Original subtitles

This program is rated G

and is suitable forgeneral audiences.

Olivia, where are you?

We're latefor the Christmas Eve gala.

You still need to get dressed.

I am dressed, Mom.

Get down here.

Okay.

Oh no.

I will be glad when yougrow out of this phase.

Please.

Go ahead.

So?

The treatment worked.I told you.

The trees are goingto be just fine.

I don't know how to thank you.

No one else could figure outwhat was going on.

Guess that's why they call youthe Christmas Tree Whisperer.

Uh, yeah,I'm an evergreen specialist.

They don't becomeChristmas trees

until someone decorates them.

To be honest,

I don't think they needto get all gussied up.

I think they're perfectjust the way they are.

Thank you very much.

Mr. Mozzicato, how are you?

I'm great.

My tree, however...not so much.

I see that.

Lost half of its needlesovernight.

There's still three weeksuntil Christmas, Jack.

The tree isn't supposed to looklike this for another month.

I know.

There's something wrongwith this year's entire crop,

so I have been refundingpretty much everybody.

There you go.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Any idea what's going on?

I can't figure it out,

and no one around hereseems to know what it is.

Listen, I completely understand

if you want to buy a treefrom somewhere else.

You've always beenso generous to our family,

even when we couldn'tafford a tree.

We can wait a bit longer.

I don't want youto not have a Christmas tree.

Well, if we still don'thave one on Christmas Eve,

then we'll worry about it.

Thank you, Calvin.

Thank you.

Hi.

Hi, Mom.

Oh, hi, honey.

Hey, your dad and I want to know

what time you'll be homeon Friday night.

Our party starts at 6.

Oh, and don't forgetto bring your dress

and that beautiful red coat

for the Christmas Eve galaat the marina.

No, no. I thoughtthat was canceled.

It's only becausethe committee knew

that everybody importantwas going to be at your wedding,

and so once you canceled...

The Christmas Eve galawas back on.

Right.

So we can't very well

just sit aroundChristmas Eve moping.

I'm not moping.

Oh. Well, good.

So then you'll come.

I really don't want to.

Oh. Well, everyonewants to see you.

I don't wantto talk to everyone.

Honey, I know you've alwaysbeen more comfortable

around plants than people,

but your dad and I want youto come home.

We want to make sureyou're okay.

I'm fine.

I'm happy I ended things.

The life Justin wantedwas just too much like...

Like...?

Never mind.

Doesn't matter now.

Love you. See you at home.

But when?

Soon. Promise.

The gala.

Oh...

You don't have tomake dinner for me, Mom.

This has been my kitchenfor 40 years.

I'll do what I want.

You didn't have to move intothat active adult community.

You know that, right?

Your father and Imade those arrangements

when he got sick.

He didn't want meto spend my golden years

sitting around hereall by myself.

I'm here.

Yes, but you're terribleat mah-jongg.

Oh, honey, all my friendsare there.

It's kind of like college,

only I don't have to studyor take a test...

and I can sleep till noon.

I love it.Good.

This is going to beyour house now,

and you will raiseyour family here.

Here we go.

Of course, first you actuallyhave to try to find someone.

I'm, uh, too busy for that, Mom.

Life isn't just about work.

It is when you're trying

to keep your family'shundred-year-old business

in the black.

Well, they all managedto find some balance

between work and family.

Right now, I just wantto try to figure out

what's wrong with my trees,

and then I'll...

and then I'll worryabout balance, okay?

Ooh...

Kelly, Elliott.

I was hoping you'd stop by.

Hi, Mrs. Connor.

Sit. I made turkey chili.

- Oh, score!- Yes!

I knew it.

You guys only like mefor my mom's cooking.

I thought that had beenfirmly established.

For you.

Oh. You heard.

A few people at the tasting room

talking about it.

By "a few," you mean...

Pretty much everyone.

So, any luck figuring outwhat's going on?

No. My mom's never seenanything like this in the past.

I've gone through my dadand grandpa's journal.

There's nothing,

and even the local arboristdoesn't know what it is.

What are you going to do?

Reeve Sawyer said

there's some kind ofChristmas tree expert

over at UConn,

so I'm going to call therein the morning.

Well, I'll be right herewith you.

- Thanks, man.- Uh, Elliott,

I won't be herefor breakfast in the morning.

Oh.

Then I'll be with you in spirit.

Right.

Olivia, what are youstill doing here?

You're going to hitstandstill traffic

going from heredown to Westport.

That's the plan.

Are you sure you're doing okay?

I know this was supposedto be your wedding weekend...

I'm fine.

Why does everyonethink I'm not fine?

Because you never talk about it.

That doesn't mean I'm not fine.

It just meansI don't want to talk...

Don't want to talk about it.

Got it, got it.

Hmm.

It's just, you know,

you're barely even acknowledgingthat it's Christmas.

Truthfully, I'm justChristmassed out.

All my parents care about

is people seeingtheir perfect Christmas.

It's a lot.

If I could skip the whole thingthis year, I would.

Oh, yes!

There's a huge traffic jamon the Merritt.

Okay, well, you can'tsit around here

the entire break.

At least come outwith me and Adam

for Christmas Eve.

Didn't you say you thought

Adam was going to propose to youon Christmas Eve?

Well, yes, but that...

But nothing. I'm fine.

It's a few daysof my mom saying,

"Is that what you're wearing?"

I'm going to be fine.

Okay.

- Olivia Arden.- Yeah, hi.

I'm hoping you can help me.

A friend said thatthere was someone over there

that's an experton Christmas trees.

Oh, you're probably looking

for the chief evergreenhorticulturist

at the UConn Collegeof Agriculture.

Yes, that sounds likethe person I'm looking for.

That's me.What can I help you with?

Look, I know it's onlya week before Christmas,

so you're probably busyor on vacation,

but my fir treesare dropping needles

almost immediatelyafter being cut.

No one locally seemsto know what's going on.

I'm the fourth-generationowner of this farm.

We've never seen anythinglike this before, and I just...

I'm getting pretty desperate,

and I was wonderingif you happen to have time,

you could come to Avon, and...

I have time, actually.

Yes, I do have time.

How's this afternoon?

I can get up to Avonin less than an hour.

Really?

That's amazing.

You're not too busy?

I mean, I thinkI can squeeze you in.

That's incredible news.

It's Connor's Christmas Trees,523 Rock Oak Lane.

Okay.

I will see you soon.

See you soon.

Looks like I'm upfor a little detour.

Okay, see you in a little bit.

I'll see you in a bit, Mom.

Oh, wait.

What time is the personfrom UConn getting here?

She's going to be herewithin the hour.

I'm just going to go do a quickpickup for Miss Plankis.

Well, look on the bright side.

From what I've heard,

our customersare willing to wait

until they can buy from usagain this year.

Now, that's loyalty.

And, uh, you earned it.

Thank you, but that tooka decade to build,

and I could lose it all

if our customers don't havea tree by Christmas.

