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This is Los Angeles, City of Angels and

it's Christmas time, in case that was

unclear, and our particular story

concerns a young man just discovering

his place in the world. It's the story of

a family who finally need each other

more than any of them are willing to admit.

And it's the tale of the Christmas

spirit made manifest and the magic that

exists this time of year if we just look

hard enough and believe. It's like my dad

always told me: digging up holes you will

eventually find a bone.

Yeah, well yeah I heard Ricardo bring it up at the

quarterly meeting and you know how he

likes to talk. Yeah I just didn't think

it would be so soon. Yeah I was just

hoping that we could get through this Christmas.

I wanted to prove to Riley that

there was a little magic left.

Okay, Molly, thanks for etting me know.

[Music]

Come in.

I sold the company. So all those hours

for Christmas or to transition

operations into shutting computer

services down...I'm out of a job.

Yeah. I always thought it was cool you worked there.

Hey, don't be worried about a thing. We're going to get through this.

I'm already look for something else and I'm definitely going

to be taking those extra shifts for the

next 48 hours and we're going to do

something really nice for Christmas.

That's ok, mom, you know I've never really been a

fan of Christmas anyways, so...the magic, it's dead.

Hey, don't say that!

Well, it's true, Mom, I've been alone for more holidays

than I've been alive. You know you've

always had to be the one to work

double-time and I appreciate everything

you've done for us, I really do but

Christmas is just another day.

I don't want you to think that way.

Sorry, I just really wanted us to have a special day, just once.

Don't worry about me, Mom.

I'll go over to Andy's and on the day we'll

go grab waffles like every other Saturday.

[laughs] How did you get to be so grown up?

Science works wonders.

[Music]

I just don't want you to think that there's no magic.

Well, I stopped believing in magic when you beat up that mall Santa.

Hey, he was awful!

He wouldn't see you, come on,

Santa's don't take coffee breaks! We waited in line for

over an hour.

You know well I liked the hot cocoa

afterwards at the coffee shop way better.

- Marshmallows. - Marshmallows make everything gooder.

Yes they do.

[Music]

[Music]

Nope. Christmas spirit is left the

building.

It was never that good anyways.

Did you read all these books?

[Music]

- Who are you? - I'm Hope. I'm a Christmas spirit.

What?

My sisters and I are Christmas spirits.

Faith, Mercy, Charity. We we go around and

try to restore people's belief in the

magic of Christmas. people like you Riley.

Mom told me not to eat a full burrito

before going to bed.

Yes, gives you heartburn, or gas, or sometimes both but that's not

why I'm here.

No no of course not you said the

Christmas spirit had left the building,

you said and, I quote, 'the magic is dead'.

Do I look like I've left the building?

And how about this magic? Yeah, but

don't wake your mother.

I need you to recognize your magical

thoughts. I need you to find the Christmas spirit.

Right, well aren't you a Christmas spirit?

Okay, here you are.

Yes, good point, I wasthinking a little more figuratively with

a touch of abstraction... You know what I'm

saying.

- No, not at all yeah - I was afraid of that

It's like this: you need to rediscover

the spirit of Christmas. And to do that,

you have to give it to someone else as well.

You mean like giving gifts and stuff?

I mean I gave change to, like, one of those

bell ringers downtown. And I watched the

Charlie Brown Christmas special every

year

All the knowledge in these books and

that's the best you can come up with?

So, you mean, like 'the sharing and giving

of yourself and finding fellowship in mankind'?

Much better! The Christmas

spirit isn't the same thing for everyone.

You're a smart young man,

you'll catch on quick.

What does that mean?

A fortune cookie?

'You will discover the spirit of Christmas and give it to someone else.'

You can't be serious.

[Music]

Better? More serious? Good, on the back of

your fortune is a series of numbers

there but rules follow them in order and

then follow the signs.

- What signs? - A sign. A harbinger, a mystic

symbol from the comic cosmos or it could

just be an arrow in a dirt. I have no

control over what it will be.

Is this a dream?

Not a dream. You're welcome.

If you don't want to do it for yourself, do it

for your mother. She still believes the

spirit of Christmas but she needs you to

believe it as well.

To do that you have to help someone you

don't know find it too, even if they

don't necessarily want it at first.

It won't be easy but the rewards will make up for it.

No, what if I can't do it? What if I fail?

You won't know until you make an effort.

Okay I'll do it

[Music]

[Music]

I'm going to be at work until late tonight. You're

going to be at Andy's overnight, right?

Yeah, yeah. Wow, mom you're right about the

burrito thing, I had the craziest dreams

last night

Did you get a job at the mall?

Umm, yeah. Yeah.

I applied but they wanted to see if the

costume fit first in case I shrunk.

You look fine. Hey, we're gonna be alright.

- We are. - I know.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Wow. The spirit of Christmas.

So Riley trusted

hope, the Christmas Spirit and imagination

and his own spirit of adventure and

found himself in Malibu. Sun dappled

stretch picturesque coastline with the

Sun shines bright the breezes blow cool

and it almost never, ever rains! Almost.

Is this a place I need to bring the Christmas Spirit to?

Why am I talking to myself? This is nutts.

'Yes, this is the place. The Christmas Spirit is needed here, get to work'.

Alright, I don't know why these

people need to Christmas spirit, but ready or not, here I come.

[Music]

This is the home of Tom and Winnie Sims,

their daughter Allison, and their

faithful dog Campy. And while they all

love Christmas and share some wonderful

memories this particular holiday, they

needed a little help.

[Music]

[Music]

This is Tom. He looks a lot with numbers.

Unfortunately the company he works for

is, um, what's the nice name they put on it?

'Restructuring', which is a

wishy-washy way of saying soon to be out of work.

Tom isn't normally so stressed out and

intense but restructuring will do that to you.

[Music]

And this is Winnie. She writes books for

kids and kids of all ages, but she's had

a bit of our writers block recently and

there's nothing more disappointing and

being so worried about being an adult

forget what it's like to be a kid.

