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(♪♪♪)

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Hi, Mom.

Hey, honey. You busy?

I'm up to my elbows in icing.

I won't keep you too long.

I just wanted to see if you know

when you might be coming up.

We cannot wait to see you.

Mom, I just saw you at Thanksgiving.

I know. But we miss you.

You miss me or my morning croissants?

You make a good point there.

Hey, in other baked good news, I signed up for the cherry

pie bake-off.

Ah, great, you got my reminder.

Reminders, plural.

You are a shoe-in to win, honey.

Yeah, we'll see.

I probably won't be able to get out of here

till the weekend.

The holiday rush has been crazy.

Okay.

Okay, but hurry home.

But-- but drive safely, you know?

Well, hurry safely.

I love you.

Bye.

(♪♪♪)

Ooh, those Kringles look great.

Thanks.

Hey, you got my email, right?

Uh, the special orders? Yes.

Okay, so Christmas is all set.

You just have to handle New Year's

and a last-minute wedding on the 30th.

Classic white fondant, gold leaf, shell piping.

Classic white fondant, gold leaf, shell piping.

It's all in the email. You're gonna be great.

You're a pro, that's why I hired you.

Yeah, thanks.

You excited to head out to Door County?

Uh, yeah.

Oof.

Look, I won't tell your parents you said that.

No, it...

I love my parents and Door County is great.

It's adorable.

I mean, it's like stepping into an elf's Pinterest board.

Christmas capital of the Midwest.

It's just that my parents are really excited.

They're, like, aggressively excited.

Ah--

so that's where you get it from.

Please, my mom puts me to shame.

Any word on the new job?

Nope, not yet. Who knows if it'll even happen?

Hey, it's gonna happen. Mark my words.

You wanna split a fritta?

Oh, obviously.

Mm.

Wow.

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

Hi, Dad.

Emma!

My fancy city slicker daughter is home for Christmas.

Thank you so much and you come back again soon, okay?

Don't let all the friendliness and fresh air

overwhelm you now, honey.

How you doing? Mm.

You look tired.

You want a coffee that doesn't cost you $7?

Come on, your mom and I set up a new station.

Dad, did it ever occur to you that I might actually

like living in Chicago?

Yes, but nobody likes Chicago more than Door County.

Especially when you're back in it.

Thank you. -Mm-hmm.

How's Mom? -Oh, she's good.

She's been cooking since noon, of course,

preparing for the prodigal daughter's return.

She's so excited to see you.

Yeah, she's acting like she hasn't seen me in years.

Well, we miss you, honey.

Everybody in town misses you.

Pretty sure everyone's doing just fine.

Hey, would you mind restocking the cooler for me?

We're just a little short-staffed around here.

Sure. Why, what's up?

Meh, you know how it is in the off season.

Most places just shut down.

Yeah, but not us. We're Parker Orchards.

We're-- -Open for business.

Okay.

Hey, you and mom need some help.

You guys can't run this place by yourself.

No, we're doing fine.

Are you sure?

There-- there's a couple half-gallon crates

of cherry juice out back in the walk-in.

Thank you.

Hey, hey. Whoa.

(♪♪♪)

Now Christmas can begin.

It's just not the same without you here.

Mom, I live in Chicago, not Paris.

You see me all the time.

Not all the time.

Hmm.

Actually, I have been meaning to tell you

I'm up for a new job.

What?

Executive pastry chef at La Panache in New York City.

New York?

Wow, Emma, you never said--

I know, I...

It was kind of a long shot, but I made their short list,

so it's actually kind of a big deal.

Well, uh, congratulations, honey.

Thanks, Mom.

Mm, guess who I ran into the other day

when I was dropping off a holiday gift basket?

Who? Mitch Henrickson.

Really? Wow.

What's he doing back?

He moved back to Door County to help his family

with the fishery.

Yeah, I talked to Everett yesterday.

He says business is really booming over there.

Um, that's interesting.

He-- he was always so vocal about wanting

to get out of here.

Well, it's important to the Henricksons to keep

the business in the family.

He's single, you know?

Mom. What?

Sally, stay out of her love life, please.

Come on.

I'm just saying.

No, it's not even my love life. We were teenagers.

We broke up like 15 years ago.

Okay.

He looked very handsome

in that little baseball cap of his.

Okay, I'm changing the subject.

I still need to find Grandma Ethel's recipe

for the cherry pie bake-off.

Mm, I pulled some boxes in the attic.

You can have a look through those.

Thanks.

It would be a Christmas dream come true if you won

that prize, Emma.

Yeah.

Midwest Living magazine is going to do a feature

on the winner, and it would be great PR.

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

Hi. Are you a chef?

Yeah.

Hmm, what's your specialty?

Grilled cheese.

Oh. Impressive.

Are you a chef?

I'm a baker.

Mm. -I make desserts.

Just came here to check out some new recipes.

Christmas cookies?

Yeah.

You know, Santa told me that my cookies

are his favorite ones.

That's so cool.

You get to eat them?

Yeah, all the time.

That's the best part about being an adult.

Wow, I cannot wait to be an adult.

Max, your hot chocolate is ready.

Come get it before it gets cold.

Over.

Thanks, Grandma. Over.

That's my grandma.

She got me a treat next door

'cause I'm still on the nice list, so I should go.

Yeah, staying off the naughty list is very important.

Thanks. Bye.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

(♪♪♪)

Emma?

Mitch Henrickson. Oh!

