Santa Who? (2000) Movie Script
"Dear Santa,
you are the greatest.
All I want is a happy Christmas
with a family who loves me.
Love,
Peter Albright.
Peter?
Have you finished your letter?
Yep. Here it is.
Good.
I'll mail it to Santa tonight.
Peter...
I just got off the phone
with your father
and I'm afraid he won't
be coming for you.
Why?
Well, he thinks it would be better
if you stayed here.
For always?
Yes.
Peter...
Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
Peter Albright.
- Peter Albright, "Channel 12".. Uh, okay.
- Not today.
"Channel 12 News," Peter Albright.
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
- Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."
- Out of my way.
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
- Peter Al...
- Of Christmas...
- It's mine.
- It's mine!
- No, it's mine!
- Hey! Hey, man!
- ...meeting smile after smile...
- Out of my way!
Hey!
Hey, that's my cab!
Hey, hey!
Merry Christmas to you!
"Channel 12 News."
What's the best thing you got today?
A migraine.
Can I... can I please...
Peter Albright, "Channel 12"...
Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."
Did you spend much money today?
No, I stole all this.
- Okay.
- Soon it will be
Can't we do a different kind
of Christmas story this year?
Something on the holiday suicide rate.
Christmas depression...
red, green, and blues.
Or find out if any mall Santas
have police records.
Tonight's shocking report...
criminal Kringles.
Peter, this is supposed
to be a happy time
and you're the happy news guy.
Come on, George,
I want some real news,
you know, a nice
career-making tragedy.
Just edit together the shopper piece.
My footage is lousy.
Nobody would talk to me.
Maybe you should wear a Santa suit.
Oh, sure, then I can stick a camera
in my cap and call it a Santa cam.
- I like it.
You're not serious?
It was your idea.
No, it was my idea of a stupid idea.
Christmas through the eyes of Santa.
Ho, ho, ho.
Well, doesn't get any more
humiliating than this.
Okay, so I was wrong.
- How's it look?
- Keep your head straight.
Bet you'd like to find her
under your tree Christmas morning.
Excuse me, miss,
but your name has appeared
on many a boys' Christmas list,
so I was wondering if I could
take you home and wrap you up.
Peter, you are good, man.
Oh, and is there
an unwrapping involved?
Oh, ho, ho, ho.
- Possibly.
- Ow.
- What are you doing in that getup?
What? I'm on assignment.
- What do you think,
I pick up any strange Santa
who walks in?
So, are we still on for dinner tonight?
Uh, only if you change clothes.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Hi, Santa.
Can I have a dolly
and a house for her to live in?
Why, sure, sweetheart.
I want a Malibu Malloroy beach house,
the deluxe years
with the Jacuzzi
and the two-car garage.
- Hey, Santa!
- Ow!
- Hey, let go.
- Ow!
Let go. Why don't you go talk
to that other Santa over there?
And the cars come separately,
so I want the pink convertible
and the violet Land Rover.
And is your belly real?
Ooh!
And don't forget batteries!
- Yeah.
You know some people
actually live with kids?
In their homes. For years.
Here, let me give you a hand.
Whoa! Ow!
Ugh.
Great.
Where am I gonna find a new Santa?
Well, we could call my agent.
I'm sure he knows some out-of-work actors
who would love this job.
Miss Dreyer, tell me
Santa's not going to sue.
- No, no, I'm sure it'll be fine, Mr. Lusby.
- Uh-huh.
Well, I see you found
a replacement and so quickly.
- Very good.
- Oh, no, no, no. I'm not his re...
- Absolutely not.
- Just a few hours till I can find a new one.
- It'll be fun.
- Forget it.
- You know how I am with kids.
- Mama, pee-pee.
- Ho, ho...
- Oh, come on!
Oh.
Oh, that's just great.
I'm out of here.
Sorry.
- Ho, ho, ho, ho,
ho, ho, ho-kay, that's enough.
Please tell me you found a replacement.
Your agent says three days
before Christmas,
all the good Santas are booked.
But he's sending some guys
over tomorrow to audition.
Maybe you should try the North Pole.
All right, fellas, listen up!
We're working overtime. Fun's over.
- Let's go!
- Six million five, nice.
- Time to get cracking!
- Six million and six, nice.
- Six million seven, nice.
- Check with Rupert.
- Six million eight, nice.
- Six million and nine, nice.
- Rupert.
You seen the big fella?
Uh, nope.
- You should try the stables, Max.
- Okay.
Get back to work.
I didn't interrupt you, did I?
Uh, n-no.
- All right.
- One, nice.
Two, nice.
- Three, nice.
- One, naughty. Uh-oh.
Please return all defective lions
to section eight.
- Uh. Oh.
Oh, there you are.
I've been looking all over for you.
You okay?
When was the last time
I wore this suit?
I don't know, judging by
the flare of cuffs,
- I guess the early '70s.
- '70s.
I found these letters
in one of the pockets here.
I've overlooked them.
I can't believe it.
But what if there are others?
If there are other pockets
loaded with letters
Can't happen. No, not today.
Not with email and faxes, Internet.
Well, I'll tell you one thing.
Back then, the kids were easier.
They're asking
for bicycles, for sleds...
for the basics...
and saying please and thank you
and asking for something nice,
a gift for a... a brother or a sister.
See... see, things in those days
were more thoughtful.
They were more caring, you know?
You don't see that today.
Everything is give me,
give me, give me.
How many letters
have we received this year?
I don't know, Nick.
Five, six, seven hundred.
Million.
Ah.
And as I recall
out of all of those letters,
not one thank-you letter.
Not one in the bunch.
You, my jolly old friend,
are overworked.
No, I'm not overworked!
Christmas is overworked!
Commercialized, computerized.
There has to be a special order now.
Tickle me this and talk to me that.
The people go through the motions,
but the spirit is not there.
It's... the...
the magic is gone.
I... I think it's time
for me to retire, to hang my bag up.
This is such a pattern
with you, you know that?
I mean, come on,
the first sign of pressure
and it's like you're ready
to sell out
to one of the catalogue companies.
- I do not!
- You do, too!
I do not.
You do, too.
Okay, it's a stressful time of the year.
But you gotta admit, Nick,
it's a good job.
Stop biting your nails.
- I can't.
- Well, then put on your gloves.
Look, Nick, the most important thing
is that you know that you do matter.
You have to remember that.
You think so?
I know so.
You bring happiness and joy to kids
all over the world.
"Look up in the sky."
"Who is it?"
"Santa bringing the gifts."
Let's get back to work. Come on.
No, no. You go on ahead.
I'm... I think I'll take a drive
and, uh... to clear my head.
I'm fine.
Okay.
Nice way to get out of work.
- Well, how does that sound,
my beauties?
Would you like to go and take a nice,
pleasant drive, hmm?
Sorry about dinner, but I just gotta
see my little Zack before he goes...
Before he goes to bed.
Yeah, I know.
George, Peter. How about this?
Santa's sweatshop,
the truth about toy-making.
Call me.
And... and don't say no
before you think about it.
You really hate Christmas, don't you?
No, but spending an entire month
putting all your focus into one day
and putting all your hopes and dreams
and expectations into that day,
it just sets...
you set yourself up for disappointment.
Uh-huh,
you wouldn't wanna expect anything.
No, I just think Christmas is a crock.
Well, see?
You don't hate it.
Yeah.
- You little Grinch.
Hiyah! Toro!
- Mom, you're home!
Oh, hi, sweetie.
- Oh, I missed you!
- Mm.
Don't ask.
Be nice.
Oof.
Ho, ho, ho.
So, what do you think?
Don't quit your day job.
- Hey, I remember this show.
- Don't tell me what happens.
No, I used to watch it when I was...
Oh, is this gonna be about you again?
What do you mean?
Another one of your stories where
all you do is talk about yourself.
Okay.
We can talk about you.
- Very funny.
- Saved by the bell.
Albright.
Zack?
Come on, buddy. Time for bed.
Let's go.
Here we go.
- Mm-hmm.
Why, sweetie?
You
I don't know.
He doesn't really listen to anybody
except himself and whoever's on
that stupid phone.
Well, don't you worry
'cause you are my number one guy.
- Mwah!
Ho, Donner! Ho, Vixen!
Ho!
Wow, this looks very...
easy to clean.
I'll take that as a compliment.
- This is nice.
- Mm-hmm.
- So, can I spend the night?
- Mm-mm.
- Because it's just
too confusing for Zack.
Why? He doesn't have
friends sleep over?
No, I just... I don't
know how to explain
our relationship to him, you know?
I mean, we don't know
who you are in our life
- or how long you're gonna stay.
I just... I don't want him
to think you're gonna be permanent
if you're not.
I could leave before morning.
That might work.
What are you still doing here?
You were supposed to leave last night.
I fell asleep.
I'm sorry.
Oh, no.
Here he comes. Get dressed.
- No, hide!
No, dress!
- Hide!
- Get dressed!
- Ugh.
- Just hide!
- Hi, Mom!
- Hi, sweetie!
Oh, come here. Give me a kiss.
- Kissy.
Can I go to work with you today?
Huh? Yeah, no, no, not today, honey.
Oh, come on, Mom.
It's Christmas vacation!
How about we do it tomorrow, huh?
I love you.
Best mom in the world!
Come on... oh!
Hey, how come you never say that
when I say no, huh?
Hi, sweetie.
Mom, that's not where I sit.
Yeah, I know. I just thought
it would be nice to, um,
have some variety in your life.
You know, sit somewhere else
for a change, have a different view.
But, um, I like sitting here.
Oh.
Fine. Fine.
I can only expose you to new things.
I can't make you change.
You know,
you don't have to sit with me.
You... you can start getting ready.
Yeah, I know.
I know. It's just that
I like this time we spend
doing things together,
like reading the cereal box.
Huh? Now, when was
the last time we did that?
Wow, would you look
at all those essential vitamins.
Mom?
Is everything okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, of course, sweetie.
Of course.
Why
So did you, um...
did you make your bed this morning?
No.
Now, that... that would be perfect
if you'd go make your bed.
Now?
Yes. Yes, sweetie. Right now.
Okay.
- Oh...
and tell what's-his-name
not to forget his Santa suit.
Ah, dark clouds.
That means a white Christmas.
Time to head for home, my beauties.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Okay, that was the worst moment
of my life.
Maybe I could put the suit back on
and tell him Christmas came early.
Look, I think it's time
we explained our relationship to Zack.
No, actually, I think it's time
you explained it to me.
Look, uh, I...
I really can't do this right now.
I... I gotta run.
Peter, it's been a year
and you still haven't made
any connection with him.
What are your thoughts
on boarding school?
It was a joke!
Look, he's my son.
He's...
he's my life.
And if you're gonna be in my life,
you two have to get along.
Uh...
- I really gotta...
- Run.
Yeah, I know.
There, now.
Whoa!
Whoa.
Oh, hey, Prancer, no.
Prancer! Whoa.
Whoa-ho, now.
Whoa! Hey!
Whoa!
- Whoa, Nelly!
Whoa!
Albright. Okay, Lenny.
I'll be there in a minute.
Yeah, I'm leaving right now.
Yeah, it's fine.
What the...?
I'll call you in a minute.
Oh, God.
Sir?
Sir, can you hear me?
I hate Christmas.
I hate Christmas.
Hate it.
You killed Santa!
I didn't kill Santa.
He's just sleeping.
- Well, he's got
a big bump on his head,
but other than that, he...
I don't know, he seems okay.
- See, I didn't even hurt him.
- You didn't do him any good.
How did you not even see him?
I don't know.
It's like he fell out of nowhere.
His beard is real!
Thank you.
We'll... we'll try and leave it on.
Well, let's, uh, see who he is.
He's gotta have a wallet or something.
Oh, yeah, good idea.
Careful.
- Candy canes.
- Cookies.
He's awake.
You're awake.
- Oh, this is a very good sign.
- Hi.
Hi, how do you feel?
You had a little accident.
Yeah, you fell near my car.
- He ran over you.
- Zack, we can handle this.
Yeah, we were just, um...
just looking for some sort
of identification, you know?
Maybe we could call
a family member, friend?
Uh, what's your name?
Uh...
Where do you live?
Can you talk?
Yes.
Yes, but, uh...
I...
I just don't have anything
to talk about.
Let me help refresh your memory.
You're in a Santa suit,
which tells me you're interested
in a job at the mall.
- Well, then he should've come
to my office, not here.
Well, he must be the ambitious type,
go that extra mile, you know?
And he rented a terrific suit
and he seems like a very nice man,
- so I say we hire him.
- Peter.
Of course, it isn't entirely up to me.
