Welcome to Christmas (2018) - full transcript

♪ Haul out the holly

♪ Put up the tree

♪ Before my spirit falls again now ♪

♪ For we need a little Christmas ♪

♪ Right this very minute

♪ Candles in the window

♪ Carols at the spinet

♪ Yes, we need a little Christmas ♪

♪ Right this very minute

♪ It hasn't snowed...

Good morning, Lily.
Annie. Aunt Nell.



Good morning, Gage.

Dad, when are we getting
a Christmas tree?

I'm making ornaments,

so I need to know
when we're getting a tree.

Next week.

Two weeks before Christmas.

That's kind of our tradition.

But I want to change
the tradition.

Then it wouldn't be a tradition.

What are we making?

A reindeer, of course!

It's very good.

I'm happy to see someone
in the Christmas spirit.

I'm not 8 anymore, Dad.



Oh, come on.

There's no age limit
on Christmas spirit, Annie.

And don't forget
you're meeting with the mayor

to talk about sweetening
the town's deal

for that ski resort.

Remind me again,

why did I volunteer
for this committee?

Well, considering

there could be
a few big changes happening,

you're probably doing
everything you can for the town.

Right.

All right, girls,
let's get ready for school.

But I'm not done
with my reindeer!

We live in Christmas.

They have reindeer
on the street signs.

- Dad!
- School.

Ready. Now.

You see, Hartwell Enterprises

needs to know

that we can compete
with all the bigger cities.

The mayor knows that

we're up against Mountain Park,

but we need it
way more than they do.

No. Mountain Park
doesn't stand a chance

of getting that resort
with you around.

Thank you.

♪ ♪

Dana...

I need to set up
for the ski resort presentation.

What are you doing?

More Christmas decorations.

You remember Christmas,
don't you, Madison?

It's that holiday

with the big guy
in the red suit?

Yes, I've heard of it.

Well, it's Mr. Hartwell's

last Christmas
before he retires.

I wanted to make it special.

That's very thoughtful of you,

but you know Joe.

He's going to be so wrapped up

in where we're putting
the ski resort,

he won't even notice.

I thought you already picked
Mountain Park.

I did... and he's on board...

he just wants to go over it
one more time.

Have you heard anything

about who he might be
recommending

to take over the company?

It's either going to be
me or Harrison.

I'm hoping if Mountain Park
goes smoothly,

it'll give me the edge.

But Harrison is his nephew.

Harrison runs the finance team.

All he sees is the bottom line.

Joe sees the big picture.

Well, maybe this will help.

I don't know

that Christmas decorations
are going to do the trick,

but every little bit counts.

Where is your holiday spirit?

I like Christmas
just as much as the next guy,

but right now
I need to make sure

nothing gets in the way

of putting a resort
in Mountain Park.

♪ ♪

Hi.

- Good morning, Sheriff.
- Good morning, Chelsea.

- Wow. The cafe looks great.
- Thank you.

I thought it needed
a little more Christmas spirit.

Yes, because we don't have
enough of that around here.

- Coffee?
- Please.

Just push the picture
of the coffee.

I did!

Can't I just tell you
that I want a cup of coffee?

Ethan. How's it going?

Gage, please tell her

that this new computer
ordering system

is just plain, old silly.

You're the mayor.
You can tell her.

It makes ordering easier!

Not if you can't
actually order anything.

You know what?
Never mind.

Merry Christmas.

Thanks...

I kind of wanted a muffin, too.

Coffee's just fine.

Thank you, Chelsea.

Boy, Nell is very determined

about this whole
ski resort business.

Thank goodness,
she never ran for Mayor,

because I'd be out of a job.

Remember when this used to be

the place
people went to for holidays?

The parade,
the Festival of Lights,

the Ornament Hunt...

Now all we have
is the Holiday Fair.

I've been trying
to figure out a way

to bring
the old traditions back,

but it's just not in the budget.

Well, maybe the ski resort

will be just
the Christmas miracle we need.

Let's hope so.

♪ ♪

So, to recap,

Mountain Park
has the infrastructure,

a strong business community,

and a population base

that can help make
this ski resort

an instant success.

Nicely done, Madison.

Well...

I think I'm sold.

Does anybody have any objections
to Mountain Park?

Harrison?

I was looking at
some of the alternative sites,

and the town of Christmas
is offering more tax incentives

and the land
is significantly cheaper.

Yes, but Christmas is too small.

We do better
when we're near bigger cities.

Small towns grow
when we build near them.

True, but Mountain Park
is already bigger.

It has restaurants,
tourist attractions, a mall.

We could hit the ground running.

Madison, did you visit
Christmas?

I didn't,
but people on my team did.

Joe,
from a financial perspective,

I think we need to take

a closer look
at the town of Christmas.

I think that Mountain Park
is probably the best choice,

but...

what could it hurt?

Madison, I want you
to visit Christmas personally.

Let's make sure
we've done our due diligence.

I'll take care of it.

Great.

And I'd like to see this

all wrapped up by the holidays.

I'll schedule it.

♪ ♪

- Hey.
- Hello.

Where did you find those?

In your workshop,
where you hid them.

I didn't hide them.

I was saving them.

And our electric bill.

I'm just hoping

that a little more
Christmas cheer

will inspire Annie

to want to sing
in our family choir this year.

You know, at the Holiday Fair.

She doesn't have to sing
if she doesn't want to.

Oh, she thinks

she's too grown-up
for Christmas,

but she will regret

not taking part
in family traditions...

...especially with you
running off to Denver.

Well, I haven't decided

if I'm going
to take the job yet.

That's why I haven't
told anyone but you.

Gage, you've been
Sheriff here for... forever.

I think maybe it's time
to try something else.

Something
with more responsibility.

A bigger department
means more opportunity.

But if we get that ski resort,

we'll have all of that
right here.

Nell, I just think...

I think
maybe we need a fresh start.

Well, fresh starts
are all well and good,

as long as you're not

leaving behind
any unfinished business.

Hello?

Oh!

Oh... okay.

Great. Thank you. Bye.

What's going on?

That was the mayor.

Hartwell Enterprises

is coming to Christmas
this weekend!

As in tomorrow?

Yeah.

So that must be
good news then, right?

Yeah.

They're sending someone
named Madison Lane,

and she's going to make
the recommendation,

so we really
have to impress her.

I'm going to call Rachel
right now

so we can start working on
a presentation.

Aren't we better off

just showing her around town
when she gets here?

What?

No.

We need refreshments
and decorations and...

And maybe bring in
the high-school marching band?

No, the town hall is too small.

But that's a good idea!

You're on the right track.

We need to show this woman
our civic pride.

♪ ♪

This was all just because

Harrison wanted me
out of the way

so he could lobby Joe
for the job.

You're not going to change
your mind about Mountain Park,

are you?

No.

I am going to this meeting
and then I'm coming home.

I'm just arriving now...

Oh! Oh...

Madison?

Are you okay?
What happened?

Yeah. I just...

hit a patch of ice.

A little fender bender.

It could have been worse.

I'm definitely in Christmas now.

No, no, no...

Oh, no.

Dana...

I just took out Santa Claus.

