All language subtitles for Christmas In Louisiana 2019 Lifetime 720p Web X264 Solar-eng

It wouldn't be
the Sugarcane Christmas Festival

without the selection
of our beloved

Mr. and Miss Christmas.

Hey...

Shh. I can't hear the speech.

It's the same speech
every year.

"Two high school seniors who
have shown exemplary character

and a passion for the values
of the season."

What else is there
to listen to?

The announcement,
for one thing.

Because you think
you're going to win?

No.

Because I think
we're going to win.

Who would be Mr. Christmas
besides you?

Freddy Decourt?

Yeah, that's a fair point.

Besides, winning is kind of
a Winter family tradition.

Don't forget,
my grandmother and--

Yeah, Sarah,
I know, I know.

Your grandmother
and grandfather

were the first
Mr. and Mrs. Christmas,

they fell in love and have
been together ever since.

What are you
rolling your eyes for?

It's romantic.

Don't you ever see us
getting married?

Well, I'm sure
your family does.

What do you mean by that?

Um...

I just mean that, like...

[mayor]
Miss Sarah Winter-Ross

and Mr. Luke Abshire.

-[applauding]
-[inaudible]

This is an especially
momentous crowning,

since Sarah is the third
Miss Christmas in their family.

These two young folk
embody the best

of what this town
has to offer.

Luke and Sarah, New Iberia
is proud to call you our own.

Would you like to say
a few words?

[sighs]
I just want to say

what an honor it is
to be here

carrying on my family tradition.

And having my best friend
here with me

just makes it even better.

I can't wait to see
what the future holds for us.

Merry Christmas, y'all.

[applause]

-[camera clicks]
-[feedback squeals]

Sarah, I think we should
break up.

[audience groans]

[indistinct chattering]

[camera shutters click]

[car horns honk]

[Sarah]
No, we're not settling.

We are going to trial,

and that's the end
of story.

Well, I don't see
any reason why--

[all]
♪ Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪

-[whispering] Go, go, go.
-[Sarah] Sorry about that.

No. No. Get. Get.

Thank you. So I hear.

[chuckles]
Yes.

I understand it's Christmas,
trust me.

But justice does not wait
on Santa Claus, Roger.

[mouthing]
Thank you.

Mm-hm. Right, well, look,

I'm sure we'll both have our
hands full the next few weeks.

I know I will.
But I just hope for your sake,

you're prepared to see us
in the new year.

And a Merry Christmas
to you too.

-Whoo.
-Glad I came when I did.

You definitely need
some Christmas cheer.

Oh, don't you worry.
In the next 24 hours,

I will have nothing
but Christmas cheer

when I'm back home
in Louisiana.

You want to carol
with us?

Thanks for the invite,

but I have got
a million emails to answer

-before I leave town.
-Please tell me

you are not taking
all of those with you.

Only the essentials.

Just in case.

Hand it over.

I'll walk you down.

-Okay.
-Oh, Sarah, almost forgot.

This came in the mail for you.

Oh.

-Is that...?
-My Miss Christmas pin.

In all its former glory.

-Hmm.
-Better pack this.
All right.

I'm going to need some cookies
for the road.

So does this mean I have
to call you Your Highness?

[laughs]
No.

It's not a pageant thing.
It's just a title.

Although, the year
after I won,

the token for Miss Christmas

was this giant rhinestone
Christmas tree crown,

so maybe I have to call her
Your Highness.

Well, I think a pin is much more
elegant than a crown.

-[chuckles]
-How did you break it
in the first place?

I threw it at my high school
boyfriend.

Your Mr. Christmas?

Like, the one who dumped you
in front of the entire town?

Yup. That's the one.

Well, when was the last time
you saw him?

A few years ago.

We ran into each other.

Just kept it cordial.

But I don't keep tabs
on Luke Abshire anymore.

No, no. That seems to be
my grandmother's job.

She's convinced
I'm still single

because we're meant
to be together.

-Well, what do you think?
-She's got way too much time,

and Luke and I
are ancient history.

So if you happen to run
into him this year...

Oh, no, no, no.
To Gran's dismay,

Luke spends Christmas
with his mom in Texas.

And it's a good thing too,

because it's the 50th
anniversary

of the festival's founding,
so all of the former

Mister and Misses
have been invited back

and will be paired up
throughout the week.

So not having Luke there
will keep the focus

where it should be:
on Christmas.

And is he still single?

I don't know.

You'll have to ask my gran.

Well, what's her number?

Merry Christmas.

Aw.

[laughing]
Hey, Rudolph.

My little Rudolph,
who do you belong to?

[Luke]
Ace.

Ace. I'm so sorry, Miss.

Luke?

Sarah. Hi.

Wow. What are you
doing here?

Just volunteering Ace
for some Christmas pictures.

Santa needed a reindeer.

Okay, but what are you doing,

like, here, in--
in town?

-I live here, remember?
-Yeah.

I thought you were going to be
in Texas visiting your family.

Yeah. I leave tonight, but your
gran asked me to stay the day

and have Ace here take
some pictures with the kids.

Didn't she, Ace?

Wait, this is Ace?

Oh, buddy, I remember you
when you were a puppy.

[gasps]

Oh, he got so big.

Oh, look at those grays.

But, you know, puppies tend
to get bigger after 15 years.

Ha.

Seems to be the only thing
that's changed around here.

You know. Same old
Christmas festival.

Same old smart-aleck Luke.

A lot of things
have changed.

You're wearing your pin again,
for one.

Hmm. Once a Miss Christmas,
always a Miss Christmas.

And you came home
for the holidays.

Nothing could keep me away
the spirit.

It's too important.

Which is why I don't want
to complicate things.

The big anniversary has everyone
here very nostalgic.

-And to them, we're--
-We're still 18.

Right. So enjoy your time
with your family.

From this moment on, consider me
officially out of the picture.

Merry Christmas, Sarah.

Merry Christmas, Luke.

[sighs]
Ace. C'mon. Let's go.

[gasps]
Oh, my sweet wassail.

Sarah Winter-Ross.

As I live and breathe.
Where have you been?

Boston. I'm a lawyer there,
remember?

Oh, I know that.

I mean, you're a whole
seven minutes late.

Your grandmother was ready
to call out the National Guard

to find you.
[chuckles]

Well, please lead the way.

Come on.

[nervous exhale]

[playing "Old St. Nick."]

As the head of the planning
committee,

yours truly has organized

simply the most spectacular
Christmas festival

this town has ever seen.

On top of the anniversary,
my niece, Carol,

is in the running
for Miss Christmas this year,

so everything
has to be perfect.

We've got the boat parade,
the winter dance,

cookies with Santa,
the gingerbread competition.

We even have an app.
Did you download the app?

Oh, and, of course,

50 years of Mr. and Miss
Christmases coming home.

The re-pinning ceremony.

And you'll be right there
in the thick of it,

just like old times.

The re-pinning ceremony?

Didn't your grandmother
tell you?

I thought it would be
a fun twist

to have the selection committee
choose a past Mr. and Miss

who have continued to live out
the values of the season

in honor of the 50th year.

I was hoping to see you
up on that stage again,

but with Luke
not being here...

And that's okay,

because Christmas is not
about old flames.

You're right.
It's about family.

And yours is just
over here.

The whole darn thing goes out
if one tiny little bulb is shot.

I swear, it's like looking for
a black cat in a coal cellar.

Mom, you can just use
another strand.

Oh, no, I'm going
to find this sucker.

[Clara]
Ladies, look who I found.

Oh, sweetheart!

Oh! You're here!

I'm so happy.
Charlotte, my turn.

-Gran!
-Oh!

So good to see you.
Oh, baby.

I cannot tell you how excited
we are that you are here.

Me too. Oh!

And you'll never guess
who I ran into on the way in.

Luke Abshire.

Oh. Is he still in town?

I know that was you're doing,
Gran.

Oh, what if it was?
Times have changed.

