Original subtitles

Hi, my name is Jake Sautel. You know how they say that Christmas is the most

wonderful time of the year? Well, I never believed it. That is not until

Christmas. Nothing prepared me for the changes that began only a year ago.

For a while after my dad passed away, it was my mom and me.

And I was thinking I'd never meet a dad again.

That was until Nick came into our lives.

Nick's cool, and not to get too with you, but they fell in love on Christmas

Day. He asked Mom to marry him. She said yes, but something else happened on

Christmas Day, too. That was the day Nick became Santa Claus.

You see, Nick's dad had been Santa Claus, and it was time for him to

So, on Christmas morning, Nick took over the job.

Mom and me, we thought that was great.

You see, Santa Claus and Miss Claus work as a team.

They spend the whole year getting ready for Christmas.

And here's the problem. If you're not a Claus or an elf, you can't go to the

North Pole, which means Mom and me couldn't go until they're married, which

meant Nick had to do it all himself, which meant he was working day and

which meant he didn't have time to get married. Every time Nick and Mom made

plans to set a date, they had to postpone.

Now it's 11 days until Christmas.

Mom still doesn't know if they're going to be able to get married in time for us

all to have a family Christmas at the North Pole.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!

Ho, ho, ho! And to all a good night!

Ho, ho, ho, ho!

Ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho! Oh, Ernest!

Oh, I'm not very convincing as a Santa. I've seen better Santas in department

stores. It takes time, sir.

You'll grow into it.

Oh, like I'll grow into my stomach?

That is true.

But you'll settle in soon enough.

And hopefully, you'll be as fine a Santa as this family has ever produced.

Thanks, Santa.

You're such a great pal.

Oh, sir. Santa, you need to sign this.

Ernest, I've been asking you all year.

Please, call me Nick. Yes, sir.

Santa.

Nicholas.

And this.

I promised Jake. And this.

What? Haven't I signed this one before?

No. That was the nice daycare center list. This is the nice preschooler list.

There's one for every grade? In every country. Look, that's it. I've got to

I promised Jake I'd go to his Christmas festival.

Fine. You will tell Beth what I said about the wedding. Which one?

Nicholas. I'm just kidding, Ernest.

Oh, did you sign off on the new fireproof hat?

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up a

sack. The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow gave a luster of midday to

objects below.

When what, to my wondering, eyes should appear but a miniature sleigh and eight

tiny reindeers. With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment

it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles, his courses, they came.

And he whistled and he shouted and called them by name.

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, on Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Gonder and

Blitzen. Up to the porch, up to the wall, now dash away, dash away, dash

all. As dry leaves that before the hurricane fly, when they meet with an

obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the housetop, the courses they flew, with a sleigh full of toys, and

St. Nicholas too.

Did you talk to Ernest? What did he say? Did he say we could do it? Do you

really want to get married?

Yes. Stop it. What did he say?

He said yes on Christmas Eve in the morning.

He's sure? We don't have to postpone it again? Absolutely.

He's got a team of elves all ready to do my final checks, and I'm free to get

married. A Christmas Eve wedding?

We are going to have a family Christmas at the North Pole.

I'm going to have a dad for Christmas.

I love you so much.

I love you, too.

Yeah. In 11 days, we're actually going to be married.

All right.

Yes, that's right, 12 people.

It's a small family wedding.

The date, Christmas Eve.

Hello? Hello?

It's two.

It is not. It's two times infinity.

It is not times million, billion, trillion, trillion, billion, infinity.

That's so lame. What are you talking about?

Next time the reindeer is called Donder with a D, I say it's called Don.

Well, you should know better than to argue with Santa Claus about reindeer.

Go wash your hands.

How are the wedding plans coming?

Nothing. Not a zip.

No minister, no caterers, no flowers.

If we wanted a Christmas Eve wedding, we should have booked in June.

How about a few days earlier?

Not if we want it the way we planned it. Don't tell me we're going to have to

postpone the wedding again. Oh, no, no, no.

But, Beth, we want it to be perfect.

I'm really sorry, honey.

We should have done this months ago.

Oh, no, it's nobody's fault.

We couldn't get married because you were working all hours of the day and night.

And you were working all hours of the day and night because we couldn't get

married. If that's not a cat at 22, I don't know what is.

They just could have let me go to the North Pole to help you before we got

married. We would be married by now.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda. Nobody goes to the North Pole unless you're a clause or

an elf. Don't I know it? You know what we could do?

We could put off selling the house and have our family Christmas here.

Get married after the holiday.

That'll be earning.

Worthy.

Honey! The elves in the meteorological department need a meeting with you about

the route you'll be taking. And the veterinary department needs to talk to

about Rudolph's nose.

What's wrong with Rudolph's nose?

Low glow.

And packaging says, you still haven't signed off on the revised naughty list.

Yes, that's the one your father and your grandfather didn't like either. But if

you can't stand the heat... Hi, Ernest. Merry Christmas, Beth.

Ernest, if we decide to postpone the wedding again...

What day in January is good? If you would. We may have to postpone the

again. You cannot postpone the wedding again.

Why not? You have to get married. You can't have Christmas without a Mrs.

But you told him he could last year when you thought I wasn't going to marry

him. There doesn't have to be one if I know there isn't going to be one. Then I

can go to plan B.

Now you know. Go to plan B. I don't have a plan B because I knew plan A was

going to work.

I knew by hook or by crook we'd find the time finally to get you two together.

And that there'd be a Mrs. Claus.

But there isn't going to be a Mrs. Claus, so make a plan B.

It's too late. I can't put a plan B together from scratch in 11 days.

And I can't put together a wedding from scratch in 11 days. We cannot postpone

the wedding again.

You have to get married. There has to be a Mrs. Claus.

Now, we're supposed to be getting ready for Christmas. Are you coming?

In a moment.

Why don't you just snap your fingers and do some sand magic and make it all

happen the way you want?

I'm only allowed to do serious magic for other people. I'm not allowed to do it

for myself.

It's simple.

We'll ask your mother to come out of retirement for one night.

Then Ernest will get his Mrs. Claus. We'll have our family Christmas here,

you said.

And then we'll have the wedding in January like we planned.

Oh, honey, that's brilliant.

We should ask her in person.

