All language subtitles for SantBtcamp.2022.720p.WEB.h264-BAE

[calming music]

♪ ♪

- Let there be christmas.

♪ ♪

- You mind,
just right up there?

The second shelf's not low.

♪ ♪

- Oh, my.

♪ ♪

That's great, patty.
It's--

- Thank you, belle.

- It's beautiful just like you.

- Thank you.
- Thank you. Gosh.

- Thanks.

♪ ♪

- I'm sorry mrs. Guthrie,
did I hear you correctly?

You wanna add a petting zoo
to your christmas party?

One moment. Mom.

What's a petting zoo?

It's two weeks
before christmas.

Where am I gonna
find a reindeer?

- If anyone can, emily,
it's you.

♪ ♪

- Okay, mrs. Guthrie,
I'll get on that.

Can you hang on a minute?

Strauss and strauss
event planning,

I'll be right with you.

♪ ♪

- Emily, ed mancini's office,

They wanna know
if you're available

For a meeting this afternoon.

♪ ♪

- He only uses the big
beverly hills firms.

Are they looking to book a
christmas event for next year?

- Next week.

They just fired
their event planner.

♪ ♪

- It's far more than
a christmas party.

My senior staff will be there,
but I've also invited

Prospective investors,
influencers,

Top political figures.

- So is this a fundraiser?

- [chuckles]
I don't do charity events.

The east portion of the mall

Will be roped off
for the event.

I've hired a professional
lighting designer.

I want a six course dinner.

It's gonna be an evening
they'll never forget.

- Well, your office
sent over the particulars.

It looks like most everything
is arranged.

Caterers, rentals,
entertainment.

- I fired the caterer
this morning,

So you'll need
to attend to that.

- Okay. Caterer. Got it.

And if I can ask,
sir, what happened

To your last event planner?

- We didn't see eye to eye
on christmas.

My mantra when it comes
to the holidays is go big

Or ho, ho, ho, go home.

- Got it.

And how did you find me?

- A good friend
recommended you,

So I expect nothing
but the best.

One last thing.

Santa.
- There's always a santa.

- Not just any santa.

I pride myself on having
the best santas

At all my signature properties.

- Didn't your last planner
line one up?

- He was too ordinary.

I want magic. I want fireworks.

I want kris kringle from
"miracle on 34th street."

- Oh, finding a santa like that
at this late date is--

- Not just any santa,
young lady.

The best of the best.
The real thing.

Don't disappoint me, emily.

- Got it.

Oh.

♪ ♪

[soft cheerful music]

- Belle, these just came
back from the printer.

- Ah. Aiden.

- Hey.
- What do you think?

- The lady knows
what she's doing.

- You just earned yourself
a raise.

- Hey, thank you.

♪ ♪

- Santa bootcamp.

The finest santa school
in america.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Yeah. Let's see.

- Someone's been
to the farmers market.

- Only the best for belle.

- I didn't know poblano chilies
were still in season.

- Oh, they're actually,
they're not poblano,

They're anaheim chili peppers.

- No, I don't think so.

I work with a lot of caterers,
and we use them all the time.

Ask the chef
when you get inside.

- Oh, me question the chef?

No. No. I would never do that.

- I know. They're the worst.

It's not like they're
performing brain surgery.

They're cutting up zucchini.

- See, if I said that
to the chef,

I'd get a rolling pin
thrown at my head.

Good luck in the class, though.

- Oh, no.
I'm--I'm not a student.

- I gotta go, sorry.
- I'm not--I'm not a student.

- I see that you signed up
for the total christmas

Mrs. Claus package.

Well, you're gonna love it.

I mean, it changed my life.
- Excuse me.

- It'll change yours.

- Excuse me. Hi.

I'm emily strauss of strauss
and strauss event planning.

I've been leaving messages.

- Oh, yes.
You'll have to wait in line.

You can't rush santa's work.

- I'm not here for bootcamp.
- Hmm?

What can I do for you,
sweetheart?

- Hi, I'm emily strauss.

- Hi, I heard strauss
and strauss event planning,

But you know, I don't think
you're on the list here.

No, you're not.
- No, no.

I just need some help
finding a santa.

I have an event coming up,
and I need a recommendation.

- Well, you have come
to the right place.

- I knew you'd be able
to help me.

People keep mistaking me
for a student.

- Really?

- All I need is a referral,
and I'll be on my way.

Maybe you can put me in touch
with someone in charge.

- Well--

- And by the way,
I love your tracksuit.

It's so festive.
And I love that shade of red.

It's so christmassy.

So who should I talk to?

- You know, I'm not gonna be
much help to you, dear.

I mean, I'm just
a little senior citizen

Who's giving them some help.

I'm sorry.

[horn honks]

[playful music]

♪ ♪

Oops.

[soft cheery music]

♪ ♪

- Orientation's about to begin.
Everybody to the ballroom.

- Oh, um, miss--

♪ ♪

[all chanting "belle"]

[chanting stops]

- Thank you.

When a child
gives santa a wish list,

That will create a moment
that will exist forever

In that person's life.

And that's what
this program is all about.

Good morning.

I am belle, and welcome
to santa bootcamp.

[cheers and applause]

Do you remember when you were
a kid, how exciting it was

When you were going to open
your first christmas gift

On christmas morning.

The elation that you felt,
how ecstatic you felt,

And more important,
the joy that you exuded?

Well, that's what we
at bootcamp

Want to help you rediscover.

And you will understand why
it's so important

To become an ambassador
for santa.

Patty?
- Oh, I don't need one.

I'm not a student.

- Here you go. Here you go.
Here you go.

Each masterclass will be
given by one of our experts

In the santa field,
followed by a group exercise.

After you complete all
of your academic work,

You will have five days to
finish your final assignment.

Now, you can do 'em alone
or in a group.

Graduation will take place
next Friday evening.

Now, why waste another minute

When santa's work
is to be done?

Belle needs volunteers.

- Yes. Okay. You and you.

And oh, this handsome guy
up in front.

You can stop waving.

Just get up here. I need you.

And yes, you,
deer in the headlights girl.

- I'm not a student, belle.
Remember?

I'm emily strauss.
I'm here for the--

- Blah, blah, blah.

Get up here, missy.

- Come on. Come on.

We are going to do some
role playing exercises.

Sit down. Thank you.

Okay, well,
first I want everyone

To introduce themselves
and tell us why you're here.

- Go ahead.

- Hi, I'm caroline.

I am the new hr manager at
a desmond's department store.

I'm in charge of hiring all the
seasonal help for next year,

So I wanted to learn more
about their jobs.

- Oh, that is great.

Have you ever
thought about what it's like

To be inside a polyester

Unventilated candy cane
suit for eight hours?

- No.

- You're about to find out.

Thank you. Thank you.

- Hello, I'm gino.

I'm an aeronautical engineer
at jpl,

And I'm doing this
for my grandson carlo.

He saw your flyer
and thought it was cool.

So if it's cool for him,
then it's cool for me.

- Well, I will do my best
to up your game.

Thank you.
- Thank you.

- Yes, sir.

- People always say
I look like santa,

So why not make a living at it?

I'm ben.

- Right on, ben.

Thank you.

Yes.

- I'm emily, strauss
and strauss event planning.

I was recently hired by
ed mancini of mancini malls

To produce their
corporate christmas party.

- [snoring]

- But mr. Mancini fired
his last event planner,

And so here I am to fi--

- Oh, oh. Is she done?

Is it January?
[audience chuckles]

- I'm not here to discover
the joy of christmas, belle.

