Original subtitles

Maybe next year, Tessa.

Bad news.

Won't be making it home for Christmas after all.

Hi, uh, can I get a black coffee to go please?

We're out.

Of coffee?

Yep.

- More coffee? - Great, thank you.

I didn't realize being a small town librarian

also meant being good with power tools.

Well, that's what you get for listing

able to acquire skills quickly and efficiently on your resume.

Oh, any word from the nomination committee yet?

Nope, and I can confidently say hitting refresh 1800 times

- does not make an email appear. - Hmm.

Do you think this will work?

I hope so, because getting a petition

to stop the construction didn't.

Yeah.

Well, I guess grassroots movements

aren't as effective as they used to be.

Yeah. But if we can get the post office recognized

as a National Historic Site,

no one will be able to tear it down

or turn it into some eyesore of an office building.

Tell you what's not an eyesore...

- Noah Harrington. - Darla, he is the enemy.

I'm just saying.

Give me back my coaster.

Well, I've been praying every morning

for a response from the committee.

Have faith, it'll all work out.

I hope so.

Your prayers may have been answered.

Okay, the nomination committee is granting an injunction

to pause construction until they can review

- the full application. - Oh.

So you'll present it at the town meeting this afternoon?

Yeah, as soon as I'm done at the Wesley Manor House tour.

Okay, I will see you there.

- Save me a seat. - Will do.

- I'll see you in a couple hours. - Bye.

- Morning, morning! - Morning.

- They serve you at the cafe? - Yeah, of course. They love me.

You always were a charmer.

Hey, the building plan presentation

ready for the town meeting?

It's not the building plans I'm worried about.

They're solid.

I just...

I need to persuade the people of this town

to give me a chance and listen to my proposal.

I don't need any problems once construction starts.

And so far...

people here haven't exactly been welcoming.

Oh, this coffee is disgusting.

Well, you better be convincing at this meeting

or get used to caffeine withdrawals.

You have both made some very good points

and I will consider both sides.

Now, I would like to welcome to the podium Noah Harrington,

uh, for his office building proposal.

Uh, please hold all questions until the end.

Noah.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Many of you have already seen the proposed design plans,

so I'm here today to talk about the benefits of the new space.

Um.

This new office space will provide an opportunity

for small to mid-sized businesses

who don't need to operate out of the city

to confidently run their companies from here,

benefiting from the lower cost of living

and the convenience of operating remotely.

With so many more businesses remaining local,

this will create new...

employment opportunities

for the next generation.

- And... - Tessa.

- Sorry. - Tessa.

I was getting worried.

Sorry, the tour ran late.

- I've got this. - Okay.

I... I thought we were holding questions until the end.

Uh, she's the town historian.

I think we should hear her concerns.

Okay.

Go ahead with your question.

Post office has been in this community since the late 1800s.

It was once the heart of Oak Creek.

I'm sorry, what was your question?

Well, I thought it was implied.

How can you even entertain the idea of tearing it down?

Post office hasn't been operational in decades.

Well, it's not about functionality.

It's about preserving history.

And what do you propose the city does with it instead?

I suggest educational tours, hosting local events.

I'm assuming this isn't your everyday attire.

I give tours at Wesley Manor House.

Hmm. How many people were on this tour?

Four.

Is that average?

Well, in the summer months, we can see up to eight or nine.

At what cost per person?

Oh... Well, it's actually free.

So not at all that lucrative for the local economy then?

It's not always about money, Mr. Harrington.

Some of us care about the community

and about preserving the past.

Mayor Mitchell, was that not the slogan

for your last campaign?

Preserving the past as a way to our future?

Yes, yes, it was.

The past is very important here in Oak Creek.

But what future does Oak Creek have without growth?

Not a very prosperous one.

The younger generation are moving away for jobs,

the general population is aging, and tourism in Oak Creek

is nowhere near as competitive as neighboring communities.

I... Wasn't that a major concern of yours too, Mayor?

Yes, yes, it was a... a major concern.

You... you both make very good points.

Well, it might not be up to you, or me, or Mayor Mitchell.

What do you mean?

I applied to the National Registry

of Historic Places to get a designation

for the building to protect it.

What?

You're on hold.

Oh, great... great... great job, Tessa.

We have a timeline for construction.

Yes, right, and we will have that sorted ASAP.

I'm sorry, can I see that please?

Oh, it's, uh...

it's actually just a blank piece of paper for effect,

but I promise you I have the injunction.

You're really going to hold this up...

for sentimentality?

And you really want to force an agenda

that no one here wants?

I have a suggestion.

Um...

well, seeing as we're at a standstill,

why doesn't Tessa work with Noah...

Uh-uh.

to see if a compromise could be had?

You know, after all, part of her job is preservationist.

I... I think that's a great suggestion.

- No, I don't, I don't. - No, that's not...

All those in favor of Noah and Tessa collaborating

to find a... a mutually beneficial solution?

- What? - It was my idea.

All opposed?

Then it's decided. As part of her role as town historian,

Tessa will be the preservationist

on this project.

I, um...

Why would you say that?

If you work with him instead of against him,

you might be able to convince him

to have change of heart.

You know, more bees with honey kind of thing.

He's going to be a bee in my bonnet, all right?

He's cute, though.

- Nice touch. - Yeah, a bit of Christmas cheer.

Hey, how was the town hall meeting?

It was not the best.

I didn't even get to the end of my presentation

before this young woman started talking about history

and waving a piece of paper in my face.

So what now? Can we move forward or...

She's put an application in

with the National Registry for Historical Places

to stop us.

And until we hear back,

the mayor wants us to work together

to find a solution.

