All language subtitles for The Christmas Retreat 2022 1080p WEB-DL H265 BONE

(mysterious music)

(bright holiday music)

(keyboard clicking)

(enchanting music)

- Bingo.

(indistinct chatter)

- This is it! We've got them!

(clears throat)
Sorry.

- Will you excuse me
for a moment? Thank you.

Kim, tell me you haven't
been working this whole time?

You've missed the entire
Christmas party.

- Yeah, I know, I know.
But I think I found
the missing link.

This document clearly proves
that The Old Wood
Community Centre

violated their tenancy agreement
back in 2012.

- This is our smoking gun.

And this is exactly the kind
of hard work and dedication

that we look for in
a partner at this firm.

- Really?
- Really.

With this information,
we'll have the community centre
evicted by Christmas.

This calls for celebration.
There are some people
I want you to meet.

- Um, I would love to,
but I have dinner plans
with Steven.

- You and Steven can celebrate
once you're partner.

But in order to get there,

you have to put in some
face time with the board first.

- Um, okay, but just one drink.
- Oh!

Cheers!
(giggling)

Come! Come!
- Oh, okay.

(Kim): Taxi!

Hey!
- Excuse me.

- Yes?
- Can I help you?

- This is my cab.
- I beg to differ.

- I hailed it.
- No, I hailed it.

- Look sir, I'm late for
a very important engagement.

- I'm late for an important--
- No. You don't understand,

I'm literally getting engaged
tonight and I'm running late.

- I don't see how this
is my fault.

(gasps)
- What is that?!

- What? Where?
- Oh! Go, go, go!

- Hey! Excuse me,
I-I called the...

Are you kidding me?

Oh, no!

(jazzy holiday music)

(footsteps approaching)

- Steven, hi, hi! I am so sorry
I'm late,

you will not believe
the day I had.

Trisha quit again
and the Owens case got deferred,

then, I broke
the Old Wood case wide open!

You should have seen Veronica's

face, she practically said I was
a shoe-in for partner.

Then, I had to fight tooth

and nail to get that cab
from the office.

And, of course, some guy
tried to fight me for it,

but I showed him.

(sighs, clears throat)

Anyway...

How are you?

- You're 45 minutes late.

- You're right, you're right.
And I'm... I'm sorry.

I completely lost track of time.

You know that I would never
be late

unless it was for something
really important, right?

If I don't put in the hours,
I won't make partner.

But I'm here now,
and that's all that matters.

So, let's just try and enjoy
this incredibly romantic
evening you have planned.

Two glasses of your
finest champagne, please!

- Kim...

I've been meaning to talk
to you about something.

- You can talk to me
about anything.

(phone chimes, vibrates)

- Uh, it's about us.

(phone chimes, vibrates)
- Yes?

- About our future.

Would you just answer it?
- Yeah. Mm-hmm, okay.

(clicking)

(mumbling)

I'm ready.

- I think we need to break up.
- What?

- This just
isn't working for me.

- Yes, it is!

- What?

- You, uh... you can't be
breaking up with me.

- I can and I am.

- Oh, you're getting cold feet!

- Cold feet? Kim, we are
not getting married!

- Well, not yet, but you're
supposed to propose tonight.

- I was supposed to propose?
Don't I get a say in this?

- Well, of course you do,
but we've been together
for two years.

- Yeah, two years of us
barely seeing each other.

If we were meant to be--
- Of course we're meant to be!

I'm a lawyer, you're a doctor.

We both play tennis!
- Do you love me?

(phone chiming, vibrating)

I think we both know that
the real love of your life
is your work.

Good luck with everything.

I hope you make partner.

(jazzy holiday music)

(vehicle honking)

(sighs)

(knocking)

- You, uh, wanted to see me,
Mr. Carrigan?

- Mark, please, take a seat.

Let me start off by saying
that your commitment
to this firm

has not gone unnoticed.

You have made yourself
an invaluable member
of our team.

- Well, sir, a team is only
as good as its leader.

- And it is for all of these
reasons that we are trusting you

to take on Ed's
extra workload

as he assumes
the position of Senior Manager
of East Coast operations.

- I-I'm sorry. Ed?

- Yeah. Ed. Ed Carrigan.

You've met Ed.

- Yes, Mr. Carrigan,
we've all met your nephew. Um...

Let me get this straight.
I have brought in more clients

and closed more deals
than anybody in this firm,

and you want to promote
your 22-year-old nephew

who's been here
for less than six months?

Who I trained,
for crying out loud!

- I understand
your frustration, I do.

But at the end of the day,
well, we feel that Ed's
the man for the job.

- Mr. Carrigan,
give me one good reason--

- Well... well, you were
15 minutes late for
the meeting last night.

- Yes, but I still closed
the deal!

- Look, Mark,
you're a hard worker.

No one would deny that.
But... Ed's fresh-faced!

Clients respond to his
easy-going nature.

- Yeah, but I could
be easy-going!

Well, good luck
with everything. Mr. Carrigan.

I'm sure Ed's gonna really
shake things up around here.

HR can expect
my resignation on their desk
by the end of the day.

(sighs)
- Mark, let's not make
any rash decisions.

- Merry Christmas, Mr. Carrigan.

(sighs)

(Mark): I can't believe
I just did that.

Ten years down the drain.

- Mark, slow down.
What happened?

- I just quit my job.

- You quit!? Mr. Mark
"work is my life" Reynolds

chose to leave a job of his own volition?

- Yeah, well, not by my choice.

I was practically forced
out of here.

You know, after all the years of long hours, missed vacations,

and neglected relationships,
this is how they treat me?

Pfft. And he even had the gall

to tell me I wasn't easy-going enough!

- Well, you could learn
to loosen up a little.

- Funny.

- Why don't you come
to the retreat?

- Did you miss the part
where I told you I lost my job?

I love you, but I can't
come to your retreat.

- When was the last time
you took a vacation?

Or left Minneapolis, for that matter?

Do you not want to see
what I've done with it?

What I've been working so hard on all these years?

Come on.

I miss my big brother.

(sighs)

(light music)

(footsteps approaching)

- Kim, you're here early.

- Yeah, well, you know
what they say,

the early worm catches the bird.

- Have you been here all night?
- No, no! I went home.

- Okay. Keep up the good work.
- Mm-hmm.

(phone ringing)

- Hi, you've reached Kim Jones of the Touchstone Law Group.

Please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

(phone beeps)

(Mary): Kimberly, it's your mother.

I'm entering your office.

I'm walking past reception.

I'm coming towards your desk!

Hi, honey!

- Mom.
- Good, you're alive!

- What are you doing here?

- Well, Nancy told me
you were still here

and you didn't return my calls.

Shouldn't you be at home
with your fiancé?

- Oh, that? Right. No.

He broke up with me.

(laughing)
- What?!

- Yeah! Steven didn't propose!
He broke up with me.

- Sweetie, what happened?

- Oh well, let's see.

I was gonna get into law school,
graduate with honours,

get a job, meet a man at 28,
engaged by 30, make partner,

get married by 31, and that is
the way my life was gonna go.

But now, that entire timeline
has been completely thrown off

and all I have left
is making partner.

So that is what I'm going to do.
If you'll excuse me.

- Uh...

- Ooh!
- Sweetie...

I think what you need
is a break.

- Mom, did you not just hear me?
I can't take a break!
Work is all I have!

- Well, there's more
to life than work.

- You sound just like Steven.

- Yeah, well maybe
he had a point.

- I can't believe
you're taking his side!

