My Favorite Christmas Tree (2022) Movie Script

Well, we were way off-base.

But, when I realized that,

it actually led to quite

the breakthrough.

So, your dad said his

grandmother was born

in Marion, Iowa, right?

Yes.

I scoured land records,

marriage records, nothing.

But, then I remembered

that Marion is actually

quite a common town name.

And then, I recalled

the description

in the love letters

about biking to the lake.

There's no lake in Marion, Iowa.

However, there is a lake just

outside of Marion, Illinois.

And once I started looking

into that Marion,

everything fell into place.

And here, the house

where she grew up.

It's still standing.

- This is amazing.

- Mm-hm.

Strange, my dad was so sure

about Iowa.

Well, that's the tricky part.

You know, it's actually really

easy to get your mind

stuck on one thing and then

you end up with tunnel vision

without even knowing it.

Yes, of course a lot of this

work is actually records

and fact-finding,

but I think it's important

to keep yourself open

to the tiniest clues.

Unexpected details,

they can be hiding in the most

human part of the story.

Just waiting to be found.

I hope it's ok, but I went ahead

and finished your tree.

This is beautiful, Kyla.

And just on time for Christmas.

Mm-hm.

Unfortunately, there's

nothing revelatory,

but I thought you'd enjoy this

picture of your grandparents.

- Hey, Kyla.

- Hi.

I'm just wondering, where are we

on the agriculture

of Michigan research?

Oh, ah, yeah, still just

that last section to go.

That tree farmer's been really

difficult to get ahold of.

However...

Ha.

I did finish this write-up

on the upper peninsula

copper mining outlaws.

It's a tad more intriguing

than asparagus and squash.

And you know me, I prefer

the more human-centric projects.

Their storytelling, revelations,

twists and turns.

That's where you and I differ.

For me, there's nothing better

than the quiet solitude

of a cup of tea and a stack

of old land records.

Thanks.

Bye.

Which was Nana's favorite again?

Oh, the red one with snowflakes.

Dad gave it to her on their

first Christmas as newlyweds.

Oh, speaking of, I reached out

to Grandpa's business partner.

I thought maybe there'd be

something family related

in the old office storage.

I thought you stopped

looking in to that.

I did, but, sometimes I get

a flash of inspiration.

I can't not try, right?

Now, while I think

it would be wonderful

to find our ancestors

and our relatives,

I am certainly not disappointed

in our little family.

I suppose you two will have

to be responsible

for branching out

the family tree.

It's not very subtle, Mom.

Do we have to go to Mexico?

What about snow,

or what about the smell

of a wood-burning stove?

What about hot cocoa?

My goal was to get you

far away from work.

We haven't been on

a vacation for years.

Last time was your pick

and you chose staycation

while secretly working on your

dissertation the whole time.

Ok, yeah, but that wasn't

Christmas time.

And is it really so wrong

that I love my work

as a historical researcher?

No, not at all.

It's just, it's, it's noble,

in fact.

You know, connecting people

to one another.

It's just...

I think what your sister

is trying to say is,

what about your own connections?

- Yeah.

Yeah. Fair point.

Hey, Kyla, do you have a second?

Yeah, sure.

What's up?

Did you happen to get hold

of that tree farm owner?

No, not yet.

I figured it would be easier

after the holiday.

Why?

Due to dropping

membership numbers,

our Wilkinson endowment

fell through.

What?

But they're our biggest donor.

I'm hoping the Northern

Midwest grant

can make up the loss

in the short term.

But they have a special

interest in...

Agriculture. Right.

So, I'm hoping that we can

fast track it

so we can get it in on time.

How fast?

We should probably hit

the ground running

right after Christmas.

What if I told you I could

get it to you by Christmas?

I mean, the deadline's

right around the corner

and it is a Christmas

tree farm, right?

Wouldn't it be best

to get the pictures,

interviews, details of the place

at its most vibrant?

Aren't you leaving

for Mexico tomorrow?

Yeah, but this is way

too important for MHS,

it can't wait.

I'm sure my sister

will understand.

Besides, why would I go to

the beach right before Christmas

when I can experience

the magic of the state's oldest

Christmas tree farm.

Except for the unfortunate fact

that you haven't managed to get

ahold of the proprietor yet.

Right.

On it.

Great.

Hello?

Hello, Cody Samuelson?

Uh yeah, I'm here.

I've just got bad reception,

I can't really hear ya.

Hi, I have been trying to reach

you for a really long time.

Uh, my name is Kyla Whitmore,

I am a researcher from

the Michigan Heritage Society.

The horticultural researcher?

My father contacted you?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah, I guess you could say

I'm a cultural researcher,

that's definitely one part

of the job.

I can't really hear you

and this is not a great time.

So, I was hoping to come by,

maybe tomorrow,

and take an interview with you?

Maybe get a tour, take some

pictures of your farm,

see it in full Christmas swing?

Well, did you say tomorrow?

No, no, no, that's not good.

I think I got good?

That's good?

No, no, not not good.

Tomorrow, as you can imagine,

this is our busiest time

of the year.

Ok, I am getting good

and I am an optimist

so I am gonna go with that.

Uh... hello?

You still there?

On the off chance that

you can still hear me,

I'm gonna come by tomorrow

around noon

and I will come find you.

Ok, listen, if you can

still hear me,

do not come tomorrow.

Do not come.

Fantastic, I can't wait too.

Ok, I'll see you then.

Bye!

Ok, bye.

Ugh.

There's another version of my

life where I'm on a warm beach,

sipping on a refreshing

frozen daiquiri.

Well, instead you get to be

invigorated by winter's chill

and then warm up

with some mulled wine.

Mm.

I think it's an even trade.

Yeah, I do love mulled wine,

but don't pretend you didn't

just turn our sister vacation

into a work trip.

Only partly.

- Besides, MHS thanks you.

- Hm.

Hello?

I promise I'll finish

my research right away

and then we'll enjoy this place.

A hundred percent

on vacation, ok?

Sure, why not.

But to be clear,

this does not technically count

as vacation activity.

Fair.

It's really quiet.

I did say noon.

Maybe they're all

on their lunch break.

Maybe.

We've gotta figure out the

logistics of these deliveries

and the farm tours.

It's easy.

You don't do the deliveries on

your own because of your back

and I don't do the farm tour

because I like it better

that way.

Besides, you love giving

the tour.

Why mess with a good thing?

Well, because it's not fair

that you get to do

all the heavy lifting

without me.

My back is fine, by the way.

And really, you should conduct

the tour occasionally.

It, it's, it's good

for the soul.

It's, it's, it's in your blood.

It's...

Ok.

It's just talking to people.

Ok. I'll, I'll give

the tour tomorrow.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

Ok, then we really

should sit down

and discuss options

for the farm.

You know, maybe it's time

to industrialize.

Change to meet

the growing market, right?

Make it easier on ourselves,

make it easier on you.

Dad, do we have to have

this conversation

on one of our busiest days?

Fair point.

When do you wanna have it?

Just set a time.

Uh, sometime later.

I'll have my people

call your people.

Yeah, that's not a time.

Maybe this is him.

Oh good.

Right on time.

Perfect.

Hello, Cody Samuelson?

That's me.

Great, we spoke on the phone.

We did?

Yeah. I'm Kyla Whitmore,

researcher with the Michigan

Heritage Society.

Sap.

Oh. Right, of course, I'm sure

that happens all the time.

Anyway, we agreed to meet,

so here I am.

