There lies a sleepy little village,
with the biggest Christmas spirit.
Look for it on a map,
and you won't be able to find it.
It is said
that only those in need of the village's particular joy,
can find their way
to its quiet, welcoming streets.
"And once these special visitors arrive
in this magical little place,
they experience a holiday season like no other,
and are reminded of who they really are
and the true joy and peace
that is the meaning of Christmas."
Did you really read this book when you were my age?
Only about a thousand times,
and now,
it belongs to you.
An early Christmas Eve present.
Because you, my sweet darling girl,
are a very special person
with a very special gift,
and you know what that means, right?
I will grow up and do very special things?
That's right.
As long as you follow your heart and your dreams,
you cannot fail.
But all of Talia's dreams
are filled with pirates and fairies, sir.
Hey, my dreams are fun!
Look who it is.
Well, happy holidays, Anderson.
Thanks.
I wanted to ask
if Talia could come out and play with me.
But my dad just got home from his work trip.
He's reading me my new book.
You should stay and listen.
Actually, your timing is perfect.
I was just about to whip up some hot chocolate for us.
Talia, why don't you build a cozy fort
and you can read it to Anderson?
"The village is ruled
by a beautiful fairy queen
and her handsome king,
but everything you want was there,
you just had to ask."
I bet I could find Wunderbrook on a map.
All I'd need is my compass.
No way, it's impossible.
It says so right on the first page.
You have to have "forgotten who you are
and forgotten how to dream".
Whatever that means.
Besides, the evil witch would chase you
and force you out of town,
and then the princess
would give you a kiss on the cheek
and grant all your secret wishes.
Secret wishes and kisses?
I don't remember that part of the story.
Because I'm making up my own parts.
- Thank you. - Thanks.
You're welcome.
Talia is going to be a writer when she grows up,
because she's always daydreaming
and making things up.
Yeah, I'm going to be famous,
and everyone will read my stories.
I know you are.
So, what are you going to be
when you grow up, Anderson?
Our teacher says I should be a doctor.
I think that sounds like a wonderful idea.
Are you okay, Daddy?
Are you still tired from your medicine?
A little, but nothing to worry about.
I'm heading upstairs now.
Don't get into any trouble down here.
Okay, love you.
I love you, too.
What's that flyer say?
"Good for one free week at the Gingerbread Inn,
offer will not expire,
transportation provided.
Where is it?
It says "Close by,"
but close by to what?
I guess it's a mystery,
just like Wunderbrook.
I bet nothing bad ever happens there.
- Hi. - Hi.
Do you really have to move away?
Yeah, my mom's renting out the house.
She wants to be closer to my aunt and uncle for a while.
She says this house is too much for one person
since my dad died.
I got you something.
It's so you can keep writing down
all your stories.
Thank you, Anderson.
I love it.
Maybe you can send me some in the mail?
When you're feeling better.
I have something for you, too.
I wanted you to have your own copy,
so you wouldn't forget about me.
Did you hear that?
Hear what?
I thought I heard...
Never mind.
I'm going to miss you.
Me too.
As time continues to pass,
dreams are often in danger of making way for reality,
but where there is passion there is hope...
For one dreamer at least.
Hey!
- Hi! - Tal!
I'm so excited to see you!
Looks like your creative juices are flowing.
Oh, no, not exactly.
Just some exhilarating inventory.
Well, the store looks fantastic.
Thanks so much for hosting my event,
and so close to Christmas.
Are you kidding?
We have a literary sensation in our midst.
Come look.
I have a surprise for you.
You ready?
Ta-dah!
Oh!
"Sensation" might be a bit of a stretch,
but I appreciate your enthusiasm.
I don't suppose your publisher gave you any feedback
on my manuscript?
They just got back to me.
They said it was cute,
but they don't think your stories
are a fit for their brand.
They prefer edgier material.
Right.
Okay.
Well, thank you for trying.
Yeah.
Look.
Someone's in your reading chair.
That's where Miss Talia reads us her stories
about Mr. Snowflake.
Sloane, this is my neighbor, Ryan.
And your biggest fan, I see.
Today, Sloane is going to read part of her book.
She's a real professional writer.
Talia wondered
if she would ever find her voice,
or those who would appreciate her gifts,
while unaware a friend from the past
was searching for answers of his own.
Chief, hey, it's, uh, it's Anderson.
You gotta get somebody to cover my next procedure.
No, I'll be okay,
I just need a couple of days to clear my head
and get some rest.
I'll keep you posted.
I'll be back soon, I promise.
Thanks, Chief.
Doubting oneself does not make for a happy heart,
especially when that inner conflict spreads
to the loving bond between two souls.
I got some gifts for the nieces and nephews,
I just need to find something for your parents.
Any thoughts?
Keith?
You don't need my two cents.
I'm sure whatever you pick is fine.
Okay.
Did you remember to call the plumber?
The leak is getting worse.
I'll do it myself.
Where have I heard that before?
As Diane contemplated
if this was her last Christmas with Keith,
another soul was desperately holding onto something
that was already gone.
Bea, honey, I'm home.
How was your day?
I went grocery shopping.
I picked up some of that almond milk you like.
So fancy.
Remember when it was just half and half?
Oh, I ran into your friends from the book club.
They sure miss having you around.
Little did these struggling souls know
the forces that would bring them all together
were already in motion.
Why bother,
you already know what they're going to say.
"Thank you for your interest,
but we are unable to proceed with your material
at this time."
like it's really no joke.
Did you say something?
Oh, sorry, no, I'm just talking to myself.
Have we met?
Sorry, never mind.
You know, I do that a lot because I read quite often
and so between all the characters
I envision in my head,
and all the people that come through this door,
there's just a lot going on, right?
I also talk a lot.
Talia?
Is that you?
From Rockford Elementary?
- Anderson? - Yeah.
- What?! - Yeah!
- Hi! - Hi!
Wow!
How long has it been?
Not since you and your mom moved away, right?
When did you come back to Seattle?
I moved back into my family's house
after I got my Master's in writing.
Cool.
I wish I'd known,
I would have invited you out for coffee or something.
Oh, you know, and I actually kept meaning to look you up,
but I didn't think you'd remember me after so long.
Of course, I remember you.
So, which section is yours?
Do you use a nom de plume?
More like a nom de calculator.
This is actually my store.