Rachel, I can't believe

how quickly you and my aunt

pulled this presentation
together.

It's amazing
what this town can do

when we work as a team.

Tom!
Tom, no, no, no.

Off to the side.

Chelsea, put that one
on the gold one.

Can you believe she was on
a 12-foot ladder

hanging lights earlier?

Nothing surprises me anymore.

Well, if you need a break,

you guys are welcome
at my home anytime.

You know, I promised Beth
that I'd look after you guys...

after she was gone.

Yeah. She appreciated that.

Well, she was my best friend.

Yeah.

Anyway, maybe after
the holidays,

you guys can come over
for a real home-cooked meal.

Well, let's hope that
we can convince Madison Lane

with our presentation today.

If that doesn't do the trick,

we'll just have to keep her here
until she is convinced!

Sheriff McBride.

Yes.

Where?

Dana, let them know
I'm running late,

but don't tell them
what happened, okay?

That's the last thing I need.

I can see that.

I would be very appreciative
if you wouldn't be.

Dana, I gotta go.

Okay. Thanks.

Let's make sure you're okay.

Oh, no, I'm fine.

I just bumped my head a little.

Why don't I take a look?
I have EMT training.

Really, don't worry about it.

It's kind of my job
to worry about it,

unless, of course,

you'd rather sit there
with a possible concussion.

That's entirely your choice.

What's your name?

Madison Lane.

Gage McBride.

Carter County Sheriff.
Can you tell me what happened?

It's the sign's fault.

Jumped out at you?

It's too big and bright.

It distracted me.

So you decided to run it over?

That'll show it who's boss.

The sign actually
marks the city limits.

Or it did.

I have a meeting
in the town hall,

and I'm going to be late.

I hate being late.

A meeting, huh?

My company builds resorts.

I'm here to listen
to the town's dog and pony show

of why it should be built
in Christmas.

But you don't seem like
you're looking forward to it.

It's part of the job.
I have to hear them out.

But you don't think the resort
belongs in Christmas?

No...

but my boss wants to make sure
we've done the due diligence.

Do you think
maybe you could drive me?

- The sooner I get there...
- The sooner you can leave?

I didn't mean it
quite like that,

but I would really
appreciate a lift,

if it doesn't take you
too far out of your way.

Please?

Okay. But you have to promise

if you feel any pain
or start to get dizzy,

you'll let me know?

Yes. Yes, you will be
the first to know.

Thank you!

Thank you.

Could you maybe not mention
that I...

Ruined the town sign?

Our little secret.

Where have you been?

Finding our guest.

This is Madison Lane
from Hartwell Enterprises.

Oh! Oh!

Hello!

- Hi.
- Welcome to Christmas!

I'm Ethan O'Connor, the mayor.

We can't wait to show you
what our town has to offer.

I'm looking forward to it.

These are some of the folks

that helped with
the presentation.

We have Rachel Dane...

Hello.

- Nell McBride...
- Hi.

Oh, wait. McBride?

Are you related?

Yeah.
Known him since he was a baby.

You're from... Christmas?

Oh, yeah.
Born and raised.

He knows this town
better than anyone.

How about that?

- Can I talk to you for a minute?
- Mm-hmm.

Great. Thank you.

You told me you were
the Carter County Sheriff.

You didn't say
you were from Christmas.

Christmas is pretty much
the only town in Carter County.

How would I know that?

A map?

Listen,
about what I said earlier...

The part
where you have already decided

that Christmas shouldn't get
the ski resort?

I don't think I used
those exact words, but...

You might have a concussion
because that is what you said.

It's not personal.

Like I said, it's just business.

Well, it's personal
to this town.

Maybe your company
should send someone out

who hasn't made up
their mind already.

Look, I'm sure this is
a really lovely town,

it's just not the right fit.

I'll keep an open mind...

at least until my car is fixed.

Everyone, come here, come here.

We've got a problem.

We need your help, Tom.

Okay.

...And with a name
like "Christmas,"

it should make it clear

why we're...

"Santa's second-favorite town
after the North Pole."

Mm.

You know...

I think that slogan
could use some work.

We could change it,

or we could just bring in
the marching band

if you thought that might help!

Oh, no, no. Thank you.

This was great.

Thank you
for such a lovely presentation.

I think you have a really pretty
little town here.

Miss Lane,
you haven't seen much of it.

We could take you on a tour?

Oh! There!

Oh...

yeah.

I mean...

I might have time for that.

Unless the...

issue I had...

has been resolved?

Issue?

Car trouble.

Oh, there's Tom right now.

We can ask him.

Oh.

I'm Tom Hubbard.

I took a look at your car,
Ms. Lane,

and I hate to be the one
to tell you,

but that thing ain't going
anywhere anytime soon.

- Oh...
- What?

It didn't look that bad.

Yeah, well, it never does.

I mean, those fancy new cars...

you just look at them wrong,

and they're in the shop
for a couple of days.

No, no.

I can't stay here for...
days.

I will rent a car
and I'll come back later.

Denver is a four-hour drive.

I'm sure by Monday,
everything will be settled,

and then you will have made
a four-drive to home

and all the way back again.

And besides,

we have a big event

that we want you to see
tomorrow.

Yes! The...

Festival of Lights.

The opening!

We have a big ceremony
planned for tomorrow.

Yes! It's a festival.

With lights.

So many lights.

And you...

you are going to be the one
to turn them on.

She's what?

I'm what?

You are going to be the one
to push the big button

at the Festival of Lights, yeah.

Really?

We just assumed that you were
going to stay for the weekend

because we thought, you know,

you want
to get to know us better,

so it was going to be
a surprise,

right, Mr. Mayor?

Surprise! Surprise.

That's quite a surprise,
isn't it Sheriff?

Uh, it is. Yes.

And since you'll be with us
for the weekend,

because of your car,

you'll have time to do
your due diligence.

Isn't that how your boss put it?

Hmm.

Yes.

I... am going to make
a few calls...

not that I have a choice.

Is there a hotel...

Actually, I have
a bed and breakfast

just down the street.

I could set up
a little room for you.

Okay.

Perfect, right?

Ethan, why don't you
take Madison to the back office

so she can make those calls
and then we can go?

Sure.

It's right this way.

So, how was your drive in?

Everything was okay?

We haven't done
the Festival of Lights in years.

How are we going
to pull this off?

Okay. Call everyone in town.

We need to get

all the Christmas lights
and decorations

we can get our hands on.

Oh! And a big...

a big button.

Go, go, go!

Well, we clearly haven't
impressed Madison Lane,

so we're going
to have to wow her.

Okay, we've got a team
getting the word out

for folks to bring

whatever decorations and lights
they can spare to the park.

There must be some sort of law
against what we're doing.

Yeah, well, luckily,
I know the Sheriff.

Oh.

Well...

you ready for that tour
of the town we promised you?

Yeah.

And then after, we can fix you

a nice home-cooked meal
at our house.

How does that sound?

Yeah, that sounds great.

Great... then shall we?

Yeah.

Please.

And up until 1933,

this town was called
Bryce Valley,

and every year,

they decorated the streets
and the buildings...

turned it into
a real wonderland.

And people loved it so much,

they started calling it
"Christmas-Town."

