Heart of the Holidays (2020) - full transcript

Melissa,
you're going to do great.

You're just going to
call him back tomorrow

and tell him you misspoke.

You meant 70-30 exposure.

Okay, fine.
Patch him through.

Mr. Flaherty? Hi.
It's Sam Wallace calling.

I heard there was a little
misunderstanding with Melissa.

No, you're absolutely right.

I don't work there anymore
as of today.

I was just calling
to make sure--

Hello?



Melissa, he hung up.

I think it's time
to get Roussey involved.

No, I know.
You're absolutely right.

But Flaherty can be fickle.

Okay, fine.

Patch him through.

Mr. Roussey? Hi.

It's Sam. Hi. Yes.

We've had
a little bump in the road

transitioning Mr. Flaherty.

No, no, no. Nothing serious.

I'm thinking champagne,

a couple of Broadway tickets.

You know, I would. It's just
I start my new job tomorrow.



Hi there.

I'm calling to see
if you have any tickets

for this Sunday's matinée.

Of course I'll hold.

Mr. Roussey!
Everything's been arranged.

Tickets, car service, the works.

So, please tell Melissa that--

Okay. Patch me through.

Melissa, crisis averted.

Going forward, remember that
Mr. Flaherty prefers e-mail,

and don't hold back on
those exclamation marks, okay?

You're going to do great. Bye.

Hey, you.

What time is it? Am I late?

No, no, no. It's still
nighttime. Don't worry.

Oh, our date.
I forgot. I'm so sorry.

Don't be sorry.
You hungry?

Starving.

So, how was your last day?

Busy, but good.

I really feel like
one chapter is closing,

and the best one
is about to begin.

Castleton Investments
won't know what hit them.

Honestly, I haven't been
this excited about something

in a long time.

I hope they meant it when they
said I could take some risks.

I want to focus on some
of those independent start-ups

I was telling you about.

Always looking out for
the little guy.

Mm-hmm. How about you?
Work busy this week?

Oh, yeah. Alec has got
some big deal

he keeps talking about, so guess
who's been picking up the slack?

He's really lucky
to have a partner like you.

I'd say I'm the lucky one.

What's that?

An early
Christmas present.

Alec again.

Now, where were we?

Should you get it?

You don't mind?

Thank you.
Talk to me.

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.
All right. All right.

Sorry about that.

Everything okay?

Yeah. This deal
Alec has been working on

might be going through, so
he needs me back at the office.

Rain check?
Tomorrow night?

Hmm. Sounds great.

Oh. You might want
to open that.

Right now?

Yeah. Why not?

Hmm. I don't know. Okay.

I got it when I was in Germany
last month.

It's, um-- It's beautiful.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Tomorrow night,
it's me and you.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, honey.

How are you?

I'm great.

I just finished hanging
the stockings

and I thought I'd give a call
and check in.

You might consider
coming home this year.

Mom, you know the stock exchange
is open Christmas Eve.

We talked about this.

Yes, I know, but it's been
eight years, Sammy.

Uh, you're still planning
to come

for New Year's, though, right?

Yeah, yeah.
But it's not the same.

Hey. Don't you miss having
a real Christmas tree

or my homemade hot
chocolate?

Or those cheesy puff pastry
things I used to make?

I do love those.
Mom, I am starting my first day

at my new job.

I'm literally outside
the building right now.

Oh. I forgot it was today.
That's exciting.

Yeah. It's a huge opportunity
to climb the ladder.

Sammy?

Sammy? Hello?

Sorry.

Are you okay?

I'm great. Perfect. Yeah.

I will call you later, okay?
Love you.

Love you, too.

Bye.

Hmm. Uh, excuse me.

Excuse me.
What's going on?

Oh, sorry. Thank you.

Thanks.

Mr. Markham?

Come in.

Will?

Uh, I'll have to call you back.

What are you doing here?
Where's Mr. Markham?

Um--

What is going on?

You know that deal
Alec was working on?

Yeah?

It was
an acquisition.

You bought this company?

I had no idea.

I only found out
after I left your place.

I've been up all night.
It's been insane.

All those people leaving,
they're out of jobs now?

Yeah.
We had to make some cuts.

It's not the best
of timing, I know,

but hey, what can you do?

Oh, but your job
is safe.

I made sure of that.

Wait. And just so I'm clear,

you're my boss now?

Well, we haven't figured out
the specifics yet,

but I guess, yeah.

I know it's a lot to take in.

This isn't going to work.

What do you mean?

Everyone's going to think
the only reason

I got to keep my job
is because of you.

What? Come on.

You're a shark
and everyone knows it.

You deserve this job,

and if they don't get it,
who cares?

I care.

I have to work with them.
Build relationships with them.

How is it going to look
that I'm dating the boss?

Then we won't tell anyone.

This was supposed to be
my chance to spread my wings,

not be water-cooler gossip.

That's not going to happen.

And now that you and Alec
are running things,

I imagine that investing
in independent start-ups

is off the table.

Well, I'm sure
we could talk about it.

Look. If you really don't think
this is going to work,

then let me make
some calls.

This is New York City.
You could have a job by morning.

I don't want a job by morning.

I wanted this job.

I think I just need
some time to think.

Good idea.

Why don't you go home, and I'll
meet you when I'm done here.

We can grab
some dinner, and then--

No.

I mean, I need space.

I need a break
from us.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's not make
any rash decisions here.

I'm sorry. I have to go.

Sam, come on.

It's just business.

Not to me.

Oh, good grief.

Am I hallucinating?

Hi, Mom.

What are you doing here?

You know, I decided to
take some holidays after all.

Finally.

Oh, I am so happy!

Me, too.

And your new boss is okay
with that?

Oh, yeah.

You know, it turned out today

was just a little
meet-and-greet.

Yeah. He thought I should enjoy
the holiday

before it gets busy
in the new year.