Uh, I don't think we agreed

to meet today,

I'm pretty sure we talked

about getting started in March.

March?

Uh, no, no, definitely,

definitely not March.

Look, you're the

horticulturalist, right?

Horticulturalist?

No, but, I like that.

That's a really good idea

for a business card name,

you know, like horticulturalist

but for family trees...

Mandy: Oh! Absolutely.

So, you're not

the horticulturalist?

No, no, I'm a historian

with the Heritage Society.

I was hoping to talk to you

about the history of your farm.

Isn't that what the internet's

for these days?

Uh, I mean, one would

think that,

but no, we're a little bit

more interested

in the human perspective.

You know, personal stories.

We're trying to preserve

and illuminate history.

Oh, that sounds

pretty worthwhile.

Yeah.

Yeah, it is worthwhile,

it's just not urgent.

It's gonna have to wait.

It won't take me long

and I'm already here.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean

to just drop in like this,

but I've left several messages

over the last couple months.

A couple emails even.

And this one didn't call

you back?

No.

Not very professional.

There are so many spam calls

these days, Dad.

I... my apologies.

This is my father,

William Samuelson.

- Kyla Whitmore.

- Pleasure.

This is my sister, Mandy.

Hi.

She's a researcher,

perhaps she can tackle

the, the Silver Pine?

If she's here anyway.

What's that?

I doubt that.

The Silver Scots Pine,

we developed it in the early

days of the farm.

It was a perfect tree.

Highly sustainable,

unique to the farm.

Then we lost 'em.

Lost? Like how?

I... I... I apologize.

I gotta get this work done.

Well, the entire crop was wiped

out in the flood of '78.

We haven't been able to recreate

them thus far.

But, I have made it my life's

mission to bring that tree back.

Look, look, she's running

with it already.

Cody's the one

with the real skills.

He studied innovative

horticulture.

He just needs a

little assistance.

Oh, well, as much as I'd love

to help,

that's not really my area

of expertise.

Perhaps if Cody's busy though

I could sit down and have

a chat with you?

Hey, that's a great idea.

My dad's got all

the good stories.

I think it would be more

effective if you two paired up.

You know, put your

heads together.

You don't have to be

a biologist,

you just have to understand

how to navigate information.

Follow leads.

The information's

gotta be somewhere.

Sure, but...

She's actually a genius

at that sort of thing.

- Right?

- Yeah.

Ok, great, look,

so I mean, like,

he can help with some

of the history

and you can help him

with the tree.

Settled.

Hey, I am sorry about

our miscommunication,

it's just the timing

could not be worse,

and I'm not the right person

to help you out with this,

so why don't you give Beverly

a call

down at the library

and records office.

It's like our little

historical society.

What about the Silver

Scots Pine?

Uh, no. That's not realistic

and that is certainly not

your responsibility.

Don't worry about it.

Ok, well, I look forward

to talking

to whoever will talk to me.

Ok. Good luck with that.

Thanks.

What the hell was that?

Son, you really need to work

on your people skills.

What?

There are numerous activities

around town.

Our festival's the two days

before Christmas.

There's a tree

decorating contest.

Here, here's a list.

Oh, great.

Actually, I'm wondering

if you happen to know

what time the library

and records office closes?

Unfortunately, she closed

at 4:00PM today

but she'll be back open

at 8:00AM tomorrow morning.

Aw.

I guess we'll just have to be

on vacation till then.

Mmmm.

Wow.

This B&B is really beautiful.

It was one of the original

houses in town.

Built in 1907 by the founders.

Is it ok if I take

some pictures?

Of course.

Be sure to hashtag

Conifer Christmas.

We're trying to stay up

with the times.

Actually, these aren't

for social media.

I'm here doing a bit of research

on the tree farm.

Oh, that's so neat.

The tree farm is practically

the foundation of this town.

The Samuelsons are very nice.

Ah. Well, the main one

seems a little... terse.

Cody?

Nah, he just has a lot on his

shoulders this time of year.

He might as well be Santa Claus.

Well, then Santa Claus needs

to work on his Christmas spirit.

Cocoa?

Oh, yes, thank you.

No, I'm ok, thank you.

Ah, ah, ah.

Yeah, thanks.

Come on, I'll give you a tour.

- Ok.

- Great.

Oh! I thought that was real.

I can't believe you found us

this place.

It is so charming.

Yeah, it's cute, isn't it?

Yeah.

Oh, wow.

This Silver Scots Pine thing

is fascinating.

And we've lost her.

No, seriously, there's not much

info on it.

It's like it's a ghost

or a long-lost legend.

I forgot to tell you!

What?

Look what I finally found.

Oh, Mom will be so happy.

Where'd you find it?

It was in the back

of my makeup drawer.

Here.

And just in time for Christmas.

I feel guilty though.

We should split it, or at least

share custody

since we don't have many

family heirlooms.

No, no, no, no.

Mom wanted you to have this, ok?

And besides, I got Grandma's

reading chair, remember?

That is a good chair.

Yes.

What is this thing?

Oh, it's just some old maps

of the area.

Make for a good reference.

Oh, that's weird.

Looks like I grabbed

the wrong set.

Oh, is this one of your trees?

Yeah. It's for us.

I made it a long time ago.

Oh.

Just practice.

It's such a shame,

the family rift.

Stubborn old Grandpa.

Yeah. I promise to never ruin

our relationship

over a mustard recipe

like Grandpa.

You better not!

Oh! Check this out.

And look, they have a Christmas

cookie baking class.

Yeah.

Ok, that's definitely going

on our list.

Mmmhmm.

Not that you need help

with your baking skills.

Oh?

Ok, see, that is the kind

of guy that I imagine you with.

You can bake together,

he can help you if you have

flour on your cheek.

It's a whole vibe.

Classic deflection,

my dear sister.

Connecting everyone

but yourself.

Ok, yeah, but was my

observation inaccurate?

Alright, alright, let's go find

the records office.

Ok.

- Well, good morning.

- Hello.

Library books start here,

go to the back.

Museum items are

sprinkled throughout.

Feel free to roam and explore.

Actually, I'm looking for

Beverly and the records office.

I am she, however, the records

office is not currently open.

Oh.

Sometimes being a multi-

hyphenate gets tricky.

Well, I can relate to that.

Here, let me.

It's really high up.

Thank you.

- Thank you!

- You're welcome.

So, I heard that you are

the go to

for all things historical

Conifer?

Perhaps I can pick your brain,

tell you what I'm looking for

in case it's easy?

I suppose I could spare an ear.

Great.

Ok, I'm trying to get

some information

on the Christmas tree farm.

Hoping to get my hands on

some journals,

personal histories,

maybe land records?

You're not with one of these

development companies, are you?

Hoping to build a resort

and day spa, or a chalet?

No, no, no.

Definitely not, no.

I'm with the Michigan

Heritage Society.

I'm doing a study on

the agricultural history

of the state,

which I'm pretty sure that

Conifer's a huge part of, right?

- Oh, yeah.

- Mandy, wouldn't you agree?

This is my sister Mandy,

by the way.

Well, you're certainly right

about that.

You look familiar to me.

Have you visited Conifer before?

No, no, I haven't.

But I occasionally guest

lecture at universities.

Hm. Let me see if I can find

anything pertinent up here.

Otherwise, I have to wait

for office hours.

Most of the records

are downstairs

and it's a whole ordeal.

Of course. Thanks.

Well, I'll be over here.

Nothing here... unfortunately.

But, I will see what I can

dig up for you

during records office hours.

Great, ok.

