Staging Christmas (2019) - full transcript

♪♪

♪ ooh ♪

♪ tick tock tick
it's comin' up quick ♪

♪ yeah, santa claus
is on his way ♪

♪ hauling lots of toys
for the girls and boys ♪

♪ on his trusty
christmas sleigh ♪

♪ ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ christmas is comin' fast ♪

♪ ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ christmas is comin' fast ♪

♪ now deck the halls
with lights and all ♪



♪ this christmas
is gonna be bright ♪

♪ with stockings hung
and carols sung ♪

♪ we'll get
this holiday right ♪

♪ ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ christmas is comin' fast ♪

♪ ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ christmas is comin' fast ♪

okay, will you call them back
and tell them

that if they want staging
for upstairs and downstairs,

it's gonna be a higher quote?

Great. Yeah, I'm just
grabbing coffee,

and then I'll be right in.

Thanks, bye.

- Hey.
- Hi.



- Usual?
- Yes, two today, please.

These christmas decorations
are new.

- Yeah, new company policy.
- Two lattes comin' up!

These garlands are beautiful.

Super high quality.

Do you know where
you got them from?

I don't.

They were just in a box
when I got to work.

Beautiful.
They're really pretty.

Yeah, I guess.

[laughs]
sorry.

Christmas decorating
is a big part of my job.

Oh, I thought you were just
unusually into garlands.

That too.
Don't even get me started

on how many different kinds
of tinsel there is.

Don't worry, I won't.

Thanks for the coffee.

Always. Have a jolly day.

- You too. Bye.
- Thank you. Bye.

Next. Hi!

- It's looking great in here.
- Thanks.

- Here, I got this for you.
- Oh, thank you.

King roasters.
It's my favorite.

I know how daunting the first
week in a new job can be,

and I just want you to know
you're doing a terrific job.

Lots to learn, but really
liking it all so far.

Well, let's finish fixing it up.

Sure.

Okay, how is
the wreath delivery going?

Good. They just hit some traffic
on their way down the mountain.

Okay, then let's push back
the client viewing.

But everything's
looking really great.

I mean, I doubt they'll notice
a couple of wreaths missing.

Oh, without the wreaths,
the look is incomplete.

Complete christmas. Got it.
I'll push it back.

I know it sounds crazy, but
our marketing team discovered

that houses that are
staged for christmas

from October
to the end of the year

have a 60% higher sell rate.

Oh, that high?

Yeah, people wanna picture
what their home

is gonna look like at christmas.

We're not just staging a house.

We're staging the idea of how
that house makes them feel.

But won't they be kinda
disappointed when they got here,

and the house is actually empty?

Never really thought about it.

They can decorate it themselves.

You know, I didn't realize
that staging an open house

required this much knowledge
of christmas decorating.

Don't worry.
The more you do it,

the better you get at it.

I bet you go all out
for your own christmas.

I used to when I was a kid.

But now I'm so busy
staging houses

that my christmas
gets put on the back burner.

You don't do anything
to celebrate? Visit family?

My dad's retired,
and he travels at the holidays.

I do go to our annual
christmas party.

- Hey, that's something.
- Yeah.

Mr. Lexington rented out
the deller art gallery.

Should be fun.

[phone chimes]

speaking of the boss.

Oh.

Oh, good.

You're looking over the
projections for next quarter.

Yes, riveting stuff.

Oh, wait, here.

Try this new blend
I've been working on.

I like it.

I was thinking we could
try it out at the larimer store.

That's actually what I wanted
to talk to you about.

Oh, good.
More charts and graphs.

As you know,
we're on track to open up

three more king coffee roasters
in colorado,

with the goal
to expand out of state.

Oh, I know.
That's why I've been working

14-hour days nonstop
for this past year.

Well, in order to stay on track,

we're gonna have to be
a little more selective

with our bean supplier.

As in something cheaper?

If we want this franchise
to grow,

it's the only choice.

Yeah, of course. The whole
reason I started this company

was to serve good quality coffee
at a reasonable price.

I know, and you have,
and we can continue to.

We just have to make some
changes for the greater good.

This is why you hired me,
big brother.

Oh, and apparently,
also to implement

christmas decorations
in all our stores.

Yes, special project initiative.

And so far, people are
responding well to it.

All right, I'll have a look
at our supplier options.

How's unpacking going?

Hmm, it's going.

I mean, of course,
there's still boxes everywhere

and hardly any furniture.

You know, I thought this
new house would help maddie,

but so far,
it's not working.

Well, I didn't just move
back here for this job.

If you or maddie ever
need anything, I'm here.

Thanks.

King roasters in every state.

That's the goal.

Yup, that's the goal.

No, no, no, no, no, no,
we sent you the correct dates.

My assistant cc'd you.

I'm looking at the email
right now.

Well, never in all my years
have I witnessed

this poorly handled
of a situation.

Oh, don't think I won't.

Everything okay?

The deller art gallery
double-booked us,

so we no longer have a venue
for our company christmas party.

That's terrible.

Is that what you wanted
to talk to me about?

Oh, no, no, no.

I wanted to talk to you about
something much more upbeat.

I am happy to announce
that we are opening up

a branch of lexington staging
in new york city.

That's incredible.
You've wanted that for so long.

Indeed. Ever since
I started the company.

Now all that's left is...

Finding the perfect person
to put in charge.

Lori, you do amazing work.

I mean, you're ambitious,
you're dedicated.

I think you would do wonders

staging penthouses
and luxury hotels.

And that is why you are one
of three senior-level stagers

that I am considering promoting

to director of
our new york city branch.

One of three?

Yup. You know, I'm still
reviewing portfolios

and crunching numbers,
but I wanted you to know

you're in the running.

Thank you so much.

Mr. Lexington, I would love
to help you find someplace

for our christmas party.

I have a few venues in mind.

You know what I loved
about the deller gallery?

It reminded me so much

of my family's
magical storybook home.

You know, it just had
that elegant but homey feel

that's always so welcoming.

I think we can find someplace
with the same feeling.

This close to christmas?

Of course.

Well, that would be
an incredible help.

Listen, I will email you a list
of all the things that we need,

but if you can
pull this off, ooh!

Thank you.

This is really good, thanks.

Then just find
a local wreath maker.

There's gotta be someone nearby.

Okay.

I am so sorry.
I did not see you there.

It's fine. I wasn't looking
where I was going.

- Here, please take this.
- Thanks.

Waiter, may I get
some club soda, please?

You carry a handkerchief
with you where you go?

Well, yeah, you never know
when you're gonna

dump your takeout
all over someone, right?

Right.

- Thank you.
- Thanks.

Sorry about your soup.

No, don't be.
Soup's replaceable.

I'm sorry about your shirt.

Replaceable too.

Oh, smells good.

Oh, yeah, it's minestrone,
my daughter's favorite.

I highly recommend it.

I'll keep that in mind.

Oh, see?

All good. Thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah, of course.

Well, enjoy your dinner.

You too.

- Hey.
- Hey.

So what was that all about?

Minor spill.

He was cute.

Oh, no. Is that
why you brought me here,

to pry into my
nonexistent love life?

Can't a friend just, like,
catch up with a friend

who works way too much
and needs to take more breaks,

which maybe include
a date here or there?

I knew it.

- I'm just happy to see you.
- Me too.

- How are dan and the kids?
- Great.

And by great,
I mean drive me crazy,

but in a wonderful way.

It must be nice to have
a family to come home to.

It could be you one day,
but it would start with a date.

Which would start
with free time.

Not all of us are superwoman

with a great family
and great career.

Yeah, I'm pretty amazing.

You are.

Oh, but what about
that accountant?

I think his name was ted?

Oh, well, after canceling on him
a couple of times,

we finally went out,

and all he talked about
was bond yields.

Those are important.

The truth is,
with everything going on

and this potential promotion
and stagings,

it would take someone
really special to sweep me away.

Then cheers to someone
really special,

wherever he may be.

It's your favorite, maddie.

Listen, I know we've
been eating takeout

night after night lately,

but I've just been
really busy at work.

I'm sorry.

Hey, how about this?

After dinner,

we play some good music
and tackle those boxes.

What about
my parent-teacher conference?

Right, of course.

That is tonight.

You forgot, didn't you?

Nope. I just didn't remember
in a timely manner.

It's at 8:00.

Ah, it's only 7:30.

I'll just call aunt nikky.

[line ringing]

hey, everett, what's going on?

Hey, nikky. How do you feel
about coming over

to watch your favorite niece
tonight for about an hour?

Oh, is it her parent-teacher
conference tonight?

Yes, parent-teacher conferences.

You forgot, didn't you?

No, I did not forget.

Of course. I'd love to spend
time with maddie tonight.

- I'll be right there.
- Okay, great.

Thank you so much.
See you soon.

See? Aunt nikky's
on her way over.

Everett: So how's maddie doing?

Maddie's a wonderful student

who goes out of her way
to be kind to everyone.

I'm happy to hear that.

But I am worried about her.

She's having a hard time
participating

in class activities.

Yeah, I can see her being shy
from time to time.

Maybe, but I think
it's a bit more than that.

I recently assigned
the class an essay

on what the holidays
meant to them,

and maddie didn't seem
interested.

Well, what children are actually
interested in writing essays?

True.

She said it was
because the holidays

haven't been the same
since her mom died,

and she wouldn't know
what to write.

Ah.

May I ask how long it's been?

About three years.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Yeah, I guess I have
kinda dropped the ball

about christmas
these past few years.

It's hard to celebrate.

I understand.

And I know maddie's
had a tough time lately.

We moved into a new home

and really haven't had
a chance to make it ours.

Well, perhaps
that's where you start.

Check in with maddie,
see what she thinks

might make the place
feel more like home.

I will, and I'll definitely try
to make this a better christmas.

Maddie's a wonderful
little girl.

The two of you are lucky
to have each other.

We are.

Everett: Your teacher said
so many nice things about you.

Maddie: That's good.

So did you have fun
with aunt nikky?

Yeah. I'm glad she lives
close by again.

Yeah, me too.

I'm sorry things have
been hard lately.

I really am.

I just want us to have
a great christmas, that's all.

Is there anything
you really want for christmas?

A puppy?

Okay. Going big, huh?

Anything that might not
need potty training?

I wish our house
looked like it did

when we first bought it.

It looked so cool.

There's christmas stuff
everywhere.

Oh, no, sweetie.

Those houses are just
staged like that

for when they wanna
sell them.

They don't actually come with
all that christmas decoration.

Just helps them sell the home.

I'll tell you what.
I will do my best to get us

some amazing
christmas decorations, okay?

- Okay.
- I love you.

- Love you too.
- Good night.

Lori: You don't have
anything available?

How about the atrium?

You host parties there, right?

Thanks.

- Any luck?
- No.

Any place nice enough to host
a party is already booked.

Why did I tell him
I could do this?

There's a man on line three.

He's trying to track down
the designer

who staged the house
he just bought.

- Why?
- I don't know.

Can you take a message? I've got
so many places to go check out.

Hello?
Yeah, she's not available.

Can I take a message?

Mm-hmm.

The country house
on cedar place?

Yeah, okay.

I'll let her know.

Thanks.

What did he want?

So he wants to hire
the exact person

who staged his house
to come and recreate it.

That's a first.

The house on cedar place

had these gorgeous
high ceilings,

hardwood floors,

elegant, homey feel.

Can I get his info?

Yeah, of course.

Thanks. See you later.

See ya.

Perfect.

[camera clicks]

[ding dong]

hi there.

Hi.

I like your boots.

Thanks.

I don't tell many people this,

but I got them on
the sales rack.

[chuckles]
nice.

Is everett king home?

Dad!

He's in his office.

Dad!

Coming.

Sorry about that.

Oh!

You're the soup guy.

One of my many titles.
How's the shirt?

- It's just fine.
- Oh, good.

So you're not here to collect
the dry cleaning bill then.

No. I'm lori townsend
from the staging company.

From lexington staging?

- Yeah.
- Dad?

Maddie, this is the woman
I spilled our soup on

the other night.

Hi, I'm maddie.

It's nice to meet you, maddie.

Sorry my dad is a klutz.

[chuckles]

it actually inspired me
to order the minestrone.

Well, please, come on inside.

Lori: Wow.

Everett: Yeah, it looks
a little bare, we know.

Just a tad.

So when maddie and I

went to look at
the open house you staged,

she actually thought
it came with all that stuff.

It looked like
the perfect christmas.

Yeah, well, starting in October,

we stage for
all things christmas.

Can you bring it all back?

Or more formally,

can we hire you
to stage the house

like you did before,
christmas-ready and all?

Unfortunately,
after we stage a house,

we send all the decorations
and furniture back.

It would be impossible
to recreate it.

Oh.

Or maybe you can
do a new staging

along the same lines?

That's not something I do.

Actually,
when I heard you called,

I came here to ask you
for something.

Oh, so you didn't come here
to stage the house?

Since your house has
such a spacious homey feel,

I was thinking that it
would be the perfect place

to host our office
christmas party.

Oh, that's, uh,
an interesting request.

My boss has a very specific
atmosphere in mind.

- Hey, this is a win-win.
- What do you mean?

You stage our house
for christmas,

work whatever magic
you worked before,

and we'll let you use the house
for your company party.

It'll benefit both of us.

Okay.

- You have yourself a deal.
- Great!

I'll make this place look better
than you could ever imagine.

Deal.

Will you be able
to find a big tree,

the same as
the one that was here?

Yep, just need to order it.
No problem.

- Oh, is this your wife?
- Yeah.

My mom died three years ago.

I'm sorry to hear that.

She was really good
at christmas.

Yeah, she sure was.

Then let's honor her

and make this
as christmassy as possible.

Lori, would you like
a cup of coffee?

I'd love one.

I remember using
currier and ives

as inspiration
when I was staging the house.

Currer and what?

Currier and ives. It was
this old printmaking company

that was inspired by christmas
imagery that was classic,

like horses pulling sleighs
and snow-covered houses,

holly on the fireplace.

Could we get horses
pulling sleighs?

I don't know about that,

but we could probably get
decorations that depict it.

Thank you.

Ah, king roasters coffee.
My favorite.

That's dad's company.

No way. Really?

Everett king, founder and ceo.

I go there every morning,
the one at larimer square.

- You do?
- Yes, best lattes in town.

That's our very first store.
I've spent a lot of time there.

I kinda miss that place.
I'm stuck in an office

doing nothing but making
boring business decisions.

Welcome to the corporate world.

Oh, you know,
I have a staging across town,

but I'll start
gathering stuff tomorrow

and head to
the christmas warehouse.

What's that?

It's this big store

that has lots
of christmas decorations

that you can buy and rent.

- Can I come?
- Sweetie, you have school.

After?

If it's okay with your dad.

I've never actually brought
anyone there before.

I have a meeting.

That I can reschedule.

Yay!

I guess I'll see you guys
tomorrow.

Everett: Sounds good.

Maddie: Bye.
Everett: Bye.

- I like her.
- Yeah, me too.

Our house is gonna look awesome!

[laughs]

this is so cool.
I wish we could live here.

Well, thank you
for letting us tag along.

Hopefully, we're not
too much of a burden.

No, it's really fun to see
through new eyes.

I'm always coming in
such a rush and stressed out

that I forgot this place
is pretty cool.

Maddie: Dad, lori!
We have to get this.

That would look great
in your front foyer.

Oh, and, dad, look.

A dog bed.

You guys have a dog?

No, but maddie
really wants one.

Oh, I see.

Hey, maddie, why don't you
take these stickers

and put them on anything you see
that you'd love for your house.

I'm on it.

Oh, boy.

She's really gonna let the power
go to her head now.

♪♪ [upbeat]

♪ hey, hey, santa ♪

♪ it's time to soar
across the sky ♪

♪ all right ♪

♪ there's a chill in the air ♪

♪ good cheer everywhere ♪

♪ it's all right ♪

♪ mmm, yeah ♪

♪ people get ready ♪

♪ christmas is about
to take flight ♪

♪♪

♪ ho ho ho ♪

♪ let it snow ♪

♪ people get ready ♪

♪ christmas is about
to take flight ♪

lori: We wanna pick out pieces

that will go with
the architecture of your house,

but give it a modern feel.

That way, the decorations
will really pop.

Yeah, that's exactly
what I was thinking.

Have you always been
a christmas expert?

I guess so.

Christmas has always been
my favorite holiday.

My mom would go all out
and decorate our house.

Got pretty competitive
on our block.

I guess that's why
I picked a career

where I decorate for christmas
four months out of the year.

Everett: I can only imagine

what your own place
must look like.

Actually, it's lacking
in the christmas decor.

I guess
it's one of those things

where when you do it
as a career,

you don't really do it
for yourself.

I haven't had a real
christmas in years.

How about you?

Are you a big christmas fan?

I was, but it's been hard
to get in the spirit,

ever since my wife passed.

I can only imagine.

I wanna be good at doing
christmas, you know, for maddie.

I want it
to mean something again.

That's really sweet.

Guys...

I'm out of stickers!

[laughing]

that's the nutcracker
I picked out.

It is! I looked at
everything you picked out.

So much is gonna go right with
the classic christmas theme.

You've even picked out stuff
I would have never thought of.

Thanks.

It's looking amazing.

There is something else.

I didn't see it at the store,
but I think we need it.

- What is it?
- A piano.

- Do you play?
- My dad does.

Or he did.

He used to play all the time,
especially around christmas.

But he stopped when my mom died.

He didn't take it with us
when we moved.

You know what?

I'll keep my eyes open for one.

Hey, ladies.

- Hey.
- Wow!

It's looking great in here.

Oh, look at that.
We have a dining room table now.

We can eat on it tonight

when aunt nikky and casey
come over.

Yeah, we sure can.

And lori can come.

Oh, maddie, I'm sure lori
has lots of other stuff to do.

Do you?

My night is unusually free.

Then you've gotta
stay for dinner.

Yeah, you gotta.

I'd love to.

It's all coming along nicely.
I just hung up some more lights.

It smells delicious in here.

Just an old family recipe

that my grandma used to make
every christmas.

I'm not making
any promises though.

It's been awhile
since I've made this.

Well, the smell is on point.
Anything I can do?

No, please,
just sit back and relax.

I'm not very good at that.
How about chopping?

Yeah, sure,
if you feel so inclined.

Oh, I do.

So you like to cook?

I don't really have much time,
but I can chop.

How about you?

Oh, no.
Believe it or not,

this is the first time
I'm getting to use the oven.

I've just been so busy lately.

Well, king roasters coffee
must be going well.

Yeah. I just hired
my sister nikky.

You'll get to meet her tonight.

Now she keeps me focused
on the big picture stuff.

Very business oriented.

Sometimes I wish I could
just make a customer

a really good cup of coffee.

I feel like
I've lost track

of why I created king roasters
coffee in the first place.

But I'm rambling on.
I apologize.

I totally understand.

When I started staging,
it was all about the love of it

and the passion to make
something feel like home.

Higher I got up the ladder,
the more it felt like a job.

Yeah, if we could just
forget about all that stuff

and concentrate on
what's important, right?

Bringing joy to someone's day.

Exactly.

Hey, you know there's
an easier way to chop those.

Automatic slicer?

No. It's all in the wrist.

Like this?

Yeah, sort of.

Wait, you got it.

Thank you.

Nikky: He did it all
in an elf costume,

and he ended up winning
first prize anyway.

[laughing]

well, maddie's finally in bed.

Nikky was just telling great
stories about you, everett.

Don't listen
to anything she says.

I am totally serious.
Growing up, everett insisted

that the lyrics, "deck the halls
with boughs of holly,"

were actually "deck the halls
with buddy holly."

and it turned into him
wearing horn-rimmed glasses

when our school choir sang it.

You love that story.

Speaking of
embarrassing stories,

nikky thought she was named
after saint nicholas,

aka santa claus.

Uh, she still thinks that.

Ask mom. It's true.

Okay, but in all seriousness,

everett, this dinner
was delicious.

I had no idea you could cook.

Well, thank you.
I felt inspired.

Plus, we've had
way too much takeout lately.

And we have a special guest.

Lori, I'm glad my brother
found you.

The house is looking better
than I've ever seen it.

Thanks.
It's just the beginning.

I've got lots up my sleeve.

- Kinda cute there.
- [laughing]

this is the most I've seen
you smile in a long time.

Well, it was a fun night.

Yeah, lori's pretty great.

Yeah, she is.