Well, I could just hug him.

Come on.
Let's get you settled.

How was your trip?

I hope the roads
were okay.

Oh, yeah.
They weren't too bad.

I forgot how pretty it was
this time of year.

You know,
since you're here,

maybe you could help us
with the baking tomorrow.

We're donating all the
baked goods to the food bank.

I don't think so, Mom.

You know, the last time
we baked cookies,

it didn't end well
for the cookies.

Well, lucky for you,
I believe in second chances.

Okay, then.
I'd love to.

Count me in.

Thank you, Sammy.

Oh, everybody's going to be
so excited to see you.

Great...

But first,
we have to get the tree.

So, why don't you
drop your suitcase,

grab the Santa hats?

Okay.

And I'll whip us up
some hot cocoa.

Oh. They're on the dresser
in your room.

Oh, boy.

Honey, did you find
the hats?

Yes.

Uh, got them.

Have a good night, guys.

Hey, Bob.

Hey, Noah.
It's a cold one tonight.

No kidding.

Here. I thought
you might be hungry.

Turkey on sourdough,

and I threw in a cranberry scone
for good measure.

Oh, you're making me

look more like Santa
every day.

Just doing my part
for the community.

Unfortunately, I can't eat it.

It's our anniversary dinner.

Val is making brisket.

Oh, wow. Congratulations.
How long has it been?

40 years, my friend.

40 years?

Uh-huh.
Wow.

I know.
It's hard to believe.

Feels like yesterday
we got hitched.

But I guess
that's what it's like

when you meet the right person.

You know, the years fly by,

but time has a way
of standing still.

You keep that
for lunch tomorrow

and you say hi to Val
for me, all right?

I will do that. Thank you.

Ah.

Look at us, back together again.

The peanut butter to my jelly,
the salt to my pepper.

Okay, Mom.
Don't get too excited.

The Sonny to my Cher.

All right.
That's just weird.

"I got you, babe."

Also, how come you get to be
Cher?

I have her voice.

True.

But you have her style.

So, tell me--

Uh-oh. Here it comes.

How is this
Will fellow?

Is it serious?
Well--

Because he's welcome to come and
join us here in Crawleigh.

I'd love to meet him.

That's really sweet
of you, Mom.

But he had other plans.

Oh. Okay.

Everything okay with you two?

It's complicated.

Wait.

Where are you going?

You just passed Bob's farm.

Oh, yeah.

Bob is selling his trees
out of Noah's café now.

What?

Yeah. He has
so many activities

for kids and parents

that it just made sense

for Bob to sell his trees
from there.

Right.
Now that makes sense.

Mm-hmm.

Honey, it's been eight years.

You've got to talk to him
sometime.

I know. You're right.

Oh, you're
going to love it.

Wait till you see
the fire pit that Noah put in.

He's got a thousand
twinkle lights out there.

That's a lot of twinkle lights.

Mm-hmm.

Here we are.

Oh, there's Bob.

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

All right.

Okay.

Oh. So pretty.

Oh, honey,
put your hat on.

It's tradition.

Hey, Bob.

Hey.

Oh, well, well, well!

Sammy,
good to see you.

Hiya, Bob.
How are you?

Good. Real good.

Your mom tells me

you started a new job
in New York.

Yes.

It's great.

Oh, good.

Noah is around here somewhere
if you want to say hi.

I think, uh--

Noah, Noah? Look who's here.

How about we go?

Oh, no. I'm just going to
grab a tree.

I don't think we need a tree
this year.

Hey. Hi, Noah.

Hey, Tammy.

Sam.

Noah.

Welcome back.

I'm not really back.

Right.

Can I get you ladies
something to drink?

A hot chocolate? A latte?

I think they're pretty good
on drinks, Bob.

Yeah. Well, Noah made
some cranberry scones

if you're interested.

Sam hates cranberry.

Well, we need a tree.

So, um,
I saw one I liked.

Bob, you want to
give me a hand?

Oh, you bet.

The place looks great.

Yeah. Changed a lot.

Thanks.

It's, uh, been a long time.

Yeah. I guess.

Well,
I'd better get back inside.

Enjoy your visit.

Yeah. You, too.

Good morning, Sammy.

Good morning.

Ooh. Nice PJs.

Thank you.

Want a coffee?

Oh.

I'm sorry.
Couldn't help myself.

It's okay.
Thank you.

I was going to wait till
after my run, actually.

Run?
In this weather?

Don't be crazy.

Plus I thought we could
decorate the tree.

Now, I took everything up
from the basement.

I think
I have everything.

I hope it's enough.

And how many trees
are we decorating, Mom?

Well, if you can see
some green, add more sheen.

Oh. You used to love these
when you were little.

Oh, man.

Why do you still have this?

Because my only child
made it for me.

In 1995, Mom.

Mm-hmm.

Come on.

It's made out of food.

Which is very nicely preserved
in glue, thank you very much.

So, last night
with Noah--

Was it that bad?

No, no.

You just seemed
a little nervous. That's all.

I was not nervous.

Was I nervous?

Honey, you haven't seen him
since you left.

It's understandable that
you'd be a little tongue-tied.

Oh, I wouldn't worry about it.

You know, the two of you
will patch things up

and be good friends in no time.

Well, I don't think
he'd be up for it, you know?

Noah can be so stubborn.

So can you.

No.

Sometimes.

Maybe.

Well, you got it from him.

You also get your work ethic
from him, too.

He'd be so proud of you.

I hope you know that.

Thanks, Mom.

You got a picture of him
smiling, too.

Why do you think
I got it framed?

He used to
hate pictures.

He was always
too busy.

Yeah. He was.

Actually, if you're good here

for a few moments,

I have some e-mails
I need to get back to.

Sure, honey.

$2.50 is your change.

Thank you. You know Bob
loves his Christmas cake.

Oh, yeah.

