moms Christmas (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


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.

Timeline

Track the key events of A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


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.

Days before Christmas

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.

Days before Christmas Amy's home

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.

Days before Christmas Kiki's home

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.

Days before Christmas Carla's home

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.

Days before Christmas Local mall

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.

Days before Christmas Trampoline park

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.

Days before Christmas Local event

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.

Days before Christmas Therapy office

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.

Christmas Eve Sexy Santa event venue

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.

Christmas Eve Kiki's home

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.

Christmas Eve Amy's home

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.

Christmas Eve Local church

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.

Midnight Local church

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.

Christmas Morning Amy's home

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.

Christmas Day Amy's home

Characters

Meet the characters that bring A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


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.

👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood 🎄 Christmas 💪 Resilience

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.

❤️ Supportive Partner 🎉 Festivities 😌 Calm

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.

👩‍👧 Balance 🎄 Boundaries 😩 Overwhelm

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.

🎈 Free Spirit 🤗 Friendship 💔 Family Drama

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.

👵 Tradition 💔 Mother-Daughter 🎭 Confrontation

Setting

Uncover the settings of A Bad Moms Christmas (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s 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.

🏢 Locations 🎄 Christmas 🏙️ Community

Themes

Explore the core themes of A Bad Moms Christmas (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🎭

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.

🎉

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.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.