The Christmas Yes List (2026) Movie Script
1
Yeah, of course I can
finish the report for you.
Yeah. No.
Volunteering for your son's
Christmas concert is important.
Yes!
No. Ha, ha, ha.
It's no problem at all.
Okay. Merry Christmas, Jill.
Ah, good morning.
So we're simplifying the
Christmas menu, tightening the
margins and revamping
the gingerbread dessert?
Yeah! Happy to take over that project.
Yeah, the deadline is.
Oh! Ha, ha, ha.
That's soon.
Um.
Uh...
You know what?
I- I can make that work.
Yeah,
yeah, no problem.
Chloe,
how many projects would you
say are currently on your desk?
You know the average for
a food performance agent is
9 or 10, right?
Yes, sir.
Um, but,
you know, I'm efficient. Ha.
And my time management
skills are something I'm currently
Chloe.
Your habit of overcommitting
has just cost us one of our
biggest clients.
What?
Yeah.
Eighth Avenue steakhouse?
Um.
W- What happened?
You designed this new
menu for the client, correct?
Y- Yes.
Yeah!
Well, Lisa was so busy with
the Beluga Sushi account, and
so I
just finalized the menu for her.
Well,
there's an appetizer that
was missing an ingredient in
its description.
A diner had a severe allergic reaction.
Oh my goodness. Are they okay?
Yeah.
Yes. Yeah.
Luckily everything's fine.
Well, I mean, usually a server
would ask if there were any
allergies at the table.
Chloe.
Uh, but.
Yeah. No, this is my fault.
I'm...
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
You know, this has never happened before.
Look,
you are a wonderful
employee, Chloe, but you take
on too much, and sometimes
there are consequences.
Brad. Uh, Mr. siren.
Look, I know that you had
your heart set on the senior
management position, but
I've thought about it, and I've
decided to give it to Jill.
But wait, Jill.
Ha.
The person that I trained?
The one I'm covering for today?
Chloe, listen, you are a
workhorse, and we do not want
to lose you in the role that you're in.
So I'm not getting promoted
because I work too hard?
No,
look,
I was once a lot like you.
Ambitious, I was driven, I
was hardworking to a fault,
a people pleaser!
A people pleaser?
Because you will constantly
sacrifice to ensure that those
around you are happy.
Um. Uh, I, I do do that.
Yeah.
Maybe.
Give yourself the gift of
rejection therapy this Christmas.
I know it's a thing.
Check it out.
I, I tried it.
Chloe, it changed my life.
Rejection therapy.
Uh, sure.
I'm just not sure I understand
how this rejection therapy
is supposed to work.
How is strangers saying no to you.
Supposed to help you get over
your people pleasing nature?
Don't you have to be the one saying no?
I guess the key is that my
people pleasing stems from
a fear of rejection.
I do so much for others, for
validation and acceptance,
and I need to learn that rejection is okay.
Starting with the little things.
Well, I think it's unnecessary.
You're just a generous
and kind hearted person.
And likely stuck in this
position without hope for
advancement if I don't make some changes.
Yeah,
I'm sorry about the promotion.
But the good news is you'll
be home for Christmas break
tomorrow!
Being home will make you feel better.
Yeah.
Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow.
Bye.
"Christmas No" list.
Ask for requests from strangers that
are so outlandish you're
guaranteed a rejection.
One point per rejection.
Get ten points by Christmas.
Nothing to it.
My driver is not here.
I'm just going to Carriage Lodge.
Well, can you send another driver?
Okay, great. How long?
Okay. Thank you.
That'll be fine, yeah.
Hey, can I give you a ride?
Are you offering a stranger a ride?
Yeah. What can I say?
Folks are friendly here in Maple Hills.
You don't even know where I'm going.
It could be miles away.
I overheard you on the phone.
You're going to the carriage lodge!
I know it well. My aunt used to own it.
My sister just bought it.
Oh, so you're Melissa's brother?
You know my sister?
No. It's just, Uh.
My mother gives me
weekly Maple Hills reports of
everything that goes on in the area.
So, do you do this a lot?
Offer strangers rides?
Oh, yeah.
No, uh, it was a silly idea.
Uh, it's a no, then? No Worries.
Merry Christmas.
You know what? Sure.
Why not? I just gotta cancel my ride.
What?
Yeah.
Oh, are you reconsidering your offer?
No, no, no, I'm not reconsidering,
I just, I, I don't.
I mean, I, I don't have like a fancy car.
It's an old truck.
That is just fine.
I'm James.
Chloe.
No winter clothes, huh?
I came woefully under prepared.
So, uh, this truck of yours,
where is it?
Yes!
Right.
Yes. Because I'm taking
you with me to the truck.
It's this way.
Well, here it is.
You sure it'll start?
Yeah. It'll start.
What are you doing?
Well, if I wasn't certain
already that you weren't
from around here...
This is how we do it Without
fancy codes and keyless entry.
My dad dropped this old
girl off for me this morning.
Resourceful.
You're gonna have to put
it in the bed of the truck.
There's no room up in the cab.
You know, if you're more
comfortable with your car service, I mean,
not too late to say no.
It's fine.
Here we go!
Oh, the passenger door doesn't open.
You have to scoot in on the driver's side.
I won't take offense if you want to say no.
All good.
Mm.
Ah!
What?
No-I just
I assumed you were here
on business, not to visit family.
Why?
The suit?
I wear a suit all the time.
You dress like you're going to
an office meeting all the time?
I don't have a wardrobe
just for Christmas vacations.
Not even one vibrant flannel?
Not a one.
Christmas Eve service sweater?
Mm-mm.
Oof!
So, were you visiting from?
Phoenix.
You?
New York.
Ah.
What do you do?
I'm an EVP of reputation
management at Capstone Global.
I'm.
Uh
In crisis management.
So basically people yell at you all day.
Basically, yes.
What about you?
I'm a food performance consultant.
I can honestly say that I
have no idea what that is.
Ha, ha.
Well,
here we are.
Thank you.
For the ride.
Yeah, yeah. You're welcome.
Okay. Well.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, um.
It actually does open from the inside.
Oh, okay.
Woo!
Woo!
Ha.
I was sure I'd get a a
rejection from that guy.
Melissa?
Hey, sis.
What happened?
I think I broke the oven.
And we just renovated!
Ha, ha, ha.
What were you doing?
Baking?
I don't get it.
I've been following the
previous owner's recipes right
down to the letter.
And yet this keeps happening.
Is that coffee safe?
Owning a lodge is a lot of work.
It's a nice place.
It's quiet.
Yeah. That's because my only
three guests checked out this
morning after a disastrous breakfast.
Hey, mom!
Oh, you checking in?
No. It's me, your Uncle James.
Do I have an uncle?
Yes.
Though you haven't seen him much.
Uncle James.
Mmm...
Nope!
Are you two being serious right now?
You know, Uncle James, the
one who sends you a new doll for
your collection every Christmas?
Oh, you're that Uncle James?
Come over here and
give you a hug right now!
And now that he's here for
Christmas, he can take you doll
shopping in person this year.
That's right.
Yeah. That's right.
Let's go doll shopping.
Doll shopping?
Yay! Best uncle ever!
Yeah!
Woo!
Okay, let's see if I can get my first "No".
Hey, there.
Want some help?
Delivering the mail?
Yeah, I could use the exercise.
Yeah, I could use a break.
Careful. This thing weighs a ton.
Oh.
Okay...
I'm gonna probably slow you
down, you know, with all my
questions about your route.
Don't bother. I like the company.
Great.
Uh. Uh.
And if I accidentally
misplace a letter or confuse
one street for another?
Is that bad?
On second thought, I
should probably do it myself.
Oh.
So-So that's a no, then?
I'm afraid so.
Uh. I understand.
Yeah, okay.
You know, I
I could probably still keep
you company if you want.
Thanks. That's very kind of you.
So it must be busy this time of
year with all the Christmas cards?
I always wondered how you guys do it.
Well, congratulations
on your first rejection!
Thank you.
I Should have another one, but,
James was strangely agreeable.
Sounds like a catch to me.
And no, there was
nothing romantic about it.
Oh, speaking of romantic.
Dom's home for Christmas this year, too.
Really?
Well.
Wow. I haven't seen Dom in years.
Well, I'm just saying
you're home and he's home.
Jeannie, I'm home this
Christmas to enjoy the season,
regroup, fix my people pleasing
ways so I can go back and
fight for my promotion.
You are really committed to
this whole rejection therapy thing.
No way I can talk you out of it?
No.
See what I just did?
No, I think I should give it a try.
I mean, it worked for my boss.
He owns his own company now.
Okay, fine.
So what are you gonna
do for your next rejection?
I don't know.
Why wouldn't that James guy say no?
Do you think he was
afraid of hurting my feelings?
Because I can take rejection!
I mean, I can.
Maybe you need to get him to say no
before you can move forward.
That's a great idea.
Where are you going?
To get rejected.
Good luck.
You're back.
Hi. Yeah, I was wondering if
you want to come with me on a
long, cold walk outside.
It's for this old family
Christmas tradition
thing I was gonna do.
But it's pretty cold
outside, and it's a long walk,
and you don't have good winter clothes, so.
Oh.
Sure, I got time.
And I found a jacket I can wear.
But you don't even know what it is.
It's a Christmas tradition!
How bad could it be?
Um.
Uh, your dress shoes will
probably get ruined in the snow,
and your feet will freeze.
I'll tough it out.
Um, we'd be out till after dark, so...
A am in.
Let's do this, and I will
thaw my feet next to the fireplace.
Uh, I'll warn you, I
can't tell you what it is.
First time tradition rules.
Surprises are a good,
healthy mental exercise.
You're gonna blindly trust a stranger?
I got into a truck with you at the airport.
It's not gonna be much more
dangerous than that, is it?
Uh.
Ha, ha, okay.
So, no hint at what this tradition is?
Aren't you cold yet?
Well, I'm eager to see this!
So we're, uh...
Just. Wait.
Is there something supposed to happen?
Patience.
Wow.
That was worth the walk.
Ha, ha.
You come see this every year?
Um.
Not anymore.
I did as a child.
Growing up, my Nana always
brought me here for our own
special lighting.
We'd have hot chocolate
that she'd bring in a thermos,
and we'd say a Christmas prayer.
It's a nice tradition.
It was just the two of you?
Yeah, yeah.
She, um, she passed a few years ago.
Oh.
I'm so sorry.
My parents continue a lot of
her Christmas traditions, so
that keeps her close.
Hm.
My sister and I were raised by my mom.
My dad passed away when we
were young, so we don't have a whole
lot of Christmas traditions.
This time of year was usually
a source of a lot of stress
in our household.
One income...
And we lost mom last year.
I'm sorry.
And that's why I came to visit.
My sister and niece have really
been through it this year and I'm.
You're showing up for
family when it matters.
I just think it's important to
show my niece, Angelique, uh,
a different experience, you know?
Show her the importance of the season.
Connecting with loved ones
and spending time together.
Yeah.
Well, that was the tradition, so,
your toes must be icicles.
No, no, we missed a part.
We didn't say a prayer.
Oh, well, we don't we
don't have to do that...
Close your eyes.
Say a prayer.
Done.
All right, now for the last part.
You want to get hot chocolate?
I would have brought a thermos, but.
First timers tradition rule...
Right.
Mhm.
Well, thank you.
Marshmallow?
Yes. Thank you, thank you.
