All language subtitles for The.Twelve.Trees.of.Christmas.2013.1080p.WEBRip.x265-RARBG

*

*

(reading)
"He spoke not a word,

"but went straight
to his work,

"and filled
all the stockings,

"then turned
with a jerk.

"And laying his finger
aside of his nose,

"and giving a nod,

"up the chimney
he rose.

"He sprang
to his sleigh,

"to his team
gave a whistle,

"and away
they all flew

"like the down
of a thistle.

"But I heard
him exclaim,

"'er he drove out
of sight,

"Merry Christmas
to all

"and to all
a good night."

You are going to be
sick of that poem

by the time
Christmas comes.

I know, but it's the one
they keep choosing.

It's one of my
favorites too.

*

Hey, Emily.

Did you start
reading without me?

I was trying,
Miss Jamison.

Good for you.

Is that Emily's
Sky World Adventure?

You know this story.

It's my favorite.

You read it to
us a while ago.

Well, a little
pixie dust

certainly does stir
the imagination.

Okay,
let's get started.

First--

I have something
for you.

Oh, wow!

What's this?

It's kind of a Christmas
and a thank you gift.

I'm really happy that
you're tutoring me.

Go ahead, open it.

Okay.

(laughing)

Oh, wow.

She's so beautiful.

(reading) To soar
above the clouds

one must have faith.

It's my favorite
quote

from Emily's Sky
World Adventures.

Well, I think
she's beautiful.

I'm going to put her on
the very top of my tree.

All right,
let's get reading.

There's no such thing
as a child who can fly,

or is there?

Emily asked her
mom every minute

of every day
of every week,

"but why
can't I fly?"

Perhaps if you try,
you may learn to fly.

So, off Emily went,
every minute

of every day
of every week,

she would run and jump,
and flap her arms.

That was great.

*

*

Oh, hey, Mac.

Hey.

How are ya?

All right.
How are you?

Great!

Would you mind
changing a couple

of burnt out bulbs
in my office?

Yeah, sure.

I just gotta do some
photocopying first.

Is that
your resume?

Yeah.

Are you looking
for a new job?

Have you...
checked your email?

No.

*

*

Bette, what's
going on?

I take it you read
the memo.

But, this building
has been a library

for half a century!

The foundation can't
just suddenly shut it down!

They can
and they will.

Believe my, I've been
burning up the phones

for months trying
to stop them.

Wait, you've known
about this for months?

Sit.

I haven't told any
of the staff yet,

because so far it's
only been rumors

and I didn't want to upset
people unnecessarily.

This is a public library
in a private building.

The Shaughnessy Foundation
gave the city a 50-year,

dollar a year lease,
which expired last month.

They've decided
not to renew it,

but to instead redevelop
this property as part

of a new condominium
and apartment complex.

So, what about a library
for the neighborhood?

Well, I doubt that's
a priority for them.

But, it's not right!

No, but it's legal.

This is more than
just a library,

it's a watering hole
for the community.

Do you know what
happens in Africa

when a watering hole
dries up?

Everything dies.

I've been head
librarian for ten years,

and I've dealt with the
city on hundreds of issues.

I know how to
get things done,

but I need a few
good cards to play

and we've
got nothing.

The thing is,
they've got all

the legal advantages
on their side.

The Shaughnessy
Foundation is exercising

a right that is very
clearly theirs.

We could do
a fund-raiser.

Cheri--

The community
would support us!

People love
this building!

I--
I grew up here.

This building, it's a landmark
in the neighborhood.

It doesn't matter.

The Foundation doesn't
need community approval.

They can do
whatever they want.

There has to be a way that
we can change their minds.

Well, their plans are
pretty far along already.

Rosaleen Shaughnessy.

Hm?

She took over the Foundation
when her husband died.

Her grandson
lives in my building.

Do you know him?

Prince Tony?

He's got the penthouse,
I live in a rent-controlled

cubby hole on
the third floor.

We might as well live
on separate planets,

but we do occasionally run
into each other in the lobby.

In fact, this morning we
even nodded at each other.

*

Oh--
Hey! Hi!

Hi, I'm Cheri
Jamison from 3A.

We've seen each other
in the lobby before.

Right.

Yeah, hi, I'm
Tony Shaughnessy.

I know.

Uh... I was just wondering
if I could speak

with you for a moment.

Sure, sure.

But I kind of have
my hands full here.

Do you mind
coming up?

Don't worry,
I'm harmless.

Of course.

Yes, great!

Oh...

I can't believe all this
exists just a few stories

above my head.

Come on, I'm sure your
apartment's just as nice.

Yeah, Architectural Digest
has just been nagging me

for that interview.

Did you decorate
it yourself?

(laughing)

What, are you
kidding me?

No, no, I leave that
to the professionals.

A woman named Cordelia
does my decorating.

Cordelia, no last name,
Cordelia?

Yeah.

I see her name in
magazines all the time.

She's a really
big deal.

She does all the movie
star homes, right?

Yeah, that's
the one.

Well, she did a
really nice job.

Do you, uh... do you
want something?

Some tea
or coffee, or...

Uh, just a water
would be great.

Water.

Okay.

It's funny that we
never really met before.

You know, since we live
in the same building.

Well, that's
New York for you.

Not this neighborhood.

I've always felt a real
sense of community here.

Ever since I was
kid, but you know that.

I mean, you
grew up here, too.

Well, not really.

I spent most of the
year at boarding school.

My grandfather kind
of insisted on it.

Yeah, but you're--
You're Tony Shaughnessy.

Your grandfather's name
is on every other building.

You're a part of the first
family of this community.

Yeah.

It's an honor.

I guess it is.

Your grandfather created
something wonderful.

That's, um, that's
actually why I'm here.

I'm the children's librarian
at the Shaughnessy Library.

I came to talk to you about
what a humongous mistake

it is for them
to tear it down.

Thought maybe I could talk
to you and you could speak

with your grandmother
and get her to reconsider

extending the lease.

(laughing)

Silly me.

I thought I was just being hit
on by a very pretty girl.

But, uh... you're just
trying to save your job.

No! Yes!

I mean, no, it's not--
it's not just the job.

You don't need
to worry.

You're not going
to lose your job.

The city is going to
reassign everybody

to other libraries.
Your job is secure.

We went to great
lengths to ensure that.

We?

I work
for Charles Harris.

Charles Harris...

Yeah.

Heartless developer,
Charles Harris?

He's really not
that bad.

This neighborhood,
it needs a library.

Sure.

And that's a
matter for the city.

Which is dependent on
what the foundation decides.

The foundation has
already decided.

No, you're
missing the point.

The point is is that libraries
are a municipal matter,

and I'm sure they're going to
do right by this neighborhood.

