Christmas List (2016) - full transcript

RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM

Isobel?

The ornaments are only
for looking, remember?

Those are very expensive.

When I grow up can I have
a real tree?

Why would you want that?

This one will be yours one day.

Besides, real trees dry out,
sweetie.

This way everything stays
neat and clean.

There we go. That's better.

Can I make a gingerbread house?



You know I just cleaned
the kitchen.

But we can get one from
the bakery if you'd like.

Just play quietly and don't
get your colours on the carpet.

Someday I'm gonna have
my own Christmas,

with gingerbread and decorations
I can touch.

And a lot of other stuff.

Help me think, Buddy.

Ice skating, sing caroling,

a picture with Santa,

and a real tree.

Perfect as ever, Isobel.

It just wouldn't be Christmas
without that tree.

Aren't family traditions
just wonderful?

Thank you for agreeing
to house sit, mom.



With all those painters
running around my place,

I needed somewhere to escape.

And I'll find plenty
to do around here.

That could use a little water,
dear.

Hey, is that what I think it is?

I found it in your old
bedroom closet.

Thought you might like
to have it.

It's my old treasure box!

My doll.

My old building blocks?

I haven't thought
about these things in years.

You know, these big ones
really should be

on the bottom branches, right?

Have you decided where
you and your new boyfriend

are going, by the way?

No, not yet.

Brett left it up to me but
I know he'd prefer Hawaii.

And how are you two doing?

Is this serious?

It's fun.

Too soon to tell.

I think we're both thinking
this will be a good opportunity

for us to get to know
one another better.

It's my old Christmas list!

Ice skate, sing carols,
picture with Santa...

where did I think of
all these things?

All those old holiday movies you
used to love so much I guess.

Everything I thought
Christmas should be.

What? What're you doing?

Maybe we won't go to Hawaii
this year after all.

Perfect Christmas town?

Perfect Christmas town.

That's everything
I always thought Christmas

should look like.

Snow.

I always wanted snow.

Pine trees! Icicles! Snow!

Yeah, that's what I get
for spending my entire life

in San Diego, right?

85 degrees in December,
how is that normal?

Let's hear it for Isobel Grey,
everyone.

Our award-winning VP of design

and the one to thank
for today's celebration.

To Isobel.

Isobel.

Well, I hope you all
are having a great time

and you know how much I love
to organize.

Mr. Bishop? A Mr. Hernandez?

Put that through to my office.

I... I'm sorry everyone,
I have to take this

but here's to you all with
thanks for a great year gone by

and an even better year ahead.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Oh! Goodness!

I am so, so sorry!

Don't even worry about it.

It's a fashion house so luckily
we have options.

Hey, everyone!

There is cake.

I didn't make it so...

You all are safe.

Come in.

Sorry I had to duck out.

Is everything alright?

It is now.

I'm all done with work
and now I get to spend

seven whole days alone with
this new guy I've been seeing.

New guy? I don't like
the sound of that.

Anyone I know?

Brett Bishop?

Maybe you've heard of him?

He owns the company?

Brett Bishop...

Brett Bishop Design?
That Brett Bishop?

Yeah.

Lucky guy.

So, I know we talked about
going somewhere hot,

somewhere beachy...

Right.

But I made us reservations
in the most perfect

Christmas town ever.

Why do I have a feeling
we have different ideas

about what that is.

Snow, roaring fireplaces,
sweaters.

And to make sure we don't
forget about a thing,

I made a bucket list.

A bucket list. Are you alright?

'Cause, you know, usually
you make a bucket list

if you're about to...

Not that kind of bucket list,
a Christmas bucket list.

A list of things you wanna
make sure you do

before the holidays are gone.
Not me.

See?

I started it when I was a kid.

I just updated it.

They're all the things I missed
out on growing up.

A real tree, caroling,
ice skating.

These all sound very cold.

What about palm trees
or Santa on a surf board?

We have so much to learn
about each other.

Please tell me you love it.

I just so want a real Christmas
this year.

What's...
what's this last one?

A secret wish?

Well that one's new

but I promise you it's worth
your time to find out.

Really?

What do you think?

This is... this is great.

It's amazing, but...
I've got some bad news.

I mean, not... not bad news...

OK, yeah, no it's... it's bad.

Our factory down in Rio,

they got a real mess
on their hands

and I have to fly down there.

South America? When?

Oh no.

If there was a way around it...

But... but our flights are
first thing in the morning.

You go without me.

I'll meet you there
in a few days.

Christmas at the latest.

But that's days away.

I will make this up to you.
I promise. OK?

I gotta run.

I'll call you.

Nothing a little Christmas
can't fix.

Decorate a real tree.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Too tilty...

Yes. You're perfect.

Look at you.

You even smell like Christmas.

How would you like
to come home with me?

Hi there.

This one's taken for.

Looks like we have a problem.

No, not really because

I saw it first.

OK. Maybe you saw that side of
it first, but...

This side, that side,

it's all the same tree

so if you wouldn't mind
just letting go.

Alright, well here's the thing.

Kyle here has really got his
heart set on this one, so...

Kyle?

Kyle, and... that's Trish.

Hi.

I'm sorry, you are...?

Isobel.

Isobel Grey.

Hi Isobel Grey, Jamie Haughton.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Wanna come to my show?

It's a school thing.

Not now, Kyle,
we're negotiating.

Well, no. We're not exactly
negotiating

because there's nothing
to negotiate

because this tree is mine.

OK. Here's the thing.

I'd be happy to help you
find another tree in the lot...

Oh, no, Jamie...

you don't mind if I call you
Jamie, do you?

You see, this may be a
little bit hard to believe

but I picked out this exact tree
25 years ago.

That's very hard to believe.

I'm not kidding.

This exact tree.

This... this shape and size
and colour.

I've been dreaming
about this tree

since I first knew what
a Christmas tree was.

See, I'm from California...

Oh, Jamie, give her the tree.

Listen to your wife.

Actually, I'm...

