A Gingerbread Romance (2018) Movie Script

This program is rated G

and is suitable for

general audiences.

Come on, Taylor,

we're almost done packing.

Taylor?

It's time to go.

Mom, what if Santa

doesn't find us this time?

Remember what I told you

before our last move?

Wherever you hang your stocking

is where Santa will find you.

And he did, didn't he?

Let's see today's creation.

Sweetheart,

I think it's your best yet.

Hey, gang...

The airport limo's here.

So...

Ready for our next adventure?

You bet!

Hi.

Hey, stranger!

Merry Christmas.

How was Tucson?

Or was it Seattle?

I'm sorry, Taylor,

I can't keep

all your travels straight.

It was L.A. this time...

I think.

So you in town for Christmas?

You've got to come by.

I'm not sure yet,

but I should know soon.

Thanks, Wendy.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Hi, Mom!

Taylor, sweetheart,

I hope it's not too late,

but I wanted to catch you

before we went to breakfast.

Oh, don't worry,

I just got home.

Hi, honey.

Merry Christmas!

Hi, Dad!

Merry Christmas to you.

So how's Christmas in Singapore?

Hot and humid.

Now that you've seen

my Christmas sweater,

I'm taking it off.

So how did things go in L.A.?

Two sunny months,

and the new condo complex

is almost built...

And I see you got

the advent calendar I sent.

But is that tomorrow's chocolate

you're eating today?

Isn't it only December 9th

for you there?

Hey, it's tomorrow

in Singapore, right?

This one's for you.

Any chance you can join us

here this Christmas?

Well, I'd love to,

but I may be packing

the moving boxes again.

I'm meeting my boss tomorrow

to talk about

my next assignment.

Well, honey,

if you're not coming here

for Christmas,

what will you do?

Well, Wendy,

she's inviting me over.

I can hang my stocking there.

Okay?

Give Dad a big hug for me.

I will. Love you.

Love you, too.

And I'll let you know

what my boss says tomorrow.

- Taylor!

- Hey, Josephine!

Nice to see you!

Welcome back.

I'd say welcome home,

but you spend more time away

than here.

Well, I might be

on the road again.

I'm supposed to talk

to Linda right now.

How do I look?

Very Merry.

Good luck.

Thanks.

Yeah, we're excited, too,

and we promise

not to disappoint.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Goodbye.

Wow, the Mayor?

What was that about?

Actually,

it was partly about you.

Me?

Taylor,

you've got a great eye...

your work

is always cutting-edge,

and your projects always come in

on time and under-budget...

Thank you...

And that's why the board

is considering you

to head up our new Paris office.

Wow, that would be terrific.

We'll see what happens.

But in the meantime,

there's this project

I need your help on.

I'm totally open and excited.

What's the project?

Okay, so you know

that we submitted a proposal

for the new downtown

re-development project...

Yes, but I thought Crestford

had a lock on City Hall.

According to the Mayor,

we're currently his top choice.

Great!

In the meantime,

we need to do

everything that we can

to up our public profile.

How can I help?

Well, the city's

Christmas Festival is coming up,

and they're doing

a gingerbread house competition

to raise money for charity

this year.

We've got a spot

in the contest...

and I need you

to represent our firm

as our designer!

You want me...

to design a gingerbread house?

As in gumdrops and candycanes?

A life-sized one,

and we're talking big.

Linda, I'm an architect,

not a baker.

And that's why I've already

found you expert help.

Have you ever heard

of Annabelle Renard?

Uh... yes.

Doesn't she have

a fancy restaurant downtown?

She happens to be

best pastry chef in the city.

She's agreed to meet with you

to discuss teaming up.

Taylor, this is important.

What do you say?

You had me at gumdrops.

I'm in.

You're kidding me?

A gingerbread house?

I know.

I thought I was getting Europe,

but it turns out

I'm getting the North Pole...

But Linda wants me to do it,

and it might convince the board

to give me the Paris job.

Hang on, where are you going?

The office Christmas party

starts in an hour.

Oh, well, I am meeting a baker

they've paired me up with.

The competition starts

the day after tomorrow,

which means I should

have started yesterday!

Okay.

Sounds like a plan.

I'll talk to you soon.

Taylor Scott!

Bradford?

What brings you here?

Crestford just moved

our offices here.

We've got

the top two floors now.

Oh.

So, I hear that you and I

are going to be going

head to head...

Or should I say

gingerbread to gingerbread?

So you're doing

the competition, too?

Yeah. What is it

about Crestford and Ogilvy?

They're always so competitive.

I don't know.

Try asking

your Crestford colleagues...

since they stole you away.

Well, in one sense,

you've already won this one.

Snagging Annabelle Renard,

I hear, as your partner?

That was a lucky grab,

beat me to it.

Thanks.

Well, I'm actually late

meeting her now,

so I'll see you around.

See you on the battlefield.

Please, the marzipan first,

then the piping.

Get me the meringue

in the kitchen.

Excuse me, Annabelle?

Taylor Scott.

Nice to meet you.

Wow, that looks amazing.

This? No.

This is a disaster,

but I'll fix it.

So tell me about

this gingerbread competition.

Oh, I would be honored

to work on it with you.

Yes, well,

I do owe Linda a favor.

But how much experience

do you have in the kitchen?

Um... actually, none.

In fact, I'm pretty hopeless.

Ah?

But I have designed

condos in Hong Kong,

office parks in Seattle.

I've led teams

of draftspeople and engineers.

So don't worry,

I know how to take charge.

Every ship needs a captain

and I am ready to lead!

So you would be in charge, huh?

Oh, absolutely!

Well, I see.

Very impressive.

I just need to get in touch

with Linda first.

Okay! Merci.

Merci à vous.

Okay.

Adam, let's hurry.

We have three more orders

to drop off.

You can't rush art, Ray.

Just move it along, Rembrandt.

So it went okay with Annabelle?

I've seen her on TV before

and she seems pretty tough.

I mean, obviously,

she's a perfectionist, too.

We're a great match.

Annabelle Renard...

wow.

Yes, sweetheart.

Just a few more deliveries

and Daddy will be home.

You know, I think building

a gingerbread house

actually might be fun.

Ooh, I love it.

