All language subtitles for Christmas.Unwrapped.2020.HDTV.720p [BioskopKaca21.com]

[instrumental music]

[laughter]

♪ merry christmas ♪

♪ the snow is slowly fallin' ♪

♪ stars twinkle in the sky ♪

♪ children are filled
with laughter ♪

♪ on this very special night ♪

♪ I can't even hang
my stockings ♪

♪ no presents in my sight ♪

♪ all I have is just one wish
for my baby ♪

♪ by my side ♪

♪ santa can you hear me cry? ♪

♪ cry ♪

♪ bring my baby
just for the night ♪

♪ oh oh oh ♪

♪ all I need is you ♪

♪ can't stand
this night alone ♪

hey, when did you do this?

[chuckles] I got up early.
I was too excited.

It's officially two weeks
until christmas day,

which means now I am allowed
to put up decorations.

A deal is a deal.

Wait. Two weeks until christmas?

Ooh, that means that janet's
gonna pick who gets to write

the holiday feature today.

It's always work with you.

Ugh, what I would give
for a full-page spread

in the times square journal.

It will come.

Don't you believe
in a christmas miracle?

Mm...

[instrumental music]

charity, tisha!
Good morning, ladies.

Hey, tom, we miss anything
earth-shattering

while we were recharging?

Uh, most people call that
sleeping.

-Most people aren't charity.
-You didn't miss much.

Uh, the financial district
held their

annual christmas tree lighting
last night.

Oh, even wall street
loves christmas.

-How's that for a twist?
-[scoffs] oh.

And, uh, the mayor is preparing
for the city's

annual christmas eve gala.

Oh, what a dream it would be
to get on to that guest list.

Why, it's just a party.

I'd rather be out
uncovering the next watergate

like a real journalist.

Hey, you are a real journalist.

Your blog
gets more and more hits

every time
you publish a new post.

No one takes blogs seriously.

That's not true. Hold on.

I'mma grab a poppy-seed bagel
before they run out.

[charity] totally.

-Morning, tom! Hey.
-Erik, how are you?

Would you mind if I slide
some flyers into today's paper?

The kickoff event is tomorrow.

-Anything for erik gallagher.
-You're the best.

You know, you're supposed to go
through the proper

application process to advertise
in the city's newspapers.

Well, shoot. I've been caught.

You're not gonna tell on me,
are you?

Yeah, I guess
I can keep this to myself.

Information is power, after all.

Nice. I'm erik.

-Charity.
-Charity?

[laughs]
oh, wow, that's, that's funny.

-Why is that funny?
-Uh, I run a charity.

Your name is charity.
It's, it's kinda funny...

Oh, yeah, a real wisecrack.
Okay.

Um, here, why don't, why don't
I give you one of these...

You can drop by.

Oh, uh, I don't skate.

It's really easy.
I could teach you.

Thanks. Really not my thing.

All right. Well, um...

-Hey, ready? I'm all set.
-Yeah. Yeah, let's go.

Um, good luck
with your charity event.

Merry christmas.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

-ah, good morning, everyone.
-Good morning.

Well, as you know, for the next
two weeks we are going to be

in full holiday swing,
and that means

that our christmas feature
article is going to be assigned.

And this year
we are going to stand out

and we are going to uncover
something so juicy

that this entire city is going
to be lined up at the newsstand

on christmas eve to buy a copy
of the times square journal.

That being said,
this feature article

is going to be focused

on 33-year-old erik gallagher.

He's the founder of
the non-profit, nsb foundation.

Nsb stands
for never stop believing.

Oh, my... That's him.

The nsb raises money year-round

to put on his
12 days of christmas event.

Each of the 12 days
leading up to christmas,

he does a different event to get
people in the holiday spirit.

Isn't this the guy
that has personalized gifts

for hundreds of people
on christmas day,

everything from a train set
to a brand-new car?

-And no one can figure out how?
-That's the one.

It's crazy. How would he know
what they all want?

Do you think he hacks our phones
or something?

[laughs]
I don't know, what I do know is

that everyone calls him
santa's number-one helper

because he gives away thousands
of dollars' worth of gifts

on christmas morning in the park

to deserving people who believe.

And some people even say
that these gifts could add up

to be in the millions.

Where does he get
all this money?

It can't just be from donations
throughout the year.

Is he a real-estate tycoon
or something?

That's the story.

We need to find out
who is funding him.

-Ask if he's single.
-Stop.

Because when asked, he says,

"everything comes from santa."

-you still want me to ask?
-Did she say santa?

He may have good intentions,
but we need to uncover the truth

and that is going to take
real skill.

All right,
who's assigned the article?

Well, it was going to be
christine,

but she had a family emergency

and she had to go to chicago.

So this year
the article is going to...

Charity jones.

[indistinct chatter]

-me?
-It's a christmas miracle.

-[gasps]
-[laughs]

I don't know what to say.
I'm speechless.

[laughs]
thank you.

Well, christine suggested you
for the job.

She said you have a real eye
for seeing the truth in a story

and your research skills
are impeccable.

Oh, and she sent me your blog.
You have talent.

Wow. Thank you.

I will do anything
and everything

to write the best piece
imaginable.

Now, listen,
erik doesn't do interviews,

let alone a big article like
this, so this is your chance

to prove you're a real reporter.

And erik only agreed to do this
if the journalist chosen

participates in all 12
of his christmas events.

That's a lot of christmas.

-Is that a problem?
-No, of course not.

I mean, if diane sawyer
can go to war-torn countries

for a story, I can do this.

-[laughs] I like that.
-[chuckles]

okay, you start tomorrow.
I want updates every day.

Thank you.

♪ dear santa can you help me ♪

can you believe it? Oh.
My first assignment.

-Finally.
-Honey, I'm so proud of you.

I always knew
that your curiosity

and passion for justice
would do you well one day.

Remember when your rachel
the reporter doll went missing?

You interrogated mom and I
for over an hour

until you realized
you left it at school.

So it's gonna be hard
to take this guy seriously.

Apparently,
he still believes in santa.

Don't write him off so quickly.

We all believe in things that
others might think are silly.

Like that the knicks are
the best sports team in history?

Exactly.

-Hey, it's not funny.
-[charity laughs]

♪ glo-o-o-o-o-o-o... ♪

[clears throat]

so, uh, how's, how's the cookie?
Same recipe?

Is that your mother's
favorite christmas carol I hear?

-[song playing on radio]
-wow.

Remember how she would sing it
with the church choir

every christmas eve?

Yeah, I remember.

Your mother, she had
the most beautiful voice...

Yeah.

Hey, listen,
so I should get back to work.

I'll give you a call later,
okay?

Break a leg, honey.
Can't wait to read it.

Okay. Love you.

Love you, too,

charity robin roberts jones.

[chuckles]

♪ glo-o-o-o-o-o-o... ♪

[laptop keys clacking]

a new home? How?

Time to find out.

[instrumental
"joy to the world"]

[indistinct chatter]

oh! No cutting, ma'am.

Oh, I'm here to see
erik gallagher.

I'm charity
from the times square journal.

Do you have a media pass?

Thank you. He should be on the
ice with my daughter caitlin.

But you could get
a pair of skates from the lady

behind the counter over there
and join them.

Uh, I was hoping
that I could just wear my boots.

When erik says he wants you
to participate, he means it.

Okay.

[music continues]

oh. Okay, watch out.

Look who it is.
I thought you didn't skate.

[grunting]

-oh.
-Uh...

-You okay?
-Yeah, uh, yeah.

Just never been great
at balancing.