I was just wondering if you
and Luke had changed with them.

Well, I'll tell you what.
I want to change

into a pair
of stretchy pants

and grab a bowl
of Mom's Christmas stew.

-How does that sound?
-Oh, like heaven.

-Oh!
-Yay!

I can't believe you haven't
decorated the tree yet.

Well, this is a special
occasion, you know.

It's not every year
we get to celebrate

our family's
Christmas legacy.

And we didn't want you
to miss one minute.

Speaking of which, where is that
grandfather of yours?

Well, he's your husband, Gran.

Oh, no. When he's late,
he belongs to one of you two.

Oh, no.

[Timothy]
Where's my Sarah? Huh?

-[Sarah] Gramps!
-[Timothy] Where is she?

-Whoo!
-I don't see her anywhere.

-Oh.
-[laughing]

[Timothy]
Oh, there you are, honey.

What? Am I late?
I'm so sorry.

You know, we were busy,
busy, busy.

We were building those
decorations for that dance

that you ordered and everything.

Mm. Were you building them
at the fishing pond?

Well, we did check to see
if the fish were biting.

Uh-huh.

-Go wash up.
-Okay.

-I see nothing has changed.
-Mm-mm.

Oh, wait.
Wait, wait, wait.

Before I forget,
look what I found.

Aw, look.

Ta-da.

You look just as pretty as you
did in 1969.

[sighs]

Oh, go wash up.

Okay. I will.

[all laugh]

You got to wear a sash.
Oh, I've never been so lucky

to have this cute little pin.

I think the two of you
got off real easy.

I don't know if you remember
that big, obnoxious corsage

I had to wear.

It was...ugh!

Like this?

-Oh, no, Mom!
-[laughs] Yes.

You do not expect me
to wear this again, do you?

Mm-hmm.

But, Mom,
it looks so good on you.

You only have to wear it
for one little picture.

-A picture?
-[Charlotte] Yeah.

The former
Misters and Misses

are getting their pictures taken
tomorrow.

-9:00 a.m. sharp.
-Oh!

They're going all out
for this anniversary thing.

Well, you have
to honor the past.

How else will you know
how you got to today?

This is just so ugly.

[laughs]

Where should this one go?
Here?

There is a hole
right there.

-Oh, yeah?
-Yeah.

Oh, that's nice.

Huh. Something's on your mind.

Huh?
Something's on your mind.
I can tell.

You just hung an old ornament
with Luke's face on it.

-[Sarah chuckles]
-Whoops.

[chuckles]

I'm gonna take that one
off the tree.

You know, I know
this festival can stir up

some not-so-fond
memories, but--

It's fine, Grandpa. Really.
I have...I have moved on.

How is that
going for you so far?

Well, I am-- I'm doing
really well at my job.

And I have a good apartment.

Hmm.

-Great friends.
-That's good.

And, right now,

I am exactly
where I want to be.

And your heart?
How's that doing?

It's just that--
just that Gran...

Gran can push a little
too far sometimes.

-[chuckles]
-But, you know,

your gran just wants you
to be happy.

But she also wants
to have a perfect festival,

so we got to help her get that,
right?

-Right.
-You know,

you don't have
to throw out

the good memories
with the bad ones.

Why don't you see this year
as a way to start over,

create some new memories.

[Doris]
You two done yet?

Just putting on
the finishing touches.

Mm-hmm.

Oh, I'm going to turn in
for the night.

-I'm right behind you, baby.
-Okay.

-Love you.
-Love you.

Mm-hm.

Hey, thanks.

[laughs]

-I'll see you later.
-Okay.

You're a good girl.

Thanks, Grandpa.

Later, gator.

After a while,
crocodile.

-Yeah!
-[laughs]

Why not?

[generic carol]

[indistinct chattering]

It's just so heavy.
You know what?

If you can go get some hairspray
to maybe hold that--

I think Miss Clara
has some.

I'm just going to go,
see if I can find out--

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[chuckles]
No. No, it's okay.

You had your hands full.

Yeah, well,
you know what they say:

the higher the Christmas tree
tiara, the closer to God.

[laughs]

I'm so sorry.

Where are my manners?

I am Mark.

And you are...
Miss Christmas 1989.

Oh, yeah.

Charlotte Winter.

And I guess that you are
the photographer.

No. I just really like
carrying cameras around.

[both chuckle]

You wouldn't happen to be the
Charlotte Winter, daughter of--

New Iberia's first
Mr. and Miss Christmas, yup.

That is me.

I'm actually
a photojournalist,

and I'm doing a big piece
on New Iberia.

And I'm highlighting the 50th
anniversary of the festival.

Would you happen to know
where I might find them?

Yeah, they're just right
over there.

[Mark]
Ah.

[Mark]
Your family has quite

the Christmas pedigree.

Oh, and that's my daughter
over by the refreshment table.

She is a Miss Christmas herself.

And she is checking her e-mail

when she promised me that
she would not touch her phone

-unless there was an emergency.
-[laughs]

I was really hoping
I could chat with your mom.

Maybe get some stories about
the very first festival,

and what it's like
after all these years.

Do you think she--?

Oh, she would love it.

There is nothing
we Winters love more

than talking about
Christmas.

And you?

I mean, maybe I could get
a few minutes with you.

Yeah, we can arrange that.
Yeah.

Great.

[Clara]
Five minutes, everyone!

Well, I should probably
get set here.

Looks like they're almost ready.

I look forward to our chat,
Charlotte Winter.

I do as well,
Mark the photographer.

[laughs]

Will you hold still?
I'm almost done.

What would I do
without you?

I thought we discussed
the phone.

I know.

Another Christmas, and both our
girls are still alone.

Doris, you said
you wouldn't meddle.

If I didn't meddle, nothing
would get done around here.

[laughs]
Can you believe

that it has been 50 years

since we had our first picture
taken together?

Yes.

And I've been
straightening your ties

and meddling in your life
ever since.

I wouldn't have it
any other way.

Me either.

Are you going to put
the phone away

or am I going to take it away
like in high school?

[chuckles]
No. I'm done. I'm done.

Sorry.

Is everything all right
at work?

Yeah. Honestly,
I'm just trying to keep busy

so no one asks me
about Luke.

Oh, sweetheart.

Look, everyone here is so proud
of everything that you've done.

No one cares about an old
high school relationship.

It's just such a shame that
Luke Abshire couldn't make it.

But not everyone's
Mr. and Mrs. could make it.

So we'll put Sarah alone
in the center near her family.

so she balances out
the photo.

-That sounds great.
-Oh, great.

Okay.

Okay, most people
don't care

about an old high school
relationship.

[sighs]

Wow.

That is a lot
of Mr. and Miss Christmases.

Can I get my Winter family
on stage, please?

-[Timothy] We're over here.
-Oh, good!

Yes. Yes.

[laughs]

[Clara] ...and Charlotte.

Okay. One more. There you go.

And right on the side
of your mom.

And Sarah, of course,
in the center with her pin.

The pièce de résistance.

That's my girls.

Okay, everybody ready?

One, two...

[Luke]
Wait. Wait. There's one more.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

-Excuse me.
-Hi, Luke.

Mr. Winter.

Hey, it's just like old times,
huh?

Yeah.

Okay, everybody, on three,
say "Christmas."

One, two, three.

[all]
Christmas!

[Clara]
Luke Abshire

and Sarah Winter-Ross
together again.

Oh, this is Mark.

He's doing a story
on the festival.

And I would just love
to get a picture

of just the two of you
for the article.

Oh, I actually
have to get going.

-One picture and you're free.
-Promise I'll be quick.

Move a little closer there.
Thank you.

Now, lean into
each other, please.

One, two, three.

[camera shutters click]

Got it.

Wow, I swear, you two
haven't aged at all.

You look exactly the same as you
did in high school.

Isn't that right, Doris?

Yes, they are
a fine-looking pair.

All right, thanks, y'all.
I got to get going.

[Clara] Don't forget to download
the app.

