The movie follows the story of Drew Latham (played by Ben Affleck), a wealthy and successful advertising executive who finds himself alone for Christmas after breaking up with his girlfriend. Desperate to avoid spending the holiday by himself, Drew decides to revisit his childhood home, which is now occupied by another family.
Drew offers the family, headed by Tom (played by James Gandolfini) and Christine Valco (played by Catherine O’Hara), a large sum of money in exchange for letting him stay with them and experience a traditional Christmas. Despite their initial reluctance, the Valco family reluctantly agrees to Drew’s proposition in order to ease their financial struggles.
As Drew tries to recreate the perfect Christmas from his childhood, he clashes with the Valco family over their differing traditions and values. Tensions escalate as Drew’s extravagant gestures and attempts to orchestrate the holiday according to his own vision lead to chaos and misunderstandings.
In the climax of the film, Drew’s behavior reaches a breaking point, causing him to realize the error of his ways and the importance of family and genuine connections. He apologizes to the Valco family for his selfishness and learns to embrace the true spirit of Christmas, which is not about material possessions or grand gestures, but about love, forgiveness, and togetherness.
The film concludes with Drew and the Valco family coming together to celebrate Christmas in their own unique way, setting aside their differences and enjoying each other’s company. Drew leaves the Valco home with a newfound appreciation for the holiday and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a family.
Overall, “Surviving Christmas” is a heartwarming and humorous film that explores themes of family, tradition, and the true meaning of Christmas. With its comedic performances, relatable characters, and festive atmosphere, it offers an entertaining movie experience that resonates with audiences during the holiday season.