So one year,

everyone got together
and voted to change it.

That's how we became known

as Santa's "second favorite town
after the North Pole."

That slogan really does
need help.

Madison, you can help with that.

I will give it some thought.

Uh, and the town hall
on the south side of town

is where we have our big event...

the annual Holiday Fair.

And it is wonderful.

We've got games,

we've got recipes handed down
for generations,

stockings, ornaments...

all hand-made,
right here in Christmas...

and a choir made up of families
from all across town

who take turns singing carols.

Oh, that sounds lovely.

Oh, it is.

You're going to have
so much fun.

Except I'm not going to be here.

My car will be ready by then.

Oh, you're probably right.

Probably?

♪ ♪

Pretty nice, huh?

I think you missed a spot.

Well, a lesson
you should learn quickly...

with Nell,

sometimes, it's easier
to just play along.

Come on.

Hey, girls.

How was your time
at Marty and Lisa's?

We made Christmas cookies.

Oh, they're beautiful, Lily.

They sure are.

Annie? Where are yours?

That's kids' stuff.

Lisa and I watched a video.

Oh, right.
Of course.

Oh, Madison, sorry,

these are my daughters,
Annie and Lily.

Girls, this is Madison.

She's going to be having
dinner with us tonight.

Hello.

Because that's what we do here...

we welcome guests
with open arms.

Do you like reindeer?

Uh... Yes?

Then I welcome you
with open arms.

Aw! Just like family.

Come here, kiddo,
and help me with dinner.

I'm actually going to try
my boss again.

I'll be right back.

Hi. Hi.
It's Madison again.

I...

I just...

All right, well, let him know
I'll try to be back late Monday,

but at this point, who knows?

Well, Dana can cover for me.

Mm-hmm.

Uh, Ellen, I got to go.

Thanks. Bye.

Sorry.

I didn't mean to snoop.

It's okay.

It's just kind of my...
private space.

Top-secret Christmas ornaments?

Something like that.

Do you do make those every year?

No. I haven't in a while.

I've been busy.

I have a job and kids.

I have a job and hobbies.

But you don't have children.

How do you know?

'Cause you hugged Lily
like she was a cactus.

She took me by surprise.

Not everyone is good with kids.

I am great with kids, okay?

I was a kid once upon a time.

Yeah!

Where did you grow up?

Philadelphia was home.

Denver is now?

Home?

I guess.

I mean, I work so much,
I'm rarely there,

and I only moved there
because of work.

That must have been tough...

leaving the place...

the people you love.

It was a great opportunity.

You'd do the same, wouldn't you?

I guess we'll find out.

What does that mean?

Just...

I was offered a job
with the police force in Denver,

that's all.

Great.

One more place I need
to worry about my driving.

I would worry
about your driving everywhere.

Listen...

I'd appreciate it if you keep
the whole job thing between us.

You don't say anything
about the sign,

I won't say anything
about the job.

There's Nell.

She wants to discuss
dinner options.

Look, I appreciate all of this,

but it's not going to get me

to change my mind
about the ski resort.

What's so great
about Mountain Park?

Well, they don't have

a giant Santa Claus sign
distracting drivers.

Neither do we.

Anymore.

♪ ♪

How was dinner?

Oh, it was great.

Good.
Good, good, good.

So your room is

just up the stairs
and end of the hall.

Okay.

- I hope you'll be comfortable.
- I'm sure I will, thank you.

- You're welcome. Good night.
- Good night.

♪ ♪

Rachel? Thank you for the...

Rachel?

What?

Do you think we need
more decorations?

Just about everyone in town
contributed what they could.

I think we need more.

I can't believe I'm aiding
and abetting this scheme.

What scheme?

We're putting up a bunch
of decorations in the park.

I don't know why we stopped
doing it in the first place.

Because it was too expensive
and tourists stopped coming.

Okay, yeah, but right now,

there's only one tourist
that counts...

So, what's she like?

Well...

you met her.

Yeah, but I met
the work version of her.

I haven't met
the stroll through town,

meet your kids,
cook her dinner version.

Well, they're both
kind of frustrating.

What are you smiling at?

Nothing.

Should I ask
where you got those,

or would I have to arrest you?

Chelsea found some more,
smarty pants.

So do we really think

that's going to make Madison

change her mind
about the ski resort?

We just have to get her
to fall in love with the town.

Show her
our charming traditions.

How do you propose on
keeping her here that long?

Two words...

glue gun.

Nell?

♪ ♪

Why are we making

our Christmas stockings
this year?

Because we're showing Madison

what a town full of
real holiday magic looks like.

Your dad is going to pick her up
right now.

They should be back any minute.

I think it's fun.

Oh, here they are.

Keep having fun, kids.

Yeah, yeah. That's it.

Hey, Madison!
Come on in.

Hi.

We're making
Christmas stockings!

I see that.

You really didn't have to
invite me over for breakfast.

You fed me so well last night.

It's no trouble.

You are our guest!

Hey, and you want to make
Christmas stockings with us.

Oh.

Yeah, yeah.
Come sit down. It's fun. Yeah.

I'll get you a cup of coffee

and get you one of
my homemade blueberry muffins.

And here...
you just take this,

and just stick that snowflake
on the stocking.

Just stick it on the stocking.

Is this one of those times

where it's just easier
to just play along?

Here...

Oh, I am perfectly capable

of gluing a snowflake
to a Christmas stocking.

Okay.

Oh, sorry.

Oh! Don't worry.

That's okay.

I've never liked that table
much anyway.

I'm so sorry.

I don't normally make stockings.

See?

She just buys hers
like normal people.

No, I'm just
on the road so much,

I don't do all that much
for Christmas.

Well, that's too bad.

Why is your hair all funny?

Lily, that's not nice.

Oh, she's right.

I didn't think I was
going to be away this long.

I am normally much more
put together than this.

Gage has to do

some errand running around
for me this morning.

Why don't you just go with him?

And then he can take you
shopping at the end.

Oh, no, no, no.

You don't have to do that.

Just point me in the direction
of the stores,

I'll be fine on my own.

It is no problem.

He can show you
all the town's hidden treasures!

♪ ♪

I think I got everything I need.

Thanks for taking me shopping,
by the way.

You didn't need to do that.

Well, Nell usually gets her way.

How did she end up
living with you guys anyway?

Oh...

my wife, Beth,
passed away a few years ago.

She moved in to help out
and she just never left.

I'm sorry for your loss.

My parents died
when I was young,

she raised me.

I know she can be a little...

Intense?

A little bossy?

I mean, she has a heart
the size of the Rockies.

She's family.

This probably would have gone
a lot faster

if we had just gone to the mall.

The nearest mall
is 30 miles away.

How do you get anything done?

- Here you go.
- Thanks.

Come on, we have stores here.

There's also the Internet.

We do have online shopping,
you know?

Yeah?

Your deliveries come via sleigh?

You know, I could drive you
to Denver myself.

Your postman looks like Santa?

Or you could walk...

Hey, you two.

I sent off the new offer
on the land

to Harrison Hartwell today.

He seemed really excited.

Said our tax incentive package
looked solid.

Oh, and I sent
a copy to Madison as well.