Thank you so much for your help.

You're welcome.

- I'll be back.

- Ok.

I'm usually so good at getting

people to open up.

It's where all the fun stuff is.

Yeah.

Why is everyone

so resistant here?

I'm not sure.

What happens now?

Well, probably gonna have

to go back to the farm.

Figure out some way

to get through

to that curmudgeonly lumberjack.

Oh, though I'm probably going

to miss the cookie class

at the bakery.

Oh.

But, that being said, maybe

that's not such a bad thing.

Oh.

No reason.

Sure, whatever you have to say

to feel better

about abandoning your

poor sister on our vacation

Oh, please, dramatic.

No, go, go.

Finish your research.

We'll catch up later.

Ok. Bye.

- Good morning.

- Good morning

I brought you some hot cocoa.

I kept it classic

'cause you seem like

a no-nonsense kind of guy.

You brought me cocoa

from my own hot cocoa stand?

Yeah. I thought we could make

a fresh start.

You know, talk about our

potential collaboration.

Maybe, maybe look into this

Silver Scots Pine thing?

Beverly couldn't help you?

Look, I feel like I pitched

this all wrong yesterday.

I never even mentioned how good

this research could be

for your farm.

Not only is it likely

to bring in more business,

but your farm is a big deal.

Flattery, huh?

No. No, no, no.

This is what I like

about my job.

It keeps meaningful things

from disappearing.

Besides, I think the history of

this place is really important.

It's inspiring.

And, if I'm being honest,

MHS really needs this

for a grant, so.

Come on, share a little bit

of your time.

All you gotta do is talk to me

about this wonderful place.

Ok, you know, your timing

couldn't actually be

more perfect.

Official tree farm walking

tour's in ten minutes,

so come along, get some info.

- Cool.

- Thank you.

Welcome.

So, every tree on the farm

takes an average

of seven years from planting

to harvest.

Some take as long as 15.

But here on Samuelson farm

we don't use

any industrial equipment so

we plant all of these by hand.

Um...

Some people think that buying

a real Christmas tree is bad

for the environment,

but for every tree that we

harvest we plant three saplings

and they all do a super job

of converting CO2

and other gases into oxygen

in a process which is

commonly known as...

Yes? Yeah, you know the answer?

Do elves help grow the trees?

Elves?

Um, I... I don't currently

employ any elves.

But, if he did have elves

working for him,

I think it would probably

be top secret.

Fine, yeah. I...

Where were we?

We, uh... sustainability!

So our, our tree farm was

one of the first founded

in the country.

Yeah?

How many Christmas trees

does Santa have?

I don't know.

I'll take this one.

So, last I heard, between his

residence and his workshop,

he has a tree for every day

in December

leading up until Christmas,

so what, 25?

Though I'd have to check

my sources.

Like an advent calendar

but trees!

Exactly.

Great. Great.

I'm really glad we sorted

that out.

So, hey, fun fact

about how Conifer

got its, got its name.

I... you know, that, that's

the story of the farm, everyone.

So, who would like some

free cocoa and candy canes?

Woo!

Hey. This way, everyone.

Thank you.

- After you.

- Children: Thank you.

That kid cleaned me out.

Your son gives a great tour.

Oh, I don't know how great

that was.

Yeah, Cody doesn't like

giving tours.

Well, if it's not too bold

for me to say,

I think I came through

with a few valuable assists

about Santa Claus and his elves.

Well, if people don't want

to know what goes

into growing the trees

then why are they taking

the tree farm tour?

Oh, well it's funny you should

say that because you know

who does want to know what

goes into growing trees?

This girl.

That wasn't enough info for you?

Cody, I know what

photosynthesis is.

Come on, I'm here to help.

Think of me as an intern.

And I would recommend something

public-facing

seeing as you could really use

some help in that department.

Hey!

Well, I got paperwork

to do all day long.

You've got those

deliveries, so...

Oh, uh, no, I can handle

it myself.

You need a second pair of hands.

He never thinks he needs help.

Well, I'm happy to be the help

that you don't need.

Thanks Dad.

So, what are these

deliveries for?

Donations, mostly.

Some families are having

a tough year,

some to public spaces.

We always donate a percentage.

Hm. That's really nice.

So, why are you taking notes

if you're still recording?

'Cause you can't flip through

a voice memo.

One side of this is for MHS

and the other side is for

the genealogy work that I do.

Genealogy, huh?

Yeah. There's actually quite

the overlap in skill sets.

Plus, it's something

I love to do.

So, now that you've got

me trapped,

what do you want to know?

Well, uh, let's start with

how long has the farm been

in your family?

Generations.

My great, great grandfather

Erik Samuelson founded it

with his business partner,

Constance Ferrand.

Oh, Constance.

That's my middle name too.

It means steadfastness.

See also relentlessness,

stubbornness.

Anyways, Constance handed the

farm over to my family early on

and it was originally founded

in 1908.

At the time there was really no

tenable agricultural land here,

so, they actually saved

the town.

That's really nice.

The thought of Christmas trees

saving the day.

Yeah.

Um, look, I actually want

to clear the air on something.

You're under no obligation

to help out

with this whole Silver Scots

Pine thing.

My dad, he just has this idea

that there's something out there

like a treasure map

or hidden formula.

That's just not how this works.

Also, it's beyond

your research ability.

Might want to put these on.

Thanks.

So, how do you know

what my research ability is?

Uh, did you study horticulture?

Agronomy? Biotechnology?

Well, no.

Like I said, I mean, it's not

your area of expertise.

It's ok. I don't know anything

about historical fact-finding

or whatever it is that you do.

Ok, for now it's just deliver

some trees, ok?

Ok, whatever you say.

I'm gonna grab this end,

take most of the weight.

- Ok.

Alright, now, let's go forward.

Ok.

No.

I'm going forward. Do you mean

my forward or your forward?

I mean my forward, but

it should be your forward.

- Ok.

- Just wait for me.

It's great you came along

on this delivery run,

you're really helping

expedite things.

Well, you know, we could have

just gone for coffee

in the first place,

but here we are.

Can we go back to that,

actually?

Take that option instead?

No. I'm kind of into this.

It's immersive.

- It's just on the left here.

- Ok.

Ok, don't flip again.

Fair enough. I'm gonna

shove you over this time.

- Oh, really?

- No.

- Go this way.

- This way?

Yeah, we gotta go this way.

You told me that.

- Go right in here.

- Ok.

Woah, woah.

Hey, hey, draw bridge.

Under you go!

That was cute.

Hey, great work on the cookies.

Thanks. It's a great class.

Thanks.

Have you been baking

for a while?

Oh, I sometimes bake for myself,

for my sister and mom.

You know, just for fun,

nothing serious.

Well, you seem to have

a knack for it.

Really?

If you're free tomorrow, I'm

putting together a large order.

I could use a capable apprentice

for the day.

You can count me in.

Great.

So, tell me, what was it like

growing up

on a Christmas tree farm?

Well, it was pretty wonderful,

actually.

Sort of like, everyone else's

Christmas was our Christmas too.

Dining room table was always

covered in plates of cookies,

spice cakes.

House was always full of guests,

just rotating through.

Snacking, visiting.

I guess when you provide trees

for most of the town,

you're automatically associated

with joy.

That sounds magical.

Yeah. Yeah.

So, you got all your fodder?

Any insightful realizations?

Some.

I noticed that you sigh

and rub your head

whenever you talk about

running the farm.

Wanna talk about it?

Nah.

So there is an "it"

to talk about?