We'll drive down to the desert in the morning. Are you going to be here?

I'll meet you there.

I knew I wasn't marrying you just because you're so darn pretty.

Okay, you two, that's enough.

Ned, tee off again. And no cheating this time.

Okay. That's funny. I'm sorry. Now, what were you saying?

Oh,

well, all this year Nick and I have been planning the perfect wedding.

It's so great. We want exactly the same thing. And that would be?

Nothing extravagant.

Very small, very beautiful, very romantic.

Every single piece has been handpicked.

Yes. And that's all I'm going to tell you. You have to see the rest.

I think you're going to like it. I'm sure I will, my dear.

Okay, now, what can I do to help?

Well, in order to get what we want, we're going to have to postpone it until

after Christmas.

But Ernest says we can't because we have to have a Mrs. Claus this Christmas.

So we were wondering, would you come back and be Nick's Mrs. Claus this

Christmas Eve?

Oh, Beth, that's the one thing I can't do. You know the rules.

But, Mom, it's just for one day, Christmas Eve.

Not even one day, and, Nick, you should know that.

What would happen if there isn't a Mrs. Claus?

Nick's mom put the heart and the spirit into Christmas, just like his

grandmother and his great -grandmother and all the Mrs. Clauses before her.

How would it be different?

That's just it.

It won't be Christmas.

Well, that's all there is to it.

We'll get a judge.

We'll get married at home.

It'll just be him, the three of us.

At least we'll have our family Christmas at the North Pole.

We can't do that.

We've been waiting all year for this. We've been waiting our whole life. This

the start of our married life.

You have to do it right.

Even if it were possible.

I've got so much on my plate. I've got to sell this house. I've got to pack up.

I've got to move out.

I've got to finish everything up at work.

I've got to get all Jake's. School stuff ready to take there and show to the

teachers at the North Pole.

I can't believe I even said that.

What about a wedding planner?

A wedding? We don't want a cookie -cutter wedding.

Besides, do you know one when it's available ten days before Christmas?

Can Ernest do it?

Ernest?

Ernest does not have much spare time right now.

Grandmother can do it.

see that she has the whole town organized exactly the way she wants it.

that wasn't a compliment.

Is she a good organizer?

Yes.

No. I mean, yes.

She can organize the whole Macy's Day parade quicker than you can pick out

color socks to wear.

He always wears red socks.

Exactly.

No. No way. No how.

Would you rather have a rent -a -judge? Yes.

No. I don't know.

She's not going to do it the way we planned.

It can be...

Small and beautiful, just the way you want it. It'll give you a chance to work

together and get closer again. We never were close.

Well, perhaps if you give her a call, maybe, and tell her exactly what we

she'll listen.

No way.

Beth, do we have a choice?

Yes, Mother.

Thank you, Mother.

Are you sure you understand what we want?

Well, you want a small, romantic wedding, strictly family and friends.

You have visited me for two years, but you like to have it at my house, and

you'd like my housekeeper to cater it for you.

And you want to get married in less than ten days on the morning of Christmas

Eve. Is that right?

That's right, Mother.

And you want me to organize it for you? And I'd like to do it together.

I'll be there as soon as... And you'll be bringing your fiancé, what's his

Nicholas, with you?

It's Nick.

I'll try, but he's very busy with...

His work. Elizabeth, it would be nice to meet my future son -in -law before he

is my son -in -law. When will you be here? As soon as I get the house packed

Well, no, I knew that would take at least a week, so I'll get started

you. Although I don't understand why you can't wait until the new year to do

this properly.

You're not.

Oh, no, I am not.

Oh, well, that's a relief.

All right, then.

It's settled.

Thanks, Mom.

So she'll do it?

Yes.

You still haven't told her who I am, have you? It's not the kind of thing you

tell people on the phone, especially her.

I was going to tell her as soon as she got here.

So you'll tell her when you get there.

At least Ernest can breathe a lot easier now.

Well, I'm glad he can.

You got it, Chase.

In a minute, you'll be gone. I still can't believe it. Me either. I wish I

come to your mother's. So do I.

I mean, you know I would. It's just it being Christmas and so spur of the

moment. I told you I understand.

In five days, you will be Mrs. Claus and living in the North Pole.

But what an adventure.

It'll be an adventure, all right.

All right, what's wrong?

You know me, Joanie. I'm not big on adventures.

And when Jake and I go on vacation, I'm the one that likes to sit on the beach

with a good book, remember?

So what do you think? I don't know what I'm saying.

I find it hard to mother just Jake.

How am I supposed to be Mrs. Claus?

Well, Nick will help you.

I think I'm supposed to help him.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do. Hey, hey.

All right.

You have pre -wedding jitters. That's what you've got.

Every bride gets them, you'd be crazy not to.

You'll do fine.

You're right.

Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad.

You all done?

Yep. They're going to keep it in storage until after Christmas. Then I'll

arrange to have it all picked up. So, young man, I understand you're coming to

stay with me and Mrs. Claus for a couple of days.

So Beth and Nick can go down and visit your grandmother on their own. And Nick

can get to know her before we fly down and join him.

You think that's a good idea?

You bet, Santa.

You know, I'm not Santa anymore.

Nick is.

But in five days, your mom is going to become my daughter -in -law. So I think

that that makes me your grandpa.

So, you're going to be okay for a couple days without me?

Of course.

I'll be with my grandpa.

Bye,

Grandpa. Bye, Beth.

Your mom's place?

That's where you grew up?

After my daddy died.

It was my grandparents' place.

We came to live here, and after they passed on, we stayed.

I never imagined. I mean, I know you said your family was comfortable. I

think you meant comfortable. I thought you meant you were normal.

Normal? And it's coming from a guy who's friends with elves and plays fetch with

reindeers? Yes, but... I am normal. This place isn't me.

Beth, your life as Mrs. Claus won't be anything like this.

We're much simpler.

More down to earth.

If I'd wanted all this, I wouldn't have left all this, now would I?

Okay, let's go.

Welcome home, Beth.

Good to see you.

Let me get a good look at you.

My, you're a cat with your eyes.

You look wonderful.

Thank you.

And you must be the reason for all the commotion around here.

I'm Winnie, Mrs.

Hardcastle's housekeeper.

So great to meet you.

