All language subtitles for CHRISTMAS 9 TO 5

(Music)

♪ That time of year
has come again ♪

♪ I just wanna be
with all my friends ♪

♪ Smilin' faces
callin' out to me ♪

♪ A store downtown is where
I'll be ♪

♪ I'm puttin' on my Christmas
stockings ♪

♪ So find a nice
dress to wear

♪ The lights are lookin'
oh so pretty ♪

♪ 'Cause it's Christmas
in the city ♪

♪ Baby I need you bad ♪

♪ Ah ♪

♪ Ah ♪

Because I can't quote him.

That was on deep background.

No, that's not ethical,
Phil, and you know it.

I'm not gonna run a
piece if it's...

...I gotta go.
(phone clatters)

Why do you keep doing
this to me, Jennifer?

You went over my head
to the publisher?

I killed that City Hall
story for a reason.

I'm still
following up on leads.

It's dead.

Besides, it's the holidays,

I need upbeat human interest
stories.

I really wanna write
about something

I can sink my
teeth into.

You're at the bottom of the food
chain, young lady,

that's how it works.

I'm afraid it's back to
copy editing for you.

Well, why don't you
let me show you

what I can really do?
Why you hired me.

You know the rules,
three strikes.

You want a heartwarming
Christmas story?

I can do that.
Shoppers on Michigan Avenue,

Christmas at
a soup kitchen,

lighting the tree
at Daley Center, eh?

You can talk your way
into almost anything,

but not this time.

Wait, I have
an amazing idea.

You're gonna love it,

I mean, the readers
are gonna go bonkers.

Um.

Christmas at Desmond's.

-And?
-Desmond's is the last great
family-owned department store

-in the city.
-Where's the hook,

what are you gonna write
about, shoplifting?

What better place to search for
the true meaning of Christmas?

Better.

I'll get hired on as a
seasonal holiday floater.

(chuckles) You working retail?

Showing up on time, taking
orders from a supervisor,

you won't last a week.

I can, and I will.

Every day I'll work in
a different department,

every day a new story.

But undercover, right?

That's a brilliant idea,
why didn't I think of that?

You think you can get
yourself hired?

Fenton, I am
a Christmas person.

This is my favorite holiday.

And they're usually
desperate for seasonal help.

Besides, I can be pretty
persuasive when I need to be.

Exactly.

I came over here to reassign
you, and now look at me.

Give me 500 words, we'll do
a column every other day.

Don't let me down.

I won't, I promise.
Thanks, Fenton.

How does she do that?

("Jingle Bells")

Keep up, please keep up.

So, you'll all
be starting on Friday

which is the Desmond's Day Sale,
the countdown to Christmas.

It rivals Black Friday.

We easily do twice
the foot traffic here.

After you punch in,
you will come and see me

for your daily
floating assignment.

Punctuality is of
the utmost importance.

We don't tolerate
tardiness for any reason.

The customer is king.

Mr. Desmond Sr.
opened these doors in 1904

with those very words
for every new employee.

Could you please line up?

Our customers want to see your
beautiful face, young lady.

Jennifer.

Welcome to Desmond's.
(chuckles)

The training
was like boot camp.

This Rose lady
is a force of nature.

I can't wait to start
writing about all of it.

It sounds like they take
the holidays very seriously.

What do you say, pine cones
and juniper berries?

Perfect.

Do you wanna use the ones
I dusted with glitter?

-Oh.
-You can never have too
much glitter at Christmas.

-(timer dings)
-There's glitter
all over this house.

I had glitter in my cereal
this morning, ladies.

Sorry, Dad.

Thanks for letting me
work on these over here.

My apartment is just so small.

We love to have you
come home and visit.

It's too quiet around here
without you.

Hey Jen, I'm working on
this new recipe.

I can't decide,
royal piping or powdered sugar?

These look pretty great
just like they are.

Mm, those are
seriously delicious.

-Eh?
-What's in these, allspice?

Cardamom.
I wish you'd let me

teach you how to
make them, Jen.

Oh, no. No no, I'm not going
anywhere near baking.

That is your domain, Dad,
you are the firehouse baker.

Any recipe that involves
over three ingredients

is far too complicated for me.

(Dad chuckles)

Jennifer, did you tell
your father

about your new undercover job?

What, so now
you're a detective?

I thought
you were a reporter.

I'm gonna be working at
Desmond's for Christmas.

-I'm writing a column
for the paper.
-Oh.

I'm gonna tell 'em I'm a
grad student at Loyola.

Ah. So, do you know how to
work a cash register?

I'll learn.
How hard could it be?

Oh no, I mean
the old fashioned kind.

'Cause everything at Desmond's
is stuck in the past.

Yeah, I heard that they might
be going out of business.

What? Where do you
get your news?

From the Jennifer Clark
Mercury Newspaper,

which I read every morning
with my coffee.

Sure, yes, Desmond's
is having their problems

just like all
the old-school businesses.

It's the same
down at the paper.

Newspapers
are never gonna go away,

and neither are places
like Desmond's.

We are very proud of
what you're doing, honey.

Thanks, Mom.

You like all the old
fashioned stuff, don't you?

I do.

Old fashioned doesn't have
to mean stale and musty.

Sometimes it's nostalgic,
romantic, even.

People forget that.

Well, it sounds to me like

you have your work
cut out for you.

I think you might be right.

-Cookie?
-Ooh, thank you.

Freshly baked.

Do you think Dad's right,

that writing about
Christmas at Desmond's

is like writing about
a dinosaur?

Christmas never
goes out of style.

True.

But it's not a big story
like the corruption scandal

at the mayor's office.

That's what I really
wanna be writing about.

Christmas touches
people's hearts.

Don't judge your worth by
the size of the story, Jen.
Men do that.

Your readers will let you
know, don't you worry.

Thanks, Mom.

You're welcome, sweetie.
(clock chimes)

I have to be up at 4 a.m.

Rose expects me to be late,

she's like clairvoyant
or something.

How am I gonna pull this off?

Espresso and lots of it.

A lot, a lot of it.

(lively jazz music)

STORE PA:
Less than a minute to go

for the opening of
the Desmond's Day Sale.

Places, everyone.

Doors open in five,

four, three,
two, one.

(bell rings)

(patrons chattering)

Hello, welcome.

Hi, good morning.
Happy holidays.

Can I help you?

Hi, ma'am,
can I help you?

Hi, excuse me.

Can I help anyone? Sir?

Can I help anyone?
Oh.

Whoa, are you okay?

I'm Manny.

Jennifer, thanks.

You never worked retail
before, huh?

Is it that obvious?

I thought it was gonna
be all smiling faces

and happy children.

How long have you been here?

Since I was 16,
and it gets crazier every year.

You must be the only
department store

elevator operator
in Chicago.

Eh, there's not many of us left.

Please don't go anywhere
anytime soon, Manny.

I think you might've
saved my life today.

Fourth floor, business office.

JENNIFER: What do I do now?

Go find Rose, she'll get
you a new assignment.

Just remember her bark
is worse than her bite.

What does that mean?

Oh, if you need anything,
just let me know.

Thanks.

Manny, wait!

(sighs) Keep up.

(groans) Merry Christmas,
you didn't last a minute.

Are you with me?
Come on.

We have an elf down
at Santa's Village.

No, we don't need paramedics,
just a sprained ankle.

See if Brian can fill in.

Yes, he has to wear
the green tights.

("Jingle Bells")

JENNIFER: This looks like
Jurassic Park.

Just dive in, dear.

Head first.

-Hi.
-Hello.

Hi.

Merry Christmas.

Hi, does anyone
need any help?

Sir, do you need some help?
Oh, okay.

Hi. I'm here if anyone
needs anything.

I'm sorry sir, the very
last Tickle Me Tammies

flew off the shelves
first thing this morning.

MAN: I called last night.

I checked the stockroom
twice, there's nothing.

I'm so sorry.

This isn't the kind of service
is expect at Desmond's.

How am I gonna tell my
granddaughter

that the only toy on her
wishlist is out of stock?

Go ahead, you call her,
give her the bad news.

You ruin her Christmas.

Well, we have other toys
that giggle.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

I have an idea.
Give me two minutes,

I promise you,
I will figure this out.

Two minutes, young lady.

Mom, hey, does
your friend from church

still have that toy
store over in Oak Park?

I found it, I found it.

You found it?

Yeah, at a toy store
in Oak Park.

It's the last one
they had.

I asked for them
to gift wrap it for you

with a big bow
for your granddaughter.

You put it on hold for me?

Yeah, isn't that wonderful?

It's like that movie,
Miracle on 34th Street

where Kris Kringle
does the right thing.

Sir?

Dad?

You're supposed to be
golfing in Florida.

We didn't expect you
back till Christmas Eve.

I'm leaving for Boca
in the morning.

Golf can wait.

I've never missed
a Desmond's Day Sale.

So what's the head count
so far?

1,370, not as good
as previous year, but--

Ah, with the all the
money spent on media buys,

we should have at least
over 2,000.

So you have a new
employee down there,
Jennifer something.

She tried to
34th Street me.

It's been a long time
since any employee

tried to pull that on me.

It's a great
Christmas movie, Dad.

Happy shopping.

You've been shopped.

What does that mean?

You're going to
the principal's office.

10 minutes.

Going home so soon?

(sighs) I didn't even make
it though my first day.

Oh, you strike me as
someone who has nine lives.

(chuckles)
I've used them all up.

It's bad enough you got
the mystery shopper,

but that fact that
it was my father

and you're not the
first sales associate

to bring up the Miracle
at 34th Street card.

This happens all the time.

In fact,
every couple of years.

I will make a note to
update the employee manual.

So, Mr. Desmond gave you

a score of 93 for
greeting and enthusiasm,

100 for creative
problem solving,

and a negative 20
for closing the sale.

What were you thinking?

I thought
I was helping him.

By sending him to
the competition?

I'm sorry, it's my
first day on the job.

I will say my father's
never given anyone

a score of 100
for anything.

Well, there's a silver lining.

Well, what should I have done?

-Use a crowbar.
-Excuse me?

If the door won't open,
then use a crowbar.

There's a gentleman stuck in
the dressing room on three,

they can't get the door open.

Try the lock.

Is it the lock?

WD-40.

Yeah, my mom and I
use it on everything,

it's a miracle worker.

Have you tried WD-40?

Look, Desmond's is an
extraordinary place,

it's why I wanted
to work here.

I remember coming here
as a kid.

The Christmas season
didn't even start

until your
Winter Wonderland Festival.

We had lines around the block.

I remember the store windows,
they were so beautiful.

All twinkling lights and
Santas, it was pure magic.

Not like the postmodern horror
show we're stuck with now.

Rose, I bring it up to
my father all the time.

He thinks it's his contribution
to the store's history.

And what a history you have.

To think, 100 years ago,
your great grandfather

built an empire out of
selling, I don't know,

cattle feed,
and bib overalls,
and Christmas candy.

It blows my mind.

How do you know
so much about this store?

I didn't apply just anywhere.

I chose Desmond's.

And you've never worked
in retail before?

But I'm a fast learner.

Please, let me show you
what I can do.

Absolutely fantastic.

WD-40 did the trick.

Okay, great, um,

if you'll step outside
for just a moment,

Rose and I will be
right with you.

Of course.

Jack, don't even
think about it.

She'll be in here every
day with a new problem.

I'll keep an eye on her.

Look, I'll probably live
to regret this,

but just give her
a second chance.

What is this?

We like to call it
the mountain.

This is the place where
all the returned
Christmas sweaters

come to rest.

But these are amazing.

Why would anyone
wanna return them?

Well then, it's your job
to give them new life.

But, where you going?

ROSE: Fold and stack,
fold and stack,

repeat until you're done,
good luck!

You won't forget
about me, will you?

Rose?

(bell jingles)

-Hey.
-Hey.

I heard you had
quite the morning.

I ran into Dad.
So what happened
with the rookie?

I gave her a second chance.

No, Jack, employees
aren't like family.

Sometimes they don't
deserve a second chance.

I'd get rid of her now.

On her first day?

She's a seasonal hire,
give her a break.

Besides, she has
the kind of Christmas spirit

we used to have around here.

Oh, you're
such a softie.

Yeah, somehow she talked
me into not firing her.

It's amazing.

Look, I don't have
a lot of time,

so let's just get inside
and get this over with.

These financials are
ready for your review.

Things are gonna turn around.

You are living
in a fantasy land, Jack.

Retail is dead,
rest in peace,

you are looking at
its last gasp. (gasps)

Okay, that's not funny.

And if the family had put
more money into the store

20 years ago, we wouldn't
be in this predicament.

You have an Ivy League MBA,

you could work
anywhere you want,

yet you choose to be captain
of this sinking ship.

I love this ship.

And you used to, too.

Yeah, you're right.

Retail is in our blood.

But you and I are going
to transform this asset

into something
that can really grow.

Aren't you excited
about that?

Come on.

(sighs) Okay.

You slayed the mountain.

Yep, just about done.

No rookie's ever
pulled this off before.

Oh, well I work the
firemen's clothing drive

every year with my dad.

So, what's my next assignment?

JEN VO: Christmas doesn't
happen by itself at Desmond's.

There are magical
employee elves

working behind the scenes,
dozens of them.

If they do their job well,
we don't notice.

And those magical elves
are not just there
for the customers.

They're also there
for the employees.

They have your back
every minute of the day.

When you're a new hire
stumbling through
your first shift,

hoping there's a safety net,

you're thinking,
what did I get myself into?

But there's always someone
watching out for you.

The decor may be
hopelessly out of date,

and the building
may need a remodel,

but Christmas at Desmond's
is a Chicago institution

not to be missed.

("O Come All Ye Faithful")

(elevator dings)

Third floor, candy kitchen,

stationery and books,
tea room.

Have a nice day, Manny.

ROSE: Well, aren't
we industrious today?

Thanks.

I got inspired by some
of the old photos

I saw in the office.

I love how they used to
decorate the place,
what happened?

Well, Mr. Desmond Sr.
fell under the spell

of some visionary interior
designer a few years ago.

One of my sales girls

almost gored herself
on a shooting star.

We had to call in
the paramedics.

Not very visionary
if you ask me.

Well, I hope you don't mind
me making some changes.

No, knock yourself out.

Where did you
find all this stuff?

In one of the storage rooms.

You must really
love the holidays.

I do.

My mom and I are actually
master crafters.

We make holiday decorations
out of everything.

One year, we made holiday
centerpieces out of hubcaps.

-Hubcaps.
-Mm.

You know, I notice
that we're kinda short

on a lot of our inventory.

Well, there's been
a disruption

in our ordering supply chain.

But it's Christmas,
we can't have empty shelves.

The brass are working on it.

So, today you'll be
demonstrating

our new gingerbread house
building kit.

Oh Rose, no,
I'm terrible at baking.

Please, just let me
work on the decorations.

Everything you need
is in this little box.

Testing one, two, three.

Just follow
the instructions,
no improvising.

You understand?

Follow the instructions.

When do I not follow
the instructions?

Uh-huh.

So, you're just gonna finish
piping with your icing,

and then, once you've
completed that,

you're just going to
press on the inside edge.

-On the inside-- Sorry.
-(audience chuckles)

So you're just gonna
press the side together.

(audience laughing)
(Jennifer giggles nervously)

Right, and they should stay
just like so.

(audience laughs)

Um, right, so, okay.
Here we go.

Oh boy, sorry. Um...

Well, I'm not done,

I'm just... I'm just almost,

we'll get it, we'll get it.

Oh sir, I'm not quite done.

Um.

That was quite a performance.

-Mom.
-(Mom giggles)

Aw, sweetie.

You didn't see that, did you?

MOM: Yes, I did. (chuckling)

Oh, sorry.

It's okay.

Well, you told us you
were in housewares today,

your father suggested
that I stop by

and see how you're doing.

He's at a Christmas
luncheon at the firehouse,
otherwise he'd be here.

That was a lot harder than
I thought it was gonna be.

Well, what'd ya say
we start over.

Yes, please.

And before Rose gets here,
she's gonna kill me.

Okay, alright.

I mean, I don't even
know how you do this.

Well, let's just start
from the beginning.

Your father should be here.

He's the baker in the family.

Do you know he made
12 fruitcakes

for the firehouse luncheon?

I know he misses that place.

Oh, early retirement,
it doesn't suit him.

No, it does not.

So, when I came in
this morning,

I walked around the store
a little bit.

Things have changed, huh?

And not for the better.

I saw this wreath in cosmetics

that looked more like
a crown of thorns.

(Jennifer laughs)

But that shelf with the
garlands over there is lovely.

It has a classic feel.

Well thank you very much,
I did that this morning.

Ooh, you have the touch,
my dear.

Like mother, like daughter.

I see Santa's brought in
a helper today.

Oh Jack, this my mother,
Maureen.

Mom, this is our store
manager Jack Desmond.

-Hi Jack, nice to meet you.
-And you.

Famous Desmond's.

Well, you're daughter's
equally famous around here.

Or, should I say infamous?

Not every employee makes such
a big splash on her first day.

Mm-hm.

I would love to stay and
talk, but I gotta get going.

I'm trying to deal
with that hit piece

in this morning's Mercury.

Hit piece?

I thought it was nicely
written, heartfelt.

Well, this reporter clearly
doesn't know

the first thing about retail.

I don't know about that.

The decor may be
hopelessly out of date,

and the building
may need a remodel.
Hopelessly, really?

But you know, you even
got a shout out, Jennifer.

I even saw an employee abandon
her station in sheer terror.

I mean, what a condescending
thing to say.

Well, you're certainly
protective of your employees.

Well, they don't deserve this.

It's like this reporter's
trying to show off

how smart they are.

Well, that's not
how I read it.

I mean, it made me wanna
come down and visit Desmond's

after all these years.

-Really?
-Yeah.

And I think people are
gonna feel the same way.

Who knows,
maybe it's not a bad thing
like you think it is.

Well, I'm gonna get to
the bottom of it.

It's a betrayal,
I'll tell you that much.

My sister thinks
it's a former employee.

Maureen, it was
lovely meeting you.

You are welcome here anytime.

-Lookin' good.
-Mm-hm.

I thought your head
was gonna explode.

Did you hear what he was saying?

Well, I like him, he has
a certain old-world nobility

and he clearly likes you.

-Oh. (scoffs)
-He said, "Lookin' good,"
before he left.

He was talking about
the gingerbread house.

Ooh, says who?

Oh Mom, come on.

Well, goodbye,
thanks for your help, Mom.

Congratulations.

Oh, the Tea Room.
(gasps)

Any chance we can sneak inside?

Oh, are you kidding?

I'm already in enough
trouble around here as it is.

Plus, they always
keep it locked.

I remember having such
lovely meals there

when I was a girl.

Well, maybe you can ask
your new BFF

if he'll give you
a personal tour.

Jack?

I might just do that.

Hey, Manny.

Ah, did we win the war today?

I had no idea how
exhausting this is.

(groans) 'Tis the season.

It's not half as busy
as it used to be.

Yeah, I keep hearing that.

Is the store doing okay?

All I know is whenever
Jack's sister comes in

for a meeting, he goes
home with a migraine.

Hm.

Did you happen to see the
article today?

I got mentioned.

Rather, my elevator
got mentioned.

Manny O'Quinn's gleaming
brass and steel time machine

will transport you
into the past

while safely delivering
you to your future.

A time machine.

How about that?

JEN VO: In spite
of all the holiday cheer,

there's a tension
beneath the surface.

Everywhere you go in
the store, you can feel it,

especially with
the management team.

It's Christmas and everybody's
happily doing their job,

but the big bosses
are preoccupied.

I feel like they're
worried about more

than just foot traffic
and Christmas sales.

(Jennifer sighs)

There is something
going on over there,

I just can't put
my finger on it yet.

-Morning.
-Morning.

(Jennifer sighs)

Didn't we just do this
a few hours ago?

Feels like it, right?

Top of the morning.

Getting a late start today, sir?

JACK: I went for
a long run at the lake.

It's 20 below zero
with windchill.

I needed to clear my head.

Alright, in you go.

-Manny.
-Rose.

Looks like she'll be getting
her 10,000 steps in today.

You really are a
newspaper guy, aren't you?

I love newspapers,

except when they write nasty
stories about Desmond's.

I like getting all those
different voices in one place.

Kind of a dying breed
though, aren't they, sir?

I don't know,
I think people

are rediscovering
the joys of newspapers.

It's like classic cocktails
or bow ties.

Everything old is new again.
(elevator dings)

Fourth floor,
business office.

Have a good day.

Bye.

Oh, I'm--

-Sorry.
-Oh, no, no, it's fine,
I hate that thing.

It's always in my way.

I like what you did with
the decorations in housewares.

I think we could
use your help.

Really? Thanks.

You know, I found
a box of old decorations

down in the basement when
I was folding sweaters.

I could ask Rose
if she'd let me make
some changes around here.

Yes, I love doing makeovers,
that'd be amazing.

Rio, Jennifer,
it's lookin' good.

Wait, the boss
already knows your name?

Oh, uh, I've been
in a lot of trouble.

-Jennifer.
You're my kinda girl.
-(Jennifer laughs)

So, what's the deal
with Jack anyway?

He seems like a good guy.

Is he married,
kids, girlfriend?

He was with some society
chick from Kenilworth.

I don't know what
happened to her.

He's too cute to be single,
if you ask me.

Hey, should we just
get rid of this thing?

Yes, yes,
and that one, too.

JENNIFER: Oh, please.

Jennifer.

Cosmetics is lookin' sharp.

I like what you're
doing with the place.

Thanks.
Rose said it was okay.

Oh yeah, it's starting to
look like the old days.

Even some of the customers
are noticing.

You really seem to be getting
into the swing of things here.

Yeah, I am.

The hours are crazy, though.

Yeah, 14 hour days during
the holidays are brutal.

You work that much?

Ever since the beginning
of the season.

You start to look at
Christmas differently.

You know, everybody else is
out shopping and partying,

but for those of us in retail.

Yeah, I never thought
about it that way.

You lose that sense of joy
that comes with the holidays.

Well, Christmas is my
favorite time of year,

so I'm not sure that
would happen for me.

Well, it does.

You know, I want you to know

that I appreciate all your
hard work and initiative.

I mean, you give 150%.

I wish every employee
was like that.

Well, thanks.

My parents taught me
to go big or go home.

I'm gonna miss you when
you go back to school.

Grad school, right.

Maybe you'll come back
and visit us?

I'd like that.

Yeah.

What are you studying?

-Um, that's complicated.
-(phone rings)

Oh, sorry, hang on.

Yeah?

Okay, okay, don't panic,
I'll be right there.

Yes, I'll bring a mop.

Somebody fell in
the reflecting pool.

Never a dull moment.

Listen, I gotta run,
but we'll finish this up later?

-Yeah, sure.
-Okay.

-Good luck.
-Thanks.

ANNOUNCER: Chicago is bracing
for winter storm Megan,

which is expected
to bring sleet, snow,

and whiteout conditions.

If you are going to be
driving today,

please be careful.

And now enjoy our
special Christmas...

-Hey.
-Hi.

You sure you don't mind me

leaving my car
in your driveway?

I just don't wanna
get snowed in at work.

Oh, spend the night
if you need to.

It's gonna be terrible out
there today.

-Mm-hm.
-It sure is.

Hey, can I get your advice
on something?

I just don't really
know what to do.

I was with Jack yesterday,

and I came so close to
telling him the truth.

Oh, that's a difficult
situation.

Dad, it's impossible.

I hate lying to him,

and I'm starting
to really like the guy.

Well, what would happen if
you told him everything?

I wish I could, Mom,

but he'd probably
never talk to me again,

he might fire me,
and no one at the store

would ever treat me
the same way.

So, you won't get the
story you're hoping for.

Either way, I'm gonna lose.

You can only
kick the can down
the road for so long, Jen.

(sighs) Great.

This and a blizzard.

It's gonna be
a red letter day.

(wind whistles)

(gentle orchestral music)

Jennifer, because of
the storm,

we're already down staff,
so I'm gonna need you

over at the candy cane
making demo.

You're going to be working
with extremely hot sugar.

Now, I know you're not
great with baking.

-No, I love candy canes.
-Oh.

It's not really baking,
it's more like chemistry.

My mom and I make
them every year.

Uh-huh, well just try not
to burn down the store.

Come on.

And you'll just gently roll

the red and the white together,

form it into the shape of a
candy cane,

and once you have it
as you want it,

you just snip the end like so.

-And there you have it.
-(audience applauds)

Thank you, Merry Christmas.

Here I was, all prepared to
move you to gift wrapping.

Not to worry, I've got
everything under control.

It's gettin' ugly outside.

Did you have any trouble
getting in?

Oh no, I parked
at my parents' place,

they live in the neighborhood.

I don't like my employees
out in this mess.

You know Rose comes all the
way from the south side?

You really care about
the people here, don't you?

Yeah, I guess I do.

Listen, I'm gonna close early.

Would you like to stay
late and give me a hand?

Sure.

You're really good at this.

Why do you sound so surprised?

It's actually a lot of fun,
have you ever tried it?

I am a complete mess
in the kitchen.

That's okay, anybody
can make a candy cane.

Do you wanna give it a try?

Nah, I can't, I'd probably--

What, fail?

Well--
There's no wrong way.

Come on, give it a shot.

JACK: Okay.

Oh, you'll need some gloves.

-Here you go.
-Safety first.

Safety first, always.

And don't worry,
you are in good hands,

I've been doing this
a very long time.

I trust you.

-All right.
-Okay, so.

You're gonna take this,
it's hot sugar, so be careful.

I'll be very careful.

Now, you wanna just
gently roll.

-Okay.
-Yep, and then twist.

Perfect.

-Just--
-Okay.

See, I've already
messed it up.

That's okay,
we have another one,

so you get another
shot at it.

-Okay.
-Alright, give this one
a shot here.

Okay.

-Gently--
-Gently.

Twist, yes, just like that.

You're doing great.

Look, it's working.

It is, okay, so now
you've got it like so.

JACK: Yeah.

You're gonna gently
bend it slowly

into the shape
of a candy cane.

-Slowly. I did it.
-You did.

-(audience applauds)
-(Jack laughs)

Thank you.

And you wanna just
have it cool here.

-Yes.
-You're a pro.
Thank you.

-(Jennifer giggles)
-Thank you.

Do you wanna
try it again?

Of course, yes.

(piano music)

♪ Ba ba ba ba ♪

♪ I saw you coming down
my chimney ♪

♪ I saw you place those
present under my tree ♪

♪ Laid in my bed
and didn't say a word ♪

Nice moves.

I've always wanted to do this,

but I never had the guts.

Father would kill me!

Well, that's why
I love a snow day.

Everybody gets a hall pass.

♪ Won't you ride on down ♪

♪ Ride on, Santa,
won't you ride on down ♪

♪ With your big bag
by your side ♪

♪ Ba ba ba ba ♪

(Jennifer gasps)

I'd love to see inside.

We really shouldn't.

Maybe just a quick peek?

Promise not to tell anyone?

(keys jingling)

(gentle instrumental music)

JENNIFER:
It's like a time warp.

Yeah, housekeeping comes
in every once in a while

to polish the silver, dust,

keep everything looking fresh.

JENNIFER: Why?

I dunno. I guess
it's my fantasy that someday,

we'll re-open it again.

Tea Room served it's
last meal in 2008.

Well, don't give up hope.

My grandmother brought
me here when I was a kid.

Even though the family
name was over the door,

she insisted we take
the bus and come to Desmond's

like any other shopper.

She wanted me to understand

that it didn't matter
if you were rich or poor,

Desmond's was everyone's
department store.

Sounds like an amazing woman.

Yeah, she was.

Came to the Tea Room
every Saturday.

She'd make me wear a tie,

that's where I learned
to tie a bow tie at six.

You know, bow ties can
be notoriously nerdy,

but you pull it off.

-Well, thank you.
-(Jennifer giggles)

During the Winter
Wonderland Festival

you could get
a complete meal for $1.

And on Christmas Eve,

they'd drop artificial
snow from the ceiling.

So beautiful.

(gentle instrumental music)

I'm sorry, I didn't
mean to go on like that.

Jack, those are
beautiful memories.

I dunno.

Maybe keeping all this
isn't such a good idea.

Just keeps the sadness alive.

You know what,

I know something you'll
get really excited about.

Come on.

♪ Brighten up the holidays ♪

♪ Ooh ooh ♪

♪ Brighten up the holiday ♪

♪ Wee ♪

♪ Brighten up the holidays ♪

Wow.

This is amazing.

It feels like we're
in snow globe.

I wanted to show you this

because of all the
decorating you've been doing.

It's great, so retro.

It's not retro,
it's the real thing.

This is the last of
the old window displays

that survived Dad's makeover.

You know, I come here sometimes
when things are too much.

People on the street just
think I'm part of the display.

(laughs)
It's brilliant.

Thank you.

(midtempo jazz music)

This is one of my
favorite Christmas songs.

No way, me too.

♪ Santa, Santa baby ♪

♪ Please won't you hurry up ♪

May I have this dance?

I thought you'd never ask.

♪ I'm waiting by the chimney ♪

♪ Hoping you got a little
Christmas gift ♪

♪ That's gonna make me
smile all night ♪

♪ Santa, Santa, Santa baby ♪

♪ So when I hear
the sleigh bells ♪

♪ I wanna see you
under the mistletoe ♪

♪ And I've got a feeling ♪

Hi, heard you and Mr. Desmond
closed the store last night.

Nothing's secret
around here, huh?

Yeah, we had a good time.

MANNY:
Eh, he needs more of that.

I know there's
a story there, Manny.

That's a longer elevator ride

than you and I have
time for today.

(festive jazz music)

(phone buzzes)

JEN VO: Hi Jack,
feeling like playing

some reindeer games?

Meet me at Corktown
tonight at eight.

(lively piano music)

I'm so bad at this.

No, no,
practice makes perfect.

You'll get there.

You probably need
some of this.

Thanks, but I was
having a Chardonnay.

Uh, see, the thing is,
you're at the Corktown,

so you're gonna have to
have some scotch.

Okay.

So what's the secret?

Alright, so my dad taught
me everything I know.

Just stand back, and watch
the master in action.

Thank you.

You make it look easy.

That's because it is.
You overthink things.

-I do?
-You do.

Here, gimme that.

Now, close your eyes, relax.

Now imagine the ring flying
through space,

landing smack dab
on that reindeer.

Now imagine the crowd
going wild.

You're the man, Jack!

Okay, this is silly.

Hey, maybe you need a
little silly in your life.

-(crowd cheers)
-Oh!

Nailed it.

-Thank you, thank you.
-See?

Okay, so tell me more
about yourself, Jennifer.

I barely know anything
about you beyond Desmond's.

Mm, there's not really
that much to know.

I don't think so.

I don't even know
what you're studying.

Well, what happens
after grad school?

Can we not talk about school?

I get all uptight
just thinking about it,

and I'm having
such a nice time tonight.

Do you come here a lot?

Mm, mm-hm, yeah,
my cousin owns the place.

Birthday parties,
funerals, weddings,

graduations, they all end
up here at the Corktown.

Wow, social events in my
family are much more formal.

When Mia and I were kids,

we had a scheduled Christmas
presents hour

between 9 and 10am,
not a minute sooner.

-Didn't that drive you crazy?
-Yes, absolutely.

Mia and I would be up
at the crack of dawn,

but my father wouldn't let
us unwrap a single present

-until 9am.
-Wow.

It was total chaos
at my house,

just wrapping paper
flying everywhere.

Sounds like I should
spend a little more time

with your family.

Can I walk you home?

I'd like to.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Ah, it feels so good to
be away from the store,

even just for a few hours.

It's so intense
this time of year,

and with these 'Christmas Nine
to Five' articles

running in the paper.

Wait, there's something
you need to know, Jack.

Something I've been
wanting to tell you

ever since we first met.

What is it?

I didn't mean to lie, and I
didn't mean to hurt anybody,

especially you, but
I'm not a grad student.

I'm the author of
'Christmas Nine to Five'.

Wait a minute, what?

I sold my editor
the idea of a reporter

embedded at Desmond's

in search of the true
meaning of Christmas.

I never meant any harm.

So this was all a set up.

You used us, me, Rose,
the staff--

JENNIFER: Jack, no.

It's even worse
than I imagined.

How could you not
tell me the truth?

I wanted to, but I thought
it might affect the story.

I shared all sorts
of personal things

about my family with you.

Is that gonna end up
in tomorrow's paper?

No, of course not.

I was, I was really
starting to like you.

I feel the same way,

and I don't want anything
to jeopardize that.

Anything for a story, huh?

Jack, no.

Please don't go.

VO: The other day, I overheard
one of the employees say--

Cashiers are human, too,
we have feelings,

we just work here,
we don't control the ordering,

we just ring up your sales,

please don't yell at us
if there's a line.

How many times
have I felt like that?

Finally, someone's
giving us a voice.

I'm really liking this
smokey eye on you.

RIO: Oh, okay, just remember

our customers are a bit more
conservative,

so nothing too outrageous.

Okay, are you ready for
the big reveal?

Yeah.

Honey, no, I can't go
out in public like this.

It's the holidays,

I thought I'd
kick it up a notch.

This is kicking it
all the way to the moon.

Sweetie, maybe you should
just work the register today.

(phone ringing)

Cosmetics, jewelry,
and accessories.

Yes, she's right here.

I'll send her right up.

They wanna see you
upstairs, ASAP.

(Manny humming melodically)

That is not a very
Christmasy smile.

Fourth floor,
Jack's office.

(groans) Come on,
it can't be that bad.

At least you spelled my
last name right.

How did you know?

It didn't take much, if
you were paying attention.

Manny, you can't
tell anybody.

What's said in this elevator
stays in this elevator.

The spirit of Christmas
is carried like a torch

by each and every one

of the hard-working
Desmond's employees

who work tirelessly to make
our holiday dreams come true.

Looks as if the author took
a couple of my suggestions,

less about the author,
more about the people.

Could you please just fire
me and get it over with?

Well, I don't like
that you lied to me,

I do appreciate getting
a fair shake in the press.

That's all
I ever wanted to do.

We could certainly use
the positive publicity
right now.

So maybe this isn't such
a bad thing after all.

So then I'm not fired?

Not as of 11:45am,
but the day's still young.

What about the staff,
they don't know anything.

Let's keep it that way.

This doesn't go
beyond this room.

You were right to point out

you'd get an entirely
different story if they knew.

Now, if you'll excuse me,
I gotta get to a meeting.

I'm so sorry, Rose.

I don't like surprises.

I know, I know.

You know, Jack was so
upset with me last night.
What happened?

I marked up your column
and had it waiting for him.

He was furious until he
read it again with my notes.

I hope you know,

it was never my intention
to hurt the store.

Your column is a love letter
to Desmond's,

to an era of different
values and expectations,

and we really
need that right now.

I don't understand.

You will.

Against my better judgment,

I think you may be our
Christmas angel in disguise.

But if you break his heart,
I will never forgive you.

He's like a son to me.

-Rose, I would never--
-No more secrets.

Right.

(patrons chattering)

Jen, could you please
run up to the office?

We're out of register tape.

-Sure.
-Thank you.

MIA: Jack,
Dad's not gonna budge.

The Wallerton offer's
a good one.

Anyway, everything
after Christmas

is about customers
returning things

and using gift cards,
it's not gonna help
your bottom line.

I'm not giving up.

MIA: Dad's been briefed
on all the offers,

Wallerton investments wants
an answer by Christmas Eve.

We're making a mistake,
and Wallerton can wait.

MIA: Jack the most valuable
asset we have

is this building and the real
estate that it's standing on.

Jack.

What are you doing here?

I just wanted to say,
thanks for giving me

a second chance this morning.

Well, you should be
thanking Rose.

Well, let's agree, no more
secrets from here on out.

Fine, no more secrets.

What's Wallerton Investments?

Excuse me?

I wouldn't be a good reporter

if I wasn't doing my job.

You can't write about that,
not a word.

Well, tell me
what's going on.

If Mia gets her way,
the store is closing down

right after Christmas.
-What?

Wallerton made my father
an offer for the building.

They wanna turn it into
a parking lot or law office,

or who knows what.

My great grandfather is rolling
over in his grave right now.

That's terrible.

I'm doing everything
I can to stop it.

I managed to convince my dad
to wait

and make final decision on
Christmas Eve.

I really wish you hadn't
found out about this.

But you can't let him
shut down the store, Jack.

What can I do to help?

Nothing, this is bigger
than you and me.

Promise me not a word
to anyone.

I promise.

You know, I'm thinking about
doing Thursday's column
on the Tea Room.

Did you know they used to
serve lunch there for a buck?

What else you got?

Well, Desmond's sales
have really jumped since--

You have to make this
worth my time, Jen.

No more puff pieces if
you want the front page.

What's your voice?

I don't know.

I used to think it was
tough young reporter

chasing leads at City Hall,
speaking truth to power,

but since I started
working at Desmond's,

I really loved writing about
the people who worked there.

Their lives,
the rhythm of their day--

That's not enough,
I need more.

No, no, boring.

Does anybody really care about
the long-simmering romance

between Manny the elevator
operator and Rose?

I do.

How do you do that, anyway,
reading upside down?

Years on the job.

