Original subtitles

[♪]

♪ It's lookin' like it's about to snow ♪

♪ The leaves on all the trees fell months ago ♪

♪ It's Christmas ♪

♪ I'm so glad it's Christmas ♪

♪ Once again ♪

♪ The carolers are warming up to sing ♪

♪ All around you hear the sleighbells ring ♪

♪ It's Christmas ♪

♪ I'm so glad it's Christmas ♪

♪ Once again ♪

♪ I'm looking out for some mistletoe ♪

♪ I just want the whole world to know ♪

♪ I've got everything I need this Christmas ♪

♪ I don't even need to make a wish list ♪

♪ More than presents 'neath the tree... ♪

Okay, just a little bit more snow.

Oh, that looks great.

[camera app snapping]

And I think that's a wrap.

Perfect.

All right, now, I'll email these off,

and just keep my fingers crossed.

Do you think you'll get into the contest

this year, Aunt Kylie?

Who knows?

Maybe this year I'll have a Christmas miracle.

Oh, thank you for your help, ladies.

Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

Can I have the roof, Aunt Kylie?

Can I have the tree?

[chuckling]

I thought you might ask for that,

so I made these.

I want a star!

Me too!

Well, I actually made these for Santa,

but you know what,

if you eat them really fast, he'll never know.

Too late.

I saw,

and I have a direct line to Santa.

No, Mom, we want to bake like Aunt Kylie.

See, the great thing about pretend baking

is that it can happen just as easily

in the living room.

Far away from real hot ovens.

Let's go.

[toys clattering]

Vroom!

Kylie, this is even better than that sleigh you made

a few weeks ago.

You think?

Are you talking about the one

for the American Gingerbread Competition?

- Yeah. - Let's hope so.

'Cause that one didn't even get me a rejection letter.

You still haven't heard back?

No.

Aw. [Sighs] That's a shame.

You really could have used that prize money.

Oh, come on, who needs $25,000?

Okay, don't tell me that you made this

for the Hawkey Homes Christmas party?

Yeah.

I love baking,

and it's kind of part of my job

to make sure the office looks festive...

as the receptionist.

The temporary receptionist.

You spent too much money on culinary school

to be answering phones.

Have you heard me answer the phone?

[clearing throat]

"Good afternoon, Hawkey Homes, we make dreams come true."

[laughs]

Don't you think every time I pick up the phone,

I wish I was picking up a pastry bag?

There's only eight restaurants in this town,

and only one that could afford a pastry chef...

Ooh, Chez Philippe.

You were amazing there.

I just wish "amazing" could've kept the owner

from selling the place.

Or pay off your cooking school debt.

Oh, you've had an unlucky year, Sis.

Unlucky? I'm not unlucky.

I have a sister

who lets me live here for free.

You have to pay me in cookies.

[chuckling]

And an amazing boyfriend, Alex,

who can throw me some receptionist work.

Temporary.

So temporary

that I actually applied for a startup loan yesterday.

For your cake business.

Yes. If it's approved,

Kyliescakes.com will be up and running by June.

And you know what,

I may not have to live here for very long,

because...

I really feel like things are...

things are going to change this Christmas.

Alex has been really dialing up the romance.

Alex?

Mr. Business?

Yes, he is being very suspicious

about our anniversary dinner.

Oh, so you think he has something planned?

Well, I mean...

when it's meant to be,

it's meant to be.

Right?

Huh.

[chuckling]

www.fmsubs.com

What is with this coffee maker?

How is it the best boyfriend ever

is the worst coffee maker ever?

Nonsense, Kylie, I'm a builder.

We're known for our handiness.

Ah!

Let me do it.

Make it a double.

Today is nuts.

I've got three building inspections,

two plan reviews,

lunch with a new investor.

Not to mention our big event.

Yes.

How is all that coming along?

Great.

I bought some new heels,

and my dress is in the car...

But the Christmas party isn't until next week.

[coworker]: Christmas party?

Let's see, the invites are out,

we've got 50 confirms so far.

You booked the string quartet?

Yes, and gave them your set list.

Brilliant.

I have full confidence in you, Kylie.

This is going to be the best party

we have ever had.

Without a doubt.

[quietly] But, Alex,

I was actually talking about tonight.

You know, our... anniversary dinner you planned?

Ah! The dinner. Of course.

I hope you work up an appetite.

You are going to love this restaurant.

[cell phone rings]

Excuse me.

Uh-huh. Yeah.

[whispering] Where are we going?

He won't tell me.

He's doing everything himself.

He says everything has to be perfect.

Really?

- Yes. - Really?

Yes!

[squeaks]

Enough whispering, you two.

We have a lot to pack in

before we all go home for the holidays tomorrow.

But I know, with your help,

we can slay it.

You get it?

"Sleigh?"

'Cause it's Christmas.

Oh, like "sleigh", "slay."

Of course. That's hilarious.

[quietly] Good thing he's handsome.

[sighs]

He's adorable.

There are only eight restaurants in Helen.

I'm gonna figure it out.

Hold on, a few more steps.

Ooh, I smell garlic.

Ooh, ooh, I've narrowed it down to six.

No narrowing!

You forget that this nose has been to culinary school.

I mean, this nose has been...

it has spent years inside Michelin Star restaurants.

[chuckling]

Where are we going?

We're almost there.

And here to the right...

Okay...

You must be thrilled

every time you walk into one of these places

knowing that that's all behind you.

Well, actually,

I'm really passionately about baking, but...

Wait, we're eating here?

Yeah, what's wrong?

You said pizza's your favorite.

No, it is, it's just, this restaurant is...

Is a five-star pizzeria

that we've never been to before.

What's the problem?

Uh, we've never been here before

because it's actually owned by...

What do you two need menus for?

Allow me.

Lobster taleggio, truffle fontina,

and a nice bottle of reserve Amarone.

Hello.

We have a reservation under Hawkey.

The special table.

Yeah, it's all ready.

Let me know if you...

Hi.

Hi-Hi, Nick.

Kylie Watson,

in my restaurant.

The guys are gonna have to up their game.

There's a real chef in the house tonight.

You two know each other?

- It was a long time ago... - Millions of years ago...

Alex, do you remember

the guy in the prom photo I showed you?

You're that guy?

In the flesh.

Minus about 10 pounds of hair product.

[laughs]

Nick, this is, uh, this is my boyfriend,

Alex Hawkey.

Of Hawkey Homes.

You must be the luckiest guy in Helen.

Well, I can't take credit

for Crested Manor.

That's a team effort.

No man builds an artificial lake

on his own.

Oh, I meant lucky because...

You know what, let's just, uh, get you to your table.

[Alex's cell phone rings] Oh, sorry, Kylie.

It's the buyers from that lakefront property.

Closes tomorrow.

I hope they're not getting cold feet.

No, take it, I can wait.

Thanks so much. Sorry.

I have been meaning to get in touch with you...

You know, I didn't know he was bringing to be here...

This was, like, such a surprise...

I feel...

I'm so sorry, I feel...

Ridiculous.

Yeah, me too.

Yeah. But honestly, I thought you left town

once Chez Philippe closed down.

Uh, no, no, I, I...

actually got lucky,

'cause Alex, um,

was able to give me a job in his office.

Oh.

Steady work?

Yeah, I mean, it's not...

as exciting as working in a kitchen, but...

I hope that doesn't mean you've stopped baking.

No, I still enter a contest every now and then,

but you know, with so many celebrity chefs these days,

it's...

well, amateurs don't really stand a chance.

Amateur?

Please, you're a pro.

Uh, was a pro.

Oh, come on,

you can't let one closed restaurant get you down.

You have a real talent.

You've got to work with what you've got.

Thanks.

You've obviously done that.

I mean, look at this place.

Look at what you've done

with our old high school hangout.

When this was your dad's place,

it was two-dollar slices and arcade games.

That old claw machine that kept breaking down?

[laughs] Yes!

The one that you busted open

to give me that teddy bear?