After they get all
the improvements

that my development's
going to bring,

we're going to raise
property values--

Hey, don't
thank me now,

but this condo
of yours here,

it's going to
be worth double,

triple what
it is now.

Yeah, but I wouldn't even
want to live here anymore.

Oh, come on.

See, now you're just
being sentimental.

I grew up
in that building.

You did?

Yeah.

My father wrote his
doctorial thesis there.

And he used to
take me with him.

It was amazing.

Everyday we'd walk through
those doors together,

into this magical
land filled with...

filled with everything
in the whole world.

It's where I learned
to love books.

And reading.

It's the greatest gift
my father gave me.

And I think that every
child in this neighborhood

should experience
that feeling.

Kids these days, they
get everything online.

Yeah, but it's
not the same.

You can read
Dickens on an e-book,

you get the words, but...
you're missing the music.

Cheri, life is
about change.

You can't stop it.

Charles Dickens
would agree with me.

Charles Dickens would
never tear down a library.

Look, I gotta tell
you, there's nothing

that you can do
to stop this.

I'm sorry.

Well, you don't
know me very well.

I'm not letting
this go.

Hold on a second--

Your job is secure,
but I wouldn't do anything

to jeopardize that.

If there's no
Shaughnessy Library,

then I don't
have a job.

I've got to try
to save this.

I'm going to prove to
you how wrong you are.

Trust me, I've
thought about this

and this is
a very good idea.

Hold on a second--

We don't start bull-dozing
until the new year.

At least
you have Christmas.

How very generous
of you, Ebenezer Scrooge.

You know, maybe when you
finish counting all

of your gold coins,
you can come down

to the library on
Christmas Eve.

That's when we distribute
all of the toys

that have been donated.

The fire department
even brings Santa Claus.

You can see firsthand
how important we are

to this community.

And witness the joy on
the children's faces.

And then crush all of their
dreams when you announce

your great plan to
demolish their sanctuary

of imagination,
knowledge and art.

For a condo.

Goodnight.

*

SLAM!

*

Ugh!

Sigh

He thinks the library is just
this archaic old building

filled with
recyclable papers,

and I bet, he
doesn't even recycle.

The problem is he never really
spent a lot of time here.

Or, in the neighborhood
for that matter.

Yeah.

Private school.

The point is he doesn't know
what this building means

to an entire
generation of people.

I mean, everything
I know about art

and literature and
music, I learned here.

I would be a completely
different person

if it weren't for
this building.

Yet he does have
a point.

eBooks are taking over
and most kids these days

haven't even heard
of an encyclopedia,

much less opened one.

And with Google,
why should they?

Okay, the internet
can add to the mix,

but you're never
going to be able

to replace
physical books.

I mean--

You need to be able to see
and touch and hold and even

smell a book to get the
whole reading experience.

Too bad you can't convince
Tony Shaughnessy of that.

I know.

I still can't believe
his grandmother

would let him
tear it down.

She used
to love this place.

I wonder
if she still does.

Well, of course
I'll miss it.

Not just the apartment,
but the whole neighborhood.

And you're just going to give
it up for a warmer climate?

I didn't come to this
easily, but you know,

I wake up every day
and I look

for the sun dancing
on the ceiling.

The neighbor's cat
on the windowsill,

and that smiling
face in the kitchen.

And Christmas'
in Galway.

You know, when I
was a young girl.

And they've all gone.

Everything just
gets lost to time.

And anyway, the future belongs
to the next generation.

But you and your husband
created this neighborhood.

I mean,
you have a legacy.

There's not many people
who can say that.

You know, it was my
idea to convert

the mansion
into the library.

My husband was convinced
that it was his idea,

but it really wasn't.

I knew it took a woman
to think of that.

Turned out pretty
well, didn't it?

It certainly did.

Yeah, I know...

It's just
a wonderful place.

It's just so full of
promise and potential.

Cheri, I'd do anything
to save it if I could.

But you're the head of
the Shaughnessy Foundation.

The final decision
is yours.

And I've decided.

Tony's been working
on this project for years,

and I'm not going to
take it away from him.

I'm sorry, lamb,

but family is more
important on this one.

*

That looks great.

*

Oh, dude,
awesome.

Hey, Cheri!

Coming to check
on us?

Well, I heard we
had quite a bunch

of talented artists
down here.

I hope
I'm not interrupting.

Of course not.
We're happy to show off.

Deirdre, how are
things at the gallery?

Busy.

I feel like I live there,
but I had to sneak away

for these guys.

Awww.

I just got my first
real Christmas tree,

and as I was
decorating it,

I thought how a Christmas
tree is a representation -

not just of the holiday
- but of our lives.

You know, each one tells
a story of who we are.

Are you okay?

I think I just had
an a-ha moment.

Hello.

Thank you everyone
for turning out

for the annual Shaughnessy
Library Toy Drive.

For those of you
who don't know me,

I'm Cheri Jamison.

I'm the
children's librarian here.

Actually, looking around,
most of you look familiar.

Which means you're
regulars. So, this year,

we are going to shake
things up a little bit.

We're going to
have a contest.

A Christmas tree
decorating contest.

And we want everyone
to decorate their tree

based on the theme

what the Shaughnessy
Library means to me.

Which means you could pick
anything - a literary theme,

or you could choose
to decorate a tree

which represents something
that you've learnt here.

Maybe a skill, or a
craft, or even a language.

It's totally up to you.

We will assign you a tree
and then on Christmas Eve -

along with the toy drive
- we will light up

all of the trees and
then the night will end

at seven o'clock
with the judging.

Okay!

Are there any questions?

How many trees
will there be?

Twelve.

And they'll be displayed
in the banquet room.

Uh, I just heard a rumor
that they're going

to tear down
the library.

(murmuring)

Well, that's why this
contest is so great.

It will be an opportunity for
us to show the community

how important the
library is to all of us.

The rumors are true.

There hasn't been an
official announcement yet,

but the Shaughnessy Library
is as of now scheduled

to be shut down
and raised.

What?

We're hoping
for a miracle.

At least if we go, we go
in a blaze of glory.

That's right.

And there will be prizes
for all of the winners.

Bette and I will also
be decorating trees,

but don't worry,
the staff is not a part

of the official competition.

Do you think this
will really work?

I don't know, but that's
why this is so important.

We all love the library.

We can't just stand by
and watch it be destroyed.

*

Um...

Okay, so, uh, this
is the sign-up sheet.

If you could put your name
and contact information

and the theme of your
tree if you know it,

if not you can
email me with it later.

Is there anything else?

Who's going
to judge?

To be determined.

What are you
doing here?

Is it not a
public meeting?

Yes.

But, for people with hearts,
not fungi with black souls.

(chuckling)

That's cute.

Nice move,
by the way.

Um, going
to my grandmother.

Thank you.

You really won't leave
this alone, will you?

Nope.

Okay.

