All language subtitles for How To Fal In Love By Christmas 202 1080p WEB-DL HEVC x265 BONE

(joyful music)

(bell ringing)

(Podcast host): Did you know
Christmas is the best time

to fall in love?

It's like scientifically proven.

And love is scientific.

Chemistry.
Think about it.

People are more social
during the holiday season.

They're more open to getting out
of their comfort zone.

(cellphone chimes)

- Huh.

Sis, this single is quite
happy not to mingle.

(Podcast host):
So therefore,

people who are open
to the magic of Christmas time

open themselves up
more to love.

This episode will be diving
into a hot new dating app:

Take 2 Heart.

Take 2 Heart.

(♪♪)

(cellphone vibrating)

(cellphone chimes)

It's not until 9:30.

I'll be there
with plenty of time to spare.

(cellphone chimes)

(sighs)

I'll be there in five.

(♪♪)

(elevator chimes)

Can you pass these out?
The names are on the tags.

Ah. Hello, everyone.

Ah, merry almost Christmas.

I must've missed the 9:30

actually means 9:00
memo in the chat group.

- Uh, Nora,

we felt this board meeting
was of particular importance

given the current state
of the company.

- Well, that is quite cryptic,
Christine.

I mean, our readership
has dipped a bit.

- Oh, not a dip, a major drop.

- Well, usually Christmas
is our biggest reader season

and our biggest
advertising season.

- Well, that may have
been true in the past,

uh, but it has been brought
to our attention

that Level Eleven has taken
a bite out of our audience.

We are missing out
on a key demographic

that our advertisers
are very interested in reaching,

people aged 18-39.

- Ha! Oh. Um...

- Max...
- Nora...

- I know that you feel you have
a certain stature on the board

because of your recent move
to chairperson but--

- My father handed over

a multi-million dollar
hedge fund to me

and I nearly doubled
its value in less than a year.

It's that same hedge fund

that allowed you
to build this company.

People, the board, me.

I am thirsty for
a Nora Winters column.

Now look, we have run
all of the online data

and we have found a partner
with some stellar potential.

One that's gonna
help bring readers

into this new
target demographic.

Have you ever heard
of "Take 2 Heart"?

Oh, Nora, get out
from under that rock.

It's a revolutionary
new dating app

that pushes people
out of their comfort zone

and into situations

they wouldn't normally
find themselves in,

to meet people
the old-fashioned way,

face to face.

- What does this have
to do with Prism?

- Oh well, you know,

Christmas is the most
romantic time of the year.

- Oh, it is.
- What about Valentine's Day?

- It's too cliché.
Christmas is magical.

It's cozy.

- Hmm.

- The program
on Take 2 Heart's app

will be used to prove
that Christmas is

the best time of year
to fall in love.

And the person who is gonna
test out this theory will be...

Drum roll, Christine.
Nora Winters!

- Excuse me?

- So, you are gonna follow
Take 2 Heart's multi-step plan

on how to fall in love.

And while doing so, you're gonna
create a series of columns

to be posted on the Prism site,

with some exclusive content
along the way.

Romance and Christmas
poll very high

with this new demographic

and you poll very high
with the current demographic,

so it's a win-win for everyone.
- Hmm.

Except me.

(laughs awkwardly)

Oh!

I'm not doing a dating app

and I'm not writing
a dating column.

- You don't really have
a choice.

- It's my company.

- No, it's a public company,

of which my hedge fund owns
the majority of voting shares.

(clicks tongue)

Okay, look, this-this is a fun
and engaging idea,

however, if you really do wanna
go after this new demographic,

I'm sure
that there are other ways.

- Nora, your way is costing us.

- And if I don't do this?

- Hypothetically,
the board could vote you out

as CEO and put in
someone else who's willing

to do what it takes to ensure
the future of Prism.

- Are you serious, Max?

- Your way is not working, Nora.

- Let's put it to a vote.

All those in favor of me doing
this silly,

likely momentary dating app.

- All opposed?

I'm gonna send over everything
you need to get started.

Take 2 Heart would like
to start publishing articles

by Wednesday.

- That's two days!

- Well, Christmas
is only two weeks away!

Time is of the essence.
I, for one, am looking forward

to seeing what you create.
Come on, Christine.

(sighs)

(chuckles)

(soft music)

The Take 2 Heart steps
for success.

(joyful music)

- Okay, so you just stand like,
right like that. Good?

- You do realize
I can't sing, right?

- That's okay, that's okay.

Sandy will balance out
the altos.

You're just here
to sort of balance out visually.

- Okay, thanks. Ugh...

This Take 2 Heart thing
is just so much!

Adley, they want me
to stage my own meet cute.

That's insane!

- Well, how else are you
supposed to fall in love?

- I'm gonna write
a great article

and make everyone think
I'm falling in love.

I'm just gonna write it.
Nobody's gonna know.

- Or you could actually
put yourself out there again.

- No.
- Just saying.

- What I need to do
is I need to find someone

to fake fall in love with.

- You seen a romantic comedy.
All you have to do

is spill your hot cocoa
on someone, and boom,

you got a meet cute.
- Or a second-degree burn.

- Ah, shoot. It's Clark.

He's just running things down
at the bakery.

Hi, honey! Yeah. Oh.

(sighs)

- Hey, Reader,
so I know it's been a while

but I think this is all insane

and what did I get myself into?

Ah! What am I doing?

(light music)

Okay, it's not real.
None of it's real.

Just do the meet cute.

Make the board happy
and keep your job

from a whiny little nepo baby.
Hmm.

Oh! Oh, I can't...oh...(sighs)

(hands clap slowly)

- Wow, I mean uh,
that's... you nailed that.

- Excuse me?

- That meet cute

that you just tried
to stage for yourself?

- I don't know
what you're talking about.

- Right, no,
it's a, it's a classic.

I've only ever seen
it in movies, though.

I've never actually seen it
in real life.

- Again, I don't know
what you're talking about.

- So you were just trying to
pour piping hot cocoa

on some poor,
unsuspecting stranger?

That's... that's almost worse!
- No! It was... for work.

(laughs)
- Why is that funny?

- No, I just...
Ah, that's good.

- Well, it's too bad
I didn't choose you.

- Hmm, yeah. Yeah.
Huge, huge bummer.

Look, whatever it is you were
trying to do meet someone there,

I hope it works out for ya.

- Okay, I wasn't.
I wasn't trying... I'm not...

Oh, whatever.

- Is everything okay?
- Oh.

- What happened to you?
(gasps)

Wait, did you?

- Yeah. Yeah, I did,
and it was a huge fail.

- Oh, by the way,
(clears throat)

Lola wanted to come
straight to you from college,

so would it be okay
if you brought her

to dinner tonight?
- Oh! Of course,

I can't wait to see her.
- Okay, great. Okay!

- Okay.
- It's go time.

There you go, first page.

- Hmm, well you remember
I'm miming.

- Yes.

♪ A merry Christmas

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year ♪

(Lola): Hey, Nora?

Hello?
(Nora): Lola!

I didn't hear you come in!
- Hey!

(Nora laughs)
Oh!

- Oh, oh!
- Okay, wait, wait, wait.

- I hope nothing in there
was breakable.

(screaming excitedly)
I missed you so much!

- I missed you too, aunt Nora.
Wait.

So this thing with Take 2 Heart
seems cool.

- What?

- You dating,
using their program...

- Wait, how do you know that?

- Oh, I mean, it's all over
the socials.

I was just looking at it.
Right here.

- Huh!

"Nora Winter trust Take 2 Heart

to fall in love
before Christmas."

Wow.

- There's something wrong?

- Uh... No, nothing.

Okay, we should go.
- Yes.

- Your mom will not be thrilled
if we are late for dinner.

- No, especially giving
your track record

of family dinners recently.
- Okay, don't bring that up.

