The Holiday Calendar

The Holiday Calendar 2018

Directed by

Bradley Walsh

Bradley Walsh

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Holiday Calendar (2018). 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.


Abby Sutton, a passionate yet struggling photographer, unexpectedly receives an Advent calendar from her grandfather. Initially, she is not particularly impressed, but she decides to take it back home. When the calendar opens on December 1, Abby begins to realize that the items revealed each day correspond remarkably to events in her life, leading her to believe in the calendar’s magical properties.

As the story unfolds, Abby’s friend, Josh Barton, returns from his globe-trotting photography journey to reconnect with her. On the very first day, the calendar surprises Abby with a pair of boots, and coincidentally, Josh brings her a stylish pair he had purchased during his time in Italy. The following day, the calendar presents a Christmas tree, leading Abby to a chance encounter with handsome Ty Walker, whose tree unexpectedly tumbles onto her path. On December 3, Abby receives a nutcracker from the calendar, mirroring the costume worn by Ty’s daughter in a school play featuring Abby’s niece. Their paths cross again at the clinic, where Abby, nursing a sprained wrist, is treated by Ty. Following this, Ty asks her out on a date, which she enthusiastically accepts.

As Abby and Ty grow closer, an undercurrent of tension simmers with Josh, who has secretly harbored feelings for Abby. After a couple of weeks of dating Ty, Abby begins to question his true feelings for her. In a candid moment, she shares her magical experiences with the calendar, only for Ty to dismiss her beliefs and criticize her perspective. This leads to Abby breaking things off with him.

After a series of misadventures, including a mishap where Josh accidentally erases her photos from a tree-lighting ceremony, Abby finds herself fired from her job. She and Josh have a heated argument, resulting in a temporary rift that sees him leaving for a trip to visit his parents in Florida.

In an unexpected turn of events, Abby’s sister showcases some of her photography in a school auction, receiving widespread praise that finally opens their parents’ eyes to Abby’s talent. The local mayor even bids on a private photo session. However, the Advent calendar ends up being sold at the auction as well. To Abby’s disbelief, the very next day, the calendar mysteriously appears back at her doorstep, accompanied by a heartfelt note from Josh inviting her to meet him on Christmas Day.

When they reunite, Josh reveals an exciting surprise: he has purchased a photography studio for both of them. Abby expresses her long-buried feelings for Josh, acknowledging that he has always been the one for her. In a tender moment, Josh inquires about her calendar’s reveal that day, learning it was a snowflake, and just as the snow begins to fall, they share a sweet kiss. Inside the studio, Abby presents Josh with a thoughtful Christmas gift—a new camera. Capturing the moment, Josh playfully asks Abby to say “cheese,” but she genuinely exclaims her love for him instead. In return, Josh reciprocates her feelings, and they take a precious photo together.

Fast forward a year later, the couple is now running their own photography studio. They warmly welcome customers at their grand opening, and with smiles all around, the film concludes with heartfelt photographs depicting their journey together.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Holiday Calendar (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Abby Receives the Advent Calendar

Abby Sutton, an aspiring photographer, receives an Advent calendar from her grandfather. Initially indifferent, she decides to take it home, unaware of the surprises it holds for her life.

December 1

First Day Surprise

On the first day of December, Abby opens the calendar to find a pair of boots. Coincidentally, her friend Josh returns from his travels with a stylish pair of boots he bought in Italy, igniting a spark of nostalgia.

December 1

Christmas Tree Encounter

The next day, Abby receives a stunning Christmas tree from the calendar. As she admires it, she has a fateful encounter with Ty Walker, a charming man whose tree unexpectedly falls in front of her.

December 2

Nutcracker Connection

On December 3, the Advent calendar presents Abby with a nutcracker, mirroring the costume of Ty's daughter in a school play featuring Abby's niece. Their interaction deepens as they realize their lives are intertwined through these whimsical coincidences.

December 3

A Date with Ty

After a visit to the clinic for her sprained wrist, Ty asks Abby out on a date. Excited about this new romance, Abby accepts and their relationship blossoms.

Clinic

Tension with Josh

Amidst her growing affection for Ty, Abby senses an underlying tension with Josh, who has harbored feelings for her. This emotional complexity complicates Abby's relationship as doubts start to emerge.

Breaking Things Off

After some time, Abby discusses the magic of the calendar with Ty, but he dismisses her beliefs, leading to a heated argument. Hurt and disillusioned, Abby decides to end their relationship.