I tell you what,
I'm going to do a tree,

because I love
competition,

and I'm pretty sure that
I'm going to beat you.

So.

Oh, not a chance.

Not a chance,
she says.

Nope.

Okay.

You're on.

You're on.

Signup sheet
is, uh?

Yeah.

Hi.

Hi.

*

Hi.

Oh, hi.

I remember you from the
computer lab, right?

I loaned you a pen.

I'm Artie.

Deirdre.

I know.

You're the artist.

Did I tell you that?

I just know.

I signed up
to do a tree,

but I have no idea
what to do.

I've got some great ideas
for an electronic display,

but I'm not really the
creative professional.

Well, I'm more of
an amateur myself.

I work at a gallery
in the village.

Well, maybe we
could work together.

I studied here, so technology's
going to be my theme.

A collaboration...

I'd love to.

When do you think
we can get to work?

Really?
Oh.

(laughing)

Okay, I don't know, um--
tomorrow afternoon,

I've got the equipment
in my apartment.

Okay, great,
your place.

Around four o'clock?

Perfect.

Perfect!
(laughing)

I'm right around
the corner.

Okay.

I'll see you at four.

See you then.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye!

Hi.

Wow.

Twice in one day.

I didn't think anybody ran
into each other in New York.

What?

What, you're not
still mad at me

for entering into
the contest?

Nope.

Yes.

No, you know what?

I am mad at you for
mocking my contest

by signing up for a
tree, but I am furious

with you for tearing
down our library.

Wow!
Dramatic.

It is low to taint Christmas
with your malicious lies.

What were you
planning on?

Putting a little devil at the
top of your Christmas tree?

(laughing)

Did you not mastermind
this entire thing

to have my grandmother
see all the pretty trees

and get all teary and
sentimental, and then

cancel her permission
for redevelopment?

I'm just trying to bring
a little perspective

to how important
this building is.

You don't have
to tell me

about how important
this building is.

I know how important
this building is.

This building is
my grandfather's

crowning achievement.

Oh, then why are
you tearing it down?

Change is
difficult for people,

but you should know
that Jane Eyre.

We would still be
living in caves

if people didn't push
things forward.

I know change
is scary,

but it's completely
necessary.

Well--

You are betraying your
grandfather's legacy.

Let's just talk about
what's really going on here.

See, I think
you're afraid that

your cushy job is
going to change,

so you've turned this
into a crusade.

Oh.

See, that
is just wrong.

You know,
you're just--

You're half, half as clever
as you think you are.

That's still twice
as clever as you.

*

My goodness...

Tony, darling, who are
you quarreling with?

Oh-- Oh, that's
Cheri, the librarian.

She's waged war
on me.

On you?
Tony, that's absurd.

I've never met
anybody so stubborn.

See, she's upset with me
because I've entered into

this Christmas tree
decorating contest.

You're decorating?

Well, that's--

No, no, no, no,

it's nothing
like what you do.

Oh...
You flatter me.

You are such
a gentleman.

You know what?
I'd be delighted.

Be--

You're going to decorate
a Christmas tree?

Isn't that
beneath you?

Don't you have a
reputation to uphold?

My reputation is built
on making people happy.

Making you happy.

How much would
this cost me?

Let's negotiate.
Over lunch?

Okay.

Hi, Charlie.

Tony--

I need you to have a
security crew on standby.

Why?

I've moved up the
demolition date.

It's December 26th now.

I want you to be prepared
to empty the building out

of anything that could
be left behind.

Wow.
Why?

That's a week and a
half ahead of schedule.

It's going to screw
everything up.

The publicity machine will
be down for the holidays.

Everybody will be drinking
eggnog and singing carols.

The library will be dust

before their New Year's
hangovers wear off.

Then we've avoided
any negative press.

The supreme art
of war is

to subdue your enemy
without fighting.

Charlie--

You're not getting
nostalgic on me, are you?

You know what
nostalgia is?

It's just a fondness
for the past.

It's as dead as the words
on the pages in those books.

And the library is just a
graveyard for those words.

We're building
for the future.

For the living.
Don't forget that.

(knocking)

Who is it?

Tony Shaughnessy.

(knocking)

Hi.

Don't worry.
I come in peace.

Were you hoping
I was asleep

so you could smother
me with a pillow?

Ha.
Maybe.

I was just thinking
about what you said,

and I would like
you to know that

I am not betraying my
grandfather's legacy--

I'm sorry. I shouldn't
have said that.

I was upset. It was
totally out of line.

No, no.
This is my fault.

This is my fault
for suggesting that

you have an ulterior motive
for holding the contest.

You're right.
I do.

Coffee truce?

Sure.

Sure.

I'll put a pot on.

Okay.

You know, it's weird, it's
like, this is my home,

but still I feel like
I don't know it all.

That's the trouble
with boarding school.

I was really, really
envious of all you guys.

Really?

Yeah.

Yeah, because you could do
whatever you wanted to do.

You could study whatever
you wanted to study,

you could go wherever
you wanted to go.

It wasn't quite as
carefree as all that.

But it was compared
to me.

I was born into
the family business.

My grandfather stapled
an application

to Harvard business
school to my crib.

What, you didn't want to go
into the family business?

Yeah, sure, I guess.
I don't know.

Come on, you're
such a huge success.

Am I?

Yeah.

Okay, what is your
definition of success?

Um...
I don't know.

I guess living your
passion every day.

And helping other
people and enjoying life.

Wow.

You are a little bit
of a Pollyanna.

I'm sorry,
but you know.

What about that thing,
it's called money?

Do what you love and
the money will follow.

I've always believed
that successful people

attract money.

It's not money that
makes you a success.

That's really sweet.

Why?

What's your idea
of success?

Well, money!

What did you
expect me to say?

I'm a Shaughnessy.

We have a bottom
line to uphold.

We have a
reputation to keep.

Nothing but first
class all the way.

Well, you have a lot of money
so you must be very happy.

Don't you think
I'm happy?

Why do you care
what I think?

I should go.

Uh, thank you
for the coffee.

So, uh, if I need
to talk to you--

If I have any questions
about the contest--

I'll, uh--

I'll call you
at the library.

Yeah, um--

Yeah, you should
do that.

Okay.

I'll see myself out.

Great.

Do that.

*

Excuse me?

Can you tell me where
the top of the tree is?

(laughing)

Isn't she beautiful?

She's amazing.

Um, fairytale
Christmas tree.

Close.
Fantasy.

It's my favorite
kind of story.

I figure I can make a couple
dozen of these by Christmas.

So much detail.

Yeah...

Would it be cheating
if I asked some

of our patrons
to help me?

No, not at all.

I mean, we're not really
part of the competition.

Great.

Put me down
for one fantasy tree.

Okay.

Oh, you haven't figured
out your theme yet.

No.
Not yet.

