Christmas in Scotland (2023) Movie Script
1
(film reel clicking)
(tense pensive music)
(bright music)
Na na na na na na
I don't have that
many wishes
I don't even need a tree
Christmas time would be much better
Having you right next to me
The smell of gingerbread
in the air can
Never replace what I feel for you so
The only thing on this year's list
Is you're my Christmas wish
Hey hey
10 Seconds, Emma.
(bright upbeat music continues)
There.
(instruments chiming)
(whimsical music)
(children exclaiming)
(whimsical music continues)
Goldman's is delighted
with your work, Emma.
It's only the start of December,
and already the store is enjoying
a 30% increase in footfall.
They attribute that to
your window displays.
So naturally they want to
hire you for next Christmas.
That's terrific.
And don't get me wrong,
I appreciate the offer.
But I'm still focused on this year.
The New Year's Eve Commission.
Lighting the Downtown Plaza
would be a huge step up for me.
You have my designs.
You'll see they're fully
budgeted, scheduled.
Emma, I've already given
the job to someone else.
Your proposal was excellent, but honestly,
I think you were playing it a little safe.
For your work to truly stand out, Emma,
you've got to give me something new,
even if that takes a risk.
(gentle wistful music)
I really thought I had a
shot at getting the Plaza job.
I want my work to be seen and enjoyed
by as many people as possible,
for it to be part of their
celebrations, their memories.
Look on the bright side.
You're not gonna be working
every hour from now until New Year's,
which means we get to spend
more of our first Christmas together.
(gentle whimsical music)
If we survive this lunch.
Parents don't usually like
me on first impression.
Quick, is there anything I
shouldn't mention or should know?
About Dad?
Hmm, well, he doesn't really care
for the slick suit look.
Oh, and make sure to call him "sir."
Good afternoon, sir. I'm Brad.
Sir? What are you, 10?
(chuckles) Mike is fine.
Good to meet you. (chuckling)
So there I was trying to barbecue in July,
and Emma comes barreling out of the house
with a Christmas sweater.
She wants me to wear it.
Must've been 90 degrees.
But you still put it on.
Well, I didn't wanna
disappoint my little girl.
My point is, Brad, she loves Christmas.
Always has.
Then lucky for her, we're
gonna spend Christmas this year
in an executive suite at the Ritz Carlson.
What? When did we decide on that?
I wanted it to be a surprise.
I'm not sure I wanna spend Christmas
in a fancy hotel.
But it's five star.
We won't have to cook.
We won't have to go outside
in the cold, in the snow.
Won't have to pick out
a tree and decorate it.
All the things I love.
Okay. We won't do the hotel.
It was a comp. I won't lose anything.
Well, before you make
a decision, either way,
why don't I tell you my plans?
I've been pursuing my other passion,
studying our ancestry.
We, the McKenzies,
immigrated from Scotland
nearly 300 years ago
from a little village called
Glenrothie in the Highlands.
Or is it the Lowlands?
Well, I'll find out for
sure when I get there.
Get there? You're going to Scotland?
Yeah. Got it all planned out.
(scoffs) Dad, that sounds wonderful.
Well, I'm glad you think so.
An early Christmas gift,
which you don't have to accept, of course.
Plane tickets for you both.
Traveling's always better
with others, right?
It's a trip I would've
taken with your mother
if things have worked out different.
Well, I'm sure she'll be
accompanying us in spirit.
Wait, us? Does that
mean to say you're coming?
I don't have a big
project for New Year's now,
and I've always wanted to visit Scotland,
so why not?
(bright uplifting music)
(gentle festive music)
I can't just stop everything,
and go on vacation to Europe.
You wanted to spend
Christmas in a hotel.
That's three blocks away from the office
in case I needed to go in.
I, I still have to send
reports, be across emails.
I'm sure they have internet in Scotland.
Come on. It'll be an adventure.
Plus, a trip might be just
what I need right now.
A chance to take stock, relax,
recharge my creative energy.
I'm sorry, Emma. I can't do it.
Then I'll stay too.
No, I can't ask you to do that.
But it's our first
Christmas. I can't miss that.
No matter how much I wanna support my Dad.
Unless...
The return flights land
back here on the 22nd.
That still leaves me plenty of time
to prepare for Christmas day.
But the presents, the
food, the decorations.
Do you think you'd have enough time?
I do my best work under pressure.
Yeah. (sighing)
The bill is settled. My treat.
So, what's the decision?
Are you coming to Scotland?
Is it an aye, or a nay?
(laugh) It's aye.
As long as you don't do that
accent when we get over there.
I make no promises. (chuckling)
(bright energetic music)
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
(Emma gasps)
Glenrothie. It's so beautiful.
Yep. It's good to be home. (chuckles)
Well, here's where we're staying.
I'll get our bags.
There's something not quite right.
No snow. I know you.
It's not Christmas without snow.
It's not just that. It's something else.
Decorations. There aren't any.
Wait, no Christmas lights, no trees.
Not so much as a wreath on a door.
No, I, I see a tree.
That isn't a tree.
That's...
A tragedy.
Does Christmas in Scotland
happen at a different time
to the rest of the world?
No. We celebrate it December 25th.
Though, of course, Christmas
was once banned here.
But we're talking hundreds of years ago.
Then why are there no decorations?
Do you not see the tree?
(laughs) Barely.
I mean, it, it should be much bigger.
Who chose it?
It was a gift from
the Lord of Glenrothie
to the people in the village.
He donates one every year.
Does this Laird, whatever that is,
not like the villagers?
No, he cares deeply about them.
He owns the land, the village,
everything around here.
And by the way, it's pronounced, Laird.
That's what I said. Laird.
No, you're saying lured. It's Laird.
- Laird.
- Now that's just noise.
Anyway, the Lord of
Glenrothie simply prefers
to celebrate Christmas in a
traditional understated manner.
- He sounds like Scrooge.
- Emma.
Mike McKenzie. Pleased to meet you.
Alex. Alex Glenrothie.
That's right. Scrooge's son.
I see you have bags.
Will you be stopping in Glenrothie long?
Pre-Christmas vacation.
I'm here to find the
roots of our family tree.
Oh, well, I wish you luck with that.
I better get these
Christmas cards delivered.
Wouldn't want anyone to think
I have no Christmas spirit whatsoever.
(whimsical music)
(bright festive music)
(patrons chattering)
Hi, mate. Hi.
Ah, you must be the McKenzies.
And you must be Ruth.
It's nice to put a face to your emails.
Likewise. Especially one so handsome.
(Mike chuckles)
Oh, this is my daughter, Emma.
Nice to meet you, dear.
Oh, let's get you signed in.
You can write your details
in the visitor's book.
It's nice to see someone
celebrating Christmas
properly around here.
We, we met a guy
outside. Alex Glenrothie.
Emma took issue with his
father's Christmas decorations.
Or lack of them.
I design and install Christmas lights.
I know how much joy they bring.
Oh, that they do.
The whole thing's a bit of a
sore point for the village.
So we rent from the Laird.
We're free to decorate
the insides of our homes,
our businesses as we like.
But outside, it's a different matter.
The Laird insists there's no
spectacle or razzle dazzle.
That's so sad.
Aye. Anyway, let me
show you to your rooms.
(bright gentle music)
(patrons chattering)
(bright festive music)
Mm. This is great.
Sure you don't want to
try some black pudding?
Thanks, but I'll stick
to my toast and jelly.
Oh, it isn't jelly
here, honey. It's jam.
Do you wanna come to the
library with me this morning?
Help with my research?
Mm, I think I'd like
to explore the village
a little first, but we can leave together.
No, no, you go ahead.
This is gonna take me a while.
(bright gentle music)
Good luck with your research.
(camera clicks)
(camera clicking)
(bright gentle music continues)
Saw you looking at the mince pies.
Thought you'd maybe like to try one,
visiting us from New York and all.
Thank you, but, uh, mince pies?
Fruit and spices. They're
traditional at Christmas.
Mm. Wow.
That's amazing.
Thank you, uh...
Bruce.
I run this place, like my father did,
and, and my grandfather.
[Emma] Coorie?
Coorie. It means snuggle or cuddle.
Nice. And nice to meet you, Bruce.
I'm Emma from New York.
But you already knew that.
Word travels fast in Glenrothie.
(bright gentle music)
Hi.
(resident laughs)
I run the wee shop here.
I thought you'd like these.
Essentials you might
have forgotten to pack.
Pens, notebooks. A tape measure?
You'll likely need
them while you're here.
(laughs) Fingers crossed.
Welcome to Glenrothie.
This is for you. I hope you like it.
I made it myself.
(bright whimsical music)
It's beautiful.
But I, I can't accept this.
Uh...
Megan.
And why not?
Because there are warm
welcomes, but this is ridiculous.
What's going on?
Okay, last night you told Ruth
you install fairy lights
and such professionally.
But she told Hamish in the pub,
who went home and told Braun and his wife,
who then told Bruce Coorie,
who told everyone who went in there
for tea and brekkie this morning.
Me included.
We are all thrilled you're here.
You are just the person we need.
To do what?
Well, what do you think?
Win best Christmas Village.
Come on.
I'll buy you another mince pie
and explain the whole thing.
(Emma chuckling)
And so, every December the region holds
a Best Christmas Village competition.
The place with the best
lights and displays
not only gets a trophy,
but a huge cash prize to
share and spend on gifts.
Or in my case, to help my business.
At least that's the idea.
Glenrothie's never won it?
Because of the Laird's insistence
that we all follow tradition.
But even if we didn't win,
everyone would love to have a decent tree,
some lights around the village.
Instead, we get nothing,
while Burnglennan gets
all the fun and glory.
Burnglennan?
The next village over. Our rivals.
They win Best Christmas
Village every year,
then spend the next 12
months boasting about it.
But now Glenrothie's got you.
I looked up your work,
started following you online.
That shop window display
you installed was amaz-a-ding-a-ling.
Thanks. But I'm here on vacation.
Any help, even just some advice,
I'm sure it would make the
Laird see that he's wrong.
That Glenrothie can
celebrate Christmas better.
Megan, to be honest,
I'm currently in the process
of reevaluating my work.
So, I'm sorry.
I don't think I'll be able to help.
(gentle whimsical music)
The village wants you to
design their Christmas lights.
Dad-
- Ruth said there's some
competition or other,
and Glenrothie wants
to enter it this year.
Dad, I, I-
- The entire village
is excited you're here.
I'll be in the pub at one o'clock.
What's happening at one o'clock?
Your first planning meeting.
Did I say the wrong thing?
I, I just assumed you'd want to help.
I can go back, cancel everything.
(Emma laughs)
No, one o'clock's great.
(Megan giggles)
Hi.
(patrons chattering)
(bright music)
Hey.
If I could have everyone's
attention for a moment.
Everybody.
(patrons chattering)
Hey!
Thank you.
If you're serious about
winning this contest,
then we have a lot to do.
Before I offer my initial thoughts though,
I'd like to get your take.
Glenrothie is your village. Your home.
What decorations would you like to see?
Fairy lights.
You mean Christmas lights, right?
(laughing) I, I think that's a given.
I've got a brother in Aberdeen.
He can get you fairy lights.
As many as you like for a good price.
- Thank you, uh-
- Hamish.
My brother can get you anything.
Lights, tellies, fish, exercise bikes.
Do you want me to give him a call now?
Uh, thank you. But we're
still at the planning stage.
Could I put my Rudolph outside the pub?
If she is having a Rudolph,
I want a big giant Santa
outside my library.
Um...
He can be holding and reading a book.
You know, to promote
reading to wee children.
We need a snow machine.
My brother can get a snow machine.
Could he get us 10?
I think the giant Santa
should go outside my cafe.
Holding a book.
Holding a cup of tea.
We can have more than
one giant Santa, can't we?
I suppose so. But they'll
all need sleighs and reindeer.
My brother in Aberdeen can
get sleighs and reindeer.
- That's brilliant then.
- Quiet.
These are all helpful ideas,
but let's hear them one at a time
and in a logical fashion.
Let's consider what we absolutely need
and can agree on first.
Starting with, I think,
a new Christmas tree.
The current one is too
small. It needs replacing.
Is that so?
(whimsical music)
Then perhaps you can tell that
to the Laird of Glenrothie yourself.
My father's asked to meet you.
Oh, okay.
I, I'm sure we'd all love a
chance to share ideas with him.
No, he's asked to speak
to you and only you.
My car's waiting outside.
Best go, dear.
The Laird doesn't like to be kept waiting.
(bright whimsical music)
(bright gentle music)
My family owns and is
responsible for all this land
and the farmers and families
who work and live on it.
With the livestock, timber
and fishing businesses,
it's a year-round job for me.
Yeah, I know how work
can become all-consuming
and get in the way of other stuff.
Something funny?
No, it's just you
decorate Christmas trees.
And other events.
Aye, but it's essentially
putting up lights.
How hard can it be?
Very. Achieving what a client wants.
Creating something
special within a budget.
It needs artistic talent
and business acumen.
A good Christmas display can take weeks,
even months to plan.
