Character Relationship Map: Finding Santa

Characters

• Grace Long (played by Jodie Sweetin) — protagonist

  Grace runs a Christmas store in Green River and is devoted to organizing the town’s 50th Annual Christmas Parade. She seeks a replacement Santa, persuades Ben to help, and develops romantic feelings f...

• Ben White (played by Eric Winter) — supporting

  Ben is a Boston rideshare driver and aspiring novelist who visits town because his father has broken his arm. Although he initially refuses to become Santa, helping sick children changes his outlook a...

• Caroline (played by Katey Hoffman) — supporting

  Caroline encourages Grace to acknowledge her feelings for Ben after Ben storms off.

• Tom White (played by Jay Brazeau) — supporting

  Tom is Ben’s father. He tells Ben that being Santa is about finding one’s own way to make the world better, and assures him that he is loved and valued regardless of whether he becomes Santa.

• Clint (played by Billy Wickman) — supporting

  Clint is the town’s celebrated Santa, but he may be unable to meet the expectations surrounding the Christmas Eve broadcast and parade.

• Tucker (played by Brenden Sunderland) — supporting

  Tucker is a sick child visited by Ben in the Santa suit. Ben listens to Tucker’s wishes and brings him great happiness.

• Alyx (played by Ava Telek) — supporting
• The Mayor (played by Karen Kruper) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Grace Long → Clint (Professional Santa Replacement Coordinator) — Grace's search for a substitute is caused by Clint's possible inability to perform.

  Clint is the town's celebrated Santa, but Grace is asked to find a replacement because he may not meet the broadcast expectations.

• Ben White → Tom White (Family Son) — Tom is Ben's father and an important influence on his choices.

  Ben is in town because his father, Tom White, has broken his arm.

• Grace Long → Ben White (Romantic Interest) — Their attraction grows while their conflicting plans keep the relationship unresolved.

  The plot states that Grace and Ben develop a growing attraction during their snowstorm-bound journey.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Ben White → Alyx (Social Santa Visitor) — The visit exposes Ben's warmth and kindness.

  As Santa, Ben visits Alyx, listens to her wishes, and leaves her thrilled.

• Ben White → Tucker (Social Santa Visitor) — Ben brings Tucker joy through his unexpected Santa role.

  As Santa, Ben visits Tucker, listens to his wishes, and leaves him thrilled.

• Grace Long → The Mayor (Alliance Community Partners) — They share responsibility for protecting Green River's public celebration.

  The Mayor and local businesses need Grace to find a replacement Santa for the important Christmas broadcast and parade.

• Grace Long → Caroline (Social Friend) — Caroline acts as Grace's confidante during the romantic uncertainty.

  Caroline encourages Grace to acknowledge her feelings for Ben, and Grace confides that Ben stormed off.

Story Analysis

Grace tries to save Green River's Christmas parade while Ben discovers a personal meaning in helping others and confronts his uncertainty about his future.

Plot Progression

1. A Parade Under Pressure — Grace Long leads Green River's fiftieth Christmas parade tradition. The planned Good Day, USA broadcast raises the stakes when Clint may not be able to serve as Santa.
2. The Reluctant Candidate — Grace asks Ben White to replace Clint, but Ben refuses because he needs to work and does not see Santa as his calling. Grace changes a train-station ride back toward Green River.
3. Snowbound Together — A sudden snowstorm traps Grace and Ben between Boston and Green River. Their conversations about writing, family, and legacy create a growing attraction.
4. Santa Finds His Purpose — Blocked roads keep Ben in Green River, where he helps Grace prepare the parade. After discovering a Santa suit, he visits Tucker and Alyx and experiences the emotional meaning of the role.
5. Acceptance Without Answers — Ben argues with Tom, who tells him to find his own way and assures him of his love. Caroline urges Grace to admit her feelings, but Ben has already stormed off and the relationship remains unresolved.