You mean, your personal
and professional life?

Yeah, I have the same problem.

-Is it that obvious?
-[laughs]

oh. Okay. Hold on to me.

[chuckles]

[chuckles]

so you're charity jones?
All right?

Okay, 'cause I was wondering
if the reporter

who was dropping by today,
it would be you.

I mean, meeting two different
charitys in two days

would be quite the coincidence.

It's already quite
the coincidence that we just

so happened to run in
to each other the day before

I got assigned to follow you
around for the next 12 days.

[laughs]
yeah, that sounded weird.

Hey, as long as your inspiration
for the article

isn't glenn close
from fatal attraction,

then I think we'll be just fine.

Well, don't worry,
I'm, uh, more inspired

by julia roberts
in erin brockovich.

Oh, great, I see.

Fighting to uncover the truth.
I admire that.

Though, what exactly is the, uh,
contaminated drinking water

in this story?

-Time will tell.
-Huh.

All right, well, jokes aside,
uh, I'm really excited

to have you tag along.
Although, whoa...

I don't know how interesting
of an interview I'll be.

Well, with the right journalist,
anyone can be interesting.

And that's you?

-Let's hope so.
-Okay.

Okay, so

how much do you know about me
already?

-Be honest.
-Erik gallagher.

Uh, born in new jersey,
went to douglas high school,

and then columbia.

Sometimes referred to as
erik christmas in the media.

Um, grew up in foster care.

And, uh, no job history
other than

being the founder
of never stop believing.

That's, that's pretty good.

Although I did work
at a chocolate shop in my teens.

Oh, oh, noted.

So can you tell me a little bit
about today's events?

'cause I seem to be one of the
only people who's never heard

of your nsb charity.

Or more importantly, this 12
days of christmas extravaganza.

Okay, so we've rented out
the entire ice rink,

free for everyone to use.

Uh, the skates
are free to rent, too,

and even the hot chocolate,
that's free.

And what's your hope
for all of these events?

You know, everything
is so expensive nowadays

that it's unfair

to those who just want to make
memories with their loved ones.

Well, I hope you don't take this
the wrong way,

but what's in it for you?

I just want people to believe.

Is it time yet?

Uh, charity, this is caitlin.

Caitlin is
one of my shining volunteers.

And, caitlin, this is charity.

She's gonna be reporting
on everything that we're doing

over the next 12 days.

I'm not just a volunteer.

I'm one of santa's helpers
just like you.

She's right.

Well, nice to meet you, caitlin.
I like your mittens.

Thanks! I got them from santa
last year.

I forgot to tell him what color,
but he knew.

-Uncle erik, is it time?
-Oh, yeah.

Go, go tell your dad
to let everybody in.

Here. Come with me.

Daddy, it's time!

[exhales] this is the best part.

[crowd cheering]

let's see what you got.
Can you do a spin?

Wow!

It's a pretty great feeling,
right?

-Excuse me, mister?
-Yeah?

Are you really
santa's favorite helper?

Uh, well, gosh, I don't know if,
if I'm, I'm his favorite,

but yeah,
I'm, I'm definitely one of them.

Really? You know santa?
Like, the real one?

-Yeah, the real one.
-Okay, cool.

Can you tell him that this year
I'd really like a scooter?

Do you really believe,
'cause santa only grants wishes

to those who really believe.

-Yes! Definitely!
-Awesome.

So I'm gonna give you
one of these

and you can write down your wish
on there,

find a fireplace,
throw it in there.

And then the dust
is gonna go up the chimney

to santa in the north pole.

-Really?
-But don't lose it.

'cause every person
only gets one. Okay?

Thank you! Thank you!
Merry christmas.

Are you sure
that's, uh, such a good idea

to get the kid's hopes up
like that?

Santa doesn't disappoint,
I can assure you of that.

[laughs]
okay, tell you what.

Um, why don't you take
one of these

and think of what
you really want for christmas

and then when you think
you truly believe,

you can find a fireplace--

okay, I'm just gonna stop you
right there.

Um, I think we need to get
something out of the way.

I'm never gonna believe any
of this christmas magic stuff.

I believe in facts.

And that's what
this story's gonna represent.

I'm glad we got that
out of the way.

Okay. Let's, uh,
let's go skating on some ice.

You got it. Come on.

You got it.
Just, just gotta get low.

-No, not, not, not that low.
-[charity laughs]

[mumbles]

[charity]
yeah, that's a good...

-That's cute, that's adorable.
-Okay.

[erik] you got it.

You're a pro.

But you should have seen him
talking to this kid.

He practically promised him
that he's gonna get a scooter.

-It's not right.
-So what's your angle?

Do you think he's part
of the mob or something?

What? No. No.

He seems like
he's a good person,

but almost too good.

Was he as cute in person
as he was in his picture?

Um, I don't know,
'cause I'm a professional

and I wasn't even
paying attention to that.

You are a really bad liar.

-He was that cute, huh?
-Stop.

Come on, you know,
I have gone out with more than

a few eccentric guys.
I mean, we live in new york.

But one who still believes
in santa?

-Pass.
-[chuckles] fair enough.

So what's on the schedule
for tomorrow?

A christmas movie marathon.

So he rented out a movie theater
and he's gonna screen

christmas movies for 24 hours
straight, free of charge.

-That's fun!
-Yeah.

Hopefully, I can get some more
information out of him.

Do you think you could do
some research and maybe see

if he's got any siblings or
find his parents or something?

-'cause that would be amazing.
-Definitely.

I'll search the archives
tomorrow.

Perfect. Thank you.

Oh, by the way, how was
your date the other night?

Don't ask.

He would not stop talking about
this ufo he claims he saw.

No! But his profile seems
so normal.

[groans]
I'm sorry.

That's fine.
Better luck next time.

Yeah.

-[charity chuckles]
-oh.

Not bad, right?

I've got to admit,
it looks pretty good.

Thank you for picking lights
that don't flash.

No problem.

[sighs]

hm?

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

tsk. Tisha.

Oh, hey. Here you go.

-Hey there.
-Oh, hey.

-Uh, charity, right?
-Yeah, yeah.

Uh, what was your name,
I didn't catch it yesterday?

-Aaron.
-Aaron.

Uh, nice to officially meet you.

So, uh, you've known erik
a long time?

Yeah. We met in foster care
when I was only nine years old.

That's quite the friendship.

Erik is more than just a friend.

He's a brother to me
and a second dad to caitlin.

Oh.

I-I don't know
what your intentions are

with this article,
but please remember

that never stop believing
helps thousands of people

in need every year.

Twisting erik's words or motives
for the sake of getting

attention to the piece
would be a real shame,

and could hurt a lot of people.

I'm not interested in click
bait, you can be assured.

I just want to know
what nsb really is all about.

Besides helping people?

I get the impression
that you're not so happy

that erik agreed
to this article.

Ah, I'm just watching out
for my friend.

Erik thinks
everyone's filled with goodness.

Yeah, well, I, my best friend's
the same way, tish.

She's just, she's an optimist
and a romantic.

-You're not?
-No.

I prefer to live in reality,
not fantasy.

-Daddy!
-Hey.

Oh, my gosh, guess what,
sarah just told me

that santa might be here today,
but in magneto.

Oh. I think you mean incognito.

Maybe he'll sit right next to us
during the movie.

-Wouldn't that be so cool?
-That would be somethin'.

Speaking of which,
elf is about to start,

and we should go get our seats,
caitlin.

I believe erik's in the theater
if you want to come with us.

Uh, yeah, sure. Thank you.

Hey, erik. Look who we found.