[Music]

[Music]

This is Allison. She's got more on her

mind that her folks losing the Christmas spirit.

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

And this is Justin, he's a boy next door.

Unfortunately the holiday has not made

Allison very patient with her family,

or with Justin's inability to read her

mind and this is the state of the Sims

family just before they meet Riley and

things get very interesting.

So how's the web surfing going?

Great! You know

apparently there is this website where

you can actually look at pictures of

your children and your grandchildren?

Gene, next door, was telling me all about it.

Well I'm sorry I had sent you any pictures, okay?

It's just that we've been busy.

Listen, I feel bad about this

Christmas. I don't know, time just got away from us I guess.

Well you could still come out.

No, I mean, just Tom's so busy with you know the

sale of the company and money's tight.

It's not like we'd do anything special.

Winnie, is there something you want to tell me?

because you know you can.

No, no, we're just...busy

Okay don't worry about it. I mean don't

be so wishy-washy we don't have to spend

every holiday together. How's Ali doing?

Oh, um, well you know we went through the

terrible twos and then our gawky 12s,

well now it's our malicious felony 17!

Seem to remember you at that same age. Need I remind you?

No, thank you, please don't.

I know you delight in telling

everybody though what you mean about me.

Hang in there, Winnie, um I'll call you

on Christmas okay?

Okay love you. Bye.

I love you too, Winnie

Bye-bye.

[Music]

[Music]

Oh my gosh hold on, hold on.

Oh my gosh, are you okay?

Come on up we go, oh look at you, oh dear.

Okay, there you go. Good as new.

So, are you a friend of Allison's?

Allison?

I'm Winnie, her mother. Nice to meet you.

I'm Riley.

So Riley, was the gate speaker

broken? I have been meaning to get that

fixed. That gate has never worked properly.

Yeah, yeah, the the speaker's broken.

You know, Allison's upstairs, I'll get her for you.

No! I I wanted to surprise her for Christmas.

I wanted to give her a

homework assignment we've been working on.

Cool. Okay

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

Oh Riley I'm so sorry about that phone call.

Oh, wow!

I hope you don't mind I thought it

looked like it needed a little help.

Yeah we've been a little preoccupied.

We're not usually here for Christmas.

Oh, why is that?

Travelling, work, deadlines.

We're not a very holiday oriented family.

Yeah I know what you mean.

Yeah, it's really too bad.

Well how so?

Oh, well, when I was a kid Christmas was my favorite time of year.

I just loved it. It's like, you know, like we had stockings that were

just full of toys and on Christmas Eve

we got to open one present, and my mom

would take the simplest things and make

a feast fit for a king I can't even boil

water. I guess it skips a generation

Oh, so Allison can cook?

I guess it skips two generations.

Yeah it all sounds really nice. So why don't you do it again?

Why don't you recreate the family Christmasses?

Oh I think things just get

complicated when you get older. Maybe one day.

So, uh, where's your bathroom?

Oh it's right around the corner

[Music]

Okay job well done

Christmas tree is trimmed and Mom at a

nice memory. Christmas spirit is solved.

Can I go now? Hope?! I hope I can go now.

[magical whirring, chimes]

Really?

You tens with your 'InterTubes' and your

'My Faces' seem to think that everything

can be accessed and taken care of in the

blink of an eye. Where is the hard work,

the thoughtful consideration?

the self-reflection a comes with an honest

awareness and assessment of your role

in a given situation?

So yu're saying I can't go yet.

Riley, Riley, Riley. Have you met Winnie husband yet? Their daughter?

No, but I'm not sure how me getting

arrested for trespassing is going to help.

What am I supposed to do?

I would start out by gaining an ally.

Winnie seems to be on the right track.

She just doesn't know how to go about reconnecting.

Neither do I!

You'll figure it out!

How? What am I supposed to do?

You're a smart young man. You'll figure it out.

It's your journey.

Yeah, journey to the looney bin.

Riley you were chosen for a reason.

You are a messenger of hope in

That's me, in case you forgot.

Your and the Sims need to understand

that the true magic of this

season is in communicating your joy,

your love and your forgiveness

to those that mean the most to you.

And those you don't even know.

But you're sure I have to stay, right?

Get back to work, Sparky.

[magical sounds]

Oh boy.

*[instrumental 'We Three Kings']*

Oh Riley, thank you so much!

You did such a nice job with this tree.

Oh, you're welcome

Oh, wow, I guess I better go back to work.

You didn't come here to save our Christmas.

Allison's upstairs, I'll get her for you. Allison!

Uh, no no no.

Miss Sims, what do you do? For work?

Allison doesn't really talk to me...that much

about you.

I don't suppose she would. Are you really interested?

Yes! Yes, very.

Follow me.

It's, ah, right in here.

Oh, all these books! That's awesome. I love to read.

Oh yeah? Me too. I guess that's why I

became a writer.

A writer? That's really cool, Mrs. Sims.

Oh call me Winnie.

And, yeah. It's cool.

You've got monsters, that's cool.

Oh yeah, monsters, oh yeah, I guess that's what I'm known for.

'The Littlest Werewolf'.

It's a children's book.

'The Littlest Werewolf'? You wrote this?

Yeah.

I, um, I did the art too, but I'm not as good at that.

Are you crazy? This was like my favorite

book when I was a kid. I had my mom read

it to me every night!

I forget; it's been ten years since it's been out!

It's been a hard one to top. I'm not sure what I'm going to do next.

Everyone seems to have a good idea except for me.

I remember every word. it's crazy, my mom she

did the best werewolf howl!

Well maybe she read my other books! 'The Littlest Creature,'

'The Littlest Monster'. Oh, and 'The Littlest Mummy.'

Oh, yeah, she read those. But the first one of them is kind of the best.

Oh yeah, I know.

These weren't as good.

No, I didn't-

No, no. It's just that the publisher wanted me to

keep writing them because the first

one sold so well.

Oh, that's too bad. You could say I got into reading because of your books.

Really? That's so nice to hear.

Yeah you know, now that I think about it, it was

the first book I ever read. I read it back to my mom.

Makes you creative, I guess.

Yeah I forget that reading out

oud can spark the creative fire.

Yeah, my mom, she'd read it to me, I read it to her

and we'd do all the voices and stuff.

She's really good at like, computer design and

stuff, and she says I'm creative and it

made me want to become a writer one day.

So yeah, I guess it is.

[knocking]

Oh hey, I just wanted to see if you wanted

a cup of coffee. I made a fresh pot. But I

see we have company.

Oh this is Riley. Allison's friend.

Oh, hi Riley. I'm Tom. Nice to meet you.

His mom read him 'The Littlest Werewolf' when he was a kid

and now he wants to be a writer.

Oh! That's...that's great. Listen, I'm

gonna be working late again so we should

probably plan on ordering in. I mean

Oh, Honey, again? It's almost Christmas.

Sorry, I don't know what to tell you.

Nice seeing you Riley, I'll tell Alison you're here.

Uh, no, please don't do...

Hey Riley, will you do me a favor?

Yeah, sure.

[knocking]

How's my little girl?

[sigh]

Look, we're gonna order out. You tell your mother

what you want. I have to work late again.

Of course you are. Why don't you just

tell me when something new happens?

Alli, come on,

this isn't easy on me either.

The company's shutting down. I have to go through their books.

I've heard this song.

Please skip ahead.

[sigh]

It's just weird that I never get to see you, and Christmas is

ruined, all so you can work on some stuff

for a company that's just going to fire you

after you're done. Nice one, dad.

Sweetheart, I don't want it to be like this.

But it is. I don't want to talk about it.

[sigh]

Fine.

By the way, your friend Riley is here.

Who?

Your friend Riley from school

I don't have any friends from school.

And the moon came full and bright, and the pack

ran together except one, try as he might.

The littlest werewolf was left behind,

the pack thinking it was a little more

than a growl, but none of them knew.

He had his own special howl.

[mimicking howling. pitifully.]

Come on! Let me help you.

[howling]

[howling in unison]

Ah, Allison! You caught Riley and me trying to spark our creativity.

Oh, did I?

Yes, why didn't you tell me about him?

We're like two peas in a pod!

Yes, Riley's quite the pea isn't he?

We all know how I like my Peas: Mushed.

Listen, do you two want a soda because

I'll be right back. And Riley it was sooo

nice to meet you. Come back anytime.

I will, Winnie.

Who are you, Riley?

Is that your real name? Did Zoe put you up to this?

Her stupid pranks are so stupid.

But this is the worst yet, making a

chucklehead come over and embarrass

himself with my mom.

Yeah, yeah she did.

You caught me.

I knew it. What was she thinking?

Are you filming this? Are you supposed to give her the footage?

Yeah, yeah that Zoe, what a nut!

Give it here.

Ummm...

She is going to be so sorry. I am so going

to get her back, in front of the whole school.

What was the end game?

What were you supposed to do?

I was supposed to make a fool of myself.

At least that's how it's ending up.

Huh. Did Zoe have something on you? Is that it?

Is that why you look like a slack-jawed narcoleptic panda right now?

Yeah, that Zoey, she got me.

I knew it. But this is going to backfire on her big time.

How can I use this? You know what you're going to do?

Bring joy and happiness into your life?

Stop being a goofball. No, you're going to

pretend to be my boyfriend,

and help me drive my parents crazy.

I am?

Do you want your phone back? Or do you want me to tell

my mom and dad about your little prank?

[sigh] What do I have to do?

You'll stay for dinner.

How are you about swearing uncontrollably?

Not very.

I don't suppose you would be.

How about breaking things?

Break something in here right now.

You know, I'd rather not.

You are terrible at this already.

Tell me about it.

Fine. Just follow my lead when the time comes.

Here we go!

Oh, thank you.

Riley's gonna stay for dinner.

Oh. Ok.

Um, how do you feel about Christmas?

[Music]

I hate it.

That's what I thought.

Well, uh, since Allie's busy would you like a

tour the house?

Sure.

Okay.

Chompy! Chompy!

The only dogs will hibernate every winter.

[magical chime]

[Music]

Doesn't really seem like Christmas, does it?

You mean like snow and sleigh bells and stuff?

No. More like the feeling.

What's your favorite Christmas memory?

Um, well my mom she kind of has to work a lot and

she's getting laid off this year so...

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

It's been a tough year for everyone.

She did almost beat up a mall Santa once, but I'm

sure that's not what you're talking about.

Your mother sounds like an amazing woman.

She is, she is. I just kind of feel like I

let her down.

Why?

Well she kind of feels like you do

about Christmas. About making it magic.

Well, I might be overthinking it 'cause

[mumbling] I'm seeing a strange fairy woman.

Excuse me?

Uh, never mind.

How about this? While you're here, you and

I try to reclaim a little Christmas

magic for ourselves.

I am definitely going to need a little help with Allison though.

Yeah, so I've noticed.

I'm not so sure my husband is going to be open to the

prospect either.

Well, you never know till you try.

Well said, Riley.

One down, two to go.

I'm sorry?

Uh, what's for dinner?

Good lad.

[magic sounds]

Would you like something to drink?

Sweetheart, has the gate been giving you trouble? I can't get it open.

Oh, no, but Riley couldn't get in, he

had to jump the back fence.

Yeah, 'cause the gate's not working, exactly.

Yeah, well these clickers aren't working either.

I guess I can go

pop the manual release. I don't want to,

but I gotta grab some stuff from the office.

I thought we'd have a really nice

meal with our guest, right Riley?

Yeah, a nice family dinner is great for Christmas.

