Holiday movies are usually pretty predictable, right? You’ve got the small-town bakery, the high-flying executive who forgets the "true meaning" of the season, and maybe a magical elf or two. But then The Day Before Christmas movie 2024 dropped on BET+, and it took a slightly more chaotic, modern approach to the whole "destiny" thing. Honestly, it’s refreshing.
Instead of a magical snow globe, we get a tech snafu.
The story follows Rashaad and Nia, two single parents just trying to survive the absolute gauntlet that is Christmas Eve. If you’ve ever tried to manage a kid’s pageant, a high-stakes work meeting, and a mountain of grocery shopping in a single day, you know the vibes. It’s a mess.
The Phone Swap That Changed Everything
So, here's the hook. Rashaad (played by Tristan Mack Wilds) and Nia (Candace Maxwell) literally run into each other. In the scramble, they accidentally swap phones and their kids' backpacks. It’s a classic "meet-cute" but with much higher stakes because, let's face it, our entire lives are on those little glass rectangles.
Rashaad is a bit of a free spirit. He doesn’t really do schedules, which drives his ex-wife Gabrielle a bit crazy, especially since they’re navigating a tricky custody situation for their son, Bryce. Nia is the exact opposite. She’s a former corporate employee turned aspiring caterer who is grieving the loss of her husband. She needs everything to go perfectly to prove she can make it on her own.
Because they have each other's phones, they end up having to "cover" for one another. Imagine having to jump into a stranger’s life and handle their drama just so you can get your own device back. It’s frantic, it’s kinda silly, and it’s surprisingly heartwarming.
👉 See also: Brokeback Mountain Gay Scene: What Most People Get Wrong
Why the Cast Makes the Movie
The chemistry here isn't just about the leads. While Mack Wilds and Maxwell are great, the kids really steal the show.
- Ava Threat plays Imani, Nia’s daughter.
- Finn Maloney is Bryce, Rashaad’s son.
These two kids are actually friends, which adds this extra layer of "is this fate or are they plotting?" to the whole movie. They see their parents struggling and decide to help the universe along.
We also get some familiar faces in the supporting cast. Towanda Braxton shows up, and there’s a fun appearance by Heiress Harris (daughter of T.I. and Tiny) and Ace Tucker (Kandi Burruss’s son). It feels like a real community, not just a set of actors standing in front of a green screen.
Breaking Down the Plot Beats
Director Jerry LaMothe, who has handled holiday films before like A Sisterly Christmas, knows how to pace this stuff. The movie doesn't spend too much time on the "why" of the phone swap. It just dives straight into the consequences.
Nia is dealing with a car breakdown and a massive catering order that’s stuck in the trunk. Rashaad is trying to land a big contract with the mayor. By the time they realize the swap happened, they’re already deep in each other's business.
✨ Don't miss: British TV Show in Department Store: What Most People Get Wrong
One of the best parts? They don’t just fall in love instantly.
They’re annoyed. They’re stressed. They have real baggage. Nia is still very much processing her husband’s death from a year ago. Rashaad is trying to prove he’s a reliable father. It’s "holiday movie corny," sure, but the emotional stakes feel grounded in something real.
Where to Watch It
If you’re looking for The Day Before Christmas movie 2024, don't go hunting for it on Netflix. This one is a BET+ Original.
- You can stream it directly on the BET+ app.
- If you have the BET+ channel added to your Prime Video or Roku account, it's there too.
- It officially premiered around Thanksgiving 2024, making it a staple for the 2024 holiday rotation.
What People Get Wrong About Holiday Rom-Coms
A lot of people dismiss these movies as "background noise" while they wrap presents. And hey, sometimes they are. But The Day Before Christmas actually tackles some heavy stuff.
It looks at the pressure of being a "perfect" parent during the holidays. It looks at the reality of grief—how it doesn't just disappear because there’s tinsel on the tree. Nia’s struggle to move forward without her late husband is handled with a lot more grace than you’d expect from a standard rom-com.
🔗 Read more: Break It Off PinkPantheress: How a 90-Second Garage Flip Changed Everything
The "fake it 'til you make it" energy of the phone swap mirrors the "fake it 'til you make it" energy of being a single parent during a holiday. You’re exhausted, but you put on the smile for the kids.
Is It Worth Your Time?
Honestly, yeah. Especially if you're tired of the same three tropes being recycled.
The movie is only about 90 minutes long, so it doesn't overstay its welcome. It’s colorful, the soundtrack is solid (plenty of R&B holiday vibes), and the ending feels earned. It’s not about some grand miracle; it’s about two people realizing they don’t have to do everything alone.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Movie Night:
- Set the Mood: This isn't a "cider and sweaters" movie; it’s a "hot cocoa and late-night laughs" movie.
- Check the Cast: Keep an eye out for the celebrity kids; they actually have decent comedic timing.
- Pairing: This goes great with a double feature of other 2024 BET+ hits like Style Me for Christmas.
If you haven't seen it yet, grab the remote and look for Rashaad and Nia. It’s a reminder that sometimes, losing your phone is the best thing that can happen to your social life.