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You're here early, boss.

Morning, AJ.

Oh, something smells good!

You wanna try one?

I pulled that batch out

about 20 minutes ago.

What'd you try this time?

Black pepper.

Ooh!

Okay, that is one of the
best cookies I've ever had.

And it's still not it.

Well, if you're looking
to get rid of them,

I can totally help you out.

Why don't you try one of
the other submissions?

Do we have a winner?

Guess not, too bad.

Well, if it isn't my
favorite cookbook author!

Come in, come in!

So, Julia,

the cookbook is terrific,

and everything is coming
along on schedule.

Well done.

That's actually

why I wanted to meet today.

Go on.

Well, we've got just
about every type

of Christmas dessert you
can imagine in the book.

Those homemade candy canes
from that Texan bakery

are going to make me a popular
mom in a couple of weeks.

Good, I'm glad.

There's just one tiny problem.

I still haven't found the
gingerbread yet.

Hmm, well, I think we
have enough to publish

with everything you've
got here, don't you?

I just don't feel like the book

will feel complete without
including the perfect cookies.

You have a whole chapter
on Christmas cookies.

We do,

but, as you know, this book

is a tribute to my mom.

Every Christmas, we would make

gingerbread together.

It was our thing.

I see.

I can't tell you how many times

I tried to recreate the recipe.

Not to mention the amount
of bakeries I visited

to sample different kinds
of gingerbread,

but nothing has ever quite
tasted like my mom's.

- Yet.
- Yet?

I'm just trying one last thing.

We're cutting it close
as is, Julia.

Your book is scheduled
to go to print.

How much longer do you
think you'll need?

Do you think you could give
me a couple more weeks?

I put out some ads
across the country,

asking for people to send
me their submissions.

Submissions from the public?

I thought you were
contacting restaurants

and bakers directly?

I already tried that.

Whoever sends me the
best gingerbread

will be featured in my cookbook.

I've already got a ton
of responses,

just

no standouts yet.

The layout's
already been finalized.

But

I'll see if I can
get a short extension.

Oh, thank you.

No promises, though.

And if you don't find

the gingerbread recipe

by then, we'll have to
publish without it,

either way,

understood?

I'll keep you posted, I promise.

A twist on the usual gingerbread.

Okay.

Hm.

Too much anise.

Not bad, though.

Hey, how'd the meeting
with your publisher go?

I need to find the recipe,

and fast.

I'm gonna call it a night, and
get a fresh start tomorrow.

Wait, before you go,

this came in this morning

from Homestead Baked Goods.

How about we try one more?

Okay.

Good?

Better than good.

AJ, this is it, this
is the cookie!

Where is

Hampton Grove?

Okay, it's a two hour drive.

It's in Wisconsin.

Oh, I'll phone them tomorrow.

I can't leave you guys here.

Actually, you can.

You've been teaching me
how to steer the ship

for the last year.

If I'm never gonna do
it on my own,

what's all the training for?

And after all this searching,

don't you wanna meet this
baker in person?

Amm.

All right, have you ever
taken a vacation?

- No.
- No!

Have you ever called in sick?

- Uh-
- Also no.

And you have enough time to go

and come back before Christmas.

Okay,

Hampton Grove,
Wisconsin, here I come.

Oh, good morning, Kristopher.

Abi get to school okay?

Just dropped her off.

You know, Mom, you don't
have to come in

each morning and do this
if you don't want to.

I'm always happy to lend
a hand to my favorite son.

I'm your only son.

Well, aren't you lucky then?

And, besides, you don't
have to be so stubborn

that you have to do
everything yourself.

Gee, I wonder where I
learned to be stubborn from.

Well, you must've
gotten that from your father.

So that means I got

all of my good qualities
from you right?

Well, sugar and spice

and everything nice

That's what mothers

- are made of.
- Are made of.

Uh-huh.

Listen, appreciate the help,

but, seriously,

if you ever wanna take a day
off and sleep in, I'll manage.

Ah, sweetheart, I haven't
slept in

since the day you were born.

So,

how was cribbage night
with the girls last night?

Did you win?

Maureen won, I got skunked.

- Again?
- I know.

But, listen, since you asked,

Maureen said that her daughter

is moving back to town
after the holidays.

Here we go.

Well, I know it's been
hard since Alice.

Let's just focus on
the croissants

and keeping the business afloat, okay?

Fine,

I won't push.

But, just so you know,

apparently she's quite
the catch.

Oh, hello, hello, hello!

I hope you weren't waiting long.

I had to fix this
creaky cabinet.

You know, thing, thing, thing, things.

You must be our four pm,

Wilson, Julia, two nights.

That's me.

Just passing through?

Yeah, I'm just here to
pick something up.

Then I gotta head
back to Chicago.

Ah, the Windy City.

- You got it.
- Go, Cubs.

What are you picking up?

- Uh...
- Oh, I didn't mean to pry.

Ahmm, my wife tells me I ask a
lot of questions,

so please tell me if you
feel I'm overstepping.

That's okay.

I'm a pastry chef,

and I'm working on a cookbook and...

Wait!

Wait!

You're that Julia Wilson!

My wife is a huge fan of yours.

Your books are her
cooking bibles.

Aw, well, it's always nice
to know I have loyal fans.

She actually runs a store
in the main strip there,

you know, if you're looking
for some clothes to buy.

It's called the Elite and
Chic Boutique.

Oh, it has a ring to it.

You like it, huh?

I came up with it!

Oh, sorry to interrupt.

Emm, your cookbook?

Oh, yes, so, this time,

instead of using my own recipes,

I wanted to feature

other people's desserts tables.

You know, promote
different bakeries

and communities
across the states.

Oh, you're here to promote

Pastry Ala Mode.

What's Pastry Ala Mode?

Other than pastry with
ice cream on the side.

Well, as of the last few months,

it's our most popular bakery.

Oh,

no, I'm here for
Homestead Baked Goods.

Their gingerbread is indescribable.

It's their bestseller,

and it is a personal
favorite of mine,

I gotta tell you.

Have you met the owner
Kris Thompson?

No, not yet.

I plan on heading over there
once I'm settled in here.

Oh!

Oh, well, I shouldn't keep you

if you have business
to attend to.

Am. Here's a key.

You're in room five.

Go to the top of the stairs,
turn left.

You may have to jiggle the
door handle a little bit.

I haven't gotten around
to fixing it yet.

Okay.

Thanks for the tip.

I'll see you later.

Oh.

Wow.

Hm.

Hm.

You did say a dozen, right?

Okay.

Yup!

Everything was

freshly baked this morning.

Are we talking a dozen?

Perfect.

You want three of these, right?

The weather's nice today,
isn't it?

Do you like jam?

Oh, hi, I didn't see you there.

Yes, I do like jam.

Do you?

I'm more of a PB fan, myself.

