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[♪]

[whistle sounding]

[man] Okay, Clara. Hide and seek!

[laughing]

Ten...

nine...

eight...

seven...

six...

five...

I hope it's not somewhere obvious,

like behind a tree...

[laughing]

four...

three...

two...

one!

Ready or not, here I come!

I thought we said the kitchen

was supposed to be off limits.

It's going to be hard

to find anyone in here...

unless...

unless I smell cookies.

[laughing] I gotcha!

[laughing]

Let's go again!

Aw, what, and waste all these warm cookies?

Mm... yum yum yum.

[laughing]

[Clara] I'm sad for other kids.

You are? Why?

They don't have a grandpa with a Christmas all-year store.

Well, you know what I say.

"Why only celebrate one day..."

When you can celebrate every day!

Did you start with ornaments,

or decorations...

or the fudge?

I started with candy canes.

My favorite. Mm-hmm.

So when I have a question or a problem,

I think on it while I eat one.

Because they're so sweet?

Because they last a long time,

so I can think my question all the way through,

and when I get down to the curly end,

I have my answer.

Grandpa, look!

Maybe it's Santa!

Oh, it's a few weeks early for Santa.

That's a shooting star.

You should make a wish.

How do you know what to wish for?

Mm...

A wish is when

you say out loud what's in your heart.

So, Clara...

what's in your heart?

I wish to spend every Christmas forever

with Grandpa.

[chuckling]

[doorbells jingling]

[mother] Time to go, Clara.

Five more minutes, please, Mom?

It's late, honey.

Just five more minutes.

That would be good.

Hmm.

[♪]

Good morning!

Good morning! Hi, guys! Come on in!

Morning!

[phone ringing]

Hey, Mom, I'm about to walk into class.

Just wanting your flight info.

Already emailed it.

...and to remind you if you land during business hours...

[Clara] ...grab a ride share.

[chuckling]

Can't wait to see you.

Uh!

[sighing]

Any chance we could cancel Christmas this year?

You don't mean that.

Uh, don't I?

How are we going to do Christmas

without Grandpa, Clara?

I don't know, Mom,

but I'll be home tomorrow to help,

and I promise we are going to have a great Christmas, okay?

I love you, baby.

I love you, too.

[commotion in classroom]

Who's ready to make Christmas ornaments

to take home for the holidays?

Me!

[laughter]

Need a hand?

I just to get to...

Oh, hey, Blake! What's up?

Uh, I would like to take you out to dinner.

Fridays are usually catch-up night.

"Gotta get my paperwork in."

I know, but you're gonna be gone for two weeks,

and I'll miss you,

so I made us a reservation at Rovanoff's.

I will see you tonight.

I look forward to it.

Decaf, no sugar for the gentleman.

...and a peppermint mocha

with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a candy cane.

-Mm. -You're like a teenager.

I know, right?

[clearing throat] So...

you're going to be in North Carolina

for the whole break?

Yeah.

It'll be nice to spend some time with my mother.

Why? You thinking about something?

Actually...

I've heard so much about this Candy Cane Confectionery...

Hmm.

...and I'd love to finally be able to meet your mom,

and maybe ask her in person...

Oh, I'll get it.

You know, um...

I actually, I got a... I got a letter.

Did you get a letter from the, uh...

from the district?

Uh, should I have?

-No? -Don't think so.

I... I'm just gonna see what...

[clearing throat]

Whoa!

Clara? What is it?

They're not renewing my contract.

What?

They're cutting the arts programs

across the district,

and because I don't have seniority...

they're saying that I'm out of a job by June?

That's impossible.

You were voted one of the Teachers of the Year.

This year.

I guess that doesn't matter.

I've been at Westend since I was a student teacher.

All those years.

[♪]

There's my girl!

Merry Christmas, Mom!

-Honey... -[laughing]

-Ooh, nice slippers! -Right?

I picked up a pair for you.

I was hoping you would say that.

[laughing]

Mom, I love that wreath.

-I know.

I should've bought a couple for the shop.

Now, listen, about the house, don't judge.

[laughing]

I wanted to make it pretty for you,

but the shop has been so busy...

-It's... it's fine.

I had to bring paperwork home.

Six months in, I hadn't realized

how much Grandpa and I did together.

Well, it's a two-person job,

and I'm gonna be your other person

for the next two weeks,

so let me just unpack my bags, and I'll go with you.

Nope, today, you are going to put your feet up.

I came to help.

You can help

by taking my eggnog pie out of the oven

when the timer goes off.

Mom, really?

Enjoy your first day off school.

I'll put you to work tomorrow, trust me.

If you want to go out, Grandpa's car's in the front.

I haven't gotten around to selling it yet.

His keys are downstairs in his room.

Okay.

Hey. You okay?

Yeah, it's just, you know,

first Christmas since...

You?

I keep baking pies.

I'll take the pie out. Go.

I promise I'm not going to burn your pie.

I promise.

I love you.

-I love you more, honey.

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Tis the season to be jolly ♪

Mm.

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Fill the meadcup drain the barrel ♪

Mm.

♪ Fa la la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient Christmas carol ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

[♪]

[chuckling]

[sighing]

[starting engine]

[car door closing]

Morning, ma'am, can I help you...?

Yeah, I was...

Logan.

Clara.

-Hi. -Hi.

You're in town!

Yes,

for Christmas, and, um, you know,

helping my mom with...

Of course.

How is your mom?

How are you?

Okay.

Jerry...

[chuckling]

What a great guy.

Thank you.

Um, so, are you, are you working here now?

Volunteering for Military Might.

We help vets and their families get back on track, post injury.

I've been doing it for almost a year now. Yeah.

Oh, a year?

