It's late.
It's early.
Maybe we'll get a few hours sleep
before we have to be back down here.
It was worth it
hanging out almost all night with you.
And we still have the plane ride
tomorrow to get to know each other.
Well, then you better get to bed
so you don't fall asleep on me on the flight.
No, I Don't think I could ever fall asleep on you.
I get that. I'm very intriguing.
You joke, but I don't think I've ever met anyone like you.
I feel the same.
So...
This is me.
And I am... in the other tower.
Right.
I, um, I know we'll be back down soon.
But...
I just don't wanna say goodbye.
It's only four hours.
Yeah.
And then...
And who knows?
Who knows?
Goodnight, Annie.
Goodnight, Dave.
(♪)
I am sorry, ma'am.
But if you wanna make an 8:42 AM flight,
you really need to leave for the airport. Now.
Alistar wiil take you.
I-I can't leave without Dave.
We, we can't leave without Dave.
I can call him if you give me his last name
or his room number.
That's what I'm trying to explain.
I don't know his last name or his room number.
All I know is he's from Chicago.
He's supposed to be on this flight with me this morning,
and he's amazing.
I truly wish I could help you, ma'am,
but without a last name...
We didn't exchange contact information
because we thought we had all day together
on the flight.
I promise you the moment he comes down,
we'll take him straight to the airport.
- Thank you. I appreciate that. - But that does not help me.
If he misses the flight.
Well we don't want you to miss it either.
Could you just please give him this?
It would be my pleasure.
Okay. As soon as he comes down.
Thank you.
(Yawning)
9:05! What? Why didn't my alarm go off?
I set it for 7:00 PM Oh, no. Annie...
Call Wonder Blue Airlines.
Ow!
Ah.
(♪)
♪ I still remember like it was yesterday ♪
♪ Smelling Mama's Christmas cookies ♪
♪ and the bells on on open sleigh ♪
♪ The house is filled with joy and laughter ♪
48 thousand results?
Where are you, Dave?
Annie, attorney, fashion, Chicago.
Only 67,428 results. Great.
It's like finding a needle in a stack of needles.
Great? How am I gonna find you?
How am I going to find you?
Good morning, Kate.
You made it home!
- Yeah, finally. - That storm was right in my path.
So many delays.
Ugh. The worst.
Well, except that this delay was kind of perfect
until it wasn't.
Intriguing! Do tell.
(♪)
Thank you so much.
Oh!
I got it.
Uh, uh, please let me.
If I don't display impeccable manners, my Mom will know
and she has a sixth sense about these things.
Well, I can't argue with Mom.
Trust me. No one can.
Could someone go inside already? It's cold out here.
- Please. After you. - Sorry.
- Well done, Sir. - Mothers do know everything.
See?
After you,
Thank you.
Wow...
This sure beats the other hotels here
they're sending people to.
You too?
I have had four flight cancellations
in the past two days.
Oh, really? I've had three.
I Win.
Well, I think from the looks of this place,
we kind of both did.
Well, I guess it's our good fortune
that all the airport hotels were full.
I can think of worse ways to spend a night.
And if tomorrow's flight doesn't stick...
Well then I guess we live here now.
Yay. For us.
So um, what time is your flight supposed to be?
I am on the 8-42 back to O'Hare.
Oh, me too. Where are you sitting?
- Seven B. - Seven C.
- No way. - Yeah. Is Chicago home?
Yeah. Yeah
um, I was in town for a baby shower,
although I was supposed to be home two days ago.
Yeah. Yeah. Same. I mean, not the baby shower thing...
- No. - But home.
For those Waiting to check in.
Our sincerest apologies.
But our computer systems are down.
However, to get you in the Christmas spirit,
please check your bags with the bellman
and go enjoy our holiday dessert tasting
with head Chef Jean Pierre in Ballroom A.
Thank you.
More delays.
Well, at least this time. It's a delicious one.
Yeah. And I could use some new holiday
recipes to add to my repertoire.
Are you a chef?
Me? Oh, oh, no, no, no, no, no. I work in finance. You?
Lawyer.
Oh,
Well councillor, I say we go taste
what Chef Jean Pierre has in store. Huh?
- It would be rude not to. - Yeah.
This doesn't just happen. Annie.
One time I got stuck at an airport
with a high school acapella group,
and they sang for 17 hours straight.
And you get stuck with gorgeous finance guy.
I have to find him.
I-I've never felt this way after just one day.
Okay. Well, I'm gonna help you find him.
Just let me know. We're still on for yoga tomorrow?
- Yes. 5:00 PM sharp. - Okay! Done!
(♪)
Sure...
Sure. I'm just going over the contracts
with my proverbial red pencil.
But you can rest assured
that our line will be in your stores by spring.
Wonderful. Okay. Bye.
Well, this looks delicious.
I can't believe I forgot baking.
Um, Add a note.
Christmas Day 4:15 to 5:15 PM
in between Christmas karaoke
and um... competitive snow angels.
I know. Um, try to find time for dad's gingerbread.
Sorry. Um
it's the um, it's the first Christmas without my father,
and I'm just, I'm trying to make it as perfect as possible
for my mom and my sister, Violet.
I'm really sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Yeah, I'm trying to uh, recreate every single thing
that my dad did for us when we were kids.
(bell ringing)
Is that the next dessert?
Yeah. I think it's this one.
Oh!
You seem very organised.
Well, when you build your own business from the ground up,
you sort of need to be.
But I'm sure it's the same for you as a lawyer, right?
Yeah. Although that's not why I do it.
I just happen to be really good at it.
And I love that it's fashion adjacent.
Hmm... But it's not the dream.
I don't really have time to dream,
Make time.
Should I schedule it between 4:15 and 5:15?
Yeah. If that's what you have to do.
Okay. Let me ask you something...
If you could do anything at all
what would it be?
Okay, I'll bite.
Okay. So a few years back, I designed
and made this dress with my grandma, Reba.
Actually brought it with me in my suitcase.
There she is. You're into fashion
instead of living the life of a lawyer.
It's just that it was my favourite thing
to sit at the sewing machine and create with her.
She was, she was just one of those people
that made you feel like anything was possible.
You know?
Hmm...
She sounds like a dreamer
and someone who was quite special.
