Original subtitles

♪♪

[ horns honking ]

♪♪

♪♪

man: Are you kidding me?

Move that heap of junk! Come on!

[ honking continues ]

why are you doing this to me today?

I'm nothing but nice to you.

Tow truck's on the way!

Sorry! Yeah, I hate me, too.

[ grunting ] hi.

Come on.

♪♪

thanks, man.

♪♪

mrs. Wilson: Thank goodness you're here.

I am so sorry.

The car broke down in the middle of second street.

Had to wait for a tow. -Again?

-Yeah. -You poor thing.

Maybe santa will bring you a new one for christmas.

[ chuckles ]

okay, kids, let's get lined up.

[ camera shutter clicking ]

♪♪

let's try that one again.

How about one where you keep your tongue in your mouth?

♪♪

last chance to make your parents proud.

On three. One --

next!

You're still photographing the figure-skating competition?

Yep. That's the plan.

Oh, good.

I am so proud of our girls for making it to state.

Oh. Did you receive a call from a guy named richard?

First covenant church?

No. Why?

He's the head of the christmas play

and mentioned he needed a photographer,

so I gave him your name.

Thank you, mrs. Wilson. I appreciate that.

I don't know how much it pays, but I thought,

with the wedding coming up and the holidays,

every little bit helps.

It does.

You're very sweet to think of me.

Sure. Good to see you.

♪♪

♪♪

sorry it took so long, man. Traffic was ridiculous.

Ohh. It's freezing out there.

Yeah. So where's the car now?

You need a jump? I got a cable.

No, no, it's more serious than that.

I had it towed.

I know how much you love that thing,

but I think it's time to put it down.

Eh, the place I took it last time is good.

I'm sure they'll be able to fix it.

So, home, then?

Uh, actually, I was hoping you could do me a favor.

I promised audrey I'd pick up this dress that she wants.

So if we could just, um...

Swing by the mall first...

Oh, no. No way.

No, you know how crazy that place is?

You know my rule -- no mall after thanksgiving.

Well, you're gonna have to break that rule.

If I don't pick it up tonight, they're gonna restock it, and...

Audrey's been talking about that dress for a month.

Fine. But only because you've had a rough day.

Yeah.

[ horns honking ]

-lady, come on! -I had it first!

[ instrumental "12 days of christmas" playing ]

♪♪

♪♪

baxter: Pecan pie, but you have to also make sure

to get a french silk for me.

-Look at that. Over a game. -I saw it first!

Christmas sure makes people act like kids.

Eh. We didn't do that as kids. Mom and dad would've killed us.

What are you getting audrey this year?

You hear me? What are you getting for audrey?

I need ideas for lydia.

Oh. Uh, audrey and I

decided not to exchange gifts this year.

We're trying to save for the wedding.

What? You're still gonna get her something, right?

I just said that we are not doing gifts.

When a woman says not to get her a gift,

she still expects one. You must know that by now.

It's not like that. Trust me. If you say so.

She'll be pretty disappointed on christmas morning

with nothing to open.

Hey. What about that for lydia, huh?

Eh, it's not really her style.

I've only ever seen her with black purses.

Mm. Maybe you're right about that.

You should get her those cooking classes

she's always talking about.

What cooking classes?

Hey! Check it out!

♪♪

[ chuckles ]

you should enter.

Uh, no. It's a sweepstakes.

They just want to trick you into giving your info

and sell it to every telemarketer in the country.

So what? Someone's still got to win.

I don't need a corvette.

No oneneedsa corvette.

You, on the other hand, need a vehicle that runs.

It's not betraying dad's memory to get rid of the car.

You get that, right?

It's not about dad.

I like my car.

Wow. Okay.

Yeah, I'll do it. Just to get you off my back.

Thank you.

[ sighs ]

thanks, man.

Hey. You picked up the dress. Thanks.

Sure.

What's up with all the little squares?

Oh, those are wedding favors? They're great.

They'll be a constant reminder

on everyone's christmas tree

how cheap and handmade our wedding was.

I have the exhibit coming up. If I sell a few pieces,

we could throw a little bit more towards the budget.

You always say that, but you never sell anything.

Well, um...

I might be shooting the christmas play

at the church, too.

But I love these.

I really do.

We'll figure it out, okay?

Hey, you think you can give me

a ride to the mechanic tomorrow

on your way to work?

Why?

Oh, don't tell me the car broke down again.

I hate that thing.

She has been terrific for 14 years.

We shouldn't judge her on the past six months.

She is a piece of junk, and the money you put into her

is more than it would cost to buy a new one. I know.

It's money we could be spending on the wedding, by the way.

True. But I can't sell her if she isn't running, right?

Your car, your decision.

Did you eat already?

Yeah, pizza. It's in the fridge.

I got pepperoni, though.

I'll pick it off.

♪♪

thanks.

Everything else goes on sale for christmas.

Why can't hockey gear?

♪♪

tickets for the matinee?

Mm-hmm.

♪♪

♪♪

how's my favorite artist?

Lydia.

Thanks for coming by.

Well, toby wanted to come, but he got stuck at work.

The lady up front said this is your last show.

Gonna take a break for a little while.

Hasn't been a very lucrative endeavor.

Well, lucrative or not, your photos are beautiful.

I haven't even seen this one yet.

When did you take it?

I snapped that out at lake morgan.

First snowfall of the year.

I love it.

You know where this would look amazing

is in the den, above the fireplace.

I mean, don't you think? How much you asking?

Lydia, you don't have to buy something

every time I have a show.

It's the kindest gesture ever,

but it's okay.

It's yours, for free.

Mnh-mnh. I insist on paying.

Consider it a christmas gift.

And a thank you for you and toby's support.

It...

It means a lot.

You are the most talented person that I know.

[ scoffs ]

don't give up on your dream.

♪♪

the dream was a little different.

♪♪

no way.

[ birds chirping ]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[ cellphone rings ]

baxter b's photography. This is baxter.

Don: Baxter, this is don garrett of garrett luxury imports.

Yes. What can I do for you, sir?

Well, I'll tell you what you can do for me, son.

You can come down here and pick up the keys

to your brand-new corvette.

-Sorry? -You won the drawing!

It's all yours.

Wait. I...

I won the car?

Yes, you did.

It's your lucky day.

[ laughs ]

[ engine sputtering ]

♪♪

I don't blame you.

I wouldn't want to go meet my replacement, either.

[ sighs ]

♪♪

toby: Look at that leather.

Whew.

What do you think?

Unbelievable, huh?

Baxter: Seat feels a little weird.

-What? -It's...

It's just not that comfy, you know?

It's a convertible. It doesn't get more perfect.

You know, the seat's a little stiff.

And, you know, it's kind of hard to see out of.

I know what you're doing right now,

and you need to stop.

-What? -If you don't like the car...

You can take the cash-prize option instead.

-Really? -He likes the car.

You like the car, right, bax?

I mean, what's not to like about a corvette?

Especially when the car you have doesn't work.

How much cash?

Uh, well, I think it's $50,000,

but this car is -- -I'll take the money!

What?! Wait!

What are you doing, dude?

-I'd rather have the cash. -This is a corvette.

You're never gonna have a chance to own one of these again.

I like my car, toby.

This is a beautiful piece of machinery, sir,

but I'd rather have the money.

Okay.

♪♪

so, what're you gonna do with the $50k?

Better be something good.

I don't know.

Never had this much money before.

Possibilities are endless.

You know what you should do?

Should open your own photography studio.

You mean like a storefront? -Yeah.

Like, in the mall or something. You know, people come in,

and you have different backgrounds,

and you could do senior pictures

or weddings, portraits.

I don't know. I just kind of fell into doing people.

I've always wanted to shoot nature and landscapes.

No one wants to pay for landscapes.

But everyone wants a cute picture of their kid.

Yeah, maybe you're right.

I'll ask audrey what she thinks.

All right.

Audrey: You won $50,000?!

This is amazing!

Oh.

What do you think we should do with the money?

Well, first, I think you should buy

an affordable, reliable car --

something solid and well-built

but not too expensive.

Toby thinks I should use the money to open

a photography studio.

That's a terrible idea. What if it fails?

Most businesses don't make it past two years.

Really? I think we should spend it on this!

Bora bora?

It's been rated the world's best honeymoon destination.

You could take photos there.

Ooh! We could up the budget for the wedding!

A bigger cake, better venue...

Let the people choose between steak or chicken.

[ chuckles ]

this would be a great place to take pictures.

And very romantic.

I like it.

We should go to a restaurant to celebrate.

I'll go get changed.

Baxter: You know, it's really great being out on a date

with you again.

Remember our first date?

I took you out for chinese?

We should get a case of this for the reception.

The champagne? This is over a hundred bucks a bottle.

We can afford it now.

Oh, you know what else I was thinking?

If we get a bigger wedding venue,

we should try to hire a real wedding planner.

Here you go, ma'am.

Another side of sauce for your steak.

-Oh! -Oh!

Oh. I'm so sorry!

This dress is brand-new.

Let me get you some soda water. Oh.

How hard is it to put a bowl down

on the table without spilling it?

It's not her fault. That guy bumped her.

How hard is it to be a waitress?

[ sighs ]

I'm gonna use the restroom.

Um...

Uh, I'll -- I'll get the manager.

I'm really sorry I ruined your -- your evening.

It's not your fault, really.

Okay.

Oh, my gosh. I am so sorry.

Westin!

You know better than to do something like that.

I think santa's gonna bring me

everything I want for christmas.

Oh, is that so? We've talked about this.

You're gonna give santa some other options

in case he can't find the hockey gear.

Mom, I'm sure they have tons

of that stuff at the north pole.

It's practically the only sport they could play up there.

I know how much you love hockey,

but there are other sports out there, too.

There's basketball, swimming --

you loved going to the pool last year.

Want some new goggles?

What about the "wizard of westville" book?

Don't you want to be the first one in your class to read it?

-I already did. -You did?

I have vip membership at the library, remember?

Right.

I know what I want.

I want to play hockey.

Can I get some more ketchup?

Sure.

♪♪

were you able to get it out?

No. Let's just leave.

I'm not in the mood to finish.

Hey, but it's our celebration.

Can we please just go?

I'll be in the car.

I was hoping to earn a little extra tonight

to pay for the boots that duke ruined.

I don't even have enough to pay my rent.

Bartender: What boots?

My neighbor left his wet boots on his porch,

and -- and duke chewed 'em up.

-How much were they? -Excuse me.

-Oh. -Please don't cry.

I-it wasn't your fault.

Thanks. I...

It wasn't just that. I've just had a really bad week.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Oh, it's not up to me.

What if you put some of your toys back,

and then your partial payment will be enough

to keep the rest on layaway?

But that'll only get half of my grandchildren gifts.

They're staying with me over the holidays

while their mom's in the hospital.

I'm sorry. I wish I could help, but I can't.

Okay.

♪♪

I know it's none of my business,

but what was that all about?

If she doesn't come back with the money tomorrow,

we'll have to re-shelf her toys.

She's the third person today

to come in and try to make a partial payment,

and we just can't accept them.

It's policy.

Can I ask how much she owes?

You know what?

Actually, just add it to my bill.

I'm sorry?

Actually, how many of your layaways include toys?

Um...I -- I don't know, exactly.

Could you look on the computer and find out?

-I suppose so. -That'd be great.

I...

I want to pay them all off.

It came to $4,432.10.

Are you sure about this?

I can void it.

No child should wake up on christmas morning

without a toy.