Months, you say?
Now it sounds to me
like you won't have time
before Christmas to do
Glenrothie's lights.
I do my best work under pressure.
And if you think what you say,
what your father says,
is gonna change my mind,
then you are very much...
(bright festive music)
There's been a castle at
this site for over 800 years.
Some got destroyed in fires and battles,
but this one stood here for 200 years.
211 to be exact.
Welcome to Glenrothie Castle.
I'm Duncan, 15th and
current Laird of Glenrothie,
or Scrooge, as I believe you labeled me.
About that, Duncan.
I didn't mean to-
It's fine.
I've been called much
worse down the years.
No, but not Duncan.
I prefer Laird Duncan.
Noted.
Come in. I'll show you around.
(bright uplifting music)
I hope you don't mind taking tea in here.
You're kidding. This is the
nicest room I've ever been in.
We have larger grander rooms, of course,
but seldom use them.
The castle is impractically large.
But my father looked after the place,
as did my grandfather,
and every Laird that preceded them.
And you feel it's your
duty to do the same?
Precisely. Precisely.
So you understand why I
don't allow decorations
in the village?
No. What harm would they do?
What my father's trying to say
is that there's never been
lights in the village.
But the villagers, your tenants,
want them this year.
Ah, is that to celebrate
Christmas and all it represents
or win some contest?
(bright festive music)
You must be her.
The lady from New York
who's come to do our
Christmas decorations.
Uncle Alex told me about you.
I'm so glad you're here.
Oh. (chuckles)
This is Rhona, my granddaughter,
who never lets a closed
door get in her way.
How big is the village
Christmas tree going to be?
I want lights of every color on it.
Hold on, Rhona.
I invited Miss McKenzie here to explain
why she won't be decorating the village.
But I've seen her
New York lights online.
If Emma can do the same here,
we can beat Burnglennan.
I play hockey against the
kids from that village.
They think they're so good,
but they're really not.
(Emma laughs)
Rhona, that's enough.
I've made my decision and it's final.
Why can't they do both?
I'm sorry?
You asked if the village lights
were to celebrate Christmas
or to win the contest.
They can do both.
Recognize the spirit of Christmas,
the traditions and history of Glenrothie,
and at the same time, give
the village a great shot
at winning the contest.
You honestly think you can do that?
Uncle Alex, of course she
can. She's from New York.
No, uh, I admire your confidence,
but there isn't enough time.
Entry to the contest is probably closed.
It hasn't. Final judging
takes place on Christmas Eve.
That's enough. My mind's made up.
(sighs) This Christmas is hard on Rhona.
Her mum, my daughter, is
doing charity work abroad,
and her dad's on an Arctic
research expedition.
Well, isn't that all the more reason
to make this year special for her?
Excuse me.
(gentle bright music)
(Emma sighs)
I remember your mum playing
with that doll's house
when she was about your age.
It had seen better days even then.
What is it you're doing there?
Adding lights, so at least
one house in Glenrothie
looks Christmassy.
There. Much better.
You're welcome to explore the grounds.
I'd show you around myself, but I'm busy.
Thanks. I, I, I get it.
No, I really am.
A tree's fallen on a north
road and is blocking access
and I've at least a
dozen fences need fixing.
You don't have help for all that?
Help costs money.
Besides my father doesn't trust anyone
but me to do it properly.
Miss McKenzie.
Miss McKenzie, did you
mean what you said before?
Fest of decorations that
would be traditional,
be dignified?
Yes.
It'd be hard work.
I wouldn't have much time but-
- Then I give you permission
to decorate Glenrothie this Christmas.
- What's changed your mind?
- Being a grandfather.
Miss McKenzie's right. Rhona
deserves a happy Christmas.
But I still have reservations, mind.
Will only allow this to go forward
if it meets my approval.
That's why I want you to
supervise Miss McKenzie's work.
- What?
- What?
You know my tastes, my wishes.
So you will assist with and assess
everything Miss McKenzie does.
Now hold on a minute.
I've already got enough work to do.
That is not going to work.
It's my final offer.
Take it or leave it.
(bright uplifting music)
[Mike] Thank you, Ruth.
You've helped me so much with my research.
Two pairs of eyes are better than one.
I think I found something.
There's a mention in this
record of a Donald McKenzie
not paying his rent on
account of leaving Glenrothie.
Hold on. A Donald McKenzie.
Donald. Donald McKenzie.
Shh.
(Mike snickers)
He was my great, great, great,
great, great grandfather.
And there you have it.
He was the last of your family
to live here in Glenrothie.
Now we can find your family tartan.
Family tartan?
Each family or region
has its own historical specific tartan
that they have the right to wear.
(stamp slams)
Shh.
(Ruth and Mike snicker)
You're as lukewarm
to my father's plans as I am.
So just choose some decent lights,
allocate them, job finished.
That is not how I work.
I have a process.
I talk to my clients, ask what
they need, what they'd like.
You know, what I was doing in the pub
before you interrupted?
Hurry up, slow coaches.
Where are we going?
Every year, Rhona tries to
find mistletoe growing wild.
It's rare in these
parts, but folklore says-
- It brings luck and happiness?
Yeah, we have mistletoe in America.
We also have snow.
I thought Scotland would
be a winter wonderland.
The snow will arrive
in its own good time,
or do you intend on changing
the weather here too?
Hmm. How much further is this mistletoe?
Not sure. Rhona's never found any.
Still, I'll always enjoy
helping her search for it.
Careful.
That sounds dangerously close
to being a Glenrothie Christmas tradition.
And one you enjoy.
Oh, I enjoy Christmas.
Just not all the fuss and
fanfare that comes with it.
That distracts from more important things.
More important things?
Work, day-to-day responsibilities,
the things people actually need.
Well, people need Christmas,
so they can relax, have fun.
It's about being with
the people you love most.
So everything else needs
to make room for it,
even for just one day.
Ah, but it's not just for one day is it?
Anywhere else outside Glenrothie,
and it's an entire
month of rushing around,
fixing lights, racking
your brains for gift ideas.
(Emma shivers)
It's chilly standing next to someone
with such a cold heart.
(Alex snickers)
- Hurry up.
- Come on.
I'll find some mistletoe
and hopefully it'll bring
enough luck to win the contest
and change your mind about Christmas.
(patrons chattering)
(bright festive music)
Thank you, Ruth.
What?
(Emma snickers)
I'm just being polite,
and she's helped me so
much with my research.
No, it's nice.
And I wish I was working
with someone as helpful.
- Alex?
- He's not a bad guy.
Just stuck in his father's shadow.
I wanna get these lights right
so he can get back to his usual workload.
And you want to get these lights right
for you too, huh?
An entire village to decorate?
A blank canvas, everyone behind you?
Isn't this the perfect
chance to try something new?
Take a risk. Show how good you really are.
A traditional Christmas,
but updated with modern technology.
LED candles and twinkling lights
on rooftops and lampposts.
A larger tree, but
surrounded by motion sensors
that when activated,
not only make the tree sparkle,
but play traditional carols.
"Silent Night," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful."
It'll be beautiful.
Oh, and over there a stall
serving hot chestnuts.
I've already contacted a guy in Glasgow
who's available for hire.
Oh, and Hamish's brother can get us
all the snow machines we need.
So what do you think?
- No.
- We need snow.
Christmas is not the same without snow.
Well, not just the snow machines.
No, to all of it.
Well, I can adjust some parts.
And what is it you
don't like specifically?
The lights? The carols?
It's, it's all just
too much for Glenrothie.
Look, I'm sorry I can't
be more enthusiastic,
but I know my father won't approve this,
so I'm just trying to save you
from doing any more worthless work.
Wow, thanks.
Sorry. That came out wrong.
These ideas are great. Just not for here.
Fine. I'll start from scratch.
Well, hold on.
Before you do, why don't I show you
what we absolutely don't want.
Would that be helpful?
The Christmas spectacle in Burnglennan,
or Christmas debacle, depending
on your point of view.
[Emma] Aren't they the winners
of Best Christmas Village?
In the last five years straight.
I can see why. It's huge.
Is that a carousel?
They have to close off roads,
build a temporary car park
to serve all the tourists
that flock there.
Well, I imagine their shops
and cafes enjoy the boost.
But at the cost of turning
Christmas into Bedlam.
I fail to see the attraction.
Granted, some parts
are a little outlandish.
A little? Look.
They've an inflatable alien Santa.
(laughs) Okay. Very outlandish.
But it's still making people
happy, bringing them together.
That's what Christmas is about.
Less is more.
And sometimes less is less.
We just need to find the right balance.
Something less than this,
but more than that feeble
tree outside the pub.
And when we reach an impasse,
can't agree on a happy balance?
Then we'll settle
things by fair contest.
Bruce, I'm gonna need two hot chocolates.
Big ones. Lots of whipped cream.
Thank you, Bruce.
The rules are simple.
We take it in turns to drink
these delicious hot chocolates.
The person who laughs first
because of the whipped cream
on their opponent's nose loses.
Usually they just have to
pay for the hot chocolates.
But we should make it more interesting.
Go on.
You laugh first,
we can have a hot chocolate
stall in Glenrothie.
And if you laugh first?
I'll withdraw my offer to
help with the village lights.
(objects clattering)
It's okay, Bruce. I got this.
I've never been beaten.
There's a first time for everything.
Ladies first.
No, you go. That way
you might stand a chance.
(bright whimsical music)
- You're smiling.
- But not laughing.
(bright whimsical music)
(Alex chuckles)
(both chuckling)
(bells tolling)
I think that's my sugar
allowance for the entire month.
But we can serve hot chocolates?
I'm a man of my word.
Glenrothie is very special to me.
It's filled with memories.
Over there is where I first
learned how to ride a bike.
And that is the box where I always
used to post my letter
to Father Christmas.
You mean Santa?
It's Father Christmas here.
I used to write and tell
him I'd been good all year.
So would they send me some new toys?
So you used to enjoy Christmas.
What happened?
Just got older, I suppose.
Gained more responsibilities.
So much that you don't even have time
to pen a quick letter?
Wait, do you still write a
letter to Father Christmas?
Santa does still receive
my correspondence. Yes.
(Alex chuckles)
(laughing) What? You're the odd one.
Megan is so talented.
Maybe I can get a gift for Brad here.
My boyfriend back home.
Right.
How about you? Buying for
anyone special this year?
No. Far too busy for that sort of thing.
Besides, this place doesn't exactly
fill with potential partners.
A problem you don't have
in New York, I'd imagine.
It's the opposite end of the spectrum.
Too many potential dates.
Hmm.
Well, now you've found someone.
With this Brad bloke.
Oh, yeah. I see.
Who did you think I meant?
No one? I, yeah, Brad's a nice guy.
Did he not want to
come on holiday with you?
He did, but he had too much
work to do back in New York.
So the rumors are true.
Glenrothie has brought in an expert
to change its festive fortunes,
all the way from the Big Apple.
(sighs) Emma, this is James Bowden,
a vocal resident and council
member of Burnglennan.
Bowden, this is Emma McKenzie.
McKenzie. Ah, a Scottish surname.
I'm here on vacation with my Dad.
He's researching our ancestry.
So you weren't hired
directly to help Glenrothie
win Best Christmas Village?
Glad to hear it.
I'd hate for you to have had
a completely wasted journey.
Don't get too confident, Bowden.
The ideas, the designs Miss McKenzie has,
I mean, the trophy's
coming here this year.
I'll believe that when I see it.
Sorry, but that man just
knows how to push my buttons.
I've had run-ins with him in the past
over land, planning permission.
Just wanted to wipe
that grin off his face.
- Understandable.
- I'll call him.
Tell him I made a mistake.
And why would you do that?
I've boasted, practically guaranteed,
your lights would beat Burnglennan's.
And they will.
If you give me full creative control,
don't veto my ideas,
I'm certain I can deliver
something fantastic
that's also truly traditional
and unique to Glenrothie
and its residents.
Let's take a risk together.
Well, my father might not approve.
But then he did put me in charge.
Let's go for it.
(bright uplifting music)
(Ruth and Mike laughing)
It looks great.
Give us another twirl.
(Ruth chuckling)
Emma, didn't see you there.
Evidently. Nice kilt.
Thanks. And look, McKenzie tartan.
I don't follow.
Every Scottish surname has
a tartan associated with it.
And this is ours.
Wait, so would every person and family
in Glenrothie know their tartan?
Of course.
It's something we're
very proud of here. Why?
Because it's given me a great idea.
Glad to be of help, lassie.
Shush.
May I remind you that this is a library,
not some catwalk.
(bright whimsical music)
(patrons chattering)
Good afternoon, gentlemen. Find a seat.
[Emma] I found the same
pattern in a history book.
That's right. It's a
traditional Celtic note.
For many, it's a symbol of
everlasting unity, friendship.
It's wonderful.
Do you think you could
replicate it on a bigger scale
as a feature decoration?
Of course. I'd love to help.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen,
can I have your attention, please?
Thank you for attending this meeting today
and for inviting me this time.