Beth has told me all about you. You were her babysitter and her best friend.

Come along inside. Beth, we'll get this over with.

Hello, Mother.

Oh, Elizabeth, you finally got here.

I thought you'd be here hours ago.

Sorry.

You put on a little weight?

Oh, yeah, probably a pound or two. You know, the holidays and all. Oh, and your

hair. How many times have I told you not to hide that pretty face?

Too many.

Um, mother, this is Nick.

Ah, best mom.

Oh, hi.

It's great to finally meet you.

May I call your mom?

Joanna will be just fine.

Please sit down.

Winnie, would you like some tea?

I would prefer some hot chocolate, actually.

Nick doesn't drink much tea.

Brought you this.

Oh.

How nice.

It's from the North Pole.

Oh, really?

Really it is.

So, Nicholas,

why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself?

What do you do?

About what? Your job.

Nixon distribution.

Distribution? Of different... Things.

Oh, what kinds of things?

It's very technical, Mother. It would take forever to explain.

And your parents, they're... Fine. They're just fine.

The family is so very important.

I mean, we Hardcastles can trace our lineage back almost 700 years.

Nick can trace his back more than a thousand years.

Really? Yes, and... We should get started.

With what?

The wedding.

Oh. I was thinking maybe that... No, no, no. It is all taken care of. I have put

together a schedule that takes us from your arrival now through your departure

on your honeymoon. What? That schedule?

Well, we want this wedding to be a success, don't we?

Well, yes, but what... Now, your parents are arriving here the day after

tomorrow in the morning, and they're bringing my grandson with them. Is that

correct? That's correct, Mom.

Uh, Joanna.

And the next day there will be a dress.

And then that night there's the engagement party.

An engagement party?

It will be black tie.

I assume you brought a tuxedo, Nicholas?

Yes, of course.

Then the next day there will be the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner?

And then there is the wedding at the church on Friday, Christmas Eve, at 10

a .m. And you apparently have to leave for your honeymoon by... Four.

4 p .m.

Where exactly are you going?

It's a surprise for me and Jake.

You have kept it small, Mother, the wedding?

Yes, Elizabeth, I kept it small.

I told you I would.

Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree.

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

Elizabeth, one more thing.

You go on up.

Joanna, I couldn't help but notice you have so few Christmas decorations.

Well, don't you think a little right is better than a lot wrong?

Come along, dear.

You like Christmas?

Oh, I should say so, Winnie. Oh, well, it's about time somebody in this house

did.

What exactly do you know about this closet? I mean, you say they're an old

family, but they're not in any of the social registers, and no one knows

anything about them. Oh, they do. They just don't know it.

What on earth do you mean by that?

They're reclusive.

They do a lot of good deeds for people, but they just don't mix.

I just want to make sure that you're doing the right thing. I am.

You know, Mark still asks about you after all these years.

Oh, is that the time?

I better go get washed up for dinner.

Management is an hour behind because they had to wait for you to approve the

gift cards and wrapping. Now, which one of these goes best with a Barbie in a

red dress?

This one, or this one.

Or this one.

Gee, I don't know, Ernest. My father never had to deal with wrapping paper.

I know.

Your mother did.

Ernest, did my father find his first Christmas this hard?

No. He had a Mrs. Claus, and he wasn't going south every five minutes, was he?

Yes?

Are you ready?

This is Ernest.

Hi, it's Beth, Ernest.

Is Nick there, please?

Yes.

Thank goodness. Soon to be Mrs. Claus.

Hiya, sweetheart.

Hi. What are you doing there? Dinner's in ten minutes.

Ooh, okay.

Look, you go right on down. I'll be there in a little bit.

Being early is being on time. Being on time is late.

Got it. Bye, honey.

How did she take it?

Take what? How did Beth's mother take it?

When Beth told her you were Santa Claus.

She didn't.

Beth hasn't told her yet.

You know she's an unbeliever.

Ernest. Ernest.

Well, Beth didn't believe also, and we turned her around, remember?

True, but there's a big difference.

Beth wanted to believe, but her broken heart wouldn't let her. But Joanna...

Let's just say that Joanna isn't planning on leaving out any milk and

for you.

Ever. Ernest, relax.

It'll take some time, but I'll turn her around.

I'm Santa Claus, remember?

La, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la.

Hello.

Hi.

Hey. Oh, what a beautiful color on you.

You haven't been waiting on me, have you? We eat our meals at the o 'clock,

Nicholas. Oh.

I thought it was just drinking.

I'll be on time tomorrow.

Sorry. Winifred, you may serve dinner now.

Mother?

Isn't there anything that I could do to help with the wedding?

Maybe I could write out the place card for the reception lunch.

No, they're done already.

Maybe the family dinner.

My handwriting matches the silverware better than yours.

Elizabeth, you are not good at the little touches. You know that.

Stop that.

Well, I'll just help Winifred prepare the food.

Do not set one foot in that kitchen. I don't want you upsetting Winifred with

another one of your disasters.

Besides, everything is going to turn out exactly as you wanted it.

Winifred, what have you done to the tree?

I didn't do nothing to your tree.

Sure looks better.

More Christmas -y.

Chocolate?

Of course.

It's really beautiful here.

Must have been an amazing place to grow up.

Why won't you let me do anything?

What am I supposed to do? Sit around here and paint my toenails all day?

She means well, honey.

She just doesn't know how to show it.

Do you know where my room is?

Do you know where her room is?

It's an awful long walk for a little girl. We just lost her daddy.

Luckily, Winnie's room was right next door to mine.

Do you have to go back tonight?

Yeah.

Well, Jake and me, we're going to like the North Pole, right?

I think you will.

I'm going to be an okay Mrs. Claus.

What? You're going to be a great Mrs. Claus.

You might be the greatest Mrs. Claus ever.

You know, everyone thinks that being Santa is about the big stuff.

Reindeer, the workshop, magic.

It's not.

It's about the little things.

It's about the day -to -day things.

It's about finding that perfect present for each child.

and giving it to them exactly how they wanted.

And Mrs. Claus, well, she helped Santa out with all that.

Tell me where our home is again.

You got to find the Big Dipper.

Right.

You see it? Mm -hmm.

Now you find the brightest star.

Right. That's the North Star.

Mm -hmm.

