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Now squeeze the icing from the bottom.

Then ever so lightly just glide along.

That's right.

- So who taught you how to do this, Daddy?

- My dad.

And someday you'll teach our children.

One day this'll be yours, Sadie.

- Only if that's what she wants.

You can be anything you want, Sadie.

A doctor, a lawyer, or a scientist.

The sky's the limit.

Maybe you'll be an astronaut.

- I wanna be a great chocolatier, just like Daddy.

Sadie.

- Maggie, you wanted to see me?

- Come on in. Sit down.

We heard back from the client.

You did?

- They were very positive. They love your new ideas.

But they decided to stick with last year's campaign.

- They said they wanted something fresh.

- Apparently, fresh meant a new font or new colors.

Hmm, I know it's disappointing.

You put a lot of time into that project.

- I can come up with something different.

- You did a great job. They're just not ready for a change.

So are you going away for the holidays?

- No, I'm staying here.

I mean, not here but in town.

So if you need anything, I'm 100% available.

- That's what I like to hear.

Merry Christmas, Sadie.

- You too.

- Maybe once a year or so.

And...

Oh, sorry.

Hello.

Michael, are you at the airport?

- No, I'm stuck at this Christmas work thing. You know?

- Can't you just sneak out?

- Wish I could, but it's a sit-down dinner.

Can't just leave.

- You're gonna miss your flight.

I can't help it.

- Should I check flights for tomorrow?

- No, no, don't do that.

I was thinking I might just stay.

It's actually kind of nice here during the holidays.

- But we made plans.

- Oh, I know, but work's been so busy

and you know, I could really use some time off.

You get it.

- No, I know, I've been busy too,

but I made my plans around you.

- Oh, I hate that.

But I think this is best.

When I get back in the States, I'll give you a call.

- Okay?

- I gotta get back to the party.

- I thought you said it wasn't a party.

- Can't hear you. Merry Christmas, Sadie.

- You too.

- Hey. - Hey.

- You take off early?

- There wasn't much going on today.

- Are you gonna eat the rest of the Thai food?

- No, go ahead.

I need to finish packing.

- What? Why?

- I'm going home.

For what?

- 'Cause Michael's staying in Europe for the holidays.

So there's no reason for me to stay.

You're leaving.

- I can't believe he did that.

I'm sorry.

- Don't be.

He's not the one.

He made that very clear.

Early new year's resolution,

no waiting around for boys to act like men.

- Agreed. No more waiting around.

- Are you gonna wear this?

- It's a gift from my mom.

My boss said they really liked my ideas,

but they're sticking with what they already have.

- At least I liked your ideas.

- Doesn't matter if you don't win.

It's like a participation award.

- I'm never using their products again.

- Thanks.

- Are you leaving tomorrow morning?

- Yep. Only one flight left.

- Good. That means we can open presents tonight.

- You're gonna love your matching Christmas sweater.

- Oh, do you remember this one?

I think it was third or was it fourth grade?

- I remember making this.

- I'm so glad you made it home.

- Decorating the tree without you just isn't the same.

- And I thought you'd already have enough by now.

- Yeah, well, every year Christmas comes quicker

or I'm getting slower.

- Has the shop been busy.

- That time of year.

- I could help out if you want? I have time.

- That would be great.

- Your dad wants to tell you something.

- What is it?

- Well, we didn't wanna tell you over the phone.

- I don't like the way I look on his face calls.

- What's wrong? Are you okay?

- We sold the place. We're retiring.

- You're kidding?

- It's exciting isn't it?

- But you're not old. Why would you retire?

You love it.

- That's sweet. But we are older than we used to be.

- That's what I thought, but Alex made us an offer.

- Just because someone wants to buy

doesn't mean you have to sell.

- Oh, honey, we don't wanna work forever.

- Your mother wants to travel.

Before we get too old to enjoy it.

- You remember my friend Harry?

He retired and he plays golf every day.

- But you've never once played golf.

- Exactly. Now I'll have the time.

- And we'll be able to visit you.

- You never know when an opportunity

like this'll come again.

- I just can't imagine us without Annedore's.

Especially this time of year.

- You should meet him.

- You'll like him.

Come by in the morning.

- Yeah, maybe.

You're happy I'm home, aren't you?

What are you gonna do while Dad's playing golf?

- Hmm. Maybe I'll take up a new hobby.

- Next time I come home, you'll be doing yoga,

and Dad's gonna be wearing white shoes.

- Sadie, you know we didn't make this decision lightly.

Annedore's is like part of our family

and I know it feels like that

we're handing her off to a stranger.

- Who's the stranger?

- Alex Mitchell. He's very nice.

Think you will like him.

You just gotta give him a chance.

- I'm meeting Taylor first thing in the morning.

I can stop by after that.

- That's a great idea.

You want some more sprinkles?

You don't have any sprinkles.

- Yes, please. I think it's sprinkle time.

We're decorating the Christmas tree and all of a sudden,

they basically said, "Merry Christmas,

"we've sold your childhood memories."

- I don't think you can sell memories.

- How could they sell Annedore's without telling me?

- They probably knew how you'd react.

- Thought it was going to be mine.

- Maybe they thought you weren't interested anymore.

You did move away.

- I'm still part of the family.

- So you'd move back and take over the store?

- I don't know, but I'd like to be asked.

So tell them.

- Why? It's already done.

- You thought you were spending Christmas in California,

but here you are with me.

When I was a kid,

I thought I was going to work at Annedore's forever.

When did things get so complicated?

- I think it's called being an adult.

- I have to go and meet Mr. Scrooge,

who's stealing Christmas.

- Scrooge was stingy. He didn't steal Christmas.