-[erik] hey, charity.
-Hey.

-You made it.
-[chuckles]

um, I'm glad you're here.

This is, uh,
this is one of my favorites.

You can actually feel, like,
all the energy,

you know, as they're waiting
for the movie.

Oh, I know the feeling,
I love when the lights dim

and everyone gets quiet.
It's the best.

Hm. What's your favorite
christmas movie?

Oh, honestly,
I haven't watched one in years.

What about when you were a kid?

I guess we watched, uh, miracle
on 34th street every year

with my mom and dad, but,
you know, it's been a while.

Movie about a charming man
trying to convince

a skeptical woman
that santa exists.

That's, that's ironic.

Oh, you think you're charming,
do you?

-Hm.
-[chuckles]

all right,
what was your favorite?

Probably home alone.

I like how even though
his parents forgot about him,

kevin knew how to survive
on his own

and was able to find the spirit
of the christmas season.

Hm.

Well, it couldn't have been easy
growing up

in the foster-care system.

It wasn't.

But some of my foster parents

were really amazing.

And I learned a lot,

like,
kindness can change the world.

Hm.

So have you ever tried tracking
down your birth parents?

Why look for those
that don't wanna be found?

So you've never tried?

I thought you wanted to learn

about my work with the nsb,
and not my personal life.

No, I want to learn about you,
not just your non-profit.

I don't know anything
about them. Um...

All the documents that I have,
their information is redacted.

Could I take a look
at those documents sometime?

They didn't want me.

Want to know anything else?

No. I'm sorry.
Uh, I will drop it.

It's okay.

Well, um, why don't you just
tell me about your parents?

I'm supposed to be learning
about you.

If you expect me to open up,

then... You have to do the same.

It's only fair.

[sighs] my dad was a teacher
and my mom was a nurse.

They both chose professions
that require deep patience

and compassion. I admire that.

Oh, well, I never looked at it
like that.

Look at that, I'm starting
to shift your perspectives.

You just think
you're so clever, huh?

Okay, my turn,
so tell me about growing up,

what was your favorite subject
in school?

-Uh, gym class?
-[cell phone ringing]

oh. Sorry.
Okay, I should take this.

-Excuse me.
-Yeah.

Oh.

"dearest erik, everything
is coming together nicely.

My men will deliver on time

and be completely invisible
as always.

Thank you for your hard work
and for always believing.

Please destroy this letter
at your earliest convenience.

Be well, my boy. Kris."

what?

Hey. Sorry about that.

-It was my old boss, frank.
-Oh, no worries.

He owns frank's chocolate shop
in the west village.

You've never been?
It's incredible!

No, I haven't. But everything,
everything's okay?

Yeah, everything's great. He's,
um, one of our oldest donors.

He was just checking in to see

if we're still good for lunch
next week.

-So you guys must be close.
-Yeah.

Frank, um, frank taught me

all about how to run a business

and most importantly,

how to make a really good
chocolate truffle.

[chuckles]
so how to deal in business.

So things like
how to deal with money?

-Yeah, I guess.
-Oh.

Sorry to bug you, erik,
but there are a bunch of kids

that want to meet you and get
their golden christmas wish.

[laughs] all right.
Duty calls, I'll be right back.

Mm-hmm.

[charity] all right, thank you.

[gasps]
I got something.

Hm?

Frank murray has owned frank's
chocolate shop for 30 years.

Specializes
in christmas truffles.

Perfect! Okay, great.

Send me his number.
I wanna meet with him.

What are you gonna
talk to him about?

Well, I think he might be in

on the whole operation.

Have you interviewed
his best friend yet?

Aaron?
No, he won't give me anything.

He's too suspicious
of what I'm planning on writing,

which makes me think that
he's probably in on it, too.

Hm. Maybe.

So what's the latest?

Oh, um, well, I am going to meet
with one of erik's old employers

and see what I can get
out of him.

Good. Let me know what you get.

And I also took a photo
of a very suspicious letter

that was sent to erik
from alaska.

-Show me.
-Okay.

What? It's blank.
That doesn't make any sense.

Let me know
when you have something real.

What?

[telephone ringing]

[door shuts]

-sorry I'm late, my dear.
-Hm.

Things have been
so hectic lately,

I hardly have time
to button my coat.

Why, I would imagine this is
your busiest time of year.

Oh, you have no idea.

Well, thank you so much
for meeting with me.

-I-I really appreciate it.
-Well...

Anything for a friend of erik's.

Now what can I do for you today?

Well, um, I was wondering
if you could just tell me

a little bit about your
friendship with erik gallagher.

Well, erik's
the hardest worker I know

and he's so full of kindness
and generosity.

Ah, from the moment I met him,
I knew he was the real deal.

Now he helps me bring joy
to families everywhere.

-[cell phone beeps]
-how did you two first meet?

Well, it was three days
before christmas

and I saw him handing out candy
canes to everyone passing by.

He must have been only 12.

But there was something
about him.

He has this kind of spirit
that gives people hope.

It's rare to find these days.

[chuckles]
yeah.

And how old was he
when he started working for you?

Well, he became my apprentice
when he was 14

and then my number-one employee
soon after.

Wow. So you guys have known
each other for a long time.

So do you know anything
about his past?

Did he inherit any money

or win the lottery
at some point?

So I'm just trying to figure out
how he manages to give

thousands of gifts to thousands
of people on christmas day.

Erik knows what it feels like
to have nothing

and come from nothing.

It's his life's mission to bring
magic and hope to as many people

as possible so that nobody
has to feel alone.

Isn't that a good-enough story?

I'm-I'm sorry if I'm coming off
insensitive. Uh...

I think that what erik's doing
is beautiful.

-But the nsb--
-never stop believing.

They don't have
any big partnerships.

And without big sponsors
from big companies,

uh, I just don't understand
how a small non-profit like his

could pull off
such a large-scale event

on christmas day,
it's seemingly impossible.

And yet it always happens.
It's a wonder!

People deserve the truth.

I think you'll find the answers
you're looking for

just by letting the spirit
of the season guide you.

I don't understand
what that means.

-But you will.
-[chuckles]

[sighs]
it was the strangest meeting.

I could not get
a straight answer from him.

Have you actually
just straight up asked erik

about where the money
comes from?

Not yet, I'm trying
to gain his trust first

so that he will be honest
with me, but it is so hard

to get anything out of him.

-Oh. Classic distraction tactic.
-Exactly.

He would rather listen
than talk.

And he would rather watch
from behind the scenes

than get attention
from an entire community

of people who adore him.

-He sounds kind of amazing.
-[scoffs]

it's a little weird
if you ask me.

Why did you make hot chocolate,
by the way?

-You never drink it.
-I had a craving. Sue me.

-A christmas craving?
-Tish, focus.

-I don't know what to do!
-Okay.

Maybe you ask him out
to dinner or something

to get to know him
on a more personal level.

Tsk. I don't know.

I just think you'll have better
luck getting his full attention

if there isn't
an entire city-wide event

he is responsible for
distracting him.

That is a good point.

-I'm not just a pretty face.
-[laughs]

speaking of which,
I made an appointment

at the vital records office
at new york state

to see what I can find out
about his birth parents.

Will they let you look through
private records

without going through
the new york state court?

I have a good rapport with them
down there.

If I play my cards right,
they'll let me scan

a few documents.

Well, that's why you're
the best researcher in new york.

-Oh! Cheers to that.
-Hey.

[charity on recorder]
how did you two first meet?

-[laptop keys clacking]
-[static]

[scoffs]
you've got to be kidding.