And nobody makes it
better than you.

I appreciate that, Val.
Oh, and happy anniversary.

Why, thank you, dear.

He is such a sweetheart,
isn't he?

Oh. Yeah.

And you know,
it's not every day

a gal like Marina
moves into this town.

Oh, Val, no.
You don't have to--

No, but I'm right,
though.

What you've done
with that book shop

is absolutely incredible.
Don't you think, Noah?

Oh, yeah. It's great.

Yeah.

Anyway, I'll
scoot this out to Bob

and I'll be back shortly
for the baking.

Sounds good.

Sorry about that.

Nope. Not your fault.

Val is just being Val.

Both:
Being Val, yep.

So, um, yeah.
We're about to get started.

I'm going to grab some flour,
and just make yourself at home.

Thanks. Uh, hey.

I was just wondering.

Um...

...maybe we go could
go for coffee sometime?

Oh. Uh--

Oh, sorry. I mean, I know you're
probably busy and everything.

No, no, no. It's not that.
I--

There's been a lot going on.

All right.

Can I let you know?

Yeah. Of course.

Oh. Uh, you got to try
one of these brownies.

New recipe
I been working on.

Let me know
what you think.

Okay. Thanks. Oh.

Oh, no.
It's on the house.

Okay. Thank you.

"Dear Tony,

"It was great to meet you

"at last year's holiday party.

"I wanted to let you know

"that I am looking to...

...expand my résumé."

Everything okay
in here?

You've been gone
an hour.

I just-- I'm done.

Good, 'cause we're already late.

Late for what?

Well, the bake-a-thon
for the food bank.

Remember?

Oh, right.

Right. Where are we going?

Uh--

No. No!

He has the biggest kitchen
in town.

Mom!
He's got
three ovens.

Three. But don't worry.
We'll be done in a few hours.

And really, there'll be
so many of us there

that you won't even have to talk
to him if you don't want to.

I don't want to.

Well, the thing is,

I already told them
you'd come and help.

So--

Well, okay, then.
Let's bake some cookies.

Excellent.

The theme this year
is ugly Christmas sweaters.

Sorry.

Perfect.

Wow.

I know, right?

He's done an amazing job
on the renovation.

Well, make it quick.

We got to go make
some cookies.

Hello.

Hey.

I'm so sorry.
I didn't know you were here.

Oh, it's all good.

I take it you're here
for the baking?

Um, yeah.

Sorry to crash the party.

My mom made me come.

Everything okay?

Oh, yeah.

You know, just life.

Right.

You need a hand with anything?

You ready for this?

Nope.

Any advice?

Yeah. Keep your head down
and stay out of the way.

I'm kidding.

All right.
We better get in there.

Oh, and there's someone here
you might want to see.

No way. Sam?

Tessa? Hi.

Oh!

I haven't seen you
in forever.

I know.

But look at you.
You're growing a human.

Number three.

I haven't seen my toes
since 2014.

Wow.
That's incredible.

Congratulations.
Thank you.

Not about the toes.
About your baby.

Well, the boys already look
so much like their dad,

so I'm just holding out hope
that this one is a mini-me.

Wow. So, you don't know
if it's a girl or a boy?

No. It's the best surprise
life has to offer.

Although you coming home
is a pretty close second.

It's just a visit.

Oh, for crying out loud.

Samantha, is that really you?

It's really me.

Hi, Val.
It's so nice to see you.

Well, yeah. Likewise.
Oh, we've missed you.

Yeah.

Holy smokes.
We haven't seen you since--

Well, it's been a while.

Have you met Marina?

She owns the bookstore
over on Main Street.

Hi. I'm Sam.

Hi. It's so nice to meet you.

I've heard a lot of things
about you.

Don't worry.
They're good things.

Oh, great.

Sam, why don't you take off your
coat and let's get baking?

Oh, you know...

I was just going to bake
with it on.

I'll take your coat.

Ooh. Wow.

Marina:
Hey, by the way,

those mint chocolate brownies
were so good.

Right?
Life-changing.

Yeah. I'm so glad you like them.

So yummy.
New recipe.

Oh, you should just
keep making it, honestly.

I'll buy
the whole thing.

Okay.

Um, well,
I'm going to get going.

I think you guys
have everything you need.

If you need me,
I'll be outside.

Hey, wait. Aren't you going
to stay and help us bake?

I'm providing everything
but the labour.

What more do you want from me?
Good luck.

Okay, ladies.
Shall we get started?

Yes. Let's do this.

Got to beat her record
of 123 cookies...

Thank you very much...

Careful. Stay three feet away,
remember?

We talked about this.
Come on. Come on.

I'm sorry about that.
They're crazy.

It's all right. Hey.
How you doing, Pop?

Yeah.
I'm good, I'm good.

Just dropped Tessa off.

I'm officially
an Uber driver now.

Unpaid, of course.
Yeah.

The whole electrician thing
that I went to school for?

Hobby.

Yeah.

I see that Sam is back.

Yeah. I saw.

Is that weird?

No. Her and I were
a long time ago.

Yeah? Well, that log there
would say otherwise.

Well, she's looking like
a real New Yorker.

Those black trench coats
are like a uniform.

They must hand them out to
everyone that moves there.

She's not a New Yorker.

No. I understand.

It's just he said that
if I ever wanted

to come work for him
all I'd have to do was call,

so I'm calling.

Okay.
Thank you for your time.

I love this ugly sweater theme,

but I'm sweating bullets.

Why do they even bother making
maternity sweaters out of wool?

Oh, that's better.

Now I'm hungry again.

So, how's it going in New York?

Is it everything
you thought it would be?

Yeah. Sometimes.

Do you ever
miss Crawleigh?

You know, most of the time
I'm so busy,

I don't know
what city I'm in.

Other times...

...yeah, I do.

Would you ever consider
moving back?

No, not really.

