Original subtitles

A Christmas city is big and beautiful, bright lights everywhere.

A place where you can meet St.

Nick, so join our journey there.

A Christmas city is a magical sight.

The other place compares.

The smell of pine trees, the crackling fires. Christmas is in the air.

Gifts for all, a range is racing. Snowmen come to life.

Christmas trees are quite the size.

A snowball fights the rise.

Hell's a laughing, packing presents. A gift for one and all.

Santa's sleigh has been to birth.

Oh, you're right.

Don't sneak up on me like that.

You need to knock.

I did.

You're obviously in the throes of creativity again.

I was.

Oh, it's us when we were little. We were so cute.

Would you read Mom and Dad's old home movies?

Yeah.

This is my new magnum opus.

It might be the most important art piece I've ever conceived.

This is the one you were telling me about when you were finally starting.

Good for you.

Starting to start, anyway.

What's it called again?

Still life?

No, it's still life.

Yeah, that's what I said. You said still life.

It's called still life.

With a comma in the middle.

What are you, an English teacher?

I'm an artist.

Yes, you are.

Pam, let's hope you can also finish this one. You don't know what it's like

letting go of your work.

It's like sending your children off to school for the first time.

Out into the cruel world.

Okay, but children do have to go to school so that they can eventually get

and, you know, earn a living so they don't have to live on rice and ketchup

the rest of their lives.

Speaking of, how was your cash flow?

Struggling artist here.

Sorry, but we can't all be making a fortune being a big -time artist agent.

Do you want a job or not?

What about all your hoity -toity artist clients?

My hoity -toity artist clients are all on other assignments or they're off for

the holidays. And you know, hoity -toity is not even a word.

Yes, it is.

It means pretension.

Anyways, I got a call today from someone looking for an occasional decorator.

Does that mean occasionally decorate or decorate for an occasion?

The second one.

They're looking for someone to do a redesign for Christmas at the lobby of

Holly. What the... Fancy boutique hotel?

Just bought by Luca Bloom.

Is that a DJ?

The English billionaire. He owns hotels all over the world.

Okay, well, he's going to announce the reopening at a big Christmas event, and

they need the lobby to look spectacular.

I don't know. Corporate Christmas decorations? That's not really my thing.

that's perfect, because corporate is exactly what they don't want. They want

someone with a unique artistic vision.

That's what they always say, and then they want Santa Claus and a red -nosed

reindeer. Not Luca Blue.

His influence is huge. Hazel, this could be really good for your career.

Think of it like an upscale temp job.

I just don't want this to be another situation like... This will be nothing

that.

You know how they say those who can't do, teach?

Those who can't teach crush the dreams of their young students, okay?

And I'm sorry, Hazel, but that was a long time ago. You kind of need to get

that one.

This is going to help.

Okay, I'll meet with him. You're not going to meet with him. You can meet

his hotel manager, a Jonah Russell.

Okay, I will call him. I will call you when it's done. Correct.

And maybe don't tell him your sister put you up for the job because it might

weaken your chances.

Also, please don't screw this up.

Be bold while acknowledging the existential concern with the Cartesian

of mind versus self and groupthink versus individual

expression. You see?

I mean, sure.

Anytime you're talking about Cartesian dualism, you've got to be

careful. It's always tasty.

Exactly. I knew you'd understand.

You were the best assistant manager that I ever had at my Boston hotel.

If you see this through successfully, Jonah, I'm going to promote you.

I'm going to make you the general manager of the Vaughan in London.

Your flagship hotel?

Sir, I'm honored. Don't be.

Yet.

And remember, London.

London!

Thank you, sir.

Cartesian Christmas.

What does that even mean? I got an MBA in hotel management, remember?

That's why I'm outsourcing.

I've got this girl coming in today, supposed to be a hotshot artist.

So, fingers crossed.

What else do we have today?

The upholsterers are coming to do the chairs.

Right.

Right. So just take a seat right here, and Mr. Russell will be right with you.

Okay. Thank you. You're welcome.

Oh, good. You're on the chair.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm so sorry.

Hi. Those are very, very eclectic switches.

You mean swatches?

Yes.

Swatches. That's what I meant.

Sorry. I'm not very artistic.

Oh, well, I think everybody has an artistic side. Yours might just be a

muted.

Your shirt, for instance, it's a really beautiful color, but it's just begging

for an accent or something.

You always a tie guy?

Some days yes, some days no.

I like to swatch it up.

Anyways, the chairs.

What do you think?

They're very nice.

Right, but how long do you think it would take to reupholster them?

I don't know.

Okay. Well, if you could just give me an estimate by the end of the day, that

would be great.

Oh, I don't think you... Sorry, but I'm just a little bit rushed.

I've got a meeting with some artists, but I'll be back in half an hour. Why do

you say it like that?

What do you have against artists?

Nothing.

It's just they're a little bit airy -fairy, if you ask me.

Well, I bet most artists think hotel managers are square pegs and square

Besides, airy -fairy is not the worst thing that you could call someone.

Fairies have lots of good qualities, actually.

Oh, God.

You're... You're her, are you?

You're Hazel, the artist.

I'm so sorry. I just... I thought because... Okay.

I left my wings at home.

You would have recognized me otherwise.

Yes, yes. I definitely would have recognized you if you were wearing

I'm sorry. Have a seat, please.

I'm sorry about that.

It's okay.

It's been a busy day.

This is your... Wow, this is quite the book you have.

So, these are older pieces, but I think they'll give you an idea of my work.

Excellent.

Good. It's really important that we find the right artist because we're going to

be the city's premier boutique hotel.

That's what my sister said.

Your sister?

Yeah, she loves hotels. She's a total hotel junkie. She follows all of them.

Loves room service, little mints on the pillows.

Who doesn't love that?

Wow, look at this shading here, right?

Really gives you a good sense of perspective.

Pretty insightful for a square peg.

Well, you know, I'm not really a square peg.

A couple of edges are worn down, so it fits in all kinds of holes.

Let me show you the lobby. It's just right here.

I'll take this for you. Thank you.

So this is the first room that our guests will see when they enter, so we

obviously want to make it.

Terrific first impression.