I'm sorry, would you excuse us
for a minute, please?
What do you think you're doing?
Well, I'm solving your problem and his.
- And yours.
You need a Santa, he needs a job,
- so if you hire him...
- What, maybe he won't press charges?
Come on, what is it
with you and Santas, anyway?
I mean, what are you,
some kind of a Santa basher?
Okay, so I feel a little guilty.
I wanna make it up to him.
Besides, I mean, he's perfect.
Peter, the man has amnesia.
Okay, not completely perfect,
but it's probably just temporary.
Well, what if it's not?
What if he doesn't get his memory back?
- Well, then he'll never
remember what hit him.
Albright.
Yeah.
Yeah, I can be there in 10 minutes.
Okay, great.
- There's a story breaking.
I gotta go.
You're... you're leaving?
Sorry.
So you run over some guy,
leave him in my apartment,
and all you can say is sorry?
He'll be fine.
Look, just take him to work with you.
I'll check on you later.
So as usual, you run off
and expect me to clean up your mess.
I knew you'd understand.
I'll make it up to you.
Nick, don't worry.
You're a shoo-in for this gig.
What's... what's a shoo
- You know, a sure thing.
- Ah.
What's a gig?
I don't know.
But I know who you are.
You're Santa.
Santa.
Santa who?
Strangest thing you ever saw.
- The owner found 'em
just wandering around.
Reindeer?
Do they answer to any names?
Come here, Vixen, Blixen, Comet.
Now all we need is a sleigh.
Boy, you are good.
- Places.
Here we go. Up.
Okay, uh, let's go through this
one more time.
Okay, you're standing here
in the middle of the square...
And this came from...?
Okay, let's go through this
one more time.
An anonymous Christmas gift to the city
or a huge Christmas hoax?
No one knows who unleashed
this herd of reindeer
- or where this...
Yes.
Isn't that your friend?
This is Peter Albright reporting live.
Now back to Janey
with the latest on our weather.
Thanks, Peter.
Well, it's the strangest thing.
We've got snow clouds,
but there's no snow.
I just love this time of year.
- What's your favorite thing about Christmas?
- Uh...
I don't know.
Oh, yeah, you really shouldn't
bite your nails.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
- I'm sorry, you're right.
- That's okay.
- Hi, Grady.
- Oh, thank you, Claire.
- Whoa, great suit.
- Yeah, same to you.
- Hey, Grady, this is...
- Ah, don't tell me.
- That's your new Santa.
- Oh.
You really look the part.
- Thank you.
- Good luck in there.
- Thanks. Bye, Grady.
- Bye-bye.
Thank you, sir.
God bless.
Merry Christmas.
Ho, ho, ho, ho.
Um, I don't know.
Just do what Santa does.
But what does Santa do?
- Well, he says ho, ho, ho a lot.
- "Ho, ho, ho a lot".
Well, yeah, you know,
just a hearty laugh.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Yeah. Yeah, you'll be fine.
- Ho, ho, ho.
- You'll be fine.
- Yeah.
- Good. Let's begin.
- Were we supposed to wear a costume?
I don't know.
Ho, ho, ho.
Ho, ho, ho, ho...
Hoy, hoy, hoy.
Ho, ha, ha.
Wait, wait.
It wasn't motivated.
Ho.
Ho, ho.
Ho, ho, ho, ho.
I lost my focus.
I'm gonna try again, okay?
You've been good.
Got a list.
Checking it twice.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
I just flew in from the North Pole
and, boy, are my arms tired.
See you in the gym.
Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Ho, ho...
I can do accents, too.
Ho, ho.
Ho.
Well, I thought the last one
seemed pretty good.
No, no, no.
He had no heart in his ho, ho, hos.
- Now, I think that...
I mean, I just... I just thought
the last guy seemed so authentic.
- You know, the beard, the belly...
- He's not jolly, Miss Dreyer.
Santa Claus has to be jolly.
Congratulations, number two.
You are our new Santa.
Well, I didn't get the job, but...
I'm sorry.
Listen, Peter should be here soon,
then we can figure out
where to go from here.
Meanwhile, Ellen will
give you some money.
Maybe you can
buy yourself some lunch.
- Maybe some new clothes.
- Oh, uh-huh, uh-huh.
Thank you.
You're very kind.
Hi. Shouldn't you be working?
I... I didn't get the gig.
- Ah, don't worry. You'll get another job.
- Oh, I guess, I guess.
This must be pretty hard work,
standing out here all day.
- No, I love it.
You know who's got a tough job?
The real Santa.
You think about it.
He's stuck up there in the North Pole.
He never gets to meet the kids.
He... he never gets to see
the happiness he brings.
- Now that's a tough job.
- Must be, must be.
Grady, right?
- Yeah, yeah. And you're, uh...
- I am...
confused.
Very confused.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
- Oh, he didn't get the job.
- You've gotta be kidding.
- Yeah, he wasn't jolly enough.
Oh, ho, ho!
This guy's plenty jolly.
Plenty contagious.
You okay?
- Oh!
- Get some help!
You really gotta get
these railings fixed.
Boy, you are rough on your Santas.
Me? You're the one who smacked him.
It's like you're the anti-Claus.
Well, on the upside,
looks like our guy's got the job.
Where is he, anyway?
- Shopping.
You sent him out on his own?
What were you thinking?
I sent him to buy some clothes.
What's the worst that could happen?
- I had nothing to do with it.
Your... your beard.
They said at the hairdresser
that this makes me look younger.
What do you think, eh?
So just talk to the kids.
You know, smile.
- Oh, and most important, be jolly.
- Ho, ho, ho.
Yeah, the whole idea
is to make people feel good.
So they'll spend all their money on
useless Christmas gifts.
Help them feel
the spirit of the season.
So they'll spend more money
on useless Christmas gifts.
Did you ever think about somebody
giving the gifts to the kids for free?
And then the kids
get up in the morning,
go down and find their presents
under the Christmas tree, so...
What, has somebody
already thought of that?
- Yeah.
Here.
Sit down.
- Whoa.
- Okay, this has never happened before.
- Sit.
We got lights and music.
Excuse me, it's okay.
All it was was a breaker.
The railing must've knocked it out.
Everything seems all right.
He's good.
Hope he's got insurance.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Told you he'd be perfect.
Yeah, but we still
don't know who he is.
Not yet we don't.
Oh, no, I hate it
when you get that look on your face.
I don't know why
I didn't think of this before.
I mean, I've been so busy
doing reindeer reports,
I don't even notice when the perfect
story drops out of the sky.
You know who this Santa is?
I'll broadcast his picture into
every home in the metropolitan area.
Wait, you're gonna
exploit that poor man?
Exploit? No!
No, no, no.
Expose him to millions of people
who may be able to identify him.
I mean, that's what Christmas
is all about...
families coming together,
dreams coming true.
- Ratings going up.
- Way up.
You know, people will tune in, hoping
he'll be reunited with his family.
And when he is,
I'll be there with my camera.
Well, it is a good story.
Good?
No, this is a Christmas story
of a lifetime.
Taylor, right there...
And what do you want for Christmas?
- Well, he's not answering his beeper,
but according to the LoJack,
he's somewhere in this area.
All right, let's gather
our bravest and our best.
It's time to get him back.
- It's not an option.
We'd have to cancel Christmas.
Like I said, it's not an option.
- You have a nice trip, ma'am.
- Thank you.
Home for the holidays, mister...
Max.
- You can call me Max.
- Max.
And the purpose of your trip?
Business.
We're here on business.
I see.
What's in the bags?
Oh, uh...
uh...
- uh...
So, uh, ahem, what are you,
Santa's little helpers?
- Welcome to our country.
- Check their bag, Hatfield.
- You don't wanna know.
Ah, you're not wanting me
to want to look in the bag?
What?
- Open your bag!
- Relax there, Hatfield.
I'll check the bag.
And what is in this bag?
Oh, toiletries.
Toothbrush, toothpaste.
Teeth.
- Your turn again.
- Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't ya?
Look, just take your bags
and go on with your business there.
- Go on!
- Go! Go!
A "Channel 12 News" exclusive.
We go live to Peter Albright.
Santa who?
That's the question everyone is asking.
This may be a man without a name,
without an identity,
but he seems to have touched
the hearts of the people of this city.
This gentle man has put aside his
own fear and confusion to play Santa,
thinking not of his own needs,
but those of others.
As he brings happiness
to holiday shoppers,
he is the epitome
of the spirit of Christmas.
So this year,
let's give Santa the ultimate gift.
Let's reunite him with his family.
If anyone knows this man,
please contact us
- and help us get Santa home
for the holidays.
- Is that Ira?
- No.
- No, it's not.
Ira's dead. That's Santa Claus.
Is he taking Ira's room?
- Oh.
- We're asking for your help.
If anyone knows this man,
please contact us
and help us get Santa home
for the holidays.
"Touched our hearts."
"Christmas spirit."
"Let's give Santa the ultimate gift."
- Won't be a dry eye in the house.
- That's the idea.
Boy, did you luck out.
Oh, can I help it if I ran
into the perfect story, literally?
- Network's picking it up
for "World News Tonight."
So tomorrow I'll be saying
good morning to America?
You... one step at a time.
First, you gotta find out
who he really is.
Well, I got 48 hours
to reunite him with his family
on Christmas Day.
Whoo!
- Everybody look out.
- Merry Christmas.
- All right, everybody step aside.
- Ho, ho, ho.
Look out.
Coming through.
- Very good.
- Calm down.
- Calm down.
- Hey, Santa! Santa!
- Santa!
- Okay, have a seat, Santa.
All right, everybody calm down.
I'll talk to all of you
one at a time.
Just 'cause he don't look
exactly like my ex-husband,
you're saying he don't owe me
six years' alimony?
Well, sure, I know Santa.
We're old pals.
And you are?
The Easter Bunny.
Oh, come on.
That's crazy.
Oh, yeah, yeah, he's my brother.
You know, we're twins.
Well, I mean, not identical.
Is there a reward?
Okay, that's all for today, folks.
- Thank you.
- Aw.
- Hey.
- Hey.
What do you say to dinner?
Oh, not... not tonight.
I've just been working such long hours,
- I wanna spend some more time with Zack.
- More time with Zack.
Yeah.
Hey, we're gonna see
"Miracle on 34th Street."
You wanna join us?
Uh, n-no.
That's okay.
I should probably look after, uh, Nick.
Maybe some other time.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Well, I... I better get going.
Yeah.
Hello. How did I do?
- You were great. Just great.
- Thank you.
So, uh, you're coming home with me.
Oh, no, I couldn't impose on you.
No, I insist, I insist.
- Besides, I gotta protect
my news story, right?
I cannot recall ever being paid
for anything that I've ever done.
What, you mean you worked for free?
I don't recall, but this is...
I've been paid this time.
- Don't flash your cash like that.
- Well, because someone might...
people aren't as nice as you are.
- Well, someone might take it.
- Ah, just put it in your pocket.
Oh, all right.
Hey, do you like chestnuts?
Uh, I don't know.
I don't know,
I don't know.
One.
- Never mind.
- Watch where you're going, Santa!
It seems like it's such a fun time.
Well, it can be, I guess.
What is so special about this time?
- Oh, you're asking the wrong guy.
- Merry Christmas, Santa.
Everyone seems so friendly.
- It could be what you're wearing, Nick.
- They're so happy!
- This is your fault!
- Well, not everyone.
- It is not my fault!
- Woman trouble.
You got woman trouble, Nick?
Uh, I don't know. You?
- We all do.
- Oh.
Claire seems like such a nice person.
Oh, she is, but she wants a commitment.
Oh, is that bad?
- Uh, I don't know.
Ha, didn't think so.
No, my point is I'm just not ready
for an instant family.
- Oh, the boy, oh.
You don't like children?
No, I like 'em fine...
at somebody else's house.
Well, they're no different
from you and me.
They're just like us.
It's just that they're smaller.
Yeah, but they're wiser.
- They see things
that we no longer see.
How do you know so much about kids?
I... I don't know.
- But it sounds good, doesn't it?
Yeah, all right, here we are.
Well, this looks like a nice building.
- Thanks.
Okay, now you're scaring me.
Thank you, Peter.
So you... you got any children, Nick?
Uh, no.
Uh, no one child in particular,
but I feel like I have a lot of them.
No tree?
No time.
Don't you give gifts?
Oh, yeah.
Got this for Zack.
Ah. Oh.
"Night Before Christmas."
Ring a bell?
And I got these for everyone else.
Catalogues?
You give catalogues?
No, I...
I order from them.
Got my holiday shopping down
to an hour and a half this year.
- It's a new record.
