Nostalgic Christmas (2019) - full transcript

RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM

One more meeting, dad.
I promise, then I'm on my way.

You only have a five hour
train ride to North Bay.

There's no rush.

Dad, you're closing the store
after Christmas.

We have a lot of work to do.

Anne, sweetheart.
Christmas is in three weeks.

I haven't even
listed the place yet.

Dad...
it was your idea to retire.

I know, I know.

You having second thoughts?



Not about being closer
to you and your sister.

I mean, just, you know,
I guess I was hoping that maybe you...

You might change your mind
about taking over the place.

Dad, I already have a job.
Which I'm now late for.

See you tonight, okay?

Can't wait. Bye-bye.

Okay, bye.

And finally,
this is going to be one of the hottest toys

of the season.

It can make and learn custom
sounds that kids create,

like whinnies or neighs.

Or they can make it
into a talking horse.

It allows them to share
what they make with friends

who also have the toy.



What?
So the toys can talk to each other?

Welcome to the future.
Okay, so that is the overview

for the toys this year.

All of our Sinclair's
stores have enough stock

to get us through Christmas.
I will be back in January.

Wait, you're the toy buyer
for all of our stores,

so how can you be gone
at Christmas?

My part is done.
I find the toys, I buy the toys,

now it is your job to sell them.

So, going any place fun?

North Bay, Maine.
My dad's closing up his toy shop,

and I'm gonna help him out.

So toys are a family business.

Yeah, I guess you could say that.

I actually used to make
wooden toys when I was young.

That's quite a leap from
there to talking horses.

I know, you'd never find
anything like these

in my dad's store.
If it's not made of wood,

it is not a real toy as
far as he's concerned.

Okay, I've got to get going,
are there any questions?

- Nope, that was awesome.
- Great, merry Christmas!

- Thank you.
- You're welcome!

Merry Christmas.

Door's open!

Hello!

Annie bananie!

Dad!
Why are you calling me that?

I used to call you that
all the time!

Yeah, when I was 10.

Christmas is coming,
I'm feeling nostalgic.

So, how was the cab ride over?
You hit traffic?

Yeah, I did, actually,

but it gave me a chance
to call Tom Novak.

Your boyfriend from high school?

Well, yes, but more importantly,
he's a realtor now.

I'm meeting him tomorrow to
put the store on the market.

And dad, you still have to decide
if you want to sell

the house, too.

Annie,
you didn't have to do that.

I... I would have gotten to it.

You said you wanted to close
the store after Christmas.

The longer you take to list it,

the longer it's gonna sit empty.

I've been running that store
for 40 years!

And this house, you know...

I have to think about it.

You and your sister
grew up here, and...

But I know,
I know it's time, right?

Okay, listen.
I'll tell you what.

We'll deal with real estate
tomorrow.

Tonight? More garland.

That's the Christmas spirit, yes!

All right, come on, Jess.

I told Mrs. Wentzell I'd
be in early this morning.

Aunt Patty can take me.

No, aunt Patty can't.
She's picking you up after school.

Dad, if you're going
to work early,

doesn't that mean you're
not going to be late,

just not as early
as you wanted to be?

I don't think Mrs. Wentzell

would appreciate
that distinction.

It's almost Christmas.
She can't get mad at you at Christmas.

And anyway, aren't you the boss?

I'm the manager.
She owns the mill, so she's the boss.

Hello!

Hi, aunt Patty!

- Morning!
- I brought muffins!

Great! Something for the road.

All right, Jess, come on.
We gotta get going.

I'll see you after school, Jess.

Wait, the auditions for the
Christmas pageant are today.

I haven't decided
if I'm going to do it.

Jess, you've been begging me
every year since we moved here

to be a part of the pageant,
you're old enough now!

Why wouldn't you?

'Cause then I'd have to get up
in front of people and sing.

You love singing.

And you really love
Christmas songs.

That sounds like a match
made in the North Pole to me.

Auditions are after school.
Just think about it, okay?

Go get your backpack.

I have to get going too,
but I'll try to encourage her

when I pick her up
this afternoon.

Thank you.
Best sister in-law-ever.

That's what the coffee mug says.

Hey, any word about the mill?

No, not yet.
Mrs. Wentzell still hasn't decided

whether or not she's gonna sell.

They employ half the town.

I know. If it closes,

there's gonna be a lot
of people out of work.

Maybe you should consider
the job they offered you

at the mill in Vermont.

I don't want to uproot
Jessie unless I have to.

Took her a long time to
get used to North Bay

when we moved here
after Janie died.

Besides, if we moved,
you and Shawn would miss us too much.

We'd miss Jessie.

Oh, come on.
You love having us live next door.

My husband likes you
living next door,

but only because
you have the bigger TV.

I think you're...
okay, I guess.

You too. I guess.

Jessie!

Ready.

Forgetting something?

I hate that your dad's store
is closing,

but I love that you're
here for the holidays.

Colleen, I'm always here
for the holidays.

You come in on Christmas day

and then you go right back
to New York.

That leaves very little time

for your best friend
since first grade.

Well, she'll have plenty of time
with me this year.

Speaking of which,
what are you doing tonight?

Exciting stuff.

I'm cleaning out a storage
room with my father.

Sounds like every girl's dream.

But how about
coming to Town Hall instead?

We're putting together committees
to plan the town Christmas Events.

You're getting a late start
this year, huh?

Well, it's the same
three events every year.

Silent auction
at the tree lighting,

carnival,
pageant on Christmas Eve.

It's like cutting and pasting.

The committees really just herd reindeer,
so to speak.

Well, I'm already herding
some pretty stubborn reindeer

with my dad and the store.
I'm meeting Tom Novak

this afternoon
to put it up for sale.

Reuniting with
your high school boyfriend?!

That was a long time ago.

- He's single, you're single.
- Stop!

After Christmas,
I'm going back to New York,

so even if I was still
interested in him that way...

Okay, okay, okay.
I won't bring it up again.

As long as you agree to help
with the Christmas Events.

Come on!

You used to do the pageant
every year growing up,

this is like coming home.

My dad, the store, remember?

Okay, fine. I'll do
something simple and easy, like...

Like ice! I'll bring ice!

7:30, Town Hall.
And tell your dad I say hi!

Dad?

Good morning, sweetie!

Why didn't you wake me up?

Because people sleep in
when they're on vacation.

Listen, if I was on vacation,
I'd be somewhere warm

with a tropical drink
in my hand.

Well, that is not very christmassy.

Where's your holiday spirit?

It's in New York in January.

Which is when most companies
pitch me their ideas

for next Christmas,
so by the time December rolls around,

I'm kinda over it.

Well, get over being over it, huh?

Since this is gonna be
our last one here,

I want this to be the
most spectacular Christmas

in the history of Garrison Toys.

Yeah, it's an end of an era.

Certainly is.

Okay, I thought we'd start
in the storage room today.

But I'm not... I wanted...

How about... "Silent Night"?

Too slow.

Okay. How about "Jingle Bells"?

- Too fast.
- Okay.

How about "Silent Night"

really fast...
or "Jingle Bells" really slow, huh?

Look what I found! Your Santas!

I haven't seen those in years!

You made these the summer before
you went off to college, right?

