Original subtitles

[♪♪♪]

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Candles burnin' low ♪

♪ Lots of mistletoe ♪

♪ Lots of snowy nights ♪

♪ Everywhere we go ♪

♪ Choirs singin' carols ♪

♪ Right outside my door... ♪

We're here live

for the annual festival of Christmas lights

in the magical town of "Cookie Jar",

a town teeming with all things Christmas,

as you can see.

A town that's home

of the famous Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookie Company.

You may remember those wonderful, sweet sugary delights

from your childhood.

♪ Mm-mm... ♪

♪ I see your smilin' face ♪

♪ Like I never seen before ♪

We're here with some longtime residents.

Lighting the tree marks the beginning

of something special in Cookie Jar.

Yes, it does.

The lighting of this tree

makes the beginning of our Christmas season.

You're all originally from Cookie Jar?

Born and raised.

That's what makes a town.

No one ever wants to leave.

It's pretty much the best place on Earth.

Hi, Mom!

My parents brought me here every Christmas for years,

I know I never wanted to leave.

Well, that's what this is all about.

People spend Christmas with us,

and then they have memories that last a lifetime.

Memories of Aunt Sally's Famous Christmas Cookies,

and the tree in the center of it all.

Gentlemen?

[Electricity crackles and the crowd cheers]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]: I get it.

I know it's a little cliche.

the whole horse-drawn carriage through snowy Central Park,

but, whatever!

I mean, look at this place.

I mean, it's incre--

What's wrong?

No big deal. It's...

Wish I'd brought my gloves. [puffs air]

Oh, come on, Gavin. Here.

Put your hands in the blanket. There.

Problem solved.

I know this is not your idea

of a romantic night with me, okay?

I get it.

But it's important to me.

I-I'm sorry.

That wasn't fair of me.

I guess I'm just more traditional.

Company dinners, schmoozy parties.

"Stuffy" parties. You like stuffy parties.

[chuckles]

You know, sometimes, it's nice

to have a little fun,

without the work.

Hey, speaking of parties.

My annual Christmas Eve party is coming up.

I'm really hoping that you'll make an appearance.

Oh, so I can talk about Christmas,

when I don't want to talk about Christmas?

Hannah, sweetheart,

it's really important to me.

Kind of like this carriage ride is for you.

Nice try, Gavin.

You'll love it.

Just you wait.

[♪♪♪]

[exhaling deeply]

I am here. Where are you?

[footsteps]

I'm here. Sorry I'm late.

Ohh! Really starting to snow out there.

It's cold.

And...?

The carriage ride?

Oh. Yes!

Oh, wow.

So he finally went for it, huh?

-Thank you. -Well, that's something.

What?

It was nice...

until he started talking about his Christmas Eve party.

Oh! Wow, that stuffy thing?

Right?

That's exactly what I said.

You hated that last year.

Okay, so...

you had him on the carriage.

And it was nice.

It was romantic.

Mm-hmm.

Maybe he'll pop the question soon.

What?

What are you even saying?

I'm so not ready for marriage.

Not at all.

He's a catch. You need to lock up the good ones

before it's too late.

And I'm gonna listen to relationship advice

from my little sister, who is, by the way,

currently single?

[TV plays quietly]

Hannah, isn't that your company?

...Known as "Aunt Sally", passed away,

and now, it looks like her family business

just might go global.

We have exclusive confirmation

that National Foods

is making a play

for the small upstate cookie company--

Wow! Well, Aunt Sally's cookies

are just the best thing in the whole world.

Did you see the story

on Cookie Jar last night?

No. I-I missed that one.

Well, the town is still so cute!

Why didn't you tell me

your company was scooping them up?

It's the first I'm hearing about it.

Well, that-- that should be your deal.

I should tell my boss.

But you won't, because...?

Because-- because I can't just walk in there

and tell my boss that I want that account.

It doesn't work like that, Kelly.

And plus, I'd have to go to Cookie Jar.

So? We went there

every Christmas when we were little girls.

We loved it!

I know. We did love it, didn't we?

-A lot! -Yeah.

Do you remember?

We used to try packing so many cookie boxes into our luggage,

we didn't even have room for our clothes!

We thought we had, like, a year's worth--

Yeah! We had, like, a week's worth.

At most!

We ate 'em so fast. Yeah.

[chuckling]

Yeah.

Well, a lot's happened since then.

[loudly]: Ah! Ladies and gentlemen--

We have a grinch--

Oh, hush.

-...In the house. -No, we don't!

I just have a lot more to think about

than Aunt Sally's, or--

[cell phone chimes]

Oh! I gotta go.

Just wait! Just hear me out.

We could go to Cookie Jar this Christmas,

just the two of us.

It could be so fun. Please?

I will think about it.

-Yes! -That is not a yes.

That is a yes.

[Kelly laughs]

Okay, so, if I don't see you tonight,

good luck on your presentation.

I know you're terrified of your boss.

Thank you for that, Kelly.

[laughs]

I love you.

So, the way we differentiate ourselves from the field,

is not only by having our chocolate milks

in old-fashioned, recyclable glass bottles,

which we all know is nothing unique,

however, what is unique,

is what's in them. We have...

Our "Dark"...

"Light",

and we have

white chocolate.

Okay, so, if Mr. Thurber gives us the thumbs-up,

then we need to be prepared pull the trigger A.S.A.P.

We gotta have this done by Easter.

-Can we do that? -Hannah?

Yes?

Mr. Thurber would like to see you.

Okay. Did I get the days wrong?

No. But he'd like to see you now.

Okay.

All right. Well, uh...

then I'll be back.

Hopefully.

[Hushed]: Did I miss a meeting?

He didn't say why, but he's in crisis mode.

Crisis mode?

Don't worry, Hannah, he's had his lunch,

so he won't bite.

[Weak chuckle]

[Steadying breath, exhales]

Uh, excuse me, sir?

Did you want me to move the presentation to today?

I could do that.

You ready for the big leagues, Miss Harper?

Um...

Yes, absolutely.

I hope so.

Because National Foods is buying

Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookie Company,

and it's a very important deal to us.

It's gonna open up a whole new market.

So my question to you is...

[thud]

Can you seal the deal?

[stammers]

Absolutely, sir, yes!

Yes, I can seal the deal!

This was Dan Wilcox's deal,

that is,

until he took his talents to our top competitor.

Anyway.

Wilcox approached the temporary CEO

of Aunt Sally's after Sally Carter passed away,

and, well, he was very receptive to our offer.

Uh, I'm sorry. Who's he?

Aunt Sally's nephew. His name's Jake Carter.

He's a corporate lawyer in New York.

When he inherited the company,

he went back to Cookie Jar and took over the reins.

Sir, this company is teetering on the brink of insolvency.

Have you seen these numbers?

Yeah, well, that's what you get

when you're in production only half of the year.

So, listen.

If we are gonna stop Wilcox

from swiping this deal

right out from underneath our feet,

we cannot let this stretch past Christmas.

Okay.

I do not want you to be distracted by the season.

Oh... [chuckles]

Sir, I'm not a fan of Christmas. Don't worry.

Good!

So, we get Mr. Carter's signature,

we can start working out some of the details,

like moving the operation to Buffalo.

Walk with me.

[mutters]: Buffalo?

Jane?

[Jane]: The limo's waiting for you, sir.

Thank you, Jane.

Um, Buffalo?

Well, it's really a no-brainer.

You know, it's a lot easier and cheaper

to move things in and out of Buffalo

than it is out of some small town

that's barely on the map.

And I want to put those cookies

in every single grocery store in America,

and all year round.

Uh, no disrespect, sir,

but, well, isn't part of the charm and appeal

of Aunt Sally's

is that it's a small company,

and you can only find the cookies

in select stores,

and only at Christmas? Right?

That's right, Miss Harper.

You know, deals like these,

they make or break a career.

"Make or break"?

[chuckles]

All right. Forget I said anything.

Just go to Cookie Jar and make the deal.

When you come back,

we'll talk about your future with National Foods.

Okay.

Okay, sir. Um...

Thank you so much--

I'm gonna tell you something nobody ever told me.

You need to have passion.

That's the secret. Passion.

Find the passion, Miss Harper.

[hushed]: I have passion.

[mumbles]: "Make or break."

[♪♪♪]

Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

Ahh. You are Ed.

Miss Hannah Harper?

Yes.

I'm your taxi.

Uh...

Well, y--

you're late, 'cause my train was on time.

Oh. Yeah.

Sorry. A lot of traffic this time of year.

Cookie Jar traffic?

Oops. There we go.

Thank you.

You know, it's a really nice drive up there.

I'd hate for you to miss it.

You need to finish up the call?

It's my office,

and they like their regular updates, so.

Oh. That makes sense.

Oh, it's...

Sorry, I'm just... I'm just--

I'm just cold.

All right...

get a little...

[radio turns on, Christmas tune plays]

Can y-- Can you just turn down that music a little bit?

Do you not like Christmas music?

[Chuckles] It's not my favorite.

First time here?

Mm-mm, no.

I came here as a girl,

did the whole "Christmas Cookie" thing.

Good thing you're here.

Aunt Sally's may not exist next year.

Oh?

Rumor is some big corporation's coming in to buy the factory.

Hmm.

Really?

Yeah.

Gingerbread Inn?

Oh! Yeah.

[starts engine]

Buckle up.

["Up On The Housetop" playing on radio'

♪ ...Here is a hammer with lots of tacks ♪

♪ Also a ball and a whip that cracks ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho Who wouldn't go? ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho Who wouldn't go? ♪

We hope you enjoy your stay. It was nice meeting you.

Oh, thanks, Ed.

Yeah.

[Knocking]

Hello!

-Hi. -Hi!

Oh. Ed usually waves goodbye.

Huh! He's a cutie, though, isn't he?

Uh, yeah, he's a cutie.

Well, why don't you come in?

I'll hold the door for you.

Thank you.

Did you have a good trip?

I did! Wow.

Good! Welcome to the Gingerbread Inn.

Wow...

Aww. It's just like I remember it.

You've been here before?

Yeah. Yeah, when I was a little girl.

Oh!

[sniffing]

The cookies are right...

Right there.

Right there! Yes, they are!

Ohh...

Mm! They're so good.

Mm! I'm sorry. I'm being rude.

My name's Hannah Harper.

I'm with National Foods. I have a reservation.

We have been expecting you, Miss Harper. I'm Betty.

Betty, you can call me Hannah.

Do I need to sign something?

No, no. It's all taken care of.

Your company handled everything.

Okay.

Yeah. Oh! And...

You will be staying in the Peppermint Room.

Ooh!

And it is just up the stairs.

Okay.

Uh...

I've heard the rumors.

About Aunt Sally's?

[sets case down]

You know, you are the second person today

that has seemed

a little less than excited about those rumors.

Cookie Jar is Aunt Sally's.

That little company means everything to this town.

It's our Christmas tradition.

Oh. But that's not for you to worry about.

Things change.

You give me a shout if you need anything.

Sure.

Thanks, Betty.

[exhales deeply]

It would have to be the top floor.

[door creaks]

[♪♪♪]

Oh...

My own Christmas tree. Huh.

How nice.

[♪♪♪]

Hi, Hannah. Did you have a good rest?

I certainly did, Betty.

Is your room satisfactory?

Yes. Everything is perfect. Thank you.

Uh, but I am getting a little hungry.

Is there somewhere I can eat?

Absolutely.

[Door opens]

Hi, Herbert!

Seasons greetings, Betty!

[both chucking mirthfully]

Oh, and to you, Miss.

Hi.

Herbert, this is Hannah Harper.

She's with National Foods.

Hi. It's nice to meet you.

National Foods?

Well... welcome to Cookie Jar.

Thank you.

Coming to the tree decorating tomorrow night?

I never miss it.

See you there!

Yes, you will.

He seems very nice.

How about that, um, restaurant?

Oh, right. If I were you,

I would check out the Cookie Cutter Cafe.

Just tell Sam that Betty sent you,

and you will get the Gingerbread discount.

Okay. Deal. Thanks, Betty.

You're more than welcome.

And it is just down, turn left, past the community hall.

Thank you!

♪ Noel, Noel Noel, Noel ♪

♪ Born is the King of Israel ♪

♪ Noel, Noel Noel, Noel ♪

♪ Born is the King of Israel ♪

[♪♪♪]

[woman]: Sam will be right with you.

Sir, what can I get you?

[Hannah]: Yeah, Gavin, stop worrying.

I'm gonna wrap it up here. I'll be home tomorrow.

I am not going to miss your Christmas Eve party.

I promise.

Stop.

Uh, listen, I gotta go.

Okay, okay, okay. Bye.

[Chuckles] Sorry.

Was there anything else I could get you?

Hey, maybe a slice of pumpkin pie?

Oh... pumpkin pie sounds good, but...

Just the check.

Sure.

Brooke?

Yeah. Sorry, you are?

-My name's Hannah. -Hi, Hannah.

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

Hey, Brooke!

Hi, Bon-Bon. What are you doing here?

Mom said I could say hi! We were Christmas shopping.

That sounds fun!

Oh, uh, Bonnie, this is Hannah.

Hannah, this is my little sister, Bonnie.

Hi, Bonnie.

Hi! You're very pretty!

Oh, not as pretty as you are.

I got to go. Bye!

See you at supper.

-Hey, you. -Hey.

Here you go. No rush.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Hi.

Hi!

Do you mind if I join you for a minute?

Yes.

No! I-- No, I don't mind if you join.

You-- Sit down, please.

[chuckles awkwardly]

Um--

Your take-out order's almost ready!

Thank you, Sam. Appreciate it.

So, busy day driving?

Yeah. Kind of.

Have you always lived in Cookie Jar?

Born and raised.

I left a few years ago,

um, but ever since I've moved back,

I don't have any intentions on going anywhere else.

You know, we don't have a lot of people

come here on business, so are you selling something?

[laughs] No. No, I'm not selling anything.

Okay.

I actually have a meeting

at the cookie factory with a...

Jake Carter.

Do you know him?

I do. Yeah. Everybody knows Jake.

And what's he like?

Um, well, he's a bit of a hard case,

but, you know, a pretty charming guy.

Mm. Charming? That so?

I think people think so, yeah.

So, you enjoying your stay here so far?

Yes, I am. Betty is taking very good care of me.

I'm sure.

Uh, here is your to-go order.

Oh, thank you, Brooke.

No worries.

By the way, congratulations!

Princeton?

Good for you!

I know. I'm excited.

I'm studying to be a doctor.

Wow! Where do you want to practice? Here?

Yeah. I mean, it's home,

and there's always needs for doctors.

Here you go. Keep the change.

College isn't cheap.

Oh, thank you. Have a good day.

Nice seeing you.

Okay. I mean--

It's good to see you, too, Ed.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]: Yeah, it's exactly like I remember it,

and they really push these things on you, too.

You know, if I don't get out of here,

there's not gonna be another cookie left

in Cookie Jar, 'cause I'm gonna eat 'em all.

[both laughing]

You know, you sound almost happy over there.

Happy? I don't know if I'd go that far.

I mean, it's Christmas every way you turn here.

All right, well, you just give it a minute,

and it's gonna grow on you, I promise.

Which reminds me, when you get back,

can we do some Christmas baking?

Ugh! Kelly!

I think I'll have had enough cookies by then.

Please? It'll just be like old times.

Maybe I'll find Mom's original cookie recipe.

All right, on one condition.

You be more careful with the flour this time.

[Laughing] Right! Right. Okay, yeah.

But just promise me that you're not gonna back out on me

because you're "too Christmassed out".

Yes, I promise, I promise.

Okay. Okay, well, now on to the important matter.

Your decision?

What decision?

Gavin's party? What are you going to wear?

Oh. I don't know.

Does it matter?

Yeah, the man wants to show you off,

it matters if you look good.

I don't care if it's your type of fun or not.

Let me get this straight.

I'm gonna come home from Christmas town,

to bake Christmas cookies,

to go to a Christmas party.

For someone who doesn't like Christmas,

that's a lot of Christmas.

Christmas can actually be pretty fun, Hannah.

Oh, uh, the cafe's closing. I gotta go, okay?

All right.

Okay! Merry Christmas! Whoo!

Merry Christmas.

Oh! Hi, Hannah.

Oh, hi.

I was just going to grab myself a slice of pie.

Would you care to join me?

Oh, no, I think

I've had enough sweets for one day.

But if you wouldn't mind the company...

I would love the company.

Mm. Mm! Is this Aunt Sally's pie?

No.

Aunt Sally didn't make pie, just cookies.

No, this pie

is the recipe of my late husband.

Really?

Yeah. Yeah, he used to run the inn

and make all the desserts,

back in the day when

I was worked at the cookie factory.

You worked for Aunt Sally?

Oh, yeah.

Almost everyone in this town

has worked there at one point or another.

Come on. Grab the pie.

Each Christmas,

Sally would buy a gift for every child in Cookie Jar,

and place the wrapped packages under the tree in town square.

That sounds nice.

It was. It really was.

Ahh.

What about you, Hannah?

What are some of

your most favorite Christmas memories?

Oh. [Laughs wryly]

Well, at Christmas,

uh, I don't really have

any favorite Christmas memories.

-Really? -No.

Oh. I'm sorry.

That's okay. It's all right.

I have a meeting with a Mr. Jake Carter tomorrow,

and I know you know everything about him,

so go ahead,

spill the beans, tell me everything.

He's a lot like his late aunt.

He's kind.

Trustworthy.

Understanding.

And if you think that, uh, Ed is a little cutie,

wait till you see Jake.

[Mr. Thurber]: What's the latest, Miss Harper?

I have my meeting with Mr. Carter this morning, sir.

Well, good.

Just remember that we hold all the cards, right?

His company's on thin ice, and it's starting to crack.

He needs to know that we're his only option.

You got that, Miss Harper?

Yes, sir.

Morning, Miss.

Hi! Good morning.

Ed's Taxi. Ed at your service.

[chuckles] Thank you.

Listen, I'm sorry I wasn't there

to pick you up myself yesterday.

I had mechanical issues.

Oh, that's okay.

And don't worry,

we will get you to your meeting

in plenty of time

at the cookie factory.

You know about my meeting?

Oh, sure.

Everybody knows.

Thank you.

[Hannah sighs] Perfect.

[♪♪♪]

Ohh.

[Quietly]: Oh, wow...

Oh, these are incredible.

[♪♪♪]

I remember you guys.

Merry Christmas,

and welcome to Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookie Factory.

Hi.

I'm Hannah Harper.

I have a meeting with Mr. Carter.

Oh! Of course you do. I'm Melody.

Would you like to try our Christmas cookie of the day?

Santa's Shortbread.

Ohh...

Has anyone ever turned you down, Melody?

Not in the time I've worked here.

I'm not gonna be the first. Thank you.

Follow me.

Jake's on the factory floor.

We'll go through the specialty bakery.

[♪♪♪]

Melody, how long have you worked here?

20 years.

My mother worked here before me,

and my grandmother was the very first employee

Sally hired, way back in 1948.

Wow!

The extruder.

[Hannah]: Mm! Beautiful.

The chocolate-enrober.

[Hannah]: My favorite machine.

I'll bet you have had your fair share

of Christmas cookies, haven't you?

I would say about a thousand boxes' worth,

give or take.

If you don't love the product you make,

why make it?

Very true.

Mm-hmm.

The chocolate-wrapper.

Season's greetings.

You're killin' me.

[Laughs] Come on!

[Jake speaking indistinctly nearby]

Jake? Miss Harper's here to see you.

Thank you, Melody. I appreciate it.

I'll fix you a cookie sampler basket

for when you leave.

Oh, thank you.

Mm-hmm.

[Jake]: Yep. Sounds good. Okay.

Thank you.

[mutters]: You're Jake Carter?

[♪♪♪]

You look familiar.

I'm glad you think this is funny, Mr. Carter,

'cause I don't.

I don't like being made fun of.

I wasn't--

I find it disrespectful

and totally unprofessional.

Okay.

What I don't even understand

is why didn't you tell me that you were... you?

Fair enough. May I explain?

If you think you can, go right ahead.

I'm sorry, you're right. Maybe I should have

told you I was the one you were here to meet.

But, for the record,

when I offered to pick up the rep from National Foods,

you threw me off.

I thought I was meeting with Dan Wilcox.

Well, Dan no longer works for the company,

and that is an awful excuse.

Well, once I found out who you were,

I didn't really want to ruin the mood

by talking business.

What-what-what-what? What?

The mood? [laughs]

The mood? Mr Carter, there's no "mood".

And business is why I'm here.

Okay.

Okay. I-I apologize.

I was just trying to do Ed a favor.

And I got to be honest, I'm happy Wilcox left.

Is that you being charming?

Mm-hmm.

How about we start over?

Jake Carter.

Nice to meet you.

Hannah.

Harper.

Hannah Harper?

Very nice to meet you, Hannah Harper.

[Announcement]: Jake Carter!

You're wanted on the factory floor.

I'm popular. Come on. Come walk with me.

What-- Uh, what?

[Hannah]: Sir, just bear with me, okay?

Um, this will only take a second, Mr. Carter.

"Jake."

Okay, Jake.

Uh, National Foods

feels like this is a more-than-fair offer,

so I'm prepared to go over the deal points with you.

Okay. I'll consider it.

But you didn't even look at it.

Don't need to.

Why don't you need to?

Because we've had some developments

with Wilcox as of late.

But this is a sweetheart deal!

-You'd be crazy not to take it. -Well, call me crazy.

But you agreed!

I did not agree.

I said I was interested, and now things have changed.

I'm no longer interested.

But if you don't take this deal,

your employees will get nothing.

You know that.

We're working on an alternate plan.

-An alternate plan? -Yes.

What does that mean? What would--

Keeping the factory here.

That's something your deal doesn't include.

[incredulous scoff]

Okay, well, mind sharing with me how that's gonna work?

Not at the moment.

Keeping the factory here

just doesn't make economic sense!

I mean, it's easier to get to Buffalo.

And it's cheaper, too!

Maybe. Just have to get a little creative.

[Scoffs] A little creative?

Okay, Jake, you forget,

I've seen your books, and I know the market.

You need us to survive.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Look, every day that you don't take this deal,

you're losing money, okay?

And our plan will ensure

that Aunt Sally's lives on

in grocery stores across America,

and we'll make you a very rich man.

I have enough.

[Frustrated sigh]

Okay. I-I don't get it.

I don't understand what's going on here.

If this is-- If this is some ploy

to try to get a better deal,

it's not gonna work.

I am telling you that National Foods

will walk away from the table,

and you will be forced to file for bankruptcy.

And, Jake, listen.

I love Aunt Sally's, okay?

I don't want to see that happen.

I guess we're at an impasse.

What're you-- What are you saying?

The... meeting's over?

Yes. I-- I'm sorry.

No, no, no. Wait. You mean you won't,

like, look at the proposal?

Okay. You know, I at least owe you that.

So, I'll take a look.

Just don't get your hopes up.

Oh! And before you leave, try a cookie sampler.

They're fantastic.

[♪♪♪]

[muttering] Cookie sampler.

[factory humming industriously]

[♪♪♪]

Jake. Jake?

Look at the stock options for every single worker.

This is a great deal!

That depends on whose perspective you're using.

Looking at everyone's perspective!

Look, National Foods respects

that Sally left a stake in her company to her employees,

and we are more than prepared

to make sure that they are very comfortable.

Comfortable?

With no jobs?

No one from here's going to go to Buffalo.

The relocation tax credits!

It's not always about money, Hannah.

I didn't say it was always about money,

but, you know, the money's not nothing either.

And Aunt Sally's isn't actually rolling in the dough.

[chuckles]

Well played.

[laughs]

If the factory can stay here, I'll consider your offer.

You know, I can't do that.

Then I can't do a deal with you.

[scoffs] Wait. Wait, wait. Wait!

All right, listen. Here's what I'll do.

I will-- I will look at the numbers again, okay?

And I'll call my boss,

but you have to agree to meet with me again.

day.

You owe me...

Come on.

Especially after the whole fake cabbie bit...

"Ed."

Okay.

Okay.

Okay, all right.

Well, I'll-- I'll buy you lunch?

Cafe at noon.

Cafe at noon. You got it.

Oh, uh...

Tell Ed I said hello.

Huh.

Well played, well played.

[♪♪♪]

Of course I understand your position, sir. Yeah.

He says he's working on an alternate plan.

I don't know, he wouldn't discuss the details.

I think he's bluffing.

Yes.

Okay, I-- I'm confident he'll accept the new deal, sir,

and I'll call you as soon as the meeting's over.

Okay.

Thank you.

Right. Bye-bye.

[exhales]

[buzzing background banter of patrons]

Hi.

How's it going?

I'm great. Thank you so much for meeting me.

Sure.

Uh... [exhales deeply]

So...

My boss has authorized me...

to offer you a deal-sweetener.

Coffee. Sorry.

[background chatter]

Says nothing about keeping the company here.

I know that. I know. I know.

I talked to my boss,

but it just doesn't make any sense

to keep the factory here.

Buffalo is just

a better, more viable option.

Okay? But...

this is a very generous offer...

Hmm...

Final offer?

Yeah. Yeah, it's a final offer.

National Foods

is prepared to walk away

if you don't accept the deal.

Jake, I gotta be honest with you,

if I were you,

I'd think long and hard about this,

because you don't have another concrete option.

Well, folks, what can I get for you?

Coffee, please.

Coffee. Ma'am?

Just, um, refill. More coffee.

-You got it. -Thanks.

Thank you.

It's disappointing, Hannah.

I thought you were gonna fight harder.

I-I fought, okay?

But it's just not

in National Foods' best interest.

All of our resources are in Buffalo.

They're not here.

I'll think about it.

Jake...

this is the thing for your employees,

in the long run.

[inhales deeply]

Maybe.

Maybe not.

[sighs heavily]

Oh, yeah. I forgot all about your plan.

My plan's a long shot, but it's one worth exploring.

Sure.

Don't worry. I'm gonna mull over your offer.

What? Huh? You're gonna m--

What-- What does that even mean?

"Mulling." How long does that take?

Your typical mulling period lasts about 72 hours.

[Blurts]: 72 hours?

That's three days!

Jake, that puts us into Christmas Day,

and I cannot go home until you sign this paper!

You're right.

Speaking of which,

Christmas Eve,

we have this dance we do every year.

I would love if you would come. I think you would have a blast.

Can I take that as a "yes"?

[Sharply]: It was a "I'll mull it over."

Oh...

She coming back?

She's coming back.

[Laughs]

You know, Jake... I like her.

[Hannah]: Gavin, how many times do I have to tell you I'm sorry?

But I have to stay!

This is totally out of my control.

[Gavin]: But my Christmas Eve party,

you know how important this is to me.

You promised it!

The partners are gonna be there.

I wanted them to see you.

To "see" me?

Can't you just tell your boss

to send someone else to Cookie Jar?

I can't just tell my boss to send someone else here.

Okay? It's my job,

and I have to see this deal through,

nobody else.

Fine.

I just want to know

where do I fall in your pecking order, Hannah?

Am I even close to the top?

Yes. You are, like--

You're-- You are so right there at the top.

You know, you're like--

number two.

As soon as this job is over,

you will be number one again.

Until next job.

[sighs] I know, I'm sorry.

Okay, but I promise, I'll make it up to you.

I know, if you really want to come to my party,

you'll figure it out.

Sure.

Okay, I gotta go. Love you. Don't work too hard.

Okay.

[♪♪♪]

Hi! I hear you're extending your stay through Christmas Eve.

Word travels fast, huh?

Well, I think it's wonderful.

You'll be spending Christmas with us here in Cookie Jar.

Mm.

So you're not going?

Going where?

To the Christmas tree decoration.

It's this evening!

No, you sim-- You really want to be there.

Oh, I don't know. Stressful day.

I've still got so much work to do anyway.

Well, Jake will be there. You can talk to him!

Mm-hmm.

Okay. I'll go change.

See you soon.

[Betty]: Well... tah-dah!

Wow, Betty!

Did you help with all this?

Well, yeah. Maybe a little bit.

[laughs] You can take credit.

It's wonderful, isn't it?

Yeah, it's beautiful.

We've been decorating

the Christmas tree in the park now, since...

since I was a little girl.

[Hannah]: Yeah?

[Betty]:Yeah, well, it was much shorter then.

Hi there, Betty.

Oh, hi, Herbert!

Do you remember Hannah?

Oh, right. National Foods. I heard the rumors.

Yeah. [awkward chuckle]

Care for some punch.

Thank you.

Oh, thank you, Herbert. How nice.

[Jake]: Good evening, everyone.

Thank you all for being here.

I just want to welcome everyone to the 52nd Annual

lighting of our Christmas tree in town square.