- Okay, well...
sure a lot it seems
I have to remember about Christmas.
Peter,
would you teach me
one of those Christmas songs?
You don't remember a single carol?
I don't even remember I married one.
That's my first Christmas carol.
- Now teach me another one.
- No, tomorrow.
Right now it's time for bed.
I'll be right back, Nick.
Hey, Nick, I just thought
you might use some...
pajamas.
No, these... these are fine.
All right.
Oh, sleep tight.
- We're getting close now.
Look, Max, his sleigh!
Yeah, but where is he
and where are the reindeer?
Let's go.
I told him once,
I told a hundred times!
Always keep it with him!
Well, at least we know
it's his sleigh, Max!
Let's go.
So what do we do now, Max?
We're gonna have to search the city.
This city, Max?
But it's so tall.
I'm ready to learn another carol.
All right, stop it, stop it, stop it.
Yeah, you know, words without music.
Remember?
Oh, yes, I remember.
Talking, yes.
Oh, well, great.
Great.
Yeah. Well, who knows?
Today could be your big day.
You could be back singing
Christmas songs with your family.
You really think so?
We could only hope.
- The countdown is on.
Only 36 hours left...
- Ray, come watch this story.
- He's about six feet tall,
approximately 200-plus pounds...
Doesn't he look like Grandpa?
- I don't know. He's been gone...
- 10 years.
Yeah, it could be him, all right.
Check out Channel 12
and respond through email
or use our toll-free number...
- There's a merry Christmas just
waiting for a lucky family.
Hello? Yes, I'd like to talk
to someone about Santa Claus.
Yes, I know who he really is.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Merry Christmas!
- Wow!
There are Santas everywhere, Max!
Yep, but we're only looking for one.
- Ho, ho, ho.
- Merry Christmas!
How about the right one?
Oh, good plan, Max.
Yeah, a virtual stroke of genius.
You are very smart, Max.
Here you go, Detective.
- Thanks.
We must've talked to 200 people,
but we're checking out
a couple possibilities.
Well, the rest of them
were all looky-loos or Looney Tunes.
- Does he have to be here?
- Yes.
Now, Mr. Albright...
Mr. Albright?
What I'd like to do now is...
bring in the police psychiatrist
and put him under hypnosis.
Do you think that stuff really works?
Well, we've had some success
with it, yeah.
Do it! You'll see.
Imagine you're at home,
safe and comfortable,
and a voice is calling you.
It's a woman's voice.
My wife?
Yes, your wife.
What name is she calling?
Nick.
Good.
And what's your wife's name?
- Mrs. Nick.
- Oh, this is working really well.
Okay, and, um,
Nick, tell me what it's like
at your home.
Cold. Dark.
Uh-huh, and what are you doing?
Feeding the animals.
What kind of animals?
Um, not sure.
Horses?
Is there anyone else around?
Any children?
Oh, there are lots of children.
Or...
are they...
little people?
Little people?
Little people?
I'm not sure.
It's okay, Nick.
- Whoa, Nelly!
Where are you now?
I'm standing on a... on a rooftop.
- I'm falling.
No, I... I'm flying!
No, I can't fly.
I wanna get down.
I wanna go home.
Okay, just relax.
You're coming down, landing safely.
At the count of three, you'll wake up.
You won't have any memory of this.
You'll feel alert and refreshed.
One, two, three.
So
- Yes, you're Santa!
- Well, actually, no.
We don't know who you are yet,
but we're getting closer.
Don't you get it?
Animals, little people,
flying, duh!
- Oh, come on.
- This guy is the real Santa Claus.
Claire.
There must be something you remember.
Claire, Lusby wants you
to manage crowd control.
It's a madhouse out here.
I'll be there in a minute.
Thanks.
Listen, I've got a little crisis.
Would you keep an eye on Zack?
- It won't be for long.
Can you just help me out here?
Okay.
If I can have more sessions with him,
more details will slowly
start to come back.
But what would really trigger his
memory is an emotional connection.
A familiar face, a familiar place...
anything that will
remind him of who he is.
Okay, well, then let's
schedule another session.
In the meantime, we'll continue to
check out every legitimate lead.
All right, just let me know when.
Listen, we need to get this guy
identified as soon as possible.
Um...
I kind of promised my viewers
I'd have him home for Christmas.
Well, I think the important thing
is to get him to the right home.
Well, you have your priorities
- and I have mine.
- You can't just send him anywhere.
- He's Santa.
- Zack, stay out of this.
This is adult business.
Just stay with Nick.
Detective, come on.
I think the kid's got the right idea.
- Tomorrow's Christmas Eve
and if you don't remember
who you are by then, then...
What?
What will happen?
Nothing.
That's the problem.
Christmas won't happen.
You gotta remember who you are.
You just gotta.
I heard the doctor say that I needed
something familiar.
Yeah!
Come on!
Hurry!
Wait for me.
All right, Mr. Albright,
we'll keep in touch.
Great.
Thanks, Detective.
They went that-a-way.
Oh, great. The one day she asks me
to watch her son...
You lose him.
It's okay.
He's with an adult.
- Mm-hmm.
An adult who doesn't know who he is,
much less where he is.
You fly on the sleigh...
- Yes.
- ...with your elves...
- Yes.
- ...and your reindeer...
- Yes.
- ...and you land on the roof.
- Yes.
- And go down the chimney.
- Ah, yes.
- No.
I'm sorry.
What's this picture called again?
"It's a Wonderful Life."
Well, then why is he trying
to take his life?
Look, "Miracle on 34th Street."
Look, that's Santa!
- They think he's crazy.
- Ah, aha!
And this Santa,
why's he stealing everything?
That's the Grinch.
Oh, look! Rudolph!
- He's your favorite reindeer!
Don't you remember anything?
No, Zack.
Reindeer.
Yeah, I got it!
Come on!
All right, remember, he can be
anywhere, so keep your eyes open.
Got it, Max.
Let's go over this again.
- Santa flies in his sleigh...
- Yes.
- ...with his elves.
- Yes.
- He lands on the roof.
- Yes.
- He goes down the chimney.
- Yes.
- You know what all this means?
- No.
Me either.
Let's go.
Earth to elves!
What are you guys doing?
We're homesick.
Would you...
Think.
Reindeer.
Uh, Santa.
Sleigh.
No.
I don't recognize them.
- No.
Any, uh... any other ideas?
Only one.
Any of this feel familiar?
No.
Hey, look!
Dear Santa letters!
Anything?
- Jingle bells, jingle bells...
- I know this!
- Jingle all the way...
- There you are!
- I know this song!
- Oh, Peter!
- I'll deal with you in a minute.
What do you think you're doing
running off like that?
You were supposed to stay put!
You told me to stay with Nick!
- Semantics.
- But those were your words, Peter.
Oh, sure.
That you remember.
The point is you weren't
supposed to leave!
- I've been worried!
How my mom's gonna kill you?
Oh, so you ran off to spite me?
No! To help Nick!
Jeez, not everything's about you.
Yeah, well, I wanna
help him, too, you know?
- You do not!
- Do, too!
- Do not!
- Do, too!
Do not.
I heard what you said to that cop.
You said you don't care
where Nick goes
or who he goes with,
as long as you get your story.
- Yes.
Can I talk to you?
You certainly may.
Come up and sit in my lap
here for a minute.
So, you're very pretty.
Anybody told you that before?
Well, I do care about him.
I'm... I'm helping him
find a home, aren't I?
He's got a home in the North Pole
and he's gotta get back
before Christmas!
Yeah, well, you've gotta
get home right now.
Don't you realize that
you could single-handedly
ruin Christmas for the whole world?
What, because I want you to come home?
No! Because you don't listen!
You don't listen to me or my mom.
And you wouldn't even
know the real Santa
if you saw him come
right down your chimney.
Oh, for God's sake, Zack.
There isn't any real...
...proof that he's Santa.
Santa, you fixed it!
There, very good.
Now, what you're going to have to learn
is to share your toys, you see?
What more proof do you need?
Albright.
Claire. Uh...
yeah, I... I have Zack.
Uh-huh, I have both of them.
Um, no, everything's under control.
- Yeah, yeah, um...
We're just, uh, Christmas caroling.
Yeah, I... well, um...
yeah, I should go.
The tenors are all lining up now.
Okay, I'll call you soon.
Where are you taking this thing?
Toys Galore.
They're gonna put it on display there.
Nick, Zack, get down from there.
Ah, let 'em have their fun.
It's only a few blocks.
I'll take it slow.
- Bye!
- Bye, Mom! Bye! Bye-bye!
- I'm with the real Santa!
- Comfort and joy
- Excuse me.
Zack!
You about ready to go home now?
No, he's making an emotional connection
to trigger his memory.
Oh, come on.
Don't be silly!
You didn't think it was silly
when that shrink said it.
Look, it's not good for him
to be up there like that.
Are you kidding?
Look at him!
And I want to thank you
- for all the neat stuff
you brought last year.
Ah, well,
my memory hasn't been
too good lately.
That's okay.
I still think you're the greatest.
Come on, admit it!
If he's not Santa, then nobody is.
- Yeah, I see what you mean.
- Albright.
- Yeah, yeah, Mr. Albright,
I thought you'd like to know
we got our first good lead.
Yeah, some folks
who think that, uh, Santa
is their missing grandfather.
They... they brought in an old photo
and our computer guys enhanced it.
They put on a beard
and 10 years' worth of wrinkles
and I gotta tell you
it looks like your guy.
Are you... are you sure?
Well, we're... we're still running
background checks,
but it... it looks legit, yeah.
Well, I just...
I just thought
for a minute that maybe...
Never mind.
I'll be there soon.
Well, looks like you're gonna meet
your deadline, huh?
That should make you happy.
Yeah.
It should.
So, you're telling me your grandfather's
been missing for 10 years?
Yes, 10 years.
He went out to play Santa at the
Knights of Columbus Christmas party
- and...
But he never showed up there
and he never came home.
We never heard from him after that.
How soon can we see him?
Well, if everything checks out,
first thing tomorrow.
Would you excuse us a moment?
So you're telling me
that Nick has been running around
in a Santa suit for 10 years?
Who knows?
Listen to this.
Nicholas Engles,
raised on a farm in Norway.
Youngest of 12 children.
Animals, cold, lots of children.
Hmm.
Moved here in the '40s.
Learned to fly a bomber
in the Air Force.
- So he did fly.
- Yeah.
Looks like you finally got
your happy ending.
Well?
Wow.
Is there something wrong?
First, you take off
with Zack without telling me,
then you let
the two of them just walk off.
I mean, what could possibly be wrong?
Okay, I'm in no mood to argue.
I'll just get Nick and we'll get out
of your hair.
Nick, I got some good news for ya.
Looks like the police finally
discovered your true identity.
Yep.
Well, who do they say that I am?
You're Nicholas Engles
and you live with your grandchildren
- and you're going home tomorrow.
- That's not true!
He really is Santa!
Zack.
If you take him away,
there will be no more Christmas.
Zack, would you stop this Santa stuff?
- He is not Santa.
- He is, too.
- He is not!
- Is, too!
He is not.
He's just a confused old man.
All right, stop it, both of you.
Peter, outside.
- You're acting like a child.
- No, he's acting like a child.
- He is a child!
What's your excuse?
Everything's okay, Doris.
And it is not your place
to yell at my son.
Well, someone ought
to set him straight.
I mean,
do you really think it's healthy
to let him believe that that amnesia
victim is really Santa Claus?
Oh, and who are you
to tell him what to believe?
You're afraid to believe in anything.
I was just telling him the truth!
Well, you didn't have
to crush him like that.
He'll get over it.
I did.
Oh.
Oh, so that's it.
So you're taking
your lousy childhood out on my child?
- Oh, come on, you didn't
get over it, Peter.
You're so stuck in your past
that you can't get on
with your future.
With... with our future.
Which tells me one thing.
What?
That we don't have a future.
Is that how you feel?
Yes.
Fine.
Fine.
We're fine.
So that's it?
Yes.
If you can't let us in, then...
you have to let us go.
Come on, Nick.
Let's go.
Well, that's it, guys.
We gotta head back.
- But... but...
- We're running out of time.
It's our duty to save Christmas.
You mean without Santa?
Tell me one place we haven't looked.
He looks lost.
You can't drive the sleigh
if you don't know the way.
Your granddaughter Nancy.
Uh, no.
The Knights of Columbus?
Uh, no.
Any of this ring a bell, Nick?
Uh, no.
Maybe when I talk with her.
Yeah.
At least you'll be home for Christmas.
I was gonna spend it with Claire,
but, uh...
now?
I didn't mess that up, did I?
