Sharing Christmas (2017) - full transcript

'Twas the night
before Christmas,

when all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care,

in hopes that Saint Nicholas
soon would be there.

The children were nestled
all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugarplums
danced in their heads.

And Mama in her kerchief,

And I in my cap,

had just settled in
for a long winter's nap,



when out on the lawn,
there arose such a clatter.

Yes!

I sprang from my bed
to see what was the matter.

But I heard him exclaim
ere he drove out of sight,

"Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!"

Take care.
Thank you so much.

- Thank you.
- Good night.

Mom?

Are you okay?

Yeah. It's just...

I can't believe
that was the last time.

Honey, we're only moving
out to Long Island.

We can always come back
and visit.

I know. It's just...



I never thought it'd be so hard
to leave this place.

Are you guys sure
I can't convince you to stay?

We talked about this.

Your father and I
aren't getting any younger.

And you, we couldn't ask
for anyone better

to take our place here,
seriously.

Honey, the customers love you,
the employees love you.

You've always done
such a great job

keeping the Christmas Eve
block party going.

That is, assuming you
wanna keep the shop going.

- Yeah.
- Are you kidding me?

This store has been in
our family for over 40 years.

This is practically
your life's work.

Of course I wanna keep it going.

Well, since that's the case,

The Christmas Shop...

is all yours.

I'm gonna miss you guys!

We're gonna miss you too,
sweetheart.

Merry Christmas.

No, I'm serious. Look,
you never know what you're...

- Yeah, okay.
- I'm so sorry.

- Sorry. Here.
- No.

- Here, after you.
- Please.

Yeah, sorry.
Hang on. So...

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
No, I think we should...

Don't you just love
Christmas in New York?

Someone woke up on the right
side of the Christmas tree.

Good morning, Toby!

Good morning to you too.

Someone spiked her eggnog.

Guys, this is my first day
running The Christmas Shop,

and I am going to make it...

our best season yet.

Okay!

So what are we gonna
work on first?

What do you mean?

It's like you said,
The Christmas Shop is yours.

That means you can change
whatever you want.

Guys, why would I
wanna change anything?

People have been coming here
for 40 years.

Generations have grown up
with this place.

I think it's perfect
just the way it is.

What are we gonna do about the
big Christmas Eve block party?

I mean, your dad
always did the decorations,

and your mom would always
read the crowd a story.

Assuming people even come.
You know sales are down.

Guys, we can handle it.

Erika and I have been practically
running this place for years anyway.

Come on, there's nothing
to worry about.

Everything's going
to be just fine.

Yeah, I'll look into that
for you.

These figures in front of me
look promising.

Yeah, okay.

Yeah, yeah.
Let me call you back.

All right, yeah. Helen!

- What can I do for you?
- In case you haven't heard,

there's this thing
called "Christmas".

That sounds vaguely familiar.

You sure? 'Cause I'm not seeing
any holiday spirit in here.

Well, I know, I know.
I just, I've been so, so busy.

Yeah, come with me.
I wanna show you something.

Yeah?

Michael.

Is this the new development?

50 stories, 90 units,
full concierge service,

health and fitness spa,
three restaurants,

and an organic supermarket.

Broadway Towers.

Think you can handle it?

I thought Dunbar
was overseeing this.

He gave notice this morning.
He's going over to Weddington.

Rich and Chris are still stuck
on this downtown project.

I honestly don't have
anybody else available.

Look, if it's gonna
be too much work,

I mean, we could outsource...

No, no, no, I...
I can handle it.

- You sure?
- Absolutely, yeah, yeah.

Great. You don't have plans
for Christmas, do you?

Of course you don't.

The way your office looks,
I wouldn't be surprised

if you got visited by
three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

You know.

A Christmas Carol.
Yeah, I get it.

Hey, if you were gonna
take some time off, take it now.

Find somebody special to celebrate
before things get crazy around here.

Thank you for shopping
The Christmas Shop

- and have a merry day.
- Thanks.

- Hey, Chuck.
- So the folks finally retired.

Yes, but don't you worry.
We are not going anywhere.

This is for Parker.

I know how much he loves them.

I'll see you tomorrow,
Stephanie.

Is there anything for me?
I'm expecting a package.

You shipped it here?

Yeah. My roommate
opens my mail.

It's from our landlord.

You're running the place one day,
and they're already raising the rent?

- Actually, they're kicking us out.
- Ha ha. Very funny.

I'm serious.
It's a 30-day notice.

It says the trust
sold the building,

and the buyer isn't renewing
any of the leases.

Let me see that.

She's not kidding.

It says our last day's
December 31st.

Did you get one too?

They can't do that, can they?

Just kick you guys
out like that?

Well, we're month-to-month,

so as long as they give
a 30-day notice,

they can technically
do whatever they want.

This is my daughter's favorite store.
She's gonna be heartbroken.

Well, what about Patty Cakes?

You can get coffee
and cupcakes anywhere,

but this place,
it's one-of-a-kind.

Where would you start over
with a shop like this?

Okay, guys, do me a favor
and don't tell my parents, okay?

I wanna be the one to call them.

Eventually.

A toast to my kid brother,

improving the city
one building at a time.

How about we see if I actually
pull it off first?

Will you look at that?
A New York real estate mogul

who's actually humble.

Dad would be proud.

Yeah.

I know it's not Christmas yet,
but we got you something.

Aw, you guys.
Well, I didn't get you anything.

That's all right. Like she said,
it's not Christmas yet.

Stop it!

- Okay.
- This guy.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Hey!

Whoa! First edition?

- Where'd you find this?
- A thrift shop in the Village.

Since we couldn't get you
what you really needed,

it's the next best thing.

What is it that I really need?

Doesn't it bother you?

You work all the time,
and you have no social life.

Mike, when was
the last time that you,

you know, took a little time
for yourself?

I appreciate your concern, I do,
but I'm fine, really.

I have someone
that I want you to meet.

- Julia...
- We went to Columbia together.

She's 33, she's lovely, and
she's a lawyer at a midtown firm.

Just promise me
that you'll e-mail her.

I appreciate the gesture.

I do, really, but I'm fine.

Really.

It's the sitter.
Excuse me.

Come on. Work is going great,
you're making decent money.

Don't you think it's time
to start thinking about

settling down,
having a kid of your own?

And give up being Uncle Mike?
Not a chance.

Come on, let's eat.

- Hello.
- Hey.

You just caught me.
I was about to...

- I've seen you before.
- I don't think so.

At the coffee shop
downstairs, right?

- Right! Yes, hi!
- Hi.

Can I help you find something?

Well, actually, I'm looking
for a Christmas decoration.

Not really sure if
I'm in the right place though.

I think we might
have a few left.

So are you looking
for anything in particular?

Well, something small.
I haven't had a lot of time

to get out this year
and find anything.

My mother always said
the best ornaments

were the ones
that say something.

Well, how about a snowman
playing the guitar?

- Oh, you like him, huh?
- I do.

Check it out.

Sounds like his guitar
is out of tune though.

Well, to be fair,
it's kinda hard to play

when your arms
are made of twigs.

Touche.

This is...

this is some place you got here.

Yeah, well, take a good look
while you can.

You going out of business?

They sold the building,

and they're kicking us out
at the end of the month.

- Well, that's a shame.
- Yeah.

Tell that to the Scrooges
who are kicking us out.

And with business being so slow,
we can't really afford to move.

Well, maybe I could help.

Do you have any experience
in Christmas miracles?

No, but I do have a little
experience in real estate.

I'd be happy to give you
some advice.

I mean, if you want.

- Some advice?
- Yeah, well...

assuming that you've been
a good tenant,

which I'm sure that you have,

I think they could get you
at least a relocation cost.

Interesting.

Of course, you could
always just fight it.

I'll tell you what.
I'm gonna look at a few things,

and I'll give you a call tomorrow.
If you want.

Stephanie Nichol.

It's really nice to meet you,
Stephanie. I'm Michael.

I'm gonna take this little guy
'cause he's got soul.

Great choice.

Is that in dollars?

And two eyes made out of coal.

What are you working on?

I'm just looking something up
for a friend.

Take a walk with me.

- Morning!
- Good morning, Erika.

Late night?

I was looking
for spaces for rent.

- And?
- I don't suppose you have any

rich uncles I don't know about.

I gotta tell you,
my mom is not gonna be happy

with me moving back in with her.

We have 30 days
to figure this out.

- We can do this. We can.
- Yeah.

I know you're
the optimistic one.

That's what everyone
likes about you.

But it's not like someone's
just gonna walk in the door

and tell us how
to save the store.

- Well...
- Did someone walk in the door

and tell you
how to save the store?

All he said was that
he was in real estate,

and he might be able to help.

But it might be nothing.

Nothing?
Stephanie, think about it.

The day you find out
you're getting evicted,

someone just happens to show up
and offers you a way out.

It's like a fairy tale.

Okay, what if I am not looking

for my Prince Charming
right now?

When are you gonna learn
there's more to life

than just eating frozen pizza
at home alone?

And what if I like frozen pizza?

All I'm saying is
open your mind.

Sometimes change is good.

What are we doing here?

You are so terrible
at surprises.

You must've been a real pistol
at Christmastime.

I give you Broadway Towers.

Wait, you bought this building?

Trolley Square?

Isn't it great?
The location is perfect.

I mean, it's near the subway.
Park's two blocks that way.

What about the tenants?

Well, you don't have
to worry about them.

They'll be out
by the end of the month.

It's him.

Prince Charming?

So if everybody
gets out by the 31st,

I mean, we can break ground
the first of January.

- Michael!
- Hi, Stephanie.

Break ground for what?

A state-of-the-art
residential complex

and shopping center.

And you are?

Stephanie Nichol.

Helen.

Do you two know...

Michael, are you okay?
You look sick.

Michael, I don't understand.

I'm the Scrooge
that's kicking you out.

A little experience
in real estate?

- I told you, I didn't know.
- And you just wander in.

I was looking
for Christmas decorations.

I'm such an idiot.

Nobody's saying that you have
to close the store forever.

There's plenty of opportunities
in the city for places like this.

You think I didn't look?
Without rent control,

we don't have a lot of options.

Well, maybe I can help
you find something.

You know what?
Why do I have to move?

Why don't you find a new place?

You said yourself there's plenty
of opportunities in the city.

Stephanie, this is
a billion-dollar development.

They're not just gonna
pick up and move because...

Why? Because of a little shop
like this?

Last night, you told me
I should fight.

That was before.

Before you knew it was you.

Yeah.

Best I can do, I can talk
to my boss about this,

but I'm not making any promises.

Okay, well,
I won't hold my breath.

Let's get back to work.

I can be back in the office
in 30 minutes.

Hey, guys.

How's the new place?

So far so good.

We're still unpacking.
Your father is a pack rat.

Hey, I'm standing right here.

So how's everything
with the shop?

The shop is, great.

You actually brought this?

It's my favorite hat.

I'll buy you a new one.

You sound stressed out.

Mom, everything's fine.

Are you eating okay?

I could have Patty bring you
some of her rugelach.

It's just been a busy day,
that's all.

You're sure
there's nothing I can do?

Mom, everything is okay.
I'll call you later, okay?

Sure. Love you, sweetheart.

- Here you go.
- Thank you.

Stephanie!

Hey, Amelia.

Are you going
to take my order today?

In that case,

I will have the usual.

Coming right up.

Thank you.

- Hey, what did she say?
- The usual.

I'll get that.

Don't you have eviction notices
to be serving up or something?

I'll tell you what.

I have a table over there
with an empty chair.

Now if you wanna take a moment
and chat, it's yours.

If not, it's really nice
to see you again,

and I hope to see you
around, okay?

Yep.

It's the good-looking ones
you have to worry about.

Yeah, right?

- Talk to him.
- What?

You know what they say.

Yeah, that no good deed
goes unpunished?

Keep your enemies closer.

Bah humbug.

Gingerbread muffin?

I thought Christmas
wasn't your thing.

I don't have anything
against Christmas.

I'm just busy.

I really wanna help you.

This place will have
to close too, you know.

And the flower shop
across the way.

Did you know the Blooms invested
their entire life savings

into that place?

Wait. Their last name
is actually Bloom?

Stephanie, look around.
It's dead here.

I suppose you and your boss
want to turn it into a juice bar

or a yoga studio.

You're taking this personally.

It is personal.

My parents worked so hard
for that place. 40 years.

I'm sure that they'll understand
that it's not your fault.

Says a guy who's probably never
had to worry about anything

a day in his life.

You think I just woke up one day

and decided I wanted to do this?

That's just the sad part.
Maybe it is just a job for you.

But I've spent practically
my entire life in that shop,

and if you just spent
a little time there,

you would see
how special it was too.

I don't need to hang out
in your shop

to see how much it means to you.

No, but maybe you'd find
it means something to you.

I'm gonna need you down there
on site anyway,

meeting with the architects,
contractors, inspectors.

You know,
and if your being there

makes her feel more comfortable
about this transition,

then what's the harm?

Because I feel bad.

She already told me that
the store can't afford to move.

I can't be concerned with
the well-being of every tenant.

I know.

All I'm saying is that
with everything going on,

it might just be easier
if you were down there on site.

I'll think about it, okay?

Don't forget your snowman.

We wouldn't want him
to get lonely now, would we?

Don't look now, but your
Prince Charming is back.

Michael.

What are you doing here?

Well, someone told me
if I spent a little time here,

I'd see how special
this place really is.

Luckily for me, I have to
spend a lot of time here

getting this project
off the ground.

Well, in that case,
welcome to The Christmas Shop.

You set this all up yourself?

It's a work in progress.

And in this corner,
we have our very own North Pole.

Does he sing too?

Funny.

And then right over here
is our holiday row.

This is where we keep
all of our themed ornaments.

We have a Fourth of July tree,
a Halloween tree.

- An Easter tree?
- We're a year-round store.

You should've seen
our haunted house in October.

I can imagine.

Block party, huh?

The biggest and best
holiday block party

in our neighborhood.

We do it every Christmas Eve,
right here behind the building.

Cute.

I never would've imagined that
there was enough Christmas stuff

to, you know.

Fill an entire store?

Anything and everything you need
for the holiday spirit.

That's what my mom used to say.

I'm curious about one thing.

Why didn't your parents
ever decide to modernize?

What do you mean?

Well, I'm not saying that
you have to change everything.

It's just, you know,
little updates here and there.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Stephanie,
your register's ancient,

you have handwritten price tags,

and you got a staff of,
what, two?

How do you even process
online orders?

Do you even have a website?

- Seriously?
- Everybody's got a website.

The Christmas Shop
is meant to be an experience.

When you walk in here,
it's not just another shop.

It's the lights
and the music and the...

Animated Santa Claus.

Okay, turn around
and close your eyes.

Right now?

I won't bite.

All right, now what?

Take a deep breath.

Smell that?

I, uh... Oh, wait.

Is that pine?

Cinnamon.

Is that apple?

It's Christmas.

I, yeah...

I have a contractor's meeting
in five minutes downstairs,

- so...
- Okay.

I'm gonna go to work.

- Thank you.
- Of course, yeah.

Yeah, she's old-fashioned.

She just likes nostalgia.
There's nothing wrong with that.

You have to admit, your parents
were a little old school.

Isn't that part of the appeal?

Why does everything
have to change?

You like her.

No, it's just business, man.

I don't actually
work at the store.

I just have a lot of
on-site meetings, you know?

Seeing him with those
inspectors and everything,

it was like he couldn't wait
to tear the place down.

He's just doing his job.

Maybe if he wasn't
trying to destroy

everything my parents
worked so hard for,

I would think about it.

So you're telling me
that if all things were equal,

you still wouldn't
go out with her?

What's it matter?

At the end of the month,
it'll be closed,

and Helen will have
her big new skyscraper.

- What are you gonna do?
- I don't know.

I'm not really looking for
someone in my life right now.

I meant the store.

Oh, right.

You still have that reporter
friend over at the Sentinel.

I have an idea.

Michael, could you...

Oh, sure.

- Thanks.
- Of course.

I got you, bro.
Here you go.

All right, have a good one.

Thanks.

- Bye. Thanks for coming.
- Bye. Thanks.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

That is not how we say that.

