All language subtitles for The.Rooftop.Christmas.Tree.2016.720p.WEBRip.x264.AAC-[YTS.MX]

♪

♪

Sarah!

Hello!

Merry Christmas,
Mrs. Costello.

Oh,
Merry Christmas!

Sarah's home!

Now it's Christmas!

Hey there, kiddo!

Hi, Mom.

Hi, Dad.

I'll catch up
later, Mrs. Costello.

God bless you,
hun, you go on.

Give me a hug!

I missed you.

Of course your mother wouldn't
let us decorate the tree

until you got home.

But I've got hot
chocolate on the stove!

Perfect.

Come on.

Come on.

Chilly, huh?

It's a little cold, yeah.

Just watch your step there,
it's awfully slippery.

Oh, it's so nice
to have you home.

You know, I can't believe
it's been three years

since we spent
Christmas together.

Neither can I.

Sounds like that law firm really
kept you hopping up there.

That's how they do things at
Chandler, Abbott and Jonas.

Always on call,
24/7 even holidays.

You know, we're really sorry
to hear about you and Richard.

You two seemed
so happy together.

Richard's
a very nice guy.

It just turned out, we
wanted different things in life.

So, when's that truck
supposed to get here

with the
rest of your stuff?

Day after tomorrow.

You know,
you could stay here.

I mean, your old room's
just sitting up there.

Thanks, Mom, but I'm
pretty sure my old room

isn't the best place
to start my own practice.

She's got
a point, Abby.

Well, you can't
blame me for trying.

But I found a great
place right in town.

It's not far, and it even
has a spare bedroom

I can use as an office
until I get things going.

That's gonna be
quite a change for ya'

from that hotshot
law firm in D.C.

Believe me, Dad,

I've had enough swimming
with sharks to last a lifetime.

Well, all you've
gotta do is sit back, relax

and let us spoil
you a little bit.

Thank you.

At least until you're ready
to hang out your shingle.

So,
what do you think?

I think we're ready.

All set.

All: One. Two. Three.

♪

It's beautiful.

Merry Christmas, kiddo.

♪

♪

[sigh]

[grunt]

♪

♪

Merry Christmas,
Mr. Landis.

Remember me?

Sarah Wright?

Merry Christmas.

Here we go again.

He's still doing this?

A week before
Christmas like clockwork,

it's the
same thing every year.

I used to love it
when I was little.

From my bedroom at night,
it looked like the tree

was floating up there,
like some sort of beacon.

[laughing]

Should I help him?

Since when
has Dale Landis

ever let anybody help him
put up that tree?

Dale, you're gonna break your
fool neck one of these days.

We should have bought
that man a net years ago.

Either that
or a trampoline.

I think it looks nice.

What I
don't understand,

is why he keeps doing it
year after year.

I mean, he knows darn
well what's gonna happen.

It's like
he doesn't care.

He doesn't.

♪

♪

Where did all
these people come from?

Dale's become a bit
of a Christmas tradition

around Rosedale.

Some towns have
Christmas pageants,

others have
Candy Cane Lane.

We've got
Dale Landis.

♪

♪

[applause]

♪

Sarah!

Welcome home!

Gosh,
it feels like forever!

I know, it has
been way too long.

But look at you,
you look great!

And this
place is amazing!

That's right, you haven't
been home since we opened.

Mm-mm but I've been reading
awesome things about it on-line.

Lord love
the internet.

Did you ever think
when we were in school

that I'd end up
being a chef?

When we were in school,
who knew you could cook?

So good to have you
home for Christmas.

Your parents must
be over the moon.

You have no idea.

Come on, so like,
how's it going.

Tell me everything,
you okay?

Yeah, yeah.

You know.

No regrets leaving that
fast track law firm of yours?

It was time.

You hear
from Richard?

Ughh, let's just say,
that ship has sailed.

Then maybe I'll keep an eye
out to find you a new shipmate.

Uh, I'm actually on an
extended leave of absence

from the rocky world of romance,
so thanks, but no thanks.

Okay, I'll just have to cook
you a five-star meal instead.

I like
where this is going.

If you need anything,
anything at all, just ask.

Thanks, Jess.

Come on,
let's sit down.

♪

I have seen you
stare at that Courthouse

in exactly the same way
since you were a little girl.

Judge Conner.

[chuckles]

For all these years, I wondered
what mysteries were hidden

behind those bright
young eyes of yours?

No mysteries.

Just the same questions.

As long as
you're never satisfied

with the
same old answers.

You haven't
changed a bit.

And you are a
sight for sore eyes.

How are you, Judge?

Well, I'm okay except I seem to
be the last person on earth

to find out
you're moving home.

Oh well,
I was gonna come by.

Yeah and that you've
left Chandler, Abbott and Jonas

to open
your own practice?

I see my parents have
been talking to you.

Well, as matter of fact,
I got a call from Carl Jonas.

Your old boss asked if I would
try and talk you out of leaving.

Mr. Jonas
called you himself?

Well, he seemed
to think you've got

a promising
future with his firm.

According to him, they were
gonna renew your contract,

with a promotion?

It was
a good offer.

Which you declined.

What did
you tell him?

Well, I told him that if my
favorite young protégé

turned down his offer, she must
have a pretty good reason.

It wasn't
about the money.

With you,
it never was.

Now look,
I'm due in court.

Why don't you come by
my chambers tomorrow

and we'll talk more.

I'd like that.

All right, I'll get Marcie to
phone over to the diner,

order in sandwiches.

You still
like tuna salad?

How do you remember that?
[laughing]

How many times
did you come and visit me

when you
were in law school? Huh?

You never
ate anything else.

Hey, don't
forget the pickle.

♪

♪

[knocking]

♪

I know you're in
there, Mr. Landis.

[knocking]

This doesn't change
anything, Mr. Landis.

You've got 48 hours.

♪

Mm, Mom this
is so delicious.

I forgot how much
I missed your cooking.

Wait till you see what's on
the menu for Christmas dinner.

I assume you've invited
the entire town again?

Your mother
cut back this year,

she's only inviting
half the town.

Ha-ha, you two.

I saw a someone posting a notice
on Dale Landis' door today.

He had a police
officer with him.

They didn't waste
much time, did they?

What's going on?

He's from the city.

He was serving Dale with a court
order to take that tree down.

What? Why?

They say it's a
building code violation.

And a serious fire hazard,
which makes it a danger to him

and everyone else in
the neighborhood.

Dale Landis has been putting
that tree on his roof every year

since I was 9 years old.

A lot's changed

since last time you were
home for dinner, sweetie.

Changed? How?

Well, when you
were growing up,

nobody minded that Dale
put a tree on his roof.

You know, it looked nice,
and it didn't hurt anyone.

But back then everyone in
the neighborhood knew Dale.

So, even if he didn't
talk about it much,

we all had a pretty
good idea just how difficult

it was for him around the
holidays, without his family.

I remember that night
when his family left.

I felt
so sad for him.

He just looked so--

Lost.

He was, honey.

He still is.

What do you mean?

Dale's had less and less
to say in the last few years.

He hardly
leaves that house.

It's starting to
fall down around him.

The only time
that we're sure to see him

is when Christmas comes around,
and he puts that tree up.

The man just wants
to be left alone.

But we've had a lot of people
move into the neighborhood

and they're
nice and cordial.

But you know, they
don't really know Dale.

Every year that tree goes up
and it starts up all over again.

Someone complains.

And
even if they don't,

I'm pretty sure that Dale
is on the city's radar by now.

They show up with that
court order like clockwork.

And he has to
take the tree down.

Not exactly.

What?

He won't
take it down.

But it's
a court order.

Either he takes that tree down,
or he could wind up in--

Yep.

Wait. Seriously?

Mhm.

The last
three years,

Dale Landis has spent
Christmas in jail.

And by the sounds of it,
that's where he's headed again.

Over a
Christmas tree?

But, why?

Well, nobody knows.

Well, has anyone
asked him?

Oh, sure.

I mean, every year
when he appears in court,

Sam Conner asks
him the same question.

And he gets
the same answer.

Because he
"likes the way it looks".

That makes
absolutely no sense.

It does to Dale.

♪

[typing]

[sigh]

♪

[light clicks off]

♪

♪

♪

Come on, Barney, he
admitted he was in the car.

Exactly.

Doesn't matter if
he was sleeping.

He woke up when his
buddies got back in.

Yeah, gimme a break,
of course they knew each other

they went out for
burgers afterwards.

We've got them with
the surveillance camera.

I know,
cameras everywhere.

What's the
world coming to?

Yeah, all right, yeah,
nothing's written in stone.

I'll talk
to you later.

Bout an hour.

Hey,
don't give up now!

You were setting a great
pace, really in sync there!

See ya!

[deep exhale]

Yeah, Steve,
we both know

I can't take that
offer to my boss.

Oh, please.

Uhh, excuse me.

Mhmm.

Yeah,
excuse me just--

Yeah,
yeah, no, I know.

Well, because he'd make Santa
Clause put coal in my stocking.

Excuse me, just,
just over there.

Yeah, yeah, all
right, call me later.

I need and offer I can
work with though, Steve.

Okay,
excuse me I'm just--

Yeah.

Hi there, didn't
see you up here.

What are you doing?

What do you mean?

I'm buying you
a cup of coffee.

No, you're not.

You're
cutting in line.

Uhh look, just work with me
here, I'm running a little late.

Excuse me?

Look,
everything is on me.

The muffins are really
great, they make 'em fresh here.

You know, it's bad
enough with guys like you,

your phone calls
are so important,

we all
have to listen.

Wait,
guys like me?

But heaven forbid you
should have to wait in line

like everybody else.

No look,
w-wait a second.

Hi, what can
I get for you?

Single tall,
non-fat latte, please.

And you, sir?

Oh, no, no.
We're not together.

-No.
-We are.

N-no,
no we're not together.

We're not together.

Yeah, thank you.

Unbelievable.

Hey, Dad.

Hey, kiddo.

Your mom's out.

Said she had to
run some "errands".

Mmm, which is code
for Christmas shopping.

[chuckles]

She'll be back in
a couple of hours.

I just
wanted to say hi.

I'm meeting Judge
Conner for lunch.

Eh,
like old times.

Yeah.

You just
finishing that up?

Yep,
just about there.

Mmm.

Hey Dad, do you ever
miss being a lawyer?

Honey,
that was 20 years ago.

I know, but do you
ever regret leaving law?

I suppose if I miss anything,
it's that feeling when

everything comes
together, you know?

When the
system works

and you feel like you
really made a difference.

Yeah.

Mmm.

Something on
your mind, Sarah?

I was just thinking about
something you said,

I must've
been 9 or 10?

It was Christmas,
and I asked you if

you didn't like being
a lawyer anymore.

You said--

You said you found
something you liked better.

Something that
made you happy.

Yeah, that was a
big leap of faith.

What do you mean?

I wanted
to build furniture.

This is what
makes me happy.

You know?

Being
a lawyer was--

well, I didn't have
the passion for it.

Not like you do.

So there I was,
walking away from a job.

Your mother and I had to start
over again, risking our home,

our future.

Were you nervous?

I was petrified.

I'm not gonna kid you,
times were tough for a while,

we really had to
tighten our belts.

A lot of people thought I was
crazy when I set up out here.

But how
can you be sure?

That you made
the right choice?

You can't.

Not completely.

But that's when you
need to look in your heart,

and trust what
you feel there.

Yeah.

It's beautiful, dad.

Hmm.

Thanks hunny.

Okay,
I gotta get ready.

Alright,
I'll see you later on.

See ya.

I'm a little early.

Oh that's fine, he's got
somebody in there

but they'll be
done soon.

I understand
we're gonna be

seeing a lot more
of you around here.

Looks that way.

Well, if I hear about anybody
needing a good attorney,

I'll be sure and
send them your way.

Thank you, Marcie.

[laughing]

Okay, John.

Okay, keep me posted,
we'll get to the bottom of it.

Thanks, I will.

I will.

Sarah.

Good.

Someone
I want you to meet.

This is
John Keaton.

John, this is
Sarah Wright.

We have got to stop
meeting like this.

What, you two
know each other?

No.

But not
for lack of trying.

It's a pleasure.

John is the Deputy Prosecuting
Attorney for the county.

Been with us almost a
year doing a dandy job.

Thank you, Judge.

Sarah is the pride
and joy of Rosedale.

Top of her
class at law school,

four years with Chandler,
Abbot and Jonas.

Wow, running
with the big dogs.

But we have
the great good fortune

of having her
back home now.

Well, I look forward
to seeing you at work.

Nice meeting you.

Judge.

Marcie.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney?

He knows his stuff.

I don't doubt it.

But what s a guy like that
doing in our little town?

Oh, I didn't ask.

But whatever brought him
here, he seems to like it.

Which is
just fine by me.