I thought that was you.

It is I. I mean, it's me.

Were you trying to avoid me?

No. No way.

I wouldn't-- why would I do that?

No, no.

Not at all. Uh, I heard that you were back.

You're working at the...

The fishery, yeah.

Yeah.

I thought you were in Massachusetts.

Yeah, I wa-- well, I was.

And a bunch of stuff came up.

And reeled you back in?

Yeah.

Ugh. Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, so to speak.

I've lived a lot of life since then.

Yeah. -Hmm.

Oh, I saw your mom the other day.

She, uh, came by the fish market.

She said you're a big, fancy, ritzy pastry chef these days.

Oh, sh-- no, she lied.

I'm-- I'm a very unpretentious pastry chef in Chicago.

But I-- actually, I am up for a job that would make

me incredibly ritzy, so you're onto something.

Wow. Good for you, Parker.

You did it.

Not quite, but I'm tryin'.

Well, if anyone can do it, it's you.

You're basing that on some very dated information,

but I appreciate it.

Nah. Some things never change.

Yeah.

Okay, well, uh, I... I'll see you around, hopefully.

Yeah, I hope so.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Okay, so--

Wait, what exactly did you say to him?

He said, "I thought that was you,"

and I said, "It is I."

Huh, which is bad because, from what I know

of you, you're not a Knight of the Round Table.

Right. I'm not a knight, so yeah.

Yikes.

I mean, he looks good though, right?

So good. That scruff.

Listen, that man would be on my Christmas list if I were you.

Jen.

Remember when you guys were king and queen of the prom,

and you rolled up on his Harley?

It was his dad's Harley. It wasn't--

Whatever. I mean, I went with Jimmy Tubers.

He brought SAT vocab flashcards

in case things got weird.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that.

How's the cheese biz?

Oh, thriving. I mean, you know how it is.

December rolls around and suddenly everyone's

pulling out their charcuterie boards.

Oh yeah.

The most wonderful time of the year.

I mean, for you and me, yeah.

'Tis the season of cheese and desserts.

Oh, I hope you signed up for the cherry pie bake-off.

Yeah.

I really wanna win it for my mom.

I was gonna use Grandma Ethel's recipe but a piece

of the recipe card is torn off and I--

I'm missing a key ingredient.

I mean, if you ever wanna add some cheese.

Well, yeah, I was thinking that actually.

Do you have any recommendations?

Well, nothing more delicious than a wedge

of Wisconsin cheddar alongside a slice of pie.

To die for.

I'm trying to think of something more...

...subtle.

Hmm.

You know, let me put some thought into that

and I'll get back to you.

What would the Renards cheese empire do without you?

I don't know, but it would not be Gouda.

Wow. Cheesy pun, don't you think?

Oh, well, parmesan me.

Like, well, pardon-- pardon me.

Yeah, no, I-- I-- I got it.

Yeah, yeah. Just wanted to make sure.

Yeah.

Your grandpa and I used to walk the orchards every

winter pruning these trees.

He just knew what they needed, like he could see

the fruit before it even grew.

Spent every day out here, rain or shine.

Yeah, he loved this place.

Dad, are you okay?

Yeah.

It's just that you and Mom have been acting really

strange ever since I got here.

Oh, no.

We just-- we're just caught a little off guard

by your new job prospect.

Never thought you'd end up in New York.

I thought you'd be happy for me.

No, no, we are.

No. Of course we are.

Sure.

All right, Dad. What is it?

What makes you happy, Em?

Hmm. I don't know.

Making delicious treats that thousands of people

enjoy makes me pretty happy.

I can see that. That's wonderful.

Yeah, it is.

You could have that here, you know?

But there isn't even a kitchen in the farm stand.

That could change.

If I get this job, I'd wanna take it.

It'd mean a lot to have your support.

Your mom and I just thought at some point you'd come back.

Well, my life's in the city now.

But your roots are here in Door County.

Dad, you're not thinking about selling, are you?

Okay.

You just focus on winning that cherry pie contest.

Best Christmas present you could ever give your mother.

(♪♪♪)

I'll make a great pie, Dad.

I know you will.

Oh, no.

Take that! -Ow!

♪ See the Christmas star in the sky ♪

♪ Santa's reindeer are ready to fly ♪

♪ Every child believing wishes can all come true ♪

♪ Everyone's laughing and dancing ♪

♪ The mistletoe's hung for romancing ♪

♪ There's no better place in the world to be than here ♪

♪ At home with you

♪ So let's light a fire

♪ Oh, let's light a fire

♪ Watch the snow get higher

♪ Snow get higher

♪ Christmas time is here

♪ Tiny snowflakes falling like stars ♪

♪ Yummy cupcakes and peppermint bars ♪

♪ Playing games and singing all of the carols we know ♪

♪ We know

♪ Everyone's shaking their presents ♪

♪ Ah-ah

♪ Roasting marshmallows and chestnuts ♪

♪ We're gonna wait up just as long as we want ♪

Okay, you guys need to be honest.

This is Grandma's recipe as best as I could make it.

Looks amazing, Em. -Always. Always honest.

Oh wow, is that good.

Oh boy. -Mm.

That is delicious. Absolutely delicious.

It tastes like Christmas.

Really? -Mm-hmm.

Hmm. Something's not right.

Tastes exactly like Grandma Ethel's.

No, it's missing something.

The missing ingredient.

I gotta try again.

Right now? -Yeah.

I gotta figure this out.

