Romance at Reindeer Lodge (2017) - full transcript

Thanks.

Do you know, Molly,
if Santa catches you working,

you're gonna get coal
in your stocking.

Hey, Karen.

I just have
to finish this proposal.

You're missing all the fun.

And Derrick from accounting
was asking about you.

- Didn't you guys go out once?
- We had dinner.

And?

And all we spoke about
was Derrick from accounting.

Done.



There are other
eligible men out there.

Well, then,
maybe you should date them.

I would, I just don't think
my fiance would approve.

Yeah.

I don't think mine would either.

- Your fiance?
- Yeah.

I'm engaged
to Manchester Software.

We're spending Christmas
together here in the office.

So, you're working
through another holiday?

I am.

But don't think of it as work,
think of it as love.

Excuse me, hey, hello everyone.

Can I have your attention
for just a minute?

Hi, everyone.



- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

I hope you're all having
a good time tonight.

Yeah.

Now, as most of you know,

we've had a very good year here
at Manchester Software.

Our new product
is very successful,

and I'm very happy to report
that our latest app

just broke
half a million downloads.

Because this is all thanks
to you, my team.

And all your hard work.

But, I'd especially like
to thank Molly Clark,

who went above and beyond
the call of duty this year.

Here's to you Molly.

Now, that being said,

I wanted to find
some extra special way

to say thank you
for all the good work.

So, I'm closing down the office...

...until the New Year.

- What?
- You'll all receive

full pay
for the two weeks, of course.

Yeah.

But, but, but, but, but,

I don't wanna see anybody
coming into the office,

and that goes
for you too, Molly.

I mean it, I'm gonna change the
alarm codes so you can't sneak in.

- But anyway...
- It's funny.

...look, just spend time with
your families and your friends,

and celebrate
the holidays together.

- Merry Christmas everyone.
- Merry Christmas.

I guess this means
engagement is off.

Jared, just wanna
wish you a safe trip.

Wish there was a better way
to handle this, but I'm...

Don't worry about it,
I understand.

Didn't have any plans anyway.

Whatever happened to that
young lady you were seeing?

- It didn't work out.
- That's too bad.

Won't be
my first Christmas alone.

Yeah. Well, listen, Jared,
I'm sorry that...

I really should get going.

And don't worry,

I'll have this account off the books
by the end of the year.

Great. Well, thank you,
and Merry Christmas, Jared.

Merry Christmas, William.

It's beautiful, huh?

The Christmas lights.
They're beautiful, isn't it?

Oh, yeah.
I hadn't really noticed.

Good night.

Look, I know Christmas is
a tough time of year for you.

So, why don't you
have Christmas with us?

- Karen.
- You know, my mom and dad

would love to have you.

And you know, Dave and I could
use another grown up around.

You guys are the sweetest.
I appreciate it, but I'm...

What?

I'm not very good company
at Christmas.

Okay.

But if you change your mind,
will you let me know, please?

I will.
Thank you.

Of course.

- Merry Christmas, Molly.
- Merry Christmas.

It sounds great.

No, mom, I'm fine.

Besides I have got
so much work to do,

I'm not even gonna realize
it's Christmas.

Listen, just enjoy the cruise
and send me lots of pictures.

I love you too.

Merry Christmas.

As part of our big Christmas
getaway contest,

you could be the next winner
of our grand prize trip to Jamaica.

Be the 15th caller
and the prize is yours.

The number is 555-S-N-O-W.

And the lines are open now.
Good luck.

That's 555-S-N-O-W.

Snow FM, who am I speaking to?

Molly, Molly Clark.

I'm sorry, Molly.

That's okay.

But you're gonna have
to pack your bags,

you're on your way to Jamaica.

I was actually standing in line.

- Oh, you were?
- I was.

I'm sorry, you wanna go ahead?

No. No, that's fine.
I'll just pull up the rear.

Okay.

Okay.

- Here.
- Jesus.

- Sorry.
- I'm sorry.

See, here, I'll...

Thank you.

- Sorry.
- That's quite the hat.

Yeah, yeah. Thanks.

Thought it would be perfect
for Jamaica.

Have you ever been
to Jamaica before?

- It's...
- Excuse me.

This is Molly.

Hi, Mr. Roberts.

No, no, no.

I sent you the proposal and for
approval to the department head.

You didn't get it back?

Well, let me check
with the office... I mean,

well, they're closed,
but, thank you.

Oh, no, I'm actually in line
at the airport.

I'm on my way to Jamaica.
I won a contest.

You are aware the...

No, Mr. Roberts,
I will take care of it.

Yeah.
But you know that...

You got it. Okay.
Thank you. Goodbye.

Here you are,
Ms. Clark. All set.

Okay. Thank you.

Mr. Davis. All right.

You've already checked in
online, traveling to Jamaica...

- ...Vermont.
- Thank you.

Enjoy your flight, Mr. Davis,
and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hi, how are you?

- Hello.
- Hi.

Well, I sent you the proposal
the night of the party.

You should have got it
in your email.

Yeah. Well, Mr. Roberts called me
and he still hasn't received it.

So, let me check.

Hello?
Hello?

- Hello?
- Miss, we've closed the door.

Yeah.
I will be a second.

I need you to put the laptop away
and turn your phone off, please.

- Okay.
- Thank you.

Okay.

- What a coincidence.
- Yes, it is.

So you, you won a contest?
Congratulations.

- I've overheard in line.
- Yes, my first time to Jamaica,

looking forward to having
my first authentic rum punch.

Are you, traveling for business?

Me? No.

I'm... just needed to get out
of the city for the holidays.

I know the feeling.
Christmas is so overwhelming.

Not for me.
I love it.

- Oh, you do?
- Oh, yeah.

Yeah. I mean,

snow,

lights in the trees,
hot cocoa by the fire.

I don't get it.
If you like Christmas so much,

why are you on your way
to the Caribbean?

I'm not on my way
to the Caribbean.

No.

- This plane is going to Vermont.
- What?

I knew this plane was too small.

- Is there a problem?
- Yes. I'm on the wrong plane.

I'm supposed
to be going to Jamaica,

the real Jamaica,
with the sand and the beach.

Yeah.
Well, according to this,

this flight was booked to
the other Jamaica in Vermont.

So you're on the right plane.

You're just going
to the wrong place.

Yes. I know that,
and I'm trying to get a hold

at the radio station,
but I can't get online.

Well, we don't have internet access

of some of these
smaller planes just yet.

I... could you tell the pilot
to turn the plane around,

take me back to Chicago?

I don't think the rest of the
passengers would appreciate

having their Christmas travel
plans rearranged like that.

But I'm sure as soon as we land,

you'd be able to get it all
straighten up.

- Well, how long would that be?
- Another two hours or so.

And enjoy the flight.

You're really enjoying this,
aren't you?

Me? No.

No. I was just reading this really
funny article about seatbelts.

You know, you could have
told me back at the airport.

I tried,
but you seemed pretty busy.

You know what, how about
we just not talk to each other

- for the rest of our flight?
- Okay.

- Okay?
- Fine.

Fine.

Something to drink?

You know, I'm kind of
craving, a rum punch,

...pina colada.

What?

Of course, I read the ticket.

Well, I looked at it
and nowhere did it say Vermont.

Well, someone at your radio
station's gonna have to fix this

because I am not spending
my vacation in a snowstorm.

What?

Hello?

Hello?

Great.
That's just great.

Hope everything
works out for you.

- I thought we weren't talking?
- Right. Sorry. I forgot.

Okay. Well, this is me not
wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Me, too.

Oh, come on.

Damn it.
Where's my charger?

Please don't say
I left it at home.

- Ms. Clark?
- Yes.

Well, you made it. Hi.

I'm Chris, the owner of
the Reindeer Lodge.

Well, me and my wife are,
welcome to Jamaica.

I'm sorry.
How did you know who I was?

Well, you're just
about the last person here,

and, well, I just figured
that, well,

- ...let me give you a hand...
- That's okay.

Thank you.

I need to get a hold of the airline.
There's obviously been a mistake.

I'm not supposed to be here.

You're, Molly Clark, aren't you?

Yes, I am.

- But, I...
- You know, we have

a beautiful suite back at the inn,
and it's all prepaid just for you.

I appreciate that. Thank you.
It's just...

Looks like they're
closing down for the night.

- Airports don't close.
- Well, this one does.

It's a long walk back
into town from here.

You know what,
I could probably come with you

and figure this out
in the morning.

Well, that's
the Christmas spirit.

- Here we go.
- Thank you.

- Just follow me.
- Okay.

Yeah. Well, it's good
we're leaving now.

There's supposed to be a big,
snowstorm blowing in.

We'll be lucky to get home
before they close the roads.

Now, I hope you don't mind,
traveling with an extra passenger.

He's another one of our guests
for the holidays.

This can't be a coincidence.

Well, this is our Jamaica.

It's beautiful.

Yeah. Well, we like it.
How about some music?

Not much selection
this time of year.

I hope you like Christmas music.

I don't mind.

Ms. Clark?

Why not?

Sorry about the lights, folks,

I wanted everything finished
before you arrive,

but, Christmas just,
came too quickly this year.

They still look amazing,
don't they?

- Yeah.
- The lights?

Yeah. No. I just never gotten to
the whole Christmas decoration thing,

you know, spend all that time
putting up the lights

only to take them down
a few weeks later.

Okay.

This way.

Here. Let me...

All right, folks, come on in.

Honey, we're here.

Well, hello,
welcome to Reindeer Lodge.

Molly and Jared,
this is my wife.

- Hi.
- Hi.

- Hey.
- Hello.

- Hello. Missis...
- Oh, no. Call me Penny.

It's Christmas.

There are no strangers
at Christmas.

All right, then.
Penny, it is.

Dear, you need warmer clothes.

Yes. Well, I, wasn't
expecting it to be winter.

There's seems to have been some
confusion about Molly's travel.

Oh, no.

- That radio station.
- Yeah.

I told those fellas to be sure
they mention it was in Vermont.

Well, you're in our Jamaica now.

So let's just get you settled in
and we'll take it from there.

- Yeah.
- It might not be that bad.

Looks like
I don't have a choice, here.

- I'll get that, just...
- All right.

It's okay.
Thank you.

Just right this way.

Jared, you'll be in here.

And Molly,
you're just through here.

Hope you don't snore.

Okay. Here we go.

I hope this room
is okay for you.

Yes.

- It's very festive.
- It's my favorite.

The bathroom
is right through there.

If you need any more towels
or linens, just let me know.

I like to sleep
with the window open a crack,

but, you know, that's just me.

And if you get cold,

you can just slip
into one of these.

I like to keep extras
for the guests.

Okay.

So, if you think of anything else
you need, don't hesitate to ask.

Is there,
password for the internet?

- No.
- Great.

No. I mean,
there is no internet.

Our guests seemed
to like it that way.

It helps them relax.

So just make yourself comfortable
and we'll see you for happy hour.

Great.
That's just great.

I... they're very nice people.

I just wish there
was another way to...

I understand, but they do have
until Christmas Eve.

One second.

I'm gonna have to call you back.
Okay.

- Hi.
- Hi.

I don't suppose you have
a power chord for one of this.

I think the airport
is trying to get a hold of me.

Sorry, not my brand.

You could use mine, but
the reception's not very good.

I don't think the Reindeer
Lodge is in the cell grid.

I don't think the Reindeer Lodge
is in the 21st Century either.

Maybe I'll have them try
and call the hotel or something,

and look, about earlier,

I really didn't know
that you didn't know...

That I was going
to the wrong Jamaica?

Yeah.

I'm sorry too,
I didn't mean to be so rude.

It wasn't your fault.
I should've read the fine print.

So what do you say?
We...

...re-think the whole not talking
to each other thing,

at least for the night?

- Deal.
- Deal.

Happy hour, come and get it.

Shall we?

Maybe you'll get
that rum punch after all.

So, we were in the woods
this afternoon for like an hour,

but still no sign of them.

Yeah. They are going
to show up, aren't they?

Well, that's the thing
about reindeer.

They're kind of shy.

Now, they're accustomed
to me and my wife,

but sometimes it takes some...
a little time to get used to strangers.

- That makes sense.
- Shy Reindeer?

That makes sense.

Here they are.

This is Molly, Jared, this is,
it's Greg and Kayla.

Hi.

They're celebrating their...
first wedding anniversary here.

Congratulations.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Wonderful.

What brought you
all the way out here?

Well, we are photographers.

Yeah. We're here,
making our first book.

It's gonna be Christmas prints
and we hope to include

some actual reindeer
in their natural habitat.

Then we figured what better place
than the Reindeer Lodge.

Wait, you have
live reindeer here?

Yes. A registered
nature preserve.

All 1,000 acres.

So, do you think we'll see
some reindeer tomorrow?

Well, you never know exactly,
but it's always worth a look.

Then look we will.

Those are beautiful.
Did you carve them yourself?

Yes. I got the wood shavings
all over my carpet to prove it.

Brought some happy hour
treats for everyone.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

And one for you.

This is, milk and cookies.

- Boy, that's my favorite.
- I shouldn't give you any.

- Why?
- My tree is still outside

and Christmas Eve
is a week away.

Well, I'm gonna get to it.
Don't worry.

There's a lot of work here
at Christmas.

Sometimes our guests
like to help us decorate.

Do they?

Well...

To Christmas in Jamaica.

To Christmas in Jamaica.

Molly?
Are you up?

I am now.

There's a phone call for you,
someone from the airline?

Okay.

It's right over there, dear.

Hi, this is Molly Clark.
Very happy to hear from you.

Greg, why don't you read
our Christmas question for the day?

All right. Absolutely.

In the 12 days of Christmas,
how many pipers are piping?

On the first day of Christmas
my true love gave to me...

Eleven days?

What am I supposed to do
in the meantime?

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Well, that's not a very
Merry Christmas face.

Well, every flight they have is
booked until the end of the week.

I mean, they said
they will call me

if there is a cancellation,
but it's highly unlikely,

being the busiest time of year.

Tough break.

Well, not for us.
The more the merrier at Christmas.

Absolutely.

And look on the bright side,
you guessed the right answer.

Pipers piping... 11.
You nailed it.

Yeah. You get to open
the advent calendar today.

- It's that one.
- Okay.

And don't forget to read
what's written inside.

That's your Christmas message
for today.

Okay.

Every Christmas is a journey.

And, sometimes
the destination is a surprise.

Reindeer Lodge?

Well, I haven't heard
about that place in years.

I use to take my kids up
there when they were little.

They had those reindeer tours.
Do they still have those tours?

Well, we haven't seen any
reindeer yet, but we'll see.

I don't think people are really interested
in that kind of thing anymore.

Maybe if you had
a ninja reindeer robot, but,

well, what about this?

This is something very similar

what Rosemary Clooney wore
in White Christmas.

No? Okay.

I designed this
for the mayor's wife.

She wore it in the last Christmas
Parade, did a great acclaim.

It's not really me.

Well.

Here's something
you can't say no to.

This is gonna get you
under the mistletoe.

Do you have anything
just a little less merry?

Less merry?
Certainly.

I can find you something
less merry.

Be right back.

Do you think Greg will like this?

Well, you know,
what they traditionally say,

reindeer is
the first anniversary gift.

Well, I hope so.

It's been a rough year,
business has been slow,

and I'm just hoping to get everything
right for us this Christmas.

Sorry that you got stuck here,
but it is a cute little town.

Yeah, no, it's not the town,
it's just I usually avoid Christmas

and, you know, well, here I am
stuck right in the middle of it.

- You don't like Christmas?
- It just brings up some memories.

- Good or bad?
- A bit of both.

Well, here it is.

