Original subtitles

( music playing )

Boy: "Dear Santa,

you are the greatest.

All I want is a happy Christmas

with a family who loves me.

Love,

Peter Albright.

Peter?

Have you finished your letter?

Yep. Here it is.

Good.

I'll mail it to Santa tonight.

Peter...

I just got off the phone with your father

and I'm afraid he won't be coming for you.

Why?

Well, he thinks it would be better if you stayed here.

For always?

Yes.

( gasps )

Peter-- Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."

Can I ask you a couple of questions? Peter Albright.

- Peter Albright, "Channel 12"-- uh, okay. - Not today.

"Channel 12 News," Peter Albright.

Can I ask you a couple of questions?

- Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News." - Out of my way.

Can I ask you a couple of questions?

¶ ...soon it will be Christmas Day ¶

¶ City sidewalks, busy sidewalks ¶

¶ Dressed in holiday style ¶

¶ In the air there's a feeling ¶

- Peter Al-- - ¶ Of Christmas... ¶

- It's mine. - It's mine!

- No, it's mine! - Hey! Hey, man!

- ¶ ...meeting smile after smile... ¶ - Out of my way!

Hey! Hey, that's my cab!

Hey, hey!

Merry Christmas to you!

"Channel 12 News." What's the best thing you got today?

A migraine.

Can I-- can I please--

Peter Albright, "Channel 12"--

Peter Albright, "Channel 12 News."

Did you spend much money today?

No, I stole all this.

- Okay. - ¶ Soon it will be ¶

¶ Christmas Day. ¶

Can't we do a different kind of Christmas story this year?

- Like what? - Something on the holiday suicide rate.

Christmas depression-- red, green, and blues.

Or find out if any mall Santas have police records.

Tonight's shocking report-- criminal Kringles.

Peter, this is supposed to be a happy time

and you're the happy news guy.

Come on, George, I want some real news,

you know, a nice career-making tragedy.

Just edit together the shopper piece.

My footage is lousy. Nobody would talk to me.

Maybe you should wear a Santa suit.

Oh, sure, then I can stick a camera in my cap and call it a Santa cam.

- ( sighs ) - I like it.

You're not serious?

It was your idea.

No, it was my idea of a stupid idea.

Christmas through the eyes of Santa.

Ho, ho, ho.

( sighs )

Well, doesn't get any more humiliating than this.

Okay, so I was wrong.

How's it look?

Keep your head straight.

Camerawoman: Bet you'd like to find her under your tree Christmas morning.

Excuse me, miss,

but your name has appeared on many a boys' Christmas list,

so I was wondering if I could take you home and wrap you up.

Peter, you are good, man.

Oh, and is there an unwrapping involved?

Oh, ho, ho, ho.

- Possibly. - ( chuckles )

- Ow. - What are you doing in that getup?

What? I'm on assignment.

- What, you knew it was me? - What do you think,

I pick up any strange Santa who walks in?

So, are we still on for dinner tonight?

Uh, only if you change clothes.

Ho, ho, ho.

- ( chuckles ) - Girl: Hi, Santa.

Can I have a dolly and a house for her to live in?

Why, sure, sweetheart.

I want a Malibu Malloroy beach house,

the deluxe years

with the Jacuzzi and the two-car garage.

- Hey, Santa! - Ow!

- Is your beard real? - Hey, let go.

- And is your nose real? - Ow!

( laughs )

Let go. Why don't you go talk to that other Santa over there?

And the cars come separately, so I want the pink convertible

and the violet Land Rover.

And is your belly real?

Ooh! ( groans )

( thuds )

And don't forget batteries!

( groans )

- Hey, you all right? - Yeah.

You know some people actually live with kids?

In their homes. For years.

Here, let me give you a hand.

( groans )

Whoa! Ow! ( groans )

( groaning )

Woman: Ugh.

Great. Where am I gonna find a new Santa?

Well, we could call my agent.

I'm sure he knows some out-of-work actors who would love this job.

Miss Dreyer, tell me Santa's not going to sue.

- No, no, I'm sure it'll be fine, Mr. Lusby. - Uh-huh.

Well, I see you found a replacement and so quickly.

- Very good. - Oh, no, no, no. I'm not his re--

- Absolutely not. - Just a few hours till I can find a new one.

- It'll be fun. - Forget it.

- You know how I am with kids. - Please, Peter, for me?

- Mama, pee-pee. - Ho, ho--

- ( urinating ) - Oh, come on!

Oh.

Oh, that's just great.

I'm out of here.

Sorry.

- ( thudding ) - Peter: Ho, ho, ho, ho,

ho, ho, ho-kay, that's enough.

( sighs, groans )

Please tell me you found a replacement.

Your agent says three days before Christmas,

all the good Santas are booked.

But he's sending some guys over tomorrow to audition.

( groans )

Maybe you should try the North Pole.

( wind howling )

All right, fellas, listen up!

We're working overtime. Fun's over.

- Let's go! - Six million five, nice.

- Time to get cracking! - Six million and six, nice.

- Six million seven, nice. - Hey, Lolly, you seen Santa?

- Check with Rupert. - Six million eight, nice.

- Six million and nine, nice. - Rupert.

You seen the big fella?

Uh, nope.

- You should try the stables, Max. - Okay.

Get back to work. I didn't interrupt you, did I?

Uh, n-no.

- All right. - ( watch ticking )

- ( scanner beeps ) - One, nice.

( scanner beeps )

Two, nice.

- ( scanner beeps ) - Three, nice.

- ( scanner beeps ) - One, naughty. Uh-oh.

Elf on P.A.: Please return all defective lions

to section eight.

- ( horn honks ) - Where's Santa?

- ( muttering ) - ( door opens )

- Uh. Oh. - ( door closes )

Oh, there you are. I've been looking all over for you.

You okay?

When was the last time I wore this suit?

I don't know, judging by the flare of cuffs,

- I guess the early '70s. - '70s.

- Yeah, why? - ( sighs )

I found these letters in one of the pockets here.

I've overlooked them. I can't believe it.

But what if there are others?

If there are other pockets loaded with letters

- from kids that I forgot? - ( chuckles )

Can't happen. No, not today.

Not with email and faxes, Internet.

Well, I'll tell you one thing. Back then, the kids were easier.

They're asking for bicycles, for sleds--

for the basics-- and saying please and thank you

and asking for something nice,

a gift for a-- a brother or a sister.

See-- see, things in those days were more thoughtful.

They were more caring, you know?

You don't see that today.

Everything is give me, give me, give me.

How many letters have we received this year?

I don't know, Nick.

Five, six, seven hundred.

Million.

Ah.

And as I recall out of all of those letters,

not one thank-you letter.

Not one in the bunch.

You, my jolly old friend, are overworked.

No, I'm not overworked! Christmas is overworked!

Commercialized, computerized.

There has to be a special order now.

Tickle me this and talk to me that.

The people go through the motions,

but the spirit is not there.

( stammering ) It's-- the--

the magic is gone.

I-- I think it's time for me to retire,

to hang my bag up.

This is such a pattern with you, you know that?

I mean, come on, the first sign of pressure

and it's like you're ready to sell out

to one of the catalogue companies.

- I do not! - You do, too!

I do not.

You do, too.

Okay, it's a stressful time of the year.

But you gotta admit, Nick, it's a good job.

Stop biting your nails.

