Adopting St. Nick (2026) Movie Script
1
ANNOUNCER:
This program is rated G
and consider acceptable
for all ages.
Here she is, Alma.
She's got fresh carriage slats,
reinforced trestles, and I gave
the runners a little extra
shape just
to make her more aerodynamic.
You're the best.
Thank you so much, Maren.
You know how
much this sled means to me.
I do.
This thing's got history.
-Yeah.
-Looks like your mom raced it
pretty hard
when she was a kid.
So she says.
I can't wait for her to see her
grandkids doing
the exact same thing.
And thanks for always taking
such good care of me,
us, everybody.
Your dad would be so proud.
I'm happy to do it.
Tell the family I say
Merry Christmas.
Absolutely.
Do you need a hand
with this to the car?
-No, no, I got it.
-You got it?
-Yep.
-Okay.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Good work, boss.
Another Christmas saved.
Thank you, Josie.
Hey, Joe.
You still working on that diner?
Yeah. Place was
built in the '60s.
Half the codes are out of date
and the rest is covered
in grease.
Mm-hm. Here, you might want
another 3/4 inch conduit too
just to be safe.
Good catch.
-Thanks.
-You got it.
My goodness.
There's something
for everyone in this place.
Can I help you find something?
I'm looking for one
of those doodads
to hang a small decoration.
Nothing too heavy.
Mm. All the doodads
are right here.
Take your pick.
-Thank you kindly.
-You're welcome.
Doodads.
Mom!
Oh, quick!
Hide the candy canes.
Hi, honey.
How was school today?
-Good.
-Yeah.
I got a sticker
on my reading report.
You did?
Well, that deserves
a candy cane.
Just one.
That's... Yeah.
Okay. Now it's two.
This one's for Josie.
-Really?
-Oh, thanks, lady.
Candy canes.
My favorite.
Want one?
I'm good.
You know,
I don't think I recognize you.
Are you new in town?
Actually,
just moved here recently.
Kris Patterson.
Oh, well, welcome here.
I'm Maren.
This is Leah, and that is Josie.
Hi.
How do you like Bright Creek?
Oh, it's delightful.
I'm over at that new retirement
community, Jolly Acres.
Hey.
Ms. Hill was telling us
about that place.
Adopt a grandparent.
How sweet is that?
It's fun to have kids
around the place.
Keeps us on our toes.
Are you doing it?
Indeed I am.
I thought it'd be a good way
to make new friends.
I didn't get to have a grandpa
for very long.
I thought maybe
I could adopt you.
I bet we'd have quite
the adventure together.
Maybe we should just sign up
for the program first. Yeah?
It would be $14.53, please.
A check, okay?
Old school.
Yeah, that's fine.
Thank you.
Josie, could you figure out
how to do this?
Well, I hope we see
you again very soon.
I have a feeling you will.
Bye.
He's adorable.
He's adorable.
-Mom.
-Hm?
It would be so much fun
to do grandpa stuff.
Like Gemma
and her grandpa go stargazing.
And she learned
all the constellations.
So cool.
Okay, then I think we're going
to have to sign up
for this program.
Thanks, Mom.
Yeah, of course.
How about you go get started
on your homework?
What?
You know,
you don't have to do everything.
Yes, but I'm good at it.
Trust me,
you're going to love it.
See you on the 24th.
Great room.
Tell your friends.
Hey, how is the Great Room?
-Not great.
-Not great.
Contractor just told me
it's going to be
a couple more weeks.
-No.
-So my head is-- I am--
Okay. Well, it's going to be
worth the wait, right?
Yeah. Yes, it will be.
It's going to be warm.
It's going to be welcoming.
We'll have it all decorated
like Christmas
and it's going
to feel like home.
Good, because the brochure
needs to sell that.
Yeah, they say a picture's
worth a thousand words.
So when the when that thing
is done, we're going to let
the Great Room
do all the talking.
Excellent. And reminds me
photographer called
they want to schedule a shoot.
-Yes.
I'm thinking the 23rd,
the day before
the Holiday Housewarming party.
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.
I like that.
Good. Head count is at 42
or 43 if you count Earl.
Who's Earl?
Midge's accordion.
She named her accordion?
She did.
After her late husband.
Apparently,
they were both great listeners.
-Oh, that's sweet.
-Mm.
Oh, that reminds me.
Make sure we have a gluten-free
option ordered for Midge.
Of course.
Oh, and Arthur, we have to make
sure that he has a seat--
Away from the music.
Got it.
Yes. And No, that's all I have
for you.
-Great.
-Great.
Hey, teamwork makes
the dream work, right?
That's it.
And you're planning on sticking
around for all of this, right?
I'd love to.
And I go wherever the boss tells
me whenever she tells me.
Right.
Okay.
You don't need me here anymore.
You got this.
You're a great manager.
You just find ways
to bring residents together.
That's all there is to it.
I can do that.
Yeah, you are doing that.
Hey, speaking of which, you saw
Jane and our new resident Rita.
I did.
They became fast friends,
didn't they?
Yeah, you knew exactly what you
were doing
when you put Rita
in next door to her.
Eh...
Call it a lucky guess.
-Sure.
-All right.
Hey! Photographer!
Oh, look at
the Christmas display.
Yeah.
-Hello.
-Hi.
Welcome to Jolly Acres.
What brings you in today?
We're here about the Christmas
Companions program.
We'd love
to learn more about it.
Great. Yeah, we have the sign-up
sheet right over there
by the bulletin board.
Feel free to look around.
I'll go find the coordinator
for you.
Thank you.
-Mom?
-Yes.
-Can I go look at it?
-Yeah, go ahead.
Ah.
Those molasses cookies
are delicious, aren't they?
Sometimes I-I put one
or two in my pocket for later.
Is that allowed?
I mean...
I won't say anything.
Thank you for the tip.
This place seems pretty great.
Are you visiting someone?
No. No, I'm Regional Director
of Operations.
Oh.
'Cause I'm...
It's quality control, so.
Sure.
How's the quality?
I might need one more
just to be certain.
Good. I want you to be certain.
Okay. Yeah.
Is four enough?
I hear you're interested in the
Christmas Companions program.
Yes. I am Maren,
and this is Leah
and we just love the idea.
Hi, I'm Reid Tanner.
It's nice to meet you, Leah.
Thanks. I-I like it too.
A lot of our residents
they don't really
have family nearby.
And so this is a very easy way
for them to meet people
and get to know people,
especially during the holidays.
And how does it work
on our end?
Here is a list of all
the activities
for the next
couple of weeks and,
you know, no pressure.
Mom, there's cookies and crafts
and an ugly sweater contest.
Wow.
Wait, let me guess.
Let me take a look at you.
I am going to say
you are eight years old.
Eight and a half.
Oof. So sorry.
-It was close.
-It was close.
It was close. The half is
the best part though.
Do you have kids?
I don't. No.
I have a lot of experience
being the fun uncle,
but no kids of my own.
Oh.
[Kris chuckling]
How are you, Kris?
How was the jingle jaunt?
Oh, Reid,
you should have seen it.
The whole town was there
cheering us on.
Kris!
Well, hello.
I was hoping
I might see you again.
Wait, you two have met?
This is the lady I was telling
you about,
runs a delightful
hardware store in town.
Yes, we had a very good luck
of running into each other. Hi.
Perhaps a bit of kismet?
What's kismet?
It's a little bit like magic.
Maren actually sold me the kit
to hang the mistletoe.
You never know
when it'll come in handy.
Yeah.
We're here to sign up for the
Christmas Companions program.
Do you think you'd want
to be my grandpa?
It would be my honor.
Aw. Okay.
All right,
let's make this official then.
So...
Goodness.
Ready? Three, two
[camera shutter snaps]
Okay, that was adorable.
[Leah] Perfect.
Welcome to the family, Kris.
Looking forward to getting
to know you better
and all the activities and--
Snow globe
making is tomorrow.
Sorry, I have to step out.
I just wanted to say
it was-it was great to meet you.
You too.
Sounds right up my alley.
Oh, and Leah.
Just one.
Did you see that?
That was cool.
-Mom?
-Yeah.
Don't you think Kris seems kind
of like
Santa?
Well, wouldn't that
be something?
[Maren] Leah, we got to go.
We got to get to Jolly Acres.
Ready.
What do you got there?
My spy kit.
I'm going to find out
who Kris really is.
I think Kris is just a very
nice man who's trying to make
some new friends.
Why don't we just get
to know him, okay?
That's exactly what I'm doing.
I'm calling
it Operation Kringle.
Okay, agent.
Let's go meet your mark.
Come on.
Don't forget about me
this Christmas
Good morning, Reid.
Looks like you're already
on the go.
Busy day?
Yeah, never a dull moment.
So we got the Christmas Eve
Holiday Housewarming coming up,
so I've got to go meet with
the contractor right now
about the Great Room.
Uh yeah, quick breakfast.
It's gonna
be something special.
I really think it is.
Hey, thanks for pairing me
with little Leah yesterday.
I can't wait to get
to know them better.
You know Bright Creek is full
of wonderful people
if you slow down
long enough to notice.
If I slow down long enough
to notice,
Frankie hands me
clipboards of to-do lists.
See ya.
All right, snow globe making
is just about to start
in the dining room.
Oh, I'm so excited
for snow globe making.
-Yeah
-Hey there.
-Hey.
-Okay, oh...
Oh.
Do you want some help
with that?
No, no, no, no, no.
I'm just I'm going
to call maintenance.
They've been battling
this thing all week.
That is nothing a little
super tape can't fix.
No, there's no way
that will hold.
It's uh...
Perks of growing up
in a hardware store.
Oh.
She can fix anything.
Everyone calls
her a handy ma'am.
[laughs]
Handy ma'am, that's funny.
I never heard that before.
Um okay, let's get in there.
Uh...
We... oh--
You got a...
No, it's just
a it's a piece of a--
-Okay.
-Like a pine needle.
Shall we?
Yep.
So does Kris
have any other names?
Hm, not that I know of.
Oh, I mean now that
you mention it,
I did hear someone call him
Coco Claus last week.
Mm-hmm.
Does he have any secret hobbies
or pets with antlers?
Uh... he does love to socialize.
And he is always making lists.
Checking them twice?
At a minimum.
Oh.
Checking twice?
Are you ready for this?
I mean I've never made
a snow globe before.
Just wait.
There is something magical
about a snowy tiny world.
Is that right?
Reid, you want
to walk us through this?
Oh, Kris,
I don't usually join in.
But I have a couple of minutes,
so I- I'd love to.
Yeah, let's do it.
Join you.
I think we're supposed
to pick a figurine first, right?
Hm, right.
[clears throat]
Kris, do you have a big family?
Oh, yes.
I have family
all around the world.
Lucky you.
I'm adopted.
It's just me and Mom.
I always knew that I wanted
to be a mom,
but uh dating never
really made the list,
so I just
skipped straight to the kid.
Wow. That's really something.
I mean I'm sure it's not
without its challenges also.
Actually, I...
I've always been a pro
at flying solo,
except now I have Leah.
We have a good time, don't we,
kiddo?
Poof!
Being adopted makes
you extra special
because you were chosen.
Really?
Best choice I ever made.
[grunts]
Kris,
can you help me open this?
I bet we could do it together.
Ooh!
Oh, look at that teamwork.
-[phone ringing]
I am so sorry to duck out.
I've got to take this call.
Of course.
Hey there, Dave.
Yeah, congratulations.
Okay, yeah.
No, that's great.
That's-that's wonderful.
Absolutely.
No, you don't worry about it.
You-you go back and-and then
and-and I'll figure it out.
No-no problem.
Okay. Great, we'll talk soon.
Congrats.
Everything okay?
My contractor's twins
came two weeks early.
Uh-oh.
Does that mean...
I have to find
his replacement and quick.
Um... I'm so sorry.
Excuse me.
Yeah... Can we...
Okay.
But uh Mac can start in a few
weeks, but uh
No, it has to be done before
the photo shoot
and the Holiday
Housewarming party.
Right, right.
-So...
-So you know what?
Leave this with me.
I got it.
We will figure this out.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Okay, I'm just going to--
Oh. Oh, sorry. Yeah.
Sorry about this bump
in the road.
Hey, yeah.
Thanks, thanks.
It's uh- it's great for Dave.
Not so great for us.
A little tricky finding
contractors
this-this time of year.
What's this room supposed to be?
Um this is our Great Room.
So right now our residents,
they don't really have anywhere
they could just kind
of you know hang out together.
It's supposed to be done like
weeks ago,
but that uh snowstorm
that came through
that delayed some deliveries.
Oh, yes it did.
And-and you need
this done by--
- Christmas Eve.
-Huh.
Two and a half weeks.
Yeah, it's ambitious,
but doable.
Maybe if I could find someone
to oversee the whole thing,
but if I can't, this is- this is
going to take up all my time.
I might even need to step back
from the Christmas
Companions program.
You mean miss the
Cookie Exchange?
Oh. Sadly, yeah.
I, um, I might even need
to scale the whole program down.
I can't oversee that and manage
all this at the same time.
Oh, well
that-that would be a bummer.
I just...
I've just got
so much left to do.
I mean...
Look, there's not that much.
Not-not really.
Did you ever tackle
anything like this, Maren?
Well, she re-did
the Andersons' fireplace.
That hearth was a thing
of beauty, wasn't it?
I'm not asking you to--
I mean I do love
a good reno and uh
I know a very fast and reliable
crew, so--
Are you serious?
Quick, before I change my mind.
Obviously we-we
would compensate you.
Uh, if you keep this
program running,
I can have this room
ready in time for Christmas Eve.
Are...?
Deal.
Great.
Um, I will get started
when we're here for the Cookie
Exchange tomorrow.
Thanks, Reid.
Yeah, of course.
Thank you.
Let's go, kiddo.
Funny how things work out.
Wow. You made this?
Yep. I even put the little
family in there.
Aw.