- That's why I didn't like playing

Christmas trivia with you.

- Well, call me and we'll go Christmas shopping.

- I will.

- Oh!

- You don't think he saw that, do you?

Probably not.

Maybe.

Who cares? You'll never see him again.

- Oh my gosh.

- Sadie, you made it.

- I think I miss the smell of chocolate most of all.

- Oh.

Well, I'm gonna sneak in just for the smell.

I can't go cold turkey.

- Where's Ebenezer?

- What?

The buyer.

- Oh, Alex? He's not in yet.

- He obviously doesn't have any idea

what it takes to make chocolate.

The early mornings, the late nights.

- Try to be nice. He's learning.

- I will, but he needs to know what he's getting into.

It's only fair.

Morning.

- Good morning, Alex.

Alex, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Sadie.

Sadie, Alex.

- Hi. - Hi.

- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

I've heard so many wonderful things about you.

Your dad goes on and on.

- He has?

- Yes.

And I think Sadie would be the perfect person

to finish your training, Alex.

She was just reminding me of a few things

she thought you might need to know.

Right, Sadie?

- Me? No.

It's been so long,

I don't think I should be teaching anyone anything.

- Don't be silly.

You can make a perfect truffle in your sleep,

- Well, I'm a willing student.

- Fine.

Where do we start?

- Well, do you know what it takes to be a chocolatier?

- Chocolate.

- Yes. And commitment.

- Okay.

- It's long hours, not just when the store is open,

you have to be here early, and you're here late.

Do you think you're up to that?

- Well, I had to travel a lot for my last job.

So as long as I could just sleep in my own bed,

I'll be fine.

- People don't realize, chocolate's not all fun and games.

It's a lot of work.

- I'm ready.

- A lot of these recipes

were handed down from my grandfather.

So I wouldn't want them to be given to someone

that doesn't realize just how special they are.

They took years to perfect.

- I realize.

- There are plenty of competitors

that would like to get their hands on our recipes.

- I will guard them with my life. Okay?

I mean, not literally, obviously, but I'll keep them safe.

- Do you know anything?

- About chocolate?

- Yes, about chocolate.

- You know, so far, your dad's just shown me

the business side of things.

So, no, but I'm a fast learner.

- It's not a race.

You don't learn chocolate fast.

- Right.

- We'll start with truffles.

- Like mushrooms?

- Let's start at the very beginning.

- Works for me.

- Chocolate truffles got their name

because they resemble a very expensive fungus

found in Italy and France.

- And truffle sounds a lot more appetizing than fungus.

- The chocolate truffle was discovered by accident really.

The assistant for a French chef accidentally spilled

hot cream into a bowl of expensive chopped chocolate.

He was very angry, but when he stirred it,

it became a sauce, and when it cooled it hardened.

He worked the chocolate paste with his hands

until it formed a bumpy walnut-sized ball.

And he rolled it in cocoa powder

and it looked a lot like a truffle.

And that's where they got their name.

- Now, it's your turn.

Here it goes nothing.

- You know, your parents said you were a natural at this.

I don't think they were exaggerating.

- I grew up watching my father.

I knew how to make chocolates

before I knew how to tie my shoe.

At least, that's what they tell me.

- I understand why you wouldn't want me here.

- What?

- I don't blame you.

I mean, you're teaching me something

that you've known how to do your entire life,

only for me to take it away from you.

- You're not taking anything away from me.

- Okay. Guess I was wrong.

- I'm happy for them. Why wouldn't I be?

- Nailed it.

What's next.

- That, again.

- You're tougher than you look.

- Do you wanna learn this online?

- No. No, definitely not.

I'm kidding. Show me one more time, please.

- You can't skimp on the chocolate.

You have to chop the pieces really fine.

Once you mix it with the cream,

wait for it to cool, and roll it into balls.

Got it?

- Got it.

- Now we can move on.

- Okay.

So how did today go?

- A little bumpy with Alex today.

She's concerned he's not serious enough.

No one's serious enough for Sadie.

- First, she gave him the complete history of the truffle.

I'm not sure he needs that much detail.

Did she get around to showing him how to make them?

- You should have seen her.

It was like she never left.

- Thanks.

- I hear your dad coerced you into working with Alex today.

- You said to be supportive. So I'm being supportive.

- What'd you think of him?

Change is never easy.

- It's gonna be weird.

No Annedore's.

Seriously, what are you gonna do?

- I don't know.

Maybe we'll get one of those big motorhomes

and travel all over.

Just see where the wind blows us.

- You really want this, don't you?

- Annedore's is just one piece of our life.

It's not our entire identity.

And now it's over.

- I guess so.

- I'm excited to see what the next chapter looks like.

- You're right, I've only been thinking about me,

not you and Dad.

- And I'm sorry things with Michael didn't turn out,

but I'm glad you're here.

- Me too.

- It's gonna be a great Christmas.

We should have a party. A retirement party.

- We don't need to add one more thing to the list.

- I know, but we have to celebrate

what you and Dad have done, and what comes next.

- That's very thoughtful, Sadie.

- We can have it on Christmas Eve.

We used to have people over on Christmas Eve all the time.

- But Christmas Eve is only a week away.

- I'll take care of everything. I promise.

- Sounds like you have your mind made up.

Just like when you were a little girl.

Night, honey.

- Night.

Morning.

You're here early this morning.

- Chocolate doesn't make itself, sir.

- Very funny.

- No, it's not. I take chocolate very seriously.

- I may have been a tad bit harsh yesterday.

- I'm just surprised you showed up at all today.

I figured you had better things to do

with your Christmas vacation, then spend it here with me.

- That's where you're wrong.

I have absolutely nothing better to do.

You know what I mean.

