Original subtitles

[dramatic orchestral music]

[instrumental "Deck the Halls"]

- [Heather] For as long as I can remember,

each Christmas season absolutely had to begin

with a short drive to Chicago

to visit the Christmas displays downtown.

To search for gifts for everyone we love,

alongside crowds of others searching for gifts

for everyone they love.

But one year, the most amazing gift imaginable

came from a complete stranger.

[instrumental "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"]

- This branch. - You good?

- Yeah, yeah, good to go.

- And, all right, up, up, up.

- Yep, yep, yep.

- Steady, steady. - Got it?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

- Oh, one down, many more to go.

- I'll say, I'm impressed, Chris.

It's your first Christmas season

and you barely got needles or sap on you.

I think you're gonna work out just fine here.

- Ah.

[man grunting] - Duty calls.

- Oh, boy.

Whoa, hey, sir, sir, sir.

- I think, this year, I talked to Dad,

and the blue spruce would be really lovely.

- Mm-hmm. - To put it up in the--

- There we go. - Mm-hmm.

- [Chris] Okay.

- Good morning. - Hello, Heather.

- Heather's got her notebook.

You know what that means.

- Uh-oh, December has sprung

which means the Krueger family tree hunt has begun.

Are we looking for the house or for the cabin?

- Both, cabin and house.

- Oh, good.

- I've got my notebook, measuring tape,

and we are gonna find the most Christmassy Christmas tree

in this garden center.

- She takes a lot of notes.

- Mm-hmm.

- Thank you. - Sure.

What unit, sir?

- Second Marine Division, '71 to '76.

- Just discharged myself. - Ah.

- This year.

- Really? - Yeah.

My first Christmas back in five years.

- [Man] Welcome back.

- Now, this is a tree. [Ashley gasping]

- I'm afraid that one's taken.

- What?

Already?

- Sorry, you should have made a reservation.

- So, did we discuss the cousin discount this year?

- We did not, and I don't think that's a real thing.

Unless we're talking about wholesale plus 10%, then.

I gotta help a customer, tree is yours.

- Hey, psst.

Isn't that that guy from your class?

Yeah, it totally is.

- Oh, yeah, that's Andy.

- Mm, did he ask you out yet?

- Um, we're supposed to be going out later this week.

- Is he that boring? [Heather yawning]

- No, sorry, I've just been exhausted.

- You seem really tired lately.

Are you okay?

- Yeah, just been studying. - Mm.

Oh, Heather, look at that one. - Ooh.

[instrumental "The Twelve Days of Christmas"]

- Right. [group chattering]

- Heather, the lounge looks amazing.

- Hello, everybody, hello.

- Hey, shh.

- Wow, what a lively bunch.

I can tell you're all gonna be nurses.

[group laughing]

First of all, I'd just first like to say

a quick but a heartfelt thank you

to first year grad student Heather Krueger.

- Mm-hmm, yes. - For these festive wreaths

and decorations, it's beautiful.

- Mm-hmm.

- And I'd just like to give you

a quick reminder that our annual

ugly Christmas sweater party is coming up.

- How exciting. - I'm gonna win.

- After exams, unfortunately. [laughing]

So for now, what do you say we begin

our Secret Santa gift exchange, shall we?

- Yes. [group chattering]

- Hey, would you, would you mind grabbing my, my gift?

I think, I might call it an early night.

- What?

It's 5:00.

I might have to call that a pathetic night.

- I'm just, I'm not feeling very well lately.

- Heather, are you okay?

[tense orchestral music]

- Heather, remember your promise?

- Mom-- - You've been feeling

like this for a while now.

- I know, but--

- You promised if you felt this way again,

you'd go to the hospital and get checked out.

- I will, after exams.

[atmospheric piano music]

- We're going in the morning.

- Okay.

- It'll be okay.

- Lot of business today, that's good.

It bodes well for the rest of December.

- Hmm?

Oh, yeah.

- Why are you so happy?

Christmas season's just started.

- Hey, check this out.

I'm applying for a job.

- What, is this place not good enough for you?

- No, no, no, it's, for after the season's over.

This is Hands and Hearts Abroad.

- What would you be doing for them?

- Well, you know, doing what they do.

Rebuilding villages and communities

affected by natural disasters, that sort of thing.

- I think it's great,

but you just got back to Frankfort,

you're gonna leave so soon?

- Yeah, yeah, maybe.

- Quite the adventurer.

You never stay put.

First the Marines and now this.

- I guess I'm just still trying to figure out

what I'm gonna with my life, you know?

- Yeah, I hear ya.

- I just wanna get out there.

Try making a difference in the world, you know?

- Sometimes you don't have to travel the world

to make a difference.

[atmospheric orchestral music]

- [Bill] Hey, kiddo.

- Hey, Dad.

- How did everything go at the hospital?

- Ah, they poked and prodded,

ran their tests.

Doctors and nurses, you know?

- She said it was excellent training for her degree.

- Everything's a learning experience.

- The test results should come back in a couple of days.

- So, how goes wreath making?

- It's going.

- Well, it's looking good.

- Something's up, what's going on?

- Okay, we were thinking,

and we don't wanna be Grinches about this,

but we maybe we should take it easy

on the usual Christmas celebrations

and traditions this year.

- Just until you get your test results back.

Then we can talk about--

- Not a chance.

I'm just finishing the front door wreath,

and when was the last time we skipped

the Krueger family cookie exchange?

- 19, never.

- Exactly.

- Okay, just checking.

- We tried. - Yup.

- It's a tradition for a reason, and a Kruger tradition.

[festive music]

- [Worker] Can I help you?

- Yeah, I'm Chris Dempsey, I have a two o'clock interview

with Mr. Spry?

- Oh, yes, of course, I'm Heidi.

- Hi, Heidi, nice to meet you.

- He should be with you shortly, he's running a little

behind today. - No problem, thank you.

There you go.

So, do you like to travel?

- Yes, very much.

- Well, have a seat.

- Sure.

[soft music]

This is delicious, ma, I gotta say.

- Just a little something I whipped up.

- This from the famous Judy book of recipes?

- Actually, no.

I've stepped up my game this year.

I've been sharing more recipes online and I'm getting

some great ones in return from as far as Fiji.

- Ooh, impressive.

- Just a little preview of all the recipes I wanna make

this year for Christmas.

- Ma, you don't have to do all that.

- I am so excited, honey, my baby boy is home

for the holidays.

- All right, all right.

- Our first Christmas together in years.

- Yeah.

- So you remember my hairdresser Brenda?

- Ma...

- Her daughter Sadie.

- How many times do I have to tell you, I love you

but enough with the fix-- - She's very nice,

and it's already done, dinner tomorrow night

at Stanton's Restaurant.

You're free, right?

- Sure.

[bright music]

So, after the Marines, I traveled a bit.

Wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, so.

[phone buzzing] - Sorry, I just.

- Oh, yeah, yeah.

[clearing throat]

- And anatomy class was such a piece of cake for me.

Did I mention I have a photographic memory?

- No, Andy, I didn't know that about you.

- It's a blessing and a curse, let me tell you.

- And I ride a motorcycle.

- Oh.

- Not in the winter of course.

[chuckling]

Too cold.

You know, what about you, do you travel.

- Sorry, just one...

- What do you think of the decor in this place?

Kind of overdo it on Christmas, don't you think?

- I don't think you can overdo Christmas.

You know, I'm gonna get an eggnog.

- Oh, I can serve it to--

- I'll be right back.

- Well, I'm just gonna pop over to the bar and...

[lively music]

♪ Merry Christmas baby

- Thank you.

- Looks like some of the decor fell on you.

- What's that?

- I said it looks like some of the decor fell on you.

- Oh, the sweater, snowflakes, good joke.

- No, it was a terrible joke.

- Yeah, it was.

But you know, 'tis the season.

- What's that?

- I said 'tis the season.

- Ah, yes.

Let me guess.

- [Both] Eggnog.

- Right.

- Guilty as charged.

- If I could just...

Boy, it's really hard to get a drink in this place.

- I think it's all about the timing.

- Yes, I think you're right.

- Anyway, I should...

- Yeah, yeah.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas!

Sir, if...

[soft music]

- Good morning, I'm Dr. Jenkins, this is my colleague

Rosa Fernandez. - Morning.

- Good morning.

[clearing throat]

- Heather, um...

Our test results show that you have an autoimmune disease

known as AIH.

It occurs when the body's own immune system turns against

the cells that are found--

- In the liver.

- Yes, that's right.

- She's a nursing student.

- Yeah, well then, you may also be aware that often

the cause is unknown.

Unfortunately, Heather, the disease is in an advanced stage.

It's been doing damage to your liver for quite some time.

- So what are our treatment options, what medications

should I be starting?

- I'm the clinic's transplant coordinator.

- Transplant coordinator?

- Heather, there's no other way to say this, but you're

going to need a liver transplant as soon as possible.

- How soon are we talking?

- You have stage four liver disease.

- [Mother] Stage four, what does that mean?

- It means soon, mom.

- We'll get your name on the waiting list right away,

but that can take time for the right match

to become available.

There are a lot of factors to become...

[voice tapering off into soft piano]

[music drowning out blurred voices]

We'd like to discuss another option with you.

- What's that?

- Find a living donor.

- A living donor?

- It's a lot to ask of someone, right?

To give up a part of themselves?

- Someone donates half of their liver--

- Because the liver regenerates.

- But it will save you, right?

- Yes?

But it has to be the perfect match.

The blood type, the age of the donor, the health

of the donor, there's a lot of factors.

- Okay, so just back up, then after you met with

the doctor, you met with a financial--

- Officer to discuss options of how we're gonna pay

for all of it, just been really...

- Hey.

You're gonna get through this.

I'm gonna get screened and you are gonna find your match.

- Gonna find my match, you're right.

It's all gonna work out.

[soft music]

- We have to get the word out.

We need to go wide as fast as we can.

- I don't know.

- Heather, you need a donor as soon as possible.

- We can start an email.

- I can make phone calls.

- I'll get a social media campaign going.

- Yeah!

- I just don't know about this.

It's the Christmas season, I don't want to be a burden,

everybody is busy with their own lives.

- But that's what the Christmas season is all about.

- I mean, people in this community care about you,

they'll wanna help.

- Sweetheart.

You can't do this on your own.

- I know you hate to ask for help, you've always been

that way, but the more people who

know about this, the better

- But it's not just about finding a match, is it?

What happens when we find one?

- What do you mean?

- They actually have to go through with it, right?

Right?

It's a lot to ask of someone.

[soft, instrumental "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"]

- Wouldn't you do it for someone else if you could?

- Of course.

Yeah.

- But the first step is finding someone.

- I know, but nobody--

- Heather, we need to find a match, you're my sister

and I love you but there's no debate here.

People always talk about miracles at Christmas, right?

Well, here we are, you need one.

[sighing]

Let me get the word out.

- Okay, let's do this. - Yes!

- Okay.

Have one, 'cause I'll just eat them all.

- I'm good.

- Well, thanks anyway, Marjory, we appreciate it anyway.

You have a merry Christmas.

Your dad is at the printer's and he's put a small

team together and they say they're going to paper

the entire Midwest.

- They probably will, too.

[laughing]

- Looks great. - Yeah, that's why I

added this at the bottom.

[mumbles]

[bright music]

My page has over a thousand hits and still not a single

potential-- - Shh.

- There's so many factors.

- I'm sorry honey, you were doing so much, don't worry.

- It's just, I feel like I could do more.

Do you know, if I had the same blood type, I would.

- [Kathy] We know.

- I'm turning in, good night.

Love you.

- Love you. - Hang in there, honey.

Look at this.

Less than five percent of transplants

come from living donors.

Less than five percent.

It's just so hard.

- Well, what about your cousin Russell's daughter

Tara in Iowa City?

I know they still have to run some more tests--

- Not a match.

- What?

- Russell called earlier, I wanted to tell you,

but I didn't want to disappoint Heather.

I'm really scared, Cat.

- Don't be scared, dad.

- [Kathy] You're up.

