A Gingerbread Romance (2018) - full transcript

This program is rated G

and is suitable for
general audiences.

Come on, Taylor,
we're almost done packing.

Taylor?

It's time to go.

Mom, what if Santa
doesn't find us this time?

Remember what I told you
before our last move?

Wherever you hang your stocking

is where Santa will find you.

And he did, didn't he?

Let's see today's creation.



Sweetheart,
I think it's your best yet.

Hey, gang...
The airport limo's here.

So...

Ready for our next adventure?

You bet!

Hi.

Hey, stranger!

Merry Christmas.

How was Tucson?

Or was it Seattle?

I'm sorry, Taylor,

I can't keep
all your travels straight.

It was L.A. this time...

I think.



So you in town for Christmas?

You've got to come by.

I'm not sure yet,
but I should know soon.

Thanks, Wendy.
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Hi, Mom!

Taylor, sweetheart,

I hope it's not too late,

but I wanted to catch you
before we went to breakfast.

Oh, don't worry,
I just got home.

Hi, honey.
Merry Christmas!

Hi, Dad!

Merry Christmas to you.

So how's Christmas in Singapore?

Hot and humid.

Now that you've seen
my Christmas sweater,

I'm taking it off.

So how did things go in L.A.?

Two sunny months,

and the new condo complex
is almost built...

And I see you got
the advent calendar I sent.

But is that tomorrow's chocolate

you're eating today?

Isn't it only December 9th
for you there?

Hey, it's tomorrow
in Singapore, right?

This one's for you.

Any chance you can join us
here this Christmas?

Well, I'd love to,

but I may be packing
the moving boxes again.

I'm meeting my boss tomorrow

to talk about
my next assignment.

Well, honey,

if you're not coming here
for Christmas,

what will you do?

Well, Wendy,
she's inviting me over.

I can hang my stocking there.
Okay?

Give Dad a big hug for me.

I will. Love you.

Love you, too.

And I'll let you know
what my boss says tomorrow.

- Taylor!
- Hey, Josephine!

Nice to see you!

Welcome back.

I'd say welcome home,

but you spend more time away
than here.

Well, I might be
on the road again.

I'm supposed to talk
to Linda right now.

How do I look?

Very Merry.

Good luck.

Thanks.

Yeah, we're excited, too,

and we promise
not to disappoint.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Goodbye.

Wow, the Mayor?

What was that about?

Actually,
it was partly about you.

Me?

Taylor,
you've got a great eye...

your work
is always cutting-edge,

and your projects always come in

on time and under-budget...

Thank you...

And that's why the board
is considering you

to head up our new Paris office.

Wow, that would be terrific.

We'll see what happens.

But in the meantime,

there's this project
I need your help on.

I'm totally open and excited.

What's the project?

Okay, so you know
that we submitted a proposal

for the new downtown
re-development project...

Yes, but I thought Crestford
had a lock on City Hall.

According to the Mayor,

we're currently his top choice.

Great!

In the meantime,

we need to do
everything that we can

to up our public profile.

How can I help?

Well, the city's
Christmas Festival is coming up,

and they're doing
a gingerbread house competition

to raise money for charity
this year.

We've got a spot
in the contest...

and I need you

to represent our firm
as our designer!

You want me...

to design a gingerbread house?

As in gumdrops and candycanes?

A life-sized one,

and we're talking big.

Linda, I'm an architect,

not a baker.

And that's why I've already
found you expert help.

Have you ever heard
of Annabelle Renard?

Uh... yes.

Doesn't she have
a fancy restaurant downtown?

She happens to be
best pastry chef in the city.

She's agreed to meet with you
to discuss teaming up.

Taylor, this is important.

What do you say?

You had me at gumdrops.

I'm in.

You're kidding me?

A gingerbread house?

I know.

I thought I was getting Europe,

but it turns out
I'm getting the North Pole...

But Linda wants me to do it,

and it might convince the board
to give me the Paris job.

Hang on, where are you going?

The office Christmas party
starts in an hour.

Oh, well, I am meeting a baker
they've paired me up with.

The competition starts
the day after tomorrow,

which means I should
have started yesterday!

Okay.
Sounds like a plan.

I'll talk to you soon.

Taylor Scott!

Bradford?

What brings you here?

Crestford just moved
our offices here.

We've got
the top two floors now.

Oh.

So, I hear that you and I

are going to be going
head to head...

Or should I say
gingerbread to gingerbread?

So you're doing
the competition, too?

Yeah. What is it
about Crestford and Ogilvy?

They're always so competitive.

I don't know.

Try asking
your Crestford colleagues...

since they stole you away.

Well, in one sense,
you've already won this one.

Snagging Annabelle Renard,
I hear, as your partner?

That was a lucky grab,
beat me to it.

Thanks.

Well, I'm actually late
meeting her now,

so I'll see you around.

See you on the battlefield.

Please, the marzipan first,
then the piping.

Get me the meringue
in the kitchen.

Excuse me, Annabelle?

Taylor Scott.

Nice to meet you.

Wow, that looks amazing.

This? No.

This is a disaster,
but I'll fix it.

So tell me about
this gingerbread competition.

Oh, I would be honored
to work on it with you.

Yes, well,
I do owe Linda a favor.

But how much experience
do you have in the kitchen?

Um... actually, none.

In fact, I'm pretty hopeless.

Ah?

But I have designed
condos in Hong Kong,

office parks in Seattle.

I've led teams
of draftspeople and engineers.

So don't worry,
I know how to take charge.

Every ship needs a captain

and I am ready to lead!

So you would be in charge, huh?

Oh, absolutely!

Well, I see.

Very impressive.

I just need to get in touch
with Linda first.

Okay! Merci.

Merci à vous.

Okay.

Adam, let's hurry.

We have three more orders
to drop off.

You can't rush art, Ray.

Just move it along, Rembrandt.

So it went okay with Annabelle?

I've seen her on TV before
and she seems pretty tough.

I mean, obviously,
she's a perfectionist, too.

We're a great match.

Annabelle Renard...

wow.

Yes, sweetheart.

Just a few more deliveries
and Daddy will be home.

You know, I think building
a gingerbread house

actually might be fun.

Ooh, I love it.

