Original subtitles

- In front of each of you is a folder with your assignments

to get us across the finish line.

I spent the last 18 hours straight creating this list,

so don't stray from it, because if we do this right,

we can turn this one campaign into a whole lot more.

So let's knock it outta the park.

Final pitch concepts need to be locked by next Thursday.

I want fresh ideas, innovative strategies.

Something that screams we are the only choice for you.

- So sorry to interrupt, Ms. Parker, but Christmas?

- What better time to take advantage

than when everyone else is taking time off?

Guys, come on, this is a whale we're talking about.

They wanna make tidal waves with this campaign,

and we gotta make sure we give them the momentum

to ride it out with us.

- And we will, but not on Christmas.

- Thought we were keeping our noses

to the grindstone on this one.

- And we are, but I know that you can get the job done

and still take a break for the holidays.

Listen, you've all done a tremendous job this year,

and I know that you can all come together

and deliver what Ms. Parker here needs

after the holiday, all right?

Now, let's get to it.

(Jules sighs)

Jules.

- Adam.

- You know I absolutely admire your drive.

You've got an energy that very few can keep up with.

- Thank you.

- Now, it's only been a year

since I promoted you to head of creative,

and your work has been second to none.

However, that doesn't mean we can't afford

to give our people a break.

It's Christmas.

- I just wouldn't wanna miss an opportunity

to set us apart from everyone else.

Now's the time when we can jump ahead,

get an edge while they're busy wrapping presents.

- It's not about wrapping the presents,

it's about who the presents are for,

you know, friends, family.

You're the brightest mind we have here,

and everyone, even you deserves a break every now and again.

After all, you earned it.

(gentle upbeat music)

(upbeat festive music)

- January can't come soon enough.

(horns honking)

- Jules, you, uh, you got a minute?

I believe you know him Anne Lattimore, our CFO.

- Of course. Good to see you.

- We just, uh, got out of a meeting

with Victoria Barringer from Dresden Media,

and their attorney's discussing the likelihood of a lawsuit.

- A lawsuit.

- We have emails from your company account

to their publishers approving the IDA campaign launch.

- Yes, I did.

Well, Dresden did.

- Right, but not the timing.

Just, you know, they didn't wanna launch

before the new year.

We talked about this.

- Yes, but we also discussed that it would-

- There's no correcting the mistake.

(tense music)

We are placing you on leave with immediate effect.

And to be honest, I would fire you here and now,

but until this legal situation is resolved,

we can't officially.

- I understand.

- Good day.

- What were you thinking?

- It was the right thing to do.

You know better than anyone,

unless you're selling gym memberships,

don't launch in January.

- Right, so you thought it was appropriate

to just go over their head?

Go over my head because you know better than everyone.

- Adam, you know I'm right.

- You know what, maybe you are, Jules,

but until you learn to just take a step back

and listen to people, you're never gonna find real success.

Look, I think, (sighs)

I think this is a good time for you to take a break.

Okay, go see friends and family,

and just think about something other than work, okay?

- Okay.

(gentle music)

♪ On the first day of Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

♪ A partridge in a pear tree ♪

♪ On the second ♪

(phone buzzing)

- (laughs) All right.

Yes, yes.

Hey, Jules. Unexpected.

What's up?

- Hey, Dad.

You got a minute?

- Oh yeah, the wrapping can wait.

So what's going on?

- Is mom home?

- Oh yeah, yeah.

Hang on.

Hey, honey!

- No, no, no, no.

I, I just meant I want to talk to you,

you know, away from her.

- Oh, okay, okay. Just a minute.

- Yes?

- Hey. - Hi.

- I just wanted to let you know,

I'm gonna be out in the shop

and just working, okay, on something.

- Okay, something, huh? - Yeah.

- Well, wrap up.

You know it gets cold out there.

- Thanks.

(upbeat music)

Hey, hun.

What's up? Why the secrecy?

- It's not secrecy, I just wanted to tell you first

'cause she might overreact a bit.

- Overreact.

Okay, now you got me worried.

Is everything okay?

- Yeah, I'm, I'm fine.

I, um, I think I just got fired.

- What do, what do you mean you think?

- My company's being sued

because I may have gone over the client's head a bit.

It was the right decision.

- Jules, honey, you are more like your mom

than you wanna admit, you know that?

So, I guess you won't be going back into the office.

- They suspended me, said I should take some time off.

- Well, that's great, hun.

Sorry it's not great,

but you know, you could use some time off.

- You sound like my boss.

- Maybe.

Getting out of the city will do you some good,

you know, and selfishly,

I would love to see my baby girl back here.

You're working too hard, you know,

but that runs in the family, doesn't it? (laughs)

Well, part of the family anyway.

- [Jules] Yeah.

- And I, uh, I think family

might be just what you need right now.

Now listen, you tell your mom about your work

when you want, how you want.

She's gonna wanna know, hun,

and, uh, she'll be here for you, you know that.

We love you.

- I love you too, Dad.

- So is that a yes?

- I'll think about it.

- Yes! Go!

Sorry. (laughs)

Well, one last question,

was it cookies and cream or rocky road?

- Cookies.

- Oh, honey, you must be upset.

- (laughs) Bye, Dad.

(upbeat music)

(birds singing)

(Jules sighs)

- Jules! (Patrick laughing)

- All right.

Welcome home, kiddo. - Oh, nice to be here.

- I'm gonna grab your luggage.

- Okay. - Okay.

(Patrick laughing)

- So, honey, how's work?

- [Jules] Fine.

- I feel like you've been working there nonstop

for the past couple of years.

Surprised you're not running the place.

Is there any exciting news?

- Nope.

I mean, yeah, we're, we're busy,

but nothing really to report.

Kind of slowing down for the holidays soon.

- Oh, well, things are just starting

to ramp up over here.

It's the 25th anniversary of the carnival.

It's gonna be the best year yet.

- 25 years. Wow.

Sure it's gonna be great.

- So, you think you'll be around for it this year?

- Oh, I don't know, Mom.

- You said work was slowing down.

- [Jules] It is, but-

- Well, I mean, it would be so wonderful if you were here,

not just for the carnival.

It's been so long since you spent Christmas with us.

- I'd love to, Mom.

