[♪♪]
For the hundredth time, cass, I am not selling the house.
Look at this.
Carefree living
In a community loaded with amenities...
And single men.
Do you know how many christmases I've spent here?
And look at all the renovations that greg and I did together.
I mean, why would I ever want to leave here?
For a marble-encased, crystal-rock-filled fireplace?
[scoffs]
I know you love this house, molly,
But it's too much for one person.
It's not bad.
Okay.
But I'm just saying maybe you wanna try something new.
New's overrated.
You spent the last five years taking care of greg.
And before that, it was your students,
And before that, it was kristen.
I like taking care of people.
It's time to take care of molly.
I do take care of myself. I dance.
You do zumba.
Well, uh, the other day, I bought a new lipstick.
Chapstick.
It was "wild cherry" and organic.
I've got it.
We should go on a girls' trip.
I found this great house on vrbo I've been dying to book.
Look at this.
Just you, me, a couple of gal pals...
All together for a week of fun.
Look at this place.
I mean, it's gorgeous, but I'm going to have
Plenty of frivolity with my girls--
Especially my little tofino.
Fine.
But don't come looking for me when you're sitting
In this big, old house, bored out of your mind,
While I'm out living my best life.
[snaps] I won't!
Cass, I know you mean well,
And I know what you're trying to do--
I just want you to be happy.
And greg would want that, too.
I know.
But I'm gonna be fine.
I mean, this is gonna be a great christmas.
Trust me.
[♪♪]
♪ this christmas ♪
♪ all I want is you ♪
♪ 'cause in you... ♪
♪ I found a love so true ♪
♪ kissing you under the mistletoe ♪
♪ on sleigh rides ♪
♪ santa is bringing to me ♪
♪ my baby tonight ♪
♪ this christmas ♪
♪ all I want is you ♪
[phone rings]
Hey, honey-bear.
Hi!
I just found the most amazing sparkling-unicorn
Rollerskates on ebay for 30 bucks.
And the wheels light up!
[laughs] tofino's gonna love them.
Mom, they're for me.
You know I can't resist sparkly things.
You never even learned how to rollerskate.
Well, maybe if I would have, if I'd had
Sparkly-unicorn light-up skates.
I cannot wait for you guys
To come here for christmas.
I've already got the tree up.
I've got all your favorite ornaments,
And I've got all the ingredients for s'mores.
It's gonna be just like old times.
[sighs] almost.
Mom...
That's actually why I was calling.
Oh, you didn't call to tell me about the rollerskates?
Not exactly. Um...
You know what--
Can you guys come a week early,
Instead of two days before christmas, because--?
The thing is--
We could go iceskating downtown
And we could see the nutcracker.
We missed that last time.
Mom.
And I have got
Another scrabble board.
Stevie's gonna be so happy.
You know how much he loves
His scrabble.
Mom, we're not coming home for christmas.
[laughs]
You guys are hilarious.
You almost got me there.
You guys-- you're always joking around.
I'm not joking.
You know the position that steve was up for?
Um, at the...
Big.
...The really big, really--
Cool.
...Cool... Awesome...
[steve] awesome!
Yeah, awesome... Tech company?
Well, he got the job!
-He got it. -I got it!
[kristen] yay!
Yay.
It's a big company.
So... Because he got the job,
Um, he's the new guy,
And he has to work
Over the holidays, so, um...
We can't come back.
I'm sorry.
Well, what about christmas?
Hey, uh, molly. Stevie here. Hi.
Uh, we were thinking
Maybe you could come here for the holidays.
Oh, no, but we always have it here.
I mean, it's a tradition.
I know...
But a change of scenery could be really fun,
Don't you think?
No.
[scoffs quietly, deflating]
Mom, we really do want to spend christmas with you,
But it's just...
It's not gonna work this year.
I'm sorry.
No. No, I understand.
So...?
So I guess we're having christmas in...
New hampshire.
[♪♪]
[sighs]
I mean, I thought for sure there'd be snow on the ground.
No!
We might not even have any for christmas.
Oh, well.
Oh, you know what I brought for the top of your tree?
What?
Dad's christmas star.
Oh, awesome!
Did you remember to get a box
Of that saltwater taffy from roy's?
Uh, yep, yep. Right on it.
Great. Thank you! I'll see you soon.
Last one! Oh, I need this.
So do I.
[stammers] I-it's for my granddaughter.
It's her favorite.
Oh, it's for my friend. It's...
Her favorite.
But my granddaughter's only nine years old.
How old is your friend?
Nine...Ty-two.
Can she even chew saltwater taffy?
She sucks on it, okay?
It's the last joy in her sad...
Toothless life. [sighs sadly]
You know, I taught drama in high school for 30 years,
And that is one of the best sad sighs I have ever heard.
It just about broke my heart.
-So I get the taffy? -Heck no!
Your friend may be on her deathbed,
But my granddaughter's gonna kill me
If I don't arrive with this box.
Sugar isn't good for children. That's why I never had any.
Ahh, so this is for you?
[scoffs]
No, I just maybe was gonna have a couple pieces
Before I gave it to her, but--
What kind of a person steals candy from a child?
I was gonna pay for it!
Well, why don't you and your friend suck on those?
Hank marshall.
Molly foreman.
So you coming or going?
Coming, to spend christmas with my daughter.
And you?
Returning. I was visiting my sister.
No. This is on me.
[thumps bills down]
Why would you buy candy for a perfect stranger?
Strangers?
After what we just experienced?
Yeah, but, you know, still.
'tis the season. Right?
[♪♪]
How many taffies did you give her?
Just one...
At a time.
Mom.
It's christmas!
Well, you know, maybe I just gave her four or five.
No, no, make that four and a half,
Because she didn't really like the ginger-cinnamon one.
[both laughing]
Well, since we're on the subject of taffy.
Do you want to hear my new great idea?
Sure.
Mm.
[thud]
[sighs]
You are gonna make taffy?
Yeah, and I can come up with all kinds of cool flavors
And then we can give it to the neighbors.
What did the neighbors ever do to you?
Mom. I'm serious.
[chuckles] I know you are.
I think, eventually,
I can probably sell it at the christmas fair,
And then it'll make me so popular
That I will open a shop,
And then we'll be rich.
This isn't gonna be like the...
Candle-making incident, is it?
"experiment."
The candle-making experiment.
And it's okay,
Because we have fire insurance now.
I know what you're thinking--
"kristen going off on another one of her whims,
Gonna fall flat on her face."
No, of course not.
We can't all be the perfect mom like you.
I am not perfect, kristen.
It's not an insult, mom.
You are pretty darn close to perfect.
When I was a kid,
You made every meal from scratch.
You sewed my Halloween costumes...
...And you coached my soccer team,
And you made amazing christmas s'mores.
Well, I can teach you how to do all of this for tofino.
-Perfect. -[door closes]
Gammy!
Stevie!
Pizza!
-Hi. -Hi.
Congratulations on your new job.
Thank you.
We are so stoked to have you here for christmas this year.
Well, and this is gonna be, oh,
The first time in a long time that I haven't hosted christmas,
But great news--
We can do everything that I do at home right here.
-Yeah. -Sure.
And because you're going to be so busy,
I can help out.
Just tell me if there's anything that I can do.
Well, the back patio needs to be painted,
The door to the attic squeaks like crazy,
And how are you with taxes?
Are you all good with small-business regulations?
[laughing]
You're not here to work, molly.
You're here to relax and enjoy the holidays.
-[kristen] you got everything? -[tofino] yup.
I've got to drop tofino at school
And, uh, run a few errands.
Oh, do you want me to come?
No. I'll be back in a few hours,
And remember what steve said--?
"relax."
Yeah. [chuckles nervously]
[sighs deeply]
[tofino] bye, gammy!
[♪♪]
Om...
[♪♪]
Mom--
"add essential oils to your tea."
I'd rather add bailey's to my coffee.
[sighs]
What's the matter?
There are places for everything.
There's way too many toys here.
Hi! Sorry I'm late!
Mom, what are you doing?
It's so much better, isn't it?
Do you see the complementary colors?
Mom, please come down from there.
[chuckles] oh! And I sorted out your pantry.
I cleaned your laundry room. I really did.
Mom, you don't have to do all that.
I can clean my own house.
-[grunts dubiously] -I have a system!
It may be a little unique--
Chaotic, totally insane-- but it works for me.
I'm sorry, darling,
But I'm-- I'm just so used to taking care of you and...
I know, but I can take care of myself.
-And you. -Oh--
Why don't you let me take care of you?
Mm-mm.
Well, let somebody take care of you.
I will, when brad pitt finally comes to his senses
And realizes that women are like fine wine
And our that flavors mature with age.
Okay.
Um...
Well, I have to head back out.
Tofino has an art class at the center.
Why don't you join me?
Oh, no, I'm going to stay here because I--
-No. No, you're not. -I haven't finished.
-There's one more thing. -Mm-mm. Mm-mm. Mm. No.
[♪♪]
Are you gonna come?
Uh...
I think I'll look around.
Nice to be back in a theater again, huh?
[chuckles] give gammy a hug.
Yeah, mm.
Bye, my angel. I'll see you in a bit.
Bye.
I'll just be a minute.
Don't go re-carpeting the lobby while I'm gone.
[sighs]
Well, if it isn't the airport taffy bandit.
Oh, I'm glad I ran into you.
That makes two of us.
Ah.
[zip]
[change jingles]
Here.
What's this?
Change.
From the candy store.
I'd hate you to think that I was stealing your money, too.
Molly, right?
Good memory.
What man in his right mind would forget someone like you?
-[phone rings] -oh.
[kristen] hey, mom.
Uh, tofino wants me to hang out in her class for a minute.
Can I meet you in the community room?
Uh, sounds good.
[exhales]
Well, it's nice to see you again, hank.
Good memory.
Thank you.
That's the part where you're supposed to say
I'm unforgettable, too.
[♪♪]
O-m-g!
Twinsies!
Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one around here
With good taste.
[laughs] hi. I'm bunny.
Molly.
Are you new in town?
I'm visiting my daughter.
Kristen valdi?
Oh, I love her.
She has been so helpful
Organizing all the town's christmas events.
Oh. Ladies!
Oh--
Ladies, this is molly.
Her daughter runs that blog
That I'm always telling you about--
Boo-boos and bubbles.
Ah, I'm ayako, and this is my wife, liana.
It's nice to meet you both.
It's nice to meet you. Please, have a seat.
We're known around these parts as "the christmas cookies"
Because we...
Well, we run most of the activities here,
And guessing by your sweater,
You are also a fan of the season?
[laughs] I have candy canes in my veins
And tinsel in my toes.
-Ooh! -[laughing]
[bunny] I knew she was one of us!
How long are you in town?
The whole month.
Are you retired?
Yes.
I taught english and drama until about a couple of years ago,
But right now, I am plan--
You taught drama?
Yes.
-Why? -One of the events
We're in charge of is the town christmas play.
The show is in three and a half weeks,
And our director quit.
Yeah, for "personal reasons".
I heard he was getting hip-replacement surgery.
I heard he met someone on tinder.
-Ohh-- -we need a director.
Well, I can't do it
Because I promised my daughter to come here for christmas
For her and her family, so.
Hey! You met the christmas cookies!
I knew that you guys would hit it off.
We need your help.
Okay.
We need your mother to direct the christmas play.
I told them that I'm here to help you
Put christmas together.
No!
I-I mean, yes, of course, I need your help,
But this is for the greater good,
So I can share you...
...If I must.
Well, I-I don't know. I just--
Come on! You love directing plays.
It'll be fun.
Maybe you can even cast yourself in a role.
[cookies] oh!
No, I'm not gonna do that, I mean, directing is--
Is a very big job as it is.
So you'll do it?
[♪♪]
Look, if you start reorganizing the garage,
Steve might divorce me.
You reorganized the garage?
I... I couldn't sleep.
She'll do it.
I'll do it.
-Oh! -Yes, okay.
Now, get my spreadsheets--
[cookies chattering excitedly]
Well, what about the kids' art auction?
I mean, the parents...
But! But...
The christmas play is the center's biggest fundraiser.
And the town cut our funding, so we need a big win,
Otherwise, we're going to have to cut programs.
We've been doing the same show for ten years,
So it's pretty straightforward.
Well, I love a good tradition. Do we have a cast?
Well... Sort of.
The director played santa, so we need a new one.
Someone with star power.
Well, we should hold some auditions.
We are. Tonight. But...
...We have a prospect in mind, if we can get him.
Like, a local celebrity?
Mm, you could say that.
[bunny] we want to ask him, but we're afraid he'll say no.
Maybe you can convince him.
With him playing santa,
We'll definitely sell out the show.
Well, let's get him on board.
When do I get to meet him?
Oh! Right now.
Molly, meet hank marshall.
[♪♪]
Ladies.
[bunny] hank, we need you
To play santa in the christmas pageant.
No.
Hank!
I'm sorry, ladies, I wish I could help...
But it's not my thing.
Excuse me.
Ms. Foreman.
Oh. No. Don't worry about him.
We'll find someone at the auditions tonight.
[words catching]
[haltingly, way off-key] ♪ silent night ♪
[voice cracks] ♪ all is-- bright... ♪
[strums a ska-punk tune]
♪ jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle--! ♪
[operatically] ♪ jingle all the... ♪
♪ wa-a-a-a-a-ay ♪
Ooh! [giggles and titters]
[whimpers] can we start again?
I need more coffee.
I'm going to get some.
Anyone want anything while I'm out there?
Earplugs?
-Whisky? -Make it a double.
[molly laughs]
We could get lucky.
[cookies all chattering at once]
Oh, come on!
Oh.
Are you stalking me?
[laughs]
'cause I don't mind, if you are.
Ah, first, I'm a taffy bandit and now I'm a stalker.
Don't forget--
Director of the christmas play
Even though you've only been in town for five minutes.
Well, the cookies seem set on having you as santa.
I know I've been eating too many cupcakes lately,
But I didn't realize that I had reached santa proportions.
Well, as a director who's only been in town for five minutes,
You are our only option.
You sure know how to make a guy feel welcome.
Oh, okay, well, how's this?
We have been holding auditions--
Mm-hmm?
...And everyone is really horrible...
So we figured you couldn't be any worse.
[chuckles] that's better.
So, you'll do it?
Oh, no.
I'm not much of an actor.
Oh, well, you seem like someone who enjoys attention.
I do love attention,
But I am normally the guy writing the words,
Not necessarily reciting them.
-So you're a writer? -Mm-hmm.
Retired journalist.
I, uh...
Teach a class here.
Well, what better way to use your voice
Than to be in a christmas play,
Helping to raise money
For arts programs for precious, little children?
[laughs]
Well-played.
But I'm more of a grinch than a santa.
What do you have against christmas?
You sure are persistent, aren't you?
Yes. What's your price?
Uh...
Ten boxes of taffy?
No.
20.
20 boxes of taffy?
Yeah.
Deal.
[♪♪]
So, um...
Rehearsals are at noon tomorrow.
Uh-huh.
You'll be there?
With jingle bells on.
Oh.
Well, uh... Yeah.
I-- I'll be there.
I mean-- [chuckles nervously]
-Yeah-- -look out.
Oh. I'll see you there.
-Yeah. -Yeah.
[♪♪]
What are you making, sweetie?
Making taffy.
Oh.
Can I help you?
No. I got it. I just need to...
-[snap] -oh!
[gasps]
[laughs]
Oh, well.
Mistakes is how we learn, right?
Oh, well, that must be why I'm so smart, then.
[both chuckling]
Thank you for helping out with the show.
You know me-- I-I can't help helping.
I know you didn't plan on coming for christmas,
But, um, it may be for the best, right?
I've been a little worried about you, mom.
Why?
Well, since dad died, you just seem...
A little lost.
Oh...
I'm fine, sweetie.
"fine"?
Fine is fine, but you deserve better.
You deserve amazing.
It's really nice seeing you doing what you love.
Speaking of which, I have a script to read!
I've got so much work to do.
Um, be careful with that spoon, darling.
Yeah.
[snap]
Hello, everyone.
I am molly foreman,
And I am very excited,
Because I'm going to be directing your new show.
As you know, we only have three weeks,
But I think, if we all work together,
We're gonna make this
The best christmas show
The town of abbott has ever seen.
So...
To get started--
[hank, loudly] ahem!
Is this really the story?
I mean, because santa just sits there
And everyone comes in
And tells him their christmas wish,
And then he makes them come true,
And then they all go and sing a bunch of old christmas carols?
Well, what's wrong with that?
Yeah, granting wishes-- that's kinda santa's thing.
It's boring.
It's the same one we've done for ten years.
And we already have all the sets and costumes.
[hank] can't we just spice it up a bit?
I mean, add some new songs,
Or...
Or, maybe, we give santa some sort of mission?
Like...
An alien creature has landed at the north pole.
Santa has to go there to rescue the elves
Before they get abducted!
Ooh... Alien: The christmas story.
I could get onboard with that!
And then...
An alien-elf baby would explode from my stomach--
[liana makes gurgling noise]
We are not gonna have an alien kill santa claus.
Well, of course not...
Because santa would be healed by the...
"magic of christmas," I guess.
No, we are going to do the play exactly as it is.
It's a town tradition.
I know, but--
We don't mess with traditions, hank.
Why not?
Because traditions keep us grounded.
They remind us that...
When circumstances change and...
...You feel lost
And alone...
...There are always traditions there to hold on to.
It's like, um...
...It's like old memories
Giving you big hugs.
[mouths word]
That was a productive day.
Yeah, even if we did have to hear some kinda crazy ideas.
Oh.
-Tradition is so important. -Yes.
-I agree! -Well, see you tomorrow.
-Yeah. -Bye!
[cookie] I like the alien thing.
Molly! Hey.
How did I do?
Well, you weren't kidding when you said
You weren't much of an actor.
[chuckles]
Wait till you see me dance.
Oh! Luckily for us,
You don't have to dance in this show,
But if you do want to do a little extra rehearsal,
How about, uh, over coffee? Tomorrow?
I would like that.
You can help me get in touch with my inner-child.
I think you're already in touch with that.
Well, then you can help me get in touch with my inner-santa.
Your... Inner-biker-santa?
You ride?
Oh... No!
No, I'm more of a, uh...
Four-wheels-on-the-road type of girl.
We wouldn't want to mess with tradition, would we?
See ya tomorrow.
[engine rumbles]
[♪♪]
[whispers] the artist is very talented.
[chuckles]
Plus, quite handsome and charming, I've been told.
You made these?
Oh, so you admit it--
You think I'm handsome and charming?
No! What? I mean, you just said--
Yes. [laughs]
I made those.
I, uh, needed a creative outlet
When I retired from journalism,
And I just kind of like fixing things.
Hmm.
This is, uh, a style I learned when I was traveling the world.
It's a japanese technique called kintsugi.
It's beautiful.
Yeah.
Want to sit down?
So, what was your favorite place?
Well, if I had to choose, uh...
I would say egypt.
All that ancient history...
So many untold stories and so much yet to explore.
I always dreamed of going to the pyramids.
Why haven't you?
It was never the right time.
It's always the right time to chase your dreams, molly.
Hey, hank. The usual?
Yes. Thanks, maeve.
This is molly foreman.
She is directing me in the christmas play.
Oh! Is he a diva?
Now, why would you say that?
His usual is
A "double-chocolate cappuccino" with extra marshmallows.
I like sweet things!
[laughs] you know what? That sounds delicious.
I'll have one, too.
-[maeve] you got it. -Thanks.
You seem pretty happy here.
Being a journalist can be exciting,
But it can also be very lonely,
And when I retired, I decided to settle down here,
So I could finally put down some roots.
-Mm. -How about you?
What's your story?
Oh, I'm the opposite.
I dug my roots early.
I came here from the uk to go to school.
I, uh, married my college sweetheart,
We had a baby,
And I taught english and drama at a local high school
For 30 years.
Sounds like a good life.
It was.
Until my husband was, um, diagnosed with parkinson's.
But even then, it was still good.
I was lucky enough to be able to take care of him.
Until he passed, about two years ago.
I know what it's like to lose a partner.
My wife died very young,
We were both just 30.
I'm so sorry.
Taught me a lot about life, though,
And that's why I always go after the things I've wanted.
I can't remember when I last thought about what I wanted.
I have no idea what the next chapter holds for me.
Oh.
Thank you.
I'm so sorry.
I shouldn't be dumping on you like this.
What's something you've always wanted to do,
But you've never had a chance?
Well, there is one thing.
-[engine rumbling] -I thought you were
More of a "four-wheels- on-the-road" kind of girl?
I have been!
But I've always been intrigued by motorcycles.
And the men who ride them?
Maybe.
You sure you wanna do this?