Yeah. She really was.
I still sketch all of the things that I would make
with her if she was still alive.
But it's just a stress reliever. Okay?
(Bell ringing)
Dreams do not pay the bills.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa. - They absolutely can.
I was always fascinated with the stock market.
So in college... thank you very much.
I saved all of the money from my summer jobs
and I invested it.
Yeah. How'd you do?
Well enough to develop a plan
and start my own firm when I finished grad school.
Every single thing, including all those sketches of yours,
they start as just an idea in our heads.
But it's the execution. That's the key.
You might have made it happen, but everyone's not so lucky.
Well, maybe so, but I never wanted to be the guy
who didn't try.
Develop a plan.
Take s gamble on yourself, and you'll win.
What are you still doing in here?
Gloria? Hi. Um...
What's that?
Just the sketchbook
f-from an aspiring designer.
Tell them thanks, but no, thanks.
We've got professionals on this.
Right, right.
You are missing the party.
I splurged on a seafood tower.
I'll be right there.
I just wanted to go over the contracts
for Fausberg's department store.
Well hurry before accounts payable eats all the shrimp!
You got it.
(♪)
Oh...
Is it bringing back some memories?
As Dad always said, you can never have too many lights.
It was the only time a year he didn't complain
about the electric bill.
You know, I could have hired a service if you really wanted
to go all blast from the past.
No, I wanted to do it myself, just like Dad did.
I think he'd love that. We're bringing it back.
Did - You find his gingerbread recipe?
Mm. Called Aunt Hazel and she had it. Oh!
And your assistant sent the revised
schedule and spreadsheet.
I promise I'll be taking some time off.
Good. You know, your sister
and I, we just want us all to be together.
- I want that too, Mom. - Okay.
Well, you finish up out here and come inside. It's cold.
We don't need to get sick before Christmas.
It's actually not the cold that gets you sick.
So glad they have these.
We don't need to get sick right before Christmas.
You know, it's actually, it's not the, it's not the cold
that gets you sick. That's right.
Exactly.
Have you decided?
Sorry, I didn't even look yet. Go ahead.
Oh, okay. I will do number two, please.
The one with the peanut butter cups. Thank you.
And I will take the number one, I'm a purist.
Give me original s'mores. No bells, no whistles.
Oh, safe route. Huh?
The classic route.
(Chuckling)
Fair enough.
This is really nice.
I don't stop and relax much.
Yeah. It's kind of like a forced sabbatical.
I take Christmas off.
Isn't the stock market closed on Christmas anyway?
Yeah.
Well, I imagine it must be hard
to relax when it feels like everything's on your shoulders.
It is. That's why I'm planning ahead.
Yes. Planning ahead for the perfect Christmas.
That's right. I'm a perfectionist. What can I say?
No, I... I like your perspective.
I like yours too.
This feels almost, I don't know, meant to be
you know?
And I don't say that stuff often.
I feel the same.
There's nowhere else I'd rather be right now.
You've reached the office.
Hey, Beverly, it's me.
Don't you have a friend who's a P.I.?
Yeah did you want me to call and set things up?
Oh, no thanks. Could you just text me his number please?
Sure, no problem.
Great.
(Knocking on door)
Hi.
Hi. Caffeine before afternoon yoga?
You are the best.
I was gonna ask if we could stop on the way.
- Two birds, one stone. - One very great friend.
Oh!
You're sketching again.
Layover, Dave.
He, um... he just said some things that got me thinking.
About designing.
I think I'm about a decade too late for that.
But he sort of reignited my creativity.
It's fun to play.
Well, you know, Vera Wang was a figure skater
and a journalist
before starting her career in fashion at 40.
Why do you know that?
Jeopardy.
Has Layover Dave called yet?
No. And he's not going to. I called the hotel.
They couldn't or wouldn't give me his last name.
And my number is still stuck
to the computer at the front desk.
So he never got it.
No. So I guess it's onto plan B
which I am still figuring out.
Sorry, I'm late.
You ready to go see Santa after dinner, Sash?
Ready with my list!
I had to go to the storage unit
to get those characters for the front lawn.
Okay. I'm sure your mom's
thrilled about having those back.
Olivia. Jeff, as my closest friends...
I will have, you know,
Rudolph is in mint condition after all these years
I think it's sweet.
Thanks, buddy!
Any news from the P.I.? Did you find Annie?
Uh, No. After a preliminary search, he came up empty handed.
But for the bargain basement price of 6,000
he can do a more thorough investigation.
She must have told you
something helpful or identifying?
Mostly
we, we talked about Christmas, you know,
traditions... favourite things.
That's how I'm gonna find her. I'm gonna make a list
of all the things she said about Christmas.
You know, this looks just like the dress that you
and your grandma made.
Yeah. Yeah. I wore it that night, actually. That night.
Plan B. Plan B! I knew it would come.
Okay. I'm, I'm not following.
That night. He told me about all of these things
he's going to do this year
to make Christmas magical for his family.
So now all we have to do is go there.
Go where?
His house.
Okay. Stalker.
His childhood house.
He said it was like that Christmas house.
You know, the ones where it's like a ridiculous amount
of decorations and tonnes of lights and Santa Claus
and Mrs. Claus on the lawn...
And reindeer and Elves.
I would assume so.
I know that house. It's in Evanston.
We used to go there all the time as kids.
It was a huge deal.
Well, he's recreating it this year
in honour of his late father.
So if we find that house, we find Dave.
We're not going to yoga.
We are not going to yoga!
I need to find her by Christmas.
I'm gonna have to find him by Christmas.
Okay. Well, my Dad said that it's the corner of Foster
and Darrow, so this should be it.
Okay. This used to be it.
We'll, we'll figure out something else.
Thanks for helping me choose a gift for Olivia.
Don't worry. We'll find something here for her.
So uh... how's Annie search coming?
Uh, my list is pretty short, but
she did mention that.
(♪)
Is that the dress?
Mmm, I'm impressed.
You're a good listener.
The women in my life have trained me well.
Well, I hope you weren't waiting long.
The bellman took a while to bring up my bag.
- Oh, I don't know. - I, I just got down here.
How's your room?
Incredible. I, I have a gorgeous view of the city.
