A Christmas Spark (2022) - full transcript

foodval.com - stop by if you're interested in the nutritional composition of food
---
[♪♪]

For the hundredth time, cass,
I am not selling the house.

Look at this.

Carefree living

In a community loaded
with amenities...

And single men.

Do you know how many
christmases I've spent here?

And look at all the renovations
that greg and I did together.

I mean, why would I ever
want to leave here?

For a marble-encased,
crystal-rock-filled fireplace?

[scoffs]



I know you love this house,
molly,

But it's too much
for one person.

It's not bad.

Okay.

But I'm just saying maybe
you wanna try something new.

New's overrated.

You spent the last five years
taking care of greg.

And before that,
it was your students,

And before that,
it was kristen.

I like taking care of people.

It's time to take care
of molly.

I do take care of myself.
I dance.

You do zumba.

Well, uh, the other day,
I bought a new lipstick.



Chapstick.

It was "wild cherry"
and organic.

I've got it.

We should go on a girls' trip.

I found this great house on vrbo
I've been dying to book.

Look at this.

Just you, me,
a couple of gal pals...

All together
for a week of fun.

Look at this place.

I mean, it's gorgeous,
but I'm going to have

Plenty of frivolity
with my girls--

Especially my little tofino.

Fine.

But don't come looking for me
when you're sitting

In this big, old house,
bored out of your mind,

While I'm out
living my best life.

[snaps] I won't!

Cass, I know you mean well,

And I know
what you're trying to do--

I just want you
to be happy.

And greg would want that, too.

I know.

But I'm gonna be fine.

I mean, this is gonna be
a great christmas.

Trust me.

[♪♪]

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ all I want is you ♪

♪ 'cause in you... ♪

♪ I found a love so true ♪

♪ kissing you
under the mistletoe ♪

♪ on sleigh rides ♪

♪ santa is bringing to me ♪

♪ my baby tonight ♪

♪ this christmas ♪

♪ all I want is you ♪

[phone rings]

Hey, honey-bear.

Hi!

I just found the most amazing
sparkling-unicorn

Rollerskates on ebay
for 30 bucks.

And the wheels light up!

[laughs]
tofino's gonna love them.

Mom, they're for me.

You know I can't resist
sparkly things.

You never even learned
how to rollerskate.

Well, maybe if I would have,
if I'd had

Sparkly-unicorn light-up skates.

I cannot wait for you guys

To come here for christmas.

I've already got the tree up.

I've got
all your favorite ornaments,

And I've got all the ingredients
for s'mores.

It's gonna be
just like old times.

[sighs] almost.

Mom...

That's actually
why I was calling.

Oh, you didn't call to tell me
about the rollerskates?

Not exactly. Um...

You know what--

Can you guys come a week early,

Instead of two days before
christmas, because--?

The thing is--

We could go
iceskating downtown

And we could see
the nutcracker.

We missed that last time.

Mom.

And I have got

Another scrabble board.

Stevie's gonna be so happy.

You know how much he loves

His scrabble.

Mom, we're not
coming home for christmas.

[laughs]

You guys are hilarious.

You almost got me there.

You guys--
you're always joking around.

I'm not joking.

You know the position
that steve was up for?

Um, at the...

Big.

...The really big, really--

Cool.

...Cool... Awesome...

[steve] awesome!

Yeah, awesome... Tech company?

Well, he got the job!

-He got it.
-I got it!

[kristen] yay!

Yay.

It's a big company.

So... Because he got the job,

Um, he's the new guy,

And he has to work

Over the holidays,
so, um...

We can't come back.

I'm sorry.

Well, what about christmas?

Hey, uh, molly.
Stevie here. Hi.

Uh, we were thinking

Maybe you could come here
for the holidays.

Oh, no, but we always
have it here.

I mean, it's a tradition.

I know...

But a change of scenery
could be really fun,

Don't you think?

No.

[scoffs quietly, deflating]

Mom, we really do want
to spend christmas with you,

But it's just...

It's not gonna work this year.

I'm sorry.

No. No, I understand.

So...?

So I guess we're having
christmas in...

New hampshire.

[♪♪]

[sighs]

I mean, I thought for sure
there'd be snow on the ground.

No!

We might not even have any
for christmas.

Oh, well.

Oh, you know what I brought
for the top of your tree?

What?

Dad's christmas star.

Oh, awesome!

Did you remember to get a box

Of that saltwater taffy
from roy's?

Uh, yep, yep.
Right on it.

Great. Thank you!
I'll see you soon.

Last one!
Oh, I need this.

So do I.

[stammers]
I-it's for my granddaughter.

It's her favorite.

Oh, it's for my friend.
It's...

Her favorite.

But my granddaughter's
only nine years old.

How old is your friend?

Nine...Ty-two.

Can she even chew
saltwater taffy?

She sucks on it, okay?

It's the last joy
in her sad...

Toothless life.
[sighs sadly]

You know, I taught drama
in high school for 30 years,

And that is one of the best
sad sighs I have ever heard.

It just about broke my heart.

-So I get the taffy?
-Heck no!

Your friend may be
on her deathbed,

But my granddaughter's
gonna kill me

If I don't arrive
with this box.

Sugar isn't good for children.
That's why I never had any.

Ahh, so this is for you?

[scoffs]

No, I just maybe was gonna
have a couple pieces

Before I gave it to her, but--

What kind of a person
steals candy from a child?

I was gonna pay for it!

Well, why don't you
and your friend suck on those?

Hank marshall.

Molly foreman.

So you coming or going?

Coming, to spend christmas
with my daughter.

And you?

Returning.
I was visiting my sister.

No. This is on me.

[thumps bills down]

Why would you buy candy
for a perfect stranger?

Strangers?

After what
we just experienced?

Yeah, but, you know, still.

'tis the season. Right?

[♪♪]

How many taffies
did you give her?

Just one...

At a time.

Mom.

It's christmas!

Well, you know, maybe I just
gave her four or five.

No, no, make that
four and a half,

Because she didn't really like
the ginger-cinnamon one.

[both laughing]

Well, since we're on
the subject of taffy.

Do you want to hear
my new great idea?

Sure.

Mm.

[thud]

[sighs]

You are gonna make taffy?

Yeah, and I can come up with
all kinds of cool flavors

And then we can give it
to the neighbors.

What did the neighbors
ever do to you?

Mom. I'm serious.

[chuckles] I know you are.

I think, eventually,

I can probably sell it
at the christmas fair,

And then it'll make me
so popular

That I will open a shop,

And then we'll be rich.

This isn't gonna be like the...

Candle-making incident, is it?

"experiment."

The candle-making experiment.

And it's okay,

Because we have
fire insurance now.

I know what you're thinking--

"kristen going off
on another one of her whims,

Gonna fall flat on her face."

No, of course not.

We can't all be the perfect mom
like you.

I am not perfect, kristen.

It's not an insult, mom.

You are
pretty darn close to perfect.

When I was a kid,

You made every meal
from scratch.

You sewed
my Halloween costumes...

...And you coached
my soccer team,

And you made amazing
christmas s'mores.

Well, I can teach you how to do
all of this for tofino.

-Perfect.
-[door closes]

Gammy!

Stevie!

Pizza!

-Hi.
-Hi.

Congratulations
on your new job.

Thank you.

We are so stoked to have you
here for christmas this year.

