Christmas in the Wilds (2021) - full transcript

Happy Thanksgiving!

Woo hoo!

Woo hoo!

Faster!

Whoooo!

♪ Hark! The herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild ♪

♪ God and sinners reconciled ♪

♪ Joyful, all ye nations rise ♪

♪ Join the triumph
of the skies ♪

♪ With th'angelic
host proclaim: ♪



♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem ♪

♪ Hark! The herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn King! ♪

Jess, where's the fire?

Too quick for you?

No.

But I am in no rush
to get back to

Thanksgiving craziness.

Yeah, I'll second that.

I have everything that I'm
thankful for right here.

I did not peg you for
an expert snowmobiler?

Wait till you see me on skis.

And snowshoes.

And I can build a
pretty mean snowman.



How did I not know
that about you?

You know, a true lady always
preserves an air of mystery.

Too late for that.

I already know how
amazing you are.

Come on.

We're sticking to
trails this time!

Oh come on, Buck Thompson.

Take off your Ranger
hat for a minute.

You're off duty!

It's spectacular, right?

Definitely.

I love this.

When the temperature drops,

the stalactites aggregate and
beautiful crystal formation.

I'll be studying the physical
underlying structure

of this land.

Geology rocks!

Geology puns?

We've been having a
lot of fun, Jess,

these last few months but...

That was rock bottom.

Although getting to know you has
made me want to be boulder.

Oh! I'm impressed with that one.

Thank you.

It really is beautiful.

Every time I take a deep
breath, and my lungs freeze,

I respect how dangerous
it is out here.

Well, we should
probably get back.

Your Mom is never
going to warm up to me

if we're late for Thanksgiving.

Mom is going to warm up to you.

Store-bought apple
pie notwithstanding.

Everyone knows it's pumpkin
pie at Thanksgiving.

I don't!

I don't know these things!

Are your big city Thanksgivings
too posh for pies?

No! No, it's not...

My family is just a
little less traditional.

Mom's just been hard to connect
to ever since Dad died.

She's even more protective
of her traditions.

Well,

you're still really lucky to
have such a tight-knit family.

I'm just not really
sure how I fit in.

You're doing pretty good so far.

- Really?
- Uh huh.

Once they get to
know you like I do,

they're going to love you.

Do you want to maybe
spend Christmas together?

We can go somewhere,
just the two of us.

Spend a few hours
by a fireplace?

Yeah.

My uncle's got a cabin
near Howler's Bay.

Maybe. We will see.

I mean, we don't have to
spend Christmas together

if you don't want to.

In my line of work,
I can't make plans.

Accidents, natural disasters,

they don't really
happen on schedule.

I just don't want
to let you down.

I'm crazy about you.

And I'm lucky to spend
any day with you,

Christmas or not.

Okay.

Okay.

- Hey Mom!

Hey!

Oooh!

These are for you.

Oh honey, these are beautiful!

Thank you. Beautiful.

I thought maybe you could
put them on the table,

in memory of Dad.

Oh, that's really
thoughtful of you.

- Thanks.
- Of course.

Okay, let me have it.

What's the plan for this year?

Well you get to guess.

Okay, um... Small to large?

Nope.

Ah... Shiny?

No. Well, a little.

Antique?

No.

- Vintage?
- No.

Okay. I'll tell you.

In honor of my
Scottish heritage,

I thought we'd go
with plaid-chic.

I love it.

It's genius Mom.

It took me awhile to
paint all of these, but...

Hang on. You hand-painted these?

I did.

Of course you did.

I had nothing else to do.

Decorate.

- They look great.
- Thank you.

I'm really happy you're
here helping me with this.

Gosh, it's too bad
you have to work

the holiday shift today.

I know. I'm sorry.

It's just, it's my turn.

You know who's going to
eat everything in sight?

Oh yeah.

- Buck?
- Yes!

Can you just put a
plate aside for me?

I will. Oh! Good idea.

Okay. Oh my step ladder.

It already looks great.

It does!

Hey!

Aunt Janine says
dinner's up in ten.

Last one there is
a rotten eggnog!

Yeah, you'll smell like Pyrite!

What? It's a rock.

Smells like sulfur!

I like the joke!

You know what? I'm walking.

Then I'm walking too!

Well then you're going
to be a rotten eggnog!

I'd rather be with you.

We'll find some time for us.

Just you and me. I promise.

Maybe we could go for
a walk after dinner.

It's the Leonid meteor
shower tonight.

Should be pretty spectacular.

- It's a date.
- Okay!

♪ ♪

So that's what the Thompson
family sounds like.

♪ ♪

♪ Deck the
halls with balls of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la

Come on Jess, take it away!

Oh, uh...

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly! ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la!

♪ Don we now our gay apparel

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la!

Okay you guys.
Everybody sit down.

Janine, this looks incredible.

Oh, thank you. T'was nothing.

Um, she has been
preparing for weeks!

Everything on this
table has been grown,

gathered and hunted
by Aunt Janine.

Really?

What can I say?

My family deserves the best.

Well, every dish smells amazing!

Thank you.

We did really well this
summer with the gardens.