- Oh, I'm not on his side!
I'm on your side!

Clearly, you're hurting.

You need to step away from work
and re-centre. Reconnect...

with yourself,
with your mother.

With Christmas!

- I'm sorry, did you say
with Christmas?

- My friend Celeste, she goes
to this Christmas retreat

in the mountains every year,
she says it's life changing.

We should go, you know?
Just get away from it all.

- Uh... no.

- Okay, I know
it's not your thing.

Well, maybe that's good!

You want to make things
right with Steven?

This is your chance to show him
that you can change.

- I can't just up and leave,
I would have to clear it
with my boss.

- You should go.
- I should?

- Kim, we all know you've been
here for the past
20 hours straight.

I'm concerned.
You're a hard worker,
but you're no use to us

if you burn out.
We need a bulldog on our team,

so go on this retreat, reset,
build a snowman or whatever,

and come back ready
to fire on all cylinders.

(bells jingling)

- Huh?

(bright holiday music)

(soft Christmas music)

(birds chirping)

(upbeat music)

(laughing)
- I can't believe
you're actually here!

This is gonna be so much fun!

- Of course I'm here.
Wouldn't have missed it.
I'm so excited.

- You're a terrible liar,
but I appreciate the effort.

Now, come inside.
I can't wait to show you
what we've got planned!

- Ooh!

- Oh, Kim, for the last time,
put your phone down!

Just look around!
Isn't this place breathtaking?

- Yeah, it's nice.
Sorry, I'm almost done,

I just need to send one
more email.

- Well, make it a quick one,
we're late for orientation!

- Welcome, everyone!
My name is Rae Reynolds

and I'll be your holiday
activities director.

This is my husband, Ivan,

my co-captain
and Christmas cooking guru.

It's always such a thrill
to see how many others share
my enthusiasm

for this special time of year.

But this retreat
isn't all just gingerbread
and mistletoe.

This is an opportunity
to take a step back

from the chaos of your
everyday lives,

reconnect with your loved ones,

and let Christmas
work its magic on you.

- In order to ensure
your ultimate relaxation,

we have just one rule.

We ask you to unplug
from the outside world,

which means no tablets,
laptops or cell phones.

Thank you.

Thanks so much.
- Okay...

Okay, one more.

Ah. That is all my devices.

Oof, that was hard!

- Mark! You came!

- Yeah, why is everyone
acting so surprised?

- Because we've been running
this operation

for the last five years
and you haven't come once.

- Well, I'm here now.
- Gadgets, please.

- Oh, um, I already gave mine
to Rae before, so...

- We'll let you get settled
into your cabins

and then meet back here in a few
for some holiday eggnog!

(applause)

- Oh, this place is stunning.

(phone vibrating)

Don't you just love
that fresh mountain air?

The scenery is beautiful.

- Yeah! You're right, Mom.

It's so gorgeous.

I think I'm gonna go
check out the trees.

I'll meet you inside.

(chuckling)
- Okay!

(phone vibrating)

(sighs)

(phone beeping)

(crow cawing)

- Hi, Steven, it's me... Kim.
(chuckling nervously)

Um, I just wanted to talk.
I guess, see how you're doing.

Anyway, you will not
believe where I am right now.

(clears throat)

Steven, I'm gonna have
to call you back.

(phone beeps)

(clears throat)
Can I help you?

- In case you missed it,
cell phones are strictly
forbidden here, so...

- So what, you're gonna
rat me out?

- Maybe.

- Look, I've got a lot
at stake here. Just help me.

- Oh, you want me to help you?
After you stole my cab?

- You!
- That's right. Me.

You made me late
for a very important meeting.

- Look, pal, my mother
dragged me here against my will.

I'm up for a huge promotion
and I need to keep up,

which means I need my phone!

- Hmm. That doesn't sound
like a "please" to me.

(coughs)
- Please.

(phone vibrating)

(clears throat)

Gonna get that?

- Look, I recently
lost my job in finance, okay?

And I'm waiting
on a headhunter to call me back

so I can get back in the game.

- Oh, okay, so...

So, what you're saying
is that it's important
because it's for work?

- Yes. Exactly.
- Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Now... so is mine!

- Okay, fine.

I keep your secret,
you keep mine.

But we can't get caught.

And we can only use them
in case of emergency.

Deal?
- Scout's honour.

- Great.

- Now that we're all warm
and cozy,

we thought we'd give
you a quick rundown
of what to expect.

Christmas means different things
to different people.

But for many,
life can be so chaotic

that we lose sight of the spirit
of the season.

We hope that by stepping away
and indulging in some of
the simple joys

that Christmas has to offer,
you will gain some
much-needed perspective.

(Ivan): Over the next week,
we will explore

the seven quintessential
elements of Christmas,

from charitable giving,
reconnecting with loved ones,

and holiday baking.

- And at the end, we'll prepare
a traditional Christmas feast

where we celebrate,
look back at the week,

and enjoy the fruits
of our labour.

- But today,
we urge you to settle in,

take in the mountain air,

as well as what you want to take
away this holiday season.

- Mingle, get to know
each other,

and get ready for a week
of jam-packed holiday fun!

- Ah, cheers!

(others): Cheers!

- Mary! Mary!

- Oh!

- I'm so happy you came!

- Celeste! I haven't
seen you in ages!

This is my daughter, Kim.

- I'm a hugger!
- Oh, you're coming in!

- Oh!
(chuckling)

Good to meet you.

- I want you both to meet
my brother, Ted.

He's a big-shot
travel photographer,

but now that he's retired,
I get him all to myself
for the holidays!

- I really like your sweater.

- Thanks.
- Is that alpaca?

- As a matter of fact, it is.

Handmade by an artisan I met
when I was backpacking in Peru.

- Oh, Peru?
I've always wanted to go!

I'm fascinated by textiles.

(chuckling)

I'm Mary.

- And I'm Kim!

- Oh, and this
is my daughter, Kim.

- Very nice to meet you, Kim.

- So, travel photography?
- Yeah.

- Sunset Traveller Magazine.

He's even won awards.

- Ooh! Very impressive!

You know, I haven't had
a ton of opportunity
to travel in my life,

but flipping through
Sunset Traveller

is just like my passport
around the world!

(Ted): Where would you
like to go travelling?

- Oh! Haha! Look at that,
I am out of eggnog.

I will see you guys later.

- I need to try one of those
gingerbread cookies.

(chuckling)

(enchanting holiday music)

- Shortbread. A holiday classic,
but not easy to master.

Done wrong and you have
a dry crumbly mess.

Done right and you have
soft, decadent,

melt in your mouth perfection.

Today, I'm gonna show you
how to make shortbread so good,

your holiday guests
won't know what hit 'em.

Before you, you have the most
important ingredient, butter,

and lots of it.

First thing's first,
Partner A is going
to cream the butter.

Partner B is going to sift
the flour and sparkle
in the sugar.

- Cream butter?
What does that even mean?

- Well, you just mix it
until it's very smooth.

(scoffs)
Don't you remember?

We used to make
shortbread every Christmas
when you were little.

- No.
- You'd beg me
to lick the spoon,

even though it was just
pure butter and sugar.

- Ew, why did you
let me do that?

- Christmas is a time
to indulge!

- Clearly. What is this?
Like, two pounds of butter?

(sighs)
- It's Christmas! Live a little!

- Okay, I'm doing it,
I'm doing it!

- Now, get the flour.

Such a good job! Oh! Okay!

- Whoops.

(Rae): Don't do what he did,
people, but I will come around
and check on you.