That dog can hunt.

Believe me,
I know the type.

He's all
about the job.

First one in,
last one out,

and it is the only thing
he really loves.

Shall we go in?

♪

Hi Marilyn,
there you go.

Lunch?

I remember the first
time you came in here.

Skinny little thing.

You sat right there

and you told me you
were going to be a lawyer.

And I thought you were
here for my sage advice.

That was part of it.

No, what you really wanted from
me was for me to ask you

why you were gonna
become a lawyer.

Hmm?

Even back then, you weren't
afraid of the hard questions.

Yeah, as I recall, you
didn't pull any punches either.

Well, from that day
forward, I never have.

Not with you.

Something tells me we're not
just taking a walk down

memory lane
here, are we?

If you tell me you've
thought this through,

that you're clear in your head
about coming home--

I'll mind
my own business.

♪

Seems like these days I'm not
clear about much of anything.

What do you mean?

I never set out to
change the world, judge.

I just wanted to make a
difference, for the better.

Well, you have
made a difference.

You gave your
clients their day in court,

helped them
find justice.

But that's just it.

The longer I do this,
the more I realize,

it isn't about justice
or what's right.

It's about winning.

Hmm.

Sometimes it can feel
like that, yeah.

What are
we supposed to do?

I--

I'm not naive, I know the
law is never black and white.

But that gray area
just keeps getting bigger,

we keep trading off
and compromising,

making deals that sometimes,
they don't even make sense.

How am I supposed to
explain that to someone

who has put
their faith in me?

How am I supposed to
just sit back and watch

while these good
people are made to feel that

their day in court
was just a lot of haggling?

It's not justice.

And it's not right.

And I'm tired of it.

Why did you leave
Chandler Abbott?

A woman and her children
were being kicked out

of their apartment.

The owner wanted to covert
the building into a co-op,

she couldn't afford it and
I wanted to take the case.

I thought I could stall
him at least long enough

so they wouldn't be
on the street for Christmas.

Was the
eviction legal?

It's Christmas, Judge.

She has three kids
and nowhere to go.

Counselor.

Of course,
it was legal.

The owner
was our client.

[chuckles]

You wanted to take a case
against your own law firm?

Technically.

Yes but I would've
done it on my own time.

Pro Bono.

And of course,
they said no.

So, you quit?

It wasn't
just that case, Judge.

I've been feeling
this way for a long time

and I couldn't stay
there anymore.

I don't even
know if I can--

If you can what?

I don't even know if
I can do this anymore.

I don't know if
I can be a lawyer.

I see.

I hope--

I hope that you're
not too disappointed in me?

You have been blessed
with a rare gift, Sarah.

A good heart and a legal mind
and that's what makes you

a very fine lawyer and
an even better person.

You could
never disappoint me.

But the hardest part of what
we do is to finally admit

to ourselves that we
can't save everyone.

Right now, I would be
happy with saving just one.

Maybe that's what's
brought you home again.

What?

Looking for
that one case,

that one client to
restore your faith.

I wish
I could believe that.

But it 's the season
for believing.

What better
time to find out?

Who knows, maybe you'll
change the world after all.

Or maybe just our
little corner of it?

♪

Of course.

Your client should
have thought about that

before he started
taking a joy ride.

Come on, Sid,
don't take it personally.

I'm just
doing my job.

♪

Sid, I gotta
call you back.

[grunts]

[laughs]

♪

[typing]

♪

♪

It's off.

You can check.

I thought you
threw that away.

Uhh.

Yeah, no, that was
just for dramatic effect.

Just to show you
that I was listening.

Very convincing.

Well, so were you.

Really?

Absolutely.

You know,
you were right.

I should be more considerate
towards other people.

Mmm, yeah.

No.

Too sincere?

Little bit.

Yeah, I can never
get that right.

Listen, you seem like a
very nice guy, I'm sure.

And you're even funny-ish,
in a cocky sort of way.

Thank you.

Not really a compliment,
anyway--

[clears throat]

The point is, you don't
have to work so hard.

Because this,
right here?

It's not
gonna happen.

So--

O-Okay.

Good to know.

Uhh, though, actually I just
wanted to share your table.

[laughs nervously]

What?

Right.

But I'm glad
we got all that other stuff

out of the way first,
you know?

Just to be clear.

Sit.

Thank you.

I'm--

Listen, I'm sorry, I shouldn't
have said that, I--

It's been a bit
of a tough week.

Tough year.

Hm.

Does that have anything to do
with why you moved back home?

Let's just say,
that this is the one place

that still
makes sense to me.

Oh.

Well, that
would explain a lot.

It would?

Yeah, well--

I mean, people
don't just walk away

from Chandler,
Abbott and Jonas.

I mean,
'that place is mythic,

People are lined up around
the block to get jobs there.

So, why would anyone leave all
that just to move back here?

I don't know, why would
anyone trade all this,

to go work there?

What?

Yeah well, I mean,
don't get me wrong.

I can
see the appeal.

You know, huge career
bump, perks like crazy.

But, yeah, it's
not for everybody.

Hang on a second,
are you doing that

"sincere" thing
again?

Because I'm getting
all turned around here.

No, no, no,
I'm serious.

You know,
I like it here.

This is--

This is the kind
of town I used to--

Be curious about
when I grew up.

Why?

Well, when I was a kid my
parents moved around a lot.

They never really set up roots
anywhere, don't ask me why.

It's like they were
always looking for something.

Did they
ever find it?

[laughs]

Yeah, you can't really
find what you don't know.

But the whole time, I kept
imagining a place like Rosedale.

A place where people knew each
other, just help each other out.

Yeah.

This must've been a
great place to grow up.

Hmm,
especially at Christmas.

And this is gonna be my
first Christmas here.

I heard
they do it up right.

Oh, we have a big tree lighting
ceremony, right in the Square.

The whole
town comes out.

We sing carols,
drink hot cider.

Santa always
makes an appearance.

That sounds
beautiful.

It really is.

♪

[phone buzzing]

John Keaton.

[laughs]

I should--

I should
take this outside.

Very good.

Okay,
I'll see you later.

See you later.

♪

Yeah, uh-huh.

[laughs]

♪

♪

This place is
so great, Sarah.

Now, I just have to figure
out where to put everything.

Hi, Jess!

Hi, Mrs. Wright!
Mr. Wright!

It's always a good sign when
Jessica shows up with food.

It's a
housewarming gift:

my smoky butternut squash
Christmas soup.

Perfect,
when do we eat?!