Not your typical
gingerbread house.

Thanks.

Ogilvy Associates?

Ooh, yes.

This must be the cake
for our Christmas party!

It's beautiful...

Thanks.

You just smudged green icing
all over my plans.

Sorry. Can't you just
re-print your plans?

Can you just
re-print your cake?

Sadly not.

Excuse me.

I have your Santa cupcakes
in the van...

- Unbelievable.
- Unbelievable.

Alright, folks, here they are!

We have to put the hooks on them

before we can put them
on the tree. Okay?

But they are good to eat.

Hey!

Every year,
we have this argument,

the gingerbread
are for decorating, not eating!

You can't blame us
for liking them,

they're too yummy.

Just more proof your talents
are going to waste at Ray's.

Not all that again.

All what, Daddy?

Your baking is always the best.

Be right back!

The kid's right, Adam...

You're an artist in the kitchen,

but at Ray's,
you paint by numbers.

It's high time
you opened your own bakery.

Thanks, but that's Ray,

and I've got a few thousand
cookies to bake.

This project may not have been
my first choice,

but I intend to make
the best out of it.

Oh, that's Linda right now.

Hi, Linda.

Yeah. I'm out doing
some Christmas shopping.

What's up?

My blood pressure
if you must know.

Why? What's wrong?

Oh, nothing much.

Just that Crestford
poached our talent again.

They got Annabelle.

What?

How?

She seemed so excited.

Well, apparently,

she was even more excited

when Crestford offered her
top billing in the competition

and to use her house
in an ad campaign.

But she can't!

Well, I suppose she can,
but where does that leave us?

Chef-less.

Any ideas?

No...

but you know what, don't worry.

I'll figure out something.

Taylor, what happened?

Annabelle dropped me.

The competition starts
in 24 hours,

I need to find
another baker, fast!

Look, I totally understand

it's a busy time of the year
for bakers,

but it's for a good cause...

and a giant gingerbread house.

I mean, come on,
doesn't that sound like fun?

Of course.

I'm sorry to bother you.

Merry Christmas!

Hello?

Le Gateau?

Hi, yes.

This is Taylor Scott again.

I was wondering
if you'd reconsidered...

Hello...

Hello?

Hello?

Any leads?

Come on, Santa,

can't you grant me
an early wish this year?

Any luck?

Not yet,

and I've already called
half the bakeries in town.

They're either not interested
or they've already teamed up.

So what will you do?

Josephine...

what bakery did you use
for the Christmas party?

Ray's Bakery. Why?

'Cause desperate times

call for desperate
measuring cups.

Did you just make
a baking joke?

Be out in a minute.

Yes. How can I help you?

Uh-oh... it's you.

Brooke?

Hide the cakes!

Look...

I know we got off
on the wrong foot the other day.

That's putting it mildly.

Daddy, you told me
to always be nice to customers.

Hi, I'm Brooke.

Welcome to Ray's.

Nice to meet you, Brooke.
I'm Taylor.

How can I help you?

Are you Ray?

I'm Adam.

I work for Ray.
He's not here.

But you did make that amazing
Christmas tree cake, right?

Yeah, that's all me.

And, obviously, you have
a lot of experience with baking.

Cookies, icing, decorating?

My Dad can make anything.

Ever make a gingerbread house?

Dad made a whole
gingerbread village one year!

And what about
a giant gingerbread house?

Big enough to stand in.

Could you make one of those?

I'm not sure I understand.

Look, I'm an architect,

and I am representing my firm

in the city's giant
gingerbread house competition.

Seeing that it needs to be
80% edible,

I need a baker to team up with,

and I'm thinking
that should be you.

I'm flattered,

but I don't have
a lot of spare time.

But, Dad, it sounds so fun!

Don't you have homework to do?

That table right there
has got your name on it.

Keep your paws off
the Christmas cupcakes.

I've got eyes
in the back of my head.

Look, you have a gift.

That cake was amazing

and, obviously,
you are a great pastry chef.

I'm just a baker.

Just a baker could not make

that amazing
Christmas tree cake.

They're just a passion project

my boss lets me do now and then.

It doesn't really fit
our clientele.

I'm here to crank out
the donuts and the muffins,

and speaking of which...

I'll be with you folks
in just a second.

But you have to do it!

There'll be prestige,

Christmas spirit,

something for your free time!

"Free time,"
that's something I don't have.

But I'll be in
a terrible situation

if you say no!

Are you trying to guilt me?

I don't know.
Is it working?

To guilt someone,
you have to know them,

and, well, we don't...

Fine, I'm a Sagittarius
and I love Peppermint Bark.

Still no.

Mrs. Masy,
cherry danish as usual?

But it would be great exposure.

I mean,
everyone around the world

would see your talents!

I have a line.

Excuse me.

Here.

In case you change your mind.

Nice to meet you, Brooke.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

You've been twirling
that card around all evening,

and Brooke can't stop talking

about the gingerbread
competition.

I can't.

I've got a job,
I've got responsibilities and...

Ray's sons are in town
to help him,

and you do have weeks
of unused vacation.

But I don't know...

Adam, don't you want Brooke

to see you do something
that makes you happy?

This is Taylor.

Hey. It's Adam.

The Christmas tree cake guy?

Oh, that Adam.

How could I forget?

I'm calling about your offer.

Look, I'm...

Hello? Are you still there?

As difficult as it was
for you to ask...

it's just as difficult
for me to...

Accept my offer?

Yes. That.

So you'll do it?

Yes.

Great!

Well, in that case,
we'll start tomorrow.

Sounds good.

Oh, they've got pies.
Want to go look?

Come on,
let's go look at the pies.

Ooh, those pies smell good.

Merry Christmas.

Look.

Ice sculptures!

Oh, look, there's Taylor.

Hey.

Hi.

You got that sign up quick.

Our design team's
pretty on the ball.

Daddy, why isn't
your name on it?

It's fine, honey.

But, Dad,
you need the bubble-icity.

"Bubble-icity"?

Oh! Publicity!

Right. Publicity!

To help when he opens
his own bakery!

Seriously?

My daughter has
a big imagination,

but I already have a job.

Ladies and gentleman,
boys and girls.