Oh, I should ask you, do you do any Christmas decorating that's

Cartesian? What does that mean?

What does it mean to you?

To me, it sounds like something somebody said to impress somebody else, even

though the first somebody didn't really know what it meant themselves.

Yeah, that's kind of what I thought, too. It's the kind of thing that...

art critics used to try to define art.

But really, art defined definition.

Feeling.

Really? Well, I'll defer to you on that. Like I said, art is not really my

forte.

Would you excuse me for one second?

Hi.

It's Janet, right?

Yeah.

I know these things are impossible, but I learned a little trick to make it

easier. Do you mind if I show you? Yes, please.

So just when you do this, I usually just twist it three times like that, right?

Then you can squeeze it out, and then it's much easier to manipulate.

There you go. Thank you.

Sorry, it's just that it's my first day.

No, don't be silly. You're doing fine.

On my first day.

I spilled soapy water all over the lobby and ruined the Italian shoes of one of

our most important guests.

You're doing better than me.

Anyway, let me know if you need anything else.

Thank you.

Sorry. So, where were we?

Christmas? Right. Felix?

Right.

So, what kind of feeling would you like to inspire in people at Christmas?

Well, to me, it's always been a holiday where we feel the light inside of us.

You know, that bright, beautiful light shining out on a dark world.

You know, bringing it hope.

Okay, well, I'll give your agency a call and we'll let you know what we've

decided.

Great.

Great.

I really hope you give me this job.

I would love to do this.

Okay. Bye.

Bye.

Hi. You got the job. What?

Congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you.

I noticed what I'm going to do.

Oh, good.

I had a thought, too.

Hazel, please promise me you're going to finish this one.

It's not just your reputation in the line anymore, it's me too.

Got it.

Okay, I'll do it. Oh, Jonah wanted me to remind you, though, that the hotel has

a very elegant and upscale aesthetic.

Nobody is more elegant and upscale than me.

You bring your own peanut butter and banana sandwiches to the movies.

Proving my point.

Don't worry, sis, I got this.

Okay.

Yeah, I worked all night. When I get inspired with a new idea, I kind of get

tunnel vision. So, um, check it out.

Is it?

You know it has to be bigger, right?

Maybe I wasn't clear in our meeting, but, um, this is a Christmas display for

this lobby for humans, not a lobby of a Dollhouse.

Yeah, I know. This is a maquette. It's a model.

You're messing with me. I'm sorry.

I see. Mr.

Square Peg fancies himself a bit of a comedian, doesn't he?

I've got my moments.

All right, let's take a look.

Oh, this is... It's interesting.

That's what people say when they hate something.

No, no, no, no. It's just different.

That's another thing people say when they hate something.

I'm just trying to wrap my head around the concept.

I mean, obviously you're going to use nicer trees than this, right?

No.

No? You remember what the Charlie Brown Christmas trees look like, right?

Yes. That's the look I'm going for.

We can find some old trees that someone threw in the garbage and repurpose them.

The garbage?

Wait, wait, you know you have a budget, right? You can buy nice trees.

These are the kind I want.

I'm making a statement about our wasteful society.

I'm making a statement about not using moth -eaten trees in our lobby. I don't

think moths eat trees.

Hazel, Luca wants the most creative, extra -sensational Christmas lobby

in the city, in the history.

Of the city. He's going to get it. With stuff that you found in the garbage?

My concept is the beauty within. I want to shock viewers.

You're going to do that? All right. Into looking beyond the surface to see the

precious inner beauty of objects.

That's Christmas.

Right.

But, see, I think what I think you should do, keep that idea of the inner

beauty, which I love, but combine it with some outer beauty. You know, some

beautiful, nice, green surfaces and stuff.

This can't be a Charlie Brown Christmas special.

No, I'm sorry. It's just my artistic process.

Of course. Of course.

The thing is, is that your artistic process and my process of not getting

have to kind of, you know, be... Totally.

I know that Christmas is light, but what does that light illuminate?

Fail.

Love.

Unconditional love. That's all that matters.

Hazel, I like you. I really do. And I love all that stuff about love and

condition. Unconditional.

Right, whatever. But the thing is, we need to take that idea and put it into

something optically that's going to wow Luca. And I really think that we need

to, you know, just fill this place with all that Christmas iconography. You

know, the stuff that made us believe in the magic of Christmas.

Yes. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

In fact, you know what?

Can I... Why don't I show you? Come with me. I want to show you what I'm talking

about.

Check this out.

Okay, aren't those cool?

Yeah, that's certainly one way of describing it. I just wanted to show you

Christmas looks like to me.

Look at that.

Jonah, I guess I could do something with those lights.

You don't seem as excited about this as I thought you'd be. I guess this stuff

just doesn't mean a lot to me.

This is really what Christmas looks like through your eyes.

Yeah, pretty much.

And I think Luca will love it.

Okay, I will see what I can come up with.

Great. Great.

This is more like it.

Look at that. A waving Christmas bear.

Oh, Hazel, this is amazing.

I mean, look at this place.

Look at this guy.

A funny reindeer.

I love this place.

This place is incredible.

I mean, it just screams Christmas.

It sure does.

I mean, you did a great job. I mean, this is Christmas. What is this?

Uh, Christmas?

This is cliche.

This is dull.

Trite. This isn't what I wanted.

I want new, original, daring.

Yes.

You see it.

Thank you so much for your insight. What? What?

I appreciate your understanding. This is only my first step of the process.

Figure out what everyone expects and then gather together the cliche, the

dull... What was the other word?

Trait. Trait!

And now that we've seen the obvious, the Christmas trappings that everybody

knows... We start peeling away the external layers, discarding the kitsch

we finally reveal the inner beauty of Christmas.

A season of pure light and love.

Let me get this straight.

What you're saying is out of ugliness comes beauty.

Is that what you think I'm saying?

I think that's what you're saying.

And you are 100 % correct.

Bravo!

You must be an artist yourself.

Alas, merely a connoisseur.

Well, now comes the time for the refining. The stripping bear.

I can't wait for you to see the final installation.

Yes, yes. Now I see your process. Good.

Very good.

Call me as soon as it's ready.

How much of that was real?

Artists always talk like that.

