GayTV Recap: The Christmas House (Television Movie)

The Hallmark holiday movie The Christmas House tells the story of the Mitchell family. Oldest son Mike (played by Robert Buckley), star of his television show Handsome Justice, gets a call from his parents, Bill & Phyllis, announcing their intention to revive their Christmas House festivities, where they decorate and open up their house to the community to celebrate the holiday. Mike returns home, along with his baker brother Brandon (played by Jonathan Bennett) and Brandon's husband Jake (played by Brad Harder), to help plan the major undertaking, as all parties are holding on to secrets that will affect the family's future. Mike soon reconnects with his high school crush Andi who is back living next door to his parents along with her young son, setting the stage for holiday drama and romance.

Arriving at the airport, Brandon and Jake discuss the fact that they haven't heard any news on their adoption case. Both are anxious about it and Jake wonders if Brandon really wants to keep the process a secret from his family, given that they are now going to be staying with them for a couple of weeks for the Christmas holiday. Brandon tells him that the adoption could still fall through and he doesn't want to put any stress on the family with everything else going on. Jake agrees and the two join hands as they enter the airport. 

Inside the airport, the couple catches sight of Mike trying to get some special treatment after his luggage is lost. He brings up his television show with the woman, drawing looks from his family. Brandon & Jake call out to him, pretending to be adoring fans, begging for a selfie with the television star. They share a pleasant reunion, as Mike wonders if Jake is really ready for all of the insanity that comes with executing the Mitchell Christmas House. They run through all of the preparation that needs to be done, but Jake is still unsure it will actually take two weeks, causing the brothers to mention that he has no idea what he's getting himself into. 

Jake mentions them needing to grab a rental car, causing the competitive nature of the brothers' relationship to come out. Both Brandon and Mike volunteer to grab the rental car, leading them to lock eyes. Brandon quickly passes his bag to Jake and the brothers take off running in the terminal to get to the rental car first, leaving Jake to shake his head at their immaturity. 

After settling in, Phyllis calls all of the guys together to discuss the plans for the Christmas House. She unveils their presentation on everything that needs to be done inside and outside of the house, which will involve cleaning out the house itself to make room for all of the decorations, including the working train set. Phyllis notes that Brandon will be in charge of cooking all of the baked goods for the visitors, given his talents in the kitchen. Despite Brandon & Mike's admission that this will all be a mountain of work to do, Jake speaks up, telling Phyllis that he is honored to be there to help accomplish it all. Phyllis remarks that he is her favorite son-in-law.

The family shared some laughs as the presentation featured pictures from Brandon & Mike's childhood, including an eyebrow-shaving prank that Brandon perpetrated on his brother. Brandon then wondered if the famed Majestic Mike might make an appearance. Mike was not a fan of reviving his childhood magic show, despite Phyllis reminding him that he was very popular back then. She then told them that they had to get to work, prompting Jake to share his enthusiasm to get started. Brandon joined him, saying he was sure it would be fun. With all of the guys ready to go, Phyllis blew her trademark whistle to send them on their way. 

The family got to work on moving furniture out of the house with Brandon & Mike complaining about the heavy table they were hauling. Andi, Mike's high school crush from next door arrived, to help with the Christmas House preparations, accidentally revealing that their parents are putting their house on the market, which she's helping with as their realtor. They were immediately caught off-guard and the brothers realized that this might be the reason their parents wanted to revive the Christmas House, since it would be their last Christmas in the house at all. Phyllis & Bill confirmed the news. 

While picking up the Christmas decorations from storage, Brandon noticed Mike was distracted. Mike wondered why Brandon wasn't upset about learning their childhood home was getting sold. Brandon told him that he was a bit upset, but they had their time in the house in the past and needed to focus on the future. Mike teased him for acting so wise. Brandon smugly thanked him for acknowledging it. Later, Brandon entered the kitchen to see his mother working on some baking, triggering a flashback to his childhood and their time together in the kitchen.

