Joy is overwhelmed trying to make Christmas perfect for her family even while they fail in one commitment after another. She goes on strike saying that she just wants her family to acknowledge how much effort it takes for her and pitch in. But as the strike progresses and takes on a life of it's own, she learns about herself, her family, her community and what makes Christmas special for families.The acting is sufficient to carry the story through chaos and comedy and even some instructive moments.

I can see why Daphne Zuniga, touted as the next big thing 30 years ago never made it big in the movies. She was never a good enough actress although she has always steadily worked.Unfortunately this is really her level, a bland Christmas movie with no underlying meaning apart from appreciate the mother of the household. Although the script never makes clear what is bugging Joy Robertson (Zuniga.)Is it because she feels taken for granted as the Christmas party season approaches or that her kids will soon fly the nest and she thinks she will lose her purpose?She goes on strike by not intending to do anything for the festivities, other mothers join her and a television news show takes note of the developing human interest story.A rather superficial and shallow movie with some actors looking too old to be playing teenagers.

Okay, I'm all for sappy, silly, mushy, good, not so good, any kind of Christmas/Holiday movies. Really...I love watching Fa La La La Lifetime movies and pretty much all holiday movies.This one? Not so great. I usually don't care if they are that good or not, but man....Daphne Zuniga's sort of sweet baby talk voice throughout this thing when she had raised the two most selfish, self absorbed boys, and the most unappreciative husband was completely annoying.Someone else should have been the mom...possibly Julia Duffy, who did look WAY too young to play Daphne's mom. Bad casting I agree.But, as a REAL mom who catered, makes about 7 different art items and sells them, has hosted teacher parties, private parties and more all at this, the pretty much busiest party time of the year, would NOT have talked so sweet and baby to my selfish family, had her family been mine. Man.....whoever wrote this should have pointed out the meaning of Christmas to those selfish boys and to the husband. My husband sprung a HUGE housewarming for his coworkers at OUR house with a one wk. notice and he was all about shopping for the items for me to use for making the massive foods etc. and helping me. He asked me last minute, so he fully helped me get ready. This chick's family? Man oh man. And they all kept hushing her with "I'm sorry...and smirking." What was THAT about? Whoever wrote this should have at least made the mom a bit stronger or less door mat shaped. Strong enough to poor cake batter over the son's selfish heads and telling the husband to get the dept. head at his work, to hire a catering company to handle the dang party. Okay, enough griping. Such stupid boys and dad. I KNOW there are guys out there who can cook, clean and shop....I see them at the grocery store. So, let's hear it for YOU guys...not these guys. And, no offense Daphne....talk in a real voice next time. Thanks. Merry Merry to ya.

It was difficult to get past the fact that Julia Duffy was too young - or Daphne Z too old - for this role. With only an 11 year age difference they were not a believable mother/daughter casting....Other than that it was typical low-budget holiday fare.All the actors did a fine job. This must have been Christmas in a warm area - because no one ever seemed cold and all the trees were full of leaves! Oh - and the character from Texas (redhead) should have gotten better direction... the scenes she was in did seem a bit annoying. One last comment - the timeline was also a bit contrived.... I guess a 5 rating was my holiday gift to this movie!