And you're doing great,
I love you.

- Um...

- What?
- You, like, really get
the clumps out.

Here, I'll show you.
No, you did great.

- Look at poor Ted.

Celeste always has been
a bit of a micromanager.

She never let anyone else
bring snacks to book club.

- Ted! Can you come over here
for a minute? We need a hand.

Yes, you, Ted. Come on over!

- Kim! What are you doing?

- It's Christmas, live a little!

- Morning, ladies!

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

- How can I be of assistance?

- Well, you see, I just have
the weakest little wrists.

And I was wondering if you
would mind creaming the butter.

(chuckling)

- As long as you don't
mind a few clumps.

- Ah, couldn't care less.

Thank you.

- So, I take it you're
not a seasoned baker?

- What makes you say that?

- Oh, oh no, I didn't mean it.

- I'm kidding. I'm terrible.

(laughing)

This has always been
Celeste's thing.

She's really intense
about Christmas.

- Well, you can join
our team any time.

I mean, with Kim
as my partner...

(laughing)
I could use all
the help I can get.

(phone vibrating)

(laughing)

- Oh! Would you look at that?

I gotta get that.

- Kim!

- Uh, it's not
what it looks like!

- Really? Looks like
a phone to me.

- Ted, I really thought
we could be friends.

- Kim, get out from
under the table.

- I'm so sorry. I'm going
to have to take that.

Yeah, you know the rules.

- You don't understand,
it's really important!

And I only kept it because...

He has his phone, too!

- Traitor.

- Mark, is this true?

- I'm sorry, Rae.

Is there anything I can do
to make it up to you?

(grunting)
- Hey!

- Excuse me.
- Excuse me!

(playful music)

What?

- Well, now all we have
to do is get all this up
onto the roof.

- The roof? I'm not
lugging this on the roof!

- Well, where do you
suggest we put it?

- I think there is a nice area.

(scoffs)
- Santa parks his sleigh
on the roof, so...

- I'm telling you,
I'm not going up there.

I am a lawyer.
If I fall, I will sue.

- Fine. Have it your way.

(grunting)

Okay! They're all facing
the right way...

Now all we have to do
it stagger them. Excuse me!

- I never met a finance guy
who's so obsessed with
the placement of reindeer...

- Yeah, well, this was always
my job growing up here, so...

- Sorry. What?

- Right. Well, I sort
of grew up here.

- You sort of grew up here?

- Yeah. Rae and I inherited
the land from our parents

and well, I own it. Partly.

- You own it?
- Partly.

This has always been Rae's baby.

She's always super obsessed
with Christmas,

and this was a lifelong
dream of hers.

Me, on the other hand,

I haven't been back here
in years,

but now that I have no job,

I had no choice but not to come.

- Well, you seem
thrilled about it.

- And you seem right
at home here.

(crow cawing)

Anyways... whatever
happened with that engagement?

- It's none of your business.

(scoffs)
- So, it went well, then.

- I don't want to talk about it.

All I know is that if
I want to win him back,

I need to prove that
I can change, so... here I am.

(chuckling)

What?

- You think seven days
at a Christmas Retreat

is going to change you?

- It might!

- Yeah, I know your type.

- Oh! Oh, you know my type,
do you?

- Mm-hmm.
- Hmm. Need I remind you
that you had your phone, too?

- There's no way
you're gonna survive
the seven full days here.

- Really? And you're telling me

that if that headhunter called,
you wouldn't be on the first
bus out of here?

- Well, this is important
to my sister

so I'm sticking to it.

You, on the other hand?

Well, I'll be surprised
if you even make it
to the Christmas Eve feast.

- I got 179 on my LSAT

and I'm going to be the youngest
partner in my firm.

I can do a week of Christmas.

- We'll see about that.

(sighs)

Hmm.

(light music)

You're using way too much icing.

- Please. Your foundation
is all crooked.

- I like to think of it
as avant-garde.

(chuckling)
- Oh! No!

- See? Told ya!

Too much icing.

Put that much on,
it doesn't have time to dry,

leaving you with
an unstable structure.

- Thank you. I'll be sure
to keep that in mind

for my future in gingerbread
architecture.

- Don't be too hard on yourself.

I took a couple of structural
engineering classes in college.

- Ah, you don't say?

- Mm-hmm.
- Well, Mr. Engineer...

Hypothetically speaking,
what would happen

if I were to move
this here candy cane?

(gasps)
- You wouldn't.

(chuckling)
You're so mean.

- How's that structural
engineering class working out?

(wind howling)

- Thanks for cleaning up!

- It's more like disposing
of the evidence.

- Well, gingerbread's never
really been your forte.

- Hey, look, I'm sorry
about the phone, Rae.

I promise I'll do better.
- I know you will.

I know that being here
is not easy,

but it's only a week,

and then you can go back
to the city

and crunch numbers,
or file papers,

or do whatever
it is that you do.

- Yeah, that's if
I find another job.

- You will.

Look, while Ivan
and the rest of the group
are making fruit cake,

why don't you and I go
for a cross-country ski
for old time's sake?

- Yeah, I'd like that.

- Okay, great. I'm gonna
go grab my snow pants.

Do you mind running
to the office

and getting the keys
to the ski shed?

- Sure, no problem.

(soft music)

- Oh, hi!

Are you ready to tackle
another culinary creation?

Ivan actually seemed
unsettlingly excited
about this one.

- Uh, no, actually,

there's somewhere I gotta be.

(gasps)
- Are you bailing?

- What? No. Um, uh...
I guess...

- Are you alright?
You're being weird.

- Am I?
- Mm-hmm.

You're not arguing with me
and it's freaking me out.

Oh, I'm sorry about
the gingerbread house.

I'll make it up to you.

- It's, uh, it's water
under the bridge.

But there's somewhere
I gotta be,

so I'll see you later?
- Oh.

(sighs)

- I know, I know.
The office is a mess.

I don't want to hear it.

- Care to explain this?

- Oh. Is that the...?
- The offer on the land? Yeah.

When were you going to tell me?

- The Seven Diamond Group
sent it over a few weeks ago.

I was so excited about
you coming to the retreat,

I just figured I'd wait
'til it was over
to break the news.

- Wait. You're not actually
thinking of selling, are you?

- They want to turn it
into a luxury resort.

The retreat is barely
breaking even.

You know I've never been
good with numbers.

- Yeah, but Rae,
numbers are my thing.

If you had told me sooner,
maybe I could have helped.

- You barely make enough
time for yourself as it is.

I couldn't expect you
to take this on, too.

- Yeah, but this is your dream.

- It was.

And I can't thank you enough
for letting me use the land

to make that dream a reality.

But sometimes you just
have to accept defeat.

Besides, this property belongs
to the both of us.

You should have
a say in this, too.

- And I say we keep it.

There has to be something
we can do.

Maybe I can come on part-time.
- Mark...

Your heart's not in this,
and that's okay.

Besides, this money is gonna
give us both a fresh start.

You can start a company,
be your own boss.

The world's your oyster!

- Yeah, maybe.

But what about you and Ivan?

- We'll figure it out.

Anyway, enough about this.

Let's ski. Go get ready.

(soft music)

(Kim): Did you bring those
decorations from home?

- No! Well, it wouldn't
feel like Christmas

without our decorations!

Do you remember when you
made this one?

You were in first grade.
You were so proud of it.

- Yep, that is truly awful.

Wow.
- I love it!

It's one of my favourites.

- Hey, where's
the angel tree topper?

- Oh, I forgot to tell you.

