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-[cheery Christmas-themed score]

-REPORTER: Chloe Anderson,
congratulations on

your latest book,
Sally and the Christmas Angel.

It's been a big success
across the country

and it certainly looks
like there's going to be

a big turnout here this evening.

-I am incredibly grateful
to everyone

that's picked up my book
and enjoyed

Sally's Christmas adventures
through the years.

-And this is the tenth book
in the Sally series.

Can we expect another one
next Christmas?

-I haven't quite decided yet.

-Rumor has it

that you're working on
your first novel.

-It's definitely something
I've been thinking about.

-You're known for
children's books, though.

It's a pretty big change.

-Uh, I... I guess. [chuckles]
I mean, it's

it's still writing,
just longer.

-Well, whether it's
children's books

or a novel, I'm sure that
everyone here is very excited

to see what adventure
you take us on next.

Any big Christmas plans?

-Yes. I'm heading
to Noelleville.

I have family that just moved
out there, so I scheduled it--

-Dad, come quick!
-...stop on my tour.

I will be signing
at the Noelleville bookstore

and then enjoying the rest
of the Christmas holidays

with my family.
-Dad!

-INTERVIEWER: Thanks again
for taking the time

to come
to our big bustling city.

-It's my pleasure.
-Dad!

-What? What's wrong?
-Why are you wet?

-A leaking pipe.
Why are you screaming?

-Chloe Anderson.
-[score ends]

-Who?
-Chloe Anderson.

She was on TV. You know...

Her.
-Oh. [chuckling] Right.

Coolio, kiddo.
-[sighs] Come on, Dad.

I've only been talking about
how awesome it is

that she's coming here
for weeks now.

-Honey, you know
I'm bad with names.

And, honestly, I don't want you
to get too excited

'cause no one ever
actually comes here.

She'll probably just cancel
and I don't want you

to be disappointed.
-She won't cancel.

She even mentioned us on TV.
She said that

she's signing books
at the Noelleville bookstore.

That's our bookstore.
Isn't that awesome?

-She did? Huh.
-[cheerful score]

-She's coming to see her family.

It all makes sense now.

You should have seen the display
that the store had on TV.

This poster is all we have.

-Honey, the poster looks great.
She'll love it.

-Balloons. Can we get balloons?
[excited inhale]

-Yes, we can get balloons.

Now, can you help me
with this leaking pipe?

I'm trying to save
the encyclopedia collection.

I'm not sure
the Z's are going to make it.

-Okay, coming.

-[score fades out]

-It makes me so happy
to share these stories with you.

When I was a little girl,

my mom used to read me
special books before bedtime

that made me
fall in love with stories.

And now my sister
reads them to her daughter.

So it is a privilege
for me to be here today

reading to all of you. Now...

who's ready to hear my new book,
Sally and the Christmas Angel?

-[cheering]

-[tender score]

In a warm, cozy home
in a snow-covered valley,

lived a nice little girl
whose first name was...

-Sally!

-She loved Christmas time
when all her family was near.

They played games
and told stories.

It was the best time of year.

But this Christmas
felt different

because her grandma was gone.
She was now up in Heaven.

Her mum said,
"Life must go on."

So to cheer herself up,
Sally went on a mission

to find bows and wrap gifts
for their family tradition.

But instead what she found
was something peculiar,

a very old present
that looked unfamiliar.

And in that dusty old box
to her wondrous surprise...

-...wondrous surprise,
was a beautiful angel

with sparkling blue eyes.

Tucked in her wings was
a handwritten letter.

Sally carefully freed it
from the pretty white feather.

It said,
"I'm an angel of Christmas,

a messenger of cheer."
[chuckles]

"I bring notes up to Heaven
for loved ones to hear.

So if there's someone you miss,

I can help you feel better.

Just whisper your thoughts,
and I'll bring them a letter."

So Sally closed her eyes tight
and thought for a second.

"Tell grandma I love her.
Merry Christmas in Heaven."

Suddenly, Sally felt very light.

She was happy and cheery
and hopeful and bright.

So she thanked the kind angel
and went on her way,

knowing her dear
loving grandma, hm,

would smile on Christmas Day.

Okay, time for bed now, honey.

-I love you, Mom.
-[mom chuckles]

-I love you, too.

-All done your story?

-Yeah. Hm.

Now it's time to say
your prayers with Daddy,

and then get some sleep.
We have a lot

of unpacking to do tomorrow
to help Grandpa move in.

-Will Auntie Chloe
be here tomorrow?

-[whisper] I think so.
Goodnight, sweetie.

-Goodnight, Mom.

-Okay, kiddo.

Ready? [chuckles]

In the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.

-[keyboard clacking]

-[sighs]
-[phone ringing]

-Hey, Trish.
-Hey, Chloe.

-Just checking in.
-The event went great.

Just packing up here.
I'm going to leave

first thing in the morning, and
I should be there before dinner.

-That's awesome.
We can't wait to see you.

-Me, too.

Hey, how's Dad doing?

-Putting on a brave face,
but [sighs]

first Christmas without Mom
is tough.

I think him moving in with us
will really help.

-I'm sure it will.

Is he all settled in?
-Getting there.

Truck arrived yesterday.
Lots of boxes.

-I'll be there to help soon.
And I'm going stop and pick up

some of Dad's favorite cookies
to cheer him up.

-Great idea.
But only a few.

I'm trying to get him
to watch his sugar.

-Around Christmas time?
Good luck.

-Hey, how's the tour going?
-Good.

My, uh, book hit the
bestseller's list this week.

-Congrats. [soft gasp]

Mom would be
so proud of you.

-Yeah.

-We're all so happy that you'll
be here for Christmas, Chloe.

-Me, too. Give Dad, Jana,

and Jeffrey a big hug for me,
and I'll see you tomorrow.

-Will do. Drive safe.

Bye.
-Bye.

-[gentle inhale, exhale]

-[music fades out]

-[loud upbeat Christmas music]

-[Christmas music
plays over speakers]

-[door chimes ring]

-Little help?

-Whoa. What is all this?

You doing Santa's shopping
for him this year?

-You doing his decorating?
-That's fair.

-It's for the toy drive.
Mrs. Jenkins asked me to

pick up a few things.

-Oh, is she coming
to the big event tonight?

-She wouldn't miss it. And

she handed out all those flyers
that you gave to her.

-That's awesome.
So, what do you think?

-Uh, it's very festive.
Did you buy up

every red and green balloon
in Noelleville?

-Too much?

-[whisper] It's perfect.
-[both chuckle]

-I still have
so much more work to do.

-How can I help?
-Uh, you can help me finish

decorating that Christmas tree.
-Not a problem.

-Then we gotta
put up those signs.

-Okay.
-Wrap the door prizes.

-Door prizes?
-Oh, and can you get cookies?

-What time does she get here?
-Seven.

-We better get to work.

[Jana's mom hums
"Deck The Halls"]

-[stops humming]
-[tender score begins]

-Careful with that, honey.

That was your grandmother's.

She used to put that angel
on her tree

when she was a little girl.

-We used to put it on our tree
when you were a little girl.

How quickly the years go by.

-She's beautiful.

She looks like the angel
from Auntie Chloe's book.

-Aren't you smart?
-Is she?

-She sure is.

-Wow. Do you think she really
takes messages up to Heaven

like she does in the books?

-I believe all angels do.

Do you have a special message
that you want to send to someone

for Christmas this year, Jana?

-I'd like to send one
to Grandma.

-You can whisper it
to the angel.

-Okay.

Merry Christmas, Grandma.
I wish you were here

so we could wrap presents
and dance to our favorite

Christmas songs
like we did last year.

But I know
you're in Heaven with God

and I just want you to know
how much I love you.

-That was beautiful, honey.

-Can we put the angel
on top of our tree this year?

-Ask your grandpa.
It belongs to him.

-Grandpa, can we?

-I would love that.
[EMOTIONAL BREATHS]

Now that I'm moving in,

maybe we could make it
our tradition. Hm?

-I'm happy that you're
moving in with us, Grandpa.

-Me too, sweetie.

-[phone rings]
-Oh. Let me get that.

-[phone rings]

Hello?

-Hey, Trish. I just got
into town. I am picking up some

gingerbread cookies for Dad.
Be there in about ten minutes.

-Remember,
just one cookie.

-Two.
-One.

-Three?
-Okay, two. [chuckles]

-Okay, deal.
I'll see you in ten.

-Bye.

-Hey, uh, can I help you?
-Yeah. Um, can I get--

-[phone rings]
-Oh, um...

You can go ahead of me.
I need to take this.

Hello?

-Chloe, did you read
The New York Times?

Glowing review.
Sales are through the roof.

-Heather, hi. Yeah, I did.
-How's the tour going?

-Great. I am heading
to my last book signing

in Noelleville tonight.

-Still don't know why you booked
that one. What is there?

Ten people in that town?
[laughs]

-Every place counts, Heather.

-Sure.
I'm calling 'cause

I read the first few chapters
of this novel you want to write.

-You did?
-Yeah, it's good.

But, honey, you're known as
a children's book author

and that's where our sales are.
-It's not about sales, Heather.

-It's always about
the sales, Chloe.

I just don't know if this is
something that I can

get behind.
Can you shelve this one

for another year
and focus on what you do best?

-That's what you said last year.
-Yes, and

look at the success
of this book tour.

It's risky, honey. What if
people don't like it?

-What if they do?

-Take the holidays
to think about it.

And congratulations
on the success of the book.

-Thanks, Heather. Bye.

[clears throat]
Oh, no. Do you have any

gingerbread cookies left?
-I'm sorry, sold out.

-But you had a tray full of them
like a minute ago.

-Snooze, you lose?

-Can you check the back?
They're my dad's

favorite cookies
and I wanted to cheer him up.

-Everything we have is here,
but, uh,

Christmas tree sugar cookies --
they are delish.

-I'm sorry to eavesdrop, um,
but I think I can help you out.

I'm the guilty party
that bought them all.

I got 36 here.
Uh, how many do you need?

-Oh, um... I couldn't.

I mean,
you snooze you lose, right?

-You gonna order anything,
or can I take the next order?

-I'll get out of your way.

-I insist.
You let me cut in line, so...

-Well, in that case,
maybe just one.

It's for my dad.
-I've tasted these cookies.

There's no chance
he's only gonna want one.

-Two?
-I'll tell you what:

Why don't you take
this box of 12 right here.

-Really? That's so kind of you.

-Don't worry about it.
Just pay it forward.

You know, I help you,
you help someone else,

and we start a wave of kindness
for the Christmas holidays.

-I like that. Okay, deal.

Um, thank you for the cookies
and have fun at your party.

-Party?
-Oh. I just assumed.

I mean, that is a lot of cookies
for just one man.

-Oh, uh... [chuckles]

Well, like I said,
you can't just eat one.

-[both laugh]
No, I'm kidding.

It's, uh,
they're for my daughter, Alex.

Not that she's gonna
eat them all either.

She's planning this
event tonight,

and she's hoping
a lot of people show up, so...

Some big shot writer's
coming into town

and, uh, signing books
at our bookstore.

No one ever comes to Noelleville
so it's kind of a big deal.

And you can come if you want.
Everyone's invited.

I would tell you who it is,
but, honestly,

I'm terrible with names.
It's like, uh...

Kathy or Carrie or something.

-You own
the Noelleville bookstore.

-Yeah.
-I'm Chloe.

-Hey, Chloe. Ethan.
Nice to meet you.

-It's nice to meet you, Ethan.

I will definitely be
at your event tonight.

-You will? Oh, that's great.

Yeah, we put up a lot of flyers,
but I wasn't sure

if anyone was gonna show up
so it's nice to know

our little attempt
at publicity worked.

I was kinda worried about that.
-[chuckles]

-Now I just need this, uh,

Kathy person to show up.

You never know with these
celebrity types, right? Whoo.

-[both chuckle]
-Yeah, so unreliable.

-Yeah. Just don't want
my daughter to be disappointed.

She worked really hard on this.
She's super excited.

-I don't know about this
Kathy person, but I'll be there.

-Great. Okay, well,
we'll see you tonight.

-Great.
Thank you for the cookies.

-You betcha.

["Joy To The World"
plays as score]

-[doorbell rings]
-I'll get it. [chuckles]

["Joy To The World"
fades out]

["Good King Wenceslas"
plays faintly]

-Hello?

-Chloe.

I am so happy to see you.

Dad's gonna be thrilled
you're here. Come on.

-Guess who's here.
-Auntie Chloe!

-CHLOE: Hey! [gasps]

Oh, my goodness,
look how tall you got.

-[Chloe and Jana chuckle]
Hey, Dad.

-Hey, sweetheart.
-CHLOE: Oh.

-DAD [whisper]: Good to see you.
-Guess what I brought you.

-[gasps] Gingerbread cookies!
Yay!

-You always know how
to make this old man happy.

-I missed you, Daddy.
-I missed you too, sweetheart.

[Dad chuckles]

-Good to have you here, Chloe.

What time you need to head over
to the book signing tonight?

-Couple of hours. I'd like to
get there early to set up.

Are you guys coming?

-Of course we are.
We're your biggest fans.

Now, hand over those cookies.

-Can the cookies wait
'til after dinner, Dad?

-Oh, I'm afraid not, sweetheart.
It's the holidays. Right?

-JANA: Right.
-[Dad and Jana chuckle]

-It's a losing battle
with you guys.

Okay, hand me one, too.

[Christmas carol fades out]

-I love it.
-You'll look

so beautiful tonight.

-That was so sweet of you
to bring me a dress.

-Go try it on. I'll watch
the store for a few minutes. Mm?

-Okay.
-[both chuckle]

[doorbell chimes ring]

-Mrs. Jenkins.
What are you doing here?

The event doesn't start
for a few more hours.

-Well, I wanted to thank you

for all the shopping you did
for the toy drive.

-Oh, please don't mention it.
-And...

I wanted to bring a little
something special for Alex.

It's her big day, so

I brought her a pretty
Christmas dress. [chuckles]

Yeah, I'm watching the desk
while she tries it on. Hm.

-A dress? Wow.

I haven't seen Alex in a dress
since she was a little girl.

-It is her big day.
She needs to feel special.

I know,
I raised three daughters.

I remember that age.

-Thank you. Hm.

-[tender score]

-It's hard, you know,
without Deb.

A girl her age needs a mom.

-Oh, you're a good dad, Ethan.
You're doing okay.

-I-I know, I just...
I just worry about her.

She's so quiet and she's
always losing herself in books

rather than being on
adventures of her own.

You know, when I was her age,
you couldn't keep me at home.

-Hm. We all
come out of our shells...

at different times.
-Mm-hm.

-But look at all she put into
this event. Ah.

-It is impressive. [chuckles]
-Mmm.

-She's just so passionate
about books and writing.

I wish I could give her
the guidance that she needs,

but I'm just the guy
that inherited an old bookstore.

What do I know about dreams?

-Oh, she'll find her way, Ethan.

-Yeah.

-And so will you.

-[score fades out]

-Well?
-[sharp gasp]

-Wow.
-Oh...

-What do you think?

-Honey...

You look--

so grown up.

-[whisper] Beautiful.

-Beautiful, sweetheart.
You look beautiful.

-[tender score]
-[sighs happily]

[squeaking]

-Need a hand with that?

-Uh, I think I finally got it.

It's a tricky little thing,
though.

Oh, hi. It's you.

-Hi.

-Uh, Chloe, right?

-I thought you
were bad with names.

-Normally I am, but for
some reason, yours just stuck.

-I can't imagine why.

-Let me guess:
Your last name's Anderson.

-You're good at this.
-I was afraid of that.

Okay, well,
this is embarrassing. [chuckles]

I am so sorry.

Uh, my daughter has been
talking about you for weeks.

First big celebrity I meet
and I come across as a big fool.

-I think you came across
very kind.

You gave up
a dozen delicious cookies

to help a complete stranger.
I mean, that makes you

pretty awesome in my book.

And you can ease up
on the celebrity bit.

I'm just a writer. Most people
don't even recognize me.

-[laughs]
Don't tell my daughter that.

She thinks
you're a pretty big deal.

-It'll be our little secret.

-Well, you're a little early.
No one's here yet.

-That's okay. It'll give me
some time to set up.

-Okay, well, in that case,
come on in.

-Great.

-[hinges squeak]
-[doorbell chimes ring]

Wow, this looks awesome.
Your daughter planned all this?

-She did. I helped a little.
I did the tree.

Most of it.
Some of it.

-[laughs] Nice.

Is she here?
I'd love to meet her.

-She should be. Alex?

It's weird.
She was here a minute ago.

Alex!

-Dad, come quick!
Pipe. Basement.

This is a disaster.
Everyone's gonna be here soon!

-I'm sorry. Make yourself
at home. Uh, I'll be right back.

-Okay, yeah, no problem.
-Help yourself. Cookies, coffee.

There's everything, okay?

-Come on everyone, time to go!
We don't wanna be late!

-Where's Aunt Chloe?
-She went over early to set up.

We're gonna meet her there.
Now where are your shoes?

-I don't know!
-Can you help find her shoes?

-JEFFREY: Mm-hm.
-Dad, you coming?

-Sorry for holding things up.

I just can't seem to
get this tie on properly.

-I didn't mean to rush you, Dad.
Come here.

Let me help you with that.

-Your mother's been helping me
fix my ties for the last

[deep inhale] 50 years.

-GRANDPA: Hm.
-[somber score]

-You look very handsome.

-Thank you, sweetheart.
-JEFFREY: Found 'em!

Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa.
Jacket, kiddo.

Okay, everyone, let's get going.

-You look great, Grandpa!
-Thanks, Jana.

-[score fades out]

-This night is a disaster.
It can't get any worse.

-I'm sorry about your dress,
sweetheart.

-What am I gonna do?
I don't have enough time

to go home and get cleaned up
before I meet...

Chloe Anderson?

-Uh, I'm sorry, I meant to
tell you that she was here.

-Okay, I was wrong.
This night just got worse.

-Is everything okay?
-It's under control.

It's the pipes in the basement.

-Well, you did a beautiful job
with the store, Alex.

-Thank you. It's such an honor
to meet you, Miss Anderson.

-Oh, call me Chloe.
-Chloe, right.

Wow, I can't believe
you're actually here.

I'm sorry, I didn't want to
look like a disaster

when I first met you.
-What are you talking about?

You look beautiful.
-My dress is stained.

-Well, it's nothing we can't fix
in a couple of minutes.

Do you have any soda water?
-It's in the fridge.

-Lead the way.

-Thank you for helping me.

-Well, thank you
for making the store so festive.

It is the prettiest store
I've seen on this tour.

-[tender score]
-I can tell how

much thought and care you put
into it.

-I just wanted to
make it perfect for you.

My mom used to read to me
those books that you wrote

when I was a little girl.
-That's so sweet.

I would love to meet her.

-She passed away five years ago.

It's just me and my dad now.

-Oh. I'm sorry.

I just lost my mom too.

-It's a hard thing, isn't it?

-It sure is.

-It gets better with time.

[fabric rustling]

-So have you always lived
in Noelleville?

-We moved here
when I was a little girl.

My mom inherited the bookstore
from her aunt and

wanted to run it,
so we packed up and moved here.

When my mom passed away
my dad wanted to move,

but he saw how much
I loved the bookstore

and decided to stay.

-He sounds like a good dad.

-He's the best.

You know, I love books.

I want to be an author, too,
when I get older.

-What kind of books
do you want to write?

-Adventure novels.
-Good for you.

-I just, I don't know where
to start, you know?

-Well, I'm in town
for the holidays.

How about we set up some time
to go grab

some hot chocolate and chat?
-[score fades out]

I can give you a couple of tips
on how to get started.

-Really?
-Absolutely.

And look:
Stain's all gone. Good as new.

-Thank you, Chloe.
-You're welcome.

Do you want to head back in?
-Let's do it.

-Okay.

[Christmas music plays
over sound system]

Merry Christmas.

-[chuckling] Oh.
I'm Jean Jenkins.

This is my gal pal, Rosie.

-Hi.
-Hi.

-We're so thrilled you're here.

A little elf told us you might

be staying in Noelleville
over the holidays.

-That's the plan.
-JEAN: Oh!

Well, we wanted to give you

a little welcoming gift
from our church group.

-[Chloe gasps lightly]
-[Jean laughs]

It's slippers.

Noelleville can get very cold
this time of year

so we wanted to make sure you
got a warm welcome.

[chuckles]
-It is so thoughtful.

Thank you, I love them.

-Our pleasure, dear. Oh...

Would you please make it out
to my granddaughter, Freya?

-Absolutely.
-It's F-R-E-Y-A.

-She's come a long way
since selling her homemade books

at our annual yard sales,
hasn't she?

-Mm-hm. I'm so proud of
both my girls.

-Oh.
-Mm-hm.

-[tender score]
-[Mrs. Jenkins laughs]

-Thanks so much
for coming tonight.

This night meant a lot to Alex.

-It was my pleasure.
She's a sweet kid.

-Yeah, she is.

So, how long
are you in town for?

-Couple of weeks.
I'm gonna spend the holidays

with my family.

-Well, I hope to see you around.
-[chuckles] You will.

I have a date
with your daughter.

-You do?
-Yeah.

Turns out she wants to be
a writer, so I offered

to give her
a little bit of guidance.

-It's really nice of you.

-Well, a kind guy did something
nice for me today,

so I'm just paying it forward.

Starting a wave of kindness,
I think he called it.

-[chuckles]
-Hey, we're gonna head out.

Get Jana to bed.

You coming?
-I'll be right behind you.

Well, it was nice
to meet you, Ethan.

-It was really nice to meet you,
Chloe Anderson.

-You're getting better
with names.

-Well, like I said,
this one just sticks.

-Goodnight, Chloe.
-Goodnight.

-Can't wait for
our hot chocolate date.

-[gasps] Me too.

[doorbell chimes ring]

-Isn't she amazing?

-Yeah, she's okay, I guess.

-She's amazing.

-[laughs]

-[Christmas song as score]

♪ I'm counting down the days

♪ Christmas time is here again
Everybody's coming to town ♪

♪ Santa I've got
someone special ♪

♪ A lot to figure out
I'm hoping you can help me out ♪

♪ You want it wrapped [unclear]

♪ Love brought me
some [unclear] ♪

♪ I can see I'll be
At the top of your list ♪

♪ Every year after this

-Did you sleep okay?
-Like a log.

So, what's on tap for today?

I can move boxes,
set up furniture.

You name it, I will do it.
-How about we start

with a healthy breakfast?

Jeffrey's making us
omelets downstairs.

-Ooh, I like that plan.
-[Trish laughs]

-And then, do you think
that you could take Dad and Jana

to pick out a Christmas tree?

I have to teach a yoga class and
Jeffrey needs to get to work.

The move and everything,
we're a little late

on getting a tree this year

and I don't think Jana can wait
another day.

-Of course. I would love to.

-Thank you.

This the novel
you've been working on?

-Yep.

-I'm happy you're finally
moving forward with it.

-Mm. I don't know that I am.

My publisher's still not
thrilled about the whole thing

and she thinks that I should
"stick to what I'm good at."

-So, find another publisher.

-It's not that easy, Trish.

-It can't be that hard.

You're Chloe Anderson.

-[upbeat folk guitar score]

-[grunts]

-How many more trees do we need?

-Mrs. Jenkins wants
as many as we can gather.

Oh.

She wants the church
to look beautiful.

-That seems like a lot
of decorating.

We may need to
recruit some help.

-Yeah, tell me about it.
Oh.

-Oh, fancy meeting you two here.