-Doing it now.
-Sarah. Sarah, wait.

Sarah, wait.

Oh, so you can
lie to me again?

-I didn't lie.
-Really?

Because yesterday
you told me

you'd be officially
out of the picture,

but yet today it seems like
you found yourself

-front and center.
-Oh, my plans changed.

I had a problem
with my property.

A permit issue.
I couldn't just leave.

Property?

I bought the old general store
on St. Peter Street.

I'm turning it
into my veterinary clinic.

You bought the building
where we had our first kiss?

Well, no one else
wanted to buy.

After we broke up,

everyone thought
that building was cursed.

Very funny.

When your gran heard it
through the grapevine

that I was still here,
she asked me to come.

You know how hard it is
to say no to your gran.

Oh, I know. Trust me.

Believe it or not,
this festival,

it means a lot
to me too.

And I thought that maybe
I could just help you

through this whole
Christmas thing.

As a friend.

Thanks, but, uh...

I'm fine on my own.

Okay.

I just thought I'd ask.

[Doris]
And then the boat sank.

[all laugh]

No, but, really,

I think the best thing
about this tradition

is its power
to bring people together.

My granddaughter,
for example.

She's a totally
independent spirit.

But this festival
has brought her home.

And that's some pretty
powerful stuff.

That's why this festival
means so much to me,

even after 50 years.

It just reminds me

that we're better
and stronger and happier

when we're together
than when we're apart.

I get a lot of attention
around here.

[Mark chuckles]

But I'm stronger because
my Timothy is by my side.

My Mr. Christmas.

[Mark]
That's terrific. Thank you.

[applause]

[slow waltz
with strings playing]

-[Sarah] Luke, wait up.
-Oh, now you want to talk to me?

More like need to talk to you.
Would you please slow down?

I can't. I'm heading
to the Christmas market.

I got to get Ace
some presents too.

-Okay, then I'll come with you.
-You weren't invited.

It's a free country,
and I am Christmas royalty,

so I get diplomatic
immunity.

Okay, see, this is the banter
that you missed out on

when you were determined
to hate me back then.

[no audible dialogue]

I don't hate you.

I'd understand
if you did.

I did accidentally broadcast
our breakup to the entire town.

Well, I admit, I haven't always
been your biggest fan,

but, you know,
I could never hate you.

There was some pretty good
memories there too.

Well, that's a start.

So, what is it that you needed
to talk to me about?

Well, I just...

you know, I just thought maybe
we could call a truce.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah.

I mean, you know...

Christmas is about people coming
together in the community...

-And?
-And it's clear

we're both not
going anywhere,

so we might as well
make the best of it.

-And?
-Okay, and I may need your help.

My help? Did Sarah Winter-Ross
just admit she needs help?

Okay, I said I may
need your help.

It's just that Miss Clara
has signed me up for everything,

from boat parade decorating,
baking, HQ shifts.

And I just--I really want
this week to be perfect

for my grandparents,
you know?

Gran believes that Christmas
is about people coming together

and miracles, so--

So you came to Mr. Christmas
in your time of need?

[sighs]
You're so full of yourself.

-I'm confident.
-Arrogant.

Oh, these look good--
But hey.

So I seen, what's mine is still
yours after all these years.

Mm-hmm.

So do we have a truce?

I don't know.

Well, if it's a Christmas
miracle that you're after,

I think you're asking
the wrong guy.

Better ask him.

[chuckles]
Oh.

I'm not asking Santa
for your help.

Besides, he's got
more important things to do.

Okay. Okay, wait.

Santa says we're good.
We're good.

Truce?

Truce.

Well, all right.

Now that we're officially paired
up, you're going to need this.

Why do I need an apron?

Because your first task
is helping me survive

cookies with Santa,
and I am a terrible cook.

[woman] All right,
so that's the last of it...

[exhales]

Uh...

Oh, Charlotte!

Thank goodness.

Mark. Hi.
I want to tell you

that Doris had the best time
speaking with you.

Oh, and I wanted to thank you
for getting me that interview.

Your family has got
an amazing story.

I think my readers
are really going to love it.

Hey, listen...

You're lost, aren't you?

-I am.
-[chuckles]

Do you know how to get
to Old Mount Carmel...?

Academy on Bridge Street.

Come on. Walk with me.

You know, I lived in this town
my whole life?

So I know every street
and every bridge and, yes,

every cup of gumbo.

-Really?
-Mm-hmm.

Preservation is the place
you want to go.

Yeah, it is the best place
to get gumbo

that isn't my mom's
kitchen.

I'm going to add it
to my list.

[chuckles]

All right, so if you keep
heading down this road,

you make the next right,
and then make your first left.

Got it. I'm interviewing
the docent, and I'm late.

-So, thank you.
-Okay.

Oh, I have been looking
for somebody to show me around.

You know, get a feel
for the place.

I want to give
my story authenticity.

You seem like an expert.
What do you say?

Um, yeah.

I mean, I'll be busy with
the festival later in the week,

but I could do
tomorrow morning.

Say, 10:00 a.m.
we meet here.

Great. It's a date.

All right.

A date. Yeah.

Wait, what?

-Okay.
-[laughs]

Oh, I think we've lost a little
weight since last year.

Really? Because you haven't
fed me since last year.

Oh! You know
that's not true.

-[Sarah] I'm getting--
-[Luke] You started it.

-[Sarah] Did not.
-[Luke] Okay.

'Cause the apron was
like the hat...

[both laugh]

Oh, those two seem to be having
a pretty good time together

all of a sudden.

[Timothy humming]

Mrs. Claus, we talked
about the meddling.

-What?
-What?

You think it's my fault
that they got put on icing duty?

And my fault that they have
to finish Cookies for Santa

in our kitchen?

As a matter of fact,
I do think it's your fault.

[both laugh]

Oh, yeah.

I think this is
my favorite one so far.

Yeah.

[both laugh]

Okay, we're leaving,
you two.

Those cookies better
be delivered on time,

or you'll have nothing but coal
on those stockings, you hear?

[Sarah]
Yes, ma'am.

-[Doris] All right, let's go.
-[Timothy] Come on.

Ho, ho, ho. No.
Ho, ho, ho!

I can't believe we lucked out
on icing duty,

and those poor suckers at the HQ
had to bake all of them.

[laughs]
Yeah.

I think it's because
Gran told them

about the time that I almost
burned the house down

making microwave ramen.

-Yeah.
-[laughs] Yeah.

Yeah, this is definitely
more my speed.

Is your speed molasses?

Well, I would rather
go slowly

than make cookies
that look like that.

By the way, is that a snowman
or a Picasso?

[both laugh]

This is so weird.

The way you're decorating
that cookie?

Oh, yes. I agree.
Very weird.

No.

Being here with you.

Well, I don't think
we're ever going

to get through these cookies
if you don't pick up the pace.

[laughs]
I would.

It's just this piping bag
is not working very well.

It's almost like...

Come on, let me try.
Don't worry.

After all of these years
working with Miss Clara

on her Christmas schemes,

I'm pretty much a pro.

Oh!

-Ooh.
-I'm sorry.

-[laughs]
-Uh, you were saying?

Now we have matching beards.

Now, that's pretty good icing.

Try again, please.

I'm sorry.

[laughs]

Yeah, yeah,
that's more like it.

[laughs]

That's kind of cute.

Uh-huh. Yeah.

Yup. There.

-Oh, nice.
-Now we're even.

Even?

Oh, no. This means war.

[Sarah]
What? No.

[screams and laughs]

Oh!

-Whoa!
-Do you surrender?

-Never.
-[screams] Oh!

-What about now?
-Oh.

Okay. Fine.

But only because
it's Christmas.

Agreed.
[laughs]

-Truce.
-Truce.

Oh, my gosh,
can we also agree

to never let my mom know
what we did to her kitchen?

-Agree.
-Oh, my God.

-[cell phone vibrates]
-Do you need to get that?

