Christmas Made to Order (2018) - full transcript

- Looks great, Gretchen.
- Thanks, Tim.

Hey, Mary.
Could you give this to Gary?

Thank you.

Please tell me you went home
and slept last night, Steven.

We break ground on the museum
this afternoon.

That's not an answer.

What is that tie?

It's my "Christmas is
only a few weeks away" tie.

It's very, festive.

Sorry if I actually enjoy

getting into
the spirit of Christmas.



Hey, I enjoy Christmas.
It's the one day a year

I don't answer my cell phone
on the first ring.

Rachel wanted to talk to you.

Looks like we might
have an investor

for the shopping center.

More than a chance.

They want to hear pitches
this week.

And if they like what they hear,
they'll invest.

Steven, I need you
to take the lead on this.

Yeah, no problem.

I know you're super busy
with the museum.

No. I can totally do both.

You land this pitch,
and I have a feeling

the board will have no problem
making you a partner.



And, Tom, you're next in line.

Where you going?

Big day ahead.
Gotta refuel on espresso.

I am so sorry!

No, no, it's my fault.
I...

I wasn't looking
where I was going.

What is this?

It's snow.

Well, it's fake snow
from all the decorations.

That... That is
a lot of Christmas.

Well, it is almost Christmas.

Right. Yeah, I just...

I didn't expect to see
the building lobby

decked out this much.

Well, the building manager
just hired me.

I'm a holiday decorator.

That's a thing?

And it's a really great job.

People love holiday cheer,

and they like when their
surroundings reflect that.

It's just...
It's a bit much.

Are you always this harsh
on Christmas,

or just when
you're covered in snow?

No, I'm not being harsh.

Okay, it's just that...
It's just...

Christmas is one day a year.

I think people
go overboard for it.

Actually, it's a lot more
than just one day a year.

It's the whole season
of wonderful things.

And I think people
should go overboard.

I can tell
you're passionate about it.

It's not really my thing.

Okay, well, I'm really sorry
about your sweater.

And you know what?
Honestly, it just looks like

you could've used
the holiday cheer, so...

Merry Christmas.

Hey, Marie.

Hey. They gave me an extra
cappuccino this morning.

Thank you. I had another
decorating job earlier.

- A building on West Sixth.
- That's great news!

That's, what, like your
second new client this month?

Right? I mean, I'm so thankful

for Nolan letting me
work here part-time,

but if I just get
a few more clients,

I can take on
holiday decorating full-time.

- Fingers crossed.
- Yes! I mean,

getting to decorate
the look of a space?

Complete creative control?
There's nothing like it.

- Morning, Gretchen.
- Good morning.

Need to go over the setup
for the desk catalog.

Gave some notes
on your last layout.

They need less color
and want it to feel more crisp.

What's that supposed to mean?

Not exactly sure, but I told 'em
you could figure it out.

Also, we're shooting the display
for Woodfire Magazine.

Here's a description of how
the company wants it to look,

so just do you did last time

and give them exactly
what they want.

Thanks.

Complete creative control,
you say?

That's the dream.

Aunt Lindsay,
these companies all want

such specific looks
for their catalogs.

No matter how many ideas I
suggest, it just doesn't matter.

Nobody listens.

I know it's only
a part-time job,

but I still wish you could quit.

Focus full-time
on your business.

I can't. Not until things
pick up a little more.

And who knows how long
that will be?

Right now you're
splitting your energy.

Maybe all you need to do
is focus on one thing,

the thing
you're passionate about.

I will. I just need
a few more clients first.

I wish I could pay you for
helping me decorate this place.

Don't be silly!
The inn is what inspired me

to even start
Holidays Made To Order.

One of my favorite
Christmas traditions

is decorating this place
with you.

Mine as well.

Uncle Steven!

- Working late? That's new.
- Hey, Paige.

How'd the volleyball tournament
go last week?

That was a month ago,
but it went well.

Good. You are by far
my most talented niece.

I'm your only niece.

That has nothing to do with it.

Did you get ahold
of Uncle Steven?

Hey, sis.

Oh, good.
I need to talk to you.

I know, I know.
I need to book my flight,

but it looks like this year's
gonna be another year

of me just flying to your place
on Christmas Eve

and then flying back
on the 26th.

- Plans are changing.
- How so?

A pipe burst in our house.

Thankfully, we caught it
before this place

turned into
an indoor swimming pool.

Oh, no. I'm so sorry.

It's gonna be a major job
to repair it,

so they're turning our water off
for at least a week.

- Yikes.
- Exactly, so...

obviously, we can't host
Christmas this year.

No, no, I wouldn't
expect you to.

And since Mom and Dad
moved into that condo,

they don't have enough space
for all of us.

So what are you saying?

What if we all came to you?

You could host Christmas
this year.

Oh, no, no, I don't think
that's a good idea.

I have got a lot
going on at work,

and in no way
am I prepared for this.

I mean, I don't even
have a tree.

Come on. You've never done it.

It's long past due.

Plus I already told Mom
that you would.

What? Why?

Because you love us,
and you miss us,

and you have that nice house,
and it would be fun.

And did I mention you love us?

I don't think you guys would
have any fun, you know?

I have to work the whole time.

Please, Uncle Steven.

Visiting you will be way more
fun than staying here.

Plus I want to see what
Christmas is like in Salt Lake.

Okay. Yes. Let's...

Let's have Christmas
at my place.

No, I totally understand.

And if your company has a budget
for a decorator next year,

I also do other holidays.

Hello?

New client?

No. Actually,
it was a cancellation.

I know what will cheer you up.

That guy Pete I've been seeing,
we're going out tonight,

and he has
a really cute friend, Josh.

I already told you,

I am not ready
to get into anything.

Thank you.

It's been months
since you and Zach split.

I think that a fun night out
will do you good.

Do you know what I need?

I need a new client,

not a new boyfriend.

Don't be stressed.

You've pitched to investors
this big before.

I'm sure you'll do great.

It's not the pitch.
I found out last night

that my entire family
is coming here for Christmas.

Nice!

No, it's not.

Each year, my sister throws
this elaborate family holiday.

Everything is perfect.

And now they're all coming here,
and they expect the same.

My mom texted me last night
saying how excited she is

to see my place all decorated,

and I don't think that the Santa
reindeer that I picked up

is really gonna cut it.

Okay, breathe.

I'm sure your family knows
you're busy with work

and will cut you some slack.

I come from a family
of overachievers.

If it's not perfect,
it ain't good.

So hire someone.

Do people do that?

Ask around.

Actually, wait a minute.

The other day
I ran into this woman

who was hired to decorate
the building lobby.

There you go.
Ask the guy in the lobby.

I'm sure he'll give you
her name. What?

We didn't really get off
to a great start.

Still worth a try.
I mean, what else you gonna do?

- She did a nice job.
- Thank you.

You bet.

This looks great.
It's perfect.

- Thank you.
- Yeah, of course, well done.

Take a break.
Go grab some lunch.

- Marie.
- Good job.

Hello, this is Gretchen.

Hey, it's Steven Brenner.

We met the other day
in my building lobby.

Well, actually, we sort of
ran into each other

in my building lobby.

The snow is all water-based,

so it should come
right out of your sweater.

No, no, the sweater's fine.
That's not why I'm calling.

I actually wanted to hire you
for your services.

You're kidding.

No, no, I'm not.

I know that's probably
the last thing

you expect me
to be calling about,

given our...
our exchange.

My entire family is
coming in for the holiday,

and I need my house
decorated for Christmas

as soon as possible.

Yeah. I can actually be there
this afternoon.

Okay, great.

I will,
I'll send you my address.

Thank you.

Thank you. Bye.

Three gigs in one month?
Okay.

There's someone at the door.

- Yeah.
- Hi.

I'll get those sketches
over tonight. Gotta go.

Sorry about that.

I'm not usually home from work
this early.

Thank you for coming over
on such short notice.

All in the name of Christmas.

Exactly.

Come on in.

I really like your neighborhood.

All the other houses are
very festive and decorated.

Yours is nice too.
It's just...

It'll be fun to start
with a blank slate

I've got my work cut out for me.

So what kind of Christmas
are you looking for?

I can do traditional, modern.

We can go full-blown North Pole
with animatronic reindeer.

I guess I was just thinking...

Christmas.

Okay, well, how about
I just take a look around?

I will get some measurements

and just get a feel
for your place.

By all means.

Is this your family?

Yeah, the ones that are coming.

You look like
you're really close.

We are. That's why I want
to make this special for them.

Will you help me measure
the kitchen island?

Yeah.

Okay, I'm gonna go
to the island.

Thank you.

Here you go.

So does your family also believe
that Christmas decorations are...

how did you put it...
a little much?

I shouldn't have said that.

I was really flustered
from all this stuff at work.

I was designing a new building,
so I'm sorry.

Are you an architect?

Yeah. I work for
Geyser Corporation.

I can design a building,
just can't decorate the inside.

Well, don't even worry.

I already have a bunch of ideas
for this place.

So tomorrow after work,

I will just go pick up
a whole bunch of stuff,

then get started.

This isn't your job?

I stage for a catalog,

but it's really mundane
and restrictive.

But it's a job.

So I started
Holidays Made To Order

as my passion project,

and I hope to make it my job.

I didn't realize this before,

but it's actually
not a bad business idea.

Oh, well, I don't
just do Christmas.

Thanksgiving,
Fourth of July, Halloween.

Basically if it's a day off
with a whole lot of food,

that's my time to shine.

But really, Christmas
is my favorite holiday.

Good, 'cause I need some help.

Well, you don't have
to worry about a thing.

Tomorrow I am gonna come back

and transform this place
into a Christmas wonderland.

- Hey.
- Hi.

Do you need help?

That seems dangerous
for one person.

It's okay. I'm a pro.

Yeah, I don't doubt that.
It's just...

heights make me nervous.

So...

let me help.

Thanks.

So what made you
get in the Christmas business?

My aunt, she owns an inn

right outside of the city
in Silverpine,

and growing up, it was my job
to decorate for every holiday.

Silverpine, yeah.

I've heard of it.
Never been.

What? It's amazing!

It's right outside of the city,
but when you go there,

it feels like
this whole other world,

especially at Christmastime.

They have carolers,

and this old-school
movie theater

plays all these
Christmas movies.

And my aunt, she hosts
this apple cider-making party.

The whole neighborhood's there.

It's really great.

I love Christmas.

Sounds neat.

Will you hand me those lights?

- Yeah.
- Thank you.

- Little knot here.
- Yeah.

Cute.

All right, they just texted me,

so they should be here
any minute.

What do you think?

The room. What do you think?

My family might
actually be in shock.

You still need to get
a Christmas tree.

I thought that was something fun
you could do with your family.

Yeah, if there's time.

Just make time.

They're here.

It's gonna be great.

Here we go.

Maybe we could order a pizza.

Merry Christmas.

Uncle Steven!

You know the front of your house
is decorated, right?

- Yeah.
- Hey, Steve!

Hosting Christmas!
Who would've thought?

I'm so excited that we're doing
Christmas at your house.

- Hi, Mom.
- Really, son.

She's very eager to see
how this all comes together.

We all are.

So am I.

- My God.
- Certainly smells festive.

- What?
- Yes.

Oh, my goodness.

Never seen anything like this.

Uncle Steven,
this looks amazing.

Did you do this?

Not exactly.

Everyone,

I'd like you to meet my
Christmas decorator, Gretchen.

Hello.

Well, the place is lovely.

Thank you.

That's my dad Ben, my mom Ellen,

my sister Kirsten,

my brother-in-law Jeff,

- and my lovely niece Paige.
- Hello.

That was a lot of names.
It's lovely to meet you all.

See, honey? I told you
Steven would come through.

Nothing to worry about.
Isn't that right, Steven?

Well, I don't know about
the rest of the week,

but, the house...

I mean, the house is
definitely on point.

Yeah, well, what should I do
with the presents?

I don't see a tree.

Don't have one yet.

Got any food? I'm starving.

So what's there to do
in Salt Lake for Christmas?

Well, you...

There's actually a lot
happening with your family,

so I'm gonna get out of here.

Can I talk to you for a second?

Yeah, of course.

- Excuse us.
- Bye.

We need to talk.

So...

They seem really happy.
I think today was a success.

So I want to hire you.

I thought you already hired me.

No, not as a decorator.

I want to hire you
for all things Christmas.

Be a Christmas ambassador.

I don't know what this means.

My family's expecting
a week filled with

fun Christmas activities,

and I don't even know
where to start.

I have a pitch coming up,

and I can't be there for them
the way that they deserve.

They need someone who loves
and appreciates Christmas

to make it
the best year it can be.

- I'm just a decorator.
- Well, then think of it as...

decorating for the entire
Christmas experience.

Name your price.

Well, this is the most
interesting offer I've ever had.

You do this,
and I will talk to my boss

about making you the official
decorator for Geyser.

All the buildings.

You would do that?

Yeah, I would.

You have yourself a deal.

Great. Thank you.

- Okay.
- Okay, thank you.

Okay.

Gretchen, I can't believe
how great this place looks.

Thank you.
I'm so glad you guys like it.

I've actually just asked
Gretchen to stay on

as our official
Christmas coordinator

I've got a lot of work to do,

and she knows Christmas
better than anyone,

so she agreed to help out.

You hired someone
to help us do Christmas?

- Yes.
- I think it's a good idea.

That's very nice of you.
Are you sure?

Oh, I love it.

I know how much Steven
wants you to have a good time,

so it's perfect.

I think that's cool.

It's like having your own
personal Christmas tour guide.

First up, tomorrow we could
go pick out a Christmas tree.

A little family outing.

There's a great Christmas tree
farm right outside the city.

Go and find the biggest tree.
Whatever one you want.

You pick it out, Paige.
It's on me.

You're not coming?

I can't.

I've got too much work to do.

Son, we all came here
to be with you.

You can't take a few hours off
to come pick out a tree?

I was really looking forward
to hanging out with you.

You know what?
I'll work extra late tonight,

so I can take
some time off tomorrow.

You guys are gonna love it.

The key to finding
the perfect Christmas tree

is finding one
with the strongest scent,

and where when you bend
the needles, they don't snap.

What kind of tree
holds the needles the best?

Fraser fir. Okay, I want you to
cover some ground, so fan out.

Go find a good tree.

How do you know so much
about Christmas trees?

My dad taught me.

Steven, there's some
ornaments over here. Come look.

- Duty calls.
- Yep.

I'm gonna go look for
some trees over here.

Okay, perfect.

Hey, Gretchen,
what about this one?

Okay, so this is nice,

but do you see how at the bottom
it's already browning?

You don't want that.

Yeah.

Well, we have
an artificial tree at home.

We're kinda new at this.

So how long have
you and my brother

been seeing each other?

Oh, no, we're not...

No. I'm just the decorator.

And I guess now also the
Christmas coordinator, so...

We just met like three days ago.

See? I told you.

I was hoping he was
finally moving on.

Moving on?

He had his heart broken
a few years ago.

That's when he really started
to bury himself in work, so...

I was just hoping things
were finally changing.

Ooh. What about this one?

Gretchen, come here.

That's really pretty.

Thanks. I didn't know
anybody was listening.

I didn't know you could sing.

Only sometimes.

You're really good.

Thanks.

What's wrong?

I don't think my parents
would feel the same way.

What makes you say that?

My mom wants me to get
a volleyball scholarship,

just like her,

and my dad wants me to be
a doctor, just like him.

They don't even know
I'm taking choir this semester.

Please don't tell them.

But you should tell them.

You never know.
They might be into it.

No. Can you imagine
what my dad would say

if I said I wanted to be
a singer instead of a doctor?

Right.

Well, maybe ease him into it.

My dad wanted me to be a lawyer
for the longest time.

Really?

Grandpa always talked about
how he hated being a lawyer.

He wanted me
to take over his firm.

Telling him that
I wanted to be an architect,

well, it was
a pretty hard thing to do.

But you know what?

It all turned out okay
in the end.

Hey, you know what else
we should do?

Get hot chocolate.
You want some?

- Yes, please.
- Okay, come on.

- Guess what.
- What?

Gretchen found the biggest,
fullest tree on the lot.

It's gonna look beautiful
in your living room.

- Really?
- Yeah.

At least I think I did.

Are we sure we want to do that?

Don't you think we want to find
like a little scrawny tree

that just needs a lot of love,

and then we decorate him up
real big,

so he feels good about himself?

I mean...

Or not.

- Okay, so just move the tree...
- Right here?

- A little to the right.
- To the right?

- That'd be left.
- Wait, this is heavy.

- Stop, stop, stop, stop!
- Right there?

- Perfect!
- There we go.

All right, just some lights
and ornaments,

and this tree's
gonna come to life.

All right, guys, good luck.

Where are you going?

I gotta finish my drawings.

Gotta get work done
at some point, Mom.

- Seriously?
- Yes, seriously.

Okay.

Why don't we put some lights
on the tree?

- Come on!
- All right.

- This is pretty.
- I'll get this untangled.

Yeah.

It's got tinsel in it.

We'll untangle those.

Thanks, Paige.

Is there any room left
on the tree?

There's always room.

Look, here's another
box of ornaments.

I have no idea
how you got star up there.

That was amazing.

Sweetheart,
that's very off-center.

Well, you're welcome
to hang it yourself.

This is way more fun.

Why don't I just go help the
kids make some hot chocolate?

Good idea.

Men!

I think you guys are cute.

Should I put this in the center?

Yeah.

Let's see.

How about right there?

He was right.

Yeah.

It's beautiful.

You guys really
knocked it out of the park.

This looks great.

It really does.

It's wonderful.

That's amazing.

- I love it.
- Great.

My living room
has never looked better.

You guys did a fantastic job.

It's perfect.

Now it is.

You guys, I'm gonna get going.
Good night.

Today was really fun.

Will you be coming back
tomorrow?

Yes. I have work in the morning,
but the afternoon off,

and I figured we would
go to my aunt's inn

over in Silverpine.

She's having
an apple cider party.

The entire neighborhood
gets together,

and they make
homemade spiced cider.

It's amazing.

That sounds fun.

I'll walk you to your car.

Thank you. Bye.

Bye.

So I take it you are not
gonna be joining us

at the inn tomorrow?

Can't. Too much to do.

All right.
Well, have a good night.

Yeah, you too.

I just... Yeah.

- Thanks.
- Let me get that. There you go.

Well, thank you.

Service here, you know?

Such a gentleman.

Thank you.

- Bye.
- Have a good one.

That's not good.

I have an idea.

Just as I suspected.

It's your alternator.

My sister, ladies and gentlemen,

the best mechanic in the family.

I restore old cars
in my spare time.

That's impressive.

What can I say?
We're a family of overachievers.

I could probably fix it
by tomorrow.

That would be great.

Do you want me
to give you a ride home?

Yes, but I have a lot
of supplies in my trunk.

I don't mind.

Okay.

Thanks.

You can just set it
on the counter.

Thank you.

This is your apartment?

Yeah, this is it.

I just assumed I'd be
walking into something

that looked like
Santa's workshop.

I know. I pull out
my decorations every year,

but between my day job and
trying to start this business,

I never really get around to it.

What?

It's just...

I guess we're more alike
than I thought.

We both work too much.

Thank you for giving me a ride

and bringing all this stuff in.

Yeah, of course.

Good night.

Good night.

Bye.

Bye.

Welcome to the Silverpine Inn!

This place is lovely.

Forget Steven's place.
Can we stay here?

Kirsten, Paige, Ellen,
this is my Aunt Lindsay.

- So good to meet you.
- You too.

You have a wonderful niece.

I like to think so.

Car's right out front.

- Good as new.
- Thank you.

I cannot believe
she fixed my car.

You are very impressive.

It was the least we could do
after all your help yesterday.

Now, have any of you ever made
mold cider before?

No.

Well, you're in for a treat.

Nice job, ladies.

Keep in mind,
the finer you slice them,

the easier it is
to mash them later.

Paige, you figured out where you
want to apply to colleges yet?

We're hoping she gets
a volleyball scholarship.

You play volleyball?

She is so good,
just like her mom at that age.

Do you like it?

Yeah, of course.

See, I was not very coordinated
with sports in high school,

but if it had to do
with creating something,

like art class
or set design for a play,

that's where I thrived.

It's no wonder you became
a professional decorator.

Well, not yet.
Maybe after a few more clients.

Am I doing this right?

That's perfect.
This is great.

We can just throw them
in the bowl.

That looks great.

Pitch is confined.

You'll be talking directly
with Davis Bowers.

He's the CEO
of the investment firm.

You feel ready?

- I will be.
- Good.

Going well?

I've redrawn the layout
like ten times.

You could use a break.
Step away.

That always helps me
get a new perspective.

You think so?

Yeah. You didn't take lunch.

You should take an early dinner.

Okay.

You're actually
taking my advice?

Yeah.

Yeah, I am.

Feel free to use a few more
cinnamon sticks and cloves.

The more spice,
the zestier the flavor.

A few more, Mom, not the rest.

Got it.

That smells amazing.

I call Paige's batch.

- You came!
- I thought I'd take a break.

That picture you sent me really
got me craving apple cider.

I see how it is. Now that we've
done the labor and hard work,

you show up for
some hot apple cider.

It's a win-win.

There you are.

Sorry.

I don't know if I'm allowed
to be back here.

Is this you?

I guess you could say
you've always been

tangled up in Christmas.

That was a terrible
Christmas pun.

But yeah, yeah,
you could say that.

Those your parents?

They passed away
when I was younger.

I'm sorry.

The cider's delicious.

Glad you got to taste it.

Me too.

Seems like they're
having fun out there.

Oh, I knew they would.

That's what Christmas
is all about.

Apple cider parties?

No! No, it's about getting
your family together

and making memories.

All the holiday decorating

is just kind of what
brings us all together.

Well, cheers to that.

Who's that?

Oh. Oh, that...

That is my ex. I don't know
why my aunt still has that here.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...

It's okay.
He wasn't right for me.

How so?

Well, when I left my job
at a big corporation

to start my holiday
decorating business,

he thought I was frivolous.

That's not good.

No, no, I mean he just thought
that I had something good going,

so why be silly and mess it up?

Well, I have to say as
a client of your new business,

he couldn't have been
more wrong.

Well, I knew he wasn't ready for
me when he didn't believe in me.

What about you?

A few years back,

I was gonna propose
to my long-term girlfriend,

and I found out she was in love
with someone else.

Sorry.

After we broke up,

I put all my energy
into my work,

and I guess you could say
the silver lining is...

I'm about to be made partner.

You know, life has a funny way
of just working itself out.

There you guys are.

Jeff texted. He and Dad
are picking up some steaks.

Gretchen, you must join us
for dinner tonight.

Thank you. I...

I actually have a few things
I have to get done though.

I insist.

So do I.

Well, what can I bring?

You.

I will be there.

So I come downstairs,

and Steven has opened up
all of the Christmas presents.

- Even the ones for the dog.
- What?

Keep in mind, this was
the middle of the night.

I had just gone to bed.

I wake up with Kirsten

screeching
at the top of her lungs,

jump out of bed
to see what was wrong.

We get downstairs,
and the place is covered

in wrapping paper and ribbons,

and Steven's just sitting there
playing with his new truck.

Okay, guys, I was like five
when this happened, okay?

I think you need to start
your story with that.

It's not like
this was last year.

I think Gretchen brought
some cookies,

so I'm gonna go put them out.

Actually, they're not just
any ordinary cookies.

They're cookies
that need to be decorated.

I figured we could have
some fun after dinner.

Oh, yes!

Yes, that sounds so fun.

Okay, does anybody
have any questions?

You have icing
all over your fingers.

I love the green frosty gumdrop.

Are these cinnamon?

We are all gonna have
a sugar rush.

We'll be asleep in ten minutes.

I love your
Christmas tree cookie.

Thank you. I like your...
What is...

Reindeer. It's a reindeer.

Well, it will make more sense
when you put a nose on them.

Here.

- See that?
- Yeah.

- See?
- Whoa!

You do not have
to squeeze that hard.

I'm trying to make it like your
perfectly decorated cookies.

Oh, you like my perfectly
decorated cookies?

- They're great.
- Well, they took a long time

to figure out how to make, so...

- Yeah, I believe it.
- I'm kidding!

It's real easy. Come here.

Okay, I just hold it
a little lower

and squeeze it
and go in a circle, yeah.

You're not even looking. Look!

Guys, these cookies aren't gonna
decorate themselves. Come on.

You actually have some
on your face.

- There we go.
- Look.

- It's me as a snowman.
- It's a happy Christmas.

I think you like him.

What? No!

No. He's just a client.

He likes my decorating skills,

and I'm helping
coordinate Christmas.

It's business.

You haven't stopped
talking about him

or his family for the last hour.

He's more than just a client.

Okay, but it's not like that.

We have an arrangement.
I'm helping him with Christmas,

and he's gonna help me
land new clients.

It's perfect.

But you think he's cute.

I'm leaving.

The place will have
a completely modern feel,

lots of glass
and smooth surfaces,

concrete all around.

No. I don't think that's it.

I'm sorry. What...
What's not it?

I like it, but no.

Now, if my company's
going to invest in this,

it needs to be...
different.

Is there a certain part of it
that you don't like?

All of it.

But you just said
you liked some of it.

Yes. It's one of those things
that's difficult

for me to describe
exactly what we want.

I just know it's not this.

All right. I will come up
with some new plans

and give you some more options.

We have another meeting
across town,

so save those ideas
for another day.

- No problem.
- How about we set up a meeting

for day after tomorrow?

Steven can draw up
some more plans,

and hopefully it'll be something

more in the area of
what you guys had in mind.

I am a fan of your work.

I know we're
in the right ballpark.

Teaming up with
the Geyser Corporation

means a lot.

I just want to make sure we
do it right before we invest.

I won't let you down.

Okay. Talk then.

Thank you.

Well, that could've gone better.

I still don't know what it is
that he wants.

I know it's frustrating.

They only know
what they don't want.

I should've had some
backup plans ready to go.

No, it's fine.

Just go back
to the drawing board.

You'll figure it out.

You always find a way.

They always find
the best of the best to sing.

People come from all over
to hear.

I love this street.

Steven, why haven't you
taken us here before?

I didn't know about it.

Now let's have some of you
join us.

Paige.

Sing.

Come on, you got this.

That's my niece!

That's my daughter!

That's my niece right there!

I had no idea that you could
sing like that.

You have a beautiful voice.

Clearly you did not
get that from me.

No, she probably got it from me.

I'm not so sure about that.

Really, Paige,
you have an amazing voice.

You have to join a choir.

- I joined the school choir.
- Really?

The more electives you have
on your application, the better.

Volleyball and choir?

Look out, Yale.
Here comes Paige!

Thanks.

It was a beautiful evening.

Yeah.

Weren't the carolers wonderful?

They sure were.

And they get better and better
every year.

- Do they?
- Must take a lot of practice

to do that
without any instruments.

Some of their harmonies
were really spot on.

We have carolers
in the mall at home.

Paige.

Hey, is everything okay?

- Kind of.
- What's going on?

I've been missing volleyball
practice to be in choir.

I don't know how to tell them.

You know,
I know what it feels like

to be doing something
you don't want to do,

wishing you were
doing something else.

You know how my dad is.

Can you imagine if he knew that
I wanted to major in music?

He'd be so disappointed.
What do you think I should do?

Well, he's gonna find out
sooner or later,

so wouldn't you rather
it came from you?

I just hate letting him down.

It's hard, I know,
to take that leap

because there's always risk.

I took one when I left
my corporate job

to start the holiday
decorating business,

and I ended up taking
a part-time job as a safety net,

and it's just been
a distraction.

I've had a really hard time
committing to my dream.

Why haven't you?

Honestly? 'Cause I've been
scared like you.

Who would you be letting down?

Myself.

I guess we both need courage.

I am so glad there's not
a legal limit

to the amount of cookies
you can eat

because these are amazing.

How many have you had?

This is my fourth.

I'm cutting you off.

Hey!

Thank you.

I heard you talking
to Paige earlier.

I shouldn't have eavesdropped.

- She's a really sweet kid.
- Is it true?

You're afraid to quit your job
at the catalog

to focus on Holidays
Made To Order full-time?

I'm scared that if
I take that leap and fail,

I'm just gonna be stuck.

I'm afraid too.

What are you afraid of?

That the minute that I'm not
successful at my job,

I won't have anything else.

You'll always have your family.

Yeah, I know,
but up until this Christmas,

I've been kind of
pushing them aside.

And now that I've been
spending more time with them,

my work's suffering.

It's like I can't win.

I think you just need
to find a better balance.

I need to be more like
you and Paige.

Just focus on what I want
and go for it.

You don't like
designing buildings?

I do.

See, when I was studying
to be an architect,

my favorite classes were
designing homes for families,

and that's what I thought I was
gonna do with my life.

And then right out of college,

Geyser offered me
this amazing position,

and I took it.

I kind of lost sight of
what I really wanted to do.

What made you remember again?

You.

Steven, what did you do with the
rest of the roasted chestnuts?

Paige has them.

Paige?

Okay.

I am gonna get going.

What's on the Christmas docket
for tomorrow?

One of my favorite
holiday traditions.

Which is?

You'll see.

Hello?

This is a bad time?

No, no.

What's up, Nolan?

Clients weren't happy
with the mock-ups

you and Marie submitted.

We just followed
the exact description

the marketing department wanted.

They changed their minds.

I need you to redo them soon.

Okay, I will get right on it.

Thanks.

Bye.

Can't sleep?

I'm making you hot chocolate
while you work.

Thanks, Mom.

You should be in bed.

I know.
It's the price you pay

for staying out and about
all evening.

You know, it's funny.

You didn't want to be a lawyer
like your dad,

but you're sure followed
in his footsteps

when I came to work ethic.

Thanks.

It wasn't a compliment.

Right.

I'm just so glad
that we came here this year.

It seems so long
since we've all been together.

I'm glad too, Mom.

And I think
it's thanks to Gretchen.

Yeah, she is making Christmas
pretty special, isn't she?

And after Christmas?

Well, I'm hoping that my firm
will have her come on

and decorate all the buildings
that we own.

That way I can still see
more of her.

Well, I know one sure way
you could see her again.

What is it called?

When you like someone,
you invite them to dinner

to see where it goes?

Oh, it's a date, Steven.

It's called a date.

I don't know.

I feel kind of weird
asking her out, you know?

I feel like I'd be taking
advantage of the situation.

You know, I'm a client of hers,
I promised her clients.

Did it occur to you
that she might like you

and say yes because of that
and no other reason?

She's professional.

Steven...

Just because
you were burned once

doesn't mean that you can't
give love another shot.

I know.

Thank you.

Hi.

This place is great.

I didn't even know this existed.

What? My friend
volunteers all the time.

Look.

Neighborhood of Good.
It's a great place to find ways

to give back to your community
all year.

That's how I found out about
this Christmas toy drive.

So basically
everyone in Silverpine

can participate
in the collections,

and today we are gonna
sort through all the toys

to make sure they
go to the right place,

and then no kid in need
is left out.

What a great idea.

Should we check out the tables?
Come on.

Yeah, come on, sweetheart.

So technically, this should go
in the 10-to-12 pile,

but I would totally
play with this.

So should I put it
in the any-age pile?

I would stick with
the recommended age,

but if Kirsten needs
a last-minute gift for you,

I will let her know.

Please do.

I keep thinking about
all the kids

that are gonna open these toys
Christmas morning,

how excited they'll be,

how just a simple act
of kindness

can change a person's life
for the better, you know?

I wouldn't be here
if it wasn't for you.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Would you guys like
some hot chocolate?

One of the perks
of volunteering.

Yes, thank you.

Well, this day gets better
and better. Thank you.

You're welcome.
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Agreed.

There is so much to do
in Silverpine.

Well, there's a beautiful
gazebo outside,

if you want to go for a walk.

Yeah. I could use
the fresh air.

Yeah, sounds like a great idea.
I'll come with.

Actually, Jeff, let's go
check out the cupcake stand.

You guys go on ahead.

Sure.

Gretchen, wanna go for a walk?

Yeah, let's go.

And here we are again,

you getting me
to do something fun

and slow down outside of work.

You better be careful.
You're gonna get addicted

to this nice work/life balance.

I think I might.

I love it out here.

I used to come here all the time
with my family

when I was younger.

My parents would take me out,

and there's actually a little
pond a little further out.

My dad and I would go fishing.

He grew up in Silverpine?

My parents were both born here.

But after they passed away,
I moved in with my Aunt Lindsay.

That must have been tough.

It was,

but it made me appreciate
my aunt that much more.

Actually, I used to have a
really hard time with Christmas.

But my aunt was amazing,

and she wanted to make it
enjoyable and fun,

so she would plan
all these activities,

and we would decorate
and whatever she could do

to bring that excitement
to Christmas again for me.

Well, I'm glad she did,

so that way you could
share with us.

I have loved spending
the holiday with your family.

They're really amazing.

I forgot how good it feels
to be around them, you know?

You're really lucky.

You know that, right?

I do.

I just need to be reminded
of that sometimes.

Come here.
I wanna show you something.

- "Believe."
- Did you do this?

That was actually here
when I was younger.

I don't know who wrote it,

but I've always wondered
what they meant by "believe."

Maybe that means whatever
the person needs it to mean.

I like that.

Hey, you're here!

Hey.

What's going on here?

We're making stockings.

It was the only thing missing
in your living room.

Why didn't you let me know?
I would've stopped and got some.

Where's the fun in that?

It has a lot more meaning
if you make them yourself.

Yeah, and I'm sewing names
on them.

You gonna join us?

Of course.

- Use this one.
- Okay.

- Here you go.
- All right.

- Okay, trace that.
- Trace this?

- Trace the boot.
- The boot.

Trace the stocking.

- All right.
- There we go.

I'm an architect, so...

- Pretty good at drawing.
- Good job.

I've got some great news.

I just spoke
to a colleague of mine

who teaches at
Yale medical school,

and he's invited Paige

to join the high school
summer pre-med program.

- What?
- I know!

It's an incredible opportunity!

Any school that sees that
on your college application?

Shoo-in.

Thanks. That's really
cool of you, Dad.

It's a great program.
It's very hands-on.

Does Paige even want to go?

Of course she does,
right, honey?

I wanted to spend this next
summer focusing on my music.

Well, there's no reason
you can't work on your music

and do the program too.

I was thinking I could apply
to some of the schools out here,

maybe as a vocal major.

What?

I didn't know how to tell you.

I switched out volleyball next
semester for advanced choir.

I thought you loved volleyball.

I did for a while.
It's just not as fun anymore.

I thought you wanted to be
a doctor, just like me.

I did, but I changed my mind,

and I've never been as happy
as I am when I'm singing.

Well...

I think it's wonderful.

You have a beautiful voice,

and you are capable of doing
anything you set your mind to.

Thank you, Grandma.

I don't know what to say.

I should've told you sooner.

I just didn't want
to let either of you down.

You can never let us down.

Honey, we love you
no matter what.

We just want you to be happy.

I'm just sorry
I ever made you feel

like you couldn't tell us
something like this.

Steven, stop!

You're gettinglueverywhere!

Sorry.

I'm also very proud of you.

You're done with the stocking.

This one is mine,

and this one is
your grandfather's, Ben.

And this one's for me,

and one for your father.

Here's mine.

And don't forget about me.

And this is an extra hook.
I must have miscounted.

No, no, no, I put that there.

This is for you.

You guys made me one?

You were our Christmas coach
all week long.

Of course
we're gonna make you one.

Thank you.

This was really cool.

They really liked that.
Thank you.

You should do this every year.

Hey.

Just wanted to say good night.

I'm proud of you
for telling your parents.

Thanks. I don't think
I could've done it though

without Gretchen.

She really helped give me
the confidence.

Yeah. She's pretty great, huh?

I want to do something for her.

I just don't know what.

I feel like the stocking
wasn't enough.

I agree.

Actually, I have an idea.

Here they are.

Thank you so much.

No, thank you.

This is a terrific idea.

If it wasn't for this place,

I would've done it
a long time ago.

- We'll do a good job.
- I have it on good authority

that she'll be busy at work
most the day, so go crazy.

We will.

All right. See ya.

She's gonna love this.

She is gonna love it.

Okay.

- Ready?
- Ready.

Hey, great work on those photos.

Thank you. I just looked at
what they liked last year

and did the same.

Smart. That's very smart.

Hey, guess what I overheard
this morning in the break room.

- What?
- Nolan's gonna offer you

a full-time position
after the holidays.

Really?

Shh. Yes.

He was telling
the guy from accounting.

What am I supposed
to say to him?

You tell them
that you'll gladly accept.

Well, if I accept, I'm not gonna
be able to have time to focus

on Holidays Made To Order.

You can still keep
your decorating business.

Just keep it as a hobby.

Steven said he was gonna
talk to his boss

about decorating
for his company.

What's that saying about
birds in your hands

are better than
birds in the tree?

That's not it at all.

What I'm saying is
you should be happy.

- This is a good thing.
- I am happy.

We should get drinks later
to celebrate.

Oh, I can't.

Plans with your adopted family?

They're not my adopted family.

Maybe someday.

Okay.

What do you think?
Little much?

You guys did this for me?

Well, Paige wanted to do
something nice for you,

and the fact that someone
so into Christmas

didn't even have
their house decorated,

well, that's been haunting me
for days, so yeah.

Paige, thank you so much!

And, Steven, I-I love it!

You helped give me the courage

to tell my parents
what I really wanted.

And I admire you
for following your dream.

And you! Who are you?

You are so different from
the person that I first met.

Right? Who was that guy
in the building lobby

who wasn't into Christmas?

What a weirdo.

Totally!

I love Christmas movies.

Me too. Reminds me
of why I love Christmas.

That was such a good idea,
Gretchen.

I think Dad teared up
a little bit

I had something in my eye.

Well, I loved the movie.

They always play the best movies
at Christmastime.

So where to next?

Well, there's an amazing diner
down the street,

and they have incredible pie,

so I figure we'd get
some dessert.

Yes, please.

Lead the way.

Instead of using a simple grid
to line each of our buildings,

all of our shops and restaurants
will be lined in a circle,

all facing a center grass area,

where a giant gazebo will be.

In the summer,
there'll be live concerts.

In the winter, it'll be turned
into a seasonal wonderland.

I love it.

I do. What made you go
in this direction?

Well, I realized that...

the whole point of building this
is to bring people together.

It's not just shops
and buildings.

It's part of a community.

Couldn't have
said it better myself.

Well, it's settled.

We want the Geyser Corporation
to build a shopping center.

Thank you so much.

We're so happy that you like it.

Well, we'll talk more details
after Christmas.

Yes, and I look forward to it.

Great.

Nicely done.

Yes!

Hey, I was surprised
this past week when I came by

and didn't see you slumped over
your desk early in the morning.

But whatever you were doing,
it worked.

I'm gonna go and put a call in
to the board.

Now, I wonder what inspired you

to go in a more
sentimental direction.

I'll be back.

Rachel?

Yes.

Do you have a minute?

For you? Of course.

I was wondering if you'd meet
with a friend of mine.

She's a holiday decorator,
and she does great work,

and I wanted to see if maybe
we could bring her on

as the official decorator
for all the Geyser buildings.

We usually let someone

from the furnishings department
handle that,

but that might be a good idea.

I'll meet with her tomorrow,
if you want.

Yeah, thank you.

No, thank you.

This is how a partner thinks.

All right, do you have the hat?

Do we want to go center
or to the side?

- Let's center it.
- To the side.

And...

Oh, my God, he's so cute!

What's his name?

Charlie.

Hey!

You look like your pitch
went well.

I landed the account.

- Yes!
- Congratulations!

And I think
I might have made partner.

It gets better.
There's more.

My boss wants to meet with
Gretchen tomorrow to discuss

being the official decorator
for all of our buildings.

She wants to meet with me?

Yup. I hope you're
available tomorrow.

I am now! Thank you!

I just feel like I have to
go home and start prepping.

Just be yourself.
You'll do great.

This is the one I did
for the Fourth of July.

There are a lot of variations
of the flag,

but this is probably
one of my favorites.

It's Halloween at my aunt's inn.

Very unique.

Thank you.

That's why I started my company.

I just feel like no two displays
should be alike.

Each one should have
their own special feel.

I can see that.

And even if it's the same theme,

like a Nutcracker Christmas,

I like to style it
to the building

or home that surrounds it.

You're very talented.
There's no doubt about that.

- Thank you.
- But for what we need,

you wouldn't have to worry
about making each display

different or unique.

What connects our properties
is familiarity.

Don't you think each property
should be decorated

to echo what makes it special?

The Geyser Corporation
prides itself on consistency.

You have a good eye.

You'd work wonders
for our brand.

We'd love to have you
come work for us.

See, I was hoping this was more
of a contractual-type thing,

where you would hire
Holidays Made To Order,

and we would come in and set up
your displays individually,

for each building.

But if you come to work for us
as an in-house decorator,

you wouldn't need
Holidays Made To Order.

Thank you so much
for this opportunity

and for even offering me this.

It's just...

I don't think
this is what I want.

You sure?

Yeah.

If you change your mind,
give me a call.

Thank you.

It was very nice meeting you.

You too.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Let me call you back.

How'd it go?

Is she still here?

No. She left.

After I explained to her
how I saw the position,

she didn't seem interested.

Really?

Yeah.

It's a shame.
She's very talented.

I guess it just wasn't
the right fit for her.

Gretchen, wait.

What happened?

Rachel just said
you didn't want the job.

Yeah.
No, not that job.

I don't understand.
It sounded like a sure thing.

Honestly, I wouldn't be
the one calling the shots.

I would be another employee
at Geyser,

just being told what to do.

It's really hard
to start your own company.

Some people don't even make it.

Are you saying that you
don't think I'll make it?

No. It's just, you know,

there's the way
we dream things should be

and the way they actually are.

Is that why you're
still at your job?

What does that mean?

Well, your dream
is to go build houses,

but here you are
about to be partner,

doing something
you don't even want to do,

at a job that's
taken over your life.

I mean, at least
I believe in myself enough

to just pursue my dreams.

You know what? I don't want
to argue with you, okay?

I just...

I wanted to know why you didn't
take the job, that's all.

I'm really thankful.

Thank you so much
for that meeting.

But it's just not for me.

Let me double your pay then.

What?

For your services.

I didn't keep up my end
of the bargain, and so...

I feel bad.

No, you don't...
You don't have to do that.

No, it's least I could do.

I mean, you did great work.

Is that what this is?

You're the client,
and I'm the employee?

That's what we agreed to, right?

Yeah.

I will send you an invoice.

Gretchen, wait!

So he just treated you
like an employee.

Yeah, like that was
all I was to him.

I can't believe I ever thought
that it was anything more.

You both got along so well.

I, for one, thought
there was more to it.

I thought he understood
the vision I had for my company,

and I thought
that he believed in me.

How do you know he doesn't?

You should have seen
how he reacted

when I told him
I wasn't taking the job.

Maybe he was just hoping
to work with you more.

I don't know.

I realized that I put
a lot of expectation

on the deal that we made,

and I thought that was gonna be
the key to my company's success.

Maybe the whole point
of all of this

is that you need to make things
happen for yourself.

Take a leap.
Quit the catalog job.

With no backup?

That's what I did.

And with all my newfound
time and energy,

I was finally able
to focus on the inn.

- That is scary.
- I know.

But some of the best things
in life are.

Know that it'll all work out
the way it's supposed to.

And think about
how much time you'd have

to completely focus
on getting new clients.

I want that. I really do.

Then give yourself
a Christmas present this year.

Believe in yourself.

Hey, honey, you're home early.

Is Gretchen with you?

I wanted to go over some ideas

about Christmas Eve dinner
tomorrow night.

- No, she's not with me.
- Call her over then.

She mentioned something about
a skating rink nearby

that I wanted to check out.

I don't know if Gretchen's
gonna be around anymore.

We kinda had a fight.

What happened?

She wasn't interested in this
job that Rachel was suggesting.

It wasn't what
she thought it'd be.

I tried to encourage her,
but I think I messed it all up.

And then I offered to pay her
more to make up for it,

and she got upset with me.

Of course she did.

That probably made her feel
like this whole time

we've just been using her
for her services.

It's what we agreed to
from the start.

But, son...

it became so much more
than that.

She became part of the family.

You're right.

And maybe you fell for her.

I did.

Tell her.

And say what?

Exactly how you feel.

I will.

- Gingerbread cookie?
- Cute.

- Have as many as you'd like.
- Thank you,

although I don't think any
amount of gingerbread cookies

is gonna make me feel good
right now.

No, but talking to him might.

- And say what?
- I don't know.

How about, "Hey, Steven,
I'm falling for you."

Which is ridiculous
'cause I've only known him

for like two weeks.

Then how about, "Hey, Steven,

let's be more than
client/decorator."

Gretchen, stack of orders
coming in for the new year.

Thought you might want
to get a head start.

Also, when you get back
from break, come see me.

There's something
we should discuss.

Actually, Nolan...

I am gonna give you
my two-weeks' notice.

- What?
- What?

I started a decorating business,
and I wanna give it a fair shot,

and the only way to do that

is to really put the time
that it deserves into it.

Well, we'll miss you.

You're a good worker
with a good eye.

Thank you. And...

if you ever need anybody
to decorate your office,

you just call me.

Yeah. Yeah, will do.

That was amazing!

That felt good.

I mean, it was terrifying,
but it was... it was good.

I'm so proud of you.
You finally just did it.

Yeah, I did.

Doing some last-minute cleaning
before Christmas?

No. I'm packing up my stuff.

Ah, Rachel finally decided

to give you that
private office, did she?

No. Actually,
I'm telling her that I quit.

- What?
- Yeah.

I don't think I like this job.

I don't like the hours,
I don't like the pressure,

I don't like that I lost myself
in it for so many years.

What are you gonna do?

I think I'm gonna
go back to the reason

I became an architect
in the first place.

I'm gonna design
single-family homes.

I just don't understand why
we're setting so many plates.

Well, actually,
I'm expecting a few guests.

Who?

There they are now.

Why don't you bring 'em up?

Merry Christmas Eve!

What are you guys doing here?

We couldn't imagine having

Christmas Eve dinner
without you.

We called to invite
you guys over,

and Lindsay told us we should
all just come over here.

I love seeing you guys.

Well, I want you to know...
well, we all want you to know...

how much we loved spending time
with you last week,

and the entire family
agrees that, thanks to you,

this is gonna be
the best Christmas ever.

That means so much to me.

I have loved every minute
with you guys.

You're a part of our family,
Gretchen,

whether you like it or not.

- Really?
- Yes, of course.

Without you, my daughter
would've never had the courage

to tell me what she wanted
to do with her life.

So can we celebrate over dinner?

Oh, yes! Yes!

My aunt set up the big table,
so please go on upstairs.

Let's go. Come on, Ben.

So happy you came.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Sorry I'm late.

Hi.

I had to get this out of my car.

What is this?

It's the company I'm starting.

Building family homes.

I wanted you to be
the first to have it,

since you're the one
that inspired me to do it.

What about your firm?

I quit.

What?

I quit my job too.

That's great.

Now you can focus on
what you really want to do.

You too.

Who knows? Maybe someday
Holidays Made To Order

can decorate some of the homes
that I build, you know?

I would really like that.

I should've told you
what you meant to me before.

I shouldn't have let you
walk away.

The truth is you're incredible.

And working with you...

spending time with you...

just being with you
the last few weeks

has changed my life forever.

Bumping into you in that lobby

was the best thing
that ever happened to me.