(patrons laugh)
Emma's invited us here
to listen to her ideas
and what she requires.
Emma.
I won't lie.
We have a lot of work to
do to stand any chance
of creating a Christmas display
that will rival Burnglennan's.
So I'd ask you firstly
to start collecting jars.
Any shape or size.
My brother in Aberdeen can get you jars.
Great. Then call him.
And I'm gonna need branches
and lots of pine cones
and as much winter-growing
heather as you can find.
I can help with that.
Thank you, Rhona.
The sooner we collect
everything I need, the better.
But first I'd like you all
to tell me your surname,
a little bit about yourselves
and what Christmas means to you.
Megan, why don't you start us off?
Okay. Let's see.
I, I'm Megan Murray.
As most of you know, I
run my wee jewelry shop,
which is my passion.
And what Christmas means to me,
I'm not sure.
I, I suppose I love that
special feeling of togetherness,
of kindness,
of knowing that other
people have as much love
in their hearts as you do for them.
We're all so busy nowadays running around.
We sometimes forget to tell people
how much we care about them.
Christmas gives us the chance to see that.
Was that okay?
Emma?
Yeah. Thank you, Megan.
(bright uplifting music)
We need to keep searching
for some lucky mistletoe too.
We find some, then we're bound
to win Best Christmas Village.
Then I promise to keep
an eye out for some.
But still no sign of snow.
Don't worry. It's going
to arrive any day now.
I asked for some in my
letter to Father Christmas.
You know, sort of an early present.
A shame your Uncle Alex
couldn't help this morning.
He's always doing jobs,
helping others on the estate,
mending drain pipes, finding lost sheep.
So I hear. He's very kind.
Yeah, but sometimes I wish he wasn't.
Then he'd have more time to play with me
or he could find someone to marry,
and I could be a bridesmaid.
Oh, I see.
Well, in that case,
I'll keep both eyes
open for that mistletoe.
So it brings some luck for your uncle too.
(gentle uplifting music)
I know I'm doing something
wrong, but I don't know what.
Whatever you put on one side,
place on the other for symmetry.
Huh. Looks better already.
(Emma laughing)
Thank you.
No, thank you.
It's great you had free
time to help with these.
Actually, I should
be at a parish meeting
to discuss a leaking church roof.
But this sounded a little more appealing.
I think it's nice that you
do so much for your estate,
the people on it.
Now, if we can just prove your
level of Christmas spirit.
I'm badly making wreaths, aren't I?
(both chuckle)
And I used to adore
Christmas when I was little.
But now I'm a grownup.
Well, I'm a grownup and
I still love Christmas.
Did something specific happen?
Was there a moment when you
stopped enjoying the holidays?
Well, I suppose that-
- Ow.
- Oh. Lemme take a look.
Ah, just a thorn. Small
but it'll need removing.
Dressing trees for a living,
you'd think I'd have been more careful.
Uh, it's just Scottish thistles.
They're notoriously prickly.
Got it.
(Emma groans)
Does that feel better?
Much. Thanks.
(bright gentle music)
(phone vibrates)
Brad. Great to hear from you.
Oh, an amazing time.
It's beautiful here.
The village, the countryside,
the castle I sent you photos of.
Uh-huh, I'm here right now.
I wish you were here to see it too.
Mm-hmm.
I hope she hasn't scratched
my antique coffee table.
She's been very careful.
And her decorations will
do the estate proud.
Uh-huh.
We'll see.
Sure. Let's, yeah, we'll talk later.
Okay. Bye.
(bright gentle music)
(upbeat festive music)
Christmas
Christmas is here
Oh, Hamish, um, be
sure it's spaced equally
right to the top.
That's great.
Santa's bringing the toys
For every girl and boy
Christmas
Christmas is here to stay
Little more.
Little more.
Perfect. Yeah.
Is this one the right size for you?
It's fantastic.
Large but not overbearing.
Where did you get it so fast?
Oh, it's one of ours.
We have a Christmas
tree farm on the estate.
Grow 5,000 a year, give or take.
Wait, so you and your Dad
don't have a Christmas tree at the castle,
but you grow trees for other homes?
It generates the estate income.
- That is not the point.
- I know.
And when you put it like that,
we do seem like the Scrooge family.
But maybe that's changing this year.
(bright uplifting music)
(residents chattering)
On behalf of all Glenrothie,
may I present to you our entry
for Best Christmas Village.
(residents clap)
(bright festive music)
It's perfect.
Mm, it still needs snow,
but we might get lucky.
Rhona asked Santa for some.
Each tartan represents a family
or a person in the village.
And if you come a little
closer, take out your phones,
each ribbon has a code tied to it.
Scan it, and you get the family's history
and what they're looking
forward to most this Christmas.
Amazing. How long did this take you?
Put it this way,
I haven't had too much
sleep the last few nights.
But I couldn't have done all this myself.
Look at Megan's beautiful Celtic knot.
My brother in Aberdeen
couldn't get those.
It's lovely, Megan.
And the final part of the display
to show the judges on the night.
In years past, villages in Scotland
would light a candle on Christmas Eve
to guide travelers and show
they were welcome to shelter.
I love it. You've done
our village proud, Emma.
I hope your father feels the same way.
Welcome to the village's
Christmas lights, Laird Duncan.
Not as garish and
tacky as Burnglennan's,
but unbecoming of
Glenrothie, nevertheless,
Well, I, I made sure to
focus on the traditional,
the historical.
Except the parts which
didn't fit in your vision. Hmm?
The quiet, the serene.
What many people seek at
Christmas, myself included.
What's this?
I asked Bruce to make some
commemorative mince pies.
They each have your coat of arms on top.
My family history is not to be used,
wasted on food and frivolity.
And I expected you to have
better guidance in such matters.
It's past your bedtime, Rhona.
(gentle somber music)
Well, I still love the decorations.
Best Christmas village.
We are standing in it now.
(residents clap)
Bring 'em bring some out here
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
- You all right?
- Oh, thank you.
You should go and talk to her.
No, you should.
And not just about the lights either.
I know you have feelings for her,
like she has for you.
When I was talking in
the pub the other day,
I saw how you both looked at each other.
No, it doesn't even matter.
She's got a man back in America.
Mm, but he's not here.
And you are.
I thought you could use one of these.
Busy?
Just updating my online showcase.
For better or for worse,
I really thought I'd pushed myself,
taken a risk, created
something new, memorable.
And you have. Forget
what my father said.
He's so resistant to
change that it blinds him.
Oh?
Innovation for the estate, new roads,
better working methods,
A decent IT system, for goodness sake.
Been trying to persuade him for years.
And he cited tradition?
That and cost.
Being traditional and not
changing isn't that expensive.
But you're rich.
You have priceless
paintings, live in a castle.
A castle that costs
a fortune to maintain.
And my father would sooner starve
than sell the family silver.
I'd hope that your Christmas
lights would show him
that change can be good,
that it can improve rather than damage.
I'm sorry I let you down.
You have nothing to be sorry for.
And at least you've shown me
how Christmas should be celebrated.
Good. I'm glad.
And to prove the gradual thawing
of a Christmas-hating heart,
how about another round of hot chocolate?
Okay. But what are the stakes?
Well, if you win, I
have to spend the last day
of your vacation driving you around,
showing you countryside,
buying you dinner.
And if you win?
The exact same thing.
(Emma laughs)
(Emma chuckles)
(both chuckling)
I lost. It's the first
time I've ever lost.
(Emma chuckling)
(bright uplifting music)
I wish I could stay here forever.
What's stopping you?
Uh, my life in New York.
The Atlantic Ocean between there and here.
The Atlantic that your ancestors managed
to cross years ago.
And they didn't even
have airplanes back then.
True. But there's also my job.
I've worked so hard to build
my career and reputation.
Moving here or anywhere
would be like starting from scratch.
A shame. I'd love you to stay.
Because of everything you've
done for the village, I mean.
And people like you. Rhona especially.
Sure. That's what I thought you meant.
(phone vibrating)
Megan. Hi.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down.
What's the matter?
(Emma gasps)
Burnglennan Village.
Megan says they've stolen our ideas.
Burnglennan's latest blog.
Read it yourself.
This year's decorations will include
candlelit window displays,
wreaths made from
locally sourced thistles,
and a tree festooned with the
family tartans of the village.
See? All our decorations.
I'm sure their entry
won't look as good as ours.
But the contest judges won't
know who had the ideas first.
It'll be our word against Burnglennan's.
But they wouldn't lie, would they?
They'd admit they copied us, right?
Let's find out.
(tense suspenseful music)
Bowden. I'm surprised you
had the guts to come here.
If there is an accusation of cheating,
however unfounded, I want to address it.
You've taken all of our ideas,
added them to your own entry.
No, no, those ideas were
planned for weeks, months.
Them being similar to your wee entry
is just a, an unhappy coincidence.
You expect us to believe that?
Believe what you want.
But Glenrothie doesn't
have a monopoly on tartan
and tradition around these parts.
Now if that's everything,
I'll be on my way.
Oh, and just to show there is no ill will.
You'll all still be welcome
to enjoy the Christmas lights
and fun of Burnglennan.
Well, that's that.
We might still win.
Not without entry so close to theirs.
Megan's right. Their copy
will distract from ours.
At least in the eyes of the judges.
So we'll just have to
create a new display.
But we don't have time.
We do if we work hard,
pull together again.
Honey, you know I'm with you,
but we have to fly back home tomorrow.
Ah, that actually is a valid point.
(patrons chattering)
I'm not saying I won't be
back for Christmas, Brad.
I'll stay another couple of days,
and we can still have a
great holiday together.
You've seen the photos I've sent you.
This is a special place
and they need me here.
Everyone from the villagers
to the Laird and his castle.
They'd all benefit from
the financial boost
winning the contest would bring.
Really? Well, that's great.
Thanks for understanding.
(bright gentle music)
Brad understands if I stay.
Great news.
Is that okay, Dad? If you
wanna head on home without me.
Oh, I'd stay here 'til
next Christmas, huh?
Then it's settled.
You really think you can
create a new display as good,
if not better, than the last one?
I'm positive.
(bright uplifting music)
A Christmas maze through decorated trees.
Glen Shee's already got one of those.
You reach the middle
and Father Christmas hands you a present.
Thought these might provide sustenance.
Thanks, Bruce.
Oh, how about something
with a dolphin theme?
Everybody loves dolphins.
But they're not very Christmassy.
And how many dolphins do you see
flapping around the village?
- I'm only trying to help.
- And you are.
This is all part of the process.
We've just gotta think of
something new, but also unique.
Something Burnglennan
doesn't have and can't copy.
Yum. I love these mince pies.
That's it. That's it. (laughs)
(bright festive music)
You're right, Laird Duncan.
Glenrothie Castle hasn't
celebrated Christmas since 1640,
when political and social upheaval
effectively banned the holiday.
But prior to that, it was alive
with music, laughter and feasting.
Just imagine it. A party.
The whole community
together here in the castle.
Every room full of laughter, color,
and we transform the grounds too
with lights and traditional music.
So you're doing the same
wouldn't be ignoring tradition,
it'd be storing it.
My answer's still no.
The only proof you have is that one book.
The Laird in 1640 would've been Robert.
Why didn't he reestablish the season?
Resume this supposed Christmas Eve party?
It doesn't say why.
There's just this drawing of him here.
Look, Granddad.
He's got the same grumpy
morning faces as you.
He has not.
That Best Christmas Village Award
would look mighty fine
in your trophy cabinet.
Ah, it might.
And I could invite other lads and ladies.
Show them Glenrothie
Castle still remembers
how to host a party.
(scoffs) No.
Anyway, this is a castle.
It's not a village.
But it lies within a village boundary.
So it's within the rules.
Laird Glenrothie,
you told me your code of
arms represents friendship.
What greater gesture
of friendship is there
than opening your doors
to others at Christmas?
Well, what are you waiting around for?
You've work to do.
(bright uplifting music)
We'll decorate the castle,
have stalls and food in the ballroom.
And it would be great if
guests arrived at the castle
to the sound of bagpipes.
Hamish, can your brother in Aberdeen
find us some pipers at short notice?
Oh, I'm afraid he can't.
But my sister in Dundee can.
(group chuckles)
Great. Call her.
And there will be poetry readings, games.
And a dance.
We need a traditional Scottish dance.
- Sounds great.
- Excellent.
We'll have a Ceilidh.
So everyone, be sure to find a partner.
Mike, I'll teach you the steps,
and Alex, you can partner with Emma.
Oh, I'm sure Alex won't miss-
- Emma will be far too busy, so-
- Nonsense. This is your party, Emma.
And it's at your home, Alex.
You'll be leading the Ceilidh.
(bright uplifting music)
Uh-huh.
Cute. Are they yours?
Rhona's, to help show you
where the other partners will be.
Now stand facing me, but slightly apart.
Bit further back.
Good. Okay.
Teddy and Dolly will start the dance,
then penguin and dinosaur.
Then it'll be our turn. Understand?
- No.
- Just follow me.
First we acknowledge.
No, you're a lady. So you curtsy.