Mm.
Heh, heh.
Can I ask you a question?
Have you hesitated yet?
Have you always been so
undisturb-able?
Is that a word?
It should be if it isn't.
I- Well, I guess it depends.
Is that meant to be a
critique or a compliment?
A compliment.
Hmm. In that case, can
you define undisturb-able?
Well, you just you just seem
to be in the unique position of
someone who truly, absolutely
cannot care less about what
anyone else thinks of you.
Mm. How so?
We've been sitting here
in silence for over a minute.
Is that a bad thing?
Well, it's not normal.
I mean, strangers can't
sit in comfortable silence.
Uh, you know, you need small talk.
So do you always find
the need to fill silences?
Um. Well, yeah.
Ha.
Otherwise, how do I know
if you're having a good time?
I am.
You're not bored?
I am not.
Well.
Look.
I guess I've just been
this way my entire life?
Um.
But,
if you find the fact that I
can be so confident that
I do what I want with
little consideration for other
people's opinions to be a strength,
well, rest assured that I
consider it a deep and cutting weakness.
Plenty of work to do on myself there...
You know?
So how long are you staying in town?
'Till the 25th!
Wait, you're leaving on Christmas Day?
Mhm. It was the most
financially responsible decision.
But, Uh.
Do you disagree?
I mean, it's-it's-it's Christmas.
Ha...
I think you should at
least stay till the day after.
Well, I will have been here
the whole week leading up to.
But it's Christmas.
I mean, it's very I don't
know, Grinch-like to to
leave on Christmas Day, just.
Are you asking me to
stay through Christmas?
Um. Yes, yes I am.
Yes. James, will you
stay until after Christmas?
Uh.
Um.
You know what?
Okay.
You're serious?
Yeah!
You do have a point.
I mean, my niece is gonna be
over this whole Cindy Lou Who
stage before I know it.
And this non Grinch
doesn't want to miss that.
So, uh.
Yes. Yes, I will stay through Christmas.
Ha, that's
I mean, that's-that's great.
That's great.
Heh, heh.
Today was fun. Thank you.
Definitely unexpected, but in a good way.
Oh, remember that guy who
was wearing that awful Christmas
sweater with all the blinking lights on it?
It was fun!
Oh, but you don't like
Christmas sweaters, so,
We
Then you wouldn't want to go
Christmas sweater shopping
with me. Like to get something
for yourself.
They're kind of itchy, right?
Or those funny matching ones?
That's-that's something
that you wouldn't want to do.
Matching?
Yeah. That's a no.
No.
No.
No, it's not a no.
It's a yes!
Yes?
Yes!
Okay. Um.
How's tomorrow at ten?
Great!
See you tomorrow.
Okay. See you then!
At ten.
Okay.
Kay...
I still can't believe you
brought him to the tree.
I thought he'd say no.
It's so strange how he never says no.
Yeah, but that tradition was
so special to you and Nana.
I mean, with the Christmas
prayer and everything,
you never even shared
that experience with me,
or Dom, right?
Yeah,
but I don't know,
it was kind of nice
seeing him experience it.
I just don't think he's the
kind of guy who usually enjoys
the holidays, that's all.
You like him!
Okay. He's nice, but he's,
like, totally not my type.
Yeah.
Smart, successful,
handsome, and says yes to
anything you want is not your type?
Okay. Regardless, it doesn't
even matter because he's
geographically undesirable and.
And I don't have time for a relationship.
You've been saying that
since the breakup with Dom.
Okay, well, it was true then,
and it's especially true now.
Oh.
Um, I should go.
I will call you later.
Uh.
Oh, okay but I want
lifetime updates as you shop!
Bye!
Bye!
Hi!
There you are.
Good morning.
Morning.
Oh, it smells amazing in here.
You've been so busy since we've been home.
I know, so I thought I'd
make you guys breakfast.
Have a seat. I'll get you a plate.
Thank you.
Oh, this looks so delicious.
Is dad not joining us?
No. He had to go into
town to get my turkey for a
pre-Christmas Christmas dinner.
You're still helping me cook, right?
Yes. Of course.
You know, speaking of
shopping, um, I actually have some
shopping to do today.
With Genie?
No, it's.
It's with another friend.
A male friend?
Well, yes.
Uh, he's male, but it's
just this guy, James.
Um, he's in town visiting for Christmas.
Well, his sister bought
aunt Lillie's lodge.
He's Melissa's brother.
I hear how that poor,
dear woman is having a hard time of it.
What happened?
Well, you know how Miss
Drew, the lodge's chef,
She retired and moved to
Florida a few weeks ago?
Yeah, I love Miss Drew.
She taught me to cook when
I'd visit aunt Lily for the weekend.
Well, I hear the guests aren't
too happy with the new owner's cooking.
Oh.
Mhm.
That must be stressful.
Why don't you take all of this with you?
I'm sure the guests would appreciate it.
I wouldn't want to offend her.
I'm sure she'd be grateful for it, darling.
Mm.
Well, here's the turkey.
Ugh.
Aha!
The turkey has landed.
Oh!
Seems like I made it back just in time.
I haven't seen a breakfast
spread like this since...
Yesterday morning.
Good save.
Hey, dad.
Ah...
Have a seat. I'll make you a plate.
Oh, yes please.
Oh, I hear that that, uh,
that nice Dom fella you
used to see is back in
town, and he's a he's a big
deal at some big pharmaceutical
company now.
Yes, I heard that.
And he's single, too.
Dad, that was a long time ago.
Uh, well, he was a he
was a nice fella, that one.
That's all I'm saying.
Mm.
Chloe has a new friend now.
Mm.
This is good.
This is really good.
MM.
Mm.
Hi. Welcome to the carriage lodge.
Are you checking in?
Um.
Uh, no.
My name is Chloe.
I'm actually here to see James.
Are you his girlfriend?
He has a girlfriend?
Hi.
Hi.
Ha, ha.
Uh.
You two are acting really weird.
Angelique, get ready for camp!
I see you met Angelique.
She's delightful.
Sorry, I'm a little early.
Oh, no. It's fine!
It'll just take me a minute to get ready.
Okay.
Yeah.
What do you got there?
Oh, um, my mom mentioned
something, and I really like to
cook, so, uh.
But, I mean, I don't have to.
No, no no, no.
We will take those.
Okay.
Pancakes?
Mhm.
Hi. Are you gonna
invite your friend on, or?
Uh. Hey
Chloe Melissa, Melissa Chloe.
We were just heading out.
Gonna go do some Christmas shopping.
In your PJs.
I'm going to change first.
Excuse me.
So, Melissa, I'm Chloe Hollis.
My aunt Lily is to own this lodge.
Oh, please, come on in.
Oh, it smells delicious in here.
Chloe brought breakfast.
You are an angel.
Who can cook!
Do you want a job?
Heh!
I'm-I'm no professional.
I beg to differ.
I'm gonna go change.
Okay. This is seriously delicious.
Thank you.
Actually, the previous chef
here, Miss Drew, she, um.
She taught me to cook.
Her recipes are so hard to get right.
Yeah, her coded recipes can be tricky.
Coded?
Yeah, she.
She was always afraid that
somebody would find her recipes
and steal them.
So she used this coding system.
You mean all those symbols mean something?
Yes. Um, yeah.
So like this one right here.
That squiggle line. That means salt.
The salt? Yes!
I was wondering why the
muffins tasted so bland.
You know, I could help
you decode these sometime.
Would you?
Absolutely.
And, you know, I love what
you've done with the kitchen.
Thanks.
The oven's already broken.
Oh, coils burned out.
That may have been me.
How about this one?
MM. Not nearly enough Christmas.
It's red.
Oh ho ho! Hey.
Um.
Try again.
Oh,
okay.
This is fun.
Seriously,
I have to wear sunglasses
just to put that thing on.
So is that a no?
That's a...
Maybe.
Wow, you weren't kidding.
These things are itchy.
Are you saying you don't want to do this?
We don't have to do this.
No. I'm just saying I'm gonna
have to wear a long sleeve underneath.
Reindeer. Okay.
Hmm.
Oh, yes.
Giving me spring vibes.
Oh!
All right, try this one on.
Oh.
Found 'em.
Oh.
Well,
it only makes sense if
we're standing side by side.
So is that a no, then?
We'll just have to spend
more time together.
Huh.
Yeah.
Ha. Ha!
TA da!
Oh!
Ah! Thank you so much for this.
Oh, thank you for walking me home.
Mmm.
Oh. Thank you.
So, have you done your Christmas shopping?
It's covered.
I got gift cards.
You don't think that's a good gift?
Uh, well, you know, it's
your family, your traditions.
Well, it's practical.
That way everyone can
shop for anything they want.
Yeah. Yeah.
Do you think that maybe
they would prefer something
immediate on Christmas in their hands?
Yes.
Okay!
I think your niece would rather
open a bag of bouncy balls on
Christmas morning than get,
I don't know, a bicycle on a screen
she has to wait for.
It's Christmas.
There was talk of me taking
her shopping for a new doll.
Okay, okay.
Not exactly a Christmas morning
surprise, but the added time
together shopping is a bonus, so, uh.
Yeah. Okay.
I'll allow it.
Very generous of you.
Yeah!
Hm.
Hm. How about Melissa?
Ah, I wouldn't even know where to start.
You know, I think acts of
service would appeal to her.
She seems to have her hands full.
You are very perceptive.
You can fix your oven.
Ha!
Contrary to outward appearances,
I'm not much of a handyman.
It's just a coil.
I think an online tutorial
would do the trick.
Well, I can do that.
Okay, great.
Anyone else?
Friends or, I don't know,
a girlfriend back home?
Uh.
I was in a long term
relationship until recently.
But that's over now.
Do you mind my asking what happened?
We were both more interested
in using airline miles to see
bucket list destinations than
spend vacation time on family.
And then, uh, Melissa's
husband, Adam, passed away, and
we lost my mom and I started
to understand the value of family
that I was missing out on.
So Britney, my ex, and I had
the tough conversation and it
was clear that we were
not on the same page.
So I decided to move on.
Well, I'm sorry.
I know breakups are hard,
especially when there's a lot of history.
But for whatever it's worth,
I think you made the right decision.
Oh, um.
Excuse me.
Chloe. Great to see you.
Dom!
Um, how are you?
I'm great.
Spending Christmas with my brother.
Helping out at the church.
I just wanted to stop by to say hello.
Right. Yeah.
Um.
It's good to see you.
You too.
It's been too long.
Yeah. Um.
Come in, come in.
Thanks.
I'm James.
Sorry. That was rude.
Yes, James.
Dom.
Dom.
Ahem.
Uh, James's sister just bought
the carriage lodge, so he's
visiting for Christmas.
Oh.
That makes sense then.
Anyways, I just wanted to stop
by and say hi to you and your folks.
Oh, that senior sleigh ride event.
Right.
Yeah.
Okay, well, I guess I'll
leave you two to it then.
Give your parents my best.
I will.
I'll see you soon.
Yeah.
I'm sure.
I should get back to the lodge.
I will get my coat and join you.
I'm off to see Genie anyway.
I'm fine!
It was a close call!
Okay. In my defense,
that ice was invisible.
Just come on in. Have a seat,
and make sure you're okay.
Um, thank you for catching me.
Anytime...
So, that Dom guy, old friend of yours?
High school boyfriend.
Ah.
Well, technically, we
broke up after college.
