When a big time magazine offers an incentive of $100,000 for the most festive, best decorated store on the busy local avenue, bookstore owner Bridget Boylston is eager for the jolly task. The gleam of a potentially very merry Christmas fades quickly, though, when she finds out they have paired her with her grumpy next door shop neighbor, Theo Gardner, for the competition.

Bridget is certain their plan is heading for disaster until Theo slowly inches into her life. He takes Bridget to find the perfect Christmas trees, helps hang colorful lights, and introduces her to his daughter. And, what's worse, he's devastating when he smiles, showing Bridget there's more to the Grinch than meets the eye.

As the contest heats up, so do Bridget and Theo. Their theme might be 'Home for the Holidays, ' but along the way they learn home might be a person, too.