Well, and this is gonna be, oh,

The first time in a long time
that I haven't hosted christmas,

But great news--

We can do everything
that I do at home right here.

-Yeah.
-Sure.

And because
you're going to be so busy,

I can help out.

Just tell me if there's
anything that I can do.

Well, the back patio
needs to be painted,

The door to the attic
squeaks like crazy,

And how are you with taxes?

Are you all good with
small-business regulations?

[laughing]

You're not here to work, molly.

You're here to relax
and enjoy the holidays.

-[kristen] you got everything?
-[tofino] yup.

I've got to drop
tofino at school

And, uh, run a few errands.

Oh, do you want me to come?

No. I'll be back
in a few hours,

And remember
what steve said--?

"relax."

Yeah.
[chuckles nervously]

[sighs deeply]

[tofino] bye, gammy!

[♪♪]

Om...

[♪♪]

Mom--

"add essential oils
to your tea."

I'd rather add bailey's
to my coffee.

[sighs]

What's the matter?

There are places for everything.

There's way too many toys here.

Hi! Sorry I'm late!

Mom, what are you doing?

It's so much better,
isn't it?

Do you see
the complementary colors?

Mom, please come down
from there.

[chuckles] oh!
And I sorted out your pantry.

I cleaned your laundry room.
I really did.

Mom, you don't
have to do all that.

I can clean my own house.

-[grunts dubiously]
-I have a system!

It may be a little unique--

Chaotic, totally insane--
but it works for me.

I'm sorry, darling,

But I'm-- I'm just so used
to taking care of you and...

I know, but I can
take care of myself.

-And you.
-Oh--

Why don't you let me
take care of you?

Mm-mm.

Well, let somebody
take care of you.

I will, when brad pitt
finally comes to his senses

And realizes that women
are like fine wine

And our that flavors
mature with age.

Okay.

Um...

Well, I have to head back out.

Tofino has an art class
at the center.

Why don't you join me?

Oh, no, I'm going
to stay here because I--

-No. No, you're not.
-I haven't finished.

-There's one more thing.
-Mm-mm. Mm-mm. Mm. No.

[♪♪]

Are you gonna come?

Uh...

I think I'll look around.

Nice to be back
in a theater again, huh?

[chuckles]
give gammy a hug.

Yeah, mm.

Bye, my angel.
I'll see you in a bit.

Bye.

I'll just be a minute.

Don't go re-carpeting the lobby
while I'm gone.

[sighs]

Well, if it isn't
the airport taffy bandit.

Oh, I'm glad I ran into you.

That makes two of us.

Ah.

[zip]

[change jingles]

Here.

What's this?

Change.

From the candy store.

I'd hate you to think that
I was stealing your money, too.

Molly, right?

Good memory.

What man in his right mind would
forget someone like you?

-[phone rings]
-oh.

[kristen] hey, mom.

Uh, tofino wants me to hang out
in her class for a minute.

Can I meet you
in the community room?

Uh, sounds good.

[exhales]

Well, it's nice to see you
again, hank.

Good memory.

Thank you.

That's the part where
you're supposed to say

I'm unforgettable, too.

[♪♪]

O-m-g!

Twinsies!

Well, I'm glad I'm not
the only one around here

With good taste.

[laughs] hi. I'm bunny.

Molly.

Are you new in town?

I'm visiting my daughter.

Kristen valdi?

Oh, I love her.

She has been so helpful

Organizing all
the town's christmas events.

Oh. Ladies!

Oh--

Ladies, this is molly.

Her daughter runs that blog

That I'm always
telling you about--

Boo-boos and bubbles.

Ah, I'm ayako,
and this is my wife, liana.

It's nice to meet you both.

It's nice to meet you.
Please, have a seat.

We're known around these parts
as "the christmas cookies"

Because we...

Well, we run most of
the activities here,

And guessing by your sweater,

You are also
a fan of the season?

[laughs] I have
candy canes in my veins

And tinsel in my toes.

-Ooh!
-[laughing]

[bunny]
I knew she was one of us!

How long are you in town?

The whole month.

Are you retired?

Yes.

I taught english and drama until
about a couple of years ago,

But right now, I am plan--

You taught drama?

Yes.

-Why?
-One of the events

We're in charge of
is the town christmas play.

The show is
in three and a half weeks,

And our director quit.

Yeah, for "personal reasons".

I heard he was getting
hip-replacement surgery.

I heard
he met someone on tinder.

-Ohh--
-we need a director.

Well, I can't do it

Because I promised my daughter
to come here for christmas

For her and her family, so.

Hey!
You met the christmas cookies!

I knew that you guys
would hit it off.

We need your help.

Okay.

We need your mother to direct
the christmas play.

I told them
that I'm here to help you

Put christmas together.

No!

I-I mean, yes, of course,
I need your help,

But this is for
the greater good,

So I can share you...

...If I must.

Well, I-I don't know.
I just--

Come on!
You love directing plays.

It'll be fun.

Maybe you can even
cast yourself in a role.

[cookies] oh!

No, I'm not gonna do that,
I mean, directing is--

Is a very big job as it is.

So you'll do it?

[♪♪]

Look, if you start
reorganizing the garage,

Steve might divorce me.

You reorganized the garage?

I... I couldn't sleep.

She'll do it.

I'll do it.

-Oh!
-Yes, okay.

Now, get my spreadsheets--

[cookies chattering
excitedly]

Well, what about
the kids' art auction?

I mean, the parents...

But! But...

The christmas play is
the center's biggest fundraiser.

And the town cut our funding,
so we need a big win,

Otherwise, we're going
to have to cut programs.

We've been doing the same show
for ten years,

So it's pretty straightforward.

Well, I love a good tradition.
Do we have a cast?

Well... Sort of.

The director played santa,
so we need a new one.

Someone with star power.

Well, we should
hold some auditions.

We are. Tonight.
But...

...We have a prospect in mind,
if we can get him.

Like, a local celebrity?

Mm, you could say that.

[bunny] we want to ask him,
but we're afraid he'll say no.

Maybe you can convince him.

With him playing santa,

We'll definitely
sell out the show.

Well, let's get him on board.

When do I get to meet him?

Oh! Right now.

Molly, meet hank marshall.

[♪♪]

Ladies.

[bunny] hank, we need you

To play santa
in the christmas pageant.

No.

Hank!

I'm sorry, ladies,
I wish I could help...

But it's not my thing.

Excuse me.

Ms. Foreman.

Oh. No.
Don't worry about him.

We'll find someone
at the auditions tonight.

[words catching]

[haltingly, way off-key]
♪ silent night ♪

[voice cracks]
♪ all is-- bright... ♪

[strums a ska-punk tune]

♪ jingle bells!
Jingle bells! Jingle--! ♪

[operatically]
♪ jingle all the... ♪

♪ wa-a-a-a-a-ay ♪

Ooh!
[giggles and titters]

[whimpers]
can we start again?

I need more coffee.

I'm going to get some.

Anyone want anything
while I'm out there?

Earplugs?

-Whisky?
-Make it a double.

[molly laughs]

We could get lucky.

[cookies all chattering at once]

Oh, come on!

Oh.

Are you stalking me?

[laughs]

'cause I don't mind,
if you are.

Ah, first, I'm a taffy bandit
and now I'm a stalker.

Don't forget--

Director of the christmas play

Even though you've only been
in town for five minutes.