Seemed like a nice guy.
He is a great guy.
So what happened?
Oh,
after graduation, he
got his first job overseas.
Big pharmaceutical company. And,
he'd wanted me to go with him, but I
I wasn't sure that was the
path that I wanted to take.
I just got into business school.
Oh.
So...
So the long distance thing, not an option?
It wasn't the distance so much as.
I was expected to give up my goals and.
Yeah.
So,
for a long time I wondered if
I had made the wrong choice.
Looking back, I think it
was probably the last time I
actually prioritized what I wanted.
I'm supposed to meet Genie.
I'm fine.
So. Oh, here.
Um, this one is yours.
Oh, great.
Still trying to wrap my mind
around people actually wanting
to wear these.
You know, I think they
deserve a big reveal.
The big reveal?
Yeah. Like with lots of people.
My parents, they host this thing.
It's a pre-Christmas Christmas on the 23rd.
A tradition started by my Nana years ago,
and they've continued it.
I'm in.
Really?
Yeah, I'd love to come.
But it's a big neighbors
and family thing with lots of
people you won't know.
I love people I don't know.
It's loud and chaotic.
Sounds fun.
There's caroling.
I can hold a tune.
But, you know, people
might think that you and I are.
Wearing matching Christmas sweaters?
No, I mean, you know,
dating.
Well, we did spend time
together for three days, so
we're not not dating.
You-you want to date me?
I want to go to pre-Christmas Christmas,
where we get to debut our
matching Christmas sweaters.
Ha, ha, ha.
Okay.
I don't know what's going on.
He says yes to everything.
Just.
Maybe he just really likes you.
Or maybe he's a people pleaser, too.
He did say something
about us kind of dating.
So there is a romantic
connection between you two.
I mean, yeah, but is it even realistic?
He lives in Phoenix and I'm in New York.
Although,
I don't know,
Lately, I've been wondering if
that's where I want to be, long term.
You know?
Do you think that being home
is making you question your life
in the city?
No, I just mean, some day.
You know, it might be nice
to move back at some point.
Melissa jokingly offered
me the chef job at the lodge.
Would you consider that?
Well, no.
I mean, I'm not even trained.
It was just funny that she mentioned it.
You know.
You're the best cook I know.
And you were taught by
Miss Drew, and the old regular
guests would be over the moon.
I like my job in the city, and
I've been working hard to prove
myself and get ahead and,
I think it's gonna happen.
But are you happy, Chloe?
Just think about it.
I, for one, would love to have you home.
What are you doing?
I am going to replace
the coil on your oven.
It's my Christmas gift to you.
I gotta say, I was expecting a gift card.
This is better.
It was Chloe's idea.
Yeah. She's wearing off on you.
She invited me to some
Christmas thing at her parents house.
She invited you to pre-Christmas Christmas?
Is that a big deal?
That's a huge deal.
Any luck finding a chef?
No, but Chloe's coming over
tomorrow to help me decode the
rest of the recipes.
Chloe's coming over?
Yes, which means
you're on babysitting duty.
Yeah, right.
Uncle James and his
impeccable taste in dolls.
I'm gonna get back to work.
That's just unrealistic.
That little guy with a
swirl; That's cinnamon.
I should have known that.
These cookies are so much fun to make.
And then, uh, that one's nutmeg.
And I think that's it. I think you're good.
Thank you.
My pleasure!
Mm.
You know, you're very
at home in the kitchen.
Oh, well, I've always liked to cook.
James said you work for
food a performance Company.
Do you get to test out new recipes?
Not for the company.
Sometimes I try them at home, but, eh.
Cooking for one isn't as much fun.
And cooking for dozens is challenging.
Yeah, I bet.
Coffee?
Sure. Please.
You know, I never realized
how much work it would be
owning a lodge alone.
It was always a shared dream
of my late husband's and mine.
Can I ask what happened?
He was an officer in the military,
and he died in active duty.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
You know, it's been really
healing having James home.
Angelique hasn't had much of
a male influence lately, so we're
happy to have him home this Christmas.
And thank you for convincing him
to stay until after Christmas.
Oh, I don't think that was for me.
I think it was more you than you realize.
Ah! Firewood for pre-Christmas Christmas.
Hey, dad, coffee?
Oh.
Thank you sweetheart.
Dad. Um.
How did you know mom was the one?
Felt it the day we met.
Love at first sight?
For us, it was, yeah.
True love.
I guess in hindsight,
it was true love, but,
how did you know at the time?
Have a seat.
Well,
I had, um, recently moved to
town, and I was still trying to
find my way in the community,
and I thought church would be
the perfect place to meet people, right?
My first Sunday was the
apple butter churning event.
Yes. My mom told me the story.
Ah, From her perspective.
So, um, I approached the cauldrons, right.
And I spotted the most
beautiful woman I had ever seen
in my life.
She was stirring the apple
butter with one of those big
wooden paddles.
Auburn curls and, you know,
rosy cheeks and-Oh, the best laugh.
But you know. It drew me to her.
And she was so kind to me,
even though I was probably just a
babbling fool, you know?
And she invited me to work alongside her.
And we shared stories of our
childhood, our favorite books,
and we realized we had a lot in
common, including our love for
the autumn.
Best time of year around here.
Oh yes it is.
And I realized that I hadn't
felt so comfortable with
somebody in a long time.
It was like we'd known
each other for years.
And when the event was over,
I didn't want to say goodbye,
and so I asked her if she would
have coffee with me sometime.
And she asked, how about right now?
And, uh, we've spent
every day together since.
Love at the apple butter churning.
Ha, ha, ha. Love it.
Love can happen when you least expect it.
As I understand that, uh, we
have an additional guest for
our pre-Christmas Christmas.
Do you think that's a good idea?
I don't think you would have invited him if
you didn't think it was.
Well, I just thought you were a fan of Dom.
I'm a fan of whoever makes you happy.
Why don't you come outside and
help me chop the rest of the wood?
Okay. Of course.
Come on.
Hurry up!
The guests will be here soon!
Welcome! Merry pre-Christmas Christmas.
Another pre-Christmas Christmas.
Thank you so much for inviting me.
Of course.
Oh, everything looks delicious,
Mom. Merry pre-Christmas Christmas!
Oh, sweetheart.
Mmm.
This is my mom.
Ah, you must be James.
Nice to meet you, Mrs. Hollis.
I've heard so much about
your pre-Christmas Christmas.
This tradition was started
by my mom, many years ago,
and we still feel her
spirit with us every year.
She loved inviting new guests.
Welcome.
Thank you.
Oh, you two look great.
Well, I'm
I'm not usually a big
Christmas sweater guy, but.
Ha, ha, ha.
Well, I certainly am.
Oh.
Dom.
Brenda, I hope it's okay that I'm early.
Oh, yes.
Of course.
It's-It's great to see you.
I heard you were in town.
Yeah, I.
This is unexpected.
I, um, I didn't know you were coming.
Miss pre-Christmas Christmas?
Never.
Put me to work.
Uh, yeah.
I assume you're not quite
ready for me in the kitchen yet.
But is there anything I can do to help?
Or we can do to help?
As a matter of fact, there is a
task I have for the three of you.
Great.
Okay.
Right in here.
All right.
I didn't think your mom was
the type of person to leave her
wrapping till the last minute.
Oh, no. These are gifts for
the white elephant exchange.
The what?
Um, it's a common game at
Christmas parties where you try
to steal each other's gifts.
I'll explain while we wrap!
What do you think, Chloe?
Oh. Uh, that's.
That's amazing.
Yours has.
Character.
Heh, eh. Yeah.
Uh.
It's work. I need to take this.
Hey, Steven.
Yeah,
yeah.
You did great.
Well, it's pretty clear that.
Dom has, uh, superior wrapping skills.
Well,
I like this guy.
I think the asymmetry is fun, right?
Right?
Uh. Huh?
Yeah.
Right?
Yeah. Yeah.
Perfection is overrated.
If your mom doesn't have
any more tasks for us,
I would love a tour of the farm.
Um.
Yeah, we're almost done here,
and then, uh, I think we can sneak away.
All right.
Uh. Couple more. Here we go...
So, what do you hope to find
under the tree on Christmas morning?
Uh, well, Angelique did
let it slip that Melissa got me
tickets to a jazz concert.
Oh. That's fun.
Which band?
The Chaplin trio.
Oh, my gosh, I love them.
Do you like jazz?
Yeah. Uh, okay.
So once upon a time, I
actually bought a saxophone
at a flea market, and spent
six months trying to learn it,
with this disillusionment that I
could somehow quit my job and
become the next Lester Young.
How'd that work out?
Not so well.
Still time.
Still lack of tact.
So there's that.
Are the kids here yet?
Right there.
Hey.
Okay, so what's next?
My parents are about to
announce the beginning of the
Christmas tree competition.
And is that exactly what it sounds like?
Nanny used to put a Christmas
tree in every room of the house
but only the biggest and
best one got the place of honor
in the dining room.
So after she passed,
they decided to turn it into a
pre-Christmas Christmas competition.
All right, all right, everybody
get your teams together.
Get your axe and saws outside and go!
Oh!
You're actually gonna be my partner.
Oh.
Okay, uh...
Sure.
I guess it's just you and me.
You want to participate?
I told you, I am in for all
the Hollis family traditions.
How big are we talking?
It depends on if you want to win.
Got it.
We're looking for a big
tree that we can trim down.
All right.
We want a tree with
just the right proportions.
Have you ever won?
Aha.
Four years running.
So pressure's on for me to live
up to your previous partner, huh?
Oh, yeah.
Tough shoes to fill.
Well, I guess Dom really
knows how to swing an axe.
I'm already at a disadvantage.
Actually, my partner was always Genie.
Well, I.
Hope
she's not upset that I
stole you away this year.
I'm pretty sure she's okay with it.
Oh, well, that's the one.
Okay well, how do we get back?
Carry it, or drag it?
Maybe.
The whole way?!
Some people use four
wheelers, but, yeah, the tradition
insists on walking.
Mmm.
Your family has a lot of traditions.
I mean, they're fun.
Traditions like this are
what keep families together.
Your Nana is a very clever woman.
Yeah, that she was.
I love this farm.
I don't think I truly
appreciated this place as a kid.
Well, maybe you just needed
to leave and come back again.
Okay, let me have a try at this.
Really?
I didn't know you were also a lumberjack.
Stand back.
It is my hidden talent.
What do we get for winning?
The honor of decorating it.
Oh. Alright.
You-You really are agreeable.
You know?
Huh.
For a long time, my default
word was "No" for anything
I even slightly didn't want to do.
My capacity to be unconcerned
with other people's opinions
was also my downfall.
So this Christmas season,
I just decided to say yes.
And I'm learning that saying
yes is often the simplest way
to love someone well.
Chloe,
your mom needs you in the kitchen.
Um.
I'll be-I'll be right there, Uh,
My mom.
Need you in the kitchen, yeah.
Yeah.
Ha, ha, ha.
Uh, can I trust you with all this?
I won't let you down.
Need some help?
I don't know. Might be
breaking one of those
Hollis family traditional rules.
No, she tagged me in as an alternate.
I get the impression she wants
the two of us to get to know
one another.
So,
how long have you and Chloe been dating?
Four days.
We met at the airport.
Please tell me she's not
still using that old suitcase
with a broken handle.
Ha!
Indeed she is.
Well, I know what I'm
getting for Christmas, then.