- And it would mean so much to your father and I.

I mean, the whole town is really in the spirit of things.

The 25th anniversary and all,

I mean, it would truly be a magical Christmas.

- Actually, Mom, I-

- Oh, and you can bring a boyfriend, or partner,

or whatever it is you're calling them these days,

if you have any plans with them.

Are you seeing anyone?

- Actually, you know, the last I heard,

they're calling it a life mate now, instead of a partner,

which I kind of like, you know,

because you're sharing lives pretty much, you know.

- Well, the amount of time you spend with that table saw,

I'd say that's more of your life mate.

(Deanna laughing) (Patrick laughing)

Thanks, honey.

- Of course.

- Juliana.

- Mm-hmm?

- Your father has always had the talent

of changing the subject with ease,

but I'm not gonna ignore

what's going on right in front of me.

- What do you mean? - Sweetheart, I know you.

Something's going on.

- Mom, I'm fine.

- I know I can be a bit overzealous about the holidays,

but we really would like to spend some time with you,

holidays or not.

- Yeah, I, I'd like that.

- So, can you tell me?

- Tell you what? - What's going on?

- There's nothing going on.

- Is it another breakup? - No.

- Are you depressed? - No.

- Something going on at work? - No, Mom,

I'm just tired from the drive, okay?

- Sweetheart, I just wanna- - Just forget about it.

(gentle music)

- Hi.

(gentle upbeat music)

How'd it go?

That good, huh?

(chimes ringing) (gentle music)

(upbeat music)

(phone ringing)

- [Operator] Your call has been forwarded

to an automatic voice message.

- Hun, it's only been a day.

You know, sometimes the best thing you can do

is just do nothing.

It's gonna be okay, you'll see.

(gentle music)

Where's that one going?

- Well, I thought the back porch

could use a little something.

- Would not call that little.

- Well, maybe I got a little carried away.

So I'm, uh, gonna go into town and run some errands.

Care to join me?

I'm really glad you're coming with me today.

I think you might actually enjoy yourself.

- Okay, I'll bite. What are we doing?

- As it's the 25th anniversary,

I wanted to do something truly special,

really push the boat out.

- Two carnivals?

- It's not quite.

- What are we doing, Mom?

- How about a coffee?

(chimes ringing)

(upbeat music)

I pledged an additional million dollars

for the new carnival proposal.

- Wow.

Isn't that like double what you normally do?

- A bit more actually.

- Why?

- Well, more money means they'll approve bigger events,

attractions, permit areas, music, everything.

- So instead of doing what's been a success

for the last two decades, you're gonna take a massive risk

and it could cancel the whole thing altogether.

- You've never taken a risk before?

It's not about the carnival, Jules,

it's about the community and the people it helps.

A bigger carnival means bigger donors, bigger impact.

- And bigger applause when you light the tree opening night.

I didn't mean it like that.

- It's okay.

I can't deny I do love opening the carnival.

But I'll be leaving that to someone else next year.

- What do you mean?

- This is my last year running the carnival.

25 years is, it's more than enough time at the helm,

and there's some really brilliant people

on the council that can take over.

- Mom, the whole town's gonna be crushed.

- I haven't told anyone yet, just your father.

- Really? Why not?

- Because, Juliana, contrary to what you might think,

carnival isn't about me,

and I don't wanna distract

from what could be our biggest year yet, hm?

What better way than to go out with a big bang?

- An extra million dollars is certainly a bang.

- Well, why do you think I brought you along?

You're gonna be my secret weapon.

Million dollar deals are a walk in the park for you,

so a few carnival sponsorships shouldn't be a problem.

- Okay.

- Well, we better get going.

We have a bit of a drive ahead of us.

- Where are we going?

- Want big sponsors, go to a bigger market.

- Now?

Okay. - Come on.

(upbeat festive music)

- Mrs. Parker? - Yes. Hi.

And let me introduce you to my partner,

this is Juliana.

- Jules, her daughter.

- Great, great.

Well, let's head to my office.

- So, we believe that not only would your company

be an incredible sponsorship for the carnival,

but would also showcase this place in a magnanimous light.

Really emphasize your company's

part of the community and working for them.

- Mrs. Parker-

- Please, Deanna.

- Deanna, this all sounds amazing,

and you make a very clear point

on why this would be a good fit.

But I'm afraid we're focused on more local events,

and Madisonville is an exactly our community.

- I see.

- Thank you so much for your time.

- [Clerk] Ken, we need you.

- Ladies, will you excuse me one moment?

Thank you.

- Well, one no doesn't-

- You're not gonna let him get away with that, are you?

- Get away with what?

- You just did all that hard work reeling him in,

and now you're gonna let him off the hook like that?

No way.

You have the biggest holiday charity event

north of Nashville, right?

- Sure.

- And people come from all over to be there.

- Of course.

- Okay, then you make him realize

it would be the biggest mistake of his career

not to sponsor the carnival.

- How am I gonna do that when he already said no?

- Sorry about that.

Where were we?

(gentle upbeat music)

- You were saying that you wanted

to focus on more local events.

- Ah, yes.

- Let's be honest, Ken, you're in Nashville.

I bet, what, only 20% of your revenue

comes from people in the zip code?

The rest is from tourists.

- Well, yes.

- Right, so a local event will cost you,

but won't increase your customer base.

But supporting an event,

the largest holiday charity event north of Nashville,

with thousands of potential customers

will not only increase your customer base,

but do so in a way that's friendly and approachable,

and not trying to get you to buy more running shoes.

In the last five years, city-based sponsors

have seen a massive increase in positive public opinion

because they're being seen supporting

the right kind of events, this event,

and that's what building community is all about.

- Well, I think anyone in their right mind

would be crazy to say no to something like that.

- So don't.

- Let's do it.

(upbeat music)

- Brilliant, Jules, just brilliant.

- Well, you did most of the work.

I just put the icing on it.

- No, the way you completely changed his mind,

showed him the value, the importance of sponsoring us,

just wow.

I know why they wanna keep you

so busy out here in Nashville.

- Yeah.

- One more stop today.

It's the big one at the bank,

if you don't mind coming, of course.

- Of course.

- Wait until I tell your father

I've got Santa's little helper with me.

(upbeat festive music)

- Oh. (phone buzzing)

Mom, I have to take this.

I'll see you in there, okay?

- Okay, don't be long.

I need my ringer in there.

- Hey, how are you? What's happening?

- Hey Jules, how are you?

- Good. Good.

Yeah, I, I took your advice,

spending some time with the 'rents.

Don't repeat this, but I think you were right.

It's definitely doing me some good.

- Well, that's good to hear.

- So, any word on the Dresden thing?

- Uh, yeah, actually that's, uh, that's why I'm calling.

We caught a break and they're not gonna pursue a lawsuit.

- (sighs) Whoo.

That's fantastic.

- Yeah, to be honest, it's actually thanks to you.

They're not gonna outright admit it,

but the numbers on the launch

you approved are skyrocketing.

It's more clients, more traffic,

and it's only been a week.

- That's great.

See, we knew it was the right time.

Bent the rules a little bit but-

- It broke the rules.

You, you broke the rules.

The partners decided they're still gonna let you go.

- What?

But you just said that-

- Come on, Jules, listen,

look at it from their perspective, okay?

You could have cost the company millions of dollars,

started a legal battle, even got people fired.

You took a massive risk,

and the company would've taken the fall.

If you were in charge, what would you do?

I wanted to be the ones to tell you

because I'm sorry to lose you, I really am.

But the decision's been made.

- I understand.

- Yeah, I'll see you Jules.

(somber music)

(Jules sighs)

- Hey, kiddo. You ready to go?

Jules, you okay?

- Yeah, I'm fine.

- All right, well, let's go.

- Actually, Mom, I don't think I can go in there right now.

I have to take care of something, so.

- Everything okay?

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

- Okay, well, I mean, we have our biggest pitch.

- You know what I'm gonna,

I'm gonna find my own ride home.

- Oh.

(gentle music)

(chimes ringing)

Jules, I, er, I spoke to the bank today

and they'd be happy to have us come back

tomorrow for a meeting instead.

- Oh, I don't think I'll be able to make it, Mom,

but I'm sure you'll be fine without me.

Come on, Mom, you're like the queen of Christmas.

I'm sure they'll be happy to help you.

- I think we can both agree that after today,

I could use some help.

Maybe you could spend some more time over the holidays

and be my sort of partner.

- Oh, no, no, no, I have to get back to the city.

I can't be away for that long.

- Well, your, your dad told me

you were on a, a bit of a hiatus,

so I thought that maybe-

- Hiatus?

Oh, that'd be nice.

I actually got fired today,

so thank you, Dad.

Thanks for that.

- Honey, I didn't know.

- Oh, I'm so sorry, honey.

Is there anything that we can do?

- Can you turn back time?

- Hey, maybe helping Mom with carnival

it'll, you know, take your mind off stuff.

(Jules sighs)

- In case you haven't noticed,

the last 25 years of this thing

has been more than enough Christmas for me.

- Honey.

- Dea, Dea, Dea, Dea,

let's give her a minute.

- If you need me, I'll be in my room with Ben and Jerry.

- Oh. - Oh, boy.

It's cookie dough.

We need to give her more than a minute.

(gentle music)

- [Deanna] Honey, are you okay?

- Yeah.

(Jules sighs)

(gentle music)

(chimes ringing) (gentle upbeat music)

♪ Joy to the world ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Let's sing again ♪

- Jules. Jules Parker?

- Oh my goodness.

Nick White?

- (laughs) Wow, long time no see.

So what brings you to my little slice of paradise?

- Uh, just seeing if these things still work.

- Well, if I remember correctly,

they used to work just fine.

So how you been?

- Surviving.

What about you?

Thought hockey would've taken you away.

- Oh, yeah, it tried. (laughs)

It tried, but my ACL had completely different plans for me.

- Ah, Nick, sorry.

- No, no, no, don't be. It happens.

You know, besides, life has a funny way

of throwing curve balls at you.

It all works out for the best.

Ended up taking over the rink a couple years back.

Been really good. Keeps me busy.

- That's great, Nick.

- Yeah, thanks.

So what about you?

A ligament injury bring you home for the holidays?

What's going on? (Jules laughs)

- Something like that. - Excuse me.

Can you please help me with these skates?

- Duty calls.

We're closing up soon, so the ice is all yours.

It's good to see you.

- Thanks.

- All right, what do we got here?

(gentle upbeat music)

- Hey, where you going?

- Oh, um, Kathy asked me to pick up a few things

for the council meeting tomorrow.

It'll be super quick.

- Okay.

Uh, hey Dea, you know Jules,

she's, she's Jules, you know?

But she loves you.

- Yeah.

(gentle upbeat music)

(skates scratching)

(gentle upbeat music continues)

- Ms. Parker, you okay?

- Yeah, it's just been a while.

- I mean, it's looking pretty good for just been a while.

- Thanks. (phone buzzing)

Oh, I should get this.

Hey, Dad.

I'm so sorry about earlier-

- [Patrick] Your mom was in an accident.

- What?

(tense music)

I have to go.

(tense music)

- [Announcer] Paging Dr. Bender.

Paging Dr. Bender.

(tense music)

(machinery beeping)

(chimes ringing) (tense music continues)

(machinery beeping)

- [Patrick] Sweetie, sweetie.

You should go get some rest.

(Jules sighs)

- No, I should be here.

- Sweetie, there, there's not anything

we can do at this point.

Go home, get some sleep.

- No, I'm not tired.

- We need to be strong for her, hun.

Hey, we'll switch off, deal?

- Okay. - Okay.

(gentle music)

(chimes ringing)

♪ Santa Claus ♪

♪ Santa's elves ♪

- Jules.

- Hey.

- Hey, I'm so sorry.

I heard about Dea.

- Thanks.

- How is she?

- She's okay, I think.

I don't know.

Doctors can't really give us more

than we have to wait, which is infuriating.

- Hey, think I've got something that'll help.

(upbeat festive music)

Ooh, got anything not Christmas related?

- Tis the season.

- Yeah, just feels like there's no escaping it sometimes.

- It's just hot chocolate. (laughs)

But I, I do know what you mean.

- You ever try to leave?

- Yeah, I have actually.

I did, I mean, hockey, it was my entire life,

sports, the ice, all of it.

After I, uh, after I hurt my knee, I couldn't stand

to be within a thousand miles of an ice rink or snow.

I mean, pretty much anything that reminded me of it,

I had to go, so I left.

- Hmm, where'd you go?

- Rio.

- Like Brazil, Rio?

- Yep, like Brazil, Rio. (laughs)

I lived there for a couple years actually.

- Oh, cool.

It's certainly far away from here.

Why'd you choose Rio?

- Familiarity.

Can't live anywhere

that doesn't take the carnival seriously.

(Jules laughing) (Nick laughing)

- (sighs) So what brought you back?

- I guess I missed it.

You know, not just hockey, but the community,

the people here, like your mom.

Uh, I'm sorry, sorry.

I didn't mean to bring her up.

I know it's a little too soon.

- No, it's okay.

- It's just so wild.

It couldn't have happened to a nicer person,

especially right before the carnival too.

- Yes, we can't forget about the carnival.

- You do know that it does a lot of good

for a lot of people here.

- No, I know.

Just ignore me.

I think I'm, I'm feeling a little guilty.

- Guilty. Why?

- Yeah, my mom and I kind of had a thing,

and it was about the carnival.

This time of year, it just isn't for me.

- Well, you can't stop the snow

and you can't stop Christmas carols.

But the carnival, I don't think you're gonna have

to worry about that anymore,

'cause without Dea, it's probably not gonna happen.

We're just gonna be waiting until next year or something.

- Isn't there like a whole committee that can take over?

- Yeah, but we're more like a bunch of sidekicks.

And before you say anything, don't give me that look.

Yes, we, I am on the committee and I'm proud of it.

But essentially we're just there to do

what she tells us to do,

so without her, we're nothing.

- You know what, I should probably

get back to the hospital, give my dad a break.

- Okay, yeah.

Hey, if, uh, if you ever want to talk,

or if you want another one of these,

you know where to find me.

- Sounds good.

(chimes ringing) (gentle music)

(somber music)

(machinery beeping)

(door knocks)

- I didn't mean to intrude.

- No, no, it's fine.

Please come in.

- I just wanted to drop off some good tidings.

- These are beautiful. Thank you.

- Oh, there you go.

- Mom loves these.

- Oh no, they're for you, honey.

I figured between you and Pat,

you could use some rest and relaxation yourselves.

- That's extremely kind.

Thank you.

- Kathy. Kathy Tomlin.

I'm on the council with your mother.

- The carnival. - Yeah.

Not gonna be the same without one this year,

and on the 25th anniversary.

Dea has worked so hard.

- Well, they both did.

Jules here has been helping Dea with her deals.

They make a pretty good team from what I hear.

- Well, apples don't fall too far

from the tree now, do they?

- No. (Kathy laughs)

- Well, again, I didn't mean to intrude.

You know my deepest sympathies are with you both.

And we're all pulling for Dea.

This time of year just doesn't seem right without her,

or the carnival.

Well, I'll see you.

- Thank you, Kathy.

- I'm so sorry, Dad.

- Why?

- Mom, last night at dinner.

- You know what mom told me yesterday

after you all got home?

- Have we signed a sponsor?

- No, no.

She said she knew why you left,

why you moved to the city.

- Dad, it's not what you think.

- You in your element, sitting there making deals

and pitching it to the big wigs,

showing 'em why they're signing on, yeah.

It's, it's not about the carnival,

and it's not even about the charity.

It's because they believe in you, hun,

like I do and like mom does.

(gentle upbeat music)

She said that she saw you were destined for bigger things,

much bigger than anything in this town,

and, and then she finally understood. (chuckles)

- Uh, you know what, Dad?

I think I'm gonna go get a coffee.

Do you want anything?

- Oh yeah, uh,

I could use a, a gingerbread latte.

- You got it.

- Thanks.

(gentle upbeat music)

- Hi.

- Hi. - Come in.

Hi Jules. Sorry about your mom.

We're all praying for a speedy recovery.

- Thanks.

(gentle upbeat music)

- Hey.

- Might be a little cold.

- It's okay.

(coughs) You know, I had an idea.

Your mom was supposed to be teaching tonight,

so how about you fill in?

- Me teach?

- Yeah.

- No, I'm hardly in the right head space for that.

- Well, I can't think of a better reason

for a diversion than this.

Look, I know the dean and she'd love to have you fill in.

Come on, Jules, you're good at what you do.

People are gonna listen.

Hopefully it's just this one time.

I mean, your mom would really like it.

- All right, I'll do it.

- Good.

(Jules sighing) (chimes ringing)

(bright music)

(Jules sighs)

- Uh, good evening everyone.

My name is Jules Parker.

I'll be filling in for my mom, Deanna.

So it looks like you have been going over business models.

- Models are great in theory,

but application is everything.

What's the real stuff that matters?

(Jules sighs)

- Okay, well, I'm sure you've all heard the term

"Know your market."

Well, in the real world,

it's not just about knowing your market,

it's about connecting with them.

You have to deliver value in a way that feels personal,

but that they don't expect.

(Jules laughs)

- Well, you are full of surprises.

I, I have to say that was impressive.

I had no idea that you also teach.

- I had no idea you take marketing classes.

- Well, I do. Gotta stay on my toes.

Um, yeah, no, well,

I couldn't help but notice

how passionate you are

about marketing and I um-

- And you?

- How do you feel about sitting in

on the carnival council meeting tomorrow?

I'm not suggesting your involvement,

and you certainly don't have to.

I'm not even saying

that the carnival's gonna happen if you do.

But I know that I would be kicking myself

if I didn't ask because I was too scared,

so this is me asking.

- If you don't ask, you don't get.

- I'll take that.

Noon tomorrow, that work for you?

(gentle upbeat music)

(door knocking)

(Jules sighing)

- Hey Nick.

(upbeat festive music)

- You said noon works, right?

- We are so excited.

- Wouldn't be a carnival council meeting without a Parker.

- Hey, how you doing? - Hi.

- Hey.

- Hi Jules.

(Jules laughs)

- Nick, what is this?

- Council meeting, noon.

You said you were okay with it.

- Yeah, but you,

I thought you were gonna pick me up at noon.

I didn't know you were gonna bring the whole entourage here.

- And this is where the council meeting is.

It's been that way every year.

Thought you knew that.

- I do now.

(tense music)

- Okay, let's get this underway, shall we?

Well, I'd like to start by saying

that we all have Dea in our prayers,

but how wonderful it is to have Jules join us.

- Oh, thanks.

Um, I'm sure she'd much rather be here.

Well, glad I can show support.

- Right then, first order of business.

I think we can all agree that with only a few weeks left,

this year's carnival will have

to be put off until next year.

- (sighs) We've already worked so hard, everyone.

We owe it to Dea to figure this out.

- Nick, I'm sorry, but this year Dea really went for it.

We're talking about money that we've never spent before,

and I worked the budget with her,

and we still need almost $1.2 million before next week.

She was supposed to bring in some big new sponsors

and without them, I just,

I'm afraid it's just not possible.

- Yeah, you're right, you're right.

Oh, wow, 1.2.

$1.2 million. Wow.

(gentle music)

So in order to do that, we would need somebody

who could make the deals and close 'em, right?

And if you don't ask, you don't get.

Everyone, this is our Christmas miracle.

She's one of the most touted

and sought after marketing gurus in Nashville,

project manager of multimillion deals and ad campaigns.

She even worked with Dea on some of the sponsor pitches.

Guys, if there was anybody that could step into Dea's shoes

and pull this whole thing together, it, it's right here.

It's Jules.

(council chatting indistinctly)

(Jules sighs)

- Bye Jules.

- Thank you, Jules.

- Thank you, honey.

- Thank you, Jules.

- Thanks, Jules.

- Okay, see you.

- Well, this is really exciting.

You, you okay?

You kind of look upset.

- Certainly not ecstatic.

- Uh, but why?

I thought you'd be happy

jumping on board- - I thought what, Nick,

that I'd be okay with you

blindsiding me about being your Christmas miracle?

- You said that you would sit down with us and-

- I said that I would come to the meeting with you.

Obviously that was a huge mistake.

You're just like everyone else.

Christmas and this carnival

is the center of your universe,

and you won't rest until everyone else feels the same way.

- You don't think that's going too far, Jules?

- No, going too far is promising the whole council

that I'm gonna step in and save the day,

that I'm gonna come up with millions of dollars in a week

because I owe it to my mom.

So thanks, thanks for that gift of a burden.

- Hey, listen, you don't have to do

anything that you don't want.

- You're right, I don't, because I'm not my mom.

As much as you all want me to be, I'm not.

- I know, Jules.

- Well, good.

♪ Summer air ♪

♪ Waves through her long, soft hair ♪

♪ Faces just stop and stare ♪

♪ Catching all eyes ♪

♪ So I'll hold you close ♪

♪ No matter where you go ♪

♪ Through all the rain and snow ♪

♪ I'll be close behind ♪

♪ And I'll hold on ♪

♪ These threads won't come undone ♪

♪ If you're all worn down ♪

♪ I'll carry you home ♪

(upbeat music)

- So I heard about the meeting.

- Good news travels fast, huh?

- Yeah.

Jules, I, I get it, okay,

if you don't wanna be involved.

But, uh, I think there's something you should know, okay.

- What's that?

- Well, your mom,

she, she pours her heart into this thing,

and that's because every year

she and, and all the rest of us see what it does.

I mean, it means the world to a whole lot of people.

- Okay.

- And that's why they need you,

Nick and the council.

They're just trying to salvage

a, a terrible situation, you know?

And Nick, he saw you as their best hope,

so that's a compliment.

It's not a, not a prison sentence.

(Jules laughs)

Well, think about it like this,

you call this an obsession of your mom's

and the whole town.

It's all they think about.

But hey, in their time of greatest need,

they're looking at you.

So that's gotta mean something, right?

(gentle upbeat music)

Hey, whatever you decide,

I am still so very proud

of the incredible woman you've become,

unemployed or not. (laughs)

- Thanks, Dad. It means a lot.

- Yeah.

- You really think I can pull this off?

- Sure I do, and I'm not the only one.

(gentle upbeat music)

- I gotta go do something.

- Mm-hmm.

(Jules sighs)

♪ Let's ring bells ♪

♪ It's Christmas time ♪

- Have a good time. - Thank you.

- From the college, right?

- Yeah, yeah.

- Is Nick around?

- Uh, not on Tuesdays.

- Oh, any idea where I might find him?

- Yeah, the children's hospital.

- Oh, does he have kids?

- Oh no, no, he's just there a few days a week.

Volunteers with a foundation.

Do you want to leave a note for him?

I can make sure he gets it when he is back.

- No, it's okay, I'll, um,

I'm gonna go try to find him.

Thanks.

(children laughing)

(upbeat festive music)

♪ It's been very cold with a chance of snow ♪

♪ But I've been grinning ear to ear ♪

♪ Hey, hey ♪

♪ Crowds are bustling everywhere I go ♪

♪ Spreading that Christmas cheer ♪

♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪

♪ I trim the tree and I put up the lights ♪

♪ Decked all the halls ♪

♪ Singing Silent Night ♪

♪ I wrote my list and I checked it twice ♪

♪ But it doesn't really matter ♪

♪ Who's naughty or nice ♪

♪ It's Christmas ♪

♪ Everyone's together ♪

♪ Nothing could be better ♪

♪ Come over and celebrate with me ♪

♪ Hey, hey ♪

♪ It's Christmas ♪

♪ Sharing all the good times ♪

♪ Thankful for this joyful night ♪

♪ It's Christmas ♪

♪ Won't you celebrate with me ♪

♪ Hey, hey ♪

♪ Let's all celebrate ♪

♪ Because it's Christmas ♪

(bells ringing)

- [Jules] I had no idea you were such a great dancer.

- Yeah, well, there are a lot of great teachers in there.

- Nick, I'm sorry.

I was so harsh with you yesterday.

You don't deserve that.

I was, I was nervous and, and angry,

and I took it all out on you.

And you were just trying to help,

my mom, the town and me.

I'm so sorry.

- You don't need to apologize.

- No, but I do, Nick.

