The Mistletoe Promise (2016) - full transcript
Based on the bestselling book by Richard Paul Evans. Two strangers who don't enjoy Christmas meet at work and to avoid being lonely during the holidays make a pact to deal with holiday events together. But as they get to know each other they are able to begin enjoying Christmas. They soon realize that their contract may lead them down a road that neither expected resulting in questionable feelings.
RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM
Great.
Earbuds!
Don't leave home without them!
Zoey?
What is that?
That is
your ex-husband's girlfriend
on a snowmobile.
Yes, I can, I can see that...
and why is it in my lobby?
It's called a promotion, Elise,
and it's just the start
of some very, very exciting
new game plan.
And will I be privy
to this game plan, Dan,
considering the fact
that I started this company?
Co-own company.
I created, founded,
and built this company, Dan...
before we were married.
Which we co-own now...
even after the divorce.
Don't you think
Drew looks fantastic
on a snowmobile?
Elise,
you have a call in five minutes.
Thank you.
Dan...
you do realize
that snowmobiles are
environmentally controversial?
Do you not care
about this plan at all?
Well, I mean,
we don't just sell
travel packages
to hippies, Elise.
You know,
you should get yourself
a snowmobile.
Christmas tree already?
Okay...
Hey.
Decision on the Goldsheim case?
Better, I suspect.
He's waiting for you
in the conference room.
Why?
I don't know.
Give me that.
What does he want?
I don't know.
Go. You're late.
Go!
Okay.
Who died?
Poor Nick.
Always the defeatist.
A wife would fix that.
I'm happy with my girlfriend.
Sol, am I getting the sack?
With champagne?
Nick, you work hard around here,
and we all know it.
Right.
Family law.
You all have families
and traditions to go home to.
I've told you,
you're not the odd man out here.
So, what's with the champagne?
Champagne and candy canes!
You know we're all about
the holidays around here.
Yeah, I know, hence my concern.
Nick, relax.
You're up for partner.
Congrats!
I've got to make a phone call.
I'll talk to you later, huh?
Sure!
Yes!
You're up for partner!
That obvious?
I've been here
longer than you, cowboy.
I know
what those candy canes mean.
Just remember,
they pick one partner
per region per year.
Right, and always,
"married with a family."
Always.
Hey, Ashley!
Great news, huh?
And Nick?
Time to bring out
that new girlfriend
you were just telling me about
to my tree-trimming
party next Friday.
Okay?
Great!
I'll call her right now.
All right.
See you there.
Okay!
But you don't have
a girlfriend, Nicholas.
You say that like
it's a bad thing.
And you just lied
to a senior partner.
White lie, Ashley.
I can find a girlfriend.
What?
How hard can it be?
How hard can it be?
Whoa there, bestie.
We could always
throw darts at it.
Darts are great for arm flab.
I don't have arm flab.
Well, I do.
Did you put that there, Holly?
Honey, no.
This is what Dan does
every Christmas
since your breakup.
Please brace for it.
Yes, the most miserable
time of year.
I used to really love Christmas.
Holly!
Chocolates came for you.
I snuck one.
Also, Dan wants to see you.
Wait, Zoe...
I thought you told him
that I was on a call?
Except he's just checked
my phone lines
to make sure
that was actually happening.
Oh, my God, this man!
I might not even make it
to Christmas,
and it's not even December yet.
Honey...
Just breathe
and think of January.
Hey...
you want to see this.
What?
See Bradford Connelly there?
I say, "What do you call him
the other 364 days of the year?
He says,
"I call him, 'C'mere, boy!'"
He just learned that
he's up for partner.
He's got a candy cane, too.
Yup...
and wait for it...
Please tell me
she's just weirdly overweight.
Oh, honey!
Oh, yes.
Nope, that is a pregnant woman.
Gingerbread men!
This cannot be happening.
Especially since you said
you have a girlfriend
that you don't actually have.
Manage your expectations.
That's all I'm saying.
Elise.
How was your extra-long lunch?
Delicious.
How is the fix
on the email server coming?
It's definitely coming along.
So, in other words,
it's... not fixed.
You realize
that the majority
of our business
is done over email,
and we really need
to get this fixed, like, now.
Okay, Elise, I am handling it,
thank you...
and you know,
while we're on the topic
of business concerns...
I'm thinking
that it's probably a good idea
that we cut back
on our charity travel packages.
What?
Yeah, I'm just trying
to make dollars and cents here.
I'm pretty sure
that Scrooge said the same thing
before the ghosts showed up.
Yeah, well, it's good
that Scrooge's business partner
was a ghost.
You are talking
about dispatching charity
outreach programs for children,
at Christmas.
Elise...
I know that you have
a big heart,
but we have to start thinking
about the future...
otherwise,
all of our opportunities
are just going to pass on by.
Like...
your girlfriend...
on the snowmobile?
Exactly.
Well, I guess
we'll talk about it tomorrow.
Honey!
There you are!
Just play along.
Daycare called.
Flu outbreak.
We have to pick up
the kids pronto!
So...
Thank you?
It feels like
retail assault everywhere.
Except that was charity.
Feels epidemic this year.
I mean, they put up decorations
at my gym...
a month ago.
Do you know
that Consumer Reports said
that the new start date
is Halloween?
Halloween!
That is hard to hear,
especially as a Christmasphobe.
Is that a thing?
Christmas rarely
goes well for me.
Hah! Well...
we should start a club.
I don't know.
You seem, pretty into it.
No.
This is sort of
my personal revolution.
I Christmas shop for myself.
Wish I had thought of that.
Well...
now you know!
Well, thanks for the tip.
I'm Nick.
Elise.
Elise and Nick...
founding members.
Yes...
of the Christmasphobia Club.
Well, not like "phobia",
"scared of".
More like just...
"wary of".
Yeah. Exactly.
Do you work around here?
I see you around quite a bit.
No, I just have a thing
for the wonton soup.
Sounds delicious.
Work.
Never ends.
And I was looking forward
to our first meeting
of the Christmasphobia Club.
Maybe...
tomorrow, you can introduce me
to that hot and sour soup?
Wonton soup.
Right!
Even better.
See you tomorrow?
Sure!
Great.
All right, everyone,
could you gather around, please?
Now, as most of you know,
WKJN's Reindeer Report
a week before Christmas
is the city's most-televised
moment of the year,
beloved by parents
and children alike,
where Santa's sleigh ride
is mapped out in glorious detail
for all of us
all over the state.
Well, I'd like to introduce you
to the Special Reindeer Report
Weather Girl
for this year.
All part of our very special
"Give a Gift of Travel"
Promotional, so...
let's give a big congratulations
to us
and to our beloved Drew!
Well?
You do realize
that the Reindeer Report
requires an extensive knowledge
on national geography, correct?
And Drew can't even find
the ladies room
without using Google Maps.
Well, it's all
in the teleprompter,
ladies.
She was
a professional car model,
not a professional spokesperson.
The teleprompter
can be taught, Elise.
Does WKJN have any idea
that she has absolutely no
professional on-air experience?
I've been taking
a public speaking class.
Have some faith.
You must be eight reindeers
shy of a sleigh ride,
my friend.
The most watched local
news program of the year?
And we will be ready.
I am just...
I'm so happy for you!
"Happy Wednesday, Zoey".
I'm not Zoey.
I am!
You okay?
No, I'm not.
He won't sell to me.
I won't sell to him.
We agree on nothing
except for the fact
that we both want this business.
He's not even consulting me
anymore, Holly.
How do I even fight that?
It's not war, El.
This is dirty pool.
You need more than work now.
Please don't push me
into dating right now.
Hon...
you need something
to look forward to again.
That scares me even more.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't have your number,
nor the ability to abandon
a conference call
going very South Pole on me.
Well, I wish
that I could move
to the South Pole
for Christmas.
That bad?
Yeah, me, too.
Why you?
Ladies first.
Well, my ex-husband
is my business partner.
That is a mouthful.
And...
at every fiscal year,
which for us
happens at Christmas time,
he torments me,
trying to get me to sell him
my travel agency,
which I started.
I'm really sorry.
Your turn.
Well, I think I might be
a Christmas jinx,
which means I do
stupid things at Christmas,
not all of which are my fault.
Can you give me an example?
I can give you 20,
including promising my boss
that I would take my girlfriend,
which I don't have,
to the office Christmas party
in a week.
Why would you do that?
I don't know.
Christmas just stresses me out.
Maybe there's, like,
a hotline we could call?
What if we made an arrangement
to socially navigate
Christmas together?
Is this something stupid
that you're doing?
Yeah, maybe,
but you seem nice and...
normal.
Thank you.
You don't seem normal at all.
But I'm very nice,
and you have to admit,
a business deal
could be mutually beneficial.
It's better than a club.
No politics.
No secret handshakes?
No... hideouts?
A company arrangement,
a public offering even.
We could attend events together.
I could distract you
from your ex-husband.
Allies against
the Christmas madness?
Like Christmas associates?
Yeah.
A Yuletide-oriented duty.
Like mistletoe.
Yes, but no PDA, promise.
Okay...
this is the craziest thing
that I have ever heard.
If you could ask Santa
for anything that you want,
what would that be?
Roll the calendar
forward to New Year's.
Look, I deserve
to be made partner,
and I don't see
why my personal life
should have any merit
on that decision.
I'd ask Santa
to consider me as I am.
What about you?
I would ask for my life back.
My dignity.
My business.
Not my ex-husband.
What if this arrangement
could get us all those things?
Well, that would be
a definitive Christmas miracle.
Feeling ambitious?
And incredibly professional.
Great.
I'll draw up a contract,
and we can talk about it
at lunch tomorrow.
Yes, but first,
we're going to have
to get a picture with Santa.
- Oh, come on, seriously?
- Yes!
Call it a gentleman's handshake.
- Hi.
- How are you?
Secret Santa Bonanza.
Put your hand in the hat.
I hope you're getting
some work done, Zoey.
Always.
Don't peek.
I drew Drew.
Yikes!
Put it back in.
I won't tell anyone.
No, Zoey.
Sometimes, you have
to play your hand,
even when the deck is stacked.
Maybe this will be
your last low point
of the year.
We have a three-alarm problem
at the Smithsonian right now.
Four tour buses just showed up
with no scheduled tours
booked for them,
and I booked them.
It's bad.
No more predictions
from you, Zoey.
That's your plan?
Yep.
What could go wrong?
You don't know each other.
At all.
You're going
to try and pass her off
as your long-term girlfriend
to bosses
in charge of your fate?
Really, Nick?
I need some guy friends.
They would totally get it.
You definitely need
to be more socialized,
that's for sure!
Please don't call me
a workaholic.
Not today.
You need to get
to know this woman, Nicholas.
Is that a bad thing?
Depends.
She most likely
has a heart, feelings...
It's a contract.
We agreed.
Yeah...
'cause that's how girls work.
So, you actually
drew up a contract?
You really are a lawyer.
Just business.
It is.
"Contract" is stiff, though.
You're busting me
on the doc title?
We're going to be here
through dinner.
Well, I know my way
around a contract.
Is that so?
Yes!
How do you think
that my ex-husband
is still my business partner?
I learned the hard way.
Okay.
Mistletoe Brief?
What about...
"Promise?"
Mistletoe Promise.
I like it.
Me, too.
All right.
Lunch every day?
Right, when it makes sense.
We're going to need
to be familiar with each other
if we're going
to pull this thing off.