You look a little young
to be running the place.

I'm nine, but,

hopefully one day.

That's a good attitude.

Until then, I'm looking for Mr. Thompson.

Is he in?

He's around here somewhere.

I'll go find him.

Ah, ah, ah, ah,

you still
have homework to finish, Abi.

If I do, can I help you
and Dad bake tomorrow?

You have piano practice.

Please!

We'll speak to your father.

And I will go find him for you.

Okay.

Well, anyway,

if you do like jam,

my dad says those
are to die for.

His words, not mine.

Okay.

It's really good jam.

Friend of the family makes it.

You must be Mr. Thompson.

Most people just call me Kris,
but, yeah.

What can I do for ya?

I'm here to officially
congratulate you,

so congratulations, Mister, Kris.

The basket of cookies you sent,

I'm gonna feature your
gingerbread in my cookbook.

What basket of cookies?

You sent me a package all
wrapped in cellophane.

Cookies in star and
Christmas tree shapes,

like the ones on display.

Those do sound like our
gift baskets, Dad.

They sure do, little one.

Do you wanna finish your
homework out back with Nana

while I speak to?

- Julia.
- Right.

You wanna finish your
homework out back

while I speak to Julia, please?

If you want privacy,
you can just ask.

May your father have privacy, please?

That depends.

Can I bake with you and
Nana tomorrow

instead of my piano lessons?

- Fine.
- Yes!

Wow, she is smart.

She certainly is that.

So,

you didn't send me anything?

Look, I don't mean to be
rude or anything,

but I honestly have no idea
what you're talking about.

Right, okay, let's start over.

Hi, I'm Julia Wilson.

Hi, Julia.

I'm a pastry chef slash

cookbook author from Chicago.

Have you heard of the cookbook
"Baking in the 21st Century"?

Right, anyway, I've been looking

for the perfect gingerbread
for a long time,

too long, and

I guess someone sent me yours.

- Uh huh.
- They are the best cookies

I've had since, well,
it's uncanny, really,

how similar they are to.

Anyway, the point is
I would love

to feature your gingerbread
in my new cookbook.

So, what do you think?

I'm really glad that you
like the cookies.

We're very proud of the recipe.

It's our best seller.

But I don't really have any
interest in publishing it.

Oh.

For one, it's a family recipe,

and, if I gave it away to
everyone who asked for it...

I can understand that, but...

Look, you obviously
came a long way,

and you're a very busy lady.

Can I offer you a
consolation scone

or some of the jam,
on the house?

I'm okay, thanks, though.

Are you sure there's nothing
I can do to change your mind?

Not that I can think of.

Well,

thanks for your time.

It was nice meeting you.

It was nice to meet you.

Did either of you send that
woman a basket of cookies?

- What basket of cookies?
- Nope.

Julia Wilson!

I am your biggest fan!

No, seriously, I have
baked almost exclusively

- with your cookbooks.
- Aw, you must be Vicky.

Your husband told me you run

the boutique across the street.

I do.

That's it!

Roger and Deb are never
invited here again!

Oh, hey.

Anyway, my beau here
tells me

that you're here because of
the Thompsons' gingerbread.

I am.

I used to babysit him.

Kris.

You know, he has been
making those cookies

since he was just a little boy.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah.

I remember this one day,

he put a mixing bowl on
his head,

and he asked me me to
give him a haircut.

And I did.

Oh, boy.

Anyway, listen, you go up
and you relax.

And, if you need anything

when you're in town,

you just come 'round
to the store,

'cause we're having a sale.

Am.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

Well, goodnight.

50%.

Okay.

75!

Free?
Sure.

Okay, thank you, 'night.

We'll see you then!

It's like a turkey
exploded in there.

Um.

Wish I still had your recipe, Mom.

"Never give up on your dreams,

and, most importantly,
if something

is worth fighting for,
don't ever let it go."

Change your mind about the jam?

Actually, I'm here to
change your mind.

Listen, I know yesterday
was probably a lot at once,

and I should've
introduced myself first,

and I realized I didn't
clarify the terms.

So, what if I do a big promo

write-up on your bakery,

and feature your
gingerbread on the cover?

Listen, I appreciate the offer, really,

but it's not something...

hello again, dear!

It's nice to see a fresh
face around here.

Hi.

Dad,

the guy from the
bank is calling again.

He wants to know when he can
expect the mortgage payment.

Please, tell Mr. Whitaker

I'll call him right back.

He'll phone you right back, bye.

It's been a bit slow lately,

but Christmas is
around the corner,

and things should pick up.

I sure hope so.

Dad,

don't you think we should

invite her to class tomorrow?

Well, sweetie, I'm sure that

- Julia, right?
- Mm hmm.

I'm sure Julia is far
too experienced

for Cookie Decorating 101.

But you're the one who said,

"We need as many customers
as possible this month."

Abigail.

What?

I would love to swing by.

See?

And it's not just for beginners.

There's some really good
decorators, like me.

Oh, that sounds like fun.

But...

If money is an issue,

is that something you're
interested in?

No, honestly, what we
really need around here

is a boost in business.

That's true.

What if I help you?

How do you mean?

Well, I'm just

brainstorming here, but

what if I could help you
increase your sales

before Christmas?

Let's say by 30%?

Well, that would be
great, but,

to be quite frank,

we need more of a 50% increase.

Okay.

Okay what?
I'll do it.

50% sales increase
before Christmas.

How do you plan on
doing that exactly?

I don't know yet, but
I will make it happen.

Uh huh.

And if, no, wait,

when I increase you
sales by 50%,

will you let me
publish your recipe?

You really think you can
pull off the impossible?

Nothing is impossible.

Okay, okay.

If you can increase our
sales by 50%,

then the recipe's yours.

Okay, great.

Give me a day to come up
with some ideas.

I've got some serious
thinking to do.

Class starts at eight tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to it.

So,

I guess I will see you all then.

Well, that was
awfully convenient.

You sure you two don't know
who sent those cookies?

With all due respect, honey,

those cookies are our
best sellers.

It could've been anybody in
Hampton Grove who sent them.

I don't know how to
send a package!

How many stamps does
that even take?

I saved you a spot!

Hi.

Okay, welcome, everybody,
thank you for coming.

Today, we are working
on royal icing.

You will get to decorate
your cookies your way,

so pick very carefully the
colors that you're gonna use.

Oh, hey, great work, you guys.

Oh, I love the crushed
candy cane on top.

Well done!

Wow, you weren't kidding.

You are great at this.

Am. How come you didn't
use any color?

- They're snowflakes.
- So?

Wow, ladies, these look
almost too pretty to eat.

Almost.

Ahh!

Hey, Nana, wanna see my bells?

That was a great class.

Well, thanks.

You do this every week?

Oh yeah, Abi loves it.

She's really talented.

Might have a future in
her father's footsteps.

