Oh Christmas Tree (2013) - full transcript

RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM

No, no, something less,
I don't know...

less Christmas-y.

Say something like
"Seasonal Wishes,

Elise MacReynolds,
VP of Marketing."

No. Don't put the VP.

Or. Maybe put the VP?

Wait, what?

If the CEO is tracking me down
before the holidays, put the VP.

Order 150 cards.

That has to mean
I got the promotion.



I have another call.
Gotta jump.

Mom.

Your dad's gone and done it.

It was on sale!

Hank, what are we going to do

with a forty pound
frozen turkey?

It was ON SALE.

Forty pounds?

I see a lot of turkey sandwiches
in your future.

Tell me you'll come help
eat this beast.

Home for Thanksgiving?

I can't.

I'm about to get a promotion,
I need to log the hours.

Hon. You haven't been home
in a year.



No one works 24/7.

I get a lunch break?

Dad and I are driving the trees
down to the city next week.

You know Brendel's was sold to
that furniture chain, Brook Glen.

No, I didn't know that.

Fortunately, old man Brendel
made it part of the deal

that we could still have
the same space.

Mom, when are you guys retiring?

Every year you exhaust yourselves
selling those Christmas trees.

That's why we have
a successful daughter

to help support us
when we're old and frail.

Is there an extra room
in that new loft of yours?

And with that, I gotta go.

Seriously? It's not even
Thanksgiving yet, Max.

Where's your holiday spirit?

Yule Log latte?

Coffee.

No whipped cream,
no nutmeg, no Santa Claus.

Coffee.

No whipped cream,
no nutmeg, no fun.

Got us an upgrade.

Two words: private cabana.

Am I the man?

You're my one and only man.

When you're with Lance Pinfeld,
it's only the best.

How's the unpacking going
at the new place?

Slow.

Want to come over later
and help me out?

Yeah, of course.

Hey, Secret Santa.

Secret Santa?

Why does everyone insist on
stupid "traditions" like this?

What is it with you
and Christmas?

You know how I told you
I grew up on a farm upstate?

Yeah, the town
I can't pronounce.

No one can.

"Skaneateles".

That's the one.

Well, the farm was
a Christmas tree farm.

So what's the problem?

Every Christmas,
since I was a baby,

from Thanksgiving
to December 26th,

my family's driven down
to Manhattan and lived in

a freezing cold trailer on a street,
selling trees.

It's the anti-Christmas.

You're done with all that now.

Beaches.

Sand.

Sunburns.

Keep talking, keep talking...

Elise, there you are.

Malcolm! I heard
you were looking for me.

Can we have a word?

Shoot.

A word. In private?

Fired?

It's like ripping off
a band-aid.

Better to just come
out and say it.

And here I thought I
was getting promoted...

3rd quarter sales
are in the toilet.

I have to downsize,
trim the fat.

You're saying I'm "the fat".

Okay, wrong analogy.

Look, you know
I've always liked you.

But why me?

Why not Brandy?

She's late every day.

She's fired too,
she's just not in yet.

But it's bigger than that,
Elise.

We're an athletic shoe company.

Look at your feet.

You don't fit in.

Step Shoes needs to speak
to its market.

And I don't think
you're listening.

I'm listening.

I listen.

Listen, that's me listening.

You do your job,
but I'm not feeling the passion.

The connection.

You'll bounce back, kid.

Tell me you brought ice cream.

I can't actually stay.

But you're already here.

I know, it's...
we need to talk.

Why do I get the
feeling we're not talking

about something good.

I'm glad you brought it up.

Brought what up?

I can't go to the Bahamas.

Because of the layoffs.

Malcolm is making everyone
work over the holidays.

I think we should take a break.

You're breaking up with me?

I didn't say break up.

You said "break".

"Up" is implied.

Look, E. Malcolm
gave me your accounts.

I'm doing two jobs.

I can't do this, too.

So that's it?

Our relationship was just
summed up in a hand gesture?

I'm sorry.

I did get you this?

Let it melt.

We're still friends, right?

You're perfect.

Really?

No.

If you were perfect,
you wouldn't be in a

headhunter's office
looking for a job.

But you're close.

Full scholarship.

Marketing Director before 30.

I could find you
a job by Monday.

Really?

No. Because I got nothing.

It's almost the holidays.

Nobody hires in corporate
at the holidays.

So what do I do?

Well, hopefully you saved
your money and didn't do

something stupid like
just buy an apartment.

Which you did.

It has good views?

Elise, I'll do my best.

Be ready to interview
on a moment's notice.

Get in here for a hug.

Now tell me why you're here.

I got fired.

And dumped.

Oh, hon.

I'm so sorry.

But it's perfect timing.

That's what happens when
you drop a 40 pound turkey

on your foot.

He's laid up until January.

My foot's broken, Betty.

Not my mouth.

I can speak for myself.

Oh, Dad!

It's not just the broken leg.

It's the trees.

We only have 6 weeks to
sell our Christmas tree

stock in the city.

Mom, that's your entire
income for the year.

Cousin Shane was all set
to help Dad again this

year, but with this...
I'm right here.

I can hear you talking about me.

Shane can't do it alone.

Can't you hire someone?

The MacReynolds
family tree lot needs

a MacReynolds running it.