No.
No, it... it was bound to happen.
It was just as well.
I'm no good with kids.
Oh.
Not like you.
Oh, and weren't those kids
wonderful this afternoon?
I had forgotten...
What?
I don't know.
You see, I can't even remember
what I've forgotten.
Well, you...
you sure looked
right at home with them.
Night, Nick.
Peter.
Come on and... and sit down here,
will you, please?
Sit down with me.
Come on.
Sit down.
Sit down.
I want to read to you.
I understand it makes it easier
to fall asleep that way.
Now...
"'Twas the night before Christmas
when all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care
in hopes that Saint Nicholas
soon would be there.
The children were nestled
all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugarplums..."
Sweet dreams, Nick.
I feel sorry for the real Santa.
He never gets to meet the kids.
He never gets to see
the happiness he brings.
Now, that's a tough job.
What you're going to have to do...
- ...all the neat stuff you brought last year.
- Oh.
- You're late!
- You're late.
- You're late!
- You're late.
You're late!
You're late,
you're late,
you're late!
For what?
"Dear Santa,
you are the greatest.
All I want is a happy Christmas
with a family who loves me.
Love, Peter Albright."
Peter, have you finished
writing your letter?
Yep, here it is.
Peter...
I just got off the phone
with your father
and he won't be coming for you.
My dad?
Isn't coming.
Santa Claus?
Isn't coming!
Everything okay?
Yes. Yeah.
I had the strangest dream.
Yeah, I know the feeling.
Boy, I could use a drink.
One drink coming up.
So, what did you dream about?
Oh, yes, it was, uh...
I was late.
I was terribly late for...
for something.
- The deadline dream. I get that a lot.
- Uh-huh.
And... and what did you dream about?
About the orphanage where I grew up.
Orphanage?
Yeah, my mom died when I was seven
and my dad wasn't
much of a family man.
I obviously didn't fit
into his plans.
Anyway, I dreamt about
my first Christmas there.
The one where I stopped
believing in Santa.
And I was writing my letter.
Funny, I can't even
remember what I asked for.
That you would have a happy Christmas
with a family that loved you.
Yeah. How'd you know?
I figured that's what any orphan
would want, right?
I guess.
Well, anyway, I saw Sister Greta
throw my letter into the fire
- and I figured
if she didn't believe...
Would she be Danish or Norwegian?
I don't know.
Why?
Because Scandinavians
have this custom
that when they send letters
to Santa Claus,
they throw them on the fire
and they believe that the smoke
carries the letters
to the North Pole faster that way.
How did you know that?
I don't know.
Well, anyway, it didn't work.
I never got what I asked for.
Well, maybe it's not too late.
I don't see a family in my future, Nick.
Well, I think that you'd make
a very good father, Peter.
Not gonna happen.
Claire's fed up with me
and Zack thinks that I am the grouch
that stole Christmas.
I think that you and Zack
have much more in common
than you both realize.
You know, for a guy who...
who doesn't know much about himself,
you sure know a lot about me.
Well, maybe we both need to remember
who we used to be.
You know, Nick,
if I didn't know any better,
I'd swear you were the real thing.
Nick?
We should be going.
It's hard to believe that
it was only three days ago
when we first met jolly old Saint Nick.
But I'm happy to report,
like all good fairy tales,
this story has a happy ending.
Late last night,
the police department confirmed
Santa's identity as Nicholas Engles.
His granddaughter and her husband said
they never lost hope
that one day they would be reunited
with their grandfather.
- And today is that day.
His grandchildren came for him.
Oh, sure.
His grandchildren come for him.
And there you have it.
A family together again.
This is Peter Albright reporting live.
- Yeah, Nick.
Congratulations.
I don't think I'll be
needing these anymore,
so I want you to have them.
Are you sure?
You'll do them proud.
Well, jeez, thanks, Nick.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Peter.
- Nick.
Peter, thank you for everything.
Oh, no problem.
I just wish I had a Christmas gift
for you.
Oh, well, you've done plenty already.
But, here, uh, take this.
Your phone?
Well, that way we can always
keep in touch.
Good job.
Claire!
- Oh.
- Claire.
- You have a fine
young boy here, Claire.
Come up here, Zack.
I wanna talk with you.
Here, now...
This is a very good thing, you know?
I'm back with my family.
I'm back where I belong, huh?
And to think that you had me
believing at one time
that I was the real Santa.
- But you are.
- Oh, come on.
I'll miss you.
Bye.
Oh, boy, I'll be glad
when the holidays are over.
They already are.
Oh.
You miss him?
Me, too.
He's better off with his family,
you know?
Yeah, but don't blame me
when the whole world wakes up
to empty stockings.
Hey...
how about we spend the day together,
just you and me?
Huh?
- Okay.
Come on.
- I'm leaving.
- But it's Christmas Eve.
- I know.
- It's our busiest night of the year!
I know.
- Oh, merry Christmas, Grady.
- Oh, thanks, Claire.
Same to you.
Thank you, sir.
Oh, that suit looks great on you.
It's a perfect fit.
Ooh, and I found something.
This suit's got more hidden pockets,
I tell ya.
I found these letters.
- We gotta get 'em back to Nick.
- Oh.
Mom, look!
Dear Santa!
Hey, look!
These were in his pockets.
Why would anybody carry around
Dear Santa letters unless he was Santa?
And there's more in the sleigh.
Zack, honey, stop bothering Peter.
He's made it clear
that he doesn't want to be bothered.
So, where do you wanna go?
Toys Galore.
"Dear Santa,
you are the greatest.
All I want is a happy Christmas
with a family who loves me.
Love,
- Peter Albright."
How can...
how can this be?
How...
how could he...?
I bet you're ready
for some home cooking.
On Sundays I make a pork roast.
Monday's tuna casserole,
Tuesday, meat loaf.
Wednesday's Ray's favorite...
piggies in a blanket.
- Thursday's scalloped
potatoes, Italian style...
Is that you, Grandpa?
Oh, uh, excuse me, uh...
Just press the green button, Grandpa.
- Nick.
- Peter!
Um, where did you get these letters?
What letters?
The letters to Santa.
They found them in your pocket.
Uh, well, I believe, yes,
I was reading some letters
before the, uh...
They're from the kids
at the orphanage years ago.
There's Bobby and Chad and...
and me.
But didn't you say that you saw
one of the sisters burn those letters?
Yeah.
Well, then...
nobody could have those letters, right?
Right.
Nobody but...
Santa.
Santa?
Santa?
It can't be.
It has to be.
You have to be.
Listen, can you meet me
at Toys Galore in 15 minutes?
All right, yes, yes.
Would you stop at the Toys Galore store?
Is everything all right?
I have some last-minute shopping to do.
- You looking for
anything special, honey?
His sleigh.
- Claire, it's Peter.
Oh, what?
Uh, let me talk to Zack.
Ugh, Peter wants to talk to you.
- Forget it.
- He doesn't wanna talk to you.
Just tell him...
tell him that, uh...
tell him that I believe him.
Peter, this is a great story.
It's not over yet.
Grab your gear.
Ooh!
Oof!
Whoa!
- Shh.
All right, news boy.
- What did you do with Santa?
Who are you?
Ow, ow, ow, ow...
Zack?
Zack!
- Zack!
- Up here, Mom!
Look, I knew they were here!
Zack, get down here right now.
- Look, the letters!
- Listen to your mother.
And there's more letters
and the sleigh, the reindeer...
- it's all proof that Nick really...
- Sit still!
Santa!
He's here!
Hey, Nick!
You really are Santa!
That's what Peter thinks, too.
- Yeah.
- Yes!
Oh, Zack, no!
Mom!
Zack, now don't move.
- Mom!
- Don't move!
Get out of the sleigh!
Stay there.
Don't move.
Are you okay, Peter?
Oh, sure.
I just love being held hostage
by a bunch of color-blind, overdressed,
slightly belated trick-or-treaters.
Who are you guys, anyway?
Elves.
- Elves, right.
- Look at the ears.
They're real!
- Jackpot, news boy.
No, don't go up there.
It's not safe!
Oh!
Mom!
Sweetie, don't move.
Come over here slowly.
Come on.
Come on.
Move over slowly now.
Come on.
Do what he says!
Oh, sweetie!
That's all right.
It's all right.
Don't move.
Here, I'll... I'll just get in.
Just hold on!
- Oh! Hold on, now.
Everything is fine, okay?
Everything will be all right.
- Yes,
or my name isn't Santa.
- Whoa!
Ho, ho, ho!
Ho, ho, ho...
Maybe that's not Grandpa.
You really are Santa!
I knew it!
Yes! I am!
I really am!
- Mom!
- Oh, Zack, oh!
- I am so glad you're safe.
I was so worried about you.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Santa!
Whoa, whoa...
- There's something different about you.
- Max, I feel like a new man.
Yeah, well, you look like one, too.
Max, these kids today,
they really do appreciate me.
I'm gonna pick up the bag again.
Yeah, well, you better make it quick
- 'cause Christmas Eve is almost here.
Christmas Eve?
But it's running very late.
We'll never make
all these deliveries in time.
- Come on, let's go! We're late!
- Hurry! Hey, look.
Hey, the Christmas tree lot's
the other way.
- What do you think you're doing?
- He looks lost.
- It's a shortcut.
- Right. What do we look like, tourists?
Okay, yeah,
let's make sure I got this right.
You're Santa and you need your reindeer.
- Yes, yes.
So where are your elves?
Uh, oh, they were right behi...
Well, we can do this two ways...
- naughty...
Just say the word, Max.
...or nice.
Hand over the keys.
Let's ride, Santa.
There's been a break-in
at the Christmas tree lot.
Santa and his elves
are stealing the reindeer!
We're gonna go on a...
on a little trip tonight.
Turn around slowly.
Don't be a hero, lawman.
Well, come on, guys.
Let's go!
But there's too much weight.
We'll have to meet you there.
Well, how are you gonna get home?
Upgrades.
In-flight movies, free food, peanuts.
Oh, boy.
Hey, come, Dancer, come, Prancer.
Up and away!
- Whoo!
- Oh!
- Up and away.
Hold on.
Ho, ho, ho, ho!
- You call it in.
Oh!
Wow!
Zack, you remember that letter I wrote?
I wrote it when I was about your age
and it made me realize
- that you and I have a lot in common.
Like what?
Well, like we both miss having a dad
and we both love your mom very much.
And we both believe in Santa.
You were right all along.
So you'll listen to me from now on?
I'll definitely work on it.
And you'll never doubt me again?
Okay, now you're pushing it.
What was that for?
I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
Hey, hey, watch it.
That thing's loaded.
You were right.
I was acting like a child.
I wanna get married.
To me?
Yeah.
Even with... even with a ready
Especially with a ready-made family.
Looks like I finally got
my Christmas wish.
Oh, my.
- Whoa!
- That was so fun!
- Grady, Grady.
- That was so cool, Mom!
It's Christmas Eve. Do you still
have that suit that I gave to you?
Yeah, yeah, it's in the car.
- Hang on. One second.
A white Christmas.
- Yeah.
- Yes.
- It's turning out just perfect, isn't it?
- Come on, Grady.
- We're running late here.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
- So, you're the real deal.
Yeah, how about that?
That means I wore Santa's suit.
I wore Sa...
I gotta go tell my wife.
- I gotta tell my wife.
- Thank you, Grady.
Santa, it's getting late.
I mean, we're really
gonna need a miracle.
Yes, it is time
for a little Christmas magic.
Wow.
- Ho, ho, ho.
Wouldn't you like to know?
Peter, we're off
to a late start this year.
Uh, do you think you might
lend a helping hand this evening?
Well, that's the nicest thing
anyone's ever offered,
but for the first time in my life
I have a family to spend
Christmas Eve with.
I was hoping you would say that.
And I was hoping you'd say that.
According to five time zones,
we're late, Nick.
- We gotta go, Nick. Come on!
- Okay!
- Oh, bye.
- Here we go. Bye-bye, bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- Oh, we'll miss you!
We'll miss you.
- Wow!
The name is Claus.
Unbelievable?
We thought so at first.
But as they say, you've gotta see it
to believe it.
So, as we close tonight's show,
we'd like to leave you
with these images.
This is Peter Albright saying...
have yourself a very merry Christmas.
I know I will.
Grandpa?
I'm running a little late.
You bet we're late.
Now come on!
Merry Christmas.
"Dear Santa,
thank you for making
my Christmas wish come true.
Love, Peter Albright."
Ah, ah, ah.
I'll take care of that.
Santa, I got two words for you...
- Merry Christmas?
- No. Seat belts.
Ho, ho, ho, ho.