I have enough of that
in my life already.

- Wow.

Do you have a pet?

- No.

- Do you have
a special someone?

- Not right now.

- Well, that just leaves
a house plant.

[audience chuckles]

- I'm just here
to find my perfect santa.

- Oh, I just happen to have
a dean's list of perfect santas

That I have mentored.

- That's all I need.

- Mm-hmm.
- Perfect. Thank you so much.

Why don't we just chat
after class and I'll--

- Well, ah, no, no, no, no.

Did you really think
it was going to be that easy?

You have to finish
your coursework,

Then I will decide if I want
to share my list with you.

Thank you.

- All right, students.

Let's find our sense of joy.

Relax. Close your eyes.

Feel the spirit
of mr. And mrs. Claus.

Emily, close your eyes.

Thank you.
It's christmas eve.

You are wrapping presents.

[gasps]
we're running out of time.

And action.

- Only a few hundred more
to go, honey.

- [stilted]
oh, santa, what should we do?

- Uh, no, no, no.
Emily, he's your husband.

Show us the joy
in your relationship.

- [stilted] we can get it
done together, babe.

- Okay, um,
you're phoning it in.

You have to dig deeper.

You just show us all
of the colors in mrs. Claus.

- I don't understand
my character.

- The chemistry isn't right.

Maybe we need to find
a different santa.

- You're right.

Um, aiden,
would you come down here?

- What? No.
Belle, I gotta prep lunch.

- I--what?
- I have to prep lunch.

- No, I'm sorry, honey,
I can't hear you.

Come down here and tell me.
Come on, honey.

- No, no, belle.
- Sorry about that.

- Okay, everybody,
let's welcome aiden browns.

He's our santa bootcamp chef.

[applause]

- Holy mackerel.

You're even cuter close up.

Okay, let's sit you down
next to our little emily.

Have you two met?

- How could I forget--
- not really.

- Uh-huh. Okay.

Mrs. Claus, tell us something
about your hubby.

Action.

- You never
disappoint the kids,

Even if it means staying up
all night wrapping presents.

- And mr. Claus, what is it
about mrs. Claus

That still keeps
your heart fluttering?

- [sighs]
- and action.

- Do you remember
our first date?

- First date?

- It was a picnic.
The north pole?

[soft romantic music]

Wrapped ourselves
in wool blankets

And watched
the northern lights.

♪ ♪

I made hot chocolate over
an open fire, but it froze,

So we turned it into ice cream.

And on the way home
in the sleigh,

You fell asleep on my shoulder.

♪ ♪

That's the moment
that I knew...

♪ ♪

You were the one.

♪ ♪

- And scene.

You are a very
romantic young man.

Is there someone special
in your life?

- My eight-burner wolf range.

- Hey, no, no, no.
Hang on here.

- Belle,
I have a mirepoix to make.

- Hey, listen, I want--

I want to tell you something,

And I want you
to hear this too.

You are a natural.

You have santa potential
coming out of the wazoo.

Matter of fact,
I want you participating

In all the classes.

- Thank you,
and I really am flattered,

But my groove
is in the kitchen.

- Well, then consider yourself
on scholarship.

Patty.

Hire a sous chef for aiden.

- Absolutely.

- No, belle, I--
- you can do both.

That's an order.

- Okay.

- Okay, let's do that again.

[whistle trills]

- Left right, north pole,
south pole.

Give me a ho, ho, ho.

All: Ho, ho, ho.

- Dasher, dancer,
prancer, vixen!

All:
Comet, cupid, donner, blitzen!

- Show off.

- Checking out your candidates.

- Ugh, ben looks the part.

Aiden's way too hot for santa.

- Oh, my money's on gino.

I think he's gonna be
the star of the class.

His eyes lit up when he talks
about his grandson, oh!

[whistle trills]
- pick up the pace!

Left, right. No, hello.

- I need a minute.
- Oh, no. There's no time.

[phone ringing]
you need to get back out there.

- I wouldn't do that.

- It's work.
I'm sure it's fine.

- At your own risk.

- I'm not even
supposed to be here.

This is all a big
misunderstanding.

♪ ♪

Mr. Mancini.

Yes,
I'll get you some more names,

But everybody's booked.

No, I don't have
your santa yet, but--

- If you expect belle
to find your dream santa,

You are gonna have
to work a lot harder.

- Patty, I think
we got off on the wrong foot.

- The only foot I wanna hear

Is right marching with left
to the beat.

Christmas is serious business.

Do you wanna flunk out?

Let me hear a ho, ho, ho.

♪ ♪

- Ho, ho, ho.

- Go.

March. March.

♪ ♪

- Busted.

- This is not
how I imagined my day.

My feet are killing me,

Patty just hung up
on my most important client,

And this bag of toys
weighs a ton.

- Whatever makes you stronger.
[whistle trills]

- No chit chat or belle will
put you in detention together.

- Together?
- Detention?

- Three more laps
and then we'll stop for water.

And then we're gonna
meet belle at the stables.

[whistle trills]

♪ ♪

- Hello.
- Ah!

[both laugh]

- Hi.

- So how's your
new class going?

- It's promising, yeah.

There's a couple of problem
students, but you know.

- But you love a challenge.

- Especially when I win.
Oh, boy.

It is so good to have you
back on the road

With me for a change.

- I thought I drove you crazy.

- Well, you do,
but we barely get to see

Each other this time of year.

- Well, that's because you're
usually out doing classes

And I'm up at the factory.

- Yeah.

But you know,
being together here

Just makes me feel like
a newlywed all over again.

[sentimental music]

Hey, remember our first date?

- My whole life
changed that day.

♪ ♪

Mm.
- Thank you.

Okay. I'll see you after class.

- Well, I'll be waiting.

- Okay.

Back to my students.

- You love
your works in progress.

- I do. [chuckles]
- mm-hmm.

- I really do.

♪ ♪

- I have never seen a reindeer
in person before.

- You'll all be given a chance
to feed her.

- I thought santa's reindeer
were guys.

- Female reindeer
are better equipped

For cold weather travel.

Besides, the male shed their
antlers in early December.

- How on earth
did you know that?

- I produced an event
for the la zoo last christmas.

- Well.

- Hey there, beautiful.

How about a little snack?

Come on. It's okay.

You've gotta be hungry.
Just a little nibble.

Please.

- Come here.

[soft romantic music]

♪ ♪

All righty.

♪ ♪

- [chuckles]

♪ ♪

- You are about to become
the ambassador

For all things christmas.

The embodiment
of peace on earth,

Goodwill to all men.

Welcome to the art
of being santa.

My name is chris.

[applause]

So let's start out
by finding your inner santa.

♪ ♪

[laughing]
ho, ho, ho!

Come over here, little lady,
and say hello.

- Hi, santa. My name is mia.

- Ah, I remember those freckles
from last year.

Did you bring
your wish list, mia?

- Of course, santa.

Dear, santa.
Here's my wish list.

I want two puppies.

A puzzle, some movies.

A giraffe.
- Okay.

- I'm not done yet.

A unicorn that poops rainbows.

[gasps] and a toaster
that makes hot dogs

Inside of pop-tarts.

- What an imagination!
[laughs]

- And santa,

Can you make me prettier
than my best friend, ashley?

- Oh, mia,
you're already beautiful.

- Oh, but she has blonde hair.

- Ah, well,
I'll make you a deal.

I'll work on your wish list,
but you work on being mia.

Although I happen
to think you're perfect

Just the way you are.

