A young girl, Hallie, desperately wants her estranged parents to reconcile for Christmas. To achieve this, she and her brother, Michael, embark on a series of elaborate schemes to sabotage their father's new relationship and convince him to return home. Their efforts lead to comical chaos and unexpected consequences as they navigate the complexities of family and the spirit of the holiday.

The film received a mixed to negative reception from critics upon its release, with many finding its plot predictable and its humor occasionally falling flat. However, it has since gained a cult following among audiences who appreciate its nostalgic portrayal of a 1990s Christmas and its earnest, albeit sometimes clumsy, exploration of family dynamics.

• Praised for its heartwarming intentions and the performances of its young stars.
• Criticized for a contrived plot and relying too heavily on predictable G-rated shenanigans.
• Considered a somewhat dated but charming holiday film by some viewers.

Google audience: Google users generally find the movie to be a cute and nostalgic Christmas film, with many appreciating the efforts of the children to reunite their parents. However, some find the plot a bit silly and dated by modern standards.

While the film is set in New York City, it was primarily filmed in Toronto, Canada, to capture the wintery atmosphere.