Oh, well, we just have to
convince her now.

Well, and we can do that

by showing her
something more than numbers...

something that shows
how special our community is.

This Festival of Lights
is just the beginning.

What is this big button
going to be hooked up to?

Oh, nothing.

When Madison presses the button,

Tom's going to plug in
a really long extension cord.

I don't mean to be a killjoy,

but what if
we go through all this

and she still chooses
Mountain Park?

As long as she is still here,

we will snow her with Christmas.

Oh, we can bring back
the holiday parade...

make her the grand marshal.

I really appreciate
your enthusiasm,

but there's no way
we can put a parade together

last minute.

We have to do something else.

How about the Ornament Hunt!

That's always so much fun
and it's so easy to do.

Yeah, because you didn't have
to make the ornaments.

Oh, you loved it
and you know it.

Sheriff McBride.

Oh, hi, Sharon.

Yeah, Annie is
going to come over

and walk Lily home.

Yeah... Oh.

Yeah, okay.
I'll be right over. Thanks.

Is there trouble?

Teenager.

Yes, Harrison,
I saw the new offer.

It's a good deal.

It makes more financial sense
than Mountain Park.

If you just look at
the startup numbers, maybe,

but there are long-term factors
and intangibles that can't...

You don't build resorts
with intangibles, Madison.

Even Uncle Joe knows that.

Harrison, I really want to get

on the same page with you
about this.

Why don't we discuss it tomorrow
when I'm back in the office?

That way, we can both be
face to face with Joe.

Okay. I'll see you then.

All you had to do

was walk your sister home
from the Jensens'.

I'm sorry.

I was reading and forgot.
I'll go get her now.

No, I'll get her.

Just get your stuff
and head home, okay?

Okay.

Everything okay?

What were you like
when you were 13?

Yeah, good luck with that.

Right. I'll see you in a bit.

♪ ♪

Hi, Madison!
Merry Christmas!

Hi.

Chelsea, right?

Yes! Welcome!

Thanks.

Hey, Annie.

Hi.

I saw you with
"A Christmas Carol" there.

It's one of my favorite books.

My parents got me a copy
when I was about your age.

Are you liking it?

Yeah.

Okay.

Could I get
a coffee to go, please?

- Yeah. Sure!
- Thanks.

Are you looking forward

to the Festival of Lights
opening tonight?

Absolutely.

It's a big honor

to push the button
that turns the lights on.

When I was a kid,

I used to think

it would be so cool
to be the one who got to do it.

How about you, Annie?

Have you ever wanted that honor?

What honor?

To, you know, to kick off
the Festival of Lights,

like we do
in the town park every year?

Oh... sure. Yes.

I've always wanted to do that.

Maybe next year.

- Oh.
- On me.

Thanks.

Annie?

Can I walk with you?

So...

turning on the lights
for the festival

is not your idea
of Christmas fun?

Not really.

How about the Holiday Fair?

Everyone seems pretty excited
about that.

Most of the games are fun.

And the food is good.

Wait, fun games, good food?

That sounds pretty cool.

What's not to like?

They want me to sing
in the family choir,

but it's all these little kids
singing with their dads and...

...moms.

Hmm.

So which Christmas
is your favorite?

Which... what?

In "A Christmas Carol."

Christmas Past,
Christmas Present,

or Yet to Come?

I'm only up to
Christmas Present.

Oh, that's a good one.

But wait until you get
to Christmas Yet to Come!

- There's this part...
- Don't ruin it!

All right, you're right.
No spoilers.

Just let me tell you
this tiny, little part...

No!

♪ ♪

Yeah, it kind of looks like
lights and decorations

from a bunch of different places
put together.

It's all part of
a small-town charm.

It's why people like to come
to a town like this

instead of Mountain Park,

with their boring, regular
Christmas trees.

Nicely played.

It's still not going
to get me to change my mind

about the ski resort.

Come on, take a look around.

I mean, look at the friendships,
the community,

the spirit...

Tell me you don't want
to be a part of that.

Yeah, of course.

I mean, I get it.
I'm not a robot.

But this is one night.

What are you going to do
tomorrow night

and the night after
to keep people coming back?

I can't support a ski resort
with one event.

Madison, are you ready?

- Yeah.
- Okay.

Hi, everyone!

Thank you for coming

to the Christmas Festival
of Lights.

Annual!

The Annual Festival of Lights
ceremony

for the town of Christmas.

Here to press
the ceremonial button

is Madison Lane
of Hartwell Enterprises.

Thank you.
I appreciate it.

Thank you.

It's an honor to be here.

But I might need
a little bit of help.

Lily, Annie, can you
come up here, please?

Come on, Annie, let's go!

Go, go.

Okay...

You ready?

One...

two...

three!

Technical difficulties.
Go ahead, try again.

One, two...

two and a half...

Two and three quarters...

Two and seven-eighths!

Three!

♪ ♪

Well, that certainly was
a memorable evening.

It was.

Very charming.

But charming
doesn't fill a ski resort.

I get it.

Look, you are a smart,
successful businessperson...

Flattery won't work either.

What would you do

to make this town

something that
Hartwell Enterprises

wants to be a part of?

I like the Christmas events.

I would just do them
bigger and more often.

I mean,
the small-town charm is great,

but how does it support
what my company's trying to do?

Well, we have other events.

And I wish I could
stay to see them,

but I have to get back
to Denver.

I'm really sorry.

♪ ♪

It'll take about a week
to get those parts in.

A week?

That is shocking...

That is shocking.

It's almost hard to believe.

How long?

A week.

But don't worry, I'll be back
in Denver later today.

If your car isn't ready...

It's not 1952.

I can rent a car,

I can get a ride,

I can hire a helicopter.

- I will figure it out.
- Hold on.

Harrison showed me
the updated offer from the town.

I know,
but it's still not enough

to make it better
than Mountain Park.

I think

it's something
we need to investigate.

Due diligence, Madison.

As long as you're there,

why not use the time

to get to really know them?

You want me to stay here?

Madison, this project
means a lot to me.

Let's make sure
we get it right, okay?

Okay!

I'll do my best.

Good news.

Looks like...

I'm going to be
sticking around here

for a few more days.

Wonderful!

Yes, yes.

It's... exciting.

I just really want
to get to know Christmas.

What's the next big
holiday event?

The Ornament Hunt.

We hide ornaments all over town,

and people get points,

and trophies and everything!

Wow, that sounds great.

Yeah, Gage,

how are you coming along

with those ornaments
for the hunt?

Uh... I'm a little behind.

Well, you probably
could use some help.

Madison, why don't you help him?

Oh, won't that be fun?

Yeah.

I thought you said

you hadn't made these
in a while.

Job and kids?

I meant a while since last year.

- What?
- Nothing.

Could you hand me that file?

- This?
- Mm-hmm.

Thanks.

Thanks again, by the way,

for including the girls
last night.

They... they really had fun.

My pleasure.

They're good kids.

Well, I appreciate it.

So, how does
this ornament hunt work?

Oh, Ethan

and some of the others
from city hall,

they hide ornaments...

sometimes too well.

Actually, one year,

we didn't find them all
until the snow had melted.