I mean,
everything I've worked

my whole life for
is in New York, so--

Besides,

this place feels like
it's moved on, you know?

I'm not sure
I'd fit in here anymore.

And New York
has the best takeout.

So--

Like deep-fried pickles?
Mm-hmm.

Mac and cheese?
Spring rolls?

I could seriously eat my way
out of a room

full of spring rolls right now.

All of it and more.

Oh, that's it. We're moving.

You ever actually consider
leaving Crawleigh?

Not really. No.

Ronny and me,
we never had the urge

to see what was out there.

But we're not you.

You wanted to go out there
and change the world

since you were a kid.

You did the right thing
in going.

You had to follow your dreams.

It's funny.

You start out
with one intention,

and then
you wake up one day

and you're somewhere
completely different.

Sam, you are doing great.

You live in
a fancy apartment

and you look like
a movie star.

I mean, come on.
Seriously.

Look at those boots.

How much did
those boots cost?

Too much.

Oh, I would trade places
with you for a day if I could.

Yeah. Me, too, you.
You and Ronny.

Seems like you got it right.

Yeah.

Well, everyone's got
their own path, you know?

Mine just so happens to be
repopulating rural communities.

Anyways,
we should get back in there.

Who knows what kind of mess
they made?

Okay.

I'm going to need you to
come around here and help me.

Oh, yeah.

Here. Here we go.

Whew. Okay.

Yeah?

Let's go eat some cookies.

Well, decorate cookies.
I'll probably eat the cookies.

Oh, there you are.

We thought the two of you
had flown the coop on us.

Oh, I'm not sure I'm flying
anywhere these days, Val.

Sam:
Holy smokes. Look at this.

There are not enough people
in Crawleigh

to eat all these cookies.

You'd be surprised.
The town has actually

grown a lot
in the last few years.

Hey, honey,
we already prepped the icing.

So, just grab one and let's get
this show on the road.

Mm-hmm.

On it.

You're going to
love it.

Mm-hmm.
Ooh, I like--

So, Tessa?
Mm-hmm?

You're definitely going to
want to do these,

unless you want it
to look like

a four-year-old did them.

Just do the base layer.

I'll get the details.

Come on. Try it.

So, um--

Oh, boy.
Oop.

Oh, that came out faster
than I expected.

It's okay. It's okay.

You get a mulligan
and I get a snack.

See? It's all good.
Perfect.

Like this?

Mm-hmm.

All right.

So, um--

Yeah, sure.

Marina? Her and Noah, they're--

Well, they're
just friends

as far as I know.
Right.

Would it bother you, though?

No.

Not at all.

Okay.
Oh.

Okay. I told you
this was a bad idea.

It's okay.
I am--

It's okay.
It's okay. Look.

You can fix anything
with a little TLC.

Sorry.

I thought you'd all left.

Sorry. Just finishing up.

The, um...

...cookies look good.

Oh, yeah? You know me.
Master chef.

Yeah. If by "master chef"
you mean hurricane of disaster,

then yes.

Come on.
I was not that bad.

You couldn't make a box of mac
and cheese to save your life.

I still maintain the recipe
asks for too much butter.

The butter
is what makes it good.

I like it soupy.

It should
never be soupy. Ever.

Noah--

Don't.

Please. Noah, stop.
We have to talk about it.

I'm about to close up.
You almost done here?

I didn't handle it well.

You know, I found out
you moved to New York

from Val,
of all people?

I know.

I had to go, Noah.
I couldn't stay here.

I felt trapped.

I felt like I couldn't be
who I wanted to be

or do what I wanted to do
in Crawleigh.

But the truth is,
when it came to leaving...

...well, I just knew that
if I told you face to face...

...I wouldn't be able to go.

It's water under the bridge,
Sam.

That's it?

I just don't see the point
in rehashing things.

And plus, you're leaving in
a few days anyway. Right?

Right.

Hey, sorry. I forgot my...

...scarf.

Well, that's okay.

We were
just finishing up.

Well, good night, then.

Good night.

It was nice
meeting you.

Nice to meet you, too.

So, I will see you around,
I guess.

Yeah.

I think so.

Great.

Oh, good morning, Sammy.

'Morning.

So, what do you think?

More holly?

Yeah. Sounds good.
Whatever you want.

Oh, I was thinking about
Christmas dinner.

I think we should make

that pastry puff thing
I used to make

when you were little.

Yeah.
Sounds perfect.

I don't want to pry,

but it seems like
something's bothering you.

You okay?

Yeah.
Just thinking.

About?

Everything.
Being here,

sleeping in my old room,
seeing my old friends.

It's just-- Oof.

A lot of memories,
you know?

Not all bad.

No. Not all bad.

Any luck patching things up
with Noah?

No, and I don't think
he cares that much, honestly.

You know?

I don't think you're right
about that.

No, Mom.
Trust me, okay?

I even tried
apologizing last night,

and no. He made
his stance very clear.

Not much else I can do
at this point.

Well, you know, he's taking
all the baked goods

over to the food bank today.

What if you offer
to give him a hand?

You're kidding me,
right?

No. What's the worst
that could happen?

If he says no, you'll be
right back here with me

rolling phyllo.

Mom!

And if he says yes,
you could enjoy yourself.

You used to love doing
that kind of thing.

And if you need
a little sweetener--

Consider it an olive branch.

That would never work.

All right. Steady now.

Oh, boy.

Okay. Steady. This way.

No, no, no, guys.
This way. This way.

Oh, oh!

Oh, my goodness.
I'm sorry.

Okay. All right.
Just be careful.

Careful.
Don't go too fast.

You're walking backwards.

And careful.
There's a step here.

Okay. Got it. Got it. Got it.
I'm losing it.

Bob? Oh.

Oh, Sam, thank you so much.

It seems like Bob brought
his butterfingers to work.