Yeah, I was going to give
them out as gifts that year.

Annie, why didn't you?

I don't know.
Changed my mind, I guess.

Listen to this.

"I am secret Santa.
I keep the secret of Christmas

"and only share it with
children who believe".

"I am Christmas Wish Santa.
I remind children

"to believe
in the magic of Christmas".

I got these from that
advent calendar mom had.

Do you remember, the ones with
all the sayings about Christmas?

I just don't really remember
them being quite so sentimental.

Well, I think they're sweet.

- Oh no!
- What?

What?

I forgot.
I was supposed to bring something

for the toy drive
at school today.

- Jessie...
- I'm sorry,

but the toy store is right there!

We're already late, okay?
And I don't even think it's open.

I can't go to school without a toy.

Okay, okay. Put on your
"I'm an adorable ten year old,

"take pity on me" face.

You are frighteningly good
at that.

All right, come on.
Let's go.

I still wish you did things
like this.

Yeah, well,
New York apartments are expensive,

even without a wood shop.

So... what do you want me
to do with these?

I don't know.
I can't really keep them at my place.

We can't just throw them away!

Well, we can't keep
every memory in here.

You should at least keep one.

Wood worker Santa.

Good choice.

- I'll get it.
- Okay.

Hi, sorry, we're not open yet.

I know, it's an emergency.

A toy emergency?

I forgot to bring something
for the toy drive at school.

Please?

How do I say no to that face.

Okay, come in.

- Morning, Keith!
- Morning, Bill!

Is that miss Jessie I see?

- Hi, Mr. Garrison!
- Sorry about this.

We need a little something
for the toy drive.

- Sure.
- Something special.

Well, you've come
to the right place.

I mean, everything in here
is very special.

Let's see what we can find.
Follow me.

Remember, it needs to be
really special.

Keith McClain.

Anne Garrison, Bill's daughter.

Nice to meet you!
I hear the store is closing down soon?

Yeah, my dad's retiring.

Well, we will certainly miss it.

This is some quality work,
you know?

You don't find that in a
lot of toys these days.

Well, I don't know about that.

Don't even get me started
on these new high tech toys.

I don't need my daughter's doll
having more

processing speed than my laptop.

Well, in today's market, it's...

I mean, who decides
we should buy that kind of stuff

for our kids for Christmas,
anyway?

That would be me,
I'm a toy buyer

for Sinclair's department store.

Yeah.

I didn't mean
that what you did was...

- That's fine.
- I didn't mean it in...

- It's fine.
- We have a winner!

Jess, go ahead and pay for it.

- My dad thinks he's funny.
- All dads think they are.

That'll be 20.

Okay, here you go.

Jessie tells me
that she's auditioning

- for the pageant today!
- Thank you.

- Maybe.
- You should!

It's so much fun! I did it
every year when I was growing up.

She's a little nervous about
singing in front of people

other than me.

I think we might have
just the thing for that.

Yeah.

"I am Super Santa,

"the super hero in every child.

"Ready to make the world
a better place".

I think maybe he can help
you with your audition today.

These are so cool!

- Annie made those.
- You did?

These are really, really good.

Thanks. I hope it helps.
Merry Christmas.

Thank you very much.

Thank you for that. Merry Christmas.

Thanks, Bill.
All right, come on. Let's go.

Well, that was a good idea.

Now we have something to do
with them.

Free gift with every purchase!

First of all,
I can't get over how good you look.

Tom! I already gave you the
listing for my dad's store,

you don't have to keep
flattering me!

I'm serious!

Hey, do they still do
the Christmas carnival?

Every year. Do you remember
the year where I won you

that huge snowman stuffy?

You won me
the huge snowman stuffy?

No, you only gave it to
me because you didn't want

to carry it around the carnival.

- That is not true!
- That is so true.

What else do we need to do
to get my dad's store sold?

Well, I'll bring over
the paper work.

We'll take some pictures,
I'll create the listing,

and then we'll go from there.

Right. Do you think it's
gonna be hard to sell?

You know, it's in a great location,
but I don't know.

It's probably going to depend
on what happens to the mill.

Yeah, my dad told me about that.
Mrs. Wentzell wants to retire.

Yes, and a big company came
in with an offer for the land.

That's hard to ignore, so...
If the mill closes,

that will affect
the real estate market.

Well, I appreciate
whatever you can do.

Anne, of course.

I should get back to the store.

Yes, and I should get back
to the office.

- Okay then.
- Since you're in town

for awhile, I mean,
why don't we grab a bite

- and catch up on old times?
- Yeah, I'd like that.

- Great, I'll give you a call.
- Okay, thanks, Tom.

Hey! There you are.

I thought
you were coming in early.

- Ten year old daughter.
- Say no more.

Grab some garland.

I just came in for some coffee.
I gotta go see Mrs. Wentzell.

To talk her out of selling?

Alicia, it's funny you think
I have that kind of influence.

You could change her mind.
She likes you.

Mrs. Wentzell liking people
doesn't happen often.

She's right. It's very rare.

- Mrs. Wentzell!
- Hello, Mrs. Wentzell.

Keith, Alicia. You're drooping.

- The garland.
- Sorry.

And I'm sorry,
I tried to make it here early, but...

No, no, it's fine.
So, what is it that you need

to change my mind about?

Well, it's about
selling the mill.

That. Yes, well,
I haven't decided yet,

but if I do,
it won't be done lightly.

This place
was in my late husband's family

for generations...
I know how important it is

to the town and the people
who work here, so...

I know you do.

Besides, it's time for me
to retire.

I want to be closer to my brother,
my nieces and nephews.

Walter and I never had children,
so they're my only family.

I totally understand.

And that's why I like him.

That was great, Gina.
Thank you.

You're next, Jessie.

Jessie?

Anne, you came!

Of course.
Figured you'd come find me if I didn't.

You're absolutely right.
Let me introduce you around.

Anne Garrison,
this is Martin Delong,

he runs the Christmas tree lot.

- Hi.
- So you're a little busy?

It's the most wonderful time
of the year.

And you know Alicia Gregory.

Only since what, my entire life?
It's good to see you.

You too. It's good to see you.

And this is Keith McClain!

Yeah, we actually met
this morning,

but I was too busy putting
my foot in my mouth

for a proper introduction.

It's okay, I'll give you a do-over.
Just this once.

Thank you. Nice to see you.

- You too.
- Keith, where's Jessie?

Auditioning
for the Christmas pageant.

Her aunt and her uncle
are picking her up,

so they should be here
any minute.

Well, then let's get started.

Everyone, if you could grab a seat,
we're gonna start.

Thank you all so much
for coming.

A lot of empty seats this year.

Well, let's start by finding
our Christmas committee chairs.

They will be responsible
for overseeing the events,

including the silent auction
at the tree lighting,

the carnival, and the pageant.

Any volunteers?

Come on, there must be a couple
of brave souls out there.

Anyone at all.
Just raise your hand. Come on...

- Someone raise their hand.
- Dad! Dad!

I got a solo in the pageant!
I got a solo!

That's incredible!
High-five!

Excellent! Thank you, Keith.

Okay, so we just need one more.

What? Wait, no, no, I...
I wasn't.

No, Colleen, that wasn't...