Well, who shall I say paid off the balance?

You know they'll ask.

Uh...

Just tell them it was an elf...

Named lucky.

-Are you serious? -100%.

But you can't tell anyone.

I swear on my life.

But you can tell them merry christmas.

I will.

God bless you, lucky.

♪♪

[ cellphone rings ]

hello?

I don't understand.

Someone came in and paid for it?

Who?

An elf?

I don't know too many of those.

So I can come in and get them right now?

Oh, dear lord.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Yes.

I'll be right there.

♪♪

hi. Is this jennifer williams?

Jennifer: Yes. I'm calling from gordman's department store.

A guy came in today and paid off your layaway.

-What? -That's right.

It's paid off completely.

You can come pick up your stuff.

-Who did that? -He didn't tell me his name.

He said to say it was an elf named lucky.

An elf named lucky?

♪♪

♪♪

spread a little holiday cheer?

Hey.

What's your name?

Marvin.

What would you like for christmas, marvin?

If you could have anything.

What? You santy claus or somethin'?

Only if you believe in santa claus.

Maybe I should.

I'll tell you what.

Why don't you explain to me what you'd like over lunch?

Sound good?

Okay.

[ grunts ]

so then, after my wife passed,

I let the house go.

Just didn't feel like home anymore.

Where do you go at night? It's so cold out.

You can't possibly sleep on the streets.

Want me to tell you?

I stay in a storage unit behind the mall.

My daughter don't know I'm living there.

She bought me a cellphone,

so she thinks I'm answering at home.

I have to sneak in and out.

They don't want people living there.

Works out all right. Not too comfortable,

but that's only 'cause I got me a bad back.

♪♪

oh, I can't thank you enough.

Gonna get me a real good night's sleep now.

Is this your wife?

Mm.

That don't do her justice.

She was much more beautiful than that.

Don't see how that's possible. She's stunning.

Even when I didn't have much,

she stuck it out with me.

Didn't ask for a thing.

Made me want to give her the world.

Can I take this? I think I can reprint it without the tear --

no, no! I don't let that one out of my sight.

Okay. I understand.

Would you mind holding it up so I can take a picture?

♪♪

♪♪

well, marvin, you enjoy your new bed.

Merry christmas to you.

You're a good person.

Thank you.

Uh, you didn't tell me your name.

Uh, you didn't tell me your name.

Just call me lucky.

Well, thank you, lucky.

Marvin... You're welcome.

♪♪

♪♪

on this guy's face as he picked out a mattress...

Plus, he started telling me about his wife.

God...

It is the best day that I have had in a long time.

I think it's sweet that you want to help people, but...

But what?

But don't you think we should've discussed this first?

I mean, we had plans for that money.

Well, there's still plenty of money left for the wedding --

and the honeymoon, too. -You're missing the point.

I'm about to be your wife.

These are the kinds of things

that we should be discussing together.

It's not just baxter making his own decisions anymore.

Well, it's not like I planned to do something

without telling you.

It was spur of the moment is all.

So if it's spontaneous, it's okay?

No, that's -- that's not what I'm saying.

It's just...

I don't know. It -- it...Felt right.

Okay. Okay.

Maybe you're right. We're supposed to be a team,

and I probably should've talked to you about it first.

It won't happen again.

I'm sorry. -Sure.

Fine. I'm gonna head to my brother's

to drop off the gifts for the kids.

You don't want me to go with you?

No, it's fine. I got it.

I'm here today because something unexpected happened

right here on this very spot.

We got word that an anonymous stranger,

who goes by the name of lucky the elf,

paid the layaway accounts for 24 people,

totaling over $4,000!

You were working when it happened?

Judy: That's ri--

westin!

Mom, no! I want to watch this replay!

I am taking you to school in five minutes.

Go put your shoes on.

Ugh!

Very convincing.

You should be an actor.

I am an actor.

I have 12 lines in the play, remember?

[ clears throat ] you remind me three times a day.

How could I forget?

So, what are you going to do with the money that you saved?

I'm giving it to someone else

to help them buy their own gifts.

Anybody want it?

Well, there you have it.

No one's sure who this lucky is,

but he certainly embodies the christmas spirit.

Live from gordman's --

well, dad, what do you think of my sneaky little --

♪♪

♪♪

okay, big smiles!

[ camera shutter clicks ]

okay, one more.

One more for fun.

That was perfect. Great. Got it.

Okay, fremont raptors, warm up!

Warm up!

Oh!

Okay, let's go.

All right, let's get the puck.

Way to go. That's how you hit the ice.

♪♪

♪♪

can I sit?

You like hockey?

You play?

Nope.

I used to.

A little. Back in the day.

Played center.

I want to play.

My mom says I can't.

Too dangerous?

She says it costs too much

with the skates and stick and everything.

That's why I told santa it's the only thing

I want this year.

Have you ever had skates before?

I got to go.

My mom gets weird when I talk to the strangers.

Okay.

Bye.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

westin!

What is it?

Whoa!

It's a hockey stick!

It's from lucky the elf!

[ camera shutter clicking ]

♪♪

♪♪

this is amazing!

[ keys jingle ]

[ engine sputtering ]

oh, come on.

No, no, no, no!

You're gonna give me away, man.

[ sputtering continues ]

♪♪

oh, come on.

What were you doing at a gas station

all the way down here, anyway?

Oh, I was just dropping something off.

What? A gift. It's not important.

Can -- can I ask you something?

Are there things that you don't discuss with lydia,

or do you talk about everything?

Just spill it. What did you and audrey fight about?

It wasn't a fight, really.

It was just -- I spent some money,

and I didn't ask her about it.

It was just spontaneous.

Is that -- is that something that would bother lydia?

Depends on what I bought, I suppose.

She usually just lets me do my own thing,

and she does hers.

You don't talk about it first?

