Holly and the Hot Chocolate (2022) - full transcript

Good morning, Pine Falls.

It's December 1st, and that

means crack open the attic

and dig out the garland.

It's officially Christmas.

Beautiful, yeah?

I don't know about you,

but after I decorated my house,

I'm heading down to Town Square

to snag a cup of the best hot

chocolate on earth.

See you in line, Pine Falls.

Hey, darling.

Morning, Dad.

What?

Merry Christmas!

It's December 1st, Stephanie.

Okay, well,

that's technically Christmas.

And I know you like hate

Christmas or whatever.

I don't sound like that.

But I'm going to be at a dorm

next year, so I thought I would,

like, decorate the whole place,

and you're just

going to love it.

Hmm, you taking bets on that?

Look, I know I ask this,

like, every year, but...

Nope.

Please. Look, I promise

I'll take care of it.

No.

And I'll clean up after it,

and I'll make sure it...

Forget it. You're not getting

a real Christmas tree.

Rock, paper, scissors.

And if I win, I get a real

Christmas tree.

Best of one?

Okay.

God, do you think

I want to do this?

You think I want to beat my

daughter that badly every time.

Yeah, I miss Mom, too,

you know.

But I think she would want us

to decorate for Christmas.

I'd give anything to know

what Mom wanted right now.

All right,

you can get a tree.

Yeah? Yay!

Not before December 15th.

How about the 5th?

15th!

Anything before that is nuts.

Merry Christmas.

Coming through?

Lady with a baby.

Merry Christmas.

Sorry.

Merry Christmas.

Holly.

Mrs. Marcus.

As of last weekend,

it's Ms. Marcus.

Oh, good for you.

Good for my salsa instructor.

Okay.

Holly, could you

turn your sweater off

for a minute, please?

Oh.

No, still not.

It's not working.

Just forget it.

I read your review about the

cheese fries for

McKeever's Tavern.

Oh, yeah, they're amazing.

You have to try them.

Holly, at Effie magazine,

we strive to be on the cutting

edge of culinary experience.

We don't review cheese fries.

Well, yeah, I know

we generally review

the higher end stuff,

but my social media

following loves when I review

the sort of everyday

comfort foods, you know,

local businesses and all.

Our customers don't like

everyday foods.

They like elite,

the seemingly unattainable.

With all due respect

to Mrs. Marcus.

Ms. Marcus.

Wouldn't you agree that just

because something's fancy

doesn't mean

that it's necessarily good?

To our subscribers,

that's exactly what that means.

What are you doing tomorrow?

Oh, I have the day off,

remember? I'm going to Boston.

But first, I'm going to have

you review Chef Peter Lou's

new brunch restaurant downtown.

Oh, okay.

What's in Boston?

I'm visiting Tommy.

I'm meeting his parents.

Ah, yes. And how is Tommy?

He's good.

He's good?

You had nicer things to say

about the cheese fries.

♪ Whoo! ♪

♪ Blue eyes, don't you

make my heart surrender ♪

♪ Just a victim of

everything that you do ♪

♪ Oh-oh ♪

Merry Christmas!

Thank you.

Hey. Merry Christmas!

Yep.

Merry Christmas!

Yeah.

Merry Christmas!

Okay.

Merry Christmas!

Good.

Merry Christmas!

♪ You're the best around ♪

♪ The best around ♪

♪ The best around ♪

♪ The best around ♪

A little more.

A little more. A little more.

Hey, Sheryl, let's try more,

and then go a little more

when more is too much,

'cause, you know...

I can't wait for tonight.

I've been thinking about that

hot chocolate for 11 months.

I mean, me too.

Rudy, are you excited

about the hot chocolate too?

Rudy doesn't like

hot chocolate.

Steve.

Rudy, can you please

just say Mayor Hanks?

I'm performing an official duty.

I will never call you

Mayor Hanks, and look, it's not

that I hate the hot chocolate.

I just,

the line's always massive,

and I'm just, I'm not waiting

in line for anything anymore.

But that's my favorite part,

the anticipation

and the music and the people.

And this year, maybe,

some snow.

I bought a snow machine.

You got a snow machine

with taxpayer money?

Oh. Don't say it like that.

That makes it so...

This is exciting.

I want this town to have

a white Christmas.

It gets everybody in the spirit,

and you can use a little

Christmas spirit yourself, Rudy.

I bet it's because he misses

his wife,

Nora, you think that's it?

I bet that's it.

Of course that's it.

Rudy, sweetheart, there are

a lot of fish in the sea,

and the only way to catch one is

to keep your rod in the water.

Sheryl, do you have

any idea what you just said?

Yeah, that

came out weird, Sheryl.

Gosh, that's not

what I meant.

Hey.

Hey, babe.

Hi.

What's up, too?

Trying to get the place

ready for the weekend.

I'm pretty busy.

Now I'm on the phone.

Well, I'm excited

to meet your family.

Oh, yeah, look.

My parents, they're not really

into Christmas, so try not

to talk about it too much,

and maybe not wear so much

Christmas gear.

Okay, got it.

Don't be in a good mood.

No.

Look, I'm sorry

I'm being tense.

I just didn't get to work out

today, and the lady at the

coffee shop said I look 45.

You're 43. She was close.

It was insensitive.

And then I'm the one

that gets asked to leave

because I'm being too emotional.

Well, I'm sorry.

I think you look 35.

I think you look 35,

too, babe.

I am 35.

Okay. You hang up first.

Okay.

Well, I can't wait to see you.

Remember to bring

that avocado dish.

I already packed it.

Okay, in bubble wrap, right?

Yes.

Okay, good, because I got it

in Tijuana, Holly.

It's my guac dish, Holly.

I bubble wrapped it twice.

I duct-taped it.

It's got packing peanuts, Tommy.

I'm not going back

to Tijuana, Holly.

I'm not even allowed.

I'm staring at it, Tommy.

It's wrapped.

Can you take

a picture of the dish for me?

I...

Yes, I'll send the picture.

All right, all right.

Look, I got to go.

It's just stressing me out.

Hey, still haven't gotten

a pic of that dish.

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

So this is our take on brunch.

You see, we prefer a healthier

version of the fluffy pancakes

and greasy bacon.

So here we have a charred and

flattened piece of asparagus.

Yeah.

Mm, balsamic

adds a nice note.

Yeah.

It's a little bit of sweet.

Who put this on?

I added it to the playlist.

I thought people would like it.

Nobody wants to hear

Christmas music, Claire.

Okay. Sorry.

Turn it off.

Totally.

Thank you.

I'm sorry about that. I hope

you brought your appetite.

I'm actually

very hungry, so...

Oh, well, guess what?

Scrambled quail eggs

with a question of chives.

A question?

Yes, you see, the flavor's

so subtle that it's not really

a hint of chives.

It's more of a question

of chives.

Like, was that chives?

And it is.

It's not. It's scallions,

which is fun, you know?

So I'll let you have at it.

Bay leaf. Very edible.

Stand up straight.

Stand up straight.

Sorry, we're out of

maple sausage.

Oh, it's okay.

I got some snacks

in the truck. Thank you.

What you looking at?

Just sports stuff.

Rudy. Rudy. Merry Christmas.

Thanks, Dale.

No. I said, Merry Christmas.

Right. Yeah. Merry Christmas.

Hello, everybody. Hello.

Hey, man.

How you doing?

Good.

Are you carrying these around

so people know you're the mayor?

No, you boob.

Yeah, you are.

I had a ribbon-cutting

ceremony at the new juice bar,

and I parked like three blocks

from here,

and I didn't want to walk.

Unbelievable.

You love the power, don't you?

You love it.

I get asked to cut ribbons

all the time. Banks, bakeries.

I cut the ribbon

at Dale's divorce settlement.

It did add a bit of fun

in the process.

I don't know, man.

I think you just want people

to know you're the mayor.

People would know I was

the mayor without the scissors.

Oh, yeah? Excuse me, miss.

Do you know who this is?

Yeah, you're the guy that

used all the taxpayer dollars

for your driveway, right?

What?

I don't even have a driveway.

I just bought a townhome.

Who paid for that?

Oh, my God. Are you kidding?

Everybody's saying it.

This is the rumor

going around.

I better nip this in the bud.

Let's talk about

something else,

because I do have very big news.

Pine Falls is in the running for

best Christmas town in the US.

The winner is going

to be featured on Mornings

with America.

Oh, boy, that is something.

Oh, boy,

it is something, Dale.

Well, Merry Christmas, Steve.

Merry Christmas, Dale,

but also,

that's the end of this.

Rudy, this is a big deal.

We get featured

on national television.

That's massive for tourism.

So you got to vote online.

Yeah, I totally will.

I'd just love to see

the other towns first.

Are these vacation homes

or real homes?

Vacation homes are

real homes, Steve.

You're moving.

Come on.

What the heck

are you doing that for?

I'm not moving yet.

Does Deb know? Does Deb know?

Hey, stop putting those

scissors at me, and no,

my mother does not know yet.

Okay?

Hey, hey, Steve,

stop running with fake scissors.

These are real scissors,

Rudy.

Chef Peter Lou's new French

restaurant is fantastic

if you don't like eating food.

Chef Peter Lou's new French

restaurant is wonderful

if you like portions

the size of American change.

Food that makes you feel

like a tiny baby mouse.

A question of chives.

Love it, 10 out of 10.

Jingle bells, jingle bells,

jingle all the way.

Oh what fun it is to ride

in a one-horse open sleight.

I wish there was

another option, Deb.

So, I want to get this right.

I don't have any money.

No. No, no, no.

You owe a lot of money,

more than you have, so no money

would be a good thing.

Mariel, can you put

two green bowls on the bottom

left to balance that?

We're off just a hair there.

You got it.

I can't put this place up

for sale until New Year's.

What if you open

the restaurant back up?

Ugh.

I mean, technically this

is a bed and breakfast,

and some people may wonder

where the breakfast is.

We have muffins, and that

was my husband's restaurant

and no one else's.

I understand.

But it really would sell better

if it was

for sale during the holidays.

You know, really

sell that feeling.

All right,

I'll think about it.

Everything all right?

Yeah, I think so.

Hey, Steve.

Oh, oh.

Hey, Mom.

Hi, sweetie.

Everybody.

Do you need me to call

an ambulance, Steve?

No, I'm just out of breath.

Hey, he's moving.

What are you talking about?

No.

Is he serious?

Yes, I've been looking

into houses at South Carolina.

You're going to move

somewhere where it doesn't snow?

My plan was to wait until

after Christmas to tell you,

but I'm going to be

closer to Stephanie

when she's going to college.

Okay, maybe

you're just upset.

We're going to figure this out.

Maybe you're stressed.

You can't move away from here.

I mean, where are you

going to find this?

I don't want to

find this, Mom.

I want to move away from this.

Maybe you just need a girl.

Rudy, it's been 10 years.

Yeah, I know, and it's not

getting any easier.

I've tried. I've tried to put on

a happy face every year.

I've tried to date,

but there's just no one.

There's no one like Nora.

You have to stop

looking for her. She's gone.

But there could be

so many other people out there

looking for you.

Yeah, idiots.

Oh, shh.

Look, I made up my mind

about this. Okay?

I gotta get back to work.

Rudy, there's

somebody out there for you,

and they're lost, too.

Yes, I will take a cup

of coffee, anybody.

We wish you a merry

Christmas,

we wish you a merry Christmas,

we wish you a merry Christmas

and a happy new year.

Turn left.

Bonus fry.

How'd you get away from me.

Turn left.

Come here. Almost gotcha. Ha.

Turn left now.

There you go.

Merry Christmas.

Hey, how you doing?

Good, how you doing?

Two hot dogs, please.

You mean two Christmas dogs?

What's the difference?

Between what?

Two Christmas dogs, please.

Do you want Christmas ketchup

or Christmas mustard?

Ohh.

Oh.

Hi. Sorry.

I crashed my car in the woods,

and I can't find my phone,

and I could really

use some help.

Okay.

I'm Holly, by the way.

Rudy.

That hot dog looks awesome.

Oh, I was told these

are Christmas dogs. Yeah.

Do you want one?

Yes, I do.

You're a food critic?

Yeah.

It's harder than you think.

You know, I mean,

this hot dog, for example,

could you give it a review?

Me?

Sure. This hot dog is hot.

I don't know. What would you do?

In a country that basically

salutes the hot dog,

it's hard to stand out,

but Chef Rudy's inspired take

on this classic dish elevates it

to something more meaningful.

The prime ground pork,

bathed in salty brine

explodes with flavor,

and the zigzag pattern

of ketchup and mustard

gives this dog a flavor profile

that lingers long

after the last bite.

Wow.

I know I've already eaten

a hot dog, but I immediately

want another hot dog after this.

High praise.

Yes.

It's green.

Yeah.

There it is.

Sorry.

Not your fault.

Could I maybe borrow your phone

to call an Uber?

Oh, yeah, sure.

You know the number?

Is there like a hotel

in town?

No hotels.

But... There's this one place.

Great.

Mariel, you did a great job.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, it's beautiful.

Did the green balls

go in the right spot?

Yeah, no, see,

it balanced out really well.

Well, that was quick.

Mom, please.

This is your mom?

Stop. Stop it. stop it.

She broke down, she's going

to need a place to stay.

Oh, that's too bad.

Well, you came

to the right place.

This is great.

I'll get a room ready for you.

What is your name, hon?

Holly.

Oh.

Rudy, where'd you find her?

Oh, the woods, actually.

In the woods?

That's great. Mariel,

you got to buy some hiking gear.

Could I just borrow

your phone really quick?

We have one of those.

Rudy, show her where the...

It's in the kitchen.

Don't forget to dial out.

She doesn't have to dial out.

Oh, did they change that?

Yeah.

Yeah, they did

that last week.

No, they didn't.

They still have to dial out.

I don't think

you have to dial out anymore.

It's just a basic landline.

Yeah, we can kind of...

Oh, landline.

Dial nine first.

I'll show you the phone.

Okay.

Yeah.

Nice to meet you, Holly.

Nice to meet you as well.

Yeah?

Hey, it's me.

Where are you?

You said you'd be here by now.

I got into a little accident.

Oh, my God!

Did my dish break?

Did it break, Holly?

And... Are you okay too?

Yeah, I'm fine, you know.

Car is totally banged up.

My phone is now crushed.

But your dish is fine.

And I will be there tomorrow

night,

just in time for your parents.

Okay. Just don't be late.

My parents are kind

of serious people. Okay?

You got it.

Okay. All right.

Around to third.

Over to second...

Oh, it's fine.

This is a nice place.

Yeah. Wait, is...

Is this your restaurant?

Oh, no, no. It's my dad's.

It was my dad's.

Yeah, amazing chef. Yeah.

This place closed after he died.

Now it's less of a bed

and breakfast and more of a bed

and assortment of muffins.

Hey, I really appreciate

everything.

Oh, yeah.

It's rare we get new people

around here, so happy to help.

Oh, my gosh.

I totally forgot to pay you.

No, no, no, it's fine.

I have to pay you something.

No, no. Please.

I know what it's like to be

in a bind. It's okay. Really.

Well, that's

really nice of you.

Yeah.

So I'll swing by tomorrow to

take you to the auto body shop.

My buddy should have you

out of here in no time.

Thanks, Rudy.

Yeah. Sure thing.

Oh.

Oh. Do...

Do you like fireplaces?

Yeah.

Yeah, me too. You know,

especially when it's like cold

and it's just the fireplace.

Makes it warm.

Yes, yes. Yes, it does.

Oh, thank God.

Your room is ready.

Number two. Here we go.

Thanks.

Great. Good night, Holly.

Good night, Rudy.

Good night, son.

Right this way.

Number two, honey. Come on.

Here we are.

You make yourself right at home.

Thank you. Lovely.

Good, yeah.

So Rudy tells me

you are a food critic.

Yeah, that's something.

You should do a review

of the hot chocolate stand.

It's magical.

Maybe next year.

I have to leave pretty early

in the morning.

Meeting my boyfriend's parents.

Boyfriend.

Oh, here comes the man

in love. Look at that saunter.

Deb called me right away.

Emily sounds perfect.

It's Holly.

Even better,

I love that name.

Wait. Is that Rudy?

Oh, yeah, that's my Rudy.

Yeah. He and his dad would stand

in that hot chocolate line every

single night during Christmas.

Man.

My husband died right before

Rudy and Nora were married.

When she passed away,

he never took another sip and

never stood in that line again.

She's just somebody

who broke down, so I helped her.

I was doing my job.

You know, I think

she broke down right here.

Right in your heart, Rudy.

He seems like a good guy.

He is. And he's single.

Oh, I'm not single.

Remember I said I was meeting

my boyfriend's parents?

Vaguely. Yeah.

I like this.

I like her for you.

You look vigorous.

You got a smile on your face.

I haven't seen that in a decade.

Well, you have a good night.

Call down the front desk

if you need anything at all.

Okay.

Or if you happen to break up

with your boyfriend.

What?

Nothing. Good night.

Hey, you know what I think?

I think you're Pine Falling

for her.

That's the name of the town!

Hey, I only have like 15 minutes

to write this.

Okay.

And frankly,

I think you're required to laugh

at the jokes your mayor makes.

Fireplace. Awesome.

Yeah.

I could stay here forever.

Maybe you should.

Oh. Oh, no. I can't.

Oh, no, I was just...

I was just kidding.

You should probably go or stay.

The king of small

talk returns.

You want to ride to the shop?

Sure.

Monday?

Yeah.

Ugh.

I'm sorry.

It's just hard to get parts

like that on a Saturday.

It's okay. I'm supposed to be

in Boston tonight

visiting my boyfriend's parents.

You want a candy cane?

I feel like it always helps

with the bad news.

Sure.

Pick you up!

It's over an hour that way

and an hour back!

I don't know

how else I would get there.

Did she say boyfriend?

Steve told me you guys

were together.

What?

Yeah, he said you guys

fell in love or something.

I'm going to be outside.

This boyfriend is really

going to throw a monkey

wrench into things.

Uber?

They don't

really have that here.

Lyft?

Also no.

Uber Eats.

How would that even work?

I don't know,

you're the food critic!

Look...

You made me

swallow my toothpaste.

Look, my parents are going to be

really upset about this.

I can still be there Monday.

Fine. I'll see you Monday.

Well, looks like

I'm stuck here.

You know, I can

give you a ride.

No, that's okay.

Actually, could I bum a ride

back to the bed and breakfast?

Yeah, sure thing.

It's actually not

the worst town to be stuck in.

Oh yeah?

Yeah. People are nice.

It's really festive,

if you like that kind of thing.

It's safe. I don't know

if that bear eats strangers.

Oh, sorry.

Hey, Missile Towing.

Oh, hey, darlin'. Yeah? Okay.

Everything bagel? Check. Uh-huh.

Cream cheese. Right. Toasted.

Okay, I'll see you soon.

It's my daughter.

Daughter?

You seem surprised.

I am a little, to be honest.

You just... you struck me

as a guy who lives with two

big dogs with old man names.

Like Bert and Coffee.

I can see that. But no.

Her name's Stephanie. She's 17.

She's very, very cool.

She's also really

nice and smart.

So, you know,

usually I spend most of my days

feeling a mix of dumb and proud.

Yeah. Those are great

dog names, by the way.

Yeah.

Also, did you say the name of

the company was Missile Towing?

That's so cute.

Oh, no, no.

It's like missile, like...

It's because I get there fast

and, you know,

missiles are pretty awesome.

But it gets a little

confusing around Christmas,

but the rest of the year,

it's pretty cool.

What? You don't think missiles

are cool?

No, no, no. I think missiles

are super cool, Rudy.

So...

you want to get a bagel?

Another finalist for Best

Christmas Town in America

is Pine Falls.

This cozy little town outside

of Boston has big holiday spirit

and a delicious hot chocolate

the locals can't stop

raving about.

To find out the winner,

tune in this Monday on Mornings

with America.

Stephanie?

Hi.

Hi, I'm Holly.

It's nice to meet you.

Are you guys, like,

is this a thing or...

Oh, haha, no.

She's a drifter.

My car broke down last night

and your dad and grandma

helped me out.

Yeah, that sounds

about right.

Have you had that chocolate yet?

No.

Man, this is hot chocolate

is the talk of the town.

Oh, my God,

it'll change your life.

Maybe she could try it

next year or a year after that,

or who knows, maybe Holly

will never come back.

Nice dad.

You look all dressed up.

You heading out?

Yeah, dad, it's the Bonanza Cup.

Oh, that's tonight?

Bonanza Cup?

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

It's a Skee-Ball tournament

at Mel's Lodge,

like everybody in town goes.

Oh, my gosh, I love

Skee-Ball.

You do?

Yeah.

Oh my God.

Excuse me.

Oh. Missile Towing.

Hey, Rudy, guess what?

I found the part

for that lady's car.

Oh.

She's good to go.

The car's ready.

Okay, great.

It was right here in the shop

the whole time. It must have

been here for years.

I walked by it, like, every day.

Funny, isn't it?

Yeah, yeah, I'll tell her.

All right, talk to you later.

Bye-bye.

I got some bad news

about your brakes.

Is everything okay?

Yeah. So Skee-Ball?

Yes!

Oh!

I mean,

clearly she's cheating.

Okay.

By being better than you.

Has anyone tested the weight

of these balls? What's the date

of the last inspection?

Hey!

Whoa, that's you?

Yeah.

You have, like,

over 200,000 followers?

You gotta review

the hot chocolate stand.

Oh.

Yeah.

That would be huge

for this town.

Soon to be number one

Christmas town in the US.

Wait, on Mornings

with America?

Yes!

And a producer just called me.

He said,

start getting the stuff ready.

So it's so exciting.

I gotta go sit down.

He's a sweetheart.

Yeah.

So Philadelphia, huh?

Mm-hmm.

That's gotta be pretty cool.

Oh, it is.

I mean, but this...

This is incredible.

Yeah.

Feels like I visited

Christmas.

Yeah. You know, Pine Falls

is without a doubt the best

place on Earth for Christmas.

Mm-hmm.

You know, my dad

just seems to be the only one

who doesn't think so. You know?

I'm beginning to

get that impression.

Yeah. Well, you should

see him the rest of the year.

He's like a barrel of fun

11 months out of the year.

You should see our house

at Halloween. It is decorated

like you would not even believe.

But, you know,

when Christmas comes around,

he's just not there.

I never knew my dad.

He left when I was young.

But my mom was incredible.

She used to have to work

double shifts at the department

store every Christmas,

because, I mean, no one else

wanted to, obviously.

And since we couldn't afford

a sitter, I basically lived

at the mall every year.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

That actually sounds

kind of awesome.

It was.

Yeah.

I mean, and she knew

everybody there.

So I would just go from store

to store to store all day long.

I mean, Christmas music

blasting 24-7.

Yeah.

And everyone there was just

so bright and happy and cheerful

and filled with

the Christmas spirit.

But the best part out of all of

this was that I got to spend

all that time with my mom.

And for someone who had

to work pretty much non-stop

on Christmas,

I truly did love it.

Seems like a great dad.

Yeah, the best.

Let's see if we can't shake

a little spirit out of him.

Yeah.

Let's go.

What?

I think they're

making fun of you.

Anyway, back to my point,

I'm not corrupt.

What?

You're in the championship.

I am?

Yeah.

Who am I playing? Oh, no.

Let's skate.

Oh, boy.

Yes!

Okay.

I'm the best. I'm the best.

Oh! In your face!

Yeah, yeah.

So you got one ball left.

All right. You need 50 points.

He needs 10. So if you just sink

the 50, you're good.

I could get 50 with one ball.

You got it. It's actually

extremely difficult.

You got it.

Holly.

Yeah! Oh yeah! Boom!

Yeah.

Do you know where I would love

to go right now?

Where?

I'm excited

for this hot chocolate.

Just one?

Everybody! I just got

off the phone with the producer

from Mornings with America

and he said to expect

a very big call tomorrow.

That's awesome.

I mean, it's great.

No, it's not definite.

But it's definitely a probably.

Okay.

It's huge!

That's awesome. Yeah.

What a wonderful

thing you all have here.

I mean, it's like a line full of

people who actually enjoy being

in a line full of people.

They do.

Sheryl here hasn't missed

a Sunday since Dave's mom

opened the place.

Isn't that right, Sheryl?

That's right.

Bob and I are here every Sunday.

We love it.

Dale, you met your wife here.

Oh, oh, yeah. The new one.

Not the divorced one.

No, the divorced one...

Hey, you're still here.

Well, yeah. You have my car.

Oh! No, you know, I just...

What?

Oh, look, I think we're up.

You got it. Bye.

Sorry, folks. We're all out.

You've got to be kidding me.

That's how it works.

When he's out...

He's out.

What is it

about this hot chocolate

that makes it so special?

Well, I'd like to think that

it's the chocolate that I use,

or maybe it's the anticipation

of Christmas in the air

or the spirit of the crowd

waiting in line. Who knows?

One thing I can tell you for

sure, like my mother before me,

every cup of hot chocolate

has a secret ingredient.

The secret ingredient is love.

You see, because no cup

is truly enjoyed,

unless it's served

in the presence of love.

You folks have a good evening,

and maybe I'll see you

in a while.

Now I want hot chocolate.

This is for you.

Thank you.

You bet.

It will be ready

in just a sec, okay?

Got it. Okay.

Your mom was beautiful.

Yeah, she was.

You know, it's funny.

The same reason that he hates

Christmas is kind of the reason

I love it.

You know, I was so young when

she died that I only have, like,

these short memories of her.

You know, like,

like flashes of happiness.

They were always,

always around Christmas.

And every year, like, out of

nowhere, a new memory pops up.

That's why I love Christmas.

Because once in a while,

she comes back.

But, you know,

dad on the other hand,

well, he kind of disappears.

Second dinner is ready.

Wow. Look at the knife skills

on Rudy.

Yeah, my dad taught me

how to cook. You still haven't

watched me make anything.

Now I'm a master grill

cheese maker.

Listen, you'd be surprised

how the simplest recipes...

Whoa! That's not just

any grilled cheese.

No, it's not.

It's grilled brie with cranberry

chutney and thyme.

Stephanie's favorite.

Speaking of...

I'm going to bed.

Okay, good night.

I'm not kidding, Rudy.

This is really

something special.

Maybe next time I'm in town,

I can review your all grilled

cheese restaurant.

Next time?

Well, I think that sounds nice.

Maybe we can chitchat more

about fireplaces.

I'm not sure how your boyfriend

would feel about that.

Yeah.

Yikes. Sorry. Really.

Whoa, I'm no good at this, am I?

No, you are not.

Not great.

It's okay, really.

It suits you.

It's charming in its own way.

Oh, good.

You know, it's been

really nice breaking down here.

Yeah.

Best Christmas in a while.

Hey, can I crash on your couch?

Well, don't crash.

I'll have to tow you

out of there. Oh, boy.

It's getting worse, isn't it?

Right, okay. Stupid.

It's okay.

Merry Christmas.

For sale?

Yep. I made up my mind.

I wanted to wait,

but my financial guy said

I'd get more money for it if

I put it up during the holidays,

so I'm going to do it?

Mom, this place has been

in our family for 50 years.

Yeah, yeah, I know that.

You know, what do you care

anyway? You're moving, right?

What if I didn't?

I don't know, mom.

I'm on the fence.

Is it that girl, maybe?

No.

Maybe. I don't know. All I know

is you can't sell this place.

I can't make the money

up here, okay?

Well, why don't you open

the restaurant back up?

I don't know how to run

a restaurant.

Besides, that was your father's

restaurant.

We made a million memories

in that place.

You were just a little kid.

You'd stand there and you'd

watch him cook in that kitchen.

I'm not going to let some

schmuck come in off the street

and turn it into something else.

I won't do it.

Who's living in the past now?

The difference is I've tried.

Rudy, you gave up. I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have said that.

No, you're right. Sell it.

I'm moving.

This one's my favorite.

You have to come see it.

He's so smart.

Hey, Dad.

Hey.

Oh, my God.

You okay?

Grandma Deb's selling the bed

and breakfast.

Can I ask you just...

What are we doing?

Right? What is this?

We're just killing time

until the car's fixed.

Yeah, here's the thing.

Your car's already fixed.

Really?

Yeah, it was ready yesterday

before we went to Skee-Ball.

Darryl called me. He told me

that the part was ready.

And you didn't tell me?

Well, I was going to.

I wanted to,

but we were having a good time

and I didn't want it to end.

Dad, that's

basically kidnapping.

No, well,

romantic kidnapping.

Okay, somehow

that sounds way worse.

Look, I just...

Last night was,

I had so much fun.

It was like the most fun

I've had in years.

I mean, I had

so much fun too.

That's the thing, right?

I mean, the truth is,

it's all going to end, right?

And we're going to get hurt.

And at the end of the day,

you got a boyfriend still.

And I'm moving anyway.

What? You're moving where?

I've been looking at houses

in South Carolina. I was waiting

for the right time to tell you.

So you just decided to lump

that in with the whole

like kidnapping thing?

Would you please stop

saying that?

I'm sorry, I lied to you.

You're a really great person,

but whatever this is,

it's over, right?

Yeah.

Of course.

Right.

That would be crazy, right?

Yeah, I'm glad

we're on the same page.

Of course, yeah.

I mean, not that I didn't...

No, and me too.

Of course, I can't.

Sure.

Yeah.

Well, I should go

pick up my car.

Right.

Bye, Stephanie.

Bye.

It was so good meeting you.

Yeah, you too.

We had a fun time.

Yeah.

You know, with meeting

you and, uh...

Sorry.

Yeah.

Okay. Best of...

Good, safe travels to you.

Really?

Thanks, Rudy.

Hey.

I think you have something

really special here, Rudy. Bye.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you

about the moving thing earlier.

Um...

I'm just going to go for a walk.

This is the one,

this is the one.

Mayor Hanks!

Ah, no, I get it. I get it.

Thank you for calling.

I really appreciate

your hospitality.

You are very welcome.

It's really been lovely

having you.

And I'm really sorry

you didn't get a chance

to try that hot chocolate.

Maybe next year.

Yeah, I hope so.

Take care.

Bye-bye.

Mom and I would walk by here

when I was little.

She said this is where I'd get

my dress for prom.

We'd just sit here and, like,

pick out which ones we wanted.

Yeah. Just remembered

that this morning.

She'd have been

so proud of you.

You know, Holly's nice.

And I think you guys

would be a good couple.

I just...

I can't picture myself

with anyone else.

I can't either.

I think we should try.

What would mom think?

You like bah-hum-bugging around.

You know, being miserable.

Not decorating.

I could help you

pick out a dress.

Yeah, right. Probably

make me wear sweatpants.

Well, they make

nice sweatpants.

Dad.

Mom would want you to be happy.

And I want you to be happy.

Oh, okay. Fine.

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

I'm going to find Holly.

Correction, we are going

to go find Holly.

Yeah. Yeah.

I think I'm going to come too.

Duh. You're driving.

Hey, Steve. You okay, bud?

We didn't win the Mornings

of America contest.

Oh. I'm sorry, pal.

They're going to give it

to some town in Connecticut

with like the oldest Santa Claus

or something.

I told everybody last night

we were a shoo-in.

It's pretty embarrassing.

Oh, Steve, I never see

you sad like this.

Well, I get sad a lot.

You know, everybody sees me

as this happy-go-lucky guy

with narrow

but muscular shoulders.

And sometimes I get sad enough

that I just want to run away.

You remember when I campaigned

against that guy two years ago

who just kept saying...

Don't trust a guy with a face

like a puppet.

Shades of that.

Anyway, I knew

I had to beat that guy.

I mean, no matter how sad

all those posters made me feel,

I had to stay

and fight for this town.

Because it matters to everyone

that you try.

Even if you fail, just the act

of trying can inspire others

to do the same.

And that's what this town needs.

And that's what I try to be for.

Where are you going?

I thought you were done.

I was wrapping up.

No, you sounded like you were

at the end,

like there's a period.

Pause isn't done.

Well...

We're going to get Holly.

Where's Holly?

Dad made her leave town.

You finally find a girl

and stop acting like a sad

donkey and you kick her out?

We're going to find her,

okay?

Well, then

I'm coming with you.

This is my favorite part

of every movie.

All right, here we go.

She left through the garage.

Okay, I'm going to find her.

Oh, also,

I'm buying the restaurant.

You are? Wait!

I'm coming too. This is good.

It's great. Let's go.

Double time.

I'm going to need my coat.

My winter coat's upstairs.

It's right there. That's a

perfectly good coat. Let's go.

That's a light jacket.

It's cold out.

This one's not very warm.

Give me this one.

Guys, I'm double

parked right now.

Put this arm down.

You're going to pull something.

Okay, there you go.

You're good enough.

80% is done. Let's do it.

Here we go. Here we go.

How many stop signs are there

in this town? A lot.

Steve, can you do something

about this?

You wouldn't believe the

amount of people that complain

about the lack of stop signs.

Yeah, okay.

If people in this town

had their way, it'd be nothing

but speed bumps and stop signs.

There's a sign right here.

Stop right in the back there.

All right, go ahead.

Get in there.

What are you doing?

I can't get

the seat belt off.

Somebody move the coat!

Somebody help! Come on!

You got to move.

I think you're sitting on it.

I told you to get

a new truck.

You're sitting on it.

Now move, move, move.

Watch your fingers.

I definitely loosened that.

You know,

I didn't vote for you, Steve.

[ Machinery whirring

I really thought that was

going to end differently.

Sorry, Rudy.

She was a sweet girl.

Son,

were you serious about reopening

your father's restaurant?

I was. I am.

All right, see you guys.

You know, I don't want

to point fingers as to why

we missed her, but...

Deb. Deb's why we missed her.

Hi.

Are you looking for Tommy?

No. Uh...

Could you just tell him Holly

stopped by and that it's over?

Oh, wait.

Could you not open the door,

please?

Tommy, so good to see you.

Holly, I can't believe

you're in town.

Right now.

Right here.

Oh man, it's great

to see you.

I brought your dish.

Oh, thank you so much.

You got it.

Bye.

You can't stay

in the car all night.

You want to get out? Yeah?

Yeah.

Why don't you just call her?

Never got her number.

You're so old.

Yeah, well, in my defense,

I ran over her phone, so there

wasn't really much point.

And yeah, I'm not really

much of a phone guy.

Oh yeah.

Hey, you want to watch

Love Actually?

Really?

Seriously, Love Actually?

Yeah, I always like that one.

My father, watching Love

Actually. Okay.

What?

Okay. You're like...

How do I put this gently?

A Nightmare Before Christmas.

Not like rom-com...

Don't even...

I'm changing it up.

Okay. Okay.

Let me change it up.

You want to get that?

Hello?

This is Missile Towing.

Oh no. Oh yeah.

Yeah, that sounds serious.

Okay, he'll be right over.

Someone broke down

on the town square.

All right.

Would it be okay

if I came with you?

Yeah, sure.

Okay.

Hey!

Get out! Go after her!

I thought you left.

Well, I couldn't leave town

without trying

the hot chocolate.

Wow.

Yeah, that's good.

Yes.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you

about your car.

I just... I was having

a good time with you

and I didn't want you to go

and it's... I know that's weird

and then I got weird and then...

I tried to come find you,

but you went to see

your boyfriend and I just...

I did.

Yeah.

And yeah, I left to go see

my ex-boyfriend.

Oh.

And it turned out

he had another girlfriend.

Darn it. That's...

I'm sorry, but that's...

It makes me smile a lot.

Look, I'm just glad I got

to see you again and tell you

that I had a really good time

with you and whatever this is,

it's kind of cool.

Well, I'd like to

tell you something then.

What's that?

I think I'm

Pine Falling for you.

Yikes.

Yeah?

Oh boy.

Yeah.

Oh boy.

Yeah. You know,

Steve told me to say that.

Okay, that tracks.

Thought it'd go better,

honestly.

But the sentiment.

Okay.

I think I'd like

to stick around. If that's okay.

Yeah, I'd like that.

I think I will too.

I'd like that.

Kiss her.

I'd like that.

You're crying?

Oh my God, Steve.

Good one, huh?

Yeah.

Oh!

Geez Louise, is this made

out of sea kelp?

I've been reviewing the

culinary world for years now.

High-end restaurants

and talented chefs.

And while I've enjoyed most

of them, I realized something

while standing in line on the

cheerful streets of Pine Falls.

Sometimes, the things that make

something special can't

be manufactured in a kitchen.

Looking pretty good in here,

Chef Rudy.

They have to be experienced.

They become special because of

shared moments

and ingredients that don't show

up in the written recipe.

Like joy, laughter,

and sometimes even love.

I'm not saying there's something

in the hot chocolate

at David's Hot Chocolate Stand.

I'm just saying drinking it

is a magical experience.

So if you find yourself

in Pine Falls, hop in line.

Maybe I'll see you there.

Ten out of ten.