May I have
your attention, please?

As your Mayor,

I am thrilled to welcome you

to our Christmas Festival

and our first-ever
Giant Gingerbread competition.

This year, we have...

Friends of yours?

More like a former colleague.

Bradford used to work
at the firm.

You can say we have
a friendly rivalry going on.

And Annabelle Renard...

She's the best pastry chef
in the state.

Okay, truth is,

she and I were talking about
working together on this.

Looks like your colleague
over there

made a more convincing
sales pitch.

Now, each team has 10 days
to build their masterpiece,

for final judging
on December 23rd...

So, without further ado...

let the Giant Gingerbread
Competition begin!

Looks like we've got
our work cut out for us.

That you do.

Linda, this is Adam, our baker.

Nice to meet you.

Likewise.

We're counting on you.

So think cutting-edge,
and be bold with your designs.

And we can win this.

But no pressure, right?

Tell me about it...

Okay. Let's get started.

Come on.

Brooke, let's go find
Aunt Jenny first.

What is that?

Plans for
our gingerbread house.

What?

I assumed the design

is something
we'd come up with together.

Well, I am
a professional architect.

I think I know what I'm doing.

Really?

Because that house doesn't look
very Christmassy?

Not Christmassy?

Well, what is
that supposed to mean?

Well, it's so modern.

It looks like

a 21st-century
gingerbread condo!

Well, you heard my boss...

It needs to be sophisticated,
cutting-edge.

Christmas isn't about
cutting-edge,

Christmas is about warmth
and tradition...

And thank you for your input,

but I think there's been
a little misunderstanding.

In a construction project,

an architect oversees
all creative choices.

And in a baking project,

typically, the head chef
is in charge...

Of building materials.

Look, all day long,

I'm stuck making
blueberry muffins, okay?

My fingers are stained blue!

This is my chance to get out

and do something artistic
for the week.

Okay, how about you
stay out of design decisions,

and help with
building materials?

I need to be involved
with the design decisions,

so I can advise

on which gingerbread to use
for the building material!

How about we agree to disagree?

But at least get started
in the meantime?

Are you always this stubborn?

I was going to say
the same of you!

Fine.

Well, we'd better head back.

We've got to start baking.

First step is coming up
with a gingerbread

dense enough not to crumble,

and that's gonna take
some experimentation...

Great idea.

Let's go.

"Let's"?

Didn't you just agree
to be my baking assistant?

Wow, that's a huge,
colossal Christmas tree...

Actually, we got the small one
this year.

What kind of Christmas Tree
do you have, Taylor?

Actually,
I don't usually have one.

You see, I travel a lot,

and they don't fit too well
in a carry-on luggage.

But everyone should have
a Christmas Tree!

Brooke, did you make that?

That's beautiful!

It's a school project.

I'm supposed to be making
a Christmas diorama,

but I'm kinda stuck
on making the trees...

Do you want a little hint?

You can make great tree trunks

by wrapping sandwich twists
in parchment paper.

I made a lot of models

when I was
in architecture school.

Thanks!

Oh, sous-chef!

You're needed.

I think that means me.

And I have a hint, too!

When you cook with my Dad,

wear an apron
'cause a lot of things splash.

Wish me luck.

Okay, I am ready to help.

Thank you.

Gingerbread batch number one
is in the oven already.

I had a leftover batch of dough.

It just needs two more minutes.

Each batch cooks six minutes.

Your job
is to keep track of time.

Great, I'm doing the job
of an egg timer.

Gingerbread batch number two,

I made with margarine,
instead of butter.

And for our third experiment,

I'm substituting corn syrup
for molasses.

This keeps the pasty
from puffing out,

and maintains its shape.

These are all variations
on my Mom's gingerbread recipe.

Hers used lots of butter...

Little trick they don't teach
you in culinary school...

butter improves the taste
of everything.

But no one will taste it.

You should be concerned
with durability.

I've never compromised on taste
and I'm not about to start now.

And you went
to culinary school?

Long story.

Keep stirring.

You do know
they have powdered ginger?

Creativity and inspiration
can't be rushed, okay?

Rome wasn't built in a day...

And our gingerbread house
won't be either.

Clearly not if you're involved.

Wouldn't working with a recipe
be more efficient?

I like to take my time,
let my creativity flow.

Sounds risky.

Maybe,
but for every fallen soufflé,

there's a perfect
profiterole tower...

You know, I'm really glad
you're not an architect,

because that approach
would not pass inspection.

Now, remember,
we don't want bricks.

We need thin rectangles
of gingerbread.

Why so thin?

Well, remember my design?

It calls for thin pieces
of gingerbread.

I need for my design
to be ultra sleek and modern.

But that'll make it
more likely to crack.

Maybe use less butter?

And compromise
taste and texture?

What do you say
we stop the backseat baking?

Remember our deal?

In the kitchen, I'm in charge?

Yeah, but I'm the...

Do you smell smoke?

Okay, so our first
collaboration

could have gone slightly better.

Hey.

Morning.

I wasn't expecting to see you
here so early.

And why not?

Bakers always get up early.

Well, after yesterday's fiasco,
I wasn't sure...

I'd show up?

Well, I always finish
what I start.

Besides,
we've got a frame to build.

But first, coffee.

Thank you.

So you always make
your own coffee?

It's the most important tool
we've got.

And we've got a bunch
of sleepy volunteers

arriving this morning.

Mm.

Okay, I see your point.

Now let's finish the base.

And start shopping
for ingredients

if we want to start baking.

I assume you have
a shopping list?

Sure, I do.

Right up here.

No list?

Doesn't that seem
a little off-the-cuff?

I got a couple things
written down,

but you've got to leave room
for inspiration.

Inspiration sounds expensive.

I think I'll tag along, too.

Imported honey?

When did you get that?

I'm known for not skimping
when it comes to quality.

Well, I'm known
for coming in under budget.

So, did you pick up

all your fancy baking skills
at culinary school?

A few.

But I wasn't there long,
maybe six months.

I had to drop out.

I was too busy
raising Brooke on my own.

We lost Brooke's mother
a few years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.
That must have been pretty hard.

It's been a challenge,
raising my baby on my own,

but baking is something

that always seems to put
a smile on her face.

