Original subtitles

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♪

Official HQCINEMAS movies site: HQCINEMAS.COM

♪

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ On a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Over the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Bells on bobtail ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is to ride and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

[car door opening]

[seatbelt alert beeping]

[woman sighing]

[groaning]

Lodge doesn't look so bad.

♪

[grunting]

[sighing]

Kelly, sweetheart!

Oh, I thought that was you!

- Hi, mom. - Oh, look at you.

- My beautiful girl. - Aww.

Come in, come in.

No, it's okay. It's okay, mom.

No, you haven't been back for a while.

- Now let me spoil you. - No, mom, it's heavy.

- Oh! - Yeah.

What have you got in here? You're not moving home, are you?

No, mom, I'm not moving home. It's just my stuff.

Plus, I thought I'd surprise you

with a few new Christmas ornaments.

Oh, well that's lovely!

Now come on inside, it's freezing!

Can't wait to show you everything.

Okay, you can manage, right?

- Yes. - Okay.

Nice of you to bring ornaments, honey,

but we have plenty of our own here.

Which reminds me, you're going to have to do the tree tomorrow.

What? Mom, you don't have the tree up yet?

Christmas is a week away!

Well, that was always yours and dad's thing.

We figured you'd want to do it this year.

Oh my gosh, Kell!

You look straight out of a shampoo commercial!

City life must be treating you well.

It's just a blow out.

A blow out? Oh, is there supposed to be

a big storm coming this evening?

No, mom, it's fine. Never mind.

But hey, look at you!

You look like you should be on the cover of "Fit Pregnancy."

Third trimester, here we come.

So I drove by your house on the way in.

You didn't tell me that you and Chris got a new car.

We didn't, we rented our place out.

Oh, well, where did you move to?

Oh, I... I thought mom told you.

Chris and I moved in here.

Why? Help with the baby?

Yeah, and--

And also to help me with this and that.

Besides, we have lots of extra space this year.

Mom, this is usually your busiest time.

You're usually booked out months in advance.

We were, and then...

Well, we weren't.

Although we have one family staying in room four,

the Nelsons.

Only one family?

Mom, how are you covering the bills?

Listen, I've got some hot chocolate

brewing in the kitchen. I'll catch you up.

And I'm going to make sure everything

is okay with your room.

It's so good to have you home, Kell.

Shall we?

Yeah.

It was one thing after another. She just...

she couldn't keep up after dad died.

Well, it didn't seem so bad when I was here this summer.

Has she considered selling?

What?!

She could get a really good price.

- Kell! - It's too much for her.

And she's getting older.

Look, my firm can draft up the contracts

and deal with the legalities of the sale.

Dad built this place. It's his legacy.

I know, but we have to be realistic, Grace.

The place is crumbling, and there are no guests.

You know what? Mom is really trying.

She took out this ad in the community paper.

- One second. - Community paper?

[sighing]

Look, it's front page!

Okay, we... we need to do something more than this.

A website or something.

What we need is some Christmas magic.

"Christmas magic?"

Gracie, you're starting to scare me.

What we need is to be practical here.

Um, you know,

it's gonna work itself out. It always does.

It's won't work out unless we work it out, Grace.

- You know what we should do? - What?

Grace: We should build a snowman.

A snowman? And how is that going to solve anything?

Well, it won't, I guess, but...

we used to love building snowman when we were younger.

Yes, but I just drove for three hours, Gracie.

Remember that Christmas when we had that huge storm?

We were snowed in for days.

Yeah. I forgot about that.

Dad used to say, "Don't let all that glorious snow..."

Both: "Go to waste."

- He was such a special man. - I know.

I really miss him, Kell.

Me too.

♪

Fine.

Let's go build that snowman.

[laughing]

- Really? - Yeah.

Ahh! There's that sister I know!

[breathing heavily]

Okay, so where do we start?

Well, in order to build the perfect snowman,

we've gotta begin with...

Both: The perfect body.

I have to say, after all these years,

we definitely haven't lost our touch.

- Mitchums don't mess around. - Uh-uh!

Man: They sure don't!

[laughing]

Your sister's only been in town for 20 minutes

and you guys are already building a snowman?

Oh honey, don't be jealous,

you know you're the only man for me.

Well, I better be, babe. This guy's way cooler than I am.

- Oh... - Shh, see what I did there?

'Cause he's made of snow?

Yeah, we did, Chris.

- That was pretty good. - It's my super power.

Kelly-bean!

Look, in honor of your visit,

I went ahead and made some Christmas cookies.

Or should I say, "Chris-mas" cookies?

- Okay, okay. - No, Chris, remember, no puns?

Bad jokes are one thing but I draw the line at puns.

We did talk about that, you're right.

Listen dude, you let me know

if these two start picking on you, okay?

Us dudes fellas gotta stick together.

Hey!

You two are so cute.

From high school sweethearts to parents,

who would have thought?

I'm so happy for you.

And also totally jealous.

- How's the dating scene? - Awful.

Ugh, that bad, huh?

Yeah, people really aren't interested in wanting to

get to know you, and there's all these unwritten rules,

and if I get ghosted one more time, I swear...

- That's really a thing? - Yeah!

People just disappear when things start to get too serious.

- That sounds awful. - Yeah.

You know, the dating scene for me is a distant second

to just staying at home with a good book

and a hot water bottle.

You know, wouldn't it be amazing if I could just...

build the man of my dreams just as easily

as we're building this snowman?

That would be amazing.

You could build him into anything you want him to be!

Yeah.

Yeah, that could actually be quite cathartic.

- Huh. - What would you start with?

Well, he definitely can't be afraid of intimacy.

- No, that's important! - Uh-uh.

And he has to be a good listener.

He can't talk at me, he has to talk to me, with me, you know?

And he has to be a good story teller.

Loyal and devoted.

Grace: Getting all that, Frosty?

Yeah, and a total babe.

[giggles] Well, he's got that cased.

But he can't just be a pretty face, he...

he has to be romantic, and he also has to make me laugh.

- That is a deal breaker. - Very important.

And also someone that I can build a home with.

He also needs a nose.

Not having a nose is a deal breaker too.

I'll be right back.

Last but not least,

he has to really see me.

♪

Voila.

The perfect man.

[giggling]

- [sighing] - What?

Were these dad's?

I think so, yeah.

They were so in love.

Yeah.

They made it look so effortless.

Well...

♪

I think I'm gonna go and get settled in.

No, no, no way! Not before the finishing touch.

A little dusting of magic.

Oh, no, no, you do the honors.

No way, it's your man!

Okay.

♪

[giggling]

♪

♪

♪

Is that a snow globe?

Yeah, it is. Do you want to see it?

That looks like the house.

It is. It was actually a Christmas gift,

when I was just a little bit older than you.

- Cute, right? - Yeah.

Hey, Clara, come and get your coat on, love.

Oh, Miss Nelson,

I didn't know that you were checking out today.

Yeah. We weren't supposed to.

It's just that the hot water never got hot in our room and...

so we were shivering through cold showers all week.

I am terribly sorry.

Um, you know what?

Why don't I just try to get a plumber in for you?

And I'm sure it will heat back up.

Yeah, they tried that a couple of days ago.

We're just... we're gonna check into the hotel in town.

I hope you understand.

Certainly. We'll definitely refund you.

Oh, no. We really like this place.

Hopefully it will be better next year.

Bye now.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

♪

- Where are they going? - They left, mom.

There was something wrong with their room.

Oh, dear.

[sighing]

Hey, anybody want breakfast? I'm gonna make egg-cellent one.

- Grace: Chris. - Babe, that's not a pun.

It's a play on words, they're very different as I've learned

- from my improv classes-- - Chris!

I'm going to be in the kitchen if anyone needs me.

What's going on?

Well, our last guest just left.

I thought they were booked through to the holidays.

Well, they were,

except they didn't have any hot water in their room.

Sheila: And now we need a contractor,

which is going to be near impossible

considering how close to Christmas it is.

- We need a miracle. - Oh, God.

Hello?

Hi. Can we help you?

Uh, I think I'm actually here to help you.

Uh, I'm Forest. Contractor.

Your name is Forest Contractor?

No, it's Forest Newell. Um, I am a contractor,

- by profession. - Oh.

I was scheduled to come in today.

But, um, maybe not-- maybe it's a bad time?

No, it's perfect timing.

It's the perfect time, I mean.

- Hi, I'm Kelly. - Hey, Kelly.

- Sheila. - Hey, Sheila.

And this is my sister, Grace.

- Oh, hi. - How are you?

Good. [giggling nervously]

Well, by the sound of your voice,

I think it's you that contacted me about doing some renovations?

- Me? - Yeah.

Oh, well, I-I usually put that in my--

Oh, I don't see anything here.

I do apologize, I must have forgotten to write it down.

Oh, it's no problem.

Although I don't know how I could have forgotten.

It's okay, mom, um, Grace and I can handle it from here.

Yeah, Chris has an egg-cellent breakfast

waiting for you in the kitchen.

Egg-cellent, that's funny.

That's waffle-y clever.

[all laughing]

It was very nice to meet you, Mr...

Just Forest, ma'am.

Oh, okay then, Just Forest. [laughing]

Forest, where did you say you were from?

I didn't, but Alaska, actually.

Just got into town last night.

Last night?

Hey, Kell, why don't you give Forest a tour,

show him the lodge, what needs repairing, you know?

Yeah, I'd like to get to work as soon as possible.

You know, being Christmas and all.

I suppose that's a great idea.

But if it's an imposition...

You guys are probably busy, right?

No, no. We're not at all. I just have a list.

It's quite an extensive list. I, um, I'm a list girl.

- She's a lawyer. - Ahh.

Well, I got time. I'm at your service.

Okay, well that was great, nice to meet you.

- Likewise, and congrats. - Oh, thank you!

Grace, wait, are you not joining us?

Oh, I'd love to but, uh, the baby is making me tired.

I think I'd better rest.

Oh, okay.

♪

Um... [clearing throat]

Shall we?

Sure, yeah, lead the way.

Right, um, let's start with the living room.

Right through here.

Now believe it or not,

this place really does need a lot of work.

- Well, I'm at your service. - Great.

Well, first these windows need to be resealed.

And then we have to look at the hot water and plumbing.

Sometimes I just wonder if we're better off selling.

No, no, that'd be a shame.

This is your family's place?

Yeah. My dad practically built this place with his bare hands.

- Really? - Yeah.

- He did a fine job. - And all on his own.

This wood is repurposed, too.

- No way. - Yeah.

That-- that's incredible.

You know, only a very skilled carpenter

could be capable of work like this.

Yeah, he was a great man.

- Was? - Um...

He passed away this year.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's okay, thanks.

Christmas was always his favorite time of year, and...

I'm so sorry, I don't know why I'm telling you all this.

We just met, and you are here for a job,

and you don't need to know my life story.

No, on the contrary, I'd like--

I appreciate it, it's, um,

I'd be happy to see what I can do to bring back the lodge

to as you remember it, as a kid, you know?

I don't know, I just...

I feel like it would be a waste of your time.

No, it would be time well spent.

It's just all your perspective, right?

Okay. But it's gonna have to wait until tomorrow.

I have to try and get our Christmas tree in today.

Maybe I could lend a hand.

No, I couldn't ask you to help with that, it's--

Sure you could, um, I'm not doing anything.

Where do you get your trees from?

Okay, aside from you being a handyman,

do you also have a green thumb?

Forest: So what's this tradition?

Kelly: Well, my father couldn't fathom cutting down a tree

just to decorate it for Christmas,

but what's Christmas without a tree, right?

So he came up with a great idea.

Every year, my father and I would go out into the backyard

in search of a young tree,

and then we would dig it up, put it in a planter,

and bring it inside for Christmas.

Then once the holidays were over,

we would take our new tree friend out

and plant him in the backyard.

Wow. So all the trees in your backyard?

Were once our Christmas trees.

Wow, that is beautiful. Yeah, and it's quite fitting too,

with the whole Christmas tree tradition, you know.

People used-- used to decorate trees in their backyard.

- Really? - Yeah.

Like, in the 16th century, they would put, like, apples

- and pears and walnuts. - Huh!

Yeah, many Alaskan winter nights, lots of reading.

Hey, what about that one?

That looks like a good candidate.

Yeah, it's perfect!

- All right. - All right!

Wow. You really do have a green thumb, don't you?

Yes, I do. My name is Forest, after all.

Right. [laughing]

He is so gorgeous. What should we call him?

I don't know, um, Piney?

Short for Pinestantine, of course.

- Of course! - Yeah, he, you know,

he's going to go through in grade school,

but then he'll come to learn to love his distinctive name.

- He will. - Yeah.

Well, we just need some decorations

and he's all good to go.

Oh, don't tell me that you do tree trimming as well?

- Yes, of course I do. - Oh!

- However, I don't charge. - [cellphone chiming]

Oh.

Oh, okay.

Um, I gotta go.

- Oh. - I'm sorry.

Oh, okay.

Well, hey, thanks for all of your help today.

Anytime.

Well, I'll be back tomorrow, right? Of course.

- I'll see myself out, okay? - Okay.

Forest: Pleasure meeting you, Kelly Mitchum.

- Likewise. - I'll see you.

Huh...

♪

Oh, hey!

♪

♪

We have a whole box of our own

homemade Christmas ornaments in the basement.

Why do we have to use these inferior mass-produced ones?

Because, have you not heard a word I said?

Yes, I heard everything.

Okay, then what was the last thing I said?

You said that he walked into the woods and then disappeared.

Right, right. Isn't that crazy?

I don't know, I guess.

What?

I know that face you're making.

-I'm not making a face. - Yes you are!

That's the face you make when you have a crush.

You don't know my crush face.

Yes I do, I'm your sister.

Kell, it's totally your crush face.

Guys, I'm just gonna go on record here to say

that I like this guy already.

He used the term "waffle-y clever," like...

- I'm gonna steal that. - We know you are.

I'll credit him if he wants it but I'm taking that.

That's gonna be mine.

Look, if I were to build a man,

would he not be a lot like Forest?

Absolutely.

Grace, don't make me spell this out for you.

- Oh, I see. - Yeah.

Yeah, I have no idea what you're talking about.

- The snowman. - What about him?

Didn't you see Forest's hat and scarf?

Well, his face and body had me pretty occupied.

- Grace! - What?

I'm a happily married woman.

You're a happily married pregnant woman.

You can't blame me for noticing he was objectively

very attractive.

Look, I know this is gonna sound crazy,

but do you not think there's some connection

between Forest and--

- And? - And the snowman?

- Whoa. - Yeah.

Like, hat and scarf were identical to the ones

we put on the snowman!

That doesn't necessarily mean--

And he said that he just got into town last night!

And mom doesn't remember contacting him.

He's everything that I listed.

He's funny, kind, a good listener.

Very handsome.

- Oh my gosh. - What.

Someone I could build a home with.

I explicitly remember saying that!

I mean, he is a...

Both: Contractor!

[laughing]

Okay, now my head is spinning.

The morning after you let yourself believe

that your dream man could be out there, he shows up.

If that's not Christmas magic, I don't know what is.

Oh, yeah... no.

- Listen to us. - What?

- Christmas magic. - Yes.

Okay, wow.

That bad dating scene has really got to my head.

Here I am with the first nice guy that I meet,

and I think that he's connected to a snowman

and a magical Christmas wish.

Listen, life is full of mystery and magic we can't explain.

[glass shattering]

Can I just get our old Christmas ornaments from downstairs?

No. Just... where does mom keep the broom?

I'll get it.

Listen, I know you don't wanna get hurt again,

but I just don't see what the harm is

in letting yourself believe.

Think about how happy you were just a minute ago.

Well, I'm not going to be made a fool again

and I'm not going to get carried away again.

Mom hired a contractor, and I gave him a tour of the house.

And that's it.

Okay, I understand.

It's just nice to see you so passionate again.

It's the Kelly that I knew when we were younger.

Well, I'm all grown up now.

You know what I think? Carpe diem!

If he really is connected to the snowman,

then he could melt tomorrow. Seize the day!

♪

Log on the Christmas fire, four letters.

- Wood? - Yule, babe.

I'll what?

Hey, um, sorry, I just let myself in.

- I hope that's okay. - Oh, hi!

Yeah, no, totally fine.

Cool, um, Kelly is expecting me, is she here?

Yeah. Hey, Kell!

Kelly: Yeah?

- Oh, hi. - Hi.

Hey, you know, we've gotta get going.

I don't have 12 down yet, it's eight letters.

- Shovel the walk. - That's not gonna fit.

No, you've gotta shovel the walk

and I've gotta go wrap those Christmas presents.

Oh, right, yeah. I have to...

shovel the walk, and you have to wrap the baby's presents.

- Hey, snow problem. - I'll sleigh ya later.

All right, cool.

- Wow. Okay. - Right?

Well, that's my brother-in-law, Chris.

He's funny, I like him.

Shall we continue the tour?

- Absolutely, yes. - All right.

So this railing needs to be re-secured.

- I think I can handle that. - Okay.

Whoa. This view is spectacular.

Yeah, my sister and I used to swim in this lake a lot

when we were kids.

In the summer, I'm assuming?

Oh, yeah, definitely.

Though my dad used to do a polar bear swim

every New Year's Day, so...

This property is just amazing.

Must have been really special growing up here.

It was, we spent a lot of time outside when we were kids.

Yeah, there's some really nice trails near here.

- Do you like hiking? - Sure, yeah.

Isn't that just a fancy way of saying "going for a walk?"

With special shoes, of course.

But I mean, it usually happens in the woods, so...

Right, that's the difference.

[chuckling] Okay.

Well, maybe if you're free one day, we can go.

Sure, I'd love that.

Okay!

I really like your life.

What do you mean?

Just... it seems like you had a really magical childhood.

Yeah. I did.

Um, know what?

There's something that I want to show you.

Come with me.

Did your dad build this too?

- Yeah. - It's amazing!

I know.

What's this?

Grace and I had a growth chart from when we were little

to when we were teenagers.

Wow, there's a lot of history here.

Yeah. But the most important one is up there.

Oh, yeah? Come on, do tell.

Well, every Christmas, we would come down here

and we would mark how tall we'd gotten from the previous year

and then we would talk about how tall we really felt.

And then there was one year,

my high school boyfriend broke up with me.

Oh, what a fool.

I know, poor Kelly.

I felt so small, and Steve Kowalchuk,

he just really wasn't worth it in the end.

But I told my dad what happened,

and he picked me up on his shoulders,

and he made me feel ten feet tall again.

We all have our Steve Kowalchuks.

Even you? I don't believe it for a second.

You're so lucky to have someone make you feel ten feet tall.

You know, we all need those people in our lives.

Um, why don't we go on to the next stop?

Come on, follow me.

Forest: Wow, this place just really feels like home.

You know, especially with this gorgeous winter like this.

Is it kind of like where you grew up?

Uh, somewhat, I mean,

I guess I've just always felt at home around snow.

Why is that, you think?

You know, some people think that winter is just dead and dull,

but the snow actually protects the soil,

you know, it helps things grow.

All this life going on, just waiting to be woken up.

Come on.

You know, I think just a couple new hinges, a little WD-40.

Should be good to go.

Okay, well ,I think we should prioritize that,

because every girl needs a working closet at all times.

You got it. Hey, you got some more decorations here for Piney.

Yeah, those were from when I was little, I just...

didn't want to see them up on the tree this year.

Oh, got it.

Um...

That your dad?

Yeah, that's him.

You know, he really loved his family.

But he also really loved this lodge.

Oh, uh...

Hey, I apologize, I didn't mean to upset you.

Oh, no, you didn't. It's okay.

It's just, um, it's just hard sometimes.

Actually...

A lot of the time.

Look, I totally get it.

But you should know that every time I walk into this house,

I am in awe of how full of life it is,

and maybe in some different way,

he's still here.

And I promise you, look, I'm gonna do whatever I can

to help preserve that, okay?

Thank you.

[phone chiming]

Oh, darn.

Um, I've gotta get going.

Hey, why don't I come by in the morning,

and why don't I start with the plumbing in the guest room?

Oh, you've already helped us so much,

I couldn't asked you to do the plumbing, too.

It's nothing, consider it an early Christmas gift.

What do you lawyers call that?

Um, pro bono, right?

- That's right. - Right.

Um, you know, maybe if there's time after,

we could, um, go on that hike?

Sure, yeah, I'd love that.

Well, thanks for the tour. I know the way out.

[laughing nervously]

♪

Wow, mom, that looks great!

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas

without a gingerbread house.

You know what, let me help you. Let's do it together.

What a treat!

I can't remember the last time you offered to help me

with Christmas baking!

What's gotten into you?

I don't know, I guess I'm just feeling festive.

Grace: Ooh, are we baking? What's the occasion?

The occasion? Um, let me think about that.

I think it's a day in December that happens every year

and people bring trees into their homes and decorate them

and put gifts underneath them, I just don't--

I know it's Christmas, dummy.

Christmas! Yes, that is what I was thinking of.

Someone is in quite the jokey mood for the morning.

I wonder why.

So, the reason that I am baking, girls,

is because we've had some reservations this morning.

- Really? - Really?

Yes, and I have to get ready

for the lodge's annual Christmas dinner,

and the unveiling of the lights on Christmas Eve.

We're doing that this year?

Why would this year be any different from any other year?

♪

So, have you found out anything more about Forest? Any clues?

Oh, are you talking about that handsome young contractor?

Oh! Do you know who he reminds me of?

- Cary Grant? - Cary Grant?

Yes! He seems like an old soul.

Do you know who your father always said I reminded him of?

- Grace Kelly. - Grace Kelly.

Mom, is that why when you had two girls,

you named them Grace and Kelly?

If you had two boys, would you have named them Cary and Grant?

All right, stop teasing your poor old mother, you two.

You know, I can't for the life of me remember

where I got the phone number for that young man.

Hmm, well, I say we chalk it up to a bit of Christmas magic.

Maybe there's something to that.

And tell me, when will that fine gentleman

be gracing us with his presence again?

Oh, yeah, Kelly, when will that fine gentleman

be gracing us with his presence again?

Well, actually he's coming by tomorrow to fix the plumbing

- and touch up the paint. - Oh.

- And... - And?

I was thinking, if there's time,

I would take him for a hike up by the waterfall.

Oh, a romantic walk.

Look, he's not from around here so I just thought

I'd show him the sights, okay?

Okay. Wow, even I didn't think building a snowman

would stir up so much in you.

Well, maybe...

Things were just waiting to be stirred.

♪

[drill whirring]

[knocking]

For me?

♪

I can't believe you got all that stuff fixed

in the house so quickly!

- It was like-- - Magic.

- Yeah! - Yeah, we're a good team.

Team? I don't know about that. I mean, all I did

was supply you with baked goods and hot chocolate.

So, like, only the most important part?

[water rushing]

Forest: This is spectacular.

Kelly: Right? I used to come here when I was a kid,

it was like my secret hideaway.

Yeah? What were you hiding away from?

Not much, it was more just like a place to get away to.

I wish I had a place like this when I was young.

I just realized that I've been talking about myself

this whole time. I know nothing about you at all.

Oh yeah? What do you want to know?

What was your childhood like?

It was good! Good.

You know...

It was... it was hard at times.

I didn't really know my mom, you know?

She-- she passed when I was younger.

I'm so sorry.