So whoever finds the most wins?

Yeah.

We have trophies and everything.

It just seems like
you could do more.

Add coupons or prizes
from local businesses.

"Find this ornament,

get a free dessert
from Chelsea's place

with the purchase
of lunch or dinner."

Good idea.

Yeah. I'll talk to Ethan.

Really?

I'm not too stubborn to admit

when a better opportunity
comes along.

You really love it here,
don't you?

I do.

So why are you considering
that job in Denver?

Because I've been Sheriff here
for a long time.

So?

Lots of people have the same job
their entire lives.

Is that what you want?

For the right opportunity, sure.

I'm actually in the running
to head up the company

after my boss retires.

I could be happy doing that
for the rest of my life.

So it's just about
finding the right opportunity.

Hey, there you are.

Come join us.
We're making Christmas cookies.

Aunt Nell's Christmas cookies...

Now, that is an opportunity...

you don't want to miss out on.

- Come on.
- Okay.

That's great, Annie.

Lily, don't be shy
with those sprinkles.

Come on.

Gage, get those into the oven
before they settle too much.

Madison, really,
you call that stirring?

Put your back into it, girl!

Were you a drill sergeant?

She used to make tables.

For 30 years

at the Christmas
Furniture Factory.

They were one of the town's
top employers.

I actually used to work there
part-time when I was younger.

What happened to it?

Times change.

A few years ago,
they had to shut it down.

The town hasn't been
the same since.

That's another reason
why we need that resort.

It could be
a whole new beginning.

Hey, that could be
our new town slogan...

What's wrong with the old one?

"Santa's second favorite town
after the North Pole"?

It doesn't really sing!

Besides, I heard
that something happened

to our town sign

and we have to replace it.

You got any ideas on that,
Madison?

- The sign?
- The slogan.

Oh, no.

Not yet.

- I'll let you know.
- Uh-huh.

Dad, can Madison
come with us tomorrow

to get our Christmas tree?

Oh, no...

I don't want to intrude
on a family thing.

That's no intrusion!
Right, Gage?

No, it's not.

Please, come.

Okay. That would be nice.

Okay, I think we're ready

for a new batch of cookies.

Good work, girls.

Mm! Have you tried this one?

- Yeah!
- It's so good.

What kind of Christmas tree
do you usually get, Madison?

Well, if I'm working,

I usually just get
a little mini-tree.

Put in on my bedside table.

I like big trees!

Annie, are there any trees
you see that you like?

They're all look the same,
don't they?

When I was a kid,

my family made
picking out a tree a game.

What kind of game?

Well, you just pick

something Christmasy
that there are a lot of...

like reindeer.

I'm listening.

Okay, Lily, you go first.

Stand next to a tree
and name a reindeer.

Um...

Dancer!

Nice.

Annie, your turn.
You pick a tree and build on it.

Okay. Dancer...

- Dancer...
- ...And Prancer.

My turn.

And we keep going
until somebody gets stumped.

The last person

to correctly name
all the reindeer wins

and we take the tree
they're standing next to.

Dancer, Prancer, Comet.

Nell, your turn.

Okay. Dancer, Prancer,
Comet, Cupid.

Your turn, Dad.

Oh. Dancer,

Prancer,

Comet,

Cupid...

- Steve.
- Steve wasn't a reindeer!

Are you sure about that?

Dad!

Uh...

Dasher. Dasher.

- There you go.
- My turn!

Dancer, Prancer, Comet...

Oh, that's such a great one.

How about this one?

I remember that.

I remember this one.
Can we put it on the tree?

Yeah.

- Madison?
- Hmm?

What was Christmas like
when you were a kid?

It was lot of fun.

My folks would have
our friends and neighbors over

and everybody would eat, laugh,
sing Christmas carols.

Inevitably, we'd end up
in the front yard,

having snowball fights.

Let me guess.
You always won.

Always.

It was everything you'd want
Christmas to be.

Do you still have

snowball fights
with your family?

No.

Both of my parents are gone.

But I still have great memories.

That's the most important thing.

How are you going
to celebrate this Christmas?

Oh...

I was just going
to stay in Denver...

maybe watch
some Christmas movies on TV.

Alone?

That's okay,
if that's what Madison wants.

You're helping
decorate the tree,

so you're part of
this family now.

Well, Gage, I think
it's time for the lights.

No big button this time?

No. Not this time.

Okay. And...

One, two...

Two and a half...

Two and three-quarters!

Two and seven-eighths!

Three!

♪ ♪

So how many more
ornaments do you need to make?

Well, the Ornament Hunt
is tomorrow

so as many more
as I can until then.

Well, obviously,
my help is invaluable.

Obviously.

What's this supposed to be?

Oh, that's a reindeer.

It's just background scenery
for the holiday fair.

How far in the background?

Ha, ha.

It's a work in progress.

I don't know how you get
anything done in here

with all this stuff.

Oh, come on, this isn't stuff.

This is evidence
of a life well-lived.

That's a nice way
of saying "stuff."

Oh, no, no, don't...
That's...

Santa? Is that you?

Very funny.

It's not that kind of sleigh.

See?
There's no reindeer attached.

Why is it in your garage?

It was another town tradition.

We used to use it
for photographs with Santa.

That doesn't explain
why it's here.

Well..

It was my dad's.

It's been there
for a lot of years.

Oh.

We were talking about
opportunities.

That sounds like one to me...

Maybe you should be focus on
that instead of...

whatever that is.

That is a reindeer!

Sure. Let's go with that.

It was a good day today.

Yes, it was.

And I was obviously wrong

when I said
you weren't good with kids.

You are.

It's because
I don't treat them like kids.

I treat them like
small, moody adults...

I've dealt with a lot of those.

I just...

I just want to make sure

the girls understand that
you'd be leaving at some point.

I wouldn't want them to be,

you know, disappointed
when you have to go back.

Yeah. That would be bad...

for them, I mean.

Well, I should probably
get back to the B&B.

Oh, I'll walk with you?

Okay.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

So, I think
we're in pretty good shape.

Tom's team is down a man,

so they're going to have
trouble keeping up.

And the Murphys
just got back from Hawaii

so they're going to be soft.

Is it just locals that do this?

- No, no, tourists as well.
- Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

Our only true threat is...

Merry Christmas!

Rachel! Merry Christmas.

Nell, Gage...

- Madison...
- Hi.

Madison's on your team, too?

Yeah, we thought we'd give her
the full Christmas experience.

Well, that's just wonderful.

I'm sure
she'll have a great time.

Oh, she'll have a fantastic time

because we're going to win.

Oh, wow.
That's very optimistic, Nell.

Yeah.

Come on, it's all about
having fun, right?

The spirit of Christmas.

Right.
Winning isn't everything.

No, it's just
a friendly competition.

- Absolutely.
- Yeah.

- Jingle all the way!
- Yeah.

Yeah.

A friendly competition
that we're going to win!

Hello, everyone!

Before we begin,

I want to remind everyone
about the Holiday Fair.

It's our town's biggest event

and we still need
more volunteers.

I have the sign-up sheets here.

But for today,

welcome to
the Christmas Ornament Hunt!

Annual.