Not your typical

gingerbread house.

Thanks.

Ogilvy Associates?

Ooh, yes.

This must be the cake

for our Christmas party!

It's beautiful...

Thanks.

You just smudged green icing

all over my plans.

Sorry. Can't you just

re-print your plans?

Can you just

re-print your cake?

Sadly not.

Excuse me.

I have your Santa cupcakes

in the van...

- Unbelievable.

Alright, folks, here they are!

We have to put the hooks on them

before we can put them

on the tree. Okay?

But they are good to eat.

Hey!

Every year,

we have this argument,

the gingerbread

are for decorating, not eating!

You can't blame us

for liking them,

they're too yummy.

Just more proof your talents

are going to waste at Ray's.

Not all that again.

All what, Daddy?

Your baking is always the best.

Be right back!

The kid's right, Adam...

You're an artist in the kitchen,

but at Ray's,

you paint by numbers.

It's high time

you opened your own bakery.

Thanks, but that's Ray,

and I've got a few thousand

cookies to bake.

This project may not have been

my first choice,

but I intend to make

the best out of it.

Oh, that's Linda right now.

Hi, Linda.

Yeah. I'm out doing

some Christmas shopping.

What's up?

My blood pressure

if you must know.

Why? What's wrong?

Oh, nothing much.

Just that Crestford

poached our talent again.

They got Annabelle.

What?

How?

She seemed so excited.

Well, apparently,

she was even more excited

when Crestford offered her

top billing in the competition

and to use her house

in an ad campaign.

But she can't!

Well, I suppose she can,

but where does that leave us?

Chef-less.

Any ideas?

No...

but you know what, don't worry.

I'll figure out something.

Taylor, what happened?

Annabelle dropped me.

The competition starts

in 24 hours,

I need to find

another baker, fast!

Look, I totally understand

it's a busy time of the year

for bakers,

but it's for a good cause...

and a giant gingerbread house.

I mean, come on,

doesn't that sound like fun?

Of course.

I'm sorry to bother you.

Merry Christmas!

Hello?

Le Gateau?

Hi, yes.

This is Taylor Scott again.

I was wondering

if you'd reconsidered...

Hello...

Hello?

Any leads?

Come on, Santa,

can't you grant me

an early wish this year?

Any luck?

Not yet,

and I've already called

half the bakeries in town.

They're either not interested

or they've already teamed up.

So what will you do?

Josephine...

what bakery did you use

for the Christmas party?

Ray's Bakery. Why?

'Cause desperate times

call for desperate

measuring cups.

Did you just make

a baking joke?

Be out in a minute.

Yes. How can I help you?

Uh-oh... it's you.

Brooke?

Hide the cakes!

Look...

I know we got off

on the wrong foot the other day.

That's putting it mildly.

Daddy, you told me

to always be nice to customers.

Hi, I'm Brooke.

Welcome to Ray's.

Nice to meet you, Brooke.

I'm Taylor.

How can I help you?

Are you Ray?

I'm Adam.

I work for Ray.

He's not here.

But you did make that amazing

Christmas tree cake, right?

Yeah, that's all me.

And, obviously, you have

a lot of experience with baking.

Cookies, icing, decorating?

My Dad can make anything.

Ever make a gingerbread house?

Dad made a whole

gingerbread village one year!

And what about

a giant gingerbread house?

Big enough to stand in.

Could you make one of those?

I'm not sure I understand.

Look, I'm an architect,

and I am representing my firm

in the city's giant

gingerbread house competition.

Seeing that it needs to be

80% edible,

I need a baker to team up with,

and I'm thinking

that should be you.

I'm flattered,

but I don't have

a lot of spare time.

But, Dad, it sounds so fun!

Don't you have homework to do?

That table right there

has got your name on it.

Keep your paws off

the Christmas cupcakes.

I've got eyes

in the back of my head.

Look, you have a gift.

That cake was amazing

and, obviously,

you are a great pastry chef.

I'm just a baker.

Just a baker could not make

that amazing

Christmas tree cake.

They're just a passion project

my boss lets me do now and then.

It doesn't really fit

our clientele.

I'm here to crank out

the donuts and the muffins,

and speaking of which...

I'll be with you folks

in just a second.

But you have to do it!

There'll be prestige,

Christmas spirit,

something for your free time!

"Free time,"

that's something I don't have.

But I'll be in

a terrible situation

if you say no!

Are you trying to guilt me?

I don't know.

Is it working?

To guilt someone,

you have to know them,

and, well, we don't...

Fine, I'm a Sagittarius

and I love Peppermint Bark.

Still no.

Mrs. Masy,

cherry danish as usual?

But it would be great exposure.

I mean,

everyone around the world

would see your talents!

I have a line.

Excuse me.

Here.

In case you change your mind.

Nice to meet you, Brooke.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

You've been twirling

that card around all evening,

and Brooke can't stop talking

about the gingerbread

competition.

I can't.

I've got a job,

I've got responsibilities and...

Ray's sons are in town

to help him,

and you do have weeks

of unused vacation.

But I don't know...

Adam, don't you want Brooke

to see you do something

that makes you happy?

This is Taylor.

Hey. It's Adam.

The Christmas tree cake guy?

Oh, that Adam.

How could I forget?

I'm calling about your offer.

Look, I'm...

Hello? Are you still there?

As difficult as it was

for you to ask...

it's just as difficult

for me to...

Accept my offer?

Yes. That.

So you'll do it?

Yes.

Great!

Well, in that case,

we'll start tomorrow.

Sounds good.

Oh, they've got pies.

Want to go look?

Come on,

let's go look at the pies.

Ooh, those pies smell good.

Merry Christmas.

Look.

Ice sculptures!

Oh, look, there's Taylor.

Hey.

Hi.

You got that sign up quick.

Our design team's

pretty on the ball.

Daddy, why isn't

your name on it?

It's fine, honey.

But, Dad,

you need the bubble-icity.

"Bubble-icity"?

Oh! Publicity!

Right. Publicity!

To help when he opens

his own bakery!

Seriously?

My daughter has

a big imagination,

but I already have a job.

Ladies and gentleman,

boys and girls.

May I have

your attention, please?