This Christmas has got to be
the one that I have in my head.

She's got Christmas in her head?

That's what she says.

The perfect town,
the perfect cottage,

the perfect holiday getaway
for me and my... my boyfriend.

Is he in your head, too?

No, he's coming, later,
eventually,

we think, by Christmas.

Most likely.

He's a very busy man.

Is your boyfriend Santa Clause?

Could we get back
to the tree please?

Yes. Here's the thing:

when Kyle sets his mind
on something

there's just no changing...

I found another one!

He found another one.

I'll go.

Let her have the tree.

The place closes
in five minutes.

Thank you.

OK.

Thank you, Kyle,
wherever you are.

Just come to my show!

So he plays clarinet
at the Christmas pageant

at his school.

It's the day after tomorrow.

That's what that is.

And it's looking like that's
gonna be the price for the tree,

so... are you in?

Absolutely.

Sure.

I'll do my very best.

Great.

Thank you.

Sure.

Merry Christmas. Really.

Merry Christmas to you.

Really.

It seems so much easier
in my head.

Hey!

Hey.

You want a hand? I got lots
of room in the back.

If I need a ride
I'll call a taxi.

Bye.

Right.

Are you sure it's not...
too big?

It's a pretty big tree.

I know what I'm doing.

Oh, goodness.

Yeah, I can see you've got
everything under control there.

OK, fine. Help.

Only if you're sure.
I don't want to impose.

I could do it myself.

Really.

Thank you.

No problem.

That's very nice.

Beautiful tree.

Excellent choice.

Alright.

Hey, I know you said
you had a boyfriend, right?

Is that... is that serious?

Well, we're... we're figuring
it out.

We're assessing things.

What does that mean? Ah?

Nothing.

Just a regular old "ah".

I have to admit you were right.

It fits perfectly.

I told you, I've been planning
this forever.

And the very best part is
it's completely real.

Is this the first time you've
ever had a real tree?

My mom always thought
they were too messy.

I grew up terrified that Santa
was gonna pass our house by

because there wasn't
a real tree in the window.

Well, hey, maybe this year
Santa's gonna bring you

what you really want.

Maybe he will.

What's going on over here?

The tree needs ornaments.

And you're making them?

Some of them.

I'm sure it's not the kind
of construction you're used to.

I saw your truck.

Haughton Construction.

You're not the only one
around here who's observant.

I'm impressed.

Well, what I am gonna do
is grab you some more fuel

for that fire.

Nights can dip into the single
digits out here.

I don't want you freezing
before Santa can even show up.

I'm just fine, I can take
care of myself.

Just answer your call.

I'm gonna get some wood
and then I'll leave, OK?

Oh, hey!

Izzy, hey.

Look, I just got a quick second
between meetings.

How's it going?

It's so great.

Look, look. I got us a tree.

That one?

It looks a little,
you know, bare.

Well, I'm getting to that.

One thing at a time.

You know what?
Don't worry about it.

I'll take care of it
when I get up there.

So when do you think
that might be?

Well, I'm still gonna be here
for a few more days.

I really, really miss you.

I hate thinking of you
all alone up there.

Hey. I'll put it
by the fireplace, OK?

Oh, yeah, perfect.

Who was that?

Is... is somebody there with you?

No, just log man.

Log man?

OK, you're all set.

Sorry.

Enjoy your stay.

I will. Thank you, log man.

Thank you very much.

Say hello to your wife and son.

My sister and nephew.

Yeah, will do.

Izzy?

I think we have
a bad connection.

Isobel?

Hi. I'm... I'm sorry.

I'm sorry about that.

Yes, I miss you, too.

Alright.

Gingerbread recipe.

Better bring the hoses, boys.

This could be a real
barn burner.

No! There's no barn,
no burning.

Stay back, ma'am.

You OK?

Yeah, I'm fine. Jamie?

You're a fireman too?

Volunteer brigade.

I help out when I can.

Stay here, we got this.

There's nothing to get!

Will somebody just listen to me?

Just for the record I'm normally
a much neater cook than this.

OK.

So all this just
from cooking, huh?

Well, baking, cooking...

Well, you don't need
the fire department, ma'am.

What you need is a...

clean-up crew.

Say, Scotty, she's actually
a friend of mine.

My shift's almost over,

do you mind if I stay here

and just help her clean
this stuff up?

It's fine with me, just keep
her away from the oven.

And future reference,

you might wanna consider
take-out.

Thanks.

Thank you, Scotty.

You know, it was such
a beautiful day.

Such a great morning.

I woke up early,
the sun was shining,

there were birds chirping
and it was just perfect.

And then, there it was,
this sign:

"Gingerbread Contest."

It's an annual thing.

Of course it's an annual thing,

because this is exactly
what I've dreamed about.

A small town, these traditional
activities,

and I thought hey, why not?

I can do that.

Build a gingerbread house?

Yes. Exactly.

And I was ready.

I bought everything,
I... I got gumdrops and...

and peppermint sticks.

Fence post?

No. No thanks, I'm... no.

I'm fine.

Listen, I'll tell you what.

If it's really that important
to you...

It really is.

OK, that contest?

Yeah?

Everything's pre-baked.

Really?

Yeah. All you have to do
is put it together.

You don't say.

So if you want to drive me
back into town

I can guarantee you a spot
at the table.

Hold that thought.

Mom, yes.

You didn't call last night
so I thought...

what's happened to you?

What...

Oh, that? I'm fine.

It was just a little
baking accident.

Is that a fireman behind you?

Yep. Hello.

Yeah, there's nothing...

nothing going on here, mom.

Everything is all good.

The fireman is gonna
take me to a...

To a hospital, right?

No, to a gingerbread contest.

Honey, we have a bad connection.

Listen mom, I need to go
so you just relax

and I will talk to you soon.

OK? Bye bye.

Now. About that contest.

These kids are ringers,
making me look bad.

I think you know one of
these ringers, actually.

Kyle, remember Isobel?

Don't forget my show tomorrow.