Finally we were
able to pick more

than the wildlife could eat.

What does your family like
to make for Thanksgiving?

Nothing nearly as
impressive as this.

If you think this is impressive,

wait to see what she
does at Christmas.

Surely Jessica's parents will
want to see her at Christmas.

Well, actually,

my family has never
been big on celebrating

"commercial holidays".

The town is honoring my Dad

with a Christmas Eve
service this year.

Candlelight
Christmas Eve service.

I just want to say

how special it is to have
my family here with me.

It's another Thanksgiving
without Walter,

but as I look into each of your
eyes, and of course Roma,

I can really feel that
he's here with us.

Sorry, Mom.

No worries. Is everything okay?

It's Avalon County.
It's an emergency.

Wayne Rangers to Avalon.

Buck?

If you can hear me...

This is Buck Thompson. Go ahead.

It's Meg
Rogers up in Avalon Pass.

Meg? Long time.

What's going on?

Level two avalanche.

I've got skiers trapped
somewhere out there.

Current weather?

Visibility is low.

Storm is pressing in.

My team is stretched thin.

We could really
use your expertise.

I'm on my way. Over.

Avalon has had a level two.

I'm sorry but, I have to go.

What's a level two?

It's an avalanche.

I'll call Roma. Get her ready.

Not yet.

Let me assess on the ground
what rescue efforts they need

and if they need air support.

Meg and I have worked
together before.

We've got a shorthand.

I'm going to need you to
cover for me while I'm away.

Meg.

Who's Meg?

Let me pack you some food.

No time. Duty calls.

Honey, you need
to eat something!

You're the one who taught me

to live a life in
service of others.

Everything's good.

Excuse me.

This is Buck Thompson.

I need my plane ready to
go down at the hangar.

Thank you.

Do you think there will
be more avalanches?

It's always a possibility.

You'll be safe in your
plane, though, right?

This isn't my first avalanche.

I know.

On a scale of one to ten,
how dangerous is it?

I don't know.

Best-case scenario, I could
be back in a few hours.

Worst-case?

There's never been a
worst-case scenario

that I haven't been about
to get myself out of.

And I don't intend to.

But...

Jess, Rescue Services
is the life I've chosen.

You're my girlfriend.

I need you to understand.

I have to go.

Wait!

Take this.

A geologist with a lucky rock.

What's it mean?

It's a meteorite.

That little hunk of rock

is what started my
fascination with geology.

And yes, it's my lucky rock.

Be safe.

Come back to me.

I will.

So where was I?

Um... Cheers.

To us ladies, to lost
loves and realities.

Now dig in. Please.

Don't worry.

Buck is an excellent pilot.

With years of experience
with search and rescue

under his belt.

I know.

It's just hard to
turn the worry off.

You learn how to live with it.

Pass the potatoes, please.

Sure.

And don't worry about Buck.

If he's with Meg,

he has absolutely
nothing to worry about.

Who is Meg?
Did they serve together?

No, Meg and Roma served
together in Afghanistan.

And Buck and Meg were co-pilots
in the Avalon Pass.

Carrots?

Co-pilots?

Yeah.

Beets?

Sure.

The Buck Thompson!

Ted.

I didn't realize Meg was
calling in the big guns.

It's good to see you.

Likewise, brother.

I only wish it was under
better circumstances.

Prep the dogs and stand by.

Fueled up and ready to go.

That's why you're the best.

The skiers are experienced.

They have a transceiver,

but we haven't located
the signal yet.

If they've been
pushed off the trail

they could be
anywhere down here.

Hopefully nowhere
near that cliff.

With the amount of
snowfall and debris...

They could be buried deep.

Exactly.

I'll need you to fly
as low as you can.

I'll be your eyes
and ears out there.

Let's go!

Do you want me to
start hanging these?

Yes, please.

And this is our Christmas
Countdown Cookie Counter!

Christmas can officially begin.

Is that like an advent calendar?

Sort of.

But you roll the days
back until Christmas

and have a cookie for each day.

Because? Cookies!

Well, I think that's
a really cute tradition.

This is such a beautiful tree.

Smells so fresh, like you just

took it out of the forest!

Ah! Never from the forest.

From Dana at the tree farm.

You know what could be good?

If you talked with Aunt
Janine about working

the Thompson Tree Detail.

Yeah, sure! I would love to.

But what is the
Thompson Tree Detail?

It's an old forest
ranger tradition.

She heads it up.

I think you'd like it.

Yeah, I'd love to.

Steady Ted?
Come in Steady Teddy.

Nobody calls me
that anymore, Buck.

Well they should.

You earned it.

Thanks for guiding us
through the peaks, buddy.

Hey man, it's awesome to
have you back on the team.

We should catch up later.

No, I better get back.

Not tonight, you're not.

You've just completed a
high-stress search and rescue.

You need to take a break.

Okay okay.

I guess I'm going to see
you at the mess hall.

Over and out.

Copy that.

Hey Buck.

Would you consider
staying longer?

I can't, really.

I'm in for a rough winter.

They're forecasting
record snowfall.

And I'm seriously shorthanded.