Well, maybe you can convince her

into withdrawing her application.

I doubt it.

She seemed very adamant to stop this project.

I think what we're going to have to do

is fight the injunction.

Might just take a little extra effort here.

This Tessa Findlay seems to have already made up her mind.

Okay, so tell me more about this Tessa.

She seems to have you quite worked up.

Well?

Yeah, okay, I guess she's passionate.

- Definitely stubborn. - Sounds familiar.

And somehow she makes clothes from the 1800s look fashionable.

Interesting.

Well, it could be nice to actually make a friend

in this town, you know?

Understand where they're coming from.

Maybe find some common ground with these people.

And besides, you have been so worked up for years

with all the work. When was the last time

you actually hung out with a woman?

Come on, don't start that again.

I'm just saying you could use

a little extra balance in your life.

Maybe one day. But right now,

I have a very important project to save.

Hey, Noah. Come check this out.

Oh, a Christmas mailbox.

Yeah, there's still letters in here.

- Here. - Have a look at that.

These are all to Santa.

From 1992.

That's the year the post office shut down.

Poor kids. Must have been

a disappointing Christmas that year.

What do you reckon we should do with this?

It'd be a shame to just toss it.

Sentimentality getting to you now?

I just think maybe you need to change

your approach to the residents here.

And one preservationist in particular.

You're a genius.

Come in.

Mr. Harrington, I trust...

you received my email with the injunction letter?

I did. Thank you for sending.

No manor tours today?

What can I do for you, Mr. Harrington?

Please, call me Noah.

If we're going to be working together,

we should probably move past the formalities.

It's Tessa, right?

Miss Findlay's fine.

Okay. Well, Miss Findlay, uh,

we actually found this old mailbox

when we were cleaning out the post office.

And there were still letters inside.

From 1992.

All addressed to the North Pole.

I thought maybe you could help me track down

the town residents and make some Christmas wishes come true?

Albeit a few decades late.

You want to play Santa?

Despite what your impression of me is...

I'm not a Scrooge.

I thought maybe a little goodwill

could go a long way.

Oh, you know bribery won't work to get the community's support.

At this point, I'll settle for a decent cup of coffee.

But it's more than that.

Giving back to the communities I'm invested in

is very important to me, and I feel like

this is a great way to do that here in Oak Creek.

We're stuck working together anyway, right?

And the construction's on hold, thanks to your diligent efforts.

So why not spread some Christmas cheer?

Well, it could get costly.

Are you planning on funding this act of generosity yourself?

My company actually has funds allocated specifically

for Christmas donations, and I can't think

of a better way to use the money.

Fine, I'll help you.

Thank you.

You know, if you're looking for more office space,

- I know just the building. - Don't push it, Mr. Harrington.

- Noah, and you are Tessa? - Not there yet.

Don't mistake my kindness and cooperation as a weakness.

Wouldn't dream of it.

Oh.

Oh, hi.

- Can I help you find something? - Hi.

Oh, I'm just waiting for Noah. He came by to see Tessa.

Oh, did he?

Well, you know, everybody comes to the library

to discover something about themselves.

Okay, thank you, but I'm just browsing.

Suit yourself.

Okay.

Okay.

What?

Can I give you a hand with something?

Uh...

um, yeah. Please.

- Oh, no worries. - Thank you.

Get this out.

Oh.

Excuse me.

Sorry, Brad. Things are just not working out,

- but have a Merry Christmas. - Ouch.

Uh, excuse me?

- Privacy? - Oh, I'm sorry.

- It's not my business. - No. No. It's... it's fine.

We've only been on a few dates,

so it's not a big breakup or anything. It's just...

And honestly, I'd rather she be honest.

Yeah, but...

Would it be nice to have someone special

to spend Christmas with?

Well, I mean, I'm no expert

on finding Christmas romance, but luckily for you,

we have an entire section

on relationship advice at our disposal.

Ah! Found it.

Here you go.

Oh, wow. Um...

thank you. But, uh, yeah,

I'm not exactly a self-help book kind of guy.

- Sorry. - No problem.

Oh, excuse me?

- That's Noah. Duty calls. - Sure.

Sorry.

- Bye. - Bye. Bye.

Thanks for your help with the shelves.

- Yeah, no problem. - Bye.

He'll be back.

Looking for something?

So many letters.

Better get reading.

Wait.

What's wrong?

Do you think it's okay that we're opening all these letters?

- As owner of this building... - Well, that's still to be seen.

Okay.

As temporary owner of this building,

I now make you an honorary post office employee.

They're just letters to Santa from kids.

From 1992.

- Okay. - Okay.

Dear Santa, I've been good this year.

Well, as good as I can be with a new baby brother.

Michelle Grant.

She's a teacher in town now.

We were actually in the same grade,

and I remember the year her brother was born.

She was so worried her parents wouldn't have time for her

with all the attention given to the new baby.

Well, she certainly wasn't materialistic.

All she asked for was snow.

Dear Santa, this year, all I really want

is my Grams and Gramps to visit.

We haven't spent Christmas with them

since my grandpa got sick.

Are all the kids in Oak Creek this altruistic?

I told you.

This town cherishes what's really important.

Family, community, traditions.

Which is why you're gonna have a hard time swaying anyone

with your new office building.

Some kid in town must have wanted something

with a big bow on it under the tree.

Dear Santa, this year, more than anything,

I really want tickets to see the New York Islanders

play on December 20th.

Hey, what about this?

Oh, Greg Parsons.

Yeah, he owns the local grocery store in town.

His wife died last year after a long battle with cancer.

It's just him and his teenage son now.

It's been a challenging year.

This one I can do.

Did you find a time machine in here too?

Okay, obviously not for the 1992 game,

but for an upcoming one. For him and his son.

Might give him something to look forward to.

That's a very nice gesture,

but I think it might be too expensive

and might be a little late to find tickets.

My company just so happens to have season tickets.

Easy. Done.

You're giving away my seat

to one of the biggest games of the season?

It's for a good cause.

- Also, where's my coffee? - Oh, Kim was on to me.

Any luck figuring a way out of this?

Maybe. I've been going over this

National Registry application process

and there are several conditions that need to be met

- to get the designation. - Right.

Age of the building has to be 150 years old.

She's got that one.

And it also still needs to have its original integrity.

Not sure integrity is the word I'd use,

but it does look the same as it always did.

There is one condition that we might be able

to work a loophole in our favor.

Significance.

This building used to have significance in the community,

but I'd argue it doesn't anymore.

Historical value?

Only if it's being used somehow to educate or bring in tourism.

Ah... so that'll be Tess's plan.

Yeah, but it hasn't happened yet.

I wrote a letter arguing our case.

I mean, it's worth a shot.

Okay, well, let's hope for the best.

Hmm.

Ready to play Santa?

Want to grab dinner at the cafe later?

My team's meeting up at the ice rink tonight.

- Maybe a sandwich to go? - Yeah, sure.

Hey...

we haven't seen a movie in a while.

Saturday night?

Sorry, Dad. I promised Liam we'd hang out

and try his new VR set. It's the latest model.

Yeah, that's cool.

- Hey, Tessa. - Hi.

- Mr. Harrington? - Ah, it's Noah.

Just give me a second. I'll be right with you.

- Sure. - Here you go.

We actually came by because Mr. Harrington...

Noah.

found the old mailbox to Santa,

and one of your letters was inside.

Oh, doubt I would have gotten this wish

even if the letter had been delivered.

Those game tickets were long sold out.

Thanks for the letter, though.

We, um, Noah, actually, thought

it might not be too late to grant some Christmas wishes.

Okay.

What's this?

Open it.

You're giving me tickets

to the Islanders hockey game this weekend?

I... I can't accept these.

And if this is a way for you to gain my support...

It's not.

It's just a way for me to give back to the community

I hope to be accepted in one day. To be a part of.

Tickets to the Islanders hockey game? For real?

Yeah. This... this weekend, Sunday,

if, you know, if you got plans.

If you don't got plans with your buddies.

Nothing this cool.

Thanks. It means a lot.

- Let me reimburse you, though. - No need. No need.

- No. - They're company tickets,

and I can't make it to the game anyway.

Better they go to a real fan.

Thank you.

I guess sometimes wishes come true

when you need them the most, huh?

- Thank you. - Merry Christmas.

- Thanks. - Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hey, where'd you go?

Do these books really...

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Where did you come from?

Uh, nowhere?

The, uh, self-help section.

- Oh, so you came to your senses. - Yeah, I'm not sure about that.

But, um, the thing is, I'm not... I'm not a big reader.

Oh. Well, I'm a fast reader.

Speed reading champion, three years running.

Oh, that's not a thing.

- That... that's a thing? - Oh, yeah.

Yeah, it's like an Olympic sport in my profession.

Okay, wow. Right.

Um...

why don't I...

read these books for you? And...

and I can just give you the bullet points.

And what do you get out of that?

You would help me out around here?

With the building project on hold, I'm not really busy.

You got yourself a deal.

- Deal. - Uh, where should I start?

- Oh, you can start out back. - Okay.

- Okay. - Yeah.

- Thank you for this. - Don't tell Kim.

Oh, trust me, I won't.

Greg seems like a great guy.

Yeah, I think he appreciated those tickets.

- Mm-hmm. - You did good.

This parade seems like a big event in town too.

The local stores actually start decorating their floats

the day after Halloween.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

In the city, the stores put Christmas stuff on sale

in August sometimes.

- It's not about sales here. - Hmm.

It's about prolonging the spirit of Christmas

as long as possible

with the cold, shorter days of November.

It's made a little easier with glowing Christmas lights

and the fun of friendly competition

in the air.

Are you a competitive person, Ms. Findlay?

Only with things I excel at.

How did you become town historian?

I've always been fascinated with history.

Where we come from, how we got here.

Small towns are often overlooked.

I agree.

Preserving the history of a small town

is definitely important.

Sometimes things need to change to...

- make room for the greater good. - Hmm.

The point of contention continues.

You lived here your whole life?

Yep, only child.

My parents were both doctors in town.

They retired last year.

And now they actually volunteer as medics on charity.

Lifelong dream.

- Wow, that's incredible. - Mm-hmm.

What about you?

What about me?

Why design?

I believe everyone deserves form that serves function.

You know, it's about the people.

- It's for them. - Hmm.

Why is the post office so important to you?

It used to be the hub for the community.

I mean, like you said, for the people.

People got married there.

They would host community picnics every summer.

And the old men would sit on the bench every afternoon

and grumble about local affairs.

But none of that's happened in decades.

But the memories persist.

They always will. No one's trying to take those away.

I should get back to the library.

I am tutoring some history students

for their midterms.

I'll see you tomorrow. Go through some more letters.

See you tomorrow.

Yes, yes, I understand. It's just a delay.

Mm-hmm.

I'm sure the project will be up

and running again before Christmas.

Yes, the signature Harrington design

will be featured here in Oak Creek.

Mm-hmm. Okay.

Okay, thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Investors?

Yep.

They are really not happy about the delay.

You think they'll back out?

Uh, it's too late for that.

The paperwork's already signed on the deal, but...

I have too much riding on this.

If that building isn't going up as scheduled,

and reaches 50% occupancy within the first six months,

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

You knew this one was a risk,

but also the biggest payoff, so...

If I can move forward, but...

I gotta get Tess to come around in my way of thinking.

Yeah, that may be tougher than you originally thought.

Think there's any point in hoping

the last thing is just a coincidence.

Not likely, my friend.

Great.

So...

how are things with Mr. Harrington?

Good.

The letters have been entertaining.

It's a blast from the past.

I heard about the hockey tickets he got Greg.

- It was pretty amazing. - Yeah.

Noah's a good guy.

But he's still adamant about tearing down the post office.

So, no luck getting him to see

what it means to this town?

To you?

Not yet.

You haven't told him, have you?

No. I don't want to make this about me.

It'll weaken my stance.

But I'm not giving up. I'm seeing him later.

We're going through more letters.

Wow.

So he's really committed to winning over this town, huh?

I'm sure that's his ulterior motive.

Or maybe he's just committed to winning you over.

Yeah. No chance of that.

We'll see.

It's cold out there today.

What's up with you?

There's something I think you might like to see.

Assuming this is a relative of yours?

It's my grandfather, George.

He was the town postman for almost 60 years.

Never took a sick day, never took vacation,

refused all his retirement incentives.

Wow. That is commitment.

Yeah. He loved his job.

He said delivering letters

was the equivalent to spreading Christmas cheer every day.

The way people's expressions would light up

when they received one.

Nice sentiment.

Unless, of course, it was a bill.

He knew everyone. And their business.

He'd spend so much time talking to people

that the mail delivery would take all day.

Did he eventually retire?

Well, he had no choice when the post office closed.

It was a really sad day for him.

Like he lost his purpose, you know?

Yeah, I understand that.

To be so connected to the community and...

be appreciated and needed,

and then suddenly not have that anymore.

That'd be tough.

- What? - Hmm.

Oak Creek's growing on me, I guess.

Hmm.

The reply letters to Santa were actually his favorite.

I think he'd be really happy that we're doing it now.

You think he would?

Yeah, he died a few years ago.

You two were close, huh?

The closest.

He used to let me help him with his route

if I had the day off school, or...

I'd pretend to be sick just so I could go with him.

You must have been quite the little actress

to pull that off with parents who were both doctors.

I think my parents knew that I just loved

spending time with him, so...

they looked the other way.

Yeah, I bet your grandpa loved spending time with you too.

Having a little helper.

Now that you say that, I did carry the bag.

Hmm. So...

the memories persist, even in the absence?

We should get back to the letters.

Yeah.

Okay, let's talk love languages.

Like...

French, Spanish, and Italian?

No, no, those are romantic languages, for sure,

but I'm talking about how you like to give and receive love.

Okay, well, I guess I like doing things for people.

Could have guessed that one. You are an acts of service guy.

Okay, it says here that you show your affection

by helping others...

kind gestures, and being a provider.

Hmm. Probably not as obvious as words of affirmation, though.

Oh, no, I think it's a really good one.

- Hmm. - It's very selfless,

and it requires actual effort.

Hmm. It's a little hard to portray on a first date.

- Hmm. - Maybe I should try compliments?

Okay.

Try one on me.

Oh, um, okay.

Hmm.

I think your speed reading skills

- are truly impressive. - Thank you.

And...

I find it endearing the way your lips move when you read.

- No good? - No, I mean, yes, yes.

I... I just thought you were going to say

- nice shoes or cute hair... - Oh.

but no that was, um, that was better.

- Really? - Really.

Lights are done. Um, what's next?

Um.

- Bathrooms need cleaning. - Bathrooms, glamorous.

Excuse me.

This one's not happening.

Take a look at this one.

Dear Saint Nicholas, this year

I'd really like a reindeer.

Actually, this one's already come true.

- No way. - Yeah, Kelly Hines,

she owns a farm an hour outside of town

with reindeer, each one named after Santa's.

Well, I guess it's true what they say.

If you want something, bad enough.

What's that one say?

Dear Santa, I know this might be a lot to ask for,

but what I really, really want this year

is to go to a theme park in Florida.

- Kim, the waitress at Ambiance? - Hmm.

I'm not sure a theme park is her desire anymore,

but I know a trip to Florida would still be on her wish list.

Really? Why's that?

Oh, her boyfriend's in the military

and he's stationed on a base there?

No.

Game tickets were one thing, but a trip, it's too much.

No. Look... look, I know you want your coffee,

but I can't let you do it.

Let's stick to toys or something less expensive.

No, no, I think I can swing this one.

Listen, I travel a lot for work,

and I get delayed almost every single trip.

I have the worst luck traveling.

- Never travel with me. - Noted.

I have travel points that are about to expire.

We could use those to book her a flight and accommodations.

You're serious?

Someone may as well put those points to good use.

You think Kim could get time off work?

Only one way to find out.

Merle, I'm taking a week off!

Oh.

Almost everyone at school had been to a theme park,

and I was desperate to go.

It's funny, as a kid, you never really realized

the limitations on Santa's ability to deliver.

- Well, it's not a theme park. - It's better.

Are you going to tell Myles or surprise him?

Are you kidding? I could never keep this to myself.

When was the last time you saw him in person?

Over a year ago. It was last Thanksgiving.

Too long.

You know, FaceTime calls and texts are great,

but I... I miss our time together.

Really has been so long.

He's going to be so excited to see you too.

Are you sure about this?

I haven't exactly been the nicest to you.

Let's talk about it over a cup of coffee.

You got it.

Dear Santa, this year I'd like ice skates

to join the hockey team, so I can finally play

with my older brothers.

Dear S.C., great news! I finally got my cast off,

so I'd really love a new skateboard.

I promise I'll wear safety gear this time.

Dear Santa Claus, this year,

what I'm really hoping for

is a new Molly Miggins doll with curly hair and green eyes.

Dear Saint Nick, for Christmas

I'd love a new hand held video game.

You know, if you wanted to do any Christmas shopping

of your own, we could do that as well.

There's a lot of great gift ideas on this website.

My parents and I do Christmas in July,

and I got Darla's gift weeks ago, so I'm good.

Sure, yeah. Um, I just meant if you needed a male opinion

for a gift for a...

boyfriend.

Is that your way of asking if I have one?

Smooth, I know.

I don't.

What about you? Any...

female advice needed for gift-giving?

Tons.

For my mom, and my grandma, and my three sisters.

- Big family celebration? - Yeah, it's tradition

to do a gift exchange and Christmas Day dinner

at a restaurant near my parents' place.

We've been going there for years.

Christmas Day dinner at a restaurant?

Believe me, it's safer that way. That way there's no argument

over homemade versus canned cranberry sauce.

Well, there should never be an argument in that case.

Let me guess. Homemade.

No, actually canned.

Miss Findlay!

Canned? Seriously?

Won't you lose your historian card for that?

Yeah, well you just keep that secret to yourself.

Maybe I'll let you share a can with me on Christmas Eve.

My lips are sealed.

It's nice to finally be welcomed into the coffee shop.

To be greeted by people

on the street, and even get some smiles my way.

Well, you've earned it, Noah.

I've seen how much effort you and Tessa have put into

assisting Santa this Christmas.

Must have been fun, working together.

It's been great.

And... and what were the odds of us coming together

after that first town hall meeting?

It is a Christmas miracle.

It's funny how this was supposed to be a quick

in-and-out job or work, but this is so much better.

Making new friends, huh?

- Should we toast to that? - Hmm.

- Sure. - To friendship.

- To friendship. - To friendship.

To new friendship.

And with the help of our extensive relationship section,

I am helping my new friend find love.

- Cheers. - Cheers to that.

And you know, a common lesson that I'm getting

from all of these books is that opposites attract.

Yeah, kinda.

- Like you two. - You know, you're right.

You guys, I mean, you have completely opposite opinions

about the renovation of the post office,

and yet, look what a great team you make.

- Hmm. - I wouldn't say

- we're complete opposites. - Well, you kind of are, though.

Noah with his slick city lifestyle...

and Tessa loving the history

and culture of small towns. Come on.

I... I never said I disliked small towns.

- Hmm. - And the more time I spent

in Oak Creek, the more I could see myself

settling down in a place like this.

Hmm.

Hmm. Well, maybe you aren't so different after all.

I mean, you're both obviously very passionate

about spreading Christmas cheer.

- Hmm. - Yeah.

Oh, we're not done yet.

Oh, so more surprises in store, huh?

Just you wait.

Do you mind?

- Yeah, sure. - Thanks.

- The gifts look great. - Yeah.

Believe it or not, this is not my first time

- at a gift wrapping table. - Really?

Yeah, I used to volunteer as a teen

at a Christmas donation center.

We'd put together gift baskets.

I was in charge of wrapping the toys.

Best part was delivering the gifts.

Seeing the looks on people's faces.

Guess maybe that's what appealed to me about this idea.

This is going to be a lot of deliveries.

Yeah.

Maybe we can have people come to us?

Like a little Santa's workshop?

Yeah.

I, um, I could see if we could get

the meeting room at town hall, have people come there.

I like it.

Good.

Do women really enjoy poetry?

Well, according to the books, we do.

Just try it.

Okay.

No, I... I don't know if I can do this.

Oh, sure you can. Come on, just write four lines.

Think love and Christmas.

Love and Christmas, right.

Okay.

Great.

Christmas joy in the air

But it's your smile That fills my heart with cheer

Christmas carols The soundtrack of love

As we dash Through the winter snow

Know my warm embrace Awaits you under the mistletoe

Looking good.

Tree too.

I'm really glad we did this.

I haven't decorated a tree in years.

I put one up every year.

A small one. Just as a nice symbol

of the season, you know?

There's nothing like the glow of Christmas lights,

a good cup of hot cocoa,

and a heartwarming Christmas movie

to get me in the festive spirit.

That does sound nice.

Do you think they're gonna all turn up?

Everything's all set.

Oh, wow.

Oh, this place looks incredible.

We really wanted it to feel like Santa's workshop.

Oh, wow. Mission accomplished.

I still can't believe you did all of this.

- Wow. - Uh, it's the least we could do.

Also...

- For me? - Mm-hmm.

Yeah. There was one letter from an anonymous sender

whose wish could only have come from one person.

- I knew it was you immediately. - Oh.

Oh, wow.

Oh, I must have been so excited about Christmas,

I forgot to sign it.

Oh, this was so long ago.

I... I don't even remember what I asked for.

Open it.

Oh.

Vintage Jane Austens.

Oh.

They're perfect.

Oh, thank you, Noah.

No, thank you for everything you're doing for Brad.

Oh, speaking of which, I should probably get to work.

- Good luck, you two. Have fun. - See you later.

How did you manage to find those?

It took some extensive research, but it wasn't that hard.

She loves collecting vintage books.

Just like you love history?

I can't help it. I find traditions charming,

and connecting the past to the present.