I won't.

You know, there's no limit

to the amount of candy
you can use.

It's unlimited.

Thank you, that's very helpful,

but I'm going for a more
streamlined look.

Well, mission accomplished
there.

You should probably add a bit
more icing to your roof though,

it's gonna fall off.

Who's house is this?

Which one of us owns
a construction company?

Oh no!

How much time do I have?

Not much.

Tick tock.

OK, contestants. That's it.

Everybody step back from
your gingerbread houses.

Do you think I have a chance?

If they judge by the pound,
you're golden.

Hey, seventh place.

That's not so bad, right?

No. Considering there were only
seven contestants...

Hey. You're not helping.

Hey, I know something
that'll cheer you up.

It's a place my mom used
to take me when I was a kid.

I don't think I wanna know.

Do you trust me?

At this point, what else
do I have to lose?

That's the spirit.

This is incredible.

Right?

Where did these come from?

Well, Santa's elves
actually built this as a gift

for the town over 100 years ago.

I almost believe that.

Yeah, I thought you might.

Tell me, what's the fascination
with the gingerbread houses?

When I was little there was
a bakery in my neighbourhood.

Every year around the holidays

she had this amazing gingerbread
house in the window

and I'd just walk by it

and imagine the perfect
cookie woman

in her perfect cookie house.

I'm gonna take a wild guess

and say this cookie woman's
name was Isobel.

What gave it away?

Yeah.

And she was a designer
just like me.

Oh, really?

What do you design?

Fashion.

Yeah.

Brett Bishop Designs.

Very cool.

So what you're wearing
right now, did you design that?

Yeah, I did.

I love it.

Thank you so much.
Me too.

The company design is
a little more polished,

more urban.

It's not exactly where my heart
is but boy does it sell.

Right.

Pretty cool, huh?

This is perfect.

So gingerbread Isobel...

Yeah.

...she's what?

Realistic.

Okay. So she doesn't design
what she likes?

She designs what sells.

She has her own brand,
her own company.

Something big, international.

And that house,
probably in Paris.

Paris?

The property value there is...

the gumdrop sidewalk alone...

She can afford it.

She's wildly successful,
remember?

Very good.

Enough about me,
tell me about you.

If you were a gingerbread man
who would you be?

Oh, my guy? Easy.

Just wants to be happy,

own his own business,
little family,

lots of small town
gingerbread friends.

Alright.

To each his own, I guess.

Hey, listen.

After all that construction
today and this horseback race,

you gotta be building up
an appetite.

Let me buy you lunch.

You mean like a...
like a date?

No, no.

It'll be more like a consolation
prize, you know?

Plus there's that old saying:

Man cannot live on
gingerbread alone.

Giddy up!

Here's your usual.

And one for the lady,
on the house

seeing as it's almost Christmas.

What? Thank you, Patty.

Thank you.

Are you supposed to eat
these or climb them?

Cute girl.

Beautiful jacket.

Thank you.

She's talented, too.

She designed that jacket
herself, right?

Well, something like that would
sell like hotcakes up here.

Really?

Well, let's not get ahead
of ourselves.

Even the hotcakes don't sell
like hotcakes up here, Patty.

Joke hurts.

But I'm serious about this girl.
Don't mess it up.

We're not together.

Well, that's a shame.

Water. I'll be right back.

Thank you.

OK.

OK.

Let's be honest.

Who has a mouth this big?

Sorry, you were saying?

Never mind.

I have to say,

I still can't believe the mess
I made yesterday.

Being messy is fun sometimes.

Sometimes I guess, but
it's like a road trip.

It's better if you have
a map, right?

Then you miss all the surprises
along the way.

Great job colour coordinating
the sugar packets,

by the way.

Couldn't even look
at them before.

You know what your tree needs?

What?

Lights.

I didn't even think of that.

Perfect.

Are we ready?

I am ready.

OK.

Here we go.

Alright.

Alright.

I think that is the most
beautiful Christmas tree

I have ever had.

It's the one in your head.

Exactly.

Alright.

It's making me think of
something I haven't done

since I was a kid, but we used
to do it all the time.

A tree this size...
do you want to try it?

It's a little odd.

Considering the source,
I'm not surprised.

Come on. Here.

Come down here.

What are you doing?

Just... it's not too weird,
I promise.

Just lie down.

Come on.

And this accomplishes what,
exactly?

Just look up.

That's what a Christmas sky
should look like.

That's spectacular.

Spectacular.

Thank you, Jamie.

I'm very happy right now.

Very tired.

But very happy.

Isobel?

Mom?!

Well, it's worse than I thought.

You asleep under the tree...

I can explain that.

And now this?

It's a wonder anyone
got out alive.

Mom, seriously.
Why are you here?

You said you needed me.

I didn't.

I listened between the lines.

What lines? There were no lines.

Look. Show me to my room,
we'll get started.

What room?

You don't have a room.

You don't... you're not even
supposed to be here.

This was on the front door.

"I didn't want to wake you"
it says.

Who's Jamie?

Nobody.

Just a somebody who helped me
with the tree lights.

Why did he leave you under the
tree like a Christmas package?

And where is the boyfriend?

The boyfriend is coming.

Mom, seriously, you can't stay.

I'm not kidding.

You know, I didn't bring
the right clothes.

It's much colder here
than I thought.

And have you noticed
it's so small?

The streets, the buildings,
everything is so small.

And... is that a real tree?

Isobel.

And the lights are all wrong.

They're all bunched up.

They look right to me.

Never mind,
we'll fix them later.

So where's my room?

You don't have a room.

Because you don't live here.

So where's Brett?

Brett who?

I'm just kidding.

Brett's still coming, mom.

He just had a last minute
business trip.

No, seriously.

The company is growing
very fast,

concessions have to be made.

Yes, but it seems like
the only person

making concessions is you.

That's exactly why I need
this time with him... alone.

Time you're not getting.

I'm not kidding.

I have to figure out whether
this is just, you know,

casual dating or something
more serious.