Ing]

erik. Hey, what are you up to?

Uh, hey, I'm just going over the
schedule for the next nine days.

There's still tons
to look forward to.

Great. Uh, oh,
what's today's event again?

Christmas ornament-making for
the big tree-lighting ceremony

on the 22nd.

Nice. That should be fun.

Your enthusiasm
is almost too much to bear.

I've been meaning to tell you
the same thing.

[laughing] yeah,
you wouldn't be the first one.

Uh, so, listen. I actually,
I wanted to ask you a question.

-I'm all ears.
-Well...

I was wondering if you would
like to meet me tonight

for dinner
so that we're not surrounded

by so much distraction
when I'm gathering my research.

-Yeah, that sounds great.
-Really?

Great. Okay.

Um, uh,
any favorite restaurants?

I know the perfect spot.
I'll bring a basket.

-Basket?
-Does 7 p.M. Sound good?

Sure. Uh, and so
where should I meet you?

I'll pin drop you the location.

Don't forget to bundle up. Bye.

[instrumental music]

[fire crackling]

-you found it.
-So we're having a picnic.

-In the dead of winter.
-Yeah.

You've never heard
of a winter picnic before?

-[laughs] never.
-You've been missing out.

Being surrounded by snow,
the trees, great company,

there's nothing better.

Here. Let's grab a seat.

Well, you are full of surprises.

More fun than a restaurant,
right?

Depends on the food.

[laughs]

for our main course,

we got macaroni and cheese
with bacon bits.

Oh. I do love mac and cheese.

For dessert, chocolate truffles
made by yours truly,

and, of course, some hot cocoa
to keep us warm.

Wow. I can't believe
you did all this.

Hey, why not?

Christmas is about
making special memories.

Well, the ornament-making today
was fun.

The kids seemed to love it.

Did you just say
that you had fun today?

Uh, did anybody else
hear that? No, it's just us.

Just because I'm not
santa's number-one helper

doesn't mean
I'm a total scrooge, you know?

Yeah, you're right,
although I see you

as more of a, uh,
grinch character

than a scrooge, personally.

That's rude.

[laughs] I'm just joking,
I'm just joking.

Yeah, you were, you were great
with the kids today.

I like having you around.

-You do?
-Yeah, I wouldn't lie to you.

Okay, well, um, firstly--

oh, no, no, no, no, no.

Not so fast. Let's eat first.

♪ I can feel the magic
in the air ♪

♪ christmas everywhere ♪

♪ I just need someone to hold ♪

♪ nothing like
your favorite time of year ♪

♪ to fill you up with cheer ♪

♪ come snuggle up in the cold ♪

♪ I don't need presents
I don't need snow ♪

♪ I just you need you babe ♪

♪ and a little mistletoe
'cause ♪

♪ the only thing
that's on my wish list ♪

♪ is getting close to you
on christmas ♪

♪ 'cause all I need
is just some kissin'... ♪

[erik] you're right, george
c. Scott is the better scrooge,

although michael caine
is a close second

in the muppet christmas carol.

Finally we agree on something.

There's such truth and depth
to george's portrayal, you know?

M-michael caine was acting
with muppets...

-Okay.
-Right?

[sighs] okay, we really need
to get down to business now

'cause if I hand in a report
on the top five scrooges

of all time, I am totally fired.

Okay, okay, fine. Have at it.

What's on your mind?

First of all, what is with
the dust-in-the-chimney thing?

What happened
to just sending santa

an old-fashioned letter
in the mail?

That works, too, but throwing
your wish into a fire

just gets your wish to santa

that much quicker
than snail mail, so...

-If you say so.
-It's true. What else?

Um, well, I was hoping that
I could ask you a few questions

regarding never stop believing.

Let me guess. How do I get
the money to do it all?

Right, so I fund-raise all year
to pull off

the 12 days of christmas event.

And I have private donors
that believe in me

and in what I do, and that's how
it keeps on going.

Well, then what about
christmas day?

'cause I read
that last year you gave out

more than two million dollars'
worth of gifts to people.

That's all kris.

What do you mean? Who's kris?

Kris gets the gifts to new york
and then I distribute them.

Okay, so then how does kris have
all this money?

-Is he some kind of billionaire?
-No.

When people believe in what
christmas is really about,

magic happens.

So you're telling me

that two million dollars'
worth of gifts

arrive via christmas magic?

-That's so hard to believe?
-Yes.

It is. It-it makes no sense.

Well, sometimes
things don't make sense.

That's what makes life
so interesting.

And what's this
kris guy's last name?

Because I can get my researcher
tisha to look into it.

Kringle.

Although I doubt
she'd find anything on him

'cause he's not really
on social media.

Kris kringle? Really?

Charity, I know
that you probably think

that what I believe in
is outrageous,

but trust me,
it's not some cover for like a,

an underground secret operation.

When I was 14, kris asked me

to be one of his helpers,
and I said yes.

So you seriously
can look me in the eye

and sincerely tell me
that santa claus is the one

behind all of the gifts
on christmas day?

How else would thousands of
people get what they wished for?

That's what
I'm trying to figure out!

You'll figure it out.
Speaking of which...

Have you written down
your christmas wish yet?

I thought it only came true
if you really believe.

You think I'm crazy.

I think that this whole thing
is crazy!

[laughs]

but I am a little jealous that
you never lost that part of you

that usually disappears
when we hit adulthood.

You know, that part
that still believes

that anything is possible.

I miss that feeling, and you're
lucky you still have it.

-Did you ever believe in santa?
-When I was a kid.

You know,
I wrote him a letter one year

asking for
a rachel the reporter doll.

And my mom thought
it would be cute

if we kissed the letter
for good luck.

So she kissed the letter and
then she let me put lipstick on

and I kissed the letter,
and it's silly, but...

I really cherish that memory.

I've never even met my parents
and it still hurts

that... They left me.

Well, they're missing out
on someone really special.

If you could leave
that part of my story

out of your article,
I'd really appreciate it.

You can trust me.

[traffic bustling]

[door opens]

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

last night was so fun!

Sounds like a scene
out of a nicholas sparks novel.

How do you know
who nicholas sparks is?

I'm hip, I've seen

the notebook more than once.

The fact that he believes
that christmas magic is real

and santa's the one responsible
for all those gifts,

it's, it's got me
really thrown off.

[martin] you know,
I'd like to meet this fellow.

He seems like one of a kind.

Oh, he is. He sure is.

Hey.

If it isn't
my favorite new reporter.

Janet, hi.

Uh, well,
this is my dad, martin.

And, dad,
this is my boss, janet.

It's nice to finally meet you,
janet.

Well, your daughter
is doing some excellent

investigating these days.

And I can't wait to see
what she finds out.

It's going to be the talk
of the town, I can just feel it.

-That's wonderful.
-I better get in line.

Uh, what is the event
you're doing today?

Oh, um, erik bought
a bunch of christmas trees

from vendors around the city
and he is setting up

a christmas tree market
in the park.

And every family
gets to pick out one for free.

Fantastic.

You just make sure
you get to the bottom

of this ridiculousness.

Bye! Nice meeting you.

♪ silent night ♪

♪ holy night ♪

♪ all is calm ♪

[erik] all right, enjoy.

-Charity!
-Hi. Hi!

-What do you think?
-This is so great!

-Yeah.
-[chuckles]

right, we got,
we got popcorn, cider,

pretzels, everything.

Wow, do you need my help,
uh, helping anyone

pick out a tree or anything?

Oh, no, no,
I want you to see this.