-But it was great teamwork.
-Okay.
Me, Mom, and Kris.
Hmm.
Even Reid helped a little.
Reid? Who's Reid?
Hmm?
He's-he's a manager
at Jolly Acres.
Oh.
He's nice too.
-Hm.
-And kind of funny.
And kind of handsome.
Okay, Leah.
Let's go meet the crew.
What crew?
Crew?
-Yeah, you said crew--
-Crew?
-meaning, meaning crew.
-Crew.
Oh, Reid lost his
general contractor
for this reno he's doing
and they need it finished
for this Christmas Eve event.
The Holiday Housewarming.
Yes, I might have volunteered.
You what?
Remember we talked
about you not doing everything.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
but I'm-I'm still good at it.
Plus didn't you say something
about how you wanted
more responsibility around here?
Congratulations.
I really need to stop saying
things out loud in front of you.
Probably.
Okay, kiddo.
Let's go.
Okay, well, have fun
with handsome.
Not handsome.
Oh, a little handsome.
Okay, well, have fun.
Okay, so let's finish
the sheetrock today.
We'll mud and tape tomorrow
and we're off to the races.
Thank you, guys.
Hey, morning.
-Hi.
-What's this?
That? Uh, union rules,
I think.
I'd love to take a quick peek
and say hi to everybody.
I know, I know you would, but
uh I think-- they work better
without an audience.
-Oh. Got it.
-Mm-hmm.
Come on. They're starting
the cookie exchange.
Oh. What if last one there
gets the oatmeal raisins?
I like oatmeal raisin.
That's? Is that weird?
Hello everyone.
Good morning and I just wanted
to welcome you and say
if this is your
first companion event,
we're happy
to have you here.
This is my own personal favorite
because we get to learn
about people's family
recipes and traditions
and stories
and, uh, of course the cookies.
So enjoy.
[applause]
Hi.
What are these?
Shortbread.
They're my great
aunt Sue's recipe.
Hm, delicious.
I made them myself this year.
No pecans.
-You can take those.
-Thank you.
Leah, hello.
You made these?
Yes, these are thumbprint
cookies,
my grandfather's recipe.
I wonder if my grandpa
had a special recipe.
I really wish
I could have known him better.
Mom doesn't really talk
about him that much.
I bet he was quite the guy
to know.
But it's so fun
to have an adopted grandpa.
It's fun to be adopted.
Every year my Ronnie,
he would make them
and send them to his friends.
Oh. Should we try one?
And you know he even found a way
to make them gluten-free
just for me.
-I mean there you go.
-That is so sweet.
Well, you have half of this?
But now it's
just me and Earl.
I love that.
Mm..
Thoughts?
-That's a really good cookie.
-Very good.
I know.
Oh wow, thank you.
Thank you for sharing all
of that too, Midge.
You're welcome,
and there's more?
Oh, oh, I'm coming back.
Sadly I didn't have a chance
to bake anything
for this or the skill.
But I am keeping the Tanner
tradition alive with Chips Ahoy.
-Oh.
-Chips Ahoy.
My dad actually had a special
technique for opening the bag.
-Oh.
-It was legendary.
That's actually my favorite
thing about Christmas cookies,
all the traditions
that go along with them.
Like your thumbprint cookies.
Exactly. Thumbprint cookies,
gluten-free options,
Chips Ahoy.
How about your family, Maren?
Well, um my mom passed
when I was little.
So it was just me and dad
and he always made
cast iron rosettes.
You needed this like special
iron that looked more like
something from a hardware store
than a kitchen.
Very him.
What do they taste like?
They tasted like someone
fried a snowflake.
Just crispy and light
and sugary sweet.
Exactly.
Anyway, haven't made
them in a while.
But today we brought reindeer
cookies because Leah likes
anything shaped like an animal.
So add that one.
Do you think we could learn
how to make rosettes
like Grandpa Charles?
Yeah. Yeah,
maybe we could give that a go.
Yes.
He would have really
loved baking with you.
Come on, Leah.
We've got more cookies
to exchange.
Have fun.
-Yeah, those look so good.
-Thank you.
I mean, imagine how much time
that took.
Mmhmm.
Feels like you were really close
with your dad.
Yeah, I was.
He was uh... he was quite
a guy.
Is your dad still around?
Yeah, mom and dad.
They are eat, pray, loving their
way through Europe right now.
Mm, fun.
Yeah, yeah.
I don't see them as often
as I'd like,
but I'm-I'm really
grateful that I have them.
-Mom?
-Hm?
I think I'm going
to need a bigger tin.
Yeah, I think so too.
Uh schedules, budgets,
contracts,
all that lives
in the file Operations Master.
Operations Master, not to
be confused with the folder
Operational Disaster, which
I'm sure we will fill out
Don't you do that.
That's not funny.
That's a little funny.
You're like the-the wizard
behind the curtain with all
this, you know that?
I mean you know all
the building codes,
what's in storage,
who's allergic to what,
when to order supplies,
how to make everyone
just feel so...
welcome.
It's a tough act to follow.
Yeah.
I know I've opened
14 locations.
-I learned a lot.
- I bet.
And that you're going
to learn it all too.
Well, whatever it is, I'm sure
it's a fun adventure
setting up shop here and there.
My wife Janice and I, we always
wanted to travel more, but um
just never really felt
like the right time.
Sure, I get that,
but you never know.
There's still time.
Yeah. Uh, she keeps the
dream alive
with her tropical vision board,
so
Feel like that she's
manifesting it for you.
Exactly.
[light knock]
Yeah, come in.
-Hey.
-Hi.
Um, now that the crew is
working, should we talk about
design or furniture?
Yeah, you bet.
We actually just ordered
some great pieces.
Where did those end up?
Hm? Oh, the carriage house,
out back.
Now see, look at you.
What?
Knowing where things are.
That's how it starts.
You're going to be great.
Okay. To the carriage house.
Oh wow.
It's beautiful.
Yeah, it's-it's-it's pretty
magical even though
it has become a catch-all.
I, uh, I don't know where the
new stuff is, but I mean we can
pull from anything in here.
Right. A lot of the stuff
would work really great.
Yeah.
Oh hello. Okay.
Ah.
Oh, yeah.
Reid, you got to come try this.
Oh.
See what I mean?
-Yeah.
-Yeah, it's good.
I might just--
Does it recline?
Wait.
That's not bad.
Not at all.
I could be here all day.
Same. Yeah.
And that's a lot coming from me.
I don't stay anywhere long.
Is that by choice?
It's been since my childhood.
Military family, but then I got
a job opening these centers.
You oversee a launch and make
sure the team's up to speed
and then you move on
and you do it all over again.
Eventually I just got better
at leaving than staying.
Does it get lonely?
Mm-mm.
I meet a lot of nice people.
Good people.
Plus I've developed a very
strong sense
of detachment to stuff.
Everything I own fits
in like two suitcases.
What about you?
You born and raised here?
Born and raised.
Wow.
Yeah, this store was
my dad's and when he got older
I started working with him
and then eventually
I just took it over.
Mm. When he passed I...
I love the people.
And I know their-their stories
and their kids
and their projects,
but they keep me very busy.
Which is probably the point.
Sounds nice.
It is.
I should probably leave.
Yes.
-Yeah?
-Yeah, we should.
Okay, we're doing this.
Okay.
Oh that's- that's really jammed.
-Um...
-Stuck.
You have to-you have to lean
back and--
-Just give me a hand.
-Give me your hand.
Wow!
Oh! [chuckles]
Uh-huh.
Strong. I mean--
That chair was so strong.
It was stuck.
-Let's get out of here.
-Yep.
Is that supposed to happen?
No.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Um...
-Yep, just--
-It's-it's broken.
I broke it.
You broke it?
-Okay.
-Okay.
Um... all right.
Um... I put my phone
down somewhere.
Where did I put...
No, I left
my phone on my desk.
I don't have reception.
-Okay.
-Okay.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Okay. Okay. Okay.
Don't panic.
I'm not panicking.
-I was talking to myself.
-Right.
Help!
Are you good?
[Reid] Uh... okay.
Idea. Idea.
Yeah, I think we have
to break the window.
No. No, no, no.
Those windows are original.
You would never be able
to find a replacement.
It's not ideal.
I know.
If I just...
-Okay.
-These pins look original.
What are you--
Oh no. There's, I don't--
There's no way
that's going to come off.
That thing's probably welded
on with like a hundred years of-
Got it.
Wow.
All right.
Okay. Glad we figured that out.
We?
[laughs to herself]
Who are you texting?
No one.
Reid.
Ah. Hm.
It's a remodel update.
Oh so that's a remodel
update face?
Yeah.
-Mom?
-Hm?
Are we seeing Kris tonight?
Yes, yes. We are going
to the Christmas tree farm.
Oh, is Reid going too?
No.
That being said,
I do have
to swing by his place
for some blueprints.
Mm-hmm. Well, say hi to
Mr. Blueprint for me.
Will do.
You're with me, kiddo.
[Reid] Welcome.
Come on in.
Home sweet home.
Home is a dentist waiting room.
What do you mean?
I'm so sorry,
you just moved in.
No, I didn't.
You don't have a table.
Coffee table.
It's a coffee box.
That's fair.
Reid, you don't
have a Christmas tree.
You don't have a
Christmas anything.
Not true. Uh...
Look. [sniffs] Bam!
Christmas.
[coughs]
Oh Reid.
You like that?
I travel a lot.
I don't need
to collect a bunch of things.
That's the one thing
that comes with me every time,
the telescope.
-Hm.
-Helps me stay grounded.
Blueprints.
Is there something else?
Yes. You're coming with us.
We are getting you a good
old-fashioned Christmas tree.
What, right now?
Yes.
After we find our tree, do you
think we can maybe get my ugly
Christmas sweater because
the contest is this week.
Absolutely. We are
going to find
the ugliest sweater
of them all.
So do you know what
you're wearing, Kris?
Sure do.
I found it with some
old Christmas treasures
a few years ago.
Well, I bet we have some old
treasures to go through
as well, but either, we're going
to find something,
and it will be ugly.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
-That's a very nice one.
-Yeah.
There she is.
Big Jim.
Nice to see you.
You just missed Mr. Bracken.
He was raving about that sensor
light you put on this porch.
Okay, I'm going to have to swing
by then cuz I just got
these color-changing bulbs
and that he will love.
Yes.
Big Jim, this is Reid
and Kris.
-Nice to meet you.
-Merry Christmas.
-Hello.
-Hi.
Leah, I got something special
for you.
I borrowed a reindeer.
His name is Robbie.
Cool. Did you know that girl
reindeers have antlers too?
I did not know that,
but what I do know
is that this reindeer Robbie
hasn't eaten the last
two days
and I'm starting
to take it personally.
I'm going to go check on him
and make sure he's
not feeling homesick.
You guys should pop by
and check him out.
-Okay.
-Okay.
-Boom.
-Bye.
Bye.
Did you ever meet a reindeer?
No.
I feel like you know everyone
here, don't you?
Well, it's a small town.
Hi Parker.
Some people I'm still getting
to know better.
How do we know
which tree to pick?
One of them
will just feel right.
Wait.
-It'll just feel right?
-Yeah.
Wow.
I never picked out
a Christmas tree before.
Never?
No, never.
We just took it out of
the box.
We set it up.
That was the Christmas tree.
Yeah.
Do you know what
I do on Christmas now?
I fly.
Empty plane, free pretzels,
George Bailey
on a tiny little screen.
It's actually kind of nice.
This one.
You like it?
Yeah. I don't know.
Just feels right.
Well, it's a good pick.
My dad liked Fraser firs.
Fraser fir.
Leah, let's go
visit that reindeer.
Thank you for this.
Of course.
It's going to tie your
whole place together so...
for now at least.
Yeah.
Well, I uh, I got
to grab some more stuff.
So, I'll-I'll meet you
out there.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Have a good night.
All right.
What do I owe you?
Nothing.
Sorry?
The person in front
of you covered it.
He said pass it on.
Really? That happens?
Yeah, around here it does.
Yeah.
Okay. In that case, I insist on
paying for whoever's behind me.
-Hello.
-Oh boy.
Mom, Reid, come quick.
-Come on.
-Uh...
Well, hello.
Come on.
Hey, something special about
that guy.
I knew it.
[Kris] Yeah.
I know, but I don't need MDF.
I need solid wood.
Any chance you can help us out,
Bill?
Oh, thank you.
I owe you one.
Okay. Tell Jenny
and the boys I say hi.
-Hi.
-Hey there.
Thank you for my tree.
Yeah, of course.
How's it looking?
-Naked.
-Right.
-But that smell is...
-Mm.
It's good, right?
-Wow.
-Mm-hm.
So, I wanted to talk
about paint colors for the reno.
We only have, what, 12 days
until the Holiday Housewarming,
so we should we should make
some decisions.
Okay. I was just about to run
and grab some dinner.
Would you like to come with me?
Uh...
Uh well,
Leah is with Josie tonight.
It's like a little early
for dinner, isn't it?
Not around here.
Okay.
I am so sorry.
I didn't realize
it was breakfast for dinner.
Oh, chocolate chips, very nice.
Fabulous.
Did they bring a wine list by?
So, there's a lot of beige
happening in the Great Room.
Right. We love beige.
Yes. It's a very safe
color palette
Kinda like your apartment.
When you say it like that, you
make it sound like a bad thing.
I'm not saying what
if we add a little color. Hm?
-Oh.
-What do you think?
So, the color palettes are
the same at all the locations.
So, consistency matters.
Sure.
That being said, I think maybe
we could try and branch out
a little bit.
-Just a little.
A little bit.
Like that that pop of green
did wonders for my apartment.
You know what?
I thought it might.
Yeah.
Pancakes were awfully light
on the chocolate chips tonight,
Reid.
Shoot.
Stanley, have you met Maren?
Pleasure.
I'll be talking to
the front desk
about those chocolate chips.