She's already giving
me a run for my money.

Yeah.

Okay, everybody,

thanks for coming in today.

You can just leave your
trays at the stations,

but don't forget to
take your cookies home.

We'll see you next week.

Great job, everybody!

Yes!

Bye, guys, see ya next week.

So, you two have a few
minutes to chat?

- Sure.
- You betcha.

Amm, Abi.

I can color while you do
your adult stuff.

According to the
spreadsheets you shared with me,

sales were fine til about
six months ago?

Correct.

And this is largely in
part to the

bakery across the street.

Bingo.

And when did they open?

- Seven, eight months ago?
- Yeah.

And then our customers slowly

started going there, I guess,

which is a shame because
it's a big franchise.

Hmm.

And are there any

big differences
between your bakeries?

We like to take a more
classic approach.

Yeah, I mean, their
franchise is sort of corporate.

No, modern.

Is that the right word.

Anyway, it's very
chi-chi in there.

Right, and your bakery
is more classic,

homey, which is what
Christmas is all about.

There's a way to play that up.

Just need to figure
out how to position it.

Okay.

So, here is my grand conclusion.

You need to come up with
some new, innovative desserts

for your customers to
try, and see what sticks.

New desserts?

I mean, what's possibly
going to be better

than chocolate cake
or pumpkin pie?

Let me clarify.

You keep the classic items,

but try some new twists on them.

You serve both needs in one go.

New twists.

Can you be more specific?

Okay, so, for example,

brownies are a classic.

But if you add hazelnut
chocolate chunks,

it adds a whole new
flavor profile.

Oh, sort of like crème brulée

with maybe apples in it?

Exactly. You take something

people already know and love

and add a fun ingredient
to make it stand out.

The experimentation
process is one

of my favorite thing
about baking.

When you find a
winning combination,

it's like finding a pot of
gold at the end of the rainbow.

Oh, oh, maybe we can have
apple-themed desserts?

Well, apple could work, but
it's more of a harvest flavor.

Okay, what I think we
all need to do

is think about what makes
this bakery special.

What makes you stand out?

Well, there are many things
that make this place special.

Yeah.

I love your enthusiasm, Irene.

Okay, why don't I
come back later

and go over everyone's ideas?

Does that work for you?

Sure.

Oh, before I go, can you tell me

how to get to the Chic and
Elite Clothing Boutique?

Oh, yeah, Vicky's place.

Okay, set aside some time,
she's a talker.

Okay, 'cause I'm gonna be
sticking around

a little longer than I planned.

Hmm.

Ah, welcome back, Julia,
have a good morning?

It was a little arduous,
but, on the bright side,

I got some good
retail therapy in.

Well, I'm glad
Vicky could sort you out.

But why arduous?

Things go alright
with the Thompsons?

I'm sure you saw that
Kris and his family

are thick as thieves, especially
that little girl of his.

She's gonna be president
one day, I think.

I wouldn't put it past her.

Oh, what about you,
you have kids?

Oh, no, not yet, anyway.

Sorry, I told you, I
ask a lot of questions.

It's okay, I just haven't
really found the right person.

Well, listen to an
old pro like me,

when you do, you'll know.

My mom used to say
the same thing.

Well, it sounds like
a smart woman.

She was, and caring.

Holidays can be tough
when the people

we love aren't around,
but it's also a great time

to remember them and honor them, too.

Wise words.

Well, you do learn a
thing or two

by the time you get to this age.

Did you two have any special
Christmas traditions?

Well, when I was little,
we used to bake gingerbread

all day the weekend
before Christmas.

We would bake batches
and batches of it

to give away as presents,
leading up to Christmas Day,

but we would end up eating
most of it ourselves.

I remember,

we would be
completely covered in flour,

head to toe,

and my mom
didn't care about the mess.

She was just

happy I was spending time
with her.

I think about that now and

remember how special it was.

It really is the most magical
time of the year, isn't it?

Very.

One time, we tried making
gingerbread pudding.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, that
sounds delicious.

How did that turn out?

Oh, the first time
was a disaster,

but

we nailed it after a few tries.

Oh my goodness, Mr. Weaver, you
just solved all my problems.

I did, how?

I'll tell you later.

I have to go create some
Christmas magic of my own.

- Um.
- Um.

Why don't I take these
upstairs for you?

Thank you,

Mr. Weaver!

Oh!

I'll see you later!

Hey, Julia, is everything okay?

Better than okay.

I've got it,

I've got the idea.

Oh, well, thank goodness,

'cause Kris and I
are drawing blanks.

Is he here?

No, he's just picking Abi

from hockey practice.

Oh, no problem, we can
wait for him here.

All right, okay.

Actually,

I'm glad I have you
alone for a minute.

I wanted to thank you for
hearing me out yesterday

and convincing Kris to
hear me out, too.

Oh, of course.

You seem like a good egg.

Seriously,

if it weren't for you and Abi,

I think I'd be back on
my way to Chicago by now.

Oh, yeah,

I love my son,

but, boy, can he ever be

stubborn sometimes.

Is he always like that?

Well, he's very protective
of the things he loves,

but, you know, if you're
patient with him,

he always does the right thing.

I'll keep that in mind.

Would you like a cup of tea?

- Okay.
- Let's go.

It's great. Yeah.

He likes things done right,

that one.

Hey, girls,

are we interrupting something?

Hi.

No, not at all.

I popped in because I
have a plan.

Gingerbread.

You have our attention.

I thought we weren't
discussing gingerbread recipes

until after you increased
business by 50%.

Let me clarify.

Remember when I said
you should keep

the classic items but try
some new twists on them?

So, I'm thinking a series
of gingerbread treats

to help get your clientele back.

One new treat every
day for 12 days,

using your original
gingerbread recipe.

Hear me out.

The 12

Treats

of Christmas!

Yes!

That sounds...

Just perfect,

wouldn't you say, Kristopher?

Now, I don't think we
should deviate

too far from the base recipe.

It's amazing.

But things like

gingerbread cheesecake,

gingerbread mousse,
gingerbread lattes.

These are just some
jumping off points.

Dad's made gingerbread
macaroons before,

and they were tasty!

That's a great idea.

That should be our
dessert for the first day.

And then how about
gingerbread crème brulée?

In case you haven't noticed,
Irene loves crème brulée.

Uhum.

Well, that can be another one.

It's a great idea.

Now, hold on just a second,

before we get ahead
of ourselves.

How are you planning to
promote this whole thing?

Just leave that part to me.

I've got some tricks
up my sleeve.

You're a very determined lady,
aren't you?

I am.

And I am excited.
Me, too.

Okay, great, so, first
things first,

we need to figure out what the
treats are

gonna be for each day.

With your gingerbread macaroons

and your gingerbread
crème brulée,

we still need 10 more ideas.

How about a cake of some kind?

