Original subtitles

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring -ting -tingling too.

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling you.

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy -up, giddy -up, giddy -up, let's go, let's look at the show.

We're riding in a wonderland of snow.

Yep, yep, yep, it's grand Just holding your hand We're riding along with a song

of a wintry fair And our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy, cozy are we We've

snuggled close together like two birds of a feather with me Let's take that

deep forest in Spain, a forest or two Come on, it's lovely weather for a

ride together with you

There's a birthday party.

Hey there, stupid head.

I just got done Skyping Grandma and Grandpa.

They send their love.

I miss them.

They miss you too.

Maybe we can go to Phoenix and visit them for Easter.

Cool.

What's this?

I made a list.

All the things we can do over the Christmas break.

Starting with finished decorating the house.

I promise we will do that together.

Along with wrap lots of presents and make a ridiculous amount of gingerbread

cookies. Yum.

What's on your Christmas list?

You are all I need for Christmas.

Now, why don't you eat up so your mom does not wait for work.

Welcome back, Mrs.

Carlucci.

Oh, hi.

Oh, my goodness, you're glowing.

Well, get yourself a honeymoon to St. Barth, and you can glow, too.

Yeah, I'll pass.

Well, you never know.

Yeah, sometimes you do.

Hey, Scarlett, you're excited to be on Christmas break?

Yeah, we have a lot of things to accomplish. I made a list.

Apple, tree. I know, she didn't fall far. No.

Laurel, this is who I wanted to see.

Hello, Mr. Mayor. Hey, Scarlett, how are you? Mind if I borrow your mom for a

sec? Sure.

I'm bringing it back.

What exactly?

The Christmas parade.

But we haven't been able to afford that for five years.

And that's the Christmas miracle. Turns out we have an unexpected surplus that

says we can afford it.

Okay, but... Trust me, there's more than enough for a parade. A big one.

Floats, bands, the whole shebang.

Just like we used to.

But I just wonder if maybe... I know you, and I know what you're going to

Be practical.

Exactly. But, Laurel, it's important to celebrate the good things, too.

And everybody loves a parade.

Hey, Scarlett, you like parades?

Yes. There you go.

Parades. Everyone loves them.

Okay. Fine. I will get started immediately in the new year.

Oh, no. This year.

But Christmas is in two weeks.

So? No time to waste.

Howard, I... Laurel, I so believe in you. And when you pull this off, I'm

to appoint you city manager.

I don't know what to say.

Tree.

Big tree.

At least 20 feet, maybe 30.

I know you can do it.

I can do this. I can do this.

Is that your car?

It was.

My dad gave me that car in high school.

My baby.

You don't drive it anymore?

No. It's been sitting in my dad's garage for a while. The engine needs work, but

it's expensive, so I'm saving up.

What's the progress?

Hey, so Jet Tree Ranch thinks they may have one 15 -footer back at the farm,

the tailors have one that's close to 20 feet. But they're not sure. It's too

busy right now for them to double -check, but they said we could if we

Well, let's go find out.

Okay, but don't forget, we have to exchange my violin for a bigger one.

Yes. Yes, add it to the list.

Have fun.

You okay, Mom?

Of course.

It's going to be a lot of work.

But when I was a little girl, I looked forward to the parade all year long. And

I'm glad now you'll get to see it, too.

I hope you're okay with the change of plans over Christmas break.

Of course.

It's a parade.

Everybody loves a parade.

Hey, Betty.

Hey, how'd it go?

We went to both farms. It's a no -go.

The trees are all scrawny.

I think we have to make a contingency plan in case we can't find one near your

town. Okay.

Big tree contingency plan.

There are a few other Christmas tree farms that may work.

There's one in Vermont.

Hayden's Pine.

Will they deliver?

Says they do, but I'll confirm.

Thanks. You're the best.

Okay, bye.

Bye.

Okay.

Next we need to think about float.

Chamber of Commerce will want one.

Could my school have a float?

Absolutely.

Mom, slow down.

What is that?

Looks like a sleigh.

That's true.

I don't remember there being a house up here. But look at that sleigh.

I've only seen them in movies, though.

And parades.

Maybe we can fix it.

It would need a lot of fixing up. It doesn't even have a runner.

It would be so cool.

It would.

Hi.

Hello to you.

My name is Laurel Bishop, and this is my daughter, Scarlett. Greetings.

I'm Mr. Winter.

Is this your sleigh?

You noticed that, huh?

Yeah, it really caught my eye.

It has a tendency to do that.

Can I buy it?

Buy? Or borrow, whichever.

Well, I don't know.

You know, it has a lot of sentimental value to me. I met my wife while I was

riding on the sleigh.

You met your wife while you were riding on the sleigh? It's a long story, but

great indie.

Oh, okay.

Let me back up. I'm overseeing the Mission City Christmas Parade. Is that

back?

That's wonderful.

Yes.

The point is, my daughter and I think this sleigh would be perfect for the

float.