But before we take these festivities outside,

I want to introduce

fourth-grader Bonnie Carroway as she sings

"O, Christmas Tree."

Whoo! Go, Bonnie.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

♪ O, Christmas tree O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely are your branches ♪

♪ O, Christmas tree O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely are your branches ♪

♪ In beauty green Will always grow ♪

♪ Through summer sun And winter snow ♪

♪ O, Christmas tree O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely Are your branches ♪♪

[♪♪♪]

[quiet background chatter, indistinct]

[Hannah]: So... ahem.

I guess I owe you an apology

for the way I left.

That was not very professional of me,

so I am sorry.

It's quite all right.

You're just doing your job.

I guess.

[chuckles]

You glad you came?

Oh, look at this place. Yes.

Yes. I am glad I came.

Yeah, it's a beautiful tradition.

Um, I should probably

be getting back to the inn, though.

Well, it's still early.

I have a question for you.

Hmm?

How do you feel about pie?

[laughs] How do I feel about pie?

Mm-hmm.

Pumpkin, to be exact.

Oh. I love pumpkin pie.

Oh! 'Cause you're in luck.

I know this great place.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]:So did Aunt Sally raise you?

[Jake]: Uh, yeah.

Yeah, she actually adopted me when I was two.

I don't really remember my parents.

So how did you get to do what you do?

Did you always dream of

growing up and working in corporate America?

Uh... no. No, actually.

I wanted to be, um,

wanted to be a professional princess,

but found out the job opportunities

in that field were very limited,

so... [chuckles]

Here I am!

What about you?

Did you always want to be a lawyer?

I wanted to own my own zoo.

A zoo?

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Then I found out how much

I'd have to clean up after the animals,

and it lost its appeal.

Yeah. I can see that. Ugh.

[laughing]

You know, the truth for me, is,

I thought there was a time

that this town was way too small to hold big dreams.

-Yeah? -Mm-hmm.

What were those big dreams?

To make a lot of money.

Oh.

And after I got into the real world

and I made that money,

I realized that something was missing.

What was missing?

The feeling of family.

The goodness that I feel when I'm here.

Yeah.

It's home.

Yeah.

It's home.

Oh. Speaking of home,

I need to get back to the inn.

It's getting late.

Want me to walk you back?

I would like that very much.

Okay.

Thank you.

That pie was good!

You're welcome. I made it.

You did not!

I did.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]: I can't believe I left my gloves.

[Jake]: Yeah.

So what's going on with you? What's your story?

You seem like a nice enough guy. Why aren't you married?

Oh, you noticed?

I did notice. Yeah. [laughs]

I was engaged once.

You were?

I was.

What happened?

She loved the New York lifestyle.

Wasn't exactly thrilled when I left it.

Ahh. I see.

I hadn't noticed a rock on your finger.

Oh, wait--

No, you didn't. Don't have one.

Why not?

Yeah, the race up the corporate ladder,

long hours.

I guess I haven't had the time

to find Mr. Right.

I have found plenty of Mr. Wrongs, though.

Like, everywhere.

They're just readily available.

[both chuckling]

[sighs] Ohh.

You gonna take the deal?

Back to business, huh?

Well, kind of why I'm here.

Think I have...

60 hours left

to mull over it.

The mulling period, right?

Yeah, I forgot about that.

Oh, Jake.

Look, you know, in a perfect world,

Aunt Sally's would stay right here in this town, but...

well, it's not perfect.

T-minus-60.

Goodnight.

[dry chuckle] Goodnight.

[♪♪♪]

[humming]

[Hannah]: Hello.

Oh! Hannah.

Hi!

Is everything all right?

Aw, Betty.

[sighs wearily]

I'm supposed to be a professional.

You know?

Just to come here make the deal, go home.

Kind of thought I was doing such a good thing,

making sure that Aunt Sally's had a future, but just...

[sighing] Jake, he's...

he's being so-- he's being so stubborn.

I mean, why doesn't he understand

that this is the best solution?

Well, are you sure?

That this is the best solution?

Yeah.

Yeah, I-I mean, numbers don't lie.

Well, that may be true,

but they don't always tell the whole story either.

How well did you know Aunt Sally?

She was my dearest friend.

Yeah?

Yeah. Loyal to a fault

and smart as a whip.

And when it came to her cookies,

she was a perfectionist.

Ha. Obviously!

[Laughs] If you wanted to be one of her employees,

you needed to memorize your recipe

right down to the fraction of a teaspoon.

-What? -Yeah!

You had to memorize everything?

Yes. Well, everything I was supposed to.

What's that mean?

Well, when I worked for her, I made the icing,

and let me tell you,

I can make the best icing you've ever tasted.

I do not doubt that one bit, Betty.

[laughs] But I have no idea how they bake the cookies

or make the sprinkles or the fudge,

or-or anything else.

Aunt Sally didn't let anybody write the recipe down.

Well...

because

what does anything mean if you just know it?

[quietly]: Gotta feel it.

Yeah.

Do you know where Aunt Sally's house is?

Mm-mm.

It's the cute little white one on the corner.

Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah.

Jake's living there now.

Christmas is what you make it...

or bake it.

[♪♪♪]

I like it!

[Jake]: Oh, it looks great!

Except it's missing one thing.

[gasps] The nose!

You do the honors.

There you go.

Last one.

Ahh.

Hey!

[gate creaks]

Hey, Hannah!

Do you like our snowman family?

I love your snowman family.

They look amazing!

However...

I think there's just one little thing missing.

-What? -Mind if I fix it?

Sure.

What are you doing?

I want your scarf.

That's my scarf.

Not anymore.

Okay...

What about that? Do you like it?

I think it's perfect.

-Yeah? -Yeah.

Nice touch.

Bonnie!

Honey, it's time to come home.

Jake said he would take me

to practice for the big sled race.

Are you sure, Jake?

Of course! We need the practice.

I'll have her back in a couple of hours.

Uh, Hannah, Stephanie. Stephanie, Hannah.

Hi. Okay, honey.

Just remember to wear your mittens.

You guys, too.

Okay, Mom.

Wanna go sledding with us?

[laughs] Sled race?

It's a big deal here!

Oh... I don't know.

What do you think?

It would be fun.

-You want me to go? -Yeah!

I'll never say no to her.

We'll talk business.

Yes!

[bells jingling]

[Hannah]: Oh, this place is beautiful!

What's it called?

[Jake]: Carter Mountain.

No.

Yeah.

Aw, no!

[both laughing]

Let's all go on the sled!

All of us?

Can we fit on that thing?

I'll go in front, you go in the middle,

and Jake, steers from the back.

I don't know.

I haven't been on a sled in a long time.

Ple-e-ease!

Oh! I can't say no to you with your face like that.

You're doing the puppy-dog face.

Okay. All right. I'll go. Okay.

♪ ...This is Christmas... ♪

[Bonnie]: Faster!

[shrieking]

[Hannah laughing]

♪ ...This is Christmas ♪

♪ It's a special time of year ♪

♪ When everybody's here ♪

♪ This is Christmas ♪

That was awesome.

Let's do it again!

Again?

Ohh! [exhales]

Again!

All right. We're going again.

So you really think that you and Bonnie have a shot

at winning the big race?

[laughs] I don't know. Tough competition.

Sam and Melody have won three years in a row.

Well, you can't let that happen again, then.

Thanks. I'll try not to let it.

[laughs]

You know, I had a really good time today.

Me too.

[cell ringing]

Oh. Sorry.

[phone continues ringing]

[ringing stops]

Work stuff?

Oh, um...

No, it's just my friend.

Probably wondering why I'm still here.

I suppose I'm the reason you're still here.

Yeah, I guess you are the reason I'm still here,

'cause if you would've just signed those papers

when I asked you to,

I could be at home,

eating a carton of ice cream, reading a good book,

but instead, I'm here...

here, with you, scraping this windshield.

[laughing]

So what do you think of our little town?

I, uh...

I think you guys really know how to do Christmas.

[laughs]

If you're into that kind of thing.

[scraping ice]

Stick around long enough, this town might change you.

Well, that would take a miracle.

Why don't you come to my aunt's for dinner tonight?

Is this a professional dinner?

Call it what you like.

Well, we are in the midst of the whole "mulling"--

[laughing]

...Phase, so, I kinda need to know

what I'm getting into.

Come to dinner.

We'll talk.

[resumes scraping ice]

[Quietly]: Jake.

Jake.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah exhales] Thank you.

You're welcome.

Wow, this is beautiful!

Thank you.

Hannah's here!

Bonnie?

Hey! We met earlier. I'm Stephanie.

[Jake]: You remember Stephanie?

-[Frank: Hey, Hannah. -[Jake]: That's Frank.

-Hey, Hannah. -Brooke.

I'm Frank, by the way.

Frank.

Thought you said we were gonna talk about business.

I said we were gonna talk.

I never said about what.

That is why I'm here.

[Bonnie]: Hey, Hannah!

I want you to sit beside me at the dinner table.

Oh. Okay.

Supper is ready!

Pasta!

Brooke is an amazing cook.

I keep telling her

she should be a chef, not a doctor.

Mama, stop it.

Helping people is my passion.

Cooking's fun,

but I want to make a difference.

Good for you.

Shall we say gratefuls?

-Yes. -Oh, yes.

"Gratefuls" are when

you tell something that you're grateful for.

It's a family tradition.

Oh. Okay.

All right. Bonnie?

I'm grateful for...

Hannah, my newest friend!

Oh, that's sweet.

We are all grateful for Hannah.

Honey?

Well, I'm grateful

for Christmas, the season of giving.

And Santa!

Yes. Of course, Santa.

Brooke?

I'm grateful for...

my amazing family,

especially my parents,

who saved up their hard-earned money,

so that I could go to medical school.

I am grateful for working almost 20 years

at the best little cookie factory in the world.

I'm grateful for

this home.

I'm grateful for this town.

I'm grateful to have this wonderful meal

amongst fantastic friends.

Well said.

Oh. It's my turn, right?

Okay! Uh...

Well, I am grateful for...

sledding today.

That was awesome.

I have not done that

since I was, like, 10 years old.

And I'm also grateful

for you, Bonnie.

All right. Let's eat!

[Brooke]: Okay, let the waitress serve.

Brooke makes it really spicy.

[Frank and Stephanie chuckling and chatting]

Hey, you two.

You have to let me take over.

Oh, nonsense.

Are you coming

to the Gingerbread House Competition

tonight at the community center?

How many traditions do you guys have?

I know. We have a lot of them.

But it's so much fun.

You must come.

The best part?

We eat the houses after we're finished.

Hey, you know,

we are always looking for unbiased judges.

In fact, in this town,

that would be considered a Christmas miracle.

[Laughs]

Bonnie would love it if you were there.

Mm. You two are very convincing.

I'm in.

-Good. -All right.

Hey.

Thank you for letting me join you guys tonight.

It's been a long time since I've had a family meal.

We were happy

to share a table with you tonight, Hannah.

The pleasure was all mine.

Oh, perfect! That's exactly what I came in here for.

Oh, did you want this?

Yes.

You want this? This cake?

Yeah.

Oh, I don't know.

There's more of this cake.

No.

That the last piece?

That's really the last--

Hi, everyone. Good evening.

Uh, can I have your attention, please?

Um, okay, gingerbread house judges

will be looking for

precision, difficulty, originality,

and overall appearance.

This year,

the top three are in for a very special surprise!

Just give us a few minutes

just to get the last of the volunteer judges,

and we'll be ready to go.

Thank you.

I should get in on this next year.

I can bake.

I'm actually a really good baker.

Next year?

You know what I meant.

Hmm. Interesting.

So when are you gonna tell me

about this big plan of yours

to keep the factory here?

Or is that like

a state secret or something?

No. It's no secret.

I've been talking with

a large distributor in Canada,

they're in two provinces,

expanding to three more.

They love Aunt Sally's,

and they want to inject some cash,

and we get to keep the operation here.

Hmm.

That's good.

For you.

We'll see how it goes.

-Hi there. -Hey, you!

[Hannah laughs]

So I heard you're judging?

Is that what you heard?

Okay!

Here's your checkboard.

All the houses are numbered,

and this is what they're looking for.

Have fun!

Okay.

Wow...

I'm gonna be a judge.

Congratulations.

Hi, everyone!

Um, judges, you are now free to circulate.

Why don't you keep this warm for me?

You should...

circulate.

Oh, I'm circulating. That's what I'm doing.

♪ Bells on bobtail ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is to ride ♪

♪ And sing a sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ And it goes ♪

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle bells Jingle all the way ♪

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

♪ Hey! ♪

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

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

♪ Oh, what fun it is ♪

♪ To ride in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

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

Ladies and gentlemen?

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived!

The winner of this year's "Best in Show"

will receive a lifetime's supply

of Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookies!

[Laughs] I know! I'm so excited.

And the winner is...

Herbert White

for "Christmastide at the Gingerbread Inn"!

Come on up, Herb!

[all cheering]

Thank you, judges,

and congratulations to all the participants.

That concludes this year's Gingerbread House Competition.

Goodnight and Merry Christmas!

Thank you.

And can we talk about this house?

Incredible!

-Yeah. I know. -Yeah!

You ever done this?

No. I'd eat it all before I could finish it.

Maybe I'll try next year.

Ahh, you are going to Princeton, Missy, remember?

[deep breath]

Yeah. If it happens.

What do you mean, if it happens?

You know, if the factory closes down,

and my family needs my help, I'll stay.

Huh. That's pretty selfless of you, huh?

My family is everything to me.

I mean, not just my family, this town.

Look at it.

Yeah. It's pretty amazing.

[phone ringing]

Oh.

It's okay.

I've gotta go find Bonnie anyways.

Okay. Bye.

[keeps ringing]

[ringing stops]

[♪♪♪]

Here we are again.

Yeah. Here we are.

Can I ask you something?

Yeah.

What made you want to sell the factory?

I mean, 'cause you seem

so dead-set against it now.

What changed your mind?

Letters.

Letters?

Two weeks after Aunt Sally died,

Herb forwarded me hundreds of these letters

to my office in New York.

They were written by people

from all over the place

that would come here

and they would spend their Christmases here

and they would let her know how many

wonderful family traditions and memories they had

because of her and because of this place.

Oh.

Must've been pretty touching to read those.

Yeah, it was.

And now I'm faced with a decision

that could affect this entire town...

and I don't know if I can save this company,

but if I can't,

I'm gonna go down swinging.

That's because

this town deserves it.

Aunt Sally deserves it.

And the people that wrote those letters,

they deserve it, too.

Okay, well...

All right. Have a good night.

[Hannah]: Goodnight.

[sighs heavily]

I hope you get your Christmas miracle, Jake.

Attention!

We're down to two contestants left

in this year's knock-out competition.

Reigning champions Sam and Melody...

[cheering]

...Versus newcomers Bonnie and Jake,

who just won the semifinals!

The grand finale!

[all cheering]

You guys are gonna win the whole thing!

I don't know.

Why would you say that?

Jake's ankle hurts.

Oh, um, yeah, all those runs, yeah, finally tweaked my ankle.

What? No.

-Yeah. -I'm sorry.

Maybe you could ride down with us.

Like practice.

Wouldn't you be disqualified?

Sam?

Yeah?

You guys wouldn't mind if Hannah rode with us,

would you?

Well, you'll have more weight

with three people.

Unfair advantage.

Oh, with all the cookies you've eaten, Sam,

we'll still beat 'em.

All right, well, if you guys don't mind, then, uh...

let's do it.

All right, Girlie.

Well, let's stop jibber-jabbering.

We got a race to run.

We're gonna smoke you!

[Hannah laughing]

You're going down.

[Hannah]: Let's do it.

[♪♪♪]

Do you mind giving us a push? You know, my ankle.

Yeah. okay.

I can see you're in lots of pain.

When you're ready,

give us the thumbs-up.

Racers, on your marks, get set...

[Both]: Go!

[Crowd cheering]

♪ This is Christmas... ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ This is Christmas ♪

♪ It's a special time of year ♪

♪ When everybody's here ♪

♪ This is Christmas ♪

♪ It's a special time of year ♪

♪ When everybody's here ♪

♪ This is Christmas ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ This is Christmas ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ This is Christmas ♪♪

Congratulations to our winners

and "Big Sled Race" Champions...

Sam and Melody!

[cheering]

And Bonnie, Jake, and Hannah!

[cheering]

The first time, ladies and gentlemen,

we've ever had a tie.

[cheering continues]

Don't get your hopes up on winning next year.

You're on. You are on!

We've got presents!

One for you.

Oh-- [laughs]

Uh, look at that.

Your ankle's all better.

Yeah. Winning does that.

Well, we tied.

For first.

[chuckling]

[♪♪♪]

Hannah?

Gavin?

I missed you so much.

I've been calling and texting.

It's so close to Christmas,

I just had to see you.

Yeah, Gavin... wow.

[Hannah stammers]

That's a big surprise.

Am I interrupting something?

Gavin.

Jake.

Hannah's my significant other.

Yeah, um, Gavin and I are---

um...

we're... we--

It's nice to meet you.

You're welcome.

Don't worry.

He won't be bothering you again.

What?

Gavin...

That-- [sighs] That's not what you think.

That's the guy I'm negotiating with.

Listen, uh, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately,

and I think this is right.

What's right?

Us. This.

Gavin, what are you doing? What are you doing?

[onlookers hush]

[Loudly]: Hannah Harper...

We were meant to be together.

[awkward chuckle]

Will you marry me?

[♪♪♪]

See you around.

Gavin, I...

[♪♪♪]

[Door creaks]

Jake?

I didn't know he was coming.

Okay? That was a total surprise.

When's the wedding?

There's not gonna be a wedding, okay?

I didn't say yes.

Why not? He seemed like a nice guy.

Can you just look at me, please?

I know I should have told you.

I told him I need a little more time.

Jake, I'm sorry.

No, it's-- it's fine. I understand.

It's all just been about the deal.

No! No. I mean...

Yeah.

At first, absolutely, it was about the deal.

But then I got to know this town

and these people,

and how special they are.

And I got to know you...

And how special you are.

[Cell phone ringing]

Sorry.

Hello?

Mr. Thurber, I'm sorry,

I cannot talk right now.

Okay, bye.

It's my boss.

Who's probably wondering

why you don't have a signed contract.

It's a counter-proposal.

I'm sure it'll make him very happy.

And I signed it.

What about Canada and your plan?

They backed out.

They needed six months,

and I don't have six months.

I'm sorry.

Why?

You won.

But...

Hold-- Hold on.

This leaves 100%

to employees and their families.

You didn't leave yourself anything.

Congratulations.

You just bought a cookie company.

Wait! Jake. Hold on, hold on.

Uh, but--

This is a different contract,

so I've got to get my boss to sign off on it.

Anything you need, Miss Harper.

[starts engine]

There you are.

-Hi. -Hi.

Look, I know you're here for business,

but don't you think Mr. Thurber could wait a few days?

I mean, who works this close to Christmas, anyway?

Yeah. Mr. Thurber. I've got to call him.

Jake signed the deal.

Fantastic!

Well, you can call him from the train.

Train?

Yeah. Done deal, right?

We're going home.

We'll make my Christmas Eve party.

I know you've been under a lot of stress,

but it's all done now.

We can relax and you can do some thinking,

and tomorrow,

I will show you off in front of the partners.

Right? It's gonna be great.

Let's go get your stuff.

[♪♪♪]

[Betty]: Are you sure you want to do this?

No, I'm not sure,

but Gavin's here,

and I have to go to his Christmas Eve party.

Christmas is what you...

"...Bake it."

[both laughing]

Merry Christmas.

Oh...

I'm awful! I didn't get you anything.

On the contrary-- you gave me your friendship.

That's the greatest gift anyone can ever give.

Open it.

Nothing greater than that.

[chuckles]

[voice breaks]: You got me my own ornament.

Yep. It's for the tree.

You're one of us now.

[quietly]: Thanks.

[Sniffles]

Merry Christmas.

[Gavin]: Hannah!

We gotta go! The train!

[Sighs] I gotta go. Sorry.

Thank you for everything.

[Gavin]: Everyone at the party will be so jealous.

I can't wait for the partners to get eyes on you.

[Chuckles] They're all married.

It's like a rite of passage or something.

I'm so glad you changed your mind, Hannah.

What are you talking about, Gavin?

Maybe you could try it on.

Gavin.

Can you just-- Can you put that away? Please?

Have you noticed

that I haven't said yes to you?

Not once!

That you just always assumed that I do?

I don't understand.

I know you don't understand.

I don't need to change my mind,

I need to make my mind up,

and I have, and I can't--

[tearfully]: I can't do this anymore.

I know this is, like, crazy, all of this.

I've only been in this town for a few days,

but I'm... I'm changed.

I'm different.

And it's these people, you know,

they've made me realize something about myself that--

[laughs and sniffles] ...I don't think I saw before.

I kind of like this new version of me.

And...

I just I don't have that... that spark...

for you that-that--

I get it.

So Jake just wasn't trying to kiss you...

You were letting him.

[sniffs]

I gotta go.

Gavin, I'm--

I have a Christmas party to get to.

I'm sorry. I--

Oh...

Oh! Mr. Thurber.

Miss Harper.

I didn't know you were coming here, sir.

Well, you would've known that if you hadn't hung up on me.

Uh--

Ah, indeed.

[Stammering]

Sir, what are you doing here?

I'm going to close the deal,

something that you seem to be incapable of doing.

I told you,

I wanted it done before Christmas.

I do not want this

to go to our competition.

I made the deal, sir.

You signed the deal?

Yeah, I mean,

some of the terms are a little different,

that's actually why

I was on the train back to New York,

to get you to sign off on it.

Some interesting revisions here.

Yeah, I know, Jake-- uh, Mr. Carter,

wants everything to go to his employees.

He said that they're responsible

for making Aunt Sally's cookies what they are.

[Mr. Thurber]: You know what?

I don't really care who we pay,

as long as those cookies sell as advertised.

Well!

I guess we can head back to New Y--

Ah.

Looks like we're staying in Cookie Jar.

Do you think you could set up an appointment

with me and Mr. Carter?

Uh, y... yes, sir.

I can do that.

Good. You know...

[Laughing] Just between you and me,

I just got out of three Christmas parties.

Three?

Yeah. One of 'em's at my house.

[laughs loudly]

[cell phone ringing]

Coming, sir!

Uh...

Hello?

[Kelly]: Hey, Hannah. Where are you?

Hi, Kelly.

So, you're on the train back, right?

Uh, no, no, no, no, no.

I'm actually stuck here until tomorrow.

What? But tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

Listen, Kelly, I can't talk right now.

-I gotta go. -Wait--

I gotta go.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

Kelly!

[Laughing] Hi!

Oh, I missed you so much!

Ahh! What are you doing here?

You think I'm gonna spend Christmas Eve

without my big sis? No!

Oh... this place looks exactly the same!

Mm. I know what you're looking for.

-They're right behind me. -♪ Out of my way! ♪

Which one, which one?

This one!

My first Christmas cookie.

[both laughing]

Oh!

I can't believe you came. I can't believe you're here.

I'm in need of some quality baking.

I tried to make cookies at home,

because you weren't gonna be there,

but I didn't have a recipe,

and I didn't know what I was doing,

so I just ended up throwing them all out, so.

So tell me. Why are you so dressed up?

I am going to the Christmas Eve dance.

Christmas Eve dance?

Amazing. I'm so in. I love dancing.

Mm-hmm.

No? You're not excited?

Well, we signed the deal today,

so I'm sure a lot of people

aren't gonna be that thrilled be to see me,

but there's somebody I need to say goodbye to.

And? Where's Gavin?

I broke up with him

after he proposed to me in front of the whole town.

What?

Yeah.

Ohh!

Is that like a "hug you" situation,

or like a "high-five" situation?

That's a "I'm okay" situation.

Okay. All right.

We have a lot to catch up on, okay?

So I'm gonna go change, and you tell me everything.

-Okay. Deal. -Okay.

Upstairs, to your right.

[buzzing chatter of crowd]

Good evening, everyone.

[hush settles on crowd]

I'm really happy to see all of you tonight.

Tonight's gonna be a little bit different than years past.

I know you've all heard the rumors,

and I'm here to tell you they are no longer rumors.

Aunt Sally's

is gonna be transferring ownership

to National Foods

effective January 1st.

[crowd groaning and murmuring]

She loved you all so much.

She cared about you and considered you her family,

and I really hope that you all know that.

And although we may be going our separate ways...

I want to let you know I feel the exact same way.

I really wish I could have done more.

[Ed]: You did the best you could, Jake.

[Frank]: Nobody blames you.

[crowd murmuring]

I'd like to dedicate this next song to her.

Merry Christmas.

♪ Should old acquaintance be forgot... ♪

Jake? Jake, you did everything you could.

Excuse me.

Could I just have a word? Thank you.

I just wanted to say,

in case it wasn't clear before,

we're gonna do right by your company.

Quality control, original recipes,

the whole thing.

Thank you.

They deserve it.

Yeah.

Look, since we don't have Mom's recipe,

then maybe we can steal Aunt Sally's, right?

And some bigger clothes.

What'd you say?

Mm, I've accepted my impending obesity?

No, no, no, no. About Mom's recipe.

Well, there's no recipe.

Ahem. So?

There's no recipe.

No.

'Cause...

No one person has the recipe.

Kelly, no one person has the recipe!

You are a genius!

That's really not genius, 'cause if someone dies, I mean--

Jake. Jake!

Stay there for one second.

Hello! Hi!

Uh, sorry for the interruption, everybody.

My name is Hannah Harper. I work for National Foods.

What's she doing?

Sir? Just...

Just bear with me, okay? [sighs]

What comes to mind

when I say "Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookies"?

Cookies and Christmas.

Yeah. The Aunt Sally way.

Christmas and cookies, the Aunt Sally way.

Okay, well, what does that mean?

Well, to me, it means

making a delicious product

with a taste that you can't find anywhere else.

Sir, National Foods might own

the name "Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookies,"

but we don't actually own the cookies.

We own everything about the company.

No, we don't.

No, we don't. We don't own these people.

Look, just let me explain to you what I mean.

Um, ahem, Betty?

Okay, so you worked for Aunt Sally's, right?

That's right.

Okay, and what did you make?

I made the icing.

You made the icing. Okay, what else did you make?

That's all I made.

That's all you made. All right.

And who makes the icing now?

Okay, and who makes the shortbread?

And the fudge? I could go on and on, sir.

Uh, sorry, what is your point?

My point, sir,

is that no one person or corporation

owns these cookies,

this town does.

Nothing is written down.

Those recipes only exist

in the minds of each and every one of you.

And without each and every one of you,

Aunt Sally's...

just doesn't exist.

Mr. Thurber,

have you ever had one of these cookies?

Have you--

I have not.

You have not? Okay. Kelly?

Why don't you share one of the cookies right there?

Could you please give him one? Give him one.

[Mr. Thurber chuckling]

This... Heh.

That's a "Santa Shortbread."

That's actually the original recipe.

Okay, and-and... How's that taste?

Wow.

Yes! And what makes it "wow"?

The thing that makes it "wow" is that secret ingredient,

and that secret ingredient is love,

and the reason I say that is because

all of these people love what they do,

they love this town,

they love Aunt Sally's.

They love every single thing that that cookie stands for.

And you can go to Buffalo,

you hire somebody to push a button on some machine,

okay, but it's not gonna taste like that.

If you want the people

to bite into an Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookie

and think,

"Mm! That's that taste that I remember when I was little,

then you're gonna have to hire these people to do it,

in Cookie Jar.

And if there's one thing that this town has taught me,

it takes that...

that "spark"--

little bit of love--

to make something really special,

because it can't be manufactured.

Passion!

I'm glad you found your passion, Hannah.

You know, one thing I've learned over the years,

is that passion make things happen.

Can you make... this happen?

I know I can make this happen, sir.

Jake?

Deal.

Deal.

[All cheering]

You go, girl!

Yay! I'm going to go to university!

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la ♪

♪ Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la ♪

Whoo!

♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la ♪

♪ Sing the ancient Yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la ♪

♪ See the blazing Yule before us ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la La, la, la, la ♪♪

[Jake]: Exactly where it belongs.

I'm very happy

that this won't be Aunt Sally's last Christmas.

You did it.

You really did it. You saved this town.

[Laughs]

I don't know about that.

Sometimes, you just have to be a little creative,

you know?

Somebody once told me that.

Yeah?

So what's next?

Well, you know, somebody's gotta stay here

and make sure that you don't run this company into the ground.

[Chuckling]

Not exactly what I meant.

I was hoping

that maybe

this would be the first Christmas of many...

here...

with you.

I'd like that.

[♪♪♪]

Guess I got that miracle after all.

I got mine, too.