All language subtitles for Unlocking Christmas - 2020 (720p) - Hallmark_track3_[eng]

¶¶¶

¶ Ever since I was
a young girl ¶

¶ I only ever
had one dream ¶

¶ I only wanna ride
on Santa's sleigh ¶

¶¶¶

¶ I just wanna ride ¶

¶ Ride on Santa's sleigh ¶

¶ I just wanna ride ¶

¶ Ride on Santa's sleigh ¶

¶ I just wanna ride ¶

¶ Ride on Santa's sleigh ¶

¶ I only wanna ride
on Santa's sleigh ¶

(Box thuds)
- (Sighs)

Two down, six to go.

Ooh!

Hmm.

(Objects clatter)

(Doorbell rings)

Oh. (Sighs)

(Footsteps thud)

(Door creaks open)
Maggie! Oh, come in!

Come in!
What a nice surprise!

- Oh, I know I said I'd call,

but why do that when I can
just drop in announced?

(Chuckles)

I hope you don't mind.

I put up a few Christmas
decorations,

just to make it feel
more like home.

Does it feel like home yet?

- Well, it's only been a day.

- Well, it looks fabulous,
already.

When you first mentioned
renting a furnished place,

I knew I had the perfect
listing.

Oh... I made you a little bit
of a welcome

to the neighborhood
Christmas basket.

- Oh, you didn't have
to do that.

- Will your family be visiting
over the holidays?

Because Cedar Park shines
at Christmas time.

- No, it's just me.

- Oh.

- But it's fine.
It's fine.

My medical fellowship
will keep me busy,

and I plan on volunteering
for extra shifts.

- Yeah, that's very nice.

And, and I do think it's very
important to give back

when we can, so.

Oh, oh dear.

Okay, I have to go.

Somebody's expecting me.
I can't be late.

Ta, ta.
- Bye.

(Door creaks open, shuts)

- I have somewhere to be,
as well.

(Engine rumbles)

¶¶¶

- Oh, honey!
(Happy squealing) Kevin!

(Arnold laughing)

- Hello! Welcome home, son!

- Come on, come on. It's cold.

- Here, give me your bags.
- Are you sure, old man?

- You're taller.
I swear you're taller.

- No, no Maggie,
we're just shorter.

(All laugh)

Maggie: Oh, honey. Come in!
- Oh!

Dr. Reagan: Well, I know
your first choice

was Northwest Falls Medical
in Chicago,

but I'm so pleased you matched
with us, Dr. Stafford.

- Your fellowship program in
orthopedics is one of the best.

- Well, we may be a small
hospital, but we are mighty.

- I certainly believe it.

- Well, tomorrow
we'll get you acclimated

and uh, you can jump right in.

- I look forward to it.

- (Chuckles) Good, good.

("Deck the Halls" plays)

Arnold: You have good people
around you?

- Sure.
- Yeah?

- Mom, there's barely enough
room as it is!

- Oh, honey!
- Where're you gonna put it?

- You're back home
after six years.

I just wanna make
all your favorites.

- Mom, you could feed
an entire regiment.

- (Chuckles) She had me make
three different trips

to the store today.

- Well, there still is nothing
quite like mom's home cooking.

I'll tell you that.
- You got that right.

- (Sighs) And now you can
have it anytime you like.

- Thank you.
- We're so proud of you, son.

Grandpa would be too,

knowing you followed
in his footsteps.

¶¶¶

- Thanks, Pop.
It's nice to be home.

- Good to have you home.

- Well, first things first,

as much as I would love
to have you living with us,

I'm pretty sure you'd like to
have a place to call your own.

So, I know a great spot
over on Camden.

- Mhm. It's not far
from the hardware store.

I could always use an extra
pair of hands, you know.

Gets busy during the holidays.
- Mhm.

- Yeah, and also you could...
you could help me out

sometimes when I'm showing
my listings.

- Okay, whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa.
Let's just slow down here,

shall we?
I just got back into town,

I'm very happy to be here.

Can't we enjoy
this nice meal together?

- Sure. Just uh,

I mean I just don't know why

you should sit around waiting
for things to happen.

- Better to be busy.

- Okay, what's going on here?
- Sorry, honey.

Um, it's just that
we know that...

you thrive on structure,
so we thought that--

- The Air Force was good
for that,

we just don't want you to...
be adrift.

- I'm fine. You don't have
to worry about me, okay?

- Okay.

- I will figure out
my next steps.

(Oven dings!)
- Oh! Honey baked ham's ready!

Arnold: Oh, ha ha!
- There's more?!

(Engine rumbles)

(Low hum of chatter)

¶¶¶

(Door opens, slams shut)

- Okay, one regular latte,
one almond milk latte,

one soy latte, one vanilla
latte, one chai latte.

Which is a lot of lattes.

I started a new job today,

I wanted to do something
nice for everyone.

One cappuccino, one mochaccino,

one Americano, and one decaf.

Hedging my bets. Thanks!
- You're welcome.

- Watch out!
- Ooh!

- Coffee train,
full steam ahead!

Do-Do you need some help there?

- Thanks, I've got it.
- Oh! Whoa!

Are you sure?
- Uh... positive.

- Now you're just trying
to prove something.

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

- You know, it's not the worst
thing to ask for help.

- Well, if I ever need any,
I know who to ask.

- Suit yourself, Kate.
- How did you know my--?

- It's written on the cups.
All nine of them.

¶¶¶

Dr. Reagan: Hi, everyone.

This is Dr. Kate Stafford,
our new orthopedic fellow.

- Hi Kate.
- Welcome.

- As you can see, her instincts
are already top notch.

- Or it's just my way to try
to win everyone over.

- (Chuckles)
I've got a patient waiting,

but Liz here, has offered
to show you around.

- Great.

Hi.
- Hi!

Liz Warner, nurse,

and manager of Christmas
merriment.

- Oh.
- Self-appointed.

(Both chuckle)

- This is my third year
at Cedar Park Hospital.

Really is a wonderful place.

The town, the people,
it's all so lovely.

Oh, you'll meet everyone,
and soon enough,

this place will feel
just like home.

- For the year, at least.
Until my fellowship is done.

- Where are you from?

- Oh, well I moved around
a lot,

so I never really know
how to answer that question.

- Here, let me help.

- Don't you just love Christmas?

- I do, yeah.

But it's... it's been a while

since I've had a proper
celebration.

- We'll have to do
something about that.

- Yeah.

¶¶¶

(Approaching footsteps)

- Oh, here,
let me get you another one.

- Oh no, that's okay, Mom.
I'm alright.

(Winces in pain)
- How's your leg feeling?

- It's okay, I've just been
sitting too long.

- Yeah, no. Why don't you have
that checked out?

- Mom, you don't need
to worry about me. It's fine.

- I'm your mother,
so it's my job to worry,

so I'm just gonna call
the clinic.
- Mom! No.

Kate: We will follow up
next week, Mrs. Jones.

Mrs. Jones: Thank you,
Dr. Stafford.

- And I will be sure to plant
those hyacinth bulbs,

just like you suggested.
Thanks for the gardening tips!

- Gardening tips?

At this rate, you're gonna win
over the whole town.

- Hey Kate,
your next patient's ready.

- Thanks.

- Hello, Mr. Matthews.
I'm Dr. Stafford.

- Kate!
From the coffee shop.

- Oh, it's you.
- I prefer Kevin, actually.

- Well Kevin,
from the coffee shop,

what can I help you with?

- I don't need any help.
- Then, why'd you come here?

- My mom made me.

- Aren't you a little old
for that excuse?

- I thought so,
but she insisted

I get my leg looked at.
- Well, what happened to it?

- Injured it during
military service.

It healed just fine.
The end. Can I go now?

- Shouldn't you be
at a VA hospital?

- The nearest one
is a couple towns over.

This was a lot quicker.
I'm a busy guy.

- Clearly.

Well, let's take a look at it,
since you're here.

- It's fine, really.
- Then it should be quick!

- (Reluctant exhale)

- So, how did you injure it
exactly?

- Uh, I kicked a shark
in the face.

- Hmm, that's funny.

- I was para-rescue,

it's a division
of the Air Force.

Two years ago, during
an airdrop exercise,

my chute malfunctioned.

When I hit the ground,

my leg took the brunt
of the impact.

Two surgeries later,
good as new.

- Any recurring pain?

- Every now and then.

- Well, this hospital has a
great physical therapy program.

- I don't need it.
I'm all good.

- I um,

vaguely recall someone
telling me,

it's not the worst thing
to ask for help.

- Oh, well, if I ever need any,
I know who to turn to.

Do I get a lollipop now?

- (Chuckles) Cute.

(Sighs)

- Hey, Mom.
- Hi, honey. Kate?

(Laughs)

Oh, I should've realized
you'd be working here.

- Wait a second,
you two know each other?

- I helped Kate find her
new rental property.

- Oh.
- Yeah, Kevin Matthews.