So you two go way back, right?
Yeah. Friends since third grade.
Dated all through high school and college.
She's really special.
I've only known her a
short while, but I agree.
So when do you have to go back overseas?
Actually, I'm not.
I'm going to take a
position here in Maple Hills.
I just feel like it's time to settle down.
Hope Dom being here isn't too awkward.
Oh, it's fine.
Everyone's welcome at
pre-Christmas Christmas.
That James is a good sport.
Yeah,
yeah. He doesn't usually do
much to celebrate Christmas,
but he seems to be enjoying himself.
You certainly seem to be.
Mom.
I mean-We just met!
And he's going home
the day after Christmas.
His family's here.
He's likely to visit often.
I don't think he gets
away from the office much.
My sweet girl.
Sometimes a man just
needs the right motivation.
After all, he seems to be giving in to
anything you've asked so far.
I'll be right back.
Well, for a long time, my
default word was "No" for
anything that even
slightly didn't want to do.
This Christmas season
I just decided to say yes.
But if you find the fact that I
can be so confident that I do
what I want, you should know
that I also consider it a deep
and cutting weakness.
Plenty of work to do on myself there.
Plenty of work on himself.
Ha.
Right...
Heh.
Heavenly father, we thank you for this meal
and for the hands that made it.
We thank you for the gift of
family and for the traditions
passed down by our beloved Nana.
As we celebrate this Christmas
season with friends, old and new.
Amen.
Amen.
Dinner was delicious.
You really are a good cook.
Thank you.
My mom helped. A team effort.
And the Hollis family pre-Christmas
Christmas party is a lot of fun.
Thanks for inviting me.
Thanks for saying yes.
So, um, you'll be headed home soon.
Yeah? Day after Christmas?
If it's okay, I'd like to see you again.
You would?
I was thinking New Years?
I could come see you.
I mean, yeah, yeah, I'd like that.
I just, I, I just think
we should clear the air first.
Clear the air?
Yeah.
About the work we've been
doing on ourselves this Christmas.
You deciding to say yes?
The quote you told me that
saying yes is often the best
way to love someone well.
Yeah, that's Augustus Avery.
It's my favorite quote.
Is that what inspired you
to make a Christmas "Yes" list?
A what?
Saying yes to everything,
I guess to break a cycle of negativity?
I wasn't working on a list.
But,
you said yes to everything I asked.
You thought I was pursuing you
this past week and doing things
with you because I was
trying to overcome some sort of
deficiency within myself?
Chloe, I would never.
Well, sorry, I just.
Thought I was playing
some sort of self-help game?
Well.
Hey!
Chloe, I like you.
I said yes to you at the
airport because I was so
intrigued by you.
Because you were the most
beautiful woman I'd ever met.
I would never use you or
anybody to try to get over my
own problems.
Well, that's what I've
been doing this past week.
What?
I hadn't planned on falling for you.
I was just going through
my own personal problems,
and my boss suggested rejection therapy.
I knew I had to get over
my fear of rejection, so.
I made a challenge for myself.
Which was?
To get ten rejections from
strangers by Christmas.
So you only offered me a ride
because you thought I'd say no?
Yeah.
And then I kept suggesting
things that I was sure you
didn't want to do,
but you kept surprising me by saying yes.
Wow.
Um.
Uh.
Ahem.
Uh,
I, I-I better get going.
James, I'm-I'm so sorry.
This was obviously a really bad idea,
and I never meant to hurt you.
Hey.
Uh, Dom, can you just give us a minute?
Sure. Your mom just wants
everyone in the back room for
the white elephant gift exchange, so...
So just, like 1 or 2 minutes.
Yeah.
You know what? It's all right.
I should be getting back to the lodge.
You two enjoy.
Hey, are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm fine.
Can I just say something?
Sure.
I made a mistake back then.
Thinking that you'd be okay
with just giving up your dreams
and following me across the world.
I want another chance at us.
We were so great
together for so many years.
We can be that again.
Please, Chloe.
Let's talk.
Dom.
I care about you, and,
we'll always be good friends,
but I'm not in love with you.
Not anymore.
Okay.
I understand.
I do.
I'm gonna head back in and see
if I can steal the best presents.
Ha, ha.
Chloe, we're starting soon!
Oh, hey, honey.
Mmm.
Hm hm hm.
I'd say that was another
successful pre-Christmas Christmas.
Yeah, Nana would be proud.
Yeah, she would.
James left early.
Everything okay between you two?
Dom being here, did he complicate things?
No.
No.
I complicated things.
What happened?
I really believed that he
only agreed to all my requests
because he was on some
kind of personal mission.
Why on earth would you have thought that?
Because I was on a personal mission
trying to get him to say no.
To cure my people pleasing nature.
I'm sure he'll forgive you if you explain.
I don't think so.
The whole thing was a really bad idea.
Honey,
You never needed to change yourself.
You needed to realize that
sometimes saying no to others
is saying yes to yourself,
and to God.
To the things that matter.
I see that.
Now.
Thanks mom.
You know that Chloe of
yours is a real lifesaver.
Not my Chloe.
What do you mean?
I thought you two
were really hitting it off.
So did I.
Turns out she was just using
me as the final test for her
lifestyle makeover.
I don't believe that's all it was.
I saw you two together.
Yeah, well, she is spending
Christmas with her ex-boyfriend.
So...
What?
Yeah! Who showed up at
pre-Christmas Christmas.
He's a really nice guy.
It's her ex.
I'm sure whatever they had was in the past.
I'm not sure I can compete
with that kind of history after
less than a week.
Besides, he's better suited for her.
He's a
small town, Christmas
sweater wearing type, you know.
And you are?
Christmas break time Uncle James!
Headed to a Christmas parade.
HMM.
HMM.
Hi, Brad.
I didn't expect to hear from you.
Chloe. Hey, listen, I've been thinking.
Jill seems a little, um,
overwhelmed in the senior
management position.
Frankly, doesn't have your
work ethic, so I've decided I'm
going to make a change
and offer the promotion to you.
You.
You're giving it to me?
Aha!
Correct. Congratulations.
Now, look, I'm going to need
you to take over the Beluga
Sushi account and make
sure that all our new pitches are
finalized by the 26th.
And of course, you're going to
have to handle Jill's enormous backlog,
but you are a workhorse, Chloe.
I know that I can trust you to
sacrifice your time and ensure
that, uh, we get everything done for us.
Actually, Brad, I think
I'm gonna have to say
no.
Well, uh.
No?
What do you mean, no?
Hey, are you practicing
rejection therapy on me?
Chloe, that's not funny.
No, I'm...
I'm just finally saying yes to myself
and to what's really important to me.
I'm resigning Brad.
There's a position here
in Maple Hills that I want.
Hey! No no no no no no.
Listen, is this a corporate gig?
Because,
if it's about money, we
can redo this contract.
Chloe.
No. I hope I'll be the new
chef at the carriage Lodge.
Merry Christmas Brad.
No, no no wait wait wait wait.
Chloe!
Who was on the phone sweetheart?
You look like you just
won the Christmas tree
competition all over again.
That was my boss.
He offered me the senior
management position that I've
been fighting for.
Chloe. That's wonderful.
Ha, ha!
I turned it down, mom.
Yeah. You know, he just
wanted to use me to do the work of
three people because he
knows I'm a people pleaser.
I don't want to design menus or
evaluate P and I statements anymore.
What are you going to do?
I want to be the new
chef at Melissa's Lodge.
I mean, I loved helping to
decode Miss Drew's old recipes.
And cooking! I mean that's
that's true passion.
I think I'm finally choosing
what I'm meant to do.
And,
where I'm meant to be.
I always said you were the best cook.
Ha, ha, ha!
Oh my goodness!
You are staying home.
Oh!
I can't believe it.
See?
You never had to change yourself.
You just had to say yes to
all the things that mattered.
Chloe!
Great to see you.
Just missed James.
He took Angelique to the Christmas parade.
Well, I, I actually came here to see you.
Come on in.
So, uh.
I was wondering if the chef
position is still available?
Yes.
Ha.
Okay. Um, please know that
I'm not professionally trained.
You saved me this Christmas
with your knowledge of the kitchen.
The position is yours.
Yeah?!
Ha, ha!
Can you start today?
I have guests checking
in for Christmas Eve.
Happy to, um.
Uh, well, depending on
what time they get back.
Not till much later.
Okay. I just don't want to make
things awkward with James while
he's still staying here.
You know, my brother has
lived his life away from family,
friends, emotion.
He chose to live this lifestyle
where he puts himself first.
But this Christmas has changed him.
You've changed him.
Oh, I...
I don't know about that.
I do.
He's a different man this Christmas.
He's opened up.
Thank you for that.
He's changed me too.
I'm really happy you're staying in town.
Me too.
Being close to you
and my parents is going to be great.
And I've always loved the lodge.
And Melissa is fantastic.
So...
Feels. Feels right.
Have you talked to him yet?
Nah.
Look, I know you think
you messed things up,
but I also know that
you really care about him.
Well, I do, but,
You're still afraid of rejection.
Wow.
I guess my rejection therapy
experiment was a failure all around.
It doesn't have to be.
What do you mean?
Go after what you want.
Be fearless.
Risk it all!
Where are you going?
To get the ultimate rejection.
Only this time, I hope he says yes.
James?
What are you doing here?
I thought I'd say another prayer.
Is-Is Angelique with you?
She ran into some friends.
They're off building snowmen.
Where's Dom?
Um, I-Probably with his brother?
Celebrating?
The relationship with Dom
was over a long time ago.
James, I am so sorry about everything.
I should have been more
straightforward with you.
And I didn't think you were
being straightforward with me because
you seem too good to be true.
I'm so sorry for trying
to get you to say no.
But I am so grateful for
every one of your yeses.
Can you
forgive me?
Look, Chloe,
you got caught up in trying to
fix what you saw as a problem
within yourself, and you
hurt me a little in the process.
What I really feel badly about
is that somewhere along the line.
I
Gave you the impression
that my intentions weren't pure.
That I wasn't interested in you.
Which couldn't be further from the truth.
It couldn't?
I don't usually get into
unsafe vehicles with strangers.
The truck wasn't unsafe.
It didn't have airbags,
and my door didn't open.
Fair.
Ha, ha.
And I don't usually shop for
matching Christmas sweaters or
drag impossibly heavy Christmas
trees across acres and acres of farmland.
It wasn't that far.
But I couldn't be happier that I did.
Because in this short week
of getting to know you, I have
developed a deep respect for
how self-aware you are, how
brave you are for wanting to
see yourself clearly.
I love how you are with
your family and your friends.
I love how competitive you are.
And I love how real and flawed you are.
I'm not looking for perfection.
It doesn't exist.
Of course I forgive you, Chloe.
I'm in love with you.
I have been since the moment
I met you outside the airport.
Really?
Yeah.
I'm in love with you, too.
I have something for you.
It's not Christmas yet.
Well, the Stone family does
have one tradition, and that is
you can open one present on Christmas Eve.
Ah!
Are you free New year's Eve?
Yes.
There is nowhere else I'd rather be, and
no one else I'd rather be with.
Well, on that note, I
have another surprise.
My company allows us to work remotely,
so in the new year,
that's what I'm going to do.
So I can be here with you.
Are you sure that's what you want?
Are you still trying to get me to say no?
Please say yes.
Yes. Chloe.
Chloe!
Merry Christmas, Chloe.
