Eventually he discovers from an angel type played by Don Cheadle that he is being given a glimpse of his life if he had settled down with Leoni rather than pursuing a career above all else. He rages against his predicament, completely miserable in suburbia. He can't deal with kids, he misses his Ferarri, he despises his wardrobe and he hates his job as a tire salesman. An odd thing happens though, he starts to realize that there may be more to life than money and expensive things. Early on the movie seems like it's going to be yet another take on Dickens' Christmas Carol .
Cage bears an striking resemblance to Scrooge.
But as things move along it strays wildly from the Dickens tale. The idea isn't so much about finding the spirit of Christmas but instead one of realizing what is really important in life. Cage gives easily the best performance of his career. In his hands the character is well layered and defined. There is a decent guy hidden somewhere under that veneer of crass capitalism.