Since you're in between jobs,

you could come help out?

You loved it as a kid.

No, I didn't.

When you were really
little you did.

But now I'm an adult.

I'm on a career path.

Hon, we really need you.

If she doesn't want to do
it, Betty, don't make her.

I'm sure the bank will
understand when we're late

with the mortgage.

Hank, hush it.

You're not funny.

They want you to do what?

Sell trees.

All right.

We've got a coconut layer,
chocolate ganache, carrot,

lemon mousse and a cheesecake.

Who had a bad Thanksgiving?

Her.

She'll jog it off.

Consider this on the house.

I told my mom I'd
think about it.

What's to think about?

It's a job.

Something you don't
have right now.

I swore when I was 14,
I'd never work another

Christmas at that lot.

Elise. It's your family.

Exactly.

Do you know what
it's like not having

a real Christmas?

I'm Jewish.

Every other kid in New
York got to run down

the stairs on Christmas morning,

find a pile of presents
from Santa Claus... under

a tree that I helped
carry to their car...

My Christmas? Chinese
takeout and a stocking...

and one year, my
mom forgot to pack them,

so it was one
of my dad's socks...

hanging in the trailer.

You lived in a trailer?

Who knew Uptown Girl
had a gritty past.

The trailer's just
for the season.

New York tree lots
stay open 24/7.

Nowhere to lock up
the trees at night.

Sounds like an adventure.

But that's not it.
Nance, I have a new loft.

With a doorman.

I'm wearing $300 shoes
that I found for $75.

I've spent years trying
to get away from the farm.

Now I'll be back
right where I started.

Think of it instead
as a new beginning.

Nowhere to go but up.

And if I forgot to
say it: it's your family.

Mom.

I'll do it, I'll sell the trees.

Tell Shane I'll meet him
at 8 o'clock tomorrow.

Coming through, coming through.

Sorry, strictly
plastic these days.

I'm here, I'm here!

That old thing.

Hey, Cuz.

Nice of you to show up.

I know, I know, I'm late.

Haven't seen you
since last year.

For the 5 seconds
you stopped by.

Yeah, I've been busy.

You know how it goes.

Not sure that I do.

Fancy threads for
unloading trees.

My headhunter told
me to be on call.

Interview wear at all times.

And... wait,
unloading the trees?

They don't unload themselves.

Especially when two more loads
are coming this afternoon.

I conveniently forgot this part.

Need a hand with that?

Nope. All good.

All of the employees
are enthusiastic

about this new Brook
Glen "brand", Gary.

Mr. Dixon.

And Dixon is how I was going
to finish off that Gary.

Now that this is Brook
Glen's new Manhattan

flagship store, all
preexisting employees are

on a 30-day trial basis.

Including you,
Mr. Cunningham.

Brook Glen demands a certain
standard of excellence.

We tried to be
"excellent" at Brendel's, too.

And look at how that turned out.

My staff are professionals.

You'll be impressed.

What will impress me is sales.

I want customers through
that door and credit cards

on that counter.

Three words.

Make. It. Happen.

Oh my gosh.

I'm so sorry!

You should be.

Who are you?

Is this the Christmas tree lot?

MacReynolds Farms.

What up, Isaac?

Elise MacReynolds.

You must be the new owner.

Nice to meet you.

It takes up the entire sidewalk.

Yeah, that's kind of
what Christmas tree lots

in New York City do.

Was it this size last year?

Pretty much the same every year.

The contract stated there
was a "quaint" seasonal

tree lot, not this
hulking eyesore.

The trees are blocking
the display window.

Eyesore?

If I could jump in here... I
don't care where you jump,

Miss, so long as it's
not in front of my store.

My lawyers will
fix this mistake,

and then you'll be gone.

And someone else's problem.

Think that's all bark, no bite?

Nope. That one bites. Big time.

Forget him.

We can find another sidewalk.

New York's full of them.

No, we can't "find"
another sidewalk.

All the good ones have
been taken for years.

If we lose this corner, we
lose our spot in Manhattan.

Maybe forever.

I'm sorry.

Hi. Do you work here?

Yes?

You don't sound so
sure about that.

The apron doesn't lie.

Yeah, but you could have stolen
that apron off someone else.

I'd pay someone to steal
it off me right now.

How much are we talking?

How much you got?

Sorry, dealing
with my headhunter.

Shane!

Shane's better with
the trees than me.

He knows the brands by names.

They're trees, not shoes.

It's types, not brands.

See? You've got an expert here.

Okay. I'll just go browse.

Little hint.

Might help move inventory
if you, I don't know,

talked to customers?

It's a tree.

They're all the same.

The customers are either
buying one or they're not.

This is gonna be
a long December.

Excuse me, sir.

This isn't a hotel?

Parking ticket?

Wait.

You didn't pay for that.

Help!

Have the presentation
ready by 10.

Shift's done.

Why don't you go
into the trailer?

Warm up? I've got coffee on.

No, thanks.

You can have that old junk heap.

I'm heading home.

No foam, no nutmeg, just coffee.

Finally, someone who
speaks my language.

Reinforcements have arrived.

Tell me that's a pizza.

No, it's a hat.

Of course it's pizza.

Pepperoni, your fave.