- I can't. - Well, then put on your gloves.

Look, Nick, the most important thing

is that you know that you do matter.

You have to remember that.

You think so?

I know so.

You bring happiness and joy to kids all over the world.

"Look up in the sky." "Who is it?"

"Santa bringing the gifts."

Let's get back to work. Come on.

No, no. You go on ahead.

I'm-- I think I'll take a drive

and, uh-- to clear my head.

I'm fine.

Okay.

Nice way to get out of work.

- ( door opens ) - ( wind howling )

- ( door closes ) - Well, how does that sound, my beauties?

Would you like to go and take a nice, pleasant drive, hmm?

( snorts )

( snorts )

Sorry about dinner,

but I just gotta see my little Zack before he goes--

Before he goes to bed. Yeah, I know.

George, Peter. How about this?

Santa's sweatshop, the truth about toy-making.

Call me. ( chuckles )

And-- and don't say no before you think about it.

You really hate Christmas, don't you?

No, but spending an entire month

putting all your focus into one day

and putting all your hopes and dreams

and expectations into that day, it just sets--

you set yourself up for disappointment.

Uh-huh, you wouldn't wanna expect anything.

No, I just think Christmas is a crock.

Well, see? You don't hate it.

Yeah.

- You little Grinch. ( chuckles ) - What?

( Popeye theme playing )

( door opens )

Popeye: Hiyah! Toro!

- ( door shuts ) - Mom, you're home!

Oh, hi, sweetie.

- Oh, I missed you! - Mm.

- Mwah! How was your day? - Good. How was yours?

Both: Don't ask.

Be nice.

Oof.

Ho, ho, ho.

So, what do you think?

Don't quit your day job.

- Hey, I remember this show. - Don't tell me what happens.

No, I used to watch it when I was--

Oh, is this gonna be about you again?

What do you mean?

Another one of your stories where all you do is talk about yourself.

Okay.

We can talk about you.

- What time do you go to bed? - Very funny.

- ( phone rings ) - Saved by the bell.

Albright.

Zack? Come on, buddy. Time for bed.

( claps ) Let's go.

Here we go. ( chuckles )

- Mom, do you like Peter? - Mm-hmm.

Why, sweetie? You-- you don't?

I don't know. He doesn't really listen to anybody

except himself and whoever's on that stupid phone.

Well, don't you worry

'cause you are my number one guy.

( chuckles )

- Mwah! - ( both laughing )

Ho, Donner! Ho, Vixen!

Ho! ( laughs )

Wow, this looks very...

easy to clean.

( chuckles )

I'll take that as a compliment.

( chuckles )

- This is nice. - Mm-hmm.

- So, can I spend the night? - Mm-mm.

- Why? - Because it's just too confusing for Zack.

Why? He doesn't have friends sleep over?

( laughs )

No, I just-- I don't know how to explain

our relationship to him, you know?

I mean, we don't know who you are in our life

- or how long you're gonna stay. - ( sighs )

I just-- I don't want him to think you're gonna be permanent

if you're not.

I could leave before morning.

That might work.

( chuckles )

( groans )

- ( distant horn honks ) - ( snorting )

( gasps ) What are you still doing here?

You were supposed to leave last night.

I fell asleep. I'm sorry.

Oh, no. Here he comes. Get dressed.

- No, hide! - ( yelps )

No, dress!

- Hide! - ( grunts )

- Get dressed! - Ugh.

- Just hide! - ( groans )

- Hi, Mom! - Hi, sweetie!

Oh, come here. Give me a kiss.

- Kissy. - ( grunts )

Can I go to work with you today?

Huh? Yeah, no, no, not today, honey.

Zack: Oh, come on, Mom. It's Christmas vacation!

How about we do it tomorrow, huh?

I love you. Best mom in the world!

Come on-- oh!

Hey, how come you never say that when I say no, huh?

( mouths words )

( Claire chuckles )

Hi, sweetie.

Mom, that's not where I sit.

Yeah, I know. I just thought it would be nice to, um,

have some variety in your life.

You know, sit somewhere else for a change,

have a different view.

But, um, I like sitting here.

Oh.

Fine. Fine.

I can only expose you to new things.

I can't make you change.

You know, you don't have to sit with me.

You-- you can start getting ready.

Yeah, I know.

I know. It's just that I like this time we spend

doing things together,

like reading the cereal box.

Huh? Now, when was the last time we did that?

Wow, would you look at all those essential vitamins.

Mom?

Is everything okay?

Yeah. Yeah, of course, sweetie.

Of course. Why-- why wouldn't it be?

( door handle clicks )

So did you, um-- did you make your bed this morning?

No.

Now, that-- that would be perfect

if you'd go make your bed.

Now?

Yes. Yes, sweetie. Right now.

Okay.

- ( claps, murmurs ) - Oh...

and tell what's-his-name not to forget his Santa suit.

( bells ringing )

( thunder crashes )

Ah, dark clouds.

That means a white Christmas.

Time to head for home, my beauties.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

( groans )

Okay, that was the worst moment of my life.

Maybe I could put the suit back on

and tell him Christmas came early.

Look, I think it's time we explained our relationship to Zack.

No, actually, I think it's time you explained it to me.

Look, uh, I-- I really can't do this right now.

I-- I gotta run.

Peter, it's been a year

and you still haven't made any connection with him.

What are your thoughts on boarding school? ( chuckles )

It was a joke!

Look, he's my son.

He's--

he's my life.

And if you're gonna be in my life,

you two have to get along.

Uh...

- I really gotta... - Run.

Yeah, I know.

( car door opens )

- ( thunder crashes ) - ( chuckles )

( exclaiming )

There, now. Whoa!

Whoa. Oh, hey, Prancer, no.

Prancer! Whoa.

Whoa-ho, now.

Whoa! Hey! Whoa!

- ( thunder crashes ) - Whoa, Nelly!

Whoa!

( phone rings )

Albright. Okay, Lenny. I'll be there in a minute.

( screaming )

Yeah, I'm leaving right now.

Yeah, it's fine. What the...?

( groans )

( thuds )

I'll call you in a minute.

Oh, God.

Sir?

Sir, can you hear me?

I hate Christmas.

I hate Christmas. Hate it.

You killed Santa!

I didn't kill Santa. He's just sleeping.

- Isn't he? - Well, he's got a big bump on his head,

but other than that, he-- I don't know, he seems okay.

- See, I didn't even hurt him. - You didn't do him any good.

How did you not even see him?

I don't know. It's like he fell out of nowhere.

His beard is real!

Thank you. We'll-- we'll try and leave it on.

Well, let's, uh, see who he is.

He's gotta have a wallet or something.

Claire: Oh, yeah, good idea.

Careful.

- Candy canes. - Cookies.

He's awake. You're awake.

- Oh, this is a very good sign. - Hi.

Hi, how do you feel?

You had a little accident.

Yeah, you fell near my car.

- He ran over you. - Zack, we can handle this.

Yeah, we were just, um--

just looking for some sort of identification, you know?

Maybe we could call a family member, friend?

Uh, what's your name?

Uh...

Where do you live?

Can you talk?

Yes.

Yes, but, uh...

I--

I just don't have anything to talk about.

Let me help refresh your memory.

You're in a Santa suit,

which tells me you're interested in a job at the mall.

- I am? - Well, then he should've come to my office, not here.