I've been clumsy since
the day you married me.

Oh, boy.

Okay. Less talking,
more moving.

You got that, Bob?
Yeah, yeah.

All right. Nice and easy, now.

Ah. Success.

Well, that's not actually
the word I would've used,

but it's in one piece
thanks to Sam.

I'm happy to help.

Noah, I want to say
thank you, man.

I can't believe
you stayed up all night

to finish it.
All night?

Just doing my part
for a good cause.

I mean, I know
you like cookies, Bob,

but that's
a lot of ginger.

It's not for me.

No, no. I'm auctioning it
tonight at the seniors' bingo,

and all the proceeds
are going to the food bank.

Oh, wow.
That's great, Val.

Well, they need all the help
they can get.

The last few years have been
pretty hard on a few folks.

Okay. That's Carol-Anne.

We better, like, move it.

Yep. Bye, guys.
Thanks again.
Bye.

See you guys.

Don't hit any bumps.

Never a dull moment,
huh?

Nope.

Oh, Noah?

I wanted to
talk to you about--

Hey, Noah?

Noah?

Oh, did you want something
from the café?

No.

It was about
the food bank.

My mom said that you were

taking some of those baked goods
there today.

Yeah. That's the plan.

Okay.

Any chance you need a hand?

I'm good, thanks.

Would it kill you
to accept some help?

It might.

I'm sure you have
better things to do.

Actually, I don't.

I don't have
anything to do.

I don't even have
a job.

What do you mean?

Yeah. No one really knows,

but it's a fact.

I am currently unemployed.

With zero prospects.

So, yeah.

What happened?

It's a long story.

Are you okay?

I'm fine,

but if you accepted my help,

that would actually be
doing me a favour. So--

I just thought because,
you know,

we used to do the whole
food bank thing together,

that we could, um--

But you know what?
This is a really stupid idea,

and you don't want to see me.

So, I will, um--

Here.

Consider it
an olive branch...

...or kindling.
You can burn it.

Whatever you wanna
do with it.

Did you make this?

Oh, I so wish
I could say yes. No.

No. My mom made it.

I drove it here,
you know?

And it was

a really difficult
drive.

Mm-hmm.

I was just about to
start packing up.

You free now?

As a bird.

I can't believe you still
drive that thing.

It was ancient when
we were in high school.

Come on.
You used to love this truck.

I loved that you had
a truck.

This thing belongs
in a museum.

Glad to see your sense of humour
is still intact.

I'm glad to see
you still can't say no

to a lost cause.

You're not a lost cause, Sam.

Oh, I don't know about that.

Are things really
that bad in New York?

Let's put it this way.

What I thought was going
to be a huge opportunity

completely blew up in my face,

in every possible way.

Basically,
I was waiting for

this position to open up
at this investment firm

for years,

and it finally happened.

I resigned from my old job.
I transferred all my clients.

And on the first day,

I discovered Will,
this guy I was seeing,

bought the company.

You're kidding.

His partner spearheaded
the deal, but yeah.

They bought it, and promptly let
a bunch of people go.

It was awful.

Wait.
So, he fired you?

No.

Technically, I quit.

I mean, he just assumed
that I'd be fine

working for him.

I mean, didn't he see
how unfair it was

for everyone else
that I got to keep my job

and they didn't?
It's wrong.

Sounds like you did
the right thing.

Maybe.

But now no one's answering
my calls or my e-mails.

I don't know
what to do.

I'm sorry.

I just hate not having a plan,
you know?

I haven't been unemployed
since I was 15.

I don't know what to do
with myself if I'm not...

...busy?

Yeah.

Well, maybe slowing down
isn't such a bad thing.

Says the guy who stayed up
all night

baking a gingerbread house
for charity.

Yeah.

Are things really as bad
as Val said?

Unfortunately, yeah.

The recession
hit pretty hard up here.

You know, the plant closed down.
A lot of people lost their jobs.

Businesses have been closing up
all over town.

That's terrible.

People put on a brave face,
but it's been tough.

I feel so bad I didn't know.

Sounds like you've had
a lot on your plate, too.

But hey, you're here now, right?

That's got to count
for something.

Well, thanks for letting me
tag along.

Well, don't thank me yet.

You haven't seen
what we're walking into.

What does that mean?

You'll see.

Wow.

Yep.

You weren't kidding.

Well, we heard that
the post office

is going to be moving into
that building there,

so maybe that'll bring
a little life back.

Oh. Hey, Noah.
Hey, Carol-Anne.

Here are the keys.
Thank you.

Can't stay long.
I got to get back to the office.

But if you--
Hey. Who's this?

Hi. I'm Sam.

Hi.

We, um,
went to school together.

Huh.
She's
Tammy's daughter.

Of course!
You live in New York.

Your mom is always
talking about you.

Oh, I'm glad you brought
some backup this year.

You're going to need it.

Can I help you with some of that
before I hit the road?

Yes.
Okay.

We have a lot of cookies.

Ooh. Okay.

Sorry about the dust.

Nobody's been in here
since last year.

I brought over everything
from City Hall's

donation bin.
Not as much as I'd hoped.

Yep.

Does this fridge work?

Doesn't look like it,

and I don't have any money left
for repairs.

So, it's dry goods only
this year.

Well, I could take a look
at it if you want.

Well, be my guest,
but don't put yourself out.

You've already done so much.

No. I have my toolbox
in the truck.

I'll grab 'em
and see what I can do.

That Noah,
he's a good one.

Yeah, he is.

After all he's been through,
he still shows up every year.

What do you mean,
"all he's been through"?

Almost losing the café
a few years ago.

Right. That.

All the work he's put into
that place,

bringing in secondary vendors,

and hiring local artists
and musicians.

He's really made
the café

a cornerstone
of the community.

That guy? He never stops.

No idea if I have what I need,
but we'll find out real quick.