So... you're back?

Yeah, I left active duty as a Lt. Colonel.

Yeah, I'm still in the Reserves now,

but I'm partnering with my dad in the construction firm.

That's... that's amazing.

Congrats.

Uh, you came here for wreaths.

I did. Um...

I got some great ones over here, so...

-Okay. -Let's get you set up.

I can't believe you still get to drive the cool car!

Yeah.

[Logan] Uh...

listen, I don't know how long you're in town for, but, um,

would you, uh,

would you want to grab a coffee or something?

I thought maybe we could catch up, or...

I... I just came to see my mom.

She hasn't sorted any paperwork on the store, or...

It's just...

it's been so long. You know?

Well, be with your mom,

and that's...

Merry Christmas, Clara.

-Thank you. -It was, um...

it was great to see you.

Hey, Lo?

Good to see you too.

Somebody needed a few wreaths?

You are my favorite child.

I'm your only child.

You're still my favorite.

Mom, let me help.

No, I just wanted to make sure nobody slips on the way in.

Leave the wreaths here, honey. I'll put them up.

Okay.

[doorbells jingling]

[♪]

Uh...

[exhaling slowly]

I can't believe the twins are 10 already.

Give them a hug for me?

[Clara] Kelly! Bella!

Mama! It's Aunt Clara!

Aw!

[squealing]

Hi!

Look at you!

I mean, you said it's happening, but it's happening!

I know, I know. Four more weeks.

I can't believe it.

How's Carl?

Good.

He's home for Christmas,

and we get him at Fort Bragg for two years.

Amazing.

When are you coming over?

Hot chocolate at my house how soon?

Very, very soon.

Okay.

I ran the register, straightened up,

brought back the empties,

and I will drop the deposit in the night slot

on the way home.

[sighing]

The store looks great.

The front part.

[laughing]

The wreaths were a nice addition.

Thanks for that.

You'll never guess who I bought it from.

Logan.

Logan-Logan?

High school Logan?

Mm-hmm.

How was that?

Fine. Weird.

He made it to Lt. Colonel.

Well, good for him.

So he's... he's on leave?

Actually, he's back,

in the Reserves, working with his dad.

Huh. Yeah.

And how's Blake?

Fine.

Hey, come on, Mom. Take a break.

Let me do that.

Come on.

Blake seems like a steady, good guy.

Dependable.

Not like...

Crazy Logan?

You have to admit,

all those adventures you and Logan went on?

We were teenagers,

and I thought you liked that spirit in him.

You liked that spirit in him,

so what could I say?

I was a single mom,

dying every time he said "hop in the car,

let me take you somewhere."

Clara?

Something going on?

How did you know that Dad was The One?

Well, the second we met, I just knew,

but why are we...?

And then when he proposed?

I said yes before he finished the sentence.

You were so young, though.

Even if someone had told me he wouldn't make it home,

I would have said yes a million times over.

When you know, you know.

And what is going on?

Nothing.

Come on. Let's go do the paperwork.

Bring the fudge.

The man had some kind of system.

I... should have...

made him formalize it.

Asked questions, or something.

It was so sudden, Mom.

But I knew this day would come.

I depended on him for so much.

He was my rock when your father died.

-Me too.

Oh...

He will always be with us.

Like Dad.

Maybe it's time to bring in some help.

Just let me put up a sign tomorrow.

-Okay. -Okay.

You go home, let me clear some paths.

No, that's what I'm here for.

I've missed this place,

and I'd like to soak it all in.

It's gonna be okay.

Okay.

Grandpa,

so many times I've wished I could hear your voice,

but never more than this holiday, right now.

A wish is when you say out loud

what what's in your heart.

Grandpa, if you're listening...

I wish I had five more minutes with you.

[♪]

[doorbells jingling]

We're not quite open!

[man] Hello? Hello?

Hey, I'm so sorry, but we're not open yet.

Oh, sorry.

I saw the sign in the window.

You still hiring?

I... I just put that there.

I came by last summer to see if you needed anyone,

but I guess summer isn't the busy season.

I talked to an old man, super nice.

That's probably my grandpa.

He told me to come back on my winter break.

Uh, is... is he here?

He's, um...

no longer with us.

I'm sorry.

Uh, what'd you say your name was?

Jay.

Do you have a resume, Jay?

Uh, not on me,

but I told your grandpa I'm a hard worker,

and he said that he would trade genius for hard work any day.

That sounds just like him.

He, uh, told me to check back?

Grandpa Jerry's opinion is good for me.

Clara.

Welcome aboard.

You won't regret it, Clara.

Um, so, how can I help?

Well, my mom is on her way in

to take care of some of the deliveries.

I can take those off her plate.

Yeah, this... this way?

Wait, um...

I must warn you, it's chaos.

Then I came just at the right time.

[playing "Jingle Bells"]

Hi! Come in!

Thank you!

Hi!

Merry Christmas!

Oh! You already did all that?

Yeah, I like to be efficient.

Oh! Um... before I forget,

I found this on the floor near one of the boxes.

Looks like a journal?

Sorry, I didn't mean to pry.

I just thought you might like to have it.

And I'll be back soon.

[Clara] Thank you.

I didn't see it last night.

[doorbells jingling]

This is... Grandpa's journal?

[chuckling]

"I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on Martha."

Martha?

"I was on my own that Saturday..."

[bicycle bell ringing]

[doorbells jingling]

I can't remember the last time

I drank the entire cup of coffee.

Ohh... hmm...

I saved you the last piece of pie.

Ha! Gone now.

Thanks for opening.

Mm-hmm.

Hey, do we know a woman named Martha?

Oh, please tell me she's not a customer I forgot.

[laughing]

No, nothing like that.

