Home for the Holidays
After their parent’s tragic passing, three estranged siblings return to their Midwest hometown to settle the estate. As they sift through belongings, they rediscover their childhood through the family’s cherished Christmas cards, rekindling their bond and coming to terms with the idea that family, despite its complexities, is what matters most.
About this Project
My parents have written a Christmas letter to friends and family every single year of my life. As an adult, the gift of being able to read my life through their eyes, in annual installments, has been one of the most special legacies they could have ever passed down, and it’s one that I’m carrying on with my own family.
The idea behind this script is to bring these memories off-page and into a film, through a heart-warming story that wrestles with the reality of growing apart, whilst celebrating the holidays are all about… coming together.
Project Timeline
This is a dream I intend to hold for a long time, as this story is still being written—but you can always check back here for updates.
A Mahan Family Christmas Card for You to Enjoy While You Wait
As I sifted through all of our Christmas cards, this one—this one from 2001 in particular—stood out. Not only was it the year we lost my Grandpa Mark, one of the most influential figures in my life, but it was also the year my dad chose to note my inclinations toward writing. For as long as I can remember, from the moment I learned how to type, I wanted to write. I have so many memories of sitting down at the family computer, pulling up a Word document, and diving into a storyline. My wish with this project is that one day, it becomes the best story I ever write—and the best holiday movie you ever enjoy.