Darling.

Let's go for a sandwich
is casual.

Let's spend a week in a cabin?

I'm not so sure.

I'm almost afraid to ask...

but what's this?

Where did you find this?

Right out in the open
in your dresser drawer.

A bucket list?

Mom.

It's not that kind of
bucket list.

It's just a list of things
I want to make sure I do

before Christmas ends.

Only Santa takes sleigh rides
these days.

That tree. What a mess.

And The Nutcracker?

In a town with one stop light?

But mom, these things
are important to me.

The tree, the lights.

And this.

We could have had gingerbread,
any bakery in town.

Well, this one had to be mine.

Your own gingerbread?

Do you hear how that sounds?

You're up here all by yourself,
no friends, nothing to do.

I've got plenty to do.

In fact, how do you feel
about Christmas pageants?

It is so great to meet you,
Ellen.

Unfortunately the timing
is not great.

Right, buddy?

I can't do it.

We will figure something out,
honey.

Kyle was going to play clarinet
while all the ballerinas danced.

I can't do it now.

Why not? Is your clarinet
broken?

Mrs. Meechum's ankle is.

The ballet teacher.

She was going to lead Anna and
the other girls in their dance.

They've been working on it
for weeks.

Maybe I could talk to them?

Sure.

Hey.

You sure do look pretty
in that dress.

It's a tutu.

Well, it's tutu cute on you.

Hey, I heard that you were maybe
thinking about not dancing.

We can't. Not without
Mrs. Meechum.

You know, I used to take
ballet lessons

when I was just about your age.

She didn't think she was
good enough so she quit.

My daughter's always been hard
on herself.

I don't know where
she gets that.

I'm a sugar plum fairy.

Is that what you were
gonna dance?

The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker?

Did you hear that?

Is there something special
about The Nutcracker?

I'm not the one to ask.

How would you feel about me
dancing with you?

But you don't know the steps.

Well I know you can show me.

And the rest of it,
we'll just wing it.

Here, let's see if these fit.

It's like it was made for me.

Hey Kyle, warm up that clarinet

because these birds
are going dancing.

Yes!

Was that OK?

OK? It was amazing!

Honestly, that was so good!

Oh, darling.

I loved it so much
seeing you happy like that.

Not even caring if the steps
were right.

They weren't.

I know.

Everybody knew,
but it was wonderful.

Thanks mom.

I may have been wrong
about this place.

It has its charms.

It does, doesn't it?

There's something you don't see
in San Diego I bet.

What're they doing?

School trip up the mountain.

Local tire company supplies
the tubes and they...

it's like sledding.

That's sort of like sleighing,
isn't it?

Dear lord.

Mom?

You've lost your mind.

She's lost her mind. Tell her.

Oh, come on.

How many times are we ever
gonna have a chance

to do something like this again?

With any luck, never.

Oh, no. If you want to throw
yourself down a mountain

you're on your own.

Can you tell me how
to get there?

It's a locals only place,
you'd never find it.

But I can take you there.

Well, I couldn't let you
do that.

Let the man take you sleighing
if he wants to.

Sledding?

Tubing.

Whatever.

We're going.

Here are the keys.

Bye. Have fun!

I will.

Are you sure this is
the right place?

I don't see anybody else around.

Let the kids have their
own mountain.

This is my secret spot.

Are you sure you haven't
just brought me out here

to freeze to death?

At Christmastime,
with Santa watching?

Do you think I'm nuts?

Yeah.

So what's the story behind
the sleigh ride?

What makes you think
there's a story?

Because everything you do
has a story behind it.

Have you ever seen the movie
White Christmas?

No, I can't say I have.

You haven't seen
White Christmas?!

Is that the one with the elf?

No, that would be Elf.

Right.

White Christmas is a classic.

It's got Bing Crosby
and Rosemary Clooney,

they sing and dance and fight.

So it's just like us.

Except for the singing
and dancing part.

And then at the end
there's a sleigh ride

and the snow comes falling down
and everybody is so happy.

I want Rosemary Clooney's
happy ending.

Snow and all.

Well, I... granted, at the end

she doesn't go sledding off
on an inner tube.

I tell you, she does not know
what she's missing.

Are you ready?

I'm ready.

OK.

Grab a tube.

OK.

This place is something else.

Something else, huh?

It's really special to you.

Yeah.

I used to come here a lot
with my dad.

He died pretty young and,
you know,

I felt the pressure to step up,
be the man of the house.

How old were you?

Not old enough.

Whenever I wanted time to myself

to help put things
in perspective

this is where I came.

OK, about these tubes.

Right. What do we do?

It's super easy.

Throw it down, hop on it,
let gravity do the rest.

Sounds like a plan.

OK.

But I want to give you
two pointers first.

Hey!

I said a few pointers!

Help!

Hold on!

Hold on to what?!

Just hold on!

Are you OK?

Are you OK?

Is anything broken?

Are you alright?

I don't care if I broke
every bone in my body.

I've never been better.

You are nuts.

I know.

That was awesome.

You look...

Yeah?

Wha... wait, wha...

I'm sorry. That's my bad.

You can't just kiss a person
like that.

I know.

I said I was sorry.

You should be.

I'm sorry.

Hey.

Hey, you dropped something.

Give that back to me, please.

What is it?

Christmas Bucket List?

Isobel, are you OK?

It's not that kind of
bucket list.

Why does nobody get that?

Christmas tree, gingerbread
house, The Nutcracker.

Is that what Kyle's concert
was about?

It's personal.

It's alright. I just...

you need a list to get through
Christmas?

Doesn't that take
all the fun out of it?

It's the way my family just
spends the holiday anyway.

Well, I'm very happy for you
and your family.

I'm just saying you don't
need to force it, you know?

Christmas has a life of its own.

You just let it happen.

Everything will work out.

Christmas has never had a way
of working out for me.

For me it's always been about
sun burns and traffic jams

and overtime and too many
crowds and too much stress.