Well, you said follow you.
I know, but you curtsy. So curtsy.
Mm-hmm. Then we come together.
Then we do the steps. Go.
(bright festive music)
(Emma giggling)
Keep going. Concentrate, concentrate.
One, now change.
Okay.
Yep. Now we hold hands and spin.
- Spin?
- Like this. Go.
(Emma giggling)
Steady, steady.
(bright uplifting music)
Emma.
Surprise.
Some, uh, old guy let me in.
(stammering) Alex, this
is Brad, my boyfriend.
Brad. Brad, this is Alex.
Pleasure to meet you, Alex.
It's a heck of a place you got here.
Well, after we spoke on the phone
and you said how wonderful this place was,
I moved some meetings and
booked the next flight over.
That's really sweet.
But why didn't you call ahead?
Tell me you were coming.
I wanted it to be a surprise.
Brad, this isn't a vacation for me now.
I'm, I'm planning,
organizing a huge event.
One that if I get it right,
might really boost my career and standing.
That's great. And don't worry about me.
I promise to stay outta your way
while you do everything you need to do.
That wouldn't be fair on
you. After flying all this way.
It's okay.
I am sure that I'll find
something to do while I'm here.
Wow.
(bright uplifting music)
Grab a screw driver
and help if you like.
No, I'm good. Thanks.
I've just been admiring your home.
It's magnificent.
I would like to think so.
It's a shame it's not used
to its full potential though.
Well, Emma's organizing
this Christmas Eve party,
which is great.
But what comes after?
I work in hotels and leisure.
I'd be more than happy
to share my expertise
with your family.
I see.
Emma mentioned that it's
a year-round challenge
to maintain this estate.
With my help and connections,
I could turn this into a very
profitable golf club and spa.
Golf club and spa.
My father despises golf.
Even though Scotland invented the game.
And he despises spas even more.
I'm sure I could persuade him,
once I show him the numbers.
You, uh, you think you
could set up a meeting
with him for me?
If that's what you truly want.
Terrific. I think we're
all gonna prosper from this.
I'll catch you later.
Oh, but no point mentioning
any of this to Emma.
At least not 'til we're
further down the track, right?
(bright whimsical music)
You still need to find
some lucky mistletoe too.
Then the party will be brilliant.
We'll win Best Christmas Village,
and you can visit Glenrothie again.
Oh, Rhona.
We don't need luck for
that last thing to happen.
I would love to come back here,
if the rest of your family
want me to, of course.
Well, I'll have to ask Granddad,
but I'm sure Uncle Alex would love you
to come back next Christmas.
Then you can make him happy again.
But isn't he normally happy?
He used to be.
But then my grandma got
very ill on Christmas,
and she never got better.
- I'm so sorry.
- That's okay.
I was a bit too young to understand,
but I remember my Mom and
Uncle Alex being very sad.
After that, Christmas
was never quite the same.
Why don't we try and make this Christmas
the best Glenrothie has ever seen?
(bright uplifting music)
(Emma giggles)
(Duncan shouting)
Uh, Rhona, why don't you
go put these pine cones
in the shed with the others?
- Okay.
- [Duncan] Just go. Go, sir.
- [Brad] Okay, okay.
- [Duncan] Just leave.
Get out.
[Brad] Wait, no, come on. Okay.
Go. Out of my home.
Oh, and there's the other one.
Is something wrong?
Don't act like you don't
know. Coming to Glenrothie.
Your party, your lights.
It's all been one great
charade, hasn't it?
To butter me and my family up.
I don't understand.
(stammering) Brad?
I, I, I only asked if he'd
consider selling the castle
to the hotel chain I work for.
But he wouldn't even
look at my presentation.
Presentation?
Maps, concept drawings, the lot.
As if you didn't know.
She didn't.
I'm sure of it.
And unless you have proof
otherwise, don't accuse her again.
She's still guilty by association.
So the party, the lights,
it's all canceled.
My final word.
(gentle somber music)
When I see a place that
has potential, I go for it.
This place could be fantastic.
It's already fantastic.
Well, for the one
family that lives here.
But why shouldn't more
people get to enjoy it?
It's not like the Laird isn't
gonna benefit financially.
It's pronounced Laird.
And not everything's about money, Brad.
This place has history, traditions.
Wait, you're on their
side? You're my girlfriend.
Right now, it doesn't feel like I am.
You didn't wanna come here with me,
but as soon as you sniffed
a business opportunity,
you traveled.
What does that say about us?
I'm sure back in New York,
there's someone who loves
your drive and ambition.
And I hope you find her.
I want you to be happy.
I want you to be happy too.
(bright gentle music)
I'm sorry.
No, it, it's okay.
Deep down, I knew we
weren't right together.
I only wish I'd made the decision sooner.
That way we might still
have a party to plan.
We still do.
I pointed out to my father
that he's already invited
all his friends and VIP guests,
and the cancellation at this late stage
might be embarrassing.
(Emma laughs)
Thank you.
And if there's anything
I can do in return?
There is.
I'd very much like it if
you'd stay for Christmas,
and then at least until Hogmanay.
- New Year's Eve?
- Mm-hmm.
And your father too, of course.
Unless either of you have to go back home,
return to America.
No, no. I, I mean, I did.
But not now.
Then it's settled then.
(patrons chattering)
I am sorry about you and Brad.
That's okay.
I realize that my heart didn't skip
when I thought about him.
And now? Does it skip for somebody else?
Looking splendid.
Miss McKenzie.
Emma, I owe you an apology.
I blamed you for that
Brad's schemes and antics
when I had not one shred of evidence.
I can see how it looked.
And you were only protecting your home.
Which you have improved.
I haven't seen Rhona so excited for years.
Or Alex.
I know you're very busy. Lots to do.
But if you've got a wee second,
I don't imagine you packed a
formal dress for this trip.
So I thought you might appreciate this.
(gasps) It's beautiful.
It was my darling wife's
when she was about your age.
Oh, then I couldn't possibly.
No, no, no. I insist.
She would've wanted it worn by someone
with your heart and spirit.
She loved Christmas too.
I regret not letting her celebrate it
as fully as she always wanted.
Thank you. I would
be honored to wear it.
(bright uplifting music)
Here I am hanging up the silver lights
Dreaming you were here tonight
Sitting right here by my side
Next Christmas
You'll be here with me
Putting up that Christmas tree
Just have to wait and see
'Til next Christmas
[Emma] What do you think?
Hmm, it should be much, much bigger.
Isn't that what I once said to you?
- And I listened.
- Eventually.
Grab your coat. We'll
go and find a bigger one.
I can't. I, I still have
a dozen jobs to finish.
And I'm waiting for you to come home
Don't worry. I'll call
you if I need any help.
In the silver lights
Dreaming you were
here tonight
Sitting right here
by my side
Maybe next Christmas
You'll be here with me
We've passed a dozen
trees that were great.
What are you looking for?
You'll soon see. And I
thought you'd be happy.
Me trying to create the perfect Christmas.
I am happy to see the castle opening up,
decorated for the holidays.
It's-
Right there.
(bright gentle music)
(Emma laughs)
- Mistletoe.
- Mm-hmm.
Oh, Rhona will be so happy.
And it might just give us the luck we need
to win the contest.
And for anything else
we might need luck with.
We're directly underneath.
I suppose it'd be remiss of
us not to follow tradition.
It really would.
(phone chiming)
This will be Megan needing help.
Oh, uh, Gwen?
Emma, I need you back in New York.
Jackson was supposed to
be lighting the Plaza
for New Year's Eve, but he's let me down.
So the job is yours,
as long as you can get
back from vacation in time.
Gwen, thank you.
But to have any chance of doing that,
I'd have to fly back immediately.
Would that be a problem?
I'm doing another installation
here. An important one.
And I promised someone
I'd be spending Christmas in Scotland.
So you're saying no to me?
I'm saying can I think about it?
At least for an hour or two?
Fine. I'll be waiting for your call.
That was my boss.
She's-
I got the gist.
You're really thinking of leaving?
It's a wonderful opportunity.
I, I might never get one as good again.
I don't know what to do.
Then let me decide for you.
Go back home.
But what about the contest and party?
Spending Christmas here
with you, with Rhona?
If we mattered,
then you wouldn't even be
considering another job.
If you didn't matter, I'd
have taken it on the spot.
Alex, it's okay.
I, I know why you're reacting like this.
Well, do you now?
This was the first Christmas
you were truly looking forward to
since, since your mother passed.
I resent you bringing that up.
You don't know me, my family.
You're just an outsider,
when all is said and done,
and you always will be.
(gentle somber music)
Then perhaps I should go home.
I'm certainly not stopping you.
(gentle wistful music)
Bruce, make sure all
the guests are welcomed
with food and drinks.
Megan, you only have to
hang the last lights.
I know you'll do a fantastic job.
But you can't leave us.
I'm sorry, but a job's
come up in New York.
I have to fly home.
Then I'll go with you.
It's a long drive back to the airport.
No, no, Dad, stay here.
You and Ruth deserve to
spend Christmas together.
I know how you feel about her.
And I think you do too.
Call me the minute you land.
Rhona. Hi.
Shouldn't you be getting
into your party dress?
Is it true that you're leaving?
I'm sorry, but I have to.
Will you come back?
I'm not sure.
But perhaps one day you can
come to visit me in New York,
and I can show you all of
the Christmas lights there.
I'd like that.
(bright uplifting music)
(gentle wistful music)
(bright gentle music)
(Emma laughs)
(bright uplifting music)
(phone vibrates and chimes)
(bright festive music)
(residents chattering)
Uncle Alex, look, it's snowing.
Well, it was snowing before it melted.
And look at my dress.
You're the loveliest lady here, Rhona.
And look up there.
I managed to find you
some lucky mistletoe.
Aren't you pleased?
Yeah, I just wish Emma was
here to see it, and the snow.
Grab a mince pie and cheer yourself up.
She's upset about Emma leaving.
Ah.
Aye, strange, her suddenly
deciding to leave like that.
She was offered a job, but it was me.
The heat of the moment, overreacting.
I spoke out of turn.
The fear of losing her,
even for Christmas,
now means I've lost her forever.
You have her phone number, so call her,
say sorry, and you were a fool.
No, what I said, it'd take
a face to face apology to fix.
Then go and do that.
I imagine New York and
Hogmanay is splendid.
Especially if Emma is lighting the place.
I can't just drop
everything and fly across.
Yes, you can.
All this has made me reassess
what's right for the estate,
and for you.
Investment, adopting new working methods
would give you more
time to live your life,
the life you want.
Tradition be damned.
Hold on, hold on.
I'm still not okay with
public displays of affection.
As soon as the judging's
finished and the party's over,
I'll drive to the airport
and grab the next flight.
My goodness. You won't have to.
(bright uplifting music)
You came back.
- I hope you don't mind.
- Of course not.
About what happened. What I said.
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
take your partners for the Ceilidh.
(group clapping)
You're back.
Great. Just in time.
(bright festive music)
(group clapping)
I'm sorry for how I spoke to you.
Sorry?
I said I'm sorry for how I spoke to you.
- Me too, I-
- Too late. Your turn.
(bright festive music continues)
I didn't mean to upset you.
Recall painful memories.
No, I'm glad you did.
Remembering the past, it's
made me think about my future.
We should keep dancing.
Sure.
(bright festive music continues)
(Emma giggles)
I'm sorry I called you an outsider.
Sorry, I, I, I didn't catch that.
Hold on.
I'm sorry I called you an outsider.
You're much more to me than that.
Since we met, my life's
changed all for the better.
Mine too.
Standing in the village,
seeing the snowfall,
it was perfect.
And then my boss called
and asked for my decision,
and I remembered my own advice.
That Christmas is a time
to be with those you love.
So I came back.
And I'm so glad you did.
(group clapping)
(Megan clears throat)
You all know my son Alex, of course.
But we should show our
appreciation for Emma
who organized this fine evening.
(group clapping)
An evening, which I've just been told
has turned into a winning one.
(group exclaiming)
We did it.
Glenrothie is Best Christmas Village.
(group cheering and clapping)
(bright festive music)
(gentle festive music)
Sleigh bells in the distance
I think this is rightly yours.
I'd be happy if you kept it.
You already have a trophy cabinet.
I was hoping you'd say that.
But you can look at it
whenever you come to visit.
That is, if you choose
to leave, of course.
This room is full of Lairds
and Earls, landowners.
They've all praised your work,
and they are lining up to request
that you decorate their
homes for gala weddings,
state visits, and Christmas, of course.
If you stayed here in Scotland,
you could pick and
choose the work you want.
Fire's warm
Have a think.
(gentle bright music)
How about it?
Well, I'm sure my Dad would
be happy to settle here,
if he hasn't decided to already.
But to move countries,
start a new life here,
create a home, it's quite a risk.
And one I'm happy to take.
(bright uplifting music)
I look forward to the future.
But let's not forget the old traditions.
(bright uplifting music continues)
I told you it'd bring luck.