- Oh, thanks, santa.

And scene.

- Lesson one.

Listen with your heart,
not your head.

What do these children
really want?

What are they asking for?

- Oh, what other kinds of
questions do you get asked?

- Well, how about we play
a lightning round

Of most frequently asked
santa questions?

- How old are you, santa?

- Oh, so old
I've stopped counting.

- How long have you
and mrs. Claus been married?

- So long
I've stopped counting.

- I'm jewish.
Can you still come to my house?

- Of course!
Santa is for everyone.

Why don't we sing
the dreidel song together?

- Oh, santa, why do you have

The same wrapping paper
as my mom?

- Well...
[laughs]

As it happens, we ran out
of it at the north pole.

It's been crazy this year
with so many good children

That I had to borrow a little
from your mom.

- How do you deliver presents

All over the world
in one night?

- Google maps.

- How much money
do you get paid, santa?

- Aha.

Well, I get paid with love.

♪ ♪

All right, students,
now it's your turn.

Who wants to go first?

- Emily.

- What's on your wish list,
honey?

I would like
cheesy french fries,

Any kind of sea monster,
and a kitten.

- A kitten?

How am I supposed
to answer that?

- Let's show her how it's done.
[clears throat]

Oh, santa.

You are so handsome.

- Well, santa
likes to stay fit.

[audience chuckles]

Which is why mrs. Claus gave
him a treadmill for christmas.

He really wanted a motorcycle,

But she gave him
a treadmill instead.

So what's on your wish list,
young lady?

- I would like a siamese kitten
with blue eyes.

- Well, it gets awfully cold
in santa's sleigh

On christmas eve for a kitten,

Which is why I don't bring
any animals with me.

I think this is more
of a discussion between you,

Your mom, and your dad.

And that's how you handle
the pet question,

Which comes up all the time.

Emily, let's try again.

- No.

- No, I've got an idea.

Forget about the role play.

Just be you for a moment.

What did you wish for
when you were ten years old?

- There was only one thing
I wished for every year,

But I never got it.

- And what was that?

- A white christmas.

I wanted it to snow
on christmas morning

Like it did in the movies.

I wanted to run outside
and build a snowman

And make snow angels and catch
snowflakes on my tongue.

There aren't a lot of things
that are magical in life,

But a white christmas is.

Unfortunately,
I grew up here in la,

And no matter how much I wished
for it, it never happened.

- Well, how did
that make you feel?

- Like there was a part
of christmas

That was missing for me.

[sentimental music]

Still is.

Like, there's magic out there,
I just...

♪ ♪

Don't know how to find it.

- Well, I hope that
you never gave up wishing.

♪ ♪

- I'm sorry, I didn't mean
to go on like that.

- You okay?

- I'm not good at this
touchy feely stuff.

I told belle I'm just here
to get her help

With the mancini project.

I'm not here to find
my inner santa.

- I think you just did.

Look, belle has a stronger will
than both of us put together.

So why don't you just resign
yourself to be in here?

Might even be fun.

- [scoffs] why does everyone
keep saying that?

Fun is a spa vacation.

Fun is ten hours
of uninterrupted sleep.

Fun is binge-watching
my favorite tv shows.

- [chuckles] and most
of those things you do alone.

- Even better.
I can do them my way.

- I liked what you said
about the snow.

I grew up in memphis,
and it didn't snow very often,

But when it did, it was
the best day of the year.

- It was just a silly story.

I should have never
said anything.

- I didn't think it
was silly at all.

It got me thinking.

Even though we're adults,
we still want all the things

We wished for as kids
and we never got.

- Cheese fries
and a sea monster?

- I'm still holding out
for the toaster

That makes a hot dog
inside of pop-tart.

That was brave, emily.

It's not easy to be honest
in front of strangers.

I wouldn't have the guts.

♪ ♪

- All right, class.

We are going to a very special
place for our next session.

Come on.

[bell jingling]

Welcome to belle's
hall of christmas.

It's our signature
library that we take

To every santa bootcamp.

This library
has circled the globe

As many times
as belle and chris have.

"a christmas carol,"
first edition, 1843.

We have many
out of print books,

Rare manuscripts,
and holiday cookbooks

That you can't find anywhere.

Anything you need to know about
christmas, we have right here.

- I'll bet she knew
charles dickens.

- She tells people
she was his muse.

For the rest of the week,
if you have any research needs,

You can come here.

But for today, we only have one
hour to explore the library.

Please wear gloves.

- Thank you.

- I just found
the first published recipe

Of steamed christmas pudding.

- This place
is a national treasure.

- Belle is a national treasure.

- By the way,
how did you two meet?

- Just kept running into her
at the farmers market.

Almost like
she was following me.

She--she would say, uh,

"you don't squeeze a melon
like that, young man.

"are you wearing
enough sunscreen?

"do you have a girlfriend?

'cause if I were
a few years younger..."

- There might actually
be a heart of gold

Beneath all that bluster.

- What are you looking for?

- Ideas for the mancini event.

Look at this victorian
dinner feast.

It must have taken days
to prepare.

- Can you imagine?
Everything by hand?

My last restaurant
was more like a laboratory.

- Where did you work?

- Knife's edge.

- No way.
That place is famous.

- Oh, yeah. Yeah.
The home of molecular cuisine.

We weren't chefs.
We were food alchemists.

I love to cook.

I live to cook, but dinner
in a test tube for $400?

No, thank you.

- I had a business lunch
there last year.

The main course was served
on 12-inch steel needles.

- Yeah.
I probably made your meal.

- Why did you leave?

- I always dreamed of working
at a michelin star restaurant,

And knife's edge was supposed
to be a stepping stone,

But that just all turned out
to be smoke and mirrors.

Yeah, I mean,
those 12-inch needles, they--

You're basically eating kebabs
and being charged a fortune.

- What are you gonna do now?

- I have no idea.

I mean,
when belle found out I quit,

She offered me this job, and--
and it's perfect

While I try to figure out
my next move,

But I just kind
of lost my mojo.

♪ ♪

[bell jingling]

- Do you think we
can just hide out

In here for a little while?

- And risk detention?

No way.

You're a bad influence,
emily strauss.

- [chuckles]

[soft romantic music]

I have to admit, this place
is starting to grow on me.

- Don't get all soft on me.

- It's just that christmas
is my busiest holiday.

I don't really get to enjoy it
until January.

- You ever feel like
you're celebrating

Other people's christmases?

- Exactly.

Finally, someone
who understands--

The cobbler walking around
with holes in her shoes.

- I used to spend hours
at the restaurant cooking

The perfect christmas feast
for a party of eight,

Only to go home and have
frozen pizza for one.

- I have a grilled cheese truck

That parks outside
my office every night.

They know me by name.

♪ ♪

- Congratulations, everybody.

You've just completed
your first day of class.

Now, I want you here
bright and early

Tomorrow morning
for hair and makeup.

Okay.

Emily, you're first up.

- Why me?

- Because if anyone ever needed
a holiday makeover,

It's you, dear.

It's gonna be fine.

Be gorgeous.

- Heart of gold, huh?

♪ ♪

[lively festive music]

- Transformation!

That's the topic
for today's masterclass.

There is nothing
in this world so awful

As mrs. Claus in a fright wig
or santa with a bad beard.

- Wow.
I don't even look like myself.

- That's what I ordered, dear.

Erase every vestige
of emily strauss.

- You didn't really say that.

- [whispering]
I did.

- [whispering]
she did.

- Aiden.