Okay...
and what kind
of evening activities
are we talking about
once a week?
I don't know.
I like action films.
You know what?
There's a screening
of "It's a Wonderful Life"
this Wednesday...
have you ever seen it?
Definitely not.
Well, you need to trust me,
because it's actually fantastic.
So we're going to that.
All right, so...
"Best effort to demonstrate
a caring relationship"
means...?
Well, compassion, consideration,
handholding when it makes sense.
Emotional hand-holding,
or physical?
Depends on the situation.
If you're going to be
my girlfriend in public,
actual hand-holding
would be appropriate.
Agreed,
but we need to make it clear
that we're not
the PDA type of couple.
Right, okay, yeah,
I will...
make a note of that.
Add it in.
Okay.
Okay, wait, whoa...
what, travel?
Partners' meeting
is in New York.
You will have your own room,
First-class air travel.
It's the last weekend
heading into Christmas Eve.
And the contract
expires on Christmas Eve?
Yep. Figured we can handle
the big day on our own.
Totally.
Whoa, will you explain
these addendums to me?
The relationship
should be shallow.
Deeply superficial.
Exactly.
And the second?
No drama.
Life's too short.
Done and done.
Great.
Well, I will make these changes,
and email them over to you.
Elise! Elise!
You have to help me.
Drew is a disaster
on the teleprompter.
Dan, you didn't run
any of this promotional past me,
so you handle it.
Listen to me! Elise!
This could put us on the map.
How is this about us...
when you and Drew just
keep playing for each other?
Hah...
Good for Zoey.
Zoe!
Yes!
Not for me.
They're for Elise?
Who's Nick?
You little minx!
Or is it fox?
I'm sure I don't know
what you mean.
You have a secret beau
and failed to tell me,
or you've invented a man
to drive Dan bonkers.
Well, I assure you
that I'm not that imaginative.
I didn't think so either.
So who is he?
He is a guy
that I met at...
the mall.
Elise, no!
We don't date retail after 30!
Holly!
Don't be a snob.
Don't be a sucker.
Retail people are predatorial
at Christmas.
He's a lawyer.
Holy Night!
Say "yes"!
Say "yes" to what?
To everything at this point.
You have a boyfriend!
I do not have a boyfriend!
I have a...
a romantic interest.
For now.
That movie was so good
on a big screen.
Yeah, so smart and dark.
Makes you feel amazing.
I feel amazing!
I never thought I could like
a Christmas movie.
It was just...
You can tell me.
Just keep it shallow.
Well, I've been accused,
not lately,
of being a workaholic,
but I like helping people.
I like being good at my job,
and I am,
and I do help people.
Well, I, too, am accused
of working too much,
but I love my job,
and I'm good at my job.
I don't know, I think that...
you know, when
a family or a couple
comes back from a vacation,
they're so grateful,
and they're so content.
I can't imagine that they
don't bring that back
to other people in their lives.
Yeah, that's exactly it.
I make it easier for people
to have a fresh start,
people who need it.
I help them see
that the light in the tunnel
is not a train.
I'm like George Bailey
in that film.
Another angel
just got his wings!
You know, you never told me
what kind of law you practice.
Nah, let's just keep it shallow.
Well, I'm going to find out
at the tree-trimming party.
Well, I'm a divorce attorney.
You're kidding.
No, I...
I think it's important
how people move
through tough times.
That's where
a good family lawyer comes in.
Yeah.
I never really got a chance
to move on, but...
now we're swimming
into the deep end, so...
It's okay.
You can tell me about it.
No.
This is a business agreement.
Maybe the contract
was ill-conceived?
Well, it is dried in ink now.
Right.
And you wrote it.
True.
Okay, what's happening?
This was my life,
and now, it's... yours.
Yeah, the...
the balloons are a little...
they're weird.
I'll tell him.
No, I'll tell him...
if he ever calls.
So I can decide
if he's... real.
If he's...
Really?
Well, you hear stories
of lonely ladies.
Not saying they're you.
This just came for you.
Thank you.
Oh, come on!
Presents now?
Presents?
Love you, too, Zoey.
You're the talk of the office.
Yeah, when am I not?
But now you're the envied
talk of the office...
unless he's ugly.
Not that ugly is a setback.
Okay, let's just not be
those people.
Yeah, let's definitely not.
Right?
He's not ugly.
An angel gets its wings.
It's an inside joke.
Inside jokes, too?
Good for you.
Okay...
Well, that went well.
More than answers things.
Okay.
Hi!
You get the balloons?
Yes, and the chimes.
Thank you.
The office
is gossiping overtime.
The balloons are a bit...
Kiddie party?
Yeah.
Well, it was either that
or a cake pop tree.
I could feed the whole office
with a cake pop tree.
They'd love it.
Duly noted.
I'm all thumbs
with these things.
You're doing great.
Did you know
that red roses are pricier
for no particular reason?
They're just price-gouging
romantics.
I mean, come on...
Okay, yeah...
now you're all thumbs.
Right.
So what's up?
Just saying hi?
I was just wondering,
do you think
that maybe you could...
pick me up for lunch
at the office today?
Sure! Love to.
In fact, I need help picking up
an ornament for the tree-trimming party.
Do you think that maybe you
could come a bit early, also?
Will do.
Hi...
Welcome to World Bright Travel!
You must be Zoey.
Yes!
Who wants to know?
I'm Nick.
I'm here for Elise.
No! Seriously?
Yes, I'm pretty sure about that.
Right this way. Elise!
Hi!
How are you, hon?
Ready to go?
Starving.
Thank you.
Okay, don't turn around.
Are they all
mobbing the windows?
Well, I love it when
business works out.
I have never been
in a Christmas store.
Ever?
Are we nearing a panic attack?
No. That would fall
under "drama".
Okay.
Well, let's just
break it up into sections.
Right?
Right.
What about a sparkly nutcracker?
It would say
that I'm disciplined,
hardworking, sparkly,
so I know
how to have fun, right?
I just think you're
over-thinking it,
so just tell me a little bit
more about your boss.
Okay, well...
Christmas is very important
at the firm.
Strictly family law,
and what I like about the firm
is they're not interested
in making money
off of other people's suffering.
They're interested in...
in helping people
solve their problems legally.
Okay.
So we need something
that says...
Peace on Earth, or even better
is something
that symbolizes that, right?
Exactly! Yes.
I mean...
right in front of our eyes.
Perfect.
It's beautiful.
Gentle. Gentle.
So Christmas really
doesn't bother you?
It used to be
my favorite time of year.
Why?
I don't know.
Maybe because
it's cold and gloomy out,
and everybody needs a sense
of good warmth and cheer.
It just sounds
like good problem-solving to me.
Well, that's very
business-sensible.
Guilty as charged.
Well, I'm in family law,
so no guilt involved.
Well...
I started a charity component
to my company
a year before my ex-husband
joined the company,
and... it's incredible.
We provide field trips
for underprivileged kids
to historical
and national landmarks,
and you should see...
oh, my gosh, the letters
that come pouring in,
it's amazing...
and Dan...
Wants to kill the program
because he said
it's financially draining.
Why does he care?
Did I mention
that Dan has a thing
for sports cars
and a chronic flirtation
with debt?
So what does he contribute
to the business?
He does his part...
recklessly.
He's in charge of marketing...
a company that I started myself.
You know,
but the truth is, is that
we can afford to give,
and I just don't think
that the spirit of giving
shouldn't be year-round.
You don't have a Scrooge bone
in your body, do you?
No, I am 100% Tiny Tim.
I can't give up on these kids.
I...
I have to give back.
I get it.
What he doesn't get
is that he needs me
professionally.
I don't need him.
I don't need his girlfriend.
And I believe
that they're leading us
down a less-elegant path...
and he refuses to sell me
his half of the company,
and I just...
I just...
practically gave it to him
because I was in love once.
I just...
Elise...
You know what?
That is deep enough for today...
because we debut as a power
couple this weekend, so...
we need to focus up.
Right.
Focus up.
- Hey!
- Hey.
What's that?
Nothing.
- Nervous?
- I am now.
So I did some snooping,
very stealth-like.
You're good
in a sports coat, no tie.
All the ladies
are wearing dresses.
Pants for women?
Frowned upon.
Seriously?
Hey, I'm trying to help.
Later.
Yeah, later.
I don't understand how
this is happening, guys!
I've checked the orders
against the schedules
against the tours
at the Metropolitan.
I don't know
how any of this is happening!
"Saint Nick" is calling.
Saint Nick?
That is so cute!
Hey, Zoey, give, please.
Hello?
Hi!
Hi, listen, this...
I have a very big roaring fire
that I'm trying to put out right now.
We good for lunch?
I'm sorry.
Three school tour buses
just, like, imploded on us,
and I have to figure
this thing out.
But we're still on
for tonight, right?
Because it's been suggested
that you wear... a dress.
I hope that's all right.
Yes, I am a woman.
I definitely have some.
I've got to go.
Okay.
You just hung up on him.
You never just hang up on them.
Guys, he's fine.
We have a major problem
we have to solve here.
We date.
We know.
You never want to remind them
that you could be
the first to hang up.
Okay, you know what?
That is the silliest thing.
- Never.
- Ever.
Back to work.
Come on!
She just...
hung up on me.
What if she bails on me tonight?
I think she's putting out fires,
like she said.
Yeah, well, what if
it burns all night?
I'm sure she's pretty competent.
I don't know, it's just...
I have a lot invested in this.
Careful.
You are starting to sound
like a love interest.
It's a business contract,
and I need a...
specific result.
I didn't realize
until this moment,
but maybe that's
how women look at love.
Like business?
Yeah, maybe.
You know, I really like
this crestfallen cupid
vulnerability on you.
Maybe you should wear the skirt?
So the apartment doesn't
have a stick of furniture.
We're there with the pieces
all over the floor
and the instructions
are in Swedish!
Took us all night,
didn't it, honey?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
We built that bedside table.
Hi.
Nick!
Hi.
Well, I knew
you would show up one day
with a date as striking as you.
Thank you.
- Sharon Hitesman.
- Elise Donner.
We rehearse our entrances,
but don't tell anybody.
Sol Hitesman, Elise.
Welcome to our home.
Thank you for having us.
I'm thinking drinks, introductions,
and then a quick tour.
In that order, please!
Fantastic!
- Come on in.
- Everyone, look who's arrived!
Hi!
Nice to see you, Nicholas.
Do you need any help?
Hello there!
How about the candies?
Sure.
You have a gorgeous home.
We have a giant mancave,
and I've done what I can.
Well, clearly,
you've done a lot.
Oh, well...
you know, Nick has
done very well, too.
Where exactly has he
been hiding you?
Well, that's on me.
I'm very private,
and I work a lot,
and Nick is incredibly patient.
He's a perfect guy.
Hi!
I'm just trying to find
the powder room.
Well, actually, she is,
though I'm beginning
to doubt the ultrasound.
I swear, she's kicking
my bladder
harder than my son ever did.
Well, girls can be
tomboys in the tummy.
Follow me.
Thank you.
I love it when Sol keeps
track of me at parties.
It's very sweet.
So, any thoughts
on marriage and kids?
I know I'm being nosy.
Well...
yes, definitely,
when the time is right.
I love children.
I actually have
a charity component
to my travel business, and...
Whoa, you know what?
Save that story for dinner.
It will go over very well.