Yeah, well that's all fine and dandy,

but I have a bunch of work to do

before the year's end and I have news

for you. If I can't get that gate open

there won't be any dinner.

Oh that's not good.

I'm pretty good with electronic gizmos, can I take a look?

Knock yourself out. Hi, Sweetie.

What is Riley going to do? I don't think he should be doing

anything to help anyone.

Well, at least he's offering to help.

[distant thunder]

[metallic clattering]

Good one, Riley, I would have never

thought of pressing buttons for the gate

opener. You're my hero!

Alright, Allie, Please.

The manual opener's just over there.

by the hatch out there in the

downpour. DId I ever mentioned that I don't

- Yes, honey. - All the time, Dad.

You don't like the rain?

No, no, I grew up in Florida.

I worked my way through school pushing

water from those summer rain storms off

the marble entry-way to the administration

building.

They called him Squeegee.

Ok. Ok.

- 'Squeegee Boy' - Here.

That's why I moved to Southern California! It wasn't supposed to rain.

[mechanical swish] [groan]

- Oh, honey! - I'm fine, I'm fine.

Oh! [Allison laughing]

I'm calling the repair people!

What? No, no, never mind! The lever's right here!

Somewhere...

Yeah, the blind leading the more blind.

I think Riley did it on purpose.

He slammed into it on his motorcycle or

something

You have a motorcycle?

Yeah! Tell her how we'd ride around on it with no helmets on.

That's not true, is it?

I, uh...promise to get a helmet for it. And an engine, too.

I took the bus here.

Ok, we'll discuss it later.

I'm going to call the gate people.

I told you to follow my lead

Yeah, sorry.

Do you want me to tell them about your giant fraud? I'm sure the police

can get through that gate.

No, I'll do better. Really.

Here it is! Oh... never mind, that wasn't the...

that was the sprinkler...

Allie, have your mom call the repair people.

Please honey. Daddy's getting very moist here.

You betcha, Daddy.

[dialing]

Oh hello, is this, uh, Spirit Gate Repair?

[female voice, via phone:] Yes, what can I do for you?

What is your gate problem?

Our gate won't open. The clickers don't work.

Have you tried the manual gate lever? [chuckling]

Hello?

Oh yes, I'm sorry I'm getting a cold. Any

luck with the manually lever?

No, we can't even find it.

Okay let me pull up your account here, Ms. Sims, just hold on one second.

Oh yes I see your problem.

What?

Your gate is a PBX 20. We've been getting a lot of

problems with that model. I would not try

to fix it on your own. Why, we've been

getting reports of electrical issues,

small fires, real Stephen King type-stuff.

I wouldn't get any water near the system, either.

What are we supposed to do? We're trapped inside our house.

I will send someone out first thing

tomorrow. But yes, I will just lie low for

the evening. Talk to your family, family stuff.

Fine.

[beep]

I'm a little wet and just so you know, this

isn't the manual release lever.

[laughing]

Oh, he's my hero.

Oh, go on in!

Oh, it's freezing!

So I guess you're staying with us tonight Riley.

Is your mom going to be okay with that?

I'm sure she will be. I'll call her.

Yeah, uh, Allie, you wanna get the guestroom ready please?

So we can have a stranger over for Christmas but not Grandma?

He's not a stranger, he's your friend.

'Cause you're too busy to care.

Whatever, Allison, you know we can't afford

a big Christmas this year.

I understand. You two are both too wrapped up in yourselves

to care about grandma freezing to death in some cabin in Michigan.

Allie, grandma lives in a condo next to a golf

course and she said it was perfectly

fine for her to take Christmas off this

year given the circumstance.

Take Christmas off? Who does that?

Who takes Christmas off?

That's totally stupid. But I'm glad we're

doing it because you'd make sure this

Christmas stinks, anyway.

I'll start dinner.

You wanna go after her? I'll start dinner?

That was a little awkward, wasn't it.

Yes.

Okay well I guess I'll go start dinner.

Hope you like frozen stuff. We've got a

lot of frozen stuff.

Sure, but I'm actually pretty good at

making dinner because my mom has to work

all the time.

Oh okay, that sounds great

I'll see what you have.

Frozen stuff.

[plastic crinkling]

You know, uh, Allison's grandmother lost her husband

two years ago and they moved to Hawaii

to retire, and first we thought she'd

stay there or move back here. But she

decided that she missed the cold and up

and moved to Michigan of all places.

Didn't know anyone there, just had a gut

feeling that she should start the next

chapter of her life somewhere new.

Pretty extraordinary woman, I'd say.

Sounds like it.

Yeah. Hey um, wondering if you could help me with

something? You've been friends with

Allison for a while right?

Sure, minutes upon minutes. Hours even.

Why does she hate me so much?

I'm sorry, that's...that's

not fair to ask of you.

No, I, uh, I'm sure she doesn't hate you,

You did just see what happened, didn't ya?

Y'know, man, I didn't even realize how

important Christmas was until recently.

Until very, very recently. Now family...

Family's family.

Yeah.

no matter how small, no matter how dysfunctional, if it means

that much to one person then it's worth it.

I love my mom and I wish...I wish she

didn't have to work on Christmas.

I'm sorry. Got a little emotional and stuff.

Don't be. You should say that to your mother.

I'm sure she'd appreciate it.

I will.

Hey Mom, uh, it's me Riley. I'm at Andy's and

I know you're at work and all but I just

wanted to say I love you and Christmas,

it's going to be special, no matter when

or where, so...

[beep]

[magical sound]

For someone who said that the Christmas Spirit's magic was dead, you sure are

doing a lot of abracadabra.

Yeah, well, you're weird.

I won't argue. Keep going, my lad.

[magical chimes]

[music]

[footsteps]

I was looking for Allison I thought I

might talk to her.

Well you're welcome to

try. She's in the living room.

Oh, do youmind me asking who Justin is?

Oh Justin. He's a neighborhood boy. He's quiet but he

seems nice.