I'm still searching.

Do you see the
irony in this?

I'll get it.

I just need to be
inspired by something.

I have a feeling the
library will help.

How are
the others doing?

Mack, our janitor
and wannabe chef

is doing a Christmas
foods tree.

He's researching
vintage recipes...

*

Paul, can I ask you
a question?

Sure, Mack.

You ever had
calves foot jelly?

What's that?

You take a couple
of calves feet,

boil them down
- jelly.

No, I've never had
calves foot jelly.

What on earth
are you reading?

Victorian cookbook
for the holidays.

Thinking of trying out
a couple of recipes.

How do brains
balls sound to you?

It sounds like Hannibal
Lector is your mentor.

Broiled kidneys--
Pigeon compote.

Okay, stop--
Please.

All right.

How about some
bubble and squeak?

Jelly bouillion
and mutton sausage.

Come on!

You know what,
maybe stick with desserts.

Yeah...

I guess Victorians had
stronger stomachs.

See ya.

Would you look
at that...

Candied duck
foot web.

Huh.

Kind of like
potato chips.

Deirdre and Artie,
they have

the technology,
but no theme.

But it's state
of the art technology.

Technology can only help us
express the theme we choose.

It is not a theme
in itself.

The lights are cool.

Yeah, but what
does it mean?

I mean, behind every
great creation is a purpose.

Last year I put up
a tree in here

using all
light-emitting diodes.

I didn't even use
a real tree at all.

We have to use a tree.
It's one of the rules.

I'm just saying
it's superfluous.

I could do it
without one.

Not the point.

The tree is the palate
for our vision.

So, no lights?

Lights are in,
but we need a theme.

Oh, man...

What did you learn
at the library?

Electronics and
computer science.

And we're back
at square one...

How about you?

Hmmm...
People.

I mean, I'm new
to the city,

so volunteering
at the library

helped me
to meet new friends.

Really?
Someone like you, eh?

I can't believe you'd
have any problem.

I think people would fall
over themselves to meet you.

Well, I wanted to meet...

People who care
about things.

And people who are
curious enough

about the world around them
that they'll spend time

getting off their butts
and learning stuff.

And have you met the
right kind of people there?

Yes.

I've met all sorts of
wonderful people there.

The Martinsons don't
have a theme listed.

No, I know.

I was surprised
they even signed up.

I feel like every time you
see them they're all busy

and stressed out and
rushing off somewhere.

Courier knives.

Too old fashioned.

Star Wars!

What does that have
to do with the library?

Come on.

We borrowed the
dvd's from the library.

Then what does that
have to do with Christmas?

The theme is what the
library means to us?

Okay, we take
movies out all the time,

so movie themes
are a possibility.

All right, romance,
suger plums and mistletoe.

A vampire Christmas!

Yeah, a fresh
blanket of snow.

Werewolves in garlands.

And those little
twinkle lights.

A blood red moon.

Once again, you're
not listening to me.

Could you please
take this seriously?

The only reason I agreed
to read the Twilight series

with you is because we
got the book for free.

No werewolves,
no vampires.

Well, you come up
with some ideas.

Courier knives have been around
for more than a century.

It's a classic.

Well, it's also boring.

We need something new,
something fresh--

Oh, like vampires
and werewolves.

Come on!

Well, at least
it's popular.

Well, tell me
your ideas then.

Yeah, I'm gonna
think of something!

Where are you going?

Somewhere quiet.

What?

I'm trying to read.

Okay...

That's your temper.

That's you.

What's his royal
highness' theme?

Ok, everybody loves what
you did with my loft.

This time, I want you
to do the same thing,

except with the tree.

Okay, wait.

I need to know what you
want this tree to say.

What I want it to say,
I want it to say,

"hey, look at me!
I just won first prize!"

Is there a theme?

Sure.

Listen, this whole contest
was dreamed up

by this
children's librarian,

in order to get
my grandmother

to be more emotional
about the library.

We need to make her
equally as emotional,

but keep her
on our side.

We need to show her that
we respect her values,

but that the
world's changing

and we need
to keep up with it.

The same librarian you had
the shouting match with?

Yes.

She's very...
passionate.

Hmm...

So you want old
with new.

That sounds great.

Maybe antique
ornaments

combined with
contemporary effects.

I love it.

Let's brainstorm
over dinner.

Just make this the most
amazing Christmas tree

in the history of Christmas
trees. All right?

This should be enough
to get started.

You let me know
if you need any more.

This is going
to be quite the tree.

Do you have a judge?

No.

But I have an idea.

I think maybe it's just
gonna be Artie's tree.

What's wrong?

Oh... well...
we keep disagreeing.

I want one thing,
he wants another.

You're gonna
work it out.

We're pretty
far apart.

Hey, take
a deep breath.

Start over.

Christmas is about
bringing people together.

Not driving them apart.

I guess.

Believe me, I'm right.

*

I'm tempted.

We would be so honored
if you would judge.

It's difficult for me
to get around anymore.

We could make it
super-easy for you.

We would pick you up
and drop you off,

and it'll only
take an hour.

It would mean
so much to everyone.

I mean, you're the first
lady of this neighborhood.

Your neighbors would
love the opportunity

to spend your last Christmas
in New York with you.

Well, it would be a
wonderful send-off.

So, you'll do it?

Oh, dear.

I know to you
the library's the future.

I'm so sorry that I dragged
you into the middle

of this battle
between me and Tony.

But, I am not
giving up.

What's that you're
playing with?

Oh, it's St. Anthony.

My father gave it to me.

He's the patron
saint of lost things.

I guess my dad assumed
one day I'd lose my mind.

He's also the patron
saint of miracles.

Well, I sure could use
a miracle right now.

Well, you know, maybe all
things are not lost to time.

Well, you really got
my Tony all sparked up.

(laughing)

You know,
I've never seen

another lady do that
to him before.

It reminds me of Teddy
and I in our early days.

Well, Tony and I aren't
exactly a love story.

It's more like
Stephen King novel.

I had the same gumption
that you have.

That's how I got Teddy
to fall in love with me.

I'll do it.

You will?

Mmhmm.

Thank you!

It's going
to be perfect.

Oh, thank you
so much.

Thank you.

Mack, hi.

Hey.

Um, you got
a second?

Of course.

Yeah, sit down.

You know, uh,
the whole threat

of losing this place has
kind of got me thinking.

It's got us all racing
around, senseless.

It's funny, you know,
I came to New York

years ago
to follow my dream.

What's your dream?

Well, don't laugh...

To be a chef.

Why would I laugh
at that?

Well, I started out
as a dishwasher,

which led to another
job as a dishwasher,

which eventually led to the
washer of a whole building.

And just like that--
Twenty years passed me by.

I'm so sorry.

Nah, it's good.

This place has
been good to me.

Maybe the threat
of losing it

is the kick
in the pants I need.

Are you thinking about
going back to school?

No.

I'm thinking
of a food truck.

A sandwich truck
to be more specific.

During the holidays
I could serve

cranberry
and turkey Paninis,

and for the vegetarians
out there,

mashed potato and
gravy sandwiches.

Mashed potato and
gravy sandwiches?

I think you're onto
something here.

It could be the
Christmas dinner truck.

Christmas dinner
all year 'round!

I love it.

Um...

Thank you.

I've got it!

I thought I had it.

We could use light as a
raw expression of hope.

And of creation
and of Christmas.

What are you
talking about?

Light!
Sunlight!

Without the sun
we'd have nothing.

I mean, everything
would just be--

It's science leading
to technology.

This is what you
wanted all along.

I just really thought
that the lights looked cool.

*

*

(whistling)

Sorry.

Was that--

Are we, uh--

I think we're stuck.

We're stuck.

Yeah.

Yes, hello,
uh, hi.

We appear to be
stuck in the elevator.

Yes, yes,
that's the address.

No, no, no, we're fine.
We're all fine in here

just please send
someone immediately.

Yes, immediately.

Thank you.

Thank you.

It's not a big deal.

What??

No, I know.

It's, yeah, it's fine.
We're gonna be fine.

It's got all sorts
of automatic locks

and breaks,
we're not gonna fall.

Yeah, I know.

I was involved in refurbishing
the building, so--

I hired the elevator
installer and, uh,

he seemed like he knew
what he was doing.

Seemed like a guy who passed
all the tests and stuff, so--

I think it's, uh...
it's gonna be--

Are you claustrophobic?

Is it hot in here?
I just, I feel like--

(laughing)
Hey, hey, hey--

What?

Just relax.

I'm fine.

You okay?
- Yeah.

Just keep breathing.

Yup. Yeah.

On a scale
of one to ten,

how much anxiety are
you feeling right now?

Uh... it's about a--
Yeah, it's about a ten.

Okay.

Hey, follow my fingers
with your eyes, okay?

Okay,

Yup, mmhmm.

Just focus
on the movement.

Yeah.

Keep breathing.

Okay, I, uh--
Okay, okay, okay.

Okay, where
are you now?

Uh, amazingly,
um, about a three.

(doors opening)

Look at that--

Thanks!

Um, hey, that was, uh...
that was great, thank you.

For doing that.
Whatever--

Whatever that was.

EMDR.

Eye movement desensitization
and reprocessing.

The movement helps
to break you

from the traumatic
experience.

It helps with anxiety.

Interesting.

Where'd you learn that?
Wait, don't tell me.

The library.

Not all of us can afford
a world-class education.

Yeah, well, I paid my
way through college

doing construction work
every summer, so--

Really?

Yeah.

'Cause I've got some
shelves upstairs

that I need to put up.

You've got shelves.
Well... sure.

Consider it done.

You're going to come up
to my apartment

and put up shelves?

Yeah.

Lucky me.

Lucky you.

I'm gonna take
the stairs, so--

Oh. Right.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Everything in each one
of these units is going

to be completely
state of the art.

We're putting washer-dryers
in each one of them.

Sounds wonderful!

You think so?

Mmhmm.

It's amazing how
things have changed.

My first apartment,
everybody on the floor

had to use
the same bathroom.

Really?

Yeah.

Not in these.

Each of these is
going to have at least

two full bathrooms, and they're
going to be beautiful.

They're going
to be beautiful.

You remind me so much
of your grandfather.

Hey...

You don't think
he'd be upset

that I'm tearing down
the library, do you?

I haven't been back to
the library since he died.

I was afraid it
would be too painful.

He'd be so proud
of you.

You think so?

Oh, yes, because you're
going after what you want.

He'd appreciate that.

Yes, he loved you
very much.

But, so did
your father.

I know, I know you don't
like talking about him.

There's nothing
to talk about.

He left.

I barely remember him.

You see, your grandfather
was a great man.

And he was determined
that his children,

and his children's children
would not live in poverty.

Yes.

I mean, he had
a great work ethic

and he passed it
onto his family.

Do you remember him
spending time with you?

Well--

He worked hard
for his family.

Tony, if you're running
from the past

and looking
to the future,

it doesn't leave much room
for the present.

Your father, he was a sweet,
wonderful, loving man.

Who could not stand up
to your grandfather.

Ted dominated him.

He forced him
into the business,

pushed him into achieving
what he had achieved,

and then when
your mother died,

it was just too
much for him.

He shouldn't have
left me.

Mack: Hey.

Hi.

Got a couple
more trees up.

I'm starting to feel like
a real forest ranger.

(laughing)

Uh...

Join me.

Thanks.

Oh.

Hans Christian Andersen.

Research for my tree.

But his stories
are wonderful.

Did you know he
visited Dickens in London?

No.

He was supposed
to stay for three days.

He ends up staying
for six weeks.

In the end, the family would
wake up at dawn everyday,

escape out the back door so they
wouldn't have to entertain him.

(laughing)

Where did you hear this?

It was in some
Dickens biography I read.

Do you read a lot
of biographies?

I read whatever
I can get my hands on.

It's one of the perks
of working here.

I get to see
all the new stuff

as it comes out and
I grab it right away.

Would you know
anything about fantasy?

Well, it's not really my
strong suit, but some, yeah.

Maybe you could
give me a hand.

Really?

Yeah.

You look exhausted.

Yeah, I'm having
the worst day.

Where's Emily?

Oh, she's studying
with Cheri.

It's a program where
good readers pair up

with kids who
need help.

Is she reading Emily Sky
World Adventures again?

Is there any
other book?

Ok, what are we
going to do about

this whole Christmas tree
decoration contest?

I mean, do you think
we should withdraw?

We haven't even
started yet.

You don't have time,
I don't have time.

I mean, we don't
even have a theme.

I definitely
don't have time.

You're right.

We should probably
back out.

*

Hey, Mack.

Hey.

What are you
doing here so late?

Oh, it's better
than staying at home

in the apartment
alone, you know?

What about you?
Late night?

Still looking
for inspiration.

Oh.

Still no theme, huh?

Nope.

I was going stir-crazy
sitting in my apartment.

I thought maybe a change
of scene might help.

Well, the library's hardly
a change of scenery.

You practically
live here.

Here's a thought:
why don't you go home,

get some rest,
get a good night's sleep

and something will come
to you before you know it.

You know what?

You're right.

Maybe I can
dream something up.

Shamrock.

Shamrock.

A shamrock.

It's--
It's perfect!

Why didn't I think
of this before?

Mack!

You are a lifesaver.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you,
thank you, thank you.

Lifesaver... hm.

That's pretty cool.

*

I found it.

Check it out.

Ireland.

Irish.

Huh, like a certain
matriarch.