I could keep it up for hours if I had to. By this time.

Good. How did this actually happen?

It's my fault. I'm sorry. I got into your head with my terrible Christmas

And I appreciate you covering for me. Thank you.

It's okay.

I should just really stick to my vision.

What is your vision?

I just need a little time to figure that out.

Okay, but it's...

It's four days until the installation. That's like 96 hours. I know. I know.

Why don't you come to my studio?

See if there's anything you like, and we can go from there.

So this is it?

This is it.

So, do you see anything that you like?

It's all very interesting.

There's that word again.

You hate it. No, no, I don't. I swear. It's just a little bit chaotic.

Well, it's how I work best.

To each their own.

Hey, what's this?

You watch movies old school style when you're creatively blocked?

No.

This is another project of mine.

A pretty important one, actually. I've been thinking about it for a long time,

but talk about creatively blocked.

Is that you?

Yep.

And my sister.

Aw, that's cute.

So what's the story behind this one?

Well, I call it still life.

And the creative inspiration behind it is...

Even if you think that things may have passed you by or that you've outgrown

your past, those experiences are always in you.

You know, you haven't lost anything.

Those memories are just taken on a different form.

It's still your life.

And still life.

Exactly.

It's very cool.

Well, hopefully it will be if I ever finish it.

Finishing things has been a problem of mine.

My last year of art school, I had this assignment and I

poured my soul into it.

And my professor just ripped it apart.

I mean, he might as well have just ripped my heart out while he was at it.

My sister...

I think he was jealous because I had more talent than him.

But it still scarred me.

You know, I... Maybe not finishing things now is my

way of not having to let them go.

Leaving the harsh judgments of the world.

Well...

Maybe if you can, you'll find that you haven't lost it.

It's like you said, right?

They're still with you, but just in a different form.

And I think they say that scars are supposed to be good for us.

There's something about making us stronger.

That setback is just a setup for something better.

I read that on a mug.

But I do know that nobody was ever moved by an artist who didn't experience any

kind of pain in their life.

I never looked at it like that.

What's that?

That is the most important thing in here.

Really? That's my wishing bulb.

Wishing bulb? I've had it nearly my whole life.

When I was younger, we went through a bit of a rough time.

My father lost his job, so my mother tried to prepare me for a Christmas that

wasn't as big and happy as we were used to.

I was miserable and too young to hide it.

That night, my father came into my room, and he told me that he found a wishing

bulb in our yard.

I've never heard of a wishing bulb.

Neither had I.

And I realized eventually that he had just painted a light bulb green.

But back then I really believed in the magic of it.

He told me that it would grant me one Christmas wish every year.

So I wished for a Merry Christmas like we always had.

And he promised me that it would come true.

And it's it.

Presents, decorations, a beautiful tree.

That's beautiful.

I keep it out year -round to remind me of my father on that Christmas.

You want me to? Yeah.

Really? Just throw your hands around it.

I'm honored.

Now close your eyes.

Okay.

And make a silent wish.

Am I supposed to tell you?

No.

Not until it comes true.

Right. Of course. That's how that works, right?

Hey, what about the wishing bulb? Could we use that some way for the

installation?

What?

I think people would just see light bulbs.

I think you kind of need the story with it. Right. Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

I should... I should get back to the holly.

Oh, yeah. I'll... I'll walk with you.

Fresh air can do wonders for inspiration.

Great.

So when did you know that you wanted to become an artist?

Well...

I was about eight years old, I guess, and I was in this park and there was a

working on a really beautiful chalk mural.

But I don't know where there's this flash rainstorm and it just washes it

away. But the second that it stopped raining, he started drawing again.

So I run up to him and I think, why are you doing that? It's just going to rain

and wash it away.

And he looked at me.

And he said, young lady, art is never washed away because

it's always in here.

And then you were hooked.

Hey. This is the most magical time of year.

Yeah, I guess.

That doesn't sound very merry.

I did, I did. I like Christmas, of course, but...

Yeah, my parents went through a messy divorce when I was young and spent the

holidays shuttling between them.

Even as a kid, I was managing chaos.

Yeah, but you still got to have a Christmas with both of them, right? Oh,

No, of course. Of course. But I was with my mom first, then my dad, and we had

two treats and two Christmas dinners.

Two sets of presents, which was nice.

But I was kind of subdued.

I didn't get a magical wishing bowl, for example.

I don't know. I still believe that this is the time of year when you can feel

the most magic in the earth.

Yeah, feelings are messy.

They interfere with what?

Uh, do you hear what you're saying?

Feelings don't interfere with life. Feelings are life.

They won't make us human.

Feelings are also the reason why kids get their hearts broken when their

split up. Well, they can also heal your heart.

Like if you do something spontaneous to make you laugh.

I'm a lot of things, but spontaneous is not one of them. Oh, come on. Sorry.

I dare you to do something spontaneous.

What? Right here?

Yeah.

In front of all these people? Yep.

No. What if people point and laugh?

What if they do?

Okay. Okay, fine. I can be spontaneous.

All right, watch this.

You want spontaneous?

Here we go.

Check this out.

Here is spontaneity for you.

I'm being serenaded. This is wonderful. Okay, here we go. You ready? Uh -huh.

I'm going to get it. I'm going to get it. Mele Kalikimaka. Mele Kalikimaka to

you.

Hi, sir.

Hi.

Uh... I was just, uh... Being spontaneous.

Yes. It's all my fault. Yes. I didn't see the wreath around your waist.

Did I?

This wreath? No, no. This wreath is not around my waist. This wreath is on the

window where it's supposed to be. That's what I thought.

Yeah, yeah. Look at this.

See?

Right there.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

So, how do you feel?

Alive, and also thankful I'm not in jail.

Well, then I do.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Deep breath.

My breathing is not the problem.

What happened?

I thought that it might work, but then I looked at it, and it was just every

Christmas cliche in the world. So now I'm back to the drawing board.

Hey, calm down, okay?

Besides, you know that you work better when you're behind on the count.

What's with the sports metaphors?

I'm an agent. That's how we communicate.

There's another problem.

Jonah.

What about him?

