A Fabled Holiday (2022) - full transcript

There lies
a sleepy little village,

with the biggest
Christmas spirit.

Look for it on a map,

and you won't be able
to find it.

It is said

that only those in need
of the village's particular joy,

can find their way

to its quiet, welcoming streets.

"And once
these special visitors arrive

in this magical little place,

they experience
a holiday season like no other,



and are reminded
of who they really are

and the true joy and peace

that is the meaning
of Christmas."

Did you really read this book
when you were my age?

Only about a thousand times,

and now,

it belongs to you.

An early Christmas Eve present.

Because you,
my sweet darling girl,

are a very special person

with a very special gift,

and you know
what that means, right?

I will grow up
and do very special things?

That's right.



As long as you follow
your heart and your dreams,

you cannot fail.

But all of Talia's dreams

are filled with pirates
and fairies, sir.

Hey, my dreams are fun!

Look who it is.

Well, happy holidays, Anderson.

Thanks.

I wanted to ask

if Talia could come out
and play with me.

But my dad just got home
from his work trip.

He's reading me my new book.

You should stay and listen.

Actually,
your timing is perfect.

I was just about to whip up
some hot chocolate for us.

Talia, why don't you build
a cozy fort

and you can read it to Anderson?

"The village is ruled

by a beautiful fairy queen

and her handsome king,

but everything you want
was there,

you just had to ask."

I bet I could find Wunderbrook
on a map.

All I'd need is my compass.

No way, it's impossible.

It says so
right on the first page.

You have to have
"forgotten who you are

and forgotten how to dream".

Whatever that means.

Besides, the evil witch
would chase you

and force you out of town,

and then the princess

would give you
a kiss on the cheek

and grant
all your secret wishes.

Secret wishes and kisses?

I don't remember
that part of the story.

Because
I'm making up my own parts.

- Thank you.
- Thanks.

You're welcome.

Talia is going to be a writer
when she grows up,

because she's always daydreaming

and making things up.

Yeah, I'm going to be famous,

and everyone
will read my stories.

I know you are.

So, what are you going to be

when you grow up, Anderson?

Our teacher says
I should be a doctor.

I think that sounds
like a wonderful idea.

Are you okay, Daddy?

Are you still tired
from your medicine?

A little,
but nothing to worry about.

I'm heading upstairs now.

Don't get into any trouble
down here.

Okay, love you.

I love you, too.

What's that flyer say?

"Good for one free week
at the Gingerbread Inn,

offer will not expire,

transportation provided.

Where is it?

It says "Close by,"

but close by to what?

I guess it's a mystery,

just like Wunderbrook.

I bet nothing bad
ever happens there.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Do you really have to move away?

Yeah, my mom's
renting out the house.

She wants to be closer to
my aunt and uncle for a while.

She says this house
is too much for one person

since my dad died.

I got you something.

It's so you can
keep writing down

all your stories.

Thank you, Anderson.

I love it.

Maybe you can send me some
in the mail?

When you're feeling better.

I have something for you, too.

I wanted you to have
your own copy,

so you wouldn't forget about me.

Did you hear that?

Hear what?

I thought I heard...

Never mind.

I'm going to miss you.

Me too.

As time continues to pass,

dreams are often in danger
of making way for reality,

but where there is passion
there is hope...

For one dreamer at least.

Hey!

- Hi!
- Tal!

I'm so excited to see you!

Looks like your
creative juices are flowing.

Oh, no, not exactly.

Just some
exhilarating inventory.

Well, the store looks fantastic.

Thanks so much
for hosting my event,

and so close to Christmas.

Are you kidding?

We have a literary sensation
in our midst.

Come look.

I have a surprise for you.

You ready?

Ta-dah!

Oh!

"Sensation" might be
a bit of a stretch,

but I appreciate
your enthusiasm.

I don't suppose your publisher
gave you any feedback

on my manuscript?

They just got back to me.

They said it was cute,

but they don't think
your stories

are a fit for their brand.

They prefer edgier material.

Right.

Okay.

Well, thank you for trying.

Yeah.

Look.

Someone's in your reading chair.