My dad, um, I guess he didn't know how to deal with it,

so we just never talked about it after.

That's why when I see your family, I'm just, I'm in awe.

You're so fortunate to have been that close with your dad,

and if I'm ever lucky enough to have a family of my own,

I'd want them to be like yours.

Anyways, uh,

we should get back before it gets dark, right?

Yeah, that's a good idea.

I think my sister might have some cookies baking in the oven.

Oh yeah?

Forest: That was seriously fun.

Kelly: Yeah, it was.

You know, there's something about you.

Uh-oh, I do not like where this is going.

No, no, it's not a bad thing!

It's just... I've been wanting to ask you something.

Would you be my date tonight?

The lodge does a holiday dinner every year,

and people get dressed up, and there's dancing,

and it's actually a lot of fun.

And I would love for you to join us.

I mean, I would love for you to come with me

and be together with everyone, and....

Okay, I would love for you and me

to be together tonight

- with everyone. - Uh, is it a date,

or are you asking me to join a cult?

- It's-- it's a date. - Okay.

Oh man, this was so much easier when I was younger.

Forest: I'm not much of a dancer.

- That's okay. - I don't have a suit.

There's no dress code.

- Well, I'd love to. - Really?

- Yeah. - [phone chiming]

[stammering]

I sense a "but" coming on. Look, you don't have to come--

No, no, no. No buts. No buts.

Uh, I would love to, and what time is it?

- Seven. - All right, see you then.

- Okay. - See ya.

Huh!

Wow. "Join us?"

Way to go, Kelly.

That's, uh... that sounds weird.

"Be with us." Okay.

[jazz version of "Jingle Bells" playing]

♪

Thank you so much for coming.

Our pleasure! Thank you for having us!

[guests chattering]

♪

Mademoiselle?

I'm about to carve into the bird,

unless you want to wait for...

Chris, you don't have to be so formal about it,

but I do have to say, you look great.

- Don't I? - Mm-hm.

Thank you, yeah, I did it for the baby,

You know, I just... Cool dad, cool dad stuff.

Oh man.

Hey, how about a top up on the house red?

- Sure, thanks. - Okay.

You good?

Yeah, Chris, I'm great.

Maybe we can just give him five more minutes.

Vine with me!

[laughing]

♪

♪

Girl: Christmas to go each year, bringing with it joy and cheer.

Happiness for you and me, and our extended family.

[applauding]

♪

Who wants gingerbread?

[all cheering]

♪

- Is there any coffee? - No, I understand.

Well, you've given me a lot to think about.

Yes, well, I'll try and see it that way.

Merry Chri--

Mom, who was that?

What's going on? Who were you talking to?

Someone is trying to put an offer in on the lodge.

It's not even for sale!

Did you have something to do with this?

- Of course not, how could-- - This is our home!

I know that, this is my home, too.

No, you don't see it that way. Not the same way that we do.

You can't just swoop in here

and think you know what's best for us!

Grace, you can't talk to your sister like that!

Okay, can someone please just explain to me

exactly what is going on here?

Yes, I just received a phone call from a realtor

and apparently he has an anonymous buyer

who wants to put an offer in on the lodge.

No, not on the lodge. On the land.

They want to demolish the lodge.

What?

Well, apparently there are some things that are not

proper to code, and the offer is low,

but the way they put it, it might be our only option.

Why? Mom, you said that we had reservations coming in, right?

Yes, but it might be too little too late.

This is what you always wanted, isn't it, Kelly?

What?! Come on!

The first thing she said when she got here

was that we should sell.

I don't feel that way anymore, mom!

Well it might be too late, Kelly.

Okay, that's enough.

Could you just give me a minute with your sister alone, please?

Fine.

Here.

[sighing]

Take a seat, kiddo.

Your decorations look nice.

Thanks.

Maybe they are an improvement over our old sentimental ones.

All those trinkets we collected when you kids were young.

I just thought it was time for a change

but now I think we should get the old ones--

Kelly, you're right.

I think we should sell.

What?

The lodge is too much for me. I'm... I'm overwhelmed.

And business isn't what it used to be.

You've seen that for yourself.

You've always been so savvy, smarter than I on these things,

so if you think that it's a good offer, than I'm behind you.

But what about dad? And...

Well, dad wouldn't want to see

his beautiful work deteriorate like this.

Besides, no matter where we are,

he's always with us.

I don't know, I just can't imagine life

with the lodge gone now, mom.

It will be a big adjustment for all of us.

Look, I-- when I first got here, I was worried.

But something changed.

That lodge that I remember when I was a kid,

I thought it was gone with dad, but...

I miss him.

I know you do, sweetie. So do I.

But you know what he'd say?

What?

Do you remember that year the snow fell

and we were stormed in and he said...

"You can't let all that beautiful snow go to waste."

That's right, and we built that whole family of snowmen.

[laughing] Yeah.

Well, maybe we can't let this offer go to waste.

I know, it's a tough thing.

But you know, I think your dad would turn this on its head,

and so can we.

Now the realtor said that he was going to send the offer over.

Could you take a look at it?

I could use your legal expertise.

It would mean a lot to me.

Sure, mom.

Now can I get you a coffee?

I wish it didn't have to be this way, Kell,

but I'm afraid it might be our only option.

♪

[water rushing]

- Hey. - Hey.

Can we talk?

I can't get into it right now.

- Busy with the sale? - With the sale, yes.

Look, you know that I don't want this, right?

I thought you did. You came here wanting to sell.

Get rid of it all. Dad's decorations, the lodge...

- All of it. - That's not true.

I just want what's best for mom.

If you really mean that,

then how come you never come home?

Because...

Because it's just too painful.

There are reminders of him everywhere.

How do you think I feel, Kell?

I'm here every day. Every day.

I know. I know that you needed me

and I couldn't be here for you.

And I am sorry.

But you have to believe me,

I had nothing to do with this sale.

We just...

We miss you, and we love you.

I'm sorry too.

♪

Wanna build a snowman?

