Original subtitles

Okay, your parents... done.

- My parents? - Check.

- Perry? - Right here.

Jimmy... here.

I got my Aunt Esther the fruit basket

and the holiday chocolates in the shape

of pro basketball players for the archbishop

and the international assorted cheeses

for the mayor.

Oh... oh, no. She just had a baby.

- Do babies do brie? - Lois, just relax.

Everything is under control.

It's gonna be a great Christmas.

How do you know?

Because, honey, it's Christmas.

And it's our first together in our new home.

Oh, speaking of which, we are never gonna get

the house in shape on time before everyone arrives

without supercheating, that is.

- Lois.. - And then..

There's the question of parking.

- Uh! - I'm sorry.

I don't know what it is about

the holidays that does this to me.

It's just the way you look at 'em, that's all.

You view Christmas like it's a chore

like it's something to get through.

Well, that's the way it feels to me.

Look around you. What do you see?

Crass commercialism.

Conspicuous consumption.

Gluttony, greed.

I'm confusing the 12 days of Christmas

with the seven deadly sins again, aren't I?

Want to know what I see?

I see... magic.

- Magic? - Yeah, honey, magic!

And I love it. I just wish that..

...you could, too.

You know what I wish?

I wish we could have a nice Christmas alone together.

No lists, no guests, nobody needing...

'All units, 5-alarm fire in Bedford street.'

Superman. What are you hearing?

Fire trucks. Bedford street children's home's on fire.

Hurry.

Magic!

Ho ho ho!

'Merry Christmas!'

Whoa!

Oh.

Whoo.

It's that moment

just as I bust through the interdimensional vortex.

Always gives me a brain freeze.

- Where'd he go? - Who? I-I-I..

I-I-I targeted him right here to this spot.

- He should be here. - Well, who?

Whoa.

He's movin' Northeast, and fast.

This guy can move.

Hey!

What?

Hey! Hey!

Stand back, boys.

There's a new imp in town.

So I'll turn in my story wish everybody

a Merry Christmas, and then duck out.

What time does your parents' flight get in?

Hmm? Oh. 7 o'clock.

You're not still brooding about that, are you?

You saved every one of those kids.

It's just sad to think of these kids

being split up for the holidays.

All their presents, their Christmas tree, destroyed.

Well, it was the Christmas tree lights that started the fire.

You couldn't have done any more than you did.

I suppose.

There is something else that's been bothering me, though.

The whole time I was pulling the kids

from the burning building, I-I-I just had

the strangest sensation that I was being watched.

Well, you wear that suit, you tend to draw a crowd.

No, that's not what I mean.

It was something different.

A presence.

A presence?

Oh, it's weird.

Okay, it's 12:00 noon now.

Gotta be out of here by 4:30

if we're gonna make the airport by 7:00.

Lois, I can get us there on time. Trust me.

Oh... yeah.

This traffic on Christmas eve is gonna be murder.

Merry Christmas!

I love you guys the most.

Yeah, yeah. Merry, Merry Christmas, Ralph.

Hey, Beth Ann, Merry Christmas.

I love you the most, babe.

In world news, eastern European peace

talks are progressing tonight.

Representatives from both sides of the conflict

say a treaty could be signed

as early as Christmas morning.

How about that?

Maybe peace on Earth, goodwill towards men

will mean something this year.

Never underestimate the holiday spirit, chief.

- Merry Christmas. - Thanks, thanks.

Uh, Merry Christmas, you two.

And ho ho ho.

Here's that corruption story.

Mmm. Smells like a Pulitzer to me.

I will say this about your wife, Kent.

Confidence is one thing she does not lack.

One of many things, chief.

Oh, so, uh..

What do you think?

Had to haul it up the side of the building.

It's gorgeous.

I didn't know we had it in the budget.

Oh, well, I sprung for it myself.

I didn't get one for the house seeing it's..

Well, it's just me this year.

Oh. Oh.

I-I thought at least one of your sons would..

Uh... not this year.

But I am looking forward

to Christmas dinner at your house tomorrow.

Aren't we all?

Oh, and, Kent, your, uh, parents are here.