-Chloe, hi.
-Hi.

-Are you guys picking up
your Christmas tree?

-Yes, we wanna find the biggest,

tallest, best tree ever
this year.

-Did you leave any trees
for the rest of us

or is this a gingerbread cookie
kind of situation?

-We left some trees, but we did
try to pick the best ones.

It's for the church.
-Oh, that's nice.

-They have the most beautiful
Midnight Mass ever.

You guys should come.
-Well, sounds lovely.

-Any chance you wanna help
decorate Christmas trees?

-I love decorating trees.

-It sounds fun.
What about you, Dad?

-Why not? Count me in.

-Great. Maybe we can do our
hot chocolate date tomorrow

and then we can
go to the church.

-I'll run it by Trish
but her and Jeffrey

are working this week,
so I don't see why not.

-Can we go see Santa?

-Sure thing.
-I can bring her.

-Okay, thanks.
-Alex, do you wanna come?

-Dad, can I go?

-Um, sure.

And here I thought Alex
was too old for Santa this year.

-You can never be
too old for Santa.

-[chuckles]
So, are you all settled in?

-I travel light. You know, pen,
paper and warm, cozy socks.

The necessities of any writer.

-Alex told me about your mom.
My condolences.

-Yeah, it's been
a difficult year for us,

but being together
for the holidays is nice.

-It was really nice meeting

your entire family
at the book signing.

-And what a turnout.
-Yes. We needed that.

-Does the bookstore do okay?
-[quiet score]

-It's a small town.
There's really not that much

business here. Most people just
read their books on tablets

so we're a bit of
a dinosaur that way.

-Things really have changed,
haven't they?

It's a shame.

I love books.

How they feel in your hands,
turning the pages.

Tablets just aren't the same.

-I wish more people
felt that way.

-Auntie Chloe, do you wanna
go take a photo with Santa?

-[excited gasp] Absolutely.

-Are you coming, Ethan?
-Me too?

-You can never be too old
for Santa.

-I would love to.
-[Jana and Chloe laugh]

-[Ethan, imitating Santa]
Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!

[slow instrumental
"O Tanenbaum"]

-Cute Santa photo.
How exactly did this come about?

-We ran into him
at the tree farm.

-Interesting.

See, I run into acquaintances
all the time,

and I don't take
family photos with him.

-Stop it.
-What? I'm just saying

he seems nice.
-[Chloe sighs softly]

-And you guys seem to click.

-He is nice.
-And...?

-And maybe we click a little.
-[Trish chuckles]

-Can I have the Santa ornament?

-[Jana, whisper] Here you go.

That sounds promising.

-Stop it. I live far away
and he's just a nice guy.

Plus, you know me, I don't have
time for that kind of stuff.

What? I have tight deadlines.

-You have thick walls
is what you have.

-[soft sigh] That's fair.
-[Jana chuckles]

I think that you need to
take a little break

from all those deadlines.

And you need to bring
a few of those walls down.

Live a little, Chloe.

Are you gonna see him again?

-We promised
to help him decorate

the Christmas trees at church.

-And he volunteers
to help the church.

-[Chloe laughs quietly]
-Ha! Hm-hm-hm. [laughs]

-How does it look, Mom?

-It's beautiful, Jana.

-I think it's time
to put the angel up.

What do you think?
-Yes.

I gave the angel
a special message for Grandma.

-Oh, that's so sweet.

She will be so happy to get it.
-[Jana laughs quietly]

-You ready, kiddo?
-I'm ready.

-[touching score]

-My mom used to read me
these incredible stories

before bedtime.

They transported me
to other worlds and made me

fall in love with writing.
-[score fades out]

She was really good at
making me follow my dreams.

She even helped me publish
my first book when I was 12.

-Twelve?
-Yeah.

It was a ten-page homemade book.

We even started
our own publishing company

called Angel Wish Publishing.

And we gave them out
as presents for Christmas

and sold the rest
at a yard sale that summer.

-I love that. [laughs]
-And as I got older,

I just kept writing.

Y'know, eventually, I submitted
to every publisher in the city.

And this one small publisher
actually agreed to meet with me.

And after several more
submissions, she finally agreed

to publish my first book,
A Time for Christmas.

-I don't think
I've ever heard of that one.

I thought I had all your books.
-It's a hard one to find.

It had a very limited release
and it didn't do too well.

But I just kept writing.

And eventually my writing caught
the eye of a big publisher

and that's when my career
really took off.

So why do you
want to be a writer?

-I guess I love
getting lost in stories.

And I want to be able to
write my own characters and...

have adventures
through their eyes.

I've written a lot
of short stories.

I just don't know
what to do with them.

-Well, I'd be happy
to read them sometime.

I mean once I have a better idea
of where you're at,

maybe we can come up with an
action plan for your next steps.

-That would be amazing.

-All right. Deal.

["Oh Come All Ye Faithful"]

♪ Oh come all ye faithful

♪ Joyful and triumphant

-Can I ask you something?

-Sure, but only one thing.
-[both chuckle]

-Do you help everyone you meet?

It's like every time I see you,
you're doing something nice

for someone.
-You caught me on a good week.

-I doubt that.
-[chuckles]

'Tis the season, right?

-I guess. [laughs]

-Now it's my turn
to ask a question.

-Okay, shoot.

-What does a big shot writer
do in her downtime

when she's not touring
or visiting family?

-That's a good question.
Um, I mostly write,

watch terrible reality shows.
-[Ethan laughs]

-And, um...

Try to keep my mind busy
these days.

-You know he's going to
be fine, right?

He's got a great family.
He has lots of support.

-I know. It's just
hard not to be here to help.

My mom was his whole world,
you know?

-Oh, I can relate.

-How did you do it?
After Deb?

-Well, it takes time to heal,
but eventually,

you start finding joy
in the little things again.

Had all these big plans
for a big life, and...

Life changes.
You can't stop it.

Worrying about it doesn't
change the outcome, so...

what's the point?

-It's a great way
to look at life.

Don't you ever worry
about the future?

-Oh, I can't think
that far ahead.

I take it one year at a time,
sometimes one day at a time.

Pipe bursts, I fix the pipe.

Alex, uh, needs help with her
math homework, I help her out.

We're short on sales one month?

Uh, I tile
Mr. Jones' bathroom floors.

-The church
needs Christmas trees

and you offer to decorate them.

-Something like that.
-[Chloe chuckles]

-Sometimes it feels like there's
not enough hours in the day.

Or money in the bank.

But somehow, some way,
we make it work.

-You should try
selling your books online.

I mean,
you have a great collection.

If you open up your sales
to a worldwide audience,

imagine the potential growth.

-Hm. I wouldn't even know
where to start.

-It's a lot easier
than you think.

I can teach you in an afternoon
and we can take it

one hour at a time.

-Okay, I'd like that.

-Auntie Chloe, look at our tree.

-Wow. It's perfect.
[tender laugh]

-It's almost perfect.
Wait one second.

-It's beautiful, Jana.

-I paid attention
when you read your book,

and I thought it would be nice
for each of us

to have our own angel,
put 'em on top of the tree

and send them
with a special message.

Come on, everyone.
Grab an angel.

-Is there a special way
to do this?

-I'll ask the expert.

-Well, you whisper a message
that you want sent to Heaven

for Christmas, and you put
your angel up on the tree.

She'll make sure
that it gets there.

-MRS. JENKINS: Oh.
-Okay. Let's go.

[Christmas carols play softly]

-Having a hard time
finding the words?

-A little.
-I had a hard time, too,

the first Christmas
without my mom.

-You were young.

I'm old enough that I should
be able to accept things,

but the truth is that
she left so fast

I didn't get a chance
to say goodbye.

And I am
embarrassed to say that...

been a little distant
ever since.

-It's okay.

I gave God
the silent treatment, too,

after my mom passed away.

My dad said that's okay.

God can take it.

And when you're ready,

He'll be there.

Losing family is hard,

no matter how old you are.

-You're a special young woman,
you know that?

-And remember, there's no rush
in sending a message.

