All language subtitles for It Takes a Christmas Village crimson

♪♪

(ticking)

(alarm ringing)

(groaning)

(sighing)

(phone vibrating)

mayor foster speaking.

Yes, mrs. Markowitz,
I completely understand,

but the snow plow driver
cannot do individual driveways.

Well, I know there
are private companies

that do this kind of thing.

I'll tell you what,
I will personally make sure

that our office gets back to
you with some numbers, okay?

Great.

We'll be in touch soon.

Okay. Have a good day now.

Oh, not again.

Ooh!

- (smoke detector beeping)
- ah... Um...

- (phone vibrating)
- oh... Just a minute!

Mayor foster speaking.

Hello there, mr. Taylor.
What can I help you with?

Uh, I know the detour
is such a pain,

but it's only temporary.

It will be done soon.

You know what? I can't give
an exact timeline at the moment,

but I will check
with the contractor

and get back to you.

(chuckling)

merry christmas to you, too.

♪

I can't force the grocery
store to change their flooring.

I will make sure they
put out their mats, though.

You're welcome. Okay.

- (car horns honking)
- okay. Bye now.

- (car horns honking)
- come on!

(car horns continue honking)

hi. Hi, there.

Hi. Good morning, everyone.

Uh, please follow
the detour sign back that way.

- (horns honking)
- oh my god...

Yeah. Oh, I got it!

(drivers shouting)

here we go.

Alright, there we go. Yes.

Turn around
and back that way, please.

Yeah, you'll have
to turn around. Thank you.

Right back that way.

Hi. Morning.

Morning, mayor.

You directing traffic now, too?

(laughing)

when duty calls, I guess.

Any idea when these
repairs will be finished?

Not sure if you've noticed,
but this detour

is leading people right out
of downtown.

(cars honking)

I know it's an inconvenience,

but the contractor
says it'll be done soon.

What's his definition of soon?

Two weeks?
Two months? Two years?

Some of us might not
be in business by then.

Is it really that bad?

I don't want to
speak for everyone,

but it's definitely not good.

Let me follow up
with them again.

Well, that'd be appreciated.
Thank you. I--

sorry, I'm late already.
I'll see you around.

Bye, frank.

♪

- (shop bell jingling)
- good morning.

Hey, honey!
You forget your coffee today?

I sure did, jo.

Honey, you are working too hard.

No such thing.

Large black coffee coming up.

Thanks. Oh, and a coconut milk
latté for gina, please.

I thought assistants
were supposed to

get their bosses coffee,
not the other way around.

Ah, but then I wouldn't
get to see you every day.

You know, I actually
just ran into frank.

He said business has
been pretty slow with

all the construction
on the bridge.

- He said that?
- Yeah.

He also said
he's not the only one.

Is everything okay here?

- We'll survive.
- Jo, please.

You can be honest with me.

I just want to help.

Is it bad?

Oh, no.

It's alright, honey.

No, it's not.

Leave this with me, okay?

Okay.

I'll be in touch!

(shop bell jingling)

♪

(dog panting)

oh, hi.

Oh, you're sweet,
aren't you, huh?

(chuckling)

what are we gonna do, huh? Yeah.

(man whistling)
ruby.

Oh, looks like
you've been summoned.

Okay.

Gina: Mm-hm.

Yep, uh-huh.

They come every
single time it snows.

I know, it's great.

(whispering)
thank you.

Okay, yes. I will let her know.

Okay. Buh-bye now.

- Mrs. Markowitz?
- Yep. She's good to go.

Oh, and the snow plow guy
sounded super cute,

so don't be mad.

Gina, you gotta stop doing that.

Besides, I don't have time.

We need to focus on the town.

What do you mean?

Main street is a ghost town
thanks to those bridge repairs.

It's really bad.
Worse than we thought.

How's that possible?

I made those revenue
loss projections myself--

I know, but we didn't
account for this many delays,

especially this time of year.

Hm. Well, what can we do?

Call the contractor
and lay the hammer down.

Can you get me his number?

Yeah.

There's just one thing.

- What?
- He's on vacation...

In jamaica until the new year.

You've gotta be kidding me.

Well, then we find another
contractor to finish the job.

Yeah, but that's
breach of contract.

Plus, it's the middle of winter.

Most construction's
already shut down, I...

Well, we can't just do nothing.

I have to fix this.

Okay, but--

nope! No buts. It's happening.

How?

I don't know yet.

But I'm going to figure it out.

Okay.

♪

(knocking)

it's open.

Hi there, sweetie.

Hey, dad.

Mm. Something smells good.

I made your favorite
spaghetti sauce.

I just gotta
throw on some noodles.

You didn't have to go
to all this trouble, hm?

We could have just
ordered take out.

Dad, when is the last time
you had a home cooked meal?

When was the last
time I was here?

My point exactly.

Plus I know that you have that
burger joint on speed dial.

What? They're good.

Anyway, enough about me.

What's-- what's with the tree?

Oh. Yeah, I know.

I'll get to it eventually.

Everything okay?

Ah nothing for you to
worry about.

You sure? Hm? Need my help?

Nope.

I invited my dad over,
not the ex-mayor.

Why can't I be both tonight?

Why don't you sit down
and put your feet up?

Why don't I just
set the table, hm?

Meanwhile, I need you to
look through that box.

I'm finally
finishing the basement.

I need to get rid of some stuff.

You have no idea how many
boxes of christmas decor

your mother had down there.

You know, I have plenty
of stuff already.

Yeah, I know, but those
pieces were special to her,

and I thought you
might wanna keep them.

Hollybush christmas market.

You used to love
building that village.

