Sable Under the Christmas Tree

The Hook A burned-out Manhattan fashion designer inherits more than just a fixer-upper when she discovers her cottage was once home to a legendary 1940s dressmaker—uncovering hidden designs, rekindling her passion for authentic craftsmanship, and finding unexpected love with a small-town handyman who shares her dedication to artistry over profit. The Story Setup CAITLIN GOFF (late 20s), a gifted yet disillusioned vintage fashion designer, is trapped in a soulless Manhattan fashion industry where profits outweigh artistry. When her boyfriend, TED (30s), pitches a superficial "Vintage Fusion" line that threatens to erase her department’s authenticity, she resigns, seeking a fresh start and a return to her creative roots. She buys a fixer-upper cottage in Pine Grove—a small town where Christmas isn't just a holiday, it's a way of life. The Conflict & Connection Enter NICK WINTERS (early 30s), the town's only handyman and a former college football star whose career ended in injury. He immediately pegs Caitlin as another demanding "city girl," while she dismisses him as "just a jock." But as Nick repairs her cottage, they discover something unexpected: his meticulous woodworking craftsmanship mirrors her dedication to authentic dressmaking. Both are artists who've been underestimated. The real magic happens when Caitlin discovers that her run-down cottage once belonged to Adaline Taylor, a legendary 1940s fashion designer and her idol. Caitlin uncovers a hidden trove of Adaline’s preserved sketches, designs, and a heartfelt journal detailing her commitment to timeless fashion. Inspired by Adaline’s refusal to compromise her vision, Caitlin takes on the challenge of restoring the designer’s unfinished work, reconnecting with her passion for craftsmanship along the way. Caitlin rediscovers her voice as a designer and finds that the beauty of preserving the past can inspire a brighter future. The Emotional Stakes & Obstacles As Caitlin launches her vintage fashion business, Nick faces a crossroads when he is offered a lucrative job in New York that would secure his career. Their relationship deepens when Nick's beloved Sheltie JOY goes missing, leading them to discover an abandoned dog agility course—and Nick's secret dream of opening a dog agility training center. The stakes escalate when Joy's former owners return to claim her, drawn by her success in agility competitions. In a pivotal moment that defines her character growth, Caitlin uses her business savings to buy Joy for Nick, choosing love and loyalty over financial security. The Choice & Resolution Ted's return with an offer of complete creative control in New York becomes Caitlin's final test. But she's no longer the woman who left the city—she's found her authentic self in Pine Grove. By Christmas Eve of the following year, both protagonists have built the lives they truly want: Caitlin's vintage fashion business thrives, Nick's dog agility center is open, and they're engaged, celebrating as a family with Joy and a new Sheltie puppy named Merry. Why This Story Works This story aligns well with the popular holiday romantic comedy genre, particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy Hallmark-style Christmas movies. This story is especially distinctive because it focuses on craftsmanship and authenticity, both in the characters' professional lives and values. Unlike many holiday romances that merely use careers as a backdrop, this screenplay deeply integrates Caitlin and Nick's professional passions into the storytelling and their character development. The relationship between Nick, Caitlin, and Joy, the sheepdog, forms an emotional core that extends beyond the romantic storyline. Joy becomes a catalyst for both conflict and connection. The dog agility subplot provides visual excitement and emotional stakes beyond romance. The discovery of Adaline Taylor’s – Caitlin’s fashion inspiration – treasures creates a meaningful coincidence that feels like "Christmas magic" without being supernatural. Bottom line: “Sable Under the Christmas Tree” delivers the warm, hopeful escape audiences crave during the holidays, while offering enough substance and originality to stand out in the crowded Christmas movie landscape.