Important stuff we do, but for the most part,

we just trust each others' decisions.

I got to know. What did you buy?

Have you been watching the news?

Yeah.

So you know about lucky the elf?

Oh, wait.

Oh, no.

That was -- you're...

Oh, that is awesome!

Well, how did you come up with "lucky," though?

Ah. It wasn't my most creative moment.

Oh, who cares? You're the talk of the town.

You can't tell anyone, though. It's between us.

Why not? You should be proud!

Because... I don't know.

Part of the fun is that no one knows.

Well, your secret's safe with me, bro.

Lucky the elf...

Incredible.

[ exhales ]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

you go on ahead. I don't need a ride.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[ camera shutter clicks ]

♪♪

[ gasps ]

♪♪

kid?

Westin!

Hey.

♪♪

hi. We're on a lake near magnolia street.

A little boy fell on the ice and hit his head.

We need an ambulance now!

[ ice cracking ]

♪♪

♪♪

hey.

Pamela: How could you do this?

I told you never leave the house!

I know. I'm sorry.

I just couldn't wait to try out my new hockey stuff.

I'm sorry, mom.

[ sighs ]

♪♪

that the man in the scarf?

Is that who called the paramedics?

Excuse me. Um, are you...

So -- so you saved him?

Yeah. I was on a walk when I saw him fall, so...

I don't even know what to say.

Thank you so much!

I --

he wasn't supposed to be out here alone.

If it wasn't for that stupid hockey gear...

Mom! The ambulance guy says it's time to go.

I should probably have him checked out.

Of course.

Okay, kiddo.

♪♪

♪

♪♪

[ sighs ]

you really upset me today.

Wes, you could've gotten killed.

But I didn't die 'cause that camera guy saved me.

You can't just run off and do anything you want on your own.

But you work all the time.

We never have time to do the stuff I want to do.

Well, that's not gonna change,

so you're just gonna have to deal with it.

Promise me that you will not do that again.

Why'd you call that guy that saved you the "camera" guy?

He takes pictures of the girl skaters

at the hockey rink.

Oh. So you've seen him before?

Only one time.

Mom, when are we gonna get a christmas tree?

You know what? We can't afford it this year.

Next year, though.

Why can't we go chop one down? They're everywhere.

We can't just chop a tree off of someone else's property.

You know that.

Don't worry. I'll go e-mail santa

and tell him to leave your gifts on the sofa.

That's even if you're on the "good" list after today.

I am, I am.

Just take care of that e-mail.

I will.

Promise.

Good night, buddy.

♪♪

♪♪

here you are. Thank you, ladies. Enjoy the movie.

[ sighs ]

♪♪

man: One adult, two kids, please.

Woman: That'll be $28.

[ telephone rings ]

sidner ice arena. How can I help you?

Oh, hi. I have a strange question.

I guess there's a photographer that comes

and takes pictures of the figure skaters.

Do you know who that is, by chance?

Oh. Uh...

Yep.

Okay.

Baxter b's photography.

That's exactly what I needed to know.

Thank you so much.

Baxter: It is my fault, though.

If I hadn't given him that hockey gear,

he would never have been out on that lake.

You're the only person I know who would second-guess himself

after doing something nice.

Just be glad you were there to save him.

I am, but still...

Does lydia have black boots already?

Yeah, man, that's all she ever wears.

[ cellphone rings ]

baxter b's photography.

Oh. Hi. Is this baxter billings?

-Sure is. -Oh, good.

This is pam collins.

I don't know if I have the right person or not.

Did you... Happen to save a little boy

that hit his head on the ice?

Oh. Uh, yeah.

That -- that was me. How is he?

Oh, he's fine. It was just a -- a bump, nothing major.

Good. Well, listen, the reason I'm calling is

because I didn't get a chance to thank you.

I was wondering if you wanted

to come over for dinner or something.

Um...

Uh, sure. That -- that's not necessary, though.

Well, I would like the chance to thank you,

and I know wes would, too.

How's tomorrow night?

Yeah. Tomorrow's great.

Okay. I will text you the address.

Is there anything you don't eat or you just don't like?

[ indistinct shouting ]

come on! I think it's a fight.

What's going on?

Pam, there's a bit of an emergency here.

Anything you want to make is fine.

I-I'll see you tomorrow.

Okay.

That guy's a liar!

He's not lucky! I seen lucky!

I'm not gonna let you take credit for what he does!

Come take your picture with me --

lucky the elf! $2 a photo!

You can take it on your own phone.

I'm the spirit of christmas, boys and girls.

You're a fraud! That's what you are!

Oh, come on, marvin.

Baxter: Do you see what I mean?

I've created more problems than I solved

with this stupid elf thing. -How can you say that?

Especially after the article that came out today.

What article?

Do you live in a cave or something?

Yeah, that's microscopic.

Why don't you just tell me what it says.

84 department stores in 5 states.

People have anonymously gone in

and paid off other people's layaways.

In this city alone, charitable donations

are up 26% over last year.

And yesterday, a guy went into a hospital

and paid off the medical bills of 10 sick kids.

Really?

That's all you, dude.

You started it.

Haven't you seen it for yourself?

Seen what?

Just look.

♪♪

♪♪

people are finally starting to be nice to each other again.

Weird, huh?

Very.

And we're only 12 days from christmas,

and even I'm at the mall.

Why? 'cause people are finally acting civilized again.

I wish mom and dad could be here to see this.

They'd be really proud of you.

♪♪

what are those?

Uh...I don't know.

They're from santa.

They're for me. Can I open them?

No, not till christmas.

Hey! Get your own.

I've got one for you, too.

Do you think we should exchange now?

I thought you said we weren't doing gifts.

That was before you won $50,000

and I knew I could get you something really nice.

Go on, open it.

Whoa.

A 55-200 millimeter lens with image stabilization?