Annual Christmas Ornament Hunt!

The rules...

teams can split up for the hunt,

but everyone must be present
when the final buzzer goes off.

All of the ornaments were made

by our very own
Sheriff Gage McBride.

Thank you. Thanks.

And this year,
a special treat...

all of the ornaments

have been marked

with a special discount
from a local business!

Including one from my cafe...

Whoever finds the most ornaments

will win
the coveted Christmas trophy!

That is ours.

Okay, Annie...

Annie, Lily,

listen, we're going to take
Center Street.

Gage, you and Madison
take Main Street.

- Okay?
- Okay.

All right, everybody ready?

On your marks...

get set...

go!

- Got one!
- Nice one.

- Look at that.
- Friendly competition.

Please.

I didn't say
I didn't want to win.

Oh, yeah, you want
to crush our opponents,

but you want
to be friendly about it.

Something like that.

Look!

There's one.

Wow.

I think we might win this thing.

I think so.

Not that I'm competitive.

So what's up with Rachel anyway?

Never mind.
Not my business. Sorry.

You mean me and Rachel?

We've talked about it,
but I don't date, really.

- Too busy?
- Not ready.

At least I haven't been.

I'm sorry.

That must be hard.

But you'll know it
when you meet the right person.

Some things
just can't be rushed.

What about you?

Is there someone special
back in Denver?

No.

The travel part of my job

makes it hard
to connect with people.

I mean, I'm open to it,

I just haven't...

- Met the right person?
- Not yet...

I don't think.

Dad! Madison!

Look at all
the Christmas ornaments we got.

Oh, my goodness.

We may just
win this thing after all.

- Good work.
- There's one.

Let's get it.

I got you.

Yay!

We'd better get back
to town hall.

- Time's running out.
- All right, let's go, girls.

This was not your first rodeo.

I could tell.

Girls...

And the winners are...

Team McBride!

♪ ♪

I cannot believe
Nell let you keep that.

Are you kidding me?

I am never
letting this out of my sight.

What?

Oh, nothing.

It's just funny.

You pretend to be immune
to the small-town charm,

but you get all starry-eyed
over a $20 trophy.

Oh, I stand by what I said.

Winning isn't everything...

but it sure is nice.

At some point,

it's going to be hard
to hide the fact

that you like it here
in Christmas.

This town does have
some things going for it.

Does that mean

you're thinking about
changing your mind

about where the ski resort goes?

To be honest?

I doubt it.

"I doubt it."
That sounds like progress.

I think we're wearing you down.

Uh, okay,
well, I'm going to turn in.

'Night.

Good night.

♪ ♪

The town hasn't done
a Santa's Village

since I was a little kid.

Wasn't it always
part of the Holiday Fair?

No, we always did it
a week before

to spread things out.

We are going to charm Madison
into choosing Christmas

if it kills us!

And how are we affording
all this?

We're not using our money
for the Christmas Fair, are we?

Because that is next week.

That's our big event.

Don't worry.

We found some cost savings
in the town budget.

The department
can wait until next year

for a new patrol car.

- You did that for the town?
- Yeah. Anything for the...

Hey.

What's this?
The morning welcome committee?

We were just talking about

our Santa's Village
that we do...

every year.

Yeah.

All the kids get a chance

to go up and make their
Christmas wishes to Santa.

It's so sweet.

That sounds great.
I love it.

Is there anything
I can do to help?

Nope. We're in good shape.

We have the scenery almost done,

we've got a photographer
coming in to take pictures,

and I'm bringing
gingerbread cookies and cocoa.

And I bet Gage is playing
Santa Claus, right?

Yes. Yes, he is.

I am?

I am. Of course. Yes.

Gage just loves playing Santa!

Oh, and that reminds me,

we really need
an elf to help out...

Nell?

Yeah. Anything for the town.

I'm going to need to see this.

What about Mrs. Claus?

Who's going to play her?

Oh, I think Madison should.

Wait, what?

♪ ♪

Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

Ho, ho, ho!

I can't believe
I let you talk me into this.

Opportunities like this
don't come along every day.

Ho, ho, ho!
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Madison.

You actually look pretty good.

Pretty good?

Speaking of which,

we're short an elf,

and I just happened to see

a costume that looked like
it would fit you.

- Oh, no...
- Oh, yes!

No...

Christmas Yet To Come.

How can you say that?

Christmas Past was the best one.

Scrooge doesn't change

until he sees
what the future has in store.

Yes, but it all starts

with him recognizing

the mistakes
he made in the past.

No. He has to accept
the bad things in his past,

but it's looking forward
that does it.

We all want
something to look forward to.

You know what...

I think you're right.

Annie, time for bed.

Okay. Good night, Madison.

Good night.

Thanks for being an elf tonight.

It was easy.

I'll be back in a minute.

I can walk you home.

Take your time.

♪ ♪

Hey, Lily Pad.

Lights out.

Dad? When Santa let you
borrow his suit for tonight,

did you tell him
what you want for Christmas?

I have everything I need.

Everything?

Pretty much.

Why?

Is there something
you think I need?

No... not exactly.

I just like to see you smile.

You should do that more often.

I smile all the time.

No, you don't.
Not as much as you used to.

Well, I guess we could all
use some more smiles, huh?

Yeah.

I think this is going to be
the best Christmas yet.

I do, too.

What do you think Madison wants
for Christmas?

Hmm...

I don't know.

But I bet she would love
one of your drawings.

Okay! Yeah.

I have to think about
what I want to draw.

Maybe it'll come to you
in your dreams.

In other words,
"Go to sleep, Lily."

I love you.

I love you, too.

Good night, sweetie.

Good night, Daddy.

Joe, hi, it's Madison.

It's know it's late,

but I wanted to leave you
a message...

I think Christmas
might actually be

a more viable option
than I thought.

And I think maybe I should spend

a little more time here.

Okay, let's talk
first thing in the morning.

Thanks. Bye.

Sorry.

I didn't mean to, um, eavesdrop.

I haven't totally
changed my mind.

I understand.

And I still think Mountain Park

is the better place
for the resort.

I got it.

I just think, maybe,
Christmas is worth another look.

Makes sense.

Oh, just eat your cookie.

Give me half.

♪ ♪

I talked to Joe Hartwell today.

Oh, yeah?
How did that go?

He said he'd think about it.

That's a good thing.

And it will be a good thing,
right?

Your resorts help the towns
they're built near?

Absolutely.

New business, lots of tourists.

It's great for growth.

And you've seen that
happen a lot?

Not personally.

I spend a lot of time
in the towns

getting the resorts
ready to open,

and once they do,

I move on to the next place.

I need your help
over at the stage.

Heavy lifting.
Bend at the knees.

Yes, ma'am.

You looking forward
to the Holiday Fair?

You are staying, right?

It's a possibility.

The kids would love it
if you did.

And you could be
in the family choir with us!

Oh, I don't know.
You haven't heard me sing.

Oh, trust me,
you'll fit right in.

Yeah...

Gage would like it
if you stayed, too.

With you around,

I'm not sure he has much choice
in the matter.

He lets me get away with a lot

because...

makes me feel needed, I guess.

You are needed.

It's obvious.