There's still time
before Christmas.

-Yeah.

-Why don't I help you
put this up?

-Okay.

[tender score]

It's the last of the boxes.

-[Dad sighs quietly]
All moved in.

-[soft gasp]
This what I think it is?

-[laughs] Your very first book.

-You kept it.
-Of course I did.

[laughing]

Oh...

-I remember how excited I was
when Mom and I officially named

our first
home publishing company.

-Angel Wish Publishing. Huh.

I was so proud of you. Huh.

-Mom really was good
at pushing us

towards our dreams, wasn't she?
-Oh...

She was the dreamer. [chuckles]

I was the plumber.
-Mm.

-We made a good team.

I wonder if this still fits.
-[both laugh]

-CHLOE: Aw.
-Oh.

-So many memories
in one small box.

-Oh, wonderful memories.

-[tender whisper] Yeah.

-You know, honey,
your mom always knew

you were going to make it.
She had this way

of looking at life
that was an inspiration

to everybody around her.

-What do you think Mom
would say about

me taking a chance
and writing my first novel?

-I think you know exactly
what she would say.

-Even if it's risky?
-Follow your heart.

Don't worry about
what other people think.

And if your heart is telling you
to write a novel,

I think you should do it.

-I wish that I was as brave now
as I was back then.

Why does it get so much harder

to take risks
when you get older?

-Well, honey, when we're young,
we got nothing to lose.

So we jump all in
and start building a life.

And if we're lucky,
we build a good one.

But as we get older,
we get more cautious

and we don't want to risk
any of it.

We just want to hang on to
what we have.

The truth is...

we can't really hang on
to anything in this life.

Best we can do
is to enjoy the moments

and follow our hearts.

-How did you get so wise?

-[chuckles]
I traded my youth for wisdom.

-[both laugh]
-[score fades out]

-[doorbell chimes ring]
-Good morning, Ethan.

-Hey, Mrs. J.
How are you doing?

-Good.

Don't often see your nose
in the computer.

What are you so focused on?

-Did you know
that these big chain bookstores

sell books online
to anyone in the world?

-Of course.
-It's amazing.

No wonder they thrive.
-Uh, yes, dear. Uh...

You have heard of the internet,
haven't you?

-Yeah, yeah. Yes.
-[both laughing]

-Oh, the world
keeps getting smaller, Ethan.

We're all connected.

I order my yarn online one day,
and the next day,

it's right there at my door.

Books are no different.

-Maybe Chloe's right.
An online store

would be really good for us.

-Chloe's helping you
with the online store?

That's exciting.

-Yeah.
A little overwhelming, too.

-Oh, that's nice to see you two
getting on so well together.

And it's great for Alex to have
a fellow writer to talk to.

-Yeah, they really hit it off.

-My Spidey senses
are telling me

that Alex isn't the only one
hitting it off with Chloe.

-[laughs]
Well, she's nice.

-And beautiful.

-Yeah. And smart.

-And, uh...

single.

-No. Yes...
But, uh, no, it's not like that.

-And why not?

Ethan Carter.

When a beautiful, kind woman
walks into your life,

don't ignore it.

-Yeah, she's pretty incredible.

But I can't. Uh,

I just don't have time
for anything like that.

I-I got to look after Alex.
I have to look after the store.

-Oh, honey.

It's also important
to look after yourself.

-Hm.
-Alex isn't a little girl

anymore and she just wants
to see you happy.

-[tender score]
-[whisper] Yeah.

-Anyhoodle...

I came in to ask you
a little bit of a favor.

My daughter was at
a charity auction last week

and she won two tickets

for a private
ballroom dance lesson.

She can't go, [zipper] so she
offered the tickets to me.

Oh, I think it would be a hoot.

But I don't have a date.

I know it's short notice,
but would you be willing to

take this old gal dancing? Hm?

-[Ethan chuckles softly]

-Do I need rhythm?
-Oh, it wouldn't hurt.

But I'm tight on time
and short on options.

-Well, in that case,
how can I say no?

-Oh, good.

See you at 8 p.m.

Wear your best suit.

-[soft gasp] Ah...

So cute.
She's going to love that.

-[phone rings]
-Good.

-One sec.

Hello.

Yeah, she's right here.

[whisper] It's for you.
It's Mrs. Jenkins.

[score fades out]

-CHLOE: Hello.
-Oh!

-Chloe?
-Jean?

-Hi, honey. Oh.

I hope you don't mind
me reaching out like this.

-Of course not.
-How are you doing?

-I am doing great. I am just
spending the day with Trish

and we are wrapping presents.

-Oh. How are those slippers?

-Cozy.
I am wearing them right now.

-I know it's a bit of
short notice, but

I have a bit of a favor to ask.

-Sure. What's up?
-I have two tickets

for a private ballroom
dancing lesson for tonight.

My daughter won them
at a charity event.

I promised to go with Ethan,
but oh,

my darn hip
is acting up again.

[sucks teeth; gasps softly]
Anyway, Ethan was

so excited,
I don't want to disappoint him.

Would you do me a huge favor
and go in my place tonight?

-You want me to go
ballroom dancing with Ethan.

Tonight?

-What?

-[splutters] For me.

-For you.
-Oh!

And the charity, of course.

-Jean, why does it feel like
I'm being set up?

Does Ethan know about this?

-About the dancing lessons?
Well, of course.

I told you I told him first.

-Okay, I will be there.

-[soft gasps] Oh, perfect.

Thank you so much, honey.
Eh, it starts at eight.

Dress code is formal.

-Okay, bye.

I may need to borrow a dress.

-Yes!

[Trish giggles happily]

-You are not who I expected.

-I kind of figured.

-Where's Mrs. Jenkins?

-Probably at home
patting herself on the back

for pulling this off.

-Wow, you look
absolutely beautiful.

-Oh, um, thanks.

It's Trish's.
I forgot to pack my gown.

Ballroom dancing
wasn't exactly on my itinerary.

-I remember.
You pack light.

-[laughs]

I have to warn you:

I have two left feet, no rhythm,
and there's an 87% chance

I step on your foot.

-Thirteen's my lucky number.

-Is that a math joke?
-I think it is, yeah.

[both laugh]

-Um, this place is gorgeous.

-It's pretty stunning, yeah.

-Hi, I'm Marilyn.

-Hi, Marilyn. I'm Ethan.

This is Chloe.
-Hi.

-Welcome to your private
ballroom dance lesson.

Should we get started?

-Sure. [chuckles]
-MARILYN: Yeah.

Okay, so the most important
thing in ballroom dancing

is the connection
between you and your partner.

Now, you want to
face each other.

Make sure to keep eye contact.

Now, you want to put your hand
in the small of her back

and pull her close, like this.

-Is that okay?
-Yeah.

-Now we just need some music.

[score fades out]

♪ It's been a long, hard year

♪ There's no doubt about it ♪

♪ So let's lay it down

♪ And rest for a while

♪ Feels like we lost our cheer

♪ Can't go on without it

♪ But it's all around

♪ It's in every smile

♪ And just as the snow
starts to fall ♪

♪ Let's listen in close
to the night ♪

♪ For all of our voices
so bright ♪

♪ Sing your joy

♪ And I'll sing my joy

♪ And wherever you're singing ♪

♪ We'll send it up
ringing tonight ♪

♪ When you glimpse the hope

♪ Try to hold on
with that sacred spark ♪

♪ And that's when

-That was fun.

-And you didn't even
step on my feet.

-I guess 13
is your lucky number.

-[Ethan laughs] I'm glad I came.

I usually don't venture out and
do stuff like this on my own.

-Think it's harder to take risks
and do things like this

as we get older, doesn't it?
-[tender score]

I mean, I remember
being fearless as a kid.

What happened to that girl?

-You still seem
pretty fearless to me.

-Well, I guess
I have you fooled.

Literal buckets of fear.
[chuckles]

-Do tell, Chloe Anderson.
What are you so afraid of?

-Mostly, um,
snakes and alligators.