As your Mayor,

I am thrilled to welcome you

to our Christmas Festival

and our first-ever

Giant Gingerbread competition.

This year, we have...

Friends of yours?

More like a former colleague.

Bradford used to work

at the firm.

You can say we have

a friendly rivalry going on.

And Annabelle Renard...

She's the best pastry chef

in the state.

Okay, truth is,

she and I were talking about

working together on this.

Looks like your colleague

over there

made a more convincing

sales pitch.

Now, each team has 10 days

to build their masterpiece,

for final judging

on December 23rd...

So, without further ado...

let the Giant Gingerbread

Competition begin!

Looks like we've got

our work cut out for us.

That you do.

Linda, this is Adam, our baker.

Nice to meet you.

Likewise.

We're counting on you.

So think cutting-edge,

and be bold with your designs.

And we can win this.

But no pressure, right?

Tell me about it...

Okay. Let's get started.

Come on.

Brooke, let's go find

Aunt Jenny first.

What is that?

Plans for

our gingerbread house.

What?

I assumed the design

is something

we'd come up with together.

Well, I am

a professional architect.

I think I know what I'm doing.

Really?

Because that house doesn't look

very Christmassy?

Not Christmassy?

Well, what is

that supposed to mean?

Well, it's so modern.

It looks like

a 21st-century

gingerbread condo!

Well, you heard my boss...

It needs to be sophisticated,

cutting-edge.

Christmas isn't about

cutting-edge,

Christmas is about warmth

and tradition...

And thank you for your input,

but I think there's been

a little misunderstanding.

In a construction project,

an architect oversees

all creative choices.

And in a baking project,

typically, the head chef

is in charge...

Of building materials.

Look, all day long,

I'm stuck making

blueberry muffins, okay?

My fingers are stained blue!

This is my chance to get out

and do something artistic

for the week.

Okay, how about you

stay out of design decisions,

and help with

building materials?

I need to be involved

with the design decisions,

so I can advise

on which gingerbread to use

for the building material!

How about we agree to disagree?

But at least get started

in the meantime?

Are you always this stubborn?

I was going to say

the same of you!

Fine.

Well, we'd better head back.

We've got to start baking.

First step is coming up

with a gingerbread

dense enough not to crumble,

and that's gonna take

some experimentation...

Great idea.

Let's go.

"Let's"?

Didn't you just agree

to be my baking assistant?

Wow, that's a huge,

colossal Christmas tree...

Actually, we got the small one

this year.

What kind of Christmas Tree

do you have, Taylor?

Actually,

I don't usually have one.

You see, I travel a lot,

and they don't fit too well

in a carry-on luggage.

But everyone should have

a Christmas Tree!

Brooke, did you make that?

That's beautiful!

It's a school project.

I'm supposed to be making

a Christmas diorama,

but I'm kinda stuck

on making the trees...

Do you want a little hint?

You can make great tree trunks

by wrapping sandwich twists

in parchment paper.

I made a lot of models

when I was

in architecture school.

Thanks!

Oh, sous-chef!

You're needed.

I think that means me.

And I have a hint, too!

When you cook with my Dad,

wear an apron

'cause a lot of things splash.

Wish me luck.

Okay, I am ready to help.

Thank you.

Gingerbread batch number one

is in the oven already.

I had a leftover batch of dough.

It just needs two more minutes.

Each batch cooks six minutes.

Your job

is to keep track of time.

Great, I'm doing the job

of an egg timer.

Gingerbread batch number two,

I made with margarine,

instead of butter.

And for our third experiment,

I'm substituting corn syrup

for molasses.

This keeps the pasty

from puffing out,

and maintains its shape.

These are all variations

on my Mom's gingerbread recipe.

Hers used lots of butter...

Little trick they don't teach

you in culinary school...

butter improves the taste

of everything.

But no one will taste it.

You should be concerned

with durability.

I've never compromised on taste

and I'm not about to start now.

And you went

to culinary school?

Long story.

Keep stirring.

You do know

they have powdered ginger?

Creativity and inspiration

can't be rushed, okay?

Rome wasn't built in a day...

And our gingerbread house

won't be either.

Clearly not if you're involved.

Wouldn't working with a recipe

be more efficient?

I like to take my time,

let my creativity flow.

Sounds risky.

Maybe,

but for every fallen soufflé,

there's a perfect

profiterole tower...

You know, I'm really glad

you're not an architect,

because that approach

would not pass inspection.

Now, remember,

we don't want bricks.

We need thin rectangles

of gingerbread.

Why so thin?

Well, remember my design?

It calls for thin pieces

of gingerbread.

I need for my design

to be ultra sleek and modern.

But that'll make it

more likely to crack.

Maybe use less butter?

And compromise

taste and texture?

What do you say

we stop the backseat baking?

Remember our deal?

In the kitchen, I'm in charge?

Yeah, but I'm the...

Do you smell smoke?

Okay, so our first

collaboration

could have gone slightly better.

Hey.

Morning.

I wasn't expecting to see you

here so early.

And why not?

Bakers always get up early.

Well, after yesterday's fiasco,

I wasn't sure...

I'd show up?

Well, I always finish

what I start.

Besides,

we've got a frame to build.

But first, coffee.

Thank you.

So you always make

your own coffee?

It's the most important tool

we've got.

And we've got a bunch

of sleepy volunteers

arriving this morning.

Mm.

Okay, I see your point.

Now let's finish the base.

And start shopping

for ingredients

if we want to start baking.

I assume you have

a shopping list?

Sure, I do.

Right up here.

No list?

Doesn't that seem

a little off-the-cuff?

I got a couple things

written down,

but you've got to leave room

for inspiration.

Inspiration sounds expensive.

I think I'll tag along, too.

Imported honey?

When did you get that?

I'm known for not skimping

when it comes to quality.

Well, I'm known

for coming in under budget.

So, did you pick up

all your fancy baking skills

at culinary school?

A few.

But I wasn't there long,

maybe six months.

I had to drop out.

I was too busy

raising Brooke on my own.

We lost Brooke's mother

a few years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

That must have been pretty hard.

It's been a challenge,

raising my baby on my own,

but baking is something

that always seems to put

a smile on her face.

So, where'd you get

your passion for architecture?