I'll help you carry
these presents.

- Okay. Thank you.

- Oh! You got it?
- Yep!

(laughing softly)

(Clark):
Wait, you're doing what?

- It's called "How to Fall
in Love by Christmas".

- That sounds like so much fun.

And you've been so focused
on your work.

- You haven't dated anyone

for like,
as long as I can remember.

- I have been a tiny bit busy.

- This will be
really good for you.

Get you out of your shell,
into new experiences.

- Yeah, and if you really do
fall in love--

- Okay, it's just the name
of the series.

- But it wouldn't be
the worst thing.

I mean, just have a little fun,
sis. It's Christmas.

- I saw the invites
to the fundraiser

and they look great.

- Well, Lola designed it.

- Oh.
How's the foundation doing?

- Well, uh,
the invites

for the charity event
all went out.

- What was that?
- What?

- That look?

- There was no look.

- Okay, you always play
with your earring

when you're not
telling the truth.

- Just tell her, Mom.
- Tell me what?

(chuckles nervously)

Well, I don't know
if you've seen

the foundation's
financial report.

- I have been preoccupied.

- We've been
a little overextended this year

and uh, you know,

with the after school
baking classes.

- And the free seniors'
programs.

- And other charity donations,
we might be in the red.

- How much in the red?

- From what I've gathered,
redder than a poinsettia.

- But we always find a way
to bounce back.

And the bakery is humming along

and I'm not gonna
let this stop us

from making
as much money as possible

at the charity fundraiser.
- Which we will.

- Okay.

So, your mom tells me

that you have been taking
a patisserie class.

- Oh my gosh! Yes! Yes!

(soft music)

- Okay, so cool news.
Did you see the photos

from that recent
billionaire's space trip?

Amazing, right?

The guy who shot it
just moved to town,

like literally just got here,

and we hired him
to photograph this series.

- What? Why?

- Because his fans are
a totally different demo

than the readers of Prism
and the users of Take 2 Heart,

so it's kind of like
this perfect Venn diagram

of new potential readers.
- Okay,

do we really need
a photographer?

I mean, I think
my writing speaks for itself.

- No, not in this day and age
of short attention spans

and visual media.
We need pics.

But like cool, edgy,
shareable pics,

that are likely to get
stellar impressions.

Plus, Take 2 Heart
wants to make sure

you're actually going for it

and really holding up
your end of the bargain.

Hey, uh Jack,
can you come in here, please?

This photographer's incredible.
You're gonna love him.

- Uh...

(light music)

- You.

- And you.

- You two know each other?

- Uh, no. No, we--
- We met.

Yesterday.

When she tried to stage
her own meet cute.

- Okay, no uh, we kinda met.
We didn't really meet, meet.

- We definitely met.

- What's my name?

(sighs)
See, we didn't meet.

- What is your name?

- Nora.
- Ah, cute.

- What a weird thing to say.
Especially to a CEO.

- This is kinda stellar, right?

You guys already have
natural chemistry.

- Oh, no, no, we don't.
- No, I try

to have chemistry
with everyone I meet, so.

- Right. Uh, okay, so, Jack,

you are going to capture
Nora's journey to love

by showing the magic
of the season.

People love love
and people love Christmas.

People love Nora Winters.

- I think that we should keep
my dates anonymous.

I mean, if we keep
the guys anonymous

then I think
there's a higher probability

that I will make a connection
with someone

who isn't dating me
for the wrong reason.

- Yes, that is why we pay you
the big bucks. I dig it.

Okay, so Jack you are going
to capture Nora's face,

in that stellar style of yours,

and keep the guys obscured
and anonymous.

All right!

I am very excited to see
what you two cook up.

- Hmm, I'm free now.
You wanna get started?

- Uh, yeah. Yes.

I just, I have to um...

Find my wallet.

Uh, so I will
see you back here soon.

- I got
a signed Sammy Sosa rookie card.

You wanna see it?

- Uh, sure.

- What do I do?

He saw me stage
my own meet cute.

- You're blowing this
way out of proportion.

- Adley, he slow clapped.

- All right, it's not ideal.

I'll give you that.

But what other option
do you have?

Oh shoot, I gotta run.

Baking for the fundraiser
is in full swing.

I love you.
I'll talk to you later, okay?

- Oh. Ugh. Oh!

- You find it?

- My wallet. Uh...

No, it's probably in my purse.

We uh, have a lot of work to do.
We should probably get started.

- Sure.

(jazzy music)

- So, the way I see it,
I will meet someone,

we will go on
a few festive dates,

get in the holiday spirit,
and then we can end

with this fundraiser
that my family does every year

that benefits my mother's bakery
and her charitable foundation.

The fundraiser could serve
as the climax to our column.

Wrapping up our magical
love story with a bow,

and call it a day.

- I think that sounds perfect.

Unrealistic, but perfect.

- Perfect's what I'm going for.

- Okay. We'll come back to that.

Um, my vision for this series
is high art.

Raw, alter-realism.

- We need it to feel romantic.

We want the reader
to really believe

that I am actually
falling in love.

- Do you plan on not actually
falling in love?

- No one has to know.
We just need them to feel

like I'm falling in love.

- It feels a bit deceptive.

- Think of it like writing
beautiful fiction.

And now,
the way I see the style is say,

frame it like
a classic romance movie.

Give the people
something aspirational.

- Hmm. We need real,
not fake aspiration.

- Well, it's not fake.

- But you just said
you don't actually plan

to fall in love,
which, for the record,

I don't support.
(sighs)

- So, I say we go
in the opposite direction.

We go for drama, high impact.

You put yourself out there,
you get hurt. Real. Raw.

- You actually think
I could fall in love?

- I think you have
a better chance at doing so

if you come at it
with an open mind.

I mean, what are you afraid of?
- I'm not afraid of anything.

Except sharks.
Uh, and storm drains.

- Right. So...

We follow
the "Back to Square One" plan

from Take 2 Heart
and we should be set.

- What is that?

- It's for people who wanna
put themselves out there

but haven't dated in a while.

- What makes you think
I haven't dated in a while?

Oh.

(chuckles)

- Anyway, I-I have an idea.
Should we get started?

- We are on a tight deadline
but I uh, am sure that I...

Yes, I have
back-to-back meetings today

so, how about tomorrow morning?

- Great.
- Great.

- Fine.
- Fine.

(sighs)

(joyful music)

(cellphone chimes)

- Hey, Sara.

(Sara): My favorite client.

This is huge
for both you and the agency.

- Yeah. Yeah, we'll see.

Not sure how real
this is gonna be.

Uh, but have you heard
any word back yet

on the proposed exhibition
at the Smithton White Gallery?

- Not yet. However,

with this announcement,
I do have some news.

Prism's rival, Level Eleven,

is keeping
a very close eye on you.

- Why?

- Because they're super
competitive with each other.

And Level Eleven is looking
to bring on someone full time.

Ever since they saw
the post about you

working with Nora Winters,

they have been
chomping at the bit.

You crush this
and you could have

more offers
than you know what to do with.

- Then maybe Smithton White
will give us a second look.

- Maybe.

I will follow up with them soon.

(soft music)

- "Dear Reader,

Christmas is the most
wonderful time of the year.

But what if it was also

the most wonderful time
of the year

to fall in love?"

Blech.

Stay tuned to see

if the holiday meet cute

is true

or a work of fiction.

(sighs)

(soft music)

(Nora sighs)

Well, just --

(elevator chimes)

You're late.
- Oh, time is just a construct.

- And infuriating.
- One of my better qualities.

- Right.
- Look, I'm sorry.

My nephew is staying with me
for the holidays.

He lost his shoes.

(scoffs)
- Anyway, you're right.

I should've let you know
I was running,

literally, running behind.

- Hmm.

- Name's Kyle.
He's my half-sister's son.