Oh. Looks like the icing
has melted on a few of these.

Yeah. Those would be mine.

My piping skills
are a little rusty.

Oh. Uh, they're fine.

It's the thought
that counts, right?

Yeah. It's the thought
that counts.

Carol-Anne:
Anyways, I got to hit the road.

It's nice meeting you, Sam.

Likewise.

All right. Good luck, you two.
All right.

See you later.
All right. Bye.

Off to a good start.

Yeah.

Oh. There you go.

This one?

For a minute?

So, we are looking for
the fuse box.

Gotcha.
Fuse box.

Oh, Noah, look.

Remember this?

Oh, yeah.

We had to hang it on the wall

over that massive hole you made
you made sophomore year.

Someone was supposed to be
holding the ladder.

Someone was busy
cleaning up the tomato sauce

that somebody
spilled everywhere.

Oh, there it is.

Now, let's...

see what we got.

Huh...

It's stuck.

What does that mean?

It means...
I'm gonna need a minute.

Okay.

Okay.

What do they have here?

What are you
doing back there?

You'll see.

Better!

Hmm?

What?

Nothing.
It's just, uh...

you always manage
to surprise me.

You think
I'm a sell-out, don't you?

I never said that.

You didn't have to.

And for the record, I didn't
sell-out right away, okay?

I started out at a non-profit
when I first moved to New York,

and I really, really loved it.

They lost their funding,
I got laid off,

bills started to pile up,

and I thought I was
going to have to move home,

which I couldn't do.
I couldn't give up.

So, I got into finance,

and I had to work really
hard to get up to speed.

And then, suddenly,

the years were just flying by.

I was missing birthdays
and Christmases

and all of this.

And I just--
I had to try

to keep myself busy because
if I'd stopped to think...

And look at me now,

right back where I started.

What was it all for, you know?

Well, maybe this isn't
such a bad thing.

A chance for you to get back
to your roots a little bit.

I just put so much
time and effort

into getting where I am.

Doing that just feels
like I would be... giving up.

It wouldn't be giving up.
More like changing course.

Well, you didn't change course

when things got hard
at the cafe, now, did you?

I guess not.

All right, you want to try this?

Yes, I'd love to.
Let's do it.

Okay. Wanna do the honours?

You did it!

Wow! Well done!

Now, we just need to fill it.

There's just not enough.

I know.
I wish we could do more.

I don't want people
to have a sad memory.

Isn't there something we can do

to make it more
uplifting somehow?

What do you mean?

Okay, this might sound crazy.

What if we made it into a store?

We could have different stations
set up around the room

and people could come through
and just take what they want,

like they were shopping
for Christmas dinner. Oh!

Oh! Oh! Oh!
We could even hire a Santa

and he could hand out
donated toys to kids.

Oh! If there are any
trees left at the cafe,

we could just give them to
families who need them.

We could play music.

We could give out
snacks, you know,

and we could make a punch.

Turn it into something
really joyful,

a real Christmas experience!

Sam...
Sam: Yes?

We have one day.

I know, which is exactly why
we have no time to waste.

Noah, what do you think?

You in?

Let's do it.

Sammy,

what are you doing?

Mom, did you know that you have

22 strands of extra
Christmas lights downstairs?

No, I did not know that.

Well, I tested them all and
surprise, most of them work.

But there are a lot that don't
and those are there,

so you need to
throw those out, Mom.

Okay. Well, thank you
for sorting them.

But can I ask you why

you're doing all this
at seven in the morning?

Oh. Sorry.
I was going to tell you.

I'm throwing a magical Christmas
Eve soiree at the foodbank.

You are?

It's really last minute,
hence the all-nighter,

but we're giving the
foodbank a major facelift.

We're gonna have
visits with Santa,

toys for every kid,
free Christmas trees,

and then we're gonna
make it so pretty.

That is incredible!

And the last thing is the name.

I've been wracking
my brain all night.

I cannot come up with something.

It needs to be... catchy,
um, family friendly,

welcome to all.

How about...

"The Heart of the Holidays"?

Have I told you
lately that I love you?

Probably.

That's perfect.

I am so tired.
I'll make us coffee.

Want some whipped
cream with it?

Um... always.

Yes, for delivery tomorrow.
Ten a.m. would be perfect.

Thank you so much. Bob!

Sammy! How you doing?

Good.

Great.

I was wondering
if you would consider

donating some trees
for a good cause.

Is this for your
Christmas soiree?

Yes!

I just got off the
phone with your mom.

I love it.
Of course we'll donate.

We will?
I mean, of course, we will.

What are you talking about?

I'll fill you in later.

Listen, is there anything
else you need help with?

You know me, I can spread
the word, create some buzz.

You're an angel,
you know that?

I just made this
and I was gonna have copies made

and post them around town,
but if you're free--

Say no more.
I'm on it. Nice!

And if you have any
extra garland lying around,

I was thinking it
would be so nice

if we strung it around
the Santa display.

Yeah.
Santa?

And speaking of Santa, Bob...

Hey, hey, hey,
look who it is.

Hey, guys!

Wow. We leave you two alone
for one day and, bam,

the whole town is buzzing.

So...

what can we do to help?

Are you kidding? I can't ask you
to do anything. You're...

Tired and I'm restless,

and I really need something
to pass the time quickly,

so honestly,

how can we help?

Sorry. Uh,
we're two days overdue.

Gotcha. Okay.

Well, I was thinking
about setting up a gently used

toy donation bin in here,
if it was okay with Noah.

Works for me.
Ooh, say no more!

I have a basement full of stuff
I need to get rid of

and a group chat with moms
from four counties.

We'll get you sorted.

Amazing.

So fun! Yay!
Ronny, grab my drink.

Good luck.
Thank you.

We'll see you later.
See ya.

All right.

Well, I think we're gonna
need more wrapping paper.

I think you're right.