And for once I would really like
Christmas to just be perfect.

Good enough just won't cut it?

Nothing is ever
just good enough.

I'm so sorry. That must
be exhausting.

Well I'm sorry that my life
offends you.

But this is the way
I've planned it

and this is the way
I'm living it.

No, no, no, no. Isobel.

That's not what I meant.

Take me home!

How was the sleigh ride?

You're home so soon.

What are you doing?

Well, didn't we agree
the lights are all wrong?

No, we didn't.

They were fine the way
they were.

Well, we both know they weren't,
but now they're perfect.

Isobel, what...

What're you doing?

I'm leaving.

This was a stupid idea.

Call Brett and tell him
not to come.

Instead of having hot cocoa
by a fireplace

we'll have margaritas
on a beach.

That's probably what
he would prefer anyway.

Is this about some silly lights?

I thought I was doing something...

Mom, it's not...
I'm not mad at you.

I'm mad at myself, OK?

I'm mad about the gingerbread
house

and I'm mad about the lights

and the fact that I can't handle
one more day

of my own unrealistic
expectations of myself.

At least let me help you
fold these.

I can't even do that right.

Sweetheart.

You are so hard on yourself.

You've been like that
all your life,

even when you were young.

You wouldn't bring home your
artwork for heaven's sake.

Well, that's because I coloured
outside the lines.

You were five.

Well, Mozart was writing
symphonies

when he was five, right?

What has that got to do
with this?

I'm just saying if he was
writing symphonies

he was probably colouring
inside the lines.

Alright, you stop this.

Stop it right now, because I
won't have you feeling this way.

I just... I just won't.

We need to talk.

Your father and I were never
a good match.

But I tried to make
everything perfect.

Dinner was waiting
and the house was clean

if everything was just so...

That's how I've always felt.

Yes, but the drive for
perfection is mine, not yours.

I've given you such
a terrible gift.

Can you forgive me?

Oh, mom, there's nothing
to forgive.

You alphabetize your
office supplies.

There's nothing wrong
with being organized.

If it doesn't rule your life.

It's taken me all these years
to learn this.

I just want you to know
that the world

isn't gonna come to an end if
the tree lights are all wrong

and if the gingerbread
house topples

and I don't want you
to jeopardize

what you have
with Jamie because of...

Brett.

Whoever.

I do love you, you know.

I love you.

Flaws and all.

I have flaws?

Do you want me to make a list?

No! No more lists!

Oh, alright.

Come on.

Let's... let's go call
the airport.

No, it's OK. I changed my mind.

I'm gonna stay.

I'm not talking about you.

My sister's expecting me for
Christmas dinner, you know.

And you have your
own life to live

and your own holiday to enjoy.

But if you don't mind,

I want to pack my own suitcases.

Deal.

Merry Christmas, captain.

Well, if it isn't the baker.

Is Jamie around?

No. You might want to try
the toy store.

Toys and Treasures?

The toy store?

Hello, there.

Merry Christmas.

Isobel.

Volunteer firefighter,
contractor, toy sales.

Is there anything you don't do?

No, it's my mom's
business, actually.

I'm just helping out.

Mom, this is Isobel.

She's visiting from San Diego.

Hi.

The ballerina.

Well done.

I'm Kathy. Welcome.

Any friend of Jamie's
is a friend of mine.

Well I'm not so sure
we're still friends.

I owe your son a huge apology
for yesterday.

You don't. You don't
owe me anything.

It's fine.

I shouldn't tell you
how to live your life.

I was out of line.

If he says he was, he was.

Who's side are you on here?

You've always been
an honest boy.

Santa's gone?

Oh, David.

Santa and his elf just left.

Now how will he know what
I want for Christmas?

I'm so sorry, honey.

You know what?

Don't worry about it,
'cause Santa always knows.

Maybe he's just gone feeding
his reindeer?

He's actually gone for the day.

He's back there changing.

Let me see if I can go
catch him.

Go.

Hey, Jamie?

What's up?

We are.

No.

Ho ho ho hold on a minute.

It's Santa!

And I've got Jingles, my elf.

And Santa is open for business!

It turns out that I've got time
for one more visit

before I fly back
to the North Pole.

Yeah, so why don't you
hop on up on Santa's lap

and tell him what you want
for Christmas?

Oh, geez.

You're heavier than you look,
David.

It's David, right?

David Anthony Owens.

Santa knows my name!

Santa knows everything.

That's right.

So tell me David, have you been
a good boy this year?

I thought you knew everything.

Of course I do, I was just...
just double checking.

Why don't you go ahead and

tell Santa what you want
for Christmas?

He's got a list.

All that?

Well, go ahead.

Go ahead and tell us.

I want a video game, a
Super Trooper action figure,

a remote control car,
a skateboard, a...

Why don't, you just
let Santa surprise you

with something this year?

Why don't you just let go
of your expectations

about Christmas and just
let it happen to you?

How about that?

No.

I'd rather have a video game,
a Super Trooper action figure,

a remote control car, a soccer
ball and a baseball mitt.

OK.

Quite a team, huh?

Be honest though,

did that Santa outfit
make me look fat?

Well, a little bit.

Excuse me.

Jingles the elf here, you've
reached the North Pole.

Do I... do I have the wrong number?

No, silly, it's me.

I'm just having a little
holiday fun.

Oh, fun.

I so wish you were here.

It's just not the same
without you.

That's what I hoped to hear.

How's the list coming along?

It's getting there.

I've got so much
to tell you about.

This has really been
the best holiday ever.

I... I mean it could be better,
obviously.

It will be.

Listen, Christmas is still
three days away,

I'm wrapping things up here,
I'll be out on the next flight.

And keep that elf outfit handy.

I have a few ideas I want
to run by Santa myself.

Yeah? OK.

I'll see you soon.

Bye.

Thanks, my dear.
Merry Christmas.

That was so sweet what
you did with David.

Well how many chances
am I ever gonna have to get

my picture taken with Santa?

