All language subtitles for The.Christmas.Card.2006.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

God rest ye
merry gentlemen,

born on Christmas day.

power when we were gone
astray..."

- Dear Service Member, I hope
this card finds you in good
health,

preparing to enjoy the holidays.

At this time of year, I always
reflect on what I can be
thankful for.

I was raised in a loving home by
wonderful parents.

My folks, Rosie and Luke send
their Christmas greetings to you
along with mine.

Nevada City has been home to
Spelman family for three
generations.

I could have left but,
everything that was important to
me was here.

Our lives are not about things.

Family and friends, people are
at the heart of it.

You won't find a chain store
or mall around here and that
suits us just fine.

Our little church organizes
operation "Christmas Card"

every year for
our troops over seas.

The church is at the center of
many of our activities and
social events,

and the doors are open 24 a day
to anyone.

Believe me, you have many
friends here, you just haven't
met them yet.

I'm sure, being far from your
loved ones weighs heavy on your
heart.

I know a little about that.

When I met my boyfriend he was
everything I was looking for.

Since then, his business has
kept us living far away
from one another.

I bet you'll be back
with your family long before

he and I live in the
same zip code.

Oh what fun
it is to ride

Ho Ho ho

- Hey, Sarge.

- What are you up to, Jones.

- Hey, how about snapping a
photo chief?

- Where'd you boys get those
hats?

- From the dancers at the USO
Show.

- A Christmas card for you, from
our admirers back in the states.

The church group from my home
sent us all Christmas cards.

- Give it to one of the boys who
didn't make the show.

- Can't do that, Sarge.

The Army entrusted me
with the assignment of giving
you this card.

- Ho, Jingle Bells...
Jingle Bells, Jingle
all the way...

- If you're ever out west,
please come visit us.

We'd love to thank you in
person for your service and
sacrifice.

I speak for everyone in Nevada
City when I say that we are
grateful to you,

for making sure that we are safe
and secure.

I'm attaching a photo our
church.

Know that the lights there are
burning for all of you tonight.

In the hope that next Christmas
you will be home

and the world will be at peace.

You are in our thoughts and you
are in our prayers.

With loving best wishes for the
season. Faith Spelman.

- Did you get a nice Christmas
card Team Sergeant?

- I did Jonesy, thank you.

Looks like you've got quite a
handful of goodies there.

- My fiancé Liddy would like
you to have a cookie.

- She would, would she?

- Said so herself.

- Thank her for me.

- This is her most recent photo.
She gets prettier everyday.

- You're a lucky man.

- Merry Christmas Sarge.

- Merry Christmas.

- I don't know about
you Lewis, but I did not
sign up for this.

- You got that right brother.

- Hey, me and Liddy picked a
date last night.

- Nice.

- Valentines Day.

- Congratulations Jonsey.

- Thanks. Liddy and I would like
you to be there.

- Incoming!

Jonesy, get out of there. Let it
go man, let it go.

- You're fine buddy. Come on.

Ahh, Edo, get a medivac.

You're going to be alright
Jonesy.

Everything is going to
be ok buddy.

- At ease Master
Sergeant Cullen.

Mind if I sit and
talk a second?

- Please sir.

- I'm sorry to hear about
Sergeant Jones. Lousy luck.

- It was sir.

- You're about to rotate home.

- I'm thinking
about extending sir.

- I think you need to take some
leave Cullen.

Look, Jones wasn't your fault.

Time for some R and R.

And that's an order, Sergeant.

I need you to something for me.

- There's a young widow

stateside that needs these.

And while you're home, don't
think about the army.

- Think about your life,

what you want, your family.

A career out of this
uniform we wear.

You've stood watch a
long time now.

Maybe it's time to
find out what's next.

- Hello Liddy.

- Sergeant Cullen.

- I would've recognized you
anywhere.

Jonsey used to send me
pictures of you all.

- I would have
given my life for him.

If I had the chance.

- I came here because
I wanted to tell you,

he really loved you.

- Howdy.
- G'Afternoon.

What can I get for you?

- You have chicken salad club

and curly fries, extra crispy?

- White, wheat or rye?

- Rye and a cup of
hot chocolate.

- Marshmallows?

- Even better.

How are you doing?

Do you know
where the latrine is?

- Hi Bill.

Molly?!

Can I get some ketchup?

Thanks.

Molly,

I thought I ordered it to
go.

- Faith, that isn't yours.

- Whose is it?

- It's his.

- You ordered a chicken salad
club on rye

with crispy curly fries and hot
chocolate with marshmallows?

- Yeah.

- I'm so sorry. What are the
odds?

- Oh yeah, that never happens.

- Let me give you some of my
fries.

- It's okay really. It's
fine.

- I've got to go. I'm, I'm
sorry about the fries.

Oh, Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

Afternoon.

- Oh, good afternoon. What can I
do for you?

- I was hoping you had a room
available.

- Ah yes, quite a few actually,
but that's only for tonight.

After that I'm filled up
through Christmas.

- One night would be fine,
ma'am.

- Oh good, then I'll

have you to fill this
out if you don't mind.

So, you visiting folks for the
holiday?

- No, I am just passing through.

- Well then we'll have to
do our best to impress
you quickly won't we?