We'd fix it up, if you wouldn't mind.

It would look amazing in the parade.

And they don't make things like this anymore.

No, they certainly don't. I don't know. I was going to move it up north.

Well, if you promise to mend it with love.

We will. We promise.

And to get it back to me immediately after the parade.

We promise.

Okay.

All right. All right. It's a deal.

Great.

Shake.

Bye, Mr. Winter.

Bye. Bye -bye now.

So just take a minute.

Mom, look.

No.

No, no, no, no.

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

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

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

Look out.

No.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It just came loose. Anyone seen the reindeer that goes with this?

Laurel.

Are you okay, Mom?

I'm fine, honey.

Alex, this is my daughter, Scarlett.

Scarlett, this is Alex McCord.

Nice to meet you. Hi.

Well, if it isn't Laurel and Scarlett Bishop. And you brought a sleigh. I've

never had a sleigh before.

Hello, Audrey.

It's for the Christmas parade. The Christmas parade? They're bringing that

How marvelous. Are you in charge?

Yep. Did I tell you that Laurel is the head of Parks and Recreation? You did.

And Audrey liked to keep me up to date on all things Mission City.

How riveting for you.

You'd be surprised.

Speaking of surprised, what are you doing in town?

I thought your folks were in Portland visiting your sister's family.

It's a small town. Everybody knows everything.

I forgot.

I'm sure.

So where'd you find this?

Near the woods by Hickory Road. We're going to make it into Santa's sleigh for

the parade.

That's going to take some work.

Anything worthwhile usually does.

Well, this is practically going to need a full renovation. How are you going to

pull that off in two weeks?

Alex!

All that time in New York hasn't made it so that you forgot everything your

uncle taught you about how to fix up antiques.

That's okay.

We can manage on our own.

Really? Really.

Yes, really.

Just stay here. I'm going to pull the car around.

How do you know my mom?

We went to school together.

High school?

And college, yeah.

Alex grew up in Mission City.

But you moved away?

To New York after college.

It's your first time back here?

Do you want to be a prosecutor when you grow up? My mom says being curious is

one of the most important things a person can be.

Ah.

Oh, excuse me.

Always.

Always listen to your mom.

Oh, and here she is.

Okay, let's go get in the car.

Happy seatbelt.

So, do you have a plan?

Excuse me? For fixing this thing up.

I'll think of something.

All right, so you're just being stubborn when you told me you didn't want my

help.

Or independent.

Yeah, I'd call it stubborn.

I'm sure you would.

Say you didn't answer my question.

What are you doing here?

I'm helping Anna Audrey sell the store.

She's selling?

Yeah, it's practically already sold. I'm just helping her through the last

steps. I can't imagine this place not being here. I love this shop. I remember

you used to come in here all the time.

Yeah, I thought if I looked hard enough, I'd find a magic lamp or a watch that

would let me time travel.

Oh, we've been looking for magic.

Never finding it.

Now I made my own.

When do you go back?

The 26th.

Well, have a pleasant visit.

Maybe I'll see you around.

Mission City, Alex. Not New York.

I'll see you around.

I want to see it. I want to see it. Please.

Okay.

But keep in mind, it's still a project.

Right. It needs all kinds of work.

It needs a lot of new paint and new runners and... It's gone.

Maybe it flew away.

I'll call around, see if anyone's seen it.

You want me to put out an APB on a missing sleigh?

Whatever works.

I'm going to drive around, see if I can find it. Okay.

Okay.

So you changed your mind.

What?

You know, about me helping fix this up.

Wait, you didn't take it?

Why would I take your sleigh?

I don't know, to dash through the snow.

Ah, yeah, that's it, you caught me.

Whatever, I just need to get it back and hopefully keep this thing in one place.

Can't you just, I don't know, get one in a little better shape?

Another Santa sleigh.

Two weeks before Christmas, while I'm planning the parade and trying to make

sure my own daughter has a good Christmas. Laurel, okay, just come on.

me help, all right? You know I know woodworking.

That's not the point.

You still have that birdhouse I made for you in shop class?

Maybe. That's a good birdhouse.

Maybe. Don't be stubborn.

Independent.

Which can lead to being overwhelmed if you're not careful.

Come on.

Look, the sleigh already likes me. It's already found me twice.

Two times.

Fine. See, it wasn't so hard, was it?

Maybe. I'll be back to check on you. I mean your work.

I'll look forward to it.

Oh, I like that one.

I like this one.

Santa's play is red.

Everyone knows this.

Elves.

I was thinking there should be plenty of elves at the parade.

Noted. Excellent. That promotion's looking better every day.

However, I can't help noticing the distinct absence of something very

at Town Hall.

The Christmas tree's on its way.

Fantastic.

Guess we better find that tree. Yeah.

So, who's this guy renovating this place for free?

Um, an old friend from high school.

And college.

Wait. Is this almost fiancé, Alex? Almost only counts in horseshoes, Betty.

heartache.

There has to be a country song.

