Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

(cheery Christmas music)

♪ It's that time of year ♪

♪ When Santa comes to bring that cheer ♪

♪ He ain't comin' by boat or plane ♪

♪ He's loaded down with candy canes ♪♪

- Hi! It's Loryn popping on with a new product

that should be on store shelves soon.

So, should you buy it or bye-bye it?

Let's find out!

Silky Smooth is a new, acrylic nail polish,

the summer set by Fifi... (gasps)

(quirky music)

Are you kidding me?!

Can't you see I'm recording?!

(scoffs)

Ugh!

(recording beeps)

Oh, and that wreath is in my shot!

Those colours do not match my eyeshadow.

It's not me, Sophie! Is it me?!

- It's totally not you, Loryn. (sighs)

I'm exhausted!

- We should totally get massages.

And then, get facials. - Oh, yes!

They have a body scrub that uses pearl dust as an exfoliator.

(gasps) Isn't that crazy?

(playful music)

- It's a long flight to Switzerland.

We wanna make sure that we're relaxed enough

to sleep on the plane.

Mmm, snow, skiing, champagne,

romantic evenings by the fire.

That's what Christmas is all about.

(both sigh)

(♪ Angels We Have Heard on High ♪ in jazz)

- Ooh!

- Merry Christmas!

- I need to dry decaf.

- Hi, Freda. What do you think?

- I think it is freezing

and you're 10 minutes late.

- No, about the nutcracker.

Isn't it great? - I think it's big.

- Yeah, I picked it up for the store. I thought we could

put it in the front window. Kids are gonna love it.

Remember how stores used to decorate their windows

for the holidays? We can do that!

- Well, it's very festive. I will put it on the list.

Here's your coffee. - Thank you.

Oh! Also, I have some personal news.

Here, hold this. - Okay...

- Now, Freda... - Mm-hmm?

- You've always been my right-hand person,

so this is why I wanna tell you first.

- All right. Okay. - Okay?

Let me read you this. - Okay.

- "Dear Aidan, congratulations on being named one of

the finalists for the position of regional manager.

We look forward to scheduling

an interview after the first of the year.

Best wishes for a stellar Christmas."

Blah, blah, blah.

Regional manager.

(chuckles) - Well deserved.

- Thank you. Thanks.

- Cheers. - Cheers. Oh! Thank you.

I gotta bring this to the store.

Can you hold this? - Sure.

- I'm telling you, this is gonna pay off.

- Sure it will. - Plus, I'm having

another one delivered later.

Now, I know what you're thinking.

1,000 bucks for a nutcracker?

Little expensive.

But think of all the smiles, right?

Ugh! All right.

Let's go.

- Huh. Who else is up for the position?

- I don't know. They said I was one of the finalists.

- Hmm. - I mean, we could have better sales numbers.

What if it doesn't improve? I mean,

what if I get passed up for this promotion?

- Remember when you took the job at the store

as the holiday hire? - Mm-hmm.

- Right? You were so gung ho.

You went into the warehouse,

you memorized all of the inventory.

You helped all the customers to

the parking lot with their packages.

You even volunteered to stay late.

Remember that guy?

- Yeah, a little. - Hmm.

- I want this to be the best Christmas we've ever had.

And if we're lucky, maybe I'll get that promotion.

- Don't worry. You're the reason why

we're doing as well as we are.

Now, the staff is waiting for you in the store,

so stiff upper lip! Go give them the pep talk

that's gonna send our holiday sales through the roof!

- Maybe you're right. - Hmm.

- You know what? I can feel it.

This is uh... it's gonna be a magical Christmas.

- It's gonna be a long two weeks.

Can you... bring that?

Okay.

(indistinct chatter)

- Good morning, everyone! Can we uh, gather around?

Thank you.

This Christmas marks Hamptons'

50-year anniversary.

Give yourselves a round of applause.

(clapping)

- Now, to celebrate,

we are launching a promotion

to make this the most festive,

the most Christmassy Christmas

in our store's history.

Every day from now until Christmas,

a lucky family is gonna receive their gifts for free.

So, let's do this in honour of our founder,

the woman who started it all,

Helen Hampton.

(clapping)

Thank you.

Have a great day, guys. Thank you.

(indistinct chatter)

(jazz music)

- Kevin?

- Uh...

(sniffles) (clears throat)

Did you want the sales figures? - No.

- The delivery stats? Because... I can explain.

- I want to talk about my granddaughter, Loryn.

- Oh! - Yes.

I had hoped by now that she would've stepped into

a more substantial role in the firm.

Everyone in the family is doing well, except for Loryn.

I want her to be part of our future.

Don't look so shocked.

She's smart and ambitious.

She has potential.

- Uh, ma'am, we all love Loryn,

but she is a charter member of the trust fund party circle.

- Loryn has a good eye.

She curates jewellery, restaurants, clothing.

If she's seen wearing a certain style of shoe,

it's just a matter of time before that shoe gains sales.

- It has been a challenge moving young adults

from shopping online to actually stepping foot in a store.

- She's my only grandchild.

Her becoming part of our future is important to me,

to my legacy. Have Aidan at the flagship store hire her

for the next few weeks.

I want him to oversee her progress.

He's up for a promotion.

This is his chance

to demonstrate some real leadership.

- Not to mention his patience.

- If Loryn can survive a retail Christmas,

we can talk about weaving her into the company.

- And if she doesn't make it through to the new year?

- If she doesn't try,

we'll need to discuss Loryn's inheritance.

- Oh, my. - Hmm.

Now, about those delivery stats?

(whispering): I'll go check on them right now.

Yeah.

Okay.

(light music)

(reggae music)

- Ooh! Over 800 new likes on my post!

Every time I send a customer to one of the outlets,

I'm building my reputation as an influencer.

- I feel like I'm watching a legend being born.

- When I hit a million followers,

I plan to have my own reality TV show.

(gasps) Mm-hmm.

Where I travel the world and find the best in food,

fashion, and... fun! (deep inhale)

- Can I be on it and play your best friend?

- Dummy, you are my best friend.

- Ooh! (giggles)

(sighs) (phone rings)

(groans)

- Oh.

- Hello, Loryn.

- Grandma!

Uh, did I forget to call you or something?

- I want to speak to you about Christmas.

- Oh, I know. Switzerland is going to be perfect this time of year.

- There isn't gonna be any Switzerland this year, Loryn.

- Uh... OMG, was there an avalanche?

- I mean, you won't be going to Switzerland.

- Uh... (confused chuckle)

the chalet is booked.

All my friends will be there.

- I want you to come to Chicago

and work at the flagship store

for the Christmas season.

(worrying music)

- I don't understand. - I want you

to demonstrate that you aren't planning on merely reaping

the benefits of a lucky birth.

I want you to prove to me that

you deserve a place in the family business.

(scoffs)

- But I never... you never...!

- You'll start on Monday.

Oh! And under no circumstances are you to tell

anyone at the store who you are. - But I...

- I don't want them giving you special favours.

See you then.

(shocked sigh)

- Loryn, what's wrong?

- Something horrible.

I'm going to Chicago!

(horrified gasp)

- Oh...

(upbeat Christmas music)

- Um...

The store is over there. - Yes, it is.

- And we are over here. - Yes, we are.

Your grandmother doesn't want you

getting out of this car in front of the Hamptons.

(sighs) - It's like really far.

And I'm wearing heels.

- It's half a block.

(sighs) You'll survive.

- Fine. - I'll have your luggage dropped off at the hotel

and I'll pick you up at the end of your shift.

- Oh, goody.

- Goody, indeed.

(sighs)

(bell clanging)

- Merry Christmas. - Must you?

(gasps) My scarf!

(playful music)

- I got it.

- That is a $600 vintage scarf

that you're just crumpling up like a wet paper towel!

- And it looks real pretty, too.

(sighs)

My name is Danny. What's yours?

- Loryn. Look, Danny,

I'm going to be late for... work. So...

- Oh, you work here? - Yes.