I don't trust reptiles.
I think it's their eyes.

-Totally legit.
-[Chloe laughs]

-But also some life stuff.

I guess lately I've been
worried about my career.

-Your career?

You're a bestselling author
and you just finished

an incredibly successful
book tour.

What could you possibly
be worried about?

-You know when you
just feel like you're not on

the right path anymore?

Make a change.

I want to write a novel.

-So write a novel.

-Yeah, I mean that's
what my heart says, but...

my publisher isn't thrilled
about the idea.

And, honestly,
I don't know if I could do it

without her backing me.

-You don't seem like
the type of person

that needs permission
to do something that she loves.

-At some point,
I guess I didn't.

-And now?

-Buckets of fear.

-[both laugh]

I mean,
if I go against my publisher,

what if she stops repping me?

If I write the novel,
what if it fails?

And then if I go back
to children's books,

what if
my audience has moved on?

-That's a lot of what-ifs.
-Hm.

-Is that why
you're still single?

-[scoffs] Excuse me?

-I just mean that
you're beautiful,

you're funny, you're smart,

you're talen--
-Complicated?

-We're all complicated.
-[Chloe chuckles]

-I think that relationships
are just tough for me.

I'm always lost in my thoughts.

Sometimes I'm in the past,
sometimes I'm in the future.

And as a writer, I'm observing
everything around me

all the time.
People, places...

And that can make it
very difficult

to connect with
what's right in front of me.

I don't know...

I guess the mind of a writer
is a difficult thing

to understand or get used to.

But when you're constantly
coming up with

infinite possibilities
and potential outcomes,

it makes it easy to get scared
and to run away

from a relationship
before it even gets started.

-I understand
more than you think.

I have an aspiring young writer
in Alex,

wise beyond her years,
but she's often lost

in books and in thought.

But she has this...

Mm, unbridled joy
for the present.

She sees the world
in ways and colors that

truly amaze me.

Just because a person isn't
the easiest to get close to

doesn't mean that
it's not worth trying.

That being said,

would you like to go to dinner
with me on Monday night?

-Oh.
- I'll cook.

[both laugh]

-I would love to.

-It's a date.

-It's a date.

Um, I was wondering
if I could bring my dad over.

-On our date?

-Oh, um...
-[tender score]

No, different thought.
Um, Saturday.

If you guys are around.
He's a plumber.

-Oh.
-Anderson Plumbing. The best!

-[Chloe chuckles]
-Whoa. [chuckles]

-Maybe he could help you out
with that pipe.

And at the same time, I could
help you open that online store?

-Okay. I-I-I'd love that. Um...
we're free Saturday afternoon.

-Okay. Saturday afternoon.

She's pretty good.

[score fades out]

-So, how was it?
[gasps dramatically]

Did you have fun?
Did he love your dress?

[laptop clatters onto table]

Chloe! It was my bedtime
two hours ago

and I have to teach
Christmas yoga in the morning.

You better stop playing and
start giving me all the details.

-Did you wait up for me?
-Yeah, of course I did.

Now dish.

-Okay, okay, um, it was...
[exhales]

Amazing.

-I'm gonna need you
to be more specific.

-It was really, really fun.

He looked amazing in his tux,
and he was sweet

and kind and funny.

And we danced until I thought
my feet were gonna fall off.

-Please tell me
you kept your shoes on.

-Only because it was
a first date.

-So it was a date!
-I don't know.

I mean... [sighs]

Maybe. [sighs]

But he did ask me out again.

He's gonna cook for me
on Monday night.

-So, he's kind...
-Mm-hm.

-Funny...
-Mm-hm.

-And he cooks?

-Apparently.
-[Trish sighs]

Wow! [gasps, sighs]
-[Chloe giggles]

-[tender score]
-I miss this.

-Me too.

Reminds me of old times.

I really wish you could stay.

-You know I can't.

-Why not?

-Um, because...

I don't live here.
-Mm.

-And I have a life
I need to get back to.

-But you could. [sighs]
Especially if you plan on

writing a novel.
I mean, what better place

to be creative than surrounded
by people that love you?

-I haven't even decided
if I'm gonna write it yet.

-Haven't you?

I'm just saying,
[deep inhale]

I haven't seen you smile
like this in a really long time.

Maybe spending
a little more time with us,

wouldn't be the worst thing
in the world.

Well, I gotta catch some Z's
because this

family Christmas yoga
will not teach itself.

-Family Christmas yoga?
-8 a.m. sharp!

And before you ask, yes,
it is mandatory.

-You're gonna make Dad do yoga?
-Mark my words, by Easter,

that man will be doing
a downward dog

like no other
70-year-old around.

-[laughs]

-Goodnight, Chloe.
-Goodnight, Trish.

-Love you.
-Love you.

Hi, Heather.
It's, uh, Chloe.

Look, I know it's Friday night
and it's late,

but I just wanted to call you
and tell you that I...

I decided to write my novel.

I'm gonna focus on that
this year and I really,

really hope
that you support me.

Anyway, um...

just give me a call on Monday
when you get a chance.

Bye.

[score fades out]

[upbeat acoustic guitar]

♪ Home, home, home

♪ Holidays at home

♪ Nothing like
holidays at home ♪

♪ Home, home, home

♪ Holidays at home

-Wow, you guys weren't kidding.

No breakfast, no coffee,
just... diving right in.

-Who needs caffeine
when you can downward dog?

Right? [laughs]

-I got you a water bottle
for proper hydration.

-[gasps] Thank you. Hey, Dad,

any chance you're hiding
some cookies back there?

-Sorry, sweetie.
Your sister runs a tight ship.

-[Chloes sighs]
-Okay, enough chitter-chatter.

Family, join me on your mat

and show me
your best Christmas tree pose.

-Christmas tree pose?
-Yeah.

It's festive.
-[Trish and Chloe laugh]

You just do a tree pose
like this.

-Mm-hm?

-And then you add
some blinking lights.

-[song fades out]

-Got all of her receipts ready.

And there you go.
Merry Christmas. [chuckles]

[doorbell chimes ring]

-Hi.
-Hi.

-[cheery] Hi.
Hey, look at that.

We've finally got a real plumber
in the building.

-Well, it's been a while,
but I believe

it's like riding a bike.
-Hm.

-I can't believe my uniform
still fits. [chuckles]

-Thanks for doing this, Clark.
-Nice to see you.

And how are you doing,
young lady?

-I'm great. So excited to learn
how to put the store online.

-I'm very excited to teach you.

-I already started
a social media account

for the store,
just like you suggested

and it already has
a ton of followers.

-Well, there's a lot more we
can do to bring traffic there

and increase sales.
-Okay, we'll let you two chat.

I'll show your dad
the issue with the basement.

-Okay.
-Okay.

Clark, follow me.

-You know, my dad really likes
spending time with you.

He smiles a lot
when you're around.

-I really like spending time
with him, too. With both of you.

-Thank you for
helping us out, Chloe.

This is like the best
Christmas present

you could have ever given us.
-It's my pleasure, Alex.

And speaking of
Christmas presents,

I have an idea.
-Really? What is it?

-Well, I read
your short stories last night

and I think they're really good.

-You think so?

-I do. And I think it would be
really nice

for your dad
to have a copy of all of them.

So, do you remember when
I told you my mom helped me

publish my first book and we
handed out copies for Christmas?

-Yeah, you sold the rest
at a yard sale.

-I think that we should do
the same thing for you.

We can send them to my printer.

We can publish them
under Angel Wish Publishing

and then you can give 'em
to your dad for Christmas.

We can even print
extra copies and sell them here

or sell them online.

What do you think?

-I think that's
the best idea ever.

-Okay, I'll send you
a layout of your book tonight

and you can review it.
All you need to do

is come up with a title.

It'll only take
a couple days to print,

so you should have it
by Christmas Eve.

-Thank you so much, Chloe.
He's gonna love it.

-You're very welcome.

Now, should we figure out
this online store?

-Let's do it.
-Hm.

-[score fades out]

-[gentle score]
And just like that,

you are officially open
for online business.