Anne! Wonderful!
Thank you, Anne.

Okay, so Anne Garrison and
Keith McClain will be heading up

this year's Christmas committee.

Let's all give them
a round of applause.

- What just happened.
- I have no idea.

You two are in charge
of Christmas.

Thank you, Martin. Enjoy!

Thank you!
My grandkids are gonna love all of this.

Hey, Martin, we need to pick up
some trees for the pageant.

- Think we can stop by tonight?
- Of course.

And I'll be sure to set
aside some good ones for you.

And sorry, what about the tree for
the silent auction lighting ceremony?

Oh no, that's a giant
40 foot tall artificial job.

They keep it at the warehouse
by the Town Hall.

Okay, thank you!

- Just put it right here.
- Like right here?

Yeah, yeah.
I think that's gonna work.

"I am good neighbour Santa.

"I am always there for people
nearest and dearest to me.

"Willing to lend a helping hand
when it's needed the most".

That's nice, Santa.
That is nice.

Everybody could use
a good neighbour.

Dad, I'm so sorry.
I'll help you with that store room

in a little while,
but I just need 20 minutes with Keith

- before he goes to work.
- Don't worry about it.

The Christmas Events
are more important.

Okay, but we are
gonna get to it today.

Of course we will.

I think he's happy to have
an excuse to procrastinate.

Well, he obviously loves
this place.

And those Santa figurines
aren't the work of somebody

who considered wood carving
an idle hobby.

I guess you're right.

I used to spend hours
in that workshop.

My dad
used to have to drag me out.

So what changed?

I guess I did.

Anyway, where were we?
Okay, so this weekend,

we've got the silent
auction and tree lighting.

We've got volunteers to
collect all the items

and set everything up,
so I guess that leaves

just looking
at the big artificial tree.

We can stop by the warehouse
on the way to the tree lot.

- Great.
- Yeah.

And then the following
weekend is the carnival,

today I'm going to speak to
the guy who is bringing in

all the booths and games,
so we're good there.

Right, and I'm making calls to
find some sponsors to pay for

everything, we came up a little
short on the budget this year.

That just leaves the
pageant for Christmas Eve.

Mr. Flannery at the school
is handling all the music,

so we just need to get
programs and decorate.

This all seems pretty doable.

This is gonna be a piece
of Christmas fruitcake.

- Yeah.
- Yeah!

What do you mean
the tree is gone?

I mean it's gone.
Nobody knows where it is.

How do you lose a 40
foot tall Christmas tree?

This is a disaster.
The tree lighting is what brings

everyone out, and then they bid
on the silent auction items.

The school depends on that
to fund the music program.

Okay, can't we just buy
another tree?

Do you know how expensive those are?
We can't afford it.

Okay, look, let's not panic.
Maybe Martin at the tree lot

knows where we can find
a big tree.

And I work at a lumber mill.
We have a lot of trees!

- Yeah.
- We'll figure something out.

The tallest one I've got
is about 10 feet.

I don't have anything big enough
for the tree lighting.

Well, do you know anyone
that would?

Not this late in the season.

It's all right. I'll see what
I can find at the mill tomorrow.

Okay, just let me know which ones
you want for the pageant,

- and I'll have them delivered.
- Thanks, Martin.

- You're welcome.
- Thanks.

- Let's go take a look around.
- Okay.

That's a pretty great kid
you've got there.

Yeah, she's something else.
I'm not sure how I got that lucky.

I'd say good parenting
deserves more credit than luck.

You know,
I do what I can with Patty and Shawn.

My sister-in-law
and her husband, they...

They've been a huge help.
It was actually their idea

for us to move here when my wife
passed away a few years ago.

I'm sorry.
That must have been tough.

Yeah, it was, but Jessie and I
helped each other through it.

You live in New York, right?

Yeah, that's where I tell everyone
what their kids want for Christmas.

I thought I was getting
a do-over.

Right. Forgot about that.

You know, I don't think
I could ever live in New York.

I need nature.
I was born to be a lumberjack.

All you need is a big blue ox.

I keep her in the garage!

Let's go, let's go see
what Jessie is doing.

- You grew up here, right?
- Yeah, yeah.

I got a scholarship at NYU
and just wound up staying,

but I love coming back to visit.

Guess you probably
won't be doing that

once your dad closes
the store, huh?

No, I... I guess not.
Although the way things are going

with this Christmas committee,
I probably won't be allowed back.

Yeah, I wonder how we'll ruin
the carnival and the pageant.

Probably involves coal
and stockings.

- Yeah.
- What about the pageant?

It's gonna be great!

You know, Jessie,
you should be really proud of yourself.

I was 15 before I got a solo.

You had a solo too?
Will you help me with my song?!

I don't know...

Please? It was your Santa
that got me to audition

- in the first place.
- Really?

Yes! I wasn't gonna do it,
but then Super Santa

reminded me to be brave.

That's very sweet.
You sure you want me to help?

I mean, what about your dad?

Have you heard him sing?

Okay, number one, ouch!

And number two...
she's totally right.

Jessie, I don't know.
I haven't sung since I was a kid

and I really was not that great.

You had a solo, so you must
have been! Please?

Aw, that face...

Okay. I'll help you.

What about that one?

Thank you.

You're welcome.

So all you have to do is
sign on all the places

that are marked, and then
we can get the listing posted.

I need to read all of this first.

Of course, Mr. Garrison.
There's no rush.

Sorry, this isn't easy for him.

I understand.

- Sorry to interrupt!
- It's all right, Keith.

This is Tom Novak.
He's our realtor and an old friend.

Keith and I are working on
the Christmas Events together.

- Nice to meet you.
- You too.

How's Christmas going?

Well, two days
before the Christmas tree lighting

and we still
don't have a tree, so...

Colleen wants to talk to us
to go over our options.

All right, I'll grab my coat.

I need to get back
to the office,

but we still need
to catch up over dinner,

so I'll make sure
to give you that call.

Okay, sounds good.

See you, Mr. Garrison.

This looks like a good
place to find a tall tree.

Maybe up on that elevation,
might be some conifers up there.

We can go take a look.

Hey, thank you
for helping me out here.

I'm not doing this for you.
I'm doing it for Anne.

Hey! I thought
we were friends, huh?

We are. I've just known Anne
since she was a little kid.

She's one of the good ones.

Yeah, she seems really nice.

What? I said she was nice,
I didn't mean anything by it.

Why not? She's smart,
she's funny...

And lives in New York.

And will probably never
come back to North Bay

after her dad closes the
store and moves away.

All right, whatever you say.

Let's go check the elevation.

I really hope Keith is able
to find us a tree at the mill.

Well, he said
he'd check every corner

of the property if he had to.

You gotta admire his commitment.

- Keith is such a nice guy.
- Yeah.

A nice, handsome, eligible guy.

Colleen, why do you do this?

Because I want you to be happy!

I am happy! In New York,
hundreds of miles from here.

- Who cares about...
- Hi, guys.

- Hi.
- Hi.

- Hey.
- How'd the tree search go?

Well, we might have
some options,

but I'm afraid none as big
as the old one.

Well, it's still better than nothing,
you know?

Yeah.

And I really think people
are still going to want to

show up for the silent
auction and the official start

- of the season.
- Yeah.

