This made-for-TV movie was a sequel to the 1975 telefilm The Young Pioneers, which also inspired a short-lived series. Christmas is just around the corner for David and Molly Beaton (Roger Kern and Linda Purl), two young settlers making a home in the Dakota wilderness of 1874, but the season has brought them little joy. Their son has died, and one of their best friends stands to lose his property to crooked railroad men. However, the Beatons discover that they can beat adversity by sticking together with their friends and neighbors, and learn the lessons of giving as the holidays draw to a close. Young Pioneers' Christmas also stars Robert Donner and Robert Hays, years before he reached stardom with Airplane!.