- I did. - Do you remember that?

Daddy!

You've met Bobby, right?

No, I met a little baby

at a church picnic a few years ago.

You've turned into such a...

Uh, don't say "little," don't say little...

Uh, uh... a large boy.

Can I show you my invention?

Of course.

[beeping] It's a pizza spinner.

Wow, are you kidding?

That is genius.

Do you know how many times

I have had to lean over the pizza

to grab the last slice?

You're gonna make millions.

Careful,

he's gonna ask you for start-up money.

[laughs]

What's this?

Oh, okay.

Is this...

Is this your company logo?

No. It's for my friends.

Sorry.

Uh, should we sit down?

Yeah.

Okay, uh, follow me.

An amazing meal with an amazing guy,

in a restaurant that is Christmas itself.

Alex, this is why I love you.

I know how much you love Christmas.

Cheers.

And with that holiday spirit,

this is going to be the best Christmas party

we've ever had.

I was actually hoping for "I love you too," but...

Kylie, you know I do.

But lately,

it's so much more than that.

In the past year,

you have filled gaps that I didn't even know existed.

[sighs]

Alex, that is so sweet.

I... I feel the same way.

I know this isn't the job

you've always dreamed of,

but that's why I want to give you

a bigger role in my life.

A role I didn't think

anyone would ever be able to fill.

[chuckles]

Kylie...

I want you to be my office manager.

It's a lot of work,

but I figured

with your culinary school debt,

you could use a raise, and...

Wait, did...

[chuckles]

I'm sorry, did- did you bring me here

to tell me about a promotion?

Well, I wanted it to be special.

I was very impressed

with that video- conferencing system

you installed.

Alex, that's something I did at work.

I-I...

I'm your girlfriend. I...

I thought this dinner was about us.

Well, it is.

Hey, we're a team.

A team that's going places.

Hawkey Homes just had its best year yet.

Thank you for the promotion, Alex,

and I, uh,

I will do my best to make your party a success.

So...

we're good?

As boss and employee? Mm-hmm.

I was hoping for a little more than that.

[sighs in disbelief]

So was I.

Alex, I can't come home to just spreadsheets.

I don't want to just be part of a team,

I... I want to part of a couple.

They're the same thing.

No, Alex.

They're not.

I'm sorry, but...

I don't think we can be together anymore.

Oh.

♪ ...Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Ha-ha-ha! ♪

♪ Bells on bobtails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

[♪♪♪]

Oh, hey.

Oh, Nick.

Just grabbing some decorations from my car...

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

Yeah, I'm fine, I just...

This dinner wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.

I guess Alex and I

are just on different pages.

Oh, um...

I'm sorry.

It was really nice to see you.

Yeah, you too.

What?

What happened there?

I dunno.

The blindfold,

the rose petals,

the special table?

[sighing in realization]

I have to fix this.

Good luck.

Listen, I realize

Alex checked a lot of boxes on paper, but...

A lot?

He was the first boyfriend I've ever had

who used a calendar.

Okay, so I realize

that might not make it into a country song.

[laughs]

Why can't you take me seriously?

It might be the reindeer slippers.

[bells jingling]

Can't you just let me mope?

[chuckles]

Tonight would have been the worst night of my life

if Nick Mazzanti hadn't been there.

Oh, we were just in his restaurant.

It's... it's no biggie.

No biggie?

You two were inseparable back in high school.

And you did kinda break his heart.

I had no choice, Tina.

I mean, when life puts that many obstacles

between two people,

you just have to accept it.

Accept what?

That it wasn't meant to be.

Oh.

Right.

[slipper bells jingling]

[Michelle, whispering]: You broke up with Alex?

[sighs]

[whispering] Does everybody already know?

Oh, don't worry about them.

So how are you doing? Are you okay?

Well, I have to be.

I mean, I need this job,

so I have to be professional.

I can't be the girl who's...

[voice breaking] ...who's crying in the eggnog!

[sighs in sympathy] Oh!

Maybe I should take care of the Christmas party.

I mean, you're in no shape for this.

No, I can't give Alex more reason

to demote me.

Have you seen him yet today?

He's hiding in his office.

He doesn't handle "no" well.

[sighs]

I mean, I know he respects my work,

so I just have to believe that things won't get super weird.

Yeah.

Hey, Alex.

Miss Watson.

Great, it's weird.

Maybe I should look for a new job.

No! Don't do that!

No one's hiring at Christmas anyway.

You need to stick it out.

[cell phone vibrating]

Save money for your cake company.

I won't have to worry about that

if this phone call goes my way.

Hi. This is Kylie.

Oh, no, I-I...

Yeah, of course I understand.

Thank you so much.

[sighing] Oh, great...

I mean, first Alex, and now... and now this.

The bank just decided to deny my start-up business loan.

Oh, Ky, I'm so sorry.

Can I do anything?

Just... distract me.

What is that?

Oh, just some old invoices...

But this came to you.

The cleaners found it behind the mail bin.

I hope it's not important.

Oh, my gosh.

[gasps]

Do you remember the sleigh I made?

Yeah.

I got in.

I got in.

I am a semifinalist

in the American Gingerbread Competition.

[gasping in delight] Oh, my god!

But the... the entries are due...

Next week?

Next week!

[chuckling in shock] Oh-ho...

[laughs]

You better get going, girl!

This is amazing.

[♪♪♪]

...no, that's unacceptable.

I'd really appreciate it

if you could get one here A.S.A.P.

Wait, wait, what happened?

Is everybody okay?

What's that smell?

Oh, the girls decided to bake.

Long story endless,

the oven is ruined.

Oh no, if the oven's gone, how am I gonna win?

Win what?

The American Gingerbread Competition.

The one here in Helen?

I don't understand, I thought that they...

I never got a rejection letter

because I got in.

I'm a semi finalist.

Kylie, that's huge.

That prize money would be unbelievable.

Hey, good news.

We will have a new oven by Christmas.

Christmas?

Okay, calm down.

That's only seven days.

I know, but the competition is in six days.

What am I gonna do?

[♪♪♪]

Well, what about the Nelsons?

They live right next door.

They would let you use their oven in a heartbeat.

Ah, but I'd feel weird asking.

I mean, it's the holidays.

They have three kids,

and I'm gonna be working around the clock.

I think it's too much to ask.

What about Michelle?

Michelle lives in a bachelor apartment.

She has a stove and a microwave.

I mean, I really don't know

what I'm gonna do.

Can we look here for one second?

Yeah.

[sighing]

What is that?

I have been waiting for this cookbook to come out

for months.

I didn't even know there was an English translation yet.

"Ina Bruckner, The Art of Gingerbread."

You could have written that.

Oh, no, no, no, she's the master.

Her books are amazing,

her videos are incredible.

Oh, she has such attention to detail,

it's just inspiring.

[boy calling]: Hi!

Hey! What are you doing here?

Am I really running into you

twice in one week?

Yeah, is it just too weird?

It's slightly weird.

Nick, do you remember my sister Tina?

- Hey! - Hey!

Anybody who loans me their car to get to prom

gets more than a handshake.

Oh, that old truck?

I'm surprised you guys made it there in one piece.

Well, we did have to push it

the last block.

[laughing] We did.

[laughter]

What's with the cookbook?

Oh, I'm just doing some research...

No, Kylie made it

into that baking competition, up at the Helen Inn?

Tina, nobody cares...

Oh, the gingerbread contest.

Yeah.

Yeah, do you know about it?

How could I not?

That's huge. Congratulations.

[whispering] She can help us with the cake.

Oh, I don't think so, buddy.

She's got bigger fish to fry.

Well, I'd love to stay and chat,

but his karate teacher does not mess around.

Merry Christmas, ladies.

You too.

Merry Christmas.

Bobby...

[chuckling] What?

I just got a new teacher,

and she's having a Christmas pot luck.

His regular teacher went on maternity leave,

and the new one wants to do something nice for the kids.

Well, that sounds like fun.