Maybe a gingerbread coffeecake.

I love it, and then
we can serve it

with a cup of coffee or tea.

That's two sales!

Exactly.

We need all the sales we
can get, right?

Okay, let's do it.

This is gonna be so awesome,
Dad!

Where do we start?

The kitchen.

No time like
the present.

So that's a yes on the
gingerbread cinnamon buns.

Oh, yeah?
Over the

chocolate chunk
gingerbread swirl cookie.

Boy, that a mouthful.

Definitely, too many
dominant flavors in those.

I like 'em.

Oh, I think that's enough
sugar for today,

young lady.

Aw, can we go play outside then?

Sweetie, Julia and I
have to keep

coming up with more recipes.

Please!

I'll take you, Abi.

Julia,

wanna play snow wars?

Just a super quick round.

What's snow wars?

Do you think we could
spare a quick half hour?

You're allowed to take a break,
you know.

My teacher says it's
good for mental health.

Sure, we can do half an hour.

I'll hold the fort here, then.

Yes!

Have fun.

Wow,

you built all of this together?

Well, Abi's the designer.

I'm more of a worker bee.

So, basically, it's like
hide and seek,

except you can throw
snowballs and stuff.

Right.

Dad seeks, the girls hide.

Make sense?

Emm.

You'll catch on in no time.

25!

24,

23,

22,

21,

17.

How do we win?

- You don't.
- 16.

Pretty fun, right?

- So this is it?
- 15.

- We just wait?
- 14.

Not quite.

Nine,

five,

four,

three,

two,

one.

Oh!

Bullseye.

Oh, you are gonna get it.

Oh!

Come on!

Ahh!

Pff.

Uh oh.

Let's get him.

Oh, little lady, you
are gonna get it!

Oh!

See, Julia, told you it was fun.

You were right, kiddo.

All right, bedtime, little one.

Why don't you head upstairs,

and I'll be up in a minute
to tuck you in.

Aw!

Goodnight, Julia.

Goodnight.

I am so sorry, I didn't
expect that to take so long.

That's okay, I had fun.

Great, great.

Amm.
So, about

brainstorming the rest of
those recipes,

let me just tuck Abi in
and then when I...

Let's just get a fresh
start tomorrow.

You sure?

Yeah, Abi's not the
only one that's pooped.

That was quite a workout.

Oh, can you try and
brainstorm so poster ideas?

We should talk about
marketing stuff tomorrow, too.

Okay, can do.

All right, well.

Are you okay to...

Yeah, I'm good,

but thank you, though.

'Night.

'Night.

Hey, hey, Del, how's it going?

Bonjour, I'm doing okay.

Just okay?

I have some news.

Uh oh, that doesn't sound
like good news.

Listen, I'm expecting company,

so I'll keep this brief.

I thought the extension
you asked for

wouldn't affect anyone
other than us,

but, as it turns out, our
marketing team

needs your finalized copy
sooner than I realized.

Oh.
I tried to stall

for you, I did, but we
are going to have to stick

to the original deadline.

So that means?

You have 10 days to finalize
everything in your book.

Do you think you'll
be able to get

the gingerbread recipe in time?

I just came across a
contender in Hampton Grove.

In the Hamptons?

Julia, that's fantastic.

Hello?

Tell you what, give me 12 days

and I guarantee I'll
have the recipe by then.

12 days, why 12 days?

Just trust me.

Okay,

I'll let the
marketing team know,

but, Julia,

don't let me down.

I won't.

Good.

Anyway, my personal
shopper just got here,

so I've got to run, au revoir!

Stephan!

How many recipes do we have now?

Oh, emm...

seven.

Just over halfway there.

How about a trifle?

As much as that
sounds delicious,

it's not exactly the easiest

and cleanest thing for
people to sample.

Or transport.

What about gingerbread brownies?

We've tried that.
It's the same

problem as the chocolate
chunk cookies.

The cocoa overpowers everything.

Right, of course.

Well, we've got our
first seven days covered,

and we're in pretty good shape.

We could

come back to this
as the event goes along.

Thank you.

I haven't eaten this much
sugar since I was a kid,

and I make desserts
for a living.

Next thing we have to take
care of is the promo stuff.

I've been working on
the ad copy.

Do you have any poster ideas?

How do you know so much
about this stuff?

Well,

the restaurant business
is competitive in Chicago.

I had to learn to be as
versatile as possible.

I couldn't just be a pastry
chef if I wanted to succeed.

I also had to learn how to
separate myself form the pack,

brand myself.

Bit of a dog and pony show.

It's not so bad.

I bake because it
makes me happy,

and I wanna share that
happiness with others.

Is that your brand then?

Happiness?

More like

sharing happiness through food.

Put it this way, when someone
comes to my restaurant,

they know they can expect
comfort food with a twist,

something new, but with
familiar and satisfying flavors.

You're
really good at this.

Not my first rodeo.

Well, we're lucky to have you.

Emm.

The business

here.

- Thanks.
- Yeah.

But to answer your
question about posters,

Abi made these on the computer.

We really tried to play up
the homemade comfort

thing.

What do you think?

- I love them.
- Yeah?

Do you think shops around here

would hang them in
their windows?

Well, maybe if celebrity
chef Julia Wilson asked them.

Down a little.

Just up a hair.

Perfect!

Thanks again for letting
us put this up.

Of course, hon, happy to help.

You know, in Chicago,
they charge

for this kind of ad space.

Oh, I know.

That, among many other
reasons, is why I left.

I really missed
people helping out

because they wanted to,

not just because they had to.

You know, that sense
of community.

You lived in Chicago?

Ages ago.

I worked in a similar shop,

and I wanted to open my own.

I'm sure the city's changed
quite a bit since then.

Uhuh.

But how about your time here?

Is our little town
growing on you?

So far, so good.

Still figuring out this
campaign with Kris.

It's been fun,

surprisingly.

Surprisingly?

Let's just say he wasn't
exactly thrilled

to meet me at first.

Ah,

but he's had a change of heart?

I guess you could say that.

I'm glad to hear it.

Poor fella's been
struggling since he lost

his wife four years ago.

Heart-breaking.

Oh, he lost his wife,

that's awful.

Oh, you didn't know, I'm sorry.

It's not my story to tell.

Anyway, I'm just going
to get back to work.

It's been a little slow,

but slow and steady

wins the race, they say.

I've got a radio ad set
up for later.

Hopefully, it'll
bring people out.

A radio ad, good for you.

Yeah, I write my own copy.

I used to cohost a radio
show back in the day.

You are a woman of many talents.

That, and my nephew
runs the radio station.

Vicky,

could I ask you
for a small favor?

What do you need?

- Hey.
- Hey.

Do you have a few minutes?

Sure, why?

Grab your coat.

We have Vicky to thank
for this.

Her nephew in there,
Seamus, he runs the place.