Maggie is your--
- Mom, yeah.

- Isn't this a delightful
coincidence?

- Yes, Dr. Stafford,

would you say our experience
together was delightful?

- One of many words in the
dictionary to choose from.

- Hmm.

- Did he get the all-clear?

- Yes, yes.

But I'm sure, as you know,
your son is very...

independent.

- Yes, so too, it seems,
is Dr. Stafford.

- Ah.

Then I guess you've each
met your match. (Chuckles)

Honey.
- Thanks.

- Doctor.

- I just saw the most
stubborn patient.

- The tall, handsome guy
with the good hair?

- I suppose his height is
statistically above average.

- Hey, are you free
this Saturday?

I'm organizing the annual
Christmas event here.

- Hmm. Sounds fun!

- Yeah, I always plan
a big event

for the patients
and their families.

My first year was a bake sale,
then the pageant.

- And this year?

- A musical performance
by the Cedar Park Warblers.

All the holiday hits.

- Well, who doesn't love
a holiday hit?

Anything I can do to help?

- No, just enjoy.

- I'll be there.

(Car rumbles by)

Kevin: These extension cables
will give your Christmas lights

enough power to wow
the whole street.

- Huh. Thanks.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas!

- It's nice to see another
Matthews working

the Matthews Family Hardware,
again.

- Well, just like weekends
in high school.

- Yeah, if you're not careful,

you may wind up with
the keys to the kingdom.

(Door opens)
- Well, well, well!

If it isn't the hometown hero
himself!

- There he is!
Hey, buddy!

- Hey.
- Good to see you.

- Was hoping to swing
by yesterday

but caught at the camera shop.
But hey,

better late than never, right?
- Nah, don't sweat it.

I see you're not just here
for me.

Outlet plugs, edge guards,
cabinet locks.

I know you're clumsy,
but this seems excessive.

- Or uh, perfect baby-proofing
a house?

- No!
- Mhm.

- Congrats, man!
Oh, that's incredible!

You and Carolyn
must be thrilled!

- Yeah, thrilled! Elated!

(Clears throat)
Nervous as heck.

Take your pick.
- (Both chuckle)

- So, you gonna name
the baby Kevin?

- Kevin, for sure.
- Nice!
- Yeah.

- Oh, that's a great idea.
- Yeah.

- So, you gettin' your
own place soon?

- Keeping my options open.
- Okay. Oh, speaking, of,

you've gotta let me
introduce you to some

of Carolyn's friends.
- Listen,

dating is the last thing
on my mind right now, okay?

- That's cool.
What's on your mind?

- Why is everyone so concerned
about my next moves?

I'll land on my feet.

- Transitioning to civilian
life can't be easy.

- I'm figuring it out.

- Oh, working here's
a good start.

- (Sighs) Yeah,
I think my dad may want me

to take over the store
one day.

- That's great!

That's not... great?

- I don't really have the heart
to tell him

it's not really my--
- Your calling.

- Yeah.
- Yeah, I bet he'd understand.

- Not so sure.
- What about the VA,

don't they have a job
placement service?

- Yeah. I've got a meeting with
them in a few days, actually.

- Good!
- Yeah.

- Yeah, but big picture,
what do you want?

- To find you some cabinet locks

you're definitely gonna
have a hard time opening.

- Okay, I got it.

¶¶¶

Kate: Hmm.

(reads) "Six letter word
for glossy coating."

Oh, enamel.

Hmm.
(Pencil rasps)

(Sighs)

Hmm.
What's a nine-letter word

for something I've been
avoiding?

Unpacking.

(Groans)

(Boxes rustle)

(Box thuds)

¶¶¶

(Sighs)

¶¶¶

(Doorbell rings)

(Footsteps thud)

(Latch clicks,
door creaks open)

Hello?

¶¶¶

¶¶¶

(Doorbell buzzes)

- We're closed!
(Doorbell buzzes)

¶¶¶

¶¶¶

(Door creaks open,
bell jingles)

¶¶¶

(Door creaks open)

(Footsteps thud,
floorboards creak)

(Ribbon rustles)

- (Sighs)

¶¶¶

- Hmm.

- (reads) "A Journey of Giving
unlocks with this key..."

(Kate reads) "solve this riddle
and you shall see!"

(Small laugh)
A riddle?

(reads) "Letters aplenty,
only seven for me,

to Santa they went by air,
land, and sea."

- (reads)
"A tree with four sides

is where you'll find me,

December 16th at 7:30!"

- That's tomorrow night.

¶¶¶

(Engine rumbles)

Over PA: Dr. Stevens, line one.
Dr. Stevens, line one.

(Footsteps approach)

- Hey, Kate!
How was your night?

- Huh, the strangest thing
happened.

Somebody left this key
outside my door,

along with a riddle.

- Hmm.

That's exciting!

- Yeah, but who would've
left it for me?

- Maybe it's the spirit
of Christmas.

- I'm sure it's just somebody
playing a prank.

- Regardless, could be
a fun challenge.

- Or a distraction
I don't have time for.

- I wouldn't be so quick
to brush it off.

Magical things tend to happen
around the holidays.

¶¶¶

(Lid thuds closed)
- (Sighs)

- Hey Dad, you ever seen
a key like this?

- No. Where's it come from?
- I don't know,

somebody left it outside
the store last night.

- Well, looks vintage,
that's for sure.

- Well, they left a riddle
along with it, as well.

- Must lead to something.

Whatcha gonna do?

- Solving some random riddle

is the last thing
on my mind right now.

- (Chuckles) Son,
I remember,

you used to have
an adventurous spirit.

¶¶¶

- (Exhales)

- Hey, did you solve
the riddle yet?

- Oh, not yet.

- Well, what are waiting for?

(reads) "Letters aplenty,
only seven for me,

to Santa they went by air,
land, and sea.

A tree with four sides
is where you'll find me."

What's a tree with four sides?

- Maybe it's a topiary?

A very geometric topiary?

You have anything
like that in town?

- Like a tree in an English
manor garden,

perfectly sculpted
into a cube

by a groundskeeper
named Jeeves?

Not that I know of.

- Alright. "Letters aplenty,
only seven for me."

So, it's obviously describing
the object I'm looking for.

What has seven letters and has
something to do with Santa?

- Reindeer.

- Reindeer.

- Nah, that's eight letters.

That's it!

- What's it?
- Letters.

The kind that kids send to
Santa by air, land, and sea?

And what has letters aplenty?

- Mailbox.

- M-a-i-l-b-o-x.
Seven letters.

- This key belongs
to a mailbox in town.

- But where?

- I have until 7:30 tonight
to figure that out.

(Giggles)

¶¶¶

(Keys jungle)

- Okay, I know you're a
mailbox, but where are you?

(Bell tolls)

Okay, 15 minutes left.

"Tree with four sides
is where you'll find me."

What has four sides?

- What trees have four sides?

What thing with four sides
has trees?

(Bell tolls)

Ugh. Juniper Square?

- So, tree, square,

tree, square. Tr--

Oh, right.

(Low hum of chatter)

¶¶¶

("O Christmas Tree" plays)

¶¶¶

(Low hum of chatter)

(Children shout playfully)

- (Sighs)

(Gasps) That's it!

Kevin: Kate?
- Kevin?

I know this is a small town,
but it's not that small.

- You got one, too.

Someone left this outside
my door last night.

- Along with a riddle?
- Yeah, pretty easy one,

if you ask me.
- Ah, of course.

I bet you didn't need
any help with it, at all.

- No, I didn't.
I'm a certified genius.

Didn't you know that?
- Is that so?

- Yes.
- Okay, fine.

But why were we both sent
to the same place

at the same time
with the same key?

- (Sighs) Oh, look!

- Oh.

- I wonder what's inside?

- Only one way to find out!

(Keys rattle)

- Ready?

- We've come this far.

(Locks click)

- Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Well, I guess we know which
one we're gonna open first.

- Hey.
- Oh, come on!

It's like when you see a door
that says do not open,

you just wanna know
what's inside the--

Fine, we'll do it your way.

- (reads) "Congratulations,
you found me.

For the first stop on
your Journey of Giving,

choose a treasured
Christmas tradition

from one of your childhoods,

and help each other re-create
it for someone you know.

- Help each other, huh?

Well, Dr. Stafford,

it seems you're finally
gonna have to give in.

- Oh, like you?
At the hospital?

- I didn't need any help.
- Neither did I.

- I seem to remember a near
avalanche of almond lattes.

- I guess we're both
just two people

who like to do things
for themselves.

- I guess so.

- So...
- So...?

- That's it, then?
- That's it!

- Journey ends here.
- Guess so.

- Good.
- Fine.

¶¶¶

(Siren wails in the distance)

Liz: So, you just went
your separate ways?

- Yep.

- But the adventure,
the mystery,

the riddle that led you there.

- The real riddle is,
why are men so stubborn?

- I don't think it's just men.
- Well, I can't help it

if Kevin doesn't wanna
work with me.

- Maybe you can get him
to reconsider.

- Or maybe this little holiday
journey wasn't meant to happen.

- Speaking of things that
weren't meant to happen,

the Cedar Park Warblers
got their dates mixed up

and double booked.
- Oh no!

- Yeah, it's fine,

I just have to find a new event
on short notice.

- Well, I'm headed out to run
some errands on my break,

but I'll keep an eye out
for any ideas.

- Oh, thanks girl.
- Of course!

- Okay wait, so you both
just walked away?

- Yep.

- Well, maybe she'll change
her mind?

- I don't know.

Kate seems like the kind
of person

who's very set in her ways.
Kate: Ha!

(Door shuts)
I can say the same about you!

- Oh, here to reconsider?

- You're the one who didn't
wanna work together.

- I seem to remember it
differently.

- You must be Kate.
- Hi.

- Hi, I'm uh, Jackson.

And before I excuse myself
to let you work out

(clears throat)
whatever this is,

uh, Kevin definitely does
wanna work together.

He thought you didn't.
Kevin: Mhm.

- Okay, I'm gonna be uh,
I'm gonna be back there now.

- Great idea.
- Alright.

- Thanks.

- So, you actually
do wanna do this!

- Do you?

- Well, I'm very busy
at the hospital.

- It's our busy season
at the store, so.

- Who knows how long
it could take?

- It's a big risk, yeah.
- But if we did--

- It is interesting.

- It's not something
you see every day.

- Definitely not.

- Okay, well I'm game,
if you are.

- Well, I'm game,
if you are.

- Are you just going along
with this to prove something?

- Are you?

- I suppose neither of us
will ever know.

- Hmm.
- Fine. I'm in.

- Great, I'm in, too.

- Now, could you tell me where
I could find some sponges?

- Oh, so you're not just here
to see me.

- Hmm, happy accident.
- Hmm.

- I just need to pick up
some cleaning supplies,

and I didn't even know you
worked here.

- It's my father's store.

Sponges are over there.

What else can I help you find?
- Uh, I'm good, thanks.

- I thought we were
working together now.

- Fair enough.
Feather duster?

- Next to the squeegees.
See?

We make a great team.
- Cute.

- So, when do you wanna start?

- I could meet after
my shift ends.

- Great. See you then.

Jackson, a word, please?

Kate: Mr. McAllister?
- That's m

- Nice to meet you,
I'm Dr. Stafford.

Right this way.

When did the pain
in your hip begin?

- This morning.

I could barely get outta bed
to bring myself here.

- Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

We'll start with a physical
exam and see what's going on.

- I looked my symptoms up
online,

and I may have a very rare
condition,

and it's called...
what was it called?

It begins with an 'L'.

- Let's not focus on
what might be,

and instead focus on what
we learn, Mr. McAllister.

- Thank you,
that's a good idea.

Oh, and before I forget,

my symptoms also match
this other condition

that I saw online,

and the photos of it
were absolutely terrible!

Now, I'm very concerned
about that

because I had an uncle...
- (Readying exhale)

- who had a very similar
situation and um, you know--

(Door clicks shut)

¶¶¶

Kate: Kevin?

(Sighs)
Sorry, I'm late.

One of my patients discovered
WebMD.

- Oof, say no more.
Here you go.

- Oh, thanks!
- You're welcome.

Yeah, what've we got?

- You ready?
- Yes.

- (reads) "Choose a treasured
Christmas tradition

from one of your childhoods,

and help each other recreate it
for someone you know."

- When do we get to open
this one?

- "Only once you've completed
this task,

you may peek inside
the second envelope."

- Fine. Okay.

Do epic snowball fights count?
- Uh--

- Yeah, I didn't think so
anyway.

- Yeah.

- Um, okay what were some
of your favorite

Christmas traditions as a kid?

- Ooh, I'd always love it
when I'd wake up

and my dad's recipe book
was on the kitchen counter.

It meant that we were
about to bake

some delicious Christmas
cookies together.

- Well, that sounds nice.

Are you gonna see your folks
over the holidays?

- Oh um--

- I'm sorry,
I didn't mean to pry.

- No, no, no. No,

I just, I lost my parents
when I was young.

- I'm so sorry, Kate.

- My grandma raised me
after that, but yeah,

I've been on my own
for quite a while now.

- That must be hard.

- I try to remind myself
to be grateful

for the times we had together.

But uh, try as I might,

I did not inherit
his baking skills.

- (Chuckles) Well, my mother
is an expert in the kitchen,

and all I'm good at is eating.
- (Laughs)

- But I'm like really good
at it.

- I bet. Oh.

When I was young,

my mom and I used to decorate
our own ornaments.

We'd buy beads, and glitter,

and water-based paint.

We'd design little landscapes,

or snowflakes, or elves.

It always made the tree feel
like ours.

- Why don't we just do that?
- Really?

- Yeah, why not?
Sounds like fun!

- Yeah, okay.

But we're supposed to do it
for people we know,

and I don't know anyone
in town except for you,

and my colleagues
at the hospital.

Like, Liz!
- Liz?

- She's one of our nurses.

She always organizes
the holiday activity

at the hospital, but the
Warblers double booked, so--

- Ah, the famous Cedar Park
Warblers.

Great with the holiday hits,

terrible with time management.

- (Laughs) Oh,

well, Liz needs a new holiday
event this weekend.

- I think ornament decorating
could be perfect.

- So do I! Alright!
- Great!

Um, will you hold this?

- Sure.
- I'm gonna call her.

- You're honna call her
right now?

- Right now.
- Okay.

- Hi, Liz? I have an idea
I think you're gonna love...

¶¶¶

Kate: Hi, everyone.

This is a holiday tradition
I always did with my Mom,

and I hope you enjoy it
as much as I did.

- You done?
Alright, everyone,

let's... get... decorating!
Come on!

- Let's go!

¶ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ¶

¶ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ¶

¶ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ¶

¶ And a happy New Year! ¶

¶ Good tiding we bring ¶

¶ To you and your kin ¶

¶ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ¶

¶ And a happy New Year! ¶

- Hm?
- There. Whadda ya think?

Am I budding Michelangelo?

- Is that a... is that a horse?

- It's... it's a reindeer!

It's Rudolph. Look at the nose!

- Right. Dead give away.

- Alright,
art is not my strong suit.

Let's see yours.

- Whoa. Okay.
- (Chuckles)

- I'm gonna chalk that up
to you being trained

in surgical precision.
- (Laughs)

Boy: Mom, I can't do this...
I can't do it.

No, I can't do this no more!
Mom: You didn't even try!

- No! Did you see that?
I can't do it!

- Just try with this hand.
Give it another shot.

It's okay,
I can hold it for you.

Robbie...
- I can't do this.

- Hi. I'm Kate.
What's your name?

- Robbie.

- Must be hard decorating
ornaments

with your arm in a cast.

- Yeah, the doctor
put it on today.

- He was a trooper through
the whole thing.

- You know, some kids have
their friends sign their casts.

Would you like us
to sign yours?

- Say, is that a C-130
you've got there?

- How did you know?

- Well, I just got back
from the Air Force,

where I was a para-rescue man,

which means I jumped outta
planes, just like that one.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Except, a couple years ago,
I hurt my leg

and I had to wear a cast too,

but I wasn't gonna let that
stop me.

I could have fun in all kinds
of other ways.

- Like how?

Kate: Well, just because you
can't decorate an ornament,

doesn't mean you
can't make one.

- That's right! The nice thing
about Christmas trees is,

anything can become
an ornament.

- Like my airplane?

- (Snap fingers)
Exactly, dude.

We can just rest it in
the branches, you know.

- Or you can make it
an actual ornament

by adding a bit of ribbon.
- Oh, there's an idea.

- There you go.

And get your finger right
in the middle.

Ready? There!

Finished.
- Whoa!

- Well, not quite. May I?

Just one finishing touch.

Mhm.

U-S-A-F.

US Air Force.

- Whoa, can I see?

- Of course!
- (Chuckles)

- It's official now.
- (Plane engine sounds)

- It's beautiful.
- Really is.

But you know, what,
it's missing one thing.

(Hushed) Get up there!

- Airman Robbie,
please report for duty.

- (Chuckles)

¶¶¶

¶¶¶

Man: Wow.

- Great job, everybody!

- (Applause)
- Beautiful.

(Applause)

(Low hum of chatter)

- You two make a great team.

- Hmm.

¶¶¶

- Looks like the event
was a hit!

What?

- No, nothing,
it's just,

you were really great
with Robbie back there.

- Oh, is that a compliment
I hear?

- More a statement of fact.
- Okay.

- Not everyone has good bedside
manner.

- Well, doctor, it was uh...

kinda nice working together.
- Yeah. It was.

- Hmm.

- Oh, uh, we're forgetting
something.

- The "no peeking" envelope.

How could we forget
to peek at the...

(In unison) "no peeking"
envelope?

(Both chuckle)

- Alright, let's see
what we've got here.

- Ooh, another riddle.

(reads) "Christmas clock rewind,

between Then and Now
you'll find,

a chance for Christmas cheer,

connecting far and near."

- Hmm.
I wonder what it means?

- Hmm.

- But it'll have to wait 'cause
I have to start my rounds.

- Yeah, I've got a meeting
at the VA Staffing Agency.

Um, meet up after?

- Sure.
- Okay.
- Yeah.

And don't solve it
without me.

- Hey, no promises!
- (Kate chuckles)

¶¶¶

Agent: Well, your resume
is impressive.

Top grades in college,

knowledge of construction
and manufacturing,

experience leading teams.

But what is it you
actually wanna do?

- You know, I haven't really
zeroed in on that, quite yet.

- Well, you are well-suited
for the majority of jobs

that come across my desk.

- I'm not just looking
for any job.

I've got one here, and I can
continue there if I want.

What I'm really hoping
to find is--

- What the next chapter
of your life is gonna be?

- Exactly. Yeah.

- Well, that's only something
that you can really answer.

- (Sighs)

(Door opens, shuts)

(Phone chimes)

- Hey, buddy!
Jackson: Hey!

If I can't find wooden dowels,
can I use nails instead?

- Uh oh, are you building
something?

- Uh, you know, it's all...
it's all under control.

If I could just locate
the instruction manuals,

I'd be cool.

- Uh huh. I'm coming over.

- Sure, if you want to.

I mean, yeah, see you soon!

(Call beeps off)
(Door opens)

(Crow caws)

(Mattress rustles)
- There.

- I would've gotten it
eventually.

- Ha! You know, Jackson,
you are good at many,

many things.
- Mhm.

- If I ever need
a photographer,

or the latest up-to-date
camera equipment,

you're the first person
I'd turn to,

but building of any kind--
- Not my strong suit.

- No, sir.

- What if I'm uh...

what if I'm not good at it?
- At what?

- Fatherhood!

It's a whole different
ball game.

My kid's gonna be depending
on me.

- Listen, I know it's not
the same thing at all,

but my first few weeks
in the Air Force,

I was terrified.

- So, how'd you deal with it?

- Well, I just trusted

that even if I didn't have
all the answers,

I knew when it came down to it,
I'd do the right thing.

- Yeah, I hope I can get
to that point.

- You will, man.

- Hey, how's that um,
Christmas mystery...

clue... riddle hunt thing
with Kate going?

- Oh, is that what
we're calling it?

- That's what I'm calling it. -
Okay.

- Um, you know what?
It's uh...

it's actually going pretty well.

- Kevin?
- Hi.

- I was hoping to see you soon!
Oh, my goodness!

- Congratulations in person.
Look at you!

- Oh, thanks! It feels like
it's happening so fast.

- So exciting!

- Oh, look at this crib!

- Hmm?
- It's wonderful.

Kevin, can you stay for dinner?

- I can't tonight.
I'm sorry, I have plans.

- Next time.
- I'm so glad you're back.

- Good to see you.
- You too!

- Now, what else can I fix
around here

and give you credit for, huh?

¶¶¶

- Read me the clue again?

- Okay. (reads)
"Christmas clock rewind,

between Then and Now
you'll find,

a chance for Christmas cheer,

connecting far and near."

- "Between Then and Now."

Hmm, this is a fun one!

- I didn't know you were
so into all this.

- Well... I owe it to my Dad.

Every Sunday morning
we'd do crossword puzzles

in the newspaper together,

and jigsaw puzzles at night.

- Oh, so you were his little
puzzle apprentice, were you?

- Yeah, I guess I was.
(Chuckles)

Sometimes I wonder
if it's one of the reasons

I got into medicine.

Getting to the bottom
of a challenge.

Examining clues.

Unlocking answers.

What?

- Oh, nothing, that's just one
of the things I loved

about being in the Air Force -

the strategizing,
the problem solving.

It's like, putting together
a puzzle.

(Bells jingle in distance)

¶¶¶

- Oh. Maggie, hi!
Do you need any help?

- Oh, hey Ma!

- Hey, Kevin!
- Hi there.

- Hey, no, I'm fine honey,
thank you.

- What've you got there, Mom?

- Just a little Christmas
shopping.

- For me?
- (Giggles) If you're lucky.

- You know, Christmas,
it's only a week away.

Kate, what are you doing
tomorrow night?

- Well, I'm not on rotation
at the hospital,

so I'll probably--
- Okay, well,

the correct answer is, you're
coming over to our house

for dinner.
Arnold and I insist.

- Oh, I don't wanna impose.

- A little bit of advice,
don't try to fight it.

- Okay, then.
- Excellent.

Okay, I gotta run, but I'll
see you tomorrow night.

- See you, then.
- Great to see you.

Never one to take 'no'
for an answer.

- (Chuckles)

Santa's Village
looks incredible.

- Yeah! It's gonna look
even better

once Dad and I put
the finishing touches

on Santa's house, though.
- What?

- Yeah, Matthews Family
Hardware has sponsored

and built Santa's Village
every year since I was a kid.

It's amazing to see how much
it's grown since then.

- I had no idea.
Why didn't you say anything?

Man: You ready?!
- You never asked me.

Man: Get set...go!
(Whistle blows)

- Oh! Oh, I used to do
the reindeer races

every year, growing up.

Reigning champ four years in
a row, don't mind my saying.

- Mildly impressive.

- Whadda ya say?

- With your knee? That's not,
not the best idea. No.

- Afraid of a little friendly
competition, are we?

- Oh, please.

- I'll hop gently,
Dr. Stafford.

- Okay, fine.
- Great.

- Doctor approved. Let's go.
- Okay!

- (Chuckles)

- Do you wanna be... Blitzen,

or Comet?

- Oh please, Comet, for sure.
- Yeah, typical.

Everyone always wants
to be Comet.

Kate: What am I thinking?
Oh boy.

Man: Reindeers ready?

(Whistle blows)

Crowd: (Cheering) Go!

- Not so fast!
Hoo! Ha!

HA!

Kate: What was that?
Show off!

- Well, I had to make up for my
ornament-decorating skills.

- That's a good point.

- Plus, I may have run a bit
of track in high school.

- Oh my. Oh!

(Both chuckle)
- Sorry.

- It's okay.

- "Christmas clock rewind."
- Pardon me?

- Look! Christmas through
the Ages, that has to be it!

- Oh, the museum!
- Yeah!

- It's not far from here.

If...if we leave now, we can
get there before it closes.

- Let's go!
- Okay.

- Race ya! (Chuckles)
- Ha!

¶¶¶

Man: Welcome to Cedar Park
Historical Museum.

Just to let you know,
we'll be closing soon.

- Mr. McAllister?

- Dr. Stafford!
What a surprise.

And speaking of surprises,

Kevin, I heard you were back
in town.

It's good to see you.
- You too, sir.

- I didn't know you worked here.

- Oh, Mr. McAllister doesn't
just work here,

he owns the museum.

- Curator of all things
historical in this fine town.

- That's incredible.

- Actually,
while I've got you here,

have you ever heard
of Lansjorgen's Syndrome?

It's very rare.
- I will look into it.

Didn't you say that the
museum's closing shortly?

- Oh yes, that's right.

Well, feel free to have
a quick look around.

- Thank you.
Let me guess, patient WebMD?

- Mhm.
- Hmm.

¶¶¶

Kate: So special
how your town celebrates

its history like this.

Kevin: Yeah, my grandfather
used to take me

to this exhibit every year.
He was very into local history.

Actually... it's still here!

Wow!

(Floorboards creak)

My grandfather built this.

- Was he from Cedar Park?
- He was!

But he spent half of his life
in the Army Air Corps

stationed all around the world.

- Wow! I can't believe
he built all this!

- I know!
Every Christmas morning,

he'd let me help him
put it together.

We'd lay down the streets
and the little trees.

My favourite part was building
the houses, of course.

And then when he donated it
to the museum,

we'd come here every year
and look at it again.

It was like a cute little
family thing.

And of course, I was also
always here... for that.

- Oh! Oh, oh! Look at that!

Of course, you did!
This thing's a classic!

- Right?!
- (Chuckles)

- Isn't it amazing?

Oh, I always wanted
to ride in it as a kid,

but McAllister would never
let it leave the museum.

God, this sure brings back
a lot of good, old memories.

You know, even if we
don't solve the riddle,

it was worth it to come here
just to see all this old stuff.

- Well, hang on,
let's not give up yet.

- Right.

- "Christmas clock rewind
brought us here."

So, what was the next line?

- Uh, "between Then and Now,
you'll find."

- Okay... let's see.

Oh! Could this be it?

Vintage holiday outfits
from "back then"?

- Well, if it is,
I don't see any clues,

and they are closing
in a few minutes.

- Yeah, well,
keep your eyes out.

We can always come back
tomorrow.

- Oh! Kate, look!
- (Gasps) Yes!

- Gotta be it, right?
Yeah.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Kate: Another envelope!

- And another thing
I can't open now.

- Ah don't even think about it.
- I won't.

- (reads) "Congratulations!
The next stop

on your Journey of Christmas
Giving

is to send a message
of Christmas cheer

to someone you don't know,
someone far or near."

- Well, this is turning out to
be quite the little adventure.

- Right?
- Ha.

- (Happy Exhale)

¶¶¶

Kate: So, your hip is better,
but now it's your knee?

- Well, you wouldn't believe
it, but this morning,

I felt I was walking
on hot coals.

- So, it's your foot, then?

Don't worry,
we'll check for inflammation.

See what we can do for you,
Mr. McAllister.

- You know, I looked online,

and somebody said, that
there's a rare condition

where pain in your hip
can migrate to your knee

and then go--

- Mr. McAllister,
it's wonderful to hear

that your hip is no longer
bothering you,

but considering it went away
as quickly as it came,

I'm not quite convinced
the two are connected.

But don't worry, we'll
get to the bottom of it.

- Thank you, Dr. Stafford.
That's quite a relief.

- Of course.
(Door clicks shut)

Mr. McAllister, can I ask
you an unrelated question?

- Sure.

- If you were to receive...
(Turns water on)

a message of Christmas cheer,
from someone you didn't know,

would you want
a Christmas card,

or personalized cookies,

or I don't know, sky writing?

- Christmas is the last
thing on my mind right now.

(Turns water off)

- Really?

What about the Christmas
exhibit at the museum?

- You know,
I think the pain has...

has moved to my other foot.

We should get this
checked out quickly.

- Of course. I'll um...

I'll order x-rays,
right away.

- Thank you, doctor.

- (Sighs)

¶¶¶

(Low hum of chatter)

Maggie: So, there's 5-year-old
Kevin

telling this elaborate
story about

how the dog ate the entire
blueberry pie, and meanwhile--

- And meanwhile, Kevin's
teeth were completely blue.

(All laugh)

- Okay, how about we put
a pause

on the embarrassing stories?
- What? No!

It's half the reason
I came tonight.

(All laugh)

- Okay, fine. How about
a different story?

How did you two meet?
- Ooh.

- Well...
- Oh. Well, um,

I actually came here for work,
just for a month.

- Our paths never crossed.
- That's right.

And I was actually
driving home to Dallas--

- Yep, and then um,
and your car broke down.

- Yeah, and I had to be towed
right back to Cedar Park.

- Yeah. Now, at that time,
I was working as a mechanic,

you know. So, your mother
comes in,

and she's asking me all kinds
of questions about,

"How much is it gonna cost?"

And "How long is it gonna take?"

- I thought it would be an
hour, tops, by the way.

- Yeah, well a week,

and a delayed carburetor later,

the car was good to go.
- Yeah. But I wasn't,

because I'd fallen in love
with the mechanic.

- Hmm. And we were engaged
by the end of the year, huh?

- Hmm.
- That's beautiful.

- We put our announcement
in our Christmas card.

- Yeah, we did!
- Actually...

here's the card with our
engagement announcement.

Arnold: (Chuckles)
- Oh, look at you two!

- Yeah, it feels like
yesterday, huh?

- Look at all that hair.
- Oh, you stop, you.

(All chuckle)

- Yes, mom likes to put these
out every Christmas.

- Well, I can see why.
- Thank you.

- Kevin, look,

it's you and Grandpa.
- Ooh.

- Yeah.

- Oh, look at those
frosted tips!

- Hey, it was cool at the time,
and you know it, okay?

- Yeah, well, so were my
feathered bangs.

- I have no idea
why I thought that.

- Wait, is that... is that
the model of the town

that we saw at the museum?
Kevin: The very same, yeah.

- Such sweet memories.

Every card is like a little
time capsule.

- Oh, Grandpa.
- Yeah.

- You know, I always loved
getting cards

when I was overseas.

Made me feel closer to home.

- Kevin, that's it.
- What?

- Why don't we send
Christmas cards

to the troops overseas?
- Yeah.

- Wait, well what's this?

- The...the next step
with the riddles is,

send a message of Christmas
cheer

to someone you don't know.

- Yeah, we could send Christmas
cards

to American servicemen
and women.

That would definitely count.
- Absolutely!

- That's a wonderful idea.

- Or we could take a cue
from the museum

and send one
from the whole town.

The residents of Cedar Park
wishing the troops

a Merry Christmas.
- I love it.

But that is...
it's a lot of people.

- Yeah, and it's only six
days 'til Christmas.

- Oh yeah, it's not gonna
get there in time.

- Oh! How about we send
a video message?

- Like a video collage
of people around town

wishing the troops
a Merry Christmas.

- Jackson would help you
with the video equipment.

- Oh yeah!
- We can do this,

if we do it together.
I'll tell my friends--

- Yeah, yeah,
I can do the same, yeah!

- I can tell customers
at the store.

- I'm sure I can get a few
doctors and nurses on board.

- Everybody's gonna be really
excited to be a part of this.

- Mhm.

- Great, and then I can send it
to a friend of mine

at Air Force Outreach,
who can distribute it.

Great idea.
- (Kate chuckles)

Jackson: Okay, check this out.
30.4 megapixel,

full-frame sensor
for superb video quality.

Lithium batteries, to keep
you going all day long.

And the built-in mic
is not so bad either.

- Doesn't this all seem
a bit much?

- Yeah, man, we don't even
know how to work

half of this stuff.

- Well, hey,
that is why I'm here.

I may not know my way
around a crib,

but I know how to make
your video look good.

- Okay, well um,

Liz also said that
she wanted to help.

She offered to bring a bunch
of festive accessories.

- Oh, there you go.

See, you got yourself a
cinematographer and a stylist.

You're in the big leagues now!

- I guess we are, huh?

- Alright. What's the first
shot, Spielberg?

- Okay, so I'm thinking
a sweeping shot

of a bunch of kids having
an epic snowball fight.

One of them gets hit right
in the eye, right?

And then I rush over to
the kid, and I help him out.

(Low hum of chatter)

Kate: You ready?
Arnold: Yeah, I'm alright.

¶ Are you ready
for Christmas? ¶

¶ We'll be having a ball ¶

- Thank you for all
that you do.

- Peace and joy to everyone.

Both: Merry Christmas!

Jackson: Okay, big smiles,
everybody! Okay!

- From all of us
at Cedar Park--

All: Happy Holidays!

- Beautiful. (Claps)

Kevin: Okay, you guys ready?

Alright. And... action.

- To all of you over there...

Both: Season's Greetings.

- Happy Hanukkah.
Feliz Navidad.

That's the spirit.
Okay, ready and...

action!

- Supporting our troops
this Holiday Season,

- Merry Christmas
from Cedar Park Hospital!

(Applause)

- Cut. Perfect!

Come and have a look.

Uh, how do you uh, make this--
- Right here.

- You do it.
- Alright.

This is gonna be the best
Christmas video ever.

Carolyn: Yeah. Cute!

- From all of us
at Cedar Park...

All: Happy Holidays!

- The video's really good!
- I know!

And underscoring it with a
Christmas carol, great idea.

- Thanks. I do love a good
Christmas carol.

- Alright, now we've just got
to wait for it to export,

(Keys clack)

and then we're all good.

- Refill?
- Sure, yeah.

(Footsteps thud)

- I like what you've done
with the place.

- Ha, thanks.
All came with the rental.

- You didn't wanna
personalize it a bit?

Put your own spin on things?

- I know. I know.

- Let me guess, the more
you commit to a place,

the harder it is
when you have to leave?

(Coffee pours)
- Yeah,

life in the Air Force,
always on the move.

Anyway, if my parents have
anything to say about it,

I'll stay right here for good.

My dad keeps dropping hints

about me taking over
the hardware store.

- What's wrong with that?

- Nothing, it's just...

it's his thing, you know.

I mean, he built that place
from the ground up.

He always wanted to own
his own business.

- And what do you want?

(Computer chimes)

- Oh, export is complete.
- Hm.

- Time to send it off.

And there we go.

- They're gonna love it.
- I know I sure would've.

- You know what this means
we get to do next, don't you?

- What? Oh!

Ha, ha!

(Excited exhale)
May I?

- It's all yours.
- Okay.

- Is that a Codex?

- Why am I not surprised you
know exactly what that is?

- Who doesn't know
what this is?

- Um... I don't.
- Oh, right.

- So, how does it work?

Uh, well it's sort of like
a bicycle combination lock.

You arrange the six letter
wheels

to spell out the correct
password

and the cylinder slides open,
revealing what's inside.

- What?
- Right?

- Cool!
- Yeah!

- Okay, so how do we guess
the password, then?

- Oh, maybe it has something
to do with this Christmas tree.

- Oh, okay.
Tree, Christmas tree. Um...

Boughs, like Deck the Halls
with...