- Right?
- Of course,

I just think
people will be disappointed,

it's not the best way to
kick off the holidays.

And we're sorry, Colleen,
but we're still looking,

and so is Martin.

Right, and we still have
a couple days.

Yeah.

Maybe we'll get
a Christmas miracle.

Exactly. Yeah.

- That was good, Jess!
- So good!

I still want you to project
a little more though.

It sounds like
you're holding back a bit.

That's what Mr. Flannery says.

It's okay, the pageant
is in a couple weeks,

so there's still plenty
of time to get used to it.

Can we do it again?

Don't you want to decorate
the tree?

Can we do both?

You know, that's not a bad idea.

Why don't we sing carols
while we decorate?

Sure. Where do we start?

"Deck the halls?"

See, there you go?

When you're doing something else,
it distracts you

from thinking too much
about singing.

You weren't holding back at all
on that one.

But how am I supposed to do that
with my song in the pageant?

I mean, there are no trees
to decorate!

Well, you just have to
remember what this feels like.

You can even close your eyes and
picture the tree and your dad...

And you, and Super Santa!

Okay, well if that works,
then great!

Thanks, Anne.

Yeah, thanks, Anne.

You're welcome.

Okay.

Well...
I think we're all done here.

All right. You ready?

Three, two, one...

Aw...

Well, what do you think?

- It... it's nice!
- This is the best I could do.

I have a lot of extra trees this year,
more than I can sell,

and this is the biggest one.

Martin, it's great.
Really, it's...

It's gonna be fine.
Right? Right, guys?

- Yeah, absolutely.
- Yeah.

I gotta get back to the lot.
I'll see you all tonight.

- Thanks, Martin.
- You're welcome.

Let met help you with that.

I just feel
like we disappointed everyone.

I know, me too.

But it's not like
we lost the tree, right?

It's not really our fault.

Yeah, that's true.

And we can just make a big deal
out of the small tree.

Get people excited anyway.
It's sort of the best we can do.

Agreed. Agreed. We've got
a lot to do before the carnival

next week, and the pageant
the week after that,

so let's not let this
get us down.

Right.

I have an idea!

Thank you,
just straight through.

- Have a merry Christmas.
- Thank you for helping.

We only have an hour.
Think we're gonna make it?

We're gonna try. Hi, thank you.
Thank you so much.

- Perfect.
- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.
- Hi.

Jessie,
I love those antlers on you.

Thanks! I only wear them
for special occasions.

Only because I won't let her
wear them all the time.

Hey, you guys.

- Hey!
- Anne, this place is beautiful.

Thanks, yeah, we hope it works.

No, it's gonna be great.

Someone is bidding on the wreath
I wanted.

You save me a dance for later?

Yeah, of course.

Good evening, everyone!

- Okay, that's our cue!
- Ready? Let's go.

Christmas is two weeks away,

so who's ready to kick off
the season?!

We are going to do things
a little differently this year,

and to explain,
I have the co-chairs

of the North Bay
Christmas Committee,

Anne Garrison and Keith McClain!

Hello, merry Christmas!

As you can see we don't have
the big Christmas tree this year.

Apparently Santa needed it
at the North Pole.

But with the help of Santa's
elves and our friends,

we were able to come up with
something just as wonderful,

and I think
Jessie should push the button.

Also, we're going to be doing
the countdown

a little differently this year.

On the count of ten, are you ready?
Here we go!

Ten! Nine! Eight!

Seven! Six! Five!

Four! Three! Two!

One!

Isn't that beautiful?!

So if you can't have
one big tree...

Have many regular-sized trees!

And even better,
these trees were donated to us

by Martin's tree lot,
so thank you, Martin!

Let's hear it for Martin!

Come on, Martin!
Thank you!

And don't forget to bid
on the auction items.

All the proceeds go
to the school's music program.

Yes, yes!
It's a good thing!

- Hey!
- Hey.

- I think that went well.
- I think it went great!

- Everyone seems really happy.
- Yeah.

And Colleen says the bids
for all the auction items

- are way ahead of last year.
- I'm so relieved.

- That's great.
- Yeah.

Hopefully the carnival and
the pageant go a little smoother.

Yeah, hopefully.

- I love this song.
- Me too.

Do you want to...

Anne!
How about that dance?

- Were you...
- No. No, no, no.

- It's okay, go ahead.
- Okay.

Anne, you don't need
to do that now.

Dad, you have to get rid
of some of these toys,

otherwise you're gonna have
all this stock left over

- after you close...
- Sweetie.

You need to focus on the
Christmas activities, right?

I mean, the carnival
is in three days!

Yeah, I know.
Keith is getting off work early today

so we can meet the game operator
at the events centre.

And he's bringing Jessie
with him after school.

Do you mind keeping her company
while we're gone?

Sure!
I can show her how to carve.

That's a little much for a ten year old,
don't you think?

Well, you know...
start with something simple

like a Christmas tree.
She can do the sanding and the painting.

Besides, you were carving
at that age.

Yes, but I grew up around
Bill Garrison, master woodworker.

It was like destiny for me.

You remember your first carving?

I do... it...
it was a reindeer.

Or at least
it was supposed to be.

- It was beautiful.
- No it wasn't!

- Yeah!
- Although, at the time,

you said that it was the
greatest carving ever done

by anyone in the history
of wood work.

- My little girl did it.
- Aw, dad.

You're gonna miss this place.

I think we both will, hm?

Annie.

Missed you at the tree
lighting the other night.

Well, with everything going on,

I wasn't sure
I'd be welcome this year.

Any update on the sale?

Not yet, no.
I'm still considering my options.

If there was someone
who would buy the place

and keep it running,
I'd do it in a heartbeat.

I tell you,
if I had the resources,

I'd be happy
to take it off your hands.

- You would?
- Of course!

I mean, I wish there was a way
I could save the place.

You know, not just
for the job or the town,

but, you know,
the mill, the people,

it's become like
a second home to me.

I understand what you mean.

But at the end of the day,
it is a business,

and I have to treat it like one.

Even if it means the town
will be upset with me.

Well, you know,
one of the items on my to-do list

is to find a sponsor
for the carnival.

A small donation
and a little encouragement

for the mill employees
to help out...

It might help out around town.

You think so?

I think everyone could use
a little joy in their lives.

Especially when they're uncertain
about the future.

All right, make it happen.

Thank you, Mrs. Wentzell.

So the food vendors are here
getting everything all prepped.

Carnival games are being set up.

We've got volunteers to man the booths,
and thanks to you,

the mill is paying
for everything.

- I think we're in good shape.
- Great!

You know,
I should pick up Jessie.

Your father is probably
in need of a break by now.

My father is probably
thrilled to have someone new

to tell all of his stories to.

Okay. Then you want
to go grab a bite to eat?

Like a work dinner.

Talk about the carnival,
the pageant.

Right, right, right.
Yeah, we'll talk about work.

- Okay, let's go.
- Great.

Okay, well.

What do you think?

It kind of looks like
a Christmas tree.

Well, we're not done yet, right?

Now this is the part where
you get to help, all right?

Now first, we have
to sand off the edges, right?

Okay, and then we use these
tools here to carve the details

like, well, like ornaments
and the garland.