- Oh. - Yeah, which, you know,
requires a surprising amount of math,
and sadly, not as many clever turns of phrase.
Ah, well, that's too bad.
I always liked reading your stuff.
Not that running your own store isn't also fantastic.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah. - It is, no,
I just, yours was the only fiction
I ever really got into.
Oh, that's nice.
Well, um, I still dabble, of course, right?
In fact, publishers are considering my work
as we speak.
Cool.
What about you?
What about you, what do you do?
I am a surgeon.
- Oh! - At Seattle Medical.
But I'm taking a bit of a vacation.
Oh, hence the need for reading material?
Yes.
Okay, so, what are you in the mood for?
Can I offer you a nice juicy mystery, or...
Maybe something a little more uplifting
would be a better distraction?
Just what the doctor ordered?
- Something like that. - Okay.
So, what you have planned for the holidays?
My mom's away this year,
but I have other plans.
Loads of plans.
Lots.
Great, well,
we should do that catch-up after the holidays.
I would love that.
Yeah.
Um, here, put in your contact info.
Ah, still ordering me around like old times, huh?
Some things never change.
All right.
Thank you. Here you go.
I think you'll like this one, it's on me.
Well, thanks.
Text me, and we'll get that catch-up on the books.
Yeah. Sounds good.
- All right. - Okay.
- See ya. - Bye.
"I still dabble?"
Good grief, Talia, you're so lame.
Hey, Mom, guess who I saw today.
Anderson!
Yeah, from back in the day.
Do you remember him?
Oh.
Single?
I have no idea, we didn't get into all that.
I know, I wish we could spend Christmas together, too.
Yes, for sure, absolutely.
Okay.
I love you, too.
Bye.
Oh.
Hello?
Hi, Robyn? It's Talia!
Um...
I know it's been a while,
but I was just wondering
what you were up to for the holidays?
Oh, dear. I'm afraid this isn't Robyn.
This is Judy,
and you've reached the Gingerbread Inn.
I'm sorry, the Gingerbread what?
The Gingerbread Inn, dear.
I'm assuming you called
about the special getaway promotion?
Deluxe private room,
three home-cooked meals a day,
access to all festival activities.
That... Wow, that sounds lovely,
but I was actually just trying to call my friend.
Well...
maybe it's fate.
Those who need it most tend to find their way to us,
and you're in luck.
We only have two openings left for this season.
Do let us know soon if you change your mind.
Okay, great, thank you,
uh, but I will say, um,
I probably will just stay put and celebrate with my friends,
but I do appreciate the offer.
Very kind.
Okay.
Thank you.
Bye.
Hmm.
Hey, Jenny, it's Talia!
Yeah, hey, I was just wondering what you were up to this week?
Oh, that's right, yes,
I forgot you were with Rick's family.
Okay.
All right, well, have fun.
Bye.
Hi, we spoke earlier this evening.
Yeah, you know, I've been thinking,
and I changed my mind.
I'd be thrilled to accept your offer.
Where in the world am I?
Wunderbrook?
Be right there!
Welcome to the Gingerbread Inn.
I'm Judy, and I'll be your host.
Is everything okay?
I don't know.
I'm having major deja vu.
You know, this place looks a lot like the...
Never mind, never mind.
It's just my imagination working on overdrive again.
Ignore me.
Okay, I'm clearly exhausted.
I was, like, nodding off in the car ride over here.
Thank you for arranging that, by the way.
We are delighted to have you.
Please...
accept your welcome basket.
Oh!
I asked you three times to pack an extra charger.
Why didn't you email me the task list?
Talia, meet Diane and Keith,
two of our other guests.
Oh, and this is Charles.
My husband, Miles, is bringing you some spare clothes.
They're not exactly fashionable, but...
Oh, I appreciate the generosity.
I didn't expect to be staying,
so I just brought my fishing gear.
Oh!
Jake, what's the matter?
A car was detoured our direction
on the way up the coast,
and the driver says it's running funny.
I told him to come on over.
He's grabbing his suitcase.
Anderson?
Seriously?
Yeah, I think? Hi.
Hi.
You know each other?
Uh, yeah,
but we haven't seen each other for like almost 30 years.
Yeah,
and now it's twice in the same week.
He's stalking me, it's fine.
Sounds like kismet to me.
Really?
Well, I'll go see if I can figure out
what's going on with that detour
and take a look at your car.
I'm sort of the Jake-of-all-trades around here.
- Get it? - Yeah.
Well, that would be great.
I'm sure I'll figure it out by the morning.
Well, gotta get going, lots to do.
Oh, and in the meantime, I've got an extra room for you.
I've got some lovely desserts in this other room.
I'm just going to turn in.
I should probably get some work done.
- I'll be upstairs, okay? - Okay.
I don't want to get in his way,
but I'm not very hungry,
so I'm just going to go read.
And then there were two.
This way to the dining room.
Delicious hot cocoa for you?
- Oh. - Yeah, thank you.
Well, I'm hoping to figure out what's wrong with the car.
I'm aiming to get out of here as soon as I can.
I'm sure he will.
Excuse me.
So, I thought you were stay-cationing in Seattle
with loads of plans.
Oh, yeah, uh,
I may have embellished that a little bit.
Ah.
Okay, you have to admit
that it's a wild coincidence
that we're both here, right?
Okay.
It was synergy.
Ah, I thought the word was "kismet".
Only five visitors this year.
Not a ton, but we can make it work.
Maybe.
Assuming they have a successful stay with us.
I can't wait to meet the new people.
I have so many questions.
I told you, Izzy, you're not to bother the guests.
I won't, Mom, I promise.
I don't know why you're all so excited.
Interlopers,
that's what they are.
I wish they'd all just stay away and leave us be.
Oh, Mildred,
I know it's hard for you to forget the past.
Maybe this season we can change how you feel.
Now, we only have until the conclusion
on the Night of Wunder,
on the 23rd, same as every year,
to get everyone sorted.
We all have our roles to play
and not much time to do it.
So...
let's get to it.
Ho! Ho! Ho!
And so, Mildred reluctantly pondered her role
in the fate of this year's guests.
What obstacles could she lay in their paths?
Apparently, the road to the cabin
is going to be closed longer than they thought,
and my car is still out of commission.
- Please. - Thank you.
Yeah.
So, I'm going to try and book a Ride-share
so I can take off.
You sure you want to leave so soon?