You'd come home from school
and stare at it for hours.

♪

you know, I used to think
it was you dragging your mother

around to that market,
but I'm not so sure.

She spent a fortune down there.

- Oh, wow.
- Of course.

What?

Spend a fortune. That's it!

A christmas market!

A what?

You are a genius, dad.

Thank you.

(sighing)

♪

- hi!
- Hi.

Thanks for coming in so early.

Of course. What's happening?

I figured it out.

Okay. Awesome. Figured out what?

How to fix this
construction mess.

Hm?

The first annual hawkins bay
christmas market.

It's perfect!

We'll find an accessible spot,

give a booth to every
shop on main street.

We'll bring in a santa,
and a christmas tree.

We'll have mulled cider
and hot cocoa

and every kind of christmas
cookie you can think of.

Hm.

If we can't bring
people to main street,

then we will bring
main street to the people.

Wow. I love it.

I know, right?

But christmas is in a week.

Do you think we really
have time to pull this off?

We find the time, gina.

Okay, so first thing's first.

We find a location.

Somewhere off the downtown
strip but still close.

And parking. Endless parking.

Seems easy enough.

No...

What about here?

That's the arena, remember?
That is a no go.

Minor hockey would revolt.

Not to mention
the figure skaters.

Never mess with
the figure skaters.

Wait a minute.

What about the old textile mill?

Big spot, parking lot,

overlooking the river,
very christmassy.

Kinda perfect.

Yeah, but that's
the old hawkins mill.

- So?
- They'll never let you do that.

You don't know about that.

When was the last time
someone from your family

spoke to a hawkins? 1989?

That's probably accurate.

But it's been
vacant for 30 years,

and I heard they
live in florida now.

It's probably fine.

The parents live in florida,
but the son still lives

in that big old house
on the hill.

- Really?
- Yep. Darcy hawkins.

Notorious recluse?

Oh, come on,
he can't be that bad.

I'm just saying I think
it would be a good idea

to have some other options.

What other options?

Exactly.

This is the spot.

Just leave it to me.

Okay.

♪

(knocking)

(banging)

(banging)

(banging)

(banging continues)

(banging continues)

- hello!
- (shouting)

oh!

Oh, I am so sorry.

Are you okay?

Yeah. I'm fine.

Oh, god.

Oh! It's you.

I saw you on
the street yesterday.

(snorting)

I didn't mean to surprise you.

It's fine. We just don't
get a lot of visitors up here.

What can I do for you?

Oh... Um...
I'm alex foster.

Mayor alex foster.

Right. Sorry. Not really keeping
up on local politics these days.

So, you might have noticed
some of the construction issues

- on the bridge.
- Hard to miss.

Right. Well, had to be done.

Upgrading infrastructure
in this town was long overdue.

I agree.
I've been saying that for years.

Great. Yeah.

Well, so, unfortunately,
it has led to some unforeseen

consequences for some
of the local businesses,

which brings me to
the reason I came.

I was wondering if
you would be interested

in leasing the old mill?

Just for this week
before christmas.

We're throwing an old
fashioned christmas market

and we think the mill would
be the ideal spot to host it.

Kinda late notice for
a christmas market, isn't it?

(sighing)
look.

The truth is, tourism has
completely bottomed out,

and I have to find a way
to boost sales for the folks

on main street
or they might not make it

through the holiday season,

and the christmas market
is the perfect solution.

And not just that, you know,
it would also be a great way

to bring the entire town
together.

You know,
christmas spirit and all that?

Yeah, I don't know.

I'd prefer not to get involved.

(barking)

you wouldn't have
to be involved.

We've got lots of help
so you wouldn't have to

lift a finger
if you don't want to.

I'm sure there's
a better place for it.

Well, that's the thing...

There just really
aren't that many options.

You know what?
I'd really love to help,

but I just got so much going on,
and, uh, good luck.

(whistling)

well, don't give me that look.

(knocking)

mayor foster:
Hey?

I heard what you said,
and I would just really

appreciate it if you
take a look at this.

It breaks everything down
and I think that once

you've had a chance to read it,
you'll see the benefits

to the town may outweigh
your reservations.

So, my number's on the front
if you have any questions,

and I really look forward to
picking up this conversation

once you've had
time to review it.

So, thanks so much
for your time.

(laughing)
what's all this?

Finally spreading some
christmas cheer around here.

How'd it go?

He said no.
Please don't say I told you so.

I would never.

Although,
I think I bought us some time.

I gave him the pitch document,
so now I have an excuse

to go back tomorrow and
follow up.

Hm, and what makes you think
he's going to change his mind?

I don't know.

Everybody wants something.

We just have to
figure out what it is.

Hey!

Oh, good, you're here.

I ordered us a gallon of coffee.

Thank you.

Any luck digging around?

No.

So far all I've heard from
people is that he is quiet

and has a cute dog.

I mean, there is no
social media on this guy.

Nothing! Zero.

What about you?

- There's not much.
- Hm.

But I did find out
that he went to

boarding school in europe.

Is boarding school
still a thing?

Apparently with his family, yes.

- Hm.
- After that, ivy league college

for civil engineering,
graduated top of his class.

Okay, that's something.

Where's he working now?

I don't know.

I mean, the only other stuff
that I could find with his name

are articles about his dad.

Uh, and apparently yours, too.

Mm-hm.

"henry hawkins accuses
mayor art foster of defamation."

defamation? What's that about?

Well, I was pretty young,

but from what I remember,
dad told some reporters

that he thought hawkins
closing down the mill

was the worst thing to
happen to the town

and let's just say

hawkins did not take kindly
to the bad press.