- Boughs of holly. Okay.

(Codex clicks)

(Codex rattles)

- The bough breaks.

- You know what?
Speaking of breaks,

maybe the answer will come
to us if we take one.

- Oh, what'd you have in mind?

- Well, it's um,

it's actually the town tree
lighting tonight,

and um, I was wondering if...

maybe you wanted to go?

- So, we can spend more time
trying to crack the code?

- Exactly.
- Yeah.

- Yeah.
- Meet you there later tonight?

- Sounds good.
- (Chuckles)

(Box thuds shut)

(Bells jingle)

¶ Whoa-oh, yeeaaah ¶

¶¶¶

¶ We've hung the ornaments
with care ¶

- Hi.

- Hey.

- Um, I thought you might
like some hot apple cider.

It's top shelf stuff.

Perfect balance of cinnamon
and nutmeg.

- It's all about the spice
ratio.

- (Chuckles)

- So, codex?

- Right. Yes. Um--

- Oh, hey guys!
- Hey!

- Oh, hi!
- So uh,

I'm gonna need your opinion
on something.

- Mhm.
- Carolyn and I were

just discussing the theme
for the nursery.

- Yeah, discussing
is one way of putting it.

Jackson: Okay. Don't you think
an animal theme

would be perfect?
Carolyn: Clouds, honey.

Sweet little clouds
with smiley faces on them?

- Yeah, but if you really
think about it--

- Okay, well, what are you both
doing tomorrow night?

- Oh, that's right!
I forgot.

So, these guys throw the best
ugly Christmas sweater parties.

- Yeah, 12 years running.

Started winter break
in college.

Kevin: That's right.
- Well, that sounds like fun.

Actually, some of my
classmates at med school

used to throw an ugly sweater
Christmas party,

and I could never go because
I was always too busy studying.

- Well, now is your chance
to join ours.

We're a real tight-knit group.
- Oh boy.

- Gimme some.
- Ooh. Terrible.

- And on that note,
I would love to come.

- Great, let me get your info.
- Oh yeah.

- Wow, you and Kate
seem pretty chummy.

- I don't know if I'd say
chummy, but uh--

- I thought all of this was
the last thing on your mind.

- What?

- Oh uh, sweetie--
- Mhm?

- They have homemade
gingerbread cookies here...

we should check out... maybe.
- Oh, okay.

Then we'll see you
both tomorrow night.

- Okay. Enjoy the rest
of your evening.

(Footsteps crunch in the snow)

Kate: They seem so nice.

Kevin: They truly are the best.

- So, back to the puzzle?

Mayor: Alright everyone,
we're gonna get started.

Come on, everybody!

(Low hum of chatter)

- Merry Christmas, Cedar Park!

All: (Cheering, clapping) Wooo!

- Thank you all for coming out
to the annual tree lighting.

It's wonderful to see so many
familiar smiling faces.

Especially those we haven't
seen for some time.

Kevin Matthews,
our very own hometown hero.

Man: Alright!

- Would you like to do
the honors?

Woman: Come on, Kevin!
Man: Yeah, Kev!

- I'd love to, Mayor!

- (Laughs) Let's hear it
for Kevin.

(Light cheering) Woo!
- Duty calls.

Mayor: Come on, Kevin!

(Cheering and applause)

Mayor: The box.

- Thanks, Megan.

Wow, this is the real hero
of Cedar Park.

- Stop.
- Ah, okay everybody,

we're gonna start this
countdown at five,

yeah?
- Yes.

- Five... four... three...
two... one!

(Fireworks blast)

(Cheering and applause)

¶¶¶

¶¶¶

Kate: You'll be happy
to know that I

a Christmas tree
this afternoon.

Kevin: Oh yeah?
- Mhm.

- Did you go all out
and get the biggest one?

- (Chuckles) You sound like my
parents.

Growing up, they'd tell me
to pick out

the biggest Christmas tree
that I could find.

- Well, did you?
- I think so.

But you know, when you're five,
everything looks gigantic.

- Yep.

- And yes, I definitely need
a step stool

for the one I picked.

A rather tall Balsam Fir.

- Ah, Balsam. Classic.

- (Chuckles) Yeah.

- Oh, do you have the codex
on you?

- Yeah, what are you thinking?
- Balsam.

- Oh... yeah!
- Yeah.

- Okay.

B-a-l-s-a-m.

Huh!
- (Sighs)

- Balsam bust.

- Hmm. We'll figure it out
eventually.

- Yeah.

- Speaking of Christmas trees...

do you think your parents
would wanna come over

and help me decorate mine?

- What, I'm not invited?

- Uh, no. Yeah, no.
Uh uh, definitely not.

- I think you might wanna
reconsider.

My height is a supreme
advantage.

- Alright, fine.
You got me there.

- Yes, they would be thrilled
to come over and help you.

And I suppose it wouldn't be
the worst way

for me to spend my evening.
- (Chuckles)

- So... are you warming up
to this town yet, or what?

- It's not what I expected.

- Oh, no?
What did you expect?

- Well, not to be here,
actually.

My first choice of medical
fellowships

was Northwest Falls in Chicago.

- And why Chicago?

- It was the last place
I lived with my parents

before they passed.

I always thought,
if I could get back there,

I could somehow--

- Get that feeling of home
back, too?

- Yeah.

- You'll get there eventually.

- Just a...

little later than I had hoped.

- Right.

- I...

I still can't believe
that you and your Dad

build Santa's Village
every year.

- Yeah.

You know, I gotta admit,

when I was a kid, I thought
helping build it

would get me some kind
of in with Santa,

and he would put my wishes
at the top of the list.

- Right. Of course.

What was on your wish
list as a kid?

- Oh, typical boy stuff.

You know, toy cars,
comic books.

- Right.
- That kinda stuff, you know.

- How about you?

- A horse.
- A horse?

- Mhm.
- Wow.

- I'd ask my parents for one
every year,

and of course, it was
completely impractical,

so they got me a,
a rocking horse, instead.

- Ah, clever.
- (Chuckles)

But I still do want
a real horse.

Someday.

It's on the grown-up
wish list.

- Yes, the grown-up wish list.
- Mhm.

- My own plane is on mine.
- Oh, okay.

- What else is on yours?

Opening my own practice,
eventually.

Maybe some travelling, too.
- Mhm.

- Oh actually, hearing about
your time in the service

got me thinking,
maybe some time

with Doctors without Borders
could be interesting.

- Oh yeah. Yeah,
you'd be great at that.

¶¶¶

- I'm glad you asked me
here tonight.

- I'm glad you came.

¶¶¶

(Flames crackle)

- So, as you can tell,
Mr. McAllister,

we couldn't find anything wrong
with your hip or your knee,

but you say that there's pain
in your shoulders

and your latissimus dorsi,

which is a scientific name
for a muscle in your back,

that I'm guessing
you found online?

- Well, so you must be
as perplexed

about the cause of this,
as I am.

- Let's take a look at
your mobility, shall we?

- Okay.
- Here we go. There it is.

I haven't seen you at any

holiday festivities
around town.

- Uh, that's more my wife's
thing.

She passed away this year.

- Oh. I'm... so sorry.

- There's no point celebrating
the holidays without her.

¶¶¶

(Car rumbles by)

Jackson: So, how was
the rest of your night?

- Um, well, we didn't solve
the codex, yet.

- I mean, how'd it go
with Kate?

- Oh. It was uh... a nice time.

- That's it?

She caught you by surprise,
didn't she?

- I'll admit,
we are getting along more

than our initial meeting
would've predicted.

- Wow, that's a very practical
assessment.

- My practical assessment is,
she's leaving in a year.

- A lot can happen in a year.

You know, I wouldn't be
starting a family

with the love of my life

if I let practical assessments
stand in my way.

- (Sighs)

¶¶¶

(Low hum of chatter,
carols play)

¶¶¶

- Oh, seriously?

Okay, I'm gonna go get
some cider, okay?

Be right back.

Oh, hi!

- Hi!
- Hey.

- Hi. That is one ugly sweater.

- Thanks.
Yours is easily top ten.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

- So uh,

how was your day?

- Good! Good, yeah.
And you?

- Was good, too. Yeah. Um...

- I had a really nice time
last night,

at the tree lighting.

- Did you? I mean,
I... did, too.

Which is uh... good. Um...

(Nervous chuckle)

- Oh, um, I thought of another
possible answer for the codex.

- You did? Really?
- Yeah.

- Did you solve it yet?

- Oh, what do you take me for,
a rogue operative?

- I don't know,
can't be too careful.

- (Chuckles)

You remember our first clue
that we got?

They talked about
our Journey of Giving.

- Giving. Six letters. Yes!

- Right?
- Why didn't I think of that?

- Would you like to do
the honors?

- Absolutely! May I?
- (Chuckles) Yeah!

- Thank you.

Okay, g-i-v-i-n...

yeah, g.

Yeah. Okay, you ready?
- Yeah.

- You sure?
(Codex pops open)

- (Gasps) Yes!
- Yes!

- (Chuckles) You did it!
- I did it!

- We did it.
- We did it.

- Are you ready?
- Yes, what's it say?

- (reads) "Because Christmas
is a season for giving,

donate a gift to the Cedar Park
toy drive."

- Hmm.

- (reads) "Where you'll find
a surprise gift of your own."

Oh well, that doesn't
sound too hard.

Kevin?

- I... just realized what
we're standing under.

- Oh... right.

Uh, it's a... mistletoe.

- Yeah.

- Um, oh, hang on,
(Phone buzzes)

my phone's ringing.

Can you hold that?
- Yeah.

- Oh, it's the VA Staffing
Agency.

I gotta take this.
I'll be right back?

- Yeah, of course.
Go. Go, I'll be right here.

- Okay.
- Well, maybe not... right...

- Right. Okay.
(Chuckles)

(Door opens, shuts)

(Phone buzzes)

Hello?

Agent: Hi, Kevin. I'm sorry
for the late phone call.

- No problem.

Agent: I just received word
about an opening

at a disaster relief
organization.

- Oh yeah?
- It's a real exciting company,

and I think you'd be perfect.
I mean,

someone with your moral compass
and experience, leading teams.

- Yeah, that does sound
interesting.

- Here's the catch, the
position's in California.

- California?

- During our meeting you said,

you'd be open to relocating
if the right job came along.

- Right, I... I did say that.

Agent: So, can I submit you?

Kevin, it doesn't hurt
to take an interview.

- Right, right never hurts.
Thank you.

Agent: Thank you.
- Okay.

(Sighs)

Dr. Reagan: Dr. St

I'm really impressed
with your performance here.

You put your patients at ease.

Your colleagues comment
on your professionalism

and your positive energy.
- Thank you.

I... I really appreciate that,
Dr. Reagan.

- You can have a real future
here,

beyond your fellowship,
if that interests you.

- Wow...
- (Both laugh)

- I just wanted you to know.

- (Happy exhale)

¶¶¶

Kimberly: So, that's what
we're all about here,

rescuing those that have been
affected by natural disasters,

providing humanitarian aid

such as shelter, treatment,
and more.

- Response, recovery,
and mitigation,

it's just like my time
in the Air Force.

- Exactly why I think
you'd fit right in here.

It was nice talking to you,
Kevin.

Let me connect with my team.
I'll be in touch.

- Okay, thank you, Kimberly.
We'll talk soon.

(Sighs)

¶¶¶

- Hi.
- Hey!

- Sorry I'm late.
- No worries!

What'd you bring
for the toy drive?

- This is a little toy toolkit.
- Ah!

- It's how I got started.
How about you?

- Wait, let me guess,
it's a puzzle of some kind?

- Oh, am I really that
predictable?

- Yes, you are.
- (Chuckles) Great.

- Okay, so according
to the note,

there's supposed to be a
surprise gift for us here.

- (Gasps) Kevin!
- There it is!

- Ha, ha!

(reads) "For Kate and Kevin.
Open me."

Thank you.

Okay.

- (reads) "Congratulations
on nearing the end

of this Journey of Giving.

While Christmas
is about giving,

it is also about being open
to receiving."

- My turn!
- (Chuckles)

- (reads) "For your final step,

think back to when you received
your favorite gift

on Christmas morning,

and recreate that meaningful
memory for each other."

- Meaningful memory. Hmm.

- (Gasps) That's it!
- Did you think of something?

- It's not for me, it's for
somebody else. I gotta run.

- What... who?
- Yeah, I'll see you tonight

at my place to decorate
the tree.

- Okay.

¶¶¶

(Door creaks open)
- Mr. McAllister.

- Dr. Stafford.

- There's nothing wrong
with you.

- What?

- What you've been
experiencing,

they're called minor
psychogenic symptoms.

- Well, that sounds bad.
- No, no, no, it's good!

It means that there's nothing
with you, medically speaking.

- Well, I don't understand.

Where do all the aches
and pains come from?

- Well, your discomfort started
acting up

the closer you got
to Christmas, right?

- So?

- I remember you told me that
your wife loved Christmas.

I'm guessing your most
meaningful memories

of the holidays are with her.

- What's that got to do
with anything?

- You miss her.

And that's why it's hitting you
the hardest now.

See, sometimes our emotional
responses

can translate into physical
ones, and...

and that's why you're hurting.

But if you embrace Christmas
as a time to remember

all the wonderful things
about your wife,

the holiday can be a source
of joy for you, instead.

- I... I'm sorry.

I know you mean well,

but you didn't know my wife,

or what we had.

And nothing can take away
the pain of missing her.

So, if you'll excuse me,
I have to get back to work.

Good day, Dr. Stafford.

(Chair creaks)

(Receding footsteps thud)

(Door creaks open, shuts)

- (Pensive exhale)

("Have Yourself a Merry
Little Christmas" plays)

¶ Have yourself ¶

¶ A Merry little Christmas ¶

¶ Let your heart be light ¶

¶¶¶

¶ From now on ¶

¶ Our troubles will be
miles away ¶

(Low hum of chatter)

- Kate, good here?

- Oh, that's perfect. Yes.

¶¶¶

¶ Here we are as
in olden days ¶

¶ Happy golden days ¶

¶ Of yore ¶

¶¶¶

¶ Faithful friends
who are dear to us ¶

¶ Gather near to us ¶

¶ Once more ¶

¶¶¶

- Aw.

You look just like them.

- Aw, I remember that photo.

That was when we moved
to Chicago.

I remember, I cried
the entire drive there.

- Aw. (Chuckles)

- It was Christmastime,
and I just,

I missed my old house
and my old neighborhood,

so my mom gave me this locket.
- Oh.

- Yeah, it's really sweet.

She said it was a reminder
that no matter

where I found myself
for the holidays,

I would never be far from home.

- That's beautiful.
- Yeah.

(Phone chimes)
- Oh, might be the hospital.

- Yeah.

(Phone chimes)

- (Exhales)

(Beeps call on)
Hello?

- Kate Stafford?

It's Patricia Lynn,
with Northwest Falls Medical.

- Northwest Falls.

Yes, hi. Yes.

How are you?
- Excellent.

I apologize for the late call,
but it's a timely matter.

There's been a change
in our fellowship slate

and a spot has opened up
for you.

- (Exhales)

(Kevin's phone buzzes)

- Oh, I've gotta take this.
One second.

- That's okay.

(Phone buzzes)

(Beeps call on)
- Hi there.

Kimberly: Kevin, hi.

It's Kimberly from California
Disaster Relief.

- Yes, hi, how are you?
- Great, thank you.

I spoke to my team,
and we all agree,

you'd be an excellent fit.
The job is yours!

- Oh, wow! Thank you!

That's... that's great to hear!

- We can work out all the
details in the next few days,

but just so I'm clear,

you're able to relocate
after the holidays?

- Wow, um... I'm sorry.

I didn't...I didn't expect this.

- No, it's a lot to take in.

If you still want it,
the fellowship is yours.

It would start the first week
in January.

- Uh, can I give it
some thought?

- Oh, of course. Of course.

But we will need to know
by end of day tomorrow,

otherwise we'll have to release
the slot to a runner-up.

- Uh... yeah.

Let me look into that
on my end.

Patricia: Oh, and Kate...
- Yes?

- we would really love
to have you.

- (Small laugh)

(Beeps call off)

(Sighs)

(Footsteps thud)

(Floorboards creak)
- Everything good?

- Yeah, yes.
Yeah, all good.

- Son, everything okay?

- Hey. Yeah. Yeah,
everything's good. Yeah.

¶¶¶

¶¶¶

- (Sighs)

- Dr. Stafford.

- Mr. McAllister, actually
I'm... I'm glad you're here.

I wanted to apologize for what
I said to you the other night.

- There's no need, because
you were absolutely right.

- (Small exhale)

- Last night, I walked through
Cedar Park

and I looked all the houses
lit up with sparkling lights.

Evelyn always loved doing that

and I felt uh,
close to her again.

And this morning
when I woke up,

not a spot of pain anywhere.

- That's wonderful to hear.

- Well, I know this is a small
token of my appreciation,

but candy canes were always
her favorite

- (Chuckles)

I don't know what to say.

- Well, how about um,
Merry Christmas?

- Merry Christmas,
Mr. McAllister.

- Merry Christmas to you
as well, Dr. Stafford.

¶¶¶

(Phone buzzes)

- Hey, man!
Jackson: Hey!

So, whadda ya think?

- Wow!

Jackson: Yeah, feeling really
good about things.

And I owe you a thank you.
- For what?

- You know, for what you said

when you came over the other
day. You were right.

I was putting too much
pressure on myself

to have all the answers.
I'll uh... I'll learn as I go.

- You're gonna be a terrific
father, buddy.

- Oh, hey! Take a look at this.

Huh? Looks great, right?

- Ooh, wow!

The student becomes the master.

Jackson: So, by the way,

how did the interview go
with the folks in California?

- Pretty good, I think. Yeah.
- Yeah?

- Well, they offered me
the job, so...

- Way to bury the lead, buddy!
Congrats! That's great!

Have you told Kate yet?

- Not yet.
- Oh, I gotta run.

Carolyn's home. She hasn't
seen any of the nursery yet.

- She is gonna love it!
- Aw, thanks, man. Talk later.

- Bye, bye.
(Beeps call off)

- So, a job in California, huh?

- Hey, uh... didn't know you
were standing there.

Yes, uh...

I haven't accepted it yet.
- Why not?

- Well, it would take me
out of Cedar Park.

- So?
- So?

- If it's what you want,
you should go for it.

- But if I leave, who's gonna
take over the hardware store?

- Take over the store,
what are you talking about?

- What are you talking about?

All... all the hints
you've been dropping

about how you love
having me around?

- Well, of course I love having
your around, you're my son!

- This... this whole time,

I thought you wanted me to take
over Matthews' Family Hardware.

- Kevin...

this store is my dream.

I never meant for you to feel

like you had to follow
in my footsteps.

I want you to pursue your own
dreams, your own aspirations,

and if it takes you outta
Cedar Park,

then you should go for it.

It's not about what I want,
or what your mother wants,

it's about you.
It's your life.

Go for it.

- Dad, what if I don't know
what I want yet?

I mean, what if I leave,

and then I find out that
what I actually want

was here in Cedar Park
all along?

- Well...

I guess you got some choices
to make. (Chuckles)

Either way, you'll always
have a home here.

- (Sighs)

(Footsteps thud)

- So, Northwest Falls
just offered you a spot.

Your dream job,
in your dream city.

- I still can't believe it.

- Are you gonna take it?
- I don't know.

- But it's what you always
wanted.

- (Sighs)

(Patron chatter)

- Have you told Kevin
about the offer yet?

- No.
- Well, you have to.

- Kate, Liz, what a surprise!

- Oh, Carolyn, hi!

- I was just thinking about
you and Kevin's big news.

- Big news?

- Oh, Jackson told me that the
Disaster Relief Organization

offered him the job
in California.

- What?!
- He didn't tell you.

- Yes... right. That's...

that's really great news.
It's very exciting for him.

- Whew! For a second there,

I thought I said something
out of turn.

Well, I've gotta get
to an appointment,

but we'll all have to get
together before he leaves.

I can't believe they want
him to start

right after the holidays.

- (Heavy exhale)

- Did you know...
about California?

- No, Kevin didn't say anything.

- Okay, this is exactly why
the two of you need to talk.

- But if he got a job
opportunity,

I don't wanna hold him back.

- You don't know if he accepted
the job or not.

- Carolyn just said
that he's leaving,

and he's been wanting to find
something like this.

- Maybe what he wants
is changing.

- (Sighs)

(Footsteps thud,
car rumbles)

(Message alert chimes)

- Oh.

Soldier: Hey there,

from all of us
at Calusa Air Base,

we thank you for the
well wishes and support.

It means so much to us.

Merry Christmas, Cedar Park!

- (Cheering)
- Merry Christmas!

- (Chuckles)

(Sighs heavily)

¶¶¶

(Key rattles)

(Sighs)

(Car rumbles by)

¶¶¶

(Sighs)

(Phone pad beeps)

(Door opens, bell jingles)

Hi, Kimberly?

Hi, this is Kevin Matthews
calling you.

Yeah, um listen,

I just wanna thank you
for the opportunity,

and for choosing me.

It really does sound like
an incredible job.

(Door creaks open)

But unfortunately,
I'm gonna have to turn it down.

Yeah, there are just some
things that are keeping me here

in Cedar Park.

Thank you for understanding.

Okay, you too. Bye, bye.

(Relieved exhale, phone thuds)

(Footsteps thud)

(Knock on door)

(Footsteps thud,
floorboards creak)

(Door creaks open)
Kevin: Hey!

- Kevin.
- Hi.

- I'm sorry,

I know that we're supposed
to meet tomorrow morning

to recreate a meaningful
Christmas memory, but um...

why are you packing?

- My first-choice fellowship
called.

A spot opened up.
- In Chicago?

- Yes.

- And you're...
you're gonna take it?

Just like that?
- It's what I wanted all along.

- I thought this place
was starting to mean

something to you.
- Look, Kevin, I thought--

- No. Were you gonna tell me,
or were you just gonna leave?

- (Scoff) This is exactly
why I don't like

getting too comfortable
anywhere.

Just makes leaving
that much harder.

- Hmm, I see.

Well, I'll make things easier
on you, then. Here.

Safe travels.

(Footsteps thud)
(Door creaks open, shuts)

(Envelope rustles)

¶¶¶

- (Sighs)

¶¶¶

¶¶¶

(Doorbell rings)

(Footsteps thud)

(Door opens)
- Kate, hi! Come in!

What a lovely surprise.

Oh, I can't believe
tonight's Christmas Eve.

And I know that
you're probably busy.

I was hoping that you
had a minute.

I have something that
I need to ask you.

- Of course, but first,

did you hear the good news
about Kevin?

- Actually--
- He's staying in Cedar Park.

- What? Well, I thought he
was leaving for California,

for the job.

- Nope, apparently,
he turned it down.

The news was such a wonderful
Christmas Eve gift!

- That's great.

¶¶¶

- Hey Dad...
- Huh?

- I had an idea.

You know, when I was
researching jobs,

I saw a lot of fundraising
organizations

looking for construction
partners.

- Uh huh.
- And I thought,

instead of building houses
for Santa's Village,

what if we built them for real?
- What do you mean?

- Sponsoring a new initiative

and building homes for local
families in need.

- That's a beautiful idea, son,

but I don't have the manpower.
- Well...

you've got me.

- (Sighs) You'd work
at the store?

- You know,
being in the Air Force

wasn't just about finding
structure and discipline,

it was about helping people.
- Mhm.

- And after everything
with Kate,

you know, we just brought
so much joy to people's lives.

That's what I wanna do
with mine.

- I'm so proud of you.

Have you told Kate
about this yet?

- Ah, that's a little
complicated at the moment.

- I'm sure you'll figure it out,

especially after you recreate
the Christmas

morning memory for her.
(Chuckles)

- Wait... I never told you
about that.

- Sure, you did. (Chuckles)

- Oh, no, no, no.

I-I never told you,
or Mom, about that.

- Oh, it was Kate.

Yeah, yeah, she uh...

she called me and asked me
about uh, you know,

Christmas mornings past.
Yeah.

- Kate called you?
- Mhm.

- Oh gosh darn,

your mother and I were so good
at keeping it a secret.

- What? It was both of you
this whole time?

- Oh, please don't let her know
that I let it slip out.

- Oh my--

Wait, how did you put all
of this together?

- Well, uh,

after your mother
and I got engaged,

we uh, wanted to move
somewhere new.

One morning,
we found a set of keys

and a riddle at our door,

and well, you know the rest.

Seems a friend of mine
wanted to remind us

of this magical town,
and giving back,

and Christmas spirit.

- Wow. How have I never heard
this story before?

- Well, your mother and I had
hoped that we could...

pay it forward.

- (Exhales)

Liz: So, now you're gonna stay?

Kate: Yes, but it's probably
too late.

I messed up everything.

- I'm sure Dr. Reagan would
love to have you back.

And Northwest Falls
can find a replacement.

- What about Kevin?

- Talk about it
when you see him.

Don't you have a Christmas
memory to give each other?

He already gave me his.
It was perfect.

I have no idea
what to do for him.

- Well, figuring things out
is what you do best.

Cheer up!
It's almost Christmas.

¶¶¶

¶¶¶

(Door creaks open, shuts)
- Mr. McAllister?

I need your help for a little
Christmas Eve miracle.

- Well, you've come
to the right place.

- (Chuckles)

(Door opens, shuts)

(Keys jingle)

(Hooves clop)

(Wheels squeak)

- Kate? (Gasps)

How did you--
McAllister never--

How did you make this happen?

- I may have called in
a favor from a friend.

¶¶¶

- Ha! Ha! (Chuckles)

Whoa. Wow!

- Well, what are you waiting
for? Hop aboard!

- Okay!
(Both laugh)

- This is incredible.

Thank you.

- Meaningful Christmas
memory unlocked?

- Definitely, yeah.

By the way, my parents
were behind all of this.

- What?
- Yeah.

- How?

I'll explain it all later,
but...

I wanted to apologize
for yesterday.

- No, I should be the one
apologizing.

I turned the other
fellowship down.

- So, you're gonna stay
in Cedar Park?

- There's nowhere else
I'd rather be.

- I thought Chicago was
the home you've always wanted?

- I only decided to leave

because I thought you took
the job in California.

My home is right here,
with you.

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(Hooves clop)

(Hooves clop)

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