He loses everything.

Do you wanna know
where his shoe was?

On the ceiling fan.
How does a 5th grader

get his shoe on a ceiling fan
in the first place?

- Okay, I believe you.
Kind of.

Let's go.
- After you.

(light music)

- This is the surprise?
I love this place.

- You've been here before?

Well, then it doesn't fit
the brief.

- Oh, I think it's perfect.
- Huh.

Let the mingling begin.

(jazzy music)

- And you have how many cats?

(camera shutter snaps)

- Uh no, I-I don't think
I could see myself

living in a bunker full time.
Hmm.

(camera shutter snaps)

And that's um...

whose hair?

(♪♪)

This isn't working.
- I don't disagree with you.

How many times
have you been

at this Christmas market
over the years?

- Quite a few.
- Exactly.

The Take 2 Heart step says

to meet someone
outside your comfort zone.

This is, well, it seems to be
well within your comfort zone.

- You think that's the reason

that I'm not meeting
anybody here.

- I think you're not following
the instructions on the app.

Look, I know you said
you're gonna write fiction

but isn't fiction better
if it's based in reality

just a little bit?

- What would you suggest?

(soft rhythmic music)

- Ha, I didn't know
they had skating in here.

This is the same place
that my family

holds their Christmas fundraiser
every year.

- Okay. We need a new place.
- Oh, no.

No, I can confidently say

that skating is outside
of my comfort zone.

- Perfect.
And the light's great in here.

Well, go rent some skates
and get out there.

You only have a few days left
to fall in love, right?

- Uh-huh.

(♪♪)

- Are you gonna be okay?

- Yeah. Yeah, just uh, ha,
need to get my sea legs.

- Huh.

(rhythmic music)

(Nora): I got this. Ha.
- You sure?

- Just get your shot.

(♪♪)

Huh, you've got great technique.

(camera shutter snaps)

(indistinct chatter)

(sighs)

(♪♪)

Hey, those are
some serious skates.

- I totally agree.

- Are they custom?
- Yes.

- Oh, neat. Where'd you get 'em?

- Uh-huh.

I'll meet you guys later.

(sighs)

Oh!
- Oh!

- Oh, I'm... I'm so sorry.
- No, it's fine. Are you okay?

- I am.
- Great.

(light music)

Ooh! Sorry.
- Ooh! I got you.

(camera shutter snaps)

(Nora): Oh, we're doing good.

Thanks for skating with me.

(Steve): It's not bad.
(camera shutter snaps)

(laughs)

- That was surprisingly fun.

I'd love to do it again
sometime.

- Well, I'm actually
seeing someone.

So, have a merry Christmas.

(Jack):
Well, that could've gone better.

- Yeah, right? Ouch.

- Yeah, he was never into you.
- Why did he skate with me then?

- 'Cause he was just trying
to be nice.

You were kinda desperate.

- I am not desperate.

I'm not that desperate.

- But the photos look great.

I'm gonna grab something
from the snack bar.

You want anything?
- No.

I'm just gonna return
these skates.

I'll meet you back here.

(light music)

- Is this seat taken?

- Oh, no not taken
in the slightest.

- Have you been here before?

- Uh, first time. You?
- First time.

- Yeah, not as brave
as I was as a kid.

- Right?
- Yeah. Fear of falling.

- None at all.
- Oh, no.

(both laugh)

- Leo.

- Oh, uh, Nora.
Nice to meet you.

- This might sound
a little crazy,

but it's the holidays, right?

Would you like
to get a drink sometime?

- That doesn't sound
crazy at all.

Um, I would love that.

My number's on the back.

Um, just text me
and we'll set something up.

- Cool. It was nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you too, Leo.

Ah!

- Now, that's what
I'm talking about.

- Oh! What?
- Is that him already?

Ah, that's a good sign.

- Yeah, he asked me out
for tomorrow.

- Great!
Still think you need backup.

- What? Why? He just...

He just asked me out.

- You need insurance
this series will work, right?

So, humor me.

A former colleague of mine

is having
a Christmas mixer tonight.

Come by, have a drink.

Meet someone
who could be your backup

in case option one here
isn't actually the one.

- Okay, well,
I don't believe in the one.

- Says the woman famous
for writing a dating column.

Huh.

I'll pick you up at 8:00.

(gentle music)

- Dear Reader,

I am surprised to report

that the holiday meet cute
might have worked.

I met someone out
of my comfort zone.

We'll call him Mr. L.

Will he be
the romantic connection

that this writer is seeking
this holiday season,

or will he be

the proverbial lump of coal
in my stocking?

(chuckles)

(Olivia):
I'm just worried about him.

It's Christmas,
we're not together.

- It's going fine. I mean,
you've signed the kid up

for enough holiday activities
to fill his whole winter break.

- Well, that's the idea
to keep him entertained

and you sane.

I know how hard it can be
moving to a new city.

- And how are things
at the hospital, Superwoman?

- Chaotic and short-staffed.

- Well, they're lucky
to have you.

- Oh, I'm sorry.
They're paging me.

I gotta run. But um...

I'm gonna text you
my Christmas plans

and I'll let you know
if I can make it, okay?

- Sounds good.
- I love ya, bye.

(joyful music)

(sighs)

(Adley chuckles)
- What?

- Did you forget
how to roll out dough?

- It's been a while
since rolling dough

is part of
my day-to-day activities.

- Uh-huh, I can tell.

So, I went online
and I saw Jack,

and he is cute!

And single.

- And mildly infuriating
and full of himself.

- But I saw the post.
You said you met someone.

- Yeah, in theory.

As long as the board
and Take 2 Heart

believe
I'm really falling in love,

who cares if I fluff it up
a little bit.

They want a good story,
I'm gonna give 'em a good story.

(cellphone vibrating)
Ugh.

Hey, Max,
what can I do for you?

- Take 2 Heart just sent notes
on your article.

That roller rink bit,
that was cute, on brand,

and they loved that fail
with the first guy.

That was actually super real.

But they do have some tweaks.

- Oh, do they?

- Look, Nora,

I know that you and I
don't always see eye to eye,

but I am on your team here.

You built Prism
from the ground up.

And while I agree that
there need to be some changes,

I believe that you should be
a part of them.

However,
for this series to work

and for the crossover
of users to happen,

I need to know
what you're feeling.

Not just what's happening.

You know, give me
gritty, real, honest.

Give me the old Nora Winters.

Okay? I gotta bounce.

- Oh.

- I agree with him.

I think you really gotta open up
if this is gonna work.

- How many
of these snowmen cookie

do we have to make?

- For the fundraiser, about 100.

- Hmm.

- What,
are you getting soft on me?

- I admit,
I am a bit out of practice.

(rhythmic music)

(Jack): Hey, guys!
- Hi!

- Hey!

(scoffs)
- Uh.

- Oh!

- Hey, how you doing?

(phone buzzes)

(cellphone chimes)

(clicks tongue)

(exhales)

Hey, uh, I just need
to do a quick lap.

- Uh, sure, yeah.
Yeah. Whatever.

Do you whatever you need to do.
- Are you sure?

I just don't wanna bail on you
since you don't know anyone.

- You're not bailing.
Not at all.

- Why are you acting weird?
- I'm not acting weird.

Not, not me, no.
Not weird.

- Okay.

Meet back here in 20?

- 10-4, good buddy.

(chuckles)
- Yeah, that was weird.

(light music)

- Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry.

Um, I-I didn't know
anybody was in here.

- I'm Geoffrey.

(soft music)

- Nora.

(chuckles)

- And I never played
another game

of mini golf
again in my life.

(both laugh)

It just flew
right out of his hands.

It was incredible.

(laughing)

(gentle music)

(chuckling)

(cellphone chimes)
Excuse me.

Uh, I am so sorry.

I'm gonna have to go.
- Okay.

- But I would love
to take you out sometime.

You know, if you'd like.

- I would love that.

Have you ever been
to Gregson's Christmas Market?

- No. But it sounds magical.

- Oh, it is.

(chuckles)

(camera shutter snaps)

(Nora laughs)

(jazzy music)
(indistinct chatter)

- It is so nice to meet you.
- Oh, you too.

(chuckles)

(sighs happily)

Jack.

Jack!

- Oh, excuse me.

So, it looks like you found

a very photogenic
insurance policy, I see.

(Nora): Oh, aren't you sneaky.

That's fantastic.
We can definitely use that.

Which leads me to,
I should go home.

- I'll walk you.
- I am all the way across town.

- Ah, I love the subway.

- Okay.

(soft music)

(Jack):
So, this fundraiser thing.

- Oh, well,
my parents started it, um,

to raise money
to give back to the community.

Uh, they offered
all these free programs,

baking lessons for kids,
senior events.

And so now, my sister,

she still does the thing
once a year,

and the funds that they raise,
well,

it pretty much covers
the whole thing.

I used to be really involved
but as Prism grew,

I just couldn't juggle it all.

- Sounds important.
Look, I have some ideas

for dates
that I wanna run by you

and I think they're fully
Take 2 Heart approved.

How about bowling?

(laughs)

- No.

I do not think bowling
is on brand for Prism.

How about...
volunteering at a soup kitchen?

- Ugh, terrible idea.

But I do fully support
the cause.

- Hmm.
- What about Christmas karaoke?

- Absolutely not.

(sighs)

We are gonna have
to settle this like adults.

- All right.

(laughs)

- That's your version

of settling something
like an adult?

- Yeah. Isn't it yours?
- On three?

- On three.

- One, two, three.

A-ha!
(chuckles)

Christmas market it is.
It's festive,

it has amazing lighting,
so you'll like that.

Plus, we already know
our way around the place.

It'll be the perfect date.

This is me.

(soft music)

Thank you for getting me home.

- Happy to.

- Meet me tomorrow morning
at the bakery?

- Sounds like a plan.

(♪♪)

- Who is that?

- That's a woman
I'm working with.

- She's pretty.

I like...

That one.

- Yeah, me too, little man.

- Can I call Mom before bed?

- Oof,
she's probably still at work

but we can give her a try.

- Adults are always at work.

- How about this?

I have to visit
a Christmas tree farm tomorrow.

What do you say you play hooky
and come with me?

We could even start the day
with all you can eat

pancakes at the diner.

All right.

(soft music)

(lips smacking)
- Dear reader,

this writer can confirm for you
that, yes,

people are way more willing
to be open to you

if you put yourself
out of your comfort zone.

But is it the holiday season
or...

is it just that I am finally

putting myself out there
for the first time

in a very long time?

Hmm.

(cellphone pings)

(cellphone chimes)

(sighs)

(bell on door jingles)

- So, I have a plan.
- Okay.

- I might have told everyone

that you were working
with the space photographer guy

and that he's gonna be
at the fundraiser.

And that Prism is gonna do
a write-up on the bakery.

And that if people come
to the Christmas charity event

that they could
maybe get a chance

to be featured in your column.

- Well, that is not a bad plan,

I just wish you'd asked me
before you told the whole town.

(Jack): Okay, yes, thank you.

And if anything changes,
please just let us know.

- Hey. Hi! You must be Kyle.

I'm Nora. Nice to meet you.

- Hi. And you must be Jack,
the famed Jack.

- Uncle Jack and I went
for pancakes this morning

before the apartment
went under water.

- What?

- It was a small leak
turned into a literal flood.

Yeah, we don't know
when we can get back in.

And I am currently on the hunt
for a hotel room for us,

but as it's close
to Christmas--

- You can stay with us.
- Adley.

- What? I mean,
we're just up the road

and we've got plenty of room
at the metaphorical inn.

- Do you have a Christmas tree?
- A big one.

- I'm sure
they have other offers.

- Well, actually, we don't.

- Uncle Jack, can we? Please?

- From what I've read online,

you're relatively new
to the city, so...

- Are you a stalker now?

- I am new to the city

and my family's all out west,
so...

- No one should be
without their family

during the holidays.

I insist. Okay?

Plus, I could use some help
baking cookies for Santa.

It was very nice to meet you,
Kyle and Jack.

Nora will give you my address
and I'll see you soon.

- Well, your sister
is very generous.

- That she is.

We should go.

(light music)

(Jack):
Well, that looks like fun.

You wanna join them?

All right.

So, where's your guy, Option A?

- His name is Leo
and he is no longer an option.

- So, I was right.
You did need insurance.

Wait, does that mean
no one is coming?

- Geoffrey was gonna come

and he asked
for a raincheck too.

- Can we at least look
at the trees, please?

- I do still need content.

- But your date's not here.

- I don't have to actually go
on a date to write about a date.

Fiction, remember?

What do you say we try to find
the tallest Christmas tree?

(Nora chuckles)

(light music)

- Flash cards? Oh, you did not!
- They help me stay organized.

- For a date?
- For the column.

(sighs mockingly)

- How is a woman
like you single?

I mean, you are
incredibly successful,

conventionally attractive.
- Oh, thanks.

- I meant that as a compliment.
- Okay.

Um, well, actually,
I was married.

Briefly. Long time ago.

To a fantastic guy.

But it was right when Prism
was getting some traction

and I wanted to grow that,

and he wanted
to move to a farm,

and have a big family,
and live off the land and yeah,

we really loved each other,
but we just weren't a good fit.

So, after that,

Prism started to take off
and...

And what about you?
Have you ever been married?

- Uh, no. No.

Engaged, twice.
- Hmm.

- Yeah, both times, I literally
put everything ahead of her

and it cost me everything.

It's part of the reason
for the career change.

- I mean, life's too short.

I uh, I want to experience
as much love and joy as I can

while I'm here.

Do you miss writing?

- Uh, sometimes, I guess.

But I don't miss bearing my soul
on the internet,

only to be trolled for it.

- Says the woman writing
a dating column.

- No, that was not my choice.

I just... I need the readers
to believe

that I am falling in love,

and then, the board
won't vote me out of CEO.

- Whew, no pressure.
- Ha, no, none at all.

- Isn't it perfect? We need it.

- Kyle, why did you
pick this tree?

- 'Cause it's tiny
and funny looking.

And I was worried
everybody would want

the big, fluffier trees.

And I didn't want this one
to be lonely.

So, I think
we should take it home.

Do you think you sister would
like this Christmas tree?

- Kyle, I think
she would love it.

- Yes!

(laughs)

How long is he staying with you?

- Uh, until the new year.
My half-sister, Olivia,

she's a single mother
ER doctor back in Boston,

and uh, well, she needed
a little help this season,

so I offered to take Kyle
for a few weeks.

- Oh, that's nice of you.

- Well, it's the least I can do.
She's the one saving lives.

- Well, if she comes to town,

she is more than welcome
to the fundraiser.

- I'll extend the invite.
Thank you.

- Uncle Jack,

can we get hot cocoa
after this?

- I would never turn down
hot cocoa.

- Yes.

(joyful music)

- All right,
I just finished my last gift

for the Michaelson family.

Anyone need help?

- I just started
on the Smiths' gifts.

- Well, give me one.

- So, do you guys
do this every year?

Sponsor this many families?

- Well, Nora actually
started the tradition.

- Oh, we started it together.

- So, Jack, why don't
you tell us about yourself?

We know you're a photographer
and your photos are wonderful.

- Thank you.

Uh, it was actually
quite a career change.

- Well, what did you do before?
- Corporate finance.

- Hmm.
- Yeah, I uh,

worked for the same company
for three decades.

But my grandfather,
Franklin Peterson,

he was a photographer.