So, where'd you get
your passion for architecture?

Seeing amazing buildings
all around the world

when I was growing up.

I was born in Philly

and lived mostly here
till I was 6.

My Mom's an international lawyer

and my Dad's a diplomat.

We moved every couple years.

That's a lot of moving.

Oh, no, I loved it.

I mean, some kids collect dolls,

I collected passport stamps.

And since I'm single
and love to travel,

the firm, these days,

sees me as the go-to-girl
for far-off projects.

And where do you go
for Christmas?

I usually visit my parents,

but this year,
they're in Singapore,

and I have a gingerbread house
to build here.

So you don't miss hosting
your own traditional Christmas?

Wherever I hang my stocking,
it's Christmas.

I mean, of course,
I'd love all that.

It's just
life turned out differently.

See, that I understand,

'cause I was gonna be
a world-famous pastry chef.

It's never too late.

Thanks.

Taylor, I thought that was you.

You know Annabelle, I believe?

Yes, we've met.

Annabelle Renard.

Gold medalist at last year's

European Pastry Panache
Competition.

Adam Dale...

voted best personality
in high school.

Oh.

Wait, you're...
You're the donut guy.

From Ray's... right here!

You make the best jelly donuts.

Yeah, that's me.

And that's just his day job.

Adam is a very talented
patissier...

Oh! How nice!

May the best team win.

"Talented patissier."

I like the sound of that.

Don't let it go to your head.

Let's hurry back.

We've got to meet
the volunteers.

Adam, this is David,
our new intern at the firm.

Nice to meet you.

You can lose the sportsjacket.

Yes, sir.

And this is my friend,
Josephine.

Hi!

Hi.

And this is my neighbor, Wendy.

Sorry I couldn't
draft my kids, Taylor,

but it's for the best,

'cause they would have just
devoured the gingerbread.

So, thanks
for volunteering, everyone.

We have a big week ahead of us,

so first, we put up the frame,

next, we bake,

then we cover the frame
with gingerbread,

and the final phase...

Decorating!

We can make this amazing!

If we stay on schedule, that is.

Was that comment
directed at me?

Well, I'm simply
reminding everyone

we are on a strict time limit...

Though we want everybody

to feel free
to follow their creativity...

As long as we meet
certain benchmarks

and construction timetables...

While making the most colorful

and delicious
gingerbread house we can.

Okay, do you remember
what we agreed on?

Staying on our own side
of the street?

Yes, but...

You're driving on my sidewalk.

So...

Shall we begin?

How did you do that?

Do what?

Give me what I needed
before I asked?

In the kitchen,

you get good at predicting
who needs what and when.

And you made a face?

And, obviously,

you still want our house
to have a traditional roof.

How do you know that?

'Cause you made a face.

So how did you get caught up
in this project anyway?

My boss asked me to do it.

Last month,

I was crafting a 10-story condo,

and this week,
I am in charge of gumdrops...

There's no shame in designing
a gingerbread house.

Well, I like a challenge.

Besides just working with you.

Very funny.

And I'm in charge of gumdrops,
by the way.

Why, thank you.

I'd say we made
pretty good progress today.

The frame's near done.

So, is it true
what Brooke said earlier?

Do you want to open
your own bakery?

Wanted to.

I tried a while back,

but no investors wanted to fund
a culinary school dropout.

Well if we win,

maybe you should reach out
to them again.

I'm doing this
for one reason only,

and that's to make Brooke happy.

Do you think that means
I lack ambition?

No, you're just guilty
of being a great dad.

Speaking of Brooke,

she wanted me
to give you something.

An invitation
for dinner tonight.

And if those instant noodle cups
you snuck in with the supplies

are what you're calling dinner,

you have no choice
but to accept our invitation.

Okay. Sure.

That was delicious.

Thank you both for inviting me.

Sp what's in the pizza anyway?

Just my special recipe.

Except you don't use recipes.

Pecorino cheese,
fennel sausage and truffle oil.

Hey, Honey!

Those are trade secrets.

I guess Taylor
is now in our circle of trust.

Well anyway,
that was delicious.

Seriously, the best dinner
I've had in months.

I'm going to work on
my diorama.

Do you want to help?

Sure.

Oh...

your Christmas diorama
is looking better and better!

You clearly have your Dad's gift
for decorating.

It just takes so long, though.

I need a herd of reindeer,

and each reindeer
takes forever to draw...

Well, it doesn't have to.

All you need is a template.

Just think of it
as a Christmas cookie-cutter,

but for art projects.

Here, let me show you...

Let's draw our reindeer...

Now...

all we need to do is cut it out.

There we go.

And...

we've got...

a master stencil...

to create...

all the reindeer we need.

Voila.

Wow!

Thanks, Taylor!

Well, like I said,

you have a great eye
for decorating.

So I propose we make you

"Chief Decorating Officer"
for the Gingerbread house.

That is, if that doesn't
step on anyone's toes?

I'd be more than happy
to share the glory.

Yes!

Thanks for the ride.

I had to.

You're the only adult
I know in Philly

who doesn't own a car.

Cute. She's a great kid.

Well, she certainly seems
to have taken a liking to you.

So, you even decorate
your truck for Christmas?

Our house is so decorated,
my truck got a little jealous.

That's your house?
The one on the end there?

You don't have
any decorations up.

Who's got the time?

No Christmas decorations?

You know, if one of
the gingerbread judges saw this,

we'd be disqualified
for lack of Christmas spirit!

No wonder you don't know

what a real gingerbread house
should look like!

Oh, please...

It should be colorful,
warm and inviting.

It should be decorated
to the hilt but with love.

It should make you think
of your Grandma's house.

Well, my grandmother lives
in a high-rise in Tampa.

Good night.

Hey...

the first item

in your Christmas
decoration kit...

This?

What can I say?
It's a start.

Okay, can you...

Take the last tray
out of the oven?

I'm on it...

Hot.

Can you pass me the...

Spatula? Here.

We need to wait
until these are nice and dry

so that...

The frosting adheres.

Hey, did you notice?

What?

The smell of nothing burning.

Amazing, right?

I'd say our second collaboration

is a teeny bit better
than our first.

That isn't saying much.