Very clever.

Or, is it sneaky?

Maybe a little bit
of both.

Ok, I'll admit at first I
was like cut to the chase,

give Mrs. Shaughnessy
what she wants,

but then I started researching
and look at this--

Christmas is
huge there.

Folk art, carols,
ceremonies.

Trees.

How can you possibly
create a tree out

of this
in two weeks?

Why not?

Woven from oak straw,
each elaborate decoration

takes several days
to create.

You still need to
learn how to weave.

Well, I'm not going
to make the ornaments.

I'll find them.

This is New York,
you can get anything here.

Yes, we can, but it usually
comes with a price tag.

How are you
gonna pay?

I'll beg.

I'll tell the owner
that it's going

to help save
the library.

I'll wheedle.

I'm an excellent
wheedler.

You are that.

Where are you going?

I'm taking Emily to her
reading class at the library.

I think we made
a mistake.

The tree?

Yeah.

Sweetheart,
go get your mittens.

Look, Emily's been
moping around

ever since
we told her.

Look, we may not have
enough time to do all

of the things that we want
to do, or even enough time

to do half of the things
that we have to do--

But Emily loves
that library.

And--

More importantly,
we met there.

It's where
we fell in love.

Cheri's right,
we can't give up.

We have
to at least try.

You're an amazing man.

I love you.

I love you.

Emily!

Guess who is back

in the Christmas tree
decoration business?

Really??

Yeah.

Really.

I can't wait
to tell Cheri!

We gotta go
before I'm late!

Emily loves that place.

Everything about it.

You know what?

Maybe that's
the theme.

Huh?

You know, um, childhood,
children, uh, fairytales.

You know, everything
that is child-related.

Ok, I am going
to go get some books

while Emily is
in her class.

I can think
of a dozen ways

we can go with this.

Yeah?

Maybe toys?

Yes, yes!

Emily's already outgrown
a bunch of her own toys,

and maybe her play buddies
can lend us some of theirs.

We can donate them
to the toy drive

at the end
of the night.

Okay, okay, great.

Um, okay, put a sticky
on anything that

is even
remotely interesting.

This just might work.

I think it will.

Okay.

I need to stop
on the way.

Did you find ornaments
for your tree?

I think so.

I found a book about
Irish crystal at the library.

There's a shop
I want to check out.

Good luck, Cheri.

Fingers crossed.

*

I'm hoping that seeing
a tree decorated

with memories of her
life in Ireland

will help her remember
her heritage.

Everything that
her husband created.

I knew him, you know.

Mr. Shaughnessy?

Mmhmm.

They both were in
my civics class.

We had to take it
to become citizens.

Teddy had a vision
and he never let anybody

stand in
the way of it.

That runs
in the family.

Are you a friend
of the family?

More like a foe.

Tony and I know
each other.

Oh, that poor boy.

Did you know that his father
abandoned the family

shortly after
his wife died?

I didn't know that.

I knew Tony was raised
by his grandparents,

but I wasn't sure why.

They kept things
very quiet.

I don't think anybody
knows what really happened.

I do know it was
terribly hard on Rosaleen.

Ted could always jump
back into his business.

Which he did.

Sometimes when
a man is determined

to accomplish something big,
the family pays for it.

It's ironic that his
grandson's the one

tearing it all down.

Do you think you
could help us?

I really need to impress
Mrs. Shaughnessy.

Come with me.

Irish crystal.

Most of it from
before the war.

It's so beautiful.

It all looks
so expensive.

Oh, they are.

Mmhmm.

I can let you borrow them
for the one night.

To save the library.

Really?

That's wonderful!

Just--

Don't tell my son.

He's very much into -
what does he call it -

oh!
The bottom line.

How about I come by
with some volunteers

on Christmas eve
and pick it all up?

But until then--

not a word.

Zip.

(laughing)

Oh, um, I don't suppose
there's any chance that

it would all be
sold by Christmas?

Oh, no.
(laughing)

We sell four, maybe
five pieces a year.

Teddy would want this.

I feel it in my heart.

Coming!

Hi!

Hi...

Is this a bad time?

A bad time...?

You know,
for shelf-building.

(drill whirring)

I didn't think
you were serious.

Well, why wouldn't
I be?

I'm very, very serious
about these kinds of things.

Oh, okay.

Well, then please,
come in.

Thank you.

So, this is it, huh?

Yeah.

You really don't
have to do this,

I was just joking.

Listen, I have you
down in my calendar

for shelf-building,
and if you cancel

without 24-hours notice,
I'm gonna be forced

to charge you
for a service call.

That's just how
it works, it's policy.

Ok, if you insist.

Can I at least get
you a glass of wine?

Yes.
Yes, you may.

Okay.

*

Okay...

(drill whirring)

You really are
good at this.

Why is that funny
to you??

(laughing)

I told you I did
construction for years.

I specialized
in shelves.

Wow.

You have a gift.

I wouldn't go
that far.

It's more of a hobby.

I don't know, it's very
professional looking.

Okay...

Maybe carpentry
is your calling.

Well, thank you.

No, thank you.

Cheers.

Cheers.

So, what
is your deal?

What?

How did you come
to be a librarian?

Well, actually, originally,
I thought I was going

to become a college
professor, like my dad.

But once I got
to college,

I became this
voracious reader.

Spent all my spare
time in the library

and I decided to major
in library sciences.

Library sciences
is not a real thing.

You just made that up.

It's a real thing.

You totally made
that up.

No, I didn't.

Wow.

What'd your dad say?
Was he disappointed?

He wasn't.

He was actually
incredibly supportive.

I think he probably
would have liked it

if I'd followed his path,
but he was okay.

I got this summer job
as a library intern,

tutoring kids and working
on this literacy program.

I loved it.

I worked with this one
first-grader, Elie.

He and I worked together
for a week until one day

he read all of The
Fly Went By to me.

He got to the last page
and he closed that book,

and he hugged it
to himself, and said,

"this is the best book
in the whole world!"

And that was it?

That was it.

I found my calling.

That's cool.

Yeah.

It's nice that you
know what you want.

Oh, come on.

You're the big
hotshot success.

You keep saying that,
but it's not actually true.

Yeah, but this project--

Has taken four years.

Hasn't made a dime
for my company.

I thought you were--

No.

No, I'm just
a humble employee.

Until the deal closes.

Then I'll
be less humble.

Well, I believe
you can do anything

you put your mind to.

Takes one
to know one.

You know...

Just because I didn't
spend a lot of time

growing up here,
doesn't mean

I don't care about
the neighborhood.

Yeah, but
it does mean

you don't know
much about it.

No, that's not true.

Oh, come on!

I've never seen
you in the library

until we announced
the contest.

As a matter of fact,
other than the lobby

in this building, I don't
think I've seen

you anywhere in
this neighborhood.

Not a restaurant,
or in a store--

I've never seen
you at the park.

Ok, but you do know
that I work very long hours.

I think the only reason you
signed up for this contest

is it's what your
grandfather would've done.

I think when
you get a vision,

you don't let anyone
stand in your way.

I'm fascinated.

Why don't you tell me
more about myself?

The library was
your grandfather's

greatest achievement.

I think deep down
you probably resent it,

because deep down you
don't think you'll ever

be able to achieve
anything that beautiful.

Your grandfather pushed
you to do big things,

but I don't think you think
you'll be able to do it.

You seem to have
me all figured out.

I'm sorry, I--

No, no--

That was
way out of line--

It's great.

I shouldn't have
said that.

No, no,
it's okay.

It's good to get these
things out in the open.

Anyway, I hope you
enjoy your shelves.

Thank you.
They're perfect.

Look, I'm really
sorry that things are...

the way they are.

It's inevitable.

Given the circumstances.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Okay--

On the count of 3--

One, two--

Three!

Wow!

You're brilliant.

*

Wow!

I'm sorry--

I just got carried
away by the tree--

No!

No, no, nothing
to apologize for,

believe me.

Remember how you
were talking about,

you know, meeting
friends at the library?

Well, maybe
you're right.

I mean,
I met you there.

That's right.

And I think of you
as a friend.

Just a friend?

I'm sorry.

I'm not very
good at this.

No, it's fine.

It's my mistake.

Why do I always
do this?

I feel so stupid.

I have to go.

No, please!
Wait!

It's okay.

I get it.

No!
You don't.

Look, electronics and
computers, I understand.

Okay?

I can build an
apache h-base,

open-source database,
built on top

of an HDFS
in one hour.

Okay, I can switch out
your magnetic hard drive

with a solid state system
with RAM drive SSS

faster than you can change
your pantyhose, but--

I don't know how
to talk to you.

You are talking
to me.

*

I don't even know
what happened.

Everything suddenly
changed, just like that.

Well, you can't expect things
to be normal between you.

You're at opposite ends
of a battlefield.

But we were
doing all right.

I mean, everything
was actually... nice.

He's nice.

Considering he wants
to tear down this building.

I know, but still.

You're not smitten,
are you?

No.

Because you
sound smitten.

I don't even know what
it means to be smitten.

It means you had a nice
evening with a man

who might destroy
everything you treasure,

and even though you
parted on bad terms,

you are still getting wistful
when you think about him!

You are,
aren't you??

Not smitten.

It's written all
over your face.

You know it's
impossible, don't you?

Of course.

One of you has
to lose, Cheri.

If the library
stays open,

he will never talk
to you again.

And if he wins?

Believe me,
you will despise him

when you see this building
being demolished.

You're right.

I mean, of course.

You're right, but, um,
I don't even want

to see him
again so--

It's fine.

Well, that's
smart of you.

Stay focused on
saving the library.

The heart can
complicate things.

Totally focused.

I mean, Tony and I may
be friendly, but--

I love this library.

*

I'm looking for
a specialty item.

It's the 24th
at five o'clock.

I think it would make
a wonderful photo-op,

or video-op,
or news-op--

Whatever you
call them.

Terrific.

Okay, we will
see you then.

(squealing)

Channel 8 is going
to cover the contest.

Fantastic!

Three days from now
and the whole city

will see what
we do here.

Well, I only need
one person to see.

Don't hold
your breath.

At least I got
Mrs. Shaughnessy

to judge the contest.

Yes, but let's not forget,
Tony Shaughnessy

is the jerk who is the
source of this problem.

He's not a jerk,
he just--

needs to see how wrong
he is about this place.

And hopefully, Christmas
eve will help with that.

It's going to
take a miracle.

That's what
I'm hoping for.

I have desk duty.

We'll chat
later, okay?

I was just
about to call you!

I'm afraid there's
been a problem.

What?

My son has sold all the crystal
and the antique ornaments.

A woman came in and
just bought everything.

How is that possible?

She is a very
well-known designer.

But to buy that
much crystal,

I've never seen
such a thing.

And the antique
ornaments on top of it.

It makes no sense.

Well, is there any way
you could stall her

until after the contest?

Oh, she's taken
all of it already.

What's her name?

Maybe I could
speak with her.

Cordelia.

With no last name?

That's right.

She never gave
us a last name.

I know her.

Thank you,
Mrs. O'Hannelin.

We tried.

But--

What are you going to do
about your tree, dear?

*

(knocking)

Tony, it's Cheri!

(knocking)

What is this?
A raid?

Who's decorating
your tree?

Why?

Is there some rule
that says

I have to decorate
my own tree?

I told you I leave
things to professionals.

Who's the professional
tree decorator?

Cordelia.

The woman who did my
apartment, remember?

Wow.

You really will do anything
to win, won't you?

What's wrong
with that?

You really don't
have any idea?

No.
Enlighten me.

You had her spy on me,
steal my idea

and everything
I've worked for.

Spy on you?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

I wrote
a cheque

and asked her
to design me a tree.

With that one signature
you and Cordelia

killed all my hopes
and dreams.

You don't care about anyone
but yourself, do you?

I knew this was going
to be a battle,

but I thought at least
you'd have the decency

to fight fair.

Fight fair?

What do you call
recruiting my grandmother

to judge your
stupid contest?

You call that
fighting fair?

Her name's on
the building, too.

Cheri, this is over.

No.
It's not.

I invited the press
on Christmas eve.

The people want
and need this library,

and I'm going to
prove it to you.

I'm going to expose you as
the scrooge that you are.

Excuse me?

You are nothing like
your grandfather.

He built things.

You just
destroy them.

*

Okay.

You know, you can chain
yourself to the door

if it makes you feel better,
but I'm still tearing it down.

I've worked too long
and hard on this deal

to let some librarian stop
me from creating my legacy.

So, why don't you get your
calling somewhere else?

It's not going to
be on my future.

*

When you're wrong,
you are really wrong.

SLAM!

No, I totally
understand.

We can just play it
by ear.

Okay, bye.

What is it?

That was the
Channel 8 news producer.

They're gonna try
to make it, but--

We're competing for coverage
with a major snowstorm

that's coming our way.

That's terrible.

I guess.

What else is wrong?

I got into this
huge fight with Tony.

We said some truly terrible
things to each other.

So you do care
about him.

I don't even
know what I feel.

I mean, one minute I want
to wring his stupid neck,

and the next--

You want to give him
a mad, passionate kiss

and rip his
clothes off!

Or--

something like that.

That wasn't quite how I was
going to put it, but--

that's the general idea.

Oh, honey...

It doesn't even
matter though.

I mean,
he hates my guts.

Just everything is just
spiraling out of control.

Now this stupid snowstorm
is coming, and--

I mean, I don't even
know what to do.

Tony's right, it's--
it's all over.

Cheri, this was
not all for nothing.

I mean, just look
at what you've done.

People have come together
just to decorate our trees,

and they are loving
every minute of it.

But if this doesn't work,
all those happy people

lose their library.

Well, then we still
have some great memories.

And this Christmas,
these trees--

They're gonna
top the list.

But it still won't
save the library.

And I don't know
what else I could do.

Have some faith,
Cheri.

That's what Christmas
is all about.

*

*

Hey, could you
print me up a list

of the kids in
our reading programs

and their parents'
phone numbers?

I guess so.

Is this
for the contest?

Is it still on??

I don't care if they're
predicting a hundred feet

of snow,
I'm not canceling.

What changed
your mind?

I decided to take the
advice of an angel.

Now, hurry up
with that list.

I've only got two days
to get this done.

Get what done?

Cheri,
get what done?

(reading)
"There's no such thing

"as a child who can fly.

"Or, is there?

"Emily asked her
mom every minute,

"of every day
of every week,

"but why can't I fly?

"Perhaps if you try,
you may learn to fly.

"So, off Emily went, every
minute of every day

"of every week,
she would run

"and jump
and flap her arms.

What's up,
Miss Jamison?

I'm sorry to
interrupt, guys.

Emily, I have a huge
favor I need to ask you.

Of course.

That's what Christmas
is all about.

Don't you ever
forget that.

Okay,
here it is--

Maybe you can come by
my office later,

we can
practice together.

Awww.

Thank you.

I really
appreciate it.

I'll see you later.

*

Hey.

Hi, Mack.

Um...

You're not nervous,
are you?

No. A little.

Yes.
Yes, I am.

Don't forget, employees aren't
part of the competition.

I-I know that.
I know that.

It's just, um--
This is a big deal.

Yeah.

You know?

Everyone has worked
so hard, and I just

don't think my tree
is decorated enough.

I mean, what if my
lack of ornaments

costs us the library?

I mean, she might think
that the head librarian

has no imagination.

That's ridiculous.

Will these help?

Oh...
they're exquisite.

Where on earth
did you get them?

I scored them from an old pawn
shop in the neighborhood.

Oh...

They're for you.

For me?

Yeah.

Why?

Well, because in my
fantasy land, you're--

You're the Queen.

Uh...

Maybe we should
put them on.

Yeah, okay.

Before it's
too late.

I'll put them on
the front, okay.

Yeah.

That's a good spot.

Yeah.

Whoa!
- Sorry--

Thanks.

You all right?

Yeah.
- Okay.

Where should
we put her?

Right there.
Yeah.

Up above?

Yeah.
- Okay.

*

Welcome to the 1st annual
12 trees of Christmas contest.

Please welcome our guest
judge, Rosaleen Shaughnessy.

(applause)

*

Oh...

*

*

(applause)

(applause)

*

I love fantasy stories.
I always have.

They're what brought
me to the library

when I was
a little girl.

And do you believe that
fantasies come true?

Sometimes reality can
pleasantly surprise you.

*

*

We started coming here before
our daughter was born.

So, we learned about childcare
and raising children.

Since then the library's
been an important part

of her upbringing.

So, our tree
represents a childhood.

Christmas as seen
through the eyes of a child.

*

Gasp!

My goodness...

*

I developed my interests
in electronics

and digital equipment
in the library.

I wouldn't have the job
I do today if it wasn't

for what I learned
from being here.

I've gotten so many
things from the library.

Um, but I think
of them all,

the one I treasure
the most is love.

All right...
There we go.

*

Just like we
had in Galway.

Would you like to say
something about your tree?

I would.

This tree reflects the
rich Christmas tradition

of island, incorporating
traditional ornaments

with an element
of Irish crystal.

My tree
is about heritage.

It's about the importance
of remembering

where you're from.

No matter where you start,
it does not determine

where you will go.

It's about having the courage
to make the right decisions.

And to be fearless.

It's about listening
to your calling,

following your path
to create a foundation

of happiness for the younger
generation to flourish.

*

That's what we've
always wanted,

for you
to be happy.

You've become the man
that I've always dreamed

that you'd be.

Your father and
your grandfather

would be so proud
of you, as I am now.

I love you, Nana.

That's a victory.

You can
thank me later.

You've really
outdone yourself.

And not in a good way.

You wanted to win,
and I think we just did.

Not by sabotaging
someone's entry, come on.

You told me
what you wanted.

I went out and got it.
Just like I always do.

And I used a little finesse
to make sure we won.

I never told you
to cheat.

What you've done here
is going

to cost me more
than this contest.

Your services are
no longer required,

I'm sorry.

Tony, there's more between
us than just decorating.

And you know that.

Go home, Cordelia.

I started out wanting to
make my tree a reflection

of my love of art, which I
learned here at the library.

And then I decided to
focus on Irish art.

Unfortunately,
I hit a roadblock.

But, while I was
researching Irish art,

I discovered there's an
entirely different aspect

of it that
I could focus on.

And that's what
I want to do now.

These children are all a part
of our literacy program.

They started out as
reluctant readers

and now they're enthusiastic
and proficient ones.

And right at
the top is Emily.

And she has prepared a
special carol for tonight.

*

(singing) * I saw three
ships come sailing in, *

* on Christmas day,
on Christmas day. *

* I saw three ships
come sailing in, *

* on Christmas day
in the morning. *

* And who was in
those ships all three, *

* on Christmas day,
on Christmas day. *

* And who was in
those ships all three, *

* on Christmas day
in the morning. *

* Our savior Christ
and his lady, *

* on Christmas day,
on Christmas day. *

* Our savior Christ
and his lady, *

* on Christmas day
in the morning. *

*

*

* And all the bells
on earth shall ring,

* on Christmas day,
on Christmas day. *

* And all the bells
on earth shall ring, *

* on Christmas day
in the morning. *

* On Christmas day
in the morning. **

(applause)

I saw three ships--

Haven't heard
that song in years.

We used to sing it on
Christmas eve in Galway.

It's all right,
Nana.

No, Tony, it's not.

I wish I could just
wave a wand around

and make everything
all right.

I think I can make
everything all right.

Charles--

The foundation is going
to renew the lease

with the library
with the city.

No, Tony.

You give up
too much.

I realized just now
what I'd be losing

if this project
goes through.

The library stays.

After seeing this
place firsthand--

I think you'd be crazy
to tear it down.

We'll find
another option.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

I hope you never
forget this Christmas.

I know I won't.

I don't think
any of us will.

Thank you.

For the best Christmas
gift I've ever received.

You know what?

We could do a lot
with this place.

Yes, we could.

It really was
the perfect night.

I'm glad everything worked
out the way it did.

Me too.

Thank you.

Both:
Merry Christmas.

*

*