The March Sisters at Christmas (2012)

In Concord, Massachusetts, Margaret March has four daughters who still live with her even though they are all old enough to move out. The daughters have the same names as the characters in "Little Women" but only the large Orchard House where they live dates from the era in which that novel was set. And the house has problems.

It looks nice for the most part, but the realtor sees problems that need fixing before the house can be sold. Problems that are not visible include plumbing and electricity that occasionally goes out. And the house is always cold in winter. Beth is shocked to learn that her mother is selling the house, and she contacts the other girls. Beth plays the piano very well but lacks confidence, gets scared easily, and does not know what she wants to do with her life. Meg is in law school and has a rich boyfriend Dan who will soon leave for San Francisco. Amy is in theater but tends to be irresponsible. And Jo is a writer who is secretly working on a novel about her life but makes a living on Twitter pretending to be celebrities, or "ghost tweeting". The girls are upset that their mother wants to sell the house, and they try to talk her out of it, but their mother says it was time they were leaving anyway. However, she plans to spend time with the girls' father Robert, who was injured serving in Afghanistan. This means she does not expect to be back for Christmas, and the girls will get to stay in the house at least until then. The girls have a costume party at Halloween. Among those attending are Teddy, who is Jo's "friend without benefits", though he wants more, and Meg's ex John. John and Teddy live with Teddy's Uncle Jim in a nice house, and Uncle Jim later gives them advice about women. The power goes out after the party and the girls have to snuggle under a blanket. The girls decide they will renovate the house themselves, though they don't really have the money, even if they knew how to do the work. They can save money by not buying Christmas presents. They start to buy what they need at a hardware store but realize they can't afford it. When they get home, Teddy is there with everything they need, but the girls don't want charity. Eventually, Teddy tells them they can borrow the tools they need, and they agree. Beth plays the piano at Uncle Jim's house, and Uncle Jim is thinking about giving the sisters the piano. but he will miss having her come over to play for him. Amy is convinced she can upgrade the house's fusebox, which is in the basement. She has done similar work for the theater. However, she starts a fire. Fortunately, the damage is confined to the basement. The girls try to do the other work themselves but will rely on a professional for electrical work. Meg wants to stay with Dan but John continues to pursue her as he and Teddy help with the renovation. Meg also creates a vision board with goals for Beth and colored pencils so she can color the board each time she reaches a goal. Meg thinks Beth can go to Juilliard but Beth is afraid to. Jo gets a job offer and visits Greenfield Publishing, where her editor is Marcus. A 19-year-old celebrity named Natalia wants Jo to write her autobiography. Jo is embarrassed to find out that when she sent samples of her work, she accidentally sent the manuscript of her novel. Marcus likes it a lot, but for now, the publishing company needs to focus on what is essentially garbage in order to make money, and then they can do quality work like Jo's novel. Jo is reluctant to sell out, but she really needs the money. While uncovering a hidden fireplace Amy makes a mess and Jo yells at her. Jo wants to concentrate on her work and for a while she ignores her cell phone, but Meg comes in Jo's room telling her she is getting pings. Amy tweeted as Natalia and hurt the girl's reputation, including posting nude photos. Jo has apparently lost her job. Thanksgiving is a mix of good and bad. The girls try to move a new water heater into the basement but are interrupted when Uncle Jim comes over with the piano. Beth is very happy to finally have a piano of her own. But there are arguments. That night it is time to decorate for Christmas and Teddy wants to do it with Jo, but when Teddy wants to kiss Jo, Jo throws him out. Amy sees what happened, and wearing a sexy outfit, takes Teddy to a bar to get drunk. The bartender asks Amy for ID and when he sees Amy's license tells her "Happy birthday". Amy says the girls are so mad at her they probably won't do anything for her anyway. Amy comes home drunk. The next day Marcus visits and Jo isn't even dressed when he comes to the door. And she's not happy. But he seems to be interested in her for more than just her work, which creates an awkward situation. Then Amy tries to move the water heater herself, falls and is knocked unconscious. She is taken to the hospital and comes home feeling really good, but she has to be watched because she has a concussion. And the girls do celebrate her 21st birthday. There is another argument but snow starts falling and the girls are happy again. Dan and Meg have broken up so a few weeks later John proposes to Meg and she accepts. Jo goes out with Marcus, who says he will be working Christmas because he's Jewish, and he invites Jo to his favorite restaurant. But first they must attend a performance of "Twelfth Night" by Amy's theater group. Amy is in charge backstage and Teddy goes back where she is, sees Jo in the audience with Marcus, and gets jealous. On Christmas Eve there aren't any presents because the girls couldn't afford them, but Beth has found items that mean a lot to the girls and wrapped them. Jo unwraps her old diaries and is annoyed Teddy wants to see them. Then the girls get a big surprise. Their parents show up. Robert is on crutches but happy to be home. Margaret is surprised to see the house looking so good but when she talks like the house will be easier to sell with the work done, the girls get upset. No, they will not be selling the house. Jo goes to visit Marcus who is at work like she said, and he says her novel will be published. She beings him home to spend time with her family. Teddy accepts that he and Jo can only be friends, and the family enjoys the holiday.