That's where Miss Talia
reads us her stories

about Mr. Snowflake.

Sloane,
this is my neighbor, Ryan.

And your biggest fan, I see.

Today, Sloane is going
to read part of her book.

She's a real
professional writer.

Talia wondered

if she would ever
find her voice,

or those who would
appreciate her gifts,

while unaware
a friend from the past

was searching
for answers of his own.

Chief, hey, it's, uh,
it's Anderson.

You gotta get somebody
to cover my next procedure.

No, I'll be okay,

I just need a couple of days
to clear my head

and get some rest.

I'll keep you posted.

I'll be back soon, I promise.

Thanks, Chief.

Doubting oneself
does not make for a happy heart,

especially when
that inner conflict spreads

to the loving bond
between two souls.

I got some gifts
for the nieces and nephews,

I just need to find something
for your parents.

Any thoughts?

Keith?

You don't need my two cents.

I'm sure
whatever you pick is fine.

Okay.

Did you remember
to call the plumber?

The leak is getting worse.

I'll do it myself.

Where have I heard that before?

As Diane contemplated

if this was her last Christmas
with Keith,

another soul was desperately
holding onto something

that was already gone.

Bea, honey, I'm home.

How was your day?

I went grocery shopping.

I picked up some of
that almond milk you like.

So fancy.

Remember when it was just
half and half?

Oh, I ran into your friends
from the book club.

They sure miss
having you around.

Little did
these struggling souls know

the forces that would
bring them all together

were already in motion.

Why bother,

you already know
what they're going to say.

"Thank you for your interest,

but we are unable to proceed
with your material

at this time."

like it's really no joke.

Did you say something?

Oh, sorry, no,
I'm just talking to myself.

Have we met?

Sorry, never mind.

You know, I do that a lot
because I read quite often

and so between
all the characters

I envision in my head,

and all the people
that come through this door,

there's just
a lot going on, right?

I also talk a lot.

Talia?

Is that you?

From Rockford Elementary?

- Anderson?
- Yeah.

- What?!
- Yeah!

- Hi!
- Hi!

Wow!

How long has it been?

Not since you and your mom
moved away, right?

When did you come back
to Seattle?

I moved back
into my family's house

after I got my Master's
in writing.

Cool.

I wish I'd known,

I would have invited you out
for coffee or something.

Oh, you know, and I actually
kept meaning to look you up,

but I didn't think
you'd remember me after so long.

Of course, I remember you.

So, which section is yours?

Do you use a nom de plume?

More like a nom de calculator.

This is actually my store.

- Oh.
- Yeah, which, you know,

requires a surprising amount
of math,

and sadly, not as many
clever turns of phrase.

Ah, well, that's too bad.

I always liked
reading your stuff.

Not that running your own store
isn't also fantastic.

- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- It is, no,

I just,
yours was the only fiction

I ever really got into.

Oh, that's nice.

Well, um, I still dabble,
of course, right?

In fact, publishers
are considering my work

as we speak.

Cool.

What about you?

What about you, what do you do?

I am a surgeon.

- Oh!
- At Seattle Medical.

But I'm taking
a bit of a vacation.

Oh, hence the need
for reading material?

Yes.

Okay, so, what are you
in the mood for?

Can I offer you
a nice juicy mystery, or...

Maybe something
a little more uplifting

would be a better distraction?

Just what the doctor ordered?

- Something like that.
- Okay.

So, what you have planned
for the holidays?

My mom's away this year,

but I have other plans.

Loads of plans.

Lots.

Great, well,

we should do that catch-up
after the holidays.

I would love that.

Yeah.

Um, here,
put in your contact info.

Ah, still ordering me around
like old times, huh?

Some things never change.

All right.

Thank you. Here you go.

I think you'll like this one,
it's on me.

Well, thanks.

Text me, and we'll get
that catch-up on the books.

Yeah. Sounds good.

- All right.
- Okay.

- See ya.
- Bye.

"I still dabble?"

Good grief, Talia,
you're so lame.

Hey, Mom, guess who I saw today.

Anderson!

Yeah, from back in the day.

Do you remember him?

Oh.

Single?