Brandon reminisced with Phyllis about their time cooking together and the inspiration he took from that with his bakery. She was flattered to hear he was adding one of her specialties to his menu. She then mentioned paying him and Jake a visit in Denver after the holidays. Brandon said they are always happy to have her and his father visit, but Phyllis told him that she was actually just talking about coming alone now that she's retired. Brandon was caught off-guard by her not wanting to travel with his dad, but he told her that she was always welcome, leading to the two sharing a hug.

Later, Phyllis called another meeting with Brandon, Jake & Bill. With Mike off picking up Christmas trees with Andi, she issued the next list of tasks for the remaining family members. Phyllis appeared annoyed with Bill, as he made some Christmas jokes that amused Jake. Phyllis interrupted to tell Brandon & Jake to work on the outside decor, while she snarkily mentioned that Bill could work on invitations, given his affinity for being out and about in town. He reminded her that it was part of the enjoyment of retirement. Her attitude didn't go unnoticed by Brandon, as she blew her whistle, dismissing them.

While working on the decorations outside the house, which went into the evening, Jake wondered if his family really needed so many decorations. Brandon suggested he not let his parents hear that. Jake smiled, saying that this time next year they would be decorating for Christmas as a family of three. Brandon hoped that would be the case. Jake wondered if he had heard from the adoption agency. A bit snippy, Brandon wondered if Jake thought he wouldn't tell him if he did. Jake was taken aback by the comment, just as they were interrupted by Mike announcing dinner was ready. Jake walked away, sarcastically saying he could use some carbs. Brandon grabbed his hand, preventing him from leaving the conversation. 

Brandon apologized for being short with him, telling him that he was just under a lot of stress with the adoption and managing his bakery renovation long-distance. Jake assured him that it was good that they took the extended trip because it's allowing them some time together away from the stress of work and the uncertainty of the adoption. He told him that they were building memories and inspiration for their future holidays with their kids. The two shared a kiss before going inside for dinner. 

The family's next meal was crafted by Brandon. He sat down with his family to eat and talk quickly turned to Mike's rekindling of his friendship with Andi. Brandon told Jake about her being his high school crush, but Mike disputed that, saying they were just friends. Their father Bill brought up Mike giving Andi's son magic lessons, prompting Brandon to question whether that was really an act of just friendship. Jake chimed in that his brother is just a really nice guy, not just playing one on television. This led Mike to reveal to the family that his show was being cancelled, drawing their sympathy. 

Brandon & Mike worked outside on decorating the house with lights and Mike took the opportunity to bring up their parents' odd behavior in the wake of revealing they were selling the house. Brandon wondered if Mike was just projecting because of his possible conflicting emotions with regards to Andi. Mike dismissed that, saying that there was no history with Andi. He never got a first chance, so he couldn't fathom getting a second one. Brandon encouraged him to explore things, especially since this was going to be their last Christmas in town. He was running out of time, if he had feelings for her. He urged Mike to try not to get too wrapped up in drama and live in the moment, knowing there were few moments left for them at home. 

That evening, the family spent some bonding time in the kitchen, building gingerbread houses with Andi and her son Noah. Later, a power surge outside led to sparks flying and lots of the outdoor lawn decorations catching fire. They all fled out into the yard, seeing the damage. Bill brought out a fire extinguisher, putting out the fires, as power was knocked out on the entire property. Brandon made a joke about bringing new meaning to a silent night, drawing annoyed looks from the family. 

After surveying the damage the next morning, Brandon and Mike talked about options for moving forward. When Brandon talked about postponing the Christmas House until next year, Mike said they couldn't do that with the house going on the market. Brandon said they could talk to their parents about postponing that as well, but Mike was now hiding his mother's secret, that their parents were separating after the holidays. He wondered if they should just cancel it, but Brandon said they couldn't do that. It means too much to their father.

Mike said they couldn't host any festivities without power, just in time for the power inside the house to be restored. Jake appeared, revealing that he had put his skills to use to get the power back on, much to the joy of Phyllis & Bill. They all put their heads together, realizing all of the work outside that would have to be redone, with only days left before Christmas. Mike took charge, coming up with a plan to get things back on track, which included assigning Brandon & Jake to get the yard back in order. With spirits once again raised, Phyllis handed over her whistle to Mike, symbolically passing the torch. Brandon warns him not to blow it, but Mike is unable to resist.