My parents?

That's weird.

Ah, ah, ah!

Oh, Jonathan.

Remember what the doctor said about your cholesterol.

You're gonna eat a big meal tomorrow at Clark and Lois'.

Oh, honey, what would I do without you

to take care of me, huh?

Mom? Dad?

- Hi, honey. - Hello, son.

I thought your plane wasn't coming in till 7:00.

Oh, the airline offered us an earlier flight

and we took a cab

straight here from the airport.

Your mom was giving me some great advice on women.

She really knows a lot about 'em.

Jimmy's met a new young lady.

Brenda. She's really something.

Rhodes scholar.

- Impressive. - 'Yeah.'

Especially when you consider where she came from.

I mean, the worst family background

but she overcame it all. Real self-starter.

Um..

Her family lives on the west coast

and I was kind of wondering if...

If you could invite her to Christmas dinner tomorrow?

If it's alright.

What's one more?

Thank you.

Hey.

I really think she could be the one.

Well..

That's seven to Christmas dinner.

Lois is learning how to just..

...relax and enjoy the holidays.

Oh, I understand.

Hey, mom, dad..

You know that you guys don't have to fly.

With the airlines.

I know money must be tight

with the frost you've been having.

Oh, it's not so bad, we lost some crops

but it's nothing we haven't been through a hundred times.

The bank always covers us. We're fine, son.

Okay.

Lois, when are your parents arriving?

Oh, they're not.

They're spending Christmas in Santa Paula

at a bed and breakfast where they had their

honeymoon over 35..

...years ago. Mom?

Don't say a word.

'I don't want to talk about it.'

Maybe... in a few years

when these latest wounds have scarred over

but for now, just pretend I'm not even here.

He stood me up.

Do you believe that?

I mean, this whole second honeymoon

was his idea.

And then he didn't even bother to show up.

And that is just so..

...him!

Would you like some nog?

She's an alcoholic.

Recovering.

Let's make it a club soda.

Oh, God!

Well..

That makes eight for Christmas dinner.

We're gonna need more stuffing.

'Want another one of those?'

Yeah. Yeah. That's one of the things I love

about this three-dimensional world, the beer.

You ever had fifth-dimensional beer?

Can't say I go much for imports.

Mmm. Mmm.

Well, don't. They're awful.

In fact, everything about the fifth dimension's awful.

You ever been?

Got an aunt that lives in Jersey.

Fifth dimension's worse.

Worse than Jersey?

Do you know how much energy it takes

just to bust through the interdimensional vortex

in the first place?

So, you're here for the holidays?

No. No, I'm here for good.

No one is sending me back.

See, in the past, when I used to come here

I would pull some pranks.

Have some fun.

Fall of Rome ring any bells?

Yeah, I did some real nice work, alright.

And then there would always be some joker

who'd figure out how to banish me back

to the fifth dimension, but not this time.

No?

No. This time, I'm gonna do it right.

I'm gonna become the absolute ruler

of absolutely everything.

Oh. World conquest.

Tall order.

Ah, but I got it figured out.

See, there's only one three dimensional biped

that can stop me, and I have tracked him

right here to Metropolis.

Superman?

Let me tell you what this Superman really is.

Come here.

Superman..

...is the symbol of hope.

That's his whole thing.

So you take away hope..

...and he's the symbol of..

...nothing.

See, in a world without hope..

...he's powerless.

As simple as that.

Get rid of hope?

How do you plan on doin' that?

Simple. Take away tomorrow.

No tomorrow means no hope for tomorrow.

Take away tomorrow. How?

Why, uh..

It's as easy as..

...that.

Lois?

Honey, what are you doing in here?

Taking a breather.

- You okay? - Oh, Clark.

I'm trying. I really am.

I know how much you want me to enjoy all this..

...holiday magic.

Maybe I'll feel it more in January

when I get the pictures back.

Oh, hey.

Listen, uh, I don't mean to pressure you, I'm sorry.

You-you don't have to enjoy the holidays, honey.

I-I..

Sometimes I forget that not everyone

sees things the way I do.

Clark, nobody sees things the way you do.