A girl can have her favorites.
Can't she?
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
What a wonderful job, everyone.
Are you just talking
about the tree?
All right, now...
I won't lie.
We have had a stellar year here,
and everyone in this room
has played a huge part...
including our loved ones.
Now, I believe
that it's important
to have someone to come home to
at the end of the day,
to remind us
what really matters...
spouses...
children...
family...
and I believe
that it gives us
some basis and some context
for the work that we do.
We understand
that family
is the cornerstone of community,
and by encouraging that ideal,
it shows up in our work
and in our lives...
because remember,
there is nothing ever wrong
with being good people.
Frankly, there's everything
right with being that.
Exactly, Nick.
So then...
to good people.
To good people.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
We're lying to good people.
Well, not lying, just...
stretching their truth.
Why?
Because I had
three truly terrible Christmases
that defined my life, Elise,
and...
I'm not a bad guy.
Three ghosts.
Like Scrooge.
Well, Scrooge
is a business story.
Yes, it is.
My last truly terrible Christmas
was at the last law firm
I was working for.
I was also
about to make partner,
when I discovered
that one of the senior partners
was overlooking
major conflicts of interest,
which is criminal, by the way.
And?
And when I raised concerns...
I was fired
and blackballed
from every firm in town.
Not "good people."
I'm so sorry.
Sol Hitesman is the only person
that took a chance on me.
And now we're lying to him.
Why are we back
at the food court?
To snap you out of that funk
that you've been in since Sol's,
and because
I was craving the wonton soup.
Well, being at the food court
makes my funk worse.
It's like returning to
the scene of the crime.
Is it a crime
to want to be a partner
at your firm?
I'm an asset to them.
I know this.
Yes, you are...
and they know this, too, okay?
I am a divorced woman,
but I do good works
in the world.
You're a single guy,
and you do, too,
and sometimes,
good people just fall
into narrow perspectives.
So we need to broaden theirs?
Yes! We do.
Great.
So let's get a tree this year.
What? No!
You just walked me
right into that.
Actually, you did it to me.
Okay, what is figgy pudding?
I have no idea.
I like the fat ones.
No.
Those will take
forever to string.
But they're so cool!
Come on, please?
- Okay.
- Okay.
All right, so,
do you want to do selfies?
Social media?
Christmas cards?
- You are a genius.
- Yep.
Okay.
Smile.
I am!
Happy Holidays!
There we go.
Okay...
There we go.
- Open the door.
- I don't have the keys.
- One last box.
- Good.
I'm going to warn you
that this might be
a little taxing for me.
Well, we've already broken
one clause today.
We're not in public.
Might as well dip our toes
into the deep end.
I'll make some coffee.
'Kay...
This is fun.
Elise...
Do you want to tell me
what happened?
My ex-husband, Dan...
really loved
to go to car shows...
and then, on Christmas Eve,
he gave me this charm bracelet,
and it had
all these little car parts,
and then there was
this dangling cursive name
that said, "Drew."
He mixed up your presents.
On Christmas Eve.
Drew is a car show
model, F.Y.I.
Yikes.
So how was that Christmas?
He spent it with Drew.
So...
four years ago,
I...
put this Christmas angel
in a box,
and I...
I haven't opened it since.
This may sound
really childish and stupid,
but we have to win
the snowman contest
for my company this year.
I started that, too,
and Dan and Drew win
every single year.
I am officially on it.
We will win.
Look.
You're in a good mood.
So don't bring me
any bad news then.
Is that what I do?
Yes, sometimes.
Well, not today.
She was the hot topic
of the office,
your biz partner.
Yeah, she was amazing,
wasn't she?
But now I have to win her
her snowman building contest,
and honestly,
I don't know the first thing.
Two rules...
it has to be original,
and it has to be
Christmas-themed.
Too bad,
because a snowman
in a Halloween costume
would be hilarious.
Yeah, total winner.
Except not.
Out. I'll help.
Yeah?
Okay...
Snowmen...
You weren't kidding about debt.
Right?
- Hey.
- Hello.
Hey.
Thank you.
You're the best.
It's not like it's a chore.
What are you doing?
We're going to be late.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
Hello, competitors!
Zoey, you're a competitor.
Holly made me emcee as well..
And you've already been voted
Mr. Snow Park of the evening.
Is that a good thing?
Winning's always a good thing.
You guys are so late!
We are exactly on time.
Not for Nick and me to catch up.
Come on, Nick,
I'll show you the
hot chocolate table.
Holly? Holly!
Will all competitors
please make their way
to the main tent.
It's a compliment
when women want
to talk to your man.
Come on, I'll show you
where we put you.
So, you survived Holly.
Yeah, she says she knows people,
and I will never be found
if I hurt you.
That's my girl.
Good evening,
World Bright competitors,
employees,
and esteemed snow park patrons.
Tonight, our teams will have
two hours
to build a snowman scene.
They have to be holiday-themed,
never have been done before,
and the main characters
must be a basic snowman.
Okay, competitors!
To your tents, please!
We are going to start
in five... four...
three... two...
snowmen!
Chicest snow person.
Time! Time!
Everybody, stop, drop.
Put your hands up.
It's us!
Oh, my gosh!
That's so cute!
Guys! That's us!
Results, please.
Thank you.
Okay!
All right!
To the newcomers,
we've got fourth place,
everyone,
right over here.
Give them a round of applause.
Wow, guys.
Wow.
All right.
Third place is...
Holly and Zoey.
Oh, my gosh!
That's us!
We won!
We won!
Okay!
Second place goes to...
Drew and Dan!
That's really...
Snowmobiles!
Well done.
Okay, and...
the most exciting part
of the night,
the reason we are all here...
first place goes to...
Nick and Elise!
Yeah!
Look at that.
Oh, my God,
is that not the best?
This is the best night ever.
Elise?
Hi, I'm Ashley,
Nick's paralegal.
Hi.
He's just finishing up a call,
so I can show you in.
Yes, thank you.
Right this way.
Can I give you a hand
with that basket
that smells so good?
I can manage, thank you.
Have you worked here long?
I have.
I love my job,
and Nick is my
favorite-ever boss.
Elise!
Sol!
Well, my day just got
a whole lot brighter.
You're too kind.
I tell you,
we are absolutely insane
for gingerbread men around here.
There are ginger women
and ginger policemen...
Did I hear gingerbread talk?
Hello, Elise.
Hello, Bradford.
I have a soccer player
here for you.
Except I'm a hockey fan.
Well, then they'd be
in broken pieces at the bottom,
knowing that sport.
Well-played.
You're welcome.
Are we losing our
Christmasphobia natures?
I mean, I had that
figgy pudding song
stuck in my head all morning.
Well, I, for one, would love
to love Christmas again.
Yeah, me too,
but it's Christmas.
I'm braced.
Nick...
I know your most recent
Christmas ghost.
Will you tell me your first?
My dad left my mom
and me at Christmas.
I was six.
Maybe that set the pattern.
It's okay.
We survived.
I love my mom.
I'm so sorry, Nick.
She remarried...
a nice doctor who believed
that young men should be
educated at boarding schools.
So I saw my mom
mostly at Christmas,
and the better my grades were,
the happier they
were to see me...
so I like working hard.
I'm not good with
probing questions...
and this is
a business contract, right?
Right, yes...
definitely.
Hey, did you get the scarf
and mitts I sent over
for the skating party
later tonight?
Yes.
Nick,
you're incredibly generous.
Great.
So sorry to interrupt.
No, not at all.
The Peterson judgment
just came in.
Great. Great!
That's going to crash our lunch.
I'm so sorry.
No, no, it's okay.
I will see you tonight.
I'll show you out.
It's okay.
I know the way.
Bye.
I just screwed that all up.
I am not good about my past.
Don't I know it!
What do I do?
I think she's just enjoying
not feeling alone
at Christmastime.
I think you might be, too.
I'm not alone.
I have you...
and a ton of work.
Well, you were
whistling this morning.
I whistle.
Christmas songs?
Christmas stresses me out.
The Peterson judgement.
Right.
You're quiet tonight.
Am I?
You can skate.
I can hang.
Hey, come on, lovebirds.
Pick it up.
On our way!
All right.
Clock is punched, mister.
- Let's go.
- Okay.
Right. Ready?
- Bradford lettered in hockey.
- And you?
Ice dancing, semi-pro.
How can you not take
all this as Christmas jinx-y?
Because I am getting
very chummy with her,
and she likes to talk...
and I used to coach
figure skating.
You really are amazing.
Okay.
Okay. Ready?
Now pick up your feet more.
Now push out, push out with me.
You two
look absolutely beautiful.
Thank you!
We've been waiting
all week for this.
Whoa...
Whoa... hey.
We need to focus.
We need to stay focused
on the goal, okay?
You will succeed.
At skating?
At all of this, Nick.
Thank you, Elise.
Whee!
Whoa...
Hey!
You two have
such charm together.
It's all her doing.
I blame him.
Well,
got to hand it to Bradford...
It pays to have
multiple skill sets.
And yet...
Yes?
Well...
My business partner, Dan,
hired a sales rep one year,
and he went fishing
through interviews
to find incomparable
softball skills.
How did that work out?
Well, Dan received
all of the coveted softball
trophies that he wanted,
and our sales quotas
virtually plummeted
for the entire year.
That guy.
Personally, I know it's all fun,
but I prefer, in business,
business minds at the helm.
I like a guy
that works overtime.
You two are amazing out there.
Like, born for each other.
Not bad, right?
Considering I'm his third wife.
Don't quote me on that.
You are so much fun, by the way.
Thank you!
You went above and beyond today.
Thank you.
I want to be as valuable to you
as you've been to me.
We don't have
the same goals, Nick.
I'm stuck with Dan and his
childish work tortures, and...
I own my mistakes
that led me to that...
and I kind of feel like I'm...
starting to wake up
to life again.
It's a good thing...
but I don't expect Santa,
or miracles,
or angels getting their wings.
What would winning
look like for you?
I don't know anymore, Nick...
but I'm glad I have
a Christmas tree.
So thank you for that.
- Good night.
- Good night.
You're looking very sharp.
Thank you.
Dan!
Just the man I wanted to see.
You know, Drew and I,
we're just heading out.
This'll just take a second.
Turns out we both have friends
on the police force,
and my buddy tells me
that you had your
buddy run my plates.
Anything specifically
you were looking for?
No...
I just...
Come on, honey, let's...
See, the thing is,
my buddy is your buddy's boss,
so... that didn't
work out so well,
but I'm just happy to know
that your natural affection
and protection for Elise
still exists.
That's right.
We care a lot for Elise,
and we're all under a lot of
stress this season at work.
Right, the Reindeer Report.
Exciting!
Elise tells me you have
a lot of memorizing to do?
Yeah, I'm just more comfortable
when I know a subject
than when
I'm reading it out loud.
You know...
I have a lot of tricks
from memorizing case facts.
I'd be happy to teach you.
Nick?
Hey, hon.
Yes! Definitely.
Drew, you know,
we really should be going.
How about after lunch?
I have the whole afternoon off,
actually.
Nick? Nick!
Just a second, honey.
So, after lunch,
we'll get to work?
You know, I don't think...
It's perfect.
Yes, please.
Great!
Great.
Hi!
Look.
Wonton soup.
Who are you,
and what have you
done with Nicholas?
I am starting to learn
that you have a plan for me
to get my partnership...
yes?