Yeah.

Anyway, look,I'll see you in 20 minutes.

Yeah.

Enter roundabout.

Enter roundabout.

Oh!

Exit right.

Seriously?

Oh, man.

Recalculating route.

Too late, lady.

Are you okay?

I'm fine. You?

Oh, I'm fine.

It was just a love tap.

Sorry, that's justwhat people call it,

which doesn't make any sense,

considering it's almost alwaysa total stranger.

It seems a little morelike a punch than a tap.

You did hit the brakespretty hard.

Well, it was my exit,so I slowed down.

Looks like you realized thata smidge too late.

If you weren't tailgating...

I wasn't tailgating.

Okay, you know what?

Let's just exchangeinsurance info.

Right.

Yeah.

This is just what I need today.

Well, I'm surethere isn't too much damage.

No.

That tree, on the other hand...

looks totaled.

You got that right.

That's why I was in a rush.

I'm meeting someone whosupposedly knows how to fix it.

Here you go.

Uh, yeah.

Yeah. They call herthe Christmas Tree Whisperer...

Which is a bit much,if you ask me.

Well, that's pretty cheesy,

but maybe she doesn'tcall herself that.

And...

maybe she really is that good.

Maybe...

but I'm tryingnot to get my hopes up.

Anyway, listen.

Just get me the estimate,and I'll take care of all this.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I'm going to need your info.

Yes.

Oh, shoot.

I'm trying to find it.

Oh, sorry. It's not you.

It's just I'm going to be late.I have this meeting.

So do I.

Oh yeah? Where are you headed?

Connor's Christmas Trees.

Right.

Yeah. See you there.

Yeah.

Oh no.

Oh no.

I am really sorry.

Clearly, you were headingsomewhere after our meeting.

Oh, just to Westport for a week.

Christmas with the family.

You can't do thatwithout a tailpipe.

Nope.

Yeah, if you don't mindthe engine stalling

every few minutes.

And the noise. And the fumes.

Yes, yes.

I must stayand wait for the repairs.

For the planet.

It's fine if I get therea little late tonight.

Actually, I just gota text from the shop.

It looks like the replacementwon't be here until tomorrow.

Darn the luck.

I feel like you're notreally in a rush to get home.

Listen, my cousin Lisaruns the Old Avon Inn.

It's a few blocks from here.

Why don't you stay overnighttill your car's ready,

and we'll take care of it?

You don't have to do that.

You didn't have to come here,and you did,

and I appreciate it.

I mean, it would be better

to take the soil samplesat dawn.

That way, I'd getthe best temperature

for measuring microbesand moisture.

There you go. Win-win.

Unless, of course,they're not fixable.

Then it's win-lose.

Who wins?

Well, you. You still get paid.

I'm not going to charge youif I can't help you.

I'm not going to let youwork for free.

Wait. Does that mean

you don't thinkyou can actually help me?

I didn't say that.

Oh, you're hedging your bets.

I'm all about evergreens.

I don't do hedges.

Hmm.

Lisa, thank youso much for this.

This is Olivia.

Hi.

Well, I just hope you can help.

I'll do everything I can.

Well, you cameon the perfect night.

Tonight's our big Christmasopen house.

Dinner, dessert,my famous hot cocoa...

I know everyone always says

their famous whatever-they-makeis the best,

but hers really is.

Thank you for the invitation,

but I'm reallyjust here to work.

Okay. Well, um,here is the code to your room,

and just in caseyou change your mind,

here is a flyer

to this week's communityChristmas events.

You might change your mind.

- Okay.- It's...

Okay.

Uh... I...

- Oh, you want a hand?- No, I'm good, thanks.

Okay.

Let us knowif you need anything.

Man...

I hit her car.

- What?- Yeah. I hit her car.

That's a great start, Jack.

I know.

Okay. All right.

Hi, Mom.

I ended up coming up to Avonfor a freelance job.

It was supposed to be quick,

and, uh, my car ended upneeding repairs.

Oh.

Well, so whenare you getting here?

Tomorrow.

Sometime.

Sorry about that.

Do I hear Christmas music?

Uh, yeah.

There's some Christmas partygoing on downstairs.

You're going to a party?

Oh... is thatwhat you're wearing?

I'm working.

Well, still, honey.

Speaking of that,I've got to go.

Love you. Bye.

Hey, guys. How's it going?

Hey, Jack.

Oh, Mayor McGuire. How are you?

Good, good.I was hoping to run into you.

I hear you're havingsome tree troubles.

Now, I don't need to tell you

how important this year'sChristmas Eve tree lighting is.

It's a hundred years.

I know,it's always been a Connor tree.

You have nothingto worry about, Sean.

I guarantee it.

Okay, thank you, Jack.

I just needed to hear itfrom the farmer's mouth.

Well, you got it.

- Mayor?- Oh, okay.

I've got to go.

Hey. Listen, we needto talk about the tree.

I know, and I know it's goingto be bad news.

So first, we cocoa.

We what?

We cocoa. Come.

Oh.

All right.

This is the best hot cocoayou have ever had.

What is this, a down payment?

I get the restafter I finish the job?

No, the rest is toppings,and that's the best part.

Oh, I actually prefer itwithout toppings.

Not even whipped cream?

Uh...

It's just filler.

It's the tinselof hot chocolate.

A purist, huh?

I guess I just prefer thingsin their natural state.

Oh.

Take an evergreen.

Did you know that originally

people just brought these treesinto their homes in the winter

for the beautyof the greenery itself?

Right.

But until the decorationsare on it,

it's not reallya Christmas tree.

I mean, that's kind ofwhat makes it special.

Well, there's nothing wrong

with letting thingsjust be what they are.

Hmm.

Mm.

Top notch.

Right?

As is.

Okay.

All right,I'm ready for the news.

Hit me.

All right.

Well, I only have a coupleof theories right now, but...

Um...

You have... you have a littlesomething on your face.

I do?

Where is it? Like, up here?

That... no, um...

Just down there? So I got it?

Yeah. There's still more.

A little bit more over here?

Okay. There we go.

Look, it's not fairfor me to guess

and ruin your night.

Is that because your guessis that I'm doomed?

Look, enjoy the party,

and we'll start from scratchfirst thing in the morning.

Thanks for the cocoa.

You're welcome.

Hey.

Hey, are you sureyou don't want to stay?

They're actually aboutto start the caroling.

Oh, no.

Me singing would definitelyruin your night.

Hello?

Hey. I'm here. Where are you?

Hey. Uh, I'm in the barn.

I'll be right there.

Need a hand?

Oh! Hey.

No. I'm all done. Thank you.

So you're havinga Christmas fair?

Yeah.

We do a last-minuteshopping event every year.

All the vendors come out.

It's this weekend.

Huh.

Hopefully by then,the lot will be back open.

It should be.

I haven't been stumped yet.

Stumped.

I like that.

Uh, don't say,"I see what you did there,"

because I didn't.

It's okay.

I be-leaf you.