I have no idea,
we didn't get into all that.

I know, I wish we could
spend Christmas together, too.

Yes, for sure, absolutely.

Okay.

I love you, too.

Bye.

Oh.

Hello?

Hi, Robyn?
It's Talia!

Um...

I know it's been a while,

but I was just wondering

what you were up to
for the holidays?

Oh, dear.
I'm afraid this isn't Robyn.

This is Judy,

and you've reached
the Gingerbread Inn.

I'm sorry, the Gingerbread what?

The Gingerbread Inn, dear.

I'm assuming you called

about the special
getaway promotion?

Deluxe private room,

three home-cooked meals a day,

access to all
festival activities.

That... Wow, that sounds lovely,

but I was actually just trying
to call my friend.

Well...

maybe it's fate.

Those who need it most
tend to find their way to us,

and you're in luck.

We only have two openings left
for this season.

Do let us know soon
if you change your mind.

Okay, great, thank you,

uh, but I will say, um,

I probably will just stay put
and celebrate with my friends,

but I do appreciate the offer.

Very kind.

Okay.

Thank you.

Bye.

Hmm.

Hey, Jenny, it's Talia!

Yeah, hey, I was just wondering
what you were up to this week?

Oh, that's right, yes,

I forgot you were
with Rick's family.

Okay.

All right, well, have fun.

Bye.

Hi, we spoke
earlier this evening.

Yeah, you know,
I've been thinking,

and I changed my mind.

I'd be thrilled
to accept your offer.

Where in the world am I?

Wunderbrook?

Be right there!

Welcome to the Gingerbread Inn.

I'm Judy, and I'll be your host.

Is everything okay?

I don't know.

I'm having major deja vu.

You know, this place
looks a lot like the...

Never mind, never mind.

It's just my imagination
working on overdrive again.

Ignore me.

Okay, I'm clearly exhausted.

I was, like, nodding off
in the car ride over here.

Thank you for arranging that,
by the way.

We are delighted to have you.

Please...

accept your welcome basket.

Oh!

I asked you three times
to pack an extra charger.

Why didn't you email me
the task list?

Talia, meet Diane and Keith,

two of our other guests.

Oh, and this is Charles.

My husband, Miles, is bringing
you some spare clothes.

They're not exactly
fashionable, but...

Oh, I appreciate the generosity.

I didn't expect to be staying,

so I just brought
my fishing gear.

Oh!

Jake, what's the matter?

A car was detoured our direction

on the way up the coast,

and the driver says
it's running funny.

I told him to come on over.

He's grabbing his suitcase.

Anderson?

Seriously?

Yeah, I think? Hi.

Hi.

You know each other?

Uh, yeah,

but we haven't seen each other
for like almost 30 years.

Yeah,

and now it's twice
in the same week.

He's stalking me, it's fine.

Sounds like kismet to me.

Really?

Well, I'll go see
if I can figure out

what's going on with that detour

and take a look at your car.

I'm sort of the
Jake-of-all-trades around here.

- Get it?
- Yeah.

Well, that would be great.

I'm sure I'll figure it out
by the morning.

Well, gotta get going,
lots to do.

Oh, and in the meantime,
I've got an extra room for you.

I've got some lovely desserts
in this other room.

I'm just going to turn in.

I should probably
get some work done.

- I'll be upstairs, okay?
- Okay.

I don't want to get in his way,

but I'm not very hungry,

so I'm just going to go read.

And then there were two.

This way to the dining room.

Delicious hot cocoa for you?

- Oh.
- Yeah, thank you.

Well, I'm hoping to figure out
what's wrong with the car.

I'm aiming to get out of here
as soon as I can.

I'm sure he will.

Excuse me.

So, I thought you were
stay-cationing in Seattle

with loads of plans.

Oh, yeah, uh,

I may have embellished that
a little bit.

Ah.

Okay, you have to admit

that it's a wild coincidence

that we're both here, right?

Okay.

It was synergy.

Ah, I thought the word
was "kismet".

Only five visitors this year.

Not a ton,
but we can make it work.

Maybe.

Assuming they have
a successful stay with us.

I can't wait
to meet the new people.