Do you know him?

No. No, not yet.

Well, I'd better go help with dinner. I hope you like frozen food.

[magical sounds]

Is that your famous catch-all stew?

Thought I'd give it a try. It's Christmas after all.

Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?

Okay, I deserve that

Oh, Winnie. I've taken on too much. Allison's

right. I'm working myself sick for

a company that's closing and a job I

won't even have. None of it'll be enough

to pay the mortgage. I need to find a new job.

We'll be fine. You know, you'll get a new job

and I'll actually come up with a story idea.

Oh, now you are a great writer. And

however long it takes you is however long it

takes you.

See? My biggest fan is always right.

And I'm your biggest fan, and if we just

focus on tha,t we'll be alright.

[kiss]

Hey, do me a favor.

Do not let me ruin this Christmas

anymore than I already have, ok?

We're trapped in our own house!

You couldn't ruin it anymore!

This is true!

Why don't you take a break for tonight, ok?

You know, finish what you have tomorrow

morning and then the last part of the day

we'll go Christmas shopping. And who knows,

maybe Allison will want to come with us.

You really think so?

No.

Easy. Easy, easy! There's an art to this. [laughing]

Now, one to go.

What are you doing here? Really?

The gate's stuck.

No, not that, Goofball. Even if

someone did put you up to this,

no normal person would have stayed.

Well, apparently I'm not normal.

You like Christmas?

I'm beginning to understand

the importance of it. How being together

is most important thing to do no matter what.

My grandma makes the best sugar cookies.

With cinnamon and nutmeg. She would

make it wherever we were we were.

We were even on a cruise once and she had the captain

open up the kitchen so she could make it for us.

Those cookies are Christmas.

She's not making it this year, or...?

No...she's going to make it.

Yeah, Riley, you're right. We're gonna make this happen!

Um, I didn't say anything.

We're going to make this happen and

you're going to help me.

[music]

Let's go, Goofball!

I want to help make dinner!

Me and Riley.

You do?

Yeah. Take a load off.

Are you sure?

We've got it covered.

Ok, then. Sweetheart...

Let us know if you need anything.

- So what are we making? - Stew, apparently.

And trouble.

What's that?

Here you go.

Are you crazy? This stuff's hot!

Really, no kidding. Dump 'em in the stew.

Why?!

Fine.

What does burning your parents faces

off have to do with your grandma ?

Well, my dad starts to sneeze and gets the

hiccups when he eats spicy food.

And when he's having his fit,

I'm going to help him. And you're gonna take

his credit card, pretend to be him, and

buy my grandmother a plane ticket.

So that's your plan? To poison your

father so I can commit a felony?

Well you said it yourself: Christmas is worth it.

I did not, ok? Christmas is so not worth prison time.

You said that you

wanted to help the family come together for Christmas.

Not like this!

Then how?

Through wishes and dreams and unicorns with

fluffy pancakes on their heads. No, Riley.

Sometimes it takes making a hard choice,

even when it gets you in trouble.

What about you? Why don't you get your mom's

credit card pretend to be her?

After the eBay incident, my file has been flagged.

I'm being tracked 24/7.

You have a file?!

Oh, Riley. Grandma's cookies!

Can she make a filing tool?

I over-did it, I think.

This is crazy, Allison. I mean...totally crazy taste this

stew's gonna have, Allison!

Are you okay, Riley?

I'm great. Totally fine. Awesome, Ms. Sims.

Did you put something spicy in the stew?

- No. - Yes.

Well, be careful, ok? 'Cause you know how your dad reacts to spicy food.

He sneezes and hiccups, and let me tell you

that ain't pretty.

Yeah, we wouldn't dream of doing anything like that.

Ok, let us finish up in here. Dinner will

be ready in 30 minutes.

Ok, perfect.

You would make a terrible criminal!

Yeah I know,

isn't that a good thing?

[rain]

Dinner's served.

- Oh. - Oh! Wow!

Here you go, Riley.

Let's get to it!

No...! Ah, I forgot the biscuits. They're fluffy!

I'm going to go help him. Be right back.

Can't start without fluffy biscuits!

Do not mess this up for me. Now you know what you're going to do?

Well, your father

slowly suffers a chili pepper inferno, I

sneak into his office, steal his credit card,

and then call your grandma.

You have all my grandma's information

for the ticket, right?

Good! Now after you put the card back,

I'll call my grandma tell her the good news,

and look like the hero. And you're gone by tomorrow.

It's foolproof!

No, no it isn't,

actually at all! I'm sure you thought

this through.

Just grab the biscuits, Apron Boy.

[sigh]

- Wow! - Oh, wow!

Okie biscuits. Ok!

Allie.

Thank you.

Smells delicious, guys.

I'm so proud of you.

There you go, Buddy.

Thank you.

Uh, I'd like to say a couple things...

Um, I'm just really glad that everything

that happened today happened so that we

get to share this wonderful feast

together.

And hail to the chefs!

Yes, here here!

Mmh! Allie and Riley, good stuff!

Did you put something spicy?

No, Honey, it's fine! I can take a little heat.

[holding back a cough]

[flamenco-esque music]

Allison!

What? I told Riley to put a little bit, and he goes all crazy!

Then try some! Both of you!

A bigger bite than that!

[coughing continues in background]

[breathing strangely]

My face, my face! My tongue...

Now go help your father, keep him

moving, and I will go make the chocolate milkshake.

A chcolate shake is the only thing that

will help him when he gets like this.

Of course sometimes he seizes it through

his nose and it can get a little messy.

I suppose so.

[brief music]

Hope. Hope! I need your help here.

[magical sound]

Whoah! Don't scare me like that!

It's a small shower. I didn't have a choice. I got my shoes all wet earlier.

Look, I'm in trouble.

I think you're doing a great job!

No, it's Allison, she wants me to get her

grandma here tomorrow for Christmas from

Michigan.

Well, It sounds lovely.

