Ep 1. A Dad for Christmas

A Dad for Christmas is the very first episode of Lifetime's Holiday Movies season 1. It follows the story of a fiercely independent single mother, who has raised her daughter, Emily, on her own after the father departed when the little girl was still young. The mom, Rachel, is a successful concert pianist with an active touring schedule. The upcoming holiday season, however, will have some unexpected changes in store for Rachel and Emily.

As Christmas nears, Emily, played by the adorable Juliette Goglia, writes a letter to Santa requesting a Dad for the holiday. Rachel is taken aback but decides to create an online dating profile, hoping to meet someone special before the festivities. But in a cruel twist of fate, Rachel's piano tour gets extended, and she has to leave town for a while, leaving Emily in the care of her teenage cousin, Jeff.

Jeff, played by Tanner Richie, is initially dismissive of Emily's need for a dad and her belief in Santa Claus. He is your typical moody teenager – reluctant to babysit the energetic and curious little girl, let alone embrace the holiday spirit. But as the days go by, Emily's innocent joy and enthusiasm begin to rub off on Jeff, and he becomes more invested in making her Christmas special.

While Rachel is away, Jeff and Emily come across a stranded stranger, played by former teen-heartthrob Erik von Detten, who is trying to get home to his own daughter for Christmas. He ends up renting a room at their home and quickly strikes up a connection with Rachel's little girl, who is convinced he is the dad Santa sent her for Christmas. Jeff is wary of the stranger at first, but he grows to trust him as he learns more about his story.

As Rachel's tour goes on, Emily's Christmas spirit only grows stronger. She dreams of a perfect Christmas morning where she wakes up to presents from Santa Claus and a new dad by her side. Jeff and Rachel's new acquaintance seem to share in Emily's enchantment with Santa and holiday magic.

The episode follows the trio's joyous and emotional foray into the holiday season as they navigate through unexpected surprises, unexpected bonds, and missing pieces of their lives. At the heart of the episode, however, is the indubitable magic of the season, the sweetness of family and the miracles that happen when you believe in the impossible-ness of this very real holiday.