Well, well, well,

it looks like the elves
have taken over my kitchen.

Tired elves.

Taylor, meet my boss, Ray.

It's nice to meet you, Ray.

Thank you so much
for letting us use your kitchen.

No problem.

Adam, can I talk to you
for a minute?

That's quite a project
you two have going.

Hey, don't worry about it.

I can keep up
with the muffins and the bagels.

I know...

And I know I've got you
baking below your potential.

I like working here, okay?
You're a good boss.

You know,

I'd let you bake
the fancy stuff full-time,

but this is
an old family bakery.

I've had customers here
for the last 20 years...

And "Our customers
only want the basics."

Yeah, I know.

You read my mind.

Anyway, this week,
sky's the limit

and my kitchen's
at your command.

You know, I'd offer to help,

but it looks like you two
have the situation in hand.

Thanks again
for letting us bake here.

My pleasure.

Good luck.

Our gingerbread
needs five hours to cool,

so can I suggest a break?

- You busy?
- Why?

I've got to get

some stocking stuffers
for Brooke,

and since you're
a Philly native,

maybe it's time
you get re-acquainted

with how your home town
celebrates Christmas?

Okay.

Let's do it.

I can't believe
you're not cold.

It feels good

after being
near the ovens all day.

Is this really your first
Christmas in Philadelphia?

As an adult, yeah.

So you have no Christmas
memories here as a kid?

Well, it feels familiar,

but cloudy,
kind of like in a snowglobe...

I remember going shopping
at the Reading Market,

the neighborhoods with lights,

and yummy food, of course.

So you remember
the most important thing.

Yeah.

Ah, here's what I came for.

Can I get
some of your Bark, please?

Thanks.

I heard you like
Peppermint Bark?

And they are known for theirs.

Thanks.

Oh! That tiny train set...

will look great
in Brooke's Christmas diorama.

I'll take one of those.

Thank you.

She'll love it.

What about you?

You don't want anything
special for Christmas?

Well if you could believe it,

I wished for
an easy-bake oven one year.

Really?
Was it broken or...

Turns out
I didn't have much use for it.

Kind of like you and a cookbook?

Touché.

Oh...

I always wanted a chandelier
in my imaginary house.

"Imaginary house"?

When I was a kid,

I had a vision
of the perfect house.

I sketched it out
and everything.

I even drew a Santa
on top of the roof

'cause I was worried

that when we moved,
he wouldn't find us.

But my mom always said,

wherever we were,

if I hung my stocking,

Santa would find me.

And he always did.

What's that about?

Just checking on
my Christmas planning.

Let's get out of here.
It's getting a bit cold.

Okay.

Uh...

what is going on here?

Hi, Taylor.

I'm Jenny, Adam's little sister.

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Um, what are you guys
doing here?

Oh, just delivering Brooke
to her dad.

Nice Christmas tree...

What is everyone
smiling about?

Follow me, Taylor.

Ta-dah!

What in the world...

I told you,
your house needed decorating.

But...

And we had tons
of leftover decorations.

And the tree is for you!

You didn't have to.

Sure, we did.

Adam, can you please
help me get the tree off my car?

You have fun, kids.

I'm heading out
to a Christmas party.

It looks perfect right here.

Ready?

These are pretty.

Oh, yes, you do.

- Okay, and do you want one?
- Yes.

Okay, you're going to have
a good-looking tree.

All right...

I knew they were
down there somewhere.

Okay...

It's beautiful.

It's hand-blown crystal
from Prague.

My parents, they lived there
for two years.

They have an amazing
Christmas market

in the old town square,

with giant trees and vendors.

Just people and music,

and lots and lots of Christmas.

Dad, look at this one!

It's beautiful.

Go ahead, put it on the tree!

Thank you so much
for everything.

Oh, and Adam?

I wasn't entirely truthful

when I said I was missing
traditional Christmas at home,

'cause all of this...

It's pretty amazing.

Let's grab our coats, honey.

Careful, a sugarplum
dropped from that height

could put someone
in a sugar coma.

Good point.

I'll be careful.

Royal icing works like glue.

How come they call it
"Royal" icing?

Did a king invent it?

Not exactly,

but when the bakers were making
Queen Victoria's wedding cake,

they used icing
and confectioners' sugar.

That's when they found out

how strong this stuff really is.

All right, guys,
we've got to pick up the pace

so we can start decorating.

Hey, Taylor?

Never thought I'd be doing
something like this

back in architecture school.

Well, that makes two of us.

And just like
in architecture school,

we're still competing.

Well, may the best team win.

So, while the gingerbread panels

settle for the frame,

there's two things we need
before we start decorating.

What?

Inspiration...

and Brooke.

Amazing, huh?

The perfect neighborhood

to get ideas for decorations.

All these lights.

Well, what do you see
that you like?

Window boxes!

Oh! Me too!

So maybe we give
the gingerbread house

window boxes,

but with candycanes
instead of flowers?

And for lights,

we string together
colored lollipops!

You are a natural.

So, how about inside the house?

A gingerbread house
inside of a gingerbread house!

And a welcome mat.

"Home, Very Sweet Home."

Perfect.

So who does all this?

The people
that live on this street.

It's been going on years.

Every Christmas,

it's more and more spectacular.

Families move out,

new families move in,

but the tradition carries on.

How do you know all this?

He knows because
the house he grew up in

is just three blocks away.

Oh!

A fireplace would be great.

I've always wanted
a home with one...

A fireplace?

Well, how would we make flames
out of candy?

I'm not sure.

But we do need to make
a candy run

for more decorations,

so we will try and find out.

Red licorice
doesn't look like flames.

Maybe orange slices?

Getting warmer, though.

I've got it!

Glass candy can look like flames
for the fireplace!

That's brilliant.

With reds, yellow, orange...

Let's get a case of it.

Oh, and should get loads
of the gumdrops for decorating.

How can I help you?

We'll take

all the orange and red
glass candy you've got.

And can I get
some gumdrops, too.

Sure. How many would you like?

Maybe 5,000?

No, 10,000!

You sure about that,
young lady?

Yeah, she's sure.

She's the Chief Decorating
Officer after all.

Well, all right then.

Okay, guys,

you can start
bringing out the gingerbread.