Maybe.
Yes.
Well, I'm hatching a plan, too,
and we need
to be at the TV station
for Drew's Reindeer Report.
Absolutely not.
Yes.
Also, I need to leave here
with a copy
of your business contract.
You already have a copy.
No...
not the...
"Mistletoe Promise."
Your and Dan's actual contract.
Nick...
please don't get my hopes up.
That's my line.
Wonton soup.
- Report...
- Report.
- Report...
- Not re-port...
There is it. Great!
They've been in there
a long time.
Yeah, well, I am guessing
it's a pretty long job.
Really loose.
Really loose.
I'm proud of you, El.
You hung in there like a pro,
and you caught
a really great guy.
Well, we've only been dating
for a little bit, so...
Don't do that.
Live in possibility now.
Thank you so much.
Yep.
All right.
It's going to be so good!
Yes, it is.
So good.
Hey.
So, what do you think?
I think...
dress sharp
for the Reindeer Report.
Yeah,
we will not be going to that.
It's your company,
and I promised Drew, so...
yes, we are.
You look great,
as always.
Thank you.
I can't believe that
we're actually going to this.
Trust me.
All right, well...
there's your stage.
Okay...
All right, there's your mark.
Put your little toes
right there.
Why don't we watch
from the green room?
I don't want
to make her nervous.
You stay put, young lady.
Good evening, Santa watchers.
As promised tonight,
our state's very own
Drew Richards
will walk us through
Santa's planned sleigh routes
this Christmas.
Our famed Reindeer Report
brought to you
by the folks
at World Bright Travel Agency.
"Every day is a present
when on a vacation."
Take it away, Drew.
I'm Drew!
Hi...
everybody.
Reindeer Report.
This is the Reindeer Report.
This is the Reindeer Report.
Okay.
- What?
- You got this.
What?
You got this.
Let's go.
Say something!
Hi, everyone!
My apologies.
I'm Elise Donner
from World Bright Travel Agency.
I'm so sorry, Drew,
but we have a breaking
news report from Santa!
Santa has decided
to enter America
through New York City this year,
so he can go catch a glimpse
of the beautiful Christmas tree
at Rockefeller Center.
Soon, he will be
zigzagging his way
through the upper Midwest,
then, soon under his sleigh
will be the beautiful
Grand Canyon
as he slides on in
to Los Angeles.
These are all landmarks
of World Bright Travel's own
History Children's
Outreach Program,
and they are apparently favorites
of Mr. and Mrs. Claus', too.
All right,
thanks very much, ladies.
We'll take a break.
More coming up right after this.
Good thing Elise has
a public speaking
background, right?
Honestly, it's bizarre
he didn't show.
No, he's just at a meeting.
What? Who is, Dan?
What? Dan?
Oh, God, no.
Yes, Dan and Drew.
Just ridiculous
to skip the Christmas lunch
because you had to rescue
his girlfriend together.
I know.
It really did work out
for all of you.
Holly,
there is no such thing
as "working out" with Dan,
so just be prepared.
Hey, sorry I'm late, crew.
Almost got run over
by a reindeer...
I'll tell you what.
Why don't we just leap
right into Elise's
Surprise Santa present
for us all?
Absolutely!
Thank you, Elise,
for building such a fun company
to work at.
Okay, that's...
that's not exactly what I meant.
You know what?
Why don't we all
check our emails?
Everyone!
Check your emails!
What's the Mistletoe Promise?
He ransacked my emails.
Well, I mean,
I found it on the server.
Randomly.
The server...
that hasn't been working
until now?
Elise...
Oh, my God...
Elise!
I am really, really sorry.
What happened?
Me.
I haven't happened,
and I haven't been happening
for years.
My life is frozen in a personal
and professional stupor.
My life is strictly business.
It's strictly business
and that's all it is,
and even in that,
I've let down my family
and my friends
and my company and myself.
You haven't let me down, Elise.
No, I haven't.
I always honor my contracts.
I just...
forgot to do one with myself.
You don't have to go
to New York, Elise.
I would totally understand.
No.
We're going to go to New York,
and we're going to get you
your partnership...
because it will feel good
to do something right,
just one thing right
for someone...
but I'm sorry,
I have to be alone.
I'm sorry.
Elise...
Hi. This is Holly.
You know what to do.
All right, okay, here we are.
I can't believe I'm apologizing
twice inside of 24 hours.
First, my car died,
and then I couldn't
find my charger, so...
Make excuses in the car.
We may actually
miss your flight.
Hi, Elise.
Hi.
Okay, there's
a freeway entrance right here.
So just turn, turn, turn, turn!
Going that way this
time in the morning?
Just strap in, buster.
You all right back there, Elise?
I'm fine, yes.
It's not bad
heading that direction.
Do I have to get
a pair of earbuds
to drown you out, Nicholas?
We're here!
At this point,
winning might be everything.
I know.
Fingers crossed.
You're good.
You've got your lucky charm
and secret Christmas weapon
with you.
Okay.
All right.
Here we are.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Yeah.
Ladies first.
Champagne?
Yes.
All right.
Okay...
Thank you.
There you are.
Music!
All right.
Yes, yes.
There we go...
We...
Perfect.
I'm going to change.
Yeah.
I have...
one final present.
Whatever happens...
This has been the best deal
I've ever struck.
I have actually
enjoyed Christmas.
I did, too.
Nick...
Well, so my gift to you
is a touch unusual.
Kylie is Bradford's third wife.
Wha...
Third as in three...
which is
not so family-iconic, is it?
I... I could kiss you.
No.
We only deploy that
as a nuclear option,
because we both know
that you're the best man
for this job,
and that you have not leapt
blindly into marriage.
Thank you.
Deal.
Yes, so, the room is beautiful.
Thank you.
Quite the turnout.
Yes, really.
Mr. Willison.
You've returned.
Or did I ever leave?
Now, now, now, now,
don't tell me.
Bradford and Kylie...
Nick... and Elise!
I'm impressed.
So, Nick...
Tell me your favorite
Christmas memory.
Well...
You know what?
Why don't you tell them
the story
about the woman that you saved
from hating Christmas that year?
This is a really lovely story.
Yes, Nick.
You must!
I agree.
Okay...
Well, I was at the food court
at a shopping mall,
and this beautiful lady
was being tortured
by Christmas carolers.
So, I could tell
that she was the kind of person
that was not particularly
fond of Christmas...
No, no, no,
but I can't take credit
for how this incredibly
brave woman
showed up for herself
and her life.
We made a contract
to buddy-breathe
through Christmas.
Two Christmaphobes!
Yes, it was that simple,
that silly, and...
well, that profound.
And what happened to her?
Well, I hear she's doing great
in all aspects of her life.
Even in love?
Yes... so I hear.
So... to love...
to our families...
and to Christmas.
To Christmas!
Cheers!
Merry Christmas, everyone.
I... actually have
a surprise for you.
Come on!
No, come on.
Really?
Yes!
You make Christmas fun for me.
I think we both did that.
Making a pact,
scaring off carolers...
Picking out ornaments,
picking out a tree,
stringing lights...
So many presents.
Too many presents.
Never enough!
I could build snowmen all year.
Fun like this.
Fun like us.
It's not just fun.
It's more than that.
It's my heart,
and it's yours, too.
I know.
No, you don't.
I don't think
that you really know.
We made it clear.
We had a contract.
Nothing too deep.
We made a promise, Elise,
not a contract.
We made a promise.
Yes, and I intend
to keep it as written,
because that is what you wanted,
and I am so ready
to be that woman in the story
that you told tonight,
but we've had
the best fake relationship ever.
All the ups and downs,
without any of the risks.
Business is a risk.
No, love...
love is a risk.
Business is something we do...
I'm really good at it.
Nick...
you're so close,
and you deserve to be partner,
not because of some lie,
or some rules that
we have to bend or break,
but because you deserve it.
So just trust me on this.
Do... you have a key?
I'm going to take a walk.
- Good night.
- Good night.
...when they're closing
the ski park.
We thought
we had plenty of time to finish.
You've never been married, Nick?
Well...
I was set to, but...
my third Christmas ghost.
It was autumn...
the worst time to get married,
someone told me after the fact.
I was in my tuxedo,
and I was the happiest
I had ever been...
Far happier than my bride-to-be,
as it turned out,
who had her father drive her
away from the church.
It was the loneliest
Christmas of my life.
So I switched to divorce law,
because I wanted to be the guy
who could make it...
easier, gentler
for those people
going through breakups.
Nick...
You're a good man.
Win this as yourself.
I met Elise three weeks ago.
I approached her with a contract
to rescue me from losing out
on partnership because...
I don't have a wife.
Nick...
See, I didn't come
from easy beginnings,
and I made a choice
to better my life
and my situation,
and I think that makes me
a valuable asset
to this firm, sir...
but all due respect...
I don't agree with the premise
or the policy
that families and marriage
are the only way to promote
goodness in the world.
Virtue and dignity...
comes from all aspects of life.
Elise here is divorced,
and she has...
more grace, more empathy
than I ever thought possible.
Nick, this really isn't...
No.
You're the woman
from Nick's story last night.
In part, yes.
A lot of parts of my life
are still unsettled...
but I can tell you this...
you will never find a man
with a truer heart than Nick's.
He makes the world his concern,
and I have seen it
time and time again...
but this is a business luncheon.
I really have no place here now.
Please excuse me.
So...
I'm sorry for wasting
all your time.
Hey! Elise!
Wait!
Nick, what are you doing?
Just go back in
and close the deal, okay?
No, no...
the deal is here.
I broke the contract.
I got too deep and fell in love.
Both of you, please,
would you come back
to the table?
Mr. Willison insists.
Sharon, Sol,
thank you for your kindness,
but I really must catch a plane.
Honestly, Drew...
you did me a favor, girl.
Yes.
She did.
I've waited four years
for you to realize that.
I am so sorry, Holly.
No, hon... I am..
Sometimes, the best friend
is the one who hangs back
and lets you figure things out
for yourself.
I think I just needed to...
to do something crazy.
Yes, you did...
and we all thought
it was brave and cool and...
as Zoey puts it,
"He's dreamy beyond words."
So...
you ready to let Dan
have this place?
I go where you go.
Just don't sign
a non-compete clause, please.
Never.
Top of my buy-out demands...
well, our buy-out demands.
There's something
that I wanted
to tell you in person.
Your Reindeer Report
has been getting
a lot of philanthropy calls.
What?
Do-gooders want to fund
our History Kids Charity
Outreach Program.
Are you serious?
Yes!
Oh, my God!
That is the best present ever!
Zoey's compiling a file
right now.
We might have
a lot to celebrate next year.
I can't believe it.
Come to my folks' tonight.
We're making duck.
Oh, sweetheart,
you know I'd love to,
but I have...
I have a lot of work to finish.
Plus, it's snowing out,
and I think
I might want to walk home in it.
After all,
it's almost Christmas.
You're the best.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Three snow persons?
I'm so sorry, Nick.
No.
You showed up.
You went the distance
of the contract like a pro.
Mr. Willison said
it was the best run for partner
he has seen in his long career.
You made partner?
We did.
Teamwork.
Just like you said.
This feels nice.
It does.
It's what I was scared of.
I think we both were.
Nick, I don't think
that I'm ready for a parson,
but I could...
sure use some figgy pudding.
Well, he'll be back again
next year, I hear...
and this will do for now,
I think.