- Ah, same. Yeah. - Top of the parking garage.
Oh no...
Yeah. But I'll take this view any day.
- Where are my manners? - Thank you.
So, continuing today's conversation.
Um...
Christmas rose and Christmas thorn...
Smooth.
Okay. Ummm... Okay. Thorn.
In eighth grade, I got my boyfriend Kevin Bryant,
a video game for Christmas, and he got me... gum.
And then he broke up with me for having unrealistic
gift expectations.
Ouch! That's terrible.
I spent all of my babysitting money on that gift.
Wow. Okay. What about your Christmas rose?
Mmm... Okay.
On her last Christmas,
my grandma Reba gave me her sewing machine.
I've never used it. I-I love it though.
I could never get rid of it.
She wanted you to keep going.
Gotta dust that thing off.
Okay. Your turn. Christmas rose. Christmas thorn.
Oh, well... Christmas rose is easy. This one year.
- Michael Jordan. - What?
Yes, the Michael Jordan brought his kids by our place
because our house, our house was that Christmas house.
Wow. So we all go outside
and we got pictures taken with 'em.
That became our Christmas card. Yeah.
I think for the next decade, actually.
- What's your thorn? - Ah, thorn...
That would've been the year that I was decorating with Dad
and I-I fell off the roof.
Oh. Broke my collar bone. Oh. Yeah.
I was out for the rest of the hockey season.
Those were the years though.
My dad, he just had this way
of making Christmas feel like pure magic, you know?
Well, I think it still can, I mean
this feels pretty magical.
Yeah. Yeah. It does.
That's, that's why I wanna recreate this feeling, you know?
Fom my mom and my and my sister.
You keep talking about them. What about you?
It's gotta be pretty hard.
Your first Christmas without your dad. Right?
Ah, thank you.
I-I took the liberty of ordering us Jean Pierre's.
Coco martinis.
Ooh la la. Well, this looks delicious.
Oh. Have you ever been to Margie's Kettle in Chicago?
Their cocoa is incredible. It's not spiked.
I take my niece there every year at Christmas.
You know what? I've never been.
What? It is an institution!
Maybe I've just been waiting
for the right person to introduce me to it, huh?
Maybe you just found her.
Maybe...
Margie's Kettle. It's her favourite.
She said she takes her niece to the downtown location.
I'm sorry, Jeff, but I gotta run.
Wait, wait. You think by some fluke
she'll be there right now?
Stranger things have happened.
Go. Find her.
Thanks, man.
- Hi there. - Hi.
Hey, my name's Sally. I'll be helping you out today.
Hi, Sally.
What can I get started for you?
You know what?
I, I don't know. I've, I've never been.
Uh well, how about a regular cocoa with all the fixin's?
That sounds great. Thanks.
All right. You're welcome.
Excuse me. By any chance, do you happen to know a woman
who comes in here with her niece?
Ah, name's Annie.
Apparently they come in here a lot during the holidays.
Does does that ring any bells?
No. I'm so sorry. It's my first week,
so I don't know any of the regulars yet.
Ah, but I can ask at the front for you.
That'd be great. Thanks.
I'll do all the shopping and most of the cooking.
But it has to be pumpkin, Mom. It was Dad's favourite. Okay.
I love you too. Bye.
- Can I get you a refill? - That'sgotta be cold by now.
No, thanks.
I, I think I'm gonna head out soon.
Looks like you're getting ready to close. Anyway.
Look, why don't you leave us your number
and if an Annie happens to come in, we'll give it to her.
Yeah. Great. Thanks.
Hey, it's Christmas time, so don't lose hope.
Yeah.
Oh, and it's Dave. Dave Weeks.
- Dave. - Yep.
Merry Christmas. Hi.
Hey.
- Got you a sandwich. - Payback for the coffee.
Thank you. I'm starving.
And I wanted to tell you
that I think I figured out a way to find Dave.
Okay.
Okay, So I was talking to this distributor in Miami,
and she's getting married on New Year's Eve.
Congrats to her.
Mmm-hmm.
She met her fiance in a Trader Joe's parking lot.
He helped her load groceries and then he was gone,
but she couldn't stop thinking about him.
- So she goes on this app called Chance Connections. - Okay.
And like the entire city of Miami got involved
and helped them find each other.
Okay. So wait, you think they have this here?
They have it in pretty much every city.
I already downloaded it.
Do you wanna see what I wrote?
Obviously I do.
Okay, no, no, I'm gonna read it to you. Okay.
"Dave and Annie. Me, a lawyer with a dress and a dream."
You, a financial planner.
We met at the Chateau Marc Hotel when
our flight was cancelled.
Passed the time together with a magical night.
I would love to reconnect
"and find out how your perfect Christmas is coming along."
I love it. Yeah.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
It's a long shot, but it's pretty much all I got.
I'd respond.
Should I post it? Should I do it?
If you don't, I will.
- Really? - Yep. - Okay.
Three, two, one!
Oh, okay. I did it. Look. Ah!
- Okay! Chicago, do your thing. - Find this woman. Her man!
Oh my gosh.
It's happening. It's actually happening.
Good luck.
(♪)
(Knocking on door)
Tinsel from the Christmas market as promised.
Oh my gosh.
Look at this. That Chance Connections app.
I had no idea this would be so complicated.
"Are you sure his name isn't Daniel?
This sounds like my friend Daniel,
who also met a pretty girl on a layover.
Her name was Claire."
Daniel... Dave.
I mean, I guess they both start with "D", but...
Is she implying that I also don't know my own name?
I don't know. Claire, do you?
What's wrong with people?
You know, if you ever decided
to make any of these a reality,
I could put one of them in my booth at the market.
See if it garners any interest...
No, I... you know, sketching is one thing,
but building a pattern
and creating a whole dress, that's something else entirely.
I see professionals do it every day at work.
And trust me, execution is key.
So get Gloria to mentor you.
Come on. If you don't ask, you'll never know.
You know, Dave said the exact same thing.
And I knew I liked him right from the beginning.
Yeah. I don't know. I think I would like
to try designing again.
I just haven't done it in so long.
I've never done it without my grandmother.
So what's the worst that happens?
You make something awful, turn it into a dish rag.
