Original subtitles

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Let your heart be light.

Yeah, of course I can finish the report for you. Yeah, volunteering for your

son's Christmas concert is important.

Yes! No, it's no problem at all.

Okay, Merry Christmas, Jill.

Good morning.

So we're simplifying the Christmas menu, tightening the margins, and revamping

the gingerbread dessert?

Yeah, happy to take over that project.

Yeah, the deadline is... Oh.

That's soon.

You know what? I can make that work.

Yeah.

Yeah, no problem.

Chloe, how many projects would you say are currently on your desk?

Sixteen. Sixteen.

You know, the average for a food performance agent is nine or ten, right?

Yes, sir.

But, you know, I'm efficient.

And my time management skills are something I've been really working on.

Chloe, your habit of overcommitting has just cost us one of our biggest clients.

What?

Ate that for new steakhouse?

What happened?

You designed this new menu for the client, correct?

Yes. Yeah, Lisa was so busy with the beluga sushi account, so I just

finalized the menu for her.

Well, there was an appetizer that was missing an ingredient in its

description.

A diner had a severe allergic reaction.

Oh my goodness, are they okay?

Yes, yeah. Luckily, everything's fine.

Well, I mean, usually a server would ask if there are any allergies at the table.

Chloe.

Uh, but, yeah, no, this is my fault.

Um, I'm so sorry.

Thank you.

You know, this has never happened before.

You are a wonderful employee, Chloe, but you take on too much.

And sometimes there are consequences.

Brad, Mr.

Siren, I... Look, I know that you had your heart set on the senior management

position, but I've thought about it and I've decided to give it to Jill.

Wait, Jill?

The person that I trained?

The one I'm covering for today?

Chloe, listen, you are a workhorse, and we do not want to lose you in the role

that you're in. So I'm not getting promoted because I work too hard?

No.

Look, I was once a lot like you.

Ambitious. I was driven. I was hardworking to a fault. A people

pleaser. A people pleaser?

Because you will constantly sacrifice to ensure that those around you are happy.

Um, uh, I do do that. Yeah.

Maybe.

Give yourself the gift of rejection therapy this Christmas.

I know, it's a thing. Check it out. I tried it.

Chloe, it changed my life.

Rejection therapy?

Uh, sure.

I'm just not sure I understand how this rejection therapy is supposed to work.

How is strangers saying no to you supposed to help you get over your

people-pleasing nature?

Don't you have to be the one saying no?

I guess the key is that my people-pleasing stems from a fear of

rejection.

I do so much for others, for validation, acceptance, and I need to learn that

rejection is okay, starting with the little things.

I think it's unnecessary.

You're just a generous and kind-hearted person.

And likely stuck in this position without hope for advancement if I don't

make some changes.

Yeah, I'm sorry about the promotion.

But the good news is you'll be home for Christmas break tomorrow.

Being home will make you feel better.

Yeah. Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow.

Bye.

The Christmas No List.

Ask for requests from strangers that are so outlandish you're guaranteed a

rejection.

One point per rejection, you get 10 points by Christmas.

Nothing to it. My driver is not here. I'm just going to Church Lodge.

Well, can you send another driver?

Okay, great. How long?

Okay.

Thank you. That'll be fine. Yeah.

Hey, can I give you a ride?

Are you offering a stranger a ride?

Yeah, what can I say? Folks are friendly here in Maple Hills.

You don't even know where I'm going. It could be miles away.

I overheard you on the phone. You're going to the Carriage Lodge. I know it

well. My aunt used to own it.

My sister just bought it.

Oh, so you're Melissa's brother?

You know my sister?

No, it's just my mother gives me weekly Maple Hills reports of everything that

goes on in the area.

So do you do this a lot? Offer strangers rides?

Oh, yeah, I know.

It was a silly idea.

It's a no then? No worries. Merry Christmas. You know what? Sure.

Why not? I just gotta cancel my ride.

What?

Are you reconsidering your offer?

No, no, no, I'm not reconsidering. I just, I don't, I mean, I don't have like

a fancy car. It's an old truck.

That is just fine.

I'm James.

Chloe.

No winter clothes, huh?

I came woefully underprepared.

So this truck of yours, where is it?

Yes, right, yes, because I'm taking you with me to the truck. It's this way.

Well, here it is.

You sure it'll start?

Yeah, it'll start.

What are you doing?

Well, if I wasn't certain already that you weren't from around here.

This is how we do it without fancy coves and keyless entry.

My dad dropped this old girl off for me this morning.

Resourceful.

You're gonna have to put it in the bed of the truck.

There's no room up in the cab.

You know, if you're more comfortable with your car service, I mean, not too

late to say no.

It's fine.

Here we go.

Oh, the passenger door doesn't open. You have to scoot in on the driver's side.

I won't take offense if you want to say no.

All good.

What? I just assumed you were here on business, not to visit family.

Why? The suit?

I wear a suit all the time.

You dress like you're going to an office meeting all the time?

I don't have a wardrobe just for Christmas vacations.

Not even one vibrant flannel?

Not a one.

Christmas Eve service sweater?

Mm-mm.

Where are you visiting from?

Phoenix. You?

New York. What do you do?

I'm an EVP of reputation management at Capstone Global.

I deal in crisis management.

So basically people yell at you all day.

Basically, yes.

What about you?

I'm a food performance consultant.

I can honestly say that I have no idea what that is.

Well, here we are.

Thank you for the ride.

Yeah, yeah, you're welcome.

Okay, well...

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, it actually does open from the inside.

I'm sure I get a rejection from that guy.

Melissa?

Hey sis, what happened?

I think I broke the oven. Oh. And we just renovated.

What were you doing?

Baking? I don't get it. I've been following the previous owner's recipes

right down to the letter, and yet this keeps happening.

Is that coffee safe?

Winning a lodge is a lot of work.

It's a nice place.

It's quiet.

Yeah, that's because my only three guests checked out this morning after a

disastrous breakfast.

Hey, Mom.

Oh, you checking in?

No, it's me.

It's your Uncle James.

Do I have an uncle?

Yes.

Though you haven't seen him much.

Uncle James.

Nope.

Are you two being serious right now?

You know, Uncle James.

The one who sends you a new doll for your collection every Christmas.

Oh, you're that Uncle James?

Come over here and give me a hug right now.

And now that he's here for Christmas, he can take you doll shopping in person

this year.

That's right.

Yeah, that's right.

Let's go doll shopping. Doll shopping? Yay! Best uncle ever! Yeah!

Let's see if I can get my first no.

Hey there.

Want some help?

Delivering the mail?

Yeah, I could use the exercise.

Yeah, I could use a break.

Careful. This thing weighs a ton.

Oh, okay.

I mean, I'll probably slow you down, you know, with all my questions about your

route.

No bother. I like the company.

Great.

Uh, and if I accidentally misplace a letter or confuse one street for

another, is that bad?

On second thought, I should probably do it myself.

Oh, so that's a no, then?

I'm afraid so.

Oh, I understand.

You know, I could probably still keep you company if you want.

Thanks. It's very kind of you.

Well,

congratulations

on your first rejection.

Thank you.

Should have another one, but my guy James was strangely agreeable.

Sounds like a catch to me.

No, no, there is nothing romantic about it. Oh, speaking of romantic, Dom's home

for Christmas this year, too.

Really?

Well, wow, I haven't seen Dom in years.

Well, I'm just saying, you're home and he's home.

Jeannie, I'm home this Christmas to enjoy the season, regroup, fix my people

-pleasing ways so I can go back and fight for my promotion.

You are really committed to this whole rejection therapy thing.

No way I can talk you out of it.

No. See what I just did?

No,

I thought I should give it a try. I mean, it worked for my boss. He owns his

own company now.

Okay, fine.

So what are you going to do for your next rejection?

I don't know.

Why wouldn't that James guy say no?

Do you think he was afraid of hurting my feelings?

Because I can take rejection.

I mean, I can.

Maybe you need to get him to say no before you can move forward.

That's a great idea.

Where are you going?

To get rejected.

Good luck.

You're back.

Hi. Yeah, I was wondering if you want to come with me on a long, cold walk

outside. It's for this old family Christmas tradition thing I was going to

do. But it's pretty cold outside, and it's a long walk, and you don't have

good winter clothes, so... Oh, yeah.

Sure.

I got time.

And I found a jacket I can wear.

But you don't even know what it is.

It's a Christmas tradition. How bad could it be?

Uh... Uh, your dress shoes will probably get ruined in the snow, and your feet

will freeze.

I'll tough it out.

Um, we'd be out till after dark, so... I am in.

Let's do this, and I will thaw my feet in access to the fireplace.

Uh, I'll warn you, I can't tell you what it is. First-time tradition rules.

Surprises are a good healthy mental exercise.

You're gonna blindly trust a stranger?

I got into a truck with you at the airport.

It's not going to be much more dangerous than that, is it?

Uh... So,

no hint at what this

tradition is?

Aren't you cold yet?

I'm eager to see this.

So we're, uh... Just wait.

Is there something supposed to happen?

Patience.

Wow.

That was worth the walk.

You come see this every year?

Not anymore.

I did as a child.

Growing up, my Nana always...

brought me here for our own special lighting we'd have hot chocolate that

she'd bring in a thermos and we'd say a christmas prayer

it's a nice tradition it was just the two of you

yeah yeah she um she passed a few years ago oh i'm so sorry

my parents continue a lot of her christmas traditions so that keeps her

close

My sister and I were raised by my mom.

My dad passed away when we were young, so we don't have a whole lot of

Christmas traditions.

This time of year was usually a source of a lot of stress in our household.

One income.

And we lost mom last year.

I'm sorry.

And that's why I came to visit.

My sister and niece have really been through it this year, and I'm... You're

showing up for family when it matters.

I just think it's important to show my niece, Angelique, a different

experience, you know? To show her the importance of the season.

Connecting with loved ones and spending time together.

Yeah.

Well, that was the tradition, so your toes must be icicles. No, no. We missed

a part.

We didn't say a prayer.

Well, we don't have to do that.

Close your eyes.

Say a prayer.

All right, now for the last part.

You want to get hot chocolate?

I would have brought a thermos, but first-timers, tradition rule.

Right. Mm.

Oh, thank you.

Marshmallow?

Yes, thank you.

Can I

ask you a question?

