The last thing single dad Dan Rowland needs during the holidays is to get roped into extracurricular projects, but he will do anything for his young son, Toby. So when fourth grade teacher, Joy Bakersfield, approaches him about pitching in to raise money for the school, he finds it hard to say no.

Joy recognizes that Dan and Toby are struggling to embrace the holiday spirit and as a dyed-in-the-wool optimist, she makes it her mission to help these newcomers to Kringle, Texas, find their Christmas joy.

But is Joy's hopeful cheeriness enough to convince Dan to open his heart to Christmas...and to love?