- He did wildlife photography,
right?

- Taught me everything I know.

- But you went
to corporate finance anyway?

- I took a safer route.

But one day,
it was like I woke up

and I realized
that my life was flying by

and I hadn't done
all the things

that I really wanted to do.

I was too afraid to do.

So, I quit.

I packed my bags,
I bought a new camera,

and I travelled around
the world taking photographs

of all those places
I'd seen in screensavers.

- Hey,
that's pretty adventurous.

- You wouldn't recognize me
in my finance days.

- You like this version better?

- Most of the time.
- Hmm.

- More so now.

- And the column is going well?

- It's uh...

- Off to...
- A start.

(both laugh)

It's a solid start.
- Okay.

- Um, I mean, I met a guy,
and it's...

(cellphone pings)
It's going well.

(chuckles)

(cellphone chimes)

(cellphone chimes)

- Oh, Nora, don't forget
to stop by the train museum

to drop off the deposit
for our space.

We have to get it in
by 4:00 p.m.

or we lose the location.
- Okay.

- Thank you.

(chuckling)
(Lola): Night, Aunt Nora.

(soft music)

- So, what's the plan?
'Cause your guys keep bailing.

- My guys don't keep bailing,
they keep rain-checking,

which based on my column,
nobody would know.

So, well, kind of.

- What have you got to lose?

I mean, if you really
put yourself out there?

- Nothing other than
being mocked, ridiculed,

never taken seriously again.

- Well, I'm here to help.
If you need me.

I mean, I know how much
this series means to you,

so if I can help then I want to.

- You're gonna help me
lie to my readers?

- I read that piece you wrote
on Kyle and the tree.

That wasn't a lie.

And you encouraged us,
dear readers...

(chuckles)

...to do a small act of kindness
this holiday season.

So, consider this mine.

It is the most wonderful time
of the year after all.

- Well, that is very kind.

Thank you.

And have a good night
at my sister's house,

which will never not be weird.

(soft music)

(soft music)

(Nora): Dear Reader,
Christmas is a few days away

and there is a new candidate,
Mr. G.,

who after a bumpy start,

I am finally going to get
to spend

some one-on-one time with.

Now, I'm not saying
that this writer

is no longer a skeptic,
because I can assure you,

I still am, but...

(sighs)

Be honest. Okay.

Christmas can be
a challenging time.

For me, it is.

(sighs)

This experiment has offered me
more bites of the apple,

if you will,

than I have had
in a long time.

Well, will that lead to love?

That is yet to be determined.

(soft music)

- Okay, everybody,
listen up, all right?

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,

to the annual Winters Family
snowman building contest!

Unfortunately,
Clark got stuck at the bakery,

so Kyle, you and Lola

are gonna be against Jack
and Aunt Nora,

and I am gonna be the ref.

Whoever builds the best snowman,

with full facial features, wins.

- And for the record,
I never lose.

- Ooh! I like that attitude.

- Okay, on your mark,
get set, go!

(all giggling)

(Adley): Perfect.
(Kyle): All right.

(grunts)

- Hmm, pretty good, pretty good.
- Let go. Right here.

- Perfect. On the top?
(Kyle): Uh, yeah.

- I think we have buttons
in here somewhere.

- Looking good, guys.

(overlapping excited chatter)

- Uh...

(Kyle): Okay, okay, look.
(Lola): Don't touch it.

(laughing)

- Nice try.
- Nice try.

Gotta stable it, too.

(Kyle): Yeah.
- Aunt Nora's a thief!

(Kyle): Uh-oh,
oh, where's the other--

Oh, there it is.

- Ah!
(Adley): You lost your hat!

- No!
- Okay, I think I'm set, okay.

- And...

Time's up.

- Yeah!

- Hmm.

The winner is...

...Kyle and Lola.
- Yes! Yes!

- Good job!

- You two are the winners,
you get to open

the Christmas presents first
on Christmas morning!

- Yeah!

- You just picked it
'cause it's a baker.

- No, no.
- You know what?

You guys only won
because we let them.

- Yeah, okay.

(all laughing)

- Can we call it even?

(Nora): I got her this time.
- You totally got me!

- I'm going low. You go high.
- Okay, I'm going high.

(all cheering indistinctly)

(Nora): Right in the chest. Oh!
(Olivia): How's it going?

- Really well. See for yourself.

- High five!
- Oh, she's done! She's done!

- Oh, that looks fun.

Listen, I don't think I'm gonna
be making it down tonight.

- Come on, we still have
a few days left until Christmas.

- Yes, and I'm gonna try
to make it work

but we're gonna need
a Christmas miracle.

We're really short staffed.

- Well, don't worry.

Kyle's in good,
very festive hands.

- Switch.
- Oh that's it.

- Can we call it even?

- You look happy.

- You know what? I am.

And I think I wanna make this
a family tradition.

- What, sleeping over

at your co-worker's
sister's house?

- Uh, no.

Us spending family time
together.

I feel like
we're seriously lagging

in the family traditions
department.

- Yeah, I would like that.
(cellphone pings)

Oh, listen, I gotta go.
Love ya. Bye!

- Come on, Sis.

Oh, nice one.

- Winning snowman!
- Cheese!

Hey, Kyle, uh, do you wanna
come with me to the bakery?

We're meeting my dad
to finish up some baking

for our booth at the fundraiser.

(cellphone chimes)

- Uncle Jack, can we go too?

- Uh...

- Oh, um, I've got
something else I've gotta do.

- Nora, don't forget to drop off
the deposit at the train museum.

Larry is gonna meet you there
at 4:00.

- Okay, I'll see you later.
- Come on, kiddo.

- Bye.

- She cares, Mom.
- I know.

I just wish she'd be
a bit more present, is all.

You know, holidays are about
spending time with family.

Not trying to cram in
as much as work as possible.

- I know.

(soft music)

- Okay, Max, what is going on?

- You might wanna
sit down for this.

- Oh.

- I know this whole

how to fall in love
by Christmas thing

is kinda your worst nightmare.
- Uh-huh.

- But I think it's kinda great.

You and Jack, you're creating
something that's unique,

compelling, and kinda beautiful.

(light music)

- Why do you look like
you're gonna pass out?

- Because I don't think
it's enough.

It's the board, Nora.

CEO evaluation.

They're putting measures
in place to vote you out.

I guess the Take 2 Heart deal
is a bit shaky

after the low engagement.

- Why are you telling me this?

- Because I don't agree
with the direction

they wanna take Prism in.

- Yeah, of course.
So, what do you think?

- These are just phenomenal.

Some of your best work yet,
Jack.

- Well, I'm glad
the photography's authentic

because not everything is.

- What do you mean?

- This whole
falling in love thing.

I don't know how real it is.

- Well, with work like this,
there is no doubt

Prism is gonna be offering you
that photography contract.

Get you that home base.

- When I said that,
I meant a gallery,

not another website.

- Another website pays
quite a lot of money.

- I don't wanna give up
on the gallery.

- I'm gonna keep working on it.

In the meantime,

you keep killing it like this
and you are going to have

a lot of offers
to choose from.

I'm gonna follow up

with Level Eleven right now.
Talk soon.

Hi. Yeah, this is Sara Miller.

Look, I have some information

I would just love
to share with you

about Jack's assignment
with Nora Winters over at Prism.

Apparently, there is
some fabrication going on.

- Hmm. So, what do we do?

- We find a way to prove
to the board

that their motion
shouldn't go forward.

- Haven't they already
made up their minds?

- They still need
a majority vote.

Christine, she's on the fence.

Nora, we can fix this.

And the way we're gonna do it
is through your column.

(sighs)

(soft music)

(sighs)

(cellphone pings)

- Hmm.

I need some advice.

Can you meet me
at the Christmas market?

Hot cocoa's on me.

