Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas (2020) - full transcript

This program is rated G

and is suitable for
general audiences.

Sarah!

-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas!

You here for a tree?

Just got a new batch in.
Take your pick.

Actually, I... I just came
from the courthouse.

The judge found in your favor.

The property owner
can't raise your rent

under the signed agreements.

We won?



Yes. Congratulations.

My grandfather
opened this store.

We've been here for 50 years.

I couldn't imagine
starting somewhere new.

And now you won't have to.

I can't thank you enough
for helping us, Sarah. I...

I know how difficult
these last few months have been.

It's what
she would have wanted.

Your mother
was a wonderful woman.

Here you go.

Best of the batch.

putting up a tree this year.

Please. It's on the house.

Merry Christmas!



Merry Christmas.

Uh...

I'm happy to hear

that things went well
for you in court today.

Was that the last
of your mother's cases?

Uh, yes, there's just
one more to wrap up.

Hang on.
I can't hear you very well.

I thought there were
four outstanding cases.

There... there were,

but May Palmer was
having trouble

with one of the community
center's annual grants,

and my mother usually
walked her through them.

My mother had a lot of people
who really depended on her.

Well,

I don't want you to feel like
we're rushing you back.

No, I've got a few buyers
already lined up for the house,

so I think I should be back
in Seattle by January.

Walter, thank you so much

for allowing me
to extend my family leave.

You've got a bright future

with this firm, Sarah,

if it's where you want to be.

Oh, of course it is.

Well, I'm happy to hear that.

It's admirable
what you're doing,

taking care of your mother's
affairs like this.

I just hope you take
some time for yourself as well.

Have you got plans
for the holidays?

Are you seeing family?

No, just a...
a quiet Christmas.

Well, I wish you
a very Merry Christmas.

Yes, Merry Christmas, Walter.

Oh, and Sarah?

Keep an eye out.

The firm has sent you
a little something, a gift.

Thank you.

"Spend Christmas with us."

♪ There's music in the city ♪

♪ And the lights
are on display ♪

♪ There's a big old tree ♪

♪ For all to see ♪

♪ Where the children
run and play ♪

♪ I look out
through my window ♪

♪ Something
just don't seem right ♪

♪ Until I said hello... ♪

Walter, it's Sarah.

I just got to the inn,
and it is so beautiful.

Thank you so much
for the thoughtful gift.

It's exactly what I needed.

Do you...
Do you need a hand?

I travel light.

Thank you!

Oh!

This is my first vacation
in years,

and I didn't know what to pack,

so I just packed everything.

I'm Karen.

Sarah.

Thank you so much.

-Thanks.
-You're welcome.

Isn't this beautiful?

Oh, it sure is.

Welcome to the Snowfall Inn.

Hi, I'm Karen Barton.
I called yesterday.

Oh, yes, Miss Barton.
Your room is ready.

Right up those stairs.

Thank you.

So nice meeting you.
Enjoy your holiday.

Thank you. You too.

Hello. Sarah Thomas.

Welcome to Snowfall Inn.

Have you stayed with us before?

No. This is my first time.

You're in for a real treat.

Our Christmas party
brings the whole town out.

Here you go, Miss Thomas.

Room four.

Oh, wonderful. Thank you.

Are you sure you haven't
stayed with us before?

You're very familiar.

Uh, no.

Just one of those faces,
I guess.

That must be it.

Thanks.

All right,

so Grammy's got
the gingerbread in the oven.

It'll be waiting for us
when we get there.

I want to hear
the clock.

Daddy said
it plays a song.

Oh, I'm sorry, honey,
but the clock plays on the hour,

and we've got
to get on the road.

Oh, that's your dad now.
Okay, mittens, too.

It's cold out there.

Shh.

Cuckoo! Cuckoo!
Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Ready to go?

-Let's go tell Dad.
-Okay.

So, should I tell the kitchen

our dinner guests are gonna be
20 minutes early tonight?

Oh, uh, sorry.

I'm kidding.

I've moved it forward
more times than I can count.

I'm Ben.

Sarah.

You said "our guests."
So are you the...

Owner.

And manager, and, uh,
current maintenance man.

How do you fit all that
on one single business card?

Can I help you find some books?

We've sure got
a lot around here.

No, I was just...
I was just looking, browsing.

This was a holdover
from the previous owner.

Mm.

Let's see, uh...

Oh, here we go.

A Christmas Carol?

Have you read it?

I mean, everyone's
read A Christmas Carol.

No. Actually, everyone
thinks they've read it

because they've seen one of
the countless movie adaptations,

so...

have you read it?

Actually...

I haven't.

So you'll give it a try?

Yeah, maybe I will.

Okay.

Ben?

Do you have a moment?

Well, I better
get back to work.

All right. See you later.

Thank you.

Hello.

No way. Sis?

Surprise.

Oh, my gosh!
Come here! Mm!

I thought I was picking you up
from the airport.

Yeah, I caught
an earlier flight.

I thought I'd surprise you.

Thank you.

Mm-hmm.
Come here.

Martha, this is
my sister, Bess.

It is so nice
to finally meet you.

Yeah, you too.

Ben tells me that you both
stayed here as children.

Every Christmas.

Yeah. It's true.

Snowfall Inn.

I can't wait to show you
what I've done with the place.

-It looks amazing.
-Yeah?

-Ben? It's the caterers.
-Yep?

They need to confirm
the desserts for the party.

As soon as I take this call?

Yeah.

-And sis?
-Yeah?

-Room eight.
-Love it.

Yeah?

Could you look up...

-Hi.
-Hey.

Looks like we're neighbors.

Yeah, looks like.

Merry Christmas, neighbor.

I'm Jasper.

I'm Sarah.

That's a lovely name.

Thank you.

Are you a musician?

Are you in town
for a show or something?

No, I'm just here
for the holidays.

A gift from my wife.

Aw, lucky guy.

Very.

Very.

All right, so,

picture the photo booth
over there...

-Mm-hmm. Okay.
-All right?

And this entire wall
full of lights. Hmm?

Wow. Yeah.

And you'll never guess
who I got to play at our party.

The Jingle Belle Sisters?

The Jingle Belle Sisters!
Yeah!

-What?
-Isn't that incredible?

-Wow.
-Yeah, I know.

Sounds like things
are going really well.

You know...

buying this inn

was the best decision
I've ever made.

I'm glad to hear that.

I've been, uh,
kind of worried about you.

Why?

Bess, I needed a change.

Most people just get a haircut.

It was a good investment,
and it was a smart play.

Is that all it was?

Bess, you gotta trust me.

Okay.

Oh! Are you gonna have
the gingerbread men?

The ones with the...

...the peppermint...

...icing!

I forgot about that!

Thank you.

I'm gonna write it down
on my list here.

Very important.

Well, I'm happy to pitch in,
anything you need.

Bess,

I did not invite you
here to work.

You are my guest.

I know.

It just feels like
a lot for one person.

And nothing I can't handle.

Mm.

Mm.

Sorry. I didn't mean
to disturb you, I was just...

First thing
I've eaten since lunch.

So?

Uh, it's good.

Just "good"?

No, I mean, it's very good.

Thank you for
the recommendation.

It's my pleasure.

You know,
you can add "concierge"

to your growing list
of job titles.

Oh, I think I wear
too many hats as it is.

I may never eat pie again.

So, um,
why did you come to town?

Are you here visiting
your family for the holidays?

No. It's just me.

Well, maybe
you'd like to join us

for some of
our Christmas events.

Here is our itinerary,
actually.

Guaranteed to make
your holidays

merry and bright.

Oh, is that so?

-Mm-hmm.
-Hmm. Okay.

Tree trimming, nice.

Ornament decorating...

Yeah. We have our guests

paint their favorite memory
of the year on an ornament,

then the next Christmas,

when they hang it up
on the tree,

they can relive the moment.

No? Not so sentimental, huh?

What?

No. It just, uh...

My mom used to do
the same thing every Christmas.

I didn't realize
anyone else did that.

Yeah, it's been
a tradition here

since I've been coming
to Snowfall every Christmas.

And how long ago was that?

Um...

...years ago. Ahem.

That long, huh?

Yeah.

Wow. And now you own it?

And now I own it, yeah.

So did you grow up
around here?

Maine, actually.

I'm not sure
how my family found it,

but they fell in love
with the town.

Loved
the Christmas celebrations

and, uh,

well, we started coming
to the Snowfall Inn

every Christmas,

and then, when I found out
it was for sale,

I made an offer right away
before I could change my mind.

I know it's, uh, it seems
a little impulsive, doesn't it?

Now, that's an understatement.

You know, I just...

I couldn't stand the thought
of someone else buying it

and changing everything
that made it so special.

Mm.

It's getting late.
I should probably go.

Hmm.

Well, our ornament event
is tomorrow.

So, uh, maybe
I'll see you there?

Yeah, maybe.

Yeah. All right.

-Goodnight.
-Goodnight.

Is there anything else you need
before I head out?

Hi. Thank you.

Tch.

You have a good flight, okay?

It's just a few slow months.

It'll turn around.

Yeah, I'm sure you're right.

Well, at least
we're pretty full for Christmas.

That's true.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Hi, Sarah. It's Walter.

I'm sorry I missed your call.

I'm glad to hear

you're taking
some time for yourself,

but I'm afraid there's been
some misunderstanding.

We didn't send you
an invitation to any inn.

All right.

I'm sorry,
I've got to go.

I'll try you again
when I have a moment.

Merry Christmas.

Thanks for holding.

Yes.

Okay, just to confirm,

that's one bedroom
for two nights?

Yep.

Okay. You're all set.

You have yourself
a Merry Christmas.

All right. Bye-bye.

You were two days behind.

Yeah.

It's been one of those weeks.

Can I help you with something?

Is Martha around?

No. She's actually off
until the New Year.

She's spending Christmas
with her parents.

Oh, nice.

I, uh, I just had a question
about my reservation.

Sure.

What can I find out for you?

Who made it?

Run that by me again?

I received this card
in the mail,

confirming my reservation
at the inn,

and, uh,
I assumed my office sent it,

but they didn't.

Didn't it have
a return address?

Yeah, no. It's right there.
It says it's from the inn.

Wow. Oh, we certainly
didn't send this.

It shouldn't be hard
to get to the bottom of this.

Let's see here.

All right, there we go.

Sarah Thomas...

-Mm-hmm?
-Huh.

What?

Well, the "reservation" line
is blank.

Must be an oversight.

Did... Did they pay by card?

Yeah, but, um,

the computer
encrypts the number,

and doesn't show
the billing information.

They must've paid
by a prepaid card.

And you wouldn't happen
to remember the reservation?

No. Martha
handles these, usually.

-And she's not here.
-No.

Right.

Do you have any idea who would
get you a gift like this?

Uh... this big?

No, not off the top of my head.

Looks like you've got yourself
a Secret Santa.

Thank you.

Hi. Sit down.

I'm having so much fun
with the ornaments.

Here.
There's a clear one for you.

Oh, thank you.
All right.

Paint our favorite memory.

I'm not used
to such a quiet Christmas.

Normally, I'd spend it
with my husband's family,

a crowded house full of chaos,

and it was heavenly.

Why did you decide to spend
this Christmas here?

Oh, we divorced
earlier this year.

Oh. I'm so sorry.

No, don't be.

I've made my peace with it.

We weren't meant to be
after all.

It's just hard at the holidays,
you know, being alone,

and...

Oh, my goodness.
Look at me prattle on.

You probably have no idea
what I'm talking about.

No, I actually do.

Honestly, this year
has been a lot.

I suppose I came up here to...

kind of hide away from all of it
for a bit.

Mm-hmm.

Hi. How are you doing?

Well, as promised.

Oh...

Goes fast around here,
you know.

I'm so glad you came.

Yeah. You talked me into it.

So how's your stay been so far?

Oh, it's been wonderful.

Do you know
I think I'm even booked

into the same room
that I had last time?

Oh, you've stayed here before?

Oh, it must have been,
what, 30 years ago?

Nice.

Is that an apple?

Yes, it is.

Just before Thanksgiving break,

I mentioned to my students

that I love to bake apple pies
for the holidays.

The next day,

each and every one of them
brought an apple for my desk.

What's your happy memory?

Still thinking.

Well, too many to choose from,
I guess.

Yeah.

Hey. Merry Christmas.

Hi.

Merry Christmas.

Wow. This hotel is lit,
right, hon'?

What?

The hotel.
It's lit, right?

Really, Dad?

Hey, Cass!

The white stuff is really
coming down right now.

You won't see this
in Southern California.

The weatherman said

that we can expect
at least six... inches.

And that's a good thing?

Yeah!

Snowmen?

Snowballs?

Snow angels?

Mom said
you grew up around here.

Yeah.

Yeah, my grandparents
lived nearby,

and I went to med school
in Hartford,

which is only a train ride away,
so yeah,

I guess
it's a home away from home.

Far away.

Look.

I know that this Christmas

is a little different
than what you're used to,

but it's going to be great,
I promise.

I'm gonna go
check out my room.

Mrs. Blodgett.

I've told you, my friends
call me "Frenchie."

-Frenchie.
-How have you been?

Are you checking up on me?

Well, it is
your first Christmas here,

and I know better than anyone,

every day is a new day
at the inn.

New challenges.
Keeps you on your toes.

Well, I appreciate that,

but I think I've got it
all under control.

Yeah...

May I?

Uh... sure.

Okay. Now, that...
that was my next move.

I was going through
my decorations,

and I found this.

Thought you might like it.
Must've gotten

mixed in with my personal items
during the move.

No, no, no.

You need to save this
for your own tree.

No. For 35 years,
she watched over the inn.

It's where she belongs.

Thank you.

Front desk.

Uh, it's...
can you hold on one moment?

I'll let you
get on with your work.

Just... I meant to ask,

is there any way to track down

who made a reservation,
if it was for a gift?

A gift?

Yeah. Blank reservation line,
no phone number.

Sounds to me like the giver
doesn't wish to be found.

Yeah.

Have you ever had anything
like this happen

when you ran the inn?

A few.

Christmas tends to bring out
a certain generosity.

Ah. Well, thanks again.

You're coming
to the Christmas party, right?

Ho, ho, ho!
Wouldn't miss it at all!

All right.

Thanks for holding.

Come in.

Hi.

Oh. Thank you.

I like to sleep
with the windows open.

It's no trouble.

Just put it right there.
That's fine, thanks.

Is that, uh...

My wife.
She's got a smile

that could light up
a whole room.

Yeah, I believe it.

Is that Coney Island?

Yeah.

It's the night before I left
for three months on the road.

Our first date.

Yeah.

40 cities later,

that picture
never left my pocket.

Wow.

Well, if you need anything,
just, uh, you let me know. Okay?

I will. Thank you.

All right.

And you're sure
it was the same card?

Looks identical to yours.

Do you know Jasper?

No. I met him two days ago.

It's...
oh, it's so strange.

Well, if you want
to speak to him directly,

the van leaves in 15 minutes.

Van to where?

Oh, you'll find out.

Lots of Christmas trees.

Okay.

Okay, everybody.

Bevington Tree Farms

has been hosting
its holiday fair

for nearly 50 years.

Now, I humbly recommend
their Christmas pudding

for anyone with a sweet tooth.

I'm lookin' at you,
Ms. Potter.

It must be a coincidence.

H-He said that
he checked your reservation,

and the line was blank,
just like mine.

My wife made my arrangements.

Are you sure?

I'm sorry.

You must be mistaken.

Sarah?

Aren't you coming?

I saved a seat
in the front for you.

Yeah.

Who's that?

It's nothing.

Just a friend from school.

Hey! We should take
our pictures and post it.

Hey, Cass. Pick your elf.

I'm good, Dad.

Hey, you know what?

I think I see a hot chocolate
stand over there.

What do you say, kiddo?

Double marshmallows?

Sure.

Hello?

Oh, thank you very much.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, hey, guys.

How are you?

Good, good.
You guys good?

Yeah, I'm great, thank you.

Do you remember
my friend, Caroline?

Two please, with whipped cream.

She just moved
back to the area.

Newly single.

Bess, I am not looking
for a relationship right now.

Well, you don't have to look.

It's not a good time.

It's been a year, Ben.

I know you were hurt,

but don't you think you should
get back out there?

You've seen
how busy I am with the inn.

Is that by design?

I'm doing fine on my own.

-Okay.
-Thank you.

Come on.

Is Grandma with you?

We're heading out

to pick up some ribbons
for the Christmas wreaths.

She's insisting
we make the bows ourselves.

I wish I was there.

I'm sure your dad has lots
of fun things planned for you.

Oh, sweetheart, I need to go.
Miss you lots.

Miss you, too.

Love ya.

Hey, hon'.

Hey, Dad.

They ran out of marshmallows,
so I got extra whipped cream.

Thanks, Dad.

Thank you.

I've always been partial
to the blue spruce.

-Is that for the inn?
-Yeah. I need one

for our tree trimming.

Blue spruce, huh?

Yeah.

So what did you do
before you bought the inn?

I was in finance.
Ahem. Wall Street.

Really?
You don't seem the type.

Oh, because I am not.

I was miserable
tied to a desk all day.

And now you're here.
In flannel.

What? You think I'm crazy.

No.

Well, you wouldn't be
the only one.

My sister thought I was kidding
when I told her.

I had to show her
the paperwork

before she believed me.

So what do you do?

I'm a lawyer.

-Oh...
-Don't hold it against me.

Why law?

My mother.

She had a small practice
in Brooklyn,

mostly social-interest
litigation,

but her doors were... were always
open to anyone who needed it.

A champion
of the underdog, huh?

Yeah, a whole borough's worth,

and I wanted to fight
that fight by her side.

So you two work together?

No.

That was the plan,
you know, to practice with her,

um, to be a team.

But right out of law school,

I was offered a job
at a really big firm in Seattle,

and it just seemed like too good
of an opportunity to pass up,

and she agreed.

She practically bought me
the plane ticket.

Do you like it?

It's... It's different.