- Well, let me be the first to welcome you.

(sweet music)

Hey, Loryn.

- What now?

- Could you do me a favour?

If you see Freda in there,

could you tell her that Danny says hello?

- Danny says hello.

Got it. - Thank you.

(sighs)

- Let's move the Christmas ornaments

to the front of the store and we'll run

a buy-one-get-one-free sale. - Got it.

- Hey, Merry Christmas!

- What can do I for you? - Does this place have any Wi-Fi?

- I'm sorry, can I help you find something?

- I'm looking for a... Aidan O'Hare.

- Hmm, that's me.

And you are?

- In great need of caffeine.

- I meant, what your name is.

- Her name is Loryn.

- Ms. Hampton. (clears throat)

- We've established who I am.

Let's work on a plan for Loryn.

- A plan?

- Walk with me.

- Um, uh...

(quirky music)

Ms. Hampton, can I get you something?

Coffee, tea? Anybody can get a coffee for her, please?

- No need. Aidan, I've just had breakfast.

I believe these snow globes are meant to be on sale this week, no?

- That is right, but uh, we're gonna be moving it

to the front of the store, next to the Christmas ornaments.

- Smart!

I like that.

Loryn is a friend of mine.

I want her to work here during the holidays.

- Oh, right! Uh, Kevin called.

He said we're gonna have a new holiday hire.

- Make sure she learns the ropes.

Teach her everything you know about running one of our stores.

- Does this have anything to do with the uh, possible promotion?

- I should think all of your responsibilities would have

some bearing on your future.

- Hmm. - Hmm?

- I won't let you down.

- Aidan, thank you for your time.

And now, I'd like to have a private word with Loryn.

- Sure. - Mm-hmm.

(sighs) - Grandma, you...

You don't need to check up on me.

- Loryn, as underwhelmed as you seem to be,

I want you to give this opportunity your full attention.

Let me be clear on what is at stake.

This is your time to show me what you're made of.

- Look, Grandma, you can't just spring something like this on me

without any kind of a warning.

- Because? - Well, because...

it isn't fair!

- Didn't you tell me one year ago that you needed some time

to figure out what you wanted to do with your life?

- Yes... - And didn't you acknowledge

the fact that because your school was paid for,

along with your car, your apartments, your vacations,

and your lifestyle, you did feel a sense of obligation

to at least pretend to be interested in the family business?

- Well... - The time for delaying the inevitable has passed

and here we are.

Loryn, if you demonstrate

genuine effort, then I'll know you're giving your best.

But if you don't, we'll need to have a serious conversation.

Let's have dinner this week.

I'll have Kevin call you.

Oh. Take off your coat,

get comfortable.

You're gonna be here for a while.

- Uh, Gr...

(elevator dings)

- This is the break room.

Welcome to use the fridge, microwave,

a little seating area over there.

- Fancy. - Hmm.

- Uh, I see Christmas has made its way up here, too.

- Yeah.

(sighs)

- Wow.

Drip.

How retro.

- Right.

Well, you're welcome to leave

your coat and bag here in the meantime,

but you will have a locker. (Loryn snickers)

- I don't think so.

(curious music) I mean, how can I...

- Loryn, I don't think anybody's gonna take...

I mean, 'cause they're...

(annoyed chuckle)

You know what? Just... wait right here.

I gotta speak with Freda.

(chuckles)

(sighs)

Freda! - Yeah?

- Ms. Hampton wants me to train her,

but it seems like Loryn doesn't even wanna be here.

How am I supposed to work with that?

- I am sure you'll figure it out.

Let's go back in. - What if this is a test?

- Uh, you watch too much cable television.

- Well, why else would she be here?

She shows up at the busiest time of the year,

right when I'm up for promotion.

- Okay, okay. Fine! Cool!

It's freezing. Can we please go back inside?

- Okay, all right. But I'm not giving up on this promotion.

She's not gonna stop me. I'll make sure of it.

- Okay. Tomorrow, I'm wearing thermal underwear.

(bell clanging)

(jazzy Christmas music)

(scanner beeps)

(sighs)

- Do you have an espresso machine?

- Wow, that's the first time

a new employee's asked me that question.

- And the answer is...?

- There is a coffee shop about five blocks from here.

- Can you have someone go fetch one for me?

- Well, that would fall under the duties of a new employee, actually.

- Oh, I'm...

I'm wearing heels. So...

- Right. So, Loryn, um,

do you have any experience in retail? Oh, thank you.

- Mm-hmm. - Well, let's just start with the basics.

Our floor staff are wearing these festive Santa hats.

This one's for you.

And uh, Freda will be sure to grab you a name tag.

- A name tag?

- Uh... let's start with something simple.

Uh, the men's department can be straightened up.

It's uh, kinda funny how the boxers and briefs keep getting mixed up,

you know, 'cause they're... they're so similar.

(annoyed chuckle) - Yeah, I'm not doing that.

- Okay, um, well, you're supposed to learn

how we do things, and stocking the shelves is

an important part of running the store, so...

- I think that there's been a mistake.

I'm not here to sell things, or straighten things,

or spend even a nanosecond touching men's underwear.

- Okay, uh, well, um...

why exactly are you here, if you don't mind me asking?

- To uh... help improve sales.

Modernize the stock, and maybe even redecorate.

Which, to be honest, I think there's way too many Christmas decorations in this place.

- Too many Christmas decorations during uh, Christmas time.

- I mean, I get it. But the whole Christmas thing

just really needs to be reconceptualized.

- Noted. I have the perfect spot for you.

- Mm-hmm?

- You'll have to wear this apron.

- Uh, do you have one in colours that don't make me sad?

- Hmm.

(bright Christmas music)

(bell clanging)

(exhales)

(bell clanging)

(clanging stops)

(clanging resumes)

- Could you please just stop

ringing that bell for one minute?

- Sorry, I...

sometimes I forget I'm doing it.

- I'm so glad I'm here to remind you.

- I see they have you building gingerbread houses, huh?

- An uncanny observation.

- If you don't mind me saying so, you should start with the side walls first.

- Side walls? - Sure.

See, uh...

the side walls need to connect using frosting,

otherwise, the whole thing will fall down.

- Why don't you show me how to do it?

- Oh, no problem!

(mischievous music)

It's simple. Let's see now.

- I'm just gonna go get a... cappuccino.

- I have the front door...

I need a chimney.

I need some frosting.

- So, Loryn!

(sucks air) - Ah...

Don't need to worry about her.

I took care of that problem.

- Hmm. How so?

- Well, I asked her to sit in the cold

and make gingerbread houses for the customers.

- Hmm. Great idea. - Mm-hmm.

- Except... - Except what?

- Get your coat.

- Except what?

Freda! Except what?

(sighs)

Danny, uh, what happened to Loryn?

- She said something about an espresso.

- Hmm.

You made that?

- Yeah.

- Wow!

(giggles)

(gasps) (outgoing ringtone)

(automated voice): Please leave a message after the tone.

- Sophie! Why aren't you calling me back?

Listen, I'll be on the slopes in a matter of days.

I just need to wait them out.

This manager isn't exactly a brain surgeon.

- I might not have a medical degree

or know how to do brain surgery,

but I do know my way around a department store.

And what I just figured out is that my store, my store,

doesn't run efficiently if my employees, my employees,

sneak off to drink mocha lattes at 9 in the morning.

- Oh, actually, it's an oat milk cappuccino

with seven pumps of hazelnuts, seven pumps of vanilla bean,

and seven pumps of pepper...

- I don't care. - Fine.

Well, since you're here, why don't you take a seat?

You can order something and tell me

all about your fascinating career in retail.

- The only ordering we're gonna do is to order you

to go back to the job that you're here to do.

(whispering): Oh, is that where we're going?

- You know what? Forget it! - Hmm.

- You can stay here and drink your ridiculous coffee

and I'll go back to running the store.

And I'll tell Ms. Hampton that her friend is a fine employee.

