Meet Elmer (Mickey Rooney), an old man with precious little to show for his long life other than a few meager possessions and a handful of homeless acquaintances. Elmer is a cheerful, petty thief getting by on a smile and an ingenuity that with his advancing age is beginning to fail. While breaking into a car, Elmer is caught by the owner, a stiff-lipped man named Reg, who has no patience for a common criminal and who is not one bit sentimental about it being the holiday season. In exchange for his freedom, Elmer goes to work for Reg doing odd jobs to compensate for the damages. Amanda, Reg's adorable 6 year-old, and Elmer take an immediate liking to each other. The little girl is convinced that Santa has brought her a grandfather for Christmas. Good performances and a touch of the supernatural help along a solid sentimental journey.