- And then we paint it, right?
- That's right.

This is really fun!

Why do you not want
to do it anymore?

No, no, I mean,
I'm still going to do wood work.

I'm going to have a shop in
my new home in Connecticut,

but you know, it will be
more of a hobby than a job.

What's the difference?

Well, I mean, running a store
is a lot of hard work,

and I've been doing it
for a long time.

But you did it because
you love making toys, right?

I definitely do.

So if it's fun,
and you love doing it,

why are you not
doing it anymore?

This looks so good. Okay.
Let's dig in, ready?

Here we go.

We should definitely have
these at the carnival.

Okay...

This is why they put new year's
resolutions after Christmas.

Things like this have sold
a lot of gym memberships.

I'll have to ask Mrs. Wentzell
if she'll include these

in her carnival sponsorship.

I don't really know her that well,
but I've never really

thought of Mrs. Wentzell as
being the Christmas spirit type.

Well, I think that's just
a front she puts on.

She's been nothing but kind to me
ever since we moved here.

Where are you from originally?

Ohio.
My dad worked at a mill,

so I guess it's kinda
in the McClain blood.

But he and my mom retired
a couple years ago, so...

Do you get out
to see them often?

Not as often as I'd like.

They come here for Christmas day,
so Jessie likes it.

How 'bout you?

You come here for Christmas
every year?

Yeah. Yeah, I usually
only make it for a day or two,

but my sister
and her husband and kids

come in from Connecticut
and it's this big celebration.

Must've been amazing as a kid,
growing up around all those toys.

Yeah, I was convinced that
it was Santa's workshop.

I kept expecting to see elves.

So, did you?

I'll never tell.

So, do you think you'll miss it?

Yeah, maybe.

But times change, you know?

It's like the Santa carvings.

I loved doing that
when I was a kid

but maybe it's time
to let those go too.

And replace them with some
high-tech doohickey, right?

Doohickey?

What is this, 1952?

I have seen the toy section
at Sinclair's,

and I stand by my word.

That is really good, Jessie.

I think you may have
a new career path.

Maybe you should take over
the store!

- Think I'm ready.
- Ha!

- Hello there!
- Anne, look what I did!

Jessie, that's so good!

Did you do that all by yourself?

- I had a little help.
- Just a little bit.

Hey, Colleen. What's up?

Oh, really?

So, I guess I'm not the only one
in the family

who works with wood now, huh?

Yeah, it was really fun!

And not as hard as I thought
it was gonna be.

You're a natural, kiddo.

- That's really cool.
- Yeah.

Somethin' wrong?

Jess, lemme show you the new
project I'm working on, huh?

What's going on?

That was Colleen.
She just got a call

from Mr. Flannery at the school

and apparently
he has a family emergency

and has to go to Boston.

He won't be back
until after Christmas.

What about the pageant?

I don't know.
He does everything-

the music, the arrangements,
the piano.

I don't know
how we're gonna replace him.

I don't know
how I'm gonna tell Jessie.

- Is that better?
- So much better!

Jessie,
you're really getting this!

I know my musical sensibilities
are in question here,

but for what it's worth,
I agree, sweetie.

I hope Mr. Flannery like sit.

When am I gonna practice
with him again?

I'm not quite sure, sweetheart.

Jessie, why don't you sing it through
one more time

without the piano
while I talk to your dad?

Okay!

- What are we gonna do?
- I don't know.

I've been on the phone all day

trying to find someone with
musical skills to take over.

- No luck.
- I know, same here.

There must be someone in town
with musical ability.

You've been doing great
with Jessie.

Maybe you could do it.

- Me?
- Yeah!

No, no, no, not me.

There's got to be somebody
more qualified.

Whenever I'm playing piano,

I always picture my mom,
smiling and encouraging

but also wincing, a little.

So she taught you?

Yeah, she did.
If I wasn't in the workshop with my dad,

I was playing piano with my mom.

That's sweet.

Yeah, it's been tough for my
dad ever since she passed.

That's why my sister and I
are encouraging him to retire

and move closer to us.

So you and your sister
must be close.

Yeah.
I mean, she's in Connecticut

with a husband and the kids
and I'm in the city,

but we talk all the time.

So the husband and the kids
and the suburbs thing isn't for you?

I don't know. I mean...

I certainly admit
it has its appeal.

Okay, listen. Let's just focus
on one thing at a time.

We'll deal with the pageant
right after the carnival

tomorrow night.

Right. At least
that's still going well.

Don't jinx it!

Sorry.

So...

- ...right here.
- Yeah, that sounds good.

I'm off to the store.
I'll see you two later.

Okay.
I'm right behind you, dad.

We just need
a few more minutes here.

We need to finish cleaning out
that store room.

Annie, that can wait.

Dad, it can't!

Tom's already listed
the building.

You need to get ready
to move out.

It'll probably take a while
to get an offer,

and then there's Escrow.

The carnival's tonight, huh?
We'll do it later.

I'll be there shortly
and we can do it together.

Okay.

I think this is payback

for all the times
he made me clean my room.

Well, as the parent
of a young daughter,

I'm on his side.

Listen, I appreciate
you giving up your Saturday

to finalize everything.

Happy to do it.

Patty and Jessie are
Christmas shopping anyway.

Is Jessie looking forward
to the carnival tonight?

Yeah.

We have this little thing

with the snowball toss
every year.

She thinks I let her win and
I go ahead and let her think that.

Saving your pride.

Yeah, maybe.

Oh, by the way,

Jessie had so much fun
carving with your dad.

Yeah, I'm not surprised.

In addition
to being a great teacher,

he knows how to make it fun.

So why don't you do it anymore?

I don't know. It's...

It's just hard to find
time for things like that.

It's like with music, you know.

You gotta grow up at some point.

Okay.
Let's get back to business.

This village
is not gonna build itself.

That would be really cool
if it did!

Okay, back to work.

- You've got this. You got this.
- All right.

All right, Jess, okay,
if you move a little bit to the right...

Dad!

Okay! Okay, sorry.

Yes!

- Attagirl! Nice!
- Nicely done!

- Take your pick.
- I pick this one.

Okay!
Let's go play another game.

Okay. Bye!

So, we really need to talk
about the pageant.

All right. Sure, yeah.
We can meet at the shop tomorrow

and see
what we can come up with.

Or, you could just take over
from Mr. Flannery.

Exactly!

Look, it's Tom!

Hey! There you are.
You havin' fun?

Yeah, we're just celebrating
Jessie's win

- at the snowball toss.
- Nice!

You know, it used to be my
favourite game when I was a kid.

Anne, you up for a little
friendly competition?

- You're on.
- Let's do it.

I don't know
what we're gonna do about her.

Those are for you.

Yeah.

Neither do I.

That is so fun!

I'm so happy I won this for you.

You just want me to carry this
around all night,

don't you?

- Hey.
- Hey.

So, I have to get going.

I have an early morning
showing on another property.

Okay.

Keith, it was great to see you.

You too.

Anne, I will call you tomorrow.

We already have a couple
of nibbles on the building.

- Oh, great!
- Yeah.

- Good night.
- Okay, good night! Bye.

- Cotton candy?
- Yes, please!

So, Tom seems like a nice guy.