Got it. Noted.
Thank you.
So, do you eat here a lot?
More than I'd like?
This town has some pretty great
restaurants I could...
I could show you.
I thought you'd never ask.
And the best caf is right
around the corner.
-So, this is Bright Creek, huh?
-Mm-hm. It is.
Wow.
You don't get out much,
do you?
I mean it's probably
self-preservation.
I don't want to go fall
in love with the place.
Look at-- it's like this place
is showing off right now.
Oh! Leah loves this game.
They set it up every year
and all the proceeds
go to the youth group.
Okay. Let's do it.
Okay.
Okay.
So, you hit the bell,
you win a prize.
-Okay.
-Okay?
-Got it.
-All right.
Oh, that was pretty good.
That was really good.
-That was not bad.
-No, it wasn't.
You want to- you want
to give it a go?
Sure.
Good luck.
I played a little ball
in my day.
Wow, a little ball.
Minor leagues like
several lifetimes ago.
Okay.
What a great prize.
Thank you.
He's huge.
Wow. Uh well, do you think
Leah would like this?
Are you kidding?
She'd love him.
Yeah, okay, good.
Unless you're
emotionally attached.
No, no, no, no.
I already have one.
No, I'm kidding.
We can share custody.
Okay, as long
as I get Christmas.
You got it.
[Josie] Okay, popcorn is made.
Are you ready
for this movie or what?
Yep. I just have to finish this.
What's this?
Secret agent stuff.
About Kris.
Mm.
I've been watching him
all week and sometimes
he seems totally normal.
That's what he wants you
to think.
-Like he eats oatmeal.
-Mm-hm.
He loses glasses.
Okay.
But yesterday he was
looking at a globe
for a really long time.
And then he asked me what the
weather's going to be like
on Christmas Eve.
Mm, that's suspicious.
Yeah, but why would Santa
be in Bright Creek?
Well, maybe someone needed him.
Mm-hm.
Okay, come on.
Let's start this movie.
Okay, so maybe I'm not going
to get recruited
to pro ball anytime soon, but
No. You had a great arm.
-Thank you.
-Well, it was fine.
We can work on it.
You put your heart into it.
You put your heart
into everything, don't you?
I guess.
-Question.
-Yeah.
How many people in Bright Creek
have a Maren Pollock story?
What do you mean?
Like ways that you've shown up
for people
without them asking you.
A few, I guess.
Super nosy follow-up.
When's the last time
you did something just for you?
Does getting my oil
change count?
No, it doesn't.
It doesn't.
No. What's something on
your list that you never get to
because you are so busy taking
care of everyone around you?
My dad.
There's the-the boxes
that he left behind.
It's photos, keepsakes,
things from the store and
it's been five years and I keep
telling myself I'm going
to open it and figure out
what to keep
and what to like let go
of, but
I haven't been able to open it.
Well, sounds like that could be
something worth making
a little time for.
So, Frankie said that the
Christmas Companions program
was your idea.
Mm.
First one was in Aspen
two years ago.
It was a huge hit.
Apparently, the kids
go back every year.
-They love it.
-Oh, I could see that.
Yeah, I mean having Kris and
everyone at Jolly Acres
in our lives has been great.
Leah's life, in Leah's life.
Yeah. Yeah.
Um yeah, something really
special about this Jolly Acres.
Yeah. But you'll be moving
on to the next one soon.
Any idea when?
And you just... you don't mind.
Baseball was good training
for that.
New city.
Same duffle bag.
But you had a team.
Yeah, but I...
What's the longest
that you stayed anywhere?
Two years, Gunflint, Iowa.
It was a great town.
I loved it.
It was middle school.
I started playing baseball.
I had a best friend.
But Dad was always getting
transferred and so I learned
not to get too attached.
After a while,
leaving was easier than staying.
But Bright Creek,
I could see why you wanted
to stay here.
Really?
A stranger bought
me a Christmas tree.
They did.
That's...
Plus the company's
not too bad, huh?
[tender music]
I should go.
I just told Josie I wouldn't be
back so late
and it's almost 10:00, so.
Okay. Sure.
Let me give you a ride.
No, no, no, no.
No, it's all good.
-I'm going to--
- You sure?
No, thank you.
But tonight was really nice.
It was.
Just you and me, kiddo.
I thought I saw
someone out here.
You and your friend
are awfully quiet.
Oh.
You're out late.
Stanley and I were just
having a little chess match.
I could say the same for you.
Everything okay?
Yeah, great.
Yeah.
Mm-hm. Just...
wanted to enjoy the stars
a little bit
before I headed back
in and get some more work done.
Great night for it.
Yeah. Great night.
I went out with Maren.
I take it you two had
a good time.
Yeah. Maybe a little too good.
Ah. No such thing.
Hope you're right about that.
You got your eye
on the North Star?
Then you can't go wrong.
Well, well, well, look at you.
You're smiling.
I...
I don't think I've seen
that smile since maybe uh...
high school.
It's silly.
What is?
Enjoying the company of someone
who might be gone
like next month.
Well, you don't
know what will happen.
I do.
He'll leave.
He said so and...
I have enough on my plate.
Look, for as long as
I've known you,
you've always had
a lot on your plate on purpose.
So maybe it's time to,
you know,
move that stuff off your plate.
I just need
to finish the reno.
Okay.
What do you got there?
I'm looking
for an ugly Christmas sweater.
The contest is today.
Oh, yeah.
Oh my gosh,
Grandpa Charles's old things.
Oh my goodness,
the rosette maker.
A Christmas treasure,
just like Kris was saying.
Oh Leah!
Look at this.
It's perfect.
Mm-hm.
Love you, Larry.
Hey you.
Hi.
Hey, I'm so sorry to interrupt.
I just wanted to quickly
introduce you to the new boss.
-This is Linda.
-Oh!
She is tough but fair
and highly motivated by fish.
Pleasure to meet you and
I will not let you down.
So uh by the end of the day,
we've got trim, electrical,
and carpet all wrapped up.
Eleven days left
to the Holiday Housewarming.
It'll be done?
Hopefully sooner.
I like a buffer.
Oh, I like that about you.
-You do?
-I do.
Are you and Leah
going to the ugly sweater
competition tonight?
Trying to stop us.
[jazzy Christmas music
playing]
The holiday's
here with...
Oh now,
that sweater's too special
to be ugly.
It was my grandpa's.
And guess what else we bought?
Now that's pretty cool.
I like your sweater.
Do you think you could tell me
if I'm on the nice list?
I don't think you have anything
to worry about.
Now tell me,
which reindeer is this?
Rudolph. His nose lights up
but his eye keeps falling off.
-Oh no.
-That's great.
That-that just gives him
a little more character.
How'd he fly?
That's a fair point.
I didn't-- yeah.
You know what?
I think I have--
I think I have
a safety pin--
No, I left it in my--
I left it in my--
Amateurs.
Perfect.
Oh I well--
I have an idea.
I have an idea.
Might not be perfect
but there's no such thing as
perfect, is there?
Even if we see the safety pin,
I think...
All right.
Just a little and then we are
back in Christmas business.
What do you think?
Mm-hm. Rudolph lives
to fly another day?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
All right, everyone.
How are we feeling?
[all] Good.
Hey.
Are we ready to do this?
[all] Yes.
-Are we feeling festive?
-[all] Yes! Yes!
All right, everyone.
Take your places.
Let's do the walkway.
Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to the first annual
ugly Christmas
sweater contest
where fashion
crimes are encouraged
and sequins
are to be celebrated.
Now are we ready for some of
the most unique sweaters
you have ever seen?
Let the runway begin.
[indiscernible announcement]
Eugene. It's Eugene.
[crowd cheering]
Woo!
Joy lives here...
Joy lives here
Joy lives here
Joy lives here...
Looking good.
Okay, judges.
What are we thinking?
Oh no, really?
I don't know how
we can just pick one.
They were all so excellent.
-Stanley?
-I don't care.
Okay, you know what?
I got this.
Ladies and gentlemen, the judges
have deliberated
and we have a winner.
Drum roll, please, Stanley.
Not on your life.
Okay. The winner is...
everyone.
[laughter]
You are all winners.
Well done, everyone.
Yeah.
This was really fun.
Oh, especially seeing Leah
in my dad's old sweater.
I bet. I bet.
No, it could be easier going
through your dad's things
with Leah.
Yeah. Yeah, maybe it could.
She's so enamored
with all of his old things.
Could be one of those things
that you do for her
but also
for you.
Oh, I see where this is going.
You're sneaky.
-I'm...
-Yeah.
Just thinking out loud here.
Right.
[Leah] Mom, where are you?
You have to come
see these stars.
Oh, wow.
Look at that.
Hi.
Wow.
I wonder if you can see
the North Pole from here.
Oof, I don't know.
I can teach you how
to find the North Star though.
So if you find the Big Dipper.
You see the Big Dipper?
-Mm-hm.
-Okay.
So if you follow the rim of the
bowl around, see the two stars
at the end?
-Mm-hm.
-Okay.
Trace a line from that last one
right over
and that-
that's the North Star.
A special person once told me
that if you keep your eye
on that,
you can't go wrong.
That's what Santa follows.
Cool, right?
Really cool.
Thank you for a fun day.
Turns out joining in
is not so bad.
It's not so bad.
-Right?
-Wasn't bad.
Yeah.
'Course the, uh,
company didn't hurt.
What about you?
You didn't have the Great Room,
no shop.
Just a little holiday cheer.
Yeah. It was It was really nice.
Change of pace.
Nice to just slow down...
Together.
See you tomorrow?
Heck yeah.
-All right, stargazer.
-See you.
Time to head home.
See you kiddo.
That was fun.
Bye.
[emotional music]
Beautiful night.
Yeah. Yeah, it sure is.
Things are going well then?
Yeah.
You could say that.
Glad to hear it.
Like I always say,
follow that guy and this guy,
you'll always end up
where you're meant to be.
-[phone rings]
-All right.
-Sorry. I have to grab this.
-Sure.
Hey Ms. Whitmore.
Hello.
'Course. Yeah.
Right. Okay.
Um...
Sure. Will do.
Okay. We'll talk soon.
Great. Bye.
Was that the big boss calling?
Sure was. Yeah.
So you got another move
on the horizon.
Looks like it.
Good night, Reid.
[Maren] Hey, yeah.
Come on in.
Can I get you some
tea or...
No, no, no.
Thanks. Thanks.
I, uh, um...
so my boss called and told me
that there is another location
that might need my help
in Honolulu...
after the holidays.
Oh.
It could still be TBif they really need me.
-Right.
-I don't know. Unclear.
Well, I'm...
I'm sure they will.
You're great at what you do.
I hear Honolulu is gorgeous.
I think it is.
Yeah.
Um, palm trees, ocean breezes,
little, um, drink umbrellas.
-Sure.
-Sure.
Rare to turn that down.
Couple of months ago, yeah,
that might have been true but-
now I don't know.
I-I think I maybe
might want something else.
That-that might be something
worth considering.
Thank you for telling me.
For what it's worth,
I was really hoping
that I could
stay here for a while.
Yeah. Me too.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay.
Yeah, it's just in
this aisle right over here.
What's, uh, going on?
Your jingle looks
a little jangled.
Reid is transferring to Honolulu
right after Christmas.
Oh, Maren.
It's okay.
No, I-I knew this was coming,
so.
You really going to do that?
Do what?
Pretend like it doesn't matter.
Look, it was a great detour,
but now I get back to my life.
You know that the store
and Leah, you.
Oh, what?
Leave me out of this.
It's been so good
seeing you so happy.
I haven't seen that in years.
I'll admit...
it's been great
having Reid around.
And I promise that I will take
more time for myself
after the Great Room is done.
Right. Because if you fix this,
you don't have to deal
with any of this.
Why are you always right?
Well, I'm your best friend.
It's my job.
-Thank you.
-Mm-hm.
Hey there, Kris.
Oh, hey Reid. Morning.
Are you going
to see Maren today?
Uh, yeah.
I think she's going
to be by later.
Why do you ask?
Leah left this behind yesterday.
Knowing how special it is.
I was hoping you could get
it back to her.
Yeah, of course.
Of course.
Well...
Hey, that reminds me.
I wanted to ask you.
So we have the Holiday
Housewarming coming up
but the one little missing
piece is a visit from Santa.
Are you offering me a gig?
Are you up for it?
I'll see if I can find my suit.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So have you come to any
conclusions about Kris yet?
Yep. I think he's Santa.
-Really?
-Yep.
He makes lights turn on.
He got the reindeer to eat.
-Mm.
And he laughed like, ho ho ho!
That is all very Santa-like,
isn't it? But...
I don't think
we should get our hopes up.
Already up.
Great.
It's wonderful.
-Yeah.
-It's wonderful.
And with four days left
to spare, just...
All right. Photographers will be
here in a few days,
and we'll- just we'll
just keep it rolling.
Yep. I just need to add
the last few accoutrements.
The what now?
It's French.
For what?
Expensive?
Ha, funny.
Hey. Okay.
Could you and Leah swing
by tonight?
Swing by your place?
Yeah. Yeah.
I am working on something.
It might be-
I might be in way over my head.
Please.
What time?
Uh it doesn't matter, whenever.
Whenever you're
done saving the world.
I'll see you tonight.
Okay, great. Thank you.
Thank you for...
Looks great, Reid.
Nice job.
Can you believe it?
But missing one thing.
Mistletoe.
You could never have
too much.
Perfect, yes.
Be-be my guest, Kris.
Come on in.
Come on in.
I'm-I'm-I'm really
glad you could make it.
This is way nicer
than last time I was here.
Nicely done.
Thank you.
Thank you.
[sniffs]
What's that smell?
Oil.
We're making rosettes.
No way.
I thought I'd maybe try
and do something for you.
And I have the magic weapon.
Oh.
Grandpa Charles' rosette iron.