(group chuckling)
(energetic festive music)
(energetic festive music continues)
(bright uplifting music)
(text clacking)
(film reel clicking)
(tense pensive music)
(bright music)
Na na na na na na
I don't have that
many wishes
I don't even need a tree
Christmas time would be much better
Having you right next to me
The smell of gingerbread
in the air can
Never replace what I feel for you so
The only thing on this year's list
Is you're my Christmas wish
Hey hey
10 Seconds, Emma.
(bright upbeat music continues)
There.
(instruments chiming)
(whimsical music)
(children exclaiming)
(whimsical music continues)
Goldman's is delighted
with your work, Emma.
It's only the start of December,
and already the store is enjoying
a 30% increase in footfall.
They attribute that to
your window displays.
So naturally they want to
hire you for next Christmas.
That's terrific.
And don't get me wrong,
I appreciate the offer.
But I'm still focused on this year.
The New Year's Eve Commission.
Lighting the Downtown Plaza
would be a huge step up for me.
You have my designs.
You'll see they're fully
budgeted, scheduled.
Emma, I've already given
the job to someone else.
Your proposal was excellent, but honestly,
I think you were playing it a little safe.
For your work to truly stand out, Emma,
you've got to give me something new,
even if that takes a risk.
(gentle wistful music)
I really thought I had a
shot at getting the Plaza job.
I want my work to be seen and enjoyed
by as many people as possible,
for it to be part of their
celebrations, their memories.
Look on the bright side.
You're not gonna be working
every hour from now until New Year's,
which means we get to spend
more of our first Christmas together.
(gentle whimsical music)
If we survive this lunch.
Parents don't usually like
me on first impression.
Quick, is there anything I
shouldn't mention or should know?
About Dad?
Hmm, well, he doesn't really care
for the slick suit look.
Oh, and make sure to call him "sir."
Good afternoon, sir. I'm Brad.
Sir? What are you, 10?
(chuckles) Mike is fine.
Good to meet you. (chuckling)
So there I was trying to barbecue in July,
and Emma comes barreling out of the house
with a Christmas sweater.
She wants me to wear it.
Must've been 90 degrees.
But you still put it on.
Well, I didn't wanna
disappoint my little girl.
My point is, Brad, she loves Christmas.
Always has.
Then lucky for her, we're
gonna spend Christmas this year
in an executive suite at the Ritz Carlson.
What? When did we decide on that?
I wanted it to be a surprise.
I'm not sure I wanna spend Christmas
in a fancy hotel.
But it's five star.
We won't have to cook.
We won't have to go outside
in the cold, in the snow.
Won't have to pick out
a tree and decorate it.
All the things I love.
Okay. We won't do the hotel.
It was a comp. I won't lose anything.
Well, before you make
a decision, either way,
why don't I tell you my plans?
I've been pursuing my other passion,
studying our ancestry.
We, the McKenzies,
immigrated from Scotland
nearly 300 years ago
from a little village called
Glenrothie in the Highlands.
Or is it the Lowlands?
Well, I'll find out for
sure when I get there.
Get there? You're going to Scotland?
Yeah. Got it all planned out.
(scoffs) Dad, that sounds wonderful.
Well, I'm glad you think so.
An early Christmas gift,
which you don't have to accept, of course.
Plane tickets for you both.
Traveling's always better
with others, right?
It's a trip I would've
taken with your mother
if things have worked out different.
Well, I'm sure she'll be
accompanying us in spirit.
Wait, us? Does that
mean to say you're coming?
I don't have a big
project for New Year's now,
and I've always wanted to visit Scotland,
so why not?
(bright uplifting music)
(gentle festive music)
I can't just stop everything,
and go on vacation to Europe.
You wanted to spend
Christmas in a hotel.
That's three blocks away from the office
in case I needed to go in.
I, I still have to send
reports, be across emails.
I'm sure they have internet in Scotland.
Come on. It'll be an adventure.
Plus, a trip might be just
what I need right now.
A chance to take stock, relax,
recharge my creative energy.
I'm sorry, Emma. I can't do it.
Then I'll stay too.
No, I can't ask you to do that.
But it's our first
Christmas. I can't miss that.
No matter how much I wanna support my Dad.
Unless...
The return flights land
back here on the 22nd.
That still leaves me plenty of time
to prepare for Christmas day.
But the presents, the
food, the decorations.
Do you think you'd have enough time?
I do my best work under pressure.
Yeah. (sighing)
The bill is settled. My treat.
So, what's the decision?
Are you coming to Scotland?
Is it an aye, or a nay?
(laugh) It's aye.
As long as you don't do that
accent when we get over there.
I make no promises. (chuckling)
(bright energetic music)
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
(Emma gasps)
Glenrothie. It's so beautiful.
Yep. It's good to be home. (chuckles)
Well, here's where we're staying.
I'll get our bags.
There's something not quite right.
No snow. I know you.
It's not Christmas without snow.
It's not just that. It's something else.
Decorations. There aren't any.
Wait, no Christmas lights, no trees.
Not so much as a wreath on a door.
No, I, I see a tree.
That isn't a tree.
That's...
A tragedy.
Does Christmas in Scotland
happen at a different time
to the rest of the world?
No. We celebrate it December 25th.
Though, of course, Christmas
was once banned here.
But we're talking hundreds of years ago.
Then why are there no decorations?
Do you not see the tree?
(laughs) Barely.
I mean, it, it should be much bigger.
Who chose it?
It was a gift from
the Lord of Glenrothie
to the people in the village.
He donates one every year.
Does this Laird, whatever that is,
not like the villagers?
No, he cares deeply about them.
He owns the land, the village,
everything around here.
And by the way, it's pronounced, Laird.
That's what I said. Laird.
No, you're saying lured. It's Laird.
- Laird.
- Now that's just noise.
Anyway, the Lord of
Glenrothie simply prefers
to celebrate Christmas in a
traditional understated manner.
- He sounds like Scrooge.
- Emma.
Mike McKenzie. Pleased to meet you.
Alex. Alex Glenrothie.
That's right. Scrooge's son.
I see you have bags.
Will you be stopping in Glenrothie long?
Pre-Christmas vacation.
I'm here to find the
roots of our family tree.
Oh, well, I wish you luck with that.
I better get these
Christmas cards delivered.
Wouldn't want anyone to think
I have no Christmas spirit whatsoever.
(whimsical music)
(bright festive music)
(patrons chattering)
Hi, mate. Hi.
Ah, you must be the McKenzies.
And you must be Ruth.
It's nice to put a face to your emails.
Likewise. Especially one so handsome.
(Mike chuckles)
Oh, this is my daughter, Emma.
Nice to meet you, dear.
Oh, let's get you signed in.
You can write your details
in the visitor's book.
It's nice to see someone
celebrating Christmas
properly around here.
We, we met a guy
outside. Alex Glenrothie.
Emma took issue with his
father's Christmas decorations.
Or lack of them.
I design and install Christmas lights.
I know how much joy they bring.
Oh, that they do.
The whole thing's a bit of a
sore point for the village.
So we rent from the Laird.
We're free to decorate
the insides of our homes,
our businesses as we like.
But outside, it's a different matter.
The Laird insists there's no
spectacle or razzle dazzle.
That's so sad.
Aye. Anyway, let me
show you to your rooms.
(bright gentle music)
(patrons chattering)
(bright festive music)
Mm. This is great.
Sure you don't want to
try some black pudding?
Thanks, but I'll stick
to my toast and jelly.
Oh, it isn't jelly
here, honey. It's jam.
Do you wanna come to the
library with me this morning?
Help with my research?
Mm, I think I'd like
to explore the village
a little first, but we can leave together.
No, no, you go ahead.
This is gonna take me a while.
(bright gentle music)
Good luck with your research.
(camera clicks)
(camera clicking)
(bright gentle music continues)
Saw you looking at the mince pies.
Thought you'd maybe like to try one,
visiting us from New York and all.
Thank you, but, uh, mince pies?
Fruit and spices. They're
traditional at Christmas.
Mm. Wow.
That's amazing.
Thank you, uh...
Bruce.
I run this place, like my father did,
and, and my grandfather.
[Emma] Coorie?
Coorie. It means snuggle or cuddle.
Nice. And nice to meet you, Bruce.
I'm Emma from New York.
But you already knew that.
Word travels fast in Glenrothie.
(bright gentle music)
Hi.
(resident laughs)
I run the wee shop here.
I thought you'd like these.
Essentials you might
have forgotten to pack.
Pens, notebooks. A tape measure?
You'll likely need
them while you're here.
(laughs) Fingers crossed.
Welcome to Glenrothie.
This is for you. I hope you like it.
I made it myself.
(bright whimsical music)
It's beautiful.
But I, I can't accept this.
Uh...
Megan.
And why not?
Because there are warm
welcomes, but this is ridiculous.
What's going on?
Okay, last night you told Ruth
you install fairy lights
and such professionally.
But she told Hamish in the pub,
who went home and told Braun and his wife,
who then told Bruce Coorie,
who told everyone who went in there
for tea and brekkie this morning.
Me included.
We are all thrilled you're here.
You are just the person we need.
To do what?
Well, what do you think?
Win best Christmas Village.
Come on.
I'll buy you another mince pie
and explain the whole thing.
(Emma chuckling)
And so, every December the region holds
a Best Christmas Village competition.
The place with the best
lights and displays
not only gets a trophy,
but a huge cash prize to
share and spend on gifts.
Or in my case, to help my business.
At least that's the idea.
Glenrothie's never won it?
Because of the Laird's insistence
that we all follow tradition.
But even if we didn't win,
everyone would love to have a decent tree,
some lights around the village.
Instead, we get nothing,
while Burnglennan gets
all the fun and glory.
Burnglennan?
The next village over. Our rivals.
They win Best Christmas
Village every year,
then spend the next 12
months boasting about it.
But now Glenrothie's got you.
I looked up your work,
started following you online.
That shop window display
you installed was amaz-a-ding-a-ling.
Thanks. But I'm here on vacation.
Any help, even just some advice,
I'm sure it would make the
Laird see that he's wrong.
That Glenrothie can
celebrate Christmas better.
Megan, to be honest,
I'm currently in the process
of reevaluating my work.
So, I'm sorry.
I don't think I'll be able to help.
(gentle whimsical music)
The village wants you to
design their Christmas lights.
Dad-
- Ruth said there's some
competition or other,
and Glenrothie wants
to enter it this year.
Dad, I, I-
- The entire village
is excited you're here.
I'll be in the pub at one o'clock.
What's happening at one o'clock?
Your first planning meeting.
Did I say the wrong thing?
I, I just assumed you'd want to help.
I can go back, cancel everything.
(Emma laughs)
No, one o'clock's great.
(Megan giggles)
Hi.
(patrons chattering)
(bright music)
Hey.
If I could have everyone's
attention for a moment.
Everybody.
(patrons chattering)
Hey!
Thank you.
If you're serious about
winning this contest,
then we have a lot to do.
Before I offer my initial thoughts though,
I'd like to get your take.
Glenrothie is your village. Your home.
What decorations would you like to see?
Fairy lights.
You mean Christmas lights, right?
(laughing) I, I think that's a given.
I've got a brother in Aberdeen.
He can get you fairy lights.
As many as you like for a good price.
- Thank you, uh-
- Hamish.
My brother can get you anything.
Lights, tellies, fish, exercise bikes.
Do you want me to give him a call now?
Uh, thank you. But we're
still at the planning stage.
Could I put my Rudolph outside the pub?
If she is having a Rudolph,
I want a big giant Santa
outside my library.
Um...
He can be holding and reading a book.
You know, to promote
reading to wee children.
We need a snow machine.
My brother can get a snow machine.
Could he get us 10?
I think the giant Santa
should go outside my cafe.
Holding a book.
Holding a cup of tea.
We can have more than
one giant Santa, can't we?
I suppose so. But they'll
all need sleighs and reindeer.
My brother in Aberdeen can
get sleighs and reindeer.
- That's brilliant then.
- Quiet.
These are all helpful ideas,
but let's hear them one at a time
and in a logical fashion.
Let's consider what we absolutely need
and can agree on first.
Starting with, I think,
a new Christmas tree.
The current one is too
small. It needs replacing.
Is that so?
(whimsical music)
Then perhaps you can tell that
to the Laird of Glenrothie yourself.
My father's asked to meet you.
Oh, okay.
I, I'm sure we'd all love a
chance to share ideas with him.
No, he's asked to speak
to you and only you.
My car's waiting outside.
Best go, dear.
The Laird doesn't like to be kept waiting.
(bright whimsical music)
(bright gentle music)
My family owns and is
responsible for all this land
and the farmers and families
who work and live on it.
With the livestock, timber
and fishing businesses,
it's a year-round job for me.
Yeah, I know how work
can become all-consuming
and get in the way of other stuff.
Something funny?
No, it's just you
decorate Christmas trees.
And other events.
Aye, but it's essentially
putting up lights.
How hard can it be?
Very. Achieving what a client wants.
Creating something
special within a budget.
It needs artistic talent
and business acumen.
A good Christmas display can take weeks,
even months to plan.
Months, you say?