Oh, snap.

Uh, yes.
It is work. Sorry.

They said they'd only call
if it was an emergency.

-I got to get this.
-Okay. I'll start cleaning up.

Okay. Thanks.

[operator]
Video call connecting.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Sarah, are you there?

Hi, Mr. Gardner.

Yes, I am here.

Do you have something
on your face?

Yes. Sorry, sir.
This is icing.

I'm decorating cookies,
you know, for a holiday party.

I...I like to go big.

[Gardner]
As I was saying...

Sarah, your gran's asked me
some ornaments...

Mr. Collins, Mr. Gardner,

this is my new intern,
Luke Abshire.

I...I thought he should
hear this.

Luke, welcome.

So Judge Lacy broke his leg
skiing in Vail.

He'll be in rehab
for several months.

And it looks like
we may be getting Judge Casey.

Great.

[sighs]

What's so bad about Casey?

He doesn't pull any punches.

[Luke]
Well, neither does Sarah.

She's the smartest person
I know.

We're betting on it.

We'll let you know
if anything else changes.

We just wanted
to give you an update.

Luke, I expect you'll offer
any support she needs.

Absolutely.
We make a good team.

We'll be in touch.
Stay focused.

And happy holidays.

Happy holidays.

-[sighs]
-Whoo!

-So I'm an intern now, huh?
-I am so sorry.

I didn't really know
what to say.

It just happened
kind of fast.

Oh, I think it all went
pretty well, because...

[both laugh]

Yeah. Thank you
for not blowing my cover.

I meant what I said.

I'm on your team.

Always.

So, what kind of law
do I practice?

-[laughs]
-I just think I should know,

now that we're on
the same team.

I was just so sure
he was not going to be here,

and now we're literally spending
the entire week together.

[Rachel, on phone] And remind me
why that's a bad thing.

It's not a bad thing,
I guess.

It's just a little awkward.

Well, it was your idea
to team up together.

Yeah, because it was
inevitable.

Look, you think anyone's
going to let me forget

that Luke Abshire
is my Mr. Christmas?

And besides, I needed help
with all the festive stuff.

I mean, this week has got
to be perfect for my grans.

Yeah, but of all the people
you could have picked,

like, I don't know,
your mother,

you pick the guy
who bought the place

where you had your first kiss.

No! Not you too.
Come on.

You know what I think?

No, but I'm sure
you're going to tell me.

I don't think
this is about Luke.

I think this is about David,
and Oscar, and Julio...

[chuckles]

...and all the other guys you've
dated since I've known you.

The ones you dumped
before they could get a chance.

And you are not giving Luke
a chance either.

This is not about
one embarrassing breakup.

This is about how scared you
really are to let someone in.

[scoffs]

Wow.

That was a lot.
And totally not true.

I let you into my life.

Maybe a little too much.

[scoffs]

You love me.

[chuckles]
Look,

neither of you
can change the past,

but what happens this week
is completely up to you.

Yeah, maybe you're right.

Maybe it wouldn't be the worst
thing in the world

to have my best friend
back in my life.

Hey, now, I thought
I was your best friend.

[laughs]

Come on,
you know what I mean.

-[oven beeps]
-Oh, you know what?

My cookies are ready.
I can't let them burn.

I'll talk to you later, girl.

Okay. Bye.

Hmm.

[sighs]

Mom, are you okay?

Oh, yeah. Yeah.
Why wouldn't I be?

Well, you are the best
present wrapper I know,

and somehow that very simple box
seems to be defeating you.

Oh, God.

Yeah, it's--

-It's that Mark guy.
-The photographer?

I saw him in town today,

and he asked if I wanted
to take him on a tour,

and I said yes,
and then he was like,

"Well, it's a date."
And then I was like...

Mom. Mom, deep breaths, okay?

Just think of warm cookies
and eggnog.

-It's okay.
-I just--

I haven't been on a date
since your father, you know?

I'm so out of practice.

You'll be great.

I mean, just, you know,

be yourself
and he'll love you.

I'm just so nervous.
I can't even wrap this gift.

I feel like a teenager again.

There seems to be a lot of that
going on around here.

How are things
with you and Luke?

[sighs]

It's strange.

But, yeah, no, it's good.
It's...

I'm actually on my way
to go meet him right now.

We're going to work
at the carriage rides.

Right. I forgot the carriage
rides were starting tonight.

-Yeah.
-Oh, you guys have fun.

Not as much fun as you'll be
having with Mark

on your date!

Oh, just even the sound
of that word makes me cringe.

I wish you could just go with me
and break the ice.

That's not a bad idea.

No, sweetheart,
I was only kidding.

I don't want you
to be a third wheel.

Well, what if I wasn't alone?

Hey, good morning.

Oh, good morning.

I hope that you don't mind,

but my daughter Sarah,
and her Mr. Christmas, Luke,

-are going to tag along.
-That sounds great.

I'm glad we're starting
on our double date with spying.

[Sarah] This is not a date,
and it's not spying, okay?

This is wing-manning,
and nothing else.

So I think once they get here,

we should maybe go down
to Steamboat House.

-[camera shutters click]
-Check it out down there and...

-What are you doing?
-Checking the camera settings.

-It's routine.
-Oh, really,

I'm not a very good subject.

That's not true.
You're perfect.

You have to show that
to me.

-No.
-Yeah.

I mean, look at my mom.

How could I let her chicken out
when she looks like that?

Were we ever that happy?

That smitten?

Yeah.

Yeah, I think we were.

All right, let's make a move
before we get caught.

Sorry we're late.

-Hey.
-Hi.

So glad you guys
could make it.

So, are you guys ready?

Yes, let's do it.

[playing Cajun fiddle]

[Mark]
It's beautiful.

[laughs]

[all laughing]

-Way down there.
-Uh-huh.

[Charlotte and Mark giggling]

[Mark]
That's awesome.

[indistinct chattering]

[Sarah]
On one two, three.

[all]
Merry Christmas!

[Charlotte]
Preservation's gumbo.

You cannot come to New Iberia
without trying it.

-I'm excited.
-[chuckles]

-Yeah, well, cheers.
-Cheers.

[laughs]

-It's good?
-It's good.

See? I told you.
I was right.

Mm-hmm.

You must think I'm such
a terrible reporter,

not knowing much
about this town.

Hey, I'm not here
to judge.

The truth is, I was actually
supposed to be covering

a Christmas festival
on the East Coast,

and then winter storm Meghan
rolled in

and my editor
rerouted me here.

Oh.

Well, then it must be fate.

I guess it must be.

So...

there's a, um...

this museum
on Main Street.

Might be something you want
to go check out.

-Yeah. Haven't been to it.
-Okay.

-That'd be great.
-Mm-hmm.

[Luke]
Anything like this up in Boston?

Nothing's ever like home.

I remember we used
to hang these lights

every Saturday
in November.

How many years
did we do that?

Five. Please don't remind me.

I think my back still hurts
from it.

[both laugh]

Thanks for coming today,
by the way.

I...

I know it meant a lot
to my mom.

It meant a lot
to me too.

As much as I hate to admit it,
you're still a really good date.

-[laughs] So this is a date?
-Figure of speech,

and I'm sure it's not even
that much of a compliment.

I'm sure you get plenty
of practice dating.

What makes you
think that?

Oh, come on.

A handsome,
smart vet in a small town?

You've got to be
pretty popular.

So you think I'm handsome
and smart?

This is a night
full of revelations.

[chuckles]

For your information,

I have plenty
of practice dating.

Just haven't found
the right one yet.

-You want to join the carolers?
-Hard pass!

Haven't sung in public
since seventh grade.

Ah, the infamous
"Silent Night" incident.

Who could forget that?

Oh, I had stage fright
so bad during that solo,

you had to come up
and save me.

We sang a mean duet,
though.

Yeah.

-You okay?
-Yeah. I just--

I always forget how cold
it gets here at night.

Oh, no, I don't want
your jacket.

Just hold still.

Your grandmother
would kill me

if I let you catch pneumonia
out here.

How's that?
Is that better?

Yeah.

It's perfect.

Mom, slow down.

Where's the fire?

[Charlotte] It's just been
a long day, that's all.

I'm just ready to be home,
because I am tired.

And where have you two
been all day?

I didn't see you
at the festival headquarters,

and I know you both
had free time.

Luke Abshire, you had better
not be distracting my girls.

Oh, no, ma'am.

If anything, I'd say that
they were distracting me.

All right, you three,
come on in.

I got a pot of jambalaya
on the stove,

and I'm sure I can talk
one of you

into telling me
what's really going on here.

So we're going to have
to go in there

before she starts
asking more questions.

-Yup, let's go.
-Yeah, let's do it.

[sighs]

That jambalaya, man,
it defeated me.

[laughs]

Many men have tried to eat
a whole pot of my jambalaya.

-They have all failed.
-[Luke laughs]

Don't be so hard
on yourself, kid.

[Timothy]
Hey, Luke, could you give me
a hand back here, please?

[Luke]
Yes, sir.

As soon as I can
roll myself

back in there to you.

-[laughs]
-[grunts]

[Timothy]
Let's go.

So, girls, have we had
a productive day?

Oh, Mom, don't start.

Oh, I know you, you're not going
to tell me a thing

about you and the photographer,
but, Sarah...

Oh, no, no, no,
no, no.

Look, there's nothing going on
between me and Luke.

I'm not going to believe that
for a second.

You still have his jacket on,
for heaven's sake.

Luke and I are just friends.

Ladies, your presence
is requested in the study.

Our presence?

[Timothy]
Yes, you heard the man.

Please, this way, ladies.

This way.

-Anything for you, Grandpa.
-All right, come on.

Let's go.

Right this way.

[Charlotte]
Oh, why, thank you, kind sir.

-There we go.
-[Charlotte] Very nice of you.

[gasps]
Oh.

What in the name of Rudolph
are you up to, Timothy Winter?

Did you drag that old thing
in from the spare room,

you crazy old man?

Well, I think, at my age,

I'm entitled to a few
eccentricities

and sentimentalities.

So if you'll indulge me.

-Hmm?
-Oh, yes. That's a yes.

[sighs]

You know,
when I was a kid,

after we'd have
a family meal at Christmas,

we'd all gather around
this old girl

and we'd sing carols,
right?

Now, you all know I cannot
carry a tune in a bucket.

No, but it's not
about the singing.

It's about the coming together,

and blending all
the different voices

to celebrate the joy
and the wonder of the season.

Now, I'd like you all
to sing with me, if you will.

Sounds great, Dad.

Come on.

[clears throat]

[groans]

Oh, Luke,
because you are a guest,

you get to choose
the first song.

All right.

"Silent Night."

It's been my favorite
since seventh grade.

[Timothy]
Okay.

Good choice.

[playing "Silent Night"]

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm ♪

♪ All is bright ♪

♪ Round yon Virgin ♪

♪ Mother and child ♪

♪ Holy infant ♪

♪ So tender and mild ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

[Charlotte]
Oh, just a few more of these,
and we will be home free.

We have to get them
to the shelter by 10:00.

And Luke needs some help

organizing everything
over there.

Sarah, can you go
lend a hand?

Gran, sorry,
I have so much work to do.

I thought you said
you were free for the season,

unless there was an emergency?

There was.
Our old judge hurt his leg.

Well, what are you going to do,
perform surgery on your laptop?

Can I please may be excused
from this lovely conversation?

You know, if you're trying
to avoid Luke,

you might as well
forget it.

He just pulled up
the driveway.

-Oops!
-No!

Honey, you both ran track
in the Louisiana summers.

I think he's seen you
looking way worse than this.

Just saying.

Good morning, ladies.

[Doris]
Good morning.

-Very festive.
-[Sarah sighs]

What are you doing here?

Picking up the presents.
Want to help us bring them over?

I have so much work to do. I--

[Luke]
We can go to Victor's.

Grab some coffee
and some breakfast.

You know,
just like we used to.

[chuckles]

Okay. Fine. Yes.
I just--

-I just need to--
-Change?

-Yes.
-Well,

you have about as much time
as it takes

to get that pile of presents
into my truck.

Come on.

Kids are waiting.

She is warming up to you.

I don't deserve a second chance,
Miss Doris.

Maybe not.

But you got one.

So don't let it slip away.

[Mark]
Ronnie, I can't thank you enough

for letting me talk
to those kids.

They're amazing,
as is the work you do here.

And we appreciate all the love.
Every little bit helps.

-Thank you.
-Hey, Luke!

-Good to see you, man!
-Merry Christmas, Ronnie.

I got quite the haul
for you today.

I see, man.

This is amazing.
Thank you so much.

Hey, Ronnie,
this is Sarah Winter-Ross.

-Hi.
-She's an old friend of mine.

[Ronnie]
Thank you so much.

You have no idea how much

this is going to mean
to our kids.

Well, I'm really happy to help.

Luke, Ronnie's been
telling me

what a blessing you are
to this place.

I do what I can.

Believe me,
the kids here,

they give me way more
than I could give them.

How about we take the rest
of these to the back?

All right.

Thank you, guys.

Mark, I want to say thank you
and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.

And, just so you know,
this here is my good side.

[both laugh]

[camera clicks]

-Hi.
-Oh, hi.

I was just going to come over to
HQ and see if I could find you.

You were?

Yeah, let me help you
with that.

No, that's--
it's all right.

I'm just dropping off
some last-minute donations,

then just going
to head on over

and start setting up
for the winter dance.

Well, I have got some time
to kill today.

So, what do you say I grab
a couple of hot chocolates

and lend a hand?

My way of saying thank you

for spending the day with me
yesterday.

Oh, that was nothing,
really.

And we have a whole team
down there,

so we should be all right.

Right.

Of course.

Yeah. Okay.
I guess I'll see you around.

Yeah.

See you around.

Okay, y'all, just a little bit
more to the left.

Keep going.

Left! That's it. Perfect.

Mom, what are you doing?

It's called supervising.

[chuckles]

You know, the older you get,

the better the jobs
they give you.

So have you been
tour-guiding today?

I'm telling you, I could show
that Mark around for a day.

Mom, it was nothing.

Who says it has
to be nothing?

You know, if he makes you happy
and you make him happy,

you should be happy
together.

I mean, there's nothing
too tricky about that math.

Look, I got married
when I was young.

The whole dating,
flirting thing,

I don't remember
how to do it.

I made a fool
out of myself yesterday.

Come here.

You mean to tell me

that you're never going
to try at love again?

Mom.

Charlotte Anne Winter.

What if Sarah
were standing here,

and wondering if she should give
Luke another chance,

would you be telling her
never to try for love again?

Of course not.

Well, then, why on earth
are you telling yourself that?

Because it's all happening
so fast.

Fast is good.

It doesn't let you
overthink everything.

I swear, you and Sarah, you want
to get so logical about romance.

I don't know
where you get it from.

All right, Mom,
stop the therapizing.

How about you help me
with these lights?

-[scoffs]
-You know,

I think they'll be
a lot easier to untangle

than my love life.

Maybe.

[laughs]

All right. Here we go.

One, two, say, "Christmas."

[camera shutters click]

There we go.

The kids at the shelter
were precious.

And Ace, you were such
a big hit, boy.

Oh, Sarah and Luke?

-Hey, Freddy.
-Never thought I'd see the day

that you two would be walking
through town together again.

Freddy. Freddy Decourt?

In the flesh.

-You're the mayor now?
-Just barely.

Special election last month,
you know?

Got me in by the skin
of my teeth.

But you know what?
The joke is on everybody

in our senior class who gave me
that "class clown" superlative.

I-I can't believe it.

But, congratulations.
I think the last time

I saw you in high school,
you were...