Oh, I know Seamus, we
go way back.

Hey, Seamus!

Is it normal to feel
this nervous?

What, you've never done
radio before?

You're kidding, right?

No, nothing like this.

I'll walk you through it.

You're gonna do great.

Basically, we'll have this ad
play every day of the event.

Do you have questions
about the script?

"For the first treat
of Christmas,

"my true love gave to me a
gingerbread-inspired treat."

Am.

Try singing

the first part.

Singing?

You have a lot of
confidence in me.

For the first treat of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

Keep going!

I don't know, I'm a baker,
I'm not a rock star.

Do you think all rock stars
are technically great singers?

No, but they sure sound good.

It's not about talent,
it's about confidence.

Uh huh.

I didn't know how to do any
of this at first, either,

but I tried, and I failed,
and then I tried again,

and I failed again.

Takes a while to learn
how to promote yourself.

Cut yourself some slack.

Okay, let's do this.

Are you looking for some
decadent new Christmas treats

for a thoughtful homemade gift?

Or just something to
snack on yourself?

The Christmas parties,
the last minute shopping,

we all know how busy
this time of year can be.

So, if you're sick of
serving the same

old fruit cake,

come on down to
Homestead Baked Goods.

They've got 12 new
gingerbread-inspired treats

that will satisfy
even the pickiest

of confection connoisseurs,

because here at
Homestead Baked Goods,

everyone feels at home.

Perfect.

Oh.

Oh.

Uhh. Uhh.

Mm, that's so good.

December weather can be
so unpredictable.

Thanks for letting me
wait it out here.

You've done a great job
with the place.

Thanks, that's all Abi.

Yeah.

I sure hope people are
gonna come out tomorrow.

I'm sure they will.

A little snow can't come between

people and their
love of dessert.

I hope so.

So, Julia, can I ask
you a question?

Sure.

You've taken a good chunk
of time off work

for my little business.

What's the question?

Why are you so interested
in my gingerbread recipe?

Do you want the Cliff's
Notes or the full answer?

Full answer, always.

Well,

your cookies remind me

of the gingerbread I
used to make with my mom

when I was little.

She passed when I was
really young.

She's the one who taught
me how to bake.

I remember, we used to watch
this cooking show together.

The chefs would whip up
these elaborate desserts,

and then we would try to
recreate them ourselves.

How'd that work out?

Oh, it worked out very medium.

Sometimes, they were amazing,

and, sometimes, not so much.

But the best part was how
much fun we had.

There's something really
special about moms, isn't there?

Yeah.

So what happened to
her gingerbread recipe?

She left it to me in a
cookbook she made.

Some of the pages got ruined,
something spilled on them,

and her gingerbread is
indecipherable now.

Oh. Oh, that's awful.

It's okay.

I've accepted that it's gone.

But your cookies taste
nearly identical.

That's why it's so
special to me.

Well, I'm sorry about your mom.

Thanks, it's been over 20 years.

I still think abut her
all the time.

Yeah, I'm not sure if that
ever goes away.

Well, looks like it's
clearing up out there.

Oh, well, I better head
out, get some rest tonight.

Ready for our big day tomorrow?

As ready as I'll ever be.

Oh.

Oh.

Thank you.

No, thank you.

Happy to help.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Oh, these
are so tasty.

Oh, you make these, too,
don't you, sweetheart?

No, I make macaroons,
these are macarons.

Oh, right, right, makes good
macaroni, too.

So glad you both enjoyed it.

What's on the menu for tomorrow?

Gingerbread vanilla fudge.

Oh, my, I love fudge.

Can I have a free sample?

Oh, we haven't made it yet.

You'll have to come back tomorrow,

if you'd like to try it.

We will, we will.

You know, I'm using
this as a little reward

for all the repairs I'm
doing at the B

Did you know, stressed
backwards is desserts?

So I have this
little motto,

if you eat a lot of desserts,

you'll never be stressed.

Okay, it's time to head out.

Bye bye.

How many times do I
have to tell you...

- It's cerebral.
- Is it?

It makes you think.

Oh, I would say that was

a successful first day,
wouldn't you?

Sure was,

and we exceeded
our goal for today.

We're sold out.

Yeah, I just hope we can
keep this momentum going.

Right, I better get
Abi home to bed.

Oh, no, I'll take her.

Are you sure?

You've done enough
already for us today.

Honey, I insist, and you and
Julia still have work to do.

Okay, thanks.

And I will see you two tomorrow.

Okay, Abi, let's hit
the road, honey.

Well, Julia.

Yes, Kris?

I was thinking of taking
a quick break,

going for a walk or something.

We still have a lot of prep
work to do for tomorrow.

I was hoping you'd join me.

Okay, I'll get my coat.

Coat.

That's the dry cleaner
slash tailor,

and it's run by Mrs. Tailor.

Oh, wait, seriously?

Yeah.

This is a great deli.

If you ever want an awesome
sandwich, that's the place.

The local TV station's
just down the street here.

I went to high school with
the weatherman,

and the cameragirl's my
second cousin.

So, you know everyone?

Pretty much.

That's all part of the
Hampton grove charm.

Really, that's why when
these big franchises

come into town, it hurts the
community a bit, you know?

Hey, can I be honest
with you about something?

Yeah.

When you mentioned your mom,

well, I can relate,

sort of.

- Oh, yeah?
- Yeah.

I used to be married to
a pretty wonderful woman,

and,

well, after she died, it was

difficult

to enjoy anything for a long time,

especially baking.

Vicky told me.

I'm so sorry, Kris.

I can't imagine what
you went through,

what you're going through.

It's been tough,

being both parents,

keeping the business going.

Having Abi is what's
kept me moving forward.

She's wise beyond her years.

I can tell she's a big
influence on you.

Oh, yeah, she's pretty
much the boss of me.

- Yeah.
- And the business,

this whole town.

Although that title she
probably shares with Vicky.

Vicky also mentioned
you used to make

the same gingerbread when
you were a kid.

Did she tell you the story...

Bowl haircut story,
yeah, she did.

If you're going around
town digging up dirt on me

in exchange for my
family recipe.

Well, in my defense, I
was only seven,

and that haircut was in
style at the time.

It's getting late, we should
head back and prep the fudge.

Everything all right?

I just never really
considered it before.

Considered what?

That it's your family recipe.

Yeah, I thought you knew that.

I mean, I did, I just didn't
grasp the weight of that.

I mean, family recipes
are part of who we are,

where we came from, and I'm
realizing for the first time

I genuinely get why you've
been so protective of it now.

If I still had my mom's
gingerbread recipe,

I don't know if I would
publish it or not.

Is that why you've been so
hesitant to share it with me?

Well, two reasons, really.

The first one is that
our gingerbread cookie

is the main reason people
still come into the shop.

If they can make it at home

then they may not
come in anymore.