Hey, you guys found the treats,
all right.

Uh, charity,
I want you to meet jonah

and his dad,
sergeant robert sanderson.

-Oh. Nice to meet you both. Hi.
-Hello.

-Hi.
-Hi.

So you guys
are probably wondering

why I asked you
to come down here today.

-Right?
-Yes, sir.

Couple of days ago I got
a special message from santa

and he told me
that because he got

jonah's christmas wish early,

he thought that it was only fair
to give him his present early.

-Really?
-Wait, what...

What christmas wish?

I wished to be able to see mom!

His mom's in the army.

-She's a marine, actually.
-Right. Marine.

Now, jonah, you know that your
mom can't communicate with us

until she's done her training.

Believe it or not,
santa really does deliver.

-[vivian on video] my boys!
-Mom!

Oh, my gosh, vivian, hi.

[robert] it is so good
to see you.

[vivian] I have missed you both

so much, it hurts.

H-h-how are you?
Are you, are you...

Are you both prepared
for christmas?

Mom, I sent santa
a christmas wish

that I could see you,
and he made it come true!

[vivian] well, you know
what's funny, jonah?

Listen, I sent him one, too,

except my wish was that
I could spend christmas

with both of you.

You did?

Maybe it will come true, too!

Don't get your hopes up,
okay, jonah?

[robert] santa can't make
every christmas miracle happen.

Are you sure about that?

Where'd she go? Mom?

Surprise!

-[sobbing]
-oh! Oh...

[vivian] I can't believe
I'm actually holding you.

-Oh, oh, honey!
-I can't believe you're here!

-[robert laughing]
-I missed you.

[robert] thank god. Oh.

[vivian]
jonah, you've gotten so big!

[robert] it is so great
to see you.

[robert laughs]

-mom.
-Robert, I love you so much.

[jonah] I can't believe
you're here.

[erik] thank you
for your service.

[chuckles] well,
thank you for everything.

I am truly, truly overwhelmed.

I only set up the video chat,
the rest is thanks to...

-Well, you know.
-[chuckles]

-merry christmas.
-Merry christmas.

Sergeant, merry christmas.

-Thank you. Really.
-[erik laughs]

jonah, show me the tree
you picked out.

All right, yeah. Oh, that's...

So I was told

to give you... This.

-What? Me?
-Uh-huh.

From who?

From you know who.

[laughs]

what's...

"it's about time
you got this back."

[laughs]
what?

A rachel the reporter doll.

I didn't think
they still made these!

Merry christmas.

How'd you pull that off?

Christmas magic in full effect.

[chuckles]
oh, the look on their faces.

-I thought you'd like that.
-[chuckles]

what you do for people,
I don't understand it,

but it's incredible.

Oh, hey,
I can't take all the credit.

-[chuckles]
-but you know that already.

Okay, well,
then how did you pull this off?

Because it looks exactly
like the one I had as a kid,

right down
to the little camera accessory.

[laughs] that, that wasn't me.

Hey, erik, come on,
you're the only one that I told.

And I haven't been able
to find one of these anywhere.

Kris does not reveal
his sources.

Okay. I'm-I'm so confused.

If I don't start getting
concrete, sensible answers soon,

janet's never gonna assign me
on anything ever again.

Charity...

Is, is that all this is to you?

Just you trying to get ahead
in your career?

No, of course not,
what matters to me

is reporting on things
that matter, in a honest way.

And what you do, it matters.
I just don't understand it.

Well, I think you do, deep down.

-Charity!
-Hey.

-Ah!
-What are you doing here?

Free christmas trees? Come on,
I'd be a fool not to show up.

Uh, well, tisha, this is erik.

Hey, best researcher
in the state.

-Heard a lot about you.
-Vice versa.

And I hope
that you haven't found anything

too incriminating on me.

No. Your criminal record
is clean as a whistle.

Phew!

Hey, the more the merrier!

-Hey!
-[aaron] hey!

You guys,
this is my friend, tish.

Hi, I'm caitlin. This is my dad.

Aaron. Nice to meet you.

You, too.

Uh, you must be excited
about christmas, huh?

Yes. It's my favorite day!
Wanna help me pick out a tree?

-Sure, I'd love to.
-Uh, y-you don't have to.

Caitlin, honey, tish probably
wants to pick out her own tree.

How about I help you
pick out yours?

-You help me pick out mine?
-Deal! Daddy, coming?

Yeah, I'll be there in a second.

[chuckles]

oh, that lady definitely needs
some help with her tree.

-Mm-hmm. Yeah.
-I'll be right back.

You're not going anywhere,
are you?

I'll be right here.

[chuckles] I gotta tell you,
charity...

I think I may have
misjudged you.

You have had a real impact
on erik.

Well, honestly, he's changed
my outlook on so many things

over the last eight days,
it's crazy.

He's a special guy.
I feel lucky to know him.

-He's single, too, you know?
-Oh, okay.

Uh, well,
I am strictly a reporter to him

until christmas day.

Ah, okay.

Playing hard to get, huh?

You sound exactly like tish.

Tish, yeah. She seems nice.

She is the best catch out there
as far as I'm concerned.

She is smart and funny
and beautiful and very single.

Thank you.
I will keep that in mind.

Yeah.

Dad, we found the perfect ee

I have to admit
it's pretty beautiful.

Oh, that's great!

Can we decorate it tonight
with tisha

and charity and uncle erik?

That sounds like
a really great idea.

Yeah, I love it.

Our place is a bit of a mess

right now, caitlin.

We're in mid-renovations.

Well, why don't you guys
come to our place?

You can help tish and I
decorate our tree.

Are you sure?

-We'd love to have you.
-Yes!

[instrumental "we wish you
a merry christmas"]

oh. I like this one,
it's pretty.

-I like the glitter.
-Thank you.

I made that
when I was around your age.

Caitlin, wanna hear
something cool?

When snowflakes
fall from the clouds,

they tumble through the air,
swirling and spiraling,

and they each become
a different shape.

That's what makes every
snowflake completely unique.

Is that why
they taste so good, too?

[chuckles] that is why
they taste so good.

I think that people, you know,
we're the same as snowflakes

'cause we each have
our different journeys

to get
where we're supposed to be,

and that's what makes us special
in our own way.

-I like that.
-Yeah.

Magic is always surrounding us.

Sometimes we just need
to remember to look for it.

Who wants more hot chocolate?

-Me, me, me!
-Yeah, I'll have some, too.

-Erik? Charity?
-Uh...

I think I'm gonna head out
for some fresh air.

-Yeah. I'll join you.
-Okay.

So I liked what you said
up there about snowflakes.

-Yeah, right?
-[chuckles]

the way you see the world,
it's the right way.

How is your article
coming along?

It's coming along.
I feel pretty inspired actually.

-Today was amazing.
-It was.

[chuckles] I can't believe
there's only four events left.

Uh, five,
including christmas day.

Yeah, right.

So have you written down
your christmas wish yet?

-Not yet...
-Not quite convinced, huh?

[laughs]
baby steps, remember?

-Mm-hmm.
-Can I ask you something?

Anything.

Why doesn't kris
just deliver the gifts himself

on christmas day if he so badly
wants people to believe in him?

Well, it's not just
about believing in him.

It's about believing
in the magic of the season.

Oh, is this the part
when you tell me

the true meaning of christmas?

[laughs] that's easy.

Love.

Love is the greatest gift
that any one of us can receive

and it can't be seen.

But that doesn't make it
any less real.

Yeah, I guess not.

We don't need to see something
to believe it.

Because feeling it is enough.

I'm sorry.

Uh, um...

Um, it, I, it's unprofessional.

No, no, no, no,
I'm, I'm, I'm sorry.

I, I let the moment, uh,
get away from me.

No, you know, it's just,
this is my first real job

as a reporter, and I don't wanna
do anything to mess it up.

-Yeah, I understand.
-Okay.

Totally.

So would it be
completely unprofessional

if I ask you to be my plus one

to the mayor's
christmas eve gala?

-Really?
-Yeah.

-You got tickets to that?
-Yeah.

The mayor likes the work
that I do for the city.

-So what do you say?
-Ooh!

You know,
I'm not really a party person,

but I think I can make
an exception just this once.

-[chuckles]
-a true act of compassion.

[laptop keys clacking]

I really think it could be
one of the best things

I've ever written.

-Really?
-Mm-hmm.

Obviously, I still need
more information,

but I really think
erik's gonna really like it.

Erik, huh?

Here I thought you were
writing this to impress janet.

Well, her too, of course.

[sighs] I sent her
the rough draft last night.

Hey, how come you haven't been
posting anything

to your blog lately?
I miss reading it.

It's just been too busy, now
that I've got a real assignment,

it's hard to keep up with.

But people adore your blog.

[sighs]
well, I'll get back to it.

Maybe I'll write a post

ranking the top five
on-screen scrooges of all time,

'cause it's quite
the controversial topic.

[laughing]
I like this new festive charity.

What's next, are you gonna go
caroling door to door?

Okay, let's not get
carried away.

I can't believe
erik invited you

to the mayor's
super elite christmas eve gala.

Okay, come on.
It's just a party.

You better take so many pictures
that I am nauseated

by the time
I'm done looking at them.

Deal.
So what did you think of aaron?

What? Well, I hadn't given it
much thought.

-He seems like a nice guy.
-Mm-hmm.

Okay. I won't ask
any more questions.

I'm just trying to help the
christmas season work its magic.

Thanks, girl.

All right, so what is
on the agenda for today?

My appointment
is at the records office today.

I'm gonna see if I can find out
more about erik's past.

Oh, you know, my article
is taking a different direction,

so I don't know
if that's necessary anymore.

Well, I already told janet
I was going,

and she seemed really pleased,
so I should still go.

-All right. Fair enough.
-Oh, speaking of which...

Janet was looking for you
this morning.

Oh, really? Okay, yeah.

She probably wants to talk about
my rough draft.

-[tisha] hm, good luck.
-Thank you.

I just finished
reading your draft,

and I have to say,
I'm speechless.

Really? Well...

It is a different approach,
but I thought you might like it.

I'm speechless because
I thought you were someone

that could follow directions.

I'm sorry?

Did I not make myself clear?

This article is about
finding out

how the christmas day giveaway
is funded.

And you were instructed
to crack the nsb wide open.

I realize that,
but there is nothing to crack.

Everything they do is to help
as many people as possible

get back to the roots of what
christmas is all about.

Millions of dollars'
worth of gifts are given out

on christmas day,
and there's no paperwork

that says where the money's
coming from. That's the story.

I know,
and I know it sounds crazy,

but there is something bigger
going on here.

No one is behind the gifts.

They're delivered miraculously.

It doesn't sound crazy,
it is crazy!

Janet, I was,
I was just as skeptical as you

when I started this article,

but I've seen things
and felt things

that go way beyond
what money could buy.

Let me ask you something,
charity.

-Do you want to be a reporter?
-More than anything.

Then I suggest
you get some cold, hard facts

and find out
what's really going on.

You want me to rewrite
my entire article?

But there's only three days left
until christmas eve.

Then you better get working.

[erik] hey, you.
[charity] hey.

-Everything okay?
-Oh, yeah, it's just work stuff.

My boss is unhappy with me.

You wanna talk about it?

You know, I could use
some advice, actually.

Shoot.

How do you stay true
to your instinct and beliefs

even when people doubt you
and make you feel small?

Well, it's, it's not easy.

Hotdog with ketchup.

There's a lot of judgment
out there,

and people fear
what they don't understand.

So for me,
I like to get to know someone,

make them feel valued
and listened to

so that they can learn to do
the same for me.

-It's all about connection.
-And that works?

-You tell me.
-[chuckles]

whatever you do, never sacrifice
who you are or what you believe

in order to make
someone else happy.

It will not be worth it.

You're right.

Yeah, I should just
stick to my guns,

even if it does make her angry.

Um, next time you sit down
with your boss,

why don't you give her
one of these?

Sounds like she could use
some christmas spirit.

Erik? Erik gallagher.
Before my very eyes.

-Mayor flynn. You made it.
-So good to see you.

Oh, my daughters are so excited
for the christmas scavenger hunt

through the park this afternoon.

Once again
you've outdone yourself.

Oh. I appreciate it, but you
know I can't take full credit.

Well, the city is buzzing
with how much fun

they're having at these events.

It's spreading through
social media,

and tourists are already
planning their trips here

for next year.

Oh, that's fantastic.

Uh, I'm just happy
to, well, make it happen.

And who do we have here?

Uh, I'm charity jones.
A reporter for the journal.

I see,
you guys have been digging

to scandalize me for years.

Charity's, um, she's writing
an article about the nsb.

[chuckles]
yeah, it's a feature on erik

and all of the work
that he does.

It's about time he opens himself
up to the press.

Just be careful. Sometimes
they aren't always so nice.

Well, I'm gonna show you
I'm not one of those reporters.

Yeah, I'm really looking forward
to reading your article.

-Comes out christmas eve.
-Oh, that reminds me.

Have you found a plus one
to bring to the party yet?

-Oh. You're looking at her.
-Oh. Lovely.

I look forward
to seeing you both.

Us, too. Merry christmas.

-Nice meeting you, mayor flynn.
-Nice meeting you.

So the journal's
looking for dirt on the mayor?

She's an amazing person.

From everything I've researched,
she sure seems like she is.

But according to my boss,
everyone's got a secret

that's waiting to be exposed.

Do you think that's true?

I used to.

-[cell phone rings]
-sorry.

Uh, it's tish,
I should probably get this.

Okay, tell her I say hi.

I should go help
set up the clues.

-Yeah. Okay.
-[erik] see you later.

-Hello?
-Charity, it's me.

-I found something.
-Wait.

What are you talking about?
Found what?

About erik.

I found out
who his birth parents are.

[tisha on phone] girl,
they are millionaires.

[dramatic music]

[tisha] have a look.

[sighs]

I don't understand.
How did you do it?

I found the documents
that had been redacted,

but the high school
they went to wasn't.

Someone probably forgot
to black it out.

All I did
was go to the high school,

talked to a few people,
looked at a few yearbooks

and figured it out.

I can't believe it.

Turns out she got pregnant
when they were both 16

and gave erik up for adoption.

About ten years ago they came up
with this genius idea for an app

and struck gold.

I looked them up,
and they seem very eccentric.

Eccentric enough to give
two million dollars'

worth of gifts away each year?

Do you think
erik knows about them

and has been lying
this whole time?

No, there's no way
that he could have known.

In fact,
this will really hurt him

and completely crush
everything that he believes in.

Why would his parents do this?
It doesn't make any sense.

I don't know. Maybe to give him
the childhood he never had?

Or maybe to feel connected
to him in some way.

What are you gonna do?

I don't have the heart
to tell him.

What about the article? Janet
will want this to be included.

-It explains everything.
-I know. I know.

It's the missing piece
to the whole story.

But I told erik
that I wouldn't include anything

about his parents
in the article.

And a good reporter
doesn't break trust

with their subject.

And, plus,
this isn't some scandal

that needs to be exposed.

The christmas day giveaway
brings together so many people

and fills them with hope.

Why would I wanna ruin that?

[sighs] do you think
I'm making a huge mistake?

-By not telling the whole story?
-Of course not.

You're choosing integrity
over a headline.

[sighs]
if janet ever found out

that I had
this huge piece of information

and chose to withhold it,
I could get in so much trouble.

You wouldn't be a real reporter
if you didn't take some risks

for the betterment of others.

-Are you okay?
-Yeah. It's silly, really.

I started to believe.

And it felt really good
to lean in to the unexplainable.

I know. I'm so sorry, charity.

Me, too.

[laptop keys clacking]

so my flight lands around 8:00,

but, apparently,
there might be a storm.

So, hopefully,
I don't get delayed.

Hello? Earth to charity?

What? Yeah. Yeah, sure.

What's up with you today?
You don't seem yourself.

Uh, I'm just tired,
I was up all night

trying to re-write my story.

And you're not happy with it?

[sighs]
well, I made some changes,

but I decided
to basically keep it the same.

So I'm staying true to myself.

I'm doing
what I believe is right.

And... I just sent it.

What will janet think?

Uh, well, she, she's going to be
disappointed that I didn't

uncover anything groundbreaking,
but she has to accept it,

otherwise the paper will have
an empty front page.

Well, I'm still very excited
to read it.

-I'm sure it's great.
-Thank you, dad.

I can't believe
it's already the 23rd.

Are you excited
to go to the mayor's

christmas eve gala tomorrow?

I heard that sarah jessica
parker might be there.

I'm not even gonna ask you
how you know who she is.

I told you. I'm hip, man!

Oh, yeah, I guess I'm excited,

but I'm more so
just looking forward

to spending time with erik

even if he has got it all wrong.

-What do you mean?
-Oh, nothing.

Well, I guess I should head in
to work. I'll see you tomorrow.

You betcha,
and I'll bring the champagne

to help celebrate
your first official article.

Thank you, dad.
I can't wait to see you.

[martin] you, too, kiddo.

[call disconnects]

[instrumental music]

hey.

Tish, what's wrong?

I'm sorry. I don't know
how she found out.

What are you talking about?

Charity, my office, now.

[sighs]

close the door.

Where are the changes
I asked for?

[sighs]
I'm sorry, janet.

I, I just couldn't do it.

It wouldn't be right.

Do you think most journalists
out there get their big stories

by doing what's right?
Give me a break.

Well, what good'll it do
to print the real way

that the gifts are acquired?

It'll hurt a lot of wonderful,

kindhearted people,
not to mention,

make the whole thing
seem fraudulent.

Fraudulent. That's the point.

But we don't even know for sure
if his parents

are behind it all,
it's all speculation.

Sometimes speculation is enough.

Our readers love a scandal.

Well, maybe I shouldn't
be writing for them.

Excuse me?

I wanna write about things

that inform, excite

and inspire new yorkers,
not gossip.

And if writing with integrity
makes me a bad journalist,

then maybe working
at the times square journal

isn't the job for me.

What? Wait, are you quitting?

Because of one article

about some guy
who's clearly delusional?

Well, I'd rather spend my time
reporting truthfully

on somebody like him
who believes in goodness

and kindness, than spend
my time working for somebody

who only cares
about what will sell.

Fine.

When you were little...

Didn't you ever believe
in the magic of christmas?

Look, erik's birth parents
may be the ones

who buy all the gifts, but that
doesn't take away from the fact

that the last 11 days
have changed me for the better.

There was magic
at each of those events

whether you wanna believe me
or not.

Erik wanted you to have this.

Merry christmas, janet.

[sighs]

[laptop keys clacking]

[cell phone ringing]

-hello?
-Hi. You on your way?

Yeah, sorry, you know,
I don't think I'm gonna be able

to make it in today 'cause
I'm not really feeling so great.

I'm-I'm sorry to hear that. Oh.

When does the times square
journal come out tomorrow?

'cause I cannot wait to read
your words in print.

Uh, it should be early morning
around 9:00.

Charity,
this, this is a huge deal.

Your first article
as a reporter, wow.

-Uh, listen, I should get goin'.
-Oh, you'll be missed.

-And I'll see you tomorrow?
-See you tomorrow.

[instrumental music]

oh, tom, this weather is insane.

Charity,
you shouldn't be out in this.

-They're calling for a blizzard.
-A blizzard? Are you serious?

It's only supposed to get worse.

Hey, where's today's copy
of the times square journal?

They had a delivery delay.

Probably on account
of the weather.

I'd tell you to come back
and check in a few hours,

but I'm gonna close up
early today.

Yeah. Well,
it's probably online anyway.

-Well, merry christmas!
-You, too, charity.

-[door opens]
-[tisha exhales sharply]

what are you doing home?
It's not even noon.

-I quit, too.
-What?

No! No, you did not have
to do that for me.

Listen... It's not just
about you.

You were right.

Working for a company
that doesn't value compassion

isn't worth it.

I'll find a research job
somewhere else.

That's why
you're my best friend.

Plus, I couldn't miss helping
you get ready for tonight!

-Oh!
-How excited are you?

I'm excited.

But?

But I don't know. I just...

I feel weird not being
totally honest with erik

about what I know.

-You're protecting him.
-Yeah, I guess.

Have you picked up
a copy of your article?

I just tried
to look it up online,

but there's nothing there yet.

I tried to get one from tom,

and it's not
on the stands either.

-So you think janet pulled it?
-She wouldn't.

-Have you met janet?
-Good point.

Well, anyway,
maybe it's for the best.

I'm just excited
to spend time tonight with erik

without any agenda.

You really like him, huh?

[laughs]
yeah. Yeah, I guess I do.

[squealing]

-you're in love!
-Oh, you're insane!

I don't remember the last time
you felt this way.

Well, 'cause I don't know
that I've ever felt this way.

I'm so happy for you.

Okay, we don't even know
if he feels the same way.

Don't kid yourself.
I see the way he looks at you.

-With those heart eyes...
-[laughs]

[sighs] well, I guess
we'll find out tonight.

-Let's get you ready.
-[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

you look... Wow.

-Uh...
-You, too.

I was looking for your article
this morning.

-I, I couldn't find it.
-Yeah.

I don't know
if it's ever gonna come out.

I'm pretty sure it was pulled.

Really? Was I that boring?

No... Uh, is it cool if we don't
talk about the article tonight?

'cause I'd rather just be
present. Here.

-[instrumental music]
-with you.

-Wanna dance with me?
-[chuckles]

yes, I would.

♪ I don't need no presents ♪

♪ round my tree ♪

♪ on the mis... ♪

and, uh, I, um...

I was thinking about you
a lot today.

Yeah? What about?

Um, well, I was thinking

that since you're done
reporting on me,

you're no longer obligated
to spend time with me.

That is true.

-I'm finally free.
-[laughs]

and, um...

It made me sad.

Um, the idea
of not seeing you every day.

I know what you mean.

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

Good.

Good, 'cause at some point today
I'm gonna ask you out

on a real date,
and I thought you should know.

Okay. Well,
that is very generous of you.

Um, now I've got some time
to think of a gentle way

to let you know
I'm busy that day.

Well, you can't be busy
all the days.

[chuckles]

why don't you just ask me out
now, and get it over with?

Charity jones,

will you do me the great honor

of going out on a date
with me...

Uh, this Friday?

I'm busy.

[laughs]
I would love...

I would love nothing more.

I'm really happy that I met you.

I, uh, I hope
this isn't too forward,

but I feel like
I'm really starting to--

-okay, um, uh, wait.
-Fall--

um, before you say
anything else,

I think there's something that
I should probably tell you.

Okay. What is it?

Well, it has something to do
with what I found out

while I was working out
on the article.

Uh, I thought you didn't wanna
talk about the article tonight.

Um...

-[cell phone vibrating]
-oh. Hold on a s-s-second.

-It's, uh, it's aaron.
-Oh.

He says he needs to talk to me
about something that's urgent.

Oh. Uh, is everything all right?

I don't know,
but I, I should call him.

Um, give me a sec.

[flynn] erik?

-So glad to see you!
-Hi.

Oh. Mm. Don't you look handsome?

Thank you, mayor flynn.

-Um, you remember charity?
-Uh, hi again.

I'm quite surprised
to see you here.

Oh, I...

I mentioned to you
the other day, uh,

she's my plus one.

You haven't read the article?

I'm sorry?

Trying to turn something
that is so special for our city

into a potential
fraud investigation?

-What?
-[sighs]

-what?
-Wait...

Erik, I have no idea
what she's talking about.

"erik gallagher, founder of nsb,

full of the christmas spirit
or just full of it?

By charity jones."

wait. I didn't write that.

You think my birth parents

are funding all of the gifts
to get a tax break?

[scoffs]
wait, hold on.

My boss must have rewritten
my article out of spite.

You didn't answer my question.

I'm sorry.

-I wanted to tell you.
-I can't believe this.

You promised that
you wouldn't make my parents

a part of the article.

I didn't! In fact,
I quit because of it all!

So when did you know
who they were?

Just a few days ago.

And like I said,
I wanted to tell you, but--

and so after you promised
that you wouldn't include them,

you were still trying
to find them?

Wait, no. That was tish--

I don't, I don't know
who my parents are,

but they have nothing to do
with the christmas day giveaway.

Charity, I, I trusted you.

-How could you do this?
-I know. I'm sorry.

Me and you, all of this was,

was just so you could get ahead
in your career?

No! No, you've got it all wrong.

Erik, you know me, you know
that I would never do anything

to hurt you.

I think you should leave.

Erik, you have to believe me.

Like you believed me?

You know what,
I, I think I'm gonna leave.

I, uh, I need to prepare
for tomorrow's giveaway

if anybody even shows up, so...

Merry christmas, charity.

Erik, please!

Please...

[instrumental music]

[line ringing]

[martin on voicemail]
hi, this is martin.

Please leave a message.

[music continues]

♪ glo-o-o-o-o-o ♪

♪ o-o-o-o-o-o-ria ♪

♪ in excelsis deo ♪

♪ glo-o-o-o-o-o ♪

♪ o-o-o-o-o-o-ria ♪

♪ in excelsis deo ♪

♪ glo-o-o-o-o-o ♪

♪ o-o-o-o-o-o-ria ♪

♪ in excelsis deo ♪

♪ shepherds why this jubilee? ♪

♪ why your joyous strains
prolong? ♪

♪ glo-o-o-o-o-o ♪

♪ o-o-o-o-o-o-ria ♪

♪ in excelsis deo ♪

♪ glo-o-o-o-o-o ♪

♪ o-o-o-o-o-o-ria ♪

♪ in excelsis ♪

♪ deo ♪

[door shuts]

-[sighs] dad.
-There's my girl.

You have no idea
how happy I am to see you.

Hey. Hey.

There, there.
Everything's gonna be all right.

I'm so sorry, honey.

Janet should have
never have done that to you.

I knew
as soon as I read the article

that you would never write
that kind of fluff.

Well, he thinks
I'm a horrible person.

You should have seen the look
on his face.

He was heartbroken.

A person can only experience
heartbreak

if they're truly in love.

And if he cares about you
the way I think he does,

he'll come to his senses.

I don't know. He wants to be
with someone who believes.

And you don't?

Not everything
has to be about facts

and what adds up.

You know what,
let's go for a walk.

The fresh air will do us good.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

[mumbles]

everything's gonna be all right.

It's christmas eve,
magic in the air.

Yes, I'm... Aware.

-Oh. I'm so sorry.
-I-it's quite all right.

Frank murray? Is that you?

Marty! Wow! It's been too long!

-Uh, this is my wife, diane.
-Hi, diane.

How have you been, frank?
Oh, and how's the shop?

-I need to get over there soon.
-It's fantastic.

The christmas truffles
sold out early today,

so I certainly can't complain.

Did you say christmas truffles?

Charity, this is frank,
owner of frank's chocolate shop

in the west village.
We went to nyu together.

-Charity jones? The reporter?
-Hey, you're frank?

I waited for an hour
at the diner.

-On 34th.
-Broadway.

Uh, I'm so sorry for the mix-up.

Yeah, me, too.

But if I didn't talk
to you, then...

-Oh, my...
-Charity, are you okay?

It was, it was so nice
to meet you both.

Uh, dad, something just came up.

I'll meet you
back at the apartment, okay?

[door opens]

-[laptop keys clacking]
-[instrumental music]

[sighs]

[charity] it all started
on an early December morning

at a newsstand.

Little did I know
that erik gallagher

or as he's more well known,
erik christmas,

was about to change my life
forever.

Because of him, I learned
that kindness and love

have the power
to give people hope,

and make the seemingly
impossible possible.

Now I know in my heart
that santa is real.

All you have to do is believe.

I mean, really believe.

And the spirit of christmas
will do the rest.

[cell phone vibrating]

[instrumental music]

ten o'clock?

[scribbling]

good morning, sunshine.

-Merry christmas.
-Oh.

What were you doing up so late
last night, huh?

Dad, will you come with me
to the park?

I think I've got to make things
right before it's too late.

I thought you would never ask.

[upbeat music]

[indistinct chatter]

whoa! A real scooter!

[sighs]
okay.

I think I should go find erik.

Yes. Go to him, honey.

I love you.

-[charity chuckles]
-I love you, too, kiddo.

-Now go!
-[chuckles]

[erik] hey.

Hey.

-I read your blog.
-Really?

You're a great writer, charity.

Erik, I'm sorry
that I doubted you

and it took me so long
to understand, but I get it now.

-I believe.
-It's okay.

Charity, what, what you wrote...

Did you mean it
that you were falling in love?

No, I...

I am falling in love with you.

Good...

Because I'm falling in love
with you, too.

[laughs]

christmas delivery!

Oh? From who?

Santa, of course.

[laughs]

it's the letter.

Merry christmas, charity.

[cell phone ringing]

[erik] go ahead.

Uh, hello?

[mike on phone] hi,
I'd like to speak

to charity jones, please.

This is her.

Hi, this is mike hollis
calling from the times.

I'm sorry to bother you
on christmas day.

Oh, no, uh, that's all right.
How can I help you?

I've been seeing
your blog post is getting

a lot of attention today.
I read it.

I think it's a wonderful piece.

-Thank you.
-[mike] so listen.

I won't take up
too much of your time,

but I wanted to get to you
before anyone else did.

There's an opening
here at the times,

in the new york region section.

We're looking for a new reporter

and I think you might be
the one to fill that space.

Me? The times?

Would it be all right if I gave
you a call in the new year

to schedule a meeting?

Yes! Yes!

A million times yes!

Good. Merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

[laughing]

what could possibly make
this christmas any better?

I can think of something.

[song playing]

[man] ho, ho, ho!

[man] merry christmas!