Hey. Am I too late?

No. Not at all.

I heard from Tessa.
She said you were looking for

toys and things
for the foodbank.

Yeah, that's right.

These are just a few
of my favourites.

If you need more,
just let me know.

Thank you so much.

That is so generous.

Thank you, really.

Yeah. You're welcome.

If there's anything
else I can do...

Uh, I think we've
pretty much got it covered,

but thank you again
for this, really.

Um, I'm happy to help.
I'll see you later, then.

You bet.

Cool.

You know, I'm starving.
You want something to eat?

Sure.

After you.

Still a lot of work
to be done, but, you know,

it gets the job done.

Plus, it's a short
commute to work.

I always thought you were
gonna build your own place,

so this makes sense.

Actually, I have my eyes on
100 acres by the lake,

but when things went south at
the cafe a few years ago,

this just felt right.

Yeah, that must have been hard.

No. Turns out,
I love it up here.

Did you ever consider...
doing anything else?

Sure. I thought about it.

But...?

Well, this is my home.

You know, leaving just...

didn't feel right.

What about marriage
and kids and all that?

You ever get close?

No.

But I'm sure you must
have dated, right?

Are we really having the
"who's dating who" conversation?

I'm just saying...

I'm sure every single lady
in 100 miles from here

is just chomping at the bit.

Okay, that is not true.

There's at least one.

Sam...

Marina's a nice girl.

She lives in town,
she's super successful.

I'm thirsty. You want
some eggnog or something?

All right,
nice left turn there, buddy.

I see what you're doing.

Just grab the
coffee mugs, will you?

The Christmas ones are
under the coffee table.

Aye-aye, captain.

Cute. Of all the Christmas
trees you have outside,

this is the one you choose?

I like it.

Yeah, me too.

Noah?

Noah: Yeah.

What's this?

"N&S?"

Like "Noah and Sam"?

Yeah, I guess.

Why haven't I seen this before?

'Cause I never had the
chance to give it to you.

And you kept it?

All this time?

Yeah.

Why?

I don't know.

You don't know?

What do you want me to say, Sam?

You said we were
water under the bridge.

Well, I lied.

We'd better get back.

We got a lot to do
tonight still, so...

Right. Yeah, you're right.

Yeah.
This'll be ready in just a sec.

I just gotta warm it up.

Bob:
Sammy, where do you
want the trees?

We're gonna stack 'em outside
and when you're done--

I'll string up the lights.

Thank you. What?

The whole town pitched in.

And one more!

Great.

Sammy, here are the wreaths.

Oh! Mother of the year award...

No way.

Hi!

Tessa, you made this?

Yes! I haven't painted
anything since high school

and I have to say,
it was so much fun!

Kids are gonna love it.

Thank you.

Where did this come from?

An anonymous donor.

That is so generous!

Well, you got friends
in high places, Sam!

That's a pretty
generous donor.

It's just a few turkeys.

Right.

Okay, let's get this off
before the ice cream melts.

There's ice cream in there?

Oh, yeah.

Oh, merry Christmas.

Okay, on your way in,

grab a shopping basket.

there'll be someone to
greet you at every station.

Kids can have
a visit with Santa

and take a present,
and on your way out,

don't forget to
pick up a tree out back.

Thank you, everyone,

and welcome to
The Heart of the Holidays.

Come on in, guys.

Okay, now,
watch your step here.

Carol-Anne, thank you so much
for your help tonight.

Oh, it was my pleasure.
Honestly...

I actually had
a really good time tonight.

Yay!

And that's not always
the case at events like this.

So, thank you for
making it so special.

Oh, please don't thank me.

What you do, day-in and day-out
for this community,

that's the real work.
This was just--

Giving people hope?

Maybe.

Mm-hmm.

It's too bad we
can't hand out jobs

at the food bank.

I am working on it.

What I wish is that
I had someone like you

helping me out fulltime.

We could really make
an impact around here.

Anyways, I'd better--

Hit the road.

You know me so well.

Night.
Goodnight. Bye.

Night-night.

You're really something,
you know that?

Ahh, come on.

No, no. I mean it.

What you did tonight...

Will: Sam?

Will?

What are you doing here?

I left you a bunch
of messages.

Yeah, I was busy--

I see that.
Hi. I'm Will.

I know who you are.

That's funny because
I've never heard of you.

Will, come on.

Hey, Sam,
what's going on?

Hi. You must be Tammy.

I'm Will.

It's so nice to meet you.

Oh, hi!
Hi.

I didn't know you were coming.

I'm sorry we had
to meet like this.

I needed to talk to Sam

and after the whole work fiasco,

I felt like I had
to do this in person.

Oh. What work fiasco?

Maybe this isn't the best
place for this conversation.

Who are you exactly?

Stop.

What is it, Will?

When we first met,

you told me you moved to
New York to save the world.

I told you that?

Yeah, you did. So, I made
some calls and it turns out

that an old family friend's
the acting director

of American Health United.

I told him about you

and there's an opening,
if you want it.

Really?

Absolutely.
There's just one thing,

he wants to
interview you tomorrow.

What?

Will:
I'm sure it's more
of a formality,

but they do wanna fill the
position before the new year,

so...

Sam, I know you

and this job
is a perfect fit.

You can start over,

do what you came
to New York to do.

Consider it me trying to
make up for everything.

He's right.

You should go.

What?

Sam, you deserve this.

It's what you always wanted.

Will:
Give me the word
and I'll lock it in.

I just need a minute, okay?

Noah...

we have to talk about this.

What is there to talk about,
Sam? You have to go.

I don't.
I don't have to do anything.

But you want to.

What do you want?

I want you to stay.

I want to start over.

But you and I both know
you can't do that right now...

...not until you see
what this job's all about,

and I'm not going to
stand in the way of that, Sam.

No, Noah...

It's okay.

Not my first rodeo.