I have so many questions.

I told you, Izzy,
you're not to bother the guests.

I won't, Mom, I promise.

I don't know
why you're all so excited.

Interlopers,

that's what they are.

I wish they'd all just
stay away and leave us be.

Oh, Mildred,

I know it's hard for you
to forget the past.

Maybe this season
we can change how you feel.

Now, we only have
until the conclusion

on the Night of Wunder,

on the 23rd, same as every year,

to get everyone sorted.

We all have our roles to play

and not much time to do it.

So...

let's get to it.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

And so, Mildred
reluctantly pondered her role

in the fate
of this year's guests.

What obstacles
could she lay in their paths?

Apparently,
the road to the cabin

is going to be closed
longer than they thought,

and my car is still
out of commission.

- Please.
- Thank you.

Yeah.

So, I'm going to try
and book a Ride-share

so I can take off.

You sure you want to leave
so soon?

There's something
in the air here.

Keith, the plumber said

he could start
on the repairs today.

Our house flooded,

which is why we had
to clear out last minute.

Then I found a flyer
for this inn.

It was in the mailbox
without a stamp.

It was the oddest thing.

What about you, Charles?

How did you find your way here?

Oh.

Boredom.

I've fished every fishing spot
there is to fish in Idaho.

You came all this way to fish?

And to think.

Yeah.

I got a little lost
on the way...

found my way here somehow,

Judy offered me a room.

I figured I'd better stay put
before I really got lost.

How about you, Talia?

Well, I called the wrong number

and Anderson got re-routed
on a detour, so...

It's kind of like a force
drew us all here

or something, right?

You haven't changed a bit.

That overactive imagination
still working double-time.

Hi! I'm Izzy.

Judy and Miles are my parents.

Can I show you all around

before you get started
with your day?

My mom said it's okay.

Oh, our very own tour guide!

I'll pass.

I'm not in the mood for a tour.

- Sounds good to me.
- Yeah.

Keith?

I should finish my brief.

There's so many places
you can visit.

There's
Mildred's Miracle Tavern.

It's the nicest
restaurant around.

Even though Mildred isn't always
the nicest person around.

Don't tell her I said that!

I swear, it's the oddest thing.

I just know
I've been here before.

Impossible.

I've never seen you,
and I never forget a face.

My mom says
it's like a super power.

Oh, well, that's impressive.

Okay, but continue, Izzy,
this is so exciting!

And it'll get even better.

The tree lighting is tonight.

The official start
of our Wunder Week.

"Wunder Week"?

Okay, I know
I've heard that before.

Me too.

Maybe a client...

What do you and Keith
do for work?

Oh, we're both lawyers.

I just made partner at my firm,

and Keith is a public defender.

What about you, Anderson?

What do you do?

I just became an attending,

so I supervise
my own group of residents.

Surrounded
by doctors and lawyers.

Suddenly,
I feel deeply inadequate.

Aw, when you're a big,
hot-shot author,

you'll forget all about us.

Aw, you sound like my dad.

He passed away when we were ten.

He was just
my biggest cheerleader.

I miss him every day.

Hello there.

You interested
in something to go?

Got anything on tap?

Can I see a food menu?

No substitutions, no exceptions.

Don't worry,

the only thing I'm allergic to
is excessive pleasantries,

and I don't think that's going
to be an issue here.

Goulash is my specialty.

I'll have
a specialty goulash then.

To stay.

Can I ask you something?

This whole village

looks like a Christmas elf
exploded on it,

but here, not so much.

I used to go all out.

For years,
this was the place to beat

for best storefront
on Main Street.

And then?

I'm over it, as the kids say.

You and me both.

I wish it was January already.

Oh, Charles!

This is where
you've been hiding.

Not hiding.

I just prefer to avoid
the holiday hoopla.

Oh.

I can recommend the goulash.

No substitutions.

Sounds perfect.
Three orders?

Sure.

So, did you have a good day?

I did.

I had a pleasant enough
conversation with Mildred.

She's... interesting.

This place is nice.

Yeah.

Hey!

Now, that is the kind of service
you do not get in the city.

It's a little too good.

