All language subtitles for Trading Up Christmas 2024 1080p WEB-DL HEVC x265 5.1 BONE

Hi, friends.
Read-Along-Michelle here.

And today, we are reading one of

my favorite Christmas stories.

Sound it out with me.

"The Most Magical
Christmas Stocking".

And this story is about a
girl who gets gifted the

most beautiful stocking
from her grandmother,

but this isn't
just any stocking.

No, this stocking is
able to make

one wish come true on Christmas.

So follow along with me-

onand if you getue
stuck on a word,

don't worry about it,
because just like

the magical stocking, I am
here to remind you

that anything is possible.

And wishes really do come true.

Hi, Dad.

Hey, Michi.
How's your day?

HMwah.d.
Good, how are you?

Good. You look
beautiful today.

Thank you!

- Guess what?
- What?

- I'm in love.
- Oh.

I think I finally found the one.

- Ain't she a beaut?
- Yeah!

But I mean, gonna be a
little hard to fit her

under the Christmas tree.

We're gonna need a bigger tree.

Under the-Wait. tmas tree.

Aren't you nervous though,

buying a boat off the internet?

I mean, it's basically
gonna be your new home.

No, no, people buy entire
houses off the internet now.

You should see
some of these ads.

People are practically
giving houses away.

- Gee, sign me up.
- Yeah.

Wish me luck, okay?
If this works out,

I'll be sailing around the
world by Valentine's Day.

Then I wish you zero luck.

I love you too.

I love ♪ou too.

Hm-hm, hot chocolate for you.

Auntie Michelle!

- Oh, hi, baby.
- Thank you.

You're welcome.!

Rosie, if you drink
that hot chocolate,

it'll count as dessert.

Rk Hot chocolate for you.

Thank you.

If you drink that hot chocolate,

it'll count as dessert.

Different rules, honey.

Plus, it can't count as
dessert because I already

have plans to stress eat
a yule log in bad.

We got bad news.

No, baby, it's not bad news.

This is beautiful.

You keep working on that, okay?

It's terrible news.

My landlord called this
morning to tell me

they're selling our building.

My landlOh, no! led this
mornil'm sorry. me

Although we did know
that was a possibility

when we found it.

I mean, that's why
the rent was so cheap.

I know, and it did help me save.

But now, we have to move, again.

So, we'll just find
you a new place.

I know, but also, I knew this
place was a bad idea, and...

I should have listened
to my gut because...

this will be our third
apartment, in five years.

And, moving's expensive,
but more so,

I'm worried I'm not giving Rosie

the stability she deserves.

- Yes, you are.
- Am I?

I mean, she already
divides time between

her dad's house and mine, and...

you know, his schedule's
always changing,

so he can't be relied on,
and now we're

moving around all the time?

So hel just want herd on,
to feel secure.

Moving around
alShe does. e?

I wish I could just
win the lottery and,

and buy you a house.

Oh, oh, we could do,
wiwe could do, um, d,

what's it called? The crowd,
crowd funding!

No! I am not a
charity case.

And also, you're sweet, but,
this is not your problem.

Keri, if it's your problem,
it is my problem.

And also, you're sweet, but,
this iSo, we will... blem.

Figure it out, together.

I hope so.

Figure it out, toge♪her.

Figure it out, toge♪her.

But I want something
on my desk later today.

Dan, give me your pitch
for a holiday article.

Excuse me?
That is not my beat.

Dan, in the time it took
you to utter that sentence,

a dozen local newspapers
were shut down,

so everything is
everybody's beat now, okay?

Let's try this again.
Gimme that pitch.

Oh, okay, okay, how about this?

Let's try this again.
Christmas cyber-crime.

Is Santa Claus,
stealing your identity?

- Okay, back to your desks.

ICome on, man!,
I need warm and fuzzies.

I need readers.

I need advertising revenue
so we can all keep our jobs.

And I need to write
a story with meaning.

Well, you're the writer, Dan.

It's your job to
give a story meaning.

I want something.
I mean it.

But it's the coolest story!

This kid, over the course
of two years, traded up,

so he starts with a,
a rubber band,

and then he'd trade for a
blender, and then a laptop,

and eventually he
traded up to a house.

Amazing.

The power of the
human spirit, huh?

Your enthusiasm is noted,

but my point is
you could do this.

Except that kid had two years,

and apparently a lot
of energy and optimism,

none of which I share.

Well, then, I could do it.

- Are you joking?
- No, I mean, I want to help.

I feel guilty. I'm partially
responsible since

I found you the apartment,
and you know,

unless you and Rosie want
to move in with me?

I found you the apartment, an,

unlesOkay, well then, want
why not just let me try?

I found yCome on, partment,
try trading for a house?

UnlesOOkay, when you, want
why say it like thattry?

I fit does sound kindaent,
try tcrazy, but... house?

You know, I was
reading the article

and I just felt like...
something clicked,

and I know that click.
It just means that-

That it's time for
one of Michelle's

harebrained schemes?

You say harebrained
schemes, I say...

- Imaginative solutions.
- Then I guess, fine.

Spend two years trying
to trade for a house.

But Rosie and I have to be
out of our place by

February 1st, so I'll be on
the apartment hunt.

Well, what if I can
do it before then?

Every project loves a deadline.

Agree to disagree.

Okay, well, what if I can
do it by Christmas?

This Christmas?

The same Christmas
that's ten days away?

Why not?

Because that kid took two
years to trade for a house,

and you're gonna do it
in less than two weeks?

If it is doable,
then I will do it.

- Or I will go down trying.

Okay, I can see,
that you've really

latched onto this, so...

fine, you have my blessing.

But, I don't want Rosie to know.

I don't want her to
get her hopes up.

But, I don't want
RosieDeal.now.

And please, make it anonymous.

I don't need people
thinking I'm a charity case.

Okay, it's not charity,
it is trade.

And I know you love
an impossible project,

but don't get your
hopes up. Okay?

I will take that as a pep talk.

You will take anything
as a pep talk.

I w-Love you. hat
-Love you too.

I knew you'd forget about the

ugly Christmas sweater
party today, so...

I consciously chose to
excise this from my memory.

Well, Kuzora wants to see you,

and he's feeling
very festive, so...

you might want to
don the sweater.

Dan, Dan, come here.

What's up?

So, I'm up late last
night doing your job,

scouring the internet
for a story...

when what do I stumble across?

"Trading a stocking
for a house"?

Read it.

Ah, "This isn't just a stocking.

It's a family heirloom
my grandma made for me.

This stocking has seen our
family through ups and downs,

loves and losses.

This stocking is basically
our family crest."

- Oh, that's sweet.
- Mm-hm, it gets better.

"Now I'm looking to trade
the stocking for a house."

She's trying to trade a
sock for a house, hm.

Keep reading!

"To give the ultimate
Christmas present of

providing a forever home
for someone I love dearly.

And no, I don't think

you'll trade a stocking
for a house,

but maybe you can
help me on my way?

You'll need a houseking
by Christmas."

She wants a house
heby Christmas. ay?

Is that all? Wow.

"Many thanks.
Trading Up Christmas."

Well, as I previously stated,

"Many thanks.
Tthis is not my beat."

Well, and as previously stated,

you want to keep
your job, right?

Readers love this
pkind of story. ed,

So find her!

Readers love this
pkind of♪story. ed,

Are you Trading Up Christmas?

Not me.

- Trading Up Christmas?
- No, not me.

You must be
Trading Up Christmas.

Can you imagine

if that was my real name?
Wouldn't that be-Sorry, um...

Cool sock.

- Ugly sweater.
- Yeah, I get that lot.

So, is this what
you do for a living?

No, ah...

I'm a reading specialist.

I create programs that
foster literacy in schools.

I also work with kids who
have learning challenges.

And I have YouTube channel,
where I teach reading.

I also work with kids who
haVery cool, very cool.s.

What about you?
What do you do?

I alsolt's funny yous who
haVery should ask.cool.s.

I happen to be a
journalist for...

Worcester Watch.

Did you email me earlier today?

Yeah, but I was hoping
that we could discuss it

a little further, you know,
it's just one article.

YeaThere's nothingping
that wto discuss. cuss it

Like I said, the person who
I'm getting this house for

doesn't want any attention.

Then we won't include them.

But, you lied to get me here.

I did not lie.

You said you were
coming to trade.

I am here to trade.
I'm gonna trade you

your story for the most
precious asset of all...

publicity.

You can keep your "publicity".

But I'll take your sweater.

The sweater off my back?

The sweater you came to trade.

Okay. You want it,
it's yours.

Thank you.

Trade one, and done.

Thanks a bunch.

And good luck with whatever
your story ends up being.

I hope you find it honestly.

Hello?

You missed the ugly
Christmas sweater party!

I don't know if I'd
say I missed it.

YoCute. Did you ugly
Chrfind Trading Up? arty!

I did, she's not interested.

Well, get her interested
because I want

this story in two days.

Well, get her interested
Alright, we'll see.

Do you want me to
break down these boxes?

No, I'm gonna use them
for packing.

We're actually seeing
an apartment later.

Oh?

A little out of our budget,

but slim pickings
this time of year.

A littlMommy! Mommy! budget,

This is the house
I'm going to buy us.

I'm going to sell hot
chocolate at

Santa's Story Village,

and then use the money to
buy us a house.

It's going to have a
room for each of us,

and a really big backyard.

Rosie, you are so sweet.

But houses can cost
a lot of money.

Then I'm just gonna have to
sell a lot of hot chocolate.

BuShe's tenaciousst
like her auntie.

"Willing to trade your
sweater for a box of

Christmas lights."

"Some lights work."

Some lights work?
Ugh!

Even though I don't
think it was lying...

I want to apologize.

It's fine.
Apology accepted.

Really?

Doesn't sound like you
accept my apology.

Obviously, I accept
your apology.

I'm here, aren't I?

OBesides, it's just
yone article.

And you're right,
it probably will be

Ogood for my cause,
so let's get it over with.

Oh, but first, I have a caveat.

As I told you before,
so lethe person that with.

I'm getting the house for
wants to remain anonymous

so, no digging.
Deal?

Deal.

As far as the trading,
what's your plan?

My plan?

As far as the trading,
whMy plan is... n?

Not to reinvent the wheel.

You know, people have been
trading for houses before me.

I've been reading their stories.

- I identified a pattern.
- And what is it?

You have to trade up
enough times to get a

big ticket item-so, a laptop or

a gaming console,
and then a vehicle.

And from there,
you trade up to a house.

Okay. And you really think
this is gonna work?

I do.

Seems like it's gonna
require a lot of...

kindness from strangers.

Wouldn't that be a wild
news ticker for you?

Breaking news!

Christmas inspires
kindness in strangers.

Well, actually,
I'm a print journalist,

so it would be a headline.

Well, actually,
I'This is going well. t,

so it would
bl think so.e.

You better get a move on.
I need a story.

Oh, well, I'll get right to it,

since you've got a deadline.

Oh-Dan? l,
I'll get-Yeah? to it,

You know that stocking
I traded you?

Oh-Dan? l,
I'll geUh-huh. to it,

It means a lot to me so,
when I get the house,

I'm gonna trade you back for it.

Well, if it means
so much to you,

why would you trade
it in the first place?

It just felt right.
But I'll get it back.

I wouldn't be so sure. I kind
of like that little sock.

I might want to hang on to it.

I wouldn't be so sure. I kind
of lilt's a stocking.ock.

Okay, well-Oh, and,
just between me and you-

off the record-
You really think you can

get a house in time
for Christmas?

Isn't it kind of like...

trading a cow for magic beans?

I would trade a cow for magic
beans any day of the week.

So, yeah, I do think
I'm going to get

a house by Christmas.

So, yeah, I do think
I'mWatch me. get

a house by♪Christmas.

So, yeah, I do think
"Brimming with confidence,

Kostka seems up to the
challenge of the trades.

And as she proudly says,
'never hesitate to trade

the cow for a handful
of magic beans'."

Excuse me.
It's freezing out!

- Hi, Dad.
- Hey.

How's the boat hunt going?

Ah, there was a keel
issue on the last one,

so I'm back in the market.

How's "Operation Michelle
Gets You A House

Before Christmas" going?

- Grandpa!
- Rosebud, hey!

- Mwah!
- Wait.

Mommy, Auntie Michelle's
getting us

a house for Christmas?
Our own house?

M-Like a forever house? s
ge-Um... us

Yes!
Ah, I mean, no.

M-LikNo! I'm sorry. use? s
I mean, maybe?

So we're getting a house?

I am working on it.

Wow. That's the
So webest news ever. ouse?

That's what I asked
I amSanta for. n it.

Can you please let me
down so I can call Daddy?

That's what I asked
I amSantOh.or.n it.

We weren't telling her!

I didn't want her
to get her hopes up.

And now she's calling
Wher dad. Cover for me.

I didn't see her there, and...

I'm sorry!

It is a stocking!

Yeah, it's a stocking.

It is a ♪tocking!

Good start on that article.

Been up an hour,
already very sticky.

Yeah, it's getting
three times more traction

than my climate piece.

Which, by the way,
I have a new pitch for...

"Unwrapping Climate Cost:
What You Need To Know."

No.
People want good news.

This is good news.

This will pose a solution for,
for a green Christmas.

Once again, no.

Also, I already have
you on something,

as I've decided to turn
Trading Up into a series.

No, no, no, that wase
supposed to be a one off.

Then I guess you did
too good a job.

So, you follow Trading Up
until she gets a house.

That could be my entire
journalistic career!

And, and that's IF
she gets the house.

That's a big if.

ACall her. Tell her
shethe good news.e.

May I help you?

You're somehow
still angry with me?

Ah, you called it a sock!

Family crest didn't
quite have the same...

ring to it.

- And magic beans?
- What?

That was a direct quote.

Look, if you didn't like
the article, you're in luck.

You get a redo.
My boss just told me

he's turning the piece
into a series, so...

I'm going to be
following you around

until you get the house.

I'm sorry. Was that you
asking for my consent?

Michelle, may I please
follow you around

until you get the house?

I think the coverage
will be great for you.

Well, since you
asked so nicely...

No.

But since your article
did lead to

an uptick in responses...

Fine.

Actually, I'm setting up
my next trade right now.

Oh, congrats.
What is it?

It is a gift certificate to
my Duke's for their now.

Christmas eggnog tasting.

You sure that's a trade up?

I was until you asked me that.

Look, the tasting serves four.

It has monetary value.
It's a good gift.

Maybe.
But if I were you...

I'd give it a little bit
Itmore thought.t.

Okay.

Yeah, I'm gonna
pick it up tonight.

Thank you, bye!

Yeah, I'm gonna
pick it u♪ tonight.

Thaye!

You?!
You're here.

That's kind of desperate.

- Desperate for eggnog.
- Ha-ha.

See what you did there.
ThaSeriously, though.ate.

Come to plant more
seeds of doubt?

Well, if by that, you mean

perform my duty as
journalist, then yes.

And I'm here for the eggnog.

Yeah, it's got a certain charm.

Do you just refuse to be
impressed by anything?

This place is a town staple.

I've been coming
here my entire life.

Well, I just moved
here a year ago, so...

Where were you before?

WWell, I grew uped
here in Madison. so...

I went to college
Wherein Chicago, efore?