Do you think that hawkins junior
is still upset about all this?

Well, hello ladies.

Hi, brent.

And how are we this morning?

Good. Busy.

Right, of course. Always busy.

Can we help you with something?

No, just picking up some donuts
for the committee meeting.

Gotta support local,
especially right now.

It's been pretty quiet
around here lately.

Anyway, I should get going.
Have a good day.

You too.

Gina: Bye.

Hm.

It's a shame the two
of you didn't work out.

We only went on a few dates.

Sure, but the mayor
and the city planner?

Could've made headlines.

Anyways.

So, we've got
a decades-long family feud

and absolutely no leverage.

What are we gonna do
about this guy?

We go back to the basics.

Okay.

What-- what does that mean?

Jo, I'm going to need
a dozen of your best treats.

- You got it.
- Baked goods? Really?

It's a start.

Oh, and do you have
any more flyers

for the choir event tomorrow
night?

Over there, honey.

Okay,
I'm loving the confidence, I am,

but, just in case, I'm going to
get started on plan b.

We are not gonna need one.

No one can resist jo's baking.

(chuckling)

hi.

What are you doing here?

Just admiring your...

Super nice chairs. Wow.

Did you make these yourself?

Yes, and they're a gift, so.

Oh. Sorry.

Wrap those back up.

Anyway, uh...

I brought you these.

I didn't make them,
so I you promise they're good.

I wanted to apologize
for yesterday.

I took you by surprise
and I put a lot of pressure

on you and I'm sorry.

Thanks. I appreciate that.

And I'd like to make
it up to you somehow.

You know what? I'm good.

But, uh, thanks for these.

I really have a lot
to do today, so.

Is this about our dads?

What?

Because I know that your family

is not exactly a fan of mine,

and maybe there's some
residual stuff to work through.

Yeah, I don't think so.

'cause I just think
that this market could be

the perfect way to
put the past behind us.

Just think about it.

The fosters and the hawkins

working together
to help the town?

You know,
we could right the ship,

weave a new narrative.

Yeah, I'm not really interested
in weaving

any kind of narrative.

Oh... Just tell me what
I can do--

woman:
Darcy?!

Gran?

You okay?

Oh, everything's fine.

I just can't find
my playing cards.

I was gonna cue up
a game of solitaire, but I--

oh.

Hi.

Hello.

(whispering) I didn't know
we had company coming.

We're not actually.

I'm mary hawkins.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

I'm alex foster.

Foster?

As in art foster's daughter?

That's me.

She's the mayor now, too.

(laughing)

well, I must be a lot
older than I thought.

(both laughing)

mayor foster.

Please, come in,
and sit in front of the fire,

and play cards with us?

Darcy will make us some tea.

You know, mayor foster's
a very busy woman.

I'm sure she has
better places to be.

Actually, I'd love to stay.

Thank you, and call me alex.

Oh, wonderful, alex.

We so rarely have company.
This is thrilling.

Go and get out
the best china, darcy,

and put on some christmas music.

I love christmas music.

(both chuckling)

do you like christmas music?

- Alex: Oh, who doesn't?
- Yes, well, come with me.

So, do you play gin?

Uh, yeah.

♪

♪ oh, christmas tree
oh, christmas tree ♪

♪ thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

♪ oh, christmas tree
oh, christmas tree ♪

♪ thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

♪ not only green
when summer's here ♪

gin.

- Again?
- (chuckling)

wow. You're good.

When was the last
time you played?

Not since I was a kid
and clearly it shows.

Don't let him make you feel bad.

I beat him most days.

I let her beat me.

He's lying.

You can always
tell with this one.

He puts on his gruff exterior,

but really he's
just an old softy.

And did I tell you he
built me these beautiful

new chairs for my porch?

What? How'd you know about that?

I saw you wrapping them up
out there in a big tarp.

Not exactly subtle.

Oh, and next on the docket

is my new apartment
on the river.

No, that's not
happening anymore.

No, it's not happening yet.
There's a difference.

What apartment?

It's nothing.

Anyway, can I get us
some more tea?

No, I'm good, thank you.

No. I have plenty, thanks.

- Mrs. Hawkins.
- Mm-hm?

I'm not sure what
you're up to tomorrow night,

but the local choir is
performing at the chapel.

There will be snacks and drinks

and we're donating all
the proceeds to the mission.

Oh, how wonderful.

It's usually a lot of fun.

I thought you might like
to join us this year.

What do you say, darcy?

Well, um...

We don't have anything
planned as far as I know.

♪ oh, christmas tree,
oh, christmas tree ♪

whatever you want.

(laughing)
we'd be delighted to attend.

Thank you for the invitation.

You're welcome.

Well, I should
probably get going,

but thank you for
the tea and the cards,

even though my ego
may never fully recover.

Any time, my dear. Bye now.

Bye.

Well, I guess I will
see you tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to it.

♪

good morning.

Hi, I got your message
and pulled all the building

permits made in
the last ten years.

Thanks so much. Great work.

So, tell me, what are we
looking for exactly?

Well, it turns out
darcy is not the only one

who lives at the hawkins estate.

He's been looking
after his grandmother, too.

Okay. That's kind of cute.

She kept mentioning some
apartment that he tried to

build for her,
but it fell through.

Okay.

So, it got me thinking.
Maybe at some point

he applied for a building
permit.

Hm. So, are we thinking
vacant land or a tear down?

I'm not sure yet.

Well, let's find out, shall we?

(sighing)

I swear I've got paper cuts
on all ten of my fingers.

How is that possible?

I think I even chipped a nail.

Ah-ha!

Both:
The mill.

Of course.

Looks like he wanted to turn
the top floor into apartments.