Well, the cookies seem set
on having you as santa.

I know I've been eating
too many cupcakes lately,

But I didn't realize that
I had reached santa proportions.

Well, as a director who's only
been in town for five minutes,

You are our only option.

You sure know
how to make a guy feel welcome.

Oh, okay, well, how's this?

We have been holding auditions--

Mm-hmm?

...And everyone
is really horrible...

So we figured
you couldn't be any worse.

[chuckles]
that's better.

So, you'll do it?

Oh, no.

I'm not much of an actor.

Oh, well, you seem like
someone who enjoys attention.

I do love attention,

But I am normally the guy
writing the words,

Not necessarily
reciting them.

-So you're a writer?
-Mm-hmm.

Retired journalist.

I, uh...

Teach a class here.

Well, what better way
to use your voice

Than to be in a christmas play,

Helping to raise money

For arts programs
for precious, little children?

[laughs]

Well-played.

But I'm more of a grinch
than a santa.

What do you have
against christmas?

You sure are persistent,
aren't you?

Yes. What's your price?

Uh...

Ten boxes of taffy?

No.

20.

20 boxes of taffy?

Yeah.

Deal.

[♪♪]

So, um...

Rehearsals are at noon
tomorrow.

Uh-huh.

You'll be there?

With jingle bells on.

Oh.

Well, uh... Yeah.

I-- I'll be there.

I mean--
[chuckles nervously]

-Yeah--
-look out.

Oh. I'll see you there.

-Yeah.
-Yeah.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

What are you making, sweetie?

Making taffy.

Oh.

Can I help you?

No. I got it.
I just need to...

-[snap]
-oh!

[gasps]

[laughs]

Oh, well.

Mistakes is how we learn, right?

Oh, well, that must be
why I'm so smart, then.

[both chuckling]

Thank you for helping out
with the show.

You know me--
I-I can't help helping.

I know you didn't plan
on coming for christmas,

But, um, it may be
for the best, right?

I've been a little worried
about you, mom.

Why?

Well, since dad died,
you just seem...

A little lost.

Oh...

I'm fine, sweetie.

"fine"?

Fine is fine,
but you deserve better.

You deserve amazing.

It's really nice seeing you
doing what you love.

Speaking of which,
I have a script to read!

I've got so much work to do.

Um, be careful
with that spoon, darling.

Yeah.

[snap]

Hello, everyone.

I am molly foreman,

And I am very excited,

Because I'm going to be
directing your new show.

As you know,
we only have three weeks,

But I think,
if we all work together,

We're gonna make this

The best christmas show

The town of abbott
has ever seen.

So...

To get started--

[hank, loudly] ahem!

Is this really the story?

I mean, because
santa just sits there

And everyone comes in

And tells him
their christmas wish,

And then
he makes them come true,

And then they all go and sing
a bunch of old christmas carols?

Well, what's wrong with that?

Yeah, granting wishes--
that's kinda santa's thing.

It's boring.

It's the same one
we've done for ten years.

And we already have
all the sets and costumes.

[hank] can't we just
spice it up a bit?

I mean, add some new songs,

Or...

Or, maybe, we give santa
some sort of mission?

Like...

An alien creature
has landed at the north pole.

Santa has to go there
to rescue the elves

Before they get abducted!

Ooh...
Alien: The christmas story.

I could get onboard
with that!

And then...

An alien-elf baby
would explode from my stomach--

[liana makes gurgling noise]

We are not gonna have
an alien kill santa claus.

Well, of course not...

Because santa would be healed
by the...

"magic of christmas,"
I guess.

No, we are going to do
the play exactly as it is.

It's a town tradition.

I know, but--

We don't mess
with traditions, hank.

Why not?

Because traditions
keep us grounded.

They remind us that...

When circumstances change
and...

...You feel lost

And alone...

...There are always
traditions there to hold on to.

It's like, um...

...It's like old memories

Giving you big hugs.

[mouths word]

That was a productive day.

Yeah, even if we did have
to hear some kinda crazy ideas.

Oh.

-Tradition is so important.
-Yes.

-I agree!
-Well, see you tomorrow.

-Yeah.
-Bye!

[cookie]
I like the alien thing.

Molly! Hey.

How did I do?

Well, you weren't kidding
when you said

You weren't
much of an actor.

[chuckles]

Wait till you see me dance.

Oh! Luckily for us,

You don't have to dance
in this show,

But if you do want to do
a little extra rehearsal,

How about, uh, over coffee?
Tomorrow?

I would like that.

You can help me get in touch
with my inner-child.

I think you're already
in touch with that.

Well, then you can help me get
in touch with my inner-santa.

Your... Inner-biker-santa?

You ride?

Oh... No!

No, I'm more of a, uh...

Four-wheels-on-the-road
type of girl.

We wouldn't want to mess
with tradition, would we?

See ya tomorrow.

[engine rumbles]

[♪♪]

[whispers] the artist
is very talented.

[chuckles]

Plus, quite handsome
and charming, I've been told.

You made these?

Oh, so you admit it--

You think I'm handsome
and charming?

No! What?
I mean, you just said--

Yes. [laughs]

I made those.

I, uh, needed
a creative outlet

When I retired from journalism,

And I just kind of like
fixing things.

Hmm.

This is, uh, a style I learned
when I was traveling the world.

It's a japanese technique
called kintsugi.

It's beautiful.

Yeah.

Want to sit down?

So, what was
your favorite place?

Well, if I had to choose, uh...

I would say egypt.

All that ancient history...

So many untold stories
and so much yet to explore.

I always dreamed
of going to the pyramids.

Why haven't you?

It was never the right time.

It's always the right time
to chase your dreams, molly.

Hey, hank. The usual?

Yes. Thanks, maeve.

This is molly foreman.

She is directing me
in the christmas play.

Oh! Is he a diva?

Now, why would you say that?

His usual is

A "double-chocolate cappuccino"
with extra marshmallows.

I like sweet things!

[laughs] you know what?
That sounds delicious.

I'll have one, too.

-[maeve] you got it.
-Thanks.

You seem pretty happy here.

Being a journalist
can be exciting,

But it can also be
very lonely,

And when I retired,
I decided to settle down here,

So I could finally
put down some roots.

-Mm.
-How about you?

What's your story?

Oh, I'm the opposite.

I dug my roots early.

I came here from the uk
to go to school.

I, uh, married
my college sweetheart,

We had a baby,

And I taught english and drama
at a local high school

For 30 years.

Sounds like a good life.

It was.

Until my husband was, um,
diagnosed with parkinson's.

But even then,
it was still good.

I was lucky enough
to be able to take care of him.

Until he passed,
about two years ago.

I know what it's like
to lose a partner.

My wife died very young,

We were both just 30.

I'm so sorry.

Taught me a lot
about life, though,

And that's why I always go after
the things I've wanted.

I can't remember when I last
thought about what I wanted.

I have no idea what
the next chapter holds for me.

Oh.

Thank you.

I'm so sorry.

I shouldn't be dumping on you
like this.

What's something
you've always wanted to do,

But you've never had a chance?

Well, there is one thing.

-[engine rumbling]
-I thought you were

More of a "four-wheels-
on-the-road" kind of girl?

I have been!

But I've always been intrigued
by motorcycles.

And the men who ride them?

Maybe.

You sure you wanna do this?