Seeing amazing buildings

all around the world

when I was growing up.

I was born in Philly

and lived mostly here

till I was 6.

My Mom's an international lawyer

and my Dad's a diplomat.

We moved every couple years.

That's a lot of moving.

Oh, no, I loved it.

I mean, some kids collect dolls,

I collected passport stamps.

And since I'm single

and love to travel,

the firm, these days,

sees me as the go-to-girl

for far-off projects.

And where do you go

for Christmas?

I usually visit my parents,

but this year,

they're in Singapore,

and I have a gingerbread house

to build here.

So you don't miss hosting

your own traditional Christmas?

Wherever I hang my stocking,

it's Christmas.

I mean, of course,

I'd love all that.

It's just

life turned out differently.

See, that I understand,

'cause I was gonna be

a world-famous pastry chef.

It's never too late.

Thanks.

Taylor, I thought that was you.

You know Annabelle, I believe?

Yes, we've met.

Annabelle Renard.

Gold medalist at last year's

European Pastry Panache

Competition.

Adam Dale...

voted best personality

in high school.

Oh.

Wait, you're...

You're the donut guy.

From Ray's... right here!

You make the best jelly donuts.

Yeah, that's me.

And that's just his day job.

Adam is a very talented

patissier...

Oh! How nice!

May the best team win.

"Talented patissier."

I like the sound of that.

Don't let it go to your head.

Let's hurry back.

We've got to meet

the volunteers.

Adam, this is David,

our new intern at the firm.

Nice to meet you.

You can lose the sportsjacket.

Yes, sir.

And this is my friend,

Josephine.

Hi!

Hi.

And this is my neighbor, Wendy.

Sorry I couldn't

draft my kids, Taylor,

but it's for the best,

'cause they would have just

devoured the gingerbread.

So, thanks

for volunteering, everyone.

We have a big week ahead of us,

so first, we put up the frame,

next, we bake,

then we cover the frame

with gingerbread,

and the final phase...

Decorating!

We can make this amazing!

If we stay on schedule, that is.

Was that comment

directed at me?

Well, I'm simply

reminding everyone

we are on a strict time limit...

Though we want everybody

to feel free

to follow their creativity...

As long as we meet

certain benchmarks

and construction timetables...

While making the most colorful

and delicious

gingerbread house we can.

Okay, do you remember

what we agreed on?

Staying on our own side

of the street?

Yes, but...

You're driving on my sidewalk.

So...

Shall we begin?

How did you do that?

Do what?

Give me what I needed

before I asked?

In the kitchen,

you get good at predicting

who needs what and when.

And you made a face?

And, obviously,

you still want our house

to have a traditional roof.

How do you know that?

'Cause you made a face.

So how did you get caught up

in this project anyway?

My boss asked me to do it.

Last month,

I was crafting a 10-story condo,

and this week,

I am in charge of gumdrops...

There's no shame in designing

a gingerbread house.

Well, I like a challenge.

Besides just working with you.

Very funny.

And I'm in charge of gumdrops,

by the way.

Why, thank you.

I'd say we made

pretty good progress today.

The frame's near done.

So, is it true

what Brooke said earlier?

Do you want to open

your own bakery?

Wanted to.

I tried a while back,

but no investors wanted to fund

a culinary school dropout.

Well if we win,

maybe you should reach out

to them again.

I'm doing this

for one reason only,

and that's to make Brooke happy.

Do you think that means

I lack ambition?

No, you're just guilty

of being a great dad.

Speaking of Brooke,

she wanted me

to give you something.

An invitation

for dinner tonight.

And if those instant noodle cups

you snuck in with the supplies

are what you're calling dinner,

you have no choice

but to accept our invitation.

Okay. Sure.

That was delicious.

Thank you both for inviting me.

Sp what's in the pizza anyway?

Just my special recipe.

Except you don't use recipes.

Pecorino cheese,

fennel sausage and truffle oil.

Hey, Honey!

Those are trade secrets.

I guess Taylor

is now in our circle of trust.

Well anyway,

that was delicious.

Seriously, the best dinner

I've had in months.

I'm going to work on

my diorama.

Do you want to help?

Sure.

Oh...

your Christmas diorama

is looking better and better!

You clearly have your Dad's gift

for decorating.

It just takes so long, though.

I need a herd of reindeer,

and each reindeer

takes forever to draw...

Well, it doesn't have to.

All you need is a template.

Just think of it

as a Christmas cookie-cutter,

but for art projects.

Here, let me show you...

Let's draw our reindeer...

Now...

all we need to do is cut it out.

There we go.

And...

we've got...

a master stencil...

to create...

all the reindeer we need.

Voila.

Wow!

Thanks, Taylor!

Well, like I said,

you have a great eye

for decorating.

So I propose we make you

"Chief Decorating Officer"

for the Gingerbread house.

That is, if that doesn't

step on anyone's toes?

I'd be more than happy

to share the glory.

Yes!

Thanks for the ride.

I had to.

You're the only adult

I know in Philly

who doesn't own a car.

Cute. She's a great kid.

Well, she certainly seems

to have taken a liking to you.

So, you even decorate

your truck for Christmas?

Our house is so decorated,

my truck got a little jealous.

That's your house?

The one on the end there?

You don't have

any decorations up.

Who's got the time?

No Christmas decorations?

You know, if one of

the gingerbread judges saw this,

we'd be disqualified

for lack of Christmas spirit!

No wonder you don't know

what a real gingerbread house

should look like!

Oh, please...

It should be colorful,

warm and inviting.

It should be decorated

to the hilt but with love.

It should make you think

of your Grandma's house.

Well, my grandmother lives

in a high-rise in Tampa.

Good night.

Hey...

the first item

in your Christmas

decoration kit...

This?

What can I say?

It's a start.

Okay, can you...

Take the last tray

out of the oven?

I'm on it...

Hot.

Can you pass me the...

Spatula? Here.

We need to wait

until these are nice and dry

so that...

The frosting adheres.

Hey, did you notice?

What?

The smell of nothing burning.

Amazing, right?

I'd say our second collaboration

is a teeny bit better

than our first.

That isn't saying much.

Well, well, well,

it looks like the elves

have taken over my kitchen.