That's a gimme?
you are the greatest.
All I want is a happy Christmas
with a family who loves me.
Love,
Peter Albright.
Peter?
Have you finished your letter?
Yep. Here it is.
Good.
I'll mail it to Santa tonight.
Peter...
I just got off the phone
with your father
and I'm afraid he won't
be coming for you.
Why?
Well, he thinks it would be better
if you stayed here.
For always?
Yes.
Peter...
Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
Peter Albright.
- Peter Albright, "Channel 12".. Uh, okay.
- Not today.
"Channel 12 News," Peter Albright.
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
- Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."
- Out of my way.
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
- Peter Al...
- Of Christmas...
- It's mine.
- It's mine!
- No, it's mine!
- Hey! Hey, man!
- ...meeting smile after smile...
- Out of my way!
Hey!
Hey, that's my cab!
Hey, hey!
Merry Christmas to you!
"Channel 12 News."
What's the best thing you got today?
A migraine.
Can I... can I please...
Peter Albright, "Channel 12"...
Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."
Did you spend much money today?
No, I stole all this.
- Okay.
- Soon it will be
Can't we do a different kind
of Christmas story this year?
Something on the holiday suicide rate.
Christmas depression...
red, green, and blues.
Or find out if any mall Santas
have police records.
Tonight's shocking report...
criminal Kringles.
Peter, this is supposed
to be a happy time
and you're the happy news guy.
Come on, George,
I want some real news,
you know, a nice
career-making tragedy.
Just edit together the shopper piece.
My footage is lousy.
Nobody would talk to me.
Maybe you should wear a Santa suit.
Oh, sure, then I can stick a camera
in my cap and call it a Santa cam.
- I like it.
You're not serious?
It was your idea.
No, it was my idea of a stupid idea.
Christmas through the eyes of Santa.
Ho, ho, ho.
Well, doesn't get any more
humiliating than this.
Okay, so I was wrong.
- How's it look?
- Keep your head straight.
Bet you'd like to find her
under your tree Christmas morning.
Excuse me, miss,
but your name has appeared
on many a boys' Christmas list,
so I was wondering if I could
take you home and wrap you up.
Peter, you are good, man.
Oh, and is there
an unwrapping involved?
Oh, ho, ho, ho.
- Possibly.
- Ow.
- What are you doing in that getup?
What? I'm on assignment.
- What do you think,
I pick up any strange Santa
who walks in?
So, are we still on for dinner tonight?
Uh, only if you change clothes.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Hi, Santa.
Can I have a dolly
and a house for her to live in?
Why, sure, sweetheart.
I want a Malibu Malloroy beach house,
the deluxe years
with the Jacuzzi
and the two-car garage.
- Hey, Santa!
- Ow!
- Hey, let go.
- Ow!
Let go. Why don't you go talk
to that other Santa over there?
And the cars come separately,
so I want the pink convertible
and the violet Land Rover.
And is your belly real?
Ooh!
And don't forget batteries!
- Yeah.
You know some people
actually live with kids?
In their homes. For years.
Here, let me give you a hand.
Whoa! Ow!
Ugh.
Great.
Where am I gonna find a new Santa?
Well, we could call my agent.
I'm sure he knows some out-of-work actors
who would love this job.
Miss Dreyer, tell me
Santa's not going to sue.
- No, no, I'm sure it'll be fine, Mr. Lusby.
- Uh-huh.
Well, I see you found
a replacement and so quickly.
- Very good.
- Oh, no, no, no. I'm not his re...
- Absolutely not.
- Just a few hours till I can find a new one.
- It'll be fun.
- Forget it.
- You know how I am with kids.
- Mama, pee-pee.
- Ho, ho...
- Oh, come on!
Oh.
Oh, that's just great.
I'm out of here.
Sorry.
- Ho, ho, ho, ho,
ho, ho, ho-kay, that's enough.
Please tell me you found a replacement.
Your agent says three days
before Christmas,
all the good Santas are booked.
But he's sending some guys
over tomorrow to audition.
Maybe you should try the North Pole.
All right, fellas, listen up!
We're working overtime. Fun's over.
- Let's go!
- Six million five, nice.
- Time to get cracking!
- Six million and six, nice.
- Six million seven, nice.
- Check with Rupert.
- Six million eight, nice.
- Six million and nine, nice.
- Rupert.
You seen the big fella?
Uh, nope.
- You should try the stables, Max.
- Okay.
Get back to work.
I didn't interrupt you, did I?
Uh, n-no.
- All right.
- One, nice.
Two, nice.
- Three, nice.
- One, naughty. Uh-oh.
Please return all defective lions
to section eight.
- Uh. Oh.
Oh, there you are.
I've been looking all over for you.
You okay?
When was the last time
I wore this suit?
I don't know, judging by
the flare of cuffs,
- I guess the early '70s.
- '70s.
I found these letters
in one of the pockets here.
I've overlooked them.
I can't believe it.
But what if there are others?
If there are other pockets
loaded with letters
Can't happen. No, not today.
Not with email and faxes, Internet.
Well, I'll tell you one thing.
Back then, the kids were easier.
They're asking
for bicycles, for sleds...
for the basics...
and saying please and thank you
and asking for something nice,
a gift for a... a brother or a sister.
See... see, things in those days
were more thoughtful.
They were more caring, you know?
You don't see that today.
Everything is give me,
give me, give me.
How many letters
have we received this year?
I don't know, Nick.
Five, six, seven hundred.
Million.
Ah.
And as I recall
out of all of those letters,
not one thank-you letter.
Not one in the bunch.
You, my jolly old friend,
are overworked.
No, I'm not overworked!
Christmas is overworked!
Commercialized, computerized.
There has to be a special order now.
Tickle me this and talk to me that.
The people go through the motions,
but the spirit is not there.
It's... the...
the magic is gone.
I... I think it's time
for me to retire, to hang my bag up.
This is such a pattern
with you, you know that?
I mean, come on,
the first sign of pressure
and it's like you're ready
to sell out
to one of the catalogue companies.
- I do not!
- You do, too!
I do not.
You do, too.
Okay, it's a stressful time of the year.
But you gotta admit, Nick,
it's a good job.
Stop biting your nails.
- I can't.
- Well, then put on your gloves.
Look, Nick, the most important thing
is that you know that you do matter.
You have to remember that.
You think so?
I know so.
You bring happiness and joy to kids
all over the world.
"Look up in the sky."
"Who is it?"
"Santa bringing the gifts."
Let's get back to work. Come on.
No, no. You go on ahead.
I'm... I think I'll take a drive
and, uh... to clear my head.
I'm fine.
Okay.
Nice way to get out of work.
- Well, how does that sound,
my beauties?
Would you like to go and take a nice,
pleasant drive, hmm?
Sorry about dinner, but I just gotta
see my little Zack before he goes...
Before he goes to bed.
Yeah, I know.
George, Peter. How about this?
Santa's sweatshop,
the truth about toy-making.
Call me.
And... and don't say no
before you think about it.
You really hate Christmas, don't you?
No, but spending an entire month
putting all your focus into one day
and putting all your hopes and dreams
and expectations into that day,
it just sets...
you set yourself up for disappointment.
Uh-huh,
you wouldn't wanna expect anything.
No, I just think Christmas is a crock.
Well, see?
You don't hate it.
Yeah.
- You little Grinch.
Hiyah! Toro!
- Mom, you're home!
Oh, hi, sweetie.
- Oh, I missed you!
- Mm.
Don't ask.
Be nice.
Oof.
Ho, ho, ho.
So, what do you think?
Don't quit your day job.
- Hey, I remember this show.
- Don't tell me what happens.
No, I used to watch it when I was...
Oh, is this gonna be about you again?
What do you mean?
Another one of your stories where
all you do is talk about yourself.
Okay.
We can talk about you.
- Very funny.
- Saved by the bell.
Albright.
Zack?
Come on, buddy. Time for bed.
Let's go.
Here we go.
- Mm-hmm.
Why, sweetie?
You
I don't know.
He doesn't really listen to anybody
except himself and whoever's on
that stupid phone.
Well, don't you worry
'cause you are my number one guy.
- Mwah!
Ho, Donner! Ho, Vixen!
Ho!
Wow, this looks very...
easy to clean.
I'll take that as a compliment.
- This is nice.
- Mm-hmm.
- So, can I spend the night?
- Mm-mm.
- Because it's just
too confusing for Zack.
Why? He doesn't have
friends sleep over?
No, I just... I don't
know how to explain
our relationship to him, you know?
I mean, we don't know
who you are in our life
- or how long you're gonna stay.
I just... I don't want him
to think you're gonna be permanent
if you're not.
I could leave before morning.
That might work.
What are you still doing here?
You were supposed to leave last night.
I fell asleep.
I'm sorry.
Oh, no.
Here he comes. Get dressed.
- No, hide!
No, dress!
- Hide!
- Get dressed!
- Ugh.
- Just hide!
- Hi, Mom!
- Hi, sweetie!
Oh, come here. Give me a kiss.
- Kissy.
Can I go to work with you today?
Huh? Yeah, no, no, not today, honey.
Oh, come on, Mom.
It's Christmas vacation!
How about we do it tomorrow, huh?
I love you.
Best mom in the world!
Come on... oh!
Hey, how come you never say that
when I say no, huh?
Hi, sweetie.
Mom, that's not where I sit.
Yeah, I know. I just thought
it would be nice to, um,
have some variety in your life.
You know, sit somewhere else
for a change, have a different view.
But, um, I like sitting here.
Oh.
Fine. Fine.
I can only expose you to new things.
I can't make you change.
You know,
you don't have to sit with me.
You... you can start getting ready.
Yeah, I know.
I know. It's just that
I like this time we spend
doing things together,
like reading the cereal box.
Huh? Now, when was
the last time we did that?
Wow, would you look
at all those essential vitamins.
Mom?
Is everything okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, of course, sweetie.
Of course.
Why
So did you, um...
did you make your bed this morning?
No.
Now, that... that would be perfect
if you'd go make your bed.
Now?
Yes. Yes, sweetie. Right now.
Okay.
- Oh...
and tell what's-his-name
not to forget his Santa suit.
Ah, dark clouds.
That means a white Christmas.
Time to head for home, my beauties.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Okay, that was the worst moment
of my life.
Maybe I could put the suit back on
and tell him Christmas came early.
Look, I think it's time
we explained our relationship to Zack.
No, actually, I think it's time
you explained it to me.
Look, uh, I...
I really can't do this right now.
I... I gotta run.
Peter, it's been a year
and you still haven't made
any connection with him.
What are your thoughts
on boarding school?
It was a joke!
Look, he's my son.
He's...
he's my life.
And if you're gonna be in my life,
you two have to get along.
Uh...
- I really gotta...
- Run.
Yeah, I know.
There, now.
Whoa!
Whoa.
Oh, hey, Prancer, no.
Prancer! Whoa.
Whoa-ho, now.
Whoa! Hey!
Whoa!
- Whoa, Nelly!
Whoa!
Albright. Okay, Lenny.
I'll be there in a minute.
Yeah, I'm leaving right now.
Yeah, it's fine.
What the...?
I'll call you in a minute.
Oh, God.
Sir?
Sir, can you hear me?
I hate Christmas.
I hate Christmas.
Hate it.
You killed Santa!
I didn't kill Santa.
He's just sleeping.
- Well, he's got
a big bump on his head,
but other than that, he...
I don't know, he seems okay.
- See, I didn't even hurt him.
- You didn't do him any good.
How did you not even see him?
I don't know.
It's like he fell out of nowhere.
His beard is real!
Thank you.
We'll... we'll try and leave it on.
Well, let's, uh, see who he is.
He's gotta have a wallet or something.
Oh, yeah, good idea.
Careful.
- Candy canes.
- Cookies.
He's awake.
You're awake.
- Oh, this is a very good sign.
- Hi.
Hi, how do you feel?
You had a little accident.
Yeah, you fell near my car.
- He ran over you.
- Zack, we can handle this.
Yeah, we were just, um...
just looking for some sort
of identification, you know?
Maybe we could call
a family member, friend?
Uh, what's your name?
Uh...
Where do you live?
Can you talk?
Yes.
Yes, but, uh...
I...
I just don't have anything
to talk about.
Let me help refresh your memory.
You're in a Santa suit,
which tells me you're interested
in a job at the mall.
- Well, then he should've come
to my office, not here.
Well, he must be the ambitious type,
go that extra mile, you know?
And he rented a terrific suit
and he seems like a very nice man,
- so I say we hire him.
- Peter.
Of course, it isn't entirely up to me.
I'm sorry, would you excuse us
for a minute, please?