Have I ever told you
how much I love you?

Yes.

Hey. Get a slice now because
they won't last long.

What's your plan for
fixing this place up?

What needs "fixing up"?

It's a little "meh".

Don't you people hang
lights and stuff?

You know, try and be festive?

You're still here.

Mr. Dixon! I want to apologize
again for the other day.

And to make up for it,
MacReynolds Farms would

like to give you a tree.

Free.

I don't want a tree.

How about for the store?

Those display windows that
we're not blocking, well,

they're kind of beige.

They could use sprucing up.

Get it?

Are you trying to bribe
me, Ms. MacReynolds?

If so, I'd say your skills
need some sprucing up.

No. Look, we got
off on the wrong foot.

It's more of a peace offering.

Let me get that...

Don't get too comfortable
on this sidewalk.

That went well.

Sh.

Get this dry cleaned.

Dry cleaning?

I don't...

Ned.

Dixon here.

You're my lead counsel.

I thought you were in
charge of finding a

loophole in the
Brendel's contract.

Well work harder.

Or the lot won't be the
only thing I get rid of.

Mom. Hi.

Sweetie, hi!

I just wanted to check in.

How's it going?

Shane doesn't give you updates?

He does, but you know him.

It's "fine" or "not so fine".

I wanted to hear from you.

I also wanted to tell you
the extra tree stands will

be a few more days.

We only just got
the vendor paid.

Honestly, Mom.

It's been going "not
so fine" at the lot.

I don't get why you
and Dad have done this

for all these years.

The lot is hard work, hon.

Any job's hard work.

But there's joy, too.

You're bringing the magic
of Christmas to people.

Trees represent hope.

Hope of what?

I know you think I'm a cornball.

How about "sentimental"?

I'll take it.

As for the trees, Dad and
I need you to stick it out.

We know you're
trying your hardest.

Thanks.

I'll do better.

Bye, hon.

Love you.

Bye.

Wait. Mom?

Yes?

Love you, too.

Something's wrong.

You're on time.

And you're dressed
almost normal.

Maybe I'm trying to
turn over a new leaf.

"Branch" out.

Get it?

Unfortunately, yes.

Fine, and my feet really hurt.

Excuse me, can we get some help?

It's Ben's first time
picking out our tree.

He's a little shy.

Elise here will help you.

What?

I don't know how
to talk to kids.

You said you wanted
to branch out.

You like Christmas, Ben?

Yeah, I feel about the same way.

Go with the mood, Cuz.

It's a MacReynolds family rule:
never pick out a tree hungry.

Let's see what we have here.

Lots of trees to
chose from, huh?

They even have different
names: Balsam Fir,

Blue Spruce, Nordmann.

Nordmann sounds like
someone's grandpa, huh?

You know, I grew up on the farm
where these trees come from.

It's been a while,
but let's see if I can

remember how to do this...

No.

No.

Not special.

Wait.

You almost dropped
your candy cane.

We have a winner.

Best tree on
the lot! Welcome back.

I knew there was a "MacReynolds"
in there somewhere.

Hook you up with a tree, man?

Is she free to help me?

Sorry, dude, not right now.

She's having a Christmas moment.

And our business depends on it.

Okay, sure.

Show me some trees.

The totals for yesterday
were off 14% from last year.

But it's only Thursday,
maybe this weekend...

I rushed back from my
12 o'clock for this news?

Where's the foot traffic?

Well, Mr. Dixon,
I think the price...

point is a shift
for our regulars...

No. It's that tree lot.

It's driving customers away.

Could I have my pen back?

No.

Shane? Lights?

Here you go.

Thanks...?

Bob.

You know, Bob, we could use
always another hand around here.

You mean, like a job?

We can't pay much...

That's more than I'm making now.

Does that mean you'll take it?

Yup.

Sounds good.

Now we're on the
road to festive.

Fine, fine.

You were right.

Missed a spot, kid.

Okay, on the count
of three, one, two...

What is going on here?!

Just a blown fuse.

This tree lot is
nothing but trouble.

We can fix it in a jiff.

Right, Shane?

Yup. Isaac, where's
the circuit breaker?

It's in the basement.

This is about the
time you say something

to make things better.

Mr, Dixon, I am so sor...

Do you only exist on
this planet to annoy me?

Fair enough.

But instead of looking
at this as a disaster,

think of it as an opportunity.

How so?

Well, it's dark inside, right?

Perfect time to sell more of
your beige scented candles.

The idea was to make it better.

Just hand over the
sandwich, Nance.

Enjoy your hot chocolate.

Does your headhunter ever
actually text you back?

This isn't for her.

I'm making a movie.

If Mom and Dad can't be here,
they can at least see here.

Cool!

Remember: defense, my man.

Let's go find some trees!

Break!

Hey, hold up.

What did that tree
ever do to you?

Where's your mother?

You don't want to be on
Santa's naughty list, do you?

So is Santa real or not?

I can't legally
answer that question.

You're old.

You should know.

I am not old.

Stay here.

Can I help you?

Let me guess. Office
holiday party. Open bar?

Reeeeally open bar.

I'm sure the tree is
honored to be your

confidante, but I need you off.

Those are for everyone.

ELLIOT! There you are.

You scared me half to death!