-Mm--

I wonder who that could be.

(♪♪♪)

Mitch! What a surprise.

Come on in.

Hi, Sally. -Hi, Mitch.

Nice to see you.

Good to see you.

Hey, Mitch! -Brian!

Hey. -How's it going?

Good. Good to see you.

Good to see you. Hey, Emma.

Oh, this is for you guys,

Henrickson's holiday gift basket.

Aw, thank you, Mitch. Your family is so sweet.

Your family's the one who gifted us those delicious

chocolate-covered cherries.

Smells like dessert.

Emma is practicing her pie recipe

for the cherry pie contest.

Oh, really? How'd it turn out?

Oh, incredible.

Perfect.

It needs work. What's going on?

Oh, just thought we could take a little ride down memory lane.

(♪♪♪)

My buddy AJ hooked me up.

Thought maybe we could tour Door County in style.

Wow. Aw.

(♪♪♪)

You know, I was sorta surprised to hear you moved back

'cause you were the one who always wanted to get

outta here.

Yeah, it's kinda funny, huh?

So what changed?

Just seemed like my family needed me.

You happy to be back?

Yeah. Seems like we lost you, though.

Big-time pastry chef with big-city dreams.

Well, I mean, you're the one who encouraged me to do it.

Me?

Yeah, you know that. You said it right before you--

What?

No, nothing.

Emma, what?

Right before you broke up with me.

(♪♪♪)

You were so ambitious back then.

You wanted more and pushed me to want more,

and now I'm glad you did.

I'm really happy for you, Parker.

It's great.

Thanks.

You think our names are still there?

Hmm, let's go see.

There it is. That was Christmas Eve 2009.

'09!

Can I show you something?

Sure. What is it?

(♪♪♪)

You still have it.

Yeah, of course I do. You gave it to me that night.

Yeah, I did.

Come on.

Let me show you something else.

(♪♪♪)

Do you remember sneaking in here after dark

and climbing the tower?

I sure do.

Why do you think I invited you here?

Tell me the truth, did my parents put you up to this?

What?

Coming to visit the new Eagle Tower?

No, the whole thing.

Visiting all these places, the trolley.

No.

I just thought it would be fun.

I'm not sure I believe you.

(♪♪♪)

Wow.

Never gets old, does it?

Nope.

It's really great to see you.

It's been too long.

It's great to see you, too.

(♪♪♪)

Do you remember when we were kids going to the--

To the Christmas parade and the tree lighting

in Sturgeon Bay? -Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I looked forward to it all year round.

Yeah, me too. Used to count down the days.

Did you ever

consider moving back?

Mm, not you, too.

What?

What'd I say? -Nothin'.

It's just my parents have been guilt-tripping me.

Really?

Yeah, I think the idea of me moving to New York

is making them spiral a little.

And I think they're considering selling the orchard,

which would just kill me.

Yeah, I, uh, think I might have had something

to do with that.

What do you mean?

A buddy of mine from business school started

a development firm here last year.

He's been looking at properties and I introduced him

to your parents.

For what?

Housing projects.

This guy wants to put condos where the orchards are?

Well, hold on. Hold on, don't panic yet, okay?

Nothing's been decided. And he's a great guy.

You should meet him.

In fact, he'll be at the Chamber of Commerce

holiday party Friday night.

You should come.

Emma? Oh, you're still up here.

I was gonna close up the ladder.

Yeah, I'm looking for grandma's missing ingredient.

I thought maybe she wrote the recipe down somewhere else.

Okay. Well, just remember, sweetie, whatever you make,

it's going to be wonderful.

Thanks, Mom. I want it to be special.

Yeah. Good luck.

Love you.

Oh.

(♪♪♪)

I really appreciate your help.

You know, I have a feeling the Chamber of Commerce

would revoke my membership if I showed up tonight

without a tree.

I'm sure the Door County Chamber takes its Christmas

very seriously.

When I was little, I used to think

that this was the most magical place on earth.

I'm 34 and I still think that.

My mom used to tell me that these upside-down

trees were just for kids on the naughty list.

You know that's to display the ornaments better actually,

right?

Oh! Oh, that's brilliant.

What are those?

Oh, those are kissing balls. It's a Scandinavian tradition.

It is.

It's like mistletoe, but fancier.

Okay, Mr. Christmas.

Anything else you'd like to enlighten me on?

Oh. Absolutely.

Come on.

(♪♪♪)

Have you ever seen so much Christmas?

It's amazing.

It's perfect.

Yeah.

You should get it.

(♪♪♪)

Clara.

Sally. I was hoping I'd see you here.

Hey, Brian. Good to see you, buddy.

Oh, your parents.

Emma, oh my God. What a great surprise.

Oh my goodness. Emma, look at you.

Hello, Mrs. Henrickson.

Oh, good to see you.

Mitch told me you'd be in town for Christmas.

He did, did he?

Yeah, the guy can't shut up about you.

You all know Calvin Russo. Calvin, this is Emma Parker.

Emma, Calvin.

Emma Parker, finally. Feels like I already know you.

Oh, really? Why's that?

Well, your dad and I have had a few conversations.

We were discussing the orchards.

Beautiful property.

Yeah, we think so.

We're still scheduled to talk at the end of the week?

Oh, yeah, mm-hmm. Still on.

Great.

Well, it was, uh, nice seeing you all.

I'm grabbing a drink.

I think we'll join you.

Dad, what does Calvin wanna do with our orchards?