And you follow it straight down.

That's where we left.

Grandpa? Yep?

Nick told me how the oldest son in each generation gets to become Santa, right?

Yes, he does.

But except everyone gets to do it. Why not?

Because it's not a real son.

I'll have you know, young man, that the original Santa and Mrs. Claus back a

thousand years ago didn't have any children.

So they decided that the whole world's children would be their kids.

And then, when it came time, they adopted a young lad about your age to be

next Santa.

So it doesn't matter that Nick isn't my real dad?

Being a dad isn't just about being related by blood.

It's how you love someone.

And considering how Nick loves you, I'd say you better start preparing to take

over the job of Santa someday.

Really?

Magic and everything?

Magic and everything.

Awesome.

Mother,

what is this?

What does it look like, Elizabeth? It's the menu for your wedding.

Poached salmon and pheasant bourguignon. That's in red wine, remember?

I know what bourguignon is, Mother. I told you what we wanted. Simple roasted

chicken. Everyone is going to be eating far too much poultry over Christmas. No

one wants to eat it on Christmas Eve.

But you don't think about those little touches, do you, dear?

That's why I changed it for you.

Roasted chicken is Nick's favorite.

Then I'm sure you'll ruin plenty of it for him once you're married.

Elizabeth!

Are you sure Nicholas is right for you? When you were looking for a new husband,

did you consider all the possibilities?

I was not looking for a new husband.

I was taking care of Jake and myself just fine without one.

I was.

Then why are you marrying him?

Because I love him.

Well, there are far better reasons to marry than love.

Please let Winifred do that.

So, Bob.

Joanna.

Is Santa going to bring you something special this year?

What about Jake?

Four more days to Christmas. My grandson is old enough to know that his mother

and I buy his Christmas presents.

And I hope that no one is going to fill that little mind of his with childish

stories about Santa Claus and reindeer on the North Pole.

Get it, Winifred.

Mark! What a surprise.

You'll never guess who got here yesterday.

Elizabeth!

Look who just happened to drop by.

Mark!

Mistletoe, don't you love Christmas?

Mark, this is my fiancé.

Nick. I know that.

Oh, this is the second guy who managed to steal you from me. Well, I don't

he had me in the first place.

Unfortunately true.

Mark and Elizabeth grew up together.

Sit down, dear.

So, tell us what you've been doing.

I understand that your business is going very well. Didn't I read in the paper

the other day that...

Some of your research people came out with a brilliant new way to seal plastic

food containers and that your stock tripled overnight.

Well, that's just a bonus, really.

Knowing that I'm making the world a more secure place from food poisoning is the

real reward. Of course, of course.

And your papa must be so proud.

Yes, I like to think I am living up to my family's proud heritage.

But, hey, this isn't about me. This is about Lizzie and... Nickel.

I hope you appreciate what a great gal you have here, Nickel.

Because if he doesn't, I know where to find someone who does.

Oh, he appreciates me, all right.

And I appreciate him.

But how did you do it, Nickel? How did you manage to sweep this girl off her

feet? All he had to do was be himself.

What on earth is that?

That's the northern... Warehouse?

Uh, warehouse. My northern warehouse.

Hello?

The candy canes?

Excuse me.

Yeah.

By the way, Mom, he distributes the candy cane?

With his mother, apparently.

No, yes.

It would take too long to explain.

Whatever it is, just do it the way my mom did.

Because, Ernest, I don't know about that stuff. That would be Beth's department.

Yeah, she'll get to it right after we get married on Christmas Eve.

What's my department?

Let me call you back.

Which one of these do you think we should use to wrap something red in?

Oh, I don't know anything about the little touches.

Yes, you do, honey. No, I don't. Didn't you hear Mother?

You ask her.

But I'm asking you, sweetheart. Well, I don't know. Maybe this one.

Ooh, picturesque. Everything okay?

Yeah, we just had a couple problems at the factory.

I thought it was a warehouse.

It is. It is.

It's a combo.

Warehouse, factory.

So, I've got to actually straighten out some problems.

At the warehouse factory.

You gonna be okay?

Yes, I'll be fine.

Okay.

Um, I won't be long. I'll be back soon.

There's a warehouse here in town.

Uh, no.

It's, um... He takes a helicopter from the airport.

He does things like that.

Say goodnight to Nick.

Afraid you can't, kiddo.

He got an emergency call from the North Pole and had to head up there.

But he'll be here tomorrow, and you can tell him then, okay?

I hope.

You being good?

Yes, Mom.

Grandpa read me a story.

You like having a grandpa, don't you?

Yep.

Well, go to sleep, Jakey.

I love you. I love you more.

I love you more.

Goodnight.

What did Nick say?

Follow the Big Dipper, point to the North Star, and that's directly above

where we live.

Man, sounds like a fruitcake.

Nick's not crazy.

Hey, it's the holiday season. Fruitcake's good.

It's getting cold out here.

Just give me a moment.

That's the first chance we had to be alone together all evening.

Well, I didn't know we had anything to be alone about.

Is that any way to speak to the man you were first engaged to?

That was kindergarten.

Hardly counts. Well, I will have you know that I've been saving myself for

ever since.

You've been married.

Twice.

Didn't take.

Seriously, Lizzie.

At least you know me.

Now, what do you really know about this Nick guy?

Think about a bag of dances we're in there tonight.

His family distributes things. I mean...

It just seems like some kind of fly -by -night operation to me.

Well, that's one way to put it.

Um, look, you don't know anything about Nick.

Please trust me that I do.

Let's go inside.

I'm sure my mother had Winnie bake you a cake this afternoon. She certainly knew

you were coming.

What's this?

It's the no -letter list.

Just because a child doesn't know your address or has parents that are

unbelievers doesn't mean they don't get a present.

You have to pick one for them.

What did my dad do?

First year, your great -great -great -granddad was Santa.

He gave all the boys toy soldiers and all the girls dolls.

Okay, let's do that.

No. No Christmas spirit.

That's why your great -great -great -grandmom took over. Ever since then,

the Mrs. Clauses have picked out a present that suited each individual

perfectly.

Except for this year.

So this is a Mrs. Claus job.

I knew I should have gotten married in January.

Are you sure I just can't sneak this to Beth?