So...
should we extend our agreement
in perpetuity, perhaps?
I can agree to that.
Mistletoe.
Promise.
RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM
by VaVooM
Great.
Earbuds!
Don't leave home without them!
Zoey?
What is that?
That is
your ex-husband's girlfriend
on a snowmobile.
Yes, I can, I can see that...
and why is it in my lobby?
It's called a promotion, Elise,
and it's just the start
of some very, very exciting
new game plan.
And will I be privy
to this game plan, Dan,
considering the fact
that I started this company?
Co-own company.
I created, founded,
and built this company, Dan...
before we were married.
Which we co-own now...
even after the divorce.
Don't you think
Drew looks fantastic
on a snowmobile?
Elise,
you have a call in five minutes.
Thank you.
Dan...
you do realize
that snowmobiles are
environmentally controversial?
Do you not care
about this plan at all?
Well, I mean,
we don't just sell
travel packages
to hippies, Elise.
You know,
you should get yourself
a snowmobile.
Christmas tree already?
Okay...
Hey.
Decision on the Goldsheim case?
Better, I suspect.
He's waiting for you
in the conference room.
Why?
I don't know.
Give me that.
What does he want?
I don't know.
Go. You're late.
Go!
Okay.
Who died?
Poor Nick.
Always the defeatist.
A wife would fix that.
I'm happy with my girlfriend.
Sol, am I getting the sack?
With champagne?
Nick, you work hard around here,
and we all know it.
Right.
Family law.
You all have families
and traditions to go home to.
I've told you,
you're not the odd man out here.
So, what's with the champagne?
Champagne and candy canes!
You know we're all about
the holidays around here.
Yeah, I know, hence my concern.
Nick, relax.
You're up for partner.
Congrats!
I've got to make a phone call.
I'll talk to you later, huh?
Sure!
Yes!
You're up for partner!
That obvious?
I've been here
longer than you, cowboy.
I know
what those candy canes mean.
Just remember,
they pick one partner
per region per year.
Right, and always,
"married with a family."
Always.
Hey, Ashley!
Great news, huh?
And Nick?
Time to bring out
that new girlfriend
you were just telling me about
to my tree-trimming
party next Friday.
Okay?
Great!
I'll call her right now.
All right.
See you there.
Okay!
But you don't have
a girlfriend, Nicholas.
You say that like
it's a bad thing.
And you just lied
to a senior partner.
White lie, Ashley.
I can find a girlfriend.
What?
How hard can it be?
How hard can it be?
Whoa there, bestie.
We could always
throw darts at it.
Darts are great for arm flab.
I don't have arm flab.
Well, I do.
Did you put that there, Holly?
Honey, no.
This is what Dan does
every Christmas
since your breakup.
Please brace for it.
Yes, the most miserable
time of year.
I used to really love Christmas.
Holly!
Chocolates came for you.
I snuck one.
Also, Dan wants to see you.
Wait, Zoe...
I thought you told him
that I was on a call?
Except he's just checked
my phone lines
to make sure
that was actually happening.
Oh, my God, this man!
I might not even make it
to Christmas,
and it's not even December yet.
Honey...
Just breathe
and think of January.
Hey...
you want to see this.
What?
See Bradford Connelly there?
I say, "What do you call him
the other 364 days of the year?
He says,
"I call him, 'C'mere, boy!'"
He just learned that
he's up for partner.
He's got a candy cane, too.
Yup...
and wait for it...
Please tell me
she's just weirdly overweight.
Oh, honey!
Oh, yes.
Nope, that is a pregnant woman.
Gingerbread men!
This cannot be happening.
Especially since you said
you have a girlfriend
that you don't actually have.
Manage your expectations.
That's all I'm saying.
Elise.
How was your extra-long lunch?
Delicious.
How is the fix
on the email server coming?
It's definitely coming along.
So, in other words,
it's... not fixed.
You realize
that the majority
of our business
is done over email,
and we really need
to get this fixed, like, now.
Okay, Elise, I am handling it,
thank you...
and you know,
while we're on the topic
of business concerns...
I'm thinking
that it's probably a good idea
that we cut back
on our charity travel packages.
What?
Yeah, I'm just trying
to make dollars and cents here.
I'm pretty sure
that Scrooge said the same thing
before the ghosts showed up.
Yeah, well, it's good
that Scrooge's business partner
was a ghost.
You are talking
about dispatching charity
outreach programs for children,
at Christmas.
Elise...
I know that you have
a big heart,
but we have to start thinking
about the future...
otherwise,
all of our opportunities
are just going to pass on by.
Like...
your girlfriend...
on the snowmobile?
Exactly.
Well, I guess
we'll talk about it tomorrow.
Honey!
There you are!
Just play along.
Daycare called.
Flu outbreak.
We have to pick up
the kids pronto!
So...
Thank you?
It feels like
retail assault everywhere.
Except that was charity.
Feels epidemic this year.
I mean, they put up decorations
at my gym...
a month ago.
Do you know
that Consumer Reports said
that the new start date
is Halloween?
Halloween!
That is hard to hear,
especially as a Christmasphobe.
Is that a thing?
Christmas rarely
goes well for me.
Hah! Well...
we should start a club.
I don't know.
You seem, pretty into it.
No.
This is sort of
my personal revolution.
I Christmas shop for myself.
Wish I had thought of that.
Well...
now you know!
Well, thanks for the tip.
I'm Nick.
Elise.
Elise and Nick...
founding members.
Yes...
of the Christmasphobia Club.
Well, not like "phobia",
"scared of".
More like just...
"wary of".
Yeah. Exactly.
Do you work around here?
I see you around quite a bit.
No, I just have a thing
for the wonton soup.
Sounds delicious.
Work.
Never ends.
And I was looking forward
to our first meeting
of the Christmasphobia Club.
Maybe...
tomorrow, you can introduce me
to that hot and sour soup?
Wonton soup.
Right!
Even better.
See you tomorrow?
Sure!
Great.
All right, everyone,
could you gather around, please?
Now, as most of you know,
WKJN's Reindeer Report
a week before Christmas
is the city's most-televised
moment of the year,
beloved by parents
and children alike,
where Santa's sleigh ride
is mapped out in glorious detail
for all of us
all over the state.
Well, I'd like to introduce you
to the Special Reindeer Report
Weather Girl
for this year.
All part of our very special
"Give a Gift of Travel"
Promotional, so...
let's give a big congratulations
to us
and to our beloved Drew!
Well?
You do realize
that the Reindeer Report
requires an extensive knowledge
on national geography, correct?
And Drew can't even find
the ladies room
without using Google Maps.
Well, it's all
in the teleprompter,
ladies.
She was
a professional car model,
not a professional spokesperson.
The teleprompter
can be taught, Elise.
Does WKJN have any idea
that she has absolutely no
professional on-air experience?
I've been taking
a public speaking class.
Have some faith.
You must be eight reindeers
shy of a sleigh ride,
my friend.
The most watched local
news program of the year?
And we will be ready.
I am just...
I'm so happy for you!
"Happy Wednesday, Zoey".
I'm not Zoey.
I am!
You okay?
No, I'm not.
He won't sell to me.
I won't sell to him.
We agree on nothing
except for the fact
that we both want this business.
He's not even consulting me
anymore, Holly.
How do I even fight that?
It's not war, El.
This is dirty pool.
You need more than work now.
Please don't push me
into dating right now.
Hon...
you need something
to look forward to again.
That scares me even more.
I'm so sorry.
I didn't have your number,
nor the ability to abandon
a conference call
going very South Pole on me.
Well, I wish
that I could move
to the South Pole
for Christmas.
That bad?
Yeah, me, too.
Why you?
Ladies first.
Well, my ex-husband
is my business partner.
That is a mouthful.
And...
at every fiscal year,
which for us
happens at Christmas time,
he torments me,
trying to get me to sell him
my travel agency,
which I started.
I'm really sorry.
Your turn.
Well, I think I might be
a Christmas jinx,
which means I do
stupid things at Christmas,
not all of which are my fault.
Can you give me an example?
I can give you 20,
including promising my boss
that I would take my girlfriend,
which I don't have,
to the office Christmas party
in a week.
Why would you do that?
I don't know.
Christmas just stresses me out.
Maybe there's, like,
a hotline we could call?
What if we made an arrangement
to socially navigate
Christmas together?
Is this something stupid
that you're doing?
Yeah, maybe,
but you seem nice and...
normal.
Thank you.
You don't seem normal at all.
But I'm very nice,
and you have to admit,
a business deal
could be mutually beneficial.
It's better than a club.
No politics.
No secret handshakes?
No... hideouts?
A company arrangement,
a public offering even.
We could attend events together.
I could distract you
from your ex-husband.
Allies against
the Christmas madness?
Like Christmas associates?
Yeah.
A Yuletide-oriented duty.
Like mistletoe.
Yes, but no PDA, promise.
Okay...
this is the craziest thing
that I have ever heard.
If you could ask Santa
for anything that you want,
what would that be?
Roll the calendar
forward to New Year's.
Look, I deserve
to be made partner,
and I don't see
why my personal life
should have any merit
on that decision.
I'd ask Santa
to consider me as I am.
What about you?
I would ask for my life back.
My dignity.
My business.
Not my ex-husband.
What if this arrangement
could get us all those things?
Well, that would be
a definitive Christmas miracle.
Feeling ambitious?
And incredibly professional.
Great.
I'll draw up a contract,
and we can talk about it
at lunch tomorrow.
Yes, but first,
we're going to have
to get a picture with Santa.
- Oh, come on, seriously?
- Yes!
Call it a gentleman's handshake.
- Hi.
- How are you?
Secret Santa Bonanza.
Put your hand in the hat.
I hope you're getting
some work done, Zoey.
Always.
Don't peek.
I drew Drew.
Yikes!
Put it back in.
I won't tell anyone.
No, Zoey.
Sometimes, you have
to play your hand,
even when the deck is stacked.
Maybe this will be
your last low point
of the year.
We have a three-alarm problem
at the Smithsonian right now.
Four tour buses just showed up
with no scheduled tours
booked for them,
and I booked them.
It's bad.
No more predictions
from you, Zoey.
That's your plan?
Yep.
What could go wrong?
You don't know each other.
At all.
You're going
to try and pass her off
as your long-term girlfriend
to bosses
in charge of your fate?
Really, Nick?
I need some guy friends.
They would totally get it.
You definitely need
to be more socialized,
that's for sure!
Please don't call me
a workaholic.
Not today.
You need to get
to know this woman, Nicholas.
Is that a bad thing?
Depends.
She most likely
has a heart, feelings...
It's a contract.
We agreed.
Yeah...
'cause that's how girls work.
So, you actually
drew up a contract?
You really are a lawyer.
Just business.
It is.
"Contract" is stiff, though.
You're busting me
on the doc title?
We're going to be here
through dinner.
Well, I know my way
around a contract.
Is that so?
Yes!
How do you think
that my ex-husband
is still my business partner?
I learned the hard way.
Okay.
Mistletoe Brief?
What about...
"Promise?"
Mistletoe Promise.
I like it.
Me, too.
All right.
Lunch every day?
Right, when it makes sense.
We're going to need
to be familiar with each other
if we're going
to pull this thing off.
Okay...
and what kind
of evening activities
are we talking about
once a week?
I don't know.
I like action films.
You know what?