Emma, can we just do this later?

Just--

Did you know that 38% of people feel an elevated level

of stress around the holidays?

I might have thought it would be higher.

Dad, you told me that you weren't gonna sell the orchards.

No, no, no.

We said we don't know what we're doing yet.

It's just a conversation. Yeah, but you know--

Emma, your father and I have to think about retirement.

What? It's-- so it's my fault?

No, no, that's not what we're saying.

Yes, it is.

No, it isn't.

Yes, it is.

You're saying either I step in and run the orchards

or they bulldoze them, right?

Em, it's a lot. Look around.

Yeah, but you can afford to hire help.

I don't understand.

It's about keeping the orchard in the family.

It's been in my family for 150 years.

Then why are we suddenly having this conversation

for the first time?

Emma, we always assumed

you'd wanna come back someday,

like Mitch with the fishery.

Family businesses are the Door County way.

Guys, this is not fair.

I love what I do.

I want to take the job in New York.

I'm sorry, we are not trying to pressure you.

But you are.

She's not trying to be like that.

I don't think you have any idea what it's like--

Okay, stop, please. You think I don't work hard?

Can we just enjoy this Christmas?

We are lucky that we have each other,

that we have this time together.

Okay? Please?

Hey there.

Hi.

I brought you a coffee.

Wow. You're a lifesaver.

Successful morning?

Yeah, not too bad.

Stocking up for the Holiday Fish Boil.

Oh, you guys still do that?

Yeah, every single Christmas.

People drive from miles around for Santa's whitefish.

Your dad still dresses up as Santa?

Oh yeah.

Sometimes even when it's not Christmas.

It's getting weird.

Hmm. I guess I'll have to be there.

I guess you will.

Uh, maybe after we get these loaded up,

you and I can grab some breakfast?

Sounds great.

All right.

Thank you.

Will, wanna help me load these?

So what time did you get out there this morning?

5:00 a.m.

Best time to be out there.

Quiet. Stillness.

The eyelash-freezing, soul-crushing cold.

Ah, you get used to it.

You should come out with me sometime.

Well, we'll see.

So, what'd you think of Calvin?

Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about.

Do you ever regret moving back?

Oh, she's considering it.

I don't know.

Do I regret it?

No.

Was it a compromise?

Yeah.

I liked venture capital.

I liked helping companies get their ideas off the ground,

I was good at it, and that meant something to me.

Then why'd you leave?

'Cause it was profit over people.

The thing is, I felt like I had value,

but no purpose.

And I realized one day those are not the same.

Back here, I have purpose.

If you wanna go do the grind in New York, you should.

You totally should.

You'll work hard, you'll become super successful,

and people will love you for it, because how could

they not?

I mean, because you're super talented.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Merry Christmas.

Welcome to our annual Holiday Fish Boil.

This is a beloved tradition here at Henrickson's Fishery

and we're thrilled to have you with us.

Yeah!

Back in the 1800s, the early settlers in Door County

had a whole lot of hungry lumbermen to feed.

What did they have plenty of?

Fish.

That's right, fish. But what kind of fish?

Whitefish!

What kinda whitefish?

Lake Michigan whitefish.

That's right, Lake Michigan whitefish.

So, in celebration,

Santa, here, and his trusty elf

went out and caught some fresh this morning.

Now, here in a second, I'm gonna goose the fire

with a little kerosene.

And when that happens, the kettle's gonna boil over,

washing away all the fish oil that floats to the top.

Sound good?

All right.

I need everybody to take a big step back.

: 3, 2, 1.

Wow!

Yeah.

Now, these lovely gentlemen are gonna grab the fish,

they're gonna take it inside.

And as they pass through, you can follow them in,

grab a seat, and we will serve up your feast shortly.

Hey, you are the grilled cheese chef, aren't ya?

You're the dessert lady.

Yeah. What are you doing here?

Waiting for my dad.

Oh, where's he?

Right over there.

That was awesome, Dad.

Aw, thanks, buddy.

Max, this is my old friend, Emma.

We've already met. Oh.

How's that? At the bookstore.

Ah, of course. Yeah, the bookstore.

I tell you what, why don't you run on inside, okay?

And I'll be in there in a minute.

Okay. All right, thanks.

Bye, Emma.

Bye, Max.

I'm so confused.

Is that the elf hat?

I'm kidding. Bad joke.

You have a son?

I do.

How did I not know this?

How did no one think to tell me this?

It's complicated.

Yeah. I'll say it is.

Why does it bother you so much?

It doesn't.

I just think it's really weird that you never

mentioned it until now.

Yeah.

You're right.

I'm sorry, I should have mentioned it.

I think I was just nervous to.

Why?

'Cause I...

What?

You know, my dad really needs my help in there.

Can we talk later?

Yeah, sure.

Thanks.

(♪♪♪)

So what's the story?

It's-- it's actually really sweet.

I mean, it's-- it's tragic, but sweet.

Um, Max isn't Mitch's biological son.

Oh.

Yeah.

Before Mitch moved back from Boston, he was engaged

to a woman named Maria.

Maria had Max from a previous relationship.

And, uh, his biological father wanted nothing to do with him,

so Maria got sole custody, and Mitch, well,

he's been in Max's life since he was a baby.

Basically raised him.

What happened to Maria?

Ovarian cancer.

Oh.

She didn't know until it was too late.

She passed away weeks before their wedding.

Wow, that's terrible.

Since Maria didn't have much family, Mitch petitioned

to adopt Max after she died, so he's Mitch's son now

in every way that matters.

So, I've been thinking about your pie.

Thank you.

Enjoy.

You wanted to give the recipe your own fun twist.

Yeah, exactly. Right.

So, these are some classic Wisconsin cheddars.

This is our old-fashioned hoop cheddar.

This is our new world cheddar, but this, this is the one

I want you to try.

Okay, what's so great about it?

Okay, this is Renards cherry cheddar.

A Wisconsin legend. A cheese lover's dream.

Aged six months, uh, it's buttery, complex, sweet,

and savory, um, tangy, dynamic, and made with

real Door County cherries from Parker Orchards.

They better be from Parker Orchards.

I love this cheese more than my husband

and soon you'll see why.

Hmm.

Mm.

Oh. Oh, wow.

Right?

Is there-- is there vanilla in there?

No, it's-- it's a natural reaction between

the cheese and the cherries.

It's incredible, right?

I mean, you could grate this cheese

right into your pie crust.

That's a great idea.

(♪♪♪)

Hi. Hey.

Hey, Mitch.

Um, well, isn't this a small-town moment?

Yeah, I guess so.

I called you last night.

After the...

I know. Yeah.

Awesome.

I actually need to check on a high priority

mascarpone shipment.

Um, I'll see you lovebirds later.

I should have told you about Max.

It's okay. Really.

It-- it just took me by surprise.

I-- I-- I just didn't know how.

Max is...

Uh, he's not my-- he's not my bio--

I know. I know.

Jen told me everything.

Max is really lucky to have you.

And I'm-- I'm really sorry about Maria.

Thank you.

You would have liked her.

I'm sure I would have.

Mitch, I'm so sorry.

Uh, when you said that you lived a lot of life before,

I never imagined...

Yeah, can you understand why it's not the first thing

I wanna tell people about myself?

Yeah. Of course.

But adopting Max is the most selfless thing

that I've ever heard.

Not really.

He is the biggest joy in my life.

Hey, I've got some practice pies that I've gotta bake

later on.

Do you and Max wanna come by and be the official

taste testers?

Really?

Yeah.

It would be our honor.

Great. Um, you wanna say 5:00?

5:00 is perfect.

See you.

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

Hello!

Hello.

My sous chef and my apprentice. Come on in.

I'll take your coats.

Are you excited to do this?

Yep.

Okay.

What?

Merry Christmas.

Oh my gosh. Is that for me?

Yep.

We wanted to wait, but we thought

now would be the perfect time.

Oh my gosh. I love it.

This is so cute. Did you make this?

Yep.

You'll have to break it in, though.

That one looks like it's got a few pies under its belt.

Oh, well, this one was my grandmother's.

Thank you for noticing.

But obviously I have to wear the new one.

Obviously. Oh, I got it.

(♪♪♪)

Thank you.

You're welcome.

We're not sure that it'll be up to famous chef standards,

but we had to try.

Well, luckily I'm not a famous chef.

Not yet.

Okay, okay. Let's start.

What do I have to do?

Okay, first things first.

I need you both to swear yourselves to secrecy.

This recipe is classified.

Ooh.

Scout's honor, right, Max?

The crust makes the pie, and the trick to a delicious

pie crust is cold, cold, cold butter and ice water.

No exceptions.

Why does it have to be so cold?

That's what makes the pie crust flaky.

Will you grab the butter from the fridge?

Yes, ma'am.

Now, some people add sugar to their pie crust,

but I don't think it needs it.

Hmm, you can just add it right in.

Okay, great.

So, you're gonna take these little pieces of butter

and you're just gonna squish 'em with your fingertips.

Ooh.

Just like that.

The flour's kind of soft.

Yeah. Good job.

Oh, this one is big.

Oh yeah. Get it.

Smash it a couple times. Yeah.

Okay, you keep doing that and I'm gonna go get

the secret ingredient.

Wisconsin cherry cheddar cheese

with Parker Orchard cherries.

Ooh.

-You wanna try a piece of that? -Sounds good.

Yum.

Yeah? You like it?

Very good.

I'm gonna add it right into the pie crust.

It's our secret.

You cannot tell a single soul, okay?

My lips are sealed. Max?

First bites in 3, 2, 1.

Mm. Whoa.

Super whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Emma, this is it. This is the pie.

What? What's wrong?

It's good.

It's just not exactly what I want.

More for me.

Emma, I'm telling you. This is a winner.

It's good.

It's just not as good as Grandma's.

Oh, come on. I find that hard to believe.

I'm sure she was a good teacher.

Yeah, she was. Did you see that picture?

That was the last year she won the bake-off.

No way. Really?

Mm-hmm.

She looks really happy.

Yeah.

To her, baking wasn't just about the food,

it was about the people.

That's why she liked Christmas so much.

She was surrounded by family.

She was competitive.

The cherry pie bake-off meant the world to her.

Really?

Oh yeah.

Yeah.

She used to tell me that we'd have a bakery

together someday, it'd be part of the farm stand,

and we'd daydream about all the recipes that we'd make

and how we'd decorate it.

That sounds really great.

Yeah.

-Oh.

That's weird. It's late.

Hello?

Oh, Serena. Hi.

Uh, Merry Christmas. Yeah.

Hey, were you by chance able to--

Oh.

Oh my gosh.

Really? Wow.

Wow. Th--

Oh, that's amazing. Oh my gosh, I'm so excited.

Yeah, ple-- please send it over.

Thank you.

Really. Thank you.

Yes. Yeah.

I-- I'll talk to you soon. Bye.

Good news?

Uh, it looks like the job at La Panache is happening.

For real?

Executive pastry chef.

Emma, that's great.

Thanks.

Nobody deserves it more than you.

Um, we should probably go.

Oh, are you sure?

Yeah. Yeah, it's getting late.

(♪♪♪)

Oh, look.

Time to go, bud.

Already?

Yeah. Santa's watching.

And even though your spot on the nice list is pretty solid,

we don't wanna push it, okay?

Okay.

Thanks for decorating the barn with me, sweetheart.

Of course.

Oh. That's pretty, right?

It's a kissing ball.

-A what? -A kissing ball.

You don't know about these either?

Hmm.

It's a combination of a wreath and a mistletoe.

It's a Scandinavian tradition.

Oh, so you kiss underneath it?

That's the idea.

It's cute.

I know.

You better watch out if Mitch comes around.

-Okay, Mom. -I'm sorry.

Sorry, I just...

I love you two together.

Hey, you know that

he is the one who broke up with me, right?

You remember that?

Of course, I do.

But that was years ago, and everybody breaks up

before they go to college.

Hey, so, uh, I got the job at La Panache.

Wow. How?

When did you...

I found out last night.

Oh. Well, honey, that's...

That's, um...

Congratulations.

You don't have to do that.

Do what?

That thing where you pretend to be excited for me

but actually, you're disappointed.

I am excited for you.

Really.

It's just--

Mom, I can't have the kind of career

that I want and run the Orchards.

Can't you guys just wait a couple years?

Maybe I'll get a better offer, or maybe--

maybe I'll be ready by then.

Honestly, I don't know if your dad and I have another

year in us.

What does that mean?

It means you should take the job in New York,

and your dad and I will figure it out.

(♪♪♪)

Thing is, if a sale's going to happen, I need to know soon.

How soon?

By the end of the year.

That's not much time at all.

Can't you give us a couple of months?

Unfortunately not.

With the building season approaching this spring,

we need to put things in motion now.

The orchard's next chapter will honor what you built.

No big box stores, strip malls.

We develop housing that fits here.

Homes that feel like they belong.

Well, okay.

I guess, um, we'll let you know.

Soon.

Yeah, soon.

What are you making, Max?

A Christmas fish.

Oh, a Christmas fish. Of course, why not?

Yeah, why not?

Yeah.

So this is a family tradition?

Sure is.

My mom convinced us years ago that making

homemade Christmas cards and homemade ornaments

just had a lot more meaning.

Wait, all of those are homemade?

Yeah. Well, most of them.

Might have gotten a few at craft stores or Christkindlmarkt.

You see the angel? Made that in fifth grade.

Yeah.

Pretty impressive, huh?

Uh, yes.

Oh, the one-eyed snowman, that's Max's.

I ran out of glue.

I hate it when that happens.

Can't find a gem like that at a store, now can you?

Mm-mm.

It's the best.

Ooh, yeah.

Hey, look.

Is that the hot chocolate guy?

Yeah.

Can we get one, Dad?

Of course. You want us to get you one too?

No, I'm all right. I'll see you in a bit.

Okay. All right.

See you later, alligator.

-Come on. -All right.

Let's go.

(♪♪♪)

Oh. Hi.

You're Emma Parker, right?

Hi. Yeah.

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself.

I'm Teresa Brown from Midwest Living magazine.

Oh.

I was just talking to your dad over at your booth.

-Nice. -Hmm.

Your dad says you might have the winning cherry pie recipe.

-Did he say that? -Hmm.

Well, he is a big fan. He's also a bit biased.

Yes, but the Parkers do have a winning history.

I'm writing a piece on the Christkindlmarkt

and all the Christmas traditions up here,

including the cherry pie bake-off.

Can you tell me about your pie?

Yeah.

It's a take on my grandmother's award-winning recipe,

but with my own twist.

Can you give me any recipe secrets?

Unfortunately, no.

-Mm. -Legally binding family oath.

Oh.

Do you work in the family business?

No, I-- I don't actually.

Um, I'm actually a pastry chef at Le Panache in New York.

Le Panache? I know that place.

Oh, quite impressive.

You must have quite a knack in the kitchen.

Yeah. Well, we'll see if the judges agree.

Well, I'm sure we'll talk soon.

I'm gonna go check on some of the other contestants.

Good luck in the bake-off.

(♪♪♪)

-And there you go. -Thank you very much.

-Enjoy. -Thank you.

Emma. Ah!

Hey, can you cover the booth?

I gotta go find your mom.

Yeah, sure. No problem.

-Enjoy. -Thank you so much.

Hey, hey.

Don't you look like a perfect little Christmas card in there?

I don't feel like it.

Yeah. The, uh, Mitch conundrum.

Have you told him how you feel yet?

Why?

So we can both be sad and confused when I leave?

I don't trust that Calvin guy.

I feel like he's pressuring my parents.

I need to talk to him myself.

(♪♪♪)

Be assertive.

Emma, hey.

Hey, Calvin. Thanks for your time.

Happy to. Have a seat.

So, what's going on?

Well, I'd like to know how you convinced my parents

to sell you their orchard.

Convinced them? I didn't convince them.

They approached me.

They approached you?

Yeah, through Mitch.

