Christmas Joy (2018) - full transcript

Rip-Fixes-Sync
VaVooM

Hey, Joy!

Ready?

You bet.

Let's go knock the socks
off Weatherton's.

Okay, we are coming to the end
of our time as a focus group,

but I just want to pose
one last question.

Since you're all
shoppers of Weatherton's,

how would you sum up
your experience?

I love it,
especially at Christmas.

Yes, I just love
the Weatherton's store.



They do such a wonderful job

of making it feel warm
and welcoming.

But classy, too.

You know
you're getting the best.

Well, that's wonderful to hear.

That's very valuable.

Now, how would you say
the Weatherton's experience

is different from other stores?

It's one of the stores
I make a point of going into.

You can't really know
if something's right

unless you see yourself in it.

I still prefer
to do my Christmas shopping online,

but I'll come in
for the hot cocoa bar.

That does seem to be
quite popular.



Okay, I think that about covers it.
Thank you so much for your time.

- Where's your research director?
- Margie Carter?

She couldn't make it this time.

Or last time
either, as I recall.

Joy is very good at this.

They're ready for you upstairs,
Mrs. Weatherton.

Mrs. Weatherton?

- Had to go to a meeting.
- Probably for the best.

Margie doesn't like it
when we talk to the clients.

- Mrs. Weatherton mentioned you.
- Me? Specifically?

She thought you were doing
a good job with the focus group.

Well, I should be,
I've done enough to last a lifetime.

Not for much longer.

That's not guaranteed.

You've been working 24/7
since I've known you.

They're going to announce
your promotion

at the Christmas Gala,
and you know it.

We'll see.

- Do you have your dress yet?
- For The Gala?

Who's had time to shop?

Why? Do you?

No, but it just so happens,
we did a focus group

at a legendary
department store, so...

I love shopping at Weatherton's.

So cute.

I know...

That is pretty.

It's just like the dress
I was thinking of for the Gala.

My mom gave me
a Christmas ornament once

that was exactly this color.

It looks very expensive.

But this is my dress.

That's one of
my favorites this year.

Mrs. Weatherton!

Hello, Joy.
Renee.

Good to see you're a shopper
at Weatherton's as well.

Of course.

So, about earlier,

how did you think
the focus group went?

As you know,
we have to read the transcripts

and write up the report...

Yes, I do know all that.

I've been a MacDonald-Webber
client for many years.

But I want to know
what you think.

Gut instinct.

How did they respond

to shopping here
at Weatherton's, in store?

Very positive.

People love your store,
especially this time of year.

I remember once
when I was a little girl,

my mom drove four hours
out of the way

to bring me
Christmas shopping here.

It's one of
my favorite memories.

You can't recreate that on a website,
no matter how hard you try.

This particular shade of green
will look perfect on you.

- Is the car ready?
- Yes, Mrs. Weatherton...

You shouldn't
have said anything.

- I know, Margie, I'm sorry...
- I know, she put you on the spot.

What's going on?

It's not like her to be so...
insistent.

Poppy Weatherton is considering

expanding Weatherton's
outside of the D.C. area.

- That's a good idea...
- Not good idea.

Cyber shopping is the arc
of the future, not stores.

All of our research shows that.

But Weatherton's
isn't like most other stores.

People actually like
going there.

I realize your mother took you
there when you were little,

and it's a very sweet story,

but completely incidental

to the MacDonald-Webber
overall assessment.

- We deal in data, Joy.
- I know.

Just make sure that our
reports reflect those facts,

...not your personal sentiment.
Understand?

Happy holidays, Crystal Falls.

It's a beautiful
North Carolina morning

and to celebrate
the Christmas season,

tune in as we keep an eye
on the temperatures,

we may be getting a white
Christmas, but...

Hey!

...But tune in later,
we'll tell you all about it.

Good morning, Ben.

Good morning.

Be sure they save some of that
for me to do later.

You never get enough
Christmas, do you?

Never.

Aunt Ruby...

Merry Christmas.

Five times lucky
in the Cookie Crawl, Ben.

Let's do it again.

Here are the bids for the top three
medical records service companies.

Thanks.

And where are we
with your temp replacement?

Karen's ready to go
as soon as this lil' guy is.

Which is after Christmas, right?

Well, we're in that final
two-week window, so... maybe?

You were totally thinking
about your mom

and the gingerbread contest.

- Does that make me a bad boss?
- No.

No, but what's done is done.

It's your turn to participate.
Your mom is counting on you.

The entries are complete,

the decorating team has been
picked and knows what to do.

Relax, you have a judge
other than yourself this year.

But you have to be
at the contest.

I'm gonna do my best,

but I'm not the only one
with a say in this matter.

I know, and...

if I have to take over

judging responsibilities
myself again, I will.

I'm sure Mom will understand.

No, she won't.

You're the best!

Thank you so much.

Hey, how'd it go yesterday
with Margie?

I don't know why

I kept blabbering on
about Poppy Weatherton.

Sorry.

Hello?

Joy?

Joy, hi! It's...
It's Shirley Andrews.

Mrs. Andrews, hi!

How are you?

I'm fine, I'm good, but,
I'm afraid your aunt isn't.

What's wrong?

Well...

she was reaching for some supplies
for the Cookie Crawl, and she...

she slipped and broke her ankle.

Well, is she okay?
Can I talk to her?

No, no, I'm just home
getting a few things,

but I want to get back to the
hospital before her surgery.

Surgery?

Look, I don't want you
to worry about this, Joy,

she's gonna be fine.

She told me she didn't
want me to call you

and worry you, but...

but I figured you're family,
you should know.

Yes, absolutely.

Thank you so much.

Okay, bye, Joy.

What's going on?

My aunt got hurt.

I have to go.

Do you want me to write
the Weatherton's report?

No, that's okay.

I have my laptop,

I'll write it
when I get to Crystal Falls.

Crystal Falls?

It's the closest thing
I have to a home.

Wait...

Are you okay?

Yeah...

Ben?

Hey, Joy.

Ben Andrews?

Long time no see.

Yeah.

Though it's kinda hard
to miss you like this.

Well, just...
trying to make an entrance.

I see that.

Ruby is around the corner,
three doors down.

My mom's with her right now.

- Are you visiting, too?
- Nope, this is my place.

Hospital administrator.

So are you trying
to drum up some business?

You found me out.

Well, I hope visiting hours
aren't over.

Visiting hours are never over.

Never?

Nope.

This is North Carolina, Joy,
not D.C.

How am I supposed to do
the Cookie Crawl like this?

Ben will take over.

It's a two-person job.

Honey, you just concentrate
on what's important.

You're right.

I just made a cake.

Would you be a friend and
go home and get it for me?

And here I was
worried about you.

Joy!

Did you call her?

Aren't you glad I did?

I sure am.

Did you drive
all the way through?

I stopped to get
your favorite magazines,

so that you won't go stir crazy
and try and take over the place.

How's the patient?

Impatient.

Sounds about right.

It's just a silly ankle.

She is seeing
her doctor tomorrow

for the official word.

You're worrying Joy.

We're all worried
about you, Ruby.

Is that Rocky Road?

The rockiest.

Joy, do you remember my son...

Ben.

We sort of ran into each other
down in the lobby, Mom.

It's been a while.

I think the last time I saw you,
you were headed off to college?

Georgetown.

And you went to...

- Columbia.
- Right.

You became a New Yorker.

Yeah, for a little while.

You know what,

I think we should get out
of Ruby's hair for a bit.

What about my animals?
They need feeding.

I can take care of them.

I was actually planning on
staying at the farm tonight.

Thank you, honey.

The Cookie Crawl! Ben!
What are we going to do?

- It's in seven days!
- No, don't...

Is that the thing
where people buy tickets

to go look at decorations
and eat cookies?

- Christmas cookies.
- Yes.

But there are so many
strong competitors this year!

And your aunt has won
the past four years.

Thanks to Ben.

Ben?

Ruby's co-captain
at your service.

Aunt Ruby, why didn't
you ever ask me

to be your co-captain?

I'm your niece.

Honey, you're
never here anymore.

I might have come home.

- From D.C.?
- Yeah.

- To help with a cookie crawl?
- Is that so crazy?

No.

You know, you guys,
we can discuss this later.

I think we should let Ruby
get some rest.

Okay.

I'll come back tomorrow, so we can
hear what the doctor has to say.

Thank you, Joy.

Of course.

It sure is good
seeing you here again.

It's good to see you, too.

Rest up.

Oh, man.

Normally I'd say hindsight is 20/20,
but not in this case.

You're hilarious.

I thought these things
came with cool cameras

and cappuccino makers
or something?

Maybe if I'd had a cappuccino

I would have been able
to use the cool camera.

Do you have a pen and paper?
I gotta leave the truck's owner my info.

The truck's owner knows.

Of course.

I'm so sorry.

You know... you wanna
hear the good news?

My truck's fine.

- But your Mini looks disappointed.
- Disappointed!

That you didn't use the cool camera
to avoid something like this!

Well...

But you wanna hear
more good news?

Can't wait.

I know a guy who can fix that
for the cost of parts and a pizza.

- Seriously?
- Seriously.

My cousin, Zeke.

Take it to his place,
any day but Saturday.

- Zeke?
- Yeah.

Why not Saturday?

He helps out at his parents'
diner on Saturday.

Right.

Yeah. Did you forget
how small this town can be?

Apparently.

Should be good to drive for now,

but, hey, let me know
if the bumper falls off.

Thank you.

You're welcome. Anytime.

Yeah, I got it.

Thanks for carrying
those in, sweetie.

Of course.

If it's okay with you,

I think I'm going to swing by
later this week

to pick up the decorations
for the Crawl.

I'm kind of tired.

Are you still planning
to do that? Alone?

Sure.

I'll have to start even earlier
now that Ruby's out of commission.

It's just a lot of work
for one person.

Hi, honey.

Hey...

Dad, what's wrong?

I just finished watching
"It's A Wonderful Life".

It gets me every time.

You are such a softy.

That's why you love me.

Do you remember
Ruby's niece, Joy?

She came to see her
today in the hospital.

Drove all the way
from Washington D.C.

- Well, that was nice of her.
- I know.

I can't believe she said

she'd come back
to help with the Crawl.

A nice gesture
from another big city girl.

Oh, come on, Ben.

Not all city women are...
you-know-who.

Ben?

All this talk about
the Cookie Crawl,

and there's still
so much to prepare for...

our contest,
the gingerbread contest,

and we're...
we're still teammates, right?

As long as Ashley
doesn't go into labor.

You know,

you've been judging
the gingerbread contest

for four years now,

which makes four years
that we couldn't be teammates.

I promise, if Ashley can't be a
judge, I'll find someone else who can.

I love you.

I love you, too.

There you go.

Not exactly
how I pictured my weekend.

You again.

That's a new look.

It was either this,
or an emerald cocktail dress.

Good call.

Mondays are the formal days
around here.

- I'll be sad to miss it.
- Yeah.

Where's the "to-go" line?

Grab a seat,
somebody'll find you.

You in a hurry?

Ruby's meeting
with her doctor today.

You've got plenty of time.

I'll tell them
not to start without you.

Are you going, too?

Mom couldn't make it,

so she wanted me to make sure
Ruby listens to the doctor's orders.

What are the chances of that?

See you there.

Yup.

No!

Aunt Ruby...

It's six days!

I can't put
any weight on it now?

Exactly.

Which is why you'll need
to keep your ankle elevated

for the most part.

I can do all of that at home.

And then you'd just be tempted
to get into the decorations,

which is too risky.

This way is safer.

So, how far away
is the rehab center?

- About two hours south.
- It's too far!

- Your insurance covers it.
- That's not the point.

I won't be able to do
the Christmas Cookie Crawl.

It's important to me.

You'll be home
in time to participate.

- But not prepare.
- I'll prepare.

That way, when you get home,
you won't miss a thing.

Honey, it is so much work.

Don't worry about it.

Besides, you took me in
at the worst time in my life,

and made me feel safe and loved.

It's the least I can do.

- But what about your job?
- Let me worry about that.

I've got some vacation days,

and I've got my laptop,
so I can work remotely.

Listen, you just focus on healing,
and I'll take care of everything,

including the Crawl, okay?

Joy!

I'm so glad I found you,
I tried to catch you at the hospital.

- Here's my card.
- Why?

So you can call me,
set up a time to meet,

go over the specifics
of the Crawl.

Why would we need to meet?

We have a lot of ground
to cover in six days.

We've got to figure out a theme.

Ruby keeps a record of all
the themes that've been used,

which is helpful.

Last year's was
"International Christmas".

Once we figure out a theme,

we have to create the interior
and exterior design,

integrate the Christmas trees...

- "Trees", plural?
- Yes, plural.

- I'm thinking four, maybe five?
- Five trees?

Yeah, you'll see.

And we've got to start
making the dough reserves.

- Dough reserves?
- Yeah.

We're going to be making
a lot of cookies,

but first, we have to make
a lot of dough.

Okay, Ben, I appreciate the fact

that you've helped my aunt
over the last few years,

however, I just need an overview,
not a co-captain.

This is a two-person job...

Which describes
most of the jobs I already do,

except I do them alone.

You don't know
what you're getting into.

It's Christmas trees and cookies,
not advanced calculus,

which, by the way, I aced.

Then you'll understand
these numbers...

20 dozen sugars,
14 dozen thumbprints,

10 dozen shortbread,
four dozen lemon bars,

40 dozen chocolate chip,
regular and chocolate-chocolate.

30 dozen brownies,
with and without nuts.

- Both?
- Both.

All that's just
what we did last year.

15's another number.

That's how many houses
are participating this year,

each trying to win
the golden wreath.

- The...
- Golden wreath?

- That's a thing?
- A big thing.

Your aunt's thing.

The thing you just promised
to take care of, alone.

Good luck, Solo,
and welcome back.

Seven days?

Well, five,
and there's a weekend in there,

so it's really
not as many as it seems.

I thought you went home
because of your aunt.

I did, and that led me
to the Cookie Crawl.

Cookie?

It's this thing, it's important to her,
so it's important to me...

No, no, no, I get it,
family is first.

Thank you.

Okay, and I brought my laptop
and cell phone with me,

so I can work remotely.

I saw the Weatherton's
report went out.

It was perfect.

Great.

The good news is

we're headed into the December
pre-holiday slowdown,

but you will be back in time
for The Christmas Gala, yes?

Absolutely.

I already have my dress.

Okay, good.

Happy baking.

Thank you.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Joy said she wanted to do
the whole thing by herself.

What?

And you agreed?

I can't make her work with me.

Besides, this way,
I'll have more time

to focus on the gingerbread
contest with you.

Yeah, but does she
truly have any idea

what she's getting herself into?

She will when I bring over
the decorations

I still have from last year.

"Find a theme.

"Make dough.

"Decorate the house.

Make the cookies".

Not so bad.

This is bonkers.

Hi.

Yet another new look for you.

Yeah, well, I figured

if I'm gonna be here for a few days,
I should do some shopping.

What brings you here?

- I brought decorations for the Crawl.
- Actually, I already found them.

You found half of 'em.
I have the other half.

Is all this really necessary?

You can probably
do without a few boxes.

Depends on how many
trees you use.

Once you figure out more of
your theme, you know, you'll...

You have figured out
your theme, right?

I figured I'd start baking first,
and get inspired.

I gather you disapprove.

It's your show.

But from my experience,

I'd figure out a theme
as soon as possible.

Okay, why not go with
the most direct?

Christmas Cookies.

More disapproval?

At least try.

It's not just about the cookies.

It's about the whole
Christmas experience.

Okay, what theme
would you choose?

I thought
you didn't want my help.

I'm just asking
for a casual suggestion.

Based on my years
of Cookie Crawl experience.

- All right, I'll pay you.
- Pay me?

I mean, what's the going rate
for Cookie Crawl consultation?

Joy, here in small towns,
we help each other

because it's the right thing to do,
not because somebody's paying us.

If you do want my help,
you know where to find me.

I got this.

Okay, Margie, I'm all yours.

Back again.

Yes,

I need coffee in the mornings.

Smart.

The coffee here's good.

Ben, I'm sorry.

I want to apologize
for offering to pay.

I didn't mean to offend you.

Thank you.

I probably overreacted a bit.

Why?

I guess I...

it just reminded me of something
my ex-wife might have done,

still hits a nerve I guess.

I'm sorry.

Don't worry about it at all.

I was thinking about the
Cookie Crawl, and I think...

Excuse me.

Yeah.

Of course.

Hello?

Hey!

Oh, you did?

That's amazing.

He's a big boy.

Bye-bye. Thanks.

Everything okay?

Yeah, actually, it's great news.

- My assistant had her baby.
- Good for her!

Yeah, a week early.

Everyone's...
everyone's healthy,

and that's what's important.

I'm sensing
there's more to the story.

Selfishly.

Ashley was running
the local gingerbread contest.

Wait, full stop.

Crystal Falls has a
Christmas Cookie Crawl

and a gingerbread contest?

Do the grand prizes come with
a lifetime gym membership?

No, but that's...
that's a good idea.

All right, so why is
the happy arrival of a baby

problematic for you?

Because Ashley took over
the gingerbread contest from me

so I could enter with my mom.

That's so cute.

Yeah, well, unfortunately,
it's not gonna happen now.

I can't judge and participate.

- Why do you have to judge?
- Because there's no one else.

At this point,
everyone's either entered

or doing something
else on the 22nd,

so I'm gonna have to break
my promise to my mom,

unless I can find s...

What?

- You'll be in town then.
- Me?

Oh, no, Captain Christmas,
this time, you've gone too far.

Come on, please, I'm begging.

No, no, no, no,

I am up to here in cookie prep.

Not to mention my real job,
for which I'm up for a promotion,

and can't let anything slide.

And my company's formal
Christmas gala is that night.

- I'll help with the Cookie Crawl.
- We've already went over this.

I know you said
you like to do things solo,

but that was before you saw
what a huge undertaking it was.

Come on, you already look tired.

Thanks!

A pretty kind of tired.

You gotta admit, it's more
than you imagined it'd be, right?

Judging the gingerbread contest
is barely anything!

Ashley already did
99.9% of the work.

All right, don't try
and dazzle me with data.

We can help each other.

I'll pitch in for the Cookie Crawl,
I'll do all the heavy lifting.

Seriously, I will lift heavy objects,
and whatever else you need.

What do you say?

Me and you?
Cookies and gingerbread?

Fine.

Cookies and gingerbread.

"Captain Christmas"?

That's you.

Recipes...

Recipes...

My mom gave me
a Christmas ornament once

that was exactly this color.

No, I really think

that we should leave the
candy focus group in December,

because by January,
people will be all sugared out.

And I can say that
with great confidence.

What is going on?

Are you making cookies
for an army?

I mean, you cannot imagine
how much preparation this takes.

Hold on while I switch
this conversation to record.

Is this the contest
you're judging?

Nope, that's
the gingerbread contest.

All of this is for
the Cookie Crawl.

It is a whole new world
you have entered.

Yes.

Which is why I need you
to tell me workish things,

I need the contrast.

Well, it's just a rumor.

Oh, go on.

Something's going on
with the Weatherton's account.

Like what?

That's just it, nobody knows.

But someone overheard
Margie's assistant

talking about bringing up
all of the Weatherton's files.

That must go back
a decade at least.

Well, it could be nothing.

Or it could be something.

I know I'm not lead
on their account,

but they really are
my favorite client.

Come in!

Is that the gingerbread guy?

Hey.

Hi! Say hi to Renee.

Hi.

Ben, Renee.
Renee, Ben.

That's Ben?

Nice to kinda meet you, Renee.

You, too, Ben.

All right, we're off
to make our cookie dough.

Even though we don't have
a theme yet.

It's possible that
we could be inspired

by making our "dough reserves".

Though that hasn't been
my experience.

All right, I gotta go, bye.

Bye.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Just looks like you're making
the oatmeal raisin first.

I am, because
they're my favorite.

I usually like to start
with the chocolate chip.

It tends to last longer.

Okay, well, just because that's
how you've always done things,

doesn't mean that's how
they should always be done.

Tell that
to four Golden Wreaths.

All right, maybe you should just
open up to some new possibilities.

The possibility of losing.

I'm gonna do my batch,
you do your thing.

Great. I think I will.

- Not bad for our first round.
- "First round," he says so easily.

It's a little tricky.

There we go.

- Impressive.
- Thank you.

I get a bizarre satisfaction from
crossing things off my "to-do" lists.

That's half the fun of my job.

You know, you don't really
strike me as an admin guy.

- It's the flannel.
- You're right.

So, I was looking through
some of Aunt Ruby's notebooks,

and you're right, there is
a big emphasis on theme.

Did you just say I was right?

Anyway...

I started brainstorming
some theme ideas.

You wanna hear?

Go for it.

Okay, studies show
that people are drawn to things

that are twists on the familiar,

so I was thinking,

"Frosty the Snowman
goes tropical".

I see melting.

Okay, maybe not the best twist.

What about Dickens?

I'm a sucker
for "A Christmas Carol".

It was done in 2012.

Mabel Pine.
She came in third.

Before my time.

What about
Dickens 2.0?

A virtual-reality Scrooge
goes back and forth in time?

Come on, we're "twisting".

I like the classics
to stay pretty much classic.

- Yes, and dated.
- Not dated. Proven.

Proven to be dated.

Look... look at this.
Look at this ornament.

It's gorgeous.

Simple, classic.
It doesn't need a twist.

Why mess with
something proven to be...

Joy, I am...
I am so, so sorry.

It's okay, I'll get a broom.

It was just...

it was from my mom.

Here, I'll clean it up.

Thanks.

Who's Phil Finnegan?

He's the regional sales rep
for Carolina's Best Flour.

They're the sponsors
for the gingerbread contest.

He wants to meet
for coffee in an hour.

He probably just wants to go
over the rules, the contest,

- get you up to speed.
- Okay.

How about this...
I'll follow you to Zeke's,

so you can drop off your car
before you meet with Phil,

then I'll drive you home.

Okay.

- But you're buying Zeke's pizza.
- Done.

Ready?

Pizza for repairs, all right?

Thanks, Ben.

- Yup, as promised.
- Thank you.

- You're welcome.
- I appreciate it.

- Deluxe, right?
- Just what you ordered.

All right...

Hi, Phil.

There you are.
I was getting nervous.

We're three minutes early.

But it's only three days
until the contest,

and I want to make sure
that she knows everything.

There's so much
for you to learn.

Phil Finnegan, Joy Holbrook.

Hi.
How much exactly?

These are our rules
and regulations.

Now, it would be really helpful

if you could get
up to speed on these

as quickly as possible.

Being a judge is
a lot of responsibility.

I don't suppose
there's a shorter version.

This is the shorter version.

Great.

Three days, huh?

- You are so buying me dinner.
- Yes. Yes, I am.

Crystal Falls Lodge.

I can't remember
the last time I was here.

Let me guess, prom?

No, actually.
I didn't go to prom.

- That's surprising.
- Not really.

I mean, I moved here
when I was 15.

You know, at that point,

everybody already had
their best friends

since elementary school.

And that was
right after my mom...

So, I wasn't exactly
in the best place.

- That I remember.
- I'm sure you do.

Your mom made you
take me to the movies

when you were home from college
on your Christmas break.

Asked.

Still.
It couldn't have been fun.

You were quiet, but I knew why.

And if I remember correctly,
the movie was good.

- "Love, Actually" is the best.
- Is that which one it was?

I think so.

I'd forgotten about that.

When was the last time
you were home?

Gosh, I don't know.

Probably not since
I graduated from college.

I mean, I started working
right away, all the time.

And Aunt Ruby comes
to visit me in D.C., so...

I didn't realize
how long it had been until...

Well, I know Ruby would love
to have you around more.

Plus, this is a nice town.

It is.

- Some might even call it "classic".
- Whoa, don't push it.

- I'm hungry.
- Yeah, me too.

- Ben!
- Mom, Dad, hi!

Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.

Joy, it's so good
to see you again.

You too.

Joy, could you
excuse us for a second?

Of course.

So, what...
Are you two on a date?

No.

No, we were working on
the contest together,

and, you know, got hungry.
At the same time.

- Couldn't just order a pizza?
- It's not like that.

I see.

Mom...
She's leaving in a few days,

and you know

I don't date people
who live in the city anymore.

- I thought you were over Anne.
- I am over Anne,

but it doesn't mean
I can't learn from the lesson.

Which is?

"Stay in your lane".

Well, just remember, my son,
if you never leave your lane,

the scenery's gonna get
mighty boring.

Hey, Margie.

Am I calling too late?

No, it's fine.
What's up?

Good.

I want you to write up the report
on the Hansen Candy focus group.

I thought Renee
was handling that?

Yes, but her boyfriend is surprising
her with a birthday weekend,

and I told her that you would
take over since you're not busy.

Well, I am busy...

Surely, you can make time
between making cookies.

Yeah, of course.

Just send me the transcripts.

Already have, with my notes,
and I'll need it by noon tomorrow.

Really appreciate it.

Bye!

Bye.

So, where are you
with the dough count?

I've got about a quarter
of the sugar cookie dough done

and some brownies, too.

"Some" brownies?

I know for a fact that Fern
Hartley's freezer is 3/4 full.

And you know
Twyla Taft's at capacity.

Oh, yeah.

Okay, I will focus
on our dough count.

And if you want my advice,
I would double the Oreo snowmen.

Ruby here tends to run out.

I do not.

Well, you were
down to one last year.

- That's not running out.
- Well, you got lucky.

So...

have you started decorating yet?

No, we thought we'd do that
after we figure out our theme.

You haven't picked a theme?

Oh, dear.

It's in three days,
and you don't have a theme?

Ben and I are
kicking around some ideas.

And?

It's definitely not
"Tropical Frosty".

How you doing, honey?
You seem a little wiped.

I had an emergency work project
come in late last night.

- What, due ASAP?
- Is there any other way?

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Well, I'm glad those days
are behind me.

Yeah...

I used to be a paralegal,
back in the day.

Everything was urgent, and
I just was on the go constantly,

yet, you know,
never getting anywhere.

So, what did you do?

I walked away, and started
working at the hospital,

and I've never looked back.

I don't know that
I can just walk away.

I've put so much
of myself into my job.

Does it make you happy, honey?

Parts of it do.

Other parts, not so much.

Well, maybe it's just about

figuring out which parts
are most important to you.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

So, I was looking through
Ashley's notes,

and it doesn't look like
you guys use blind voting

for the gingerbread contest.

That's right.

Well, I mean, that can lead people
to load up on one entry,

or to give pity votes
to another.

Do you have another idea?

I do.

I'm gonna have to
email you, though, okay?

Okay.

Okay, bye.

- Aren't you cold?
- No.

I have hot chocolate,
with a special ingredient.

What's wrong with
regular hot chocolate?

Come on, you can handle it.

- It's cayenne.
- Pepper?

Makes it double warm.

Did you get that trick
from one of Ruby's notebooks?

No, actually, my mom used
to do that when I was little.

It's delicious.

See? New things.

So, I bet you're wondering
why I called this meeting.

- It's either cookies or gingerbread.
- It's the Cookie Crawl.

We need to get started
on finding our theme

so that we can start decorating.

I'm still not doing
virtual-reality Scrooge.

No, I know.

Have you ever heard the phrase
"creativity happens in the cracks"?

Can't say I have.

Okay, so it basically means

you knock your head against
an idea for however long it takes,

but staring at a computer
or a blank piece of paper,

you get nowhere,

but you go take a shower, wash
your dishes, suddenly, voila!

- The answer appears.
- Exactly.

So... today, we're
going to find the crack.

How'd you find this place?

My Aunt Ruby
used to bring me here.

- To the Wildfire Inn?
- To what's inside it.

I totally forgot
this place was here.

Oh, you, Captain Christmas,
forgot about an ice-skating rink?

I know, right?

A new rink was built closer
to town about 10 years ago.

I like this one.

Let's give it a go.

Okay.

Need help?

- Yeah!
- You're good?

You think?

So, I know it's a billion years later,
but I wanted to thank you

for taking me to the movies
way back when.

Of course.

Okay, so that's ancient history.

- What's your story now?
- My story?

It's sad, mainly because
it's so boring and dateless.

- Really? Nobody?
- I mean...

Come on.

There was a guy, Todd, this summer,
but we just went on a few dates.

Todd...

- How'd that end?
- In a fizzle.

It's always a fizzle.

Always a fizzle, I get that.

Any idea for the theme yet?

- Nope.
- Me neither.

Maybe we're trying too hard
to not try too hard.

Maybe.

Let's listen
to the trees for a second.

Close your eyes.

I have a confession to make.

I come out into the forest
whenever I'm upset about something

and listen to the trees.

It puts things in perspective.

So you're saying
you're a tree whisperer?

I am.

- Do they whisper back?
- All the time.

And what do they say?

It's not so much
about what they say,

it's about how they make me feel
connected to everything.

One of my favorite quotes,
it's something like,

"Once we pick out one thing,
"we wind up realizing

"that everything's hitched
to everything else in the Universe".

John Muir.
I always liked that one.

It reminds me of Crystal Falls.

- Really?
- Yeah.

I mean, everything
here is connected.

I mean, just being home
has made me realize

that no matter how far away I go,
or how long I've been gone,

that I am still hitched
to Crystal Falls.

- So why don't you come back more?
- I don't know,

I was only here for a couple of years
right after my mom passed,

and then when I went
away to school,

I think maybe it was easier

to pretend like I wasn't from anywhere,
or connected to anything.

But then your mom called,
and I realized, I am connected,

to my Aunt Ruby,
to my good memories here, and...

Wait.

Wait, that's it.

- What?
- Our theme!

Mother Nature, about how we're
all connected through nature,

and it becomes especially
apparent at Christmas,

when people come together.

I think it's perfect.

So let's go make it happen.

It's beautiful.

And you didn't snag
anyone in the process.

That's half the fun.

Is that something
you make a habit of doing?

You were the first.

Okay, so I think the tables
go here, here, and there.

Ruby always puts them
against that wall over there.

Yeah, but this way
would have better flow.

Better flow?

Yeah, so people can access
both sides of the table.

- You are breaking out in hives.
- I'm fine.

No, you're not.

You're out of your comfort zone,
and it's bugging you.

Is it so wrong for me to want my
comfort zones to be comfortable?

And safe, and proven.

I feel like we're veering away
from table arrangement talk.

All right, that's fine.

We can go back
to the comfort zone.

Thank you.

Although, for the record,
I can do change.

I lived in New York
until a couple years ago.

- So, what brought you back?
- My mom and dad retired.

They always seemed
so invincible,

and then suddenly, they were
taking a step back, and I...

that made me realize
how much I was missing out on.

Seeing them at Christmas
just wasn't enough for me anymore.

So, I got a job at the hospital
and moved home.

- Are you glad you did?
- No question.

I've had more fun today

than I've had
in longer than I can remember.

Well...
I'm glad to be a part of it.

Thank you.

What's wrong?

I have to go.
I have to go...

help my mom with the,
gingerbread contest stuff.

Okay.

Thank you for the ice skating,
and the tree decorating, and...

and everything.

I think we're in good shape
for the Cookie Crawl.

I need some cookies.

No...

No...

The whole top
of the freezer was defrosted,

and the dough went bad.

The bottom half
stayed cold enough.

That's good news.

Yeah, except I had to go two towns
over to replace all the supplies.

Two towns?

Between the gingerbread contest
and the Cookie Crawl,

it's like baking locusts
have descended on this town.

You're not seriously
thinking about

trying to make
more dough, are you?

I have to.
The Crawl's in two days.

With the Gala tomorrow night.

And the gingerbread competition
I'm judging is tomorrow afternoon.

Good luck, Wonder Woman.

I know.

I'm id something's gotta give,
and I'm afraid it might be me.

You're still coming
to the Gala, though, right?

Yes, of course!

Okay, just checking.

You've been in the Land
of Perpetual Sugar so long.

I know how important it is.

Good, because Margie isn't
too thrilled you've been gone.

What do you mean,
did she say something?

Nothing direct.
Just little comments,

and she made a big deal

about me giving you
the Hansen Candy report to do.

Well, I thought
you were out of town.

I was,
and I could've handled it.

But she kept saying
you were basically on vacation,

and that you should
pick up the slack.

Well, that's not good.

I mean, she's basically the biggest
factor in me making Director.

Right?
So don't skip.

Get Handsome Ben to help you.

I don't know about that.

Why? I thought you guys
were co-captains.

- Well...
- Wait.

Did something happen
between you two?

Something almost
happened between us,

and then he pulled away,
so it didn't, and then it got weird.

I think it's best if I do things
without Ben from now on.

Ben, you're awfully quiet today.
What's on your mind?

Nothing.

Just thinking about... work,
and the contest tomorrow,

and the Crawl.

How's all that going?

Fine. Great.
Amazing.

That is such good news.

And Dr. Walsh said
I was doing so well,

I could already use a cane.

That's wonderful.

What was that?

I just had to do
some last-minute shopping,

get some extra
dough ingredients.

How many extra?

Just... a little bit.

Joy...

I can hear it in your tone
that something's wrong,

so you might as well tell me
everything now, save us both the time.

Boy, do I need time.

Almost done.

Just got to let this section
dry for a couple hours,

and then it'll be ready
for the icing.

Ruby just called.

Why didn't you tell me
Joy had a problem

with the cookie dough
freezer, hmm?

- What, she didn't tell you?
- No.

I thought you guys were
spending all this time together.

I helped her get ready
for the Cookie Crawl.

- How bad is it?
- Half of it's gone,

and apparently, she's going
to stay up all night tonight.

She can't possibly
handle all that by herself.

No. She can't.

- Word travels fast.
- And we're here to help, sweetie.

Come on in.

Hi.
Thank you for coming.

Thank you guys so much
for all your hard work.

I know you did it
for Aunt Ruby, but...

- We did it for you and Ruby.
- I really appreciate it.

I know.

Well...

- All right.
- Get some rest.

Yeah.

- Bye, Shirley.
- Bye, sweetie.

Bye.

Hey, Ben...

- Thank you.
- Of course.

- Look, about yesterday...
- It's okay.

We got caught up in a moment,
it happens.

But I made it awkward...

Life gets awkward sometimes.
It's fine.

Like now?

See you tomorrow?

- Cookies and gingerbread.
- Cookies and gingerbread.

Thanks.

- Are those...
- The voting boxes without voter bias.

You can't see through them.

I like it.

Gosh!

It looks wonderful.
Tell Joy thank you.

Will do.

Each person
gets one coin to vote with.

Here you go.

Grab one...

Cast your vote.

Wisely?

- Joy?
- Excuse me.

Check, check...

Hi, everyone.
I'm Phil Finnegan,

and I am thrilled
to officially welcome you all

to Carolina's Best Flour's
Gingerbread Bake-Off!

This year, the honor
of announcing the winners

goes to our newest judge,
Joy Holbrook!

Thanks, Phil.

Thank you guys so much
for having me.

You have all done
a wonderful job here.

So, as you can see,
we went with a blind voting system,

so I think the results will be
a little bit more of a surprise

than you're used to.
But let's get down to business.

Based on our secret ballots,
we've tallied all your votes,

and I have
the top three winners here.

Third prize goes to the Carolina
Panthers' stadium at Christmas.

- Congratulations.
- Well done.

Second prize goes to...

the Christmas Carousel!

Well done.

And the winner

of Carolina's Best Flour's
Gingerbread Bake-Off is...

Santa's Workshop
among the trees!

Brought to you by the mother-son duo
of Ben and Shirley Andrews.

Victory photo!

First-place winners, bravo!

Got it.

And now for the words
that everybody's been waiting for...

time to eat!

- Congrats.
- Thank you.

- Look! Look at that.
- Well done! Congratulations.

Thanks, Dad.

Are you heading back to D.C.?

My company's Christmas Gala is tonight.
It's just five hours away.

After the gingerbread contest,

and staying up all night
making cookie dough?

I've been drinking
lots of coffee.

Well, I just wanted
to come out and tell you

you did a great job
with the judging.

The blind voting idea
was a good one.

Thank you.

But Ashley really did
99% of the work.

Now who's dazzling
with the data?

That's what I do.

I know you gotta
get out of here,

this is just one thing.

- What's this?
- It's just a Christmas present.

Open it later.
You gotta get going, I know.

I'm coming back
for the Cookie Crawl tomorrow.

You could just
give it to me then.

Just in case you decided to change
your mind and stay in D.C.

Thank you.

Well, drive safe.

Ben!

Hey, Dad.

I saw you heading out this way.

Whatcha doing?

Thinkin'.

About anything in particular?

Joy.

I'm guessing you mean the
young lady, not the emotion.

Unless one brings the other.

I feel like I'm setting myself up
for heartbreak.

Well, that very well could be.

I gotta say,

you're not looking real happy
at this moment, either.

But Joy lives in D.C.

What if I'm getting myself right
back in the same kind of situation?

Well, that's the risk.

Anytime you put yourself out there,
there's always a risk.

I know, Dad.
I know she's not Anne.

Well then, if you like her
and you want her to know it,

you gotta find her
and tell her, and...

then wait and see if she'll
stick around for the long haul.

Like everybody else.

There are no shortcuts, Ben.

Come on...

Oh, Ben...

Hey.

Hey, I'm downstairs in the car.

Okay, I'll be right down.
Sorry, traffic was crazy.

I'll just, I have to
finish my hair in the car.

See you soon.

Joy, Renee,
it's good to see you.

You too.

Does this mean you're back
in D.C. for good now?

I have to run back tomorrow.

My aunt's getting
released from the hospital,

and it's the Cookie Crawl.

Isn't that what you've been
doing the entire time?

I've been preparing
for the Crawl.

How lovely.

Sure. That's great.
Excuse me.

Mrs. Weatherton,
how are you?

Hey, did you ever hear
what was going on

with the Weatherton's account?

No, but Fran in Margie's office said

they weren't even sure Poppy
was gonna show up tonight.

- That's not good.
- Well, at least she's here.

And you, too!

It's nice to see
your pretty face

on something other
than a monitor.

You too.

Now let's go to the bar,

and you can tell me all about
what's going on with Ben.

Thank you.

- I knew that dress was perfect.
- Mrs. Weatherton...

I called your office last week.

They said you were out of town,
in North Carolina?

Yes, ma'am.

- Crystal Falls?
- I know that place.

- You do?
- Yes, I have family in Charlotte.

What brought you there?

I was helping my aunt
with the town Cookie Crawl.

The...

I'm sorry, did you say
you called the office for me?

Yes.

If your office
is anything like ours,

I'm sure you've heard
some gossip lately.

I came here in part tonight
to let you know

that there are going to be
some changes starting in January,

and I want you to know

that I valued your input
in our account over the years,

even when you didn't get
the... obvious credit.

Thank you, so much.
That means a lot to me.

- Cookie Crawl?
- Cookie Crawl.

My imagination is...
running wild.

Okay, let's go.

Of course, Mrs. Weatherton.
This way.

- Have you ever head of a Cookie Crawl?
- I have not.

Look it up for me, would you?

Joy!
What did Poppy Weatherton say?

She just wanted to thank me
for working on her account.

What's going on?

Okay, you can't say anything yet,
but we lost Weatherton's.

- What?
- I just found out for certain...

which means that
I'm going to need to you

to work double-time
starting tomorrow.

I can't tomorrow.

My aunt comes home,
and then we have the Cookie Crawl.

Joy, we just lost
one of our biggest clients.

We can't waste any time finding
a way to replace that revenue.

- I promised my aunt.
- She'll understand.

I won't.

Joy, just...
I want you to think about things.

Now, they haven't announced
the promotions yet.

- What are you saying?
- Just be smart about this.

This is your career.

Now, you could very well be
busier than you have ever been.

I already pour so much
of my time into this job,

that I barely see my friends
or my aunt as it is...

- Joy...
- I'm sorry, Margie.

If it's a couple of days
that you need, I...

No. Thank you, though.

You know, I've been dreaming
of this Christmas Gala

for so long,

and now that I'm here, I just...
I feel so disconnected.

- All I wanna be is...
- In Crystal Falls?

It's my home.

I will let the partners know.

Thank you.
For so many things.

Joy...

- Hi!
- Hi!

- I think I just quit my job.
- You did not.

Cheers.

- Cheers!
- What?

- Oh, my gosh...
- I'm a free woman.

- What are you gonna do?
- I don't know.

Hey, we need more
champagne from the back.

- Excuse me?
- Champagne. From the back.

Come on.

Can you excuse me
for just a second?

Yeah.

Excuse me.

Hi. You've reached
Ben Andrews.

Please leave a message.

Can you grab my car, please?

I'm doing it.

Yup...

Thanks to the helping hands
of friends and family,

we have five tables set up
for the Cookie Crawl.

- So... when can I see?
- Soon.

We've still got a bit of work to do,
but we'll get it done.

Yes, we will.

So, when are the Andrews clan
coming over tonight?

I'm not sure.

I haven't heard back
from Ben yet.

What's going on?

I don't know.

We worked together great
on the gingerbread competition,

and then he pulled back,

and then he showed up
at the MacDonald Webber Gala.

- In D.C.?
- Yes!

But he left
before I could talk to him,

and it's just been
radio silence ever since.

- That doesn't seem like Ben.
- I know.

So, I don't know what to do
about the Cookie Crawl.

That'll take care of itself.

The important thing is
how you're doing.

- I don't like feeling like this.
- Vulnerable?

Yeah.

Love makes us vulnerable.

And I am pleased as punch

that you're feeling that way
about someone.

- Ben is a good one.
- Then why won't he call me back?

That's up to you to figure out
before you leave.

About that.

How would you feel

about having a roommate
for a little while?

- Are you considering...
- Making some changes in my life,

and making time
for the people I love.

I think that would be
the greatest Christmas gift

that you could give me.

Hello!

I bought a new one

so I thought I'd bring back
your old snow shovel...

- Why aren't you calling Joy back?
- And good morning, Mom.

Ruby's home, and she said

that Joy has been trying
to get ahold of you,

and you are not responding.

- Mom, let me handle it.
- Except you're not handling it.

I'll make it a point

to say goodbye
before she goes back to D.C.

Well, that shows how little you know.
She's staying.

What?

Yeah.

In Crystal Falls.

It seems she turned down
some big promotion,

and decided to move
back home for a bit.

Why?

You'll have to
ask her that yourself.

Careful.

- Just a couple more steps.
- Okay.

Ta-dah!

It's like Mother Nature came
and decorated it herself.

That's what I was going for.

We're serving two kinds
of hot chocolate.

- Regular and...
- And one with kick,

like Emma used to make for you.

Joy, it is just perfect.

- Perfect.
- Good. I'm glad you're happy.

I love it.

By the way,

I found out what
Twyla Taft's theme is.

"Chocolate Chip".

That's it?

It's like
she wasn't even trying.

I almost feel bad
how good ours is.

Almost.

Here we go!

Come on.

Make yourselves at home.

Come on in.

Welcome!
Good to see you.

Excuse me.

You made it!

There was no way
I was going to miss this.

- Where is he?
- Who?

Ben!

I'm not sure he's going to make it.
I haven't seen him yet.

- Well, the night's not over yet.
- Okay.

Hi, everyone!

It's so great to see you all.

I just wanted
to take this moment to say...

thank you to Joy,
for all her hard work

so we could all celebrate
this night.

Thank you.

As you were.

Ben made this for me.

That reminds me of the one
that Emma gave you.

- I love it.
- I do, too.

Excuse me.

So, this is a Cookie Crawl.

Mrs. Weatherton, what...
what are you doing here?

I was over in Charlotte,
and I got curious.

It really is extraordinary.

A lot of people worked very hard
to make this happen.

- But you took point, didn't you?
- I did.

I thought as much.

You probably know by now

I've taken Weatherton's
market research out

from MacDonald-Webber.

Margie mentioned it to me.

What she likely didn't mention

is that I've decided to create
an in-house marketing division,

and I would love for you to be
part of the leadership team.

- Me?
- Yes. If you're interested.

Of course, that would likely
entail a move on your part

since I'm opening a new store

and new corporate offices
in Charlotte.

But something tells me
you won't mind.

I do hope you'll call me
on January 2nd to discuss.

Thank you.

And now, if you'll excuse me,
I'm dying for a ginger snap.

Enjoy.

Oh, my.

You're here.
I wasn't sure if...

I am co-captain.

It's as much your doing
as anyone else's.

You brought everything
together so nicely.

I'm sorry I wasn't here
for the last part.

But you were in D.C., right?

So why did you leave
without talking to me?

You looked so beautiful
in that dress.

And the way you fit in
with that world,

I never could do that.

And I got scared.

But I'd like to try again,
if you'll let me.

Maybe this time without the tux.

I liked the tux,
it was a nice touch.

- I liked that dress.
- You did?

You looked beautiful.

So, Joy Holbrook,
will you go to dinner with me?

Crystal Falls Lodge?

It's not just for proms
and Sweet 16 parties.

- I think that can be arranged.
- Can it?

Turns out, I have a lot
of arranging to do.

I'm going to be
starting a new job

with Weatherton's office,
in Charlotte.

That's commuting distance.

Which is a good thing,
since I plan to be in Crystal Falls

for a very long time.

Are you sure?

Took me a little while
to realize it, but...

"When you pick out
anything by itself... "

"... you find it hitched
to everything else".

And I'm hitched here.

Rip-Fixes-Sync
VaVooM