Then, no.

And I'm gonna get straight to the deliveries.

Actually, I handled that.

I hired someone part-time,

a student that Grandpa met last summer.

Already?

Grandpa never mentioned a student.

Well, he seems super on the ball.

He's a little quirky, but polite,

and he's already out there making deliveries.

Well, in that case,

I'll use the time to start the pantry.

In that case,

why don't you take the morning off,

and let me be in charge for a bit?

I can't take the morning off.

Seriously, Mom.

When's the last time

you took some time for yourself?

Well, I... I would like

to check out the...

the new Christmas market.

Come on. You can do it.

Okay.

[laughing]

[sighing]

[sighing]

"Weeks later,

Martha took me to her favorite place in town."

I'll tell you when. Now!

Year 'round Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Jerry...

times infinity.

Race you!

[man] Excuse me?

-Yes?

Do you have any doctor ornaments?

I have a six-year-old daughter

who is determined to be a surgeon.

I love that.

[man] Is eating barbecue a Christmas tradition?

It's a North Carolina tradition.

Well, okay, but who can explain

dill pickles, pumpkin pie,

and the band Kiss as ornaments?

You've never seen the Kiss "White Christmas" video?

I've never met anyone

who knew there was a White Christmas video by Kiss.

Well, hello, nice to meet you.

[laughing]

Edward.

Uh, Bonnie.

-Oh. -Whoops.

Also... a southern tradition.

-So I'm learning.

Not from around here, huh?

I travel a lot for work.

Please tell me

it's to taste food from every part of the world.

I sell software.

Too bad.

So you're here for work?

My mom.

Uh, she had a stroke.

I was taking care of her

until she passed three months ago.

Aw, I'm so sorry.

I lost my father-in-law in June.

You were close?

Very. Sounds like you were too.

She was the craziest woman I ever met,

and I mean that as a compliment.

I wouldn't have been anywhere else.

She was the world's best mom.

But you've been here three months?

Getting things in order.

I've also enjoyed getting to know

the town my mother fell in love with.

It's been hard to leave.

Edward!

I promised the folks

at the Community Association booth

that I'd stop by.

My mom was a supporter.

Wait, was your mom Diana?

Yes.

I volunteered there a lot

until things got rough this year.

We... we did a tree-planting project.

-Right. -And she was crazy.

in... in the best way.

Their charity auction's coming up,

and there's a meeting tomorrow,

if you wanted to get back involved.

We could use some more people in the decorating committee.

I think I remember

writing that down on my calendar...

uh, six months ago.

Wonder where that calendar is.

Well, if you find it, I hope to see you.

Maybe this one, to match your boots?

[chuckling]

[doorbells jingling]

-Oh. Hi. -Hi.

Uh, tell Frankie we said congrats.

Thank you!

Um, doing a little Christmas shopping?

Mm-hmm, I need a few pounds of peppermint bark,

two dozen gingerbread men,

all the snowman cake pops you've got,

and, of course, candy cane cookies.

They're all for you, aren't they?

Well, unless you're interested in sharing some.

Well, you are in luck.

New candy cane cookies are ready.

You want a warm one?

Does anyone say no to that?

-Mm-mm. -Mm. Mm-hmm.

[Clara] It needs new batteries, I think.

[Logan] Those the cookies?

How many do you want?

All of them.

They're actually for Military Might.

We're putting together Christmas baskets

for the families,

and I thought I'd bring the treats.

That's really nice.

Well, it can be tough around the holidays.

Uh, your gingerbread house

has a bit of structural damage there.

Yeah.

I am a contractor.

I'm good.

You don't want that roof caving in

on innocent gingerbread people, do you?

I'm fully bonded and insured.

Oh, come on, you remember that look,

the one that said that you were his one and only granddaughter,

and I was...

...taking me out on my first date?

-Mm-hmm. -Mm-hmm.

He did give us the Fairlane, though.

No, he gave you the Fairlane.

He gave me the look.

[chuckling]

That's it.

I admit, I was scared,

and with that military background...

Clara...

The way I enlisted...

I... I know it's been a long time,

but I always wanted the chance to...

[doorbells jingling]

Deliveries complete!

Sorry. Hi.

Uh, anything else for today?

All set.

Maybe we can go through

the inventory in the pantry tomorrow.

Sounds like a plan.

[Clara] Thank you.

Oh, um, I don't know if you saw,

but there's a big Christmas tree lighting

happening at the Market tonight.

It seems pretty neat.

[chuckling]

I can't remember the last time I went to that tree lighting.

Well, don't let your big chance go by!

See you later.

[doorbells jingling]

Do I know that guy?

New holiday hire.

Maybe you've seen him around town?

You know, that tree lighting is usually... pretty neat.

[chuckling]

Would you want to go there with me tonight?

It's just a tree lighting.

I haven't seen it in years.

Look, I know you never liked Logan...

No, I loved him.

What I didn't like was the way he left,

and neither did you.

He didn't leave, Mom.

He joined the Army.

And didn't tell you until after he enlisted.

You were devastated.

He chose that life,

and good for him,

but you have a different life now,

with a great guy in Chicago.

Everything's fine.

Don't worry.

[♪]

How go the second graders?

Oh, they're incredible.

They just haven't gotten to the place

where they filter or second-guess,

so their creativity is just off the charts,

and their willingness to try and fail

is just...

it's so inspiring.

You haven't changed a bit.

I always knew

you were going to be this kind of art teacher,

inspiring the next gen of Picassos and O'Keeffes.

Did I say something wrong?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

It's just, um...

I'm being laid off.

That's terrible.

Yeah.

But... but you're so talented.

You'll find another position right away.

