The film opens with a voiceover from Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, a matriarch reflecting on the often-overlooked efforts of mothers during the holiday season. She highlights how mothers tirelessly juggle tasks such as cooking, gift shopping, and decorating to create the perfect Christmas atmosphere for their families. This year, in a Texas neighborhood lacking its usual festive snowfall, Claire (played by Pfeiffer) and her husband Nick (Denis Leary) prepare for the arrival of their three children, each with their own quirks. Their eldest, Channing (Felicity Jones), is mature, managing her own family alongside her eccentric yet endearing husband (Jason Schwartzman) and their two kids. Taylor (Chloe Grace Moretz) is the family’s unconventional member, with a laid-back attitude and a penchant for bringing a new girlfriend each year, claiming each one to be her true love. Meanwhile, their son Sammy (Dominic Sessa) faces heartbreak when his first serious girlfriend breaks up with him just before the holiday.

Amid the family’s preoccupations, they neglect to enter Claire in the annual Mom Competition on her favorite TV program, “The Zazzy Tims,” hosted by Eva Longoria’s character, Zazzy—despite numerous email and text reminders. This oversight disappoints Claire, as it was the one Christmas gift she truly desired. The final blow comes when the family forgets her at home as they rush off to their traditional holiday dance show, a scenario reminiscent of “Home Alone,” albeit somewhat forced, considering Claire had been the one consistently reminding them about the event. Frustrated, Claire decides to “cancel” Christmas, packs her bags, and embarks on a journey to see Zazzy’s show in person, despite not being part of the competition. Along the way, she encounters a series of strangers, accidentally has her car towed, and inadvertently joins the competition.

The film’s series of improbable events allows for potential comedic moments within this dysfunctional family, yet these scenes often feel contrived. The script, penned by Chandler Baker and Michael Showalter, struggles to deliver consistent humor, with many jokes and slapstick attempts falling flat despite the talented cast’s efforts. While there are brief glimpses of humor—such as Leary’s portrayal of a desperate husband and grandfather, and Schwartzman’s role as a bumbling fool—most comedic attempts come across as awkward rather than laugh-inducing. It’s unfortunate, as the cast is willing to embrace their roles for the sake of comedy, but they are ultimately let down by a lackluster script.