Original subtitles

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one -horse open sleigh.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one -horse open sleigh.

Dashing through the snow in a one -horse open sleigh. For the field to go

laughing.

She's so sweet.

This is all she's been talking about all day, wanting to get a Christmas tree

with you for the bakery.

I'm just running a little behind on my orders.

Wow.

Are these all phone orders?

Yep, and I still have to fill all these.

Wow. There's got to be a better system.

Just because you don't understand it. You got that right. It's simple.

The green ones are sugar cookies.

Lime green is gingerbread. The red ones are oatmeal ornament balls. And the

white ones are bread orders for local restaurants.

And if someone wants sugar cookies and gingerbread, well, that is what a

is for.

I think someone should get Aunt Molly a computer for Christmas. I think that's a

great idea.

Oh, nice job.

Now he looks like Rudolph.

Well, I'd say we're ready for the final touch.

Want to do the honors?

Really? Yeah.

First Christmas in a new house calls for a new tradition.

Yeah.

Looks pretty good.

It's perfect.

Hello, neighbor.

Hi, Aunt Amy.

Wow. I have lived in this neighborhood my whole life, and this is by far the

best job anyone has ever done decorating this house.

Thanks. My dad helped.

Wow. Cross it off the list.

Oh, what list would that be? We created a list of things to do to make this the

best Christmas ever. What a good idea.

Look at you, bro, embracing small -town Christmas, and to think that this time

last year you were in Arlington running software patches 24 hours a day.

Charlie?

Remind me.

Was snowball fight on the list?

Oh, yeah.

I thought so. Well, well, well.

Ambush!

Look there, two on one.

Okay, honey, I got your back.

I've never seen you this busy.

All thanks to a glowing article someone wrote about me in their magazine. It was

all true. And you can thank my editor for putting you on the cover.

Right. I should send her a box of cookies.

Oh, it's been hectic, but I'm so grateful for the business. I'm getting

Christmas orders that I may be able to hire help soon. Please let it be someone

with a better order -taking system.

My system works just fine, thank you very much.

Although, being able to take orders online through my website would be

I will add that to my to -do and all that spare time I don't have left.

Mom, you've worked so hard to get here. I think it's great.

But you're worried that I'm going to get buried in all my work and miss out on

all the wonderful things that life has to offer?

No.

Okay, yeah.

I'm just saying you're young, and I don't want you to be too busy for

or anyone else.

Are you guys ready yet?

You know what? Maybe the two of you should just go. No way. This is your and

Zoe's annual tradition, and we won't break it now.

So, how about Zoe and I pitch in, help you with these orders? That way you get

good tree before they're all taken. Yeah.

Yes, I will take you up on that offer. Thank you.

Okay.

I don't know what hurts more, my elbow from throwing snowballs or my pride

being pelted for my seven -year -old nephew.

But nothing a little cocoa won't fix.

We have a surprise for you.

One for you. Thank you. And one for Charlie.

Really? But it's not Christmas yet. Just open them, both of you.

Wow.

These are something.

We're throwing a crazy Christmas sweater slash welcome Josh and Charlie to town

party tomorrow.

You guys have been here for a few months now. It's time you met some of the

locals. I have a lot of friends that are excited to meet you.

It'll be great.

Right, Charlie?

Yeah, and I can add that to our list.

And not to give anything away, but mine might light up.

You want any help with the party? I was going to bake Christmas cookies for the

kids to decorate, but I'm so busy with this tree lighting festival.

Say no more.

I will bake the cookies.

How many do you want?

Two dozen?

Three?

You sure you know how to bake cookies?

Do I know how to bake cookies?

Tell him, Charlie.

I mean, I've never seen you make cookies.

I know how to bake cookies.

This kid's going to help me.

Okay. I'm putting baking Christmas cookies on the list, too.

Thank you. That is a big help.

This is my first year being in charge of the annual tree lighting festival, and

I'm a little behind on some of the details.

You want some help with that, too?

Really? If you're serious, I just might take you up on that.

Can I help, too?

Absolutely. The more, the merrier.

Okay, you're both hired. Now, I do have the ingredients for tomorrow night's

cookies, so I'll go home and get them for you.

All right.

Me and this guy, we got a big errand to do. Top of the list item, right, buddy?

How about this one?

Hmm, I don't know.

Mine looks kind of crooked.

True.

That one's awesome.

If I put that one in the store, there won't be any room for any customers.

Look at that one.

Check the needle.

Not very soft.

Yeah, you're right.

The search continues.

Check out that one.

All right, let's see what we got here.

Oh.

Sorry, I didn't see you there.

I was just checking to see if the needles are soft.

Actually, we just boxed up ourselves.

But why soft needles?

Oh, it just means the tree won't dry out. It's well hydrated.

Interesting. Yeah, and if the needles are too soft, they won't hold ornaments.

Wow. You know your trees.

And how does this one stack up?

Oh, I'd say it's perfect.

So whose tree is it?

Well, we could cut it in half.

Want the top half or the bottom half? Four. We could cut it long ways. That

we each have a tree that can go flat against the wall.

Great space saver.

What do you say, buddy?

Should we give them the tree?

I think we should take it.

Yeah. Or in the spirit of Christmas, we could do the kind thing and give them

the tree.

I thought you were going to say something like that.

So, okay.

You guys can have the tree.

Well, if you insist.

That is so kind of you. Thank you. Hey there.

I think the ladies are going to take this one.

Sorry, that one's sold.

Oh. What I was going to say is always check for a sold sign before you check

soft needles. Good idea.

Well, I hope you find your tree.

You too.

Happy hunting.

And we go the same way.

Good trees are up here.

You know what?

We're going to check back there.

Don't forget to check for sulfites.

Hey.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Over here.

Cookies smell good.

Well, let's hope they taste as good as they smell.

I think we got the best tree in the whole place.

That's no question.

Do you think those other people ended up with a good tree?

Who, that lady and her daughter?

Well, I'm sure they did.

I thought they were really nice.

Did you?

I did.

Seems like there's a lot of nice people here.

Yeah. I'm glad we moved.

Being close to Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Amy.

And Grandma.

Me too.

Well, looks like we're done with Ornament Bend 1.

Don't forget this one, Dad.

Oh.

Your first picture with Santa.

Looks like I'm hurting Santa's ears.

Mind me to apologize when we go theme this year.

Ah, it's all part of the job.

Yeah, me too, buddy.

You know your mom loved you more than anything.

Yeah.

Okay, time for the cranberries.

Cranberries are so yucky. Why do we even put them on Christmas trees? Why not

strawberries or cookies?

Because if we strung cookies, you would eat them all before Christmas.

Besides, cranberries are an old tradition.

I guess it's what they had available back in the olden days.

Like when you were my age?

Sure. Right after I churned the butter, I would drink the cranberries.

Around and around. Okay, okay, okay. Whoa, careful.

Reach.

That's it.

Best Christmas tree ever.

Take a photo.

Were Christmas cookies supposed to smell like that?

Oh, no.

Watch yourself.

Not sure we can cross Christmas cookie baking off our list yet, Dad.

Maybe you can scrape them like you do when you were in the post? I think

best scraping.

Three, two, one.

Oh, that's so great.

Wow. I think this might be one of the prettiest ones you've ever had.

Mama, feel the needles.

Wait a minute. What am I feeling for?

Aunt Molly's friends said they were supposed to be nice and soft.

Zoe? Yes?

You did such a good job on the tree this year that you get to pick any cookie in

the store that you want.

Any? As long as it's okay with your mom.

Just one.

Yes!

So, who was the friend you saw?

Oh, he wasn't a friend, just a...

Fellow tree shopper being helpful. And did this helpful tree guy happen to be

cute? Um, I didn't really notice.

Why? Because you're blushing.

Because it's hot in here.

From the oven.

Molly?

Do you have any undecorated

sugar cookies?

Sure, why?

Because Amy, my friend, she asked me if I could bring her over some. She's

having a bit of a cookie emergency.

Take as many as you want.

Great.

Best crazy Christmas sweater party ever.

That's a tongue twister. Look, I decorated this one to look just like our

I love it. Gotta go.

Hi, honey.

Mom.

Ooh.

Wow.

You just might win.

Craziest Christmas sweater.

What do you mean?

I didn't know there was a theme.

I got you.

On the look on your face.

Are you enjoying the party?

Are you kidding me? This is amazing.

If it wasn't for you, these kids would be decorating a charcoal.

Thank you for trying.

Hey,

Josh.

Come and meet someone.

This is our friend, Jessica Morris.

Hi, I'm Josh. Hi.

Jessica's also helping out with the festival. She's getting together all the

decorations for the town tree.

That sounds like a big job.

Oh, it is. And we still have to sort and count all the lights.

I've already roped Jimmy into that job. And maybe Josh could help him?

Sure.

Yeah.

Um,

Jimmy told me that you're a big tech entrepreneur.

Yeah. It's more like I have a big brother who exaggerates.

He's being humble.

Well, welcome to Colbyville. Thank you. Nice to meet you.

There's a bunch of us going caroling in a few days.

You should join us.

I'm not much of a singer.

Everyone can sing. It'll be fun.

I could get your number and text you the details.

What's your number?

The crazy Christmas sweater thing was a good idea. I'm glad you had a good time.

And I liked your friend, too.

Were there any friends that you, I don't know, liked better than others?

Well, obviously, yeah.

I thought that Mr.

Blanchard had a really nice handshake.

I know what you guys are doing. Sorry, we just thought you could use a little

push. You're just such a great guy with so much to offer.

Anything for the new chapter in your life.

Maybe it's time to get out there again.

I appreciate that.

But it's not just a new chapter in my life. It's Charlie's, too.

Look, when Christy didn't come back, the only thing I could do to stop thinking

about her was to work.

Hour after hour, I coded night after night.

And then Charlie, he came to me one morning and he said, Dad, I'm afraid of

losing you, too.

And that's when I knew I had to change. I had to sell the company and I had to

move here.

To do what's best for Charlie.

So my dating life can wait.

That little guy is so wise for his age.

Look, I love you guys.

And I really appreciate what you're doing, but you gotta stop with the

setups.

Fine. Besides, you're gonna be way too busy.

With all of this.

What's this?

This is everything I need help with for the festival. There are notes in each

file, but mostly it's just calling up all the vendors who've agreed to make a

donation and arranging for pickups and deliveries.

Be honest, is this too much to ask?

It's my pleasure.

Thank you so much.

I'm going to go find Charlie.

That was a great party, Dad.

Yeah, it was.

I saw you playing with some kids your own age.

Yeah, we had a lot of fun.

Oh, good.

You get some sleep now so we can be fresh tomorrow for Operation Best

Ever.

This guy's seen a lot of love.

Me and your mom got him for you before she went away.

Do you think he ever gets lonely?

Well, he's got you.

He's got me.

He's got Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Amy, Grandma.

Well, that's his family, but he has no friends here.

Hmm.

Maybe we should get him a friend.

Really? Yeah, everybody needs a friend.

Why not every bear?

Another curse.

Thank you for your offer to donate cookies.

I'm checking in on behalf of my sister -in -law, Amy Harling, to arrange for

pickup or delivery.

Merry Christmas back at you.

We'll start setting up around 10 anytime after that.

I still have a few more cookies for you.

If it's not too late, I can probably answer your questions better on the

Can I call you?

Sure.

Bye -bye.

Hello, Suite Life Bakery, Molly speaking.

Hi, this is Josh from the tree lighting festival.

Thanks for getting back to me so quick. I can't even believe you're up this

late. Well, if I'm not baking in the middle of the night, there are no

croissants for breakfast.

I never thought of that.

That's okay.

I didn't know the middle of the night was when most festival organizing

Good point.

I'm used to being up late from my last job.

Security guard?

Computer programmer.

Writing code and exciting stuff like that.

Oh, it's nice to meet a fellow night owl.

Well, I'm ready to answer your cookie questions.

So long as none of them have to do with how to bake them because my last attempt

did not go so well.

Well, if you play your cards right, I might share some of my secret cookie

with you.

My son would love that.

How old is he?

Seven. Oh, that's such a great age.

I don't have kids myself, but my niece is 10.

Yeah, he's a great kid.

He and I just moved here a few months ago, and I really want this Christmas to

be special for him, so any cookie baking tips would be greatly appreciated.

Speaking of which, do you know what type of cookies you want and how many?

That is a good question, to which I do not have an answer.

Same as last year, maybe?

That I also don't know.

Okay.

Where at the festival will you be handing them out?

You know, I just went to a cookie decorating party, and it was a huge hit

the kids. So what about a booth where they can do that kind of thing?

Oh, that sounds fun.

I could mix in some of my new oatmeal ornament balls with the traditional cut

-out sugar cookies and provide the frosting and sprinkles.

You know what? I better check in with my sister -in -law about this.

Would you mind if I got back to you? No, not at all. I will be here.

And let everyone go gluten -free and stop eating bread.

Okay. Well, until then.

Sounds good.

Bye.

Would you mind moving that a bit closer to the corner?

Thank you.

Perfect.

You sure it's not too cold for ice cream?

It's never too cold for ice cream. Which reminds me, why do ice cream cones make

good reporters?

Please, no jokes. There's people around.

Because they always get the scoop.

Oh, come on. That's a good one.

No more jokes, okay?

All right.

No more dad jokes.

I guess I'll get the chocolate.

You can't just get plain old chocolate, Dad.

Hmm? Look at the special Christmas flavors.

Hmm, you're right, you're right.

Tis the season.

Gingerbread cookie, rom raisin, candy cane. Ew, who wants raisins in their ice

cream? What do you mean? Maybe I want raisins in my ice cream. No, then we

share a bite.

Okay. I can't decide between gingerbread or candy cane.

I really like gingerbread.

The candy canes are really good, too.

It's a tough call.

Happy holidays.

Ready to order?

No.

I think we need a minute. Come on.

Hey, when are you?

Yeah, the Christmas tree stands.

Looks like we're on the same Christmas activity schedule.

It sure looks that way.

My niece and I are on the hunt for the perfect gift for her parents.

Aw, cute bear.

Thanks. My other bear needed a friend. He was kind of lonely.

Oh, did you make a Christmas wish yet? Not yet. I'm still not sure what to wish

for. Hmm.

Could it be for anything in the world?

Yeah. I think so.

Hmm. Definitely.

Go ahead.

We're not ready.

You sure?

Oh, yeah. Thank you. Yeah, of course.

Zoe, you're up.

I'll tell you what.

I'll forego the raisins.

Just for you.

You get the candy cane, I'll get the gingerbread cookie, and we'll share

Okay. Okay.

Okay.

Thank you. Bye.

Bye. Maybe we'll see you at the next Christmas activity?

I sure hope so.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, good Aunt Molly.

So I'm thinking a little too much to Noah.

Oh, no way. It's perfect.

If it came alive, I'd have to marry it. I might have something to say about

that.

But I definitely vote that this should go on the menu. In fact, I'm going in

a second piece.

Can I have another piece, too, please?

You may not.

A little birdie told me you've already had a double scoop of ice cream today.

Aunt Molly's not a little birdie.

She's more like a stool pigeon.

Annie, can you watch it? The torch disappears.

Well, if I can't have another, may I be excused? You may.

So, anything interesting happen today?

Nope. Really?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Zoe told us you ran into some guy from the Christmas tree.

What?

So much for the pinky swear of silence.

Phil, seems really like a lovely coincidence. Yes, yes, it was just a

coincidence, and that's all that it was.

He seems like a really nice man and a great dad.

Maybe you should have invited this great dad to dinner.

I'm sure there's a really great mom at home.

Who is this?

I don't know. Isn't it Robinson?

I can't believe she did.

I think you've had enough.

Hello, Suite Life Bakery. Hi there, it's Josh.

Uh, fellow night owl Josh?

Oh, hey.

I didn't recognize your number.

I'm calling to tell you I got the go -ahead to do the cookie decorating

Great. It's such a good idea. I know the kids are just going to love it.

But I've got to admit, that's not the only reason I'm calling. I have ulterior

motives.

Oh?

Intriguing. My son and I, we're still trying to cross cookie baking off our

Christmas list. And as I mentioned before, my last batch was not a success.

How much not a success?

We set off the smoke alarm.

Oh, no.

Maybe there's something wrong with your oven?

Well, it works when I bake lasagna.

Lasagna? Wow, you're a jack -of -all -trades.

Except baking cookies, apparently.

Well, what did the recipe say?

Uh, 350 for nine minutes.

And how long did you chill the dough?

Oh.

You did chill your dough, right?

I was in a little bit of a hurry.