What do you think you're doing?
Well, I'm solving your problem and his.
- And yours.
You need a Santa, he needs a job,
- so if you hire him...
- What, maybe he won't press charges?
Come on, what is it
with you and Santas, anyway?
I mean, what are you,
some kind of a Santa basher?
Okay, so I feel a little guilty.
I wanna make it up to him.
Besides, I mean, he's perfect.
Peter, the man has amnesia.
Okay, not completely perfect,
but it's probably just temporary.
Well, what if it's not?
What if he doesn't get his memory back?
- Well, then he'll never
remember what hit him.
Albright.
Yeah.
Yeah, I can be there in 10 minutes.
Okay, great.
- There's a story breaking.
I gotta go.
You're... you're leaving?
Sorry.
So you run over some guy,
leave him in my apartment,
and all you can say is sorry?
He'll be fine.
Look, just take him to work with you.
I'll check on you later.
So as usual, you run off
and expect me to clean up your mess.
I knew you'd understand.
I'll make it up to you.
Nick, don't worry.
You're a shoo-in for this gig.
What's... what's a shoo
- You know, a sure thing.
- Ah.
What's a gig?
I don't know.
But I know who you are.
You're Santa.
Santa.
Santa who?
Strangest thing you ever saw.
- The owner found 'em
just wandering around.
Reindeer?
Do they answer to any names?
Come here, Vixen, Blixen, Comet.
Now all we need is a sleigh.
Boy, you are good.
- Places.
Here we go. Up.
Okay, uh, let's go through this
one more time.
Okay, you're standing here
in the middle of the square...
And this came from...?
Okay, let's go through this
one more time.
An anonymous Christmas gift to the city
or a huge Christmas hoax?
No one knows who unleashed
this herd of reindeer
- or where this...
Yes.
Isn't that your friend?
This is Peter Albright reporting live.
Now back to Janey
with the latest on our weather.
Thanks, Peter.
Well, it's the strangest thing.
We've got snow clouds,
but there's no snow.
I just love this time of year.
- What's your favorite thing about Christmas?
- Uh...
I don't know.
Oh, yeah, you really shouldn't
bite your nails.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
- I'm sorry, you're right.
- That's okay.
- Hi, Grady.
- Oh, thank you, Claire.
- Whoa, great suit.
- Yeah, same to you.
- Hey, Grady, this is...
- Ah, don't tell me.
- That's your new Santa.
- Oh.
You really look the part.
- Thank you.
- Good luck in there.
- Thanks. Bye, Grady.
- Bye-bye.
Thank you, sir.
God bless.
Merry Christmas.
Ho, ho, ho, ho.
Um, I don't know.
Just do what Santa does.
But what does Santa do?
- Well, he says ho, ho, ho a lot.
- "Ho, ho, ho a lot".
Well, yeah, you know,
just a hearty laugh.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Yeah. Yeah, you'll be fine.
- Ho, ho, ho.
- You'll be fine.
- Yeah.
- Good. Let's begin.
- Were we supposed to wear a costume?
I don't know.
Ho, ho, ho.
Ho, ho, ho, ho...
Hoy, hoy, hoy.
Ho, ha, ha.
Wait, wait.
It wasn't motivated.
Ho.
Ho, ho.
Ho, ho, ho, ho.
I lost my focus.
I'm gonna try again, okay?
You've been good.
Got a list.
Checking it twice.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
I just flew in from the North Pole
and, boy, are my arms tired.
See you in the gym.
Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Ho, ho...
I can do accents, too.
Ho, ho.
Ho.
Well, I thought the last one
seemed pretty good.
No, no, no.
He had no heart in his ho, ho, hos.
- Now, I think that...
I mean, I just... I just thought
the last guy seemed so authentic.
- You know, the beard, the belly...
- He's not jolly, Miss Dreyer.
Santa Claus has to be jolly.
Congratulations, number two.
You are our new Santa.
Well, I didn't get the job, but...
I'm sorry.
Listen, Peter should be here soon,
then we can figure out
where to go from here.
Meanwhile, Ellen will
give you some money.
Maybe you can
buy yourself some lunch.
- Maybe some new clothes.
- Oh, uh-huh, uh-huh.
Thank you.
You're very kind.
Hi. Shouldn't you be working?
I... I didn't get the gig.
- Ah, don't worry. You'll get another job.
- Oh, I guess, I guess.
This must be pretty hard work,
standing out here all day.
- No, I love it.
You know who's got a tough job?
The real Santa.
You think about it.
He's stuck up there in the North Pole.
He never gets to meet the kids.
He... he never gets to see
the happiness he brings.
- Now that's a tough job.
- Must be, must be.
Grady, right?
- Yeah, yeah. And you're, uh...
- I am...
confused.
Very confused.
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
- Oh, he didn't get the job.
- You've gotta be kidding.
- Yeah, he wasn't jolly enough.
Oh, ho, ho!
This guy's plenty jolly.
Plenty contagious.
You okay?
- Oh!
- Get some help!
You really gotta get
these railings fixed.
Boy, you are rough on your Santas.
Me? You're the one who smacked him.
It's like you're the anti-Claus.
Well, on the upside,
looks like our guy's got the job.
Where is he, anyway?
- Shopping.
You sent him out on his own?
What were you thinking?
I sent him to buy some clothes.
What's the worst that could happen?
- I had nothing to do with it.
Your... your beard.
They said at the hairdresser
that this makes me look younger.
What do you think, eh?
So just talk to the kids.
You know, smile.
- Oh, and most important, be jolly.
- Ho, ho, ho.
Yeah, the whole idea
is to make people feel good.
So they'll spend all their money on
useless Christmas gifts.
Help them feel
the spirit of the season.
So they'll spend more money
on useless Christmas gifts.
Did you ever think about somebody
giving the gifts to the kids for free?
And then the kids
get up in the morning,
go down and find their presents
under the Christmas tree, so...
What, has somebody
already thought of that?
- Yeah.
Here.
Sit down.
- Whoa.
- Okay, this has never happened before.
- Sit.
We got lights and music.
Excuse me, it's okay.
All it was was a breaker.
The railing must've knocked it out.
Everything seems all right.
He's good.
Hope he's got insurance.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Told you he'd be perfect.
Yeah, but we still
don't know who he is.
Not yet we don't.
Oh, no, I hate it
when you get that look on your face.
I don't know why
I didn't think of this before.
I mean, I've been so busy
doing reindeer reports,
I don't even notice when the perfect
story drops out of the sky.
You know who this Santa is?
I'll broadcast his picture into
every home in the metropolitan area.
Wait, you're gonna
exploit that poor man?
Exploit? No!
No, no, no.
Expose him to millions of people
who may be able to identify him.
I mean, that's what Christmas
is all about...
families coming together,
dreams coming true.
- Ratings going up.
- Way up.
You know, people will tune in, hoping
he'll be reunited with his family.
And when he is,
I'll be there with my camera.
Well, it is a good story.
Good?
No, this is a Christmas story
of a lifetime.
Taylor, right there...
And what do you want for Christmas?
- Well, he's not answering his beeper,
but according to the LoJack,
he's somewhere in this area.
All right, let's gather
our bravest and our best.
It's time to get him back.
- It's not an option.
We'd have to cancel Christmas.
Like I said, it's not an option.
- You have a nice trip, ma'am.
- Thank you.
Home for the holidays, mister...
Max.
- You can call me Max.
- Max.
And the purpose of your trip?
Business.
We're here on business.
I see.
What's in the bags?
Oh, uh...
uh...
- uh...
So, uh, ahem, what are you,
Santa's little helpers?
- Welcome to our country.
- Check their bag, Hatfield.
- You don't wanna know.
Ah, you're not wanting me
to want to look in the bag?
What?
- Open your bag!
- Relax there, Hatfield.
I'll check the bag.
And what is in this bag?
Oh, toiletries.
Toothbrush, toothpaste.
Teeth.
- Your turn again.
- Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't ya?
Look, just take your bags
and go on with your business there.
- Go on!
- Go! Go!
A "Channel 12 News" exclusive.
We go live to Peter Albright.
Santa who?
That's the question everyone is asking.
This may be a man without a name,
without an identity,
but he seems to have touched
the hearts of the people of this city.
This gentle man has put aside his
own fear and confusion to play Santa,
thinking not of his own needs,
but those of others.
As he brings happiness
to holiday shoppers,
he is the epitome
of the spirit of Christmas.
So this year,
let's give Santa the ultimate gift.
Let's reunite him with his family.
If anyone knows this man,
please contact us
- and help us get Santa home
for the holidays.
- Is that Ira?
- No.
- No, it's not.
Ira's dead. That's Santa Claus.
Is he taking Ira's room?
- Oh.
- We're asking for your help.
If anyone knows this man,
please contact us
and help us get Santa home
for the holidays.
"Touched our hearts."
"Christmas spirit."
"Let's give Santa the ultimate gift."
- Won't be a dry eye in the house.
- That's the idea.
Boy, did you luck out.
Oh, can I help it if I ran
into the perfect story, literally?
- Network's picking it up
for "World News Tonight."
So tomorrow I'll be saying
good morning to America?
You... one step at a time.
First, you gotta find out
who he really is.
Well, I got 48 hours
to reunite him with his family
on Christmas Day.
Whoo!
- Everybody look out.
- Merry Christmas.
- All right, everybody step aside.
- Ho, ho, ho.
Look out.
Coming through.
- Very good.
- Calm down.
- Calm down.
- Hey, Santa! Santa!
- Santa!
- Okay, have a seat, Santa.
All right, everybody calm down.
I'll talk to all of you
one at a time.
Just 'cause he don't look
exactly like my ex-husband,
you're saying he don't owe me
six years' alimony?
Well, sure, I know Santa.
We're old pals.
And you are?
The Easter Bunny.
Oh, come on.
That's crazy.
Oh, yeah, yeah, he's my brother.
You know, we're twins.
Well, I mean, not identical.
Is there a reward?
Okay, that's all for today, folks.
- Thank you.
- Aw.
- Hey.
- Hey.
What do you say to dinner?
Oh, not... not tonight.
I've just been working such long hours,
- I wanna spend some more time with Zack.
- More time with Zack.
Yeah.
Hey, we're gonna see
"Miracle on 34th Street."
You wanna join us?
Uh, n-no.
That's okay.
I should probably look after, uh, Nick.
Maybe some other time.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Well, I... I better get going.
Yeah.
Hello. How did I do?
- You were great. Just great.
- Thank you.
So, uh, you're coming home with me.
Oh, no, I couldn't impose on you.
No, I insist, I insist.
- Besides, I gotta protect
my news story, right?
I cannot recall ever being paid
for anything that I've ever done.
What, you mean you worked for free?
I don't recall, but this is...
I've been paid this time.
- Don't flash your cash like that.
- Well, because someone might...
people aren't as nice as you are.
- Well, someone might take it.
- Ah, just put it in your pocket.
Oh, all right.
Hey, do you like chestnuts?
Uh, I don't know.
I don't know,
I don't know.
One.
- Never mind.
- Watch where you're going, Santa!
It seems like it's such a fun time.
Well, it can be, I guess.
What is so special about this time?
- Oh, you're asking the wrong guy.
- Merry Christmas, Santa.
Everyone seems so friendly.
- It could be what you're wearing, Nick.
- They're so happy!
- This is your fault!
- Well, not everyone.
- It is not my fault!
- Woman trouble.
You got woman trouble, Nick?
Uh, I don't know. You?
- We all do.
- Oh.
Claire seems like such a nice person.
Oh, she is, but she wants a commitment.
Oh, is that bad?
- Uh, I don't know.
Ha, didn't think so.
No, my point is I'm just not ready
for an instant family.
- Oh, the boy, oh.
You don't like children?
No, I like 'em fine...
at somebody else's house.
Well, they're no different
from you and me.
They're just like us.
It's just that they're smaller.
Yeah, but they're wiser.
- They see things
that we no longer see.
How do you know so much about kids?
I... I don't know.
- But it sounds good, doesn't it?
Yeah, all right, here we are.
Well, this looks like a nice building.
- Thanks.
Okay, now you're scaring me.
Thank you, Peter.
So you... you got any children, Nick?
Uh, no.
Uh, no one child in particular,
but I feel like I have a lot of them.
No tree?
No time.
Don't you give gifts?
Oh, yeah.
Got this for Zack.
Ah. Oh.
"Night Before Christmas."
Ring a bell?
And I got these for everyone else.
Catalogues?
You give catalogues?
No, I...
I order from them.
Got my holiday shopping down
to an hour and a half this year.
- It's a new record.
- Okay, well...
sure a lot it seems
I have to remember about Christmas.