No!

But I'm gonna do it anyway.

All right.
Remember what I said.

Brakes, gas...

Keep it steady.

Start slow, stay calm.

Got it.

Keep it steady.

Start slow.

-Whoa!
-I got it!

[chugging]

[engine rumbles off]

[officer] letting her ride
without a license?

You know better, hank.

-Yeah.
-Mom?

Are you okay?
What's going on?

Just a ticket for driving
without a motorcycle license.

Well... A warning.

You're gonna get one, right?

Promise.

You were
driving a motorcycle?

Oh, we only went
around the block.

"we"?

She's fine.
It was my fault.

Doug? Can I get you a coffee?

Oh, I'm good.

Wife has me
on this "keto" thing.

I'm sorry--
who are you?

Who is he?

Hank.

Hi.

He's the star
of the christmas show.

And this is your bike, hank?

Yes, ma'am.

[doug] okay,
time for me to go, folks.

Promised the wife
I'd take her and the kids

Christmas caroling.

-Merry christmas, doug.
-Merry christmas, molly.

-Remember that license!
-I will.

What?

[tofino]
I'm ready for cookies.

Me too! Mom's got
some delicious ones in the oven.

They should be ready
any minute.

[inhaling deeply]

-Yum.
-Mm! Yum!

How great is it
having gammy here?

It's the best.

Mom, did I tell you that
gammy let me use her lipstick?

Shh!

Mom?

[stammers]
it was chapstick!

Could've been worse.
Could've been mascara.

So, uh, how is the show going?

Uh, it's good.

Well, it's a little dull,

But I'm hoping
that I can liven it up a bit.

Speaking of
livening things up...

I heard you have a boyfriend?

Ooh, gammy!

No! I mean,
he's not a boyfriend.

You should see
the way he looks at her.

No. He's just a friend.
Just a friend.

Well, if you decide
it's more than that,

That's okay, too.

[thunder crashes]

Oh!

Oh, I always get scared.

That is one heck of a storm.

[kristen] it sure is.

Too bad it's not snow.

Mm! Is there something burning?

-My cookies.
-The cookies!

Well, you know something
about grandpa greg?

-He loved burnt cookies.
-Why?

Here, watch this.

Ooh...

[tofino] they're hot.

Listen.

-[crunching]
-you hear that?

-Yeah.
-Mm.

Well...

Burnt cookies are the best,

Because you don't
just taste them--

You hear them.

And besides--

There's nothing wrong with being
a little burnt around the edges,

As long as
you're sweet inside.

[crunching]

You know what else
tastes really good burnt?

-What?
-Marshmallows.

Dad burns them all the time
when we go camping.

-Hey!
-And then he tells me

To make a wish.

You know, you don't need

Burnt marshmallows
to make a wish--

Especially at christmas-time.

Uh-oh...

Cookies?

Cookies!

They're surprisingly good,
actually.

And crunchy.

[kristen] try this.

I had a great idea--
what if I made savory taffies?

That has never been done before.

Um, there may be
a really good reason for that.

I'm serious!

It's like when they came up
with those maple-bacon donuts--

Those were huge.

So this is maple-bacon taffy?

No! That's been way overdone.

This is
bacon-cheeseburger taffy.

Try it.

[♪♪]

Is that...
Is that real hamburger in it?

Yeah.

Did you get to the squirty
ketchup-center yet?

Mm-- mm-mm, oh, no...

Just now [gags].

You were warned!

You did, you warned me.

[gags] oh...

It's gross, isn't it?

Um, it was
a very creative idea, darling.

Okay, well, I am just going
to have to keep trying,

Because foreman women
don't give up.

Exactly.

Exactly!

Gammy? Are you coming
to my swim meet this afternoon?

I wouldn't miss it.
Of course.

I have to go to rehearsal first,

But I should be
finished by three.

No more joyriding
and getting stopped by the cops,

Young lady.

No, ma'am. I'll be good.

-Pinky-promise.
-Pinky-promise!

Ahh!

Doug didn't give you
a ticket, did he?

I mean, he's my nephew--
I can talk to him.

-It was just a warning.
-[laughing]

You're such
a bad influence, hank.

Me?

This one's not so innocent.

Oh!

-[water running]
-[all gasping deeply]

What happened?

If I had to guess,
I'd say a backed-up water main.

Our sets!

Our props!

Our costumes!

All ruined!

We can't afford new ones.

I don't know how
we're gonna put the show on now.

You know what, folks?

This might not be
such a bad thing.

No, don't look at me like that.
Just hear me out.

I know you guys have been
doing the show for years,

But the script...
It was horrible.

This is our chance
to spice it up.

Start fresh.

But it's a town tradition.

Every tradition
has a beginning, molly.

Everything old
was once new.

But that doesn't mean

That you just throw it away
because it's old.

No, I mean,
don't misunderstand me.

I love traditions.

Traditions
keep the past alive,

But it's the new things--

It's the new things
that keep us alive.

Right?

[sighs]

Maybe we should give this town
something new to talk about.

Hank?

What?

You and I,
we're gonna write a new show.

Cookies, we're going to have
new costumes, sets.

Oh, and maybe bake sales--
something--

To raise enough money.

Yeah, but we only
have two weeks.

I know!
So what are you doing? Go!

Okay. Well, let's see
what we can salvage here.

It's wet!

[molly]
so, where do we start?

Do you want me to type?

-Yeah, please.
-Okay.

"a christmas..."

Ahh.

All right, I've never done
this type of writing before,

But...

Every story works
basically the same way.

It's about
asking a question,

And then searching
for the answers.

So, what "question"
do we want to answer?

If a christmas tree
falls in the forest

And there's nobody there
to hear it,

Does hank still get presents?

Oh...

Don't be so silly!
We don't have time for this!

Okay.

Okay. Uh...

I have a confession to make.

I don't usually
celebrate christmas.

Yeah.

I, uh, I figured that one out.

Why not?

Work, mostly.

I was usually on assignment
during christmas, so.

Is that the only reason?

Look at you--

Probing like a journalist.

Searching for answers.

Touché.

[both chuckling]

With claire gone
and no kids,

Christmas was just...
Another day, no big deal.

That's very sad, hank.

The funny thing is...

I never thought so,
honestly,

Until I met you.

Christmas brings you
so much joy.

[laughs]

So, for me,
what I would want to ask

Is what is it
about christmas, molly,

That you love so much?

Well, there are so many things
I love about it.

Like?

The sound of carols
everywhere...

The-the shimmer of the tinsel
in the trees,

Spending time with my family.

[laughs]

At christmas,

Everything just feels
like a gift.

Every moment
just shines a little brighter.

And love
just wafts through the air

Like the smell of cinnamon
and ginger,

And it just fills you
with...

[inhales deeply]

[sighs]

...With love.

It makes you warm and fuzzy.

I think you made
a believer out of me.

In santa?

Love.

Ahem!

You writing a christmas play
or a harlequin romance novel?

-No, we were just--
-I was just...

Whatever! Listen.

We can't do anything
with sets and costumes

Until we have a script.

So...

Whatever
your creative process is...

Chop-chop!

Okay. Gotcha.

Um, well, we will have
it ready by-- when?

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow? No, we can't do it
by tomorrow.

You know, I think you two
will figure it out.

As you were.

[chuckles]

Yeah.

-Busted.
-Busted.