That's probably the culprit.

If they're warm and soft when you bake them, they'll just spread and burn

because they're thinner.

Always ask a pro.

Well, good luck, and let me know how it goes.

Well, if you hear the fire engine, you'll know it's me.

Bye.

I shouldn't have shared my secret tip.

You could put me out of a job.

All right. I've got one more to be safe.

Josh is going to be there?

You know, I wish I had labeled everything perfectly from last year, but

tend to get a little jumbled.

With this being my first year as the one in charge, I just, I don't want

anything to slip through the cracks.

You're doing a great job. Are you kidding me?

We got this.

Where are these lights?

Well, there are these lights here.

Well, that's not bad.

Oh, and all of these ones over here.

That's a lot of lights.

And then there's these new lights that also need to be checked.

Okay, so we should have this done by next Christmas?

We are really appreciative of the help.

It's a really big tree.

And Jessica got the Christmas store to donate all the ornaments for it. Oh.

If you want to help us up with that, too, we could use a few extra hands.

I can't. My hands are tied up.

Well, check your schedule and give me a call.

All right.

Okay.

Thanks, honey.

Decorating a Christmas tree with a beautiful woman. What a horrible thing.

Is this what we're going to talk about for all 20 ,000 light bulbs?

Fine. I'll drop it.

Thank you. Hold me.

It's just nice having you nearby, okay?

I'm sure it is.

Free labor and all.

I know this is a hard time of year for you and Charlie. I was worried about you

for a few years in Arlington. Yeah, and now you can worry from next door.

Okay.

Not worried exactly.

It's just that something has me a little concerned.

What are you concerned about?

I got up last night to get a drink of water, and I went to the kitchen window

see if it was snowing, and your lights were on, and it looked like you were

talking to yourself.

Hmm. In the middle of the night.

I was.

I was on the phone.

I was placing a cookie order for the Christmas festival with a lady from the

bakery. You were talking to the bakery lady in the middle of the night?

Well, yeah.

If she's not baking in the middle of the night, there are no croissants for

breakfast.

Oh, right. I never thought of that.

What were you doing up? Are you having trouble sleeping? Jimmy, you're my

brother, not my mother.

We're going to live next door to each other. We've got to have some

Right.

Boundaries. Or...

I need thicker curtains.

Plug it in.

Hey, guys.

Hi,

Dad.

Grandma's going to the community center later to wrap Christmas presents for

soldiers. It's organized by the USO.

Operation Holidays for Heroes.

Can I go, too? You said when Mom was a nurse in the Army, she couldn't come

for Christmas, and that made her really sad.

I thought this might be a nice way to honor Christy's memory.

I love that, Mom.

She'd love that, too.

I remember number nine on our best Christmas ever list.

Yeah, isn't that build a snow fort?

No, silly. That's eight.

Oh, right.

Nine is an act of Christmas kindness.

One of my favorites.

So. Can I go?

You can go on one condition.

You do an act of Christmas kindness for me and you help me get all those bulbs

into those lights.

Deal?

Deal.

Are all these presents for the folders?

Yep. We want to make sure that they know we're thinking about them at Christmas.

Then once they're all wrapped, we just pack them up and we will send them

overseas.

I think I'm better at opening presents than wrapping them.

Oh, let me show you. You'll be a pro in no time.

Now, you just put some tape there.

And you got it.

Hey, it actually looks pretty good. Pretty good? It's perfect.

You know, why don't you take these wrapped gifts?

Put them on that cart and wheel them over to that lady there with the Santa

tablecloth. Okay.

There we go.

One more.

It's perfect.

Good work.

Wow, did you wrap all of these?

My grandma did most of them, but I helped.

I have an awesome idea for you. Let me see. Hey.

I know the lady in that booth.

Oh, that's Molly.

She's helping people make special holiday message videos for the soldiers.

Molly thought that by hearing how much people back home appreciated their

service, it would make opening the presents that much more special.

It's called Ho Ho Ho from the home front.

She seems like a really nice lady.

The nicest.

Always thinking about other people. It makes people happy just to be around

Yeah.

It does.

Hey, can I make a video, too?

Well, we're just wrapping up for today, but we're here all week. You just need

to come back with your mom or dad.

Okay.

Geez.

I'll come back with my dad.

Maybe he'll want to make a video, too.

These are great.

The lumber for the booths will arrive on schedule.

I called Uncle Moe's Hardware and asked him if he would donate the supplies.

That's a great idea.

It wasn't even on my list.

What did he say?

Yeah, Andy delivered it himself.

Now I get to help build it. Of course.

I'm counting on you. We can use the money we save on more lights and

for the mistletoe garden.

How are we going to decorate the cookie booth?

Well, what if we made it just a big old gingerbread house?

Yeah, and then could we decorate gingerbread houses instead?

Can we do that?

All right, before we get ahead of ourselves, let me get in touch with the

bakery. Good idea.

Good idea.

Oh.

Hi.

I love gingerbread. Well, that's good.

Because Charlie had an idea to turn the booth into a big old gingerbread house.

Oh, that's a great idea.

If I could live in a gingerbread house, trust me, I would.

Well, you could just bake your own house, couldn't you?

Gingerbread does get baked, right?

Of course gingerbread gets baked. How else would you make it?

And not to brag, but my gingerbread is kind of out of this world.

Well, I'm glad to hear that.

And don't kill me, but once we came up with the booth, Charlie had an idea.

if instead of a cookie decorating station, we just let the kids make

houses?

Ooh, that's a big change.

I can make a bunch of squares and rectangles and triangles.

Oh, and mix a big batch of frosting.

Oh, I don't want to make a bunch of extra work for you. Oh, are you kidding?

That's fun for me.

Well, we're going to need a volunteer to help the kids with it.

And I don't know much about gingerbread house construction.

I can help out.

Really?

That'd be perfect.

I was saying I wanted to get more involved this year anyway, so I was

on closing the bakery and heading down to the festival.

All right, it's a date.

Great.

Okay, um... Dad.

Yeah? We're up.

Look, I gotta run.

I'll call you tonight.

Yeah, go.

Okay.

Huh, gingerbread house as it is.

So? Do you know what you're going to ask Santa to bring you yet?

I'm still narrowing it down.

All right, well, you better hurry up because we are up in...

Ready to make a smile?

I'd say deck the halls.

How come?

Because even if you don't know the words, you can still sing along with all

fa -la -la -la -la -la -la -la -las.

I like the 12 days of Christmas.

Is that because you like 12 days of Christmas presents?

Yes. But not if it's all swans and geese and hens and stuff.

I counted, and there are 23 birds, including the partridge.

That's a lot of birds.

Your turn.

Okay.

Oh, I got one.

What's your favorite Christmas tradition?

Does it have to be one we've already done, or...? Well, I mean, that's kind

what traditions are, but I guess not.

Then I would say, ho, ho, ho from the home front.

Interesting. What's that?

It's part of Operation Holidays for Heroes, where you can send in a special

Christmas video message.

Soldiers who are away from their families at Christmas.

Sounds like a really nice idea.

Thought we could do it together.

I'd love that.

I really wish your mom could see you now.

She'd be so proud of who you are.

You still miss her a lot.

Of course I do.

But we're doing pretty good, aren't we?

Just the two of us.

I feel bad sometimes because I can't remember her that well.

Thanks, Charlie.

You were really little.

But trust me, she loved you like crazy.

And if you ever want to see her, you just look in the mirror. You got her

and her exact smile.

I do?

You do.

Now let's get this thing finished.

Go get that brace.

I want it, Dad.

That one.

There. Last one and the cookie orders are done.

It's like having my own little helpful elf.

Hey, watch it. I'm taller than you and I'm still your sis.

That wasn't a reference to your size. Well, good.

I was referring to your pointy ears.

Hey!

Oh, by the way, guess who I ran into yet again yesterday?

You didn't.

Christmas tree guy?

Where? In line to see Santa.

You must have promised Zoe something really good because she didn't mention

Oh, she didn't see him.

He didn't see me, but I saw him.

And his son.

And? And his very lovely wife.

Oh, I see.

Well, it's a good thing I didn't take you up on your advice and invite him for

dinner. Well, I was just joking.

Half joking.

You lit up when you talked about him. It did not light up.

You had a bit of a glow.

Did I catch you at a bad time?

No, not at all.

Charlie's spending time with his grandma, so I decided to come out and

gift.

The booth looks incredible so far.

I can't wait to see it all decorated.

Well, I'm going to Tooth the Sweet Confection Thursday at 3.

I was hoping you could give me a list of the things we'll need to decorate the

gingerbread houses.

Oh, fun.

Let's see. We'll need gumdrops, obviously.

Obviously. And maybe mini candy canes.

Chocolate buttons, cinnamon candies, and peppermint.

Maybe red and green licorice?

Perfect. That sounds like a good start.

And I'm sure they'll have some suggestions there as well.

Okay, well, I don't want to take up too much of your time. I'm sure you're busy.

Not really. I'm just finishing up.

But I don't want to keep you.

No, you're not at all.

I actually enjoy the company.

So, what made you become a baker?

Did you go to school for that?

No, I studied finance.

I wanted to be a banker.

Banker to baker.

What made you change your mind?

Working in a bank.

Come on, there's got to be more to it than that.

Well, kind of a sad story.

While I was working at the bank, I baked a wedding cake.

What did you do, ruin someone's wedding?

No, the groom did that.

It was a big wedding. Half the town was there. I baked this huge three -tier

wedding cake.

And I was so nervous about it being perfect that I made three practice cakes

beforehand.

I even matched the dress on the top of the cake to the actual bride's dress.

But unlike the top of the cake, there was no groom at the altar. He just,

well, he never gave me a clear explanation. He just had a change of

Oh.

I'm sorry.

On the bright side, everyone loved my wedding cake.

It was so good that my boss at the bank offered me a small business loan if ever

I decided I wanted to open up my own bakery.

Or maybe she just felt bad that I was left at the altar.

I didn't mean for you to have to tell me all that.

That's okay.

You're a good listener.

I know what it's like to need to talk to somebody.

Gosh, I was rambling.

My point was that I love my bakery, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Exactly. It's not about what I don't have. It's about what I do have.

Like my son, Charlie.

That's so sweet.

He's a lucky kid.

And how long has it been, just you and Charlie?

Five years.

Hmm.

Christy was, uh...

She was amazing.

She was actually the reason I got up the nerve to start my own business.

I met her while doing IT work at the VA hospital where she was stationed as a

nurse. Oh, my mom was a nurse.

Yeah? Yeah, she worked long hours, but she always made time for us.

It's such a selfless career.

All Christy wanted to do was help people.

Then she got deployed.

She wasn't supposed to be anywhere near combat, but her convoy was targeted. It

was just bad luck.

For a while, my mind was just spinning. It was like being in the middle of a

nightmare I couldn't wake up from.

But then I just put my head down, and I moved forward.

Charlie.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. No, no, no. Look, I don't get to talk about this

very often.

And plus, like you said, it's nice to be able to talk about this with someone

who listens and isn't always just telling me to get back out there.

I know.

Everyone means well, I'm sure, but it's not like there's a switch a person can

flip.

Yeah, people don't seem to understand that dating can be complicated.

Exactly.

And I have a business to run.

I don't need complicated.

Plus, Charlie's my everything.

Way to go, buddy.

You're a winner.

Charlie, come on over.

Come here.

Whoa. You're getting too fast, young man.

I don't know how I'm going to keep up with you anymore.

Next time, I'll give you a head start.

Well, how about we get some hot chocolate?

Sounds great. Come on.

Thankfully, I did not burn the cookies.

Wow, look at Zoe go.

She's really improved.

I know. Can you believe it? She must get it from hell if you and I were both

hopeless. Speak for yourself.

I was grace personified.

Uh -huh. I seem to recall you gracefully spending a lot of time on your behind.

For Christmas dinner. Can you bring the bread and roll?

Of course.

And what about dessert?

Oh, Harold has been begging for another one of those chocolate tortes.

Actually, better make it two.

So, what's next?

Well, we still have a snow fort to build.

Plus, we haven't gone sledding.

And don't forget about my idea to make the video message for the soldiers.

There's still a few things I got to do for the Christmas tree lighting

which reminds me.

Who's texting you?

Is that gingerbread man again?

Last time you called him the cookie guy. Can we at least be consistent?

Do it.

Good job today, honey.

Thanks, Mom.

Hey, who wants a snack? My treat.

I do.

Yes, you do.

So what kind of ice cream flavor do you want this time?

Cookie dough, please.

Oh, cookie dough's good.

I'm going to get bubble gum.

There you go.

Thank you. See you again. Merry Christmas.

How are my favorite sisters?

Mr. Blanchard, good to see you again.

Molly, all you ever do is work.

You really have to come by the restaurant and try the bruschetta my

with your bread.

It is so good.

What a great idea.

Maybe you can invite a friend.

The two of you have conversation over a nice dinner?

And don't forget the wine and candlelight. I'll make it very romantic

Thank you, Mr. Blanchard.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.

Bye -bye.

See?

Even Mr. Blanchard is totally on board with you inviting Josh to a romantic

dinner. I mean, are you just going to keep talking on the phone?

For now.

It's complicated.

He's a single dad.

Oh, that's a wrinkle. He's totally devoted to raising his son, and I

that. He basically said that he's not interested in dating anyone right now.

That's fair enough.

And that can change.

Clearly you like him. No?

Maybe?

Okay, just a little.

When I talk to him, it's easy.

There's something... freeing about not being face to face that I can't

We tell each other things that we don't tell other people.

I don't think that'll change if you meet in person.

And if there's no chemistry, well, you have a new friend.

But if there is chemistry... Well, I mean, we'll see.

I am going to be meeting him at the tree lighting festival.

But aren't you curious to see what he looks like first?

Actually, I know exactly where he's going to be at 3 o 'clock.

Hey.

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

Thank you so much for coming.

Oh, hi.

Wow, right on time.

You know.

Punctuality is a rare quality of youth, Jane.

Thank you.

Hug.

It's great to see you.

Too bad that you missed the Christmas caroling the other day.

Yeah, I'm sorry. I've just been so busy with the festival.

Thank you for your donation.

I think the kids are going to be so excited about the whole gingerbread

thing. Way to see what I pulled for you.

Got some great dust.

I can't get a good look at him.

Patience. I'm sure he'll turn around.

Fine.

Oh, my gosh.

What?

It's him.

Well, it must be. He's the only man in the store. Oh, no, no, no, no. It's him,

him.

What?

So wait, Joshua calls on the phone and the guy you keep running into are the

same guy?

Maybe it's just a coincidence.

Text him. Yes.

Okay.

Hey, have you made it to the candy store yet?

He's getting his phone out. That could totally still be a coincidence.

These are so fun.

Perfect for sprinkling around. You know, just sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle. You

can add as much color as you want.

Sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle.

It's not a coincidence.

Just him.

Make sure you get the gumdrops.

He's coming. Go, go, go, go, go, go, go.

Doesn't make any sense.

Josh is a single dad.

But I saw that man at Santa's village with his wife.

Wait. There must be something that we're missing.

Do you know Josh's last name?

Um, Hard... Hardwick? No. No, no, no. Harley. Harling? Yes, Harling.

Is his sister -in -law in charge of the Christmas festival?

Um, yeah?

Hold on.

That's her.

That's my friend Amy Harling. It's Josh's sister -in -law. She's married to

brother Jimmy.

Sister -in -law?

I think I need to sit down. This is so exciting.

Exciting? Yes. You said you had a strong connection over the phone and chemistry

in person.

I did.

I do.

We do.

You know what this means?

That I'm going to be sick?

No.

This meme.

And I'm going to buy you the most beautiful dress for when you meet Josh

Christmas festival.

Good night, buddy.

When we wake up, it'll only be three days till Christmas morning.

We've done so many fun things this year.

We're going to do a lot more fun stuff, like the tree lighting festival.

Christmas dinner with Grandma and Aunt Amy and Uncle Jimmy.

What's on the list for tomorrow?

Well, we still have to record our video message for Ho Ho Ho from the home

front.

I can't wait.

Me neither.

I'll see you when the clouds turn.

I love you, Dad.

I love you, too.

Good night.

Hi, Molly.

Josh.

I just called to let you know that the gingerbread is almost finished.

That's great.

How was your day?

My day was interesting.

How so?

Oh, you know, just had some interesting stuff.

How was yours?

I went to the candy store, checked out the decorations.

Oh, like that was today.

You know, Two Sweet Confections is pretty close to my bakery.

Really?

I wish I would have known I would have stopped by.

That would have been neat.

Well, since we switched to gingerbread, you want any help getting that to the

festival?

Oh, no, no. My van is plenty big enough to deliver it.

Great. So, see you there.

Yes, yes, you will.

See me.

Bye. Okay.

Bye.

Hello there, Charlie Harling. Hi. We're here to record our Holidays for Heroes

video message.

Ah, just going back there.

Thanks.

You keep turning up like a lucky penny.

You're not the video lady.

Well, I'm... I'm one of them.

We have a few that volunteer.

Are you here to make a video message?

I'm sure you're busy.

Maybe we could come back a different day?

We're here now.

We've got lots of Santa hats and some elf costumes for your video if you want

go check them out.

Okay.

Sorry. It's okay.

You set this all up as a surprise.

Not sure why he suddenly wants to do it another day.

He's probably nervous.

He seems like a sweet kid. Wow, he is.

And his father seems pretty amazing, too.

Wow.

I'm actually really glad that you're here. I wanted to thank you for helping

out with the light. It's my pleasure.

Well, to show my appreciation, I'd like to take you out for dinner.

Dinner? Have you ever been to Blanchard Junction?

Not yet.

It's the best.

What do you think?

I think that's really nice of you.

But there's not a need.

Please, I insist.

Wait, now I'm having second thoughts.

About the dress.

I'm telling you, it's perfect.

So, what did you say?

I was so shocked, I just rambled for a while.

And then I told her I'd let her know. She probably thinks I'm a fool.

I don't know.

Maybe she likes funny and foolish.

It's just dinner.

You know what I just remembered?

Charlie and I are supposed to finish decorating the gingerbread house today.

Dinner's not until five hours away. You've got plenty of time.

Plus, we were going to cross Snowford off the list.

I don't want to push it. I think I'll just text her and politely decline.

Anyway, it's not like she made reservations.

Oh, Jessica.

She made reservations.

Come on, man.

Allow yourself to have fun sometimes.

It's not about me.

It's about Charlie.

I just don't think he's ready for that.

I don't want him to think anything comes before him.

Now this is what I call a snow fort.

Pretty cool.

Pretty cool?

This thing could withstand snowballs shot from a cannon.

Yeah, except you can't see over the walls.

Oh, yeah, good point.

Well, I could be on the lookout for intruders.

Maybe, but if you stand up, you might get pelted.

Ah, yeah.

I guess I got a little carried away.

I have an idea.

Huh? My periscope.

I love it.

Because then...

We could see the enemy advancing from miles away.

Well, it's a toy periscope, so maybe not miles away. Oh, yeah, right, right.

Okay, all right. So where do I find one of these low -powered periscopes?

Upstairs in my closet.

I'm on it.

Someone that will make him happy again, like he was when my mom was alive.

And if possible, could you please deliver this by Christmas?

I gotcha.

Traitor. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Well, here's your periscope.

Thanks.

Come on.

Let's cross Snowfort off the list.

You go in. I'll be in in a minute.

And if nailing your dad with snowballs is on the list, you cross that off, too.

Okay.

You're getting pretty good with that thing.

It's fun.

Maybe I'll be a carpenter when I grow up.

Well, that's a good job.

I mean, not if I become a fireman.

Well, you've got plenty of time to decide.

Well, good job on the lights.

It's just one more thing.

The sign?

In the back of the car.

Wow. The booth looks great. Yeah, she's going to love it. Who?

You know, everybody.

Okay.

Well, I better get home and shower.

Mom's coming over in a little while to watch Charlie.

That's right.

Dinner at Blanchard's. Yeah.

Any advice?

Get the ribeye.

You know what I mean.

You're thinking too much.

Charlie wants you to be happy.

And so would Christy.

You're right.

So lighten up and enjoy yourself. It's dinner.

Just go with it.

And I mean it.

Order the ribeye.

Our families have had these stores next door to each other for generations.

I practically grew up there.

I've known Jess since she was a baby.

It must be something to grow up in a candy store.

It had its advantages, but my parents used to make us do so many chores that

really did feel like work, not free candy.

Well, listen, I just wanted to say hello and enjoy your dinner.

Thank you. Thank you.

So what about you?

Have you always wanted to be a computer programmer?

No.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional hockey player.

But it turns out my math skills are stronger in my Flapshot.

Your store has a great website.

Oh, thanks.

Now 75 % of our sales is actually online.

Wow.

Whose platform are you running?

I have no idea.

I usually...

stick to the marketing, and I farm out the tech stuff.

The tech stuff.

Ouch.

Talking to a tech guy.

Well, I didn't need that one.

Oh, do you have to answer that?

No.

Good.

Hey, I just saw your text now. The finished booth looks incredible.

I will probably be up for a while, so give me a call when you get there.

Bye.

Oh, no.

Oh, no, Mr. Blanchard's bread.

Oh, no.

No, no, no, no.

Mr. Blanchard.

I am so sorry.

I was just about to call. It's not like you to be late. I know. My system failed

me. In 30 years, I have never run out of bread, and we were this close.

Wow. The restaurant's packed tonight.

Yeah. I guess with Christmas coming, everybody wants to be dining out.

Well, I am grateful for your business, and this order is on me.

Oh. It's a Christmas miracle.

Listen, why don't you come in and let me cook something for you?

I'd love to, but I can't. I still have a ton of gingerbread to finish baking for

the festival.

Well, something to go then.

Look, I absolutely insist. It'll take me five minutes.

Okay, five minutes.

Very good.

You know what? Maybe another time?

Ah! How did it go, sweetie?

Fine.

How was Charlie?

Oh, fantastic.

He reminds me so much of you at that age. We did lots of fun stuff. We even

started the annual Christmas puzzle.

I always knew it was Christmas when the puzzle would come out. We made a good

start, but I held off.

I knew that the two of you would want to finish it together.

Thanks, Mom.

Bye, sweetie. Bye.

What's the emergency?

I need you to deliver all this stuff to the festival for me.

Why? I thought you were going to do it. Because I can't.

What are you talking about?

Last night, I saw Josh eating dinner at Blanchard's Junction when I delivered

bread.

Well, a man's got to eat.

I still don't understand the problem.

He wasn't alone.

He was with Jessica Morris.

On a date.

Are you sure?

A couple of days ago, you thought his sister -in -law was his wife.

There were candles and wine and laughing.

I know what a date looks like.

Like such a fool.

I made up this entire fantasy in my head.

But he wasn't flirting with me.

And he's not too busy with his son's date either. He's just interested in

dating someone else.

Ari, come here.

It's okay.

It's okay.

There she is.

Nervous. Why are you nervous?

The festival's going to go great.

Thanks.

You're great.

Hi, Molly.

It's me, Josh.

Oh, actually, I'm Jane, Molly's sister. Oh.

I'm sorry. My mistake. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.

Is she coming?

No, she can't.

She's really busy with muffins.

Muffins? Yeah.

Crazy big muffin order came in this morning.

Okay.

Well, would you tell her I said thanks?

Yeah, of course.

Dad! Dad!

Ready to get set up?

Yeah.

I'm going to need somebody to taste the frosting.

See if it's any good.

Yeah.

Listen, would you mind texting her and saying that if she does decide to come

the festival, I sure would like to put a face to a voice.

I will.

Mia. Oh, thank you.

So close.

Wow.

I'm glad you're always on my side in a snowball fight.

Always, Dad.

Thank you.

Was the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature

was stirring.

not even a mouth.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes

that St.

Nicholas soon would be there.

Hi, Charlie and I are about to start in on the gingerbread houses.

If your muffin emergency is over, we could use your expertise.

You paid jelly beans for the roof?

Yeah. The last one too many.

And that's one more too many?

Who's that guy?

A soldier.

Are you happy with how the video message turned out today?

Not completely.

Why?

It was well written, and you presented it well on camera.

Yeah, but I was hoping something else would happen.

What's that?

You promise you won't get angry?

Of course.

I'm happy that I made the video, but there's another reason why I wanted to

back there with you.

Why? Because I thought we would see the lady who works there.

Who, Jessica?

No, the other one. The nice one that we saw when we were buying a Christmas tree

and getting ice cream.

She was the one that was running the video booth the day that I volunteered

Grandma.

She is a nice lady, but why do you want to see her again?

One of the other ladies who worked there said that she makes everyone around her

happy. And that's true, because you seemed really happy when you were

her.

I am happy.

Charlie, you make me happy.

You understand that?

Yeah, but like you said.

Everybody needs a friend.

Wow!

Look at that gingerbread house.

Oh, can I help?

Yeah. Okay, Grandma.

You can help me with the roof.

Excellent.

Okay. What do you say here?

Hey, Josh.

Yeah. Do you have a second?

Yeah.

Want to finish it up? I will. I'll be back in a minute.

Goodie.

Let's get at her.

Why isn't Aunt Molly here?

She had something come up.

But she made all this gingerbread. And she bought a dress.

And she loves Christmas.

You're right. She should be here.

Oh, excuse me.

Amy. Oh, hey, Jane.

Thank you so much.

This is the best Christmas special yet.

Oh, well, it wasn't just me. There were so many volunteers. I can't believe

Molly baked all that gingerbread. That's heroic.

Well, she had a whole lot of help in the planning. I think it's from your

brother -in -law?

Yeah.

My brother, Josh.

That's him over there. He really jumped in, took care of about a million

details.

Is he dating Jessica?

No. We're trying to set them up.

He humored us and went to dinner with her, but we're 0 -1 in the matchmaking

game. Oh.

You know, at the very least, he'll make a new friend. Right? Yeah.

You know, I do think he's interested in someone.

He spends a lot of time talking to somebody on the phone.

Interesting.

Molly. Shane.

No time to explain.

What are you doing here? Just put the dress on and come with me.

Why?

I'm so excited.

Me too.

Okay, who's ready for the big event?

I love you, Dad.

I love you, son.

But before we light the tree, a Christmas wish.

For everyone here tonight, everyone in Colbyville,

and everyone in the world.

May this season of gift -giving include the gift of an open heart, an open heart

that lasts not just for a day or Christmas week, but that lasts for a

Okay, here we go.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six. Five.

Four, three, two, one.

Merry Christmas!

You probably remember them from... Tree stand.

The ice cream store. Yeah. But there's something else that

you should probably know.

Merry Christmas.

I can't believe it's been you the whole time.

Surprise.

From the moment I met you, I knew... There was something about you.

All those talks on the phone.

It felt like I knew you.

I couldn't wait to meet you.

I wasn't sure that you wanted to.

That's because I wasn't brave enough to tell you that I did.

We both said dating is complicated.

This doesn't seem too complicated.

No, it doesn't.

everything in the world.

My name is Charlie.

Hello, Charlie.

I've heard so much about you.

Pleasure to meet you.

Hi, my name's Charlie.

And I know what it's like to not be with someone you love at Christmas time.

So thank you for the sacrifice you're making so that the rest of us back home

can have the best Christmas ever.

Just a couple days left.

Being Mr.

and Mrs.

Cranberry Lane. Maybe this is Destiny's way of pushing you two back together.

Cranberry Christmas premieres Saturday night at 10, only on Hallmark Movies &

Mysteries.