I think... that I'm starting to... Whoa, whoa, whoa. No, do not finish that

sentence if you're going to say what I think you're going to say. Okay.

You have feelings for him, don't you? You just told me not to say it.

Hazel, that is a bad idea. That is a very, very bad idea.

I didn't mean to. He did this hula hoop thing with a wreath and it was very

adorkably endearing.

I'm sorry, he did a what with a what?

Never mind.

Hazel, do I have to remind you that this is a job?

And you're supposed to be professional at your job, so please tell me you could

be professional.

Of course I'm going to be professional.

Just forget I said anything. It's fine.

If you'll excuse me, I need to go and come up with a brilliant idea.

So I'll talk to you later.

Hey.

So, anything?

It's all in here.

It's going to be incredible.

I'm glad you're all here. I come bearing great news.

My dear friend, Etienne Amaris, will be a guest here over the holidays.

I'm sure you've heard of him.

The curator of the Musée d 'Art Experimental de

Paris. One of the most important contemporary art critics in the world.

here.

over the holidays in order to attend our grand opening.

The man is a kingmaker.

An endorsement from him will send ripples across the art world.

He has the power to put the holly on the map.

He's really, really that important?

He's a force to be reckoned with.

And he's a friend of yours. A dear friend.

You look nervous.

You should be.

His artistic integrity is unimpeachable.

He would never give a good review to art simply because I'm his friend.

What a relief.

He will apply the same rigorous standard to your installation as he would to any

other art.

Wonderful.

This could kickstart your career, young lady.

The whole world is watching.

Carpe diem.

I'm carpe.

Okay.

Please tell me that he's exaggerating about how influential this person is.

really that important.

Okay, so what do you got? I mean, what are you thinking about?

What's in your head? What's your plan?

Well, the thing is I'm having a little bit of a dry spell.

More of a dry patch.

It's not helping matters that my entire professional life is flashing before my

eyes. Yeah, that makes both of us.

Okay, okay, okay.

Okay, I'm sure we can find a solution to this.

Hazel, how can we help you with your process?

Yes, yes. Natalie is right. We're all professionals here, so we can figure

out.

What do you need?

The right idea.

Just need a little bit more to go on than that. Just a little bit more.

Hi. Okay.

I've decided.

Great.

So?

Well, I don't think you're going to like it.

Oh, no.

Don't tell me that you're going to... Yes.

I'm going back to the Charlie Brown trees.

I know you hate them. Hate is a polite word for how I feel about these. But

hated what you wanted. So you think you can make Luca go for these ugly trees?

Jonah. Okay, ugly is unfair.

They're more, I don't know, dead? Their beauty is within.

And you think that you can make other people see that?

Really? I have to try.

It's my job. I've never gotten the chance. And this is my shot, Jonah.

Okay.

Okay.

Hello. Hey, how's it going?

Just fine.

You're never that enthusiastic about your work.

Something's wrong.

No, no. It's just that... Well, okay, yes, something's wrong. Something's very

wrong. What happened?

I have to create something in the next couple of days that's going to be judged

by one of the most important critics in the world. Someone who could skyrocket

my career and I'm coming up with nothing.

Plus, if by some miracle I do come up with a Christmas installation that he

actually likes, he's going to want to see more of my work. And the one thing

that I think might impress him, still life, is when you're finished.

Hazel. So, I've spent my whole life asking for a big break and now there's

coming right at me and I'm going to blow it. And it's all my fault because...

I've spent so long calling myself an artist that I actually began to believe

have talent.

Hey, you do have talent.

Okay? And you can do this.

Trust me, I'm the person who spent my life envying what you can do. You have?

Uh, yeah.

I may not know how that brain of yours works, but if I could create even half

what you do, I'd be happy.

I believe in you.

You do?

Yes, absolutely. Now go give the wishing bulb a squeeze or whatever you do and

get back to work.

Okay, right.

Thanks, Kara. I'll keep you posted. Bye. Okay, bye.

Isn't Hazel supposed to be here?

Yes, she is.

About two hours ago.

Well, I just wanted to show you the work reports.

So, the deep carpet cleaning has been done on floors 3 and 4, and the shower

407 has been fixed and re -grouted, which should take care of the leaking.

And what about the ceiling in 307?

Patched and repainted. Great.

Oh, these service doors have also been replaced, and the locks changed.

Do we have new keys?

Yes, we do.

I'm going to go take them to get copied now, and I should have a new set for you

by this afternoon.

Excellent. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Any progress on the lobby?

Just waiting on our artist.

Good luck.

Hours last night researching Amory's taste in art, figuring that might give

an idea of the direction to go in, but I can't think of the first thing to try.

Besides, most of my ideas come from left field, and nobody really gets them at

first. Well, that's okay. That happens to a lot of great artists. Look at Van

Gogh. He went mad and cut off his own ear.

Okay, bad example.

I should just quit. You can't quit. If you quit, think of how bad it will look

on Jonah. He might even lose his job. Well, maybe he could just bring in a new

artist, you know, like they bring in those pitchers to close and save the

No, there's no time for that. You are the closer.

I'm not the closer. I'm out in left field.

Okay, then you make that your strength.

Hey, you wished on the wishing bulb, right?

Yeah. Okay, well, I hate to tell you this, but the wishing bulb does not

wishes for free.

Come here.

Do you remember the Christmas that the wishing bulb first came to us?

When you wished for a Merry Christmas like we always had?

How could I forget?

Do you also remember that Dad took on three minimum wage jobs that holiday

so he could give us?

That Christmas?

He worked almost 20 hours some days, but he made you a promise and he wasn't

going to break it.

The bulb wasn't magical.

What his love for us was.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Be the bulb, Hazel.

Be the Christmas magic that you want to see in the world.

Did you read that in a greeting card?

You're the worst.

You know it.

I know, I know.

And you're right, even if you are corny.

I never get visitors.

Hello?

Hi. Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.

No, actually, I was just leaving. Kara, Jonah,

this is my sister, Kara.

Oh, hi.

Nice to meet you. You're the sister who liked hotels.

I what?

Yeah, she is.

She loves hotels, don't you, sis?

I love them. What's not to love?

Mints on the pillows, right?

Mini shampoo bottles.

Room service.

Oh, very nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, too. Or something.

And I'll call you later. Okay.

Bye. Bye.

Sorry, I just got a little worried when you didn't come in this morning. I was

just wondering if you have an EPA on the installation.

I find it hard to come up with predictions of exact delivery time.

Okay.

Well, have you at least made some progress?

I think so.

I just need a catalyst.

Something that brings it all together.

Right.

Jonah.

When you were a kid and spending Christmas with each of your parents,

that special for you?

Christmas.

Well, I go to bed and I wish that things were different.

And then I wake up.

What?

Whether I was at my mom's or my dad's, I would forget everything.

The divorce and everything. And I would just be so happy.

I would jump out of bed and I'd race downstairs. I was so

excited.

And of course, you know, reality would come crashing back and I'd

remember everything.

But just for a split second.

Yeah, for that split second when the morning light was in my face, I would

just be so happy.

You felt the magic.

Yeah, I guess.

That's what you want to call it. To make me forget all the stuff that was going

on.

You know, sometimes I just close my eyes and I just wish I could go back, relive

that memory.

Jonah.

I think I've got it.

No.

Yeah, I've got it.

Thank you.

Great. Great. So we're going to see something other than the anemic trees in

lobby, right? You will. I'll be over there in a half an hour. Amazing.

Look, I don't want you to feel like I'm doubting you or rushing you. It's just

time is moving and we've got to... Don't worry.

What I've got in mind, it won't take that long to set up.

I've got this. Great. Okay.

I'm going to let you work and I'll just...

Well, call me if you need to.

Joe.

Hi.

I'm so sorry that this has been such a rocky road, but I feel good now.

Well, that's okay, right? It's a process, so... Exactly.

It's just like Thomas Edison said.

It's really dark in here? No.

After one of his experiments failed, he said, don't call it a failure, call it

an education.

Now I know what doesn't work.

Well, that's good.

It's also good to know what works. So what do you think?

Well, this is where things get really brilliant.

You probably think that art is this pure, pristine expression of the soul.

Not really.

You don't?

Well, that sort of undermines the big dramatic point that I was going to make.

But you're right.

Expressing a vision is certainly part of it. But that's where I got hung up.

You see, I was so worried about my vision and about how I felt that I

forgot that I was doing this for somebody else.

Luca.

You.

Jonah, you gave me the path forward, whether you know it or not.

Really? Oh.

I didn't know that I did that, but I'm glad that I did. Me too.

And I also researched Amory's and all of the artists he's ever endorsed. They're

all unique and creating from a place of love.

Love. Not like love, love.

Oh, no, I didn't mean... Like from the heart. Yes. For pure reasons. And it's

never just about the artists themselves. It's about connecting to people.

Well, connecting others is good.

Okay.

Great. Great. All right, I'm going to go get to work. Yeah.

It's my favorite time of year and now it's here.

Hey, I'm done.

Great. Okay, now I need you to keep an open mind because it's a little out of

the ordinary.

But do you remember telling me about the light coming through your window at

Christmas and how it made you forget about your parents' divorce?

Yes.

So? What must exist in order for us to comprehend light?

A bulb?

No.

The sun.

Darkness.

If we lived in a world where it was light all the time, it wouldn't mean

anything because there'd be no darkness to compare it to.

Darkness defines light and vice versa.

Okay. Emery's raves about an exhibition in London done in total darkness.

But please tell me that...

You're not going to do this in darkness.

I mean, we're going to be able to actually see it, right? Of course.

That's the whole point.

Christmas is light, but light defined by darkness.

Ready?

As I'll ever be.

Where's the Christmas light part? Right up there.

It's kind of hard to see, isn't it?

Yeah, because the perfect Christmas feeling requires effort.

Ah, good.

Is it finished?

You see, if Christmas is light, it has to be defined by darkness, which means

the viewer has to look inside him or herself. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no.

I wanted Christmas, not Halloween.

But this is the kind of installation Amory's would appreciate.

Amory's is not our only guest, although he would be if we left this in the

lobby.

I only want it. Christmas is not simply light, Hazel. You've missed out

the obvious.

The obvious? Color!

I thought because Amory's raved about an installation entirely in darkness.

That's your problem. You're thinking too much.

I don't pay you to think. I pay you to feel. That's what artists do, isn't it?

The thing is, Luca, these are just the bones, right?

And you, as anyone, would know that you can't judge an installation based solely

on the bones.

After all, this is art. It's not archaeology.

I thought it was finished.

It is, conceptually.

But the issues that you're talking about haven't been ironed out yet.

I just wanted Hazel to explain to you her metaphor.

But I guarantee you, once you see the finished product, you're going to be

away.

Well, maybe I was being a little hasty.

There is something rather intriguing about that. Yes.

But you'd better let me know as soon as it's completed.

Thank you for getting me out of that.

Okay.

I owed you one.

What can I do to help?

Nothing.

I just need inspiration.

Well, then let's go find some inspiration.

It's impossible to feel sad while drinking hot chocolate.

This is true.

Hey, do you remember when I said that the trees were the bones of your art

installation? Yes.

This is art, not archaeology.

It's very good.

And thank you again for buying me more time.

Well, I wasn't just making excuses. I mean, I think you have some very good

ideas, even if you are coming in from left field every now and then.

What? What?

Oh, that's just something I say.

Probably comes from getting picked last for all the teams in high school.

I wasn't very athletic back then.

Unlike now, as you can tell.

You're a true artist.

Look at your studio and all the amazing projects you have. And even your

clothes.

You might want to follow your heart a little bit more.

Are you sure you're not an artist?

Definitely. But if you ask me, I do think a Christmas installation does need

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

I'll leave it with you.

I think somebody may be starting to believe in the magic of Christmas again.

Maybe.

Maybe I'm inspired by art.

Or to be more specific, an artist.

Norman Rockwell.

Even better.

Hazel Desmond.

I'm not kidding.

You make me look at the world differently.

Everything. My job, my life.

Before I met you, I thought I had everything figured out.

Well, I thought so, too. You seemed so on top of it all.

Really?

It's Mr. Straight and Narrow, right?

When I'm around you, when I'm talking to you, I see the

world and I see that there are things that I...

I was blind to you before. I caught myself off guard.

I don't know what to say.

You're not the same.

Skating burns a few calories, doesn't it?

My cardio must be going through the roof.

Hot.

Okay, so we have one more stop on our Christmas crawl.

Oh. You ready?

What? You'll see. You'll see. Hi there.

How much to play a song, please?

We ask for a donation for our homeless shelter.

The amount is up to you.

Great. Well, we will take two. Oh, great. Thanks.

What song do you want to play?

A really not very musical.

Oh, it's okay. It's really fun. And it's so easy. You don't really have to know

music. We usually recommend Joy to the World for beginners.

It's fun. Give it a go. Joy to the world?

Come on, it's going to be fun.

Okay, watch this. It's like this.

Okay.

Okay. Oh. Start there. Start there. Okay, you ready? Okay.

And not together. You ready? Okay.

Amazing! That was great!

Yes!

Okay, you know what we should do now? We should do jingle bells because it's a

little bit harder but not too hard. I messed it up.

What? Oh, who cares?

No, I need to go back to the studio.

What? I... It's great.

You're so great.

I... I don't want to let you down.

What?

Wait.

Hazel. Did you understand that? I never understand what goes on between couples.

Oh, we're not a couple.

You could have fooled me.

What are you still doing here?

Trying to catch up.

Yeah.

This opening is going to kill us, isn't it?

I mean, it's been pretty much 24 -7 for the last few weeks.

Not much point in going home when you bring the office home in your pocket

night.

And I appreciate it. I'm going to make it up to you when all this craziness is

over.

Are you near a stopping point?

All I've had tonight is a cup of hot chocolate. You want to grab a bite?

I still have a few things I need to figure out here.

Well, let's make it a working dinner.

I've got some questions I want to ask you.

I'm buying.

But he did, right? He did.

So, is your Amarisa set?

Oh, uh, there's one more thing.

Please don't tell me there's something else you want. It's Luca, actually. He

wants fresh flowers put in Amarisa's suite. They're delivering tomorrow. Your

name's on the delivery slip. If you don't mind, can you just personally go

there and make sure that every blossom is perfect?

Not a problem.

So, what's going on with you?

Well, there's one big problem.

Hazel. Is it that obvious?

Oh, yeah.

Is she afraid she can't finish the installation in time?

Terrified.

She needs to come up with something, anything at this point. Yeah, I know.

does she know that?

Yes. So, what's the problem?

I can't stop thinking about her.

You mean... Yeah.

I don't know what to say. Congratulations or ouch.

Well, you've summed up my feelings perfectly.

I had a great time tonight. I mean, a really great time.

But? But there's a huge conflict of interest here.

I can't seem to stay neutral.

I think what I need to do is just put my feelings aside and treat this like what

it is. It's a business arrangement, right?

That would be the smart thing.

I just don't know if I can do that.

I've been worried about Hazel.

I think she's talented.

But she seems to be in a little over her head.

Speaking of conflicts of interest, I called her agency today.

Seems her sister recommended her for the position.

I don't know that she even has the qualifications for a job this size.

So I called around, talked to a few agencies, and it's really late in the

to be doing this, but they do have some decorators that they can send over.

I'm worried for your job, Jonah.

We make it or break it.

It would be horrible for this one thing to outweigh everything that you've done

for Luke over the years.

You've got London hanging in the ballot.

I really appreciate it.

But I think I'm going to stick with Hazel.

For better or for worse.

Morning. I'm afraid we're not open yet.

Hazel.

Hi, I'm sorry I didn't realize it was you. Morning.

Is Jonah in yet? Not yet. He had to meet with some suppliers across town.

But he did ask me to give you this.

What is this? A work report.

Something Jonah and I put together to just help try and keep you on schedule.

Figured it couldn't hurt.

When did you do this?

Last night over dinner.

I mean, there is just so much going on. I think we're all feeling a lot of

stress.

Yes, we are.

Now, am I wrong or are you completely confused about this project?

Not completely.

Partially confused, maybe.

Look, I'm just going to say that.

I think part of the trouble that you're having is that you're becoming

emotionally connected.

I'm always emotionally connected to my art.

Not to your art.

I think that you need to put your feelings aside.

It's creating confusion.

They're certainly not helping.

You're the professional, and he's the client.

I'm not sure if you realize this, but his job and even career could be on the

line for this.

Hasn't Jonah worked for Luca for years?

That's not going to matter if the Holly's opening is a flop.

Luca cares about his employees, but first and foremost, he's a hotel owner.

He can't afford failure.

Are you and Jonah... I've got flowers for Natalie Doyle. That's me.

Who are they from? They're from a Mr. Russell.

They're so gorgeous.

And Jonah bought them?

I mean, he just thinks of everything.

Well, I better go put these in a vase.

So cute.

I really put Mr. Corporate in me.

What was I thinking?

You idiot.

She was right. He hired me to do a job. Come on.

Hello? Hey, Hazel.

Hi, Jonah.

Natalie said that you were in earlier.

Yeah, I had to come back to my studio.

So you're going to work from there?

Trying to.

Hazel, last night... Jonah, listen.

Last night was really wonderful, but I don't think we should do it again.

What's wrong?

Why'd you run off like that?

I just couldn't keep lying to you. What lie are you talking about?

All this stuff about process and meaning, and I don't do that. I feel it,

make it, and that's my whole process.

Yeah, I know.

And I shouldn't have even been up for this job. I mean, my sister. I know, and

it's fine. Honestly, it's fine. We're just different, you know? We're just,

we're different. I'm a temperamental artist, and... I'm a square corporate

What are you trying to say?

I can't do this.

The project?

Both. Hazel... Just please find somebody else. Okay, Jonah?

Hold on. Goodbye.

Hazel, just...

Thanks for coming.

How could I not after that message?

Well, I didn't want to tell you over the phone. I wanted to tell you in person.

Tell me what?

I... I'm quitting the Holly Project.

No, you're not.

Kara. No.

No, you're not giving up on this project.

Hey, I put my reputation on the line for you.

Hazel.

You're sabotaging yourself. What are you doing?

That's to say that I'm blocked.

No.

That's something people say when they want to give up. I do want to give up.

Well, you're not going to. Too late.

You told me that this was going to be different.

You promised me that you were going to follow through and finish this one.

Instead, it's been the same with all of your projects ever since.

Look, this time it doesn't just affect you, okay?

It's me, too, and Jonah. This is completely different. No, it's not.

Okay, it's fine. I just, I don't, I don't know what else to do.

And on top of everything else, I broke the wishing bulb.

You what? Not on purpose. I threw some clay, and it hit it, and I was upset.

Okay, this one I can't fix.

Hey,

you can't just...

You're going to have to pay for that. Put it on her tab.

There you go.

Take it to your studio, paint it green.

New wishing bulb.

It's not the wishing bulb.

Well, honey, your wishing bulb wasn't the wishing bulb.

What are you talking about?

I broke that one years ago.

So I got another bulb, and I painted it green.

It wasn't the one that Dad gave me? No.

And you never noticed, right?

Because there's nothing magical about a 60 -watt bulb painted green.

Okay. Did you forget what it symbolizes?

The bulb is at the outside.

It's the light inside. That's the thing that brings... You're right.

Okay. You're more than right.

You're brilliant. I love you.

Weren't you depressed like 30 seconds ago?

How could I be depressed when my sister is a genius?

I don't know what I said or did, but if I'm going to be this happy, then yay for

me. I can see it now.

I know exactly what it is now. All I have to do is build it. In time for the

opening. In time for the opening.

Honey. Yeah?

Get out there.

Right now.

You're brilliant.

You know, there's a hardware store down the street that'll sell you a bulb for

half the price that I'm going to charge you.

Well, whatever you charge me.

It's worth it.

Okay, just try not to pocket the salt and pepper shakers on your way out.

Jonah, listen, I don't expect you to forgive me, but I really want you to

me a second chance.

Do you think you figured it out?

I don't know.

Maybe.

Edison once said... What is it with you and Edison?

Just listen.

Edison once said that I have not failed. I've only found 10 ,000 ways that don't

work. Okay, wait.

Please don't tell me it's going to take 10 ,000... No, it's not going to take 10

,000 failures.

I can't promise this is going to be a dazzling success, but I will promise

I really like it. And I usually have pretty good instincts.

And I will give my utmost to this idea.

I think it's going to work.

Oh, my God.

This is the greatest Christmas gift I've ever gotten in my entire life. I could

use some help to carry some supplies to the holly. Could you send someone?

Yeah, I'll be there in 20.

Bring your car.

Okay.

Knock, knock.

Come in.

Hey, Bill.

Hello? Hi. Where are you?

Yeah, hi.

Oh, okay.

Let me take it. Let me take it. I got it.

I got it. I got it.

Did you ever solve a problem by realizing the solution was right in

all along?

Yeah, I call it my job.

It was still life.

That's what was missing from the installation.

And the reason that I was so blocked on still life was because I didn't have the

motivation of the installation. It all came together when I put them together.

The catalyst.

Exactly.

Amazing. Okay.

We just need to get these bulbs and the panels and the tree over to the holly.

Okay. No, no. I got it. I got it. I got it. I got it. Get the door.

All right. I got it. All right. Here we go.

Okay.

Okay, right here. All right.

All right.

I'll get started.

Luca calls. He'll be here with Anne -Marie's at 5 o 'clock sharp. And the

opening's at 5 .30. You okay with that? It'll be tight, but I'll be ready.

All right. If you need any help, just shout. I've got this. I'm confident. I

see what it's going to look like. In my mind, lit up.

Oh, uh, here. Is there part of it?

Just please give her a hand with anything she needs.

My latest.

Bon.

Welcome.

Etienne avoids physical contact.

Touch detracts from the visual sense.

Of course. So, your pool?

It says to me, hotel.

The facade reveals its function.

When I first looked at it, I felt exactly the same thing. It said, hotel.

It was built with hotel.

Is everything ready for this evening, Jonah?

Yes. Everything?

Hazel's just putting on the finishing touches.

The lobby is decorated for the season by one of the rising stars of the city's

art world.

Her name is Hazel Desmond.

I have seen many such decorations in my life.

None. Unimplied. Ah, but this one will.

Won't it, Jonah?

Of course.

Please.

And here we are.

Where is the artist?

Hazel Desmond, Mr. Emery.

Is that it?

Oh, it's going to be illuminated.

We were just waiting for the rest of the guests to arrive before we light it up.

Betienne will wait.

Mr. Emery, please.

Go, Luca.

Hi. Is it good?

Is that Emery? Is he going to like it?

You're right. Who cares?

Hey, I'm so sorry about all the guilt -trippy stuff I've been doing. It's

Thank you for showing me the light.

Unintended.

I'm so excited. Let me show you.

Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please.

Welcome to my latest creation.

The holly.

I'm sure that you're...

Wondering about the art installation behind you, I know that I am.

So, before it's illuminated, I think we should have a few words from the artist

herself to explain her unique vision.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hazel Desmond.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

I was so excited to be asked to do this.

Firstly... because it's an honor for any artist to be asked to exhibit in such a

beautiful hotel.

And secondly, because I truly love Christmas.

My art symbolizes our memories of Christmas past and how we carry them

always. The light represents retrospections of the lives within us.

It reminds us that we don't need to mourn.

The lost experiences of our youth, as long as we keep them illuminated in our

hearts.

And finally, I would like to make dedication to the most artistic square

I've ever met.

Okay, without further ado... Alright,

everyone just stay calm.

We seem to have had an accident and we've popped a circuit. I'm going to go

reset it. In the meantime, just have another glass of champagne.

It should only take a couple minutes.

I'm going to fix this.

Come on.

Come on.

I need to do keys to the electrical room.

Oh, no.

I forgot to pick up the locksmith. What?

Okay, where is it?

Two blocks down in the corner of Delancey. Delancey. Okay, keep the

flowing.

Come on!

Locksmith is locked. That's not ironic or anything.

Hey, guys.

Sorry to bother you, but I need your help.

I'm the manager at the Holly.

Holly, the hotel just a couple blocks away? Oh, yeah. The place was bought out

by somebody.