Merry Christmas, James.
Yeah, of course I can
finish the report for you.
Yeah. No.
Volunteering for your son's
Christmas concert is important.
Yes!
No. Ha, ha, ha.
It's no problem at all.
Okay. Merry Christmas, Jill.
Ah, good morning.
So we're simplifying the
Christmas menu, tightening the
margins and revamping
the gingerbread dessert?
Yeah! Happy to take over that project.
Yeah, the deadline is.
Oh! Ha, ha, ha.
That's soon.
Um.
Uh...
You know what?
I- I can make that work.
Yeah,
yeah, no problem.
Chloe,
how many projects would you
say are currently on your desk?
You know the average for
a food performance agent is
9 or 10, right?
Yes, sir.
Um, but,
you know, I'm efficient. Ha.
And my time management
skills are something I'm currently
Chloe.
Your habit of overcommitting
has just cost us one of our
biggest clients.
What?
Yeah.
Eighth Avenue steakhouse?
Um.
W- What happened?
You designed this new
menu for the client, correct?
Y- Yes.
Yeah!
Well, Lisa was so busy with
the Beluga Sushi account, and
so I
just finalized the menu for her.
Well,
there's an appetizer that
was missing an ingredient in
its description.
A diner had a severe allergic reaction.
Oh my goodness. Are they okay?
Yeah.
Yes. Yeah.
Luckily everything's fine.
Well, I mean, usually a server
would ask if there were any
allergies at the table.
Chloe.
Uh, but.
Yeah. No, this is my fault.
I'm...
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
You know, this has never happened before.
Look,
you are a wonderful
employee, Chloe, but you take
on too much, and sometimes
there are consequences.
Brad. Uh, Mr. siren.
Look, I know that you had
your heart set on the senior
management position, but
I've thought about it, and I've
decided to give it to Jill.
But wait, Jill.
Ha.
The person that I trained?
The one I'm covering for today?
Chloe, listen, you are a
workhorse, and we do not want
to lose you in the role that you're in.
So I'm not getting promoted
because I work too hard?
No,
look,
I was once a lot like you.
Ambitious, I was driven, I
was hardworking to a fault,
a people pleaser!
A people pleaser?
Because you will constantly
sacrifice to ensure that those
around you are happy.
Um. Uh, I, I do do that.
Yeah.
Maybe.
Give yourself the gift of
rejection therapy this Christmas.
I know it's a thing.
Check it out.
I, I tried it.
Chloe, it changed my life.
Rejection therapy.
Uh, sure.
I'm just not sure I understand
how this rejection therapy
is supposed to work.
How is strangers saying no to you.
Supposed to help you get over
your people pleasing nature?
Don't you have to be the one saying no?
I guess the key is that my
people pleasing stems from
a fear of rejection.
I do so much for others, for
validation and acceptance,
and I need to learn that rejection is okay.
Starting with the little things.
Well, I think it's unnecessary.
You're just a generous
and kind hearted person.
And likely stuck in this
position without hope for
advancement if I don't make some changes.
Yeah,
I'm sorry about the promotion.
But the good news is you'll
be home for Christmas break
tomorrow!
Being home will make you feel better.
Yeah.
Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow.
Bye.
"Christmas No" list.
Ask for requests from strangers that
are so outlandish you're
guaranteed a rejection.
One point per rejection.
Get ten points by Christmas.
Nothing to it.
My driver is not here.
I'm just going to Carriage Lodge.
Well, can you send another driver?
Okay, great. How long?
Okay. Thank you.
That'll be fine, yeah.
Hey, can I give you a ride?
Are you offering a stranger a ride?
Yeah. What can I say?
Folks are friendly here in Maple Hills.
You don't even know where I'm going.
It could be miles away.
I overheard you on the phone.
You're going to the carriage lodge!
I know it well. My aunt used to own it.
My sister just bought it.
Oh, so you're Melissa's brother?
You know my sister?
No. It's just, Uh.
My mother gives me
weekly Maple Hills reports of
everything that goes on in the area.
So, do you do this a lot?
Offer strangers rides?
Oh, yeah.
No, uh, it was a silly idea.
Uh, it's a no, then? No Worries.
Merry Christmas.
You know what? Sure.
Why not? I just gotta cancel my ride.
What?
Yeah.
Oh, are you reconsidering your offer?
No, no, no, I'm not reconsidering,
I just, I, I don't.
I mean, I, I don't have like a fancy car.
It's an old truck.
That is just fine.
I'm James.
Chloe.
No winter clothes, huh?
I came woefully under prepared.
So, uh, this truck of yours,
where is it?
Yes!
Right.
Yes. Because I'm taking
you with me to the truck.
It's this way.
Well, here it is.
You sure it'll start?
Yeah. It'll start.
What are you doing?
Well, if I wasn't certain
already that you weren't
from around here...
This is how we do it Without
fancy codes and keyless entry.
My dad dropped this old
girl off for me this morning.
Resourceful.
You're gonna have to put
it in the bed of the truck.
There's no room up in the cab.
You know, if you're more
comfortable with your car service, I mean,
not too late to say no.
It's fine.
Here we go!
Oh, the passenger door doesn't open.
You have to scoot in on the driver's side.
I won't take offense if you want to say no.
All good.
Mm.
Ah!
What?
No-I just
I assumed you were here
on business, not to visit family.
Why?
The suit?
I wear a suit all the time.
You dress like you're going to
an office meeting all the time?
I don't have a wardrobe
just for Christmas vacations.
Not even one vibrant flannel?
Not a one.
Christmas Eve service sweater?
Mm-mm.
Oof!
So, were you visiting from?
Phoenix.
You?
New York.
Ah.
What do you do?
I'm an EVP of reputation
management at Capstone Global.
I'm.
Uh
In crisis management.
So basically people yell at you all day.
Basically, yes.
What about you?
I'm a food performance consultant.
I can honestly say that I
have no idea what that is.
Ha, ha.
Well,
here we are.
Thank you.
For the ride.
Yeah, yeah. You're welcome.
Okay. Well.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, um.
It actually does open from the inside.
Oh, okay.
Woo!
Woo!
Ha.
I was sure I'd get a a
rejection from that guy.
Melissa?
Hey, sis.
What happened?
I think I broke the oven.
And we just renovated!
Ha, ha, ha.
What were you doing?
Baking?
I don't get it.
I've been following the
previous owner's recipes right
down to the letter.
And yet this keeps happening.
Is that coffee safe?
Owning a lodge is a lot of work.
It's a nice place.
It's quiet.
Yeah. That's because my only
three guests checked out this
morning after a disastrous breakfast.
Hey, mom!
Oh, you checking in?
No. It's me, your Uncle James.
Do I have an uncle?
Yes.
Though you haven't seen him much.
Uncle James.
Mmm...
Nope!
Are you two being serious right now?
You know, Uncle James, the
one who sends you a new doll for
your collection every Christmas?
Oh, you're that Uncle James?
Come over here and
give you a hug right now!
And now that he's here for
Christmas, he can take you doll
shopping in person this year.
That's right.
Yeah. That's right.
Let's go doll shopping.
Doll shopping?
Yay! Best uncle ever!
Yeah!
Woo!
Okay, let's see if I can get my first "No".
Hey, there.
Want some help?
Delivering the mail?
Yeah, I could use the exercise.
Yeah, I could use a break.
Careful. This thing weighs a ton.
Oh.
Okay...
I'm gonna probably slow you
down, you know, with all my
questions about your route.
Don't bother. I like the company.
Great.
Uh. Uh.
And if I accidentally
misplace a letter or confuse
one street for another?
Is that bad?
On second thought, I
should probably do it myself.
Oh.
So-So that's a no, then?
I'm afraid so.
Uh. I understand.
Yeah, okay.
You know, I
I could probably still keep
you company if you want.
Thanks. That's very kind of you.
So it must be busy this time of
year with all the Christmas cards?
I always wondered how you guys do it.
Well, congratulations
on your first rejection!
Thank you.
I Should have another one, but,
James was strangely agreeable.
Sounds like a catch to me.
And no, there was
nothing romantic about it.
Oh, speaking of romantic.
Dom's home for Christmas this year, too.
Really?
Well.
Wow. I haven't seen Dom in years.
Well, I'm just saying
you're home and he's home.
Jeannie, I'm home this
Christmas to enjoy the season,
regroup, fix my people pleasing
ways so I can go back and
fight for my promotion.
You are really committed to
this whole rejection therapy thing.
No way I can talk you out of it?
No.
See what I just did?
No, I think I should give it a try.
I mean, it worked for my boss.
He owns his own company now.
Okay, fine.
So what are you gonna
do for your next rejection?
I don't know.
Why wouldn't that James guy say no?
Do you think he was
afraid of hurting my feelings?
Because I can take rejection!
I mean, I can.
Maybe you need to get him to say no
before you can move forward.
That's a great idea.
Where are you going?
To get rejected.
Good luck.
You're back.
Hi. Yeah, I was wondering if
you want to come with me on a
long, cold walk outside.
It's for this old family
Christmas tradition
thing I was gonna do.
But it's pretty cold
outside, and it's a long walk,
and you don't have good winter clothes, so.
Oh.
Sure, I got time.
And I found a jacket I can wear.
But you don't even know what it is.
It's a Christmas tradition!
How bad could it be?
Um.
Uh, your dress shoes will
probably get ruined in the snow,
and your feet will freeze.
I'll tough it out.
Um, we'd be out till after dark, so...
A am in.
Let's do this, and I will
thaw my feet next to the fireplace.
Uh, I'll warn you, I
can't tell you what it is.
First time tradition rules.
Surprises are a good,
healthy mental exercise.
You're gonna blindly trust a stranger?
I got into a truck with you at the airport.
It's not gonna be much more
dangerous than that, is it?
Uh.
Ha, ha, okay.
So, no hint at what this tradition is?
Aren't you cold yet?
Well, I'm eager to see this!
So we're, uh...
Just. Wait.
Is there something supposed to happen?
Patience.
Wow.
That was worth the walk.
Ha, ha.
You come see this every year?
Um.
Not anymore.
I did as a child.
Growing up, my Nana always
brought me here for our own
special lighting.
We'd have hot chocolate
that she'd bring in a thermos,
and we'd say a Christmas prayer.
It's a nice tradition.
It was just the two of you?
Yeah, yeah.
She, um, she passed a few years ago.
Oh.
I'm so sorry.
My parents continue a lot of
her Christmas traditions, so
that keeps her close.
Hm.
My sister and I were raised by my mom.
My dad passed away when we
were young, so we don't have a whole
lot of Christmas traditions.
This time of year was usually
a source of a lot of stress
in our household.
One income...
And we lost mom last year.
I'm sorry.
And that's why I came to visit.
My sister and niece have really
been through it this year and I'm.
You're showing up for
family when it matters.
I just think it's important to
show my niece, Angelique, uh,
a different experience, you know?
Show her the importance of the season.
Connecting with loved ones
and spending time together.
Yeah.
Well, that was the tradition, so,
your toes must be icicles.
No, no, we missed a part.
We didn't say a prayer.
Oh, well, we don't we
don't have to do that...
Close your eyes.
Say a prayer.
Done.
All right, now for the last part.
You want to get hot chocolate?
I would have brought a thermos, but.
First timers tradition rule...
Right.
Mhm.
Well, thank you.
Marshmallow?
Yes. Thank you, thank you.
Mm.