Oh, god. Aiden.

It's--take that--

- Ow, ow, ow! Ow.
- Okay. Okay.

Santa claus is not father time.

- No, this is good.
- You are looking ancient.

- Oh.
- No, I'm sorry. Okay.

Emily, can you help him here?

Um, he is
distractingly handsome.

We have to tone it down, okay?

Sorry.

- Distractingly.

I'm not distracted.

Is anybody here distracted?

- Oh, not me.

- Me neither.

- [chuckles]

- Are you done? Can I look yet?

- I'm just getting started.

- Well, how long
is this gonna take?

- Forever if you
keep interrupting me.

- Wow. I see my father.

- Let me keep working,
and we'll see

If I can find
your grandfather in here.

- My grandfather.

- Tell me about him.

- Taught me everything
I know about cooking.

We used to barbecue
every weekend.

Memphis ribs, roasted corn.

When I was seven,
he convinced me to enter

My first cooking competition.

- What did you make?

- Grandpa told me I could
only use what was in the pantry

Or out in the garden,
so I invented a barbecue sauce

Using a bottle of dr. Pepper,
ketchup,

And a hot chili I found
in the yard.

[both chuckle]

I won first prize, though.

[sentimental music]

- Then I feel honored
to turn you into him.

♪ ♪

- That's him.

♪ ♪

That's me.

Emily, this is amazing.
You did it.

♪ ♪

I really miss him.

♪ ♪

- I can tell.

♪ ♪

- Wardrobe time.

Whoo-hoo.

- Here you go. Okay.

Oh, emily, look what
I picked out for you.

- Really?

- Oh, well.
The ears may be redundant.

It's your call, sweetie.

And oh, yeah, ben,

How do you feel about
being a green velvety santa?

[dramatic festive music]

♪ ♪

[children screaming]

♪ ♪

[children laughing]

- They're gonna help you

With your first
practical assignment.

Kids, I want you to meet
mrs. Claus, santa,

And all their helpers.

[all screaming and cheering]

♪ ♪

- [laughs]
this is so much fun.

- Oh, my goodness.
Can you do it?

- Oh, here you go. You.
- Yay!

- I just don't like it.

No, try this again.
'cause I don't like it.

- Lady, is there
something wrong with you?

- Three piggies lived very
happily in this big house.

♪ ♪

- Our dog might bark
when you come over, santa.

Don't worry.
He's super friendly.

- That's okay.

I love dogs, jack.

I'll leave the presents under
the christmas tree as usual.

- We don't have
a christmas tree this year.

- Well, why not?

- My dad said they're
not too excited

For christmas this year.

- Well, it sounds like
your folks

Could use some
christmas spirit.

- It's okay.

They're busy
with work and stuff.

Who needs a christmas tree
anyway?

- We all do.

Hey, I got an idea. Come here.

Which one do you like?

- They're all pretty,
but the big one is the best.

- Yeah.
And you deserve the best.

- But it's your christmas tree.

- Well, we have three,
and you have none.

And they all belong to that
nice lady right over there.

- Which one, the scary troll
or the beautiful grandmother?

[both chuckle]

- Well, the beautiful
grandmother, of course.

Hey, belle, can we get
that tree delivered

Over to jack's house
in time for christmas?

- Whatever you say, santa.

- Awesome.
I love you, santa.

- He's got a big heart.

- Yeah.

You know, people think
that christmas

Is all about gifts and parties.

It's really about
the joy you give.

And aiden's very good at that.

[heartwarming music]

He's really good at that.

♪ ♪

[bell jingling]

- Great job, people.

Well, santa calisthenics
are next.

Come on! Break's over!
Let's move!

♪ ♪

- [yelps]

Hey, help.

♪ ♪

- Ugh.

Every year these new toys
get more complicated.

I need a phd
just to repair them.

- [laughs] sorry.

- How's your day going?

- Well, aiden took
your masterclass to heart.

- Ah. And emily?

- Emily has more potential than
anybody else in that group.

She just doesn't know it yet.

- Well, I'm glad you squeezed
in these extra la dates.

- Me too.

I'll drink to that.

- Mm.
- Mm.

There was this little boy
today, jack.

Just about broke my heart.

- Well, not everybody
in this city

Is feeling like christmas.

- I know, I know that people
are working so hard,

They're kind of forgetting
about the spirit of the season.

It's just--it breaks my heart.

- Well, they're lucky
to have you,

But not as lucky as I am.

- Oh, thank you.

I have an idea.
- Hmm?

- So...

[up-tempo festive music
playing]

May I have this dance?

- Well, I thought
you'd never ask.

♪ ♪

- Oh, that's so nice.

- Whoops. You're leading again.

- Yeah, I can't help that.

- Yeah, well,
you'd think I'd know by now.

- Yeah. You'd think.
- Oh.

♪ ♪

- Oh.

It's my kind of dance.

- Mm.

♪ ♪

- Oh, hey.

Still here?

- Yeah.

- Everybody's gone home.

- I'm working on
the mancini event.

This place is a treasure trove.

I'm having a million ideas.

- Yeah, and belle said she had
some obscure eggnog recipe

I wanted to check out.

- Hey, look what I found.

I've had snow on the brain
since we did

That class with chris.

Then I stumbled across this
like it was waiting for me.

The last time it snowed
in la was 1949.

"after three days of snowfall

"and record-breaking
cold temperatures,

"parts of los angeles reported
over a foot of snow.

"the rose bowl in pasadena was
turned into what looked like

A giant dish
full of whipped cream."

[both laugh]
- whipped cream.

Yeah.

Can you imagine that?

- Like something
out of a fairy tale.

- That is exactly
what the world needs.

More fairy tales.

- You made a fairy tale
come true for jack today.

I was impressed.

- Thanks.
- Sorry.

- Wait, did you have dinner?

- I'll get a grilled cheese
on the way home.

[soft romantic music]

♪ ♪

- Oh, there it is.

♪ jingle all the way ♪

♪ oh, what fun ♪

Okay, let's see what we have.

We have milk, we have eggs,
we have goat cheese.

- A piece of toast
would be fine.

- A piece of toast?

I'm a chef from le cordon bleu.

- Why are you being
so nice to me?

- Not being nice.

I just, you know,
I kind of feel bad

'cause jack called you a troll
and I thought,

"hey, she at least
deserves a nice meal, huh?"

- How about we make a salad?

- Whoa, whoa, whoa,
ms. Strauss.

This is my domain, okay?

Chef's table.
- Sorry.

Living alone, I'm used
to making all the decisions.

- Okay, why don't we have you
sit over here?

Let me do my thing.

Event planner takes
the night off, okay?

- Okay. Okay.

- Let somebody give you
something for a change.

- I'm not used to that.

- I can tell.

Okay, so what do you crave

After a long day
in green tights?

- Something simple.

Comfort food.

- Okay, how about we do
a late night

Goat cheese omelet with extra
crisp bacon, some dill?

And on the side, we will do
hash brown potatoes

With an anaheim chili pepper.

- Sounds heavenly.

- Oh, it's gonna be.

First step, juggle.

- Le cordon bleu, huh?

- All right, smart aleck.

Why don't you be my sous chef?

- I'd be honored.

- I'll get you a bowl.

Have you ever whisked before?

- Uh, no.

- You need a whisk.
- Okay.

- ♪ jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

- So I've heard of the
vegan chef and the naked chef,

But not the singing chef.

- Just doing what I love.

♪ jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

Hey, like this.

- Do I sing while I...?
- Yeah.