And some commercial real estate.

Some shops and restaurants.

Honestly, not a bad idea.

And some accessibility ramps
and elevators.

- For gran.
- Aww.

Alex, look.

(sighing)

dad.

Hey, dad.

Hey, there she is!

Thanks for coming
on such short notice.

My pleasure.

So, how's the christmas market
thing coming along?

Well, we've actually hit
a little bump in the road.

Oh?

I found the ideal
spot to host it.

Good.

Though I just have to convince
the owner to lease it to me.

Well, you talked to them
about it, didn't you?

I mean, you explained
the situation?

Oh, yeah,
but he's been resisting.

So, I figured why not try
an old fashioned trade.

Uh-huh. That's my girl.

And as luck would have it,
I found the perfect thing

to offer him in return, but...

It might disappoint some people.

Are you asking my advice?

- I am.
- (laughing)

well, in my experience,
you can't please everyone,

but you have to think about
the long term well-being

of the town
and make decisions that are

going to benefit
as many people as possible,

but no matter what you do,

someone's always going
to be disappointed.

And what if that
someone was you?

What do you mean?

I want to host the christmas
market at the hawkins mill.

What?!

And to do it, I'm going to
get this permit approved.

Refurbishing the mill looks like
a really sound investment to me.

More real estate
close to main street,

more shops and restaurants, too.

It looks like the kind of long
term economic boost we need.

But I know you disagree.

For good reason.

You don't know that family.

His father nearly sunk this
town when he closed the mill,

and he didn't give any
of his employees notice.

He just left, leaving hundreds
of families without income,

and then he got mad at me
for being honest about it.

I know, dad.

But that was
almost 30 years ago,

and darcy is not his father.

Oh. Darcy, is it? Huh?

First name basis already?

We've had some
preliminary discussions, yes.

Look, alex, I would never--

I'll never tell you what to do,

but it feels like you're letting
the fox back into the henhouse.

I disagree.

Well, hey, you're the mayor,

and you got to make, you know,

whatever decision
you feel is right, so...

Look, uh, I got some
things I gotta do.

So, we'll talk later, alright?

Dad.

♪

hi, brent.

Hey. You look nice.

Oh. Thanks.

Actually, I'm glad you're here.

You are?

Yes. I would love
to set up a meeting

with the planning
committee about this.

Oh.

All the assessments have
been done on the property

and everything looks in order.

This is for the hawkins' mill.

Yes, it is.

But it's actually
a really great plan.

You know,
we've been talking forever about

expanding the downtown core,
and this could be our chance.

I'll need some time
to look this over.

Absolutely,
but at first glance,

nothing jumps out at you, right?

Well, I've seen a lot of mills
like this be refurbished before.

So it should be doable.

Great. Thanks.

So, I guess
I'll see you in there.

Yeah. Sure.

♪

jo:
Hey, honey.

Hey, jo.

It looks amazing in here.

Thank you.

You waiting on someone?

I am, actually.

Oh.

Is that...

Yep. Mary and darcy hawkins.

Wow.

How'd you manage that?

Hey! I'm so glad you came.

Wouldn't miss it.

Look at this place.

I'd forgotten how
beautiful it is here.

I'll grab us some seats.

Don't worry. I actually
saved us some up front.

Front row, to the right.

Oh, well, thank you, dear.

Thanks for coming.

I wasn't sure
you'd actually show up.

Gran's pretty persuasive.

I can believe it.

So, do you
recognize anyone here?

Not many by name.

Okay. Well, that is jo.

Owner of the one and only
hawkins bay café.

Ah, yes. The maker of
the treats you brought us.

Exactly. She's about as pure
and kind as a person gets.

Heart and soul of main street.

Hi.
Thank you so much for coming!

Those were the reids.
They own the gift shop,

right next to the antique
store...

Good evening, everyone,
and thank you for coming.

I hope you're all
having a good time.

(applauding)

we have such a special
treat for you tonight.

It's my pleasure to introduce
you to the hawkins bay choir!

(applauding)

(vocalizing "auld lang syne")

(choir continues)

♪

(choir continues)

she loves it.

(choir continues)

(choir continues)

♪

thanks again for coming tonight.

I hope you had a good time.

I did.

And I haven't seen gran
that happy in a long time, so...

Thank you.

See? We're not so bad
if you give us a chance.

Yeah, I just wasn't
sure how it would go.

It was a long time ago.

Listen, um...

After your gran mentioned
the apartments the other day,

I did some research,

and I discovered your plans to
refurbish the mill.

Oh.

Now, I know my dad
turned them down,

but I actually think
it's a really great idea

and I would love to
help you make it happen.

- Really?
- Mm-hm! Yeah.

I think it's in
the town's best interest,

and your gran's, too.

And I would tell you that
regardless of the market,

but then I would be
completely undercutting

my bargaining power.

(both chuckling)

fair enough.

I like a good trade.

So, what do you say,
mr. Hawkins?

Should we make a deal?

We'll approve your permit

and you host
the christmas market?

You got yourself a deal.

Good.

Great.

(both laughing)

thank you.

Oh, gosh, I should call gina,

because there's so much to do!

Um...

Should I meet you
at the mill tomorrow

and we'll go over our plans?

- Sure.
- Okay, I'll see you soon.

Okay.

Hi, gina. Good news.

The christmas market is a go!

♪ we wish you
a merry christmas ♪

♪ we wish you a merry
christmas ♪

I'm sorry, frank.

It's the end of an era.

Oh, don't say that.

Are you sure there
aren't any other options?

Hey, guys.

Frank, you okay?

He had to shut down
his shop this morning.

