On the 12th Date of Christmas (2020) - full transcript

This program is rated G

and is suitable for
general audiences.

Ah.

Good morning. Ooh.

Ah ah ah ah ah. Don't touch.

Oh, Jen, come on. It's okay.

I don't mind if
they're not iced yet.

There are 24 people
in my office, Carla.

If everyone has two,

and Neil in Accounting
will totally have three,

there won't be enough.



To thank my boss Tony
for recommending me

for the Head Game
Creator position.

Or you could tell Tony
that you got up at 4 AM,

showered, got dressed,

nailed your grandmother's
sugar cookie recipe,

all before 7 AM.

I mean, they should
give it to you

for just organizational
prowess alone.

Except my friend
Jennifer Holloway

doesn't exactly
speak up at work.

I speak up.

When?

Today.

Shannon!



In the kitchen.

Hi.

Thank goodness.

Oh no!

You look so nice.

It's okay, okay.
You must have somewhere

important that you're
supposed to be.

It's fine, it's fine.

Sorry, I just couldn't
afford to call a plumber

for the 10th time.

That's not a problem, Shannon.

Just gimme the thing.

What am I gonna
do with a hammer?

Haven't had a coffee yet today

or a shower because
the house decided

it was more important for
it to have a shower than me.

And the water heater is
making weird noises again

so that's probably gonna-

Okay it's done.

Done? Really?

Yeah, it's okay.

I got ya.

Let's go get you
one of Dad's shirts.

I won't keep calling.

Stop. Call any
time, seriously.

You have a job.

And you have a full-time
business and a child.

Speaking of that child...

Uncle Aidan.

Emma, you were supposed to
be dressed 10 minutes ago.

We're gonna be late.

Why are you here, Uncle Aidan?

Did something else break down?

No.

Your house is perfect and
beautiful just like you.

Why? You wanna go
break something?

Okay, that's enough. Let's go.

Come on, missy.

Have fun, you
little tiny human.

But you're coming back
to do the wreaths tonight.

And whatever else
needs doing, yeah.

Hey, wait.

You're not the only big
deal in this family.

I'm also a big deal.

I have a very important
meeting today.

Wish me luck.

Good luck.

You didn't get my email?

What email?

The one I sent this
morning to everybody

announcing that Tony quit.

What?

That company in
Minneapolis called on Friday

and offered him the job.

Alastair was so ticked that
he paid Tony's severance

and let him go on the spot.

Do I smell cookies?

Grandma Sue's sugar
cookies. My favorite.

Tony's too.

They were supposed
to be his thank you

for putting in a good
word with Alastair.

But, you know, you should
talk to him yourself.

And say what?

Since you've started,
you've worked really hard.

I mean, you're detailed,
people love you

and your scavenger hunts,

and, I mean, you would
be the perfect person

for that Game Creator position.

Oh, Anne, can you
just talk to him?

I mean, say exactly
what you just said.

Hey, there is nothing wrong
with standing up for yourself

and asking for what you want.

See, that rolled
perfectly off your tongue.

Jennifer, you're
a people person.

I mean, you're so good
in front of people

until they're in charge of you.

You've told me over and over

how much you want this job

and Alastair is gonna make
his decision before Christmas

so it's speak now or forever
hold your peace time.

You're right. I
don't need Tony.

I'm going in there right now.

That a girl.

Oh, I will hold onto those.

Okay.

I'll just send an email.

Big Bill, are you ready to go?

No, honey. Just try
to stay comfortable.

And hey, if anything
changes, just text me, okay?

I love you too.

Goodbye.

Everything okay?

Heather's due any day.

She's having Braxton
Hicks contractions

so I don't even know

if she's in labor.

Should I go home?

No, presentation's important.

And she's not actually in labor.

Right?

I don't know anything
about what you just said.

But do you wanna
go to this meeting?

Yeah.

Can't believe I'm
gonna be a dad.

None of us can.

What?

I'm kidding. You're gonna
be an incredible father.

Can't think of a
better Christmas gift.

You good?
Yeah, absolutely.

Good.
Do I look okay?

Yeah, you're a superstar,
just a little bit distracted.

No, no, I'm 100% focused.

Hold on. It's Heather.

What are you doing?

Are you up for this or not?

Yeah, I'm good, don't worry.

Diapers are my specialty.

What?

Huh?

Diapers are your specialty?

No, clients. Clients
are my specialty.

Aidan, Bill.

Good morning, Alastair.

Good morning.

Great.

Wanda Simler, VP of marketing
for Devonshire Hotels.

Pleasure to meet you, Wanda.

You too.
Bill and I are very excited

to hear about the event.

I look forward to
hearing what you got.

Absolutely.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Gotta get this.

Ah.

Well, shall we get started then?

Please.

You're better than
this. Come on.

I'm writing because I
would like you to consider me

for the Head Game
Creator position.

The reason I should be

Head Game Creator is...

I should just go
talk to him, right?

So the way an online
scavenger hunt works

is the participants
download an app

that we create on their phone.

On the day of the hunt-

On the day of the hunt,
they receive an alert

the game is going live
and a clue pops up.

I've been down this road.

The head of the Devonshire
has also been down this road.

She fired our last
game company on Friday

and our event goes
live this Saturday.

Yeah, why don't
you guys walk Wanda

through some of our
biggest campaigns

so she can get a feel of
what kinda hunt she's after

and then we can dive right in.

Great, we're gonna run you

a demo of one of our
recent successes.

If you just open up
the app on that...

phone.

Do you need to go?

Oh, my wife!

Uh, Bill, how 'bout
you step outside.

Aidan, perhaps you could-

Walk Wanda through
the rest of the app?

Absolutely.

Here, why don't you take mine?

Hardly ever pings at all.

What?

You sure?

Oh, God, okay, I'll be
right there. Don't worry.

If you'll excuse me.

Aidan, you got the room.

Yeah, I'm coming, yeah.

I gotta go.

Bill, Bill, stop.

She's having contractions
at two minutes apart.

It's gonna be fine.

I gotta go.
Go!

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Jennifer.

So the woman in my office

is the marketing director

of the newly restored
Devonshire Hotel downtown.

They've already spent 18
months restoring every inch

to preserve its history

and now they wanna
open with a big splash.

They've already
fired two companies

for not meeting their standards

and now she has the
impossible deadline

of a Christmas scavenger hunt

to promote the
opening this Saturday.

Jennifer, this is our shot to
finally attract luxury brands.

If we rescue this
campaign for Wanda,

we get a chance at
the entire chain.

That's 86 hotels
across the country.

Any reason you can't step in?

Me? Uh...

Personal commitments?

No.

Going on a trip?
No.

Ghost in the house?
No.

What?

Any reason at all you
can't work with Aidan

this week and help
make this happen?

No, I mean, yes. No and yes.

Bingo, you're in. Let's go.

So Bill's gone
home. Meet Jennifer.

What?

Since our brand already
appeals to tourists,

our goal is to focus on locals
and broaden our clientele.

Staycations.

Let Chicagoans
enjoy their time off

in the comforts of the
city they know best.

That's great.
Or introduce those

who think they know the city

to places they
didn't know before.

What's that?

Who, me?

Well, it's just that Chicago

is filled with
incredible neighborhoods

that not everyone's had
a chance to explore,

each with its own history
and holiday traditions.

Little Italy, Greektown,
Andersonville.

We could design the clues
so that people get to know

the city better with the
last clue bringing them

to the Devonshire.

Unless you all had
a different idea.

It's terrific.

It is terrific.

The last clue can bring
everyone to the soft opening

where they can join
our Christmas party.

Where the winner gets a prize

which you can wrap as a present

under your giant Christmas tree.

Great idea.

Maybe we give away a weekend
stay at the coming year.

A real staycation.

They get the prize that
you want them to want.

Great.

Is there a theme for this party?

I thought we'd tie it
in to the scavenger hunt.

So-

A winter wonderland.

White snowflakes and fur trees

covered in snow.

We've seen that before.

Jennifer?