There's private schools, and community centers,

and colleges...

even... even the Army has an art program.

It does?

Yeah, since World War I.

Hmm.

Maybe I looked it up when I got there.

Maybe I thought that...

Any place would be lucky to have you.

You sound like my grandpa.

He had a knack

for saying the right thing at the right time.

The day he died,

we were supposed to connect,

have one of our epic chats,

but when I called his phone,

my mom answered.

He'd just... collapsed.

And I keep wondering if...

I would have called just five minutes earlier,

if I would have been able to hear his voice one last time.

I wish I knew what he would say now.

He would've asked you his favorite question:

"Clara...

what's in your heart?"

I know.

He did it for me too.

Even after you and I split, he was still in my life.

Clara, I never meant to hurt you...

but I did,

and I'm sorry.

I wanted to say that for such a long time...

and I knew when I saw you again,

I wouldn't let that chance go by.

[MC] Welcome!

Welcome, everyone!

It's time we illuminate this year's magnificent tree!

Count it off with me!

Five!

Four!

Three!

Two!

One!

Merry Christmas!

[applause]

Screwdriver.

Wow.

Wow.

Oh!

[Clara] So I just discovered

Grandpa used to keep a diary.

There's a history that I never even knew about.

He fell in love with a girl named Martha

when he was younger.

But... your grandma's name was Nell.

-I know. -Wow.

So, was that when he was in the Army?

No, I haven't even gotten to the Army part yet.

Well, Jerry always said things happened for a reason,

so maybe this journal turned up now because...

Because...?

I have no idea.

[laughing]

Well, you know, I... I have it in the truck.

You drive, I'll read?

Maybe we can find some clues?

Well, that sounds nice.

After you.

"...so I finally worked up the nerve

to invite Martha to the Holiday Formal.

We'd been seeing each other nearly every day for a month,

but this would be our first dance,

and I was so nervous...

...but she always put me at ease,

and always, always found the joy.

We talked and laughed all night.

It felt like we'd been together forever,

we'd be together forever.

I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her."

Oh. We're here.

I was so into the story.

Aw... it's so good.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, no, no, no.

I need to know what happens next.

[she laughs]

No, I'm serious! Come on!

I mean, do they go on another date?

Does he confess his love for her?

I need to know what happens.

"How could I spoil everything

by telling her when I turned 18,

I'd be enlisting in the Army?"

en you rt

where your grandpa enlisted and couldn't tell her?

Logan brought up his enlisting

before we even got to the journal.

Wow.

He apologized.

Well, that's big.

What have you told Blake?

About Logan?

Mm...no. About the journal.

Why? Is there something you need to tell him about Logan?

No!

[struggling with cookies]

No. Um...

cookies.

I hope Bella's class loves them.

You did such an amazing job on the office,

that I thought I would let you loose on this.

[chuckling]

[Jay] Of course.

Clearly, my grandpa had a...

"It's a mess,

but I can put my hands on everything" system.

Problem is...

Oh, without him,

no one can put their hands on anything.

I'm sort of a whiz at this kind of stuff,

so it shouldn't take too long.

And if you were looking to get rid of some extra inventory,

you could set up a booth

at the Christmas Bazaar this weekend.

I forgot about the Christmas Bazaar.

Thank you.

You are a godsend.

Thank you.

Thank you.

To the official decorating committee.

I love the Association,

and I'm so glad I could make the meeting,

but their hot cocoa... whoa.

Is a Christmas abomination.

Wait till you try this.

Cheers.

Mm.

Oh, it's good.

You wouldn't have time

for dinner sometime soon, would you?

Oh... um...

[chuckling]

I'm so busy at the store...

I... I run the Christmas store on Maple,

so the season...

Perhaps after Christmas, then?

Or perhaps you're seeing someone?

No, no, I'm not...

no, I haven't done that for a while.

I mean, can you tell?

[laughing]

Oh...

Think about it.

In the meantime, tell me more about the shop.

Well, it's complete chaos,

but it's also the greatest place on earth.

It's... been so important to me.

[phone ringing]

Hi!

Hey, finally! How's it going?

Sorry... it's just been really busy.

Yeah, I bet the store is crammed.

Yeah.

[struggling]

Um, so are you just packing?

Yeah, I got my routes,

map, timing,

even got my Christmas sports movies chosen...

That's... where you say

"There are no Christmas sports movies,"

and I explain that Ivan Drago fought Rocky

on Christmas Day.

You know what the Army's good for? Multi-tasking.

Let me help you out there, G.I. Jane.

Hey, Blake, I'm so sorry.

Do you mind if I, um, call you later?

We're, uh, I'm selling some stuff at a Christmas bazaar,

and I kind of need both hands to get organized.

Uh, can I call you later?

Uh, of course. Yeah.

Yeah, I'll catch you then.

Okay. Okay.

Who's Blake?

He is, um...

my boyfriend, in, uh, Chicago.

Oh.

Is it serious?

-Is that Clara?

Hi!

Look at you!

Aw!

Logan's been talking about you nonstop.

Not non-stop. Mom.

It wasn't. I mean...

Hush.

He said you look wonderful, and you do,

and your poor dear grandfather,

I was so sorry to hear about him.

I bet your mom is up to her ears.

She is.

Well, tell Bonnie I said hi.

We'll be gone seeing my baby's baby over Christmas,

Denise had another,

but let's reconnect after. Promise?

Promise. It's so good to see you.

Listen. Can I take you someplace tonight?

Logan...

It's not what you think.

I want to take you someplace...

unconventional.

-I'm seeing someone. -It's not that.

It's one old friend to another, saying,

"Hop in the car, let me take you somewhere."

Right?

All right.

Perks of being a contractor working on our old school.

