The Twelve Trees of Christmas

The Twelve Trees of Christmas is a heartwarming and memorable made-for-TV film, centered around the compelling theme of community, love and the magic of the Christmas season. Directed by Michael DeCarlo, the movie was first released in 2013, and stars Lindy Booth, Robin Dunne, and the internationally renowned Mel B. This unique holiday film manages to capture a perfect balance between drama and holiday cheer, and provides a delightful twist on traditional holiday narratives.

The film’s plotline revolves primarily around the character Cherie (Lindy Booth), a vivacious and tenacious librarian in a diverse, tight-knit neighbourhood of New York City. Cherie is deeply passionate about the library, seeing it not just as a place for literature, but also as a community hub that facilitates social interaction, education and personal growth. The peace of the library—and Cherie’s life—is disrupted when the library is threatened with imminent closure, as a ruthless businessman Tony Shaughnessy (Robin Dunne) reveals his plans to demolish the building to pave the way for new luxury condominiums.

Cherie is desperate to save the library, an institution she—and the community—hold close to their hearts. This desperation brings her to organize a Christmas tree decorating competition, where participants decorate twelve trees that symbolize various stories, cultures, and aspects of the community. The underlying hope is to bring attention to the plight of the library and, consequently, halt Tony's plans to demolish it. Mel B, as Cordelia, plays the role of an encouraging friend, bringing both charisma and optimism to help Cherie in her mission.

The Twelve Trees of Christmas masterfully weaves in themes of hope, resilience, and the power of community engagement, particularly in the face of adversity. The film invites viewers to explore the tensions between profit-driven land developers and those who value community spaces, heritage, and altruistic values. It is a reminder of how commercial interests often overlook the importance of communal spaces like libraries, which serve as timeless reservoirs of knowledge, cultural exchange, and social connection.

As the plot advances, Cherie’s character, who starts as a simple librarian, grows into a dynamic community leader. Lindy Booth shines in her performance as the charismatic Cherie, embodying the character with a unique mix of strength, determination, and vulnerability. Robin Dunne convincingly plays the role of businessman Tony – a man who, initially blinded by his ambition, gradually develops a conscience, providing an intriguing character arc.

The backdrop of the Christmas season with its warmth, camaraderie, and spirit of giving add a magical layer to the film. The twelve trees themselves, each thoughtfully decorated with a unique story, serve as metaphorical representations of the various facets and characters within the community. Their symbolism effectively drives home the message of unity amidst diversity.

The supporting casts, including Mel B, give strong performances, each character being integral to the plot development and collectively contributing to the overall charm of the film. Furthermore, the movie skilfully combines its central narrative with unexpected romantic encounters, friendships, and small victories, resulting in a truly rich and immersive viewing experience.

The Twelve Trees of Christmas strikes a chord for its personal and relatable narrative—for anyone who has ever stood up for a cause they care deeply about, battled powerful adversaries, or cherished the sense of belonging within a community. Its premise, although set during the holiday season, leaves behind an enduring message of resilience, determination and the transformative power of unity and community spirit, which is relevant and resonant all year round.

The film’s heart-warming storyline, vibrant character portrayals and scenic holiday setting makes it an enjoyable watch. Invoking festive feelings and hometown nostalgia, The Twelve Trees of Christmas stands as a timeless tale that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas—love, joy, hope and the enduring power of community. It's perfect for those seeking a dose of holiday spirit, but also offers a year-round reminder of the importance of standing up for what you believe in.