Do you do this a lot?

All the time.My friends hate it.

It's becauseI was born in the fall.

The fall?

Yeah. Sep-timber.

Come with me. It's this way.

These all look perfect.

Yeah, exactly.

I mean, they're thriving...

until they're cut.

Could I see a tree

that's been cutwithin the last two days?

Yeah.

There's actually one next doorat the cidery.

This is the tree.

This is after only two days?

Yep, I'm afraid so.

Now, what do you think?

Do you thinkthis is needle cast?

No.

No, needle cast diseasedoesn't work this quickly.

This is something else.

Hi.

I'm Kelly. This is Elliott.

- Morning, guys.- Hi.

Hello. I'm Olivia Arden.

Thank you for letting metake a cutting of your tree.

Of course.

Anything for my brother here.

Oh. You're brothers?

Uh, he wishes,

'cause then maybe he'd bea little bit taller.

Yeah, and he could afforda jacket with sleeves.

Our families are best friends.

We spent almost everyChristmas together growing up.

That's actually what startedour PJ-all-day tradition.

Huh.

What?

I had to get dressedin my Christmas best

before even coming downto see if Santa came.

Really?

It's fine.

You know what you need?

Some fresh hard cider.

Oh!

It's00 in the morning.

- Yeah.- Mm-hmm.

We're trying to crackthe Bloody Mary-mimosa market.

Guys, Olivia'sgot a lot of work to do.

Okay, well, then, at leasttry the soft cider.

Right out of the barrel.

All right.

Yeah?

Thank you.

That's really complex.

I taste notes of, um,peach, cinnamon,

and... vanilla?

You havea well-developed palate.

I've always lovedhow certain flavors

are connected to the mineralsin the soil,

and how it changesfrom acre to acre.

You know, every farmhas its own unique taste.

See? She gets it.

Yeah.

The soilin this part of Connecticut

is great for apples and pears

and berries and pumpkins.

You know, you could growsomething for every season,

not just Christmas.

We just do Christmas trees.

I know.

What I'm saying isif you diversify,

you wouldn't be so dependenton one commodity.

I'm going to stop youright there.

Here we go.

My father and his grandfatherand his father had a motto,

which was "Do one thing,and be the best."

Christmas treesare my one thing,

and they're my family's legacy,

and it's my jobto keep it that way.

And that's what I'm hereto help you do.

Right.

So let's rush these samplesto the mobile lab.

Thank you so much for the cider,

it was wonderful,

and lovely to meet you.

Yeah, you too.

- Thanks, guys.- Hey!

Hey, bring her backfor the cocktail thing.

She's not on vacation, Kelly.

Well, after dealing with you,she'll probably need one.

Good morning.

Hi.

I'm returning...

the pencil I borrowed.

Real smooth, Mom.

I'm assumingthat Elliott told you?

Of course not.

Thank you so muchfor saving our farm.

Olivia, this power huggeris my mom, Peggy.

Mom, this is Olivia.

Uh, nice to meet you,

but no need to thank me.

I haven't done anything yet.

But I'm sure you will, though.

How long doesall this testing take?

Unfortunately, it's notan instant result.

This has to sit forat least a few more hours.

So you have some time to kill?

I suppose so.

Hmm.

Oh. Michel said

my car wouldn't be ready till 6.

I don't wantto be your guys' way,

so if you wantto drop me off at the inn,

I can hang out thereand catch up on paperwork.

Not a problem.

Paperwork? Nonsense.

No.

You're going to come with usto the cider mill.

Oh, I've been therealready today.

It's fine. You don't have to...

Well, didn't you tell her

about the Christmascocktail competition?

She's not interested in that,Mom.

Oh. Or maybe you're just scaredsomeone new might dethrone you?

I'm not too worried about that.

Probably becauseyou've never had to compete

against a scientist.

Hmm.

Well, mixology is just

chemistry equations in a glass.

It's all about balance.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

I thought that it was all about

Christmas, apple cider,and instinct.

Mm...

No?

- No.- Hmm.

Yep. He's scared.

Really?

Okay. Let's do this.

Mom, what's going onwith you and Harry?

- Harry?- Yeah.

Absolutely nothing.

He's just excitedto get a free drink.

Sure.

I am ready.

Me too.

Ooh.

Okay.

Everyone ready?

- Yes.- Yes.

Remember, the only rule is

you have to usesome of our cider

in your cocktail.

And... go.

All right.

Wow. It's... scientific.

How are the levels?

Not telling.

Four generations of Christmastree farming, huh?

Yep.

Hey, are you goingto use that mint?

No.

Thank you.

And you never wantedto do anything else?

Never.

Actually, that's not true.

When I was a little kid,

I wanted to bethe next Indiana Jones, but...

once I discovered

that it was less aboutreally cool action sequences

and more aboutsitting alone in a hole

dusting off rockswith tiny little brushes,

I got over that.

How about you?

Did you always know that thiswould be your calling?

Bartending?

Yeah.

Um...

Pull that for me?

- There you go.- Thank you.

I don't know,

I've always felt happiestin the woods.

I totally get that.

Yeah. Um, yeah, I'm going to...

lime.

You don't like talking muchabout yourself, do you?

I'm more of a listener, I guess.

Five more minutes.

- Whoa. Okay.- Okay.

Thank you.

Right. Okay, let's do this.

Oh yeah.

All right.

How's that smell?Perfect.

Hmm? Hmm?

Okay.Everybody, gather 'round.

Okay, moment of truth.

Ah, so what's in yours again?

Oh. Well, it's a perfect blend

of cider, bourbon, cinnamon,

lime, and herbs.

Oh.

And...

a few pine needles.

Wait.

That wasn'ton the ingredients list.

Technically,it was on the table,

so I think it's fair game.

Fine.

What's in yours?

Oh, a little bit of this

and then just a bit of that,

and it doesn't really matter,

because I just goby what feels right.

Oh. I just goby what I know is right.

So...

We'll see how thatplays out for you.

Pretty good strategy.

Hmm, we'll see.

Ahem.

Hmm.

Oh, yeah. Wow.

Excuse me, excuse me.

That is awful.

Yeah.

- Come on.- Truly awful.

Come on.

Is this the cup

everyone poured theirdiscarded drinks into, or...

It's been a tough year for me.

Listen, you can'twin 'em all, so...

Actually, she can.

We have a winner

of the Christmascocktail competition.

Olivia.Olivia.

- Really?- Really?

Science for the win!

Thank you. I, uh...

I won't let it go to my head.

Good.

Yeah.

All right, I needto try this drink.

Let me see here.

Mm. Wow.

That is incredible.

- Yeah?- Yeah.

What are you going to call it?

How about the Evergreen?

It's perfect.

To the Evergreen!

Evergreen!

To the Evergreen.

Clink.

That was really impressive.

I just think if you would haveseen the one I made last year,

I thinkit could have actually...

Hey.

- Hi.- Hi.

Jack, I just want to thank you

for the business

that you've given usthe past couple days.