Yeah.

There's a certain romance in the old-fashioned ways.

We're all here!

Hey, hey, hey! Merry Christmas!

- Come in! - Welcome to... welcome to

Santa's workshop!

- Oh, wow! - Hey!

Oh my God, this looks amazing!

That went really well.

- That was fun. - It was.

I, um...

I should get back to the library.

I'm meeting with my history kids.

I think it's great you pass on your knowledge

to the next generation like that.

"Go back to where you started, or as far back as you can."

"Examine all of it."

"Travel your road again, and tell the truth about it."

"Sing or shout or testify or keep it to yourself."

"But know whence you came."

James Baldwin.

I think I could learn a lot from you.

Hmm.

You know where to find me.

Hey, how about this?

If I promise to be open to your preservation pitch,

would you at least consider my aim for innovation?

I make no promises.

But I will try to be open-minded.

So I guess that's it for the letters, huh?

Yeah, it was fun.

Everyone seemed happy.

They did.

So, I guess I'll see you around.

Yeah.

- Bye. - Bye.

I'll confirm that order tomorrow.

Okay, bye.

Just a quick coffee break, boss.

Hey, grab me one too, would you?

Well, that's a given.

I am an acts-of-service kind of guy.

A what now?

Apparently, that's how I show love and care for people.

There's a whole book about it.

I think you've been spending too much time at the library.

Judging by the amount of time you've been spending with Tessa,

you're all about quality time.

I'm actually all about getting the job done.

Come on, look at you.

You keep finding excuses to spend time with her.

You practically turn into Santa's helper

just to win her over.

But hang on.

Maybe that makes you a gift giver.

Are there any more categories you're going to put me in,

or is this it?

You've always been good at giving presents,

even with me.

That's because you're easy to buy for, Brad.

But Tessa...

I want to do something special for her, I just...

can't figure out what.

- Maybe you could... - Weren't you getting us coffees?

- I'll just go get the coffees. - Yeah.

Dear Santa, this year, my request

is the same as every year.

I know there's probably a lot of kids

asking for the same thing,

so I know I have to be patient and wait my turn.

But if it's at all possible, please, please, please,

let me be the one selected

to ring the bell on Christmas Eve.

I promise to do it with the utmost care.

Love, Tessa Findlay.

What?

Nothing.

Just, I don't know, you seem a lot more cheerful lately.

It's Christmas. Of course I am.

Oh.

So, nothing to do with all of this time

- you're spending with Noah? - No.

We are just spreading some holiday cheer.

Well, it's working.

The whole town's been buzzing about your acts of goodwill.

That Santa's workshop set up was a hit.

I think my grandfather would have loved that.

It's actually been fun to fulfill

the Christmas wishes with Noah.

- You're falling for him. - What?

No, I'm not.

We are so different. He is big city, modern, sleek.

I am old-fashioned and traditional

- and more understated. - So compromise.

Meet in the middle.

Come on, maybe there really is a way

to preserve a part of the post office

and allow Noah to move forward with his business plan.

I really wish there was.

It would make things so much easier.

But he has to answer to his investors.

Well, don't lose faith yet.

I mean, a week ago you never would have imagined

you'd be getting along with the enemy, so...

- Anything's possible. - Hmm.

Maybe even a Christmas romance?

You have been spending way too much time with Brad.

Only thing better than fresh bagels

are fresh bagels on the house.

What's that you got there?

An antique bell.

There used to be a tradition here

where every Christmas Eve one local child

would be selected to ring the bell just before midnight.

Cute.

Yeah, a sign of community and celebration.

Seemed to be an important part

of everyone's Christmas traditions.

Okay, so what are you going to do with it?

Not sure.

Okay, well, maybe we could donate it to the museum.

Or Tessa could take it

to the manor house and reestablish

the Christmas Eve tradition there.

Yeah.

Yeah, either of those options could work.

- Hmm. - Are you starting to rethink

the build plans?

No.

It's just...

This connection with Tessa is complicating things.

It's not not complicating things.

But it's more than that.

The more I learn about the history of this town

and the connections people have to it,

the more I feel a little apprehensive, I guess.

Enough to put the building plans on hold permanently?

We have to move forward.

I just wish there was a way Tessa and I could...

both get what we want.

In the meantime, I have one last gambit

to get her to come around to my way of thinking.

- One of these for me? - Yeah.

- Coffee, coffee, coffee. - Thank you.

All right.

Hey, um, do you have time to talk?

Yeah, of course.

So, um, I found a few more letters

and I was wondering...

Sure.

Uh, do you want to meet at the post office?

Yeah, yeah, that'd be great.

Um, also, if possible,

I would like to show you my entire presentation.

I have a new approach.

Okay. See you soon?

Okay, great.

Is this going to take long?

You agreed to be open-minded.

I know, I did, and I will.

It's just...

Older buildings were built with artistry and craftsmanship,

a pride in wanting to build something to last.

I'm not sure your presentation is going to persuade me.

I'd argue that whatever we create today

will be historical in a 100 years from now.

What we build today are cookie cutter

concrete and glass boxes that have no inspiration.

I'm hoping to change your mind once you see what I'm proposing.

I've seen this.

Okay, but you haven't seen the whole thing.

Okay, I admit

it's nice.

But you're still not impressed.

What can I say, I'm a tough critic.

Yeah, okay.

Ah, here.

This area will be used for community events

like weddings, parties, um, business networking.

Okay, this space is beautiful.

You designed this?

Yes, ma'am.

I want all my buildings to have a unique quality

that's recognizable as a

Harrington construction build...

not just some...

uninspired concrete and glass.

Fine, maybe with the right designer.

Modern architecture has a place.

Okay, now for the best part.

- A memorial of sorts? - Yeah,

a way to honor the building that stood here for generations.

Uh, we kept all the memorabilia we found

and I've always planned to dedicate the foyer

of the building to displaying it all.

That's a really nice touch.

Maybe if the town residents had seen the slide

of your presentation, you would have gained more support.

Yeah, well, we didn't quite get there

because someone couldn't wait

till the end of the presentation to ask questions.

It's really nice.

You're talented.

But...

you're still not ready to let go of this building, are you?

Unfortunately, no.

Okay, this is the last one.

Dear Santa, I've worked really hard

in my music lessons this year,

even landing the solo in the school Christmas pageant.

My dream is to someday perform on a real stage

in front of crowds of people.

This year, if it isn't too much trouble,

I'd like a karaoke machine.

Jillian Sharp,

she's the local music teacher in town.

None of us ever stood a chance

booking a solo when Jillian was auditioning for the choir.

Her plan was to move to Nashville.

She always said we'd hear her on the radio.

But she decided to stay in town and teach music lessons.

Yeah, her mom got sick,

so she stayed home after graduation.

And I know she has a karaoke machine.

I borrowed it for my dad's sixtieth birthday.

He loves to sing. When he really shouldn't.

I get that.

Anyway, that's the last one.

Hey...

what if...

we gave Jillian an opportunity to perform?

A Christmas-themed open mic night at the cafe.

It's not exactly the big stage she always dreamed of, but...

it's something.

I love it.

Let's do it.

Oh, Tessa it look so pretty!

- Wow! - Hey, Merry Christmas.

This was a great idea.

I hope you know how much folks appreciate

your kindness this Christmas.

It was Tess's knowledge of everyone

in town that made it happen.

Ah, so the two of you have put aside your differences, huh?

A temporary truce.

Are you still moving forward with the construction project?

If we can, yeah.

Even if it means jeopardizing

whatever's going on between the two of you?

There's nothing going on with us.

She doesn't even like me.

Right. Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that.

- What's going on here? - Jillian, hi!

What's all this?

It was Noah's idea.

We, uh, he thought it might be fun to feature

the town's best singer for a night of festive music.

We wanted to surprise you.

I think I found something that belongs to you.

This dream feels like a lifetime ago.

I can't believe you two did this.

Well, it's not the big Nashville stage,

but your hometown crowd would love to hear you play.

What do you say?

Okay.

♪ O come all ye faithful ♪

♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪

♪ O come ye, o come ye ♪

♪ To Bethlehem ♪

♪ Come and behold Him ♪

She's great.

- So good. - I know.

♪ King of angels ♪

♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪

♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪

♪ O come, let us ♪

♪ Adore Him ♪

♪ Christ ♪

♪ The Lord ♪

Dance with the enemy?

Sure.

Everyone looks like they're having a wonderful time.

Yeah, I think the town's starting to like me a little.

Hmm, maybe a little.

And how about you, Ms. Findlay?

Hmm, despite my best efforts.

Hey, um...

there's something I need to tell you.

What's that?

It's about the National Registry application.

Excuse me, Tessa.

- Thank you. - Oh, you're welcome.

- That was very special. - Oh, you did a great job.

- Really good. - You did.

Uh, what were you gonna say?

Oh, um...

just that whatever happens...

I've really enjoyed my time with you.

Me too.

♪ We'll build that little piece Of forever ♪

♪ You make my New Year dreams Come true ♪

Oh.

♪ Dreams come ♪

- ♪ True ♪ - It's so pretty.

It really is.

I'm sorry we're still on opposite sides of this thing.

I was really hoping that there'd be a way we could...

be in the middle.

Without either of us having to

sacrifice something important.

Yeah, me too.

- Karaoke was a good idea. - Yeah.

I couldn't have done it without you.

- I think we're good together. - Me too.

You and Noah looked awfully cozy last night.

He may have kissed me.

Okay.

Okay, details.

I don't know, we were walking along main street,

it was snowing, there were lights, it just...

kind of happened.

- Hmm. - It felt right.

Although the connection between us is very unexpected.

Do you think he'll have a change of heart?

I don't know.

Problem is, I'm not sure I want him to.

What do you mean?

I just feel like he's trying to find common ground.

It's from the National Registry.

Open it.

What happens if they've approved my application, though?

That's what you wanted, to preserve the post office.

Yes, it was, is.

I've just...

- gone and complicated things. - Hmm. By falling for the enemy.

Well, either way, you need to read the message.

Well?

The application's been denied.

What? Why? You met all the criteria.

No, we didn't meet the significance requirement.

That's impossible. I read your submission.

You detailed all of the ways

the post office holds significance

and the fact that you were going to use the building to educate.

Apparently, Noah wrote a letter

with a more compelling argument to the contrary.

Noah wrote a letter?

- He didn't tell you? - No.

Cocoa delivery.

I should probably get back to work.

- Take one to go? - Thanks, Noah.

Good luck.

Thank you.

- You okay? - Fine.

I don't need to read a dozen relationship

self-help books to know that fine means quite the opposite.

You wrote a letter to the National Registry

arguing against my significance claim.

I did.

That was before.

Before what?

Before you and I got to know one another.

Okay, and now that we know each other,

does that change anything?

Tessa, that building is in desperate need of repairs.

It's been neglected for years.

It's not the same building it once was.

So just demolishing it and forgetting

it ever existed is the best course of action?

I'm not saying that.

But you're moving forward either way.

We don't know that for sure.

Just because I wrote a letter arguing

my case against yours doesn't mean I'll win.

- You did. - What?

My nomination was denied based on your letter

that deemed the post office just another relic

the town is clinging to for relevance.

Oh.

I didn't mean it how it sounds.

Yes, you did.

Okay, maybe I did back then.

But I've grown to have a different opinion now.

Why?

Oak Creek.

The community and the people here, it's...

it's something I've never experienced.

And you have to believe me

when I tell you that I'm taking everything into consideration.

So you might not tear it down?

It's not that simple.

I've invested a lot into this project.

Yeah, but there are so many other locations

for your office building I mean, there are tons of old buildings.

Look...

I promised my grandfather...

that I would use my position as the local historian

to preserve the post office at all costs.

I'm sorry about your grandfather, Tessa.

I really am.

But saving the post office is not going to bring him back.

Uh.

We're done here, Mr. Harrington.

I worked for the post office

for over 20 years.

It truly is the heart of the community.

My wife and I had our wedding photos

taken outside the post office building.

The post office is where I met my husband,

both waiting in line to mail Christmas gifts.

We talked for hours that day.

Hey, Darla filled me in.

We're good to move forward as planned.

Yep.

Yet, you're not as happy as I would have expected.

Nope.

The petition was easy to ignore when it was just

a bunch of signatures on a page.

But now through their letters to Santa,

you've gotten to know the folks behind them.

Yeah.

Then there's this one.

You had hers this whole time?

Trying to figure out what to do about it.

Makes sense now why she wanted to preserve this place.

Yeah. It goes deeper than that, though.

She promised her grandfather that she would use her position

as town historian to do whatever it takes

to keep this building safe.

So, what are you going to do with it?

- A question of the hour. - Listen, Noah, you know that

I'll support whatever you decide.

Why does it sound like

you have a preference that you're not revealing?

All I'm going to say is,

sometimes things are worth holding on to.

Even if it doesn't make sense for the sake of progress.

So, did you talk to Noah?

I don't think there's anything left to say.

Oh, Tessa, I'm so sorry.

I really thought he might have a change of heart.

Thinking maybe you did too.

Yeah, I... I guess I was

hoping that he'd be willing to make a different choice,

and then he didn't.

Tessa, I've seen the way that he looks at you.

And the way that you light up when you're around him.

That's special.

It'd just be such a shame

to let this get in the way of your future happiness.

I don't know what happens now.

Well...

all I know from reading countless books

on relationships this Christmas is that...

sometimes it's better to let go of the past...

you know? So you can move forward with your future.

Yes, I'm happy to say we're back on schedule.

Yep, a few days after New Year's,

the construction on the building will commence.

Thank you again for your patience

while we sorted this out.

Merry Christmas to you too.

Oh, great.

Okay.

Oh...

that was the last project on my to-do list.

Yeah, and...

this is the last book in the relationship section.

We, um, we make a good team.

Okay.

It's a... Well, it's a shame

our friends couldn't do the same.

Yeah. Yeah, my, uh, my buddy's got it bad.

If he's actually considering walking away from this project,

he's got so much riding on.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah, I think Tessa's been reconsidering

what she wants too.

Oh

You know what?

I think you should forget everything

you read in these books.

What do you mean?

Well...

I think you're pretty perfect the way you are.

- You do? - Yeah, I do.

And, you know, the right woman is gonna see that too.

She's not gonna expect you to change

to fit some ideal of the perfect partner.

She's...

she's gonna love you...

for who you truly are.

And, you know, if she doesn't, then...

- well, she doesn't deserve you. - Maybe you're right.

Oh, I'm definitely right.

Come in.

- Hey. - Hey.

About earlier, I shouldn't have said what I did, and I'm sorry.

In the beginning, all I cared about

was moving the building project forward.

But things are different now.

I care about this town.

And I really care about you.

Things are different for me too.

And I care about you a lot.

I don't... I don't want your business to fail

just because of my inability to let go of the past.

I've been doing some thinking,

and there's something I want to show you.

Okay.

Mm-hmm.

I've decided to try a different approach

with my presentation to investors,

and I'd love your thoughts.

If we keep the original exterior facade,

it will reduce the number of floors in the building,

but I can extend back further

and make up that additional office space.

I mean, this is fantastic.

You'd consider doing that?

Yeah.

For the town.

For you.

I... I love this idea.

Thank you.

This... this means a lot to me.

You mean a lot to me.

And this is what you want too?

What I want...

is to preserve the past...

while building a new future...

with you.

There's something I've got to do.

- Oh, I'll... - Okay.

Can you, uh, meet me tonight at the post office?

- Yeah, I'll see you tonight. - Okay.

I can happily say I don't think we will have any trouble

getting the committee to approve this new, uh, plan.

Thank you, Mayor Mitchell. It's fantastic news.

Thank you. And Tessa for figuring this out.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas to you.

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!

Just a few more steps.

All right, you can open them.

You found the bell?

I believe this used to be a Christmas Eve tradition

that was really important to the community.

How do you know that?

Well...

You had this the whole time?

I had to deliver one last Christmas wish.

"Dear Santa, this year my request

is the same as every year."

"To be the one selected to ring the bell on Christmas Eve."

It's your turn. Go ahead.

Okay.

Just as magical as I thought it would be.

I guess there's just one thing left to do.

This tradition should continue too.

Who's going to answer all the letters?

We did a pretty good job this year.

What do you say we do it again next year?

I say that's a great idea.

I think we just started our own new Christmas tradition.

Yeah, I guess we did.

I'm falling in love with you, Tessa.

I'm falling in love with you too, Noah.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.