There's not a Mrs. Claus here. She wouldn't have the North Pole magic to

her. Oh, Ernest.

Oh,

Nicholas isn't eating breakfast with you, I see.

He's not back yet.

Are you going to make a habit of doing this?

Disappearing in the middle of dinner and staying out all night?

Where have you been? I've been up all night. That's where I've been.

I'm doing everything I'm supposed to do and everything Mrs. Claus is supposed to

do. Well, I thought there wasn't much for me to do. I thought my job was

you. Well, so did I. But the nearer it gets to Christmas, the more I realize

much my mom did.

Do you know that I have to pick presents for every kid that hadn't sent a

letter? Do you know how hard it is to choose presents for somebody I haven't

met? Try doing it thousands of times. Then there's all the wrapping paper and

the bows and the ribbons and all the little touches that make Christmas

Christmas. I never realized how much she did.

Do you know what I was doing last night? I was baking the elves cookies.

Elves cookies?

Yes. Well, Santa Claus gets cookies and milk from the children and the elves get

cookies and milk from Santa.

It didn't dawn on me that someone had to bake them.

Mrs. Claus.

Right, Mrs. Claus. Meanwhile, you were here and I was there and...

I can't bake cookies. Well, neither can I. You know, I was in the kitchen half

the night, and they're as hard as hockey pucks. Two of the elves broke their

teeth. Now we're short -staffed in the workshop.

You don't understand. I can't bake cookies.

Ernest.

It's so big.

I thought I was in your bedroom. What are you doing here?

I checked out Beth's family in the registry. I should have done it a year

but I was being optimistic.

Do you have any idea?

How much of an unbeliever Beth's mother is?

On a scale of one to ten?

Four or five?

Try a ten.

An eleven.

Oh, dear.

It may be better if we don't tell her.

Mrs. Ernest, what are you doing here?

Hello,

Jacob.

Hello, Grandmother.

We haven't grown much, have we?

Elizabeth, don't you feed this child.

Winifred, take this child in the kitchen and get him something to eat. Go, go.

Go with Winifred.

You must be Joanna.

Glad to meet you.

I'm Virginia.

You have a beautiful home here.

Well, thank you.

You know, it's not very Christmassy. You've got to do something about that.

Did you have a nice flight?

You know, I could get to like those airplane things, only they're a lot

than the... The Concorde.

But very comfortable, don't you think?

So you have been down this way before?

Oh, my, yes. Only last year on Alaska. Sir, you've been traveling a long time.

Mr. Claus, perhaps you'd like... And you probably would like to freshen up. I'll

show you to your room.

Where's the fire?

My room.

Down on the left.

What a nice room.

My mother doesn't know.

Doesn't know what?

That Nicholas is Santa Claus.

Well, we'll have to go tell her.

When are you going to tell her?

You can't lie.

She doesn't have to lie.

Ernest. I'll go get the bags.

I just don't have to tell her the truth.

Guess what her mother is on the unbeliever scale.

Four.

Five. And eleven.

Gee, hold the fat.

And who are you?

We haven't been introduced.

I'm Ernest.

Ernest? Ernest what?

Just Ernest. Ah, you're their valet.

Ernest is Nick's CEO.

Then how do you do, Ernest?

Lying.

I'm not lying.

CEO. Chief Elvis.

Oh, hi, Winnie. This is Ernest. Oh, nice to meet you. He's Nick's chief E .O.

John.

Hello.

Yeah, it's for you.

Hello.

Yeah, I'll ask him. So what are we giving with the tangerines this year?

Candies, candy canes, or maple syrup?

Maple syrup.

Can't give the children too much sugar.

All three?

Christmas, for goodness sakes.

I'm no good with all the little touches.

I'll get back to you.

Mother, I was hoping that I could wear the dress that you and Daddy were

in. I don't know where it is.

I wore my mother's wedding dress.

Nicholas and I were married in a snowbank with just some reindeer and our

closest friends as witnesses.

A hippie wedding. How quaint.

Sounds beautiful.

Well, I was tall and slender when I married your father.

My dress would never fit you. Suck in your stomach.

Do you know what I do when I think I need to diet? Eat healthy, eat less.

Oh, heck no.

I fix Nicholas and me up a great big meal of our favorite foods. Puts the

clean out of my mind.

We're going to have to loosen it up back there, too.

All right, I guess that's as good as it's going to get in the time we've got.

Hey, everybody, speak.

Close your eyes. Turn around.

Did you see her?

I don't know. I don't think so.

Oh. What happens if he does?

Well, it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride's dress before the wedding.

Did you see her?

Maybe. I'm not sure.

We've got to get a different dress.

That is utter nonsense.

You don't believe in that superstitious claptrap, do you?

Besides, we don't have time to get another dress.

When I got one of those, it came with milk and cookies.

Elizabeth,

that dress makes you look so much slimmer. I knew it would when I saw it

store.

Thank you, Mother.

So, shall everybody please sit down?

Oh, my dear.

Who's at the table?

Winifred, you may serve us now.

Thank you.

So, Nicholas.

Yes?

Your son began to tell us last night a little bit about the business that

in before he was rudely interrupted.

Exactly what is it that you do?

Well, my family... The Clauses own a family -run organization

that stretches back for generations, catering almost exclusively to children.

Oh.

Go on.

By distributing toys, clothing, multimedia devices that appeal to

an age group from toddlers to teens.

Go on. Plus, we service countries on every continent.

Thank you.

Although we do have manufacturing facilities, we are chiefly known for

our... distribution of many other companies' fine products.

Quit while you're ahead.

We have, in recent years, begun to receive requests through the World Wide

Although the main body of our consumers prefers to correspond through

traditional postal services, we do, however, offer overnight delivery

that is second to none.

Well... That sounds simple enough.

Nick?

The stocking department.

Stocking department?

Oh, that's for children who don't have... Stockings are socks. It's part

family's charity work. Nicholas.

Is he going to be gone all night?

Oh, I hope not. The poor boy, he's been working so hard. He really does need

help.

But, um, I think you'll be getting some soon.

Hmm.

You have to go.

No, you have to go. I can't go. I went in the middle of dinner last night. All

right, I'll go. But if anything goes wrong here, on your head be it.

All right, I'll go. But if anything goes wrong up there, on your head be it.

