As a child, Michael Walker wished every day could be Christmas. That is, until a tragic accident crushed his holiday spirit. Thirty years later, Michael still can't muster any joy for the holidays, despite encouragement from his playful wife and well-intentioned parents. But when his young son faces a tragedy, Michael needs to make amends with his past. A mysterious man named Nick gives Michael a gift and instills in him the courage to find the joy that he lost.

Tommy Braxxton's father went away to war and never returned leaving Tommy faced with the daunting journey of becoming a man and the responsibility of supporting his single mom and sister. Along the way Tommy finds an unusual friend - a mule...that talks! Driven by the possibility of winning money to help save his family's farm Tommy ignores the insults hurled at him by the older kids and trains on his new mule friend Jackie A. for the big county stock show. Going against all odds Tommy and Jackie A. triumph over the older kids on horses in a spectacular show of resolve and determination.