It's not.

I have to make a homemade dessert,

and I don't know what to make.

But don't sweat it.

I'm usually better about this stuff,

but one of my managers quit without notice,

so I've been working double-time.

But hey, we're gonna have a great Christmas anyway,

right, Bobby?

Nick, I'd be happy to help.

Uh, that's really nice of you, Kylie,

but we're fine. It's...

No, I could maybe come up with some easy-to-bake recipes.

Please...?

Swing by the restaurant later?

I'll be there.

You're the best.

Sure.

What?

"I'd be happy to help."

Okay, stop.

[giggles]

[laughing]

[♪♪♪]

I mean, I keep thinking that maybe I could...

[sighs] No, it would never work.

Could what?

But you know, maybe if I actually...

No, I-I couldn't.

Couldn't what?

I mean, I would, but, you know, it's just...

it's too much to ask.

You know, I'm gonna refresh this cookie plate,

and let you finish

this conversation with yourself...

Wait, no, no, no.

No, no, don't go, please.

Listen, promise you won't laugh at me,

but I had this idea...

What if I asked Nick Mazzanti

if I could use one of his ovens at his restaurant?

That's not your worst idea.

But do you think he'd want to help me?

Sure, why not?

You two are old friends.

It doesn't cost him anything.

Right... Right?

But I just...

I don't really know how to ask.

I mean, like, how would I approach it?

"Can I use your oven?"

Oh, no way,

that is way too direct.

"Hey, do you have any extra ovens?"

Tina, come on!

I mean, it's not something

that people just have lying around.

I was kidding.

I know, but this isn't funny.

I have to win this contest

if I'm going to start my cake business.

Hon, all you can do is your best.

I mean, it's not really a big deal, is it?

It's just... it's an oven.

Sure. Yeah.

Yeah, it's just an oven.

It's totally... just an oven.

Just an oven.

[murmuring] "Maybe you have an oven

you don't use very much...?"

"If you don't use one of your ovens very much,

I could..."

What oven?

Oh, what?

Oh, no, no, th-there's no oven.

I was just actually practicing my list to Santa.

You brought those for me?

Uh...

Who's this?

That is Ina Bruckner,

and she is the godmother of gingerbread.

You know, I kind of learned everything I know from her.

I wish I didn't have to go to this party.

What do you mean?

Christmas is the best time of the year,

and cooking for your friends, that's part of the fun.

But I don't even know where to start.

Well, let's think.

What's your favorite kind of food?

Cupcakes.

That's super boring.

No, nonsense.

There's nothing boring about cupcakes,

only boring cupcake makers.

So you'll make me some cupcakes?

Um... no.

But I will help you come up with an idea.

A Christmassy idea?

Yeah, a Christmassy idea.

Know what,

why don't you take this,

and you can write down

everything that you love about Christmas,

and then we'll go from there?

Hey, no running in the kitchen!

Looks like you gave him his marching orders.

Oh, no, just... just baby steps.

I just want to help him come up with his own inspiration.

Hey, I owe you big time for this.

Ever since Vincente quit,

I haven't had a minute to spend with him.

Aw.

Hey, I'll tell you what,

order anything you want on the house.

Make it a double. Your boyfriend's gotta eat too.

Uh...

I mean, provided he's still your boyfriend?

Okay, you guys broke up.

Yeah.

I'm sorry.

My foot tastes really good right now.

[chuckles]

At least get something for yourself.

No, you know what, I had too many chestnuts

at the Christmas market.

Aw, come on, you gotta let me repay you.

There's gotta be something I can do.

Okay, so there is something.

Shoot.

I seem to be at a bit of an impasse

with my contest entry.

On, no, there's a molasses drought.

[laughs]

No, but it's more like an oven malfunction.

Tina's broke,

and I'm having a really hard time

finding another one that I can use.

It's really a round-the-clock kind of job,

so I was hoping that maybe there was a restaurant

who could let me use one of theirs...?

Oh!

You want to use one of mine?

Yes, but only if it's not a huge inconvenience.

No, no, you can totally use one.

But you gotta clean up after yourself.

I run a tight ship back there.

Oh, no, I've changed.

I'm not messy anymore.

No, that was the old Kylie Watson.

Okay.

As long as I don't find any gumdrops

in my garlic knots.

[laughs] No.

I'll even use my own pans.

Honestly, you'll never even know I'm here.

When do you want to start?

Well, the contest is... it's really soon,

so I was kind of hoping for, like, today.

Great.

Give me a couple hours.

Uh, we have someplace we need to be.

Hey, bambino!

Grab your coat, let's go!

No hurry.

Whenever you're ready.

Thanks. So, see you in a couple hours?

Great, I'll grab my stuff, and I'll be back.

Great.

Come on, buddy.

Bye.

Have fun!

Oh, wow, Nick, this kitchen is amazing.

It's all right.

You remember Ralphie.

Ralphie!

Oh, my goodness!

Hi!

You're still here.

And you look exactly the same.

Oh, honey, that's not a compliment.

You have only grown more lovely.

That's a compliment.

Oh, and I hear you made it

into that baking contest up at the Helen Inn.

You know about it?

Know about it?

I've been going to that contest for the last ten years.

You need any ideas, I'm your man.

Okay.

All right, this dough counter work?

Oh, this is perfect.

Well...

back to work.

Nick?

Thank you so much

for bringing me back into this world.

Let's see how your enthusiasm holds up

when your gingerbread house

gets disqualified for bite marks.

Ralphie here is quite the snacker.

What? Hey!

You talking about me?

Hey, Nick...

No, no, she's fantastic.

No, she taught Bobby how to make a hockey stop.

Yeah, seriously.

She's sweet, she's good with Bobby,

but it's like I said.

All right, you'll tell her for me, man?

You're the best.

Well, she is not the one.

Who?

Uh, that girl from earlier.

She did not make the Nick Mazzanti cut.

That's too bad. She seemed nice.

Yeah, but she has no babysitting experience.

You know, it's a short-term gig

to help me out over the holidays,

but everyone the babysitting agency sends me

has no experience.

[Ralphie] What do you need a babysitter for?

Carlos is with him right now,

teaching him how to make ravioli.

That's a very important life skill.

I don't mind keeping an eye on him

back there.

You're very kind, Kylie,

but no, a kitchen's no place for a kid.

How about we ask my wife?

Celeste?

She's been dealing with kids all year at the high school.

I'm sure she wants a Christmas break.

Nah, nah, nah,

she's bored out of her mind.

Besides,

whenever she's off work too long,

all she does is make me to-do lists.

[chuckling]

Well, when you put it like that...

Thank you.

Oh, I, uh, had an idea

for your entry.

Oh, I'm all ears.

[tapping out a dramatic drum roll]

The Empire State Building.

You went through all that fanfare

for the Empire State Building?

What does that have to do with Christmas?

You just light it up red and green.

Nick, do everybody a favor

and get back to your pizzas.

Hey, believe it or not,

I was asking for her opinion.

Oh, my opinion.

Uh, I mean, I like it.

I just think it's a little tall

for something made of, you know, cookie.

Yeah.

So get some dowels.

Man, don't you know anything about these contests?

Everything has to be edible.

So get some of those supersized candy canes

from the restaurant supply store.

Solder them together with a blowtorch.

That's a good idea.

See?

I am known to have them from time to time.

Yeah, you know what,

if I'm working with something that strong,

I could even go bigger.

The Golden Gate Bridge.

Yes, we could use rope licorice for the wires.

And there's nothing more Christmassy

than the Golden Gate bridge.

Okay, so if you're such the expert,

what's your big suggestion?

Okay, well, let me see, um...

How about...

Santa's village?

- Oh. - Mm-hmm.

I like that.

Yeah.

Yeah, and I could do a big clock tower

if I find those giant candy canes...

Oh, but you know what,

when Chez Phillipe closed,

I lost my membership to the restaurant supply place.

Maybe I can find them online.

Nah, don't do that.