No thanks, Grace.

I think I've had enough of snowman for the time being.

Got ya. Where was Forest last night, anyway?

- Stood me up. - What?

Yeah, he ghosted me. Can you believe it?

Oh, he must have some kind of explanation,

that doesn't make any sense.

Hold on a second...

Speaking of "ghosting," you look like you just saw one.

- The buyer... - What is it?

- It's Forest. - What?

Look! It's written right there!

How could I have been so stupid?

- Oh, Kell, you're not. - Yes I am!

I mean, he used me!

He wanted to get in-depth knowledge of the lodge

so that he could make a lower bid.

He took advantage of mom.

And that is the worst kind of con artist.

And I got taken in.

This has to be some kind of misunderstanding.

Yeah, my misunderstanding that he was a good guy.

So much for Christmas magic.

Yeah, you know why?

Because it doesn't exist.

Just like an ideal man doesn't exist, either.

I let myself believe for one moment

and look what happened.

I've been acting like a kid this whole time.

I think it's time we both grew up.

I'm going to find Forest,

'cause he can't get away with this.

♪

[gasping]

- Oh, my gosh. - Sorry, I didn't see you there.

- I'm so sorry. Are you okay? - Yeah, I'm alright.

There you go.

Thanks so much.

Are you off to do some Christmas shopping?

No, not exactly.

I just finished mine. Merry Christmas!

Yeah, if you say so.

Hi, there! Can I interest you in some gingerbread?

No, thanks.

What about a peppermint brownie?

Um, sure.

Merry Christmas!

Yeah. You, too.

Girl: Merry Christm--

Look, I'm just not in the mood!

Clara, let's just go.

Someone's obviously not got a lot of Christmas spirit.

I'm so sorry, sweetie. Here. Take it.

Thank you.

Forest: Hey, Kelly.

You!

Look, I should really explain what happened the other night.

No, you don't need to explain anything.

We got your offer.

Your anonymous offer to buy the lodge.

That's not me, Kelly.

How could you?

[sighing]

That is not the case.

You used all of the family secrets I told you about

to lowball my mom out of her house, our house!

Kelly, really? You think I would do that?

You are the worst kind of person.

I'm the worst kind of-- [stammering]

Can I just explain?

No! I never want to see you again.

What do you mean?

You stay away from my family and I.

To think that I was starting to care about you.

You're just like the rest of them.

♪

This isn't your fault.

♪

Favorite part of the year by far.

Hey, remember when you made this?

Uh, I think I was, like, six years old?

It was last year, babe. Mix and match or something.

What do you think?

Uh, let's stick to the classic.

Before you say anything, I know you didn't want

the old decorations up,

but we figured it's been such a rough past couple of days.

And so I just though, hey, what the elf?

Yeah, the house could use some a little Christmas--

Don't say it.

Don't say "magic." Please.

Okay.

What about "Christmas spirit?"

Christmas spirit is for songs and stories.

It doesn't exist, Grace.

Do you really believe that?

I don't know what I believe anymore.

Sorry. Sorry, guys. I--

I should be alone.

Get Christmas over with and head back to the city.

[sighing]

What the elf?

- What the elf? - What the elf?

Yeah.

♪

[sighing]

♪

[sighing]

♪

Presided over by

Forest Newell Senior?

[scoffing]

It says to use an Allen Key.

Allen Key? Hopefully that's the name of the guy they're

going to send to build the rest of this crib, babe.

What is a [unclear]?

Hi. I'm just going to take some things over to the thrift store.

I wondered if you wanted to add anything.

No.

No?

Oh, um.

By the way, um,

The realtor and the buyer might be poking around today.

I know it's not going to be pleasant,

but try to be nice.

Mom, there's something we need to tell you about the buyer.

Oh, there they are now!

Are you sure that's the buyer?

Positive.

He said he wanted to survey the land.

[knocking]

- Hey. - Hey.

You've been cooped up in here all morning.

You wanna go for a walk?

Yeah, I should actually.

Let me just get my shoes.

I can't wait to hear your list of baby names.

I don't even know how we're going to choose.

[laughing]

You.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

I know you never wanted to see me again.

And yet, here you are.

What part of "never again" was unclear?

Look, I was fully prepared to leave,

and never come back here, but then Grace tracked me down.

Oh, she did, did she?

It isn't as simple as it seems.

Huh. Well, let's see.

You betrayed me and my family and put our future at risk.

Seems pretty simple to me.

No, no, no. That is just not the case, okay?

Look, my father and I, we've never been close.

He's part of the reason I moved up north.

I just wanted to get away from him

and everything that he stood for.

and then, I don't know, this year something shifted.

I was stirred up, and then I thought,

I was hopeful for the first time in a long time that we could

actually have a relationship. So, I can't really explain it,

but I just got pulled back here.

So, my only intention was to patch things up with my dad

and maybe pick up some work here and there.

Well, it looks like we gave you the opportunity to do both.

That's not the case.

I left my number at the hardware store,

and your mom called me.

I'm sorry. I just-- I can't hear any more of this.

Wh--

What should I do?

Go get her.

Kelly, look!

Hey! I just need you to hear this. Please?

Your father, he built something singularly beautiful.

I love that lodge.

And it should be restored, and brought back to life

the way that you remember it.

And I've loved seeing it through your eyes.

But you took everything that I told you

and used it against us.

It wasn't my intention.

My father, he'd rather destroy everything in his path

than to look back and repair it.

I, naively, thought that my passion for the project

would allow him to see the value of restoration.

I was so wrong.

Some things, they just--

They just never change, you know?

And when I found out that he intended to use that information

to buy the property, it was the night of our dinner.

and I couldn't face you, okay? I was horrified.

So, look, I understand if you never want to see me again,

but you deserve to know the truth, and...

I'm sorry.

I really am.

[sighing]

[sighing]

Hello?

Hi, are you with the Mitchum Lodge?

Yes. Would you like to rent a room?

Ah, no. Actually, I'm supposed to meet someone here.

A Mr. Forest Newell.

Forest? Why?

He set the meeting up a few days ago.

- He did? - Yes.

Newell?

That's the name I was given.

Junior?

I'm not sure about that.

He seemed young by my standards, but I am getting up there!

[laughing]

You seem to be having a little trouble with your snowman.

Yeah, don't I know it.

How can I help you?

Oh, I should introduce myself.

I'm Brett Gabel, president of the historical society in town.

Mr. Newell told me that I might have some interest

in this lodge here, in preserving it.

He did?

He asked me to come by and see if you'd like to

have it assessed. He said he was curious as to

whether it would qualify as a heritage building.

What would that mean?

[laughing] Well...

There are many benefits to something being declared

properly historic.

There is a government stipend dedicated towards

the maintenance and preservation of its historic buildings.

And of course, not that this would ever be the case

with this place, but it becomes much more difficult to alter,

and nearly impossible to demolish.

The way Mr. Newell described it,

this lodge sounded like the kind of place that had real

promise of qualifying.

And even from here, I think he was onto something.

That's-- That's just wonderful.

So, who is the rightful owner of the property?

That would be my mom. She's inside.

You can just knock on the door. Excuse me, I have to go.

[laughing]

♪

[knocking]

What are you doing here? How did you get in?

I let myself in.

There wasn't a receptionist or anything, so...

Oh, well, of course not. It's Christmas.

Apparently, nobody thinks they need to work on Christmas.

Hey, I'll tell you what. If you're looking for a job,

and you know how to type, you don't mind working holidays,

you're hired.

That's not why I'm here.

Okay. Well, then, let me guess. You are a caroler gone solo.

No.

Uh, Girl Scout cookies?

No.

Okay, well, maybe you're a ghost come to scare me

into being a better person.

Mr. Newell, I'm here to talk about your son.

Forest?

[sighing] He's gone.

Gone?

Back to Alaska.

Who are you?

I'm Kelly Mitchum.

Oh, right, right.

Kelly Mitchum from the Mitchum Lodge.

That's right.

Well, your father's lodge made quite an impression on my son.

Well, it seems to have made quite an impression on you, too.

So much that you want to buy it.

It's on a beautiful piece of land.

Yes, it is. At least we can both agree on that.

You want to have a seat?

Can I get you something to drink?

No, thank you.

You're not going to give that place up easily, are you?

No, sir. I'm not.

It means a lot to my family and I.

Do you know why my son went back to Alaska?

Well, I have some--

Because he doesn't like the way I do business.

You see, that crumbling little run-down

lodge of yours

it's already cost me too much.

It's cost me my son.

Are you telling me Forest had no idea of your intentions?

He didn't a clue.

Which is really kind of ironic when you consider he's the one

that put the idea in my head in the first place.

You see, he'd come home the last couple of days just raving about

the beauty of the land

and how incredible that lodge was,

but he also told me how much work needed to be done to

the place structurally.

So, got my wheels turning.

Thought I'd make an offer on the place.

So you can demolish it.

I prefer the term "gentrify."

So, he really had no idea.

Forest didn't know.

You kidding?

That boy's got a sentimental streak from here to,

well, Alaska.

I could have never told him.

Should have known he'd over-react when he found out.

Mr. Newell, doesn't it bother you that you've been

lying to your own son?

Do you have a good relationship with your father, Ms. Mitchum?

[chuckling] I did, yeah,

but he passed away a few months ago.

And we were close, yes.

You know, it's funny. You don't know how much

you're going to miss someone until they're gone.

Really gone.

Mr. Newell, you should know that

you have an incredible son.

The lodge wasn't the only thing that an impression on him.

You made quite an impression on him as well.

You know, if you hurry,

you might be able to catch him at the bus station.

Bus station?

He's catching a bus back to Bellingham

and from there he's taking a flight back to Alaska.

Thank you.

Oh, and Mr. Newell?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪

[Sighing]

Okay. Gotta call Grace.

No, no, no. Don't die on me!

[Groaning]

♪

Okay.

Yes, a payphone.

Okay.

Alright.

Yes. Alright.

What is Grace's number?

Uh...

414-1967.

Alright.

Man: Lingerie by Lewis. How can I help you?

Lingerie by Lewis?

Sorry, I have the wrong number.

Dang.

What is her number?

Okay.

Try it again.

414-1976?

[phone ringing]

Yes, it's ringing.

Okay.

C'mon Grace, pick up!

Unlisted number? Nope. Sorry, I do not answer those.

No! No, no, no, no, no!

Hey! No!

Oh, it's probably those pesky people wanting to know

if we want our ducks cleaned.

I keep telling them that we don't have ducks.

Geese, yes, but no ducks.

[both laughing]

Oh! Excuse me! Do you have a quarter I can us, please?

I'm so sorry to bother you. It's for a call.

It's a very important call.

Oh, thank you, and merry Christmas!

Okay.

[sighing]

Pick up, please.

[phone ringing]

Mitchum Lodge. How may I help you?

Grace! It's me.

Kell! Where are you? You ran off so fast we were--

Look, don't worry about me, it's just...

I know this is going to sound crazy but, um,

would you make another snowman with me tonight?

Yes! Wait, why?

If it was magic that brought him here,

then maybe it'll be magic that brings him back.

What have we got to lose?

You're absolutely right.

Great. Okay. Grab the hat and the scarf.

I left them on the reception desk.

Uh. Mom.

Yes, honey?

Did you see a hat and scarf here earlier today?

I don't know. They might have been in the donation box.

Grace: Where's the donation box?

I took it to the thrift shop this afternoon.

No! No, no, no!

Those were dad's things!

Long shot, but maybe they're still there?

Do you think the thrift shop is still going to open?

It's almost Christmas!

What do you have to lose?

Yes. Yes, okay.

Yes.

Hello?

Oh, boy.

[panting]

Wait!

Hi. Sorry. Sorry to bother you.

My name is Kelly.

Kelly Mitchum and, um, my mom, she brought aa box

of things in today, and they were my dad's things.

It's really important that I get them back.

Please?

Well, normally I'd ask you to come back tomorrow.

I'm just locking up for the night.

Please.

It is Christmas.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you so much.

♪

Thank goodness. These are them!

I will happily buy these back from you.

Oh, sorry. I cashed out for the night.

Oh. Well...

Go on. Take it.

Really?

Yeah.

Thank you so much.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, indeed.

Did you get them?

Yes!

- Yes! - Okay. Now.

I don't know how this is going to work,

or if it will work, but I think it has something

to do with believing.

What's gotten into you?

I'm seizing the day. I'm taking your advice.

[gasping]

We've got a snowman to build.

Yeah.

[both laughing]

Okay. Alright.

No, don't you dare! [laughing]

God, you always do that to me.

We have to work!

Okay, let's start with the body, okay?

Get his arm out of the way.

Get his head out of the way.

[sighing]

Oh. Oh.

[both laughing]

What now?

I guess we just sit and wait.

- And hope. - And hope.

We almost forgot.

The finishing touches.

A sprinkling of Christmas magic!

♪

♪

Morning, mom!

Mom?

Grace?

Grace?

Where is everyone?

Oh, the lights!

Okay, now these are going to go on the windows

all the way around, and these are going to go

through the cross over.

Oh, my gosh. It's Christmas Eve.

How could I forget the light unveiling?

Honey, you go up the ladder. I'm too old.

And I'm pregnant.

And I'm terrified of heights.

Okay, then.

[sighing]

Here we go.

How are you holding up, sweetheart?

Feel alright.

Mom, what's going to happen?

To the lodge? To us?

No one knows.

All we have is this moment, and at this moment,

I have my girls with me and my home.

It's my favorite time of year and the lodge is going to be

lit up tonight with the spirit of the season.

This moment is good.

I wish I had your strength.

You do.

You may not know it now,

but your passion is your strength.

I always thought it was my weakness.

Well, think again, dear.

You're strong and you're brave.

Just like your father.

No, come on.

If this is our last Christmas here,

we are going to enjoy every minute of it.

Okay.

[sighing]

[chuckling]

[sighing]

Hey, there. Would you like a gingerbread cookie?

There you go.

I am so sorry if I was grouchy to you yesterday.

It's okay.

[laughing]

Can I have some hot chocolate?

Well, that's up to your mom.

Sure, Bug. Go ahead.

[laughing]

If only we all had the wisdom of a six year-old, right?

I wanted to apologize for checking out the other day.

Oh.

The hotel in town has got nothing on this place,

hot water or not.

We'll definitely be back next year.

You always treat us like family. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪

[sighing]

Hey, how's Piney doing?

He's great.

He decided he liked the vintage ornaments better.

So, we went with those instead.

That's a good choice.

What are you doing here?

Well, I got to the airport and I thought,

"What am I doing?"

How is running away from my problems any different than what

my dad does, and you, you made me to see that.

See what?

That moving into the future doesn't mean

leaving the past behind.

And on that note,

I might have some good news for you.

I spoke to Brett last night and I hope you don't mind,

but I did invite him here.

I just wanted to thank you from bringing this incredible place

to my attention.

I did a thorough examination of the foundation of the lodge,

the wood paneling used on the bannisters, and...

And I was just thrilled at the history that I found.

I will have all the paper work drawn up for you.

If you and your family will consider it, of course.

Consider what?

Having the lodge declared a historic building,

deemed essential to the land's history,

and protected accordingly.

I... I don't know what-- Mom!

Come over here. You have to listen to this.

Oh! Hello!

Hi.

- Hello, again. - Hello, again.

So, what's the news?

Well, I don't even know where to start.

- [laughing] - Oh!

I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about.

We'll leave you to it.

- Oh, okay. - Please.

Kelly, listen--

Me, first. Please.

I owe you an apology.

You tried to tell me something and I didn't listen.

I'm sorry.

No, no, no. Look, I should have told you about my father's

intensions as soon as I found out about them.

And I didn't believe that yours were honest.

Now, I see that they are.

Thank you for saving our home.

It's true, I fell in love with the lodge in my time here,

but I also felt myself falling in love with you.

Son?

Dad?

How did you know I was here?

I didn't.

Sheila invited me to come out

and see the unveiling of the lights.

Well, that, and, uh,

I think I had to see with my own eyes how wrong I was

to want to tear this place down,

and how right you were

in trying to save it.

What you said to me yesterday at my office,

that really sealed it for me.

I'm sorry.

And, son, I'm sorry that, once again,

I, uh... Well, I put my own ambitions

ahead of family.

But I'm going to be better from here on in.

I promise.

I love you, son.

I love you, too, dad.

Um, well, I, um, I suppose I'll go mingle

and I'll give you two a moment.

Whoa.

Where were we?

Somewhere about being in love.

Right.

It's too bad that you're going to have to go

back up to Alaska eventually.

Yeah, but, there's this contract here,

you know, this preservation of a certain lodge

that might keep me here. Might keep me busy.

Yeah, well, you're the perfect man for the job.

I might stay here, too, for a little bit.

Help mom around the house.

I can work from here,

and it feels good to be home.

Hey, we got time before the unveiling, right?

Yeah.

There's something I have to do.

Okay.

[laughing]

[laughing]

Sorry, but I had to do that.

Why?

Because that is how tall you make me feel.

Clara: Hey, are you guys coming?

Oh.

Maybe we should go back up.

Yes.

[laughing]

Gather round! [laughing]

Let's have a count down!

All: Five! Four! Three!

Two! One!

[all cheering]

Come here, you.

[all cheering]

Okay, mom. That was maybe the greatest lighting ceremony

of all time, but it's now time for hot chocolate.

Hey, I never noticed that before. A snowman.

- Oh, yeah! - I love building snowmen.

We should, uh, you know, build him a companion.

Maybe a whole little snow family!

Oh, uh.

Okay, we can talk about that. [laughing]

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