And I stayed there
for a little while.

- Why move here?
- My brother lives here.

Oh, that's so sweet.
I totally, totally get it.

I'm very close with my sister.

She's the best.
I mean,

who else would I be trying
to get a house for?

- Wow.

I think that might be the
worst kept secret

in all history.

I, I'm not so great with
secrets, but please, please,

please don't put
her in your article.

You promise?
You promise? You promise?

I promised, and I stand by that.

Thank you.

So, all of this is...

this is for your sister?

Yeah.
She's my everything.

We're like best friends.

Our dad raised us on his own,
and now he might be

moving away, so it'll just
be us and my niece.

They could really use the
stability, and I just,

I really want to help.

They cAnd she can'tse the
stabafford a house? st,

Well, she does own
Kostka Home, on Main..

Oh, yeah, I know
that place. It's very busy.

Yeah, she does well,
but she just expanded,

and then that coincided with
her divorce, which,

Yyou know, ran into,
buta financial hit. ed,

But she's always dreamed
of owning her own home.

Just never had the down payment.

- Anthem of a generation.
- Mm-hm.

Hi, I'm Duke.

Oh, are you Michelle with
the ugly sweater trade?

- That's me.
- Ain't that hideous?

Ah, I love it.
I'll take it.

- Yeah.
- Great.

- And I like your posts.
- Thank you.

Yeah, I'm always looking
online at those posts and

-And I like your posts.
Yours struck a chord.

Thank you.

And thank you for
the support and...

and for my second
trade in the books.

- Mind if we get a photo?
- Yeah, yeah, of course.

Dan, get in here.
He's doing my PR.

He's Ha-ha. my PR.

All right, so do you two
have to...

run right away, or can I treat
you to a flight of our best?

I would love some eggnog.
That's why we came.

Would you like a
Christmas beverage?

Yes, thank you.

Alright, follow me.

Yes, th♪nk you.

Mm, yeah, I think my favorite

is the straight vanilla eggnog.

Except you're drinking
the sugar cookie eggnog.

I figured a journalist might
be more attuned to details.

Okay, well, one,

what's the dominant flavor
in sugar cookie?

Vanilla.
And two...

I guess that's why journalism
is going the way of the dodo.

Are you worried about that?

Yeah, yeah, I am. I mean,
you see what's happening

with small news outlets, and
I believe in local news.

I think if we're going
to unify a divided country,

with it's going to come, and
I bthrough developingws.

I thia shared senseing
to unifof community. ountry,

Well said.
And I agree, totally.

What about you?

What inspired you
to becoming a...

a reading specialist?

Um, well...

I had dyslexia that went
undiagnosed until I was ten.

So, growing up,
I kind of felt like...

something was wrong with me...

Sand learningp,
I kwas impossible.e...

But then I got help, and it
changed my life, so...

now I want to help kiddos,
and that's why

I have my program and
my channel and...

I do a book donation fair
every year called

Santa's Story Village, sorry.

IOh, hey! We got a trader
efor the eggnog! d

Ha!

All right, ah...

"This eggnog and that wreath,"

it's kind of like a
sideways trade at best.

We need to trade up, up and out.

"We"?

Okay, we need to find Mary.
Do you need a tree?

Need is not the
word I would use.

Let me rephrase.

Do you currently have
a tree in your home?

I do not.

That one's cute.

-This one?
I-Mm-hm..

Oh, yeah. It's also the
price of my heating bill.

What's the point?

I mean, nothing says holiday
cheer like finding

pine needles in your
sock until June.

You really don't like Christmas.

Why are you writing this series?

- You didn't want to.
- I had my reservations.

Like what?

I got this funny thing
about me where

I want to write stories
that have meaning.

- Gee, thanks.
- No, what I meant was...

I want to write stories
that could change the world.

Well, changing the
world starts at home.

And happy stories
have meaning too.

I just feel like your
expectations are unrealistic

and your goal is
next to impossible.

There, I said it.

Well, lucky for you, I try to do

something impossible
nearly every day.

WelFor example, you,
today's impossibility

was to try and find
you charming.

How's that working out?

Day's not over yet.

But it doesn't matter what
you think because I believe

in myself, and I know
that I will get a house.

Despite the fact that
your last two trades

have done next to nothing?

Despite the fact that
yYes, despite that...

I'll get a house.

In fact, why don't we make this

a little more interesting?

More interesting than
conjuring a house

out of thin air in the
a litnext seven days? ting?

I gotta hear it.

If I get a house, I want
my stocking back.

And if I don't, you can have
the gift of your choice.

If I get a house, I want
my stock♪ng back.

Alright, bet.
Fair warning:

Ifmy gift might be toant
keep that little sock.

- Hi!
- Hi!

- You must be Mary.
- I am!

And you're Michelle!

I've never traded
something online before,

but I read that article,
and loved the idea.

- I wrote it.
- Well...

but I read that article,
This is the wreath!

And it feels fitting
for you to have it.

Thank you.

When I first moved to town
and was just getting

on my feet, a stranger
gifted me a wreath and,

that little kindness
made all the difference.

It's perfect.
Thank you.

Here's your certificate.

Do you mind if we get a photo?

- Mm-hm.
- Yay. Okay.

Perfect. Oh, Mary,
one more thing.

Mm-hm?

Dan here, he needs a tree.

- A big one.
- Hm, okay...

Okay...

Hey, look! Look, look!
Look what I got.

Oh! It's so beautiful!

-Is this my new house?
Lo-Hilarious.ot.

Does everybody doubt me?

I don't doubt you.
Really, I don't.

But actually, I did want to
talk to you about

the house thing.

BI feel like you're takingo
this a little more seriously

than I thought you would.

And I don't want you to
put in all this time

and then be disappointed.

And plus, I don't
want you to feel like

you have to take care
of us all the time.

I don't feel like I have to.

I want to, and...

it's kind of fun.

Okay, well, thank you.

But since you're
doing all this and

Santa's Story Village,
I thought I could

host Christmas Eve
dinner this year.

But I always host Christmas.

I- You have the store to run,
and you're packing.

- I can take care of it.
- Are you sure?

Yeah! Easy peasy,
lemon squeezy.

Dan Bautissa.
Thank you.

Dan Bautissa.
Small world.

I swear I'm not following you.

I've been coming here
long before I met you.

It's fine.
Nice to see you.

Ditto.

So, any bites on the wreath?

It's received a
lot of responses.

Your article definitely helped.

Oh!
"Thank you, Dan."

Thank you, Dan.

However, none of these
responses are particularly...

great, ah...

I've got a reindeer
lawn set that that

may or may not still inflate.

I've got a reindeer
Okay, that's a pass.

A handmade elf costume
that self-admittedly

smells like mothballs.

A You know, I thinkume
tyou need to startly

thinking outside the box.

That's your advice?

I don't know if you've
been paying attention,

but thinking outside the
box is kind of my thing.

Well, what I mean is,

maybe you need a
second set of eyes.

Do you mind if I take
a look at these emails?

- Knock yourself out.
- Okay.

Do you mind if I take
Ooh, this is intriguing.

- Knock -Yeaself out.
- But unhygienic.

Do you mind if I take
Ooh, Oh, here we go.uing.

- You got a bite?
- Definitely.

Do y-What is it? take
Ooh-Do you trust me? ing.

Not sure yet, but mostly no.

Do y-Okay, well, take
Othis is a great trade..

And if you don't like it...

Wait, you're seriously not
gonna tell me what it is?

I think it's better
if I just show you.

Wait, yo-Come on. ously not
gonna t-Wha... Oh. it is?

- Come on!
- Okay, okay!

- Oh!
- You dropped your hat.

I'm coming!
Oh, my goodness.