But I'd like to.

I wanna see what you see.

'Metro units 5-1 and 6-2, bank alarm.'

That better be sleigh bells you're hearing.

Ah, heh... bank alarm.

Great. I can only think of one other person

that works on Christmas eve.

Go.

Thanks, Superman.

Of course.

'Help!'

Help!

Superman.

Oh, thank God.

I, I don't even know what happened.

I heard the bank alarm, I came out on to my balcony

'and the railing must have just given way.'

You saved my life.

Here. Let me write you a check.

No, no, no.

No reward is necessary.

Have you no idea who I am, what I'm worth?

Yes, I know who you are. You're Willard B. Caldwell.

Then you know that I'm a multibillionaire.

'I own this high-rise.'

Yes, I know.

Uh, Superman, let me give you something.

Your gratitude is enough.

Merry Christmas.

If only there were more like him.

Ah, Christmas eve.

The longest night of the year

for all good little children.

And large men in tights.

Yeah, that's right. I know who you are.

Know all about the secret identity thing.

But don't worry. It doesn't matter to me.

It won't matter to anyone pretty soon.

You're the one who's been following me.

You peeked.

You're not human.

I'm from out of town.

The fifth dimension, to be exact.

Name's Mxyzptlk.

Mr. Mxyzptlk.

It's spelled the usual way.

And since the games were about to begin

I thought we should do the formal intro thing.

What games?

You wouldn't want me to spoil it, would you?

Your floor, sir.

Traffic on Christmas eve is gonna be murder.

Merry Christmas!

I really love you guys the most!

Hey, Beth Ann! Merry Christmas!

In world news, eastern European peace

talks are in question tonight.

Representatives from both sides of the conflict

are unsure if any treaty will be signed

by Christmas morning.

Well, so much for peace on Earth

goodwill towards men.

Uh... Merry Christmas?

Oh. Oh. Oh.

Thanks, man. Uh.

What do you think?

I had to bring it up the freight elevator.

Didn't know we had it in the budget.

He sprung for it himself.

How'd you know that?

Wild guess.

Here's that corruption story, chief.

It's not exactly Pulitzer material.

Well, not that it matters.

No one's gonna read it anyway.

'They're all into the sports page'

and the movie listings.

Uh, oh, Clark.

Your parents are here.

Uh, Lois, something very strange is going on here.

I know. Their plane wasn't due till 7:00.

No, no.

- Martha, Jonathan. - Hi, honey.

We weren't expecting you until tonight.

The airline called us this morning...

You took an earlier flight and then jumped

in a cab straight here from the airport.

That was eerie. Did you just get psychic or something?

C.K., your mom's been giving me

some great advice on women.

She really knows a lot about 'em.

Uh-huh.

I've, I've been seeing this new girl...

Brenda.

Yeah.

Well, anyways, I wanted to, uh...

Why don't you invite her over to our house

tomorrow night for..

...Christmas dinner?

Okay.

Thanks.

No problem.

Oh, look.

There she is.

Yep, uh... okay.

Lois, can I talk to you for a second?

Excuse us for one second.

Sure.

Remember about your cholesterol.

Crop's failed, bank hasn't called.

Cholesterol may be all I have left.

What is wrong with you, Clark?

You're actually being rude.

Lois, something is going on.

He-he-he changed time.

He? What are you talking about?

Okay, I-I left here.

I made a couple of rescues

and when I got back...

You-you, when did you leave?

In about 20 minutes.

What?

'Don't say a word.'

I don't want to talk about it.

Maybe in a few years when these latest wounds

'have scarred over.'

But for now

just pretend I'm not here.

Oh, is that nog?

What did I tell you?

Okay, okay.

'Now, that's enough.'

'Okay.'

Clark, what are you doing in here?

Waiting for you.

Waiting for me? How did you know I...

Lois.. I have to ask you.

Do you notice anything..

...familiar?

What do you mean?

Just this party.

Doesn't it seem like we've been here before?

Well..

Yeah.

Okay, so then you're experiencing it, too.

Yeah. Same party they give every year.

No, no, no. That's not what I mean.

What do you mean?

'Metro units 5-1 and 6-2, bank alarm.'

Yeah, there it is again.

There's what again?

The bank alarm.

Well, you should go, shouldn't you?

Yeah, I guess so.

- You think it's gonna matter? - What?

Them! Locking me up.

I'll be out in a matter of hours

back robbing the same bank.

Why?

'Cause the judges in Metropolis are soft.

I'll be back, or somebody else will.

Here's your man, officers.

Yeah, thanks, Superman.

It's not as if we don't appreciate it

but it doesn't seem like we ever make a dent.

Check the car.

'Help!'

Help!

No reward is necessary.

Reward?

Who said anything about a reward?

Well, you were about to offer, weren't you?

Now, just one minute, Superman.

Just because I'm fantastically rich

doesn't mean you can strong-arm me.

It's your choice to put on the red and the blue.

That doesn't mean I owe you anything.

What is this, some kind of super-scam?

- No. I-I didn't mean... - Duh!

Hey, I don't want your money.

A thank you would have been nice.

I did save your life.

Yeah?

Well, who asked you to?

Get a real job.

This is really weird.

Traffic on Christmas eve is gonna be murder.

Merry Christmas!

I really love you guys the most!

Merry... Christmas.

'Hey, hey, hey, Beth Ann!'

Lois.

'The tree's smaller.'

In world news.

Eastern European peace talks are stalled tonight.

'Representatives from both sides'

of the conflict hold little hope

that any treaty will be signed.

Everything's changing.

What's changing?

Come here.

Lois.

We are somehow, we're-we're stuck in-in a repetition

a-a loop.

Well, that's the holidays for you.

Repetitive, hollow.

It's all just empty ritual, really.

If you think about it, which is why.

I try not to, frankly.

What? No.

Oh, I can't give this to Perry.

It stinks.

- What? - It's no good.

Perry will hate it.

Lois, honey, this is not you talking.

Honey, listen to me, listen to me.

This day is repeating itself.

And every time it does, people's attitudes are changing.

Even that tree out there.

That Christmas tree, it's changing.

I don't understand.

I know, I know, 'cause as far as I can tell

I'm the only person stuck inside the loop.

Or-or-or outside of it.

What loop?

The time loop.

Time loop?

There's this, there's this guy, this-this creature.

He's here. I saw him.

Where?

In the elevator when I was coming up earlier.

Clark, we just got here.

I-I know, but that was before.

Or it was after.

Or before or after.

I don't even know anymore, but I'm sure it's a loop.

A loop? You keep talking about this loop.

Now, Clark, you know that I trust you completely.

But I just don't get what you're trying to tell me.

I know. I know.

I just wish there was some way to get you to see it.

Wait a minute.

Lois..

Brings a whole new meaning to the term

statuesque, doesn't she?

What have you done with time?

I..

...flipped it.

I burped it.

I took away tomorrow.

Why?

To get rid of hope.

No tomorrow means no hope.

Or no hope means no tomorrow.

Yeah, but why are you doing this?

Because I'm staying here in the third dimension

and no one's making me leave this time.

'Not anyone.'

Not you, not them.

Not anybody, and if you try

I'm gonna let them destroy themselves.

Destroy themselves?

Oh, you hadn't noticed?

As time doesn't pass

they start to fall apart.

Mortals don't hold up well without their tomorrows.

Without hope, they die.

See, creatures who live within

third dimensional time

they're funny like that.

I live within 3-dimensional time.

Oh, yes, but I kept you out for a reason

Mr. Invulnerable.

Mr. You Can't Squish Me With.

The Biggest Rock You Can Conjure.

I wanted to show you

there ain't nothin' you can do

to stop me.

'You can't hurt me, tough guy.'

'I'm not 3D like these mortals.'

'I'm 5 -D, baby.'

'And to you, that might'

'as well be magic.'

'Let me know when you're ready to deal.'

Oh, maybe Perry will never notice

if I just don't give it to him.

'What if the bank doesn't cover'

our losses this time, Martha?

What then, we lose our farm, our home?

Yeah, I picked it up down the street at that little lot.

'Thought it might brighten up the place.'

'I haven't had a drink in 15 years.'

I gave it up after my husband abandoned me.

'Left me with two teenage daughters and a mortgage.'

It's just gonna die.

Pine needles all over the floor.

Remind me again why I gave up drinking.

What do you mean you gave up your Rhodes scholarship?

You worked so hard for it.

'This just in.'

New threats of war in eastern Europe

this Christmas eve as peace talks collapse.

To collapsing peace talks.

To collapsing peace talks.

Eh, forget it.

'Help!'

Traffic on Christmas eve is gonna be murder.

Merry... oh... ughh!

Hey, down here. Merry Christmas.

Yeah, I dug it up outta the basement.

Always meant to put it up for my kids.

Never got around to it.

- Okay. - Clark, what's going on?

Just... watch.

Helen Kylee's gonna come around that corner

with a tray of food.

'She sets it down next to my father..'

And now the elevator doors are gonna open.

There.

'And now, out steps Jimmy's new girlfriend.'

'There she is.'

That's Jimmy's new girlfriend?

Well, she didn't look like that earlier today.

I-I think that's how she'd be

if she didn't have hope in her life.

Hope for what?

Later. We'll get to that.

Just keep watching.

Okay, Jimmy's about to turn.

In a moment he'll see her.

Ah.

She waves.

He goes off to meet her

and in three... two... one..

'Your mother walks in.'

Clark, how did you know all that?

Lois, I have been here before.

So have they, and so have you.

This day is repeating itself over and over

and each time it does, the people out there

lose a little more hope.

You're feeling anxious about your story, aren't you?

Well, I mean, it's garbage.

No, it's not, Lois.

I-I read it. It's great.

Only you don't know it anymore.

You just have to trust that I can see this

even though you can't.

We have to dig up everything we can

on gnomes, imps, elves, anything.

From fairy tales to mythology.

Specifically, how to get rid of 'em.

Here.

This is what he looks like.

He said his name was Mxyzptlk.

He said?

Just go with me on this.

He-he told me that he was not gonna be

sent back this time.

Which means that he's been here before

and he's been sent back before.

I don't think I'm gonna be any help.

Lois, if anyone can do this it's you.

You have to believe that.

What are you gonna do?

See if I can get a jump on this thing.

I still have some time before the bank robbery.

Bank robbery?

Uh, never mind.

Lois, you have to hurry.

At 4 o'clock it'll be noon again.

And you won't remember any of this.

- Superman. - This isn't the solution.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I can't let you rob that bank.

I don't know what else to do.

I've been out of work for almost a month.

I was head of security at Lemco 16 years.

They're downsizing and..

I don't even have the heart to tell my wife.

Tomorrow's Christmas.

Well, that remains to be seen.

Huh?

Listen, becoming a felon wouldn't be any kind of gift

for your wife at Christmas.

I'd catch you. I've done it before.

And frankly, I'm getting kind of tired of it.

What?

Look, I have some other stops to make

but I'll talk to you later, okay?

Or earlier, whichever.

Do not rob this bank.

'Our whole lives, Martha.'

What have we been working so hard for?

It just doesn't seem to make any sense anymore.

I don't know what to tell you, Jonathan.

You're right.

'Actually as awful and humiliating as it was'

the first honeymoon was worse

because he showed up for that one.

You know..

You are a very attractive young man.

Aah, hit me.

I guess the thing I regret most is

I never got the chance to play Santa for my boys.

A father should be able to do that

for his children, don't you think?

It's, it's a miracle only one of 'em

ended up in prison.

What the hell do you think you're doing?

Bloody do-gooder.

- Mr. Caldwell? - What?

You jumped, didn't you?

So? What business is it of yours?

Has it really gotten that bad?

Have you any idea who I am?

How much I'm worth?

Nothing, that's what.

All the money in the world

and no one to share it with.

No one to..

...to love.

I don't know what I saw in her.

She's not exactly a Rhodes scholar, is she?

Of course, her life's been so lousy

I don't know what I expected.

Jimmy, I have it on good authority

that she's not exactly herself today.