(soft music)

So, Take 2 Heart

isn't thrilled with the content
and the Prism board

is actively talking
about replacing me.

- Okay.

Have you ever done
a SWOT analysis before?

- Uh, strength, weaknesses,

opportunities, threats.

Um, yeah, I've done one
for my business

but I've never done it
for myself.

- Okay. Strengths as a CEO.

- Uh...

I...

am hardworking,
trustworthy, independent.

I founded a company
and grew it to what it is today.

- And your weaknesses?

- Uh...

I can be...

...narrow-minded,

to a fault.

(sighs)

You know,

we spend our whole lives

trying to be something,

trying to do something,

trying to achieve something.

And I mean, in the end...

...this is all that matters.
This...

This old-fashioned
human connection.

- Which, I would say,
is your opportunity.

- And my threat?

Hmm.

If I don't do this,

everything I built,
my lifestyle brand,

by women, for women,
to empower women,

is just gone.

You know?

I wouldn't even mind bringing
in the younger readers,

I just don't wanna
lose the connection

we have with the ones
that are already there.

- Well, I think we're looking
at another opportunity here.

I know it's scary
to put yourself out there

but think of all the women
who could relate

to your journey
of opening up your heart again.

Partnership
with Take 2 Heart, or not.

- Uh.

So, I dug a little deeper
on your work.

- Oh yeah?
- Hmm.

- What'd you think?
- Hmm.

You have a very unique eye.

- Was that a compliment?

- It was more of a statement.

(laughs)
- Was that a laugh?

- Um, more of
a positive emotional reaction.

(both laugh)

Oh.

- Look, I...
I know this isn't easy

but you're embracing
the challenge.

And I think if you lean
into the Christmas spirit

just a little bit more,
you might find

exactly what you're looking for.

(soft music)

Hmm. Whoa, that's,
that was...

- Oh.
(laughs)

Oh, no.
- Yeah.

- No way.
- Nope.

- That's like, I mean,

I didn't wanna kiss you
and yeah,

I mean,
you don't wanna kiss me.

- No, it --
- No, right. Gross.

- Gross.

(both chuckle)

What do you say, do you wanna,

do you wanna get outta here
and grab a bite to eat?

- Oh, I, I'd love to

but I am having dinner
with Geoffrey in an hour.

- A real date, huh?

Well, do you think
I should photograph it?

Get some actual photos
with the actual guy

for this new
non-fiction version?

- Actually, I think I should
fly solo on this one.

- You won't even know I'm there.

And this is kinda the reason
for the series, after all.

(sighs)

- Okay. Okay, fine.

We're gonna be at Zini's
at 8:00.

And um...

I-I won't see you there.

(laughs)

(sighs)

Oh, man.

(clears throat)
Hey...

Thank you again for your help.

- Happy to.

- Hmm. All right. See ya soon.

- See ya.

(chuckles)

(soft music)

(sending a text)

(cellphone pings)

(sending a text)

(joyful music)

(Nora sighs)

(sighs)

(sighs)

- Dear Reader,

I wanna tell you a story
about a person in my life.

We will call him Space.

Now, Space has really
stepped it up for me

this holiday season

but he really helped me see

that the people
that I always thought

were so much happier
than I was during the holidays

were just letting themselves
be happy.

They were leaning in
to the magic of the season.

Which, dear reader,

is something
I am going to try to do.

For real, this time.

(sighs)

Hmm.

Ahh.

(joyful music)

(Nora): Are you kidding me?

- I would never kid
about something as serious

as radio show contests.

- It's just so wild.
You won multiple prizes on air.

- Well, what can I say,
I'm a lucky guy.

- Oh.
- In more ways than one.

- Aw.

It was fun tonight.
(Geoffrey): Yeah, I agree.

(camera shutter snaps)
(Nora chuckles)

- Listen, my sister is having

this dinner thing
at her house tomorrow

and I know we just started
seeing each other but I was --

- I would love to go.
- You would?

- Yes, I would.

(camera shutter snaps)

(soft music)

- Okay, so according
to Adley's list,

we need to make custom ornaments

for all of
the silent auction winners,

and she gave me a rough sketch
of what they should look like.

- Do you guys always do
this level of detail?

- We try to.

Actually, the last few years,

Adley really has had
to shoulder most of it.

But she has done a fantastic job

keeping my mother's vision
alive.

(cellphone vibrates)
Oh.

Shoot. Sorry.
- No, no, go ahead.

- Hello?

- Okay, so,
good news and bad news.

I feel like you and Jack

are really starting
to find your groove.

But Take 2 Heart wants
to avoid any potential

girl falls in love with a guy
right under her nose angle.

It's a little too convenient.

I'd stick with Mr. G.,
if I were you.

Lean into that.
- Yeah, okay.

Um, I'm...
I don't have feelings for Jack.

I mean, I mean, Space.

- Sorry,
I can't really talk right now.

Chat soon. Bye.

- But...

Sorry about that.

- Should I uh,
stick to photography?

(laughs)

You might wanna
not quit your day job.

- Okay. I mean, it's --
- It's cute.

- It's like a tr--
- Oh, now it's a,

I see it's a tree.
- There you go,

there's the tree.
- Yeah, there's the tree.

(joyful music)

- We'll take care of it.
We'll take care of it.

- I got the fancy ornaments.

(sighs)
- You forgot.

- What? I... I forgot?

(gasps)
Oh, the form!

Oh, Adley, I'm sorry.
You know what?

I'll go talk to him.
I've got my checkbook.

- No, no, no, I handled it.

- Oh. Okay, then we're good?

- No. No, we're not good, Nora.

(sighs)
Look,

I know that Prism
is important to you,

but you and I,
we made a promise to Mom

to run this foundation together.

And sometimes it feels like
I am the only one

who takes that promise
seriously.

- Okay, Adley, you do this.
You do this every time.

It's every time this idea
that I abandoned the family,

or whatever, because didn't
take over the bakery.

- That's kinda exactly
what you did.

- You know what? You're right.

I did follow my passions
and my dreams,

and they didn't involve
making cookies.

But I am always there for you.

- Actions speak louder
than words, Nora,

and your actions
speak loud and clear.

(sighs)

- Everything okay?
- Uh, no. Apparently not.

- She's just stressed.
- Yeah, okay.

You should take those.

I should go.
- No, hey, no.

I think quite the opposite.

I think you're very wanted here.

Come on.

(soft music)

- And I told him,
"No, there's no way

we're gonna take that deal.
My client deserves better."

Excuse me,
pass the potatoes, please.

- You know,
that reminds me of the time--

- And they did,
they came up on their offer,

which of course,
I always do.

You know,
I say the client comes first.

That's my motto.

And then, of course,
there was another time,

ooh, hold on here for a second,
they got away,

and then,
there was another time,

a client comes in
from out of town...

...and you know, he says,

"Hey, I need you
to do something, right?"

He comes in
completely unannounced.

And you know.
He says,

"I need you to take care
of XYZ."

And I can't tell you
what XYZ is, of course,

'cause that's completely
confidential, but he says,

"Need it to be done, ASAP."
So, and-and I did it.

You know, what can I say?
I'm good at what I do.

You know what I mean?
Client comes first.

(Nora): I'm glad
you liked the potatoes.

- Oh, everything was wonderful.

The roast was a little dry,

but a trick my mother
used to use,

she'd put just a little bit
of water in the base of the tin.

Keeps everything
nice and moist.

- Oh, well, I'll make sure
I pass along the tip.

(chuckles)

Ooh.

(chuckles awkwardly)

- So, I will see you tomorrow.

I'm excited for the fundraiser.

- Oh, I'll see you there.
- Okay.

(door opening)

(sighs)

- Don't say anything.

- It's late.

You should probably
just stay here for the night.

Your room's already made up.

- You know what?

I should uh,
I should put Kyle to bed.