Well, he must be the ambitious type,

go that extra mile, you know?

And he rented a terrific suit and he seems like a very nice man,

- so I say we hire him. - Peter.

Of course, it isn't entirely up to me.

I'm sorry, would you excuse us for a minute, please?

What do you think you're doing?

Well, I'm solving your problem and his.

- And yours. - What? You need a Santa, he needs a job,

- so if you hire him... - What, maybe he won't press charges?

Come on, what is it with you and Santas, anyway?

I mean, what are you, some kind of a Santa basher?

Okay, so I feel a little guilty. I wanna make it up to him.

Besides, I mean, he's perfect.

Peter, the man has amnesia.

Okay, not completely perfect,

but it's probably just temporary.

Well, what if it's not? What if he doesn't get his memory back?

- Well, then he'll never remember what hit him. - ( phone ringing )

( phone beeps )

Albright.

Yeah.

Yeah, I can be there in 10 minutes.

Okay, great.

- ( phone beeps ) - There's a story breaking. I gotta go.

You're-- you're leaving?

Sorry.

So you run over some guy, leave him in my apartment,

and all you can say is sorry?

He'll be fine.

Look, just take him to work with you. I'll check on you later.

So as usual, you run off

and expect me to clean up your mess.

I knew you'd understand.

I'll make it up to you.

Nick, don't worry.

You're a shoo-in for this gig.

What's-- what's a shoo-in?

- You know, a sure thing. - Ah.

What's a gig?

I don't know.

But I know who you are.

You're Santa.

Santa.

Santa who?

( machine whirring )

Strangest thing you ever saw.

- The owner found 'em just wandering around. - ( bleats, snorts )

Reindeer?

Do they answer to any names? ( chuckles )

Come here, Vixen,

"Blixen," Comet.

( bleats )

Now all we need is a sleigh.

Boy, you are good.

- Man: Places. Here we go. Up. - ( camera shutter clicks )

Okay, uh, let's go through this one more time.

Okay, you're standing here in the middle of the square...

And this came from...?

Okay, let's go through this one more time.

Peter: An anonymous Christmas gift to the city

or a huge Christmas hoax?

No one knows who unleashed this herd of reindeer

- or where this... - Don't they look familiar?

Yes.

( snorts )

Isn't that your friend?

This is Peter Albright reporting live.

Now back to Janey with the latest on our weather.

Janey: Thanks, Peter.

Well, it's the strangest thing.

We've got snow clouds, but there's no snow.

( horn honks )

( humming )

I just love this time of year.

- What's your favorite thing about Christmas? - Uh...

I don't know.

Oh, yeah, you really shouldn't bite your nails.

- Oh. - Yeah.

- I'm sorry, you're right. - That's okay.

( humming continues )

( bell ringing )

- Hi, Grady. - Oh, thank you, Claire.

- Whoa, great suit. - Yeah, same to you.

- Hey, Grady, this is-- - Ah, don't tell me.

- That's your new Santa. - Oh.

You really look the part.

- Thank you. - Good luck in there.

- Thanks. Bye, Grady. - Bye-bye.

( bell ringing )

Thank you, sir. God bless.

Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho, ho.

- ( phone rings ) - So what do I do?

Um, I don't know. Just do what Santa does.

But what does Santa do?

- Well, he says ho, ho, ho a lot. - "Ho, ho, ho a lot."

Well, yeah, you know, just a hearty laugh.

Ho, ho, ho.

- Yeah. Yeah, you'll be fine. - Ho, ho, ho.

- You'll be fine. - Miss Dreyer?

- Yes? - Is everyone here?

- Yeah. - Good. Let's begin.

( sighs )

- Were we supposed to wear a costume? - ( sobs ) I don't know.

Ho, ho, ho.

( laughing ) Ho, ho, ho, ho...

Hoy, hoy, hoy.

Ho, ha, ha. Wait, wait.

It wasn't motivated.

( hiccups ) Ho.

( laughs )

Ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho, ho.

I lost my focus. I'm gonna try again, okay? ( inhales )

You've been good. Got a list.

Checking it twice.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

I just flew in from the North Pole

and, boy, are my arms tired.

( chuckles ) See you in the gym.

Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho.

( crying ) Ho, ho...

( screams )

I can do accents, too.

Ho, ho.

Ho.

Well, I thought the last one seemed pretty good.

No, no, no. He had no heart in his ho, ho, hos.

- Now, I think that-- - Are you sure?

I mean, I just-- I just thought the last guy seemed so authentic.

- You know, the beard, the belly-- - He's not jolly, Miss Dreyer.

Santa Claus has to be jolly.

Congratulations, number two. You are our new Santa.

- ( laughs ) - ( men chattering )

Well, I didn't get the job, but...

I'm sorry.

Listen, Peter should be here soon,

then we can figure out where to go from here.

Meanwhile, Ellen will give you some money.

Maybe you can buy yourself some lunch.

- Maybe some new clothes. - Oh, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Thank you. You're very kind.

Hi. Shouldn't you be working?

I-- I didn't get the gig.

- What, are they blind? - ( chuckles )

- Ah, don't worry. You'll get another job. - Oh, I guess, I guess.

This must be pretty hard work, standing out here all day.

- No, I love it. - Yeah?

You know who's got a tough job?

The real Santa.

You think about it. He's stuck up there in the North Pole.

He never gets to meet the kids.

He-- he never gets to see the happiness he brings.

- Now that's a tough job. - Must be, must be.

Grady, right?

- Yeah, yeah. And you're, uh... - I am...

confused.

Very confused. ( chuckles )

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

- Where's our guy? - Oh, he didn't get the job.

- You've gotta be kidding. - Yeah, he wasn't jolly enough.

Oh, ho, ho!

This guy's plenty jolly.

( laughs, coughing )

Plenty contagious.

- You okay? - ( coughing )

You okay?

- ( crowd gasps ) - Oh!

- ( gasps ) - Woman: Get some help!

You really gotta get these railings fixed.

( coughing )

Boy, you are rough on your Santas.

Me? You're the one who smacked him.

It's like you're the anti-Claus.

Well, on the upside, looks like our guy's got the job.

Where is he, anyway?

- Shopping. - For what?

You sent him out on his own? What were you thinking?

I sent him to buy some clothes. What's the worst that could happen?

- What? - I had nothing to do with it.

Your--

your beard.

They said at the hairdresser

that this makes me look younger.

What do you think, eh?

So just talk to the kids. You know, smile.

- Oh, and most important, be jolly. - Ho, ho, ho.

Yeah, the whole idea is to make people feel good.

So they'll spend all their money on useless Christmas gifts.

Help them feel the spirit of the season.

So they'll spend more money on useless Christmas gifts.

Did you ever think about somebody

giving the gifts to the kids for free?

And then the kids get up in the morning,

go down and find their presents under the Christmas tree, so... ( chuckles )

What, has somebody already thought of that?

- ( chuckles ) - Yeah.

Here.

( chatter )

Sit down.

( music playing )

( music stops )

( music plays, stops )

- Whoa. - Okay, this has never happened before.

( music playing )

- Sit. - ( chuckles )

( chuckling )

We got lights and music.

Excuse me, it's okay.

All it was was a breaker.

The railing must've knocked it out.

Everything seems all right.

He's good. Hope he's got insurance.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Told you he'd be perfect.

Yeah, but we still don't know who he is.