Not even if you planned it.

Jamie said that you're
in town alone.

If you're not busy,
why don't you come over

and have dinner with us tonight?

Nothing fancy, just family.

Are you sure I wouldn't be...

I'll pick you up at 7:00.

OK. Thank you.

I am so glad you could join us
for dinner tonight, Isobel.

I'm honoured.

It's such a family affair.

Hey Kyle, did you bring
your clarinet tonight?

Maybe you could play us
something later.

Totally.

Yeah?

You won't have to ask him twice.

He gets that from his father.

A friendly warning, this one
plays the accordion

and he's been practicing
the "Twelve Days of Christmas."

Don't encourage him.

I forgot Trish's casserole.

Can I help you in the kitchen?

No!

No, no.

You told them!

I told everybody.

I can't believe you really
made all these yourself.

Just like my mother taught me.

And her mother taught her.

Gee, my mother always said
if it couldn't be delivered

we didn't need it.

That really was such
a delicious dinner, Kathy.

Homemade cooking is all.

Some old family recipes and...

could you grab those napkins
for me, dear?

Oh yeah, of course.

Thanks.

Do these have a special
significance?

That's a sentimental value.

That's Jamie's first
construction project.

There's nothing that boy
couldn't build.

Yeah.

It helped him through
some difficult years.

Yeah, he told me about his dad.

Really?

He doesn't like to talk
about those days much.

But those blocks,
they're just like a...

I don't know, a constant
reminder of...

Reminder of what?

Well...

Hey mom, what's going on
with that dessert?

Yeah!

I want some pie!

The natives are restless.

We better get the pie in there.

You grab that one,
I'll get this one.

Can I get ice-cream too!!

Coming!

I love this.

This entire evening.

Just a typical family dinner.

No, no, no. You
don't understand.

I was an only child.

You have got an entire family
of people in there

who love you.

You actually are that
gingerbread family,

you know that?

Do you even know
how special that is?

Well, you're right.

You know, I never thought
of it that way.

Look at those stars.

Have they always been up there?

Hiding behind your city lights.

Just like people when
they let themselves relax.

Oh, shoot. I got something
for ya.

What?

There you go.

What, for me?

Yeah.

But it's not even Christmas yet.

It's not even...

Just stop.

It's not even Christmas Eve
until tomorrow.

Just open it, it's no big deal.

Oh my goodness.

A... a tree, a gingerbread house,
a sleigh.

Can you believe all the charms
they had there

and not one inner tube?

Not that I could find, anyway.

What's the question mark?

Well that's...

that's your secret Christmas
wish, right?

I don't... I don't even know
what to say.

This is just the most
thoughtful, perfect gift.

I didn't get you anything.

No, don't.

It's fine.

The point is I just...

I saw something and I thought
you would like it

I love it.

Good.

Thank you.

So much, for everything.

You're welcome.

Is that important?

Yeah, it's Brett.

He's in a cab on his way
from Portland.

Should... should I bring you
back, or...?

Probably. Yeah.

OK.

Thank you.

Looks like he's already here.

No need to walk me up.

Why, are you embarrassed?

Is he super short?

Does he have a unibrow?

Is he like 94 years old?

Because you can tell me.

No.

He's young and handsome
and perfectly normal.

You can't imagine how sad
it makes me to hear that.

I wondered what happened to you.

Hey!

Hey.

Who is this?

This is a friend I met in town.

Jamie Haughton, Brett Bishop.

Hey, Brett.

Oh yeah, like the company,
right?

See? I told him all about you.

That's funny.

I haven't heard a word
about you.

Why don't you come inside
and join us for a minute?

No, no, I don't...

Come on, I insist.

OK.

Let's get out of this cold.

It's freezing out here!

OK.

He insists.

Alright.

Brett.

You arranged all of this?

This is so...

It's romantic.

Sit, sit. Jamie, grab that
cushion thing there.

Sorry about the wine,

I specifically asked
my assistant

for white and he sent red.

He'll hear from me.

Off with his head!

You're serious?

So you live up here, do you?

Yeah.

Yeah, Jamie's family has been
so great.

They've really been keeping
me busy.

Well, how lucky for Isobel.

I mean, I can't imagine there's
much to do in a town this size.

Feed the livestock,
watch the stop light change.

Ha.

Yeah, well don't fool yourself,

it can get pretty crazy
around here.

The library got a new book
last month.

Pandemonium.

Sorry about the coffee mug.

They only sent two proper
glasses with the delivery.

What should we toast to?

Small town charms?

How about to Christmas?

To Christmas.

Yes.

To Christmas.

Cheers.

Don't break it.

I almost forgot.

I found your list.

You weren't kidding.

You have been busy.

I mean, look at this thing.

Check, check, check,
check, check.

You know, when Izzy puts
her mind to something...

That's our Izzy.

Believe it or not,

most of these things on this
list just kind of happened.

Oh please, you don't let
anything just kinda happen.

So come on, what've you saved
for me?

Well let's see here.

We have ice skating
and Christmas caroling,

I haven't done that yet.

OK, ice skating.

We'll do it first thing
tomorrow,

tick it off the list and get
this thing back on track.

You, sir, look like a bit of
a sportsman.

Do you know of
a frozen lake nearby?

There is one actually,
but it's not safe to skate on.

That's a shame.

OK, well, we'll build a snowman,
or make a fruit cake.

I mean, it's not rally that
important what we do, is it?

Hey, you know,

for what it's worth there
is an indoor rink in town.

It doesn't open 'til noon

but I can probably grab you
the keys,

slide you guys in early.

There you go. Good man.

Problem solved.

Great, I'll set that up
for tomorrow.

I should go.

I've got family waiting, and...

Yes, you should.

You should go.

Well, it was...
interesting meeting you.

Yeah, yeah.

Geez, what a surprise?

Surprises all around.

Hey, will you please
tell your family thank you

from me again?

Yeah, for sure.

Thanks for coming.

Thank you.

OK, have a good night.

Yeah, you too. Goodnight.

Seventh place?

I didn't know they gave
ribbons for that.

I do not see a future for you
in gingerbread.

You know, I didn't
tell you about my trip.

Let me tell you, once this
factory is set up

we can expand into the entire
South American market.

Argentina, Ecuador, I mean how
is that for a New Year's plan?

Looks like someone's had
a long day.

Is your boyfriend sleeping in,
Izzy?

No, he had some mysterious
errand to run.

Firing assistants?
Trip to South America?

Nothing quite that elaborate.

I hope.

But you never know.

Can I give you a hand with that?

Yes, please.

I don't know what I'm doing.

How did you get the key, anyway?

I'm very tight with the owner.

Oh yeah?

I used to work here
when I was a kid.

You did?

Yeah. I did a lot of odd jobs
back then

to help the family out.

Paper route, gardening,
car wash.

Bicycle repair.

Just 'til you found
construction?

That's right.

Building something
out of nothing.

There's nothing like the feeling
of accomplishment, you know?

Yeah. And it's always been here?

You've never lived
anywhere else?

No.

Well, college.

Other than that Fall River's
been home.

You know it when you find it.

You wake up every morning

and your heart just feels right,
you know?

Probably how you feel
about San Diego, right?

Gosh, I can just imagine
how beautiful this must be

when it's filled with couples,
arm in arm,

twirling gracefully
around each other.

It's actually just a bunch
of awkward kids

tripping over each other
usually, but...

You have a very
vivid fantasy life.

Well, I've heard that before.

OK.

Alright.

So have you...
have you skated before?

Well... no.

No, I haven't skated before.

Ever.

Alright.

You want me to come out with
you and give you a few pointers?

Yes, please.

Definitely.

You're on your own.

No. Not on my own.

We'll fix that fast.

This is fun.

Oh my goodness!

Are you OK?

Yeah.

Looks like I got here
just in time.

Oh, hey.

Hey, Brett.

Hey. Do you mind if I cut in?

Yeah, of course.

Might need to hold onto her.

Yeah.

Roses? This time of year?

Well, you know me when I set
my mind to something.

Hey, thanks again for
setting this up, guy.

Yeah. Of course.

So you guys, it's yours
'til noon so have fun.

Great.

Thank you.

Oh, hey.

Can you put these
in some water for us?

Sure.

Thanks.

Yeah.

Hi.

Hi.

Look, I know this doesn't make
up for all the time we missed

but it's a start.

It's a beautiful start.

Should we do this?

Yes.

Now before we get started
I just...

don't feel embarrassed.

OK.

It's really slippery, this.

I'm gonna give it a shot.

OK.

Wish me luck.

I'm here if you need me.

Something like that?

A little something like that.

How did you learn how to skate?

I'm from Chicago, remember?

There's nothing else to do
in the winters there.

Well, that's a good point.

Shall we?

Yes.

Let's try.

Ooh, you got it. That's it.

That's good! Really good.

Are you up for a turn?

Yes.

This is quaint.

I suppose a nice Bordeaux
is out of the question.

Hey, why don't we just relax
and let the holidays happen?

Just let Christmas be whatever
it's supposed to be.

Take it as it comes.

That does not sound like you.

Where did you hear that?

Around.

Well hello there.

Hi, Patty.

This is my boyfriend, Brett.

Turkey platter special tonight,
all the fixings.

What could they do to turkey,
right?

OK, good. We'll take
two of those.

All white meat for me, no skin.

Instead of potatoes,
extra veggies, lightly steamed,

gravy on the side.

I'm sure I don't even need
to say no bread, no butter.

No, you do not.

I don't suppose you have
a gluten free option?

I don't suppose so.

Will that be it?

That's perfect.
Thank you, Patty.

OK, so we've got the skating
thing out of the way,

how soon do you think we can
get the rest of this list done

and just relax?

You know what?

About that list, we can just
forget it.

It's... it's silly.

I mean, it's been fun

but honestly nothing
really worked out

the way I planned it.

I didn't think so.

I mean, that gingerbread house?

What were you thinking?

I don't know.

Do you wanna just
head back home?

You mean it?

That would be amazing.

I mean, I'm sorry, but this
just isn't my idea of Christmas.

No.

Merry Christmas.
I can't forget you.

Jamie, you're such a sweetheart.

Are you here to join
your friends?

Hey.

Hey.

Hey, guys.

How was the ice?

Great.

We're heading to California.

What, before Christmas?

Fall River's a nice little town
but it's just not for us.

Right.

You'll always have Paris
I guess, huh?

Paris?

So great to meet both of you.

Take care.

If you're ever back this way
look me up, OK?

Jamie.

What was that all about?

I'm sorry, I'm just gonna go
clear something up.

Izzy.

Jamie, wait.

Hey, you know we're
just friends, right?

You're clear on that?

What's your point?

Well, we're very
different people.

Yeah, I think we've established
that.

Several times now, probably.

Stop being so agreeable.

Isobel, I'm just gonna throw
this out there, OK?

That guy's not right for you.

How would you know?

I mean, he obviously cares
about you

but he cares about himself
and his work more.

Who would pass up
the opportunity

to spend a week alone with you?

Honestly, he'd have to be crazy.

No apologies this time.

But I promise you I will
leave you alone

if that's what you want.
Is it?

Is it what?

Is that what you want?

Yeah. I... yeah, of course
that's what I want.

OK.

Nothing else for me to say then.

Wait!

Everything alright out here?

Hey, what is this?

Hey, you weren't supposed
to open that until tomorrow.

We always open our presents
Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve morning?

I've never been good at waiting,

you must know that
about me by now.

You would think that
I would but I didn't.

Exciting.

It's a... a shirt.

For a fashion guy
you're pretty quick.

Do you like it?

Yeah, sure.

It's... it's the right size
and everything.

Maybe a little woodsy.

Well, I know it's a little
not your usual style

but it's perfect
for the weather,

it's your favourite colour.

I got it when I thought
we were gonna be up here

for a little bit longer.

Yeah. Actually blue is
my favourite colour.

Blue?

Yeah.

No way.

It's the thought that counts
and it was a very nice thought.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

And now that
we're opening things...

You're opening things.

Part one of your
Christmas present.

Part one.

Yeah, I...

My goodness, what could it be?

I called in some favours.

And organized a private plane
to take us home today.

My goodness.

That's something.

I know, right?

And this is a holiday
that we can both enjoy.

Totally. That's...
this is perfect.

I know.

Let's start packing.

OK.

Great.

So I know we have these
international plans

but I have this idea
for a new line.

A main street boutique,
my own personal designs.

More casual.

Izzy...

Hear me out.

What if the next big thing
isn't global?

What if it's back home?

Small town America?

You know?

We could open a separate
division and do it

from, well, anywhere.

I don't think so.

I...

Sorry.

It's a text from Hugo.

Important?

They're all important.
Just one sec.

What is he doing?

Oh, shoot, you know what,
I need to check that text.

It's Hugo.

Does he know it's Christmas Eve?

He does, but apparently
our new equipment doesn't.

But you know it's
Christmas Eve, right?

Sorry.

I just really hoped we were
gonna have a chance

to spend some time together.

Unbelievable.

He wants to shut down
production for two weeks.

No, no, no.

There goes half our fabric
for the month.

You know what?
You deal with that.

I'll be right back.

Sorry, we're just closing.

Kathy, it's me.

Isobel.

Hi.

Is there something
I can help you with?

Oh, no.

I was just passing by.

My boyfriend and I are heading
back to California.

Mom, I got four more of these...

Oh, honey, I'll put those away
so you two can talk

before Isobel flies off
to California.

Hey.

Hey.

I'm really glad you're here.

I was hoping you would be.

I hated the way we left
things yesterday.

Yeah, yeah.
That's my fault.

I keep...

I keep saying things
around you that I don't mean.

You didn't mean what you said?

No, no.

No, I did, I mean,
the good things, I did.

The bad things, I didn't,

but you can decide
which is which.

So this is it, huh?
You're leaving?

As the song says, I'll be home
for Christmas.

What is with you and
holiday pop culture?

I'm sorry.

Well, I'm really glad
you came here.

Even if you didn't make it
to Christmas.

Maybe I'll get it right
next year.

Do those still sell?

Yeah.

Yeah, they do, actually.

Always a market for nostalgia
I suppose.

I saw some like this
in your mom's kitchen

when I came over for dinner.

She started to tell me a story
about them.

Right.

Well, you're not the only one
with stories I guess.

Care to share?

After my dad died I kinda lost
myself in work.

You know all those jobs
I told you about?

You were doing what you had to.

Just trying to help provide.

Yeah. That's what I told myself

but I was really just avoiding
the feelings, you know?

So I made sure I didn't have
time for them.

That makes sense.

Nothing to be ashamed of.

No, I know that now.

Because I... I found a set of
these in the attic

and the joy just came back.

Just a simple thing,
stacking one on top of another.

It made me realize

that life isn't about
a paycheque, you know?

It's about living full out.

It's about creating something
that means something to you

and leaving a bit of yourself
in the world.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I hope that you find something
like that, I truly do.

Because you really deserve it.

Thank you.

I gotta go.

I gotta... I gotta do a few things
and get home.

Christmas.

Have a safe flight, OK?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

OK.

He's... he's a good man,
Isobel.

And he has a soft spot for you.

You challenge him.

He needs someone like that.

And maybe you do, too.

What makes you say that?

I think it's pretty obvious
to both of us.

The pilot says ten minutes,
we'll be on our way.

Have I seen that jacket before?

Yes, I've been wearing it
all day.

Plus, you saw the sketches.

That's one of yours?

Yeah, it wasn't right
for the market.

Right. Right.

Hey, Brett.

Did you have any fun?

Sure I did.

Like what?

The... the skating,
that was great.

Of course, we could have found
a rink in California.

You know, I really wanted this
to be such a special time,

Christmas with
all the trimmings.

You know how important
this holiday was to me.

I know that everything
didn't work out exactly

as you had hoped but we gave it
our best, right?

I know that look.

Listen, I know we didn't get
as much time as you'd like,

but I will be with you as soon
as I can see

why these figures
aren't adding up.

I can't go with you
to California.

No, not right now.

What?

Something happened
to me up here.

Your business idea?

OK, you know what?

That's my fault,
I was too hasty.

We'll set up a meeting with
our distributor in the New Year,

you present your proposal
and I will keep an open mind.

I mean it.

I know you will, Brett,
that's not the point.

It's not about that.

So what is it?

Is it... is it Jamie?

It's not Jamie.

It's not anyone.

If it is, it's me.

OK, well I don't get that
at all.

I know you don't.

And I don't really get it,
either.

But the simple truth is
you have some place

you have to be right now
and I don't.

So I am going to take
some time for myself.

Here?

Yeah, the cabin is paid for
through the week.

So...

What're you gonna do?

I have absolutely no idea.
Isn't that exciting?

Isobel.

Carolers!

Oh, Jamie, come on.

Come, get your jacket, let's go!

I couldn't leave until I
finished my Christmas list.

Caroling?

What're you doing?
I thought you...

I wanna watch.

It's either them or hot
chocolate with marshmallows.

Your choice.

Hot chocolate.

Let's go.

So is this the end of it then?

Well, almost.

I do have two bits
of business remaining.

I need to find a construction
company to help me

with a business I'm thinking
of starting.

I thought maybe you might
know someone.

Thinking of branching out
on your own, are you?

I'd have to find the right shop
in the right town first.

I'm all over it.

That's... that's only one thing,
though.

You said there were
two bits left.

I did, didn't I?

Well...

Right.

The secret Christmas wish.

Hang on.

To kiss a man I love
under the mistletoe.

Is there a story behind that,
too?

Not yet.

But I'm hoping there will be.

RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM