[hopeful music]
Downloaded from YTS.MX
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All right.
If I were a kid, what kind of characters
would I want to see brought to life?
[festive music]
Hi, Hank.
Good morning, Natalie.
Good morning.
Thank you.
Have a good one.
You, too.
Ok.
Hi.
Sorry, sorry.
I was collecting donations for the churches.
Never mind.
Well, as you all know, Ralph the Reindeer is
our highest-performing children's book
here at blitz publishing.
And that's thanks to each and every one
of you and your unique talents.
It takes a village, and you've all done a fantastic job.
We're looking to develop some new characters
for our department, and we'll be taking one of you
off the Ralph team to head up your own series
of books in the new year.
If you'd like to be considered, please
have your pictures in my inbox before we
break for the holidays.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Madeline, I was hoping you had a second.
Yeah, what's up?
I had an idea for a new book series.
I don't have it all fleshed out yet,
but I was thinking it could be a faith-focused children's book
to highlight the meaning of the season.
How about this--
you develop it a little bit more and get back to me.
Sound good?
Yes.
Yeah.
OK, great.
Thank you.
Yes!
WES: What are you working on?
Our homework from Sunday school.
Our teacher wanted us to write down a list of prayers
for the people in our lives, instead
of writing down a toy list.
Well, that's very--
I'm glad you're doing that.
CAROLINE: Me, too.
It's really fun.
Do you want me to add anything for you?
I'll give it some thought.
Better get your shoes on.
We're going to be late.
I think we should put up some decorations in here.
It's a little sad.
MATT: That's the thing.
I usually just get chamomile.
But tonight, I got lemon ginger.
I hope it's not too gingery.
Mm, it is.
All right.
If you'll excuse me for just one moment,
I'm going to go freshen up.
Yeah, sure.
You couldn't have picked a pizza place or something?
Fusion restaurant is trending.
They're the hot new thing.
Could be my next big client if I play my cards right.
Next big client?
That implies you already have at least one.
Oh, fine.
First big client.
Whatever happened with the roller rink laser tag combo
you wanted to invest in?
I got some market feedback that that was too dangerous.
Oh.
I wonder who also said that.
Just a little bump in the road.
[laughs] I love your enthusiasm, Dad.
I really do.
And I can't wait for you to find that thing.
And I look forward to seeing it take off when you do.
I gotta run.
Babysitter's waiting.
Will you be joining Caroline and I at church on Sunday?
Did she finish her Christmas prayer list?
I think she did.
And as far as joining you goes, I'll have to check my calendar.
Good luck with the client scout.
This could be the place.
I hope it is.
Thanks for the drink.
Sorry about that.
Merry Christmas to you, too.
[pensive music]
Oh, thanks.
You're welcome.
Then Molly promised me she'd add my prayers to her list.
Well, that was nice of her.
But I didn't want to wait.
So I prayed myself.
It was very good of you.
You know, Dad, Mrs. Maroney at Sunday school
says that miracles happen all the time,
and that there's living proof all around us.
It's getting late, kiddo.
Try and get some sleep.
I love you, Dad.
I love you, too.
Dear Jesus, thank you for today.
Thank you for my dad.
And please bless Pops and Mrs. Jenkins from across the street.
And my teacher, Ms. Flitter.
NATALIE: He was very passionate about tea.
[laughter]
Why did you go out with him?
I don't know.
Because I'm single?
Might be a good time for you to spend some time
with your sketchbook, right?
I just need some direction.
I know I can write a story that captures
what Christmas is really about.
You know, a story that needs to be told.
But I'm just having trouble getting started.
I sat there for four hours last night and nothing.
You know what you need?
A distraction.
Well, that's why I went out with Matt.
A healthy distraction.
Come volunteer with me down at the church?
I need some hands with the upcoming senior events.
And with Stephen still overseas, it is our busiest season,
and I could really use some extra help.
I'd love to.
Oh, great.
Because I already added your name to the schedule.
OK.
I will email you your shift information this afternoon.
Thank you.
Thanks.
So, did you make them an offer last night?
As it turns out, I did.
Wow.
I-- I didn't expect you to actually--
wow.
Sent it off to the other investors to get their thoughts.
But I think Tom Emerson Investment Ventures
has their first client.
I'm excited for you, Dad.
Yeah, I can tell.
Hey, Caroline, you want to go see if they got any sprinkles?
Really?
Yeah.
I think this whole festive season
has gone to Caroline's head.
Everything is Christmas this and Christmas that.
She's talking about making reindeer food
and decorating a tree and stringing up lights
in every room in the house.
And I can't keep up.
And this morning, I found her Christmas prayer list.
Take a look at that.
"Dear Jesus, this Christmas, I have a lot of prayers.
I know this season isn't about gifts,
but I'm praying for these anyway.
I would like, number one, for Dad to be happy,
number two, for Pops to finally get his first client."
Oh, very eloquent.
She's going to grow up to be a lawyer or an investor,
like her old pops.
Keep reading.
"Number three, for our mailman to get
a plane ticket to go see his daughter at her faraway house."
She absolutely nailed her Sunday school homework assignment.
She's a kind, sweet, sensitive girl who wants to help people.
I think you should celebrate that.
How?
I don't want her to feel like God isn't listening
because one of her prayers aren't answered
exactly the way she hoped.
In my experience, He has a way of making things happen
when we least expect them.
I don't know about that.
I mean, a plane ticket for our mailman?
God works in incredible ways.
Caroline is a kid with a big heart and a big imagination.
I think you should just let her relish in the spirit
of the season for as long as she can before she becomes
old and cynical like you.
I'm not old, or cynical.
Keep telling yourself that.
I didn't know which ones I wanted.
So I asked for both.
Are you leaving, Pops?
I am.
I got a big meeting.
About a new client?
Yeah.
Good luck.
Oh, thank you, darling.
I love you.
I love you too, Pops.
See you, son.
Good luck.
[sighs] That is a lot of sprinkles.
What?
It's Christmas time.
[gasps] Oh, I am so sorry.
It's fine.
Your bag is really big.
WES: Caroline.
Yeah, it seems like it.
Here.
How very Mary Poppins of you when there's a whole stack
of napkins right behind you.
Oh, that's good.
I can refill my stash for the next time
I spill coffee on someone.
Why don't you run these to the dish bin?
Why didn't you.
Ready, Dad?
Ready
Again, I'm so sorry.
It's fine.
That was his second cup.
I'm Caroline.
Natalie.
Merry Christmas, Ms. Natalie.
Merry Christmas, Caroline.
Merry Christmas.
Hank the mailman.
Hank's my mailman.
[gentle music]
[upbeat music]
Tell me what you think, Grandma.
I'm going to call her Adeline the Angel.
She's this angel who goes on adventures
and saves the day by answering Christmas prayers.
Except the kids in this story aren't asking for things
like toys or clothes.
They're asking for the same things
that this little girl, Caroline, is--
to answer other people's prayers.
And how do you know this little girl?
I don't, really.
I just spilled coffee on her dad this morning at the coffee shop.
Oh, my goodness.
And her list really doesn't have anything for her on it?
No, everything is for other people.
Oh, she sounds like such a sweet girl.
I just wish there was more I could do.
Well, maybe there is.
This list is very interesting.
I think you should go for it.
What?
Try and answer her prayers.
What?
At least one of them.
I mean, I've never believed in coincidences.
It's not by chance that you just found this prayer list,
and that it inspired you.
I think you should give it a shot.
Who's to say I should be the one to do something like this?
Well, who are any of us to do anything?
I mean, even if you can't answer all of them,
it might still be a very, very good exercise.
Come on, tell me about that prayer list.
OK.
So, see this?
For our mailman, Hank.
Hank Davis?
Isn't he the one that goes to our church?
Mm-hmm.
And she's right.
His daughter lives overseas and has fallen on hard times.
But he hasn't been able to scrape together
enough funds to go and see her.
I was thinking, what if I did some sort of mini fundraiser
for him?
Crowdsource some resources from other neighbors, church members,
see if we could raise enough funds for Hank
to buy a plane ticket.
You know, that'd be such a generous thing to do.
I don't know where this girl lives,
but maybe I could take a note to the coffee shop.
Or I could give one to Hank directly.
What do you think?
Well, I think the Lord is ready to work
through you, my dear.
I mean, Christmas is the most wonderful time of year
to share the message of Jesus.
And anytime we can help our fellow man
be His hands and feet, my philosophy
is that you just do it.
[gentle music]
So she's an angel.
Uh-huh
But this is a Christmas book, right?
So she should make toys.
Well, she answers prayers assigned to her by Jesus.
But for other people, not the kid.
Yes.
I'm just not sure it's got the legs.
Do you like anything about it?
Well, the angel character's cute,
but I just don't think the story's strong enough.
Let's try another round.
Maybe add in some more characters.
You got it.
And then I want to make cookies for Mr. Riley
to say thank you for the piano lessons.
We pay him for those.
And I want to make hot cocoa mugs for Mrs. Amos.
We already got your teacher a present.
Oh, and I want to clean out the hall closet
and take the towels to the baby kittens at the animal shelter.
Oh, and maybe we can look at dogs.
Caroline, we've been over this.
I know.
It was just a suggestion.
Or we could take them to the local homeless shelter.
Oh, and did you get the Christmas cards I asked for?
Yeah.
I told Mrs. Jenkins she'd be number one on our list.
Oh, you did?
[James] I don't know, Natalie.
What's wrong with it, James?
[James] It's just... you know?
No.
[James] An angel that works for Jesus?
Couldn't we make her an elf or something?
I like the message.
[James] I think an elf feels more Christmas.
Well, that is the point.
I want to put more Jesus back into Christmas,
celebrate the real reason for the season.
Make it less commercial.
[James] Right. Makes sense.
I think you should still consider the elf idea.
Thank you, James.
[sighs] Elf.
HANNAH: Yeah, that's bad.
Yeah, I'm happy to help.
I just don't see why Madeline thinks he is such a better
Illustrator than I am.
Oh, I'll get that.
Thank you so much.
He's calling.
What?
Hannah.
There's my girl.
HANNAH: Hi.
STEPHEN (ON PHONE): So how are things going?
Good.
Fine.
I miss you.
I miss you, too.
A lot.
Life on an army base sure is different from life at home.
Any word on if they'll let you come home for Christmas?
STEPHEN (ON PHONE): Honey, we've been through this.
I know.
I guess I was just hoping, since you were supposed
to be done in November--
I can't leave if they still need me.
I know.
I'm really proud of you.
STEPHEN (ON PHONE): I'm proud of you.
So how are things going at the church?
Good.
I enlisted a new recruit.
Hey!
STEPHEN (ON PHONE): Taking over my job, are you?
Oh, you know I could never fill your shoes.
STEPHEN (ON PHONE): Good.
Don't get too comfortable.
I'll be back before you know it.
Can't wait.
Hey, sorry.
I gotta get going.
But I'll call again when I can, OK?
I love you.
Love you.
Hey, he'll be home for Christmas.
I hope so.
OK, boss.
What's next on our Christmas to do list?
Oh, should look at my schedule.
Let's go to the front, yeah?
Yeah.
Maybe set up some wreaths.
I've got plenty in the box.
Thank you so much.
You lead the way, boss.
OK.
MADELINE (VOICEOVER): Good work on the designs
with the illustrators.
They say you're really improving.
NATALIE (VOICEOVER): Thank you.
And as far as the pitch goes?
MADELINE (VOICEOVER): Send your character over, and I'll review.
Yes!
OK.
Adeline the Angel.
Who is Adeline the Angel?
Thank you.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You should leave that bag outside.
It's a bit of a hazard.
Doesn't usually cause this many accidents.
So I'm just lucky.
Apparently so.
Have a great day.
You, too.
Oh, hi, Mrs. Jenkins.
Natalie!
To what do I owe the pleasure?
I don't know if you heard about our beloved mailman, Hank.
No, I did not.
Yeah.
Kind of a weird thing to know about a mailman,
but I know it's been hard on him,
having his daughter living abroad so long.
So I was hoping we could spread a little Christmas cheer
by raising enough money for him to buy a plane ticket
and go visit them for a few weeks.
I love that idea.
I'll grab my checkbook.
[upbeat music]
Hi.
Hello.
Would you like to donate to the church's fundraising efforts?
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
All right, Hank, let's get you a plane ticket.
I should clean this up.
[whimsical music]
Oh, very good.
Dad, we have to get a Christmas tree.
How about we put lights up on top of the bookshelf?
Hmm?
You said that last year.
WES: Yeah, and it was a cool idea then, too.
A tree just sheds needles everywhere.
Mom loved Christmas.
And I miss doing all those Christmassy things
like decorating a tree and stuff.
I know it reminds you of her.
It reminds me of her too.
But I like that.
I want to remember her.
We'll always remember her.
We can get a tree.
Thank you.
WES: Now eat up.
[pensive music]
Hank.
Hey.
I have something for you.
Natalie, what is this?
It's for a plane ticket.
The money is from all of us at the Belford Falls Church.
It's too much.
I can't accept this.
I'd say it's barely enough.
We'll miss you, Hank.
But we hope you have the best time.
Thank you.
You have no idea how much this means to me.
Please, thank everyone for me.
I will.
Merry Christmas, Hank.
Merry Christmas, Natalie.
Hi, Hank.
Good afternoon, Caroline.
Hey, I wanted to let you know I'll be gone for a few days.
I'm going to see my daughter over the holidays.
So Merry Christmas, Caroline.
Dad!
Dad, Jesus answered one of my prayers!
Hank got his plane ticket to go see his daughter.
It's a Christmas miracle!
We need a Christmas tree.
What does this have to do with us getting a Christmas tree?
Everything.
Dad, come on.
Please.
OK.
I promise I will get you a tree tomorrow.
And I'm calling Pops if you don't.
Why?
Because I asked him to take me If you don't.
You are your mother's daughter.
I miss her so much.
Yeah.
I do too, kiddo.
Tree, tomorrow.
You got it.
WES (VOICEOVER): Want to come by for dinner tonight?
TOM (ON PHONE): Would love to.
But I'm going to an ornament decorating thing at the church.
WES (VOICEOVER): Sounds fun.
TOM (ON PHONE): Wanna come?
WES (VOICEOVER): No, but you have fun.
HANNAH: You don't think her dad would be mad if he found out?
I don't think he would have a reason to be.
It's not as though I'm breaking any rules or anything.
I'm just answering some prayers.
I'll tell her it was me, eventually.
But I think I want to keep going.
It felt good to do something for somebody else.
It took me out of my head for the first time in so long.
HANNAH: Wait.
Did the tree come today?
I don't know.
HANNAH: I knew it.
I knew I should not have ordered that Christmas tree
this year from that ad online. - Hannah.
And with the ornament decorating tonight,
what are we going to do if we don't have the tree to put
the decorated ornaments on?
Oh--
NATALIE: Well, I have the afternoon free.
I can go to the tree lot, pick something up.
HANNAH: Could you?
Mm-hmm. HANNAH: Oh, that'd be wonderful.
- I got you, boss. - Oh, thank you so much.
I'll be so quick. I promise.
HANNAH: Appreciate it. See you soon.
So much to do.
Hi.
I'm Natalie, from the coffee shop.
Yeah, I remember.
Mary Poppins.
[laughter]
Wow.
Everywhere in town sold out.
This is the fourth place I've tried,
and it's still a whole week until Christmas.
Christmas is in seven days, and you don't have a tree?
You do?
Yeah, I do.
Then why are you here?
Just doubling up?
Do you always answer with a question?
Do you?
So do you always wait until the last second to get a tree?
OK, it's not the last second if there's still
seven days until Christmas.
That's the last minute by a holiday that
requires decoration standard.
By the time you get them up, it'll be time to take them down.
Well, if it were up to me, I wouldn't put one up at all.
Wow.
Really festive, are you?
It's not really my thing.
Well, for the record, you can never
have too many Christmas trees.
Yeah.
We're stuck.
What?
No, no, no.
I need to find a tree.
I thought you already had one.
I do.
It's for a seniors event at the church tonight.
The ornament decorating?
Yeah.
How do you know about that?
My dad's going.
He likes to mingle.
Funny.
My grandmother's going to that.
I'm sorry.
One second.
I think I have an idea.
Hey, grandie, I have a huge favor to ask.
Does Matilda still have a hook up at that tree farm?
It's kind of an emergency.
Having food delivered was a good idea.
Looks like they forgot the cutlery, though.
No worries.
Thank you.
So any update on your tree?
Yeah.
My grandie said they found one.
Her Bible study is helping her deliver it to the church
as we speak.
Oh, nothing like Bible study to save the day.
Literally.
So how long do you have until Caroline gets home?
A few hours.
She has dance right after school on Thursdays.
Wait, how do you know my daughter's name?
We met at the coffee shop.
Oh, right.
She seems like a very sweet girl.
She is.
She has this Christmas list.
It's a prayer list.
It's very sweet, actually.
She's praying for things for other people
this Christmas, like a plane ticket
for our mailman, some new winter clothes for a girl in her class.
Sounds like she has a very big heart.
Yeah, she really does.
I just worry that her faith will be shaken if these prayers
aren't answered.
Who's to say they won't be?
Look, in my experience, Jesus has a way of working
everything for His good.
You know, I know I know that in my core.
But I feel like my faith's been in short supply these days.
Sounds to me like you need to slow down,
give yourself time to invest in your relationship with Him.
Might not feel like a lot to you,
but it means the world to Him.
Hey, what are you guys doing tomorrow afternoon?
Well, now, probably trying to find a Christmas tree.
Well, I can guarantee a great spot that will have a tree.
Multiple, likely.
Same place your grandma got one for the church?
Mm-hmm.
How do I not know about this place?
It's very rustic, a great way, I would say,
for one to show their daughter they were getting
into the Christmas spirit.
I would be happy to take you two.
Well, this was--
Unexpected.
Yeah.
It was.
If you're interested, text me.
Then we can make it happen.
CAROLINE (VOICEOVER): Number four,
get a new coat and boots for Jane Fritz
in Mrs. Flitter's class at Pinecrest Elementary.
Her coat is too small and is missing buttons.
And her boots have a hole in the big toe.
Jesus, I think she really needs this.
We're about the same size, and I wear kids 8.
So maybe just get that and give her the receipt just to be safe.
Hey, what's going on here?
I was just trying to get inside.
Do you have a ticket?
Do I need a ticket?
No, I was just kidding you.
[laughter]
It's upstairs.
Oh, right.
I'm Tom.
Katy.
Nice to meet you, Katy.
Let's go.
Follow me.
Hi.
I need to drop this off for a student Ms. Flitter's class.
Thank you.
Why are you looking at me like that.
Your coat and boots.
Cool, right?
Where did you get those?
You weren't wearing them when you got to school this morning.
They were in my cubby when I went to go put away my backpack,
just this big wrapped box that said Merry Christmas.
Oh, my gosh.
Another answered prayer.
CAROLINE (VOICEOVER): Get Mrs. Jenkins
the Christmas poinsettias like Mr. Jenkins used to.
WES (VOICEOVER): So, this tree farm?
Send the address, meet there at 3:00 PM.
Dad, Dad!
Is everything OK?
It happened again.
It's real.
WES: What?
What happened again?
Another one of my prayers.
It was answered.
I asked that this girl, Jane, get a new coat and
boots since I noticed hers were too small and had holes in them.
And today, there was a new coat and boots at her cubby.
Dad, this is huge.
First, Hank, the mailman, gets the money for a plane ticket.
Then Jane gets a new coat and boots.
Next thing you know, Pops is going to land a big client,
and you're going to be happy.
I think it's really incredible that two of your prayers
have been answered.
I really do.
But if Jesus doesn't answer the other ones,
that doesn't mean He's not still with you,
that He's not listening.
I know.
Just this is exactly what I prayed for.
I know.
I think Mom would have really liked this.
I think so too.
You know what?
How about we go get a Christmas tree?
Wait, really?
Yeah, really.
Hi.
I would like two poinsettias, please.
Oh, unfortunately, we're all sold out.
- Oh. - Yeah.
This close to Christmas, everybody's out.
I'm sorry.
OK, thank you.
Yeah.
You take care.
Yeah, hi.
Yes, I'm looking for two poinsettias.
[call disconnects]
Hello?
[phone rings]
Hi.
Yes, I just need two poinsettias.
That's fine.
Thank you.
Hi.
I was hoping you had two poinsettias in stock.
You do?
Great.
I'll be there in a few minutes.
Thank you.
[festive music]
I just don't see what the problem is.
MADELINE (ON PHONE): I just don't think it's strong enough.
But I took all of your notes.
I added in the other characters and the arcs.
I know.
And I think your work is very well done, as always.
I just don't think it's strong enough
for a full-fledged children's series.
Well, is there anything I can do to make it more full fledged?
If you're willing to do another round.
Yes, I am.
MADELINE (ON PHONE): I want to see more of a plot.
Maybe add a B story, something to give
us another character arc.
Then I'll give it another pass, see
if it's something that I think the board will approve of.
OK.
MADELINE (ON PHONE): Sounds great.
Bye.
Ms. Natalie!
Hey!
Oh, I love your hat.
Thank you.
You ready to go find a tree?
Come on, let's go.
[hopeful music]
[laughter]
So I take it you've been here before.
Yeah.
I used to come here every year with my grandmother
when I was little.
My parents were young when they had me.
So my grandma helped raise me.
What was that like?
It was really special.
She poured her heart and soul into everything she did for me.
Made even the little things special.
What about you?
Have any family in Belford?
I do.
Yeah, my dad's here.
Like your grandmother, he's been here for years.
Caroline and I moved back at the top of the year.
Where were you before that?
New York.
My wife, late wife, she passed the year before last.
I'm so sorry.
It was very sudden.
She got the diagnosis.
And it's definitely been an adjustment, moved
back to be closer to family.
I'm sure it's been hard on Caroline.
Christmas was my wife's favorite time of year.
She would go all out like the tree, the cookies, you name it.
I just feel like I can't even come
close to what she used to do.
So I don't even try.
That's not fair on Caroline.
So I want to try, try to make this our own version of special.
She's lucky to have you.
En garde!
WES: What are you doing?
Defend yourself!
To battle.
[laughter]
You better watch it.
OK, ladies, back away from the candy cane.
Dad, I need backup!
Hey, hey, hey.
Two on one is not fair.
That should do it.
I don't know how I'm going to get that down.
I can help.
Yeah, I just have to run Caroline to a friend's sleepover
first.
Yeah, I'd love that.
OK.
Just give me your address.
Chestnut Lane.
We live on Chestnut Lane.
Really?
WES: Yeah.
Wow, small world.
Caroline's friend's place is on the way.
So I could meet you there in 20 minutes?
Sounds great.
[upbeat music]
Hi.
Should we get your tree inside before it freezes?
Yes, please.
I thought you said you already had a tree.
I do, but it is smaller than this one.
So I moved it to my bedroom to make room for this one.
Apparently, you can never have too many Christmas trees.
No, you can't.
Thank you.
Of course.
I mean, if you're free, I'd love
an extra hand in decorating it.
You have enough decorations to cover two trees?
Oh, I have enough to cover easily six.
Why am I not surprised?
Come on, I'll show you.
It's just right over here.
[gasps] I am so sorry.
I may or may not have a problem.
[laughter]
You want to help me?
Sure.
You good?
I got it.
WES: So you illustrate children's books, huh?
That's really unique.
Thank you.
I just wish it was going a bit more smoothly.
What do you mean?
Oh, well, right now, I work on a children's series
called Ralph the Reindeer.
Caroline loved those books when she was younger.
Yeah?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, they're great because they're really consistent,
and they release multiple books a year.
Sounds like a good gig.
Yeah.
Don't get me wrong, they're--
they're great.
But there's a whole team of us.
There's the two creators who come up with the stories,
the two writers who write the actual books,
and then the two of us designers who do the illustrations.
And of course, I'm thankful for the work.
It's just--
Stifling
Exactly.
Would you ever want to write your own series one day?
I do.
Ralph the Reindeer is great, but I really
want to do something that captures
the reason behind the season, Jesus and His message.
But I don't know if I'm good enough, if I'm
a good enough Illustrator or strong enough storyteller,
if I am the person to capture the message of Christ
in a children's book.
Well, not that you're asking my opinion,
but I think the Illustrator of Ralph
the Reindeer is very talented.
Well, thank you.
Well, it's late.
I should--
Yeah, of course.
Thank you again for coming.
Thank you for your neighborly hospitality.
Any anytime.
Good night.
Night.
[gentle music]
OK.
[festive music]
I was looking for that.
[festive music]
[gasps]
[whimsical music]
Bye!
Thank you!
Dad!
Another one of my prayers was answered.
What?
First, Hank gets the money for a plane ticket.
Then Jane got a new coat and boots.
And now-- come on.
See?
Number five on my prayer list was for us to get
decorations for the new house.
And look at Mrs. Jenkins' house.
Number seven on my list was to get her poinsettias,
like Mr. Jenkins used to.
Caroline, why don't you run inside and wash up?
Breakfast is almost ready.
But the decorations.
Let me just sort through these,
and then we can decide what to do.
What to do?
We should decorate the house with them.
Just go wash up.
I'll be there in a second.
MRS. JENKINS: Morning, Wes.
Mrs. Jenkins.
Do you know anything about these?
No, I don't.
But I received a gift as well.
Poinsettias?
Yeah.
I thought they were from you, carrying on Roger's tradition,
getting me Christmas flowers for our anniversary.
I didn't know anything about the poinsettias.
Oh, well, it looks like we have our very own Christmas
mystery.
Someone's answered at least two
of Caroline's Christmas prayers.
Sounds like Caroline is a very special girl.
Or something weird's going on.
How does this person know where we live?
How do they know what's on our prayer list?
I couldn't tell you.
Maybe it's just a little Christmas spirit.
Yeah.
I'll see you later.
See ya.
CAROLINE (VOICEOVER): Turn one of the trees
in hazelnut park to a candy cane tree, just like nan used to.
[upbeat music]
For Mr. Smith to get new nativity scene for his yard,
since the last one broke in the snowstorm.
[upbeat music]
Madeline? Hi.
Did you have a chance to review the new Adeline
the Angel concept I sent over?
I did.
It's cute, but it needs a bit more of a hook.
What's this?
NATALIE: Oh, that's just my inspiration.
Is this based on a true story?
Now that's something we could really sell.
How sweet.
You're answering her prayers through your character.
Oh, no.
I just want to share the message of Jesus.
Well, I think we can go bigger.
This is good, this prayer list.
Maybe we could get this in the local paper.
Tie it in with your book.
No.
Sorry, I mean, let me give it some thought.
Like you said, it's not quite there yet.
And how about I rework some things,
and then we can discuss it?
Sounds good.
But remember, time is of the essence here.
Do you remember Caroline's Christmas prayer list
her Sunday school assignment?
Sure.
Why?
Some of her prayers have been answered.
Someone's answering them.
Isn't that the point?
I mean, I guess.
But how?
Well, who else knew about the list?
No one besides me, you, and Caroline.
Are you sure?
I don't see how anyone else could.
It's been in the trash since Natalie spilled coffee
all over it the other day.
Natalie?
Who is Natalie?
She's a woman I met.
Happens to live in the neighborhood.
Helped me get a tree for Caroline.
Making new friends, are we?
Stop, it's nothing.
But you're smiling.
I smile all the time.
But, tell me what prayers on Caroline's list
have been answered.
WES: Number 3, 4, 5, and 7.
I'd really like it if they could answer number two.
What happened with the sushi bar?
Yeah, they weren't the right fit.
Yeah. Couldn't see my vision.
Does this have anything to do with Don Hamilton's new app?
I saw the article.
OK, yeah.
So my former coworker and I retire at the same time.
He runs out and starts an app that's taken off.
And I can't get a single client for my investment firm.
You don't have to compete with him.
I'm not.
I'm just saying--
I know you've struggled since retiring and
seeing Don do this app thing.
Just because you don't have to go into an office every day
and have all the stress and pressure and people
reporting to you, doesn't mean you don't matter.
I love that you're trying to start your own company,
that you're finding your thing.
But I think you should do what you want to do, not
all this weird, loud, flashy stuff
to keep up with an old coworker you didn't even like.
That's why I love you, son.
You always know what to say.
I love you too, Dad.
Maybe you're right.
Maybe I should just get back to basics.
I think that would be a good move.
Now I just need to figure out who's
behind answering Caroline's prayers
so I can get them to stop.
Why would you want them to stop?
What they're doing is good for other people.
Because I don't want Caroline to be disappointed or feel
let down by God because one of her prayers aren't answered.
Well, you're trying to control a situation that's a whole lot
bigger than you, son.
The Lord is at work here.
How our prayers are answered now and in the future
isn't up to us.
We have to let go and let God do His thing.
He's in control, not us.
Mm-hmm.
Speaking of which, what are you and Caroline doing later?
HANNAH: Tree turned out really great, don't you think?
Thank you again for literally saving the day.
What's up?
Nothing.
Madeline loved the Adeline the Angel idea.
That's great.
But only if it's based on a true story.
She saw Caroline's prayer list.
OK, why don't you just tell her about Caroline and Wes?
NATALIE: I don't know.
Because it feels wrong, like I'm using them.
I mean, you kind of are.
No, I'm getting inspiration from Caroline's prayer list.
What I am putting into my book is simply inspired by Caroline.
It's mostly about Adeline and less about the kid.
But Madeline wants to change all of that, which feels wrong.
Exploiting Caroline and Wes for content?
I can't do that.
You care about them, don't you?
What?
Do you like him?
I am not doing this right now.
Oh, my gosh.
You really like him.
Stop.
HANNAH: Oh, this is good.
This is really good.
What's really good?
Stephen.
Stephen!
[sweeping music]
You're home.
Are you really home?
Is this real?
Yes, this is real.
I switched days with Ron.
He's going to take New Year's to be home for Sydney's birthday.
Thank you, Lord.
Thank you.
I love you.
STEPHEN: I love you.
Quite the good turnout, eh?
Who doesn't love a little caroling?
KATY: Is that Stephen?
Sure is.
Oh, talk about a little Christmas spirit.
Seems to be in the air this season.
TOM: Katy!
Oh.
Hello, Tom.
You two--
Know each other?
We met the other night.
At the ornament making.
Katy here helped me unlock my creative potential.
I showed him how to use a hot glue gun.
[laughter]
Dad, can I?
Sure, go ahead.
We should go find our seats.
The good ones are going fast.
Oh, you don't mind, do you?
Of course not.
And then there were two.
I should warn you, I am incredibly tone deaf.
So am I.
Well, then we'll make a great pair.
HANNAH: All right, everyone, can I have your attention, please?
Hi.
Thank you all so much for joining us
at the annual Belford Falls Caroling Nights.
[applause]
It is so good to see so many familiar faces and
even some new ones here this evening.
As I'm sure many of you remember,
our former head volunteer of the Belford Falls Community Church,
my husband, Sergeant Major Stephen Matthews,
who I took over for when he got called back into duty.
Now he led our church's fundraising efforts
each Christmas.
And when he left, I had some big shoes to fill.
[laughter]
But with your help, we have now raised more than double
what we needed to keep our senior events going.
Yay!
[applause]
And now we can add after-school programs two days a week.
I'm going to have to work twice as
hard to fill those shoes again.
If I let you.
[laughter]
Now, if you'll join hands, we'll begin with a prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this time
and for the gift of Your son, Jesus Christ.
We know that when we gather together,
You always have a divine agenda.
Help us to build strong connections with one another
this sacred season, fostering a sense of belonging
with our community as we celebrate You in all the things
that we do.
In Jesus's name we pray.
Amen. ALL: Amen.
Amen.
What do you all say we do some caroling, yeah?
[applause]
So it's been a while since you've been to church, huh?
Yeah.
But I'm glad to be here now.
I thought I'd be wildly uncomfortable, but--
I'm glad it feels like home.
HANNAH: All right, everyone.
If you will turn to the first page, we'll begin
with "Silent Night."
I'm not sure you're ready for this.
Bring it on.
I am terrible.
So am I.
KATY: You know, Natalie and I have a tradition.
Every eve of Christmas Eve, we make cookies
to take to our neighbors.
That's fun.
We used to have a Christmas Eve tradition where
we'd make personalized pizzas.
Oh, yeah.
Well, if you three are free tonight,
we'd love to have you over to make some cookies.
Can we?
I don't see why not.
Sounds good to me.
WES: Can we bring anything?
Just yourselves.
I think we can do that.
Meet you there in about an hour?
Yeah, sounds great.
OK.
See you later.
Hey.
You guys doing anything?
Do you want to come make some cookies?
We'd love to, but Stephen booked us a little getaway.
Spend some quality time together
before I have to head back. - Aw.
Well, that sounds like so much fun.
I sure love you both.
Merry Christmas.
BOTH: Merry Christmas.
It's working!
What is?
The Christmas spirit.
Look at you.
What about me?
CAROLINE: You're smiling so much.
You don't do that anymore.
I smile all the time.
He's definitely smiling more.
[laughter]
You two are ridiculous.
OK, so explain to me what's going
on with you and Mr. Emerson.
[laughs] You're not the only one with a Christmas crush.
I do not have a Christmas crush.
Well, Tom and I both saw you.
The way you were looking at Wes and the way he
was looking right back at you.
[doorbell dings]
Coming!
No Christmas crush nonsense.
Hi.
Come on in.
Who's ready to make some cookies?
Come on in.
NATALIE: Hi.
Hi.
KATY: Nice to see you.
Hello.
[upbeat music]
Oh, no.
Dad, we forgot the eggnog.
Can you run home and grab it, please?
Come on, Wes.
We can't have Christmas cookies without the eggnog.
You don't even like eggnog.
CAROLINE: I know.
But everyone else does.
Can you please go get it?
Fine.
I'll be right back.
Do you believe in the spirit of Christmas time?
Yeah, of course I do.
I don't think my dad does.
Why not?
I don't know.
I think I made a mistake on my prayer list.
Oh, you can't make a mistake when it comes to prayers.
I think you're right.
But I just think I should have been more specific.
I put on my list that I wanted him to be happy.
But what I think I meant by that is
I want him to find a new friend, one that makes him happy,
a friend like you.
Because I think he really likes you.
You know what?
I think I like him, too.
Hey, Caroline.
The Christmas lights down the block just came on.
Want to go look at them while the cookies bake?
Yeah!
TOM: Come on, let's go.
You guys have fun.
I've got things covered over here.
You got this.
Yeah.
Bye, Dad.
Save some cookies for us.
I will.
See you later, son.
Hey.
Secure the goods?
Sure did.
Cookies look good.
Yeah.
Turned out pretty good.
This has been really nice.
Yeah.
It has.
It's usually just Grandie and me.
I'm thankful you let us crash the party.
Should we celebrate?
What are we celebrating?
Christmas.
Oh?
Cookies.
Mm-hmm.
New neighbors.
All worthy of celebration.
Do you want to grab some glasses?
Sure.
Thank you.
What are these?
What are what?
I can explain.
Why do you have my daughter's prayer list?
You presented this to your publisher?
It was just something I was playing around with.
So, what?
You answered my daughter's prayers
and then used it as content in your book?
Based on a true story.
So you were just using us?
No, that is not--
Did you not answer my daughter's prayers?
I did.
And then wrote about it and gave it to your boss.
I was going to tell you.
When?
I don't know.
Wes, I am so sorry.
I should have told you sooner.
Yeah.
Yeah, you should have.
Wes, wait.
[chatter]
Dad, what's going on?
Change of plans, kiddo.
We're heading home.
Get your coat back on.
What happened?
I think it's best if your dad explained it to you.
Well, are you two still friends?
WES: Caroline, come on.
I'll have my grandma send cookies over later tonight, OK?
What just happened?
Oh, boy.
Yeah.
I should have known.
I should have known she's up to something.
Why?
Because she was too nice.
Nice people always have a motive.
I don't think that's true.
Whose side are you on?
I'm on your side, of course.
I just think you're overreacting a bit.
She was just literally using us for her book.
You don't know that.
I saw the designs, and I saw notes that I can only assume
were from her editor.
I'm just saying, I think there's more to the story here.
[gentle music]
Dear Lord, I--
I was trying to do something good.
But [sobs] I think I messed up.
I ask that You take this situation
and use it for Thy glory, however that may look.
I ask that You guide my footsteps, that Your word
may be a lamp to my feet.
Because I really need it right now.
Amen.
In case you were curious, I'm so sorry.
I didn't mean to hurt you.
I'm so sorry.
So, I don't know how to say this,
but you know your Christmas prayer list?
They were answered.
Right, they were.
Yeah.
Can you believe it?
I can.
You know that someone was actually doing the things it
took to answer those prayers.
I do.
It was Ms. Natalie.
Come on, Dad.
You didn't figure it out when the box of decorations
showed up on our porch?
[laughs] I didn't put two and two together.
I think she was just trying to make Christmas special for me.
For us.
And she did.
We got a Christmas tree and some decorations, finally.
Hank is going to see his daughter,
Jane got a new coat and boots, and
we got to do Mom's tradition of a candy cane tree in the park.
Jesus used Ms. Natalie to get them answered.
I already thanked him for helping Ms. Natalie do it all.
I think she did a really good job.
I think so too.
I didn't realize you still wanted
to do the candy cane tree.
Dad, just because Mom isn't still
with us anymore doesn't mean she still can't be in our life.
You're right.
Dad, will you pray with me?
Caroline.
Please?
OK.
Dear Jesus, thank You this Christmas.
Thank You for blessing our lives with Ms. Natalie.
I know she makes my dad really happy.
And she makes me really happy, too.
Thank you for helping her make this Christmas special.
I love you.
Amen.
Caroline's asleep.
Dad.
What?
What are you doing with my tablet?
The Adeline the Angel book.
It's quite good.
What?
Natalie sent it to you.
And you took it upon yourself to go through my tablet
and read it?
I took it upon myself to find out why you're so upset.
Honestly, I don't think you got a leg to stand on here.
Let me see it.
NATALIE (VOICEOVER): Once upon a time, in a land not so far away,
there was an angel named Adeline.
She worked with Jesus during the day, helping spread His word.
And He trusted her so much, He gave her
a top secret mission to work on a Christmas list of blessings.
By candlelight, Adeline would sift through all of the prayers
and see if she could answer them.
After one letter from a sweet girl named Caroline,
she concocted a plan for how to answer
her prayers, with Jesus's blessing, of course.
Caroline had a long list of requests, the first,
for her mailman to get a plane ticket to go see his daughter
who lived far, far away.
Adeline knew that Christmas spirit takes a village.
So she called in reinforcements to help, all
while Caroline dreamt of sugar plum fairies.
Adeline the Angel, got to work, answering
each prayer one by one.
But there was one prayer that Adeline couldn't answer.
And she knew it was the most important because it was
the first on Caroline's list.
And that was for her father to find happiness.
And Adeline realized that she had
answered Caroline's first prayer by answering the others.
She had opened the hearts of others which her father saw,
and he began to experience happiness
through the spirit of the Christmas season,
just the way Caroline wanted him to.
And Adeline the Angel, her mission complete,
went back home where she patiently awaited
her next assignment from Jesus.
TOM: It's a good story.
Yeah, it is.
Her heart was in the right place.
It was.
You know, I think--
I don't know how to explain it, but it
feels like God was using this.
I'd like to come to church with you next week.
Maybe the week after that, too.
We'd really like that.
I should have just told Wes at the Christmas tree lot
about finding Caroline's list, about my idea of wanting
to try and answer them.
Well, why didn't you?
I don't know.
Because I didn't want Caroline to be disappointed
if I didn't pull it off.
And I didn't think it would actually go anywhere.
Well, if you knew, do you think anything
would have been any different?
I don't know if I would have stuck with it.
So you wouldn't have raised money for Hank,
or that little girl in Caroline's class
wouldn't have a new coat and boots,
and Mrs. Jenkins wouldn't have her poinsettias,
and Caroline would still be in a house without any decorations.
Yeah.
As far as I'm concerned, good came out of it.
I don't see that this is a loss or a failure by any stretch.
You brought the spirit of Christmas
to those people that really needed it without asking
for anything in return.
I mean, I did put it in my book.
Not that that matters.
According to Madeline, it's not going anywhere.
But honestly, it's probably for the best.
You know what's best.
I hope so.
So tell me about your plans for Adeline the Angel?
I don't know if I have any.
If you have to turn it into a series.
What would you do?
I don't know.
Oh, come on.
Yes, you do.
I think I would set it in different parts of the world.
Show Adeline answering different kinds of prayers
for different kinds of kids, but tying into this theme
that we are all more alike than we realize.
What is that?
I don't know.
WES (VOICEOVER): Dear Adeline, I have a Christmas prayer
I need help with.
You see, there's this woman.
She's vibrant and kind and so incredibly talented.
I think I really like her.
But I think I messed things up big time.
I got upset with her for doing something
I should have tried to do myself--
for seeing the heart of Christmas and leaning into it.
I know you've answered lots of prayers for us this season.
But if you have it in you to do one more,
I would love the chance to tell her I'm sorry.
I've let myself be closed off to love.
I thought it would protect me, but it didn't.
It only hurt me and the people I love more.
So, Adeline, what I'm asking is for the chance
to tell her that I'm sorry.
And that-- well, I think I might be falling for her.
Hi.
What are you doing here?
Well, I do live just up the street.
I'll give you two a moment.
Your book was really good.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have snapped at you.
You were just trying to make Caroline happy, and I--
thank you.
I know the things on her list weren't easy,
and they were very unconventional.
I should have told you sooner.
Told you that I was thinking about pitching
it as a book series.
But you don't have to worry.
It's not moving forward with Blitz.
I'm sorry to hear that.
And I'm sorry I didn't help you try and answer them.
I wish I would have.
And maybe I'll get the opportunity to next year.
Next year, huh?
Oh, I'm sure once word gets out
about Adeline the Angel's success in Belford Falls,
her inbox is going to be quite full.
Inbox.
So angels have emails now.
I mean, maybe.
Yeah.
Thank you for making this Christmas so special.
Not just for Caroline, but for me as well.
It was all Adeline.
But I'll be sure to tell her she did a good job.
She did a great job.
This has been the best Christmas
I've had in a long time.
I feel the same way.
[romantic music]
Well, I guess Caroline's last prayer was just answered.
Wait, no.
I didn't complete the second one on the list.
I didn't find a client for Pops.
Yeah, you did.
You know, there is a very big market
for well-done children's book series with strong illustrations
behind them.
And my dad would love to sit down with you
and have a full pitch meeting.
He thinks he can bring the series to market
as early as next year.
Are you serious?
If you're interested.
Yes, I would love that.
Well, I guess his people will call your people.
Oh, and Caroline was hoping that you and Ms. Katy
would come to our house for a pizza party.
Pizza party?
Mm-hmm.
Would you like to come?
We would love that.
Looks like someone found their Christmas spirit after all.
Thanks to an angel named Adeline.
[music playing]