What? No.

I just can't afford to
keep digging this hole

through the holidays.

Figured it's best to close up
now before things get worse.

Give myself a chance to
figure out the next steps.

Did you give up
your lease already?

Not yet. Why?

Because I may have
a way to help you.

I wasn't able to
speed up construction,

but when I told you I had
your backs, I meant it.

So...

Welcome to the first annual
hawkins bay christmas market!

This Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday night

at the old hawkins mill.

We've got booths
for each of you,

we've got mulled cider
and hot cocoa and treats galore.

We've got santa and a tree
and presents for the kids.

It sounds perfect, alex. Really.

What do you think, frank?

Are you sure you can get
enough people to attend?

It's kinda late notice.

I personally guarantee

that you will have more business
in one night at the market

than you would have at your shop
from now until christmas.

Guarantee?

You haven't seen gina
work the phones.

Mm-mm.

She will have everyone
and their grandmother there.

Jo: It could help to
get you to the new year,

and then you could reassess.

Yeah. It could.

So, does that mean you'll do it?

Count me in.

(both laughing)

me, too.
(laughing)

okay, we've got work to do!

- Yes.
- We gotta go.

We do. Okay. We'll be in touch.

Jo: Thanks, girls.
(laughing)

♪

darcy: Hey.

Good morning.

I haven't been here in so long.

I'd forgotten how nice it is.

It needs a little tlc,
but it should get the job done.

- You want a tour?
- Sure do.

This way.

I thought this might
be the best spot.

It's got the high ceilings,
and room for a lot of people.

It's beautiful.

You think it'll work?

Definitely. Mm-hm.

We could spread the booths
out around the perimeter

and have a big tree
right here in the middle.

And we could put
santa right over there.

Sure. Yeah. Sounds good.

Oh, and then we'll need to
round up some booths somehow.

I could help out with that.

Really?

Yeah. I got a bunch
of lumber at the house.

I could put some together.

That would amazing. Thank you.

You're welcome.

They teach you how
to build stuff like that

at boarding school?

No, I... Taught myself.

How do you know
I went to boarding school?

Mm. I may have looked you up.

You're kind of an enigma,

so I had to resort
to the internet.

Yeah.
(chuckling)

find anything interesting?

Just boarding school
and college,

neither of which quite
seem to match up with you.

Yeah, I, um...

Let's just say I didn't really
fit in with the crowd.

Kind of kept to myself.

Now, that last part
sounds about right.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

You wanna see where gran's
apartment's going to be?

Absolutely.

Alright, it's this way.

So, all the apartments are
gonna have their own balconies,

but I really want
this one to be gran's.

It's got the best
view of the river.

It's perfect.

Yeah, the house is just so big
and it has so many stairs.

I worry about her
being on her own

when I'm not there, you know?

That's understandable.

She's really lucky to have you.

Were you two always this close?

Yeah.

Well, she practically raised me.

My mom and my dad were always
busy working or traveling,

but most of the time
it was just the two of us.

She's done so much for me.

I just really want her to have
something she loves, you know?

Anyway, what about you?

What was it like growing up
the daughter of the mayor?

It was...

...All I knew.
(chuckling)

when I was young, I spent
a lot of time with my mom.

My dad was always working.

But then after she passed,

my dad just kinda
dragged me along everywhere.

Is that why you ran for office?

You want to follow
in his footsteps?

Not really.

I just had some
strong opinions about

how to do things my own way.

Huh. Yeah. I noticed.

(laughing)

well, I think this
is gonna be great.

In fact, I might just have
to move in right next door

when it's all said and done.

Well, gran would love that.

I might have to get
better at gin, though.

That's true.

I mean, that's if
the permit gets approved.

Oh, don't worry.

It will.

♪

that's correct.
Opens this Friday night.

6:00pm sharp.

Okay, great. See you there. Hi.

Morning! How far down
the list did you get?

Um, I got to the letter
g in my phone,

but before we get into that,

wow, look at you,

you like it?

I love it. What's the occasion?

Nothing.
I just needed a little boost

to keep the engines going,
you know?

Okay.

Oh, and darcy hawkins is
coming by to sign the paperwork.

(gasping)

you like him!

Don't be ridiculous.

Are you going out with him?

Gina, please.

We are business partners.

Mm-hm.

- Sort of.
- Mm-hm.

- Temporarily.
- Okay.

Where's the permit paperwork?

Oh. It is right here.

Good, because he is
going to be here any minute.

Mm-hm.
With chocolates and flowers.

Gina, for the love of--

(clearing throat)

hello.

Hi.

Oh, yeah. The paperwork.

- Right. Yes.
- Mm-hm.

Thanks.

You can, uh, just sign where
the stickies are

and that should do it.

Sounds good.

Do you have a pen?

Oh, yes. Mm-hm.

- Here you go.
- Thanks.

You can-- you can just leave it
on my desk when you're done.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Hey, uh,
what are you doing right now?

Now?

Oh.
Um, I think I have a meeting.

It's been cancelled.

- What?
- Yeah, they just called.

They pushed it
to next week, yeah.

Oh. Well in that case,

there's something I could
use your help with.

It's for the market.

Oh, um, I don't know.

The rest of my
day is pretty busy.

I've gotta talk to some of the
vendors, then line up a santa.

All taken care of.

In fact,
you are free for the day.

(laughing)
well then. I guess I'm free.

Perfect.

(laughing)

(clanging)

what are you doing in there?

Darcy:
You'll see.

We're going to get
a christmas tree.

Oh.

You said you wanted one
for the market.

I was just thinking
about getting a fake one.

Ah, you can't do that.
It's not the same.