Whoa, that's a lot of icing.

Well, we've got
a lot of gingerbread.

Good morning!

Just stopping by with treats
for this hard-working team.

And I just thought
I would check in

and see how things are going
with the project.

Excellent.

The gingerbread's baked

and will be up
by the end of the day.

Oh...

and ahead of the competition
from the looks of it.

Good work, Taylor.

Uh-oh.

Uh-oh?

It's cracking.

No!

That's what I worried about...

These thin sheets
of gingerbread are too fragile.

And I told you,

the thin sheets
are what work best

with my design, remember?

And remember when I told you

if it was too thin,
they could crack?

Well, it looks like
we've got a problem.

You better figure that out.

Because the clock is ticking

Not much time
until Christmas Eve.

But I know
you're up to the task.

I think we need to bake
the gingerbread thicker.

More like bricks.

Look, I know
you warned me about this,

but big bricks won't work
with my design.

Well, Taylor,

maybe your design
needs to change?

We have to build on
what we've done,

not start over from scratch.

You know, my sister has Brooke
for the whole day...

so we have some time.

My Mom always taught me

if you can't solve a problem,
you go and do something else,

'cause that's
when you figure it out.

Do you know
how much work we have to do?

Come on.

Okay.

Seriously?
You've never skated?

Let's just say
it's been a couple of decades.

If I'm trying to forget
about cracking gingerbread,

the last thing
that I should be doing

is skating on thin ice.

It's not thin.
It's normal ice.

And I should trust you on this?

Okay. Fine. Fine.
Let's do it.

You want to push off
with each foot...

Let's go. Come on.

- I don't know.
- You've got this.

This might be
a bit too advanced for me.

How are you so good?

We had a skating rink

in our backyard as a kid,

and every winter,

we'd lay out the 4x4
and the liner,

and turn the hose on.

The next morning,
bingo, mini skating rink.

- Although...
- Although what?

One winter, I left the hose on.

Oh, no!

Your poor parents.

My Mom took it in stride,

but she invited all the kids
in the neighborhood down

to winter wonderland.

She even made
gingerbread cookies.

Aw.

Your mom sounds like
a lot of fun.

So I'm going to let go.
You're going to be okay.

No, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no.

I don't think I'm ready.

So... why are you doing it?

What?

Skating. Look!

Oh, my gosh, I'm doing it.

And don't think about it
too much.

Okay.

Okay. Okay, okay, okay, okay.

So did the skating make you
come up with any new ideas?

I'm still stumped
about my design,

but this was fun.

And I forgot about
our problems for a while.

I know your boss wants you

to come up with
this cutting-edge idea,

but maybe the new cutting-edge

could be tradition?

Hmm...

Hey, Josephine.

Hi, Taylor.
Any new ideas?

I am so stressed out.

But I thought
things were going great.

Well, I'm not so sure

the modern design
is the way to go.

Time is running out,

and now we're back
to the drawing board.

I'm afraid Linda won't be happy.

You'll figure it out.
You're you!

Thank you, Jos'.

I'll see you tomorrow?

Bye.

And it won't take a lot of work
to re-design the frame.

All we need to do
is change up the roof,

add the flower boxes,

and go with bricks.

What do you think?

I like it.

How did you come up
with the design?

Actually, I dug up a sketch
I drew when I was little.

Kind of went from there.

Call it an inspiration.

I love it.

But...

I thought you wanted
something cutting-edge.

Well, it won't be
the design Linda asked for,

but she will be cheering
the loudest when we win.

Well, we'd better get to work.

All right,
I will get this rolled out,

and cut it into bricks.

She caught on to baking
pretty quick.

And how are things going
outside of the kitchen?

Well, we had a big setback,

but we have a new plan
for the house...

I wasn't talking
about the gingerbread house.

I mean, how are things going
with Taylor?

Okay, yeah.

We can put it up a little more.

Yeah.

Perfect. Perfect.
Right there.

What are they doing?

Looks good.

What number should it be?

What's the number of the house
you grew up in?

27.

Then that's the address.

Cool.

All right,

we may have lost a day,

but we are almost on track.

Tomorrow, we're going
to have to pick up the pace.

Brooke, honey, it's time to go.

We're gonna give Taylor
a lift home.

And there's something
we want to show you on the way.

Okay.

We're almost there.

Oh, my goodness.

- Okay...
- Okay?

Open!

What is this?

It's a landing strip
for Santa's reindeer and sleigh!

It's the city's way

of making sure that,
even if there's a blizzard,

Santa can find us.

And it always works.

I've even seen
a reindeer's print in the snow

when we come here
on Christmas Day!

Is that so?

Come on, I'll show you

where you can leave
a snack for the reindeer

in case they get hungry.

Okay.

So, what do you think?

I think it's pretty amazing.

Adam...

I just want to thank you.

For what?

For the first time
in a while...

I feel like
I'm home for Christmas.

I'm glad.

It's beautiful.

Thanks for the ride.

Tomorrow's December 20th.

Just three days left
to decorate.

We'll be ready!

Hello?

Sorry for calling
so late, Taylor.

Oh, no, that's fine.

Is everything okay?

More than okay.

Listen, I appreciate

how you've taken the reins
with the competition.

Thank you.

Clearly, you've held up
your end of our little deal,

so... I have

an early Christmas present
for you.

Can you say "Joyeux Noel"?

What do you mean?

Well, I had dinner

with a few
of our board members tonight,

and, you know,

they'll make
a formal decision later,

but you're the front runner
for Paris...

Which means you'll be
heading out on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve?

I know you don't have
plans for Christmas,

so I made some for you!

A chance to celebrate Christmas
in the City of Lights.

Oh, and I even got you
an invite for a Christmas party

at the Minister of Culture's
chateau.

Oh...

Um...

that's so soon.

I thought you'd be more
excited.

I mean, isn't this
what you were pushing for?

Of course. Of course.

Thank you so much.

I can't wait.

Let me know
what the board decides.

Okay.

Bye, Taylor.

Just a little more decorating.

Where did everyone go?

You must have
really been in the zone.

I let the rest of the team go.

Holidays and such,
and they were tired.

Well, I don't blame them.