Kris told me that you left
it behind so he asked me to give
it back to you and I figured
I couldn't return a rosette iron
without making rosettes
because that's for sure a rule.
Of course.
Right. Exactly.
So what do you think?
Who's in?
Yes!
That is!
Let's do it!
So we're going to do four eggs.
-Like you mean--
-Oh!
Whisk it.
Whisk it.
We're going to mix
in the flour now.
Flour!
There is--
You're good.
We need some milk in there.
We need some milk in there.
That's good.
Now combine.
That's good.
Time to fry.
Let's do it.
Hot.
Okay, but not too close.
Look at that.
Now they're really crisping up.
Here we go, here we go.
This one's ready.
Look at that.
Look at that snowflake.
Oh, my gosh, here.
[Maren] Wow!
Oh my gosh.
That's so good.
Okay. That came out all
at once.
Oh!
... Christmas is under
the tree
Oh.
[Reid] What do you think?
-Yeah?
-It's amazing.
It's light.
Oh, holy night that's good.
No, I got to flip these.
-[doorbell]
Oh will you- will you grab
that for me?
-Yeah, yeah.
-I got to flip these.
Okay.
Let's get this one out of here.
A package from Jolly Acres
in Chicago. Corporate?
My transfer.
What's all this?
Oh, nothing.
Just cleaning up a little bit.
When we go to Jolly Acres today,
could we bring some rosettes
to Kris?
I want to tell him we learned
how to make Grandpa
Charles' recipe.
Absolutely. Yeah.
Why don't you go get ready
and we'll head out.
Oh, well, hello there.
Are you here for movie night?
Miracle on 34th Street ,
a Christmas classic.
Yep.
And we brought candy canes.
Oh, perfect.
Honey, why don't you run in
and grab some good seats
and Kris and I will
be right behind you.
Okay.
I was um- I was just hoping
to talk to you about something.
It's just Leah really misses
having a grandfather in her life
and she has taken
to you in such a big way.
It's... wonderful.
I just don't want her
to get hurt.
I see.
And she...
she may have convinced herself
that you're Santa.
So I just wanted to make sure--
That I don't mislead her.
Yeah.
Her heart is safe with me.
I promise you that.
I know.
I'll have a chat
with her right after the movie.
A gentle one.
Always.
Thank you.
My goodness, delicious.
You made these?
With Mom and Reid.
Oh, you don't say.
Can I ask you something?
Always.
The Christmas tree lights,
did you make them turn on?
The staff lets me keep this.
They say it makes people smile.
I-I-I thought you were maybe...
Santa.
I know.
I believe
in what Santa stands for.
Hope, joy and wonder.
That part's real, okay?
It's just...
I didn't get to have
a grandpa for very long,
so I thought maybe
I could have you.
I could never replace
your actual grandpa.
But I'd be awfully honored
to be your friend.
Wow. This is looking good
like-like really good.
Is this real?
Oh, yep.
I just know a lot of good people
and I pointed them
in the right direction.
Uh, excuse me. Stanley...
Stanley, don't touch that.
[both chuckle]
Just got off the phone
with the photographer.
They'll be here tomorrow
to shoot the brochure.
Good.
And then yeah, it's hard
to believe
the Holiday Housewarming's
two days away.
What would I do without you?
Thank you.
Not just for...
for all this, but
you know, for everything.
Yeah.
You'll be missed.
You know I didn't choose
Honolulu, right?
That was-that was- that just
came down and then
if you want to move up,
you got to--
I get it.
You go.
But...
what do you want?
Tanner, there you are.
Miss Whitmore, this is perfect.
I wanted to introduce you
to Maren.
She's the one taking care
of all the renos.
Oh, pleasure.
Thanks so much.
Maren, sorry.
Can I steal you for a moment?
Sorry to interrupt.
-Sure, yeah.
-Excuse me.
Yeah. You're-you're earlier
than expected.
We were just putting some
finishing touches on the room.
What do you think?
This is everything we've
been working toward.
It's-it's clean.
It's elevated.
It's aspirational.
Oh, it'll photograph
beautifully.
Well done.
This is exactly what they need
in Honolulu.
Mm.
Hey there.
You taking off?
Hey.
[Maren clears throat]
My last receipts.
-Oh.
-Thank you for trusting me.
Um, I was going to go for
a drive later
to do some stargazing.
Do you and Leah want
to come with?
I think we're just going
to head home.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Um... maybe we'll see
the party then?
Maybe.
Yeah, we might pop in for a bit.
[emotional music]
It was fun today, right?
Good night.
[thunder]
Good morning.
Hi.
Morning, Stanley.
Oh, no.
No, no, no, no.
Can you pick up, Reid.
Pick up! Pick up, Reid!
Reid, yeah.
No, we have a problem.
Oh!
Oh, well, the plumber said it
started when that second floor
pipe burst, but then it just
got a whole lot worse.
Okay.
All of your hard work.
These things happen.
It's nobody's fault.
That may be, but the families
arrive tomorrow
and this room will
never be ready in time.
Okay, maybe we could host them
in the dining room.
The dining room's
a wading pool right now.
We have to turn off most of
the electrical
and don't give me
started on the insurance
and the inspections.
Plus we have to air it all out
or else it's going to smell
like wet...
-Yeah.
-Everything.
-Yeah, yeah.
This is a disaster.
This party was supposed to be
a celebration
of the new Great Room.
Well, Miss Whitmore,
Frankie,
we got to cancel the party.
-Reid, no, we can't just--
-Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Can we- let's just think
for a second.
There's no way we can fix
this in one day.
Mom...
And we don't have anywhere else
we can accommodate everyone.
This isn't how it was supposed
to go.
I know.
Okay, we got to get
this stuff cleaned up.
I have some calls to make.
We got to get this water
to stop.
Yeah. I-I got this.
Let's go, honey. Okay?
Okay.
-Careful with the--
-Yeah.
Such a shame.
It was so beautiful.
That couch looks
really uncomfortable.
Well, I don't think it's
about the space, Stanley.
Yeah.
I think it's about what
it was supposed to be.
You know, Maren and Reid,
they worked really hard
to pull everyone together
and give us this space.
I think it's our turn
to show up for them.
You know,
I think I have an idea.
And so as Tiny Tim observed,
God blesses everyone.
You okay?
It's not fair.
I wanted to go
to the party tomorrow.
I know.
We're all disappointed.
I was going to wear
the dress Josie gave me.
Okay.
Off to bed.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve
and we are going to make
the most of it no matter what.
-Okay?
-Okay.
I'll be right behind you.
I love you.
I love you too.
Hey Mom.
Yeah. What is it, sweetie?
I still believe.
[phone rings]
Hey Frankie.
Hey. I have some news,
but don't be mad.
Okay.
-I didn't cancel the party.
-You what?
You good sweetheart?
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm.
Also thank you for holding down
the fort these past few weeks.
I really appreciate it.
Of course.
I'm so happy you actually
let me do something for you.
Yeah.
I'm trying to do more of that.
Sorry about the flood.
-Worst lump of coal ever.
-Yeah.
What's this?
It's a gift for Leah.
Something that I've been wanting
to do for a while,
but Reid encouraged me to make
time for it.
-Reid.
-Reid.
Yeah. I just didn't expect
any of this to matter so much.
Yeah, that'll sneak up on you.
Yeah.
But we both knew what this was,
so.
Well, this doesn't have to be
a one-woman project.
I'll leave you to it.
Thanks.
[notification alert]
[inspirational music]
Hey Leah, I think we need
to go get your party dress.
Really?
Really.
Yes.
Shall we?
We shall.
[guests chattering]
Snow is falling...
Whoa.
-Look at all the lights.
-Yeah.
Mom, I have to go find Kris.
Okay, go ahead.
-How did you--
- I know.
-This is--
-Yeah.
You did a fantastic job.
-Please.
-You solved the problem.
You made this place better.
Thank you.
Well done.
Well, I learned from the best.
I got this, boss.
You can go.
[man] Hey Reid.
Yes. Hi.
Great to see you.
Josie, what are you doing here?
Well, I had to see
some of my handiwork.
What?
Well, I got a call from
this gentleman named Frankie
who needed some hardware
expertise,
which I now have because of you.
Got some specialty light
fixtures, a few touch-ups,
extra garlands.
You...
I have a few tricks up
my sleeve.
Look, everyone here cares
about you so much.
This is our way of saying thank
you for everything you do.
Thank you.
Well, don't thank me.
Thank all these folks.
I mean, you can thank
me just a little bit.
A little bit.
-A little bit.
-Thank you.
-Midge?
-Oh.
So great to see you here
as well.
You too, Earl.
He says Merry Christmas.
And you know, he's so happy
that I made
so many friends here.
It's wonderful.
-You're wonderful.
-Thank you.
You are too.
This is lovely.
Be careful, Stanley.
Almost looks like you're
having a good time.
Tis the season after all.
What a jolly thing to say.
Don't tell a soul.
Hey.
Can I have him for a second?
Oh, sure.
I love this space, Tanner.
I kind of wish I lived here.
Me too.
So we should talk Honolulu
sooner rather than later.
Right. Right.
Okay. About Honolulu...
I'm afraid I can't do it.
What's this?
I spent my entire life going
from place to place
and it-it's just
not working for me.
I found my team.
It's right here.
That's kind
of leaving me in a pinch.
Yes, I understand.
I can appreciate that.
Frankie, Frankie, come here.
I have an idea.
I'm not sure
if it's going to work.
You know Frankie.
He's the best operations manager
that this place
has ever had
-Oh...
and I-I think he would
be more qualified
for Honolulu than I would.
Seriously?
I mean, that if that's something
you're interested in.
Honolulu?
And to work with Jolly Acres?
I mean, that-that sounds like
the best of both worlds.
Well, that can
be arranged, I guess.
Let's connect after the holidays
and we'll iron it all out.
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Honolulu, I mean...
-Vision board.
-Vision board.
That's right.
I can't wait to tell Janice.
-Thank you.
-Congratulations.
Wow.
So does this mean we're
going to be losing you then?
I hope not.
Look, you know that I have spent
my career
opening these centers.
My favorite part
has always been the people.
Finding a leader,
building the team
to create these connections
that make you feel
like you want to live here.
Makes it feel like home.
I want to find more Frankies.
Every single Jolly Acres
should have someone like him.
From Bright Creek?
Yes, from Bright Creek.
Look at this place.
You said it yourself.
I don't want to leave here.
Well then...
welcome aboard as our new
talent acquisition partner.
We'll get it going on Monday.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
You know,
this is the first time I've
ever seen the brand come alive.
Your team did that.
Thank you.
Hi.
-Hey.
-Hey.
What was that about?
Okay. I need to talk to you.
Yeah.
[Leah] Look who I found.
Ho, ho, ho!
And you have a very Merry
Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!
I think you're going to get
whatever you want for Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Maren.
It's not too late to share
what you want
on your Christmas list.
-May I?
-Please.
You have already given us
plenty this year.
You've given that little girl
the best Christmas
in a very long time.
And seeing you two together
reminded me of my dad
in all of the best
possible ways, so...
Thank you for that.
I'm glad I could be
a part of it.
Us too.
And you helped me see that it's
up to us what we hold on to.
And who we let in.
-Oh, Maren.
-Hm.
Don't forget this.
You did a wonderful job.
Thank you.
You have to try the cookies.
-Should I?
-Yeah.
Leah.
Okay.
I made this for you
so you could know
your Grandpa Charles.
It's an early present.
An early present for real.
Mm-hm. For real.
And a lot of people helped me
see that it's extra special.
Should we open it?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
-My Grandpa Charles.
-Mm-hm.
Charles Pollock was born
on June 30th
in Bright Creek, Vermont.
His eyes were blue. His
favorite color, forest green.
Yeah.
Rosettes?
Mm-hm. I found his
actual recipe.
Yeah.
This is the first
time he ever held you.
How cute you are.
I have never seen him happier.
Thanks Mom.
Of course.
I want to show it to Kris.
Okay, take it to him.
What's this?
My Grandpa Charles.
You wanted to know him better.
Looks like your wish came true.
Yeah.
I guess it did.
I wanted to talk
to you about something.
-Sure, yeah.
-Okay.
Come here.
Thanks, Kris.
Merry Christmas.
Okay.
-You go first.
-Okay. Um...
These past few weeks, I've...
I've realized that I-I
do this-
this thing where I keep busy.
Mm-hm.
Taking care of everyone
and everything
because it-it doesn't leave me
time to be sad
or vulnerable
or open to anything new.
I don't want
to be like that, Reid.
You have brought
so much joy into our lives.
Even if it's just for one
season, I'm here for it.
I'm not going to Honolulu.
-You're not?
-No.
No.
I finally found something
worth staying for.
Someone.
And...
I shared joint custody
of a penguin.
-Right.
-Yeah.
Won't you believe in this
Won't you believe in this
-Oh...
-What?
-He's gonna...
-I think Kris put that there.
Wow.
You think we should go
thank him?
Yeah.
[Leah] Mom, Reid.
He's gone.
This was on his chair.
He's gone?
He'll be back though.
I know it.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, honey.
-Merry Christmas, Reid.
-Oh, Merry Christmas, Leah.
He ate the rosettes.
[Reid gasps]
He sure did.
-Did you eat them?
-I didn't.
Hey, did you bring this?
Me? No.
It's from Santa.
Oh, honey, I don't think--
-No way.
-A telescope for stargazing.
[Reid] Awesome.
Just like Gemma and her Grandpa.
-Did you?
-That wasn't me.
See you next year, kiddo.
Until then,
keep an eye on the North Star.
Love always,
Grandfather Christmas.
I knew it.
I knew it all along.
Oh my goodness.
Doesn't this kind
of look like us?
It's just missing
a couple power tools.
Yeah, and a penguin.
I'm going to go look at that.
Yeah, go ahead.
-Do it.
-Yeah?
-But...
-Okay.
Merry Christmas, Reid.