But he's back.

The guy who left you after college for his dream job in New York is back?

Briefly. And then he returns to New York, where he lives.

And who knows?

Maybe this time he'll even say goodbye.

Hi, Mom.

Look who I found outside.

Hi. Hey.

Mr. Carlucci.

Mrs. Carlucci.

How did your first parade float meeting go?

Good. We picked our theme. The first Christmas Eve. I'm going to be the star

Christmas. That's great, honey.

Mrs. Swenson says she can make the costume.

Costume? For the star.

She's making Molly's. Oh, no.

That's okay. I will make your costume.

Very nice of Mrs. Swenson.

Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yeah.

Thank you.

I just got a call from the Concord Antiques Consortium.

Their attorney's sending over the paperwork in the next place. Oh.

Already, huh?

Are you sure you want to do that? Yes, I've waited my whole life to retire and

see the world.

My old friend Sylvia, you remember her?

Of course. That's who I'm going with.

She's got our entire itinerary planned out. She's a Virgo.

First Europe, then Australia.

All right, so why the look just now?

Well, I suppose this store's been my baby for a lot of years.

Be natural to miss it, that's all.

And it'll always remind me of your Uncle Teddy. He loved this place.

Now, I think I have us a lead on some replacement runners.

That's great news. I want to get those on there before Laurel conspires.

Laurel!

I just stopped by to see how the play's coming.

Oh, how lovely.

Well, I think I'm going to go get some lunch.

Traitor.

Hi, again.

Why are you making that face?

What face?

That face.

There's no face.

Did you break it?

What? No.

No, no, no, no, no.

This is a work in progress.

What happened to the side?

It broke.

Broke? Yeah.

Did you break it?

I was there when it happened.

Alex. Look, we're working on it. And Audrey's got a lead on some replacements

and we're tracking down new runners. You have to understand how important this

is to me. The mayor is talking about making me city manager.

Oh. So this is a career boost.

Yes, and I'm sensing something behind that comment. No, just it's good to see

you recognize the importance of taking the necessary steps to improve one's

career.

Wow.

You managed to turn this into one of our old arguments in less than a minute.

Impressive. Laurel, come on. You know what? I'm not going down that road

I'll fix this thing on my own.

Laurel. I'll send someone over to pick it up. Laurel, wait.

Thank you.

So, what happened to Alex?

He was better at breaking things than fixing them. Uh -huh.

So, who's going to make this beaten up old thing look more like a Santa's play?

I thought you and I could.

No. What?

You completely restored that old car of yours.

I fixed that car with my dad because he loved cars.

Which, in case you hadn't noticed, are not plays.

They're both transportation.

You acted impulsively, didn't you?

And impractically. That is not the Laurel Bishop I know. We all have our

Is this side named Alex?

Fine. I will fix it on my own. Add it to my endless list of to -do

responsibilities. Wait, Laurel, you don't know anything about restoring an

antique sleigh.

No one in this place knows anything about restoring an antique sleigh. You

who might know?

That old man.

Who? Genius, Betty. You're a genius.

No, no, no, wait. That's not who I was talking about.

Wait, no, no, no, no. That's not who I was... No.

What?

Hi, sweetheart.

Hey.

You got a date?

Work.

I'm up for a new position within the company.

Exact VP.

Oh, congratulations.

Thanks. No, it's good. I'm just waiting on word.

It's funny. I never really saw you as a banker.

Finance. You know what I mean.

I remember when you and your uncle would work together fixing all kinds of

treasures I'd haul in here. A lot of summers doing that.

He taught me so much.

Woodworking was your favorite.

It was, but, you know, things change.

Some things do.

Some things don't.

Laurel's still as lovely as ever and a wonderful single mother.

Did you just emphasize single?

Did I?

Come on. I made your favorite. Lemon meringue pie.

So, what did you find out?

Nothing. The cabin was completely dark.

Now what do we do?

I don't know.

But I have to pick Scarlett up at Molly's.

We'll figure something out.

Okay. Good night.

I'm tired.

I know, honey. I'm sorry. It's past your bedtime.

Why don't you lay down here while I talk to Alex?

Did you lose your sway again?

No, that's not why I'm here.

I apologize.

I overreacted and was unfair to you, and I'm sorry.

Thank you.

You know, let me fix that slide.

You still want to do it? Sure.

I hate incompletion.

Well, I do have dozens of other carpenters lined up for the job, but I

you were first, so... How generous of you.

I think these bring out the color of my eyes. What do you think?

Well, you can have blue pillows. It's not Christmas.

Well, you know what? My aunt is a whiz at sewing, so we just have to find the

right fabric. Just not green. The sleigh is going to be green.

Uh, I assumed it would remain red.

Why does everyone think that?

Because Santa's sleigh is red. It's common knowledge.

You know what?

I think I know where the Santa's sleigh's green thing is coming from.

It's your mom's favorite color.

Do you remember that Christmas sweater you used to wear every single year with

giant snowman on the pocket?

Green.

Ugliest thing I've ever seen.

Sweet, but ugly.

This coming from the guy who used to wear the same striped knit cap all the

through high school.

Was it red?

Oh, yes.

And it made him look like an elf.

And for the record, green is not my favorite color.

Oh, really? What is?

Scarlet is my favorite color.

Sounds like red to me.

Fine. The sleigh can be read.

As long as the interior is green.

All right, I'm going to throw these in the back so you guys get warmed up.

Okay.

No way.

Alex. Yeah.

It can't be the same one.

I think it is.

What is that?

I met your mom because of the snow globe.

She was in the store. Like always.

She was looking at the snow globe and she picked it up. Alex was behind it.

I could see was his head.

My body was blocked.

Nice scream. So loud.

And your aunt came running in from the other room. You know, I'm actually

surprised she could hear you. I thought only dogs could hear sounds like that

pitch.

What is it?

Is everything okay?

Yeah, it's just, it's a work thing.

Oh.

Don't they know you're on vacation?

Yeah, but it's about a new position at the firm.

It's, uh, apparently looking good.

Such great news.

Will you have to leave sooner?

Uh, no. I mean, at least I don't think so.

Well, Scarlett and I need to get home. We have some Christmas decorations we

need to finish.

Awesome. Do you guys need any help?

No. We can't take up all of your free time. Laurel, come on. It's Mission

There's not that much to do.

Unlike New York.

Sorry.

Bye, Alice.

I remember this.

Grandma bought it for me when I was little.

Which was ages ago.

Here's to our costume.

I should have bought the fabric when we were at the store today.

I've been so distracted.

It's okay.

No, it's not.

Tomorrow. I'll get the material tomorrow.

You've been working very hard on the float.

It's been so much fun. I can't wait to see it when it's finished.

I know, right?

And the sleigh.

Hey, Betty. You're not still at the office, are you? Uh, we're all doing our

part. Oh, tell me it's not the tree.

Okay.

It's the tree.

It went to Mission City, Maryland.

How is that even possible?

I don't know.

But the folks of Mission City, Maryland were very appreciative of our gift to

them and are sending us a holiday fruitcake in return.

Well, does Howard know? Not yet.

Okay, it's getting late. We have to get another tree. We will.

I have a couple leads.

Tell me how they work out.

Will do.

Thanks, Betty.

Bye.

Good luck with the Davis tree farm. They just sold their last 20 -footer

yesterday. That's it for the neighboring state.

I'm not sure how much further out we can go and still arrange for a tree to get

here and be decorated on time.

Hi, Alex.

Hey. Alex, what are you doing here?

Uh, nothing.

Just, you know, all is, uh, as well as, you know, you know how things go.

That makes no sense. None of this does. I don't know what happened. The doors

were locked when I came in.

Alex, you're making that face again.

Please don't be mad.

What?

The sleigh is gone.

Again.

Okay.

Did anyone see where the sleigh went?

Cute sleigh. Needs work.

No. Let me check the office. I'll see if we have any messages, okay? Great.

Is everything okay?

We're just... Smoothing over some stuff. But everything's going to be fine.

Honey, don't worry.

Okay, so there was a message on the city hall main line. Someone named Mr.

Winter said he was the one who loaned you the sleigh and he has it. Wait, hold

on. Mr. Winter?

It's back at his place?

That's what he said.

This is starting to be more trouble than it's worth. Maybe we should just find

another sleigh. I like that one.

Yeah, at this point I'm kind of partial to it myself.

Fine. How about you stay here with Betty and Alex and I will go pick up the

sleigh. Okay. Okay.

There's something I've been meaning to tell you.

I'm sorry.

For what?

For after college.

I was young, I was stupid, and I didn't... handle it, handle us in the

when I, uh... Just left?

Without saying goodbye?

I felt terrible about it ever since.

And seeing you again...

It made it feel like it just happened.

Well, it didn't just happen.

It was a long time ago.

We're very different people.

Are we?

Yeah. All right.

And look, I'm so happy for you.

You're living your dream.

You know what you always wanted to do since you were a kid?

And I'm doing great. I've got garlic.

What happened with us was in the past, right?

Yeah, right.

Remote cabin in the woods. Mysterious goings on.

All I'm saying is these stories are usually unwell.

You're being dramatic.

Well, that's a handful of Gretel.

Hey, hello. Welcome, Laurel. Come on in. It's a renter.

After you, Gretel.

Thank you. My pleasure.

Hello. Wow.

I'm Alex McCord.

It's great to meet you. You know, I think I remember you.

Oh, I'm sure we've never met before.

Oh, are you?

Your home is so lovely.

Thank you.

But I'm a bit confused. I was here just the other day, and this place looked

nothing like it does now.

It was practically empty.

You sure you were at the right cabin?

Yes.

Maybe.

I thought I was.

Please have a seat.

Make yourselves comfortable.

A little homemade cocoa.

Thank you.