- There's nowhere else you'd rather be?

- Well, I could go Christmas shopping if you prefer?

It's up to you.

- No, please, stay.

- Okay.

I thought we could start with peanut brittle this morning

and then move on to toffee.

- Okay.

- We only make peanut brittle around the holidays,

but everyone loves.

- So why not keep it in stock all year?

- We like to keep what we make

to a limited number of items,

that way we can make everything in-store.

- So why not outsource it then?

- Because that's not how we do it.

- Did you ever hear the story of the girl who asked her mom

why she cut the ends off of her ham before she cooked it?

- No.

- Well, her mom said it's because

that's how her mother did it.

So she called her mom

and asked her why she cut the ends off of her ham?

And her mother said

she didn't have a pot big enough to cook it in.

- Well, have you ever heard the saying,

if it ain't broke, don't fix it?

- Touche. Carry on.

- Okay.

Are we done telling stories?

- If I find a few ways to help the bottom line,

I don't think that's a crime.

- Okay. Forget peanut brittle, someone else will make that.

How do you feel about toffee?

- Feel great about it.

- Okay.

- Both caramel and toffee

are a process of caramelizing the sugar.

That's where you get that smoky taste.

- And caramel is chewier, right?

- You cook toffee at a higher temperature.

That's what makes it crunchy.

Now we let that cool,

and then we can cut it into squares,

and dip it in milk or dark chocolate.

- Mm, dark chocolate. Definitely.

That's my favorite.

- Mine too.

Throwing a party for my parents

to celebrate their retirement.

It's Christmas Eve. You should come.

- Really?

- You are the reason they're retiring.

And you can bring someone if you want?

- Okay, well, do you need me to bring any food or anything?

- No, I'm hiring a caterer and I'm making the dessert.

- Well, if you change your mind, I make a mean toffee.

- I'll keep that in mind.

- Oh.

- You need to go?

- Yeah, I have to be someplace, but just for this week.

I promise I'm 100% committed to chocolate.

- What about this one?

- Oh, that's lovely.

- Looks good to me.

- Okay. "December 24th, 7:00 p.m."

Can you send me your guest list today?

- Seems like an awful lot of work for you?

- It's fine. I have everything under control.

- You'll be too busy to finish Alex's training.

- No, it's okay. I can do it.

- Are you sure?

- Yeah, of course.

- Thank goodness.

Teaching new employees has never been my strong suit.

- He's not gonna be an employee, Dad.

He's going to be running the business,

so he needs to know everything he can.

Sticky drunken pears?

Mm-mm

- Blood orange souffles?

- Blood?

- Sticky toffee pudding?

- What about figgy pudding?

- This is it. - Hmm.

- I could make everyone their own

individual gingerbread house.

- How many guests will there be?

- Not sure yet.

- I've always wanted to learn

how to build a gingerbread house.

- Well, let's do it.

- Now?

Okay.

Well, I have, we just used graham cracker.

- Graham crackers? - Yeah.

Use them as the building blocks

and then we just cover it all candy.

- A lot of people make their houses for structure

and forget about the taste.

But my grandfather's recipe is both strong and delicious.

So you don't have to worry about them falling apart.

- Why don't you just make one of those big castles

or like one big skyscraper or something?

Like they do in those competitions?

- Gingerbread houses are about tradition.

Like the ones we make every year, not a contest.

- Right.

- Besides, there's no way to improve on a little cottage

that looks like it's from a fairytale.

- Yeah.

Yeah, if it ain't broke...

The guest list.

- Showing Alex how to make gingerbread.

- The secret is just the right amount of strength

to hold it together.

Good to know.

- We're gonna need a few more

gingerbread houses than I thought.

- How many?

- Like, maybe, 50?

- People?

- I don't know. I'll just have to make it work.

- Okay.

- My mom just sent another list.

How many on that?

- There's just as many or maybe more.

That many people won't even fit in our house.

- Well, they won't all come.

They never do.

- Are you sure?

- Yeah.

All right, why don't you just explain to them

that they need to pare-down their lists?

Tell them you weren't expecting that many.

- I can't.

How do you tell someone to choose between friends?

- What are you gonna do?

- Find a bigger place, order more food, buy decorations.

Take out a loan.

The 24th.

Yes, this year.

Okay. Thanks.

Is there anywhere else you could recommend?

No, you're right. Next time I'll plan further ahead.

Thanks. - Any luck?

If wanna have it next year.

- Oh.

You know, I might know of a place you can have it.

- Really?

- Yeah.

Let me make a call.

That would be great. Thank you.

- Of course.

- It needs to be big enough to accommodate 100 people,

but not too big either.

I want it to feel warm and cozy.

- Okay. Big but not too big.

Warm and cozy.

Got it. Anything else?

- Nope. That's it.

- Okay. I'll be back.

Thank you.

Hasn't this place been closed for years?

- Yeah. Let me get the lights.

Do you know Ernest Hemingway

sat right there by the fireplace?

Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, even The Beatles.

They all stayed here.

- Thanks for the historical tour,

but I can't afford this place.

- Just picture it filled with Christmas decorations.

- It's beautiful, but it's way more than I can spend.

- Every other place is booked.

- I'll keep looking.

There's gotta be some.

- Hey, if you like it, it's yours.

- How?

- Let's just say I have a friend that knows a guy.

Just have to leave it exactly how we found it.

- You're kidding?

- You like it?

- It's perfect.

We could put a big Christmas tree over there

with food stations.

Keeps people moving and mingling.

- I love a good food station.

- You hungry?

- Always.

- I know a place.

my true love gave to me

my true love gave to me

partridge in a pear tree

- That one's good.

That one's definitely my favorite.