It's mostly trade disputes
and corporate mergers.

How about your dad?

Uh, he... he...

he died
when I was little.

Oh.

What do you think
about this one?

I think...

I think we have a winner.

You know, when I was little,
we would decorate it

with strands of cranberry
and popcorn,

and then on Christmas morning,

we would hang them outside
for the birds.

I'll have to remember that one.

I mean, I can grab it.

Well, you can help me.

Three, two, and...

-One, two, three.
-One!

Jasper...

I just wanted to apologize
if I upset you.

No. I should apologize to you.

I came here because
I thought my wife wanted me to.

I thought
this was her gift to me.

I thought this was the way
she wanted us

to spend Christmas together
before she...

well.

When I got that card...

...it kind of felt like
she was still with me.

Maybe it was a coincidence.

I don't believe
in those things.

Never really did.

I believe life sends us signs.

It's up to us
whether we ignore 'em or not.

Can I see that card again?

Of course.

You're a winner!

"Winner"?

Of the sweepstakes.

You know, "win a free trip
to the inn"?

Wait. I-I didn't
enter a sweepstakes.

Oh, these days,
you don't even have to.

They just pull
from the mailing list.

That's what happened to me.

So you got
one of these cards, too?

Uh-huh! I sure did.

Ms. Barton's reservation
is...

also blank.

How odd.

Did you ever hear back
from Martha?

Yeah. She couldn't remember.

We'll keep trying, though.

I mean, who invites
three strangers

to an inn for Christmas?

Strange.

This is so bizarre.

There must be
some connection here.

It's really coming down
out there.

Welcome to the Snowfall Inn.

Do you have a reservation?

Sure do.

The reservation's
under Ted Roberts.

Just give me a sec here.

Ted?

Karen?

It's been a long time.

I'm sorry. I just...

I can't believe you're here.

No, that makes two of us.

I like the...

Oh. I've been wearing my hair
this way for a few years now.

Suits you.

Room 12.

-Hmm? Oh.
-Just upstairs.

Yeah. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Well, it was, um...

really nice to see you.

You too.

Hmm.

how do you?

We dated in college.

He had put a notice up
on the community board,

looking to carpool a ride home
during the holidays,

and as luck would have it,

he lived just
two towns over from me.

On the ride home,
there was an awful blizzard,

and it forced us
off the roads for a night.

And you...
you stayed here?

Uh-huh.

Wow. Were you together long?

Two years.

If you had
asked me back then,

I was sure he was the man
I was going to marry.

So what happened?

Oh, he got a job
that involved a lot of travel.

We tried to make it work,
but it got too hard.

We just weren't meant to be.

Well, you're both here now.

Oh.

We've lived whole other lives.

No. I'm a different person.

I'm sure he is, too.

Whatever we had,
it's in the past.

Okay, and we're gonna
see you on the sleigh ride

on the 22nd.

Okay. We'll see you later.

Oh, Sarah.

I just went through

the last three months
of reservations.

What...

What?

No, it's just...
I know how busy you are.

You didn't have to do that.

No, no. I wanted to help you.

I mean, everyone.

Thank you.
Did you find anything?

Yes. There is another guest
we should talk to.

When the card showed up,

I thought it was a gift
from my brother.

He knew I had been looking

for the perfect place
to take Cass.

And you didn't ask him?

I did, but I thought
he was being coy,

like he didn't want
to take the credit.

Yeah. Did you bring
the invitation with you?

Well, if you think of
anything that might help,

will you please let me know?

Of course.

You haven't, uh, told him
what you want for Christmas yet?

I've been looking
for a Christmas activity

to do with my teen daughter,

you know, something
she'll really love.

So far, all I've done
is strike out.

Well, what
is she interested in?

I thought I knew, but...

my wife and I,
we separated a few years ago.

We split the time between us.

It's been hard on her,

and Lord knows
it's been hard on me.

I just...

I just want to give her
the perfect Christmas, you know?

You could always ask her.

Talk to her.

Oh. Hi. Sorry.

I-I was just looking for Ben.

Oh, yeah. One of the guests
needed a lift into town.

I'm Bess, Ben's sister.

Hi. I'm Sarah.

Oh, so you're Sarah.

Ben told me all about
your mystery invitation.

Uh, yeah. He's been trying
to help me track it down.

I've probably been
taking too much of his time.

Oh, no, I wouldn't
worry about that.

Nothing makes Ben happier
than helping someone.

Ah, I just wish

he'd make himself a priority
once in a while.

My brother has spent weeks
decorating this inn,

turning it into something...

...magical
for the guests staying here,

but look at his office.

Well, how can I help?

Oh! Well, uh... this tree.

I'm just doing the garland.

Yep, sure.

Thank you.

Okay. Just... great.
Yeah, anywhere is great.

Does that look all right?

That looks great.

Can I ask you a question?

Sure.

It is...

8:42,

and you're here
playing chess with me.

Why?

Because...

I am four moves away
from checkmate.

Okay. First of all...

-Mm?
-...in your dreams.

And second of all,
I'm serious.

Well, um,

I used to...

I was engaged,

uh, but she called it off.

I'm sorry.

No, no.

No, don't be.
In the end,

she made the hard decision
for both of us,

and it was
the right thing to do.

I told my family that, uh,
this inn was a smart investment,

but I wasn't completely honest.

I, um...

I thought about the last time
I was truly happy,

and, um, it was here,

and then when the inn
came up for sale,

I thought it was, like, a sign,
you know?

A chance to take
a real risk and...

and find something
really meaningful.

Anyway, if I fail at this,

I guess I'm back
to where I started.

Are you in
any of those old photos?

Huh?

Oh.

You know,
I never really looked.

I don't think so.

You are!

Look, are you gonna
make your move?

Or are you afraid
I'm gonna put you in checkmate?

Oh, you're appealing
to my competitive nature.

That's pretty smart.

-Did it work?
-Nope.

Checkmate.

Checkmate?
No, it's not check...

What?

No, no, no. Hold on.

Do you even know
what you're looking for?

Well, you said you came here
through high school,

so I'm thinking
"Ben minus a few years,"

maybe shaggier hair
with the same charming smile.

You think
I have a charming smile?

I will find this eventually.

Ah.

Look at you!
You're so little!

-Is that your sister?
-Yes.

I like the bow tie.

I'll have you know

I received many compliments
on that bow tie.

I believe the word
my mother used was "dapper."

Oh. Nice.

Mm-hmm.

I said I liked it.

What's wrong?

Do you know her?

That's my mother.

You okay?

She was here.

She never mentioned this place,
but...

that's her.

Do you think
she's why I'm here?

I don't know.

Yeah.

Do you believe in fate?

It's a comforting thought...

to know there's purpose
behind it all.

Even the hard stuff.

Yeah.

Now, why don't you
come inside...

...and I'll make you some tea?

That's very nice, but...

I think I'll just stay here
and... think.

Okay.

See? Perfect fit.

Okay.

Good morning.

Hey, Owen.

Oh, Sarah!

I did have it after all.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Hey. What are you doing here?

Oh, just dropping off

some last-minute
Christmas cards.

You?

Um, well, picking up.

One more.

Nice.

Uh... thank you.

For what?

For last night, for...

for being there.

How are you?

I'm better.

I just wasn't expecting
to see her, you know,

here of all places,

and it just threw me
for a minute.

Well, the ink's
a little smudged,

but that's our postmark,
all right.

Hmm.

So even though they weren't
mailed from the inn...

...they were mailed in town.

Yeah.

Huh.
Thanks.

So, mailed from town.

-Hmm.
-Whoa!

All right. Thank you.

Let me... Let me help you.
I can help you.

Oh, no, no, no.
I totally... I've got them.

-No, let me...
-It's all right.

Yep, yep. Yep, here we go.

Sorry about the Christmas tree.

Ooh, sorry. Can you...

-There's this one down.
-And I did not help at all.

- Oh!
- Sorry.

Let's see if I can get this.

-Ah, yes.
-Okay, here. I got it.

Oh! Thank you.

All right.
Of course.

Fantastic.

What... What are these?

Lights, for tonight's
tree decorating.

You're coming, right?

Oh. How could I
possibly say no?

And how were you going
to carry all this

if I didn't come along?

Well, luckily,
I won't have to find out.

I think
that you're looking for "G."

It's right here.

Thank you.

You take lessons?

I've been teaching myself.

Really?

There are these videos
you can watch and follow along.

Would you play me something?

I'm not that good.

"C."

You got it.

♪ Noel, Noel... ♪

Yeah.

You did great.

Keep practicing, okay?

I will.

Thank you!

Excuse me?

Hi. I don't think we met.

Owen. Cassidy is my daughter.

Jasper.

She's a very talented
young lady.

I just want to say
thank you.

I don't think I've seen
her smile since she's been here.

Would you be

interested in working with her,
on her music?

I've been trying
to find us something to do,

and I think
she'd really love it.

Do you play?

Guitar,
back in high school,

but I haven't played in years,

and I don't think
I'd make a very good teacher.

Then let her teach you.

I have something
that may help.

Jasper,
how about you give us a hand?

Looks like you all are doing
just quite fine without me.

Please.

Come on.

All right. Okay.

Okay, that's enough.

Looking good, everyone.

Sorry I'm late.

I had to step out
for some cranberries

to go
with the popcorn strings.

That's...

Thank you.

You're welcome. Looks good.

Okay, let me get it set.
One second.

You know, I think I'm finally
getting the hang of this.

Oh, okay.
You're over halfway done?

That's...
I'm out of practice.

Okay. I want to know
which one of these is yours.

Hmm?

That one.

This one?

Mm-hmm.

Your happy memory is a cat?

It was one of my mother's cases
that I worked on

when I was back home.

-Hmm.
-Yeah.

Mary Hargrave,
this very, very sweet woman,

was about to have
her husband's pension cut off

because of some ridiculous
clerical error,

and when we won,

she wrote me
this three-page letter,

and she signed it
from her and her cat.

Yeah.

It just felt like I actually
made a difference, you know.

I haven't felt like that
in a long time.

Hmm.

What?

Oh, nothing.
It just, uh...

you called Brooklyn
your "home."

Oh, well, I mean, it was.

Just a slip of the tongue.

Hmm. Yeah, that must be it.

Do you know what we need?

Hmm?

Some Christmas music.

Yes. That is
exactly what we need.

Bing or Nat King Cole?

I know this is a long shot,
but do you happen

to have the Blue Note Trio's
Christmas album?

Blue Note Trio?

Yeah. My parents used
to listen to it every Christmas.

They practically
wore the vinyl out.

Would I know
any of their songs?

Uh, I don't know. Maybe...

maybe "Time for Me
to Come Home"?

Hmm. How's it go?

I'm not singing it.

Come on.

♪ The pies
Are in the oven ♪

♪ You can almost
Taste the air ♪

That sounds a little familiar.

Keep going.

♪ It warms my heart
To feel her love ♪

♪ And know
How much she cares... ♪

♪ It's funny how ♪

♪ Going back ♪

♪ Can get you back ♪

♪ Where you belong ♪

You know that song?

I do.

The Blue Note Trio
was my band.

There were only about a hundred
of those holiday albums pressed.

And my parents had one.

Wow.

They weren't the only ones.

Looks like
we had one after all.

I'm sorry.

-No, I am.
-Oh!

Good morning.

Seems like we have
a mystery on our hands, huh?

Yeah. Who do you think
sent your invitation?

I always leave
my business cards

in those raffle bowls,

and two months ago,
I won a toaster.

Well, this is certainly
a step up from that.

Yeah!

There are some nice memories
attached to this place.

Our first Christmas together.

Well, and as I recall,

we weren't together
at the time.

I was working up my nerve.

Never thought a girl
as pretty as you

would give me
the time of day.

Oh.

Well, I'll let you
get back to your coffee.

Ted?

Yeah?

Uh, there's a tree lighting,
downtown,

tonight.

Would you like to go?

We could... catch up?

I'd love to.

Great.

Why don't I meet you
in the lobby at 7:00?

7:00.

Ben?

Oh, hey.

-Hey.
-Morning.

What are you doing?

Plow's running behind
this morning,

so I just have to clear away
the driveway for the guests.

- Oh...
- You have another shovel?

Bess, you are not
helping me shovel, okay?

You're my guest.

I wish you didn't feel like

you have to do everything
by yourself, Ben.

It's okay to ask
for help, you know.

What, admit
this was a mistake?

Was it?

Look, I know
what this looks like, okay?

It looks like you had
your heart broken,

so you bought an inn.

Ben, you are chasing the past,
trying to recapture a feeling.

You should be
looking towards the future.

She's leaving after Christmas.

You can't hide away
up here forever, Ben.

Hey.

-Hey.
-Hi.

Looking for something?

Yeah, I just wanted to see

if maybe there were
some more pictures of my mom.

I just feel like

she might be the key
to figuring this all out.

Any luck?

No, but there
has to be a connection.

Look...
look at the release date.

1984.

The same year
your mother was at the hotel.

Exactly.

Follow me.

Not all the pictures
are on the wall.

Check it out.

Huh.

Oh, and that's Frenchie,

one of the nicest people
you'll ever meet,

the owner.

Big shoes to fill.

I'd say
you're doing a pretty good job.

Yeah?

Yeah.

So I kind of went through
some of these boxes,

but I don't know.

Tell me about your mom.

Oh. My mom was brilliant.

Yeah. She was so strong.

And she loved Christmas.

I mean, I know
a lot of people love Christmas,

but it was so special
to my mom.

She'd plan the whole week.

Caroling and ornaments,
tree trimming.

We baked enough gingerbread
for the entire block.

I never missed it...

...until last year.

They asked me to help out
with a big client, and...

on the partner track,

and I just couldn't get away.

You know, I thought...

I thought,
"It's okay to miss one year."

If I had known...

- Hey.
- Sorry.

Hey.

Wait.

Wait.

That's her.

That's...
That's my mom and dad.

They were both here.

Oh, that's...
that's Jasper's wife.

Do you think
that's Karen and Ted?

They were...
they were all here.

All here.
Who's that?

I don't know.

There's nothing
written on the back.

I know
this seems an odd question,

but...

is that you?

Yeah. Yeah, that's me.

I must've been... four?

Those are my grandparents.

Wait. Where'd you get
this picture?

We were here?

It would've been
Christmas, 1984.

I was on the road...

with The Blue Note Trio,
for the holidays.

Had a big show in the city
that I couldn't miss,

and she was coming
to meet me.

These are your folks?

Yeah.

I met them.

You did?

The busses stopped running
because of the snowstorm,

and when the storm stopped,

your parents drove
six hours out of their way

to bring my wife to me.

Boy, she talked about
that Christmas for years.

She made quite an impression.

Was my mother
at your concert?

That must be
why they had the album.

Your mom hardly
left the dance floor.

- No.
- Yes.

She had a great spirit.

Yes, she did.

And... the album?

I gave it to 'em.
It was a Christmas gift.

Isn't this just remarkable?

How...

just how all of our lives
have intersected?

What was your wife's name?

Sarah.

Her name was Sarah.

This was your mom?
I had no idea.

Do you recognize the man
in the photo, with the glasses?

He's the only one
that we haven't accounted for.

Patrick?

No. Peter!
Yes, that was it.

Peter?

Peter who?

Oh, I don't think he ever said,
but it was so long ago.

I don't know
how far that gets us

without a last name.

You really think he's the one
that brought us all here?

I don't know, but...

it's as good a guess as any.

Do you have a dress
for the Christmas party?

No.

Come with me.

I asked him to go
to the tree lighting.

-Oh, Ted?
-Mm-hmm.

-And?
-He said yes.

Are you nervous?

A little.

I don't know.

It's... seeing him again,

it's almost like we're
right back where we left off.

Oh, that is so nice.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, what do you think
about this?

Oh, I love it.

I bet Ben will, too.

No, we're not... this...

this-this isn't for Ben.

Oh. I'm sorry.
I just assumed.

You two have been
pretty inseparable.

Well, just because
he's been helping me

with the whole
invitation mystery.

Oh, I see.

Well, that's too bad.

He's a real sweetheart.

And did you see him
in that sweater?

Karen!

What? He looked good.

It really brings out
his green eyes.

I'm going back to Seattle
after the New Year.

I mean, my life has been
on hold the last few months,

and I...

This has been
a really nice escape,

but I have to get back
to the real world.

I can't put it off any longer.

And his eyes are blue.

Ah.

Well, maybe you can join him
at the lighting tonight.

Where are we going?

You'll see.

So? What do you think?

Ben helped me set it up.

He said we could
use the space to play.

We?

This is cool.

Where'd you get that?

Jasper lent it to me.

I didn't know
you played guitar.

Well, I'm a little rusty,
but...

I think I can keep up.

What do you say?

Want to jam with your old man?

"Jam"?

Look, Cass, I had no idea
you were interested in music,

but if it's something you love,

I'd like to be
a part of it, too.

What should we play?

So...

Oh.

You first.

Okay. Um...

so you're a teacher?

Third grade.

My students can be
a real handful,

but I love it.

Well, you always said
you wanted to work with kids.

You remembered.

Of course.

What about you?

Uh, sales.

That makes sense.

Oh, yeah?
Why do you say that?

Well, You always did
have a way with words.

Bet you can sell snow
to the North Pole.

I did, last month.
Made a fortune.

Thank you.

Oh, they're about
to count down to the lights.

Ooh. Thank you.

What's wrong?

Oh, gingerbread order
for the party fell through.

I've been trying
these other bakeries,

but they're booked solid.

Oh.

Bess loves those cookies.

Oh, I'm sure
she'll understand.

I just...

I want this Christmas
to be perfect for everyone.

Well, what about you?

Me?

Yeah. When do you get
to just enjoy Christmas?

Oh, well, it's not about me.

Maybe I can
find a vendor online.

You know, we should
probably head back.

No. You want to see the tree.

Yeah, but this can't wait.
I...

You want me to have
the perfect Christmas

as your guest?

Yeah.

Come with me.

-Come with me.
-All right.

...Eight, seven,

six, five, four, three,

two, one...

-Wow.
-Oh, it's beautiful.

It is.

Thank you for coming with me.

Nowhere else I'd rather be.

And to think
you almost missed it.

Oh. Speakers will go
over there, please.

Thank you.

-Hmm.
-I was thinking.

How did the inn
record reservations in 1984?

Um, paper ledgers.

Okay, so if we could find

the reservation
from that night...

...we could find
the name of the last guest.

Exactly.

Follow me. Let's go.

Oh! Here it is.

Catherine Thomas.
That's my mom.

Karen... Ted...

Peter Sanderson.

Peter Sanderson?
Who's Peter Sanderson?

He's... I don't know.

Hold on.
Let me look it up.

Okay, Peter... Sanderson.

He's local.

Mm-hmm.

Says he grew up in Bevington,

and...

still has family
that lives in the area.

Wait.

June Sanderson?

She owns a bakery downtown.

What are we waiting for?

What are we waiting for?

What are we...

Yeah, I can't. Ahem. Sorry.

I just can't go with you.

I...

-Yeah, no, it's fine.
-Too much to do.

Of course. I understand.
I'll...

The decorations,

and I still got
to make gingerbread cookies.

You... you're... you're
actually baking them yourself?

You find me when you get back.
I want to hear everything. Okay?

You'll be my first stop.

Okay. Have fun.

Thank you.

All right!

Did you get it?

I got it all.

You want to come see?

Thanks, Jasper.

You two sounded wonderful.

I'm going to go show Mom.

So, uh...

Ben asked us to perform a song
at the Christmas party,

and, uh, we'd love for you
to join us.

You two sounded great.
You don't need me.

It would really
mean a lot to her.

I'm not ready
to get on stage yet.

My heart's not in it.

Well, if you change your mind.

Thank you!

You coming?

Yeah.

Yeah, that's my uncle Peter.

Do you have a number
where I could reach him?

You're staying
at the inn, right?

Yeah.

Oh, he'll be
at the Christmas party.

Never misses it.

Thank you.

Yeah, no problem.

Just think.

We could be a few hours away
from finding out

why we're all here.

I'm not sure
I really need to know.

What do you mean?

When I found out
someone I didn't know

sent me the invitation,

sure, I had questions,

but, oh!

I've had
such a wonderful time here.

The "why" seems less important.

It's almost like it's fate.

Hmm.

Oh!

What's all this?

You need cookies?
We're making cookies.

I have
a great gingerbread recipe.

We've got bakers.
We've got frosters.

You didn't have to do all this.

I wanted to.

We all did.

All right.
Help us out.

♪ Ding dong, merrily on high ♪

♪ In Heaven
the bells are ringing ♪

Let's crack some eggs.

♪ Ding dong!
Verily the sky ♪

♪ Is riv'n with angels singing ♪

♪ Gloria... ♪

♪ Hosanna in excelsis! ♪

♪ E'en so here below... ♪

I mean, this is pretty good
for some novices.

Yeah. Thank you.

Of course.
It was a team effort.

Really. It meant a lot.

Well, you're... you're always
doing so much for others,

you should have someone
looking out for you, too.

It's been a long time
since I had someone like that.

You deserve it.

Uh...

Oh, we... we have to go.

It's almost five

and there's something
I have to do first.

Yeah, great.

Um... Sarah?

Yeah?

I'll see you at the party.

I just miss her.

I know you do.

And being here,
all of these traditions,

everyone with
all of these memories of her,

just...

It's reminding me of
all the things I won't get.

She won't see me get married.

She won't meet
her grandchildren.

She was my best friend.

But we have memories.

Happy memories,

memories that are always
with us,

that we can call on
when we need them.

I just wanted to spend
one last Christmas with her.

Aren't you?

Hello?

Is this Sarah Thomas?

Uh, it is.

Oh, I'm so sorry
to be calling so late,

and so close to Christmas,

but I just got a letter

saying
I'm going to be evicted.

Mary Hargrave
gave me your number.

She said

you were gonna take over
your mother's practice,

and you might
be able to help.

Yes. Does the letter
you received say

"notice to quit"
or "execution"?

Uh, notice to quit.

Oh, okay. Good.
That's... That's very good.

That means you have time.

So you will help me?

I'm sorry, but I'm actually
not staying in New York.

But I-I will find

someone to represent you,
I don't want you to worry.

I'll be in touch
after the holidays

with a name, okay?

Oh, thank you.

And Merry Christmas,
Ms. Thomas.

Merry Christmas to you.

♪ Hap-hap-hap-happy
New Year ♪

♪ Hap-hap-hap-happy New Year ♪

♪ Hap-hap-hap-happy
New Year ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas... ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas... ♪

♪ And a Happy New Year ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring ♪

♪ To you and your kin ♪

-Hi.
-Hi.

Oh, you were expecting
the bow tie?

I mean, I was hoping, really.

You look great.

Have you...
have you seen Peter?

Uh, no. He hasn't arrived yet,
actually.

Hmm.

♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪

Um, would you like to dance?

As the host,
I'm sure you have to... host.

Yeah. I'm sure
I could spare a moment.

♪ Ooh ♪

I'd love to.

Mm. You look beautiful,
by the way.

Oh, thank you.

I wanted to say thank you.

For what?

For everything.

This has been a...
a really hard year...

losing my mom,

and spending Christmas
without family.

You have people here
that care about you.

And you have me.

I do?

Yes.

You do.

Truthfully, I've been
thinking a lot about us.

And, um...

Ben...

Sarah?

Ben, it's him.

Who?

It's him!

Um... Excuse me.

-Mr. Sanderson?
-Yes?

I... uh, Peter Sanderson?

Yes, that's me.
And you are?

Sarah Thomas.

I wanted to talk to you
about the cards.

Cards?

The invitations.

Oh, the ones
with the poinsettia?

-Yeah.
-Yes.

I'm sorry.

I had to decline
the invitation.

My wife and I were traveling.

Didn't you invite us
all here to the inn?

No.

Oh... uh, if you'll excuse us.

It was nice to meet you.

-You too.
-Yes.

I was so sure.

I know.

I mean, he was the only
other person there that night.

If... if he didn't
send the invitations, who did?

Sarah...

I don't know

what or who
brought you here...

but I'm so grateful.

This has been
the best Christmas of my life.

That's because of you.

But...

I'm leaving.

Right.

Seattle.

It feels right.

Does it?

Ben, I don't...

Everything in my life
is upside-down right now,

and my job is the one thing

that I have left
that I recognize,

and I... I...

I don't think I can lose that.

It just feels like too much.

I should probably
get back to...

to the guests.

Ben...

I'll be right back.

Sarah?

Is everything all right?

Yeah.

No.

I don't know.

I feel like
I thought I knew

what my life
was supposed to look like,

and I just... I'm not sure.

I know just what you mean.

Oh, my goodness.

Is that...

I thought I saw her earlier.

Well, that's Frenchie.

She owned the inn
the night that we all met.

She took those photos
that you found.

You look nice.

Sarah.

Sarah?

It was you.

We were so busy
looking at the guests,

we forgot there was
someone else there that night.

The owner.

You sent the invitations.

I suppose
I owe you some answers.

It was Christmas Eve
when a storm blew in,

and with it came
my first guests in weeks...

a young pair of co-eds
on their way home...

...an older couple with
their precocious grandson...

...a beautiful young singer
on her way to see her love...

...and a soldier and his wife,
with a little one on the way.

I had no sooner
checked them all in

than the storm
blew the electricity.

The lights went out.
The heat dipped.

They could have all left.

I offered to refund them.

But then
something miraculous happened.

They brought in fresh firewood
for the fireplace,

they lit candles,

there was music
and laughter.

That night changed my life.

I kept the inn...

and six months later,
I met my husband...

...when he came
to stay at the inn.

35 happy years together.

Two precious daughters.

I don't know what my life
would have looked like

if that Christmas
had gone differently.

Fate has a way

of putting certain people
in your path

right when you need them.

But why invite us all back?

It was my gift.

To us?

To Ben.

I hoped maybe I could

recreate a little of that magic
for you.

Oh, Frenchie...

Thank you.

Come here.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

That night, did you make
the memory ornaments?

It was Catherine's idea,

and it became a beloved
tradition at the inn.

I'm so sorry for your loss,

but I hope you can see

that the people we lose
never really leave us.

You remind me so much of her.

You've only just met me.

Well, I heard all the stories!

Your mother loved
to talk about you.

You stayed in touch?

Did she tell you
about last Christmas?

She understood
why you couldn't make it.

Above all, she just wanted
you to be happy.

I just don't really know
what that looks like.

I mean, I thought I knew,
but I...

you know, I have
so many questions,

and I feel like
I'm at this crossroads and I...

She would be my first
phone call, you know?

No one can give you
that answer, Sarah.

Only you.

Have I told you
how lovely you look tonight?

Twice.

Twice? Well...

Well, you do.

Thank you.

Isn't it funny

how it feels like
we've all come full circle?

It's been real nice

spending the last few days
with you, Karen.

For me, too.

I, uh...

...have a confession to make.

You do?

Yeah.

I've been thinking a lot
about you lately.

You have?

Mm-hmm.

Just dwelling on some what-ifs,

and when I saw you
at the check-in desk that day...

...it felt a little like
a Christmas miracle,

like we got a second chance...

if that's something
you'd be interested in.

What are you doing
for New Year's?

Whoa!

All right!

Whoo! The Jingle Belles!

Hi, everyone.

Thank you so much
for coming out tonight

and celebrating
this Christmas with us.

Well, I hope this is
the first of many to come.

Me too.

And now we have
a very special treat

from two of our guests.

Please welcome to the stage
Cassidy and Owen Reese!

Whoo!

You ready, Cass?

Ready.

You got this.

I'm right here with you.

Thanks, Dad.

You don't mind if I join you,
if the offer still stands?

- Of course.
- Yes!

♪ There's music in the city ♪

♪ And the lights
are on display ♪

♪ And there's a big old tree
for all to see ♪

♪ Where the children
run and play ♪

♪ I look out
through my window... ♪

Nice speech.

Thanks.

♪ Something
just don't seem right... ♪

Look, about earlier,
I just, uh...

Look, I know. I know
you're looking out for me.

Yeah.

I just want you to be happy.

I talked to Sarah.

And?

No.

Oh, Ben, I'm...

I'm really sorry.

It's okay.

We'll talk about it later.

Okay.

♪ Well, I don't
need to hear... ♪

I'm going to go.

♪ ...No jingle bell ♪

♪ Just ringing on my phone ♪

♪ Well, Mama just called
and said it's time ♪

♪ For me to come on home ♪

♪ I said
Mama just called ♪

♪ And said it's time for you
To come on home ♪

♪ The pies
Are in the oven ♪

♪ You can almost
Taste the air... ♪

Ben?

Oh, hey.

What are you doing out here?

Gosh, you must be freezing.

-I...
-Here.

Thank you.

Yeah.

I came here

because I just needed
to get away from everything

for a while.

But then I got
swept away in this...

this riddle,

and it didn't matter
if it was a little victory

or a setback,

you were always
the one I thought of.

Good or bad, I...

I wanted to share it with you.

You're going home.

Home isn't a place.

It's people.

And I'm trying to figure out
what makes me happy,

and I don't have
all the answers, but...

I do know you're part of it.

Thank you.

Let's get you inside, huh?

Yeah.

♪ I heard a voice
on the other end of the line ♪

♪ Now, it's Christmas
Christmas ♪

♪ I'm hurrying on my way ♪

♪ Christmas ♪

Merry Christmas, Sarah.

Merry Christmas.

♪ Like riding
in a one-horse sleigh ♪

♪ Well, I don't need to hear
no jingle bell ♪

♪ Just a ringing on my phone ♪

♪ Well ♪

♪ Mama just called ♪

♪ And said it's time ♪

♪ For me
To come on home ♪

♪ I said
your mama just called ♪

♪ And said it's time ♪

♪ For you to come on home ♪

♪ Oo-oo-oo-ooh ♪