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Rose is a busy designer working during the holiday. She gets a call from her Brother, a handyman named is Sal and he has big news: he has won a charity design project for the holidays. He asks Rose for some design advice. They have a charming relationship and aren’t working together on the family business.

We then meet Bryson walking out of a hardware store, carrying a bunch of wood, as he is prone to do. He is annoyed to bump into his ex, who flaunts the fact that she is now engaged.

Bryson works with Sal, and they are surprised to learn the funding for the project they are working on has been cut, but they need to get the project done on a budget for the Denver Chronicle for a feel-good Christmas story. The charity house they are working on will go to the town’s principal. Sal tells Bryson they need to bring Rose into the project to help finish it on time. Rose says no. But that's nothing some brotherly guilt can't overcome.

Rose, who’s a designer and not an interior decorator, and who hasn’t been home since her parents died, is not thrilled about this reunion with holiday chaos. Rose drives into town and immediately bumps into Brysen and spills her coffee all over his shirt. Oh, and also, Rose finds out she’ll be staying in the same house as Brysen. Oh, and they share a bathroom, because of course they do.

But hey, it’s for a good cause, right? So Rose and Brysen decide to coexist. There’s plenty of eye-rolling, sarcastic comments, and the occasional truce. Rose finds herself pulling out some pretty stellar design moves, and there’s even a Home Goods ad thrown in there that feels more like a real-life miracle than a product placement (no complaints—Home Goods is everything).

Meanwhile, Rose crosses paths with Catie, the local EMT’s daughter, and her daughter Arabella, who are psyched about Rose taking on the project and share some tips on their family’s style. All seems cozy and heartwarming until Jake Hunter, the town reporter and former 6th-grade bully, shows up to cover the Christmas live show. He’s excited to capture the moment the Landrys receive their house, but he doubts they’ll finish it on time—until he hears Rose is involved.

Brysen opens up to Rose about his parents which is why he’s crashing at Sal’s place. There’s even a moment when Rose and the Christmas tree farm owner work out a social media deal for a free tree, because sponsorships.

Now we get to the montage! This movie has everything: paint splatters, hammering, some questionable Christmas music, and the surprising absence of decorating montages that are usually mandatory in these movies. The mayor checks in with only five days to go, sees that the place still looks like a war zone, and starts sweating bullets. But nope, they don’t buckle under the pressure! Instead, they head out to the skating rink for karaoke, because why not?
Meanwhile, Rose and Brysen reminisce about high school, and there’s an actual moment when they start to like each other.

But just when you think things are going smoothly, an icy tree branch falls and makes a hole in the roof, smashing some sentimental ornaments and sending Rose into an emotional spiral. Sal, the emotional support brother, comforts her.

Then, the Landry family steps up to save the day. Even Jake puts down his camera and joins the fun. They all pull together, complete the house, and celebrate by making cookies. It’s here that Jake and Sal have an awkward-but-heartfelt talk about middle school trauma and they make up.

In true dramatic fashion, Rose overhears Brysen’s ex bragging about their newfound reconciliation and decides she’s had enough of this small-town circus and leaves for Chicago. But wait! The Landry’s big reveal is on TV, and Rose realizes she’s made a mistake. She rushes back just in time to clear the air with Brysen, and they share a “finally, you idiot” kiss. No more running for Rose.

As for Sal and Jake? They’re not making out, but you can feel the potential for a date over some peppermint hot chocolate and bad holiday movies. Because this is a rom-com, and everyone deserves a happy ending—even if it’s not the one they planned.

Deck the Walls (Hallmark Channel - 2024)