Keith would send it back.

He'd be suspicious
it'd been sitting out too long.

How'd you kids meet?

Oh, we were on rival quiz teams.

I beat him during the round

on the billboard charts
of the '90s.

So how'd you go from rivalry
to romance?

He said since I bested him
in front of his friends,

the least I could do
was join him for dinner.

After that, we were inseparable.

Ah, young love at its finest.

It's all so fleeting.

Okay, we better get this in.

It's the opening night
of Wunder Week.

Uh, hello?

Can you guys hear me out there?

Welcome, residents and guests.

I'm Mayor Miles,

and starting tonight,

we kick off our Wunder Week.

Inspiration
for your next project?

Oh, no,

I can't even think about
another project right now.

I'm tapped...

and honestly,

the writing thing...
isn't really happening for me.

Well, that's a shame.

I liked getting your stories
in the mail.

I was sad
when you stopped sending them.

You don't have to say that.

Anyway, that was a lifetime ago.

We should buy some souvenirs
when the market opens.

I don't know if this is a season

we want to remember.

Let's light it up!

What do you say, folks?

Okay!

Three, two, one!

This village would look
even more picturesque

if it were snowing,

don't you think?

What did I tell ya?

In Wunderbrook
a little magic goes a long way,

but there's so much to do,

and such little time.

Chapter three.

Only five days until
the Night of Wunder deadline,

and no one is making
significant progress.

Personally, I'll be glad

when the tourists
stop infesting our home.

Every year, we give and give

and are left
with nothing in return.

I'm sick of it.

That's not true.

We're left
knowing we helped someone

overcome a challenge
in their life

and move forward.

The problem isn't just
receding tourism.

If we fail,

visitors won't have the ability
to find their way to us anymore.

Oh, this looks good.

Ready for
the ultimate taste test?

Oh, so glad
you guys could make it.

We have to guess
the different flavors

in the hot chocolate.

Oh, fun!

When we were first together,

Keith and I used to try
new restaurants once a week,

and guess the ingredients
and the spices in their dishes.

Blindfolds at the ready.

- Okay.
- It's time to get tasting!

All right. Thank you.

- You first.
- Me first.

Definitely smells like coconut.

Gold sprinkles?

I was just about to eat this.

Ah!

Hey, you guys are cheating,
I saw that.

Weird. Your sister said
she sent our gifts here,

but the courier couldn't find
the address.

Maybe the village
is unincorporated.

Off-grid.

That's odd.

We already
tried that one, Keith.

Yep, I know.

Just wanted a second taste,

if that's all right with you?

Okay, come on, Keith.

Let's go, drink it up!
Time's a-ticking.

Okay, tastebuds
on the prize, right?

Right, so you'll listen to her.

Yeah, because she doesn't
treat me like an employee.

Um...

I'm going to go back to the inn.

Thank you.

You're doing better
than I thought, Dr. A.

Thanks.

You can just
call me Anderson, Izzy,

and yeah,
maybe I can add hot cocoa

to the short list of things
that I can make.

Maybe you can make one
for your girlfriend.

Wait...

Do you have a girlfriend?

No, I am married to my work.

What about you, Talia?

You got a boyfriend
back in Seattle?

No, no, the only relationships
I've been in recently

are from the romance section
in my bookstore.

So you're both single!

Um...

well...

Thanks.

So, what kind of
"wunder" ful joy

did everybody get up to today?

You'd know if you joined in.

The festival
is a community event

and right now you're
part of that community.

I used to love the holidays.

But it's just...

it's not the same

going through the motions
without my Bea.

Is that your wife?

My high-school sweetheart.

We were married 42 years.

She did the bookkeeping
at my shop.

She was a whiz with numbers.

Couldn't style her hair
to save her life.

Sounds like
you made quite the duo.

We did.

She passed

three years ago.

Cancer.

I'm sorry, Charles.

I'd give anything
to see my Bea again.

Just for 10 minutes,

even if all we did was bicker.

She brought so much color
to my life.

You still deserve
to experience joy, Charles.

Did you know that Charles
is a widower?

Sorry?

I just overheard him
telling Judy.