There's a screening
of "It's a Wonderful Life"
this Wednesday...
have you ever seen it?
Definitely not.
Well, you need to trust me,
because it's actually fantastic.
So we're going to that.
All right, so...
"Best effort to demonstrate
a caring relationship"
means...?
Well, compassion, consideration,
handholding when it makes sense.
Emotional hand-holding,
or physical?
Depends on the situation.
If you're going to be
my girlfriend in public,
actual hand-holding
would be appropriate.
Agreed,
but we need to make it clear
that we're not
the PDA type of couple.
Right, okay, yeah,
I will...
make a note of that.
Add it in.
Okay.
Okay, wait, whoa...
what, travel?
Partners' meeting
is in New York.
You will have your own room,
First-class air travel.
It's the last weekend
heading into Christmas Eve.
And the contract
expires on Christmas Eve?
Yep. Figured we can handle
the big day on our own.
Totally.
Whoa, will you explain
these addendums to me?
The relationship
should be shallow.
Deeply superficial.
Exactly.
And the second?
No drama.
Life's too short.
Done and done.
Great.
Well, I will make these changes,
and email them over to you.
Elise! Elise!
You have to help me.
Drew is a disaster
on the teleprompter.
Dan, you didn't run
any of this promotional past me,
so you handle it.
Listen to me! Elise!
This could put us on the map.
How is this about us...
when you and Drew just
keep playing for each other?
Hah...
Good for Zoey.
Zoe!
Yes!
Not for me.
They're for Elise?
Who's Nick?
You little minx!
Or is it fox?
I'm sure I don't know
what you mean.
You have a secret beau
and failed to tell me,
or you've invented a man
to drive Dan bonkers.
Well, I assure you
that I'm not that imaginative.
I didn't think so either.
So who is he?
He is a guy
that I met at...
the mall.
Elise, no!
We don't date retail after 30!
Holly!
Don't be a snob.
Don't be a sucker.
Retail people are predatorial
at Christmas.
He's a lawyer.
Holy Night!
Say "yes"!
Say "yes" to what?
To everything at this point.
You have a boyfriend!
I do not have a boyfriend!
I have a...
a romantic interest.
For now.
That movie was so good
on a big screen.
Yeah, so smart and dark.
Makes you feel amazing.
I feel amazing!
I never thought I could like
a Christmas movie.
It was just...
You can tell me.
Just keep it shallow.
Well, I've been accused,
not lately,
of being a workaholic,
but I like helping people.
I like being good at my job,
and I am,
and I do help people.
Well, I, too, am accused
of working too much,
but I love my job,
and I'm good at my job.
I don't know, I think that...
you know, when
a family or a couple
comes back from a vacation,
they're so grateful,
and they're so content.
I can't imagine that they
don't bring that back
to other people in their lives.
Yeah, that's exactly it.
I make it easier for people
to have a fresh start,
people who need it.
I help them see
that the light in the tunnel
is not a train.
I'm like George Bailey
in that film.
Another angel
just got his wings!
You know, you never told me
what kind of law you practice.
Nah, let's just keep it shallow.
Well, I'm going to find out
at the tree-trimming party.
Well, I'm a divorce attorney.
You're kidding.
No, I...
I think it's important
how people move
through tough times.
That's where
a good family lawyer comes in.
Yeah.
I never really got a chance
to move on, but...
now we're swimming
into the deep end, so...
It's okay.
You can tell me about it.
No.
This is a business agreement.
Maybe the contract
was ill-conceived?
Well, it is dried in ink now.
Right.
And you wrote it.
True.
Okay, what's happening?
This was my life,
and now, it's... yours.
Yeah, the...
the balloons are a little...
they're weird.
I'll tell him.
No, I'll tell him...
if he ever calls.
So I can decide
if he's... real.
If he's...
Really?
Well, you hear stories
of lonely ladies.
Not saying they're you.
This just came for you.
Thank you.
Oh, come on!
Presents now?
Presents?
Love you, too, Zoey.
You're the talk of the office.
Yeah, when am I not?
But now you're the envied
talk of the office...
unless he's ugly.
Not that ugly is a setback.
Okay, let's just not be
those people.
Yeah, let's definitely not.
Right?
He's not ugly.
An angel gets its wings.
It's an inside joke.
Inside jokes, too?
Good for you.
Okay...
Well, that went well.
More than answers things.
Okay.
Hi!
You get the balloons?
Yes, and the chimes.
Thank you.
The office
is gossiping overtime.
The balloons are a bit...
Kiddie party?
Yeah.
Well, it was either that
or a cake pop tree.
I could feed the whole office
with a cake pop tree.
They'd love it.
Duly noted.
I'm all thumbs
with these things.
You're doing great.
Did you know
that red roses are pricier
for no particular reason?
They're just price-gouging
romantics.
I mean, come on...
Okay, yeah...
now you're all thumbs.
Right.
So what's up?
Just saying hi?
I was just wondering,
do you think
that maybe you could...
pick me up for lunch
at the office today?
Sure! Love to.
In fact, I need help picking up
an ornament for the tree-trimming party.
Do you think that maybe you
could come a bit early, also?
Will do.
Hi...
Welcome to World Bright Travel!
You must be Zoey.
Yes!
Who wants to know?
I'm Nick.
I'm here for Elise.
No! Seriously?
Yes, I'm pretty sure about that.
Right this way. Elise!
Hi!
How are you, hon?
Ready to go?
Starving.
Thank you.
Okay, don't turn around.
Are they all
mobbing the windows?
Well, I love it when
business works out.
I have never been
in a Christmas store.
Ever?
Are we nearing a panic attack?
No. That would fall
under "drama".
Okay.
Well, let's just
break it up into sections.
Right?
Right.
What about a sparkly nutcracker?
It would say
that I'm disciplined,
hardworking, sparkly,
so I know
how to have fun, right?
I just think you're
over-thinking it,
so just tell me a little bit
more about your boss.
Okay, well...
Christmas is very important
at the firm.
Strictly family law,
and what I like about the firm
is they're not interested
in making money
off of other people's suffering.
They're interested in...
in helping people
solve their problems legally.
Okay.
So we need something
that says...
Peace on Earth, or even better
is something
that symbolizes that, right?
Exactly! Yes.
I mean...
right in front of our eyes.
Perfect.
It's beautiful.
Gentle. Gentle.
So Christmas really
doesn't bother you?
It used to be
my favorite time of year.
Why?
I don't know.
Maybe because
it's cold and gloomy out,
and everybody needs a sense
of good warmth and cheer.
It just sounds
like good problem-solving to me.
Well, that's very
business-sensible.
Guilty as charged.
Well, I'm in family law,
so no guilt involved.
Well...
I started a charity component
to my company
a year before my ex-husband
joined the company,
and... it's incredible.
We provide field trips
for underprivileged kids
to historical
and national landmarks,
and you should see...
oh, my gosh, the letters
that come pouring in,
it's amazing...
and Dan...
Wants to kill the program
because he said
it's financially draining.
Why does he care?
Did I mention
that Dan has a thing
for sports cars
and a chronic flirtation
with debt?
So what does he contribute
to the business?
He does his part...
recklessly.
He's in charge of marketing...
a company that I started myself.
You know,
but the truth is, is that
we can afford to give,
and I just don't think
that the spirit of giving
shouldn't be year-round.
You don't have a Scrooge bone
in your body, do you?
No, I am 100% Tiny Tim.
I can't give up on these kids.
I...
I have to give back.
I get it.
What he doesn't get
is that he needs me
professionally.
I don't need him.
I don't need his girlfriend.
And I believe
that they're leading us
down a less-elegant path...
and he refuses to sell me
his half of the company,
and I just...
I just...
practically gave it to him
because I was in love once.
I just...
Elise...
You know what?
That is deep enough for today...
because we debut as a power
couple this weekend, so...
we need to focus up.
Right.
Focus up.
- Hey!
- Hey.
What's that?
Nothing.
- Nervous?
- I am now.
So I did some snooping,
very stealth-like.
You're good
in a sports coat, no tie.
All the ladies
are wearing dresses.
Pants for women?
Frowned upon.
Seriously?
Hey, I'm trying to help.
Later.
Yeah, later.
I don't understand how
this is happening, guys!
I've checked the orders
against the schedules
against the tours
at the Metropolitan.
I don't know
how any of this is happening!
"Saint Nick" is calling.
Saint Nick?
That is so cute!
Hey, Zoey, give, please.
Hello?
Hi!
Hi, listen, this...
I have a very big roaring fire
that I'm trying to put out right now.
We good for lunch?
I'm sorry.
Three school tour buses
just, like, imploded on us,
and I have to figure
this thing out.
But we're still on
for tonight, right?
Because it's been suggested
that you wear... a dress.
I hope that's all right.
Yes, I am a woman.
I definitely have some.
I've got to go.
Okay.
You just hung up on him.
You never just hang up on them.
Guys, he's fine.
We have a major problem
we have to solve here.
We date.
We know.
You never want to remind them
that you could be
the first to hang up.
Okay, you know what?
That is the silliest thing.
- Never.
- Ever.
Back to work.
Come on!
She just...
hung up on me.
What if she bails on me tonight?
I think she's putting out fires,
like she said.
Yeah, well, what if
it burns all night?
I'm sure she's pretty competent.
I don't know, it's just...
I have a lot invested in this.
Careful.
You are starting to sound
like a love interest.
It's a business contract,
and I need a...
specific result.
I didn't realize
until this moment,
but maybe that's
how women look at love.
Like business?
Yeah, maybe.
You know, I really like
this crestfallen cupid
vulnerability on you.
Maybe you should wear the skirt?
So the apartment doesn't
have a stick of furniture.
We're there with the pieces
all over the floor
and the instructions
are in Swedish!
Took us all night,
didn't it, honey?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
We built that bedside table.
Hi.
Nick!
Hi.
Well, I knew
you would show up one day
with a date as striking as you.
Thank you.
- Sharon Hitesman.
- Elise Donner.
We rehearse our entrances,
but don't tell anybody.
Sol Hitesman, Elise.
Welcome to our home.
Thank you for having us.
I'm thinking drinks, introductions,
and then a quick tour.
In that order, please!
Fantastic!
- Come on in.
- Everyone, look who's arrived!
Hi!
Nice to see you, Nicholas.
Do you need any help?
Hello there!
How about the candies?
Sure.
You have a gorgeous home.
We have a giant mancave,
and I've done what I can.
Well, clearly,
you've done a lot.
Oh, well...
you know, Nick has
done very well, too.
Where exactly has he
been hiding you?
Well, that's on me.
I'm very private,
and I work a lot,
and Nick is incredibly patient.
He's a perfect guy.
Hi!
I'm just trying to find
the powder room.
Well, actually, she is,
though I'm beginning
to doubt the ultrasound.
I swear, she's kicking
my bladder
harder than my son ever did.
Well, girls can be
tomboys in the tummy.
Follow me.
Thank you.
I love it when Sol keeps
track of me at parties.
It's very sweet.
So, any thoughts
on marriage and kids?
I know I'm being nosy.
Well...
yes, definitely,
when the time is right.
I love children.
I actually have
a charity component
to my travel business, and...
Whoa, you know what?
Save that story for dinner.
It will go over very well.
A girl can have her favorites.
Can't she?
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
What a wonderful job, everyone.
Are you just talking
about the tree?
All right, now...
I won't lie.