There's something in the air here.
Keith, the plumber said
he could start on the repairs today.
Our house flooded,
which is why we had to clear out last minute.
Then I found a flyer for this inn.
It was in the mailbox without a stamp.
It was the oddest thing.
What about you, Charles?
How did you find your way here?
Oh.
Boredom.
I've fished every fishing spot there is to fish in Idaho.
You came all this way to fish?
And to think.
Yeah.
I got a little lost on the way...
found my way here somehow,
Judy offered me a room.
I figured I'd better stay put before I really got lost.
How about you, Talia?
Well, I called the wrong number
and Anderson got re-routed on a detour, so...
It's kind of like a force drew us all here
or something, right?
You haven't changed a bit.
That overactive imagination still working double-time.
Hi! I'm Izzy.
Judy and Miles are my parents.
Can I show you all around
before you get started with your day?
My mom said it's okay.
Oh, our very own tour guide!
I'll pass.
I'm not in the mood for a tour.
- Sounds good to me. - Yeah.
Keith?
I should finish my brief.
There's so many places you can visit.
There's Mildred's Miracle Tavern.
It's the nicest restaurant around.
Even though Mildred isn't always the nicest person around.
Don't tell her I said that!
I swear, it's the oddest thing.
I just know I've been here before.
Impossible.
I've never seen you, and I never forget a face.
My mom says it's like a super power.
Oh, well, that's impressive.
Okay, but continue, Izzy, this is so exciting!
And it'll get even better.
The tree lighting is tonight.
The official start of our Wunder Week.
"Wunder Week"?
Okay, I know I've heard that before.
Me too.
Maybe a client...
What do you and Keith do for work?
Oh, we're both lawyers.
I just made partner at my firm,
and Keith is a public defender.
What about you, Anderson?
What do you do?
I just became an attending,
so I supervise my own group of residents.
Surrounded by doctors and lawyers.
Suddenly, I feel deeply inadequate.
Aw, when you're a big, hot-shot author,
you'll forget all about us.
Aw, you sound like my dad.
He passed away when we were ten.
He was just my biggest cheerleader.
I miss him every day.
Hello there.
You interested in something to go?
Got anything on tap?
Can I see a food menu?
No substitutions, no exceptions.
Don't worry,
the only thing I'm allergic to is excessive pleasantries,
and I don't think that's going to be an issue here.
Goulash is my specialty.
I'll have a specialty goulash then.
To stay.
Can I ask you something?
This whole village
looks like a Christmas elf exploded on it,
but here, not so much.
I used to go all out.
For years, this was the place to beat
for best storefront on Main Street.
And then?
I'm over it, as the kids say.
You and me both.
I wish it was January already.
Oh, Charles!
This is where you've been hiding.
Not hiding.
I just prefer to avoid the holiday hoopla.
Oh.
I can recommend the goulash.
No substitutions.
Sounds perfect. Three orders?
Sure.
So, did you have a good day?
I did.
I had a pleasant enough conversation with Mildred.
She's... interesting.
This place is nice.
Yeah.
Hey!
Now, that is the kind of service you do not get in the city.
It's a little too good.
Keith would send it back.
He'd be suspicious it'd been sitting out too long.
How'd you kids meet?
Oh, we were on rival quiz teams.
I beat him during the round
on the billboard charts of the '90s.
So how'd you go from rivalry to romance?
He said since I bested him in front of his friends,
the least I could do was join him for dinner.
After that, we were inseparable.
Ah, young love at its finest.
It's all so fleeting.
Okay, we better get this in.
It's the opening night of Wunder Week.
Uh, hello?
Can you guys hear me out there?
Welcome, residents and guests.
I'm Mayor Miles,
and starting tonight,
we kick off our Wunder Week.
Inspiration for your next project?
Oh, no,
I can't even think about another project right now.
I'm tapped...
and honestly,
the writing thing... isn't really happening for me.
Well, that's a shame.
I liked getting your stories in the mail.
I was sad when you stopped sending them.
You don't have to say that.
Anyway, that was a lifetime ago.
We should buy some souvenirs when the market opens.
I don't know if this is a season
we want to remember.
Let's light it up!
What do you say, folks?
Okay!
Three, two, one!
This village would look even more picturesque
if it were snowing,
don't you think?
What did I tell ya?
In Wunderbrook a little magic goes a long way,
but there's so much to do,
and such little time.
Chapter three.
Only five days until the Night of Wunder deadline,
and no one is making significant progress.
Personally, I'll be glad
when the tourists stop infesting our home.
Every year, we give and give
and are left with nothing in return.
I'm sick of it.
That's not true.
We're left knowing we helped someone
overcome a challenge in their life
and move forward.
The problem isn't just receding tourism.
If we fail,
visitors won't have the ability to find their way to us anymore.
Oh, this looks good.
Ready for the ultimate taste test?
Oh, so glad you guys could make it.
We have to guess the different flavors
in the hot chocolate.
Oh, fun!
When we were first together,
Keith and I used to try new restaurants once a week,
and guess the ingredients and the spices in their dishes.
Blindfolds at the ready.
- Okay. - It's time to get tasting!
All right. Thank you.
- You first. - Me first.
Definitely smells like coconut.
Gold sprinkles?
I was just about to eat this.
Ah!
Hey, you guys are cheating, I saw that.
Weird. Your sister said she sent our gifts here,
but the courier couldn't find the address.
Maybe the village is unincorporated.
Off-grid.
That's odd.
We already tried that one, Keith.
Yep, I know.
Just wanted a second taste,
if that's all right with you?
Okay, come on, Keith.
Let's go, drink it up! Time's a-ticking.
Okay, tastebuds on the prize, right?
Right, so you'll listen to her.
Yeah, because she doesn't treat me like an employee.
Um...
I'm going to go back to the inn.
Thank you.
You're doing better than I thought, Dr. A.
Thanks.
You can just call me Anderson, Izzy,
and yeah, maybe I can add hot cocoa
to the short list of things that I can make.
Maybe you can make one for your girlfriend.
Wait...
Do you have a girlfriend?
No, I am married to my work.
What about you, Talia?
You got a boyfriend back in Seattle?
No, no, the only relationships I've been in recently
are from the romance section in my bookstore.
So you're both single!
Um...
well...
Thanks.
So, what kind of "wunder" ful joy
did everybody get up to today?
You'd know if you joined in.
The festival is a community event
and right now you're part of that community.
I used to love the holidays.
But it's just...
it's not the same
going through the motions without my Bea.
Is that your wife?
My high-school sweetheart.
We were married 42 years.
She did the bookkeeping at my shop.
She was a whiz with numbers.
Couldn't style her hair to save her life.
Sounds like you made quite the duo.
We did.
She passed
three years ago.
Cancer.
I'm sorry, Charles.
I'd give anything to see my Bea again.
Just for 10 minutes,
even if all we did was bicker.
She brought so much color to my life.
You still deserve to experience joy, Charles.
Did you know that Charles is a widower?
Sorry?
I just overheard him telling Judy.
He misses her so much,
and here I am, constantly at odds with Keith.
I just...
I feel so horrible.
Do you want to come in for a minute?
Yeah.
I'm a pretty good talker,
but I think I might be a better listener.
Have a seat.
So, what's really going on with you and Keith?
Besides a flooded house.
He never listens to me.
He just tunes me out, like I don't even exist.
I'm sorry, Diane.
Maybe it's normal in a long-term relationship?
I don't know.
I filed for divorce.
Oh.
I haven't served him the papers yet.
I wanted to wait until after the holidays,
and I thought maybe this trip
would be our last chance to reconnect,
but he's...
You know, enough about me.
How about you and Anderson?
I've been sensing a vibe between you two.
No, no, no.
We're just old friends.
Hey, sorry, am I interrupting?
- Oh, no. - We were just chatting.
- Yeah. - Were your ears burning?
Should they be?
No, they shouldn't be.
We were just...
wondering where everyone was.
And here you are!
I mean, not just you,
like, everyone, all the people.
Well, I am here,
and everybody else is going downstairs.
Miles invited us for story hour.
That sounds like fun.
Yeah.
- Shall we? - We shall.
Okay. Let's go.
Oh, this looks like story hour at my bookstore.
What's a story hour?
There are kids in my neighborhood
whose parents struggle to find childcare.
So they come, and they read books,
and they hang out.
I tell them some of my own stories, too.
Well, I used to anyway.
I would have loved something like that as a kid.
However, um, this event isn't quite the same.
Our tradition
is to create an original holiday story
every year.
How does it work?
We all take turns.
Whoever has the microphone is the storyteller.
Izzy, why don't you kick us off?
Okay.
There once was a lonely snowman,
who wanted to meet a special snowlady
and fall in love.
Ooh...
Uh, so, he joined an app...
called the Icy Connection...
Uh... hoping to find a match.
And...
all anybody ever wanted from him
was advice on how not to melt.
Hey, no, this is...
This is from real-life experience
from the five minutes that I spent on a dating app.
Here, take it for a spin.
Uh, no, no...
- No, no, no, no - Here you go. Your turn.
Hey, aren't you the pro?
Fine, okay.
Um...
but when the snowman looked in the mirror,
he wondered, sadly,
why he could never frolic in the sun,
and so began his existential quest
to understand his elemental nature,
for how could he ever partner
with another snowy creature,
knowing that a terrible, puddly fate
awaited them both?
Oh...
Then what happened?
Well, he moved to the North Pole, of course,
where he would be safe to find love all year round!
Oh!
Brilliant!
Okay, here.
Okay, that is a tough act to follow.
I know, right? Show-off.
No, but, really, you have a gift.
Maybe it's time to pick up that pen again?
Oh, hey, Mildred,
I just stepped out to get some air.
Are you joining us or...
Jake asked me to bring you these.
Looks like the roads are open now.
Your car seems to be running just fine.
You're free to leave and be on your way,
bright and early tomorrow.
Thanks.
Something the matter?
Nice stunt with the keys.
Classic, Mildred.
Stunt?
I was just returning a man his property.
Mildred, you have to let things unfold
the way they are meant to
until we've helped them sort their lives.
I am just playing my role, and you know it.
Besides, the magic is almost done.
Tick tock, tick tock.
Will Mildred's meddling ways
obstruct the townspeople's quest?
Chapter four.
- Oh, hi. - Hey.
You got your keys back.
Yeah, yeah, looks like the detour is cleared up,
and my car is okay.
So, you're heading out?
Actually,
I don't know.
I was putting some stuff in my trunk,
and I suddenly had this overwhelming feeling
that I needed to stay.
It's hard to explain,
but I hope you're okay
sharing a bit more of your vacation with me.
I can live with that.
All right.
What's up?
Oh, I found this by my door earlier.
You didn't leave it there, did you?
No.
No, I can't claim credit for that one.
That's strange.
Anyway, I love it
and I've been writing all morning.
What about?
Well, I'm noodling on a holiday story
about this village,
and its precocious resident tween.
Ah, so Izzy is your muse.
Well, I'm available to be your first reader,
whenever you're ready to share.
I might take you up on that.
All right.
Let me guess,
you're responsible for that notebook's appearance?
If only I could wave my wand
and have them all face their inner demons.
You know we can only provide
a positive, uplifting experience.
Our guests have to figure out their issues on their own.
You've practically been all over the world.
I have, everywhere but the North Pole.
Oh, I'm so envious.
You know, I get to travel, too, you know,
yeah, when I read.
Well, put some of them on your bucket list.
You know, I don't actually believe in those.
My dad had this whole endless list of places he wanted to see,
and he barely made a dent in it.
It just broke my heart,
but feel free to regale me in more of your adventures.
So, where to next?
I'm not sure I'm going to do it again this year.
Why?
You have too many responsibilities
as an attending?
Not exactly.
Uh...
anything you want to get off your chest?
I hate kale.
There, I said it.
Okay.
Excuse me, Charles?
Jake?
I'm supposed to play Santa,
but I have to set up the grounds for later.
Would you be willing to step in and play Santa for me?
Ah, I don't think so.
Get him to do it.
Anderson?
He doesn't have the gravitas or the wisdom for it.
I don't know what we're talking about,
but I think I'm insulted?
Since I have you,
would you two be willing to play Santa's elves?
Uh... hold on, are there costumes?
Yes!
See, Charles?
Everyone wants in.
Please, I'm begging you.
There's no one else, and the kids are waiting.
I'll give you an hour.
Merry Christmas.
Here to make your wish?
I'm... here to fix Santa's beard.
Who's in charge here?
Where's Jake?
What's wrong with my beard?