- We'll find somebody else, someone's out there.

- I don't know how you do it, kiddo.

- Do what?

- Stay so positive.

- I don't have any other choice.

[soft music]

- Uh oh, here comes trouble.

- Don't worry, nothing demanding, hot chocolate

from Sugar and Spice. - Thank you.

- Just here for some supplies for Heather's famous

Christmas wreaths. - Oh yes.

- And wondering if you're coming

to the annual cookie exchange.

I didn't hear back from you yet.

- I'm sorry, I didn't think that was still on.

- No, we're doing it.

Heather really wants these Christmas traditions.

Now more than ever.

- So how's she doing?

- Honestly, not great.

We're all just really scared.

- So nothing yet?

- No, and she needs a transplant really soon.

- There's a match out there somewhere, there has to be.

[tense music]

[festive music]

- Okay dad, to the left.

Okay, now a little to the right.

Clockwise, no counter, okay. - That way?

- No, the other clockwise, a little bit.

- Heather!

- Perfect.

If you're gonna do a job right, then--

- Do it all the way, where have I heard that before, huh?

- A wise man told me a long time ago.

- He was very wise, wasn't he?

- He still is.

- You really did a wonderful job picking out the tree

this year, sweetheart.

- Thank you.

[soft, instrumental "Oh Christmas tree"]

- [Bill] Okay.

- What is it?

- I want this year to be perfect.

All of our Christmas traditions.

The cookie exchange, Christmas dinner at the cabin.

- Your favorite.

- I wanna tell you guys something.

I've already talked to Ash about it and...

I think I'm gonna take some time away from school.

Indefinitely, I guess.

[solemn music]

But I don't wanna miss any of our traditions

and I would love to go to the nursing school's

annual ugly Christmas sweater party.

- Well, there's certainly no shortage of ugly

Christmas sweaters in this house.

Just go up to your father's closet and--

- What?

- Well, he just calls them sweaters.

[laughing]

- Hey, I got the stuff you wanted for your wreaths.

- Oh, thanks Ash, that's just what I needed.

- And I met a guy who wants to get screened.

- Who, how does he know me?

- He doesn't, he works with Jack, his name's Chris,

seems like a really nice guy.

- Great.

Another name on the list.

- So, Ma, gotta tell you something.

- You're going away after Christmas.

I could tell by the sound of your voice.

- Well, I was thinking--

- And it's okay, you love adventure,

seeing what's out there.

I hope it's something I've always encouraged.-

Ma, I was thinking that I could maybe help someone here.

In Frankfort.

- Tell me more!

- Well, I overheard something at work about a girl

named Heather Krueger and she needs a liver transplant.

Right away, and she needs--

- To find a living donor, I saw something about this online.

I shared it with everybody I know.

The poor thing, I hope she finds somebody.

- So, uh...

I went to get screened today,

to see if I'm a possible match.

[dog barking in distance]

- The last of the molasses chips.

- I'll have to savor it then.

- Or you could not eat it.

- Not a chance.

Those latest rounds of names, sweetie?

- Yeah?

- No matches.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

- I know you do.

- I just feel like that's all I'm doing lately.

- That's not true.

This is your best batch yet.

No wonder you don't have any left.

- I just don't know what else I'm supposed to do.

- Mom, you're doing everything you can.

I love you for it.

- Tell me you're joking.

- I'm not.

- You don't even know this girl.

- Nope.

- I don't understand, it's like pulling teeth

to try and get you to go on a date and now this?

- Yeah, but ma--

- Getting screened is one thing, but what if you are

a match, have you thought this through?

You'd actually have to go through with it.

- I know, ma, I have thought about it and it would be

the right thing to do.

Sacrificing to help someone else out.

I mean, that's what you guys always taught me.

[soft music in background]

- You are your father's son.

[sighing]

- You're okay.

[festive music]

- Wow. [laughing]

This is amazing.

And it's almost complete.

Hey, don't eat the roof tiles!

- They're the best part!

- It's true.

- Hi, this is Chris Dempsey, if you're free for lunch

I'd like to meet you at Stanton's.

- Yeah, that's the guy that works with Jack.

I guess he gave him your number.

- He wants to meet at noon.

- Probably wants to get to know you a bit before

he gets screened.

- Maybe.

- You're gonna go?

Are you feeling up for it?

[festive music]

♪ Gather your friends, open the door, light up the fire ♪

♪ It's Christmas time again

♪ Shines for you and shines for me ♪

♪ This magical [mumbles]

♪ Oh here it comes

- Chris.

- Heather?

[laughing]

- It looks like some decor fell on you.

- Still a bad joke.

- It made me laugh.

It's nice to meet you again.

- Likewise, likewise.

- [Both] So should we.

- Yeah. [laughing]

And then he says this place overdoes Christmas.

- How can you overdo Christmas?

- That's what I said.

- You can't be too festive. - Right?

I completely agree.

And your date, she was on her phone the entire time?

- The whole time, she seemed like a very busy person.

- It's common courtesy when you're out with someone--

- [Both] You're there for them!

- You're there for each other, exactly!

You know, it is so hard to find

someone who actually listens.

- I'm sorry, anyway, I forgot why we were here

for a minute.

- That's okay, I kind of forgot it myself.

[both laughing]

- I just wanted to say how thankful I am that you're

doing this, I mean getting screened for a family member

is one thing, but for somebody you don't even know--

- I wanted to.

- So do you have any questions about the process or me?

- No, no, I'm good.

- Okay, I guess that's it then?

I probably could have just called you.

- Some things are just better in person.

- This is true.

And we got eggnog.

- And we got eggnog.

Only took me a week but it looks like I finally

got my drink.

- You know, the service around here can be a bit slow

during the holidays.

Seriously, I wanted to let you know how grateful

I am that you're going through with all this.

You didn't have to, you don't even know me.

- I know.

- I think it's good we had a chance to meet properly

in case things do work out and I realize there is

no guarantee once you get screened, it's a long shot

that we'll be a match.

- We are.

- But that's okay too, I don't have any...

What do you mean we are?

- We're a match.

Yeah, just got the reports back and...

I am your donor.

- What...

Are you for real?

- Yeah.

- I don't know what to say.

Thank you!

Wow...

Are you, uh...

Have you thought about this?

Are you sure this is...

- I'm sure.

So, what is good here?

Oh, Adobo chicken burritos on special, I love Mexican food.

How 'bout you?

- It's my favorite.

[soft music]

[bright, instrumental "Jingle Bells"]

- Dad! - Sorry.

- Careful. - It didn't break, it's okay.

- Sweetheart, this is for cheese.

- [Heather] Oh, excuse me, way more sparkles.

- What am I supposed to use?

- Maybe some sprinkles on there.

- Better.

[doorbell ringing]

- Oh, grab it.

- Welcome! - Hi!

- Come on in! - Oh, thank you very much!

- Hi! - Hi!

- Oh, let me get that out of your way.

- We have that, come [mumbles] your coat.

- Oh, thank you, thank you very much.

- I'm Bill, Heather's dad.

- I'm Kathy, Heather's mom, it's so nice to meet you.

- Hi, it's nice to meet you, pleasure.

- Nice to see you again.

- Heather's told us so much about you.

[mumbles] - Hopefully not too much.

- It's so great you're here.

- Where is Heather?

- Hey.

- Hi.

[soft music]

- Do you wanna...

- Oh yeah, come on in! - Great, thank you!

- He's so cute.

[bright music]

so good.

- Those are gingerbread snowflake cookies.

- I love this.

- Thank you, we wanted to contribute to the famous

Krueger Christmas cookie exchange.

That is hard to say.

I heard it was a tradition.

- That is just one of the five, count 'em, five,

must do Krueger family Christmas traditions.

- Take a look at the big board, Chris.

First up we have visiting Christmas displays

on Michigan Avenue.

- [Both] Done.

- And next, Heather.

- A wreath for the front door.

- A beautiful front door wreath fashioned by Heather.

- So beautiful that passersby may spontaneously

break out in song.

- Wow. - No.

- Bill, the poor boy-- - I'm almost finished.

- Next up is Ashley's favorite, eggnog at Stanton's.

- Always.

- So we were doing a Kreuger Christmas tradition,

I didn't even know it.

- And it was so good.

- Yeah, it was.

- Well, next up is tonight's Christmas cookie exchange,

obviously, and then fifth and final--

- Ooh, Heather's favorite, Christmas dinner

at the family cabin.

- So, Chris, tell us about your traditions.

- I'm just gonna borrow him for just two secs.

- Good idea. - Tell us later.

- I thought you might need a rescue, my family can be

a bit much sometimes, especially during the holidays.

- No, I'm having a good time, actually.

I mean, it's just been me and my mom for so long,

I'm not used to such a lively family, but no, it's okay,

they're great.

- Good.

Can we just sit down for a minute?

- Yeah.

Is everything okay?

- I'm so glad you could come to the cookie party tonight.

- Oh, yeah.

- Jack will be here later and Rosa from the hospital

might stop by, my Uncle Stan and some friends from school.

- Heather.

What is it?

- Sometimes I get tired.

I have to call it a early night.

So I'm sorry.

- You never have to apologize to me.

- Okay.

[soft music]

[festive music]

- All of this is Heather's doing.

- Oh, it looks like your cookies are going like hotcakes.

- Yeah, yeah, I gotta tell my mom.

I didn't know Jack was a baker.

- Oh yeah, he bakes every year.

He gets real crafty in the kitchen.

- [Chris] Huh!

- Jack!

- Hey.

- Hi, I'm Heather's friend Jeanette.

- Hi, Jeanette, Chris Dempsey.

- I know all about you, Chris.

Heather's Christmas miracle.

- I don't know about that, I just, just doing my part.

- We appreciate it.

- What are you making?

- Milk thistle buttermilk.

- Milk thistle buttermilk?

- It's a thing, what'd you make?

- I made a sugar cookie with a caramel pecan--

- Excuse me, everyone, can I have your attention, everybody?

I wanna thank all of you for joining us for the Krueger

family Christmas cookie exchange.

[applauding] [cheering]

This year has been a special one for many reasons.

For Heather and for Chris.

who's come into our lives and now is in our heart.

- Oh, Bill.

- No, no, I'm fine, I can do this.

A toast. - Yes.

- To friends. - Yes!

- Family, health.

- And Christmas miracles!

- [All] To Christmas miracles!

- Here's to Christmas miracles.

[chuckling]

Eggnog.

- So, we're clear on how all this is going to work.

You both check in at six.

- AM or PM?

- So yes, six AM, Monday.

- Monday.

Oh, this Monday!

- I know it feels like it's happening fast

but this situation requires expediency.

- And how long will we be in the hospital?

- Anywhere from seven to 10 days.

- So we would be home by Christmas then.

- If all goes well, yes.

With some time to spare.

If all goes well.

[festive music]

- Are you taking Mrs. Claus for a stroll there?

- Well, you know, she needs her exercise.

Too many Christmas cookies.

- Oh, I'm looking for a tree for the cabin.

- Oh, sorry, all out.

Big ones are in the back there.

- Or do you always take the prettiest ones for yourself?

- No, no.

- Because you would never do that to your customers?

- Because I haven't needed a Christmas tree in years.

- What, why?

- Haven't been home for Christmas.

- Really? Where have you been?

- Well, when I was with the Marines, I was at base camp

or wherever I was deployed.

This is actually my first Christmas back in five years.

- Your mom must be really happy to have you home.

- Oh yeah.

We'd Skype through the holidays.

I'd thank her for sending her famous Christmas cookies

which would inevitably get crushed in the mail.

Do not tell her I said that.

- Wow, five years, do you miss home?

- Yeah, but you know, I've always been kind of restless.

If you ask my mom, she says it's because I was born

on the windiest day of the year.

- In Chicago? - Mhm.

- That is windy.

- Yeah, she says that's why I can never just settle down.

- You know, maybe one day you will.

- You know, I like to try new things and I like to travel.

In fact, I just applied for a job overseas,

Hands and Hearts Abroad?

- Really? - Yeah.

- One of my friends, she's a nursing student, she worked

for them last summer, she absolutely loved it.

- Oh, nice!

- Yeah.

Smell that? - Yeah.

- Smells like Christmas.

- Well, to a wreath maker, of course it would.

- When I trim the cedar bushes at the cabin, the smell

of fresh cut evergreen?

I love it.

- I love that smell.

- I wanted to go get trimmings before the operation

so I'd have some material to work with while recovering,

but the doctor said I can't do anything too strenuous

before surgery.

- Are you asking me to go to the cabin to help gather

clippings for your wreaths?

- What, no, no, no, that wouldn't be nice.

I've asked you for way too much already.

- Well, you haven't asked me for anything, really.

- Technically no, but I can't ask--

- All right, you talked me into it.

I'm free tomorrow.

[bright music]

- If this is a Christmas gift, then we should wait

until Christmas. - Mm-mm, I want you to have

this at the hospital.

- Aww!

It's beautiful.

So soft and cozy.

- Keep you warm at the hospital.

- Thank you.

- It's big enough to keep you and Chris warm.

[laughing]

- Why would you say that?

- 'Cause I met him at the cookie exchange.

Come on, he is cute.

- I haven't really noticed.

[bell ringing]

- [Bill] Hey, someone get the door, I'm on cookie duty.

- Oh, that's for me, it's Chris.

- Chris, huh?

Okay. - I'm so sorry, Jeanette,

I completely lost track of time.

Thank you so much for the Christmas gift,

I'll text you later!

- Okay! - Mom, going to the cabin!

- Have fun!

- Why are they going to the cabin?

She should be resting, her operation's tomorrow.

- Well, if I had to guess I'd say she wants to spend

her last day before the operation with the open road

ahead of her.

- In the company of a man who seems like he would do

just about anything for her.

- What?

Oh.

- There it is.

[festive music]

- Okay. - Okay.

Just put it in the corner there.

- I got it, there it is.

- Oh, right over here, by the window!

- The window.

Okay.

Easy.

That is officially my last delivery for the year, so,

the Frankfort Garden Center would like to thank you

for your business and have a merry Christmas.

- You're very welcome and merry Christmas.

- This place is perfect, Heather.

It's amazing.

- You haven't seen anything yet.

My mom and dad just started decorating.

- Well, your sister said this was your favorite

Christmas tradition, is that why?

- It's the perfect ending for the perfect Christmas season.

A feast and the fireplace roaring and the music playing

and all the lights up here at night.

It's magical.

- [Chris] And who's this guy?

- He's my grandpa, we were really close actually.

He's the one who started the tradition here.

We'd come for Christmas dinner and we'd play games

and sing carols.

He loved Christmas and he loved spoiling us with presents.

- Well, he sounds like a great guy.

- Come on out back, I'll put you to work.

Shouldn't be a problem at all

for a professional such as yourself.

- Oh boy, professional in training.

[festive music]

Special delivery. - Amazing.

- Boy, that is a lot of mistletoe.

- It's holly, silly.

- That isn't mistletoe?

- Holly's red, mistletoe's white.

- Mistletoe's white? - Uh-huh.

- Huh, a lot of people would be surprised to know

they've been kissing under holly all these years.

- I bet they would be.

- And I work a garden center

so this is especially embarrassing.

- It's okay, I'm a bit of a Christmas expert.

Always have been.

Would you mind cutting these into foot long pieces?

- Yeah, sure.

So, so tell me about these famous

Christmas wreathes of yours.

- What do you wanna know?

- I don't know.

When'd you first start making 'em?

- I was a little girl, maybe six or seven.

There was the most beautiful wreath I had ever seen

hung on our classroom door at school.

I remember going home and telling my parents

that I wanted to make a special wreath for our house too.

And I've been making our Christmas wreaths ever since.

And every other holiday.

They make great gifts, too.

- Do you make wreaths for every holiday?

- They're so festive.

You should see my Thanksgiving wreath.

[laughing]

Don't laugh!

They're the real deal.

- I know, I wasn't laughing at...

It's just very charming.

- Every year I make wreaths for the women's club

and the nursing home and the hospital and my old school,

I just love it.

- Like every holiday?

Arbor Day, Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day?

- Of course Valentine's Day.

They say that a wreath is a symbol of everlasting life

and eternal love.

- Huh, I did not know that.

- That's why it's circular, no beginning, no end.

It's timeless.

And tada!

- That was fast.

- It's beautiful.

- So, are you happy to be home for Christmas this year?

Apart from the whole transplant thing?

- Oh that, right, right.

- Big day's tomorrow.

Chris, are you scared?

- No.

- Not at all?

- A little.

- I am too.

- It's okay.

- If I haven't told you how much this whole--

- You have.

You have.

- Okay, here we go.

- Okay, I've got crossword puzzles, magazines, tea bags,

your iPad and oh, an old hand held video game.

- Thanks mom, but I'll be fine.

- Oh no no, it's not for you, it's for me.

- Mom...

It'll be okay. - All right.

- Okay, what did you pack?

- Mom, I'm not going outside.

- So you have everything?

Slippers, snow globe?

- You know I'm gonna be out cold.

- I'll be waiting.

- Hey, you're gonna do great, kiddo.

- Thanks, dad.

- I love you.

- I love you.

- I love you.

- Yeah, I love you.

- It's time.

- Time.

[soft music]

- Okay, okay, I'll be fine.

[sighing]

Nice gurney.

- Yours isn't so bad either.

- We're going now?

- Yeah, it's time.

- Okay.

- Wait, why are you taking him first?

- It's okay, this is just how things work.

We'll take you to a different OR in just a moment.

- Um-- - It's okay.

We'll be fine.

Everything is gonna be fine.

- What was I thinking?

How could I let you do this for me?

- How can you not?

- I'll never know how to repay you for this.

- You owe me absolutely nothing for this.

[heavy breathing]

[soft music]

- Chris...

[machines beeping]

[bright music]

- Oh.

- Cookie?

You don't mind that I take my morning walk, do you?

The doctor says it's really important that I get moving

and get my circulation going.

- Are you walking around already?

Let me see here.

[knocking]

- Is it okay if I come in?

- Of course, come on.

- My parents brought some Christmas cookies.

- Oh, my favorite.

- They're not for you, silly.

They're for the nurses, we can't eat cookies.

- Darn.

- I love that snow globe.

Can I?

- Go ahead, it's an antique.

My mom gave it to me for good luck.

Sometimes you just gotta shake things up.

- It's beautiful.

- Why are we whispering?

- I have no idea.

[laughing]

- Ow!

Ow!

- What can I say, I leave 'em in stitches.

- Stop.

Ow, ow.

How'd you get away from your nurse?

- She's new, easily fooled.

Let's check your vitals.

[chuckling]

- Once a nurse, always a nurse.

- Nursing student, Mr. Marine.

- [Nurse] Heather Krueger?

- Shoot, I think she's onto me.

- Oh yeah, you better get out of here,

they're comin' for ya.

- See you later, gater.

- Heather! - I'm here all week.

Oh, and thanks for the cookies!

- They're not for you.

I love Christmas movies, don't you?

[chuckling]

This is the part where he's confused about falling

in love with her.

[soft music]

- Heather.

What do you think?

- Oof, that is ugly.

- For the ugly Christmas sweater party.

[laughing]

- You know you wanna go.

- I'm just not sure I'm ready for it.

- Bah!

- Okay, we have a winner.

[festive music]

- I am so glad you could join us, Heather.

- I'm a little bit slower these days with the medications

and diet and exercise, most important thing they say to

is keep living your life.

- That's good advice.

And I do hope you can come back and finish your degree.

You're an excellent student.

- Thank you, that's the goal.

I really love it here.

- See ya!

- Wow, congrats, that sweater is as ugly as it gets.

- Thank you, I will take that as a compliment.

- You should, where's Chris?

Is he here?

Is he coming?

- No, I haven't really talked to Chris since

we left the hospital.

- No, no, no, you call him, call him and tell him to grab

an ugly sweater and come on down here, come on!

Oh.

I will brb.

- Have fun.

- I will!

[soft music]

[horns honking]

[soft, festive music]

- So, what about Chris?

Are you getting him something?

- I don't know.

We haven't talked since we left the hospital.

- Really, why?

- We just...

We haven't.

He checked out a couple of days before me

and we've both just been settling back into our lives.

And I want to talk to him, I do.

I almost called him from

the Christmas party at school, but--

- Why didn't you?

- I don't know.

I didn't want him to feel obligated that he had to come

and I don't wanna be a burden to him.

- What?

Okay, don't be silly, I'm sure he doesn't

see you like that.

- It's complicated.

Do I feel this way about him because of everything he's done

for me, or because of who he is?

- Maybe you guys need to spend more time together

to figure that out.

Give him a call.

- Maybe.

- Just call her.

You go for walks, she goes for walks.

- I don't know, I don't want her to feel like she has to.

- She wants to, I think she really does.

- You know this for a fact?

- I heard things through the family grapevine.

But maybe you guys should go walking somewhere Christmassy.

You know how much Heather loves Christmas.

- Yeah.

I'd love to, but I just don't want her to feel pressured.

- Pressure?

Trust me, she wants to hang out with you.

- It's less than a week 'til Christmas.

I'm sure she's busy.

- You'll figure it out.

[festive music]

- I'm glad I finally called you.

It's so nice to have someone to walk with for a change.

- Oh yeah, I hear ya.

- I maybe should have reached out sooner,

I just wasn't sure. - No need to explain.

We're here now, right?

So how's my liver doing?

- It's holding up like a champ.

How are you?

- A few bumps in the road, but getting better every day.

- How's this for a bit of rehab?

Downtown strolls and hot chocolate from Sugar and Spice.

- Yeah, I could get used to this.

- Oh look, it's the Christmas light brigade.

I volunteered with them last year.

They take such pride in their work.

- Like a code of honor.

- Yeah, something you would know about.

- Yeah, little bit.

It just comes down to putting others ahead of yourself.

Well, it's like you with nursing.

- Yeah, I'm gonna have to put that on hold for a while.

- What, how come?

- The medical bills and I lost my scholarships

when I had to drop out of school.

- Oh...

- Anyway, we don't have to talk about that right now.

Did you hear back from that overseas job you applied for?

- Oh, good memory.

Hands and Hearts Abroad.

No, not yet.

- But you should be hearing from them soon.

- Yeah, pretty soon.

- Sounds like a really wonderful opportunity.

I hope it works out for you.

- Thanks.

- Aww, look at that.

[both cooing]

- [Chris] Yeah.

- [Heather] It's wonderful, isn't it?

- Yeah, it is.

- [Mrs. Wilson] Heather!

- Mrs. Wilson. - I'm so happy for you!

- Thank you!

Mrs. Wilson--

- We know all about you, Chris.

Thank you.

For everything you've done.

Merry Christmas!

- Merry Christmas. - Christmas.

- So, should we keep going?

- Yeah, yeah.

Are you okay?

- Yeah, yeah.

[festive music]

[thumping]

- Honey, did I leave my hammer in there?

[knocking "Shave and a Haircut"]

Oh hi, Chris. - Hi.

- Heather's not here.

- Yeah, I know, that's actually why I'm here.

I have an idea I wanna run by you.

- A fundraiser.

- Yes ma'am.

The tickets, raffle prizes, donations, the whole thing.

I already asked my motorcycle club, they said they were

able to help put it all together.

I know the medical bills must be overwhelming,

but she should be able to finish her degree.

I mean nursing is her passion, right?

Helping people.

I think everyone in the community wants to help her.

We should have a celebration that everyone can share in.

- Maybe we can do something in January or February.

- I was thinking Christmas eve.

- That's less than a week away.

- No, I know, I know, but Christmas eve

is all about family and people coming together.

I think everyone's really gonna get behind this.

It's perfect, everything will be Christmas themed,

you know she's gonna like that.

Seriously, I don't think I've ever met anyone who loves

Christmas more than Heather.

- This is all her.

Well, if you feel that strongly about it--

- I do.

- It's a great idea, Chris, but where would we have it?

- Well, that I don't know, but it has to be

someplace special, and it has to be a surprise.

- Oh yeah.

[soft music]

- Chris, you've already done so much for Heather.

- Well, hey, if you're gonna

do something right, you do it all the way.

- I'm not sure about this.

- What, the spicy gingerbread latte?

- No, silly, about what's happening with Chris.

- Oh, so what is happening with Chris?

- Well, we had a really nice time last night.

- So you guys hung out?

- He makes me feel so calm and strong and he's so selfless,

I've never met anybody like him.

- Uh-uh.

- I just, I don't know, it feels really right.

- Then what's the issue?

- I don't wanna mess it up, Ash.

It's like I was saying, I don't know if I can trust

how I'm feeling.

- Okay, look at it this way.

Just forget about the whole transplant thing.

- I can't.

- You know what I mean.

If you guys just met, like perfect strangers,

would you hit it off?

- [Chris] What do you think, Jack?

- I can definitely help out with the fundraiser.

I think it's a great idea.

- Only if you have time, you know.

- I'll make the time.

Anything for Heather.

- Nice.

[grunting]

- I'd help you Jack, but you know.

No heavy lifting.

- Yeah, I know, I know.

- Hoping to be back up to speed in a month or two though.

- Shouldn't be a problem.

There's plenty of non strenuous work around here.

I'll have a word with the manager.

- You are the manager.

- That's why it's not a problem.

[festive music]

[sighing]

[phone ringing]

- Hello?

- Hi, Chris?

- Hi!

Hello?

- Hi, Chris, it's Heather.

- Yeah, yeah, your name popped up on my phone

and you know, your voice does sound familiar.

[laughing]

- Right, silly, sometimes I forget I sound like myself.

So it just occurred to me that I might not see you again

before Christmas and you might be busy or probably

busy and it's just that I go to the cabin for Christmas

dinner and then we don't come back until New Year's.

- Okay.

- So I was wondering if maybe you might want to go

to the Christmas Corner with me tomorrow?

- The Christmas Corner?

- Only the best Christmas store ever.

I need to pick up a few things and decorations and if you've

never been before, you really should see it at Christmas

time, it is beautiful.

[chuckling]

You're busy, totally understand.

- No, no, Heather, I would love to.

- Really?

Great, then I'll text you in the AM.

- Okay, that's perfect, I'll talk to you then.

- See you tomorrow.

- All right. - Bye.

[sighing]

- Hey.

Have mom and dad talked to you about Christmas eve yet?

- Why?

- They want to take us out for dinner.

- Just the four of us?

- Yeah, I guess they wanna keep it small.

- Where?

- The Gibraltar Hotel.

- Isn't that where mom and dad got married?

Super fancy.

- Sure is, and we get to dress up.

- Hm!

[festive music]

- Yeah no, no, Jack, Jack, the Gibraltar is doing

all of the catering, too.

I know, free of charge, it's amazing.

[thumping]

Are you here, Jack?

You know you can't stay long, Heather is gonna be here.

- Hi! - Hey, come on in!

Wow, you are early.

- Well, Heather time is 10 minutes early,

so technically I'm right on time.

And I have this for you.

- Oh!

- It's actually for you and your mom.

- Thank you.

- So merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas to you too.

- You've got a Christmas tree.

- Yeah, yeah, it came when I was in the hospital.

Jack delivered it personally.

I know, I know, needs a couple more ornaments.

- Well, we're going to the Christmas Corner,

so works out perfectly.

- Great, what are we waiting on?

- You're gonna love it there, the tinsel and the ornaments,

they're hand done, it's absolutely beautiful

and the Christmas trees are all decorated,

each one with their own theme.

[festive music]

Isn't this place amazing?

- Yeah.

- This little hat, what do you think, huh?

- Wow, very charming, that one.

Ow!

- Now you pick one.

- Me?

- Yes.

Out of all the decorations and ornaments, find something

that inspires you, that makes you feel something in here.

- Challenge accepted.

Found one.

- It's beautiful.

- Yeah.

- Angels usually are.

So why this one?

- It reminds me of this ornament that we had on our

tree when I was a kid.

- Aww, that's sweet.

- Yeah.

Well, it was, 'til it went missing.

I don't know, one year we just opened up the box

and it was gone.

- And now you found it again.

- Yeah, yeah, I guess I did.

- Let me get it for you.

- No. - For your tree!

- No, no-- - I want to.

Let me do this one thing for you.

And I get 10% off with my frequent customer's card.

Don't be jealous.

[chuckling]

[phone ringing]

- Hey, Jack, sorry, did you get my last text message?

This is getting harder and harder to keep this a surprise.

Oh, oh, sorry, sorry, thought you were someone else.

Yes, yes, this is Chris Dempsey.

Oh, yeah, Mr. Spry, from Hands and Hearts Abroad.

Of course.

Really?

That is really good, that's great.

That's really great.

[somber music]

[festive music]

- Come on, everybody! - Coming!

- Let's go, lets go.

- You look so pretty.

- Where you going? - So do you.

Dad, you look very handsome.

- Oh, thank you.

- So excited, Christmas dinner together as a family!

- Yeah, yeah! - Very exciting!

- So exciting! - Come on,

we don't wanna be late! - What time's our reservation?

- 7:00 sharp.

[mumbles]

[clapping]

- Sounds really busy in there.

Glad we decided to keep it small.

- It's just through those door, sweetheart.

[distant chattering]

[music soaring] [applauding, cheering]

- You look beautiful.

- Thank you, what is this?

- Oh, just a little fundraiser.

- A fundraiser?

- To help pay the bills, so you can go back to school.

- You didn't have to do this.

- I know.

Your dad said you didn't like a big fuss,

so we dialed it back a bit.

[chuckling]

- This is so much work, you must be exhausted.

- A little, a little, but it's okay.

By the way, you look spectacular in red.

- Thank you.

So do you.

I mean, you look very handsome.

- Thank you, it's just a suit.

- It's not the suit.

- Well, should I show you around?

- Yeah.

♪ You [mumbles]

Wow!

- Could I have one, maybe two?

Hey Ash, did you see these?

Truffles.

- White chocolate truffle snowmen, seriously?

- They're even better if you eat 'em.

Oh, don't let him go!

- Wait, wait! - Wait!

- Kathy?

♪ In a row

♪ My ruby [mumbles]

- Wine. - Wine, yes, yes!

[laughing]

- Hello?

[feedback blaring]

Wow.

First of all, thank you guys for coming out.

[applauding]

Special thanks to the nursing school.

- Nurses rule!

- The University of Illinois hospital and my motorcycle

club for donating that big beauty right over there.

[applauding]

- Can't forget the Frankfort Garden Center.

- Yes, thank you Jack, yes, how could we?

Words can't express how grateful I am for all

the generosity in this room and for this to have happened

in such a short amount of time is really, really nothing

short of a miracle.

[applauding]

And now the person that we all came here to see,

Heather Krueger. [applauding and whooping]

- I don't know what to say.

I'm so overwhelmed by all of this, all of your generosity.

The best thing about Christmas is right here in this room.

And tonight is a celebration of that.

[soft music]

I just wanna say thank you for all of your love

and generosity these last few weeks.

From the bottom of my heart, I am so glad to be here.

[applauding]

But thank you again and of course, merry Christmas.

- [All] Merry Christmas!

[bright music]

♪ Dashing through the snow

♪ On a one horse open sleigh

♪ O'er the fields we go

♪ Laughing all the way

[soft music]

- Hi.

♪ Have yourself

- You can dance.

I didn't know that about you.

- A little bit slower these days, but yeah, still got it.

- I think we have that in common.

♪ From now on our troubles will be ♪

- I've been meaning to talk to you.

- Yeah?

What did you want to talk about?

- I got the job with Hands and Hearts Abroad.

- You got the job?

- That's, that's great, Chris.

Congratulations, I'm, I'm so happy for you.

- Yeah, thanks.

I mean, I haven't given them a decision.

But I wanted to talk to you.

- Why wouldn't you?

It's what you wanna do, right?

- Yeah, no, you're right, it is.

Things are a little bit more complicated now.

Aren't they?

- Yeah, things are...

Complicated.

♪ Gather near to us once more

I'm sorry, I just need a minute.

- All right.

♪ The years we all will be together ♪

♪ If the fates allow

Hey, is everything okay?

Are you all right?

- I think you should take the job.

- Heather, I told you I haven't--

- No, no, no, no. You should.

You've done so much for me, Chris, more than...

More than any person could ever ask.

But I think it's time that you do something for yourself.

You deserve it.

It's just my two cents.

[mournful music]

- Heather, I'm having some conflicting feelings

and I wanna talk to you.

- Yeah, sure.

We can and we will.

But maybe after Christmas, okay.

Your tie's crooked.

And I meant what I said before.

Don't wanna hold you back from anything.

[festive music]

♪ Oh I believe

- This is for Heather.

- Thank you.

- The other one's for me.

- I know you're not gonna be doing that.

- Oh for me. - Thank you!

- Aw, they're so perfect!

♪ Mistletoe is waiting

- Wow, the biggest one.

- Oh, [mumbles]

- Oh, I need it. - Yes you do.

- And I love it.

And I think I'm going to fill it right now.

- If you can ever find your tools.

- [Bill] I heard that.

- Come back, you two.

- Oh, dad.

- Oh, it's lovely!

Heather is talented.

- Yeah, she is.

- We'll hang it 'til New Year's, or longer.

[soft music]

Are you okay, honey?

- Yeah, yeah.

I'm okay.

[soft music]

You want some tea?

- Sure.

- [Kathy] Hey.

- Hey.

- Something's been on your mind since last night.

[soft instrumental "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"]

- Last night was amazing and wonderful

in so many ways.

- It was.

- I said some things to Chris last night

and they didn't get resolved.

- You can resolve them.

- He's given so much to me, I don't know what I can

possibly give him back.

- Well, you know how you feel about him, right?

In your heart?

- Yes.

- Well, the greatest gift

you can give anyone, sweetie, is love.

- Ooh, what are these? - Little pastry puffs.

Made with brie and cranberry sauce.

- This another one of your online recipes?

- No, it's one of my own.

I made it from scratch.

For my MIPS.

[laughing]

Mm, tasty, if I may say so myself!

- I say so too.

[text chiming]

- Wanna see who's texting you?

- It's probably just Jack.

- You don't wanna know who's wishing you merry Christmas?

- Oh!

It's Heather, she wants me to...

- Now?

- Yeah.

If you're okay with me going out on Christmas

for just a little bit but I don't wanna leave you.

- You can go anywhere and you'd never leave me.

Go see her.

- Thanks, mom!

- Take one!

Or two.

- Hello?

[chuckling]

Anybody here?

- Hi.

- Hi.

- I'm really glad you could make it.

- Yeah, yeah, so am I.

- I wanted you to see it, the last of the Kruegers'

five must do Christmas traditions.

- And your favorite.

- Yes.

- Well, I can see why, it's magnificent.

- My folks and Ash will be here soon, I wanted a chance

to talk to you about last night.

- Heather...

[soft music]

You don't have to explain.

- No, I do.

- I know you're struggling with all of this, but...

- I know.

And I was struggling because we have this unique

and special bond.

And all the time, I was thinking maybe

it was just because I'm sick,

but then we spent more time together and I realized

it goes beyond that.

Chris, you are the most incredible man I've ever met.

You're my angel.

You make me laugh and smile every day.

You dare me to dream.

But I don't wanna stand in the way of your dreams.

- My dreams are right here.

With you.

[music swelling]

Does this mean I'm staying for dinner?

[laughing]

- Think that's a yes.

[bright, festive music] [all chattering]

[soft, bright music]

- [Heather] I used to think happy endings could only happen

in fairytales, but sometimes, they can be real.

And standing right in front of you.

I'm living my miracle every day.

Time's a precious gift, to be handled with care

and opened with love.

He was my Christmas angel and I was his.

♪ Have yourself a merry little Christmas ♪

♪ Let your heart be light

♪ From now on your troubles will be out of sight ♪

[bright music]

[energetic music]