Merry Christmas.
ANNOUNCER:
This program is rated G
and consider acceptable
for all ages.
Here she is, Alma.
She's got fresh carriage slats,
reinforced trestles, and I gave
the runners a little extra
shape just
to make her more aerodynamic.
You're the best.
Thank you so much, Maren.
You know how
much this sled means to me.
I do.
This thing's got history.
-Yeah.
-Looks like your mom raced it
pretty hard
when she was a kid.
So she says.
I can't wait for her to see her
grandkids doing
the exact same thing.
And thanks for always taking
such good care of me,
us, everybody.
Your dad would be so proud.
I'm happy to do it.
Tell the family I say
Merry Christmas.
Absolutely.
Do you need a hand
with this to the car?
-No, no, I got it.
-You got it?
-Yep.
-Okay.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Good work, boss.
Another Christmas saved.
Thank you, Josie.
Hey, Joe.
You still working on that diner?
Yeah. Place was
built in the '60s.
Half the codes are out of date
and the rest is covered
in grease.
Mm-hm. Here, you might want
another 3/4 inch conduit too
just to be safe.
Good catch.
-Thanks.
-You got it.
My goodness.
There's something
for everyone in this place.
Can I help you find something?
I'm looking for one
of those doodads
to hang a small decoration.
Nothing too heavy.
Mm. All the doodads
are right here.
Take your pick.
-Thank you kindly.
-You're welcome.
Doodads.
Mom!
Oh, quick!
Hide the candy canes.
Hi, honey.
How was school today?
-Good.
-Yeah.
I got a sticker
on my reading report.
You did?
Well, that deserves
a candy cane.
Just one.
That's... Yeah.
Okay. Now it's two.
This one's for Josie.
-Really?
-Oh, thanks, lady.
Candy canes.
My favorite.
Want one?
I'm good.
You know,
I don't think I recognize you.
Are you new in town?
Actually,
just moved here recently.
Kris Patterson.
Oh, well, welcome here.
I'm Maren.
This is Leah, and that is Josie.
Hi.
How do you like Bright Creek?
Oh, it's delightful.
I'm over at that new retirement
community, Jolly Acres.
Hey.
Ms. Hill was telling us
about that place.
Adopt a grandparent.
How sweet is that?
It's fun to have kids
around the place.
Keeps us on our toes.
Are you doing it?
Indeed I am.
I thought it'd be a good way
to make new friends.
I didn't get to have a grandpa
for very long.
I thought maybe
I could adopt you.
I bet we'd have quite
the adventure together.
Maybe we should just sign up
for the program first. Yeah?
It would be $14.53, please.
A check, okay?
Old school.
Yeah, that's fine.
Thank you.
Josie, could you figure out
how to do this?
Well, I hope we see
you again very soon.
I have a feeling you will.
Bye.
He's adorable.
He's adorable.
-Mom.
-Hm?
It would be so much fun
to do grandpa stuff.
Like Gemma
and her grandpa go stargazing.
And she learned
all the constellations.
So cool.
Okay, then I think we're going
to have to sign up
for this program.
Thanks, Mom.
Yeah, of course.
How about you go get started
on your homework?
What?
You know,
you don't have to do everything.
Yes, but I'm good at it.
Trust me,
you're going to love it.
See you on the 24th.
Great room.
Tell your friends.
Hey, how is the Great Room?
-Not great.
-Not great.
Contractor just told me
it's going to be
a couple more weeks.
-No.
-So my head is-- I am--
Okay. Well, it's going to be
worth the wait, right?
Yeah. Yes, it will be.
It's going to be warm.
It's going to be welcoming.
We'll have it all decorated
like Christmas
and it's going
to feel like home.
Good, because the brochure
needs to sell that.
Yeah, they say a picture's
worth a thousand words.
So when the when that thing
is done, we're going to let
the Great Room
do all the talking.
Excellent. And reminds me
photographer called
they want to schedule a shoot.
-Yes.
I'm thinking the 23rd,
the day before
the Holiday Housewarming party.
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.
I like that.
Good. Head count is at 42
or 43 if you count Earl.
Who's Earl?
Midge's accordion.
She named her accordion?
She did.
After her late husband.
Apparently,
they were both great listeners.
-Oh, that's sweet.
-Mm.
Oh, that reminds me.
Make sure we have a gluten-free
option ordered for Midge.
Of course.
Oh, and Arthur, we have to make
sure that he has a seat--
Away from the music.
Got it.
Yes. And No, that's all I have
for you.
-Great.
-Great.
Hey, teamwork makes
the dream work, right?
That's it.
And you're planning on sticking
around for all of this, right?
I'd love to.
And I go wherever the boss tells
me whenever she tells me.
Right.
Okay.
You don't need me here anymore.
You got this.
You're a great manager.
You just find ways
to bring residents together.
That's all there is to it.
I can do that.
Yeah, you are doing that.
Hey, speaking of which, you saw
Jane and our new resident Rita.
I did.
They became fast friends,
didn't they?
Yeah, you knew exactly what you
were doing
when you put Rita
in next door to her.
Eh...
Call it a lucky guess.
-Sure.
-All right.
Hey! Photographer!
Oh, look at
the Christmas display.
Yeah.
-Hello.
-Hi.
Welcome to Jolly Acres.
What brings you in today?
We're here about the Christmas
Companions program.
We'd love
to learn more about it.
Great. Yeah, we have the sign-up
sheet right over there
by the bulletin board.
Feel free to look around.
I'll go find the coordinator
for you.
Thank you.
-Mom?
-Yes.
-Can I go look at it?
-Yeah, go ahead.
Ah.
Those molasses cookies
are delicious, aren't they?
Sometimes I-I put one
or two in my pocket for later.
Is that allowed?
I mean...
I won't say anything.
Thank you for the tip.
This place seems pretty great.
Are you visiting someone?
No. No, I'm Regional Director
of Operations.
Oh.
'Cause I'm...
It's quality control, so.
Sure.
How's the quality?
I might need one more
just to be certain.
Good. I want you to be certain.
Okay. Yeah.
Is four enough?
I hear you're interested in the
Christmas Companions program.
Yes. I am Maren,
and this is Leah
and we just love the idea.
Hi, I'm Reid Tanner.
It's nice to meet you, Leah.
Thanks. I-I like it too.
A lot of our residents
they don't really
have family nearby.
And so this is a very easy way
for them to meet people
and get to know people,
especially during the holidays.
And how does it work
on our end?
Here is a list of all
the activities
for the next
couple of weeks and,
you know, no pressure.
Mom, there's cookies and crafts
and an ugly sweater contest.
Wow.
Wait, let me guess.
Let me take a look at you.
I am going to say
you are eight years old.
Eight and a half.
Oof. So sorry.
-It was close.
-It was close.
It was close. The half is
the best part though.
Do you have kids?
I don't. No.
I have a lot of experience
being the fun uncle,
but no kids of my own.
Oh.
[Kris chuckling]
How are you, Kris?
How was the jingle jaunt?
Oh, Reid,
you should have seen it.
The whole town was there
cheering us on.
Kris!
Well, hello.
I was hoping
I might see you again.
Wait, you two have met?
This is the lady I was telling
you about,
runs a delightful
hardware store in town.
Yes, we had a very good luck
of running into each other. Hi.
Perhaps a bit of kismet?
What's kismet?
It's a little bit like magic.
Maren actually sold me the kit
to hang the mistletoe.
You never know
when it'll come in handy.
Yeah.
We're here to sign up for the
Christmas Companions program.
Do you think you'd want
to be my grandpa?
It would be my honor.
Aw. Okay.
All right,
let's make this official then.
So...
Goodness.
Ready? Three, two
[camera shutter snaps]
Okay, that was adorable.
[Leah] Perfect.
Welcome to the family, Kris.
Looking forward to getting
to know you better
and all the activities and--
Snow globe
making is tomorrow.
Sorry, I have to step out.
I just wanted to say
it was-it was great to meet you.
You too.
Sounds right up my alley.
Oh, and Leah.
Just one.
Did you see that?
That was cool.
-Mom?
-Yeah.
Don't you think Kris seems kind
of like
Santa?
Well, wouldn't that
be something?
[Maren] Leah, we got to go.
We got to get to Jolly Acres.
Ready.
What do you got there?
My spy kit.
I'm going to find out
who Kris really is.
I think Kris is just a very
nice man who's trying to make
some new friends.
Why don't we just get
to know him, okay?
That's exactly what I'm doing.
I'm calling
it Operation Kringle.
Okay, agent.
Let's go meet your mark.
Come on.
Don't forget about me
this Christmas
Good morning, Reid.
Looks like you're already
on the go.
Busy day?
Yeah, never a dull moment.
So we got the Christmas Eve
Holiday Housewarming coming up,
so I've got to go meet with
the contractor right now
about the Great Room.
Uh yeah, quick breakfast.
It's gonna
be something special.
I really think it is.
Hey, thanks for pairing me
with little Leah yesterday.
I can't wait to get
to know them better.
You know Bright Creek is full
of wonderful people
if you slow down
long enough to notice.
If I slow down long enough
to notice,
Frankie hands me
clipboards of to-do lists.
See ya.
All right, snow globe making
is just about to start
in the dining room.
Oh, I'm so excited
for snow globe making.
-Yeah
-Hey there.
-Hey.
-Okay, oh...
Oh.
Do you want some help
with that?
No, no, no, no, no.
I'm just I'm going
to call maintenance.
They've been battling
this thing all week.
That is nothing a little
super tape can't fix.
No, there's no way
that will hold.
It's uh...
Perks of growing up
in a hardware store.
Oh.
She can fix anything.
Everyone calls
her a handy ma'am.
[laughs]
Handy ma'am, that's funny.
I never heard that before.
Um okay, let's get in there.
Uh...
We... oh--
You got a...
No, it's just
a it's a piece of a--
-Okay.
-Like a pine needle.
Shall we?
Yep.
So does Kris
have any other names?
Hm, not that I know of.
Oh, I mean now that
you mention it,
I did hear someone call him
Coco Claus last week.
Mm-hmm.
Does he have any secret hobbies
or pets with antlers?
Uh... he does love to socialize.
And he is always making lists.
Checking them twice?
At a minimum.
Oh.
Checking twice?
Are you ready for this?
I mean I've never made
a snow globe before.
Just wait.
There is something magical
about a snowy tiny world.
Is that right?
Reid, you want
to walk us through this?
Oh, Kris,
I don't usually join in.
But I have a couple of minutes,
so I- I'd love to.
Yeah, let's do it.
Join you.
I think we're supposed
to pick a figurine first, right?
Hm, right.
[clears throat]
Kris, do you have a big family?
Oh, yes.
I have family
all around the world.
Lucky you.
I'm adopted.
It's just me and Mom.
I always knew that I wanted
to be a mom,
but uh dating never
really made the list,
so I just
skipped straight to the kid.
Wow. That's really something.
I mean I'm sure it's not
without its challenges also.
Actually, I...
I've always been a pro
at flying solo,
except now I have Leah.
We have a good time, don't we,
kiddo?
Poof!
Being adopted makes
you extra special
because you were chosen.
Really?
Best choice I ever made.
[grunts]
Kris,
can you help me open this?
I bet we could do it together.
Ooh!
Oh, look at that teamwork.
-[phone ringing]
I am so sorry to duck out.
I've got to take this call.
Of course.
Hey there, Dave.
Yeah, congratulations.
Okay, yeah.
No, that's great.
That's-that's wonderful.
Absolutely.
No, you don't worry about it.
You-you go back and-and then
and-and I'll figure it out.
No-no problem.
Okay. Great, we'll talk soon.
Congrats.
Everything okay?
My contractor's twins
came two weeks early.
Uh-oh.
Does that mean...
I have to find
his replacement and quick.
Um... I'm so sorry.
Excuse me.
Yeah... Can we...
Okay.
But uh Mac can start in a few
weeks, but uh
No, it has to be done before
the photo shoot
and the Holiday
Housewarming party.
Right, right.
-So...
-So you know what?
Leave this with me.
I got it.
We will figure this out.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Okay, I'm just going to--
Oh. Oh, sorry. Yeah.
Sorry about this bump
in the road.
Hey, yeah.
Thanks, thanks.
It's uh- it's great for Dave.
Not so great for us.
A little tricky finding
contractors
this-this time of year.
What's this room supposed to be?
Um this is our Great Room.
So right now our residents,
they don't really have anywhere
they could just kind
of you know hang out together.
It's supposed to be done like
weeks ago,
but that uh snowstorm
that came through
that delayed some deliveries.
Oh, yes it did.
And-and you need
this done by--
- Christmas Eve.
-Huh.
Two and a half weeks.
Yeah, it's ambitious,
but doable.
Maybe if I could find someone
to oversee the whole thing,
but if I can't, this is- this is
going to take up all my time.
I might even need to step back
from the Christmas
Companions program.
You mean miss the
Cookie Exchange?
Oh. Sadly, yeah.
I, um, I might even need
to scale the whole program down.
I can't oversee that and manage
all this at the same time.
Oh, well
that-that would be a bummer.
I just...
I've just got
so much left to do.
I mean...
Look, there's not that much.
Not-not really.
Did you ever tackle
anything like this, Maren?
Well, she re-did
the Andersons' fireplace.
That hearth was a thing
of beauty, wasn't it?
I'm not asking you to--
I mean I do love
a good reno and uh
I know a very fast and reliable
crew, so--
Are you serious?
Quick, before I change my mind.
Obviously we-we
would compensate you.
Uh, if you keep this
program running,
I can have this room
ready in time for Christmas Eve.
Are...?
Deal.
Great.
Um, I will get started
when we're here for the Cookie
Exchange tomorrow.
Thanks, Reid.
Yeah, of course.
Thank you.
Let's go, kiddo.
Funny how things work out.
Wow. You made this?
Yep. I even put the little
family in there.
Aw.
-But it was great teamwork.
-Okay.