We make a run on Saturdays.

As in... Saturday-tomorrow?

Yeah, I can make sure you get in.

I mean, unless you're busy.

No, that'd be great. Yeah...

[cell phone ringing] Ah, it's the mushroom guy.

He'd better know where my morels are.

Excuse me.

Perfect.

If I were a betting man,

I'd say that sounded like a date.

And if I were a betting woman,

I'd say that sounded like a shopping trip.

[sighs]

Good, I'm glad you feel that way,

'cause I was afraid you'd be disappointed

when you found out I was the one who'd be taking you.

Wait, you do the shopping?

Yeah, every week.

I'll pick you up, say, um, 6:00-ish?

Wait, at night?

No, the other one.

Oh.

Hey, remember,

when you pick out my basil,

make sure it's fresh.

No brown leaves, okay?

All right. Go ahead.

[♪♪♪]

One... You know what,

let's do two molasses.

Good.

I'm gonna blow a fuse

if I don't get a latte stat.

Oh, Ralphie, I don't know,

I just wish I had a little more time

for my entry.

You know, 'cause Santa's village,

that could go a few different ways.

Don't overthink it.

That people that stress out about these contests

are goners.

The ones who really dig Christmas,

those are the ones

who take home the golden gingerbread man.

Hey, look!

They have fresh ginger root.

Thanks, Bobby.

I'm probably going to use the powdered kind,

'cause this project is so big,

but we can use that for cookies.

And where is my fresh basil?

Um...

I forgot about that part.

Hmm, playing favorites, huh?

Remind me again why I brought you here.

Because my dad worked late

and your wife wanted to sleep in?

[laughs] Get outta here.

Hey, hey,

you'd better be running to produce!

Oh, that kid cracks me up.

Yeah...

Yeah, he's cute, but he's a handful.

Just like his dad at that age,

except smarter.

Wait, you don't think Nick is smart?

I'm not talking about book smarts.

I mean, take Bobby,

you know, he's logical.

He's got that engineering kit.

He thinks with his head.

Nick?

He thinks with his heart.

Hmm.

I don't know why I'm telling you this.

I mean, I am a friend.

Then you understand that with his folks gone,

I'm all he has.

I have to take care of him,

make sure no one messes with his heart.

Make sure...

history doesn't repeat itself,

if you know what I mean.

Ralphie, why do I feel

like you're really trying to tell me something right now?

I'm not trying to tell you anything.

I'm...

I just remember all those years ago when...

you broke his heart.

Then you know I didn't have a choice.

I don't know anything.

All I know is one day you were gone.

I was in school.

We were kids.

Nick was spending all of his time

coming back and forth to see me.

His dad couldn't cope when his mom passed,

and if Nick hadn't picked up the slack,

his family would have lost everything.

I didn't want to be responsible for pulling him away

when his family needed him.

That's why you left.

I'm sorry.

I had no idea.

But...

you did move back into town.

You could've looked him up.

Not really.

He was married, he had a kid.

I... I didn't want to rock the boat.

And by the time I heard he was divorced,

I was dating Alex.

Hmm...

Two ships passing in the night.

Two friends passing in the night.

Mm, that's not really a thing people say.

[chuckling]

[laughs]

[Bobby shouting] Mush!

Mush!

[laughing]

All right...

I'm sorry, but your sled dog is a little tired.

It's kind of early for me.

Where is Ralphie with those coffees?

The donut shop is right over there.

On Saturdays, they put out samples.

It could be a while.

I see.

Well, since we have a minute,

hey, do you want to talk about your list?

We could, but there was only one thing

that made me think of Christmas.

Soccer balls?

Yeah.

Every year, my dad gets me a new one.

Nothing wrong with that, right?

I mean, we all have different traditions.

So we'll do soccer ball cupcakes?

Well, why don't we think about it a little bit?

You know, when you were making this list, did you...

I don't know, did you happen to think of, uh...

Did any Christmas ornaments come to mind?

Or Christmas decorations?

We didn't put any up this year.

What about the ones on the tree?

We have a tree at my mom's house.

It's not like that.

My dad's great,

he just...

doesn't have time for all that stuff this year.

When he's home,

he has to clean, shop,

fix stuff,

and help me with my homework.

Yeah, but I bet

he still tries to make Christmas special for you

in any way we can, right?

Like buying you that soccer ball every year?

You know what,

I'm not gonna let you go to that party empty-handed, okay?

We are gonna make you

the most Christmassy dessert

that teacher has ever seen.

All right...

the cocoa express has arrived!

Don't even think about touching the peppermint one.

It literally has my name on it.

There you go.

[chuckling] Thanks.

Okay.

Come on, let's go.

[murmuring] No Christmas tree?

[sighs] Oh, Nick Mazzanti...

I'm not gonna let that one slide.

[♪♪♪]

Do you think these are fresh enough?

[sighing in exasperation]

What? Alex will fixate on stuff like this

at the Christmas party.

Oh, hon, I don't think a holly bough

is gonna get you out of the doghouse with Alex.

You know, it's been really hard to be around Alex.

Especially with all the office gossip.

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

Oh, it is.

Everyone knows.

Even the water guy says to me,

"Are you really coming back after Christmas?"

- [Tina chuckles] - Yeah.

That's all the more reason

to focus on the contest.

Oh, I know.

Ugh, if I could just win that prize money,

and start my cake company,

and say goodbye to Hawkey Homes.

Ah, that's the spirit.

Hey, um, how's Nick's kitchen working out?

Oh, it's so great.

He really entertains me.

You know, last night,

when we were brainstorming gingerbread ideas,

he suggested that...

Whoa, whoa, whoa,

Kylie, you're brainstorming?

So you haven't started your entry yet?

Oh, no, I've started it.

I mean, it needs a lot of work, but I've started it.

Ah.

Oh, here are the Douglas firs!

Oh, no, honey, we don't need two Christmas trees

again this year.

Oh, no, this one's for Nick.

What, you're, um...

you're buying Nick a Christmas tree?

Yeah, his son said they didn't have time to buy one yet, so...

Oh.

Do you want some advice

from someone who's been around a little longer than you?

Not really, but that's never stopped you before.

Oh.

You just got out of a pretty bad breakup,

so you might want to slow your roll a little.

Well, is it really that fast?

Oh.

Oh dear. Incoming.

I just remembered, mistletoe's around here.

You, do not leave me. Do not...

Hey.

Hi... Alex. You're up early.

Yeah, I could lie and say I'm here shopping for a tree,

but the truth is,

Michelle told me you'd be here.

Listen, I don't want you to worry about the party.

That whole holly-wilting fiasco I heard happened last year

won't happen again.

[chuckles] Um, you're getting a tree?

Let me take it to your car...

No, no, no, it's okay.

I mean, that's really nice,

but you don't...

There's a guy who will do that.

I wanted to talk to you.

Apologies are in order.

I was standoffish at work the other day.

Everything just kind of took me off guard

the other night.

Yeah, me too.

I also hear

congratulations are in order.

Michelle told me about the contest.

You entered last year too, didn't you?

Uh... yeah.

The fifth time's the charm.

Clearly your perseverance paid off.

I mean, I've been doing some research

into the contest.

It gets quite a bit of media attention.

That kind of publicity would be great for Hawkey Homes.

Uh, I'm not sure I follow.

Well, there are four semifinalists, right?

I'm sure all of them

have big corporate sponsorship.

You're an employee.

It would make sense for Hawkey Homes to sponsor you.

Well, how would that work?

It's easy.

You just wear a Hawkey Homes apron,

I'll pay for all your materials,

and you can use the kitchen in the new model home.

The model home by the lake?

The one with the chef's kitchen?

And the double oven, the marble countertops,

and the beautiful view of the lake?

[sighs] Wow...

It's tough to say no to that.

Then don't.

Look, I should have done more to show you I appreciate you,

that I recognize your talent.

Alex...

I'm not asking you

to change your mind about me.

I'm just asking you to let me support you.