- I don't know,
I think I should--

- I just miss you.

I know
that you have so much going on.

It's honestly so impressive.

- Well, look at you.

You have this beautiful family,

and this business
that people love.

And every year,
you throw this event

that actually makes
a difference

in people's lives.

I mean, you're the one
that's impressive.

And I'm sorry
I don't tell you that enough.

And I miss you, too.

I love you.

(sniffs)

(sniffs)

- Don't cry.
(laughs)

I guess you should just uh,
stay the night, then?

- Can I borrow some pajamas?
- Yeah, I got lots.

So, Geoffrey...

He seems nice.

- Yeah, he is, I think.

I mean, we have a lot in common.

- Jack... he's a lovely guy.

- He's just a friend.

- I always thought
that was a funny saying.

- What do you mean?

- I think a soulmate

is just a friend

you happen to have
deeper chemistry with.

You know, the kind of friend
your soul just knows.

- That is so cheesy.

- I know, I know,
but I'm just saying, you know,

there's a lot of people
out there that you'll have

a deeper chemistry with
in your lifetime.

But not everyone
will make you feel like home.

- Hmm.

(soft music)

(sighs)

(cellphone chimes)

- Sara?
- Jack.

Level Eleven is
sending over a job offer.

I forwarded them a sneak peek
of your latest work

and they absolutely love it.

- Is that legal?

I mean, my work for Prism
is owned by Prism, right?

- It's not like
they're publishing it,

they're just using it
to evaluate you.

Anyhow, there should be
an offer coming soon.

Keep an eye on your email.

Gotta go. Bye.

(both sigh)

(sighs)

(groans)

(soft music)

(Nora):
Ooh! What are you doing up?

- What are you doing up?

- I asked you first.
(giggles)

Oh, I was having
trouble sleeping.

Thought I'd get
a midnight snack.

- Hmm. Chestnut?

- Don't mind if I do.

(breathes deeply)

- I wanted to edit
some of the new photos.

This is one of my favorites.

- Hmm.

- I love how alive you look
in these.

- You always shoot
in black and white?

- It was my grandpa's style.

Said it got rid
of anything superfluous.

- I like that.

- And this gallery placement
that I'm trying to land,

it was the first gallery
to feature his work

all those years ago.

Yeah, he loved that place.

- Hmm. I think it's really brave
that you went for it.

- I just got tired of feeling
like I wasn't doing

everything I could
to live the life I loved.

- Hmm.

Life you love. Hmm.

I'm gonna take another chestnut.

(chuckles)

I'll see you in the morning?

- Night, Nora.
- Night.

(soft music)

(♪♪)

So, Adley and Clark finished
all the baking last night.

And they are
at the museum setting up

and they want us to finish
stuffing these gift boxes.

- You got it, boss.

- We wanna put
one Christmas tree

and one gingerbread
in each box.

- Okay.
- Here's a glove.

- Thanks.

(cellphone pings)
- Oh!

I've been waiting for this.

Oh.

- What's up?
- It's from Max.

The board has scheduled
a call for later today.

- That's not such a bad thing,
is it?

- No, but the fit
of that glove's a bad thing.

Um, why don't you take the boxes
and I will touch the cookies.

- Deal. So, are you,
are you really worried?

- I feel like this whole thing
is manufactured.

Love can't be rushed.

I mean, if you plant a seed,

you don't get a plant
the next day.

It has to grow.
It takes time.

- Nora Winters,
are you a romantic?

- No. No, of course not.

I just...

I don't know why I thought
I could get away

with faking the whole thing.

No wonder the board's not happy.

I never used to write like this.
- And why is that?

- Well, I used to be
a different person.

You know,
when I started writing,

I didn't think about
what was gonna be

in the comments section,
I just wrote what I felt

and pushed publish,

and never gave it
a second thought.

We need more boxes.

- Well, that's what made you
so successful.

- Yeah. But at some point,

as the site grew and grew
and grew,

then you know what?

The scrutiny on me
grew and grew and grew.

- I think you're admitting
that you're afraid of something.

Before I took this assignment,

I went back and I read
all your old writing.

And you're right,
you're not the same.

You're better.

You, you're more thoughtful.

You come at things
from a stronger point of view.

And look,
I understand your concerns

but I don't think you actually
have anything to be afraid of.

- I just don't wanna be a fraud.

- So, don't be.

If they want honest,

give them honest.

Look, tell the board
and your readers

that Mr. Haircut,

or whatever anonymous name
you gave Geoffrey,

is handsome and charming,

but you just don't feel it
with him.

I mean, who cares
if you don't actually

fall in love before Christmas?

- Well, that is
the title of the series.

It would literally ruin it.

- Not if you're real.

What are you really feeling,
Nora Winters?

(soft music)

- Because if, I mean,
if you write about that,

I think you'll get
your stellar content.

(chuckles)

Which I need.

- Cheers.
(both laugh)

(soft music)

(cellphone chimes)

- Hey.

(Sara): I'm gonna need
you to pack your bags

because Level Eleven

just offered you
the full-time position!

They want you

at their holiday company party
tonight

so they can introduce you
to the team.

- But I'm in the middle
of the assignment for Prism.

- Yeah, but you're finished
that tomorrow

so you can just sneak out
a few hours early.

- Well, who'd finish
shooting Nora's series?

- Jack, did you hear the words
that I'm saying?

Level Eleven.

Full-time position.

Big deal.

This is not contract
or freelance work.

- Okay, well, where are we at
with the gallery?

- Jack, you are being
offered more money

than any client I've ever had
in my entire career.

Why are you still thinking
so small?

- You knew a gallery exhibition
was always the goal.

- And it will be.

While you're crushing it
at Level.

What time can I tell them
you'll be there?

(soft music)

- No, I'm not going.

- Jack, don't be silly.

- Look, Sara,

you took a chance on me
all those years ago,

and I'll be forever grateful
but I think...

I think it's time for me
to focus on other things.

- Like what?

- A gallery exhibition.
Time with loved ones.

Look, I just, I need a change.

Thank you for everything
but I'm not bailing on Nora.

She need me.

This series means
too much to her.

I'm not going.

- Wow.

- Whew.

(sighs happily)

(soft music)

- Look at you.
That looks stunning.

- Thank you!

I actually just learned
this new makeup tip.

You put the white
in your water line

and then just like, a dash
of glitter in your corner,

and it makes your eyes pop.

And then, you use this primer
to smooth out your pores,

which you literally don't have,
but I do.

- I didn't realize

that you knew so much
about makeup.

- Hmm, trial and error.

- Listen, I know
that you still have

another semester at school

but would you have any interest
in writing for the site?

I mean, maybe doing
a monthly roundup

of makeup products,
tips you've learned,

that kinda thing?
- Are you serious?

I'd love to.
Writing for Prism

has been my goal
since I was like, eight.

- Why didn't you
ever say anything?

- I... I mean...

I guess I didn't think
I had anything to say.

I mean, you're such a legend.
- Oh.

- And I know you took
a break from writing,

but this thing
that you're doing

with Take 2 Heart,
it's so cool.

And plus, you and Jack are like,
the ultimate creative duo.

- Oh.
(chuckles)

Well, he is... Talented.

- Hmm, and he definitely has
a crush on you.

- Okay.
- Mm-hmm.

(chuckling)

- So, tell me

whatever other magic
makeup tricks you have.

- Oh! Okay.

(joyful music)

(Adley): Oh no!
- Whoa, whoa! I got it!

- Oh no! Oh, gosh.

- Okay.
- Oh, sorry.

I thought I was tall enough
to reach the top.

- Oh, well, allow me.
- Thank you.

- There you go.

- Look,

I know that Nora
didn't intentionally invite you

to our little fundraiser

but we are all so glad
that you and Kyle are here.

- Are you kidding?
I'm honored to be here.