Your message said you found the sleigh. I didn't see it anywhere outside.

About that. I found those old runners and I thought, well, I should fix it

before I head back up north.

If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the sleigh?

It's a very interesting piece.

Ah, so you saw that, huh?

I'm in antiques.

Since when? Okay, well, I used to be around antiques and woodworking.

Regardless, it's a rather interesting design, wouldn't you say?

I think you could say that.

So where is it?

Let me put on my coat, and I'll show you. This way, please.

Come on, follow me.

Watch your step.

Could have sworn this was the place.

It looks so different.

You did remember to leave a trail of breadcrumbs, right?

Well, here we are.

The runners, they're beautiful.

With a little paint, you'll be ready for the parade.

This tree would be perfect.

For what?

City Hall, if that's okay with you.

I think it's a wonderful idea.

Great. I'm going to call Betty and get a crew down here eighth up to get the

tree back to town. You know, I like you two.

And that's good, because this is obviously a two -person job.

Two -person job?

Yeah, to get it finished in time for the Christmas parade.

I guess I could help.

Well, you've got your hands full. I mean, I could totally do it on my own.

I think you can figure it out together.

Bye.

Merry Christmas!

So, did you go out in the middle of nowhere and not only find the sleigh

repairs made, but also the perfect Christmas tree for City Hall?

Yeah, thinking of buying a Powerball on the way home. Yeah, luck is definitely

on your side.

And who is Mr.

Winter, anyway?

No clue, but I am eternally grateful.

It's absolutely beautiful.

Oh, it really is.

I want to make sure Wade sees it. I swear all that man does these days is

Ladies, you have outdone yourself.

I don't think we've ever had a prettier Christmas tree.

How goes the troublesome sleigh?

Alex is standing it as we speak. That's why he couldn't come to see the tree

with me.

What is it, dear?

Something Mr. Winter said.

Think you can handle the rest from here? If I can't, I know your number.

Bye, everybody.

Beautiful.

Remember how this was a two -person job?

Need a helper?

Absolutely.

Why aren't you using an electrical sander?

Well, the wood's old, and I didn't want to risk damaging it. But these things,

they give you more control.

Use more of the wood in place.

And it takes a lot longer.

Oh, well, that explains it. You ever sanded before?

Yeah,

the walls of my old apartment. Right before I painted them green.

I prefer to call it sage. Thank you. But they are admittedly in the same color

family. Okay, well, wood is different than drywall.

All right, the number one rule, bar none, is you want to go with the grain.

Never against it.

All right, so you can see the grain pattern, but I want you to feel it. Put

hand on me.

Do you feel that?

Yeah. Yeah, there.

Yeah. So you just go like that?

Like that?

Try.

Give it a shot.

You do that until it's smooth and it's ready for the paint.

Okay.

You take that quarter.

Thank you.

Do you remember?

I remember a lot of things.

Specifically?

Our sleep date.

How could I forget?

All the other girls' boyfriends brought them to the winter formal in a car.

Amateurs. It was so cold. It was so romantic.

You thought it all through.

All the way down to the boombox plane, the sleigh bell sounds on repeat.

Couldn't you just get the real thing?

Hey, listen, you try and track down Silver's sleigh bells back in the day

the internet took off.

Are we ready to paint now?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah, we are.

Okay. I'll call the moving crew to pick this guy up and bring him to the float.

Then I have to pick up Scarlet.

Hey, Laurel.

Thanks for being my helper.

Grandma and Grandpa said to tell you hi. Huh?

Oh. It's okay.

They know you're busy with the parade.

What are you looking for?

An old photo.

What of?

Play date.

Let's get you to bed.

It will make Christmas come faster.

Mr. Carlucci?

Mrs. Carlucci. What brings you to this side of town?

Pastries. I was hungry.

The cafe's back that way.

Is it? Yeah.

Lucky I ran into you then.

Oh, you're such a mess, Mr. Carlucci.

Is that grease?

What? You're a computer programmer.

How do you have grease on your head? Computers have grease.

They do? Trust me, I'm the expert.

Uh -oh. Boss may have downloaded a virus again.

Gotta go.

Oh, okay.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling too.

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling you.

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy -up, giddy -up, giddy -up, let's go.

Let's look at the show.

Does it really matter which way I do it?

No.

Giddy -up, giddy -up, giddy -up, it's grand.

Just holding your hand.

We're gliding along with a song of a wintry fairyland. Our cheeks are mice

mosey and comfy cozy are we.

It wasn't me.

You know, I have to admit, the red does look pretty spectacular.

Spectacular. We just got spectacular.

Hey, do you think she's saying we were right?

Okay, okay.

You were right about the red anyway.

Smile.

Three, two, one.

We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop.

At the fireplace where we'll watch the chestnut pop.

Pop, pop. Now there's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy. When they

pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie, it'll nearly be like a picture

by career and I.

These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our life.

These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our life.

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Come

on,

it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

I can't believe this is the same sleigh you guys found out in the woods.

I got a spectacular out of this one.

It still feels like there's something missing, though.

Well, Aunt Audrey's still working on those pillows.

She should have them redone in a couple days.

No, that's not it.

That'll come to me.

Uh, Carly, why don't you go show Alex the gingerbread house boat?

It's so cool.

All right.

Okay, so we got the tree, and now the sleigh's almost done.

What's going on?

Wade's being weird.

How can you tell?

Like, I know there's Wade weird, which I alone find adorable.

But then there's weird even for Wade weird, which I can't figure out.

You don't suppose he's already losing the magic with FDU?

You two have known each other since kindergarten.

If he didn't lose the magic by junior high, you're safe.

Yeah, you're probably right.

Almost fiance Alex is nice.

I like him.

Yeah, me too.

And I'm going to be the Christmas star if mom ever gets my costume done. Well,

I'm sure she'll get around to it. She's just got a lot on her plate right now.

I know.

Here.

Well, thank you.

For when you go back.

You

don't

have to do this.

They're going to sell off everything, aren't they?

That's the idea.

It's funny.

When I decided on my plan...

I didn't think about everything I'd be leaving behind.

I just wanted to go.

Travel the world with Sylvia.

Like something out of an E .M. Forrester novel.

I can still put a stop to this if you want me to.

I think what I want is a little more time to think everything through. Okay,

done.

Unless, of course, you have any interest in taking over the shop.

Me?

That'd be a heck of a commute to my other job.

I suppose it would.

I've loved having you back.

I've loved being back.

I can see that.

You've been smiling a lot lately.

More than when you first arrived.

You two did a marvelous job at that sleigh.

That's been fun.

She's a wonderful girl, Alex.

But you've always known that.

This has exceeded even my lofty expectations.

Thank you, Howard.

Bad news.

Well, good news for him, bad news for us.

What? The guy we got for Santa just won a trip to Toronto in our church silent

auction. He's going immediately and staying for the new year.

We lost Santa three days before the parade.

We'll find a new one.

Yes, I am aware.

Thank you.

Filbert. No, no, they have to be Filbert.

Perfect. Can you rush delivery?

All right, great. Thanks.

Okay, great.

Okay. Thank you. Laurel!

Hey, hi.

Hi.

Just when you think you have it all in order, you lose your stand -up.

Oh. Well, listen, don't look at me.

You're hardly standing material.

Fortunately, Dr. Walker is up for the job, so crisis averted.

Until the next one.

So you got time for coffee?

It's just coffee.

Okay.

Oh.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. You know, I sometimes forget places like Mission City still exist.

We must seem a million miles away from New York. And yet, coming back here

like the most natural thing in the world. Everything's still the same.

Not true.

We completely remodeled the interior of Parks and Rec three years ago, added new

lights by Johnson's Bakery, and that old field on Ketchum Road, turned it into a

sports park.

Well, you do know your town trivia.

I should. I supervised all of it. Well done, Miss Bishop.

Thank you, Mr. McCord.

Of course, you don't need me telling you this. I'm sure you hear it all the

time. But Scarlett is amazing.

I completely agree.

Although I might be a smidge biased.

Well, from the outside looking in, I promise there aren't a lot of kids like

in the Big Apple.

How long has it been, just the two of you?

Kevin and I split up about seven years ago.

And then my parents retired to Phoenix last June, so I lost my go -to

babysitter. And now our Rick and Kelly.

They're well.

My dad's golf game is now his favorite topic of conversation.

And how much she hates his golf game is now my mom's favorite topic of

conversation.

Has it been hard being on your own?

At times.

I'm not going to lie.

But Scarlett is worth every moment.

Good, bad, whatever.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Because if I did, I wouldn't have her.

And that's what's important.

It is.

Not that I don't sometimes wonder.

Oh, no.

Do you have to go? I'm sorry. No, I totally understand. Duty calls.

Shoot. I'm supposed to go shopping for Scarlet's star costume, and I've got to

go pick her up. Well, listen, I could take care of that for you if you want me

to. No.

I can't ask you to go pick up... Consider delegating.

Fine. I delegate to you to pick up Scarlet and bring her home.

She's at the barn with some of her friends from school.

I'll call Betty and tell her you're coming.

Okay.

Thank you.

We started to put all the decorations up, but then we both kind of fell

Mm -hmm.

What do you say we do the rest of it, you and me?

Really? Mm -hmm.

All right.

for those who are dear keep all your dreams safe and dear there's still so

much left to do

My gift to you is what you see.

My heart won't fit under the Christmas tree.

But sit and watch the children sing and feel all the gratitude.

Santa's got something new for you.

You don't...

There's only one Christmas.

That time of year is finally here.

I know we're back playing nine reindeer.

Fly through the air.

Where is the glue?

On the counter. On the counter. Yeah.

That's fantastic.

Thank you.

No, I'm very excited. It's a great opportunity.