Besides, I miss having you on my team.

I really appreciate your offer,

but...

I think I have to do this on my own.

Uh...

Thank you.

[sighs]

[knocking]

Hello!

[knocking] Good morning!

Hi!

Hi.

It's, uh, Sunday.

I start late on Sundays.

What's this for?

If you want to get in the restaurant early,

have at it.

Thank you.

And I heard you were treeless. Come on.

Uh... thanks, Kylie,

I think I've got Christmas covered.

Ta-da!

Really?

'Cause someone would beg to differ.

[sighing]

[chuckles ruefully] Okay.

Hi.

Hi.

What's all this?

Oh, I was driving past the lot,

and Bobby had mentioned

that you guys didn't have a tree yet...

I think it's great you've taken an interest in Bobby,

but it's taken me a while

to get this whole single dad thing down,

and I work with what I got.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I just get carried away with Christmas,

and...

You know what, I'll take it back to the lot.

They'll take it back.

[sighs in resignation]

What is this, a Douglas fir?

No.

It's a... hand-selected

perfectly symmetrical Douglas fir.

[chuckles]

I'll pay you back.

Do you need my help?

Nope.

Okay...

Okay. Whoa...

[chuckling]

Whoo!

We're supposed to share!

But it's my turn!

[laughs]

No Christmas tree.

So that's a good sign, right?

Yeah, Bobby got his tree,

but you were right,

I totally blew it with Nick.

Aw, don't beat yourself up.

Oh!

Especially when my children can do that for you.

Hey, I saw that.

I'm gonna get you later.

[laughing]

Okay, girls, it's time for lunch.

Wait, lunch? What time is it?

Uh, it's almost noon.

Noon! Oh, my gosh.

I was supposed to be setting up the Christmas party

an hour ago!

I gotta go.

Come on, come, come, come.

[murmur of bustling crowd]

[string quartet plays]

[chatting and mingling]

You are amazing.

At event planning.

Well, thank you.

You might want to hold your praise

until after the food is here.

[cell phone rings]

Oh, this better be the caterers.

One second.

Hello!

[quietly] Hi. Where are you?

Alpharetta?

That is 60 miles away.

Are you...

I'm gonna have to just figure out something else.

Thank you.

Don't tell me those were those blockhead caterers

that Alex hired?

Yes, their van broke down outside of Atlanta.

Alex's biggest clients are in this room.

Heads are gonna roll!

How long do you think they're gonna survive

on a cheese plate?

20 minutes, max.

What are we gonna do?

No, seriously, what are we gonna do?

[♪♪♪]

Hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Celeste's been talking to Bobby.

I heard you got a Christmas tree.

What, did you get a visit

from the ghost of Christmas Future?

More like the ghost of girlfriend past.

Ah... Kylie, huh?

I know what you're gonna say,

but it's not like that.

I didn't say anything.

You're the one that said something.

Look, I'll be the first to admit,

I was crazy about Kylie when I was a kid,

and the breakup wasn't easy.

But I'm over it.

You know, I got somebody else to look out for now.

I don't have the luxury

of revisiting things that weren't meant to be.

Hmm, and I forget you're never wrong.

Plus, I was such a jerk about the tree...

[cell phone ringing] ...I'd be surprised

if she ever talks to me again.

What can I do for you, Kylie?

[laughs]

Okay, sometimes I'm wrong.

[laughing]

What is this?

I've been eating it all afternoon.

That is the pesto feta sundried tomato flatbread,

the Mediterranean.

Mmm.

Otherwise known as "pizza."

Shh! Don't let Alex hear you say that.

He wants the food to be fancy.

Pizza.

Pizza!

[laughing]

You know what, whatever it is, it saved me.

[text alert chimes]

Glad to be of service.

What?

How can we be out of prosciutto already?

[together]: Oh, Ralphie!

I don't get it.

The guy can literally make a panini

out of anything.

Why does he have to use

the most expensive thing on the menu?

You know, last month it was lobster panini.

[chuckles]

Listen, if you need to go and take care of that,

don't feel obligated to stay.

Thanks, I should get back

before he eats through

everyone's Christmas bonus.

Catch you later.

Bye.

I don't know about you,

but I think we can declare this party a huge success.

I'm so glad you feel that way.

How's your gingerbread masterpiece coming along?

Oh, it's TBD,

but now that I'm off for the holiday,

I can really get into it.

Well, if there's anything you need.

Yoo-hoo!

Your friend left this in the kitchen.

Oh, I'll run it out to him.

Well, I mean, just so he doesn't charge us.

I'll be right back.

I must say, Alex,

this party is way better than the one last year.

Mm-hmm.

Nick!

Nick, you left this!

And these flatbreads...

whose idea was that?

[clears throat awkwardly]

[Alex]: Hey, you're Kylie's friend.

What's gotten into her?

Kylie?

Um... you got me.

No idea.

Nada.

Why is she so into this guy?

Is it because they're both into...

cooking?

I don't know, Alex.

I think he's just helping her

with her contest.

Right. "Helping her."

Two seconds after we break up.

I think you're reading too much into it.

You know, she really cared for you.

I know.

And that has to mean something, right?

There's just got to be a way

to get back into her good books.

I suppose.

Hypothetically.

There's always something one can do.

I need to do a grand gesture.

That's not what I... what I said.

The grandest gesture of them all.

You know, I never would have bothered you if I had known

none of your delivery guys were working today.

Maybe they were.

Maybe there are just some jobs I prefer to do myself.

Is that so?

It was the least I could do

after I snapped at you about the tree.

Oh, please, you know what,

I overstepped.

No, no, it was a good wake-up call.

I totally put Christmas on the back burner.

It's not fair to Bobby.

You know, in a weird way,

seeing him get so excited about the tree...

it kinda made me feel like a kid again.

[chuckles]

It was nothing.

Are you kidding?

If that tree wasn't there,

you wouldn't even know it was Christmas.

Well, it's not Christmas yet.

I mean, if wanted to really go crazy,

you could decorate the whole house.

Two dudes decorating alone?

[chuckles wryly]

Are you trying to depress me?

I mean...

unless you felt like coming over to help.

I could check my schedule.

Want me to walk you in?

No, I'm okay.

All right.

See ya.

See ya.

[starting car engine]

[♪♪♪]

You two did so well on the ornament making,

we don't even really need these.

That doesn't mean you can eat one.

Aw...

[laughs]

Okay, maybe just one.

I mean, it is the least I can do,

considering he made this, uh,

really, really incredible garland.

And you too, Nick.

Who knew you had such a crafty side?

Yeah, where'd that come from, Dad?

Well, I may have consulted

some online tutorials before you came.

I'm gonna re-load the popcorn.

Was there a tutorial on tree-toppers?

Uh, no,

but there's a chance the angel we always use

might be in storage.

I just need to find the key.

A chance?

I might have lost it in the, uh,

D-I-V-O-R-C-E.

[Bobby calls]: I'm in second grade!

I can spell!

[both laughing]

Whoa!

Kylie, can you come here?

I think I know what I'm going to make

for my cupcakes!

I...

I promised I would help him.

Yeah.

So I should...

...do that.

[♪♪♪]

All right...

Are they done?

Well, there's only one way to tell.

Here, stick that in the center.

And... we're done.

I can stick the snowmen to them now?

No, we have to wait for them to cool first.

Aw...

[Nick rubbing his hands] Well...

I got the fire going.

What? Come on,

that doesn't get me any holiday spirit points?

It's a gas fireplace.

I don't think that counts for holiday spirit points.

[laughs]

What is that smell?

Cupcakes.

No, no, no, the other smell.

Um... oh, it'll burn off.

But what is it?

Um...

it's...

oven dust.

[smirking]

Because you never cook.

Not true.

I am well known for reheating my food

in the microwave.

Okay, you want me to cook more?

Huh?

Want me to stop bringing you veal parmesan?

Huh? [Bobby shouting]

You want me to make

broccoli casserole instead, huh?