Me, Mom, and Kris.
Hmm.
Even Reid helped a little.
Reid? Who's Reid?
Hmm?
He's-he's a manager
at Jolly Acres.
Oh.
He's nice too.
-Hm.
-And kind of funny.
And kind of handsome.
Okay, Leah.
Let's go meet the crew.
What crew?
Crew?
-Yeah, you said crew--
-Crew?
-meaning, meaning crew.
-Crew.
Oh, Reid lost his
general contractor
for this reno he's doing
and they need it finished
for this Christmas Eve event.
The Holiday Housewarming.
Yes, I might have volunteered.
You what?
Remember we talked
about you not doing everything.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
but I'm-I'm still good at it.
Plus didn't you say something
about how you wanted
more responsibility around here?
Congratulations.
I really need to stop saying
things out loud in front of you.
Probably.
Okay, kiddo.
Let's go.
Okay, well, have fun
with handsome.
Not handsome.
Oh, a little handsome.
Okay, well, have fun.
Okay, so let's finish
the sheetrock today.
We'll mud and tape tomorrow
and we're off to the races.
Thank you, guys.
Hey, morning.
-Hi.
-What's this?
That? Uh, union rules,
I think.
I'd love to take a quick peek
and say hi to everybody.
I know, I know you would, but
uh I think-- they work better
without an audience.
-Oh. Got it.
-Mm-hmm.
Come on. They're starting
the cookie exchange.
Oh. What if last one there
gets the oatmeal raisins?
I like oatmeal raisin.
That's? Is that weird?
Hello everyone.
Good morning and I just wanted
to welcome you and say
if this is your
first companion event,
we're happy
to have you here.
This is my own personal favorite
because we get to learn
about people's family
recipes and traditions
and stories
and, uh, of course the cookies.
So enjoy.
[applause]
Hi.
What are these?
Shortbread.
They're my great
aunt Sue's recipe.
Hm, delicious.
I made them myself this year.
No pecans.
-You can take those.
-Thank you.
Leah, hello.
You made these?
Yes, these are thumbprint
cookies,
my grandfather's recipe.
I wonder if my grandpa
had a special recipe.
I really wish
I could have known him better.
Mom doesn't really talk
about him that much.
I bet he was quite the guy
to know.
But it's so fun
to have an adopted grandpa.
It's fun to be adopted.
Every year my Ronnie,
he would make them
and send them to his friends.
Oh. Should we try one?
And you know he even found a way
to make them gluten-free
just for me.
-I mean there you go.
-That is so sweet.
Well, you have half of this?
But now it's
just me and Earl.
I love that.
Mm..
Thoughts?
-That's a really good cookie.
-Very good.
I know.
Oh wow, thank you.
Thank you for sharing all
of that too, Midge.
You're welcome,
and there's more?
Oh, oh, I'm coming back.
Sadly I didn't have a chance
to bake anything
for this or the skill.
But I am keeping the Tanner
tradition alive with Chips Ahoy.
-Oh.
-Chips Ahoy.
My dad actually had a special
technique for opening the bag.
-Oh.
-It was legendary.
That's actually my favorite
thing about Christmas cookies,
all the traditions
that go along with them.
Like your thumbprint cookies.
Exactly. Thumbprint cookies,
gluten-free options,
Chips Ahoy.
How about your family, Maren?
Well, um my mom passed
when I was little.
So it was just me and dad
and he always made
cast iron rosettes.
You needed this like special
iron that looked more like
something from a hardware store
than a kitchen.
Very him.
What do they taste like?
They tasted like someone
fried a snowflake.
Just crispy and light
and sugary sweet.
Exactly.
Anyway, haven't made
them in a while.
But today we brought reindeer
cookies because Leah likes
anything shaped like an animal.
So add that one.
Do you think we could learn
how to make rosettes
like Grandpa Charles?
Yeah. Yeah,
maybe we could give that a go.
Yes.
He would have really
loved baking with you.
Come on, Leah.
We've got more cookies
to exchange.
Have fun.
-Yeah, those look so good.
-Thank you.
I mean, imagine how much time
that took.
Mmhmm.
Feels like you were really close
with your dad.
Yeah, I was.
He was uh... he was quite
a guy.
Is your dad still around?
Yeah, mom and dad.
They are eat, pray, loving their
way through Europe right now.
Mm, fun.
Yeah, yeah.
I don't see them as often
as I'd like,
but I'm-I'm really
grateful that I have them.
-Mom?
-Hm?
I think I'm going
to need a bigger tin.
Yeah, I think so too.
Uh schedules, budgets,
contracts,
all that lives
in the file Operations Master.
Operations Master, not to
be confused with the folder
Operational Disaster, which
I'm sure we will fill out
Don't you do that.
That's not funny.
That's a little funny.
You're like the-the wizard
behind the curtain with all
this, you know that?
I mean you know all
the building codes,
what's in storage,
who's allergic to what,
when to order supplies,
how to make everyone
just feel so...
welcome.
It's a tough act to follow.
Yeah.
I know I've opened
14 locations.
-I learned a lot.
- I bet.
And that you're going
to learn it all too.
Well, whatever it is, I'm sure
it's a fun adventure
setting up shop here and there.
My wife Janice and I, we always
wanted to travel more, but um
just never really felt
like the right time.
Sure, I get that,
but you never know.
There's still time.
Yeah. Uh, she keeps the
dream alive
with her tropical vision board,
so
Feel like that she's
manifesting it for you.
Exactly.
[light knock]
Yeah, come in.
-Hey.
-Hi.
Um, now that the crew is
working, should we talk about
design or furniture?
Yeah, you bet.
We actually just ordered
some great pieces.
Where did those end up?
Hm? Oh, the carriage house,
out back.
Now see, look at you.
What?
Knowing where things are.
That's how it starts.
You're going to be great.
Okay. To the carriage house.
Oh wow.
It's beautiful.
Yeah, it's-it's-it's pretty
magical even though
it has become a catch-all.
I, uh, I don't know where the
new stuff is, but I mean we can
pull from anything in here.
Right. A lot of the stuff
would work really great.
Yeah.
Oh hello. Okay.
Ah.
Oh, yeah.
Reid, you got to come try this.
Oh.
See what I mean?
-Yeah.
-Yeah, it's good.
I might just--
Does it recline?
Wait.
That's not bad.
Not at all.
I could be here all day.
Same. Yeah.
And that's a lot coming from me.
I don't stay anywhere long.
Is that by choice?
It's been since my childhood.
Military family, but then I got
a job opening these centers.
You oversee a launch and make
sure the team's up to speed
and then you move on
and you do it all over again.
Eventually I just got better
at leaving than staying.
Does it get lonely?
Mm-mm.
I meet a lot of nice people.
Good people.
Plus I've developed a very
strong sense
of detachment to stuff.
Everything I own fits
in like two suitcases.
What about you?
You born and raised here?
Born and raised.
Wow.
Yeah, this store was
my dad's and when he got older
I started working with him
and then eventually
I just took it over.
Mm. When he passed I...
I love the people.
And I know their-their stories
and their kids
and their projects,
but they keep me very busy.
Which is probably the point.
Sounds nice.
It is.
I should probably leave.
Yes.
-Yeah?
-Yeah, we should.
Okay, we're doing this.
Okay.
Oh that's- that's really jammed.
-Um...
-Stuck.
You have to-you have to lean
back and--
-Just give me a hand.
-Give me your hand.
Wow!
Oh! [chuckles]
Uh-huh.
Strong. I mean--
That chair was so strong.
It was stuck.
-Let's get out of here.
-Yep.
Is that supposed to happen?
No.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Um...
-Yep, just--
-It's-it's broken.
I broke it.
You broke it?
-Okay.
-Okay.
Um... all right.
Um... I put my phone
down somewhere.
Where did I put...
No, I left
my phone on my desk.
I don't have reception.
-Okay.
-Okay.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Okay. Okay. Okay.
Don't panic.
I'm not panicking.
-I was talking to myself.
-Right.
Help!
Are you good?
[Reid] Uh... okay.
Idea. Idea.
Yeah, I think we have
to break the window.
No. No, no, no.
Those windows are original.
You would never be able
to find a replacement.
It's not ideal.
I know.
If I just...
-Okay.
-These pins look original.
What are you--
Oh no. There's, I don't--
There's no way
that's going to come off.
That thing's probably welded
on with like a hundred years of-
Got it.
Wow.
All right.
Okay. Glad we figured that out.
We?
[laughs to herself]
Who are you texting?
No one.
Reid.
Ah. Hm.
It's a remodel update.
Oh so that's a remodel
update face?
Yeah.
-Mom?
-Hm?
Are we seeing Kris tonight?
Yes, yes. We are going
to the Christmas tree farm.
Oh, is Reid going too?
No.
That being said,
I do have
to swing by his place
for some blueprints.
Mm-hmm. Well, say hi to
Mr. Blueprint for me.
Will do.
You're with me, kiddo.
[Reid] Welcome.
Come on in.
Home sweet home.
Home is a dentist waiting room.
What do you mean?
I'm so sorry,
you just moved in.
No, I didn't.
You don't have a table.
Coffee table.
It's a coffee box.
That's fair.
Reid, you don't
have a Christmas tree.
You don't have a
Christmas anything.
Not true. Uh...
Look. [sniffs] Bam!
Christmas.
[coughs]
Oh Reid.
You like that?
I travel a lot.
I don't need
to collect a bunch of things.
That's the one thing
that comes with me every time,
the telescope.
-Hm.
-Helps me stay grounded.
Blueprints.
Is there something else?
Yes. You're coming with us.
We are getting you a good
old-fashioned Christmas tree.
What, right now?
Yes.
After we find our tree, do you
think we can maybe get my ugly
Christmas sweater because
the contest is this week.
Absolutely. We are
going to find
the ugliest sweater
of them all.
So do you know what
you're wearing, Kris?
Sure do.
I found it with some
old Christmas treasures
a few years ago.
Well, I bet we have some old
treasures to go through
as well, but either, we're going
to find something,
and it will be ugly.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
-That's a very nice one.
-Yeah.
There she is.
Big Jim.
Nice to see you.
You just missed Mr. Bracken.
He was raving about that sensor
light you put on this porch.
Okay, I'm going to have to swing
by then cuz I just got
these color-changing bulbs
and that he will love.
Yes.
Big Jim, this is Reid
and Kris.
-Nice to meet you.
-Merry Christmas.
-Hello.
-Hi.
Leah, I got something special
for you.
I borrowed a reindeer.
His name is Robbie.
Cool. Did you know that girl
reindeers have antlers too?
I did not know that,
but what I do know
is that this reindeer Robbie
hasn't eaten the last
two days
and I'm starting
to take it personally.
I'm going to go check on him
and make sure he's
not feeling homesick.
You guys should pop by
and check him out.
-Okay.
-Okay.
-Boom.
-Bye.
Bye.
Did you ever meet a reindeer?
No.
I feel like you know everyone
here, don't you?
Well, it's a small town.
Hi Parker.
Some people I'm still getting
to know better.
How do we know
which tree to pick?
One of them
will just feel right.
Wait.
-It'll just feel right?
-Yeah.
Wow.
I never picked out
a Christmas tree before.
Never?
No, never.
We just took it out of
the box.
We set it up.
That was the Christmas tree.
Yeah.
Do you know what
I do on Christmas now?
I fly.
Empty plane, free pretzels,
George Bailey
on a tiny little screen.
It's actually kind of nice.
This one.
You like it?
Yeah. I don't know.
Just feels right.
Well, it's a good pick.
My dad liked Fraser firs.
Fraser fir.
Leah, let's go
visit that reindeer.
Thank you for this.
Of course.
It's going to tie your
whole place together so...
for now at least.
Yeah.
Well, I uh, I got
to grab some more stuff.
So, I'll-I'll meet you
out there.
-Okay.
-Okay.
Have a good night.
All right.
What do I owe you?
Nothing.
Sorry?
The person in front
of you covered it.
He said pass it on.
Really? That happens?
Yeah, around here it does.
Yeah.
Okay. In that case, I insist on
paying for whoever's behind me.
-Hello.
-Oh boy.
Mom, Reid, come quick.
-Come on.
-Uh...
Well, hello.
Come on.
Hey, something special about
that guy.
I knew it.
[Kris] Yeah.
I know, but I don't need MDF.
I need solid wood.
Any chance you can help us out,
Bill?
Oh, thank you.
I owe you one.
Okay. Tell Jenny
and the boys I say hi.
-Hi.
-Hey there.
Thank you for my tree.
Yeah, of course.
How's it looking?
-Naked.
-Right.
-But that smell is...
-Mm.
It's good, right?
-Wow.
-Mm-hm.
So, I wanted to talk
about paint colors for the reno.
We only have, what, 12 days
until the Holiday Housewarming,
so we should we should make
some decisions.
Okay. I was just about to run
and grab some dinner.
Would you like to come with me?
Uh...
Uh well,
Leah is with Josie tonight.
It's like a little early
for dinner, isn't it?
Not around here.
Okay.
I am so sorry.
I didn't realize
it was breakfast for dinner.
Oh, chocolate chips, very nice.
Fabulous.
Did they bring a wine list by?
So, there's a lot of beige
happening in the Great Room.
Right. We love beige.
Yes. It's a very safe
color palette
Kinda like your apartment.
When you say it like that, you
make it sound like a bad thing.
I'm not saying what
if we add a little color. Hm?
-Oh.
-What do you think?
So, the color palettes are
the same at all the locations.
So, consistency matters.
Sure.
That being said, I think maybe
we could try and branch out
a little bit.
-Just a little.
A little bit.
Like that that pop of green
did wonders for my apartment.
You know what?
I thought it might.
Yeah.
Pancakes were awfully light
on the chocolate chips tonight,
Reid.
Shoot.
Stanley, have you met Maren?
Pleasure.
I'll be talking to
the front desk
about those chocolate chips.