Yeah, he is.
I've known him forever.

It's nice to have connections
like that, you know?

- Yeah.
- It's tough in New York.

So, no boyfriend back there?

No. I mean, I work all the time.

Or, I don't know.

Maybe I just haven't met
the right guy.

I get it.
I'm in the same boat.

I dated a couple times
after my wife passed away

but you know,
between work and Jess...

- Some day.
- Yeah, some day.

We've only got a week
until the pageant.

Everyone is getting
very nervous.

Yeah, I got a call from the guy
who plays the organ

at the church down the street,

and he said
that he'd play the piano,

but as far as directing the choir,

the barbershop quartets,
and the solos,

we're still looking.

Well, if only we knew someone
who was musical

that did the pageant
every single year.

Yeah, it would be convenient

if someone like that was around.

Yeah, guys,
there's a big difference

between singing in the pageant
when you're a kid

and directing it.

Come on, you were doing
so great with Jessie.

Yeah, not the same thing either.

Well, if we don't find someone
in the next day or two,

we're going to have to cancel
the whole thing.

Well, we still have
a couple days to keep looking.

Would you look at that, huh?

It's Music Santa.

"I am Music Santa.

"I remind people that
a Christmas Carol is a joyous way

"to bring the holidays to life
and life to the holidays".

Really, dad?
You just happened

- to stumble on this one?
- Well, you know.

Anything is possible
at Christmas.

- Okay, fine!
- Yay!

I'll do it!

That's my girl!

Yes!

Excellent!

Okay, we're gonna take
a quick break

and then the Twelve Days
of Christmas is up next.

Thank you.

Sounds great!

Really?

I just wish we had a few more
voices to fill it in.

Anne, it's going to be fantastic.

Just relax and enjoy it.

Right. Right!

We're singing Christmas Carols.

This should be jolly,
not awkward.

No. Not as awkward as when
you hugged Keith yesterday.

That was just
a spur-of-the-moment thing.

Like,
"Woo! I'm doin' the pageant!

"Here, have a friendly,

"doesn't-mean-anything
hug of good tidings".

"Good tidings"?

It's the Christmas decorations.

Well, what about Tom?

You've been spending time
with him too.

Just a couple meetings
about selling the building.

Just sounds like you've got
a lot of possibilities.

Well, none of it means anything.

After Christmas, I'm gone.
I'm back to New York.

So, it can't mean anything.

Okay. If you say so.

But tell me this...

When you say it
can't mean anything,

do you mean Keith or Tom?

Hey! Santa's village
is starting to look good!

This is the house of candy canes.

We can just hang them on
these little hooks here.

And this is the house
of snowmen.

- I love it.
- Thank you.

Listen, I'm gonna practice
a little more with Jessie

and then she's gonna be done
for the day.

- Okay.
- Wanted to let you know.

- All right. I'll be here.
- Okay.

You're very merry!

Yeah, well,

I'm just a happy elf
whistling while he works.

That's the seven dwarfs.

Right. Well, I'm whistling
a Christmas Carol, so it counts.

All of this merriment
doesn't have anything to do

with a certain Christmas committee
co-chair, does it?

Maybe. A little.

Do you like her?

I said "a little".

Did you talk to her about it?

No, I...
I don't know how she feels, okay?

And the whole fact that
she's heading back to New York

after Christmas and...

You know, this whole Tom thing.

All of which could be sorted out
by, you know, talking to her?

But at the very least,
you could do something

to show her how you feel!

It's too late
to change my song, right?

You don't wanna do
"oh come all ye faithful" anymore?

I heard Kylie Morgan practicing.

She's doing
"hark the herald angels sing".

It's really, really good.
Better than me!

Jessie, it's not a competition.

I know, but I wanna be
really, really good.

And you are!

What if people don't like it?

People are gonna love it.
Are you kidding?

I'm gonna love it,
your dad is gonna love it.

In fact, I bet he's gonna be
cheering you on so loudly,

it's gonna embarrass you.

Probably.
Does your dad ever do stuff like that?

All the time.

That's what dads do, though!

To him, everything I do
is worth cheering about.

Like your Santas.

Yes, perfect example.

He thinks they're great.

So do I!

Thank you.
But they're a little...

...I don't know.

I mean, wouldn't you rather have

a computerized programmable horse

that you can teach to talk?

I mean, that's pretty cool,

but I think Santa's better
than a talking horse any day,

don't you think?

Yeah. Yeah, maybe he is.

You should make more.

You know, Jessie,
I'm not sure I'd still know how.

You will.
And Santa will help you remember.

Can't argue with that.

I'll think about it, okay?

Now, let's practice.

Remember this?

This is the first tool
you ever used.

Still has your initials in it.

You used to have to pry
this thing out of my hand.

You'd have stayed up all night
if I hadn't.

So many good memories here.

Yes, there are.

Not gonna be easy to say goodbye
to them, is it?

No, it's not.

But, I don't know, maybe one day
I'll start carving again.

It's not really
the most practical hobby

for a New York apartment.

Dad, there's still time
if you wanna reconsider.

I don't want to change my mind.

I can't come back
and run the store.

Why not?
I mean, you love this place.

I do, and I love you, but this...

It's just not me anymore.

I think it's more
than you're willing to admit.

Dad, I'm...
I'm sorry. I can't.

Okay.

Well, let's make this
the best Christmas Ever, okay?

Yeah.

One for the road.

- Deal.
- Deal!

All right.

Hey, you know, this can wait.

Why don't we just close up shop
early for the day

and go and do something fun?

You don't have to ask me twice.

All right.

- Hey!
- Hi, mister Garrison!

- Hi, Anne!
- Hi!

What are you two doing here?

Well, we were on our way
to go ice skating

and Jesse wanted to know

if you two were interested
in joining us.

Well, talk about good timing

'cause we were just saying
how we should close up shop early

and go do something fun.

Perfect.

- Dad, ice skating?
- Great!

But I'm not sure I'm going
to be able to pick you up anymore

if you fall down.

Don't worry.
Dad won't let Anne fall.

All right.

All right, well,

what are we waiting for?

You're better at this
than you said you were!

Are you kidding?

You've had to keep me from falling
like a dozen times!

I don't think
it was quite a dozen times.

It was close to that!

Hang on. That's Tom.

Hey, Tom, we're
at the ice skating rink.

What's up?

That's amazing!

Oh, my... wow!
Okay, yeah, yeah, yeah.

We're gonna be there really soon.

Okay.

Thank you!

We got an offer on the place!

That was fast.

Yeah, I know.

It's... it's really fast.

Well, you must be happy.

I mean, now your father
gets to be closer

to your sister and you and...
New York.

Yeah.

Yeah, it's great.

Yeah.

It's great.

You're actually cleaning out
the closet.

Well, as long
as we're cleaning house,

I figured I'd help you out.

What about the store?
You need to get ready to open.

Yeah, well,

I'll get to it.

"It came upon the midnight clear".

This is one of mom's favourites.

Yeah.

Your mother always loved it
when you played piano.

Jessie, we need to go!

I'll take that as a "yes, father,
I'm ready to leave!"

It's her last day of school
before winter break.

Would you want to go?

Yeah, fair enough.