Tired elves.

Taylor, meet my boss, Ray.

It's nice to meet you, Ray.

Thank you so much

for letting us use your kitchen.

No problem.

Adam, can I talk to you

for a minute?

That's quite a project

you two have going.

Hey, don't worry about it.

I can keep up

with the muffins and the bagels.

I know...

And I know I've got you

baking below your potential.

I like working here, okay?

You're a good boss.

You know,

I'd let you bake

the fancy stuff full-time,

but this is

an old family bakery.

I've had customers here

for the last 20 years...

And "Our customers

only want the basics."

Yeah, I know.

You read my mind.

Anyway, this week,

sky's the limit

and my kitchen's

at your command.

You know, I'd offer to help,

but it looks like you two

have the situation in hand.

Thanks again

for letting us bake here.

My pleasure.

Good luck.

Our gingerbread

needs five hours to cool,

so can I suggest a break?

- You busy?

- Why?

I've got to get

some stocking stuffers

for Brooke,

and since you're

a Philly native,

maybe it's time

you get re-acquainted

with how your home town

celebrates Christmas?

Okay.

Let's do it.

I can't believe

you're not cold.

It feels good

after being

near the ovens all day.

Is this really your first

Christmas in Philadelphia?

As an adult, yeah.

So you have no Christmas

memories here as a kid?

Well, it feels familiar,

but cloudy,

kind of like in a snowglobe...

I remember going shopping

at the Reading Market,

the neighborhoods with lights,

and yummy food, of course.

So you remember

the most important thing.

Yeah.

Ah, here's what I came for.

Can I get

some of your Bark, please?

Thanks.

I heard you like

Peppermint Bark?

And they are known for theirs.

Thanks.

Oh! That tiny train set...

will look great

in Brooke's Christmas diorama.

I'll take one of those.

Thank you.

She'll love it.

What about you?

You don't want anything

special for Christmas?

Well if you could believe it,

I wished for

an easy-bake oven one year.

Really?

Was it broken or...

Turns out

I didn't have much use for it.

Kind of like you and a cookbook?

Touché.

Oh...

I always wanted a chandelier

in my imaginary house.

"Imaginary house"?

When I was a kid,

I had a vision

of the perfect house.

I sketched it out

and everything.

I even drew a Santa

on top of the roof

'cause I was worried

that when we moved,

he wouldn't find us.

But my mom always said,

wherever we were,

if I hung my stocking,

Santa would find me.

And he always did.

What's that about?

Just checking on

my Christmas planning.

Let's get out of here.

It's getting a bit cold.

Okay.

Uh...

what is going on here?

Hi, Taylor.

I'm Jenny, Adam's little sister.

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Um, what are you guys

doing here?

Oh, just delivering Brooke

to her dad.

Nice Christmas tree...

What is everyone

smiling about?

Follow me, Taylor.

Ta-dah!

What in the world...

I told you,

your house needed decorating.

But...

And we had tons

of leftover decorations.

And the tree is for you!

You didn't have to.

Sure, we did.

Adam, can you please

help me get the tree off my car?

You have fun, kids.

I'm heading out

to a Christmas party.

It looks perfect right here.

Ready?

These are pretty.

Oh, yes, you do.

- Okay, and do you want one?

- Yes.

Okay, you're going to have

a good-looking tree.

All right...

I knew they were

down there somewhere.

Okay...

It's beautiful.

It's hand-blown crystal

from Prague.

My parents, they lived there

for two years.

They have an amazing

Christmas market

in the old town square,

with giant trees and vendors.

Just people and music,

and lots and lots of Christmas.

Dad, look at this one!

It's beautiful.

Go ahead, put it on the tree!

Thank you so much

for everything.

Oh, and Adam?

I wasn't entirely truthful

when I said I was missing

traditional Christmas at home,

'cause all of this...

It's pretty amazing.

Let's grab our coats, honey.

Careful, a sugarplum

dropped from that height

could put someone

in a sugar coma.

Good point.

I'll be careful.

Royal icing works like glue.

How come they call it

"Royal" icing?

Did a king invent it?

Not exactly,

but when the bakers were making

Queen Victoria's wedding cake,

they used icing

and confectioners' sugar.

That's when they found out

how strong this stuff really is.

All right, guys,

we've got to pick up the pace

so we can start decorating.

Hey, Taylor?

Never thought I'd be doing

something like this

back in architecture school.

Well, that makes two of us.

And just like

in architecture school,

we're still competing.

Well, may the best team win.

So, while the gingerbread panels

settle for the frame,

there's two things we need

before we start decorating.

What?

Inspiration...

and Brooke.

Amazing, huh?

The perfect neighborhood

to get ideas for decorations.

All these lights.

Well, what do you see

that you like?

Window boxes!

Oh! Me too!

So maybe we give

the gingerbread house

window boxes,

but with candycanes

instead of flowers?

And for lights,

we string together

colored lollipops!

You are a natural.

So, how about inside the house?

A gingerbread house

inside of a gingerbread house!

And a welcome mat.

"Home, Very Sweet Home."

Perfect.

So who does all this?

The people

that live on this street.

It's been going on years.

Every Christmas,

it's more and more spectacular.

Families move out,

new families move in,

but the tradition carries on.

How do you know all this?

He knows because

the house he grew up in

is just three blocks away.

Oh!

A fireplace would be great.

I've always wanted

a home with one...

A fireplace?

Well, how would we make flames

out of candy?

I'm not sure.

But we do need to make

a candy run

for more decorations,

so we will try and find out.

Red licorice

doesn't look like flames.

Maybe orange slices?

Getting warmer, though.

I've got it!

Glass candy can look like flames

for the fireplace!

That's brilliant.

With reds, yellow, orange...

Let's get a case of it.

Oh, and should get loads

of the gumdrops for decorating.

How can I help you?

We'll take

all the orange and red

glass candy you've got.

And can I get

some gumdrops, too.

Sure. How many would you like?

Maybe 5,000?

No, 10,000!

You sure about that,

young lady?

Yeah, she's sure.

She's the Chief Decorating

Officer after all.

Well, all right then.

Okay, guys,

you can start

bringing out the gingerbread.

Whoa, that's a lot of icing.