We have had a stellar year here,
and everyone in this room
has played a huge part...
including our loved ones.
Now, I believe
that it's important
to have someone to come home to
at the end of the day,
to remind us
what really matters...
spouses...
children...
family...
and I believe
that it gives us
some basis and some context
for the work that we do.
We understand
that family
is the cornerstone of community,
and by encouraging that ideal,
it shows up in our work
and in our lives...
because remember,
there is nothing ever wrong
with being good people.
Frankly, there's everything
right with being that.
Exactly, Nick.
So then...
to good people.
To good people.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
We're lying to good people.
Well, not lying, just...
stretching their truth.
Why?
Because I had
three truly terrible Christmases
that defined my life, Elise,
and...
I'm not a bad guy.
Three ghosts.
Like Scrooge.
Well, Scrooge
is a business story.
Yes, it is.
My last truly terrible Christmas
was at the last law firm
I was working for.
I was also
about to make partner,
when I discovered
that one of the senior partners
was overlooking
major conflicts of interest,
which is criminal, by the way.
And?
And when I raised concerns...
I was fired
and blackballed
from every firm in town.
Not "good people."
I'm so sorry.
Sol Hitesman is the only person
that took a chance on me.
And now we're lying to him.
Why are we back
at the food court?
To snap you out of that funk
that you've been in since Sol's,
and because
I was craving the wonton soup.
Well, being at the food court
makes my funk worse.
It's like returning to
the scene of the crime.
Is it a crime
to want to be a partner
at your firm?
I'm an asset to them.
I know this.
Yes, you are...
and they know this, too, okay?
I am a divorced woman,
but I do good works
in the world.
You're a single guy,
and you do, too,
and sometimes,
good people just fall
into narrow perspectives.
So we need to broaden theirs?
Yes! We do.
Great.
So let's get a tree this year.
What? No!
You just walked me
right into that.
Actually, you did it to me.
Okay, what is figgy pudding?
I have no idea.
I like the fat ones.
No.
Those will take
forever to string.
But they're so cool!
Come on, please?
- Okay.
- Okay.
All right, so,
do you want to do selfies?
Social media?
Christmas cards?
- You are a genius.
- Yep.
Okay.
Smile.
I am!
Happy Holidays!
There we go.
Okay...
There we go.
- Open the door.
- I don't have the keys.
- One last box.
- Good.
I'm going to warn you
that this might be
a little taxing for me.
Well, we've already broken
one clause today.
We're not in public.
Might as well dip our toes
into the deep end.
I'll make some coffee.
'Kay...
This is fun.
Elise...
Do you want to tell me
what happened?
My ex-husband, Dan...
really loved
to go to car shows...
and then, on Christmas Eve,
he gave me this charm bracelet,
and it had
all these little car parts,
and then there was
this dangling cursive name
that said, "Drew."
He mixed up your presents.
On Christmas Eve.
Drew is a car show
model, F.Y.I.
Yikes.
So how was that Christmas?
He spent it with Drew.
So...
four years ago,
I...
put this Christmas angel
in a box,
and I...
I haven't opened it since.
This may sound
really childish and stupid,
but we have to win
the snowman contest
for my company this year.
I started that, too,
and Dan and Drew win
every single year.
I am officially on it.
We will win.
Look.
You're in a good mood.
So don't bring me
any bad news then.
Is that what I do?
Yes, sometimes.
Well, not today.
She was the hot topic
of the office,
your biz partner.
Yeah, she was amazing,
wasn't she?
But now I have to win her
her snowman building contest,
and honestly,
I don't know the first thing.
Two rules...
it has to be original,
and it has to be
Christmas-themed.
Too bad,
because a snowman
in a Halloween costume
would be hilarious.
Yeah, total winner.
Except not.
Out. I'll help.
Yeah?
Okay...
Snowmen...
You weren't kidding about debt.
Right?
- Hey.
- Hello.
Hey.
Thank you.
You're the best.
It's not like it's a chore.
What are you doing?
We're going to be late.
- Ready?
- Yeah.
Hello, competitors!
Zoey, you're a competitor.
Holly made me emcee as well..
And you've already been voted
Mr. Snow Park of the evening.
Is that a good thing?
Winning's always a good thing.
You guys are so late!
We are exactly on time.
Not for Nick and me to catch up.
Come on, Nick,
I'll show you the
hot chocolate table.
Holly? Holly!
Will all competitors
please make their way
to the main tent.
It's a compliment
when women want
to talk to your man.
Come on, I'll show you
where we put you.
So, you survived Holly.
Yeah, she says she knows people,
and I will never be found
if I hurt you.
That's my girl.
Good evening,
World Bright competitors,
employees,
and esteemed snow park patrons.
Tonight, our teams will have
two hours
to build a snowman scene.
They have to be holiday-themed,
never have been done before,
and the main characters
must be a basic snowman.
Okay, competitors!
To your tents, please!
We are going to start
in five... four...
three... two...
snowmen!
Chicest snow person.
Time! Time!
Everybody, stop, drop.
Put your hands up.
It's us!
Oh, my gosh!
That's so cute!
Guys! That's us!
Results, please.
Thank you.
Okay!
All right!
To the newcomers,
we've got fourth place,
everyone,
right over here.
Give them a round of applause.
Wow, guys.
Wow.
All right.
Third place is...
Holly and Zoey.
Oh, my gosh!
That's us!
We won!
We won!
Okay!
Second place goes to...
Drew and Dan!
That's really...
Snowmobiles!
Well done.
Okay, and...
the most exciting part
of the night,
the reason we are all here...
first place goes to...
Nick and Elise!
Yeah!
Look at that.
Oh, my God,
is that not the best?
This is the best night ever.
Elise?
Hi, I'm Ashley,
Nick's paralegal.
Hi.
He's just finishing up a call,
so I can show you in.
Yes, thank you.
Right this way.
Can I give you a hand
with that basket
that smells so good?
I can manage, thank you.
Have you worked here long?
I have.
I love my job,
and Nick is my
favorite-ever boss.
Elise!
Sol!
Well, my day just got
a whole lot brighter.
You're too kind.
I tell you,
we are absolutely insane
for gingerbread men around here.
There are ginger women
and ginger policemen...
Did I hear gingerbread talk?
Hello, Elise.
Hello, Bradford.
I have a soccer player
here for you.
Except I'm a hockey fan.
Well, then they'd be
in broken pieces at the bottom,
knowing that sport.
Well-played.
You're welcome.
Are we losing our
Christmasphobia natures?
I mean, I had that
figgy pudding song
stuck in my head all morning.
Well, I, for one, would love
to love Christmas again.
Yeah, me too,
but it's Christmas.
I'm braced.
Nick...
I know your most recent
Christmas ghost.
Will you tell me your first?
My dad left my mom
and me at Christmas.
I was six.
Maybe that set the pattern.
It's okay.
We survived.
I love my mom.
I'm so sorry, Nick.
She remarried...
a nice doctor who believed
that young men should be
educated at boarding schools.
So I saw my mom
mostly at Christmas,
and the better my grades were,
the happier they
were to see me...
so I like working hard.
I'm not good with
probing questions...
and this is
a business contract, right?
Right, yes...
definitely.
Hey, did you get the scarf
and mitts I sent over
for the skating party
later tonight?
Yes.
Nick,
you're incredibly generous.
Great.
So sorry to interrupt.
No, not at all.
The Peterson judgment
just came in.
Great. Great!
That's going to crash our lunch.
I'm so sorry.
No, no, it's okay.
I will see you tonight.
I'll show you out.
It's okay.
I know the way.
Bye.
I just screwed that all up.
I am not good about my past.
Don't I know it!
What do I do?
I think she's just enjoying
not feeling alone
at Christmastime.
I think you might be, too.
I'm not alone.
I have you...
and a ton of work.
Well, you were
whistling this morning.
I whistle.
Christmas songs?
Christmas stresses me out.
The Peterson judgement.
Right.
You're quiet tonight.
Am I?
You can skate.
I can hang.
Hey, come on, lovebirds.
Pick it up.
On our way!
All right.
Clock is punched, mister.
- Let's go.
- Okay.
Right. Ready?
- Bradford lettered in hockey.
- And you?
Ice dancing, semi-pro.
How can you not take
all this as Christmas jinx-y?
Because I am getting
very chummy with her,
and she likes to talk...
and I used to coach
figure skating.
You really are amazing.
Okay.
Okay. Ready?
Now pick up your feet more.
Now push out, push out with me.
You two
look absolutely beautiful.
Thank you!
We've been waiting
all week for this.
Whoa...
Whoa... hey.
We need to focus.
We need to stay focused
on the goal, okay?
You will succeed.
At skating?
At all of this, Nick.
Thank you, Elise.
Whee!
Whoa...
Hey!
You two have
such charm together.
It's all her doing.
I blame him.
Well,
got to hand it to Bradford...
It pays to have
multiple skill sets.
And yet...
Yes?
Well...
My business partner, Dan,
hired a sales rep one year,
and he went fishing
through interviews
to find incomparable
softball skills.
How did that work out?
Well, Dan received
all of the coveted softball
trophies that he wanted,
and our sales quotas
virtually plummeted
for the entire year.
That guy.
Personally, I know it's all fun,
but I prefer, in business,
business minds at the helm.
I like a guy
that works overtime.
You two are amazing out there.
Like, born for each other.
Not bad, right?
Considering I'm his third wife.
Don't quote me on that.
You are so much fun, by the way.
Thank you!
You went above and beyond today.
Thank you.
I want to be as valuable to you
as you've been to me.
We don't have
the same goals, Nick.
I'm stuck with Dan and his
childish work tortures, and...
I own my mistakes
that led me to that...
and I kind of feel like I'm...
starting to wake up
to life again.
It's a good thing...
but I don't expect Santa,
or miracles,
or angels getting their wings.
What would winning
look like for you?
I don't know anymore, Nick...
but I'm glad I have
a Christmas tree.
So thank you for that.
- Good night.
- Good night.
You're looking very sharp.
Thank you.
Dan!
Just the man I wanted to see.
You know, Drew and I,
we're just heading out.
This'll just take a second.
Turns out we both have friends
on the police force,
and my buddy tells me
that you had your
buddy run my plates.
Anything specifically
you were looking for?
No...
I just...
Come on, honey, let's...
See, the thing is,
my buddy is your buddy's boss,
so... that didn't
work out so well,
but I'm just happy to know
that your natural affection
and protection for Elise
still exists.
That's right.
We care a lot for Elise,
and we're all under a lot of
stress this season at work.
Right, the Reindeer Report.
Exciting!
Elise tells me you have
a lot of memorizing to do?
Yeah, I'm just more comfortable
when I know a subject
than when
I'm reading it out loud.
You know...
I have a lot of tricks
from memorizing case facts.
I'd be happy to teach you.
Nick?
Hey, hon.
Yes! Definitely.
Drew, you know,
we really should be going.
How about after lunch?
I have the whole afternoon off,
actually.
Nick? Nick!
Just a second, honey.
So, after lunch,
we'll get to work?
You know, I don't think...
It's perfect.
Yes, please.
Great!
Great.
Hi!
Look.
Wonton soup.
Who are you,
and what have you
done with Nicholas?
I am starting to learn
that you have a plan for me
to get my partnership...
yes?
Maybe.
Yes.
Well, I'm hatching a plan, too,
and we need
to be at the TV station
for Drew's Reindeer Report.