So anyway,

you were saying the guy from
the mill in Vermont called?

Yeah. He wants me
to make a decision

or he's gonna give the job

to someone else.

What are you gonna do?

I don't know.
I don't even know

if Mrs. Wentzell's gonna
sell the mill or not.

Are you willing
to take the risk she won't?

Well, it's not just about me.

It's... it's about
all the people who work for me.

It's about the entire town,
you know?

There's gotta be a better solution
to this.

Some way to save the mill.

Keith, you know,
one of the reasons my sister loved you

is because you were always
thinking of other people

before yourself.

But at some point,
you've gotta do what's best for you,

and for your daughter.

I think what's best for Jessie
is to stay here,

in the place she calls home with
her favourite aunt and uncle.

Well, if you move to Vermont,

then maybe we'll go with you.

Sure, you'll just quit your
jobs and sell your house.

Why not?
People do it all the time.

You'd really do that for us?

I'd consider it for Jessie.

You, I'm still iffy about.

Yeah, touché.

Jessie told me to tell you

that it is time to go home
and bake Christmas cookies.

Yes.

That has been very high on
the priority list all day.

Well, it wouldn't be Christmas
without Christmas cookies.

You know, I should build a house
of Christmas cookies.

Only if I can live in it.

Which one
are you working on here?

This is the house of mistletoe.

We're gonna hang sprigs of it
all along the roof line here

and along all the other houses

and when people come in
to take a look...

Very sneaky.

I like to think of it
as romantic.

That too.

So, how's the pageant rehearsal going?

It's, going good. I think.

I hope.

Honestly, back in New York,

I can juggle dozens
of product lines and toys

all at the same time.
No problem.

But here, I'm having a hard time
deciding whether "Silent Night"

should come before or after
"joy to the world".

Well, sure. I mean,
that is a very important decision.

It could make or break
this entire pageant.

I know you're kidding,

but that's actually not far
from where my head is at.

Between this and the shop,
like...

You didn't think it would sell?

No, I did, I just didn't think
it would happen so fast.

Well, you having second thoughts?

No. I mean, it's...
It's the right thing.

Well, that doesn't mean
it isn't hard.

It's kind of like saying
goodbye to your childhood.

Yeah, and I thought
I was ready to do that

and then I came back here and
I saw the shop and this town.

I guess I didn't realize
how much I've missed it.

So, it's mostly about the town?

Well, and the people in it,
of course.

Of course.

Well, I should probably
go get Jess

so we can get started baking.

You cannot leave
Christmas cookies waiting.

- Nope.
- Okay.

Ooh. Do you... Wanna join us?

- Yeah. I'd like that.
- Yeah?

- Okay, I'll go get Jessie.
- Yeah.

So, what do you think
of my snowmen?

They look great, Jess.

So, Jessie,

the pageant's in a few days.

How you feelin' about your song?

Good, thanks to you.

And Santa.

I think you deserve
all the credit.

Getting a solo your first
time in the pageant.

You should be
really proud of yourself.

- I know I am.
- So am I.

Okay, but I still think it was
Santa who helped me be brave.

Well, maybe we should all
get one of those.

Good idea, dad!

Maybe Anne
can make you a new one.

She said she was thinking about
making more.

Yeah, I did say that,

but I think it would take a lot
to get me back in the wood shop.

Take a lot how?

Well, I'd really only do it
for someone I cared about.

I mean, cared that
they really needed one.

Well, dad always says anything's
possible at Christmas.

Oh, Keith.

Can I speak to you for a moment?

Of course.

Just finishing up a few things

before we shut down
for the holidays.

Yes, about that.

Once we've gotten
past the holidays,

I've decided to accept
the offer on the mill.

I know that's not the news
you were hoping to hear.

No,

but, I understand.

I doubt to the rest
of the town will.

They're good people,

and you know, resilient.

I'm sure they'll find a way
to bounce back.

By the time the deal closes,

people will have figured out
a way to move on.

Well, I hope you're right.

So, can we go to my office,

go over the details,
and then we'll talk to the staff?

Okay, yeah.

You go ahead.
I'll be right there.

Okay.

John? Keith McLean.

I really appreciate your
patience on the job offer.

Well, I wanted to find out

if there were
other positions available.

Yeah. We're shutting down
the mill here

and I'd like to help out
as many people as I can.

I really wish she would have
waited until after Christmas.

You know, she's just working
out the details of the deal.

She wanted to give everyone
as much notice as possible.

It's still gonna put a damper
on things.

The pageant is tomorrow night.

I'm not sure people are
gonna feel like celebrating.

Okay, well then we're just
gonna have to put on

a little extra
Christmas cheer, okay?

Merry and bright.

And all that stuff.

You're right.
It's times like this

that people need Christmas
more than ever, right?

Right.

I'm sure
it'll all work out fine.

Merry Christmas to you.

Mrs. Wentzell,
what a lovely surprise!

Mr. Garrison,
just the man I was looking for.

I want to buy something else

for my grandniece for Christmas.

I have just the thing for you.

My Annie had one when she was
that age and she loved it.

That's just perfect.

I don't suppose
you could have it shipped?

Not a problem at all.

I knew I could depend on you.

Well, for this last Christmas here.

Yes!

I don't know what the town's
going to do without you.

Will you miss it?

Absolutely.

But, I mean,
you can relate to that, right?

I heard about the mill.

You're gonna miss it too,
won't you?

Yes. I will.

It was originally
my husband's passion.

When he died,
I didn't know anything

about running a business
but I kept at it.

It took time,

but in the end
I made that mill my own.

It's tough to let that go,
isn't it?

Well, like you say, it's time.

Well, we're not getting
any younger, are we?

Speak for yourself.

I have something for you.

Yeah. Yeah.

For you.

"I am the Santa of years
yet to come,

"looking to the future
and all the Christmases ahead".

That's beautiful!

Thank you.

You're welcome.

And merry Christmas, Mr. Garrison.

And to you as well,
Mrs. Wentzell.

Hey, Keith!

Hey.

Hey. I'm glad I caught you.

I just wanted to thank you
for thinking of me

for that job
at the mill in Vermont.

No need to thank me.

It was up to me,
there'd be a job for everybody.

I'm just sorry they're
making you come with us

to the interviews tomorrow!

I mean, you already got the job.

Well, they just want my input
on the new candidates.

I just wish
they wouldn't have insisted

on doing it on Christmas Eve.

Mrs. Wentzell may not be
Mrs. Claus, but,

she wouldn't do something
like that.

Well, you gotta do
what you gotta do to get the job.

We'll just go and be back
in time to hear Jessie sing.

We absolutely need to be back
for that.

So, what did Anne say
about all this?

Haven't told her yet.

Why not?

Just, with everything going on,
I just haven't had a chance.

Okay.

I thought it was because
you didn't want to tell her

that you were taking a job
in another state.

She's heading back to New York,

her father's moving to Connecticut.
It just...

It doesn't make a difference
whether I stay or not.

Then I don't think there's
any reason not to tell her.

Right?

Hey. How's it going
with the pageant?

It's a bit of a challenge.

Everyone's worried about
what's gonna happen

after the mill closes.

Anything I can do?

Talk Mrs. Wentzell out
of selling?

Yeah.