Well, we've got

a lot of gingerbread.

Good morning!

Just stopping by with treats

for this hard-working team.

And I just thought

I would check in

and see how things are going

with the project.

Excellent.

The gingerbread's baked

and will be up

by the end of the day.

Oh...

and ahead of the competition

from the looks of it.

Good work, Taylor.

Uh-oh.

Uh-oh?

It's cracking.

No!

That's what I worried about...

These thin sheets

of gingerbread are too fragile.

And I told you,

the thin sheets

are what work best

with my design, remember?

And remember when I told you

if it was too thin,

they could crack?

Well, it looks like

we've got a problem.

You better figure that out.

Because the clock is ticking

Not much time

until Christmas Eve.

But I know

you're up to the task.

I think we need to bake

the gingerbread thicker.

More like bricks.

Look, I know

you warned me about this,

but big bricks won't work

with my design.

Well, Taylor,

maybe your design

needs to change?

We have to build on

what we've done,

not start over from scratch.

You know, my sister has Brooke

for the whole day...

so we have some time.

My Mom always taught me

if you can't solve a problem,

you go and do something else,

'cause that's

when you figure it out.

Do you know

how much work we have to do?

Come on.

Okay.

Seriously?

You've never skated?

Let's just say

it's been a couple of decades.

If I'm trying to forget

about cracking gingerbread,

the last thing

that I should be doing

is skating on thin ice.

It's not thin.

It's normal ice.

And I should trust you on this?

Okay. Fine. Fine.

Let's do it.

You want to push off

with each foot...

Let's go. Come on.

- I don't know.

- You've got this.

This might be

a bit too advanced for me.

How are you so good?

We had a skating rink

in our backyard as a kid,

and every winter,

we'd lay out the 4x4

and the liner,

and turn the hose on.

The next morning,

bingo, mini skating rink.

- Although...

- Although what?

One winter, I left the hose on.

Oh, no!

Your poor parents.

My Mom took it in stride,

but she invited all the kids

in the neighborhood down

to winter wonderland.

She even made

gingerbread cookies.

Aw.

Your mom sounds like

a lot of fun.

So I'm going to let go.

You're going to be okay.

No, no, no, no, no.

No, no, no.

I don't think I'm ready.

So... why are you doing it?

What?

Skating. Look!

Oh, my gosh, I'm doing it.

And don't think about it

too much.

Okay.

Okay. Okay, okay, okay, okay.

So did the skating make you

come up with any new ideas?

I'm still stumped

about my design,

but this was fun.

And I forgot about

our problems for a while.

I know your boss wants you

to come up with

this cutting-edge idea,

but maybe the new cutting-edge

could be tradition?

Hmm...

Hey, Josephine.

Hi, Taylor.

Any new ideas?

I am so stressed out.

But I thought

things were going great.

Well, I'm not so sure

the modern design

is the way to go.

Time is running out,

and now we're back

to the drawing board.

I'm afraid Linda won't be happy.

You'll figure it out.

You're you!

Thank you, Jos'.

I'll see you tomorrow?

Bye.

And it won't take a lot of work

to re-design the frame.

All we need to do

is change up the roof,

add the flower boxes,

and go with bricks.

What do you think?

I like it.

How did you come up

with the design?

Actually, I dug up a sketch

I drew when I was little.

Kind of went from there.

Call it an inspiration.

I love it.

But...

I thought you wanted

something cutting-edge.

Well, it won't be

the design Linda asked for,

but she will be cheering

the loudest when we win.

Well, we'd better get to work.

All right,

I will get this rolled out,

and cut it into bricks.

She caught on to baking

pretty quick.

And how are things going

outside of the kitchen?

Well, we had a big setback,

but we have a new plan

for the house...

I wasn't talking

about the gingerbread house.

I mean, how are things going

with Taylor?

Okay, yeah.

We can put it up a little more.

Yeah.

Perfect. Perfect.

Right there.

What are they doing?

Looks good.

What number should it be?

What's the number of the house

you grew up in?

27.

Then that's the address.

Cool.

All right,

we may have lost a day,

but we are almost on track.

Tomorrow, we're going

to have to pick up the pace.

Brooke, honey, it's time to go.

We're gonna give Taylor

a lift home.

And there's something

we want to show you on the way.

Okay.

We're almost there.

Oh, my goodness.

- Okay...

- Okay?

Open!

What is this?

It's a landing strip

for Santa's reindeer and sleigh!

It's the city's way

of making sure that,

even if there's a blizzard,

Santa can find us.

And it always works.

I've even seen

a reindeer's print in the snow

when we come here

on Christmas Day!

Is that so?

Come on, I'll show you

where you can leave

a snack for the reindeer

in case they get hungry.

Okay.

So, what do you think?

I think it's pretty amazing.

Adam...

I just want to thank you.

For what?

For the first time

in a while...

I feel like

I'm home for Christmas.

I'm glad.

It's beautiful.

Thanks for the ride.

Tomorrow's December 20th.

Just three days left

to decorate.

We'll be ready!

Hello?

Sorry for calling

so late, Taylor.

Oh, no, that's fine.

Is everything okay?

More than okay.

Listen, I appreciate

how you've taken the reins

with the competition.

Thank you.

Clearly, you've held up

your end of our little deal,

so... I have

an early Christmas present

for you.

Can you say "Joyeux Noel"?

What do you mean?

Well, I had dinner

with a few

of our board members tonight,

and, you know,

they'll make

a formal decision later,

but you're the front runner

for Paris...

Which means you'll be

heading out on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve?

I know you don't have

plans for Christmas,

so I made some for you!

A chance to celebrate Christmas

in the City of Lights.

Oh, and I even got you

an invite for a Christmas party

at the Minister of Culture's

chateau.

Oh...

Um...

that's so soon.

I thought you'd be more

excited.

I mean, isn't this

what you were pushing for?

Of course. Of course.

Thank you so much.

I can't wait.

Let me know

what the board decides.

Okay.

Bye, Taylor.

Just a little more decorating.

Where did everyone go?

You must have

really been in the zone.

I let the rest of the team go.

Holidays and such,

and they were tired.

Well, I don't blame them.

I'm kind of tired, too.

So...

have a seat.

Okay.