No!

No! Put me down!

Kylie!

[laughing]

What? His broccoli casserole is 99% broccoli.

It's pretty delicious.

Gross!

Yeah, and you can follow it up

with your famous cauliflower pudding?

- Mmm... - Yuck.

All right, enough of this.

Let's see these cupcakes

that ruined my oven dust collection.

I made them all by myself.

All by yourself?

- Mm-hmm. - Oh yeah?

Well, how about we consult...

the tickle of truth?

[Nick roaring playfully, Bobby laughing]

Okay, okay, Kylie helped!

[laughing] Kylie helped!

Oh, yeah, she helped?

You know she's here to help me, right?

But you finished the tree.

It's my turn now.

Almost finished.

There's one more thing

we want to put on it,

and I think I know where it is.

Okay...

Watch your step here.

I should really get a storage space

for all this stuff.

What do you mean?

It's not like you have a jet-ski in here.

No, I keep that out back

with the RV and the monster truck.

[laughs]

I've missed you, Nick.

Ditto.

But you know what I've missed more?

Beating you.

Yeah. Watch and learn.

[foosball clattering onto table]

[paddles rattle and spin]

[laughing]

Whoo!

[laughing]

I mean, it's kind of beginner's luck.

Let's take this as a sign to grab the angel,

okay?

Here we go.

- Do you want my help? - Please.

Just grab that end right there.

See?

I'm not as hopeless in the Christmas department

as you maybe thought.

- [chuckling] - Let's do this.

I'm upping my Christmas game.

What's this? This is so pretty.

Don't worry about that.

Oh, come on, what is it?

I can't open that.

It'll destroy your image of me.

Which is...

Utterly unsentimental.

Do you think I would make fun of you?

In a heartbeat.

Okay, then I definitely need to see what this is.

[laughs]

Okay.

Nick, this is so pretty.

Why wouldn't you want to set this out?

I don't know.

I got it a few months after my mom passed.

That was a rough time.

I mean, you were finishing school

and managing the restaurant.

You grew up fast, huh?

Do you remember that one day right before the holidays,

we snuck out of school

and went to that kids' Christmas fair?

[laughing] Yes, the one that they kicked us out of?

We really were too big for those rides.

Not all of them.

[laughs]

Oh, the carousel.

Yeah.

Yeah, we did go on that...

that merry-go-round.

We didn't just ride it.

We had our first kiss there.

You know, I never really understood

why you took me there.

I think I just thought maybe you needed to...

feel like a kid.

You know, just...

just for a minute.

No one understood that except you.

I tried.

You did.

You still do.

I ruined it!

Oh, buddy, whatcha got there?

Pudding?

What happened to the cupcakes?

Uh, Nick, those are his cupcakes.

Kylie told me to wait to ice them,

but they weren't that hot.

But then the icing...

Can we make more?

I don't know if we have time, buddy.

The party starts soon.

Tell you what,

we can stop by the store,

pick some up,

take the wrapper off,

and then we all take a blood oath

of eternal silence, okay?

[chuckling]

You know what, Bobby,

I think we can salvage this.

Are you sure?

In the kitchen, this is what we call a "do over."

Uh, in the kitchen,

I've also heard you say things like

"work with what you got."

Which is what?

Well, we've got an army of marzipan snowmen,

and a stage.

Come on, let's go in the kitchen

and see what kind of firepower

we can track down.

[music box chiming]

[♪♪♪]

[Kylie]: Seems like

Bobby really wants to impress this teacher.

[Nick]: Yeah, she only started

a few weeks ago,

but he jumps out of bed,

can't wait to get to school in the morning.

Oh, I can't wait to taste that gravy.

And those potatoes look divine.

How did these kids get the easy stuff?

Why don't you guys go on in?

You don't want to miss pin the tail on the reindeer.

Well, hello, Bobby.

Oh, thank you.

And who's this?

- Hi. I'm Nick. - Hi. Kylie.

[Nick]: Hey, thanks for doing this.

I know the kids were really excited,

especially him.

Well, thanks for bringing him by.

I can hardly wait to see what you've made.

Melted snowmen cupcakes?

That's genius!

What a creative little boy you are.

And did you do this all by yourself?

Nah...

I had some help.

Well, what a creative family you are.

I...

Uh... do you want to get some coffee?

That'd be great.

♪ It's a marshmallow world in the winter ♪

♪ When the snow comes to cover the ground ♪

♪ It's the time for play ♪

♪ It's a whipped cream day ♪

♪ I wait for it the whole year 'round ♪

♪ Now, those are marshmallow clouds being friendly ♪

♪ In the arms of the evergreen trees ♪

♪ And the sun is red like a pumpkin head ♪

♪ It's shining so your nose won't freeze ♪

♪ Oh, the world is your snowball see how it grows ♪

♪ That's how it goes whenever it snows ♪

♪ The world is your snowball just for a song ♪

♪ So get out and roll it along ♪

♪ It's a yum-yummy world ♪

♪ In the winter ♪

♪ When the snow comes to cover the ground... ♪

Whoa, does Santa have a dog run?

[chuckles] It's more like a reindeer stable.

Ah, makes sense.

Gotta keep the reindeer outta the rain.

Really?

You are... Wow, you are just on fire tonight.

But I thought you had the night off.

I do.

I was doing some Christmas shopping,

and Bobby called from Ralphie's.

He left his engineering kit somewhere.

Well, we can't have that.

Ah! [Wincing] Ow, ow...

Ah, I'm so clumsy.

Did you burn yourself?

Yeah, it's just the dangers

of working in a kitchen, right?

[wincing]

Oh, that hurt.

More like working in a kitchen

non-stop with no sleep.

Did you want to... get some air?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Some air would be good.

Yeah. Yeah, cool.

It's, uh... over here.

I really needed this, Nick.

Yeah, I figured you needed to clear your head,

or you might poke your eye out

with one of those pastry bags.

[laughs]

It is nice to just see

that the world is still going on around me,

you know?

Oh, it has.

You know,

there's a lot of new stuff's been going on

since you started your gingerbread house.

Oh, really? Do tell.

Well, the coffee shop in the marketplace

has started offering half-off on peppermint lattes.

Oh...

Santa's big parade got brand-new costumes.

[laughing] That parade,

I can't believe they've been doing that

since we were kids.

It is kind of like time just stands still.

It's kind of comforting, you know?

Yeah.

You remember that?

The bench that I first asked you out on?

[chuckles] Yeah.

Where it all began.

Is that what you call it?

Well, do you have a better name for it?

Uh, I dunno, maybe "The bench of terror."

What?

What, I didn't know you were going to say yes.

Oh, come on.

I asked if I could borrow your lip balm

in Algebra.

I mean, that's practically an invitation

to ask me out.

That's news to me.

Although, you should know

that I kept that lip balm

way past its expiration date.

[laughs]

[sighs]

What?

I don't know, it's just strange to think

that there was a time when my biggest worry

was asking a girl out on a date.

Yeah, but that's what being a kid's all about.

You know, you're supposed to have fun,

be carefree.

You went through a lot, huh?

Yeah, but I got through it.

You know, people do.

I just... had to put that kid part of me

away early, you know?

Well, you know what the good news is,

you can always get that back.

Really... easily. [laughing]

Are you really going there?

Oh, what do you mean?

I just went there and came back.

What, are you gonna play along,

are you gonna make this a match?

You are toast.

Now it's on.

[laughing]

That was dead on.

[♪♪♪]

Whoa!

[laughing]

Ow! Ow...

Oh, I'm hurt, I'm hurt.

Oh, you're injured?

Yeah.

Are you injured? Are you okay?

[♪♪♪]

♪ Come now, baby make my Christmas bright... ♪

Hmm.

Bringing your work home with you?

Yeah, I have most of the baking done.

Now it's just the embellishments.

I figured

I could just knock out the clock tower this morning.

Not to pull a thread,

but why would Santa's Village have a clock?

What? Why wouldn't it?