This lady says there's
no Santa Claus.

What!?

I did not!

7 years old and already knows
how to score a free tree.

I think you need help, dear.

No, I got it.

No worries...

What you need is
a big, strong man.

I can do it on my own, whoa...

Here you go.

A big strong man like that.

Thank you.

It's like that tree had
a vendetta against me.

It's you again...!

I'm sort of a regular by now.

I've bought three trees.

Three trees?

What, are you running a black
market Christmas tree ring?

While I do court
adventure and danger,

there's not much demand for
secondhand Christmas trees.

Get a clue, Cuz.

I pass your lot every day
on the way home from work.

I kept trying to talk to
you, but it's not easy.

Do a guy a favor?
Say yes to coffee?

I'm kind of on a self-imposed
dating hiatus right now...

Doesn't have to be a date.

How do I know you're
not some homicidal maniac

with a sense of humor?

Excellent point.

My name's Darren Foster.

Here's this... Driver's license.

Credit cards.

Gym membership.

Ten years at the YMCA.

Impressive.

And I'm an organ donor.

Healthy and charitable.

She's free tomorrow afternoon.

What are you, my
social secretary?

Looks like I'm free tomorrow.

I'm going to take that as a yes.

I'm Elise.

Tomorrow? How's 2?

2 o'clock.

Great.

And now I don't have to
carry another tree home.

You won't get off that easy.

I'm kidding.

See you tomorrow.

So, what do you do when
you're not stockpiling

Christmas trees?

I'm a public school
teacher in Queens.

4th and 5th grade.

Math and Science.

My mom's a retired teacher.

History.

I could go into the whole
no funding spiel, etc., etc.

But I'll just cut
to the happy ending:

it's rewarding.

Hey, I remember this place.

My parents used to
take me skating,

after the last day
of selling trees.

My "reward".

I haven't been
back here in years.

Why not?

I'm a grown-up now, I guess.

Well today?

Nobody's a grown-up.

So, you learned to
ice skate as a kid?

More like at birth.

I grew up in
Skaneateles, upstate.

It's a long winter there.

Skating's kind of
a required skill.

And you?

Never? It's the first time.

You seemed so excited.

I got caught up in the moment.

Here, give me your hand.

I'll take care of you.

We'll take it slow.

I meant to do that.

Impressed?

Very.

But it's easier to
skate standing up.

So I've heard.

Just don't let go.

And here I thought you
courted adventure and danger.

Actually, right now, I'm
just trying to court you.

So the secret to skating is
to keep your ankles steady.

Distract me.

Tell me your life story.

I've been in
Manhattan for awhile.

I just bought my
first apartment.

Nice.

I should look into
selling trees.

Clearly, a better pay
scale than teaching.

No, the trees are temporary.

I work in marketing.

Or did.

And will again.

If my headhunter
would ever call.

You seem like someone who
can probably do anything.

Even skating!

But hey, for now, the tree
lot doesn't seem so bad.

Fresh air, outdoors,
meeting new people.

Like you.

Look at you. You're on your own.

I have a great teacher.

I meant to do that.

So I turn around and two
of my students are grabbing

the pennies out
of the museum fountain

and stuffing them
in their pockets.

What? Those are people's wishes!

That's what I said.

You really want someone
else's wish to happen to you?

What if that person
wished to be a dog?

Or to be 60' tall?

Or a 60' tall dog?

Exactly.

They finally put the money back.

They sound like a lot of fun.

You have a unique
definition of fun.

Now tell me a tree lot story...

I have a lifetime of them.

But I'll bore you with
those some other time.

This is my stop.

Don't look now.

Our mistletoe finally came!

You know the tradition.

I'm bad with tradition.

Well, I'm not.

So when can I see you again?

I'm so busy here at the lot,

my parents are counting on me.

I'm in rebound mode, I'm
not sure it's a good idea...

I hear you.

So, see you around the quad?

Yeah.

See you around the quad.

That was mistletotally uncool.

I don't remember asking
for your opinion.

What's the problem?

He blow the date or something?

No, the date was wonderful.

That's the problem.

My life's complicated
right now and I don't need

to make it any more of a mess.

Can't sleep.

I'd do anything to
sleep right now.

Anything?

Including going
into the trailer?

Nope.

I'm good.

Boo!

Give it up. Go inside. Now.

But I haven't been inside
that thing since I was a kid.

It's not a haunted house.

Part of childhood is that
you leave it behind, right?

It's a trailer.

You're cold.

You're tired.

Admit it, you're
losing this round.

I hate it when you're right.

No way.

It's not Christmas yet.

You open that stocking
and you're stuffed.

Do you have eyes in
your ears or something?

Lumpy?

Still along for the ride.

One car.

Two car.

Three car.

Four car.

Five ca...

Bob! We need a load-up!

Two minutes.

P-u-p-p-y.

Wait, do your parents
know you're asking for this?

Good luck, kid.

I can't stand it anymore.

This has got to end.

I thought you were on our side.

No. That has to end.

No love.

Alone on the sidewalk.

Would you want to spend
Christmas like that?

I probably will.

It needs a makeover.

Those are perfect.

Hold on, let me get my wallet.

On the house.

Seriously? I can pay.

Maybe customers will come
in and buy ornaments if

they see them displayed.

Hey, do those come with it?

Sure do.

I wasn't going to
get a tree this year.

That tree wasn't going
to get a buyer this year.

I'll take it, no one likes
to be alone on Christmas.

Do you know where I can a
tree skirt and some lights?

Yes sir, right
here at Brook Glen.

Team effort paying off.

Are those Brook Glen ornaments?

Yeah?

Don't they look nice?

"Spirit of Christmas?"

Were these ornaments paid
for before leaving the store?

Sir, I felt working the tree lot
to Brook Glen's advantage would...

Not the question I asked.

No.

Consider this an
official warning, Isaac.

A write-up will go
into your HR file.

Pull something like this
again and you're fired.

I can't believe that tree lot
hasn't burned this place down.

I need a listing.

Sure I'll hold.

Bye, bye, trees.

I dropped the payment off
at the bank, and...

Mom, let me call you back.

If three's a crowd,
four's overcrowding.

In a moment of starvation,
I gave the other trees

away to my neighbors.

But now my students want
to put on a charity event:

a toy drive.

And we need a tree.

How sweet.

Knowing them, they're
working some angle.

But we still need a tree.

Sounds like a party.

Would you want to come?

It's not a "date".

We could use the help.
It'll be a madhouse.

When you put it that way,
how can a girl resist?

Count me in.

Great.

It starts tomorrow at 4.

Are you... picking me up?

Nope.

It's not a date, remember?

You gonna sell me a tree?

No... no... no.

That ornament is not a baseball.

Hey! You made it.

Mr. Darren has a girlfriend?

Don't make me pull
nap time on you.

We're 10.

We don't nap.

I survived the subway, but
not so sure the cupcakes did.

Who wants to taste
test and find out?

Bribery.

Whatever works.

That doesn't look like a gift.

It looks like a mistake.

Presents aren't really my thing.

Who doesn't like
Christmas presents?

You Teach's girlfriend or what?

No. We're... where's the tape?

He's a good looking guy.

Maybe you have
relationship issues.

It's not that... wait, how
old are you kids again?

Ho, ho, ho.

Yo, Mr. Darren.

Red's your color.

It's not
"Mr. Darren". I'm Santa!

What were you guys
talking about?

You know, the usual.

Sports...?
Yeah, sports.

Go Knicks!

Knicks fan, huh?

We should go to a game sometime.

Pick you up in my sleigh.

And a candlelit dinner first.

I know a great place downtown.

It's like they're
10 going on 40.

They're right about one thing.

Red really is
your color, "Mr. Darren".

Santa.

Mrs. Claus wants the reindeer
to stay in the barn at night.

But I let 'em in the house.

Merry Christmas.

Before you go...

Merry Christmas.

You win.

Give me that fancy latte.

Wait.

Where's Elise?

I'm doing it.

I'm embracing my holiday spirit.

I'm hugging it.

You're hugging it.

A "Hey, I'm so happy to see you,

but you're really not" hug?

Or a real hug?

Real.

With nutmeg on it.

We're going to Defcon 1.

Bring out the Yule Log Latte.

Slow down! Enjoy the season!

Here you go.

Plastic's overrated.

Merry Christmas.

Recycle, lady.

Thank you Bob.

You're inviting your mom.

But Dad's bringing Medusa.

Lisa.

Your dad's new wife's
name is Lisa, dear.

Can I help you with a tree?

You can help with a
political stalemate.

Mom, Dad, Dad's new wife.

Who doesn't get to come
to Christmas dinner?

Bad divorce equals bad idea.

But at some point, everyone
has to sit down together.

It's not like they have
to be best friends,

but looks like they'll be
joint grandparents soon.

Not soon enough.

37 weeks.

You're outnumbered.

But you don't know my family.

True, but I know mine.

We're not always
on the same page,

but we are family.

Maybe this year, you can
start a new tradition that

includes everyone, so
no one feels left out.

You love every other
holiday tradition.

And we'll let your mom
help decide on the new one.

It doesn't even have
to be conventional.

It just has to work for you.

Solid argument.

I'm sold.

On a tree, too.

We'll take it.

We're late for our brunch.

Do you deliver?

Yes, we do.

Where do you live?

92nd Street.

We're practically neighbors.

How's later this afternoon?

Perfect.

There you go.

Thank you.

Bob can drop it in the morning.

It's on my way home.

You deliver trees all the time.

How hard can it be.

Have a good night, Cuz.

Thanks guys. Merry Christmas.

Bye!

Hi.

Hi!

Amazingly, it's in one piece.

Me? Not so sure.

You brought it yourself?

I had some Good
Samaritan help...

Still, you should
have said something.

Josh could've done it.

It's my job.

And now my "job" is
to insist you come in.

Take a load off.

This will fix your hypothermia.

Your place is charming.

Even your mugs are charming.

Don't tell anyone, but
Josh has a thing for

roadside flea markets.

My deep, dark secret.

He likes to make up
stories about who owned

the stuff before.

Like that mug?

Came over on the Mayflower
with Captain Shufflebottom.

Then it's a honor to
be drinking from it.

Get ready, tree.

I'm trimming.

Each ornament has a story.

And some of them aren't pretty.

This is the Christmas we
spent in the Milwaukee airport.

Snowed in.

We bought it at the gift shop.

That might have been the
best-worst Christmas ever.

Don't even get me
started on this.

Two years ago.

Worst-worst Christmas.

Emergency Room.

Josh had an appendicitis.

I got it at the
hospital gift shop.

I think we're the only
people who actually shop

in gift shops.

Remember this one?

Our first Christmas together.

We were in college.

The first time you
told me you loved me.

Best-best Christmas ever.

So what about you, Elise?

Who's going to trim your tree?

Maria!

Feel free to ignore her.

Well.

There is this one guy, but...

"But" is the death knell.

Let her tell it.

He's funny.

Cute.

A really good guy.

Sounds like a catch.

I know, but it's complicated.

It's always complicated.

Take Josh and me.

When we met in college, I
was summa cum laude and he

was in a heavy metal cover band.

"Full Metal Skull Crushers"!

We rocked it.

Keep telling yourself that.

But now I'm worried this
guy thinks I don't like him.

I turned down Josh the first
three times he asked me out.

Four.

But who's counting.

I should get going.

Here, take my card.

I work downtown, at City Hall.

Let's have lunch sometime, okay?

Great!

Hey, stranger.

Heading to work?

Nope.

Field trip today, but I got
a hall-pass from chaperoning.

I almost called you last night.

You should have.

I was out with friends.

Trivia night.

Did you win?

If we knew the highest
peak in the lower 48 states,

we would have.

Mount Whitney.

Next Tuesday
you can be on my team.

Can
you believe it? My headhunter.

Take it, I'll amuse myself.

Marge?

Tell me I'm a genius.

You're a genius?

You flatter me.

I got you an interview.

A VP position
at Afleet Footwear.

Wait, that's incredible!

They're Step's main competitor.

Go in and dazzle them, doll.

The interview's in an hour.

One hour.

From now?

No, one hour from next Tuesday.

But I can't,
I'm alone at the lot...

I told you to
stay on high alert.

I have 300 resumes
almost as good as yours...

Fine, fine, I'll figure it out.

Text me the address.

You got it.

Darren.

Are you free right now?

Sure?

You like trees, right?

To look at.

Selling them is almost as easy.

Cash box is right here.
Here's the price list.

It's a big VP job.

I really think I could get it.

UI so owe you one..

No time to change.

Do I look okay?

No.

You look. Perfect.

Thank you.

Why don't you tell me a
bit about your time at Step.

Before I left, I was
in charge of nationwide

branding and regional...

That's all on your resume.

I'm more interested
in the real story.

What... real story?

Step's sales are down.

Any idea why?

The economy?

C'mon. Surely, you
know more than that.

Afleet is finally
poised to take over the

#1 spot from Step.

And I'd love to be part
of the team making that happen.

So wouldn't you
rather talk about my

"connection" with Afleet?

My passion for the brand?

Sure, sure, we can get to that.

But I'm interested in your
insider's perspective of Step.

You do realize I was
fired from Step, right?

I didn't "fit in".

You can fit in here at Afleet.

We're like a family,
we share everything.

So, spill.

Where are you going?

I'm an only child.

I'm not that good at sharing.

This interview isn't over.

It is for me.

What's the difference
between a Blue Spruce

and a Balsam Fir?

Different names?

A Blue Spruce is hardy and
can handle wear n' tear.

The Balsam Fir is
more easily trimmed.

You're back!

I'll be right with you.

Looks like you survived.

Barely. How did it go?

I'm not their corporate girl.

Can I take you to dinner?

Dinner sounds like
decent "payback".

Actually. I was thinking
maybe we could call it a "date".

Date?

Let me see. Actually.
I'm free tonight...?

Elise?

Lance.

I thought I'd find you here.

You were looking for me?

I Googled your
family's tree farm.

Fine. You found me. Why?

I got the promotion.

At Step.

The promotion I wanted?

There's no one else that
gets how big this is.

And no one else I'd rather
take out tonight to celebrate.

Can you say "unlimited
expense account"?

Maybe I should go...

Hold on, Darren.

Correct me if I'm wrong:
you broke up with me.

You said "up".

I just said break.

I didn't know you looked
so cute when you're country.

Hey, Elise, about dinner...

Didn't realize I was
interrupting anything.

Darren Foster.

Lance Pinfeld.

Elise and I are "old friends".

So to speak.

Yeah, I get it.

So tonight?

Get you off the street
corner and buy you

a proper meal?

She's free.

Darren, wait.

Why are you really here?

Besides rubbing it in
how well you're doing at work...

I'm not rubbing it in...

Lance. You were
never a good liar.

E., it's the holidays.

You're lonely.

I'm lonely.

We could "hang out" and
reassess in January.

So when should I pick you up?

Let me see...
How's never? Work for you?

C'mon, don't be that way.

Do you have any idea
how much I make now?

Why don't you spend some of
that money on charm school.

Have a nice life, Lance.

That's the dude who
broke your heart?

I know. Absence makes
the heart grow smarter.

What did I ever see in him?

Think I can still catch Darren?

Go make me proud.

Elise MacReynolds?

If this is about
a tree, see Shane.

It's about all of them, ma'am.

I have an order from the
New York Fire Department

to shut down the lot and
confiscate the trees.

What?! You can't do this.

It's only a few days
until Christmas!

Just doing my job, lady.

Here's the paperwork.

The lot's been condemned
as a fire hazard.

Fire hazard?

The lights, ma'am.

It shorted the
available power supply.

But you're destroying
my family's business.

Don't shoot the messenger.

I'm not the one who
registered a complaint.

It's in the paperwork.

"Gary Dixon".

A man true to his word.

Major bite in that
bark, after all.

You can appeal to
the Fire Department,

but that usually takes weeks.

It'll be too late by then!

What's happening?

They're taking the trees.

Impounded.

It's all over. I blew it.

Outta work again.

We're done here.

It's almost 12. Let's go.

Shouldn't you be
at the tree lot?

Actually. That's why I'm here.

Mr. I-Never-Take-A-Nap
now does so daily.

I think the broken foot
has finally slowed him down.

But Mom. I failed you.

I've failed our family...

The lot was doing well
before it was shut down.

But every day counts since
it's your income for the year.

Your mortgage...
Yours, too.

No use in blaming yourself.

But I'm the one who
made Gary Dixon hate me.

Sounds like he hated
Christmas long before now.

I think I just want to go
sulk in my old room for a while.

Sure, hon.

Dinner's at 6.

Where did the tree lot go?

It's been shut down.

I buy my trees here every year!

There's a lot over on 57th?

I've been coming to
this place since I was a kid...

The city hauled away the trees.

They said there was a complaint!

This man is the
CEO of Brook Glen.

Why don't you bring
it up with him?

What kind of a person shuts
down a Christmas tree lot?!

This kind of person shuts
down a Christmas tree lot.

Because I can.

I don't owe anyone
an explanation.

Saved the funny papers for you.

Not in the mood to laugh.

Hon, we'll figure it out.

Got a call into the bank,
see if we can take out a

line of credit on the farm.

I can always go
back to teaching.

And we'll look for a new
spot in the city for the

lot for next year.

Just gotta put off retirement
a bit longer, that's all.

And you can go back
to your career path.

You know what? You didn't
raise a quitter, did you?

Nope.

What are you thinking, Elise?

That I'm going to
give it one last shot.

Shane, meet me at Brook Glen.

Yes, I said Brook Glen.

I'll call you guys later.

Nance. It's me. Get dressed.

I don't know, whatever
you want to wear.

Just make it clothes.

Quick sec, hon.

You should listen
to your own advice.

I thought I'd find you here.

Elise, I...

Let me talk first.

That "thing" with Lance?
It's not a thing at all.

Still, I was a jerk and
there's no reason you'd do

me a big favor right
now, but I need help.

The lot was shut down.

I saw.

I'm so sorry...

Then you'll help out?

For the trees?

Yeah. Sure.

For the trees.

We have to find him.

I figured there's
strength in numbers.

If we can just corner
Gary and plead our case,

maybe we can make
him see reason.

Mr. Dixon goes somewhere every
Tuesday and Thursday at noon.

Maybe to one of the other
Brook Glen Manhattan stores?

Where are they?

Midtown and Upper West Side.

We can divide up.

Want to be on my team?

Your Tango just got a Cash.

We'll take the midtown store.

Looks like you and me are
heading to the Upper West Side.

Nice.

Good luck.

I think I have an
idea how to find Gary...

This is where Gary goes?

He doesn't seem like
the botanical type.

That's what his driver said.

How did you get him to spill?

I, gave him my Knicks tickets.

Please tell me they're nosebleed
seats you'll never even miss.

Courtside.

I won them in the charity
auction at the Community Center.

You... did that for me?

You weren't the only
one who was sort of

jerky the other day.

I jumped the gun.

But c'mon, that's
not why we're here.

I'll call Tango and Cash
and tell them we found Gary.

But... I think this
moment is all yours.

Just speak to
Gary from the heart.

That way he can really hear you.

You believe that?

I gave up courtside
seats for it.

Noelle Dixon was your wife?

What are you doing here?

I'm here to talk to you.

Go away. I have nothing to say.

But I do.

Now I understand why
this has been so hard.

This is my private business.

You planted this tree. For her?

Noelle was a big gardener.

Here... in the city?

She worked for a
horticulture nonprofit.

"Greening" Manhattan.

But she was originally
from Brook Glen.

Were yellow orchids
a favorite of hers?

She loved them.

She'd think this
was an extravagance.

But they're sunny,
like her smile.

And her laugh.

She had a big laugh.

Life of the party.

She'd laugh at everyone's jokes
even when they weren't funny.

She sounds wonderful.

She was.

She loved Christmas.

Even though her birthday
was the same day,

she never minded it being
overshadowed by the holidays.

Noelle sounds like the
kind of lady who didn't

live in anyone's shadow.

She was all about
celebrating the season.

She baked fruitcakes every year.

Hard as a rock.

You could chip a tooth.

I ate every bite.

And here I spent half my
life resenting Christmas.

I feel like an idiot.

Your wife had the right idea.

I assume this attempt at
"bonding" is only about

saving your family's lot?

That was the plan.

But plans change.

I respect your wish to be
alone, with your memories.

Merry Christmas, Gary.

It's over.

What? Unbelievable.

What a heartless Scrooge.

You gave it a shot...

I know, I know.

Wait a minute!

Noelle would never forgive me.

For any of this.

She wouldn't believe what
a Scrooge I've become.

I wouldn't say Scrooge...

I'm sure you've
said that and worse.

Tell me what to do to help out.

To bring back the tree lot.

I need to do this for Noelle.

And for you.

Tomorrow's
already Christmas Eve...

I can make some calls,
but almost everyone's gone

for the holidays...

Not everyone...

This is the proprietor,
Elise MacReynolds.

Pays to know the Deputy Mayor.

Pays to know my customers.

Thank you, Maria.

As you can see, we have
the required clearance

from the curb.

Everything looks good.

Just as long as
you don't tie into the

store's electrical system.

Got it. No decorations.

No music. No lights.

Which means no sales.

Nonsense.

Let there be light!

It's not Christmas
without lights.

How about we use a generator?

Sounds good.

You're all set here
folks, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Up high, Gary.

Thank you, Gary.

We need to make
up for lost time.

Sales have been down
at Brook Glen, too.

Mr. Dixon, I truly want to
see the store do well...

I know you do.

Me, too, Isaac.

And why don't we make
it Gary from now on.

Okay. "Gary".

Tomorrow's Christmas Eve.

We only have one day
to pull this off.

Let's get it done!

Your usual, a Yule Log Latte.

Have yourself a
Merry Christmas, Max.

You too, Elise. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Appreciate it. Thank you.

C'mon, make Frosty proud.

You really pulled it off.

Sales are through the roof.

I got to get back inside.

Save a tree for me?

You got it.

Right this way!

Gary!

Welcome back to your sidewalk.

How can I ever thank you?

You already have.

I was wrong.

The tree lot's
good for business.

And the idea for the
Winter Wonderland was genius.

Your passion for
this place shows.

Thanks.

I guess there is
an upside to being

an unemployed marketing exec.

The trees, the whole thing
here, it "spoke" to me.

And now I'm speaking to you.

How about you come work for me?

I suspect it'll be a good fit.

You could make things a little
less "beige" around here.

Yes. I accept!

Okay, okay, don't
wrinkle the suit.

I'm still the CEO, after all.

Sorry, sorry.

The baby.
It's coming!

Good luck.

Text us the news!

Taxi!

A Brook Glen ornament?
Is that paid for?

I'm going to say this once
and never again:

it's on the house.

I wish Noelle was here.

She is.

In there.

Seems like there's another
guy you should be talking

to right now instead of me.

And I don't mean Shane.

Christmas comes every year,

but the right person?

Only comes once in a lifetime.

Hey.

Hey.

You've been an
amazing help today.

Even if it was
just for the trees.

Glad to do it.

And the kids had a blast.

So... what are your
opinions on Chinese food?

I'm generally pro.

The MacReynolds are mixing
up tradition this year.

My parents are on their
way down to the city.

We're doing Chinese
takeout at my place

instead of the trailer.

You could join us, if
you're not busy...

That sounds nice,
but I have plans...

Of course!

It's Christmas Eve,
who doesn't have plans?

It's just that I promised...

Not another word.

And I wouldn't want
you to break a promise.

See you around the quad.

Yeah, okay, sure.

See you around the quad.

Hey, Elise.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Sold every last tree.

Best year in MacReynolds
Farms history.

Mom, I'm so sorry I was
too "busy" these past few

years to come visit
you and Dad more.

And I never really
stopped by the lot...

Hon, we're your parents.

And you're our daughter.

We can't get rid of each other.

Nancy, we had to use one
of Hank's socks for you.

But it's clean.

It's my first holiday
stocking ever, Betty.

I'll take it.

Space out the ornaments.

Three inches between each one.

You're a bossy pants.

And I like it.

So, you have New
Year's Eve plans?

No, not yet.

Yet just happened.

Pick me up at 8.

Who has the Kung Pao Chicken?

It's Josh.

They had a baby girl.
They're naming her Noelle.

Looks like another ornament
from the hospital gift shop.

We need more mashed potatoes!

I used to eat here
every Christmas.

Now that I have a job,
it's nice to give back.

I'm all about the giving back.

Which is very cool of you.

Don't you have
somewhere else to go?

But now.

Isn't it too late?

Have a little faith.

It's Christmas.

Taking a cab, Nancy?

Nope.

Shane's walking me.

Good night.

Sure you don't
want to stay here?

Please, hon, your father never
springs for a hotel room...

Hey. We can afford it, thanks
to how well the lot did today.

I plan to enjoy every
second of luxury.

Merry Christmas, honey.

Merry Christmas, Mom.

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Merry Christmas, sweetie.

Goodnight.

What did you forget?

I forgot to say yes to
your dinner invitation.

Is it too late?

How's cold Kung Pao sound?

Sounds perfect.

But I want to give
you something first.

You know, the
skating. Holiday date.

This is so embarrassing.
I got it at the gift shop.

That's actually the
most romantic thing

you could ever say.

"Gift shop" is the most
romantic thing I could ever say?

This is the best
FIRST Christmas. Ever.

So, are you gonna
kiss me or what?

RIP-FIXES-SYNC
by VaVooM