You weren't expecting this, were you?

Time flies.

The clocks don't stop.

Come on.

They kept the ceiling art you fought for.

We fought for.

First time I ever took a stand.

You were so adamant

that kids have a place to express themselves.

I know you're worried about separating from your school,

but you've been inspiring students

since we were this age.

You'll find a place to do it again.

This is where you wanted to bring me?

Your unconventional outing?

I thought about what Jerry would do.

How he'd remind you that the art teacher that you are

isn't tied to a place or a school...

it's inside you.

It's who you are.

Who you've always been.

-There we go... -Wow.

You're good with lights.

It shows you grew up in a Christmas store.

Oh, I...I didn't grow up in the Confectionery.

No?

No.

My, uh, husband, Danny,

was killed serving overseas,

and Jerry just took Clara and I in,

and he said, "We're family.

We'll get through this together,"

and I've been at the Confectionery ever since.

You're different than I thought.

You said you sell software.

I looked you up.

You sell software companies.

Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't want to be treated differently.

People here have connected with me

because they knew my mother,

or because they like the Vietnamese food I make,

not because they were looking for some big sale

or an introduction to someone.

You make Vietnamese food?

[laughing]

I can not stop thinking about those young artists

and what they created.

Yeah. You know, it's hard to believe

they were the same age your granddad was

in his journal.

I mean, what happened with him and Martha

when he shipped out?

Do you know?

Mm-mm. No. I haven't gotten that far.

Wanna find out?

Mm-hmm.

[laughing]

Read me more.

"That day we said goodbye at the station

was the first time I ever saw tears in Martha's eyes."

It was the service that kept them apart.

Mom!

You remember Logan.

Sure.

...and... and this is Edward.

Pleasure to meet you.

Likewise.

you were going on a date.

-It wasn't a date! -It wasn't a date.

-It's fine if it was a date! -Tell me what it was, then.

It was two old friends hanging out.

You put on lipstick.

We were doing decorations for the Association,

I always wear lipstick,

and don't change the subject.

He seems nice.

Where'd you meet?

At the Christmas Market you forced me to go to!

I'm happy for you.

I mean, when's the last time you went out?

I don't know.

I was nervous the whole time,

and he wants to see me again,

and dating has never really worked out,

so that's over,

and, uh... tell me about you.

Me?

You've seen Logan practically every day

since you've been here.

Nothing's going on.

Nothing?

Or ♪ nothing ♪?

Nothing is going on with Blake.

I mean, Logan.

Nothing is going on with Logan.

I'm gonna go call Blake.

[Blake] Hey, sorry I missed your call earlier.

Oh, it's fine, it's been non-stop.

So, tell me how it's going.

How was the big game?

Well, Mom threw an interception that ended the game,

so we had to trade her to the other side for next year.

So, listen, I'm glad you called.

I have some good news.

I found out that Westend

is looking for a second-grade teacher

for English and History.

Oh. Oh, that's...

I think you should apply for it.

Me? An English and History teacher?

Yeah, yeah, I emailed you the application link.

But... I teach art.

Teaching is teaching.

You know?

It's just another job, right?

Sure. Um...

Besides, that way, we could...

keep working together.

Listen, Blake, I...

Oh, hey, they're putting dinner down.

I... I should...

Oh, oh, yeah.

I can... I can call you later.

Bye.

Love you. Bye.

[sighing]

[Kelly] Teach English?

And History.

Oh, but you're an art teacher.

Exactly. It's not just a job. It's...

...who you are and always have been?

That's exactly what Logan said.

So you're seeing more of each other.

Kel...

Why did you send me an SOS?

Blake is going to propose.

Clara!

[chuckling]

Oh no.

Look, he's... he's a great guy.

He really is.

There are so many "buts" in that sentence.

"He's a great guy"... but?

But... but I don't know!

Everything was fine,

and then the second I saw that ring box...

I went ice cold.

I thought it would feel different,

and then ever since it happened,

all I have are questions.

Look, it's the same night

that I lost my job,

and then it's her first Christmas

without Grandpa,

so maybe...

And what would Grandpa Jerry say?

He would say...

Clara, ask yourself one question...

"What is in your heart?"

If only he were here.

"I heard the mail was in,

and there was a big package for me.

I was sure it would be letters from Martha,

but when I got there,

all my cards came back unopened.

I didn't understand.

We fell so hard.

Was I wrong... about everything?"

Aw...

What happened, Grandpa?

What happened to your first big love?

Wow.

I know.

I also made maple bacon and cinnamon coffee.

[Clara] What, no pies?

Check the oven.

[laughing]

I couldn't sleep last night, um, so...

are we good?

Always.

So, um...

what...

what happened here?

I tried to clean up.

[laughing]

Those are organized piles of piles.

Don't make fun.

All I'm saying is if you keep living in chaos,

then you're not going to have room for anything else.

What do I need room for?

Saying yes to a second date with Edward?

Or... whatever comes next in life.

Uh, I gotta... open the store.

This time, you go out.

Go... go shopping.

Take the morning off.

[sighing]

I heard you. Okay?

I'll think about what you said.

Thank you.

Oh, Jay!

Wow, sorry, sorry!

I wasn't looking where I was going.

Actually, I was just doing some Christmas shopping

before I head in.

I was going to stop at the hardware store

and grab some extra batteries for the Candy Cane train,

and I... I lost track of time.

I can pick 'em up.

-Are you sure? -Yeah!

No, I can come back later.

They're right there.

Plus, my mom's in the shop,

and she's... she's really excited to meet you.

Okay, great.

Well, I will see you later, then?

Bye!

-Hey! -Hey.

I thought I would just grab some batteries,

see if I can get that Candy Cane Express train going.

What are you picking up?

Batteries, to see

if I can get that Candy Cane Express train going.

don't work,atters

I could always take a shot at fixing it.

Are you heading in now?

Actually, my mom's covering for the morning.

I was gonna sneak out and do a little extra shopping.

Why?

Uh, nothing.

They just gave me a really nice tree

from the lot,

and it's... it's very bare right now.

Actually, I don't know if you've heard this,

but, um, art activities are kinda my jam.

Um, and Christmas art activities? Well...

[laughing]

Welcome to my humble abode.

Impressive.

You were expecting bean bag chairs,

dirty clothes everywhere, and a video game console, huh?

In my defense,

that is what your old basement used to look like.

I've been making military beds for years.

Oh, here.

Oh, how's Denise?

Your mom said she was, um, having another baby?

Her... her second?

Third.

Oh...

[chuckling]

Wait, so does that mean you're...

you're alone for Christmas?

Yeah, I mean,

it's a busy season for Military Might,

and I want to help.

That's really thoughtful.

Um, should we just... we should start.

Let's... that's what these are for.

Now, don't you forget

to share some of that with your parents. Hmm?

Oh, I got that, Mrs. Huff.

A perfect choice for this year's collection.

-Thank you.

Are those fresh candy cane cookies I smell?

Yes! I forgot to take them out.

What in the world...?

Jay.

Oh...

Jay?

Oh!

Hello!

I had some holiday shopping to do, so...

How can I help?

I don't remember these from your house growing up.

Are they new?

My mom made them.

Viv did?

-Mm-hmm. -Wow.

She really is good.

She's a talent.

Both of my parents have been really supportive

about me serving.

Hey, I need to talk to you about something.

Way back in senior year...

Oh, we don't have to...

No, no, I... need to.

All right.

I didn't break it off with you

because of how you enlisted.

I did it because of what my mom and I went through

losing my dad.

And I should have said something, but I...

I didn't know how.

I'm really sorry.

You should have known.

I think I did know.

Deep down.

I didn't want you

to have to go through the same kind of loss again,

and that's why I guess I just kind of...

accepted it.

I hope it didn't keep you from moving on, and...

Oh... oh, I've dated.

Nobody that's really stuck,

but maybe I just haven't found the right person...

who can put up with me.

[she chuckles]

I keep thinking about your grandad's journal.

Yeah?

I can't help but wondering

whether it was the Army that kept him and Martha apart,

but if he had a second chance,

would he still sign up?

Yeah.

I was thinking maybe, uh, later,

I'd come by the shop around closing?

See if I can get the Candy Cane Express going?

...in case it needs more mechanics than batteries.

I think that would be good.

[sighing]

We cleared the whole display case today, twice.

That's so good!

Now I have to start unboxing stock for tomorrow.

It never stops.

Why didn't you ask Jay?

He said he was stopping by this morning.

He left for deliveries before I could.

Hmm.

Uh, Edward stopped by the shop today.

He had some Christmas shopping he wanted to do,

and I may have said yes

to go to the charity auction with him tonight.

Mom!

I panicked!

See what happens when you encourage me?

You're adorable.

You know, um, why don't you go home?

Get ready.

Put on some lipstick.

I'll take care of closing up.

-Really? -Mm-hmm.

Because I could just...

[doorbells jingling]

-Hey. -Hi.

How's the new niece?

Cutest thing you ever saw.

Show you a picture?

Mm.

-Mm... -[he chuckles]

Beautiful.

Give Denise and your parents my love.

I will.

Merry Christmas, Logan.

Merry Christmas to you too.

[doorbells jingling]

"A few months out on mission,

impatient to get back to base..."

Oh, what's that?

[Clara] It's a Christmas card.

It must be one of the ones he never sent.

Do you think

that he sent her Christmas cards

every time, like she asked?

I would, if it was me.

You would.

Here. You read.

"Even though my cards came back unopened,

I can't stop hoping one might get through,

that we'll have our great love.

I'll come find you the minute I finish my service.

'Til then, Merry Christmas, times infinity.

Love, Jerry."

I wonder if that was the last one he wrote,

and then after this...

he just... gave up?

It feels so sad.

Or...

even if Jerry and Martha never saw each other again,

maybe she opened up his heart.

If that's what he got

for falling in love for the first time...

maybe it's not a sad story.

Maybe that's what first love does...

It sets the tone for the rest of your life.

It's getting late.

Yup.

Hey, Blake...

give me a call.

There's something really important

we need to talk about.

I thought you'd enjoy winning that auction.

Three years of Barbecue of the Month club?

I guess you're going to have

to find someone to share it with.

We made a pretty good team on decorations...

Mm-hmm.

Though I have to admit,

I may have hidden the sheet after we signed up.

Oh, wait.

It was because of you

that we did all that by ourselves?

I wanted a way to spend one-on-one time

getting to know you better.

I thought I was ready,

but I'm not yet.

I just have so much to deal with.

I'm sorry.

Bonnie...

Thanks for a really great evening.

Really.

[door opening]

[call ringing]

[sighing]

[phone ringing]

-I broke Santa. - Jay?

I broke the Santa timer in the store,

and I couldn't find any extras in the back,

so I thought maybe you'd know where replacements are?

I got it.

No problem. I'll see you later.

[sighing] Okay, thank you.

Oof!

And they really work, too.

Right behind me, there's a lady

who's selling these amazing walnuts.

Go grab a bag and see.

Crush crush crush!

[phone ringing]

This is Logan.

Yes?

Yes, sir.

Yes, I will.

Thank you, sir.

[call ringing]

Hey, can you call me when you have a sec?

There's something I want to tell you about.

Thanks.