Then, you can spend your two weeks sitting right here,

and then, you can get back to your ski trips

and your sandy beaches. Oh, golly gee!

Sound good? - Actually, yes.

(sighs) - I thought it might.

- Hmm. - See you.

(Aidan sighs)

(office phone rings)

- Kevin!

(cell phone rings)

- Yes, Loryn? - Grandma!

There's been a mistake. - Oh?

- They uh... don't know that I'm here to innovate.

- Well, that's because no one told them anything like that.

- But you said that I'm supposed to use my skillset.

Use my knowledge of consumer behaviour.

- Yes! You should do

all of that.

Loryn, at the moment,

your ambition exceeds your experience. Hmm?

Take baby steps.

Learn all that you can and the rest will come in time.

Good luck!

(frustrated groan)

(gentle music)

(loud exhale)

- I heard that you were quitting.

- A rumour, unfortunately.

- Well, your enthusiasm is overwhelming.

Uh, here's your name tag.

(chuckles)

I assume you know jewellery?

- I know real jewellery.

- This is real jewellery to the people who shop here.

- Oh. How nice for them.

- Okay. Well, this is pretty simple.

Back here are the items that we feature in our ads,

earrings, necklaces. They make great Christmas gifts.

But here are our big-ticket items.

We point these out to customers, usually men who are shopping for their wives.

- Hmm.

(curious music)

- Oh, sweetie, you can't move that. You...

- Women shop for these kinds of accessories

three times more often than they do

for these large diamonds.

- Excuse me, hold up.

What are you doing? - So obv.

Women, you know, the ones who spend

the most money in stores like these,

they much prefer these fun, sparkly accessories,

to these big-ticket items!

We should make the jewellery counter more inviting to them.

- We should. - Mm-hmm.

In fact, this whole back wall could be reimagined.

(gasps) (Aidan): Reimagined.

- What if we put up a giant monitor, and then,

cameras up all over the store, and then, when people walked in,

they'd see themselves on the big screen and feel famous.

- One diamond sale is equal to five bracelet sales.

So, please, don't move anything

unless you check with me first, okay?

(Freda): Hmm.

Aidan, remember your promotion.

- Right. Um...

How about you come to the store first thing in the morning

and I'll have another job for you.

- I'm breathless with anticipation.

- Mmm.

Oh, and uh, bring a hat and gloves.

It's quite cold.

Don't you love December? (chuckles)

(clicks tongue) - I'll leave you to it.

(sighs) Okay.

(sighs)

(bright music)

- Good morning.

(scoffs) - I wasn't done with that.

- How are you supposed to do your job if you're drinking coffee?

- And what exactly is my job today?

- These lights aren't working.

- You want me to throw them out for you?

- Ooh, no, no, no.

See, when a strand of lights isn't working,

it often means that one of the lights is broken.

All you have to do is go through all the lights

in the strand and make sure they're all okay.

- You want me to go through

every single one of these lights?

- Right. And these ones too.

- Okay, that's gonna take me all day.

- Well, that's why I asked you to come in so early.

(annoyed sigh) - Did you have some other place to be?

- Apparently not. - Hmm.

Whoa! Hold up.

Where are you going?

- Inside, where it's warm.

- Nope! You gotta do this outside.

I don't have any room in the store.

You're gonna be cluttering up the aisles.

- If you haven't noticed, it's a little cold out.

- That's why I recommended the uh, gloves and the hat.

(annoyed sigh)

- It is too early for me to be here.

- I'm sorry, Freda. But it's gonna be worth it.

- It better be. - Coffee's on me for the rest of the year?

- Now you're talking!

(lights rattling) (Loryn panting)

(quirky music)

(grunts)

- This is like a needle in a haystack!

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

- Now, why are we here so early?

- So we can implement

"Operation: Say Goodbye to Loryn."

(lights buzz)

(gasps)

What the heck?

Loryn! - Ugh!

(gasps)

- Oh, my gosh.

(panicked breathing)

(grunts)

- What did you do? - I...

I thought it was gonna take too long to plug in each individual strand of lights,

so I just plugged them all in together and... poof.

- You're trying to ruin Christmas.

- You tried to plug 20 strings of lights into one plug?

- I was just doing what you told me to do.

- I didn't ask you to punch the store into a blackout!

- Well, as a store manager,

maybe you should have managed to explain to me exactly

how you would like me to do it.

(annoyed exhale) - Okay, fine.

Go inside and fold some t-shirts or something.

- As you wish.

(lights clatter) - Oh! - Ugh.

(sighs) - Freda.

- You have to get rid of that princess.

- That's what I said. But how?

- We're starting that new gift delivery program this afternoon.

Take her with you!

- Bring her into the home of our customers?

- Well, you can't keep her here.

- Do you know how disastrous that would be?

They have children!

- I don't get paid enough.

I really don't.

(Aidan): Come on.

- Freda said to bring these to you.

- Oh, great.

- And?

- And... these gifts are from the Hamptons'

"Win Christmas" promotion.

Every day, one lucky family's gonna win free gifts

from now until December 25th.

- The same family gets gifts every day?

- No, uh, a different family every day.

- You said one lucky family gets gifts every day. - Right.

- So, we're going back to the same house tomorrow

to bring them more gifts?

(chuckles)

All right, well, let's just deliver these

and see how it goes. Okay?

(Loryn sighs)

(gentle music)

(grunts)

Oh, I almost forgot.

That's for you.

(annoyed sigh)

- Under no circumstances

are you allowed to photograph me in this outfit.

- I didn't plan on it. - Not to be insulting, but...

- Oh boy, here we go. - Don't you think that

brick-and-mortar stores are a thing of the past?

- Well, as a long time, loyal employee of

a brick-and-mortar store, I'm gonna have to say no.

- Okay, the experience of walking into a department store,

it hasn't changed in 100 years.

It's just the same old endless racks and shelves of sale items.

- Well, how do you recommend selling merchandise?

Our customers need to see what they're buying.

- Holograms. Duh.

- Holograms?

- Yeah. Okay, think of

an ordinary pair of shoes.

Blah! But think of a hologram of a pair of shoes.

Suddenly, it's cool and upscale.

And you're looking at shoes in a way that you've never looked at them before.

- But isn't it better to hold them in your hands, though?

- Eventually. But first you have to excite the consumer enough

to make them want to hold them in their hands.

Shoes aren't exciting,

but the idea of shoes can be exciting.

- The idea of shoes.

Huh.

- Christmas presents!

- Whoa, DJ, take your time.

- Oh, that's okay. 'Tis the season.

Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas. Come on in.

Come on in, guys.

- I never thought we would win. Thank you.

- We're really glad to be able to do this.

Means a lot to give back to our customers.

Here.

- What did you ask Santa for this year?

- A drone. - Well, aren't you the luckiest kid

in the whole neighbourhood, then. - I got a drone?!

(bright music) - Why don't you open it and find out?

(Aidan): Loryn.

Loryn. - What?

(gasps) What? No drone?

- The gifts, they're not matched with any list. Uh...

- It's okay. I like these socks anyways.

- Socks are no Christmas gift.

You know what? The store will make you a gift of that drone.

- What? - We won't take no for an answer.

- Thank you! - It's Christmas!

- Well, uh, we should get going.

Merry Christmas.

(playful music)

(giggling quietly)

(sighs)

- Is something wrong?

- Is there, Loryn?

Who gave you the authority to tell that little boy

he's getting a free drone?

- Well, he didn't seem very excited about socks,

so I just wanted him to have what he had set

his little heart on.

- We don't sell drones at Hamptons. Did you know that?

- Shouldn't we, though? I mean, they're pretty popular.

- That isn't the point! The point is I have to go shop

somewhere else to buy a drone for a boy who's probably only gonna play with it once,

and then, go back to admiring his socks!

- I'm sorry. I thought we were on a mission

to spread Christmas cheer!

- That's what we did.

- But socks?

(pensive music)

- Ms. Hampton, I realize this unannounced visit is

a little unusual, so please forgive me if I'm interrupting you.