Nick must have got something.

Did you see Nick out here a second ago? No. Oh, good.

Lizzie. Yes?

You have to think about this now.

In a couple of days, it'll be too late.

What can this Nickle character offer you that I can't? Nicholas.

Nicholas, whatever. I mean, where are you going to live? Have you even seen

factory or warehouse or whatever it is? I mean, do you even know it exists?

Are you sure that he wasn't out here just a second ago? Yes, I'm sure.

Let's see. Yes.

Marry me instead of him.

And I will keep you in the manner to which you are accustomed.

And, Jake, it'll be first class for both of you all the way. Christmas, 24 -7,

365.

What do you think? No.

Will you marry me?

See? You're thinking about it.

You're tempted.

Just say yes.

You'll make me happy.

You'll make your mother happy.

And I will make you and Jake.

Mark, thank you for the very flattering offer, but I'm still taking Nick's

Christmas 24 -7, 365.

Good night, Mark.

Thank you.

Oh, for the little one, Christmas joy.

Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go?

Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go? Oh, up on the

housetop, click, click, click.

Down through the chimney comes good Saint Nick.

You be okay in here without me?

I'll be fine, Mom.

I'll be right next door if you need me.

In three days, you and Nick will be married at last.

You'll have a dad again and a new family.

I already have a new family.

The wedding's just crossing the T's and dotting the I's. Who said that?

Grandpa.

I think you'll be a great Mrs. Claus.

Just know it.

I hope so.

you more.

Dad.

Mother's right.

I don't do cooking.

Ernest. Ernest. Your watch.

Is everything okay?

You bet.

Lucky we have long nights at the North Pole.

We'd never be able to get it all done.

Hey, Ernest.

I'm still looking for something special for Beth. If you come across her... I'll

let you know.

May I join you?

Oh, good morning, my dear. Please do.

Nick's back.

Keep sleeping. Good.

It's on the back of the pantry door.

What? The recipe for Mrs. Claus cookies.

It's on the pantry door in the kitchen at the North Pole now. Nick can't see it

because he's not a Mrs. Claus, but you will.

Well, it's not going to help.

Even when I follow a recipe to the T, it doesn't turn out.

But you're not there yet.

Wait till you bake with North Pole magic. I'm just not a Christmassy

One year ago, I was just like my mother, an unbeliever.

I just don't know anything about the Christmas spirit.

But, Beth, none of us did. We didn't grow up there. We were used to this, the

real world. I mean, what did we know about the North Pole?

Do you know what my next mom told me that her next mom told her?

Imagine every child is your child.

It works.

You'll do fine. Just...

Trust yourself.

Well, all your friends seem to have bought the same Christmas cards this

There must have been a special at the club.

Don't be facetious, Elizabeth.

They're RSVPs.

RSVPs for what?

To your wedding, darling.

Exactly how many people did you ask?

Only 150.

You said you wanted to keep it small.

I said a dozen or less.

Oh, I knew you didn't mean that. Nobody wants a dozen guests at their wedding.

People will think you have something to be ashamed of. It's supposed to be only

friends and family. It is only family and friends.

Well, then that's it. We're going to elope.

No, I forbid it. You did that the last time with poor Robert, and it was a

disaster. No, it wasn't. It was fun. It was fast. It was affordable.

That's not a wedding. That's a used car.

And why all the urgency?

I still don't understand what the rush is all about. Why couldn't you have

waited until the new year and have a proper wedding?

Because we have to get married before Christmas Eve.

Why?

Because, Mother... Nick has to go

away on a business trip.

And we want to get married before he goes.

Another business trip? Is this what your marriage is going to be like?

Them vanishing off like this all the time?

It's not our wedding. It's hers.

Good morning, honey.

Do you know what we're eating at the reception?

Wrong. Not the roasted chicken that we asked for, but pheasant or salmon.

Do you know what I'm wearing? Not the dress that she married my daddy in, but

some brand new dress from a Barbie catalog.

Do you know who's coming to this wedding?

Not the 12 people that we asked, but 150 of her closest friends.

She might as well stand at the door at the club and just pass out tickets. This

is not our wedding.

Sweetheart, your mother is giving us the best wedding she can imagine.

And she can't imagine us wanting it any other way. I can't believe I let myself

get talked into this. You don't do things with my mother. She does it her

and I tag along and say thank you.

Nothing is how we planned it.

Is someone else getting married?

No. And at the end of this, will we be married?

Yes.

And will we be spending our very first family Christmas up at the North Pole?

What's that behind your ear?

Magic? I love magic. when you do that.

No, that's not magic. That's a trick. They're not the same thing.

Tricks aren't real.

Magic is.

Will I learn how to do magic?

Oh, yes.

Jacob, Winnie needs to see you in the kitchen. She needs help with something.

Right now?

Yes, now.

Now, it is fine for you to teach him conjuring tricks in order to amuse

but please do not make him believe it is any more than that.

Oh, I didn't. I told him tricks are tricks and magic is magic.

But that's exactly what I mean.

Then we agree.

I think I hear Mrs. Claus calling me. Excuse me.

Morning, Beth. Hi, Grandpa.

Beth.

Beth.

I think he's going senile.

What did he say?

He said that magic is real.

Oh, is that all?

Mother, the clauses are a little bit nutball.

That's what I like about them.

Elizabeth. What, Mother?

Is this tree taller than it was this morning?

I don't know. Did you buy a new one?

No, it's the same tree.

Maybe it grew.

Trees do that.

Not like this, they don't.

Well, how else are you going to explain it then?

I don't know.

Hey, Winnie. Oh, Ernest, there you are.

Nick went back, right?

He'll be back in time for the party.

Do you have a minute?

What happened?

Go ahead and sit down.

Go ahead and eat.

What happens if Mrs. Claus can't do magic?

Never happens.

There's something in the North Pole that brings out the magic in all of them.

I think it's in the Northern Lights.

But what if she doesn't have any magic in her to begin with?

Why would Santa Claus pick a Mrs. Claus if he didn't have any magic in her?

I don't know. Just what if he did?

I remember Nicholas's great -great -grandmother.

As you know, I'm the eternal optimist, but even I thought that her set -in made

a terrible mistake.

I couldn't see an ounce of magic in her.