Oh, yeah.

Where about that? Some European guy.

No, it's Swedish or something.

Sweden isn't here. Guys, guys, I don't mean to interrupt you, but it's kind of

an emergency.

See, we're having a function in the hotel tonight, but we've lost power.

So I'm wondering if you could find it in your heart to lend me this generator

just for an hour.

Sorry, we can't. Got a cracked line down here. Okay. Hey, hey, look, I'll pay.

I'll pay you.

We could get fired for that.

Half an hour, then. Just half an hour. Name your price.

Sorry, we can't help you.

All right, what's going on?

Oh,

being spontaneous again.

Officer, please help me.

I'm sorry I took the generator. Guys, I'm sorry. That's my bad. I shouldn't

done that. But the thing is that I'm the manager.

At the Holly Hotel.

And tonight's our grand opening. And we have this big, beautiful art

installation in the lobby that's supposed to light up. But the thing is

we've lost our power.

Okay? We've lost our power. And if the thing doesn't light up, then I'm going

lose my job.

But you know what? I don't care. Okay? I don't care if I lose my job.

The truth is that I'm in love.

I'm in love with the artist.

And if the thing doesn't light up, then her career is probably over. And I just

can't stand by and let that happen. I can't stand anything bad happening to

So I'm begging you, please. I'm begging you guys as well, okay? All of you guys,

all right? Just please help me. In the name of love, please help me. Listen, I

need that generator.

I need it for an hour.

I'm going to bring it back.

Calm down.

I, uh...

I shouldn't have grabbed you.

I'm sorry. That was unfortunate.

I'm just compassionate.

Did he leave you money?

Yeah, he left it right there. Yeah, right there. Right there.

There's $300 here.

Yes, there is.

You really want the generator that bad?

Yes, I do.

Hey fellas, know what I'm thinking?

I'm thinking it's a little too dangerous for you two to be working out here on

the street without the proper warning signs on either end of the block.

Yeah, because we can still see us.

Are you asking us to stop work to put up said warning signs?

No, you know, safety first.

Agreed.

Since we left the safety signs back at the garage, aren't we just too big

sillies, huh?

Should take us at least an hour to go there and come back.

Really? I guess there's no reason to keep this light burning while you're not

here. I get it. We're just going to let him take this.

And you're going to prevent an accident while at the same time keeping the city

streets clean. Yeah.

What are you doing? Come on.

I'll be back here in an hour.

I want to see you in that January then. You understand?

Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thank you.

Let's do my job.

Hey!

Mele Kalikimaka.

Mele Kalikimaka to you.

Just got to plug it in. This is going to be rectified very shortly.

Nothing happened?

I got to turn on the generator.

Okay, here we go.

Third time's a charm.

Hazel, my dear, you are to be congratulated.

You have transported me back to my youth, to the Christmas market with my

mother and my brother.

Thank you for this wonderful gift.

Thank you, Luca.

I admit I had a little inspiration.

A lot, actually.

It is indeed amazing.

This is what Twismith feels like inside.

We're all imprisoned within the confines of the superego.

Restrained by the perception we feel we must project to the world.

But what really matters is the heart.

The id.

The light in life.

Only most people have forgotten how to bring that feeling to life.

Your work is transformational.

Inspirational. Mr.

Emery, I don't know what to say.

I do.

You will be my protege.

I...

I don't even have anything else that's finished that I can show you. You don't

need to show me anything else. This is a masterpiece.

Great work, dynamite stuff.

You're going to make a fortune.

What happened to your accent?

Nobody listens to an art critic from Cleveland.

Magnifique!

You have bridged the divide between mind and body.

Enjoy the exhibit. Please come on through. Come on through.

Oh.

What do you think?

It's very... Don't say it.

What? Interesting? Oh, the kiss of death.

Oh, it's spectacular.

It's a true work of art.

I'm sorry if I ever doubted you.

Are you kidding? I couldn't have done this without you.

Come on.

It's crazy.

I'm serious.

I was wrong before.

The true catalyst is you.

You're the one who inspired me through all of this. You brought the light,

literally.

And you say you're not an artist, but what you do for people and the way that

you do it, it's true artistry.

I don't know what to say.

You don't have to say anything.

Congratulations, Hazel.

I didn't think you could pull it off, but you proved me wrong.

Thank you.

Well, I am going to go mingle and let you two enjoy this moment.

I am so proud of you.

I knew you could do it.

Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on.

Always. It's my job as your sister.

And your agent?

Agent?

Rumor has it you are instantly my new hottest client.

Anyway, I should go and look around because this is a hotel, right?

And I love hotels.

Can you shampoo?

Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

Watch yourself out.

Should we, um, yeah.

Well, I guess the wishing ball worked.

Well, I thought you weren't supposed to... You can tell if it comes true.

Oh, I... Well, let me guess.

You wished that this would be a smashing success.

I wished we did.

You know, it's funny. I think we...

Had very similar wishes.

Griffin Hazel.

Luca offered me that job at the Vaughn Hotel.

The flagship hotel.

In London?

Yeah. I mean, it's a lot more money and it's more prestigious.

And to move overseas.

That's a big step.

I'd be a fool to turn it down. Oh, yeah. More money, more recognition.

I'm guessing after working there, you could write your ticket for any hotel in

the world.

Yeah, I probably could.

I don't know what to say.

Why don't you say this?

Why don't you do another installation here?

A non -holiday installation.

In fact, I'd love you to exhibit here on a permanent basis.

But you're... I'm not taking the job.

I told him to give it to Natalie. She's terrific, and she deserves a break.

I'm staying at the holiday.

Why would... Because if I went to London, the wish I made on the wishing

wouldn't come true, and I don't want to make the wishing bulb a liar.

So what did you wish for?

Every Christmas, and every day in between.

We are opening a hotel in your hometown. I thought you would be perfect to head

up the launch team. This holiday season.

You're right.

I had a crush on you back in the day.

Fucking early.

It is my job to create the perfect hotel for Garland Grove.

For Christmas magic.

Garland Grove Christmas Hotel.

Tatiana Ali and Sean Patrick Thomas.

What you're doing here is really special.

Christmas Hotel premieres tomorrow at 8.