- No worries, Aidan.

What's on your mind?

- Well, uh... (nervous chuckle)

You know the new hire for the holidays?

I'm a little unclear of what Loryn's role is.

- Uh, I thought it was quite clear,

she's here to learn how we operate,

and no better time than during the rush of Christmas shopping.

- So, I'm supposed to...

Okay. I'm, I'm...

I'm just trying to understand what I can do to help.

- Aidan, Loryn needs to learn the business.

Are you able to provide the um,

leadership to make that happen?

- Oh, yes, yes, that's not a problem.

- Oh, I'm glad to hear you say that.

You being one of the finalists

for the regional manager promotion,

I would like to think that I could trust you to handle

a simple matter like this.

- Absolutely.

- Because if you can't... (stutters): Ms. Hampton,

the word "can't" isn't even in my vocabulary.

Never backed down from a challenge!

(nervous chuckle) - We'll speak again in a few days.

- Thank you. - That man is impossible!

- Loryn.

Aidan was just leaving.

- I didn't know you were here.

- Clearly.

(chuckles)

(clears throat)

- Loryn, since you came into my office with such a velocity,

perhaps you'd like to start explaining what's on your mind.

- It's Aidan!

At first, he seemed nice and super handsome.

Nice dresser.

But now, he just yells at me! - My goodness.

(sighs) - If he knew who I was, he would listen to me.

My name is on the building. - Actually, my name is on the building, dear!

- Grandma, maybe I'm just not cut out for sales.

- Oh? (sighs)

- If I don't have any authority, I just...

I don't know what I can contribute.

- Well... all right.

- I can quit?

- Of course, you're free to do whatever you want.

- Ooh, thank you, thank you, thank you!

- But if you do quit,

you definitely forfeit your inheritance.

- I thought you were just saying that to scare me.

- Loryn, your future is in your own hands.

Do your job and we'll all benefit.

Fail to do your job and...

we'll have to make some adjustments.

- Ugh!

(quirky music)

(light music)

What? I have read you the numbers three different times!

- Well, that was a quick trip.

- I need a flight out of Chicago tonight.

No, right now.

I don't care. Some place warm.

What?! What do you mean my card was declined?

That's impossible!

Fine. I'll call you back.

(screams)

(cell phone rings)

- Kevin! - Yes?

- She cut off my credit?!

- And you are?

- Kevin, please stop joking!

I need to be able to use my credit card!

- At... 1 o'clock in the morning?

- Yes! I need to make a very important purchase!

- Like?

(curious music) - Like...

I don't know, buying a Christmas present for my grandma

who just cut off my credit?

What are you doing up so late anyways?

- You woke me.

- Yeah, right. You're at work, aren't you?

- No.

But back to you.

You wouldn't happen to be trying to skip town now, would you?

- What?

Do you have cameras following me or something?

(sighs) - Obviously,

this isn't how you hoped to spend the holidays.

But may I offer you some free advice

and suggest you see this through to the end?

Your grandmother is quite

adamant about her plans,

and you wouldn't wanna jeopardize

your future because you ran out of patience.

- Fine. (sighs)

Anyways, what's new with you? How's your love life?

Meet any new, cute guys?

- Okay, I'm hanging up now.

- Night, Kevin. - Bye.

(sighs)

(light music)

- Would you mind please taking my bags out of the trunk?

(frustrated sigh)

- I just don't get why Loryn had to come now. - Hmm.

- Maybe she's a spy, and if she reports back,

I'm not training her properly,

I could miss out on the promotion,

maybe lose my job.

- Is that what Ms. Hampton said?

- Freda, you've seen this lady's skillset, which is nonexistent.

- Okay, I mean, I've been thinking.

Okay, she seems a little spoiled,

but maybe she's just not used to earning what she has.

- It's like she's not even trying, though.

- Okay, what do you have planned?

(heavy sigh)

I need to make her quit.

That way, I can't be blamed for her failures.

(sighs)

(upbeat music)

(cash register beeps)

(sighs)

- I just folded those!

Yeah, I saw you.

(phone dialling)

- I hate it here, Sophie!

It's a disaster!

Nobody's listening to me.

Everyone's being mean to me and...

what am I missing at the resort?

Call me!

Bye.

(melancholic music)

- Taking a break?

- Just getting some fresh air.

- Hmm.

I uh, I was thinking about yesterday

and I wanted to say that I'm sorry for getting angry.

You didn't deserve that.

(music brightens)

Along with making sure that

this store is profitable and well run,

it's my job to make sure that

the employees are supported

and provide them with opportunities.

And I think I have one you might like.

It's very Christmassy.

- Oh, goody.

What exactly are we doing here?

- Ta-da!

- Ta-da?

- You're gonna be one of Santa's elves today.

- My whole life, I never thought

anyone would say those words to me.

- Hmm. Well, your costume's in here with your headset.

That's Santa.

- Ho, ho, ho, ho!

- It's uh... it's just Danny, the bell-ringer

from outside our store. - Thanks.

- He has an earbud that's connected to a microphone.

All you have to do is ask the kids

what they want for Christmas,

and then, relay that back to Santa.

When the kids sit on his lap, voilà!

He impresses them with his awesome Christmas mind-reading skills.

Then, afterwards, they get a photo. Sound good?

- Do I have any say in this?

- I mean, if you're not really interested,

I could let Ms. Hampton know.

You could be on a plane out of here in no time.

- I'm not going anywhere. Where can I go change?

- Uh, you could slide into an elf costume over there,

and uh, start making Christmas wishes come true.

- What are these?

- Those are elf ears.

Have fun.

(playful music)

Good to see you. (Danny): Good to see you, sir.

(Aidan): Oh, these look awesome, man.

(indistinct chatter)

(♪ Deck the Hall ♪ in choral)

(Danny): Hello, boys and girls. Ho, ho, ho!

- Wow! Look at you.

- I'd rather not. - Come on.

You look just like one of Santa's elves.

- What does this have to do with running a business?

- These are the customers that keep the lights burning.

This is an opportunity for you

to figure out what makes them tick.

Come on. Told you, those ears are awesome.

- No, they're not!

- Santa! Your elf has arrived.

- Oh. - Have fun.

- Ho, ho, ho!

(shouting): Testing! Testing!

- Oh! Oh! Oh!

(clears throat)

- Hi!

(indistinct whispering)

- Ho, ho, ho!

(whispers): Ice skates.

- Now, how are you?

Looks like you might be doing some skating this year.

Is that right?

Ho, ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho, ho!

Now, you go out and be a good little girl, all right?

Who's next? (children laugh and shout)

- Oh! - Oh.

Oh! There we go.

(Loryn): Oh, wow! Uh...

Uh, can we get everyone to just maybe calm down?

While Santa's watching?

All right! Look at that, you yell when I ask you to be quiet!

- Oh, that's so great! You aren't listening to me at all!

Uh, okay! Hey!

Hey, how about everybody gets in a line,

and then, Santa can see how good we are?

(Danny): Oh. - Yeah? Right!

Wow! Um, anybody know any good Christmas joke?

Nobody? Okay.

Uh, did you hear the one about Santa stepping in a rain puddle?

Guess it must've rained here! (all laughing)

Get it? "Reindeer"? Huh? Huh? Another one!

What do elves go to school to learn?

The elf-abet! Duh!

(children laugh)

- All right, Santa's all ready for you.

- Actually, I'm pretty sure the elves are in the photos too.

It's a tradition.

Hmm?

(upbeat Christmas music)

(under his breath): Have fun with that.

♪ Get your family in cheer ♪

♪ Christmas, Christmas is here today ♪

(camera clicks)

(Santa laughs)

- Just smile.

There you go.

♪ Christmas, Christmas is here to stay ♪♪

- Actually, I looked kinda cute in those elf ears!

And did you see the look on those little kids' faces

when they could finally see Santa? - I uh... I saw.

- I mean, one minute, they were just yelling their heads off,

and the next, they were just these perfect, little angels.