[laughing]

-All right!
-Okay.

Let's do this.

We did it.

Don't sound so surprised.

I had complete faith in us.

Ha! Me too.

Still gonna need
a polish, but...

...I think it's good.

We make a good team.

Yeah.

We've got a lot of work to do.

You know something?

I'm glad
your plans got upended

And you had to come here
for christmas.

You're the best gift
I've had in a long time.

I'll walk you out.

Mom.

[sighs]

Okay. I know it's late,
but we were

Writing the new script,
got completely caught up--

No, um, you missed
tofino's swim meet.

[gasps]

[sighing] oh...
I completely forgot.

Oh, I'm sorry.

-It happens.
-No! No.

It does not happen to me.

Oh! I'm so sorry.

Mom, it's okay.

Really, it's okay.
It's just that she's, um...

She's waiting up for you.

[♪♪]

Hey, sweetie.

Gammy!

I'm sorry
I missed your swim meet.

I won the race!

Oh!

I am so proud of you,
my little sugar-plum.

Oh!

I wish I'd been there.

I was a little sad at first,

But then mommy told me

That even if people
aren't there physically,

They're always there
inside our hearts.

Gammy...

You were in my heart.

And you were in mine.

Mm.

Do you want to know
what my christmas wish is?

Mm. What?

That you could stay
with us forever, and...

And a sparkle-rainbow unicorn.

A real one.

Well, that's a very big wish.

We might have to rely on santa
for that one, okay?

[chuckles]

Did mom really say that?

Yep.

She has her moments.

[laughs]

[quietly] yeah.

So, everyone,
here's the new script.

It's about an old elf...

Played by me!

...Who has lost
his christmas spirit,

And in order to find it again,

He has to make his wish

On a christmas star--

Played by me.

And he makes a few friends
along the way,

And when he finally reaches
the christmas star,

She tells him

That he has all the love
he's ever needed

Inside,

And that he doesn't need
to make a wish

Because he's his own
christmas star.

Aww!

It's called
a christmas spark.

[laughs]
this sounds fantastic.

Well, I mean, it's gonna be
a lot of work,

But I know
you can pull it off.

We're going to raise
so much money!

Oh, that's a good thing

Because that roof leak
caused a lot of damage.

This all sounds wonderful,

But what are we gonna do
about costumes and props?

I got more donations!

[all hooting]

Whoa! The townspeople
really came through.

I knew they would!

This is all I could salvage
from the storage room.

And I'm not too sure
about this hat.

It smells like cheese.

[chuckling]

You covered the war in iraq,

You slept in mud huts
in the amazon,

You went undercover

For the backstreet boys
fan convention,

And you can't handle
a little stinky elf hat?

Smell it.

[laughs]

You're getting soft, hank.

You're going to be
an adorable elf, hank.

Yeah, very elf-y.

You are going to be
a pretty, pretty princess.

Now, why don't you
go back in there

And see what else
you can salvage?

-Come here.
-What?

[quietly] oh...

I was wondering if I could
cook you dinner tonight,

Kind of as a thank-you
for all your help on the play?

[hushed] you cook?

Yeah, molly,
I'm a modern man--

I cook, I clean...

I follow chrissy teigan
on instagram.

Oh, me too!

I don't really.
Will you still come?

Yeah.
I'll bring dessert.

Oh!

7:00...

7:00.

See you then.

Spill.

What?

Woman, your cheeks are blushing
more than a bottle of rosé.

[bunny]
we've known hank a long time,

And I've never seen him
like this with anyone.

The director
and the star...

So cliché,
yet so poetic!

[giggling]

There is nothing going on.

Oh...

[sighs reluctantly]

Look, I mean,
he's fun to be around,

And he's cute,

But I'm only gonna be here
for a few more weeks.

Which is why it's perfect--
a holiday fling!

Just for fun.
Just for you.

[liana] careful, though.

Ayako was supposed
to be my rebound.

20 years later,
we're still bouncing.

[liana laughs]

Do you want to know the truth?

I haven't dated anyone
since greg died.

And...

I can't imagine
being with anyone else.

[sighs]

But I also can't imagine being
alone for the rest of my life.

[bunny] after my divorce,

I thought
I would never get over it.

Yeah, it took a while,

But now?

I am living my life
for me again!

Oh... Oh!

It feels so good.

But that's the thing
about getting older.

I don't have time
to live by other people's rules.

I live by my own.

Yesterday, she made a rule

She gets to eat
ice-cream sundaes for breakfast.

[laughing]

"sundaes on sundays!"
how is this not a thing?

It should be a thing!

[bunny] and whatever
your thing is, molly,

Now is the time
to just go for it.

[♪♪]

Whatever you're making
smells delicious.

It's an argentinean stew.

Part of what I loved
about my job

Is that I got
to really learn

About the places
that I traveled.

What else did you learn...

Besides how to cook?

[music begins to play]

Come on, I'll show you.

Show me what?

[♪♪]

How to tango.

I thought you told me
you couldn't dance?

I can't.

[laughs]

Well, I can,

So why don't you just
follow my lead, hmm?

[♪♪]

[laughing]

You have three feet!

Why don't you lead?

You sure?

Positive.

[♪♪]

Oh!

This is nice.

Yes, it is, isn't it?

[♪♪]

[bell dings]

It's the bread.

Oh... You bake
your own bread, too?

Mm-hmm.

Is there anything
you can't do?

I can't stop looking at you.

Ah, this was delicious.

I don't often get a chance
to cook for other people.

Oh, don't you do this
for all of the ladies?

You're not just any lady.

Well, you're right about that.

[chuckles]

Didn't you say something
about bringing dessert?

Yes, I did.

Uh...
[grunts and laughs]

I always keep my promises.

Whoa.

And there's more.

[chuckles] ho, ho, ho.

Oh!

Aren't you gonna share?

Mm. These are so good.

Here you go.

Don't tell kristen.

She's got this crazy idea

About starting
a taffy-making business.

What's so crazy about that?

She doesn't know
how to make taffy.

Molly, molly, molly.

There's nothing wrong
with trying new things.

Ah, but there's also
nothing wrong

With enjoying the old
and classic once in a while.

Like, right now.

And what do you have in mind?

Uh, why don't you tell me

Your favorite christmas memory?

Something from your childhood.

[scoffs] really?

All right.
On one condition.

This...

And this...

There we go.

[laughs]

[sighs]

[fire crackles in hearth]

Aren't you
forgetting something?

Hmm?

Your christmas memory story?

Uh...

Okay.

Here it is.

I was... Five years old,

And my sister was teasing me,

Because she said that I was

The only kid on the block
who still believed in santa.

So, I decided to prove to her
that year that santa was...

For real.

Good for you!

Yeah. So, on christmas eve,

I stayed up all night long,

Waiting with
my trusty little camera,

To catch that jolly old elf
as he shimmied down the chimney.

And?

I fell asleep.

Ah.

But, when I woke up,

Everything
that I had wanted for christmas

Was under that tree.

Wow.

So, did your sister
change her mind?

No.

She said she was unimpressed,
but I know otherwise.

You still believed?

I did, until I didn't.

You know what...

...When I look at you,

I feel like five-year-old hank
waking up on christmas morning

And finding everything he wanted
under that tree,

All over again.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

[click]

[sternly]
where have you been, young lady?

Me? Um...

