Original subtitles

How's the new batch coming, Ally?

Ready to spread some Christmas cheer once the ink dries.

I think these are your best this year, Grandma Joy.

Cookie break?

Oh, do you even have to ask?

You know, most people use gift bags nowadays.

They save a lot of time.

Where's the heart in that?

No, no.

A proper gift should feel more like a mystery.

Something you open up slowly, bit by bit.

Your grandpa used to say I could make even

the simplest of gifts feel like magic,

just because of the way I wrap them.

Let's be honest, the words you wrote on the tags

meant more to him than any gift.

Grandma, where's your wedding ring?

It was just a ring, Ally.

The shop needed it more than I did.

Your grandpa would understand.

Oh.

Not again.

It's okay, Grandma. I've got it.

I can't believe I keep knocking this thing over.

One day I'm going to

replace this silly carousel.

One day, Grandma?

You always say the same thing, but...

But how many days do I have left?

Is that what you've been worrying about, dearest.

I worry that you've been running this shop for 60 years,

and it's taken everything out of you.

Oh, honey

that's because you think

of this little shop as just a place.

Every tiding of joy I've ever drawn,

every Christmas season we've spent together,

and every person who walks in that door

looking for something unique to send to someone they love,

it's all a part of me,

and I'm a part of it,

and it's all a part of God's greater plan.

In our technological world, a great app isn't enough.

If we want ConnecTree to succeed,

we need to make it feel essential to our users.

We need to manufacture that feeling.

Limited early access, paid sign-ups.

Users will subscribe simply because

they don't want to miss out where their friends are.

If we do all these steps right,

we hit the ground running and by the end of the year.

ConnecTree will be

the fastest growing communication app.

Well, we are

one month out from launch and as you know,

this is the time most companies bring in

a launch strategy team to oversee the roll out.

But we're not going to do that.

Instead,

I'll be leading the launch myself.

No one knows this product better than you, Ally.

Before we move on, can we just give Nina some appreciation?

Because not only is she the best techie in the game,

but she somehow manages to make an app

look like it belongs on a runway.

Okay, that's it everyone. Thank you so much.

Have a great, long weekend.

And if you see Santa,

ask him for some coffee, because we're going to need it.

Hey, Lucas,

can I see you in my office, please?

Mmhmm.

Hey.

Hey, come on in. Have a seat.

You weren't exactly celebrating in there.

Look, I know how much work has gone into this.

I don't want to be the guy throwing a wrench into it.

Well, you're on the team for a reason.

If you see something, say it.

Ally, you should have hired a launch strategy team.

Why?

I mean,

that's what companies usually do at this stage.

I know the company better than anyone,

and we've put in the work.

The last thing we need is someone coming in now,

reshaping it.

A launch strategist isn't going to tell me anything

I don't already know.

I've been tracking market trends,

start ups using this exact playbook

are seeing big initial spikes

then crash.

The market's over saturated.

The Tech Insider Substack dropped an article this morning.

Companies following this launch model are flatlining.

I just thought you should know.

I appreciate your input.

I'll take the weekend to think about it,

and I'll figure out a way to fix the strategy myself.

All right.

I'll leave you to it.

I thought I was the only one still here.

Are you turning the boardroom into Santa's workshop again?

Only place I can wrap presents

without my little spies snooping around.

What are you working on? Huh?

Why 70 percent of tech launches fail.

Well, that's one way to get to the Christmas spirit.

Lucas says our launch strategy won't work,

that we're going to be just another app

in an overcrowded market.

If I don't find a way to break through the noise,

we could crash before this even gets off the ground.

Maybe you should take a break over the long weekend.

You've been in overdrive for months.

Exhaustion doesn't exactly fuel creativity.

Well, trust me, if I could, I would.

But I have to drive to Indiana this weekend.

Indiana? Why?

Do you remember how my grandmother, Joy,

left me her shop?

Vaguely, yes.

Well, we finally have someone interested in buying it,

so I want to get there ASAP to finalize the sale.

Oh, I didn't know you still had that.

Yeah, it was on the market

nearly two years with zero interest.

But thankfully, someone is crazy enough to think

that a bespoke Christmas shop is actually worth something.

Speaking of,

this is probably the tidying shop manager.

You know, he and my dad are the only two people

who insist on calling over texting.

Except the only difference is

I always answer a call from my dad.

Have a good weekend, Ally.

Hi, Dad.

Hi, honey. What, are you still at work?

Uh. Second thoughts?

No, no, no, I'm actually headed home.

I'm gonna change and then get on the road.

I love your shirt.

How's Florida?

Well, the shirt is courtesy of your uncle,

and we're having a blast.

I did look into tickets

a little earlier to try and be there.

Oh, don't worry about it. Have fun.

This offer came in so last minute.

I've got everything handled.

I just... I just wish I could be there for you.

Say goodbye to the shop for me, will ya?

A lot of memories.

Yeah, some better than others.

Oh, sweetheart,

I know that things got really difficult

between you and your grandmother,

but she always loved you.

Remember, after raising two boys,

you were the daughter she never had.

I know. I was lucky like that.

I remember how excited she was

when your mom and I told her that she could name you.

She picked it out in seconds.

Like she'd been waiting for that moment her whole life.

I've always loved that story, and I loved her,

even though we didn't see eye to eye.

She just knew how I felt about the shop.

So why'd she leave it to me?

Maybe she hoped you'd take a second look,

see it the way she did.

Anyway, there's a storm coming towards Bloomington so

if you're going to beat it, you need to get on the road.

I'll text you when I get there.

Drive safe, honey.

Okay. Bye Dad, I love you.

I love you, too.

♪ Oh, holy night...

Reports are coming in of a freak thunderstorm

rolling into the area.

Lightning and thunder in December.

Now that's a Christmas twist.

You expect it in spring, not when there's snow

-on the ground. -♪... dear savior's birth

♪ Oh, night

♪ devine

♪ oh night

♪ oh night, devine

One day I'm going to replace this silly carousel.