Well, this has been
good for him.

You have been good for him.

Really?

I thought you guys
were just being nice to me

because you wanted
to get the ski resort.

Well, maybe at first.

I love this town,

almost as much
as I love Gage and the kids.

I kind of got that.

Yeah.

We just need a little help
to remind us

of what it is that makes
Christmas so wonderful.

Madison?

Turning in?

Just a little work left to do.

Working on
getting us the resort?

We'll see what happens.

Well, everyone thinks

you staying longer
is a good sign.

Ethan wants to give you
the key to the city.

That might be
a little premature.

But that is
why you're staying, right?

There's nothing else
keeping you here?

No. That's it.

Gage and I have known
each other for a long time.

He's...

He's a good man.

Yes, he is.

I feel like it's my job
to look out for him,

make sure he doesn't get hurt.

That's... very nice of you.

I just feel like

he needs somebody
who's going to stick around.

Somebody who can really
be there for him.

Someone local,
if you get what I mean.

I get it,

but that might be
a little harder

if he takes that job in Denver.

Job? What job?

He told me that
in confidence, Rachel.

- I shouldn't have said anything.
- No, no, no, no.

I understand.

I should let you
get back to work.

Good night.

Good night.

- This was so great. Thanks.
- You're welcome.

Hey, Nell told me

you're going to come up
with a new town slogan

for the sign.

I'm so glad to hear that.

Oh, you don't like it either?

"Santa's second-favorite town?"

It's terrible.

Christmas
is so much more than that.

We need something

that tells people
what we're all about.

That feeling you get
when you walk down Main Street.

What are you ladies up to?

We're talking about

a new town slogan for the sign...

once we get a new one, that is.

You never figured out
how the old one got damaged?

It's still a mystery.

Isn't it, Madison?

Someone should
call the town sheriff.

We'd better go.

If we're late
for choir practice,

we'll never hear
the end of it from Nell.

I will work on that slogan.

Okay.

Can I ask you something?

Why do you love it here so much?

Doing research
for the new slogan?

Sure.

You talked about

what Christmas was like
when you were a kid...

that feeling you had,

the community, the family.

Right?

Your home now...

is that where you dream
of spending Christmas?

I guess I don't have
a good answer to that.

Denver is a nice city.

But home isn't a city.

It's the people.

All these people here...

they're my family.

Does that mean you're not going
to take the new job?

I haven't decided yet.

Gage... about the job...

I might have...

Hey, you two!
Come on!

We're coming!

Now, that's family.

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas... ♪

You couldn't get Annie
to join the choir practice?

She says she's too old for this.

I don't know.

I get the feeling

this might be
a little bigger than that.

Yeah. She used to love
singing with her mom.

I've tried to talk to her
about it, but...

I think if you could
just get her up there,

she'd have fun.

Do you mind if I give it a shot?

Go ahead.

Hey.

Can I watch them practice
with you?

I thought you were going
to be in the choir.

Oh, yeah, I was,

but then I realized,
nobody wants to hear me sing.

I just hope
Lily isn't too disappointed.

I know how much she wanted
us all up there.

She did?

Yeah.

I think she was remembering
what it was like in the past...

but...

looking forward

to what it could be
in the future.

Well...

If Lily was really
looking forward to it.

Time for bed.

I'm almost finished.

I thought you already read that.

I'm reading it again.

You know, that was...

one of Mom's favorite books.

She used to read that
every Christmas.

I know.

I wanted to read it before,

but she wanted me to wait
until I was older.

She thought I would get scared
by the ghosts.

She told me the same thing.

Maybe I should read it
after you're done.

You haven't read it?

I've seen the movies.

Dad! It's not the same.

The book is so much better.

How so?

Well, for starters,

you get a better idea
of what Scrooge is thinking,

so you really feel it

when he realizes
the true meaning of Christmas.

And what I love about it
is there's so much...

Whoa.

You decided to take her
out of retirement, huh?

Yeah.

I.. I think it's time.

What brought this on?

I was considering leaving

because I thought
we needed a change.

A fresh start.

And now?

And now...

I think change doesn't mean

you have to give up everything
that means something to you.

I'm glad to hear it.

I'm sorry.

It's work.
I've got to take it.

Yeah.

Sorry.

Joe...

What's going on?

Madison, I've been reviewing

the town's proposal,
the financial benefits,

and what you've said

about how charming the place is.

I've decided we're going
to put the resort in Christmas.

That's great news, Joe.

I'm so happy to hear it.

I'm glad you finally came around

to my way of thinking.

When should we announce
the decision?

Well, they have

a big holiday fair
starting tomorrow.

The whole town's coming out.

It could be really nice
to do it here on Christmas Eve.

That sounds good.

Will you arrange it
with the mayor?

I will.

I think everyone's
going to be really excited.

They should be.

I mean, just think
of all the businesses

it'll bring to town...

malls, stores, restaurants.

They'll be as big
as Mountain Park

before you know it.

But...

I mean, Christmas
will still be Christmas.

Well, sure.

Just a bigger, better,
more modern version of it.

We'll see you
on Christmas Eve, Madison,

and then we'll get you
back to Denver.

I'm sure you'll be glad
to get home.

Yeah...

I will.

Bye.

Hey, Madison.

Dana, hi.

I need help with research

on some of the small towns
where we've built resorts.

Parkersburg, Shelter Lake,
Mill Valley.

I need to know

what happens to the towns
after we build.

♪ ♪

Dana, this is not good.

When we put resorts
near small towns,

they do fine on paper,

but it's usually at the expense

of the businesses
that already exist.

Big chains come along

and force the closure
of the mom and pop stores.

Change can be good, right?

Sometimes...

You know, I pick the sites
and I open the resorts

and then I just leave.

I never see what happens
to the towns afterward.

That is not your fault.

It is when I know

that the ski resort
isn't going to save Christmas,

it's going to destroy everything
that makes it special.

I can't let this happen.

Well, what are you going to do?

I need to convince the town.

What about Mr. Hartwell?

I mean, he's pretty excited

about putting
the new resort there.

Then I need
to convince him first.

♪ What a wonderful world
this would be ♪

♪ It was only you and me

♪ ♪

♪ What a magnificent world
this would be ♪

♪ If we were decorating
the tree ♪

♪ What a magical world
to behold ♪

♪ Hand in hand
growing old ♪

♪ What an excellent way
to spend time ♪

♪ Just listening
to the holiday chime ♪

♪ Every day
every day should be Christmas ♪

♪ Every day
every day should be... ♪

Madison!

How are things in Christmas?

Hi, Joe.

That's actually why I'm calling.

I've been thinking about it,

and I don't think

we should put the resort
in Christmas after all.

What?

Why not?

I'm worried about the impact
it'll have on the town.

Our resorts
help places like Christmas.

In some ways,

but I've been researching

smaller towns
where we put resorts,

and local businesses

end up being replaced by
bigger chains and strip malls.

That's called progress, Madison.

Maybe for them,

but it wouldn't be
for Christmas.

I mean, this town's character

is what makes it so unique
to begin with.

It's everything
the holiday is about.

I don't understand.

The financial deal
that Christmas is offering

is very appealing.

It is worth it.