- Okay.
Both: ♪ jingle bells ♪

- It really does--
- ♪ jingle all the way ♪

Wait, I'll bounce
while I do it.

- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

- ♪ jingle all the way ♪

♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ ♪

- All right, class.

It's important that everybody

Warm up before your shift,
okay?

Staying in character
and costume

Can be very hard
on your bodies.

So here we go. Up.

- I see you've removed
all the velvet ropes

From the master plan.

- I think they're sending
the wrong idea, sir.

- The party is for vips.

I don't want random shoppers
just wandering in.

How's your santa search coming?

- I'm getting closer.

Have you had a chance
to look at the sketches

I sent over for the new
victorian table settings?

- [whispering]
hurry up. Patty's coming.

- The victorian is
for musty old ladies.

I wanna see more pizazz.

- But it's such
an elegant event.

You've got
a hundred people coming

At $1,000 per plate for dinner.

Let's give them something
they've never seen before.

Um, mr. Mancini, I am about
to go into a meeting

About your dream santa.

Let me call you back.

- I'm so sorry.
I couldn't help overhearing.

He's spending $1,000 a plate?

That's insane.

I could feed a couple
of thousand people

For that price.

- It's all about impressing his
clients and business partners.

Aiden, have you ever
done any catering?

- I mean, when I got
outta culinary school,

I was a banquet director
at the surfside.

- You might be able
to help me with something.

- All right.
We're headed to lunch now.

No stragglers,
you're gonna need your carbs.

We have a big afternoon
planned.

- Belle, do you have a minute?

- Sure.

- I would like to
ask your advice

For the mancini village party.

- Oh, let me see it.

- Okay.

The guests will enter
through an allée

Of 15-foot-tall candy canes

And continue through a forest

Of animatronic
christmas scenes.

What's wrong?

- Boy, that's a lot of glitz.

All that glitters is, you know?

- Go big or go home.
That's mancini's mantra.

- Oh, well, I say go home.

- You don't like it?
- No.

Where's the heart?

- Do you have any idea
what this job

Could mean for my career?

- Emily, you are
so much better than this.

What have you learned here
at bootcamp?

If you think that
that passes for holiday cheer,

Then you're gonna have to work
a lot harder than this,

Because this does not cut it.

Otherwise, you might as well
just go home.

[delicate festive music]

♪ ♪

- The worst words for any
parent on christmas morning?

Batteries not included.
[laughter]

Every year, there's a new
must-have christmas toy.

But at the end of the day,
the ones that last

Are the classics.

The christmas toys
that won't end up

In the dustbin of history.

And nothing says classic
like a nutcracker.

So let's see
how you are all doing.

♪ ♪

- I think you have
that on upside down.

- I've been thinking
maybe the client is wrong.

Do I really wanna focus all
my energy on a hundred people

Or is there an opportunity
to do something bigger?

♪ ♪

- What do you mean?

- I don't know yet.

I'm just playing
around with some ideas.

♪ ♪

- Students,
hold up your nutcrackers.

You'll get the hang of it.

But in the meantime,
I need you all to get ready

For our first field trip.

You are about to put your
new toy skills to good use.

- Where are we going?
- You'll see.

Now, belle is waiting
for us at wardrobe,

And she has curated
an outfit for each of you

Based on your skill level.

[soft festive music]

♪ ♪

- Uh, I can't find anything.

- It's there. Just look.

- [gasps] found it.

- No, no, no, no, no, no.

- But my name is on it.

- I know, I know.
I know, but you know what?

I'm so sorry.

Somebody made a mistake and,
you know,

You're not ready for this.

- Belle, no, I am ready. I--

- Emily, let me find
something for you.

And something--you know,

There's beautiful things
in here.

I will find something
that will knock you silly.

- Look, I'll be
an amazing mrs. Claus.

I've got what it takes.
Just gimme a chance.

I won't disappoint you.

- Belle, we need
to get her into makeup.

- You know, I just know
that there is

A grinch suit here somewhere.

- I don't wanna be a grinch.

- The bus is waiting.

- Oh.

Yeah.
- Yeah.

- Okay.

♪ ♪

- Mm. Mm.

Don't let this come back
with a speck of dirt on it.

Mm.

♪ ♪

Mm. Mm.

- I'll be super careful.
I promise.

Thank you, belle.
- Mm-hmm.

♪ ♪

- Belle, what was that
all about?

You put her name
on that costume days ago.

♪ ♪

[whispering indistinctly]

- If emily isn't here
in 30 seconds, you leave.

- No, no, no,
I'll go look for her.

'cause I know she
doesn't wanna miss this.

[heartwarming music]

♪ ♪

- Transformation.

♪ ♪

- You forgot your gloves.

Well, get on the bus, missy.

This group is late.

It's late because of you.
Get up there.

Come on.

No stains.

♪ ♪

[horn honks]

♪ ♪

So we're closing off
the east end of the mall

For a santa's village
and a live band.

And there'll be
a professional photo booth.

- It's gonna be some party.

- Okay. Assignments.

Aiden, you're at
the front door.

Ben and gino, you're gonna
be in aisle nine and ten.

Caroline, I need you
to shadow the store manager.

Emily, you're
gonna be floating.

Everybody else, come with me.

It's showtime.

♪ ♪

Oh, come on, you guys.
You're gonna be fine.

I remember my first
field assignment.

You just have to let the spirit
of christmas guide you.

Come on. Santa bootcamp.
Come on, team.

All: Santa bootcamp.

[cheery music]

♪ ♪

- Oh, you better come see this.

- Oh, here, you guys,
take this.

I'll be right back, okay?

Oh, what's going on? What?

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[heartwarming music]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- [speaking indistinctly]

[gentle music]

♪ ♪

Let me call you back.

- Personal call?

You're gonna get busted,
young man.

- Belle is not here.

- Patty is.

[whispering]
she's an informant.

- I had to take it,
it was actually

Some really exciting news.

- What's up?

- Buddy of mine
from culinary school

Owns a two-star
michelin restaurant.

They need a new
chef de cuisine,

And he recommended me.

- Aiden, that's amazing.

- This is the kind of place

I've always dreamed
of working at.

- Well, what did you say?

- I said I had to think
about it.

- What's there to think about?

- Well, it's complicated.

[bell jingling]

- Santa's bus is headed back
to the north pole.

All aboard. Come on.

♪ ♪

Come on. Let's go. Let's go.

♪ ♪

- Belle, you need a driver.

- I'll put it on my wish list.

And speaking of wish lists,
I heard about charlotte.

- How did you know?

- Oh, I know everything.

How'd you learn
to sign like that?

- My mom.

I've been doing it
since I was a kid.

- Well, you were very good
with that little girl.

- Oh, thanks.

You mean I finally
did something right?

- Oh, come on, please.
No big heads.

Like you just discovered
a new planet or something.

And just get that dress
back into wardrobe

Before you spill something
on it.

♪ ♪

- Headed home?

- Oh, actually, I'm headed
to get a christmas tree.

I wasn't gonna
get one this year,

But after the last
couple days...

- Have you ever been
to the trainyards downtown?

Best trees in the city.

They auction them.

It's kind of magical
with the lights and all.

- Never been to an auction.

Maybe you can
show me the ropes.

- I'd love to.

But I have a call
with mancini at 8:00.

- Come on.
We worked our butts off today.

It's time to play
a little hooky.

- It does sound fun.

Okay, but I have to be back
to my office by 8:00.

- All right.

Your chariot awaits.

- What's all this?

- Oh, just working
on a special menu.

- For your new job?

- Oh, no, no.

That is not a done deal.

I still have to do
a formal interview.

Cook for the owners.

- I'm sure you'll slay them.

- Thank you for the
vote of confidence.

No, it's, uh,
it's for my own place.

If I ever get the guts.

- Your own restaurant?

- Nothing fancy or pretentious.

I want every dish
to tell a story

Like the fried chicken
my grandfather made

In the cast-iron skillet
his grandfather gave him.

- I like the sound of that.

[both chuckle]

[cheery music]

♪ ♪

I remember coming here
with my father

When he was still with us.

I must have been about four.

- Well, you must know
all the tricks of the trade.

- What kind of tree
do you want?

Pine? Doug fir?

I like the blue spruce
the best.

♪ ♪

- Ooh.

Should have known you would
have champagne taste.

I like this one.

- Douglas fir.

It's kind of fluffy.

- I like fluffy.

Fluffy is christmas.

- We will find you
the best tree.

- Okay.

Cocoa?

- Okay.

♪ ♪

- Two, please.

♪ ♪

You're really good at this.

Belle would be impressed.

- Belle paid me
a compliment today.

Patty told her
about the toy shop.

♪ ♪

- You were pretty amazing.

- Thank you.

Kids speak the unvarnished
truth, don't they?

- Yeah.

- I felt so bad
about the mancini party.

It's like
he's excluding christmas.

All that time and money
spent on a hundred vips

Who will never appreciate it.

- That is what I hated about
my old restaurant job.

- So your new restaurant won't
be anything like knife's edge?

- No.

Who names a restaurant
knife's edge?

I just--I want a simple place
that serves comfort food.

- Down home cooking.

- That's a really good idea.

I could call it down home.

- I'll plan the opening.

- Really?
- Yeah.

- You'd do that for me?

- I'm happy to see
anyone's dreams come true.

Especially for someone
who deserves it.

- ♪ I can't wait
for christmas ♪

- Ladies and gentlemen,
I have a beautiful noble fir

All the way from
spokane, washington,

Standing at a proud
6 feet tall,

Fresh as the day is long.
Do I have a bidder?

- Now, that's a good one.
- You think?

- I got 50. Do I got 55?
Is there 55 out there?

- Jump in.
It'll be gone in a flash.

- Yeah, 65. Do I have 70?

It's a beautiful tree, folks.

- Aiden?
- I'm not sure.

- Going, going, gone.

- God, that happened so fast.

- You snooze, you lose.

- Looks like I have
another noble fir.

This one is a beauty.
- That's the one.

- One of a kind.
Bidding's gonna start at 70.

I've got 70, 75?

- Aiden, you're gonna lose it.
- I've got 75.

Do I have 80?
- 80.

I have 80. Sold!

- No.

- He calls the bids, aiden.

- Sorry. I'm sorry.
I got nervous. I'm sorry.

- 85. No?

Going once. Going twice.

Going three times
to the handsome gentlemen

And his beautiful wife for $80.

- Oh, well, mrs. Claus,
it looks like we just

Bought ourselves
a christmas tree.

♪ ♪

- Thanks for bringing me back
to get my car.

- ♪ I can't wait
for christmas ♪

- Sure you don't want to come
home and help me decorate it?

- I'd love to,
but I have that work call.

- Right.
- Rain check?

- Sure.

Does that mean I have
to wait a whole year

When I buy my next
christmas tree?

- Something sooner, I promise.

- I'm gonna hold you
to that, emily claus.

[romantic music]

♪ ♪

[heartfelt music]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Think about
the pr opportunities.

You'll look like a rock star.

The halo effect will last
until valentine's day

When we do this all over again.

- All over again?

- You're the one who said,
"go big or go home."

Look, you started out
with nothing but dreams,

Mr. Mancini.

I read an article
where you said,

"I wouldn't be here today

Without standing on the
shoulders of my community."

- I did say that, yes.

Including the community
is an intriguing concept.

But why the sudden
change of heart?

You didn't say any of this
when I hired you.

- If there's one thing I've
learned the last few days,

It's when you give joy
at christmas,

You get it back tenfold.

So let's make
some magic together.

- I'm not promising anything,
but send me the proposal.

It had better be
nothing less than brilliant.

- Don't worry, sir.
It will be.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Hey.
- Hey.

- Did you get the tree up?

- I really could
have used your help,

But I didn't have
many decorations.

But I did have all these
copper cookie cutters

I used for ornaments.

- Belle would give you
an a-plus.

[yawns]
sorry.

- Burning the midnight oil?
- Yes.

And mancini got back to me
first thing this morning.

That man must never sleep.

He liked my proposal.

- Hey, congratulations.

- Thanks.

I have a job for you
before your big michelin gig.

I need a caterer for the event.

Be careful.

She's a terror
behind the wheel.

- I wanna show you something.
Hop on.

- Can we walk?
- Absolutely not.

Come on.

Come on!

Hey, you won't believe this,

But the owner was actually
gonna try to throw this away

The day we arrived.

- No.
- Yeah.

- This thing is a beauty.
- What do you think?

- Just needs a little tlc.

- Yeah.

I thought you'd like to use it.

- Belle, how did you know
I like to grill?

- Oh, come on.

All you southern boys have
a love affair with...

[in southern accent]
barbecue.

- Well, I'm gonna
have fun with this.

- I know you will. I gotta go.

And hey,
don't be late for class.

[tires squealing]

- Barbecue.

What a great idea.

Think how far we can
stretch our budget.

- Our budget?
What are you talking about?

- I want you to do
the mancini party.

- What? Wait a minute.

I'm not staffed up.

I mean, this guy
doesn't know me.

There's no way.
- But he trusts me.

I've seen you work, aiden.
You can do anything.

You'd have a week to prepare.

Final projects
are due next week.

This could be ours.

Maybe I could get some of the
bootcamp students to help out.

- You think they'd do that?

- I won't know if I don't ask.

♪ ♪

Hey, how you doing?

Do you help out
with the mancini?

Great. Thank you so much.

Everybody's joining in
on the fun.

Yeah, and so see, we're all
gonna just meet at the mall.

And then you don't have
to have a degree.

You could just...
[indistinct]

[laughter]

♪ ♪

I have a feeling
you're gonna show up as santa.

- Left, right,
north pole, south pole.

Gimme a ho, ho, ho.

All: Ho, ho, ho.

- Yeah, I'm practicing.

♪ ♪

- Hey, thought
I might find you here.

- I'm trying to find a dessert.
- Oh.

- Mancini wants
a croquembouche,

But it's way too over the top.

- Yeah.

And no way to feed a crowd.

So what says christmas to you?

- Well, my grandmother
was from germany,

And she used to make a
dresdner christstollen.

She promised to teach me
how to make it,

But we never got around to it.

A lot of people
don't like fruitcake.

- Because they haven't
tried mine yet.

- Chocolate and chilies.
- Oh, yeah.

It's american melting pot.

Christstollen
for our generation.

Watch and learn.

Wanna knead into a disc.

Fold it. Turn it.

Start again.

Wanna try?

- No, yeast and I don't mix.

- Come on. You can do it.

Give a shot.

- It's so warm.
- Yeah.

- But I don't wanna hurt it.

- Oh, it's very resilient.

Just show it who's the boss.

- I'm the boss.
- There you go.

Okay. Okay.
Maybe not so vigorous.

We don't--we don't
wanna deflate it.

- Maybe you should do it.