Heh, heh.
Can I ask you a question?
Have you hesitated yet?
Have you always been so
undisturb-able?
Is that a word?
It should be if it isn't.
I- Well, I guess it depends.
Is that meant to be a
critique or a compliment?
A compliment.
Hmm. In that case, can
you define undisturb-able?
Well, you just you just seem
to be in the unique position of
someone who truly, absolutely
cannot care less about what
anyone else thinks of you.
Mm. How so?
We've been sitting here
in silence for over a minute.
Is that a bad thing?
Well, it's not normal.
I mean, strangers can't
sit in comfortable silence.
Uh, you know, you need small talk.
So do you always find
the need to fill silences?
Um. Well, yeah.
Ha.
Otherwise, how do I know
if you're having a good time?
I am.
You're not bored?
I am not.
Well.
Look.
I guess I've just been
this way my entire life?
Um.
But,
if you find the fact that I
can be so confident that
I do what I want with
little consideration for other
people's opinions to be a strength,
well, rest assured that I
consider it a deep and cutting weakness.
Plenty of work to do on myself there...
You know?
So how long are you staying in town?
'Till the 25th!
Wait, you're leaving on Christmas Day?
Mhm. It was the most
financially responsible decision.
But, Uh.
Do you disagree?
I mean, it's-it's-it's Christmas.
Ha...
I think you should at
least stay till the day after.
Well, I will have been here
the whole week leading up to.
But it's Christmas.
I mean, it's very I don't
know, Grinch-like to to
leave on Christmas Day, just.
Are you asking me to
stay through Christmas?
Um. Yes, yes I am.
Yes. James, will you
stay until after Christmas?
Uh.
Um.
You know what?
Okay.
You're serious?
Yeah!
You do have a point.
I mean, my niece is gonna be
over this whole Cindy Lou Who
stage before I know it.
And this non Grinch
doesn't want to miss that.
So, uh.
Yes. Yes, I will stay through Christmas.
Ha, that's
I mean, that's-that's great.
That's great.
Heh, heh.
Today was fun. Thank you.
Definitely unexpected, but in a good way.
Oh, remember that guy who
was wearing that awful Christmas
sweater with all the blinking lights on it?
It was fun!
Oh, but you don't like
Christmas sweaters, so,
We
Then you wouldn't want to go
Christmas sweater shopping
with me. Like to get something
for yourself.
They're kind of itchy, right?
Or those funny matching ones?
That's-that's something
that you wouldn't want to do.
Matching?
Yeah. That's a no.
No.
No.
No, it's not a no.
It's a yes!
Yes?
Yes!
Okay. Um.
How's tomorrow at ten?
Great!
See you tomorrow.
Okay. See you then!
At ten.
Okay.
Kay...
I still can't believe you
brought him to the tree.
I thought he'd say no.
It's so strange how he never says no.
Yeah, but that tradition was
so special to you and Nana.
I mean, with the Christmas
prayer and everything,
you never even shared
that experience with me,
or Dom, right?
Yeah,
but I don't know,
it was kind of nice
seeing him experience it.
I just don't think he's the
kind of guy who usually enjoys
the holidays, that's all.
You like him!
Okay. He's nice, but he's,
like, totally not my type.
Yeah.
Smart, successful,
handsome, and says yes to
anything you want is not your type?
Okay. Regardless, it doesn't
even matter because he's
geographically undesirable and.
And I don't have time for a relationship.
You've been saying that
since the breakup with Dom.
Okay, well, it was true then,
and it's especially true now.
Oh.
Um, I should go.
I will call you later.
Uh.
Oh, okay but I want
lifetime updates as you shop!
Bye!
Bye!
Hi!
There you are.
Good morning.
Morning.
Oh, it smells amazing in here.
You've been so busy since we've been home.
I know, so I thought I'd
make you guys breakfast.
Have a seat. I'll get you a plate.
Thank you.
Oh, this looks so delicious.
Is dad not joining us?
No. He had to go into
town to get my turkey for a
pre-Christmas Christmas dinner.
You're still helping me cook, right?
Yes. Of course.
You know, speaking of
shopping, um, I actually have some
shopping to do today.
With Genie?
No, it's.
It's with another friend.
A male friend?
Well, yes.
Uh, he's male, but it's
just this guy, James.
Um, he's in town visiting for Christmas.
Well, his sister bought
aunt Lillie's lodge.
He's Melissa's brother.
I hear how that poor,
dear woman is having a hard time of it.
What happened?
Well, you know how Miss
Drew, the lodge's chef,
She retired and moved to
Florida a few weeks ago?
Yeah, I love Miss Drew.
She taught me to cook when
I'd visit aunt Lily for the weekend.
Well, I hear the guests aren't
too happy with the new owner's cooking.
Oh.
Mhm.
That must be stressful.
Why don't you take all of this with you?
I'm sure the guests would appreciate it.
I wouldn't want to offend her.
I'm sure she'd be grateful for it, darling.
Mm.
Well, here's the turkey.
Ugh.
Aha!
The turkey has landed.
Oh!
Seems like I made it back just in time.
I haven't seen a breakfast
spread like this since...
Yesterday morning.
Good save.
Hey, dad.
Ah...
Have a seat. I'll make you a plate.
Oh, yes please.
Oh, I hear that that, uh,
that nice Dom fella you
used to see is back in
town, and he's a he's a big
deal at some big pharmaceutical
company now.
Yes, I heard that.
And he's single, too.
Dad, that was a long time ago.
Uh, well, he was a he
was a nice fella, that one.
That's all I'm saying.
Mm.
Chloe has a new friend now.
Mm.
This is good.
This is really good.
MM.
Mm.
Hi. Welcome to the carriage lodge.
Are you checking in?
Um.
Uh, no.
My name is Chloe.
I'm actually here to see James.
Are you his girlfriend?
He has a girlfriend?
Hi.
Hi.
Ha, ha.
Uh.
You two are acting really weird.
Angelique, get ready for camp!
I see you met Angelique.
She's delightful.
Sorry, I'm a little early.
Oh, no. It's fine!
It'll just take me a minute to get ready.
Okay.
Yeah.
What do you got there?
Oh, um, my mom mentioned
something, and I really like to
cook, so, uh.
But, I mean, I don't have to.
No, no no, no.
We will take those.
Okay.
Pancakes?
Mhm.
Hi. Are you gonna
invite your friend on, or?
Uh. Hey
Chloe Melissa, Melissa Chloe.
We were just heading out.
Gonna go do some Christmas shopping.
In your PJs.
I'm going to change first.
Excuse me.
So, Melissa, I'm Chloe Hollis.
My aunt Lily is to own this lodge.
Oh, please, come on in.
Oh, it smells delicious in here.
Chloe brought breakfast.
You are an angel.
Who can cook!
Do you want a job?
Heh!
I'm-I'm no professional.
I beg to differ.
I'm gonna go change.
Okay. This is seriously delicious.
Thank you.
Actually, the previous chef
here, Miss Drew, she, um.
She taught me to cook.
Her recipes are so hard to get right.
Yeah, her coded recipes can be tricky.
Coded?
Yeah, she.
She was always afraid that
somebody would find her recipes
and steal them.
So she used this coding system.
You mean all those symbols mean something?
Yes. Um, yeah.
So like this one right here.
That squiggle line. That means salt.
The salt? Yes!
I was wondering why the
muffins tasted so bland.
You know, I could help
you decode these sometime.
Would you?
Absolutely.
And, you know, I love what
you've done with the kitchen.
Thanks.
The oven's already broken.
Oh, coils burned out.
That may have been me.
How about this one?
MM. Not nearly enough Christmas.
It's red.
Oh ho ho! Hey.
Um.
Try again.
Oh,
okay.
This is fun.
Seriously,
I have to wear sunglasses
just to put that thing on.
So is that a no?
That's a...
Maybe.
Wow, you weren't kidding.
These things are itchy.
Are you saying you don't want to do this?
We don't have to do this.
No. I'm just saying I'm gonna
have to wear a long sleeve underneath.
Reindeer. Okay.
Hmm.
Oh, yes.
Giving me spring vibes.
Oh!
All right, try this one on.
Oh.
Found 'em.
Oh.
Well,
it only makes sense if
we're standing side by side.
So is that a no, then?
We'll just have to spend
more time together.
Huh.
Yeah.
Ha. Ha!
TA da!
Oh!
Ah! Thank you so much for this.
Oh, thank you for walking me home.
Mmm.
Oh. Thank you.
So, have you done your Christmas shopping?
It's covered.
I got gift cards.
You don't think that's a good gift?
Uh, well, you know, it's
your family, your traditions.
Well, it's practical.
That way everyone can
shop for anything they want.
Yeah. Yeah.
Do you think that maybe
they would prefer something
immediate on Christmas in their hands?
Yes.
Okay!
I think your niece would rather
open a bag of bouncy balls on
Christmas morning than get,
I don't know, a bicycle on a screen
she has to wait for.
It's Christmas.
There was talk of me taking
her shopping for a new doll.
Okay, okay.
Not exactly a Christmas morning
surprise, but the added time
together shopping is a bonus, so, uh.
Yeah. Okay.
I'll allow it.
Very generous of you.
Yeah!
Hm.
Hm. How about Melissa?
Ah, I wouldn't even know where to start.
You know, I think acts of
service would appeal to her.
She seems to have her hands full.
You are very perceptive.
You can fix your oven.
Ha!
Contrary to outward appearances,
I'm not much of a handyman.
It's just a coil.
I think an online tutorial
would do the trick.
Well, I can do that.
Okay, great.
Anyone else?
Friends or, I don't know,
a girlfriend back home?
Uh.
I was in a long term
relationship until recently.
But that's over now.
Do you mind my asking what happened?
We were both more interested
in using airline miles to see
bucket list destinations than
spend vacation time on family.
And then, uh, Melissa's
husband, Adam, passed away, and
we lost my mom and I started
to understand the value of family
that I was missing out on.
So Britney, my ex, and I had
the tough conversation and it
was clear that we were
not on the same page.
So I decided to move on.
Well, I'm sorry.
I know breakups are hard,
especially when there's a lot of history.
But for whatever it's worth,
I think you made the right decision.
Oh, um.
Excuse me.
Chloe. Great to see you.
Dom!
Um, how are you?
I'm great.
Spending Christmas with my brother.
Helping out at the church.
I just wanted to stop by to say hello.
Right. Yeah.
Um.
It's good to see you.
You too.
It's been too long.
Yeah. Um.
Come in, come in.
Thanks.
I'm James.
Sorry. That was rude.
Yes, James.
Dom.
Dom.
Ahem.
Uh, James's sister just bought
the carriage lodge, so he's
visiting for Christmas.
Oh.
That makes sense then.
Anyways, I just wanted to stop
by and say hi to you and your folks.
Oh, that senior sleigh ride event.
Right.
Yeah.
Okay, well, I guess I'll
leave you two to it then.
Give your parents my best.
I will.
I'll see you soon.
Yeah.
I'm sure.
I should get back to the lodge.
I will get my coat and join you.
I'm off to see Genie anyway.
I'm fine!
It was a close call!
Okay. In my defense,
that ice was invisible.
Just come on in. Have a seat,
and make sure you're okay.
Um, thank you for catching me.
Anytime...
So, that Dom guy, old friend of yours?
High school boyfriend.
Ah.
Well, technically, we
broke up after college.
Seemed like a nice guy.