Yeah, I'll call tomorrow.

All right.

Time for these?

I think it's time for these.

Okay, so the mayor and his truck goes after the banner.

Yes, with Santa's sleigh at the end on Main Street.

And then in the middle... Spectacular.

What is... We have a marching band.

Ferguson High School is coming in from Kiowa County.

Good old Ferguson. Hi.

Hey, where's Scarlett?

Alex picked her up for me. Oh, really?

Yes, really.

It was an emergency and he was being gracious.

Oh, just a regular Prince Charming who turns into a pumpkin at midnight.

That's not how the story goes.

That's how my story goes.

Just forget this. I think you should wear it as a hat. I think it would make

Patrick great saving walk around.

Did I pass my first costume making test or what? Yeah, absolutely.

Mom, isn't that awesome?

Alex made the perfect costume.

I see.

And we finished decorating the house. Did you notice?

I did, yes.

Scarlett, honey, it's time for you to get ready for bed.

Say thank you to Alex for all his help. Thank you, Alex. This was awesome.

I had a great time.

See you in a minute.

I asked you to pick her up, not decorate my house and make her costume. I know,

but we just figured we... Alex, stop.

Stop what?

Don't be charming and wonderful and make her like you when you're just going to

turn around and leave in a couple days.

She's just a little girl. She won't understand.

Have you heard back about the job?

Uh -huh.

Congratulations.

I should probably just... Yeah.

Listen, I didn't mean to... I know.

And it's as much my fault.

I should have stopped it sooner.

But it was nice to pretend for a while. Laurel, come on. I have to protect her,

Alex.

It hurts too much.

Ugh, sorry I was so late.

It's okay. I had a great time with Alex.

He did do a good job.

Is something wrong?

No, I'm just tired.

Are you mad at me?

No, sweetheart, not at all.

Are you mad at Alex?

No. It's just complicated.

Did you guys, like, like each other?

We did.

But that was a long time ago.

A lot has changed.

You, for instance. Now I have you.

It's just fun having him around.

Honey, you have to remember he doesn't live here.

He'll be going home soon.

I know, but he could come back.

Sylvia just signed us up for a ten -day tour of the Scottish castle. Ten days!

I'm beginning to think I should have retired when I was 40.

Take note, young man.

Is that the star on your shoulder?

Oh, yeah. I was helping Scarlet make her costume for the Christmas parade. She's

going to be the Christmas star.

Well, have fun.

Yeah.

That's kind of the problem.

He let you know what's what, did he?

Yeah.

She's a single mother, I wasn't thinking.

Only feeling.

I'm not surprised.

You're never as happy as you are when the two of you are together.

But we're not together.

That's why she got mad.

She maybe felt a little guilty, too.

Laurel wanted to do those things with Scarlett herself.

She... Probably felt bad that she couldn't.

I hadn't even thought of that. Now I feel worse.

Laurel has been on her own for a long time now.

You can get used to shouldering things on your own so much so that you

forget how to ask for help.

Sounds like somebody speaking from experience.

Hey, come on now. I finally came around to asking for your assistance with the

sale this week. Yeah, if you didn't know, I'm glad you did.

I've waited long enough to follow my dreams.

Are you sure?

I'm at the age when you have enough sense to know an opportunity when you

one.

And enough experience to know just how rare they truly are.

Don't take them for granted.

Especially if you're so lucky to have them come by twice.

Why do I get the feeling we're not talking about this anymore?

Because we're not.

And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Both the Gazette and Tribune are sending photographers.

Excellent.

How's Wade?

I feel like he's hiding something from me.

When did you know there was something wrong between you and Alex?

When he took the job in New York without telling me.

And then later when he left town without saying goodbye.

Okay, well, I hope we're not quite at that level.

You're not.

Are you okay?

I will be.

I let myself daydream for a little while. I knew better.

Sorry, Laurel.

I'm just worried about Scarlett getting hurt.

Just Scarlett?

No.

Oh, Audrey's finished the pillows.

Do you want me to go pick them up for you? No, that's okay.

But thank you. Okay.

Talk to you later. Bye.

Hey. Hey.

Aunt Audrey had to run an errand back at her house.

She left me a message about the pillows.

Right.

They're great.

Tell her thank you.

I'm sorry.

I should have asked for permission first.

Just been more thoughtful.

I feel like we're always apologizing to each other.

Yeah, that's not all we do.

We laugh a lot.

We do.

Or did.

Is it done?

Uh, yeah.

I mean, I just have to deliver it.

What's gonna happen to all these things?

Well, most of the items will be distributed amongst other antique stores

state and nearby.

In the store?

Two phone carriers are bidding on it at the moment.

Out with the old.

How about the old?

Tell her thank you for me. Okay.

Laurel.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I'm leaving tomorrow, so I'll take the rental car back here and have to worry

about it.

You're not going to stay through Christmas? No, I can't.

Well, what about the parade?

Everything's done.

Well, don't you want to see all that you've worked for?