Well, I think technically Mitch's parents

talked to your parents, and then your parents talked

to Mitch, and then he put us in touch.

Okay.

Well, why do they have to sell right now?

What's the rush? They love that place.

Emma, from what I understand, they may not want to sell it,

but they need to.

What do you mean?

They're strained, financially.

No, they're not.

That's what I was told.

They thought that things might improve if you stepped in,

but doesn't sound like that's happening.

Emma, look, I'm not the bad guy here.

I'm just trying to do my job and help your parents.

I thought that you knew.

No, I didn't.

I may have overstepped.

No, you didn't. Thank you for telling me.

Thank you for your time.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hi, sweetie. Where were you?

You want a Tom and Jerry?

I went to talk to Calvin.

Why?

Why didn't you tell me you were having financial problems?

Ah, we didn't want you to worry about our

financial situation.

Worry? I-- I could've helped.

I would've helped.

Oh, oh, honey, there's-- there's nothing

that you could've done.

Well, you don't know that 'cause you never even

bothered to ask.

We wanted you to come back because you wanted to,

not out of some guilt.

And you thought I would feel less guilty by finding

out like this?

We only did what we thought was best for you.

How long have you been sitting on this?

Hmm. Couple years.

Years?

We were gonna tell you this trip, and then we found

out about your job and we asked Mitch.

You-- you asked Mitch what?

We asked him what he thought and...

We wanted to know if he thought there was a chance

that you'd stay.

What did he say?

He said it wasn't even a question,

that you had to take that job.

Mm-hmm.

I gotta go.

Oh gosh. Emma.

(♪♪♪)

Mitch.

Just in time for Christmas, huh?

I just stopped by to tell you that I'm leaving.

I'm going back to Chicago after the bake-off.

Well, I knew you'd be heading back, but not before Christmas.

You lied to me.

Lied to you?

You knew that my parents were struggling

and you didn't even think I deserved to know.

It wasn't my place to tell you, Emma.

They were waiting for the right time.

Oh, yeah. The right time.

When, Mitch?

Next Christmas when I come back to find a housing development

where our orchard used to be?

I didn't want you to feel trapped.

-Trapped? -Yeah.

I knew if they told you, you'd think you had to stay,

and you don't.

You have this incredible opportunity.

You couldn't even pretend like you wanted me to stay?

What?

You didn't even hesitate.

You just told them that I should go,

like it wasn't even a question.

Yeah, because this is what you've always wanted.

It was your dream.

Emma, I didn't tell them you should go

because that's what I wanted.

I told them you should go because I thought

that's what you wanted.

You didn't even ask me.

Will you bring Max by the bake-off tomorrow

so I can say goodbye?

Sure.

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

Merry Christmas, huh?

Yeah.

Sit with me?

You went to see Mitch?

Yeah.

This orchard's been in my family for 150 years and now,

five generations later,

I'm the one who can't keep it alive.

I mean...

No, Dad. There were a lot of factors.

It's not...

There were. But it's still hard, you know?

I felt a lot of

pride in keeping it a family operation.

Mother and I should have hired help years ago.

I think I was embarrassed.

I-- I know how hard you worked for your career.

I'm sorry.

No, Dad.

I just--

I love my job and I'm really good at it,

and I wanna pursue it.

No, if-- if you're not interested th-- that's fine.

We just have to learn to let go of what's not serving

us anymore.

What if I go win that pie contest

and get you all that great PR?

Then I hope whoever reads about it

tracks you down in New York and gives you a ton of business.

Your mother would love that, though.

We just-- we just want you to be happy, Em.

That's all we've ever wanted, you know?

I know, Dad.

It's gonna be okay.

If you say so.

I love you, Em.

(♪♪♪)

Hey, I thought you were going to make it in the morning?

I am, but I wanted to try something first.

Oh, yeah? What's that?

Cardamom. Oh my God.

Of course. How could we forget that?

I know.

You know the recipe was in the apron the entire time?

You're kidding.

No, a little piece fell out when I was cleaning up.

Wow.

So-- so you made Grandma's exact recipe?

No.

I still put my twist on it, but now it's both of ours.

Can I try a piece?

Yeah. I was hoping you'd ask.

Oh.

How is it?

Emma, it is wonderful.

Mmm.

Mm.

Honey, Grandma would be so proud of you.

We all are.

Thanks, Mom.

(♪♪♪)

Hi. Uh, this is a mascarpone whipped cream topper.

Can you make sure that the judges get a dollop

on their pie?

Thanks.

Good morning, Emma.

Hi, Teresa.

I can't wait to try your pie.

Could be a big day for Parker Orchards.

I hope so.

Good luck.

(♪♪♪)

Emma!

Hey, buddy.

We came to cheer you on.

Thank you.

Max also has something for you.

Oh yeah.

Did you make this yourself?

It's a Christmas card. Dad helped a little.

Homemade Christmas cards are the very best kind.

I'll read it later, okay?

Okay. Bye, Emma.

-Bye. -We'll see you after.

(♪♪♪)

Welcome, everyone.

I'm Teresa Brown from Midwest Living magazine,

and I'm thrilled to be your host for this year's

Door County Christmas Cherry Pie Contest.

I have to say, I just love it up here.

I mean, look at this. Look at this Christkindlmarkt.

Oh, beautiful.

All right, all right. All right.

As you know, the winning pie will be featured

in next month's issue of Midwest Living.

So let's hear it for our contestants.