I'm kind of tired, too.

So...

have a seat.

Okay.

Thank you.

Look at us.

Just a couple of folks,

sitting on our stoop,
watching the world go by.

Nice little place we got here.

Our own little chalet.

You know, I have to admit,
the traditional roof is nice.

We do have
some serious competition

from our neighbors,

who built quite the skyscraper.

Winning would be
the icing on the cake,

but I only entered
this crazy competition

to show Brooke
her Dad can dream big.

And why just dreaming?

And not make your bakery dream
a reality?

Ask the investors
who turned me down.

Well, you didn't have

your glorious gingerbread win
under your belt then!

Well, fingers crossed.

You know, this...
this takes me back.

Sitting at
the front of the house,

with the family,

a little music playing...

I have an idea.

Do you think we could use music
for our gingerbread house?

That's a great idea.

I mean, we already have
four of the five senses.

Mm-hmm.

Sight, smell...

taste, touch...

and hearing...

also, that would be great.

How about a doorbell
that plays music?

Or isn't that
traditional enough for you?

I'll allow it.

What kind of music?

Um, a carol maybe?

Something up-tempo.

This one?

It's a good song to dance to.

Here, let me show you.

Huh?

What? You can't dance?

Oh, I can dance, all right.

What's going on over here?

Just working on our house.

This place yours?

Yep, all of it.

Wait until
you see it finished.

Looks good...

but you can't really
be here right now.

I've got this place on lockdown
like Fort Knox.

Anything happens
to these houses,

it's on me.

We're about to head out,

but do you want a taste?

I'm on duty.

Though...

I suppose a nibble
wouldn't hurt.

Baked fresh this morning.

Not bad.
Not bad at all.

Well, carry on.

Merry Christmas.

So ends our dancing.

Okay, we have
a big day tomorrow.

Our fireplace looks amazing!

Glass candy flames...

Who'd have thought it?

Our Chief Decorating Officer,
that's who.

So, how does
dusting the windows

with icing sugar
and grated coconut sound?

To give it
that morning frost look?

I love a morning frost.

Or a fresh snowfall.

Can we do that?

Yeah. Of course.

There's just one more thing...

Here's a little project
I've been working on...

A candy chandelier?

All in your spare time?

Adam, it's wonderful.

And I have one more idea!

We need pictures on the walls.
Of a family!

Good point.
It is a home, after all.

It needs that lived-in look.

We could always put up
some pictures up on the mantle.

Why don't we take a photo
of the three of us?

Um...

sure.

Come on.

Taylor, get in
a little closer.

I love how this place
is coming together.

It does prove
that anything is possible.

Like you and I
working as a team.

So, what happens
if you win anyway?

Linda give you
a big corner office?

Kind of.

Actually, I've been meaning
to mention something.

If all goes off well,

I might have
some news of my own...

Bonsoir.

Oh, Annabelle. Hi.

Yes, hello.

Look, I just wanted to say...

I'm impressed.

I've been watching you two.

You had an enormous setback,

but you really bounced back.

Your gingerbread house
is actually quite good.

I'm glad you like it.

But it's mostly
thanks to our baker here.

Well, if there's anything
I can appreciate,

it's talent and hard work.

Allez, bonne chance.

A kind word from Annabelle.

Did I hear that right?

A Christmas miracle.

By the way, what is it
you wanted to tell me?

Nothing important.

Let the last day
of decorating begin!

It's the final stretch
for teams here,

at the Giant
Gingerbread Competition.

Only a few minutes left!

We literally have
nothing left to decorate.

I'd say we're done here.

I saw one of the other houses
has a name.

So what's the name of our house?

Good question.

Maybe something
with "home" in it?

I saw you hang
your stocking on the mantle.

I thought
it was pretty fitting.

We've got
something else for the mantle.

I love it.
That's perfect.

I'll go put it inside.

Traditional.

Bold and new.

Maybe I need to try
something bold and new myself.

Maybe another try
at your own bakery?

I was thinking the same thing.

In fact, I invited

some of the investors
to the judging,

so thanks for the push.

My pleasure.

Taylor, I know you can't be

with your Mom and Dad
this Christmas,

but, if you wanted,

Brooke and I...

we're hoping

you'd spend Christmas with us?

That's the best invitation
I've ever gotten.

Well, everyone needs a place
for the holidays.

That's it!

What?

The name of the house.

"A Home for the Holidays."

It's perfect.

Hey.

I just had to come
and see it for myself.

That... is not the plan
we discussed.

But I love it!

Great job.

Oh, and, Taylor,

I'm going to be sorry
to see you go,

but the board met,
and it's official.

You're on your way!

Au revoir.

What does she mean?

Adam, I was going to tell you...

Tell me what?

We need to talk.

The judging for the Giant
Gingerbread Competition

will take place
tomorrow at noon.

Wow. Paris.

Pretty hard
to compete with that.

Well, it's a dream job
I've wanted for years.

I thought I'd have
more time to decide.

So, I guess you won't be

joining us
for Christmas this year.

Adam, believe me,

I want to spend Christmas
with you and Brooke,

it's just...

Hey, don't worry.

I'll explain it to Brooke.

After all, Santa's got

a lot of places
to visit this year, right?

Sweetheart.

My friend, Diana,

emailed that she saw
a news report

about you and some
giant gingerbread house?

Well, you know the expression

"truth is stranger
than fiction"?

That's pretty much
the case here.

Diana also mentioned

something about you working
pretty closely

with a handsome young man?

That's Adam.

He's the baker
doing the project with me.

He's nice...

Nice, huh?

I can see you blushing.

It's just...

It's just, I don't know, Mom.

What's wrong, honey?

I got offered
the job in Paris.

That's great, isn't it?

Yes. It's just...

Philadelphia has been...

growing on me.

There's so much
feeling of Christmas here.

It's kind of starting
to feel like...

Like home?

Home is wherever you hang
your Christmas stocking.

You'll know in your heart

when you've found
the right place...

Or the right person.

Thanks, Mom.

I love you.

I'll call you and Dad
tomorrow on Christmas Day.

Looking forward to it.

Love you.

My kids have been asking me
every day for the past week

when this day would come.

Well, I promise
we won't disappoint.