Now it sounds to me
like you won't have time
before Christmas to do
Glenrothie's lights.
I do my best work under pressure.
And if you think what you say,
what your father says,
is gonna change my mind,
then you are very much...
(bright festive music)
There's been a castle at
this site for over 800 years.
Some got destroyed in fires and battles,
but this one stood here for 200 years.
211 to be exact.
Welcome to Glenrothie Castle.
I'm Duncan, 15th and
current Laird of Glenrothie,
or Scrooge, as I believe you labeled me.
About that, Duncan.
I didn't mean to-
It's fine.
I've been called much
worse down the years.
No, but not Duncan.
I prefer Laird Duncan.
Noted.
Come in. I'll show you around.
(bright uplifting music)
I hope you don't mind taking tea in here.
You're kidding. This is the
nicest room I've ever been in.
We have larger grander rooms, of course,
but seldom use them.
The castle is impractically large.
But my father looked after the place,
as did my grandfather,
and every Laird that preceded them.
And you feel it's your
duty to do the same?
Precisely. Precisely.
So you understand why I
don't allow decorations
in the village?
No. What harm would they do?
What my father's trying to say
is that there's never been
lights in the village.
But the villagers, your tenants,
want them this year.
Ah, is that to celebrate
Christmas and all it represents
or win some contest?
(bright festive music)
You must be her.
The lady from New York
who's come to do our
Christmas decorations.
Uncle Alex told me about you.
I'm so glad you're here.
Oh. (chuckles)
This is Rhona, my granddaughter,
who never lets a closed
door get in her way.
How big is the village
Christmas tree going to be?
I want lights of every color on it.
Hold on, Rhona.
I invited Miss McKenzie here to explain
why she won't be decorating the village.
But I've seen her
New York lights online.
If Emma can do the same here,
we can beat Burnglennan.
I play hockey against the
kids from that village.
They think they're so good,
but they're really not.
(Emma laughs)
Rhona, that's enough.
I've made my decision and it's final.
Why can't they do both?
I'm sorry?
You asked if the village lights
were to celebrate Christmas
or to win the contest.
They can do both.
Recognize the spirit of Christmas,
the traditions and history of Glenrothie,
and at the same time, give
the village a great shot
at winning the contest.
You honestly think you can do that?
Uncle Alex, of course she
can. She's from New York.
No, uh, I admire your confidence,
but there isn't enough time.
Entry to the contest is probably closed.
It hasn't. Final judging
takes place on Christmas Eve.
That's enough. My mind's made up.
(sighs) This Christmas is hard on Rhona.
Her mum, my daughter, is
doing charity work abroad,
and her dad's on an Arctic
research expedition.
Well, isn't that all the more reason
to make this year special for her?
Excuse me.
(gentle bright music)
(Emma sighs)
I remember your mum playing
with that doll's house
when she was about your age.
It had seen better days even then.
What is it you're doing there?
Adding lights, so at least
one house in Glenrothie
looks Christmassy.
There. Much better.
You're welcome to explore the grounds.
I'd show you around myself, but I'm busy.
Thanks. I, I, I get it.
No, I really am.
A tree's fallen on a north
road and is blocking access
and I've at least a
dozen fences need fixing.
You don't have help for all that?
Help costs money.
Besides my father doesn't trust anyone
but me to do it properly.
Miss McKenzie.
Miss McKenzie, did you
mean what you said before?
Fest of decorations that
would be traditional,
be dignified?
Yes.
It'd be hard work.
I wouldn't have much time but-
- Then I give you permission
to decorate Glenrothie this Christmas.
- What's changed your mind?
- Being a grandfather.
Miss McKenzie's right. Rhona
deserves a happy Christmas.
But I still have reservations, mind.
Will only allow this to go forward
if it meets my approval.
That's why I want you to
supervise Miss McKenzie's work.
- What?
- What?
You know my tastes, my wishes.
So you will assist with and assess
everything Miss McKenzie does.
Now hold on a minute.
I've already got enough work to do.
That is not going to work.
It's my final offer.
Take it or leave it.
(bright uplifting music)
[Mike] Thank you, Ruth.
You've helped me so much with my research.
Two pairs of eyes are better than one.
I think I found something.
There's a mention in this
record of a Donald McKenzie
not paying his rent on
account of leaving Glenrothie.
Hold on. A Donald McKenzie.
Donald. Donald McKenzie.
Shh.
(Mike snickers)
He was my great, great, great,
great, great grandfather.
And there you have it.
He was the last of your family
to live here in Glenrothie.
Now we can find your family tartan.
Family tartan?
Each family or region
has its own historical specific tartan
that they have the right to wear.
(stamp slams)
Shh.
(Ruth and Mike snicker)
You're as lukewarm
to my father's plans as I am.
So just choose some decent lights,
allocate them, job finished.
That is not how I work.
I have a process.
I talk to my clients, ask what
they need, what they'd like.
You know, what I was doing in the pub
before you interrupted?
Hurry up, slow coaches.
Where are we going?
Every year, Rhona tries to
find mistletoe growing wild.
It's rare in these
parts, but folklore says-
- It brings luck and happiness?
Yeah, we have mistletoe in America.
We also have snow.
I thought Scotland would
be a winter wonderland.
The snow will arrive
in its own good time,
or do you intend on changing
the weather here too?
Hmm. How much further is this mistletoe?
Not sure. Rhona's never found any.
Still, I'll always enjoy
helping her search for it.
Careful.
That sounds dangerously close
to being a Glenrothie Christmas tradition.
And one you enjoy.
Oh, I enjoy Christmas.
Just not all the fuss and
fanfare that comes with it.
That distracts from more important things.
More important things?
Work, day-to-day responsibilities,
the things people actually need.
Well, people need Christmas,
so they can relax, have fun.
It's about being with
the people you love most.
So everything else needs
to make room for it,
even for just one day.
Ah, but it's not just for one day is it?
Anywhere else outside Glenrothie,
and it's an entire
month of rushing around,
fixing lights, racking
your brains for gift ideas.
(Emma shivers)
It's chilly standing next to someone
with such a cold heart.
(Alex snickers)
- Hurry up.
- Come on.
I'll find some mistletoe
and hopefully it'll bring
enough luck to win the contest
and change your mind about Christmas.
(patrons chattering)
(bright festive music)
Thank you, Ruth.
What?
(Emma snickers)
I'm just being polite,
and she's helped me so
much with my research.
No, it's nice.
And I wish I was working
with someone as helpful.
- Alex?
- He's not a bad guy.
Just stuck in his father's shadow.
I wanna get these lights right
so he can get back to his usual workload.
And you want to get these lights right
for you too, huh?
An entire village to decorate?
A blank canvas, everyone behind you?
Isn't this the perfect
chance to try something new?
Take a risk. Show how good you really are.
A traditional Christmas,
but updated with modern technology.
LED candles and twinkling lights
on rooftops and lampposts.
A larger tree, but
surrounded by motion sensors
that when activated,
not only make the tree sparkle,
but play traditional carols.
"Silent Night," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful."
It'll be beautiful.
Oh, and over there a stall
serving hot chestnuts.
I've already contacted a guy in Glasgow
who's available for hire.
Oh, and Hamish's brother can get us
all the snow machines we need.
So what do you think?
- No.
- We need snow.
Christmas is not the same without snow.
Well, not just the snow machines.
No, to all of it.
Well, I can adjust some parts.
And what is it you
don't like specifically?
The lights? The carols?
It's, it's all just
too much for Glenrothie.
Look, I'm sorry I can't
be more enthusiastic,
but I know my father won't approve this,
so I'm just trying to save you
from doing any more worthless work.
Wow, thanks.
Sorry. That came out wrong.
These ideas are great. Just not for here.
Fine. I'll start from scratch.
Well, hold on.
Before you do, why don't I show you
what we absolutely don't want.
Would that be helpful?
The Christmas spectacle in Burnglennan,
or Christmas debacle, depending
on your point of view.
[Emma] Aren't they the winners
of Best Christmas Village?
In the last five years straight.
I can see why. It's huge.
Is that a carousel?
They have to close off roads,
build a temporary car park
to serve all the tourists
that flock there.
Well, I imagine their shops
and cafes enjoy the boost.
But at the cost of turning
Christmas into Bedlam.
I fail to see the attraction.
Granted, some parts
are a little outlandish.
A little? Look.
They've an inflatable alien Santa.
(laughs) Okay. Very outlandish.
But it's still making people
happy, bringing them together.
That's what Christmas is about.
Less is more.
And sometimes less is less.
We just need to find the right balance.
Something less than this,
but more than that feeble
tree outside the pub.
And when we reach an impasse,
can't agree on a happy balance?
Then we'll settle
things by fair contest.
Bruce, I'm gonna need two hot chocolates.
Big ones. Lots of whipped cream.
Thank you, Bruce.
The rules are simple.
We take it in turns to drink
these delicious hot chocolates.
The person who laughs first
because of the whipped cream
on their opponent's nose loses.
Usually they just have to
pay for the hot chocolates.
But we should make it more interesting.
Go on.
You laugh first,
we can have a hot chocolate
stall in Glenrothie.
And if you laugh first?
I'll withdraw my offer to
help with the village lights.
(objects clattering)
It's okay, Bruce. I got this.
I've never been beaten.
There's a first time for everything.
Ladies first.
No, you go. That way
you might stand a chance.
(bright whimsical music)
- You're smiling.
- But not laughing.
(bright whimsical music)
(Alex chuckles)
(both chuckling)
(bells tolling)
I think that's my sugar
allowance for the entire month.
But we can serve hot chocolates?
I'm a man of my word.
Glenrothie is very special to me.
It's filled with memories.
Over there is where I first
learned how to ride a bike.
And that is the box where I always
used to post my letter
to Father Christmas.
You mean Santa?
It's Father Christmas here.
I used to write and tell
him I'd been good all year.
So would they send me some new toys?
So you used to enjoy Christmas.
What happened?
Just got older, I suppose.
Gained more responsibilities.
So much that you don't even have time
to pen a quick letter?
Wait, do you still write a
letter to Father Christmas?
Santa does still receive
my correspondence. Yes.
(Alex chuckles)
(laughing) What? You're the odd one.
Megan is so talented.
Maybe I can get a gift for Brad here.
My boyfriend back home.
Right.
How about you? Buying for
anyone special this year?
No. Far too busy for that sort of thing.
Besides, this place doesn't exactly
fill with potential partners.
A problem you don't have
in New York, I'd imagine.
It's the opposite end of the spectrum.
Too many potential dates.
Hmm.
Well, now you've found someone.
With this Brad bloke.
Oh, yeah. I see.
Who did you think I meant?
No one? I, yeah, Brad's a nice guy.
Did he not want to
come on holiday with you?
He did, but he had too much
work to do back in New York.
So the rumors are true.
Glenrothie has brought in an expert
to change its festive fortunes,
all the way from the Big Apple.
(sighs) Emma, this is James Bowden,
a vocal resident and council
member of Burnglennan.
Bowden, this is Emma McKenzie.
McKenzie. Ah, a Scottish surname.
I'm here on vacation with my Dad.
He's researching our ancestry.
So you weren't hired
directly to help Glenrothie
win Best Christmas Village?
Glad to hear it.
I'd hate for you to have had
a completely wasted journey.
Don't get too confident, Bowden.
The ideas, the designs Miss McKenzie has,
I mean, the trophy's
coming here this year.
I'll believe that when I see it.
Sorry, but that man just
knows how to push my buttons.
I've had run-ins with him in the past
over land, planning permission.
Just wanted to wipe
that grin off his face.
- Understandable.
- I'll call him.
Tell him I made a mistake.
And why would you do that?
I've boasted, practically guaranteed,
your lights would beat Burnglennan's.
And they will.
If you give me full creative control,
don't veto my ideas,
I'm certain I can deliver
something fantastic
that's also truly traditional
and unique to Glenrothie
and its residents.
Let's take a risk together.
Well, my father might not approve.
But then he did put me in charge.
Let's go for it.
(bright uplifting music)
(Ruth and Mike laughing)
It looks great.
Give us another twirl.
(Ruth chuckling)
Emma, didn't see you there.
Evidently. Nice kilt.
Thanks. And look, McKenzie tartan.
I don't follow.
Every Scottish surname has
a tartan associated with it.
And this is ours.
Wait, so would every person and family
in Glenrothie know their tartan?
Of course.
It's something we're
very proud of here. Why?
Because it's given me a great idea.
Glad to be of help, lassie.
Shush.
May I remind you that this is a library,
not some catwalk.
(bright whimsical music)
(patrons chattering)
Good afternoon, gentlemen. Find a seat.
[Emma] I found the same
pattern in a history book.
That's right. It's a
traditional Celtic note.
For many, it's a symbol of
everlasting unity, friendship.
It's wonderful.
Do you think you could
replicate it on a bigger scale
as a feature decoration?
Of course. I'd love to help.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen,
can I have your attention, please?
Thank you for attending this meeting today
and for inviting me this time.
(patrons laugh)
Emma's invited us here
to listen to her ideas
and what she requires.