Utilitarian but understated.

Less merry.

- So, anybody special back home?
- I'm not a relationship person.

That is ridiculous.

I believe there's somebody
out there for everyone.

Why do married people
always say that to single...

- Hi, honeybunch.
- There you are.

You know, I got some
great shots for the book

all we need now
are those reindeer photos.

You really like reindeer,
don't you?

His grandmother always says that
a reindeer is the symbol of true love.

It's actually a Nordic myth.
Grandma is very old world.

Yeah, I know it sounds a little weird

but she always says that
when a couple first meets,

if they go into the wilderness

under a full moon
and they see a reindeer...

- It means they are destined to be together.
- Forever.

You learn something new
every Christmas.

Yeah, my grandma bought me
my first camera.

We wanna dedicate
this book to her

so we got to have those
reindeer photos in there.

Why is it that
my husband is so sweet?

Well, it doesn't take a reindeer

to tell me you guys
are gonna be together forever.

I'll catch up
with you guys, okay?

- Look at that.
- Nice.

So, you don't think
I can get them, do you?

No, I know you could get that.

- You believe in me.
- I love it.

The Reindeer Lodge.

I haven't thought
about that place in years.

My parents used
to take me up there

when I was a kid
to see the reindeer.

But I didn't think anybody even
bother going up there anymore.

Yeah, well, we did.

Anyway, I don't suppose
you have a...

power cord
for one of these, do you?

- Yup.
- Great.

Well, I mean, I did.

Yeah.

I just sold the last one to... well,
that fellow right there.

I was gonna make you wait
until Christmas, but,

- I guess, you can have it.
- Thank you.

At least let me
give you some money for it.

That's a gift.
It's Christmas.

Okay, then,
let me get you something.

- Nah.
- Come on.

You got to find something
in here interesting.

This is beautiful.

Well, those are
actually one of a kind.

Handmade right here in Jamaica.

My dad got me
something like this.

You know what?

Sorry, what?

You wanna give me a gift?

There's a place down the street

that sells Vermont's version
of a Jamaican rum punch.

You wanna try it?

Why not?

- Here you go.
- This is what I did.

- Two hot buttered rums.
- Thank you.

Okay, so this is Vermont's version
of the Jamaican rum punch.

Okay.

- It's really good.
- Would I steer you wrong?

- Well, we are in Vermont.
- Okay.

So, tell me about your reindeer.

Well...

when I was growing up,
we didn't have much money

so I used to make
my own decorations.

Let me guess,
a toilet paper roll angels?

Exactly.

Marshmallow snowman?

Those too.

But, I can never make a reindeer

because I could never get
the antlers and the legs right.

- They're complicated animals.
- They're very complicated.

Anyway, one Christmas Eve
when I was eight years old,

my dad was on his way home
from work

and he got stuck
in a snow storm,

and then it was just me
and my mom.

I'm so sorry.

Yeah.

But that morning,

there was a little gift
under the tree for me,

and my mom said that my dad
had left it for me.

So, I opened it

and he had carved me this, like,
perfect little reindeer.

It was really sweet.

I wish I knew where it was now.

- Christmas is complicated, huh?
- Yeah, Christmas is complicated.

So, what about your mom?
You don't spend Christmas with her?

No, she moved to Florida
with her new husband.

He's very lovely and...
...They're happy but...

she has a new life
and a new family.

And I mean, they try
to make me feel welcome but...

I don't know,
I just don't fit in anymore.

What about your family?

It was just me and my dad,
not that close.

Well, that's sad.

Is that why you spend
Christmas alone?

Not exactly.

It's just one
of those things, you know.

I have an idea.
Come with me.

Come on.

To the Reindeer Lodge, good sir.

This is happening.
We're doing it.

- Sorry, we're late guys.
- No, no, no, you're right on time.

Okay.

Wait, hold up, hold up.
I got to get that.

All right.
There we go.

Perfect.

Here you are.

- Thank you very much.
- You're welcome.

So...

Wait, wait.

Don't turn them on.
I've got the cocoa.

- Grab some cocoa, guys.
- Thank you.

We have a tradition here
at Reindeer Lodge.

Every year, we always toast
to Christmas lights.

All right.

Everybody ready.

Let's just hope
I did this right.

All right, here we go.

Yeah.

Hey, hey, hey.

To Christmas.

To Christmas!

To Christmas.

- It's beautiful, darling.
- Beautiful.

- I love them.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Definitely going in the book.

- Look, that one came out perfect.
- Yes.

- I told you.
- Yes.

So...

did that change your mind
about Christmas lights?

What do you mean?

You still think
it's not worth the trouble?

I will let you know.

- Jared?
- Hi.

Everything all right?

Yeah, yeah, it's fine.
It's just...

How are things working out
up there? Any problems?

No.

No, well, not really.

It's just this place, it's...

I mean, it's not just
a piece of property, you know.

I understand that.

These things
can be a bit tricky.

Yeah.

Well...

and I've also got myself into
a... bit of a situation here.

What type of situation?

- Hi.
- Good morning.

You sure are up
early this morning.

Yeah, well, the wife...

gets tired of picking up
these wood chips,

so I had been banished
to the great outdoors.

Any sign of those reindeer yet?

Well, nothing yet,
but you never know.

They have a habit
of making an appearance

when you least expect them.

Do you think you could...

show me how to do that?

Sure.
Give it a try.

Well, please let me know
if you have another cancellation.

Okay, yes,
Merry Christmas to you too.

- Let me help you.
- Thank you.

- So, no luck with the airline?
- Still no cancellations.

They're fully booked
until the New Year.

I'm sorry.

We sure have enjoyed
having you here.

Thank you, Penny, I'm sorry.

I am having a nice time,
it's just...

this isn't how I expected
to spend my Christmas.

Well, you can't plan everything.

Sometimes
the best things in life

are the things
we weren't expecting at all.

Help me decorate?

I haven't done
this in a long time.

It's like riding a bike,
you never really forget.

I'll give it a try.

You know, life is a lot
like Christmas.

Yeah, how so?

Well, think about it.

We have all these traditions,

the Christmas lights,
the music, the baking.

And every once in a while,

something comes along

that surprises us,
and who knows,

if it fits, it could end up
becoming a Christmas tradition, too.

You know, Jared has been
helping Chris all day out there.

I bet he's worked up
quite an appetite.

Well, what do you think of this?

I think he'll love it.

- Hey.
- Hey.

So, what do you think,
we got enough

to make it through Christmas?

I think we got enough to get it
through until next Christmas.

- Here.
- What's this?

Something to keep
your strength up.

Wait, did you make this?

Well, I helped.

This is delicious.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Okay.

For somebody who claims
to not like Christmas,

you sure make
a mean gingerbread man.

Yeah, well, spending my holidays

at a place
called The Reindeer Lodge,

I figured I'd sink or swim.

I better get back
to the kitchen.

Penny is a baking machine.

- Molly?
- Yeah?

- No, just thanks for the cookie.
- Yeah.

Hey, guys, get closer together.

Go.

Perfect.

We're going to the woods
to look for some reindeer,

- if you wanna come.
- Come on.

Folks.
Folks.

I'm sorry, I got some bad news, but...

...we have reindeer problems.

What?

So, the reindeer is sick?

I know, it's rare
but it does happen.

And reindeer
are very sensitive animals

so I think it's best
if I keep them quarantined

for their own protection.

But we can take
one little picture, right?

Well, no.

I'm sorry,

I just can't risk it

and I'm not even sure
you're gonna be able

to see the reindeer
before you leave.

But that was the whole point
of us coming up here.

We base the entire book on this.

I understand and...
I'm sorry, and I really am.

Maybe we could give you
some sort of a refund?

Yeah.

That's really sweet,
but it's not your fault.

Of course, not, it just...

It just means we have
to rethink things, is all.

- We'll figure something out.
- Yeah.

Molly, it is your turn
to ask the Christmas question.

Okay.

"What does Santa Claus
put in the stocking

of those who have been
naughty?"

Coal.

That's right.
Here you go.

A Christmas surprise
will come your way.

It already has.

All right.

Let's get back some
of that Christmas cheer, guys.

Yeah, why don't we put up
that tree, after all?

That's a wonderful idea.

That is a great idea.

Chris, where is it?

It's outside leaning
against the railing.

- Which railing?
- Next to the back door.

Not anymore.

I can't believe you actually
chopped up the Christmas tree.

How was I supposed to know?
A tree is a tree, right?

Not when it's laying up against the
house looking all Christmassy, man.

Guys, we just got
to find a pine tree.

Yeah, how hard can it be?

The woods are full
of them, right?

Okay, what do you say
we split off into groups?

First group to find
a suitable tree, call out,

we all come together, cut it down,
drag it back to the house.

- Cool.
- We got that.

- Okay.
- And I won't burn it.

Let's go.

Still rather
be taking pictures of reindeer.

Come on.

So, you never did tell me
what you do for a living.

I work in finance.

What kind of finance?

Real estate.

Properties mostly.

Actually, I work for my father.

Wait, I thought you said
you didn't see your father?

No, no, I said we weren't close.

I see him every day.

Well, do you think that's why
you guys aren't close

because you see
each other all the time?

It started before that.

I was one of those
boarding school kids

who barely came home.

Even at Christmas?

Well, I have
my own tree in my room

and my dad
would send me money for gifts.

I'd buy them for myself,

and then I'd wrap them up,
put them under the tree,

and then on Christmas day,

I'd open them up
and pretend to be surprised.

But, I mean, not every year.

Jared, that is the saddest thing
I've ever heard.

Actually... I don't know,
I, kind of, liked being alone.

Boarding school
can be pretty noisy.

Maybe that's why this is
my favorite time of year.

Sometimes at Christmas,
it sounds like

the whole world
is taking a rest.

Listen.

Do you always spend
Christmas alone?

Not always.

There have been a few,

but this one's the first one
that I thought

I was definitely
going to be alone.

And I'm not.

Well, Penny says that sometimes
the best things in life

are the ones that
we aren't expecting at all.

This Christmas
is full of surprises.

Is this the right time
to let you know that...

I'm glad you got
on the wrong plane?

Molly, Jared.

- On our way.
- Okay.

- All right.
- Come here.

All right, yup.

I guess Greg found the stables.

What're you doing?

Hey, Chris said
the reindeer are sensitive.

- Stop...
- I'm not gonna bother them,

I just need to get one picture.

Hey, come on, man.

Leave the reindeer alone,
let's go find a tree.

Hold on, hold on,
I can almost see it.

Wait a minute.

What is it?

Greg.

Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.

- I don't see any reindeer.
- Yeah.

Because there aren't any.

The Reindeer Lodge
that has no reindeer.

Truth is, we don't know
what happened.

Whether it was a change
in the migration patterns

or a change in the weather

whatever it was,

one day they just wandered off
and never came back.

Didn't you try
and look for them?

No because this is
a nature preserve, not a zoo.

What's the difference?

Well, the difference is that
we don't own these animals.

They're free to come and go
as they choose.

So, they left?

But why the big secret?

Why not just tell us the truth
from the beginning?

Would you have come to a place
called The Reindeer Lodge

if you weren't gonna see
any reindeer?

The reindeer tours
pay our bills.

Things have been
a little rough this year.

I don't mind telling you...

Look, I apologize...
to all of you

for not being upfront
about all this.

I hope you know
we didn't mean you any harm.

I... we really thought
they were gonna come back.

I mean, we really did.
They usually do.

Anyway...

I better go get that tree
for Penny.

I'll help.

So much for our book.

Greg.

- Hey, Penny.
- Hello, dear.

Can I get you anything?

No, I just wanted to see

if you needed any help
with the baking.

Oh, no, thanks.
I'm all cookied out.

Did Chris tell you?

Penny, we're not gonna say
anything to anyone.

You're very sweet, dear.
But it's not just about that.

And I got some bad news
in the mail today.

I guess, we've fallen
a bit behind

on the bills and things.

Will it help
when the reindeer come back?

Afraid that really
won't make much difference.

People aren't too interested

in our reindeer tours
these days.

Sign of the times, I guess.

Why come all the way up here

to see a real reindeer
when you can

just watch them on your phone.

I really thought
the radio contest might help,

but all that did
was bring you somewhere

you never really wanted
to be in the first place.

Hey, you're not gonna lose
your home, are you?

Well, home is just
a place, dear.

The heart can travel.

I do worry about Chris though.

He loves this place so.
Anyway...

you do not need
to worry about us.

We will be fine.

It's Christmas.

Okay, tighten her up
and I think we got it.

And perfect.

- It looks pretty good?
- Yeah.

- It looks great.
- Yeah.

What's up?

It's just that's about the last tree
they get to see in this house.

The company
that owns the mortgage

on this place
is gonna foreclose.

No.

If they don't come up with
the money before Christmas Eve,

they're gonna lose
Reindeer Lodge.

Surely there's something
that we can do.

Hey, Kayla, what's wrong?

Everything.

Okay.

Hey...

anything I can do?

I really thought
the two of us coming up here

will be a good thing, you know.

After the year we had,

he just really want
his book to work out,

but he's feeling like a failure.

And we just had
a really big fight.

You know, I'm not really
an expert at this sort of thing

but...

I've watched you guys together,
you're crazy about each other.

Do you know how rare that is?

People go their whole lives
looking for what you guys have.

I know you've only been
married a year,

but, it's not
like Christmas lights.

Put all that work in
for a few weeks to twinkle

just to shut it down
January 1st.

You guys are in this
for the long run.

What you guys have got
is special.

You need to treasure it.

If I ever find
what you and Greg have,

I'm gonna spend
the rest of my life

doing everything in my power
to keep those lights on.

- Thank you.
- Yeah, come here.

- That's so beautiful.
- Thank you.

These are
our Christmas treasures.

Each one is a gift from someone
who spent the holiday with us.

This one is from the Carters,
they had two small children

and a great big dog
who used to come in

from the snow and shake
all over the carpet.

- May I help?
- I would love for you to.

- What about this one?
- That's from the Marshall family.

Mr. Marshall
was a cellist

and he played
the most beautiful music

in this room on Christmas Eve.

- How about this one?
- That's Mrs. Worthington.

She brought her young daughter
who was an actress who recited,

"The Night Before Christmas"

in front of that fireplace,
doing all by heart.

Can I help?

Of course, Kayla,
just go grab one you like.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

You wanna do this together?

- Yes.
- Yeah?

- Yes.
- Okay.

- You got a reindeer for me.
- Sure did.

Got it?

All right, everybody ready?

One, two, three.

My goodness.

Thank you, everybody.

It's just
so beautiful this year.

Yeah, that's Christmas.

Everything is gonna be
just fine.

- Hey.
- Hey.

I was just out here
grabbing some wood for the fire.

Let me help.

- Okay.
- You know,

I wish there was something we
could do for Chris and Penny.

Yeah, I know.
But business is business, right?

No, it's not just
a business, Jared.

It's a tradition
and it's Christmas.

I mean, we can't let
anything happen

to Reindeer Lodge,
it must be wrong.

What?

Nothing, I just...

I like looking at you
when you talk like this.

Like what?

I just didn't expect to see you
get so excited about Christmas.

I just think there's something
special about this place.

- Well, the reindeer?
- That too.

I have an idea.

- What is it?
- Can you cook?

Kinda.

Can you read Penny's writing?

Let's see.
Either cranberries

or Ecuador... I'd go
with cranberries.

Have you ever made one of
these Christmas dinners before?

No, but I just feel like,

everybody could use
the break right now.

Especially Penny, you know.

I mean, besides,
everyone does this.

How hard could it be?

You're really getting into
this whole Christmas thing?

Reindeer Lodge, is that place
still in business?

Yeah, it sure is.

Let me guess,
it was a family tradition.

I haven't been there
since I was a kid.

But I remember
we used to go every year.

I mean, where else
can you find reindeer?

- Yeah, where else?
- Where else?

- Canada.
- Really?

Northern Quebec to be exact.

There is a reindeer
preserve up there

that has
an overpopulation problem.

You're really considering
contacting these people.

I already did.

They know the situation
and they're willing to help us.

Okay, beyond
everything else though,

have you considered
how expensive

something like this is gonna be?

You're talking about relocating
an entire herd of reindeer.

I know.
We're gonna need some help.

- Oh, boy, that smells wonderful.
- Looks delicious.

I don't think we've ever had

our guests make
their own Christmas dinner.

Oh, gosh, Molly.
I don't know.

Northern Quebec
is a long way away.

Yeah.
Even if we could afford it,

I don't think Santa Claus
himself could deliver

a herd of reindeer
by Christmas Eve.

No. But I think
that if the people in town

knew what was happening,

they would wanna help
save Reindeer Lodge.

Molly's right,
you know, and your lodge

is a tradition in this town.

We just need to remind people
how important it is.

What if we have
some sort of fundraising?

Like an auction.

- That's a good idea.
- It is a good idea,

but there's just one problem.

We don't have anything
to auction off.

Actually, we do.

Excuse me.

Can you help me find
the Reindeer Lodge?

We used to use this to play
music for the reindeer at night.

Thought it might come in handy
for the party.

- Used to play the reindeer music?
- Yeah.

They were very partial
with this one.

Chris?

Chris, I need you
up here, please.

Excuse me. Duty calls,
I'll be right back.

- Hey, Jared.
- Yeah.

Do you think this is gonna work?

I don't know.

But I do know
that we've done our best.

Okay.

You heard anything
from the airline?

You know what's funny?

I have lost all desire
to travel this holiday season.

- All right.
- Yeah.

Did you mean
what you said to Kayla?

You heard that?

Well, I didn't mean to

but yeah, a little, a lot.

I heard all of it.

So, it sounds like you're gonna
land on Santa's naughty list.

- Really?
- He frowns on eavesdropping.

Well, I didn't think of it
as eavesdropping.

I thought of it more
as research.

Well, in that case,
I meant every word I said.

So, how was that research?

You know, I think I could use
a little bit more studying.

That didn't take long at all.

I'm sorry to interrupt

but this said gentleman wants
to look around the property.

His company owns
the deed to the lodge.

I apologize for the intrusion.

So many surprises
this Christmas.

I'm sorry.

Didn't Jared tell you
why I was coming?

You guys know each other?

Molly Clark,
let me introduce you

to the president of Davis
Investment Corporation,

William Davis,

my father.

- Molly, wait, let me explain.
- It's a little late for that.

- I didn't mean to hurt you.
- Really?

- Then why did you lie to me?
- I didn't.

I mean, not exactly.

Well, I told you I work
for my father's corporation.

Yes, and you conveniently
left out the rest.

What was I supposed to say?

You want a trip?

I'm here to foreclose
on two sweet, old people

and their reindeer ranch.

No, but I would have
appreciated the truth.

I know, I know

and I'm sorry.

I just... this is...

This is the first Christmas
that's meant something to me.

I didn't wanna lose that,
or you.

Molly, there's
a phone call for you.

Thanks.

Hello?

You do?

1:30, flight 1711.

Thank you, thanks.

They find you a seat?

Yeah, there's a cancellation
on tomorrow's flight to Chicago.

Oh, well.
Good.

Well, don't worry,
I'm still gonna be here tonight

to help with the auction.

It's not that, dear.
It's just...

Well, we've enjoyed
having you here and...

you're gonna miss Christmas.

Come here.

Maybe it's for the best.

I think I've had about all
the Christmas I need this year.

Smells great in here.

Jared,

may I have a word with you?

Not a good time, William.

You know,
for all the Christmases

you've missed in my life,

why do you have
to show up with this one?

- Come in.
- Hi, can you zip me, please?

Guys in the stables
are rearranging the photos

for, like, the hundredth time.

He thinks this is our first
public showing which it is.

You guys are great

and you take wonderful
pictures together.

Thank you.

Penny told me that you got
a flight for tomorrow.

I can't believe
you're actually going to leave.

Yeah, it's been fun

but time to get back
to the real world.

- What about Jared?
- What about him?

He's not part of that.

Molly, you stopped me from making
the biggest mistake of my life.

I'm gonna return the favor.

I appreciate what you're
about to say but...

But nothing,
Jared made a mistake.

Okay.

For Christmas, it's the time
for forgiveness, you know.

I told you I'm not
a relationship person.

Exactly.

Which is why you're not
an expert on this one.

It's still early.

The posters said 7:00,
it's almost 8:00.

Thank you.

I guess that people have
something better to do

two days before Christmas.

Good evening.

Looks like I'm a little early.

Well, this must make
both of you very happy.

This time tomorrow night,
Reindeer Lodge

will be all yours.

I'm gonna step outside.
It's a little stuffy in here.

- Molly.
- Jared.

- Could we have that word now?
- Not right now, William. Please?

Hello.

Would you like a cookie?

Sure.
Thank you.

- Molly, can we...
- Hey.

Hey.

I was just telling
Molly and Kayla here

why we're all so late.

Mrs. Elliot's cows got out
and blocked the main highway,

nobody could pass.

We all had to take
the side road.

I... just about the whole town
is on the way.

You know, everybody
just loves this place.

Around here, you could say
that the Reindeer Lodge

- has been a real...
- Tradition.

Sure it has.
I'll see you all inside.

Hi.

- Thank you.
- This looks great.

Thank you, good.

Darling...

Excuse me.

- Thank you for coming.
- Thank you.

- It's so nice to meet you.
- This look great.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you so much.

Thank you,
appreciate you coming.

Congratulations.

Great party.

Yeah, Director Kayla's
photographs

are so better than expected,

if it stays like this,

Reindeer Lodge will have
a very bright future.

Thanks to you.

Are you leaving tomorrow?

Yeah, I have to go back to work.
It's where I belong.

Thought you weren't sure
about that.

- Well.
- What if you belong here with me?

Well, then think
about my businesses

and there are no
unexpected surprises.

Molly, I wanted
to tell you the truth.

I did, it's just by the time
I built up the courage to do it,

I realized that
I was falling for you.

I'm really sorry, Jared.
I got to go.

Merry Christmas, you guys.
Thank you.

You know, your grandfather
used to do that,

sit and whittle for hours,
drove your grandmother crazy.

Sorry you wasted
your time coming up here.

What do you mean?

Tonight was pretty successful.

It looks like Penny and Chris

would be able to keep the lodge
running for quite a while.

Well, I didn't come up here
for business.

I knew you'd be able
to handle it just fine

whatever the outcome.

Why are you here?

I came up here to see you.

Me?

You see me every day
at the office.

We pass each other
in the hallways

and barely say hello.

All of our conversations
involve either contracts

or writing our contracts,
or signing.

Well, that's how you wanted it.

I know

and I also know that's my fault.

Listen Jared, I'm gonna
be retiring this year and,

I'm trying to get a few things
straight in my life

and one of those things
is you and me.

What's this is for?

I know I'll never be able to
make up all those years to you

but...

to me, that's just a figure
on a balance sheet

with all these people up here.

Tonight, it's obviously
much more than that.

Yes, it's a part of the town,
it's... they love it

and I've only been here
a little while,

- I can tell why, it's...
- Well,

I knew you had something else
on your mind.

I could hear it
in your voice on the phone.

I wish to get back to Chicago

but let's not let another year go by
without making time for family.

Merry Christmas, son.

Merry Christmas, dad.

Are you sure?

All right.

I'll take it out to the cab

- for you.
- Thanks.

Put in a few extra
gingerbread men,

you never know
about that airline food.

- Thank you, Penny.
- No.

Thank you for all you've done,

without you I...

Well...

Well, there is only
one door left.

That you have a question?

I could but I think

- you already know the answer.
- Well...

I'll save it for later then.

Aren't you gonna
say goodbye to Jared?

We've already said our goodbyes.

- Merry Christmas.
- Hey, safe travels, okay?

- Merry Christmas.
- Okay.

- Merry Christmas.
- Thank you.

Traveling on Christmas Eve, huh?

Must be going
to meet someone special.

No, I'm a...
I'm just on my way home.

This Christmas gift is love.

- Beg your pardon?
- Never mind.

Hi, Mr. Roberts,
it's Molly Clark

from Manchester's Offer,
we spoke last week

about the proposal.

I know it's Christmas Eve but...

No, I do have a life, I...

Not a problem, we can speak
after the Holidays.

Okay, bye.

- Hi.
- Hi, where are you traveling to?

- Chicago.
- Last name?

Clark, Molly Clark.

Last name, Clark.

Here you are.

Picture ID.

Passport, driver's license?

Yes, of course, I really like
your Christmas decorations.

I haven't really noticed,
we've been busy this week.

Miss, your ID?

I need it if you're planning
to travel today.

Miss?

- I don't understand.
- It's yours.

My father gave it to me.
I'm giving it to you.

I'll set it up
as a permanent trust,

so it'll be yours
and this town's forever.

What? Jared.

Jared...

I don't know what to say.

It's Christmas.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

- Thank you.
- Merry Christmas, Jared.

- Merry Christmas, man.
- Merry Christmas.

I'm gonna go get
some logs for the fire.

Sounds like the whole world
is taking a rest.

I found this in my bag.

I didn't know what else to do
except to say, "I'm sorry".

I didn't mean to lie to you.

I'm sorry, too.
I shouldn't have run away.

I was... I was afraid.

Of what?

Of this, of us taking a chance,

I really didn't expect
my Christmas to be like this.

Well, we're even then

because I didn't expect
to ever see you again

and you're here.

So, what happened?

Did you get
on the wrong plane again?

No.

I'm exactly where
I'm supposed to be.

- Hey, everyone.
- Chris, Penny.

What's wrong?

- We found a reindeer.
- What?

- Where?
- In the woods.

There's like five or six

- of them.
- Actually eight.

- You already knew?
- Yes, isn't it lovely?

You know, they say that the
reindeer is the symbol of true love.

I knew it.

You know,

we were afraid
they might not come,

that it would take some
sort of Christmas magic

but I think
you all brought that.

You brought your love,
young love, and new love.

I think true love
brought the reindeer.

- We have to tell Chris.
- Chris knows.

Guys, guys.

Guys, guys.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.