- Hey.
- Hey.

About yesterday,

I'm sorry I didn't mention...

Don't worry about it.

I'm happy for you.

Happy Holidays, everybody!

And welcome to the judging

of our first ever Giant
Gingerbread House Competition!

Could I please have our teams
approach the stage?

Come on up.

Now, it's the moment
we've all been waiting for.

May I present
our first gingerbread house,

Snowman Sanctuary...

Our second entry...

the Elf Castle!

Next, we have...

The Northern Tower!

Theirs is really tall.

My goodness,

that could go in a museum
someplace, am I right?

And now, may I present,
our final gingerbread house,

A Home for the Holidays!

Three, two, one...

I told you
I love a fresh snowfall.

Well, to say all of our entries
exceeded expectations

would be an understatement,

but this is a contest,

so, unfortunately,
we have to pick a winner.

Judges, your results, please.

And the winner

of our first
Giant Gingerbread Contest

is...

A Home for the Holidays!

Taylor, we won!

Congratulations, Ray's Bakery!

Congratulations!

You did it.

We did it.

And I bet your investors
are pretty impressed.

Where are they?

Actually...

they weren't able to make it.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Don't be.

It doesn't matter!

What matters is we won!

Congratulations.

Yeah, that was
really something.

Thank you.

I mean, your house
is spectacular.

Yeah, we're pretty proud of it.

Adam.

Your flare for design
is quite exceptional.

Thank you,

and you're impressive as always.

You know, I am looking for
a new assistant.

Thank you, Annabelle,
but I already have a job.

Fine.

But if you ever do open
your own place,

please, do invite me
to the opening.

Bon, alors, bonne soirée.

Great job.

So...

when are you leaving?

I fly out tonight.

Thank you for believing in me.

I'm glad we made it happen.

Me too.

Are you really leaving?

On Christmas Eve?

Oh, sweetie...

I have to.

But I had a great time.

Bye, Taylor.

Bye, Brooke.

Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas.

Are you kidding,
it's the least I can do.

Well, the movers said

they'd come
the day after Christmas.

Most everything
is already boxed up.

If you could just
give them the keys.

Consider it done.

We'll miss you,

but Paris for Christmas...

I guess you'll be calling
the City of Lights

your new home.

Yes...

Home.

That must be your shuttle.

Merry Christmas.

Have a good flight.

Thank you.

Christmas is tomorrow.

Think I could order
a gingerbread house?

I'm afraid I just
don't have time.

I'm so sorry.

Will you take a bell cake,
as a Christmas present?

You're a lifesaver, Adam.

- Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas!

Well, that's another one.

You're turning away
customers, Adam.

We're behind on gingersnaps,

the sugar cookies
are running low, and...

Adam, slow down.

I can get help for all that.

We're a neighborhood bakery,

selling to people
what they expect.

Now, all of the sudden,

we have people coming in here

every five minutes,

asking for your cakes.

There's lines outside the door.

Ray, is this a roundabout way
of saying you're firing me?

Firing you?

I'm talking about
making you a partner.

- Are you serious?
- Yes.

We have people
banging down our doors

to get to your cakes.

Now, I know you've always wanted
to open your own bakery,

so why not open it
right in here?

I don't follow.

I'm talking about
your own display case,

your name out front.

What do you say, partner?

It sounds pretty good to me.

Well, we got that
taken care of.

Wait till Brooke
hears about this.

And Taylor... what about her?

You know, ever since
you found out she was leaving,

you haven't smiled much.

So why don't you go tell her
how you feel

and let her decide
if she wants to leave or not.

Ray...

I don't want to stop Taylor
from living her life.

All I'm saying

is Taylor's the one
who walked in here

and asked you to partner up.

She came to you, cap in hand.

Now, maybe it's your turn
to do the same?

Is it that obvious how I feel?

Please.

I can tell
you don't want Taylor to go.

So tell her.

And what if she leaves anyway?

Well, then she leaves.

At least she'll know
how you feel.

Thanks, Ray.

Thank goodness.
I thought I missed...

Wendy?
Is Taylor here?

Sorry, Adam.

I was just boxing up
some of her things.

She was in a hurry.

She left for the airport
a couple hours ago.

Her flight's taking off
any minute.

This is a pre-boarding call
for flight 714 bound for Paris.

At this time,

anyone requiring assistance

or traveling
with small children,

please check in.

Excuse me,

but a family that just boarded

forgot this.

I'll make sure they get it.

Linda?

This is Taylor.

We need to talk.

Look, Dad, new skates!

Santa even remembered

I was wishing
for pink skate guards.

Santa doesn't usually
drop the ball.

It's just too bad
Taylor's not here.

We could have all gone
skating together.

That's okay.

You and I will.

But first, we've got
to check out Santa's landing,

so go get dressed
and grab your coat.

I left it upstairs.

I'll be right back.

- Taylor?
- Hi.

What are you doing here?

I'm sorry...

I hope
I'm not interrupting anything.

I thought you'd left.

Come in.

Well, I was on my way
last night,

but then I realized
I forgot something.

What did you forget?

I have been traveling so long,

I forgot what home felt like.

And since I found it
this week...

why would I want to leave?

But what about your job?

My firm got the downtown
redevelopment project.

The Mayor confirmed it.

Which means Linda will be
needing someone to head it up.

It'll be the biggest job
I've ever done.

But what about Paris?

Your dream?

I've got everything
I've ever dreamed of right here.

So you're staying?

I am.

Great!

Then you can come
to my grand opening.

Or "re-opening," I should say.

Excuse me?

"Ray's Bakery"
is having a grand re-opening...

As "Ray and Adam's Bakery".

I'll be handling
the speciality pastries only.

It wouldn't have happened
with you.

Are you kidding?

Adam, that's great!

This calls for a celebration!

Then you'd better
get your skates,

because in this house,

every Christmas Day
after we go to Santa's Landing,

we hit the ice.

But before we go this year...

I think there's
another tradition

we should start.

And what's that?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Dad, who are you talking to?

Taylor, you're here?

Yes, I'm here.

And I couldn't be happier.

Now...

How about we go check out

those new skates
I see under the tree?

Look, Taylor.

Oh...

Merry Christmas.