- That was my favorite too.

- How did I not know that

food tasting was the thing before this?

Well.

- Last bite's yours.

- Are you sure? - Mm-hmm.

- Okay.

That says a lot about a man.

- What?

- It means you're thoughtful.

You didn't just pop it in your mouth.

- Guess you can blame my mother for that.

She always made me offer the last piece to my sisters.

- How many sisters?

- Two.

I'm in the middle, and pretty much everything you hear

about middle child is true.

- I'm none of the things you hear about an only child.

I'm not bossy.

I'm not! - I didn't say anything.

- Are you still close with your family?

- Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Yeah, I am.

I moved away for a bit.

I went to Chicago after college, then I came back here.

I like it here though. It's home.

- I didn't even plan on coming home for Christmas this year.

- Really?

Whatever it was that changed your mind,

I'm glad it did.

- It was whoever.

He changed his mind, so here I am.

- Enough said.

- Now I can't even imagine not being here.

- For their retirement party.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

- The place is better than I could have imagined.

And the food is going to be amazing.

- Yep. Will be.

Everything will be.

- So.

- So.

- I'll send out the invitations tonight.

- Okay.

- Give the final selections to catering

and that just leaves decorations and dessert.

- How long does it take to build one gingerbread house?

- There's no way I can make and decorate

that many gingerbread houses in time.

- What if you make one big one?

- I'm not making a silly skyscraper.

- All right, how about you order a bunch of pre-made ones

and decorate those?

They'll look just like yours.

- They won't taste the same.

- Everyone just eats the decorations anyway.

- Okay.

- Okay. I'll take care of it.

Don't worry. It's gonna be fine.

- It can't be fine. It has to be perfect.

- And what do you think about this one?

- It's too small.

It's not big enough.

I want a statement piece.

- A statement piece?

You're really going all out.

- They deserve it.

- Okay.

But why is the guy that's buying your parents' place

helping you with the party?

- Because there wouldn't be a party if it weren't for him.

- Are you sure there's not something in it for him?

- He's just being nice.

- Maybe he likes spending time with you?

- I don't think that's it.

We're just friends.

Not really friends.

We're friendly.

Besides he already has a girlfriend.

- Is that what he told you over dinner?

- It was a food tasting.

- Did you talk?

And laugh?

- Maybe once.

- Some would call that a date.

Or if you have a girlfriend, a food tasting.

- It's not my fault.

My dad asked me to train him.

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

That's the one!

- Oh, that's definitely not going in my car.

He's pretty nice.

But you should ask him who that girl was in the coffee shop.

Okay.

- We have hot chocolate and cookies over by the fire pit.

- Great. Thank you.

- I gotta go.

But you guys have fun.

Bye. - Bye.

- Well, I could go for a cookie. How about you?

- You're always hungry.

That's true.

- Here you go.

- Thank you. - Thanks.

Think that's a snowman.

Oh.

- Sorry to bother you again.

- Oh, no.

Know how many times I get called

for emergency Christmas tree picking?

- Not too often, I hope?

- Never, actually.

- Can ask you a question?

- Shoot.

- Why are you helping me with the party?

- I don't know.

Same reason you're helping me.

- Did my dad ask you to?

- No. No.

I mean,

it's nice, you being willing to spend your time with me.

It's the least I can do.

- Exactly.

And you're a nice guy. That's what I told Taylor.

- You talked about me?

Not really. That's all right.

- She's questioning my intentions?

- I told her you already had a girlfriend.

- Why would you say that?

- I assumed.

- Ah. You know what they say?

- I thought there must be someone

you always leave at the same time.

- Impressive.

You moonlight as a detective?

Okay.

So I leave to go pick up Francie, my daughter.

- He's a cutie. You never mentioned her or your wife.

- My wife, Laura, she died a little over a year ago.

- Alex, I'm so sorry.

- That's why I don't mention it to anybody right away.

People always feel sorry for me

and start treating me differently.

- I would have been nicer.

- Well, it's not exactly an easy thing

to just come out and say.

- I shouldn't have brought it up.

- No, I'm glad you did.

You two have your picture taken yet?

- No, that's okay. - Yeah.

- Oh, you should. You two are cute together.

- I guess, it's picture time.

- Yeah. - Okay.

You convinced.

- Get in close.

- Okay. - There you go.

- Let's see.

- I like it.

- That's not bad.

So you tell Taylor that the reason I'm helping you

is because I like spending time with you.

- Okay.

- And that I'm a nice guy.

Got it.

- Don't forget that though.

Right.

Hey.

- Hey.

You look nice.

- Thanks.

Last night was fun.

- Yeah, it was.

We start making hard mold chocolates in summer.

- Why so early?

- We get busy in the fall with Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Then we have a small break

and go into Valentine's Day and Easter.

- So you were ahead? That's smart.

- And we always decorate early

because if we don't, we won't have time.

- Makes sense.

- You have your tree up?

- Yeah, the tree.

Does it count if it's less than a foot?

- A foot? That's not a tree, that's a twig.

- Yeah.

- You haven't decorated it have you?

- No. Heavens, no.

I wouldn't know where to begin, honestly.

- I could help, if you want?

- Yeah.

Yeah, I mean, I'll take all the help I can get.

- Think we have everything we need.

- Oh! I hope so.

Francie's gonna love it.

- She is.

- You know, I don't think I've successfully

decorated a tree before.

- Really?

Yeah. Like successful.

Surely you have?

- Look, Daddy.

Why is yours so much better than mine?

- Sadie showed me.

- Are you sure you haven't done this before?

- Nope.

- Well, you come in natural talent.

- What about me? Do I have natural talent?

- It's questionable.

You'll get there.

- Thank you.

- Oh, I love this one.

Do you have a favorite?

- This one. - Oh, wow.

Is that your hand?

- Mm-hmm.

- I like this one too.

Can she come to my pageant?

- So Francie wants to know

if you'll come to her Christmas pageant at church?

- Yes. I would love to.

You tell her what you're gonna be.

- An angel with the crown.

- With a halo.

I can't wait.

- Uh-oh.

- What? - Seems to be a problem

with these ornaments.

They keep disappearing!

How?

- Don't eat them, Daddy.

Don't eat them?

- That one. - This one right here?

Okay. Good choice.

What else looks yummy to you?

That one.

- Oh, this is one of my favorites.

There you go.

And remember we have candy-making demonstrations

every Saturday at 10 o'clock right over there.

- Thank you.

- Absolutely. - Bye.

Bye-bye.

Don't forget to keep your inventory turning.

- Right, yeah. Got it.

- You know what? It will all come in time.

I've been doing this my whole life.

- Yeah, maybe that's why I feel like

such a klutz around you.

- Why are you doing this?

Why Annedore's?

- Well, when I was about Francie's age,

I would stand outside the window

to the candy store that was by our house

and just watch them make fudge for hours.

And I thought that's something that I wanna do one day.

You know? I wanna do something that makes people happy.

- I get that.

Then when I got out of college, I got a sales job.

I traveled a lot.

So when I became a single dad,

I needed something close to home.

So I can be there for Francie's activities.

Pick her up from school.

You know, if she's sick, or bring her to work if I have to.

- That was my childhood and I absolutely loved it.

They could hardly keep me in school

because I wanted to be here.

- So why aren't you doing this instead of me?

- You'll laugh.

- Promise. I won't.

- My freshman year of college,

I entered a gingerbread house competition.

- Thought you hated those?

- I didn't win.

So?

- I thought it was perfect, but the judges didn't.

So I quit.

Changed my major to marketing.

- You changed your major over what some judges said?

- It wasn't perfect. I know that now.

- So what? No one's perfect.

They can't be.

You just have to do your best.

- Customers don't want to buy your best.

- Yeah, well, they also won't buy anything

if they don't come through the door.

- What?

- Follow me.

They don't even sell chocolate.

- No.

But they're giving out hot spiced cider

and they have all sorts of gifts to sell.

You're handing them your customers.

- You mean your customers?

- Not until January 1st.

Christmas is a big part of your revenue for the year.

- How do we get them back?

- Well, you're the one in marketing,

but could hand out samples.

What was it you said?

There's chocolate, but then there's Annedore's.

Annedore's is a special.

- You can taste it in every bite.

- And you need them to taste it.

- But before we can give them a sample,

we have to get their attention.

- Keep them moving from their doorway to ours.

Hm!

I'll check my list twice.

- She's gone rogue.

It's a gorgeous eve.

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!

- Hey, guys. - Merry Christmas!

- Hi! - Thank you so much.

- We've been here so long,

I just assumed everyone knew about us.

I forgot about marketing.

- Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes

to really see what's in front of you.

- I'm not sure who did all of this.

- Oh, definitely...

- Well, you make a good team.

This is great.

- Glad you like it.

- Thanks.

- Of course, Dad - Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas!

You been good this year?

What you want for Christmas, Francie?

- All right, we look good. You ready?

One take. - That's cute.

Only take one. - That's cute.

- That's all we need.

Look at her.

Go ahead, pet him, Francie.

Oh, and she loves it.

- It's cute.

boughs of holly

It's gonna look amazing.

- I don't know what I would've done

if Alex hadn't found this place.

- Sounds like the Scrooge

isn't so bad to have around after all.

- He's different than the guys I've dated before.

He's responsible and he doesn't get so absorbed in his work

that he doesn't think about anyone else.

And he makes me laugh.

- That's what I want for Christmas.

- I haven't told anyone else this,

but I might not wanna go back.

Need some help?

- Hey, when did you get here?

- Just now.

- Good. I'm glad you're here.

- Well, I hope you still feel that way

after what I'm about to tell you.

- Okay?

- You know the gingerbread houses I ordered

to save you time?

- Are they here?

- No. We hit a small snag.

How small?

- Well, there's a large snowstorm

covering the southern part of the country.

- Okay. So?

- So the truck that your houses are on,

they're stuck somewhere.

- When will they be here?

- Best case scenario, Christmas Eve.

- And worse case?

- Around the 26th.

- Your best case doesn't even work.

I can't decorate 100 gingerbread houses in less than a day.

- I know. I know.

That's why I'm gonna help.

So will Taylor.

- No, I need an assembly line of 20 people.

- Okay.

So we think of something new, something even better.

- That's not how it works.

I have to plan and shop.

It's a process.

- Well, you have a store full of chocolate already.

- It can't be what we do every day. It has to be special.

- Hey, look, I've got this.

You go figure out what to do.

- Thank you.

- Yeah, and don't worry about it.

It'll be amazing whatever happens.

- How do you know?

Because I know you.

- Thanks, Taylor.

- Thank you. - Okay.

I have two days to think of an idea and execute it.

- Yeah, I'm sorry. I messed up.

- It's not your fault. It's a snowstorm.

- Well, yeah, if I weren't trying to cut corners

and make things easy on you.

- You know? I can't talk about this right now.

I have to get back to the shop.

- I'll go with you.

- No, that's okay.

I need to think.

- Well, at least let me drive.

- I have my car.

- Okay. I'll walk you out.

What can I do?

- I think we've covered all the basics

and I'm sure you'll outsource a lot of products anyway.

- I said I was sorry.

- It's fine. I'm just really behind now.

- So let me help.

- That's okay.

