Russell is a little Christmas tree born in the shadows of taller trees in the forest. He is lonely and bullied until one night the trees around him are cut down. He finds another little tree beside him named Fern and both become great friends. Unfortunately, they are dug up, and they end up in different gardens in pots. Russell escapes and with the help of the local birds, he makes his way back to the hillside, searching for Fern with several adventures on the way.