It's not like that.

She's here to stage the house

and use the venue
for her company party.

It's all professional.

Ah, yes, the classic
"here to stage the house

and use the venue
for her company party" routine.

That doesn't explain
why she was here for hours,

listening to me tell
embarrassing stories about you.

Whatever you're implying,
I'm not ready for it.

I know it's hard,

but at some point,
you have to open your heart

to someone new again.

You're using way too much soap.

Okay, mom.

♪♪

♪ oh, the countdown's on ♪

♪ just a few more days
till christmas comes ♪

♪ gotta decorate,
got shopping left to do ♪

♪ yeah, the countdown's on,
so move along ♪

♪ gotta get things right
for christmas morn ♪

♪ here it comes ♪

♪ here comes santa claus ♪

tonya: So he owns
all of the stores?

Founder and ceo.

Impressive.

And he hired you
to decorate his house?

He hired me
to restage his house.

So decorating.

We've talked about this
a thousand times.

Decorating's
a big part of my job.

Well, I think it's great
that you could actually stage it

with the people in mind,

instead of just some
generic display.

Never really
thought about it that way.

Yeah, the better
I stage the house,

the better the party will be.

Hmm, so you think if
lexington comes to the party

and sees what a great job
you did staging it,

he'll forget the other people
and give you the promotion?

That's the idea.

And maddie's bringing
so much fun to it,

things that I wouldn't think of.

Maddie?

Everett's daughter.

She's adorable.

She's 10 years old
and clearly an old soul.

And lexington doesn't mind
his company christmas party

is leaning more toward fun
than classy?

Maddie's bringing the fun,

and I think we really
balance each other out.

What?

Nothing.

I've just never
seen you like this.

Like what?

Just lighter.

That makes no sense.

It does to me.

I'm going to the office.

Now that sounds more
like the lori I know.

I love you.

You wanted to see me?

Yes, come on in.

I wanna know
how the party's coming along.

So far, so good.

It was a little like
starting from scratch,

but I think it worked
to our advantage.

Did you see the new invites?

I did, and I saw you
chose a private residence.

Yeah, it's this beautiful
chateau-style home

that has the same elegance
that the deller art gallery had.

I think you're gonna
really love it.

All right.
Well, you know I saw the invites

were a lot more celebratory
and fun than in years past.

Yeah, there's a lot of joy
in the staging,

while still keeping
the classic christmas feel.

All right, this gives me hope.

You know, another reason
why I chose the deller gallery

was because of their
enormous christmas tree.

You know, you just walk in
that place, and you get hit

with this authentic
rocky mountain pine aroma.

You think we could
do something similar?

A real christmas tree.

Of course.

All right.

I look forward to seeing
how this all turns out.

Me too.

I mean, I can't wait
to show you.

You know, knowing I can count
on you for this christmas party,

that means a lot, lori.

Hey, everything okay?

I ordered a fake tree.

Is that bad?

Apparently, lexington
wants an authentic, large,

fresh rocky mountain pine.

- Oh.
- What am I gonna do?

Yeah.

Maddie: I've never cut down
my own tree before.

And just to be clear,

at no point will we
be doing that today.

Isn't that why we're
going to the mountains?

No, we're going to this farm
because it has the best trees.

And my party and your house
deserves the best.

So we're not cutting it down
with an axe?

I'm sorry, honey, but no.

But you do gotta help me
pick the perfect tree.

Yes.

So, lori, why go
to all the trouble

for your company
christmas party?

I guess I have it in my head
that if I impress my boss,

he'll pick me for this promotion
that I'm up for in new york.

You're moving to new york?

It depends.

I thought if I swayed him
with this amazing party

that he would choose me.

Well, I hope you get it.

Thank you.

Yeah, you deserve it.

You're good at what you do,

and you always go
above and beyond.

I appreciate that.

All those so-called christmas
tree farms in the big city,

they're puny trees

because they
chop them down too soon.

It's a tragedy.

Our farm is all about
letting the trees

grow as tall as they can.

Well, I mean,
we are a bit restrictive

on what will actually fit
on the roof of my car.

Nonsense.
We'll deliver it to you.

- Really?
- Yes.

We know it's a trek
up the mountain.

We'll make it worth your while.

Do you have any tips
on picking out the best one?

Smell.

Use your nose.
Do you have a good nose?

Not as good as a dog's,
but it'll do.

[laughing]

okay, now go.

Go and find one.

You know, this is the first time
I've picked out a tree

since I was maddie's age.

Really? I would've thought with
all the christmas decorating,

that would be impossible.

I usually just order fake ones.

I haven't had a real tree
in years.

Well, I'm glad I get to witness
this monumental event.

[chuckling]

okay, so this is
gonna sound corny,

but I think this is how
christmas is supposed to feel.

What do you mean?

This.

Being out in the winter air,
taking a tree you can smell.

I didn't realize
how much I missed it.

I love christmas,
but I haven't had one in years.

Lori, that's not corny at all.
I feel it too.

Maddie: Found it!

Ben: You picked a good one.

Yeah, it's a beautiful tree,

but will it actually fit
inside the house?

Yes, I think so.

All right then.
I guess that's our tree.

We'll get it cut
and delivered to you pronto.

Great.

Dad, I'm hungry.

Well, tree hunting
will do that to you.

Can I recommend sally's,
a mile or so down the road?

Best hot chocolate and pie
in the state of colorado.

I love pie.

Hey, that sounds great to me.

What do you say, ladies?

Okay, I'm definitely ordering
these for the christmas party.

This may be the best thing I've
ever tried in my entire life.

That is quite the statement.

Try the cherry.

Okay, now that may be the
best thing that ever existed.

Oh, really?
Well, then shall I confuse you

by offering you some pumpkin?

Yes, yes, you should.

Lori, will you spend
christmas with us?

Maddie, that's so sweet.

Maddie, that's a really
big thing to ask somebody.

You know what? I'll check
my schedule and let you know.

Okay.

Hey, everett, maddie mentioned
you play the piano.

Oh, did she now?

Lori: Yes, she did.

I used to dabble in it.

Do you take requests?

[laughs]
I highly doubt

all these people
trying to enjoy their pie

want that kind of disruption.

I bet they'd like it, dad.

All right, in the name
of christmas pie.

Any requests, lori?

Maddie, you choose.

Jingle bells.

Jingle bells it is, ladies.

[clears throat]

♪♪ [jazz]

♪ dashing through the snow ♪

♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ o'er the fields we go ♪

♪ laughing all the way ♪

♪ bells on bobtails ring ♪

♪ making spirits bright ♪

♪ what fun it is
to laugh and sing ♪

♪ a sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ oh, jingle bells,
jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ in a one-horse open sleigh
hey ♪

♪ jingle bells
jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

- hey, this came for you.
- Great. It's here.

- Is it for the party?
- In a way.

It's for everett
and maddie's tree.

I don't usually do
tree toppers for stagings,

but it felt like they deserve
something special.

Seems like things
are going well.

Yeah, the party's
coming together great,

and the house is looking
like they wanted it to.

Well, they're lucky to have
a decorating master like you.

Lately, I feel
like the lucky one.

[whistling "jingle bells"]

- you're whistling.
- I am.

- You never whistle.
- I whistle.

Where were you yesterday?
I couldn't reach you.

I was up in the mountains,

helping maddie and lori
pick out a christmas tree.

With lori?
You don't say.

It was an errand for the house.

Why can't you just admit
that you like her?

- Because it's not like that.
- Really?

You went christmas tree shopping
with her,

you had her over for dinner,
she's decorating your house.

- It's business for her.
- Okay, I'm your sister.

I have a sixth sense
about this kinda stuff.

Just admit it.

Okay, what if I do?

And what if she
feels the same way?

But what if
it doesn't work out?

And what if maddie has to
go through another loss?

That's a lot of what-ifs.

Well, she's up
for a job promotion.

If she gets it,
she has to move to new york.

So you do like her.

I'm glad that's what
you got from all this.

Look, I can't even
begin to imagine

what you and maddie have
gone through, and it sucks.

Living in fear of something
good ever happening again,

that's no way to exist.

Is that the example
you wanna set for maddie?

No, of course not.

But this is just
way too complicated right now.

Besides, I don't even know
how she feels.

This could be just
completely one-sided.

Yeah, and you'll never know
unless you take a chance.

I have work to do.

Mr. King, haven't seen
you here in a while.

Yeah, I just thought
I'd do a routine check

and see if everything
is all right.

People are loving
the christmas decorations.

Oh, good.

Are you waiting for someone?

Uh, no.
As a matter of fact,

I should head back
to the office.

[door chime rings]

everett king
of king roasters coffee?

You'd better keep that down.

I don't want the paparazzi
to swarm.

What are you doing here?

Well, I used to come in here
more and check things out.

I'm trying to
implement that again.

Are you here
for your daily latte?

That I am.

All right, well, I will
personally make that for you.

I feel so honored.

Hey, I was gonna call you.

I have some decorations coming
to your place this afternoon.

- Will you be there?
- I have a meeting,

and then I have to pick up
maddie from her friend's.

Oh, okay.

But you know what?

I have a good idea.

Why don't you just go ahead
and let yourself in?

Really? Are you sure?

Decorations take precedence.

This is delicious.

Well, I'm glad you like it.

It's on the house.

I better get going.

Yeah, me too.

- Bye.
- Bye.

[door chime rings]

oh, good, you guys got here
just in time

to help me decorate the tree.

Is everything okay?
I'm so sorry.

I thought you gave me the keys
so that I could decorate

while you're at work.

I did not mean to upset maddie.

No, it's not that.
It's not you at all.

A student's mom is having
an event tomorrow at school.

It's a mom-and-me cinnamon
ornament-making thing.

I told her I'd go,
but she said it's a mom thing.

Don't they realize
some kids don't have a mom?

Yeah, and I even
talked to the teacher,

and she said
it's open to anybody,

but I think maddie
took the mom part literally.

Poor thing.

Are you okay with us decorating
the tree another night?

Of course.

Actually, do you think it's okay
if I went up and spoke to her?

Yeah, go for it. I'm just gonna
go make gingerbread cookies

because when in doubt,

I use sugar
to make my kid feel better.

Well, I'd like
to try one of those.

You got it.

♪♪

♪♪ [continues]

maddie, can I come in?

Yeah.

♪♪ [continues]

that's a gorgeous music box.

My mom gave it to me
when I was five.

May I?

♪♪

it's very special.

You must miss her a lot.

All the time.

Can I tell you something?

I lost my mom
when I was really young too.

Really?

I wasn't much older than you.

I missed her all the time.

But then you know what I did?

I found happiness
in spending time with friends.

I went to the movies,
eating good cookies.

And it was in those moments

that I felt
most connected to her.

Above all else, honey,

moms want their kids
to be happy.

I like that.

Now, this ornament thing,
what's it all about?

Brianna's mom
is really good at crafts,

and she's coming in
and teaching everybody

how to make
cinnamon stick ornaments.

People are bringing their moms.

Brianna's mom is crafty, huh?

Well, has she ever made
a chandelier out of old spoons?

- Have you done that?
- Yes.

In college as an art project.

How would you feel if I came

and made ornaments
with you tomorrow?

Really? You wanna come?

I would love to.

Okay, yeah, awesome!

Awesome.

Hey, how is she?

Better. I hope it's okay.

I offered to make cinnamon stick
ornaments with her

tomorrow at school.

You did?

Wow, thanks.

Wait, have you ever made
cinnamon ornaments?

No, never made them,
but I'm excited to try.

You're really good with her,
by the way.

Thanks. I lost my mom
when I was really young,

so I know how hard it can be.

Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't know that.

It's okay.

Maddie is a really strong kid.

Yes, she is.

And I honestly don't know
what I'd do without her.

She's my rock.

I've never really spent
much time with kids.

My best friend tonya
has three,

but we usually hang out
when she needs a little break.

Well, you're a natural.

You'll make a great mom someday,

if that's what you want,
of course.

I always thought
I'd have a really big family.

Then I got so focused
on my career

that that just didn't
really happen.

Well, what about now?

Now there's this promotion,
and it means more work.

Well, take it from a guy

who used to take
everything for granted.

Success means nothing without
somebody to share it with.

That's something I have to
remind myself from time to time.

- [beeping]
- cookies.

[school bell ringing]

remember, if you get stuck
on what to make,

tie a bunch of sticks together,
add a bell or two,

and then you have
the perfect ornament.

Girl: Teacher, teacher!

What are you making?

I'm tying these ribbons
around this cinnamon stick

and making a christmas tree.

I'm gonna make
one of those next.

What are you working on?

Is it a reindeer?

No, it's a dog.

I should have known.

But I made it for you.

Oh, I love it, maddie.

Oh, I don't believe we've met.

I am mrs. Pryor,
maddie's teacher.

- I'm lori.
- Are you everett's girlfriend?

No. I'm helping maddie
decorate her house.

Oh.

But she's also my friend.

Yes, that too.

Well, that's wonderful.
Thank you for joining us.

Thanks for having me.

Well, I'll leave you two to it.

Wow, what's that?

Want me to teach you
how to make one of these?

Aww.

The entire room
smells like cinnamon, huh?

Cinnamon or christmas?

A very cinnamony christmas.

I got this
for the top of the tree.

Oh, wow, it's great.

I ordered it online.

I used to have one
just like it when I was a kid.

I thought maddie would love it.

Will you do the honors?

I'd love to.

What do you think?

It looks amazing.
Maddie's gonna be so excited

when she gets home
from her friend's.

That was very thoughtful of you.

No christmas is complete
without a tree topper.

If someone had told me
a few weeks ago

that I'd be decorating
christmas ornaments

with a 10-year-old
in a classroom

instead of running
around the office,

I wouldn't have believed them.

And if someone had told me that
the woman who staged the house

would be helping make this the
most special christmas in years,

I wouldn't have
believed them either.

How do you feel about it now?

I think I'm happy
you came into our lives.

What are you doing tomorrow?

I have a staging in the morning
and then christmas party prep.

Well, how do you feel
about taking a break

and coming by king roasters
in the square?

Sure. What for?

It's a surprise.

A good surprise.

Okay.

- That sounds like a date.
- No, it's not a date.

It's a get-together
with a surprise.

You together, alone,
at his coffee shop, after hours.

Right, not a date.

Do you want me
to help you carry those?

Yes. Christmas shopping
for three kids, not easy.

By the way,
if you want me to teach you

how to make
cinnamon stick ornaments,

I can show you.

- Okay, martha stewart.
- Hardly.

So...

Are you gonna
tell him tomorrow?

Tell him what?

That you like-like him.

Excuse me?

Sorry. It comes
with being a mom.

Lori.

Lori, hello.

Sorry, what?

In the market for a piano?

No, just always looking out
for pieces for my stagings.

Hmm. There's the lori
I'm familiar with.

Always got work on the brain.

Just as I was thinking
maybe this family

might be shifting
your priorities.

[chuckles]

♪ deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪

♪ fa la la la la
la la la la ♪

♪ 'tis the season to be jolly♪

♪ fa la la la la
la la la la ♪

[door chime rings]

it smells amazing in here.

Welcome to king roasters'

official christmas
coffee tasting.

Wow, look at this.

I've never been
to a coffee tasting.

Wine tasting, yes,
but never a coffee tasting.

Well, you know,
some folks would argue

that there are more notes
in coffee

than there are in wine.

Is that so?

Now I know the plain latte
is your go-to drink here,

but it is christmas,

and we both jumped
headfirst in the festivities,

so I would like
to broaden your horizons.

I'm all in.

Good. Please have a seat.

Thanks.

Of course.

All right, your first drink
of the evening.

What is it?

Eggnog latte.

I'm not really an eggnog person.

Trust me, you don't have to be.

Okay.

Oh, that's good.

It's the only time
I do eggnog.

[laughs]

okay, a new taste.

It smells good.

Tastes really good.

Peppermint?

Mmm. I call it
candy cane mocha.

I used colombian beans,
darker roast,

which brings out
the natural oils,

which complements
the melted chocolate.

You really know your coffee.

Ehh. I can geek out about
this stuff from time to time.

When did you get
so passionate about it?

When I was in college,
I was a barista,

and that's when I realized
I'd like to experiment

with the different tastes,

and to socialize
with the people

more than I liked going
to my economics class.

And then I started
roasting my own beans,

seeing what tasted good,
what I liked, what others liked,

and then I decided
to open up my own coffee shop.

People seem to like it.

I can see why.

Yeah. And the more
they liked it,

the more people told me that I
should open up another location.

So I did. Then another.

And now there's pressure
to keep expanding.

From nikky?

Yeah, but she's right.

I mean, we're doing so well

we should use
this opportunity to grow.

Is that what you want?

I think so.

Anyway, try this one.

Now, that tastes
like christmas.

I was inspired by the ornaments
you made with maddie.

Cinnamon vanilla latte.

It's also heaven on earth.

It is.

♪ "it came upon
a midnight clear" ♪

okay, I want you
to taste one more.

Okay.

But please be honest
about this one.

I will.

It's, um...

- It's not good, right?
- Sorry.

No, don't be sorry
'cause I feel the same way.

But that's the coffee
nikky wants us to switch to.

Well, it's not that bad.

But I'd rather have
some of that candy cane mocha.

Mmm. Hey, you want me
to show you how to make it?

Sure.

Have you used
one of these before?

- Never.
- All right, well...

You'll be able to do it.
It's real simple.

Now, you wanna steam the milk.

Like this?

Yeah, you got it.

Just do your best
to hold it steady.

Am I doing it right?

Yeah, you got this.

Now, you wanna keep
the wand covered.

Okay.

You got-- ohh!

- Sorry, sorry.
- No, no, it's okay.

Don't worry about it.

It's just a rookie mistake,
that's all.

- [door chime rings]
- man: Are you guys open?

Sorry, we're closed.

Hmm.

I should probably
clean this up, right?

Yeah, I guess so.

This is the report
you asked for.

Thanks.

Hey, I just wanted
to say thanks again

for watching maddie last night.

Oh, fair warning.

Casey introduced her
to monopoly,

and the way she took to it,

might have another mba
in the family.

Noted.

So how was the date?

It wasn't a date.

Of course not.

Just you two alone together...

It was a coffee tasting.

Oh, bro, it has been so long

since you've been
in the dating game.

Usually people do dinner
or a movie.

Stop. We had fun.
But more importantly,

we both decided
that this is terrible.

Promise you gave it
a fair shot?

I promise.

No worries. I have a few other
samples we can try.

We will find one that works.

Dad, dad!

Close your eyes.

Lori got you a surprise.

Ooh, well, what is it?

You can't see it yet.

Just close your eyes.

Okay.

But, maddie,
don't let me trip.

Dad, trust me.
Just no peeking.

Okay, I promise.
No peeking.

- Can I open my eyes yet?
- Not yet.

Is this too much buildup?
What if he doesn't like it?

How can I not like
something you got me?

- But I am gonna open my eyes.
- No! One second.

Okay, now.

Ta-da!

I just thought
you played so beautifully,

and we found it on sale,
and it was within the budget,

and it ties everything together
so well for the party.

♪♪

I love it.

- Yay!
- You do?

This is just what
the house was missing.

I'll go get the decorations.

Decorations for...

- More lights.
- Ah.

Thank you so much
for doing this.

It's my pleasure.

And not just the piano,
but for everything.

You brought christmas
back into our lives.

You brought it back
into mine too.

Got it!

Oh, let's go put them
over here.

Yeah.

Well, what do you think?

Great.

Hey.

- I just think we should--
- hey.

Oh, it's good you're here.

What's going on?

Winter storm megan
is headed our way.

When?

In two days.

I hope people still come
to the christmas party.

Me too. It'd be a shame
to have to cancel

after all the work you've done.

- Cancel?
- Yeah.

I wouldn't want anybody
getting stuck in the snow.

Maybe it won't be that bad.

Let's hope for
a christmas miracle.

Lights out, maddie.

One more chapter?

Ah, that's what you said
about a half-hour ago.

I just want you to get
a good night's sleep.

Are you sure I can't go
to lori's party?

Yeah, but only because it's
gonna be a bunch of grown-ups.

Trust me, you're gonna have
a lot more fun at tracy's house.

Do you like-like lori?

[sighs]

yeah, I think I might.

Does that bother you?

No.

Good.

Listen, I know we
haven't had a chance

to talk about new people
coming into our lives, but--

dad, it's cool.

I love you.

Love you too.

All right, five more minutes.

Ten?

Fine.

Good night.

Like this?

Yeah, but not
the entire bottle.

I like a more rich taste
in my hot chocolate.

Oh, I know.

[laughs]

all right, now take
the milk we steamed

and pour and stir.

This is too easy for you.
You're an absolute natural.

Can I add a shot of espresso
to make it a mocha?

As impressed as I am
with you knowing that,

no, you cannot.

How about we use
some whipped cream instead?

Me too, please.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

- Mmm.
- [giggling]

I like your new look.

I'm trying to mix it up.

[horn honking]

oh, I bet that's
tracy's mom here

to pick you up and
take you to school.

All right.
See you, dad.

- Maddie, don't forget a lid.
- Bye, dad.

All right, so these are
all the beans we can use

if we wanted to expand
our company right now.

I want you to taste them.

Now, this is our typical
medium roast

we serve in all our stores.

This is so much better.

We should wait to expand.

[sighs]
and risk losing the demand?

I mean, word of mouth
is everything.

This is the time
to capitalize on our success.

Yeah, but wouldn't it
be terrible

if word of mouth got around
about how bad our coffee tasted?

I say we wait a year or two

and figure out a more
efficient way to cut cost

without risking
any of our quality.

Okay. We'll wait to expand.

- Yes?
- Yes.

But that means
growing what we have.

We should increase our marketing
and social media presence.

Yeah, we should do that.
I like that idea.

Sorry if I was pushing you in
a direction you didn't wanna go.

No, nikky, it's good.
I need somebody like you.

But I just want you
to remember that for me,

it's not about being on top.

It's about being the best.

That's why I love you, brother.

Mm.

- Whew.
- [laughing]

this is delicious.

Cinnamon vanilla latte,
everett's creation.

Smart man.

We almost kissed.

- What?
- The other day.

And?

We haven't really spoken since.

Wh-what does it mean?

I don't know, but I can't
really think about it

because the storm is
supposed to hit any second,

and I'm worried this is
all gonna be for nothing.

Well, how can you say that?
Clearly, it's not for nothing.

There's everett.

I know. There's everett
and there's maddie,

and the past few weeks,

they've been
the highlight in my life.

But?

But the whole reason I did
this party in the first place

was for this promotion,
and it's what I really want.

Is it?

I don't know,
but I can't spend my time

thinking what this is
or isn't.

It sounds to me like maybe
you should talk to everett.

Give him a chance
to tell you how he's feeling.

I need to deal
with this storm first.

It's supposed to hit tonight.

Okay, there's nothing
you can do about that.

It's out of your control.

But what is in your control

is figuring out
what's going on with everett.

♪ my baby's home ♪

♪ so far away ♪

♪ and now that
it's christmastime ♪

♪ I just wanna say ♪

♪ won't you come home ♪

♪ come home
for christmas this year ♪

♪ and spend it with me ♪

♪ yeah ♪

♪ I know it ain't easy ♪

♪ you got so much going on ♪

♪ but without you
this christmas ♪

♪ it would feel all so wrong ♪

♪ won't you come home ♪

- the storm.
- Didn't hit.

- At least not yet.
- Great!

Hopefully, if it hits,
everyone's already at the party.

- Yeah.
- I gotta get going.

Thanks for the coffee.

Woman: Excuse me, sir,
where do you want the glassware?

Oh, no, so that's the one
you should talk to.

She knows where everything goes.

Lori: The glasses go over here.

Hey, looks like
it's coming along nicely.

Everett, can I speak to you
for a second?

Yeah, sure.

So about the other day...

Um...

I just wanted to say...

The thing is that, I...

Thanks for letting us
use your home.

Yeah, of course.
The place looks amazing.

- Yeah, it does.
- All right.

So I'm gonna head
to the office,

finish up a little bit of work,

I'm gonna drop maddie off
at a friend's,

and I'll see you tonight?

Sounds good.

Casey and I are really
looking forward to tonight.

It was so nice of lori
to invite us.

Yeah, it should be fun.

I know that look.

Spill it.

There's no look.
I'm good.

We're finally back on
the same page, and I'm thrilled.

You know people
can't read minds.

What?

The best thing you can do

is just tell her
how you're feeling.

Oh, really? And what if she
doesn't feel the same way?

Then at least you tried.

Look, when you were
finally honest with me,

we got somewhere.

Why don't you try
being honest with her?

You know, as your older brother,
I should be the wise one.

♪♪ [jazz piano]

♪♪ ["o come all ye faithful"]

hi.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

- Oh, no.
- No, thanks.

Mm. Good.

Well, what do you think?
My daughter actually made those.

Oh, they're fantastic.

Yeah, I told her
the event was catered,

but she absolutely insisted.

Well, I'm glad she did.

- Lexington.
- Everett king.

Ah! So you're the man
who owns this home.

That's correct.
And you must be lori's boss.

The one and only.

Thanks for letting us
use your house.

Well, can I just say
this entire home

is all lori's doing.

In fact, the reason
we bought the place

was because of her
original staging.

She's a very talented woman.

Oh, yes. She did a very good job
of bringing together

the joy and fun of a classic
home-style christmas.

Ah, speaking of which...

Well, don't you look beautiful.

Thank you.

Absolutely stunning.

And not only you,
but this entire party.

I'm glad you feel that way.

I see you two have met.

Oh, yeah.
Everett is quite the host.

Not only does he own the most
amazing coffee shop in town,

he's an incredible musician.

Oh, is that so?

You should play something
for us then.

Oh, no, I'm not that good.

I insist.

Okay.

♪♪

♪ on the 12th day of christmas ♪

♪ my true love sent to me ♪

♪ 12 drummers drumming ♪

♪ 11 pipers piping ♪

♪ 10 lords a-leaping ♪

♪ nine ladies dancing ♪

♪ eight maids a-milking ♪

♪ seven swans a-swimming ♪

♪ six geese a-laying ♪

♪ five golden rings ♪

♪ four calling birds ♪

♪ three french hens ♪

♪ two turtle doves ♪

♪ and a partridge
in a pear tree ♪

splendid.

Absolutely splendid.

May I officially welcome you all

to the lexington staging company
christmas party.

[cheering]

and may I speak for everyone
when I say

we are having a marvelous time.

And none of this
would've been possible

without lori townsend.

[cheering]

I'm telling you,
in the nick of time,

lori saved this party.

I mean, the decor
speaks for itself.

And your displays, I mean,
they're always topnotch.

You have a real eye
for what works,

and you're always brave enough
to take on anything.

And that's why
it gives me great pleasure

to promote you
to executive director

of our new york offices.

[cheering]

well, what do you say, lori?

Do you accept?

It would be an honor.

Thanks so much.

All right!
[laughs]

merry christmas, everyone,
and here's to you all!

[cheering]

- congratulations!
- Thank you.

You know, I'll be so sad
to see you go,

but I'm so happy for you.

I'll show you all the ropes
before I leave.

Please.

Actually, I need to
talk to you about that.

Go ahead.

We booked our first client
in new york.

The ritz wants us to stage
one of their ballrooms

for a new year's eve party.

I'll need you
to head out right away.

When is right away?

Day after tomorrow.

- Christmas?
- Yes.

Another reason why you are
perfect for this job, lori.

You're always available
to work on christmas.

Now, listen, I will take care
of all the arrangements.

- I just need you to be there.
- Of course.

Lori, you have earned this,
every bit of it.

Party seems to be going well.

Oh, hey, yeah.
I just had to refill the ice.

Do you know nikky's
gonna be meeting my parents

for the first time on christmas?

That's a big step.

Yeah.

Especially since I've never
introduced my parents

to anyone I've dated.

It'll go well.
Anyone who knows you and nikky

knows you're meant to be.

That means a lot.

Still, there's always risk,
you know, with these big steps.

It's scary.

Yeah, but it'll be worth it.

Yes, yeah, totally worth it.

This is about nikky
meeting your parents, right?

That or anything else
that seems terrifying at first,

but needs to be done.

Did nikky send you in here?

No.

No, I just wanted to see if you
needed a hand with the ice.

Oh, thank you, but no.
Go enjoy the party.

You too.

There you are.

I needed some fresh air.

It's freezing!
Here, put this on.

Thank you.

Yeah, I guess the storm's coming
in later than predicted, huh?

- Listen--
- have you ever--

sorry, go ahead.

No, you go.

I am so happy for you

for getting this promotion.

And I'm sorry if what I'm about
to say is terrible timing,

but I can't keep
dancing around this.

But I don't think
I can let you leave

without telling you...

I'm falling in love with you.

Ever since you
came into my life,

I've felt joy again.

Just being around you,
talking with you,

laughing with you,

I honestly didn't think
I'd ever feel this way again.

I-I...

I'm so sorry. I can't.

I'm leaving for new york.

Yeah, of course,
as you should.

I just needed you to know.

You guys have been so amazing.

I really owe
this promotion to you.

I wish you the best.

♪ I wanna be there ♪

♪ during these holidays ♪

♪ now it feels like a hole ♪

♪ is here in my heart ♪

♪ 'cause I'm watching you
walk away ♪

- ♪ the carolers are singing ♪
- [door closes]

♪ and the snow
is falling down ♪

hey, how is it out there?

Lots of snow.

But that's good, right?

For snowmen and snow angels?

Didn't feel much like playing.

All right, well, how do you feel
about some hot chocolate?

What's so great about new york?

Oh, honey, are you asking
because of lori?

Yeah.

Well, I think it's just a really
good opportunity for her.

I don't want her to leave.

You know what? Me neither.

I was really starting
to enjoy having her around.

It's not just that.

I love the way you were
when she's around.

What do you mean?

Before lori
decorated our house,

you were sad
or busy working.

Now we hang out more,
and we talk more.

Maddie, I didn't know
I wasn't there for you before.

I'm so sorry for that.

But I love you
with all my heart,

and you're the most important
part of my life.

We're gonna be okay,
I promise you.

I know.

Don't forget my hot chocolate.

Of course not.

Extra marshmallows, right?

Yes, please.

You got it.

You should have these.

They're all the vendors
you might need.

Are you sure you wanna
give these to me?

Of course.
You're such a hard worker.

I see amazing things
in your future.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Hey.

Tonya, what are you
doing here?

Congratulations.

I took a long lunch break,
so we could celebrate.

Thank you.

I'm gonna miss you like crazy,
but I'm so happy for you.

Thanks.

Okay, so why are we not
jumping for joy?

I thought that's
what you wanted.

I'm just tired.

I'm very happy.

Okay, we've been best friends

since freshman year
of college,

so I know when you're lying.

It's just all happening
so fast,

and lexington wants me
to leave right away.

Okay, so that's why you're not
shouting from the rooftops

because it's all
moving too fast?

Everett told me he was
falling in love with me.

And?

And... I thanked him?

Mm. Is that
what you wanted to say?

No, of course not.
What I wanted to say

is that I'm falling in love
with him too.

- So go tell him.
- I can't.

I have to leave tomorrow.

But tomorrow's christmas.

I know.

- I'm gonna miss you so much.
- I'll miss you too.

Nikky, it's christmas eve.

Shouldn't you be on your way
to see casey's parents?

Yes, in a little bit. I just
wanted to get some work done.

I think I have some ideas
on lowering costs for growth

without changing anything.

What, why are you
looking at me like that?

I'm promoting you.

To what?

Ceo.

That's your job.

I think I'm stepping down.

I just wanna be the owner.

I wanna get back to roasting

and being hands-on
in all the stores.

You're better at all
this business stuff.

You should be handling
the day-to-day.

I can't believe this.

And most importantly,

I wanna spend more time
with maddie.

Everett, I don't know
what to say.

Well, I mean, I will be
making the final decision

on the big stuff,

but you're
better suited for this.

I promise I'll make you proud.

Merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

- [ringing]
- ho ho ho ho!

Merry christmas.
Can I get that bag for you?

Merry christmas.

Maddie: After my mom died,

christmas never felt
like christmas.

It felt sad
and made me wish

it could just not be
christmas anymore.

But this year is different.

This year, we had lori.

She helped fill our house
with christmas.

She decorated every room,

she helped us buy a tree,

and she even made
ornaments with me.

But she also made my dad smil.

My dad forgot
how to smile for a while,

but not anymore.

Lori made things fun again.

Christmas was good again.

So this year, what christmas
means to me is hope.

Hope that things
will always be okay

if you have family like my dad
and friends like lori.

♪♪

all right, maddie,
this is a big gift,

but I want you to take
your time opening it, okay?

Okay.

[puppy barking]

and that goes with this.

Thank you, thank you,
thank you!

Merry christmas, sweetie.

And you get to name her
whatever you want.

Sally, like the pie shop.

I like it.

I wish lori were here.

Yeah, me too.

Welcome to the family, sally.

[doorbell rings]

is that aunt nikky and casey?

I don't know. Go check.

Hey, you.

Lori! You came back!

Actually, I never left,
thanks to your essay.

You liked it?

I loved it.

Wait, so you're not
going to new york?

No.

Come on in.

[door closes]

lori!

Who's this?

- This is sally.
- Oh, hi, sally.

Sally, come see my room.

So you got her the puppy?

Yeah. It was inevitable.
But what are you doing here?

Aren't you supposed to be
on your way to new york?

I decided I didn't wanna
move to new york.

Well, what about the promotion?

I pitched lexington the idea

that instead of
just staging houses,

we would also stage houses
for families at christmas.

He loved it,
and he wants me to head up

the expansion here in denver.

So you're staying here?

What's the point of success

if you don't have someone
to share it with?

Merry christmas, lori.

Merry christmas.

♪♪

sally loves my room!

Let's go open
some more presents.

[giggling]

♪♪