Look, off the record,

why don't you just think of me

as a neutral party?

Get whatever it is

off of your chest.

Ok, business has been

at an impasse.

Most of our business is selling

local tree lots

across the Midwest.

But they're increasingly losing

at the big box stores and...

well, some tree farms are

expanding, growing into that market,

but for us, that just doesn't

feel right for us.

To tell the truth,

it's beyond our reach.

We're doing ok,

just one bad year,

one flood, one more drought

and we are sunk.

To be honest, I don't... I don't

even know what the next move is.

Wow.

Yeah.

Well, no wonder you've

been resistant

to talking to me

about this place.

It's a lot to carry.

What do you want?

I don't even think that matters.

How could it not?

Um, my mom would like

to invite you to dinner.

She... I guess she heard that

you were helping me today.

Oh, well, tell her thanks

but I should probably

have dinner

with my sister Mandy tonight.

She also says that you will

never understand Conifer

unless you have her

pine nut cake.

She's not wrong.

And she also says that she's

not taking no for an answer.

- Wow.

- Yeah.

Alright, well,

dinner it is then.

Yeah, well you don't

really have a choice now.

I guess not.

Ok.

Well, I'm intrigued.

Began the day with

curmudgeonly lumberjack

and now we're going to dinner.

Yeah, I don't know,

it just happened.

I'm sorry, I feel like

I abandoned you.

How was your day today?

Did you end up going

to the cookie class?

I did. Apparently,

I have a knack.

A knack?

Yeah, for baking.

Ben at the local bakery

approved of my skills.

That doesn't surprise me.

You know, I've always been

a fan of your confections.

Now, does this Ben happen to be

that handsome fellow

we saw in the window?

Incidentally, yes.

He comes from a long line

of bakers

and he's helping his aunt

for the holidays.

Which I think is nice.

Anyway, they invited me

to help out

with this big order tomorrow.

Oh, that's great.

Yeah.

Um... hey, can you go easy

on the research tonight?

I know, I know,

it's fertile ground,

but this nice family

doesn't need to be interrogated

all evening.

You know I can't promise that.

Let's go.

Check this out.

This is the poster

from our opening year.

It had both family names

on it until 1912.

- Wow.

- Yeah.

This is what I really

want you to see.

Anyone want a refill?

Oh, that would be great,

thanks hon.

The very first

Silver Scots Pine.

Oh.

Ain't it gorgeous?

It really is.

It's the perfect tree.

Family used to have

a little adventure,

we'd go seeking out

the very best

Silver Scott Pine on the whole

farm to bring home.

Wish Cody had a chance

to experience that.

I guess though, he still

might have a chance.

- Maybe, yeah.

- Yeah?

- There you go.

- Thank you.

Kyla, did Cody mention

that he was the top

of his horticulture class?

No, he did not.

Why would I mention that, Mom?

I don't know.

Just something to say.

Because you're bad.

Oh, my god.

Oh, is this Cody?

It is.

He looks so concerned.

That's how he looked

in all his childhood pictures.

Yeah, still does.

Figuring out the world's

problems at four years old.

Well, everyone keeps saying

how the tree farm

is the heart of the town.

And can you think of

a better industry

than one that deals in

the business of Christmas?

I don't feel like I've worked

a day in my life.

I don't know.

You might want to consult

your back on that one, Dad.

Ok. I... I... I threw my back

out a couple years ago.

Up until then, Cody and I ran

the farm together

and since then he's taken

the lead.

Where I help out when I can.

He's done an amazing job.

Oh, has Cody taken you gals on

a tour of the actual town yet?

No, but I feel like

I've monopolized

enough of his time already.

Uh, so actually, I...

you know I'm wiped. I, uh...

Are you?

I have to get up early, so...

- Are you sure?

- I'll take a rain check.

- Ok.

- Thank you.

You're welcome.

- But, um, Kyla?

- Mm-hm?

You should, you should

do a tour.

You know, for your research.

Thank you, thank you so much!

- Bye!

- Thanks for coming!

Have a good night.

Gosh, your dad's fascination

with the Silver Scots Pine

is infectious.

It makes me want to go out

and find it myself.

Tell me about its history.

Well, my dad's grandfather,

Joseph, he developed it.

Ok.

And it took only 1/5th

the amount of water

of the other trees.

So, beyond it being beautiful,

it actually sustained the farm

through several droughts.

- Wow.

- Yeah.

My dad though, he thinks that

bringing that tree back

is the future of the farm

and it's a magical thought

but it's not very realistic.

Well, he thinks

I'm procrastinating,

but that's not it.

It's just all of my energy

is being spent

just trying to keep

the business going.

Especially with

the changing market.

Does he know you feel this way?

No, I... why worry him? I

don't want to stress him out.

I... That farm is his world.

I mean, that's really loving

and thoughtful,

but it also sounds

pretty lonely.

Yeah, ok, anyway.

What about you?

This whole interview format

is just me talking about myself.

Ok, what do you want to know?

Alright, Kyla Whitmore, um...

You are a historical researcher.

What brought about this whole

genealogy side hustle?

Thank you for asking, Cody.

Um, no, my interest in genealogy

actually came from wanting

to know my own family.

My family tree has always been

a bit of a mystery.

Hasn't really panned out,

but I found I love helping

others make those connections.

And did you get

what you needed today?

Yeah, I got a lot from you,

once you stopped acting

like I was trying to torture you

with my questions.

No, that's fair. That's...

I just need to get access to

some records through Beverly.

Which I think is gonna

be pretty difficult.

Oh no, she's a softie.

Hm, that's funny.

Someone said the same thing

about you.

- You know what's missing?

- What?

- A photo of Cody.

- Oh!

The hero and soul of

the whole operation.

- Come on!

- Alright, alright.

- Get in there!

- Alright, alright.

Ok.

Oh, come on.

Don't cross your arms.

What?

It makes you look so closed off.

- Relax!

- I don't... I... ok.

Just think of Christmas morning

after all the hard work's

been done.

That's perfect.

What, is it my bad side?

I recognize this building.

I recognize this corner

of the building

over your left shoulder.

I gotta go.

Thank you so much for all of

your stories today

and thank you...

Yeah, just thank you.

Good night.

Woah, woah, you shouldn't run,

there's ice!

- Bye!

- Everywhere!

Ok. Ok.

So? How goes the research?

Yeah, you remember this?

We found it in Grandpa's things

but we could never make

heads or tails of it?

Yeah?

Look here, see that

brick building behind her?

That's the gift shop.

The shape of the numbers,

they match and everything.

Even the door frame.

This was taken here in Conifer.

This woman could have

lived here.

We... we could be from here.

And, considering the date,

it's possible that this woman

was one of the founders

of the farm that William

kept talking about.

Constance Ferrand?

So, this is huge, right?

I mean, should we call Mom?

No, no. I have to proceed

carefully.

Heck, this could be a postcard

for all we know.

It wouldn't be so far-fetched.

This town was already

on your radar.

Technically, your work

brought you to this place,

also her name's Connie.

Both our middle names and

Mom's middle name is Connie.

It's a family name.

Ok, that wasn't ever confirmed,

but let's just...

let's just take this one step

at a time.

Ok. Ok.

I was hoping that you could

help me with Beverly?

I know you have a rapport

with her

and well frankly, I'm hoping

to piggy back off of it.

Yeah, I mean things are taken

care of here,

Dad's at the fair.

I can make that work.

Great. Awesome.

Ok, so this is the only

keepsake that we have

from my grandfather.