Kris, I publish a lot of
my own recipes,

and people still come to
my restaurant.

Yeah, but you're famous.

No, the whole goal of
this cookbook

is to uplift all the shops
and bakeries featured in it.

People will make your
recipe at home,

fall in love with it, and
then wanna try more from you.

It's a surprisingly
good tourism pull.

Well, that makes sense.

And the other thing?

You said you had two hesitations.

Oh, doesn't matter.

Just increase sales, and I'll
be giving you the recipe.

Are you sure that's still
what you want?

Yeah, deal's a deal, right?

Anyway, we should get back.

We have lots to prep, and
tomorrow's another big day.

Yeah.

I had a feeling fudge
might be a tough sell.

The fudge is delicious
and decadent.

Don't doubt the fudge.

What if we don't make our
sales quota for the day?

Listen, I'm not gonna
say that's impossible,

but, yesterday, we saw
our biggest month

in sales right after lunch,
which is any minute now.

Yeah, but we've seen
fewer people this morning.

Just these two and Mr. and Mrs. Weaver.

Yeah, but what we didn't expect

is how many boxes of fudge
they would buy.

They loved it, and
other people will,

too, when they come in.

What if yesterday was
just beginner's luck?

Is now a good time to
tell you I told you so?

Better hope this keeps up.

Hi.

Okay. So this is how we
make them.

First.

It's my favorite part of it all

When you and me deck the halls

Making everything look

There you are,

hot off the press.

They're so pretty.

They're still very hot.

Be careful not to
burn your mouth.

- Mmm
- Right where they should be

Soon everything is Christmasfied

It'll be filling up really soon.

There ya go.

Hi!

Oh, two.

And so are all of you

Only once a year

Does this come true

Right now, let's savor this

And underneath the
mistletoe, get a kiss

The rest of the year
may be hard to come by

So right now, I'm gonna
give it a try

And so are all of you

Whew, I am a cake pop machine.

Who knew people would
love those so much?

I told ya.

They're not just for kids.

Everyone loves them.

That, and I asked the
radio station

to play our ad twice as
often during peak gym hours.

You are just full of surprises.

There's a method to my madness.

Oh, don't worry,
I've been taking

notes ever since you
walked in here.

Do you mind getting that?

I should get back to it.

Homestead Baked Goods.

Hi!

Where is she, is she okay?

Okay, got it, I'll let him know.

Thanks, Irene.

What is it?

Abi had a bellyache,

but your mom picked her
up from school.

What, is she all right,

does she have a fever?

We should close up the shop.

What? Hey, hey, Abi's okay.

She's with your mom now,
they're watching cartoons.

Why don't you just
call her back?

Sorry, Dad instinct fully
took over there.

I should probably go
check on her.

Yeah?

Well, yeah, I'm never
away from home this much.

Abi is certainly not
used to that.

You're a great dad, Kris,
and if you

wanna check in on Abi, I
can handle the morning rush.

Are you sure?

Just so she knows I'm
there for her.

Absolutely.

All good here, seriously.

Great, great, I won't be long.

Hey, what's our sales
target for today?

Don't worry so much, Kris.

By five o'clock, you'll
be saying, crème brul-yay.

Ahuh.

Wow.

Hey, I noticed that we've
been having a really good day,

followed by a not so good day.

Yesterday was great,
so hoping today

we can break that pattern.

Yeah.

Thanks.

Santa Claus is on his
worldwide tour

Like so many time before

And if you've been
really good, it's true

Santa Claus has got
something for you

Oh, yeah

Ooh, yeah

Christmas Eve is here

And so are all of you, you,
you, you, you, you, yeah

Only once a year

Does this come true

Only once a year

Only once a year

Only once a year

And you promise you'll teach me

how to make a St. Honoré cake?

I promise, but it takes a
long time to make, though.

Be warned.

How long?

About five hours.

Well,

we can do it next
weekend, after Christmas.

Okay, come on, Abi,
Julia's gonna

wanna go home at some point.

Well, maybe I can extend
my stay a bit.

I would just need to clear
it with my restaurant.

Really?

No promises, but it
would be good

to pass some more knowledge
on to my little protege.

Yes!

Aw, okay, come on,
sweetie, it's time

to head home for the night.

- Goodnight.
- 'Night.

Goodnight, little lady.

Julia sure is something.

Goodnight, Mom.

Uh huh hu.

So, you're thinking
you might stay?

Yeah, I mean, I don't have to,

if you think it's maybe,
I thought...

It would be nice.

Okay, maybe I will, then.

But I do have some bad news.

At this pace, we're
just gonna miss

our sales quota for tomorrow.

Hm, that's disappointing.

Well, you know, a lot
rests on what

we choose to make for
tomorrow's final treat.

Okay, right, maybe we
could, well, no, we did...

- Actually, maybe...
- Custard.

Yeah, that's not a good idea.

Well, I do have this,
you go ahead.

No, no, no, you.

I had this idea, but it may
not be sophisticated enough.

How about a gingerbread
cookie sandwich.

Throw a bunch of cream
cheese filling on the inside

and then make them as
big as we want,

and then decorate them
all Christmassy.

Like an artisanal
sandwich cookie?

That could be really great!

Finish off the event with a nod

to your most classic confection.

Great, 'cause I could
make those all day long

with my eyes closed.

Amazing.

Okay, should we hang
more posters?

Well, we've pretty much
done everything

we can on the advertising
and marketing side.

Wait a minute, didn't
you say you know

some people down at the
news station?

I may have, yeah.

What's your connection again?

I went to high school
with the weatherman

and the camera operator...

Is your second cousin, right.

Do we have any leftover
gingerbread treats

from the past few days?

I'm sure we do, why?

You'll see.

Hey.

So what should I say when
Chip gets here?

Just talk about the cookie.

Why is your
gingerbread so special,

what makes it different
form other cookies.

I feel like I'm right
back at the radio station,

except this time, I don't
have a script.

Wanna practice?

Yeah? Yeah, that'll help.

Just remember, when in
doubt, speak from the heart.

Okay.

Oh, so, Mr. Thompson,

how has

your 12 Treats of Christmas
campaign been going?

Well, it's been pretty great.

I've met some new and
interesting people.

What about the desserts?

Oh. What I'm really excited about

is our twelfth and final treat.

Oh, and what did your
true love bring you

on the twelfth day of Christmas?

Ahh.

Actually, it's a twist
on our signature

gingerbread cookie, except
it's bigger and better.

Oh, it looks to die for.

Tell me, Kris, what
inspires you to bake?

Oh, my daughter Abigail.

She taught me what it
means to put

love in everything you do.

That was great, Kris.

You are ready.

I'll go see where they are.

Before you go,

I think you should have this.

But

what if we don't get the numbers

we're hoping to get tomorrow.

I've thought about that.