(laughing)

you know, we really don't have
to go through all this trouble.

Where's the fun in that?

Come on.

It's a hawkins tradition.

Better than a board meeting,
though, right?

Absolutely

so, you and gran go out
like this every year?

Oh yeah.

You should see gran with a saw.

(laughing)

so, what's the toboggan for?

Well we have to drag
the tree back somehow.

Oh, and the best trees are
at the bottom of the hill.

Are you serious?

Well, if gran can do it,
you can.

(laughing)

sure, there's a few shrubs to
avoid, couple icy patches,

but it'll be fine.

Right.

Oh, uh, ladies first.

Okay.

You know what?
Actually, let me just--

(shouting, laughing)

woo!

(shouting, laughing)

yes!

You liar!

(laughing)
come on.

It's my turn.

Wasn't so bad, right?

Alright, alright.
Let me show you how it's done.

Oh, okay.

Yeah. Alright.

(laughing)

yeah! Woo!

Show off!

(both laughing)

(both shouting)

♪

(both laughing)

♪

- all right, ready?
- Yeah.

Uh, back that way
a little bit more?

- This way? Okay.
- Mm-hm. Nope.

Too far. Back that way.

Uh, back the other way.

Yeah, yeah.

- How's that?
- Yeah. Almost there.

Maybe back that
way a little bit.

Towards you.

- (laughing)
- that's good.

Ah, wow.

That is a tree.

Yeah.

You know what would
make it look even better?

- What?
- Decorations.

Mm.

Where did all this come from
anyway?

I told gina to put in an order
for some christmas decorations,

but this is next level.

It's great.

We can start with these.

♪

so, what do you and your family
do at christmastime?

You guys have any traditions?

Oh, yeah. All the classics.

Hot chocolate, movies.

Cookies for santa.

Of course.

My mom was very into christmas.

That's actually how I came up
with this whole market idea.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Yeah. We used to go to
one every year outside of town.

We'd buy all sorts of
things from all the shops.

(laughing)

I would make her take me on
the sleigh ride over and over.

- Sleigh ride, huh?
- Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Some kids love rollercoasters,
not me.

I was all about
that horse and buggy.

Mm-hm.
(laughing)

the cold night air.

The bright christmas lights.

Even the sound of
the horses breathing.

I just--

I loved it all.

Should we plug these in?

Yeah. Let's do it.

Alright.

- Give me a count.
- Okay.

Three, two, one.

(sighing)

hey, not bad.

Mm-hm.

You want to see something else?

Sure.

♪

alex: What?!

(darcy laughing)

these were installed
so long ago I wasn't even sure

- if they would work.
- You know,

I was kinda joking about moving
in next to gran, but now?

With this out
my window every day?

Count me in.

Listen, I was thinking...

What if you came over
for dinner tomorrow night?

I could cook, you can relax,

and gran can beat us
at cards again.

I'd love to.

Seven o'clock?

Okay then.

♪

morning.

So, tell me everything.

There is nothing to tell.

I do not believe
that for one second.

Well, I might be going
over there for dinner.

Now we're talkin'.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

His gran will be there, too,
so it is not like a real date.

Yeah, but he's cooking
for you, right?

I guess so.

I love this so much.

(laughing)

♪

(knocking)

- hi.
- Hi.

Come on in.

Oh, man, it smells
amazing in here.

I'll take your coat.

Yeah, I, uh,
I made duck a l'orange.

You know how to make duck?

Gran likes to try new things.

(chuckling)

alex? Is that you?

- Hi!
- (gasping)

well, aren't you a sight
for sore eyes, my goodness.

Thank you.
You look beautiful, too.

Oh. Well, come in.

I have some hot
cider on the stove.

- Would you like a cup?
- I would love one.

Come on.

♪

darcy: He said, "go,"
I went, "okay."

(all laughing)

darcy, that was incredible.

Seriously next level.

He's come a long way
since the burnt pancakes

he used to make for me.

(laughing)

♪

uh, can I get you coffee?
Tea? Hot chocolate?

Oh. I would love some.
Thank you.

- Gran?
- I'm good.

I'm going to head upstairs
for the night.

Already? No cards?

No, no. You two should play.

Lord knows you
need the practice.

- (laughing)
- night, night.

- 'night.
- Goodnight.

- Oh. I got it.
- You sure?

Yeah. Just make yourself
at home in the living room.

♪

♪

- here you go.
- Oh, wow!

A candy cane and everything?

This is the executive treatment.

Well, you have the mayor
over for dinner,

you gotta pull out
all the stops.

(laughing)
well, I'm honoured.

Mm.

Well?

I think you outdid yourself.

If I do say so myself.

(sighing)

it's so nice here.

I'm glad you like it.

Yeah, it's been a long time
since I let myself

enjoy all of this.

It's understandable.

It must be hard
without your mom.

I always thought that I would
find new traditions to do

with my own family one day.

But since that
hasn't happened yet,

I kind of feel like
I'm in this limbo.

Anyway.

I think it's great that
you do all this with gran.

I'm sure she
appreciates it so much.

Yeah, she does.

But it is nice having
a new face around here.

♪

what?

I kinda think we should dance.

(laughing)
are you kidding?

- Nope.
- Do you even know how?

I went to boarding school.
It's part of the curriculum.

Okay.
(laughing)

so, what? Are we going to
fox trot or something?

I think we'll keep it
a little simpler.

If you dip me, I swear--

no promises.