- Come on.
We'll do it together.

Here.

First the flour.

There you go. Sprinkle it.

There you go.

Get your hands in there.

Feel the texture.

Supple but firm.

You start to feel
a gentle give.

You're getting close.

[soft romantic music]

- Um, is it
getting hot in here?

- Yeah, maybe it's the oven.
- Right. Right.

The oven.

Um, I gotta go cool down.

♪ ♪

- You all right, emily?

- I'm fine. Everything's fine.

♪ ♪

- What about the kid
who complains about

The ugly christmas sweater
he got from his aunt gladys?

- There are no ugly
christmas sweaters.

That's just a myth
perpetuated by the media.

One person's ugly sweater is
another person's work of art.

- Not every gift has to be
a diamond ring from tiffany's.

- Yeah.
I'm still waiting for mine.

[audience laughs]

- Anyway, if you take
a look at belle's hand,

What do you notice?

No jewelry.

When we got married,
that's 10,000 years ago or so,

We agreed that we didn't
need wedding bands.

- What about
our final projects?

- Oh, okay.

Well, your final projects
are due next Friday.

You can do them
at home or on the job.

I have noticed
that a lot of you

Have been joining emily
at the christmas celebration

For mancini village,

And I just think
that is wonderful.

Oh.

Belle will be giving out
an mvp award at the graduation,

So do your best.

Okay, guys, it's time
to break for lunch.

Let's go.

- Oh, yes.

So hungry.

- Belle. Belle.
- Hmm? Hmm?

Um, the past few days,
I've noticed

How good you and chris
are together.

- Well, it should be.
We've been at it an eternity.

- I haven't had much success
in the romance department.

- Yeah.
Well, it doesn't surprise me.

- Why?

- [sighs]
lack of imagination.

- Seriously.
How do you two make it work?

- Why this sudden an interest?

- I've been spending
a lot of time around aiden.

- Really? I had no idea.

[both laugh]

When did you last have a beau?

- A beau?
- Mm-hmm.

- Uh, it's been a while.

Unfortunately, I don't get
to date much because of work.

- Mm-hmm.
- I'm kind of out of practice.

- Mm-hmm.

- The truth is,
belle, I'm scared.

I don't wanna mess this up.

- Oh, emily, dear, listen.

Do you remember when you
told us about your childhood?

What I really remember
is that you lit up

Like a christmas tree
when you talked about

Wanting a white christmas.

- I don't get the connection.

- You spoke from your heart.

You have to stop worrying
about things, emily.

You've got to just go for it.

Otherwise...

Aiden may not be there
when you are finally ready.

♪ ♪

- There you go.

♪ ♪

- Aiden.

- Hey, you better
get one of these enchiladas

'cause they're
a hot item today.

And my anaheim chili salsa
is a hit.

- What are you doing
after class tonight?

- Uh, nothing.
Do you wanna go over the menu

For the mancini event?

- Actually, I'd like
an entire evening

Without having
to talk about work

Or santa bootcamp
or anything else.

I'll be by around 8:00.
Bring a coat.

- It's like a date?

- No.
- Oh.

- Way better than a date.

[soft suggestive music]

♪ ♪

[soft romantic music]

♪ ♪

- What's with the cloak
and dagger routine?

Are we going out to the moors?

- I have a surprise for you.

♪ ♪

- Wow.

It's an emily strauss event.

Where'd you find the time?

- First rule of event planning.

Make everything invisible.

- That smells amazing.
When did you even cook?

You're blowing my mind.

- Second rule, delegate.

Moo shu?

- Thank you.

- In addition to dinner,
I also ordered up

A sky full of stars.

♪ ♪

- Won't we be flying past
ursa major in our sleigh

On christmas eve?

- According to google maps,

We'll take a left past aquarius
on our way to la.

- Hope there's not
too much traffic.

- Mm.
It's gonna be a busy night.

♪ ♪

Thank you for offering
to help me this next week.

- I can't wait.

I haven't done down home
cooking in so long, it's--

It's making me
feel alive again.

- Belle has a way
of doing that.

- No, not belle.

You.

You did this, emily.

- It's all belle.

Between the barbs, the insults,

The unsolicited fashion advice,

There's an extraordinary little
lady in that red tracksuit.

♪ ♪

She seems to know
what we're all longing for.

♪ ♪

- What are you longing for?

♪ ♪

You have to think about it?

- I already know.

♪ ♪

- Did you see that?

- Right on time.

Strauss and strauss
hits another home run.

♪ ♪

Make a wish.

♪ ♪

- Hey, I see you have
everything under control.

- Thanks for letting us borrow
these decorations, belle.

- I have never ever had
a class pull together

Like this on a final project.

Listen, I have a--
I have a favor to ask.

Graduation is scheduled
for Friday night,

But since your class,
almost all of your class

Is working your event,

How would you feel
if we had the ceremony

At mancini village?

- I don't see why not.
I'll talk to mr. Mancini.

And what about my santa?

It's gonna be aiden, isn't it?

- Don't worry.

I will have your santa there
for you.

- But who is it?

There's something else
I've been meaning to ask you.

Did you put
aiden and me together

On the first day of class
on purpose?

- Why would I do that?

- Why do you do anything?

- I see potential
in people, emily.

Potential sometimes that they
don't even see in themselves.

There's nothing magical
about it.

It's simply
what a good teacher does.

- It's like you're some sort
of guardian angel.

- Angel? Oh, no.

I'm just a sassy old lady
with an opinion

Who runs a santa camp.

End of story.

♪ ♪

- I wonder if...

♪ ♪

No, impossible.

♪ ♪

- The crews are setting up
at the entrance and lot f.

I'll be waiting
for a shipment of garland

At the west mall entrance.

[static crackles]
copy that.

How are you boys doing?

- Great.

We got enough
christmas lights here,

They'll see us from mars.

- Let me know
if you need anything.

- Could you get us
some heaters?

It's freezing out here.

- I'll work on it.

The weather has really
taken a turn.

- Sure has.

- Aiden, this is my mom.

- So nice to meet you,
ms. Strauss.

- I'm looking forward to
your cooking tomorrow night.

- Oh, thank you.

Emily and I worked
on the menu together.

She is a force of nature.

- Don't I know it.
[phone ringing]

- Mom!
- Excuse me.

I have to grab this.

[soft romantic music]

♪ ♪

[static crackles]
- okay, got it.

♪ ♪

Mom's on her way.

- Sorry, that was my buddy phil
from culinary school.

I mean, I'm getting
the full-court press

From this restaurant.

Owner wants me
to meet him next week.

- That's fantastic.

What's the place called?

Maybe I've been there.

- The parker.

- In new york?

Wow. This is a big deal.

- Like I said, it's--
it's complicated.

I mean, uh...

- New york?

I was kind of hoping--

- I know, I know,
but this is--

It's a once in a lifetime
opportunity.

- Of course, it is.
You should go.

You should take it.

- What about us?

I know we just met and all,
but I was--

- 3,000 miles?

I've done the long distance
thing before.

It doesn't work.

- The past few days
has been so amazing.

- Listen, this job
is important to you, aiden.

Our timing is just wrong.

Besides, we barely know
each other, right? [chuckles]

Look, I gotta get back to work.

So much going on and all.

- Look, emily,
emily, I'm sorry.

- Nothing to be sorry about.

We've gotta focus
on Friday night.

Friday night
is all that matters.

[melancholic music]

♪ ♪

[static crackles]

The flower delivery
came in short?

It's okay.

I'll handle it.

I'll call the flower market.

I'll be right there.

♪ ♪

- ♪ frost grows
outside the window ♪

♪ first kiss
under the mistletoe ♪

♪ oh-oh, oh-oh ♪

[backstreet boys'
"it's christmas time again"]

♪ bells chime
inside a steeple ♪

♪ open the doors,
see the people sing ♪

♪ oh-oh, oh-oh ♪

♪ ♪

♪ and when the snow
is falling ♪

♪ down, down, down ♪

♪ you'll know that
santa's back in ♪

♪ town, town, town ♪

- Look at this one.

- ♪ that's when
it's christmas time again ♪

♪ la da, la da-da-da-da ♪

- Belle said you needed
the best of the best.

Where do you want me?

- Chris, you look amazing.

You were born to do this.

Where's belle?

- Oh, just touching up
her makeup.

Transformation.

By the way, this place
looks amazing, young lady.

- Thank you.

- Emily, can I see you
in catering?

- I'll show you where to go.

- They're predicting rain.

That's all we need.
- I heard.

Hopefully, it'll hold off
until later tonight.

- Hey, can you take those
to the table?

Thank you.

Look, there's something
I need to tell you.

- If it's about swapping
out the appetizers,

It's fine.

- It's about the parker.

- I'm so excited for you.

- I went home and I tried
to sleep on it,

Which means that
I was up all night.

And then I came in this morning
to set up with my crew

And I thought,
"what am I doing?

"I just met
the most incredible woman

"who makes me want to be
a better version of myself.

"I'm doing exactly
the kind of cooking I love.

Why do I need a michelin star?
I already have one."

I'm staying right here, emily.

Let's give this a chance.

[romantic music]

- Are you sure?

- Yes. Yes.

♪ ♪

[static crackles]

- Um, sorry.

It's--caroline
needs me up front.

- No, go.
We'll finish this later.

- I'll be right back.

Don't change your mind.

- Okay.

♪ ♪

[heartwarming festive music]

♪ ♪

- Oh, what's going on?
- You've got to see this.

♪ ♪

- Well, this old lady still
knows how to make an entrance.

Wouldn't you say so?
- Yes.

- Of course.
- Thank you. Thank you.

- Transformation.

- Thank you. Hey.

I pulled this out of dry dock
just for you, kiddo.

- Wait until I tell you
about aiden.

- He turned down the parker?

- How did you know?

- Well, I--oh, ed mancini.

I haven't seen him for ages.

Gotta say hello.

Excuse me. Hey!

- You know, I had
questions about...

- Edward,
this is quite a shindig.

- Thanks to emily.

I appreciate your
recommending her, belle.

- Absolutely.

Isn't she fabulous?

- Mm.

- I heard that you're going
to open a restaurant,

A new restaurant here
at the village.

- How did you know?

I haven't even
told my board yet.

- Now, listen to me.

You know that young chef
of emily's?

Well, the parker
made him an offer,

And I could be wrong,

But I'm guessing that
if you sweeten the deal,

He might wanna stay here in la.

And, uh, just mention
down home to him.

Okay?

And I gotta go to my students.

Merry christmas. Bye.

- Merry christmas, belle.

- Oh, am I?
Enjoying seeing you.

Joyed to see what a wonderful
christmas you're gonna have,

All right?

Okay.

Yes, young lady. Hello, hello.

- Do you like books too?

- ♪ there's a cheer
everywhere ♪

♪ for the time's
drawing close ♪

♪ when loved ones and friends
gather round ♪

♪ it's a feeling of joy
in every girl, every boy ♪

- I'm gonna tell you
a little story

About the three little pigs.

- Carlo! [laughs]

I'm so happy to see you.

- ♪ the most magical time
of year ♪

♪ see the lights,
how they glow ♪

♪ on trees as it snows ♪

♪ as shoppers fill up
every street ♪

- Good evening, everybody.

I am belle, executive director
of santa bootcamp.

And before we go on,
I do wanna thank ed mancini

For allowing us to hold

Our graduation ceremony
here today.

[cheers and applause]

Our students have worked
long and hard

Helping with
the festivities today

As part of their final project.

So I wanna hear a huge round
of applause for our students

From los angeles
santa bootcamp.

[cheers and applause]

- Now then, in every class,

There is always
a special student

Who exemplifies the values
of all things christmas.

It gives me enormous pleasure,

And I'm so proud to bestow

The mvp award to...

[heartfelt music]

Emily strauss.

[cheers and applause]

Come over here, girl.

Speech. Absolutely.

All: [chanting]
speech, speech, speech!

- She has never
lacked for words.

Go do it.

- When I started at bootcamp,
I didn't know

How to connect with a child.

I didn't know how
to put on a mrs. Claus wig.

I thought that christmas
was a reason

To put in more hours
at the office.

And then I met belle

And everything changed.

When people talk
about christmas,

They say it's the
most wonderful

Time of the year for a reason.

It's the time
when you open your heart

To everything and everyone.

I learned you can't
give to others

What you can't give yourself.

So I gave myself the best
christmas present possible.

Merry christmas.

- Well done, my love. Ho, ho.

[cheers and applause]

♪ ♪

- One, two, three.

All: Bootcamp!

- Congratulations.

- Whoo-hoo!
- Salud!

- Wow.

- Belle, can I get you a glass?

- Oh, no, no.
Thank you.

Chris and I
have a very busy evening.

- Come on, the celebration
is just getting started.

- I know, but, ah, you know,

These last days
before christmas

Just keep us on our feet.

Emily, can I have
a word with you?

- Sure.
- Okay, great.

- Are you sure you can't
stick around, belle?

When am I gonna see you again?

- No, no, no.

I stay in touch
with all my graduates.

- How can I ever thank you
for everything you've done?

- Oh, no, no, no.

You did this all on your own.

And I'm just so
proud of you that...

♪ ♪

- You know how to sign?

Is there anything you can't do?

- [chuckles]

Goodbye, you handsome lug.

Better take good care of her.

- Oh, I will.

- Okay.

♪ ♪

- What did she say?

- She said she had
something special for me.

- What is it?

- I don't know.

♪ ♪

- Merry christmas.

- Merry christmas, belle.
Thank you.

- Enjoy your white christmas.

♪ ♪

- Something I've wanted to do
from the first day we met.

- What's that?

[sweeping romantic music]

♪ ♪

- Merry christmas, emily.

- Merry christmas, aiden.

♪ ♪

[all gasping]

♪ ♪

- Merry christmas.
- Ho, ho, ho!

♪ ♪

[upbeat festive music]

- ♪ give me that cheer,
give me all that cheer ♪

♪ ♪

♪ see the snow,
it's gently falling ♪

♪ children playing,
joyous calling ♪

♪ everybody knows
that soon it's christmas ♪

♪ streets are full
and decorated ♪

♪ people shout, exhilarated ♪

♪ everybody knows
that soon it's christmas ♪

♪ trees are all lit up
around the town ♪

♪ and everywhere you look ♪

♪ you see lights
are twinkling ♪

♪ not a single face
can wear a frown ♪

♪ oh, we know santa
will soon be here ♪

♪ so give me that cheer,
give me all that cheer ♪

Singers: ♪ give me that cheer,
give me all that cheer ♪

- ♪ listen to the
fire crackling ♪

♪ while they're singing,
present wrapping ♪

♪ filling up each stocking
with good cheer ♪

♪ 'cause everyone knows ♪

♪ mm, it's christmas ♪

♪ ♪