I-I was with hank.

Until midnight?

Why didn't you answer
any of my texts?

I left my phone in the car.

I didn't want to worry you.

Well, I was worried.

[sighs]
I should have checked in.

Sorry.

Well, did you at least
have a good time?

I did.

You didn't...?

Kristen! No! No, of course not.
Don't be ridiculous.

[starts laughing] mom!

You are a gorgeous,
sexy woman!

It's okay to get out there
and live a little.

Dad would have wanted you to.

He would have wanted me to...
Go out with other people?

He would have
wanted you to be happy!

And if hank makes you happy,
then that's all that matters.

[♪♪]

He's always gonna be with you.

No matter what you do.

So will I.

I love you, honey-bear.

I love you, too.

Now get to bed.
It's past your bedtime.

[♪♪]

A-one, a-two,
a one-two-three--

♪ deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪

♪ fa-la-la-la-la
la-la-la-la ♪

♪ 'tis the season
to be jolly ♪

[both] ♪ fa-la-la-la-la
la-la-la... La! ♪

[bunny laughs]

[sighs]
something's off.

Oh! We've been
rehearsing all day.

Oh, no. No, no.
It's not you guys.

You guys sound great!

No, it's, um...
I don't know, something missing.

I... I'm gonna have
to figure something out.

Why don't you guys
take a ten-minute break?

Okay.

You're doing a great job.

This show
is gonna be amazing!

Thanks.

It feels really good
to be back in the game again.

Speaking of games--

I see things with you and hank
are getting livelier.

Oh, no.
It's not serious.

Oh, never is with hank.

What does that mean?

No, I love hank.

I mean, he's charming,
he's kind,

He's got his real hair
and teeth,

But, no, he is never
gonna settle down.

Oh, who's talking
about settling down?

I'm only here
for another week.

I mean...

There's no way that it could
ever turn into anything real--

Not that I even want it to.

That's great!

Yeah, just keep it
loose and light with him,

And you'll be fine.

Loose and light--
works for me.

Attagirl!

Have fun.

There's nothing like stepping
out of your comfort zone.

[♪♪]

Whoa.

Look at you.

Look at you.

[♪♪]

Your steed awaits.

Got it.

Now remember
what I taught you, right?

Yep.

Okay.

[clicking]

[♪♪]

You ready?

I was born ready.

[chuckling]

[click]

[engine starts]

[engine purrs]

By golly,
I think she's got it!

♪ well, I know
it's close to christmas ♪

♪ but I need
to change your mind ♪

♪ 'cause I know
I've been a trouble-maker ♪

♪ I wanna make things right ♪

♪ well, I misbehaved in April ♪

♪ and I broke a heart in may ♪

♪ September wasn't
all that good ♪

♪ but I hope I'm not too late ♪

♪ I try-ai-ai-ai-ai ♪

♪ and I try-ai-ai-ai-ai ♪

♪ to be good ♪

♪ try to be good
try to be good ♪

♪ I try to be good ♪

[exhales deeply]

This is really beautiful,
isn't it?

Relaxing, isn't it?

Let's go.

[hank groans playfully]

You have sure been
a pile of energy

These past few days.

I can barely keep up.

Ah, I figure
life is meant to be lived

And motorcycles
are meant to be driven.

Now, I just figured out

What's wrong
with that last scene.

It just doesn't drive home
the message of the play.

You know
what might make it pop?

-What?
-An alien.

Oh, bah!

So, I've been playing with
this new monologue.

Oh, let's hear it.

No, no.
It's not quite there yet.

Well, maybe I could help you.

You already have.
Plenty.

You'll hear it soon enough.

Does that mean you'll
perform it at rehearsal today?

Oh, absolutely not.
No, I don't perform anymore.

Why not?

I used to be an actor
when I was in college,

But I was never satisfied
with anything that I did.

I always felt
that I could do it better.

You're a perfectionist.

I've heard about
people like you.

That's what
kristen always says.

Yeah?

Well, okay, I admit it.

Or at least I try to be.

Well, that explains a lot.

You're afraid to try new things

Because you worry

That you won't be able
to perfect them,

So it's easier

To stick to the things
that you've mastered.

Am I right?

[♪♪]

No?

[laughing]

Ah!

[♪♪]

You know what?
I just believe

That if there's nothing wrong,

Why change it?

True, but...

The only problem with that

Is that you cheat yourself
out of so many new things--

New opportunities,

New... Relationships,

New feelings.

Y... You cheat yourself
out of yourself.

There's more to you, molly,
than what you've already done.

More than your...

"traditions".

And what about you?

What?

What have you
cheated yourself out of?

Grumpy elf.

Come on.
It's getting late.

[♪♪]

I'll see you
at rehearsals tomorrow.

Yeah.

Mom. Come on, it's time
to put the star on.

Hank, would you like
to join us?

Well--

[cuts her off]
I would love to.

[♪♪]

-I have a surprise!
-What's that?

I made you a stocking!

[laughing] oh!

Well, thank you.
That is so sweet.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

All right.
Hot chocolate all around.

[hank] yes!

Mm.

Hey, uh, I don't want
to get too formal,

Or-or be too maudlin
here, folks,

But can I--
can I say something?

Uh, sure.

Um...

It's been a long time since
I celebrated the holidays,

And I was a bit like
the old elf in the play--

-[chuckling]
-...And I, uh...

I guess I just lost
the christmas spirit.

[exhales deeply]

But you, molly, um...

...I've never met anyone
who spreads as much joy as you.

And I want to thank you
for helping me remember

What christmas magic feels like.

Thank you.

[clack]

[♪♪]

Well...

Cheers.

[quietly] I like him.

Even though
he's a bad influence?

I like him
because he's a bad influence.

[sighing] oh...
-[laughs]

You like him, too.

Well, there is something
about him.

Is it the motorcycle?

Ohh...

[inhales sharply]

It's so sexy!

[laughing]

Selfies. Come on.
Get in here. Get closer.

Oh, you're not in it.

Let me take it. Let me take it.
Let me take it.

-Okay. You ready?
-All right.

Three, two-- say "cheese"!

Cheese!

That's cute.

-Gorgeous.
-Thank you!

[laughs]

Not you, hank--
the tree.

Oh, of course. Right.

I guess it looks all right.

The only thing missing
is dad's star.

[gasps]

-Hank?
-Mm?

Over there, on the table.
Can you get it?

-It's in a box.
-My dad made it

For my first christmas.

He took ages to make that.

And we put it on the tree
three days before christmas,

Every year, right?

-Mm-hmm.
-And you kept that tradition?

[molly] yes.

-Oh!
-[crashing and shattering]

Oh...

[♪♪]

[shaken] I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry. I...

[molly] it was--
it was an accident, hank.

No. I know, but I'm just--

It's okay.

[♪♪]

I had a really good time
tonight...

[chuckles]

...Minus the whole
dropping-of-the-star thing.

I'm really sorry about that.

Tonight was fun.

Even if you did
cheat at charades.

I did not cheat.

I'm just really good
at reading people.

-Really?
-Yeah.

And you must be a good book

'cause I can't stop
checking you out.

-[stifles laughter]
-[like a rimshot] ba-dum-ba!

How did you ever
become the town playboy,

With lines like that?

Who said I'm a playboy?

-Everyone.
-Really?

-Mm-hmm.
-Oh...