Breakfast is at eight.

- I was thinking of attending
church in the morning.

- It's right at the top of
the hill.

We could sit together.

If you'd like, I mean.

- Oh ma'am, that would be great.
Thank you.

- Oh, your keys sir.

God rest you merry,
gentlemen,

Satan's power

- Good morning Bill. Hi, Dennis,
Phillis, good to see you.

Welcome, welcome.

- Oh, morning son.

- Morning.

- Nice shine on those shoes.

- Oh but, thank you sir.

- Oh, I bet
you're the visitor that

Selma wants to
sit next to today.

- Yes sir. She's quite the
host.

- You couldn't pick a finer
church.

- It's beautiful.

- What's your name?
- Cody Cullen sir.

- Deacon of the month, Luke
Spelman.

- It's a real honor to meet
you sir.

- Honor, I guess you haven't
caught wind of my reputation.

O come
let us adore him.

- Good morning.

- Good morning.

- There's an old Hebrew saying

"be kind to strangers, by
being so,

we may be entertaining one of
God's angels".

So we'd like to welcome and
warmly greet any of you who

might be a stranger
among us, here visiting for the
first time...

- Any visitors please stand at
this time.

- Come on Cody, stand up.

We want to make you feel
welcome,

make you feel at home here in
God's house on this

fine Holiday season.

- Welcome young man, welcome sir

We'd like to invite you for
refreshments after the service.

Alright, let's sing number
240. "Hark the Herald Angel
Sing."

proclaim:

May the Lord bless
and keep you,

may his face shine upon you.

Go forth in peace.

- Ahh, glad to see you're awake.

What I mean is, Rev. Ives gives
a poignant sermon,

but sometimes it's a poignant,
long-winded sermon.

- Well I, I liked the message,
and the music.

- Well they're great.

Shiny shoes and the sir bit. I
gather you must be Army.

- Well I'm currently on leave.

- I served, too.

- Vietnam?

- It wasn't the Crimean.

Come here a minute.

Excuse me. I'd like to steal
my daughter for a second...

- Ohhh.

- Cody, this is my somewhat
attractive daughter, Faith.

- We saw each other in the diner
yesterday.

- You two already met?

- We're both fans of curly
french fries - extra crispy.

- Cody's Army, Sergeant, on
leave.

- Oh. Do you have
family in town?

- No, No I'm just, just
passing through.

- Faith, honey, would you mind
taking Mrs. Cleveland to her
car?

She wants to go home.

- Well, Cody Cullen, it was nice
meeting you.

I hope you have safe travels
during the Holiday.

- I'll take you Mrs.
Cleveland.

- It was really great meeting
you sir.

- It was great to meet you.

You come back and anytime. Soon.

Cody, hold up.

- Dad, look out!!!!

- Sir, out of the way.

- Dad? Dad? Are you okay?

Somebody go call an ambulance.

- Oh, there he is.

- The hero.

- No no no. Right time, right
place. How are you doing?

- I banged up my bad hip and
bruised my shoulder.

Thank god for your special ops
reflexes.

- Oooh we haven't had a chance
to meet yet.

I'm Rosie Spelman.

- Cody Cullen, ma'am.

- I am so grateful
you were there.

- We all are.

- Oh, I'm just glad you
finally got to meet the love of
my life.

- Well you just have to come
home and have dinner with us
tonight, Cody.

I mean, we've got to be able
to thank you some way.

- I'm going to head out.

- Ahh come on, humor the
injured.

It's been a long time since I've
talked Army with a fellow grunt.

- Well I won't take no for an
answer.

Besides, we've plenty of extra
rooms at the house so you can
stay the night.

- Be smart. Be smart, surrender
now.

- We'd love for
you to join us.

- Consider it settled. Welcome
to the Spelman family.

Mush.

- You can go ahead and put it
right there next to pop's.

- Okay.

Wow, it smells really good.

- My mom was baking blueberry
muffins this morning.

She bakes morning, noon and
night during the holiday season.

- You like it?

- Oh yeah, it's everything I
thought it would be.

- I'm sorry.

- You know when you imagine
someone's home.

It's very cozy and inviting.

- Come on. I'll show you the
guest bedroom.

These are some of the men who
served with my dad and never
made it home.

He salutes them everyday. I
don't need to tell you about
that bond.

My mom calls them his mistress.

She always credits the Army with
teaching dad the skills

for a good marriage...loyalty,
commitment, love of family

and the ability to do his own
laundry.

I believe she really taught him
that but

it just seems more masculine to
credit the military.

Come on.

So, this will be your room.

The bathroom is right
around the corner.

I'll hang you some towels. Yours
will be the green ones.

- Okay, thank you. Faith I want
to...

- Faith, We're back. Can you
come help with dinner?

- Coming Mom. Take your time,
settle in, I'll see you later.

- Okay.

- Cody, come meet Rosie's
cousins from Grass Valley.

This is Jack and Suzanne.

- Hey Jack
- Hi

- My boys, Sammy and Henry.

- The scalawags.

- My daughter Rebecca.

- The beauty.

- Cody, would you mind going out
to the garage

and grabbing a couple of folding
chairs for the boys.

- Point me in the right
direction.

- I'll show you.

- OK, but no lifting for you.