You're really not even going
to give me a little hint?

I...

Is that? Are you?

Yeah, that's my brother.

The real estate king of this
town is your brother

and you just failed
Yeato mention that? ther.

Why would I mention it if it
doesn't come up organically?

Well, I don't know.
Maybe because

he could help me get a house.

Wouldn't that interfere with
your trading up integrity?

Michelle! Dan!
Hi, I'm Chloe.

- I'm a hugger.
- Hi.

And actually kind of a
fangirl of yours, Michelle.

-I'm a hugger.
I love this trading up idea.

When my family immigrated to
the States, we had nothing.

Everything we owned was
either found for free or...

traded so, kind of keeping
the family traditions alive.

- I love that.

TradAnd thank you foreping
thesupporting my cause... ve.

With... coo...
cookies?

- Cookies?
- My fault.

I wanted to surprise Michelle.

Stay right here.
I will go get him.

Him?

Oh, you're gonna love this.
You're gonna love this.

One sec, just a little cranky.

- Oh.

- Okay, there we go.
- Haha, huh?

- Oh!
- Ooh, there we go.

One of these, and...

Nick was a part of my
holiday display for years

until he broke down on me.

But he's very well-loved.

Until he broke
Sure is... something.

Right?
He's something.

You know what?

I'm gonna let the three
of you get acquainted.

Make sure that this
is the right trade.

Ah!

Appreciate it, Chloe.

- Nick.
- What?!

How about this?

I'm sorry, but my last
few trades were sideways,

but festive night at
Freddy's here is a trade up?

Who is gonna want that?

Ah, I know, I think
I know exactly

who's gonna want this
guy right here.

We got to be more proactive
about how we go about this.

You know, if we're going to
trade up to a house

before Christmas, you can't just

wait for people to come to you.

BefoWe have toas,
yseek them out.

Give the people what they want.

So you're saying you have
someone who wants this,

and is willing to trade
something of value?

Yeah.
Yeah, I think I do.

So, do we have a verdict?

Come on, come on, come on,
come on, come on!

- We'll take him.
- Awesome!

Oh, you're going to
love him, I promise.

Okay, well...
here you go.

Oh, You know whileto
lyou guys are here.

You two should
decorate some cookies.

You know, 'cause I'm
lso into holidays.

I would love to
decorate some cookies.

I don't know about Michelle.

She's a little bit of
a stick in the mud.

Wet blanket, if you will.

Nothing that
cookies can't solve.

This way.

Cookies.

I'm not sure about this trade.

I told you, I'm going
to help you. Trust me.

Wouldn't that interfere with
your journalistic integrity?

Well, then I guess
there goes my Pulitzer.

Hm, probably went to a
story with meaning.

I'm sorry I said that.

Hm, probably went to a
storylt's okay.ing.

It means something to me
and that's all that matters.

I think it has meaning
to a lot of people.

You know, if you're so
willing to help me

with this trade,
why won't you just

call your brother and
ask for help?

He might know of,
why of, like, just

an abandoned property
or something.

I'm not going to
talk to my brother.

I haven't spoken to him
in almost a year.

Our mom passed away.

I havWe got into ao him
dispute over the...

estate.
And, ah...

I don't know. Things got
really tense between us.

- I'm sorry.
- That's okay.

I don't know how things
got so bad so fast.

You know, I started
to feel like...

he would put money
over family, like,

he'd put money
over anything. I mean,

I moved out here so
I could be close to him.

Now I don't know
why I'm still here.

I moved out here so
Have you told him this?

No.

Well, then how is he
supposed to know, or change?

I don't think he can change.

You don't know if you don't try.

Wow, look at these cookies!

Murdered by icing.

I will trade you these
cookies for my stocking back.

I kind of like the stocking.
Yeah, it keeps my foot warm.

I will trade you these
cookies for mEw! tocking back.

I kYou just worry aboutking.
Yeagetting that house... arm.

And the stocking is all yours.

You can still have the cookies.

You know, that was
actually kind of fun.

Oh, did you actually
enjoy something festive?

Dan...

You're sure you have this
next trade lined up, right?

Because...

I'm kind of exactly where I
was at the beginning of this,

only now I have less time..

And I really want
to come through

for Keri and Rosie here.

I am pretty confident the
next trade will be vertical.

Okay.

I am And, if we don't the
next tget the house... tical.

You still tried.

Yeah, ah...

Except trying doesn't
really give my sister

and my niece a place to live.

But... it's going
to be great.

Forget I said anything.

But... it's going
tGood night.

Good night...

Hey, Jack...
It's me.

- Hey, Michi.
- Hi, Dad.

Look at the news ticker.

"Christmas inspires
kindness in strangers."

Well, it's print,
so it's a headline.

And that's just Dan
kinmaking fun of me.s."

WNo, no, no, no,
so he's sincere.ne.

Let me read you my
favorite part.

"Armed with determination
and indefatigable optimism,

Michelle is determined to

bring Christmas
miracles to life."

Stop.

Anyway. How's it going
with the boat?

Well, good, good.

I got a lead on a
strong contender.

And inspired by you,

they might even be
sopen to trading.

- What are you gonna trade?
- TBD, as the kids say.

They might even be
soOh, and, ah...

I wanted to check in about
Santa's Story Village.

I mean, I'm happy to
oversee the book donation.

No, I've got everything handled.

You just focus on being
the best Santa ever.

Oh, I will.

Hey, Michelle.

Hi.

Um, Dan, this is my dad, Eli.

Oh, hey, nice to meet you.

I've been enjoying
your articles.

Oh, I'm glad somebody
in your family does.

Actually, your latest
one was shockingly sweet,

even for you.

- Thank you.
- Did you get a lead on the...

On the next trade?
Is that why you're here?

No, I haven't yet.

I'm actually here
to meet somebody.

Oh... great.
Yeah.

Ah, well...

Have fun.

Have fun.

- You keep these coming.
- All right.

- Good meeting you.
- Yeah, yeah, you too.

- Hey, man!
- Hey.

How are you doing?
It's good to see you.

Long time no see.

Actually, I see you
all the time.

Don't remind me,
I feel ridiculous.

Is that why you chose
this as a meeting spot?

Ha-ha.
I couldn't help myself.

But it seems business is good.

Business is great.

Yeah, we have
expanded the office,

took on a few new realtors.

Yeah, yeah.

And you're still at The Watch?

Yeah, yeah, you know,
journalism is a sinking ship,

but I'll happily
go down with it.

Ah.

Also, I wanted to meet
with you 'cause...

holiday season.

Also, I wanted to meet
Easy to be sentimental.

And you're my brother,
you're my only family.

I moved out here so I
could be close to you.

Still live here.

So I'm just hoping
that we could...

fix this whole thing.

- Yeah, me too.
- Good.

Yeah...

So, should we continue
to stand awkwardly by

my bench ad, or do you want
to go get a cup of coffee?

- 'Cause I'm freezing.
- Let's get a coffee.

- Yeah, cool, let's do it.
- I got it.

- Code red.
- Hm?

What's, what's a code red?

- Cute guy.
- What? Oh.

W-Dan?,
wh-You know him? d?

- Yeah, that's the reporter.
- Go!

- Go talk to him.
- Okay.

- Yeah, th-Dan, hi.reporter.
- Hi, Michelle.

Ah, Dan, this is
my sister, Keri.

- Yeah, th-Dan, hi.reporter.
- HKeri. Dan.e.

-Very nice to meet you.
My-Likewise.eri.

How was your date?

I didn't have a date.
Why would you think that?

Michelle has quite
the imagination.

Oh, I know that about her.

She's also terrible at
keeping smoking hot secrets.

Oh, okay. Anyway,
I got good news.

I heard back about the trade.