I just don't see any future for us.

'Still more reports coming.'

In world news, peace talks turn to war

as violence worsens in all parts

'of the world this Christmas eve.'

The bloodiest in recent memory.

Clark, things are really deteriorating around here.

Your parents are actually snipping at each other.

My mother's drinking again.

Perry's crying because he never

got to play Santa for his kids

and Jimmy's depressed because

his girlfriend's a hooker.

It's not just here.

The whole world is falling apart.

How are you feeling?

Not much better than they are, I'm afraid.

I tried to do what you asked

but I don't know...

You have to remember what I told you.

It's a loop. Don't give in to despair.

That's right.

You may have to tell me a few more times.

I'll say it as many times as you need.

Now, what'd you find out, anything?

Well, I think so.

And your friend, this mix-el..

Mxyzptlk.

Right. Uh. Well.

You were probably right about him.

I-I found references throughout human history

of magical beings, gnomes.

Leprechauns, imps.

All taking slightly different forms

but there was one thing that kept turning up.

I can't do it anymore, Jonathan!

I can't constantly reassure you!

It's not like I have any faith in the future myself!

- Mom, dad? - No, son, no.

Your mother..

Your mother's giving up on us.

And I don't blame her.

We're gonna lose everything we ever worked for.

A man's future can be taken away just like that.

Oh!

Dad!

Okay. I think we've seen enough.

- How about you? - Alright. Enough.

That's it!

You release them from this right now

you little gnome, or I promise I'll find

a way to send you some place far

worse than your fifth dimension.

Look, Mr. Goody-two-boots.

I'm not doing anything to them.

It's, uh, nature just running its course.

So, he's the first to go.

Someone had to be.

Are we ready to make a deal?

What is it that you want?

Alright.

The terms are this.

I'll end the loop

personally restore some hope to all these mortals

who will no doubt be so grateful

they'll willingly worship me

if... and this is a big one.

If you agree to leave Earth.

Forever.

'Cause there's no room for 2 gods in this dimension

and I plan on being it.

Well?

It's them or you.

Clock's ticking.

So to speak.

Well..

It's up to you.

Do you stay and become the ruination

of all these mortals?

'Or do you accept banishment'

and leave their world to me.

And spare them the suffering?

I love these people.

And that's why..

I'm not going anywhere.

What?

Do you have to be hit over the head with a shillelagh?

Don't you get it? It's hopeless!

There's always a little bit of hope left

in the human spirit.

And I'll find it.

You heard him, gnome.

Scram.

How...?

You're supposed to be frozen.

Yeah, well, I thawed out.

And Clark's not going anywhere, Mazeltov.

Mxyzptlk!

Mr. Mxyzptlk.

Fine. Have it your way.

Jonathan!

Traffic on Christmas eve is gonna be murder.

'Oh, no. Now look at the tree.'

Merry..

No.

Not again.

Now, if anyone cares.

War is breaking out.

Perry sprung for this lovely tree himself.

Jimmy's got a new girlfriend, Brenda.

We should invite her over for dinner.

My parents are already here

who took an earlier flight, and then...

A cab from the airport.

Lois, you remember.

Everything.

Even Mxyzptlk.

- What a name. - W.. How?

It was you.

I could feel you rejecting hopelessness

and it hit me like a wave.

That's what broke me free.

And you are not going anywhere.

No way.

But if I'm not going that means

that he has to.

What'd you find out?

According to mythology

in order to send him back to his own dimension

you have to get him to say his name backwards.

I can barely say it forward.

Well, you don't have to say it backwards.

You have to get him to say it.

Well, what about them?

If we let things continue the way they have been..

My-my father..

I know.

'At 4 o'clock the loop starts over.'

Then we have a little

less than four hours to ourselves.

Let's use that time

'to restore hope in the world.'

Yeah. We could do that.

Whoops.

Mr. Weston.

Mr. Weston?

- Doris! - 'Hi, honey.'

Kids!

What's going on?

Mr. Weston, when your family heard

you'd be starting your new job here at the bank

they wanted to be here to congratulate you in person.

New job?

As head of security.