I guess, if you define playboy

As someone who likes
to have fun,

Then I guess I am.

'cause we're having fun,
aren't we?

Yeah, we are.

Yeah?

[phone rings]

Goodnight, molly.

[ringing]

Goodnight, hank.

Who the heck is hank?

Oh, don't get all giddy.

He's just... A friend.

I'm not the one who's giddy.

And glowing! And blushing!

Molly!

What?
-Tell me more

About this hank-a-hank
of burnin' love.

Is it serious?

No. We live in
different states, remember?

You're making excuses.

You're right, cass.

I should sell the house,
marry hank,

And live happily ever after.

What?

Um, cass, I gotta go.

It's a joke.

Cass wants me to...

She thinks I should
sell the house

And "live a little".

Ah, but don't worry, honey--
I told her no.

Why?

Because I'm not ready!

Not ready for what?

Mom, I know
you're not one to let go...

What's that supposed to mean?

Well, you hold on to things...

And people.

Like... Dad, like me.

You?

Well, I'm your mom,
I'm supposed to hold onto you.

Mom, I love you so much,
but I am not like you.

Yeah, I know that.

Well, then let me be
who you raised me to be--

Independent and fearless
and a little off the wall.

Hmm.

You gotta... Let go of me.

Let go of dad,

And grab on to your own life.

But you are my life.

You and dad.

Okay, well, you can let us go
and keep us in your heart.

Make room for... New people

And new experiences.

[chuckles] okay.

Well, when you are ready
to light that fire again,

I will be here
to help you strike the match.

[♪♪]

Goodnight.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

It's tomorrow night, everyone!

Let's focus!

It's too tight!

It's too tight.

Maybe you shouldn't
take the name

"christmas cookies"
so literally.

Oh!

Please, you put eggnog
on your cereal!

Yeah, my doctor said
I needed more protein.

Where is hank?

Eggnog is not the same
as egg whites!

-Oh!
-I'm sorry I'm late!

Sorry I'm late--
I had this thing

I needed to do.

This is our last rehearsal.
There's no time for "things".

[tree crashes]

[ornaments shatter]

Oh, great,
something else is broken.

I got it.

Okay! Everyone!
Uh, first positions. Come on.

You... Were... Amazing!

I just want
to thank you all for--

For all your hard work.

Directing this has been

One of the most wonderful
experiences in my life,

And, oh, thank you!

Thank you
for giving me this chance.

So, uh...

Everyone, rest up!
Big night!

-Whoo!
-Okay?

[applauding and cheering]

Good job, guys.
Good job.

It was amazing!
Amazing! Ohh.

You did it, you did it.
You pulled it off great.

Thanks so much.

Hey, hank--

[♪♪]

I'm gonna have
santa's sleigh here...

Yeah, just around there,
that should be good.

Molly?

Molly, we have a problem.

I know--
the last monologue.

I'm still working on it.

No, no, no, no, n-not that. No.

We've sold enough tickets

To cover the cost
of the new set pieces,

But now we have to cover
repairs on the roof,

And I-I--

And even if we sell out,
there's not enough.

So what are we gonna do?

I don't-- we're gonna
have to cut arts programs

And re-allocate funds.

There must be a better way.

[sighing]

I'll think of something,
I promise.

Here.

-You go back and rest.
-Yeah.

I'm a little run-down.

Ohh...

I'm so glad to have
somebody like you around

To pick up the slack.

I'll see you tomorrow?

See you tomorrow.

[hank] yeah, I like this one.
It's much better.

That's quite a look.

[chuckles]
it is, right?

I, uh, I wasn't sure about
the tights at first, but...

I got some really nice legs.

Well, the pointy shoes
help, too.

Yeah.

-How are you feeling?
-I'm nervous,

But, uh... I feel good,
I'm ready.

No, I mean, um...

I'm really sorry
about your ornament.

Hank, you already apologized.

I know, but...

I know how it feels
to lose someone you love.

You wanna hold on
to every piece of them--

No pun intended--

And I could tell

That that star meant
a lot to you.

My daughter helped me realize
that, uh...

You can let things go

And still hold them
close to your heart.

She's right.

It also occurred to me

That maybe, sometimes,
you have to...

Smash something
into a hundred pieces

Before you can

Piece it back together
into something new...

...Someone new.

That's very poetic.

Thank you.

Can you come over tonight?

Last-minute rehearsals?

No.

I'm working on a story,

And I just need some help
with the ending.

Is this for
the class you're teaching?

No. This is, um,
something personal.

Are you always this mysterious?

Maybe.

7:00?

Seven.

-[laughing]
-[clink]

So what was that story
you wanted to tell me about?

-Uh...
-Hmm?

Once upon a time,

There was
this very charming, handsome,

Talented man--

Ha. It's a fiction, right?

...And all he wanted...
-[laughing]

...Was a box of taffy--
a box of taffy!

But some beautiful little elf
stole it from him.

I did not steal!

And she didn't stop there.

Oh, no, she didn't!

She then stole his time,

By convincing him
to be in her christmas play.

Oh-- [laughs]

Next, she stole
his motorcycle.

No, no, no.
You lent that to me.

She even stole
his grinchiness...

-Ohh...
-...When she invited him

Over to her house
to decorate a christmas tree.

Mm.

Ah, but there's one thing
she didn't have to steal...

His heart...

Because he gave it to her.

I've been all over this world,
molly foreman,

But there's no place
that makes me feel like I do

When I'm with you.

You're a dream come true.

And I thought it was time

That someone
made your dreams come true.

Let's go outside.

There's something
I want to show you.

Come on.

[♪♪]

Hank...

Greg always promised
he'd take me to the pyramids

When we retired...

I'll take you.

Stay here. Don't leave.

We can go to egypt.
We can go anywhere.

I thought
we were "just having fun".

We are.

So why stop?

I'm ready
for the next chapter, molly.

Are you?

I can't.

Please, just think about it.
Please?

I'm sorry, hank.

I've got to go.

[♪♪]

Are you waiting up
for me again?

No.

I must have fallen asleep.

I was... Researching
how to sell things online.

Mm. Selling what?

Taffy.

Oh. Right.

Try it.

I think
I've finally figured it out.

Mm!

It's delicious.

I know.

It tastes like, um...

[munching]

...A gingerbread house.

[chuckles proudly]

And I have eggnog ones
and candy cane,

And even burnt marshmallow.

A christmas taffy?
This is brilliant.

[chuckles]

Well, tofino likes it,
so that's the important thing.

I don't even know what to say.
I'm shocked!

No, no, honey, I didn't--

I really didn't mean that.
I just--

Look, I know that you think
I'm a bit of a mess.

But I try.

It's just really hard
living up to you sometimes.

Can I tell you
a little secret?

When I was younger,

I felt like
I did everything wrong,

And I was-- I was sure

That you were gonna
end up damaged for life.

[laughs]

I had to teach myself
how to be a mom in my own way.

And not emulate my mom
or my friends

Or those perfect tv moms.

I wasn't my mom.

And you're not me.
I wouldn't want you to be.

Well, that's the last thing
I expected

To come out of your mouth.

Oh, no. I'm sorry.

I go on.

It must drive you crazy--

I'm always telling you
how to do things and what to do.

You don't need to agree
quite so quickly.

[both laughing]

I...

[inhales deeply]

...I guess I've been

Trying to use your life
to fill up my own life.