Her coming here. Not Michigan so much. I had

a relationship with a tree sprite from Detroit.

It didn't work out.

What, really?

No! There's no such thing as tree sprites. Don't be so daft.

So what's the problem with Grandma visiting?

It's Allison, she wants

me to steal her dad's credit card and

buy the ticket illegally.

I see.

I'm all for cutting corners for the greater good, but

this is not quite the way to go about it.

That's what I said, but what am I

supposed to do?

Why didn't they have grandma come out?

Uh, Winnie said something about being busy,

Tom said something about money and

Allison thinks her parents hate her.

I don't know, they're kind of wishy-washy

about it.

I see. So there's still one member

of the family you haven't spoken to yet.

Grandma?

what am I...what am I upposed to do?

You going to magically transport me to Michigan?

Yes.

I'm going to call Charles, my flying Christmas Dragon.

Oh, you silly fool Do you or do you not

have her name, address and phone number

in your pocket?

Ah...yes...

Dial her up on the phone.

What should I say?

The truth is generally preferable

Yeah but she's gonna think I'm crazy.

The truth often is.

[magical chimes]

Let's see...'Grandma'...

[buttons beeping]

[phone ringing]

[beep]

Hello, this is Betty!

Um, Hi, this is Riley Blackwood.

well hello, Riley Blackwood, who are you

and why are you calling me so late?

Um, well...

[Tom wheezing in the background]

Is that my son-in-law, Tom?

Yeah, it is, Maam.

Somebody give him something spicy to eat?

Yeah.

I give my chili an extra kick sometimes, makes him

turn the most marvelous shade of

vermillion. So, revised question: Who are you,

and what are you doing at my daughter's house?

Um, well it's kind of a

really weird story...

Riley, I've seen and heard a lot of strange and lovely things

in my lifetime, but at my age I don't

have time to dilly-dally so spit it out, Son.

Uh, a Christmas spirit named Hope

came into my bedroom and told me to

bring the magic of Christmas to your

family. And then she dressed me like an elf.

I'm listening, Riley go on...

Um, ok...

[uplifting music]

It's so beautiful here, with you.

I just hope that...

Hey, don't say it.

Let's just stay in our happy place together, ok?

It's been a long time.

Come on now, have I been that bad?

I think we've both been that bad.

[kiss]

Are you trying to tell me that we should

appreciate the smaller things in life?

Yes.

Okay. [in funny voice:] I'm a shrinking man

that needs love. Love me, Winnie!

[laughing]

[music]

hey Utah

Hey Goofball, get up and make me some coffee!

Where are you?

[coffee percolating]

What are you doing?

I woke up early.

I see that. After you messed up yesterday I thought

you'd be gone by now.

No, I'm just gonna make you look bad.

Yeah, back off, Pal. I'm the only one in

here that makes me look bad.

I've got to salvage stupid Christmas somehow.

[dishes clattering]

Good morning!

Do my eyes deceive me? Is my daughter up and cleaning?

I made coffee, too

Oh, Winnie, I think that an alien may have

taken over here. Are you an alien?

A Christmas alien, hmm?

Hey, that's a good idea. I've been wanting to do a Christmas story!

You're the alien, Dad.

Oh, am I? An alien, huh?

- Oh, she's smiling! - Ah, I saw it too, yes!

Honey, I'm going to write down that Christmas alien idea, because

it's really good. I'll be right back.

Thanks for the inspiration, everyone!

Now, is this coffee sabotaged? If I drink it am I gonna

get peppers or...flying coffee weasels out

of my nose?

No, coffees not sabotaged.

I mean, unless Riley's sabotaged it...

Um, Mom and I are going to go shopping later,

Would you like to come? I mean we could

get some frozen yogurt and... [mumbling]

comfortable for them maybe I'll take

Maybe.

'Maybe'. I'll take that. I just have a bit of work to finish up before I do,

but I promise, it's just a little, ok?

[music]

Hey, Honey, have you been in my office? I cannot find my pen.

No, sorry.

[Music]

Where's my mouse?

Mr. Sniffles is gone.

So is my pen. The silver one that I write with.

Yeah, and the mouse to my computer and the stress

ball that your mom gave me that I kept

on my desk.

Where's our stuff?

Good morning.

- Hey... - Hi...

Did you go into my room and take something of mine?

Were you in my office last night?

Yes I was...

Where's his backpack?

It's in the kitchen.

I think they came and fixed the gate this morning

'cause it opened right up, so...

I knew I shouldn't have trusted you.

Trusted him about what?

Umm...

I might have had him use Dad's credit card.

What?!

I didn't, I didn't, I swear. I worked it all out with Grandma Betty.

You talked to my mother?

Where's our stuff?

Now you stop it, young lady. Ok? You're in enough trouble already.

Riley I think it's best if you go yeah

Yeah, yeah. Um, sorry.

What? He wasn't my friend!

I was just trying to have a good Christmas. Why is that so bad?

Look you're gonna have to call the credit card

company to find out what they did with

it, and then cancel the card.

Yeah. You'd better check on yours as well.

Ok.

[magical sounds]

Sorry, I really messed this up.

No, not at all Riley. You did great.

How can you call that great?

You believed, Riley. Your selfless and

thoughtful, and you took a chance on hope

and faith and something bigger than

yourself!

If that doesn't prove that you have the

Christmas spirit in your heart, than I

don't know what does.

But it all got ruined! I'm probably gonna go to jail!

No, Riley. You may not think you now, but

you've given them a gift one that maybe

they don't appreciate at the moment but

they will. And I hope you do, too

You're a special man, Riley. Don't forget it.

[magical sounds]

[contemplative music]

Well, no one use my card.

Mine either. Alison, get down here!

I didn't do anything!

No, of course not. And you never got

banned from the internet, either.

You're never gonna let me forget about that.

Actually I'm not.

Alright, alright. Alli...

I need to know what you had Riley do

with my card.