Making paper airplanes.

Pulling people's
ponytails.

Ditching detention.

Pretty much
all of the above.

Well, it just goes to show you
anyone can change.

Yeah, they can.

Hey, did you see that
right there, Sarah?

You can add your face
to the big Christmas tree.

-That's a really good idea.
-Thank you.

Five dollars.
You know what?

Why don't you,
you and the dog hop in here?

Oh...

Come on,
it's for charity.

Five bucks.

Come on, Ace.

One, two, say, "Christmas."

Christmas.

[Sarah]
You know, it was nice of him
to give us a do-over.

And... I think I like this one
better than the one on the tree.

Yeah, we take a mean picture,

even when you're being attacked
by a wild animal.

[laughs]

Do you want to come inside?

I'm sure there
are some treats or--

Oh, maybe even some leftover
jambalaya.

No, that's okay.
I need to get Ace home.

But I'll see you tomorrow
for some boat decorating.

I'll be there.

Have a good night.

You, too.

Hey, you sure you don't want
to take this home?

I don't have a Christmas tree
right now

with all the construction,
so... you keep it.

Okay.

Good night, Sarah.

Good night, Luke.

[door closes]

You were all just spying on me,
weren't you?

No.

It was the women's idea.

I told them not to.

Thanks a lot, Dad.

[Doris sighs]

Well, did you have
a nice time, dear?

[Sarah]
Yeah.

Yeah, I did.

[laughs]

-Good night.
-[all] Good night.

[Doris]
Sleep tight.

[gasps]
Mom!

[Doris]
Oh, my gosh, look at this.

-Oh, they are so cute.
-Oh.

Hi.

Hi.

Your mom told me
I could find you here.

Did I overstep?

No.

Oh, no.

Look, I want to apologize.

I had a really nice time
the other day with you,

and I think I just read
too much into everything.

And I was surprised.

It's been a long time
since I've...

[laughs]

It's been a long time for me,
too.

And just so you know, you didn't
read too much into everything.

How about we start over?

Dinner tonight,
just you and me.

No camera, no story.

I'd like that, yeah.

You remember that time
we stole a dinghy,

and we rowed out
to the middle of the water?

Yeah, I remember not wanting
to row anymore,

because you were getting us
too close to the fireworks.

Just trying to give you
the best view in town.

Who knows?

Maybe we'll end up
on the finale float this year.

You know, to re-pin
Mr. and Miss, get to ride on.

Think we have a shot?

Yeah. I think we do.

[sighs]

She's looking pretty good.

You know what?
Maybe I should recruit this team

to decorate my building
when we're done.

"Your building."

It still sounds so weird
to hear you say that.

You should come over.
Come see it.

Right now?

I was thinking
more like 7:00.

You know, for dinner?

Sure.

Seven sounds good.

Cool.

I'll cook you the finest Chinese
takeout you've ever eaten.

[both laugh]

Gee, thanks.

[mumbling]

Oh, I got one!

Are you sure?

Where do you think you're going?

I am going to dinner
with Mark.

-Oh.
-Who?

The photographer.
We talked about this.

Oh, yeah.
Oh, the handsome one.

[Doris]
Yeah. Oh, well,

and I don't need three guesses

about where you're going
tonight.

Luke just wanted to show me
the building he's working on.

Mother/daughter
date night.

I'm feeling left out.

Oh, how about if I take you
on an ever-so-romantic date,

and finish putting up
the decorations

for the dance tonight, hmm?

Be still, my heart.

Oh, don't worry, Gran.
Look mine is not a date, so...

Mine either.

I'm just calling it
like I see it, girls.

-Good night. I love you.
-See you later.

-Bye.
-Love you.

[knocks]

Luke?

Hey.

-Hey.
-Glad you made it.

-Me too.
-What is that?

You said you didn't have
a Christmas tree.

No self-respecting Mr. Christmas
should go without one.

Well, let's light it
up then.

-Okay.
-All right.

You look great.

I mean it,
it looks great.

[laughs]

I mean, you look great
and it is great.

Luke Abshire,
at a loss for words.

Never thought
I'd see the day.

Aw. Hey, Ace.

How are you, buddy?

Hey, are you going
to give me a tour?

[Luke]
Right. The tour.

Well, this is it.

I mean, it's not
"it-it',

there's still a lot
of work to be done.

But, come on,
let me show you around.

Okay. Okay.

So this is the waiting room.

I want it to be warm
and inviting, though, you know?

Not boring and sterile.

So I'm thinking
maybe some plants.

You know, all types
of free treats.

You know, a coffee station.
I got to have a coffee station.

And this is our reception desk.

If you'll follow me,

down this imaginary small
hallway,

you'll see that in here,
we'll have three exam rooms.

It's a work in progress,
but we'll have one here.

One in the corner.

And finally, in the back,
we'll have a space

where we can board the animals,
so I'll work over here,

and Ace and I will live out back
over that way.

And this little place will be
our happy little home.

But don't worry.

As soon as all
the construction is finished,

I'll have a Christmas tree
every single year.

[laughs]

I mean, this is--
this is really great, Luke.

I just...I don't know.
I just have one question.

Anything.

Why here?

This building has happy
memories.

And it's the only place downtown
in my price range.

No, why New Iberia?

Why stay in our little
old town?

The people.

The food. The warmth.

The way they make it feel
like Christmas all year round.

Even when the decorations
go back to the boxes.

And, I don't know.

Maybe I was hoping
that one day,

somebody I lost a long time ago
would come back.

[knock on door]

That must be dinner.

I did promise you some
of the finest Chinese takeout

-you've ever had.
-[laughs]

Yeah, well, there'd better be
some extra fried rice in there.

Don't worry.

I know it's your favorite.

Not going to lie, I didn't know
you'd go for the whole

dessert-before-dinner idea.

Well, clearly, you have a lot
to learn about me.

I look forward to it.

That is just so good,
isn't it?

I used to get that all the time
when I was a kid.

Does it taste as good
as you remember?

Mm. It's better.

I find that most things
get better with age.

Yeah, like Christmas.

How so?

I know, like, when you're a kid,
of course,

it's all about the presents.

-Mm-hmm.
-But when you get older,

it's more about
the moments

that you spend with the people
that you care the most about.

Well, I'm glad you're spending
some of your time with me.

An old bachelor,
alone at Christmastime.

[chuckles]

You know what else
is great about Christmas?

Hmm?

No one is a stranger
this time of year.

That's true.

When you and I
bumped into each other,

it was like meeting
an old friend.

I knew right away
I wanted to see you again.

And my asking you out
was way more of a gamble

than I usually take.

But in the words
of my daughter,

"Dad, you miss 100%
of the shots you don't take."

Well, she's a very wise
daughter.

Yeah.

Hey, what do you say
we forget about dinner

and double up on dessert?

I've been hearing
about this bakery in town.

Guidry's on Main, yeah.

It's heaven.

You up for it?

-Oh, yeah.
-Let's do it.

All right.

[Timothy] Wow, looks like
it's just you and me.

Well, how come we get
the last shift?

We're the oldest ones here.

Well, I think because
I told everybody to go home.

What?

[Recording of Timothy]
♪ Let me call you sweetheart ♪

Timothy Winter.

[recording continues]

Do you remember the first time
that we danced here?

I remember you were scared
to get too close to me.

I wasn't too scared.

-[scoffs]
-No, I was--

I was savoring the moment.
I was just taking it slow.

You were the one
who had different ideas.

I was cold.

And I pulled too close
so I'd be warm.

So you say.

[chuckles]

♪ Let me call you sweetheart ♪

♪ I'm in love ♪

♪ With you ♪

[song fades out]

Take a bite. All right, time for
the best part of the meal.

-Not so fast.
-Hey.

Got to leave a little bit
up to fate.

What are you doing?

You got to pick one.

[sighs]
Okay.

-That one.
-You sure? That one?

-Yes.
-My left hand could be good.

-Give me the cookie.
-It could be good.

[laughs]

Let's see what we got.

"A new beginning lies
in your future."

-Hm.
-Yeah.

A new beginning?

-Huh? [laughs]
-Just one.

"Take the chance while you still
have the choice."

[scoffs]

Who writes these things?

When did you become
such a cynic?

Oh! Hmm.

Probably around the time the guy
I loved more than anything

broke my heart
in front of the entire town.

Yeah.

I never meant to hurt you,
Sarah.

[sighs]

I know. It's just...

I mean, we were
best friends.

Together for four years.

And then it was just over,
like that.

I was confused,
and I...

I missed you in my life.

I was afraid.

Everything was happening
so fast.

I knew we weren't
going to get married at 18

or anything like that,

but it just felt like
our whole lives

had been planned out for us.

I just needed time
to figure out

if that's what I wanted.

I didn't have it all figured out
like you did.

I was a scared,
stupid kid.

And I'm really sorry.

Well, I forgive you.

But just so you know,
I didn't--

I didn't have it
all figured out.

I mean, I still don't have it
all figured out.

I ran away instead of facing
what happened.

Instead of facing you.

And now that you have?

[cell phone rings]

-Ugh!
-Where is that coming from?

It's my phone.

Miss Clara made me download
this app for the festival.

[Luke]
There's an app?

Yeah.

Reminder to be at the ceremony
tomorrow

for the new
Mr. and Miss Christmas.

Oh, that's right.
That is tomorrow, huh?

Yeah.

You know, I...

I should get going with the
dance and everything tomorrow.

It's going to be a long one.

Would you want
to go with me?

Well, who else
would I go with?

You're my Mr. Christmas.

Yes, I am.

[chuckles]

Have a good night.

You too.

[door opens and closes]

[sighs and chuckles]

Okay, eat them
while they're ho-ho-hot.

Ha-ha!

-Oh, those look great, Dad.
-So good.

[Timothy]
I want you to eat one.
Not just fruit.

Okay, ladies.

So how were your dates
last night?

Oh, you do not waste any time,
do you?

I waited until
the pancakes were out.

You first, Mom.

Well, we had a nice time.
He's a really nice guy.

Oh, a guy so nice
she said it twice.

[laughs]

You know, this is really
awkward, right? This is awkward?

No, it's not.

There is nothing awkward
about love.

You either like somebody
or you don't.

It's just simple as that.

[sighs]

So, do you like him?

Yeah. I do.

-[laughs]
-She likes him.

In fact, we're going
to the dance together.

[all chatter excitedly]

That's amazing.
Come on, tell us more.

-What's he like?
-[Doris] Oh, no.

You're not getting away
that easy.

You spill.

His place is fantastic.

He's got a lot of work to do,

but he's really excited
about it.

And, yeah, it was...

it was cute.

Oh. Cute.

-[Doris] You're cute.
-[Timothy] I'm cute?

Sarah, isn't this
so exciting?

It's the big day.

You haven't seen my Carol
around anywhere, have you?

I haven't. No.

If she's anything like I was,
she's probably a nervous wreck.

So, don't worry.
She's going to show up.

-Okay.
-Breathe.

[inhales and exhales]

-Okay.
-Okay.

I'm going to get
some more programs.

Oh, Carol,
your aunt was just...

Oh, are you okay?

I think my boyfriend's
going to break up with me.

Oh.

I really don't know
for sure.

He's just been acting
weird and distant.

I know it's high school stuff,
and I shouldn't...

you're Sarah Winter-Ross.

[laughs]

That's me.

Then you're the perfect person
to talk to.

How do I avoid
a Luke Abshire situation?

I see my reputation
precedes me.

I'm sorry.
That came out wrong.

It's just my Aunt Clara
talks about you all the time.

And I love Eric.

I don't want to lose him.

Okay, well, then take if from
someone who's been there before.

Look, sometimes, you lose
the people that you love.

That's not what I was
hoping to hear.

But if it's meant to be,

you'll find your way
back to them.

Is that what's happening
with you and Luke Abshire?

I mean, the whole town's
been talking about it.

I don't know.

I like him.
I always have.

But our first heartbreak's
hard to forget.

You're right.

I'm just going to make Eric
love me again.

I don't want to still be in love
with him when I'm 40.

Thank you, Miss Sarah.
You're a real friend.

That...that's not what I meant.

Do I look 40?

-[both laughing]
-Whoo-hoo!

-[imitates explosion]
-Tinsel.

All right,
ladies and gentlemen.

The moment you've all
been waiting for.

Miss Clara, please join me
on the stage with those pins.

[Clara]
Okay.

Thought you'd be up front
in the middle of the action.

Oh, no.

Thought I'd get a better view
from back here.

[laughing]

And the 2019
Miss and Mr. Christmas are...

Drumroll.

...Carol Alleman
and Eric Price!

-Yay!
-[applause]

They look cute together.

And they remind me of us.

Yeah.

They kind of do.

You know, I wouldn't change
a thing that happened.

No, not when I'm here
with you right now.

-You big sap.
-[laughs]

So you ready to dance
the night away, Miss Christmas?

Oh, I am ready,
Mr. Christmas.

[both laugh]

[applause and cheering]

[gasps]
Oh, there they are.

Mr. and Miss of the evening.

[laughs]

Besides my Carol, of course.

[Doris]
Oh.

[Clara]
You both look fabulous.

Let me show you
to your reserved table.

Oh, wow, this place
is beautiful.

[festive holiday jazz playing]

Sarah. Charlotte.

Mark.

Would you mind terribly

if I stole her away
for a dance?

Steal away.

You two have fun.

Wow.

Well, don't you
clean up nice.

I was just thinking
the same thing about you.

-[chuckles]
-Shall we?

Yeah.

[big band jazz playing,
"Oh, Christmas Tree"]

[cheering and applause]

Good evening, everyone.
Gather around.

It's the moment that we've all
been waiting for.

The re-pinning ceremony

of one lucky former
Mr. and Miss Christmas,

who have continued to live out
the values of the season

after all these years.

Now, our committee
has been watching,

and we feel like they have
picked the perfect pair.

Who looks best together?
Side by side.

Pi has all those numbers.

We don't need all those numbers.

We just need two numbers, right?

One and two, and we've picked
the perfect pair.

And now, it is our pleasure

to announce the 50th anniversary
Mr. and Miss Christmas...

Timothy Winter and Doris Winter.

[cheering and applause]

Give it up.

Timothy, my man.

Look at that, huh?

I hope that's us one day.

[Doris]
What a beautiful honor.

Thank you all so,
so very much.

But my husband and I
always thought this award

was about the future,

and about who is going
to carry on the legacy

of this town,
and Christmas.

So we would like to pass on
this award...

to Mr. Luke Abshire

and to my granddaughter,
Sarah Winter-Ross.

[applause]

Luke, Sarah, you bring out
the best in each other.

You always have.

We're so proud of you.

So, what do you say?
You want to take the floor

and share this special
Mr. and Ms. Christmas dance

with all of us?

Absolutely.

Let's get out there.

[sighs]

I'm sorry.
I can't do this.

[murmuring]

Sarah!

Sarah. Sarah.

Sarah, please wait.

Please, wait.

Is this about the dance?

If this is about the dance,

we don't have to be
Mr. and Miss Christmas again.

This isn't about
those traditions.

Then what?
Tell me what's wrong?

Listen, everybody's inside
waiting for us.

Can we just go back inside?

Oh, you don't get it?
I can't go back.

I thought I could,
but I-I can't.

I only have one heart, Luke,
and I have to protect it.

I am sorry.

Sarah. Sarah.

[sighs]

[Doris humming]

Quit lurking
in the doorway, dear.

Sorry. I didn't know
anyone else was awake.

Well, your grandfather
is the king of finding presents,

so I have to wrap them
in secret every year.

Why are you still
standing there? Come on in.

There's plenty of cocoa.

Oh, I do not think I deserve
any hot cocoa right now.