I would think that
you'd be on board with that.

I know, but the cost
to Christmas would be too great.

Then why does the town
want the resort?

Because they don't realize that.

So it's our job
to make that decision for them?

No, but we should be
upfront with them

about what exactly
the resort will bring.

And it is our job to consider
better alternatives,

both for the resort
and for Christmas.

I hear what you're saying,

but I worry that you're thinking
with your heart here.

Joe, is that such a bad thing?

I mean,
this town is all about heart.

It's about much more
than the resort, Madison.

There is a lot at stake here.

I know.

But I believe Christmas
is worth fighting for.

♪ ♪

Everything looks great.

Oh, she's here.
She's coming.

Gage...

I've been looking for you.

I've been looking for you, too.

There's something
I need to tell you.

Hello, everyone!

I'd like to welcome you

to the annual
Town of Christmas Fair!

We have a special guest
with us here tonight.

Madison, would you like
to come up on stage, please?

Go on.

We have really enjoyed

having you here
in Christmas with us

and we hope to be seeing
a lot more of you in the future.

So, on behalf
of everyone in Christmas,

I'd like to present to you...

the Key to the City.

Thank you.

I really don't deserve this.

Listen, I know...

everyone really wants
the ski resort to come here.

But I need to tell you

why I don't think
that's a good idea.

Just hear me out.

The ski resort
will not be good for this town.

But it's supposed
to bring jobs and tourism.

That sounds good to me.

Yeah.

Just let me explain.

Hey, hey.
Everyone, please, calm down.

Let's just hear her out.
It's okay.

Why? Seems like she hasn't
been straight with us.

Yeah.

I'd like to hear
what she has to say

I would think you would, too.

I mean,
if you won't do it for her,

please, at least do it for me.

Why should we?

I heard you're taking a job
and moving to Denver.

What?

Gage...

I'm sorry, I...

Gage. Wait.

Gage...

I'm so sorry.
It just slipped out.

Why didn't you tell me?

I tried.
I wanted to.

Then everything blew up
with the resort.

- We can find a way to fix this.
- How?

In one fell swoop,

you ruined my credibility
and yours.

They are never
going to listen to us.

I...

I really was trying
to help this town.

It seems like
all I've done is hurt it.

I'm so sorry.

♪ ♪

Thanks for dropping in
on your way home.

It's the least I could do.

I wanted to say goodbye.

Lily.

Annie.

Merry Christmas.

What about the choir?

Something to look forward to,
remember?

I know, but...

you still can.

What's this?

Merry Christmas.

I drew the reindeer.

Thank you.

Best reindeer ever.

You're welcome.

Okay, kids.
Okay, guys.

Let's get ready for bed.

Come on, let's go.

Well...

Merry Christmas, Gage.

Merry Christmas, Madison.

♪ ♪

Oh...

Good morning.

Would you look at that.

Yeah...

brings back
a lot of memories, doesn't it?

Yeah, it sure does.

Good ones.

Well, we should head off
to the town hall.

Yeah.

I just need to clean up
here for a bit

and I'll be in, okay?

Nell?

Something on your mind?

I'm just trying to figure out
how to say something to you.

When have you ever not known
how to talk to me?

This is important,

and I don't want to mess it up.

Okay.

I loved Beth.

I loved her
like she was my own daughter.

She loved you, too.

And when she died,

she took
a piece of my heart with her.

But I still have
room in my heart

for new people to love.

And there's room
in yours, too, Gage.

And how do you know
when you're ready?

You just do.

You know,
all those things that we did...

the Festival of Lights,

and the Ornament Hunt,

Santa's Village.

You know, all those
old traditions

we brought back...

we just did that

just to try and change
Madison's mind,

but...

I think it changed ours, too.

How so?

It reminded us of who we are.

We are Christmas.

We're a town
of big-hearted people,

with a huge capacity to love.

We have Madison
to thank for that.

♪ ♪

What are you...

Did Mr. Hartwell fire you?

No. Not yet.

But I'm sure,

after everything
that's happened...

There's got to be
something you can do, though.

I wish there was,
but I don't know what it is.

Who's this from?

Oh...

it's from Annie.

"Madison...

for all your Christmases
yet to come.

Love, Annie."

Oh, Madison.

I'm Scrooge.

No. I would not go that far.

I used to go in

and put these huge resorts
in these little towns

and I never wondered
what happened to them afterward.

I just assumed
they would all be better for it.

But that's not the future
for the town of Christmas,

because I know
what Christmas is really about.

It's about home.

What?

There's another way.

What are you thinking?

Dana, when does Joe leave
for Christmas?

Not until later this afternoon.
Around 5:00, I think. Why?

Because I think

the right opportunity
may have just come along!

♪ ♪

Quite the event
you have here, gentlemen.

Yeah.
We're pretty proud of it.

I can see why.

I think all of the good things
I've heard about this place

are true.

We think so.

Well...
you ready to get started?

Let's do it.

All right, let's go.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Merry Christmas.

First of all,
I'd like to clear something up.

Yes, I was offered a job
with Denver PD,

and, no, I am not taking it.

I'm staying
right here in Christmas.

This is my home.

It's...

it's the best place
in the world.

And I'd like to help
keep it that way.

All right,
let's get down to business.

I'd like to introduce
Mr. Joe Hartwell

of Hartwell Enterprises.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Sheriff.

Good evening, everyone,
and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I know you all think
that I'm here

to talk about the ski resort,

but this afternoon,
before we left Denver,

I was approached
with another idea.

To explain this...

here's Madison Lane.

♪ ♪

Hi.

When I first got here,

I didn't really get
what Christmas was all about.

I mean, I thought I did,

but...

all of you have helped me
understand that...

Christmas
is that feeling you get

when you decorate the tree
with the people you love.

It's baking cookies.
It's handmade ornaments.

Christmas is about
home and family.

I want people to experience that

the way I have here.

So...

instead of a ski resort,

we want to invest in the town

to make it

a year-round
Christmas destination.

We'll bring back
all of the traditions

and create attractions

that will allow people
to celebrate

the joy and magic
of the holidays

throughout the year.

Imagine a brand-new sign,

welcoming people to the town,

telling them...

Christmas Means Home
All Year Round.

I say we put it to a vote.

We can't afford to miss
an opportunity like this.

All those in favor, say "aye!"

Aye!

Well done, Madison.

Thank you, Joe.

I get the impression

you'll want
to oversee the project yourself

instead of coming back
to Denver?

I will.

I finally found a home...

just in time for Christmas.

I'm happy for you.

- Hi.
- Hi.

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas... ♪

♪ And a Happy New Year

♪ Glad tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪

♪ Glad tiding for Christmas
and a Happy New Year ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas... ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas... ♪

♪ And a Happy New Year

You did it.

We did it.

You're the one who reminded me

about the true meaning
of Christmas.

I just...

I needed to come home
to understand it.

When you left,

it was like you took
a piece of me with you.

So don't do that again, okay?

Okay.

Because every time you leave,
it's like...

I'm afraid that
you're going to...

crash into that sign again.

Are you done?

For now.

Merry Christmas, Gage.

Merry Christmas, Madison.

♪ ♪