Peter,
would you teach me
one of those Christmas songs?
You don't remember a single carol?
I don't even remember I married one.
That's my first Christmas carol.
- Now teach me another one.
- No, tomorrow.
Right now it's time for bed.
I'll be right back, Nick.
Hey, Nick, I just thought
you might use some...
pajamas.
No, these... these are fine.
All right.
Oh, sleep tight.
- We're getting close now.
Look, Max, his sleigh!
Yeah, but where is he
and where are the reindeer?
Let's go.
I told him once,
I told a hundred times!
Always keep it with him!
Well, at least we know
it's his sleigh, Max!
Let's go.
So what do we do now, Max?
We're gonna have to search the city.
This city, Max?
But it's so tall.
I'm ready to learn another carol.
All right, stop it, stop it, stop it.
Yeah, you know, words without music.
Remember?
Oh, yes, I remember.
Talking, yes.
Oh, well, great.
Great.
Yeah. Well, who knows?
Today could be your big day.
You could be back singing
Christmas songs with your family.
You really think so?
We could only hope.
- The countdown is on.
Only 36 hours left...
- Ray, come watch this story.
- He's about six feet tall,
approximately 200-plus pounds...
Doesn't he look like Grandpa?
- I don't know. He's been gone...
- 10 years.
Yeah, it could be him, all right.
Check out Channel 12
and respond through email
or use our toll-free number...
- There's a merry Christmas just
waiting for a lucky family.
Hello? Yes, I'd like to talk
to someone about Santa Claus.
Yes, I know who he really is.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Merry Christmas!
- Wow!
There are Santas everywhere, Max!
Yep, but we're only looking for one.
- Ho, ho, ho.
- Merry Christmas!
How about the right one?
Oh, good plan, Max.
Yeah, a virtual stroke of genius.
You are very smart, Max.
Here you go, Detective.
- Thanks.
We must've talked to 200 people,
but we're checking out
a couple possibilities.
Well, the rest of them
were all looky-loos or Looney Tunes.
- Does he have to be here?
- Yes.
Now, Mr. Albright...
Mr. Albright?
What I'd like to do now is...
bring in the police psychiatrist
and put him under hypnosis.
Do you think that stuff really works?
Well, we've had some success
with it, yeah.
Do it! You'll see.
Imagine you're at home,
safe and comfortable,
and a voice is calling you.
It's a woman's voice.
My wife?
Yes, your wife.
What name is she calling?
Nick.
Good.
And what's your wife's name?
- Mrs. Nick.
- Oh, this is working really well.
Okay, and, um,
Nick, tell me what it's like
at your home.
Cold. Dark.
Uh-huh, and what are you doing?
Feeding the animals.
What kind of animals?
Um, not sure.
Horses?
Is there anyone else around?
Any children?
Oh, there are lots of children.
Or...
are they...
little people?
Little people?
Little people?
I'm not sure.
It's okay, Nick.
- Whoa, Nelly!
Where are you now?
I'm standing on a... on a rooftop.
- I'm falling.
No, I... I'm flying!
No, I can't fly.
I wanna get down.
I wanna go home.
Okay, just relax.
You're coming down, landing safely.
At the count of three, you'll wake up.
You won't have any memory of this.
You'll feel alert and refreshed.
One, two, three.
So
- Yes, you're Santa!
- Well, actually, no.
We don't know who you are yet,
but we're getting closer.
Don't you get it?
Animals, little people,
flying, duh!
- Oh, come on.
- This guy is the real Santa Claus.
Claire.
There must be something you remember.
Claire, Lusby wants you
to manage crowd control.
It's a madhouse out here.
I'll be there in a minute.
Thanks.
Listen, I've got a little crisis.
Would you keep an eye on Zack?
- It won't be for long.
Can you just help me out here?
Okay.
If I can have more sessions with him,
more details will slowly
start to come back.
But what would really trigger his
memory is an emotional connection.
A familiar face, a familiar place...
anything that will
remind him of who he is.
Okay, well, then let's
schedule another session.
In the meantime, we'll continue to
check out every legitimate lead.
All right, just let me know when.
Listen, we need to get this guy
identified as soon as possible.
Um...
I kind of promised my viewers
I'd have him home for Christmas.
Well, I think the important thing
is to get him to the right home.
Well, you have your priorities
- and I have mine.
- You can't just send him anywhere.
- He's Santa.
- Zack, stay out of this.
This is adult business.
Just stay with Nick.
Detective, come on.
I think the kid's got the right idea.
- Tomorrow's Christmas Eve
and if you don't remember
who you are by then, then...
What?
What will happen?
Nothing.
That's the problem.
Christmas won't happen.
You gotta remember who you are.
You just gotta.
I heard the doctor say that I needed
something familiar.
Yeah!
Come on!
Hurry!
Wait for me.
All right, Mr. Albright,
we'll keep in touch.
Great.
Thanks, Detective.
They went that-a-way.
Oh, great. The one day she asks me
to watch her son...
You lose him.
It's okay.
He's with an adult.
- Mm-hmm.
An adult who doesn't know who he is,
much less where he is.
You fly on the sleigh...
- Yes.
- ...with your elves...
- Yes.
- ...and your reindeer...
- Yes.
- ...and you land on the roof.
- Yes.
- And go down the chimney.
- Ah, yes.
- No.
I'm sorry.
What's this picture called again?
"It's a Wonderful Life."
Well, then why is he trying
to take his life?
Look, "Miracle on 34th Street."
Look, that's Santa!
- They think he's crazy.
- Ah, aha!
And this Santa,
why's he stealing everything?
That's the Grinch.
Oh, look! Rudolph!
- He's your favorite reindeer!
Don't you remember anything?
No, Zack.
Reindeer.
Yeah, I got it!
Come on!
All right, remember, he can be
anywhere, so keep your eyes open.
Got it, Max.
Let's go over this again.
- Santa flies in his sleigh...
- Yes.
- ...with his elves.
- Yes.
- He lands on the roof.
- Yes.
- He goes down the chimney.
- Yes.
- You know what all this means?
- No.
Me either.
Let's go.
Earth to elves!
What are you guys doing?
We're homesick.
Would you...
Think.
Reindeer.
Uh, Santa.
Sleigh.
No.
I don't recognize them.
- No.
Any, uh... any other ideas?
Only one.
Any of this feel familiar?
No.
Hey, look!
Dear Santa letters!
Anything?
- Jingle bells, jingle bells...
- I know this!
- Jingle all the way...
- There you are!
- I know this song!
- Oh, Peter!
- I'll deal with you in a minute.
What do you think you're doing
running off like that?
You were supposed to stay put!
You told me to stay with Nick!
- Semantics.
- But those were your words, Peter.
Oh, sure.
That you remember.
The point is you weren't
supposed to leave!
- I've been worried!
How my mom's gonna kill you?
Oh, so you ran off to spite me?
No! To help Nick!
Jeez, not everything's about you.
Yeah, well, I wanna
help him, too, you know?
- You do not!
- Do, too!
- Do not!
- Do, too!
Do not.
I heard what you said to that cop.
You said you don't care
where Nick goes
or who he goes with,
as long as you get your story.
- Yes.
Can I talk to you?
You certainly may.
Come up and sit in my lap
here for a minute.
So, you're very pretty.
Anybody told you that before?
Well, I do care about him.
I'm... I'm helping him
find a home, aren't I?
He's got a home in the North Pole
and he's gotta get back
before Christmas!
Yeah, well, you've gotta
get home right now.
Don't you realize that
you could single-handedly
ruin Christmas for the whole world?
What, because I want you to come home?
No! Because you don't listen!
You don't listen to me or my mom.
And you wouldn't even
know the real Santa
if you saw him come
right down your chimney.
Oh, for God's sake, Zack.
There isn't any real...
...proof that he's Santa.
Santa, you fixed it!
There, very good.
Now, what you're going to have to learn
is to share your toys, you see?
What more proof do you need?
Albright.
Claire. Uh...
yeah, I... I have Zack.
Uh-huh, I have both of them.
Um, no, everything's under control.
- Yeah, yeah, um...
We're just, uh, Christmas caroling.
Yeah, I... well, um...
yeah, I should go.
The tenors are all lining up now.
Okay, I'll call you soon.
Where are you taking this thing?
Toys Galore.
They're gonna put it on display there.
Nick, Zack, get down from there.
Ah, let 'em have their fun.
It's only a few blocks.
I'll take it slow.
- Bye!
- Bye, Mom! Bye! Bye-bye!
- I'm with the real Santa!
- Comfort and joy
- Excuse me.
Zack!
You about ready to go home now?
No, he's making an emotional connection
to trigger his memory.
Oh, come on.
Don't be silly!
You didn't think it was silly
when that shrink said it.
Look, it's not good for him
to be up there like that.
Are you kidding?
Look at him!
And I want to thank you
- for all the neat stuff
you brought last year.
Ah, well,
my memory hasn't been
too good lately.
That's okay.
I still think you're the greatest.
Come on, admit it!
If he's not Santa, then nobody is.
- Yeah, I see what you mean.
- Albright.
- Yeah, yeah, Mr. Albright,
I thought you'd like to know
we got our first good lead.
Yeah, some folks
who think that, uh, Santa
is their missing grandfather.
They... they brought in an old photo
and our computer guys enhanced it.
They put on a beard
and 10 years' worth of wrinkles
and I gotta tell you
it looks like your guy.
Are you... are you sure?
Well, we're... we're still running
background checks,
but it... it looks legit, yeah.
Well, I just...
I just thought
for a minute that maybe...
Never mind.
I'll be there soon.
Well, looks like you're gonna meet
your deadline, huh?
That should make you happy.
Yeah.
It should.
So, you're telling me your grandfather's
been missing for 10 years?
Yes, 10 years.
He went out to play Santa at the
Knights of Columbus Christmas party
- and...
But he never showed up there
and he never came home.
We never heard from him after that.
How soon can we see him?
Well, if everything checks out,
first thing tomorrow.
Would you excuse us a moment?
So you're telling me
that Nick has been running around
in a Santa suit for 10 years?
Who knows?
Listen to this.
Nicholas Engles,
raised on a farm in Norway.
Youngest of 12 children.
Animals, cold, lots of children.
Hmm.
Moved here in the '40s.
Learned to fly a bomber
in the Air Force.
- So he did fly.
- Yeah.
Looks like you finally got
your happy ending.
Well?
Wow.
Is there something wrong?
First, you take off
with Zack without telling me,
then you let
the two of them just walk off.
I mean, what could possibly be wrong?
Okay, I'm in no mood to argue.
I'll just get Nick and we'll get out
of your hair.
Nick, I got some good news for ya.
Looks like the police finally
discovered your true identity.
Yep.
Well, who do they say that I am?
You're Nicholas Engles
and you live with your grandchildren
- and you're going home tomorrow.
- That's not true!
He really is Santa!
Zack.
If you take him away,
there will be no more Christmas.
Zack, would you stop this Santa stuff?
- He is not Santa.
- He is, too.
- He is not!
- Is, too!
He is not.
He's just a confused old man.
All right, stop it, both of you.
Peter, outside.
- You're acting like a child.
- No, he's acting like a child.
- He is a child!
What's your excuse?
Everything's okay, Doris.
And it is not your place
to yell at my son.
Well, someone ought
to set him straight.
I mean,
do you really think it's healthy
to let him believe that that amnesia
victim is really Santa Claus?
Oh, and who are you
to tell him what to believe?
You're afraid to believe in anything.
I was just telling him the truth!
Well, you didn't have
to crush him like that.
He'll get over it.
I did.
Oh.
Oh, so that's it.
So you're taking
your lousy childhood out on my child?
- Oh, come on, you didn't
get over it, Peter.
You're so stuck in your past
that you can't get on
with your future.
With... with our future.
Which tells me one thing.
What?
That we don't have a future.
Is that how you feel?
Yes.
Fine.
Fine.
We're fine.
So that's it?
Yes.
If you can't let us in, then...
you have to let us go.
Come on, Nick.
Let's go.
Well, that's it, guys.
We gotta head back.
- But... but...
- We're running out of time.
It's our duty to save Christmas.
You mean without Santa?
Tell me one place we haven't looked.
He looks lost.
You can't drive the sleigh
if you don't know the way.
Your granddaughter Nancy.
Uh, no.
The Knights of Columbus?
Uh, no.
Any of this ring a bell, Nick?
Uh, no.
Maybe when I talk with her.
Yeah.
At least you'll be home for Christmas.
I was gonna spend it with Claire,
but, uh...
now?
I didn't mess that up, did I?
No.
No, it... it was bound to happen.