Uh... could it be "The
Twelve Days of Christmas"?

Each clue could correspond
with a line in the song.

Five golden rings, a
partridge in a pear tree.

Well, partridges aren't really
native to the Midwest but-

The riddles don't
have to be literal.

A bird in a tree-

Or it could be a hawk,

the Chicago Black
Hawks hockey team.

Which isn't
named after a bird.

Are you even from here?

I'm from Iowa.

Oh.

Do you have a counterproposal?

Do I have a...

Yeah, I have a counterproposal.

Um... since the song is

about gifts from a true love,

we choose romantic locations
in each of those neighborhoods.

The 12 dates of Christmas.

There it is!

The 12 dates of Christmas.

I like her, Alastair.

Good call.

I'll need 24 Christmas clues
for the 12 dates of Christmas

in my email by end
of day Wednesday.

24 clues?

They won't all be winners.

We wanna have plenty
to choose from.

You got it.

Here, let me walk you out.

Jennifer, walk me out.

Of
course. Jennifer.

Okay.

That is a win.

You can't take Bill
off this project,

not with this kind
of turnaround.

Bill is on paternity
leave as of 30 minutes ago.

And you need to learn to
partner with other people.

Don't like other
people. Like Bill.

Listen, Bill might
be your work husband

but he's actually
Heather's real husband

and probably somebody's
father right now.

And if I was you, I would
take this opportunity

to get comfortable
with other people.

You know I work better alone.

Let me just, I'm gonna
handle this myself.

I got it. Don't worry.

No, you will team up with
Jennifer and not leave her side

until you guys come up with
at least 36 good ideas.

36?

They won't all be winners.

All right.

Hey.

So that was a surprise.

Yes it was.

But I'm really glad to
have this opportunity.

Listen, Iowa-

Jennifer.

What'd I say?
Look, I know

we haven't worked
together before

but I assure you I've come
up with some great stuff.

Uh huh.
Jerome's Hardware.

I did their team-building hunt

and they had so much fun-
Right.

They wrote me a thank you card

and all the employees signed it.

Is this your thing,
you blurt things out?

Oh, well, to tell you truth,

sometimes I just
get really nervous

and I can't help it.

But Wanda seemed

to like the idea.
Jerome's Hardware

was an in-person hunt, yes?

Yes, around the bean.

For what, like 20 people?

This one's online
for, I don't know,

hopefully a few thousand.

You know, why
don't we just meet

in my office to brainstorm.

I can put on the
song for inspiration

and we can-
As lovely as that sounds,

and it does sound lovely,

Bill and I usually
work at our own desks

and we come up with our ideas.

Usually I like to just work
in, what's the word, quiet.

So maybe we just
reconvene tomorrow

and we compare notes.

Is that okay?

Um, fine.

Okay.

Okay, great.

I'm looking forward to it.

Hey, Mr. Romano.

You need some help?

Okay then.

Tell me everything.

I'm gonna go make tea.

So there's one bow.

Yeah?

Then there's two bows.

Two bows.

Three bows.

Slow down.
Four bows.

Four, quadruple bows?
It's way too many bows.

You excited to come
to the craft fair?

I'm so excited.

We're gonna sell
so many wreaths.

We're gonna be so rich.

It's a fundraiser.

That's right, that's right.

Dad says we need to
promote it more this year.

Last year we almost
didn't make enough money

to keep the music program going.

You know your dad would be
here if he could, right kiddo?

Yeah.

He was deployed at Christmas
three years ago too.

Remember that?

I do, did you know
your mother was your age

when we spent
Christmas in Okinawa?

That's where our
dad was stationed.

Actually, when I was her
age, we were in Belgium.

Okinawa was later.

Oh yeah, that's right.

Your mother's smarter
than me. Remember that.

Is it true this house is
going to be condemned soon?

I take it back.
What are you doing?

She heard me and
Dave talking on Skype.

I was joking.

Do you remember when
I said I was joking?

It is falling apart.

It has its challenges.

But your Great Grandpa
Jack bought this house

long before you or
I were even born

and he restored it
with his own hands.

He would never let
anything happen to it.

All right, Emma,
it's time for bed.

Say good night to Uncle Aidan.

Good night, Uncle Aidan.

Jinx. Make a silly face.

Yes, there it is.

Okay, perfect.

These wreaths are amazing.

Your fair's gonna
be a huge success

and we're gonna
make so much money.

I mean, be generous.

Better be.

They chose a super
lame theme this year.

Winter wonderland.

I think my work
partner hates me.

Who could hate you?

This guy, Aidan.

He's all like, don't bother me.

I'm so busy.

Look how grumpy I am.

Uh, maybe Aidan just doesn't
enjoy this time of year.

Who doesn't enjoy
this time of year?

Look, maybe you should
bake him something like...

oh I see that plan
is already in action.

Meltaways.

Now, that'll warm him up.

This is the shot
that I've been waiting for.

So if I blow it and
I don't get promoted

to Head Game Creator, my
family's for sure gonna say

it's time to go back to
being an Iowa Hawkeye,

which is also not a bird.

Really?

Grandma Sue.

I'm making your Meltaways

right now.

Hi, Grandma Sue. Muah!

And I just finished
your ornament.

Will you be back home
for me to give it to you?

Are you kidding?

I wouldn't miss Christmas
at the farm for anything.

You know, I just
happened to have a batch

of Meltaways dough
waiting in the fridge.

Roll 'em out together?

I'd love that.

The sink today,
tomorrow who knows.

Who would have guessed
that Grandpa Jack

was an architecture professor.

The house is 120 years old.

Happy birthday to the house.

I know I probably
shouldn't say this out loud

but are we gonna have to sell?

We're not selling the house.

I know I don't want to.

I'm just worried
we might have to.

Can't afford to keep fixing it

and the foundation issues.

Maybe the historical
society is interested.

Shan.

No.
Or one of his students.

Remember how he used to have
them over for Sunday salons?

They worshiped him.

Stop.

We could call Dad.

We are not calling Dad.

All right, I'm not
gonna stress him out.

He's got enough to
worry about as it is.

We are just going
to fix the house.

He's going to retire here

just like we talked about.

I know.

And I'm gonna keep doing
everything that I can

until I get the promotion

to Head Game Creator,

which should be any day.

Then I should be able to
make everything right, okay?

Okay.

Okay, I gotta run.

I gotta come up with 18
clues for a scavenger hunt

from "The Twelve
Days of Christmas".

Great.

That sounds like
six clues too many.

Exactly right.

And I got a new
partner to micromanage.

A talker.

Oh, I know how
much you love those.

Didn't Alastair say you
need to be more open

to working with
others, you know,

so you can actually
be considered

for the Head Game Creator job?

Be more of a people person?

You don't have to remember
everything I tell you.

Actually, as your sister I do.

What happened to Bill?

Bill's wife had a baby.

That's nice. An early
Christmas present.

It's nice for him but I'm
stuck with a green partner.

What's the new guy's name?

Jennifer.

Don't make that face.

What? This is just my face.

Right.

Give her a shot.

You never know.

She might surprise you.

Yeah.

Okay.

Good night.

You said
you were loving that job.

I do.

It's just hard to stand out.

Well, you never had
trouble with that before

or at your old job.

It's different in Chicago.

Then come home.

Grandma.

Plus your ornament is waiting.

Jenny, there's nothing in
Chicago you can't have here.

I have a big day
tomorrow, Grandma.

Can I call you back?

You can call me any time.

Love you.

Good morning.

I brought you coffee.

Wow, that's really
nice. Come on in.

Wow, you really go for
the minimalist vibe, huh?

Yeah.

Although that wreath is cute.

Did you make it?

No, it's my niece's.

She made it for a
fundraiser for her school.

You can take a seat.

Yeah.

Hey, Aidan. I've got Wanda
from the Devonshire Hotel

on line one.

Are you ready?

I mean, I did some work
but I thought we had until-

Tomorrow. She's
probably just checking in.

Wanda, hi.

Hey, you two. How's it going.