Wait, I think this might be him...
Not Daniel.
Not, not Doug, but definitely Dave.
Dave! David in fact!
And he wants to meet at Margie's Kettle.
I told him about it!
I was gonna take him there.
I told him about how it's a tradition for me and Cora.
Okay, so it's happening.
It's, it's, it's a Christmas miracle.
Hey, guess what? Tomorrow you are definitely meeting Dave!
- Okay. Okay. Let's just breathe. Okay? - Okay.
I don't wanna jinx it.
I'm so excited.
(♪)
Ah yes, please,
Annie?
Yes?
So, sorry I'm late.
I had this meeting. It ran long...
I'm sorry. Do I know you?
I'm Courtney. No, you don't know me,
but I think he may have met my boss, David Hildebrandt.
You're the one who answered the Chance connections message.
My boss is never online.
I mean, except to read financial news.
And he doesn't take the time for dating.
I mean, even though he is the best guy I've ever known.
All of us at the office just want him
to meet someone great.
You think this might be the Dave that I met?
Well, you both had layovers a few days ago.
Both stayed at Chateau Marc.
So I figured I would come meet with you
and I could take you back to the office if things check out.
Okay. Why don't you have a seat?
Okay. Thank you.
Okay, so tell me about your boss.
Okay. So your guy was an investment advisor.
Did he own his own business?
Yes.
Gentlemanly, super kind eyes.
Yes!
Cares most about his family.
Yes.
And has the most adorable, charming British accent.
No.
Is this the man that you met?
No, it's not.
No.
I'm so sorry, Courtney.
Thank you. And I mean, if you don't find your Dave,
have I got the Dave for you!
Okay, well, I will remember that.
Okay.
Bye.
Thank you.
Yes. I was hoping you could help me find
someone who was on my flight.
Well, actually, I missed the flight,
but if you could help me find my seat name...
Oh, you don't give out personal information?
Not even if it's an emergency?
Well...
Does an emergency of the heart count?
You could be helping me find the one.
I understand.
Okay. That one goes right there. Yep.
Just rotate it towards you a little bit. Yep. Good.
And six from the present. Perfect. Good job, Brady.
He's literally morphing into my father by the minute.
Everything always had to be just so when it came
to the house at Christmas,
That's fine.
It's important to you guys. It's important to me.
You sure are Breaking Brady in.
He's gonna see how much work it is.
And this year will be one and done.
This character here has to go right beside this one.
But it needs to be looking at that one.
I want them to be staring into each other's eyes.
I need it to feel like true love. Okay?
Got it.
A little more. Yes! Yes...
He just wants it to be special for us, Violet.
It's sweet.
I know, But you gotta be willing to bend a little bit.
I think he's avoiding
throwing himself into Christmas.
Everyone has their process, honey.
Just be patient with him.
Hey Violet, can you help me string these icicles?
I can never feed them the way that you can.
That's 'cause you have giant clumsy thumbs.
And I have small dainty ones.
Are you thumb shaming me, Sis? That's very cruel.
Hey, Brady. Beware. All right. Beware.
Brady's coming over Christmas day.
I'd like you to get to know him better.
I am getting to know him.
- Hmmm, you're directing him. - You're Santa-splaining to him.
Santa-splaining. That's cute.
I really like him, Dave.
So don't do that whole big brother thing.
- I would never. - Look, I think he's a great guy.
I'm happy for you.
But?
But nothing.
But it's been less than a year. All right?
And already you're spending Christmas together?
It's fast.
Okay. You are telling me how to date?
Says the guy who is crazy about a woman
he only just met and can't even find.
Wow.
Okay. Hey, don't turn this around on me.
We were talking about you.
Oh, now we're talking about you. See how that works?
Okay. Well just thread those icicles for me.
Okay, "Dainty thumbs"?
Ah, he's incorrigible mom.
He doesn't get it from me.
Hey mom, do you remember all of those things?
I used to sew with grandma?
Of course.
Well, I've just kind of been missing that, you know,
making something beautiful out of nothing.
What made you think of that?
Oh, I kind of met this guy on the way
back from Erica's baby shower
and just had an interesting perspective on things.
On what?
Unrealized dreams, I guess...
Did you ever have any?
I wanted to be Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain.
Of course I can't dance
and it never rained where I grew up, but...
Oh wow.
Wow. No, I think, I think you could
still do it. You just need tap shoes.
I think you are right.
No, seriously...
Do you guys think I play it safe?
- You play it smart. - There's nothing wrong with that.
I guess I'm just thinking, what if I'd taken another path?
Hi sweetie pie!
There she is!
- Sorry we're late. - No!
Adam was supposed to take Cora at a recital practise,
but he has this big meeting in St. Louis tomorrow,
and there was drama with the costumes.
Annie, I need a favour,
since you're off for the holidays.
- Sure. - Adam wants me to go with him
to St. Louis to wine and dine these clients.
But I have tickets to take Cora
to see her friend's show tomorrow.
And you want me to take her? Of course.
I think we're also due for Margie's Kettle, right?
No, there's an even better place than Margie's. So good!
Oh, well then we have to go there.
Of course! And what's the show?
The Youth City Choir.
Christmas Singalong. My friend Angela's in it.
Youth City Choir. Christmas singalong.
So we're on stage up on these risers
and music starts playing.
I look over at my sister, Violet. She starts crying.
She drops down on her knees.
Aw, how old was she?
She was six. I was eight.
The rest of the choir, they all start singing.
"Angels We Have Heard on High"
Violet, like she's scared.
She hates this. So I say,
"Hey look, it's okay. I got you.
Let's get outta here."
I grab her hand
and we walk right off the stage.
- In the middle of the show? - In the middle of the show.
We never performed ever again.
No.
Crazy thing is, is my dad, he took us back
to the Youth City Choir every single year after that.
He loved it.
You know, he'd be that one guy in the audience singing way,
way louder than he should be.
Okay. So can I ask you a question?
- Yeah. - Who takes care of you?
I do. I mean... when I can find the time.
So, you know, it's not selfish to prioritise yourself
and your feelings every once in a while.
Yes, I do know that.
But after everything my family's been through this last year,
I'm just looking forward to getting back there
and creating some happy times during the holidays.
