Original subtitles

[jingly instrumental "Deck the Halls" plays]

[♪♪]

[♪♪]

[knock on door]

Merry Christmas.

- Hi! - I come bearing gifts.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, no, no, no, open it now.

- Now? - Yeah.

Okay... [gasps]

It's beautiful.

- You like it? - I love it.

Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

It's gorgeous.

I knew that you were decorating your tree and uh,

I just wanted to get it to you on time, you know?

This writer respects deadlines.

So, speaking of deadlines...

Oh, uh... right.

Um... ahem.

Hmm.

An outline?

Uh, okay, here we go.

Now we are cookin'.

Okay. Wait a minute.

We can't send this in.

Well, I know that it's written out longhand.

We'll just get someone to type it up. It's okay.

No, no, no, it... it's not that, it's just that um...

oh, it's really bad.

You're always too hard on yourself.

No, I mean, I wrote this and I fell asleep reading it.

Well, it... I mean, it's the outline. It's not the book.

I don't know, it's... it's wrong.

"The Forgotten History of L.A. Urbanization"?

I mean, who am I kidding?

Well, I mean, you made

"The Forgotten History of Boston Streets" work.

Well, because I... I live in Boston.

I'm connected to this place.

But Los Angeles?

It's just gonna be...

a bunch of research, you know?

There's no... heart to that.

It's not a good idea to reinvent the wheel.

I know, but what if no one likes it?

And I'm telling you, I am telling you,

if this is my second book,

I will not have a third.

Well, so, what do we do?

I'll just find something I'm passionate about

and write about it.

Okay, well...

if we pitch them a new idea right after New Year's

then we stand a chance.

Otherwise, we might lose the deal.

Right after this New Year's.

- Yeah. - All right.

All right, well, that's...

fine. I can do that.

Uh, I'll just, I'll work through Christmas and um,

get you something... let's say,

January 2nd.

Hey, if anyone can do it, you can.

[Erin chuckles nervously]

Well, I apologize for not making you dinner

but I didn't realize I was gonna be this busy.

Well, you have a deadline. I get it.

Any new book ideas? No.

Well, I have an idea for you.

Might help to keep your mind off the book with a little adventure.

Dad, what are you talking about?

I can't go on an adventure. Hear your old man out.

How about we...

take a little Christmas trip together, on me.

Oh.

Dad, I wish I could.

But it's just the wrong timing, you know?

I'm so busy with this new book idea and I'm just...

I've gotta be honest with you, I am stuck.

Maybe that's the thing.

Maybe a change of scenery is just what you need to get you unstuck.

And I have the perfect place.

Where?

Aurora.

- Your hometown? - Yeah.

Why so surprised?

Well, just...

we haven't been back there in forever.

All the more reason to go.

We had a great time up there when you were little.

Hmm.

I remember.

Sort of. Yeah.

I do remember Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Are you still renting that place out?

Yeah, and that's the thing.

Last week, I get a call from my real estate guy.

He says that he has got a very serious buyer interested

and that now might be the time to let it go.

Okay.

Well, I'm telling you right now, that's not gonna be easy for me.

There's too many memories.

So, that's why you want me to come.

Moral support.

Yes.

Christmas in Aurora is something very special.

And it's the perfect place to see the northern lights.

After all, they've named the whole town

after the aurora borealis.

I mean, I have to admit, it would be pretty cool

to see those lights, as an adult.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, but Dad, I am so busy.

I have so much work to do.

No, I'll give you plenty of time to do that. I promise you.

Trust your old man, huh?

If I tell you it's Christmas...

You can hang your stocking.

Okay.

Aurora, here we come.

[Doug chuckles happily]

That looks incredible!

I know, look at all the colors.

Okay, where is this town of Aurora exactly?

It's in the Northwest Territories.

Oh, Canada.

Oh, geez. Sounds cold.

- Colder than here? - Yeah.

And like something out of an old Western,

like a one-street town with nothin' but tumbleweeds and a saloon.

Marlene, it's not that tiny. Look.

I mean, got nice hotels.

Got these big, fancy luxury tour buses.

Look at this.

Heated glamping tents.

Okay, I can actually look at the northern lights from my bed.

Okay, okay.

You know, a trip to get the creative juices flowing

is a good idea. I think so.

I just thought you'd pick somewhere... warmer?

Well, I mean I didn't pick this place

but it's gonna make my dad happy so I'm gonna go.

- Okay. - Plus...

I am ready for the cold.

Yeah, you think those boots will be warm enough up north?

Oh!

With what I paid for these boots,

they'd better keep me warm in outer space.

[laughs] Okay, let's see some more.

Oh! The northern lights are so cool.

[upbeat instrumental "Jingle Bells" plays]

Ugh!

Ooh!

Ha, okay.

All right, Dad, let's get our rental and get some heat on.

Yeah.

Actually, I, uh...

I couldn't find us a car. What?

Peak season.

By the time I tried, they were all out.

- Oh, Dad! - Not to worry, not to worry.

Our tour guide offered to pick us up.

Ugh, okay.

Well, uh, which one are they?

Uh, none of them.

What?

Yeah, Trevor said he'd text us when he arrives.

But I cannot seem to get a signal.

Oh, Dad, please tell me that you looked online

and that this tour company had some good reviews.

Oh, I didn't bother with all that.

Dad, you have to because these tours are expensive.

Look, this one's run by a family I have known

from way back. They are simply the best.

So, there's nothing to worry about, okay?

Except this...

this phone situation.

Okay, look, hold on. Just, why don't...

why don't you just go inside and try to...

get a better Wi-Fi signal and I will, I don't know,

I'll try to figure out if anyone can help us.

Okay, good idea.

Good idea. [Erin grumbles]

Where...

Uh, ma'am, would you like me to put that on for you?

Oh, no.

N-no, sorry, I'm just looking for my tour guide.

Oh, uh, what's their name?

- Their name? - Yeah.

Their name is uh...

Gregor.

Gregor.

- Gregor? - Yeah.

I know all the guides here. I don't think there's a Gregor.

- No? - No.

Okay, uh, well, what tour company are you with?

Oh, I don't recall.

No, that's okay. Did you get a confirmation email?

My dad would have that. I'm actually with him.

Oh! Uh, he's here.

- Yeah. - Where is he?

Well, he's actually in the airport trying to get a Wi-Fi signal.

We're on this father-daughter trip

and I come here there's no Wi-Fi, there's no car rental.

He's taking me on some tour.

Didn't even check the reviews, so I bet that's gonna be...

ooh, that's us.

Wait, that is you. Okay.

- Yep. - Well...

- Gregor? [laughs] - No. Trevor.

- Trevor. - Trevor Crane, at your service.

- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

Uh, my name's Erin.

Erin. Nice to meet you, Erin. Welcome to Aurora.

Yeah, thanks. [shivers]

Are you warm enough?

Well, uh, not gonna lie,

it feels like it's 10 below out here.

Actually 20. That's fine, though.

Who's counting, right? Yeah.

First pro tip, ignore the thermometer.

Yes. Listen, you're gonna have a great time, okay?

You are guaranteed to have a Northwest Christmas experience.

All right? Now, I've got all kinds of things planned.

We've got local food, we've got hikes, snowshoeing.

Whatever you need. Yeah.

And the... the lights.

- Oh, absolutely the lights. - Yeah.

I mean, it is called Aurora.

Right.

There is more to the town of Aurora

than the aurora borealis, okay? Just so you know.

But we just wanna keep those lights at the top of that list, right?

Yes, ma'am. Absolutely. [chuckles]

Well, now, looks like you two found each other.

- Hi, Dad. - Oh, there he is.

Wow! Hey.

Mr. Barnes, it's a pleasure to meet you.

It's... thank you so much for your email by the way.

It's actually really exciting to get to kinda host

a friend of my Uncle Cyrus.

You know, he was a tour guide around here

when this wasn't such a big business.

Yeah, uh, he was best in the Northwest Territory.

- Yep. - Taught me everything I know and handed over the reins.

- Heh. - Well, shall we go?

Yeah, let's do it. [Trevor]: Okay, let me grab this.

Thank you. Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Is... isn't that... No, this is not my bus.

That's not your bus?

Ah, there's my bus right there.

Ha, ha!

I call her Sugar Plum.

Yeah, named after my mom's favorite ballet, The Nutcracker.

Anyway, all aboard!

[Doug laughs] Come on!

[horn honks "Jingle Bells"]

[Trevor and Doug laugh]

[Erin chuckles hesitantly]

Yeah, at Christmas, I like to customize my horn

for my customers, you know. Just give them the full, seasonal experience.

So, uh, what hotel are you folks staying at?

[sighs] Actually, all the hotels are booked up.

We're staying at a bed and breakfast.

- We are? - Yeah.

The uh... Duncan B&B?

Yeah. Ah, they're fantastic over there.

Listen, Nancy Duncan, oh, she makes these waffles, gingerbread.

Ooh! It's worth the price of the room alone.

[chuckles] Well, better yet, they had rooms.

[Erin chuckles, annoyed]

[Trevor]: Okay, well, here we are.

I'll be back at 8 p.m. for your first northern light tour, okay?

Okay. All right.

Okay, thank you, Trevor, and we will see you tonight.

See you soon. Warm up!

[Trevor]: All right, one more block to go

and then we get to Sugar Plum, and then off we go, westward ho.

Oh, don't you mean eastward ho?

No, no, westward. There's a lookout point over there.

+lt's gonna be a great spot for us to catch the lights.

Uh... okay.

Because my Aurora Tracker app actually says - The what?

- The Aurora Tracker app. - What?

Yeah. You don't use it?

- No. - Oh!

It's awesome.

Yeah, it has like, visibilities, probability.

Best place to see the lights.

Yeah!

Wow, look at that.

I gotta be honest with you, okay?

The only app I've ever needed is right here.

Yeah, my Uncle Cyrus,

he taught me how to just read the night sky.

You know, how to sense the air.

How to use the intuition.

I don't know, the northern lights, they speak to ya.

You just gotta listen.

Okay, but the app says that you...

Erin, um, you know, people around here

have been viewing the northern lights for hundreds of years.

And... and Trevor's our guide.

Let's... let's let him guide us.

Right?

You're right, Dad. Of course.

All right.

Guide on.

I'd love to. All right.

Come on.

[Doug chuckles happily]

[Trevor]: All right. [Erin]: Whew!

Right this way.

Oh, this is beautiful!

It's cold but beautiful.

Okay.

All right, here we are.

All right.

Where are we supposed to look for the lights?

Yeah.

Well, that's not why I pulled over.

- Huh? - Yeah.

Uh, what I need you both to do is actually just look right out there.

Okay?

Now, do you see how the moon is hitting that ice?

[Erin]: Yeah. - That's a frozen lake. Okay?

What I need you to do now is close your eyes.

What?

Yeah, you're gonna close your eyes and listen, okay?

[wind whistles]

What are we... what are we listening for?

Yeah, you just gotta be really quiet.

You'll hear it.

[loud crackles and thumps in distance]

Yeah, I hear it.

I hear it too.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

Is that...

That's the ice.

It's cracking.

You know, kinda feels like it's alive, right?

Like it's talking to you? Yeah.

Yes, I hear it.

Yeah, my uncle always told me, you know,

it's better to make sure that your guests have a unique experience.

It's not about chasing the northern lights,

it's about showing why they exist.

Right?

Little miracles like this, right?

Just another one of the wonders of God's creation.

You know, and then that all circles back to the...

the true light of the season.

Right? [chuckles]

Yeah.

Okay, I gotta give it to you.

This was pretty amazing.

I mean, I still wanna see the lights but...

this is neat, yeah. [Trevor chuckles]

Trevor, is it at all possible that we could...

get a shot at seeing the lights tonight? What are the odds?

Ha. Well, listen, you're my guests

and I wanna make sure you're happy. I'm gonna do my best.

Okay? Yeah.

Speaking of happy,

here is something I offer my guests.

Let's see.

Ah, here we go.

[lid pops off]

Cookie? [Doug]: Ooh, yes.

[Doug laughs] Uh, no. No, thank you.

- I baked 'em. - Yeah.

- Erin. [Trevor]: Homemade.

You really have to taste this.

- Okay, okay. - Sweetheart, you're gonna love this.

Okay, all right.

[cookie crunches] Hmm?

You baked those?

Yes, ma'am. Yeah. Just a little hobby.

Something I like to do on the side.

[Doug laughs]

This is really good. Wow.

- Woo! - Oh, wow.

- Very good. - Good.

Oh.

[wind howling]

Oh. [shivers]

Northeasterly wind moving in.

That means the lights are gonna take the night off.

You know what? I'll have to give you guys a ride back tonight.

But hey, we'll try again tomorrow, okay?

Wait. Wait, wait. We just got out here.

I know. I mean, I could keep driving you around,

but trust me, not gonna see the lights tonight.

Come on, sweetheart.

Let's go back.

We've had a very long day. We need the rest.

Hmm?

Yeah, I mean, you're right. You're right.

We've got the real estate meeting tomorrow

and it is our first night, so all right.

Okay. Okay, back to Sugar Plum.

Warm up. Yeah?

["Deck the Halls" playing]

[Erin]: Grandma and Granpa's old house.

[Doug]: Mm-hmm.

I do remember it.

Yeah, isn't this place over 100 years old?

Mm-hmm.

There's a lot of Barnes family history right here.

Come on.

[man]: Mr. Barnes. - Oh.

Hey, you must be Mike.

Yeah, great to finally meet you in person, Doug.

Welcome back. This is my daughter, Erin.

- Hi, nice to meet you. - Pleasure.

Why don't we get out of this cold, huh?

The buyer's agent should be here any minute. Good.

Thanks.

Oh, look at this place.

Wow.

Huh. Yeah, it was Mike's idea

to frame all the old family photos.

You know, to help with the um... what do you call it?

- Staging. - Oh, yeah.

I like that.

And I love that you decorated for Christmas.

Well, thanks. I thought it would make it feel more welcoming.

[Doug]: Yeah.