Good luck.

You're gonna be great.

Will:
So... am I making the call?

Good morning.

Mom... I'm so sorry
about all of this.

You don't have apologize.

I'm just sorry you felt
like you couldn't tell me.

I wanted to tell you.

I just wanted to have it
all figured out first.

Oh, Sammy...

I should have never
quit without a plan

and now I'm leaving you
alone on Christmas Eve.

Sam... look at me.

You have to go see
what this job is all about,

everybody knows that.

And I know I always say that
you are your father's daughter,

and you are,

but you're also different.

Your dad worked extremely hard.

Being successful
was important to him

and he achieved a lot.

But it came at a price.

He denied himself

the time to explore
other passions.

But you...

you have both.

You work hard and
you follow your heart,

and that's what
makes you so special,

and I like to think that you
get a little of that from me.

Thank you, Mom...

...for all of it.

Okay.

You got to get going.

I guess so.

Okay...

Oh. For the road.

Sam?

Yes? Hi.

Thanks for waiting.

Oh, thank you for seeing me
on such short notice.

I really appreciate it.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

I'm happy to
put a face to the name

that Will speaks so highly of.

So, should we dive right in?

Yes, let's.

Listen,

we have a
management position open

in our fundraising department.

Now, it's not quite as
senior as you're used to,

but there's certainly room to
grow if you're interested.

You'd be a great fit.

I realize it's not exactly a
boots on the ground type of job,

but it is one
of the most critical

aspects of our work here.

Nothing else gets done,
unless we can raise the capital,

and with your
extensive knowledge

of the business world...

...you'd be a huge asset to us.

When I was younger,
I had different aspirations

and working for AAU was it -

an organization
out there on the ground,

fighting for people's
basic needs and human rights.

If my time in finance
taught me anything,

it's that throwing
money at a problem

is only part of the solution.

People need more,

in my opinion.

They need real
opportunities to succeed.

They need... hope.

They need to know that there's a
better life out there for them

and they need to be given
the chance to achieve it.

Well, it's clear Will was right.
We'd be very lucky to have you.

Hi.

Hey, how'd it go with Ray?

So, I pulled
a few strings

and got a dinner reservation
at Topaz tonight to celebrate.

Will--

Or we can just order
sushi, whatever you want.

I want to thank you

for arranging the
interview with Ray.

I really appreciate it.
It was such a huge opportunity.

You're not gonna take it.

Don't tell me this is about

that guy at the food bank.

Well, the person that I was
while we were together,

it wasn't the real me.
I didn't know who I was.

I didn't know what I wanted.

What do you want?

I want to go home.

Well, drive safe.

Merry Christmas, Will.

Merry Christmas, Sam.

Surprise!
Surprise!

What are you two doing here?

Well, we've come to spend
Christmas with our friend.

Oh, Val, you didn't
have to do that.

Oh, nonsense!
Of course we did.

So, let's get this casserole
in the oven, shall we?

I'm starving!

Tammy:
Mmm, delicious. Thanks.

Guys?

Just throw it in for
30 minutes at 350.

Oh, by the way, guess
who I saw chatting...

Guys?

...at the bus stop today.

Who?

Marina and Jeremy.

You know, the really cute
mechanic from Al's garage?

Oh, right!
Yeah!

Guys...

What is it, Bob?

I think we'd better set
that table for four.

Hi, Mom.

S-Sammy...

What are you doing here?

I'm moving home.

What about the job?

You know, it wasn't for me.

Turns out,
I want to live in Crawleigh,

closer to you,

closer to everyone...

...and get involved in community
and help wherever I can.

And I never, ever want to
miss another Christmas.

Oh, welcome home, Sammy.

Hello?

Oh! I knew it!

It's a girl!

Tessa, congratulations!

Yeah. Yeah, no, it's her.
She's here.

She's moving home.

Okay, sweetie,
we'll let you go.

Merry Christmas, kiddo.

Aww, isn't that fabulous?

Aww...

Okay, well, everyone,

if you don't mind, there's
one more thing I have to do.

You go get him, honey.

Okay. I'll be back, promise.

Yes. Yes!

Go get who?

Seriously?

Oh...
Carol-Anne.

Hey, Sam.
What are you doing here?

I'm looking for Noah.
Have you seen him?

Oh, you just missed him.
He was here all day cleaning up.

I just came to lock up.

Oh. Okay.

Hey, I thought you
left for New York.

I did. I'm back... for good.

Really? That's wonderful.

Oh, so, if you're serious
about needing fulltime help--

Uh, I would love that.

Let's talk first thing
in the new year.

Great! Oh!
Carol-Anne...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Hi.

Hi.

You weren't going to go in?

No. I didn't
wanna bother anybody.

And I still have a few more
stops to make, so...

Is that really
what you're doing?

On Christmas?
Running errands?

Pretty much.

Noah...

How'd it go in New York?

It's not gonna
work out in New York.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Oh, no.

Don't be.
I made the decision.

I'm moving home, Noah.

Not with my mom,

although, I'm sure
she would love that.

Uh... no.

I was thinking...

more like a really
nice house on a lake,

with a really nice attic.

I don't know, maybe Val
could help me find something.

I'm sure she could.

You know, I've had a lot
of time to think

and...

I realized that
I have been so desperate

to live up to this
idea of success that I had,

that... I completely
lost sight of myself

and what really,
really makes me happy.

And...

this past week with you...

...I remembered.

I remembered what it felt like
to be part of a community.

I remembered what it felt like

to actually make a difference
in people's lives,

even for a night.

And I remembered what
it felt like to love you.

I love you, Noah,

I always have.

And I just really hope it's not
too late to tell you that.

It's not too late.

Okay, good because I didn't have
a plan if you'd said no.

Oh, sorry. Sorry.

Go on, go, Bob. Go, go.

Go, go.

I love you, too.

Welcome home.