Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Hi, friends. Read-Along-Michelle here.

And today, we are reading one of

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

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.

*

[Bells on door jingling]

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.

-[Chuckling] 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.

R[Clearing throat]k 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 morniI'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 heI 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?

-[Laughing] -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.

* [Gentle instrumental] *

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

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[Laughing],

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. -[Laughing]

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.

* THIS IS THE SWEETEST SEASON *

*

* I KNOW THAT LOVE'S THE REASON *

*

* LIGHTS ON THE TREES... *

* AND YOU HERE WITH ME *

* THIS IS THE *

[Camera shutter clicking]

* SWEETEST SEASON *

*

*

*

*

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'lI 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,

*

[Message chiming]

* DOO-DOO-DOO DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO *

* IT'S COMING DOWN... *

* ALL THE FLURRIES DANCING AROUND *

[Messages chiming]

* OH, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE *

* BUT YOU'RE KEEPING MY HEART WARM... *

* IN THIS CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND *

[Message chiming]

* GOT SOME COCOA HOT ON THE STOVE *

* COZY UP WITH YOU BY THE FIRESIDE *

* GOT SOME COCOA HOT ON THE STOVE * * WE'LL WARM *

* IN THIS CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND *

* YOU AND I DECEMBER DREAMING *

[Message chiming]

* EACH AND EVERY DAY *

* THAT LOVELY WINTER MAGIC'S ALL WE NEED *

[Message chiming]

* MAKE A FROSTY FRIEND WITH A CARROT NOSE *

* WHO KNOWS HOW TO TURN A PHRASE *

* I COULDN'T BE IN BETTER COMPANY *

* WHO KNOWS HOW TO TURN A PHRASE * *

* DA-DA DOO-DOO-DOO DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO *

* WHO KNOWS HOW TO TURN A PHRASE * * DOO-DOO-DOO DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO *

Are you Trading Up Christmas?

Not me.

-Trading Up Christmas? -No, not me.

You must be Trading Up Christmas.

[Laughing] Can you imagine

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

[Yeah, hi. Michelle Kostka.

-Dan Bautissa. -[Laughs]

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 alsoIt'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.

*

[Camera shutter clicking]

Trade one, and done.

*

Thanks a bunch.

And good luck with whatever your story ends up being.

I hope you find it honestly.

*

*

*

[Message chiming]

*

*

*

*

[Message chiming]

*

[Message*chiming]

[Message chiming]

*

[Message chiming]

*

*

[Message chiming]

*

[Phone ringing]

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.

[Laughing]

*

[Message chiming]

"Willing to trade your sweater for a box of

Christmas lights."

"Some lights work."

Some lights work? Ugh!

[Message chiming]

*

*

[Message chiming]

*

*

[Message chiming]

[Message chiming]

*

[Message chiming]

*

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 bI 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 liIt'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!

[Message chiming]

*

[Message*chiming]

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.

Tha[Sighing]ye!

*

*

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.

* [Holiday instrumental] *

*

* [HPretty cool, huh?al] *

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?

-[Gasping] -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. [Sighing]

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.

[Camera shutter clicking]

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

*

[Camera shutter clicking] 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. -[Message chiming]

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"?

[Laughing]

*

[Lau*hing]

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?

[Scoffs]

-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.

*

[Camera shutter clicking]

Perfect. Oh, Mary, one more thing.

Mm-hm?

Dan here, he needs a tree.

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

*

Okay... [Laughs]

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.

[Laughs]

*

*

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.

-[Laughing] -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.

[Creaking]

-Oh. -[Laughing]

-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. -[Whisper] 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 storyIt'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?

[Laughing]

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.

[Sighing] 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.

[Laughs]

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. [Awkward laughing]

[Quiet groaning]

Have fun. [Awkward*laughing]

-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.

*

*

[Bells on door jingling]

*

-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?

[Laughing] 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.

-[Shouting] 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.

-[Loud buzzing] -Oh!

-[Shouting] 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. -[Chuckling]

-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. [Laughing]

*

-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

*

[Bells on door jingling]

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.