- Right. Mm-hmm.

- And it was all my idea.

- So you say, yeah.

- I'm gonna go take my coat off.

- You go do that.

(sighs)

(Freda): So, how'd it go? Was she horrible to the kids?

- Not exactly.

(gasps) - She nailed it, didn't she?

- Don't you do this, Freda. - What?

- I don't wanna talk about it. (laughs)

(footsteps approaching)

- So, how did it go?

- Actually, it was kinda fun.

Obviously, little kids can be so annoying, but...

(chuckles) they were kinda cute.

And they listened to me.

- And I heard you actually made it fun for them too.

- I think I might be getting the hang of this.

- I think you might be too.

(hopeful music)

Yeah, sweetie, come and see...

Whoa. - Whew.

- What's all this?

- This is my new idea for

"Operation Say Goodbye to Loryn."

These are Christmas gifts going out to our loyal customers.

- Okay, one family gets all of these?

- Ooh, no, no, no, no.

These are going to half a dozen houses because

I'm feeling generous today.

- Aidan, this is just... - Can you go get me Loryn?

I'm gonna need her help.

Oh, and you're in charge of the store.

- Okay, you know I love being the boss,

but she did a really good job with those kids.

Maybe she's getting the hang of this!

And I'm... not sure I like where things are going anymore.

- Well, she wants to learn how to run the store

and I am honoured to help her achieve that success.

(sighing): Okay.

Hope you know what you're doing.

- Hmm.

I hope so too.

(♪ 12 Days of Christmas ♪ (in folklore instrumental)

Five condo units filled with our customers

and the elevator's broken.

All you have to do is bring these gifts to the homes.

To the homes up there in the condo.

There you go.

- I can't see where I'm going!

- Watch your step.

- Aren't you coming?

- Oh no. - Ugh.

- I believe in you, Loryn!

There you go. (Loryn gasps)

Ooh! Got one more for you.

- No, no, no, no.

There you go. Have fun!

(sharp exhale)

(chuckles) Oh, whoa!

What happened to the Christmas spirit?

- Little children.

Little sticky children

with their icky fingers

and their sticky faces attacked me

with their sloppy, gloppy hands!

(sighs)

- Hmm.

But uh, what about seeing

the Christmas joy on their little faces? Hmm.

Hurry up. We gotta get to another house,

and it's very far from here.

(sentimental music)

(groans)

(Loryn): Uh...

(groans)

Uh...

we can't deliver gifts to this house.

- Why not?

- Well... because look at it!

Clearly, these people don't need free gifts!

- But they won the draw.

- Uh...

I sprained my ankle!

(grunts) - What, just standing there?

- It's an old injury that gets aggravated in the cold.

- Hmm. Don't be silly.

- Here. (sighs)

Oh, look. It's too late to leave now.

- Loryn?

- Hi, Marybeth.

(confused chuckle)

- It's freezing out here.

Come on inside!

(curious music)

- Hmm. (nervous chuckle)

(playful music)

(sighs)

- Welcome!

What are you doing here, Loryn?

I thought you'd be skiing this time of year?

(sighs) - So did I, Marybeth. So did I.

(chuckles)

- So, how do you two know each other?

- Oh! (Loryn): Uh...

- We're cousins! (chuckles)

Loryn, I haven't seen you in years.

How have you been? - Oh, you know.

Happy as a clam.

- Uh-huh. And uh,

what's up with the presents?

- Um... I took a job in retail.

- No, seriously.

- I am being serious.

- Oh.

- Uh, so I...

we work for Hamptons.

You know, the department store?

- Yeah. Obviously.

- Obviously...

- Obviously because Lor... - Obviously, because Hamptons is

like, the biggest department store in the area,

so obviously, we would probably be coming from there.

Right, Marybeth?

- Sure! (confused chuckle)

- It's so good to see you!

I'm gonna give you a hug! - Oh!

(laughs)

(whispering): He can't know that I'm a Hampton.

I'll explain later.

(groans) (awkward laughs)

Oh. That was a good hug!

- Um, so your house was chosen

for the Hamptons Christmas promotion for free gifts.

- I didn't sign up for that.

- Oh, then it must have been some kind of mistake.

- Wait. (shouts): Mom?

- Oh... we don't have to bother Aunt Phyllis with this,

I'm sure that she's got

a very busy schedule. (loud sigh)

- What's all the ruckus, MB?

(clears throat) Mmm?

(gasps)

Who's he?

- Not him, Mom.

Her!

- Aunt Phyllis!

- Loryn!

What a surprise!

(nervous chuckle) (whispers): Just play along.

- Uh... - He can't know I'm a Hampton.

(quirky music)

- Who are you? - Oh, hi!

I'm Aidan O'Hare. I'm Loryn's boss.

- Her boss?

A job?

- Mm-hmm.

(snickers)

- Mom, they're here because

you entered our house in a Christmas contest?

And uh... apparently, we won!

- Wonderful! Oh, these are for the children's hospital.

Oh, I can't wait to see their little faces

when they open their presents.

(giggles) - Well, we should really get going, so thank you.

- Nonsense! It's dinner time. I'm assuming you'll stay

and not go gallivanting off, even though you've only been here for two minutes,

and before that, we hadn't seen you in over three and a half years

and you haven't had the kindness of heart to give an old lady a call.

You're invited too. - Hmm.

(gentle music)

- Good night! See you tomorrow.

Oh! - Oh.

- Danny. Woo! (chuckles)

You nearly gave me a heart attack!

- I'm sorry. - Uh...

- I wanted to wait for you.

- Oh, uh... okay, well, you've waited.

So, I... I, I have to go.

- Oh, hold on. I, I...

I wanted to ask you something.

- I hope it's about the weather.

(nervous chuckle) - Um...

Freda... why won't you date me?

- I... I'm very busy. So, I...

- One meal.

I mean, uh...

you have to eat sometime.

- Yeah, but I, I have very strict dietary restrictions.

- Oh, gluten free? Uh, vegan?

I'm a really good cook.

Uh, I make a mean jambalaya that'll make you cry.

- Um, no thanks. I... - But...

- Good night. I, I have to... I have to go.

- Um, but...

(sad music)

- Ah! (laughs)

(Aunt Phyllis): Oh, say, do you remember

that family vacation? - Which one?

- Hawaii! (gasps)

- At the airport? - Airport!

- Oh! When the ticket agent saw how many suitcases

Loryn wanted to bring, he called his friends over

and they all posed for pictures

next to her literal mountain of luggage.

(laughs) - Well, haven't you ever heard

the motto, "Be Prepared"?

- Loryn, you brought enough clothes for Armageddon.

- Oh, when Loryn was a little girl,

I asked her what she wanted for Christmas.

She handed me the catalogue and said,

"Pages 12 through 34." (laughs)

(Marybeth): Oh! And how about

when Loryn was in the Campground Girls,

and instead of earning her merit badges,

she just went online and bought them all!

- That's right. (laughs)

- Golly.

How great that my mere existence can bring so much joy.

Especially during this wonderful time of year.

- Oh, Loryn! Don't be like that.

You know what? We're just teasing.

- Yeah, lighten up.

- There must be some stories of me

that don't come with a punchline.

(gentle jazz music)

- Uh...

(Marybeth): Um...

(Aunt Phyllis): Okay.

You were a well-behaved little girl.

- Mmm.

- You were very polite. - So polite.

- Loryn used to stay with me

overnight when her parents were really...

(Marybeth clears throat) - Um, uh, travelling.

And um, dealing with...

(whispers): family issues.

- Back then, I used to try to get you to play dolls with me,

but you only ever wanted to watch the Home Shopping Channel.

At the age of eight, she could spot a fake diamond a mile away.

(sighs) (chuckles)

- Actually, Loryn's been an incredible asset to us at the store.

She always gives us more than what we ask for, and honestly...

I don't know what we'd do without her.

(sentimental music)

She's really something amazing.

(awkward sigh)

(Aunt Phyllis): More wine, anyone?

(mouths): Thank you.

(Marybeth): Absolutely. - More wine?

- Yes, yes. - Let's have more wine.

(clears throat)

(sighs)

- Uh, Aidan...

I really appreciate what you said back there about my being an asset to the store.

- Yeah, I don't like bullies.

I thought they were being a little unfair.

(scoffs) - Yeah.

Well, they've always treated me that way.

And to be fair, I've given them plenty of ammunition.

I do spend a lot of time with my friends.

- Well, sometimes our family can freeze us in a time

when we were at our worst.

I have an uncle who likes to remind me of how goofy I was

when I was a teenager.

- I can't picture you being goofy.

- Oh... I was.

- Like how? - Oh, how about when I started growing facial hair,

very slowly, and I used my mom's mascara

to darken in my moustache.

It rained and it looked like my face was melting.

(sharp chuckle)

- All right, fine, you can laugh.

(chuckles)

(laughs) - No, no, uh... I understand.

When you're young, you want the world to see the you

that you imagine yourself to be.

- Hmm.

- Well, I think you are doing just fine.

(♪♪)

- Do you have to be home right away?

There's this thing that happens a week before Christmas in Chicago.

I try not to miss it every year.

- Does it involve me carrying

dozens of wrapped Christmas presents?

(chuckles) - No.

Just have to watch.

- Um... sure.

Why not? - All right.

Your family drinks a lot of wine, by the way.

- Yeah.

(sighs)

(water rippling)

(♪ Silent Night ♪)

- Wait 'til you try this. It's the best hot chocolate

this side of Switzerland.

- Switzerland.

I hear they've got lots of fun things to do this time of year.

- Hmm. - But it's not as cold there.

(chuckles) - Yeah.

Welcome to Christmas time in Chicago.

- Hmm. - Oh, these are for you.

You can keep them. Here. - Hmm.

- Oh wow! Thanks. - Welcome.

(sighs)

- So, what now?

- Oh, uh, just a few more seconds.

- Is one of us going to turn into a pumpkin?

- You'll see.

In three, two, one...

(enchanted music)

(exhales)

It's really something, isn't it?

- It's just beautiful.

- Yeah, the lights turn on at the same time every day through Christmas.

- I've gotta share this with my followers.

- Let's... hold off on that social media post

and just enjoy the moment.

You and me.

- I didn't see this side of you earlier.

- What's that? - I don't know.

Fun? (chuckles)

- Well, I guess I thought we could end the day

on a positive note, seeing all the things I put you through.

And your relatives, of course.

- I'm used to it.

- You know, my family used to bring me here when I was a kid.

Was a family tradition of ours.

- This must have been such an amazing sight to see

when you were little.

- Oh, yeah.

You know, I like to believe that

the best gifts aren't wrapped.

They're moments like this.

(sentimental music)

(outgoing ringtone)

- Hi, Sophie! It's me!

Uh, so, I went out with my boss,

you know, that guy that I told you about?

Anyways, we're doing this Christmas gift giveaway thing

and you should see the look on the little kids' faces

when they open up their presents!

They're just so cute, and... (gasps)

Oh! And I was dressed up as an elf!

Can you believe that? I was an...

(end of recording beeps)

(scoffs)

(exhales)

- Loryn.

- Grandma? - I'm not here.

Do you have a moment? - Uh, of course.

Wait, did um... did Kevin happen to mention anything to you?

- He mentioned that you might not be

entirely comfortable with your new role.

- How good of dear Kevin to share my private thoughts.

- Loryn, it's understandable

that you might not be thrilled to leave a lovely sunny resort

to spend a few weeks in the cold learning about

something that you have little interest in.

- Finally, someone understands.

- That said...

I want you to stick with this.

I want you to fight for your place in the company.

(sighs) - Grandma, I'm just not sure

that I have the right kind of disposition for...

- I believe in you.

(pivotal music)

I always have. (scoffs)

Despite your seemingly endless vacations,

you're smart and insightful. You have a lot to offer.

- Thank you.

- We all have bad days.

You deserve a chance to get this right.

- Actually, besides keeping my inheritance,

I think I may have found another potential reason to stay.

- Well, whatever it is, I hope that it's enough

to keep you through to the end of the Christmas season.

I'm rooting for you.

- Thanks, Grandma.

(mouths): All right.

(whispers): Bye.

(♪ Angels We Have Heard on High ♪ in smooth jazz)

(giggles)

- Hey, Loryn!

- Hmm? Morning! - Good morning.

The staff is doing a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Danny got Aidan, but doesn't know what to get him.

Would you mind switching with him?

- Yeah, that's uh... that's a good idea.

- Great! Thanks! (giggles)

(keys clacking)

Hey, boss!

- Oh, good morning, Freda.

- Hmm, thank you!

Hey, wanna know who I picked for my Secret Santa?

I think you'll be interested!

- Fine. Who is it?

- Loryn.

Wanna swap?

- I mean, I guess I could, uh, take if off your...

- You know what? On second thought...

- Hmm. - Maybe I'll keep Loryn.

Get her a little perfume.

Or, you know, maybe she'd like

a gift certificate to a movie. - Hmm.

- Oh... (laughs)

I know, I think she has a thing for drones!

- Yeah. - So, yeah, so I'm gonna keep her then.

That's gonna be good.

- Are you having fun? (laughs)

- Yeah, I am. - Here.

(laughs): Here you go!

- Don't you just love Christmas?

- Yeah, I do.

- Hmm.

(giggles)

(♪ Deck the Halls ♪)

(whirring approaching)

- Excuse me? - Hi.

- Um, we received a text about the gift program.

- Right, our Hamptons gift program.

- Um, the text asked us how we liked the gifts.

- Great, what did you think? I've been trying to get them

to actually focus more on the actual gifts.

- That's the thing. We... we didn't get any gifts.

- Oh.

Uh, just a sec.

Let me get my manager.

Hi!

- Yeah? - Uh, they didn't receive their gifts.

- Oh, I'm sorry, there must have been some kind of mix-up.

There's nothing in the store room.

- Mommy, does that mean I don't get a gift?

- Oh no, we'll be sure to get you a gift.

I'll figure something out.

- It's okay.

- Yeah.

(grunts) - Oh, um...

I actually... I completely forgot to wrap this.

I'm so silly. (scoffs)

Can you help me take this off, please?

- Oh, I, I can't let you.

- It's okay.

(sentimental music)

It's meant to be. (chuckles)

(Cherise): "Believe in miracles."

(hopeful music)

- It's perfect! Thank you!

- My pleasure.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas!

(giggles)

(Cherise): Okay.

- Hey, that uh...

that was really lovely what you did.

- Oh, I've had that bracelet for years.

It's time for someone else to enjoy it.

- I think she'll remember that moment for a very long time.

- Uh... oof.

You know what? You're done for the day.

How about we take a little tour around the city?

- Don't you have a store to run?

- Freda loves being the boss.

(chuckles)

Come on.

(relieved sigh)

(train rumbling)

- I can't stop thinking about

the look on that little girl's face.

- Yeah, that happens a lot during Christmas time.

- I didn't realize what a difference

Hamptons makes in people's lives.

- Yeah, I mean, the items in our store, they're just things,

'til people bring them home and they use them

and they make memories with them.

Sitting on our shelves, a picture frame is just

one of a dozen picture frames,

but in a home, they become a treasure.

(sentimental music)

- I don't have any of those.

- Really?

Whew.

So, what was Christmas like when you were a kid?

- It's kind of a blur.

- What, your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

- No, we did.

We just weren't very traditional.

We never did the stockings on the fireplace

or the chestnuts roasting.

- Come on.

No carolling, no uh, snowman making?

- Most Christmases were just another day of the week.

- Well, that's a bummer.

I love Christmas.

You know what? I have an idea.

Come on!

(vehicle rumbling)

(gentle acoustic music)

- Think I'm getting the hang of this!

- Could it be rude of me to observe you're standing still?

- Ah, it's a small victory.

- Small steps.

