Nathan (Neil Patrick Harris) is a doctor in a large, New England medical center. But, one day, after losing a teenage patient on the operating table, he decides to ask for an extended leave. Emotionally, he's drained. Heading to his hometown in Vermont, Nathan surprises his father with his visit and even more so when dad learns that his son is staying indefinitely and will help repair cars at his father's garage! Long ago, when Nathan was 10, he lost his mother and his widowed father has never looked in another lady's direction. Nathan, too, has neglected his lovelife in favor of his career. But, changes are coming. First, Grandmother finally arranges for dad to have a new office employee, a good-looking widow. Could this be a bit of matchmaking? Then, Nathan meets a lovely teacher, Meghan (Rebecca Gayheart) when her car needs some minor repairs and he soon feels the pull on his heartstrings. Also in town is a father, Tucker (Shaun Johnston) and his young son, Charlie (Angus T. Jones). Tucker takes care of lawns and home repairs and Charlie is expected to help, leaving him little time to play with friends. Meghan is Charlie's teacher and Nathan helps coach an afterschool basketball program. Soon, Nathan invites Charlie to be part of the group and the kid's got game! But, after the young lad collapses on the court, things change. Charlie is discovered to have an underlying heart condition. Will medicine save his life? Then, too, Meghan seems healthy but could she have a medical problem as well? Will Nathan open up his heart to love only to have it broken? This is a sweet film, somewhat sad but still a great reminder for everyone to count their blessings at holiday time. We need to reach out to others, even if it means getting hurt, and we also should tell those around us that we love them, for tomorrow may never come. All of the actors here do a wonderful job, making a film that could be described as somewhat contrived and improbable, work. Harris is terrific, with an understated delivery that turns occasionally stilted lines into touching ones. Jones, also, the young star of Two and a Half Men, is quite good as the ailing child. This flick is also a sequel to the movie Christmas Shoes, which starred Rob Lowe, and he is on hand to support the others. But, it is not necessary to see the films in order, as this one can be enjoyed on its own and has plenty of flashbacks. The settings, costumes, camera work and direction are mighty nice, too. If you enjoy thoughtful, romantic tearjerkers, you should ask Santa for a delivery of the DVD to your stocking. You will undoubtedly find it a blessing.