No!
But I'm gonna do it anyway.
All right. Remember what I said.
Brakes, gas...
Keep it steady.
Start slow, stay calm.
Got it.
Keep it steady.
Start slow.
-Whoa! -I got it!
[chugging]
[engine rumbles off]
[officer] letting her ride without a license?
You know better, hank.
-Yeah. -Mom?
Are you okay? What's going on?
Just a ticket for driving without a motorcycle license.
Well... A warning.
You're gonna get one, right?
Promise.
You were driving a motorcycle?
Oh, we only went around the block.
"we"?
She's fine. It was my fault.
Doug? Can I get you a coffee?
Oh, I'm good.
Wife has me on this "keto" thing.
I'm sorry-- who are you?
Who is he?
Hank.
Hi.
He's the star of the christmas show.
And this is your bike, hank?
Yes, ma'am.
[doug] okay, time for me to go, folks.
Promised the wife I'd take her and the kids
Christmas caroling.
-Merry christmas, doug. -Merry christmas, molly.
-Remember that license! -I will.
What?
[tofino] I'm ready for cookies.
Me too! Mom's got some delicious ones in the oven.
They should be ready any minute.
[inhaling deeply]
-Yum. -Mm! Yum!
How great is it having gammy here?
It's the best.
Mom, did I tell you that gammy let me use her lipstick?
Shh!
Mom?
[stammers] it was chapstick!
Could've been worse. Could've been mascara.
So, uh, how is the show going?
Uh, it's good.
Well, it's a little dull,
But I'm hoping that I can liven it up a bit.
Speaking of livening things up...
I heard you have a boyfriend?
Ooh, gammy!
No! I mean, he's not a boyfriend.
You should see the way he looks at her.
No. He's just a friend. Just a friend.
Well, if you decide it's more than that,
That's okay, too.
[thunder crashes]
Oh!
Oh, I always get scared.
That is one heck of a storm.
[kristen] it sure is.
Too bad it's not snow.
Mm! Is there something burning?
-My cookies. -The cookies!
Well, you know something about grandpa greg?
-He loved burnt cookies. -Why?
Here, watch this.
Ooh...
[tofino] they're hot.
Listen.
-[crunching] -you hear that?
-Yeah. -Mm.
Well...
Burnt cookies are the best,
Because you don't just taste them--
You hear them.
And besides--
There's nothing wrong with being a little burnt around the edges,
As long as you're sweet inside.
[crunching]
You know what else tastes really good burnt?
-What? -Marshmallows.
Dad burns them all the time when we go camping.
-Hey! -And then he tells me
To make a wish.
You know, you don't need
Burnt marshmallows to make a wish--
Especially at christmas-time.
Uh-oh...
Cookies?
Cookies!
They're surprisingly good, actually.
And crunchy.
[kristen] try this.
I had a great idea-- what if I made savory taffies?
That has never been done before.
Um, there may be a really good reason for that.
I'm serious!
It's like when they came up with those maple-bacon donuts--
Those were huge.
So this is maple-bacon taffy?
No! That's been way overdone.
This is bacon-cheeseburger taffy.
Try it.
[♪♪]
Is that... Is that real hamburger in it?
Yeah.
Did you get to the squirty ketchup-center yet?
Mm-- mm-mm, oh, no...
Just now [gags].
You were warned!
You did, you warned me.
[gags] oh...
It's gross, isn't it?
Um, it was a very creative idea, darling.
Okay, well, I am just going to have to keep trying,
Because foreman women don't give up.
Exactly.
Exactly!
Gammy? Are you coming to my swim meet this afternoon?
I wouldn't miss it. Of course.
I have to go to rehearsal first,
But I should be finished by three.
No more joyriding and getting stopped by the cops,
Young lady.
No, ma'am. I'll be good.
-Pinky-promise. -Pinky-promise!
Ahh!
Doug didn't give you a ticket, did he?
I mean, he's my nephew-- I can talk to him.
-It was just a warning. -[laughing]
You're such a bad influence, hank.
Me?
This one's not so innocent.
Oh!
-[water running] -[all gasping deeply]
What happened?
If I had to guess, I'd say a backed-up water main.
Our sets!
Our props!
Our costumes!
All ruined!
We can't afford new ones.
I don't know how we're gonna put the show on now.
You know what, folks?
This might not be such a bad thing.
No, don't look at me like that. Just hear me out.
I know you guys have been doing the show for years,
But the script... It was horrible.
This is our chance to spice it up.
Start fresh.
But it's a town tradition.
Every tradition has a beginning, molly.
Everything old was once new.
But that doesn't mean
That you just throw it away because it's old.
No, I mean, don't misunderstand me.
I love traditions.
Traditions keep the past alive,
But it's the new things--
It's the new things that keep us alive.
Right?
[sighs]
Maybe we should give this town something new to talk about.
Hank?
What?
You and I, we're gonna write a new show.
Cookies, we're going to have new costumes, sets.
Oh, and maybe bake sales-- something--
To raise enough money.
Yeah, but we only have two weeks.
I know! So what are you doing? Go!
Okay. Well, let's see what we can salvage here.
It's wet!
[molly] so, where do we start?
Do you want me to type?
-Yeah, please. -Okay.
"a christmas..."
Ahh.
All right, I've never done this type of writing before,
But...
Every story works basically the same way.
It's about asking a question,
And then searching for the answers.
So, what "question" do we want to answer?
If a christmas tree falls in the forest
And there's nobody there to hear it,
Does hank still get presents?
Oh...
Don't be so silly! We don't have time for this!
Okay.
Okay. Uh...
I have a confession to make.
I don't usually celebrate christmas.
Yeah.
I, uh, I figured that one out.
Why not?
Work, mostly.
I was usually on assignment during christmas, so.
Is that the only reason?
Look at you--
Probing like a journalist.
Searching for answers.
Touché.
[both chuckling]
With claire gone and no kids,
Christmas was just... Another day, no big deal.
That's very sad, hank.
The funny thing is...
I never thought so, honestly,
Until I met you.
Christmas brings you so much joy.
[laughs]
So, for me, what I would want to ask
Is what is it about christmas, molly,
That you love so much?
Well, there are so many things I love about it.
Like?
The sound of carols everywhere...
The-the shimmer of the tinsel in the trees,
Spending time with my family.
[laughs]
At christmas,
Everything just feels like a gift.
Every moment just shines a little brighter.
And love just wafts through the air
Like the smell of cinnamon and ginger,
And it just fills you with...
[inhales deeply]
[sighs]
...With love.
It makes you warm and fuzzy.
I think you made a believer out of me.
In santa?
Love.
Ahem!
You writing a christmas play or a harlequin romance novel?
-No, we were just-- -I was just...
Whatever! Listen.
We can't do anything with sets and costumes
Until we have a script.
So...
Whatever your creative process is...
Chop-chop!
Okay. Gotcha.
Um, well, we will have it ready by-- when?
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow? No, we can't do it by tomorrow.
You know, I think you two will figure it out.
As you were.
[chuckles]
Yeah.