- How about this,

I put you on the spot

in a situation you were uncomfortable with.

It's okay. I get it.

- Still doesn't excuse my behavior.

- Do you wanna just call it even?

- Yes, please.

- Well, come sit down. Relax.

I was surprised to see you here.

- Ah, yeah, me too.

So, come here often?

(Nick laughing) (Jules laughing)

- Yeah, actually I do.

For about eight years.

- What?

Wow.

Okay, that's amazing, I uh-

- Yeah, not what you were expecting, huh?

- No, not at all.

I, I don't mean anything by that,

I just, I, I, it's incredible, it's just-

- It's okay, you can stop digging.

(laughs) I get it a lot.

I know, I wasn't really the type,

especially when you knew me back then.

- Well, I hope that neither of us

will be judged by our high school personas.

So what changed for you?

- Uh, my niece, she was here actually for about a year.

- Wow, I am so sorry.

- It's okay. It's okay.

Don't be. She made a full recovery.

She's one of the lucky ones.

So she's with my sister and her husband now in Seattle,

so we're very, very, very grateful.

But get this, she likes to come back

every year for the Christmas carnival.

- Really laying it on thick.

- Yes, I am. (laughs)

I will say, while she was here,

that was hard.

She was only five and we didn't really know

how to deal with it.

She didn't know how to deal with it.

So we started getting creative.

I started dressing up in different costumes

and coming to the hospital to visit her.

Her favorite is when I would dress up like an elf,

and I would bring decorations,

and music, movies, games,

just anything to remind her

what it was like to be a kid again,

even if it was just for an hour.

And then all the kids,

they started catching a word when I was coming,

and they started hanging out with us.

And then after she got better and she left,

I couldn't just leave them hanging,

so I kept the tradition up.

And now we're going on,

I don't know what, carry the one,

I left my watch at home,

so I don't know, eight years, seven months,

14 days, two minutes.

- You're a really incredible person to do that.

- We all have our moments.

- Certainly had mine yesterday.

- And then there's that,

we also have those moments too.

It's okay.

- My mom doesn't.

(Nick laughing)

- What, are you being serious?

- Mm-hmm. - Your mother?

Okay, I love and appreciate and respect her dearly,

but I'm gonna say this, I've worked with her

for almost a decade doing the carnival,

and I promise you, she's had her fair share of bad days.

Now, we always get through it and we come back stronger,

but trust me, they're there.

- Hmm.

I can't believe that you've been doing

the carnival for that long.

- Well, yeah, you'd be amazed

at how much the carnival raises for charity,

and a lot of the main donations from the carnival,

they go to this hospital.

So of course I had to help out.

Plus the kids get to go for free.

- Oh, great.

(Nick laughing)

Well, how am I supposed to back out now?

- Simple, you're not.

- You really dressed up like an elf?

- Yes, I did. Tights and all.

(gentle upbeat music)

- If we pull this thing off, I wanna see that, deal?

(Nick laughs)

- You have a hard bargain. Deal.

(chimes ringing)

(bright music)

Okay, so here, I updated the list.

So this time, I put in past,

past people, company, shops.

So I made a list of all the previous donors over the years,

but not everybody has necessarily donated last year, right?

So I figure we can hatch a plan

to where you go after some of the bigger companies,

then I can maybe call some of the smaller ones.

(gentle upbeat music)

- Don't, Dad.

I know what you're gonna say.

Don't do it.

- No, just stopped by,

grab a few things before heading back.

Wasn't gonna say a thing.

Leave y'all to it.

(gentle upbeat music)

(birds singing)

- Thank you all for coming in on such short notice.

I know yesterday I sent, um, mixed messages,

but here's the truth.

For years, I thought this whole thing

was just a vanity project to showcase my mom,

and maybe all of you, but I was wrong.

This carnival means so much, not just to the town

but to the people who need it.

You guys donate your time and energy and money

because you truly believe in the cause,

and I didn't see that until now.

But we're running outta time.

We still have over a million dollars in funding to get.

We've got vendors, and rentals,

and transportation,

and a hundred other things we need

to tackle to make this happen,

and it's gonna take all of us.

In these binders, you'll find an exact breakdown

of what jobs need to be done

and who I need to do them.

There's a list of every contact my mom has ever used,

so it shouldn't be a problem finding who you need.

- What about the sponsor money?

It's not in here.

- My mom had five meetings left in her book,

so I'm gonna take 'em.

Last name can't be the only thing

I bring to the table.

(group laughing)

- So, are we doing this?

- Yes. - Yes!

- Oh. - Yes.

- Okay, so break it down.

What's the plan?

- Well, trust everyone to get their jobs done,

and in the meantime,

I have to make sure I come through on mine.

- Jules, you're gonna be great.

Besides, you got me,

and we're in this together.

- Thank you, Nick.

- Of course, anything for a good cause.

- Oh, excuse me.

Just hanging some Christmas cheer.

- Right, we have five meetings,

starting with the bank, which is the biggest.

Without their sponsorship,

we're done before we even get started.

- So big fish first. I like it.

- Yeah, big fish first.

(upbeat music)

- Jules Parker, is it?

- Yes. Deanna's my mother.

And this is Nick White.

He's with the carnival council.

- Thank you for seeing us.

- Great. Uh, let's head into my office.

- In the last five years,

city-based sponsors have seen a massive increase

in positive public opinion,

because they're being seen supporting

the right kind of events, this event,

and that's what building community's all about.

- $250,000 is quite a substantial amount

that you're asking for.

- You're right, it's a lot of money,

but you'd be helping a lot of people.

(gentle music)

- Well, when you say it like that,

it's kinda hard to argue.

All right. Let's do it.

- Oh, thank you.

- Thank you. Thank you so much.

- No problem.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

(upbeat music continues)

(chimes ringing)

(gentle music)

- Mom, I think we did it.

Everything's really coming together.

I just wish you could see it.

I'm gonna make it happen, okay, I promise.

(gentle music)

(Jules sighs)

- So, give us the good news, Jules.

- With Nick as my witness,

I can officially say we closed on all our new sponsors.

- Yes!

(phone buzzing)

- What do you know?

Here's one of them right now.

Hello, Mr. Heaton.

Your ears must be burning.