That looks like the Conifer

gift shop.

Right? That's what I realized

last night

when I was taking the picture.

Do you think it's possible

that this could be the Constance

that you were telling me about?

Maybe.

Well, let's find out.

- Ok.

It was found in my

grandfather's things.

I think this woman might be

a relative,

possibly my

great-great-grandmother.

Do you think this could be

our Connie?

Constance Ferrand?

I can't tell.

But the date feels right.

Though, this could easily be

a tourist photo

as our tree farm has been a

destination from the beginning.

Well, that being said.

Now, obviously we can't

match these two,

and I may be going out

on a limb but...

this looks like a match.

Oh, wow.

This must be why I thought

I recognized you yesterday.

You don't have any relatives

name Ferrand?

Well, I don't know many of them,

so it could be out there.

The big schism was a fallout

over a mustard company,

which I don't even know

the name of.

Would have been the '50s?

Mustard drama.

Doesn't ring a bell,

and it would.

Well, I mean there must be

something in here

that can help connect the dots.

Constance Ferrand

was a public figure,

one would think there would be

a lot of information on her

but that's not the case.

But...

There's a wealth of information

on Maurice Ferrand,

Constance's brother.

If Connie might be family,

then he might be too.

Maybe your great, great uncle?

He was a famous bootlegger

in the early 1920s.

Sort of a town hero.

There's a lot of information

on him,

so maybe something will connect.

You could even visit

his old bootlegging trail

just outside of town.

It's literally trail blazed.

In the meantime, I'll see

what I can find records-wise.

For real this time.

Oh hey, there's another one.

Oh wow. That's so cool.

I've never seen a blazed

trail before.

I did not expect you

to be related

to a notorious bootlegger.

I mean, I can see it.

- Oh.

- Ow!

So, how do you feel?

Are you excited?

I mean, Maurice,

Constance, family.

Yeah, you know, I feel hopeful.

I'm trying to stay open,

keep my mind clear.

If you get too attached

to an idea

it can kind of cloud

your perception.

Oh, by the way, thank you so

much for coming with me today.

I feel bad taking you away

from the lot.

Oh, no, it's important

that I came with you.

There's rumors that Maurice's

ghost haunts these woods.

Stop.

No, I'm serious, I'm not...

Especially around Christmas.

- Mm-hm.

- Yeah.

Mm-hm.

And the people have heard

his voice on the wind,

it's like a spooky owl.

Only, instead of going

hoot, hoot,

he's saying hooch, hooch.

Oh, ok. So, you're funny today?

Huh? Wow.

It's a dad joke.

But to be fair,

I have maybe been waiting

a while to share that one.

Look at that marker over there.

Doesn't that look like

a smiley face?

Uh, what? Where?

- It's literally right there.

- Where?

Literally right there,

I don't know how

you're not seeing that.

It's right in front

of your face.

Do you have better eyesight

than me?

What are you talking about?

- I guess so.

- Where?

Oh! Unbelievable!

- Boo-yah.

- Oh, this means war!

Ok, ok. Ok, ok, ok.

Truce. Truce.

Ok.

- Truce. Truce.

- Ok.

No!

Woah! Hey.

- So, speaking of ghosts.

- Hmm.

Do you think it's possible

that we could see

the Silver Scots Pine

hiding out here in the wild?

Unfortunately, no.

Ok.

Well, let's say for a moment

that my research skills

are up to snuff.

How would we approach

figuring out

the Silver Scots Pine thing?

Well, so far,

I haven't been able to find

any notes or guides

from my great-grandfather,

so it's back to square one,

just cross-pollination

experiments.

A lot of trial and error.

Anyways, you don't owe me

anything to do

with the Silver Scots Pine.

I'm not asking because I feel

like I owe you something.

I just, I don't know,

I feel inspired.

Why are you veering off course?

Don't you want to figure out

your family tree?

Don't you want to figure out

the Silver Scots Pine?

Ah. Yeah.

Well, it is at the heart of

all of my dad's favorite

childhood Christmas memories.

I do really want to give him

that gift someday.

To be honest,

developing that tree,

figuring out innovative ways

to run the farm,

that's what I'd rather be

focusing on.

I was at my happiest

in grad school,

just doing studies,

running experiments.

Following my curiosity.

Kind of like what you get to do.

Ok, well then, we should

definitely figure something out.

I mean, what if

your dad's right?

What if there is some sort of

a treasure map out

there somewhere?

I find it really hard to believe

that your ancestors came up

with such an important

innovation and didn't just,

I don't know, jot

something down.

I... I mean, my ancestors

were intellectually curious

but they were not organized.

You should see our

business storage.

Did you say business storage?

Yeah.

Ok, we have to check that out.

Right now.

Ok. Ok. Ok.

So, you're sure your parents

are ok with us taking over

their living room?

Oh, yeah, of course.

Plus, they're not gonna be back

until later.

They have quite the social life.

Two Christmas parties.

- Oh wow.

- Yeah.

I think we should keep

some of these shopping lists.

Might key us into something.

Really?

Do you need a table saw receipt

from 1973?

What? We might need it as

a write-off or they could...

Well, why are we still talking

about the tree anyway?

Shouldn't we be focusing

on Constance?

Shh! Shh!

I'm going where it takes me, ok?

Thank you very much.

Ok.

It's funny, I'm seeing the name

Lorraine come up a lot

in the time period.

Who is that?

Oh, that's, that's Joseph's

wife, my great-grandmother.

She was around the farm

a lot too, apparently

and she also was supposed

to be tough as nails.

My dad said that Joseph had a

whole running list of nicknames

for her based on trees.

Well, that's adorable.

Oh, it's so strange that Silver

Scots Pine isn't coming up

by name among any of these

notes that we've found.

Uh, maybe he was just

protecting his secret recipe.

Maybe.

- Oh, here's another one.

- Ooh!

Oh, wow.

I still can't tell if Constance

matches the woman in my picture,

but this is good.

This is really good.

There's gotta be at least

something in one of these.

You think I should hold

onto this hot dog hut menu

from the 80s'?

Hot dogs?

Is that a clue?

No, uh, I just realized that

I'm actually really starving.

Oh, um, well, my parents

left us a few snacks, so...

They also actually have a ton

of s'mores supplies

this time of the year.

S'mores sound perfect.

- Ok.

- Let's do it.

Let's rustle up some s'mores.

- Ok, some more sprinkles.

- Sprinkles? Ok.

Uh, where are your skewers?

- Second drawer down on the left.

- Ok.

Doesn't this kind of defeat

the purpose of s'mores?

Which is?

To huddle around a fire,

share stories.

You can huddle and share here.

Besides, the purpose of s'mores

is that they're delicious.

You know, when I was little,

we grew up in an apartment,

so we didn't have a backyard.

But, our mom felt strongly

that we should not be denied

the joy of s'mores on Christmas,

so we figured it out

on the stove top.

Wow, you know,

I could still just make a fire

out there or something.

Just trust me.

I cannot believe...

So full.

I ate like five s'mores.

I can't believe

you ate five s'mores.

You fed me half of them,

but still.

They were good though.

They actually were.

I stand corrected.

They were good.

Mm-hm.

So, you have any other

favorite traditions?

Uh, yeah.

My mom was a nurse

so she would work

these crazy long hours

leading up to Christmas

so we could have the whole

day off together.

And then on Christmas we'd stay

in our pajamas,

eat breakfast and watch

movies all day.

She has a different job now,

but we still do the same

thing every year.

Just the three of you?

