Homemade Christmas (2020) - full transcript

♪ [playful Christmas music]

♪

♪

♪ [music changes]

♪

[soft knocking]

[door opens]

Hi! I'm Megan.

[whispered]
Oh, thank God!

Oh! Phew!

I didn't know who
else to turn to.



Susan recommended you.

Megan: I've seen
this before.

Let me guess. Neighbor's
cat got inside?

Yeah, and the dog's
still chasing it.

And I forgot about
the cookies.

How much time?

Fifty-five minutes.

♪ [bustling music]

My daughter's been looking
forward to this for weeks.

But they said that
you're the best

and you can solve
any problem.

♪

OK.

You mentioned it's a
cookie-decorating party



for fifteen, correct?

Yes. She invited her friends
and the whole hockey team.

Is it true that you saved
the entire Tulip Festival

with no tulips?

Yep.

How?

Crepe-paper tulips,
thousands.

That's genius!

Do we have to delay?

We won't.

Let's bake.

♪ [Christmas song starts] ♪

♪ [female pop vocalist]

♪

Not bad for a
smash-and-bake job.

It looks better
than before.

You saved me.

[doorbell rings]

You're welcome
to stay.

Thanks, but I have to
rescue a holiday party.

[cell phone rings]

Hi, guys. Come on in.

[kids chattering excitedly]

Christmas
for Hire.

I'll see
you in ten.

♪

[church bell tolls]

[music fades]

The decorations
should be modest,

not that we can
afford much anyway.

Love the challenge.

We really need to hit
our goal this year.

Otherwise...

You bring the donors.

I will bring the dazzle.

I wish I had your optimism.

Come on. This is going to
be the best holiday ever.

[sigh]

Can't you see it?

Surprise me.

DIY winter dream.

We'll put hand-cut paper trees
along the wall like a forest.

Ooh! Homemade
centerpieces,

and the kids and their
mentors can help

with decorations as
fun craft activities.

How much?

It's all DIY,
do it yourself.

So paper and things
I already have.

You said this
last year.

Oh, come on.

You help me
all the time.

I wouldn't see
you otherwise.

What?

No.

It took us a year
to schedule tennis.

Jen. Donating my skills to
charities over the holidays

makes me feel like
I'm helping people

when they need
it the most.

So, let me be good
and thankful.

All about
you, always.

I'm the worst.

Thank you for taking
me in as your friend.

♪

Mm.

OK.

[chuckle]

You're bringing a date
to the fundraiser?

I have ninety-nine
urgencies.

A date ain't one.

You have a week
to get one.

Any hot dates
on the horizon?

I barely have time
to finish my blog,

let alone try to
find someone.

There's dating
apps!

You can swipe
at red lights.

That is not
safe, or legal.

You know what
I mean.

I'll think about it.

Or you could just
get out there.

I appreciate
your concern.

But the perfect guy? Even if
I ran into the most smart,

handsome, successful guy, I
still wouldn't have enough time.

[crash]

Oh, oh, ah!

Are you OK?

Uh, what was that thing you
were just saying, buddy?

Watch out.
-Thanks.

I am so sorry.

Yeah, you, um, um, hit me.

Can I get you anything?

Your phone number?

[weak laugh]

I was thinking
like an ice pack.

Hey, do I know you
from somewhere?

Yeah, on the door.

Hilarious. Listen, This is my
clumsy friend Megan.

Hi.

Megan, this is Chase,
human door stop.

It's nice to
hit you.

Nice to be hit.

♪

We'll see you
later, kiddo.

Chase has been a big
brother for many years now.

He's also the senior
studio manager

for Bradley Interior
Designs.

Oh, that Chase!

I think I read
your review once.

Oh? Which one?

I, I just skimmed
an article.

Megan decorates
store displays.

She's also a sought-after
Christmas helper for hire.

You two should
totally talk shop.

You know, meet up, have
fun, like normal people.

Sorry, but I have to do some
Christmas shopping for a client.

Are you OK?

Well, I'd be better if you'd
get a drink with me sometime.

I'd love to hear
about your work.

I'm kinda busy.

Till when?

Next year. Sorry.

Ow!

I'm literally booked
up until next year.

OK. Give me
your number

and maybe I'll see if I
have some time open up.

I'm looking forward
to it, Megan.

♪

You'll see if
something opens up?

What are you, a Michelin
star restaurant?

Here we go.

He's handsome, stylish,
smart, successful...

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Stop using your calendar
like a suit of armor!

I am really late.

What if I hired
you a date?

Bye, Jen.

[scoff]

♪

♪ [upbeat music] ♪

♪

No, Jen. You can't hire me

to find a hot charming
man with a yacht.

♪ [charming music] ♪

♪

Where is she?

She's gonna be
here any second.

She just took
a wrong turn.

Listen. Meghan
Schrader is the best.

I can't think of a
better consultant

to help us nail
this pitch.

David's gonna wanna
invest in a dozen stores.

The Christmas tree isn't
decorated out front.

All right, that?
That looks bad.

Someone's coming
in for that.

Listen, why don't
you take a breather?

Go outside for a
walk, chill a bit.

I got this.

I'll wait for
David here.

OK.

You're right.

♪

[door jingles]

♪ [intriguing music] ♪

♪

Hi. I was contacted by
Mike to decorate a tree.

I'm Megan Miller,
Christmas helper for hire.

Let me get him. I can
take your coat though.

Oh, thank you.

One moment.

Thank you.

[leaving footsteps]

Hm.

[door opens on traffic sounds]

Kurt: Are you my
Christmas miracle?

Excuse me?

'Cause I
need a wow.

I will try my best.

Best? No!

Let me ask
you again.

Are you passionate
about this?

Oh, I am passionate
about any job I do.

Ah, K.

Are we gonna get
it done today?

I got your back.

Excellent.

Well, you must
be Megan.

The one and only.

I'm Kurt. It's a pleasure
to finally meet you.

I've only heard
great things.

Oh, thanks.

Crepe-paper tulips,
by the way.

Mike was saying
something about, um...

Uh, yeah. He,
he's coming.

Um, before we start
though, you should know

that like, a lot of this is
riding on me personally.

OK.

I, I botched the
last presentation.

I wasn't bold enough.

I, I didn't impress.

So I need you to go big.

How big?

Like heavy?

Keep it light but just, you
know, I need you to sparkle.

Oh, gotcha. Glitz!

You're in good
hands, Kurt.

[big sigh]

I am so relieved
that you're here.

Are you stretching
or something?

I've heard my share of
investment pitches

so this better be good.

Heh heh.

Hey, Kurt, sorry
I'm a bit early.

Hope that's OK.

David, of
course!

Uh, you've
heard of Megan?

And her, uh, her reputation
-for solving problems.
-Hi.

I have to pick up my grandson
so let's just get to the point.

Megan, what's the first
thing you would do?

♪ [mysterious music] ♪

Well, um, aren't you
gonna give me a style?

Sometime this year, please.

Well, the first problem is we
have an entire committee here

to handle one single task.

Excuse me?

And second, you can't have
that kind of attitude

when we're trying to
celebrate the season of joy.

What does that have
to do with anything?

Everything!

Look, we are gonna
go from the top down.

The top determines the
style of everything.

It is the personality
and the heart.

Is it classy?

Loveable cheese?

Nostalgic?

Come on, people!

A child could do this.

And you, you are gonna be
the curator, the creator,

and the decorator,
all in one.

Personality has no
right answer, folks,

as long as it comes
from the heart.

So when people walk by and
see the magic of Christmas

and be totally drawn to it...

and buy stuff, too.

I agree.

You are missing a
store brand, Kurt.

Store brand?

David: A personality.

Spicing up your shop more
Christmas magical

would set you apart from
the big-box retailers,

draw more foot traffic.

I'm always hearing about
how these millennials

want experiences for
their kids, right.

Where does a product come from,
whether it's ethically made?

All that brand identity,
blah, blah, blah.

That could be you,
Kurt, the blah!

I wanna see the shop spruced
up with more personality.

Hey, David, I think we
should talk about this.

No. Your pitch was a total
snoozer before I heard this.

I'm excited about
this investment now.

That's not really
a part of our proposal.

I work through her,
and only through her.

She gets it!

Presentation at the
end of the week.

[finger snap]

End of the week to
decorate a tree?

[door opens]

No, a strategy for
developing more foot traffic

for future stores.

Didn't you
get my brief?

I'm so sorry. I'm late.

I was given the wrong
driving directions.

Where's David?

Who are you?

I'm Meghan Schrader, the
marketing consultant.

And who are you?

Megan Miller.

She's here to
decorate the tree.

♪

Oh, no!

Why didn't you
say anything?

I thought you were talking
about decorating a tree.

[sigh]

Why didn't you
say something?

I thought you were
speaking in metaphors.

Oh, I am not poetic.

OK. I'm sorry.

Can we just like send her
away to put things up

while we do damage
control here?

David said he'll only
deal through her.

Tell him there's a mix up.

You know how
that'll look for us?

I'm not gonna let
tree lady here

negotiate our last chance
of opening more shops.

My name is Megan.

I'm sorry. Have you done
negotiations before?

Oh, I have successfully
negotiated

returning a used
deodorant stick once.

♪

No!

Look, I don't
like this either,

but we're stuck
with her, Kurt.

Is anyone even gonna ask
me if I wanna do this?

Of course, you'll
do it. We'll pay.

I have clients.

Who, schoolteachers?

Look, I am sorry this
situation is happening

but I'm pretty sure I'm
the only professional

that showed up
on time today.

I am not working
with her.

Maybe, maybe you'll
work together?

Both: No.

Either get rid
of her or I walk.

♪ [comedic music]

♪

Hey, do any of you
know where I can get

two hundred dreidels
at this hour?

[traffic sounds]

[door jingles]

[closes]

Hey, what are you
doing out here?

Cold helps
me clear my head.

Hey, look, um, when I made
you get that consultant,

I was just trying
to help. Sorry.

I think we need to
get this Megan back.

Consultant Meghan
or tree Megan?

Tree lady.

Nah, we can manage
without her.

Kurt, there's no other
investment opportunities

on the table right now.

David's not
the right fit.

We need more shops
to compete.

I wanna do this right.

She just needs to be the
face for the negotiation

and the presentations.

It's ridiculous!

No. You're being
ridiculous.

Look, we've been talking
about this for years,

and now you're gonna
let our best chance

walk out that door 'cause you
won't hire a cheerleader?

Kurt, you're my best
friend and I love you,

but you've gotta
do this. Please.

♪ [pensive music]

♪

Hi, Mom. It's me.

I'll be taking the train
in on Christmas Eve

again this year.

I've just been busy helping
people over the holidays,

as usual.

I have so many
stories to tell you.

Anyways, I love you and I
can't wait to see you and Josh.

[sign off beeping]

[sewing machine starts]

[phone dings]

[sewing machine stops]

♪

[machine hums]

[phone dings]

[machine stops]

What is wrong with this guy?

[machine hums]

♪

[trunk slams shut]

[phone rings]

Christmas for Hire.

Hey, Megan, it's Kurt
from Trinkets & Toys.

I thought I blocked
your number.

Calling from the shop.

Did you get my texts?

All seventeen of them.

Fabulous.

We would like you to be point
person for our negotiations.

No, thanks.

We'll compensate you.

Look, I have more
important things to do

than to be your
personal cheerleader.

Which are?

Good luck with
your shop.

Uh, Megan, we need
your talents.

Uh, we need your instincts, your
passion for ornamented greenery.

♪

Where do you want
this, 'Raoul'?

British accent: Can you find me
a three-foot Santa Claus

under twenty
minutes, please?

Cheerio.

How much?

I can't just drop what
I'm doing to work for you.

But you just did.

You know what I mean.

Look, I have clients that
need me most right now.

Everyone has a price.

Those clients are charities
I donate free tasks to.

Five thousand dollars.

And five thousand more
if you seal the deal.

[clears throat]

Is that a yes?

It's not a no.

Merry Christmas.

♪

So, you called Chase yet?

OK, what's going on?

It's been a year
since Mark.

And I'm finally
back on my feet.

Look, things are going well,
and I don't wanna mess that up.

You don't wanna
find your person?

Seriously, I'll
stop pushing

if you tell me you'd
rather be single.

No. I mean...

Why would Chase
like me?

Are you kidding me?

Mark was not the one.

You deserve to be happy.

Yeah, one day.

No, today!

♪

You're not wrong.

♪

[crash]

[gasps] Jen!

I gotta tape
that up again.

It's completely broken!

We have to buy a new one.

I can't.

Well, you should.

The county cut its
budget for next year.

We're an extra fifteen
thousand in the red already.

Why didn't
you tell me?

We need this to be the
best donation drive ever...

or we'll shut down.

♪ [melancholy music] ♪

♪

Text Chase!

♪

So you'll wait in line
for Christmas fudge,

but you won't
work for me.

I got some for my mom.

And you paid me an exorbitant
amount to multitask,

Hanz von Alpine.

Well, the bakery
doesn't deliver

and I'm not gonna wait
in line for an hour.

[negative murmur]

Listen, I don't like
this either, all right?

But I need you to save
this expansion investment.

[scoffing laugh]

You are terrible
at begging.

I said please.

Well, why do you
want this so badly?

Are you trying to
cash out or something?

[scoff]

I sell American-made toys.

I employ local artisans and
workers and I pay them

and my employees far above
the chain box stores.

OK? I'm the good guy.

But I need to expand
in order to compete.

Scaling up lowers costs.

I want fifteen if the
deal goes through.

[scoffs] No way.

OK!

Ah! You win.

And I wanna continue
doing charity tasks

while working for you.

No!

Yes.

You're delusional.

Fine!

This is a shakedown.

It's a
negotiation,

which I'm gonna be doing
for you apparently.

You said this
wasn't about money.

It's for a
friend's charity.

Where are you going?

To deliver
dog clothes.

It's for a dog nativity
scene for an animal shelter.

You know, charity
tasks, Kurt.

I'll see you
tomorrow.

♪ [comedic music] ♪

♪ [gentle music]

♪

Oh, don't forget the chocolate
for the Spanish roof tile.

Just finish
getting ready.

[sigh]

Oh!

What? What happened?

I just liked
his photo.

What photo?

Chase.

I may have done some research
before our date tonight.

Research?

Oh, you know, just some
casual researching...

for a couple of hours.

Of course, you would.

It's like researching
an Amazon product.

And?

He's got good credit.

You weren't like
this in college.

I am more mature now.

Or you could just
see what happens.

I could.

And maybe trust
your feelings again?

That's a valid point.

Oh, he's gonna
think I'm so creepy.

Well...

You know what? No!

I was being safe
and informative.

My mom would be very proud
of me, and so would yours.

OK.

Wait. Do you get a notification
if you like a photo

and then immediately
unlike it afterward?

Just relax! And try
and enjoy your date.

[sigh] OK.

[buzz of conversation]

[Megan laughing softly]

I'm glad
you texted.

Yeah, well, something
opened up so...

So I noticed you
looking at my photos...

and my business profile...

and my Faces & Friends page.

I like to be informed.

I did the same.

You can never be
over-prepared.

I totally agree.

I read your blog.

Oh?

It's cute.

Thanks.

You know, I could post it
on my own social media,

help give you a bump.

Really? Wow! I mean,
that would be amazing.

You have a huge following.

Not that I would know
that already, um...

So what did you
find about me?

Well, I know you are a partner
in a successful design firm,

which I would love
to work at one day.

Really?

Yeah.

Um, your clients say you
have impeccable taste,

and you seem to like
babies and animals,

and you like guitar.

Honestly, it's
too perfect.

Well, maybe we're just
perfect for each other.

[scoffs] Nice line.

Why don't you tell me
something embarrassing

that's not just a line?

My email got hacked and
I sent the governor spam

for romantic candles.

Ooh. Humble brag.
Give me some dirt.

I can't ice skate.

Not embarrassing.

Because...

I went on a date in
high school and I fell

and knocked out
my front teeth.

Oh.

She saw my injured
face, screamed,

and left me
at the rink.

[soft laugh]

I haven't
been since.

So that smile
is a fake.

No, just the
front teeth part.

[soft laughter]

What about you?

Um, maybe I can tell
you over an ice skate.

Not fair.

Mmm...

[Megan chuckles]

[door closes]

I had fun.

Yeah, me too.

So, ice skating?

I thought you said
you were busy.

Are you coming to
Jenny's fundraiser?

Of course.

I'm looking forward to
seeing your decorations.

Would you
be my date?

I'll see if I
can fit you in.

Perfect.

I'll call you
with the details.

♪

[phone dings]

♪

[door jingles]

[clattering]

Hey. Where can I set up?

I have to task while
I help you guys.

Kurt didn't tell you?

Did you bring a
life raft, too?

Where have
you been?

Busy doing a
charity task.

OK. Um, I need an invoice,
direct-deposit info,

and because David's
floating in and out,

I need you to act
as consultant.

So do you have anything
a little more impressive

than what you're wearing now?

You are the most obnoxious
person I have ever met.

Well, clearly you haven't
met that many people.

[sigh]

♪

OK. You don't need
to make a scene.

♪

[sigh]

[door jingles]

♪ [comedic music] ♪

[Megan yells]

David!

Hi, Kurt.
-Hi.

Ah, how's it going?

Megan: What was that excellent,
uh, idea that you had?

What idea is that?

Uh...

Um...

Uh, pop-up shop.
-Mm-hm.

You know, Mike is gonna be
here and he's gonna take you

to one of the shops of
our nutcracker makers.

Oh, great.

Yeah, uh, any
minute now.

No, no. I'm good.
It's cold outside.

Ah, are you sure?

'Cause, I mean, it
looks, it looks nice.

What are your thoughts
on pop-up retail?

I heard you consulted
with Swifty Search

on a recent
campaign.

Oh, uh, yeah.

Me and Swifty Search
are best buds.

What do you think?

Well, I, uh...

OK, well, personally I--

She agrees with
me that, um,

pop-ups are a great
strategy, right?

I do?

I do.

She does.

Hey.

Hey, there he is!

Hallelujah.

David, this way.

We'll talk later.

Mm-hm.

♪

How's it going?

[sigh]

I am so confused.

♪

[traffic sounds]

She has to task for charities
while she works for us.

You allowed this?

I didn't have
a choice.

You compromised.

She wouldn't respond
to money or flattery.

It was like hard-balling
with Mother Teresa.

I like her already.

♪

[clatter]

Make yourself at home.

I will. Thanks.

So, I have an idea to spruce
up the front window display

to make it more Christmas
magical for David.

You know, we
got it handled.

So why don't you just focus
on the presentation?

Cool. But what's
the plan?

When I get a presentation
script, I'll send you a draft.

You know I can
help you, Kurt,

if you just tell me
what's going on.

That's what I'm doing.

What about this pop-up shop?

Mike and Ashley
got it handled.

They know the
customers.

This is kind of what I do,
I mean, events, decorations.

Yeah, you can
decorate the tree.

You're gonna overpay
me to be a cheerleader?

Are you willing
to take a pay cut?

Look, I need Meghan,
the other Meghan.

So you want me to pretend to
be a consultant for David

and just say what
you tell me to.

And decorate the tree.

♪

Mm.

♪ [mysterious music] ♪

♪

Hm.

♪

[clatter]

One moment,
Mr. Brown.

What are you doing?

Oh, do you have fake snow?

Kurt arranged all of this.

Well, we need to
increase foot traffic,

to make this place more
Christmas magical, right?

Yeah.

Does this look
appealing to you?

Look, I do this
for a living.

Let me help
you, please.

I didn't see you.

♪

OK.

♪

Hm!

What are you doing?

I made some edits.

Our customers like
things the way they are.

That's why they keep coming
back year after year.

But this is completely...

Incredible.

David!

What a surprise.

Well, my grandson Corey and I
were on our way to get hot cocoa

and we saw this and
totally love it.

Ah-ha.

Corey literally pulled me
across the street to see it,

and he has very
discerning taste.

It looks like wonderland.

Remarkable.

It is! And I'm
glad you like it.

I'm thinking it might be
just a bit too much.

No, Corey doesn't think so
and he is your demographic.

Anyway, great
start, you two.

Megan, Megan did it.

Great start, Megan.

Anyway, I just wanted to say
how much I'm looking forward

to seeing what you do with
the rest of the shop, Champ.

What do you think, kid?
Wanna go? Come on.

[giggle] He
called me Champ.

[door jingles]

Hey!

The front display
looks great!

It's like you guys
took the same stuff

and, and just
made it better!

Guess we know who's in
charge of decorating

from now on. [laugh]

Sorry, I have no filter.

[laughing]

How was your
date with Chase?

Really good.

And?

It was nice.

He was sweet,
kind, confident.

Way too cool for me.

You're cool too
in your own way.

Just let things happen.

Well, we would make
a power couple.

Uh, yeah.

And he did ask me to go on
a date to your fundraiser.

What?

He's gonna see your work and
fall head over heels for you!

Positive thoughts.

What? Did you accidentally like
one of Chase's photos again?

No. It's just this
guy I work for.

I've gotta
go meet him.

♪

What's wrong?

I had an idea.

What about a mailbox to
Santa outside the shop?

That's it?

What?

What is the
emergency?

Wha-what
emergency?

You called me all the way
down here to tell me this?

Well, I texted.
I didn't call.

You texted in
all caps!

I always text in caps.
It's more efficient.

You couldn't have
waited until tomorrow?

Well, you wanna start when
the inspiration is hot.

Plus, you're
always working.

What do you think?

What do I think?

I think my phone is gonna be off
at nine every day from now on.

Yeah, but...

Do it. Don't
say anything.

Sh-sh!

Ah-zip-a dup!

Sh!

Fine.

♪ [comedic music]

♪

A Santa mailbox!
What do you think?

Yeah.

It's a good idea. It's a good
idea. It's a good idea.

So what's next, Champ?

With you? I just edit.

In my experience,

decorations aren't supposed
to just look good.

They are a personal expression.

What does that mean?

Well, what does
Christmas mean for you?

♪ [sentimental music] ♪

For me, it's about spending time
with my mom and my cousins

at my aunt's farmhouse,
playing board games

and drinking eggnog until late.

♪

What about you guys?

For me, Christmas is
tradition, going to church,

opening gifts
after midnight,

handing out supper
at the meal center,

and then having
our own big feast.

Christmas for me is just
being together, uh, my brothers

and my family all in the same
room and enjoying the moment,

and being thankful.

Uh, well, I guess Christmas
for me is a feeling.

You know, it's
sledding down a street

that's been given a
pure white reset.

It's a cozy fireplace where
I would sit in my pajamas,

drinking hot chocolate
with my sister,

talking about what toys
Santa was gonna bring us.

You know, it's our single mom
working overtime so she could

afford the baseball mitt that
sat wrapped underneath the tree.

I stared at it for weeks.

I, I knew what it was
and what it meant.

Christmas for me is, is when
everybody forgets everything

other than being
kind to each other.

That's when adults and
children believe in magic,

the same type of
wonderment and warmness,

you know, that a kid
only gets in a toy shop.

I guess that's why
I opened the shop.

I wanted to share that feeling.
I never forget it myself.

What?

I just-I've never seen this
soft side of you before.

OK, well, what do
we do with that?

Well, this gives
me plenty of ideas.

Is this all we
have to work with?

There's more in back.

Great.

♪

I, I think she wants
you to follow her.

♪

Excuse me.

You're not my type.

And what's your
type? Doormat?

Well, I would've
asked you to move

but you'd probably
argue with me.

True.

I like vintage,
nostalgia, so does Mike.

Well, we'll
incorporate it,

but we need to let the
toys do the talking.

Well, we need
to make sure

that we can replicate
it in future stores.

It needs to be as
special as this shop.

Do you trust me?

Not at all.

Wrap it like
a present.

Why?

Ah, less talking,
more wrapping.

Please.

You're bad at begging.

I said please!

♪ [comedic music] 8

♪ [big band swing version of
Jingle Bells] ♪

♪

♪

I thought it was bigger
when I ordered it.

♪ [male vocalist sings a soul
version of Jingle Bells] ♪

♪

♪

♪ [song ends] ♪

Thanks, Kurt. This is
perfect, like always.

And Lacey's going
to love her new toy.

I'll see you and Jim
at the holiday fair.

I was wondering why you
had ladles in a toy store.

Trinkets, too.

Judy comes in every
year to buy a new one

for her mother for
Christmas dinner.

They collect them.
It's a tradition.

And she adores Ashley's
recommendations for gifts

for her daughter.

And she would not
shop at a chain store.

And the Christmas dog toys?

Uh, yeah. [laughs]

Oh, those obviously
aren't for the kids,

but Agnes who lives
around the corner

buys them for
her terriers.

Look, I know my neighbors.
I know the community.

I know it might sound odd
but I even put items

in specific places for,
uh, certain customers

so they can find them easy.

You care.

I do.

♪ [charming music] ♪

♪

You were right.

Ah!

Could this be a first?
Admitting that you're wrong?

Ladies and gentlemen,
history has been made!

Why a Christmas
helper?

I love solving
unexpected problems

and the thrill of
getting it done.

And Christmastime is when
people need help the most

and I like feeling
like I'm helping out.

Why a toy shop?

My mother had a shop.
Knickknacks, stationery, gifts.

Things she loved, all
from local artists.

She was a single mom so my
sister and I would go down there

after school and do our
homework on the counter.

First came the foreign-made
goods, then the big-box stores.

She survived long enough because
of tourists passing through

but the whole Main
Street was hurting.

She held out long enough
to retire but...

helping Main Street
and local artists

while building
quality toys

that can reach single
mothers like mine,

it shouldn't be
mutually exclusive.

We should do both.

She must be
proud of you.

Yeah. Yeah, she is.

I had a single mom
too, so I get it.

Thanks for your
help today.

Are you
thanking me?

[laugh]

Uh, yeah. Don't let
it go to your head.

You are such a pain.

Oh, thank you.

You are a little
pain though,

unremarkable like
a static shock.

Oh, OK. Not even
a stubbed toe.

Maybe like a biting into a
tortilla chip pointy side up.

Ooh, OK. That hurts.

I have a blog and the
goal is to do it fulltime.

Oh!

I, I, I can carry
that! You OK?

Yep. Oh!

Are you OK, buddy?

Yeah.

OK.

Yeah.

All right.

I, I can--you sure
you don't need help?

Nope. Need the exercise.
Um, see ya later.

♪

[traffic noise]

♪ [charming music] ♪

♪

Ah!

Mm-mm.

So, last night
I was curious

and I researched David's
investment firm.

And?

It seems like
an odd choice.

Mm.

How so?

Well, he seems to drastically
change the businesses

he invests in, and not
always for the best.

Yes, but that's
not our plan.

I made that
clear to David.

What are you doing?

Just giving you room.

I won't bite.

I didn't think you
were gonna bite me.

Oh, I-I'm sorry.

What?

I touched
your hands.

I think I'll be fine.
[laughter]

[door jingles]

What's so funny?

I, uh... Chase!

What are you
doing here?

You mentioned this place and I
wanted to drop by and say hi.

That is so sweet!

[giggle]

I love the classic vibes.

Sorry. Chase,
this is Kurt.

Kurt, this is Chase.

It's nice to meet ya.

So...

What's this?

Open it.

Thank you.

You like it?

Yes.

Well, I don't wanna be a bother.

I'll see you Thursday.

I didn't know you
were into vinyl.

I don't have a
record player.

but it's pretty
cool, isn't it?

♪ [Brass intro of theme
from Nutcracker] ♪

♪

Straight to the North Pole.

♪

Yeah, shop's over
on Third Street. Come by.

Oh, no! I'm so sorry, honey.

It'll be fine. We can
wash this. It'll be fine.

[whimpers]

Excuse me.

Here, hold my deer.

♪

[splash]

Oh!

[laughs]

Oh!

That was my hot
cocoa, not paint.

Yeah.

[music ends]

Thanks.

I really need your help
with Big Little Heroes.

We don't close
down till nine.

Well, Ashley and Mike can
handle a bunch of kids.

Have you seen what
it's like out there?

Kurt!

You promised.

There's paint flying
around, and tears flowing.

I don't think Mike's
prepared for that.

Can I have my coat?

No!

I'm here, as you asked.

Of course, I'll help.
I'm a man of my word.

What if I send Mike?

Oh, come on. The shop's
not gonna close down

because you're not there.

Do you need
toy donations?

Really?

It's the least I can do,
like your Christmas tasks.

What's the catch?

Nothing.

Well, what do you want,
but within reason?

Hm...

♪ [lively music] 8

♪

♪

I read your blog.

And?

I can see it actually being
useful to certain people.

Are you trying to
give me a compliment?

I didn't think I was gonna
see tips that I'd appreciate.

I thought it was gonna be more
uptight home décor stuff.

Wish you were
in it more.

Hm.

It's about the tips.

Yes, but you
are the tips.

Is that how you got
into Christmas tasking?

Uh, I had a measly
marketing-assistant job

after college

and I had to get a side
gig in order to pay rent.

And then one day, I filled
in for a sick employee;

I got to decorate a store
front and I loved it.

So I switched careers.

And then I realized that I
love finding clever ways

to solve problems.

And the better I got at it,

the more complex Christmas
tasks I took on.

And now, the goal is to
do DIY blogging fulltime.

Well, it's great.

Mm. No one reads it.

Really?

There's so much
competition.

I'm just
another blogger.

That doesn't
sound like you.

What do I
sound like?

Fearless.

♪

Well, people do video
blogs now all the time

and I am terrible
on camera.

Have you tried?

Yeah, and they say I
don't smile enough.

[laugh]

Well, your dryness
would be a relief.

Are you being nice?

Never.

[snicker]

[gasp]

Ah!

[laugh]

No, no, no!

[squealing and laughing]

Oh.

[door closes]

Everything
looks amazing.

You must be
Kurt. I'm Jenny.

It's nice to meet you.

So, you coming to the
fundraiser party tonight?

I, uh, wasn't invited.

I'm inviting you.

You don't have to.

I insist. He helped us.

I got a lot of work to do.

Jenny: Drop by for an hour.
Dress code is casual

but I'm asking people
to class it up for fun.

See you tonight, Kurt.

Oh!

[chuckle] Stop. Stop.

[scream]

♪ [sleigh bells music] ♪

Don't you have
that thing to go to?

Oh, I'm not going.

Just go for
half an hour.

Yeah, but what if
something happens here?

All right? David
might come by.

Come on. Ashley and
I got it handled.

Yeah, I gotta get
dressed, you know?

And then I gotta drive over
there, I gotta park, walk in.

[chuckle]

Megan will really
appreciate you dropping by.

And plus, it'll make
her feel more invested

in the presentation
tomorrow.

Think of it as a
goodwill write-off.

[sigh]

♪ [gentle music]

♪ [dance music] ♪

♪

♪

She's not here yet.

Looking sharp.

Thank you again
for the toys.

That was very
generous of you.

Can't say no to Megan.

♪

♪

Thank you so much.

Always.

You two look great.

We do, but Megan
looks even better.

Oh, gotta go
rescue my husband.

Enjoy yourselves, OK?

♪

This is all DIY?

It is.

This is next level, seriously.

Let's grab a drink.

♪

So, I've been thinking.

And after seeing all of
this, it's clear to me.

I want you to work for
me in my design studio.

Really?

Yes.

And you won't have to be
a helper for hire anymore.

Oh.

You don't want that?

I do very much.

I can also help you, uh,
professionalize your blog.

Professionalize?

Yeah, you know, uh, give it a
shine, make it more competitive.

You know, social media is
actually how we generate

the major percentage
of our new clients.

You could have a thousand
new followers in no time.

Great.

Yeah?

I'll have my
assistant, uh, reach out

and we can find a good
time to come and film you.

Oh, sounds good.

[glasses clink]

♪

So, you ready to
make the rounds?

What?

You know, mingle,
connecting, network.

Well, I thought you
wanted to come here,

you know, be a role model
to the kids and help out.

Uh, absolutely.

But it's, um, also a great
place to meet future clients.

Come on. I wanna introduce
you to some people.

Can you give me a sec? I'm just
gonna switch out my drink.

I'll catch up.
-OK.

I'll actually have that.

♪

♪

[whistles] Not bad.

Ah, well, you
look acceptable.

You showed up.

Surprised?

Mm. Shocked.

You underestimate me.

Mm.

Did Mike send you here?

No. I was, I was looking
forward to this.

So you trusted them
to hold the fort down.

Wow. You should do
that more often.

Where's your date?

Doing his thing.

Yeah, that guy chases
what he can't catch.

And what do you know?

Oh, I'm like that.

Yeah. I'm just not as
cool as him though.

To put it lightly.

[laugh]

What about you?

Nah. No, not until my
business is squared away.

And I have
a life again.

It ruined my last
relationship.

Probably smart.

Are you calling
me smart?

Are you gonna watch him
from here all night?

And what if I do?

Gosh, well,
you're fun.

And you're a riot?

[scoffs] I
am a blast.

I am a blast.

Are you?

Oh, yes, yes, yes.

OK. Oh, OK.

♪ [Jingle Bells dance version] ♪

♪

You're a terrible
role model.

♪

♪

♪ [song ends]

♪ [slower music starts] ♪

I guess we should be
good role models then.

You wouldn't dare.

I promise I'll
let you lead.

I'll dance as badly as possible
and we can tell your, uh,

date there that you
danced out of mercy.

♪

Are you scared
of a challenge?

Not at all.

Do your worst.

You have health
insurance, right?

[chuckle]

♪

You have too
much rhythm.

OK, um...

Oh, OK.

All right.

OK.

I can step on
your feet more.

More.

A little more.

♪

I'll be right back.

Yeah.

♪ [dramatic music]

♪

♪

You know, I once attended
an al fresco banquet

hosted by the artist
Marina Abramovich.

♪

What do you think?

Of course.

There ya go.

♪

[footsteps]

Hey!

Hey.

You left early last night.

Wanted to get
some rest.

Hm.

Couldn't wait.

If it goes
well, you're done.

In that case...

It's your type.

A doormat.

[giggle]

You needed it for
the fake snow.

Ha!

And, your real one.

♪

I made it for your tree.

You know, start
from the top down.

Thank you.

♪

♪

What did you get me?

[laugh]

You shouldn't have.

Now you can be cool too.

Thank you.

David's gonna be
here in a half hour.

I'll prep.

♪

♪

So, what do you think?

The store is excellent.

But the pop-up marketing
plan is pedestrian.

It won't drive
foot traffic

and I'm not sure you'll
be able to compete.

Customers will appreciate
quality American-made toys.

Will they?

Uh, I mean, I wish that
too, but I don't know

if that's the
economics of it all.

Yeah, well, we won't know
for sure until we try.

I'm gonna have to go over all
of this with my accountants.

David, please...

It's my fault.

Look, just give us until the
weekend and I promise you,

you won't be disappointed.

I don't like my
time wasted.

What's the rush?

Just give us the weekend
and we will wow.

Grandpa, I like
this store.

All right.

Now. It'd better be
good. Come on, kiddo.

♪

[sigh]

[sigh]

♪

[phone dings]

[small sigh]

So, what's the plan?

I have no idea.

You don't know?

I was just buying time.

We could do another
promotional event.

Sure!

What?

I'll figure this out.

♪ [pensive music]

♪

I should have been here,
day and night, pushing.

Instead of what?
Helping me?

Look, we tried
our best.

Our best isn't
good enough.

Where are you going?

We are gonna go
clear our heads.

Or are you just gonna
stand there and pout?

I'm strategizing...

with a face.

♪

[crowd buzz]

Megan: What are we
not thinking of?

Kurt: Maybe the
writing's on the wall.

-What does
that mean?

-Well, maybe it's
not meant to be.

No. I don't quit!

And I don't
think you do either.

Look, I believe in you.

I believe in your shop,
the things you do,

helping service communities,
helping with local artists.

Thanks, but that
doesn't help us now.

Yes, it does.

It's everything.

And we are gonna figure
this out, together.

♪ [child's chorus singing
'Tis the Season] ♪

♪

I challenge you.

If I win, you can't quit.

Really?
-Mm-hm.

Are you afraid to lose?

Well, if I win, you
do a video blog.

You? Win? Fine.

Well, how do we know who wins?

We'll ask
some random.

Hi.

What are you doing?

So you don't copy me.

What are you gonna make?

You.

Same.

♪

[giggling]

♪

Are you ready?

One sec.

OK.

It's you.

Am I abstract?

[laughter]

All right. Let
me see yours.

OK.

[laugh]

Uh, you win.

I do pottery at home sometimes.

So you rigged this?

Kurt, a deal
is a deal.

Can I see that?

Hm.

[startled gasp]

Oh-ho!

[laughter]

No, no, no!

I, I wanted that.

Do you surrender?

Yes.

He started it.

Traitor.

[chuckle]

Ah, you missed a spot.

Huh?

Oh.

Mike might need us
back at the shop.

That was fun.

See? Everything's better
when you do it yourself.

Well, you are the DIY master.

DIY!

DIY?

DIY!

Do-it-yourself
toy kits!

Like Build-A-Bear
but different toys.

We customize each using
locally-made parts

from your artisans!

You can go to the shops
or buy a home kit.

It's a holiday
family activity.

Kurt, this is huge.

People love making
things themselves!

Come on!

K.

[chuckling]

OK. So... what
do we for

the instructions
for the home kits?

Oh, video blogs!

You.

Uh, you didn't
win the bet.

Both of you.

Both: No.

People love a duo.

We're not
-friends.
-No, we're
not a duo.

Half the renovation
shows are duos.

Megan, you could
be the DIY expert.

And Kurt, you're the,
the amateur to show

that anyone can do
this, even a child.

Thank you,
I think.

♪

So, what do you
think about Megan?

I don't think
about Megan.

You guys seem to like
spending time together.

We have an
understanding.

Good.

Anyway, I need to get this
expansion squared away

before I start
thinking about myself.

You know, she's not Cynthia, and
that just wasn't meant to be.

I mean, Cynthia didn't
understand your passion,

why you spent so
much time here,

why you're paranoid
about leaving the shop,

even just
for a vacation.

Maybe things'll never be
completely squared away,

and that's fine, but
the right person...

[chuckle]

♪

I can't thank
you enough.

Don't give up hope, Jen.

You'll make up the
budget shortfall somehow.

You and Kurt looked like
you were having fun.

We were just
goofing around.

It looked like a
lot more than that.

He is just another
holiday gig.

He gets you.

Look, I finally have my
big chance with Chase.

If you say so.

♪ [upbeat bluegrass]

♪

♪

Good night.

Hey, Megan!

Where ya going?

Out.

Is that OK?

Chase?

Did you have something
you wanted to ask me?

I, I need you here.

But we're done
for the day.

Well, uh...

What does he do again?

Chase owns a
design studio.

In fact, he actually just
offered me a fulltime gig.

Well, how are you gonna be
a Christmas helper for hire?

I won't.

He's gonna help me revamp my
blog, you know, polish it.

Polish?

Mm.

Is that OK?

That, that doesn't
really sound like you.

What is me?

♪ [heartfelt]

Genuine.

So you're saying
I'm not genuine?

No, no. That's, that's not
what I, I was trying to say.

Um, it's just, you
know, we have...

I could get you in touch with
people that we work with

and you could, you know, do
branded content for them

and they would
promote your blog.

Chase is gonna
help me.

Thanks, though.

Have a good night.

♪

[door opens]

David's on the
shop phone.

Did he say what
he wants?

No.

Of course not.

You want me to
get her back?

No.

No, but get Mike.

Hi, David.

Hey, Kurt.
Yeah, listen.

My accountant finished
vetting your financials

and I wanna downsize your
plans for shop staff,

and their benefits, and to
explore foreign manufacturers

for your merchandise.

What about our proposal?

Well, my position
has changed.

The reduced overhead
and lower cost per toy

will help you better compete
while business scales up.

♪ [sad music]

Uh, what about Corey?

He's just a kid, Kurt.

Hey, I formed this shop to help
local artisans and workers,

not do the very thing
that hurts them.

You have an admirable idea but
it just isn't sound business.

We had an agreement.

David: It's non-negotiable.

Kurt?

Fine.

David: Smart move.

What are you doing?

We'll renegotiate when
he sees the DIY toy kits.

No, he won't.

You're the one who warned me
about not giving in to David!

We got what we want.

At what cost, Kurt?

You said we weren't gonna
do this just to do it.

♪

[traffic sounds]

And so, you easily just glue
the beard right on there.

And then you can actually do...

Wait! Stop. I...

Megan: What?

I glued my
hands again.

Can you not
do that?

Let's go again.

Uh, I guess, uh, while buddy
over here does that,

um, we are gonna move on.

And... Look at that. The
perfect holiday nutcracker,

customizable with any paint.

My name is Megan and this
is hot-glue-hands Kurt,

and that is a nutcracker kit.

And cut.

Hot-glue hands?

Mike: Two more to go.

Why didn't you cut?

Because it's
loveable.

Kurt: At my expense.

Megan: Of course.

Just keep it real
with him, Megan.

Fine. Bring it on.

You guys, thanks for
letting me do this.

This is so much fun.

♪ [pensive music] ♪

♪

[glass shatters]

I'm, I'm fine.
Thanks.

Are you OK?

Yeah.

What's wrong?

You gotta convince Kurt not
to accept David's terms.

[glass drops]

You agreed to
David's demands?

There's
customers here.

You're just gonna let
David hijack your shop?

Look, he changed the terms after
we botched the presentation.

You didn't even ask him
about the DIY toy kits yet.

It doesn't matter.

I don't like this either,
but this is the way it is now.

No, it's not!

Look, we have an
amazing pitch.

We can take this
to other places.

This keeps us competitive
into the future.

This keeps Mike and Ashley
and my artisans safe.

Oh, come on.

So all those conversations
about helping small-town shops

like your mom's
was just talk?

It's business.

And I don't need to
talk about it with you!

I thought you
genuinely cared.

You don't have people
depending on you like I do.

I don't have the convenience
of self-righteousness.

You have a choice, but I guess
it's easier to sell out, though.

You know, why don't you
talk to Ashley or Mike

or your suppliers and ask
them their opinion for once?

You know, I am not negotiating
under these terms.

Yes, you are.

I am?

Yes.

Oh, or what?

You're fired.

What would David
think about that?

We're so close now,
he'll get over it.

You know, I shared my
ideas and my thoughts

and I even did a
video with you.

And you'll get paid.

I don't want my work to
go toward some shady deal.

You know, this
is my shop.

You're not a part
of all this.

You never were.

You know, this place
is never gonna thrive

so long that you
suffocate it.

You know, those videos we did
together were so good,

but then I realized it was
all just a wasted effort

because you won't
stick around.

You waltz in here like
you're some saviour,

but you've never
built anything.

I built Christmas
for Hire.

Well, you're
leaving that too.

♪ [mournful music] ♪

♪

[sigh]

Relax.

You look
phenomenal.

You don't think
this is too much?

All the influencers
are doing this.

OK.

Can we, uh, replace
this with something

a little bit more
appropriate?

Oh, wait, not the pig!

It isn't the new you.

Besides, these
items are sponsored.

Posture up and hold your hands
like a spider on a mirror.

And smile more.

And don't hold your
hands around your...

It's not flattering.

Can we try smiling naturally?

I'm trying.

Chase: Well, the
smile looks fake.

'Cause it is.

Let's roll it.

Hi. I am DIY Megan
and today it...

Chase: Cut!

Hands.

Maybe try holding
onto something?

It might help you
relax a little.

Let's go again.

Hi. I am DIY Megan and today...

Cut.

Hey, good first day.

I don't think
this is me.

Just give it some
time, all right.

We'll get you in some voice
workshops, some hosting classes.

No employee of mine will ever
be anything less than the best.

Employee?

You're part
of my studio now.

Listen, you can do this.

Believe in it.

[sighs] OK.

♪ [sentimental music] ♪

♪

♪

[lock clicks]

♪

♪

Hey!

Hi.

I, uh, wanted to
drop this off.

Megan wanted her
fee donated to you.

Uh, I don't know
what to say.

Well, thank her.

You know, she saved
me more ways than one.

Of course she did.

She saves everybody
but herself.

I heard you two had a
frank exchange of words.

Yeah, a fight?

Do you have
feelings for her?

Uh... I... I'm
grateful for her help.

And I was concerned that
she was going to abandon us.

I may have pushed her away.

You two are perfect.

What, what do
you mean?

You get Megan,
the real one.

So don't you dare
give up on her.

She deserves better.

♪

♪

Jen?

[applause]

What is this?

We wanted to thank you.

Your donation saved us.

The five thousand?

Fifteen. Also,
someone named David

says he wants to help
with a donation drive?

I see.

Thank you for keeping
this place afloat.

I had a big sibling that
pushed me to go to college.

I was the first
in my family.

These are all former
little siblings.

Tiffany became a teacher
because of her mentor.

[chuckles]

♪

Megan!

What are you
doing here?

Jenny told me.

So David liked
the toy kits?

I don't know.

I didn't tell him.

I asked Mike and Ashley
and our suppliers

what they wanted to do.

And we went back to
the bank together

and I told them about
our DIY home kit.

The bank loved
our pitch.

We are now officially employee
and supplier co-owned now.

How did you get David to
underwrite the donation drive?

Ah, he likes
tax write-offs.

[chuckle]

I, uh... I'm sorry
I didn't trust you.

I believe in you.

Christmas for Hire.

It's a list of suppliers
who read your blog

And they want to do branding
content with you.

♪ [playful music]

♪

Hi. I'm Megan,
Christmas for Hire.

You called?

My cats went wild,

knocked over some
Christmas candles.

[cats yowling]

I've seen
this before.

How much time
do we have?

My future in-laws
get here in an hour.

Can you help me?

I live for this.

[door closes]

You're so serious.

Thank you for everything
that you've done for me.

We can tweak.

I love tasking
and DIY kits,

not hosting and worrying
about my following.

If this is what you
love, then good luck.

Thanks.

Also, I had a really
good time with you...

You're not
feeling it?

Me too. It's probably
for the best.

I'd still like
to be friends.

Come by the
studio sometime.

I will.

♪

[door opens and closes]

♪

[keys clicking]

♪ [gentle music]

♪ [gentle music] ♪

Where did you
want this?

Ed?

Did you mean it?

Every word.

How to Fix a Heart,
by Megan Miller.

Every day I solve
people's problems.

But until I met Kurt, there was
one problem I could never solve:

fixing my own heart
instead of just running

towards the next
challenge.

I'm not very poetic.

I wasn't very good
in my English class.

I, I...

It's not finished.

Now that your heart's
fixed, what does it say?

It says...

that I'm sorry and to
keep Christmas helping...

and to do things with you so we
can build something together.

[chuckle]

You inspire me.

You're pretty great.

You complement me.

I am not an accessory.

You talk back to me.

You terrify me,
in a good way.

I realize the best part of
me is us versus the world.

I realized if we just put two
percent of our neurotic passions

towards each other, what a
special life that would be.

Are you up for
the challenge?

Always.

♪

More.

♪

captions by
sas harris