Oh, hey, I passed your
neighbor on the way over here.

Mr. Landis?

Yeah, been a while since I've
seen him out on his bicycle.

Probably
about a year?

What do
you mean?

Remember, when we said that Dale
doesn't get out much anymore?

So if he's riding into
town at Christmas,

he's headed
for the courthouse.

Because of the tree?

Once the order
goes on his door,

he has 48 hours
to take the tree down.

If he doesn't, he has
to appear in court.

And he
always shows up.

And he
always says no.

Do you mean Judge Conners is
gonna put him in jail today?

No, Sam will give him a few
more days to think about it.

Not that it makes
any difference.

Well, what does
his attorney say?

Dale doesn't
have a lawyer.

Says he
doesn't need one.

Wait, what?

Sam tried to assign
him a public defender

but he wanted
no part of it.

How can he understand what's
happening without an attorney?

That's like
asking to go to jail.

Which some people
believe is the whole point,

that he's just a lonely man
looking for attention.

Others think there's really
something wrong with him.

That he's not
all there anymore.

Well,
what do you think?

I think every Christmas story
should have a happy ending.

I just don't think that's
this one's gonna turn out.

Do you guys mind holding down
the fort for a little while?

Where are
you going?

I think wanna hear this
Christmas story for myself.

♪

Excuse me.

♪

Well,
I'm sorry Mr. Miller

but we don't have a lot of
room to move here.

We're gonna have to ask you
to pay the fine after all.

All right, well now let's see if we can move on to the next case.

[gavel pounds]

Ah, Mr. Landis.

How are you,
my friend?

I'm okay, your
honour, thank you.

How are you, sir?

Oh, just fine.

And a
Merry Christmas to you.

Merry Christmas, sir.

It wouldn't be Christmas
without a visit from you

to our courtroom,
would it?

No, sir, I guess not.

I see that you have again
violated the town's building

codes by placing your
Christmas tree on your roof.

Yes, sir.

And you received the courts
order to take the tree down?

Yes sir, I did.

Oh.

And I take it you have
no intention of doing so.

No, sir.

I won't be
doing that.

Yeah.

I gather that you have once
again decided to appear in court

without benefit
of counsel?

[sigh]

I'll be just fine,
your Honour.

I want to
remind you, Dale,

that once these wheels
are set in motion,

we're obliged by law
to follow through on this.

Yes, sir.

I understand.

Come here.

If you don't take the tree
down, I have to put you in jail.

Ah, yeah.

I understand, Sir.

Okay.

Alright.

Mr. Keaton.

It's all yours.

[clears throat]

Thank you,
your honour.

In the matter of the town of
Rosedale versus Dale Landis,

the defendant is accused
of being in violation

of the following town
and county codes.

Uhh, Mr. Keaton, most of us here
have been down this road

a few times.

Why don't we just
stipulate the violations,

and we can
move it along a bit?

Yes, sir.

Alright.

For the past three
years,

the defendant has ignored
identical court orders to comply

with the town's
building and security codes.

We don't think this is gonna
be any different this year.

Agreed.

The people request an immediate
court date for Mr. Landis,

and a fine of
$5,000 for each day

that the tree
remains on his roof.

That's a little
steep, don't you think?

Your honour, this has been
going on for four years now.

I think it's about time the
defendant took it seriously.

Mr. Landis, you do understand
that this Christmas tree

of yours could end up
being very expensive?

I don't have any
money, your Honour.

Well, then I suggest
you take the tree down.

I'm sorry.

I can't do that.

Why not?

Your Honour, I don't mean
to be disrespectful,

but I just like the way
the tree looks up there.

Your honuor--

Oh, trust me,
nobody would enjoy hearing an

answer to your
question more than I would.

This is just part of our annual
tradition, isn't it, Dale?

Yes sir,
I guess it is.

♪

In that case, your Honour,
I request the court order

a psychiatric evaluation
of the defendant,

to determine his competency
to accept these charges.

It's--

It's a Christmas tree,
Mr. Keaton.

It's a matter of
public safety, your Honour.

[sigh]

I'll take it
under advisement.

Mr. Landis, the Clerk will
assign you a court date,

at which time I will rule
on Mr. Keaton's motion.

In the meantime,
I think--

I think you should
think very carefully

about what
you're gonna do now.

It's not just a
matter of

another night in
jail anymore, Dale.

Yes, sir.

Okay.

♪

Court's adjourned.

♪

Yeah, okay.

Hey, hey.

I wanna
talk to you.

Hey, Sarah.

What was
that all about?

Excuse me?

A psychiatric evaluation?

Seriously?

Oh, I didn't know
you were in there.

No, no, no, there is nothing
wrong with Dale Landis, okay?

He's just
a little bit lonely.

And you know
this because?

Because he lives
across the street from me.

Wait, you're actually neighbours
with the Christmas tree guy?

You're smiling, why are you
smiling, how is this funny?

It's not, no, I just, this is
what I mean about small towns.

I think it's great that
everyone knows each other.

It's not that small.

And I didn't say
I know everyone, just him.

And there's nothing
wrong with him, okay?

Look, I'm sorry but I can't talk
about an on-going case,

not out here
like this.

It's not my
first rodeo, Cowboy.

Don't try
and pull that

"can't discuss it" lawyer
brush-off line with me.

What?

You don't wanna talk about
it because we both know

you pulled out your
Big Guns way too fast.

Alright, you wanna
discuss this, Counselor?

Step in my office.

My pleasure.

The fact that the
defendant's your neighbor

doesn't change a thing.

Look, there has to be
more going on here.

I know
Dale Landis isn't crazy.

He's been breaking
these laws for years,

it doesn't seem
to matter to him.

Sure it matters.

So he doesn't mind
spending Christmas in jail?

Of course not.

He would just rather
spend Christmas in jail

than take
down his tree.

And this to you sounds like
the decision of a rational man?

It's a
zoning code, okay?

It's not like
he robbed a bank.

It's the law.

And as long as
I'm in that courtroom,

my job is to
enforce that law.

It's not that simple.

It couldn't be simpler, right
is right and wrong is wrong.

That's just the
way it is, Sarah,

whether we
like it or not.

What about people?

What about having
faith in your fellow man?

You know, trying to look a
little bit closer at the things

that they do, so we can
understand them better.

Especially now,
at Christmas.

How do you think he feels,
being all alone like that,

when everyone
around you is celebrating

with family
and friends?

♪

Look, I appreciate
what you're doing.

But I have faith in
the law, not people.

Law makes a lot
more sense to me.

[clears throat]

Excuse me.

♪

♪

I can't believe he's up
there straightening the tree.

Look, it's leaning
to the right.

Well, at least he put
green on the bottom.

What are you two doing
out here, it's cold.

Hi.

Just in case.

In case of what?

In case
we have to call 9-1-1.

Is he taking it down?

Don't be silly, dear.

It's crooked.

You can't have a crooked
Christmas tree on your roof.

What will
the neighbours say?

Oh, how did
court go today?

Not good.

That man.

You know,
I hate to think of him

spending another
Christmas in jail.

That's why
I came over.

To try
and talk to him.

Good luck, honey.

Why don't you two go back
inside where it's warm.

I'll call you if we
have any emergencies.

Okay.

Thanks.

[deep sigh]

Mr. Landis?

You okay up there?

Uh-huh.

Your tree
looks really nice.

Haven't seen it
for awhile.

It's just the way
I remember it.

Thank you.

Mr. Landis, could I talk to you
for a second about what happened

in the
courthouse today?

What about it?

Well, it's just
that um--

You see, I think that,
this would be a lot easier

if I didn't
have to shout.

[sigh]

Okay, I can do this.

I can do this.

♪

So uhh--

Look straight to you?

Yeah, yeah, that--

That looks great.

[exhales nervously]

You uhh, used to have
this shiny blue soccer ball.

Used to kick it around
in the yard all the time.

That was
a long time ago.

Yeah.

There was this time when uhh,
you kicked it across the street,

in our yard.

When you came over to get it,
my son, Danny--

He thought that ball
was something.

And well,
you played with him

and that ball for
a long, long time.

I remember.

I never did
thank you for that.

That was nice
that you did that.

How is Danny?

He's fine, just fine.

Mr. Landis, did
you understand

what the Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney

said in
the court today?

You mean
that part about,

he doesn't think my
head's on straight?

Well, that's--

We all know
that's not true.

But he's not
from around here,

and he likes to
play hard ball, so--

He's just
doing his job.

It could get very
complicated.

You know, you should
really have an attorney.

I'll be fine.

Mr. Landis.

I really appreciate you coming
up here to talk to me, Sarah.

But I'm uhh,
I'm doing just fine,

I don't need any
help, thank you.

♪

Well, maybe you
could help me.

How's that?

Like I said,
I've been away for awhile.

I'm trying to set up
my own law practice up

and you know getting that
first client, it's not easy.

Mm-hmm.

Maybe if it would
be alright with you,

I could just sit
with you in court

and you know, we could tell
people you're my client,

that I'm
representing your case

but I wouldn't have
to do anything,

not if you
don't want me to.

You figure that would help
you with your law business?

It would
be a big help.

But you wouldn't join up
with the-with the Judge

and that other fella, try'n
make me take this tree down?

Not if you
don't want to.

♪

You were
always nice to Danny.

♪

I guess it'll
be alright.

Thank you,
Mr. Landis.

Yeah.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪

[exhales]

Okay.

♪

♪

[typing]

♪

♪

Good morning.

Good morning.

Beautiful day.

Yes it is.

Think we'll have a
white Christmas?

Looks like it.

Isn't it great how we
can banter like this?

Do you really intend to give
Dale Landis a psych evaluation?

Ah, okay,
that's not banter.

That's more
like shop talk.

Because you know, you
can't have it both ways.

Alright,
What do you mean?

You can't question
his competency

and charge him $5,000
a day for leaving his tree up.

Why not?

Doesn't wash.

Either he knows what
he's doing or he doesn't.

You can't
penalize someone

if they're not responsible
for their actions.

Wow.

Not bad.

Make up
your mind, Counselor.

Hold on, is this
your way of saying

that you
represent Landis now?

That's right.

How'd you get him
to change his mind?

He still
doesn't want a lawyer

but he was happy
to have a friend.

Nice bantering
with you.

♪

[knocking]

You're telling me,
Dale has agreed to this?

He wants you
to represent him?

Let's just say, we've
come to an understanding?

And would this
understanding involve him

taking that tree down
and staying out of jail?

I think first I need to
figure out why he puts it up.

I've waited a long time to solve
that little Christmas mystery.

Has he ever mentioned
his family in court?

Not that I recall.

He has a son,
doesn't he?

Danny.

He moved away with his
mother when he was very young.

I tried to look him up on-line,
but there's no record

of a Daniel Landis
from Rosedale.

No way of knowing where he is,
or even if he's alive or dead.

Why are you
trying to find him?

This man has no one, Judge
Conner, he's all alone

and I thought if I could just
find someone, a family member,

someone he could trust,
he might listen to them.

Hey Marcie, do me a favour,
will you pull all the files

on Dale Landis for the
past three years.

As soon
as you can.

I have a bright-eyed
young attorney here

who has some
homework to do.

Thank you!

♪

Okay.

♪

♪

No drivers license,
no credit card,

no e-mail,
no contact person.

It's like outside of
Christmas, he doesn't exist.

[footsteps approaching]

Hi.

Hey, umm, sorry, I'm just in
the middle of something here.

Yeah,
I figured that.

Hot fresh Cider.

You've been here for hours,
you worked right through dinner.

I did, jeez.

Thought you
might need a break,

Hang on a second, how do you
know how long I've been in here?

Ae you following me
now or something?

As fascinating as you may be,
no, I haven't been watching you.

I thought umm,
maybe--

Umm--

Never mind.

Bad idea.

Hang on, I--

I just get a little cranky
when I'm hungry.

Hmm, I had a
feeling, so--

Hold this.

♪

Tuna salad, right?

How did you--?

I sometimes
eat at the diner

and I overheard Marcie
take your order the other day.

Apparently,
you have a long history

of tuna salad
sandwiches.

[both laughing]

Thank you.

Umm, why are
you doing this?

Those Landis' files?

Yeah.

Yeah, about the
other day umm,

I didn't mean to
lecture you on the law.

Especially when it
comes to Mr. Landis.

I know he's more than
just another case for you.

I got
a little caught up.

I do
that sometimes.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I--

Get a little
caught up sometimes too.

Really?

[laughing]

You noticed.

Yeah.

You know,
when I'm in that courtroom,

I have to do everything
I can to win that case,

you know that.

Including this one.

I do.

And you have to do everything
you can to help out your client.

So things are gonna get kinda
sticky before this is over.

Yeah, and when they do,
I just want you to remember

that this sandwich is a token
of our professional respect.

Okay.

And that I envy your
faith in other people.

You do?

Yeah I might be a
pretty good lawyer,

but I don't have much luck
in that department.

Especially at Christmas.

♪

You want half?

On one condition:
we don't discuss the case.

Agreed.

Okay.

Goodnight, Barney.

Good one.

Sometimes they don't
toast the bread enough

depends on
the chef that day.

Hmm.

♪

[sigh]

I mean, we were together all
through law school, it was fine.

But I should
have seen it coming,

the signs
were all there.

Such as?

Such as:
she took a job in D.C.

the day
after we graduated,

and then stopped
returning my texts and calls.

Ouch.

Yeah, should've realized at that
time our days were numbered.

And since then?

Since then?

Well, it turns out

not everyone relates to
my love for small town life.

Mmm.

Working in
a place like Rosedale

doesn't exactly fit their
visions of success.

They don't know
what they're missing.

How about you?

No one to keep the
home fires burning?

No,
I gave up on that.

Oh, please.

I mean, not as a
permanent situation.

It's just dating in the
city is way too exhausting.

Like the past four years
have been all about money

and titles and
connections and winning.

Mostly winning.

No matter what.

"Guys like me"
in other words?

Nothing like you.

You know, that may be the nicest
thing anyone's ever said to me.

Well, this is me.

So umm, guess I'll see
you in court tomorrow.

Yeah.

♪

Good night.

Good night.

Sarah?

And what I said before,
about that sandwich?

I meant it.

♪

I'm impressed.

You got your
first case already.

Yeah,
only on the condition

that I do and say nothing to
keep my client out of jail.

He'll change
his tune.

Mmm,
I wouldn't be so sure.

How can he say no to
the best lawyer in town--

Who's doing it for
free, I might add.

The same way he's
said no everyone else.

And, you know,
as for being the best,

the Deputy Prosecuting
Attorney is no slouch.

Believe me.

So, you've
met John Keaton.

Oh,
you know him?

Not exactly.

He comes into my
restaurant sometimes.

So he has
good taste too.

Why, thank you, it's all
very mysterious though.

What do you mean?

Whenever
he comes in,

he's always with the same
attractive young woman.

-Really?
-Mhm.

She must be from
out of town, I assume.

That's the only
time I ever see her.

That would
makes sense.

He hasn't lived in our
little town very long

and he doesn't realize that
people notice these things.

I'm sure
you're right.

All rise.

Be seated.

Ms. Wright.

I see
you've joined us.

Welcome, as always.

Thank you,
your Honour.

Well, let's get
right to it, shall we?

Dale, I don't suppose you've
given us an early

Christmas present
by taking that tree down?

Uhh, no,
your Honour, I haven't.

And I gather you still have
no intention of doing so.

No, sir.

Hmm, Mr. Keaton.

Your honour, upon further
review, the prosecution has

decided to withdraw the motion
to fine Mr. Landis everyday

the tree is
on top of his house.

Well, I like the way
this is starting out.

So noted.

Did you
get that, Dale?

The prosecution is
dropping the fine?

I appreciate it.

However, the defendant continues
to be in violation of several

building codes and in so
doing presents a clear danger

to himself
and to the community.

I would never hurt
anybody, you honour.

No one,
really, never.

Ehh, Dale,
let him finish.

Therefore, your Honour, we ask
that you rule on our request for

immediate psychiatric evaluation
to determine the competency

of the defendant, as well as
authorize the immediate

enforcement of the court
order to take the tree down.

Dale you understand
that one way or the other,

that tree
is coming down.

I really wish you
wouldn't do that, your honour.

With all due respect,
your honour,

the defendant's wishes
have no relevance here.

Your Honour, the wishes of the
defendant are precisely

what this case
is all about.

Your Honour, excuse me,
if I could finish my point--?

It was Mr. Landis' wish
to place the tree on his roof,

it was his wish to
keep it on his roof.

Then it must have also been
his wish to break the law.

The Prosecution has made
it clear that this case

is no longer
just about the law.

It is also about the defendant's
understanding of the law.

I understand the law
just fine, your Honour.

I just don't wanna
take down my tree.

I-I think they're on to
something else here, Dale.

They seem pretty
steamed about it.

Oh yes, they do.

You honour, I'm confused,who
am I speaking to here?

Is Mr. Landis
representing himself,

or is Ms. Wright now
arguing this case?

Fair question,
Ms. Wright?

Mr. Landis has agreed to let
me assist him, your honour.

What does
that mean?

In the case of Dooley
vs. The State of Washington,

Raymond Dooley declined to be
represented by an attorney.

What?

However, when his competency was
questioned, the court ruled that

while he had the
right to refuse representation,

he could be
assigned an advisor.

An "advisor"?

You mean something
like, an attorney?

They weren't
there to represent him,

they were
there to interpret.

And uhh, clarify.

The law,
so to speak.

What's the difference?

It's right there,
read it for yourself.

I don't have to read it,
you're talking about semantics.

Excuse me?

Look you're either his
lawyer or you're not.

Doesn't
make any sense.

It makes more sense than putting
him back in jail, doesn't it?

He knew he was gonna go there
when he put the tree back up.

Well, at least he didn't make
up stories about his tree

to try and
impress people!

Excuse me?

[gavel pounds]

You two, in my chamber now, this
court's in recess, ten minutes.

♪

Okay, what was
that all about?

You think I'm making up
stories about something?

I think you would do
anything to win this case.

I'm not the one pulling
rabbits out of my hat,

"Dooley vs. State
of Washington"?
[chuckles]

Please.

Are you questioning
my citation?

I'm questioning
your cheap shot.

Alright.

Neutral corners.

Your Honour, she's obviously
trying to help her neighbour,

whether he
wants it or not.

Do you even know what
we're talking about here?

Have you been
to see the tree?

What's that got to
do with anything?

Your Honour, Dale Landis
has been putting a tree

on his roof since
I was a little girl.

I used to look
forward to seeing it

from my bedroom
window every year.

Wait, how long has this guy
been getting away with this?

The point is, what he does
may be technically illegal--

"Technically"?

It is also beautiful.

And in some way that
none of us can understand,

it makes him happy.

But that does not
make him crazy.

And I will not
let the prosecution

make him
think he is.

Your Honour,
the law clearly states--

I'm familiar with the
law, Mr. Keaton.

But you're right.

The law is quite
clear on this point.

But your Honour--

However, Ms. Wright
has also made a point.

Whatever the legal issues
here, Mr. Landis is harmless.

Which leads me to believe that
we must be missing something,

that there must be a
different solution.

Such as?

No idea.

Which is why I'm putting you in
charge of finding that solution.

-You are?
-Mhm.

And, you're
gonna help her John.

Woah,
woah, wait, what?

You two are gonna
work this out together.

And the next time
I see you,

I want to hear that
you've found a way to satisfy

the court's and
Mr. Landis' dreams

for a happy and
healthy Christmas.

Wait a second--

If you two put half as much
effort into sorting this out

as you do into sniping at each
other, you're gonna bring

a lot of Christmas cheer
into my courtroom!

Your Honour, I have
a full case load.

For which, I will give
you a full continuance.

Hmm?

Your only concern right now is
to create a Christmas miracle.

Any questions?

Good.

Tomorrow is
Christmas Eve.

I want this
resolved before then.

Otherwise, Mr. Landis spends
another Christmas in jail.

And we don't
want that, do we?

I really think--

-[grunt]
-Sir--

[grunt]

No, sir.

Alright.

Off you go.

Play nice.

[clears throat]

"Play nice"?

He was
talking to you.

You wanna
tell me what I did?

Let's just
get through this.

Fine.

Any ideas?

You?

Mm-mm.

I'll get the files.

I'll get the coffee.

♪

Okay, you want neighbors'
complaints or building codes?

Well, it's your
neighborhood.

I'll take
the building codes.

Okay.

♪

♪

Non-fat latte.

Thank you.

♪

Could you--

Can I have a--

Sorry?

Sorry?

Uhh, could you pass me
the critique of law.

Sure, there you go,

Thank you.

Did you find the--

Yeah, could I see
that for a second?

-Yeah.
-Thanks.

♪

[indistinct chatter]

Where's that
coming from?

I think
it's the town square.

Oh, no.

They're lighting
the tree.

That's tonight?

I completely
forgot about it.

I've been looking
forward to this for years

and now I'm
going to miss it.

Come on.

But we haven't
found anything yet.

It's all gonna be
here when we get back.

You want to
see it or not?

Come on.

♪

♪ Mother and child

♪ Holy infants so
tender and mild ♪

It's just like
I remember.

This is home.

This is where I learned
to put my faith in people.

You're lucky.

We can't stay long.

Hi.

As soon as they light the
tree, we should head back.

Well, I thought
you wanted to--

We don't have time.

What's--

What's going on?

I don't understand, I know
we're off a rocky start

but I thought, I thought
you liked the sandwich.

It's a
small town, John.

Yeah I figured so.

That restaurant
you like?

The Bostrum Bistro?

Mhm.

My best friend is
the chef there.

Okay,
it's good food, so?

So, she remembers
you coming in, okay?

I still don't--

Am I a bad tipper?

She also
remembers--

There she is,
Sarah, honey!

Hey there, kiddo.

We were looking
all over for you.

Oh yeah, sorry.

I had to work late.

I told your father that
you wouldn't miss this

for the world.

No, you're right.

John Keaton.

Hi.

Hello.

John is the Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney.

These are my parents.

Nice to meet you.

Keaton.

Judge Conners tells me you're
handling Dale Landis' case.

That's right.

You've got your
hands full there.

Yeah, well we're actually
handling it together now,

try to
straighten things out.

Sarah, did you convince Dale
into letting you be his lawyer?

No, not exactly.

It was the judge's idea
actually, to try and keep

Mr. Landis from spending
another Christmas in jail.

Well,
I hope it works.

Yeah, so do we.

Uhh, you know,
I should--

there's something
I need to take care of.

Excuse me.

I'll come
by tomorrow.

Love you.

Honey, they're
gonna light the tree.

What was
that all about?

I should probably go
help her with that thing.

It was really nice
to meet you both.

Excuse me.

♪

Her name's Emily.

What?

The woman your friend saw
me with in the restaurant.

It's none of
my business, John.

No, probably not,
but just for the record,

she's my
little sister.

Your sister.

Yeah, she's
a senior in college.

She's really busy,

which is why I can't see
her that often but--

When she can come visit, she
loves your friend's restaurant.

John,
I-I thought that--

I'm sorry.

Hey--

Look, I haven't
lied to you, Sarah.

I never will.

♪

♪

Come on.

♪ We all know that Santa's
coming and soon will be here ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year ♪

erry Christmas we wish you a

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year ♪

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Merry Christmas!

[crowd cheering]

Merry Christmas.

♪

Merry Christmas.

Oh, hey.

Merry Christmas.

My sister's what
brought me to Rosedale,

she was the reason
I took the job.

What do you mean?

Well, our family moved
around so much,

it was umm, it felt like
it was just her and I.

And I was the big brother,
so I had to take care of her.

What about
your parents?

They made sure
we were okay.

In a
sort of uhh--

how do you say,
non-committal sort of way.

What?

I guess looking back on it, they
liked the idea of kids a lot

more than the actual
day to day reality.

John, that must have been so
hard for you and your sister.

Yeah.

But it did give me a lot of
time to figure things out.

And I figured out pretty quickly
that if someone says "trust me,"

you gotta
watch your back.

[laughing]

That's not always
true, you know.

Yeah, maybe not.

But when
you're a little kid

looking after
your little sister,

the first thing
you learn is that

no one's gonna hand
you what you need.

You gotta--

You gotta go out
there and get it.

You know, I guess that's kinda
stuck with me over the years.

Especially when
it comes to Emily.

So, you came here so she would
know what it felt like,

to have
a real home.

Yeah.

You know,
you remind me of her.

Really?

She has a lot of
faith in people too.

Well,
why wouldn't she?

She had you.

[laughing]

I guess it's time to
call it a night, huh?

Actually,
it's morning.

And we're no closer
than when we started.

We'll find something.

I don't know.

You know, this thing with Landis
has been going on for so long,

I can't believe no
one's tried this already.

And-and what if we do
find some sort of loophole?

I mean, how do we
know Landis won't wanna,

you know,
come along with it?

John.

Yeah, I'm beginning to
think we're gonna need

a real Christmas miracle to
keep him out of jail.

John,
did you see this?

What?

"Central Valley Drug Mart
vs. Springfield County".

They had a platform on their
roof with some sort of

big promotional
display, including a tree.

Lemme see.

The county asked
them to take it down,

said it
represented a hazard.

Right and--

But the judge ruled they could
keep it up as long as the tree--

Both: Wasn't
attached to the roof.

Show me this tree.

[laughing]

♪

[tree crashes]

[exhaling]

Hey!

Hey, what do you
think you're doing?

Who are you?

I'm Mr. Landis'
attorney.

Who authorized you to
take down that tree?

Well, the county says that
if he doesn't follow the law

and take it down,
we can do it for him.

I'm the Deputy County
Prosecutor, and this case is

still being
heard in court.

Hmm.

Looks like we
settled it for you.

Excuse me.

Oh, and Counselor?

Umm, If you
could remind your client

that he may still be
looking at some jail time.

What do
you want to do?

We've come this far,
we can't give up now.

Come on, let's go.

They already
pulled the tree down?

Yes, sir.

Hmm.

Well, I don't like it,
but strictly speaking,

I suppose they
were within the law.

Well, what about the court
ruling on Central Valley Drugs?

Would it
hold up in court?

Does it apply?

Well, I think you
found your loophole.

But it's a moot point,
the tree's no longer an issue.

It is if
we put it back up.

Wait, what?

The court
ruling clearly stipulates

that as long as
the tree isn't attached.

Hold on, Sarah.

Now look,
you did what I asked.

You both
worked together.

You found a solution.

You made
sure that Mr. Landis

is never gonna spend
another Christmas in jail.

You should
be proud of that.

You made a difference and
justice has been served.

Now look.

Tonight is
Christmas Eve.

It's a time to be with
the people you care about.

Alright?
And that's what
I want you to do.

Both of you.

With all due respect,
your Honour,

I don't think we've made
any difference at all.

I'm sorry?

This isn't about the law
or about serving justice.

This is
about Mr. Landis.

He's still all alone
in that big old house.

He doesn't have anyone
to spend Christmas with.

The only thing
he wanted, the only thing

that means anything to
him, they took down.

It doesn't matter anymore why
he wants that tree on his roof.

What that matters is that,
that is his Christmas wish.

And I'm gonna do
everything I can

to make sure that
wish comes true.

Do you know how much
work it will take

to get that tree back
up there to code?

But there's still time.

If I had
a little help.

John, is the Prosecutor's office
ready to go along with this?

Absolutely.

Alright.

Well, you're gonna
need a building permit.

Marcie, would you get
me the county permits office

on the phone?

Oh yeah, tell them we have
a Christmas tree to put up.

Way up.

Thank you.

♪

Thanks.

Okay guys,
right in here.

Yes ma'am.

We gotta go.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas,
thank you.

This is perfect.

It sure is.

Hey pal,
you wanna grab this?

♪

♪

[knocking on door]

Mr. Landis?

It's Sarah.

Could I talk to
you for a minute?

Mr. Landis?

I just wanted you to know, we're
gonna put your tree back up.

♪

♪

Hey there kiddo, I thought maybe
you could use some sawhorses.

Hey.

Thank you.

There you go.

What do you say we
grab the tree, alright?

[sawing]

♪

If we had a straight
edge, that would be ideal.

Dad, we're gonna be
hammering the two by fours.

[power saw]

[laughing]

♪

John?

Sarah Wright?

Before you say anything, Judge
Conners knows all about this,

the building permit
is being expedited

and it should
be here any--

Yeah, I know.

What's this?

Your building permits.

The Judge told me to
deliver it personally.

With a smile.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah.

[laughing]

Alright, we got it.

Thank you.

So cute.

Shhhh.

I know!

Woo-hoo!!

Judge Conner?

Well,
would you look at that?

We thought you
might need some help.

Come on boys,
let's get this done.

Alright.

♪

♪

Wooo!

Come on!

No, no, no.

I'm good.

Come on, hunny.

Go for it kiddo.

Come on, go.

You can do it.

Here,
I'll grab the ladder.

♪

Oh.

Easy peasy.

There you go,
you're good.
[laughing]

Do you trust me?

Yeah.

Here we are.

Are you ready?

Three.

Two.

One.

[crowd cheering]

[crowd cheering]

Thank you.

It was all you.

Let's go tell
Mr. Landis.

[knocking]

Mr. Landis?

We're ready.

Come and
see your tree.

Sarah.

Come and take a look.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Do you like it?

Yeah, it's nice.

Very nice.

Good night.

I don't understand.

Look, we may
never understand.

You did
something else here.

You showed us all what
a difference it can make

to show a little extra
faith in your fellow man.

No one's gonna forget
this any time soon.

Especially me.

[deep sigh]

Let's go.

Are you sure you don't want
to come in for a few minutes?

I would love to, but my sister's
coming in on the red-eye.

I think
I'm gonna go home.

Okay, well listen umm,
my parents throw this uhh,

Christmas dinner party
and they invite a few friends.

Actually,
a lot of friends.

So, umm, maybe you and
your sister should join us?

I can meet her.

You know,
I'd love that.

Okay.

Oh, that's a
friend of yours?

I don't think so.

Who is that?

I don't know.

But whoever it is,

it's the last thing
Mr. Landis needs right now.

I'm gonna go
talk to him.

Alright.

Can I help you?

♪

[clears throat]

Can I help you?

Oh uhh, sorry, ma'am,
I just uhh, saw the tree.

I wanted to just
stop for a look.

I hope that's alright.

It's okay.

Do you happen to
know who lives here?

Yeah, that's--

That's him right there,
Dale Landis.

Landis?

Yeah.

♪

Danny?

Hi, Dad.

[panting]

Danny.

Danny.

Danny.

My son.

Oh.

Let's go.

Sarah, John, wait.

This is my son, Danny.

Danny, these are
friends of mine.

Good friends.

Very good friends.

Hi Danny,
it's been a long time.

You always
wanted to know why

I put that tree up there
every Christmas?

This is the reason,
right here.

I was just a little boy
when my mother took me away.

I remember, it
was Christmas Eve.

I've made my
decision, it's over.

No, it's already
done, we're leaving.

She said we were
never coming back here.

But just before
we left, my Dad,

he pulled me aside
and he told me--

Look for the
Christmas tree.

No matter what,
no matter how long it took,

if I ever
wanted to find him--

Always
look for the tree.

On the rooftop.

On the rooftop.

So that tree
really was a beacon.

To show
your son the way home.

It was
my only hope.

When my Mom got married
again, she changed my name too.

So I knew there wasn't
much chance you'd find me.

These last few years
I've been in the army.

But I got
leave this Christmas.

And as soon as I got
back, I started looking.

And I found you.

I finally found you.

Welcome home, son.

God bless you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

It's a nice tree.

It's a very nice tree.

You know, maybe next year,
we could get one just like it.

Okay.

Okay.

♪

♪

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪

♪