Emma.
I won't lie.
We have a lot of work to
do to stand any chance
of creating a Christmas display
that will rival Burnglennan's.
So I'd ask you firstly
to start collecting jars.
Any shape or size.
My brother in Aberdeen can get you jars.
Great. Then call him.
And I'm gonna need branches
and lots of pine cones
and as much winter-growing
heather as you can find.
I can help with that.
Thank you, Rhona.
The sooner we collect
everything I need, the better.
But first I'd like you all
to tell me your surname,
a little bit about yourselves
and what Christmas means to you.
Megan, why don't you start us off?
Okay. Let's see.
I, I'm Megan Murray.
As most of you know, I
run my wee jewelry shop,
which is my passion.
And what Christmas means to me,
I'm not sure.
I, I suppose I love that
special feeling of togetherness,
of kindness,
of knowing that other
people have as much love
in their hearts as you do for them.
We're all so busy nowadays running around.
We sometimes forget to tell people
how much we care about them.
Christmas gives us the chance to see that.
Was that okay?
Emma?
Yeah. Thank you, Megan.
(bright uplifting music)
We need to keep searching
for some lucky mistletoe too.
We find some, then we're bound
to win Best Christmas Village.
Then I promise to keep
an eye out for some.
But still no sign of snow.
Don't worry. It's going
to arrive any day now.
I asked for some in my
letter to Father Christmas.
You know, sort of an early present.
A shame your Uncle Alex
couldn't help this morning.
He's always doing jobs,
helping others on the estate,
mending drain pipes, finding lost sheep.
So I hear. He's very kind.
Yeah, but sometimes I wish he wasn't.
Then he'd have more time to play with me
or he could find someone to marry,
and I could be a bridesmaid.
Oh, I see.
Well, in that case,
I'll keep both eyes
open for that mistletoe.
So it brings some luck for your uncle too.
(gentle uplifting music)
I know I'm doing something
wrong, but I don't know what.
Whatever you put on one side,
place on the other for symmetry.
Huh. Looks better already.
(Emma laughing)
Thank you.
No, thank you.
It's great you had free
time to help with these.
Actually, I should
be at a parish meeting
to discuss a leaking church roof.
But this sounded a little more appealing.
I think it's nice that you
do so much for your estate,
the people on it.
Now, if we can just prove your
level of Christmas spirit.
I'm badly making wreaths, aren't I?
(both chuckle)
And I used to adore
Christmas when I was little.
But now I'm a grownup.
Well, I'm a grownup and
I still love Christmas.
Did something specific happen?
Was there a moment when you
stopped enjoying the holidays?
Well, I suppose that-
- Ow.
- Oh. Lemme take a look.
Ah, just a thorn. Small
but it'll need removing.
Dressing trees for a living,
you'd think I'd have been more careful.
Uh, it's just Scottish thistles.
They're notoriously prickly.
Got it.
(Emma groans)
Does that feel better?
Much. Thanks.
(bright gentle music)
(phone vibrates)
Brad. Great to hear from you.
Oh, an amazing time.
It's beautiful here.
The village, the countryside,
the castle I sent you photos of.
Uh-huh, I'm here right now.
I wish you were here to see it too.
Mm-hmm.
I hope she hasn't scratched
my antique coffee table.
She's been very careful.
And her decorations will
do the estate proud.
Uh-huh.
We'll see.
Sure. Let's, yeah, we'll talk later.
Okay. Bye.
(bright gentle music)
(upbeat festive music)
Christmas
Christmas is here
Oh, Hamish, um, be
sure it's spaced equally
right to the top.
That's great.
Santa's bringing the toys
For every girl and boy
Christmas
Christmas is here to stay
Little more.
Little more.
Perfect. Yeah.
Is this one the right size for you?
It's fantastic.
Large but not overbearing.
Where did you get it so fast?
Oh, it's one of ours.
We have a Christmas
tree farm on the estate.
Grow 5,000 a year, give or take.
Wait, so you and your Dad
don't have a Christmas tree at the castle,
but you grow trees for other homes?
It generates the estate income.
- That is not the point.
- I know.
And when you put it like that,
we do seem like the Scrooge family.
But maybe that's changing this year.
(bright uplifting music)
(residents chattering)
On behalf of all Glenrothie,
may I present to you our entry
for Best Christmas Village.
(residents clap)
(bright festive music)
It's perfect.
Mm, it still needs snow,
but we might get lucky.
Rhona asked Santa for some.
Each tartan represents a family
or a person in the village.
And if you come a little
closer, take out your phones,
each ribbon has a code tied to it.
Scan it, and you get the family's history
and what they're looking
forward to most this Christmas.
Amazing. How long did this take you?
Put it this way,
I haven't had too much
sleep the last few nights.
But I couldn't have done all this myself.
Look at Megan's beautiful Celtic knot.
My brother in Aberdeen
couldn't get those.
It's lovely, Megan.
And the final part of the display
to show the judges on the night.
In years past, villages in Scotland
would light a candle on Christmas Eve
to guide travelers and show
they were welcome to shelter.
I love it. You've done
our village proud, Emma.
I hope your father feels the same way.
Welcome to the village's
Christmas lights, Laird Duncan.
Not as garish and
tacky as Burnglennan's,
but unbecoming of
Glenrothie, nevertheless,
Well, I, I made sure to
focus on the traditional,
the historical.
Except the parts which
didn't fit in your vision. Hmm?
The quiet, the serene.
What many people seek at
Christmas, myself included.
What's this?
I asked Bruce to make some
commemorative mince pies.
They each have your coat of arms on top.
My family history is not to be used,
wasted on food and frivolity.
And I expected you to have
better guidance in such matters.
It's past your bedtime, Rhona.
(gentle somber music)
Well, I still love the decorations.
Best Christmas village.
We are standing in it now.
(residents clap)
Bring 'em bring some out here
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
- You all right?
- Oh, thank you.
You should go and talk to her.
No, you should.
And not just about the lights either.
I know you have feelings for her,
like she has for you.
When I was talking in
the pub the other day,
I saw how you both looked at each other.
No, it doesn't even matter.
She's got a man back in America.
Mm, but he's not here.
And you are.
I thought you could use one of these.
Busy?
Just updating my online showcase.
For better or for worse,
I really thought I'd pushed myself,
taken a risk, created
something new, memorable.
And you have. Forget
what my father said.
He's so resistant to
change that it blinds him.
Oh?
Innovation for the estate, new roads,
better working methods,
A decent IT system, for goodness sake.
Been trying to persuade him for years.
And he cited tradition?
That and cost.
Being traditional and not
changing isn't that expensive.
But you're rich.
You have priceless
paintings, live in a castle.
A castle that costs
a fortune to maintain.
And my father would sooner starve
than sell the family silver.
I'd hope that your Christmas
lights would show him
that change can be good,
that it can improve rather than damage.
I'm sorry I let you down.
You have nothing to be sorry for.
And at least you've shown me
how Christmas should be celebrated.
Good. I'm glad.
And to prove the gradual thawing
of a Christmas-hating heart,
how about another round of hot chocolate?
Okay. But what are the stakes?
Well, if you win, I
have to spend the last day
of your vacation driving you around,
showing you countryside,
buying you dinner.
And if you win?
The exact same thing.
(Emma laughs)
(Emma chuckles)
(both chuckling)
I lost. It's the first
time I've ever lost.
(Emma chuckling)
(bright uplifting music)
I wish I could stay here forever.
What's stopping you?
Uh, my life in New York.
The Atlantic Ocean between there and here.
The Atlantic that your ancestors managed
to cross years ago.
And they didn't even
have airplanes back then.
True. But there's also my job.
I've worked so hard to build
my career and reputation.
Moving here or anywhere
would be like starting from scratch.
A shame. I'd love you to stay.
Because of everything you've
done for the village, I mean.
And people like you. Rhona especially.
Sure. That's what I thought you meant.
(phone vibrating)
Megan. Hi.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down.
What's the matter?
(Emma gasps)
Burnglennan Village.
Megan says they've stolen our ideas.
Burnglennan's latest blog.
Read it yourself.
This year's decorations will include
candlelit window displays,
wreaths made from
locally sourced thistles,
and a tree festooned with the
family tartans of the village.
See? All our decorations.
I'm sure their entry
won't look as good as ours.
But the contest judges won't
know who had the ideas first.
It'll be our word against Burnglennan's.
But they wouldn't lie, would they?
They'd admit they copied us, right?
Let's find out.
(tense suspenseful music)
Bowden. I'm surprised you
had the guts to come here.
If there is an accusation of cheating,
however unfounded, I want to address it.
You've taken all of our ideas,
added them to your own entry.
No, no, those ideas were
planned for weeks, months.
Them being similar to your wee entry
is just a, an unhappy coincidence.
You expect us to believe that?
Believe what you want.
But Glenrothie doesn't
have a monopoly on tartan
and tradition around these parts.
Now if that's everything,
I'll be on my way.
Oh, and just to show there is no ill will.
You'll all still be welcome
to enjoy the Christmas lights
and fun of Burnglennan.
Well, that's that.
We might still win.
Not without entry so close to theirs.
Megan's right. Their copy
will distract from ours.
At least in the eyes of the judges.
So we'll just have to
create a new display.
But we don't have time.
We do if we work hard,
pull together again.
Honey, you know I'm with you,
but we have to fly back home tomorrow.
Ah, that actually is a valid point.
(patrons chattering)
I'm not saying I won't be
back for Christmas, Brad.
I'll stay another couple of days,
and we can still have a
great holiday together.
You've seen the photos I've sent you.
This is a special place
and they need me here.
Everyone from the villagers
to the Laird and his castle.
They'd all benefit from
the financial boost
winning the contest would bring.
Really? Well, that's great.
Thanks for understanding.
(bright gentle music)
Brad understands if I stay.
Great news.
Is that okay, Dad? If you
wanna head on home without me.
Oh, I'd stay here 'til
next Christmas, huh?
Then it's settled.
You really think you can
create a new display as good,
if not better, than the last one?
I'm positive.
(bright uplifting music)
A Christmas maze through decorated trees.
Glen Shee's already got one of those.
You reach the middle
and Father Christmas hands you a present.
Thought these might provide sustenance.
Thanks, Bruce.
Oh, how about something
with a dolphin theme?
Everybody loves dolphins.
But they're not very Christmassy.
And how many dolphins do you see
flapping around the village?
- I'm only trying to help.
- And you are.
This is all part of the process.
We've just gotta think of
something new, but also unique.
Something Burnglennan
doesn't have and can't copy.
Yum. I love these mince pies.
That's it. That's it. (laughs)
(bright festive music)
You're right, Laird Duncan.
Glenrothie Castle hasn't
celebrated Christmas since 1640,
when political and social upheaval
effectively banned the holiday.
But prior to that, it was alive
with music, laughter and feasting.
Just imagine it. A party.
The whole community
together here in the castle.
Every room full of laughter, color,
and we transform the grounds too
with lights and traditional music.
So you're doing the same
wouldn't be ignoring tradition,
it'd be storing it.
My answer's still no.
The only proof you have is that one book.
The Laird in 1640 would've been Robert.
Why didn't he reestablish the season?
Resume this supposed Christmas Eve party?
It doesn't say why.
There's just this drawing of him here.
Look, Granddad.
He's got the same grumpy
morning faces as you.
He has not.
That Best Christmas Village Award
would look mighty fine
in your trophy cabinet.
Ah, it might.
And I could invite other lads and ladies.
Show them Glenrothie
Castle still remembers
how to host a party.
(scoffs) No.
Anyway, this is a castle.
It's not a village.
But it lies within a village boundary.
So it's within the rules.
Laird Glenrothie,
you told me your code of
arms represents friendship.
What greater gesture
of friendship is there
than opening your doors
to others at Christmas?
Well, what are you waiting around for?
You've work to do.
(bright uplifting music)
We'll decorate the castle,
have stalls and food in the ballroom.
And it would be great if
guests arrived at the castle
to the sound of bagpipes.
Hamish, can your brother in Aberdeen
find us some pipers at short notice?
Oh, I'm afraid he can't.
But my sister in Dundee can.
(group chuckles)
Great. Call her.
And there will be poetry readings, games.
And a dance.
We need a traditional Scottish dance.
- Sounds great.
- Excellent.
We'll have a Ceilidh.
So everyone, be sure to find a partner.
Mike, I'll teach you the steps,
and Alex, you can partner with Emma.
Oh, I'm sure Alex won't miss-
- Emma will be far too busy, so-
- Nonsense. This is your party, Emma.
And it's at your home, Alex.
You'll be leading the Ceilidh.
(bright uplifting music)
Uh-huh.
Cute. Are they yours?
Rhona's, to help show you
where the other partners will be.
Now stand facing me, but slightly apart.
Bit further back.
Good. Okay.
Teddy and Dolly will start the dance,
then penguin and dinosaur.
Then it'll be our turn. Understand?
- No.
- Just follow me.
First we acknowledge.
No, you're a lady. So you curtsy.
Well, you said follow you.