And I'm sorry.

But you, you have

The most beautiful,
unique spark, kristen...

...And I don't ever
want to dim it.

You have your own spark,
too, mom.

You just have to use it.

It's time.

Hank wants me to stay here...

...And travel
around the world with him.

And start a new chapter
together.

Well?

I can't.

-Because of dad?
-[chokes up] mm-hmm.

Do you remember
a few years ago,

Tofino told you

That she didn't want to have
a little brother or sister,

Because she was worried

That steve and I
wouldn't love her as much?

What did you tell her?

That the heart grows

To hold all the love
that you put in it.

You don't have
to stop loving dad

In order to love hank.

Mom, your heart is so big...
It can handle it.

You just have to open it up
to let the love flow in...

And out.

How did you ever get
to be so wise?

Well, I have my moments.

And I had
a pretty good teacher.

[♪♪]

[sighs]

[♪♪]

[birds chirping]

[♪♪]

-[knock-knock]
-come in.

-Hi!
-Hi.

It's the big day.
Are you ready?

I feel good about the show,

But I'm worried
it's not gonna be enough.

I thought it was sold out?

It is, but bunny just told me

That the estimate
for the repairs

Exceeds what we can make,

Even with a sold-out show.

The problem is, the venue just
doesn't hold enough people.

[inhales sharply] oh...

What?

Nothing!
You just focus on the show.

I have a feeling
everything's gonna work out.

[sighs]

[muttering his lines]
so-- so many nights...

[sighs nervously]
so many nights.

So many nights of...
[continues indistinctly]

Hi there.

Hi.

-I'm sorry about last night--
-no, no, no!

No, I'm the one that's sorry.

You offered me a dream

And I was too afraid
to make it real.

I had a wonderful life
with greg...

But my life isn't over yet.

You make me feel like
I could do anything,

And for the first time
in a long time...

The future looks
full of possibilities.

I don't have to stop loving him
to love you.

-Kristen made me realize that--
-no, j--

Did you just say
you love me?

I... Guess I did.

I love you, too.

[♪♪]

Mom-- [gasps]

Uh, sorry.

Uh, I found a way to help us
pay for the roof repairs.

I sold more tickets.

Kristen, we don't
have enough seats

To accommodate more people--
we're sold out!

I know.

That's why
I started a livestream.

Steve and tofino are already
setting up the camera.

You sold tickets
to a live stream?

Yeah. To the tune of $2,000!

Holy smokes.

I'm also gonna give a free
sample of my christmas taffy

To the whole audience.

"christmas taffy"?

Oh! I mean,
they're gonna love it.

You're gonna have
customers lining up.

I know.

Oh, you're brilliant!

[laughing]

Well, you've cleaned up
enough of my messes.

It was nice
to help you out for once.

How did I ever get lucky enough
to have you?

What about me?

And you, too.

Thank you.

We have an emergency!

Bunny lost her voice.

I'm okay.

[coughs]

[raspily]
I just need some honey.

[hacks and coughs]

She can't go on like this.

No.

Well, what are we going to do?

You're gonna have
to go on in her place.

Oh, no, no, no. I can't.

You're the only one
who knows all the lines.

Plus... The new monologue.

-Mm-hmm.
-Yeah.

[words catch]

I haven't been on the stage
in years!

[kristen]
then it's time for a comeback.

No, I'm more of

A behind-the-scenes
kind of person.

Oh...

[♪♪]

I don't have a costume.

Oh, I'm sure that
we could figure something out.

-Oh, yeah! Yeah.
-No problem.

[♪♪]

I'm not a star.

I can't do this.

[applause]

[festive intro plays]

[♪♪]

[elves]
♪ jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ in a one-horse
open sleigh ♪

-I'm elf 1--
-and I'm elf 2.

...And we are here
to bring joy to you.

Full of joy,
like elves should be--

...And christmas spirit,
head to knee.

We dance and play
all day long...

...And sing
our happy christmas song.

Time to show them
what we got--

Don't worry,
we won't give up our day job.

[laughing]

[gruffly] out of my way!

What's wrong with him?

Didn't you hear?

He lost his christmas spirit.

[elves gasping]

♪ oh, what fun it is ♪

♪ to ride in
a one-horse open sleigh, hey! ♪

[applauding]

[sighs bitterly]

[snowman] hey.

Hey!

If you want to get
your christmas spirit back...

You have to find
the christmas star

And make a wish.

But how do I find
this "christmas star"?

You have to look for her

In just the right place
at just the right time.

But how would I know?

Come with me.

I know someone who could help.

[light and jolly theme plays]

[♪♪]

Are you lost?

Yes. I am.

[reindeer] we can help you
find your way.

Can these guys come with?

[apprehensively] sure.

Just don't ask
the elves to sing?

[elves] hey!

[laughing]

[uplifting theme plays]

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

Every snowflake is unique--

That's what makes us
so wonderful!

What does that
have to do with me?

What makes you wonderful

Is that there's a special star
waiting just for you.

And if I find her...

I'll get
my christmas spirit back?

[giggles] yes!

You just have to believe.

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

So many nights,
I've searched the sky...

Looking for
that special star.

She's remained hidden from me.

And I've wished...
And I've waited...

Night after night
after night,

For someone to light my way,

For someone to make me
believe again.

She's not here.

And I fear

That she never will come.

[music swells]

[molly] I'm here.

I've searched across the land
for you.

Why have you been hiding?

I haven't been hiding.

The sky was just too dark
for you to see me.

For years, my light has dimmed
from fear and doubt.

When people don't believe,

When they forget

How joyful and beautiful
the world can be,

When they let the cold of winter
chill their hearts...

...That's when my glow
begins to dim.

But then, you came
searching for me.

You sent your wishes up
into the night,

And your love and faith

Gave me the spark
to light up again.

Now everyone can see me.

It's time.

Time for what?

Time for us to shine.

[audience applauding]

[cast] ♪ we wish you
a merry christmas ♪

♪ we wish you
a merry christmas ♪

♪ we wish you ♪

♪ a merry christmas ♪

♪ and a happy new year ♪

♪ we wish you
a merry christmas ♪

♪ we wish
you a merry christmas ♪

♪ we wish you
a merry christmas ♪

[grandly]
♪ and a happy new ye-e-ear ♪

Merry christmas to all

And to all
a good life!

[applauding and cheering]

I told you, you're a star.

[applause continues]

[cheering erupts]

It's okay.

[cheering and applauding]

Now, this is way
christmas was meant to be.

Exactly!

Have you heard from cass?

Three offers already--
all over the asking price.

That's awesome.

Gammy, I wanna travel
the world with you.

Well...
We'll bring back presents

From everywhere
that we stop, okay?

Cool.

Speaking of presents...

Molly?

This is for you.

[♪♪]

How did you do this?

When you talked about

Taking old pieces
and making something new,

You just gave me an idea,
so, I, uh...

I asked kristen
for the pieces of the star...

[chuckling]

There you go.

Like it?

It's perfect.

[relieved chuckle]

Whew!

Kristen, would you
do us the honors?

Yes!

[♪♪]

[cheering]

Merry christmas, my loves.

-Merry christmas!
-Mm!

Oh... Mm.

[♪♪]

Merry christmas, molly.

Merry christmas, hank.

[♪♪]

[laughing]

[♪♪]