Well, don't getused to it, Dwayne.

Olivia, this is Dwayne.

He owns the other Christmastree lot in town.

Maybe the only oneat the rate you're going, Jack.

Connor's will be fine.

I'll make sure of it.

And... who are you, exactly?

I'm an evergreen expert.

You don't need a tree lady

to tell youwhat we already know.

You're done.

Oh, and tell the mayorI have a 30-foot Scotch pine

if he needs it.

All he has to do is call.

He won't need to.

Good day.

Who is that guy?

Dwayne Colson.

You're hovering.

No, no, I'm just, you know,

decorating the housefor Christmas

in your general vicinity.

Right.

Wow.

Oh no.

Is it broken?

I don't think so.

Well, until we can keepthese needles from falling,

maybe we shouldtake the ornaments down.

I know I should.

It's just that we've beenputting these up

since the very first year

my family started sellingChristmas trees.

There's one new ornament

for every yearthat we've been in business.

It's a tradition.

Every single one of thesehas a... special meaning.

This oneis from the year I was born.

27 years ago.

And this one, this isfrom World War II.

My grandfather was overseas,

and he sent back some sandfrom Normandy.

My family doesn't doanything like this.

What does your family do?

Every year, my motherchooses a theme,

and her decorator does the rest.

All that mattersis how it looks,

not what it means.

What was this year's theme?

It was supposed to bea Christmas wedding.

Uh...

No, no, that's cool.

I mean, whose wedding?

Oh.

I canceled it.

Over the summer.

So...

Right. I'm sorry.

Don't be.

No, you know, we wanteddifferent things. So...

Right.

Just took you six monthsbefore your wedding

to figure that out?

I knew before then.

Sometimes it takes mea little bit longer

to say things out loud.

Ah.

One of my quirks.

Bless you.

Excuse me.

I hope I'm not getting sick.

That's the last thing I needright now.

Well, stress does make youmore susceptible to viruses.

Oh, that's great.I'm doomed.

Wait a minute.

Maybe that'swhat's going on here.

There could bea disease in the trunk

that's getting set offfrom the stress of being cut.

Like transplant shock?

Kind of. Ugh.

I wish I could see whatwas going on in the trunks.

You realize you're tellingthe guy who sells cut trees

that the solution might beto not cut trees.

I'm saying I don't know yet.

I just...

oh!

You know what would help?

To dig up the root ballwith one of the trunks.

I could cut it

and watch what happensover the next few hours

in real time.

Yeah, we could do that.

We'll cut it out, and...

It's almost00.

Your car is ready,and my time is up.

Oh.

Well, I'll stay.

- Really?- Yeah.

I can stay one more nightand get my car tomorrow.

Well, I appreciate that.

Of course.

Even if you're staying

just so you canavoid your family.

I care what happens to you.

- And... and your farm.- Right.

And there's no way I'm lettingthat Dwayne guy win.

Okay, maybe the home thing,too...

a little.

I knew it.

All right.

We're luckyit was warmer this week.

The ground's not too hard.

Yeah.

Oh.

Looks like that'sabout to change.

Oh, nothing like a bitof mood snow at Christmas.

Beautiful. Right?

Olivia?

Over here.

Come on.

- Ah...- What are you doing down here?

This quiet...

under the trees...

it's my favorite thingin the whole world.

It's like I'm just livingin this exact moment

where everything's perfectjust the way it is.

It's amazing how somethingas simple as a tree

can bring peopleso much happiness.

That's why I love what I do.

My life's purpose

is to literally bring joyto families

every Christmas.

If I can't do that anymore...

You don't have to worry, Jack.

I got this.

Hey!

Jack.

Miles.

What are you doing here?

I saw a light

and thought someone wasstealing one of your trees

while you're shut down.

Oh. No.

We're just...

doing scientific research.

Is that what they'recalling it these days?

No, no. It really was.

Okay.

You two have a good night.

Thanks, Miles.

Can you call him tomorrow

and tell himit was actual science?

Well...

Not all of it.

No, not all of it.

We should, uh...let's get the...

dig up the tree.Tree. Yeah.

One, two, three.

- Yep. Go.- Push it. Yeah.

Yeah.

Here we go. One more.

Hey, nice.

Grab that. There we go.

Careful, it's a little bitslippery out here.

Please. I'm a third-generationNew Englander.

I'm... I'm good.

Don't... say... a word.

I would never.

I'm a fourth-generationConnecticutian, so...

Oh!

Don't you dare. Don't you...

Just...

Let's get this inside.

This is humiliating.

There you go.Watch your step.

How is it out there?

I heard it's likea skating rink.

Um, didn't notice.

No, not at all.

Hey, I, uh...

I could pick you upin the morning after breakfast

and we can go get your carwhenever you're ready.

Maybe after 10?

Yeah. That's perfect.

Right. Uh, right here?

Yeah.

There we go.

I'll let you... there you go.

- Yeah.- Yeah.

Till then, it'll just be

good old-fashionedscientific method.

Which is...

Sitting next to the treeand staring at it all night.

Right.

Hope we get the answers.

Hey, we're getting there.

Yeah.

Oh... thanks.

Night.

Good night.

Ho ho ho ho ho!

Thank you for letting memake my way through here.

How's everybody feeling?

This is Lisa the Elf,

and she'sgoing to be my helper today.

Oh! This is beautiful.

Who made this for you?

My mom.

Oh, it's absolutely wonderful.

I could use her advice shopping.

Good morning.

Hey.

Can I get you some breakfast?

Uh, I'm actuallylooking for Jack.

I, uh...I overslept a little bit.

He's... here.

Oh, it's a very special treat.

Oh, I see, you want a candycane.

I'm sure I've got a candy cane.

Someone will get youa candy cane.

Hi.

So, this is one of the favorsyou do for her, huh?

I don't know what you'retalking about.

Oh, I heard Santa was here.

Santa was here?

Yes. And if you hurry,

maybe you can give himyour Christmas list.

Oh, I think he already knowsmy Christmas list.

You don't need Santa for that.

You've got me.

Yeah.

So, how was it lookingovernight?

You know what to do?I know what's next.

I feel likewhen you're vague like that

it's because you're holdingsomething back.

I'm not. There's just no point

in getting your hopes up,or down,

until I know for sure.

And when will that be?

After I pick up my car

and bring the samplesback to the lab on campus.

My equipment is good,but the lab is the best.

Right.

Sorry.

You're too tired to drive.

Why don't I take you?

Are you sure you have time?

Yeah. I mean, untilwe get this figured out,

I've got nothing but time.

Okay.

All the testsare up and running.

Now I just need to make sureI didn't forget anything.

Don't touch that!

No, I'm not.

I just want to take a lookat my master checklist.

Yes.

What is all this?

Oh no.

I thought we canceled the order.

That's a lot of mistletoe.

They were my wedding favors.

That must have cost a fortune.

Oh yeah, they did.