Thank you.

Look at us.

Just a couple of folks,

sitting on our stoop,

watching the world go by.

Nice little place we got here.

Our own little chalet.

You know, I have to admit,

the traditional roof is nice.

We do have

some serious competition

from our neighbors,

who built quite the skyscraper.

Winning would be

the icing on the cake,

but I only entered

this crazy competition

to show Brooke

her Dad can dream big.

And why just dreaming?

And not make your bakery dream

a reality?

Ask the investors

who turned me down.

Well, you didn't have

your glorious gingerbread win

under your belt then!

Well, fingers crossed.

You know, this...

this takes me back.

Sitting at

the front of the house,

with the family,

a little music playing...

I have an idea.

Do you think we could use music

for our gingerbread house?

That's a great idea.

I mean, we already have

four of the five senses.

Mm-hmm.

Sight, smell...

taste, touch...

and hearing...

also, that would be great.

How about a doorbell

that plays music?

Or isn't that

traditional enough for you?

I'll allow it.

What kind of music?

Um, a carol maybe?

Something up-tempo.

This one?

It's a good song to dance to.

Here, let me show you.

Huh?

What? You can't dance?

Oh, I can dance, all right.

What's going on over here?

Just working on our house.

This place yours?

Yep, all of it.

Wait until

you see it finished.

Looks good...

but you can't really

be here right now.

I've got this place on lockdown

like Fort Knox.

Anything happens

to these houses,

it's on me.

We're about to head out,

but do you want a taste?

I'm on duty.

Though...

I suppose a nibble

wouldn't hurt.

Baked fresh this morning.

Not bad.

Not bad at all.

Well, carry on.

Merry Christmas.

So ends our dancing.

Okay, we have

a big day tomorrow.

Our fireplace looks amazing!

Glass candy flames...

Who'd have thought it?

Our Chief Decorating Officer,

that's who.

So, how does

dusting the windows

with icing sugar

and grated coconut sound?

To give it

that morning frost look?

I love a morning frost.

Or a fresh snowfall.

Can we do that?

Yeah. Of course.

There's just one more thing...

Here's a little project

I've been working on...

A candy chandelier?

All in your spare time?

Adam, it's wonderful.

And I have one more idea!

We need pictures on the walls.

Of a family!

Good point.

It is a home, after all.

It needs that lived-in look.

We could always put up

some pictures up on the mantle.

Why don't we take a photo

of the three of us?

Um...

sure.

Come on.

Taylor, get in

a little closer.

I love how this place

is coming together.

It does prove

that anything is possible.

Like you and I

working as a team.

So, what happens

if you win anyway?

Linda give you

a big corner office?

Kind of.

Actually, I've been meaning

to mention something.

If all goes off well,

I might have

some news of my own...

Bonsoir.

Oh, Annabelle. Hi.

Yes, hello.

Look, I just wanted to say...

I'm impressed.

I've been watching you two.

You had an enormous setback,

but you really bounced back.

Your gingerbread house

is actually quite good.

I'm glad you like it.

But it's mostly

thanks to our baker here.

Well, if there's anything

I can appreciate,

it's talent and hard work.

Allez, bonne chance.

A kind word from Annabelle.

Did I hear that right?

A Christmas miracle.

By the way, what is it

you wanted to tell me?

Nothing important.

Let the last day

of decorating begin!

It's the final stretch

for teams here,

at the Giant

Gingerbread Competition.

Only a few minutes left!

We literally have

nothing left to decorate.

I'd say we're done here.

I saw one of the other houses

has a name.

So what's the name of our house?

Good question.

Maybe something

with "home" in it?

I saw you hang

your stocking on the mantle.

I thought

it was pretty fitting.

We've got

something else for the mantle.

I love it.

That's perfect.

I'll go put it inside.

Traditional.

Bold and new.

Maybe I need to try

something bold and new myself.

Maybe another try

at your own bakery?

I was thinking the same thing.

In fact, I invited

some of the investors

to the judging,

so thanks for the push.

My pleasure.

Taylor, I know you can't be

with your Mom and Dad

this Christmas,

but, if you wanted,

Brooke and I...

we're hoping

you'd spend Christmas with us?

That's the best invitation

I've ever gotten.

Well, everyone needs a place

for the holidays.

That's it!

What?

The name of the house.

"A Home for the Holidays."

It's perfect.

Hey.

I just had to come

and see it for myself.

That... is not the plan

we discussed.

But I love it!

Great job.

Oh, and, Taylor,

I'm going to be sorry

to see you go,

but the board met,

and it's official.

You're on your way!

Au revoir.

What does she mean?

Adam, I was going to tell you...

Tell me what?

We need to talk.

The judging for the Giant

Gingerbread Competition

will take place

tomorrow at noon.

Wow. Paris.

Pretty hard

to compete with that.

Well, it's a dream job

I've wanted for years.

I thought I'd have

more time to decide.

So, I guess you won't be

joining us

for Christmas this year.

Adam, believe me,

I want to spend Christmas

with you and Brooke,

it's just...

Hey, don't worry.

I'll explain it to Brooke.

After all, Santa's got

a lot of places

to visit this year, right?

Sweetheart.

My friend, Diana,

emailed that she saw

a news report

about you and some

giant gingerbread house?

Well, you know the expression

"truth is stranger

than fiction"?

That's pretty much

the case here.

Diana also mentioned

something about you working

pretty closely

with a handsome young man?

That's Adam.

He's the baker

doing the project with me.

He's nice...

Nice, huh?

I can see you blushing.

It's just...

It's just, I don't know, Mom.

What's wrong, honey?

I got offered

the job in Paris.

That's great, isn't it?

Yes. It's just...

Philadelphia has been...

growing on me.

There's so much

feeling of Christmas here.

It's kind of starting

to feel like...

Like home?

Home is wherever you hang

your Christmas stocking.

You'll know in your heart

when you've found

the right place...

Or the right person.

Thanks, Mom.

I love you.

I'll call you and Dad

tomorrow on Christmas Day.

Looking forward to it.

Love you.

My kids have been asking me

every day for the past week

when this day would come.

Well, I promise

we won't disappoint.

- Hey.

About yesterday,

I'm sorry I didn't mention...