- We got the green light.
- Yeah?

I -Mm-hm. ack
about-Yes! trade.

What are we trading for?

Do you trust me yet?

Yes.

I'm gonna go check it out.
You wanna come?

- All right.
- Okay.

He's a solid code red.

- All right.
- OSh!

Nice meeting you.

Bye, Dan.

- No, I got it.
- Are you sure?

Yeah, no...
finesse it.

Oh, oh, careful.

Alright.
You ready?

Yep.

- Let's do it.
- Okay.

- Otis!
- Oh!

Hey, Otis!

Probably in the back.
Otis!

Sorry.
Who are we meeting?

Oscar the Grouch?
What is this place?

Sorry.
WhoAnd who is... ng?

Who is Otis?

A colleague of mine wrote
an article about him

about a year ago.
He's a fixer.

- Oh!

- Otis!
He-Oh! Oh! er.

Otis!

- There he is.
- Hey, there.

- Hi!
- You must be Michelle.

- Yes.
- I'm Otis.

- Hi, nice to meet you.

- How you doing?
- Hey.

What do you,
what do you do here, Otis?

-Well, this is?
My repair cafe.

I take broken things
and I fix them.

I like to see possessions
in a new light.

You know,
find new value in them.

So when Dan showed me
your post, I thought...

hm, there's someone
after my own heart.

Also, I have a
stocking like yours.

My mom made it.

Oh, my grandma made mine.

- What's she like?
- She was the best.

Nothing could keep her down.

She said to me when she
gave me the stocking that,

whoever's stocking
hung next to mine

better love me as
much as she did.

So let's make
Grandma happy, huh?

Let me show you the snowmobile.

- Yes!
- Snowmobile?

Then y'all can
introduce me to Santa.

- Mm-hm.
- Purrs like a kitten.

Just had the engine
tuned up last week.

- Are you sure?
- Positive.

I'm happy to help.

Yeah, you've got a deal.

Wow. I just need to figure
out how to get it home.

Oh, I can drop it off.
Tell me where.

Wow. I just need to figure
out howThank you! home.

- All right.
- Well...

Look at this guy.

- I was wrong.
- About what?

About your story
not having meaning.

You inspire people.
It has a ripple effect.

You should read the comments.

Oh, I do.

No, I mean, the good ones.

I do.

People are doing things
they thought they couldn't.

- You're contagious.
- Thank you.

It does feel like a lot of
pressure, though, I mean...

I know I've made some progress,

but I only have a few days left,

and now people are
following a series about it?

But I mean, have
what if I fail?,

Well, failure is
always a possibility,

bbut as you'vee
whshown me... l?,

so is achieving the impossible.

Bbut as you'vee
Says the serial doubter.

What do I know?

I have no idea how this
whole thing is

going to come together, but...

-But I hope you succeed.
Wh-Thank you. s

-But I hope you succeed.
Wh-Than♪ you. s

I got us a snowmobile!
It's huge!

A working snowmobile,
by the way.

I mean, do you know
what we could

trade up to you for that?

Michelle, I know you've put
a lot of time and energy

into the trading, but I
need you to stop.

Why? I just-

Rosie read The Watch articles.

And?

And now she's really
convinced that

this is going to happen.
Her hopes are sky high.

She's gonna be crushed when
you can't get us a house.

Well...

wouldn't she be more
crushed if I just gave up,

and then you definitely
don't get a house?

I want to be positive here.

There's no chance of this.

No one is going to
just give us a house.

Not give!
Trade.

I love you, I'm grateful.

Thank you.

I need you to stop,
I'm okay? ful.

"With a big ticket
item on the horizon,

it increasingly seems that
nothing can stop Michelle.

The community is rallying
behind her efforts,

as Kostka makes a strong
attempt to prove that

creativity and holiday
spirit can make even

the loftiest dreams come true,

and inspire the most
fervent of disbelievers."

Dan, you see the traction
on your last piece?

- Readers love it.
- But?

They want to know
who the house is for.

No, no, no, no, no,
I made a promise.

They want to know
who I can't tell.for.

But you can ask her at the end.

Look, a, a big reveal
would make a great finish.

A great finish would be
me finishing this series

with a little bit of integrity
still intact, so...

Unfortunately,
no can do, my man.

Fine, for now.

Oh, also, really strong writing.

There's been a shift in you.
What's changed?

Just writing in my usual tone.

Only now I'm taking out
any sense of logic

Just writing in
or serious journalism.

Only Well, keep upg out
anythe good work. c

I just can't understand
her wanting to stop.

I mean, ou're actually
close to a house.

I know, but...

Look, she's just, she's
trying to protect Rosie, so...

I have to respect that.

I'm sorry if this
ruins your story.

Don't worry about the story.

Ah, I got it.

Well, it was nice meeting you.

Yeah, you too.

Hey, ah...

I'm going to miss
seeing your face.

Ditto.

Hi, Dan.
Michelle isn't here.

Oh, no, I'm actually
here to see you.

Oh, you're here to convince
me to change my mind.

No, no, not really.

Oh, Michelle, she's, she'sce
mea force of nature..

That she definitely is.

You don't meet too
many adults with her...

spirit.

You know, somebody
who believes that

dreams can still come true.

I know I don't, I don't
know her so much,

but I know that she loves you.

And she gets so much joy
out of being your sister

and trying to help you.

I know that.

And I think this whole
antrading up thing isu.

Just as much for her
as it is for you.

Because she needs to believe
that she could do something.

She needs to believe that
anything is possible.

Think about it.

Think a♪out it.

I'm so happy this is back on.

And your article must have
been very well read

because I have,
like, 100 responses.

Oh, yeah, everybody
wants a snowmobile.

But we've got to
pick the right one.

We've only got four
days 'til Christmas.

It's nice to see you're not
feeling the pressure at all.

Hm? Not at all.

Oh, read this one.

"Willing to trade Christmas
vacation for snowmobile.

All expenses paid trip
for four to Hawaii.

Airfare included."

See, now, that's a good trade!

Right?

Although, I don't know
if it's good enough

to get me a house.

No, but it'll boost our
number of responses,

and something in there might
be a big enough trade

for a house.
You see?

Since when did you
become such an optimist?

Is that what this is?

Since when did you
become ptimist?

I kinda like it.

Thank you.

A couple of things I wanted
to go over about your booking!

How exciting!

Oh, just excuse me one moment.

Hi, hon, you must be Michelle.

Yes.
And this is Dan.

Hi. Well, I'm just
finishing up,

and then I will be
right with you.

Why don't you help
yourselves to some cider?

Okay?

These look fun!
Oh, sunset picnics.

Rose petals on the pillows!

No, it looks like fun.

I'm sure you and your
significant other

would have a great time.

Are you asking if I'm single?

No, just making
wouldconversation. time.

You're a journalist,
so I imagined you

should have done
your background.

But yes, I'm single.

Wow, how is that possible?

I'm not sure if you've noticed,

but I can be a lot.

Kind of an acquired
taste, I guess.

- You don't say?
- What about you?

- Heartbreaks? Exes?
- Nope.

How's that possible?

Here's a fun fact about me...

I've never been in a
long-term relationship.

Based off your expression...

it's not such a fun
fact after all, I guess.

- I'm sorry.
- No, it's okay.

Itl don't usuallyun
factlead with that.uess.

So, you just
-Ndon't date? y.

No, I, I date.

Just never past six months.

- Why?
- I have a rule.

Nothing sticks past six
unless she is the one.

Thank you both for coming in.

You enjoy your vacation.
UnlessBon voyage. one.

You eHey, you two, ation.
Unlesscome on in. one.

Sure, thank you.

I love this.
And I love you.

- And I love the articles.
- Dan wrote them..