Mm-hm. Yeah.

To me, the sound of Christmas

isn't carolers on the street,

it's my mom humming

"Silent Night"

while she makes her first cup

of tea in the morning.

Ah. That's really nice.

Yeah.

Though, you should, you should

probably get ready to adjust

'cause your family might be

getting bigger.

That's true.

It's a good problem to have,

though.

Thank you... for sharing

your tradition with me.

You're welcome.

I should probably get going.

Yeah.

I totally abandoned Mandy.

I, uh, I'll take care

of all of this.

Yeah? Oh, thank you.

Is it cool if I take

a few of these?

Yeah, of course.

Yeah? Awesome.

Thank you so much for a fun day.

Yeah, and for a great night.

Yeah.

Um... I'll walk you out.

Ok, thanks.

You are not going to believe

the amazing day I just had.

You're not going to believe

the amazing day I just had.

Oh, wow, you've been busy.

Give me your hand.

How many sugar cookies

did you eat?

Oh, are we dancing?

Ok, look at this,

it's Constance Ferrand.

Look at her bracelet.

Ok.

That's my bracelet!

Yeah.

Also, the two of you

look a lot alike.

Beverly thought so too.

This is big, right?

I'd say, cumulatively, yeah.

The picture, the name,

the resemblance.

The bootlegger brother.

Oh, wait, what?

Oh, yeah, there's a lot

to catch you up on.

Well, are we allowed

to get excited now?

That has to be our

great-great-grandmother.

That has to be!

Yes, yes, we can

get excited now.

Ok, but 85 percent excited.

No, 91 percent.

Oh, you are out of control.

What have you done

with my sister?

I still just need to find

something on paper.

Something definitive,

but I think we should get

mom a train ticket out here.

Day after tomorrow,

Christmas Eve,

we can show her the town,

the festival.

Even the tree farm.

You, you really do feel good

about this.

Yeah. I think I can get

something solid by then

and we can really nail this

down and tell her everything.

Hey.

Some more coffee for you,

mademoiselle?

Thank you.

Wow, you are really focused.

Hey! Oh my gosh,

I'm sorry.

Actually, I've been dying

to tell you,

I just had a breakthrough

that led me to believe

that Constance could actually,

like, actually, actually

be my great great-grandmother.

Well, this is good, right?

Yes. In fact, it's so good

we're bringing my mom

out here tomorrow and we're

gonna surprise her.

But I just, I need some

solid enough information

connecting her to us still and

I've checked my usual databases,

I've called a few researchers

at the university.

So far nothing but

there's gotta be something.

And also, I'm a little

bit behind

on getting my original project

together for my boss.

What, you mean that one where

you wouldn't leave me alone,

just grilling me endlessly

on the history of my farm?

That is the one, yes.

But he's actually really relying

on me, so...

Well, maybe you need a break.

Hm.

Actually, I have an idea.

What if I finally give you

a real tour of the tree farm?

You could gather some

more material,

tie up any loose ends.

I mean, what better way to learn

about Constance Ferrand

than to explore the farm

that she helped create?

That would be amazing.

Yeah.

- Ok.

- Thank you.

Great.

Let me... Yeah, let me get

my stuff together.

- Great.

Your bag, mademoiselle.

Ah, merci beaucoup, monsieur.

And these, of course,

are Fraser Fir.

They're the most popular

these days.

Got good scent,

good needle retention.

My dad calls them the Cadillac

of Christmas trees.

But they're not

your favorite, right?

No, that would be

the Scots Pine.

Not to be confused with

the elusive Silver Scots Pine.

So, you said the growing process

is seven years, right?

Mm-hm.

That's a really long time.

I like it.

The steadiness of it.

I like that it's tactile,

hands on.

Well, I mean, selfishly,

that's also why

I don't want to industrialize.

I just feel like it'll

obliterate everything

that I love about it.

You know, it's funny,

the other day when

you were talking about

the pressure of this place,

I just,

I assumed that there was

something else

you'd rather be doing.

That's not it at all.

You love the farm.

Yeah.

I come here, sometimes

when I feel overwhelmed.

It's kind of like my spot.

Oh yeah? What do you do,

meditate? Snow yoga?

What are you doing?

Oh, come on. Snow will break

your fall.

Ok.

Ah!

Now, just look up at the sky.

Wow.

It's beautiful.

Everything feels so endless

from here.

I used to come here

when I was a kid.

Just lie in the snow.

Staring up at the sky,

till I got that feeling

where I thought I could feel

the earth turning.

There's actually one more

important step.

What?

Did you just make a snow angel?

I did. I recommend it.

Ok.

It's relaxing. Refreshing.

Why as adults did we stop doing

snow angels?

- Totally underrated, right?

- Mm-hm.

Ok. I... I thought I'd help

Ben with his tree

but I wanted to catch up.

How was your day?

- It was great.

- Yeah?

Yeah, actually I got a lot

of good info on the farm.

From the curmudgeonly

lumberjack?

Well, I don't know.

I think he's more of

a soulful botanist.

Hm. Were you able to find

any revelatory facts

that we can tell mom tomorrow?

No, not really.

But, I don't know. I think we

might actually have enough.

Kyla!

- Hi.

- Hi!

How would you like to be

one of our judges

for the tree-decorating

competition?

Oh, I don't know, I mean,

I'm just a tourist?

Not true, aren't you kind of

an expert on trees?

Well, I... Maybe.

Here.

Ok.

Come on. We'll have

a good time.

- Ok, let's do it.

- Ok.

I have chosen an eco-friendly

theme reusing pine cones,

putting them back on the tree.

It's very circle of life.

Or, meta, as the kids say.

We've got a baking-themed

tree here and the best part is,

when you're done,

you can eat it.

- Oh, right from the bakery.

- Yeah.

- Love it.

- We made it.

Love that.

I see the popcorn

as a nod to corn.

Which is an homage to the

history of farming in the state.

Great.

That's nice.

Thanks everyone!

The trees have been judged

and the winners will be

announced tomorrow night.

You guys are all awesome!

Thank you!

Yeah? Yeah, yeah.

Yeah!

So...

Oh, hey.

I saw that you got promoted

to Christmas tree judge.

It's a pretty big vote

of confidence

in the Samuelson family.

I did. It was a lot of fun.

You let them know about your,

your big discovery?

No. I didn't really want

to jinx it

by making a big announcement.

It's understandable.

So, I have a proposal for you.

I just remembered that I have

this old recipe for Gl Ãgg,

it's a, it's a kind of

mulled wine.

Oh.

Which is descended from

Maurice Ferrand himself.

That sounds nice.

Yeah, and I was thinking

maybe we could make some

and do some more office

record research.

Ok. Yeah, that, that

would be really great.

- Ok.

- Yeah.

- Ok then. Well, this way.

- Let's go.

I think I'm gonna try and find

something for my mom

since all my Christmas presents

are back at home.

What are you thinking, maybe

an ornament with her name on it?

Or, oh, they have these really

nice Fraser Fir music boxes.

Yeah, I don't know.

I guess I'll know it

when I see it.

Oh, this is pretty.

She loves irises.

Hm.

Oh that, that is always

a good choice.

It's a classic Conifer souvenir.

Everything ok?

I feel so foolish.

Why?

This bracelet was

my big breakthrough.

Mandy has it.

Theoretically it was

a gift from,

from my grandparents,

but when I saw it in one of

the pictures

I just assumed that it was

our family heirloom.

I just jumped to conclusion

without doing any research.

I didn't even check my work.

