Counting on Christmas

Forever is composed of nows.- Emily Dickinson American PoetJessica Rivers believes that no matter what is happening in her life she can always count on Christmas to make her happy. As the owner of the Bedford Falls Shop and with the assistance of her older sister Melissa she tries every day to bring Christmas to life through her songs her art and her stories in her hometown of Modesto California.Her belief in the healing power of Christmas is severely tested when a precious holiday keepsake disappears. And her oldest brother Michael severely criticizes her for living in the past and among the illusions of Christmas. Then her fiancé Brandon breaks off their engagement because she is spending too much time sharing the cheer and merrimentof Christmas.Disheartened she begins to think theyre right. That everything she does is a waste of time. That she has no worth and nothing to give her community. That its time to grow up. Shes about to give up when shes visited by the spirits of her parents her youngest older brother and two close friends of Michaels. Each of the spirits reminds her of her value and all that she has to offer. Her renewed optimism and belief in herself and what shes doing is immediately dashed when Michael is involved in a near-fatal auto accident. Convinced it was all her fault because of their recent clashes she contemplates doing something rash. Until another familiar spirit intervenes. Having been given a new lease on life and a reinforced perspective she tentatively reaches out to her old boyfriend Josh only to discover that that they are both still in love.On Christmas day the family gathers at Jessicas house. They receive an unexpected gift when Michael surprises them by having recovered enough to join them.In the end Jessica discovers that Christmas wasnt the only thing she could count on. It was family. The one thing we take for granted when its the one thing we should treasure most.Tagline: The true gift of Christmas is the comfort and joy of family.