I would've been happy

giving everyonea bag of candy almonds.

Why didn't you say something?

Because this wasn't even

in the top 100 thingsI needed to say to him.

So what are yougoing to do with them now?

Why don't you sell themat the craft fair?

We can donatethe proceeds to charity.

Really?

Yeah.

I love that idea.

Especially since I usuallydonate Christmas trees

to families in need,

and this way,

we can help them buy a treefrom somewhere else.

Are you sureyou're okay with that?

Yeah. Of course.

I mean, my problemshouldn't become theirs,

and for them, it's not justabout the tree.

It's...

it's aboutwhat happens around it.

Uh, okay.

So we're good here.

All we have to do now is wait.

Great. For how long?

Uh, about ten hours.

Ten hours?

Give or take.

I feel like this is going to be

the longest ten hoursof my life.

Well, you know,we don't have to stay that long.

Everything's automated,

so once it's done,

the resultswill upload to the server,

and I can read themfrom anywhere.

Yeah.

I just feel like I'm goingto go nuts waiting.

Some of these things looklike they could maybe be fun?

They are fun, and thank you.

Don't thank me yet.

It's going to be fun.

Come on in.

Um, you know, why don't wetake this spot here?

So what we're going to...

Oh, uh, Lisa, do we haveany gingerbread trees?

Oh, I couldn't findthe cookie cutter for that,

but if you want treesmade out of Santa hats,

I'm your gal.

How are you at baking?

Terrible.

Me too.

Well, no trees for us, then.

I will not stand for such irony.

Come on.

That is brilliant.

- I mean, right?- Brilliant.

All right, I'm going to need...

Uh, we had no choice.

I feel like you did.

Yeah.

Oh no.

There aren't any moregingerbread houses.

Oh. Hey, let's makea gingerbread version

of your Christmas tree lot.

- That's a great idea.- Right?

This way...

Those resultscan't come fast enough.

You know, Jack, thismight not be a quick fix.

If you can't openyour lot again this year...

Then I'm going to haveto email all my loyal customers

and tell them to get a treefrom someplace else.

Not Dwayne, though. Please?

Well, there's nothingI can do about that.

I just hope they come backagain next year.

If there's somethingfor them to come back for.

Yes, and that's my goal,

to be up and running next yearat the very latest,

but if that doesn't happen,I just...

I just want to make sure that,you know, you'll be okay.

I mean, we can coverone bad year,

but if all of the treesare diseased,

then I don't knowwhat I'm going to do.

Which is why I suggested

having different cropsto harvest year-round.

Olivia, I don't wantto talk about this.

Hey, it doesn't haveto be fruit.

The soil's great for ornamentalplants, for shrubs...

I mean, like, you know...

little... shrubs...

Yeah, okay, and whatkind of shrub is a pink shrub?

Azaleas, obviously.

Mm, mm-hmm.

No, I think I'm goingto stick with trees.

You know, azaleasbring people joy, too.

The point is thatdiversifying would just mean

that you wouldn't beso dependent on Christmas

to survive.

My dad would look at allthose farms that did it all,

and he would say,

"Jack of all trades,master of none."

He would beso disappointed in me

if I changed all that now.

I get it. Being named Jackdoesn't really help me here.

But at least you'd havesomething to fall back on

when things like this happen.

Okay.

So you're an experton evergreens.

But what if I told you

you also had to bean expert on roses

or... mangoes?

They don't grow mangoesin Connecticut.

You know what I mean.

Yeah, I... I get it.

Sorry I brought it up.

Forget I said anything.

Oh.

Well, that's a sign.

It's... it's a cookie.

You know what?

Maybe it's time for usto move on to something else.

Wow, that is impressive.

Thank you.

You really are a natural.

Who knew?

I kind of had a feeling.

Oh, and...

hmm?

Love it.

Right?

See?

Wasn't so bad, was it?

It was wonderful.

Yeah.

I'm not going to get you.

- Okay, okay.- Hold it tight.

I should've learned my lessonlast time.

And... whssht!

- See? I told you.- See, I got you again.

And I don't get the thingabout the empty presents.

It's like an empty promise.

I mean...

Oh, man.

What is it?

The mayor'sgoing to be here any minute,

and he's going to askfor an update

on the Christmas Eve tree.

Can you check to seeif there are any results?

Because I could really usesome good news right now.

Sorry, nothing yet.

Great.

I've been meaning to ask you,

why does the town wait

all the way until Christmas Eve

to light the tree?

The very first yearConnor's opened for business,

there was this huge stormon Christmas Eve,

and all the powerwent out all over town,

except for the square,

so my great-grandfathergot the biggest tree we had

and brought it down,

and peoplefrom all over town came,

and they decorated it

with lights and ornaments,and...

that's when it stoppedbeing a Connor tree

and became everyone's tree.

And then from that day forward,

that just becamea Christmas Eve tradition

to light the tree.

No wonder it meanseverything to you.

It does.

Hey, the barn looks great, Jack.

Hey, thanks.

But I see that the tree lot'sstill closed for business.

Yeah. Well, you know what?

We're coming upwith a really good solution.

This is Olivia.

She is UConn's chiefevergreen horticulturalist.

Hello.

Nice to meet you.

The thing is, that treehas to be in place by Tuesday

so we have time to decorate.

Okay, great.

Well, we've got three days,and that should be fine.

I'm sorry, but becausewe're getting extra press

for the hundredthannual lighting,

we can't risk waitinguntil the last minute.

That's why I came downin person.

I've decided to go withDwayne Colson's tree instead.

Listen, we started the tradition

of lighting the treeon Christmas Eve,

and I have never askedfor anything in return.

Just this once,

I'm asking if youcan wait until Tuesday,

and if the tree'snot in good shape,

you can go with Dwayne Colson,and I wouldn't blame you.

All right.

Three days, Jack.

Thank you.

We can do that, right?

Three days is enough time?

Oh, it's just my mom.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, Olivia.

I was going to call you.

This job in Avon's

taking a little longerthan I thought.

It is really starting to seemthat you're avoiding us.

I've... just been busy.

Well, I madea nail appointment for you

because I know how muchyou just hate

all that dirtunder there from work.

I'm... fine with it.

Uh, listen, Mom.I've got to get back to work.

I'll be home as soon as I can.

Okay? Love you. Bye.

Oh. This is it.

The lab results.

What does it say?

The tests haven't identified

any common diseasesor pathogens,

and now we've ruled outenvironmental contaminants.

Okay, so what does that mean?

There's nothing we can do?

We're going to have to do

a full genetic sequencingof the DNA

to get our answer.

We will get the answer,

but that's goingto take a few...

Days? That's okay.

Weeks.

Weeks?

Jack, I'm so sorry.

I really wishthere was a faster way.

Okay, so what does that mean

for my trees that arein the ground for this year,

and the big Christmas Eve tree?

See, this is whereyou're supposed to say,

"Don't worry, Jack.

I know how to savethis year's trees."

Don't worry, Jack.

I know how to savethis year's trees.

Olivia, I just really need you

to tell mewhat you're really thinking.

Please.

I'm worried.

Because right now,

I don't know how to save them.

Hey.

If anyone can figure it out,it's you,

and there's no one elseI'd rather have in my corner.

Thank you, Jack.

Okay, I'm going to godo some more research.

What's going on?

Oh, uh... it doesn't look good.

I'd say it's lookingpretty great.

I'm talking about the trees.

For the first timein a hundred years,

there might not bea Connor family tree

in the town square.

But for the first time

in what seems likea thousand years,

you have a chance at love.

It's not the right time, Lisa.

It's never the right timefor you, Jack.

It's okay to careabout your trees

and your legacy and your farm,

but that can't bethe only thing you care about...

especially now that you've metsomeone like Olivia.

Morning.

Hey. Good morning.

What have you got there?

Oh, I got my car,drove to UConn,

raided the supply roomat the lab,

and got everything I need.

I think I found a way

to keep this year's trees alive

for a week or soafter getting cut.

Come on.

I knew you could do it.

It's a temporary fix,

and I'm not done yet,

but if I'm right,

between this and the DNA work,

by next year, it'll be likenone of this ever happened.

Well, except for the partwhere I met you,

because I coulddo that again in a heartbeat.

Me too.

Okay, so what's the plan?

Okay.

So whatever's going on

is getting triggeredby the tree getting cut

and losing vital nutrientsfrom the soil, right?

So I createda highly concentrated formula

to add to your trees' waterafter they're cut.

You just give it toyour customers for the trees.

Kind of like the packageyou put in vases

when you buy flowers.

Except this has to be calibrated

to dissolve evenly over time...

like anextended-release medicine.

Huh.

Now I just have to figure out

how to create a solid basefor the formula.

Wow.

Wouldn't that be easierto do in your lab?

Yeah, but, you know,

it's convenient to be hereto test it on the trees.

- Right.- And...

but, you know, you're right.

I'll go back to the lab.

It's, um... it's...

- No, no, no.- Probably better.

You can totally do it here.You can do it in the house.

The truth is, most of thisis too messy to do in the house.

What about the barn?

What about the craft fair?

The craft fair doesn't haveto take up the whole barn.

Wait a minute.

Why not move partof the craft fair outside?

You could have a whole,like, outdoor section

decorated with the lightsand wreaths.

Everyone would beoutside in nature,

really feelingthe Christmas spirit.

Sort of like you are right now.

I guess I am.

But I don't know how you'd getall that together so quickly.

Oh, easy-peasy.

I'll get my mom on it.

It'll be done within the hour.

Really?

Yeah.

It's the best part aboutliving in a small community.

We're all hereto help one another.

I really think this is it, Jack.

I really think so too.

Guys, this is beautiful.

I love it.

Hey, how are you?

Oh, mm, smells so good.

Oh.

Mom, this is amazing.

Oh, thank you so muchfor rallying the troops. Wow.

Are you kidding?

These people were lined upwaiting to help.

You should do this every year.

You know, this was actuallyOlivia's idea.

We're lucky she's here.

Well, luck has nothingto do with it.

It's fate.

I don't know about that.She's here to do a job, Mom.

You think this isreally about her job?

Oh, no.

It's all about you now, Jack.

- No.- Yeah.

Harry!

I should really keep working.

Right. Well, I think

you shouldgive your brain a break.

Come.

Oh, my goodness.

This looks incredible.

Right?

And this is allthanks to your idea.

Come on.

Let's take a little strolltogether.

Harry, you knowI adore you, right?

But ever since Stanley died,

I just never saw myselfstrolling with anyone else.

Me neither, but, you know,

we can either chooseto embrace the future

or resist it,

and... I pick embrace.

Come on.

All right.

They are adorable.

Yeah.

Hey, are you okaywith your mom...

Yeah. No, I mean,you know what?

My dad's been gone a while,

and she deserves to be happy.

Your mom's pretty luckyif she found that twice.

Some people don't evenfind it once.

Hey.

Let's go for a walk.

Sorry. I've got sap on my hands.

Oh.

Wait!

Jack, this is the answerI've been looking for.

This is what we can useto bond the nutrients together.

Let's go!I want to see if it works.

Okay.

Hey.

- This is it?- I think so.

All we need nowis a tree to test it on.

Well, I've got plenty of those.

Let's go.

This is it.

Yeah.

Okay.

Well, I guess I'll drive youback to the inn.

Are you kidding?

I'm not going anywhere.

Well, then, I guess...

you should get comfortable.

Thank you.

You don't have to stay up.

Of course I do.

I want to see what happens.

- Morning.- Morning.

Uh, check on the tree.

Yeah.

Hey, not bad.

- Good morning.- Good morning.

We brought some breakfast.

Oh, thank you.

So, did it work?

We're not going to know for sure

until later tonight.

Oh, it seems likea lot of waiting around.

Well, nature does not hurry,

but everything is accomplished.

That's beautiful.

Did you make that up?

Yeah.

Wow, that's incredible.

It's very similar to Lao Tzu

from 5,000 years ago.

Yes. Do you studyChinese philosophy?

A little, yeah. Yeah.

Also, it was on a posterin your office.

Busted!

Good morning!

Squeeze in.

Did it work?

They won't know until later.

So we're just goingto sit here all day

and stare at it?

That's the plan. Yeah.

I guess we can work around youfor the party?

Ohh...

You forgot.

Did not forget.

I just didn't remember on time.

What exactlyare we talking about?

I'm having my annualgift exchange party

here tonight.

You're going to love it.

You cankeep your eye on the tree

and have funwhile you're doing it.

That sounds fun,

but I don'thave a gift to bring.

That's actually the easy part.

Do you guys mind continuingwith the tree watching?

Come on.

Okay.

Okay. $20 max,

and you shouldn't see

what the other personis getting,

so you're going to have to bepretty stealth about it.

Okay.

Hmm...

Oh, come on.

I mean...

Aw. I think that's my size.

This is nice.

Oh, very good.

It's a bit strong.

Hello?

Hello? Hello?

- Oh.- Oh.

I'll wait over here.

- Okay.- Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So, everyone draws a number,

and then the first personpicks a gift and opens it.

I knew it.

Then the second personopens their gift,

and they can keep it...

Yes.

Somebody knows I love cheese.

Or they can trade itwith the first person.

Then the third personopens their gift.

Aw!

They can keep that one,

or they can stealfrom the first two.

And at the end,whoever went first

gets one more chance to steal.

It gets pretty ugly.

"The Historyof the Christmas Tree."

- Ooh.- That's very nice.

History of baseballwould've been nicer,

but who am I to complain?

Oh, who am I kidding?

Give me the blanket.

There we go.

Okay, it's my turn.

I'm going for this one.I saw it, I want it.

- Oh.- Yeah.

Oh, this has neverhappened before.

Wow.

Look at that.

I'm keeping it.

Oh, I guess I'm up.