-Wow.

I can't believe it's that easy.
[scoffs]

I really don't know how to
thank you for all of this.

-You don't need to.
It's been really good

for me to spend some time
with you and Alex.

-It's been great
having you here.

Do you think that you could

extend your stay a little while,
maybe do some writing from here?

-You know, Trisha asked me
the same thing last night.

And to be honest,
I'm thinking about it.

-Well, that'd be cool.

Cool?

Am I dating myself?
Is cool not cool anymore?

-[Chloe laughs]
-Fine. It's fine. I don't know.

I can't tell.
-Cool is still cool in my book.

-Okay. Good.

-I, um...

I also talked to my publisher
last night.

-Mm.
-I told her that

I'm gonna write the novel
with or without her support.

So, technically...

there's no reason why I couldn't
stick around for a little bit.

-Chloe Anderson, I believe
that makes you fearless again.

-Well, I think I'm finding
a little bit of strength

from all the support here.

My dad, my sister...

And you.

-Well, we all love
having you here.

I love having you here.

Very much.

-I love being here.

Very much.

-You should see their
thriller section...

Oh, I'm sorry.
Am I interrupting something?

-No, no, not at all.
-No. Not at all.

But we should really get going.

I mean, Trisha's gonna be
wondering where we are.

And I'm sure she has a very
healthy dinner waiting for us.

-Think maybe we could
stop for cookies on the way?

-I won't tell if you don't.
[soft laugh]

-Thank you so much
for everything this afternoon.

Clark, what do I owe you?
-Absolutely nothing.

It was just so good
to feel needed again.

-Thank you so much.
-My pleasure.

Bye, Alex.
-See you later, Mr. Anderson.

-Bye.
-Bye.

[score fades out]

["Silent Night" on piano]

♪ Silent night
Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm
All is bright ♪

♪ Round yon virgin
Mother and child ♪

♪ Holy infant
So tender and mild ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

- That's always been a favorite
Christmas song of mine.

Just a reminder that tickets are
still available but going fast

for the Stars Align
Christmas Special

coming live to you
from New York City.

This event promises to be
the best one yet...

-Great title.
-...with added musical guests

and promises
even more surprises.

After the break, we have
more Christmas songs lined up,

including some classics
that you probably haven't heard

in quite some time.
-[gentle guitar score]

[floorboards creaking]

-Did you decide?
-This one?

-This one.
-No.

-No.

-This one.
-Are you sure?

-I think so.

-Sweetheart, you are
way more nervous than me

about this date. I'm the one
who's supposed to be nervous.

-I just want it to go well.

And let's be real, Dad,
you're a little out of practice.

-How about some
encouraging words for

your dear old dad like,
"Dad, you'll do great."

-Dad, you'll do great.
Just go easy on the dad jokes.

-They're good icebreakers.

-Maybe for a PTA meeting.
But for a date,

a good icebreaker is,

"You look beautiful."

-I already used that one.

-What? When?

-When we went ballroom dancing.

-You went ballroom dancing
with Chloe Anderson?

-Yeah.

-So, this is more like
a second date.

-Well, not really,
because ballroom dancing

was sort of a surprise
for the both of us, so...

-A second date is
so much more pressure.

-It is?
-Yes, Dad.

She likes you enough
to say yes to a second date,

so that means the dad jokes
didn't totally scare her away.

But the bad news is

you probably used up
all your good material.

Okay, just calm down
and be funny.

-Okay.
-But not too funny.

And smile. [exhales]

But with no teeth.

I never thought that
I'd be getting dating advice

from my daughter.
-Life is full of surprises.

-Sure is.
-Now let me see.

-[whisper] Okay.

-Hm. This could work.

-So, thumbs up.
-Nobody does that anymore, Dad.

-So, no thumbs and no teeth.

Hm.

-[gentle Christmas-themed score]

-Whoa. [soft laugh]
You look pretty tonight.

-Thanks, Dad.
-Are you excited?

-It's just a date. [sighs]

Okay, maybe a little nervous.
-[Clark and Trish laugh]

-Just have fun, sweetheart.
-Thanks.

-[phone ringing]
Oh! Mm.

It's Heather.

-CLARK: Mm-hm.
-[score fades out]

-Hello?
-Hi, honey.

I heard your message
and here's the deal:

I want you to push the novel
for one year.

-Heather, I made up my mind.
I'm not pushing it.

-Give me a moment to explain.
-Explain what?

-You know
that Christmas special,

that Stars something
that airs worldwide

with all those celebrities
and artists?

-You mean the Stars Align
Christmas Special?

-That's the one.

Well, this year,
they want to add an author,

and they want you to read
from one of your stories live

on Christmas Eve
for all the world to see.

-What?
- The caveat is

they want an exclusive
to announce your next book

so it looks like you're
going to have to give me

another Christmas.
-Heather,

I don't even have
my next book lined up yet.

-Honey, you've been
doing this for years.

Come up with a title
and a premise and I'll have

you on a flight to New York
by tomorrow night.

-Can I think about it?
-Chloe, you can't say no.

This is the greatest opportunity
that you'll ever have.

Sleep on it
and call me in the morning

with your booking info.

-Okay.
-I'm so very proud of you.

-Well? What did she say?

-They want me
to read my book on the next

Stars Align Christmas Special.

-TRISH: What? That's huge.

-As long as I announce
my next children's book.

-Oh.
-And the event is live

on Christmas Eve, so...

I'd have to leave tomorrow.
-[Clark sighs]

-Oh.

-Aw, honey, that's okay.

-But I'd miss Christmas.

-Chloe,

you know that we'll support
any decision you make.

We're just glad we were able
to spend some time with you.

-Thanks, Dad.

Oh, okay. I gotta go.
I'm gonna be late.

-Okay, we'll talk
when you get back.

-CLARK [whisper]: Yeah.
-And... [CLARK/TRISH] have fun!

-Okay. [laughs] I love you.

-[tender score]

Hi.

-Hi.

Wow. You look incredible.

I love your dress.

-Thanks.

I wasn't sure
I had the right address.

I thought you were going to
cook for me tonight.

I didn't expect
a restaurant date.

-Yeah. I, um, I helped the owner
with the renovations,

so he owed me a favor.

Got a great kitchen.
I love to cook.

-[Chloe chuckles]

They have a beautiful view.

-They sure do.

Um...

Uh, this is for you.

Make yourself comfortable,
and, uh, I'll go get dinner.

-Okay. [quiet laugh]

Thank you, Ethan.
That was delicious.

-You're very welcome.

-Consider me surprised.

-You mean you didn't predict
any of this in any of your

infinite possibilities? Hm?

-I guess I didn't.
-Hm.

-But to be fair, I was really
trying to be present tonight.

Enjoy the company.

-I'm glad.
I really enjoy the company, too.

It's been a long time
since I...

felt a connection
with someone like this.

-Since Deb?

-Yeah.

-Can you tell me about her?

-No, we don't have to do that.
-[overlap] No, I'd...

I'd like to know.

-Okay.

Deb was kind.

She was a dreamer. [laughs]

But she was also
really down to earth.

And she loved books.

Like Alex.
Uh, she liked being transported

to other worlds,
other lifetimes.

I miss her.

I know
Alex really misses her, too.

But there is...

There's no benefit
in looking back.

[softly] Just hurts too much.

-Ethan, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to--

-No, no, no. That's okay.

It's important
that we talk about this.

Especially if you and I are...

I want you in my life, Chloe.

I want you in Alex's life.

Uh, it's the first time
since Deb that I've seen her

light up around someone.

You really inspire her.

You spark something
in both of us.

-[score fades out]

Did I say something wrong?

-No.

Nothing at all.

Ethan, I have to go.
-Chloe!

-Ethan, I want to do this.

I do.

But I can't.

You are kind,
and you're wonderful,

and your daughter is incredible.

And she deserves somebody
that could be present.

Always.

You both do, and...

I'm...

-Afraid.

-Trying.

But there's so much
that can go wrong.