♪ and I say
sha-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ I feel good, I feel good ♪

(laughing)

♪ and I say
sha-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ I feel good, I feel good ♪

♪ no one's going
to take this from me ♪

♪ I'm feeling
as good as can be ♪

♪ with you, babe, with you ♪

♪ yeah, my soul is free ♪

♪ and I say
sha-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ I feel good, I feel good ♪

♪ and I say
sha-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ I feel good, I feel good ♪

♪ we've come so far now ♪

♪ and I'm ready for sure ♪

♪ so bring on tomorrow ♪

♪ I need more,
more, more ♪

um, well...

It's getting late.

I should probably get going.

Yeah, okay.

And for the market tomorrow,

I've got the vendors
coming at 10:00, is that okay?

Sure. Whatever you need.

Okay.

Well, thank you for dinner,

and for everything.

You're welcome.

I'll let myself out.

Okay.

♪

(sighing)

♪

♪

I'm so excited to
show you this space.

Okay! So, santa is
going to go right here,

and he'll be sitting
in one of frank's chairs.

- So cute, right?
- Yeah.

And then we got this tree,
hand cut by yours truly.

It's kinda patchy
but mostly perfect.

Perfect indeed.

Oh, and look at these.

Darcy made those all by himself,
can you believe that?

I think I can, yeah.

Darcy:
Come on in, guys.

Oh, my goodness.

Oh, wow.

Do you like it?

Alex, look at this!

What a gorgeous spot.
Where do I set up?

Oh. Over here.

And frank,
you can take this one.

There's lots of space
back there

for some of your bigger
furniture items.

That would be great. Thank you.

You're welcome.

And you guys can spread out.

Take whichever one you like.

Am I late?

Dad? You didn't have to come.

Of course I did.

Mrs. Hawkins.

Been a long time.

Nice to see you again.

Likewise, mr. Foster.

And you must be darcy.

Nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you, sir.
- Oh, please.

Call me art.
"sir" makes me feel old.

(chuckling)

alright, folks. Let's get
this party started, shall we?

- Alright.
- Where to first?

Alright, I'm thinking garlands.

♪

♪

♪

♪

hey, thanks for your help.

Any time.

Come on!

♪

(whispering)
here we go.

Okay everyone, we've already got
some early customers outside.

It's almost go time!

Okay, so you should probably
make a little speech.

- You think?
- Absolutely,

- but make it brief.
- Okay.

(chuckling)

hi, everyone.

Thank you so much for coming.

I know it's been a bit
of a bumpy road to get here,

so thank you for
keeping the faith.

The place looks incredible.

I'm so happy to be here
supporting all of you.

You all work so hard,
and you're such a big part

of what makes hawkins bay
so special.

I know there's a lot
at stake tonight,

but don't forget

to take a moment to enjoy
the evening,

because you all deserve it.

And lastly, I would like
to thank the hawkins family

for their generosity
in hosting us.

We are so grateful.

Now, without further ado,
let's kick off

the first annual hawkins bay
christmas market!

(cheering, applauding)

♪

gina:
Hi, come on in!

Hi, merry christmas. Welcome.

♪

♪

so, I thought I'd add a little
extra oomph for tonight.

What do you think?

Wow.

You like it?

I love it.

Good. That was the goal.

I think it's going
well in there.

Yeah.

I'm so relieved.

You did a great job.

I couldn't have done it
without you, though.

I find it very hard
to say no to you.

Lucky me.

♪

gina: Alex.

Oh sorry,
I didn't mean to interrupt.

I need to talk to you.

What is it?

I just got off the phone
with brent's office.

The planning committee
held a vote tonight.

What?

Yeah.

What happened?

They denied darcy's
building permit.

What?

But we had a meeting
scheduled for the new year.

I know, but I guess they just
decided to go ahead anyway.

I'm sorry.

Thanks for letting me know.

Good luck.

Everything okay?

Actually...

There's an issue
with your permit.

The planning committee decided
to hold a vote and, um...

...They opted not
to approve it.

What?

I'm so sorry.

I had no idea they were
planning to do it tonight.

They-- they rushed
the decision for some reason.

Yeah.

Because they never planned to
approve it in the first place.

No. No. No, that's not true.

They're reasonable people.

Let me talk to them.

I'll file an appeal,
we'll get this sorted out--

you said the vote
was only a formality.

I thought it was.

But you weren't sure?

I told gran about
the apartments...

She's picking out paint colors.

I am so sorry.

Yeah.

At least you and the town
got what you wanted.

No. Darcy, wait.

We will figure this out,
I promise.

You have my word.

People's word doesn't seem
to mean a lot in this town.

Darcy, please.

(alarm ringing)

gina: Great,
I'm so happy to hear that.

I will definitely let her know.

Okay. Thanks. Bye.

So, we got some preliminary
numbers in from last night.

Sales were off the charts.

Really?

Mm-hm, and we have
two more nights to go.

- That's great.
- Yep.

Frank even gave me a hug
on the way out.

I take it he sold
a few big ticket items?

- All the big ticket items.
- What about jo?

She didn't have time
to sit down all night.

- I'm really happy to hear that.
- I know.

You did a good thing last night.

I don't know about that.

Main street's gonna live to
see another day because of you.

(knocking)

hey. I got your message.

Yeah, we need to talk.

I heard the christmas market
was a huge success.

That's good news.

Yeah, thanks in
large part to darcy.

What happened, brent?

The committee voted against it.

Why? You and I
both know there was

nothing wrong
with that proposal.

I wouldn't say that.

His environmental
assessments were six years old.

You can't just expect us
to sign off on that.

So order them to be re-done,
you don't just throw it away.

It's not just that.

The committee was hesitant
to go back into business

with a hawkins.

The committee or you?

Both.

And if I'm being
perfectly honest,

I think your judgement is
a little clouded on this issue.