Your great-grandfather and his brothers built this place in 1912.

Felt a lot bigger when I was a lot smaller.

[Mike laughs]

[Doug]: That window...

some nights I actually saw the northern lights from it.

Yeah, very special way to grow up.

[door opens]

- Hello? [Mike]: Ah, there she is.

Doug, I'd like to you meet the buyer's agent.

She's the best in the business.

Laura Michaels?

[Laura giggles]

Is that really you?

Doug Barnes, oh, my goodness.

- You know each other! - Well, um...

When we were kids, we were neighbors, on this very block.

We used to go to Sunday School together.

You... you haven't changed a bit!

Oh, well, I definitely have, but you're very kind to say.

[Doug exhales happily]

- Dad. - Huh?

- Hi. - Oh!

My daughter, Erin.

- Oh, nice to meet you. [Erin]: Nice to meet you.

Oh, I was hoping I'd see you over the years but no such luck.

- Well. - So... about the sale.

Oh, sorry.

I have an all-cash offer and my client is very motivated.

So, they really love the house.

Yes. But more so the land.

I think they wanna build something bigger, maybe more modern.

It's not really my taste but they're the client.

Well... it's the way of the world nowadays, huh?

More modern.

I've got all the paperwork back at my office.

So, how long are you in town for?

Well, we're supposed to leave the day after Christmas.

I hope that's enough time to wrap it up.

Oh, I don't know why not.

But hey, you'll be here for the Borealis Ball.

Do they still do that?

- 75 years and counting. - Oh.

And you're talking to the chair of the planning committee.

Oh, whoa.

It's not really a formal ball

but the night before Christmas Eve,

the whole town comes together to raise money for charity.

It's loads of fun. Yeah, I bet it is.

[Doug]: Yeah.

You know, I'd love to catch up properly

if you had some free time.

I'd like that.

[sentimental music plays]

Well, I mean, you know, you guys could do that right now

because I was planning on taking a little walk anyway.

Are you sure, hon?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's fine.

I need the exercise.

And plus, I have to get some warmer gear, so.

Oh, you should try Nordic Outfitters on Pine Ridge.

They have everything.

- Pine Ridge? - Mm-hmm.

All right, thank you.

Uh, okay, well, you guys have fun.

- Yeah. - It was nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you, too. - See ya.

[indistinct street chatter]

48 Pine Ridge.

48 Pine Ridge.

This is not it.

Okay.

- Hey. - Good morning.

- Whoa! Oh! Oh, sorry. - Oh, wow!

- Hey! - Hey! Hi!

Using an app to get around, huh?

Yeah. Yeah.

Well, those apps will get you hurt. [chuckles]

No, very funny.

No, I was... I was looking for 48 Pine Ridge and this is it

but it's not Nordic Outfitters. Ah.

No, this is 48 Pine Ridge Street.

- Uh-huh. - You're looking for 48 Pine Ridge Place

which is three blocks that way. Oh, okay.

Three very cold blocks.

It gets warmer as you go that way. [both chuckle]

I can give you a ride, if you want.

No, no, that's fine.

I can brave the cold.

I actually know a place that's better.

It's about half a block down.

I can take you if you wanna see it.

Oh. Uh... no,

I'm sure you've got more important things to do.

Well, you're my guest in town. What's more important than you?

[exhales] Well, uh, that's very kind of you.

Uh, sure. I could use the company.

- Okay, right this way. - Okay.

[Doug]: What about Cyrus?

Is he still stubborn as ever?

Oh, he hasn't changed a bit. But that's why we love him.

So, when are you two going to get together?

Uh, I'm not quite sure.

He told me he was gonna try to get back early from his trip.

- Oh. I hope he does. - Yeah.

I mean, you're only here until right after Christmas.

That gives you four days for the perfect homecoming?

Hmm, yeah.

So, is it just you and Erin on this trip?

Yeah. Father and daughter trip.

Hmm.

Yeah, my wife... um, Elise...

passed away almost five years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Thank you.

What about you, married? Have kids?

Oh no, but I have lots of nieces and nephews

and some grand-nephews, so they keep me busy.

- I bet they do. - Yeah.

But me, I...

just never met the right person, I guess.

Maybe I'm too picky.

[chuckles]

Hmm. Yeah.

- Okay, let me get that. - Okay. Sorry.

[laughs] Woo!

Wow, I think you bought out the whole store.

Gah. You can't do that to me.

You can't take me in there with all that cute stuff.

No way.

And by the way, is it winter?

'Cause I can't tell. [Trevor laughs]

Well, that's good. I'm glad you feel better.

All these clothes are made out of material that we've been using

to survive in subzero temperatures for a very long time.

- Nice. - Yeah.

Oh, and thank you for the "Trevor discount."

Hey, anytime.

You know, you're shopping local. They like that.

So do I.

You really love it here, don't you?

Yep.

Yeah, my roots go pretty deep here with my family.

So, it probably sounds kinda corny.

It's an occupational hazard.

No, no.

I actually think it sounds refreshing.

I can't imagine being from a place like this, really.

And I guess Boston is my home.

I mean, it's where I spent most of my adult life.

My uh, my mom was in the military

so we moved around a lot.

And I know my dad's from here, right?

But just...

I don't know, I don't really get a sense of my roots.

Much less my history.

Well, I mean, everybody has a history, right?

You just haven't found yours yet.

Yeah, maybe.

And besides, I mean, you got all these new, fancy clothes.

You're ready for the weather.

And it is lunchtime, so you hungry?

Yeah.

Yeah, but I was just gonna go back to my bed and breakfast

and get some room service.

[playful music plays]

Wait a minute, does a bed and breakfast have room service?

No.

Oh, if only you had your very own personal guide

who knew every great spot in this town.

Hmm. Know anybody I can call?

Yeah. Yeah, I have an idea.

[Trevor]: Speaking of which, what do you do for work?

- I'm a writer. - Really?

- Mm-hmm. - That's cool.

What do you write?

No, wait. No, I'm gonna guess.

Okay, uh... [sighs]

Mysteries?

- No. No. - No?

Okay, romance?

No.

No, it's nothing that exciting.

Um, I'm an urban historian.

- Oh, so you write about cities. - Mm-hmm.

Okay, what cities have you written about?

Well, so far I've only written one book

about the history of the streets of Boston.

Okay.

But my publisher is currently pushing me

for a second book idea and I am completely stuck.

[Trevor chuckles] Yep, have no idea what to write about.

How'd you come up with the idea for your first book?

I was sitting in Boston traffic, if you can believe it.

[Trevor laughs] Yeah, at a standstill.

And I was looking around, and I thought to myself,

you know, this cannot be what the founders of this city

had envisioned for its future, you know?

Because the decisions that they make way back then

affect me, you, millions of people, right?

Yeah.

So, I don't know, I was just interested in it.

So, I started digging and before you know it, had a book.

Didn't even feel like work.

Wow.

Sounds like it just kinda came out of your own curiosity.

- Yeah. - Hmm.

Well, maybe you just need another question to ask, huh?

Or actually you just need to find out what's nagging you.

Like, traffic. Huh.

Well, the only thing that's nagging me right now is...

I don't know what to write about.

[both laugh]

[gentle music plays]

[pen scratching]

Hmm.

[pen scratching]

Oh.

All right, Pop, I'm ready to go.

Well, look at you.

Well, aren't you the height of outdoor fashion.

Ha! Well, Trevor helped me pick out all this stuff.

Ah. Trevor?

Stop.

Okay, I just got a little lost downtown and I ran into him,

and so, he took me to a place where all the locals shop.

And um, and then we went to lunch.

Lunch?

[Trevor]: Oh, good evening, you two.

- Hi. - Hey.

You know, I uh, I wish you would've gotten me something here.

I feel very underdressed.

You look great, okay?

What's not so great...

I don't think we'll be able to see the lights this evening.

Too overcast. Oh.

Oh no.

Well, that's a shame.

[Trevor]: Yeah.

Well, better luck tomorrow, huh?

- Yeah, okay. [Trevor]: I like that attitude.

And hey, you know what?

As an alternative, we have a Christmas market.

We could go there. I think you'll love it.

Yeah.

Yeah, what do you think?

Yeah.

Yeah?

Yeah, actually, that does sound fun. So, yeah.

Yeah. Maybe I could, uh, I could invite Laura.

Would that be okay with you?

Yeah. Yeah, Dad.

- Yeah. - That's a good idea.

[Doug chuckles happily]

Okay. Well, hey, the more the merrier, right?

Can I grab that for you? Sure, thanks.

- Oh. - Thank you.

All right.

[mother]: Oh, smile!

You're with Santa!

[Laura]: See you at the ball. Save me a dance!

[Erin]: By the way, Laura, speaking of... of dancing,

I would like to know if my dad was a good dancer back in the day?

Or was he just a big, old nerd

that just stood up against the wall?

Ah, he was smart.

But...

way too cute to fit in the nerd category.

Oh.

I wish I'd have known that then.

You know, Laura here, she was exactly what you expect.

You know, feisty girl next door that almost all the boys had a crush on.

[Laura laughs] Almost all the boys?

I plead the fifth.

[man]: Okay, everybody, let's give Santa a little break

and start our annual caroling open mic.

Remember, it's for the church charity.

Just five dollars per song.

So, come on up, help your neighbors and uh,

spread that Christmas cheer.

Okay, all right.

All right, so I'm gonna make the donation

and you're gonna pick the song.

Huh?

You want me to sing? Yeah.

[laughs] No, no, I... I don't sing.

Oh, come on! It's for charity.

Well, I don't mind donating.

Actually, I'll even cheer for you.

Woo!

But uh, no, you don't wanna hear me sing.

None of you do, trust me. I'm gonna ruin all these folks' Christmas.

You're not gonna ruin Christmas.

But you can be a bah humbug.

Fine. Oh.

- Dad. - No.

[Trevor]: You sure? - No!

Ugh. Laura?

Oh, I can't.

I've been banned. I tend to get carried away.

[Doug and Laura laugh]

Okay, fine.

I will be right back. Okay.

All right. We have our first performer.

Welcome! [Erin]: Hi.

There you go.

- Okay. - Okay.

Hi, everybody. Merry Christmas.

I am just gonna sing the first verse of a...

of a lovely Christmas carol

that just happens to be my mom's favorite, so.

[crowd coos]

[whispers]: Silent Night.

Okay, thank you.

["Silent Night" plays]

♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

♪ All is calm

♪ All is bright

♪ Round yon Virgin

♪ Mother and Child

♪ Holy infant, so tender and mild ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

[clapping] [woman]: So lovely.

- Wow. - Wonderful.

[instrumental "The Holly and the Ivy" plays]

Hey, Dad.

So, I found us this really great hike.

It's got four stars. Hon, a bit of a curveball.

- Huh? - Mike, the real estate agent,

called and he needs me to come down to the office

and look over the offer.

Oh, okay, well, we'll just stop by there on the way.

[stammers]: You don't have to come.

Well, Dad, I wanna come.

This isn't an easy thing, you selling your house.

Look, it's gonna be okay.

It means more to me that you have a very fun day.

Hmm? Oh.

Are you sure? Yes, I'm sure.

Well, okay.

All right, I'll just catch a cab to the trailhead then.

No, uh... look. I um...

I didn't like the idea of you traipsing off to the wilderness by yourself.

So, if you don't mind, I made some arrangements.

Hmm?

[Trevor's horn plays "Jingle Bells"]

You called Trevor?

Yeah.

He promised me that he would give you

a unique wilderness experience.

Dad, you didn't ask me.

Well, if I had, I'm pretty sure you would've said no.

- Exactly. - Hmm.

Try and have fun.

- Goodbye, Dad. - Goodbye.

- Hey. - Hi.

Christmas cookie of the day.

Those are really cute, uh,

but I'm not really a morning cookie type person.

Okay, that's all right.

Listen, your, uh, dad tells me that you're up for an adventure today.

I am, yes, and I've been doing a little research.

- Yeah? - And there's this trail that I found online.

- Prospector Trail. - Yeah.

Yeah. It's pretty popular amongst the tourists.

Nah, I think we can do better.

Uh... well, are you sure?

Because it's probably popular for a reason.

No, I'm positive.

Okay, all right.

Well, what'd you have in mind?

It's a surprise.

Don't really like surprises.

Okay, well, listen, if you don't like it,

we'll go hike Prospector Trail.

Twice.

Deal?

Deal.

- Okay. - Okay.

[instrumental "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plays]

[Erin laughing]: Oh.

Thank you.

All right. Right this way.

[Erin]: Wow!

[Trevor]: Silver Lake.

It's one of my favorite spots.

So quiet out here.

Won't get that in the city.

No, you do not.

That's a gift, really.

Just all the peace and quiet.

Allows you to just really listen.

Hmm.

All right, follow me.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. Out there?

Yeah. We're just gonna walk across.

- Isn't that a lake? - Yeah.

Okay, but that's just a bunch of snow covering the ice.

Yes. No, it's safe, okay?

It's really thick actually.

I usually drive across it this time of year. You wanna drive instead?

No, no, no. No, I don't wanna drive,

I don't wanna walk. I'm not... not going out there.

You... okay.

No, that's fine. If you're more comfortable here,

I mean, that's fine.

I mean, we can probably still see them from here.

See... who?

Who are we looking for?

Huh? Shh.

It's a surprise.

Okay.

I don't see anything.

There they are.

Okay, just look through those.

[chuckles] Little to the left.

Uh-huh.

Okay, there's a clearing in the trees.

- I don't see anything. - There's a bit of a clearing.

Once you see that... Oh no! I see them.

- You got 'em? - Yeah.

Oh, what are they?

Caribou.

Like, reindeer?

- Yeah. - Ah!

They come through here quite often so I was really hoping you'd get a chance to see them.

You know, in person.

I mean not in some guidebook or...

definitely won't see them on another tour.

My dad used to bring me out here all the time.

Used to tell me that those were Santa's reindeer.

You know, and they were scoping out a landing site for Christmas Eve.

That's good.