The doctor doesn't want you
using that arm at all.

- Fine, fine. I'm just going
for a walk with my hero buddy.

It's really great to
have you here.

- It's great to be here.

Man, it looks like someone
has got a couple hobbies.

- Yeah. I want to build a
sleigh, but one with wheels on
it.

Rosie gets a kick out of this
thing. Says it's romantic.

- I suppose that hog's for
Rosie too?

- Ah no no no. That ones for me.

Not so much lately though. The
eyes are slowing.

- Wow, what a great spot.

- Yeah, that's up off Highway
49.

It's got a beautiful view of
the Yuba river.

You aught to see it
before you leave.

- That view!

- It's a California memorial
site, dedicated to those who
died in Vietnam.

- My dad died in Vietnam.

- I'm sorry to hear that.

- It hit my mom pretty hard.

She passed away after I
graduated from high school.

- Oh my.

- You know sometimes I,

I think that's why I
joined the Army.

I thought it would fill that
void somehow.

- So, what are you doing for the
holiday?

- I'm not really sure.

- I've got a business
proposition for you.

I own a mill. A family business.

With this injury, I really could
use your help here,

especially during the holiday.

It's one of the
busiest times of our year.

- I don't want to take your
money Luke.

Maybe I could work for room and
board, something like that.

- Well yeah, great, great.

That will get Richard off my
back squawking about taking on
more help.

Yeah, that's good.

- What! What are you doing?

- Oh, I want to surprise Rosie.

So, you know it's like fate
brought you here.

- Yeah sure, um, not fate
exactly.

I got this Christmas card.

- What?

It's been a real lifeline for
me. I...

- She brought you here.

- Don't you think that it's
a little odd that a grown man

would travel this
far based on a card.

- Have you told her.

- Maybe we should keep it to
ourselves for now.

- No problem. It doesn't
matter how you got here.

It's just great

that you're here with us now.

- How fast was that crazy guy
going?

- Forty, I'd say forty up
that uphill.

-Jeez
- Without him I'd be pushing up
daisies...

- Foods out.

- Happy New Year!

- Oh boy.

- Perfect timing, Uncle Richard.

- I know my cue, Dotty.

Hey the gangs all here.

- How is it that you
always seem to arrive

after all the work is done

and at the very
instant that the food's out.

- Genius timing.

- Richard, meet Cody Cullen.

- A real, live hero.

- Ah, I don't know about that.

- Well, you'll be getting to
spend some extra

time with this
real life hero

because he just agreed to stay
on through the holidays and help
us,

I should say you, at the mill.

- Great! I'll teach you
everything I know!

- Where's your sling?

- Oh Rosie, you know I heal
fast.

- Well, we might as well eat
while it's hot.

- Let us give thanks.

Thank you, Lord, for the meal we
are about to receive.

And thank you for our family and
friends, both old and new.

Please take care of those
who are away from their
homes this day.

And during this Christmas
season,

please let us all find peace.
Amen.

- Ok, let's go.
- 39, 47

Set go!

Ha, ha, ha. Yeah, yeah. Come on
Richard.

Oh yeah!

- C'mon Richard

Why don't you sweat like that
when you work for me.

Look at twinkle toes.

- Dishes are done.

- Ah, that's good.

Boy I wish I could play. They
probably kill me.

- Come on dad.
- What?

- The way Uncle Richard plays,
we could use a referee.

- That's an idea. I love to
blow the whistle on him.

- Come on.

- Hut hut hut
He's offsides.

-Ha ha
- Pass, pass

- That's not fair

- Those kids are tough.

- Bye Henry.
- Bye!

- Bye Sammy.
- Merry Christmas.

- See you in a few weeks.

- Hey, you're up late.

- Hey.

- I was just gonna get something
to drink.

- Help yourself.

Hot chocolate.

- Oooh.

Hm, your parents are great.

- Aren't they.

They both know when to lead and
when to follow.

Neither feels the need to
compromise.

It's really inspiring.

I'd love to have that with
someone one day.

- You got quite a few cards to
write there.

- Oh, not really. I already sent
the ones to the troops at
Thanksgiving,

so now it's just
friends and family.

- It's a really special thing
that you do.

- Not really, doesn't make
that big of a difference.

- Faith, it makes a huge
difference.

In many ways it saved my life.

My mom and I, we made a card for
my dad when he was in Vietnam.

I know he got the card and it
meant a lot to him.

- Did he make it back?

- Oh no.

- Well, getting a card from
someone you know is gotta have a
lot more meaning

then getting one from a complete
stranger.

- I got a card once. Words kept
me goin'.

- We pretty much do all things
wood.

Logging, lumber,
firewood, Christmas trees,

mostly cedar, some Doug fur, a
little northern pine.

And of course last few
weeks we've been
selling Christmas trees,

definitely
everyone's favorite season.

- Oh yeah.

- Someday it'll all go to
Faith.

- Wow. What's all this for?

- Wood working. The guys use it
whenever they get the urge.

Usually, it's just my brother
in law Richard.

He's a master craftsman, and
since his wife died....

I guess he just likes

to pass the hours in here.

Ah.

Let's go look at the office.

- That way.

- Hello everybody.

- Morning.

- This is where the beauty and
brains of our outfit hang out.

Needless to say, my chair is
over there.

- Eh, That doesn't mean we
don't let him buy us lunch.

- Faith, our lovely daughter,
sits over there

and handles all the accounting
plus counting the dots..

- Counting the dots? What's
that?

- It's silly,
really, never mind.

- Good morning all.
Armand, messed up the Hartland
lumber order.

- Really?

- Yeah. You know, he can't
load logs

and he can't load lumber.

My order says 1200 board feet of
cedar, and ah,

Armand he stacked up about a
1000.

- Oh, Richard.

Let's go work it out. Uhm, um,
Faith,

would you finish the
tour with Cody

and be sure to show
him our magic spot.

- Sure.

- Come on Richard.

- Ready? See ya.

Ok, this is our head rig...our
edger and our re- saw.

These cut the logs
into three sizes.

6 by 6, 6 by 4, 8 by 8

And then, the jackets go up over
the chipper

and down to the chip truck for
hauling.

The chips gets used for
playgrounds and gardening mulch.

The rest goes to
electric plants.

If we didn't use every inch we
wouldn't have a profit.

Come on. I'll show you the
best part of the tour.

- You really love working at the
mill, don't you?

- Can you tell?
- Yeah.

- I do. I love it.

One day I was gonna go away and
work in the city but,

Ah, I love my mom, my dad. I
love the work we do.

I love being outside.

See, look how
beautiful this place is.

This is my parents' favorite
place in the whole world.

- I can see why.

- This is where my dad proposed
to my mom before he
left for Vietnam.

When he was gone, she came here
everyday to pray for his safe
return.

When he got back they were
married here.

And they named me Faith because
they never lost faith

in that they would always be
together and have a family.

- Had the mill delivery a day
later.

- I hate it. Go ahead.

- Hi, anybody shoot atcha?

- Not today Dad.

- Did you show him
my magic spot?

- Oh, it was beautiful.

- Mm. Why don't cha take Cody
with you and check on that load.

- Right.

- Keep him out of trouble.

- You betcha.

- I'm talkin' to Cody.

- What's scary is he meant it.

I'm known to be a bit reckless
around here.

It kind of keeps
things exciting.

- How long have you been with
the company?

- Since high school. I
introduced my sister to the
boss' son for job security.

- Looks like it worked.

- Didn't expect to see him.
That's Paul.

Faith's very
long-distance boyfriend.

She's like Job waiting for him
to take things to the next
level,

but he's been moving
slower than molasses.

- Plus 19.90.
- Yeah ah, I'll reduce that
later.

- Hello.

- What a surprise!

- Rosie, Luke.
- How nice to see you Paul.

- Paul.
- What are you doing here?

- I wouldn't miss Christmas
with my girl.

- You were supposed to be
traveling through Europe.

- I know, but I am going to work
out of the Napa office for a
couple weeks.

- I'm so glad you're back.

- I've brought some
delicious wine back to go with
your great cooking.

- Well, then you better come
over for dinner tonight.

- I'd love to.

If you don't mind, I'd like to
steal Faith away for lunch.

- What do you think boss? Can I
take an early one?

- Well, uh...
- Have fun. We'll see
you later.

- See you tonight.

- Hey there.

- I could use that quarterback
arm of yours out at the mill.

- Alright. Umm..

- If you require a hammer, I'm
your man.

- I've got a little wood
working project

I was kind of hoping you could
help me out with it.

- Sure.

- Alright.

- So he's staying here
in the house?
- Yeah.

- Well, do you know anything
about this sergeant hero?

There are some twisted freaks
army too you know.

- Your eyes are about the same
shade of green as our guest
bedroom towel.

- I'm not jealous.

I'm just protective.
You mean a lot to me.

- Hi.
- Hi.

- Hey

- You sure put in a lot
of hours today.

I hope Richard didn't work you
too hard.

- He looks like he
can handle it.

Hi, I'm Paul.

- Cody.
- Faith told me how you saved
Luke the other day.

I'm impressed.

- I'm sure you would have done
the same.

- Paul's in the wine business

and we were about to have a
tasting if you'd care to join
us.

- That would be great. Let me
clean up and I'll come back
and start a fire.

- No need. I've got it
covered.

- Great.

- Here, have a seat.

- It's good to be home.

- Hi Paul.

- Hi.
- Time to get dinner started.

Oh, you brought the wine.

I'll get some stuff to
go with it.

Okay? Ha ha...

- I'd say this is a fruity
wine isn't it?

- This wine you brought is
really good, Paul.

- Yeah, this stuff really does
taste....

What was it you said Paul?....

Full-bodied and romantic.

- Aromatic.

- I picked it up when I was in
France last month.

I toured the chateaus in the
Alsace region.

They're known for their whites,
especially their Rieslings,

which are sometimes
confused with German wines.

- Why is that?

- Because their grapes are very
similar.

- Speaking for myself, I've
found I always prefer a French
fry to a French wine.

- Me too.

- Here comes the boss.

- He's a good worker dear.

Pull over in here.

Well, we're running low
on Christmas trees.

Guess we'll be cutting
some more tomorrow.

Let's go get the girls.

Hey, how's it going?

- Oh great. We're just about
ready to quit for the night.