It's time for the judges to do their thing, but first

I wanna introduce you to our very special celebrity

guest judge, Green Bay Packers legend, Ahman Green.

Thank you for being here.

Yeah.

Go Pack Go.

Go Pack Go. Go Pack Go.

Go Pack Go. Go Pack Go.

Judges, are you ready? All right.

Taste away.

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

Thank you, Ahman.

Our judges have made their decisions.

In third place, oh, pie number 6,

from Seaquist Farms, Kristen Seaquist.

All right.

Congratulations, Kristen.

In second place, oh, pie number 2, from

Scaturo Baking Co, Rob Scaturo!

Congratulations.

All right, here we go.

Congratulations, Rob.

And here we go.

The winner of this year's

Door County Christmas Cherry

Pie Bake-Off is pie number 5,

from Parker Cherry Orchards,

Emma Parker.

-Emma! -Emma!

-Emma! -Yes!

Emma!

She's here?

Where is she?

-Uh, uh, uh... -Em?

Well, um, this is unexpected.

Uh, Sally, Brian, would you like to come up and accept

the award on behalf of Parker Orchards?

Come on.

Everyone, Sally and Brian Parker.

(♪♪♪)

On behalf of Parker Orchards--

Our daughter, Emma, and her incredible cherry pie,

we humbly accept this prize.

Thank you.

Hey, Calvin. I need to talk to you.

I am really glad you're here, Clara.

Oh, are you kidding? We wouldn't miss it.

Still no word from Emma?

Nothing. I've called, I've texted.

I just-- I wish we handled this differently.

You know, she seemed better last night.

-Mm. -I-- I just didn't realize...

Well, you were just trying to do the right thing for her.

I mean, it's not a mistake.

That's-- that's being a good parent.

-Thank you.

All right, let's get the food.

Okay.

All right.

Oh.

(♪♪♪)

Ha, there it is!

Oh, man.

Triple 6 for 18.

That closes me up.

Nailed it.

Okay, Mitch, you're up. Let's see what you can do.

Nah, I'm good.

What?

Don't think you can beat your old man, huh?

Come on.

Hey, you wanna give me a hand bringing that cooler

out back inside?

Yeah, sure, Brian.

I'll be right out.

(♪♪♪)

Hey, uh, I just wanted to say that even if she's

upset right now, I know what you were trying to do.

And I believe that one day she's going to be grateful

for it.

Hmm. Yeah.

Maybe.

I'm grateful for it.

Thanks, Brian.

(♪♪♪)

Uh, Everett and Clara, you guys are over there.

Okay.

This all looks so delicious, Sally.

Where's Dad?

Oh, I think he's gonna be here in a minute.

Merry Christmas.

Emma!

Sorry we're late.

And, um, I brought a friend with me.

-I hope you don't mind. -Oh God.

We were so worried about you.

Where did you go?

To the orchard, and then I talked to Calvin,

because I decided I'm not gonna take the job in New York.

What? You're going--

I'm gonna stay here.

And I'm ready to take over the family business as soon

as you're ready to give me the reins.

Oh, they are yours.

But hold on, I don't understand what's going on.

I don't know.

Well, when I won the bake-off, I thought I had to choose.

Then I realized maybe I don't.

And that's where I come in. Emma and I talked.

Instead of buying the orchard, I'd like to invest in them.

You...

Calvin's gonna finance a new state-of-the-art bakery

as part of the newly-renovated Parker Orchard Farmstand.

Is-- is this real?

Yeah.

I don't have to go anywhere, Mom.

I can stay here and we can build something together.

Grandma Ethel would have loved this.

Yeah. I think so too.

Merry Christmas, Em.

Mm.

Merry Christmas, Pops.

I'm so glad you're gonna stay.

Me too, buddy. Do you know what?

What?

Your card had something to do with it.

Is that my card that I gave you?

Yep.

Wow. That's my card.

Where's Mitch?

(♪♪♪)

Hey.

Hi.

Were you planning on spending Christmas Eve out here

by yourself?

What happened?

Where'd you go after the contest?

I just needed some time to think.

I owe you an apology.

No, you don't, Emma.

I owe you an apology.

I should've told you about the orchard.

You were right, you deserved to know.

I just didn't want anything to hold you back.

Not your parents, not this place.

Not me.

You just seemed so certain.

It didn't seem fair for me to tell you what I wanted.

What's that?

For you to stay.

It's what I've always wanted.

Did you buy a kissing ball?

Mm-hmm.

Interesting.

It's an old Scandinavian tradition.

Hmm.

We can't argue with tradition, can we?

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

(♪♪♪)

♪ I'm coming home for Christmas ♪

♪ It's been a lonely time

♪ Will I see you this Christmas ♪

♪ Beneath the winter lights

♪ Will it be like I remember

♪ White snow and fireside

♪ Will I see you in December?

♪ I'm on that road, headed home for Christmas ♪

♪ Oh, I can hear it

♪ The bells are ringing through the square ♪

♪ Oh, I can feel it

♪ The warmth and loved ones everywhere ♪

♪ A children's choir sings, it lightens everything ♪

♪ We pray for peace on Earth

♪ Seeing all this holy bread

♪ The memories and the joy they bring ♪

♪ Lead me back to you

♪ I'm coming home for Christmas, I'm coming home ♪

♪ It's been a lonely time, lonely time ♪

♪ Will I see you this Christmas? ♪

♪ Beneath the winter lights

♪ Will it be like I remember

♪ White snow and fireside