Got it. Noted.
Thank you.
So, do you eat here a lot?
More than I'd like?
This town has some pretty great
restaurants I could...
I could show you.
I thought you'd never ask.
And the best caf is right
around the corner.
-So, this is Bright Creek, huh?
-Mm-hm. It is.
Wow.
You don't get out much,
do you?
I mean it's probably
self-preservation.
I don't want to go fall
in love with the place.
Look at-- it's like this place
is showing off right now.
Oh! Leah loves this game.
They set it up every year
and all the proceeds
go to the youth group.
Okay. Let's do it.
Okay.
Okay.
So, you hit the bell,
you win a prize.
-Okay.
-Okay?
-Got it.
-All right.
Oh, that was pretty good.
That was really good.
-That was not bad.
-No, it wasn't.
You want to- you want
to give it a go?
Sure.
Good luck.
I played a little ball
in my day.
Wow, a little ball.
Minor leagues like
several lifetimes ago.
Okay.
What a great prize.
Thank you.
He's huge.
Wow. Uh well, do you think
Leah would like this?
Are you kidding?
She'd love him.
Yeah, okay, good.
Unless you're
emotionally attached.
No, no, no, no.
I already have one.
No, I'm kidding.
We can share custody.
Okay, as long
as I get Christmas.
You got it.
[Josie] Okay, popcorn is made.
Are you ready
for this movie or what?
Yep. I just have to finish this.
What's this?
Secret agent stuff.
About Kris.
Mm.
I've been watching him
all week and sometimes
he seems totally normal.
That's what he wants you
to think.
-Like he eats oatmeal.
-Mm-hm.
He loses glasses.
Okay.
But yesterday he was
looking at a globe
for a really long time.
And then he asked me what the
weather's going to be like
on Christmas Eve.
Mm, that's suspicious.
Yeah, but why would Santa
be in Bright Creek?
Well, maybe someone needed him.
Mm-hm.
Okay, come on.
Let's start this movie.
Okay, so maybe I'm not going
to get recruited
to pro ball anytime soon, but
No. You had a great arm.
-Thank you.
-Well, it was fine.
We can work on it.
You put your heart into it.
You put your heart
into everything, don't you?
I guess.
-Question.
-Yeah.
How many people in Bright Creek
have a Maren Pollock story?
What do you mean?
Like ways that you've shown up
for people
without them asking you.
A few, I guess.
Super nosy follow-up.
When's the last time
you did something just for you?
Does getting my oil
change count?
No, it doesn't.
It doesn't.
No. What's something on
your list that you never get to
because you are so busy taking
care of everyone around you?
My dad.
There's the-the boxes
that he left behind.
It's photos, keepsakes,
things from the store and
it's been five years and I keep
telling myself I'm going
to open it and figure out
what to keep
and what to like let go
of, but
I haven't been able to open it.
Well, sounds like that could be
something worth making
a little time for.
So, Frankie said that the
Christmas Companions program
was your idea.
Mm.
First one was in Aspen
two years ago.
It was a huge hit.
Apparently, the kids
go back every year.
-They love it.
-Oh, I could see that.
Yeah, I mean having Kris and
everyone at Jolly Acres
in our lives has been great.
Leah's life, in Leah's life.
Yeah. Yeah.
Um yeah, something really
special about this Jolly Acres.
Yeah. But you'll be moving
on to the next one soon.
Any idea when?
And you just... you don't mind.
Baseball was good training
for that.
New city.
Same duffle bag.
But you had a team.
Yeah, but I...
What's the longest
that you stayed anywhere?
Two years, Gunflint, Iowa.
It was a great town.
I loved it.
It was middle school.
I started playing baseball.
I had a best friend.
But Dad was always getting
transferred and so I learned
not to get too attached.
After a while,
leaving was easier than staying.
But Bright Creek,
I could see why you wanted
to stay here.
Really?
A stranger bought
me a Christmas tree.
They did.
That's...
Plus the company's
not too bad, huh?
[tender music]
I should go.
I just told Josie I wouldn't be
back so late
and it's almost 10:00, so.
Okay. Sure.
Let me give you a ride.
No, no, no, no.
No, it's all good.
-I'm going to--
- You sure?
No, thank you.
But tonight was really nice.
It was.
Just you and me, kiddo.
I thought I saw
someone out here.
You and your friend
are awfully quiet.
Oh.
You're out late.
Stanley and I were just
having a little chess match.
I could say the same for you.
Everything okay?
Yeah, great.
Yeah.
Mm-hm. Just...
wanted to enjoy the stars
a little bit
before I headed back
in and get some more work done.
Great night for it.
Yeah. Great night.
I went out with Maren.
I take it you two had
a good time.
Yeah. Maybe a little too good.
Ah. No such thing.
Hope you're right about that.
You got your eye
on the North Star?
Then you can't go wrong.
Well, well, well, look at you.
You're smiling.
I...
I don't think I've seen
that smile since maybe uh...
high school.
It's silly.
What is?
Enjoying the company of someone
who might be gone
like next month.
Well, you don't
know what will happen.
I do.
He'll leave.
He said so and...
I have enough on my plate.
Look, for as long as
I've known you,
you've always had
a lot on your plate on purpose.
So maybe it's time to,
you know,
move that stuff off your plate.
I just need
to finish the reno.
Okay.
What do you got there?
I'm looking
for an ugly Christmas sweater.
The contest is today.
Oh, yeah.
Oh my gosh,
Grandpa Charles's old things.
Oh my goodness,
the rosette maker.
A Christmas treasure,
just like Kris was saying.
Oh Leah!
Look at this.
It's perfect.
Mm-hm.
Love you, Larry.
Hey you.
Hi.
Hey, I'm so sorry to interrupt.
I just wanted to quickly
introduce you to the new boss.
-This is Linda.
-Oh!
She is tough but fair
and highly motivated by fish.
Pleasure to meet you and
I will not let you down.
So uh by the end of the day,
we've got trim, electrical,
and carpet all wrapped up.
Eleven days left
to the Holiday Housewarming.
It'll be done?
Hopefully sooner.
I like a buffer.
Oh, I like that about you.
-You do?
-I do.
Are you and Leah
going to the ugly sweater
competition tonight?
Trying to stop us.
[jazzy Christmas music
playing]
The holiday's
here with...
Oh now,
that sweater's too special
to be ugly.
It was my grandpa's.
And guess what else we bought?
Now that's pretty cool.
I like your sweater.
Do you think you could tell me
if I'm on the nice list?
I don't think you have anything
to worry about.
Now tell me,
which reindeer is this?
Rudolph. His nose lights up
but his eye keeps falling off.
-Oh no.
-That's great.
That-that just gives him
a little more character.
How'd he fly?
That's a fair point.
I didn't-- yeah.
You know what?
I think I have--
I think I have
a safety pin--
No, I left it in my--
I left it in my--
Amateurs.
Perfect.
Oh I well--
I have an idea.
I have an idea.
Might not be perfect
but there's no such thing as
perfect, is there?
Even if we see the safety pin,
I think...
All right.
Just a little and then we are
back in Christmas business.
What do you think?
Mm-hm. Rudolph lives
to fly another day?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
All right, everyone.
How are we feeling?
[all] Good.
Hey.
Are we ready to do this?
[all] Yes.
-Are we feeling festive?
-[all] Yes! Yes!
All right, everyone.
Take your places.
Let's do the walkway.
Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to the first annual
ugly Christmas
sweater contest
where fashion
crimes are encouraged
and sequins
are to be celebrated.
Now are we ready for some of
the most unique sweaters
you have ever seen?
Let the runway begin.
[indiscernible announcement]
Eugene. It's Eugene.
[crowd cheering]
Woo!
Joy lives here...
Joy lives here
Joy lives here
Joy lives here...
Looking good.
Okay, judges.
What are we thinking?
Oh no, really?
I don't know how
we can just pick one.
They were all so excellent.
-Stanley?
-I don't care.
Okay, you know what?
I got this.
Ladies and gentlemen, the judges
have deliberated
and we have a winner.
Drum roll, please, Stanley.
Not on your life.
Okay. The winner is...
everyone.
[laughter]
You are all winners.
Well done, everyone.
Yeah.
This was really fun.
Oh, especially seeing Leah
in my dad's old sweater.
I bet. I bet.
No, it could be easier going
through your dad's things
with Leah.
Yeah. Yeah, maybe it could.
She's so enamored
with all of his old things.
Could be one of those things
that you do for her
but also
for you.
Oh, I see where this is going.
You're sneaky.
-I'm...
-Yeah.
Just thinking out loud here.
Right.
[Leah] Mom, where are you?
You have to come
see these stars.
Oh, wow.
Look at that.
Hi.
Wow.
I wonder if you can see
the North Pole from here.
Oof, I don't know.
I can teach you how
to find the North Star though.
So if you find the Big Dipper.
You see the Big Dipper?
-Mm-hm.
-Okay.
So if you follow the rim of the
bowl around, see the two stars
at the end?
-Mm-hm.
-Okay.
Trace a line from that last one
right over
and that-
that's the North Star.
A special person once told me
that if you keep your eye
on that,
you can't go wrong.
That's what Santa follows.
Cool, right?
Really cool.
Thank you for a fun day.
Turns out joining in
is not so bad.
It's not so bad.
-Right?
-Wasn't bad.
Yeah.
'Course the, uh,
company didn't hurt.
What about you?
You didn't have the Great Room,
no shop.
Just a little holiday cheer.
Yeah. It was It was really nice.
Change of pace.
Nice to just slow down...
Together.
See you tomorrow?
Heck yeah.
-All right, stargazer.
-See you.
Time to head home.
See you kiddo.
That was fun.
Bye.
[emotional music]
Beautiful night.
Yeah. Yeah, it sure is.
Things are going well then?
Yeah.
You could say that.
Glad to hear it.
Like I always say,
follow that guy and this guy,
you'll always end up
where you're meant to be.
-[phone rings]
-All right.
-Sorry. I have to grab this.
-Sure.
Hey Ms. Whitmore.
Hello.
'Course. Yeah.
Right. Okay.
Um...
Sure. Will do.
Okay. We'll talk soon.
Great. Bye.
Was that the big boss calling?
Sure was. Yeah.
So you got another move
on the horizon.
Looks like it.
Good night, Reid.
[Maren] Hey, yeah.
Come on in.
Can I get you some
tea or...
No, no, no.
Thanks. Thanks.
I, uh, um...
so my boss called and told me
that there is another location
that might need my help
in Honolulu...
after the holidays.
Oh.
It could still be TBif they really need me.
-Right.
-I don't know. Unclear.
Well, I'm...
I'm sure they will.
You're great at what you do.
I hear Honolulu is gorgeous.
I think it is.
Yeah.
Um, palm trees, ocean breezes,
little, um, drink umbrellas.
-Sure.
-Sure.
Rare to turn that down.
Couple of months ago, yeah,
that might have been true but-
now I don't know.
I-I think I maybe
might want something else.
That-that might be something
worth considering.
Thank you for telling me.
For what it's worth,
I was really hoping
that I could
stay here for a while.
Yeah. Me too.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay.
Yeah, it's just in
this aisle right over here.
What's, uh, going on?
Your jingle looks
a little jangled.
Reid is transferring to Honolulu
right after Christmas.
Oh, Maren.
It's okay.
No, I-I knew this was coming,
so.
You really going to do that?
Do what?
Pretend like it doesn't matter.
Look, it was a great detour,
but now I get back to my life.
You know that the store
and Leah, you.
Oh, what?
Leave me out of this.
It's been so good
seeing you so happy.
I haven't seen that in years.
I'll admit...
it's been great
having Reid around.
And I promise that I will take
more time for myself
after the Great Room is done.
Right. Because if you fix this,
you don't have to deal
with any of this.
Why are you always right?
Well, I'm your best friend.
It's my job.
-Thank you.
-Mm-hm.
Hey there, Kris.
Oh, hey Reid. Morning.
Are you going
to see Maren today?
Uh, yeah.
I think she's going
to be by later.
Why do you ask?
Leah left this behind yesterday.
Knowing how special it is.
I was hoping you could get
it back to her.
Yeah, of course.
Of course.
Well...
Hey, that reminds me.
I wanted to ask you.
So we have the Holiday
Housewarming coming up
but the one little missing
piece is a visit from Santa.
Are you offering me a gig?
Are you up for it?
I'll see if I can find my suit.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So have you come to any
conclusions about Kris yet?
Yep. I think he's Santa.
-Really?
-Yep.
He makes lights turn on.
He got the reindeer to eat.
-Mm.
And he laughed like, ho ho ho!
That is all very Santa-like,
isn't it? But...
I don't think
we should get our hopes up.
Already up.
Great.
It's wonderful.
-Yeah.
-It's wonderful.
And with four days left
to spare, just...
All right. Photographers will be
here in a few days,
and we'll- just we'll
just keep it rolling.
Yep. I just need to add
the last few accoutrements.
The what now?
It's French.
For what?
Expensive?
Ha, funny.
Hey. Okay.
Could you and Leah swing
by tonight?
Swing by your place?
Yeah. Yeah.
I am working on something.
It might be-
I might be in way over my head.
Please.
What time?
Uh it doesn't matter, whenever.
Whenever you're
done saving the world.
I'll see you tonight.
Okay, great. Thank you.
Thank you for...
Looks great, Reid.
Nice job.
Can you believe it?
But missing one thing.
Mistletoe.
You could never have
too much.
Perfect, yes.
Be-be my guest, Kris.
Come on in.
Come on in.
I'm-I'm-I'm really
glad you could make it.
This is way nicer
than last time I was here.
Nicely done.
Thank you.
Thank you.
[sniffs]
What's that smell?
Oil.
We're making rosettes.
No way.
I thought I'd maybe try
and do something for you.
And I have the magic weapon.
Oh.
Grandpa Charles' rosette iron.