- Say what?
- Repeat after me.

Thank you for shopping
at The Christmas Shop.

Have a merry day.

Come on, just try it.

Thank you for shopping
at The Christmas Shop!

Thank you for shopping
at The Christmas Shop.

- Have a merry day.
- Have a merry day.

That's sort of what
you're going for, right?

Somewhere in there?
You hate it.

Yeah..

Watch a master at work.

Welcome to The Christmas Shop.
How may I help you?

I am Allie Hadley
with the New York Sentinel,

and I am looking for Stephanie,

regarding a potential article
about The Christmas Shop.

- Yes, I'm Stephanie.
- Hi.

You were not kidding.
This place is really cute.

You said you work
for the Sentinel?

Yeah, hi, Allie.
You work here too?

Interesting story about that.

Michael Kilpatrick.
I work for MacLaine Properties.

You guys don't mind
if I record this, right?

How about that one right there?

It's called
The Christmas Shop. Yeah!

All in different colors.

Really pick whatever you want.
Thanks.

What is going on?

The Sentinel printed
a story about the shop

on the front of
their Life section.

Thank you for shopping
at The Christmas Shop.

Have a merry day!

Get a load of this!
Isn't it incredible?

Actually,
it's a Christmas miracle.

It seems like
the Upper West Side

might get coal in their
proverbial stocking this year,

in yet another example
of a well-connected developer

forcing out a quaint
mom-and-pop shop.

I'm just trying to
enhance the neighborhood.

I don't need
this kind of publicity.

I warned you.

This Christmas Shop is really
important to Stephanie.

She's not going down
without a fight.

Clearly.

Maybe there's something that
we can do to let her stay.

It's just one store.

If we don't break ground
on schedule,

the financiers
lose their patience.

And if the financiers
lose their patience,

the entire deal falls apart.

So no, Michael, I'm sorry.

The Polar Express
has left the station.

People have been
coming from all over the city

to finally experience
that holiday magic.

The shop is now run
by Stephanie Nichol,

whose parents started the
business about 40 years ago.

Just because something's
been around for a while,

doesn't mean
it needs to be replaced.

And it's so important to me

that the people of this
neighborhood and this city

have a place that they can go to

where they feel Christmas
spirit in their hearts.

That's not bad, huh?

While no one can say
how long it'll be here,

The Christmas Shop is a
memorable experience for anyone

who takes the time to visit.

- Hey, Mom.
- Ellen Peterson called to say

that she heard from Susan Larson
that Lilian Bland said

that they sold the building?

Mom, I am so sorry.

I just didn't wanna worry you.

Well, of course I'm gonna worry.

I'm your mother.

You're my responsibility.

I'll figure something out
somehow.

Is this even food?
Why can't I order the bacon?

Remember your last checkup?

Dr. Stein said you have
to watch your cholesterol.

You should see the attention
the shop has got

since the story went viral.

If I could just change his mind.

Whose mind?

It's, it's not important.

Steph, what have you
gotten yourself into?

Just let me call you
in a few days.

Everything is
gonna be just fine.

Okay, sweetheart.
I love you. Bye.

Daniel Martin Nichol!

You put that back
right this second!

We brought cupcakes!

Cinnamon swirl!

You didn't have to do that.

Speak for yourself.

Mommy, can I go see
the reindeer?

Sure.

All the press your store
has gotten

- has been great for business.
- Really?

You don't think it might
turn things around, do you?

I don't know.

But I wanted to tell you,

we found a new location.

Really?

Over on 84th.

It's smaller,
but it's got a great kitchen.

We were planning to move
after the block party.

The Blooms found a place too.

What about you guys?

- Well...
- Stephanie...

you're not actually trying
to fight them, are you?

No, no, of course not, I...

I better get going.

I didn't think you had
any meetings today.

I saw you on TV this morning.

Well, I just wanted
people to appreciate

a good old-fashioned Christmas.

I thought you were terrific.

Really?

You made me wanna run out
and buy an ornament right now.

Well, what's stopping you?

Look, since you're already here,
and you don't have any meetings,

do you wanna lend a hand?

Why not?

Patty came by this morning.

Said she found a place.

The Blooms too.

Really?

You didn't know?

Actually, I didn't.

But it must make you happy,
right?

I mean, you're winning.

Stephanie, this is not a game.

It's not about
winning or losing.

It's just progress.

Did it ever occur to you that
maybe things are a certain way

for a reason?

That tradition is
something to be preserved?

Tradition?

What are you doing
tomorrow night?

Why?

Well, I was wondering if...

maybe you would wanna
go someplace with me.

You mean, like a date?

No, no, definitely,
definitely not a date.

So, where are we
gonna be going exactly

on this not-date?

It's a surprise.

Well, at least tell me
what time I can pick you up.

You're going to
pick me up, are you?

Yeah. Tradition.

Okay.

Then this is my address.

- I'll see you at seven.
- Okay.

Excuse me, could you
help me find something

for my little girl?

Yeah, don't worry.
I got this covered.

Okay.

Right over here.

It's not a date.
It's just a... you know.

Business meeting?

She's determined to make me
fall in love with Christmas.

Do you ever ask yourself why he
agreed to be there at the shop?

Maybe he felt bad.

Or maybe he just wanted
to give the place a shot.

I actually think that she does
have something special there.

So what's the problem then?

You and I both know
what this is really about.

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

You're the one complaining
about the women you date.

And for good reason.

Michael is different.

He can actually be
pretty helpful...

when he wants to be.

You should've seen her
on television.

Yeah, this is just
a business meeting, all right.

Sure. Come on.
Let's hit the ice.

- Let me show you who's boss.
- You are so going down!

Not a date,
not a date, not a date.

You look...

So do you.

I mean, hi. Sorry.
Please come in.

This is some place you got.

What do you get
per square foot around here?

Sorry, I can't turn it off.

I was subletting
from a friend of mine,

and then I just
kinda took it over.

It's so close to the shop.
That's great.

One of the many benefits.

Are those...

Yeah, yeah, these are for you.

They're beautiful, thank you.

I'll go find something
to put them in.

Sounds good.

So any clue as to where
we're going tonight?

And ruin the surprise?

Hey, I think I know your cousin.

There we go. You ready?

Lead the way.

It's just up ahead, I promise.

Okay, I'm excited.

We're here.

What?

What is this?

You'll see.

After you.

You sure we wouldn't be more
comfortable in the back?

Relax.

- You are gonna love this.
- Okay.

Dave Koz?

I thought you'd appreciate it.

Stephanie.

You know the story
about this song?

No, tell me.

Well, originally
it was in German.

It's called "O Tannenbaum,"

and it wasn't Christmassy
at all.

It was just a story
about a fir tree,

and the fir tree
symbolized faithfulness.

Later, once the tradition of
the Christmas tree got started,

which was the late 1800s,

that's when they added
some more lyrics

and turned it
into the Christmas carol

that we know and love today.

I didn't know that.

That was amazing. How did you
know he was gonna perform?

Stephanie!
Merry Christmas.

It's great to see you.

Dave, there's someone
I want you to meet.

Dave, meet Michael.
Michael, meet Dave.

- Michael, nice to meet you.
- Yeah, great to meet you too.

- Did you enjoy the show?
- It was fantastic, yeah.

- It was really fun.
- Great.

I'm so happy
that you could come.

And by the way, you were
so right about the poinsettias.

Look how great
they look on our set.

- Always happy to help.
- I really appreciate it.

Listen, I gotta run.
Great to see you.

All the best.
Great to meet you, Michael.

- Yeah, a real pleasure.
- I appreciate you guys coming.

- Thank you.
- Merry Christmas!

- Merry Christmas!
- Bye.

Okay, so how do you know him?

- Who, Dave?
- Yeah.

He's been coming
to our shop for years.

Well, when he's actually
in town.

Okay, yeah.
Dave Koz shops at your store.

A lot of people do.

Like I told you,
our shop is special.

So you're really
into music, huh?

Actually, once upon a time,
I wanted to be a music teacher.

Well, I was a music teacher
briefly.

- Really?
- Yeah.

PS 238 in the Bronx.

- What happened?
- Budget cuts.

Apparently music appreciation
wasn't viewed as a necessity.

That's such a shame.

Luckily I had a fallback.

My dad was really into
real estate for a long time,

so it just kinda came
naturally to me.

Really?

Yeah, while all his friends
were saving up for college,

he bought his first building.

It was a rundown duplex
in Springfield, Ohio.

Wait, you're from Ohio?

Richland County,
born and raised.

I would've thought
you were more of a...

Big city guy?
Not a chance.

Well, I've lived here
my whole life.

Yeah, you strike me as the kinda
gal who likes to stay put.

So do you ever work with him?

My dad?

He, he offered, you know.

I think he always wanted me
to follow in his footsteps,

but I just wanted to make it
on my own, you know?

Do my own thing.

Now it's my turn to show you
something cool.

Come on.

Who is that?

This is one of
my favorite places in the city.

Michael K.

What's up, Randy?
I want you to meet...

- Christmas girl.
- Randy.

You're not the only one
who likes records, you know.

That record you ordered came in.

- I'm gonna grab it for you.
- All right.

So let me get this straight.

You know Dave Koz and Randy.

Well, when my parents
downsized their apartment,

I pretty much inherited
their entire collection.

You could say
that's when I fell in love.

I always felt that music
had the potential

to be honest and pure.

It's not just about
tempo and melody.

It's about the joy
that it brings people.

Culture.

The traditions?

Exactly.

- Here you go.
- Thanks.

Wait, a Christmas album?

Well, okay, first off,

this is not
just a Christmas album.

This is the Christmas album.

Recorded by the Good Knights.

- You know it?
- Know it?

My grandmother used to play this
for us every year.

I haven't heard
this album in years.

You should have it.

Wait, what?

Yeah, no, I want you to have it.

No, Michael, I couldn't.

Trust me, if anybody
deserves it, it's you.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I know Randy's store
is not for everyone,

but for those who love it,
it's special.

My family's shop isn't
much different, you know.

You know Randy
used to be downtown?

One day the building
that he was in

decided they could make more
money with a big box store.

Randy had to move.

I didn't know that.

That space that we were in?
I helped him find it.

All you have to do is ask.

Well, thank you for
a wonderful evening.

Will you be okay getting home?

I just have to pick something
else up on the way home.

Well, good night.

Good night, Stephanie.

Enjoy your record.

Okay, Michael.

If you can help Randy...

Does that look crooked to you?

Who asked you anyway?

Michael?

What are you doing?

Updating your software.

And what's wrong with
the old software?

Nothing.
I love a good abacus.

- I mean, who doesn't, right?
- Funny.

See, but with this program,

it uses your WiFi
to connect your scanners,

keeping track of your
inventory instantaneously.

Speaking of which,
did you know that you're down

to your last two sugarplum
music boxes?

Tradition doesn't have to be
outdated, Stephanie. Come on.

Excuse me, do you have
any cookie cutters?

- We sure do, they're...
- Allow me.

I got this.
Right this way.

Got everything you could
possibly ever dream of.

We've got Santa Clauses,
snowflakes, Christmas trees.

You're glowing!

I am not.

And he certainly seems
to be in a good mood.

He does, doesn't he?

Hey, I was wondering
if you could watch the shop.

I just have an appointment.

Everything okay?

Yeah, just a little something
I have to take care of.

- Sure, whatever you need.
- Take this one?

That feels right.
Excellent choice.

Christmas tree, okay.

So scan the item,

and it deducts it
from your inventory instantly.

Thank you.
That'll be $5.50.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Thank you for shopping
at The Christmas Shop.

Have a merry day.

Okay, you are getting
pretty good at that.

Don't you have work to do?

Hey, what are you doing
Friday night? I...

My brother has this
Christmas party every year,

and I was wondering,
maybe if you're not busy,

you'd like to come as my date.

Date?

We don't have to stay the whole
time if you don't want to.

It's usually
just his co-workers,

which are just a bunch
of boring computer people.

You make it sound so enticing.

Well, they have Jenga,
so that's a win.

I would love to, I really would,

but I have to set up
for the holiday block party.

But if you find yourself
getting tired

of your brother's co-workers...

I'd love to.

I mean, if you would like me to
help, I could come lend a hand.

Of course.

There she is!

Mr. Cranston!

Good to see you.

So how are the parents
enjoying retirement?

They're great.

Well, they're lucky to have you
look after the place.

Thank you.

So what do you have
for us this year?

I know it's in good hands.

I will let you know
when it's done.

All right.
Looking forward to it.

Bye, bye.

Is that a message from Santa?

Mr. Cranston is one of our
oldest and dearest customers.

About 35 years ago,

he had an idea
for an ornament he wanted made.

He brought the idea
to my father,

and he created him something.

Ever since, he's been
coming here every year

with a new subject,

something
to share with his wife.

And you make him an ornament.

It could be a moment,
a memory, a milestone.

One year, it was
the birth of their son.

Another, it was
a special vacation they took.

What was the subject this year?

Their first date.

What are we gonna make?

I don't know.

- Something urgent?
- It won't take long.

- Erika?
- Go. We got this.

- Don't we?
- Absolutely.

Thanks.

686 square feet.

The building's
just been renovated.

There is tremendous
foot traffic here.

Great visibility.

It's very nice.

So what is it you say you do?

Retail. Our family...

Well, I own a Christmas shop
on the Upper West Side.

I think I saw that on the news.

Didn't Helen MacLaine
buy that building?

Yep, that's the one.

I'm curious,
what is it your store does

for the rest of the year?

What do you mean?

Well, when
it's not Christmastime.

Well, we sell decorations
for other holidays as well.

St. Patrick's Day,
Valentine's Day, Easter.

Ms. Nichol.

I'm going to be
very honest with you.

The people that own this property,

they were looking for something
with a little more ongoing potential,

like a juice bar
or a yoga studio.

Right.

Of course.

You never know
until you try, right?

I, I do have a property
in Jersey City.

That might be a little more
up your alley.

Yeah. I'll think about it.

Hello?

It's me.

Hey, your father and I
are in the middle of a game.

He thinks Kringle
is a real word.

It is a real word!

What's going on?

I don't think I can do it.

Do what, sweetheart?

Save the shop.

I tried, Mom, I really did.

The shop just doesn't
make enough money

to qualify for a new lease.

Oh, honey.

I know how important the shop
is to you and Dad,

but it just, it just seems
like everything's changing.

And I'm trying so hard
to hold onto it,

to preserve something
that means so much

to so many people.

Well, you did
the best you could.

Then why do I feel like
I'm letting you down?

Not just you and Dad,

but Erika and Toby
and all the customers.

Honey, you didn't let us down.

We don't need the shop to be
happy. We have each other.

That's what's important.
That's all we've ever needed.

And you know what?

We'll make new traditions.

Erika and Toby will be fine.
The customers will be fine.

And your father and I
will always be proud of you,

no matter what, okay?

Now Christmas is in four days.

You make it the best four days
that shop has ever seen, okay?

Okay.

You got it.

Well?

It isn't here,
but I gave you "frankincense".

Frankincense is a word.

Dan.

What are we doing here?

Playing a game.

No, I mean here.

- I mean, don't you feel...
- Bored?

I miss the city.

We don't belong here.

We belong there,
with our daughter.

Well, then let's go home.

Really?

Yeah.

I love you!

Does this mean
I can order bacon again?

- No.
- No?

All right, well, yeah,

let's get those over
to the office, all right?

- Okay, thank you.
- Yes, sir.

Helen, what are you doing here?

Everything proceeding
on schedule?

Yeah, don't worry.
They'll be out on time

if that's what you're
concerned about.

Is that what you think?

They're good people.

I'm sure they are.

Michael, I realize that I put
a lot of responsibility

on your shoulders,

but I haven't heard from you
in three days,

so I wanted to come down here
and see how you were doing.

Look, the permits have been
submitted and approved.

They think that
they can preserve

some of the facade
as a focal point,

if you're still interested.

I wanted to come down
to see how you were doing.

Excuse me, can you help me
find something?

Of course, yeah.
Excuse me.

So are you looking for
something for your parents?

No, my teacher.

What grade are you in?

Third grade, but we're leaving.

My family and I
are moving to Seattle.

Seattle's a nice place.

I don't wanna move.

You know,
when I was about your age,

I had to move too.

To Seattle?

No, it was to Ohio.

My dad got a job there,

so we had to pack up
everything that we owned

and put it into these boxes

and get it all onto
a great big truck.

My mom let me pack my own toys.

Yeah? Well, you know
what happened after that?

I met my best friend Jack.

Yeah. We went everywhere
together. He was the best.

We went to the movies,
we went to the library.

He even taught my brother
and I how to play hockey.

- So guess what happened next?
- What?

I wasn't sad anymore.
In fact, it turned out to be

one of the best things
that ever happened to me.

I don't want Ms. Hill
to forget me.

- Is that your teacher?
- Yeah.

Do you have like...

Do you have like a favorite
memory from your class?

Last week she read us a book
about a gingerbread family.

Yeah?

Come with me.

I got the perfect thing for you.

What do you think?

It's just like the one
in the book!

Well, then I'm sure
she'll love it.

How much?

Tell you what.

If you give Seattle a fair shot,

it's on me, okay?

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Your boss left.

That's too bad.

So that was very sweet.

Well, you know,
somebody once told me

that the best ornaments
are the ones that say things.

Sounds like someone very wise.

And special.

- Speaking of ornaments...
- Yes?

I believe that we have
a first date ornament to make.

We do, do we?

Come on, open this letter up.
Let's see what it says.

I remember the very first date
Mary and I ever had.

I was working as a fry cook

in a little diner
in San Francisco.

One late December night,
I'm in the back.

Someone's crooning
"Jingle Bells" on the jukebox.

And that's when Mary walked in.

Her eyes sparkled
like ice crystals

on fresh fallen snow.

Her smile lit up the whole room.

We must've talked for hours.

And then I asked her to dance.

Right there in the middle
of that greasy diner.

And I knew I would be
dancing with this woman

for the rest of my life.

I got it.

Do you wanna help?

I'm not really
the artistic type.

Come on, this is your idea.

Grab me a brush.

Tiny one.

Other one.

Bingo.

Okay, here.

Okay, now dip lightly.

Okay.

And then make a circle
right in the middle.

All right, not bad.

You know, I think this
could use some glitter.

And you said you weren't
the artistic type.

When in Rome...

- Right there.
- Yeah?

- Yep.
- Here?

Gold or silver?

What are you thinking?

That one.
And then sprinkle it lightly.

No, I said lightly!

That was lightly.

Beautiful.

It is a beautiful night,
isn't it?

- I mean you.
- Me?

Yeah, I had no idea
how talented you were.

Thank you,

but I've never really
thought of myself as talented.

Well, here we are.

After you.

Oh, my goodness, look at that!

That's just beautiful.
Oh, yes.

That's me,
and that's you, honey.

Stephanie, this is perfect,
as always.

It was Michael's idea.

And it comes with this.

Hon, look!

They've even got the record.

This will look great on the tree

with the other ornaments
you've given us.

And to think all I was
trying to do that night

was get in out of the rain.

And I was just
trying to finish up those dishes

so I could go home.

And now
we've got all these memories.

Stephanie,
that's a very special shop

you got there.

Take good care of it.

Honey, this is beautiful.

The shop made all these?

They're beautiful.

And every one is personal.

Do all of your customers

have a collection
like Mr. Cranston?

- Quite a few. Why?
- I was just thinking.

Where are they gonna go
if your shop closes down?

Well, tell that
to Helen MacLaine.

You know what?

I think I will.

Wait, really?

Yeah.

I'm not gonna let her
close the shop.

I...

- We should...
- Definitely.

Yeah, I think...

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow too.

Yeah.

Have a good night.

Yes!

Michael.

We have to talk.

This Christmas Shop is unique
and a special place.

It means so much to the people
in that community.

I know it's old-fashioned,
but you know what? That's okay.

Because if you want
hip and urban,

there is a whole city
out there for you.

But if you want someplace
that's sweet and magical,

then shouldn't there be
someplace you can go?

What are you suggesting?

Let 'em stay.

We talked about this.

You transfer the lease
to the new building,

give 'em the same terms.

They're paying 75%
below market value.

They've been there for 40 years!

I can appreciate tradition.

This company goes back
five generations.

I mean, my great great
grandfather

worked along
Reginald Vanderbilt himself.

Our investors expect a return.

A return is based on
anticipated revenue.

What kind of revenue
can I promise

when I'm giving
my tenants a discount?

I'm not talking about all of them.
I'm just talking about that one.

We have full occupancy
at this point,

and I've got over a hundred
names on the wait list.

Please.

I'm sorry, Michael, I can't.
I can't.

Then consider this
my resignation.

Michael...

If you're gonna kick 'em out,
I'm not gonna be a part of it.

Stephanie.

You weren't kidding.

- Michael!
- Stephanie.

- Hi!
- Hi.

We have to talk.

Is there a place that we can go?

- Okay.
- Yeah?

So...

how did it go?

It's over.

What?

Stephanie, I am so sorry.
There's just nothing that I can do.

I don't understand.

You've seen how important
this place is to everyone.

Helen's hands are tied.
The building's already full.

It hasn't even been built yet.

I know.

Maybe, maybe you can
just talk to her again.

- I can't.
- Why not?

- Because I quit.
- What?

I couldn't be a part
of doing this to you.

- Michael...
- I'm so sorry.

I feel like I'm letting
everybody down. I just...

I wanted to give you
your Christmas miracle.

I know. I appreciate
everything that you've done.

I guess we just ran out
of time, that's all.

Yeah.

With everything that's going on,

I think I need some alone time.

Yeah, I understand.

Okay.

If you need anything...

Leasing opportunity.

Lease?

Hey, it's me.

Yeah, you got that paperwork
on the Broadway Towers project?

How far back does it go?

All right, there you go, man.

Don't tell your mom how much
money you spent, all right?

Hey, are these
all the snowmen you have?

Look at you!

Mom, Dad?

- Sweetheart!
- There's my girl.

Hi, sweetie.

I don't understand.
What are you doing here?

Well, we had a chat after
you called the other day and...

The city's our home.

We belong here with you.

Even if it is a little packed.

And the taxis are a little loud.

Looks like you're
stuck with us, honey.

Guys, I am so sorry.

You left me in charge,
and I really let you down.

I just really thought
Michael would be able to help.

- Sounds like he really tried.
- I suppose you're right.

I guess it doesn't
matter anymore

'cause next year everyone's
gonna go to some big box store

for their Christmas decorations.

But every once in a while

someone will remember
that little shop on the corner,

where they felt magical.

Used to.

You know honey, whether you want
them to or not, things change.

Sometimes for the better,
sometimes for the worse.

How you adapt to that change
is all up to you?

It's Christmas Eve.

Do you really wanna
spend the holiday moping?

Or are we gonna think about
things we can really celebrate?

Now go out there
and make us proud.

He had a broad face
and a little round belly

that shook when he laughed,

like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump,
a right jolly old elf,

and I laughed when I saw him,
in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye
and a twist of his head

soon gave me to know
I had nothing to dread.

Aw, thanks!

He spoke not a word,
but went straight to his work,

and filled all the stockings
and then turned with a jerk.

Oh, no, thank you.

Could you tell me
where to find Stephanie Nichol?

Thank you.

But I heard him exclaim
ere he drove out of sight,

"Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!"

What are you doing here?

You didn't think
I was gonna miss the biggest

and the best holiday party
on the Upper West Side, did you?

You were wonderful.

Thank you.

Not bad.

Helen! I didn't expect
to see you here.

Michael called me this afternoon

and asked me to come down.

What's up?

Well, last night, on a whim,

I decided to take a look
at the paperwork

from the acquisition
of the building.

I found this.

Michael, I've had
several attorneys

review the transfer
from the property's trust.

I assure you
there are no issues.

Maybe not with the trust,

but this is the original lease
from The Christmas Shop.

Mr. Nichol,
perhaps you remember this.

That's my old lease.

40 years ago,
when your dad opened the store,

the building was
owned by his friend.

Ben. Yeah, but he passed away
a long time ago.

He must've liked you a lot

because he put a very
interesting clause in there.

5B, if you care to read.

Basically it says that,

in the event
that the building is sold,

either by him or his heir...

"The Christmas Shop

has the option
to purchase the building".

We do?

He's not kidding.

"In the event that
the building is sold,

the lessor will be
given first option

to purchase the building
at fair market value".

But, Michael,
at fair market value,

there's no way
we'd be able to afford it.

I know.

That's why you need an investor.

Who's that?

My father.

Hey, son.

You must be Stephanie.

Michael spoke very highly of you
when he called me last night.

Michael...
Michael called you?

Yes, yes.
And is the store inside?

Yes.

Would you like to see it?

I'd be delighted. Please.

Very whimsical.

This is adorable.

Smells like Christmas.

You know, when my son
called me last night

and told me about this store,

I knew it had to be
something special.

Now, standing here...

I knew he was right.

Thank you so much,
Mr. Kilpatrick.

Please, call me Thomas.

And I should be
the one thanking you.

For what?

For giving me something I've
wanted for a very long time.

Finally something
we can do together.

Deep down I think I always knew
you weren't happy.

But now I can see you found
a place where you belong,

and I want nothing more
but to be a part of that.

Yes.

I would be proud to invest
in such a delightful venture.

Who are these lovely people
over here?

This is my mom,
and this is my dad.

- How are you, sir?
- This is Mr. Kilpatrick.

Such a lovely daughter you have,

and what a beautiful store.

I'm sorry about
your development, Helen,

but Mr. Nichol had a deal.

How are you?

It's only a building.

Our investors
will find other deals.

As for you,

I knew your heart
wasn't in real estate.

I'm just glad that you found
what truly makes you happy.

Thank you.

You gotta promise me something.

Anything.

Take good care of her.
She's a keeper.

I intend to.

Merry Christmas.

I invited Dave
and his family over

to join me for
Christmas dinner tomorrow.

I'd very much like it
if the two of you would join.

- It's a date.
- Very well then.

I'll look forward
to seeing you both tomorrow.

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Merry Christmas, son.

Of course,
if you have other plans...

I wouldn't miss it
for the world.

I know what it meant
for you to call your dad,

so thank you...

for everything.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Got it.

Well, thank you for shopping
at The Christmas Shop.

Have a merry day.

Hey, we got a phone order
for two musical wreaths.

Got it.

Honey, how can I tell which
orders have been processed?

I think they're the ones
in that column.

We got two more orders.

You know what?
I can handle this.

You take care of the computer.

- Well, we did it!
- We sure did.

And if things keep up like this,

we'll be able to pay your dad
back for that down payment in...

next month.

And, you know what?

I still think that this is
a pretty special place.

It is, isn't it?

Thank you.

Now... let's talk
about franchising.

No.

Come on, we can have
a Christmas Shop in New York,

Chicago, LA,
San Diego, San Francisco.