Why don't you take the morning off

and spend it with Francie?

I'm sure she'd love that.

- Okay.

- Why couldn't Sadie come?

- She's working.

- Why?

Because Daddy made a mess of things.

- And Sadie has to clean it up?

- Yeah, looks like it.

- We could go help her.

- I think she a little space right now.

- Can we buy her a present?

- Yes, we can. That's a great idea.

Do you wanna pick it out?

- Mm-hmm. - Okay.

What do you think about this?

- Mm-hmm. - Yeah.

Hey, wanna give her some money?

Here.

Now put it right in the bucket.

Merry Christmas.

Nice work, bud.

Good work.

Come on. Let's go do it.

I think she's gonna love these gifts.

true love gave to me

three french hens

partridge in a pear tree

my true love gave to me

three french hens

- We bought you lunch.

- You did? - Promise,

we're not here to interrupt,

just thought you might be getting hungry.

- Did you clean up your mess?

What mess?

- The one Daddy made.

- Oh, that mess?

No, I'm still working on it.

- Hey, Francie, why don't you go find Sherry

and she can help you pick out a couple of treats, all right?

- Two?

- One for now. One for later.

Okay? But no more.

- Thanks for the food.

- It's the least I can do.

- I don't blame you. I really don't.

But this is something I need to do by myself.

- Yeah. I get that.

You're making turtles for the party?

- No, we're just low.

So I thought I'd get that done

before I start on the dessert.

- Why don't I do this, stay out of your hair,

and you can focus on the dessert?

- You think you're ready to do turtles by yourself?

- I'm ready.

- Fine.

- I got two cookies!

- Baby, those are actually-

- You want me to show you how to make them?

Okay.

My daddy showed me how to make macaroons

when I was just about your age.

- He did?

- Uh-huh. Sitting right there.

- Like me!

- My job was to put the cream filling on just like this.

- I can do that. - Okay.

All right. Slowly.

Do you know what my favorite flavor was?

- Pink.

- How did you know that?

- That's my favorite color.

- Ah, voila!

- Very nice. - I learned for the best.

- I don't know about that.

Okay, put them together just like I showed you.

Slow and twist.

- Hey, thank you for doing this.

- This was a nice distraction.

- I think they call it procrastination, actually.

- Is it that obvious?

- Still don't know what you're gonna do, huh?

Not a clue.

- Well, I find that inspiration strikes

when you least expect it.

- I hope so.

Do you wanna try one?

Go on.

- Ooh!

Is that good?

Yeah?

All right, baby, it's time tell Sadie bye, okay?

- Maybe you should take a few to share with your dad.

- Yeah? - Yeah. Like that idea.

- What do you think? Three.

Here's a good one.

- That's very generous.

- Okay. See you later.

- Bye.

I'll see you later.

Bye.

- Listen, I hate to bring this up

and don't feel obligated at all,

but tonight is Francie's pageant.

- No, I know, it's on my calendar.

I'll be there.

- You don't have to, honestly,

I'll explain to her that you're busy.

It's okay. She'll understand.

- That's okay.

- You sure?

All right.

- Bye.

- Good luck.

- "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

"keeping watch over their flocks at night,

"an angel of the Lord appeared to them

"and the glory of the Lord shone around them

"and they were terrified."

- You made it.

- Wouldn't miss it.

Besides, it's the hottest seat in town.

- Do not be afraid.

I bring you great news

that will cause great joy for everyone.

Today in the town of David,

a Savior has been born to you.

He is the Messiah. The Lord.

This will be assigned to you.

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger.

Glory to God in the highest.

Peace on earth. Goodwill to men.

- Let's go to Bethlehem

and see this thing that has happened,

which the Lord has told us about.

- "So they hurried off

"and found Mary and Joseph and the baby,

"who was lying in a manger."

no crib for a bed

lay down his sweet head

look down where he lay

asleep on the hay

She was just wonderful, wasn't she?

- Chip off the old block.

Come here you!

Oh, I'm so proud of you!

Good job, baby.

You did so well.

- Do you like my crown?

- Yes, I love your crown.

I'm thinking of getting one.

- Oh, look at that.

- How do I look?

- Like an angel.

- Are you coming to my house?

- Well, baby, Sadie has something

really, really important to work on tonight,

but it was sweet of her to come, wasn't it?

- Yeah, it was.

Thank you.

- Of course.

It was nice to meet you both.

Oh, you too. Merry Christmas. - You too.

Hope we see you again soon.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Aren't these cute. Where'd you get these?

- I made them. Look at this one.

- Oh.

- You're supposed to wait till after Christmas,

but Daddy keeps eating them.

Could you teach me to make some?

- Sadie could.

- Who wants peanut brittle?

- I'll give it a try. Thank you.

Hmm! Did you make this?

- No, you're surprised?

- I know you're not official

till after the 1st of the year,

but I think we can get some of this before then?

- Oh, boy.

My profit margin's decreasing already.

- A toast.

To Francie, the most convincing angel I've ever seen.

To Francie.

- Well done, baby.

- Hmm! You should invite Sadie over for Christmas.

- Yay!

- Sure.

- That's something to think about.

Hi, Sadie.

- Hey, Beth, how are you?

- Good. What can I get you?

- Oh, caffeine and sugar.

- You got it.

Anything else?

- Only if you have something

that can help me come up with an idea.

- I wish I did.

- I think I'm trying so hard, my mind is blank.

- Same thing happens to me. It's the pressure to create.

I try to get my mind off of what I'm trying to think about,

and that's when it hits me.

It's like it's so obvious.

Like it's been there all along.

- Okay.

My mind is a clean slate. I'm thinking about nothing.

- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

There it is.

Right in front of me.

- What is?

- You're a genius.

I've gotta get to work.

Thank you!

- You're welcome.

- I'm never gonna get this all done.

I could use some help after all.

Okay.

See you soon.

Thanks.

I thought I could get everything done,

but the houses got stuck in the snow,

and there just isn't enough time.

- We're glad you called.

- You are?

- Yeah.

It's nice to think you still need us once in a while.

- How many nights have we spent right here?

Valentine's Day and Easter,

trying to make all the chocolate

so we could fill all the orders.

- We always got them done didn't we?

- Well, it's going to take a miracle this time.

- Even if you don't get every last detail done,

it's going to be great.

- But I wanted everything to be perfect for you.

- Oh, sweetie. It already is.

Why don't you take a little break?

We'll keep working.

- I'm not leaving you guys here.

- We can handle it.

Go get something to eat.

We'll be here when you get back.

Go!

- Okay. Okay.

It finally came to me.

You were right.

What'd you say?

I said you were right.

You didn't have to come.

- Yeah, I did.

I had to hear it in person.

I'm not saying it again.

That's all right, I recorded it.

Play it back whenever I want.

- Do you ever get that hint of sadness

right before Christmas?

Because you know all the anticipation is almost over?

- I guess so. Yeah.

- That's how I feel tonight.

Excited with a hint of sad.

Tomorrow's the party, then Christmas,

and you'll be the chocolatier.

- Yeah.

Honestly, I don't know how I'm gonna do this without you.

I'm not ready.

Yes. You are.

- Sweet of you to think so.

But you both know I'm not.

- You don't have to do everything yourself, Alex.

- Really?

That's the case, why don't I come back and help you tonight?

- I would say, okay, but I want it to be a surprise.

Why?

- You may have played a very small part in my inspiration.

I think you'll like it.

- I played a part, huh?

- If you hadn't talked me

into ordering the gingerbread houses,

and they hadn't been delayed,

I never would have been forced to do something else.

- So I make problems and you solve them?

Sounds like you're saying we make a great team.

- Is that what you heard? - Mm-hmm.

I wanted to thank you.

Really made this a special Christmas for Francie.

- She's an easy kid to like.

- And she really likes you.

She's gonna miss you after you leave.

- I'll miss her too.

She may wanna come visit sometime.

- She should.

- I would have to be there, of course,

she's too young to fly by herself.

- Of course, and I'll come home too.

To visit my parents.

- I bet they'd like that.

- I hope so.

- I'm sorry.

One second.

I have to pick up Francie.

- I need to get back too.

Hi, you've reached Sadie's phone.

I'm not here right now, so please leave a message.

- Sadie, I was able to get a flight after all.

So I'll be home for Christmas.

So I'll give you a call when I get in.

Maybe we could get together?

See ya.

- Do you think she'll like it?

- I think she'll love it.

Okay. "To Sadie from Francie and Alex."

- You should write love.

- And you should go get dressed.

Go on. I'll finish this.

Remember to brush your teeth.

Okay. - Okay.

- Merry Christmas. - Hey, Lisa. Come in.

- Hey - How are you?

Good, good. How are you?

- Pretty decent. Pretty decent.

- I can't stay, but this is for Francie.

- Oh, great. She's upstairs.

We were just finishing this gift for Sadie.

- This tree looks amazing. - Yeah.

- You do this. - Not entirely. Sadie helped.

- Who's this Sadie?

- Her parents own Annedore's, the place I'm buying.

- That was very nice of you to buy their daughter a gift.

- Well, that was entirely Francie's idea.

She really likes her.

What?

- Nothing.

It's nice.

- It's a business relationship.

And she's been helping me out at the shop,

so I'm helping her

with her parents' retirement party, that's all.

- You don't have to explain anything to me.

- We're just friends, Lisa.

- Alex. It's okay.

I want you to find somebody.

And Laura would want that for you too.

Not just you, Francie needs someone.

She has you.

- It's not really the same.

- Well, it doesn't matter.

She's only here for Christmas.

- Well, have you told her how you feel?

- Not in the exact words.

- Okay, so used the exact words.

- What if she doesn't feel the same? Then it's...

- Oh, women do not just come to your house

and decorate your tree and spend time with your child

because they have a business relationship with you.

- They don't, huh?

Don't think so.

Hi, you've reached Sadie's phone.

I'm not here right now. So please leave a message.

- I'm not sure if he got my message,

but I'm back and thought we could get together.

Call me.

- Did you know he plans on outsourcing his peanut brittle?

- No, I didn't know that.

But it's not a bad idea,

since we only make it around the holidays.

- But it's not just the brittle.

He's going to change everything.

- Well, it's going to be his store.

- Really?

You don't care anymore?

- I've cared for over 40 years, Sadie.

I've had my say, now it's his turn.

Alex can do whatever he wants.

- I'll go talk to her.

- Why am I the only one who cares?

- Is it really the brittle that's got you so upset?

- He has a girlfriend.

I asked him if he did and he said he didn't.

Why would he do that? - Are you sure?

I mean, that doesn't sound like him.

- That's what I thought too, but I was wrong.

- Sorry.

- Oh, I'm just so embarrassed.

- Hey, ah, if anyone's embarrassed, it should be Alex.

It's an early Christmas gift.

What is it?

- Let's find out.

I thought you might want something new to wear tonight.

- It's beautiful. Thanks, Mom.

- Sure.

It's more beautiful on you.

- You look pretty, Daddy.

- Pretty, huh?

That's what I was going for.

- And smell good too.

- Thank you.

Hey, remember Aunt Lisa's coming

to get you ready for the party.

Daddy has to do something first,

but I'll meet you there, okay?

- Okay.

bells, jingle all the way

in a one horse open sleigh

- Hey!

Hi, you've reached Sadie's phone.

I'm not here right now. So please leave a message.

- So I don't know if you got my earlier message,

but I came back to see you.

What are you doing for Christmas?

You're probably busy.

So just thought, I'd say

Merry Christmas, Sadie.

- What are you doing here?

- I've been wanting to talk to you.

- Now's not a good time.

- Please, it's important.

I'm afraid if I don't tell you this now,

then it's gonna be too late.

- I already know what you're going to say.

- Really?

I don't even know what I'm gonna say.

- You don't have to say anything.

I just wish you would have been honest with me.

- I haven't been dishonest with you.

- I asked you if you had a girlfriend and you said no.

- I don't.

- I saw you with her at the coffee shop.

The morning we met.

- You mean the day you told Taylor I was the Scrooge,

and I was stealing Christmas?

- You were listening to my conversation?

- Couldn't help it, you were sitting right next to me.

- Then you knew how I felt about Annedore's.

- If I had known you then I wouldn't have bought the place.

- That's just it.

You couldn't have known.

I didn't.

- I'm sorry.

- It's okay.

It's yours.

And I wish you all the luck.

- She's my sister-in-law.

- Your sister-in-law?

- Hmm. Lisa.

Laura's sister.

- I've gotta get this to the hotel, so.

- Let me carry it.

Please, let me drive. The roads are getting slick.

- Okay.

- Did I tell you I like your dress?

- No, you didn't.

- Well, I do.

You look nice.

- So do you.

Thanks. Francie picked up my tie.

- Where is Francie?

- She'll be there.

- I hope people will still come in this weather.

- If they don't, you're gonna have a lot of leftover food.

- You're always thinking about food.

- Have a question.

The first time we met,

you acted like you didn't recognize me.

Why didn't you say anything?

- I hoped you hadn't seen me.

- Trust me. I saw you.

And the reason I showed up at Annedore's earlier,

I wanted to...

I wanted to...

- Maybe talk about this later?

I just wanna focus on the party.

- Yeah. Yeah, sure.

This is great.

Isn't it?

Oh, this place.

I'll be right back. - Okay.

Here's your receipt.

- I think there's been a mistake.

I can't pay for this.

- It's already been paid.

- Thank you.

- Oh, I got that.

Thanks so much.

Oh, yeah. Thank you.

- Thank you.

- Thanks.

- I don't think your Ebenezer, not even close.

- That might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me.

- You're not at all who I thought you were going to be.

- So, why did I tell ya?

- Wow. It looks incredible.

- Yeah, it does.

- I can't believe it.

You did all of this for us?

It's absolutely beautiful.

Well, it was all Sadie.

- No, it wasn't.

I couldn't have done any of it if it weren't for all of you.

Taylor helped me decorate,

Alex found this amazing room,

and Mom and Dad were here to help me finish.

I have a surprise.

- Oh. - Wow.

Annedore's.

It's brilliant.

- It was your idea to do

one big gingerbread house all along.

- I can't think of anything better

than making a gingerbread house out of the place

that brought us the most joy,

and with the people that have brought me even more joy.

Shall we toast?

To sweet endings and new beginnings.

For all of us.

- Wait.

Wait, sorry.

I don't think I can do this.

I mean, you guys have such a wonderful business,

but I'm not the right person for it.

Sadie is.

Christopher. Hey, congratulations.

We must be getting old now, you know?

- You can't back out.

- Sadie, this has been your dream from the beginning.

I'm not taking that from you.

- What's going on?

- Alex thinks that I want Annedore's, so he's backing out.

- What's wrong?

- Alex thinks that Sadie wants Annedore's,

and that's why he's backing out.

- Is this true?

- I'm sorry, Daddy. I told him not to.

- It was always my dream

that you would take over Annedore's.

I didn't think you wanted it.

- Daddy- - We just want you

to be happy.

- I am.

I can't do this to you.

- Yes, you can.

I can find another business.

One that needs to change and grow.

Not one that's already perfect.

- We're not perfect.

We need new equipment and we could open a new location

and expand our existing product line.

- Are we still retiring?

- I'll need a partner.

- I'm listening.

- 50/50.

I promise to listen to your ideas if you listen to mine.

- I love you.

That's what I've been trying to tell you.

- I love you too.

Is that a yes?

- Sadie! Sadie!

We got you something from me and Daddy.

- You did?

- Sadie, this is Lisa.

Lisa, Sadie.

- Hi. It's very nice to finally meet you.

- I've heard a lot about you from both of them.

- Open it!

- Okay.

It's you and Daddy.

She picked it out herself.

- Thank you.

let nothing you dismay

was born on Christmas Day

from Satan's power

comfort and joy

comfort and joy

the blessed angels came

- Can I get everybody's attention?

Tonight is special,

and not just because it's Christmas Eve,

but because we're surrounded by all our friends.

We got quite a surprise tonight.

Not only are we retiring,

but our dear Sadie is coming home to run Annedore's

with her new business partner, Alex Mitchell.

Alex, Francie, welcome to the Annedore family.

And Sadie, welcome home.

We couldn't be happier.

Do you hear?

- Baby, let me hold you.

- Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas.

Have you been a good girl this year, Francie?

What do you want for Christmas?

- I already have it.

merry Christmas

merry Christmas

and a happy new year

wherever you are

and a happy new year

merry Christmas

merry Christmas

and a happy new year

merry Christmas

- When I was a little girl,

I was sure that Annedore's was a magical place.

And if you look in the window...

- That's me.

- And I'm going to teach you, just like my dad taught me,

and his dad taught him.

- And you taught Daddy.

Mm-hmm.