- Yes.- Go for it.

Which one should I pick?

Ooh, wow. Look at that.

Oh!

That's the best oneof the night.

I know you're goingto keep that.

Actually...

I think I'll trade itfor the book.

Really?

Yeah.

Well, Jack said you favor treesin their natural state.

Oh, did he?

Christmas trees...are growing on me.

Oh!

That is good.

She's worse than Jack.

Okay, on that note, Jack,

you can either keep the book,

or you can trade itfor whatever you like the most.

Okay, well, I'm going to sayI did really like...

the book.

Great minds.

Wait a minute, what's going on?

Shh.

Let's go read.

Okay, who is ready for yule log?

- Yes!- Yes, yes.

Okay.

Olivia, you're first.

There is an ornamentbaked inside,

and whoever finds it

gets to switch on the lightsat the tree ceremony.

But I'm not family.

Everything you have doneto help Jack and the farm,

you will always be family to us.

Okay, but right now,it's all a big maybe.

What if the fix doesn't work?

Well, then we shun you.

Fair enough.

All right.

Oh!

Whoa. Look at that!

That's great.

Okay, who wants cake?

Oh yeah.

I wish Christmasfelt like this at my house.

Why can't it?

It's just notwhat my parents do.

Oh.

Well, have you told them

what you wanted Christmasto be like?

You know, you can'texpect your parents

to solve a problem

that they don't evenknow they have.

Hmm?

How's the cake?

Beginner's luck?

I don't know.That was pretty good.

Well, I guess we've gota couple hours

until we can check on the tree.

I'm almost afraid to look.

I'm not.

I trust you.

Uh...

- Oh.- Cake?

Oh, thank you.

And one for you.

Thank you.

Is it wrongthat part of me is hoping

it doesn't work quite yet?

So she doesn't leave Avonso soon?

Yes, very wrong.

And I was thinkingthe exact same thing.

This looks good.Let's check the others.

None of the needleshave fallen off.

It worked?

It worked.

- It worked!- It worked!

It worked. It worked!

Hey.

Yeah!

Okay, Mr. Mozzicato, you've gotthe eight-foot tree, right?

Yes.

That is this one here for you.There you go.

Thank you, Jack,and merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas and thank you.

Are you sure we're goingto have enough of these

for the town tree?

Oh, plenty.

Perfect. Hi.

You've gotthe six-foot tree, right?

Yes, I knew it.

Right. Here you go.

Would you mindcovering from here?

Thank you.

Good luck, big guy.

Yeah.

Okay, fine.

Yes, I do talk to trees. Happy?

You have no idea.

Come on. Hop in.

We've got to put up this tree.

Up, up, up, up, up.

Keep going.

Right about there.

Perfect. That's it.

Nice.

All right.

It looks beautiful. Ah.

Glad to see it turned outokay, Jack.

Yeah, it turned outbetter than okay.

We'll get started decorating.

Look at you.

You saved Christmas, Olivia.

I can't thank you enough.

I should be thanking you.

For the first timein I don't know how long,

Christmas isn't somethingto get through.

It's something to treasure.

Yeah.

I just wish I could takethis feeling home with me.

Are you sure you can't stay?

You saved the tree.

You should probably be heretomorrow when we light it up.

I want to, but...

I mean, my parents would neverforgive me, so...

Unless you tell themwhy you want to stay.

I mean... if you want to stay.

You know I do.

For the trees?

For more than just the trees.

Then say it.

It's not that easy for me, Jack.

We have come too farnot to see this through.

Clearly, I'm...I'm talking about us.

I'm at UConn, an hour away.

What happens after Christmas?

I don't know.

I just know that forthe first time in a long time,

I'm thinkingabout something else.

Will this even work?

We have solvedevery other problem.

We'll figure this out too.

So...

meet you here in the morning?

It's a date.

Yeah, it is.

Hi, Mom.

Listen, about Christmas Eve.

I know you want me to come home,

but I think I'm goingto stay here in Avon.

We're hostingthe cocktail hour at the club.

We have to be there.

I know you do.

Olivia, I have told you.

No one is going to ask youabout the wedding

or about Justin.

They just want to see you.

They don't even know me.

Mom, they only knowthe version of me

that you want them to see,

but I can't do that anymore.

I don't understand any of this.

I thought you loved Christmas.

I do, now.

Now that I knowwhat it could be.

Do you care to sharewhat that is?

Look, I'll be homeChristmas morning, and then...

I'm going to show you.

Will you really come home?

Or will you just call

with another reasonto stay away?

I'll really come. I promise.

We have a lot to talk about.

Good night, Mom. Love you.

What?

I don't understand.It was working.

And I calledsome of the customers.

They said thattheir trees were fine.

Did we put enough nutrientsin here?

It's the exact same ratioto trunk size as the others.

Wait.

These needles look differentfrom the other damaged trees.

They look worse.

Don't worry, Jack.

Today's your lucky day.

I have our tree ready to go.

It's not your decision, Dwayne.

It's up to Mayor McGuire.

Who do you think called me?

We're cutting downthe replacement.

It'll be here in three hours.

I assume you'llhelp us out here, right?

I mean, we're allon the same team.

Are we?

Well, you're on the B teamnow, but, uh, yeah.

Jack, tree lady, good day.

You can't let him win.

It's not about winning anymore.

It's about Christmas Eve,

and it's aboutthe entire community,

and I feel like I've ruined itfor everyone.

Jack...

I'm so sorry.

Hey, it's not your fault.

You did everything you could.

I'm not giving up on your trees.

Okay, we have the technologyto get to the bottom of this.

It's just going to takea little longer than we thought.

In the meantime,

I can getthe entire horticulture team

to recommend alternative crops.

I told you I wasn't interested.

Why would you evenbring that up?

Because it's the best wayout of this.

It's not an option.

We do Christmas. That's it.

That's all I care about.

I see.

Olivia. Olivia, wait.

You know what I mean.

I mean, I careabout a lot of things.

I care about you, too.

This just isn't going to work.

You told me to saywhat I was feeling, Jack.

And I did.

But the truth is,

you don't want meto say how I feel...

just what you want to hear.

Just like everyone else.

This isn't about your family,

and this isn't about your fiancéor anybody else.

This is about us.

It's time for meto get back to my life,

and you to get back to yours.

So that's it?

Yeah, I guess we'll justput them in there, Mom.

- Yeah, mix up the colors.- Yes.

Mind if we use thesefor the, uh, the good tree?

We're all on the same teamhere, right?

No? Nothing?

Excuse me.

- That's it.- Whoa.

Don't let him get to you.

Dwayne's right about one thing.

It's not about us now.

It's about Christmas.

In the end, we have to rememberwhat we're celebrating.

It's about bringing people joy.

I know. Yeah.

Where's Olivia?

She left.

What?

Why?

Because there's nothing elsefor her to do here,

and there's no reasonfor her to stay, Mom.

You're the reason, Jack.