This is the play.

Could you do one thing for me?

Could you give this to Laurel?

And let her know it's for the play.

Thanks for something that was missing.

Alex.

Thanks.

You're going to be the most beautiful Christmas star a parade has ever seen.

I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of you too, Mom. The parade's going to be

awesome.

Thanks, honey.

Okay.

Thanks for taking our visit, Swanson.

Okay, see you all there.

I love you.

I love you too.

Audrey, is Alex here?

Sorry, dear, but he's gone.

Gone?

Back to New York?

He's not staying for the parade?

No.

I think it would have made him too sad.

He did ask me to give you something.

For the parade.

Silver bells.

That's what's been missing from the play.

He knew.

That's my college.

I was so afraid of being hurt, I pushed him away.

Everyone thinks he broke up with me.

I think I even convinced myself he did.

And the truth?

The truth?

I let him leave without ever telling him how I felt.

I always dreamed about moving to New York, and I never wanted that kind of

But I didn't want to hold him back, and maybe, maybe I was afraid I couldn't

measure up.

And then he left without a word.

It sounds like you were both young.

So what's my excuse now?

You tell me.

Fear.

Well, that's most people.

So? What are you going to do about it?

I'm so sorry.

Oh, dear.

It's another emergency and prays in a couple hours. Of course.

Thank you for listening.

Anytime. And I meant it.

It's never too late for love.

Oh, and a glue gun.

For the pillow. I forgot to include it last night.

Thank you.

Bye.

Hi.

What is it?

There's good news and bad news.

Okay, bad news first. Dr.

Walker broke his leg and we don't have anyone to play Santa.

And the good news? We wouldn't have had any place for Santa to sit because the

sleigh is gone.

We've got to stop meeting like this.

This is the magic I've been searching for all along.

Hi.

Okay, well, that is wonderful. Thank you.

We don't have a Santa.

You can't have Christmas parade without a Santa. It is that.

I just got on the phone with that one person. And he just confirmed right away

about the thing. Yeah, so we have that all ready to go. I'll leave you ladies

solve this crazy.

But promise me.

We will have a Santa, I promise.

We will.

What?

Where's Wade?

I don't know. Off being mysterious, I suppose.

Oh, Betty.

We'll talk later. Focus. We still have a Santa to replace and a play to find.

Um... Alex?

You missing something?

Where are you?

How did I get all the way out here?

You know, with the sleigh, I'm starting to get the feeling it's best not to ask

too many questions.

He left without saying goodbye again.

Well, we said plenty the other night.

No, we didn't.

At least, I... I didn't.

I am... I came by Audrey's antiques earlier.

You... You look on.

Well, I'm here now.

What did you want to say?

I should never have let you leave.

After college, before New York.

And that was my mistake.

Your mistake?

And I'm the one who pushed you away now.

And not just to protect Scarlett.

You are the last two people I would ever want to hurt.

Yeah, we just keep hurting each other.

Laurel. I am in love with you.

I probably always have been.

And I understand you have to go home. This is not your life, and that's okay.

Really, but I had to be honest and tell you it has been really great to have you

here.

Helping with everything, the play, the costume, being with Scarlett,

making me laugh.

And to tell you that I have missed you so much.

for a very long time.

Did you?

No, I didn't. Then how?

You know what? I think it's probably best we don't ask too many questions.

After you.

You look awesome. I'm going to find a spot to watch you from. Good luck.

Go do your thing.

I'll find you. Okay.

Wait, don't let him leave. We still don't have a Santa.

Wait.

No, I told you, he's too much of a beanpole. No, wait.

Merry Christmas, darling.

Engine works good as new now.

Been working like mad to fix it up for my angel.

I was going to save this prize for tomorrow, but I wanted to get done.

Thank you.

Oh, my gosh.

She's perfect.

Santa.

The winner...

like you got the job, Laurel!

missing a Santa?

Hold on a second. How do you mean? I know.

Hello,

Laurel.

Merry Christmas.

Congratulations, you pulled it off.

Wonderful. I loved it. Oh, thank you.

I can't believe we did it.

Wait.

Where's the play?

You found the silver bells from the winter formal.

They're beautiful. Thank you.

And Audrey?

What would you think if I didn't deliver this to the consortium?

And what would you say if I bought the shop from you instead?

Well, I would say that that is the best Christmas present I could hope for.

Really? Yes.

Going back into the antique business, are you? Well, you know, I thought I'd

something to pull my weight with the new city manager.

You've done so much already.

I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

Smile! Oh.

Scarlett, you get in there, too.

Oh, that reminds me. Thank you for returning the photo. I'd been missing

What photo?

From our sleigh date way back when.

Wait a second. You have that? I was looking for that just the other day.

Say cheese.

Oh,

now that's a keeper.

Wait, if you didn't give me the photo, then who... Maybe Santa left it for you.

Don't ask.

Hey. Hey.

Oh, I love you.

I love you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

All I want is to make it the best Christmas for you.