Brandon & Jake worked on getting the decorations outside back together and they were joined by Andi, who brought up her mother's famed tamale dinner coming up, leaving Brandon excited about the tradition. Brandon talked to her about his long-running efforts to get her mother to share the recipe with him, but Andi called it their family secret. Brandon brought up his failed attempts to work in some inspired menu options for his bakery, given his love of tamale night. Andi wondered if anyone ever told him that he tries to do too much. Jake chimed in that he does, all the time. That night, the two families gathered together to wrap the tamales and enjoy dinner. Jake & Brandon unveiled their aprons, showing they were ready to get to work on the food.

While working on the decorations outside, Brandon noticed Mike was clearly distracted. He wondered what was going on with him. Mike confided in him that he's not feeling very merry. He just lost his job, their parents' marriage is in trouble, the Christmas House is falling apart, and he can tell that Brandon & Jake are hiding something with their whispered conversations. He wonders where the magic of Christmas is hiding. Brandon smiled, making his brother wonder how he does that. Brandon then confessed to his brother about his and Jake's three failed adoption attempts, surprising Mike who didn't know they were adopting. He told him that he's learned to let things fall apart and then pick up the pieces to keep moving because even though it hurts, you can get through it. Mike told him that he was going to make a great dad, as they embraced.

Brandon & Jake accompanied Mike & Andi as they checked out the supplies for young Noah's magic show to be part of the Christmas House festivities. Mike recruited Andi to be part of the act that he was planning with Noah, as Brandon mentioned all of the work that would be ahead to get the stage performance ready. Mike & Andi went to work on their act, leaving Brandon & Jake to get the stage put together. 

At the next family dinner, they discussed the news that the house was now going on the market and they would be holding a Christmas Eve open house as part of the Christmas House festivities. Brandon was sure that they would get lots of offers. Phyllis said they would surely be going out with a bang. Then, Jake got a phone call and excused himself to take it. Phyllis then revealed to her sons that Andi had found her a new house. It was a fixer-upper, but she was happy to tell them that their father was going with her to help her renovate. The brothers were glad to hear their parents were no longer splitting up, as Jake returned, appearing very emotional.

 

Jake locked eyes with Brandon, who instantly knew what his look meant. Brandon grew very emotional and quickly embraced Jake, as the family wondered what was happening. They revealed their adoption was finalized today, meaning they were having a baby. Jake told them they had come close before but now they were finally going to bring their baby home. Phyllis & Bill were thrilled to hear they were becoming grandparents. Brandon teased that he should now be their favorite son for giving them their first grandchild. The family joined in a group hug, excited about the new addition. 

With the Christmas House festivities underway, the Mitchell family welcomed a crowd of people into the house and onto the lawn. Brandon & Jake helped distribute snacks and hot cocoa to the visitors, along with Bill. While Mike made an emergency trip to New York to help convince the network to change their minds about his television show cancellation, the family continued the festivities. Andi pulled them aside to tell them that a cash offer had been made on the house already, and she was expecting more before the night was over, surprising them. 

With the Christmas House festivities in full-swing, Brandon & Jake took some time to enjoy the night together. They watched from the audience as Mike returned just in time to join Noah on stage for their magic show, which included a vanishing act that produced Bill dressed as Santa Claus for the children. Later, Brandon & Jake had some fun on the lawn as Jake threw a snowball at his husband, leading to a playful fight between them. 

The next morning, Brandon & Jake worked on Christmas breakfast for the family when they got a visit from Andi, revealing that the cash offer that they heard about the night before was no longer on the table, surprising them. She then told them that they didn't receive any other offers that night, but she had found a new buyer who was very interested in the house. The buyer was revealed to be Mike, who wanted to plant roots at the family house, with Andi & Noah. The family was excited to know they could continue the Christmas House tradition for years to come.

The film ended with a montage of the family and their developments in the time after Christmas. This included Brandon & Jake taking photos with their toddler son, and the Mitchell family joining together for dinner on the following Christmas, creating new memories as an even bigger family.