Unexpected Setbacks

Following their breakup, Abby experiences a series of setbacks, including getting fired from her job. A heated dispute with Josh ends in him leaving for Florida, creating a rift between them.

Sister's Success

Abby's sister showcases her photography talents at a school auction, earning recognition from their parents. This newfound appreciation for Abby's skills begins to shift perceptions around her passion.

The Calendar's Return

To Abby's astonishment, the Advent calendar mysteriously reappears at her doorstep after being sold at the auction. It comes with a heartfelt note from Josh inviting her to meet him on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day

Reunion and Surprise

When they meet, Josh reveals he has purchased a photography studio for both of them. This romantic gesture reignites the feelings Abby had repressed, leading to a heartfelt exchange.

Christmas Day Photography Studio

First Kiss in the Snow

As snow begins to fall, Abby shares her feelings for Josh, who reciprocates. Their relationship culminates in a tender kiss, symbolizing their reunion and a new beginning.

Christmas Day Outside

A Gift of Love

Inside the new studio, Abby surprises Josh with a thoughtful Christmas gift—a new camera. Their playful banter transitions to a heartfelt declaration of love, marking a significant moment in their relationship.

Photography Studio

Grand Opening of Studio

One year later, Abby and Josh celebrate their grand opening of the photography studio. As they welcome customers, they reflect on their journey filled with love, passion, and shared dreams.

Photography Studio

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Holiday Calendar (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Abby Sutton

Abby is a passionate and determined photographer who struggles with self-doubt and her career path. Throughout the movie, she learns to embrace her talents and the magic of life, ultimately realizing her true feelings for Josh. Her character evolves from uncertainty to confidence as she navigates love and personal growth.

📸 Photographer 💕 Romantic 🌱 Growth

Josh Barton (Quincy Brown)

Josh is Abby's close friend who returns from his photography journey with a heartfelt desire to reconnect. He harbors secret feelings for Abby, which complicates their friendship as he navigates his emotions. His character embodies loyalty and support, eventually revealing his love for Abby and cementing their bond through their shared passion for photography.

📸 Photographer ❤️ Loyal 🏖️ Supportive

Ty Walker (Ethan Peck)

Ty is a charming and thoughtful character who briefly captures Abby's heart. He represents the allure of romance and initial attraction, but his dismissal of Abby's beliefs creates a rift in their relationship. Ty's character serves as a foil to Josh's supportive nature, prompting Abby to reassess her true feelings.

💘 Charming 🚪 Romantic Interest 🌟 Complicated

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Holiday Calendar (2018), 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

December

The story unfolds over the month of December, a time associated with holiday festivities, surprises, and reflections on relationships. This season is pivotal for Abby as she navigates her romantic life while also reconnecting with her passion for photography. The backdrop of Christmas adds a magical element to the adventures and revelations experienced by the characters.

Location

Abby's hometown, Florida, Italy

The movie takes place primarily in Abby's hometown, which is characterized by a charming small-town atmosphere where community and relationships are emphasized. Florida plays a significant role as the destination where Josh travels to visit his parents, adding a layer of warmth and familial connection to the story. Italy is mentioned as an exotic backdrop for Josh's photography journey, highlighting the allure and inspiration that comes from traveling.

🏡 Hometown 🌴 Florida 🇮🇹 Italy

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Holiday Calendar (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🎄

Love and Relationships

At its core, the movie explores the themes of love and relationships as Abby grapples with her feelings for Josh and Ty. The magical Advent calendar serves as a catalyst for her romantic journey, pushing her to recognize her genuine emotions. Ultimately, the film emphasizes that true love is often found in unexpected places and highlights the importance of being true to oneself.

🌟

Magic of Believing

The Advent calendar symbolizes the magic of believing in possibilities and the unexpected turns life takes. As Abby experiences situations that mirror the calendar's reveals, she learns to embrace the enchantment surrounding her. This theme ultimately reinforces the idea that belief in oneself and in the magic of life can create wondrous outcomes.

📷

Pursuit of Passion

Abby's journey as a photographer underlines the importance of pursuing one's passion, even in the face of adversity. Her growth throughout the movie reflects the struggles and triumphs that come with chasing dreams. The establishment of her photography studio with Josh signifies a commitment to her passion and the joy it brings to their lives.

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