We need avalanche control

and we need to start
blasting it now.

And quite frankly, there's
no one east of the Rockies

that has your skills.

Please.

Please please.

Fine, I'll stay for a bit.

Good.

♪

Hey, can you give me a minute?

I'm just going to call home and
let them know I'm staying.

Okay.

I'll get you some punch.

Buck!

Jess! Hey!

Hey? Buck?

Hey, can you hear me?

Jess?

Jess. The reception's bad.

If you can hear me,
the rescue went well.

The skiers are safe.

But I'm not going to be
flying home tonight.

You're flying home tonight?
That's great!

No! I'm staying.

For a few days actually.

A few days?

Meg needs help with
the avalanche control.

All this early snow
is wreaking havoc.

Oh.

Okay. Well, ah...

You know what, we can,

we can decorate our Christmas
tree on the weekend.

I'm not really sure how long
the blasting is going to take.

Blasting?

Isn't that kind of dangerous?

Buck! Come on!

Friends are waiting!

Look, I don't want to
keep you from your work

Sorry, what?

Look Jess.

We're going to decorate
the tree next week,

or the week after.

I miss you.

Me too.

I know. Duty calls.

Look, I'm really
sorry about this.

I didn't...

Jess?

Hello?

Buck?

There he is.

The man of the hour
trying to hide.

Get in here.

Introducing your local hero.

Buck Thompson!

You all did great today.

To you!

Cheers!

- Hey!
- Hey.

Is Buck okay?
Did he find those skiers?

Yeah. Everyone is safe.

Here let me.

Thank you.

That's great.

Well, he will be starving
when he gets back,

so Aunt Janine has
his plate over there.

Oh, he's, um...

He's actually not going to be
home for a couple of days.

Meg needed him at Avalon.

It must be serious then.

Yeah. I'm sure.

Buddy, you just
saved two lives, man.

Don't look so down.

Is everything okay at home?

My girlfriend's disappointed
I'm staying on.

It's our first Thanksgiving.

What, you're not home to hang
some decorations together?

Rescue Services, man,
it's unpredictable.

It's hard to find
people that understand

the stress and demands.

Come on. Let's play!

Don't worry.

I'm going to let
you win this time.

Because I feel bad for you.

That's what he says every time.

Uh huh.

♪

♪

♪ Come on darling ♪

♪ Tell me what's on your mind ♪

♪ Tell me if it's the same ♪

♪ As what's been
playing on mine ♪

♪

♪ I bet we could be ♪

♪ Everything that you dreamed ♪

♪ Everything that you believed ♪

♪ If we hold on tight ♪

♪ So I'm gonna to risk it all ♪

♪ I don't care if I fall ♪

♪ Cause I'd rather
nothing at all ♪

♪ Than never knowing
if it's love ♪

Good morning, Rangers!

It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas.

Only twenty-five
days left to go!

Soon.

Okay now!

Right.

A huge amount of early
snow plus warm weather

gives us a weak layer
in the snow blanket.

Yeah.

Weak snow pack on the
steep eastern slopes,

it's a double whammy.

We use digital
detonators now though,

so it's more controlled.

And a lot safer.

Uh huh.

Let's plan out the charges.

All right. So I'm thinking we
start here, then we go...

Yeah. And then we'll
just wipe them...

Exactly.

Okay.

So then Josh and I
have to go to his stepmom's

for a second Christmas
dinner on the 25th.

And then we have to go to my
Dad's for brunch on the 26th.

Hey. Are you even listening
to my holiday crabbiness?

Yeah. It sounds
like a lot of food.

Maybe you just need to remind
Buck what he's missing.

Hey! Why don't you take a
pic with this little gem?

What did you do
to her this time?

I just replaced a pump.

Still can't seem to
get her to go, though.

I haven't looked at her yet.

Yeah, you give it a go.

You know, Buck, I ah...

I heard you been
having some trouble.

After you came home.
Because of the dogs.

It's tough to get
Afghanistan out of my head.

I'm still jolted
awake some nights.

Cold sweats.

Yeah, man, me too.

Me too.

You know, I never told anyone

what I see in my nightmares.

Not even my own wife.

She already has a
pretty good idea.

Listen, I started to
talk with somebody.

It helps.

It's still there but, less.

I'll shoot you the number?

Yeah.

Yeah, less would be good, man.

So, what do you think?

What did you do to her?

Let's see you work
your magic, Bucko.

This is Buck Thompson.

I'm up in snow country
and I can't say

when I'll get back to my phone.

But leave a message.

Okay! Here we go!

Any info on the guy's injuries?

Upper body.
Maybe a broken collar bone.

It's going to be
difficult to transport.

Search and rescue have
got it cleared up ahead.

♪ Fa la la ♪

♪ Fa la la ♪

♪ Fa la la ♪

♪ Fa la la ♪

♪ It won't be long now ♪

♪ Till I'm beside you again ♪

♪ It won't be long now ♪

♪ I still remember ♪

♪ That smile upon your face ♪

♪ I still remember ♪

♪ I hear the bells
they're ringing ♪

♪ I hear the choir singing ♪

♪ Stars they guide the way ♪

♪ I see the snow is falling ♪

♪ I hear my heart is calling ♪

♪ Calling out your name ♪

Does Wayne Forest
need you that badly?