Well, you know,
they are still negotiating,

so it wouldn't be official
until after the holidays,

but unless someone comes in
with a better offer,

I think it's a done deal.

I don't suppose we're
gonna make enough money

off selling the store
to be able to buy the mill?

I don't think so?

But would you do that
if there was?

You know, I'm...

I'm not happy about what
it's gonna do to the town,

but it's really
just wishful thinking.

Well, maybe there's a reason
besides the mill and the store

that you'd want to stay for.

Yeah, you, you may be right.

But it's not me, is it?

Tom.

You know,

that other reason that you
might stay in North Bay for?

Maybe you shouldn't
let it slip away.

Whatever or whoever it is?

I really need you to take
my shift tomorrow, Joanne.

'Cause Keith is going out of town
and I need to watch Jessie.

Hold on. Come on in!

Someone's out the door.
Just give me a sec.

- Hi!
- Hey!

- I'm sorry, are you on...
- That's okay.

Is Keith here?

No. He went to the office
to pick up some stuff

to present at the mill
in Vermont tomorrow.

Vermont?

He's been offered a job there.

And he's going tomorrow?

Just to talk to them about
other positions for his people.

- But he's moving away?
- You know what?

Let me just finish
getting my shift covered.

I'll be right back.

Do you want to keep this?

I carved this train for you
when you were three years old.

I know.

I used to love playing with it.

I would always dream
that I was on it

and it was taking me
to my very own castle.

With a handsome prince?

Dad, I was three!

The only thing I cared about
was the castle.

And the horses and the stable,
of course.

Of course.

Well, it's yours.

You can decide
what you want to do with it.

I'll think about it.

Okay.

You know, it's...

It's been really quiet
around here without Jessie.

Yeah. I guess it is.

Have you...
Have you talked to Keith?

About what?

Well, I don't know.

Him possibly moving
to another state,

you living in New York?

Well, that was gonna happen
regardless.

And besides, he's already left
to help with an interview, so.

Well, maybe
when he gets back, huh?

Yeah. Maybe.

Are you ready?

Ready as I'll ever be.

You seem less than enthused
about this.

You need to work on that
before we get there.

I will, I just need a little time
to psych myself up for it.

These are good jobs, Keith.

I know, and I'm grateful

that there's potential jobs
for everyone. I just...

There's gotta be something more
we can do here.

Like what?

I wanna save the mill.

How?

You have some secret inheritance
laying around

that I don't know about?

Unfortunately, no.

I get why this is important
to you.

But is it really
just about the jobs,

or is there something more
to it?

Look, it's not just about
the jobs, okay?

It's about the people.

It's about the town
and it's about...

There must be some other way.

Well, if there was,

someone would have done it
by now.

We have got to hit the road.

Okay.

Just give me one minute, okay?

Hey, kiddo.

I thought you were leaving.

I am. I just wanted to...

You'll be back in time for
the pageant though, right?

Absolutely.

You're gonna be great, you know.

I hope so.

I know so.

Come on. Give me a hug.

Be good for aunt Patty?

I love you.

I love you too, dad.

I saved you guys some seats
right up in the front row.

I'm so proud of you.

- Break a leg.
- Thank you!

It's like the whole town
turned out.

I know!

And I was worried no one
was going to show up.

I guess ultimately everybody
decided they needed

a little Christmas spirit
to cheer them up after all.

Right, no pressure.

Listen, have you seen Keith?

I haven't seen him.

But we should get started.

- Okay. It's gonna be great!
- Okay.

Okay, the choir's almost done.

Quartet, take your places.
You're up next.

And don't forget to smile
and have fun.

It's Christmas!

Okay.

Hi, Jesse.

You're up next.
Are you okay?

I think so.

But I have Super Santa here,
just in case.

Did I ever tell you
why I made those?

I was gonna give them out
as Christmas gifts

because I wanted
the people I cared about

to get something meaningful.

So then, why'd you keep them?

Because I went off to college
in New York

and I saw this big city

and I met all these new people
and it was wonderful

and exciting, and
I don't regret any of it.

But, it made me forget
about some of the things

that are important to me.

- Like your Santas.
- Yeah.

I thought they were just
part of my childhood.

Just fanciful things I made
when I was a kid,

and that's they wouldn't mean
anything to anyone.

- They meant something to me.
- I know.

And you helped me realize

that they still mean
something to me too.

And it's just like
you're saying.

It's meaningful to you

and to everyone who's gonna get
to hear your beautiful voice.

Have a great pageant, okay?
Be brave.

You too.

Beautiful.

Bravo!

Hi. Hi.

Hello, everyone.

I hope everyone's enjoying the show
as much as I am.

That was really wonderful, Jessie.

As you know, I am retiring.

I have not changed my mind
about that.

But I have changed my mind
about selling the mill.

This was never about money to me.

This was about moving closer
to my brother and his family

and enjoying my golden years.

I never wanted to close the mill

but I didn't think
there was any choice.

Until today. Keith?

Great job, sweetie.

Thank you, Dorothy.

Ever since I found out that
Mrs. Wentzell was retiring

and considering selling the mill,

I've been trying to figure out
a way to save it.

It took me receiving
a very special Christmas gift

to come up with an idea.

Is that one of your Santas?

Yeah, it is.

I'd like to read what it says.

"I am the Santa of love.

"Because at Christmas
and all year round,

"there is no greater gift
than love".

I would like to say that
this little guy inspired me,

but it's about more

than just a wonderfully
carved figurine and a card.

It's about where it came from,

who it came from.

And how much it meant that
she was willing to make it.

For me.

So I was thinking about all that,

and an idea came to me.

Dorothy?

I thought that because
I had no family here

that was interested
in running the mill,

that I had to close it down...

Until Keith helps me realize

that I do have family here.

All of you.

So, I'm giving the mill
to the town.

And Keith
is going to be in charge

of making sure it runs
for a long, long time.

- I'll be right back.
- Okay.

Dad. Dad!

Come with me.

What?

Sweetie. Sweetie!

What's up?

Sell the store to me.

What?

I'll take it over.

I'll run it.

You can spend half the year
in Connecticut with Lisa

and the other half here with me.

Maybe you can help me out
at Christmas.

What about your job,
your life in New York?

I think I'm ready to come home.

What do you say?

Yeah!

Yeah!

I almost forgot.

I was going to give this
to you later, but...

My reindeer!

I can't believe you found him!

Maybe you could carve a few more
and keep him company, huh?

I'll give you guys a minute.

Okay.

You ran out without your coat.

Thanks. It's freezing.

That was, quite the speech.

Yeah? It felt a little long.

Nope.

Just perfect.

So you got the Santa, huh?

Yeah, I did.

Now you can put it
next to Jessie's.

I think I got a...
better place for it.

I can put 'em both
in the house of the wooden Santas.

I don't know what to say.

Say you'll stay.

I know you and Tom...

Tom.

Tom is just a friend.

A good friend,

but the Santa of love is
the first thing I've carved

since I was a kid.

And I didn't do that for Tom.

I did that for you.

...so...

So, the mill is staying open

so I'm thinking the toy store
should too.

Well...

This town definitely needs
a toy store.

Merry Christmas, Anne.

Merry Christmas, Keith.

RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM