Original subtitles

No.

Hey, Christine.

You okay?

I thought we were doing this together.

Oh, Gabby, I'm sorry.

I was thinking.

You've been doing a lot of that lately.

You're not feeling holiday cheerful?

Of course I am.

What kind of an elf would I be if I wasn't?

What's going on?

Have you ever thought, what if there's more?

More of what?

Like in the real world.

What's it like?

We have the best job in the universe, making every good boy and girl happy.

It's Owen Crittenden.

Guys,

let's go. Honey, drink.

All right, kids, we've got to get back to the store.

One,

two, three.

That's it.

Okay. All right.

Okay, come on.

What? Now, be careful. It's an expensive tree. Oh, yeah.

Mom. Oh, you know what this is? Mom.

Can't we keep it? Yeah, it's going to come back on Christmas Eve. We're going

decorate it all together like we always do. Yeah, well, we're in the old van

camp one day of Christmas.

Don't start, please. Okay.

Okay, come on. Let's go. Let's go.

I'm sure you've got to get back to the store in one piece. Be careful. Careful,

careful, careful.

Yeah, it'll be there. Honey, I cannot find the keys. Do you have the keys? I

them. I got them.

That's my wife. All right, good.

Wow. Taking them out when they should be going in.

A band camp Christmas tradition. Uh -huh.

Please be careful at the curb.

Very careful. Thanks for watching the kids for me. Yeah, no, of course. That's

what I'm here for. What happened to Mrs. Gibbs? She went home for three weeks to

go through your family for Christmas, and I haven't had two seconds to find a

sitter.

Honey, I've got to go.

I've got to go. I've got to get back to the store.

Thanks again. Be good, please, Will.

Bye. Love you. All right.

Drive safe.

Have fun.

For once.

How's my favorite

nephew?

It's not good.

Sir, this just arrived.

Thank you.

Get Christine for me.

Sir?

Christine. You wanted to see me, Santa?

I have an emergency Christmas wish here that needs some personal attention. And

I thought that you would be perfect.

It's a little boy whose mother and father have lost their Christmas spirit.

And you'll have to go to the real world to solve it.

Santa, I would love that.

I mean, I would love to help you.

I can't believe you get to go to the outside world.

I'm going to miss you so much. I'm going to miss you so much, too.

Show me the pictures again, please.

Sarah Van Camp, owner with her husband of Holly Days, a Christmas store. I

really like that name. It's cute. The more successful the business has become,

the less Christmas spirit she has.

That doesn't make any sense.

Next. Her husband. No Christmas spirit at all.

Allie Van Camp. Twelve.

Losing her Christmas spirit more and more each day.

At twelve? That's why Santa's sending me.

Next.

Will. He's eight. Mr. Christmas. He loves it. Maybe he can help you. No.

No one can know why I'm there.

There are rules.

Rules for elves on assignment.

One. You may never reveal yourself as an elf.

Two, you may never get emotionally involved with the people in your

Three, these rules are unbending, and you are subject to immediate

action if broken.

They seem easy enough. I don't think it's going to be a problem.

Number one.

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

I hate Christmas.

Honey! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Well, I could use a little help here. I'm sorry. I missed the main event. I

heard the crash. Everything okay? A lot of these are broken, so we'll never be

able to order enough in time for Christmas.

Okay.

Yeah. Where's Natalie?

Oh, she called in sick.

What were you going to tell me? I just did.

Really?

This is your purse.

In here, you'll find everything that you need.

Cookies and candy canes.

This is your book of definitions.

If they...

talk about, or you see things you don't understand, just ask it, and it'll give

you the answer.

And here you'll find any money you need.

Money? I hadn't thought of that.

Just open your wallet, and it'll have all the money you want.

And you're going to have to wear human clothes.

Now, that's already been handled by Mrs. Claus.

But the females wear very strange shoes.

Okay, Santa's Village, here we come.

Thanks for bringing me, Uncle David. Of course, but you still haven't told me

what the problem is.

Christmas, I sent a letter to Santa, but he never responded.

I'm sure once we see Santa, he can help.

Your human name is Christine Prancer.

Prancer? Well, Christine found it funny.

You're going to be in apartment 310. Your car is parked in stall 14.

Your job interview is tomorrow at 10 a .m. You arranged for me to get it.

I can put you there, and I can give you the tools.

But if I could just control everything and make people have Christmas spirit, I

would go against what true Christmas spirit is.

Ready to go?

You're so beautiful

This

one

too

That's

more like it

Thank you very much. Merry Christmas.

Hi,

welcome to Holly Dink.

Can I help you find anything?

You're Sarah Van Cam?

Yes, I am. I'm Christine Prancer.

We have an appointment.

You are right on time. I love that. This is my husband, Scott Honey. Yeah, yeah,

excuse me.

This is Christine. Oh, how can we help you? No, no, no. She's here about the

nanny job. Oh, the nanny. Okay. Well, listen, I'm going to be late tonight.

Okay. All right. Nice meeting you.

Folks, I'll be right back. Thank you so much for meeting me here at the store. I

just want to get some of the preliminary things out of the way before you meet

the kids.

Well, I just love your store. It's so... It's so Christmassy. Yeah, it is.

It is if you're not walking kneecap deep in its 70s week.

Why don't we go over here? We'll be a little more out of the way and we can

talk. Okay.

Your resume is so impressive.

Do you mind taking the kids to their activities? It's mostly dancing and

basketball. Of course.

Okay, and doing a little lighthouse work and cooking for the kids. Whatever I

can do to help out.

Okay.

Have you ever asked Santa for something that you didn't get?

Well, that's kind of a funny question.

Yeah, I mean, I suppose.

It's a Baby Genie doll. I know!

Oh, my gosh, that's amazing. This is exactly the doll that I asked Santa for

that I didn't get.

That's crazy. Honey, look at this.

It's a Baby Genie doll.

Okay. This is a classic.

One of our vendors had to have left her behind, I guess, and we have to find out

who so we can order more. I'm telling you, this thing, she's going to fly off

the shelves.

That's great. What? What? No, no, no. It's...

Oh, yeah, she's special. She's about 75 bucks worth of specials. Let's mark her

at that and put her out with the other dogs. Looks for me.

Thanks.

Oh, great.

Thank you so much. I didn't even know it was there.

Can you come by tonight at around 6 o 'clock to meet the kids?

This is going to be harder than I thought.

Yeah, but you know this time of year I'm just going, going, going, going. Get

out of here. Really?

I've never heard it before.

I appreciate you watching the kids. Of course. Oh, that's perfect timing.

Christine, that's my little brother Dave. Dave, it's Christine.

She might end up being our babysitter and give you a little break. Oh, okay.

Maybe. She hasn't met the kids yet.

Well, call me Dave.

Nice to meet you.

So, remind them that I will be by later to pick them up for the tree lighting.

You can still come if you want. No, I can't. I can't. I can't. Tonight's the

tree lighting at Santa's village.

Maybe you want to tag along?

Maybe you want to let me have her go meet the kids.

Okay.

Where are you from?

Up north.

Way up north.

Seattle, right?

Seattle.

Okay.

Oh, okay. We will see you later.

Hey, I'd take a rain check, though.

I'd love to show you around.

Rain check?

Yeah.

Okay. Yeah.

Okay.

Bye.

Come on in.

So we started our business right here in the kitchen.

I used to design and make Christmas gifts and Christmas decorations just for

friends and family. And then, believe it or not, we started taking orders.

You handmade Christmas decorations?

Yeah. And then it turned into a full -time job.

I don't see any Christmas decorations.

Oh, well, yeah, we don't make them anymore.

Not anymore?

But you used to make them here with your family.

Yeah, it was mostly just me and Allie here at the table. We would just make a

few just with whatever we had laying around. It was really fun.

With your daughter.

And that brought you joy.

Yeah. Yeah, it did.

But you don't do it anymore?

No time.

That's sad.

That's life.

I wish it was different.

Hey, Mom, do you have any sodas?

Hey, Will, can you have a little mayonnaise, please?

Oh, hi.

Hi.

I'm Christine.

She's here for the nanny position. The babysitter job.

Yeah, the babysitter job.

You're thirsty?

Why don't I make some hot chocolate?

Are you kidding?

Yeah. Well, I don't think that we have any.

Oh, we'll just see what I can whip up.

You go ahead and do that or don't do that, and I'll go get Allie.

Hey, honey.

Allie?

I need you to come downstairs and meet someone.

What, another babysitter?

I told you before, Mom, I'm old enough to watch Will on my own and take care of

myself. You're only 12 years old. That is not old enough to stay home all day

yourself.

It's only a week until Christmas, and then we won't be so busy.

Christmas?

What's that?

Funny.

Come on.

She seems really nice.

Will you be polite, please?

I will.

I think you're going to like this one.

Oh, you must be Allie. Yep, this is Allie.

I'm making hot chocolate. Would you like some? Nah, I got myself a soda. Wait,

you said there weren't any sodas.

I said there weren't any more for you.

That's not fair.

Whatever. Oh, it was nice meeting you, Allie.

She hid this soda.

You don't need soda.

Oh, but you do need something to start with.

Wow.

That's really good.

Yeah?

Oh, you got the job.

Yeah, no, they both have their daily activity schedules.

Will's got his basketball, and Allie's got her dance class.

Oh. Yeah, and you just have to be a little bit patient with her and her

because she loves, loves, loves it, but she's just shy about it. She just needs

to be encouraged.

That's nice sentiment, and I am as supportive as I can possibly be with my

schedule the way it is and all.

Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow morning, right?

Yes. Great. See you then. Okay, see you then. Okay. Have a good night.

Good night.

What is rain check?

Right?

North Pole, huh?

What about the tree lining? That's going to be so awesome. I mean, you know,

that's like the most awesomest time of the year.

That's why we came. I have to admit, they do make this look pretty cool. It's

pretty cool, right? Yeah, I mean, I have to admit.

I like the greenery. Where do you think they got it?

Your nursery.

Your nursery.

So did your parents end up hiring the... Christine?

Yeah.

Unfortunately.

I like her because she makes really good hot chocolate and she loves Christmas

just like I do.

And she's funny.

Yeah, but we don't need a babysitter. I mean, I'm old enough to watch Will on my

own. Aha.

So it's not her, but it's what she represents.

Okay. Can I buy that from you? Just keep her around, though.

You know, for me.

Oh.

Uncle David.

You have a crush on Christine.

No. Me, no. I just don't like people out of work during the holidays.

Okay.

Yeah. Right.

I feel so bad that I have to leave you here all on your own on your very first

day, but I absolutely have to go because Scott called and he said that he is

just swamped. Is there anything specific you want me to do? What is the date?

Tuesday. Tuesday. It's Tuesday.

Man, the season just goes by so fast.

Tuesday, they have nothing today.

Thank goodness. It's perfect. You can just hang out. You can get to know each

other. We'll be fine.

Just a little worried about you.

All I know is that it's Christmas, and Christmas means losing track of time.

Christmas is special. Christmas is a whole lot of work, is what Christmas is,

which is why I have to go. Thank you so much. You are a lifesaver.

Not yet.

Good morning, Will.

Do you have a candy cane?

Wow!

Why don't you put that down so that we can enjoy our day?

But... Please?

I need your complete attention.

Okay.

Don't you decorate for Christmas?

On Christmas Eve. With all the stuff they didn't sell.

We do it every year and then we take it down on Christmas Day and sell the stuff

that didn't get too messed up.

Don't you have any personal decorations?

In a box someplace, I think. Or on sale at the store.

Good morning, Allie.

Isn't it a beautiful day?

Save it for the elf.

What? The elf?

I don't understand.

You know, because he's always in a good mood and it's Christmas this and Santa

that.

Candy?

Whoa! It's Christmas toast!

How'd you do that?

I'm on a real tree this year.

You don't get a real tree?

No. Mom and Dad sell fake trees.

Like the colored kinds.

Like pink and blue.

Pink and blue?

But they're real metal and plastic.

Allie? Wait!

Allie, I want to play a game to help us get to know each other. We could ask

each other questions.

Why don't you sit down?

We'll try it out.

Can you help me with my free throws?

I don't know what that is.

It's basketball.

Oh.

I don't think I can help you with that.

Sorry, Will.

That's okay.

Can I ask you a question?

Yes. Ask me anything.

Okay, can I go to my room now?

No. What is your Christmas wish this year?

Okay.

It's the same as last year.

I want a good part in the dance recital.

I have a terrible part again this year.

That's a good wish.

Can I go to my room now?

Yes.

But not until we listen to Will's Christmas wish.

I want to play basketball with Dad and sing carols and have decorations and a

real tree.

Well, what if we decorated your rooms?

Yeah, with little... Uncle David owns a nursery.

Well, how about we go get those trees now?

Yeah. Come on.

Come on. We're going.

All right.

You own all these plants and trees?

This is my nursery.

Wonderful. I'm glad you like it.

Well, I need to get them back so that we can decorate the rooms.

Well, have fun.

And let me know if you need any more help or if you need any suggestions. Oh,

I'd be happy for suggestions.

Well, then I suggest that you let me take you out to a nice dinner after

worked so hard decorating their room.

I, uh... I don't think... Just go

out with him.

Okay, he's a nice guy.

I mean, he is our favorite uncle.

I'll think about it.

Okay. Thank you for the trees.

You are...

Welcome.

Let's take you two to lunch.

And then get back to the house and decorate.

Be safe. Buckle up. Love you guys.

Bye, Uncle David.

So, you've never had a hot dog?

No, never. But you two can order whatever you want.

Hi.

I'm going to have one with ketchup, mustard, and cheese, please. Here.

And I'm going to have relish and ketchup. Coming up.

What are hot dogs made of?

Were you talking to a book?

No.

No, I was just looking something up. It's nothing.

Sir, how much do I owe you? You get three dolls and three drinks. That'll be

.50, ma 'am.

$7 .50.

Yeah. Mm -hmm.

Oh.

Don't see much of these anymore. Hey, thanks for the email.

Thank you.

Christine, where did that money come from?

Hey, there's Santa!

Will! Will! Will!

Stop!

Sorry, it's Santa. I need to talk to him.

That's not even the real Santa. It's just a guy in a Santa suit asking people

for money.

Well, Allie's right. It isn't the real Santa, but...

could get a message to him.

Come on.

Okay.

Excuse me, Santa.

Will here has a question for you.

Yes, Will?

Can you really send a message to Santa?

I think I can do that.

Because I know what a good boy you are, Will.

I don't want any gifts this year.

I just want the Christmas spirit back in my family.

Well, my mom and dad.

Well, I will make sure that he gets the message, Will.

Merry Christmas to you.

You too, Allie.

And you.

Santa wants you to keep spreading the Christmas spirit.

Don't get off track.

Yes, sir.

What did he mean off track?

And how did he know my name?

Well, I must have said it.

That was a good Santa.

He looked really real.

He sure did.

So, you believe in Santa like Will does?

Absolutely.

What are you doing?

Beth.

Come on, Garland, for the tree.

But popcorn is for eating.

Come on.

What do

you

think, Will?

It's beautiful.

I've never actually had a tree in my room.

Let's go do Allie. Okay.

What is this?

I have no idea.

Hey,

what's going on? Oh, hi.

We're hoping to finish before you got back.

Finish what?

We decorated our rooms for Christmas.

We made all that stuff, except for the tree.

You made all those ornaments? Yeah, sure did.

Well, Christine, we usually decorate together as a family tradition on

Eve. Well, not the rooms.

You should have asked.

Of course.

I'm sorry. I will ask in the future.

It's really pretty.

Where'd you get this?

Christine made it.

There's one on Wool Street, too.

You ever think about making these to sell? Yeah, I think we could get $20 a

piece for those.

I couldn't sell what I make for Christmas. Are you sure?

I'm sure. Okay.

Well, if you change your mind, you let us know.

Hey, kids, why don't you go downstairs and clean up that gigantic mess that you

left, please?

Christina would probably like to go home soon.

Mom, come on. We made a mess. We should go clean up like your mom said.

Come on, guys.

Okay.

It's really well made.

Pretty.

They tightened my retainer again.

I mean, I have to wear it every night.

It's like punishment for not wearing it isn't enough or something.

Yes, well, now that I know what that thing is all about, it seems like a good

idea.

Straight teeth make you look better, no matter who you are.

Everybody up north has straight teeth.

Everyone. Even the animals.

Sounds like everything up north is perfect.

Why'd you leave?

Well...

I'm just here to help for the holiday.

How about some ice cream?

Yeah.

This is good.

Thanks.

You're so welcome.

Oh,

I've got to get going.

I need to drop your brother off at basketball and get you to dance.

Doesn't matter.

I can't dance.

I don't believe that. It's true.

Mom says I can quit whenever I want.

Maybe I should.

No.

Not if you love it.

Mommy used to come to my lessons all the time.

Well, what if we work really hard to get you a good part in the dance recital

and make your Christmas wish come true?

It's too late to get a good part in the dance recital.

The Christmas fair recital is next week.

I walk in, put a star on the tree, and walk out.

Then the dance starts.

Without me.

Can't be that bad.

Wanna bet?

Woo!

Come on, girls, you missed your cue.

You have to come on right as Allie leaves.

Never mind, we'll pick this up tomorrow.

Don't be late.

John, I need to speak to you.

Bye. Bye.

Can he go now?

It's going to be okay. You two wait in the lobby. I'll be right there.

What are you going to go do?

I'm going to spread some Christmas cheer.

Excuse me.

Can I help you? Yes.

I couldn't help but notice that Allie really isn't dancing.

Why is that?

Well, we assign parts based on a lot of factors.

It's complicated.

This is a Christmas recital and Christmas is about sharing and giving

really wants to dance.

Well, we all want to do things we can't do.

I'd like to be thin.

Well, you could eat less and exercise. That works really well. Excuse me?

Who are you again?

I am Allie's friend.

And get ready to see some dancing. Allie has a lot of work to do and she's not

afraid to do it.

So she said you called her fat?

No.

She called herself fat. I just agreed with her.

But honey, it's not funny. Yes, it is. No. You know what? You just keep being

yourself. The kids really seem to like you, especially Will.

I know what would make Will happy.

He asked me to help him with his free throws.

I don't even know what that is. Maybe you could help him with that.

Well, as much as I'd love to do that, it's our prime time of the year. I just

can't. They need your attention.

Christine, I love... That you're so concerned about our kids. I really do.

you know, you've only been here for a short time, and it's really our job to

take care of our kids' needs. You're right.

I should be going.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Okay.

Night.

We're going to talk about it. We're going to do something about it.

For me?

Yeah, of course.

Ellie mentioned how hard Sarah was on you, and so I thought that those might

help.

Thank you.

Sarah and Scott are really hard to get through to.

Well, you're in luck, because I happen to be an expert on that very subject and

can help you out.

But that means you're going to have to have dinner with me first.

Thank you for dinner.

My pleasure.

So...

Have Sarah and Scott always been like this?

Well, I mean, you have to understand, Scott is focused when it comes to that

business. He's incredibly driven.

Unfortunately, he already had one business fail, and he's not about to let

happen again. But I can't help but think that he's missing out on the true

meaning of Christmas.

I know.

Trust me, I know.

It was Will's Christmas wish.

He even told Santa. Well, hey, shoot, if he told Santa, that makes it a done

deal, doesn't it?

Yes.

Yes.

I knew you would understand.

If all we need to do is help Santa make it happen.

You're serious.

You still believe in Santa Claus.

It's all my heart.

Well then, young lady.

If it is a real Santa you are looking for, you are in luck.

I'm right here.

Come on.

What? You're not... You're not Santa.

Ah, this is great.

Right?

So we close the street down, and we have vendor booths, and there's food, and

there's games, and, well, here we build the stage.

For Ali's dance recital. That's right. Yes.

So I sponsor the fair.

Must be very time -consuming.

Not exactly, because most of what I do involves writing a check. We have

volunteers that do all this hard work.

But all the money we raise goes to provide Christmas dinners for families

can't afford it.

Last year, we delivered over 200 full family dinners.

That's wonderful.

You do all that for Christmas?

Yeah. Every Christmas is the best time of year.

Nothing beats it.

Can I help you? I want to help you. I was hoping that you would say that. Come

here. So, because I am the sponsor, I get to choose who plays Santa.

I choose me.

With social services, they bring over a group of underprivileged kids, and I

give out gifts that have been donated from the local businesses.

Every year I need someone to help me give these gifts out. I was hoping that

maybe you could be my elf.

What? You'd have to wear the elf costume, but I think you'd look really

it.

It's so late. I have to be at the band camps early. I'm helping Allie with her

dance.

Okay.

Hey, Christine, you there?

How's it going?

Not.

Sarah and Scott aren't responding to anything I say or do. I'm sorry.

I wasn't prepared for this.

The children.

They're lovely and wonderful. I'm crazy about them.

You're not supposed to get emotionally involved.

I'm not.

Okay? Please don't break the rules.

I don't want you to disappear.

I'm not going to disappear.

I, uh... I had dinner with Dave.

You waited to tell me that last.

I feel different around Tim.

I don't know what it is or what to do.

I was in his room, reading.

You ready?

I don't think we should do this anymore.

Why? There's no reason for it.

Because you aren't in the recital?

Exactly. Yes, but answer one question for me.

Why aren't you dancing with the other girls?

You must know the answer.

Come on, Allie.

I'm scared.

Okay, whenever I have to dance in front of people, I just can't do it.

What are you scared of?

Your teacher?

No.

When I was a little girl, I used to dance with my mom.

And she was so good.

Though I never realized how good until I actually saw a couple of her videos a

few years ago.

And after that, I just didn't think I was good enough.

So you just stopped?

Well, I didn't believe in myself anymore.

And I want to learn. I do. It's just hard.

I dance like crazy in my room.

Alone.

And you never talked to your mom about it?

Well, I tried to once.

But she got a call about the store and ran upstairs.

Your mom is busy.

Her attention isn't where it should be.

But that doesn't mean she doesn't love you like crazy.

It feels good telling someone.

You still love dancing.

I do.

Then why not just dance for yourself?

Act like nobody's watching.

You make it sound so easy.

It's not.

I still won't be as good as my mom.

Don't you know how proud your mom would be to see that you never gave up on

something you really loved?

I don't know.

Yeah.

Absolutely, yes.

And you know it.

Thanks,

Christine.

You're welcome, Allie.

I can't just push my way in with the other girls.

You're right about that.

So...

Instead of worrying about what you can't do, let's focus on something you can

do.

Okay. I walk in, put a star on the tree.

Curtsy and leave.

It's not much.

You'd be surprised.

Let's start with that.

Here's your star.

Okay, so you want me to walk in, curtsy and leave?

Well, if that's what you want to do, but I thought you wanted to dance.

I do. So in the beginning, you have the entire stage to yourself. You can't

think of anything you want to do.

I... I could do my own dance.

I need to figure it out.

Cool.

Go at it.

They love it here.

Do they come here often?

They do, yeah. They like to come and help out, move stuff around.

They're a great helper. They are good helpers.

This is it.

Sort of all of our domestic stuff.

Beautiful. Around the state. There's flowers, Christmas trees.

So these are petunias.

Those are marigolds that you're smelling.

I love the colors.

What are you guys doing?

Nothing. That's right. Nothing.

You guys are strange.

Yeah.

One,

two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, one. Okay.

Okay, it's enough.

I mean, it's fun and all, but it's tiring.

Good.

Good. Just let me know when you want to go again.

Are you sure we still have time?

I mean, Will still has his game and all. Oh.

Well, I think we have an hour before we need to be there.

Oh, no.

I just remembered it's my turn to bring snacks and drinks for all the guys on

the team. Quit worrying, Will.

Mom will take care of it.

Would you feel better if I called her to make sure?

Yeah.

She's not answering.

Well, she's probably on her way.

I hope so, but maybe we should come up with a backup plan.

Sister's not afraid of a little hard work.

How do you feel about it, Will?

You want me to dance?

No. I want you to help us make some Christmas cookies.

Do we have time?

I'm a Christmas cookie expert.

We have enough time if we work together, so let's get started.

I always like to carry two versions of green.

Ah, red sprinkles.

Pretty much every state.

Not bad.

I think you're too cleaned up.

If Mom brings snacks, can we still eat these? We'll bet.

This is so fun.

What is Will doing?