Meg, I agreed to a few days.

It's been a few weeks.

And I am so grateful.

But if you ever need
a change of pace,

maybe consider transferring
up here for a season.

That's an enticing offer, but...

Ah, you can't blame
me for asking.

Look, we make a good team.

We're good together.

Yeah, we are.

But I've got to get home.

I've got to make
sure I've got time

to fuel up and beat this storm.

You're not fueled up?

The storm last night
blocked all access

to the road on the north side.

Cars and fuel aren't
getting in or out.

I'm sorry Buck.

Looks like you're going to be
grounded here a few more days.

Hey Meg. Are you coming?

Yeah.

Hey you!

Hey...

I was just going to
call you and tell you that I...

Jess...

There was a storm last night.

The northern road
to Avalon is blocked.

Oh.

Well, if it's that bad,

it sounds like your
plane is grounded too.

The problem is the fuel trucks.

They can't get through
so I can't start back

until they clear out.

Okay. No worries. I'll just...

See you when I see you.

Okay.

Did you hear me when I
said I can't make it?

I did. I heard you. I just...

I'm not surprised.

I know the weather's
bad, and your work...

It's just the
realities of our life together.

And I am making peace with that.

New Year's, then?

So you're completely snowed in?

Not completely.

The northern road is blocked,
the other roads are bad,

but they're plowing them now.

If I had my truck, I'd
be there in a heartbeat.

Well, you may not have
a vehicle, but I do.

Oh yeah?

I'm coming to you.

Jess! Jess, that's nuts.

The weather's horrible,
the roads are bad.

There's black ice.

Accidents happen fast and
this temperature, it's brutal.

I can handle winter.

Snow shovel, bag of sand,
warming candle, blankets.

I got it covered!

How about I grab a snowmobile?

I could meet you half way.

What do you say?

Howler's Bay?

Howler's Bay! That's right
by your uncle's cabin!

That's the one.

I'll send you the coordinates.

Okay, this is perfect.

Although we don't really
have a very good history

with cabins, do we?

Yeah.

It's a good thing bears are
hibernating this time of year.

Although the weather can be
just as dangerous as the bears.

Well, I'll get a
good night's sleep

and leave first thing
in the morning.

Kiss you soon.

And Jess...

Be careful.

I will.

♪ ♪

♪

♪ O come, all ye faithful, ♪

♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪

♪ O come ye, O come ye... ♪

Meg, are you
sure you want to come?

Look, no one knows these
backwoods like I do.

Plus my shortcuts will
get you to Howler's Bay

in half the time.

It's Christmas Eve.

You should be at home.

I don't have anyone
waiting for me.

Let me help.

I'm the reason that you've
been here for so long.

Plus it'll be good to
just ride for fun,

like we used to.

Thank you.

Don't expect me
to go easy on you.

It's like that, is it?

Try to keep up!

Merry Christmas
Eve Day, Rangers!

I hope your day is as
merry and sugary sweet

as these cookies!

Come and get em!

Hi. Oh!

Hi!

- Let me help you.
- Thanks.

Thank you so much for
offering to dog sit.

No problem! It'll be fine.

No thank you.

How do I get him to stop
staring at me like that?

Oh. That's just how
he shows affection.

He likes you.

Oh.

Cute. Um...

Hi!

Here's a nice pat for ya.

Yeah, I'll be honest.
I'm more of a cat person.

Because we, you know,
mutually respect

each other's independence.

But family helps
one another out. So.

You consider me a
part of your family?

Look, ah...

I know loving someone who's
devoted their entire life

to the service isn't easy.

I'm just not really sure he
even wants a relationship.

He struggles to commit
to the tiniest things.

Try not to blame him for that.

It's the job.

I know.

See? You're more of a
Thompson than you realize.

This is for you.

A compass?

It was my Dad's.

It's for good luck.
On a long trip.

Oh, I don't want to take
something so personal.

Please, I want you to have it.

Just bring it, and Buck
back to us for Christmas.

I will.

And I'll make sure we get back

for Walter's
candlelight service.

Okay. You be a good boy
for Roma. Okay. Okay?

- Thank you.
- Uh huh.

You kind of smell.

We're going to take a shortcut.

But we want to go south!

Just trust me!

Make sure you stay on my tracks.

Hey!

How's the Thompson Tree
Detail this morning?

Any suspicious behavior?

Nothing suspicious.

Only delicious.

Jessica dropped these
off this morning

on her way to go meet Buck.

Oh! She really went to meet him.

Must be real feelings there.

She also promised
to have him back

for Uncle Walt's
candle light service.

Cookie?

To have the metabolism of a
twenty-seven year old again.

We've got to stay alert for
last-minute shoppers today.

Definitely.

It's still pretty early, though,

if you want your morning coffee.

I'm good to start watch, thanks.

Aunt Janine.

Is there a reason you
didn't you let Jess

help with the Detail?

And I quote "we have
it covered this year".