I know, but you curtsy. So curtsy.
Mm-hmm. Then we come together.
Then we do the steps. Go.
(bright festive music)
(Emma giggling)
Keep going. Concentrate, concentrate.
One, now change.
Okay.
Yep. Now we hold hands and spin.
- Spin?
- Like this. Go.
(Emma giggling)
Steady, steady.
(bright uplifting music)
Emma.
Surprise.
Some, uh, old guy let me in.
(stammering) Alex, this
is Brad, my boyfriend.
Brad. Brad, this is Alex.
Pleasure to meet you, Alex.
It's a heck of a place you got here.
Well, after we spoke on the phone
and you said how wonderful this place was,
I moved some meetings and
booked the next flight over.
That's really sweet.
But why didn't you call ahead?
Tell me you were coming.
I wanted it to be a surprise.
Brad, this isn't a vacation for me now.
I'm, I'm planning,
organizing a huge event.
One that if I get it right,
might really boost my career and standing.
That's great. And don't worry about me.
I promise to stay outta your way
while you do everything you need to do.
That wouldn't be fair on
you. After flying all this way.
It's okay.
I am sure that I'll find
something to do while I'm here.
Wow.
(bright uplifting music)
Grab a screw driver
and help if you like.
No, I'm good. Thanks.
I've just been admiring your home.
It's magnificent.
I would like to think so.
It's a shame it's not used
to its full potential though.
Well, Emma's organizing
this Christmas Eve party,
which is great.
But what comes after?
I work in hotels and leisure.
I'd be more than happy
to share my expertise
with your family.
I see.
Emma mentioned that it's
a year-round challenge
to maintain this estate.
With my help and connections,
I could turn this into a very
profitable golf club and spa.
Golf club and spa.
My father despises golf.
Even though Scotland invented the game.
And he despises spas even more.
I'm sure I could persuade him,
once I show him the numbers.
You, uh, you think you
could set up a meeting
with him for me?
If that's what you truly want.
Terrific. I think we're
all gonna prosper from this.
I'll catch you later.
Oh, but no point mentioning
any of this to Emma.
At least not 'til we're
further down the track, right?
(bright whimsical music)
You still need to find
some lucky mistletoe too.
Then the party will be brilliant.
We'll win Best Christmas Village,
and you can visit Glenrothie again.
Oh, Rhona.
We don't need luck for
that last thing to happen.
I would love to come back here,
if the rest of your family
want me to, of course.
Well, I'll have to ask Granddad,
but I'm sure Uncle Alex would love you
to come back next Christmas.
Then you can make him happy again.
But isn't he normally happy?
He used to be.
But then my grandma got
very ill on Christmas,
and she never got better.
- I'm so sorry.
- That's okay.
I was a bit too young to understand,
but I remember my Mom and
Uncle Alex being very sad.
After that, Christmas
was never quite the same.
Why don't we try and make this Christmas
the best Glenrothie has ever seen?
(bright uplifting music)
(Emma giggles)
(Duncan shouting)
Uh, Rhona, why don't you
go put these pine cones
in the shed with the others?
- Okay.
- [Duncan] Just go. Go, sir.
- [Brad] Okay, okay.
- [Duncan] Just leave.
Get out.
[Brad] Wait, no, come on. Okay.
Go. Out of my home.
Oh, and there's the other one.
Is something wrong?
Don't act like you don't
know. Coming to Glenrothie.
Your party, your lights.
It's all been one great
charade, hasn't it?
To butter me and my family up.
I don't understand.
(stammering) Brad?
I, I, I only asked if he'd
consider selling the castle
to the hotel chain I work for.
But he wouldn't even
look at my presentation.
Presentation?
Maps, concept drawings, the lot.
As if you didn't know.
She didn't.
I'm sure of it.
And unless you have proof
otherwise, don't accuse her again.
She's still guilty by association.
So the party, the lights,
it's all canceled.
My final word.
(gentle somber music)
When I see a place that
has potential, I go for it.
This place could be fantastic.
It's already fantastic.
Well, for the one
family that lives here.
But why shouldn't more
people get to enjoy it?
It's not like the Laird isn't
gonna benefit financially.
It's pronounced Laird.
And not everything's about money, Brad.
This place has history, traditions.
Wait, you're on their
side? You're my girlfriend.
Right now, it doesn't feel like I am.
You didn't wanna come here with me,
but as soon as you sniffed
a business opportunity,
you traveled.
What does that say about us?
I'm sure back in New York,
there's someone who loves
your drive and ambition.
And I hope you find her.
I want you to be happy.
I want you to be happy too.
(bright gentle music)
I'm sorry.
No, it, it's okay.
Deep down, I knew we
weren't right together.
I only wish I'd made the decision sooner.
That way we might still
have a party to plan.
We still do.
I pointed out to my father
that he's already invited
all his friends and VIP guests,
and the cancellation at this late stage
might be embarrassing.
(Emma laughs)
Thank you.
And if there's anything
I can do in return?
There is.
I'd very much like it if
you'd stay for Christmas,
and then at least until Hogmanay.
- New Year's Eve?
- Mm-hmm.
And your father too, of course.
Unless either of you have to go back home,
return to America.
No, no. I, I mean, I did.
But not now.
Then it's settled then.
(patrons chattering)
I am sorry about you and Brad.
That's okay.
I realize that my heart didn't skip
when I thought about him.
And now? Does it skip for somebody else?
Looking splendid.
Miss McKenzie.
Emma, I owe you an apology.
I blamed you for that
Brad's schemes and antics
when I had not one shred of evidence.
I can see how it looked.
And you were only protecting your home.
Which you have improved.
I haven't seen Rhona so excited for years.
Or Alex.
I know you're very busy. Lots to do.
But if you've got a wee second,
I don't imagine you packed a
formal dress for this trip.
So I thought you might appreciate this.
(gasps) It's beautiful.
It was my darling wife's
when she was about your age.
Oh, then I couldn't possibly.
No, no, no. I insist.
She would've wanted it worn by someone
with your heart and spirit.
She loved Christmas too.
I regret not letting her celebrate it
as fully as she always wanted.
Thank you. I would
be honored to wear it.
(bright uplifting music)
Here I am hanging up the silver lights
Dreaming you were here tonight
Sitting right here by my side
Next Christmas
You'll be here with me
Putting up that Christmas tree
Just have to wait and see
'Til next Christmas
[Emma] What do you think?
Hmm, it should be much, much bigger.
Isn't that what I once said to you?
- And I listened.
- Eventually.
Grab your coat. We'll
go and find a bigger one.
I can't. I, I still have
a dozen jobs to finish.
And I'm waiting for you to come home
Don't worry. I'll call
you if I need any help.
In the silver lights
Dreaming you were
here tonight
Sitting right here
by my side
Maybe next Christmas
You'll be here with me
We've passed a dozen
trees that were great.
What are you looking for?
You'll soon see. And I
thought you'd be happy.
Me trying to create the perfect Christmas.
I am happy to see the castle opening up,
decorated for the holidays.
It's-
Right there.
(bright gentle music)
(Emma laughs)
- Mistletoe.
- Mm-hmm.
Oh, Rhona will be so happy.
And it might just give us the luck we need
to win the contest.
And for anything else
we might need luck with.
We're directly underneath.
I suppose it'd be remiss of
us not to follow tradition.
It really would.
(phone chiming)
This will be Megan needing help.
Oh, uh, Gwen?
Emma, I need you back in New York.
Jackson was supposed to
be lighting the Plaza
for New Year's Eve, but he's let me down.
So the job is yours,
as long as you can get
back from vacation in time.
Gwen, thank you.
But to have any chance of doing that,
I'd have to fly back immediately.
Would that be a problem?
I'm doing another installation
here. An important one.
And I promised someone
I'd be spending Christmas in Scotland.
So you're saying no to me?
I'm saying can I think about it?
At least for an hour or two?
Fine. I'll be waiting for your call.
That was my boss.
She's-
I got the gist.
You're really thinking of leaving?
It's a wonderful opportunity.
I, I might never get one as good again.
I don't know what to do.
Then let me decide for you.
Go back home.
But what about the contest and party?
Spending Christmas here
with you, with Rhona?
If we mattered,
then you wouldn't even be
considering another job.
If you didn't matter, I'd
have taken it on the spot.
Alex, it's okay.
I, I know why you're reacting like this.
Well, do you now?
This was the first Christmas
you were truly looking forward to
since, since your mother passed.
I resent you bringing that up.
You don't know me, my family.
You're just an outsider,
when all is said and done,
and you always will be.
(gentle somber music)
Then perhaps I should go home.
I'm certainly not stopping you.
(gentle wistful music)
Bruce, make sure all
the guests are welcomed
with food and drinks.
Megan, you only have to
hang the last lights.
I know you'll do a fantastic job.
But you can't leave us.
I'm sorry, but a job's
come up in New York.
I have to fly home.
Then I'll go with you.
It's a long drive back to the airport.
No, no, Dad, stay here.
You and Ruth deserve to
spend Christmas together.
I know how you feel about her.
And I think you do too.
Call me the minute you land.
Rhona. Hi.
Shouldn't you be getting
into your party dress?
Is it true that you're leaving?
I'm sorry, but I have to.
Will you come back?
I'm not sure.
But perhaps one day you can
come to visit me in New York,
and I can show you all of
the Christmas lights there.
I'd like that.
(bright uplifting music)
(gentle wistful music)
(bright gentle music)
(Emma laughs)
(bright uplifting music)
(phone vibrates and chimes)
(bright festive music)
(residents chattering)
Uncle Alex, look, it's snowing.
Well, it was snowing before it melted.
And look at my dress.
You're the loveliest lady here, Rhona.
And look up there.
I managed to find you
some lucky mistletoe.
Aren't you pleased?
Yeah, I just wish Emma was
here to see it, and the snow.
Grab a mince pie and cheer yourself up.
She's upset about Emma leaving.
Ah.
Aye, strange, her suddenly
deciding to leave like that.
She was offered a job, but it was me.
The heat of the moment, overreacting.
I spoke out of turn.
The fear of losing her,
even for Christmas,
now means I've lost her forever.
You have her phone number, so call her,
say sorry, and you were a fool.
No, what I said, it'd take
a face to face apology to fix.
Then go and do that.
I imagine New York and
Hogmanay is splendid.
Especially if Emma is lighting the place.
I can't just drop
everything and fly across.
Yes, you can.
All this has made me reassess
what's right for the estate,
and for you.
Investment, adopting new working methods
would give you more
time to live your life,
the life you want.
Tradition be damned.
Hold on, hold on.
I'm still not okay with
public displays of affection.
As soon as the judging's
finished and the party's over,
I'll drive to the airport
and grab the next flight.
My goodness. You won't have to.
(bright uplifting music)
You came back.
- I hope you don't mind.
- Of course not.
About what happened. What I said.
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
take your partners for the Ceilidh.
(group clapping)
You're back.
Great. Just in time.
(bright festive music)
(group clapping)
I'm sorry for how I spoke to you.
Sorry?
I said I'm sorry for how I spoke to you.
- Me too, I-
- Too late. Your turn.
(bright festive music continues)
I didn't mean to upset you.
Recall painful memories.
No, I'm glad you did.
Remembering the past, it's
made me think about my future.
We should keep dancing.
Sure.
(bright festive music continues)
(Emma giggles)
I'm sorry I called you an outsider.
Sorry, I, I, I didn't catch that.
Hold on.
I'm sorry I called you an outsider.
You're much more to me than that.
Since we met, my life's
changed all for the better.
Mine too.
Standing in the village,
seeing the snowfall,
it was perfect.
And then my boss called
and asked for my decision,
and I remembered my own advice.
That Christmas is a time
to be with those you love.
So I came back.
And I'm so glad you did.
(group clapping)
(Megan clears throat)
You all know my son Alex, of course.
But we should show our
appreciation for Emma
who organized this fine evening.
(group clapping)
An evening, which I've just been told
has turned into a winning one.
(group exclaiming)
We did it.
Glenrothie is Best Christmas Village.
(group cheering and clapping)
(bright festive music)
(gentle festive music)
Sleigh bells in the distance
I think this is rightly yours.
I'd be happy if you kept it.
You already have a trophy cabinet.
I was hoping you'd say that.
But you can look at it
whenever you come to visit.
That is, if you choose
to leave, of course.
This room is full of Lairds
and Earls, landowners.
They've all praised your work,
and they are lining up to request
that you decorate their
homes for gala weddings,
state visits, and Christmas, of course.
If you stayed here in Scotland,
you could pick and
choose the work you want.
Fire's warm
Have a think.
(gentle bright music)
How about it?
Well, I'm sure my Dad would
be happy to settle here,
if he hasn't decided to already.
But to move countries,
start a new life here,
create a home, it's quite a risk.
And one I'm happy to take.
(bright uplifting music)
I look forward to the future.
But let's not forget the old traditions.
(bright uplifting music continues)
I told you it'd bring luck.
(group chuckling)
(energetic festive music)
(energetic festive music continues)
(bright uplifting music)
(text clacking)