We were just- - I'm sorry,

but we have a bit of bad news.

- What's that?

- [Mr. Heaton] Ms. Parker, the bank did a background check

and discovered a rather concerning issue,

a lawsuit against you

and your marketing firm by Dresden Media.

While the suit was dropped,

your termination implies guilt to a certain extent.

The bank cannot be taking risks

to do business with someone like yourself.

We're just not confident that our contribution

would be used in the way we agreed.

I'm sorry, Ms. Parker,

but we will not be supporting your event.

I do wish you the best.

- Jules, what was he talking about?

What happened?

- Um, the marketing firm that I worked at,

I approved a multimillion dollar deal

without the client's permission.

Thought what I was doing was right.

It wasn't.

I got fired and now it cost us.

- Hard to admit being wrong,

even if you thought what you were doing was right.

- Yep, we have all had our slipups,

but we have to come back stronger.

- So how's about we put our minds together now,

figure out what it is that we can do

to save this thing with what we have?

- [Council Member] Would do you suggest, Walter?

- [Walter] I've got a friend in high school, big Joe.

(council members laughing)

(phone buzzing) (gentle music)

- Take a few steps, right?

- Hey Dad, everything okay?

- [Walter] The money start reaching out to the resources.

- [Councilor] Absolutely, let's do it.

(Jules sighs)

- Hey. - Hi.

Mom.

(chimes ringing) (gentle upbeat music)

(Jules groaning)

Oh, I just can't believe that you're here,

and you're awake, and you're okay,

and that's all that matters,

and it's so amazing,

and I'm just so sorry, Mom.

- For what?

- I have been so wrong about so many things,

about you and the carnival,

and the council and Nick,

and oh goodness, I have been so awful to him.

- Oh, honey, I'm sure he's been through worse.

He works with me and I can be a lot.

- No, Mom, the whole town loves you.

I was wrong to think that you were selfish.

You were doing such a great thing,

and I missed out on it.

And (sighs) I'm so sorry,

the carnival, Mom.

- Oh, the carnival.

- It's over. I failed.

- It's okay, sweetheart.

- But it's not okay.

- No, the carnival is about finding

the spirit of hope and giving.

Wow. You've got it.

You didn't fail, Jules, I did.

All this time, I, I felt that if,

if I helped those children,

I'd be able to connect with my own.

Turns out not the best plan.

See, I always felt I had so much to give,

and I just got wrapped up

in trying to prove it to everyone,

I forgot to show it to the person who means the most.

I didn't realize how much it was taking me away from you,

and for that, I'm the one who's really sorry.

I hope you can give me a second chance.

- (laughs) Same.

(gentle upbeat music)

I just got an idea of how I can get the money.

It's a bit of a long shot though.

- If you don't ask.

- You don't get. (laughs)

- Good afternoon. How can I help you?

- Jules Parker to see Victoria Barringer.

- Alrighty, do you have an appointment?

- Not exactly.

Can you just tell her that I'm here, please?

- I'm sorry, she's not in her office right now.

Can I take a message for you?

- Is it okay if I wait?

- Oh, of course.

- I'm gonna wait with her.

(gentle upbeat music)

Hey, this is a pretty nice office, I'll say.

(tense music)

- So make sure we have the renderings for Bolizar's

because I wanna make sure that client is very happy.

Jules Parker.

- Victoria. Hi.

How are you?

- Fine, fine.

- This is Nick White.

He's, um, a, a friend and, and,

well, a partner of mine.

- Hi, great to meet you.

Really, really love your office.

You can see right through the windows.

- Thank you.

But I won't lie,

I'm a little surprised to find you in it, Jules.

- Yeah, me too.

Do you have a minute to talk?

- Oh, I think our lawyers have said enough.

I really don't have time to hear anymore-

- No, it's not what you think.

I'm not here about that.

Well, I am, but also another thing.

It's complicated.

- And confusing.

- Five minutes of your time, that's all I'm asking.

- Let's go into my office.

- I'm gonna stay out here.

Yeah, you got this. - Yeah.

- Okay? - Okay.

- It'll be fine.

It'll be fine.

Hey, I'm Nick.

Not a talker.

(Victoria sighs)

- Coffee, sparking water, anything?

- [Jules] Oh no, thank you.

- All right then. What's up?

- I, I know you must be so busy.

You probably have like a million other things to do.

- Oh, come on, Jules,

groveling doesn't help anyone.

Out with it.

- I'm here to say I'm sorry.

- A little late for that, don't you think?

- Yes, I do.

But that doesn't mean

you don't deserve to hear it from me.

- So you're here to say you're sorry, that's it?

- Not just that, no,

but it's the first thing I want you to know.

- And the second?

- That I was wrong.

What I did was selfish and arrogant,

and completely unprofessional.

I put your company and mine at risk

because I wanted to prove that I was right,

that I knew better and I didn't.

I was wrong.

- Well, I'm not sure you were wrong entirely.

The relaunch hasn't exactly been a failure.

- Victoria, it was a great campaign

and you've got a great company.

You could have launched any day, month, or year

and it would've been a success, and I knew that.

But I wanted to make it all about me,

and I completely crossed the line.

Over the past few weeks I've been,

well, let's just say I've learned a lot,

and true success has to be shared.

The more the merrier.

- When you're driven and talented,

it's easy to forget

you don't always have to work so hard to prove it,

especially to yourself.

Trust me. I know.

(Jules laughs)

- I think I'm starting to get that.

- So I have to ask, what sparked this paradigm shift

in just a couple of weeks?

A few of my new producers could use a similar 180.

It's hard to find perspective like that.

What's your secret?

- Actually, that's the other thing

I wanted to talk to you about.

I need your help.

- How so?

- So?

- She said she'll think about it.

- Think about it, until when?

We kind of need to know.

The deadline with the town is tomorrow.

- I know, Nick, but this is our best,

and let's be honest, last chance,

and thinking about it isn't a no.

- Yeah but it's really close.

(gentle music)

(birds singing)

(Jules coughs)

- (sighs) Hey everyone.

I, um, I wanna thank you.

You've all been so phenomenal in the last few days.

I didn't really think getting all this done

this fast was even possible,

and I know my mom would be so proud.

So thank you.

(phone buzzing)

It's her.

- Who?

- Hey Victoria, how are you?

- Jules, hey.

Well, you haven't lost your touch.

I was moved by what you said yesterday

and I talked through your pitch with my partner and our CFO.

Seems Madisonville has made quite the impression on you.

- Yeah, there's no place like home, huh?

- Certainly.

And the carnival they do is fantastic.

25 years is impressive, especially with the amount

of charitable donations they've made.

- There's nothing else like it.

That's why we wanna make sure it keeps going.

- I bet.

But I don't wanna lie to you, Jules,

as we talked it through,

and believe me, we did at length,

we just couldn't justify $250,000.

- I see, um-

- [Victoria] Money like that for a carnival like this

just doesn't make sense for our company.

(Jules sighs)

- I understand.

- I'm afraid we just couldn't do anything

less than half a million.

(bell rings)

- I'm, I'm sorry, what did you say?

- Dresden Media would like to sponsor Madisonville's

25th annual Christmas carnival

with a donation of $500,000.

(group cheering) (Jules laughing)

- [Councilor] Really had me going there.

- You really had me there.

- Oh, come on, Jules,

I had to get you back just a little bit.

(Jules laughs)

- Victoria, you are...

I can't...

Thank you.

This means so much to me.

- Call us even.

Fired or not,

you certainly did an amazing job working for us.

Merry Christmas, Jules.

- Merry Christmas.

- How I like- - You have no idea

how much this means to me.

- All right.

Now that we know this thing is actually happening,

it's crunch time.

The real work starts now.

- Whoo!

(councilors cheering) (councilors clapping)

(upbeat festive music)

(upbeat festive music continues)

(upbeat festive music continues)

(chimes ringing)

(gentle upbeat music)

All right. That's it.

Now there's just one more thing.

I'll be right back.

- Now?

But we open in a few hours.

- I know, I know.

But there's something I gotta do.

- Nick.

Nick!

(Jules sighs)

(gentle music)

(Patrick laughing) (Deanna laughing)

- Oh! (laughs)

(Jules laughing)

- Oh, I really wish you could be there, Mom.

It looks absolutely magical.

- Well, I'll be outta here soon,

and you can bet that will be my first stop.

- Good.

- Thank you.

You did all this and it means the world to me.

- Okay, don't make me cry.

Someone's gotta light that tree.

- Well, you don't want to be late

to your own party, right?

Get outta here. - All right.

(Jules sighs)

Bye.

(gentle music)

(upbeat festive music)

(upbeat festive music continues)

- Excuse me, you the one in charge here?

- Adam, hi. (Adam laughing)

What are you doing here?

- Well, we've been looking for your replacement,

and I got a call today from an old client

saying that I should look at the woman

running Madisonville's Christmas Carnival.

- Victoria. - Yep.

You made quite the second impression.

- Well, I was just being honest.

- And so was I when I said

that I would keep fighting for you.

Listen, I, I spoke with the board,

and they've reconsidered,

with a little help from the recommendation

of Dresden Media.

We want you back immediately.

- Oh my goodness, Adam!

Thank you.

(sighs) Thank you.

- Yes, look, we need you back at the office ASAP.

The slate is piling up,

and you got a lot of work to catch up on.

- Actually, I can't.

- Wait, what?

- I have to stay and see this through.

The whole town, everyone,

they've worked so hard on this,

and to leave right when it gets going,

(sighs) it wouldn't be right.

It's important and I wanna help as much as I can.

I'm sorry.

- Yeah, Jules, I, uh,

I didn't mean you had to leave immediately.

You still have email and the phone.

- Mm-hmm, yeah. - Right. (laughs)

So just keep that on you

and get back to the office in the new year, okay?

- I can do that.

- Good.

Now that's sorted,

this winter air makes me feel like

some hot cocoa is in order.

Are there any good places in there?

- Some are the best in the state.

- Good. All right, I'll see you soon.

(Adam chuckles)

(crowd cheering) (chimes ringing)

- [Nick] We're going. (laughs)

- Wow, you made it, and in such fashion.

- Well, hey, a deal's a deal.

This, this is my niece Sophie.

- I am so delighted to meet you, Sophie.

Merry Christmas.

- Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too.

(Jules laughs)

- Jules, this is really beautiful.

- Yeah, wish my mom was here to see it.

- Wish granted.

- Mommy.

(upbeat festive music)

- Couldn't miss this.

Look at how you brought everyone together.

I couldn't be prouder.

- Hey, didn't I tell you it runs in the family?

I mean, I didn't doubt you for a minute.

- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

- Okay, so how about we go get some hot cocoa?

- Should I bring you guys back some mistletoe?

- Sophie!

(Jules laughs)

Merry Christmas, Jules.

You did it.

All of this, it was all you.

- No.

We did.

(upbeat music)

(chimes ringing)

(Jules laughs)

(chimes ringing) (gentle upbeat music)

(upbeat music)

♪ Snowflakes dancing in the sky ♪

♪ Children's laughter rising high ♪

♪ Lights adorning every tree ♪

♪ Holiday dreams come alive ♪

♪ Sounds of jubilee ♪

♪ Hey, wrap your heart in love today ♪

♪ Feel the joy in every way ♪

♪ Spread the cheer and shout hurray ♪

♪ Together we'll make Christmas Day ♪

♪ Stockings hung with care and pride ♪

♪ Warmth and joy you cannot hide ♪

♪ Families gather side by side ♪

♪ Whispers of the tidings worldwide ♪

♪ Hey, wrap your heart in love today ♪

♪ Feel the joy in every way ♪

♪ Spread the cheer and shout hurray ♪

♪ Together we'll make Christmas Day ♪

♪ Candy canes and mistletoe ♪

♪ Magic moments start to glow ♪

♪ Give a hug and let it show ♪

♪ The season brightens all we know ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

(upbeat music)

♪ Wrap your heart in love today ♪

♪ Feel the joy in every way ♪

♪ Spread the cheer and shout hurray ♪

♪ Together, we'll make Christmas Day ♪

(vocalist singing) (upbeat music)

(chimes ringing)

(upbeat festive music)

(upbeat festive music continues)

(upbeat festive music continues)

(upbeat festive music continues)