A Merry Little Ex-Mas ending explained: How love finds its way back again

The freshly released Netflix film, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, offers a mix of merriment and marital chaos amid the festive season.

Directed by Steve Carr, the film follows the story of Kate and Everett, who, after being in a relationship since their high school days, get married and have children. However, problems develop in the relationship because Everett becomes increasingly unavailable to his family, while Kate's resentment toward him grows as she feels she sacrificed her dream career for the marriage.

As a result, the couple finds themselves on the verge of a divorce. Before they set their feet apart, the family gets together for a Christmas celebration. That is when things start to change at a fundamental level. The film stars Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamil, and Pierson Fodé.

So what happens in the end for Kate and Everett?

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for A Merry Little Ex-Mas. Reader discretion is advised.

Well, in the end, Kate and Everett realize their deep love for each other and decide to give their marriage a second chance.

Keep reading to find out more about the ending of A Merry Little Ex-Mas.

The ending of A Merry Little Ex-Mas: How things get all merry again for Kate and Everett

A Merry Little Ex-Mas follows a couple that is driving each other crazy. Kate sacrifices her dream to become an architect as she settles in this cute little town called Winterlight with her husband, Everett. She is very committed to the environment and strives to live a sustainable and environmentally conscious life. However, Everett finds that to be annoying and a bit extreme.

At the same time, Everett becomes emotionally unavailable towards his family as he is unable to find a work-life balance. This affects Kate, who begins to develop a grudge against him due to Everett's growing lack of involvement in the family.

Rather than communicating and solving their problems healthily, the couple grows apart. Eventually, they mutually decide to get a divorce, or in their own words, "consciously uncoupling".

Before they finalize their official divorce, Kate and Everett decide to spend Christmas with their children as a family for the last time. By now, both of them are dating new partners. Kate is dating Chet, a compassionate guy with a touch of quirkiness. Meanwhile, Everett is with Tess, a sharp and successful woman who is career-driven and self-sufficient.

That is when things start to change in A Merry Little Ex-Mas. When Kate and Everett see each other with their respective new partners, they realize their actual feelings. Kate sees Tess as an embodiment of what she had envisioned for herself. So that adds another layer to why Tess's involvement with Everett stings her even more.

Kate decides to move to Boston to fulfill her dream. At the same time, Everett also realizes his love for her. He tells Kate that to make this relationship work, he is also ready to move to Boston with her. But Kate reveals to him that she wishes to live in this town itself and contribute to its well-being.

This realization dawned upon her after a deep conversation with her children. She realizes that even though she did not do what she originally planned, she has impacted lives around her.

Eventually, the 'conscious uncoupled' get coupled again. Kate creates an organization that focuses on sustainability. She has big plans for the town - a pollution-free future.

Interestingly, Tess and Chet cross paths again while he is snow-cleaning, after a snowstorm. In the end, it is hinted that they, too, are a couple now. An old couple finds love in each other again, and a new couple blossoms in A Merry Little Ex-Mas.

Releasing just a month before the holidays, this Christmas rom-com deserves a place in your movie library if you are looking for some fun, light-hearted film that matches the holiday vibes.

Have you watched A Merry Little Ex-Mas yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!