But she proved us wrong.

She didn't even have to touch the scrolls. All she had to do was mention

child's name once and in a flash. She knew exactly what he wanted and what

to wrap it in so that it matched his stockings. Talk about the little

Some of the elves say that she was the best Mrs. Claus ever.

Oh, and her cookies.

I can still taste them.

This is Ernest.

Yes?

Yes, I'm coming now.

I'll bring the pipe back.

Oh, Christmas tree. Oh, Christmas tree.

La, la, la.

Just what are you up to?

Nothing. Well, don't let Mother see you doing it, okay?

Doing what?

Beth, I've been looking for the perfect present for you.

I just haven't been able to find it yet.

All I want for Christmas is a kiss from you right now.

Mom, I'm starving.

You go get ready, and I'll get him something from the kitchen. Okay.

Come on, pal.

Let's get you something to eat.

Elizabeth, I just picked up a new dress for you at Anita's boutique.

Winifred put it in your closet.

Oh, I already have a dress for tonight.

But you want to look your best, don't you?

Winnie, we're starving.

Oh, well, you don't have to wait till Gordon starts. There'll be lots of food

there.

Ooh, chocolate.

Don't touch.

Winnie, may I see you for a moment, please?

Don't you boys dare touch anything.

I didn't think that, Winnie.

This is a very

interesting contraption.

Wonder what this does well, I would suppose you would have to aim it in the

correct direction

Jacob, Nicholas, stop that at once. I have gone to great lengths to throw a

formal party to present you to all of Elizabeth's friends, and you go crazy

a cream whipper. I mean, I expect this of Jacob. He's just a child, but you,

you're supposed to...

had all these...

You clean up nice.

How do I look?

In my mother's dress.

Elizabeth!

Ready to face the firing squad?

They can't be that bad.

Oh, you're so good.

Mark to the clock.

Don't look.

Don't look.

You look.

Lizzie, you look ravishing.

Thank you.

Mark, I know how much it means to Beth that you're here.

Welcome.

Shall we?

Oh, my, what a party.

Mrs. Montgomery?

Elizabeth, it's so good to see you. Mr. Montgomery.

Good to see you, Elizabeth.

You look beautiful.

Thank you.

And this must be Nicholas.

Nick, this is Mark's parents.

Oh, congratulations, Nicholas. You're a very lucky young man. Oh, thank you,

sir.

Joanna, aren't you going to introduce us?

Oh, yes. This is Douglas Montgomery, Abigail Montgomery. This is Nicholas

Virginia Claus.

They're Nicholas's parents.

Glad to meet you, Douglas.

Wait a minute. Douglas Montgomery.

Christmas 1947. You got a red radio flyer wagon.

How on earth would you know that?

Well, I bet because...

That was so popular when you and Grandpa Claus were young. You need to eat,

because you haven't eaten. Oh, Joanna.

Hey.

What are you doing in here alone?

I'm just thinking.

About? You.

I'm wondering why you would choose me when you could have any girl in the

Better at cooking, better at Christmas, better at everything.

Know what?

You are the dumbest smart girl I know.

I've searched the world and I chose you.

Honey, I just look at you and I melt.

No one else does that.

I see you, honey, and I can think of doing only one thing.

Nick, this is serious.

So am I.

This isn't me. I don't dress like this.

You look beautiful.

Look, your mother has all these people for me to meet. These are friends of

mother's. Some of them have known you since you were a child.

I know, you're right.

It's just that... What?

They seem to value all the things that don't matter.

Well, maybe that's because they live in the real world.

It's easy to act and think the right things when you live in an ivory snow

called the North Pole.

Honey.

Ah, Lizzie Nickel, there you are. It's time to make a toast to the happy

You have to join the party.

Oh, of course.

Ladies and gentlemen.

moment please and liz's mother has asked me to say a few words as

most of you know lizzie and i have known each other our whole lives she was my

first partner in dance class sorry about that broken toe she was my first crush

my first kiss i was not fortunate enough to claim her as my wife however i

truly wish her all the happiness in the world With the man who was lucky enough

to have captured her heart.

Ladies and gentlemen, I charge you, raise your glasses.

To Elizabeth and Nick.

May they live happily ever after.

Here, here.

Congratulations.

Thank you, everyone.

Thank you, Mark. Oh, that was beautiful.

That was lovely. Thank you so... Don't you dare.

I'm sorry, Joanna.

It's an emergency.

Nicholas, you cannot leave your own engagement party.

I forbid it.

Go. Do what you have to do.

Dad, Mom.

Yeah? You'll help hold down the fort with Beth?

Let's go. I apologize. I apologize, Mark. I'm so sorry, everyone. I'm so

I apologize.

Thank you. Thank you. Excuse me.

There was a fire. Something electrical.

Nobody's fault, but the entire house burnt down. The family lost everything.

anyone hurt?

The children's mother and father had some burns, but they'll be okay, thank

goodness. The children weren't injured. Oh, okay.

So, we need a new present for each and every one of them. And they have to be

stock, or we have to make them quickly. What are their names?

Jasper Frost.

Jasper Frost.

You've lost all your toys. You want to start over.

A box of blocks and a red rocket wagon.

Some things never change. And his sister.

Poppy Frost.

Poppy Frost.

I don't know. I can't do this. You have to try.

I know who'll know. Nicholas.

That is not a good idea. It's just one time. It'll be good for her. Nicholas.

Santa. Sir.

What kind of nincompoop dresses up like Santa Claus

so that I'm the laughingstock of all of my friends?

Mother, they can hear me. I don't care if they hear me. What Nick's parents

is not important. You, young lady, are marrying some sort of twisted, lower

class, uncouth.

Nick's parents have plenty of couth. They do not fit into our world.

I'm more worried about fitting in theirs.

Oh, please do not tell me that you'll be moving into a trailer park. Oh, Mother,

I can promise you, Jake and I will not be living there.

I'm sorry. Is everything okay? It will be. I need your help.

What's the matter?

Her name is Poppy Frost.

No, Nick, I can't do this. I'm not ready yet. Yes, you can. I know you can. You

just have to believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.

Poppy Frost.

Say it.

Poppy Frost.

Poppy Frost.

Poppy Frost.

Poppy Frost.