- What is, Ah You read my mind,
I'm starving.

- What are the bags for?

- Care packages for the people
in the shelter.

- We're really low on winter
clothing.

We really need mittens, hats,
scarves, and especially
sweaters.

- Okay.

- Where's your boyfriend
Faith? He seems to have
disappeared.

- Oh, he's out of town on
business. He'll be back soon.

- Oh.

- Hey Cody.

If you're going to be a logger,
you gotta look the part.

- Wow, thanks Luke. That's
awesome.

- Go on, put it on. We'll be
twins today.

- That's scary.

- You know he's just trying to
butter you up?

He knows that cutting Christmas
trees is going to be

the most exhausting
day of your life.

- Morning boys.

- Morning Dotty.

- Paul's volunteered to help
cut Christmas trees with ya.

- All the Whos down in Who-ville
better run for it.

- Morning.

- Good morning.

- I'm glad you could make it.

Are you ready?
- No.

- Come on Paul Bunyon, let's cut
you loose.

- I'll see you later.

- We get a thousand feet above
the mill we

hit the snow line.

- Your cellphone works up here?

- This is Paul.

- Don't cut anything under
five and half feet

and only the ones that are
crowded.

- No no it's okay. I told him
I was around.

I uh, can't hear you up here.

They are operating a chainsaw.

Yeah we're cutting down trees
in the woods.

I don't know if it's a
forest or some sort of tree
hatchery.

Did you talk to Roberto about
that?

And what did Roberto say?

What I told James in the office
is...

Thanks, I'm glad you called,
this couldn't wait.

No, I wasn't busy at all.
Alright.

Listen you have a Merry
Christmas. I will, you too.

Wow, you guys
really went to town.

How long was I on that call?

- ' Bout two hours.

- Sorry. James in New York had a
problem with a shipment out of
from France.

Can I help?
- Nope, we're done.

- Thanks.

- You boys have fun?

- Oh yeah.

- Oh yeah.

- That was hard work.

- We'll make a woodsman out of
you yet. Come here.

- Cody, darling

I'm feeling a little tender.

Would you mind?

- Merry Christmas

- Hello ladies.

- Hey, what do you have there?

- You mentioned that you were
putting together some boxes

and you needed a few extra items
so

last night I went out and bought
some stuff.

- Oh, thank you. That's so
generous.

- Hey, what do you have Cody?
- Oh, just a few things I was
going to donate to the cause.

- Oh how nice of you Cody.

- Let me help you with that.

- Thank you. That way.

- He's such a gentleman.

- Paul.

Everybody was really impressed
with what you did in there.

- What about you?

- Of course I'm impressed.
I'm really proud of you.

- You seem more taken with Cody.

- What you both did was
wonderful. Come here.

- Hey.

- Top o' the morning.

- That looks complicated.

- I've been doing it a long
time. Pretty simple.

We count the boards with and
their sizes.

It's 4x6, 6x6, 6x8. This is
how we keep track of them.

We have coded dots and each dot
counts for a board.

You get five dots like this,
then you just connect the dots
with a line.

The line also counts for another
board.

- Are these the dots that Faith
likes?

- I taught her how to count
them before she was even old
enough to count.

That's why I call her Dotty.

Will you take that tally sheet
back to the office for me?

- Good morning everybody.

- Good morning.

- You missed breakfast.

- I got up early and went for a
run.

- Why didn't you tell me?
I could have gotten up
and watched.

- Nice flowers.

- They're from Paul. For my
mom.

- Isn't it clever? Roses for
Rosie.

- Too clever for my Luke to have
figured out....

he always brings
me dogwood blossoms.

- Not that I'm cheap.

I just like to pick flowers from
our special place.

- These are from Richard.

- Oh, I love counting the dots.

I know that sounds silly but
it's my favorite thing to do.

- So, you like to recount the
dots and that makes you happy?

- Immensely.

- Your luck day Cody. Lesson
number two.

How to sharpen chipper blades.

- Pardon me.

- Good luck.

- Cody.
- Sir.

Listen, we need you to
count up the wood stack

over by the multi-head resaw.

I'm sending out a load.

When you finish up, tonight or
tomorrow morning, whenever.

I want you to get the totals
over to Faith.

- Ok.

- Thanks.

- Well, that shouldn't take
you much time.

You didn't have anything
planed for tonight did you?

See you in the morning.

- If I'm done by then.

- Good morning.

- Hey.

- Do you know what this is?

- It's the tally for the stack
lumber that's being sent.

Let me know if it doesn't add
up. Dotty.

- Hey, what are you two up to?

- Just working on a Christmas
project for Sammy.

- Oh, good, good.

Hey, you didn't forget about the
Christmas Dance

tonight down at the Veterans'
hall did you?

- Oh, um. I think I'm
going to stay here Luke,

and finish up some
odds and ends.

- What!?
- Well good.

Well maybe I can get a
woman to dance with me
with you not there.

- Richard , Richard, Richard.
Who are you kidding?

You don't have much of a
chance with or without Cody.

- Cody, come on, it will give
you a good chance for you

to meet some great veteran's.

And if you don't get down
there tonight,

Rosie's going be
very ticked at you

for not tasting her
baby-back pork ribs.

Now I mean it.

- Alright, we'll be right
behind you.

- Don't forget. Hurry up.

You too Richard.

Boy oh boy oh boy.
Just what I need.

I'm going to go find my lovely
wife and take her for a spin.

- Well, what will I do?

- Try amusing yourself.

again.

- Thank you Mary. Thank you.

- How's it going Cody? Feel
like a little spin with me?

- No. Faith looks like she's
having fun.

- Yeah she deserves better.

- He treats her pretty well.

- For the moment. But not for
the long-run.

- It's lasted quite awhile
already.

- Nothing but a long stretched
out romance.

Every time she talks to him
about the future together,

he disappears to pursue some new
goal to "secure their
future".

- Maybe now he's
ready to commit.

- Well, that's exactly what
Luke and I are afraid of.

I'm grabbing a soda. Want one?

- I'm good thanks.

- This is yours if you
go dance with Paul.

You could buy you a
lot of Bingo cards.

- Deal.

- Excuse me. May I cut in?

- Ah, sure. Be good.
- Thank you.

- You snooze, you lose.

- Care to dance?

- Sure.

- Sure.

- Quite a nice couple.

- Except they are not
a couple, honey.

Faith and Paul are a couple.

- Ahh. What kind of couple sees
each other a handful of times a
year?

- Come on, she's not a child.
You have to respect her choices.

- Good in theory but speaking as
a father.

He's not right guy for her.

- He's not that bad of a guy.
Besides he's crazy about Faith.

- So's Cody.

Where've you been? Look at
them.

They don't make em' any better
than him, Rosie.

Anyway, I know true love
when I see it.

- Do you mind if I cut in?

Excuse me, can I have my dancing
partner back?

- I need to go fresh'n up.

- It's just a dance Paul.

- Everything ok?

- Just marking his territory.

- The greatest things happen
when you're dancing.

- Thanks Faith.

- Your welcome.

- Thank you.

- Of course.

- Paul still MIA?

- He's on his way back from a
business trip to Napa.

- What exactly does he do for a
living?

- Yeah Faith.

What exactly does he do for a
living?

- He's an international wine
broker.

- Yeah, he spends far more time
internationally then he does
with my daughter.

- Hey Eric.

- Sorry about the delay, traffic
over the bridge is stacked.

I don't believe it.

- What's that?

- I don't think I've ever
seen you wear jeans.

- Believe it or not,

later today I'm heading back
up to help Faith sell Christmas
trees.

- You must really love this
girl.

- There's another guy trying
to move in on her.

- Well, this should
seal the deal.

So, you going to move to the
boonies, become a mountain man.

Uh, no way.

Once Faith says
"yes",

she's coming on the
road with me.

- What if she doesn't want to
leave.

- She's ready.

- Paul's problem is. He's
supposed to be selling trees

with Faith down at the lot.

- I'm sure he wouldn't want
to miss out on that.

- Come on stay, have
dinner, celebrate.

- Alright.

- Waitress.

- Listen Cody,

it would really look bad if

we miss our turn selling
trees down

at the Children's
Christmas Charity lot.

You mind taking Faith down there
and getting her started selling?

- Works for me.

- Thanks, Cody. That'd be
great.

Paul can meet us up there.
I'll run, go get my coat.

- One man's loss is another
man's gain.

- Nice meeting you Cody.

- Nice to meet you Mr. Lombardo.
- Thanks Faith.

Merry Christmas to your mom and
dad.

- I'll tell them. Bye.
- Bye.

- That was great. Really fun.

- We got a serious catch huh?

- What?
- You're covered in needles.

That's better.

- You seem happier then when you
first got into town.

- Oh what, are you saying I was
stuffy?

- Cautious.

- Compliments of the Army.

- Wait. I'll be right back.

Hey,

I have a present for you.

- Faith.

So you can remember your family.

- Hold on. I want to take a
picture of you.

Cheese.
- Cheese.

- Cody Cullen. I'm looking for
a tree.

- Cody will help you out.

Hey. Wait a second.

I'm gonna to take your
picture. That's twenty.

- Wow, she's beauty. I think
this is our biggest tree.

Who threw that at me? Was that
you?

- Hold on, hold on.

Can you take one of me?

Okay, looking up.

You take it, no I'm taking it.

Okay, smile.

Now,

come forward.

Better. Okay.

Smile.

One, two, three.

- I'm sorry I'm late.
- Later.

- Traffic was a nightmare.

- It's okay, everything's
working out.

- It's not too late.
We can go home,

open up a bottle wine,
sit in front of a fire.

- Um, I just have to finish off
a couple, couple of things here
first.

- No, no. It's okay. You guys
go ahead.

- Thanks, Cody. Oh, don't
forget this.

- It's cold out here.
- You think this is cold?

You should have been
here this afternoon.
Where are we going for dinner?

Hey.
- Hi.

- What 'cha doin' here?

- Went for an early mornin'
walk. How about you?

- I was delivering wedges to
Uncle Richard.

I gotta get back.

- Oh, I'll go with you
if you want.

- What?

- Oh no I got to go...
- Faith?

I gotta...gotta get back.

- Faith!
- I'm sorry.

- FAITH!

- I kissed him, mom.

I love Paul and I kissed Cody.

- Oh it was...you were just
wrapped up in the moment.

It was just a brief lapse in
judgment, not...

- I'm not sure it was.

What am I gonna do, Mom?

- Only you can answer that
question darling'.

Sweetheart.

- You like Paul, don't you?

- It's who you
love that matters.

- I've always thought

Paul would be the man I
would spend my life with.

Raise a family with.

- You just have to remember,
sweetheart, you've got to
follow your heart.

- I love you, mom.

- I can come back later.

- Go ahead shut it
down.

Leave some of that
chopper wood, would ya?

- Hold on a minute.

- What is going on around here?

- I'm sorry?
- Oh-oh, sorry, must be a doozy.

- I kissed Faith.

- Finally.

Well, judging by the scene in
the office,

she must've kissed back.

Did you hear the news?

- What news?

- Love is in the air.

- What are you talkin' about?

- Well, your daughter was out
flanked by special forces.

- Oh, what happened?

- He planted a big one on her.

- What she do?

- Turn bright red.

- Did she seem to like it?

- They both seem to like it.

- Good. That's goin'
according to plan.

- Oh you have a plan?

- Of course I have a plan.
I've always had a plan.

Where's she now?

- She's up with her mom.

- Hu. Aha.Ok,

I gotta go talk to her.

- Can I come?

- Don't be silly.

- Where's Faith?

- She was upset, so she went
home early.

- Did you hear?

- You're stirring up trouble
and looking for a smack
on the bottom.

- Now Rosie, don't you get me
all excited.

This is a better batch then the
last few you made.

- What was wrong with the last
one?

- You didn't have enough flour
in there. Look at...

- There's plenty of flour.

- NO. No you're wrong.

I mean I keep telling you this
and every year you give me the
same grief.

- Oh you... Have you seen what
he is doing?

- The paw.

- Hey everybody.

- It's about time. You're
missin' all the fun.

- You OK Cody?

- Yeah everything's good.

- Come in!

- Hello.

- Hey. Hi.
- Hi Paul.

- Wow you guys are doing good
work here.
- Mmm.

- Make yourself at home. Grab
some sugar sprinkles.

- I'd love to Rosie, but ah,
actually I wanted to know

if I could steel Faith away for
the evening?

- It's gettin' cold in here.
Cody, go get some firewood.

My work is done here.
Lemme help ya.

- I got you a surprise.

- Thanks.

So cute.

- Listen.

I know we've only known you for
a short while,

but I want you to know you've
become family here.

We've all come to love you.

I mean all of us.

- Look I didn't plan
on any of this.

- Hm, soldiers bond with one
another,

they become a band of brothers
and sisters, a family.

Their job is to defend and come
back home to those who are
waiting for them.

What you need is someone
to come back to.

Got it?

- You sit tight.
I'll get the umbrella.

Here you go. Watch your step.

Right this way.

- Where are all your costumers?

The place looks deserted.

- Table ready for you.

- What's goin' on Rachel?

- We're closed tonight.

We have a private party.

And for you.

Enjoy your meal.

- What are you up to?

- I just thought we haven't
had any quality time together.

- So you bought out Citronee for
an entire night,

during the busy season?

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- To us.

- To us.

Thank you.

OK I'm havin' shrimp.

- Now I know that Christmas is
only two days away.

And I probably should
have waited until then

but I can't wait another minute.

- Will you do me the honor of
marrying me?

- Paul...

- I love you.

- Of course I'll marry you.

- We'll spend all
of our anniversaries
traveling through Europe.

Wherever I'll go
you'll go with me,

we'll spend the rest of our
lives traveling the world.

- Morning.

- Hi. Cody,

there's somethingI have to say.

Paul and I got
engaged last night.

- That's great. I'm really
happy for you. Paul's a great
guy.

I'm happy for you Faith.

- Hi honey.

- Hey.

- Did you order for us, yet?

- Aha.

I'm glad you called.

I needed a break.
- You know once we get married

we'd have Christmas in Belize.

- And miss spending it here with
my family?

- We're gonna start our own
family, in Napa.

- Honey, we never discussed
leaving Nevada City.

You know I love
working in the mill.

You know I love spending time
with my family.

I thought you did too.

- We could get a
little place up here.

We'll split our time.

Relationships are
about compromise.

- Never really
thought about that.

- It's gonna be Ok.

Your dad's gonna find someone
to replace you and

we'll come up and we'll
visit them all the time.

- What 'cha got?

Ah, good times.
Good times.

I guess you've heard by now.

- Yeah.

- Richard's wearing black.

Whatever happened to the young
man asking the father's
permission.

- Well, if Faith's happy I'm
sure you would've said yes.

- Listen son, I... I know that
you fallen in love with Faith...

it's so easy for you to retire
from the army now with your
tours of duty

and years of service. You can
stay on here and work at the
mill...

run it one day.

- I can't stay she's
marrying somebody else.

- Exactly my point, but Paul
isn't the one.

Where's your sense of fighting
for the right thing?

- There's something to be said
for not invading where you
don't belong.

- You can't retreat now.

You need to tell
her how you feel.

It's the right thing to do.

- The right thing to do
is to move on.

- Ok.

Well, the guy who saved my life.

- To the guy who saved mine.

Hi
this is Paul.

I can't make it to the phone
right now,

but if you leave a message
I'll call you...

- I'm not at all happy with
this engagement.

- Faith made her decision;
we've got to support her.

- Mm. Cody's leavin' because
of it.

- Yeah well, I'm sorry about
that. But that's his decision.

- Hold these.

Hello.
- Hey Dad.

I'm stuck at the mill my
battery's dead

And I can't find Paul.

Can you come pick me up?

- I'm on my way.

Faith's battery died and she
can't find Paul.

- Do you want me to go with you?

- Oh no it's way to cold out
there for old people like us.

- Luke Spelman

- Hm?
- Hm?

- We're back.

- How was the sleigh ride?

- Oh as usual very romantic.

Faith's battery died.

Would you run to the
mill and pick her up?

- Oh Luke, I don't think
that's such a good idea.

- Humor me.

This is Faith's favorite
blanket.

- OK.

- Keep the lines tight, but be
gentle on the bit.

She'll do the job.

- You sure about all this?

- Positive. Let her rip.

- Hiya.

- Whoa.

This was not my idea.

- I'm sorry about what happened
in the woods the other day.

It was unfair of me to give you
the wrong idea.

- I'm not sorry.

That time I spent with you, the
kiss,

I'll have that for the
rest my life.

- You deserve to be happy, Cody.

- I'm going to be happy.

Come on.

- It's cold. Brrr.

Thanks.

- Whoa, whoa. Good girl.

Tell your dad I was
easy on the bit.

- I want you to have this.

It will keep you safe and warm
after you leave.

- Thank you.

- Come on. Come to papa.

Cody,

grab a girl.

Come on, come on.

- Come on Cody.

- Change of partner, dosie doe.

- I really should be going.

- What?
- I have some stuff to finish
off for tonight's service.

- Ah, come on.

- I have some things to take
care of also.

May I borrow the truck?

- Uh, yeah, sure.

Remember, Christmas Eve
service is at seven.

- If I'm finished sir.

- Okay Cody, but you'll try
huh.

It's just a beautiful service.
- Yeah.

- Yes ma'am, I'll try.

In fields where they Lay

- You're still here.

- You're a lucky man Paul.

- Love, not luck had a big part
in my good fortune.

- I need you to know
I'm in love with Faith

but I know she loves you

and I hope you're doing this
for all the right reasons.

- Understood.

- ...and the glory of the lord
shown all around...

...they were very much afraid.

They angel said to them, "Do
not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great
joy for all the people."

The image of the holy family
puts me in mind of our own
Nevada City

and the families here.

Jesus came for the world yet
like all of us he was a small
town kid

who never strayed far from his
loving family.

HE was surrounded by people who
loved each other

and have as an example, Joseph,
who by choosing to stand by Mary

...set the standard for doing
the right thing.

For making the kinds of choices
that call upon us

to set aside our own desires for
another's welfare.

Is there any greater gift that
we can give or larger goodness
we can do?

I don't think so friends.

I just want to remind everybody
to be sure to say a prayer

for our brave men and women in
the armed services

who are overseas in harms way on
this holiday season.

Alright, now that your candles
are lit. Let's all sing
"Silent Night."

- Is something wrong?

- Paul. Paul!

I am so sorry.

- Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas Richard. Here,
let me help you with this.

- I didn't see Cody's bike
out front.

- Do you know where he went.

- No, you?

- I don't like this.

His bed's made up and it looks
like all of his stuff is gone.

- Oh look look look look look.

Look he, he left a card and a
map or something.

- Dear Rosie, Faith, Luke and
Richard.

The last couple of weeks have
meant the world to me.

You invited me into your home

and for that I will
be eternally grateful.

I've lived a lifetime here in
Nevada City

and will cherish every memory,
every image.

I wish you all a lifetime of
love, happiness and peace.

Merry Christmas, Cody Cullen.

PS, if you follow this map,
you'll find your Christmas
present.

Look.

- Let's go.

- When are we going to open our
Christmas presents?

Oh boy.

Easy does it.

Come on.

- Oh, look at this. It's so
beautiful.

- Ohhh, I'll be darned.

- Where the magic begins.

The time Cody must
have spent on this.

- This is what you two were
working on until the wee hours?

- Guilty as charged.

- Oh Richard, thank you.

- Oh don't thank me, thank
Cody.

It was all his doing.

I just showed him how to hold a
hammer and nail a nail

and work the table saw.

- Dear Faith, I've fallen in
love with you twice now.

Once when this beautiful woman
swiped some of my crispy curly
fries

and then the first time when a
thoughtful, tender woman sent me
this card.

I want to thank you for showing
me how amazing love can make me
feel.

I hope all your dreams come
true. Cody.

So this card brought him to
Nevada City?

- No, you did.

- Dad, I have to find him.

- I have an idea.

- Sergeant Cullen,

you forgot something.

Chicken salad sandwich on rye
with curly fries, extra crispy.

- No hot chocolate?

- You'll have to come back to
Nevada City for that.

- How'd you find me?

- Dad knew you'd
never leave town

without visiting
the Vietnam Memorial.

If you ever, ever leave town

without saying good bye again.

I swear I'll...