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[choppy static] Start playing--

...been around him
long enough.

[choppy static] Images America.

[choppy static] We'd like
to thank the--

[choppy static] Before you
know it--

[choppy static]
Behind the light, the heroes--

[choppy static] People have
believed in the--

[choppy static] Christmas will
be--

[choppy static] So I said
to my wife--

[choppy static] Sale
on holiday--

[choppy static]
...had a vision of your--

-Over 1,100

[choppy static continues]
Experi--

[TV] You're watching the Harmony
Home Network,

the channel with the most
original holiday movies.

This week it's the Sugarplum
movie marathon.

An entire week of fan-favorite
holiday movies.

It's a chance to revisit

all your favorite Sugarplum
movie moments,

like saving the Christmas
Tree Farm.

We did it.

[TV] Dating a secret holiday
Prince.

The secret holiday prince
was you?

[TV] And who could forget
giving the town

its first white Christmas thanks
to a magical snow globe

from Santa Claus himself.

But wait there's more.

We're looking for the most
Sugarplum home in the country.

One so Christmassy,
Sugarplum herself

would feel right at home.

Deck your halls for
a chance to win.

Escape the stress
of the holidays

with the Sugarplum Marathon.

The only perfect Christmas
is a Sugarplum Christmas.

* Filling up my
Christmas list *

* My favorite time of year *

* For Christmas... *

Jess, hi, it's Emily.

Yeah. I need you to see
if you can move back

my meeting with
opposing counsel.

Keep it on the DL.

But I am MIA to finish a
little holiday baking ASAP.

Which reminds me,

Ben, Kids, family meeting,
12 minutes.

Okay, I gotta go.

Or these fruitcakes are
never gonna be ready in time.

[chuckles]

Very funny.

Yes, I'm talking about
my baking.

Nina!

Oh, Nina, this room
is a disaster.

Come on,
I asked you to tidy up.

Are you sure that was me?

Redhead, ye tall,
full of attitude.

Pretty sure it was you.

Mom, I need to focus
on perfecting my song

for the Christmas Eve pageant,
not on cleaning my room.

No. You need to be focusing
on your grades

so that you get into the right
school after you graduate.

Berklee College of Music.
How did this get in here?

Mom, listen...

We talked about this.

Your father and I have
known that you love singing.

And you are great.

But you need to get a degree
in something

that has real prospects
from a college

that is closer to home.

I don't need you guys planning
my entire life for me.

We're not planning
your entire life

just through your mid 30s.

Look, you know we want
what's best for you.

But sometimes when you talk
about a career in singing,

you sound a little
unrealistic.

And you sound
a little off-key.

Okay. Kitchen. Ten minutes.

[strumming guitar]

One last little touch.

-Ben!!!
-[tumble sounds]

Guessing I should
have knocked.

It's fine.

Mr. Harrington's
probably gonna have me rework

the whole design anyway...
again.

More micromanaging.

I swear, ever since
his divorce,

that guy wants everyone
who works for him

to be just as miserable
as he is,

especially over the holidays.

It's like I'm working
for Scrooge

only instead of three
fun ghosts,

he's just haunted by regret.

Well, maybe now is
the perfect time

to stand up to him, right?
Finally put him in his place.

Emily, it's his
architecture firm.

The whole place is his place.

Ben, honey, I...

I want to.
You know I do.

but if I just hang in there,

maybe he'll give me that chance
I always wanted,

to build something important.

Well, speaking of important,

can you make sure that Max
is dressed and ready

for the meeting in the kitchen
in 10 minutes?

Mmhmm.

And I really like the open
concept for the entryway.

It's a better flow.

Hm.

Hey, you're looking good.

What's that?
You heard I got moves.

Nah, I mean, there's
a little something

I've been working on,
but I couldn't.

Right now?

* Go, go, go,
Okay, trendsetter *

* Yeah we bring the heat
like we know better. *

* Show 'em what you got
in this new weather. *

* Be anything you want. *

* Anything you want. *

* Be anything you want. *

* Let's go. *

* Got a real good feeling
about this. *

What?

I love you, too.

Max. Family meeting.
Let's go.

Oh. What's this?

Making another one of
your fun dance videos?

Dad, that's like saying
string is a sweater

or that paint is
the Sistine Chapel.

What I do is an art form.

Well, I'd love to see
one sometime.

Well, maybe you should invite
your friends from school.

We could have a viewing party,
make some popcorn.

No, no, no, no, I don't
show these to anyone.

Especially not kids
from school.

I'm having trouble fitting
in there already.

Well, hey...

If you want any pointers
believe it or not,

I was pretty cool
in high school, so.

I'm. gonna go with or not.

Go on. Hide behind jokes
all you want,

but I see you.

Others will too, if you're
a little bit more open.

Thanks, Dad.

I mean, of all the advice
you've ever given me,

that wasn't
the absolute worst.

Couldn't you just let me
have the straight win, huh?

I feel like I've given
you enough.

Huh?

Okay. This family meeting
is officially called to order.

We are exactly one week away
from Christmas.

And you know what that means.

Please don't say
the holiday checklist.

The holiday checklist.

Five things my mom used to
do to make Christmas perfect.

Five things I have never
been able to do

to my satisfaction
over the holidays,

no matter how hard I try.

Maybe your standards
are too high.

Maybe you just need
a plan.

A plan?

All I do is plan.

I don't understand

how you get into this fridge
10 times a day

and not see this gorgeous
calendar I have made for you.

It's gotten a bit
over-complicated.

All the color hurts
my retinas.

Point is, the holidays
are chaos

and something always gets
in the way.

But not this year.

This is the year
that the Mitchells

have a perfect
family Christmas.

We just have to check off
everything on this list.

A beautifully decorated house,
plenty of family time,

perfect gifts,
a gorgeous tree,

and one magical Christmas
memory made as a family.

Are you drinking coffee?

Since when do you
drink coffee?

I'm not a morning person.

Guys. Focus.

Okay, look, I know
we're all busy,

but if we just work together,

this does not have
to be a repeat

of the holiday card
photo disaster last month.

So, what do you say,
we start tonight

after I get home
from work?

I'd love to, mom, but I have
a final I need to study for.

[notification alerts]

Looks like it'll be
a late one.

Maybe another night
this week.

I can't tonight
I have rehearsal.

I thought that was tomorrow.

Then too.

Both nights?

It is what it is.

[Emily groans]

You used to love this stuff
when you were little.

You and me...
decorating together.

I still do, but I'm not
a little kid anymore.

And people are counting
on me, so...

meeting adjourned?

Meeting adjourned.

When did this family
give up on Christmas?

[oven timer beeping]

[gasps]

Oh!

Not my fruitcakes.

Uh...

Hello, Emily.

Doing a little
Christmas baking?

Yeah, Deborah.
I was, uh, trying to.

Well, just a reminder

that I have a strong
aversion to holiday aromas,

including, but not limited
to fresh pine, mulled wine,

and any and all baked goods,
especially burnt ones.

Won't happen again.

Terrific.

I mean, no one should have
to live next to someone

who makes their lives
miserable. Right?

I couldn't agree more.

Okay. Great talking to you.

Great. Struggling
to talk to you.

[cheerful music]

Hey, Jess. Were you able
to move that meeting?

Jess?

Jess. Hello?

Jess, can you please
not watch

full length made for TV
holiday movies while at work

and, I don't know,
assist me.

Of course.

It's just... can I turn it off
when it's over?

I need to know how it ends.

Does Sugarplum marry
The Secret Holiday Prince,

and save Christmas.

It ends the same way all
the Sugarplum movies do,

with everything wrapped up
perfectly,

and me wishing my holidays
were anything like

the ones in the movies.

Follow the same rules.

Rules?

What rules?

The rules.
You know, like...

like every house has
to be beautifully decorated

like the cover of
a Christmas catalog.

Sure, okay, maybe they do
look a little like that,

but it's not like
it's an actual rule.

Oh. It is?

Yeah, but not
in my house.

No, no, we had a Jack
'O Lantern on our porch

until two days ago.

I know, you keep
telling me that.

It's weird.

Yeah.

Or what about the rule

that whenever someone
is looking for

that impossible to find gift
for a loved one,

they always manage
to get their hands on it.

I mean, do you know
what I would give

for any holiday shopping
to be that easy?

Is that because of
the black eye

that you got on Black Friday?

That old lady was so much
stronger than she looked.

And how about the rule that
at the end of every movie,

the story is always
perfectly tied up

with a kiss on Christmas Eve.

Oh, I would love a Christmas
Eve that ended like that.

Then why not have one?

You and Ben could make
that happen.

Oh. Trust me.

Once the craziness
of the holidays

with the kids rolls around,

the only thing Ben
and I are kissing is goodbye

to our patients,
our free time, our sanity,

and our willpower.

And out of all of
the holiday movies,

the Sugarplum movies
are my absolute favorite.

She always has some
kind of super fun,

super holiday specific job,

and then Christmas always
turns out perfect

because she follows the rules
closer than anybody else.

It's like she carries around
a list of them or something.

Okay, so then why not try
to turn your own Christmas

into a, you know,
Sugarplum Christmas?

Because that is my point,

in the real world,
those rules don't apply,

especially when you're
trying to pull off

the perfect Christmas.

Oh, speaking of which,

before you head off
for the holidays tonight,

can you get my Christmas
boxes delivered

from my storage locker.

My mom used to collect
vintage ornaments

from all over
before she passed.

Hoping I'll find
a little magic.

If it means getting
out of this conversation,

then yes.

Great.

Brings me one step closer to
a beautifully decorated house

and checking the first item
off my list.

-Hey.
-Hm.

We've worked together
a long time,

and I'm only telling you
this because you're amazing.

All this frustration,

it's from that list
you dust off every year

chasing some idea
of perfection.

Just live in the moment.

You sound like
a holiday movie.

Well, you are the expert.

[chuckles]

[cheerful music]

Why is it always crooked?

[pensive music]

How are you doing?
Are you all right?

No. Not really.

I had to work late.

I have to prep for
a meeting tomorrow.

And our daughter
has turned her back

on everything we've planned
for her future.

Oh, come on.
We've gotten through worse.

I know, it just feels like
with Nina pushing

to go away to college,

this might be the
last Christmas

we all share under
the same roof.

And I want to make it perfect
for all of us,

but it's my last chance
to give my little girl

the same kind of holiday
my mom gave me.

Well, you're doing
an amazing job.

Really? You think
I'm amazing?

With everything
you're taking on,

no one could do it better.

Thank you.
That means a lot.

Seriously. I want this holiday
to bring us closer.

I just worry we're all
so disconnected.

Couldn't agree more,
Mr. Harrington.

Uh, sorry.
My wife's here.

She's trying to tell
me something.

Sorry, I can't hear a word
with these things in.

You say something?

Nothing important.

[notification alert]

Thanks.

Are you going out again?

Yeah.

I just found out that
ornaments from storage

were delivered to my office
instead of here.

Oh. Can't that wait
until morning?

Not when having a beautifully
decorated house

is number one on your list.

Uh. Sorry, sir.
Won't happen again.

See to it that
it doesn't.

I need you to rework
the design

you showed me this morning.

Have it on my desk
first thing.

Absolutely.

*

Ah, there they are.

Yes.

[crash sounds]

Oh!

No!

Perfect end to a perfect day.

Oh, no. Some of them broke.

"Whosoever holds this
Christmas star,

"if their wish be worthy,
shall have it granted."

Yeah, right.

[Sugarplum] We did it!

We saved the Christmas
tree farm.

Jess, I gotta talk to you
about these autoplay settings.

[Sugarplum]...
of Perfection and--

[sighs] Oh.

[sighs]

A worthy wish.

I wish... more than anything

for a Christmas where my
family feels more connected.

One that is magical
and amazing,

just like the ones
in the movies.

One where I finally check off
every item on my list.

I wish...

I wish...

for a Sugarplum Christmas.

[music heightens]

[exhales]

[enchanting music]

[static electricity]

[music heightens]

And I promise this will be
a perfect Christmas

or my name isn't Sugarplum.

[music heightens]

Oh, goodness.
What is this place?

Who are you?

Oh, hello.

What just happened?

I was wondering if you
could kindly point me back

towards my small town
of Perfection.

No, no, no, no,
no, no, no.

You... you... you can't be.

Can't be who?

Sugarplum?

Mmhmm. Although I have
no idea how I got here

or where I am at all,

so please, if you could kindly
point me back to Perfection.

Uh, well, it was just there
a moment ago,

along with you...
inside the, um...

In the what?

In the movie.

Oh, dear. You mean that I...
that this...

We're outside the movie?

That's not supposed
to happen.

And I am losing my mind.
Yeah, this is impossible.

This isn't possible, right?
Is this possible?

I did just make this wish
on this Christmas star.

Wait. You made a wish
on this Christmas star

and that's why I'm here?

Well, that explains
everything.

It does.

Of course.
It's Christmas magic.

Now, tell me, why did you
make the wish?

Oh, don't tell me.
Let me guess.

Is the town bakery
in need of saving,

or do you need some
romantic advice

to court a holiday prince
in disguise or...

No, no, I got it,
I got it.

You need help
with your... oh!

Holiday checklist.

Miss.

It's finally happening.

I am having a psychotic
breakdown.

That's what's happening.
That's what's happening.

Oh. Excuse me.
You forgot your list.

No, no, no!
You stay back!

You are not real.

You are some holiday
stress-induced hallucination.

That's what you are.
That's all you are.

Yep, that's what you are.

You two ladies going down?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa.

You can see her.

Yes, he can see me.
I can see him.

Hi.

You... can see her?

Her?

Sugarplum from the movies.

I've seen every last one
of those movies

and I love 'em.
-Oh!

If you're telling me
she's an impersonator,

nobody in a million years
will believe that's her.

Oh, that must be part
of the magic.

Only you can recognize me.
Oh, how fun!

Stop!

Did Jess put you up to this?

Lady, I don't know any Jess,

but I do know you
can get the next elevator.

[gasps]

You're real?

As real as your checklist.

This is not happening.

No. You are a fictional
character from a holiday movie

and I am out here talking
to myself,

which is why I'm going
to walk over there

across the courtyard,

and in the time that I do,
you are going to vanish.

So goodbye... forever.

[Sugarplum] Wait I can't
just vanish.

We need to talk about
your Christmas list.

[Emily] Oh, no this means
you really are real.

[Sugarplum] Uh-huh.

[Emily] I can't believe
this is happening.

[Sugarplum] And I can't believe
what I'm seeing.

For starters, why isn't
everything covered

in wonderful Christmassy snow?

Because it rarely
snows here.

In fact, it mostly rains...
a lot.

That doesn't make sense.

It always knows everywhere
all the time,

especially at Christmas time.
Everybody knows that.

No, they don't.
And why are you saying that?

Because of The Rules.

The Rules.

The ones that make a perfect
Christmas every single time.

You're kidding.

I would never joke
about Christmas.

You have an actual list
of rules that you follow.

A list?

I mean, could you imagine
every single minuscule aspect

of my entire existence
dictated by a list?

No, silly.
It's a book.

Oh.

No wonder you need my help
if you don't have a copy.

Every last person in
Perfection lives by these rules.

And between us, no one--

--follows them closer
than you.

How did you know?

Just a hunch.

The Rules. Huh.

Okay. Uh, Rule 47.

"When a big city girl

"meets a small town bachelor
over the holidays,

"they are guaranteed to fall
in love and get married."

Rule 63.

"No high paying job can ever
match the rewards of reuniting

"with a high school sweetheart."
-Mmhmm.

And Rule 147.

"Flannel is a natural
aphrodisiac."

Okay, seriously, not
a single one of these

is ever going to work here.

-But what if you're wrong?
-I'm not.

-What if I'm right?
-Still not.

And you're not going
to last two seconds here.

Look, this has been
very interesting,

but with everything
I have on my plate right now,

I think it would
just be best

if you went back
to where you came from.

Oh, no, that's not possible.

Why not?

Because if I know anything
about Christmas magic,

and I do,

I know literally everything
there is to know about it.

The only way that I go back
to where I come from

is if I help you finish
that list.

So let's get started.

Is there any way we can make
all that happen a lot sooner?

There's not.

Rule 72 is clear.

"When a holiday task
is undertaken,

"it must be seen through
to a happy ending."

Let me be clear.
These rules don't work.

What are you...

What are you...
what are you doing?

Proving they do work.
Rule 61.

Uh, Rule 61.

"Whenever a holiday traveler
is stranded in a faraway place,

"they'll be invited to find

"a harmonious home
with new friends."

Mmhmm.

Sitting on a bench
waiting for a random person

to invite you into their home,
that's your plan?

My plan is the same
as it always was.

Follow The Rules and
everything turns out perfectly.

Which is why someone
is going to invite me

to stay in their home.

I just hope
it's any minute now.

It's a little bit cold
out here, but you'll see.

Oh, hey, there's me.

Yeah.

Yeah.

See? What did I tell you?

Classic Rule 61.

Just for tonight.

And I'm never going to get my
family to believe any of this.

So if you see them
in the morning,

just remember you are
not Sugarplum. You are--

--Sue Garplum.

An old college friend passing
through for the holidays.

Perfect.

Well, wait!

Christmas decorating
is first on your list.

So why don't we get started
right now.

You know what,

it's been a very long,
very strange day.

So why don't we pause on that,
put a pin in it,

and reboot the energy
on that puppy tomorrow?

Hm. Okay.

Okay.

Good night.

Good night.

I hope you have visions
of Sugarplums

dancing in your head.

Okay.

[happy exhale]

[loud noises coming
from the other room]

What?

What is that?

[Sugarplum] More lights
over there please.

And, oh, let's get more
ornaments on this side...

It's best to...

What in the?

Excuse me and excuse--

[Sugarplum] Oh, just a smidge
to the right.

Ah!

Oh, good morning.

What is all this?

It's amazing, isn't it?

Except for the tree in
the living room, of course.

We're going to have to
replace that with a real one.

Fake simply won't do,
Emily.

No. Who are all of
these people?

Oh, well, I was so excited
last night, I couldn't sleep,

so I called every decorating
company in town

until one finally picked up.

-Oh my God.
-Mmhmm.

Okay. Why does it look like

the North Pole
threw up in here.

Oh, hi.
You must be the family.

I'm Sue, your mom's old
college friend

who definitely knew her
before last night.

You know, when you say it
like that,

it kind of seems like
you didn't, though, right?

Sue needed a place
to stay for the night.

Did I not mention that?

No, or anything about this.
What is all this?

What does it even cost?

Can you put a price on joy?
Can you put a price on wonder?

Huh.

Oh, according to this invoice,
apparently you can.

Whoa! Is this an extra
zero here, a typo?

What, you mean these people
aren't helping

out of the goodness
of their hearts?

Right, because spreading
Christmas cheer

is its own reward.

Yes!

See, he gets it.

Ah, no, he's being sarcastic.

Huh?

When someone inflects
their voice like that,

it means the opposite
of what they're saying.

You know, I'll explain later.

Sue is from... France.

Bonjour.

They don't have sarcasm
in France.

I like her.

I like you too,
all of you.

And I'm so sorry,
all I wanted to do was help.

But at the very least,

this is still the first item
off your list.

And don't worry, I know
exactly how to cover the cost.

Absolutely remarkable.

This tiara is covered in
flawless ten carat diamonds.

Yes. It was a gift from
the Prince of Armstrong

one magical Christmas Eve.

He said that their sparkles
reminded him of my eyes.

Well, I've never seen

anything even remotely
like it outside of a movie.

Really? Well, here I have
plenty more, this...

And, oh, yes, this...

And these.

That's a... lot of princes.

You'd be surprised
how many of them

are just walking around
disguised as commoners,

especially at Christmas time.

Huh.

I'll hand it to you.

Your way of making money

is a whole lot easier
than having a career.

You have a career?

Why is that so surprising?

I never dreamed
I'd meet a big city girl

who didn't turn
her back on one,

to be with the small
town guy

who's taking over his family's
generational business.

You have to take me
with you.

No. Absolutely not.
Never, not happening.

What? Why?

Well, because you
would hate it.

And also, I am running late
for a meeting

that I need to get to
and I need it to go perfectly.

Please.

I've always been so curious
about this,

and you won't even know
that I'm there.

Please.

Absolutely never.

[elevator dings]

Oh, it looks so different
during the daytime.

Please, I beg of you,
do not make me regret this.

Oh, hi. Happy holidays,
Merry Christmas.

Already regretting it.

Listen, my assistant is out
for the holidays,

so there's no one here
to take care of you.

So if you could please
just sit at a desk

and, I don't know,
look busy.

What will you be doing?

Having a critically
important meeting

on a case that's keeping me
working through the holidays.

My client, Miranda, is trying
to keep her family business

out of the hands of a developer,
and I am going to help.

So if you could just be
low key, that'd be great.

What kind of business is it?

Uh. Ski lodge
most of the time.

And the rest of the time?

It's a Christmas tree farm.

[gasps]

A local business is at risk,
and it's a...

it's a cozy winter lodge
that grows Christmas trees.

And it's being threatened by
a heartless business executive

right before Christmas.

This is where I thrive!
I can help!

No, you can't, because
this is the real world.

And I already have enough
on my plate.

Plus the developer
and the client,

they cannot stand
each other.

Hm, yes. Seems like a classic
two turtle dove scenario.

Two turtle what?

Doves. Rule 35.

When two people can't
stand each other,

they're destined to fall
madly in love

before Christmas.

Trust me, these two are
not falling madly in love.

If you say so.

But I am an expert
in these situations.

I'm basically a professional
at helping people.

Yes, professional and help
are the first two words

that come to mind
when I think of you.

I appreciate that, Emily.

Bye.

Busy, busy, busy.

Yeah.

No. Absolutely not.

It's... you're out
of your mind.

This is unacceptable.

This is a fair offer,
Miranda.

He's right.

Drop your challenge
to the county's decision

and just take the money.

It's not about the money.

And the only thing anyone
is taking here

is a deep breath
to calm down.

Look, I think
we can all agree

the last thing anyone wants
is for this to drag out longer,

wasting any more time.

The only waste
of time is her thinking,

there's any way this rundown
lodge isn't getting leveled.

Oh, I will level you.

As I was saying, why don't
we focus on the things

we can agree on,
like this proposal.

Steven, your company wants
to take up the lease

on county land to build
some ultra new luxury resort.

But that would mean
knocking down the ski lodge

that Miranda's family has been
operating generations,

Which the county
fully supports.

Exactly. And if you insist
on challenging this,

then we'll see you in court.

I thought you had a plan?

I do. It's all in my proposal.

Hot chocolate anyone?

Sounded like this meeting
could use a dash of holiday joy.

I'm sorry. Who is this?

Sue, can you just go
back to your desk, please.

Oh, my goodness.

I wish I could stay in
a place this beautiful.

Oh, Sue.
You don't know.

Oh, well,
what I'm saying is,

who wouldn't want to stay
in a place like this.

Sure. Add a few coats of paint,
maybe a few new amenities.

But you could make it

like something off of
a holiday card.

Yeah, I'm not sure
I understand that.

I know I don't.

I mean, fix it up.

Preserve its charm while
adding a few modern touches.

Guests will have
a whimsical holiday

no matter what
the time of year.

Oh, this is preposterous.

No, no, just
wait a second.

I think I know where
she's going with this.

You know, there's been
an emerging demand

for authentic
travel experiences.

And I think what she's saying
is that we preserve the lodge

as a boutique cultural
travel getaway.

Bingo. A perfect combination
of big city meets small town,

a heartfelt getaway
from all of life's stresses,

A heartfelt getaway.

I like that.

Really?

Mmhmm.

That's how my parents used to
tell people what it was like

to stay at the lodge
over the holidays.

That's how my parents
used to describe

the type of Christmas holiday
they wish we could have.

[small chuckle]

What is happening?

Shh. This is
my favorite part.

You know, maybe we got off
on the wrong foot here.

I think I was so focused
on the luxury offering

that I failed to see
what was in front of me

this whole time.

You know, my parents
did always want

to fix the place up
and expand.

Oh. [both chuckle]

-Sorry about that.
-It's fine.

You know what,
why don't we take a few days

and go over this,
just you and me.

Who knows,
maybe we're better...

[in unison] together.

[both laugh]

And scene.

What was that?

Two turtle doves,
just like I said.

All that was missing was
a partridge in a pear tree.

Oh, did you see the way they
were looking at each other?

But that doesn't happen
in the real world.

It does in mine.

Maybe it could
in yours too,

if you took a little time
to be open to it.

I don't have time
to be open

to living in a Christmas movie.

Are you sure?

Because it sounds like once
they review the proposal

and sign off on it.

I'll have the holidays off.

Which means plenty of time
with your family.

Ooh, two checklist items down.
Only three more to go.

So come on,
grab your things

because the next one
might just be my favorite.

[cheerful music]

How did these fit
in your bag?

Never mind that,

because Christmas shopping
is definitely the item

off your holiday checklist

I've been looking forward
to the most.

Glad that makes one of us.

I don't understand.
Buying each other gifts

is how we spend most
of our time in Perfection.

What's not to love about
buying that perfect something

for that special someone?

Oh, you mean aside
from the crowds,

the long lines, the traffic.

Okay, well.

The parking, the physical
and mental fatigue, the cost.

Oh, and did I mention anxiety?

Anxiety?

Oh, is that anything like
a peppermint tea?

That sounds yummy.

Not exactly.

Look, finding the perfect gift
for somebody here

is a lot harder than
where you come from.

Well, sure,
with that attitude.

And at Christmas time,
the attitude is gratitude.

Rule 141.

Attitude has nothing
to do with it,

especially when it comes
to Nina's gift.

She's the only one
I don't have a present for.

She wants these limited
edition headphones

that have been sold out
everywhere for months.

Well, sounds like we're just
going to have to find some.

We can't. I've tried.

You haven't tried with me.

And how are you so sure

that's going to
change anything?

Because the two things
I know

are Christmas and
Christmas presents.

So I'm not just sure
we're getting our hands

on those headphones today.

I am absolutely positive.

Sold out?

What does this mean,
"sold out"?

It means you can't have
what you're looking for.

What?

Life's not always fair.

I'm sorry, ladies,

this is one of our busiest
shopping days of the year.

If you have trouble
finding the door, it's--

Would you mind
double-checking your inventory?

Just in case... please?

Certainly. Stay right here.

I told you, this is just part
of how the real world works.

It takes a Christmas miracle

for parents to get the perfect
gift for their kids.

But that's so sad.

That's reality.

No, it's a violation
of Rule 26.

-Mm.
-Mm.

"Every child's greatest wish
for a gift always comes true

"through the magic
of Christmas."

The rules never fail.

We are getting
those headphones.

Here, see for yourselves.

Out of stock.

If you don't mind--

Oh, wait, wait, wait.
Oh, right here.

It says you have one
on hold.

Ah, yes.
Those aren't for sale.

They're our grand prize today

in the store's annual
Reindeer Games Competition.

[gasps]
Oh!

Oh, here we go.

Can I enter?

You can, only entrants come
from all across the city

and they're pretty good.

So to win, you would need
to be better at Christmas

than just about anyone.

* Boom pa boom ba
boom ba boom ba... *

*

*

And... go!

*

Holy fruitcakes.

[cheering and applause]

*

[applause]

*

[applause]

*

[applause]

I know.

*

So what was that
you were saying

that the part about
her needing

to be better at Christmas
than anyone.

I suppose congratulations
are in order,

even if I can't
quite understand

how you managed to pull
any of it off.

So I will just be taking
these headphones.

So... so...

Oh, there we go.
Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

And you thought
the perfect gift

would take a Christmas
miracle.

In my defense,
that was miraculous.

And another thing off
my list.

I've been meaning
to ask you this list,

why is it so important
to you?

I guess because
it was my mom's

and growing up,
oh, she was Christmas

just always went all out.

Sounds like my kind of lady.

She was raising me
on her own.

And the Christmas I turned
eight was a total disaster.

Someone broke into the house,

stole all of
the Christmas gifts.

The Christmas tree caught fire,
almost burned the house down.

No.

Yeah. We spent that Christmas
Eve in a roadside motel.

I'll take one of these,
please.

Oh, that sounds horrible.

Parts were,
but we had each other

and that's what made it
so magical.

It ended up being one of my
all-time favorite Christmases.

Really?

My mom loved a big Christmas,
though,

and the last thing
she ever wanted

was a repeat of that.

So the very next day
she made this list,

followed it every perfect
Christmas after.

Always made it look easy.

Thank you so much.

Merry Christmas.

All I've wanted is to give
that to my kids.

The list makes me feel
close to her.

Well, have you told
them that?

You should.

As Rule 11 says:
"Teens love nothing more

"than an emotional heart
to heart with their parents."

Okay, that one is a stretch.

Oh, my goodness.

What is it?

The company you hired
to decorate the house

posted on their
social networks,

the Harmony Home Network,
saw it.

They want us to enter
the contest

for the most Sugarplum home
in the country.

Well, of course they do.

Oh, after so many years
of trying to have

a perfect Christmas,

having an award that
says we did it.

Having a Christmas like you,

a Christmas like my mom
used to

would make it all
so worth it.

You should enter.

Really?

Mmhmm.

Rule 51.

"When a festive competition
is introduced into the story,

"a fun and winning
new perspective

"on the holidays
is guaranteed for all."

Worked for me at the store.

Hm.

Hm.

[cheerful music]

[cheerful music]

Ha!

Rule 19.

"No matter where
it may come from,

"you'll know the perfect
Christmas tree

"the moment you see it."

Wow.

Oh, hi.
Hello. Merry Christmas.

You chopped down my tree.

Uh-huh. Thank you.

Oh.

Oh, how lovely
are your branches?

Is that your dance video?

Rough cut.
Still getting it perfect.

Ah.

Coffee?

Oh, not a coffee drinker,
but oh, do you have anxiety?

I've been dying to try some.

We're fresh out.

Your neighbor said the same
thing when I asked her.

And by the way, she is, um...
well, something.

Who? Deborah?

Yeah. She wasn't
always like that.

But ever since her husband
passed away

and her kids moved out,

when Christmas rolls around,
she is--

More holly than jolly.

Yeah.

-Hey, Mom...
-Mm?

um, my teacher
has a friend in admissions

at Berklee College of Music.

She's here for the holidays
and coming to the pageant.

I'd love to make my case
for going there.

I am so sorry, but it
is going to have to wait.

I am on my way out.

My client, Miranda, just
emailed about the proposal.

[gasps] He proposed!

-The business proposal.
-Oh.

But yes, they want
to work together

and they want to meet
now to hammer out the details.

So, honey, can we talk tonight
while we're trimming the tree?

-Mmhmm.
-Thank you.

Aren't you talking
to Max's class this morning?

Right here on the calendar.

Last day of school
before the break.

It's fine, Mom.

You really don't need
to come.

Well, someone should.

Every single student has
had a family member go in.

Oh, I'm running late
for work already.

I'll go.

I don't know.

I'm not sure this is
the ideal fit for you.

Lean in, remember?

And don't worry,
I'm sure whatever it is,

I can handle it.

Now, don't get me wrong.

There are parts of my job
that are fun too.

Going off grid,
months at a time.

Exploring the most dangerous
parts of the world.

Wondering if your friends
are actually enemy spies.

Oooh.

And of course, being part of

a private security
firm has its perks.

Question. Anyone here been
to the rainforest in Colombia?

No.

Knee deep in mud?

The feeling of excitement

with each step knowing
that it could be your last?

Officially, neither have I.

[class chuckles]

Unofficially... well,
that's a different story.

Let's just say

there are a few less
than savory characters

behind enemy lines
who will think twice

about messing with me
and my team again.

Now that's cool.

But that stays
between us, okay?

It's classified.

[applause]

Thank you, Mr. Carmichael.

That was very...
very invigorating.

Up next, an old friend
of Max's family.

Let's put our hands
together for Sue Garplum.

[weak applause]

Hi, everybody.

So, Ms. Garplum, what is it
you do for your career?

Oh, no.
No, I don't have a career.

Although I have been working
with Max's mom

the last few days.

But I have had quite a few
jobs back home in Perfection.

Right.

Well, why don't you tell us
about some of those.

Oh, well, let's see.

I've been a reindeer farmer,
a gingerbread architect.

Oh, one time I was a
nutcracker repair specialist.

Are those real jobs?

No, they are not real jobs.

Ones that no person has

unless they are a character
in a Christmas movie

and they do not spread
wonder and joy

throughout the holidays
at all.

Let me guess, sarcasm?

Yes, sarcasm. He gets it.

Wow, Max, we all knew
you were weird,

but where'd you find this lady,
the North Pole?

[laughs]

No, not the North Pole, no,

but I have been there.
Santa invited me.

Santa invited you?

Yes.

Okay, Rebecca.
Thank you.

Now, let's all put our hands
together for Ms. Garplum,

for real fun stories
she's made up here.

Oh, I'm not making it up.

He brought me there
to help save Christmas.

And when he brought me back
to Perfection,

he gave me this enchanted
snow globe

that helped give my town
its first ever White Christmas.

Yeah. Isn't that the plot
of a movie?

[class laughs]

Anyone who's pure of heart,

who holds this and gives it
a shake will bring a wonderful

Christmassy snowfall,
wherever they may be.

Max, do you want
to give it a try?

Yeah. Max, we're gonna want
to see this.

Come on, Max.

Strictly speaking, we should
not be doing this indoors.

But, like Rule 17 says"

"Sometimes good guys
just need a win."

Okay.

Hey, guys, look over here.

[upbeat holiday music]

What?

You and your friend
did this?

Uh...

It's awesome!

Snowball fights!

[kids cheering]

* Sleigh bells ring. *

* Are you listening? *

* In the lane. *

* Snow is glistening. *

* A beautiful sight. *

* We're happy tonight. *

* Walking in a winter
wonderland. *

* Gone away is
the bluebird. *

* Here to stay is
a new bird. *

* To sing a love song. *

* When we stroll along. *

* Walking in a winter
wonderland. *

* Let's you and I
go walking. *

* Let's go walking in
a winter wonderland. *

An indoor snowstorm?

And the school really thinks
it was caused by

a catastrophic
air conditioner malfunction.

I mean, they're still
looking into it,

but that is the explanation
they are going with for now.

Rule 118: "Seeing is believing

"unless a random explanation
happens to present itself."

Dad, it was incredible.

When I stepped
into the hallway,

it was like everyone was
looking at me in this new way.

Yeah, my school chat
has been pinging me all day.

Every kid thinks you and Sue
are the ones behind it.

They think you're
pretty amazing.

Oh, Sue, I don't know
if I would do that.

The power strip is
a little crowded.

Oh, don't worry, Rule 107.

"Nothing can stop a festively
decorated tree

"from proudly displaying
its love

"of the holiday season."

Sue, she just really loves
those holiday rules.

I do.

Here we go.

Ah!

Oh. It's beautiful.

No. It's perfect.

Which is item number 4
off your list.

Hey. Rehearsal ran late.

-[notification alert]
-My teacher's friend said

that Berklee still
has a few scholarships left.

And you said we could
talk about it

while we're trimming the tree.

Oh, uh, hold that thought,
sweetie.

Um, the network just emailed,

and we're a finalist
in their contest.

Yeah, yeah, they said
the house looks like

it's just out of
a Sugarplum movie.

Well, of course it does.

I made sure every single
detail is exactly the way

it would be in Per--

where I'm from,
which is France.

Camera crews will be at each
of the three finalist homes

on Christmas Eve,

and then the audiences
will vote

and choose the winner live
during the Sugarplum Marathon.

We've used every single one
of my rules

for the most perfect Christmas
in The Rules.

Never, ever--
-[electrical fizzles]

Oh.

Fail.

What happened?

Rule 492.

Too many decorations plugged
in at once

trips the breaker.

I'll go check on it.

No, no, no.

The Rules say that this is not
supposed to be possible.

It's fine.
Just one minor little thing.

Besides, every rule is bound
to have an exception or two.

No, not a single one.

But then again,

everything always ends up
working out perfectly.

So there's nothing
to worry about, right?

[cheerful music]

Well, look who's up
earlier than Santa

on Christmas Eve.

What?

Is it what I'm wearing.

No, it's just
where does your endless

supply of wardrobe choices
even come from?

Oh, they're in my bag.

I'm sorry.

You have an entire
walk-in closet

and a bunch of very cute
winter coats packed in there.

A bag of any size can contain
a full winter wardrobe,

including multiple coats,
scarves, and mittens.

Rule 39.

Mm.

Okay, um, speaking of The
Rules, now that we're finalists,

I thought they might
provide some inspiration

for our finishing touches.

And?

And they all work,
like this one.

Rule 96.

"In the vicinity
of Christmas cheer,

"any baked goods will
turn out visually stunning

"and perfectly delicious,

"regardless of any ingredients
you have on hand."

Ooh.

Pretty good right?

Yeah.

A few days ago, the only
holiday recipe I'd mastered

was burnt fruitcake.

Which have a bit of a kick.
What's that I'm tasting?

Oh, I didn't have
any ginger,

so I just threw in
a whole bottle of gin.

Rule book was right,
didn't make a difference.

That's what that is.

Yeah.

Oh. Oh, um,
this one really got me.

Um, Rule 108.

"In each and every home,
vintage ornaments

"with a strong emotional
connection are a must."

The ornaments in your office!

Exactly.

Which is where we are
going to go

as soon as you finish
that cookie.

Oh, I couldn't drink
another bite.

[elevator dings]

Well, what do you mean,
she's not here?

I need to speak
with Emily Mitchell now!

Miranda.

Oh, hi.
I remember you.

You, you're the whole reason
any of this has happened!

Oh, you mean you
falling in love

with that
handsome developer?

You make such
a lovely couple.

It was an act.

He was stringing me along
so I would drop my challenge

against the county's decision.

Well, I thought
we had an agreement.

So did I!

Only he and the county
pushed through their plan,

which means my family's lodge
is being leveled

all because of you!

Because of me?

But no, this is not how
this is supposed to work.

It must be a misunderstanding.

I mean, The Rules
say this shouldn't happen.

Yeah, well, it is happening

along with me finding
a new attorney.

No. Miranda, wait.
We can talk this through.

Let's just go to my office
and we'll talk... alone.

Okay. I'm gonna have
to get this sorted,

and it might take a while,
so just wait downstairs.

-Okay.
-Okay.

[elevator dings]

Hi.

Hi.

Um, could you direct me
to a Sue Garplum.

Oh, well, that's, uh...
well, that's me, actually.

Oh, what a coincidence.
I have something for you.

Oh, a present for me.

Well...

Well, aren't you just
so sweet [giggles].

What's this?

It's a summons for cutting
down your neighbor's tree.

She's suing you
for trespassing,

destruction of property,
and emotional distress.

You've been served.

No, no, this can't
be right.

It's a holiday tradition
where I come from.

And Rule 19 is clear.

Oh, come on!

Oh!

[elevator dings]

Come on, come on,
come on, come on...

Sir.

Sir, this breaks
at least three rules about

handsome strangers bearing
gifts at Christmas time.

Ms. Garplum...

Yeah.

Detective Russell,
Seattle Metro PD.

Oh. Thank goodness.

I need all the help
that I can get.

Everything's gone
all topsy-turvy.

Ma'am, you're under arrest.

What? For what?

Vandalism, property damage
and disorderly conduct.

Officers.

The school board
suspects your involvement

in a snow-related incident.

You mentioned
Mrs. Mitchell's law firm

being a place of
possible employment.

What? Hey!

No, The Rules specifically
state that Christmas magic

can have only positive
ramifications.

Right. Save it
for the station, lady.

[sirens chirp]

[camera shutter snaps]

Can you knock that off?

I... Okay.

This room could certainly
use some Christmas decorations.

Listen, lady,
it's been a long day.

We've been over this.

There's no record of
a Sue Garplum

anywhere in our databases.

Please, just tell me
your real name.

And I don't want
to hear Sugarplum.

But that is my real name.

Of course it is.

Because your place of
residence is a Christmas movie.

Well, beloved series of
Christmas movies, technically.

And someone's holiday wish
brought you here

to the real world,
which you're navigating now

with the help of
a magical notebook,

Rule book. Yes.

And Rule 124 clearly states.

Ah, here it is.

"Any logistical
or legal obstacles

"to enjoying the holidays

"must be resolved in a
heartwarming and timely manner."

So really, I'd love to just
be right on my way.

I'm sure you would, but you're
facing serious charges here.

You really want to add
lying to an officer?

Lying? Oh, no.

Everything I've told you
is the truth.

Including that I have no idea
why my rules aren't working.

Oh, listen, sir, the only way
I get back to where I belong.

As if I walk out of here and I
help my friend finish her list.

So can I count on you
to do the right thing?

Help me get back
to where I belong.

Oh, don't worry,

I'm going to put you
right where you belong.

I don't know if you're crazy

or you just watch one
too many Christmas movies,

but either way,
get comfortable,

because chances are you're
going to be here a while.

Hi.

* On the first day
of Christmas, *

* my true love gave
to me *

* a partridge in a pear
tree... tree. *

Okay, I promise you,
Miranda,

we are going to get
this all sorted.

You better.

Because from where
I'm standing,

it would take
a Christmas miracle.

Yeah. Bye.

[phone ringing]

Oh.

Hello.

This is she.

She's where?

* And on the third day
of Christmas, *

* my true love gave to me. *

* Three French hens, *

* two turtle doves *

[all] * and a partridge
in a pear tree. *

Okay, okay.
Enough, enough, enough.

It's been hours
of that same song.

Your lawyer wants
to see you.

Oh!

Oh, hi!

[buzzer]

Oh. Thank goodness. Oh.

I feel like I'm trapped in
a giant snow globe in here,

which happened
in one of my movies.

Only this is so much
less Christmassy.

Hey, lady, no touching
the glass.

See?

How did this happen?

You're asking me?

None of The Rules here
make any sense.

They just keep
going on and on

about their
own versions of them.

Saying that I broke a bunch
of their, um.

Oh, what's that word?
It starts with an L.

Laws?

Yes, those.

And so far, none of my rules
are convincing them

to let me go.

But you can, right?

I can't spend Christmas
in this place.

Don't worry.

You might be an expert on
The Rules where you come from,

but I am an expert
on the rules here.

Stay calm.

I'm getting you out
of here.

You're not getting
her out of here.

How can you say that?

Just release her to me.

You have absolutely
no reason to hold her.

We have every reason
to hold her.

She has multiple charges.

I mean, she doesn't
even officially exist.

And she seems
to sincerely believe

that she lives
inside a Christmas movie.

A beloved series of
Christmas movies technically,

Whatever. The point is, her
case is special circumstances.

What kind of special
circumstances?

Well, you know how people's
fingerprints are unique

like snowflakes.

Okay, sure.

But hers are actual
snowflakes.

Yeah, well that fits.

Well, we don't know what
to do with that.

I mean, it's going to take us,
at least until the holidays,

to figure out how
to handle her.

Cute kids.

Thanks.

You have big Christmas plans?

Uh, skiing.

Heading to the cabin we rented
first thing in the morning.

We go every year.

Wouldn't miss it
for the world.

Nice. Of course,
you do realize

Title 8, Section 107
of the newly revised

Law Enforcement Conduct
Act states that

whenever a suspect is held
under special circumstances,

the detective in charge

must maintain
daily visits to their station

even through the holidays

to ensure that
suspect's well-being.

So I guess that means
no skiing, no cabin,

no holiday memories
with the kids.

Or you could
just release her to me.

Well, as far as days go,

that was entirely
too eventful.

Where have you been?

Emily, I've been trying you
for hours.

You have?

Oh, you have.

Eleven missed calls.
I am so sorry.

We must not have had service
in the police station.

Why were you in
the police station?

That's not...
super important.

Not 11 calls important.
What is so urgent?

Max, you want to tell her?

I... uh, I got suspended.

Suspended? For what?

The school decided

that the snow was some
end of year prank

and that I was
the mastermind behind it.

But that's not what happened!

Well, the school thinks it is.

Which is why I was called
away from work

to meet with his principal,
but only after I left

a huge plate of those
gingerbread cookies

from our kitchen
in the break room.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no,
not those cookies.

Yes, those cookies.

Mr. Harrington is so furious
they were spiked,

he moved my deadline up
to Christmas Eve

just to make an example.

Well, that's not fair.

You have to tell him
he is being unreasonable.

Oh, he'd just tell me
that's the way

the Christmas cookie crumbles.

So if anyone needs me,

I'll be upstairs
trying to make

this impossible deadline.

And I'll be in my room
editing my dance video.

Ahem.

By which I mean I will be
writing a 5,000 word apology

as part of my punishment

for making light
of climate change.

What is going on around here?

Oh. I'm sorry.
Where have you been?

Rehearsing.

Rehearsing?
Nina, it's way past curfew.

Nina?

Nina!

Knock much.

Hey, I was trying to talk
to you downstairs,

but you completely ignored me.

Can't imagine what
that's like.

Okay, I know what
this is about

and I know I've been a little
preoccupied lately,

and I haven't heard your case
for Berklee.

Preoccupied? Mom, you've
been putting me off all week.

Trust me, you made it
perfectly clear

that talking about
it is not a priority.

Come on, now, you know
that's not exactly fair.

No, what's not fair is
you thinking you have

any kind of right to make
this decision for me.

Okay. Hold on.

You know I love you, right?

I just want you to have the
best life that you can have.

Which is why your father
and I came up with the plan

for you to go to school
closer to home.

That's not what I want.

And did you ever stop to think

that's why I want to go away
to college,

so that I can actually
live a life of my own.

Right.

Well, until then,
you're still under this roof.

So if that's actually
genuinely how you feel,

then congratulations,
you are grounded.

Fine.

Fine.

I'd say your rule about

teens loving heart to hearts
with their parents

doesn't exactly apply here.

I'd say that's not all.

Between that, the lights,
the two turtle doves,

the Christmas tree,
the... the snow storm,

and the gingerbread cookies--

Your rules aren't working.

No. Even worse,
they're backfiring.

It's like everything
that I've done

to try to make
the holidays better

is somehow making
everything worse.

So what's causing this?

No idea.

It's almost like whatever
magic brought me here is...

Fading.

Okay, okay.
We can work with that.

We can find a solution.

No, I mean, yes,
we can find a solution.

But I'm saying the magic
is actually fading.

Well, you said
you know everything

about the magic of Christmas,
right?

What does that mean?

That I'm in huge,
huge trouble.

I don't understand.

Why would the magic
that brought you here

be fading away?

Hard to say.

I've never been through
this before,

but if I had to guess,

I would say the amount
of magic

that it takes to make
The Rules work here

is more than it can handle.

And if I'm right, it
won't last till Christmas.

Judging by how much
it's dimmed,

I'd be lucky to make
it through Christmas Eve.

Which means we have less time
than we thought.

To get my wish granted
and get you home.

But it's doable, right?

I mean, we only have one more
thing to check off the list.

One magical Christmas
memory made as a family.

Then I've got it!

Got what?

The contest!

It will be something that
we can share in together.

It will be our magical memory.

Are you sure?

I'm positive.

My wish was for my family
to be reconnected

and have a perfect Christmas.

Well, what could
be more perfect

than the four of us
winning an award

saying that we do Christmas
the way that you do

better than anyone.

Trust me.

Know when Ben, the kids
and I introduced this house

on live TV and we win
first place,

it'll be something that we
all get to share in together.

My family will be reconnected

and you will get home
safe and sound.

Look, here.

The site said that they were
going to be putting up details

about the three finalists
tonight and... whoa.

What, what?

The competition is just
a little bit stiffer

than I thought.

A little bit.

Okay, a lot a bit,
but it's okay.

We have a few days
to step it up,

even if it takes every second
that we have.

I'm telling you, we can
top these finalists.

There is no chance we lose

as long as we make
a few minor changes.

Minor changes?

Incredibly minor.

The most minor,
like the minorest.

I need those snowflake
decorations

centered right in the peak
of the roof line.

You got that? Copy?

For minor changes,
this seems a little bit major.

Well, you know, the stakes
have never been higher.

You saw how stiff
the competition is.

And we are so close
to winning

and checking that
last thing off the list.

We can't leave anything
to chance now.

-* Deck the Halls... *
-Oh, hi.

Dickensian carolers.
You sound great.

Look, could you just
center yourselves

a bit more in the window?

Thank you.

It's just I appreciate
what you're doing,

and well, the snow does
remind me of home,

but this feels a little
bit big, even for me.

Right. We tried
The Rules and they backfired,

so I thought we would try
to make it perfect this way.

And we're so close.

Snow machines in a residential
neighborhood, Emily.

Surely this isn't allowed.

I'm sorry, Deborah.

I can't hear you over
the sound of the machines.

Okay, I need to go inside

and make sure everything
is perfect.

Are you good to take over?
Oh, okay. Thank you.

Okay. Well, it feels like

you might want to pull back
a little bit.

Okay.

I'm gonna--
Oh! Oh.

Eggnog?

I'm so sorry.

It's okay, it's okay.

It's just... it's a
Christmas Eve tradition,

and I thought that
we could squeeze it in

if we did things
one thing at a time.

We don't have time to do
things one thing at a time.

-Hi.
-Hi.

Hello. Uh, I'm guessing this
is the Mitchell's house.

Hi. Yes. Are you here
from the network?

Yeah. Come in.
You can just set up wherever.

Okay, great.

Could you do me a favor
and go check on your sister?

She's still mad at me
and won't talk to me.

And I just want
to make sure she's ready.

Do I have to?

She's really nervous
about tonight.

The pageant is right
after this.

Max...

Okay, okay.

Thank you, thank you.

Okay, okay, sure thing. I'll
have it to you end of day.

Um...

Okay. You're
not done getting ready?

With what time?

I've been up all night
trying to finish this redesign,

which still isn't done.

The only thanks I got was
my boss questioning

my dedication
to his family's firm.

I am your family, and this
is me being firm.

Can you please be focused
on what's happening

under this roof instead of
the one in your drawing?

A lot depends on us winning.

Let's just get
through tonight. Okay?

Great.

Thank you, thank you.

Okay. I know it has been
a difficult day,

but right now, I need
all of you.

And it would be great
if you could, you know,

put on your happy faces

because the camera crew
is waiting on us.

Oh, if you could remember

the lines that I gave you
to say, that would be great.

Um, and right now we need
to go outside

and get into position
before we go live.

So let me see those smiles.
Smiles.

Mom, you
need to chill out.

I know, I know, and I will

just as soon as we get
through this,

because then we will
have pulled off

the perfect Christmas.

We will feel closer.
We will feel more connected.

And that means no cell phones
until this is over.

No, no, no.
This can't be happening.

Please say this
isn't happening.

What? What is it?

My dance video.

When I was exporting it
last night,

it must have automatically
uploaded to my cloud account.

So?

So that account is public.

Everyone in school is sending
my video to each other.

This is the worst day
of my life.

Everyone at school
is going to think

I'm an even bigger loser
than before.

This is a disaster.

Okay, I'm sure it's
not nearly as bad

as you think that it is.

And I promise you, we are
going to make it perfect

just as soon as we get
through this.

See that, right there!

What?

That's why I want to go
away at college.

You're always talking
about your plans

and how you want everything
to be perfect.

But what you really mean
is just your version of it.

Okay, let's all just climb
down from a place of anger.

[cell buzzing]

Hi, Mr. Harrington.
[whispers] I'll be right back.

That's why you don't want
to support my dream

of being a singer, isn't it?

Excuse me.

Do you even know
how hard I work,

how much I plan to give this
family the best of everything?

The best in life, the...
the perfect Christmas.

Everything I do,
I do for you.

No, you don't.

Your list and all of this
Christmas stuff, it's for you.

We never asked
for any of this.

He's right.

Christmas was perfect
the way it used to be.

Ben, please help.
I need help fixing this.

Uh... then ask Sue.

She seems to have
all the answers.

And by the way,
who even is Sue?

You've never mentioned her
your entire life

until she showed up last week
with all her rules.

Right when Christmas
and everything else

started falling apart.

Ben, honey?

No. Just. No.

I'm taking the kids
to the pageant

like we both should be
doing together.

And then getting back to my job
if I still have one.

So... I'm sorry.

You're on your own.

[door closes]

All I wanted was to give them
a perfect Christmas

and they just... left.

I was so sure that winning

was going to be the last thing
to check off the list.

It was going to be
our magical memory.

How did I get it so wrong?

I'm so sorry.
This is all my fault.

If it weren't for me
and my rules.

No, no, this is everything
I wished for

a beautifully decorated house,
perfect gifts,

a gorgeous tree, and the time
to make it all happen.

It's a Christmas
right out of the movies.

It's everything I dreamed
of giving my family.

Not that any of
that matters now.

The worst part of it is, is
I have no idea how to fix it

or how to get you back
to Perfection.

To be honest, I'm not even
sure I belong there anymore.

The whole point
of Perfection

is perfectly perfect
Christmases.

Only now that I've
ruined yours,

I know I don't belong here,

but I feel like
I don't belong anywhere.

Well, at least
we're in it together.

Even if there's no chance
in saving this Christmas.

Isn't there?

The Christmas were
you were turning eight,

where everything went wrong.

Yeah. What about it?

It was one of your
all-time favorites.

Magical because
you were together.

This can be too.
There's still time.

How? I mean, you saw them.
They just stormed out.

They won't even talk to me.

There is nothing perfect
about this Christmas.

Then let it be perfectly
imperfect.

A worthy wish is
what started this.

Yes, the list was part
of it.

But what if the real magic
was just you wishing

for a chance to bring your
family closer together?

They don't need a holiday
checklist to reconnect

or... or even a perfect
Christmas.

They just need you.

This is your chance.

Sorry to interrupt. We're almost
ready to broadcast.

I know it's a little early
for congratulations,

but this place... this place
is a shoo-in to win.

Thanks, but there's been
a small change of plans.

[playing Christmas
tune on cello]

Thank you, Cynthia,
for a memorable rendition

of a holiday favorite.

How fantastic was she?

Up next, our sophomore
vocal ensemble.

[applause]

There is nothing
to be nervous about.

We'll be with you
the whole time.

All right.

Hi.

Glad you made it.

Can we talk now?
Just you and me.

Of course.

All right.

[choir singing]
* Holy night... *

I honestly wasn't sure
you were going to come.

I know. I got really caught up
in everything and I'm sorry.

If you keep putting all
this pressure on yourself,

on Christmas, on us reaching
for this unattainable goal,

you'll never be happy.

I know.

And I'll miss them.

Miss what?

The moments you can't
plan for.

You know the ones
where the magic happens.

Wow. Did you come up
with that just now?

No. I saw it on a motivational
poster down the hall,

and it really resonated
with me.

I'm sorry I got carried away.

And I promise I will
stop chasing

some idea of perfection so
that I can be in the moment.

But I need you to be present
for those moments, too,

instead of always
talking about--

Mr. Harrington.

Well... well.

Mitchell.

What are you doing here?

I was suffering

for my goddaughter's
cello performance.

What's your excuse?

Don't you have an assignment
to wrap up?

No, I don't.

It's Christmas Eve.
The assignment can wait.

Well, if your job means
anything to you,

I suggest you listen close.

No.

It's your turn to listen.

I'm great at what I do.
And I work hard for you.

In spite of you taking more
joy in keeping employees

away from their families
than you do anything else,

especially over the holidays.

Oh, spare me.

Well, it's supposed
to be about sacrifice.

And you're the one always
going on about wanting

to build something important.

I already have.

My family.

I'll be spending a lot more time
with them from now on.

And if you have a problem
with that,

then maybe it's time
I start my own firm,

along with everyone else
at work

who feels the same way I do.

You wouldn't.

I would.

Unless things change right now,

all you're getting for
Christmas is my resignation

and a new competitor.

Happy holidays.

I like this new Ben...
a lot.

* all is calm,
all is bright *

Max, is everything okay?

The number of views
just keeps going up.

What if that means people
like your video?

Well, do you like it?

No.

I mean, yes, I did, but...

But what? If it makes
you happy,

why let anyone
take that from you?

You don't get it.

Okay. I was having trouble
fitting in before this.

High school is like
this different world

where nothing makes sense

and I never really feel
like I belong.

Do you have any idea
what that's like?

Sounds familiar.

Look, sometimes new places,
new people

just take getting used to.

I mean, take your mom
and I.

When she first met me,

she couldn't wait
to get rid of me.

-Really?
-Really.

And now she's...

the best friend I ever had.

So I say, be yourself.

Be proud of who you are
and let people see it.

And no matter what they say,

who cares about fitting in
when you have a chance

to stand out.

Okay, maybe you're right.

[notification alert]

No way!

You've got a new fan.

Hey.

I liked your video, Max.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah. Um, merry Christmas
to you, too, Rebecca.

She's pretty.

I don't know if I can do this.

The Berklee College
admissions officer's out there,

scholarship is on the line.

What if I blow it?

Oh, of course you can.

You've been rehearsing
all month for this.

Yeah, and it's still
not good enough.

It's not perfect.

What if you're right
not to believe in me.

What if me wanting
to be a singer

is just some childish dream?

Oh, Nina. No, no.

I really wish I could,
but I'm sorry, I just...

I can't do it.

Nina, no wait.
Come back.

Oh!

Where is she going?

She has to be on for
the finale in five minutes.

Nina!

Nina honey!
Where did you go?

Okay. You all take the east
and west corridors.

I'm going to take the one
in the music wing.

Okay.

[sobbing]

Nina? Are you in here?

Nina, sweetie...

I know what you're gonna say,
and I just I can't--

Please, just hear me out.

I am sorry if you felt like
I didn't believe in you,

because I do.

More than anything.

And I never should have tried
to talk you out of your dreams

because, believe me, things
that can seem unrealistic

and impossible can become
very, very real.

So you should go to whatever
school you want to go to

because you are unstoppable.

And that should be your choice.

Really?

Really.

So go out there,

and don't worry about
being perfect.

Just be yourself.

Because I can't imagine
anything being better

than exactly the way you are.

I love you, Mom.

I love you, too.

That was wonderful.

It was like...

Like what?

Like something from a movie.

I'm still so nervous.

So go out there
and pretend it's just us.

Yeah, we're right here
with you.

All the way.

I had some ideas backstage

on how we can spruce up
your performance

if everyone helps.

Are you sure?

I mean, we wouldn't want to,
you know, break any rules.

I'm positive.

It's time we made some rules
of our own.

[guitar strumming]

* Some things just
go good together. *

* Snowy night and your
favorite sweater *

* glowing star
and a Christmas tree *

* making everyone believe *

* the best time of
the year is coming. *

* You can feel it
everywhere. *

* Christmas is ringing
in the air. *

* Jingle bells are calling. *

* Snow's already falling. *

* Love is reaching
everywhere. *

* It's Christmas *

* is ringing in the air. *

* Oh. *

* Oh. *

* I used to want
to make believe. *

* Picture perfect
Christmas dream. *

* Now the little things
I'm letting go. *

* Cause I just want
my family close. *

* That's all I need *

* Christmas is ringing
in the air. *

* Jingle bells are calling. *

* Snow's already falling. *

* Love is reaching
everywhere. *

* It's Christmas, *

* is ringing in the air. *

*

* Anything could happen now. *

* And that's alright
with me. *

* The messy and
it's magical. *

* In perfect harmony. *

* Christmas is
ringing in the air. *

* We don't have to worry. *

* No one's in a hurry. *

* Take our time to laugh
and share *

* It's Christmas *

* is ringing in the air. *

* Jingle bells are calling. *

* Snow's already falling. *

* Love is reaching
everywhere. *

* Christmas *

* is ringing in the air. *

[cheering applause]

Emily, you did it.

One magical Christmas memory
made as a family.

[doorbell]

Mr. Harrington.

Mitchell.

Please.

I don't mean to intrude.

It's just... well, I thought
about what you said.

I suppose I have been
a little hard on everyone

since my divorce
a few years back.

And you calling me on it

is the best thing
that could have happened.

Glad to hear it, sir.

I got a message
on the way over.

The county had plans to
demolish some old ski lodge.

Only the developer had
a change of heart

about an hour ago.

Proposed to the owner.

The two of them want to fix
the place up.

It's an important project.
Could be a good fit.

So, what do you say?

I say I'll see you
after the holidays.

That sounds wonderful, sir.

Good. Good.

Deborah?

Reginald?

You two know each other?

When we were teenagers,
we worked one Christmas

at the same winter resort
in Vermont.

It was the most wonderful
romantic Christmas of my life.

Only... we lost touch.

It's been what?

Too long.

Um...

What's this?

Cookies and an apology.

Since my husband passed away

and my kids stopped visiting
over the holidays

like they used to,

Christmas,
it's not always easy.

I know the feeling.

As it happens, I
am single myself.

Really?

Well, then why
don't you come over.

The two of us can get...
reacquainted.

I'd like that very much.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.

Oh, it's crooked again.

Oh, no.
I like it this way.

Really?

Yeah.

It'll always remind us
of this Christmas

and remind us to stay
in the present moment.

Well, this feels like
the perfect moment

for Christmas sweaters.
What do you say?

I say, that sounds
so cheesy, and I love it.

Me, too. Let's do it.

All right, you all
go get them.

Sue and I will be
right behind you.

Well, it looks like the time
has come.

Please don't say it.

I have to go.

Your list is done,

and it looks like
the four of you

have never been closer.

It's the whole reason
I'm here.

Can't you stay,
at least until Christmas?

It's like you're part of
the family now.

I have to go back
to where I belong.

How do you know?

Well, because--

You know everything about
Christmas magic.

But before I go...
thank you.

For what?

Your wish.

Spending the holidays
with your family.

It's... it's more than I could
have ever wished for myself.

And even though it
wasn't exactly

the kind of Christmas
I'm used to having.

The longer I spend here,
the more I'm certain

it's the imperfections
of the holidays

that amount to an entirely
different kind of perfection.

I am gonna miss you...

so much.

I'm gonna miss you, too.

But you always know
where to find me.

See you soon.

Sooner than you think.

[magical music heightens]

[TV] ... the most original
holiday movies.

Up next,

an encore presentation
of a Sugarplum favorite,

a Sugarplum Christmas.

Oh, I love this one.

Where's Sue?
Isn't she gonna watch with us?

She, uh, had to leave.

Really?

Well, it looks like she added
one last touch

to the decorating
before she did.

Rule number 56.

Never let a mistletoe moment
go to waste.

[romantic music]

Like a happy ending.

Okay. Movie time.

Hey, guys.

Is it just me,

or does Sugarplum look
a little familiar?

[cheerful music]

**

**