"My dearest Martha,

I couldn't resist writing one last time.

If there's one thing I've learned from these years,

the days run by,

the love won't stop,

the pages keep floating by,

and sometimes this whole life leaves you wishing

we could share five more minutes."

Huh.

"So I think we should meet."

Hi.

Hey, did you get my message?

Grandpa Jerry wrote to Martha.

Recently. Like, this year.

Tell me everything.

Uh, can you...?

He still wanted to connect.

You think they met up?

The card wasn't sent. It wasn't even addressed.

I don't think he knew where she lived, but...

...some part of him...

...still wanted to know if there was something there.

Should we give him that chance?

What, try and find her?

Deliver the card.

If you were Martha,

would you want to know how your granddad really felt

after all this time?

Everyone deserves to know if they were loved...

the way my grandpa loved Martha.

Let's go find Martha Thompkins.

This is our place.

Okay, my search gave me nine Martha Thompkins

in a 10-mile radius of Fayetteville.

Lucky number one.

[knocking]

Hi, are you Martha Thompkins?

Yes.

My name is Clara Brigham,

and my grandfather was Jerry Brigham.

I was wondering if you were the Martha Thompkins

who knew him in the '50s.

I don't remember any Jerry Brigham.

Well, thanks, and merry Christmas to you.

Merry Christmas.

[Clara] Thank you.

One down... eight to go.

Jerry Brigham?

No, I don't know anyone by that name.

Is he lost?

No, he passed away earlier this year.

We're looking for someone he knew.

A different Martha Thompkins, I guess.

There is another Martha Thompkins.

We know, ma'am.

You're the ninth we've tried in town.

I'm thinking of a woman who lives a few towns over.

We never met, but I used to get some of her mail.

We have the same middle name.

I kept her new address. One second.

It's gotta be her, right?

She must be in town.

I mean, she wouldn't have gone to all the trouble

of putting up these Christmas decorations

if she was going to be away for the holidays, right?

No, yeah, absolutely.

She's going to be around.

What are you going to say to her?

If it's her?

I guess I would, um...

want to find out why they didn't end up together.

You just never quite get over it.

Oh, that first Christmas after I deployed,

I wrote maybe 50 versions of a card to you.

Regret, and apologies, and...

my feelings.

I couldn't send it.

I couldn't have read it.

Not then.

I would have...

protected myself.

That's okay.

No...no,

I just realize that that's what I have been doing...

making safe choices.

Gravitating towards safe people.

Not believing that I could teach somewhere else,

or be the person that I used to be,

all the things that you...

that you've opened my eyes to.

Come on.

Yeah, to the person that you and my grandpa always saw.

Spend Christmas with me and my mom.

Please?

Your family is out of town, you shouldn't be alone,

and this week has been...

Yeah, I... Clara...

I've been called back to active duty.

Oh.

Yeah.

When?

Right after the new year.

But everything you said...

No, no, no, no, it's... it's okay.

Uh... um...

seriously. It...

Just, um...

can you take me home, please?

Clara...

[door closing]

Thanks for the ride back.

Yeah. Wait. I...

Do you still want to spend Christmas?

The time...

our timing,

it never...

Just please be safe.

Clara...

Merry Christmas.

Mom? You here?

Yeah. In the living room,

with, um...

Surprise.

Um, uh...

what're... you doing here?

I have to... uh, deal with something upstairs.

You said you wanted to talk, so...

Just, um, please, sit down.

[exhaling slowly]

[chuckling]

I saw the ring box.

Right.

So...

I... really care about you.

I think that's what I heard on the phone,

when you sounded so distant.

I can see a life with you.

Clara, if you're not jumping for joy

for me to ask you,

it's not really what I'm looking for either.

Look, I should have said something at the restaurant,

and I... but honestly, I didn't know how I felt,

and then I didn't want to say anything

until I knew, and...

And now you... and now you do?

Look, if everything happens for a reason,

then maybe seeing the ring was a sign.

I just...

I'm sorry. I am so sorry.

I never wanted to hurt you.

I... but just...

why don't you stay the night?

We have a guest room...

No, no, no, no, no. It's okay. It's okay.

I'm gonna... I'm gonna go.

I'm gonna head to the airport.

Um, say goodbye to your mom for me.

It was really nice to meet her, finally.

And, um...

merry Christmas, Clara.

Merry Christmas.

[Blake] It's all right.

Okay.

Mm...

thanks, Mom.

-Mm-hmm.

I ruined everyone's Christmas.

You did the right thing.

The way you learn and love with someone

is how you figure out how to move forward.

I, um, found Grandpa's journal.

You left it on the kitchen table.

I read it to the very end.

Was there any more about Martha?

Mm, much later,

when Grandpa got back from Korea.

"It was almost two years.

I was heading home for Christmas...

...and I was going to find my love.

I went to Martha's family home, but it had been sold,

so I asked around until I found her new address.

It was way outside town.

I walked miles until I finally found it.

Martha moved on without me.

I may never know if she got my letters,

or worse...

if she did, and it didn't matter."

Martha got married.

And had a family...

but so did Grandpa,

with Grandma Nell,

and she was wonderful.

The very best.

I'm so glad Grandpa had a second chance at love.

And so will you.

So will you.

I guess we just have to keep on wishing.

I wish Grandpa knew

everything he gave us.

Why did we make so much food?

We always make this much food.

One, it's Christmas Eve.

And two...

[both] ...leftover sandwiches.

[laughing]

[doorbell ringing]

Oh, I'll get it.

Kelly said she might stop by.

You better be bringing something good, because...

I'm sorry to intrude.

Are you Clara?

I think you left this in my mail. I'm...

You're Martha!

The Martha!

So you never received the letters?

My parents returned them without my knowing.

My mother didn't tell me about his letters

until right before she passed.

By then, I had married a wonderful man,

had three children, seven beautiful grandchildren,

and a happy life.

Your grandfather got married too, I know.

Oh, how did you know?

We spoke.

You and Jerry? When?

Last year.

He looked me up.

But his letter...

He didn't want another letter to get lost or returned,

so he tracked me down,

and we spoke on the phone several times.

We were going to meet face to face in June.

I know. I saw it in the paper.

I made my peace with it,

though I can't help but wonder what it would've been like

to see each other again,

even for five more minutes.

He loved you both so much.

He told me on the phone

how happy you made him.

What a life he had.

I have too.

And I credit Jerry.

But if he broke your heart...?

Once someone opens your heart,

you believe you're worthy of love.

Without Jerry,

I would never have the rest of my life.

And he would never have found Nell.

Thank you for inviting me in.

I'll let you get back to your holiday.

Ooh... I almost forgot.

In the envelope are a few photos I have from then

of Jerry and me.

Oh...

I thought you might enjoy them.

Oh, yes.

It was a pleasure to meet you.

-And you, Martha. -You too.

[alert ringing]

Uh, the motion detector went off at the shop.

There's nothing on the camera,

but I should go check it out.

No, I got it.

I'll be back before the turkey is rested and carved.

-Okay.

Jay?

What're you doing here?

I noticed some of these bulbs were out the other day,

and I kept forgetting to replace them.

I figured I'd take care of them.

Well, the motion sensors went off at the store,

so I came to check it out.

Oh, oh no! I didn't mean to set the sensors off.

I'm sorry.

Did I take you away from something?

It's been a really big night.

Don't you have family to celebrate with?

Oh, yes, I'm meeting them later.

Hey...

you wanna come in for a candy cane?

I would love to.

Thank you.

Candy canes were always my grandpa's favorite.

Because they're so sweet?

Because they last a long time,

and you can think your questions all the way through...

and by the time you get to the curly end,

you had your answer.

And what's your question now?

Do you think everyone gets a big first love?

-I did. -Did it work out?

No.

It taught me that I have that kind of love to give,

and taking a big risk with someone you love

is better than risking life without them.

An old friend of my grandpa's came to the house tonight.

She said the same thing.

She did?

-Mm.

What did she say?

She said that he opened her heart,

which opened her up to the rest of her life.

So much love flowed between them

in such a short amount of...

Are you okay?

I'm just a sucker for a good love story.

[chuckling]

I wish he could have seen her just one last time.

I wish we all could have those last moments back.

What would you have done differently?

I'd tell him how much his love meant to me,

and that I'm...

I'm the person that I am

because of his strength and humor.

That I'm the teacher I am

because of what he taught me...

and that I'm gonna be okay.

I just wish he could hear all that.

I wish he knew.

[chuckling]

He does.

He knows it now.

I really enjoyed

working here this last week, Clara.

Wait. Are you... are you going somewhere?

It's Christmas Eve.

Everyone... should be with someone they love.

[doorbells jingling]

[door closing]

[train whistle blowing]

[train running]

[whistling]

Jay?

Jay!

Jay!

[♪]

Jay...

Grandpa.

♪ At 16, it was 12:03 standing at her front door ♪

♪ And Katie's dad said midnight ♪

♪ But we needed just a little more ♪

♪ Yellow light flipping on and off ♪

♪ Interrupting that good night kissing ♪

♪ We wanted five more minutes ♪

♪ Time rolls by, the clock don't stop ♪

♪ I wish I had a few more drops of the good stuff ♪

♪ The good times ♪

♪ Oh, but they just keep on flying ♪

♪ Right on by like it ain't nothing ♪

♪ I wish I had me a pause button ♪

♪ Moments like those, Lord knows, I'd hit it ♪

♪ And give myself five more minutes ♪

Grandpa!

♪ At 86 my grandpa said ♪

♪ "There's angels in the room" ♪

Thank you, Grandpa.

Thank you.

I won't waste any time.

♪ With so much left to say ♪

♪ I prayed Lord, I ain't finished ♪

♪ Just give us five more minutes ♪

-Hey. -Come to Christmas Day.

Come to Christmas Eve dinner.

Come now.

We cannot waste any more time.

Did something happen?

Martha came to the house.

The Martha?

Yes!

Okay, come inside.

No, no, she and Grandpa were supposed to meet...

-What? No. Clara... -Yeah.

He was here.

He was here with me,

and he did what he always did...

he led me to the answers

without me knowing

after I wished...

and said out loud what was in my heart...

and he reminded me that every moment matters,

and that every second is a chance

to hold the people that you love close

and tell them how you feel...

and that taking a risk with someone you love

is better than risking life without them...

so wherever you go,

I will go.

You're where I belong.

♪ Time rolls by, the clock don't stop ♪

♪ I wish I had a few more drops of the good stuff ♪

♪ The good times ♪

♪ Oh, but they just keep on flying ♪

Let me take you somewhere.

♪ ...like it ain't nothing ♪

♪ I wish I had me a pause button ♪

♪ Moments like those, Lord knows, I'd hit it ♪

Edward.

Here you are.

Enjoy.

I'm very happy you invited Edward.

There's no reason to waste any more time, right?

[Clara] Right.

Well, I'm putting together a new resume

to send out to schools...

around here.

Wait, what?

Well, Logan's gonna be based out of Fort Bragg,

and you're a few miles away, so...

[laughing]

Oh...

Okay, everyone...

To Grandpa Jerry!

Grandpa Jerry!

Merry Christmas to all...

Merry Christmas!

...times infinity.

♪ Five more minutes ♪

[♪]