Don't worry about it.

I'm happy for you.

Happy Holidays, everybody!

And welcome to the judging

of our first ever Giant

Gingerbread House Competition!

Could I please have our teams

approach the stage?

Come on up.

Now, it's the moment

we've all been waiting for.

May I present

our first gingerbread house,

Snowman Sanctuary...

Our second entry...

the Elf Castle!

Next, we have...

The Northern Tower!

Theirs is really tall.

My goodness,

that could go in a museum

someplace, am I right?

And now, may I present,

our final gingerbread house,

A Home for the Holidays!

Three, two, one...

I told you

I love a fresh snowfall.

Well, to say all of our entries

exceeded expectations

would be an understatement,

but this is a contest,

so, unfortunately,

we have to pick a winner.

Judges, your results, please.

And the winner

of our first

Giant Gingerbread Contest

is...

A Home for the Holidays!

Taylor, we won!

Congratulations, Ray's Bakery!

Congratulations!

You did it.

We did it.

And I bet your investors

are pretty impressed.

Where are they?

Actually...

they weren't able to make it.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Don't be.

It doesn't matter!

What matters is we won!

Congratulations.

Yeah, that was

really something.

Thank you.

I mean, your house

is spectacular.

Yeah, we're pretty proud of it.

Adam.

Your flare for design

is quite exceptional.

Thank you,

and you're impressive as always.

You know, I am looking for

a new assistant.

Thank you, Annabelle,

but I already have a job.

Fine.

But if you ever do open

your own place,

please, do invite me

to the opening.

Bon, alors, bonne soirée.

Great job.

So...

when are you leaving?

I fly out tonight.

Thank you for believing in me.

I'm glad we made it happen.

Me too.

Are you really leaving?

On Christmas Eve?

Oh, sweetie...

I have to.

But I had a great time.

Bye, Taylor.

Bye, Brooke.

Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas.

Are you kidding,

it's the least I can do.

Well, the movers said

they'd come

the day after Christmas.

Most everything

is already boxed up.

If you could just

give them the keys.

Consider it done.

We'll miss you,

but Paris for Christmas...

I guess you'll be calling

the City of Lights

your new home.

Yes...

Home.

That must be your shuttle.

Merry Christmas.

Have a good flight.

Thank you.

Christmas is tomorrow.

Think I could order

a gingerbread house?

I'm afraid I just

don't have time.

I'm so sorry.

Will you take a bell cake,

as a Christmas present?

You're a lifesaver, Adam.

- Merry Christmas!

Well, that's another one.

You're turning away

customers, Adam.

We're behind on gingersnaps,

the sugar cookies

are running low, and...

Adam, slow down.

I can get help for all that.

We're a neighborhood bakery,

selling to people

what they expect.

Now, all of the sudden,

we have people coming in here

every five minutes,

asking for your cakes.

There's lines outside the door.

Ray, is this a roundabout way

of saying you're firing me?

Firing you?

I'm talking about

making you a partner.

- Are you serious?

- Yes.

We have people

banging down our doors

to get to your cakes.

Now, I know you've always wanted

to open your own bakery,

so why not open it

right in here?

I don't follow.

I'm talking about

your own display case,

your name out front.

What do you say, partner?

It sounds pretty good to me.

Well, we got that

taken care of.

Wait till Brooke

hears about this.

And Taylor... what about her?

You know, ever since

you found out she was leaving,

you haven't smiled much.

So why don't you go tell her

how you feel

and let her decide

if she wants to leave or not.

Ray...

I don't want to stop Taylor

from living her life.

All I'm saying

is Taylor's the one

who walked in here

and asked you to partner up.

She came to you, cap in hand.

Now, maybe it's your turn

to do the same?

Is it that obvious how I feel?

Please.

I can tell

you don't want Taylor to go.

So tell her.

And what if she leaves anyway?

Well, then she leaves.

At least she'll know

how you feel.

Thanks, Ray.

Thank goodness.

I thought I missed...

Wendy?

Is Taylor here?

Sorry, Adam.

I was just boxing up

some of her things.

She was in a hurry.

She left for the airport

a couple hours ago.

Her flight's taking off

any minute.

This is a pre-boarding call

for flight 714 bound for Paris.

At this time,

anyone requiring assistance

or traveling

with small children,

please check in.

Excuse me,

but a family that just boarded

forgot this.

I'll make sure they get it.

Linda?

This is Taylor.

We need to talk.

Look, Dad, new skates!

Santa even remembered

I was wishing

for pink skate guards.

Santa doesn't usually

drop the ball.

It's just too bad

Taylor's not here.

We could have all gone

skating together.

That's okay.

You and I will.

But first, we've got

to check out Santa's landing,

so go get dressed

and grab your coat.

I left it upstairs.

I'll be right back.

- Taylor?

- Hi.

What are you doing here?

I'm sorry...

I hope

I'm not interrupting anything.

I thought you'd left.

Come in.

Well, I was on my way

last night,

but then I realized

I forgot something.

What did you forget?

I have been traveling so long,

I forgot what home felt like.

And since I found it

this week...

why would I want to leave?

But what about your job?

My firm got the downtown

redevelopment project.

The Mayor confirmed it.

Which means Linda will be

needing someone to head it up.

It'll be the biggest job

I've ever done.

But what about Paris?

Your dream?

I've got everything

I've ever dreamed of right here.

So you're staying?

I am.

Great!

Then you can come

to my grand opening.

Or "re-opening," I should say.

Excuse me?

"Ray's Bakery"

is having a grand re-opening...

As "Ray and Adam's Bakery".

I'll be handling

the speciality pastries only.

It wouldn't have happened

with you.

Are you kidding?

Adam, that's great!

This calls for a celebration!

Then you'd better

get your skates,

because in this house,

every Christmas Day

after we go to Santa's Landing,

we hit the ice.

But before we go this year...

I think there's

another tradition

we should start.

And what's that?

Merry Christmas.

Dad, who are you talking to?

Taylor, you're here?

Yes, I'm here.

And I couldn't be happier.

Now...

How about we go check out

those new skates

I see under the tree?

Look, Taylor.

Oh...

Merry Christmas.

A Gingerbread Romance (2018) - full transcript