This is great.

The guy at the camera shop

said it was the lightest one they had,

and it's really quiet so you don't scare away

the animals and stuff.

This is an amazing gift.

Thank you.

Honestly...

I was starting to feel like

maybe you didn't support my photography,

but this shows that you do.

I -- oh, I'm floored.

Of course I support you, silly.

Everyone needs a hobby.

♪♪

♪♪

is this the dress that that stupid girl ruined?

Yeah. Got it at gordman's.

Last one they had.

That's so sweet, babe.

I love it.

Ooh, did I tell you I found a few

really great dresses online?

No, you didn't mention it.

Oh, they're gorgeous. They're all designer,

and they're supposed to come by the 28th

so that I can wear one of them on new year's eve.

Mm. Did I tell you I made us reservations for that night?

No. No, you didn't mention that, either.

I did. At bistro robert.

It's kind of chichi, I know, but believe me,

I will fit right in in one of these dresses.

♪♪

did you take this, sweetie?

It's a snowbird, like the one we saw on the walk.

The walk?

When I proposed last February.

You don't remember? We sat down on the log,

and then that little snowbird came down

and walked over to us, and I said that it was so cute,

it must've thought it was a lovebird,

and then you laughed.

And then that's when I -- -really?

I don't remember that.

I mean, of course I remember you proposing --

it was very romantic --

but I don't remember this bird.

Well...

But I do love this picture.

Your photography is beautiful.

So...

What's next?

Next?

Is there more?

That's it. You --

you said that we weren't even gonna do gifts, so...

Well, that's okay.

I like what you got me.

Let's watch a movie.

♪♪

[ tv playing indistinctly ]

[ radio playing indistinctly ]

♪jingle bells, jingle bells♪

♪jingle all the way♪

westin!

Honey, did you find it?

Westin: Mom, it's got a stain on it

from when I spilled my grape juice.

Oh, it sure does. Um...

Oh.

Okay.

No one will ever see it.

[ doorbell rings ] he's here!

Hi!

Hey, there, slugger.

Please, come on in!

Just a little hostess gift.

I hope you're not allergic to mulling spices.

Not at all. Wow. Thank you so much.

[ sniffs ] this is wonderful.

It's like christmas in a box.

Well, come on in.

So, the movie theater is full-time?

Yeah. Yeah.

And in the evenings, I have my own little business

that I do from home.

I try and make and sell jewelry.

I'd love to see something you made.

Oh, um...

Show him, mom.

Well, here's a piece.

Oh, wow. That's stunning.

Thanks.

These must sell like hot cakes.

I -- I have some regular clients.

But it gets hard without a storefront,

'cause people want to try on jewelry before they buy it.

What about one of those little carts in the mall?

You know, kiosks.

Um, yeah. Yeah.

You just have to have a lot of stuff ready to sell.

And buying that much material up front

can get kind of expensive.

Hmm.

Westin, why don't you go get your hockey book

and show him?

♪♪

I've just kind of always been into taking --

oh.

So, westin collects pictures of hockey players,

and he puts them in his book.

Wow. Very cool.

It's like an encyclopedia of hockey stuff.

I would say that you are a certified hockey expert.

Look. This is a ticket from a hockey game.

It's torn 'cause it's used.

Oh. Did you go to the game?

No. I found it on a sidewalk.

That was a lucky find.

You know...

I did bring my camera tonight.

Would you like me to take a picture of you

in your hockey gear so you can add it to the book?

Let me go change.

[ laughs ]

I look good, huh?

Very good. I'd say professional.

Pamela: Who wants dessert?

I'm gonna help your mom.

Yeah, when I try to do icing like this,

it looks ridiculous. -[ laughs ]

westin: Professional...

Pamela: Well, mine doesn't look much better.

Then, I added this, like, chocolate powder thing on it.

But hopefully it's good.

Are you kidding me? This is better than anything

I've ever even bought at a store.

Look at it. It looks like it's from a picture.

Well, you're definitely good at following directions on a box.

-Well, have as much as you want. -Mm-hmm.

I want to show baxter my room.

Well, let's help your mom clean up first.

Then you can show me.

Oh. No, it's fine. You two go ahead.

♪♪

♪♪

you think you can outsmart everyone,

but not me.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Yes, you do, baxter.

Or should I say lucky the elf?

I saw the pictures in your camera,

of all the people getting secret gifts.

You're the one doing it.

First of all, didn't anyone ever tell you

not to go through somebody else's stuff?

And second of all...

You're wrong.

Nice try, mister, but I'm onto you,

and if you want me to keep your secret,

you're gonna have to do something for me.

You're blackmailing me?

I think so.

What do you want?

You used to play hockey, right?

Yeah.

You're gonna teach me how to play

and how to skate better.

And if you don't,

the whole world will know who you really are.

Whew. You drive a hard bargain, kid.

Tell you what.

You got a deal if you promise to keep quiet.

Deal.

Thanks again for dinner.

No, thank you for everything.

I -- I hope our paths cross again at some point.

-Like tomorrow. -What?

Westin: Baxter's meeting me at the skating rink

to teach me hockey.

I have the afternoon off,

so I offered to show him a few pointers.

I hope that's okay. -Oh. Um...

Yeah, sure.

I guess I will see you tomorrow, then.

Good night.

Night.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

what a little devil.

♪♪

you got this.

Yeah, stay low so you have better control.

Keep your back straight.

So, who was that girl helping you when I came in?

She's pretty cute.

Her name's kyra. She's cool.

What time's your mom pick you up?

Oh, she won't be here till after we get back from the mall.

The mall?

You're taking me to the mall.

I need to talk to santa.

The mall's gonna be a nightmare right now.

You don't want me to tell santa your secret, do you?

Whoa. Uh, okay. Mall it is.

And said she's gonna have a pet octopus.

How do you take care of a pet octopus?

Wait. I thought your mom already took you to see santa.

She did. But since you gave me the hockey gear,

I need to tell him to bring me wire instead.

Wait. Wire?

Yeah. So my mom can make more jewelry.

Then she can earn more money,

and she won't have to work that much.

That's what you want to talk to him about?

That and I have to explain we don't have a christmas tree.

So I need to give him instructions

where to leave the gifts so he doesn't skip over us.

Mom said she would e-mail him,

but sometimes she forgets stuff.

I have a better idea.

Why don't we find the exact kind of wire

your mom uses at the craft store,

and then we put it an envelope to santa.

That way, he doesn't get confused.

Not a bad idea.

I could also tell him where to leave the gifts.

You won't have to.

'cause we're gonna go get you guys a tree right now.

Now we're talkin'.

Yeah. Uh-huh.

Pamela: [ gasps ] oh, my goodness!

You really did not have to do this,

but I am so glad you did!

My pleasure.

I think we just need some decorations.

Those we have.

So, this was my grandmother's.

I used to love to listen to her

tell the christmas story.

She wanted me to have this when she passed away.

I don't know what happened to the third wise man.

In this scene, baby jesus only gets gold and myrrh.

[ laughs ]

oh, and this...

I bought when westin was born.

My grandmother always said it was good luck

to have a bird on your tree.

Ohh.

I'm not sure what it means when the bird is broken.

Just means it's time to get a new one.

Maybe lucky the elf will bring you one.

You know that's how westin got his hockey gear?

-No. I didn't. -Oh, yeah.

Left it on the front porch with this -- this tag.

It was pretty incredible.

I would love to meet him.

What would you say if you did?

Thank him, of course.

And...

But ask him why he's doing it.

Probably just likes to see people happy.

Or he's trying to atone for something terrible.

I don't know.

Probably just a...

Nice guy who feels good when he helps people.

I hope so.

It's doing this town a lot of good.

Mom, can we make some paper chains

to put on the tree?

Paper chains?

Why not?

Yes!

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

good night, sweetheart. I love you.

I love you, too, mom.

Can you tell baxter to come in here?

Sure.

[ sighs ]

he wants you to tuck him in.

So, tomorrow, I want you to help me

find a gift for kyra, okay?

Sure. I can do that.

Good night, baxter.

♪♪

sleep tight, slugger.

He's a great kid.

Thanks.

He really likes you.

I think you're his hero.

Can I ask what happened to his dad?

He died.

Five years ago.

Car crash.

I don't think westin even remembers his father.

I'm sorry.

These are really great, though.

[ clears throat ]

thanks.

I made one like this last summer

for a woman who was getting married.

She wanted to wear this...

In her wedding.

Can you imagine?

Yeah, I can.

[ cellphone rings ]

okay. I'm sorry.

Oh, no, no, no. Take it, take it.

Baxter b's photography.

Sorry about that.

Looks like I'll be photographing

the christmas play next week at first covenant.

Oh, that's terrific!

Westin's playing an angel in that play.

I know, I know. A little against type.

Yeah. [ chuckles ]

do you want any help?

I got this.

So I guess I'll see you tomorrow.

Tonight was fun.

Thanks for bringing the tree.

You're welcome.

Baxter: So, what do you think?

She can hang it on her tree.

Do you think she'll like it?

You don't?

I don't know.

I'm not that good with girls.

Yeah. Sometimes I feel the same way.

I don't know. I think the secret

to giving a really great gift

is just to give them something that represents them.

That's the way to win a girl's heart.

At least, that's what I always believed,

but what do I know?

So, are you gonna make one of these for my mom?

Your mom?

How are you gonna get her to go on a date with you?

You need something that'll steal her heart.

[ sighs ]

wes...

I can't go out with your mom.

I'm -- I'm already engaged to get married to someone else.

Why don't you just break up with her

and then date my mom?

It's a little more complicated than that, kiddo.

Is this other girl prettier than my mom?

No, no. Not at all. Your mom's actually really --

mm. [ chuckles ]

they are both very, very pretty.

I'll put it this way.

If you don't go on a date with my mom...

I might have to spill your secret.

Don't you think you're taking this blackmailing thing

a bit far? -No.

Just forget everything else I want and do this one thing.

You can even take back my hockey stuff.

You want me to go out with your mom that bad?

Why?

Because when you were helping mom with the tree,

that was the happiest I've ever seen her.

By the way, you were happy, too.

Come on. Let's practice.

I can text this other girl for you

and tell her to get lost.

Come on. Out on the ice.

Now.

Yeah.

♪♪

[ doorbell rings ]

hey! What are you doing here?

I wanted to drop this off for you.

It's just...A little something for you to put on your tree.

That's sweet. Come on in.

Oh!

You wrapped it really well.

I tried.

[ gasps ]

it's a snowbird!

I love it.

I took that picture a couple weeks back.

I know it can't replace the broken one,

but I...

Are you sad?

Oh, no, no, no, no. This was supposed to make you --

no, it's -- it's beautiful.

I...

I can't believe you came all this way

just to give this to me.

Hey, let's... See what he looks like.

Hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm.

Eh?

I think it deserves...

To be on top.

Oh, um...

-Wow. Okay. -[ laughs ]

yeah.

It's perfect.

Now you'll have good luck.

It's already good.

Is something wrong?

Actually, um...

I'm -- I'm engaged.

Oh, my. I, um...

I'm sorry. I didn't -- I didn't know.

No. No, no, no, no.

I -- I -- I, um...

I-I-I'm gonna go.

Westin's probably waiting for me at the rink, so...

♪♪

[ sighs ]

♪♪

westin: You should go give it to her.

It'll mean more coming from you.

You just got to man up.

What if she gives it back and says she doesn't like me?

Well, it's a risk.

But no risk, no reward, right?

I want her to like me real bad.

Don't do it because you want her to like you.

Do it because it'll make her happy.

But I don't think she'll give it back.

Now's your chance.

Go. Go, go, go, go, go.

[ whispering ] please don't give it back,

please don't give it back, please don't give it back.

♪♪

♪♪

score! She loved it.

What's wrong?

What's wrong?

Where do I start, lucky?

You've spent $22,000 on total strangers.

-You went through my desk? -Oh, really?

You're gonna make this about me going through your stuff?

How about we focus on the fact that you lied to me?

I -- I didn't lie.

You certainly didn't tell me the truth.

I thought we were spending that money on the wedding.

-There's still enough -- -enough?

That's not even what I'm upset about right now.

You would rather spend thousands of dollars

on people you don't even know than on your own fiancée!

That was supposed to be our money,

to start our life together.

We're starting our life together anyway.

But there are some people who -- who need it more than we do.

Okay. That's great.

And it's great that you want to do nice things for people,

but this was our chance to put some money away,

a down payment on a house,

a cushion in case something happens,

invest -- invest for retirement.

I hear what you're saying.

It's hard to think about

money that we might need 25 years down the line

when there are people who need it now.

I don't care. I don't care about them!

I care about us!

I do care, though. Okay?

Seeing those people happy makes me happy.

Do I look happy to you, baxter?

Do I?

I didn't do it to hurt you.

Yeah, but you didn't think about me, either.

You didn't tell me because you knew how I felt about it.

If their happiness is more important to you than mine,

then I don't see how this is gonna work.

Please don't take that off.

Audrey: I'm sorry, baxter. I'm done.

No. Audrey...

[ door opens, closes ]

♪♪

♪♪

thank you.

What're those?

Lucky elves, and they're the most popular drink here.

The bartender says people

are buying them for total strangers.

Mm. That's disgusting.

Keep drinkin'. They grow on you.

You know, sometimes it takes an event like

winning money to see people for who they really are.

She's not a bad person, toby. She has every right to be angry.

I did spend half the cash without telling her.

Personally, I don't think you and audrey work.

Never have. Lydia agrees.

You're just telling me this now?

Bottom line --

compatibility is about being

with someone who finds happiness in the same things you do.

Charity makes you happy.

Audrey doesn't share in that.

For one to be happy, the other can't.

That means you're not compatible.

Yeah, but...

We have been together for a long time.

So what?

Sometimes things break and you can't fix them -- like the car.

You hold on to it because you feel guilty letting it go

even though you know it's time to get rid of it.

The car is my connection to dad.

You know what my connection to dad is?

Right in here.

He's with me every single day.

I don't need a broken-down car

to remind me of what a good father he was.

Mm. Why?

Audrey's not the one.

You wouldn't cut the cord, so fate did it for you.

Now you're free to do whatever makes you happy.

It's the best thing that could've happened to you.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

hi. Go ahead and wrap that up, please.

Marvin: Hey! It's you!

Lucky! Lucky the elf!

Hey, everybody! This guy is the real lucky the elf!

Sorry. He's, uh -- he's, uh -- wait. What is this?

Oh, is that straight booze? He's drunk.

-Oh, no, just coffee. -Okay. Let's just, uh...

Are you kidding me?

That was a secret, remember?

Do you know how many con artists there are

trying to say that they're you?

-Don't worry about it. -Well, it's not fair.

You're the one doing the good deeds,

and they're just trying to --

there are plenty of people doing good deeds.

People will see the imposters for who they are eventually.

Woman: Hey. Is that true? Are you lucky the elf?

He bought me a bed! And lunch!

No. No, no, no. No, no. It's not me.

It's not -- it's not me. It's not me, I promise.

You don't need to take a picture.

Amanda:A homeless man today

identified a local man

as the mysterious lucky the elf.

The man, baxter billings,

is a photographer who's been using the money

he won from don garrett's luxury imports

to make holiday wishes come true.

He received a very warm welcome from shoppers

who referred to him as

"the man who revived the christmas spirit."

from the mall here in fremont, I'm amanda shen.

[ children shouting ]

guys, guys! I'm not lucky!

All right!

Everybody out on the ice.

Leave this poor man alone.

Thanks.

Hey, no problem.

Nice job.

Thanks, but I'm not lucky.

Right.

Hey, westin!

Pamela: Baxter?

Hey.

Hi.

Can I talk to you?

Look, I may not have a lot of money,

but I'm doing the best I can with westin.

When he needs clothes for school, he gets them.

When he needed braces for his teeth,

I might've had to put them on payments, but he got them.

What are we talking about here?

Be honest with me.

Westin and I are just one of your charity cases,

aren't we?

No. Not at all.

It's nothing like that.

It all makes so much sense now.

I was such an idiot.

You have it all wrong.

I like you and westin.

I like you a lot.

And I enjoy spending time with you more than you know.

When you're not spending time with your fiancée?

Not anymore.

When I bought westin that hockey stuff,

it was just 'cause I wanted the kid to be happy.

But then I spent time with him...

And you, and...

I don't want to talk about this here.

Can I -- can I buy you dinner tonight?

We can just sit down, find someplace quiet,

and I will explain everything to you.

Baxter, I think you've bought us enough stuff.

Have a nice christmas.

No...

♪♪

baxter: You really messed things up for me, man.

I'm sorry. Wasn't my intention.

I know.

It's just...

I just wanted to make people happy.

And all I did was upset everyone.

She thinks I wasn't being genuine.

Were you?

Of course.

Pam's amazing.

How could anyone not fall in love with her?

She's kind

and funny

and sweet.

She's a great mom.

Oh, you wouldn't believe how talented

and creative she is.

But it's not just that.

You know?

She knows how to make everything fun.

Whenever it's time to go, I just want to stay.