*

[Indistinct speaking in background]

*

"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

*

[Message chiming]

*

*

*

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.

[Message chiming]

*

[Message chiming]

*

*

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.

[Anxious sigh]

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 [Giggles]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?

[Indistinct speaking in background]

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.

itI 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.

[Laughing]

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.

[Phone vibrating]

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.

[Chuckling]

Right. [Awkward laugh]

*

Hawaiian vacation posted for trade.

[Excited inhale] 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.

-[Laughing] -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.

[Laughing] 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...

[Gruff] "You still working at The Watch?"

[Laughing] I don't sound like that.

[Laughing]

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.

*

[Sighing]

*

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?

[Laughing] 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"!

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

It'll be great. You'll see.

-[Laughing] -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.

emoI 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.

frI 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.

[Phone vibrating] 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... [Sighing]

*

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 peIt'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 [Laughing]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,

-[Laughing] but it -...left.ed out.

-May I? -Sure, go!

Wow...

Yeah. [Laughing]

-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[Laughing]?

[Camera shutter clicking] Ah! [Laughing]

-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* I'VE BEEN GOODe? ALL YEAR LONG *

* DONE NOTHING WRONG SO GOOD TO SANTA! *

[Message chiming]

* BEEN OH SO NICE SO GOOD TO SANTA! *

* I'VE BEEN WRAPPING ALL YOUR FAVORITE GIFTS *

* BEEN OH SO NICE S[Message chiming]*

* ...EVERYTHING ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST *

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,

-[Laughing] -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! [Laughing]

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.

-[Laughing] -Okay.

I think your father needs some help over there.

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

[Laughing]

So, you own the Kostka Home?

[LMm-hm.g]

I've been to your shop before.

And I've sat on your face before.

-Excuse me? -I meant the bench ads!

Oh! [Laughing] Yeah, the bench.

-Okay. -Yeah.

-That's right. -Yeah. [Laughing]

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...

[Clearing throat]

[Bell ringing] Story time, everybody!

Come gather around.

There's seats for Stoall you kiddos!ody!

[Kids chatter]

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!

[Cheering & applauding]

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.

[Laughing] 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...[Sputtering]

Yeah, of course.

-Sure! -Ah...Okay.tering]

I guess cue the intimacy, huh?

-[Awkward laughing] -Ah..-What?tering]

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! -[Laughing]

-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 abI 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

[Sighing] 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. -[Laughing]

-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 tI'm getting emotional.

It's just...

I'vSI've wanted thised tI'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.

[Laughs]

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. [Laughing]

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 tI'd like to try...

'cause I really like you.

I really like you too.

'cause I rea*ly like you.

[Laughing]

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

[Message chiming]

Oh, gosh!

[Sighing & laughing]

[Mutters] Sorry.

-It's so pretty. -So?

-It's really pretty. -Oh.

-Yeah. -Good.

[Message sending alert]

*

[Message sending al*rt]

[Typing]

"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.

[Message chiming]

Just sent it to you.

Give me a half hour [Mto proof it.ng]

All right. I'm gonna get a coffee.

*

All right. I'm gonna [Message chiming]

*

All right. I'm gonna [Message*chiming]

*

All right. I'm gonna [Message*chiming]

*

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.

*

[Message chiming]

*

*

*

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?

CleI 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.

*

He*e.

*

[Bells on door jingling]

*

*

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.

*

*

*

*

[Sighing]

*

[Sig*ing]

[Knocking] 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.

[Laughing] 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.

[Effort grunting] 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*!

[Sighing]

*

*

*

*

*

[Sighing]

*

[Knocking]

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.

[Sighing]

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 [Message chiming]

*

*

*

Keri! What is going on?

You haven't figured it out?

Why, Michi!

This is my new house!

-[Giggling] 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 tI feel the same way.

*

Well...

you fulfilled your side of the deal.

Did you steal my stocking?

Technically, your sister did.

Did yI 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.

[Laughing]

*

Solid trade.

I'll take it.

*

*

[Giggling]

*

Come on, guys, let's go.]

* [Whimsical] *

*

*

*

*

*

*

*