Poppy Frost. Poppy Frost. Poppy Frost. Now, what does Poppy Frost want for

Christmas after she's lost everything?

Poppy Frost. I don't know.

A dollhouse and a dolly. No, wait. She's a tomboy.

She wants a basketball and a bike.

You are so wrong about Nick's parents.

They are the greatest people you will ever meet. Don't be ridiculous.

They're just nothing but... Santa Claus.

And his wife, Mrs. Claus.

Yes.

That's right. This is the real Santa Claus.

Why do you think they wear red all the time? Why else would he have that beard?

Grandpa Claus isn't pretending.

That's who he is.

Or was.

Nick is now.

They have brainwashed you. They've done nothing of the sort. Nick is Santa

Claus. And I was going to be Mrs. Claus.

Only I'm not up to it.

I never managed to do Christmas for my own son, much less the whole world.

Nick, I'm so sorry.

I love you so much.

But... I'm the wrong person.

I'm not good enough to be Mrs. Claus.

I just don't know how.

Beth, you learned. No, I've tried. And every time I fail, I'm not good at this.

Nick, there's no magic in me.

None.

Take it. Beth, please don't.

I don't want it, Beth. I can't take that.

And yes, Mother, we're nothing like these people.

They are far, far better than us.

Come on, Jake.

We're leaving.

No. We don't belong here. Where are we going?

Home.

We're going to rescue our house from the realtors.

The one place we didn't leave.

You better go in there, Jake.

You need to stop her.

I'm sorry, Nicholas.

But Christmas can't be Christmas without a Mrs. Claus.

I never thought I'd live to see the day. I'm sorry, Ernest.

In all my years, I never saw a Santa ever organize a first Christmas as well

as you.

Thank you, Ernest.

How about a round of golf before lunch?

I'm sorry, my dear. I just don't feel like it.

Neither do I.

I have to agree with you, Bob. I don't think that there's ever been a Christmas

Eve like this. All around the world, it's really beginning to feel a lot not

like Christmas.

And no one seems to know exactly what it is, but my sources tell me it has

something to do with problems up at the North Pole. I'll tell you what happened.

There's just no Christmas spirit.

It's all evaporated.

That's what happened. For the first time ever, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

are going to be just work days, just like any other day. All over the

people are canceling their travel plans, returning their presents to stores,

postponing their parties, and just going to work.

I just wanted to show Beth how perfect she is.

That she didn't need North Pole magic.

That she could have known what that little girl wanted just because of who

is. How can I be so stupid?

You are not to know, sir.

There's not going to be Christmas for anyone.

Not for Beth.

Not for Jake.

Not for the whole world.

Not for that little girl.

It's all canceled.

Ho.

Ho, ho, holy reindeer!

Why didn't I think of this before?

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!

Santa!

I'm going to miss Mom.

I don't have any family.

We'll just have to be our own family, like we were before any of this started.

But we'll still believe in Santa?

Yes, Jakey.

We'll always believe in Santa.

Are you Beth?

Yeah. I'm Poppy. A man gave me this bike and this ball. He said that even though

no one's having a real Christmas, he still wanted me to have them.

And then I opened the card, and it said it was from you.

So I rode down here to say thank you.

I don't know how you knew what I wanted, but whatever.

Thank you.

No problem. You're welcome.

Gotta go.

But she won it.

Just like you knew which paper and bows went together.

The big stuff and the little touches.

You knew it all.

But I couldn't bake the Mrs. Claus cookies.

You can't bake anything.

But you could have hit the North Pole.

You would have been a great Mrs. Claus.

Maybe.

But I think it's kind of late to find that out now.

I hardly think Nick will take me back after I've wrecked Christmas.

Anyway, there's no sense in crying over spilt milk, is there?

Come on, we'll put this stuff inside and then we'll walk across the road to

Joanie's. And then we'll call the movers and get them to bring our stuff back.

Can you ever forgive me?

Can you forgive me?

It's all my fault.

It's all my fault. I should have trusted you. I should have trusted myself.

Beth, I love you.

I will always love you.

I will always love you.

Beth, will you marry me?

Of course I will, my darling.

Now that that's settled, we have a schedule to keep.

What schedule? We can't get married until after the new year. I mean, we

even get a rent -a -judge now.

No one's available.

Yes, they are.

Everyone's canceled their Christmas plans, remember?

Which means that the caterers we always wanted are available again.

Roast chicken.

And the florists that we always wanted are available again.

And even Reverend Moran.

is available now.

Father Joe.

Good to see you, my dear.

Every cloud must have a silver lining.

You see, we can have the small, romantic, beautiful wedding that we

dreamed of.

We heard a rumor that somebody's getting married.

It's true, Dad.

Grandma, Grandpa.

I missed your last wedding.

May I please come to this one?

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Oh, yes, Jake. I do.

Especially after Santa landed on my roof with eight reindeer and invited me

here.

Then you can come.

Oh, I, um... I brought you this.

It's the dress I married your daddy in.

I'm sure we need to pin it up just a little. But otherwise, it'll fit you

beautifully.

Oh, sweetheart.

I have done so many foolish things.

Can you ever forgive me?

Of course I can, Mama.

And Nick. Nick, dear, thank you.

I am sure my daughter will make a wonderful Mrs. Claus.

People, we have a schedule to keep.

I'm going to go eat now.

Places, everyone.

Places.

Good luck, son.

Beth, Mrs. Claus and me, well, we never had a daughter, even though we always

hoped that we would.

So I was wondering if you would do me the honor of permitting me to walk you

down the aisle.

The honor would be all mine.

could ever imagine.

A father.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today. We don't have time for full

Could you skip ahead a bit?

Right here.

Do you, Nicholas?

Take Beth to be your wife, promising to be true to her in good times and in bad,

in sickness and health, and that you will love and honor her all the days of

your life.

I do.

And to you, Beth, take Nicholas to be your husband, promising to be true to

in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.

And that you will love and honor him all the days of your life.

I do.

Then I pronounce you husband and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

Excuse me.

We saved Christmas.

We know.

But... Santa had the Christmas Eve sleigh ride starting in under four

We're not ready yet. Don't worry, Ernest. We will be.

Now that we have our Mrs. Claus.

Jake, come up here.

Oh, yeah.

My dad's Santa Claus.