And when I'm not with her,

I'm just thinking about her constantly.

Oh. This sucks.

What am I gonna do?

Maybe, uh...

Tell her all that?

Yeah, I would, but she won't listen to me.

[ scoffs ] man up.

-Huh? -That's pathetic.

If this is the woman of your dreams,

you need to try a little harder.

"boo-hoo-hoo.

She won't listen to me.

Nobody likes me.

I just upset people.

Waaah!"

you are lucky the elf, man.

You single-handedly revived the christmas spirit.

Surely you can figure out

how to get this lady to listen to you.

You know what?

You're right.

And I know exactly what to do.

♪♪

hey!

Hey.

You leave your toothbrush or something?

[ chuckles ] no, silly.

I wanted to see you.

Thought maybe we could talk.

I was really angry the other day,

and I said some things that I didn't mean.

Like...

You don't want to marry me?

That was stupid.

I've been thinking

about all those people you helped, and...

Everyone seems so...

Grateful.

I really shouldn't have been that upset about it.

Look, I-I really don't have time to talk right now.

I'm on my way to a gig, but...

I thought about what you said, and...

I think you actually made the right decision.

By leaving you?

Yeah.

Wait. So...

You don't want to get married?

No.

But...

I thought you loved me.

I thought I did, too.

But then I realized that when you love something,

you want to fight for it.

And I don't.

I don't feel that way.

But it's the truth.

And I think it's time for me

to be honest with everyone,

including myself.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I really do have to go.

♪♪

-hey! -How's it going?

[ indistinct chatter ]

♪♪

♪♪

hey, westin.

What are you doing here?

I'm photographing the christmas play.

What are you so upset about?

You made me keep your secret,

and then you went and told the whole world.

Not me. Marvin.

Believe me, I wanted to keep that secret as much as anyone,

but it happened.

There's nothing I can do about it.

All I can do is be honest with your mom

about how I really feel about her.

What does that mean?

You want to go out on a date with my mom?

If she'll let me.

Really?

Yeah. And I -- I even got her a gift.

I just need to know where she is. Is she here?

Yeah. She's helping with the costumes in the back.

But she's gonna sit right over there.

Perfect.

Wish me luck.

Don't screw this up.

You aren't good when it comes to girls.

Thanks, buddy.

Man: All right, all cast members report to backstage

at this time, please.

[ sighs ]

pam?

Baxter?

What are you doing here?

I'm shooting the christmas play, but I wanted to talk to you.

I thought I was very clear.

Westin and I don't need anything else from you,

but thank you. -I know you don't.

But I just want to -- -seriously,

I don't want to do this here.

The show's about to start.

Girl: Welcome to our play -- "the miracle of christmas."

christmas is a wonderful time.

Most of us celebrate by putting up christmas trees...

...Hanging stockings, and giving each other gifts.

But christmas was very different 2,000 years ago.

Here's the story of how it all began with a baby,

a manger, and three wise men.

It started in bethlehem...

With a man named joseph and a woman named mary.

The angel gabriel came to mary

with a very important message.

[ feedback whines ]

I'm not gabriel, but I have an important message, too.

I want to talk about giving people gifts.

You don't give people gifts

because you expect something back.

You give them gifts because the gift

keeps going and going, and someday,

it comes back to you bigger than it was before.

Just like lucky the elf.

He gave some people gifts,

and it made everybody want to give more gifts.

His presents were real because he didn't want anything back.

When you give somebody a gift,

what you get back is a feeling in your heart,

and then you're happy, too.

Baxter, just give it to her now.

Baxter: Wha--

this isn't how I planned to do this, but, um...

Oh. Uh, I have something to say...

I-it's true.

Yes.

I'm lucky.

I admit it.

I kept it a secret

because I didn't want to be the focus of attention.

I wanted it to be on the people who were happy.

But in being secretive, I...

Hurt the one person that I didn't want to hurt.

Look, I may not be able to give my son

everything that other kids have,

but I love him.

I love him more than anything.

And I try to always put him first.

I love you, too, mom.

Please don't cry.

Baxter, you're totally screwing this up.

Yeah.

Yes, pam, I met you

because I gave westin the hockey stuff.

But spending time with you and him...

It showed me that wherever I was before,

it wasn't the right place.

I went searching for happiness, okay?

And I found it as lucky.

But when I was with you,

putting up the tree, having dinner,

teaching him to skate...

I found it as baxter.

But you lied to me.

To you, to them, myself...

Yeah.

Look, I was wandering around,

lost, trying to figure out...

[ sighs ]

...Where I was supposed to be.

Well, you know what? I figured it out.

I'm supposed to be with you.

And if you want to be mad at me and never talk to me again,

I understand, but first,

I'm gonna give you this gift.

No secrets about it.

Mom, take the gift.

♪♪

[ gasps ]

it took him a little while, but he finally caught up.

I'm not engaged anymore.

You're not?

Because of me?

And that guy.

But mostly...

Because I love you.

I love you, too.

Come here.

[ applause ]

♪♪

oh, my!

♪♪

[ instrumental "joy to the world" playing ]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

it's christmas!

Santa came!

He did.

What are you doing?

I want to call baxter and tell him that santa came.

Who wants cinnamon rolls?

-You're here! -Yeah, of course.

Where else would I be?

This is the best christmas ever.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

oh, it was really sweet of you to do that.

And he needed a new backpack, too.

I know.

Same color I was about to get for myself, but...

[ chuckles ]

-oh. -Well, what's that?

It's for baxter.

-Oh. -Huh.

Oh, wow! A calendar.

Cool.

And that's my birthday so you don't forget.

-Westin... -What?

How else is he supposed to know?

And that's the day you're gonna have an art show.

That is a terrific sentiment, kiddo,

but two months isn't really enough time

to prepare for an art show.

I don't have any photos that people want to buy.

I think you do.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