I think he's looking for Mom.

I don't think she's coming.

I need stony drinks.

I mean, I guess I can buy some fruit drinks from the snack bar.

Is this enough?

I don't know.

Okay.

Okay.

If you get the drinks, I'll take care of the rest.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Ellie.

Good job.

My man!

Oh, come on!

My man, how'd it go? Oh, it's only one. You won! Oh, dude, I'm so bummed I

missed it. I'm sorry.

Hi. Hi.

Did you enjoy the game?

Yeah. You missed a good one.

So, where's Mom? We have to talk about decorations for the Christmas fair.

She's not here.

Sorry, buddy.

It's okay.

So how many points did you score?

I don't know. We won.

Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.

But you remembered to come see Uncle David.

Well, I promise I'm not going to miss the next one, sweetheart. I promise you,

okay? It's okay.

Christine made the snacks, got drinks, and watched the game. You don't have to

come anymore. She can do it.

Honey, you don't mean that. Come on.

Of course, Christine is nice and all, but that's why we pay her. We pay her to

be here.

That's why she's here.

Dave, we can talk about the decorations that you need for the festival later,

right? And you just take the rest of the day off. I've got it. Just you two.

Okay. Come on, kids.

Come on, guys.

Bye, guys.

How was it? What happened?

She does when? I don't even know what I'm doing here. Things are worse than

I can't. That is so not true. Sarah is way out of line. I'm feeling a little

guilty, I think, which is a good thing. Is it?

Yes. Look, the more that anyone can make her realize that her kids and Christmas

should be her priority, the better. I just wish there was something special I

could do for the kids at least, if nothing else.

I have an idea.

How about I throw a tree in the truck, come over tomorrow, and we decorate the

whole house, all of us, together?

Really? Yep.

What about Sarah?

She said I need to ask if I want to do anything else. She's very worried about

their tradition.

I'll take the heat. It was all me. In fact, it would be my pleasure. Would

make you happy?

Yes.

Anything that brings more Christmas spirit into their house makes me happy.

Thank you.

You like that?

Me too.

I mean, decorating the tree.

I come bearing gifts.

Perfect. Yeah, don't you dare help me. Okay, all right. I got it. Run ahead.

The kids are going to be so excited. Oh, I hope so. Keep your eyes closed.

Hold on just a few more steps.

Don't open.

Don't open.

Ready, set.

This smells so good.

Oh, yeah. And I brought a couple extra lights from the nursery, you know, just

in case we might need them. Pretty cool.

Wait, do Mom and Dad know about this?

No, but this was all me. This was only me.

I see.

But just imagine Christmas morning, you're in your pajamas, you're in the

room with the whole family, Santa came, the fire's on, the stockings are full.

That's what I want. I know, Will.

Yeah, a bunch of candy.

What? All right, let's decorate.

Let's do it. I know where the ornaments are. Oh, yeah. You get the one that we

made?

Are you sure it's in one of these?

Yeah, I think so.

It has all the ornaments Will and I made for them.

Well, what about the ornaments from last year? There were a ton of them.

Well, they take them back to the store after Christmas and put them on the sale

table. Not really.

Yeah, really.

It's okay. We'll make it beautiful.

Aha! Here we go.

Blue and red ornaments.

Green,

gotta have green.

It's beautiful.

You know, it really is.

What needs something more?

Oh, my gosh. What are you carrying here?

We did good.

Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Put the green on.

What are you laughing at?

What? No, no, no.

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

All right. All right. Oh, wait. Whoa.

Here we go.

Oh, someone's done this before.

Okay. All right. I can get used to this.

Oh, you're doing good.

Let's get out of here.

You know what's going to be great? What's that? December 26th. I'm kidding.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in one horse open sleigh.

Hey, oh, hey, sis.

Mom, isn't this great?

No, it's unbelievable.

I can't tell you right now how disappointed I am. Whoa, before you get

I bought the tree. It was my idea.

No, I don't know what's going on here. I don't know why you would do this.

Me.

No, wait a minute. That's not true. David, it's true. If I wasn't here, the

wouldn't be here.

Well, thank you, Christine. I actually appreciate some honesty.

Seriously?

What's the big deal? The big deal is the fact that we do this together as a

family. This is how we celebrate. These are our traditions.

Oh, I'm sorry, but we didn't mean any harm.

I realize that, and I didn't mind the decorating of the kids' rooms. It's

Christmas break, and they need some sort of activity, but I really, I feel like

you really overstepped your bounds here, Christine, because this is something

that we do together as a Christmas tradition, as a family.

No, Mom, you keep saying that, but it's not a tradition, okay? It's just

something that you did because you guys own a store now that doesn't make it a

tradition. I don't believe what I'm hearing out of your mouth.

No, Mom, she's right. You be quiet, please. Sarah, please.

It's been so wonderful.

I mean, she's helped me with my dancing, and she saved Willis's

game when you weren't there. Yeah, and she made Christmas special again. You

know what? You two go upstairs while we talk this out.