He is a great guy.
So what happened?
Oh,
after graduation, he
got his first job overseas.
Big pharmaceutical company. And,
he'd wanted me to go with him, but I
I wasn't sure that was the
path that I wanted to take.
I just got into business school.
Oh.
So...
So the long distance thing, not an option?
It wasn't the distance so much as.
I was expected to give up my goals and.
Yeah.
So,
for a long time I wondered if
I had made the wrong choice.
Looking back, I think it
was probably the last time I
actually prioritized what I wanted.
I'm supposed to meet Genie.
I'm fine.
So. Oh, here.
Um, this one is yours.
Oh, great.
Still trying to wrap my mind
around people actually wanting
to wear these.
You know, I think they
deserve a big reveal.
The big reveal?
Yeah. Like with lots of people.
My parents, they host this thing.
It's a pre-Christmas Christmas on the 23rd.
A tradition started by my Nana years ago,
and they've continued it.
I'm in.
Really?
Yeah, I'd love to come.
But it's a big neighbors
and family thing with lots of
people you won't know.
I love people I don't know.
It's loud and chaotic.
Sounds fun.
There's caroling.
I can hold a tune.
But, you know, people
might think that you and I are.
Wearing matching Christmas sweaters?
No, I mean, you know,
dating.
Well, we did spend time
together for three days, so
we're not not dating.
You-you want to date me?
I want to go to pre-Christmas Christmas,
where we get to debut our
matching Christmas sweaters.
Ha, ha, ha.
Okay.
I don't know what's going on.
He says yes to everything.
Just.
Maybe he just really likes you.
Or maybe he's a people pleaser, too.
He did say something
about us kind of dating.
So there is a romantic
connection between you two.
I mean, yeah, but is it even realistic?
He lives in Phoenix and I'm in New York.
Although,
I don't know,
Lately, I've been wondering if
that's where I want to be, long term.
You know?
Do you think that being home
is making you question your life
in the city?
No, I just mean, some day.
You know, it might be nice
to move back at some point.
Melissa jokingly offered
me the chef job at the lodge.
Would you consider that?
Well, no.
I mean, I'm not even trained.
It was just funny that she mentioned it.
You know.
You're the best cook I know.
And you were taught by
Miss Drew, and the old regular
guests would be over the moon.
I like my job in the city, and
I've been working hard to prove
myself and get ahead and,
I think it's gonna happen.
But are you happy, Chloe?
Just think about it.
I, for one, would love to have you home.
What are you doing?
I am going to replace
the coil on your oven.
It's my Christmas gift to you.
I gotta say, I was expecting a gift card.
This is better.
It was Chloe's idea.
Yeah. She's wearing off on you.
She invited me to some
Christmas thing at her parents house.
She invited you to pre-Christmas Christmas?
Is that a big deal?
That's a huge deal.
Any luck finding a chef?
No, but Chloe's coming over
tomorrow to help me decode the
rest of the recipes.
Chloe's coming over?
Yes, which means
you're on babysitting duty.
Yeah, right.
Uncle James and his
impeccable taste in dolls.
I'm gonna get back to work.
That's just unrealistic.
That little guy with a
swirl; That's cinnamon.
I should have known that.
These cookies are so much fun to make.
And then, uh, that one's nutmeg.
And I think that's it. I think you're good.
Thank you.
My pleasure!
Mm.
You know, you're very
at home in the kitchen.
Oh, well, I've always liked to cook.
James said you work for
food a performance Company.
Do you get to test out new recipes?
Not for the company.
Sometimes I try them at home, but, eh.
Cooking for one isn't as much fun.
And cooking for dozens is challenging.
Yeah, I bet.
Coffee?
Sure. Please.
You know, I never realized
how much work it would be
owning a lodge alone.
It was always a shared dream
of my late husband's and mine.
Can I ask what happened?
He was an officer in the military,
and he died in active duty.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
You know, it's been really
healing having James home.
Angelique hasn't had much of
a male influence lately, so we're
happy to have him home this Christmas.
And thank you for convincing him
to stay until after Christmas.
Oh, I don't think that was for me.
I think it was more you than you realize.
Ah! Firewood for pre-Christmas Christmas.
Hey, dad, coffee?
Oh.
Thank you sweetheart.
Dad. Um.
How did you know mom was the one?
Felt it the day we met.
Love at first sight?
For us, it was, yeah.
True love.
I guess in hindsight,
it was true love, but,
how did you know at the time?
Have a seat.
Well,
I had, um, recently moved to
town, and I was still trying to
find my way in the community,
and I thought church would be
the perfect place to meet people, right?
My first Sunday was the
apple butter churning event.
Yes. My mom told me the story.
Ah, From her perspective.
So, um, I approached the cauldrons, right.
And I spotted the most
beautiful woman I had ever seen
in my life.
She was stirring the apple
butter with one of those big
wooden paddles.
Auburn curls and, you know,
rosy cheeks and-Oh, the best laugh.
But you know. It drew me to her.
And she was so kind to me,
even though I was probably just a
babbling fool, you know?
And she invited me to work alongside her.
And we shared stories of our
childhood, our favorite books,
and we realized we had a lot in
common, including our love for
the autumn.
Best time of year around here.
Oh yes it is.
And I realized that I hadn't
felt so comfortable with
somebody in a long time.
It was like we'd known
each other for years.
And when the event was over,
I didn't want to say goodbye,
and so I asked her if she would
have coffee with me sometime.
And she asked, how about right now?
And, uh, we've spent
every day together since.
Love at the apple butter churning.
Ha, ha, ha. Love it.
Love can happen when you least expect it.
As I understand that, uh, we
have an additional guest for
our pre-Christmas Christmas.
Do you think that's a good idea?
I don't think you would have invited him if
you didn't think it was.
Well, I just thought you were a fan of Dom.
I'm a fan of whoever makes you happy.
Why don't you come outside and
help me chop the rest of the wood?
Okay. Of course.
Come on.
Hurry up!
The guests will be here soon!
Welcome! Merry pre-Christmas Christmas.
Another pre-Christmas Christmas.
Thank you so much for inviting me.
Of course.
Oh, everything looks delicious,
Mom. Merry pre-Christmas Christmas!
Oh, sweetheart.
Mmm.
This is my mom.
Ah, you must be James.
Nice to meet you, Mrs. Hollis.
I've heard so much about
your pre-Christmas Christmas.
This tradition was started
by my mom, many years ago,
and we still feel her
spirit with us every year.
She loved inviting new guests.
Welcome.
Thank you.
Oh, you two look great.
Well, I'm
I'm not usually a big
Christmas sweater guy, but.
Ha, ha, ha.
Well, I certainly am.
Oh.
Dom.
Brenda, I hope it's okay that I'm early.
Oh, yes.
Of course.
It's-It's great to see you.
I heard you were in town.
Yeah, I.
This is unexpected.
I, um, I didn't know you were coming.
Miss pre-Christmas Christmas?
Never.
Put me to work.
Uh, yeah.
I assume you're not quite
ready for me in the kitchen yet.
But is there anything I can do to help?
Or we can do to help?
As a matter of fact, there is a
task I have for the three of you.
Great.
Okay.
Right in here.
All right.
I didn't think your mom was
the type of person to leave her
wrapping till the last minute.
Oh, no. These are gifts for
the white elephant exchange.
The what?
Um, it's a common game at
Christmas parties where you try
to steal each other's gifts.
I'll explain while we wrap!
What do you think, Chloe?
Oh. Uh, that's.
That's amazing.
Yours has.
Character.
Heh, eh. Yeah.
Uh.
It's work. I need to take this.
Hey, Steven.
Yeah,
yeah.
You did great.
Well, it's pretty clear that.
Dom has, uh, superior wrapping skills.
Well,
I like this guy.
I think the asymmetry is fun, right?
Right?
Uh. Huh?
Yeah.
Right?
Yeah. Yeah.
Perfection is overrated.
If your mom doesn't have
any more tasks for us,
I would love a tour of the farm.
Um.
Yeah, we're almost done here,
and then, uh, I think we can sneak away.
All right.
Uh. Couple more. Here we go...
So, what do you hope to find
under the tree on Christmas morning?
Uh, well, Angelique did
let it slip that Melissa got me
tickets to a jazz concert.
Oh. That's fun.
Which band?
The Chaplin trio.
Oh, my gosh, I love them.
Do you like jazz?
Yeah. Uh, okay.
So once upon a time, I
actually bought a saxophone
at a flea market, and spent
six months trying to learn it,
with this disillusionment that I
could somehow quit my job and
become the next Lester Young.
How'd that work out?
Not so well.
Still time.
Still lack of tact.
So there's that.
Are the kids here yet?
Right there.
Hey.
Okay, so what's next?
My parents are about to
announce the beginning of the
Christmas tree competition.
And is that exactly what it sounds like?
Nanny used to put a Christmas
tree in every room of the house
but only the biggest and
best one got the place of honor
in the dining room.
So after she passed,
they decided to turn it into a
pre-Christmas Christmas competition.
All right, all right, everybody
get your teams together.
Get your axe and saws outside and go!
Oh!
You're actually gonna be my partner.
Oh.
Okay, uh...
Sure.
I guess it's just you and me.
You want to participate?
I told you, I am in for all
the Hollis family traditions.
How big are we talking?
It depends on if you want to win.
Got it.
We're looking for a big
tree that we can trim down.
All right.
We want a tree with
just the right proportions.
Have you ever won?
Aha.
Four years running.
So pressure's on for me to live
up to your previous partner, huh?
Oh, yeah.
Tough shoes to fill.
Well, I guess Dom really
knows how to swing an axe.
I'm already at a disadvantage.
Actually, my partner was always Genie.
Well, I.
Hope
she's not upset that I
stole you away this year.
I'm pretty sure she's okay with it.
Oh, well, that's the one.
Okay well, how do we get back?
Carry it, or drag it?
Maybe.
The whole way?!
Some people use four
wheelers, but, yeah, the tradition
insists on walking.
Mmm.
Your family has a lot of traditions.
I mean, they're fun.
Traditions like this are
what keep families together.
Your Nana is a very clever woman.
Yeah, that she was.
I love this farm.
I don't think I truly
appreciated this place as a kid.
Well, maybe you just needed
to leave and come back again.
Okay, let me have a try at this.
Really?
I didn't know you were also a lumberjack.
Stand back.
It is my hidden talent.
What do we get for winning?
The honor of decorating it.
Oh. Alright.
You-You really are agreeable.
You know?
Huh.
For a long time, my default
word was "No" for anything
I even slightly didn't want to do.
My capacity to be unconcerned
with other people's opinions
was also my downfall.
So this Christmas season,
I just decided to say yes.
And I'm learning that saying
yes is often the simplest way
to love someone well.
Chloe,
your mom needs you in the kitchen.
Um.
I'll be-I'll be right there, Uh,
My mom.
Need you in the kitchen, yeah.
Yeah.
Ha, ha, ha.
Uh, can I trust you with all this?
I won't let you down.
Need some help?
I don't know. Might be
breaking one of those
Hollis family traditional rules.
No, she tagged me in as an alternate.
I get the impression she wants
the two of us to get to know
one another.
So,
how long have you and Chloe been dating?
Four days.
We met at the airport.
Please tell me she's not
still using that old suitcase
with a broken handle.
Ha!
Indeed she is.
Well, I know what I'm
getting for Christmas, then.
So you two go way back, right?