It's a Thompson family
tradition, that's all.

She makes Buck happy.
I know you see that.

Roma and I see that.

She might be part of
your family one day.

When Walt left, he
entrusted the Detail to me.

He felt it was important
that people respect

the trees in our state forest.

Now I'm in charge of
protecting those trees.

Okay.

And by not inviting her
to the family tradition

you're just trying to
protect the forest, right?

Not Buck?

Hey!

Too many rocks.

It's too dangerous.

Let's head back to the trail.

Come on, we've driven
through much worse before.

Let's keep going.

We're almost at the pass

and then we're not much
farther from there.

I've seen too much.

Let's go!

Come on.

Okay.

Okay! Enough with the staring.

You like me. I get that.

That's great, but enough.

At ease, boy!

Eyes front!

Fine.
Don't listen to my commands.

I don't care.

Hey! I was using that.

No respect for rank!

Are you okay?

Okay. Let's get you up.

I should have seen that log!

It's okay. It's not your fault.

But that log came
out of nowhere.

Well. At least we're
close to the cabin.

What about your shoulder?

You're not wincing for nothing.

You don't miss a thing.

Nope.

Do me a favor?

Let me tell Ted
about his machine.

Ah. But it would be so much
more fun if I could tell him.

Meg!

This old thing. He won't care.

His wife's getting him
a new one for Christmas.

Buck!

Buck, it's okay.

You're safe.

Come back to me.

Okay.

I think it's time to go home.

Okay. We'll get you there.

Let's just take a little
break first, okay?

I'll make us a fire.

We can have some coffee.
And then we'll keep going.

Sounds good.

What about that storm?

It's not supposed to hit
until later tonight.

Long after we're both back home.

Come on.

No!

Argh!

Oh!

Good morning.

Good morning.

My vehicle got stuck
in all this snow.

Do you think you
could help me out?

My truck won't be ready
for a couple of hours.

I'm getting it ready for the
Christmas parade in town.

Sorry, I don't have another
vehicle to offer you.

You have some beautiful dogs.

Yup. The best.

Fast as anything.

Yeah, I can see that.

Every winter, I spend a few
weeks with my aunt and uncle

up in Alaska.

They have about fifty dogs.

They train them.

- Fifty?
- Yeah.

It's the best way to travel.

Yup. It sure is.

Your best trail is over here.

You just have to
watch for a few turns.

I am here.

You want to head all
the way down here

to where the path opens.

Now to cross the pass
and there's the cabin.

Just over the river.

So it's not too far?

Not too far at all.

Good for the pups.
They need a good run.

Thank you for
trusting me with them.

I'll have them back
before the storm sets in.

You're welcome.

Hike!

I just don't know

if Jessica has the
grit she'll need

to be in a relationship
with Buck.

You saw how upset she was when

he had to leave at Thanksgiving?

Seems more like love to me.

I don't understand

not being with your
family over the holidays.

I mean, does she come
from a solid family?

Yes.

They just celebrate
differently, is all.

Buck says she speaks to
her Mom, Dad and brother

almost every day.

They're artists.
They travel around a lot.

Just a little less
traditional than us, is all.

Well it's fine that not
every family is the same,

as long as she's a
good fit with ours.

Aunt Janine, I know this
time of year is hard for you

and you're missing Uncle Walt.

But remember how he'd always
make room at the table

for others?

If he hadn't done that for
me, I wouldn't be here.

- Oh! Wait a minute.

I've got one!

Wait a minute.

Two! Greedy grinches!

Amara!

I'm on it.

Whoa!

Okay guys.

Good job, guys. Good job.

Stop right there!

Back away from the tree!

Do you have a permit
to cut this tree down?

What's a permit?

Come with me.

Who sent you?

No one.

Stealing trees from the
Wayne National Forest

to sell at Christmas
is not allowed.

Are we in trouble?

Oh, I'd say so.

Please, ma'am, you
can't tell our Mom.

I can. And I will.

They're just kids.

Then I think you're the
perfect age to learn about

the consequences
of your actions.

Don't you think?

Ah, good job guys.

Good job.

I got to figure out where I am.

Okay...

We're here.

We're close.
We have to be close.

Okay, guys.

Don't even think about
going anywhere this time.

How often are you still
having PTSD episodes?

Not as much anymore.

Not since I met Jess.

I'm seeing someone about it.

Sleeping better too.

What about Roma?

What about her?

How has she transitioned
back to civilian life?

Did she ever remarry?

Re-what?

Oh. Sorry. I...

Meg. Spit it out.

I don't think it was official.

It was just a private
ceremony at the base.

I thought you knew.

Roma is definitely not married.

Well no.

He went missing on his tour.

He never made it back home.

She never said anything.

We've all been trained to
set our emotions aside.

That doesn't make it any easier.

I know what it's like
to love somebody

and to not have
them in your life.

Meg, I...

Would you reconsider moving
back to Avalon Pass?

I think there's more for you in
the mountains than you think.

Meg, I...

Merry Christmas Buck!

I hope I'm not
interrupting anything?

Jess!

What are you doing here?

Why aren't you in your car?