It's always Christmas time.

Huh?

It's a joke.

I'm trying to loosen you up.

Yeah, Tina, I'm just...

I don't know, I'm getting so stressed out

about this contest.

Well, it looks like you're making progress.

Yeah, but anyone can make progress.

I need to make progress on something that's mindblowing.

That could become amazing.

"Become" amazing? You don't think it looks amazing now?

'Cause it's almost finished.

Don't you think you're being a little oversensitive?

Yeah. Probably.

Just, there's so much riding on this.

I mean, winning this could mean living the life of my dreams

versus ordering office supplies.

Kylie, you have a gift,

and winning or losing one contest

isn't gonna take that away from you.

Thanks.

[Nick humming "Joy to the World"]

Are you humming a Christmas carol?

How long have you known me?

Hmm, you can hum all you want,

but don't be harmonizing.

Hey, can't I be in a good mood?

[splashing] Hey, hey, hey!

You can be in a good mood,

but don't spill your latte all over me!

Sorry, I've been a little distracted lately.

[wryly] Oh, have you?

I hadn't noticed.

Hey, man, take a look at this.

Hey, isn't that

that lady that's on Kylie's cookbooks?

Yeah.

[sighing in worry] Ah...

♪ 'Cause there's a chill in the air outside... ♪

Now, this property won't stay on the market long,

because, along with an elf dormitory

and a state-of-the-art coal cellar,

this gem also boasts a working reindeer stable.

It's kind of a must-have for any savvy Santa.

[sighs]

Hi, Dad.

Hey, buddy.

Ralphie's outside

putting up the inflatable Santa,

not that you'd want to help with that.

I do!

Okay, don't freak out...

Ooh, not your best opener.

It's that German lady... Eena, Oona.

Ina Bruckner?

She's entering the contest.

What?

How?

She doesn't even live in this country!

Hey, I know it's big news. Don't panic...

Don't panic?

Come on, you got this!

It's just one contestant.

She's entering last minute.

She'll probably have jet-lag.

I don't think you understand.

She's the godmother of gingerbread!

She's written like six cookbooks,

She's got three TV shows,

she's got this entire brand behind her.

And you've got all these people who care about you

behind you.

I do?

Heck, yeah!

We'd better have one of our own in the winners' circle.

Look, I...

I would love to have your confidence,

but I have no idea if can win this competition,

and other than Ina,

I don't even know who I'm competing against

until the press conference tomorrow.

If you spend too much time thinking about the future,

the present will slip through your fingers.

Now, who was it that told me that?

[chuckling]

Chin up.

We'll worry about the contestants

when we know who they are.

"We"?

Are you going with me?

Yeah.

In case you haven't noticed,

I'm a little invested in this thing.

[contest judge]: On behalf

of the Georgia Culinary Association,

we would like to welcome you

to the 25th American Gingerbread Competition!

[applause]

Now, we have some new rules this year.

Contestants are now allowed

a double-A battery-powered device

within their submission,

so long as the remaining structure of the house

is entirely edible.

See?

You put some lights in Santa's workshop,

and pow.

[judge]: And now,

the announcement of our semi-finalists.

First, we have Jim Olsen!

[applause and cheers]

Jim Olsen is a sports bar owner from Milwaukee,

and he is sponsored by SK Footwear.

[applause]

Alex was right.

People are sponsoring up.

No, one person is sponsoring up.

[judge]: We have last year's winner,

Jill Goyette.

There she is!

[applause and cheers]

She is a pastry chef from Montreal,

and she is representing herself.

And we are also very proud

to present a former pastry chef

from right here in Helen, Georgia,

Kylie Watson!

Give it up, everybody.

[applause and cheers]

[shutter clicking]

Wow, this is really happening.

Yup.

And you're gonna take home the grand prize.

$25,000.

[judge]: We also have

a very special contestant joining us this year,

all the way from Europe,

won't you please put your hands together

and give a big round of applause

for the godmother of gingerbread herself,

Ina Bruckner!

[thunderous applause] Wow...

[applause and cheering]

[camera shutters snapping]

O-kay... now can I worry?

Being the hometown favorite goes a long way.

[Ina Bruckner]: Thank you all for having me.

While I am not from here,

I know how important this contest is to Helen,

so instead of working independently,

I've teamed up with a local business as my sponsor.

I am entering

as Team Hawkey Homes!

[applause and cheers]

[gasps in disbelief]

Okay, now you can worry.

I've heard of guys doing crazy things

to get back at their exes,

but this takes the cake.

Sponsoring the grandmother of gingerbread?

The "godmother."

But you know what, I like "grandmother" better.

Is that edible stained glass?

Yeah, you know, if there's one thing

I learned from this press conference,

it's that I've got to up my game if I want to win.

And I have to win.

Look, if you put all of your eggs in one basket...

Yeah, but Tina, what other basket do I have?

I mean, I've spent the last five days

living the most wonderful dream,

and I-I'm terrified that I'm gonna wake up,

and it's all gonna go back to the way things were.

Do you really think you feel like this

just because of a contest?

You're right.

I just never thought that...

hanging out with Nick would bring up all these...

these feelings that I tried to bury.

I have to tell him, don't I?

Yeah.

Um, don't tell him in a text.

I'm not,

I'm just asking if he has time to talk tonight.

Yeah.

Kylie...

I have two pieces of good news.

First of all, Bobby's teacher e-mailed me.

The cupcakes were such a hit,

she wants him to come in

and do a demo for Valentines day.

That's great! What's the other news?

Just a little something to say thank you.

Aw...

It's... tickets

to the competition.

My Christmas bonus came early.

But there's, like, ten of them here.

Yeah, I got one for me, for Bobby, for Ralphie,

the kitchen staff...

Nick, that's really sweet,

but I...

I don't know if I want all those people there.

What?

Why not?

I just don't want to drag everybody out there

to watch me lose.

I'm just feeling overwhelmed.

Can we just dial back the pressure a little, please?

Yeah, yeah.

Um, I'll... tell the kitchen staff not to come,

but honestly, I really think you could...

Whoa!

What happened to Santa's Village?

Oh, my nieces thought it was delicious, but...

I don't know, Nick,

I just wasn't feeling like it was enough,

and with the opponent that I'm up against,

I just need that "wow" factor.

What do you think about this?

I think it's...

a perfect imitation

of someone else's work.

[sighs]

You don't understand.

I mean, Ina's my competitor.

I-I have to... I have to get into her shoes,

I have to think, "What would Ina do?"

Really?

Well, I'm more interested in "What would Kylie Watson do?"

And that's a nice thought,

but you don't understand the pressure I'm under.

Kylie...

I've known you your entire life.

I get you.

[sighs]

I get that you can make Christmas

out of a pool of melted frosting.

I get that you can make people feel something

with what you make.

You just need to trust your talent.

What you don't get is

my entry has to be up at the Inn by tomorrow morning.

I mean, everything is at stake here.

You're right.

I don't get it.

You sent me a text?

You wanted to talk to me about something?

I...

I can't.

Don't worry about it.

What did I say?

Why don't we talk about it in my office?

Why do I feel like I'm a kid

who's been called into the principal's office?

That's because you are.

Listen, um,

before your dad died,

He asked me to look after you.

Well, I don't need looking after.

I'm a grown man, man.

I got work to do.

Okay, well, just..

Just answer me one question.

Make it a fast one.

Why are you giving Kylie such a hard time

about the contest?

I want her to trust her talent.

I don't want this to end badly for her.

Okay.

Well, how about you clarify something...

That's two questions.

All right...

I think you're anxious.

I think you're scared

that once the contest is over,

you won't see Kylie again.

Aw, come on, man...

No, no, you come on.

Man, you're crazy about her!

I can see it in your face every time you say her name.

You want me to take a poll of the kitchen staff?

What are you waiting for?

Tell her.

I've wanted to, like, a hundred times.

I just, I don't want to be that guy.

What guy?