Yeah. Friends since third grade.
Dated all through high school and college.
She's really special.
I've only known her a
short while, but I agree.
So when do you have to go back overseas?
Actually, I'm not.
I'm going to take a
position here in Maple Hills.
I just feel like it's time to settle down.
Hope Dom being here isn't too awkward.
Oh, it's fine.
Everyone's welcome at
pre-Christmas Christmas.
That James is a good sport.
Yeah,
yeah. He doesn't usually do
much to celebrate Christmas,
but he seems to be enjoying himself.
You certainly seem to be.
Mom.
I mean-We just met!
And he's going home
the day after Christmas.
His family's here.
He's likely to visit often.
I don't think he gets
away from the office much.
My sweet girl.
Sometimes a man just
needs the right motivation.
After all, he seems to be giving in to
anything you've asked so far.
I'll be right back.
Well, for a long time, my
default word was "No" for
anything that even
slightly didn't want to do.
This Christmas season
I just decided to say yes.
But if you find the fact that I
can be so confident that I do
what I want, you should know
that I also consider it a deep
and cutting weakness.
Plenty of work to do on myself there.
Plenty of work on himself.
Ha.
Right...
Heh.
Heavenly father, we thank you for this meal
and for the hands that made it.
We thank you for the gift of
family and for the traditions
passed down by our beloved Nana.
As we celebrate this Christmas
season with friends, old and new.
Amen.
Amen.
Dinner was delicious.
You really are a good cook.
Thank you.
My mom helped. A team effort.
And the Hollis family pre-Christmas
Christmas party is a lot of fun.
Thanks for inviting me.
Thanks for saying yes.
So, um, you'll be headed home soon.
Yeah? Day after Christmas?
If it's okay, I'd like to see you again.
You would?
I was thinking New Years?
I could come see you.
I mean, yeah, yeah, I'd like that.
I just, I, I just think
we should clear the air first.
Clear the air?
Yeah.
About the work we've been
doing on ourselves this Christmas.
You deciding to say yes?
The quote you told me that
saying yes is often the best
way to love someone well.
Yeah, that's Augustus Avery.
It's my favorite quote.
Is that what inspired you
to make a Christmas "Yes" list?
A what?
Saying yes to everything,
I guess to break a cycle of negativity?
I wasn't working on a list.
But,
you said yes to everything I asked.
You thought I was pursuing you
this past week and doing things
with you because I was
trying to overcome some sort of
deficiency within myself?
Chloe, I would never.
Well, sorry, I just.
Thought I was playing
some sort of self-help game?
Well.
Hey!
Chloe, I like you.
I said yes to you at the
airport because I was so
intrigued by you.
Because you were the most
beautiful woman I'd ever met.
I would never use you or
anybody to try to get over my
own problems.
Well, that's what I've
been doing this past week.
What?
I hadn't planned on falling for you.
I was just going through
my own personal problems,
and my boss suggested rejection therapy.
I knew I had to get over
my fear of rejection, so.
I made a challenge for myself.
Which was?
To get ten rejections from
strangers by Christmas.
So you only offered me a ride
because you thought I'd say no?
Yeah.
And then I kept suggesting
things that I was sure you
didn't want to do,
but you kept surprising me by saying yes.
Wow.
Um.
Uh.
Ahem.
Uh,
I, I-I better get going.
James, I'm-I'm so sorry.
This was obviously a really bad idea,
and I never meant to hurt you.
Hey.
Uh, Dom, can you just give us a minute?
Sure. Your mom just wants
everyone in the back room for
the white elephant gift exchange, so...
So just, like 1 or 2 minutes.
Yeah.
You know what? It's all right.
I should be getting back to the lodge.
You two enjoy.
Hey, are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm fine.
Can I just say something?
Sure.
I made a mistake back then.
Thinking that you'd be okay
with just giving up your dreams
and following me across the world.
I want another chance at us.
We were so great
together for so many years.
We can be that again.
Please, Chloe.
Let's talk.
Dom.
I care about you, and,
we'll always be good friends,
but I'm not in love with you.
Not anymore.
Okay.
I understand.
I do.
I'm gonna head back in and see
if I can steal the best presents.
Ha, ha.
Chloe, we're starting soon!
Oh, hey, honey.
Mmm.
Hm hm hm.
I'd say that was another
successful pre-Christmas Christmas.
Yeah, Nana would be proud.
Yeah, she would.
James left early.
Everything okay between you two?
Dom being here, did he complicate things?
No.
No.
I complicated things.
What happened?
I really believed that he
only agreed to all my requests
because he was on some
kind of personal mission.
Why on earth would you have thought that?
Because I was on a personal mission
trying to get him to say no.
To cure my people pleasing nature.
I'm sure he'll forgive you if you explain.
I don't think so.
The whole thing was a really bad idea.
Honey,
You never needed to change yourself.
You needed to realize that
sometimes saying no to others
is saying yes to yourself,
and to God.
To the things that matter.
I see that.
Now.
Thanks mom.
You know that Chloe of
yours is a real lifesaver.
Not my Chloe.
What do you mean?
I thought you two
were really hitting it off.
So did I.
Turns out she was just using
me as the final test for her
lifestyle makeover.
I don't believe that's all it was.
I saw you two together.
Yeah, well, she is spending
Christmas with her ex-boyfriend.
So...
What?
Yeah! Who showed up at
pre-Christmas Christmas.
He's a really nice guy.
It's her ex.
I'm sure whatever they had was in the past.
I'm not sure I can compete
with that kind of history after
less than a week.
Besides, he's better suited for her.
He's a
small town, Christmas
sweater wearing type, you know.
And you are?
Christmas break time Uncle James!
Headed to a Christmas parade.
HMM.
HMM.
Hi, Brad.
I didn't expect to hear from you.
Chloe. Hey, listen, I've been thinking.
Jill seems a little, um,
overwhelmed in the senior
management position.
Frankly, doesn't have your
work ethic, so I've decided I'm
going to make a change
and offer the promotion to you.
You.
You're giving it to me?
Aha!
Correct. Congratulations.
Now, look, I'm going to need
you to take over the Beluga
Sushi account and make
sure that all our new pitches are
finalized by the 26th.
And of course, you're going to
have to handle Jill's enormous backlog,
but you are a workhorse, Chloe.
I know that I can trust you to
sacrifice your time and ensure
that, uh, we get everything done for us.
Actually, Brad, I think
I'm gonna have to say
no.
Well, uh.
No?
What do you mean, no?
Hey, are you practicing
rejection therapy on me?
Chloe, that's not funny.
No, I'm...
I'm just finally saying yes to myself
and to what's really important to me.
I'm resigning Brad.
There's a position here
in Maple Hills that I want.
Hey! No no no no no no.
Listen, is this a corporate gig?
Because,
if it's about money, we
can redo this contract.
Chloe.
No. I hope I'll be the new
chef at the carriage Lodge.
Merry Christmas Brad.
No, no no wait wait wait wait.
Chloe!
Who was on the phone sweetheart?
You look like you just
won the Christmas tree
competition all over again.
That was my boss.
He offered me the senior
management position that I've
been fighting for.
Chloe. That's wonderful.
Ha, ha!
I turned it down, mom.
Yeah. You know, he just
wanted to use me to do the work of
three people because he
knows I'm a people pleaser.
I don't want to design menus or
evaluate P and I statements anymore.
What are you going to do?
I want to be the new
chef at Melissa's Lodge.
I mean, I loved helping to
decode Miss Drew's old recipes.
And cooking! I mean that's
that's true passion.
I think I'm finally choosing
what I'm meant to do.
And,
where I'm meant to be.
I always said you were the best cook.
Ha, ha, ha!
Oh my goodness!
You are staying home.
Oh!
I can't believe it.
See?
You never had to change yourself.
You just had to say yes to
all the things that mattered.
Chloe!
Great to see you.
Just missed James.
He took Angelique to the Christmas parade.
Well, I, I actually came here to see you.
Come on in.
So, uh.
I was wondering if the chef
position is still available?
Yes.
Ha.
Okay. Um, please know that
I'm not professionally trained.
You saved me this Christmas
with your knowledge of the kitchen.
The position is yours.
Yeah?!
Ha, ha!
Can you start today?
I have guests checking
in for Christmas Eve.
Happy to, um.
Uh, well, depending on
what time they get back.
Not till much later.
Okay. I just don't want to make
things awkward with James while
he's still staying here.
You know, my brother has
lived his life away from family,
friends, emotion.
He chose to live this lifestyle
where he puts himself first.
But this Christmas has changed him.
You've changed him.
Oh, I...
I don't know about that.
I do.
He's a different man this Christmas.
He's opened up.
Thank you for that.
He's changed me too.
I'm really happy you're staying in town.
Me too.
Being close to you
and my parents is going to be great.
And I've always loved the lodge.
And Melissa is fantastic.
So...
Feels. Feels right.
Have you talked to him yet?
Nah.
Look, I know you think
you messed things up,
but I also know that
you really care about him.
Well, I do, but,
You're still afraid of rejection.
Wow.
I guess my rejection therapy
experiment was a failure all around.
It doesn't have to be.
What do you mean?
Go after what you want.
Be fearless.
Risk it all!
Where are you going?
To get the ultimate rejection.
Only this time, I hope he says yes.
James?
What are you doing here?
I thought I'd say another prayer.
Is-Is Angelique with you?
She ran into some friends.
They're off building snowmen.
Where's Dom?
Um, I-Probably with his brother?
Celebrating?
The relationship with Dom
was over a long time ago.
James, I am so sorry about everything.
I should have been more
straightforward with you.
And I didn't think you were
being straightforward with me because
you seem too good to be true.
I'm so sorry for trying
to get you to say no.
But I am so grateful for
every one of your yeses.
Can you
forgive me?
Look, Chloe,
you got caught up in trying to
fix what you saw as a problem
within yourself, and you
hurt me a little in the process.
What I really feel badly about
is that somewhere along the line.
I
Gave you the impression
that my intentions weren't pure.
That I wasn't interested in you.
Which couldn't be further from the truth.
It couldn't?
I don't usually get into
unsafe vehicles with strangers.
The truck wasn't unsafe.
It didn't have airbags,
and my door didn't open.
Fair.
Ha, ha.
And I don't usually shop for
matching Christmas sweaters or
drag impossibly heavy Christmas
trees across acres and acres of farmland.
It wasn't that far.
But I couldn't be happier that I did.
Because in this short week
of getting to know you, I have
developed a deep respect for
how self-aware you are, how
brave you are for wanting to
see yourself clearly.
I love how you are with
your family and your friends.
I love how competitive you are.
And I love how real and flawed you are.
I'm not looking for perfection.
It doesn't exist.
Of course I forgive you, Chloe.
I'm in love with you.
I have been since the moment
I met you outside the airport.
Really?
Yeah.
I'm in love with you, too.
I have something for you.
It's not Christmas yet.
Well, the Stone family does
have one tradition, and that is
you can open one present on Christmas Eve.
Ah!
Are you free New year's Eve?
Yes.
There is nowhere else I'd rather be, and
no one else I'd rather be with.
Well, on that note, I
have another surprise.
My company allows us to work remotely,
so in the new year,
that's what I'm going to do.
So I can be here with you.
Are you sure that's what you want?
Are you still trying to get me to say no?
Please say yes.
Yes. Chloe.
Chloe!
Merry Christmas, Chloe.
Merry Christmas, James.