Not yet we don't.

Oh, no, I hate it when you get that look on your face.

I don't know why I didn't think of this before.

I mean, I've been so busy doing reindeer reports,

I don't even notice when the perfect story drops out of the sky.

You know who this Santa is?

I'll broadcast his picture

into every home in the metropolitan area.

Wait, you're gonna exploit that poor man?

Exploit? No!

No, no, no. Expose him to millions of people

who may be able to identify him.

I mean, that's what Christmas is all about--

families coming together, dreams coming true.

- Ratings going up. - Way up.

You know, people will tune in,

hoping he'll be reunited with his family.

And when he is, I'll be there with my camera.

Well, it is a good story.

Good?

No, this is a Christmas story of a lifetime.

Taylor, right there...

And what do you want for Christmas?

- Have you heard anything yet? - Well, he's not answering his beeper,

but according to the LoJack, he's somewhere in this area.

All right, let's gather our bravest and our best.

It's time to get him back.

- But what if we can't find him? - It's not an option.

We'd have to cancel Christmas.

Like I said, it's not an option.

- You have a nice trip, ma'am. - Thank you.

Home for the holidays, mister...

Max.

- You can call me Max. - Max.

And the purpose of your trip?

Business.

We're here on business.

I see.

What's in the bags?

Oh, uh--

uh--

- uh... - ( alarm blaring )

So, uh, ahem, what are you, Santa's little helpers?

( laughs )

- Welcome to our country. - ( laughs )

- Check their bag, Hatfield. - ( chuckles )

- What is in the bag? - You don't wanna know.

( rapidly ) Ah, you're not wanting me to want to look in the bag?

What?

- Open your bag! - Relax there, Hatfield.

I'll check the bag.

And what is in this bag?

Oh, toiletries.

Toothbrush, toothpaste.

- ( crunches ) - ( screams )

Teeth.

- Your turn again. - Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't ya?

Look, just take your bags

and go on with your business there.

- Go on! - Go! Go!

Man: A "Channel 12 News" exclusive.

We go live to Peter Albright.

Santa who?

That's the question everyone is asking.

This may be a man without a name, without an identity,

but he seems to have touched the hearts of the people of this city.

This gentle man has put aside his own fear and confusion to play Santa,

thinking not of his own needs, but those of others.

As he brings happiness to holiday shoppers,

he is the epitome of the spirit of Christmas.

So this year,

let's give Santa the ultimate gift.

Let's reunite him with his family.

If anyone knows this man, please contact us

- and help us get Santa home for the holidays. - ( chuckles )

Man: Is that Ira?

No.

- What? - No, it's not.

Ira's dead. That's Santa Claus.

Is he taking Ira's room?

- Oh. - Peter: We're asking for your help.

If anyone knows this man, please contact us

and help us get Santa home for the holidays.

( phone rings )

"Touched our hearts."

"Christmas spirit."

"Let's give Santa the ultimate gift."

- Won't be a dry eye in the house. - That's the idea.

Boy, did you luck out.

Oh, can I help it if I ran into the perfect story, literally?

- ( chuckles ) - Network's picking it up for "World News Tonight."

So tomorrow I'll be saying good morning to America?

You-- one step at a time.

First, you gotta find out who he really is.

Well, I got 48 hours

to reunite him with his family on Christmas Day. ( chuckles )

( excited chatter )

Man: Whoo!

- Everybody look out. - Merry Christmas.

- All right, everybody step aside. - Ho, ho, ho.

Look out. Coming through.

- Very good. - Calm down.

- Calm down. - Hey, Santa! Santa!

- Santa! - Okay, have a seat, Santa.

All right, everybody calm down.

I'll talk to all of you one at a time.

Just 'cause he don't look exactly like my ex-husband,

you're saying he don't owe me six years' alimony?

Well, sure, I know Santa. We're old pals.

And you are?

The Easter Bunny.

Man: Oh, come on. That's crazy.

Oh, yeah, yeah, he's my brother. You know, we're twins.

Well, I mean, not identical.

Is there a reward?

Okay, that's all for today, folks.

- Thank you. - Crowd: Aw.

- Hey. - Hey.

What do you say to dinner?

Oh, not-- not tonight.

I've just been working such long hours,

- I wanna spend some more time with Zack. - More time with Zack.

Yeah.

Hey, we're gonna see "Miracle on 34th Street."

You wanna join us?

Uh, n-no.

That's okay. I should probably look after, uh, Nick.

Maybe some other time.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

Well, I-- I better get going.

Yeah.

( humming )

Hello. How did I do? ( chuckles )

- You were great. Just great. - Thank you.

So, uh, you're coming home with me.

Oh, no, I couldn't impose on you.

No, I insist, I insist.

- Besides, I gotta protect my news story, right? - Oh. ( chuckles )

( horn honks )

Nick: I cannot recall ever being paid

for anything that I've ever done.

What, you mean you worked for free?

I don't recall, but this is-- I've been paid this time.

- Don't flash your cash like that. - What?

- Why not? - Well, because someone might--

people aren't as nice as you are.

- Well, so? - Well, someone might take it.

- Can they do that? - Ah, just put it in your pocket.

Oh, all right.

Hey, do you like chestnuts?

Uh, I don't know.

I don't know, I don't know.

One.

( car horn honks )

- Never mind. - Man: Watch where you're going, Santa!

( chuckles )

It seems like it's such a fun time.

Well, it can be, I guess.

What is so special about this time?

- Oh, you're asking the wrong guy. - Merry Christmas, Santa.

Everyone seems so friendly.

- It could be what you're wearing, Nick. - They're so happy!

- Woman: This is your fault! - Well, not everyone.

- It is not my fault! - Woman trouble.

( chuckles ) You got woman trouble, Nick?

Uh, I don't know. You?

- We all do. - Oh.

Claire seems like such a nice person.

Oh, she is, but she wants a commitment.

Oh, is that bad?

- You married, Nick? - Uh, I don't know.

Ha, didn't think so.

No, my point is I'm just not ready for an instant family.

- Oh, the boy, oh. You don't like children? - ( sighs )

No, I like 'em fine-- at somebody else's house.

Well, they're no different from you and me.

They're just like us. It's just that they're smaller.

Yeah, but they're wiser.

- Wiser? - They see things that we no longer see.

How do you know so much about kids?

( chuckles ) I-- I don't know.

- But it sounds good, doesn't it? - ( both chuckle )

Yeah, all right, here we are.

Well, this looks like a nice building.

- Thanks. - Any chimneys?

( chuckles ) Okay, now you're scaring me.

( chuckles ) Thank you, Peter.

So you-- you got any children, Nick?

Uh, no.

Uh, no one child in particular,

but I feel like I have a lot of them.

No tree?

No time.

Don't you give gifts?

Oh, yeah.

Got this for Zack.

Ah. Oh. ( chuckles )

"Night Before Christmas."

Ring a bell?

And I got these for everyone else.

Catalogues?

You give catalogues?

No, I-- I order from them.

Got my holiday shopping down to an hour and a half this year.

- It's a new record. - Okay, well...

sure a lot it seems I have to remember about Christmas.

Peter,

would you teach me one of those Christmas songs?

You don't remember a single carol?

I don't even remember I married one.

( both laughing )

Both: ¶ Ho, ho, ho ¶

¶ Who wouldn't go? ¶

¶ Ho, ho, ho ¶

¶ Who wouldn't go? ¶

¶ Up on the housetop, click, click, click ¶

¶ Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick. ¶

That's my first Christmas carol.

- Now teach me another one. - No, tomorrow.

Right now it's time for bed.

I'll be right back, Nick.

Hey, Nick, I just thought you might use some...

pajamas.

No, these-- these are fine.

All right.

Oh, sleep tight.

Nick: ¶ Ho, ho, ho ¶

¶ Here we go ¶

¶ Ho, ho, ho ¶

¶ Here we go ¶

¶ Ho, ho, ho. ¶ ( laughs )

- ( beeping ) - We're getting close now.

Look, Max, his sleigh!

Yeah, but where is he and where are the reindeer?

Let's go.

( beeping )

I told him once, I told a hundred times!

Always keep it with him!

Well, at least we know it's his sleigh, Max!

Let's go.

So what do we do now, Max?

We're gonna have to search the city.

This city, Max?

But it's so tall.

Nick: ¶ Ho, ho ¶

¶ Here we go ¶

¶ Ho, ho, ho ¶

¶ Here we go ¶

¶ And good old Saint Nick ¶

¶ Good old Saint Nick. ¶ ( chuckles )

I'm ready to learn another carol.

¶ Fa la la la la la la la la ¶

¶ 'Tis the season to be jolly ¶

¶ Fa la la la la la la la la ¶

¶ Do we have to keep on singing? ¶

¶ Fa la la la la la la la la... ¶

All right, stop it, stop it, stop it.

- Can't we just talk? - Talk?

Yeah, you know, words without music.

Remember?

Oh, yes, I remember.

Talking, yes.

Oh, well, great. Great.

Yeah. Well, who knows? Today could be your big day.

You could be back singing Christmas songs with your family.

You really think so?

We could only hope. ( yawns )

- ( news jingle plays ) - Peter on TV: Santa who?

- The countdown is on. Only 36 hours left... - Ray?

- Yeah? - Ray, come watch this story.

- Hmm? - Peter: He's about six feet tall,

approximately 200-plus pounds...

Doesn't he look like Grandpa?

- I don't know. He's been gone-- - 10 years.

Yeah, it could be him, all right.

Peter: Check out Channel 12

and respond through email or use our toll-free number...

- ( touch-tones beeping ) - There's a merry Christmas just waiting for a lucky family.

Hello? Yes, I'd like to talk to someone about Santa Claus.

Yes, I know who he really is.

Santas: Ho, ho, ho.

- Merry Christmas! - Wow!

There are Santas everywhere, Max!

Yep, but we're only looking for one.

- How about that one? - Ho, ho, ho.

- ( bell ringing ) - Merry Christmas!

How about the right one?

Oh, good plan, Max.

( sighs ) Yeah, a virtual stroke of genius.

You are very smart, Max.

Here you go, Detective.

- Thanks. - So, any leads?

We must've talked to 200 people,

but we're checking out a couple possibilities.

Well, the rest of them were all looky-loos or Looney Tunes.

- Then why bother? - ( phone rings )

- Does he have to be here? - Yes.

Detective: Now, Mr. Albright...

( jeering )

Mr. Albright?

What I'd like to do now is...

bring in the police psychiatrist

and put him under hypnosis.

Do you think that stuff really works?

Well, we've had some success with it, yeah.

Do it! You'll see.

( sighs )

Imagine you're at home,

safe and comfortable,

and a voice is calling you.

It's a woman's voice.

My wife?

Yes, your wife.

What name is she calling?

Nick.

Good.

And what's your wife's name?

- Mrs. Nick. - Oh, this is working really well.

Okay, and, um,

Nick, tell me what it's like at your home.

Cold. Dark.

Uh-huh, and what are you doing?

Feeding the animals.

What kind of animals?

Um, not sure. Horses?

Is there anyone else around? Any children?

Oh, there are lots of children.

Or...

are they...

little people?

Little people?

Little people?

I'm not sure.

It's okay, Nick.

- Whoa, Nelly! - What's wrong? Where are you now?

I'm standing on a-- on a rooftop.

- What are you doing? - I'm falling.

No, I-- I'm flying!

No, I can't fly.

I wanna get down. I wanna go home.

Okay, just relax.

You're coming down, landing safely.

At the count of three, you'll wake up.

You won't have any memory of this.

You'll feel alert and refreshed.

One, two, three.

So-- so how did I do?

- Do we know who I am? - Yes, you're Santa!

- Weren't you listening? - Well, actually, no.

We don't know who you are yet, but we're getting closer.

Don't you get it?

Animals, little people,

flying, duh!

- Oh, come on. - This guy is the real Santa Claus.

Claire.

There must be something you remember.

Claire, Lusby wants you to manage crowd control.

It's a madhouse out here.

I'll be there in a minute. Thanks.

Listen, I've got a little crisis.

Would you keep an eye on Zack?

- Now? - It won't be for long.

Can you just help me out here?

Okay.

If I can have more sessions with him,

more details will slowly start to come back.

But what would really trigger his memory

is an emotional connection.

A familiar face, a familiar place--

anything that will remind him of who he is.

Okay, well, then let's schedule another session.

In the meantime, we'll continue to check out every legitimate lead.

All right, just let me know when.

Listen, we need to get this guy identified

as soon as possible.

Um...

I kind of promised my viewers

I'd have him home for Christmas.

Well, I think the important thing

is to get him to the right home.

Well, you have your priorities

- and I have mine. - You can't just send him anywhere.

- He's Santa. - Zack, stay out of this.

This is adult business.

Just stay with Nick.

Detective, come on.

I think the kid's got the right idea.

( sighs )

- ( door closes ) - Tomorrow's Christmas Eve

and if you don't remember who you are by then, then...

What? What will happen?

Nothing. That's the problem.

Christmas won't happen.

You gotta remember who you are.

You just gotta.

I heard the doctor say that I needed

something familiar.

( gasps ) Yeah!

Come on!

Hurry!

Wait for me.

All right, Mr. Albright, we'll keep in touch.

Great. Thanks, Detective.

They went that-a-way.

Oh, great. The one day she asks me to watch her son...

You lose him.

It's okay. He's with an adult.

- Mm-hmm. - ( sighs )

An adult who doesn't know who he is, much less where he is.

- See? You fly on the sleigh... - Yes.

- ...with your elves... - Yes.

- ...and your reindeer... - Yes.

- ...and you land on the roof. - Yes.

- And go down the chimney. - Ah, yes.

- Remember? - No.

I'm sorry.

What's this picture called again?

"It's a Wonderful Life."

Well, then why is he trying to take his life?

Look, "Miracle on 34th Street."

- ( gasps ) Look, that's Santa! - Why is he on trial?

- They think he's crazy. - Ah, aha!

And this Santa, why's he stealing everything?

That's the Grinch.

Oh, look! Rudolph!

- He's your favorite reindeer! - And why is his nose red?

Don't you remember anything?

No, Zack.

( gasps ) Reindeer.

Yeah, I got it! Come on!

All right, remember,

he can be anywhere, so keep your eyes open.

Got it, Max.

Let's go over this again.

- Santa flies in his sleigh... - Yes.

- ...with his elves. - Yes.

- He lands on the roof. - Yes.

- He goes down the chimney. - Yes.

- You know what all this means? - No.

Me either. Let's go.

( clears throat ) Earth to elves!

What are you guys doing?

We're homesick.

Would you--

Think.

Reindeer. Uh, Santa.

Sleigh.

No.

I don't recognize them.

- None of them? - No.

Any, uh-- any other ideas?

Only one.

( snorts )

Any of this feel familiar?

No.

Hey, look!

Dear Santa letters!

Anything?

¶ Jingle all the way ¶

¶ Oh, what fun it is to ride ¶

¶ In a one-horse open sleigh, hey! ¶

- ¶ Jingle bells, jingle bells... ¶ - I know this!

- ¶ Jingle all the way... ¶ - You do?

¶ Oh, what fun it is to ride ¶

¶ In a one-horse open sleigh. ¶

- There you are! - I know this song!

- Oh, Peter! - I'll deal with you in a minute.

What do you think you're doing running off like that?

You were supposed to stay put!

You told me to stay with Nick!

- Semantics. - But those were your words, Peter.

Oh, sure. That you remember.

The point is you weren't supposed to leave!

- I've been worried! - About what?

How my mom's gonna kill you?

Oh, so you ran off to spite me?

No! To help Nick!

Jeez, not everything's about you.

Yeah, well, I wanna help him, too, you know?

- You do not! - Do, too!

- Do not! - Do, too!

Do not.

I heard what you said to that cop.

You said you don't care where Nick goes

or who he goes with,

as long as you get your story.

- Santa? - Yes.

Can I talk to you?

You certainly may.

Come up and sit in my lap here for a minute.

So, you're very pretty.

Anybody told you that before?

Well, I do care about him.

I'm-- I'm helping him find a home, aren't I?

He's got a home in the North Pole

and he's gotta get back before Christmas!

Yeah, well, you've gotta get home right now.

Don't you realize that you could single-handedly

ruin Christmas for the whole world?

What, because I want you to come home?

No! Because you don't listen!

You don't listen to me or my mom.

And you wouldn't even know the real Santa

if you saw him come right down your chimney.

Oh, for God's sake, Zack. There isn't any real...

( girl giggles )

...proof that he's Santa.

Girl: Santa, you fixed it!

There, very good.

Now, what you're going to have to learn

is to share your toys, you see?

What more proof do you need?

( phone ringing )

( phone beeps )

Albright.

Claire. Uh...

yeah, I-- I have Zack.

Uh-huh, I have both of them.

Um, no, everything's under control.

- Yeah, yeah, um... - ( truck beeping )

We're just, uh, Christmas caroling.

Yeah, I-- well, um-- yeah, I should go.

The tenors are all lining up now.

Okay, I'll call you soon.

( phone beeps )

Where are you taking this thing?

Toys Galore. They're gonna put it on display there.

Nick, Zack, get down from there.

Man: Ah, let 'em have their fun.

It's only a few blocks.

I'll take it slow.

- Bye! - Bye, Mom! Bye! Bye-bye!

¶ Christmas Eve is coming soon ¶

¶ Now, you dear old man ¶

¶ Whisper what you'll bring to me ¶

¶ Tell me if you can. ¶

¶ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy... ¶

- I'm with the real Santa! - ¶ Comfort and joy ¶

¶ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy. ¶

- ( chatter ) - Excuse me.

Zack!

You about ready to go home now?

No, he's making an emotional connection

to trigger his memory.

Oh, come on. Don't be silly!

You didn't think it was silly when that shrink said it.

Look, it's not good for him to be up there like that.

Are you kidding? Look at him!

Girl: And I want to thank you

- for all the neat stuff you brought last year. - Oh. ( chuckles )

- And what did I bring you? - Don't you remember?

Ah, well,

my memory hasn't been too good lately.

That's okay.

I still think you're the greatest.

Come on, admit it!

If he's not Santa, then nobody is.

- Yeah, I see what you mean. - ( phone ringing )

- Albright. - Yeah, yeah, Mr. Albright,

I thought you'd like to know we got our first good lead.

Yeah, some folks who think that, uh, Santa

is their missing grandfather.

They-- they brought in an old photo

and our computer guys enhanced it.

They put on a beard and 10 years' worth of wrinkles

and I gotta tell you it looks like your guy.

Are you-- are you sure?

Well, we're-- we're still running background checks,

but it-- it looks legit, yeah.

Well, I just--

I just thought for a minute that maybe...

Never mind. I'll be there soon.

Well, looks like you're gonna meet your deadline, huh?

That should make you happy.

Yeah.

It should.

( phone rings )

So, you're telling me your grandfather's been missing for 10 years?

Yes, 10 years.

He went out to play Santa at the Knights of Columbus Christmas party

- and... - In a Santa suit?

But he never showed up there and he never came home.

We never heard from him after that.

How soon can we see him?

Well, if everything checks out, first thing tomorrow.

Would you excuse us a moment?

So you're telling me that Nick has been running around

in a Santa suit for 10 years?

Who knows?

Listen to this.

Nicholas Engles, raised on a farm in Norway.

Youngest of 12 children.

Animals, cold, lots of children.

Hmm.

Moved here in the '40s.

Learned to fly a bomber in the Air Force.

- So he did fly. - Yeah.

Looks like you finally got your happy ending.

Well?

( scoffs ) Wow.

Is there something wrong?

( scoffs ) First, you take off with Zack without telling me,

then you let the two of them just walk off.

I mean, what could possibly be wrong?

Okay, I'm in no mood to argue.

I'll just get Nick and we'll get out of your hair.

Nick, I got some good news for ya.

Looks like the police finally discovered your true identity.

- They have? - Claire: They have?

Yep.

Well, who do they say that I am?

You're Nicholas Engles and you live with your grandchildren

- and you're going home tomorrow. - That's not true!

He really is Santa!

Zack.

If you take him away, there will be no more Christmas.

Zack, would you stop this Santa stuff?

- He is not Santa. - He is, too.

- He is not! - Is, too!

He is not. He's just a confused old man.

All right, stop it, both of you.

Peter, outside.

( sighs )

- What? - You're acting like a child.

- No, he's acting like a child. - He is a child!

What's your excuse?

Everything's okay, Doris.

And it is not your place to yell at my son.

Well, someone ought to set him straight.

I mean, do you really think it's healthy

to let him believe that that amnesia victim is really Santa Claus?

Oh, and who are you to tell him what to believe?

You're afraid to believe in anything.

I was just telling him the truth!

Well, you didn't have to crush him like that.

He'll get over it.

I did.

Oh.

Oh, so that's it.

So you're taking your lousy childhood out on my child?

- What? - Oh, come on, you didn't get over it, Peter.

You're so stuck in your past

that you can't get on with your future.

With-- with our future.

Which tells me one thing.

What?

That we don't have a future.

Is that how you feel?

Yes.

( scoffs )

Fine.

Fine.

( door opens )

Both: We're fine.

So that's it?

Yes.

If you can't let us in, then...

you have to let us go.

( door opens )

Come on, Nick. Let's go.

( sighs )

Well, that's it, guys. We gotta head back.

- But-- but-- - We're running out of time.

It's our duty to save Christmas.

You mean without Santa?

Tell me one place we haven't looked.

He looks lost.

You can't drive the sleigh

if you don't know the way.

Your granddaughter Nancy.

Uh, no.

The Knights of Columbus?

Uh, no.

Any of this ring a bell, Nick?

Uh, no.

Maybe when I talk with her.

Yeah.

At least you'll be home for Christmas.

- ( sighs ) - And where are you going?

I was gonna spend it with Claire, but, uh...

now?

I didn't mess that up, did I?

No.

No, it-- it was bound to happen.

It was just as well. I'm no good with kids.

Oh.

Not like you.

Oh, and weren't those kids wonderful this afternoon?

I had forgotten--

What?

I don't know.

You see, I can't even remember

what I've forgotten.

Well, you--

you sure looked right at home with them.

Night, Nick.

Peter.

Come on and-- and sit down here, will you, please?

Sit down with me. Come on.

( grunts ) Sit down.

Sit down.

I want to read to you.

I understand it makes it easier to fall asleep that way.

Now...

"'Twas the night before Christmas

when all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled

all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugarplums..."

( snores )

Sweet dreams, Nick.

( groans )

Grady's voice: I feel sorry for the real Santa.

He never gets to meet the kids.

He never gets to see the happiness he brings.

Now, that's a tough job. ( laughs )

What you're going to have to do...

- ...all the neat stuff you brought last year. - Oh.

- You're late! - You're late.

- You're late! - You're late.

You're late!

You're late, you're late, you're late!

For what?

Young Peter's voice: "Dear Santa,

you are the greatest.

All I want is a happy Christmas

with a family who loves me.

Love, Peter Albright."

Peter, have you finished writing your letter?

Yep, here it is.

Peter...

I just got off the phone with your father

and he won't be coming for you.

My dad?

Isn't coming.

Santa Claus?

Isn't coming!

( laughs )

( mock cries, laughing )

( panting )

Everything okay?

Yes. Yeah.

I had the strangest dream.

Yeah, I know the feeling. Boy, I could use a drink.

One drink coming up.

So, what did you dream about?

Oh, yes, it was, uh-- I was late.

I was terribly late for...

for something.

- The deadline dream. I get that a lot. - Uh-huh.

And-- and what did you dream about?

About the orphanage where I grew up.

Orphanage?

Yeah, my mom died when I was seven

and my dad wasn't much of a family man.

I obviously didn't fit into his plans.

Anyway, I dreamt about my first Christmas there.

The one where I stopped believing in Santa.

And I was writing my letter.

Funny, I can't even remember what I asked for.

That you would have a happy Christmas

with a family that loved you.

Yeah. How'd you know?

I figured that's what any orphan would want, right?

I guess.

Well, anyway, I saw Sister Greta

throw my letter into the fire

- and I figured if she didn't believe... - Sister Greta?

Would she be Danish or Norwegian?

I don't know. Why?

Because Scandinavians have this custom

that when they send letters to Santa Claus,

they throw them on the fire

and they believe that the smoke

carries the letters to the North Pole faster that way.

How did you know that?

I don't know.

( laughing )

Well, anyway, it didn't work.

I never got what I asked for.

Well, maybe it's not too late.

I don't see a family in my future, Nick.

Well, I think that you'd make a very good father, Peter.

Not gonna happen.

Claire's fed up with me

and Zack thinks that I am the grouch that stole Christmas.

I think that you and Zack have much more in common

than you both realize.

You know, for a guy who--

who doesn't know much about himself,

you sure know a lot about me.

Well, maybe we both need to remember

who we used to be.

( chuckles )

You know, Nick, if I didn't know any better,

I'd swear you were the real thing.

Nick?

We should be going.

( chatter )

Peter: It's hard to believe that it was only three days ago

when we first met jolly old Saint Nick.

But I'm happy to report, like all good fairy tales,

this story has a happy ending.

Late last night, the police department confirmed

Santa's identity as Nicholas Engles.

His granddaughter and her husband said they never lost hope

that one day they would be reunited with their grandfather.

- And today is that day. - What happened?

His grandchildren came for him.

Oh, sure.

His grandchildren come for him.

Peter: And there you have it.

A family together again.

This is Peter Albright reporting live.

- ( sniffles ) - ( crowd applauds )

- Grady? - Yeah, Nick. Congratulations.

I don't think I'll be needing these anymore,

so I want you to have them.

Are you sure?

You'll do them proud.

Well, jeez, thanks, Nick.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

- Peter. - Nick.

Peter, thank you for everything.

Oh, no problem.

I just wish I had a Christmas gift for you.

Oh, well, you've done plenty already.

But, here, uh, take this.

Your phone?

Well, that way we can always keep in touch.

( crowd applauds )

Man: Good job.

Claire!

- Oh. - Claire.

- You have a fine young boy here, Claire. - ( Claire chuckles )

Come up here, Zack. I wanna talk with you.

Here, now...

This is a very good thing, you know?

I'm back with my family.

I'm back where I belong, huh?

And to think that you had me believing at one time

that I was the real Santa.

- But you are. - Oh, come on.

I'll miss you.

Bye.

( crowd applauds )

Oh, boy, I'll be glad when the holidays are over.

They already are.

Oh.

You miss him?

Me, too.

He's better off with his family, you know?

Yeah, but don't blame me

when the whole world wakes up to empty stockings.

Hey...

how about we spend the day together, just you and me?

Huh?

- Okay. - ( chuckles ) Come on.

- I'm leaving. - But it's Christmas Eve.

- I know. - It's our busiest night of the year!

I know.

( bell ringing )

- Oh, merry Christmas, Grady. - Oh, thanks, Claire.

Same to you. Thank you, sir.

Oh, that suit looks great on you.

It's a perfect fit. Ooh, and I found something.

This suit's got more hidden pockets,

I tell ya. I found these letters.

- We gotta get 'em back to Nick. - Oh.

Mom, look! Dear Santa!

Hey, look!

These were in his pockets.

Why would anybody carry around Dear Santa letters

unless he was Santa?

And there's more in the sleigh.

Zack, honey, stop bothering Peter.

He's made it clear that he doesn't want to be bothered.

So, where do you wanna go?

Toys Galore.

( sighs )

Young Peter's voice: "Dear Santa,

you are the greatest.

All I want is a happy Christmas

with a family who loves me.

Love,

- Peter Albright." - Peter Albright?

How can-- how can this be?

How-- how could he...?

I bet you're ready for some home cooking.

On Sundays I make a pork roast.

Monday's tuna casserole, Tuesday, meat loaf.

Wednesday's Ray's favorite-- piggies in a blanket.

- Thursday's scalloped potatoes, Italian style-- - ( cell phone ringing )

Is that you, Grandpa?

Oh, uh, excuse me, uh...

Just press the green button, Grandpa.

- ( phone beeps ) - Yes, hello-- hello?

- Peter: Nick. - Peter!

Um, where did you get these letters?

What letters?

The letters to Santa. They found them in your pocket.

Uh, well, I believe, yes,

I was reading some letters before the, uh...

They're from the kids at the orphanage years ago.

There's Bobby and Chad and...

and me.

But didn't you say that you saw

one of the sisters burn those letters?

Peter: Yeah.

Nick: Well, then...

nobody could have those letters, right?

Right.

Nobody but...

Santa.

Santa?

Santa?

It can't be.

It has to be.

You have to be.

Listen, can you meet me

at Toys Galore in 15 minutes?

Nick: All right, yes, yes.

( laughing )

Would you stop at the Toys Galore store?

Is everything all right?

I have some last-minute shopping to do.

- You looking for anything special, honey? - ( cell phone rings )

His sleigh.

- Hello? - Claire, it's Peter.

Oh, what?

Uh, let me talk to Zack.

Ugh, Peter wants to talk to you.

- Forget it. - He doesn't wanna talk to you.

Just tell him--

tell him that, uh-- tell him that I believe him.

( chatter )

Peter, this is a great story.

It's not over yet. Grab your gear.

Ooh!

Oof!

Whoa!

( groans )

- Shh. - ( chuckles )

All right, news boy.

- What? - What did you do with Santa?

Who are you? Ow, ow, ow, ow...

( crowd murmuring )

Zack?

Zack!

- Zack! - Up here, Mom!

Look, I knew they were here!

Zack, get down here right now.

- Look, the letters! - Man: Listen to your mother.

And there's more letters and the sleigh, the reindeer--

- it's all proof that Nick really... - Man: Sit still!

Santa!

He's here! Hey, Nick!

You really are Santa!

That's what Peter thinks, too.

- He does? - Yeah.

- Yes! - ( crowd gasps )

Oh, Zack, no!

Mom!

Zack, now don't move.

- Mom! - Nick: Don't move!

Woman: Get out of the sleigh!

Stay there.

Don't move.

Are you okay, Peter?

Oh, sure. I just love being held hostage

by a bunch of color-blind, overdressed,

slightly belated trick-or-treaters.

Who are you guys, anyway?

Elves.

- Elves, right. - Look at the ears.

They're real!

- Jackpot, news boy. - ( screams )

( chatter )

Man: No, don't go up there. It's not safe!

- ( crowd gasps ) - ( gasps ) Oh!

Mom!

( creaking )

Sweetie, don't move.

Come over here slowly. Come on.

Come on.

Move over slowly now.

Come on.

Woman: Do what he says!

Oh, sweetie!

That's all right.

It's all right. Don't move.

Here, I'll-- I'll just get in.

Just hold on!

- Oh! Hold on, now. - ( crowd gasps )

( gasps )

( crowd screams )

Everything is fine, okay?

Everything will be all right.

- It will? - Yes,

or my name isn't Santa.

- Whoa! - ( crowd gasps, screams )

( screams )

( laughs )

Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho...

Maybe that's not Grandpa.

You really are Santa! I knew it!

Yes! I am!

I really am!

- Mom! - Oh, Zack, oh!

- Claire: I am so glad you're safe. - ( groans )

I was so worried about you.

Peter: Thank you.

Excuse me.

- Santa? - Max?

Santa!

Whoa, whoa...

- There's something different about you. - Max,

I feel like a new man.

Yeah, well, you look like one, too.

Max, these kids today,

they really do appreciate me.

I'm gonna pick up the bag again.

Yeah, well, you better make it quick

- 'cause Christmas Eve is almost here. - ( watch ticking )

Christmas Eve?

But it's running very late.

We'll never make all these deliveries in time.

- Max: Come on, let's go! We're late! - Zack: Hurry! Hey, look.

Peter: Hey, the Christmas tree lot's the other way.

- Claire: What do you think you're doing? - Rupert: He looks lost.

- Man: It's a shortcut. - Max: Right. What do we look like, tourists?

( Nick laughs )

Man: Okay, yeah,

let's make sure I got this right.

You're Santa and you need your reindeer.

- Yes, yes. - ( chuckles )

So where are your elves?

Uh, oh, they were right behi--

( gasps )

Well, we can do this two ways--

- naughty... - ( teeth chattering )

Just say the word, Max.

...or nice.

Hand over the keys.

Let's ride, Santa.

There's been a break-in at the Christmas tree lot.

Santa and his elves are stealing the reindeer!

- ( clicks, dial tone ) - Hello?

- ( phone clicking ) - Hello?

We're gonna go on a-- on a little trip tonight.

Man: Turn around slowly.

Don't be a hero, lawman.

- ( whipping, whooshing ) - ( men yelling )

( machine whirring, popping )

( muffled grunting )

Well, come on, guys. Let's go!

But there's too much weight. We'll have to meet you there.

Well, how are you gonna get home?

Upgrades.

In-flight movies, free food, peanuts.

Oh, boy.

Hey, come, Dancer, come, Prancer.

Up and away!

- ( chattering ) - Claire: Whoo!

- Oh! - Nick: Up and away.

Hold on.

Ho, ho, ho, ho!

Ho, ho, ho, ho!

- You call it in. - Hmm?

Claire: Oh! ( laughs )

Wow!

Zack, you remember that letter I wrote?

I wrote it when I was about your age

and it made me realize

- that you and I have a lot in common. - Yeah? Like what?

Well, like we both miss having a dad

and we both love your mom very much.

And we both believe in Santa.

You were right all along.

So you'll listen to me from now on?

I'll definitely work on it.

And you'll never doubt me again?

- ( chuckles ) Okay, now you're pushing it. - ( Claire chuckles )

What was that for?

I'm sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

Hey, hey, watch it. That thing's loaded.

- ( Claire chuckles ) - Max: Touché.

You were right. I was acting like a child.

I wanna get married.

( chuckles ) To me?

Yeah.

Even with-- even with a ready-made family?

Especially with a ready-made family.

Looks like I finally got my Christmas wish.

Oh, my.

- ( cheering ) - Whoa!

- Zack: That was so fun! - Nick?

- Grady, Grady. - That was so cool, Mom!

It's Christmas Eve. Do you still have that suit that I gave to you?

Yeah, yeah, it's in the car.

- Would you, please? - Hang on. One second.

Nick: A white Christmas.

- Max: Yeah. - Nick: Yes.

- Max: It's turning out just perfect, isn't it? - Come on, Grady.

- We're running late here. - There you go.

- Thanks. - So, you're the real deal.

Nick: Yeah, how about that?

That means I wore Santa's suit.

I wore Sa-- I gotta go tell my wife.

- I gotta tell my wife. - Thank you, Grady.

Santa, it's getting late.

I mean, we're really gonna need a miracle.

Yes, it is time

for a little Christmas magic.

Peter: Wow.

- How do you do that? - Ho, ho, ho.

Wouldn't you like to know?

Peter, we're off to a late start this year.

Uh, do you think you might lend a helping hand this evening?

Well, that's the nicest thing anyone's ever offered,

but for the first time in my life

I have a family to spend Christmas Eve with.

I was hoping you would say that.

And I was hoping you'd say that.

According to five time zones, we're late, Nick.

- We gotta go, Nick. Come on! - Okay!

- Claire: Oh, bye. - Here we go. Bye-bye, bye-bye.

- Bye-bye. - Oh, we'll miss you!

We'll miss you.

- Wow! - ( all laughing )

The name is Claus.

Unbelievable? We thought so at first.

But as they say, you've gotta see it to believe it.

So, as we close tonight's show,

we'd like to leave you with these images.

This is Peter Albright saying...

have yourself a very merry Christmas.

I know I will.

Grandpa?

I'm running a little late.

You bet we're late. Now come on!

Merry Christmas.

Peter's voice: "Dear Santa,

thank you for making my Christmas wish come true.

Love, Peter Albright."

Ah, ah, ah.

I'll take care of that.

Santa, I got two words for you--

- Merry Christmas. - No. Seat belts.

( Nick chuckles )

Ho, ho, ho, ho.

( music playing )

Man: That's a gimme?