Synopsis

After their daughter leaves for the Peace Corps, Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas and spend the holidays on a Caribbean cruise. Their plan angers the residents of their tradition-minded neighborhood, especially as the annual decorating contest approaches. When their daughter unexpectedly announces she is coming home, the Kranks have only hours to recreate a festive Christmas celebration.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is based on John Grisham's 2001 novel Skipping Christmas. The title was changed to avoid confusion with the similarly themed 2004 comedy Surviving Christmas.

• Although the story is set in a suburb near Chicago, filming took place in Vancouver and California. Locations included Universal Studios' New York Street backlot, Pacific Centre in Vancouver, and a Glendale supermarket.

• Principal photography began on April 12, 2004.

• The movie was released in the United States on November 24, 2004, shortly before Thanksgiving.

• With an estimated budget of $60 million, the film earned approximately $96.6 million worldwide.

• The film received largely unfavorable reviews from critics but developed a recurring place in seasonal home-viewing schedules.

• Holiday cards featuring the characters appear during the end credits.

• The soundtrack combines traditional Christmas standards with contemporary recordings, including "The Christmas Song" by The Raveonettes.