Absolutely not.
Yes.
Also, I need to leave here
with a copy
of your business contract.
You already have a copy.
No...
not the...
"Mistletoe Promise."
Your and Dan's actual contract.
Nick...
please don't get my hopes up.
That's my line.
Wonton soup.
- Report...
- Report.
- Report...
- Not re-port...
There is it. Great!
They've been in there
a long time.
Yeah, well, I am guessing
it's a pretty long job.
Really loose.
Really loose.
I'm proud of you, El.
You hung in there like a pro,
and you caught
a really great guy.
Well, we've only been dating
for a little bit, so...
Don't do that.
Live in possibility now.
Thank you so much.
Yep.
All right.
It's going to be so good!
Yes, it is.
So good.
Hey.
So, what do you think?
I think...
dress sharp
for the Reindeer Report.
Yeah,
we will not be going to that.
It's your company,
and I promised Drew, so...
yes, we are.
You look great,
as always.
Thank you.
I can't believe that
we're actually going to this.
Trust me.
All right, well...
there's your stage.
Okay...
All right, there's your mark.
Put your little toes
right there.
Why don't we watch
from the green room?
I don't want
to make her nervous.
You stay put, young lady.
Good evening, Santa watchers.
As promised tonight,
our state's very own
Drew Richards
will walk us through
Santa's planned sleigh routes
this Christmas.
Our famed Reindeer Report
brought to you
by the folks
at World Bright Travel Agency.
"Every day is a present
when on a vacation."
Take it away, Drew.
I'm Drew!
Hi...
everybody.
Reindeer Report.
This is the Reindeer Report.
This is the Reindeer Report.
Okay.
- What?
- You got this.
What?
You got this.
Let's go.
Say something!
Hi, everyone!
My apologies.
I'm Elise Donner
from World Bright Travel Agency.
I'm so sorry, Drew,
but we have a breaking
news report from Santa!
Santa has decided
to enter America
through New York City this year,
so he can go catch a glimpse
of the beautiful Christmas tree
at Rockefeller Center.
Soon, he will be
zigzagging his way
through the upper Midwest,
then, soon under his sleigh
will be the beautiful
Grand Canyon
as he slides on in
to Los Angeles.
These are all landmarks
of World Bright Travel's own
History Children's
Outreach Program,
and they are apparently favorites
of Mr. and Mrs. Claus', too.
All right,
thanks very much, ladies.
We'll take a break.
More coming up right after this.
Good thing Elise has
a public speaking
background, right?
Honestly, it's bizarre
he didn't show.
No, he's just at a meeting.
What? Who is, Dan?
What? Dan?
Oh, God, no.
Yes, Dan and Drew.
Just ridiculous
to skip the Christmas lunch
because you had to rescue
his girlfriend together.
I know.
It really did work out
for all of you.
Holly,
there is no such thing
as "working out" with Dan,
so just be prepared.
Hey, sorry I'm late, crew.
Almost got run over
by a reindeer...
I'll tell you what.
Why don't we just leap
right into Elise's
Surprise Santa present
for us all?
Absolutely!
Thank you, Elise,
for building such a fun company
to work at.
Okay, that's...
that's not exactly what I meant.
You know what?
Why don't we all
check our emails?
Everyone!
Check your emails!
What's the Mistletoe Promise?
He ransacked my emails.
Well, I mean,
I found it on the server.
Randomly.
The server...
that hasn't been working
until now?
Elise...
Oh, my God...
Elise!
I am really, really sorry.
What happened?
Me.
I haven't happened,
and I haven't been happening
for years.
My life is frozen in a personal
and professional stupor.
My life is strictly business.
It's strictly business
and that's all it is,
and even in that,
I've let down my family
and my friends
and my company and myself.
You haven't let me down, Elise.
No, I haven't.
I always honor my contracts.
I just...
forgot to do one with myself.
You don't have to go
to New York, Elise.
I would totally understand.
No.
We're going to go to New York,
and we're going to get you
your partnership...
because it will feel good
to do something right,
just one thing right
for someone...
but I'm sorry,
I have to be alone.
I'm sorry.
Elise...
Hi. This is Holly.
You know what to do.
All right, okay, here we are.
I can't believe I'm apologizing
twice inside of 24 hours.
First, my car died,
and then I couldn't
find my charger, so...
Make excuses in the car.
We may actually
miss your flight.
Hi, Elise.
Hi.
Okay, there's
a freeway entrance right here.
So just turn, turn, turn, turn!
Going that way this
time in the morning?
Just strap in, buster.
You all right back there, Elise?
I'm fine, yes.
It's not bad
heading that direction.
Do I have to get
a pair of earbuds
to drown you out, Nicholas?
We're here!
At this point,
winning might be everything.
I know.
Fingers crossed.
You're good.
You've got your lucky charm
and secret Christmas weapon
with you.
Okay.
All right.
Here we are.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Yeah.
Ladies first.
Champagne?
Yes.
All right.
Okay...
Thank you.
There you are.
Music!
All right.
Yes, yes.
There we go...
We...
Perfect.
I'm going to change.
Yeah.
I have...
one final present.
Whatever happens...
This has been the best deal
I've ever struck.
I have actually
enjoyed Christmas.
I did, too.
Nick...
Well, so my gift to you
is a touch unusual.
Kylie is Bradford's third wife.
Wha...
Third as in three...
which is
not so family-iconic, is it?
I... I could kiss you.
No.
We only deploy that
as a nuclear option,
because we both know
that you're the best man
for this job,
and that you have not leapt
blindly into marriage.
Thank you.
Deal.
Yes, so, the room is beautiful.
Thank you.
Quite the turnout.
Yes, really.
Mr. Willison.
You've returned.
Or did I ever leave?
Now, now, now, now,
don't tell me.
Bradford and Kylie...
Nick... and Elise!
I'm impressed.
So, Nick...
Tell me your favorite
Christmas memory.
Well...
You know what?
Why don't you tell them
the story
about the woman that you saved
from hating Christmas that year?
This is a really lovely story.
Yes, Nick.
You must!
I agree.
Okay...
Well, I was at the food court
at a shopping mall,
and this beautiful lady
was being tortured
by Christmas carolers.
So, I could tell
that she was the kind of person
that was not particularly
fond of Christmas...
No, no, no,
but I can't take credit
for how this incredibly
brave woman
showed up for herself
and her life.
We made a contract
to buddy-breathe
through Christmas.
Two Christmaphobes!
Yes, it was that simple,
that silly, and...
well, that profound.
And what happened to her?
Well, I hear she's doing great
in all aspects of her life.
Even in love?
Yes... so I hear.
So... to love...
to our families...
and to Christmas.
To Christmas!
Cheers!
Merry Christmas, everyone.
I... actually have
a surprise for you.
Come on!
No, come on.
Really?
Yes!
You make Christmas fun for me.
I think we both did that.
Making a pact,
scaring off carolers...
Picking out ornaments,
picking out a tree,
stringing lights...
So many presents.
Too many presents.
Never enough!
I could build snowmen all year.
Fun like this.
Fun like us.
It's not just fun.
It's more than that.
It's my heart,
and it's yours, too.
I know.
No, you don't.
I don't think
that you really know.
We made it clear.
We had a contract.
Nothing too deep.
We made a promise, Elise,
not a contract.
We made a promise.
Yes, and I intend
to keep it as written,
because that is what you wanted,
and I am so ready
to be that woman in the story
that you told tonight,
but we've had
the best fake relationship ever.
All the ups and downs,
without any of the risks.
Business is a risk.
No, love...
love is a risk.
Business is something we do...
I'm really good at it.
Nick...
you're so close,
and you deserve to be partner,
not because of some lie,
or some rules that
we have to bend or break,
but because you deserve it.
So just trust me on this.
Do... you have a key?
I'm going to take a walk.
- Good night.
- Good night.
...when they're closing
the ski park.
We thought
we had plenty of time to finish.
You've never been married, Nick?
Well...
I was set to, but...
my third Christmas ghost.
It was autumn...
the worst time to get married,
someone told me after the fact.
I was in my tuxedo,
and I was the happiest
I had ever been...
Far happier than my bride-to-be,
as it turned out,
who had her father drive her
away from the church.
It was the loneliest
Christmas of my life.
So I switched to divorce law,
because I wanted to be the guy
who could make it...
easier, gentler
for those people
going through breakups.
Nick...
You're a good man.
Win this as yourself.
I met Elise three weeks ago.
I approached her with a contract
to rescue me from losing out
on partnership because...
I don't have a wife.
Nick...
See, I didn't come
from easy beginnings,
and I made a choice
to better my life
and my situation,
and I think that makes me
a valuable asset
to this firm, sir...
but all due respect...
I don't agree with the premise
or the policy
that families and marriage
are the only way to promote
goodness in the world.
Virtue and dignity...
comes from all aspects of life.
Elise here is divorced,
and she has...
more grace, more empathy
than I ever thought possible.
Nick, this really isn't...
No.
You're the woman
from Nick's story last night.
In part, yes.
A lot of parts of my life
are still unsettled...
but I can tell you this...
you will never find a man
with a truer heart than Nick's.
He makes the world his concern,
and I have seen it
time and time again...
but this is a business luncheon.
I really have no place here now.
Please excuse me.
So...
I'm sorry for wasting
all your time.
Hey! Elise!
Wait!
Nick, what are you doing?
Just go back in
and close the deal, okay?
No, no...
the deal is here.
I broke the contract.
I got too deep and fell in love.
Both of you, please,
would you come back
to the table?
Mr. Willison insists.
Sharon, Sol,
thank you for your kindness,
but I really must catch a plane.
Honestly, Drew...
you did me a favor, girl.
Yes.
She did.
I've waited four years
for you to realize that.
I am so sorry, Holly.
No, hon... I am..
Sometimes, the best friend
is the one who hangs back
and lets you figure things out
for yourself.
I think I just needed to...
to do something crazy.
Yes, you did...
and we all thought
it was brave and cool and...
as Zoey puts it,
"He's dreamy beyond words."
So...
you ready to let Dan
have this place?
I go where you go.
Just don't sign
a non-compete clause, please.
Never.
Top of my buy-out demands...
well, our buy-out demands.
There's something
that I wanted
to tell you in person.
Your Reindeer Report
has been getting
a lot of philanthropy calls.
What?
Do-gooders want to fund
our History Kids Charity
Outreach Program.
Are you serious?
Yes!
Oh, my God!
That is the best present ever!
Zoey's compiling a file
right now.
We might have
a lot to celebrate next year.
I can't believe it.
Come to my folks' tonight.
We're making duck.
Oh, sweetheart,
you know I'd love to,
but I have...
I have a lot of work to finish.
Plus, it's snowing out,
and I think
I might want to walk home in it.
After all,
it's almost Christmas.
You're the best.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Three snow persons?
I'm so sorry, Nick.
No.
You showed up.
You went the distance
of the contract like a pro.
Mr. Willison said
it was the best run for partner
he has seen in his long career.
You made partner?
We did.
Teamwork.
Just like you said.
This feels nice.
It does.
It's what I was scared of.
I think we both were.
Nick, I don't think
that I'm ready for a parson,
but I could...
sure use some figgy pudding.
Well, he'll be back again
next year, I hear...
and this will do for now,
I think.
So...
should we extend our agreement
in perpetuity, perhaps?
I can agree to that.
Mistletoe.
Promise.
RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM