Original subtitles

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Over the fields we go... ♪

Seventeen years ago,

I started this company out of a studio apartment,

with nothing but a tiny savings

and an insatiable appetite for shoes.

[laughing]

But, one person alone

cannot accomplish what we have built together.

And it's because of all of you...

that I was made an offer I could not refuse.

That's why you, along with the new owners,

are going to take Madd Shoes straight into the stratosphere.

So, thank you to all of you for making my dreams come true.

Cheers.

[all] Cheers.

Okay, let's do this.

[applause]That'’s that.

[sighs] Thank goodness, you'’re here.

Well, Bianca what's wrong?

[scoffs] The new owners, that'’s what's wrong.

It's only been two weeks, everyone's still adjusting.

They assured me they wouldn't make any immediate changes.

Really?

Maddie. Good morning, come on in.

Pat, I'’m a little confused by this memo.

Oh. Obviously, with us taking over,

there were gonna be a few insignificant changes.

Well, asking people to work over Christmas week

is hardly insignificant.

From the day I opened these doors,

I'’ve always given my staff that week off.

With all due respect, Maddie,

they aren'’t exactly your staff...

anymore. They'’re mine.

Well yes, but you value the corporate culture I created.

Look, we'’re... [sighs] reinventing this brand.

And that takes time

and dedication, across the board.

We can'’t just shut down for a week.

I will happily give you that time.

But let them have their vacation.

They will come back after the New Year,

fresh and energized.

You know...

maybe I overshot a bit

when I said that the changes would be insignificant.

And after two weeks of reevaluating,

we'’ve decided to go in a different direction.

I see.

Good luck, Pat.

With the way you treat people,

you'’re gonna need it.

[scoffs]

[doorbell ringing]

[both chuckle]Tell me I am dreaming.

I can'’t believe that you'’re actually here

for dinner on a school night. Believe it, I'’m here.

Oh, come here. Mm!

Yes, you'’re real.

Come in. I have champagne.Oh.

Well, this is nice.

See this as an adventure. You're free.

[sighs]And I know

just the distraction you need...

Mitch Henderson.

He's a very successful venture capitalist.

He'’s on the foundation of my charity

and read an article about you and Madd Shoes

and insisted I introduce you.

You got the invitation to the fundraiser, right?

I did, and here I thought you were only after me for my money.

Well, can'’t I have both? [chuckles]

Look, I'’m not gonna say that your work schedule

has been a relationship killer.

Oh, my work can't be blamed for the demise

of my relationship with Ken.

I didn'’t say a word.

But since you did mention it,

maybe the problem is that nobody is ever good enough

for Miss Madeline Finley.

Well, that'’s not true. If it were right with Ken,

or anyone else, it would'’ve worked out.

Well, now that you have no obstacles in your way,

please let me introduce you to the best, and the brightest,

Manhattan has to offer.

I don't wanna jump into anything, Lex.

I wanna take my time and just see what's next for me.

Well, maybe it's love.

Maybe.

It's... I don't wanna force it.

Just let me take a deep breath,

finish my glass of champagne and...

and I'll decide what I wanna do when I grow up.

All right, fine. You don't have to come.

Just write me a check. It is for charity.

Done.

[alarm ringing]

[sighs]

Oh!

I don't have to get up.

[scoffs]

I can go back to sleep for three hours, if I want to.

Mm!

[sighs]

Okay, I'm up.

Okay, no messages.

[phone ringing]

Hi, Mom.

So, how does it feel?

How does what feel?

Your first day of freedom.[Maddie] Uh...

I don't know. Numb.

That's not how it's supposed to be.

What are you doing right this second?

I'm in the park...

watching an adorable family play in the snow.

[chuckles] Sounds appropriate for this time of year.

So this is free time, huh?

It's... unsettling.

Life is what happens, while you are busy making other plans

or putting out your own shoe line.

You worked hard, Maddie,

and you got what you always wanted.

But what do I do now? Maddie, I'm gonna be blunt.

[chuckles] Well, of course you are. That's what you do.

Come home, honey.

Navigate the in-between with your family.

Let life dominate your life for once.

Okay, I'll come home for Christmas.

Thanks, Mom.

[Peg] Listen up, everyone.

Maddie is coming home for the holidays,

but it's not her usual in and out in one day. Um...

She's in a bit of a transition and she needs some family time.

So, we're gonna welcome her with some hometown hospitality.

Okay?

[Carter] Hey, Peg? Ahem.

How am I supposed to stay away?

You know, a 24-hour visit is one thing.

But I run the workshop,

and this is a lot more than just a quick hello.

Well, you can't stay away, Carter.

That's just the bare bones of it.

Yeah, I know.

After all these years, and she still hates me.

Hate is a strong word, but...

when you let someone go with nothing but a train ticket

and a broken heart...

that's not something one can get over very easily.

Yeah, I get it.

The holidays are the perfect time for forgiveness, though.

Well, we'll see how well that goes over.

Hmm.

Thanks, Trent. You okay, Maddie?

Yeah, I just don't know what kind of reception

I'll be walking into.

Yeah, well, it's not like you've never gone home before.

Yeah, it's usually just for Christmas day.

An extended walk down memory lane

might have a few unexpected twists and turns.

I understand.

[chuckles] Thank you. You bet.

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way... ♪

[Trent] You know, the people of Claremont

sure do like their Christmas.

Every year seems more elaborate than the last.

[chuckles] Oh, in this town, your devotion

is judged by the amount of lights on your house.

Too few and you're a scrooge,

too many and you're just bragging.

Must have been fun as a kid.

Seems like a really nice place to grow up.

Yeah. It was a great place to grow up.

♪ Dashing through the snow... ♪

[grunting]

[breathing heavily]

[Peg] Oh![Hallie] Merry Christmas, Mom.

[chuckling]

[girl] Marshmallow...[Maddie scoffs]

Yeah, right? 75, per usual?

[girl] Maybe a 100.[Maddie scoffs]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no... I'm not ready for this.

You know what, I can wait outside.

It's not that cold.

[Carter] I'll meet you outside. I'll go get the truck warmed up.

Talk to you later, guys! I'm gonna finish this

and I'll meet you out there.Okay.

[exhales]

[clears throat]

Oh, no.[Carter] Hello?

[sighs]Maddie?

Hi, Carter.

What are you doing hiding behind a tree?

Oh, I'm not hiding.

I was, uh... looking for my watch.

Uh, it's right there on your wrist.

I know.

Because I put it there.

It fell off, and I had to go get it.

And I did. And then I put it back on, and...

it's all good. Problem solved.Hmm.

And you brought your bags over there with you to look for it.

All three of them.

What's with the interrogation?

Hey, I'm not interrogating, there's just a couple holes

in your story, that's all. If you're looking for them.

It's actually pretty cut and dry.

You drop something and you go pick it up.

Well, it must have flown off your wrist

to make it all the way over there by the tree.

Okay, I... I don't feel like I have to explain myself to you.

Okay, look, you're right, I'm sorry.

This is... awkward[door opens]

and it's just... [Ava] Uncle Carter?

You forgot your scarf.Thanks.

Why are you talking to a tree?

Maddie, remember my niece, Ava?

Yes, but you probably don't remember me.

You were little the last time I saw you.

I'm a huge fan of Madd Shoes.

I saved up my allowance for six months

to buy those lace-up boots. I love them.

Oh.

Well, I could get you a pair from the warehouse for free.

Oh no, I...

actually, I don't think I can do that anymore. Uh...

Well, maybe I could get you a discount.

That would be great.

I'm a fashion design junkie. I make my own dresses.

Oh. Well, I'd love to see them sometime.

Okay, I'll show you.

Can I have the keys?

No, because it just started snowing,

which means the roads are icy,

and your mother said, "No driving on the ice."

My mom's not back till Sunday. She'll never know.

Besides, I need to learn how to drive it

in inclement weather eventually.

Inclement. Vocab word. Aced it.

I deserve the keys, don't you think?

Oh, I think I'm gonna stay out of this one.

Oh, Jeez. Fine.

You can start the truck, but do not go anywhere

until I get there. Got it.

[sighs] I've been watching Ava

while my sister's flying, you know.

Twenty years in the airline, it's hard to find another job

that pays the same and keeps you in one place, so...

I admire your sister.

It's not easy being a single parent,

and Ava seems great.Yeah.

So, this should be interesting.

It's fine.

We're both adults.

I can handle it, you can handle it,

and it's just for the holidays.

Yeah, you're right. Um...

I'll give you as much distance as possible and...

Oh, I should...

I should, too. Get inside and say hi to my family.

Yeah, okay. You want some help with the bags?

No. I'm good, thank you.Okay.

Keep an eye on that watch

so it doesn't go flying out by any trees.

[chuckles]

I thought I heard voices out here.

Hi, Mom. Maddie!

Oh, honey. Hi! Oh!

I am so happy to have you home.

I mean, really home, for all of Christmas.

My family is here.

My extended family too. All the most important people

in my life, all in the same place.

I think this is gonna be our best Christmas yet.

[giggling]

[Maddie] Hello?

Hi, Katie!

Aunt Maddie!

[Maddie chuckles] Hi.

Aunt Maddie, look at my shoes.

Oh, my goodness, are those the ones

that I sent you? Yeah.

They barely fit her anymore, her feet grow so fast.

We're gonna have to get you a new pair for Christmas.

[Katie chuckles]

Billy.Maddie.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

And, Hallie.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

It's good to have you home, Maddie.

It's nice to be home.

And I'm looking forward to spending time with you.

Well, sure, if you have time.

It turns out, I do have time. Plenty of time.

Maybe we could go Christmas shopping or something,

like we used to do when you were a kid.

Oh, uh...

That sounds great.

Yeah, great.

All my kids, my son-in-law, and my grandbaby,

all under the same roof.

Oh, I have so many plans for you.

[Peg chuckles]

[laughing]

[Maddie sighs] You have that, Mom?

What have you got in here? I have a lot of shoes!

[Maddie laughs]Oh, ignore the mess.

Your sister has to wrap in here so that Katie

won't see all her presents before Christmas morning and...

If there's not enough space,

I can empty out more drawers. Oh, no, no, it's fine.

Do not go out of your way for me.

I know it's not the Four Seasons and you're used to something

a little fancier. Mom, I don't care about that.

I'm just here to see all of you.

Oh, my goodness, you really don't throw anything away.

Well...[Maddie laughs]

I'm afraid to look in these boxes, so many skeletons.

It's okay, they don't bite.

Oh, my baton.

Do you remember how bad I was at this?

I did a toss, and I sent Coach Hyde

to the emergency room during the homecoming game.

I remember. Put it down. Safety first.

There's no skeletons here, only memories.

I just don't see any sense in throwing away the past.

Even the mistakes?

There are no mistakes, Maddie. Only decisions.

Tell that to my former employees

who probably hate me for selling the company.

You had to do what was right for you.

I just wish I could have eased my way into retirement.

I'm not good at being aimless.

You're not aimless, you're influx.

Oh.

Well, that was uncomfortable outside,

and don't tell me you didn't feel it.

It was bound to happen. He's practically family.

And just because you didn't marry him

doesn't make it any less so.

I didn't marry him because he didn't ask me.

And would you have stayed in Claremont if he had?

Well, I guess we'll never know, because he made that decision

for both of us when he decided not to come with me.

I was gonna be the next Jimmy Choo,

and he was going to make custom furniture

for everyone in Manhattan.

Gosh, we had big dreams and...

And then it was just over.

I think some people are...

maybe afraid of their own power, their talent.

They think all they can ever be is small

so they don't even try.

That is definitely not my Maddie, though.

I am so proud of what you've built.

Carter could've built something too.

Like I said, no mistakes, only decisions.

Right.

[Peg] Nah, nah![laughs]

Mine isn't as good as yours.

Well, it doesn't have to be perfect, Katie.

All snowflakes are unique and beautiful. Just like you.

Oh! Hello.Hey.

Good morning.Hi.

You still make those snowflake pancakes?

Oh, around Christmas, every single morning.

[Katie chuckles]You wanna help tomorrow?

My help in the kitchen tends not to be very helpful.

Let's just say the New York Fire Department

has been to my home and leave it at that.

Oh![Katie laughs]

Okay, let's get going before you are late for camp.

Okay. Katie is doing music camp.

She wants to learn the piano.

You played the piano, didn't you?

Flute.

Right.

Okay, bye Grandma. Bye Grandma, bye Aunt Maddie.

Bye, have fun! Bye, honey.

Bye. Chilly!

Do you want a snowflake pancake?

I thought you'd never ask. Aha!

[both laughing]["Deck the Halls" plays]

[blows]

So, you can still take a piece of wood

and turn it into a work of art.

It's... nothing. It's a hobby.

It wasn't always supposed to be that way, though.

Well, life happens.[Hallie] Carter,

two new orders just came in. A desk and a chair.

All right. What's the turnaround time?

Mild rush?

Look, I know how busy you are, multitasking with the orders

and getting the barn set up for the dance.

So I'm gonna bring in some extra help.

No, no, no. Come on, we can't afford extra help.

I got this, I can handle it.

There was some water damage in the gym at the high school,

and they need a new location for the holiday formal,

So, we're letting them use the barn.

Ava was on the committee, so Carter volunteered to help.

I don't know if volunteer is exactly the word I would use.

"Assigned to," "delegated." "Forced labor," actually.

He volunteered.

Which we appreciate, and it's just for the week.

Then you have your free time back to work on your own stuff.

Well, that's nice of you to do for the community.

Oh, don't compliment us just yet. With everything going on,

I have no idea how we're gonna pull it off.

The dance's less than a week away.

It's all too much.

Maybe after Christmas this year, it's time for me to retire.

She says this every three days.

We could sell the business.

Like Maddie just did.

I've always wanted to go to France.

You could travel too, Hallie.

I don't wanna travel. I love our business.

And you can go to France now,

I can handle the day to day of the business.

Too much work for one person. Mom, I'll figure it out.

But you need to make a definitive decision.

Stop riding the fence. I can help...

as long as I'm here.

When I started my own company, I was a one-woman show.

I did sales, marketing, accounting.

You're all so busy, and I'm not doing anything.

Let me help.

Okay.

Maddie can take over the dance with Carter.

She can? I can?

You organized this event yourself your senior year.

Well, that's... true,

but my more recent experience is a bit more corporate based.

This is where you're gonna be the most help.

And you know you'll do a way better job than Carter could.

[Hallie] Um... no offense. Yeah, none taken.

Well, I did set the bar pretty high for future classes.

But, man, it was a lot of work.

I didn't even get to dance, not one song.

Yeah, I remember. After we were crowned king and queen,

I tried to get you out on that dance floor.

So, Maddie, what do you say? You in?

Sure. I'd love to help.

Great. Hmm!

[Maddie] I'm doing this for my family.

Yeah, me too. And I'm running point.

Uh, you wouldn't have it any other way.

Well, I did do this once before, and I was pretty good at it.

Several decades ago.

It's like riding a bike.

You know, I don't know if you remember this about me,

but if I put my mind to it, I can do anything.

As evidenced by all of your success.

Great. Then I suggest you buckle up and follow my lead.

Yes, ma'am. Lead the way.

Mm-hm. Oh!

Yeah, I think I'll skip that part.

Ah! Well, one thing

you haven't lost is grace.

Well, according to this email from the principal,

the sprinklers went off and ruined... well, everything.

Yeah, the decorations, light, the whole deal.

What, so we're starting from scratch?

We are, with a limited budget to boot.

Well, how much have you done? A little.

How little? I swept the barn.

Carter!

We have a week.

I'm aware of that information.

To plan an entire dance.

Yeah, seems that way.

[sighs] What's the theme?

Uh... Christmas.

That's not a theme, that's a season.

Yeah, but it's a good a theme as any. Right? It's easy.

A couple wreaths, some lights, boom. Call it a day.

This is one of the last pivotal events of their childhood.

We have to do this right.

Maddie, it's a dance.

They wanna get dressed up, get their hair done,

take a couple spins around the barn with their crush.

Carter, what happened to you?

Where is your sense of sentimentality?

These are the days that they are going to remember forever.

We're going to pick out a theme, and execute it flawlessly.

Yes, ma'am.

♪ It's Christmas, you know ♪

♪ It's everywhere you go ♪

♪ It comes around Just once a year... ♪

All right. Good to see you. Bye.

[children chattering]

I got lights.

In the absence of a theme

I thought we could start hanging those around the barn.

Did you get what you need? I did. Sandwiches.

Committee's gotta eat.Hmm.

You know, I think this is a really good thing

that you're doing for your family.

Now that you're in somewhat of a break, a vacation.

I'm happy to help.

Everyone works at the business,

I'm just hanging around.Yeah.

I don't like feeling useless.

Well, come on Maddie, you can never be useless.

Don't do that.

Do what? Be nice to me.

Sorry, you want me to call you a couple choice names

to make up for it?[laughs]

Okay, let's just focus on a theme.

Uh... how about Christmas Masquerade?

Come on. You think they wanna spend all that time

getting ready just so they can cover their face with a mask?

Aha! Aha, see? I'm right.

Look at you, you know I'm right, but you hate to admit it.

Oh... let's see.

What about a winter wonderland theme?

Oh, great idea. I'm sure it was a great idea last year,

and the year before that,

and probably the year before that.

Okay, fine. We're even.

[sighs]

What can we come up with that they haven't done before?

I don't know. I'm not a party planner, that's not my forte.

Running a workshop? That, I can do.

Carter, that's it!

That's brilliant!

Of course, it is. I came up with it.

Mind telling me what my brilliant idea was?

We do the North Pole.

We dress the barn up like Santa's workshop.

We'll do things like, Mrs. Claus's photo booth,

reindeer snacks, stuff like that.

I could fabricate an exterior outside the barn.

Make it look just like Santa's village.

I love it. Santa's village. Perfect.

I'm not dressing like an elf, though.

I wasn't gonna ask you to.

You're a little tall to be an elf.

Okay. Yup, count me in.

Wow, I really am a genius, huh? Okay,

don't let it go to your head.

We still have to execute your little plan.

[Maddie] I think it's gonna be beautiful.

We found some amazing decorations.

So, you and Carter are working well together.

Yeah, we're managing.

I mean, I've run a company for 17 years,

I've learned to navigate all kinds of personality types.

Not one that you have this kind of history with.

I never saw two kids more in love than you and Carter.

Well, he took care of that, didn't he?

I think you two need to talk. Get some closure.

What's the point of rehashing a relationship

that happened 20 years ago?

'Cause you need to deal with the elephant in the room.

No elephants. I'm a dog person.

Stop changing the subject.

There's so much between you two that remains unspoken.

And you know what happens when you leave things

bottled up inside. Yes, they explode.

[Peg] Mm-hm.

So, cut it off before you get to the breaking point.

Hey! Hey. Hi.

All right. Goodnight, Mom, Maddie.

I thought that Billy was working late

and you two were staying for dinner.

Uh, he finished his shift early

so we're gonna go have dinner with him, huh?

Don't forget the Christmas cookie swap on Wednesday night.

It's my most favorite night of the year. How could I forget?

I'm gonna do lots of baking after this little one is asleep.

We'll miss you at dinner.

Yeah. Another time. High five!

Goodnight, Katie girl.Bye.

[Peg] Goodnight, ladies.

Okay, speaking of bottled up,

she barely talks to me. Why does she hate me?

Maddie, she doesn't hate you. She misses you.

She was just so young when you left.

She would get so excited every time you came home.

But, I wasn't present.

I let my job take over everything,

and now, I'm a stranger to my sister.

Hallie does want to connect. She just... doesn't know how.

I'll try harder with her.

I think that would be nice.

Hmm.

[door opens]

[Maddie] Hey, Carter.

You're here early.

You know what they say,

"The early bird works on his own stuff on his own time,

so the boss doesn't get angry."

Oh, yeah,

I think I saw that on a motivational poster somewhere.

What are you making?

Oh, it's... It's nothing.

Didn't look like nothing.

Your work is never nothing.

You don't need to go there. Go where?

To the pity zone. I saw the look on your face.

What are you talking about? I don't pity you.

I've always thought you were incredibly talented.

That you could do so much.

Not everybody needs validation from their careers.

Carter, that is not what I said.

Come on, we should get started.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Your decorating committee has arrived. Put me to work.

But, not too much work. I'm super lazy.

I'm just kidding. Huge work ethic.

Maddie. Natalie, it's good to see you.

I have to tell you, Ava is great.

I would have to agree with you there.

[Natalie] Thank you, and thanks for taking this on.

I have flights this week, but I will pop in

and help as much as I can.

And, I brought my sketches. I'll show you later,

but I'm making my own dress for the dance

and I want your advice.

Ava, Maddie's a professional. Don't bother her with that.

Oh, it's okay.

I mentor a lot of young designers. I'm fine with it.

Thanks, Maddie, I appreciate it.

I just don't want her heart broken,

if she's not good enough.

She has this fantasy of going

to the Fashion Institute in New York.

I understand.

And I will be honest with her about her sketches, but gentle.

So, are they any good?

Good? Ava, they're stunning.

You think so?

Yes! I've seen a lot of sketches from up-and-coming designers,

and these are as good as it gets.

Your mom said you wanna go to the Fashion Institute?

Yeah, but, I didn't apply.

I mean, like she says, they only take 40 people a year.

I think you could be one of them.

Really?

Not that it matters.

It's too late to apply now, anyway.

Well, I know the Dean. I could make a phone call.

Find out about the application timeline for you.

Would you really do that for me?

Of course.

Everyone deserves to follow their dreams.

And I would go with that one.

I knew it! That's the one I'm making.

[chuckling]

Hey, Ava. We should get you back to the house.

Okay. Thanks, Maddie. You're welcome.

Goodnight.[Maddie] Goodnight, Ava.

Goodnight, Carter.

Night.

And the elephant is growing.

Thank you.

[door closes]

And can I get a slice of Marva's famous pie?

Thank you. Oh, yum.

You know it's 9:30 in the morning?

What? Crust is basically bread,

and pie is made from milk and eggs,

and a few other ingredients I can't think of right now.

But I think we can agree this is a legitimate breakfast food.

You're welcome to sit with me, if you want.

I don't know if we were speaking or not speaking.

Yeah, I didn't know either,

but this conversation would suggest we are.

Okay.

[sighs]

I, um...

I didn't mean to insult you yesterday.

I guess there's a lot of unresolved stuff between us.

Well, let's clear the air, Carter, once and for all.

Right here, right now.

So we can co-exist in a more harmonious nature.

Okay.

Yeah, uh...

lay it on me.

Okay.

You were so vague about the reason

you didn't go with me to New York,

and then complete radio silence.

Yeah, I'm gonna be honest with you...

I just chickened out.

As it became real,

the idea of suddenly moving to New York got so big.

But that's what was so exciting.

Yeah, it was exciting for you.

I get that, but... [chuckles] ...you had a plan.

You knew what you were gonna do, how you were gonna get there.

But for me, I don't know,

I didn't know how I was gonna go from being a guy

that just made nice furniture

to actually making a living at it.

I don't know, maybe it's just something as simple as, uh...

I didn't see myself moving there,

and you didn't see yourself staying here.

How would you know? You never asked.

No, no, no, I'm not gonna be the one to stand in your way.

From the moment I met you, I knew that you were destined

for greater things than this place could offer.

I thought the same thing about you, and your talent.

No, Claremont was always too small for you.

I love this town. I could stay here

and do what I love, working for your dad.

Okay.

But when is the last time you sold one of your own pieces?

I dabble a little bit. You know?

Now, there's no pressure.

I get that.

All I meant yesterday was...

you could be great, too.

Excuse me. Could I get one of those also?

Make mine a double.

It's good you got your own 'cause I'm not sharing.

[laughs]Some things never change.

♪ Ring, ring, ring That goes the bell... ♪

Thanks for coming with me.

I really didn't know what to get Kate or Mom.

Hmm.

Hallie,

this year is gonna be different.

And I really would like for us to connect. I mean that.

I'd like that too, Maddie.

It's just that, with a business,

and Katie and trying to find the time, I...

Well, I could take on more. Really.

I know Mom's a little burnt out,

that she would like to travel, and...

You taking on the dance is plenty.

I got the business covered.

Hallie. Look,

I know this company was supposed to be yours,

and that I got it by default after Dad retired.

But I'm good at this, Maddie, and I will find a way

to take the business to the next level,

so that we can hire more staff and Mom can retire in style.

I'm sure you will. But I could brainstorm with you.

With my brand... I got this, Maddie.

Okay?

[Billy] Hey girls. Hey, honey.

[Billy] Hi!

That's a wrap on Christmas shopping.

Oh! What'd you get me?

You have to wait until Christmas morning

to find out. Not a problem. I totally will.

Hey! Absolutely not. I would never.

Just making sure it was heavy enough for me.

Watch your feet.

♪ Because it's Christmas time ♪

♪ And the ground is white ♪

♪ Let's gather round... ♪ [giggles]

Oh, Ava! I talked to my friend at the Fashion Institute,

and you have until January 1st.

But you have to get your application in right away

because they are shutting down for Christmas.

And, I might have put a good word in for you,

so use my name if you do apply.

Thank you so much. I think I'm gonna do it.

Okay, but you have to tell your mom.

I probably won't get in, so there's not much to tell yet.

Ava, you have to have faith in yourself.

And when it comes to fashion,

trust me, you have the "it factor."

Thanks, Maddie.

I finished my dress last night. Can I show you?

I think I wanna send in some pictures

with my application. Yeah, show it to me.

For your eyes only. Okay!

It's perfect.

[chuckles]

Carter.

Yeah? I'll be right back.

Where you goin'?

To the Christmas tree lot to get a tree for the barn.

I know you haven't lived here in a long time,

but have you forgotten every tradition?

No, but in an effort to save time...

In Claremont, we always cut down our own tree.

Come on, you should remember this.

I'll grab a saw, and then we'll go get one.

She doesn't want anyone to see the dress until the dance.

It's her big reveal. I've heard about this dress.

I know that she's very excited about her date with Robbie,

which Nat is not super thrilled about.

But she's happy I'm gonna be there to supervise Ava.

Oh, come on. Everyone takes a date to this dance.

It's part of the tradition. Yeah, I know.

Not chaperones, though.

No, of course not. It's for the kids.

Not that I'd have anybody to go with anyway.

Really?

Why are you so surprised?

[gasps] Because I saw you

with somebody downtown when we were shopping,

and then at your house last night.

Wait, you were at my house last night?

No.

Okay, yes.

I just came by to talk about the stuff

that went on between us and I...

But I saw that you were busy with somebody,

and I didn't wanna interrupt.

So you were checking up on me.

No, I was not.

Because I've been checked up on before

and this kinda looks like that. Well, you're wrong.

I simply went over to talk to a friend,

and the very last thing I was doing in that moment

was checking up. Okay, okay.

I'm sorry. My mistake. You were not checking up on me.

While you were checking up on me.

Oh, for goodness sake.

Oh, that was Evelyn, by the way. My cousin.

Wow!

Look at that, that is beautiful. That is our tree right there.

It is big, it is dominating, it's... green.

Sounds like you're describing The Incredible Hulk,

not a Christmas tree.

Okay, well, how would you describe it?

Festive, magical, nostalgic.

I mean, okay, if you wanna be so on the nose about it.

Okay, let's cut this baby down. Wait, wait, wait.

When's the last time you cut down a tree?

Um, 1980-never.

Okay. But don't forget,

I can do anything...

Anything that you set your mind to.

Yes.Exactly.

Well... step aside.

I wouldn't want you to get hurt. Whoa!

Yeah, lead the way.

'Cause that worked out so well last time.

You might want these.

[Peg] Jenny Pickard started the Christmas cookie swap

about five years ago.

It just keeps growing. It's a pretty big deal,

so I do appreciate your help tonight.

So, you just bake cookies and swap recipes?

Oh, no, no, no. It is more than that.

We vote on which is the best cookie at the end of the night,

and these are our best recipes, so it gets kind of competitive.

Last year, 30 different types of cookies.

Thirty?

Wow. This is serious.Yeah. [chuckles]

Hey, Peg. I got Hallie on the phone.

She says yours keeps going straight to voicemail?

Oh, I think I left it upstairs.

Carter, I am so sorry we're keeping you late tonight.

Don't worry about it, I had to stay here

and finish those rush orders. So, it's all good.

Hi, honey. Mm-hm?

Wow. Cutting down trees? Baking? Do you even recognize yourself?

Listen, the tree was a success,

but you might wanna have the fire chief on standby.

[laughs] I have him on speed dial.

Perfect.

Billy fell playing hockey and Katie's already asleep.

So I'm gonna go over there to watch her

while Hallie takes him to get checked out.

Is he okay?[Peg] Oh, yeah, yeah.

Seems to be fine, he just needs some X-rays.

Carter, um... have you ever baked?

Not so much. No.

Never too late to learn.

Now, I want you two to follow these three recipes to a tee.

One batch of each and... Huh-huh-huh!

No snacking.

Think you can handle it? No.

No.Perfect.

I'll be back in a few hours and, um... no pressure,

but I wanna win.

Uh...

[Carter] All right.

Okay. Let's bake.

She wants to win.

[snickers] Yeah, I noticed that.

There'd better be some prize money involved.

Mm.

Oh, dear.

[oven alarm dings][dish clattering]

[groans]

Ta-da![Carter] Wow!

Those are... bad.[Maddie] Oh.

Yeah. [chuckles]

Oh, no.

They look like a five-year-old made them, don't they?

No, every five-year-old I know could do much better than that.

Thanks.

All right, what do you say? Do we dare taste them?

Uh... Yeah, I'm a little scared, so you first.

Thank you. So much for chivalry.

All right. Here goes.

If anything happens to me, tell my mother I love her.

[Carter] Okay.

How do you feel, huh? A little lightheaded?

Maybe dizzy? Nauseous?

Did we put sugar in these?

Yeah, of course we did. From that jar right there.

That is salt. Oh!

O-kay, well, that explains a lot.

We are two capable, talented adults.

Why can we not make a decent batch of cookies?

Well, I think it's safe to say baking is not in our future.

[laughing] I think maybe we just need to find

what we do best and stick to that.

Well, you didn't do that.

Right? I mean, you built this successful company,

and then you sold it, right?

It's funny, I was on this path

to a specific destination, and...

I worked years to get there.

Once I was there, it felt like, what now?

I think what I'm discovering is, I don't really know

who I am without my job.

Well, you are Maddie Finley.

You're the most determined, capable,

and successful person that I know.

That's never gonna change,

no matter what it says on your business card.

Well, then tell me one thing.

What's that?

If I am so determined, capable and successful,

how come I cannot make an edible batch of cookies?

That is a good question. We are gonna do this, okay?

We're gonna do this, if it takes us all night.

Or all year.

Oh! No kidding.

It'll be next Christmas.Okay.

[laughs] Put the salt away.Okay.

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm... ♪

[Carter] Ah! Thank you.

Well, we may not get any votes, but at least

they won't kill anyone, so there's that.

Well, that remains to be seen.

[Maddie chuckles]

Oh... I love Christmas lights.

The way they blink in a pattern.

Mm.

You know, when I was a kid,

I used to try to guess which colored light

would blink next. Blue!

[laughs] Oh, see?[Carter groans]

It's not as easy as it looks. It is so difficult.

[laughing]

Gosh, I haven't done this in years.

I mean, it's always been there, but I guess I stopped looking.

Yeah, well, we all get bogged down

with life's day-to-day stuff.

I think it's important I had this time with my family.

Might be the very foundation I've been missing.

Mm. Yeah, community's important.

Your family, mine, this town, they've all had my back.

And you didn't think you'd have that in New York?

Well, I knew you would be there for me, and...

I don't know. What about you?

What about your community in New York?

Oh. Well, I have a really nice group of friends.

I mean, most of my social life does revolve around work.

[laughs] You know, proximity matters to a workaholic.

Of course.[Maddie laughs]

What about boyfriends?

Oh, uh... a few.

One for almost four years.

Wow! But, he wasn't the one.

And you?

Yeah, I've dated here and there. A few girlfriends.

Same as you.

But you never got married.

No, no. I came close once.

What happened?

Well, she wasn't the one.

I don't know, I think you only get one great love in your life.

And, and I probably already used mine up.

Red.

[whoops]

You are so good at this. How can I compete?

[laughs] You can't.Periwinkle.

Oh! Well, there you go. It's not even on there.

It's not on there.[laughing]

[phone ringing]

Bianca, hi. How are you?

Well, I'm at work, a few days before Christmas.

But, I'm trying to rally,

since I like the finer things in life, like food,

and a roof over my head.

Other than that, I'm good. How are you?

Well, I am just trying to focus on enjoying the holidays,

and planning this event. Baking.

Wait, wait, wait, wait. [laughs] You baked?

I guess you could call it that after the first few batches.

How are things there?

Wendy Williams called here looking for you.

She's developing a shoe line, and she wants to talk about you

coming on board. Oh, right.

We gave her all those shoes for her last book tour.

She's huge, Maddie.

And not just for her talk show, her clothing line too.

This could be major.

Oh. Gosh, I don't...

I don't know, Bianca. It's very flattering, but...

Well, I was going to take some time

and wait for my next opportunity to present itself.

Maddie, if this isn't opportunity knocking

then I don't know what is. If the timing isn't right

for you, that's another issue.

Okay, yeah, text me her number,

and I'll see what she has to say.

Done. If you go back to work,

you're gonna take me with you, right?

[laughs] Of course.

Good.

Then I'll stop working on my resume.

Bye.

[sighs]

The North Pole looks perfect there.

Oof!

Here you go, Tony. It's the last one, thanks.

[hammering]

Oh! Wow.

Mistletoe at a high school dance?

Well, it's just a decoration. You know, tradition.

[scoffs] Since when have you been so traditional?

When it became my job to give these kids

a little Christmas spirit.

Come on, Carter.

Don't be that way. Don't be a scrooge.

I am not being a scrooge.

You're being a little bit of a scrooge.

I resent that accusation. Bah, humbug.

[Maddie laughs] You better be careful,

or the Ghost of Christmas Past will come back

to set you straight.

Oh, I'm pretty sure she's already here.

Oh, really? Mm.

Oh, look.

It's, huh...

That's, huh...

[both clear throats]

It's just decorative.

[chuckling]

Yeah. Mm-hmm.Ceremonial.

Okay. All right, here you go, Ebenezer, you're in charge.

I'm gonna get ready for the cookie swap.

You're going?

Yes. I worked so hard on those cookies,

I wanna see everyone's reaction.

Uh... you did have help.

Right.

Carter, would you like to come to the cookie Christmas swap

at Jenny Pickard's house tonight?

No... But I will anyway because I heard

it gets really intense, and I wanna be there to see it.

[laughs] I'll see you tonight. Bah, Humbug.

[line ringing][groaning]

Wendy, hi. It's Maddie Finley, returning your call.

Maddie! I miss you.

And by the way, I really do appreciate

the box of shoes you sent me for my book tour.

But you know what?

I've got an idea.

I want to do shoes.

You will be great at it, Wendy. You have incredible taste.

You come to New York and help me do my shoe line.

You've got a stake in the company.

New York, you miss, I know you do.

And you and I will be partners.

It's an exciting proposition, but...

My lawyers are already drawing up the papers.

You just take a look and think about it.

I'll take a look at the offer. And, Wendy, thank you.

I'm really flattered that you'd think of me.

All right, girl. I hope you say yes.

[chuckles] Merry Christmas, Wendy.

Bye.

[indistinct chatter]

Now, I've saved my new one for last.

It's a dark chocolate fudge base,

with my homemade peppermint bark on top.

[woman] These cookies are amazing.

Ladies.

Ooh... Thank you.

Mm. Oh... mm...

I might make these for Christmas Day.

Good idea. Katie loves peppermint.

Sorry, Peg. Not sharing this one.

Isn't that the whole point of the cookie swap, Jenny?

Yeah, and you can have any other recipe,

just not this one.

I might mass-produce it.

Ladies and gentlemen, Jenny has gone rogue.

It seems our next contestant, Jenny Pickard,

is pulling an ol' switcheroo on the rules.

It's just a cookie.

Oh, but these are special.

It's rumored that this cookie has an 8.6 degree of difficulty,

but we will never know because she is not sharing her recipe.

Those snickerdoodles are my mom's special recipe

and I'm sharing them.

Well, that's your choice, Peg.

This is unprecedented behavior. And the crowd goes wild.

[indistinct conversation]And potentially disqualifying.

Is this legal? Can someone check the bylaws?

[Peg] You're not being fair, Jenny.

Well, it's my house, my rules.

Oh, it's escalating.

What do you say we get out of here before it comes to blows?

We can go to the cafe and get a peppermint pie.

But it's just getting good. Come on, let's go.

[Jenny] Maybe you'd like to host it next year, hmm?

[Peg] Well, perhaps I would.

And perhaps I might edit the guest list.

You won't have my cookies.[Hallie chuckling]

[Peg] I don't know why you think your cookies

are always the best, Jenny.

Everyone here is a good cook.[Maddie] Come on!

Well, you wanna walk, or drive?

Oh, well, let's walk. It's not that far.

Do you remember when we used to walk downtown?

[laughs] Yeah, it didn't matter how cold it was

as long as the Christmas lights were on.

I used to think Claremont was so bright

you could see it from outer space.

I'm pretty sure you can do that with New York.

Different kind of bright.

Yes, it is. Who wins in a duel?

It's a draw. I don't know about that.

I got an offer.

A start-up shoe company.Oh.

I talked to the woman today.

It's definitely in my wheelhouse.

I guess I was just hoping the skies would open up and...

I don't know, my future would fall into my lap.

[Carter chuckles]

Well, maybe that's what this is.

Guess you just have to trust your instincts.

Is that what you do? Try to.

So what do your instincts tell you about your future?

I mean, what if my mom retires

or if the business doesn't work out?

What's next?

Oh... I don't know, I'll have to find a plan B, I guess.

Starting a business is hard at first, but...

the feeling of accomplishment

when you build something from the ground up,

there is nothing like that.

You should see your face when you talk about this stuff.

Oh. [chuckles]It lights up.

Well, maybe it's the Christmas lights.

Well, maybe you weren't ready to get rid of your business.

Well, which would have been foolish,

considering how much they offered you.

That's a huge testament to what you built.

Well, my mother likes to say that,

"There are no mistakes, only decisions."

I guess you'll have to figure that out when you get home.

Home tonight? No, your actual home, New York.

Oh, yeah. Right because New York is my home.

[indistinct chatter]

Wow, look at this. I mean...

I wish we had this as a decoration for the barn.

Yeah, it'd definitely go with our theme.

[train horn blowing]

You just like the lights. I do.

And I want it for the dance.

But I'm sure it's out of our decorating budget.

It's not.

Well, how do you know? I don't see a price tag.

It's not for sale.

I made it.

This is what you've been doing in your spare time?

I thought you were making furniture.

Nope, just tiny little houses.

Are there any more of these?

Of various designs.

Carter, why don't you put this on the website?

You could do special orders, ship all over the country.

Hey, Carter Allen, stop! I have more questions.

Yeah, course you do.

You have a gift. That's not a question.

Okay, let me rephrase that.

Why are you letting this gift go to waste?

Listen, Maddie, that is a hobby.

A hobby is something you do because you love it.

I've already got a job where I utilize these skills

every single day. It's the best of both worlds.

Carter, that... that back there,

people would pay good money for that.

Come on, people aren't gonna buy that stuff on a regular basis.

But... Maddie, come on. Just let it go.

Carter, you...

I appreciate it, but let it go.

Come on, cafe closes in an hour.

Okay, girls, the punch bowls can go right there. Thank you.

I still haven't heard anything.

Well, Ava, you just submitted the application two days ago.

And, it's the holidays.

You said she was gonna look at it right away.

She probably did, and she hated them.

That's it, she hates me. Ava, she doesn't hate you.

You have to believe in yourself.

I do, but will everyone else?

Yes. I guarantee it.

Found one reindeer. Oh, great.

Thank you for coming by, and lending a hand.

It looked like you guys were short one left hand.

Hallie thinks I'm just trying to get out of doing dishes.

Oh, I could think of worse plans.

I'm gonna go find his buddies. All right, good luck.

What's going on here?

A little decoration for the refreshment area.

Hmm.

Got that. You have more?

I know it doesn't look much like Santa's village right now,

but don't worry, I will adjust. I have props.

Carter. It's perfect.

You wanna know why I do this?

Because of the look on people's faces.

Just like yours. Come on, help me put it together.

Hey, this looks like your parents' house.

Oh, that's because it is.

This set was originally intended to be a replica of Claremont.

But don't let Mrs. Clause fool you.

The coffeehouse where you get your morning latte

is now Santa's office.

[giggles]

You really love it here in Claremont.

Yeah, I sure do.[train horn blowing]

This is home.

[Maddie] Here you go, Mom. Thanks, honey.

The princess paper is for Katie's gifts.

Yeah, I kinda figured it wasn't for Billy.

I'm glad I finished wrapping yours already.

Mom, I told you not to spend your money on me.

It's not the money, it's the joy of giving.

And I love having all my family here.

It's been a good week.

Because of family or something else?

What are you trying to say to me, Mother?

I see you and Carter.

It's like you stepped right back into that old chemistry

without missing a beat.

I don't know. Maybe my clarity is this new job.

Carter loves it here.

He doesn't wanna leave. And I can't stay.

Why not?

Everyone here has a purpose but me.

I don't even know what I would do.

Purpose comes in all different shapes and sizes, Maddie.

Why is it, do you think,

that neither you nor Carter have ever settled down?

That no one was ever good enough for you?

That has nothing to do with Carter and me.

Maybe it's because the two of you were meant to be.

Maybe what's been missing from your life all this time...

is Carter.

Think about it.

What's that?[Ava screams]

Is this a private party, or can anyone join in?

It's public property.

Uh, no, actually, it's not. It's my mom's house.

And, we still have a lot of work to do in the barn.

We don't have time for your silly little games.

Who's being a scrooge now, huh?

Still you. Oh!

I cannot believe you fell for that.

That is the oldest trick in the book.

Oh, it's on now.

Carter, no! No, no, no, no! No, no, no, I'm dead.

Carter!

[laughing]

[Maddie] Oh!

Mom? You're back.

Yeah, my last flight was cancelled.

What is this, Ava?

I got in! Maddie, you did it!

Well, no, Ava, you did it. They only accept

the best of the best, and that's you.

I can't believe you went behind our backs

and helped her with this.

This isn't Maddie's fault. I was supposed to talk to you

about it, and I didn't.She has a real gift, Natalie.

Well, getting in is one thing, but... making a living at it

is an entirely different scenario.

We have a plan for her future, a good plan.

No, you had a plan.

It's not what I wanted. Nat,

she did get in, despite the big competition. Right?

And if anybody can help her navigate this experience,

it's Maddie. Carter, please.

[Ava] It's my dream.

And we're supposed to follow our dreams, right?

Isn't that what you taught me,

practically from birth?[scoffs]

I'm happy to tell her everything I know

about the city, the institute, the art of networking

to get a job. She'd have a friend in New York.

It doesn't matter. She's not going. It's too risky.

Come on, Ava.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean

to overstep. No, no.

You always want the best for people,

and that's, that's good. There's no shame in that.

All right, time to get the little one home and fed

all with one arm, I might add.[chuckles]

Okay, I'm gonna stay here and finish this for Mom,

and I will be home later. She's lucky to have you.

We all are.Mm-hm.

I love you. Love you.

And I love you. I'll be home real soon,

okay? Okay.

One for the road. One for the road.

One. Let's go, kiddo.

Hey, Billy! Hey, Katie girl! Hey.

You're working late today.Yeah. I'm trying to figure out

this new structural plan for Mom.

She's convinced if she retires, she'll leave us in the lurch.

So I'm trying to find a way to make us lurch-free.

You have a really beautiful family, you know that?

Thanks. I had great role models.

Yes, you did.Hm.

It's nice to have someone to share the trials

and tribulations of life with, isn't it?

Do you have anyone in New York, Maddie?

I do. I have a lot of good friends.

And fantastic ex-employees.

I have a lot of anyone's in New York,

but not that one anyone, yet.

I didn't realize that was something you wanted.

You're so independent and put together all the time.

I guess my convenient facade worked.

If I could zip in and out at Christmas,

I wouldn't have to face everything I was missing.

But, after spending time with all of you, and the lights,

and the smell of the cider at the wood shop,

and... oh, the drama over the peppermint bar cookie

cookie recipe...[laughs]

...I realized I've missed a lot.

And Carter?

I have a thought about Carter, for business.

Now, I know you don't want my advice.

But his woodwork is exceptional.

I know. He made this little dollhouse ornament for Katie,

and it is just the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Someone could fabricate Dad's furniture designs,

which would free up Carter to do what he really loves.

Again, not trying to tell you what to do with the business,

because I know you've got it. No, I know.

It's a good idea, Maddie.

Actually, it... might be just the thing.

We could expand without changing our overhead.

Maybe what you should do is put some pictures of his work

up on the website and send out an email blast.

Just to test the waters.

I don't know if Carter would be okay with that.

I think he would be. Especially when he saw the response.

I know it's gonna be positive.

All right, I'll give it a go.Good.

You know that Mom made me sneak one

of Jenny Pickard's peppermint bark cookies in my purse?

What? Why?[Hallie laughs]

She's gonna try and replicate it by taste.

[laughs]Really?

Then what'll she do with it? She has no idea.

But she's gonna show that Jenny Pickard.

Jenny should know better than to try

to hide a cookie recipe from Peg Finley.

[laughing]

I mean, they tasted like mint and cardboard, anyway.

[laughing]

You're a cookie spy.

[laughing]

What is going on here?

Oh, nothing. We're just reminiscing.

Would you like a cookie, Mom? You cookie spy?

Who made these? Jenny Pickard.

Never crossing my lips. No, no, no, no, no.

This color should be perfect.

Thank you for helping me get ready.

My mom's not back until tomorrow,

and things have been weird between us, anyway.

Well, that's just because she loves you, Ava.

And who knows, maybe she'll change her mind.

But in the meantime, tonight is your night.

Hey, are you girls ready...

Ava, you look beautiful.

You really do.

But are you ready yet? 'Cause it's been like 37 hours.

Carter, we've been here an hour and these things take time.

Okay, I get it,

but Robbie's downstairs, he's a little fidgety.

And he might have a coronary if you don't get down soon,

I'm just saying. We'll be down in five minutes.

He's here.

You look stunning. I have one more thing for you.

[Ava gasps]

[chuckles]They're so beautiful.

Well, a girl should have the perfect shoe

for the perfect night.

You're so lucky.

You got to live your dream.

Well, that's the funny thing about dreams, Ava.

If you believe in them, they come true.

Now, put these on and go make your entrance.

I'll meet you downstairs.

How are Angie and Keith? Yeah, they're good.

Good. Tell 'em I said hi.[Robbie] For sure.

Wow.

[Carter clears throat]

You look... Thanks.

So do you.Thanks.

I brought this for you. Oh, thank you.

I have something for you as well.

Cool tree.

Wow.

You clean up nice. This old thing?

Nah, it's been collecting dust in my closet since...

Well, since our dance, probably.

[laughs]

Ahem.

We're gonna go out back now.Okay.

Robbie, want you to have her home by 11:00, okay?

Yeah.12:00.

11:30.12:30.

What? You don't negotiate up.

Come on, I told your mother I'd have you home by midnight.

Then why'd you start so low? Because I need

a little wiggle room. That's how negotiations work, right?

Sir, I'll have her back at her house by...

Sorry, what time?

Midnight. Maybe a couple minutes before.

We're gonna be right next door. Oh, I know.

I'll be watching you.[Maddie laughs]

And you...

I'm gonna definitely make sure we have that dance this evening.

Oh...

I would like that.

♪ Jingle jingle Jingle along with me ♪

♪ It doesn't matter Where we go ♪

♪ I'm sure we'll find A mistletoe ♪

♪ Jingle jingle Jingle along with me ♪

♪ It doesn't matter Where you go ♪

♪ 'Cause Christmas time is In your heart... ♪

Enjoy the dance.

♪ Jingle jingle Jingle jingle ♪

♪ Jingle jingle... ♪

Let me know how this looks.Okay.

♪ Tonight... ♪

Yeah. That's good.

[camera clicking][chuckles]

Everyone seems to be having a good time.

Including you.

Yes, it turned out better than I anticipated.

That's all for the kids.Oh...

Hallie told me your idea about Carter's woodworking.

I like it. But I am not so sure

how he's gonna feel about it.

I'll take the heat if he gets upset.

And besides, sometimes people riding the line

need a little push, right?

Exactly.[chuckling]

I'll let you get back to your hostess duties.

Hello. Can I have everyone's attention, please?

Hi, I am Principal Kirkland. And welcome

to Claremont Park High's annual Christmas Formal.

[chuckles]

Yes! Now, one of the things I love about this community,

is the fact that around here we take care of our own.

When the sprinklers went off, we thought we'd have to cancel.

But Peg Finley...

[applause]

...Carter Allen...[cheering]

...and their families really came through for us.

And I want to thank them for making tonight so special.

But, on to more important matters.

It is time to present our Winter Court King and Queen.

[exhales, clears throat]

Drum roll, please.

[Kirkland laughs]

Thank you.

Please welcome your Queen, Ava Allen.

Yes! And your King, Robbie DeMers.

[laughs]

Thank you, sir. Ah, here we go.

Ah!

Remember when that was us? Like it was yesterday.

Well, a thousand yesterdays. But who's counting?

[laughing]Seems like it.

You know, even though we never did get to dance,

it was still one of the greatest nights.

Yes, it was.

[Kirkland] And now, without further ado,

the Winter Court King and Queen will share a dance.

Everyone, please join in and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Ho, ho, ho.

I do believe that I have promised you a dance?

May I? [chuckles]

♪ The kind we're often Dreaming of ♪

♪ The fire's all aglow... ♪

Oh.The special dance moves.

[laughing]

Speaking of...

do you think they're dancing too close together?

'Cause I promised her mother that... Psst!

Hey, I think that Ava is a smart young woman

with a good head on her shoulders.

Yeah. And I think it's time for you

to relinquish control.

Is that what you're doing, hmm?

Are you relinquishing control?

I'm trying.Okay.

That shoe company wants an answer from me

right after Christmas.

Yeah. Okay, so...

what do you think is gonna happen in the next few days

that's gonna give you a little clarity on that?

I don't know.

But I'm just gonna spend some time with my family

and try not to think about the what-ifs.

I don't know. I think maybe what-ifs aren't so bad.

They can help you to figure out what's important.

Huh. Is that right?

Yeah.

Like, what if I had gone to New York with you?

Or what if you stayed here?

Or what if I kissed you right now?

What? What's wrong? I can't.

What do you mean, you can't?

Maddie, listen to me. This last week together,

it has brought everything back for me.

And... I know you feel it too.

Well, what's the point?

You live here, I live there.

We can figure that out. I don't know how.

But what I do know is I cannot go through another goodbye

with you, Carter. I just can't do it.

Maddie, listen.

Oh.

Carter, I just want to thank you again.

You've really outdone yourself.

I mean, the decorations, the themes.

This Santa Village set you made,

I'm gonna order one for my grandson.

They're not for sale, it's... just something I do on the side.

That's not what the website said.

The website? What website?

Your company website.

I got an email today saying you were expanding

into other forms of woodworking.

Your own personal hand-carved crafts?

Excuse me for a second.Absolutely.

Hey, Merry Christmas.

Can I join you?

I'm afraid I won't be very good company right now.

Did you know that when your father first proposed to me...

I said no.

What?

How did I not know that?

I didn't like to bring it up around him.

He hated that I could have potentially ruined everything.

But why would you say no?

I've never seen two people more in love than you and Dad.

I was young. I was scared.

The more you have in life, the more you have to lose.

But as I thought about it, I realized that...

love like that can fill you up for a lifetime,

no matter how long it lasts.

And even if that was all I was ever gonna get in life,

I'd take it, thank you very much.

You were right, Mom.

It's Carter.

It's always been Carter.

You should listen to your mother more often.

He's a risk worth taking, isn't he?

I think so.

Now, get back inside, find Carter...

and let's all enjoy Christmas... as a family.

Thanks, Mom.

Thanks. Go, go, go! Go.

[sighs]

Hallie!

Have you seen Carter? No, not in a while,

but he's pretty upset with us, Maddie.

Why, what happened? I sent out that email blast

today, and he found out about our plan.

I just think we should've talked to him first.

Hallie, I'm so sorry.

But I'll fix it. Thank you.

Oh!

Excuse me, Ava. Have you seen your uncle?

He went back to the house a bit ago,

but I haven't seen him since.

Okay, thanks. You guys look so cute in the crowns.

[chuckling]

Hey.

Let me explain. No, no, no.

Look, there's no need to explain, okay?

If we aren't reaching what Maddie Finley

feels is our greatest potential, then we're not good enough.

I get it. I never said that.

You know, with all due respect...

I don't think you should be telling people

what they should and shouldn't be doing with their gifts, okay?

But I... I pushed so hard because I believe in you.

What are you afraid of? You just...

you don't understand, do you?

All of this, this is enough for me.

Okay? I know that it's not enough for you.

I know that I wasn't enough for you,

and that this has always been our problem.

But this is enough for me.

Only one of us thinks that.

But I will not apologize for following my dreams.

And I will never apologize for the greatness I see in you.

I just... I just hope one day you see it in yourself.

[door opens]

[breathes deeply]

Blue.

Red.

Green.

Well, can't win 'em all.

Hi.You okay?

Mom, I'm gonna take that job in New York.

I'm gonna leave after Christmas morning.

It's what I do right.

I came here and I made a mess of everything.

For Carter, for Ava...

even trying to help with the family business.

Building something new, that's what I do.

That is what I'm good at.

If that's what you need to do, then I support you 100%.

Thank you.

Sweetie.

Sleep well.

[Maddie] I'll be up in a minute.

Red. [chuckles]

Morning, Carter. Hey, good morning.

[chuckling]

Nothing like waiting until Christmas Eve

to get my shopping done.[Peg laughs]

Not that I had a choice with you cracking the whip

this Christmas. Oh, come now.

I'm kidding.

Hey, where you going? Let me help you with these.

Oh, thank you. I'm parked just right there.

Okay. You know, Peg, I've been thinking.

Mm-hmm? You've been so good to me

all these years, you've treated me like

a member of your family. And if you want me

to start focusing on my own designs,

and you think that'll help grow the business, then...

then I'm in. I'll do it.

I want you to do whatever would make you happy, Carter.

What?

Oh...

Nothing. I was just... just thinking.

I was always so sure Maddie was gonna be successful.

I just wasn't sure if I was gonna have what it takes.

Well, of course you do.

The only person who wasn't sure about that was you.

[Carter] Hmm. Maddie is...

a pretty powerful person.

She is so determined, and smart, and capable.

Sometimes I wonder where she even came from.

Right. But what I don't wonder about

is that she loves you

and has since the day you two met.

I can never give her the life she always wanted.

Not then, not now.

She had that life already, Carter.

Guess what, she doesn't want it anymore.

She's decided to take that job offer.

Unless, of course, someone can convince her otherwise.

Carter, the only way you could hold that girl back...

is by not being with her.

Hey, come on in.

Mom said you're leaving tomorrow after Christmas morning?

Yeah.

Hallie, I'm sorry if I made things difficult for you.

I should've stayed in my lane and kept my big mouth shut.

Actually, I came here to tell you, you were right.

About what?

The business.

The second I put Carter's work up on the website

and sent out that email blast, we got dozens of inquiries.

You're better at this than I am, at seeing the big picture.

No, I'm not.

We see things differently,

but there are benefits to both perspectives.

No, Dad always hoped you'd come back

and run the business someday. I was the second choice.

That's not true. Dad was very proud

of how you ran the business after he retired.

I know, but I still wasn't you.

And that ate away at me, which was unfair

because it wasn't your fault or Dad's.

I just... I couldn't let it go.

I couldn't forgive you for leaving.

[Maddie sighs]

Hallie, it was hard for me to leave you, too.

Hard for me to leave all of you.

I looked up to you so much, and all of a sudden,

my sister was gone.

I know that you've decided to take this job,

but I really think you should turn it down.

You need to run Dad's company. Not me.

This is your birthright, Maddie.

No, it's not my birthright, it's our birthright.

Hallie.

That's it.

We should run Dad's company together.

Are you serious?

I have never been more serious about anything.

I have loved being home and celebrating with all of you.

And there has been a lightness to me this week,

I can't remember the last time I felt like that.

And even though Carter is now the one who hates me...

Well, he can just deal.

You really mean this?

I do.

I've been looking for clarity, and you just handed it to me.

[chuckles] Well, you're welcome.[Maddie chuckles]

It's good to have you home, Maddie.

It's nice to be home.[Hallie chuckles]

Another 30 minutes for the turkey.

Ava should be back from last-minute shopping in a few,

and some of your early work.

Huh.

Aw.

What's wrong?

That face is not fit for Christmas Eve.

[scoffs] I'm just thinking.

Maddie? Yeah, among other things.

Do you think I play it too safe?

Yes. Of course, I do too.

It's our greatest character flaw as a family.

Why? You know, what are we afraid of?

You know, if I take a chance on myself,

if you send Ava to New York, if I tell Maddie how I feel.

What's the worst that could happen?

Heartbreak?

Okay, yeah, but there's another side to that coin too, right?

Yeah.

We seem to forget to flip it over, don't we?

[scoffs] Yes, we do.

[Ava] Hey, guys.

[Carter] Hey.[Natalie] Ava.

You win. You're going to New York.

What? Really?[Natalie] You heard me.

I cannot deprive you from what is meant to be in your life.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Go get 'em, kid.

I'm gonna go call Ashley.

Okay, I did it.

Now, it's your turn.

Oh... Well played, Nat.

Mm-hm. Yeah. Well played.

[grunts]

You looking for your watch?

You know, funny thing about this watch.

It's actually really hard to get off.

It requires a lot of effort.[chuckles]

See, I knew it. You're a terrible liar.

Maddie, you can't go. Okay?

You can't take that job in New York.

I want you to come inside and just hear me out.

It's okay.

You can say whatever you need to say to me right here.

Okay.

You were right about me.

And I wanna try and work on my own stuff.

And if it doesn't work out,

then I don't know, I'll find something else.

But it's a risk I'm willing to take.

I am really happy to hear that.

In fact, my whole family is turning over a new leaf.

Ava? Yeah.

Yeah, she'll need your guidance when it comes to New York.

Well, I will be there every step of the way.

It'll have to be long distance, though.

What do you mean? I thought you were taking that job.

I did take a job. But not the one in New York.

I'm gonna run the company with Hallie, here in Claremont.

You're staying?

What's with the suitcase?

Oh, that?

That's a Christmas present for my mom.

Hallie and I are sending her to Paris.

[Carter laughs]

I am so tired about worrying about what-ifs.

What if my business doesn't succeed,

or what if I fail, or what if...

All of that is irrelevant.

I realized there's only one thing

that I need to be concerned with.

And that's what if I lose you again.

That is not a risk I am willing to take. Not this time.

Me neither.

So we're doing this?

Couple of decades late. But yes, we're doing this.