Ms. Snyder, the bank's manager has been looking

for someone to fill the position.

Someone with experience.

Someone who could anticipate possible robberies.

I suggested you.

All the necessary paperwork is already waiting for you

and..

...an advance check.

Thanks, Superman.

Hey, guys!

'Jonathan, you have to relax.'

But, Martha, we're broke.

We're gonna lose the farm.

I can't relax.

Yes, you can.

I'll show you how.

Don't go away.

Oh, bad nog.

Try one of these natural sodas.

- They're delicious. - Oh.

Oh, uh, Bren, hon.

When-when you get a sec, we should talk here.

It would be a mistake, Mr. Caldwell.

How did you know?

I know.

I know how you live in this tower

locked away from the world

afraid to let anyone in..

...but needing to.

You don't have to be alone, sir.

Ommm.

Ommm.

That's right.

Doing really good.

Ommm.

Ommm.

Are you ready in there?

Oh.

Honey, you look terrific.

Superman.

Mr. White.

Are those your boys?

Yeah. Years ago.

I was just trying to figure..

...what I got 'em that Christmas.

So, uh..

What's this about? You got a problem with the story?

No.

I did have a problem with the fact that

those kids weren't gonna have any Christmas this year

but that's all been taken care of.

One of Metropolis' top citizens

has agreed to replace all the gifts that were destroyed

and to open his doors to all the children who were displaced.

But if you, if you don't mind me askin'

what's it got to do with me?

I was wondering if you might be able to help him.

Oh, this is, uh..

This is ridiculous.

Santa!

Well, ho ho ho!

What have we got here?

Good little boys and girls.

Come on down here.

Gather around.

That's right. Alright, now.

It's almost time.

If he stays true to form, he's gonna be here.

We have to beat this thing before he shows.

'They don't look too hopeful yet, do they?'

- 'Open 'em!' - 'Thank you!'

'That's me!'

'Alright. Here we go.'

'Let's pass these things out.'

'Whoa, here comes a nice blue one.'

'Alright. Alright now.'

'Pass 'em all the way back to the back.'

'Thank you.'

'Thank you, Santa.'

Are you okay?

- I miss your father. - What?

I don't know. It's crazy.

I wish he were here.

Just pass 'em around.

What is this?

Wow!

'Come on, everybody. Sing one more time.'

You're not supposed to be delighted.

Hey, don't be so chipper.

You have ten acres of worthless seed, remember?

Keep singing everybody!

How 'bout a drink?

Oh!

Father Christmas.

Your own kids hate you after all

these years of neglect, or did we forget?

You think this little bit of love and good cheer

is gonna break the loop.

Fat chance, buster.

Alright, that's it.

No, Santa. There's one left.

Ah.

Once that clock ticks over

you'll be right back where you started

and I will be...

Is there a Mixy.

'Who is that?'

Uh, Mixzel..

Mxyzptlk?

That, that's it.

- For me? - Yeah!

But..

No one's ever given me a Christmas present before.

Merry Christmas.

I can't..

Can't imagine what it could be.

Read the card. See who it's from.

Oh, right. Right.

I-I've never done this before.

"To our beloved Mr. Mxyzptlk."

Beloved.

Who's it from?

Right! Right.

Uh..."Love," uh..

"Kltpzyxm."

Kltpzyxm.

Oh!

That's Mxyzptlk backwards.

Oh, rats!

No... no.

I'm not leaving.

You can't make me.

I'm takin' over, you hear?

Over!

Wow!

Ho, ho, ho!

- Merry Christmas. - Huh.

And in world news.

Warring eastern European factions

have called a permanent cease-fire

as treaties are signed

on this historic Christmas eve.

Sam!

Ellen, sweetheart.

When I got to the bed and breakfast

they said you'd left.

I've been trying to get here all day.

It seems like it's taken forever!

Oh, it has! It has, it has!

It's happening.

What?

This.

It's..

It's magic.

Oh.

This one's for you.

It's just like you said.

I mean, I may not be able to see through walls

but right this second.

I feel like I can see everything

through your eyes.

Well, then you're the lucky one

'cause I'm looking at you.