Bailey Kershaw returns home for the summer from college to discover that her mother (Tina) has a new boyfriend (Hugo) who she plans to immediately marry. Bailey is unsettled by Hugo and how quickly he has invaded her family home and her mother's life.

It's Christmas, 1955 in Daytona Beach, FL, and middle child Maryellen longs to stand out amidst the hustle and bustle of her big family. When Benji, a family friend afflicted with polio comes to stay with them, Maryellen is intent on making the holiday special. After her plans for a big celebration fall through, she discovers the best gifts are often simple, meaningful gestures of friendship.

During a time of robber barons, mills, and rising industry, two orphan children meet two unexpected visitors who turn the tide of events and change their lives forever.