He misses her so much,

and here I am,
constantly at odds with Keith.

I just...

I feel so horrible.

Do you want to come in
for a minute?

Yeah.

I'm a pretty good talker,

but I think I might be
a better listener.

Have a seat.

So, what's really going on
with you and Keith?

Besides a flooded house.

He never listens to me.

He just tunes me out,
like I don't even exist.

I'm sorry, Diane.

Maybe it's normal
in a long-term relationship?

I don't know.

I filed for divorce.

Oh.

I haven't served him
the papers yet.

I wanted to wait
until after the holidays,

and I thought maybe this trip

would be our last chance
to reconnect,

but he's...

You know, enough about me.

How about you and Anderson?

I've been sensing a vibe
between you two.

No, no, no.

We're just old friends.

Hey, sorry, am I interrupting?

- Oh, no.
- We were just chatting.

- Yeah.
- Were your ears burning?

Should they be?

No, they shouldn't be.

We were just...

wondering
where everyone was.

And here you are!

I mean, not just you,

like, everyone, all the people.

Well, I am here,

and everybody else
is going downstairs.

Miles invited us for story hour.

That sounds like fun.

Yeah.

- Shall we?
- We shall.

Okay. Let's go.

Oh, this looks like story hour
at my bookstore.

What's a story hour?

There are kids
in my neighborhood

whose parents
struggle to find childcare.

So they come,
and they read books,

and they hang out.

I tell them
some of my own stories, too.

Well, I used to anyway.

I would have loved
something like that as a kid.

However, um, this event
isn't quite the same.

Our tradition

is to create
an original holiday story

every year.

How does it work?

We all take turns.

Whoever has the microphone
is the storyteller.

Izzy, why don't you kick us off?

Okay.

There once was a lonely snowman,

who wanted to meet
a special snowlady

and fall in love.

Ooh...

Uh, so, he joined an app...

called the Icy Connection...

Uh... hoping to find a match.

And...

all anybody ever wanted from him

was advice on how not to melt.

Hey, no, this is...

This is
from real-life experience

from the five minutes
that I spent on a dating app.

Here, take it for a spin.

Uh, no, no...

- No, no, no, no
- Here you go. Your turn.

Hey, aren't you the pro?

Fine, okay.

Um...

but when the snowman
looked in the mirror,

he wondered, sadly,

why he could never frolic
in the sun,

and so began
his existential quest

to understand
his elemental nature,

for how could he ever partner

with another snowy creature,

knowing that a terrible,
puddly fate

awaited them both?

Oh...

Then what happened?

Well, he moved
to the North Pole, of course,

where he would be safe
to find love all year round!

Oh!

Brilliant!

Okay, here.

Okay, that is
a tough act to follow.

I know, right?
Show-off.

No, but, really,
you have a gift.

Maybe it's time to pick up
that pen again?

Oh, hey, Mildred,

I just stepped out
to get some air.

Are you joining us or...

Jake asked me
to bring you these.

Looks like the roads
are open now.

Your car seems to be running
just fine.

You're free to leave
and be on your way,

bright and early tomorrow.

Thanks.

Something the matter?

Nice stunt with the keys.

Classic, Mildred.

Stunt?

I was just returning a man
his property.

Mildred, you have to let
things unfold

the way they are meant to

until we've helped them
sort their lives.

I am just playing my role,
and you know it.

Besides,
the magic is almost done.

Tick tock, tick tock.

Will Mildred's meddling ways

obstruct
the townspeople's quest?

Chapter four.

- Oh, hi.
- Hey.

You got your keys back.

Yeah, yeah, looks like
the detour is cleared up,

and my car is okay.

So, you're heading out?

Actually,

I don't know.

I was putting some stuff
in my trunk,

and I suddenly had
this overwhelming feeling

that I needed to stay.

It's hard to explain,

but I hope you're okay

sharing a bit more
of your vacation with me.

I can live with that.

All right.

What's up?

Oh, I found this
by my door earlier.

You didn't leave it there,
did you?

No.

No, I can't
claim credit for that one.

That's strange.

Anyway, I love it

and I've been writing
all morning.

What about?