Ah, Dan, they reminded me

of my family.
Made me cry.

Full on waterworks.

Oh, I am rooting for you
the whole way.

So, obviously,
this is all online,

but I've collated the info
for you here:

flight, hotel, transport, etc..

Thank you so much.

- For your snowmobile.
- Thank you.

You know, I get these free
trips once in a while,

and I thought, ah, I should
do something good for someone.

I mean, unless you two
want to go off together.

Right.

Hawaiian vacation
posted for trade.

Fingers crossed.

So, what are you
doing now? You want to,

you wanna get dinner
or something?

Huh?
Dinner?

You w-Oh, um... inner
-It's just dinner.

I'm not asking to
run away together.

- Ah...

That-I mean, of course,
yeah, I eat, you eat.

We could get-I would love to,

but I have to help set up
for Santa's Village.

So, um, rain check?

Yeah, yeah, okay, sure.
Rain check.

- Great, I'll see ya.
- See ya.

Yeah, yeah, okay, sure.
Rain ♪heck.

Sorry we had to audible
the breakfast.

My agent called in sick,

and I have an
open house here today.

Third open house, but no offer,

so I'm hoping decorating
will move the needle.

Well, I'm happy to help.

It actually brings
back memories of Mom.

The hours she spent decorating.

Bribing us with fudge
to help her.

You know, she would have liked

your Trading Up Christmas story.

You knoYeah? e would
You read it?

Of course. I read
all your work.y.

Well, then why did you say...

"You still working
at The Watch?"

I don't sound like that.

But, yeah, I've always
read all your articles.

I dig Trading Up.

Yeah, it's a bit of a
departure from the,

you know, shelving my
whole cynicism and...

just believing things
will work out.

Yeah, you can feel it in the
reading and in the writing,

and I'm happy to help.

Ask other agents,
put an ear to the ground.

- Thanks, man.
- Yeah.

Ask And, Jack, ts,
put ayou know, I'm... und.

I'm sorry about what
happened between us.

Me, too.
I'm also confused.

What did happen between us?

Well, it just seemed
like with Mom's estate,

everything became
about money with you.

All right, that kind
of hurts to hear, I...

never knew you felt like that.

And I thought you were
angry with me for

taking on the caregiver role.

What? No, I wasn't angry.
I was grateful.

But you never expressed that.

Wit sounds like we needy.
To come together and...

have a deeper conversation.

Sounds like we do.

What a lovely surprise!

Here, I can take
your jacket for you.

Oh, thank you.

Okay, I'm sorry to pop in
on you like this,

but I have some
really good news.

Brother Jack...

he's gonna help us find a house.

- Really?
- Mm-hm.

Oh, that's amazing!
Wait, you're talking again?

Yeah, I reached out to him.

We're sorting
through some things.

- Communicating.
- I love that.

That's exactly what
siblings are supposed to do.

-Communicating.
Or at least try.

ThWell, thank youat
siblinfor your advice. to do.

You're welcome, anytime.

No, really, I mean...

before we met, I was
ready to give up on Jack.

And, and my writing was...

Anyway...

Thank you. y
It means a lot.

So, what's with all the
books and decorations?

It's for Santa's Story Village.

It's my book donation fair,
bowhich I also may or?

May not have signed you
up to volunteer at.

Oh, wow.

You're just the gift that
keeps on giving, huh?

I'll take that as a compliment.

- So, this is it?
- This is it.

Pretty cool, huh?

Yeah, it's got a
certain charm about it.

You and the "certain charm"!

Yel don't thinka
certhat's a negative.t.

It'll be great.
You'll see.

- Here.

- Here we go.
- Thank you.

Alright, I'm gonna
clean things up.

- Oh, I'll be right back.
- Yeah, yeah.

Ooh, I can't wait to
try your hot chocolate!

Try? I think the word you're
looking for is buy.

Ooh, I can't wait to
try your Rosie! ocolate!

What?

I'm saving up money to buy
a pool for our new house.

Hm. Why don't you
go find Grandpa?

He's right over there.

Okay.

There she is!

You gonna get into Santa's lap?

Hey, you little monkey.
Get up here, ah!

So, what's going on
with you and Dan?

There's some serious
flirting going on.

So, what's going on
You think there's flirting?

Mm-hm.

Not flirting, we're just...

two grownups who, ah, get along.

So, I can see how that could
be mistaken for flirting.

But I don't, I don't
think it has legs.

Why?
He's so great, and...

I mean, you are in
a quest to trade up.

Oh, cute.
Thank you.

Ah, no, I just-
He told me that he

has never been in a
long-term relationship.

And that's kind of a red flag.

Ah, you're scared and that's
not in your range of safe

emotions, so you don't
know what to do with it.

I'm not scared,
I'm... cautious.

Emol mean, being aon't
knowcommitment-phobe it.

I'm not scared, Iis a red flag..

Yeah, I mean, anything
can be a red flag

when you're scared.

Thank you for the support.

Oh, I have to go
save him from Dad.

- Oh.
- Yeah, mm-hm.

- Hi, Dad!
- Hey, Michi.

Hey, could you do me a favor?

I want to buy Dan one
of your hot chocolates.

Can you go make him
a special one?

- Of, course.
- Thank you!

Your dad was just telling me how

he plays Santa Claus every year.

He does.

I put on a suit,
I sit in a chair,

and I read to the kids.

I think I look forward
to it more than they do.

Hey, what are we
reading this year?

Well, I think apropos
of everything:

"Magical Christmas Stocking".

WelThat was one ofpos
Michelle's favorites

from when she was a little girl.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Frl might havewas amade a trade.

My truck for a sailboat.
My truck's at

the mechanic right now
getting checked out.

- Amazing!
- Yeah.

Okay, we need some
of that energy for

my Hawaii trip because...

I only have three days.

I'm so sorry, baby.

I got to take this call.

I'm sorry, it's the mechanic.

-Great.
I -It's the mechanic.ll.

- Yeah.
- Sorry, excuse me.

- You mind if I?
- Yes.

Okay...

You know, I was watching
some of your reading videos

online the other day.

- You were?
- Yeah.

And I came across your
Magic Stocking video,

and I said...

Anthat, right there, ur
Mathat is Michelle. o,

How do you mean?

You're one of the only people,

if not the only person I know...

who can will their
dreams into existence.

If not the only pelt's, ah...

it's incredible.

Thank you.

Goodbye, traffic and
hello, high seas.

I got the green light
from the mechanic.

- Hey, congrats.
- That's awesome.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

But that's not the best part.

- No?
- No.

My mechanic knowse Nick Spear,

the guy with all the
car dealerships,

and he wants to make
a trade with you.

Really?
For what?

For an RV.

And Michi...

You can trade an RV for a house.

You can trade an RV e.

What do you think of this?

It reminds me of the car
my dad used to drive.

- It's cute.
- It's a cream puff.

Michelle! Dan!
Nick Spear!

Spear Automotive.
- It'S-P-E-A-R.puff.

Mi-Wow, hi. an!
Nic-Hi.ear!

Nice to meet you, and thanks
for the potential trade.

- Yeah, yeah.
- Yeah, it's quite the trade.

Oh, you're wondering
what my angle is, hey?

All right, I'll tell it
to you plain. Follow me.

So, it's about love and money.

My wife, she had
a very tough year.

And her best friend,
she's been a rock,

and they love Hawaii, so I
thought I would take her and

her best friend, and her
best friend's husband

on a thank you trip.

So that's the love.
Where's the money?

Well, yeah, Dan here
can attest that, ah...

your news story, it's, ah,

really popular
around these parts.

You'll get free publicity.

Yeah, I don't mind
looking like a good guy.

Hey, look!
Oh, my! What?

Are you sure?

This is-This seems
very valuable.

So is what I'm getting for it.

So it's in pretty good shape?

Yeah, yeah,
it's got a lot of miles,

but it all checked out.

She's got a lot of life
it'sstill in her... iles,

but it -...left.ed out.

- May I?
- Sure, go!

Wow...

Yeah.

- I-yes, yes!
- Okay, great, good!

Good, good! You're gonna
shout out to Spear.

Spear Automotives.
S-P-E-A-R!

- Yeah, I got it, Spear.
- Good, good.

- Do you do a selfie?
- Yes, can we?

- Can we do a selfie?
- Yes!

- Do you Ah.a selfie?
- Y?

Ah!

-Do Great. Okay, fie?
Let's go inside!

I got heating in here,
it's nice.

- You have TV.
- Wow, okay.

- You got TV in there?
- Yeah!

Yo, Dan!

Hey! You made it!

- Thanks for the invite.
- Good to see you, man.

Man, every year I say I'll
come to this, but never do.

What a great place to
tell you the good news...

We might have some progress
coon finding a new house.o.

- You're kidding me!
- No!

Listen, I've been searching
for properties that have

been sitting for a while,
and I've got a lead-

and nothing definite.

- Oh.
- But we'll see.

That is great news.
AndThank you, man.te.

Ha! Right?
Don't thank me yet.

It's still in early stages,

and I know you have a timeline.

Three days 'til Christmas,
Itso I'm trying to hurry. s,

- So, where's the trade up?

Oh, yeah, ah...

There she is, in the green.

Wow.
OhWho's that?

Yeah, that's her sister.
You want to meet her?

Yeah.

Gotta give Grandpa his refill.

Okay!

So, have you talked to Dan?

Why do you keep
asking me about Dan?

Oh, sorry, do you not enjoy

my unsolicited meddling
in your life?

Oh, sorry,
do yTouché. enjoy

Did I tell you I talked to Dan?

Oh, sorry,
do No. When? njoy

Remember when I told you I
wanted you to stop trading?

Yeah.

Well, after that,
Dan came to talk to me...

And, he gave the sweetest
speech about you.

It was everything I've
ever wanted a man

to think about you before.

And honestly, the only
reason I changed my mind

about the trading,
was so you would

spend more time with him.

Well, if it means I still
can get you a house,

spend more time I'll take it.

Wow.
Who's the fox?

SpendWait, time
is that bench ad guy?

Michelle, this is
my brother, Jack.

- Hi, nice to meet you.
- Hi. Nice to meet you.

This is her sister, Keri.
This is my brother, Jack.

I recognize you
from your bench ad.

Oh, no, that's...

That's embarrassing.

No, I like them!
They're cute.

- Yeah?
- Mm-hm.

- Okay.

I think your father needs
some help over there.

We should go over there to
see your father for some help.

So, you own the Kostka Home?

I've been to your shop before.

And I've sat on
your face before.

- Excuse me?
- I meant the bench ads!

Oh!
Yeah, the bench.

- Okay.
- Yeah.

- That's right.
- Yeah.

Hey, can you do me a favor?

Can you make me
another one of these?

I'm gonna put it on your tab.

Can you make me
another What? f these?

I thought these were free.

Ugh.

- Is it time to read?
- Yes.

- Let's do it.
- Okay...

Story time, everybody!

Come gather around.

There's seats for
Stoall you kiddos! ody!

Before we start, I just
want to thank you all

so much for your donations.

And these will all be
delivered to the hospital,

the foster homes,
and the shelter

where they will
bring so much joy.

And I just want to thank you
for bringing me so much joy,

for supporting
this entire event,

and for supporting
my dreams. I mean,

however magic beans
they may seem.

So without further ado,

my absolute favorite
Christmas story,

"The Magical
Christmas Stocking."

Yay!

Yay!
Thank you, Michi!

"The Most Magical
Christmas Stocking."

Yay!
Thank yo♪, Michi!

"Two weeks...

until Christmas."

"On one snowy eve..."

Now look at this.

Look what you did, you
and your magic beans.

How do you feel?

This could be it.
One more trade and...

that might be it.

Maybe for the house, but...

this experience taught me
that everything in life

is kind of a trade...

Friendships, relationships...

Love.

I just, I feel like
you're trading

the fear of heartbreak...

for the possibility of
a deeper connection.

- Worthy trade.
- Yeah?

Is it a trade that
you would be...

interested in making?

Is itYeah... e that
Yes, it is, yeah.

Okay.

Okay, you want to talk about it?

You and I?

- Yeah.
- Sure.

- Yeah.
- Now?

- Sure!
- Ah...

Yeah, of course.

- Sure!

I guess cue the intimacy, huh?

I'm sorry, this is not exactly
my field of expertise.

Talking about my emotions.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Guess what?

- We found a house!
- Oh!

- You did?
- Yeah!

- Yay!

- Okay!
- This guy, am I right?

- Okay!
- This guy, ♪am I right?

I can't believe it!
You did it!

- You found us a house.
- I mean, maybe.

Jack said the RV still
needs to get checked out,

so we shouldn't get excited.

What? You're the queen of
negetting too excited. ut,

I know.

What is it?

Ah, I just spoke to Dan, and...

I think he just told me
he doesn't like to

talk about his feelings?

I Did you try to talkme
about your feelings here?

Yeah.
Talk abl just... eelings?

I feel like it might not be a
great idea to be falling for

a guy who has told me that
he doesn't like commitment,

and now communication.

A guBut you haven't goneat
he don a date yet, so... nt,

maybe do that before you
start worrying about

his capacity for
eternal commitment.

Maybe do that before you
starGood point. about

I don't know, I just...

I don't want to get my hopes up.

Michi, getting your hopes
up is your whole thing.

I don't want to get my ♪opes up.

Yeah. You're right.

Thank you.

And listen, I can
finish cleaning up here.

You go home.

And, from Rosie...

it's on the house.

- Finally.

- Thank you.
- Get some sleep.

- Good night.
- Good night.

We haven't gone in yet.
Jack hasn't had the keys.

This is more just a first
impression pass to

see if this is something
Keri wants to pursue.

I've already expressed
that a free house is...

absolutely something
I want to pursue.

I'vSorry, not sorry. ed
tl'm getting emotional.

It's just...

I'vSI've wanted thised
tl'm gfor so long, onal.

And I'm so grateful
to all of you.

I'm a little embarrassed I
couldn't get there on my own.

Well, maybe this isn't something

you're supposed
to do on your own.

Well, that sounds
like a Michelle-ism.

Well, there are still
terms to discuss.

Paperwork to get going.
RV to be inspected.

Most importantly,

the seller's family
to get on board.

So, the ink isn't dry yet.

But it's promising.

So, I will just get the
appropriate amount of excited.

Michi, take note.

Is it possible to get a tour
aof the rest of the property?

Yeah, I'll give you a tour.

Is it possible to get a tour
aof the restOkay. he property?

Well, I guess, thank you

for the free PR...

and for enlisting the
help of your brother.

It really wouldn't have
happened without you.

I would have never
reconciled with Jack

if it wasn't for you.

I would have never
This has been, ah...

It was special.

Yes, it WASspecial.

Well, I don't mean that
in past tense. I...

I mean, I'd really like to get
to know you better.

I thought you didn't do that.

I mean, I'd really like to get
tl'd like to try...

'cause I really like you.

I really like you too.

'cause I rea♪ly like you.

- I told you, right?
- Yeah, you're right.

Oh, gosh!

Sorry.

- It's so pretty.
- So?

- It's really pretty.
- Oh.

- Yeah.
- Good.

"It seems Michelle will
prevail and get the house.

But what about the other
gifts she gave along the way?

The reminders that
everything has value,

that people are
genuinely good...

and that even the most
shut down hearts...

can be touched."

Hey, Dan, how's it going?

I'm almost done.

And no, I have not
changed my mind.

I am not going to tell
you who the house is for.

I think you're making a mistake.

Just sent it to you.

Give me a half hour

All right. I'm gonna
get a coffee.

All right. I'm gonna

All right. I'm gonna

All right. I'm gonna

What's up?
Everything okay?

Bad news.
The house fell through.

What?
What happened?

The property's in a trust,
and the seller's family

had to unanimously
accept the deal.

Then, oddly, in the 11th hour,

a buyer showed up and
took it off the market.

Wait, so you sold the
house instead of

a following throughnd
took on the trade? rket.

It wasn't my decision to make.

You sure about that?

What are you trying to say?

That I used this
opportunity to make a sale?

- That's who you think I am?
- I don't know.

I just know whenever
opporit comes to money, ale?

-That's things getink I am?
Complicated with you.

- What about you?
- What about me?

I don't hear from you
for a year, and then

suddenly you reach out
when you need something.

- It wasn't like that.
- Really? Are you sure?

Because it seems to me
you're only my brother

when you want something.

I'm not giving up on
finding a house.

But I'm doing it for Keri,
not for you.

Hey.
What is this?

How could you do this?
I promised anonymity.

I'm sorry.
This is your job.

My job, as you told me,
Iwas to find meaning.

In this story, and I have.

MAnd then you come in,
Iwasand you just-ing.

-The readers-
-I don't care about readers.

I don't care about advertising,

and I don't care about
social media likes.

I care about Michelle.

And II, I made a about
sopromise to her.s.

I care abo♪t Michelle.

Michelle, it wasn't me.
I It was my editor.le.

- Sure it was.
- Michelle, here.

No, seriously.

Just... stop.

You know, maybe it's
better this way.

Clearly, we don't
want the same things.

And what do you want?

Clel want to be't
wanclose to people.s.

Look, I might not be
perfect, but at least

I can be honest
about my failings.

And I can't?

I think you believe

that only happy stories
have meaning.

And that's just not true.

I think you should leave, Dan.

Here.

How you doing?

How do you think I'm doing
with people looking at me

like I'm a mom who can't
provide for my child?

- Pitying me.
- No one's pitying you.

The article's wrong. We
didn't even get the house.

Well, we'll just
find you another one.

The aNo, we won't, g. We
didn't eMichelle. he house.

Maybe I will, but we won't.

What?

I know you're only
trying to help,

but I am tired of you
always trying to save us.

- I'm not.
- It feels like you are.

And the more you try to save me,

the more it feels
like I am failing.

Why didn't you say anything?

Because everything
always has to be

happy and positive with you.

There's no room for my feelings.

And honestly, I can see how
Jack and Dan might need a

break, because sometimes
I feel that way with you.

So, I guess...

let's just take some time.

Hello?
Anyone home?

- Oh, Hey, Michi.
- Hey, Dad.

Oh, no...

That bad, huh?

Dan gave me my stocking back.

But, you, you wanted
it back, right?

Yeah, but...

Butnot like this. ted
it I just... ht?

I kind of thought
that maybe it...

What?

Nothing, nothing.

What about you?
How's the boat?

Oh, ah, enh,
I'm not gonna keep it.

Really?
Dad, I'm sorry.

Christmas fail for
both of us, I guess.

Oh, I don't know.
Maybe less of a fail,

and more of a detour,
you know, I...

guess we're both just gonna
have to make a wish

on a magical stocking this year.

I feel like I might be
out of wishes.

Thank you.

Hey, thanks for meeting me, man.

Thanks for calling.

Although this isn't
the best sign, n.

We've only been
talking a few days,

and we're already
fighting again.

Well, see,

we weren't fighting
at all before..

That was the problem.

We just assumed we
understood how the

other person felt,
what they needed.

I'm sorry for what I said.
- Me, too.

Even though I feel like a
lot of what I said was true.

Me too.

But we got to be able to
argue with one another

without the other person
stomping off

and we're never talking again.

I don't want to spend
another Christmas

without my brother.
It's lonely.

Yeah.
Me too.

But there's something else
I need to tell you.

We might have found a house.

You found a house?!

We might have found ♪ house.

- Mommy?
- Mm-hm?

Yes, sweetie?

Why isn't Aunt Michi
here helping?

Oh, um...

Come here, you little gooser.

Let's have a talk.

Come here,
you What's up? ser.

Is it because you're in a fight?

I see all, and I know all.

We're not in a fight.
It's just sometimes...

people need space.

But shouldn't you be happy that

she tried to get us a house?

But shouldn't you
Well, I am happy.

I just didn't want you
to get your hopes up.

I didn't want you
to be disappointed.

But I'd rather be excited
and try to do something

and get disappointed
than never try at all.

Aunt Michi taught me that.

You are my love.
Mm!

Oh, I love you, baby.

You are my love.
M♪!

Michi?

What are you doing here?

I came to say I'm sorry.

No, I should apolo-

Mich, you worked day and night

trying to get us a house.

You saw us struggling,

and you did whatever
tryiyou could to help.se.

- Who does that?
- But I overstepped.

No.
You do that sometimes.

But I still need you.

Not always, not as my...

therapist, or my...

mother, or my savior.

But I need my sister.

And I know it's hard for
you to see me struggle,

but I'm okay.

I know you are.

- Dan gave it back?
- Yep.

Remember when I told you
Dan came into the store

and he was talking about you?

Remember when I told you
Dan Well, he said... ore

that you're a force of nature.

Remember when I told you
That you're a rare spirt.

It's not so much what he said...

Remember when I told you
Thait's how he said it.t.

It's not so much
He really sees you.

Wait. Shouldn't you
be at the store?

It's probably a zoo.

Actually, I took the
rest of the day off

so I could host
Christmas Eve dinner.

-Oh-
-No arguments.

So-Can I help? t
Christmas-No. dinner.

-Oh-
-No Okay.ents.

So-Can I help? t
You can make dessert.

But one dessert.

Hey, do you have any more
of those sugar cookies left?

Yes, I do.

That does not count
as your dessert.

I know, I'll make
something else.

I know, I'll make

Keri!
What is going on?

You haven't figured it out?

Why, Michi!

This is my new house!

- Come on!
- What?!

What?!

- Auntie Michelle!
- Hi!

Look at our house!

Isn't it the best house
you've ever seen?

- Yes!
- Come on!

Tah-dah!

Great, she made it.

Tah♪dah!

So, what do you think?

I mean, is this
really your house?

Yeah. The owner
wanted an RV...

and a sailboat.

Dad!

There'll be lots of
other boats, but...

when will I get
to do this again?

WAre you gonnat
tgive me a tour??

Well, why don't you...

give yourself a tour?

- What?
- Come on, let's eat.

What are you doing here?

Finishing our story.

Well, maybe not
finish our story.

Hopefully, continue our story.

That sounded better in my head.

That sounded
better Hi.my head.

Michelle, I told you
I liked you...

because I couldn't say
all the things that

I really feel for you.

You make me feel more at
home and more alive

than I've ever felt
before in my life.

You make me feel more at
hWhen I'm with you,

I feel like anything
is possible.

Even the most impossible
things seem possible.

Even the Yeah, impossible
tl feel the same way.

Well...

you fulfilled your
side of the deal.

Did you steal my stocking?

Technically, your sister did.

Did yl want to trade. king?

Trade for what?

A chance to be the person

your grandma talked
about when she said,

"Whoever hangs their
stocking next to yours...

yobetter love youed
aas much as I do."d,

So, I trade you...

your stocking...

for the possibility of
hanging my stocking...

next to yours, forever.

Solid trade.

I'll take it.