That guy who thinks

"This time it's gonna be different."

Are you kidding me?

If people didn't think

"This time it's gonna be different,"

they would never go on a date.

You can call my wife and ask her.

Our whole marriage is based upon those words.

Those words should be engraved

in schools and churches.

Why?

So we can get people's hopes up?

[chuckles]

Do you want to live a life without hope?

Yeah.

Yeah, man.

[cell phone rings]

Hi, it's Nick.

Leave a message.

[voicemail beeps]

Nick...

listen, I'm up at the Inn,

and I've been thinking about this contest,

and how crazy it's getting, and...

I just have to face the facts.

I think I was so excited

to be spending time with you again,

that I actually convinced myself that I could win,

and...

it's nothing you did,

it-it's just me, but...

I think we both know it wasn't meant to be.

[sighs sadly]

[voicemail alert chimes]

[beep]

Nick, listen, I'm up at the Inn,

and I've been thinking about this contest,

and how crazy it's getting,

and I just have to face the facts.

I think I was so excited...

[clicks phone off]

[distant voices murmuring]

...a little to the right.

[Alex]: A little to the left...

A little to the right.

[Ina]: Alex, you are over-doing it.

[Alex]: It has to be perfect.

[Ina]: You must trust me, Alex.

I assure you, she will love it.

Who will love it?

Kylie...

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

Stay away.

You can't look inside this booth, please.

You guys don't have to be so secretive.

I'm withdrawing from the competition.

But you must come tomorrow.

Yeah, you'll ruin everything.

What? I-I thought you'd be happy.

I mean, you have an even better chance of winning now.

You think I need you to withdraw

in order to win?

No, I'm sorry, that came out wrong.

I...

Alex, what is going on here?

Ina, I need a minute with Kylie?

Um... alone?

Alex, will you please tell me what's going on?

It's probably better if I show you.

[sighing in awe]: Wow...

I gotta hand it to you,

you have, uh,

you have hitched your cart to a winner.

[chuckles]

Look inside.

[gasps]

Oh, my gosh, that is amazing.

That's so beautiful, but...

I don't understand. It's not edible.

You're gonna blow your chances at...

[sighs]

I didn't enter this contest to win a trophy.

I entered to win you.

Kylie,

I want you on my team,

for life.

What?

What's wrong?

[sighs]

That word.

[door closes, footsteps approach]

I...

Nick, wait!

Something tells me it's probably not a "yes."

Alex, this is so impressive,

but I really hope you can understand.

I'm so sorry.

Nick?

Nick!

Nick, wait!

Nick, please talk to me.

I don't need to talk, Kylie.

I have eyes.

I had no idea he was going to do that.

I-I didn't...

You didn't exactly look like a woman

who was politely declining.

But I did.

I did, I told him "no" the second you left.

Well, maybe you should go back in and say "yes."

Why would I do that, Nick?

I...

Nick, I don't want to be with him.

It was just

the wrong place, wrong time.

Yeah, well, that's how it always is with us.

Wrong place, wrong time,

wrong you, wrong me.

The reason it ended then is the reason it's ending now.

It just wasn't meant to be.

Nick?

Nick!

Okay, so he's not here.

It doesn't mean anything.

People do sleep.

No, Tina, it does mean something.

He won't pick up the phone.

He won't return my texts.

Okay, in the grand scheme of things,

a man going bonkers

at the sight of another man proposing

might be a good thing?

I don't care

about the grand scheme of things, Tina.

I...

I want Nick.

Now, and-and...

forever.

I don't think I ever stopped wanting him in my life.

So tell Nick that.

But I told him I don't want Alex.

Hon, that's not the same thing.

You need to tell him how you feel about him.

Tina, he said it wasn't meant to be.

Do you really think if he knew, it would change things?

[Tina and Ralphie]: Yes.

Ralphie!

Don't "Ralphie" me.

This is my kitchen.

Occasionally, I'm in it.

Did you just hear...

Everything. Mm-hmm.

Was I eavesdropping?

Perhaps.

But...

I have a vested interest in what goes on

between you and that knucklehead.

A.K.A., I care.

And as a person who cares,

I happen to agree with your, uh...

Oh, sister.

Sister. Hey, what's up...

Who, along with myself,

seems to have

a little bit more knowledge of human nature than you.

And we... happen to think

that with a little honesty,

you two could work things out.

Yeah, but he's not listening to words.

He won't listen to words...

So I can't...

If he won't listen to words, I can't tell him in words.

Okay, so she's gone off the deep end,

and as a relative, I feel this falls on you.

What? No...

No, I'm not crazy,

but I have an idea.

Ky, whatcha doing?

I know what my contest entry should be.

You know, Nick's been saying

that I've been focusing on technique,

and he's right,

I've been focusing on technique,

but what I really need to do is just...

make something that makes people feel something!

Okay, but you do realize

that they're judging this contest

in, like, what, 12 hours?

Yes, which gives me 12 hours to make my entry.

You guys, go.

Don't worry about me. I'll be fine.

Know what, sometimes life comes down

to a girl and her oven.

Ralphie, if you could, just...

could you please make sure

that Nick and Bobby come with you tomorrow?

I'll do my best.

But, uh...

I have to tell him how I feel the best way I know how.

With gingerbread.

The Helen-based contest is in its 25th year,

and the excitement is building

as the four semifinalists

are about to get their final score.

Now, so far,

world-renowned pastry chef Ina Bruckner's jewelry store

is the day's standout.

However, local favorite Kylie Watson

has still not revealed her entry.

Now, tension is mounting

with mere minutes until the contest deadline.

She'll be disqualified

if she misses the judges' ceremony

at exactly 11:00 a.m.

Time is running out for the Helen native.

[judge]: Contestants!

We are ready to judge your entries.

Time is almost up.

Hey, cookie boss, did you hear that?

Time's up.

Everyone's waiting!

Come on, Aunt Kylie!

Do I have icing on my face?

Think of it as the "snow angel" look.

Come on, let's do this!

Ah, Ms. Watson.

You are the final entry,

and we can't judge it unless you share it with us.

Oh! Oh, right!

Let me help you.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Very impressive.

But does it do anything?

Yes.

Uh...

Would you mind

if my assistant hit the switch?

[quietly] You tested this, right?

I think we're gonna have to just cross our fingers, buddy.

Go ahead.

[beeps remote switch]

[♪♪♪]

And... the winner

of the American Gingerbread Competition,

and $25,000,

is...

Kylie Watson!

[everyone clapping and cheering]

[camera shutters snapping]

[♪♪♪]

Yeah!

Thank you so much.

Whoo!

[crowd cheering and applauding]

[♪♪♪]

♪ I remember last December ♪

♪ Making angels in the snow ♪

♪ You kissed a frozen tear and whispered in my ear ♪

♪ "I won't let you go" ♪

♪ But life gets in the way ♪

♪ Sometimes we have to chase our dreams ♪

♪ But baby, you and me... ♪

Hey.

I thought you guys went home.

I convinced Ralphie to watch Bobby for a few hours.

I thought I'd stick around,

give you a ride home,

maybe...

take you on a celebratory Christmas excursion?

Excursion?

To where?

♪ ...someone tell Santa he'll just have to wait ♪

♪ Till my baby gets home for Christmas ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ Home for Christmas... ♪

[Kylie gasps]

I can't believe it's still here.

Kylie, you need to go see more kids' fairs.

[laughs]

What do you think,

you want to take it on a victory lap?

But the park's closed.

How could we?

Hey, I know a guy.

Really?

Oh, this is amazing.

It gets better.

[♪♪♪]

Oh, I want this one.

Here you are.

Thank you.

♪ ...lights are up on the tree... ♪

I don't think anything

could make this more romantic.

I can think of something.

♪ ...someone tell Santa he'll just have to wait ♪

♪ Till my baby gets...

[laughs in delight]

♪ ...till my baby gets ♪

♪ Home for Christmas ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ Home for Christmas ♪♪

[♪♪♪]

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