What does that mean?

Come on, alex. I'm not blind.

I am thinking about
the good of this town.

Well, the committee disagrees.

You are welcome to
appeal the decision though.

You know if you
stand out here too long,

you're gonna catch a cold.

Are you okay?

Doesn't seem fair.

Feels like they used us.

No, they didn't.

They welcomed us.

- But your apartment--
- oh, darcy.

Don't worry
about the apartment.

There are plenty of
other places to live.

I'll be fine.

Now, don't let the past

stand in the way of your future.

Okay?

Not a bad place to live, huh?

Not bad at all.

I hear the christmas market
was a big hit.

Congratulations.

Not to everybody.

Yeah, I heard about
the committee's decision.

I'm sorry it didn't go your way.

(sighs) you know,

I just thought,
after all this...

...People would be able
to move on.

Well, these things take time.

Darcy was right.

I got what I wanted,
but what did he get?

I let him down. Again.

For what it's worth,

you were right about him.

He's not his father.

If anyone made a mistake,
it was me.

You have faith in people,
no matter what.

And that's what makes
you so good at this job.

You're a better mayor
than I ever was.

Dad.

No, no, no, no, no, no.
I mean it.

Yeah, I know I taught you a lot,

but you bring your
mother's heart into it.

I know she'd be proud so of you.

I certainly am.

So, then why does it
still feel like I failed?

Because you care about him.

And maybe it's not too late.

What do you mean?

Well, just because
the vote's been taken

doesn't mean the paperwork's
been filed yet.

What?

Building permits don't
get put into the system

until the end of the week.

So, until it gets filed...

It's not set in stone.

Still a chance
to change their minds.

(laughing)

you really are a genius, dad.

25 years on the job
you learn a few things.

Thank you.

Go get 'em, honey.

I will.

Love you.

Love you!

Brent: Alright, that sounds
like a great idea.

We'll take a look
at that in the new year.

Alright, everyone, I guess
that pretty much wraps us up.

Wait!

Mayor foster?

What are you doing here?

I need to talk to you all.

Hi, everyone.

We're just finishing up.

It's our last day
before the holidays.

I know, but this is important.

It's about the hawkins mill.

(groaning)
we've already voted on that.

I know,
but I'm not sure it was

given the appropriate
consideration.

As you may have heard,
the christmas market

opened up last night and so far

it has exceeded
our expectations.

Yes, but it's only temporary.

Exactly,
but it doesn't have to be.

Think about what opening
the mill year round

could do for economic growth.

Not only would it be
the permanent home

for the christmas market,

but it could also
host other events,

like conferences and weddings.

Not to mention
new businesses, new residents,

and new infrastructure.

This is exactly
what hawkins bay needs.

The only hesitation
I'm sensing here

is about the name on the paper.

Look, I understand.

This town has been through
a lot over the years

and it's only natural
for some of us to be wary.

But think about
the opportunity we have here.

What it would
symbolize for our town.

A fresh start, a new chapter,

a chance to move
forward together.

Good speech.

It's what I believe.

So, what do you say?

Will you reconsider?

- (barking)
- hi, ruby.

(knocking)

alex?

Hi, mrs. Hawkins.

Is darcy here?

Oh. No, I'm sorry, dear.
He's not.

He left a little while ago.

Do you know where he went?

I'm afraid not.

Well, listen,
about the apartments--

oh, don't worry about that.

Anywhere I can get
a hot cup of tea,

a fresh deck of cards,
and my knitting, I'm good.

Well, it won't have
to be just anywhere.

What?

What's this?

The renovations for
the mill got approved.

(gasping)

oh! How wonderful. Thank you.

You're welcome.

And, please, tell darcy...

Thank you for everything.

I will.

And alex?

Merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

♪

alex, there you are.

Look at this place!
It's busier than last night.

I'm so glad, jo.

Do you think it's enough?
Are you gonna be okay?

More than okay.

Any luck with darcy?

Um, no.

I'm sorry, alex.

I just wish he was here
to see all the good he's done.

Who's done?

Darcy.

What do you mean?
I just saw him.

- What?
- Yeah, he's outside.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Go! Go, go, go, go, go, go!

(all laughing)

♪

hi.

You came back.

Well, I do own the building.

Yes, you do.

About that--

no, no. I overreacted.

I shouldn't have left like that.

- I'm so sorry.
- Don't apologize.

I would have felt the same way.

But you should know,

the permit's been approved.

- Really?
- Yeah.

How did you...

I talked to the board.

Better late than never.

You really don't give up,
do you?

Darcy.

No matter what
happens after this...

I just wanted
to say thank you.

Not just for
the christmas market,

but for our time together.

This past week with you.

(giggling nervously)

I've had more fun
and felt more joy

than I have since I was a kid.

And I didn't know how badly I
needed to feel like that again.

So...

Thank you.

You know...

I'd convinced myself that

if I kept my world small,

just me and gran and ruby,

that would be enough.

And then you came
stomping up to my front door.

I did not stomp.

Oh, you were stomping.

Then everything changed.

Thing is, I don't know
what I'm going to do

because I don't think
I can go back.

I don't want to go back.

So, if it's alright with you...

I'd like to stick around.

I think that can be arranged.

♪

come on.

There's something
I wanna show you.

(chuckling)

what?!

How?

I had to drive two
counties over to find them.

That's where you went?

Turns out it's a tough
time of year

to find a last minute
sleigh ride.

(laughing)

come on.

Hey, boy.

How you doing? Hi.

I can't believe you did this.

People are going to love it.

I hope so.

But the first ride's for you.

♪

thank you.

Merry christmas.

♪