Kris told me that you left
it behind so he asked me to give
it back to you and I figured
I couldn't return a rosette iron
without making rosettes
because that's for sure a rule.
Of course.
Right. Exactly.
So what do you think?
Who's in?
Yes!
That is!
Let's do it!
So we're going to do four eggs.
-Like you mean--
-Oh!
Whisk it.
Whisk it.
We're going to mix
in the flour now.
Flour!
There is--
You're good.
We need some milk in there.
We need some milk in there.
That's good.
Now combine.
That's good.
Time to fry.
Let's do it.
Hot.
Okay, but not too close.
Look at that.
Now they're really crisping up.
Here we go, here we go.
This one's ready.
Look at that.
Look at that snowflake.
Oh, my gosh, here.
[Maren] Wow!
Oh my gosh.
That's so good.
Okay. That came out all
at once.
Oh!
... Christmas is under
the tree
Oh.
[Reid] What do you think?
-Yeah?
-It's amazing.
It's light.
Oh, holy night that's good.
No, I got to flip these.
-[doorbell]
Oh will you- will you grab
that for me?
-Yeah, yeah.
-I got to flip these.
Okay.
Let's get this one out of here.
A package from Jolly Acres
in Chicago. Corporate?
My transfer.
What's all this?
Oh, nothing.
Just cleaning up a little bit.
When we go to Jolly Acres today,
could we bring some rosettes
to Kris?
I want to tell him we learned
how to make Grandpa
Charles' recipe.
Absolutely. Yeah.
Why don't you go get ready
and we'll head out.
Oh, well, hello there.
Are you here for movie night?
Miracle on 34th Street ,
a Christmas classic.
Yep.
And we brought candy canes.
Oh, perfect.
Honey, why don't you run in
and grab some good seats
and Kris and I will
be right behind you.
Okay.
I was um- I was just hoping
to talk to you about something.
It's just Leah really misses
having a grandfather in her life
and she has taken
to you in such a big way.
It's... wonderful.
I just don't want her
to get hurt.
I see.
And she...
she may have convinced herself
that you're Santa.
So I just wanted to make sure--
That I don't mislead her.
Yeah.
Her heart is safe with me.
I promise you that.
I know.
I'll have a chat
with her right after the movie.
A gentle one.
Always.
Thank you.
My goodness, delicious.
You made these?
With Mom and Reid.
Oh, you don't say.
Can I ask you something?
Always.
The Christmas tree lights,
did you make them turn on?
The staff lets me keep this.
They say it makes people smile.
I-I-I thought you were maybe...
Santa.
I know.
I believe
in what Santa stands for.
Hope, joy and wonder.
That part's real, okay?
It's just...
I didn't get to have
a grandpa for very long,
so I thought maybe
I could have you.
I could never replace
your actual grandpa.
But I'd be awfully honored
to be your friend.
Wow. This is looking good
like-like really good.
Is this real?
Oh, yep.
I just know a lot of good people
and I pointed them
in the right direction.
Uh, excuse me. Stanley...
Stanley, don't touch that.
[both chuckle]
Just got off the phone
with the photographer.
They'll be here tomorrow
to shoot the brochure.
Good.
And then yeah, it's hard
to believe
the Holiday Housewarming's
two days away.
What would I do without you?
Thank you.
Not just for...
for all this, but
you know, for everything.
Yeah.
You'll be missed.
You know I didn't choose
Honolulu, right?
That was-that was- that just
came down and then
if you want to move up,
you got to--
I get it.
You go.
But...
what do you want?
Tanner, there you are.
Miss Whitmore, this is perfect.
I wanted to introduce you
to Maren.
She's the one taking care
of all the renos.
Oh, pleasure.
Thanks so much.
Maren, sorry.
Can I steal you for a moment?
Sorry to interrupt.
-Sure, yeah.
-Excuse me.
Yeah. You're-you're earlier
than expected.
We were just putting some
finishing touches on the room.
What do you think?
This is everything we've
been working toward.
It's-it's clean.
It's elevated.
It's aspirational.
Oh, it'll photograph
beautifully.
Well done.
This is exactly what they need
in Honolulu.
Mm.
Hey there.
You taking off?
Hey.
[Maren clears throat]
My last receipts.
-Oh.
-Thank you for trusting me.
Um, I was going to go for
a drive later
to do some stargazing.
Do you and Leah want
to come with?
I think we're just going
to head home.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Um... maybe we'll see
the party then?
Maybe.
Yeah, we might pop in for a bit.
[emotional music]
It was fun today, right?
Good night.
[thunder]
Good morning.
Hi.
Morning, Stanley.
Oh, no.
No, no, no, no.
Can you pick up, Reid.
Pick up! Pick up, Reid!
Reid, yeah.
No, we have a problem.
Oh!
Oh, well, the plumber said it
started when that second floor
pipe burst, but then it just
got a whole lot worse.
Okay.
All of your hard work.
These things happen.
It's nobody's fault.
That may be, but the families
arrive tomorrow
and this room will
never be ready in time.
Okay, maybe we could host them
in the dining room.
The dining room's
a wading pool right now.
We have to turn off most of
the electrical
and don't give me
started on the insurance
and the inspections.
Plus we have to air it all out
or else it's going to smell
like wet...
-Yeah.
-Everything.
-Yeah, yeah.
This is a disaster.
This party was supposed to be
a celebration
of the new Great Room.
Well, Miss Whitmore,
Frankie,
we got to cancel the party.
-Reid, no, we can't just--
-Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Can we- let's just think
for a second.
There's no way we can fix
this in one day.
Mom...
And we don't have anywhere else
we can accommodate everyone.
This isn't how it was supposed
to go.
I know.
Okay, we got to get
this stuff cleaned up.
I have some calls to make.
We got to get this water
to stop.
Yeah. I-I got this.
Let's go, honey. Okay?
Okay.
-Careful with the--
-Yeah.
Such a shame.
It was so beautiful.
That couch looks
really uncomfortable.
Well, I don't think it's
about the space, Stanley.
Yeah.
I think it's about what
it was supposed to be.
You know, Maren and Reid,
they worked really hard
to pull everyone together
and give us this space.
I think it's our turn
to show up for them.
You know,
I think I have an idea.
And so as Tiny Tim observed,
God blesses everyone.
You okay?
It's not fair.
I wanted to go
to the party tomorrow.
I know.
We're all disappointed.
I was going to wear
the dress Josie gave me.
Okay.
Off to bed.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve
and we are going to make
the most of it no matter what.
-Okay?
-Okay.
I'll be right behind you.
I love you.
I love you too.
Hey Mom.
Yeah. What is it, sweetie?
I still believe.
[phone rings]
Hey Frankie.
Hey. I have some news,
but don't be mad.
Okay.
-I didn't cancel the party.
-You what?
You good sweetheart?
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm.
Also thank you for holding down
the fort these past few weeks.
I really appreciate it.
Of course.
I'm so happy you actually
let me do something for you.
Yeah.
I'm trying to do more of that.
Sorry about the flood.
-Worst lump of coal ever.
-Yeah.
What's this?
It's a gift for Leah.
Something that I've been wanting
to do for a while,
but Reid encouraged me to make
time for it.
-Reid.
-Reid.
Yeah. I just didn't expect
any of this to matter so much.
Yeah, that'll sneak up on you.
Yeah.
But we both knew what this was,
so.
Well, this doesn't have to be
a one-woman project.
I'll leave you to it.
Thanks.
[notification alert]
[inspirational music]
Hey Leah, I think we need
to go get your party dress.
Really?
Really.
Yes.
Shall we?
We shall.
[guests chattering]
Snow is falling...
Whoa.
-Look at all the lights.
-Yeah.
Mom, I have to go find Kris.
Okay, go ahead.
-How did you--
- I know.
-This is--
-Yeah.
You did a fantastic job.
-Please.
-You solved the problem.
You made this place better.
Thank you.
Well done.
Well, I learned from the best.
I got this, boss.
You can go.
[man] Hey Reid.
Yes. Hi.
Great to see you.
Josie, what are you doing here?
Well, I had to see
some of my handiwork.
What?
Well, I got a call from
this gentleman named Frankie
who needed some hardware
expertise,
which I now have because of you.
Got some specialty light
fixtures, a few touch-ups,
extra garlands.
You...
I have a few tricks up
my sleeve.
Look, everyone here cares
about you so much.
This is our way of saying thank
you for everything you do.
Thank you.
Well, don't thank me.
Thank all these folks.
I mean, you can thank
me just a little bit.
A little bit.
-A little bit.
-Thank you.
-Midge?
-Oh.
So great to see you here
as well.
You too, Earl.
He says Merry Christmas.
And you know, he's so happy
that I made
so many friends here.
It's wonderful.
-You're wonderful.
-Thank you.
You are too.
This is lovely.
Be careful, Stanley.
Almost looks like you're
having a good time.
Tis the season after all.
What a jolly thing to say.
Don't tell a soul.
Hey.
Can I have him for a second?
Oh, sure.
I love this space, Tanner.
I kind of wish I lived here.
Me too.
So we should talk Honolulu
sooner rather than later.
Right. Right.
Okay. About Honolulu...
I'm afraid I can't do it.
What's this?
I spent my entire life going
from place to place
and it-it's just
not working for me.
I found my team.
It's right here.
That's kind
of leaving me in a pinch.
Yes, I understand.
I can appreciate that.
Frankie, Frankie, come here.
I have an idea.
I'm not sure
if it's going to work.
You know Frankie.
He's the best operations manager
that this place
has ever had
-Oh...
and I-I think he would
be more qualified
for Honolulu than I would.
Seriously?
I mean, that if that's something
you're interested in.
Honolulu?
And to work with Jolly Acres?
I mean, that-that sounds like
the best of both worlds.
Well, that can
be arranged, I guess.
Let's connect after the holidays
and we'll iron it all out.
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Honolulu, I mean...
-Vision board.
-Vision board.
That's right.
I can't wait to tell Janice.
-Thank you.
-Congratulations.
Wow.
So does this mean we're
going to be losing you then?
I hope not.
Look, you know that I have spent
my career
opening these centers.
My favorite part
has always been the people.
Finding a leader,
building the team
to create these connections
that make you feel
like you want to live here.
Makes it feel like home.
I want to find more Frankies.
Every single Jolly Acres
should have someone like him.
From Bright Creek?
Yes, from Bright Creek.
Look at this place.
You said it yourself.
I don't want to leave here.
Well then...
welcome aboard as our new
talent acquisition partner.
We'll get it going on Monday.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
You know,
this is the first time I've
ever seen the brand come alive.
Your team did that.
Thank you.
Hi.
-Hey.
-Hey.
What was that about?
Okay. I need to talk to you.
Yeah.
[Leah] Look who I found.
Ho, ho, ho!
And you have a very Merry
Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!
I think you're going to get
whatever you want for Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Maren.
It's not too late to share
what you want
on your Christmas list.
-May I?
-Please.
You have already given us
plenty this year.
You've given that little girl
the best Christmas
in a very long time.
And seeing you two together
reminded me of my dad
in all of the best
possible ways, so...
Thank you for that.
I'm glad I could be
a part of it.
Us too.
And you helped me see that it's
up to us what we hold on to.
And who we let in.
-Oh, Maren.
-Hm.
Don't forget this.
You did a wonderful job.
Thank you.
You have to try the cookies.
-Should I?
-Yeah.
Leah.
Okay.
I made this for you
so you could know
your Grandpa Charles.
It's an early present.
An early present for real.
Mm-hm. For real.
And a lot of people helped me
see that it's extra special.
Should we open it?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
-My Grandpa Charles.
-Mm-hm.
Charles Pollock was born
on June 30th
in Bright Creek, Vermont.
His eyes were blue. His
favorite color, forest green.
Yeah.
Rosettes?
Mm-hm. I found his
actual recipe.
Yeah.
This is the first
time he ever held you.
How cute you are.
I have never seen him happier.
Thanks Mom.
Of course.
I want to show it to Kris.
Okay, take it to him.
What's this?
My Grandpa Charles.
You wanted to know him better.
Looks like your wish came true.
Yeah.
I guess it did.
I wanted to talk
to you about something.
-Sure, yeah.
-Okay.
Come here.
Thanks, Kris.
Merry Christmas.
Okay.
-You go first.
-Okay. Um...
These past few weeks, I've...
I've realized that I-I
do this-
this thing where I keep busy.
Mm-hm.
Taking care of everyone
and everything
because it-it doesn't leave me
time to be sad
or vulnerable
or open to anything new.
I don't want
to be like that, Reid.
You have brought
so much joy into our lives.
Even if it's just for one
season, I'm here for it.
I'm not going to Honolulu.
-You're not?
-No.
No.
I finally found something
worth staying for.
Someone.
And...
I shared joint custody
of a penguin.
-Right.
-Yeah.
Won't you believe in this
Won't you believe in this
-Oh...
-What?
-He's gonna...
-I think Kris put that there.
Wow.
You think we should go
thank him?
Yeah.
[Leah] Mom, Reid.
He's gone.
This was on his chair.
He's gone?
He'll be back though.
I know it.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, honey.
-Merry Christmas, Reid.
-Oh, Merry Christmas, Leah.
He ate the rosettes.
[Reid gasps]
He sure did.
-Did you eat them?
-I didn't.
Hey, did you bring this?
Me? No.
It's from Santa.
Oh, honey, I don't think--
-No way.
-A telescope for stargazing.
[Reid] Awesome.
Just like Gemma and her Grandpa.
-Did you?
-That wasn't me.
See you next year, kiddo.
Until then,
keep an eye on the North Star.
Love always,
Grandfather Christmas.
I knew it.
I knew it all along.
Oh my goodness.
Doesn't this kind
of look like us?
It's just missing
a couple power tools.
Yeah, and a penguin.
I'm going to go look at that.
Yeah, go ahead.
-Do it.
-Yeah?
-But...
-Okay.
Merry Christmas, Reid.
Merry Christmas.