And don't bend your ankles.

- Huh, huh. - Here.

- Ah, okay, I think that's enough fun for one day.

- Oh, come on, we're gonna be great.

And we've got Christmas music.

What could be better than this? - Uh, a hot tub.

A hot toddy.

Hot blanket.

A variety of things that could be described as hot.

- Nice and steady. - Like this?

- Yep.

And now, bigger strides.

- Huh. It's not that bad.

(screams) - Oh, wait!

- I'm gonna fall! I'm gonna fall!

(panting) - Okay, just look at the horizon and don't look down.

- Huh, it's working.

- All right, now smooth movements with your legs.

Nice and slow.

- Like this?

- And now, bigger strides.

- We're moving.

- Okay, let's try going faster.

(screaming)

(Aidan): Oh, don't panic. Keep your skates on the ice.

- They kind of have a mind of their own!

- Why are you going faster? - Something to do with physics!

This feels dangerous!

- It's not dangerous, it's exciting.

- It's semantics!

- No, look out!

(thud)

- I'm still in one piece. (chuckles)

- Yeah, sorry about that, I shouldn't have brought you here.

- What are you talking about? I haven't had this much fun since I was a kid.

- Okay.

Here.

(sighs)

You know, my parents used to bring me here

when I was a kid.

- Oh, your family really got around at Christmas time.

- You know, we didn't have a lot when I was young,

but my parents always made the most of it during Christmas.

Sang songs. Baked cookies. Put the tree together.

Always kind of loved waking up and hoping that special gift was under the tree.

- I always knew what my presents were going to be.

- How'd you know that?

- Well, I'm an only child.

Obviously.

And Aunt Phyllis wasn't kidding about the catalogues.

My parents were busy, so my mom would just

give me the catalogues, I'd circle whatever toys I wanted,

and then, that's just what I got.

- Well, that's efficient.

- Yeah.

- But I kinda like being surprised.

- Me too.

(skates scratching)

(gentle Christmas music)

(indistinct chatter)

(Aidan): Now that is a Christmas tree.

What do you think?

- Sorry, did I... did I say something wrong?

- No. Sorry, uh...

it's not you, it's... - Oh.

- silly.

- I'm sure it's not that silly.

(emotional music)

- When I was a kid, my father promised that

it would be my turn to put the star on top of our Christmas tree.

- So, what happened?

- That year, my parents got divorced.

They split up and they forgot all about my turn

to put the star on the tree.

In fact, we never spent another Christmas together.

- Oh. That's um...

that's rough.

- Thank you.

But this is the first time I think I've actually

enjoyed Christmas again.

- Really?

- Yeah.

- With me? (laughs): Yeah!

You're uh...

you're kinda cool.

- Really?

- Yeah, surprisingly.

(both laugh)

(romantic music)

(snowball hits)

(gasps) (children giggling)

(Aidan): Hey! (Loryn giggles)

- Ah!

(children giggling)

- Okay, let's get some hot cocoa.

(laughs)

(elevator dings) (doors open)

Danny, how you doing?

- I'm good. How are you? - Doing great!

- Aidan, can...

- Oh!

Good morning, Freda. How was closing the store last night?

Are you okay?

- Aidan, I made a big mistake.

- Okay, whatever it is, we can deal with it.

- No, no, no, this is really big.

Massive. Gargantuan. Epic, actually.

- Okay, if you just take your thesaurus,

set it aside and just tell me what it is.

- I put the store out of business.

- Looks okay to me. - No, you don't understand.

I messed up and I ordered

too many of those high-end, expensive tea sets.

- Right. - Well, I... I was supposed to order 10 of them.

- Okay.

- I ordered 10,000.

And they arrived this morning. - Oh, Freda.

- I know! I know, I know. - Good morning!

- Yeah, not so much.

- What's wrong?

- Aidan, I am so sorry.

I messed up. I, I, I...

- Freda, it's gonna be okay. We just have to return them.

- That's the thing. We can't.

They're non-refundable.

And we'll never sell 10,000 tea sets by Christmas!

Head office is gonna put us out of business

and it is all my fault.

- Okay, the first thing that we need to is

take care of you, Freda. Okay? - Yeah.

- Uh, Danny, would you take Freda for a walk?

(Freda): What?!

- Sure thing.

Uh, come on, Freda.

Let's get you a cup of fancy coffee or tea.

- Tea?

(curious music)

(Aidan): Um...

- Um, what... what did I say?

- I'll explain later. Just uh...

I think she needs some fresh air.

- Freda!

(deep sigh)

- Loryn, this is not good.

It's gonna throw off the profits for the quarter and it's gonna sink us.

And it's...

it's gonna sink my promotion, too.

- Okay, there has to be something that we can do.

Let me think.

- What are you gonna do?

- Something.

- That's what I'm afraid of!

(bright music)

(exhales) - Okay.

Innovate.

Think outside the box.

Okay, Christmas.

(sighs) Gifts.

Hmm.

Hmm.

(door opens)

- Loryn? Loryn.

Loryn?

Oh, those are uh, two for one.

Colour would look great on you.

Oh, Loryn.

Hey, Loryn, can I speak to you for a sec? You're not Loryn.

(nervous chuckle) Sorry.

Just get back to shopping. Merry Christmas.

Uh... Loryn?

Loryn? Loryn.

Have you seen Loryn?

Great.

(shouts): Loryn!

I feel alone in this place sometimes, you know.

(calming music)

- It's gonna be okay, Freda.

The reason you're so upset is because you care,

and that is what makes you an amazing employee.

And this place would fall apart

if you weren't here to keep it together.

- You're just being nice.

- I'm just telling you the truth.

(scoffs) - Thanks, Danny.

- You are very welcome.

- Danny, do you like pecan pie?

- I love pecan pie.

- Good. I'll make it for dessert.

- Dessert?

- For after the jambalaya meal

that you're going to cook for me.

(music brightens)

(chuckles) - Now that's what I call

a Christmas miracle.

(elevator dings)

- Have you guys seen Loryn?

- Um... no.

- This is not good. This is not good.

Oh, sorry, Freda, I'm so distracted.

How are you doing?

(chuckles)

- I think I'm gonna be okay.

- Glad to hear it.

Anyhow, Loryn?!

(chuckles)

- I should um, get back to work.

- Yeah.

- Um, thank you for the coffee, Danny.

- Anytime.

(romantic music)

(bell clanging)

- Loryn? - Mm-hmm?

- What are you doing? - Just trying to save the store.

- This is actually uh...

kinda interesting. - Right?

- Yeah. Good job. - Thanks.

- Do you need help? - Yeah, that'd be great, thanks.

- Sure. Here, I'll take that.

- Great.

- Is that good or what? - That's great.

(uplifting music)

(satisfied sigh)

- Wow.

I never would've thought of this.

- What, putting a display up at the front of the store?

- No, making a unique new item.

But how are we gonna sell all these

in such a short time before Christmas?

- Marketing. Make people believe that something is rare

and they'll want it without even realizing why.

- But there are hundreds of these.

- So? It's not too many, it's too few.

Only these available, and then, that's it,

that's all for the rest of eternity.

- Not so sure it's gonna work.

- Watch.

(sighs)

(sighs)

- So, when do these start flying off the shelf?

- And now, to demonstrate the power of marketing

through social media.

I sent the first post off one hour ago.

- And then?

- "So cute." "Must have."

"I need three." "Hashtag Hamptons is lit!"

- And how does all this

translate into sales? (door opens)

(gleeful music)

(indistinct chatter)

- How...

(satisfied sigh)

What's going on?

- I posted that these teacups were only available

in this store for one day.

- Hmm.

That's pretty impressive.

You know what?

You're pretty impressive too.

(sweet music)

(phone chimes)

(pivotal music)

(proud chuckle)

- I didn't realize sales could actually be this much fun!

- Isn't that right? Just fun and games to you.

- What are you talking about? - How are you related to Helen Hampton?

I just saw you in the annual Christmas photo.