Have you hesitated yet?

Have you always been so... undisturbable?

Is that a word?

It should be if it isn't.

Well, I guess it depends.

Is that meant to be a critique or a compliment?

A compliment.

In that case, can you define undisturbable?

You just seem to be in the unique position of someone who truly,

absolutely cannot care less about what anyone else thinks of you.

I feel so.

We've been sitting here in silence for over a minute.

Is that a bad thing?

Well, it's not normal.

I mean, strangers can't sit in comfortable silence.

You know, you need small talk.

So do you always find the need to fill silences?

Um, yeah.

Otherwise, how do I know if you're having a good time?

I am.

You're not bored?

I am not.

Well, look, I guess I've just been this way my entire life.

But if you find the fact that I can be so confident that I do what I want

with little consideration for other people's opinions to be a strength,

well, rest assured that I consider it a deep and cutting weakness.

Plenty of work to do on myself there.

You know?

So, how long are you staying in town?

Till the 25th.

You're leaving on Christmas Day?

Mm-hmm. It was the most financially responsible decision.

I... Do you disagree?

I mean, it's Christmas.

I think you should at least stay till the day after.

Well, I will have been here the whole week

But it's Christmas.

I mean, it's very, I don't know, Grinch-like to leave on Christmas Day.

Just... Are you asking me to stay through Christmas?

Um, yes.

Yes, I am.

Yes, James, will you stay until after Christmas?

You know what?

Okay.

You're serious?

Yeah, you do have a point.

I mean, my niece is going to be over this whole Cindy Lou Who stage before I

know it, and this non-grinch doesn't want to miss that.

So, yes, yes, I will stay through Christmas.

I mean, that's great. That's great.

Today was fun, thank you.

Definitely unexpected, but in a good way.

Remember that guy who was wearing that awful Christmas sweater with all the

blinking lights on it?

It was fun.

Oh, but you don't like Christmas sweaters, so... What?

Then you wouldn't want to go Christmas sweater shopping with me. Like, to get

something for yourself.

They're kind of itchy, right?

Or those funny matching ones.

That's something that you wouldn't want to do.

Matching? Yeah.

That's a no.

No.

No. No.

It's not a no. It's a yes.

Yes. Yes.

Okay.

How's tomorrow at 10? Great.

See you tomorrow.

Okay.

See you then. At 10. Okay.

Okay.

I thought he'd say no.

It's so strange how he never says no.

Yeah, but that tradition was so special to you and Nana.

I mean, with the Christmas prayer and everything.

You never even shared that experience with me.

Or Dom, right?

Yeah.

But, I don't know, it was kind of nice seeing him experience it.

I just don't think he's the kind of guy who usually enjoys the holidays, that's

all.

You like him?

Okay, he's nice, but he's, like, totally not my type.

Yeah,

smart, successful, handsome, and says yes to anything you want is not your

type. Okay, regardless, it doesn't even matter because he's geographically

undesirable, and I don't have time for a relationship.

I've been saying that since the breakup with Dom.

Okay, well, it was true then, and it's especially true now.

Oh, I should go.

I'll call you later.

Oh, I want live time updates as you shop.

Bye.

Goodbye.

There you are.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Oh, it smells amazing in here.

You've been so busy since we've been home. I know, so I thought I'd make you

guys breakfast. Have a seat. I'll get you a plate.

Thank you.

Oh, this looks so delicious.

Is Dad not joining us?

No, he had to go into town to get my turkey for a pre-Christmas Christmas

dinner.

You're still helping me cook, right?

Yes, of course.

You know, speaking of shopping, I actually have some shopping to do today.

With Jeannie?

No, it's with another friend.

A male friend.

Well, yes, he's male, but it's just this guy, James.

He's in town visiting for Christmas.

Well, his sister bought Aunt Lily's lodge. He's Melissa's brother.

I hear how that poor dear woman is having a hard time of it.

What happened?

Well, you know how Miss Drew, the lodge's chef, she retired and moved to

Florida a few weeks ago?

Yeah. I love Ms. Drew.

She taught me to cook when I'd visit Aunt Lily for the weekends.

Well, I hear the guests aren't too happy with the new owner's cooking.

Oh. That must be stressful.

Why don't you take all of this with you?

I'm sure the guests would appreciate it.

I wouldn't want to offend her. I'm sure she'd be grateful for it, darling.

Here's the turkey.

The turkey has landed.

Oh, seems like I made it back just in time. I haven't seen a breakfast spread

like this since... yesterday morning.

Good save.

Hey, Dad.

Have a seat. I'll make you a plate. Oh, yes, please.

Oh, I hear that nice Dom fella you used to see is back in town, and he's a big

deal at some big pharmaceutical company now.

Yes, I heard, Dad.

And he's single, too.

Dad, that was a long time ago.

He was a nice fella, that one. That's all I'm saying.

Chloe has a new friend now?

This is good.

This is really good.

Hi,

welcome to the carriage lodge.

Are you checking in?

Um, uh, no. My name is Chloe. I'm actually here to see James.

Are you his girlfriend?

He has a girlfriend?

Hi. Hi.

You two are acting really weird.

Angelique, get ready for camp.

So you met Angelique?

She's delightful.

Sorry, I'm a little early.

Oh, no, it's fine. It'll just take me a minute to get ready.

Okay.

Yeah. What do you got there?

Oh, um... My mom mentioned something, and I really like to cook, so... But, I

mean, I don't have to... No, no, no, no. We will take those.

Okay.

Pancakes? Mm-hmm.

Hi.

Are you gonna invite your friend in? Uh, Chloe, Melissa, Melissa, Chloe.

We were just heading out. Gonna go do some Christmas shopping.

In your PJs.

I'm gonna change first.

Excuse me.

So, Melissa, I'm Chloe Hollis. My Aunt Lily is to own this lodge.

Oh, please.

Come on in.

Oh, it smells delicious in here.

Chloe, we have breakfast.

You are an angel. Who can cook?

Do you want a job?

I'm not professional.

I'm bad to differ.

I'm going to go change.

OK, this is seriously delicious.

Thank you.

Actually, the previous chef here, Miss Drew, she taught me to cook.

Her recipes are so hard to get right.

Yeah, her coded recipes can be tricky.

Coded?

Yeah, she was always afraid that somebody would find her recipes and

steal them, so she used this coding system.

You mean all those symbols mean something?

Yes, um, yeah, so like this one right here, that squiggle line, that means

salt.

Salt, yes.

I was wondering why the muffins tasted so bland.

You know, I could help you decode these sometime.

Would you?

Absolutely.

And you know, I love what you've done with the kitchen.

Thanks.

The oven's already broken.

Oh, the coil's burned out.

That may have been me.

How about this one?

Not nearly enough Christmas.

It's red.

Oh, oh, oh, hey.

Try again.

Oh.

Okay.

This is fun.

Seriously?

I have to wear sunglasses just to put that thing on.

So is that a no?

That's a... Maybe.

Wow.

You weren't kidding. These things are itchy.

Are you saying you don't want to do this? We don't have to do this. No, I'm

just saying I'm going to have to wear a long sleeve underneath.

Reindeer. Okay.

Oh, yes.

Giving me spring vibes.

All right, try this one on.

Found him. Oh.

Well, it only makes sense if we're standing side by side.

So is that a no, then?

We'll just have to spend more time together.

Yeah.

Ta-da!

Oh!

Thank you so much for this. Thank you for walking me home.

Thank you.

So, have you done your Christmas shopping?

It's covered. I got gift cards.

You don't think that's a good gift?

Well, you know, it's your family, your traditions.

Well, it's practical.

That way, everyone can shop for anything they want.

Yeah. Yeah.

You think that maybe they would prefer something immediate

on Christmas in their hands? Yes.

Yes. I think your niece would rather open a bag of bouncy balls on Christmas

morning than get, I don't know, a bicycle and a screen just to wait for.

It's Christmas.

There was talk of me taking her shopping for a new doll.

Okay, not exactly a Christmas morning surprise, but the added time together

shopping is a bonus. So yeah, okay, I'll allow it. She's very generous of you.

Yeah.

How about Melissa?

I wouldn't even know where to start.

You know, I think acts of service would appeal to her. She seems to have her

hands full.

You are very perceptive.

You can fix your oven.

Contrary to outward appearances, I'm... Not much of a handyman.

It's just a coil.

I think an online tutorial would do the trick.

Well, I can do that.

Okay, great.

Anyone else?

Friends? Or, I don't know, a girlfriend back home?

I was in a long-term relationship until recently, but that's over now.

Do you mind my asking what happened?

We were both more interested in using airline miles to see bucket list

destinations than spend vacation time on family.

And then Melissa's husband Adam passed away, and we lost my

mom, and I started to understand the value of family that I was missing out

on.

So Brittany, my ex, and I...

had the tough conversation, and it was clear that we were not on the same page.

So I decided to move on.

Well, I'm sorry. I know breakups are hard, especially when there's a lot of

history.

But for whatever it's worth, I think you made the right decision.

Oh, um, excuse me.

Chloe, great to see you.

Dom, um, how are you?

I'm great.

Spending Christmas with my brother.

Helping out at the church.

I just wanted to stop by to say hello.

Right, yeah, um...

It's good to see you.

You too.

It's been too long.

Yeah, um, come in.

Come in. Thanks.

I'm James. Sorry, that was rude. Yes, James. Dom.

Dom.

James' sister just bought the carriage lodge, so he's visiting for Christmas.

Oh.

That makes sense, then.

Anyways, I just wanted to stop by and say hi to you and your folks. Oh,

there's that senior sleigh ride event.

Right. Yeah.

Okay, well, I guess I'll leave you two to it then.

Give your parents my best.

I will.

I'll see you soon.

Yeah.

I'm sure.

I should get back to the lodge. I will get my coat and join you. I'm off to see

Jeannie anyway.

I'm fine.

It was a close call.

Okay, in my defense, that ice was invisible.

Just come on in, have a seat, and make sure you're okay.

Thank you for catching me.

Anytime.

So, that Dom guy, old friend of yours?

High school boyfriend.

Ah. Yeah. Well, technically we broke up after college.

Seemed like a nice guy.

He is a great guy.

So, what happened?

Oh. After graduation, he got his first job overseas, big pharmaceutical

company, and he'd wanted me to go with him, but I...

I wasn't sure that was the path that I wanted to take. I'd just gotten into

business school.

So the long distance thing, not an option?

It wasn't the distance so much as I was expected to give up my

goals.

And yeah.

So for a long time, I wondered if I'd made the wrong choice.

Looking back, I think it was probably the last time I actually prioritized

what I wanted.

I'm supposed to meet Jeannie. I'm fine.

So, oh, here.

This one is yours. Oh, great.

Still trying to wrap my mind around people actually wanting to wear these.

You know, I think they deserve a big reveal.

The big reveal.

Yeah, like with lots of people.

My parents, they host this thing. It's a pre-Christmas Christmas on the 23rd.

A tradition started by my nana years ago, and they've continued it.

I'm in.

Really? Yeah, I'd love to come.

But it's a big neighbors and family thing with lots of people you won't

know. I love people I don't know. It's loud and chaotic.

Sounds fun. There's caroling.

I can hold a tune.

But, you know, people might think that you and I are... Wearing matching

Christmas sweaters?

No, I mean, you know... dating.

Well, we did spend time together for three days, so we're not not dating.

You... you want to date me?

I want to go to pre-Christmas Christmas.

Where we get to debut our matching Christmas sweaters.

Okay.

I don't know what's going on. He says yes to everything.

Just... Maybe he just really likes you. Or maybe he's a people pleaser too.

He did say something about us kind of dating.

So there is a romantic connection between you two.

I mean, yeah, but is it even realistic? He lives in Phoenix and I'm in New York.

Although, I don't know, lately I've been wondering if that's where I want to be

long-term, you know?

Do you think that being home is making you question your life in the city?

No, I just mean someday.

You know, it might be nice to move back at some point.

Melissa jokingly offered me the chef job at the lodge.

Would you consider that?

Well, no. I mean, I'm not even trained.

It was just funny that she mentioned it, you know.

You're the best cook I know.

And you... We were taught by Miss Drew and the old regular guests would be over

the moon.

I like my job in the city and I've been working hard to prove myself and get

ahead and I think it's going to happen.

But are you happy, Chloe?

Just think about it.

I for one would love to have you home.

What are you doing?

I am going to replace the coil on your oven.

It's my Christmas gift to you.

I gotta say, I was expecting a gift card.

This is better.

It was Chloe's idea.

Yeah, she's wearing off on you.

She invited me to some Christmas thing at her parents' house.

She invited you to pre-Christmas Christmas?

Is that a big deal?

That's a huge deal.

Any luck finding a chef?

No, but Chloe's coming over tomorrow to help me decode the rest of the recipes.

Chloe's coming over?

Yes, which means you're on babysitting duty.

Yeah, right.

Uncle James and his impeccable tasting dolls.

Let me get back to work.

That's just unrealistic.

That little guy with a swirl, that's Cinnamon.

I should have known not.

These cookies are so much fun to make.

And then, uh, that one's Nutmeg.

And I think that's it. I think you're good.

Thank you. My pleasure.

You know, you're very at home in the kitchen.

Oh, but I've always liked to cook.

James said you work for a food performance company.

Do you get to test out new recipes?

Not for the company.

Sometimes I try them at home, but cooking for one isn't as much fun.

Cooking for dozens is challenging.

Yeah, I bet.

Coffee? Sure, please.

You know, I never realized how much work it would be, owning a lodge alone.

It was always a shared dream of my late husband's and mine.

Can I ask what happened?

He was an officer in the military and he died in active duty.

I'm so sorry.

Thank you.

You know, it's been really healing having James home.

Angelique hasn't had much of a male influence lately, so we're happy to have

him home this Christmas.

And thank you for convincing him to stay until after Christmas.

Oh, I don't think that was for me. I just... I think it was more you than you

realize.

Ah, firewood for pre-Christmas Christmas.

Hey, Dad, coffee?

Oh, thank you, sweetheart.

Dad, how did you know Mom was the one?

Felt it the day we met.

Love at first sight? For us it was, yeah, true love.

I guess in hindsight it was true love, but how did you know at the time?

Have a seat.

Well, I had recently moved to town and I was still trying to find my way

in the community and I thought church would be the perfect place to meet

people, right? My first Sunday was the apple butter churning event.

Yes, my mom told me the story.

From her perspective.

So I approached the cauldrons, right?

I spotted the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life.

She was stirring the apple bundle with one of those big wooden paddles.

Auburn curls and rosy cheeks and the best laugh, but you know that.

That drew me to her.

And she was so kind to me, even though I was probably just a babbling fool.

And she invited me to work alongside her.

And we shared stories of our childhood, our favorite books.

And we realized we had a lot in common, including our love for the autumn.

Best time of year around here. Oh, yes, it is.

And I realized that I hadn't felt so comfortable with somebody in a long

time.

It was like we'd known each other for years.

And when the event... was over, I didn't want to say goodbye.

And so I asked her if she would have coffee with me sometime.

And she asked, how about right now?

And we've spent every day together since.

Love is the apple butter churning.

Love it.

Love can happen where you least expect it.

I understand that.

We have an additional guest for our pre-Christmas Christmas.

Do you think that's a good idea?

I don't think you would have invited him if you didn't think it was.

Well, I just thought you were a fan of Dom.

I'm a fan of whoever makes you happy.

Why don't you come outside and help me chop the rest of the wood?

Okay, of course.

Come on. Hurry up!

The guests will be here soon.

Welcome. Merry pre-Christmas Christmas.

Another pre-Christmas Christmas.

Thank you so much for inviting me. Of course.

Mom,

Merry pre-Christmas Christmas.

Oh, sweetheart.

This is my mom.

You must be James. So nice to meet you, Mrs. Hollis. I have heard so much about

your pre-Christmas Christmas.

This tradition was started by my mom many years ago, and we still feel her

spirit with us every year.

She loved inviting new guests.

Welcome. Thank you.

Oh, you two look great.

I'm not usually a big Christmas sweater guy, but...

Well, I certainly am.

Oh, Dom.

Brenda. I hope it's okay that I'm early.

Oh, yes, of course.

It's great to see you. I heard you were in town.

Yeah. This is unexpected.

I didn't know you were coming.

Miss pre-Christmas Christmas?

Never.

Put me to work.

Yeah, and I assume you're not quite ready for me in the kitchen yet, but is

there anything I can do to help or we can do to help?

As a matter of fact, there is a task I have for the three of you.

Great.

Okay.

Right in here.

All right.

I didn't think your mom was the type of person to leave her wrapping till the

last minute. Oh no, these are gifts for the White Elephant Exchange.

The what?

Um, it's a common game at Christmas parties where you try to steal each

other's gifts.

I'll explain while we wrap.

What do you think, Chloe?

Oh, that's... that's amazing.

Yours has character.

Yeah.

It's work. I need to take this.

Hey, Steven.

Yeah.

Yeah. You did great.

Well, it's pretty clear that... Dom has superior rapping skills.

Wow.

I like this guy. I think the asymmetry is fun.

Right? Yours.

Uh-huh. Yeah. Right?

Yeah. Yeah.

Perfection's overrated.

If your mom doesn't have any more tasks for us, I would love a tour of the farm.

Um, yeah, we're almost done here, and then I think we can sneak away.

All right.

A couple more. Here we go.

So,

what are you hoping to find under the tree on Christmas morning?

Well, Angelique did let it slip that Melissa got me tickets to a jazz

concert. Well, that's fun.

Which band?

The Chaplin Trio.

Oh, my gosh. I love them.

Do you like jazz?

Yeah. Okay, so once upon a time, I actually bought a saxophone at a flea

market and spent six months trying to learn it, with this disillusionment that

I could somehow quit my job and become the next Lester Young.

How'd that work out?

Not so well.

Still time?

Still lack of talent.

So, there's that.

Are the kids here yet? They're right there.

Hey.

Okay, so what's next?

My parents are about to announce the beginning of the Christmas tree

competition. And is that exactly what it sounds like?

Nana used to put a Christmas tree in every room of the house, but only the

biggest and best one got the place of honor in the dining room.

So, after she passed, they decided to turn it into a pre-Christmas Christmas

competition. All right. All right, everybody.

Get your teams together.

Get your ax and saws outside.

And go!

Oh, you're actually going to be

my partner.

Oh.

Okay. Sure.

I guess it's just you and me.

You want to participate?

I told you. I am in for all the Hollis family traditions.

How big are we talking?

Depends on if you want to win.

Got it.

We're looking for a big tree that we can trim down.

All right, we want a tree with just the right proportions.

Have you ever won?

Four years running.

So pressure's on for me to live up to your previous partner, huh?

Oh, yeah.

Tough shoes to fill.

Well, I guess Dom really knows how to swing an axe. I'm already at a

disadvantage.

Actually, my partner was always Jeannie.

Well, I... Well, she's not upset that I stole you away this year.

I'm pretty sure she's okay with it.

Oh, well, that's the one.

All right, well, how do we get back?

Carry it, or drag it, maybe.

The whole way?

Some people use four-wheelers, but yeah, the tradition insists on walking.

Oh, your family has a lot of traditions.

I mean, they're fun.

Traditions like this are what keep families together.

Your nana is a very clever woman.

Yeah.

Glad she was.

I love this farm. I don't think I truly appreciated this place as a kid.

Well, maybe you just needed to leave and come back again.

Okay, let me have a try at this.

Really? I didn't know you were also a lumberjack.

Stand back. It is my hidden talent.

What do we get for winning?

The honor of decorating it.

Oh, all right.

You really are agreeable, you know?

For a long time, my default word was no for anything I even

slightly didn't want to do.

My capacity to be unconcerned with other people's opinions was also my downfall,

so this Christmas season, I just decided to say yes.

And I'm learning that saying yes is often the simplest way to love someone

well.

Chloe, your mom needs you in the kitchen.

I'll be right there.

It needs you in the kitchen, yeah.

Yeah.

Can I trust you with all this?

I won't let you down.

Need some help? I don't know. Might be breaking one of those Hollis family

traditional rules.

No.

She tagged me in as an alternate.

I get the impression she wants the two of us to get to know one another.

So, how long have you and Chloe been dating?

Four days.

We met at the airport.

Please tell me she's not still using that old suitcase with a broken handle.

Indeed she is.

Well, I know what I'm getting her for Christmas, then.

So you two go way back, right?

Yeah. Friends since third grade.

Dated all through high school and college.

She's really special.

I've only known her a short while, but I agree.

So when do you have to go back overseas?

Actually, I'm not.

I'm gonna take a position here in Maple Hills.

I just feel like it's time to settle down.

Hope Dom being here isn't too awkward.

Uh-oh.

It's fine.

Everyone's welcome at pre-Christmas Christmas.

That James is a good sport.

Yeah.

Yeah, he doesn't usually do much to celebrate Christmas, but he seems to be

enjoying himself.

You certainly seem to be.

Mom.

I mean, we just met.

And he's going home the day after Christmas.

His family's here.

He's likely to visit often.

I don't think he gets away from the office much.

My sweet girl, sometimes a man just needs the right motivation.

After all, he seems to be giving in to anything you've asked so far.

I'll be right back.

Well, for a long time, my default word was no for anything I even slightly

didn't want to do.

This Christmas season, I just decided to say yes.

But if you find the fact that I can be so confident that I do what I want, you

should know that I also consider it a deep and cutting weakness.

Plenty of work to do on myself there.

Plenty of work on himself.

Right.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this meal and for the hands that made it.

we thank you for the gift of family and for the traditions passed down by our

beloved nana as we celebrate this christmas season with friends old and

new amen

Dinner was delicious.

You really are a good cook.

Thank you.

My mom helped. It was a team effort.

The Hollis family pre-Christmas Christmas party is a lot of fun.

Thanks for inviting me.

Thanks for saying yes.

So, um, you'll be headed home soon, yeah? Day after Christmas?

If it's okay, I'd like to see you again.

You would?

I was thinking, New Year's, I could come see you.

I mean, yeah, yeah, I'd like that.

I just, I, I just think we should clear the air first.

Clear the air?

Yeah.

About the work we've been doing on ourselves this Christmas.

You deciding to say yes.

The quote you told me, that saying yes is often the best way to love someone

well? Yeah, it's Augustus Avery. It's my favorite quote.

Is that what inspired you to make a Christmas yes list?

A what?

Saying yes to everything. I guess to break a cycle of negativity?

I wasn't working on a list.

But...

You said yes to everything I asked.

You thought I was pursuing you this past week and doing things with you because I

was trying to overcome some sort of deficiency within myself?

Chloe, I would never.

Well, sorry, I just... Thought I was playing some sort of self-help game?

Well... Hey, Chloe, I like you.

I said yes to you at the airport because I was so intrigued by you because you

were the most beautiful woman I'd ever met.

I would never use you or anybody to try to get over my own problems.

Well, that's what I've been doing this past week.

What?

I hadn't planned on falling for you.

I was just going through my own personal problems.

My boss suggested rejection therapy.

I knew I had to get over my fear of rejection, so... I made a challenge for

myself.

Which was?

To get ten rejections from strangers by Christmas.

So you only offered me a ride because you thought I'd say no?

Yeah, and then I kept suggesting things that I was sure you didn't want to do

but you kept surprising me by saying yes Wow

I

I better get going

James, I'm so sorry. This was obviously a really bad idea, and I never meant to

hurt you.

Hey.

Uh, Dom, can you just give us a minute?

Sure. Your mom just wants everyone in the back room for the White Elephant

gift exchange, so... Just, like, one or two minutes. Yeah, no. You know what?

It's all right. I should be getting back to the lodge.

You two enjoy.

Hey, are you okay?

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm fine.

Can I just say something?

Sure.

I made a mistake back then, thinking that you'd be okay with just giving up

your dreams and following me across the world.

I wanted another chance at us, Chloe.

We were so great together for so many years.

We can be that again.

Please, Chloe.

Let's talk.

Don't. I care about you, and we'll always be good friends.

But I'm not in love with you.

Not anymore.

Okay.

I understand.

I do.

I'm gonna head back in and see if I can steal the best presents.

Hey, honey.

I'd say that was another successful pre-Christmas Christmas.

Yeah.

Nana would be proud. Yeah, she would.

James left early?

Everything okay between you two?

Dom being here, did he complicate things?

No. No.

No, I complicated things. What happened?

I really believe that he only agreed to all my requests because he was on some

kind of personal mission.

Why on earth would you have thought that?

Because I was on a personal mission.

Trying to get him to say... No.

To cure my people-pleasing nature.

I'm sure he'll forgive you if you explain.

I don't think so.

The whole thing was a really bad idea.

Honey, you never needed to change yourself.

You needed to realize that sometimes saying no to others is saying yes to

yourself and to God.

To the things that matter.

I see that.

Now.

Thanks, Mom.

You know, that Chloe of yours is a real lifesaver.

Not my Chloe.

What do you mean?

I thought you two were really hitting it off.

So did I.

Turns out she was just using me as the final test for her lifestyle makeover.

I don't believe that's all it was. I saw you two together.

Yeah, well, she is spending Christmas with her ex-boyfriend.

So? What?

No, who showed up at pre-Christmas Christmas.

He's a really nice guy.

It's her ex.

I'm sure whatever they had was in the past.

I'm not sure I can compete with that kind of history after less than a week.

Besides, he's better suited for her. He's a small-town Christmas sweater

-wearing type, you know?

And you are?

Christmas parade time, Uncle James!

Headed to a Christmas parade.

I didn't expect to hear from you.

Chloe, hey, listen.

I've been thinking.

Jill seems a little overwhelmed in the senior management position.

Frankly, doesn't have your work ethic. So I've decided I'm going to make a

change and offer the promotion to you.

You're giving it to me?

I'm going to need you to take over the Beluga Sushi account and make sure that

all our new pitches are finalized by the 26th. And of course, you're going to

have to handle Jill's enormous backlog. But you are a workhorse, Chloe.

I know that I can trust you to sacrifice your time and ensure that we get

everything done for us.

Actually, Brad, I think I'm going to have to say no.

No. What do you mean no?

Hey, are you practicing rejection therapy on me, Chloe? That's not funny.

No, I'm just finally saying yes to myself and to

what's really important to me.

I'm resigning, Brad.

There's a position here in Maple Hills that I want.

Hey, no, no, no, no, no. Is this a corporate gig?

Because...

If it's about money, we can redo this contract, Chloe.

No, I hope I'll be the new chef at the Carriage Lodge.

Merry Christmas, Brad.

phone sweetheart you look like you just won the Christmas tree competition all

over again how's my boss he offered me the senior management position that I've

been fighting for I turned

it down mom yeah

you know he just wanted to use me to do the work of three people he knows my

people pleaser

I don't want to design menus or evaluate P&L statements anymore.

Then what are you going to do?

I want to be the new chef in Melissa's Lodge.

I mean, I loved helping to decode Ms. Drew's old recipes and cooking. I mean,

that's my true passion.

I think I'm finally choosing what I'm meant to do and where I'm meant to be.

I always said you were the best cook.

Oh my goodness, you are staying home.

I can't believe it.

See, you never had to change yourself.

You just had to say yes to all the things that matter.

Foley!

Great to see you.

Just as James, he took Angelique to the Christmas parade.

Well, I actually came here to see you.

Come on in.

So, I was wondering if the chef position is still available?

Yes.

Okay, please know that I am not professionally trained. You saved me

this Christmas with your knowledge of the kitchen.

The position is yours.

Yeah?

Can you start today?

I have guests checking in for Christmas Eve. Happy to.

Um, well, depending on what time they get back.

Not till much later.

Okay. I just don't want to make things awkward with James while he's still

staying here.

You know, my brother has lived his life away from family, friends, emotion.

He chose to live this lifestyle where he puts himself first.

But this Christmas has changed him.

You've changed him.

I don't know about that.

I do.

He's a different man this Christmas.

He's opened up.

Thank you for that.

He's changed me too.

I'm really happy you're staying in town.

Me too.

Being close to you and my parents is going to be great.

And I've always loved the lodge. And Melissa is fantastic.

So it feels right.

Have you talked to him yet?

Nah.

Look, I know you think you mess things up, but I also know that you really care

about him.

Well, I do, but I... You're still afraid of rejection.

My rejection therapy experiment was a failure all around.

It doesn't have to be.

What do you mean?

Go after what you want.

Be fearless.

Risk it all.

Where are you going?

To get the ultimate rejection.

But only this time.

I hope he says yes.

James?

What are you doing here?

I thought I'd say another prayer.

Is Angelique with you?

She ran into some friends. They're off building snowmen.

Where's Dom?

Probably with his brother, celebrating.

The relationship with Dom was over a long time ago.

James, I am so sorry about everything.

I should have been more straightforward with you, and I didn't think you were

being straightforward with me because you seemed too good to be true.

I'm so sorry for trying to get you to say no, but I am so grateful for every

one of your yeses.

Can you forgive me?

Chloe, you got caught up in trying to fix what you saw as a problem within

yourself, and you hurt me a little in the process.

What I really feel badly about is that somewhere along the line, I gave you

the impression that my intentions weren't pure, that I wasn't interested

in you, which couldn't be further from the truth.

You couldn't?

I don't usually get into unsafe vehicles with strangers.

The truck wasn't unsafe.

It didn't have airbags and my door didn't open.

Fair.

And I don't usually shop for matching Christmas sweaters or drag impossibly

heavy Christmas trees across acres and acres of farmland. It wasn't that far.

But I couldn't be happier that I did.

Because in this short week of getting to know you, I have developed a deep

respect for how self-aware you are, how brave you are for

wanting to see yourself clearly.

I love how you are with your family and your friends.

I love how competitive you are.

And I love how real and flawed You are.

I'm not looking for perfection. It doesn't exist.

Of course I forgive you, Chloe.

I'm in love with you.

I have been since the moment I met you outside the airport.

Really? Yeah.

I'm in love with you too.

I have something for you.

It's not Christmas yet.

Well, the Stone family does have one tradition and that is you can open one

present on Christmas Eve.

Are you free New Year's Eve?

Yes.

There is nowhere else I'd rather be and no one else I'd rather be with.

On that note... I have another surprise.

My company allows us to work remotely. So in the new year, that's what I'm

going to do.

So I can be here with you.

Are you sure that's what you want?

Are you still trying to get me to say no?

Please say yes.

Yes, Chloe.

Merry Christmas, Chloe.

Merry Christmas, James.