-There's so much
that can go right.

-Ethan, my publisher
called today with an offer

that I can't turn down.

I'm leaving tomorrow.

-What about Christmas
with your family?

-Next year.

I'll still check in on the
online store and make sure that

it's running smoothly and I'll
stay in touch with Alex.

I will answer any question
she has on her writing journey.

I know how important it is
to have a mentor at her age.

-Okay.

-Thanks for dinner.

I really did enjoy
our time together.

I just...
-[softly] No, I...

I understand.

-Can you tell Alex
I say goodbye?

-I will.

Goodbye, Chloe.

-Bye, Ethan.

[score fades out]

-You all packed up?
-Almost.

I'm sorry, Dad.

I really wanted to be here
for Christmas this year.

-Oh, sweetheart,

never apologize
for living your life.

Your mother and I raised you
to be an independent woman.

To follow your dreams.

I would never fault you
for doing something

that you loved.

You gotta follow your heart.

-That's just the thing, Dad.

I'm not sure that this is
what my heart wants anymore.

I'm so confused.

I wish somebody could just
tell me what to do. [laughs]

-Sweetheart, that's one of the
hardest parts of being an adult,

is you gotta make
all your decisions for yourself.

-[Chloe sighs, chuckles]
-Just know that

we will always be there
to support your decisions.

Okay?
-Thanks, Dad.

-Oh, do you think you'd
have time tomorrow morning to

go for breakfast with your dad?
Good cup of coffee

and a gingerbread cookie
before you go?

-I would love that.

-I'll see you
in the morning then.

Sleep well, sweetheart.
I love you.

-I love you, Dad.

Hey, Dad.
-Mm-hm?

-Can you tell Trish that I'm
gonna be gone for a little bit?

-This time of night?

-There's something that
I want to do before I go.

-[church organ playing]

-[organ music fades out]
-[tender score]

-[heels clack
on wooden stairs]

Merry Christmas, Mom.

I want you to know
how much we love you

and miss you.

It's been hard without you.

And I could really use
your guidance right now.

I don't know what to do
about anything.

About my novel.

The show. [faint sigh]

Christmas.

Ethan.

If you get this message,

do you think
you could give me a sign?

A little nudge
that I'm on the right track

like you used to.

[rustling]

I know it's
not Christmas Eve yet, but

if there's any way
you can expedite that message,

I'd really appreciate it.
-[score fades out slowly]

-Honey, what are you
doing up there?

Do you need a hand?

-I'm sorry. Uh, I'm okay.

I feel so silly.

I was just, um...

-Sending a message.

-[softly] Yeah.
-Oh, honey,

there is nothing silly
about that at all. [chuckles]

-Oh, Jean.

Whispering a message to an angel
on top of a tree

with the hopes that
it gets to Heaven.

It's just a kid's story
that I made up.

-Chloe,

you have a gift.

Your stories touch
people's hearts,

whether you made them up or,

or were inspired by something
far greater than us. [chuckles]

Your stories help people
understand the world

a little bit better.
[soft laugh]

Oh, you mustn't underestimate
the power of their truth.

Life can be hard sometimes.

And it can be messy.

But just know
you are surrounded by love.

-Thank you, Jean.

I appreciate your kind words.
And your hugs.

-And I appreciate you.
[chuckles]

And your stories.
-[Chloe laughs gently]

-Speaking of which...

I came to thank you.

-For what?

-For all you do for Alex.
-[emotional score]

You've inspired that little girl
so much. [chuckles]

And printing and sharing
her stories. [laughs]

I haven't seen anything so sweet

[laughing] in a long time.

-She told you.
-Oh, yeah.

Better yet,

I got the first advanced copy.

-Oh.
-[Mrs. Jenkins laughs]

Yeah, they arrived
at the bookstore this morning.

When Alex met you,

that was her sign
that she was on the right track.

-I guess we're all looking for
a sign we're on the right track.

-Oh...
And God sends them to us.

We just have to open our eyes
to see them.

-Thank you, Jean.
I have to go.

-What? I-Is everything okay?

-Yeah.

I just got my sign.

Merry Christmas.
-Oh!

Merry Christmas, Chloe.

[keyboard clacking]

[score fades out]

-[quiet conversations]
-[plates, cutlery clinking]

-One for you...
-[plate clatters]

and one for me.

-You are definitely my daughter.
-[tender score]

-Don't tell Trish.
-Some days require yoga,

some days require cookies.
Life is all about balance.

-Dad, I did
a lot of thinking last night

and I have some news.

-You sound serious.
What is it, sweetie?

-I'm going to stay
for Christmas.

-And what about
your Christmas show?

-I gave them full permission
to read my book on air

by one of the celebrities
already attending.

They loved the idea.

And I also gave them
the title of my next book,

Sally's Family Christmas.
[chuckles]

-So, you're pushing the novel?

-No.

I did a lot of thinking and
so much became clear last night.

I want to write my novel,
but I also

want to keep writing
children's books.

Just want to
do them on my terms.

-And your publisher's okay
with this?

-She doesn't have to be.

I decided that I'm going to open
my own publishing company.

Angel Wish Publishing.
[soft sigh]

I'm going to make it real.

-Chloe, that's wonderful.
[laughs]

-It's just going to be a small
publishing company at first,

for my own books,
but eventually,

I'm going to
publish other authors.

I realized that

I don't need Heather to tell me
what I can or can't do.

I'm going to follow my heart.

-Oh, sweetheart,
I'm so proud of you.

-Thanks, Dad.

-Angel Wish Publishing. Huh.

I only wish
your mother was here to see it.

-She is.

-[joyous score]

- Hey, Trish, have you seen
my jacket? Trish?

-It's in the kitchen.

-Thank you.
-[Trish chuckles]

-A little help, Trish?
-I got it, Dad. Follow me.

-I'm so happy that
you're staying with us,

Auntie Chloe.
-Me too, Jana.

-This is the best
Christmas gift ever.

-Aw.
-TRISH: I agree with Jana.

This isthe best
Christmas gift ever.

-Thank you so much for letting
me stay here for a while.

-Our home is your home
for as long as you want.

-Now, isn't there some place
you need to go

before we head out
to Christmas mass?

-There is.
-Good luck.

-I love you guys.

-[score ends]

-[doorbell chimes ring]

-[tender score]

Hi.

-Chloe. [soft laugh]
I thought you left.

-[Alex exclaims happily]
-I decided to stay.

-I'm so happy. Are you coming
to the midnight mass?

-I'll be there.
-That's awesome.

And you get to meet
my grandparents.

Dad, isn't that great?

[whisper] Smile.
-[faint sigh]

-[Chloe laughs quietly]
-[whisper] Teeth, teeth.

Okay, well,
I'll give you guys a minute.

Dad, I'll be in the truck.
Merry Christmas, Chloe.

-Merry Christmas, Alex.

-So you decided to stay?

-Mm-hm.
-What about your work?

-I made other plans.
-Your novel?

-I'm gonna write it.

-That's, uh, really cool.

[both laugh]

Chloe, I--
-Ethan... [measured inhale]

I can imagine an infinite
amount of reasons why

I shouldn't be here right now.

But the truth is
all of those reasons

are borne out of fear.

I don't want to be
scared anymore.

When I'm with you and Alex,

there's only one thing
that I feel.

Love.

And that love is powerful.

It makes me believe
that I can achieve anything

and I want that.

I want to be brave
and fearless.

And I want to take chances.

Stop living in the past and...
[measured inhale]

stop worrying about the future.

And I want
to live in the present.

I want to see where
this story goes.

-[kiss sounds]

-I'm really glad
you decided to stay,

Chloe Anderson.

-I'm really glad
my name stuck, Ethan.

-Hm.
-Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

♪ Won't you believe in this?

♪ Won't you believe in this?

♪ And the light of lights
Gather once again ♪

♪ Won't you believe in this?

♪ And the light of lights
Gather once again ♪

♪ Won't you believe in this?

-[song fades out]

-[brass band rendition
of "Deck the Halls"]