Stop yelling at m-

I'm not yelling at you!

I just need to know what Riley did with my card!

[knocking]

- Are you serious? - Look, you need to listen to your father.

Hi, it's your Grandma Betty!

Hi Tommy!

...Hi...

Hello!

What, would somebody like to take my bag before

the old lady's arm falls off?

Oh, my baby!

What are you doing here?!

Merry Christmas to you, too, dear.

Now if you'd all like to stop

being quite so shouty with each other we

can get down to business, okay? First

things first,

where's Riley?

Uh oh.

The look! Uh, let's sit down

you tell me all about it, okay?

So you sent the boy off thinking that he had

literally stolen your Christmas.

Uh...yeah...?

Is that bad?

Let me read to you from your

Christmas letter this year.

'Tom is working to ensure the smooth

transition of the company's assets.

We hope his loyalty will lead to a new and

exciting opportunity in the new year.'

Is this a holiday greeting or a press release?

'Winnie is considering several

options for her next book.' I seem to

recall that sentence in previous holiday

letters. It's an oldie but a goodie for

sure. Really, can you call yourself a

writer? I mean can't you even pretend

that something exciting happened this

year? With all the stories in the world

you got writer's block? Winnie!

I actually came up with an idea today.

An Alien Christmas.

Ok. 'Alison is finding school

challenging and is looking forward to

new challenges.' Really, Alli, have you

challenged yourself at all this year?

I was the one who got you here.

What? No, no, no. You did nothing of the sort. I paid my own way

here, honey.

You did?

Yeah.

But Riley...

No, Riley did nothing except to tell an old lady that

her family loves her very much but they

were oblivious to the notion that she

might want to come and visit and

actually pay her own way, even if there

wasn't some big crazy shindig going on.

And then when Riley told me about

Allison's nefarious little plan I told

him not to worry, that I would come here

and set my family straight. I really was

hoping to meet him.

Yeah, well about that Riley...

He stole our stuff... maybe...

Uh huh. Ok, if you'll excuse me

with all the excitement and traveling

and everything I'd like to use the facilities.

Allison, why don't you bring your

Grandma to her room?

What do you want Santa to bring you this year?

Well, if Riley didn't take our stuff, who did?

What's that?

What?

On Choppy's bed.

- That looks like the stress ball from your desk. - It sure does. It is.

Hey, here's the remote for the guestroom TV.

Chompy must have stolen these things.

Do you think he has another place that he puts his toys?

I don't know. Chompy! Chompy!

Chompy! Chopmy! [whistling] Where is that dog?

What?

He may be our Christmas thief. Dad found some of the missing things in his toy basket.

Chompy's pretty OCD about his toys.

Exactly. Let's go.

- Chompy! - Chompy! Chomps!

[festive music]

[music continues]

Chompy! Chompy!

Chompy! Chomps?

Where are you, boy?

Chompy...

[sigh]

Chompy?!

Chompy!

Chompy!

Come here! [whistling]

Win, anything? Allison?

Tom, the firepit! Chompy loves to sleep by the firepit!

I found some of his chew toys there!

[in unison]: You have to go out in the rain again.

[muttering] Stupid dog...

You think our stuff is out there?

I hope so.

Oh! [clapping]

Here you go. And that's for you.

'Chompy: The Dog Who Stole Christmas.'

Wow, that's good

I'm totally stealing that.

Mom, that was your idea. You just came up with that.

Oh. [laughing] Wow.

- Allison. - Justin?!

- Hi. - Um, I just wanted to come over and say thanks.

Thanks? For what?

That's my scarf! I mean, your scarf! What?

Yeah, your cousin brought it over this morning.

My cousin?

Yeah, Riley?

Riley? Oh right ,

Riley, my cousin.

Yeah, yeah, you know he

brought it over. He said that you've been meaning to give it to me.

Yes, I've been meaning to give it you.

But, you know, I'm sure you've

probably been busy helping your parents

with Christmas stuff, and...

What? Yeah, yeah

[coughing, forcefully]

Yeah, yeah, I've been helping my parents prepare for Christmas.

Did you know she liked Justin?

No, but I'm guessing that she wanted to tell us except we were a little too busy.

You're right. Let's not do that again.

Don't mind them. Please, don't mind them.

They seem like they're having a good time.

But you know, tha's, uh, that's

really cool that you like Christmas.

I love Christmas

I love Christmas, too.

You should come over later with your folks.

My grandma's here and we're gonna have a big meal.

We're gonna have a big Christmas Eve meal, right?

Uh, yes actually, I was just about to

alert the royal chef to begin deboning

the phaesant. Figgy pudding for all.

Well, you know what? My parents are going to

some like business dinner thing, so I

think it'll just be me if that's alright.

Uh, that's fine.

Totally fine.

Well, good. I'll see you tonight.

Oh, and thank you, again.

[whistful sigh]

That's Justin.

We know, sweetheart. He's lived

here as long as we have.

Riley gave him the scarf that I was going

to give to him.

Uh huh?

Riley is actually an ok guy.

And?

And you totally misjudged him.

What? I don't think I caught that.

Okay, I totally misjudged him.

What, what I can't hear what you're saying!

- No, no group hug! - Yes, group hug!

[inaudible teasing, laughter]

Ok, ok fine. I am an awful person and I owe Riley a big apology.

Well I don't know how all this came

about, but I'm sure not complaining.

I know Christmas magic when I see it.

Chompy! Where have you been?

Chompy!

[laughing]

Committing felonies in his sleep apparently.

Well, now before we begin this big Christmas

meal, there's one thing we have to do:

Call Riley!

Yes, absolutely. Allie?

What?

Call Riley and invite him over so we can make up for everything.

And his mom, too!

How? I don't have his number.

But he's your friend.

Uh, about that. I, uh...

Wait, I stole his phone!

That is the only time in my life I'm happy to hear those words!