If you're going to do something,
you can't do it halfway.
You sound a lot like my Bea.
She was an all or nothing girl.
She sounds like a wise woman.
You were lucky to have her.
I should, um...
get back to the tavern.
Okay, who's next?
Climb aboard, Izzy.
You know, Anderson,
if things don't work out for you at the hospital,
I see a future for you in elfin arts.
Haha.
Tell Santa your wish, kiddo.
Mr. Santa,
this year, I'd like to wish for a bicycle,
a dollhouse, a sewing machine, a...
Whoa!
Slow down, young lady.
Mr. Santa,
most of all,
I want to see my new friend, Charles,
smile again.
That's a very generous wish.
Well,
that was shockingly exhausting.
Yeah,
and actually,
I was kind of hoping to sit on Santa's lap,
but the kids had dibs on his time.
Childhood has its perks.
What would you have wished for?
Oh, well,
there's a first edition of Jane Austen's Emma
that I've been coveting.
What about you,
a new stethoscope or something?
No, no, I've got plenty of those.
Actually, I like... I like your idea.
I think I'm plagiarizing you.
Yeah?
I've been meaning to read more Jane Austen.
Oh!
Oh, ho!
Hey there.
You burst in here like you're running from someone.
No, no, I'm just...
I'm avoiding a conversation with Diane,
to be completely honest.
Oh.
We need to sit down and have a real conversation,
but I just freeze up every time I see her.
Hmm.
Tell me more.
I forgot to call the plumber,
which is just a tiny thing,
but it's another example of me just freezing up.
She treats me like an employee, not a partner.
Reminds me of me and Judy.
I'm always letting something fall through the cracks.
Is it really about the plumber, though?
Who knows?
Ever since Diane made partner,
she's been so stressed with work.
I just want to go back to when things were simpler.
When was the last time you had a date night
that was just about the two of you,
not your task-lists?
Huh...
No idea.
We've been so caught up with our frustrations,
not our romance.
May I suggest
taking a time-out from the acrimony?
Try to remember
why you fell in love to begin with.
Yeah.
Thanks.
I have to admit, this place is pretty magical.
Do you have the same events and artisans every year?
Pretty much.
Most are annual traditions,
but some are new,
and we escalate,
as we get to the final Night of Wunder.
Wait, "Night of Wunder"?
Okay, that is not a coincidence,
that is straight out of a book I loved as a kid.
It was...
Oh! A Wunderbrook Christmas Story.
Oh, yeah!
A Wunderbrook Christmas Story.
I knew this seemed familiar.
Okay, so you've read it, too?
Oh, yeah. I loved it back in the day.
My cousin and I would read it to each other
over and over again.
That's what Talia and I used to do
before she moved away.
Hold on a second.
My mother gave it to me, too.
Hey, are you,
are you familiar
with A Wunderbrook Christmas Story?
Sure, it's a classic.
Why do you ask?
It's just, it's been a favorite of ours
since we were kids, so...
I'm surprised it's still popular
with your generation.
I'm going to turn in.
Goodnight.
Okay.
We've all read the same Christmas book,
and we've all mysteriously arrived
in the same village?
I know my imagination is a little overactive,
but this is too much.
What is going on?
Excuse me a second.
How was the...
What can you tell me about "inner conflict"?
Is that the name of a rock 'n' roll group?
I'm afraid I'm not too up to date
with my pop-culture facts.
Level with me, Judy.
There's something very curious going on here.
Have you been sneaking into my spiked eggnog reserves?
I'm serious.
Wouldn't you agree
it's a little odd
that all five of your guests
have old copies of A Wunderbrook Christmas Story?
Not really.
It was a major best-seller in its heyday.
Okay, but all your events come from the book.
How do you explain that?
I admit, we borrow some of their ideas.
I didn't realize that was a copyright infringement.
Right.
Of course, it isn't.
I'm sorry I came at you with so much intensity.
I just sometimes get an idea, and I run away with it, and...
yeah.
Goodnight!
Wunderbrook's secret
was kept safe by the Fairy Queen,
but for how long?
Chapter five.
Hello? Earth to Talia?
- Oh, hi. - Hey.
Sorry, I'm just looking up images of Wunderbrook,
trying to refresh my memory.
I thought Judy talked you out of that conspiracy theory.
Ooh, I just lost my connection.
Maybe that's not such a bad thing.
Oh.
Thank you.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Mm!
For today's activity,
you are not casual Christmas enthusiasts.
Instead,
you are craft specialists.
Aye-aye, Captain. What are we making?
Christmas stockings,
and if you'd like,
you can leave them on the inn's mantel
as a memento of your stay.
I just thought it was about time
I joined the merriment.
Let's get started.
That looks...
interesting.
I have a vision for a baroque design,
but I think my eyes might be bigger
than my artistic aptitudes.
Well, it's the thought that counts.
Oh, yours is perfect, Anderson.
Looks like you're putting your surgical dexterity
to good use over there, Doc.
Thank you.
So, Diane and I will be flying out of Seattle
when we go home.
I thought we could make a date night of it.
Really?
Oh, that's so nice.
I don't remember the last time we had a date night.
Do you have any suggestions of restaurants that we can go to
for a special occasion?
- Yeah, Francesco's. - Francesco's.
- You've been? - Yeah.
I've been dying to go.
I took my first ever dating-site match there
a few months ago.
She spent the whole dinner
asking me about her mom's medications.
Oh.
Well, he's married to his work anyway.
- Aren't you? - Yeah.
For years I was consumed by my surgical residency,
but...
now I think
maybe I am ready to find the right person
to share my life with.
Well, you better get back on that app then.
You know, I actually think it's better
just to meet in real life,
you know, more organic.
Yeah, like Keith and Diane did.
Oh, when we first met, I wasn't looking to settle down.
We were so young.
But when you know...
Jake called to check in.
Sounds like the group
is really starting to open up to each other.
Good,
but sharing stories
isn't going to be enough to complete our mission.
You know that.
No, but it is a step in the right direction.
Perhaps, but beyond that,
I think Talia is starting to put things together.
She's clever, that one.
Relax, honey. It's a good sign.
She's using the gift of her imagination.
How did you get to be so optimistic?
Would you have me be any other way?
You know I wouldn't.
Isn't that fun?
Ah, there you are!
Diane and Keith are going to come hang their stockings later,
but you guys can do it now.