Yeah.

Oh, wow.

Gorgeous.

Never seen anything like it.

I mean, in real life anyway.

You did good. This was cool.

Yeah. [Trevor laughs]

[Trevor]: All right.

All right, well, on to what's next.

- What's that? - It's a saw.

I know it's a saw but what's it for?

It's for the ice. You brought your bathing suit, right?

- What? - We can come back tomorrow.

We'll prep the space today and then hit a cold plunge tomorrow.

[nervous chuckle] You're kidding, right?

No.

I'm not gonna go do some polar bear plunge with you.

- No? - No!

I am not your girl for that.

- Like, that's a hard no? - Yes.

- Yes. - No.

No, that's a hard no. No.

You sure? It's really cold.

I mean, it's invigorating. It's good for your mood.

Great for your circulation, endorphins.

Okay, my-my mood and my circulation are so good.

I'm really happy with those things.

Okay.

[saw rasps in case]

Well, go to Plan B.

Follow me.

[Trevor]: Timber!

You weren't actually gonna go swimming, were you?

Hey, if you would've went in, I would've went with you.

[Erin chuckles]

Okay, so now I need a tree.

Doesn't have to be anything fancy. My place is pretty small.

Wait a minute. Then what was that?

Oh, that one's for my uncle.

Uh, what do you think of this?

Um... hmm.

Hmm. No?

I mean, well, I mean, it's just kind of ordinary.

- Oh. - And you're not ordinary.

Okay.

I'll take that as a compliment.

[Erin inhales then pauses]

Can I ask you a personal question?

Yes.

I mean, aside from your...

mountain man-esque kind of fashion

and your total unwillingness to accept modern technology,

you seem like a nice, normal guy.

You know, and I'm sure you meet women from all around the world

with your job, so why are you single?

[Trevor chuckles]

Hold on, hold on. Let me guess.

You're the picky type.

Hmm?

I might be, just a little.

I knew it.

[laughs] - Well, and I have a rule. - Hmm?

Well, I keep my relations with my guests purely professional.

Hmm.

Even if I may be tempted to act otherwise.

[curious music plays]

That's... that's a solid rule, yeah.

Hey.

- You like this one? - Yeah.

Look, I mean, it's like... it's screaming you.

It's like if... it's like if you were a Christmas tree.

That's... what you'd look like.

What do you think?

Hmm?

Well, the magic of a Christmas tree.

Star on top for all to see.

We all bring gifts on bended knee

to remember the coming of the newborn king.

That's nice. Is that Robert Frost?

[chuckles] Ms. Sadler's 8th Grade English class, Trevor Crane.

Oh, really? You wrote that?

- Yeah. - Oh, that's great.

Look at you, you poet.

How I remember that, I have no idea.

But you know what? I'm gonna keep my day job.

I'll leave the writing up to you, okay? Oh.

Hey, speaking of which, you have a book to come up with, right?

- Ugh. - So, listen, I can take you back,

leave you alone for a while. No. No, no, no.

No. Um...

I... I can do that later before you pick me up tonight.

But right now, I think that uh, this is your guy.

- Really? - Yeah.

Oh, how do you know that's a guy?

Well, it's clearly a guy.

It's tall, handsome,

and feel like he's gonna be kinda stubborn.

[laughs] Okay, there it is.

Well, we'll see. Hmm?

[man]: Let's get you on the bus. Let's get you warmed up.

We've got some complimentary hot chocolate, some really fun surprises.

I promised you the night of a life time.

[Trevor]: Ah, there he is. - Hey, buddy.

All right, so when I say I know a guy?

- Hmm? - Noah,

this is a client of mine and friend, Erin Barnes.

- Hi, nice to meet you. - Hi, nice to meet you.

Are you enjoying your vacation? I am.

Yeah, I am. That's great.

- Uh, I'll be right back. - Yeah.

- Hey, Dad. - Hey. - Hey...

This could be you, buddy.

Job's yours if you want it. Go get on your bus.

Oh, come... all right, well, you have fun, okay?

Yeah. [Erin]: Good, I'll tell you about it on the drive.

Okay. [Erin and Doug sigh]

[curious music plays]

[chuckles nervously]

- Okay, ready to go. - Ha, ha.

[Trevor]: I'm, uh, I'm real sorry.

[sighs]

Not gonna see the lights tonight.

Well, I don't understand.

The... where are all those people going?

Uh... I don't know.

There's not a cloud in the sky.

Yeah.

[Trevor]: Yeah, I know. - Well, let me guess.

You know something they don't?

Can't explain it.

Uh... okay, well, can you try?

Yeah. Yeah, I could try.

Um, so... if the northern lights are imminent, right,

and there's a slight atmospheric shift,

that's a change in pressure, then it...

[laughs] I guess I can't explain it.

Okay.

All I can say is I've been doing this a really long time

and it's just something you feel in the air, okay?

It's not... it's not physical, it's like a gut feeling you get.

Okay. Uh...

okay, uh, well, Trevor,

my dad and I have been here what, three nights. Right?

- Mm-hmm. - We haven't seen the lights yet.

So, how about just for... just for one night,

we just ignore your little gut feeling

and we follow my Aurora Tracker app, which says, by the way,

there's a 28 percent chance that we'll see them tonight.

So...

Erin, I get it.

Okay? It's a natural phenomenon. You wanna see it, right?

Look, you wanna catch it and you'll do whatever it takes.

Trust me, that app, it has an algorithm.

Takes its best guess, but that's all it is.

It's a guess. [Erin sighs]

Okay? It doesn't have human intuition.

It doesn't...

look, honestly, I don't wanna waste your time, okay?

I don't wanna drive you all the way out there

and bring you all the way back just for nothing.

There's no chance?

No.

Listen, how about I make it up to you tomorrow morning, okay?

Take you out on a... just a special, one of a kind outing.

Okay?

Yeah.

Okay. You win.

- Yeah. - Again.

[Trevor]: Just trying to be a good guy.

Okay, thank you for trusting me. Really.

Well, listen, why don't you two go inside and warm up, okay?

- Sounds good. - Good night.

- Good night, buddy. - Good night.

[disappointed music plays]

He... he actually thought I was gonna jump in that lake.

I can't imagine you doing a polar bear swim.

Never.

But I'm glad you had a fun day.

I did. I had a lot of fun, in fact.

- Hmm. - Yeah.

[tourists grumbling]

Once again, I am so sorry, ladies and gentlemen.

Sometimes the weather just doesn't wanna behave itself.

[tourists]: Yeah. - But we will prevail.

Tomorrow.

[scattered clapping]

And hey, let's look at the bright side.

The hour each way on the bus

just gave me the opportunity to acquaint you all

with my full range of spoken word Christmas carol repertoire.

[tourist]: Oh, heard it.

Thanks again. And um... have a good night.

Dad, that could have been us.

You owe somebody an apology.

[Erin inhales and exhales deeply]

Yeah.

[Erin]: Thank you. [Doug]: Mm-hmm.

Hey, stranger!

Ha, Cyrus, you made it!

I told you I would. Ah!

Is that Erin?

You weren't so tall the last time I saw you.

[all chuckle]

Uncle Cyrus, hey, you're back!

Ah, yeah. I need to borrow one of your clients for a bit.

Sorry to interrupt your tour. No, no. No worries.

Um...

why don't I catch up with you two later.

What do you think? Huh?

Okay, sure. Sure, Dad. Yes, go have fun.

Ha!

Uh, I guess it's just the two of us.

I guess so. [chuckles]

Uh, hey, by the way, I just wanna apologize

because you had a natural instinct about the lights last night

and I wanted to listen to some app,

and I was wrong. So, I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Appreciate that.

[instrumental "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"]

[Trevor exhales deeply] [Erin]: Well.

Well, here we are.

This land belongs to my family.

In the spring we make maple syrup over here.

And as you can see,

these are the bells that you were hearing.

Yeah, what are they for?

Well,

actually, generations ago, we started this family tradition

where everybody comes out at Christmas and hangs up a bell.

Started with my great-grandma

and I don't know, apparently her favorite carol was

"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Hmm.

I mean, if you've never heard the song before,

it's all about how peace prevails on earth.

So, I guess that was just really inspirational for her

and she came out here and started hanging up bells

just so that everyone could hear the same message.

I love that.

Yeah, it wasn't long after that, the whole family got on board.

Everyone was coming out during the holidays

to hang up a bell to represent themselves.

[bells chiming] It's beautiful.

I mean, you have the most unique family tradition.

It's...

it's special.

Yeah. It is.

[birdsong]

Hey, you hungry?

Yeah, I could eat.

Well, I packed a lunch.

- You have food? - Yeah.

I'm... I'm a guy. Of course I have food.

[Erin chuckles]

Let's see, what do we have here? Okay, bannock.

Now, this is a traditional bread.

What goes nicely with that, you ask?

Well, some wild berry jam that I made myself.

- You made that? - Yes, ma'am.

Now, I also have some caribou jerky.

And last but not least, some Northwest Salmon.

That's really good.

Do you do this for all your clients?

I mean, do what?

This. Everything.

The... the reindeer, the gourmet food, the bells.

Not the bells.

The bells are just for you.

[wind whistling, bells chiming]

Oh.

That is...

that is the most beautiful sound.

It's like they're in sync.

That's the mystery of it all, huh?

Lost my parents when I was 15 but I mean,

every time I come out here,

since both of them hung a bell up at Christmas,

just...

it's kinda like I get to spend a little time with them.

Yeah.

I guess you could say that's the...

gift from God.

Yeah.

[bells chiming]

[Trevor]: We're close. We're almost there.

Ooh, ooh. Hold on, hold on.

Are you gonna shop for Christmas ornaments?

- I am. - Really?

Oh. For you.

- What? - Yeah.

Said you wanna decorate your tree tonight, so it's on me.

Okay, you don't have to do that.

I know I don't have to but want to.

'Cause you know what?

You have gone above and beyond

and I haven't exactly been... gracious.

So. Thank you.

You're welcome.

[Erin's phone rings] Oh, hold on.

- Oh, here. - Can you hold those?

- Yeah. - Sorry. Ugh!

Oh, it's my dad.

Hey.

Are you at a party?

No, not a party.

Just a little spontaneous mini reunion.

Okay, well, let me guess,

you're not going on the tour tonight.

I'm... I'm sorry.

Some other old friends came by to see me and...

One of those friends happen to be Laura?

[Doug]: Yes. Yes, she's here.

All right, well, you have fun.

Thank you for understanding, sweetheart.

Oh, and Cyrus says he thinks the northern lights

will be out in full force tonight.

The lights are supposed to be out tonight.

So, take some pictures for me. Okay?

Yeah. Yeah, for sure, I will.

Okay. Bye.

Ah, so your dad's out?

Ah. He's out.

Power of romance overshadows the power of nature, huh?

I guess so.

It's okay though 'cause this...

this whole trip is for him anyway.

So, just makes it extra special.

Well, I'll have to make sure that your evening's extra special as well.

Well, I mean, you've been... been doing an adequate job.

Oh. Okay.

I guess I'll have to step up my A-game then.

Guess you will.

No northern lights for you tonight?

I am beginning to think this is the real reason I'm here.

[Laura chuckles softly]

Thank you for getting everyone together.

Who, me?

I just told a few folks that I ran into.

The Aurora gossip mill took care of the rest.

Oh. Thank you anyway.

[Erin shivering]

Ooh!

It's like holding a piece of ice.

Yeah, I bet.

You almost done? Yeah. Yeah, I think I got it.

Oh, thanks. Okay, you ready?

Here.

[blows out breath]

All right, go.

Put it in.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

[sighs] Okay, so uh...

what do we do now?

Well, now we wait.

[Doug and Laura laughing]

Hey, I was wondering, um...

are there any tickets left for the Borealis Ball?

Oh, well, they are going fast.

But I think for a couple of special visiting guests,

I could grab a pair.

Well, I can't speak for my daughter,

but I would really like to come.

Wonderful. You can be my date.

It would be my pleasure.

[Trevor sighs]

[both exhale]

You sure this is the right spot?

I mean...

we've been sitting here for over an hour.

[chuckles] Well, when you're trying to...

look at a natural phenomenon, I have found that you're always tested

in your patience. Hmm.

Well, I don't know about that

because all these people on the tour have seen it.

[scoffs] That's not bad.

- Not bad? - Yeah. - It's amazing!

Hey, you can't trust those guides, okay?

Some of them are pretty tricky.

Those pictures; probably not even taken today.

In fact, I know they're not taken today.

Okay, but these are selfies.

Not from today.

Just don't think you like to admit you're wrong.

It's 'cause I'm not wrong.

[laughs]

Hey, I know I've lost some business to these big tour companies, okay?

But I'm not gonna stoop to that level.

Well, I didn't say stoop to that level.

I just... I just meant that maybe you could...

pick up a few tricks.

Hmm? Play the game a little more.

What?

Play the game? Yeah.

This isn't a game for me.

This is...

I don't know, doing what I love.

Okay, and I understand that I have bills to pay, all right?

So, on one hand I've got money

and on the other hand, I've got my heart.

And you know what? My heart's telling me

that God doesn't wanna just show you a picture on social media. Okay?

He wants to bring you out here 'cause he's gonna show you something

that he wants to paint for you in real life,

in real time, right before your eyes.

There's no app to track that.

Look, I know that, okay?

And I appreciate the way you think. I do.

But...

I've actually been thinking about your situation

a little bit. Trevor, you see the world

in such a beautiful and unique way.

You really do.

And that's a gift.

I mean, if you combine the way you see everything

with the knowledge and the insight that you have,

you could create an app for your business

that would let people see this town through your eyes.

Uh...

Trevor, I'm just trying to help you.

You know, you're running a business.

You need to think like a businessman.

- A businessman? - Yeah.

Well, I don't think that works for me.

And if you're being honest, I don't think it works for you either.

[scoffs] What are you talking about?

Well, just think about it, right?

I mean, maybe that's why you haven't gotten the idea for your next book yet,

because you're too busy spending time trying to think

of what's gonna sell instead of what really matters to you.

I mean, my roots are important to me.

It's... it's who I am. Can you say the same?

My roots are important to me, yes.

Okay, well, then, maybe you should just take

a little a more time to consider that.

Look into it.

Like figure out what...

what moves you inside,

instead of spending so much time trying to, I don't know,

get a picture of the northern lights to put online to show your friends or whatever.

Come on, that's not why I'm here.

Well, I...

I don't think you know why you're here.

[exhales] You know, I just...

Erin...

All of a sudden got really cold.

Um... [clears throat]

You know, I think I'm gonna call it a night.

Um... if you don't mind.

[footsteps crunch away]

[disappointed music plays]

[exhales]

Ah, I just feel bad about what happened.

Well, I'm sure he feels worse.

Hmm.

Hey. We've only got two more days left.

You wanna try and get on another tour?

Hmm, I don't know.

- You don't? - Oh.

Well, there's just something that Trevor said that's just...

I don't know, it's sticking with me.

You know, ever since I got here,

all I've been focusing on is seeing the lights.

- Mm-hmm. - And I've completely ignored

my own connection to this place. I mean, Dad, you're from here.

Yeah.

I should've been focusing on

my own family history instead of...

worrying about checking off some bucket list box.

Oh, come on. Stop being so hard on yourself.

Yes, you did come to see the lights

but you're learning there's a lot more to this place now.

It's all good.

Believe me.

Hmm? Yeah.

So, uh, did you sell the house?

I haven't signed anything yet.

Don't really know that I can.

You know, when I was 18 I used to sit up

and look out my bedroom window at the stars for hours.

Hmm.

Wondering if they'd be as beautiful from my college dorm,

or if I should just stay here.

Well, I decided to take a chance

if I ever really wanted to live a truly full life.

I left my friends and my family,

and just went away.

Hmm.

And you met Mom.

Best thing that ever happened to me.

I know.

But ever since we've come here,

this place has been calling me back.

Does that make any sense?

Yeah.

Yeah, Dad, it does.

I mean, these are your roots.

Your people.

Your people, too.

Come here.

Sweetheart, there's something I wanna tell ya.

Mm-hmm.

I have been thinking about staying here for a while.

- Really? - Yeah.

What do you think?

Well, I think that...

whatever decision you choose to make is gonna be the right one.

I just want you happy.

Me too. [laughs]

So, come on. What do you wanna do with this day, huh?

Uh, well,

I was thinking, Dad, maybe I could go over

to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

That is a good idea.

I'm gonna go along then.

Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to go alone.

- Oh. - Just to...

I don't know, maybe sit there

and maybe I'll find a little inspiration for my book.

That's a good idea.

I say go for it.

Okay.

[sentimental music plays]

[sighs]

[♪♪]

[Erin chuckles]

Looks like Dad.

[music continues]

Hmm.

[pen clicks]

[pen scratching]

I got a good feeling about tonight.

It's gonna happen for us. Thank you.

All right? Yeah.

Go on in, make yourself comfortable.

[tourist]: Fingers crossed. - Hey, Erin, right?

- Yeah. - Hey.

Hi.

Okay, I gotta ask, you seen the lights yet?

Uh... no. [chuckles]

See, Trevor mentioned that.

So, we've had some spots open up.

You wanna see 'em tonight?

Uh...

What do you got to lose?

We are leaving right now.

- Yeah. Okay. - Yeah, good.

Come on. All right.

Good evening, everybody.

Welcome to Northern Horizon Tours!

[all clap] [tourist]: Yeah.

Yeah, we have got a great evening for you guys tonight.

Because according to our aurora tracking technology,

it's gonna be a great night to see the aurora borealis,

colloquially known as the northern lights.

If you wanna upload any photos to our social media,

you can do so using our complimentary Wi-Fi.

Just don't forget to tag Northern Horizon Tours

on all your social media accounts

for your chance to win a free Northern Horizons t-shirt.

Yeah. I know. [applause]

Now, before we go, I've got a special treat for ya.

I've arranged a little stop

so you can get some Aurora souvenirs before we hit the road.

All right. What do you say?

Take us to that gift shop there, old buddy.

[indistinct chatter]

[soft music]

[Noah]: Hey.

[pensive music plays]

Hey, come on in. We're giving a 10 percent discount to all our clients.

[Noah]: Erin!

- Hmm. - Hey, coming in?

Uh...

Are you okay?

Yeah. Yeah, I'm... I'm okay.

Hey, Noah, can I ask you a question?

- Sure. - You like your job?

Yeah! Yes.

I love my job.

What do you like about it?

- Honestly? - Yeah.

It's the tips.

I mean, I make enough every season

to pay for six months' surfing in Costa Rica.

Every year.

Doesn't get better than that.

You know what?

I... I think I'm gonna pass on the tour tonight.

- Really? - Yeah.

You know this is supposed to be the best sighting of the week.

Yeah, I know, I know, but uh...

maybe I'll catch it next year.

But thank you so much for the offer.

Yeah. You know where to find us.

Yeah. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[phone rings]

[voicemail beeps]

[Trevor]: You've reached Aurora Excursions,

the Northwest Territories' one of a kind tour company.

I can't take your call right now but please leave me a message.

[beep]

[Erin sighs]

Hey.

[Trevor]: Erin.

Hi.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

Um... uh...

I just wanted to come by and... and see how you are.

Okay.

Did you walk this whole way?

I mean, that's pretty far from your bed and breakfast.

Yeah. It's a bit of hike, I'm not gonna lie.

Okay.

But uh, you know, you helped me get these great boots, so...

wanted to put 'em to the test.

It's good to see you.

I do have a cab on the way, though,

so I'm not sure how much time I have.

What's wrong with your van?

Uh nothing, I just... you know,

didn't think it'd be good form if I showed up to my new job in it.

What... what do you mean?

Noah's been asking me to...

go over to Northern Horizon, you know, for a couple months now.

And I figured, well, if you can't beat 'em...

Wow. Um, huh.

Sorry, it's just a surprise.

Gotta face the facts, right?

Been what, a year?

And I have been competing with these larger companies.

Just taking all the money I'm making and putting it back into my own company.

None of it works.

At least it doesn't appear to be.

My bookings are dropping and my bank account's dropping. So...

[Trevor sighs]

My uncle gave me a business and I failed him.

Not failing.

Sure feels that way, yeah.

Also wanted to refund you your trip

because you didn't get to see the lights.

No, no, I don't, I don't want any money back, okay?

I just... I want you to keep your business open.

Look, I went on Noah's tour and - You saw the lights?

Well, no, actually, I didn't.

Uh, because I left.

Why?

I went on his bus and yes, it's fancy

and it has all the technology

that you think that I would love but I...

I didn't.

I didn't like it at all.

Because all I could think about was how great your tour was

and how much you put into it. All the heart.

You care so much and it's really...

Erin, I...

I'm thankful that you... you see that.

Okay? But the big machine doesn't.

To be honest, I'm just tired of swimming upstream.

[taxi approaches]

There's my ride.

Don't want to be late on my first big day.

[sentimental music]

It was good seeing you.

Hey, Trevor.

Huh?

Sure you wanna do this?

What choice do I have?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[knock at door]

Come in.

I'm not interrupting, am I?

No! No, I'm just trying to get a little work done.

What's up?

Oh, I just came to check on you.

I'm fine.

So, you're sure you don't wanna come to the ball tonight?

Oh, Dad, it does sound fun, but um...

I think I'm gonna pass.

Maybe Trevor will be there.

Hmm. I doubt it.

Look, it's our last night in Aurora

and I am so sorry the trip didn't turn out the way you'd hoped

but don't spend the end of it alone in here.

It's Christmas.

[Erin sighs]

I really want you to come.

Please?

I can never say no to you.

[Doug laughs]

Okay, okay, I'll go.

Ah, that's my girl. [laughs]

Well, glad I bought those two tickets anyway.

Dad.

What?

[Erin laughs]

Well, wait a minute. I don't even have anything to wear.

Well, Cyrus is lending me a suit.

Does he happen to have a dress I could wear?

No.

But I think I know someone who can help you.

[upbeat big band music plays]

[indistinct chatter]

[laughter]

[Cyrus]: Santa never forgets. [all laugh]

Well, hello.

Oh, wow! My niece was right.

You look fabulous in her dress. Thank you.

Thank you. By the way, this place looks amazing.

You did a really good job. Oh, thank you.

But I had some help.

Oh, I was just a pair of extra hands.

She was the one who did all the work.

Oh, thank you. But I have to say,

it's the first time I've ever thrown a combination

Christmas charity and farewell party.

It's a little sad, actually.

Yeah, we finally get together after all these years,

only to watch you disappear again, huh?

Uh, about that, Cyrus. Um...

I've decided not to sell.

[Laura]: Oh. - I can't do it. I'm sorry.

Oh, I couldn't bear the thought of someone tearing down that beautiful house.

Your beautiful house.

And also I was... I was kind of thinking, um...

that I'm gonna hang around here a little while longer.

Are you all right with that?

Well, let me think about it.

Yes!

Took you two long enough.

Um... [all chuckling]

What about you?

I mean, are you gonna be okay going home alone, sweetheart?

Well, there's been a little bit of change on my end, Dad.

Uh, you know when I went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house

the other day? Mmhmm.

I actually came up with my new book idea.

- No! - Yeah.

Yeah, I wanna do a history of Aurora,

specifically focused on my great-great-grandfather.

- Gerald Barnes? - Mm-hmm.

That's a great idea.

Well, my agent thinks so, too.

I am gonna need to do a lot of hands-on research.

So, I think I'm gonna stick around a little while.

Well, is that the only reason?

- Yes. - Excuse me, ma'am.

I was wondering if you'd be interested in a tour of Aurora.

And this is when I steal your dad.

I'm going to snag some more Christmas punch.

- Hi. - Hi.

I thought you were working.

Yeah, I was, yeah.

And then uh, I quit.

Just... yeah, walked off. Came to my senses.

About what?

Well, I was standing on that big tour bus looking around at everyone

and I thought to myself,

I'm never gonna know the first names of any of these people.

That's one of the main things I love about my job right now is I get to know people.

You get to take them out and show them a very unique experience,

and not this big, like, here you go, stand there,

take a picture, we're done.

So, Aurora Excursions back in business?

I think so. Yeah.

Well, I decided to take some advice from a friend of mine, she's a writer.

And all the critics say she's not too bad.

Not too bad. Yeah, I think I know her, yeah.

[chuckles] Yeah, you might.

So, I'm gonna take your advice

and incorporate a little more technology into my company.

Now, I'm hoping to bring in a steadier stream of clientele

and I still wanna do what I do.

Take them out and just give them a more unique experience

of a personal touch, you know.

I think that's gonna work for you.

I really do. Well, I hope so.

I'm glad you came.

Yeah, me too.

Nowhere else I'd rather be.

You look stunning, by the way.

Oh, it's a borrowed dress.

- It fits perfectly. - Thanks.

And you look extremely good in a suit.

For a mountain man, anyway.

[both laugh] Thank you.

[big band "O Little Town of Bethlehem" starts]

[Erin]: Ahem.

Uh, could I interest you in a dance?

I thought you had a rule?

Well, you're the exception to the rule.

[music continues]

Can I make a confession?

Oh. Oh no, what'd you do?

Every time I took you out,

I was like, okay, is she gonna chicken out or give up?

You never did. Hmm.

You've got some northern grit.

I like that. [chuckles]

You don't know how true that is.

- Huh? - Yeah, I do.

I did a little research

and I found out that my roots go back to the founding fathers of this place.

- What? - Yeah!

- Really? - Yes.

And so, I guess you could say

that is why I'm here,

to learn my history.

And it was you that inspired me

to think outside the confines of dollar signs and book deals.

So, thank you.

Thank you.

You know, you showed me that it's okay to roll with the times

and yet you could still be yourself. Mmhmm.

Need a little more push back like that in my life.

Yes, you do. You can be stubborn.

Well, maybe.

Wish we had a little more time together.

[music continues]

[playful music cuts over]

What? What's wrong?

Nothing. Nothing's wrong.

It's right.

We gotta go.

- Go where? - Right now.

- Oh. - Let's go.

- What? - Yep, now.

- Oh, what? - Come on!

[Erin]: Why are you bringing me back here?

- Ah, you'll see. - Ah.

Oh, it's so pretty at night.

Look at this place.

Well, you know what?

I almost bought you a bell last night.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

[scoffs] Okay.

Well, when I got off the bus tonight,

I was walking through town and, uh...

[bell jingles]

[bell clangs]

Oh.

That's the same bell I was gonna get you.

- No. - Yes.

Oh.

Well, I mean, you just...

I don't know, you said how much you liked it here

and I got you that.

Just you could take it back to Boston with you and...

it'll remind you of here.

And me.

I don't need a bell to remember you.

But this is sweet.

And since I'm sticking around for a little longer, I...

Wait, what?

Yeah.

Really?

Yes.

Yes. It was actually from something that you said. It just...

it made me think about a question that I wanted to answer in my own life

and that actually led me to my new book idea.

Okay, which is?

Which is,

uh, well, I found out that my great-great-grandfather

actually was one of the first settlers of this town

and he has a fascinating story.

And I'd like to explore it in my new book.

Okay.

Well, I mean, that sounds like a bestseller to me.

Yeah, I... I hope so.

And I'm glad you're staying.

Me too.

[bells chiming]

You wanna hang that up?

Here?

Yeah.

Where's your bell?

Come on, I'll show you.

I hung my bell when I was nine years old.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

Which one is it?

Right there.

[bell jingles]

Okay.

Here's to finding my roots,

my history,

and my home.

[Trevor inhales sharply]

I really wanna kiss you right now but...

But what?

You really need to see this.

[angelic choral music plays]

[teary exhale]

[chuckles in amazement]

Hey. Merry Christmas.

[music continues]

Thank you.

["Silent Night" plays briefly]

[soft holiday music]

Subtitling: difuze