Last year, when I was taking
down the tree,

I dropped it and it just
shattered into a million pieces.

- I am sorry, Mom. I know
how much you loved that thing.

- Yeah, I did.
Well, things happen.

- You're right, Mom.
It wouldn't feel like Christmas
without our decorations.

- Yeah.

- I'm sorry about today,
the whole phone thing.

I promise I'll do better.

- Oh, sweetie, I know you will.

Besides, you're already
making progress.

You... made a new friend!

- New friend? Who?

- That cutie pie, Mark.
- Cutie pie? Please.

- Well, you've gotta admit,
he's pretty easy on the eyes.

- Yeah? What about you
and Mr. Photography Guy?

(gasps)

- I have no idea what
you're talking about!

- I love your sweater.
Is it alpaca?

- Oh, you!
(laughing)

- That's what you sounded like!
- Not fair!

(indistinct chatter)

- Oh, stop it!

(laughing)

(bright Christmas music)

(soft music)

(bird calling)

(scoffs)

Oy... Oh!
- Oh!

- Oh! Where did you come from?

- Uh, my cabin?
- Oh.

- You're up early.

- Yeah, I'm always up early.

- Me too. It's a force of habit.
- Hm.

- Looks like we're the only two
who didn't sleep in.

- Listen, we have
a huge problem.

- What is that?
- There's no coffee.

- Hmm. That, I can help with.
- Oh!

- So, uh, why don't I head
into the kitchen

and make some coffee, and you
can get the fire started?

- Sure, no problem.
- Great.

- Okay, go.

Oh.

- Need a hand?
- No. I can light a fire.

- Okay. Prove it.

- Okay, well, you've got
your wood and your sticks

and you just...

- Huh.

- Okay. If you're such
an expert,

why don't you do it then?

- Okay. Now,
there are three steps
to build a successful fire.

First is your base layer,
which involves paper.

Crumple it up.

Place it here.
Next, is your kindling.

There you go.
- Mm-hmm.

- You place it in like this.
- Oh, like that? Got it.

- And then your next step,
the logs.
- Oh!

- Now, there is a great
debate over log placement.

I like to do
the teepee formation.

Like that, which allows
for optimal airflow.

Now, all you gotta
do is light it.

- Hey, it's working!
- You're a natural.

- Ha!

So, is there anything
you can't you do?

- Well, I guess I used to
spend so much time up here,

that it just became
second nature.

I always used to think that
I was gonna get into forestry,
actually.

- When did finance
come into the picture?

- Well, my dad was big
on job security,

so he wanted me to get
into finance and follow
in his footsteps.

- Do you miss it?
All this, I mean?

- You know, honestly, I didn't
realize how much I did
until I got up here.

My job took over my life
so bad that, uh...

I forgot how good it feels
to be surrounded by nature.

- Now that you've quit,
what are you gonna do?

- I used to think I was gonna
get back into finance,

but uh, now I'm not so sure.

So, well, that's where I'm at.

What about you?

- What about me?

- Well, I mean, you came
to a Christmas retreat
with your mom,

hiding in the woods
behind your phone.

- Like you, I work too much.

Or at least
my boyfriend thinks so.

Sorry, ex-boyfriend.

- Ah. The would-be fiancé.

- Yeah.

- Well, if you don't mind
me asking, what happened?

- I was so sure that
he was gonna propose.

We'd been together two years,

we weren't getting any younger!

We were both ready
to settle down, get married,

and move on to the next stage
of our lives.

- Ah. Romantic.

- Well, he took me
to Leopold's!

You don't just take someone
to Leopold's

unless you're planning
something.

Turns out, he was planning
to break up with me.

- Hmm. Well, you're here,

so that's gotta count
for something.

Maybe he'll come around.

- Yeah. I hope so.

Anyway, I better
go find my mom.

Thank you for the coffee.
- Mm-hmm.

- And the fire tutorial.

(birds calling)

- Craft day! This morning,
we'll be getting back to basics

by sourcing all of our wreath
and garland materials

from the nature
that surrounds us!

- Whoa! Just like in
the days of yore!

- Exactly, Celeste.

We like to use sustainable
materials whenever possible

and as an added bonus,
it smells amazing.

In your hands,
you'll find a checklist
of all the necessary materials,

and to make things interesting,
I thought it would be fun

to make this a competition
in the form of a...

- A scavenger hunt!
- Right, scavenger hunt!

Anyway, first person to find
every item on the list wins.

You know the drill. So, go!

- Go, go, go, go!
Let's go, let's go!

- Good luck.
- You're gonna need it.

(bright music)

- I'm looking for a fir!
See, this is gonna be too easy

(grunting)
Okay, maybe not.

That's... hmm.

- You're not supposed
to do that, you know.

- Do what?

- If you must use a branch,

you must pick one
up that has fallen
on the ground already.

- There aren't any.

And besides,
I want fresh branches.

So, if you would kindly
mind your own business...

- Yeah, I'm not gonna stand
by and watch you hurt trees.

- Oh. Hurt the tree?
It's a tree!

- Yeah, trees? They grow,
they breathe,

and they communicate,
just like us.

And if you must,
there's a proper way to do it.

- You're such a know-it-all.
- Just hear me out, okay?

Now, if you're gonna
cut a branch from a tree,

you must use a sharp blade
in order to reduce damage.

- The one day I forget
my sharp blade!

- Lucky for you, I did not.

(birds chirping)

Let's see...

- I don't understand
why you're helping me.

We're supposed to be
competitors.

- I'm just trying
to give you a leg up.

I'm still gonna win
the competition.

- We shall see about that!
- Hm.

Um, sorry.

- You weren't lying
about your interest
in forestry, huh?

- Well, I guess you could say
it's second nature.

- No, you didn't.

- Oh, I did. Low-hanging fruit.

- Forget finance.
You sir, should be a comedian.

- Oh, I'm gonna be laughing,
alright.

'Cause I'm gonna win
the scavenger hunt.

- No, I'd say we're about
neck and neck at this point.

- Yeah, no.

(gasps)
- What is that?!

- What? Where?

(playful music)

Hey! You gotta
to stop doing that!

Second place
is perfectly respectable.

- I never said it wasn't!

- Then why are you pouting?

- I'm not pouting.
I am focusing.

Okay, I've got my cedar,

but I am gonna need
some more pine cones.

Why are you laughing?

- That's not cedar, that's pine.

- So sorry, I hope I didn't
offend the lord of the trees!

(chuckling)
- Lord of the trees? Seriously?

- Focus on your own wreath!

(Ted and Mary laughing)

- Stop it!

- Those two seem to be
getting quite cozy.

(indistinct chatter)

- I've never seen her
this smitten before.

(laughing)

It's nice.

My dad left when I was little,
so it was just me
and her growing up.

She put so much
time and energy into me,

she didn't leave room
for romance...

or anything else,
for that matter.

- She sounds like a great mom.

- She was... Is.

But I think it's time she put
herself first for a change.

- Here we go, we had
some leftover materials.

- Mom!
- I think it's gonna look--

- Please, no!
- Here we go!

- No!
(laughing)

(shutter clicking)

- Ted! I wasn't ready!

- I like capturing
candid moments.

They tell a better story.

Besides, if you don't
mind me saying so,

you look beautiful.

- Oh. Take a look at that.

- Whoa. I hardly
recognize myself.

- I haven't seen
that smile in years.

Maybe this retreat is having
an effect on you.

Steven won't know what hit him.

- That is, if he ever
talks to me again.

Actually, Ted, is it possible
to get a hard copy of that?

(Ted): Let me see what I can do.

- What is that?

- It's a snowflake.
What does it look like?

- I don't think you understood
the assignment.

They're called
ugly Christmas sweaters.

- Oh! I will take that
as a compliment.

- Look around you!

Everyone else is having fun,

and you're five minutes
away from carpal tunnel.

- If I'm gonna do something,
I'm gonna do it well.

Besides, why not make
something I would actually wear?

- Because they're called
ugly Christmas sweaters,

which means they're supposed
to be humiliating and funny.

- Alright, Mr. Christmas.
Why don't you show
me how it's done?

- Don't mind if I do.

In fact, why don't we
make this interesting?

- Like a competition?
- Whoever's sweater's uglier,

the other has to wear
for 24 hours, starting tomorrow.

- No, no, I can't do 24 hours.

- Then you better not lose.

(Kim grunting)

- Oh, it's tangled!
I can't get this undone!

- And... time!

On the count of three,
hold up your sweaters.

One, two, three!

(chuckling)

(shutter clicking)

Oh! Yeah, um...

Those are some
pretty hideous sweaters.

This is, uh,
gonna be a tough one, guys.

Judges, let's take a moment
to deliberate.

Okay, listen.

(indistinct whispering)

- Well, we've made our decision.

And the winner is...

It's a tie!

(applause)
Woo!

(both): What? A tie?!

So, what do we do now?

(bright Christmas music)

- Ugh.

- Morning, ladies!
Hot chocolate?

- Uh, no, I'm gonna
stick to coffee, thanks.

- Ooh! How about
one of these instead?

- That's the spirit!

- Kim, I think you should
try this.

- Come on, Mark. You know
you want cookies for breakfast.

- Thanks.

(chuckling)

(upbeat music)

♪ Gonna find my way
to your heart ♪

♪ Cause you and I fit
like a hand in glove ♪

♪ Hoping to make a fresh start ♪

- 'Twas the night before
Christmas, and all through
the house,

not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung
at the chimney with care

in the hopes that Saint Nicholas
soon would be there.

And the children, all nestled,
snug in their beds,

visions of sugar plums
danced in their heads.

I, in my 'kerchief...
(clanking)

...had just settled down...
(laughing)

- Shh! Shh!

(laughing)

- I cannot believe you broke
my masterpiece.

- If anything, I think
the missing bobble improves it.

- How dare you? When you
are wearing a piece of art,

you must treat it
with the utmost respect.

- Excuse me! I think,
if anything,

I should be criticizing
the quality of your
craftsmanship.

If it was made with any
kind of attention--

- Oh!
(laughing)

- You did not just...

- Oh, I did.

- You are going down!

(whimsical music)

(laughing)

(grunting)

- Okay, okay, you win!
Truce. Truce.

- Truce.

(panting)

(grunting)
- Hey!

(laughing)

(fire crackling)

- Is there anything cozier
than drinking apple cider

around an open fire?

One whiff and I'm transported
back to my childhood.

Ooh! Christmas Eve,
Gammy's living room, ooh,

those are my fondest memories.

- We used to toss our chestnuts
in the fire

and watch to see
whose popped first.

(chuckling)
- Mom hated it.

(laughing)
- Joke was on us, though,

because we never got
to eat any of them.

(laughing)
- Oh, those were the best days.

- Kim and I had this tradition
where every Christmas Eve

we would build snowmen
versions of ourselves.

See, Kim thought
that it'd be easier for Santa

to find where we lived

if he could see us
on our front lawn.

- Why did we ever
stop doing that?

- Well, you grew up.
Things change.

I guess the magic of Christmas
just faded over time.

- I think maybe it's time
we brought it back.

- What about you, Mark?

- Huh, uh, what about me?

- You grew up around here,
right?

You must have some
stories to tell.

- Yeah, it was, uh...
it was great.

Most of the time.

I was a different person
back then, so, um,

most of those memories
have faded away.

Well, actually, um,
I do have this one memory.

We had a family dog,
and his name was Jasper.

And every night during Christmas
we would come out here

and we would sing
Christmas carols,

around this very fire pit.

And Jasper,

he would howl along
to every single song.

Almost as if he knew the lyrics.

(soft music)

(joyful Christmas music)

(soft music)

- Good morning.
- Well, good morning indeed,

what time is it?

- It is time to put on your
mittens and meet me outside.

- For what?

- You'll see.

(chuckling)

- Ta-da!

(laughing)
- What is all this?

- We are going to build
our snow ladies.

- Oh, Kim,
I don't know what to say.

Except for, let's get
this ball rolling!

(laughing)

(bright music)

These ladies are looking
pretty sharp.

You know, it's a shame
that we don't have the--

- Maraschino cherries?

(gasps)

- I can't believe
you remembered!

- Well, our ladies wouldn't
be complete

without their rosy cheeks,
now would they?

Cute!
(chuckling)

- Oh, I hate to say
I told you so, but I...

- What are you talking about?
- This retreat is working.

You seem happy.

You know, I don't think
I've seen you like this

in a long time.
- Mom, I've been happy.

But I guess I do feel different.

Which was the whole point
of coming here.

Thank you.

Thank you for everything.
- Oh, I love you honey.

- I love you, Mom.

- I love the maraschino
cherries.

- I know. You love 'em.
- Good call!

(laughing)

- Everyone gather round.

Holiday correspondence.

This tradition is especially
important.

It allows us to reflect
on the year past,

look at the things
that we're grateful for,

and share them with loved ones.

- Hm, who are you
gonna write to?

- Your Aunt Gloria, I send her
a Christmas letter every year.

- Ted, what about you?

- The Sherpa who guided me
up Everest.

He saved my life.

I don't think I ever got
a chance to properly thank him.

By the way, I asked Rae
to print that up for you.

- Oh, Ted, that's so sweet,
thank you.

- Oh, that is sweet.

So, what about you, Kim?
Who are you gonna write to?

- I am gonna write to Steven,

and I'll send him
these photos so he can see

how well I'm doing.

I'm not at work,
I can have fun too.

(chuckling)

I just don't know
where to start.

- You just start writing.

If you speak from the heart,

what you need to say
will come to you.

(music playing softly)

- Thank you.
- Oh, you bet.

- Thank you, Rae.

- Hey.

I was thinking,

maybe I'll get your mom a little
something for Christmas.

I wanted to see
if you had any ideas.

- Ted, that's a lovely idea,
a Christmas gift.

For my mom...

for Christmas...

- That's right, Christmas.
- Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

I will circle back
to you on that.

(whimsical music)

Ugh, it's worse than the one
I made in first grade.

What am I gonna...

...do?

Where are you going?
- Well, hello to you too.

- Oh, where are you going?!
- I'm going to town

to mail the letters.
- You have to take me with you!

- Haven't you ever heard
of the word please?

- You have to take me
with you please!

- Why? You finally
planning your escape?

- No.

Okay, look,
I'm not proud of this,

but I forgot to get
my mom a Christmas present,

and it just so happens
she's the most thoughtful

gift giver on Earth,
she probably got me something

perfect that I didn't know
I needed, so now I need you

to drive me to town
so I can get her something.

(gasps)

I also don't know
where the town is.

- Okay.
- Ooh!

(car starting)

(car dinging)
(Mark): Uh...

(Kim): Yeah.
What is wrong with this?

- If you pull it slower,
you can...

Here, just...

- Like that?
- Yup, just like that.

(laughing)

(playful music)

- Mark, this is such
a cute town!

It's like something
out of a movie,

what is all this?
- This is the annual

Christmas market,
they do the entire week

leading up until Christmas.

You know, I always thought
I'd settle down here?

- Why didn't you?
- Well, turns out

there's not a lot of investment
firms in Middlebury.

- Ah. Well, I mean,
this is perfect,

I'll definitely be able
to find something for my mom.

- Great. Why don't you
take a look around

and I'm gonna go mail these
at the post office?

- Okay, I'll meet you back here.
- Sounds good.

(faint Christmas music)

(indistinct chattering)

Oh my goodness.

- Quite a looker, isn't she?

- This is just like the one
my mom had growing up.

She recently broke it.

This is like
a Christmas miracle.

- It was donated by
a local antiques dealer.

As it turns out,

angels like this
are pretty rare nowadays.

- Donated?
- We're doing a fundraiser

for the local retirement
community.

- Well, it's for a good cause...

How much do I owe you?

- For you? $10.
- $10?

This is a one of a kind antique,

it has to be worth
more than that,

I am willing to pay.
- I'm a sucker for a good story.

Besides, imagine the look
on your mom's face

when you give this to her
on Christmas morning?

$10, final offer.

- Thank you.

- Let me wrap this up for you.

- Oh, um, do you mind

if I borrow your phone
for a quick call?

- No problem.
- Okay.

(phone beeping)

(phone ringing)
Pick up, pick up, pick up...

Pick up your phone...

Pick up, pick up, pick up...

- Ahem.
- Wha...

- Ha! I knew you were
planning your escape.

- If you must know,
I was trying to call Steven.

- Ha.

- He did not pick up.

- Well, I'm sorry.

- Oh, it's alright,
he'll get my letter soon enough.

I just want him to know
that he's on my mind

and I'm doing this for him.
- I'm sure he will.

- What?

What is it?

(chuckling)

- I used to have this exact book
when I was growing up.

It was my grandfather's,
but you know what,

before I could read,
I would just flip through

and look at all the pictures.

Everything I know about plants
is because of this book.

- You should get it.

- Oh, nah, it'll just...
gather dust.

- How about
for sentimental value?

- Yeah, what can I say, I'm not
much of a sentimental guy.

- If you say so.

- Hey, are you hungry?
- Starving.

- Great.
I know a fantastic spot.

I'll go grab the car
and see you at the entrance?

- Okay.
- Okay.

(soft music)

(bluesy music playing)

(bell on door ringing)

Huh, hm...

- Man, I haven't been
back here in years.

Did you know this place
has Minnesota's best flapjacks?

- No offence, people always
say that, and it is rarely true.

- Maybe we prove them wrong.

- Oh, okay.
- Oh, it's my favorite booth.

- Oh.
(chuckling)

Oh.

Thank you.
- There you go.

- Oh, Mark Reynolds?!
Where on Earth have you been?

- Glenda, I can't believe
you're still here.

- Well, where else would I be?
I own this place now.

- What? Congratulations!

Old Sam finally caved, huh?

- It took my 15 years
to convince him,

but he finally packed his bags,

moved to Mexico,
left the whole place to me.

- Wow.
- Now, don't tell me...

Double stack of flapjacks?
- Mm-hmm.

- Extra butter...
side order of crispy bacon

and a strawberry shake!

- You still got it.
- You know it, sweetie!

And for the lovely lady?
- I will have the same please,

but make my strawberry milkshake
a coffee.

- You got it!
- Thank you.

Well, it's official,
I love Glenda.

- Everyone loves Glenda.
(chuckling)

- That's fair.

(clears throat)

- Oh, um, while we're waiting,

what do you say to a rematch?

- Ooh.
- Crazy Eights or Gin Rummy?

- Crazy Eights.
Double or nothing.

- Okay.

(Kim): Would you... like me
to show you how to shuffle?

- I, I got this.
- No, Mark, it's so bad.

- Oh, come on, I got this.

(laughing)

(joyful Christmas music)

(indistinct chatter)

What's all this?

- Oh, well, there's a retirement
home down the hill

and every year
the retreat donates

all of their home-made
decorations and treats

to help spread a little
Christmas cheer.

- That's so nice.
How can I help?

- Uh, well, I think Mark
needs a little help

chopping down
the Christmas tree.

(soft music)

- Hm.

How are we supposed
to choose one?

- You'll know when you see it.

My dad and I used to do this
together every year.

We'd come out here
just the two of us

and we'd stay out here
'til we found one

that was just right.

- Well that sounds like
a lovely tradition.

- It was.

It was one of the few times
I actually got to see him relax

or saw him at all,
for that matter.

He worked a ton,

so we didn't have a lot
of father-son bonding time.

Except for when
we were out here.

- But why'd you stop
coming, then?

- He, uh, he passed away.

- Mark, I'm so sorry.

- It's okay,
it was ten years ago,

and our relationship was, well,
it was complicated.

Being back here sort of
brings it all back up.

- For what it's worth,
I think it's really brave

you're here now.

You can see how much
it means to Rae.

- I don't think I would've
come back here at all

if it weren't for her.
But being here now

has made me realize that,
despite our complicated past,

I'm slowly turning
into my father.

I made my work my priority

and inadvertently turned
my back on my family.

You know, I watched my dad
sacrifice his own happiness

to provide for us, and well,

in the end,
it cost him his life.

- What do you mean?

- He died of a heart attack.
- Mark...

- Doctors had warned him that
if he continued that lifestyle,

that he would be a high risk.

But it's made me realize that
I think I'm ready for a change.

(birds chirping)

What about that one?

(soft music)

- That's it.

- It is.

Care to do the honors?
- Ooh, yes!

- Okay, so, the garland can go
on the bottom of that window,

and the wreath can go
on the door.

- I gotta tell you, Rae,
I think it is really impressive

what you're doing here.
- Thanks, Kim. It means a lot.

A lot of the residents don't get
to go home for the holidays,

and some of them don't even
have homes to go to,

so bringing them a little bit
of Christmas magic

is the least we can do.

- I think this is my favorite
part of the retreat so far.

- It's the highlight for me too.

Nothing gets me
in the Christmas spirit

like the spirit of giving.
- Couldn't agree more.

- Oh, better get back to it.
- Oh.

(bright Christmas music)

(shutter clicks)

Ted, I don't think
I have ever seen you

without that camera
in your hand.

Why don't you put it down,
take a break?

You're on vacation.

- But this isn't work for me,
this is my passion.

When you're doing what you love,
it never feels like work.

(Mark): That's not right...

Ah, and there we go.

- Wow, that looks good.
- Solid as a rock.

Now, the only challenge
is gonna be untangling

these Christmas lights.
- Oh no!

- You think you're up for it?
- I am always

up for a challenge.

- Penny for your thoughts?

- I was just thinking
about something Ted said to me,

about how if you love
what you do,

it doesn't feel like work.

- Yeah, but, you love
what you do, don't you?

- Well, I always knew
I would be a lawyer.

I was captain of my debate team
three years running.

- Ah, surprising.
- Hey!

- I'm just kidding. Continue.

- What I really wanted to do

was make a positive impact
on people's lives.

I thought that law was the best
way for me to do that.

- So, what kind of work
do you do?

Like, pro-bono cases or--
- Not exactly.

That was the plan, but then
I got this great job at the firm

and I was basically
put on the fast track

to becoming partner. So I...

lost track of my priorities
along the way.

- Yeah, I can relate to that.

- Can I ask you something?
- I'm... all ears.

(laughing)

- I was just talking to Rae,
and she said that

a lot of the residents
don't have anywhere to go

for Christmas.
So I was thinking,

we have all this food
and extra space at the retreat,

maybe we can invite them
to join us

for our Christmas Eve feast?

(chuckling)
- That's a great idea.

- Really?
- Yeah.

- The honor of doing
what you love.

- Yeah! I'll go ask her now.

Hey, Rae, listen, okay...

(joyful Christmas music)

- Peeled potatoes.
- Check.

Check.
- And where are we at

on the stuffing?
- The bread is being crumbled

as we speak.
- Nice!

- I am who I am!

(laughing)

(indistinct chatter)

(Mark): Comedy gold.
- Oh, Mark...

(gasps)

- You have come
such a long way, Ted!

- Not a single lumpy cookie.

(laughing)

- So, just gentle.
Ooh, too fast! Slow down.

Ooh!
(cheering)

- Yes!
- Ooh.

- Oh, um.
(clears throat)

Sorry, I didn't mean to.
- Oh, it's fine.

It's a big deal, structural
engineering class paid off.

- Yeah. It did.

(soft music)

Looks like the feast
is coming together.

- Yeah, I couldn't be happier.

- Really? Seems like you have
something on your mind.

- I'm thinking
of quitting my job.

- Oh. Where did that come from?

- Being here.
Throwing this feast.

I got into law so that I could
give back and help people.

I'm not.

I got so focused
on the pursuit of success

that I lost sight of what
I wanted to do

in the first place.
- What now?

- Don't know.

But I think that's kind of okay.

I do know I can't keep
doing what I'm doing.

I want my work to have
meaning and purpose.

- Looks like you've come
a long way.

I guess seven days
at a Christmas retreat

can change a person.
- Yeah, turns out, yeah.

(chuckling)

It seems crazy, but I have
never felt clearer.

Consider me converted.
- Huh.

- I was thinking I might have
to come back next year.

- Yeah, um...

There might not be a next year.

- Why?

- Well, Rae, for all her
many wonderful qualities,

doesn't have a mind
for business.

And to keep this place afloat,

she'd have to bring on
somebody full-time,

which she can't afford.

An offer's been made on the land

and I think we're gonna take it.

- You can't throw
this place away.

Look at what it has the power
to do, it can change people,

bring people together.

Look at my mom and Ted,
look at us!

- What do you mean us?

- Look at how far
we've both come.

You may not see it yet,
but you've changed too.

- Kim, I really appreciate

what you've gotten
from all this, but...

there's nothing more I can do.

- Just don't make
any decisions yet.

I think you'll miss this place
more than you realize.

(bell ringing)

Ah, I guess that's Ivan
summoning us for our Yule logs.

Um... are you coming?

- I'm... I'm gonna, um,

restock the wood pile first.

(soft music)

(grunts)

What are you looking at?

(playful music)

I know!

She's right.

(clears throat)

- Were you just talking
to a snowman?

- What? No.

(chuckles)
Maybe.

Look, we need to talk.

- Okay.
- We can't sell this place.

- Yeah, but Mark--
- No, no, no, hear me out.

I'll come on full-time,

and we can turn
this place around.

We could do retreats
all year long, host events,

and maybe even rent it out.
We can do this.

I don't wanna sell this place.

- Well, I gotta say, Mark,
I'm a little surprised.

I always assumed that this place

brought back
such hard memories for you

you'd be happy to sell.

- Yeah...

but what I didn't expect
was it to bring back

good memories as well.

- Are you sure about this?

I don't want you coming on
just for me.

- It's not just for you.
It's also for me.

I never gave you enough
credit before, but...

You know what? I get it now.

You built something
really special here,

and you should be
proud of yourself.

And I would be proud
to come on as your partner.

If you'll have me.

- Thank you, Mark.
(laughing)

(joyful music)

Let's go tell
that developer, huh?

- Lead the way, boss.

Whatever.

(Mary): I think that's
a fantastic idea!

- Am I being too impulsive?
Like, am I crazy to quit?

- Uh, well, you are both
of those things.

But I fully support it.

You know, you were very
good at that job

but that job was not
good for you.

Besides, I know whatever
it is you pursue next,

you'll be great.

- Thank you, Mom.

I just wanna do something
I really care about.

(Rae): Last chance! Are you sure
this is what you want?

- Send the email.

(bright music)

- Okay! It's official,
we're keeping the retreat!

- Yeah! First day
of the rest of our lives.

- And you're happy?
- I'm very happy.

For once I'm thinking with
my heart and not with my head.

- Good.

And speaking of your heart...

- What are you gonna do
about Mark?

- What are you talking about?

- I'm talking about you and Kim.

(scoffs)
- What about us?

- Don't play dumb with me.

Everyone can see that
you two are perfect together.

(scoffs)
- Are you kidding me?

We spent the first half
of this retreat

biting each other's heads off.

- That's called chemistry,
sweetheart.

- Okay, you seem to be
forgetting about something,

and that something is Steven.

- Correct me if I'm wrong,
but did they not break up?

- Yeah, but, she's here,
you know,

trying to win him back, so...

- Okay, maybe there is a little
something between Mark and I,

but I came here
to win Steven back,

so, that's what I have to do.

- If your heart still lies
with Steven, I support you.

- Just give it some thought.

I don't want you to regret
not telling her how you feel.

- All I'm saying
is that sometimes people

come into your life
for a reason.

You can't ignore the signs.

(sighs)
- Hi, Kim.

- Steven.

What are you doing here?

- I got your letter.
- Right, my letter.

Um, I just--
- Kim, just...

Um, I need to say something.

I love you.

I was wrong to end things,

and I've had a lot
of time to think about it

and...

the time away
has made me think that...

you're the one.

- Oh...

(door closing)

Mark.

Uh, this is Steven.

(sombre music)

- Right.

- Steven, can I talk to you
outside for a sec?

- Yeah.

- I don't know what to say,
I'm...

- Look at you--
- Oh.

- You're freezing.
- Oh, thank you, thank you.

- Here.

- Thank you.

But um, where is this
all coming from?

A week ago you broke up with me

and now you are proposing to me.

- I got your letter.

I mean, the fact
that you would come here,

take all this time off work just
to prove that you could change?

No one has ever done
anything like that for me.

It made me realize
how wrong I was.

And that you really are ready
to prioritize us.

I love you, Kim,

and I want to spend
the rest of my life with you.

I mean...

You don't have to answer
right away.

Just come back
to the city with me.

I made reservations at our spot

and we can sit down,
talk it all through.

Figure out our future together.

- I'm sorry,
I need to talk to M...

my mom.
- Of course.

Whatever you need.

(fire crackling)

(soft music)

- Hey.

- Hey.

I guess congratulations
are in order.

Looks like your plan worked.

- I haven't accepted yet.

- Well, you're going to, right?

- It all happened so fast

and I'm not sure...

- You're not sure?

Isn't that the whole reason
why you came here?

To... win him back.

- I guess.

Do you think I should accept?

- Of course. Why wouldn't you?

- I was thinking...

(soft music)

Never mind.

He wants us to go back
to the city tonight,

work things out.

- You should go.

Oh, and don't worry
about the feast.

We've got it under control.

- Are you sure?

- Yeah. Oh, and uh...

congrats on the engagement, Kim.

- Thank you.

So this is goodbye then?

- Yup. See ya.

(sighs)

- Oh, Kim, I'll get this.
- Oh, thank you.

- Thanks, Steven. Take care.
- Bye, Mary.

- Well, make sure that
you guys drive safely.

- We will, Mom.

Merry Christmas.
- Oh, sweetheart.

You didn't have to do that.
- It's nothing big,

just when I saw it,
I knew you had to have it.

- Aw. Thank you. Listen,
I will call you after the feast.

Okay? Tell you all about it.
- I can't believe

I'm missing it.
Are you sure you'll be okay?

- Yes. You have done plenty,
we're ready.

And you go...

figure things out with Steven.

- Okay.

- I love you, sweetheart.

- I love you too.
- Bye-bye.

(birds chirping)

(wind whistling)

(gasps)
What is this?

(soft music)
Oh, Kim.

Oh, sweetheart.

(car starting)

(bright music)

- Thank you.

- Are you sure you want
to eat dinner here?

I made reservations in the city.
- Yeah, come on, I'm starving.

Besides, this place has
the best flapjacks in the state.

- People always say that.
- Well, this time it's true.

- Well, I guess...

breakfast for dinner
has its charms.

- Glenda, hi!
- Two coffees.

Uh rush, please.
- Sure.

- So, um, tell me everything.

I mean, a Christmas retreat.
What did you guys do all week?

Did you deck the halls?

Bake cookies?
Write letters to Santa?

- Kind of.

But it was about
so much more than that.

- How so?

- It was actually really great.

We decorated this retirement
home in town

and then we invited
all the residents

to this big holiday feast.

I have never felt so fulfilled.

- Wow, sounds...
sounds nice, hun.

- It was. It, um...

It actually inspired me
to quit my job.

- You're kidding?

- No, I think it's the right
move for me.

- I couldn't agree more.
Babe, this is fantastic.

Finally, we're on the same page.

We can settle down, buy a house.

Actually, there's this place
for sale on my parent's block

that I've been eyeing out
for a while now--

- I've...

I don't think I'm really
in the position

to be buying a new house,
I think I should

get a new job first.

- But you just said
you were done working.

- No, I said I'm done
at the firm.

I still want to work,
maybe for a non-profit

or an innocent project.
- Babe, you don't have to work.

I make enough for both of us.
Just think about it.

I buy us this awesome place,
huge back yard.

You can stay at home
with the kids--

(choking)
- Stay... um...

I am gonna stop you there.

Sounds lovely,
it really does, but...

I don't think
that's the life for me.

- Kim, in your letter,
you made it sound like

you were ready to settle down.

- Just because I'm ready
to settle down with someone

doesn't mean I should
give up on my dreams.

- I'm confused.

I thought we were
on the same page.

- I guess that's the problem,
maybe we never were.

(fire crackling)

(soft music)

(Kim): Dear Mark,

this past week has been one of the most special

and transformative times in my life.

Please accept this as a token of my appreciation

for playing such a huge part in that.

I rediscovered a part of me that has been long forgotten.

I hope this does the same for you.

Kim.

(joyful music)

I'm sorry, Steven,
I really tried.

- I know.

I appreciate it.

But you're right.

We don't want the same things.

I'll drive you back.
- No, no, no, it's a long drive.

I'll just call someone
at the retreat to come get me.

You go.

- Are you sure?
- Yeah.

- Okay.

I'll get your bags.

- Thank you.

(bells on door ringing)

- Oh, cell phone service
is really iffy out here.

Why don't you try the pay phone?

- Oh, this line is dead too!

- Oh, I was afraid of that.

Tree took down the phone line
a couple of days ago

and I guess they don't have
it up and running yet.

Can I top you up?

- Yeah, thanks Glenda.

(wind whistling)

(jazz music)

Mark...

How did you... where did you...

- Kim, I got your gift.

And the note. I mean...

Look, I'm sorry that I was upset
before, it was just that...

Wait, where's Steven?

- We decided we're better off
as friends.

- Oh.

- How did you know I was here?

- Well, I was coming
to find you,

and then I saw you
sitting there in the window.

- How could I resist
Minnesota's best flapjacks?

- That's a good point.

So, you and Steven
just decided to be friends?

- We want different things.

And there's also the fact that,
as it turns out,

I have feelings
for someone else.

- I hope you're talking
about me.

- It's you.

- Mark!
- Oh.

- Let me guess, the usual
with a strawberry shake?

- Uh, thanks Glenda,

but actually, we have a feast
we have to get to.

- Yes, yes.
- So, uh--

- Okay.
- Rain check, okay?

Um, I'll grab your--
- Thank you.

(jazzy holiday music playing)

(indistinct chatter)

(gasps)
- Kim! Sweetheart,

you came back?

- I couldn't miss the Christmas
feast now could I?

- What about Steven?
I mean, is--

- Everything's fine.
Everything's fine,

I will explain later.

- Wonderful. Listen,
you are right on time.

Our special guests
have just arrived.

- Ah, yes.
- Shall we?

- Oh, oh Kim,
I'm so glad you came back.

- Well, a wise woman once said
I should follow my heart.

- Oh, yes, she sounds
very wise indeed.

- Mm-hmm.
- Quite beautiful too,

I might add.
- Oh, stunning.

(laughing)

- And, as it turns out...

I'm gonna be following
my own heart too.

All the way to Thailand.
- What are you talking about?

- Ted asked me to go with him
on his next adventure.

He already bought the plane
tickets and everything.

- Mom, that's amazing!
When do you leave?

- We fly out New Year's Day.
(gasps)

Oh sweetie, I've always
wanted to see the world.

- I know.

You deserve this more
than anyone I know.

That is a lovely gift.

- Yeah.

Well, almost as lovely
as the angel tree topper.

Oh, Kim, thank you.
That's perfect.

- I love you, Mom.
- I love you too sweetie.

(glass clinking)

- If I can have everyone's
attention, one last time,

I would like to make a toast.

This season has been
an especially memorable one

for all of us
here at the retreat.

You've all given yourselves
fully to this event,

and I could not
be more appreciative.

I wasn't gonna say
anything, but...

This was looking like
it was gonna be

our last season hosting
this event.

But fortunately,

my generous and talented
brother, Mark,

has offered to come on full time

to help keep this retreat
alive and well.

(applause)

Mark, having you here has meant
more than you know.

And we are all so happy
to have you come aboard.

A toast to family and friends,

new and old.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

(all): Merry Christmas!

(joyful music)

♪ It was a moment in time
on that fateful night ♪

♪ And it seemed so wrong
But now it feels right ♪

♪ You looked at me
and you thought you knew ♪

- There you go.
Merry Christmas. Enjoy.

♪ It was standing
in front of you... ♪

- So, your shift is done,
I'm taking over.

- No, it's fine, I don't mind.

- I said, I'm taking over.

♪ Now I know
I just could not see ♪

♪ When you were standing
in front of me ♪

- May I have this dance?
- You may.

Is there anything you can't do?

- Yeah, I'm a terrible cook.

(gasps)
- That's gonna be

a deal breaker for me.

(chuckling)

Why didn't you tell me
you were keeping the retreat?

- It was a... it was a real
last-minute decision.

Our conversation that we had,
it stuck with me.

This place is really special
and I could never forgive myself

if I gave this place up.

And besides,

you said you were
coming back next year,

so I figured if I wanted
to see you again,

I had no choice.

- I don't know what to say.
I'm thrilled.

But...

Just so you know, you don't
have to keep the retreat open

to see me again.

- Kim Jones,
are you asking me out?

- I have been meaning to ask...

What are you doing
New Year's Eve?

♪ And I'll always be
here for you ♪

♪ I will always be
here with you ♪

(joyful music)

Subtitling: difuze