(clears throat) - What?

- Are you here to take my job?

- No. No.

- Too many mistakes

that would've got the average employee fired a dozen times.

But you knew I couldn't fire you, right?

- Okay, Aidan, please just let me explain.

Grandma didn't want you to know who I... - Oh, Grandma did!

So, was none of it true? The whole story with the star

and the Christmas tree, made up, huh?

- Don't do that.

- First you're saying one thing

and it turns out to be the other.

You know what? Forget it.

You win.

Miss Hampton.

(sad music)

(sighs) - It was bad, Grandma.

I mean, he was really upset.

- Perhaps the best course of action would be for you

to tackle another location, hmm?

The San Diego Hamptons could use a hand

with their online accounts.

- Maybe I'm just not cut out for retail after all.

- Now, don't say that!

Based on what I've heard,

you've created some initiatives

that were beneficial for the company. Hmm?

- Aidan thinks I'm a liar and a schemer.

Grandma, he thinks I came to take his job!

- Oh, dear.

That is a problem.

- I just...

It's hard to see him hurting like that,

and it's all because of me.

(sorrowful music)

I didn't think that one little white lie could

turn into such a big problem.

- Don't be so hard on yourself.

Loryn, it was my idea to keep your real identity a secret.

- I thought that we were friends.

That he... liked me.

He showed me what Christmas really means.

(sweet music)

And all I cared about was the inheritance.

Now he hates me.

- My dear,

when things are going well,

that's when you show your personality to the world.

When things are going badly,

that's when you show your character.

I think that you've shown plenty of character.

- You've earned your trip to Switzerland.

Go, have Christmas with your friends.

- That means a lot, Grandma.

(light chuckle)

(melancholic music)

(Ahmed): Good evening, Miss Hampton.

Oh no. What happened now?

(clears throat) - Uh, nothing good.

- Sorry to hear that, kiddo. Where to?

- The airport.

But first, I'd like to make a stop.

(♪ O Christmas Tree ♪ (in acoustic)

- Sure is pretty.

(sighs) - Yep.

- One last look before you leave town forever?

- Something like that.

- Matters of the heart?

- Yep.

- You know, you remind me a lot of my little sister.

She met a guy, brought him home to meet the family,

and I took one look at him and I did not like him.

I thought he was rude and lazy.

But she loved him.

Turns out I was wrong.

He wasn't rude, he was shy and nervous

to meet us for the first time.

And he wasn't lazy, he was just going through a hard time

and needed the support of the people around him.

Now, a few years later, he's the father of my beautiful nieces.

We go fishing every summer.

And he's rebuilding a '66 Mustang with my dad.

- This is different.

- Look, you don't judge a person

or your relationship with them,

based on the worst day they've ever had.

You get me?

- I never asked you your name.

- It's Ahmed.

- I'm Loryn. - Nice to meet you, Loryn.

- Nice to meet you too, Ahmed.

I think I'm ready to go now.

- Airport?

(pensive music)

(indistinct chatter)

- Hello, Aidan.

- Um, what are you... - Hmm.

Protocol suggests that

you might invite me to have a seat.

- Oh, uh, yes! Yes, of course.

(items clattering) Uh, have a seat.

Yes.

(grunts)

Yeah, I'll take that too.

(clears throat)

- Aidan, obviously there has been

an... upsetting turn of events at the store.

I owe you an apology.

I told Loryn not to tell you who she was because

I wanted her to learn to rise and fall on her own merits.

I wanted for her to be treated the same as any other employee,

and not the granddaughter of the boss.

However, in retrospect,

I can see that it was a mistake

to keep the truth from you.

I'm truly sorry.

- Thank you.

- I want you to come back.

You have always impressed me with your initiative,

your drive, your devotion to the store.

I know that you stay late,

well beyond normal working hours.

- Yeah, but our sales numbers aren't perfect and...

- All retail stores struggle.

It's the nature of the beast.

But you bring something to the table that is rare and valuable.

- My ability to take a punch?

(laughs)

- Your heart.

You care about the store and its future.

It's obvious in everything that you do.

- I uh... I don't know what to say.

(light music)

- You can say yes when I ask you to accept the promotion.

- The promotion?

- It is yours if you want it. - Yes!

Yes! Yes! Absolutely!

I accept. Shake on it. (giggles)

- We'll work out the details after the first of the year.

- Thank you.

I won't let you down.

Thank you.

- But I sense that there is more at stake here

than career advancement.

- Yeah, maybe.

I mean, I said some pretty awful things to Loryn

and I didn't even give her a chance to explain.

I doubt she'll even listen to me now.

- You might be surprised at how resilient she is.

She has proven herself to be someone who doesn't give up on

the people that she cares about.

Besides, it's Christmas!

Amazing things have been known to happen.

- Hmm.

- Thank you.

- Hmm.

(quiet chuckle)

- Man...

(Danny): Aidan's back! Welcome back, sir!

- Good to see you again, Danny.

(employees clapping)

What the...

- Aidan, you'll never believe it.

We sold every last teacup.

- Wow. That's amazing!

(laughs) - I know!

It's a straight up Christmas miracle.

(laughs)

- I um... I heard those tend

to happen this time of year.

(upbeat music)

(chuckles)

(sentimental music)

- Welcome back.

(both): I'm really sorry.

- Loryn, I'm... I'm sorry for

how hard I was on you, and for the things I said.

I was wrong.

And I hope you can forgive me.

- You may remember that I didn't want to be here at all.

- I do recall something along those lines, yeah.

- But I've learned a lot over these past few weeks.

Really being there for someone,

looking for the good in people,

and also not to plug in

20 strands of Christmas lights into one socket.

Aidan, you've given me

the first happy memory of Christmas in years.

- Well, I'm glad. Thank you.

(melancholic music)

- Hey, Freda.

I'm your Secret Santa.

(laughs)

If you don't like it, I could take it back

and get you something else. - Okay...

Air Tread shoe insoles?

- I know you're on your feet all day

and these things could feel like magic.

You don't like it? Give it back and I'll get you something else.

- No.

I'm your Secret Santa too.

(gentle music)

(Freda giggles) - Are you kidding me?

(both laugh)

- I guess great minds do think alike.

(laughs)

Oh, and there's one more thing.

- Oh!

- Christmas sweaters for the both of us.

And that one's mine.

- Oh. There you go. - Mm-hmm.

(laughs)

- Oh, my goodness.

(laughs)

Thank you.

(romantic music)

- Merry Christmas, Danny.

- Merry Christmas, Freda.

- That's gonna look great on you.

- I'm sure it will.

(both laugh)

- I have never seen Freda smile like that.

- I guess her Secret Santa knew exactly what she nee...

Oh, no!

- What?

- I'm your Secret Santa. - Oh.

- And I completely forgot to get you something.

- That's okay. You're still here.

Best gifts aren't wrapped, remember?

- Actually, I could stay longer.

- Really?

- If you'll have me.

- I will.

Best Christmas present ever.

Which reminds me,

I also got you a gift that doesn't need to be wrapped.

Freda?

(whispers): Is uh, everything good with the uh, you know?

- Oh yeah. - Yeah.

(clears throat) You're gonna need your coat.

(quiet chuckle)

(Freda): Well, they're too excited.

Oh, they're coming.

Here they come.

(sweet music)

Oops, sorry, sorry. Watch behind you.

- Ooh...

- Uh...

what's going on?

- Turns out I'm your Secret Santa.

Would you mind putting this star

on top of that Christmas tree?

- Really?

- Mm-hmm.

(♪♪)

(satisfied sigh)

(employees clapping and cheering)

(romantic music)

Better late than never, right?

♪ The First Noel ♪

(gasps) What the?

(laughs)

Freda, come on.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

(Loryn): Merry Christmas, Grandma.

(laughs)

(clapping)

- Got you a star.

(Loryn): It's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me.

- You're welcome. (laughs)

♪ Noel ♪

♪ Born is the king

♪ Of Israel ♪♪

Subtitling: difuze