I'm telling you, the kitchen is closed until I know

Riley's on his way.

Don't worry mom, we're on the case.

Apparently it's not a Sims family Christmas without a little

mystery and daring do, would it?

Okay we should call his mom, first. What's? her name?

Sarah Blackwood. What? I talked to him. I listened.

Some people still do that.

He said his mom was working through Christmas.

Her company is closing down.

Ah, there's a lot of that going around now.

Wow, there is a lot of that going around!

Look where she works!

Wahoo Toys?

That's where you work.

Yeah, which means I've been helping to

put her out of a job faster. And more

efficiently, too. And look at the extension.

This is computer services. They've been working

double-time transferring data.

Well, then maybe she should report personally to

the VP of Accounts for a status update.

No, no, no. I can't do that.

Uh, good luck eating your shoes tonight, Hun.

Oh, look, if you can't pull rank now,

when can you pull rank?

[sigh]

[beep]

Yes, hi, this is

Tom Sims. Um, can you connect me with a

Ricardo in computer services please?

Hi Ricardo, Tom Sims. Yeah, fine, fine. How

are you doing? Yeah, yeah, yes they do grow

up fast don't they?

Listen, listen, Ricardo I need you to get

Sarah Blackwood to my house tonight.

I'm aware of that, but she, she has some, uh...

she has vital information that I need to

reconcile with accounting. I know it's

Christmas but I want you to requisition

for a car, and a nice one, and make sure

that they pick up her son Riley, too.

He's totally checking with corporate.

Put your foot down!

I will, shh, shh!

Ricard, listen to me.

I know you're on the other line trying

to get authorization from corporate, but

as far as I can tell I'm the only person

in corporate working their butt off on

the holiday so I would appreciate it if

you ensure that I get... yes I will.

Six o'clock would be fine. Yes, thank you so much.

Merry Christmas to you Cicardo...

Uh, Ricardo.

Wow, Dad. That was awesome.

Awesome. Awesome Dad. I could get used to that.

Okay, it's off to the market

I need supplies!

[Music]

Come in! Grandma is just finishing up dinner.

The best one you'll ever have.

Hi, Tom Sims, Wahoo Toys,

VP account services. Well for the next

eight to ten days. Anyhow, you must be Sarah.

Yes. Yes I know who you are

This is my beautiful wife Winnie.

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Our neighbor, Justin

Hi, how're you doing?

I believe you met our lovely daughter, Allison.

So, are we not going to reconcile the

accounts data?

That just sound so un-Christmassy, don't you think?

I say we jump into the festivities instead.

But before we do, I just wanted to tell you that you have a

really great son, and I'm sorry it took us

all so long to notice.

No worries here.

So, RIley, how how do you know the Sims?

What exactly are you up to?

That's kind of a long story

Yes it is! And if you come into the dining

room I'll tell you all about it.

I wanted to sit next to Justin.

- You look beautiful. - Oh, thank you.

- Sarah, welcome Dear. - Thank you.

Riley, hi, I'm Betty.

Right.

I really enjoyed our conversation last night and I'd like to speak to

you again later on so don't forget, ok?

I won't forget.

Dinner in ten minutes everybody! I hope you're hungry!

One sec, I just want to say

a quick toast. To family and to friends,

may the Christmas spirit warm us all.

Cheers!

- Thank you for coming - Thanks for having me.

Merry Christmas! Mom, let me help you in the kitchen.

[thoughtful music]

[footsteps]

Hi. Well, how did you like your dinner?

Oh, it was the best I've ever had. Really. I'm stuffed!

[magical chimes]

Oh, that's good. But I have some cookies

baking in the oven right now so I hope

you saved a little room.

Sounds great.

You know, when we talked last night you were

honest about Hope, the Christmas spirit that you said you saw.

Yeah.

Well I wasn't completely honest with you.

How's that?

My husband Lawrence passed away a

few years back and he was the love of my life.

I'm sorry to hear about that

But we never would have met that weren't for a

Christmas spirit by the name of Faith.

Wait, you saw a Christmas spirit, too?

I didn't. He did. And for years he would tell the

story about how Faith cajoled him into

going to this holiday formal where we

met and had our first dance. And even

though it was a blizzard and he had to

drive a snowplow, he made it for the last

dance, and his bow tie was peeking out

from under his parka. And, I mean all

those years I just figured it was his

imaginative way of telling me that he

loved me. But last night, Riley, you made

me realize that he'd been telling the

truth all along. And it just made me love

him all the more.

So I really have to thank you, Honey, for

giving me that.

- You're welcome. - Thank you.

I better go check on those cookies.

Yes.

Riley? Hey, so I was just talking with Tom and

Winnie...And it seems like they want to

start their own toy company based on

Winnie's books, and a little birdie told

them that I'm a real creative asset to

any company and apparently I have this

world-class werewolf howl. Ok, I've

only met Tom a couple times at the

company and you don't go to school with Allison.

So how did you get here?

Well, I wanted us to share something special for

Christmas, and I wanted a little bit of

magic to believe in.

You're not gonna tell me are you?

No, I'm not, but I will write a story about

it one day I promise.

Open it.

'May you both believe in Hope.

Merry Christmas Sarah and Riley.'

[music]

[musical chimes]

So you may have figured out I didn't

actually steal Christmas. I just helped

Hope work her magic a little and,

contrary to Tom's lack of pronoun

precision, I am a patient Dame who may

love her naps, but I love my family more!

'Chompy the Dog Who Stole Christmas' was

whinnies next book and it was a great

success. Because of it Tom and Winnie

kept their house. The Sims toy company

made a Chompy dog stuffed animal, that

became the first success for the new

company. I'd like to think it was because

Sarah made sure it captured my quiet

dignity, if I do say so myself. And Reilly?

He went on to write his own stories.

Stories full of fantasy and wonder, and

an unshakable belief in the spirit of Christmas.

[music]

[music continues]

[music ends]