Everybody deserves
hot cocoa.

Yeah, but I ruined
your festival.

Again.

I know how much it means to you,
yet I still manage to ruin it.

Go figure.

Sweetheart, you actually
think I care more

about some silly tradition

than I care about my own
granddaughter's feelings?

You know,
contrary to popular belief,

I'm actually a pretty good
listener.

[laughs]

Okay.

I still love him.

Well, that's easy.

Go be with him.
Problem solved.

We can both
go back to bed.

It's not that simple.

You have an opportunity
to be with a smart,

kind, funny man who loves you
like you hung the moon.

But instead,
you choose to be alone

on the off-chance that
he repeats the same mistake

that he has regretted
for the last 15 years.

It wouldn't even work out
anyways, you know?

My life is in Boston.

Okay, I am not trying to sway
you one way or the other.

But I will
tell you this.

If you don't follow
your heart,

you will regret it.

[sighs]

Okay.

I'm going to go to bed.

I...I moved my flight
up to tomorrow,

and I really just want
to be well-rested, so...

Oh, no. No.

You're going to miss the big
boat parade and Christmas.

I know. I had the most
incredible time with all of you.

But I...

I just really need
to get back home.

Okay.

Good night, Gran.

Good night, sweetheart.

I love you.

I love you.

[Sarah] All right, well,
I should probably head out.

Are you sure you don't want me
to drive you?

I'm good, but thanks, Mom.

All right, well, listen,

I packed some extra cookies
in your carry-on,

-in case you get hungry.
-Thank you.

[Charlotte]
I love you, sweetheart.

[Sarah]
I love you too.

Well, another year
for the books.

Don't work too hard,
and take some time for yourself.

Later, gator.

After while, crocodile.

[both laugh]

Okay, so...

here's one last little present
for you, Sarah.

-Oh.
-Nothing big.

Just something to remind you
of who you are.

[Sarah]
Oh, Gran.

Oh.

This is perfect.

Thank you.

No, you...

you know, I'm not very good
at goodbyes.

Now I know
where I get it from.

[sighs]

We're always here for you.

I know, Gran.

All right, well,
got to make that flight.

Make sure you text
when you land, okay?

Okay. I love you, guys.

[all]
Love you.

[all sigh]

[chuckles]

Luke, where you off to?

Mr. Tim.

Beautiful.
You shouldn't have.

-[laughs]
-No. These are for Doris.

Christmas Eve is a very
special time for us.

That's the day you fell in love,
right?

-Yeah.
-I know the story well.

That's still
a story worth telling

all these years later.

Your story,
how's that gonna end?

-I'm afraid the story's over.
-No.

I'm going to head over
to the boat parade.

Hopefully start fresh.

You should go after her.
You can still catch up to her.

I tried to go after her.
She didn't want me.

I just want your granddaughter
to be happy, sir.

And if this is what
makes her happy,

then I just got
to let her go.

Are you going
be all right?

I miss her already.

I do too, Luke.

[sighs]

[Cajun music playing]

[chattering]

-Whoa. Hey.
-Oh, that's good.

-So happy to have you here.
-Great to be here.

All right, Santa,
you're on boat number two.

-Okay, everybody.
-[man] Watch your step.

Permission to come aboard?

[laughs]

-Oh!
-Merry Christmas.

-Thank you.
-[indistinct chattering]

Hey.

Hey.

You getting any good stuff?

Actually, I think
I've eaten more food

than I photographed.

Where's the family?

Mom and Dad decided to take
a walk before the parade,

and Sarah's actually
on her way to Boston.

-Oh.
-It's all right.

I know I'm technically supposed
to be working tonight,

but I'd love to watch the parade
with you, if that's okay.

I'd like that.

You know, it gets cold
down by the river,

so it'd be nice to have someone
to snuggle with.

Oh, before I forget,
this is for you.

It's a day early,
I know,

but I figured tomorrow you'll
probably be with your family,

so it's just a little something
I thought you should have.

You just look
so beautiful there.

Thank you.

I love it.

I'm glad.

Shall we?

Oh, yeah.

[woman on P.A.]
This is final boarding
for Flight 209 to Boston.

[cell phone rings]

I am so sorry. I...

[attendant]
Ma'am, are you boarding?

Yeah.

All right. Here we go.
Keep them closed. Don't cheat.

If you're going to push me
in the water,

I'm pulling you in
after me.

Well, I believe
you would do that.

-[both laugh]
-Okay. Hold on.

All right, here we are.
Open your eyes.

[Doris]
Oh.

Our tree.

Oh.

But I don't remember this
being here.

Oh. No.

It's new.

-Hm.
-Well, take a seat.

Probably the best view
of the town, huh?

[Doris]
Mm-hm.

What's this?

Oh. I don't know.

Why don't you read it.

"To the first Miss Christmas
of New Iberia,

"and the only woman
I've ever loved.

"Doris Winter.
Fifty years strong.

Forever by your side.
Your Timothy."

Oh, honey.
This is incredible.

I'm-I'm speechless.

That's a first.

-Hey!
-"Hey!"

[laughs]

Hey.

[gasps]
Oh, Luke! You made it!

Good to see you.
Boat number seven.

All right.
Thank you, Miss Clara.

You're welcome.

Well, there he is.
The man of the hour.

Freddy, Merry Christmas, man.

Good to see you.
Merry Christmas.

Where's Sarah?

Everything okay
after last night?

She's not coming,

so Ace is going
to fill in here.

I'm sorry, man.

It was great seeing you guys
back together this week.

You know, I was rooting
for you.

Thanks, man.
I was too.

And hey, let's get you
on that boat.

-Come on, Ace.
-Hello, Ace.

Hey, how you doing.

Ah, Christmas.

[indistinct chattering]

-Hi.
-[Timothy] Hey.

You have room
for two more?

-You remember Mark?
-Sure. Hi.

So glad y'all
are seeing each other.

And you're just in time.

It's about ready to start.

[clears throat]

I am sorry about her.

Is she wrong?

Sounds pretty good to me.

Me too.

Me too.

[chuckles]

On the count of three,

launch those boats!

One, two, three!

[cheering and applause]

Showtime.

Hey, boy.

I know we both thought this
would turn out differently,

but we gave it
our best shot.

[motor cranks]

I know, I miss her too.

[Sarah]
Luke!

Luke, wait.

Sarah.

Come on, you can make it.
Stop the boat. Stop.

[motor turns off]

-[both laughing]
-Jump.

I thought I was too late.

[sighs]
Never.

But what are you doing here?

I thought you were going
back to Boston?

Yeah, I know.

Look, Gran says
I think too much,

especially when it comes
to love.

I couldn't go and leave my heart
here with you.

I love you, Luke.

I love you.

I never stopped loving you,
Sarah.

Hey, can we get this show
on the road?

We got to catch up
with the parade.

[both laughing]

-Yeah.
-All right.

Yeah. Full speed ahead.

[motor cranks and whirs]

All right, hold on
and don't let go.

I don't plan on it.

[Cajun music playing]

There you go.

Oh, look at that.

[indistinct chattering]

[cheers and applause]

Look at that. Oh.

-Mom, that's your favorite.
-Yeah, the sleigh.

-I love the sleigh.
-[indistinct chatter]

Oh, there's Luke.

-[Timothy] Uh, honey?
-[Doris] Not now.

I'm trying to watch the parade.

Who...

Who is that on the boat
with Luke?

Is that Clara?

["Auld Lang Syne"
plays throughout]

Oh, my gosh.
She came back.

Like I said, our Sarah's
going to be just fine.

-Hmm?
-That's my girl.

Sarah!

Whoo, baby!

♪ Should auld acquaintance
Be forgot ♪

♪ And never brought to mind ♪

Merry Christmas, Sarah.

Merry Christmas, Luke.

♪ And auld lang syne ♪

[fireworks whistling]

["Up On The Housetop" fiddle
instrumental plays]