Well, I'm noodling
on a holiday story

about this village,

and its precocious
resident tween.

Ah, so Izzy is your muse.

Well, I'm available to be
your first reader,

whenever you're ready to share.

I might take you up on that.

All right.

Let me guess,

you're responsible
for that notebook's appearance?

If only I could wave my wand

and have them all
face their inner demons.

You know we can only provide

a positive,
uplifting experience.

Our guests have to figure out
their issues on their own.

You've practically been
all over the world.

I have, everywhere
but the North Pole.

Oh, I'm so envious.

You know,
I get to travel, too, you know,

yeah, when I read.

Well, put some of them
on your bucket list.

You know, I don't actually
believe in those.

My dad had this whole endless
list of places he wanted to see,

and he barely made a dent in it.

It just broke my heart,

but feel free to regale me
in more of your adventures.

So, where to next?

I'm not sure I'm going
to do it again this year.

Why?

You have
too many responsibilities

as an attending?

Not exactly.

Uh...

anything you want
to get off your chest?

I hate kale.

There, I said it.

Okay.

Excuse me, Charles?

Jake?

I'm supposed to play Santa,

but I have to set up
the grounds for later.

Would you be willing to step in
and play Santa for me?

Ah, I don't think so.

Get him to do it.

Anderson?

He doesn't have the gravitas
or the wisdom for it.

I don't know
what we're talking about,

but I think I'm insulted?

Since I have you,

would you two be willing
to play Santa's elves?

Uh... hold on,
are there costumes?

Yes!

See, Charles?

Everyone wants in.

Please, I'm begging you.

There's no one else,
and the kids are waiting.

I'll give you an hour.

Merry Christmas.

Here to make your wish?

I'm...
here to fix Santa's beard.

Who's in charge here?

Where's Jake?

What's wrong with my beard?

If you're going to do something,

you can't do it halfway.

You sound a lot like my Bea.

She was an all or nothing girl.

She sounds like a wise woman.

You were lucky to have her.

I should, um...

get back to the tavern.

Okay, who's next?

Climb aboard, Izzy.

You know, Anderson,

if things don't work out for you
at the hospital,

I see a future for you
in elfin arts.

Haha.

Tell Santa your wish, kiddo.

Mr. Santa,

this year, I'd like to wish
for a bicycle,

a dollhouse,
a sewing machine, a...

Whoa!

Slow down, young lady.

Mr. Santa,

most of all,

I want to see
my new friend, Charles,

smile again.

That's a very generous wish.

Well,

that was shockingly exhausting.

Yeah,

and actually,

I was kind of hoping
to sit on Santa's lap,

but the kids
had dibs on his time.

Childhood has its perks.

What would you have wished for?

Oh, well,

there's a first edition
of Jane Austen's Emma

that I've been coveting.

What about you,

a new stethoscope or something?

No, no, I've got
plenty of those.

Actually, I like...
I like your idea.

I think I'm plagiarizing you.

Yeah?

I've been meaning to read
more Jane Austen.

Oh!

Oh, ho!

Hey there.

You burst in here like
you're running from someone.

No, no, I'm just...

I'm avoiding a conversation
with Diane,

to be completely honest.

Oh.

We need to sit down
and have a real conversation,

but I just freeze up
every time I see her.

Hmm.

Tell me more.

I forgot to call the plumber,

which is just a tiny thing,

but it's another example
of me just freezing up.

She treats me like an employee,
not a partner.

Reminds me of me and Judy.

I'm always letting something
fall through the cracks.

Is it really about the plumber, though?

Who knows?

Ever since Diane made partner,

she's been so stressed
with work.

I just want to go back
to when things were simpler.

When was the last time
you had a date night

that was just about
the two of you,

not your task-lists?

Huh...

No idea.

We've been so caught up
with our frustrations,

not our romance.

May I suggest

taking a time-out
from the acrimony?

Try to remember

why you fell in love
to begin with.

Yeah.

Thanks.

I have to admit,
this place is pretty magical.

Do you have the same events
and artisans every year?

Pretty much.

Most are annual traditions,

but some are new,

and we escalate,

as we get to t