In the first story, Maggie Andrews, a music teacher, collapses during a rehearsal with her school choir and is rushed to the hospital. The doctors inform her that she has a serious heart condition and only has a few weeks to live. Maggie's son, Nathan, is heartbroken by the news and wants to do something special for his mother before she dies, so he sets out to buy her a pair of red shoes that he knows she has been admiring.
Meanwhile, attorney Robert Layton is struggling to balance his work commitments with his family life. His wife, Kate, is feeling neglected and decides to take over Maggie's role as the school choir director to bring some joy back into her life. However, as Kate becomes more involved with the choir, Robert feels increasingly left out and their relationship begins to deteriorate.
As Christmas approaches, Nathan struggles to find the money to buy the shoes for his mother, but eventually gets help from a kindly stranger who overhears his plea for assistance. On Christmas Eve, Nathan presents the shoes to his mother, who is deeply touched by the gift.
In the second story, Kate's involvement with the choir reignites her love for music and helps her to reconnect with her husband. Robert realizes that he has been neglecting his family and agrees to make a greater effort to be there for them. The Laytons and the Andrews come together to share a joyful Christmas celebration, and the red shoes become a symbol of the unbreakable bond between mother and son.