Did you tell herhow you feel about her?

Yes, I did, and she told me,

and then the tree fell apart,and so did everything else.

Why?

We just don't see eye to eye.

About what?

She suggestedplanting more crops again,

and I just...

I didn't respondvery well to it.

I don't understandwhy you won't consider it.

Because I promised Dadthat I wouldn't change a thing.

The Connor name is synonymouswith Christmas,

and I don't want to destroya hundred years of tradition.

Oh, honey,yes, tradition is important,

and so is Christmas,

but you know whatthe most important thing

was to your dad? Us.

You, our community,our friends...

our happiness.

That's the legacyhe wanted you to keep.

It's too late now, Mom.She's gone.

It's never too late, Jack.

Sometimes you just haveto be willing

to be open to change.

- Roll the window down.- Okay, I am.

Well, what are you guysdoing here?

Annoying people, apparently.

You can't stop in traffic.

I'll meet youat the coffee shop.

- Coffee shop.- Right in there, yeah.

You guys really didn't needto come up here.

I was just heading home.

Do you really think you coulddrop a bomb on us like that

and we'd just let it go?

You have a piece of treein your hair.

Yeah.

Yeah, I know.

I always do.

Mom, this is who I am.

I'm a woman who haspine needles in her hair

and dirt under her fingernails,

and absolutely zero desire

to get all dressed upfor Christmas

just to stand aroundand chat with people

who want meto be somebody I'm not.

So you don't want to be like us.

Then what do you want?

I want to spend the entire day

in our pajamas.

I want to make a messwith the wrapping paper.

I want to bake our own cookies,even though I can't bake,

and I want to decorate our tree

with ornaments thatmean something to our family.

I don't want it to be

about other people'sperception of us.

I just want it to be...

about us.

Maybe we shouldcancel the party tonight.

Dad, you don't have to do that.

You guys love that party.

Yeah, see?

Mom doesn't want youto cancel the party.

I'm sure you guys wish

that I didn't say anythingabout any of this.

It's okay.

Don't worry about...

I'll see you at home.

No, wait.

Honey, I've never been very good

about expressing myself.

I know.

Runs in the family.

I'm just so, so sorry, Livvy,

that I've made youfeel anything less

than the strong,brilliant, beautiful woman

that you've become.

You don't needto change anything.

I do.

But this Christmas...

if you still want to come home?

Of course I do.

I wish I'd said all thisyears ago.

Why now? What changed?

Is there something elsethe matter?

Yeah.

Aw.

Are you sure you don't wantto just find him

and talk to him?

You guys, I love you so much

for coming hereand for listening,

but when it comes to Jack...

I blew it.

So let's just go home and haveour best Christmas ever.

Okay?

I can't waitto burn some cookies.

Love you guys.

See you in a couple hours.

Drive carefully.

Okay.

Dwayne Colson texted me.

He wants us to stay hereand put up the new tree.

We already did our job, right?

Ignore that. Did you...

No. We shouldprobably do that.

Yeah, we shouldprobably do that.

Hey, you guys work with Dwayne?

Yeah.

You know him?

Yeah, we go way back.

Tell him congratulationson the town tree.

I mean, I feel badfor the Connors,

but hey, nature's going to do

what nature's going to do,right?

Yeah, nature.

Uh, selfie?

Yeah.

- All right.- Where do you want us?

Yeah, yeah, right thereis perfect.

Yeah, just a little bit...

Yeah. Say "Christmas tree."

Christmas tree!

Hey, this is Jack.

Leave a message.

Jack, it's me.

Dwayne sabotaged the treewith weed killer overnight.

Meet me at the treewhen you can.

Excuse me!

What's her problem?

Stop! Don't take it down.

This treeis going to be just fine.

I knowyou did your best, Olivia,

but the same thinghappening to this tree

as all the rest of them.

By tonight,most of these needles

are going to be on the ground.

No, this is notlike the other trees.

I'm sorry, but I can'ttake that chance.

Dwayne Colson...

Dwayne Colson sprayedthis tree with weed killer

so it would looklike it was dying.

Every branch it touchedlooks like that.

Dwayne?

I don't know what tree lady'stalking about.

She's just embarrassedbecause she failed.

Yeah, well, these guystell a different story.

She got you, Dwayne.

You just couldn'thelp yourself, could you?

Your motheralways cheated at Hearts.

Oh...

I'm not surprised the acorndidn't fall far from the tree.

Good job, Mom.

Think what you want,

but there's nothing you can do

about the needlesthat have already dropped.

You know, is thisthe type of tree you want

on the most importantChristmas Eve

Avon's ever had?

This is what you want peopleto remember us by?

I'd rather have no tree...

than one from you.

Miles.

Really?

You called the cops?

Let's go down to the station

and talk about Avon'svandalism law.

Good day, sir.

Tree lady...

Well played.

I hate to say it,

but Dwayneis right about one thing.

This tree does not look great...

and that's being generous.

I mean, it might notlook perfect,

but, I mean,the story behind it is great.

I think the media'sgoing to eat it up.

You think?

Are you kidding?

There's a hero and a villainand a love story.

Maybe it can be likethat story you told me,

about the very first yearof the tradition.

Everyone from towncan bring something.

It can beeveryone's tree again...

just a hundred years later.

I think that's a great idea.

I guess they don't call you

the Christmas Tree Whispererfor nothing.

Actually, she doesn't liketo be called that.

Um, it's... it's okay.

I kind of like it.

Oh.

Actually, she kind oflikes it now.

I feel like I have so manythings I want to say to you.

Me too.

Tree now.

Talk later.

You two have plenty of time.

Oh, I'm so glad you made it.

Yeah.

I'm sorry if it meantmissing that party.

Oh, that doesn't matter anymore.

We just wantedto see for ourselves

what you love about Christmas...

and you're wearingthe coat that I love.

I know.

Oh, um, hang on.

Okay.

Mom, Dad, this is Jack.

Mrs. Arden. Mr. Arden.

- Lovely to meet you.- Lovely to meet you too.

It's such a pleasure.

You have an incredible daughter.

Oh, we know.

Pine needles in her hair,exactly as it should be.

Yeah.

Is that a cider cart?

Yeah.

Oh. Oh, yes. Good idea.

Your parents seem really nice.

I don't know.

I was picturingsomething flashier.

Yeah, actually, I was...I was wrong about them.

I was wrongabout a lot of things,

including telling you

to change the wayyou run your farm.

You were right about that.

I want to expand the crops.

But I thought

Christmas is the only thingyou care about.

It was, until I met you.

Look, you were just tryingto tell me how you felt,

and I wasn't listening,and I am so sorry.

That's the thing.

I told you how I feltabout your crops...

not about you.

Well, now's your chance.

Well, in thisparticular situation,

I think it might be betterif I just show you.

Okay.

That was well said.

Hey...

would you two like to...

You guys wantto push the button?

They're busy.

We got this.

In ten, nine, eight, seven,

six, five, four,

three, two, one!