Okay, what's this about
Wallerton Investment Group?

There's been talk about
the place being sold.

What?

But I can't write about it.

Wallerton has made an
offer on the building.

The store manager is
fighting it tooth and nail.

They have until the 24th.

You mean Chicago might be
losing its last, great,

family-owned department store?

It's off the record, Fenton.

That's your Christmas angle,
this is the story.

It's messy and complicated,

and I can't betray my source.

There are other ways
to confirm it,

go to Wallerton directly.

Jennifer, this is what
sells newspapers.

No, I can't, Fenton.

If you don't
follow-up on this,

I'll give it to
another reporter.

Victor Caldwell is thirsty
for a juicy investigative piece

-like this.
-No way.

You know that he will
savage everybody

just in order
to get the story.

Did you ever think you
might be doing

the Desmond's family
a favor?

If there's any hope of
keeping the doors open,

what better than
an outpouring of love

from their local newspaper?

Yeah, but I'll destroy
every relationship I have
over there.

But if you run with it, you
might actually help them.

Be a real reporter, Jen.

Break time.

Thanks, Dad.

Wow, that is spiked,
big time.

Of course it's spiked.

What kind of parent
do you think I am?

(Jennifer laughs)

You know, when you
called earlier,

I knew something was up.

I just couldn't be alone.

What am I gonna do?

The right thing.

You know it in your heart.

I don't.
I really don't.

I mean, yeah, I might be able
to do some good for Desmond's,

but is Fenton just pulling
my chain for a story?

Well, can you sleep on it?

No, he'll just assign
it out to someone else.

Well then, you be
the one to write it.

You put yourself out there.

Own it, Jen, you do everything
you can to help these people.

No matter the consequences.

JEN VO: They
say that all good things

must come to an end,

so when I learned Desmond's
was in danger of closing,

I couldn't imagine losing
yet another tradition,

or worse yet,
not seeing the faces

of all the people there
who had become my friends,

faces I look forward to
seeing every single morning,

people I counted on.

Losing Desmond's is more
than losing a building.

It's like losing family.

Jennifer, have you seen this?

I can't believe it,
how could they not tell us?

(elevator dings)

Jennifer, I get
what you're doing,

but it's like Santa dropped
a grenade down the chimney.

I gave this a great
deal of thought, Manny.

I'm sure you did, but I
want you to prepare yourself

because Jack and Mia have
steam coming out of their ears.

Why didn't you say
something to me?

What were you thinking?

This can help.

My editor called me
this morning,

there were so many hits
to the website,

the online edition crashed.

Oh great, now our dirty
laundry's on display

for all the world to see.

This could be an opportunity

for the city to come out
and support you.

Desmond's means
the world to people.

Jack, did you leak this
to her on purpose

to derail our deal?

Of course I didn't.

MIA: Just because she's your
girlfriend--

-Uh, she's not my girlfriend.
-Oh, I'm not his girlfriend.

Huh. I'm glad
we cleared that up.

Anyway, now we can't fire her.

God knows that would
be terrible PR,

that would look like we're
trying to hide something.

If this jeopardizes my deal,
there will be consequences.

Hey, I have a staff
that's confused and angry.

They think I've betrayed them.

I wasn't going to
make an announcement

till after I knew for sure,
now I have to
change everything.

I know, and I'm really
sorry about that.

But maybe just do it now,
you know, seize the day.

(scoffs) So what, you're
gonna stand on a table

and wave a sign that says
Save Desmond's?

If I have to, yes.

And I promise you,
I won't be alone.

Jennifer, these employees
don't have skin in the game.

They'll find somewhere
else to work.

I disagree with you.

This place is like
family to them.

I'm sure you all saw
the article in the paper,

and yes, the reporting
is generally accurate.

I wasn't at liberty to
make any announcement,

which is why none of
you knew it was going on

behind the scenes.

Just because we have
an offer on the table

doesn't mean
that we're gonna close.

And I had such high
expectations for you.

JACK: ...We have
until Christmas Eve.

It's still enough time to
turn things around.

I thought you were floating
somewhere else today.

I have one more day
in cosmetics.

Sarah in lingerie
heard a rumor that
you're the reporter.

Rio, I can explain--

It's true?
Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't mean to hurt anybody.

I thought we were friends.

We are.

Rio, I'm doing my best
to make this work.

You're a reporter, Jennifer.

You just write about
the world,

you don't actually have
the power to change anything.

mpo piano music)

(Rose groans)

Oh, for heaven's sake.

Rose, are you okay?

I'm fine, I'm fine.

(both sigh)

Rose, you know we have
to do something.

There's no "we" anymore, Manny.

Yes, your family
put an end to that.

We were just kids, barely 20.

Your mother mocked me
for being nothing more

than a timecard employee.

Well, my folks lost
their garment business.

They lost everything,
you know that.

I had to drop out of college.

The only reason
I came to work here

was because my father
knew Mr. Desmond.

Mm, we could've
made it work, Rose.

What kind of future
did we have?

We didn't have a dime
between us.

Couples with far less

have made beautiful lives
for themselves.

That's just water
under the bridge.

Your mother made you call off
the engagement, didn't she?

That was so long ago.

We can't change what happened.

Yeah, but we can change
what's gonna happen, Rose.

Look, you and I know this
place better than anyone.

Let's put our heads together
and come up with a solution.

Come on, take a ride
in my elevator,

we'll solve
all the worlds ills,
just like the old days.

Pie in the sky
magical thinking.

That's why it never
worked for us.

Well, you stopped dreaming,
Rose.

I never did.

Mm.

You are the most stubborn
woman I've ever known.

You can't keep
doing this forever,

you're gonna need
my help someday, Rose.

Rose!

Hey, Jack.

Your speech this morning
was really moving.

I know that couldn't
have been easy.

I think you and I
should keep things

strictly professional
from now on.

I wanted to help.

Can we please just talk
about it?

I gotta go.

Well, look what
the cat dragged in.

You'd think
I was radioactive.

Jack won't look at me
in the eye,

Rio acts like
I'm dead to her,
I had to eat lunch alone.

At least I'm still welcome
in Manny's elevator.

Manny, Jack, Rio.

You talk about these people
like they're your family.

Well, it kinda feels like
they are, Mom.

When you spend that many
hours of a day together,

you really get to know people.

They have every right
to be angry with me.

Then it sounds to me
like you need to write

about your new family.

Something that Jack said
early on really stuck with me.

He said that my column
needs to be more personal.

He may be on to something.

Doesn't your paper
have an online edition?

Yeah, it's huge.

They want companion pieces

for everything
in the print edition.

The ad revenue online
is crazy.

Sounds like
an opportunity to me.

I suppose I could write
a daily diary,

more in-depth stories
about the employees,

maybe even post
some photographs?

A daily blog might even help
bring in more customers.

And it might make you
feel better.

You got an MBA for this?

Ha, never
underestimate the value

-of an Ivy League education.
-Mm.

I have some good news.

Because of all that hubbub
in the newspaper

with your girlfriend...

She is not my girlfriend.

...we have a mystery bidder
entering the fray.

Who is it?

Just some blind trust,

probably some
wealth-management group

looking to pick up
a broken business.

We're not a broken business.

Anyway, the mystery
bidder's offer is lower,

but I'm hoping I can use it to
leverage the Wallerton group.

Squeeze a little more cash
outta them.

Never stop thinkin'
of angles, do you?

This is our family's
financial future, Jack.

Unlike you, I live in the real
world, not Santa's Village.

(gentle instrumental music)

JEN VO:
If you're lucky,

you'll get to meet store
manager, Jack Desmond.

He's from a long line
of retail giants,

and he may be the biggest.

He's the protector
of our Christmas dreams.

He knows that
if Desmond's closes,

a piece of our childhood
will be gone forever.

Everywhere you go, someone
is planning for your visit,

making sure that
everything will be perfect,

ready to greet you
with a smile

or help you with
that wishlist

that's been keeping you
awake at night.

And if you're exhausted
from a long day of shopping,

there's even someone there
to give your spirits a lift.

Coming to Desmond's
is like coming home.

Looks like
she's found her voice.

-Rio, Rio!
-Whoa, one at a time, people.

What's the rush this morning?

I want you to do
my makeup, Rio.

Jennifer says
you're the best.

Jennifer?

Mm-hm, in her blog.

She says your contouring
is the best she's ever seen.

Have a seat.

Are we running some kind
of special sale?

Not that I know of.

What are you
looking for today?

Just the contour?

-(elevator dings)
-Whoa, good mornin', folks.

Come on in.

You'll all get the first
class treatment now.

Okay, that's enough
for now, sir.

We'll be right back for you.

Floor, please.

As I said,
ladies and gentlemen,
the Tea Room is closed.

Just one look?
We heard all about it.

I'm sorry,
I don't have a key.

WOMAN: Hey,
isn't that Mr. Desmond?

Oh, well, thank you
for coming today.

We read about
the place online,

and we can't believe
you're gonna tear this down.

I'm working very hard to
prevent that from happening.

Having you all here
really helps our cause.

I want my children to know
what it's like

to shop in a place like this.

'Cause when it's gone,
they'll never know,

except in the movies.

We've lost enough
Christmas traditions.

Not this one, too.

I won't give up, I promise.

You're our hero, Mr. Desmond.

Save Desmond's,
save Desmond's!

(group applauds)

me All Ye Faithful")

I didn't expect to
see you here.

Are you back from
a reindeer ring toss?

(chuckles) I got a message

that I forgot my trophy
the other night.

I don't remember
winning anything,

but in all fairness, I was
a little foggy that night.

Who called you?

Some woman, the owner?

Mm-hm, the owner is Stanley,
my cousin.

It think we might've
been Maureened.

She asked me to come
meet her for a drink

and then never showed up.
(laughs)

I apologize, my mom thinks
that live is one big rom-com.

Well, since I'm here,
can I get a Chardonnay?

I mean a scotch,
I'll have a scotch.

So listen, we haven't
really had a private moment

for me to properly
apologize to you.

-I am so sorry--
-Sorry?

We just had our best
single-day sales ever

in the history of the store,

thanks to your Desmond's
Christmas Diaries.

(laughs)
Wow, that's amazing.

I am sorry, though,
about how it all went down.

I wanted to tell you
from the very beginning,

I hope you believe me.

I didn't like it, but it's
boomeranged in our favor,

and for that,
I have to thank you.

(glasses clink)

'Cause of all the publicity,
I'm starting to get calls

from headhunters
all over the country.

For what?

National retailers
offering me jobs.

Macy's New York office has
called me three times already.

But Jack, you can't move to
New York, this is your home.

If Desmond's closes,

I don't wanna be around
for the postmortem.

It's too painful to stay here,

I don't wanna see our building
turned into a parking lot.

But you can't give up hope.

I have to be practical.

I'm gonna find a way
to fix this.

It'll be
a Christmas miracle.

(laughs)
Those kind of happy endings

don't happen in real life.

Well, what about us?

I fell like there's
something there,

and I think you do, too.

That night of the blizzard,
it was so wonderful.

I feel the same way,

but it was a moment.

We can build a lifetime
on moments like that.

We're on different roads, Jen.

We were lucky enough
to cross paths once,

but that's not gonna
happen again.

In six months, I probably
won't even be living here,

you'll be onto some
new assignment.

That's life.

(Jennifer sighs)

It doesn't have to
be like that.

Ah, if I had a red carpet,

I'd roll it out for you
this morning.

JENNIFER: Manny, please.

Have you seen
our sales numbers?

You've brought Desmond's
back to life.

You're giving me
too much credit.

You know, even
with all the crowds,

the one complaint
I keep hearing

is that the customers
really miss

the old fashioned
Christmas decorations.

One year we had a giant
inflatable Santa.

He was up on the roof,
you could see him from
outer space.

Yeah, it breaks my heart

that all that great stuff
got thrown away.

Hm, do you have
a couple minutes
before you go on shift?

JENNIFER: Where are we going?

MANNY: You'll see.

(gentle instrumental music)

What is all this?

Over the years, every time
they took something down

to throw it away,
I'd just bring it down here.

Like Jack said, everything
old is new again.

Manny, this is incredible.

I guess you could call me
a pack rat.

Or an angel.

I kinda had a feeling
you'd get this.

I could always tell
a department where
you'd floated

because the decorations
were always so much better.

Oh well, you can thank
my mom for that.

She taught me everything
I know about Christmas.

What's this?

It's the Tea Room china.

I saved it from a dumpster.

In fact, I have all the
Winter Wonderland decorations

from the Tea Room including
that snow-making machine.

Does it still work?

I have no idea,

we used to stuff it with
confetti and glitter.

Who knows about this?

No one, not even Jack.

When his father hired
that crazy designer,

that guy was like
a wrecking ball.

And what about Rose?

Are you kidding,
I can't even get her

to take a ride in my elevator,

let alone a trip down here.

I have an idea.

Oh, we could get in
a lotta trouble.

When has that ever
stopped me before?

(Manny chuckles)

Wait, how did you do this?

I thought all this stuff was
lost.

It's all here, everything
that was part

of the Winter Wonderland
Festival.

I don't understand,
how's that possible?

Manny has been saving it all
for years.

His secret Christmas treasure.

Somehow, he knew that
these things had value.

He wasn't interested in
what was in or out of style,

he knew that this was classic.

Everything is down
in the basement, Jack.

All the antique decorations.

Come on in, have a seat.

This is almost what it
looked like back in the day.

And it can again,
the whole store.

We can re-open
the Tea Room on Christmas Eve.

People remember
Winter Wonderland,

they ask about it
all the time.

Well, we wouldn't be
able to do food service

on such short notice.

So we serve hot chocolate
and candy from the candy shop.

The food part doesn't matter,

people just wanna get back
in here and see the place.

It's full of memories
for them.

Just wait until
the word gets out.

It'll work?

People come here to
get a look at the past.

Let's give 'em
a whole lot more.

It's taking a big risk,
Jennifer.

Yeah, but isn't it
worth it?

Desmond's just needs
a little dusting off

to get ready for
its second century.

You really think
we could pull it off?

We'll never know until we try.

As all of you know, Christmas
is just around the corner,

and thanks to
Manny's hard work,

we have an opportunity
to transform Desmond's

into what it was

so that our shoppers
can experience the store

as generations
have before them.

Okay people, let's make this
the best Christmas ever.

Okay, guys,
we're gonna fan out,

grab as many great Christmas
decorations as you can find.

This was all Manny?

(no audible dialogue)

instrumental music)

Hey.

You kept her.

Well, of course I did.

I never gave up hope.

Manny.

Here, let me put her up
right now.

Okay.

She looks
so beautiful up there.

She's come home, hasn't she?

You proposed to me
under that angel.

And you said yes.

Where did we go wrong, Manny?

It's not too late, Rose.

Oh, who'd want
an old lady like me?

An old man like me.

Come on, Rose.

Take a ride in my elevator.

Okay.

I have been looking
all over for you.

It's like a madhouse
around here.

Yeah, Jennifer had the idea

of bringing up all
the old holiday decorations.

Oh, she's just full
of endless ideas.

Wait till you see
what we've done.

You really think all this

is somehow gonna
change Dad's mind?

Day to day sales
are through the roof.

It doesn't matter.

I have some really
exciting news.

I wanna show you
something first.

I received an email
at my office,

and it's a game changer.

Close your eyes.

(scoffs) No, I'm not
gonna close my eyes,

I'm not
seven years old, Jack.

Come on, please?

Please?

Follow me.

(gentle instrumental music)

Remember the old
Winter Wonderland?

-How did you--
-You can thank Jennifer.

(Mia laughs)

I was, I was this little
when Grandma brought me here

for the first time.

I'd never seen anything
so beautiful.

I remember following
a waiter into the kitchen.

The let me sit on a stool
while they made
tea sandwiches.

Oh, I cried when it was
time to go home,

I didn't wanna leave.

You don't have to.

We're gonna reopen
the Tea Room.

Wait till Dad sees it.

Jack, this is spectacular,

but it doesn't solve
any of our problems.

Don't get sidetracked
by all the nostalgia.

But it's not just nostalgia.

You should hear what
the customers are saying.

Jennifer's right.

You tell me how you're
going to get crowds in here

in the middle of summer
when it's 96 degrees

and our 40 year old
air conditioning system
breaks down

like it does every summer.

Which is why I've been
trying to get Dad

to put more money into
maintaining the building.

(groans)
Can I have the room?

Just everybody out, please?

No, not you, Jennifer,
I really want you
to hear this.

Okay.

Wallerton has
upped its offer.

That's what I was trying
to tell you, by a lot.

I, uh, never thought we'd
see numbers like this.

Dad's never gonna walk away
from an offer like this,

and I haven't even gone back
to the mystery bidder yet.

And we have you to thank
for it, Jennifer,

I mean, you may be
the best thing

that's happened to
Desmond's in years.

(midtempo instrumental music)

Uh, best coffee in town.

Uhh, I know it.

Well?

It'll run
in the paper tomorrow,

front page on Christmas Day.

Oh, we're so
proud of you, honey.

Jack's father gets in at noon.

Ooh, fingers crossed.
Mm-hm.

Thanks so much
for your help, you guys.

I couldn't have
gotten through this

without the both of you.

-We love you.
-Love you, guys.

-You did good.
-Yes.

-Thanks, Dad.
-Congratulations.

Thanks, Mom.

JACK: Yeah, this looks
incredible.

Oh, I'm so glad

VO: Places, please.

Doors are about to open.

In five, four, three,
two, one.

(bell rings)

Hi, sir.

Hi, can I help you
with anything?

Merry Christmas.

Hi, just let me know
if I can help you

with anything at all.

Can you believe this?

-Incredible.
-Amazing, right?

Hey Rio, can you
help us out up here?

We need another hostess.

I'll get one of the
floaters to cover for me.

I'm not the kind of person

who puts his career and his
beliefs on the line like this.

Untill now.

So thank you, Jennifer.

You're welcome.

(patrons chatter)

-Dad.
-Jack.

-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas, Jack.

Hi, sir.

I don't know
if you remember me, but--

Of course I remember you.

I've been following
your postings every day.

You probably think
an old geezer like me

has no idea what a blog is,

but I still
know a thing or two.

Thank you for all you've
done for our store, Jennifer.

You're very welcome, sir.

The place looks wonderful,

and the crowds,
what a delight.

Are we meeting
in your office, Jack?

Actually, I have a little
surprise for you, Dad.

Follow me.

ROSE: Mr. Desmond.

You're going to be just fine.

Thank you.

(gentle instrumental music)

This is, this is
just amazing, son.

I remember when your
mother and I

went to Europe to find
those food carts.

Nobody in America made
anything like them.

MIA: We fixed up
the private dining area

for our meeting, Dad.

Just wonderful.

Merry Christmas, thank
you for being here today.

I used to come here
with my mother,

and I wanted
my daughters to see it.

Winter Wonderland is
better than I remembered.

Is it gonna snow?

I don't know,
let's ask Jack.

I think that's up to Santa.

(chuckles) You've made this
family proud, young man.

Thank you, Dad.
After you.

DAD: I just can't believe it.

-Hey, how's it going?
-It's so magical.

Oh, good, good, good,
I'm glad.

Hey, could you grab us
some more Earl Gray tea?

I think we're
running low, thanks.

-Hi.
-Hi.

I'll fill you in later.

Oh, I can't watch.

(sighs) What do you think?

I don't know.

Wait.

(group chattering)

Wait wait, that's good,
he's smiling.

Come on, Mr. Desmond,
just say yes.

This is good,
I think we did it.

No, no, no, no, no.

I'm the mystery bidder.

What?

I'll explain everything,
I promise.

Here, I was trying to help.

I am completely lost.

Who was I to think I could
be the head of Desmond's,

I'm just an elevator operator.

No, Manny, don't say that.

You have to tell them.

I wouldn't know
where to begin.

Mia makes me so nervous.

Manny, it's the 11th hour,
if you can do something,

you can't wait any longer.

All the times you've helped
me, let me help you now.

I don't know what
to do, Jennifer.

I do, come with me.

Mr. Desmond, there's
something you need to know.

Jennifer, what's going on?

I'm the mystery bidder.

(scoffs) Is this
some sort of joke?

Let him explain, Mia.

I saved every penny
I ever earned from here

from the day
I started at age 16.

I remember when my father
hired you.

You were barely
old enough to shave.

Yeah, I started buying
stocks at a young age, too.

First it was a little company
called IBM,

and then it was Apple
at $10 a share.

Manny, you never
said anything.

It was my rainy day fund.

I always knew
I'd need it someday,

and that day is today.

I wanna buy Desmond's,
I know, I'm not part
of the family,

but I feel like I am.

I like tradition,
and this is one that
I wanna see continue.

I'm sorry, Manny, but your
offer is the lower one.

What I don't have in cash,
I'll make up for in spirit.

I'll take care of this place.

I've been around here longer
than just about anybody,

except for you, Mr. D.

I'm the right guy to
ensure Desmond's future,

but I do have just
two conditions.

One, that we resume
doing Winter Wonderland,

and we keep the Tea Room open
permanently.

And the second condition?

That we never install
an automatic elevator

'cause that way there's
always gonna be a job

for a human being.

I still have
a few good years left.

As much as it pains me
to say this, Dad,

and it pains me greatly.

Manny's right.

What Jack and Jennifer have
done here, it's incredible.

We may not have Christmas
12 months a year,

but we can certainly celebrate

the spirit of
the holiday every day.

What do you say, Mr. Desmond?

How can we turn down
an offer like that?

Manny, welcome aboard.

Ladies and gentlemen, can I
have your attention, please?

Our newest employee,
Jennifer Clark,

has a very special
announcement to make.

Now, hopefully
you've been lucky enough

to read her column
in The Mercury.

Well, I've been lucky enough
to get to know her in person.

And I've never met
anyone quite like her.

Jennifer?

Thanks, Jack.

I want everyone to know

that the real Christmas
angel here today

is our very own Manny O'Quinn.

Without him, none of
this would be possible.

And I hope you're
enjoying your afternoon

in the Desmond's Tea Room
because it is about to become

a year-round tradition again.

Desmond's isn't going
anywhere, we're here to stay

for this Christmas
and many more to come.

Merry Christmas everyone.

(group applauds, cheers)

Whoo, Jennifer!

You know, you're responsible
for all this.

It was you.

You never gave up on me
or Desmond's.

We both did it, Jack.

-Merry Christmas, Jennifer.
-Merry Christmas, Jack.

(uplifting orchestral music)

(jazz music)