It is ok. That's a completely

understandable misunderstanding.

I feel so silly,

bringing my mom here.

I think you're being

really hard on yourself.

You know what will

make you feel better?

Some warm Gl Ãgg.

It's delicious, even if you're

not related to Maurice Ferrand.

I think I'm just gonna

call it a night.

I'm not really in

the celebratory mood.

I'm sorry.

Thank you so much

for your help today.

Yeah.

Let me know if you

need anything.

Sure.

Hey. Hey.

You think maybe

you're overreacting?

I mean, you weren't

this disheartened

before the bracelet discovery.

Isn't this just, I don't know,

a step back, at worst?

Yeah, but can you imagine

if every time someone found

some old photograph in their

grandfather's belongings

that they jumped to the wild

conclusions that I did?

Yeah, but you had to try.

You felt it in your gut, right?

And that's usually

your best compass.

I think my compass is off.

Well, it's not over yet.

I mean, we could still be very

close to finding our family.

Or, you know,

maybe we never will,

but perhaps we've made some

meaningful connections

in the meantime?

Like Ben?

I'm not talking about Ben.

I just wish we had something

for Mom.

Well, you're not gonna give up,

are ya?

Didn't think so.

Sent.

Would you like some tea?

I made an extra cup.

Yes, I'd love some.

Thank you.

It's cinnamon apple spice.

Oh, by the way,

your mom's reservation's all

squared away for tomorrow.

Thank you so much

for doing that.

Looks like you've been

working hard.

How's the farm research going?

It's good. Just sent it

off actually.

You don't seem excited

or relieved.

It's just a delayed reaction.

Also, there was something else

that didn't really turn out

the way I hoped.

Did Cody Samuelson end up

being much help?

Did he recover

his Christmas spirit?

He did, actually.

Yeah. He's been great.

That whole family was so

welcoming when I moved here.

Oh, I assumed that

you grew up here.

You have this feeling

of being from here.

No, I've only been here

six years.

I inherited this

old house actually.

The timing was perfect

and now it just feels like I was

always meant to be here.

I think I know the feeling.

I made this leap all

because of a bracelet

that I assumed was one of a kind

Thanks, but I have to admit,

there was something about being

related to Constance Ferrand

that felt right, you know?

Well, you weren't wildly

off-base.

That bracelet was modeled

on a real bracelet

that Constance actually owned.

Oh, so there is a chance?

Unfortunately, no. I found

something in records.

Maurice's last will

and testament,

which states neither he nor

Constance had any children.

I'm sorry, sweetie.

But, as you know, she could

still be a distant relative

or a family friend which

can be just as meaningful...

It's Christmas Eve.

You're in a beautiful town

with one of the best Christmas

festivals around.

And, you got to learn about

the state's early homesteaders

and moonshiners.

Homesteaders?

Pardon?

Homestead records.

I know this seems conclusive

but I'd like to check out

one last thing.

You said that there's a lot of

records at the county office

in Fernwood?

Yes, but I can't imagine that

they're open on Christmas Eve.

They're open!

Two more hours. Yes!

Beverly, you are a genius.

Thank you so much

for everything.

That is great tea.

Thank you. Thank you.

So, the federal government

gave land to these homesteaders

so there was a specific process

from claim to ownership

that had a lot of

required documentation,

so the information is solid.

And not to mention

chain of title.

So, you are letting yourself

get your hopes up again?

Well, I just, I know

that this is a way

to get some definitive

information.

And I know that this is gonna

sound really weird,

but I swear this morning that

portrait in Beverly's office...

It's like her eyes, they were

telling me to keep trying.

Let's go!

F-e-r-r-a-n-d.

Got it right here.

Her claim is this whole area,

here.

Oh. Wow.

Ok. That looks like it's

the tree farm and then some.

I guess that makes sense.

And after that.

That's odd.

What's odd?

Very odd indeed.

It seems like this claim

never progressed

to certificate of ownership.

So, this land should have lapsed

back to federal ownership.

No, I think that's incorrect.

It's currently owned by someone

named Samuelson.

No, the only land owned by them

is a residential lot

on Oak Street.

Ok.

Yeah, this must have slipped

through the cracks somehow.

So, I'll just put a little flag

on that.

This is gonna get me

to my year-end quota.

Deck the halls

with Christmas bonuses.

No, um, actually,

can you not do that?

Please?

Can we just pretend

that I didn't ask?

I'm really worried this is

gonna make things bad

for someone I care about.

Ma'am, that would basically

be stealing.

From the government.

What just happened?

The tree farm.

The Samuelsons, they don't

actually own the land.

It's probably going

to get taken away.

Well, isn't there some sort of

statute of limitations?

Or, I don't know,

couldn't they just buy it?

No, Cody was already struggling

with his options.

I can't believe I've done this

to him.

It's not like you did it

on purpose, Kyla.

I mean if there's

the smallest upside

it sounds like you really care

about him.

I just messed everything up.

He's gonna hate me.

He has to hear it from me.

I have to tell him.

Hey. I was just thinking

about you.

I was worried about you

after last night.

I have to tell you something.

I have to just say it

before I...

Oh, hey. You ok?

No.

I messed up.

It's ok.

In my research of Constance

I decided that I wasn't ready

to let go,

so I went to Fernwood to look in

the homestead records.

That's a smart idea.

What'd you find out?

Um, that there was an issue

for the deed for this land.

The land that the farm sits on.

Somehow it had slipped

through the cracks

and it was Constance's,

but now it's no one's.

And by looking into it,

I inadvertently alerted the

county to this discrepancy.

I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry,

it was an accident.

- Accident.

- Yeah.

An accident?

What? You think we can just

buy up all the land?

No, god, no, no, no, no.

I know. I know I messed

things up.

I would never do anything

to hurt you or your family.

I just... I'm gonna figure

it out. I'm gonna fix it.

I'm gonna make it right. I...

I need some time. Please.

No, no. No, no, no. You have

done enough already.

You could have just let it go.

You just came in here and you

had to push and you had to dig

like you did with

the Silver Scots Pine

and you just barrel into my

life, taking days of my time

for your research and not caring

if I had time to give.

I'm sorry that I was

so persistent.

I thought you enjoyed the time

that we spent together.

I have to get back to work.

I'm sorry, Kyla.

Maybe he just needed time

to think.

None of that even matters.

What's gonna happen

to the tree farm,

or his family and

their livelihood?

I mean he's right to be upset

with me.

I should head to the station

to meet Mom.

What are we even gonna tell her

about why we dragged her

out here?

I don't know, maybe some crazy

tale about tree farmers

and bootleggers and how we had

a really good time

getting ahead of ourselves?

Would you be ok

with getting her?

And I'll meet you

at the festival.

Yeah.

I gotta fix this.

I gotta do something.

I can't think about

anything else.

- Yeah. Of course.

- Thank you.

- Good luck.

- Thank you.

- Ok, bye.

- Yeah, good luck.

Oh, Beverly, Beverly!

I need your help.

Oh, sweetie, you know

the records office

is closed on Christmas Eve.

Go enjoy yourself.

No, it's not about me

or Constance Ferrand.

I went to the records office

at the county today

and I ended up causing

a huge mess for Cody.

I was afraid of this.

Land ownership is tricky here

and the last thing you need

is someone digging up records.

It's my fault, I should

have told you.

I have some ideas, or

the beginnings of ideas

of how to make things right,

but I'm really going to need

your expertise.

Can you help me,

so I can help Cody?

Yes. I may even have something!

Ok.