Did you hear what I said? Upstairs, both of you, now.

Do as your parents ask, please.

Please?

Christmas is about being home with your family and singing and dancing and

celebrating and being in touch with your children.

That's Christmas spirit.

Do you even know what your children want for Christmas this year?

Honestly, Christine, I... I don't think this job is working out for you.

And I think that you should probably go find some other sort of employment.

I would really like for you to leave now, please.

Thank you, Danny.

Wait.

That's it?

That's all you're going to say?

I failed. No, you didn't.

Don't you see that you gave those kids the attention that they needed and you

opened their parents' eyes?

I don't think so.

Sarah asked me to leave.

Give Sarah a little time. She is a good person and she's a smart person. She's

going to figure this out.

I just...

I need to go back up north.

Please.

Don't do that.

Just... She's not going to change her mind.

I'm not talking about Sarah.

I'm talking about me.

David.

I'm so crazy about you.

You are the sweetest, most humble, most

honest, gentle person that... Don't you like...

Us?

Of course.

Okay, then.

No. No, wait. I'm sorry. I have to go.

Please don't follow me.

Christine!

I failed you, Santa.

I failed Christmas.

You broke the rules.

I know.

You think it's time to come home?

Yes.

I understand.

Believe me.

You're not the first elf that this has ever happened to.

And you won't be the last.

And it's not just because you have a growing infatuation with David.

Was it that apparent?

You also established a strong bond with the children.

How could I not?

It's against the rules.

You have to walk that thin line and not cross it.

Does this mean I'm going to disappear like the others?

Like what others? What are you talking about?

The ones who took the same kind of assignments as me that didn't come back.

Everybody knows.

You don't think an elf has a right to her own destiny?

I don't know what to think right now.

If you learn one thing from this, nobody disappeared.

But they did.

They never came back.

They chose not to come back.

What?

Just like them, you can choose the same thing.

We don't tell you that going in because, well, it might get in the way of you

completing your assignment.

You mean I could stay?

Your life is yours.

Just like any free being.

But I didn't choose anything.

You're here.

You chose.

No.

No, I didn't.

Did I?

I'm so confused.

Look, Christine.

A lot of what you did did very, very well.

Thank you, Santa.

Absolutely.

Kissed you on the lips?

What was it like?

Scary and wonderful and exciting and like

Christmas at the same time.

Christine, look, I need to apologize for what happened, and please open the

door.

Christine?

Christine?

Christine?

Stop thinking about what Christine said.

You think she's right?

I don't know. Maybe.

No.

What? You're supposed to be the one who says everything's going to be okay.

Come on, you've got to admit, there's one great -looking tree.

It looks like the one we had right after Allie was born, remember?

Yeah. There's almost nothing on it, and it's so completely beautiful.

God, we had nothing then, and those were the best Christmases.

I never wanted them to end.

Yeah, now all we want is for Christmas to be over.

Maybe we are ruining Christmas for the kids.

Yeah, I don't know. Do you even know what the kids want for Christmas?

No.

Neither do I.

pathetic.

We definitely need to change some things around here.

Leave me alone.

Okay.

No, Will.

I'm sorry.

I thought you were Mom.

Do you think we'll ever see Christine again?

I don't know.

I hope so.

I want her to come to my recital tomorrow.

I just want her to come back.

I don't want her to have to spend Christmas all alone and sad.

Yeah.

Me either.

Where will she go?

I don't know. I mean, she said she was from up north, but I don't know where.

I don't know, did you try her number?

All I get is, this is not a working number.

Well, how about where she lives?

I went, not only was she not there, but there was no

sign of her ever even being there.

Or could she be gone already?

I just wish I knew where she went.

I mean, there's not even proof that she was ever even here.

There is.

Uncle David, there is.

What is that?

It fell out of her purse.

Okay.

And she talked to the book.

The book?

Yeah, I saw her.

And she had a purse that made money and cookie cutters and candy canes.

Come on, you saw that one.

The pages are blank.

That's great.

You look it.

You do it.

Where's Christine?

to find Christine.

He could be anywhere.

We've got to find him.

Look, sis, Allie and I are going to go right now and find him.

Sure, if you want to. It can't hurt.

Okay. Your mom and dad are coming home. Do you have any idea where we should

start looking?

We need to check the park first.

We need to talk.

Will has run away.

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. You're not Santa.

Yeah. Yeah, I am.

Ho, ho, ho.

Well, if you are, do you know where Christine is?

Christine. I don't know any Christine.

Okay, thanks.

And if you can take wishes, I want Christine back, okay?

Hi. Can you send that to the real Santa?

I guess. Yeah, yeah, sure, kid. You bet. Okay, and one more question. Which way

is north?

That way, I think.

Okay. Thank you. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, kid.

Merry Christmas.

How are you?

You have to know where he is.

You know everything about every little boy and girl.

I do.

Please don't let anything happen to him. He's such a good little boy.

What is this?

That is a tear.

Something that elves generally don't do.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

It won't stop.

Why won't it stop?

Do you know where else you might be?

I don't know.

Will!

Will!

Thank you. Happy holiday.

Can I help you? Hi, can I please get a taxi?

Certainly, young man. Hold on.

Thanks.

Where to?

Up north.

Oh, well, that's a long trip.

You have money for that sort of thing? I have $12.

Okay, then.

Up north it is.

So, you on a business trip?

No, I'm going to find my friend for Christmas.

My mom was mean to her, and then she left.

I see.

Did you talk to your mom about that?

No, but she... Don't you think she'd be worried about you?

Okay, yes, but Christine... You know, if you were my son, I would move heaven

and earth to find you.

I'll bet your parents feel even stronger than that about it.

But I don't want... Christine to be alone on Christmas.

Say what?

Let's see if we can solve your problem. Huh?

Will?

Will? Will?

Why don't we jump in the car and drive him? Maybe he's just on his bike.

Maybe we should call the police.

Will?

Will?

Buddy. Come here.

Oh, honey.

Thank you so much.

Where'd you find him?

I knew where to look.

Okay. Do I owe you any money or anything?

No money.

Okay. Listen, is there anything I can do to pay you back? I mean... You could

decorate your house.

It looks like a funeral home.

You got a point there.

I will.

And listen, thank you again for bringing Will back.

My pleasure.

Where did you go? I went to find Christine.

Hello, Allie.

You know Christine, don't you?

Yes, we are acquainted.

Um, well, I don't know if you're the real thing or not.

Can you get a message to Christine?

I can do that.

Okay. Can you please tell her that we really wanted to come back?

Please?

I can pass that along.

Thank you.

It's my pleasure.

Now, I have to go, and you have a recital to get ready for.

Bye, Allie.

Bye.

Okay, you have to promise we will never do that again.

Can you buy my recital?

Really? Yeah.

You told me to decorate the house.

She winked at me.

Cab driver?

Yeah. Yeah, that is weird.

It is weird. Come on, let's go inside. Maybe we should decorate the house.

Santa, may I speak with you?

Yes, Christine, what is it?

I know what I want.

I missed Christine.

You know, she was just trying to help.

I know she was.

Hey, what did you ask Santa for?

I really want to know.

To dance.

Actually, dance at the Christmas recital.

Okay, you know what? I think that next year you're going to end up with a much

better part in the recital.

Because I'm going to be right here to help you.

I'm going to be home a lot more now.

Really? Really.

Because your dad and I talked about it last night, and we decided that this

is in really good shape right now.

and that we can afford to cut back at work and let the employees take some

responsibility. What do you think about that?

That's great, Mom.

I love you.

Thanks for your help, Will. Sure.

Are you okay, Uncle David?

No, Will.

I'm not.

I just got a lot on my mind.

I miss her, too.

I mean, I wish she could just spend Christmas with us.

She loved Christmas.

Should we do this?

Let's do this.

Okay.

Good luck. You're going to be great. Next year, we're really going to get

No, Mom. We'll get him tonight.

Mom, this is for you.

And Christine.

What is?

Nothing.

Come on, Allie. You're on first.

I love you.

I love you. Okay, watch it. Okay. Break a leg.

She is so exciting. Really? Yeah, she just gave me a big hug and told me she

loved me.

That's great.

I just still feel so bad because I wish I had been here to help her prepare for

this. Oh, it's going to be great. Don't worry about it.

Honey, I am so proud of you.

Thanks, Mom.

That's fantastic.

I love you, Dad. I love you, too.

I just wish Christine was here to see it, you know?

Oh, Uncle David wants you to be his elf this year. He showed me where the

costume is, in the store.

Yeah?

Well, I'd love to be an elf tonight.

Come on.

It's right over here.

Thanks.

Christine. Christine.

We missed you.

I missed you too.

We will get started in just a minute. Santa has to wait for his elf.

What's your name?

Mary.

Nice to meet you.

You're late.

I came as fast as I could.

You look amazing.

And the ears are a nice touch.

Now we have some work to do.

Yes, we do.

That was Cassidy. Hi, Cassidy.

She's been a very good girl. Oh, well, we have something just for you.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, please, please, please forgive me. I was so wrong, and you were so right.

Well, it isn't about right and wrong. It's about family.

And Christmas.

We completely lost sight of what Christmas was about, and we're never

do that again.

Come here.

I love you. Merry Christmas.

I love you. I'm so sorry.

Seeing you all here together is all I need.

Do you have anywhere to spend Christmas?

I don't, the first time.

I don't. Well, then you are spending it with us, okay?

I would love that.

Good, good, good.

Listen, do you have time to help me put the Christmas lights out? Yes, of

course, of course. Get them ready. I got to change.

All right, all right. Let's go.

I really like your ears.

They look awfully real.

Thank you.

If I was a real elf, would that be a problem for you?

It wouldn't be a problem in the least.

Look what I found in my purse.

There's something else, huh?

Oh, what a beautiful color.

Dad,

can I order?

Oh, look at you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Bob.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

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