Great.
It's going good yeah.

Really good.

We've got a great list

of possible places and
clues to get us started.

Perfect.

Why don't you two come
down to the hotel,

get a feel for the place,

and pitch me your
ideas over lunch.

Lunch? Right.

Um... we were actually hoping
that we could have more time

to combine our lists.

We thought we had a day or two.

Uh, restaurant's not open
yet but I'll let the chef know

we wanna do a late lunch.

See you at two.

No, no, not00.

Aidan was saying...

We have five hours.

Yeah.

Better get to work.

I think you'll find a
lot more inspiration

working from my office.

Where is your office?

Here.

Wow, it's like
Santa's workshop.

I know.

Fun, right?

Very fun.

What's that?

Mulling spices.

In a few minutes it's gonna
smell like apple pie in here.

Uh, let me take the board.

Sure.

You want a cookie?

No thank you.

Excuse me, pal.

So is it like this all the time

or just in December?

It wouldn't be special
if I left it up all year.

So how do you wanna do this?

Uh, well did you wanna start?

Sure.

Well, for starters,
I thought the app

could have a fun
Christmas tree design

with 12 ornaments
representing each hidden clue.

So the players open the clue
and once they've solved it,

they take a picture
and post it online.

If it's correct, they
get sent the next clue.

And everyone can monitor the
game on our social media page.

Yeah, it's very
good. It's good.

Thanks.

So did you come
up with any clues?

Uh, sure, yeah.

18 clues.

Should I... I can
read them out loud.

No, no. Oh that's fine.

Why don't I just take a look?

Oh, okay.

Right.

I can see you put a
lot of thought into it.

It's just that some of
them are impossible.

For instance, 11 pipers piping,

you suggest people take a
photo of Piper's Restaurant.

Best pecan pie ever.

Closed about a month
ago. Owner retired.

Oh.

Just cross that off.

What else?

Nine ladies dancing.

Yes, so the Radio City
Rockettes do nine shows a week

at the Chicago Theater
till Christmas Eve.

Sold out.

Since September,
yeah, every year.

Look, I know you don't
really live here-

I live here. What do you mean?

Oh, for the last few
months or whatever-

A year and a half.

I was close.

You're a native so you
know the city better.

I just thought I might have

a good outsider
perspective, that's all.

Did you like any of them?

Yeah.

Egg nog milkshakes for
eight maids a-milking.

That's clever.

Yes, yes, so we send
them to Old Granor Farm

because egg nog
originated from farms

when farmers had overages.

And that little farming
community off 94

is one that not many
people ever get a chance-

Yep, that's okay,
I got it, I got it.

You can...

Anything else?

Uh, should we read yours?

Yeah, no, I'm just
gonna take the white board

back to my office.

But we're supposed
to work together.

Yep, you did
your part. Thanks for that.

No, those were
just early pitches.

I can actually do this job.

Not saying you can't.

Just saying I might wanna
go back to my office

and maybe I have
more experience.

All right.

So let's read
yours so I can learn.

Yeah, I'm sorry, sure.

That's it. Go ahead.

Oh, you've got some
pretty good ones here too.

Five golden rings,

the onion rings at Portillo's.

Yeah, that's one of
Chicago's great treasures.

It's not exactly a
date though, is it?

Eating onion rings together.

Onion breath.

Yeah, sure.

And none of the
Portillo's locations

are in out-of-the-way or
historic neighborhoods

like we promised Wanda so...

Aidan, you don't have to-

Let's just regroup
in an hour or two

or at the hotel.

But shouldn't we
be working together?

There's just so
much decorations

and music and cinnamon.

Who doesn't like cinnamon?

An office shouldn't
smell like pie.

Look, I've been doing this
for a long time, okay,

and I just, I know that
I work better alone.

You know, I've actually done

some really great things here.

Jerome's Hardware, I know.

And the Nurses Association
and Sprinter Scooters.

Sprinter Scooters?
That was you?

I've heard good things.

So one good thing I did.

I'll see you at30.

At least take a cookie.

Thank you.

Hey. Wow.

Luxury brand. Alastair
was not kidding.

This place is incredible.

Yeah.

These gingerbread
houses are real

made from pastry chefs
from all over the city.

Who wants a staycation now?

Oh.

Wanda's meeting is running over.

Wanda's texting you.

Yeah.

Is she rescheduling?

20 minutes.

Walk the property, meet
you in the restaurant.

Chef's testing the party menu.

Hope you're hungry.

Okay.

Hope there's no cinnamon.

It's only cold
when I start biking.

With the ice and the snow.

It is Chicago and it's supposed
to be in the teens all week.

Ah, I avoid traffic.

Never have to dig my car out.
Okay.

And it's quiet,
especially in the morning

when no one's around.

Ah. There it is.

What?

You like it best
when no one's around.

"I prefer to work alone.

Bill and I go back
to our own desks.

You do your thing..."

Should I go on?

No, you've made
your point plenty.

Well, I don't mind people

who bake cookies.

In general or...

Yours are very good.

I ate 'em. Thank you.

I think that's the first
nice thing you've said to me.

Is that true?

I'm sorry. That's terrible.

Okay.

That is one beautiful
blue spruce.

Wait.
You know trees?

Every
Christmas, my Grandpa Jack

would take us to a tree
farm up in Lake County.

We got pretty close
with the owners

and I would always pick the
tallest tree I could find

and we would chop
it down together.

He would always
pick the blue spruce

because his house
was made from it.

He put his heart and
soul into that place.

Sounds like a special home.

Yep, over a hundred years old.

Acts like it too.

We used to always put the
tree right in the front window

so everyone could see
in the early mornings.

I'm sorry. I'm rambling.

I just miss the guy sometimes.

Well, count on me
getting a blue spruce

from now on.

That's nice.

Hey, speaking of ornaments...

Yeah?

Did Wanda say what
kind of entertainment

they were having at the party?

I don't think so no.

That 12th clue, the one that's
meant to bring them here...

12 drummers drumming.

I bet there's a
school in Chicago

with an amazing drum line.

Maybe one with some kids
that need an extra boost

around the holidays?

Could make some calls.

Get some little drummer boys.

And girls.

And girls.

And their last clue cannot
just bring them to the hotel...

But bring them to the
room where the party is at.

That's a good idea.

I know. I'm full of them.

Can I ask you something?

Why is it the ideas

that you came up with
on your own were-

So lousy?

Not quite as good as the ones
you came up with with Wanda

or say here now with me?

I work better
when I collaborate.

Hm.

I can't believe I've done it.

I found the one thing you
don't have in your office.

A giant lantern
filled with ornaments.

You're right.

Now you know what to
get me for Christmas.

Oh, this is more your speed.

A quiet little nook.

Away from any other human being.

Yeah, you know what,
you're right, it's nice.

It's quiet. It's intimate.

Can actually sit, focus on the
person sitting across from...

You.

You know, whoever that is.

You can hear what
they're saying.

You know, I've been
here before with my dad.

He took me to the roof.

It's beautiful. It was
before they restored it.

Can see the city.

I was maybe 14 or 15.

But I remember
thinking that um...

one day I wanna bring
my girlfriend here.

You should get
Wanda to set you up.

Yeah, I would if I
had someone to bring.

I don't have a girlfriend.

Okay. It's about that time.

You wanna head to
the restaurant?

Yeah, let's do that.

Wow.

Oh, you don't have to do-

Wanda wanted me to
give the two of you

the full Devonshire experience.

What do you make
of the ambience?

Romantic, yes?

Very.

But also great

for a business
lunch, like this one.

Little work, little play.

May I bring you the wine list?

No, I think we're
okay for drinks.

Just work today.

Exactly, he usually
works with Bill

but Bill had a
baby so here I am.

No baby, just two coworkers
meeting the client.

How much longer will Wanda be?

Soon.

I'll be out with the food.

So do you wanna...
Do you wanna go...

Sorry.

You first.
Do you wanna tell me what...

You first.

Look, believe it or not,

the very first turtle
race in the United States

was right here in Chicago.

Seriously?

Deadly serious.

1902, Chinatown.

The "Chicago Tribune" called it

"the strangest race ever run."

There's a mural on
Wentworth Avenue

on the side of a
Chinese candy store

depicting those two
turtles in that fine race.

Two turtle doves. Amazing.

Plus dove rhymes with love for
when we're making the clues

so that's brilliant.

Why are you here?

Excuse me.

I'm sorry, I mean in
Chicago instead of Iowa.

Well, if I said
pizza or sports teams.

Very good answer but...

You really wanna know?

I do.

Well, they don't have much
of this in Clear Lake, Iowa.

I mean I love it there.

I love my family, all
80 bazillion of them,

practically all on
the same street.

But...

They don't understand

what I'm doing here
in the big city

and why I'd leave everything
behind to play games.

That it makes people
happy or helps them grow

as a workforce.

Tony had faith in me.

He said I'd advance
within a year.

He was even gonna put me up
for the Head Game Creator job

but he didn't do it
before he left so...

Head Game Creator?

You want that position.

Yeah.

Well, you know,
even if you don't get

that specific promotion,
there'll be other ones

that'll come up, you know.

I suppose but if I don't
make a show of progress

and soon, my family's
just gonna keep asking

what the point was
of leaving home,

my grandmother especially.

Her whole purpose in life
is keeping her family close.

Maybe if I don't get
the job she's right.

I mean, I love the energy here.

And the creative
work? I love it.

But sometimes I do miss home.

And sometimes I feel like I
don't completely belong here.

Right.

Cranberry brie tartlets.

Roasted Brussels sprouts.

We have candied walnut.

Beef Wellington.

And toasted lobster ravioli.

Thank you. This
all looks amazing.

Enjoy it.

I mean, I wanna dive in
and eat every last thing.

But shouldn't we wait for Wanda?

What?

Wanda.

We only talked about turtles.

We didn't compare notes
on any of the other clues.

It's okay.

You've got the drummer corps
and the eight maids a-milkin'.

Yeah, and you nailed
the turtle doves

so that leaves us with-

Nine, nine more
and, Wanda, hi.

Here I am.

Doesn't this look amazing?

Been looking forward
to this all day.

Oh good. Us too.

Ready?

Let's dive in and
hear what you got.

I think the nine
ladies dancing

turning into
couples dance class-

With samba or tango or folk.

Or belly dancing
is my new favorite.

All right, I think we'll
just flesh out the final four.

Does that sound good?

Sounds good.
Okay.

I'm gonna go get the coats.

Okay.

You're good at this.

Well, Aidan and I
have gotten in a rhythm

of working together

and it's been-
No, you.

You're good at this.

Thank you.

So why don't
you speak up more?

What?

Can I tell you a secret?

When I started in this business,

there weren't too many women
at the top of my field.

I didn't speak up, not because
I didn't have confidence

in my ideas.

I did.

But because I was intimidated
into staying silent.

But you know what?
That was on me.

You don't lack
confidence in your ideas.

No, I, I know
I'm good at this.

Then why aren't you

claiming that?

All right, so the
ones we have left

are three French hens,
five golden rings,

11 pipers piping...

Not doing that again.

Well, why don't
we get a jump on it,

head back to the office?

I can work late.

Tonight is actually
Skype night at my sister's.

Skype night?

Yeah, my
brother-in-law's deployed.

It's his one time
on the computer.

It's time difference.

It's a whole thing.
Oh, that's fine.

Of course.

Thanks.

We can regroup
later, maybe tonight?

Why don't we do it
first thing tomorrow?

Does that work?

Okay.

Sure.

Well, have a safe ride.

Okay.

Safe drive.

Thanks.

Hi.

Alastair.

Oh.

You caught me.

Your cookies are here.

I made those for Aidan.

Next time make enough for
the rest of the class, will ya?

You bet.

Alastair?

Yeah.

I just wanted to let you know

that I'm interested in the
Head Game Creator position.

Jennifer, I already
have four candidates.

Why should I throw
you in the mix?

Well, in addition to coming
up with fun scavenger hunts,

I connect easily with people.

All kinds of people.

It's important when
you're managing teams.

Yeah, uh...

Okay, I'll put you on the list.

Thanks, Jennifer.

Wait.

I also love this job.

I love everything about
the way we inspire people

to connect with
others and have fun.

And I know that fun
isn't a big metric

in the corporate world, but
you know what it's worth

just by the titles

you've given everyone.

Wizard of this and lord of that.

Because fun allows people to
relax and be fully themselves

which makes them
productive and more engaged

and that affects
the bottom line.

Look, I know that
I'm from a small town

and I know that some might
consider that a disadvantage,

but, you know what?

Actually, that's
just the opposite.

Because I know the value
of a tight-knit community.

That feeling of being a
part of something special

no matter how big or small.

Something personal,

inspiring,

fun.

Good night, Jennifer.

See, the tree looks
good, right, Dad?

Well, it looks great, Em.

I put the star on myself.

I wish I
could see it in person.

Me too.

We got you presents.

We're gonna ship
'em out this week.

Aw, thanks, Em.

I can't wait to open them.

You ready for the next chapter
of "A Christmas Carol"?

Yes!

"Merry Christmas, Bob."

He is a good dad.

He is.

"On the back. I'm merrier."

Just like our dad
used to read to us.

I talked to Dad today.

He's been walking the halls
of the hospital every day

getting his strength back.

I think he's really excited
about coming back here

in the new year.

Yeah, of course he is.

That's really good news.

I wish we could've gotten

all the repairs done

around here before
his return though.

It'll work out, Shan.

Maybe not by New
Years but it'll-

Mom!

There's something
wrong with the Wi-Fi.

I'll check the router.

I'll do it.

I've done it before.
No, stay, stay, stay.

Just holler when it works again.

Everyone remain calm.

I'm gonna fix everything.

I've got French
fries, best in the city,

French bulldogs, French
language lessons.

Though one doesn't
really seem effective.

Could romantic though.

I got French
bread, French pastry,

French wine, French cheese.

There is far too much
eating in French.

None of these are the one.

Well, we could try
it from the hen side.

Chickens, poultry, clucking.

Fried, breaded, fricasseed.

What is fricasseed?

I don't know. You're the cook.

Baker. Very different.

Also it's more eating.

Maybe we're just hungry.

I know I didn't eat breakfast.

Oh, hello, Anne.
Hey.

We just got this
great gift basket

from our happy
clients at the opera.

Ah, I remember them.

Yeah, artisanal
Christmas cider

from that new distillery
up in Lincoln Square.

Vogelhaus.

Got cinnamon apple cider.

Pear cider.

Pear cider?

Yeah, supposed
to be delicious.

And they make it there too.

They actually just opened
a new tasting room.

What kinda bird
would you say that is?

Are you thinking
what I'm thinking?

Only if it involves
partridges in pear trees.

Well, Lincoln Square's

in that old German
neighborhood, right?

That's exactly where it is.

What are you
guys talking about?

Talking about an early lunch.

Don't tell Alastair.

It's really nice.

Good atmosphere.

Hi, can I help you?
Hi.

A colleague told us
about your pear cider.

We thought we'd
come check it out.

Yes, you are in luck.

For Christmas, we
offer it mulled

with our signature spices.

Let me give you a little sample.

She does enjoy herself
a good mulled spice.

My sister and I, we
actually make it ourselves.

Our last name is Vogel
which means bird in German.

Bird.

Partridge.

What's that over there?

Ah, that is our
cider and brush class.

It just started.

Let's do it.

What's that?

Paint?
Yeah.

I don't paint.

Well, me neither.

That's actually a great date.

For the 12 dates.

You know, paint a canvas, have
a nice glass of pear cider.

You know, it's totally
okay for beginners.

You'll have so much fun.

Come on.

Well, I guess we're leaving.

Do you mind if we...

By all means.

Thank you.

So you being from Chicago,
you must have family here.

Your sister and your niece.

Oh, my sister's here, yeah.

Mother passed many years ago

and my dad's been stationed
overseas most of our life.

My sister, Shannon,
and I were army brats.

Grew up all over the world.

So how'd you wind
up settling here?

All of our best
memories are in Chicago.

The one thing that was
consistent in our childhood

was spending every Christmas

at my Grandpa Jack's big
old house on the South Side.

He was a professor at
Chicago University.

So that was home.

Oh, but that's
not the house has-

Falling apart,
yep, that's the one.

Shannon moved in after
my grandfather died

and the upkeep has been brutal.

Hey, great work on your tree.

Mine?

Yeah, well, both of you.

I think she meant yours.

She did mean mine, she did.

Who woulda known.

I wasn't even paying attention.

Well, that's the
secret from now on.

Okay.

Hey, we should take a selfie.

If we have pictures
of all the locations,

we can put it in the
presentation for Wanda

to help her visualize

what our participants will do.
Yeah.

Okay and we should probably...

get close, make it
look an actual date.

Sure, lean in, of course.

Should probably get
the art in here, huh?

Oh, yeah. No, yours.

Mine?
Yours, yeah.

My Picasso, hey, thank you.

Oh wait, the partridge cider.

Pear cider.

Pear cider. What did I say?

I don't know.
Okay.

Smile.

Lunch?
Yeah.

Starving.

So just up this block, there
should be a bunch of places

we can grab a quick bite.

Thinkin' maybe steaks?

What do you think, steaks?

How you feelin'?

Aidan.

Dominique's Cafe, the home of-

Chicago's famous coq au vin.

Which is chicken.

Which is hen.

French hens.

You're a genius.

That is the greatest lunch

I've ever had.

That was really good.

They offer cooking classes
at both their locations.

That's romantic.

Learn to make coq
au vin together.

Coq au vin might
be a bit complicated.

What about a chicken leg to go?

You wanna pitch Wanda
a chicken leg to go?

Three chicken legs then,

three French legs.

I hope everything
is to your liking.

Oh, it was delicious.
We loved every bite.

It was excellent,
Dominique, thank you so much.

Glad to hear it.

Actually, we
were just wondering

about your cooking classes.

Actually, they just started,

but they haven't been as
successful as I'd hoped.

People are intimidated
by French cooking

like you have to be some
sort of master chef.

Well, we're creating
a scavenger hunt

which will take people to
cultural and romantic places

around the city
and we would love

to include your restaurant.

It would be great
promotion for you guys.

Yes, that sounds interesting.

Question, for your
cooking classes,

do you have anything a bit
simpler than coq au vin?

Something that a couple
could make together on a date.

Maybe a French Christmas
cookie, something-

Well, there's always
La Buche de Noel.

It's quick and doesn't
have many ingredients.

Oh wow.

That's fun.

Are we sure that's
not harder than chicken?

We can't overfill.

If we do the buttercream
squirts out the sides.

Listen to your girlfriend.

She knows what
she's talking about.

No, no, no, we-

We're not uh-

We just work together.
We're colleagues.

I like to cook so.

Well, it shows.

Bon. Ready to roll?

It works better with
two pairs of hands.

Come on.

It's the perfect
experience for a couple.

We have to show that.

Mm-hm.
Okay.

So we just go?

Yeah.
Just roll it?

Yes, have fun.

Okay.
All right, hold on.

Go for it.
Don't break it.

Feel like I'm breaking it.

It's okay.

We cover it with
icing. It's fine.

Okay, not bad.

Not bad at all.

Bravo.
There.

Either that was quick or
I'm very good at this.

Hey, is it bad if the clues

are around the corner
from each other?

We don't wanna bring people
back to the same neighborhood.

Dominique, where's
your other location?

Pine Street,
Ukrainian Village.

All right.

Now we just have
to turn French hens

into a Buche de Noel clue.

What rhymes with Noel?

Cell, tell, bell.

Bell could work.

Smell.

Does smell really good in here.

It smells really,
really good in here.

They could take the I to
where the swell hens dwell.

Roll up their
sleeves for a spell.

And make a Buche de Noel.

That's good.
Well.

I think we got it.

Excellent.

Thank you.

Are we ready to taste?

Yes.
Oh, hold on, wait.

Let's take a photo, right?

A selfie.

Yeah, okay.

How do we do this?

All right, well...
Do I do this with...

Can we just have her do it?

Yeah, that's okay.
Yeah, okay.

Do you mind?
Of course.

No, I don't mind.

Thank you so much.

All right.
Great.

How do you say
fromage in French?

Fromage. There you go.

One more.
Sure.

Excellent.

Thank you so much.

Let me see.

Hey, Mr. Romano.

Did you go for a hike?

Okay, bye.

What do you think?

Looks pretty darn
good for a Chicago cake.

Ha.

I thought you had
to be at work all day.

This was my work today.

I will never
understand your job.

We're putting together
a scavenger hunt.

It'll take people
all over the city.

You should follow it on
Saturday when we launch.

See a little more of Chicago.

Sounds like things
are going well.

Uh, Grandma, the
things I ate today,

the new parts of the city I saw.

I think you'd
really love it here.

Like this guy I'm
working with, Aidan.

I thought he was one thing but
he's actually something else.

It's just different here.

And Chicago is amazing
but sometimes I just...

I feel a little
lost with people.

You just follow
your heart, kiddo.

That is the only
compass you will need.

Thank you.
Yes.

Thanks.
Big fundraising.

Hey.

Oh wow.

Fun.

Which one is he?

That one.

Like a top. Boom.

Now we're both silly.

You did not tell
me he was so cute.

It's, no, it's not like that.

He's my coworker.

It's not?

Then why am I here at
his niece's middle school

trying to check him out?

Because you're musical
and this is a fundraiser

for the music department.

Jennifer, I write
jingles for an ad agency.

That's musical.

So what, is he taken?

No. He told me he
didn't have a girlfriend.

Lemme just get this straight.

So you know how the other day

you told me that you
two had a great time

eating and drinking
and painting and baking

and you've been getting
along tremendously

at work lately, and
he went out of his way

to tell you that he
doesn't have a girlfriend?

No, it-

Yeah.

No.
No, you're taking this

the wrong way.
I think you

No, you come with me, let's go.

No, what?

Come on.

Also the electrician came by.

He thinks it'll
be about 10 grand.

He also found wood rot,

which is usually caused
by plumbing problems.

Lovely.

Mm-hm.

Excuse me, sir, how
much is this wreath?

What are you doing here?

Just thought I'd
come show my support.

Thank you.

I'm Carla.

Hi, Carla.

I'm here because I'm
a big supporter of music

and for no other
reason whatsoever.

Yep.

Okay.

Oh, I'm going to go and find

musical inspiration
among the children.

Don't bother introduce me.

Hi, I'm Shannon.
Sorry, yes, of course.

I'm Aidan's sister.

I'm Jennifer,
Aidan's coworker.

Oh.

Nice to meet you.

Look, Mom.

It's styrofoam pipe
cleaner snowmen.

Oh, nice score!

Well, this must be the
young artist herself.

Yes, this is the
tiny, talented Emma.

Hi, Emma. I'm Jennifer.

Hi.

Do you like the wreaths?

I do. They're beautiful.

How much are they?

They're $5.

Sold.

Wow.

Thanks.

Do you wanna come see my friend
Riley's reindeer ornaments?

I'd love to.

He made 'em with real tools.

Wow. Okay.
Follow me.

Have fun.

Come on.

So that's the new Bill.

All right, stop.

I'm gonna go raid
the snack table

while Emma upsells Jennifer.

Okay, I'll be here
doing all the fundraising.

Yeah, you will.

Enjoy yourself.

Emma's uncle, right?

That's right.

I'd recognize Emma's
designs anywhere.

I'm her art teacher Miss Taylor.

Miss Taylor, you've
done an excellent job.

Emma has been gluing
and sticking things

all over the house
for a long time now.

She told me about her house.

Sounds like you guys
have your hands full.

She told you about the house?

Yeah, a little bit.

You know, your grandfather
taught my older sister.

She still talks about those
Sunday dinners at Jack's place.

Yeah, I remember those.

What was your sister's name?

Cori Taylor.

She now runs a
contracting business.

Taylor Custom Remodeling.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Shannon.

Yeah.

Grandpa used to have
those salons at his house

with all his students, right?

So...

So, they were
architecture majors.

One runs a contracting
business that I just found out

and the others must be
architects or designers

or at least in construction

and they all loved Grandpa

and his hundred-year-old house.

They might be
able to help us out.

I mean, it's
worth a shot, right?

I have a call into Grandpa's
old student Cori Taylor.

Hopefully she can connect us
with some of her classmates.

Yeah, thanks, Shannon.

I'll talk to you later. Bye.

Are you an ice skater?

My Grandma
Sue's farm has a pond.

I couldn't wait till
it froze up every year.

I got good enough to do an axel.

Oh, I would pay a lot
of money to see that.

11 pipers piping?

That couldn't be

halfpipe bobsledding, could it

and the five golden rings
could be the Olympics

and we'd be done.

That's actually
kinda brilliant

but nothing to do with Chicago.

Yeah, you're right.

So what are we doing here?

Well it's a Christmas market.

There's inspiration
on every corner.

Do you hear that?

Come with me.

Thank you, very kind of you.

Thank you.

That was great.

Thank you.

We're in front of the
church every afternoon.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you for that.
Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you so much.

Come on, I'll buy you a treat.

Ooh, I like treats.

This is for you.
Ah, thank you very much.

And this is for you.
Thank you very much.

That's for you.

Thank you,
Jennifer, very kind.

The best hot cocoa
I've found in the city.

This is the best hot
chocolate I've had in my life.

Hey, there's a tree lot
somewhere in this area, right?

Wait, you don't have a tree?

Your office is the North Pole.

I've been working so hard.

I haven't had the chance-

Aidan!

What?

Where at?

What, is it the church?

The bell?

Speak.

A golden bell.

That's not actually golden.

It's steel and they painted it
No, no, Aidan, what does

the bell do at00?
to protect it.

Rings.

Five rings, five golden rings.

It's perfect.

It's perfect.

Yeah, but wait, what's the task?

People just go and
listen to the carolers?

Where they could sing along,

take a walk through the square,

have a hot chocolate,

take a selfie with the bell.

It's a good date, right?

That's a good date.

I think we have
our clue number five.

We might have

our number five.
Oh.

And we have a reprieve.

Wanda's too tied up
to meet with us today.

She'll see us tomorrow.

Wanda texted you again.

Yeah.

So we have the rest of the day

and only 11 pipers piping left

and that shouldn't be too hard.

You wanna go back to the
office, be in your own space?

No, we're on a roll.

And I got just the
place. Come on.

What?

Yeah, this is it.

Put it in park and let's go.

You said you didn't have a tree.

Yeah, but...

And you were gonna go
to a tree lot in the city.

Really? An Iowa girl?

Well, I didn't know
about this place.

What better place to get
inspiration for our final clue?

Come on!

All right.

So what size are we looking for?

Well, it's for my
apartment so not too tall.

Okay, well how are these?

Yeah.

Yeah?
Yeah.

Well, find your tree.

Well, I have to get
a blue spruce, right?

That one.
That's the one?

Yep.
Positive?

Mm-hm.
All right, cut it down.

Wait, I'm doing it?

They don't have trees in Iowa?

Well, sure but...

Where I come from, if you
don't cut down your own tree,

you get a good old
fashioned Illinois shaming.

Well, we wouldn't
want that, would we?

I'm just messin' around.

I can do it.
No, no, you sit back.

I got this.

Hold my purse.

Holding the purse.

What was that?

Notched a hinge at the base.

Wouldn't want this old spruce
to fall in your direction,

now would we?

Wow.

Very nice, Iowa.

Take it to go, Chicago.

And one for you too

'cause that one
shouldn't be left out.

Mr. Romano?

Well, hey, neighbor.

Are you
here buying a tree too?

No, no, this is my tree farm.

Oh, so Triple R is for-

Robert and Rachel Romano.

Rachel was my wife's name.

She passed a year ago.

That's when I moved into
the apartment next to yours.

You know, I was gonna
stop by and thank you

for that wreath you left.

I think you probably knocked

but I take my hearing aid out

as soon as I get home.

I don't really have
anyone to talk with.

That's okay, Mr. Romano.

Robert.

Aidan.

Wait, so you two
know each other?

Yeah, my grandfather and I
used to come here every year.

I told you that.

Oh.

How do you two
know each other?

Well, Mr. Romano's
my neighbor.

Well, your lumberjack
neighbor here cut down

one of your best today.

Well, that's good.

How's business?

Oh, busy as ever.

Here.

My cell number is on the card.

Oh.
If you ever need anything,

you just gimme a call.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas,
Jennifer, Aidan.

Give your sister my best.

Will do.

Merry Christmas.

What?

You're different
than I thought.

You actually like people.

Not everybody is who
you think they are.

That's a good thing.

Hey, would you wanna
decorate this tree with me?

Well, it'd be me and
my roommate, but...

Will there be mulled cinnamon?

No, but if you're polite,

you might get egg
nog with nutmeg.

Nutmeg? No, that's even worse.

Okay, so we do have

a few more holes left

and I can't believe
I'm saying this,

but is it possible that you do
not have any more ornaments?

Those are the spots for
the most important ornaments.

Ah.

The Grandma Sue specials.

What is a Grandma Sue special?

Every year, my grandmother
makes salt dough ornaments

for each of her grandkids.

Salt dough? What is that?

They're all
specially designed.

And the only thing is you
have to go pick them up

from her house.

Blackmail. Grandma Sue.

She's crafty.

And territorial.

Think here's a spot.

So I have to go to
my Christmas party

in an hour or so I
have to get dressed.

But it was really nice
seeing you again, Aidan.

Merry Christmas.
Yeah.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah.

See ya around.

Thank you.

That's for me? All right.
Oh yeah.

So take a look
at our handiwork.

What do you think?

Ah, it's great.

I think we make
a pretty good team.

Okay, let's put the
skate right there.

Oh, I've actually gotta run
to go see Shannon and Emma.

We're gonna go skating
at the pier tonight.

Great. Okay.

Um, thank you for your help.

Was wondering
if you wanted to come.

Oh.

If you have
plans, that's okay,

you can-
No, no, no,

I can come.

For inspiration, right?

Right.

You having fun?

Yeah.

Let me be free.

So when we gonna see it?

What?

Oh, you know what.

Rhymes with shmaxel.

I got a pain in my baxel.

Okay, you asked for it.

Oh, let's see it.

Look out, I'm coming for you.

Oh.

Get ready. She's gonna
do something really cool.

So you watchin'?

Oh oh!

Wow!

How do you do that?

Well, the first thing you
need to learn is the bunny hop.

Bunny hop?

Can you lift your knee
really high like this?

There you go.

First level achieved.

Now let's try it with a hop.

You got it.

She's a sweetheart.

Is she always looking
out for everyone?

Hm?

Up.

Oh!

Oh!

I'm good.
She's down.

Are you okay?

She's all right.
She's getting up.

Hey.
Yeah!

You did it. You're great.

You were so good.

You're a great teacher.

Oh thank you.

We're gonna
go get some hot chocolate.

All right. Get outta here.

Okay.

You realize, you just
fully just dethroned me

as the funcle.

I really did,

didn't I?
I am no longer

the fun uncle.

No.
Are you proud of yourself?

You wanna go get
some hot chocolate?

Yeah.

Okay. I'll race ya.

Bye.

Oh.

Gingerbread?

Why, how are you making
all of these cookies?

I like baking for others.

Hey, what if the 11th clue
is doing something nice

for someone else?

The song is about gift giving.

But what's a nice task
for pipers piping?

Bagpipes?

I said nice not punishment.

Well, you pipe
icing on cookies.

We could get them
to make cookies.

I know you like cookies

but we already have
the Buche de Noel.

Is that not similar?

Yeah.

What if...

they buy a piping hot
coffee for a stranger

in any of the historic districts

that we list?

I love it.

Really?

Yeah.

Yeah, I guess
it's pretty good.

Are we finished?

I mean, if you like it, yeah.

I like it.

Hey, we're gonna head out.

Thank you again for teaching
Emma how to do the bunny hop.

Of course.
Yeah.

She's so excited.

She can't wait to
go tell Pop Pop.

That rhymed.

Good luck with him.

Bye.

Okay.

Ready to go?

Yeah.

And I'll take your cookies.

They're great.

Yeah, they're the best.

They liked you a lot too.

So is Pop Pop your dad?

Yes, Pop Pop is my dad.

Where is he now?

He is overseas in
Germany recovering.

He has hypertensive
heart disease.

He had a heart scare a couple
months ago and had surgery.

Oh.

Is he okay?

Yeah, yeah, he'll be fine.

And they should be releasing
him from the hospital

just after New Years
and retiring him.

He has lived all over the world

with the idea of
being that eventually

he would come back here

and live with Emma and Shannon
in Grandpa Jack's old house.

The one with all the trouble?

Yes, yes, that's the one.

It's falling apart to be honest.

I'm really sorry to hear that.

Yeah, me too.

Dad grew up in that house
and my grandpa left it

to me and Shannon because
he knew that we would love

and take care of it

and I'm just trying to figure
out how to do all that.

Trying to give my dad his wish.

Which reminds me,
Jennifer, um...

There's something I've
been trying to figure out

how to tell you.

I also put in for the Head
Game Creator promotion.

Oh.

Maybe I shoulda
told you sooner.

I just didn't want you to think

that I presume that I
would be getting the...

I know how much the
promotion means to you.

And to be honest, at this point,

I can't think of someone
who deserves it more.

Oh, thank you.
That's very kind.

I just, of course,
you know, I wanted to...

My dad coming back and the
house being the way that it is,

the raise for the promotion
was kind of a solution

for all of us.

I hope that's okay.

I hope you understand.

Of course. You should
fight for the job.

I understand.

But, hey, I should get you back.

Our presentation's first thing.

()

Knock, knock.

Hey, Anne.

Just came to wish you luck.

Thanks.

I know you'll do great.

Morning, morning.

Morning.

Hi.

Hi.

Okay, so break
a leg, you guys.

Thanks.

I got you a coffee.
Black, two sugar, right?

Yeah, that's right.

Look, Jennifer...
Aidan, look, I...

Uh...

All right, can I?

Yeah.

Just wanna say
how good it's been

working with you.

I just hope whatever happens
doesn't get in the way

of us doing that again.

Course not.

Good.

All right, are you ready?

Yeah.

Let's do it.

Okay, we are very
excited to show you guys

what we got.

Jennifer.

When the game goes live,
it'll look like this

on people's phones.

The first ornament will open,

bringing us to our
very first clue.

Wanda, if you would
be so very kind.

"'Tis the season
when pears overrun,

so head to the square of
Illinois' favorite son.

Lincoln Square.

You can paint a Christmas scene

in a bird house of red and green

and sip a festive cider

with someone you admire."

Haus, not H-O-U-S-E.

Vogelhaus in Lincoln Square?

Yes!

After solving the clue and
completing the activity,

players will upload a photo

that looks something like this.

Fun.

And then they
get sent the next clue.

Which we already decided

is the two turtle doves

at the Chinese candy store.

Right, I loved how the
rhyme for hunker down

leads you to Chinatown.

Yeah, it's a good one.

That one was all Jennifer.

All right, next.

Three French hens.

"Head to Ukrainian Village

where a heavenly smell leads
you to a Christmas named street

where famous French hens dwell.

The class offered there
has you bake for a spell

as you finish your date
full of Buche de Noel."

Much be a French restaurant.

A street with a Christmas name.

Pine Street?

What's on Pine Street
that has famous hens?

French chicken?

Famous coq au vin.

At Dominique's.

Would you let the
lady play the game?

I love it.

It's jun, interactive,
cultural, Christmasy,

with a strong social
media component.

You two have really knocked
this one out of the park.

Thanks.

The CEO for the
Devonshire Chain

will be at the gala
Saturday night.

I'd love to introduce you both.

Uh, yes! They will be there.

I see potential for international
tie-ins with this thing.

She's gonna love it.

All right.

Next, we just need to
nail down those specs

for IT to upload the hunt.

What do you think? Over lunch?

Yeah, well, there's a new
Greek place around the corner.

Sounds good.

I'll see you at
your office in 15.

Okay.

Aidan.
Yeah.

So Wanda just left.

Well done!

She's very happy and
that makes me very happy.

Okay.

Can you meet me upstairs
in my office in 15 minutes?

I wanna talk to you
about that promotion.

Yeah.
Yeah?

Yeah sure, um...

Hey, sorry. Slight
change of plans.

I won't be able to make lunch.

Alastair has asked
to meet with me.

Just you?

Yeah.

Did he say it
was about the job?

I, I don't know what to say.

Uh, you don't have
to say anything.

You're great at what you do.

You've been here longer
and if Alastair chose you,

it's because he knows
you'll do a good job.

I know you will too.

Thank you, that's
very nice to say.

I uh...

Maybe I shouldn't have told you.

I just didn't want you to think

we're meeting behind your back.

I appreciate it really.

How about I put together
the material for IT?

I'll send for your
final approval.

No, no, I can
still do that, don't-

It's fine, I got it.

Congrats.

Thanks.

Aidan, come on in, please.

So I wanted to-

Before you say anything, um...

I want you to know that
Jennifer worked really hard

on this account.

Yeah, I know she did.

To be honest, she came
up with most of the clues.

Really?

Yeah.

I mean obviously, we worked
together and that was great

but if you were to look at
who did the heavy lifting,

it was, it was
without a doubt her.

I'm really surprised to
hear you say that, Aidan.

Yeah, me too frankly.

I don't mean to overstep
but if it's between us

for Head Game Creator, I
think it should be her.

Good, good. Then I
made the right choice.

What?

I've decided to give
the position to Jennifer.

So then this meeting is...

To find out if you'd be
interested in Tony's old position

Wizard of Operations.

I mean you won't be
creating games anymore

but you'll have more involvement

with growing the business,
increasing efficiency.

It does come with the
same salary increase

as Head Game Creator.

It's just better suited for you.

Did I not speak?

Yes, the obvious answer
is yes, it's perfect.

Okay, great.

I'll announce the promotions

at the next staff
meeting in January

so can you please keep it

to yourself till then?
Yeah, of course, of course.

Can I ask when you plan
on telling Jennifer?

I know it would
mean a lot to her.

Yeah, I'll tell her at the
hotel party tomorrow night.

Tomorrow.

Yeah, after her big success.

I thought it would be
a nice moment for her.

Sure you don't wanna

just go tell her now?

I mean, her office is very far

but we can just psst.

You and I.

Totally yeah.
Yeah, let's go.

I mean 'cause your
the boss, right?

Okay.

That's, that's, no, no,

no that's me?
That's you, yeah.

Oh.
You're the one.

Yeah.

Congratulations, Aidan.

Thanks, buddy.
I appreciate it.

Okay.

She went home for the day.

She's doing the
IT work from there

but said you can
call her if you need.

Thanks, Anne.
Yeah, I'll do that.

Okay.

Hello.

Hi, is this Aidan Walsh.

Yeah, that's me.

This is Cori Taylor

from Taylor Custom Remodeling.

Thank you so much for
getting back to me so soon.

Your grandfather
was the best teacher

I ever had.

Yeah. Yeah, he
was the greatest.

I'm glad you enjoyed his class.

Would you be able to come

to my office this afternoon?
Today?

Oh, this afternoon, yeah.

Okay, I can do that.

So did you take an
Uber or did you take a Lyft?

I just came by taxi.

Hello, sweetheart.

Grandma Sue?

I just happened to
be in the neighborhood.

Oh.

Oh.

I don't understand.

What are you doing here?

Honey, last we
spoke, it sounded to me

like you could use some
family right about now,

in-person family.

So I thought I would bring
you this to hang on your tree.

You brought my ornament to me?

Don't look so surprised.

It's a puzzle piece

to reflect your work
and your decisions.

I just thought it
would be fun for you.

It's perfect.

I love it.

Well, I am just dying to try

this big city
kitchen of yours out.

Egg nog shortbread?

Pecan butter creams.

You're on.

Your granddad was
a great mentor to me.

He's the reason I got
into construction.

Really?

And you said his
house is falling apart?

Is that how I put it?

Yeah. And that place
means a lot to me.

I'd like to help you out

if that's okay.

Yes, yes, that is okay.

Thank you.

I'd be happy to devote
resources from our offices.

And I contract out for
plumbing and electrical

but Jim Edwards
from West Electric,

he was one of your
granddad's students.

I bet there are plenty
more who would help out

if they knew about it.

Well, you think?

What if we posted about it

on our alumni website?

If you're willing, I'm in.

Oh, I just love this oven.

Please tell me we get
to eat some of these.

And by some of these
I mean all of these.

She's always giving them away.

As long as we leave
some for Mr. Romano.

That's what I mean.

Who's that?

Our neighbor.

He's actually quite lovely
once you get to know him.

Here, take this one.

Really?
Matches your shirt.

Mm.

Mm, it's so good.

You bet it is.

Oh George, George.
Oh, Mary, oh.

Well, I have never been

much of a city girl myself.

I have a few acres in
the country at my farm.

You have a farm?
And you live here?

It's a Christmas tree farm.

Jennifer.

Did you know that Robert
has a Christmas tree farm?

Yeah, you're looking

at one of his trees right now.

Oh, that is a beauty.

She cut it down herself.

I just have to send off
this last set of specs

and I'll be all yours.

Okay, sweetie.

Oh, I love this part.

Hi.

Hi.

Yeah, you can go and submit.

I'm sure it's fine.

If you feel good,
just go for it.

Thanks again for doing that.

Yeah, okay, I will.

Hey, did you still wanna
monitor the hunt together

when it goes live tomorrow?

Actually, believe it
or not, my grandmother

came to town so I
don't think I can.

I'll have to do it remotely.

Grandma Sue. That's exciting.

You guys must be happy
to see each other.

Yeah. It was a big surprise.

A big surprise.

You're still planning on coming

to the party tomorrow
night, right?

I mean, Grandma Sue's
not whisking you away

back to Iowa tomorrow, is she?

No, of course I'll be there.

Good night, Aidan.

You need to try

one of her cookies.

Oh, you know, I don't think

I could one-
I don't think

it's an option.

Aidan Walsh.

Yeah, this is Jack
Walsh's grandson.

What's that?

Yes, I would love a plumber
to come by and take a look.

Tomorrow?

Sure, yes, you just let me
know what time works best.

That sounds great.
Thank you so much.

We'll talk soon. All right.

It's another one of
Grandpa's students.

He saw the alumni post.

He wants to do
the work pro bono.

Are you serious?

I am serious.

Hold on.

Aidan Walsh.

Yes, I am Jack Walsh's grandson.

The electrician
can start on Monday.

He says it'll take
a week to get done.

Which should take
us to the 27th.

Cori is gonna be here this
afternoon with her crew

to prep the walls.

So plumbing can start Tuesday.

Which should
take us to the 31st

which means we may
actually be able

to get all this done by
the time Dad gets here.

It's happening.

Okay, look, I gotta run
and track this scavenger hunt

which went live
four minutes ago.

I wanna play.

Can I play too?

Mom?

I can coordinate
repairs if you take her.

Run, before she
changes her mind.

Thank you.

Good luck.
Okay.

You ready?

All right, come here.

Thank you.

Make your face.

Jenny.

Look what I found.

Isn't it just so cute?

Oh I love it.
Excuse me.

I'm doing an online
scavenger hunt.

Could I buy you two a coffee
and maybe take a selfie?

Come on, let's
get a coffee to go.

We have a party to get to.

Oh yeah, we gotta go.

Excuse me, miss.

Wow.

Can I offer you an
egg nog cocktail?

With nutmeg?

No nutmeg, some cinnamon.

I saw you and
Emma did the hunt.

And you and Grandma Sue.

Mm-hm.

Believe we beat you.

I think that's debatable.

Ladies and gentlemen,

if you're here, you've
solved the last clue

of our Christmas scavenger hunt.

Please welcome, from
Lincoln Junior High,

12 drummers drumming.
All right.

Good evening, everyone, and
welcome to the new Devonshire.

We're so glad to have you.

When you woke up this morning,

you had no idea you'd be

at Chicago's greatest
Christmas party, did you?

Christmas is a time to reflect
on things that matter most.

And the Devonshire wants the
people of Chicago to know

you matter to us.

We're not here only
for out-of-town guests

but for the residents and
local businesses as well.

And speaking of
local businesses,

we do not do this alone.

Big City Quest organized our
amazing scavenger hunt for us

and I'd like to call
out the two people

who made it happen.

Jennifer, Aidan.

Please show yourselves
around the hotel

and enjoy your evening.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Merry Christmas.

Congratulations.

You guys wanna go
raid the candy bar?

Okay, have fun.

Congrats.
Yeah, you too.

We did it.
I know.

It's done. I can't believe it.

Me neither.

Okay, I'm gonna go have a chat

with this handsome gentleman.

I'll see you soon.

Okay.

So that was Aidan?

Jennifer, look at you.

Honey, just days ago
you said you didn't know

if you belonged here or if you
would ever catch your dreams.

Look how beautiful this all is.

It is magical!

Honey, I am so proud of you,

no matter what you decide or
where you feel you belong.

Grandma, I wanted to tell
you that I actually didn't-

Ah, Jennifer.

Congratulations.

May I introduce my
grandmother, Sue Holloway.

This is Alastair Kelly, my boss.

Nice to meet you.

Pleasure's all mine.

My granddaughter just
loves working for your firm.

It's given me a great excuse
to get to know your city.

And we love having her.

In fact, do you mind if I
steal her away from you?

Oh, no, go ahead.

Shall we?

I mean, wow!

What a whirlwind, huh?

Amazing. This has
been such a great week.

Listen, I wanted
to speak to you

about the Head Game Creator job.

Oh, it's fine.
Aidan already told me.

He did? I asked him not to.

Oh, it's fine, honestly.

He deserves it and
he'll do a great job.

What exactly did he tell you?

That you were giving
him the promotion.

I did to Tony's old position.

Tony's?

So the Head Game Creator job is-

It's yours if you

still want it.

Yes! I mean, yes,
I want it!

Great, well, we'll
make the announcement

in the new year so keep it
under your hat till then.

In the meantime, I need to
find the Devonshire CEO.

I have a feeling she's
gonna keep us a lot busier

in the new year.

Congrats, Jennifer.

Thank you.

You deserve it.

Oh, Aidan asked me
to give this to you.

Okay.

"Where calling birds
share our city view

and the memory of mine
is your best clue.

Let's raise a glass
and celebrate.

If you would join
me on the 13th...

Date.

You knew.

Promised I wouldn't tell.

Sneaky.

Believe me, it was not easy.

You happy?

Very.

I know I got a
reputation of being

a bit of a people person,

but believe it or not I don't
know quite what to say here

so I'm just gonna say it.

I like you a lot.

I'm sorry if I didn't
make that clear at times.

I'm also sorry because I'm happy

that Grandma Sue doesn't get
to take you back to Iowa.

I've had a lot of good
Christmases, Jennifer.

But this has been the best
five days of Christmas

I've ever had.

Me too.

Good.

We made one French log cake,

one very bad, bad painting,
two hot chocolates,

all those cookies
you made that I ate,

and something else that rhymes

with partridge in a pear tree-

Would you please
just stop talking?

Okay.

Merry Christmas.