You don't remember

where you put it?

I'm sorry, you just came in

asking about land records,

and one never knows these days.

I'm very protective of Conifer.

- So, what could be in here?

- I don't know.

But, even an informal

paper trail

can mean something for them

hanging onto the land.

There it is!

Oh, all it is is some

scientific study.

This is perfect.

Cody, hey.

Look, I know you're upset

with me,

but I really need you to listen.

I figured out a strategy for

the tree farm going forward.

I am all tapped out

on the future of the tree farm

conversations right now.

Look, I really need you

to hear me out, ok.

This is gonna save

the tree farm.

Maybe even you.

Over the last few days,

I've realized just how special

the Samuelson's tree farm is.

Its innovations

involving sustainability

are a really big deal.

I think it needs to be studied.

Partner up with universities.

Create work study programs,

and then you can

open yourself up

for grant opportunities

and keep the land.

You can run the farm at

the scale that you want to.

You can teach.

Show the world

how special it is,

what you get to do.

Honestly, it's such a good idea

that I'm almost ok with the fact

that I had to nearly ruin

your life to come up with it.

It's a solid plan, Cody.

Please don't reject it just

because you fear change.

Or because you're mad at me.

Beverly has all the details.

She can help you.

Here.

Maybe that can be

your first study.

We found the Silver Scots

Pine studies.

Turns out every time Joseph

wrote something down,

he gave the tree a code name.

Lorraine.

Which makes sense, since you

told me she was so resilient.

I guess the loving nicknames

go both ways.

Anyway, there's your key.

Your treasure map.

Hope you find what

you're looking for.

Mom!

Wow!

Hey.

Hi honey.

Are you ok?

Uh, yeah. It's been

an eventful day.

Well, I am very happy

to see you,

and this is all such

a lovely surprise.

But what made you girls bring me

all the way out here?

Mandy said that we had to wait

for you to get back to explain.

Yeah, I guess I'll start

from the beginning.

- Hey, Santa.

- Hey.

Festival looks great, as always.

Except for this pesky string

of lights.

Hey, it's a Christmas miracle.

Don't touch it.

Ah, listen, I've been meaning

to say something.

I'm sorry for being so stubborn

about the farm.

You were right to challenge me

to try to find a new way.

It should be the reverse

with fathers and sons.

Ok. You really want to have

this conversation right now?

Yeah, well,

something's happened.

You know how we've always been

kind of unconventional

when it comes to deeds and

paperwork for the land and farm

and we've always had

that old adage

that all these deals

were made with a...

a handshake and a word, yeah.

Yeah, well it turns out

it wasn't just an adage.

We might lose the farm.

There was never

an official deed.

So, that land might revert back

to the government.

This might be the end of

an era then, huh?

Possibly.

Or, it might just be

the beginning.

I have the perfect Christmas

gift for you, Dad.

Really?

Yeah.

It's your treasure map.

Silver Scots Pine is finally

within reach.

And, I'm still working

this part out,

but this might not just be the

key to hanging onto the farm.

But to me doing the work

I'm excited about.

That's great.

Where'd you, where'd you

get this?

It was Kyla, actually.

She is remarkable.

Yeah.

- Yeah.

- Yeah, she is.

Maybe you, maybe you found

your own personal treasure map.

- Maybe.

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

I have some thinking to do.

Oh, a first time for everything.

Hey!

So, when I found that bracelet

I knew it was over.

That's fascinating, and all

of this because of a picture.

But now you don't think

it's true?

The last bit of

solid information

indicated that Constance

had no direct descendants.

But, we ended up having a great

time exploring this new town.

And, I have some news.

I've decided I want to go

to culinary school.

- Culinary school?

- Yeah.

To become a pastry chef.

I ended up working

with this amazing baker

while I was here and... I just,

I fell in love with it.

And his aunt who owns

the bakery,

she has a connection

at the culinary institute

and she's gonna give me

a recommendation.

I knew it. I knew it.

- Honey, I am so excited for you.

- That's such great news, sis

I think I finally understand

you and work.

Now, what about this

tree farmer fellow?

He kept coming up

in your story a lot.

Like Connie, that ended up

not really being the connection

I thought it was.

Oh, honey. I'm so

sorry sweetheart.

It's ok.

Merry Christmas Eve, Beverly!

What are you doing here?

Shouldn't you be at the festival

accepting your customary

first place prize?

I should, but I got caught up

in a whole saga

which made me think

of something.

I wanted to ask you,

were you close with the relative

you inherited this house from?

Or were they distant family?

That is a strangely

specific question.

I know, but I might be going

somewhere with this.

Come on in.

I've got some mulled wine

on the stove.

You're gonna want

something stronger.

- What?

- Mm-hm.

I went through Maurice's

letters and realized

his will was a red herring.

Because of the bootlegging,

he was mixed up with some

unsavory characters,

so he wrote that lie to protect

his extended family.

So, Constance Ferrand

had two children?

Yes.

Your grandmother, Cynthia,

and your grandmother, Helen.

Who married a man by the name

of Whitmore.

Whitmore?

Wait, is your family

the one with that crazy mustard

empire fallout?

Yes!

Ferrand was Constance's

maiden name,

which explains why we lost

track of her.

I had no idea, this whole time,

Constance Ferrand is

my great-grandmother.

Do you have children?

Are there still any

cousins around?

Oh yeah, the family's

getting pretty big.

There'll be plenty of people

dying to meet you gals.

And with two direct descendants,

this could very well clear up

the tree farm land issue.

Thank you.

Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas!

Hello everyone!

And, now the moment you have

all been waiting for.

It is my esteemed honor

to give the award

for the best decorated Conifer

Christmas tree this year.

And, the award goes to...

Beverly Philips!

Thank you.

Oh, ho, ho!

Pause this story,

I'll be right back.

Woohoo!

Nice work.

Thank you, Santa.

And thank you all for this

well-deserved honor.

I was looking for you.

I was looking for you too.

My mom's here.

She's having a great time.

That's great.

At least, she didn't come

all this way for nothing, right?

Actually, I received some

pretty great news on that front.

Also, I realized something.

You're the first person

that I wanted to tell.

So, what's the good news?

Constance is my great

great-grandmother after all.

We pieced it all together.

I'm sorry that I was so myopic

in my search

that I didn't see I could

have hurt you.

No, I'm sorry. I...

I shouldn't have said

those things.

I didn't believe 'em.

I... I was rattled.

It's understandable.

I showed the study of the

Silver Scots Pine to my dad.

I don't think I've ever seen

him so happy.

Your idea, to use the farm

for work studies,

research, discovery.

That's so perfect I'm ashamed

I didn't think of it myself.

So, you think you might

go for it?

Well, I don't have much

choice now, do I?

I guess that's true.

Although, Beverly thinks

that she may have cleared up

the land issue as well.

Thank you.

I mean, your imaginative

thinking, your steadfastness,

finding the Silver Scott Pine...

You saved the farm.

You gave it a new life.

You gave me a new life.

And when you are as resistant

to change as I am,

sometimes you need something

really big to come along

and just shake things up.

I think the potential loss of

your family livelihood counts.

I wasn't talking about that.

I was talking about falling

for you.

I was hoping that's what

you were talking about.

There's just one thing though,

about this plan.

Mm-hm?

I might need some help

and I'm kind of working

at asking for that, so...

You think you can maybe

stick around?

I'm sure I could figure

something out.

After all, my family is kind

of a big deal in this town.

My Favorite Christmas Tree (2022) - full transcript