Well, my car conked out.

So I left it with a mechanic.

Really nice guy.
His name is Bob.

I borrowed his dog
sled so I could

go on a romantic Christmas
getaway with my boyfriend.

Hey, I'm Meg.

What brings you to
these snowy parts, Meg?

I was... I was just
trying to show Buck

a shortcut through
the backwoods.

And then... It's actually
quite a funny story.

We were racing
through the forest

and we had a bit of an accident.

And then... It was pretty
thrilling, though, wasn't it.

Anyway, then we had to double
on my snowmobile to get...

Jess! Jess!

What?

Jess.

Jess, where are you going?

Home.

I thought your car
needed repairs.

Yeah, it does!

From the Santa parade
than watch you have lunch

all cozy with Meg.

Nothing is going on!

I was coming to see you.

Meg was just helping
me get there faster.

And then I hit this log...

Jess, please.

We haven't seen
each other in weeks!

And I missed you.

I didn't want things
to start off this way.

Me neither.

We're off to a bumpy start, but,

the cabin, it's going
to be nice. Okay?

You know, all I wanted was just
to spend a few hours with you.

No work, no rocks, no agenda.

No other people. You know?

I do.

So when we get to the cabin,
Meg is going to leave and

it's just going to
be just you and me.

Meg is coming to the cabin?

Your head is full
of jingle bells

if you think that's happening.

Buck!

Meg?

Here! Bring your pack!

What's going on?

I was taking him down to
get a drink by the river.

And the poor guy stepped
right into that fox trap.

Meg, antiseptic, gauze, water.

They're in the bag.

Jessica, hold him by
the shoulders. Steady.

So he can't bite himself or us.

I've got him.

It's okay. I got him.

- I'll be right by.
- Okay.

I shouldn't have
taken him that way.

I shouldn't have taken
him to the river.

I could've made a few trips
and just brought him water.

I could of brought all
four of them water.

I'm so sorry.

It's not on you.
It's not your fault.

The trap is old.

It looks like it's been
there for a long time.

His wounds aren't that deep.

It's going to be okay.

Meg. Listen.

I need you to know how
important Jess is to me.

I care about her a lot.

More than I've cared
about anyone before.

More than you care about me?

We make a great team.

We wouldn't have been
friends this long

if we weren't honest
with each other.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

I can see how you
feel about Jessica.

I saw the way that
you looked at her.

You should tell her.

She knows how I feel.

She drove through a blizzard

and rode a dog sled
to get to you.

You should tell her.

Okay.

Okay, seriously, this is a lot.

I already have
a best friend. So...

♪

♪ The winter comes
on way too fast ♪

♪ The fall just never
seems to last ♪

♪ But will you
love me the same ♪

♪ When the snow
meets window pane ♪

♪ Or will you leave me with
the red and orange leaves ♪

♪ I fear you'll break me
Christmas time ♪

♪ Will you finally
draw the line ♪

♪ Or will you stay
with me this year ♪

♪ I don't wanna shed a tear ♪

♪ When they sing their songs and
turn on all the lights ♪

♪ So wrap me up
like your gifts ♪

♪ Give me one last
Christmas kiss ♪

♪ Don't leave me
out in the cold ♪

♪ If you still love
me let me know ♪

♪ Or I'll wait
here in the snow ♪

Thanks, Charlie.

Are you sure you're going
to okay with these guys?

Thanks. I got this.

Why don't you just come
with us to the cabin?

We can all go back together.

I've got to get this little
guy some medical attention.

And then,

I'm going to have Santa Bob
make me a giant hot chocolate.

He actually makes
his own marshmallows.

Can you believe it?

Merry Christmas, Meg.

Merry Christmas, Jessica.

Be safe.

Hike!

Be safe!

You were pretty
amazing back there.

You're good at what you do.

Rescuing people while being
all handsome and brave.

Really?

Yeah.

Look, I'm really
sorry about all that.

She is really just
a good friend.

I can't help how 'handsome and
brave' I am to other people.

Oh, please.

We'd better get going.

I don't like the
look of the sky.

Looks like the storm's moving
in faster than we thought.

The cabin is just on the
other side of the pass.

We'll be fine.

Right.

In just a couple of hours

and we'll be curled
up by a fireplace.

Visibility is getting worse.
Temperature is dropping.

And we're losing daylight.

Three worst-case scenarios,
all actually happening...

Right now.

Did you hear that?

Are those what I think they are?

Wolf tracks.

Great.

Welcome to Howler's Bay.

Like this?

That's it!

And it you want,
you can eat some.

That's the fun part!

When you're finished you can
take it home for your tree.

We don't have a tree this year.

Mom said we can't afford it.

That's right.

We wanted to surprise her
with one for Christmas

to make her happy.

She's been sad?

That's thoughtful of you.

Hey, can you make me one?

I'll be right back.

Aunt Janine, they weren't
taking the tree to sell it.

Sounds like they're having
a hard time at home.

Well that's still no reason
to resort to petty crime.

Behavior like this would
never have been tolerated

when I was a Junior Ranger.

I know. We have to
protect the forest.

Oh I think their Mom's here.

Sorry, I got here
as soon as I could.

Not to worry.

They were stealing a tree?
Really?

I'm sorry.

My kids are good kids.

I just haven't been able
to keep them in line

and do everything
without James being here.

James is your husband?

Yeah. He's a petroleum engineer.

He's away on an oil
rig for six months.

I worry about him.

It's hard to celebrate
when he's gone.

If you were to come
to the bakery,

I'd be more than happy
to make this up to you

with some fresh cinnamon
rolls for Christmas?

Mom!

Hi sweetheart!

I'm sorry, Mom.

Are we in trouble?

We just wanted you
to have a tree.

Can we go home now?

Rachel, Marcus...

I'm afraid you can't
leave just yet.

I expect you to make this right.

Are we out of gas?

That's impossible.

The gauge says full.

I guess the gauge is broken.

Great.

Well...

How far is the cabin from here?

Just across the river.

Are you up for a hike?

Yeah. Let's do it.

There you go.

Go ahead.

So these decorations
need to find a new home.

On your tree.

The one you didn't cut down.

Thanks, Ms Thompson.

Can we go decorate it now?

Off you go.

Follow me.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

Thank you for making them happy.

You know, the Rangers
and I could always

use help in the forest.

Maybe your kids would like
to join the Junior Rangers?

They would love that.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Go on!

Is that my Father's compass?

Yeah. Roma gave it to me.

For our trip.

She did?

She must like you.

Yeah, I like her too.

She's actually watching
Charlie for me.

Roma is dog sitting?

Wow. She must really like you.

Well, she kind of seemed
happy to have some company.

Although, she's more
of a cat person.

Roma to Charlie...

Roma to Charlie,
requesting permission to land.

There you go.

Of course I brought
a treat for you.

I am your Santa.

Just don't tell Jessica I'm
giving you treats, okay?

Otherwise she won't let
me dog sit you anymore.

Where is she?

We should be getting
ready by now.

Pretty quiet up there.

You're way too
quiet for Jessica.

No I'm not.

Yes you are.

You talk endlessly
when you're excited.

You laugh when you're nervous.

But you laugh when you try
not to laugh at your own joke

and you are quiet when
you're over thinking.

You know you don't know
everything about me,

Buck Thompson.

We've only been
dating a few months.

But I like everything
I've learned about you.

Especially your rock puns.

Well. I've missed you.

I realized all I wanted to
do was just be with you.

And you were up there with Meg,

rescuing people and
saving people's lives,

and making the world
a better place and...

That's just it, Jess.

You make the world so much
better than I ever could.

Just by being you.

Get back.

Yeah. I know...

Scary foxes.

Can we please just shake
this whole Meg thing off?

I can't control how she feels.

All I can control is how I feel.

And I really want to spend
Christmas with my girlfriend.

Better?

Much. Thank you.

I know how I feel
about you, too.

And the jumping helped.

A little.

I can kind of feel
my toes again.

Sort of.

We can cross through here.

The river's just over that hill.

Well, I read the map too and...

It's not going to
take much longer

if we stick to the safer route.

Okay.

You lead the way.

♪

♪

♪

You think Dad would like this?

How could he not?

Look how beautiful it is!

Yeah. He'd think it was perfect.

Well, you can come back next
year and decorate it again.

Plus everyone who comes
to the woods can see it.

It's beautiful!

Thank you, Amara.

Hello!

Hi Charlie! Merry Christmas Eve!

Hello to you too.

Hi.

So how're your first
dog adventures going?

Oh, I'd say we had
a really good time.

Didn't we? Yes we did.

Oh! Didn't think you were
much of a dog person.

I'd say I'm more of
a Charlie person.

You guys ready to go?

Yeah, I just need
to grab my coat.

And, of course, his squeaky toy.

Come on!

Hey Aunt Janine.

Roma and I are
getting ready to go.

Hey. Listen.
Have you heard from Buck?

I'd like my son here for
church on Christmas Eve.

Jessica promised she'd call
when she gets to the cabin.

They're just catching up.

Right. Well, okay.

She knows to drive
him back in time

for our family celebrations.

So if that doesn't earn
the girl some serious points

in your books, I
don't know what will.

Okay. So where on
earth are they?

I don't know.

But Buck wouldn't
deviate from the plan.

They must be close.

Right.

Well, I suppose if anyone could
make it through the wilds,

it's those two.

You know, singing
might help warm us up.

No chance.

It's okay.

It's okay. It's okay.

It's that sound.

The howling.

I know. It's haunting.

We're getting close.

I can hear the river.

It's going to be dangerous, but
it's the only way to get home.

Hey.

I know. We need to get home.

Thank you.

A guy could really
freeze up out here.

Don't even joke about frostbite.

Come on.

The river sounds
like it's running fast.

It sounds dangerous.

The river looks
higher this year.

Well...

Looks like we're spending
Christmas in the wilds.

We either cross the river
or we sleep outside.

We have no idea
how deep that is.

What will kill us first?

The freezing cold
river or the current?

Let's find a
better place to cross.

The water's shallower here.

Even in the middle.

It should only go up
to about mid-thigh.

It's narrower here so it will
be quicker to get across.

It's easy.

We're not going to find
a better way to cross.

The current only gets stronger
the further down we go.

I, I know.

I'm not going to let
anything happen to you.

Just think about that cabin

on the other side of that ridge.

A big warm fire that's
waiting for us.

You're making future plans now?

Jess, I need you to trust me.

We can do this. You and I.

Together.

Okay.

Okay.

Wait wait! I don't
think I can do this!

Jess, you keep going.

Quick, but steady.

Buck! Buck!

Buck!

Buck!

Come on! Come on!

We need to get your boots
and wet clothes off now!

Okay, I'm going to make a fire.

And call your Mom and Amara.

So, how do I look?

Very handsome and brave.
Festive.

Thank you.

Here. Let me take those.

Sit down.

Is the radio working this time?

Yeah. I radioed in
our position to Amara.

Your Mom was relieved
to hear we were okay.

Another hour, she would've
sent out the search party.

But, she did manage to save us
some of her homemade egg nog.

She's starting to like you.

Well, I am the beautiful,
courageous woman

who made it through the forest

and across that
river with her son.

Jess, Jess. Please.

I'm more likely to die of
blanket suffocation

than hypothermia at this point.

I promise, I'm good.

Just one more.

There.

You're looking better.

Blue lips weren't a
great look for you.

I'm going to remember
that for next time.

You know Buck, thank you

for getting us
across that river.

But I'd appreciate
it if you'd stop doing

such dangerous things.

I'm tired of having to save you!

- Oh really.
- Yeah!

Well, I think we saved
each other this time.

Come here.

Well, it looks like we get to
spend Christmas Eve together

after all.

I'm grateful.

Me too.

Hey Jess...

Ever since I got back
from Afghanistan,

I've been keeping the ones
I love at a distance.

Even you.

And I know that these last few
weeks have been difficult,

being separated, but if we
weren't away from each other,

I wouldn't have realized how
much I want that to change.

Forever.

I want you to have something.

My lucky rock.

It's just a stand in.

For now.

Until I can get you a
much more sparkly one.

Jessica Alaway.

I want to spend the rest
of my life with you.

Will you marry me?

Yes! Yes!

I love you, Jess.

I love you more.

Ah, that's not possible.

You do realize we have to

get home for Christmas
Eve dinner now.

Or Mom's going to kill us both.

Yeah, I know.

I can't believe I
have to do this again!

Admit it. You like it.

Wow! That is quite the outfit!
Very festive.

Yeah. It's keeping me warm.

I can see that.

Well, we have a
Christmas Eve to get to.

We cannot be late for service.

You're welcome for the rescue.

Rescue? That's not
what this was!

You just came in to
give me fashion advice.

Come on.

Thank you so much for
bringing him home in one piece.

I'm so glad to be here.

Me too.

Congratulations!

Thank you.

I'm proud of you.

A rock, though?

Yeah, it's a long story.

Maybe I'll tell
you another time.

Okay.

I know I didn't get you for
secret Santa this year,

but I did get you a gift.

What are you talking about?

I made some calls.

And we're going to find him.

Your missing soldier.

Thank you.

You know, it helps
to talk to somebody.

Take it from somebody who knows

how hard it is to
come home. Yeah.

Yeah.

Hello! A toast!

Yes!

Come gather around, kids.

Nothing formal. Nothing fancy.

I would just like to
make a toast to love...

And to family.

To Uncle Walt!

Cheers everybody.

Cheers.

Oops!

Buck!

Every year!

It's time to go!

- Oh goodness.
- It is!

You need a jacket.

I lost my in the river, Mom.

I'm just glad I didn't
lose you in that river.

Stand by.

Okay.

Dad's coat?

Yeah.

You need it now, honey.

This will keep you warm.

Oh my gosh! Look at this.

It fits you perfectly.

You look nice.

Thank you.

- Are you ready?
- Uh huh.

All right kids.
Jessica, after you.

Okay. Let's go.

Nice jacket.

♪ ♪

This is so beautiful.

♪

Dad always taught us,
especially at Christmas,

you should share the joy.

Well, that's easy for you guys.

You all have beautiful voices.

Um, I've heard your voice.
It's beautiful too.

♪

It's so beautiful.
It makes me think of Dad.

Me too, sweetheart.

We light these candles
to keep him safe.

♪

♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

♪ All is calm All is bright ♪

♪ Round yon virgin
Mother and Child ♪

♪ Holy infant
so tender and mild ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace

Merry Christmas!

Thank you.

Thank you.

These are adorable.

She does them every year.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

You know, this has been a
pretty great Christmas Eve.

You're the best present I
could have ever asked for.

You're mine too.

You know, I don't think
we could have planned

a better holiday if we tried.

Other than the blizzard,
extreme cold, and icy river.

The cabin was nice.

Yeah!

There's no meteor
shower tonight.

That's okay.

I think I've had enough of
the wonders of nature for now.

I am perfectly content

with a boring life
with my fiancé.

I think our life
together is going to be

anything but boring.

I think so too.