For everything you've
done for my business,

for my family,

it's the least I can do.

Kris,

I don't know what to say.

Hello, hi, oh, I'm so
glad I caught you.

I figured you might be
a little camera shy,

so I came here for encouragement.

Hey, Kris.

Hey, Stevie.

Chip's here, and we
are good to go.

Okay, it's time for my closeup.

Break a leg.

Oh, Mom.

We're on in three, two.

Good evening, Hampton
Grove, I'm Chip Frank.

Standing with me is Home
Stead Baked Goods' owner

and baker Kris Thompson.

Kris, tell us a bit about your

12 Treats of Christmas campaign.

- Well, Kris, Chip.
- Chip.

Ah.

It's an event that my
bakery has been hosting

for the past week and a half.

We've been making, every
day, a gingerbread dessert.

We've made 11 of them so far,

and tomorrow is the last day.

- Gingerbread...
- Day 12.

Gingerbread sure is a
Christmas classic.

That's right.

We've done gingerbread
mousse with some maple syrup

from just down the road,

gingerbread pudding with
sticky miso caramel sauce.

Excellent.

But what I'm really excited
about is our final treat.

The suspense!

What is it?

Look at this.

It's our gingerbread
cookie sandwich.

It features, of course, our
signature gingerbread cookie.

Signature gingerbread, huh?

What makes it signature?

Eh. Well,

my mom, who's just
behind the camera there...

I know your mom.
Hi, Irene.

Hi, Chip.

She taught me to bake
them when I was a kid,

and we've been adapting
the recipe ever since.

Looks like it keeps
getting better and better.

Well, yeah, to be honest

with you, with a little help,

things have been getting

- a lot better.
- I've gotta take this.

You can come by

even after the 12
treats are sold out.

Once a week, we'll be
coming up with some more.

Where the heck is my phone?

Where's my...

Oh, there it is, hello!

- "Boo idea"?
- What?

- What are these?
- Is everything okay?

Ah. It's just, table 12, I said!

Can I call you back, boss?

I have some fires to put out.

- Fires?
- No, no, no!

Hey, Del.

You haven't been checking

your emails much, have you?

I've been busy working
on that last recipe.

Well, I'm just gonna
come out and say it then.

There was a lapse in communication

between departments,

and we need your
recipe tomorrow am

or we publish without it.

What, Del, why didn't you
call me sooner?

I know, but I'm
calling you now, aren't I?

I can send the
recipe to you now.

Oh! Please do!

You're coming to

the meeting tomorrow, right?

What meeting?

Go get caught up on your emails,

but I need you here to
sign off on the final look.

Right, of course.

I'll leave first thing
tomorrow morning.

Til then!

So you have to leave
tomorrow morning.

I know,

I really wanted
to see the event through.

Oh, boy.

Maybe I can come back

after the holidays.

Well, I'm sure Kris will
be very disappointed

that you have to leave early,

but I'm sure he will understand

once you explain your situation.

I hope so.

He just gave me the recipe,

and I want him to know
how much that means to me.

He did?

Yeah, and, after speaking
with him more,

he explained why he's
been so skeptical,

and why he's been so protective

of the business and the recipe.

He told you about Alice?

He mentioned his wife
passed a few years ago.

No,

he and Abi and
Alice used to make

those cookies together
all the time.

It was their very
special family thing.

I thought he just
didn't share it

because he didn't want
to hurt his business.

Well, I'll leave it to the
two of you to figure that out.

But, right now, can I
tell you the truth?

The truth about what?

These are from a dear friend.

I think she'd want you
to have them.

Well, there you have it, folks.

If you wanna try one of these

delectable gingerbread sandwich cookies,

swing by Homestead Baked
Goods tomorrow.

Until then, have a great night.

And we're out.

Oh, hey, thank you
so much for coming down.

Any time, Kris. Listen,

I'll be seeing you tomorrow.

I'll come down with Catherine,
and we're gonna pick up

a pack of these cookies.

Great, okay, thanks.

Did you see that?

You nailed it!

I've never done anything
like that in my life.

I can't believe it.

So exhilarating.

- Listen...
- Where's Irene?

She stepped out for the night.

- But listen...
- Can I be honest with you?

- Of course.
- I really have to say this.

Look,

you came crashing into my life

in the best way possible.

In the short time that
I've known you,

I've learned so much,
not just about running

my business, but about
letting my guard done

and letting someone in,

and I haven't felt that
way for a long time,

since Alice, and Abigail
absolutely adores you.

- Kris, I...
- So I guess what I'm trying

- to say-
- Kris, I need

to tell you something.

Sorry, yes, go ahead.

I need to leave, first
thing tomorrow.

What,

is everything all right?

I'm so sorry.

I really wanted to finish
the event with you,

but I have to be in
Chicago tomorrow

to sign off on the
final cookbook

now that it has your recipe,

and I just got a really weird
call from my restaurant,

and I'd like to check in and I...

My recipe's already
in your book?

I just gave it to you
half an hour ago.

Now you're already on
the run with it?

I know what this looks like.

Listen,

Irene just told me that

baking those cookies was your
special bonding thing

with Abi and Alice, but
my intentions have

always been to help you.

So you knew how much
that recipe meant to me

and to my family,

and now you're just

gonna leave?

I have to.

- I thought you cared about...
- I do.

Kris,

it's just,

- I have to...
- You know what?

You better head back to Chicago.

It's fine, publish it.

Kris.

I've really enjoyed
collaborating with you on this.

It's been great, truly.

I think I can handle the
rest from here.

Oh.

You're going so soon?

You're still booked for a
few days here.

I'm headed back early.

You can keep the booking as is, though.

I don't need a refund.

Well, I'm certainly not
gonna keep your money

if you're not here, Miss Julia.

Do you want me to hold the room,

just in case you
change your mind?

No, thank you, Mr. Weaver.

Well, I guess I
better get going.

I've got a meeting to get to.

Are you sure you're all right, hon?

Yeah, I'm sure I will be.

Thank you both for
your hospitality.

Geez!

You wanna talk about it?

I just...

I think I ruined everything
with Kris and Abi.

What happened?

It's a long story.

I take it you already
said "sorry."

I tried to, but he didn't
wanna hear it.

Oh, sweetie.

I can see Kris isn't the
only one who got hurt.

I didn't expect any of this.

The heart's a funny
little thing, isn't it?

It sure is.

But, on the bright side,
I'm heading

home with a sense of resolution.

How do you mean?

Thank you for everything.

Maybe I can come again,
next year, for a visit?

Well, I don't wanna speak
for my husband,

but I know there will always
be a room here for you.

I'll take you up on that.

Okay.

Good morning.

Ah,

I see you've talked to Julia.

Where is she?

Oh, I don't know,

probably halfway back to
Chicago by now.

Oh, boy.

Oh, this is probably
all of my fault.

Hey, no, no, no.

None of this is your fault.

Oh, Kristopher, I have
to tell you something.

I sent Julia the cookies.

I knew it!

- Why?
- I'm sorry.

But there's more to the story,
a lot more.

I have lots of time.

I know Julia.

Well, I mean sort of.

I knew her mother Evelyn.

We were in the same cookbook
exchange club in the '70s.

What a cookbook exchange club?

Well, it's these little clubs

where people from
across the country,

mostly women at that time,

would exchange and read recipes
and sometimes cookbooks.

So you knew Julia's mother?

Well, we never met,

but I considered her a
really good friend.

Oh, she had some great
cooking tips,

and I had a few to share, too,

so we would write each
other a few times a year

and exchange our
favorite new recipes.

Anyway, the years went by, and,
one day,

I came across Julia's
first cookbook.

I couldn't believe it.

So, I hopped on the Internet

and did a little web sleuthing.

You hopped on the Internet.

Yes, I did, I know how
to web search.

I'm not that old.

Anyway, lo and behold, it
was the same Julia Wilson.

I followed her career for
a little while.

I wondered if like maybe
I should reach out.

And, then, a few months ago,
she did

this public search for the
perfect gingerbread recipe,

which is our signature cookie.

That's a crazy coincidence.

Oh, bologna!

It's not a coincidence.

And, by the way, our recipe

is just a few tweaks
different than her mother's.

There is a point to all of this.

Oh, good.

You know, when I was in that
cookbook club with Evelyn,

and I was able to share
a recipe with somebody,

it made me so happy!

I mean, if you can
share something you love

with somebody you care about,

it just brings up a
whole new level of joy.

I mean, look at Abi.

What have you been teaching
her all these years?

That it feels good to share.

Why didn't you tell me all
of this from the start?

Oh, sweetie,

I love you, but
you can be really stubborn.

Also, I have noticed
that you're a lot happier

coming into the shop lately.

Isn't that all that matters
at the end of the day?

So what are you gonna do now?

I don't know.

I have this whole twelfth
day of treats I have to make.

I mean about Julia.

Dad?

You're not perfect, either,
you know.

Have you been standing
there the whole time?

Well, you may not be perfect,

but you're allowed to
be happy again.

Alice would've wanted that.

I think so, too.

So maybe I could
still catch her?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

Okay.

Okay.

Mr. Weaver.

- Mr. Weaver.
- I know kung fu!

Mr. Thompson, do what
do I owe this pleasure?

I'm just looking for Julia.

Oh, she left about 20
minutes ago.

She left, packed up left?

Yeah, packed and left.

Oh.

All right.

Well, thank you.

Is everything all right?

Perfect.

Where's that phone?
Ah, there it is.

Right over there, hello.

You'll be happy to know
I'm headed back to Chicago.

Back to Chicago, why?

Your text.

My text, what text?

Oh, that was supposed to say,

"Good idea, have fun."

I really need to learn
how to one-hand a text.

But when you called,

you said something about a fire.

Fire, what,

what did you hear?
Geez.

It was just a busy night
at the restaurant, okay?

You know how chaotic it gets.

Right, of course.

Well, I'm headed back, anyway,
so I'll come by and say hi.

AJ?

Listen, boss, it's
your restaurant.

You know we're always
happy to see you,

but do you really have to
come back now?

I mean, do you miss my
pretty face so much

you'd rather be here than
enjoying your time off?

I gotta go, AJ,

but I'll see you later.

See ya.

It suddenly feels like Christmas

It suddenly feels like home

Not right now.

Inspired treats that

will satisfy even the pickiest
of confection connoisseurs,

because here at
Homestead Baked Goods,

everyone feels at home.

Let me guess,

you forgot to take some jam.

Can we talk?

- So.
- Do you?

You go ahead.

I was feeling terrible

about how we left things.

Every Christmas song was
putting me in a bad mood,

and that's usually the opposite
of what they do for me.

Right.

Anyway,

as I was drivingback to Chicago,

I heard our ad,

and it made me realize something.

When you say at your bakery,
everyone feels at home,

I never realized it before,

but that's what I've been
searching for this whole time.

It wasn't the cookie or
a recipe that I wanted.

It was those happy memories
that I had as a kid with my mom.

It was a feeling of home.

And you and

Abi and Irene

all helped me find that feeling again.

I'm so sorry for leaving
things the way that we did.

And I came back to tell
you I will call

my publisher right
now and tell her

to not include the gingerbread,

if you're not
comfortable with it,

because

I would rather lose it

than lose you and Abi.

You don't have to do that.

Look, truth be told,

yeah, I didn't wanna share
the recipe

with you because of
how special it is to me,

but, then, I also didn't
wanna share it with you

because I didn't want
you to leave.

Last night, when you
told me you had to go,

and I had just given
you the recipe,

I thought, yeah, you're
running away,

but that's got nothing
to do with you.

That's all me.

And

I was reminded that

sharing baking recipes

is what makes them so enjoyable.

When you experience something
with someone you love,

your family,

the whole town,

that's what makes it special,

and I had forgotten that

until I met you.

You are an incredible person, Julia.

I couldn't have done
any of this without you.

Really?

Really.

I think you're pretty
incredible, too, Kris.

Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting.

I just think the two of you
are gonna wanna see this.

Oh, wow!

What's the
population here again?

Dad, everyone we know is here!

I don't even recognize
some of these people.

They must be from a
town or two over.

Boy, those TV spots
really worked.

This has never happened before.

I wanna say it's a
Christmas Miracle, but...

What it is is a lot of
hard work paying off.

My dad and me couldn't have
done this without you, Julia.

Aw, ditto.

Well, what about Nana?

Doesn't she get any credit?

Oh, and a very special
thank you to Irene

for all her help.

Speaking of help, kid,
battle stations, let's go!

Wow.

So I guess you gotta get
back for your meeting?

I called my publisher on
my way back here,

and she just sent me the
proofs of the final layout.

Everything looks great.

Yeah,

so you don't have to go back?

I'd rather be here.

Plus, I have a good
feeling about today.

Ready to get started?

- Almost.
- Almost?

Just gotta take care of
one more thing.

Hey, I knew it!

Shall we get started?

- Let's do this.
- Yep.

Hi, everybody.

So, anyone who's looking
for gingerbread

will come over to this side.

It's a joyous time of year

All the presents, all the cheer

But decorating all alone

Gets kinda lonely

I always wished for
something more

But I didn't know what for

And then it took me by surprise

To see the love in your eyes

The nights are getting so cold

And now it's starting to snow

And with the lights all aglow

And you beside me

It suddenly feels like Christmas

It suddenly feels like home

It feels like love and laughter

Is all I've ever known

It suddenly feels like Christmas

It suddenly feels like home

It feels like love and laughter

A place where I belong

'Tis the season to be jolly