Yes. Yeah. Yes.
But even with a hundred trees
and competitive snow angels...
Good memory!
And 4 billion lights,
the only thing that really matters
is that time you spend together. Right?
I couldn't agree more.
Hello?
Sorry.
Where'd you go?
If you can't take Cora, I can take her.
No, no, no.
Of course. I want Cora time.
I just... sorry.
There's only one performance. Well, that sounds amazing.
I can't wait.
(♪)
- Dave. - Dave, it's Annie.
I, oh, so sorry. So sorry. Thought he was someone else.
Sorry.
(Clapping)
(Children singing)
Thank you. Ooh!
You're gonna love this.
Well, I don't know.
They've got pretty big shoes to fill.
I've had so much fun with you today, Cora.
Me too. And Angela did so good.
I wish I could go to Angela's second show today.
But it's full.
There's a second performance?
I thought your mom said there was only one.
I don't know.
I asked Angela if she wanted to come here with us,
but she said she had another show at six.
There's a second show.
Ah!
I'm sorry I'm late.
I got stuck on the I for like 15 minutes.
It's okay, honey. We have plenty of time
before they close the doors.
Dad would love that we're doing this.
Oh he would. He loved this night.
Well, let's hope this Annie remembers
you telling her that story.
Imagine that. What of the most Humiliating moments of my life
could be the very thing that reunites you.
It's like a fairy tale.
Well, let's hope so,
because I've put everything I can remember on that list.
Now it's just gonna take a little bit of luck.
Maybe I'll have a go look around.
(♪)
Wow. Do you need some help?
No, no. I'm fine.
Are you sure?
My coworker was supposed to finish the tree
in the ballroom for the Christmas gala tomorrow,
but he left early.
I dunno how I'm gonna finish all this by myself. Ugh.
Well we could help. I-I love decorating.
No, no. I could never ask a guest.
What if a guest offered?
It would be frowned upon by management.
I couldn't.
What if a guest insisted
and promised never to tell a soul?
I'm really pretty good at it.
- And I'm just below average. - It's better than nothing.
Are you sure?
- Yeah! - Yeah.
Okay. Uh...
I guess you could start with the ornaments. Uh...
Yeah, uh, Ballroom B...
That would be great, by the way. Thank you.
Ballroom B. Right through those doors over there.
Okay.
Don't worry.
Thank you guys.
Yeah, just breathe man. Just breathe.
It's gonna be fun.
That's it. We Got this.
Appreciate it.
This feels like it was put here just for us.
Look! A piano.
I always wanted to play piano,
but my mom bought me a flute instead.
- Oh, that makes sense. - Takes up less space.
I dabbled a little bit, but I'm a guitar guy.
More Eddie Van Halen. Less Elton John.
I love a guitar guy.
You do. Really? Oh.
Must be a guitar around here somewhere.
No time, Van Halen.
We have got a tree to decorate.
Right. My new friend is counting on us.
Exuse me.
Hi, I think I left something inside.
Sure. No problem.
Welcome to Chicago's Youth City Choir
Christmas Singalong.
Please take a moment to silence all cell phones
as the show is about to begin.
(♪)
Oh! Could you hold the door, please?
(♪)
- Hi. - Hey.
Any sign of her?
Nope.
Maybe my story didn't register,
or she didn't even start looking.
Maybe she thinks that I bailed on her
that morning at the hotel.
- Which is why you keep looking. - So you can tell her the truth.
Yeah. I'm going to...
I just need to find her before Christmas is over.
There's gotta be something else that I'm forgetting.
What do people do Christmas Eve?
Well, we throw an open house.
Yeah!
I think some people go visit Santa.
Open house...
Church. Church.
She invited me to go with her to a church.
How does it look so far?
We cannot let the chateau down.
Well, I think it's the second
most beautiful thing in the room.
Why is it so easy to talk to you?
Probably because we don't have any preconceived notions
about each other, maybe.
Ah, yes. That's it.
All I know is it's really nice to feel
comfortable around someone and just be.
Yeah.
So um... Christmas Eve, you got any big plans?
Oh yes. That is my favourite night of the year.
Why's that?
We go to the same church
I've been going to since I was born.
We were all baptised there.
It's, it's one of the oldest chapels in Chicago
and it's just majestic.
Of course, when I was a kid, I thought it was boring.
As kids do.
But on Christmas Eve, they turn out all of the lights
and we sing Silent Night by candlelight.
Oh.
It's, it's the most beautiful experience.
I could imagine.
Yeah. My whole family, glowing candles,
lighting up the church just makes you feel like
you're part of something bigger.
You know, like miracles are possible.
Hmm...
Your Christmas Eve sounds incredible.
Yeah. Maybe would you
do you wanna come with me?
I... it's Christmas
and I'm sure you, you have plans
given that schedule of yours, but..
No, no.
I mean, my best friends, Jeff and Olivia,
they always have an open house.
But maybe you could come with me, you know, after church.
Meeting with friends already.
I have to find the church.
I haven't seen you like this over someone in ages.
I mean, you haven't even been on a proper date
in what? Over a year?
Very funny. Very funny. Laugh it up.
You guys don't know everything about her.
By the way...
St. Matthews is going to host our Christmas Eve
service this year.
Oh yeah. The pew renovation.
It was supposed to be done, but there were delays, so...
Well, St. Matthews is a beautiful church,
so I'm sure it will still be lovely.
Hey guys.
Sorry we're late again. Seems to be my M.O. these days.
But now it's recital drama.
It's my angel wings.
It's everyone's angel wings and skirts and leotards.
And don't even get me started on the halos.
Our costumer just up and quit today.
Oh no. Why?
Well, first of all, she didn't know how to sew.
I'll do it.
Really?
I mean, do you think you can do it?
It's angel wings and halos.
I mean, that was like sewing 101 with grandma.
You can't be worse than our last costumer
who didn't know what a tutu was.
I could never leave my niece wingless
at her holiday recital.
Maybe this will be a way for you
to find out what might have been.
Yeah.
(♪)
You got the tree!
Yeah. I was driving by Elliot's lot
and this one was right out front.
So I figured I'd pick it up on my way home from work.
We were supposed to go together. All of us.
It was... it was calling my name.
I didn't think you'd care.
Brady's family cuts down their own tree
and I thought we'd all go do that.
We even brought tools.
Yeah, we, we go to this place off I-95
and it's more than just a tree lot.
There's a Santa, little holiday village
and the best peppermint bark you've ever had.
Sounds great. Maybe next year, hmm?
Dave...
What?
No, we do the tree together.
Guys, I'm just trying to streamline things here.
- And in the. - Process, you're taking it away
from the rest of us.
What your sister is trying to say is
although we appreciate what you're doing,
we want to do it with you.
It doesn't have to be the Christmas end all Christmases.
Just stop doing and start being.
Can you just be present with us?
(Piano music)
You know, I never had a lesson.
Okay then. Guitar guy.
Well, your life seems to have worked out okay,
despite your musical dreams not coming to fruition.
You know, I can't even remember the last time
I picked up my guitar.
I'm gonna do that when I go home.
Yeah. I think it's important that we make time
for the things we love.
Like music.
Like sewing, hmm?
Decorating.
Oh, we forgot one thing.
What?
(♪)
It's magical.
Dance with me.
(♪)
Who knew a layover could be so much fun.
Sometimes when you stop and just be present.
Amazing things can happen.
Okay.
You're right.
I'll take this tree back to Elliot's.
We'll go to Brady's Place and we'll find our tree together.
Right?
(♪)
Cranington Farms. Huh...
It's really beautiful, but there's just one problem.
It isn't real. Nothing can replace the smell of pine.
I know. My dad, he always insisted on having a real tree.
It felt like having a fake one was like cheating.
Yes! We go to Cranington Farms every year
and we cut one down ourselves.
You use muscles you didn't even know you had.
Ooh, lawyer, decorator, amateur lumberjack...
Is there nothing you can't do?
Cranington is like when it really starts
to feel like Christmas.
- You still go? - Every year. Yeah.
It's those moments that I cherish.
This is where she gets her tree.
You see what happens when you're present.
Good call, Brady!
Hey guys, I'm gonna catch up with you.
I'm gonna see if this cashier knows her.
- Okay. - Good luck!
Thank you.
Excuse me. Hey, do you happen to know a woman named Annie?
She buys her tree here every year.
Uh, brings her whole family.
Yeah! Annie, she's been coming here for ages.
Wait, you know her?
Yeah.
Okay, what can you tell me about her? Uh, last name?
Or where I can find her?
Look, my intentions are pure. I swear.
I met her on a layover and we really hit it off.
I'm telling the truth!
And then we were supposed to be on this fight together,
but I missed it and I ruined everything.
I don't know if she's actually trying to find me too,
but I think she is because this connection, it was like,
I don't know how to describe it.
I don't know. But it was once in a lifetime.
Once in a lifetime?
Yeah.
- I had one of those two... - and I married her.
See! Okay!
You get it. That's why I have to find her.
I don't want to have to wonder.
Okay. Alright. Alright. Say no more.
Tell you what I'll do.
I'll take your name and number
and I'll give Annie a call.
And if she's looking for you too, success. All right?
- That's perfect. Okay, great. - Thank you. Uh, you have a pen?
Just hang on, I think...
I know I delivered a tree to her this year.
I just can't remember if I delivered
to her address or her son's.
I'm sorry. Did you just say "son"?
Yeah, she's got a few kids.
Two in high school. One of 'em studying
to become a doctor.
A doc... Oh, um...
You know, I don't, I don't think
that's the person I'm looking for.
This Annie, she's a little young to have a son in medical school.
Is there any chance you know another Annie
who's a regular customer?
I'm sorry. Nothing comes to mind.
Maybe she goes by a different name.
Uh... Anna, Anya, Anita...
I'm sorry, no.
No? Good. Thanks anyway.
No worries.
Hey
miracles always happen at Christmas. So
keep the Faith.
Yeah.
Oh! Annalise!
Buddy...
Still nothing?
No!
Thanks.
Hi!
Did you tell him everything you want for Christmas?
- My whole list! - Yay! Okay let's go.
(♪)
Brady.
Oh, wow! All right, everybody back up.
Because this puppy is going down.
Ah, okay. Okay.
I actually don't know how to do this.
That's okay. We're all gonna learn how together.
Okay, Brady, show us what you got.
(Chopping sound)
Okay. Let me see you flap those wings.
Yes, I think they're gonna stick.
Thank you, Ms. Lane.
You're welcome!
Oh, wise men. You are Up next.
I'm gonna get started on those robes.
The wings aren't falling off anymore,
and they actually look like wings.
Thank you, Annie.
Oh, you can thank my boss
for giving me time off at Christmas.
You know what? I forgot how much I love this.
It's so much fun.
And it's like I made it so hard in my head.
But Beth, I am really good at this.
Yes! All the parents are talking about how you have
to do costumes for the spring musical...
Guys and Dolls.
Guys and Golls, huh? Okay.
Please. I'm playing Adelaide.
Well, what I could not create for you
and an 8-year-old Nathan Detroit.
You can count me in.
If you ever decide the law isn't for you,
there may be a life for you in costuming.
Oh, I don't think that angel wings
and tutus are gonna pay my mortgage.
It's a Gateway. Annie
you never know if you don't try.
(Door closing)
Okay. We've got Moo shu, fried rice, pot stickers
all your faves.
Thank you so much.
And I'm so sorry I had to cancel on dinner,
but I'm making great progress here if that means anything.
Well, it all looks beautiful.
And how goes the search for Dave?
Umm
stalled until tomorrow
in favour of wise men crowns.
Cute. I want one.
I love it.
Maybe the reason he came into my life
was so I could get back to this.
You have been a little
different since you got back from your trip.
Maybe I don't wanna be the person who never tried anymore.
No, I appreciate you getting your coworkers in on it too.
Yeah. Okay, thanks. Bye.
That was the waitress from Margie's Kettle.
She's almost as invested in finding Annie as I am.
It's, uh, it's sweet.
I'm sorry. You still haven't found her, Dave.
That's okay. It's not Christmas yet.
Her church is still out there.
Just waiting for me to find it.
That's the spirit.
Wait, our-our tree topper's not here.
Our special angel.
Oh no. The tree's not the same without Hermie.
You have an angel named Hermie?
Doesn't everyone?
Our dad named him.
Don't worry.
It'll all make sense after you watch Rudolph
with us this year.
Our tree just wouldn't be the same without
him and his funky hair.
Oh, these are the moments, right?
Yeah.
It's gotta be in the attic. I'll go look for it.
No, no. I can get it.
No, no. I'll go.
Okay.
Good. Glad she's gone.
Just didn't wanna spoil the surprise.
I'd uh...
I'd like to propose to Violet tomorrow
at the Pavilion in the square.
I'd love to have your blessing... both of you.
I know you think it's fast,
but uh...
I love her.
Oh, it's wonderful, Brady.
Oh, and I know her father, if he were here,
would be thrilled to know
that she found someone as special as you.
Definitely.
And she seems to feel the same way about you.
Your secret is safe with us.
Thanks.
Yeah.
David, it is so nice to see you stop and enjoy yourself.
There's joy in your eyes again.
And that's all I want for you. All Dad would want for you.
You deserve to be happy, too.
I know we'll be back down soon, but...
I don't wanna say Goodbye.
It's only four hours.
Yeah. And then a nice long plane ride.
And then...
Then who knows?
Who knows?
But I can't wait to find out.
Good night, Annie.
Good night, Dave.
(♪)
I'll see you soon.
(♪)
I have to find him.
I have to find her.
(♪)
♪ Oh I love the season
♪ The laughter and the feelin' ♪
♪ Feelin' the words that you love ♪
♪ For that look in their eyes it's that time of the year ♪
(Knocking on door)
(Door opening)
Umm... someone is not dressed for yoga.
Oh no.
I'm so sorry.
I was working on the wise men robes
and then I got those finished, but I was still on a roll.
So I started working on this dress
that Grandma Reba and I never finished. But
look, look, look.
It's done.
This is stunning!
You are so talented. This is worth a million...
No, it's priceless!
No, this is giving Rosemary Clooney
in a White Christmas vibe.
Okay. Your specificity shows me
that you are overshooting it
with the compliments.
I am not. I'm being so serious.
In fact, I'm gonna put this in my booth
at the Christmas market.
You were serious about that?
A hundred percent serious.
You know, you could really make your own clothing line.
What? No, it's one dress and I have a job,
thank you very much. I have a good job.
So I'm not just gonna throw caution to the wind
and start a clothing line.
Okay. But I'm not saying quit your job tomorrow.
But put yourself out there. Talk to Gloria.
I don't think she sees me that way. Okay.
So make her see you like that.
I think this is the start of something.
And I'm guessing I'm going to yoga solo?
I'm so sorry. There's no way I'm getting ready in time.
Fair. So fair. Love you.
Love you.
Maybe I won't be that person who didn't try.
"Hello Chicago. And a good morning
to you all on this very snowy Tuesday commute.
I'm yours truly DJ Wolf from WZPZ.
And it's time to read our one daily Christmas message
from old Wolfie.
Darlene, your husband, Ray wants you to know
that every Christmas spent
with you has been more magical than the last.
And even though you'll be apart
for the first time in 30 years this holiday,
he knows you'll be with him in spirit
"and wishes you a very merry Christmas."
"WPZP, this is Rhonda. How may I direct your call?"
Hi Rhonda.
I have a Christmas message for someone that I would like.
DJ Wolf to read on the air, please...
"It's almost Christmas Eve, Hon
and we've got dozens already. He'll never get to it."
Could you please find room for just one more?
It's really important. Please.
"I'll do what I can."
Thank you for coming to help me find something for Jeff.
He's impossible to shop for.
It's funny 'cause he says the exact same thing about you.
I'm happy to help.
You know, you seem lighter, less rigid.
Yeah. You know why?
I think I got so stuck on all the planning
and then making everything perfect,
but I forgot to just stop and live in the moment.
Maybe I was holding onto the past.
You know, the first Christmas without your dad
was always going to be rough.
But it still can be beautiful
because you're all gonna be together.
That's what Annie kept trying to tell me
but I didn't...
That Church.
I haven't called that one yet.
Well, it's old. It's beautiful.
Go in and talk to them.
I'll find something for Jeff on my own.
You don't mind?
Of course not! Go, go, go, go, go.
Thank you.
♪ When Christ was born
♪ O night divine
♪ O night
♪ O night divine
(Clapping)
That was beautiful.
Thank you. It's for the Christmas Eve service.
Yeah. Speaking of that, I'm looking for a church
that sings Silent Night by candlelight on Christmas Eve.
Is that you guys?
They haven't given me the schedule yet for this year.
Gotcha.
Yeah, the church I'm looking for, they do it every year.
It's a great idea though.
Yeah.
Oh, these are cute.
Oh, I have to buy gifts for these Gen Z-ers at work
who I barely know
and I cannot even begin to understand.
Well, everybody needs soap
no matter what generational language you speak.
I think I like you.
Thank you. I'm told I'm an acquired taste.
Oh funny,
that's what my husband says about me too.
We must be kindred spirits.
Well, they are two for 10 or five for 20.
And here is a list of the scents.
You know, I'm just gonna take two of each
and be done with it.
Thank you.
Wait... what is that?
You did it! The angels have wings.
The reindeers have antlers.
The elves have little curly shoes.
It was a whirlwind, but it was so much fun.
And I can't wait for Guys and Dolls.
Okay...
Oh...
(♪)
It's pretty full.
All right, let's get everybody to places.
(♪)
(Clapping)
You were amazing, kiddo!
Your pirouettes have become flawless.
Wasn't she great?
Don't tell anyone I said this,
but you were the best one up there. Huh?
(♪)
Hey, where'd you go?
I could have sworn I just saw her.
Annie.
This whole thing. It's making me crazy.
I'm hallucinating her now.
Annie! There you are. DJ Wolf!
He's reading messages.
Thanks.
"And that's our final daily shout out of the year
to our lovely couple, Vince and Diane."
It's over. He didn't read mine.
Since meeting him.
You are more confident, self-assured.
You just rocked this recital.
I kind of did.
You know the church is my last lead.
Maybe she just came into your life
to send you a message that you needed to hear.
To get you to this place.
You're all set to have a really
wonderful Christmas with your family.
What is they say? People come into our lives
for a reason, a season,
or a lifetime.
And I'm grateful for the reason.
Because I think I'm finally ready
to take a chance on myself.
So that's that.
That's that.
The search is over.
I did all I could.
(♪)
Hey, Mom.
Oh!
So we're supposed to wait here until he's done
so we don't spoil the surprise.
Then they'll come get us.
Remember when Dad and Uncle Mark would take us here.
And Aunt Sue and I wouldn't come 'cause it was too cold.
I'd always pretend like I was fine.
I didn't wanna let on that I was freezing.
Dad always gave his jacket. Anyway.
I miss him.
I know you do and so do I.
And I know that's why you've been so...
Overbearing about Christmas? Yeah.
I as going to say passionate.
I think I just thought that if I
if I made it perfect and happy and magical,
then we wouldn't feel the loss.
Well, it's okay to feel the loss.
I do every day.
And so does Violet.
Yeah.
I've done everything in my power not to.
It's still there.
No matter how I try to fight it.
We have a lot to look forward to.
Yeah, we do, don't we?
Happy times are on the way after all.
And I think our Christmas
is going to be perfect no matter what.
- We are engaged! - Engaged.
I know what you're gonna say.
I'm gonna say that I'm thrilled for you.
I'm sorry if you felt like I was stepping into dad's role.
No, no.
I know your intentions are always good, Dave.
I just, I love you guys so much.
We have a great future ahead. All of us.
We do.
There's, uh
there's something I wanna ask you.
Anything.
Would you walk me down the aisle?
It'd be my honour.
Get over here.
I love you, Sis.
Love you.
Annie...
What are you doing here? It's Christmas Eve!
Well, I would ask you the same thing,
except I kind of knew you'd be here.
Guilty.
I had a few things to finish before I could really unplug.
I hope you're not here to work.
I, I actually wanted to talk to you about something...
Another submission?
It's not actually a submission.
Um, I was a little embarrassed to admit it.
But these are my sketches, all of them.
And um
this here
this is a dress that I made with my grandmother,
but it's mine.
And-and this, this one I made myself.
And it just sold, actually.
Congratulations. That's a huge feat.
I'm proud of you.
Thank you.
I can see why someone bought it.
It's classic
elegant with an understated glamour.
What I wanted to ask is, if, if you would mentor me,
You're going to leave me.
- Well, I hope so... - Not, not, not leave you.
That's not what I meant. I don't hope to leave you.
But I, I do hope to learn and, and grow
and, and yeah, eventually put a plan into place.
I know I'm probably about a decade too old for all of this,
but I just, I don't wanna keep
wondering what if? You know?
You know, Vera Wang didn't get started
until she was in her forties.
I've heard that.
It would be m honour to mentor you, Annie.
You're very talented.
Thank you, Gloria.
(♪)
"And a Merry Christmas Eve to you all,
this is DJ Wolf
with one last daily Christmas message,
courtesy of our longtime station secretary Rhonda,
who insisted I squeeze this one in.
Here goes...
"Finance Dave,
Fashion attorney Annie has been looking for you
ever since your layover a few weeks ago
at the Chateau Marc Hotel.
That's my message!
"So meet her tonight at 6:00 PM
in front of the giant Christmas tree
at the pavilion in the square.
So you can finish what you started that magical night."
Thank you Rhonda!
(♪)
I mean, you showed up to support me.
Dave
doesn't this man use social media
or listen to the radio?
Or doesn't he have friends who do one of those things?
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah?
Yeah, I'm fine.
If this entire random chain of events hadn't happened,
I don't think I would've ever had the courage
to show Gloria my designs.
So I think maybe it wasn't random after all.
Exactly.
So go to church
be with your family.
Have an amazing Christmas.
Thank you for coming.
Of course.
And saving me from humiliation.
(Chuckling)
Anytime.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Annie.
So now I'm in the elevator
and stupid me, I don't think to get her number
because we're gonna be back down
to meet in the lobby in a few hours.
So the elevator doors, they're just about to close.
When the last second I reach out, I stop it, I step out,
I take her face in my hands and I give her this kiss.
It was electric in that moment. I knew this was my person.
I don't take my eyes off of her. I can't.
I just want to stare into those beautiful eyes
for as long as possible.
And that was it.
The last time I ever saw her.
Oh, I know. It's heartbreaking for all of us.
Where did you get that dress?
Oh, at the Christmas market.
The girl at the soaps booth
said her best friend just started making these.
Really? Best friend. Is there a label?
I don't know. I didn't check.
May I?
No way. "Designs by Annie."
This is one of hers.
Annie was wearing a similar dress
to this the night that I met her at.
She told me it was her dream to start making these.
Well, it looks like she did it!
Yeah.
Oh wait.
You need to get to that Christmas market.
Christmas market. Right.
Go! Before they close!
(Singing in distance)
♪ Silent night
♪ Holy night
♪ All is calm
♪ All is bright
♪ Round yon virgin, mother and child ♪
♪ Holy infant so tender and mild ♪
♪ Sleep in heavenly peace
Please stand.
Look to your neighbour and wish them
a very merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
You're here.
I have been looking for you.
I have been looking for you!
That morning I missed my flight.
Could we go outside for a minute?
Yeah, I think that's a good idea! I... yeah. Okay.
Wow.
It's really good to see you.
You have no idea.
Oh, I think I do.
Wait. Before we say another word.
I am not making this mistake again. No way.
- Good idea. - Yeah.
Oh!
Hello...
Hi Annie. This is Dave from the layover, Chateau Marc.
Listen, I really loved getting to meet you and,
and I was wondering if I could maybe
take you out on a proper date.
I would love that.
How is right now?
Now is perfect.
By the way...
What is Annie short for?
I searched Annabelle. Ann-Marie. Annalise...
Maryanne.
Maryanne... Maryanne.
That is the one variation I didn't try.
Well, do you have any idea
how many Daves and Davids there are
who work in finance in Chicago?
More than six?
- Oh yeah. - Oh yeah. Mmm-hmm, a lot more.
Yeah?
But we did it.
We found each other.
Merry Christmas, Dave.
Merry Christmas, Marryanne.
(♪)