-Busted. -Busted.
[laughing]
-All right! -Okay.
Let's do this.
We did it.
Don't sound so surprised.
I had complete faith in us.
Ha! Me too.
Still gonna need a polish, but...
...I think it's good.
We make a good team.
Yeah.
We've got a lot of work to do.
You know something?
I'm glad your plans got upended
And you had to come here for christmas.
You're the best gift I've had in a long time.
I'll walk you out.
Mom.
[sighs]
Okay. I know it's late, but we were
Writing the new script, got completely caught up--
No, um, you missed tofino's swim meet.
[gasps]
[sighing] oh... I completely forgot.
Oh, I'm sorry.
-It happens. -No! No.
It does not happen to me.
Oh! I'm so sorry.
Mom, it's okay.
Really, it's okay. It's just that she's, um...
She's waiting up for you.
[♪♪]
Hey, sweetie.
Gammy!
I'm sorry I missed your swim meet.
I won the race!
Oh!
I am so proud of you, my little sugar-plum.
Oh!
I wish I'd been there.
I was a little sad at first,
But then mommy told me
That even if people aren't there physically,
They're always there inside our hearts.
Gammy...
You were in my heart.
And you were in mine.
Mm.
Do you want to know what my christmas wish is?
Mm. What?
That you could stay with us forever, and...
And a sparkle-rainbow unicorn.
A real one.
Well, that's a very big wish.
We might have to rely on santa for that one, okay?
[chuckles]
Did mom really say that?
Yep.
She has her moments.
[laughs]
[quietly] yeah.
So, everyone, here's the new script.
It's about an old elf...
Played by me!
...Who has lost his christmas spirit,
And in order to find it again,
He has to make his wish
On a christmas star--
Played by me.
And he makes a few friends along the way,
And when he finally reaches the christmas star,
She tells him
That he has all the love he's ever needed
Inside,
And that he doesn't need to make a wish
Because he's his own christmas star.
Aww!
It's called a christmas spark.
[laughs] this sounds fantastic.
Well, I mean, it's gonna be a lot of work,
But I know you can pull it off.
We're going to raise so much money!
Oh, that's a good thing
Because that roof leak caused a lot of damage.
This all sounds wonderful,
But what are we gonna do about costumes and props?
I got more donations!
[all hooting]
Whoa! The townspeople really came through.
I knew they would!
This is all I could salvage from the storage room.
And I'm not too sure about this hat.
It smells like cheese.
[chuckling]
You covered the war in iraq,
You slept in mud huts in the amazon,
You went undercover
For the backstreet boys fan convention,
And you can't handle a little stinky elf hat?
Smell it.
[laughs]
You're getting soft, hank.
You're going to be an adorable elf, hank.
Yeah, very elf-y.
You are going to be a pretty, pretty princess.
Now, why don't you go back in there
And see what else you can salvage?
-Come here. -What?
[quietly] oh...
I was wondering if I could cook you dinner tonight,
Kind of as a thank-you for all your help on the play?
[hushed] you cook?
Yeah, molly, I'm a modern man--
I cook, I clean...
I follow chrissy teigan on instagram.
Oh, me too!
I don't really. Will you still come?
Yeah. I'll bring dessert.
Oh!
7:00...
7:00.
See you then.
Spill.
What?
Woman, your cheeks are blushing more than a bottle of rosé.
[bunny] we've known hank a long time,
And I've never seen him like this with anyone.
The director and the star...
So cliché, yet so poetic!
[giggling]
There is nothing going on.
Oh...
[sighs reluctantly]
Look, I mean, he's fun to be around,
And he's cute,
But I'm only gonna be here for a few more weeks.
Which is why it's perfect-- a holiday fling!
Just for fun. Just for you.
[liana] careful, though.
Ayako was supposed to be my rebound.
20 years later, we're still bouncing.
[liana laughs]
Do you want to know the truth?
I haven't dated anyone since greg died.
And...
I can't imagine being with anyone else.
[sighs]
But I also can't imagine being alone for the rest of my life.
[bunny] after my divorce,
I thought I would never get over it.
Yeah, it took a while,
But now?
I am living my life for me again!
Oh... Oh!
It feels so good.
But that's the thing about getting older.
I don't have time to live by other people's rules.
I live by my own.
Yesterday, she made a rule
She gets to eat ice-cream sundaes for breakfast.
[laughing]
"sundaes on sundays!" how is this not a thing?
It should be a thing!
[bunny] and whatever your thing is, molly,
Now is the time to just go for it.
[♪♪]
Whatever you're making smells delicious.
It's an argentinean stew.
Part of what I loved about my job
Is that I got to really learn
About the places that I traveled.
What else did you learn...
Besides how to cook?
[music begins to play]
Come on, I'll show you.
Show me what?
[♪♪]
How to tango.
I thought you told me you couldn't dance?
I can't.
[laughs]
Well, I can,
So why don't you just follow my lead, hmm?
[♪♪]
[laughing]
You have three feet!
Why don't you lead?
You sure?
Positive.
[♪♪]
Oh!
This is nice.
Yes, it is, isn't it?
[♪♪]
[bell dings]
It's the bread.
Oh... You bake your own bread, too?
Mm-hmm.
Is there anything you can't do?
I can't stop looking at you.
Ah, this was delicious.
I don't often get a chance to cook for other people.
Oh, don't you do this for all of the ladies?
You're not just any lady.
Well, you're right about that.
[chuckles]
Didn't you say something about bringing dessert?
Yes, I did.
Uh... [grunts and laughs]
I always keep my promises.
Whoa.
And there's more.
[chuckles] ho, ho, ho.
Oh!
Aren't you gonna share?
Mm. These are so good.
Here you go.
Don't tell kristen.
She's got this crazy idea
About starting a taffy-making business.
What's so crazy about that?
She doesn't know how to make taffy.
Molly, molly, molly.
There's nothing wrong with trying new things.
Ah, but there's also nothing wrong
With enjoying the old and classic once in a while.
Like, right now.
And what do you have in mind?
Uh, why don't you tell me
Your favorite christmas memory?
Something from your childhood.
[scoffs] really?
All right. On one condition.
This...
And this...
There we go.
[laughs]
[sighs]
[fire crackles in hearth]
Aren't you forgetting something?
Hmm?
Your christmas memory story?
Uh...
Okay.
Here it is.
I was... Five years old,
And my sister was teasing me,
Because she said that I was
The only kid on the block who still believed in santa.
So, I decided to prove to her that year that santa was...
For real.
Good for you!
Yeah. So, on christmas eve,
I stayed up all night long,
Waiting with my trusty little camera,
To catch that jolly old elf as he shimmied down the chimney.
And?
I fell asleep.
Ah.
But, when I woke up,
Everything that I had wanted for christmas
Was under that tree.
Wow.
So, did your sister change her mind?
No.
She said she was unimpressed, but I know otherwise.
You still believed?
I did, until I didn't.
You know what...
...When I look at you,
I feel like five-year-old hank waking up on christmas morning
And finding everything he wanted under that tree,
All over again.
[♪♪]
[click]
[sternly] where have you been, young lady?
Me? Um...
I-I was with hank.
Until midnight?
Why didn't you answer any of my texts?
I left my phone in the car.
I didn't want to worry you.
Well, I was worried.
[sighs] I should have checked in.
Sorry.
Well, did you at least have a good time?
I did.
You didn't...?
Kristen! No! No, of course not. Don't be ridiculous.
[starts laughing] mom!
You are a gorgeous, sexy woman!
It's okay to get out there and live a little.
Dad would have wanted you to.
He would have wanted me to... Go out with other people?
He would have wanted you to be happy!
And if hank makes you happy, then that's all that matters.
[♪♪]
He's always gonna be with you.
No matter what you do.
So will I.
I love you, honey-bear.
I love you, too.
Now get to bed. It's past your bedtime.
[♪♪]
A-one, a-two, a one-two-three--
♪ deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
♪ fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪
♪ 'tis the season to be jolly ♪
[both] ♪ fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la... La! ♪
[bunny laughs]
[sighs] something's off.
Oh! We've been rehearsing all day.
Oh, no. No, no. It's not you guys.
You guys sound great!
No, it's, um... I don't know, something missing.
I... I'm gonna have to figure something out.
Why don't you guys take a ten-minute break?
Okay.
You're doing a great job.
This show is gonna be amazing!
Thanks.
It feels really good to be back in the game again.
Speaking of games--
I see things with you and hank are getting livelier.
Oh, no. It's not serious.
Oh, never is with hank.
What does that mean?
No, I love hank.
I mean, he's charming, he's kind,
He's got his real hair and teeth,
But, no, he is never gonna settle down.
Oh, who's talking about settling down?
I'm only here for another week.
I mean...
There's no way that it could ever turn into anything real--
Not that I even want it to.
That's great!
Yeah, just keep it loose and light with him,
And you'll be fine.
Loose and light-- works for me.
Attagirl!
Have fun.
There's nothing like stepping out of your comfort zone.
[♪♪]
Whoa.
Look at you.
[♪♪]
Your steed awaits.
Got it.
Now remember what I taught you, right?
Yep.
Okay.
[clicking]
[♪♪]
You ready?
I was born ready.
[chuckling]
[click]
[engine starts]
[engine purrs]
By golly, I think she's got it!
♪ well, I know it's close to christmas ♪
♪ but I need to change your mind ♪
♪ 'cause I know I've been a trouble-maker ♪
♪ I wanna make things right ♪
♪ well, I misbehaved in April ♪
♪ and I broke a heart in may ♪
♪ September wasn't all that good ♪
♪ but I hope I'm not too late ♪
♪ I try-ai-ai-ai-ai ♪
♪ and I try-ai-ai-ai-ai ♪
♪ to be good ♪
♪ try to be good try to be good ♪
♪ I try to be good ♪
[exhales deeply]
This is really beautiful, isn't it?
Relaxing, isn't it?
Let's go.
[hank groans playfully]
You have sure been a pile of energy
These past few days.
I can barely keep up.
Ah, I figure life is meant to be lived
And motorcycles are meant to be driven.
Now, I just figured out
What's wrong with that last scene.
It just doesn't drive home the message of the play.
You know what might make it pop?
-What? -An alien.
Oh, bah!
So, I've been playing with this new monologue.
Oh, let's hear it.
No, no. It's not quite there yet.
Well, maybe I could help you.
You already have. Plenty.
You'll hear it soon enough.
Does that mean you'll perform it at rehearsal today?
Oh, absolutely not. No, I don't perform anymore.
Why not?
I used to be an actor when I was in college,
But I was never satisfied with anything that I did.
I always felt that I could do it better.
You're a perfectionist.
I've heard about people like you.
That's what kristen always says.
Yeah?
Well, okay, I admit it.
Or at least I try to be.
Well, that explains a lot.
You're afraid to try new things
Because you worry
That you won't be able to perfect them,
So it's easier
To stick to the things that you've mastered.
Am I right?
[♪♪]
No?
[laughing]
Ah!
[♪♪]
You know what? I just believe
That if there's nothing wrong,
Why change it?
True, but...
The only problem with that
Is that you cheat yourself out of so many new things--
New opportunities,
New... Relationships,
New feelings.
Y... You cheat yourself out of yourself.
There's more to you, molly, than what you've already done.
More than your...
"traditions".
And what about you?
What?
What have you cheated yourself out of?
Grumpy elf.
Come on. It's getting late.
[♪♪]
I'll see you at rehearsals tomorrow.
Yeah.
Mom. Come on, it's time to put the star on.
Hank, would you like to join us?
Well--
[cuts her off] I would love to.
[♪♪]
-I have a surprise! -What's that?
I made you a stocking!
[laughing] oh!
Well, thank you. That is so sweet.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
All right. Hot chocolate all around.
[hank] yes!
Mm.
Hey, uh, I don't want to get too formal,
Or-or be too maudlin here, folks,
But can I-- can I say something?
Uh, sure.
Um...
It's been a long time since I celebrated the holidays,
And I was a bit like the old elf in the play--
-[chuckling] -...And I, uh...
I guess I just lost the christmas spirit.
[exhales deeply]
But you, molly, um...
...I've never met anyone who spreads as much joy as you.
And I want to thank you for helping me remember
What christmas magic feels like.
Thank you.
[clack]
[♪♪]
Well...
Cheers.
[quietly] I like him.
Even though he's a bad influence?
I like him because he's a bad influence.
[sighing] oh... -[laughs]
You like him, too.
Well, there is something about him.
Is it the motorcycle?
Ohh...
[inhales sharply]
It's so sexy!
[laughing]
Selfies. Come on. Get in here. Get closer.
Oh, you're not in it.
Let me take it. Let me take it. Let me take it.
-Okay. You ready? -All right.
Three, two-- say "cheese"!
Cheese!
That's cute.
-Gorgeous. -Thank you!
[laughs]
Not you, hank-- the tree.
Oh, of course. Right.
I guess it looks all right.
The only thing missing is dad's star.
[gasps]
-Hank? -Mm?
Over there, on the table. Can you get it?
-It's in a box. -My dad made it
For my first christmas.
He took ages to make that.
And we put it on the tree three days before christmas,
Every year, right?
-Mm-hmm. -And you kept that tradition?
[molly] yes.
-Oh! -[crashing and shattering]
Oh...
[♪♪]
[shaken] I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry. I...
[molly] it was-- it was an accident, hank.
No. I know, but I'm just--
It's okay.
[♪♪]
I had a really good time tonight...
[chuckles]
...Minus the whole dropping-of-the-star thing.
I'm really sorry about that.
Tonight was fun.
Even if you did cheat at charades.
I did not cheat.
I'm just really good at reading people.
-Really? -Yeah.
And you must be a good book
'cause I can't stop checking you out.
-[stifles laughter] -[like a rimshot] ba-dum-ba!
How did you ever become the town playboy,
With lines like that?
Who said I'm a playboy?
-Everyone. -Really?
-Mm-hmm. -Oh...
I guess, if you define playboy
As someone who likes to have fun,
Then I guess I am.
'cause we're having fun, aren't we?
Yeah, we are.
Yeah?
[phone rings]
Goodnight, molly.
[ringing]
Goodnight, hank.
Who the heck is hank?
Oh, don't get all giddy.
He's just... A friend.
I'm not the one who's giddy.
And glowing! And blushing!
Molly!
What? -Tell me more
About this hank-a-hank of burnin' love.
Is it serious?
No. We live in different states, remember?
You're making excuses.
You're right, cass.
I should sell the house, marry hank,
And live happily ever after.
What?
Um, cass, I gotta go.
It's a joke.
Cass wants me to...
She thinks I should sell the house
And "live a little".
Ah, but don't worry, honey-- I told her no.
Why?
Because I'm not ready!
Not ready for what?
Mom, I know you're not one to let go...
What's that supposed to mean?
Well, you hold on to things...
And people.
Like... Dad, like me.
You?
Well, I'm your mom, I'm supposed to hold onto you.
Mom, I love you so much, but I am not like you.
Yeah, I know that.
Well, then let me be who you raised me to be--
Independent and fearless and a little off the wall.
Hmm.
You gotta... Let go of me.
Let go of dad,
And grab on to your own life.
But you are my life.
You and dad.
Okay, well, you can let us go and keep us in your heart.
Make room for... New people
And new experiences.
[chuckles] okay.
Well, when you are ready to light that fire again,
I will be here to help you strike the match.
[♪♪]
Goodnight.
[♪♪]
It's tomorrow night, everyone!
Let's focus!
It's too tight!
It's too tight.
Maybe you shouldn't take the name
"christmas cookies" so literally.
Oh!
Please, you put eggnog on your cereal!
Yeah, my doctor said I needed more protein.
Where is hank?
Eggnog is not the same as egg whites!
-Oh! -I'm sorry I'm late!
Sorry I'm late-- I had this thing
I needed to do.
This is our last rehearsal. There's no time for "things".
[tree crashes]
[ornaments shatter]
Oh, great, something else is broken.
I got it.
Okay! Everyone! Uh, first positions. Come on.
You... Were... Amazing!
I just want to thank you all for--
For all your hard work.
Directing this has been
One of the most wonderful experiences in my life,
And, oh, thank you!
Thank you for giving me this chance.
So, uh...
Everyone, rest up! Big night!
-Whoo! -Okay?
[applauding and cheering]
Good job, guys. Good job.
It was amazing! Amazing! Ohh.
You did it, you did it. You pulled it off great.
Thanks so much.
Hey, hank--
[♪♪]
I'm gonna have santa's sleigh here...
Yeah, just around there, that should be good.
Molly?
Molly, we have a problem.
I know-- the last monologue.
I'm still working on it.
No, no, no, no, n-not that. No.
We've sold enough tickets
To cover the cost of the new set pieces,
But now we have to cover repairs on the roof,
And I-I--
And even if we sell out, there's not enough.
So what are we gonna do?
I don't-- we're gonna have to cut arts programs
And re-allocate funds.
There must be a better way.
[sighing]
I'll think of something, I promise.
Here.
-You go back and rest. -Yeah.
I'm a little run-down.
Ohh...
I'm so glad to have somebody like you around
To pick up the slack.
I'll see you tomorrow?
See you tomorrow.
[hank] yeah, I like this one. It's much better.
That's quite a look.
[chuckles] it is, right?
I, uh, I wasn't sure about the tights at first, but...
I got some really nice legs.
Well, the pointy shoes help, too.
Yeah.
-How are you feeling? -I'm nervous,
But, uh... I feel good, I'm ready.
No, I mean, um...
I'm really sorry about your ornament.
Hank, you already apologized.
I know, but...
I know how it feels to lose someone you love.
You wanna hold on to every piece of them--
No pun intended--
And I could tell
That that star meant a lot to you.
My daughter helped me realize that, uh...
You can let things go
And still hold them close to your heart.
She's right.
It also occurred to me
That maybe, sometimes, you have to...
Smash something into a hundred pieces
Before you can
Piece it back together into something new...
...Someone new.
That's very poetic.
Thank you.
Can you come over tonight?
Last-minute rehearsals?
No.
I'm working on a story,
And I just need some help with the ending.
Is this for the class you're teaching?
No. This is, um, something personal.
Are you always this mysterious?
Maybe.
7:00?
Seven.
-[laughing] -[clink]
So what was that story you wanted to tell me about?
-Uh... -Hmm?
Once upon a time,
There was this very charming, handsome,
Talented man--
Ha. It's a fiction, right?
...And all he wanted... -[laughing]
...Was a box of taffy-- a box of taffy!
But some beautiful little elf stole it from him.
I did not steal!
And she didn't stop there.
Oh, no, she didn't!
She then stole his time,
By convincing him to be in her christmas play.
Oh-- [laughs]
Next, she stole his motorcycle.
No, no, no. You lent that to me.
She even stole his grinchiness...
-Ohh... -...When she invited him
Over to her house to decorate a christmas tree.
Mm.
Ah, but there's one thing she didn't have to steal...
His heart...
Because he gave it to her.
I've been all over this world, molly foreman,
But there's no place that makes me feel like I do
When I'm with you.
You're a dream come true.
And I thought it was time
That someone made your dreams come true.
Let's go outside.
There's something I want to show you.
Come on.
[♪♪]
Hank...
Greg always promised he'd take me to the pyramids
When we retired...
I'll take you.
Stay here. Don't leave.
We can go to egypt. We can go anywhere.
I thought we were "just having fun".
We are.
So why stop?
I'm ready for the next chapter, molly.
Are you?
I can't.
Please, just think about it. Please?
I'm sorry, hank.
I've got to go.
[♪♪]
Are you waiting up for me again?
No.
I must have fallen asleep.
I was... Researching how to sell things online.
Mm. Selling what?
Taffy.
Oh. Right.
Try it.
I think I've finally figured it out.
Mm!
It's delicious.
I know.
It tastes like, um...
[munching]
...A gingerbread house.
[chuckles proudly]
And I have eggnog ones and candy cane,
And even burnt marshmallow.
A christmas taffy? This is brilliant.
[chuckles]
Well, tofino likes it, so that's the important thing.
I don't even know what to say. I'm shocked!
No, no, honey, I didn't--
I really didn't mean that. I just--
Look, I know that you think I'm a bit of a mess.
But I try.
It's just really hard living up to you sometimes.
Can I tell you a little secret?
When I was younger,
I felt like I did everything wrong,
And I was-- I was sure
That you were gonna end up damaged for life.
[laughs]
I had to teach myself how to be a mom in my own way.
And not emulate my mom or my friends
Or those perfect tv moms.
I wasn't my mom.
And you're not me. I wouldn't want you to be.
Well, that's the last thing I expected
To come out of your mouth.
Oh, no. I'm sorry.
I go on.
It must drive you crazy--
I'm always telling you how to do things and what to do.
You don't need to agree quite so quickly.
[both laughing]
I...
[inhales deeply]
...I guess I've been
Trying to use your life to fill up my own life.
And I'm sorry.
But you, you have
The most beautiful, unique spark, kristen...
...And I don't ever want to dim it.
You have your own spark, too, mom.
You just have to use it.
It's time.
Hank wants me to stay here...
...And travel around the world with him.
And start a new chapter together.
Well?
I can't.
-Because of dad? -[chokes up] mm-hmm.
Do you remember a few years ago,
Tofino told you
That she didn't want to have a little brother or sister,
Because she was worried
That steve and I wouldn't love her as much?
What did you tell her?
That the heart grows
To hold all the love that you put in it.
You don't have to stop loving dad
In order to love hank.
Mom, your heart is so big... It can handle it.
You just have to open it up to let the love flow in...
And out.
How did you ever get to be so wise?
Well, I have my moments.
And I had a pretty good teacher.
[♪♪]
[sighs]
[♪♪]
[birds chirping]
[♪♪]
-[knock-knock] -come in.
-Hi! -Hi.
It's the big day. Are you ready?
I feel good about the show,
But I'm worried it's not gonna be enough.
I thought it was sold out?
It is, but bunny just told me
That the estimate for the repairs
Exceeds what we can make,
Even with a sold-out show.
The problem is, the venue just doesn't hold enough people.
[inhales sharply] oh...
What?
Nothing! You just focus on the show.
I have a feeling everything's gonna work out.
[sighs]
[muttering his lines] so-- so many nights...
[sighs nervously] so many nights.
So many nights of... [continues indistinctly]
Hi there.
Hi.
-I'm sorry about last night-- -no, no, no!
No, I'm the one that's sorry.
You offered me a dream
And I was too afraid to make it real.
I had a wonderful life with greg...
But my life isn't over yet.
You make me feel like I could do anything,
And for the first time in a long time...
The future looks full of possibilities.
I don't have to stop loving him to love you.
-Kristen made me realize that-- -no, j--
Did you just say you love me?
I... Guess I did.
I love you, too.
[♪♪]
Mom-- [gasps]
Uh, sorry.
Uh, I found a way to help us pay for the roof repairs.
I sold more tickets.
Kristen, we don't have enough seats
To accommodate more people-- we're sold out!
I know.
That's why I started a livestream.
Steve and tofino are already setting up the camera.
You sold tickets to a live stream?
Yeah. To the tune of $2,000!
Holy smokes.
I'm also gonna give a free sample of my christmas taffy
To the whole audience.
"christmas taffy"?
Oh! I mean, they're gonna love it.
You're gonna have customers lining up.
I know.
Oh, you're brilliant!
[laughing]
Well, you've cleaned up enough of my messes.
It was nice to help you out for once.
How did I ever get lucky enough to have you?
What about me?
And you, too.
Thank you.
We have an emergency!
Bunny lost her voice.
I'm okay.
[coughs]
[raspily] I just need some honey.
[hacks and coughs]
She can't go on like this.
No.
Well, what are we going to do?
You're gonna have to go on in her place.
Oh, no, no, no. I can't.
You're the only one who knows all the lines.
Plus... The new monologue.
-Mm-hmm. -Yeah.
[words catch]
I haven't been on the stage in years!
[kristen] then it's time for a comeback.
No, I'm more of
A behind-the-scenes kind of person.
Oh...
[♪♪]
I don't have a costume.
Oh, I'm sure that we could figure something out.
-Oh, yeah! Yeah. -No problem.
[♪♪]
I'm not a star.
I can't do this.
[applause]
[festive intro plays]
[♪♪]
[elves] ♪ jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ jingle all the way ♪
♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
-I'm elf 1-- -and I'm elf 2.
...And we are here to bring joy to you.
Full of joy, like elves should be--
...And christmas spirit, head to knee.
We dance and play all day long...
...And sing our happy christmas song.
Time to show them what we got--
Don't worry, we won't give up our day job.
[laughing]
[gruffly] out of my way!
What's wrong with him?
Didn't you hear?
He lost his christmas spirit.
[elves gasping]
♪ oh, what fun it is ♪
♪ to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey! ♪
[applauding]
[sighs bitterly]
[snowman] hey.
Hey!
If you want to get your christmas spirit back...
You have to find the christmas star
And make a wish.
But how do I find this "christmas star"?
You have to look for her
In just the right place at just the right time.
But how would I know?
Come with me.
I know someone who could help.
[light and jolly theme plays]
[♪♪]
Are you lost?
Yes. I am.
[reindeer] we can help you find your way.
Can these guys come with?
[apprehensively] sure.
Just don't ask the elves to sing?
[elves] hey!
[laughing]
[uplifting theme plays]
[♪♪]
Every snowflake is unique--
That's what makes us so wonderful!
What does that have to do with me?
What makes you wonderful
Is that there's a special star waiting just for you.
And if I find her...
I'll get my christmas spirit back?
[giggles] yes!
You just have to believe.
[♪♪]
So many nights, I've searched the sky...
Looking for that special star.
She's remained hidden from me.
And I've wished... And I've waited...
Night after night after night,
For someone to light my way,
For someone to make me believe again.
She's not here.
And I fear
That she never will come.
[music swells]
[molly] I'm here.
I've searched across the land for you.
Why have you been hiding?
I haven't been hiding.
The sky was just too dark for you to see me.
For years, my light has dimmed from fear and doubt.
When people don't believe,
When they forget
How joyful and beautiful the world can be,
When they let the cold of winter chill their hearts...
...That's when my glow begins to dim.
But then, you came searching for me.
You sent your wishes up into the night,
And your love and faith
Gave me the spark to light up again.
Now everyone can see me.
It's time.
Time for what?
Time for us to shine.
[audience applauding]
[cast] ♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪
♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪
♪ we wish you ♪
♪ a merry christmas ♪
♪ and a happy new year ♪
♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪
[grandly] ♪ and a happy new ye-e-ear ♪
Merry christmas to all
And to all a good life!
[applauding and cheering]
I told you, you're a star.
[applause continues]
[cheering erupts]
It's okay.
[cheering and applauding]
Now, this is way christmas was meant to be.
Exactly!
Have you heard from cass?
Three offers already-- all over the asking price.
That's awesome.
Gammy, I wanna travel the world with you.
Well... We'll bring back presents
From everywhere that we stop, okay?
Cool.
Speaking of presents...
Molly?
This is for you.
[♪♪]
How did you do this?
When you talked about
Taking old pieces and making something new,
You just gave me an idea, so, I, uh...
I asked kristen for the pieces of the star...
[chuckling]
There you go.
Like it?
It's perfect.
[relieved chuckle]
Whew!
Kristen, would you do us the honors?
Yes!
[♪♪]
[cheering]
Merry christmas, my loves.
-Merry christmas! -Mm!
Oh... Mm.
[♪♪]
Merry christmas, molly.
Merry christmas, hank.
[♪♪]
[laughing]
[♪♪]