It was just as well.
I'm no good with kids.
Oh.
Not like you.
Oh, and weren't those kids
wonderful this afternoon?
I had forgotten...
What?
I don't know.
You see, I can't even remember
what I've forgotten.
Well, you...
you sure looked
right at home with them.
Night, Nick.
Peter.
Come on and... and sit down here,
will you, please?
Sit down with me.
Come on.
Sit down.
Sit down.
I want to read to you.
I understand it makes it easier
to fall asleep that way.
Now...
"'Twas the night before Christmas
when all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care
in hopes that Saint Nicholas
soon would be there.
The children were nestled
all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugarplums..."
Sweet dreams, Nick.
I feel sorry for the real Santa.
He never gets to meet the kids.
He never gets to see
the happiness he brings.
Now, that's a tough job.
What you're going to have to do...
- ...all the neat stuff you brought last year.
- Oh.
- You're late!
- You're late.
- You're late!
- You're late.
You're late!
You're late,
you're late,
you're late!
For what?
"Dear Santa,
you are the greatest.
All I want is a happy Christmas
with a family who loves me.
Love, Peter Albright."
Peter, have you finished
writing your letter?
Yep, here it is.
Peter...
I just got off the phone
with your father
and he won't be coming for you.
My dad?
Isn't coming.
Santa Claus?
Isn't coming!
Everything okay?
Yes. Yeah.
I had the strangest dream.
Yeah, I know the feeling.
Boy, I could use a drink.
One drink coming up.
So, what did you dream about?
Oh, yes, it was, uh...
I was late.
I was terribly late for...
for something.
- The deadline dream. I get that a lot.
- Uh-huh.
And... and what did you dream about?
About the orphanage where I grew up.
Orphanage?
Yeah, my mom died when I was seven
and my dad wasn't
much of a family man.
I obviously didn't fit
into his plans.
Anyway, I dreamt about
my first Christmas there.
The one where I stopped
believing in Santa.
And I was writing my letter.
Funny, I can't even
remember what I asked for.
That you would have a happy Christmas
with a family that loved you.
Yeah. How'd you know?
I figured that's what any orphan
would want, right?
I guess.
Well, anyway, I saw Sister Greta
throw my letter into the fire
- and I figured
if she didn't believe...
Would she be Danish or Norwegian?
I don't know.
Why?
Because Scandinavians
have this custom
that when they send letters
to Santa Claus,
they throw them on the fire
and they believe that the smoke
carries the letters
to the North Pole faster that way.
How did you know that?
I don't know.
Well, anyway, it didn't work.
I never got what I asked for.
Well, maybe it's not too late.
I don't see a family in my future, Nick.
Well, I think that you'd make
a very good father, Peter.
Not gonna happen.
Claire's fed up with me
and Zack thinks that I am the grouch
that stole Christmas.
I think that you and Zack
have much more in common
than you both realize.
You know, for a guy who...
who doesn't know much about himself,
you sure know a lot about me.
Well, maybe we both need to remember
who we used to be.
You know, Nick,
if I didn't know any better,
I'd swear you were the real thing.
Nick?
We should be going.
It's hard to believe that
it was only three days ago
when we first met jolly old Saint Nick.
But I'm happy to report,
like all good fairy tales,
this story has a happy ending.
Late last night,
the police department confirmed
Santa's identity as Nicholas Engles.
His granddaughter and her husband said
they never lost hope
that one day they would be reunited
with their grandfather.
- And today is that day.
His grandchildren came for him.
Oh, sure.
His grandchildren come for him.
And there you have it.
A family together again.
This is Peter Albright reporting live.
- Yeah, Nick.
Congratulations.
I don't think I'll be
needing these anymore,
so I want you to have them.
Are you sure?
You'll do them proud.
Well, jeez, thanks, Nick.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Peter.
- Nick.
Peter, thank you for everything.
Oh, no problem.
I just wish I had a Christmas gift
for you.
Oh, well, you've done plenty already.
But, here, uh, take this.
Your phone?
Well, that way we can always
keep in touch.
Good job.
Claire!
- Oh.
- Claire.
- You have a fine
young boy here, Claire.
Come up here, Zack.
I wanna talk with you.
Here, now...
This is a very good thing, you know?
I'm back with my family.
I'm back where I belong, huh?
And to think that you had me
believing at one time
that I was the real Santa.
- But you are.
- Oh, come on.
I'll miss you.
Bye.
Oh, boy, I'll be glad
when the holidays are over.
They already are.
Oh.
You miss him?
Me, too.
He's better off with his family,
you know?
Yeah, but don't blame me
when the whole world wakes up
to empty stockings.
Hey...
how about we spend the day together,
just you and me?
Huh?
- Okay.
Come on.
- I'm leaving.
- But it's Christmas Eve.
- I know.
- It's our busiest night of the year!
I know.
- Oh, merry Christmas, Grady.
- Oh, thanks, Claire.
Same to you.
Thank you, sir.
Oh, that suit looks great on you.
It's a perfect fit.
Ooh, and I found something.
This suit's got more hidden pockets,
I tell ya.
I found these letters.
- We gotta get 'em back to Nick.
- Oh.
Mom, look!
Dear Santa!
Hey, look!
These were in his pockets.
Why would anybody carry around
Dear Santa letters unless he was Santa?
And there's more in the sleigh.
Zack, honey, stop bothering Peter.
He's made it clear
that he doesn't want to be bothered.
So, where do you wanna go?
Toys Galore.
"Dear Santa,
you are the greatest.
All I want is a happy Christmas
with a family who loves me.
Love,
- Peter Albright."
How can...
how can this be?
How...
how could he...?
I bet you're ready
for some home cooking.
On Sundays I make a pork roast.
Monday's tuna casserole,
Tuesday, meat loaf.
Wednesday's Ray's favorite...
piggies in a blanket.
- Thursday's scalloped
potatoes, Italian style...
Is that you, Grandpa?
Oh, uh, excuse me, uh...
Just press the green button, Grandpa.
- Nick.
- Peter!
Um, where did you get these letters?
What letters?
The letters to Santa.
They found them in your pocket.
Uh, well, I believe, yes,
I was reading some letters
before the, uh...
They're from the kids
at the orphanage years ago.
There's Bobby and Chad and...
and me.
But didn't you say that you saw
one of the sisters burn those letters?
Yeah.
Well, then...
nobody could have those letters, right?
Right.
Nobody but...
Santa.
Santa?
Santa?
It can't be.
It has to be.
You have to be.
Listen, can you meet me
at Toys Galore in 15 minutes?
All right, yes, yes.
Would you stop at the Toys Galore store?
Is everything all right?
I have some last-minute shopping to do.
- You looking for
anything special, honey?
His sleigh.
- Claire, it's Peter.
Oh, what?
Uh, let me talk to Zack.
Ugh, Peter wants to talk to you.
- Forget it.
- He doesn't wanna talk to you.
Just tell him...
tell him that, uh...
tell him that I believe him.
Peter, this is a great story.
It's not over yet.
Grab your gear.
Ooh!
Oof!
Whoa!
- Shh.
All right, news boy.
- What did you do with Santa?
Who are you?
Ow, ow, ow, ow...
Zack?
Zack!
- Zack!
- Up here, Mom!
Look, I knew they were here!
Zack, get down here right now.
- Look, the letters!
- Listen to your mother.
And there's more letters
and the sleigh, the reindeer...
- it's all proof that Nick really...
- Sit still!
Santa!
He's here!
Hey, Nick!
You really are Santa!
That's what Peter thinks, too.
- Yeah.
- Yes!
Oh, Zack, no!
Mom!
Zack, now don't move.
- Mom!
- Don't move!
Get out of the sleigh!
Stay there.
Don't move.
Are you okay, Peter?
Oh, sure.
I just love being held hostage
by a bunch of color-blind, overdressed,
slightly belated trick-or-treaters.
Who are you guys, anyway?
Elves.
- Elves, right.
- Look at the ears.
They're real!
- Jackpot, news boy.
No, don't go up there.
It's not safe!
Oh!
Mom!
Sweetie, don't move.
Come over here slowly.
Come on.
Come on.
Move over slowly now.
Come on.
Do what he says!
Oh, sweetie!
That's all right.
It's all right.
Don't move.
Here, I'll... I'll just get in.
Just hold on!
- Oh! Hold on, now.
Everything is fine, okay?
Everything will be all right.
- Yes,
or my name isn't Santa.
- Whoa!
Ho, ho, ho!
Ho, ho, ho...
Maybe that's not Grandpa.
You really are Santa!
I knew it!
Yes! I am!
I really am!
- Mom!
- Oh, Zack, oh!
- I am so glad you're safe.
I was so worried about you.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Santa!
Whoa, whoa...
- There's something different about you.
- Max, I feel like a new man.
Yeah, well, you look like one, too.
Max, these kids today,
they really do appreciate me.
I'm gonna pick up the bag again.
Yeah, well, you better make it quick
- 'cause Christmas Eve is almost here.
Christmas Eve?
But it's running very late.
We'll never make
all these deliveries in time.
- Come on, let's go! We're late!
- Hurry! Hey, look.
Hey, the Christmas tree lot's
the other way.
- What do you think you're doing?
- He looks lost.
- It's a shortcut.
- Right. What do we look like, tourists?
Okay, yeah,
let's make sure I got this right.
You're Santa and you need your reindeer.
- Yes, yes.
So where are your elves?
Uh, oh, they were right behi...
Well, we can do this two ways...
- naughty...
Just say the word, Max.
...or nice.
Hand over the keys.
Let's ride, Santa.
There's been a break-in
at the Christmas tree lot.
Santa and his elves
are stealing the reindeer!
We're gonna go on a...
on a little trip tonight.
Turn around slowly.
Don't be a hero, lawman.
Well, come on, guys.
Let's go!
But there's too much weight.
We'll have to meet you there.
Well, how are you gonna get home?
Upgrades.
In-flight movies, free food, peanuts.
Oh, boy.
Hey, come, Dancer, come, Prancer.
Up and away!
- Whoo!
- Oh!
- Up and away.
Hold on.
Ho, ho, ho, ho!
- You call it in.
Oh!
Wow!
Zack, you remember that letter I wrote?
I wrote it when I was about your age
and it made me realize
- that you and I have a lot in common.
Like what?
Well, like we both miss having a dad
and we both love your mom very much.
And we both believe in Santa.
You were right all along.
So you'll listen to me from now on?
I'll definitely work on it.
And you'll never doubt me again?
Okay, now you're pushing it.
What was that for?
I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
Hey, hey, watch it.
That thing's loaded.
You were right.
I was acting like a child.
I wanna get married.
To me?
Yeah.
Even with... even with a ready
Especially with a ready-made family.
Looks like I finally got
my Christmas wish.
Oh, my.
- Whoa!
- That was so fun!
- Grady, Grady.
- That was so cool, Mom!
It's Christmas Eve. Do you still
have that suit that I gave to you?
Yeah, yeah, it's in the car.
- Hang on. One second.
A white Christmas.
- Yeah.
- Yes.
- It's turning out just perfect, isn't it?
- Come on, Grady.
- We're running late here.
- There you go.
- Thanks.
- So, you're the real deal.
Yeah, how about that?
That means I wore Santa's suit.
I wore Sa...
I gotta go tell my wife.
- I gotta tell my wife.
- Thank you, Grady.
Santa, it's getting late.
I mean, we're really
gonna need a miracle.
Yes, it is time
for a little Christmas magic.
Wow.
- Ho, ho, ho.
Wouldn't you like to know?
Peter, we're off
to a late start this year.
Uh, do you think you might
lend a helping hand this evening?
Well, that's the nicest thing
anyone's ever offered,
but for the first time in my life
I have a family to spend
Christmas Eve with.
I was hoping you would say that.
And I was hoping you'd say that.
According to five time zones,
we're late, Nick.
- We gotta go, Nick. Come on!
- Okay!
- Oh, bye.
- Here we go. Bye-bye, bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- Oh, we'll miss you!
We'll miss you.
- Wow!
The name is Claus.
Unbelievable?
We thought so at first.
But as they say, you've gotta see it
to believe it.
So, as we close tonight's show,
we'd like to leave you
with these images.
This is Peter Albright saying...
have yourself a very merry Christmas.
I know I will.
Grandpa?
I'm running a little late.
You bet we're late.
Now come on!
Merry Christmas.
"Dear Santa,
thank you for making
my Christmas wish come true.
Love, Peter Albright."
Ah, ah, ah.
I'll take care of that.
Santa, I got two words for you...
- Merry Christmas?
- No. Seat belts.
Ho, ho, ho, ho.
That's a gimme?