Thank you for your generous offer, Fred,

but I've decided to decline.

I hope you have a merry Christmas.

Sincerely, Joy.

You should have taken it, Grandma.

Ah! The infamous granddaughter

who returns every phone call with a text.

Uh, hi.

Wait, you're Bennett, the manager?

I'm technically an illustrator, printer, painter

turned manager, occasional janitor.

It's good to meet you.

Finally.

Yeah, you're not at all what I was expecting.

Really?

Huh? How so?

Um, I mean, I just... I expected someone a lot older.

Why? Because I work at a semi-outdated Christmas shop.

Yeah. And honestly, you just seemed kind of old-fashioned.

You are exactly the way that I pictured you would be.

Oh, well that's easy.

My... my grandma had pictures of me in here.

No, no, I just mean someone who had let a place go

because it didn't make sense to them.

Um, you don't even know me.

That's true.

But I grew up in a household filled with people

with your exact demeanor.

My demeanor?

I don't mean to offend you,

but, you know, people who are only focused

on the bottom line in life.

Okay, I am offended.

And I don't just focus on the bottom line.

This is a business,

not a charity.

And it hasn't made money in years.

And, well, what's one of these tidings going to say

that a text or an email can't?

Funny you should ask.

"May you find the courage to choose what is right,"

"even when the path is steep and the way uncertain."

"And if you don't do the right thing,"

"may those left behind find a way"

"to piece together the wreckage you caused."

It does not say that last part.

Yeah, well it should.

Look, I didn't even ask for this place.

I grew up watching it take everything from my grandma.

And now it finally has the chance to be worth something.

I, I have a buyer, and I'm not about to let that slip away.

You have a buyer?

What do you think Grandma Joy would think

if she knew you were trying to sell it right now?

I think she'd admit that she doesn't want me

to make the same mistake that she did,

and that she wishes she would have sold it

to the only investor who ever offered

to buy it, back when she had the chance.

What just happened?

I don't know.

Well, the building got struck by lightning or something.

How is it daytime?

These are not my designs.

"As the world celebrates the allies' victory,"

"my greatest joy is having you home."

Well, no wonder it's not selling.

It sounds like it's from World War II.

And you only charge $0.05.

No.

Okay. Something weird is going on.

Oh. Hi, there.

Welcome to tidings of Joy. I'll be with you in a jiffy.

Just need to put these parcels in the mail truck.

Feel free to look around.

Who was that?

I don't know.

How did she get in here?

Okay, this is weird.

I'm sure I locked the back door.

No.

No, this... this can't be happening.

Was she acting like she works here?

Because I think she does.

No, no, I didn't hire her.

In fact, I think she might own the place.

Bennett, I...

I think that was my grandmother.

Your grandmother passed away three years ago,

and she was 98 years old.

No, no, no, no, no.

My grandmother from when she was young.

Okay, look at this place.

This... this is not the same store that I walked into

15 minutes ago.

What are you saying?

I mean, it is the same store.

It's just

it's not the same one that it was 15 minutes ago.

Bennett.

What?

December 14th, 1945?

1945.

How is this even possible?

It is not?

Well, it sure seems like we just traveled back in time.

Now, there's probably some logical explanation for this.

I mean, there's no such thing as time travel.

Lightning, right?

We both got struck by lightning, went unconscious,

and now we're just hallucinating.

Hallucinating the same thing.

Yeah.

What about my grandma?

That woman you saw her for, like, a split second?

There's no way you can be sure that that's actually her.

Sorry for the delay.

I'm Joy.

Oh. Do you not speak English?

Oh, no.

Hi. Uh, I'm...

I'm Ally.

This is Bennett.

Well, it's lovely to meet you both.

Oh, I see you found one.

Would you like me to put a tiding on it?

I illustrate all the tidings myself

and can style the message however you'd like.

Speaking of style, I...

Well, I've never seen clothes like yours before.

Where are you visiting from?

Well, it's quite an unbelievable story, actually.

It's... it's pretty funny. We're from.

-Chicago. -Chicago.

Our outfits are part of the latest trend.

I think we need more time to look before we decide.

Sure.

Take your time.

Okay.

Look.

What?

This isn't just any tiding. This is the tiding.

Okay. I'm not following.

The one my grandmother gave the investor in 1945.

Turning down the offer to buy her shop.

That means

that means the offer hasn't happened yet.

What exactly are you saying to me?

I think I was sent back here

to stop her from making the wrong choice.

Do you remember what I said before the lightning?

Yeah. You said that your grandmother regretted

not selling to the investor when she had the opportunity.

Right.

What was his name?

Fred.

Yeah. Good memory.

Yeah. So, I think I've been given the opportunity

to help my grandmother make the right choice

by accepting Fred's offer.

What, do you think you were sent back through time

to rewrite history.

No. Not rewrite.

Fix.

Why do you care so much what your grandmother did back then?

I didn't get the job in Chicago.

Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry.

I know how much that meant to you.

God's in control. He always provides.

You always say that.

Like... like that's supposed to make it okay.

It's just a reminder to trust his timing.

He has a bigger plan.

Was selling your wedding ring to pay the bills,

trusting that God will work things out?

I don't think trusting in God means doing nothing.

It means pretending like things aren't as bad as they are.

I lost out on that job, Grandma, because I was here.

I've missed out on so many opportunities.

I thought you enjoyed working here.

Honey, I never asked you

to sacrifice yourself for this shop.

Well, then it never would have survived.

I love you so much,

and I appreciate all that you've done.

But God has always sustained this shop,

not us.

No, we're the ones that have been standing

behind the counter every day,

balancing the books, worrying about the bills.

Not God.

Us.

I can't do this anymore, Grandma.

You deserve more than just getting by.

I do too.

It's time to let it go.

Well, maybe for you, but not for me.

Why?

It has never been profitable.

Oh, but it has.

Profit isn't just about making money.

It's... it's about finding purpose.

You were once given a life changing offer by an investor,

and you turned him down, right?

Yes. And given the same opportunity,

I wouldn't change a thing.

Well, if I could go back in time,

I'd sell the shop for you.

Then it's a good thing God didn't give you

that decision to make.

I couldn't continue to sit back and watch her

put blind faith in God,

when really, it's just a crutch.

If she sells now,

she could have the future she deserves.

What if I don't agree.

Then we could end up stuck in 1945 forever.

But if I am right,

and I was sent back here to change her mind.

Then the only way for us to get back home

is if you accomplish that.

That's everything. Thanks Joy.

Merry Christmas, Joy.

Did you find one you like?

Yes. This one.

"Christmas has felt different ever since I met you."

Well, can't argue with that one, can we?

Well, I'm honored that you've come to my little store

to shop for your first Christmas.

That'll be $0.05.

Okay. Right.

Oh, no, I've got it.

I got it here.

Uh, here.

You still carry change?

Yeah. Benefit of being old-fashioned.

Mm. That's a funny looking nickel.

Is it real?

Does this thing still...

I wouldn't do that!

I am so sorry.

Oh, don't be. It happens all the time.

Oh.

Let me.

Okay. Okay.

Don't worry. I've got it.

One day I'm going to replace that silly carousel.

You know, I couldn't help but notice

you don't have anyone helping around here, do you?

I'm afraid I can't afford much of a wage.

And besides, no one in town

knows how to run a letterpress.

I do.

You do?

Yeah. My, uh, my grandma actually taught me.

Well, isn't that something?

But... Well, I couldn't possibly ask you

to work for next to nothing.

Well, maybe instead of a wage, I could stay in a spare room

if you have one.

Well, as a matter of fact, I do.

I have a small bedroom downstairs with a daybed.

Are you sure that'll do?

I'm positive.

I think that's a great idea

especially since I already have a place to stay in town.

Oh, this is truly an answered prayer.

Managing the shop alone has nearly run me off my feet.

I haven't even had time

to finish decorating for Christmas.

Oh, well, then let me help you get started with that right now.

That'll be dandy.

Oh, well, that was an interesting woman.

I don't mean to be too forward,

but do you have anything a bit less

eye-catching to wear while you work?

Um, unfortunately,

these are the only kinds of clothes we have.

I don't have a lot of change left over...

Oh, it's no problem at all. I'll take care of it.

I volunteer at the Salvation Army store

just down the street.

The shop closes for lunch in ten minutes.

Maybe the three of us could pop over

and find you something more... fitting.

I would love that.

I'm not much of a shopper,

but I think the two of you should go for sure.

Give you some time to bond.

Nothing like the thrill of a good find.

It's been a while since I've been shopping.

It's kind of nice.

You know what, me neither.

Shall we make the most of it, then?

Mmhmm.

Mhm. Too dull?

No, no. Too stiff.

Too boring.

Now you're catching on.

Oh, what do we have here?

Now this is something.

I usually go for something a little more practical.

We were made to be the light of the world, right?

No harm in dressing the part.

Usually, I don't let anyone do my hair.

I figured.

You don't like letting people

take care of you, do you?

Well, I just think

when you leave things up to other people,

there's a bigger chance they'll mess it up.

And heaven forbid someone gets it wrong.

Sounds rather exhausting

having to hold it together yourself all the time.

Well, it's better than the alternative.

You don't agree?

Since the war, keeping the shop has been a struggle.

Sometimes I'm not sure. I'll figure it out.

The truth is, I... I can't hold it together myself.

Well, if it's such a struggle, why don't you sell it?

The thought has crossed my mind on harder days.

But no.

Because even when I can't hold it together,

God can.

You showing up and offering to work

that was his provision.

Have you always been like this?

You're still so young and you just trust

that God will take care of everything.

Well, I'm far from perfect,

and I definitely do have my days of doubt.

Well, I guess it all started when The Depression hit.

It was a frightening time to be a child.

The pantry was nearly empty,

and my father took any job he could.

But it wasn't enough.

And then just before Christmas,

my parents gave what little we did have

to a family who had even less.

They did?

And I remember thinking,

well, why couldn't God just provide for both families?

Why would he provide for one and not the other?

And then Christmas morning came,

and sitting on my doorstep was a full Christmas meal

that our church had made.

Oh, it was ham, butter, sugar, things I hadn't seen in years.

But you know what the best part was?

Sitting on top of all of that

was a doll that I had wanted for two years.

I never dreamed I'd have it.

It was in that moment that I realized.

God always provides,

even when he takes away.

He provides more in return.

And so that night, I sat at the table

and wrote my first tiding to thank God.

Hmm. Not bad for someone else doing it, huh?

Not bad at all.

Well, would you look at that

time has a funny way of slipping by

when you're having fun.

Oh. Hi, Bennett.

Hello.

Lunch is over, and I best get back to the shop.

Don't feel like you have to hurry.

Oh, I'll be right behind you.

And thank you Joy, this was really nice.

Wow, you look great.

I didn't want you to feel left out.

Given your enthusiasm for all things old-fashioned,

I figured you'd appreciate a little something

from 1945.

Wow. Thank you.

That was really thoughtful of you.

I'm sure you would have done the same.

Well, since it looks like you have everything all figured out

here with Joy,

I'm going to change and then scout the town a bit.

Scout for what?

Maybe I'll ask around

and see if I can find someone called Fred.

Well, just, uh... be careful.

Okay?

Don't worry. I won't wander too far.

Unless, of course, someone mistakes me for Cary Grant

and begs me to star in one of their movies.

Well, good luck with your big Hollywood dream.

Well, good luck derailing your grandmother's dream.

First things first.

A tiding should meet a person where they are.

The right words at the right time.

Exactly what I was going to say.

But before the message, you have to find the right picture.

An image speaks volumes before anything is ever read.

You're already saying something.

Love, care, celebration.

Joy, you are so gifted.

You could really expand your talents.

How do you mean?

Well, marketing is my specialty.

I could help you find ways to share your art

and your way with words

to make a real living off of it,

far beyond the shop.

You could even travel with it to see the world.

Well, I appreciate your offer, truly,

but I love my little post.

It's more than enough for me.

Do you see Matthew over there?

He goes to my church.

When I asked if he needed help, he seemed a little jumpy.

My guess he's about to propose to his sweetheart.

He often times has trouble finding the right words,

so we need to find him a message that will say it perfectly.

That explains why he's been here so long.

He doesn't know this, but when he was fighting in the war,

I helped his girl make personal tidings for him.

So in a way, I feel I played a small part in their love story.

Watch this.

"My dearest, I have never been a man of many words."

"But if I could put to paper all that you mean to me."

"I need a thousand Christmases to fit it all."

"I love you."

It is incredible how you do that.

The truth is,

I don't feel the need to see the world

because there's nothing I would trade for the moment.

I see a person's face light up, even for just a second,

knowing that I made a difference.

Are you ready to check out, Matthew?

Indeed.

Here's your mail.

Merry Christmas.

These came for you.

You know, growing up, I watched my grandmother

sacrifice over and over, and

well, it just hurt my heart knowing how much she gave and

could still barely get by.

Well, I know the feeling.

I watched as my brother was first in town to enlist

when we went to war,

and he gave up everything for the cause.

Your brother?

I don't talk about him much.

Didn't seem fair.

Especially because he had his... his whole life ahead of him.

Watching that kind of sacrifice it

it changes you.

It does.

It makes you see things differently.

Especially money.

You know, I... I know you don't think money's the point,

but, um, in business it is.

Oh, it's not that I'm against making money,

but when my brother shipped out,

he left me everything he'd saved.

He said money doesn't follow us when we go.

So if he didn't make it back,

I should use it to create something that would

stand the test of time.

Oh, so you opened this shop.

So I started writing tidings of comfort and joy.

And I'd like to think I infuse everyone

with a bit of his love and legacy.

What are you doing?

I'm making a coloring book.

Must be miserable not being able to play

with the other children.

Hopefully a Christmas gift will cheer him up.

That's a week's worth of work you're just giving away.

I can always make more.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

It's for you to color here.

Thank you.

Well, give me an hour, fellas.

By the time I'm back,

the shop will be settled.

-Joy. -Mm.

What is this ledger for?

Oh, it's a list of the free tidings

of comfort and joy that I send.

Free?

Well, to the soldiers,

their wives, and, of course, any widows.

After what they've been through, it's the least I could do.

You know, you're never going to get ahead

if you keep giving things away all the time.

That's how the world wants us to think.

That's not how God works.

He sees me.

He knows what I need, even when I don't.

He's given me everything necessary to open the shop

and what's needed to keep it going.

I want all these men and women to know that God sees them, too.

Oh.

We have a customer.

Oh, good afternoon, ladies. I hope I'm not interrupting.

Oh, not at all. How can I help you?

Fred Whitmore, ma'am. Pleasure to meet you.

Fred Whitmore, as in Whitmore Savings and Trust.

Guilty as charged.

I've recently moved back here

from Chicago to oversee the family business here.

Well, welcome back to town, Mr. Whitmore.

Well, thank you.

And please call me Fred.

I wanted to stop by in person because,

well, you haven't responded to any of our letters.

Well, that's because I have no interest in a Whitmore-sized

business swallowing up what I've built here.

Mm.

Well, I think you misunderstand, Joy.

My family specializes in helping local shop owners, like yourself,

make a smooth transition and thrive.

I think you're misunderstanding me, Mr. Whitmore.

What I've built here is thriving.

Perhaps not by your standards,

but it is by mine.

It's no small feat

surviving the last four years.

Shops like yours will face challenges like never before.

Many won't make it through the changes ahead.

Let us take the burden from your hands.

And make sure what you've built lasts for years to come.

You make a compelling argument, Mr. Whitmore.

But respectfully, my answer is no.

Huh?

Well

should you reconsider,

my office address is on the card.

Have a good day, Mr. Whitmore.

You, too.

Joy,

don't you think it's worth at least hearing him out?

Well, I have no need.

I've seen what the Whitmore family has done

to shops around town.

They don't care about the customer.

They only care about profit.

But Fred's offer could change everything for you.

Well, how do you know what Fred's offering?

Do you know him?

No, no. Not personally.

I just heard his name before.

You're from Chicago?

He has a reputation for giving fair deals.

Life-changing ones.

I don't want his money, Ally.

But... but Fred said that Tidings of Joy is in danger.

And if he can guarantee that it keeps making an impact.

Well, you could take the money and pay off your bills.

I think this is a sign.

You know, Fred, coming in here today right after you said.

God knows what you need, even when you don't.

Fine. I'll hear him out, but not at some fancy office.

If he wants to meet, it'll be tomorrow at 8 a.m.

at the diner where I have breakfast every morning.

Mr. Whitmore.

I can't tell you two how much I appreciate the help.

Glad to be of service.

Now, if you eat all the popcorn,

there won't be any left for the tree.

Perhaps that's because there's no string left.

I'll go grab some more.

I still can't believe she's meeting with him tomorrow.

Yeah, she obviously trusts you.

So the bond that you two share must transcend time.

I just hope that she trusts Fred.

I wouldn't.

What if she doesn't?

My grandmother is a stubborn woman.

And it's not just her future that's at stake.

This is our ticket home.

Maybe I should...

Well...

I can't believe you just threw popcorn at me.

How about now?

What's your problem?

You need to get out of your head.

Let tomorrow worry about itself.

You've done everything you can for today.

You get this chance to decorate

with your grandma for Christmas... again.

You could enjoy it.

You're right.

I am right.

Well, I hope that tree

wears the popcorn as well as you do, Ally.

Perfect.

It's amazing what a little Christmas cheer can do.

It's funny, isn't it?

We're always rushing around, and then suddenly

you add some decoration and everything feels right.

I'll go wash up.

-Wow. -Cookie?

Yes, please.

Ah.

You know, I just realized we've been through

a pretty significant life event together.

Mhm. Time travel?

Yeah. Time travel. Time travel.

And I still don't know a single thing about you.

Oh, well, I could say the same thing.

I don't know anything about you either.

It's true. All right, I'll go first.

What would you like to know?

Why does it bother you so much that I want to sell the shop?

I just have this thing about people taking something pure

and turning it into something that was never meant to be.

Sounds personal.

Yeah. Growing up in my family,

Christmas was all about appearances.

Fancy parties, tuxedos that I hated,

piles of gifts that nobody needed.

And of course, I go to school,

there'd be this kid that got one gift, and he was happier.

His family had traditions and real moments of connecting.

Christmas for them wasn't just about showing off

how profitable your year had just been.

I'm sorry, those are your memories.

Don't be.

It taught me to be different.

Instead of doing finance and what my parents wanted,

I do what I love.

Illustrating.

Your whole old-fashioned persona

makes a whole lot more sense now.

I bet you think I'm one of those guys who drinks tea

out of a tin cup and calls dinner supper.

Aren't you?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, I guess I am.

I just think that when people can go back and decorate

and do things together, like string popcorn,

that it connects us to our past

and it helps us to enjoy the present moment

even more.

Hm.

Yeah.

Bennett, that is really beautiful.

Well, I say you've done plenty for your first day, Ally,

and thank you kindly for your help, Bennett.

Why don't the two of you enjoy the evening?

It's lovely out.

Thank you.

Well, if you're CEO, why do you need to figure out every detail

of the launch strategy by yourself?

Well, because if I don't

and something goes wrong, it's on me.

Interesting.

What?

I just find it fascinating that somebody

who spent their entire career helping people connect

finds it so difficult to receive help herself.

Well, I built the company from the ground.

I convinced investors, I hired a team.

They left stable jobs to take a chance on this.

So if the startup fails, it's... it's not just me who loses,

it's them.

Their livelihoods, their families.

I just don't trust anyone else enough

to care about the launch as much as I do.

Right, I get it. That can be scary.

I just want to take the right risks.

Right. Unlike your grandmother.

Yeah.

Ally, you know you don't need to carry the weight

of everybody else's struggles

just because you couldn't take hers away.

Those people who work at your company,

that's not something happening to them.

They chose it... just like you did.

I don't know about you,

but time traveling is exhausting.

I'm gonna go get some sleep.

Oh, you never told me where you were staying.

Yeah. I found this, uh, empty apartment.

Don't worry, us old-fashioned guys

know how to defend ourselves.

See ya.

Bye, Bennett.

Good night.

Today's the day.

The Lord provides.

Well, Joy...

Oh, I should have sat on that side.

Then why didn't you?

I don't know.

I think I'm just nervous.

I can still switch if you want.

No, no, no, I don't want Joy distracted.

I need this meeting to go well.

Well, didn't she invite you along for moral support?

Uh...

Oh, you invited yourself, didn't you?

I couldn't help it.

But she was very happy, I offered.

Well...

So what's happening?

Uh, he's schmoozing and she's smiling.

She's smiling.

-Uh-huh. -That's good.

What about now?

Oh, we should probably order.

Oh, don't worry,

I know you don't have a lot of change left.

Welcome to the Swizzle and Fizz. What'll you have?

Uh, I'll have whatever the Christmas special is.

Today's is the merry maple muffin.

Oh, yeah. We'll do two of those, and that'll be all.

Great.

She's laughing now.

Oh, okay.

If she starts playing with her necklace,

it's a telltale sign she's retreating.

So look out for that,

because then we might have to intervene.

Thank you.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Yeah.

Uh-oh.

What?

She's playing with her necklace.

What?

You.

You're not really a big fan of trusting the process, are you?

No. That is my grandmother's specialty, not mine.

You know, you're actually

more alike than you think.

What makes you say that?

I mean, for starters, you're in tech, right?

She's in retail.

But both of you help people stay more connected.

No, I guess I never thought about it like that.

I see now how much you care about

your grandmother having a better life.

And the way that you talk about people who work for you,

it is obvious how much you care about them.

Like you want to make a real difference and help people.

That's exactly what your grandmother did.

Thank you.

For what?

For seeing the heart behind my methods.

Oh, get ready to thank me again.

What? Why?

Come with me.

-Grab the muffins. -Oh.

Well, I must say, Fred,

this morning has been most unexpected.

Oh, yeah. I'm so hungry.

I nearly didn't show,

but I'm glad I did.

They're gonna notice.

They're not noticing.

You've completely brightened an otherwise dull morning.

So Joy, do I dare hope for the answer I've been waiting for?

Well, I suppose a girl would be silly to say no.

So is that a yes?

Yes, I would be delighted

to be your date to the Christmas Snow Dance.

And I promise we won't talk a lick about business.

Consider the offer tabled until you decide.

Either way,

no hard feelings.

Wait a minute.

Uh-oh.

Who is he?

That's my grandfather.

Uh-oh.

And I'll have my driver pick you up.

Oh.

This must be that Christmas.

I'm going to need a little more information.

This is the Christmas that my grandfather came home

from fighting in the war.

Oh, I wish I paid closer attention to the details

of my grandparents' love story.

Um...

Okay. I remember that my grandmother had said

they shared a kiss that changed everything

at Christmastime.

Hm.

And... and that it was

a magical moment like they were in a snow globe.

And... and there was something about dancing.

Christmas Snow Dance.

If my grandmother goes to the dance with Fred,

she's not going to kiss my grandfather,

which means they won't fall in love,

which means...

I...

won't exist.

Oh, please tell me you saw which way he went.

Let's go.

Thank you.

That way.

Okay. Quick question. What exactly is the plan here?

Oh, simple.

We tell him to kick Fred to the curb,

dance with Joy at the Christmas Snow Dance.

Have a magical night.

Kiss her in what feels like a snow globe moment

so they can fall in love.

Have my father, eventually I'll be born.

And then I can travel back in time to convince her

to sell the shop.

Okay, so no plan then.

Right.

I saw the look in my grandmother's eyes.

She could end up marrying Fred.

My entire existence depends upon the next five minutes.

No pressure.

Merry Christmas, Walter.

Well, I'll be.

George Parker, back in the flesh.

You're finally home.

Just rotated back stateside today.

Oh, it's good to see you, son.

They say you boys were the backbone out there.

I'd say they were right.

Thank you, sir.

How's the family?

Oh, they're keeping me on my toes.

My youngest is fixing to get married,

so it's been a whirlwind planning the wedding.

Well, congratulations.

Hang tight a minute. Let me grab your mail.

I'll be right with you two.

Take your time. We're just browsing.

Here you are.

Joy sent me these?

Sure did.

When everyone came back undelivered,

she'd tell me to hang on to them.

She's got a heart as big as they come... that girl.

I saw her today with some fella.

Looked pretty sharp.

Fancy suit.

Oh, you talk about Fred Whitmore.

He's been sniffing around her shop lately.

Came in just this morning to buy two tickets

to the Christmas Snow Dance.

So what's next for you now that you're home?

I'm thinking about re-enlisting.

Wait. He didn't re-enlist?

This didn't happen.

It looks like that might be changing.

But you just got back, son.

Still plenty of work to be done overseas.

Rebuilding, helping put things back together.

Making sure it doesn't all fall apart again.

Are you sure this isn't about something or someone else?

I just don't think

there's anything left here for me anymore.

I got to let my commanding officer know by tomorrow.

If I do reenlist,

I promise to say goodbye before I go.

We missed you around here while you were gone, George.

And I reckon we'll miss you again if you leave.

I think the world kept turning just fine without me.

You cannot let your grandfather reenlist.

If he does, who knows how long he's going to be gone for?

I know, I know,

but how to get him to that dance.

We also need tickets for us.

We have to make sure this kiss actually happens.

But they are $5. We don't have any cash.

Yeah, actually we do.

Hi. Three tickets to the dance, please.

All right.

There you are.

Thank you so much.

Your change.

Thank you.

Have fun.

Okay.

Thank you.

Where did you get the money?

When my great grandparents first moved to town,

the first thing they did,

they bought this upscale apartment building.

The family lived on the top floor,

and they rented out the rest of the building.

Now on the ground floor, there was this apartment

that we kept for guests, and it was furnished.

There's this trick window around the back

that just never really closes properly.

Okay.

And so as a kid, I used to sneak in there all the time.

It was my favorite place to draw to, to paint.

So that's where I slept last night.

And this morning, when I was putting the apartment back,

I found two tens

under some linen in the cabinet.

Yeah.

Bennett, that's amazing.

Yeah.

Wait, your family lives here?

Why didn't you tell me that earlier?

Because, um, my grandfather

is Fred Whitmore.

What?

So you're not the only one who's not going to exist

if we don't fix this.

And you didn't think

this was important enough to tell me before?

I wanted to.

I hate being associated with them.

The minute somebody finds out I'm a Whitmore,

that's all they see.

I understand that.

Now, it all makes sense.

The tuxes, the piles of Christmas presents,

the... the family and finance.

Obsessed with profits.

Yes. I'm so sorry.

I justified not telling you because I didn't think

it was something that you needed to know.

My grandfather died when I was a kid,

and I only knew of him.

I'm really sorry.

From now on, no more secrets.

Deal?

Deal.

Bennett, we have to fix this.

Okay. I'll take care of George.

You head back and see if you can't convince Joy

that she's backing the wrong horse. Okay?

Okay.

Excuse me, Staff Sergeant. Can I give you a hand with that?

Oh, sure.

Appreciate it.

It's kind of you to do this.

Well, somebody's got to.

Might as well be me.

Right.

Name's George, by the way.

I'm Bennett. It's good to meet you.

Listen, the real reason I came over here

is I saw what happened at the diner

with Joy.

Oh, was I that obvious?

Oh, let's just say everyone's rooting for the two of you

to get together.

They are?

Yeah. You kidding me?

You guys are destined for the altar.

I guess it's no surprise I've been sweet on her since high school.

Smitten to the point I could barely string together

a sentence when I was around her.

But she doesn't see me like that.

Not yet.

But trust me George, she will see.

See, my girl works with Joy.

And between you and me,

that guy Fred,

not the guy for her.

Well, Fred's got everything going for him.

Fancy suits, success, the whole nine yards.

And she said yes to dance with him, so...

You just got home from fighting in a world war.

Risked your life every single day

for something greater than yourself.

And you're going to stand there and tell me

that all it takes is some guy running around

in a fancy suit to back you down.

Well, you put it like that.

You go to that dance.

Get her back.

Ready to go?

I think so.

Would you believe this is my first time

to the Christmas Snow Dance.

Well, it should be an unforgettable evening.

That is, if you're with the right person.

You know, I wasn't expecting

to connect with Fred so much this morning.

You're right about him.

He's quite charming, isn't he?

Sure.

But is charm really enough?

Oh, well, I suppose not, but...

I'm excited to get to know him better at the dance.

Maybe if it goes well, he'll court me.

Oh, I don't think that's a good idea.

Why not?

That sure is a change of tune from yesterday.

You were singing his praises.

Well, I said that he's a great guy.

I didn't mean that he's the guy for you.

Well, why wouldn't he be?

I get the sense that you want the kind of love

that you write about in your tidings.

You know, the kind that doesn't burn bright then fade.

But... but one that lasts.

And sometimes that kind of love

is found with someone you least expect.

Well, that's exactly it.

My conversation with Fred was so unexpected.

I misjudged him at the shop, and I shouldn't have done that.

Who knows, maybe we could have that kind of love.

Only time will tell.

But, Joy, don't you think

that mixing business and romance is risky?

You know, if things don't work out,

it could complicate everything.

And well, I think you should take his offer

and just walk away before it gets messy.

Oh, is that what you're worried about?

Oh, Ally, I won't muddle the two.

No matter what happens between me and Fred personally,

the shop will be a private matter.

Oh. Someone's at the door.

Hello?

The shop is closed but can I help you?

Are you Joy?

I am. Is everything all right?

Yes. Uh, I don't want to keep you.

I just want to thank you.

We've never met, but my name is Opal.

And, uh

this is the tiding you sent me

after my husband passed in the war.

Your words were a lifeline in my darkest hour.

I thought I couldn't go on, and I know I'm not the only one.

There are plenty of military wives around here

who'd say the same.

When the way forward isn't clear,

God has a way of sending us just what we need.

Where is he?

He's in a tux.

Just another reminder that he can give her the kind of life

I'm still struggling to build.

Yeah, but you can give her something that he can't.

Your heart.

Look at her.

She's having the time of her life.

She's having the time of her life

because she's dancing

not because she's with Fred.

Now you go.

Get out there.

Is now a bad time to tell you I have two left feet.

What?

I'm not a good dancer.

If I go out there,

I'll make a fool out of myself compared to someone like Fred.

You're in uniform. How can you embarrass yourself?

Hang tight.

I'll be right back.

Well, in the words of Cary Grant himself,

you are the most beautiful girl in the room.

Well, you polish up pretty nicely yourself.

Thank you.

Sorry we're late.

George almost got cold feet.

Oh well, that's okay, at least he's here.

Why is he just standing there?

I think he needs some courage. Come with me.

Is he looking?

Yeah, I think it's working.

Where'd they go?

Oh. Right there.

Oh.

Go get her, George.

That's the love I've always seen.

Now I just need them to kiss.

Looks like it's happening.

No no no no no no.

-I'll go after him. -Yeah.

Bennett!

I think he's gone.

Oh, this is all my fault.

All I ever wanted was

for my grandmother to have a better life.

You know, one that I thought she deserved.

And instead...

I've gone and completely ruined everything

because I thought I knew better.

You want to know why I care so deeply about Tidings of Joy?

I took the job there because growing up,

your grandmother was the only person in town

that told my grandfather, no.

Every single business in town caved.

But your grandmother,

she stood strong.

That takes guts, courage

and a trust in God.

Everything that I wanted to believe

that people were capable of,

everything that I wanted to believe

I was capable of.

I need a minute. I'll be back.

You keep the change.

My grandfather always said a man could command

an entire room just by wearing a tux.

Your grandfather was a smart man.

Have we met before? You look a little familiar.

Not yet.

One, please.

Thank you.

Your, uh... your girl leave early.

Yeah. Not all of us can pull off a fairy tale romance

like you and your dance partner.

Well, don't get me wrong, she's a fine girl.

But this is more of a business opportunity.

She's got a stubborn streak, I'll give her that but

everyone comes around sooner or later.

It won't work.

I beg your pardon.

Joy is smart.

You twirling her around on a dance floor

is not going to make her change her mind on keeping the shop.

If you want her business or her respect, then

you need to lead with honesty.

And trust me, I learned that one the hard way.

Well, with all due respect,

I know what I'm doing.

I'm sorry, Grandma.

I know I'm too late, but I'm so sorry.

I was wrong.

I was so wrong.

Oh! Please have battery.

There's Fred.

Where are my grandparents?

Oh.

I was starting to think I was going to close this place up

all by myself.

Sorry. I went back to the shop. I just needed a minute alone.

I get it.

While you were gone

I tried to talk to Fred, but it just fell on deaf ears.

And now the dance is over.

Well, lucky for us,

my grandparents didn't fall in love or kiss at the dance.

And how's that lucky for us?

Follow me.

All right, so tell me,

what does this have to do with your grandparents?

Here. I want you to stand in here.

Okay.

Do you remember I told you how my grandparents fell in love?

Yeah.

That they had a kiss at Christmas time after dancing.

Yeah.

In a moment that felt like a snow globe.

How did you figure that out?

Remember, my grandma always had

that newspaper framed on the wall.

Yeah, by the desk.

It featured a photo of the Christmas Snow Dance.

When I first got to the shop, I took a picture,

and I zoomed in on it,

and I realized Joy and George aren't photographed

because they were never at the dance.

Wait. If they were never at the dance,

why do they have a framed picture of the article?

There was a column in the corner

honoring the shop for its impact on the community.

Oh.

Plus my grandfather, he just came back from the war.

There's no way he would have been able to afford tickets

on his own.

That's true. We bought him that ticket.

Yeah, exactly.

He was so thoughtful.

You know, if he couldn't buy those tickets,

he would have made the evening special in his own way.

And this is where he always planned to take her.

Okay, so now all we gotta do is find a way to get them here.

♪ Here we are alone

♪ sharing Christmas kisses

♪ underneath the mistletoe

♪ Not inside your arms

♪ what a sweet world this is... ♪

♪ Underneath the mistletoe

♪ While everyone is asleep.

♪ We're wide awake together.

♪ Let's stay this way forever

♪ and never ever apart.

♪ To think it all began

♪ sharing Christmas kisses

♪ underneath the moon so tall. ♪

Good morning.

Joy... I have to tell you something.

Oh?

The advice I gave you about selling,

I was wrong.

You have to keep this shop.

It's not just a business, it's you.

It's the way you make people feel.

It's the way you remind them that they matter.

And without you here, this town, it

it wouldn't be the same.

Don't ever let anyone else's idea of what's best

pull you away from what God has already placed in your hands.

You know, I spoke to Fred last night after the dance.

He was up front about why he asked me to be his date,

and why he's so keen on buying Tidings of Joy.

Fred made some sound business arguments,

and I appreciated his honesty.

But though I value Fred's good business sense,

I trust God more than the market forecasts.

I know in my heart I'm meant to keep this shop.

Oh, I am so glad to hear you say that.

Oh, I have an idea.

So I don't know what you said to him, but he took your advice.

I just reminded him that a straight path in business

is better than a crooked shortcut every time.

So you told him to be honest with her?

Yeah.

Oh. Hello, Bennett.

Hello.

How does this sound?

"Thank you for your generous offer, Fred,"

"but I've decided to decline."

"I hope you have a merry Christmas."

"Sincerely, Joy."

-Yeah. -It's perfect.

Great.

Oh, just one last thing.

Wait.

How did my grandmother keep the tidings in the glass case

all these years if she gave it to Fred back then?

Hello.

Good morning everyone.

Fred, what brings you in?

Oh, just wrapping up a little business.

About that.

I just made this for you.

I know full well the financial struggles of this shop, but...

I'm determined to keep it. Come what may.

And you can't be swayed.

My mind's made up.

Good.

I was hoping you'd say that.

-What? -Really?

I just got word

about a substantial grant.

My bank awards to one shop at the end of each year.

Aren't you usually buying up local shops,

not donating to them?

Well, every year my family

finds a way to give something back to the community.

The recipient is chosen

based on nominations from the town and,

and this year, Tidings of Joy was unanimously selected.

Thanks to the women and servicemen

that were so touched by all the tidings of comfort and Joy

that you gave away during the war.

The grant is enough to keep your shop going.

Joy!

I can hardly believe it.

That is very kind of you.

Keep this,

as a reminder to never lose sight of

why this shop matters and,

and the difference you make.

Thank you, Fred.

Truly.

I hope you all have a merry Christmas.

You take care, Fred.

I'm so excited to tell George the news.

I'll be back soon.

That's peculiar. A thunderstorm in December?

I think that might be our cue to start heading back home.

Oh. So soon?

Oh, well, I wish we didn't have to leave,

but, now we need to get back to Chicago.

And now that you have the grant,

you can hire someone to help you around here.

I'm going to miss you.

Oh, I'm going to miss you, too.

I'm so happy we got the chance to meet.

Well, I best get back to George before the storm arrives.

Safe travels to you.

Merry Christmas, Joy.

Bye, Joy.

Goodbye Ally.

Ally.

I like that name.

And don't forget to latch the door on your way out.

And be sure to drop by

the next time you're in Indiana, all right?

I sure hope this works.

Only one way to find out.

Wait. Close your eyes first.

Hm?

Trust me.

God, I know you're in control so please bring us back safely.

Amen.

Okay, now we're ready.

Did it work?

It looks like it.

Welcome back to present day.

The Christmas Snow Dance/ Look at this.

That's us.

Ah!

Well, I did something this weekend

I should have done weeks ago.

I brought on a launch strategy team.

And the team has come up with an entirely new approach.

Because I realized that

when you do what's predictable,

you'll never do anything remarkable.

The strategy I built was too safe.

And if we launch that way,

we would have been just another app

shouting in an overcrowded market.

You can see on your faces you're all wondering

what happened to Ally over the weekend.

Well, my grandmother left me an old Christmas shop

that I nearly sold

because I've always thought it was irrelevant.

But something happened over the weekend

that made me realize

why people continue to go back

all year round, year after year.

My grandmother gave without expecting anything in return,

and because of that,

she left a lasting impact.

So what if instead of fighting for attention, we give it?

What if instead of trying to pull people in,

we meet them where they are?

So here's the overview.

All first-time customers

will get an initial membership for free.

No strings attached, no hidden fees.

We invest in them before they ever invest in us.

And we'll partner with Tidings of Joy,

the company that inspired this strategy.

I know it's risky,

but sometimes stepping out in faith,

choosing to trust even when you can't see the outcome,

could be the very thing that leads to something greater.

We don't want to be just another app.

We want to redefine what connection really means.

The launch team will tell you about the specifics.

Okay. I love this new side of you.

The strategy, the launch. I knew you had it in you.

Well, I'm getting used to it myself.

Well, it suits you. You even look different.

Lighter, like someone who finally let someone

wrap her Christmas presents.

Okay, who's making you smile like that?

Oh, it's nothing.

It's just the Tiding Shop manager.

Wait. The guy who doesn't know how to text guy?

Yeah, that's the one.

Okay, now, I really love this new side of you.

No, it's not like that.

He's just... he's a friend.

Uh-huh. And yet you're smiling at your phone

like it just hung mistletoe over your head.

So when are you leaving?

Leaving?

To Indiana.

Come on. Don't act like you're not

already planning the drive.

Okay. Actually, I am going, but only because he and I need

to get a head start on designing the new tidings for the launch.

Mmhmm.

I expect a full business report when you get back.

-Aha. There she is. -Hi.

I thought maybe you forgot how to text or something.

Oh I just figured I'd answer when I got here.

You know, the old-fashioned way.

Ah. How did it go?

It went exactly how it was supposed to.

-Really? -Mmhmm.

No last minute overthinking or anything.

Didn't need to.

Look at you.

We should probably get to work.

Right. Yeah.

I'll go, uh, I'll go get supplies.

Okay.

Or we could start with supper.

-Supper, huh? -Yeah.

Well, I drove all the way here.

At least you could do is have dinner with me.

Yeah, I'd like that.

I'm gonna go, uh, lock up.

♪ I hope you have a blessed Christmas ♪

♪ may your every wish come true ♪

♪ let the joy you feel inside ♪

♪ be home for all

♪ I hope you have a blessed Christmas ♪

♪ like the good ol' days of yore ♪

♪ may your heart be filled with all the season's joy ♪