Okay.
So cute.
Oh, that looks so good.
Are these past Wunder Weeks?
Yeah.
Indeed.
We used to get a lot more visitors here
in the past,
but quality over quantity, right?
Oh, Miles,
you forgot to take a photo of our group this year!
Again!
Oh.
Get in there. Great.
Aw, you guys look great.
Okay, ready?
Say "tinsel"!
One, two, three!
Tinsel!
Got it!
Hey.
You okay?
You look upset.
Still mulling the Wunderbrook connection?
Oh, no, no.
I'm just about to head to Mildred's to write.
I need a quiet space
and no one's ever there.
Yeah, thanks.
I just, um,
keep thinking about Keith and Diane.
I hope they work it out, you know?
Yeah.
What about you?
You, uh, thinking about going back to the app?
Maybe?
Like I said,
dating hasn't been a priority in a long time,
but...
I'd like to make it one.
And you?
Gonna get back out there?
Oh, uh, no...
I don't know.
The next guy on my radar
will probably think I'm too outlandish.
Yeah, like my last boyfriend did.
That's just 'cause he didn't realize
what a catch you are.
Oh, well,
he is not the first guy to accuse me
of getting lost in my daydreams.
Well, I always thought your overactive imagination
was part of your charm.
Besides, isn't teasing what boys do
when they have a crush?
Why do you think I was always coming around
to give you a hard time?
Can we talk?
Yeah.
I feel like we've become strangers, Keith.
I definitely feel the distance between us,
especially since you went for partner.
I feel it, too,
and I know I ask a lot,
and that I've been putting work first,
and it's hard on you,
and us.
Thank you,
for acknowledging that.
But it's not all on you, D.
I know I haven't adjusted as well as I should.
I just...
miss you.
We were always each other's rocks.
I'm your rock?
You miss me?
Yeah.
Well, I can be pretty great, huh?
I know you're going to make a great partner,
and I'm here for you,
that's never going to change.
I just need my partner, too.
I need you, Diane.
I need you, too, Keith.
I need you.
The magic wish...
kiss...
Um, Mildred, can I get a little more coffee?
I'm on a roll here with my story.
You're brave.
Hmm?
Only a select few ever make it
as professional writers.
Personally, I couldn't handle the disappointment.
Well, that's true.
I mean, it hasn't always been easy.
You have to have the perfect storm
of luck,
talent,
and circumstance.
It's probably more likely to win the lottery.
Yeah.
Well, thank you, Mildred,
that's really sage advice.
Wunderbrook's charm
may be helping some,
but others' dreams remained challenged
by a sprinkle of doubt.
Chapter six.
Where's Diane and Keith this morning?
I don't know.
They're usually up before everyone, aren't they?
Let me guess,
you're imagining some scenario
in which they're trapped in the bottom of a well?
Please, that's so basic.
Are you leaving? So soon?
We are.
We talked last night.
Really talked.
How'd that go?
We realized we missed what we had,
and as a wise person once told me,
it's all so fleeting.
We want to make our marriage work,
and as lovely as this village is,
and as warmly as we have been welcomed,
we need to spend some time with each other.
Get back to why we fell in love.
And it's been so good getting to know you.
You as well, but don't think you're getting rid of us
so soon,
we're going to visit you in Seattle.
Goodbye, Diane.
It was so nice to meet you, man.
It has been our honor having you here with us.
Thank you, everyone.
Happy holidays, everyone. Bye.
Happy holidays.
- Enjoy the rest of your stay. - Merry Christmas.
- Did you hear that? - Yeah.
Maybe it's coming from outside?
Must be it.
Well, today is our famous market day,
not to be missed.
Charles.
Something I can help you with?
Um, I don't suppose
you've got any extra Christmas decorations around?
Are those...
decorations?
Nope.
Judy let me borrow them from the inn.
Thought you and I could spruce up the joint.
I told you,
I'm over all that.
Well, get under it.
You know, I never thought I'd celebrate the season again,
but my time here has been quite eye-opening.
How wonderful.
Another satisfied customer.
Judy will be tickled.
Frankly,
I've been bitter about the holidays,
but if I'm being honest,
it's because I've been lonely...
and I think you might be, too.
Come on, humor me.
A little tinsel never hurt anybody.
Fine,
but if anyone asks,
you broke in here and did all this yourself.
Consider me guilty as charged.
Here.
I made it myself.
You made this?
For me?
With my eyesight,
my skills aren't what they used to be.
Try not to judge the workmanship.
It's perfect.
No one has thought to do anything this nice for me
in a very long time.
Thank you.
I got you an ornament with a surgeon's mask,
and it is so you.
Do you want to see?
Yeah.
Isn't it cute?
Yeah.
Yeah, thank you.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I just... I don't know.
I don't know if I can continue to practice medicine.
Look, I'm not very good at letting people in,
but you're also not just people, so...
I'm going to share something with you
that I'd really like to stay between us.
Yeah, you got it.
All right.
A few weeks ago, I had a patient in
for a routine appendectomy,
which ordinarily is a procedure that I can perform in my sleep,
but the patient developed peritonitis
and then sepsis,
and I couldn't save them.
Oh, Anderson,
I'm so sorry.
Was this the first patient you've lost?
No,
but it is the first that I've lost
since I've become the attending in charge,
and it was devastating.
I had to deliver the news to the family,
which is something that I've had to do before,
but something about this one was different.
I don't know.
I have one job,
and that is to save their loved one,
and I couldn't do it,
and I've been on leave ever since.
The hospital put you on leave?
No.
I put myself on leave.
Was there something you could have done differently
for the patient?
No.
Okay, well then, it sounds to me
like you're punishing yourself
for something that was...
sadly unavoidable.
What if it happens again?
Anderson, do not let one incident derail you
from what you were born to do.
You're a doctor.
That is your calling.
Well, speaking of your calling,
would you let a few rejections
derail you from your career?
That's your calling.
Not the same.
If you say so.
Anyways, thanks for listening.
It felt good to get that off my chest.
Can we keep it between us?
Of course, of course.
I'm always here for you.
I know.
Same.
Oh!
Now, what is going on here?
You've never seen Christmas spirit
on display before?
Well, it looks fantastic.
I think we're just about done.
You'll have to come back at night
and see the lights in action.
It's a date.
And then she giggled! Mildred.
I saw it with my own two eyes.
Charles was positively buoyant.
He must derive his own joy from uplifting others.
That's an intriguing notion.
Perhaps that's Mildred's gift.
Helping others find joy by challenging the status quo.
And maybe she finds her own joy along the way.
Maybe.
But I think Charles also has a crush on her.
Oh, I see. "Takes one to know one."
Isn't that the relevant phrase?
I see the way you look at Anderson.
No.
No, no.
I look at him normally!
Ooh, the lady doth protest too much.
I admit nothing...
And hypothetically, it wouldn't matter anyway.
We've just resumed our friendship
and I would never want to jeopardize that.
So, you think telling him how you feel
could jeopardize your relationship?
Hypothetically?
Okay. He may have had a schoolboy crush on me
when we were kids,
but he needs an accomplished woman,
someone further along in their career.
I do not fit that description.
Okay, but what if you're wrong about that?
Is it simply Christmas cheer,
or is something even more magical
spreading through Wunderbrook?
Chapter seven.
Hey.
Morning, sunshine.
Morning.
Bought you something.
Oh, thank you.
Look at you helping out.
It's like you're teacher's pet.
No.
Oh, it's true. You guys are basically
the king and queen of this village.
No, we're not!
That's absurd.
No, I meant you're the mayor
and Judy's basically in charge of things?
It's all a group effort.
Good morning!
We're on our way to grab the bells for the procession.
The princess and the fool...
just like in the book.
- What? - What?
Oh, sorry. I think I'm still half asleep.
Oh, back again, huh?
You're going to get sick of my cooking.
I doubt that.
But I'm not here to eat.
I'm here to invite you
to accompany me to the procession tonight.
You're going to that?
I was planning to finish my year-end accounting tonight.
Mildred,
it would be my honor
to escort you this evening.
Maybe.
If I can find the time.
You look beautiful.
Not that you don't usually...
You just... You look extra radiant.
You look pretty good yourself.
Judy lent me this coat.
- Isn't it great? - Yeah.
- Shall we? - Yes.
- One for you. - Thank you.
One for you.
I am not exactly a musical prodigy.
Well, these bells
have a way of maintaining a harmony all on their own.
He means try your best.
You okay, Charles?
Oh, yeah, I'm fine.
I was just... I was hoping that...
it's okay.
My mom and Uncle Jake have to lead the procession.
I'll walk with you!
That's very kind, young lady.
Well, shall we?
My dad would get such a kick out of this.
He loved pageantry.
What do you mean?
He said I was born to do great things,
but I have zip to show for myself,
other than a career that stalled before it even began.
I sometimes feel like I let him down.
You could never.
Look, it's a really tough industry
and he would be so proud of how hard you tried.
It's just, like,
whenever I try to consider my future,
it's paralyzing.
It's almost like
I can only imagine the worst-case scenario
when the subject is myself.
Is this a mid-life crisis?
I don't know anything about that,
but I do know
that your father loved you more than anything,
and it has nothing to do with your accomplishments.
Thanks, Anderson. That means a lot.
Now, please, no more compliments,
otherwise it's going to go to my head.
May I have this dance?
You may.
Just don't expect me to trip all over your feet.
- I've got some moves. - Yeah?
Yeah.
You're fashionably late.
But you look lovely.
- Shall we? - Oh. Okay.
If you insist.
Aw! Could they be any cuter?
Looks like love is in the air.
Mildred, when I first arrived here,
I was such a miserable Grinch.
Well, it takes one to know one.
I'm not exactly the life of the party.
Maybe not,
but in this short amount of time,
you've brought so much color back into my life.
Thank you.
Now, don't tell anyone I said this,
but...
I'm glad you showed up here.
Did you hear that?
Yeah.
I have been racking my brain
trying to figure out when I've heard that before...
And do you know when it was?
I'm going to tell you.
It was when my dad
gave me a copy of A Wunderbrook Christmas Story.
And I heard it again when I gave a copy to you.
Really?
Hang on a second.
Excuse me. Judy, Miles.
- Hi. - Hi.
Could you guys please just admit
that something magical is going on here?
Magical?
Christmas is a magical time.
I'll admit that the village has its quirks,
but isn't this a bit much?
Okay. Five disparate people show up
through very strange circumstances
to the same town,
all coincidentally having read the same fairy-tale story?
It is completely improbable
without some otherworldly explanation.
Not to mention,
all five of us
had very obvious emotional challenges
we needed to overcome.
Keith and Diane's marriage was falling apart,
Charles was grieving,
I'm clearly a disaster,
this guy has lost a patient...
Uh-uh!
Enough is enough.
Imagination is one thing,
but this is crazy.
What will you accuse us all of next?
You have got to stop living in your daydream
and pay attention to reality, dear.
So you all think I'm ridiculous?
Your mind is obviously playing tricks on you
so you don't have to face the truth.
Which is?
That you have been so afraid
that you've allowed your dreams to fail.
Wait, that's not fair.
Well, at least she didn't abandon
a well-earned profession...
Something that could actually save peoples' lives.
Mildred! I thought you had turned over a new leaf.
How could you?
And a leopard doesn't change its spots.
This is what happens
when you invite me to these things.
I asked you to keep that between us.
I'm sorry. It just slipped out.
Yeah, you really got carried away.
Maybe Mildred's got a point.
So much for my active imagination
being part of my charm then, huh?
It's not like she was so off-base about you either.
I'm sorry, everybody,
you don't deserve us messing up your night.
Anderson, let's go for a walk, let you decompress...
I'm just going to go back to the inn.
I'm taking off first thing in the morning.
But the Night of Wunder is...
Something I'll have to miss.
Though truth is welcome in Wunderbrook,
some truths can cause more heartbreak than healing.
Is there anything I can do to change your mind?
Judy, you've been an excellent host.
I gotta be on my way.
Okay, well, if you must go, we understand.
Please do come back and visit us again?
Thanks for everything.
Oh! Hey, Charles.
Dramatic night last night.
You're not kidding.
I don't know what to make of it.
I'm turning it around in my head.
Charles, are you okay?
I don't...
Something's not right.
Judy! Anybody! I need some help here!
Where's my phone?
Charles, can you hear us?
Do something.
Judy? What's wrong?
It's Charles.
His breathing was shallow and he fainted.
- I didn't know... - Anderson, help him, please.
We think he's having a heart attack.
I need my medical bag out of my car.
On it.
Well, Charles is settled into his room.
His blood pressure dropped suddenly,
which mimics a heart attack.
But he just needs to hydrate and up his sodium intake
and he'll be fine.
Thank goodness, you were here.
Thank goodness, I had left my phone.
I thought I had it.
Just glad it all worked out.
So, how did it feel,
getting back into doctor mode?
It felt...
it felt like my calling.
It is, Anderson.
This is your gift.
And the world needs it.
The world needs you.
Okay, is this a prank?
Because if it is, it's not funny, all right,
especially after the day I've had.
Judy,
I think it's time
we told the good doctor the truth.
Wait, start over here. You lost me.
So...
so you're telling me
that this town is from a made-up Christmas fable?
Yes, Anderson. It is.
And the chimes?
The first time it rings
is when someone receives the book.
The second time,
it signifies the healing was successful.
We know it's a lot to take in,
but this is all very real.
So she was right?
About everything?
- I gotta tell her... - No, wait, wait.
You can't.
If she knows the truth,
it'll interfere with the integrity of the process.
I see.
You know, for a made-up village, you guys have a lot of rules.
Come in.
I won't stay, but I heard what happened.
I brought you some of your favorites.
Extra sodium,
as per Doc Anderson's instructions.
How come you went after him and Talia like that?
I heard about your reputation,
but you were so biting.
I don't recognize you.
I wish I could make you understand.
But please believe,
I'm still the same person you invited to the procession.
Rest up, Charlie.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Welcome to the most magical night of the year!
Welcome to the Night of Wunder.
Pretty "wunder" ful, huh?
You're still here?
Turns out there's no place else I needed to be.
I...
I heard Charles is on the mend.
Are you okay?
Yeah, yeah,
I think I got my sea-legs back.
Thanks to your encouragement.
- I'm really sorry... - I...
Please. Ladies first.
I'm really sorry
that I revealed your private information.
I just got caught up
in this crazy conspiracy theory
and it just slipped out.
It's okay.
I'm sorry that I took Mildred's side.
I, of all people,
should know how anxiety can take hold.
Truce?
I think I can live with that.
And I promise,
that is the last time
I'm going to let my imagination run wild.
I actually convinced myself
that I was in some magical world.
It's so embarrassing.
And I got obsessed.
It's so silly.
I'm so sorry.
I meant what I said before.
It really is part of your charm.
Truly.
I got you a bit of an early Christmas present...
More of a re-gift.
Are these my old stories?
Yeah.
"He held onto them," she thought,
"even when I was ready to let them go."
ine.
My old stories?
What, you actually kept these?
Yeah. Yeah. I found them while I was packing.
I... I thought your dad
would want you to have those back.
I'm speechless.
Thank you.
Wow.
Are those your stories, Talia?
Oh.
I get it.
I've gotten it wrong this whole time.
I kept thinking
that my dad's greatest fear
was that I wouldn't become some big, fancy author.
But his greatest fear
was that I would become stuck,
which is exactly what happened.
I have been in this holding pattern
since he passed,
just so terrified.
I think because he was so young,
I've been afraid to imagine my own future.
And I've let it hold me back from so many opportunities.
I am a writer.
This I know.
It is my calling,
it is in my bones,
it is in my heart.
I'm not questioning that. I am a writer.
But that's not what this is about.
This is about my own fear.
I have been so afraid to do what I love
or be with someone that I love
because what if I lose them, too?
I am done living in fear.
I am done!
Do you hear me?
Looks like it worked, Mildred.
All part of your big plan.
I always believed in you.
That was...
- I'm not done. - Okay.
Anderson...
I have feelings for you.
You keep me grounded,
you give me the space to be exactly who I am...
and ever since we were kids,
you've always made me feel like I'm special.
There's nobody more special to me than you.
I have feelings for you, too.
Can you say that again?
I always have.
Your joie de vivre puts a smile on my face.
And after spending this time with you,
I can't imagine my life without you.
Shouldn't you be resting?
Didn't want to miss all the fun.
And besides, I have a proposition.
I don't know what happened last night...
And that doesn't matter.
What matters is that I know you.
I want to stay in Wunderbrook.
Indefinitely.
If you'll allow me?
You do?
I do.
Well, I mean,
I guess I could get used to having you around.
Besides, you're pretty cute.
Nobody has ever asked us to stay before.
This is unprecedented.
We'll have to consider all the ramifications...
Stay, Charles.
We know you'll make
the perfect addition to our ranks.
So, does this mean
we get to tell everybody about everything now?
Tell us about what?
Okay, I think I need a minute to process this.
That makes two of us.
So, you all aren't making this up
to humor me for some reason?
I knew it!
I knew it wasn't just my imagination.
So, I'm actually inside a magical world?
So, you're the king and the queen?
And the freckled princess?
And the witch and the fool.
No offense.
Hey, someone's gotta do it.
So, my dad came here
in time of his own inner conflict...
and that's why he gave me his copy of Wunderbrook.
In case you needed it some day.
This is so incredible.
You all are going to help
so many people for generations to come.
Maybe not.
Why would you ever stop?
We won't.
But the popularity of A Wunderbrook Christmas Story
is waning more and more each year.
It's only a matter of time before people stop showing up.
But hey, why be so maudlin?
We had a successful group this year,
and just in the nick of time,
so tonight, let's celebrate.
Everyone, get out there and enjoy this...
Night of Wunder!
We insist!
So...
so where were we?
I can't really recall.
Maybe I need to borrow some of Miles' mistletoe stash?
I don't think we're going to need any.
You were right, you know.
About Wunderbrook?
No. About kismet.
And as this year's story
comes to an end,
the fate of Wunderbrook's future has also been secured,
thanks to a new best-seller.
I knew you had it in you, Tal.
We all did.
Congratulations, Talia.
You did amazing.
Almost ready for your speech?
I gotta get back to the hospital soon.
Ready as I'll ever be.
Hey, you look familiar.
Nope, nope, not doing that again.
I hope you've found
everything you were looking for, sir.
I'm quite sure I have, thank you.
Now my part of the tale
has come to its happy conclusion,
for I, too,
have fulfilled my destiny of passing on my story.
Good afternoon.
Thank you so much for coming to this book launch...
Who's that guy, Miss Talia?
Oh, that is Wunderbrook's newest resident...
The noble knight.
Here, this copy is for you.