Record Breaking Christmas (2022) - full transcript
Leah is forced to travel to a small town to investigate its plans to break multiple holiday world records. Later, she discovers that she may be the person who can help them reach their true Christmas goal.
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
Leah.
♪ Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪
♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a happy new year ♪
Right.
Hey, Leah.
Thought you might want
a cookie before we leave.
Thank you.
Hey, check this out.
I'm here in the town
of Saint Drexel, Illinois
where they'll be
attempting to break
six world records
this Christmas.
They believe that,
with enough Christmas spirit,
they can make
the impossible happen.
My first time working
the Christmas beat,
and I'm going to
see six records broken.
No, you won't.
Jin, only 4% of
world records are broken.
At the bureau we adjudicate
and award world records from
the largest Christmas pie,
to the highest-stacked
candy cane tree,
and I've been working
the Christmas beat
for seven years
and I have yet to see
a single successful attempt.
Wait, you're kidding.
I wish I was. At this point,
I'd give anything to see one.
Saint Drexel already
broke the record once.
Maybe they can do it again.
Yeah, that was 35 years ago,
before big corporations
started sponsoring
record attempts.
Jin, I don't mean to dampen your
enthusiasm for your new job,
but my experience tells me
that there's no way that
the little town in
Saint Drexel is beating
a world record this Christmas.
No matter how desperate
I am to see one.
Okay, now remember it is
essential to the plan that
we break at least one record,
preferably more.
Now, the media's already here,
phase one complete,
thanks to Mayor Hubble.
Never underestimate the power
of social media, folks.
And I'll tell ya,
the cafe was bursting
with diners this morning
for the first time in years.
See? It's already working.
Yes, yes.
We're all very excited, Mom,
but we need to
stick to the plan.
Okay, everybody knows
their assignments?
- Mm-hm.
- Great.
The world records adjudicator's
name is Leah Hoffman.
Winning her over is my job.
Phase two.
Lay on the charm, Devon.
You know I will.
Okay, everybody bring it in.
Bring it in.
Let's save Main Street
by making Saint Drexel
a tourist destination
once again.
"World record Christmas"
on three.
One, two, three.
World record Christmas!
Okay, we should hit the road.
Saint Drexel is
only 45 miles out,
but I don't want to be late.
Your rental is outside.
Anything else you need?
I don't think so.
Good. Jin, you are being trained
by the best of the best.
No one knows
the manual like Leah.
Take notes, there's going to
be a test when you get back.
Will do, sir.
Ah, without you, Leah,
I'm not sure what I'd do.
Always willing to
cover the Christmas
world record breaking attempts.
Safe travels,
call if you need me.
Jin.
Bye, sir.
I think that's it.
Anything else I should
know before we leave?
Ho-ho-ho! Ho-ho-ho!
I come with gifts for some
very hard-working adjudicators.
Jin?
What's it called again?
Pogonophobia.
The fear of beards.
Well, hopefully,
there's not a lot of
big beards on this trip.
And decantophobia.
A fear of...
I get a little weirded out when
large groups of people... sing.
And you usually faint?
Out like a light.
Well, how do you feel now?
Good.
Great, in fact.
It only hurts when I move.
Oh, okay.
Well, maybe we should find
a doctor in town
before we hit Town Hall.
You okay?
Sorry, are you lost?
You look lost.
Uh, oh, no.
I was just checking
to see if there was
a long line-up
inside for a doctor.
Oh, my colleague here
has a bump on his head,
and, well,
we're kind of in a rush.
Uh, may I?
Hey.
Let's have
a look at you. Okay.
Look up.
Good. Look down.
Okay, any headache,
blurred vision?
I think you're fine,
but that is quite the bump.
Was it her right hook
or is she a south paw?
Oh. Oh, no. She's, um...
Um, well, actually the thing is,
I saw this beard, and so, uh...
Okay, are we done here?
Done. Uh...
Trust me, your friend
here is going to be fine,
but just to be safe, and I'm not
sure how far you're going,
you should do the driving.
Uh, I gotta go.
In a bit of a hurry myself.
In the future, you should
learn to bob and weave.
Okay.
Take it easy on the poor guy.
Welcome to Saint Drexel,
Leah Hoffman.
And...
Merry Christmas!
Come walk with me.
Hi.
And this is where
the kissing will commence.
Mayor Hubble, the longest kiss
under the mistletoe is
a very popular holiday record.
Hundreds of people
from all over the world
try to attempt it every year.
I know, and this is the sign
that will track the numbers
of hours while they, uh...
Do you know what
the current record is?
46 hours and 24 minutes.
That's why we chose a couple
that's crazy in love.
Scott MacDougall, Josie Stetson.
Hi.
Okay, before we begin,
I have a couple rules
we need to go over.
The first is the Rudolph rule.
Hello, hello!
Hi. Hi, Josie.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hey, man.
- Scott, good to see you.
You're, uh...
You're not Leah Hoffman from
the World Record Bureau.
And you're not a janitor.
No. No, I'm not.
Dr. Bancroft, let me introduce
you to Ms. Hoffman
and her colleague Mr. Lim.
How's the head?
Oh, feeling great, doc.
Yeah?
Little inside joke.
Give me a minute.
I'm going to check on the couple
before they start smooching.
Great, I was just about
to go over some rules.
Everyone knows Rudolph, right?
Let's think about
his experiences.
Go on, I'm listening.
There's a stethoscope
in your ear.
Uh, something about Rudolph?
I took the Bureau's
three most important rules
and tailored them to
Christmas record attempts.
I renamed them
the Fruitcake Rule,
the Wiseman Rule,
and the Rudolph Rule.
Page 104, section 5.2 of
the Adjudicator's Manual states,
"Adjudicators must manage
all participants' expectations
before any record-breaking
attempt begins.
Hence, the Rudolph Rule.
Think about Rudolph's story.
Born with that weird nose,
bullied by the other reindeer,
and needed just
the right circumstance,
in his case
one foggy Christmas Eve,
in order to go down in history.
Light George Washington.
The point...
My point is,
record breaking isn't easy,
and people often try
over and over and over again
before they succeed.
It could take years.
Well, Ms. Hoffman,
this is Saint Drexel.
Prepare to witness
the impossible.
Wonderful!
You guys ready?
Okay, let's start the countdown.
Five.
Four, three, two, one.
Kiss!
♪ Deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪
Hey, Jin, can you hold
my stopwatch for a second?
Fa la la la la, la la la la
- ♪ 'Tis the season...
- Jin! Ooh, ooh.
Excuse me.
- Um...
- Hey.
What happened?
Decant-something.
Decantophobia?
Yeah, that's it.
- Oh.
- Okay.
Whoop.
He's just going to
need a couple seconds.
I'm all good. It's all good.
Keep kissing, keep singing.
Come on! Come on!
♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪
Oh!
Keep kissing!
Don't worry, Jin will be fine,
but thank you for officially
banning spontaneous caroling
for the next week.
No problem.
Mayor, while Jin
looks over the kissing,
There are a couple rules
I'd like to go over.
You should explain them
to Dr. Bancroft.
He's going to be guiding you
through town this week.
Dr. Bancroft?
Well, I'm in charge of
the social media posts.
You should follow us.
♪ WorldRecordChristmas.
He's cleared his
entire schedule for you.
Unless there's an emergency,
he's all yours.
You two will
get along just fine.
He's from the big city, too.
Well, he's from here,
but he went to
med school at Harvard,
and then practiced in Boston.
Really?
Yeah. Come with me.
You're going to love
Nell's bed and breakfast.
She's got some beautiful
rooms prepared for you.
Hi.
You must be Leah.
Yes.
She's all yours, Nell.
Oh, thank you, Mayor Hubble.
Well, come on in. After you.
- Thank you.
- Any time.
Go ahead.
Welcome, my dear.
Here we are.
Oh.
That was great fun.
The bakery wanted a winter scene
painted on a cookie with icing,
and of course they called on me.
Wow, and you managed
to break a world record.
That record was
broken several years after.
By a commercial bakery,
I believe, in Minneapolis.
- Hm.
- Yeah.
I believe that record's been
broken 20 times since 1987.
Well, I wish people would
remember that we were
the first town to do it.
With a homemade
shortbread cookie recipe,
and local talent,
and a whole lot
of Christmas spirit.
Mm-hm. What did you
paint on the cookie?
Ice skaters at Jenkins Pond
just outside of town.
I used to take Devan there.
Devan?
- Mm-hm.
- Dr. Bancroft.
Yes, my son.
He just lives up the road.
Oh.
You know, that cookie was
on display for the public
in the Town Hall, and folks
would come to visit our town
just to see it.
And they would go skating
together at Jenkins Pond.
Oh, it was marvelous.
Breaking records does
draw attention to a place.
Yes.
My bed and breakfast
used to be so full.
Hey, Mom!
Oh, Devan, sweetheart.
I've got guests this week.
You just can't barge in
here unannounced. My goodness.
Uh, I see you met Leah.
Yes.
Ms. Hoffman,
I was thinking about Jin.
Please, call me Leah.
Leah, did you know the root
cause of most phobias
are events from the past?
No, I did not.
Any idea what Jin
might have experienced?
I don't know Jin that well.
Uh, let me see.
He majored in engineering
before joining the Bureau,
and he's a really nice guy.
That's all I got.
Okay. Well, that's a start.
Mom, did you get a chance to
see Scott and Josie kissing yet?
Ah.
They're really going for it.
Well, I like to
think positively.
I know how much
those two are in love.
But how can people kiss so long?
Impossible!
Well, you might want
to consult Leah here.
She's witnessed
a lot of impossible.
I can't imagine what
it's like watching people
break world records
all the time.
It's, um, a lot more
disappointing than it sounds.
Huh.
Hm.
Well, I should go
relieve Jin from his shift.
Mayor Hubble tells me
that you're going to take me
to see some record breaking
attempts in the morning?
I'll uh... I'll come with you.
Walk you through the schedule.
- Bye, Mom. Love you.
- Okay. I love you, too.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
Have a good walk.
And then on Tuesday
we head to the mill.
Frankly, it's more of a mini
museum now that they've...
Dr. Bancroft.
Oh, please. Call me Devan.
I feel the need to caution you
that breaking a world record
is a lot harder
than people think.
Only 4% of attempts
are successful.
Tomorrow I have to go over
a couple rules with you
straight from
the Adjudicator's Manual.
It's important that
we follow all protocols
on the outside chance
that you do succeed.
So, I'm sorry. Outside chance?
Did you not feel
the Christmas spirit
in Town Hall earlier today?
Christmas spirit is irrelevant.
Now, I see. In order
to be a good adjudicator,
you also need to be a Scrooge.
Scrooge?
You do know how Dickens
described him, don't you?
Cold, through and through.
I prefer to call it realistic
through and through.
And if being a Scrooge makes
you understand why I'm here,
then bah humbug.
Thanks for walking with me.
I think I can take it from here.
I think you and I have a better
understanding of each other now.
I think we do. Goodnight.
Leah.
Don't forget,
in the end Scrooge had
a complete change of heart.
You know, my mum might be right.
Who could kiss for this long?
It's a very popular
record to attempt.
Lots of people try it.
Perhaps you've just
never been crazy in love.
Not this crazy.
Mm, uh, are you ready?
We should head out
to the next attempt.
Okay.
Good luck.
Okay, so how many more rules?
Two. The next is
the Wiseman Rule.
Let me guess, something about
the dangers of frankincense.
Page 54, section 3.2 of
the Adjudicator's Manual states,
"Adjudicators must never
accept a bribe in any form."
I get it, people bearing gifts.
One time it was literally gold.
A man gave me his watch.
He wanted me to overlook
the fact that he was
nine snowballs short of
the most projectiles launched
by senior citizens in
a five minute snowball fight.
Wow. Senior citizen.
Dr. Bancroft.
Leah, this is Ken Stetson.
He owns the Twinkleberry Company
on the east side of town.
They make the most beautiful
strands of Christmas lights.
Hello, Leah.
Need a Christmas light?
Call Twinkle Bright.
It's nice to meet you, Ken.
I hear your daughter is one half
of the mistletoe kissing couple.
Yes, Josie,
and if there's anything you need
while you're in town,
anything at all,
don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you, but...
No, I mean it now.
Anything.
Yeah.
I think Ken just tried
to give you his watch.
Told ya.
Hello. Hello, hello.
Good morning.
This is certainly exciting,
but I need to ask you all
to stay on the sidewalk
while I take Leah inside
to meet Francine.
Alright, wish us luck.
WoGood luck.
Oh, welcome to Hoppy's Cafe!
Thank you.
Wow, I see you
collect Christmas cards.
Oh, yes, they're not
just displayed here.
They're in the kitchen,
the pantry,
even in our
walk-in refrigerator.
And when did you
start this collection?
Oh, well, I opened
the cafe 20 years ago.
Someone sent me
the first card as a joke,
and as you can see
it kind of snowballed.
And do you what
the current record is for
most Christmas cards
featuring frogs is?
1010.
And you claim to have how many?
Well, I had 1006,
but then my sister-in-law
found new ones in
a shop in Albuquerque.
It's a big frog town
that Albuquerque.
She sent me three with
her best Christmas wishes.
Now, I got three from
my out of town friends.
So, I, um, I now have 1012.
You gotta count all these?
Maybe, but first I need to
check a couple of things.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, take all
the time that you need.
Can I ask you to stand
outside with the others?
- Sure.
- Great.
Uh, even me?
Scrooge was a solitary fella.
Ah, the bah humbug rule.
Mm, now that has
a nice ring to it.
You're catching on.
Okay, come on, Francine.
Oh, yeah.
Okay.
Alright.
Let's do this.
As we all wait outside
Hoppy's Cafe with Saint Drexel
hoping to break
the world record...
Oh, looks like
we have an update coming.
Francine, Devan,
can I see you both inside?
Guess we'll have
to wait and see.
The Bureau Adjudicator
Dictionary defines "frog"
as a tailless amphibian
with a short, squat body,
moist, smooth skin,
and long legs for leaping.
I'm sorry to say, but you did
not break a world record.
Let me explain.
The problem are these six cards.
I found two in the men's room,
two beside the coffee table,
and two hanging
from the dishwasher.
Uh.
That's not a frog.
That's a turtle.
And this one isn't
even a Christmas card.
Yeah, and this one looks like
a lizard with a Santa hat.
It's easy to see that,
with 20 years,
other amphibians snuck
into your collection
without you even realizing,
but because
the rule requires frogs,
there are six inconsistent cards
that makes you two cards
short of tying the record
and three short of beating it.
I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
But I will say, this is
a really impressive collection.
Thanks.
I guess we should
go tell the others.
Yeah.
Oh, no. That's my job.
You live here.
I'll be the bearer of bad news.
Rolling?
Ms. Hoffman, was it close?
Very.
Well, there you have it.
Saint Drexel's first attempt to
break a holiday record
is unsuccessful,
but very close, and if you grew
up in a small town like me,
you just can't help
but root for them.
Xavier Samson,
DRXL News, signing off.
Hey. Come in.
Hey.
Hey, I just wanted to...
You're decorating
a tree by yourself?
Nope, you're here.
Here, give me your coat.
Oh, no, no. I haven't decorated
a tree in a really long time.
Why not?
Well, I'm never
home for the holidays
and I usually volunteer
to work the Christmas beat.
Okay, well, it sounds
like you need a course
in tree trimming 101.
Come. Here.
Okay.
But just a couple of minutes.
I have to relieve
Jin from Town Hall.
Ah, I see.
Well, I must tell you,
there are some decorating rules
you should be aware of.
Oh, what? You thought you were
the only one who had rules?
No, no, no, no, no.
I am very, very
particular about
my Christmas trees.
Okay. What are the rules?
Um, mm, first rule, uh,
the Tannenbaum Rule.
I'm going to need some specifics
if I'm going to fully comply.
You know the song,
"O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum?"
"How lovely are your branches?"
Exactly. You must compliment
my tree while you decorate it.
Wait, what?
Yeah, allow me to demonstrate.
Not only green
when summer's here,
but in the coldest time of year.
Okay, now... now you try.
Yeah, I don't even know
the lyrics to the song.
Yes, you do. Come on.
Do it.
♪ O Christmas tree,
O Christmas tree ♪
♪ Much pleasure
dost thou bring me ♪
Okay, wow.
The old English version.
Aren't you posh?
Yeah, I just wanted
to stop by and say
I'm sorry about today.
Francine seems like
a really nice lady.
All those frogs.
Yeah, well,
rules are rules, right?
Yup, I mean, that's my job.
Doesn't mean I don't understand
the town's disappointment.
Mm. Disappointment.
We didn't do this
on a holiday whim.
Saint Drexel needs this.
Needs?
Uh, the small business owners,
especially on Main Street,
are struggling to stay afloat.
My mum has even considered
selling the bed and breakfast.
Well, Jin needs a break.
I have to get back to Town Hall.
When do you get a break?
I'll see you tomorrow.
Hey, uh, take it from a doctor.
Lack of sleep
and freezing temperatures
are not a good combination.
Bah humbug.
Bah humbug.
Bah humbug?
How are they holding up?
Not even half way.
I've seen this before.
They're starting to fade.
I'm fairly
certain Josie actually
fell asleep at one point,
but Steve kept his lips on hers.
I hope that counts.
The Adjudicating Manual
defines kissing as to press
or touch with the lips.
Well, that's good.
I really want them to do well.
Jin, you can't get wrapped up
with these people or this place.
You have to remain impartial.
It's the Fruitcake Rule.
The what rule?
You know, when you go
to visit your grandma
and she offers you
a slice of fruitcake.
Oh, never, ever
eat the fruitcake.
Yeah, terrible fruitcake.
My gym socks taste better.
Well, that's kind of how you
want to think of adjudicating.
You can never, ever help,
advise, or otherwise engage in
any sort of
record-breaking attempt.
No matter how you feel.
Or who you meet.
Well, I'm secretly
rooting for them.
Did you hear
anything I just said?
Go get some rest.
I'll take over.
Thanks.
22!
Never, ever eat the fruitcake.
Built in 1860,
the mill provided grain
for all the nearby counties,
feeding families far and wide.
The mill now preserves
the history of Saint Drexel,
and today, it just might
break a world record.
We've amassed
quite the collection
of Saint Drexel artefacts.
I think it's important
to understand the past
in order to properly
navigate the present.
It's very impressive, Roger.
I'm glad you appreciate it.
I feel lucky to volunteer here.
Tell me about these.
The founder of our town
was Leopold Jenkins.
He was particularly
fond of the holidays.
These are some of his ornaments
I've preserved from 1858.
Leopold started
the Saint Drexel tradition
of trimming a town
Christmas tree together.
The whole community
still gathers in Town Hall
to do it two days
before Christmas.
Leah can help us this year.
She's recently had lessons.
That sounds like fun,
but I'll be gone by then.
Roger, show it to me.
This way, please.
Mm-hm.
'Kay.
Voila!
And you believe this to be a...
91-year old fruitcake.
Roger, you are aware
that a woman in Detroit
already laid claim
to this record?
I am, but hers is
only 89 years old.
This is Leopold's
personal diary.
It was found in the attic
recently as we retrieved
the Christmas decorations.
I'm still getting through it.
Let me read you this entry
from December 21, 1931.
Sister Catherine Drexel
and her young novice
visited today. She brought me
a fruitcake for me to enjoy,
but I think I will keep it
as a lasting reminder to be
philanthropic and generous,
just as Sister Catherine is
each Christmas.
- Mm.
- Well, there you have it.
Mr. Jenkins was quite
old when he wrote this.
His handwriting betrays it.
Yes, quite advanced in years.
Roger, I did a deep dive online
last night into Saint Catherine.
Fascinating woman.
On December 21, 1931,
before she was canonized,
Catherine Drexel was celebrating
Christmas in Louisiana
with her students at
a college that she founded.
I believe Leopold wrote in 1937,
but the seven looks like a one.
I can easily see
how that could happen.
Which means
the fruitcake is 85 years old,
and four years
short of the record.
I'm sorry, guys.
Josie, honey!
Sadly, this is Saint Drexel's
third failed attempt
at breaking a holiday record,
but we're still all
smiling here in Town Hall,
'cause, as we've witnessed
over the past couple days,
smiling is the second best
thing you can do with your lips.
Well, good news is
he still has a pulse.
Scott, wake up, buddy.
Are they going to be okay, doc?
Perfectly.
Maybe you might
need some lip balm.
31 hours, 18 minutes,
and 52 seconds.
Alright, buddy.
Let's get you up.
I'm guessing
that's Scott's father?
Bob McDougall.
He owns the Drexel
bicycle factory
on the west side of town.
Yeah, he and Ken
are best friends,
but were completely taken aback
when Josie and Scott
started dating.
That was last Christmas though.
Both fathers are
completely on board now.
Mothers, too.
We're expecting
a proposal any time now.
We?
They.
They. I meant they.
Like, Saint Drexel.
How do you know all this?
I've been watching them
kiss for over a day now.
Everyone's kind of
told me their story.
Looks like you could
use some sleep, too.
Buy you dinner at
the bed and breakfast
and straight to bed.
Doctor's orders.
Okay.
Okay.
Let's go, let's go.
Alright.
So, is everyone good here?
- Yes.
- Oh, yeah.
Thank you for everything.
Oh, you're so welcome, sweetheart.
Mwah. I'll clean up.
Oh, that's an offer
I can't refuse.
- Sweet dreams, everyone.
- Goodnight, Nell.
- Goodnight.
- Night-night.
I'm getting pretty tired, too.
I should probably head...
Hey, uh, Jin.
You know vasovagal syncope
occurs when the body
overreacts to certain
external triggers?
I should also add
that fainting is
extremely inconvenient as well.
Yeah, well, there...
There is a treatment, you know?
Exposure to triggering stimuli.
If you're game,
I think I can help.
What about the records?
We'll go about our day
tomorrow as planned,
but we'll also get to the root
of the problem. You'll see.
Why not?
Anyways, tomorrow could
prove to be challenging,
so I should probably
get some sleep also.
- Goodnight, Jin.
- Goodnight.
Do you really think
you can help him?
We have less than a week left.
Knowing you can help someone
and failing to do it is, well...
I'm sorry,
did I say something wrong?
Uh, no. No, no, no.
Tell me this, who...
Who keeps a fruitcake
for over 80 years?
I thought it was
a fossil of some sort.
Yeah, we needed a...
We needed an archeologist,
not an adjudicator.
Uh, I'm so tired I'm losing it.
You have a great laugh.
You promised your mom
you'd help clean up.
Come on. I'll help you.
I did, didn't I?
- Alright.
- Let's go.
Let's go.
I do the cooking,
cleaning, and vacuuming.
My mom used to tell me that
she isn't handing me off to
my future love
without some skills.
She's right. Nothing sexier
than a man doing housework.
- Mm.
- Trust me.
I thought women liked
investment bankers
and lawyers and...
Doctors?
I was going to say CEOs,
but, uh, how do you
feel about doctors?
Especially ones in small towns
who take out the trash
and wash the dishes.
Well, I will admit,
when you offered to help Jin
I found it...
You found it?
How are you going
to help Jin anyway?
Um, I will show you.
Jin's going to
love a little beard.
Are you sure
you went to med school?
Oh, yeah.
Graduated and everything.
- Oh, did you?
- Mm-hm.
Looks like it.
Oh, yeah. Clean that beard up.
Little more, yeah.
Thank you.
Alright, well,
that was my last dish.
I'm going to head outside
and get some fresh air
before going to bed.
Company or no company?
Mm...
Both: Hm.
Company.
Okay, great.
So, when you were a little girl,
did you just lie
in bed at night,
stare up at the ceiling,
and dream of
becoming an adjudicator?
I mean, how does
that even happen?
Well, it sort of
just fell into my lap.
I studied business in college.
And when I found
out about this job,
I thought it might offer
some fun and adventure.
And does it?
Truth?
Please.
Not often.
But, since I'm usually
working over Christmas,
I often create
a world record of my own.
Really? For what?
Most missed opportunities.
I mean, I get to do
a lot of fun things, yeah,
but I miss a lot of
important ones, too.
You mean your family?
Yeah, and friends.
My parents separated
when I was young,
and since then,
Christmas has been difficult.
So, I work.
Solves the problem entirely.
Ah.
Does it?
I just want them to be happy,
and the problem is,
I think that they're happiest
when they're with each other.
Even after all these years.
Have you told them that?
I try.
Doesn't get very far.
Ah.
It's just been so many
years of misunderstandings.
And you are
the one common denominator.
That's...
That's gotta be hard on you.
Okay, doc, let's leave
the diagnosing to Jin's issues.
I'm doing just fine.
Okay.
Alright, you know what? Come on.
Where are we going?
You're not going to
want to miss it.
Okay.
Let's go.
Oh. Thank you.
You're welcome. Ah.
What do you think?
Ah.
Tell me the truth.
You used to bring girls here
when you were a teenager,
didn't you?
Yeah, girls eat this stuff up.
I'm just kidding.
I've never stood in this
gazebo with another woman ever.
I just, uh...
I didn't want you to miss
another Christmas opportunity.
Thank you.
And there it is.
Another missed opportunity.
Gotta be a record
Hold that thought. Small town.
Always on call.
Dr. Bancroft, this better...
Hold on, I'll be right there.
I gotta go.
Hey.
So, what happened to this ankle?
Well, I thought
I'd get some garland up
for the Secret Santa
world record.
It's fine, really. I'm okay.
Ow!
Okay, you were going to
go do this by yourself?
Garland can wait 'til tomorrow.
Your ankle needs an X-ray.
No, it's just twisted.
But I'd like to be sure.
There you go.
Stay here with Leah.
I'm going to go get my car.
It's less than a block away.
Oh, yeah.
This better just be a sprain.
I haven't completed
my assignment.
Ow!
Oh, ooh, ooh. Uh, um.
Try not to think about the pain.
Tell me about your assignment.
Well, Devan gave
one to each town person.
For the record breaking.
Mm-hm.
I got Xavier Samson here
using our social media.
Step one of the plan complete.
But now I have to post updates,
and we have a ton
of followers now.
Oh, you're pretty savvy
for a small town, huh?
Well, we each know
what we have to do
to make this happen
for Saint Drexel.
Francine's got the frog cards.
- Mm-hm.
- Roger's got the fruitcake.
Yeah.
And from what
I've seen so far here tonight,
Doc Bancroft,
he's completed his assignment.
I don't understand.
Well, his job was to
charm the adjudicator.
Ow.
Got the stop watch?
Right here.
Good morning.
Good morning, Jin. You ready?
Uh, for what?
Go on and have a seat
on the bench.
Alright.
Here we go.
No.
Nice and slowly.
Hey, you're okay.
Take a deep breath.
There you go.
You're alright. There you go.
Just keep telling
yourself it's only Devan.
It's o... It's on...
It's only Devan.
There you go. Can you stand up?
Okay. Yeah.
Yeah? Okay.
Alright.
- Okay.
- There you go.
Oh, okay! Whoa!
You're alright!
You got it.
- You're awake.
- Yeah!
Okay, let's go and check on
that hula hoop record attempt.
Here we go.
There you go.
- You're fine.
- There you go.
- You're fine.
- Alright, here we go.
Off to City Hall.
- Come on.
- Don't let go of me.
Don't let go of me.
Don't let go of me.
I won't let go. Come on.
And there you have it.
Most hula hoop spins
in one minute by people
dressed as reindeer also fails,
but that was a fun one to watch.
Once more?
The manual states that
I can allow up to 25 tries
for any single record attempt.
That was 26. See?
I can break the rules.
Hey, uh, Leah, what's wrong?
Oh, nothing's wrong.
I'm just, you know,
doing my job, you know?
Xavier Samson, DRXL News.
I'd love to interview you.
I'm afraid that's not possible.
It's against Bureau policy,
but you should talk
to this gentleman here.
Oh. No, no...
Dr. Bancroft, the beard
behind the entire operation.
Oh, well, I'd love to
ask you a few questions
if you don't mind,
from a human interest angle.
Sure.
And we can get you on camera?
Uh, yeah. No problem.
Great, thanks.
So, Dr. Bancroft,
you are the town doctor.
Yeah, I am.
How long?
Five years.
And what brought you
to Saint Drexel?
Someone I love needed a doctor.
Oh, and is someone a he, a she?
A she.
And how are you feeling
about this latest attempt
not being successful?
Yeah, it's... it's heartbreaking,
but, uh, I'm sure
we'll get the next one.
Okay, best of luck.
Thank you. Thanks.
Hey.
May I join you?
If you want.
Brought a little blanket.
You can't fool me, you know?
I know why you escaped out here.
Really?
Yeah, I can't listen
to Jin regale my mom
with the story of his beard
success one more time either.
He should be proud.
He went the entire
day without fainting.
It's a great start,
that's for sure.
Leah.
What's wrong?
Are you upset with me?
I'm upset with me.
I... I almost
forgot why I'm here.
And just like you
have your assignment,
I have mine.
My assignment?
To charm the adjudicator.
Well, technically,
my job was to win her over,
but I can see that's
not going so well.
Helping Jin? The gazebo?
You even did dishes.
That is inexcusable behavior.
I understand how
you must be feeling.
Okay, but, what if I told you
I have been completely baffled
from the first second I saw you.
Like, today, I was so worried
what you were thinking
when Xavier asked why
I returned to Saint Drexel.
I heard.
A woman you love.
Leah, it was my mom.
She got sick, I was hundreds
of miles away in Boston.
Oh no.
Yeah, I should have
recognized the symptoms earlier.
Every time we talked
on the phone I...
I sensed something wasn't right,
but of course
she didn't want to worry me.
I spent so much time
at the hospital I almost
missed the signs completely.
My colleagues in Boston thought
I was crazy when I resigned
to return home and treat her,
but if I hadn't, it...
Devan, I had no idea.
Well, it's okay. She's...
She's full of life. You see her.
- Mm-hm.
- Yeah.
I feel like she's
gotten a second chance.
That's why I wanted
to have and enjoy
all the things she loves.
Running the bed and breakfast, painting.
Looking after me.
That's a lot of
sacrifice on your behalf.
Do you ever regret it?
Wow, what a question.
Yeah, I'm sure
a lot of people wonder,
but you're the first
to ask it out loud.
You know, sometimes you have
to give up an important job
in order to live
an important life.
All these people
in Saint Drexel,
I mean, I know them,
and not just
their blood pressure.
I know their hopes,
their dreams.
Their struggles.
And that's why you
have to break a record.
To help them.
Exactly. Except lately I...
have lost my focus.
The more and more time
we spend together,
I care less about
breaking the records,
and more about being with you.
You, uh, you thought I was
charming the adjudicator.
No, I was trying to figure out
how she completely charmed me.
That stopwatch,
your crazy rules.
- Crazy?
- Yeah.
Those rules put
your town back on the map.
Have you seen how many
people have come to visit
since we started?
Yeah, and it's great, but...
it's only
a short-term solution.
Breaking the record
will make sure people
come back here year after year.
Well, you have two more chances.
To break the record
or with you?
To break a record.
I am far more impossible.
Mm-hm.
So, Simone works all
the kids' birthday parties
in Saint Drexel.
She's a clown,
a magician, a princess.
Multi-talented.
That she is.
Ah, merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Ah.
Come with me!
307 balloon reindeer
in a family van!
Where'd you get
these great wheels?
CarMax. Bought it online
and they delivered it
right to my door.
They made it so easy
and I decorated it myself.
The kids see it
coming from a mile away.
I'm going to need
to make a phone call.
Give me a minute.
Mm-hm. Ah!
So exciting.
I must be
the worst trainer ever.
Have you not learned one rule?
Manage your expectations.
World Record Bureau.
Doug.
Hey, hey! Leah, how's it
going in Saint Drexel?
No record broken yet.
- Hey, can you do me a favor?
- Doug: Sure, what do you need?
Can you look up
the specific parameters
of a van in the manual?
No problemo. Anything you want
cross-referenced with that?
Yeah, uh, balloon reindeer.
And despite her abundance
of Christmas spirit,
which I suppose is good
because it frees them up
to pull Santa's balloon sleigh
on Christmas Eve.
Hey, it's in the manual, Jin.
The definition includes
school transport vehicles,
and apparently some high
schoolers in Pennsylvania
filled a school van with 382
balloon reindeer last year
as a prank on their principal.
Yup. I got it.
Come on, Jin.
I expect the town to be
disappointed, but you?
I told you, the chances
of Saint Drexel beating
a world record was
very, very slim.
You predicted
all that is happening.
Well, if you want to be
a successful adjudicator,
you have to be practical.
Reign in those hopes a little.
I'm not.
Not what?
I'm not going to be
a world record adjudicator.
My tendencies to faint aside,
it's just not a good fit,
'cause, no offence, but I don't
think I could be like you.
Reigning in my hopes
all the time.
I like you a lot, and I know
it's a part of the job,
but I couldn't walk around
pretending to be all detached
and dispassionate.
I mean, all this week
all I've wanted to do
is cheer the town on
and help them succeed.
I couldn't go from
place to place just waiting
for people to fail, I mean,
what kind of a job is that?
I want people to be successful.
It's just...
Rules are rules.
Well, not for me.
Consider this
my formal resignation.
Are you sure?
Positive.
Well, can you stay with me until
the end of the Christmas beat?
We'll tell Doug when we get
back to Chicago. It's just...
Of course.
I love to hang out with you,
and I wouldn't miss this
last attempt for anything.
I've got a good
feeling about this one.
Let's go.
♪ In the air it's starting
to feel like Christmas ♪
Here you are!
I wanted to ask what
time dinner is tonight.
- Oh, 6:00?
- Perfect.
Hey, whoa.
Wanna help?
Oh, no.
I don't remember
the last time I made cookies.
I'm more of
an eater than a baker.
Let's get this apron on you.
- Oh.
- Yes.
Okay.
Straight ahead in that
cabinet is the pantry.
Find some sprinkles.
- Okay.
- Let's get to work.
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells,
jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one horse open sleigh ♪
- Hey!
- Whoo!
Oh, very nice, very nice.
Hm, you ladies looking
to go on the road, or?
Well, we could be
the Christmas cookie chorus.
Hm. Okay.
Listen,
how's it going in Town Hall?
Uh, the Secret Santa gifts
arrive tonight and tomorrow,
then Leah can adjudicate
the inevitable record,
but not before I adjudicate
her Christmas cookies.
Uh, which ones did she make?
She made that whole tray.
- Mm-hm.
- Hm.
Oh, excuse me.
Might be some tourists
looking for rooms.
I can't believe how
many people are in town!
Section 2351.67
of the Christmas Cookie Manual
states that any single
red sprinkle that ends up
on a baker's cheek
and not on the cookie...
- Hm?
Is a violation.
Yeah.
Am I wearing sprinkles?
You're not just
wearing sprinkles.
It looks as if
you bathed in them.
Well, things got
a little crazy around here.
Your mom is so, so...
Uh, nutty?
I was going to say carefree.
She finds the fun in everything.
Yeah, well,
what's your mom like?
I love her, a lot.
Okay, that doesn't
tell me what she's like.
Well, we don't bake cookies,
if that's what you're asking.
Not that she wouldn't,
but Christmas can be difficult.
If I spend time with one,
I feel guilty for not
spending time with the other,
even though they
assure me it's fine.
Did you ever think
that that's why
you volunteer to
work every Christmas?
Okay, here's a thought.
Maybe,
maybe you work over Christmas
so you don't have
to celebrate it.
I... I celebrate Christmas.
- Do you?
- Yeah.
Okay, y...
You don't
decorate Christmas trees,
you don't make cookies,
with the exception of today,
yes, and you miss
opportunities with friends.
Mm, okay.
But, but this Christmas cookie
you made is fantastic.
There may be hope
for you yet, Scrooge.
You're right.
I hate that you're right,
but you are.
Even though my job
immerses me in Christmas,
I spend so much time
avoiding it for years.
Here.
Here.
Major life revelations go down
easier with cookies, trust me.
Both: Mm.
I can bake.
You certainly can.
- It's good. Wanna try?
- Yeah? Ah.
That's great. Nice shoe.
Thank you.
Oh, that's great. Thank you.
Oh, to Doc Bancroft.
I guess I just ruined
the surprise, didn't I?
We know who your
Secret Santa is now, Devan.
Thank you.
Hi!
Devan.
Hey, I was just
thinking about you.
I thought maybe you could count
these while we stack them,
that way...
I need to talk to you, outside.
Uh, yeah. Okay.
What a beautifully wrapped gift.
How many?
2605.
And you're sure?
Doug just called.
A charity in Amsterdam just
broke the record last night.
Largest game of Secret Santa.
Verified.
But the previous
record was only...
1463.
You could have done it.
But not now.
I'm so sorry.
This...
This was our last attempt.
Okay, uh...
I'll go in and tell them.
You know what?
Let them carry on for the night.
It's bringing them so much joy.
I'll, uh,
I'll tell them tomorrow.
Alright. Let's go.
Maybe we should
wake Jin up to go check out
the Secret Santa record.
I think I'll let him sleep.
Jin's been through
a lot this trp.
Well, he seems better.
Devan's been really great.
He didn't have to help me,
but he did.
He said to me,
"Knowing you can help someone
but failing to do so is..."
Come to think of it,
he never finished that thought.
He always goes the extra mile.
Like to help
with breaking records
and helping the town.
Well, actually it was
my idea to have you come.
I remember 35 years ago,
when we broke the record,
people came from all over just
to see where it had happened.
The bed and breakfast
was always full.
Especially at Christmas time.
You can't sell this place, Nell.
You love it!
I know, I do,
but you know the other day,
when the doorbell rang,
it wasn't guests.
It was an interested buyer,
and it's getting foolish
to keep saying no.
But if we break the record
for the Secret Santa tonight,
that will change everything.
Let me get us
some more tea, okay?
Knowing you could help someone,
but failing to do so is...
Nell, I have an idea.
Yeah?
It might be a bit
tricky to communicate,
but hear me out.
'Kay, go ahead.
Watch Leah carefully.
Uh, you want to play charades
in the middle of the afternoon?
Whatever, you're the boss.
Okay, great.
Let's break into teams.
No, no, no. One team.
But we have to concentrate on
what Leah is trying to tell us.
Or, I mean,
what phrase she's acting out.
Okay.
Okay, go for it.
Two words.
Okay, that's cheating.
But, a record.
Snap.
No, no, no.
Break!
You're breaking something.
Okay, oh, oh,
you thought of a record
Saint Drexel could break,
but you can't tell us out loud
because it violates the rules.
It sounds like...
sounds like, um, um...
Sounds like knee.
Bee?
Sea?
Tree, tree, tree, tree!
Tree.
Fireworks!
Fireworks.
Oh, lights on a Christmas tree.
- You're... you're...
- You're... you're...
You're, uh, carrying a plate
of Christmas cookies
down the street?
Wh-what is it?
She's riding a bicycle!
Saint Drexel
should break the world record
for longest time
lighting a Christmas tree
using human power!
Oh, my!
The current record
is 10 hours and 15 minutes.
And we have everything
we need right here.
The Twinkle Brite Company
and the Drexel Bicycle Factory.
And, not to mention
an unemployed engineer in town
happy to make it all happen.
Leah cannot hear our plans.
It breaks the rules.
I didn't hear anyone say a word.
Did you?
Not a single one.
So, this means we're in town?
Another week?
Boom.
Right on.
Oh, yes!
How did everyone take it?
Well, at first
they were disappointed.
Until I told them
there would be another attempt.
The place was buzzing
with excitement.
I plan on explaining
the details tomorrow.
I'm surprised
they didn't wanna do
another Secret Santa
exchange anyway.
Well, even though
we didn't break the record,
I kinda told them that
we could deliver some of these
to the hospital
on Christmas Eve.
Spread the holiday joy.
Devan.
How are you still single?
How are you still single?
Oh, I have plenty of faults.
Believe me.
Uh, me too, but, uh,
I've been on my best behavior
since you arrived.
Oh.
Is that so?
Yeah.
And my mom wouldn't call them
"faults," by the way.
She calls 'em "best-worsts."
Hm.
What's a "best-worst?"
It's when a characteristic
is the best thing
in some circumstances
and the worst in others.
Like... like Jin.
He can be impulsive, right?
Uh, yep, he quit
in the middle of training
with no back up plan.
He did.
He did.
But he's also
impulsively helpful
and impulsively generous.
He doesn't need
to think about it.
He just jumps in.
With both feet.
I get it.
His best-worst.
So, what's yours?
Hm.
Uh, being irresistible.
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah, yeah.
And in what circumstance
is that worst?
Uh, when a rule-following
adjudicator
is trying relentlessly
to resist me.
Oh, mm.
Dance with me.
Come on.
Still waiting to hear
your real best-worsts.
Mm.
Dancing.
- Mm.
- Here, like this, I'm fine.
But take me to a wedding,
and yikes.
- Yikes.
- Yeah.
- It's bad.
- Really bad?
- Ooh, very bad.
- Oh, no.
A little to the left.
No, I think to the right.
Don't you think?
I...
That's it!
That's it.
Yes.
Perfect.
Yes.
Hey, guys.
Here's the plan.
We're gonna take shifts
pedaling the bikes.
Jin has figured out how to use
them to generate power
for the Twinkle Brite lights
in the tree.
Now, we have to keep the tree
lit using only human power
for 10 hours and 16 minutes
to break the world record.
I love it.
How many bikes?
Uh, Jin, how many bikes?
Five.
And I'll bring
our newest lights of the season.
They shine extra bright.
Okay, great.
Thank you, both.
Couldn't've done it without you.
That way.
Ah!
I am so tired!
At this point,
I'm running on caffeine
and Christmas cheer.
It'll all be worth it, Mom.
One more day.
Thank you, Jin.
Your skills are outstanding.
And so needed!
My pleasure.
You know,
I have some good friends
in Chicago.
And one of them owns
an engineering firm.
Really?
Let's give her a call.
See if she has any openings
for a great mind like yours.
Uh, that would be great.
Thank you.
Okay, you two go ahead.
Leah's probably out
on her nightly stroll.
I'm gonna see if I can find her.
Be sure and thank her too,
because what she did for us
couldn't have been easy.
- I will, Mom.
- Okay.
All right.
- Hey!
- Hey.
Been looking all over for you.
Oh, I avoided town hall
on my walk tonight.
Didn't wanna see
anything I shouldn't.
Right, right.
I'm not sure
I've said thank you.
No records are broken yet.
Manage your expectations.
Think Rudolph.
It's just I know how hard
this is hard for you.
You don't like
to stretch the rules.
Frankly,
I'm still wondering why you did.
Can I tell you something?
Sure.
I have never witnessed a single
successful record attempt.
You're kidding.
Not one.
What about witnessing
the impossible?
Never have.
Well, Saint Drexel
is gonna change all that.
I hope so.
You know, I think Saint Drexel
is changing me.
How is it,
one little, small town
can get under your skin
so easily?
- Well, it's a condition.
- Oh.
Yeah, yeah.
I've got it too.
No cure.
Well, please tell me
there's at least a treatment.
I mean, otherwise,
how will I go home?
Stay.
At least until Christmas.
There you go.
You just witnessed
a successful attempt
to kiss you.
Oh.
I've been trying
to do it for days.
Talk about impossible.
I don't have my stopwatch, but,
I don't think
that was nearly long enough.
Mm?
And in just five hours,
the entire town of Saint Drexel
will try to pedal its way
into world record history.
Take it from this reporter.
You will not find a place
more full of Christmas spirit
than this wonderful town...
Oh, Jin!
Jin, I'm leaving!
Jin.
Nell believes
the children of Saint Drexel
should know
that Santa came to see the town
break the record.
Besides,
I can't even see the beard.
I can just feel it.
Okay, I know
you resigned already,
but, honestly, I must be
the worst trainer of all time.
Look at you in this get up!
If this isn't the furthest thing
from impartial...
Hey, hey, hey.
You're a great adjudicator.
I used to be.
I don't know
what's gotten into me.
Okay, how's this?
After years of working
the Christmas beat,
you finally wanted to see
a record succeed.
No.
You wanted to see Devan succeed.
And Nell.
And all of Saint Drexel.
Hey.
There should be no rules when it
comes to helping people, Leah.
I see The Rudolph Rule
had zero effect on you.
All these wild
and crazy expectations.
I know.
Isn't it great?
It really is.
Come on.
Give Santa a hug.
Mm.
Mm.
And, no need to tell Santa
what you want
for Christmas this year.
I already know.
- What does that mean?
- Come on.
I've seen the way you and Devan
look at each other.
Rule follower?
Yes.
Subtle?
Not so much.
Come on.
- All right.
- Come on.
All good to go, boss.
Great!
Five minutes, folks!
Five minutes!
Are you comfortable?
It's a long time
to sit and watch.
I'm fine.
I'm excited for you.
You cannot kiss the adjudicator.
It is a clear violation
of The Wiseman Rule.
Brazen bribery.
Well, a real wise man
would insist on a kiss.
- Oh?
- Yeah.
But in these circumstances,
I come bearing a secret,
not a bribe.
Ooh.
Do tell.
- Okay, Leah Hoffman...
- Mm-hm.
Is not a Scrooge.
Uh-uh.
She's smart.
She's beautiful.
She has a fantastic laugh.
Ah?
And, her Christmas cookies
are to die for.
But, she is no Scrooge.
Three minutes!
Three minutes!
And no matter what happens,
I will never, ever, forget
what you did for Saint Drexel.
Go get on a bike.
First shift.
And last!
It's gonna be a long night.
Hey.
- Uh, Leah?
- Leah.
How could you allow this?
Jin appears to be
a full-fledged participant
in this record breaking attempt.
Well, he...
He has violated
so many Bureau rules.
I'm forced
to terminate him immediately,
so we don't jeopardize
this town's chances
of breaking a record.
- No, he...
- Don't cover for him.
I saw it on the news.
I'm sorry, Jin.
No junior adjudicator
can risk the reputation
of the Bureau like this...
It's all my fault.
No.
Leave Leah out of this.
Okay, I take full responsibility
for all the rule breaking,
and, I accept your firing.
Merry Christmas, Doug.
What in the world is going on?
- Doug, I...
- Did you break the rules too?
Leah.
Can you look me in the eye
and tell me that you
followed the rules explicitly?
No.
Very well.
Hand me the stopwatch.
We'll handle this at the office.
- You are my best adjudicator.
- But the town...
I will adjudicate this record
breaking attempt myself,
so that their attempts
are not deemed null and void.
You know you need to get
far away from Saint Drexel.
A senior adjudicator cannot
appear to have undue influence.
It looks very bad
for the Bureau.
Pack your suitcase
and go home immediately.
We'll talk in Chicago.
Five, four, three...
two, one!
WoCome on!
You can do it!
Come on!
Keep going!
You can do it!
Hey, how are we feeling,
Mr. Jenkins?
Yeah, so-so?
Hey.
What's up?
Hi.
Who are you and where's Leah?
I am Doug,
and I sent her home to Chicago.
Sorry.
What?
Well, you should be happy I did.
This whole thing
would have been jeopardized
if she had stayed
in Saint Drexel.
She... she left?
She...
Well, she had to.
Can't break the Bureau's rules.
Hey, uh, Leah, call me.
At least let me know
you got to Chicago safely.
Uh, hey.
Devan.
- I have to go.
- Go?
We're so close
to breaking the record.
- You have to see it.
- I'm gonna have to miss it.
I can't jeopardize
the town's chances.
You know I don't care
about the record right now.
Well, you have to.
I have a feeling that tourists
are gonna come from far and wide
to watch you light up that tree
using bicycles
for many years to come.
I mean, really.
What is more fun than that?
You did it.
Your hard work paid off.
You wanna know
what my real best-worst is?
For real?
Once I decide I'm in,
I am all in.
No matter what.
When I was in Boston,
I treated people,
but I overworked
to the point of exhaustion.
Here in Saint Drexel,
I would do anything
for my patients,
but, in the process,
I... I put
my own happiness aside.
Now, somehow,
in the last three weeks,
I became all in with you.
And, for the first time
in my life
I felt like
it was possible to be...
Now, I... I... I see that
you don't feel the same.
No, Devan, I...
How could you even leave
without saying goodbye to me,
or at least telling me?
I had to.
The rules state that if I was...
Yeah, you know what?
That...
That is your best-worst.
You are conscientious
to the extreme.
You are diligent and meticulous,
but, you keep adjudicating
your whole life like this,
you are gonna miss so much.
'Cause, Leah...
Sometimes the real joy is found
outside the boundaries.
Devan, this isn't about me.
And we are five hours in
and the energy here
is still electric.
Literally.
I don't know
if you can feel the excitement
on your TVs at home,
but in a matter of minutes
Saint Drexel will have broken
a holiday world record.
- Yes!
- WoWoo!
And with tomorrow
being Christmas Eve,
I don't think you'll
find a better example
of community, cooperation,
Christmas spirit,
and holiday joy
than in this little town.
- Yeah!
- Five minutes, five minutes!
Five, five!
We gotta get on there.
- Okay.
- Go, go, go!
May I have a try, honey?
Hey?
Yeah.
Atta, girl.
Okay.
Come on.
Keep goin'.
Keep goin', okay.
Josie, will you marry me?
Of course!
Congratulations, you two.
Leah?
What are you doing?
You are harming
this whole town's chances
of breaking this record.
Well, I was hoping
I could watch.
From a distance.
I just don't understand.
Why are you jeopardizing
your whole career like this?
Well, I've never seen
a successful attempt,
and I want to.
Not to mention,
I would never have seen
Scott and Josie get engaged
if I was following the rules.
I would have completely missed
a beautiful moment.
Leah, it's just
another Christmas
in just another town.
You'll be somewhere
entirely different next year.
You and I both know, your job
is a very important one.
Wait.
What did you just say?
The Christmas beat.
It's a very important job.
You know what, Doug?
Sometimes you have to leave
an important job
to live an important life.
I quit.
Wait.
What?
You'll have to find
another person
to adjudicate Christmas,
because from now on,
I'm gonna celebrate it.
Well, yeah, but...
Twenty seconds!
Twenty seconds!
Keep pedaling!
Keep pedaling!
- Keep pedaling!
- We're almost there!
Ten, nine, eight, seven,
six, five, four, three, two,
one.
The town of Saint Drexel
has just successfully broken
its second world record
35 years to the day
after breaking its first!
Thank you, racers!
Congratulations.
Congratulations, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you.
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish
you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
Merry Christmas, Leah.
Merry Christmas, Nell.
♪ Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪
♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish
you a merry Christmas
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a happy new year ♪
Congratulations, everybody.
I thought you were gone.
Not a chance.
I wanted to see
a world record broken.
And you did.
And, I didn't wanna
miss the opportunity
to tell you a few things.
- Mm-hm?
- Mm.
I called my parents tonight
and I asked them
to come stay with me
on Christmas Day.
All of us together.
We'll see how it goes.
Yeah, it'll be great.
Hey, good for you.
But, on New Year's Eve,
you're all mine.
Well, I'm definitely free.
I have no job, no plan,
and no idea what's next.
Wow.
It's the best-worst place to be.
And, one thing I know,
I am all in.
Well, that is incredible news,
because, well,
there's a few world records
- I'm thinking about breaking.
- Wait.
You can't possibly wanna break...
Uh, just... just one.
How long was that world's
longest mistletoe kiss again?
Mm, 46 hours.
Not nearly long enough.
We wish you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
Leah.
♪ Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪
♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a happy new year ♪
Right.
Hey, Leah.
Thought you might want
a cookie before we leave.
Thank you.
Hey, check this out.
I'm here in the town
of Saint Drexel, Illinois
where they'll be
attempting to break
six world records
this Christmas.
They believe that,
with enough Christmas spirit,
they can make
the impossible happen.
My first time working
the Christmas beat,
and I'm going to
see six records broken.
No, you won't.
Jin, only 4% of
world records are broken.
At the bureau we adjudicate
and award world records from
the largest Christmas pie,
to the highest-stacked
candy cane tree,
and I've been working
the Christmas beat
for seven years
and I have yet to see
a single successful attempt.
Wait, you're kidding.
I wish I was. At this point,
I'd give anything to see one.
Saint Drexel already
broke the record once.
Maybe they can do it again.
Yeah, that was 35 years ago,
before big corporations
started sponsoring
record attempts.
Jin, I don't mean to dampen your
enthusiasm for your new job,
but my experience tells me
that there's no way that
the little town in
Saint Drexel is beating
a world record this Christmas.
No matter how desperate
I am to see one.
Okay, now remember it is
essential to the plan that
we break at least one record,
preferably more.
Now, the media's already here,
phase one complete,
thanks to Mayor Hubble.
Never underestimate the power
of social media, folks.
And I'll tell ya,
the cafe was bursting
with diners this morning
for the first time in years.
See? It's already working.
Yes, yes.
We're all very excited, Mom,
but we need to
stick to the plan.
Okay, everybody knows
their assignments?
- Mm-hm.
- Great.
The world records adjudicator's
name is Leah Hoffman.
Winning her over is my job.
Phase two.
Lay on the charm, Devon.
You know I will.
Okay, everybody bring it in.
Bring it in.
Let's save Main Street
by making Saint Drexel
a tourist destination
once again.
"World record Christmas"
on three.
One, two, three.
World record Christmas!
Okay, we should hit the road.
Saint Drexel is
only 45 miles out,
but I don't want to be late.
Your rental is outside.
Anything else you need?
I don't think so.
Good. Jin, you are being trained
by the best of the best.
No one knows
the manual like Leah.
Take notes, there's going to
be a test when you get back.
Will do, sir.
Ah, without you, Leah,
I'm not sure what I'd do.
Always willing to
cover the Christmas
world record breaking attempts.
Safe travels,
call if you need me.
Jin.
Bye, sir.
I think that's it.
Anything else I should
know before we leave?
Ho-ho-ho! Ho-ho-ho!
I come with gifts for some
very hard-working adjudicators.
Jin?
What's it called again?
Pogonophobia.
The fear of beards.
Well, hopefully,
there's not a lot of
big beards on this trip.
And decantophobia.
A fear of...
I get a little weirded out when
large groups of people... sing.
And you usually faint?
Out like a light.
Well, how do you feel now?
Good.
Great, in fact.
It only hurts when I move.
Oh, okay.
Well, maybe we should find
a doctor in town
before we hit Town Hall.
You okay?
Sorry, are you lost?
You look lost.
Uh, oh, no.
I was just checking
to see if there was
a long line-up
inside for a doctor.
Oh, my colleague here
has a bump on his head,
and, well,
we're kind of in a rush.
Uh, may I?
Hey.
Let's have
a look at you. Okay.
Look up.
Good. Look down.
Okay, any headache,
blurred vision?
I think you're fine,
but that is quite the bump.
Was it her right hook
or is she a south paw?
Oh. Oh, no. She's, um...
Um, well, actually the thing is,
I saw this beard, and so, uh...
Okay, are we done here?
Done. Uh...
Trust me, your friend
here is going to be fine,
but just to be safe, and I'm not
sure how far you're going,
you should do the driving.
Uh, I gotta go.
In a bit of a hurry myself.
In the future, you should
learn to bob and weave.
Okay.
Take it easy on the poor guy.
Welcome to Saint Drexel,
Leah Hoffman.
And...
Merry Christmas!
Come walk with me.
Hi.
And this is where
the kissing will commence.
Mayor Hubble, the longest kiss
under the mistletoe is
a very popular holiday record.
Hundreds of people
from all over the world
try to attempt it every year.
I know, and this is the sign
that will track the numbers
of hours while they, uh...
Do you know what
the current record is?
46 hours and 24 minutes.
That's why we chose a couple
that's crazy in love.
Scott MacDougall, Josie Stetson.
Hi.
Okay, before we begin,
I have a couple rules
we need to go over.
The first is the Rudolph rule.
Hello, hello!
Hi. Hi, Josie.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Hey, man.
- Scott, good to see you.
You're, uh...
You're not Leah Hoffman from
the World Record Bureau.
And you're not a janitor.
No. No, I'm not.
Dr. Bancroft, let me introduce
you to Ms. Hoffman
and her colleague Mr. Lim.
How's the head?
Oh, feeling great, doc.
Yeah?
Little inside joke.
Give me a minute.
I'm going to check on the couple
before they start smooching.
Great, I was just about
to go over some rules.
Everyone knows Rudolph, right?
Let's think about
his experiences.
Go on, I'm listening.
There's a stethoscope
in your ear.
Uh, something about Rudolph?
I took the Bureau's
three most important rules
and tailored them to
Christmas record attempts.
I renamed them
the Fruitcake Rule,
the Wiseman Rule,
and the Rudolph Rule.
Page 104, section 5.2 of
the Adjudicator's Manual states,
"Adjudicators must manage
all participants' expectations
before any record-breaking
attempt begins.
Hence, the Rudolph Rule.
Think about Rudolph's story.
Born with that weird nose,
bullied by the other reindeer,
and needed just
the right circumstance,
in his case
one foggy Christmas Eve,
in order to go down in history.
Light George Washington.
The point...
My point is,
record breaking isn't easy,
and people often try
over and over and over again
before they succeed.
It could take years.
Well, Ms. Hoffman,
this is Saint Drexel.
Prepare to witness
the impossible.
Wonderful!
You guys ready?
Okay, let's start the countdown.
Five.
Four, three, two, one.
Kiss!
♪ Deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪
Hey, Jin, can you hold
my stopwatch for a second?
Fa la la la la, la la la la
- ♪ 'Tis the season...
- Jin! Ooh, ooh.
Excuse me.
- Um...
- Hey.
What happened?
Decant-something.
Decantophobia?
Yeah, that's it.
- Oh.
- Okay.
Whoop.
He's just going to
need a couple seconds.
I'm all good. It's all good.
Keep kissing, keep singing.
Come on! Come on!
♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪
Oh!
Keep kissing!
Don't worry, Jin will be fine,
but thank you for officially
banning spontaneous caroling
for the next week.
No problem.
Mayor, while Jin
looks over the kissing,
There are a couple rules
I'd like to go over.
You should explain them
to Dr. Bancroft.
He's going to be guiding you
through town this week.
Dr. Bancroft?
Well, I'm in charge of
the social media posts.
You should follow us.
♪ WorldRecordChristmas.
He's cleared his
entire schedule for you.
Unless there's an emergency,
he's all yours.
You two will
get along just fine.
He's from the big city, too.
Well, he's from here,
but he went to
med school at Harvard,
and then practiced in Boston.
Really?
Yeah. Come with me.
You're going to love
Nell's bed and breakfast.
She's got some beautiful
rooms prepared for you.
Hi.
You must be Leah.
Yes.
She's all yours, Nell.
Oh, thank you, Mayor Hubble.
Well, come on in. After you.
- Thank you.
- Any time.
Go ahead.
Welcome, my dear.
Here we are.
Oh.
That was great fun.
The bakery wanted a winter scene
painted on a cookie with icing,
and of course they called on me.
Wow, and you managed
to break a world record.
That record was
broken several years after.
By a commercial bakery,
I believe, in Minneapolis.
- Hm.
- Yeah.
I believe that record's been
broken 20 times since 1987.
Well, I wish people would
remember that we were
the first town to do it.
With a homemade
shortbread cookie recipe,
and local talent,
and a whole lot
of Christmas spirit.
Mm-hm. What did you
paint on the cookie?
Ice skaters at Jenkins Pond
just outside of town.
I used to take Devan there.
Devan?
- Mm-hm.
- Dr. Bancroft.
Yes, my son.
He just lives up the road.
Oh.
You know, that cookie was
on display for the public
in the Town Hall, and folks
would come to visit our town
just to see it.
And they would go skating
together at Jenkins Pond.
Oh, it was marvelous.
Breaking records does
draw attention to a place.
Yes.
My bed and breakfast
used to be so full.
Hey, Mom!
Oh, Devan, sweetheart.
I've got guests this week.
You just can't barge in
here unannounced. My goodness.
Uh, I see you met Leah.
Yes.
Ms. Hoffman,
I was thinking about Jin.
Please, call me Leah.
Leah, did you know the root
cause of most phobias
are events from the past?
No, I did not.
Any idea what Jin
might have experienced?
I don't know Jin that well.
Uh, let me see.
He majored in engineering
before joining the Bureau,
and he's a really nice guy.
That's all I got.
Okay. Well, that's a start.
Mom, did you get a chance to
see Scott and Josie kissing yet?
Ah.
They're really going for it.
Well, I like to
think positively.
I know how much
those two are in love.
But how can people kiss so long?
Impossible!
Well, you might want
to consult Leah here.
She's witnessed
a lot of impossible.
I can't imagine what
it's like watching people
break world records
all the time.
It's, um, a lot more
disappointing than it sounds.
Huh.
Hm.
Well, I should go
relieve Jin from his shift.
Mayor Hubble tells me
that you're going to take me
to see some record breaking
attempts in the morning?
I'll uh... I'll come with you.
Walk you through the schedule.
- Bye, Mom. Love you.
- Okay. I love you, too.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
Have a good walk.
And then on Tuesday
we head to the mill.
Frankly, it's more of a mini
museum now that they've...
Dr. Bancroft.
Oh, please. Call me Devan.
I feel the need to caution you
that breaking a world record
is a lot harder
than people think.
Only 4% of attempts
are successful.
Tomorrow I have to go over
a couple rules with you
straight from
the Adjudicator's Manual.
It's important that
we follow all protocols
on the outside chance
that you do succeed.
So, I'm sorry. Outside chance?
Did you not feel
the Christmas spirit
in Town Hall earlier today?
Christmas spirit is irrelevant.
Now, I see. In order
to be a good adjudicator,
you also need to be a Scrooge.
Scrooge?
You do know how Dickens
described him, don't you?
Cold, through and through.
I prefer to call it realistic
through and through.
And if being a Scrooge makes
you understand why I'm here,
then bah humbug.
Thanks for walking with me.
I think I can take it from here.
I think you and I have a better
understanding of each other now.
I think we do. Goodnight.
Leah.
Don't forget,
in the end Scrooge had
a complete change of heart.
You know, my mum might be right.
Who could kiss for this long?
It's a very popular
record to attempt.
Lots of people try it.
Perhaps you've just
never been crazy in love.
Not this crazy.
Mm, uh, are you ready?
We should head out
to the next attempt.
Okay.
Good luck.
Okay, so how many more rules?
Two. The next is
the Wiseman Rule.
Let me guess, something about
the dangers of frankincense.
Page 54, section 3.2 of
the Adjudicator's Manual states,
"Adjudicators must never
accept a bribe in any form."
I get it, people bearing gifts.
One time it was literally gold.
A man gave me his watch.
He wanted me to overlook
the fact that he was
nine snowballs short of
the most projectiles launched
by senior citizens in
a five minute snowball fight.
Wow. Senior citizen.
Dr. Bancroft.
Leah, this is Ken Stetson.
He owns the Twinkleberry Company
on the east side of town.
They make the most beautiful
strands of Christmas lights.
Hello, Leah.
Need a Christmas light?
Call Twinkle Bright.
It's nice to meet you, Ken.
I hear your daughter is one half
of the mistletoe kissing couple.
Yes, Josie,
and if there's anything you need
while you're in town,
anything at all,
don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you, but...
No, I mean it now.
Anything.
Yeah.
I think Ken just tried
to give you his watch.
Told ya.
Hello. Hello, hello.
Good morning.
This is certainly exciting,
but I need to ask you all
to stay on the sidewalk
while I take Leah inside
to meet Francine.
Alright, wish us luck.
WoGood luck.
Oh, welcome to Hoppy's Cafe!
Thank you.
Wow, I see you
collect Christmas cards.
Oh, yes, they're not
just displayed here.
They're in the kitchen,
the pantry,
even in our
walk-in refrigerator.
And when did you
start this collection?
Oh, well, I opened
the cafe 20 years ago.
Someone sent me
the first card as a joke,
and as you can see
it kind of snowballed.
And do you what
the current record is for
most Christmas cards
featuring frogs is?
1010.
And you claim to have how many?
Well, I had 1006,
but then my sister-in-law
found new ones in
a shop in Albuquerque.
It's a big frog town
that Albuquerque.
She sent me three with
her best Christmas wishes.
Now, I got three from
my out of town friends.
So, I, um, I now have 1012.
You gotta count all these?
Maybe, but first I need to
check a couple of things.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, take all
the time that you need.
Can I ask you to stand
outside with the others?
- Sure.
- Great.
Uh, even me?
Scrooge was a solitary fella.
Ah, the bah humbug rule.
Mm, now that has
a nice ring to it.
You're catching on.
Okay, come on, Francine.
Oh, yeah.
Okay.
Alright.
Let's do this.
As we all wait outside
Hoppy's Cafe with Saint Drexel
hoping to break
the world record...
Oh, looks like
we have an update coming.
Francine, Devan,
can I see you both inside?
Guess we'll have
to wait and see.
The Bureau Adjudicator
Dictionary defines "frog"
as a tailless amphibian
with a short, squat body,
moist, smooth skin,
and long legs for leaping.
I'm sorry to say, but you did
not break a world record.
Let me explain.
The problem are these six cards.
I found two in the men's room,
two beside the coffee table,
and two hanging
from the dishwasher.
Uh.
That's not a frog.
That's a turtle.
And this one isn't
even a Christmas card.
Yeah, and this one looks like
a lizard with a Santa hat.
It's easy to see that,
with 20 years,
other amphibians snuck
into your collection
without you even realizing,
but because
the rule requires frogs,
there are six inconsistent cards
that makes you two cards
short of tying the record
and three short of beating it.
I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
But I will say, this is
a really impressive collection.
Thanks.
I guess we should
go tell the others.
Yeah.
Oh, no. That's my job.
You live here.
I'll be the bearer of bad news.
Rolling?
Ms. Hoffman, was it close?
Very.
Well, there you have it.
Saint Drexel's first attempt to
break a holiday record
is unsuccessful,
but very close, and if you grew
up in a small town like me,
you just can't help
but root for them.
Xavier Samson,
DRXL News, signing off.
Hey. Come in.
Hey.
Hey, I just wanted to...
You're decorating
a tree by yourself?
Nope, you're here.
Here, give me your coat.
Oh, no, no. I haven't decorated
a tree in a really long time.
Why not?
Well, I'm never
home for the holidays
and I usually volunteer
to work the Christmas beat.
Okay, well, it sounds
like you need a course
in tree trimming 101.
Come. Here.
Okay.
But just a couple of minutes.
I have to relieve
Jin from Town Hall.
Ah, I see.
Well, I must tell you,
there are some decorating rules
you should be aware of.
Oh, what? You thought you were
the only one who had rules?
No, no, no, no, no.
I am very, very
particular about
my Christmas trees.
Okay. What are the rules?
Um, mm, first rule, uh,
the Tannenbaum Rule.
I'm going to need some specifics
if I'm going to fully comply.
You know the song,
"O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum?"
"How lovely are your branches?"
Exactly. You must compliment
my tree while you decorate it.
Wait, what?
Yeah, allow me to demonstrate.
Not only green
when summer's here,
but in the coldest time of year.
Okay, now... now you try.
Yeah, I don't even know
the lyrics to the song.
Yes, you do. Come on.
Do it.
♪ O Christmas tree,
O Christmas tree ♪
♪ Much pleasure
dost thou bring me ♪
Okay, wow.
The old English version.
Aren't you posh?
Yeah, I just wanted
to stop by and say
I'm sorry about today.
Francine seems like
a really nice lady.
All those frogs.
Yeah, well,
rules are rules, right?
Yup, I mean, that's my job.
Doesn't mean I don't understand
the town's disappointment.
Mm. Disappointment.
We didn't do this
on a holiday whim.
Saint Drexel needs this.
Needs?
Uh, the small business owners,
especially on Main Street,
are struggling to stay afloat.
My mum has even considered
selling the bed and breakfast.
Well, Jin needs a break.
I have to get back to Town Hall.
When do you get a break?
I'll see you tomorrow.
Hey, uh, take it from a doctor.
Lack of sleep
and freezing temperatures
are not a good combination.
Bah humbug.
Bah humbug.
Bah humbug?
How are they holding up?
Not even half way.
I've seen this before.
They're starting to fade.
I'm fairly
certain Josie actually
fell asleep at one point,
but Steve kept his lips on hers.
I hope that counts.
The Adjudicating Manual
defines kissing as to press
or touch with the lips.
Well, that's good.
I really want them to do well.
Jin, you can't get wrapped up
with these people or this place.
You have to remain impartial.
It's the Fruitcake Rule.
The what rule?
You know, when you go
to visit your grandma
and she offers you
a slice of fruitcake.
Oh, never, ever
eat the fruitcake.
Yeah, terrible fruitcake.
My gym socks taste better.
Well, that's kind of how you
want to think of adjudicating.
You can never, ever help,
advise, or otherwise engage in
any sort of
record-breaking attempt.
No matter how you feel.
Or who you meet.
Well, I'm secretly
rooting for them.
Did you hear
anything I just said?
Go get some rest.
I'll take over.
Thanks.
22!
Never, ever eat the fruitcake.
Built in 1860,
the mill provided grain
for all the nearby counties,
feeding families far and wide.
The mill now preserves
the history of Saint Drexel,
and today, it just might
break a world record.
We've amassed
quite the collection
of Saint Drexel artefacts.
I think it's important
to understand the past
in order to properly
navigate the present.
It's very impressive, Roger.
I'm glad you appreciate it.
I feel lucky to volunteer here.
Tell me about these.
The founder of our town
was Leopold Jenkins.
He was particularly
fond of the holidays.
These are some of his ornaments
I've preserved from 1858.
Leopold started
the Saint Drexel tradition
of trimming a town
Christmas tree together.
The whole community
still gathers in Town Hall
to do it two days
before Christmas.
Leah can help us this year.
She's recently had lessons.
That sounds like fun,
but I'll be gone by then.
Roger, show it to me.
This way, please.
Mm-hm.
'Kay.
Voila!
And you believe this to be a...
91-year old fruitcake.
Roger, you are aware
that a woman in Detroit
already laid claim
to this record?
I am, but hers is
only 89 years old.
This is Leopold's
personal diary.
It was found in the attic
recently as we retrieved
the Christmas decorations.
I'm still getting through it.
Let me read you this entry
from December 21, 1931.
Sister Catherine Drexel
and her young novice
visited today. She brought me
a fruitcake for me to enjoy,
but I think I will keep it
as a lasting reminder to be
philanthropic and generous,
just as Sister Catherine is
each Christmas.
- Mm.
- Well, there you have it.
Mr. Jenkins was quite
old when he wrote this.
His handwriting betrays it.
Yes, quite advanced in years.
Roger, I did a deep dive online
last night into Saint Catherine.
Fascinating woman.
On December 21, 1931,
before she was canonized,
Catherine Drexel was celebrating
Christmas in Louisiana
with her students at
a college that she founded.
I believe Leopold wrote in 1937,
but the seven looks like a one.
I can easily see
how that could happen.
Which means
the fruitcake is 85 years old,
and four years
short of the record.
I'm sorry, guys.
Josie, honey!
Sadly, this is Saint Drexel's
third failed attempt
at breaking a holiday record,
but we're still all
smiling here in Town Hall,
'cause, as we've witnessed
over the past couple days,
smiling is the second best
thing you can do with your lips.
Well, good news is
he still has a pulse.
Scott, wake up, buddy.
Are they going to be okay, doc?
Perfectly.
Maybe you might
need some lip balm.
31 hours, 18 minutes,
and 52 seconds.
Alright, buddy.
Let's get you up.
I'm guessing
that's Scott's father?
Bob McDougall.
He owns the Drexel
bicycle factory
on the west side of town.
Yeah, he and Ken
are best friends,
but were completely taken aback
when Josie and Scott
started dating.
That was last Christmas though.
Both fathers are
completely on board now.
Mothers, too.
We're expecting
a proposal any time now.
We?
They.
They. I meant they.
Like, Saint Drexel.
How do you know all this?
I've been watching them
kiss for over a day now.
Everyone's kind of
told me their story.
Looks like you could
use some sleep, too.
Buy you dinner at
the bed and breakfast
and straight to bed.
Doctor's orders.
Okay.
Okay.
Let's go, let's go.
Alright.
So, is everyone good here?
- Yes.
- Oh, yeah.
Thank you for everything.
Oh, you're so welcome, sweetheart.
Mwah. I'll clean up.
Oh, that's an offer
I can't refuse.
- Sweet dreams, everyone.
- Goodnight, Nell.
- Goodnight.
- Night-night.
I'm getting pretty tired, too.
I should probably head...
Hey, uh, Jin.
You know vasovagal syncope
occurs when the body
overreacts to certain
external triggers?
I should also add
that fainting is
extremely inconvenient as well.
Yeah, well, there...
There is a treatment, you know?
Exposure to triggering stimuli.
If you're game,
I think I can help.
What about the records?
We'll go about our day
tomorrow as planned,
but we'll also get to the root
of the problem. You'll see.
Why not?
Anyways, tomorrow could
prove to be challenging,
so I should probably
get some sleep also.
- Goodnight, Jin.
- Goodnight.
Do you really think
you can help him?
We have less than a week left.
Knowing you can help someone
and failing to do it is, well...
I'm sorry,
did I say something wrong?
Uh, no. No, no, no.
Tell me this, who...
Who keeps a fruitcake
for over 80 years?
I thought it was
a fossil of some sort.
Yeah, we needed a...
We needed an archeologist,
not an adjudicator.
Uh, I'm so tired I'm losing it.
You have a great laugh.
You promised your mom
you'd help clean up.
Come on. I'll help you.
I did, didn't I?
- Alright.
- Let's go.
Let's go.
I do the cooking,
cleaning, and vacuuming.
My mom used to tell me that
she isn't handing me off to
my future love
without some skills.
She's right. Nothing sexier
than a man doing housework.
- Mm.
- Trust me.
I thought women liked
investment bankers
and lawyers and...
Doctors?
I was going to say CEOs,
but, uh, how do you
feel about doctors?
Especially ones in small towns
who take out the trash
and wash the dishes.
Well, I will admit,
when you offered to help Jin
I found it...
You found it?
How are you going
to help Jin anyway?
Um, I will show you.
Jin's going to
love a little beard.
Are you sure
you went to med school?
Oh, yeah.
Graduated and everything.
- Oh, did you?
- Mm-hm.
Looks like it.
Oh, yeah. Clean that beard up.
Little more, yeah.
Thank you.
Alright, well,
that was my last dish.
I'm going to head outside
and get some fresh air
before going to bed.
Company or no company?
Mm...
Both: Hm.
Company.
Okay, great.
So, when you were a little girl,
did you just lie
in bed at night,
stare up at the ceiling,
and dream of
becoming an adjudicator?
I mean, how does
that even happen?
Well, it sort of
just fell into my lap.
I studied business in college.
And when I found
out about this job,
I thought it might offer
some fun and adventure.
And does it?
Truth?
Please.
Not often.
But, since I'm usually
working over Christmas,
I often create
a world record of my own.
Really? For what?
Most missed opportunities.
I mean, I get to do
a lot of fun things, yeah,
but I miss a lot of
important ones, too.
You mean your family?
Yeah, and friends.
My parents separated
when I was young,
and since then,
Christmas has been difficult.
So, I work.
Solves the problem entirely.
Ah.
Does it?
I just want them to be happy,
and the problem is,
I think that they're happiest
when they're with each other.
Even after all these years.
Have you told them that?
I try.
Doesn't get very far.
Ah.
It's just been so many
years of misunderstandings.
And you are
the one common denominator.
That's...
That's gotta be hard on you.
Okay, doc, let's leave
the diagnosing to Jin's issues.
I'm doing just fine.
Okay.
Alright, you know what? Come on.
Where are we going?
You're not going to
want to miss it.
Okay.
Let's go.
Oh. Thank you.
You're welcome. Ah.
What do you think?
Ah.
Tell me the truth.
You used to bring girls here
when you were a teenager,
didn't you?
Yeah, girls eat this stuff up.
I'm just kidding.
I've never stood in this
gazebo with another woman ever.
I just, uh...
I didn't want you to miss
another Christmas opportunity.
Thank you.
And there it is.
Another missed opportunity.
Gotta be a record
Hold that thought. Small town.
Always on call.
Dr. Bancroft, this better...
Hold on, I'll be right there.
I gotta go.
Hey.
So, what happened to this ankle?
Well, I thought
I'd get some garland up
for the Secret Santa
world record.
It's fine, really. I'm okay.
Ow!
Okay, you were going to
go do this by yourself?
Garland can wait 'til tomorrow.
Your ankle needs an X-ray.
No, it's just twisted.
But I'd like to be sure.
There you go.
Stay here with Leah.
I'm going to go get my car.
It's less than a block away.
Oh, yeah.
This better just be a sprain.
I haven't completed
my assignment.
Ow!
Oh, ooh, ooh. Uh, um.
Try not to think about the pain.
Tell me about your assignment.
Well, Devan gave
one to each town person.
For the record breaking.
Mm-hm.
I got Xavier Samson here
using our social media.
Step one of the plan complete.
But now I have to post updates,
and we have a ton
of followers now.
Oh, you're pretty savvy
for a small town, huh?
Well, we each know
what we have to do
to make this happen
for Saint Drexel.
Francine's got the frog cards.
- Mm-hm.
- Roger's got the fruitcake.
Yeah.
And from what
I've seen so far here tonight,
Doc Bancroft,
he's completed his assignment.
I don't understand.
Well, his job was to
charm the adjudicator.
Ow.
Got the stop watch?
Right here.
Good morning.
Good morning, Jin. You ready?
Uh, for what?
Go on and have a seat
on the bench.
Alright.
Here we go.
No.
Nice and slowly.
Hey, you're okay.
Take a deep breath.
There you go.
You're alright. There you go.
Just keep telling
yourself it's only Devan.
It's o... It's on...
It's only Devan.
There you go. Can you stand up?
Okay. Yeah.
Yeah? Okay.
Alright.
- Okay.
- There you go.
Oh, okay! Whoa!
You're alright!
You got it.
- You're awake.
- Yeah!
Okay, let's go and check on
that hula hoop record attempt.
Here we go.
There you go.
- You're fine.
- There you go.
- You're fine.
- Alright, here we go.
Off to City Hall.
- Come on.
- Don't let go of me.
Don't let go of me.
Don't let go of me.
I won't let go. Come on.
And there you have it.
Most hula hoop spins
in one minute by people
dressed as reindeer also fails,
but that was a fun one to watch.
Once more?
The manual states that
I can allow up to 25 tries
for any single record attempt.
That was 26. See?
I can break the rules.
Hey, uh, Leah, what's wrong?
Oh, nothing's wrong.
I'm just, you know,
doing my job, you know?
Xavier Samson, DRXL News.
I'd love to interview you.
I'm afraid that's not possible.
It's against Bureau policy,
but you should talk
to this gentleman here.
Oh. No, no...
Dr. Bancroft, the beard
behind the entire operation.
Oh, well, I'd love to
ask you a few questions
if you don't mind,
from a human interest angle.
Sure.
And we can get you on camera?
Uh, yeah. No problem.
Great, thanks.
So, Dr. Bancroft,
you are the town doctor.
Yeah, I am.
How long?
Five years.
And what brought you
to Saint Drexel?
Someone I love needed a doctor.
Oh, and is someone a he, a she?
A she.
And how are you feeling
about this latest attempt
not being successful?
Yeah, it's... it's heartbreaking,
but, uh, I'm sure
we'll get the next one.
Okay, best of luck.
Thank you. Thanks.
Hey.
May I join you?
If you want.
Brought a little blanket.
You can't fool me, you know?
I know why you escaped out here.
Really?
Yeah, I can't listen
to Jin regale my mom
with the story of his beard
success one more time either.
He should be proud.
He went the entire
day without fainting.
It's a great start,
that's for sure.
Leah.
What's wrong?
Are you upset with me?
I'm upset with me.
I... I almost
forgot why I'm here.
And just like you
have your assignment,
I have mine.
My assignment?
To charm the adjudicator.
Well, technically,
my job was to win her over,
but I can see that's
not going so well.
Helping Jin? The gazebo?
You even did dishes.
That is inexcusable behavior.
I understand how
you must be feeling.
Okay, but, what if I told you
I have been completely baffled
from the first second I saw you.
Like, today, I was so worried
what you were thinking
when Xavier asked why
I returned to Saint Drexel.
I heard.
A woman you love.
Leah, it was my mom.
She got sick, I was hundreds
of miles away in Boston.
Oh no.
Yeah, I should have
recognized the symptoms earlier.
Every time we talked
on the phone I...
I sensed something wasn't right,
but of course
she didn't want to worry me.
I spent so much time
at the hospital I almost
missed the signs completely.
My colleagues in Boston thought
I was crazy when I resigned
to return home and treat her,
but if I hadn't, it...
Devan, I had no idea.
Well, it's okay. She's...
She's full of life. You see her.
- Mm-hm.
- Yeah.
I feel like she's
gotten a second chance.
That's why I wanted
to have and enjoy
all the things she loves.
Running the bed and breakfast, painting.
Looking after me.
That's a lot of
sacrifice on your behalf.
Do you ever regret it?
Wow, what a question.
Yeah, I'm sure
a lot of people wonder,
but you're the first
to ask it out loud.
You know, sometimes you have
to give up an important job
in order to live
an important life.
All these people
in Saint Drexel,
I mean, I know them,
and not just
their blood pressure.
I know their hopes,
their dreams.
Their struggles.
And that's why you
have to break a record.
To help them.
Exactly. Except lately I...
have lost my focus.
The more and more time
we spend together,
I care less about
breaking the records,
and more about being with you.
You, uh, you thought I was
charming the adjudicator.
No, I was trying to figure out
how she completely charmed me.
That stopwatch,
your crazy rules.
- Crazy?
- Yeah.
Those rules put
your town back on the map.
Have you seen how many
people have come to visit
since we started?
Yeah, and it's great, but...
it's only
a short-term solution.
Breaking the record
will make sure people
come back here year after year.
Well, you have two more chances.
To break the record
or with you?
To break a record.
I am far more impossible.
Mm-hm.
So, Simone works all
the kids' birthday parties
in Saint Drexel.
She's a clown,
a magician, a princess.
Multi-talented.
That she is.
Ah, merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Ah.
Come with me!
307 balloon reindeer
in a family van!
Where'd you get
these great wheels?
CarMax. Bought it online
and they delivered it
right to my door.
They made it so easy
and I decorated it myself.
The kids see it
coming from a mile away.
I'm going to need
to make a phone call.
Give me a minute.
Mm-hm. Ah!
So exciting.
I must be
the worst trainer ever.
Have you not learned one rule?
Manage your expectations.
World Record Bureau.
Doug.
Hey, hey! Leah, how's it
going in Saint Drexel?
No record broken yet.
- Hey, can you do me a favor?
- Doug: Sure, what do you need?
Can you look up
the specific parameters
of a van in the manual?
No problemo. Anything you want
cross-referenced with that?
Yeah, uh, balloon reindeer.
And despite her abundance
of Christmas spirit,
which I suppose is good
because it frees them up
to pull Santa's balloon sleigh
on Christmas Eve.
Hey, it's in the manual, Jin.
The definition includes
school transport vehicles,
and apparently some high
schoolers in Pennsylvania
filled a school van with 382
balloon reindeer last year
as a prank on their principal.
Yup. I got it.
Come on, Jin.
I expect the town to be
disappointed, but you?
I told you, the chances
of Saint Drexel beating
a world record was
very, very slim.
You predicted
all that is happening.
Well, if you want to be
a successful adjudicator,
you have to be practical.
Reign in those hopes a little.
I'm not.
Not what?
I'm not going to be
a world record adjudicator.
My tendencies to faint aside,
it's just not a good fit,
'cause, no offence, but I don't
think I could be like you.
Reigning in my hopes
all the time.
I like you a lot, and I know
it's a part of the job,
but I couldn't walk around
pretending to be all detached
and dispassionate.
I mean, all this week
all I've wanted to do
is cheer the town on
and help them succeed.
I couldn't go from
place to place just waiting
for people to fail, I mean,
what kind of a job is that?
I want people to be successful.
It's just...
Rules are rules.
Well, not for me.
Consider this
my formal resignation.
Are you sure?
Positive.
Well, can you stay with me until
the end of the Christmas beat?
We'll tell Doug when we get
back to Chicago. It's just...
Of course.
I love to hang out with you,
and I wouldn't miss this
last attempt for anything.
I've got a good
feeling about this one.
Let's go.
♪ In the air it's starting
to feel like Christmas ♪
Here you are!
I wanted to ask what
time dinner is tonight.
- Oh, 6:00?
- Perfect.
Hey, whoa.
Wanna help?
Oh, no.
I don't remember
the last time I made cookies.
I'm more of
an eater than a baker.
Let's get this apron on you.
- Oh.
- Yes.
Okay.
Straight ahead in that
cabinet is the pantry.
Find some sprinkles.
- Okay.
- Let's get to work.
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells,
jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one horse open sleigh ♪
- Hey!
- Whoo!
Oh, very nice, very nice.
Hm, you ladies looking
to go on the road, or?
Well, we could be
the Christmas cookie chorus.
Hm. Okay.
Listen,
how's it going in Town Hall?
Uh, the Secret Santa gifts
arrive tonight and tomorrow,
then Leah can adjudicate
the inevitable record,
but not before I adjudicate
her Christmas cookies.
Uh, which ones did she make?
She made that whole tray.
- Mm-hm.
- Hm.
Oh, excuse me.
Might be some tourists
looking for rooms.
I can't believe how
many people are in town!
Section 2351.67
of the Christmas Cookie Manual
states that any single
red sprinkle that ends up
on a baker's cheek
and not on the cookie...
- Hm?
Is a violation.
Yeah.
Am I wearing sprinkles?
You're not just
wearing sprinkles.
It looks as if
you bathed in them.
Well, things got
a little crazy around here.
Your mom is so, so...
Uh, nutty?
I was going to say carefree.
She finds the fun in everything.
Yeah, well,
what's your mom like?
I love her, a lot.
Okay, that doesn't
tell me what she's like.
Well, we don't bake cookies,
if that's what you're asking.
Not that she wouldn't,
but Christmas can be difficult.
If I spend time with one,
I feel guilty for not
spending time with the other,
even though they
assure me it's fine.
Did you ever think
that that's why
you volunteer to
work every Christmas?
Okay, here's a thought.
Maybe,
maybe you work over Christmas
so you don't have
to celebrate it.
I... I celebrate Christmas.
- Do you?
- Yeah.
Okay, y...
You don't
decorate Christmas trees,
you don't make cookies,
with the exception of today,
yes, and you miss
opportunities with friends.
Mm, okay.
But, but this Christmas cookie
you made is fantastic.
There may be hope
for you yet, Scrooge.
You're right.
I hate that you're right,
but you are.
Even though my job
immerses me in Christmas,
I spend so much time
avoiding it for years.
Here.
Here.
Major life revelations go down
easier with cookies, trust me.
Both: Mm.
I can bake.
You certainly can.
- It's good. Wanna try?
- Yeah? Ah.
That's great. Nice shoe.
Thank you.
Oh, that's great. Thank you.
Oh, to Doc Bancroft.
I guess I just ruined
the surprise, didn't I?
We know who your
Secret Santa is now, Devan.
Thank you.
Hi!
Devan.
Hey, I was just
thinking about you.
I thought maybe you could count
these while we stack them,
that way...
I need to talk to you, outside.
Uh, yeah. Okay.
What a beautifully wrapped gift.
How many?
2605.
And you're sure?
Doug just called.
A charity in Amsterdam just
broke the record last night.
Largest game of Secret Santa.
Verified.
But the previous
record was only...
1463.
You could have done it.
But not now.
I'm so sorry.
This...
This was our last attempt.
Okay, uh...
I'll go in and tell them.
You know what?
Let them carry on for the night.
It's bringing them so much joy.
I'll, uh,
I'll tell them tomorrow.
Alright. Let's go.
Maybe we should
wake Jin up to go check out
the Secret Santa record.
I think I'll let him sleep.
Jin's been through
a lot this trp.
Well, he seems better.
Devan's been really great.
He didn't have to help me,
but he did.
He said to me,
"Knowing you can help someone
but failing to do so is..."
Come to think of it,
he never finished that thought.
He always goes the extra mile.
Like to help
with breaking records
and helping the town.
Well, actually it was
my idea to have you come.
I remember 35 years ago,
when we broke the record,
people came from all over just
to see where it had happened.
The bed and breakfast
was always full.
Especially at Christmas time.
You can't sell this place, Nell.
You love it!
I know, I do,
but you know the other day,
when the doorbell rang,
it wasn't guests.
It was an interested buyer,
and it's getting foolish
to keep saying no.
But if we break the record
for the Secret Santa tonight,
that will change everything.
Let me get us
some more tea, okay?
Knowing you could help someone,
but failing to do so is...
Nell, I have an idea.
Yeah?
It might be a bit
tricky to communicate,
but hear me out.
'Kay, go ahead.
Watch Leah carefully.
Uh, you want to play charades
in the middle of the afternoon?
Whatever, you're the boss.
Okay, great.
Let's break into teams.
No, no, no. One team.
But we have to concentrate on
what Leah is trying to tell us.
Or, I mean,
what phrase she's acting out.
Okay.
Okay, go for it.
Two words.
Okay, that's cheating.
But, a record.
Snap.
No, no, no.
Break!
You're breaking something.
Okay, oh, oh,
you thought of a record
Saint Drexel could break,
but you can't tell us out loud
because it violates the rules.
It sounds like...
sounds like, um, um...
Sounds like knee.
Bee?
Sea?
Tree, tree, tree, tree!
Tree.
Fireworks!
Fireworks.
Oh, lights on a Christmas tree.
- You're... you're...
- You're... you're...
You're, uh, carrying a plate
of Christmas cookies
down the street?
Wh-what is it?
She's riding a bicycle!
Saint Drexel
should break the world record
for longest time
lighting a Christmas tree
using human power!
Oh, my!
The current record
is 10 hours and 15 minutes.
And we have everything
we need right here.
The Twinkle Brite Company
and the Drexel Bicycle Factory.
And, not to mention
an unemployed engineer in town
happy to make it all happen.
Leah cannot hear our plans.
It breaks the rules.
I didn't hear anyone say a word.
Did you?
Not a single one.
So, this means we're in town?
Another week?
Boom.
Right on.
Oh, yes!
How did everyone take it?
Well, at first
they were disappointed.
Until I told them
there would be another attempt.
The place was buzzing
with excitement.
I plan on explaining
the details tomorrow.
I'm surprised
they didn't wanna do
another Secret Santa
exchange anyway.
Well, even though
we didn't break the record,
I kinda told them that
we could deliver some of these
to the hospital
on Christmas Eve.
Spread the holiday joy.
Devan.
How are you still single?
How are you still single?
Oh, I have plenty of faults.
Believe me.
Uh, me too, but, uh,
I've been on my best behavior
since you arrived.
Oh.
Is that so?
Yeah.
And my mom wouldn't call them
"faults," by the way.
She calls 'em "best-worsts."
Hm.
What's a "best-worst?"
It's when a characteristic
is the best thing
in some circumstances
and the worst in others.
Like... like Jin.
He can be impulsive, right?
Uh, yep, he quit
in the middle of training
with no back up plan.
He did.
He did.
But he's also
impulsively helpful
and impulsively generous.
He doesn't need
to think about it.
He just jumps in.
With both feet.
I get it.
His best-worst.
So, what's yours?
Hm.
Uh, being irresistible.
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah, yeah.
And in what circumstance
is that worst?
Uh, when a rule-following
adjudicator
is trying relentlessly
to resist me.
Oh, mm.
Dance with me.
Come on.
Still waiting to hear
your real best-worsts.
Mm.
Dancing.
- Mm.
- Here, like this, I'm fine.
But take me to a wedding,
and yikes.
- Yikes.
- Yeah.
- It's bad.
- Really bad?
- Ooh, very bad.
- Oh, no.
A little to the left.
No, I think to the right.
Don't you think?
I...
That's it!
That's it.
Yes.
Perfect.
Yes.
Hey, guys.
Here's the plan.
We're gonna take shifts
pedaling the bikes.
Jin has figured out how to use
them to generate power
for the Twinkle Brite lights
in the tree.
Now, we have to keep the tree
lit using only human power
for 10 hours and 16 minutes
to break the world record.
I love it.
How many bikes?
Uh, Jin, how many bikes?
Five.
And I'll bring
our newest lights of the season.
They shine extra bright.
Okay, great.
Thank you, both.
Couldn't've done it without you.
That way.
Ah!
I am so tired!
At this point,
I'm running on caffeine
and Christmas cheer.
It'll all be worth it, Mom.
One more day.
Thank you, Jin.
Your skills are outstanding.
And so needed!
My pleasure.
You know,
I have some good friends
in Chicago.
And one of them owns
an engineering firm.
Really?
Let's give her a call.
See if she has any openings
for a great mind like yours.
Uh, that would be great.
Thank you.
Okay, you two go ahead.
Leah's probably out
on her nightly stroll.
I'm gonna see if I can find her.
Be sure and thank her too,
because what she did for us
couldn't have been easy.
- I will, Mom.
- Okay.
All right.
- Hey!
- Hey.
Been looking all over for you.
Oh, I avoided town hall
on my walk tonight.
Didn't wanna see
anything I shouldn't.
Right, right.
I'm not sure
I've said thank you.
No records are broken yet.
Manage your expectations.
Think Rudolph.
It's just I know how hard
this is hard for you.
You don't like
to stretch the rules.
Frankly,
I'm still wondering why you did.
Can I tell you something?
Sure.
I have never witnessed a single
successful record attempt.
You're kidding.
Not one.
What about witnessing
the impossible?
Never have.
Well, Saint Drexel
is gonna change all that.
I hope so.
You know, I think Saint Drexel
is changing me.
How is it,
one little, small town
can get under your skin
so easily?
- Well, it's a condition.
- Oh.
Yeah, yeah.
I've got it too.
No cure.
Well, please tell me
there's at least a treatment.
I mean, otherwise,
how will I go home?
Stay.
At least until Christmas.
There you go.
You just witnessed
a successful attempt
to kiss you.
Oh.
I've been trying
to do it for days.
Talk about impossible.
I don't have my stopwatch, but,
I don't think
that was nearly long enough.
Mm?
And in just five hours,
the entire town of Saint Drexel
will try to pedal its way
into world record history.
Take it from this reporter.
You will not find a place
more full of Christmas spirit
than this wonderful town...
Oh, Jin!
Jin, I'm leaving!
Jin.
Nell believes
the children of Saint Drexel
should know
that Santa came to see the town
break the record.
Besides,
I can't even see the beard.
I can just feel it.
Okay, I know
you resigned already,
but, honestly, I must be
the worst trainer of all time.
Look at you in this get up!
If this isn't the furthest thing
from impartial...
Hey, hey, hey.
You're a great adjudicator.
I used to be.
I don't know
what's gotten into me.
Okay, how's this?
After years of working
the Christmas beat,
you finally wanted to see
a record succeed.
No.
You wanted to see Devan succeed.
And Nell.
And all of Saint Drexel.
Hey.
There should be no rules when it
comes to helping people, Leah.
I see The Rudolph Rule
had zero effect on you.
All these wild
and crazy expectations.
I know.
Isn't it great?
It really is.
Come on.
Give Santa a hug.
Mm.
Mm.
And, no need to tell Santa
what you want
for Christmas this year.
I already know.
- What does that mean?
- Come on.
I've seen the way you and Devan
look at each other.
Rule follower?
Yes.
Subtle?
Not so much.
Come on.
- All right.
- Come on.
All good to go, boss.
Great!
Five minutes, folks!
Five minutes!
Are you comfortable?
It's a long time
to sit and watch.
I'm fine.
I'm excited for you.
You cannot kiss the adjudicator.
It is a clear violation
of The Wiseman Rule.
Brazen bribery.
Well, a real wise man
would insist on a kiss.
- Oh?
- Yeah.
But in these circumstances,
I come bearing a secret,
not a bribe.
Ooh.
Do tell.
- Okay, Leah Hoffman...
- Mm-hm.
Is not a Scrooge.
Uh-uh.
She's smart.
She's beautiful.
She has a fantastic laugh.
Ah?
And, her Christmas cookies
are to die for.
But, she is no Scrooge.
Three minutes!
Three minutes!
And no matter what happens,
I will never, ever, forget
what you did for Saint Drexel.
Go get on a bike.
First shift.
And last!
It's gonna be a long night.
Hey.
- Uh, Leah?
- Leah.
How could you allow this?
Jin appears to be
a full-fledged participant
in this record breaking attempt.
Well, he...
He has violated
so many Bureau rules.
I'm forced
to terminate him immediately,
so we don't jeopardize
this town's chances
of breaking a record.
- No, he...
- Don't cover for him.
I saw it on the news.
I'm sorry, Jin.
No junior adjudicator
can risk the reputation
of the Bureau like this...
It's all my fault.
No.
Leave Leah out of this.
Okay, I take full responsibility
for all the rule breaking,
and, I accept your firing.
Merry Christmas, Doug.
What in the world is going on?
- Doug, I...
- Did you break the rules too?
Leah.
Can you look me in the eye
and tell me that you
followed the rules explicitly?
No.
Very well.
Hand me the stopwatch.
We'll handle this at the office.
- You are my best adjudicator.
- But the town...
I will adjudicate this record
breaking attempt myself,
so that their attempts
are not deemed null and void.
You know you need to get
far away from Saint Drexel.
A senior adjudicator cannot
appear to have undue influence.
It looks very bad
for the Bureau.
Pack your suitcase
and go home immediately.
We'll talk in Chicago.
Five, four, three...
two, one!
WoCome on!
You can do it!
Come on!
Keep going!
You can do it!
Hey, how are we feeling,
Mr. Jenkins?
Yeah, so-so?
Hey.
What's up?
Hi.
Who are you and where's Leah?
I am Doug,
and I sent her home to Chicago.
Sorry.
What?
Well, you should be happy I did.
This whole thing
would have been jeopardized
if she had stayed
in Saint Drexel.
She... she left?
She...
Well, she had to.
Can't break the Bureau's rules.
Hey, uh, Leah, call me.
At least let me know
you got to Chicago safely.
Uh, hey.
Devan.
- I have to go.
- Go?
We're so close
to breaking the record.
- You have to see it.
- I'm gonna have to miss it.
I can't jeopardize
the town's chances.
You know I don't care
about the record right now.
Well, you have to.
I have a feeling that tourists
are gonna come from far and wide
to watch you light up that tree
using bicycles
for many years to come.
I mean, really.
What is more fun than that?
You did it.
Your hard work paid off.
You wanna know
what my real best-worst is?
For real?
Once I decide I'm in,
I am all in.
No matter what.
When I was in Boston,
I treated people,
but I overworked
to the point of exhaustion.
Here in Saint Drexel,
I would do anything
for my patients,
but, in the process,
I... I put
my own happiness aside.
Now, somehow,
in the last three weeks,
I became all in with you.
And, for the first time
in my life
I felt like
it was possible to be...
Now, I... I... I see that
you don't feel the same.
No, Devan, I...
How could you even leave
without saying goodbye to me,
or at least telling me?
I had to.
The rules state that if I was...
Yeah, you know what?
That...
That is your best-worst.
You are conscientious
to the extreme.
You are diligent and meticulous,
but, you keep adjudicating
your whole life like this,
you are gonna miss so much.
'Cause, Leah...
Sometimes the real joy is found
outside the boundaries.
Devan, this isn't about me.
And we are five hours in
and the energy here
is still electric.
Literally.
I don't know
if you can feel the excitement
on your TVs at home,
but in a matter of minutes
Saint Drexel will have broken
a holiday world record.
- Yes!
- WoWoo!
And with tomorrow
being Christmas Eve,
I don't think you'll
find a better example
of community, cooperation,
Christmas spirit,
and holiday joy
than in this little town.
- Yeah!
- Five minutes, five minutes!
Five, five!
We gotta get on there.
- Okay.
- Go, go, go!
May I have a try, honey?
Hey?
Yeah.
Atta, girl.
Okay.
Come on.
Keep goin'.
Keep goin', okay.
Josie, will you marry me?
Of course!
Congratulations, you two.
Leah?
What are you doing?
You are harming
this whole town's chances
of breaking this record.
Well, I was hoping
I could watch.
From a distance.
I just don't understand.
Why are you jeopardizing
your whole career like this?
Well, I've never seen
a successful attempt,
and I want to.
Not to mention,
I would never have seen
Scott and Josie get engaged
if I was following the rules.
I would have completely missed
a beautiful moment.
Leah, it's just
another Christmas
in just another town.
You'll be somewhere
entirely different next year.
You and I both know, your job
is a very important one.
Wait.
What did you just say?
The Christmas beat.
It's a very important job.
You know what, Doug?
Sometimes you have to leave
an important job
to live an important life.
I quit.
Wait.
What?
You'll have to find
another person
to adjudicate Christmas,
because from now on,
I'm gonna celebrate it.
Well, yeah, but...
Twenty seconds!
Twenty seconds!
Keep pedaling!
Keep pedaling!
- Keep pedaling!
- We're almost there!
Ten, nine, eight, seven,
six, five, four, three, two,
one.
The town of Saint Drexel
has just successfully broken
its second world record
35 years to the day
after breaking its first!
Thank you, racers!
Congratulations.
Congratulations, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you.
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish
you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
Merry Christmas, Leah.
Merry Christmas, Nell.
♪ Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪
♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish
you a merry Christmas
♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a happy new year ♪
Congratulations, everybody.
I thought you were gone.
Not a chance.
I wanted to see
a world record broken.
And you did.
And, I didn't wanna
miss the opportunity
to tell you a few things.
- Mm-hm?
- Mm.
I called my parents tonight
and I asked them
to come stay with me
on Christmas Day.
All of us together.
We'll see how it goes.
Yeah, it'll be great.
Hey, good for you.
But, on New Year's Eve,
you're all mine.
Well, I'm definitely free.
I have no job, no plan,
and no idea what's next.
Wow.
It's the best-worst place to be.
And, one thing I know,
I am all in.
Well, that is incredible news,
because, well,
there's a few world records
- I'm thinking about breaking.
- Wait.
You can't possibly wanna break...
Uh, just... just one.
How long was that world's
longest mistletoe kiss again?
Mm, 46 hours.
Not nearly long enough.