And you have
a really special family.

And Nora, well, she's --
- She's pretty great.

(soft music)

Look,
I don't mean to overstep,

but in my experience,

telling someone how you feel,

it's always a good idea.

- Hmm.

(♪♪)

- Oh, hey. Looks good.

(sighs)
(cellphone pings)

(soft music)

What?!

- Everything is set up.
- Wow!

Great set-up!
(Clark): Nice work, Jack.

(Jack): Hi, guys.

- Yeah, looks good.

(Lola): Okay, Winters family,
let's get this party started!

- Yeah!
- Bye, see ya.

- So exciting!

(orchestral music)

(camera shutter snaps)
- Magic. And you know what?

Here's a donation slip
in case you wanna contribute

to the bakery's free programs
that give--

Hey.

Uh, sorry, give back
to the community.

In addition, I'll be giving away
a free photography class

to all donors, thank you.

Hi, guys.

Yeah, if you can just...
a little closer.

There we go.

- Hi. Thank you for coming.

- Oh, my pleasure.
- Good to see you.

- Yeah, you too. Oh.

- Oh... yeah.

We're getting there,
but you know...

It could be better.
- Mm-hmm.

- Uh, well, let me show you...
Oh, you remember.

(Geoffrey): Yeah, hi.

(Adley): Nice to see you.
(Nora): Let me show you

the rest of the--
(Geoffrey): Certainly.

(surrounding chatter)

- Hey, Katy, it's Jack Paxton.

Yeah, it's been a while.

Hey, listen, is your company
still looking to make

some donations before the end
of the fiscal year?

Well, I think I might have
the perfect charity for you.

Yeah.

That's so generous,
thank you.

- I am telling you,
it is wild, man.

Yeah. Well,
that Nora Winters

is actually writing about me.

Well, yeah,
because I'm Mr. G.

Well, yeah, of course,
she's nice,

she's great,
but you know,

but her name next to mine,
this is huge.

Hey, tell you what,

see if you can get me
an interview with The Post

and I can do
one of those kinda you know,

tell-all kinda things.

Oh yeah.

Yeah, 'cause this'll be great
for my business.

And you know what?
They will eat this stuff up.

- Looks good, right?
- Oh!

(cellphone pings)
- Yeah, couple more down here.

- Max, hi.
- Nora, I'm sorry

to call you on Christmas Eve
but I wanted you

to hear it from me.

- Oh, is this about Jack
and Level Eleven?

- Yeah, no, I heard,

but this is about you
and the column.

I'm so sorry.

I just heard from the board.

They're pulling
the collaboration

between us and Take 2 Heart.

I guess they weren't...

thrilled
with some recent developments.

I just sent you an email.

- "Nora Winters'

How to Fall in Love
by Christmas series

was completely fake,
an inside source says."

Wow.

- Any idea who the source is?

- Well, Jack, right?
Who else could it be?

- I'm sorry, Nora.
Merry Christmas.

- Hey, I was looking for you.
- Oh, you were?

Were you gonna tell me?

What is this?

- I don't know but listen,
Geoffrey, he's using you.

- Geoffrey's using me.

Ha, you would say that
because you used me.

- That's not true.

- Oh, so you didn't
basically rat me out

with the work
that we did for my column

by selling it to a rival site
for more money?

- That was my agent.

- And you didn't know
that she was doing that?

So, you're just basically
motivated by money

and this was all a lie.

- Says the woman
totally comfortable

faking falling in love.

- Well, at least
I'm trying to change.

Unlike you.

- You know what? Forget it.

This was a waste of time.
- Yeah, it was a waste of time.

Why don't you just go
have a great,

fun Christmas party
at your new company.

(soft music)

- Everything all right?

- Uh, yeah.

(soft music)

- How're we doing?

- Um... might have to
cut back a little.

- The foundation,

that's not
what Mom would've wanted.

- Sometimes you just have
to face the facts

that things
don't always go your way.

- What's with you?

(sighs)

This whole silly thing,

this partnership
with Take 2 Heart,

I just... I shouldn't have
let myself get pushed into it.

- But you started writing
and...

And you have real feelings
for someone, yeah?

- Hey, there you are.

I have been looking for you
everywhere.

Did you wanna go do
the photo booth?

- Um... I...

Are you...
Are you recording right now?

- Well, uh...

Well, yeah.
I mean, but can you blame me?

Well, because
you're Nora Winters

and I just thought
it would be a good idea

if I had some proof.

- Proof?

- That I'm Mr. G.

- Why would you need proof?

- Because I am getting
so much more investors

interested in my company

by mentioning you
in the interviews.

- Interviews?
- Yeah.

And I've got
another one tomorrow.

I just wanna make sure I can,
you know,

quote everything factually.

- Okay, wow. Um, uh...

I don't... I don't think
this is gonna work out.

- What about your column?

- Uh...

- Nora, hold on. Wait!

- Geoffrey, um, I think...

I think it's time
we excuse ourselves.

I'll just...

Just, just come this way, okay?
- Ah...

- It's okay.

- Hey, buddy.

I think it's time to pack up
our things and head out, okay?

Here.

(indistinct chatter)

- I was totally wrong
about everything.

I mean, Geoffrey was so obvious.

I should've known
what was going on there,

right away.
- Sure, but Jack?

I mean, I've seen the way
you two look at each other.

- Adley, he used me
as a bargaining tool.

- No, he didn't.

No, Nora, last time I saw him,

he was doing everything
he could to fundraise.

He did it.

Apparently, he knew people

who wanted to donate
to that cause.

We're good.

- He left to go

to Level Eleven's
Christmas party tonight.

- No, he didn't.

He fired his agent,

he turned down the job
at Level Eleven.

I heard him. I heard him do it
with my own two ears.

(exhales)

- Listen.

He lights you up in a way
I haven't seen in years.

You two have
something really special.

And I would think twice
about letting it go.

(soft music)

(sighs)

(paper crinkling)

(gentle music)

(sighs)

- Hey, Max, um...

I'm gonna go live
with one more piece.

- Yes, hi, I'd like

to book a hotel room
for a few nights.

- Hey,
where are you two headed?

Santa's coming here
in a few hours.

This is the address
I told him to go to.

- Mom!
- Sorry,

I'm gonna have
to call you back.

- It's a Christmas miracle.
- But how?

- I had a little help from Nora
and a little bit of luck.

The hospital was fully staffed.
They didn't need me tonight.

(cellphone pings)
- Sorry, one sec.

(Nora): Dear Reader,

I have to come clean.

Did I start this series
as a skeptic?

I sure did.

Did I think
it was actually possible

to lean into the magic
of the season

and let that magic
open your heart?

Absolutely not.

But was I wrong?
I very much was.

I am here to tell you
that I did,

in fact, fall in love,

more or less, by Christmas,

thanks to Take 2 Heart.

It happened with someone

I never expected.

Someone who challenged me,
supported me,

protected me, encouraged me.

Someone who took me
totally by surprise.

- Nora Winters,
I think you just saved your job.

(Nora): I didn't realize
it was even happening.

And that's the best part
about love,

it can surprise you,
if you stay open to it.

- What are you waiting for? Go!

- Yeah?
- Yeah, go.

- Okay.

(hopeful music)

(cellphone pings)

- Did you read my post?

- I'm very impressed.

- Impressed enough
to forgive me?

(soft music)

- It's bad luck
not to kiss under the mistletoe.

- It's gross.

(laughs)

So, Jack Paxton,

in your professional opinion,

do you think that you can
fall in love by Christmas?

- Absolutely.

Do you?

- Absolutely.

(♪♪)

Oh, look!

(chuckling)
(Adley): You guys!

Look how beautiful. Aw.

You look very handsome together.

(soft music)

(joyful music)

♪ The first Noël

♪ The angels did say

♪ Was too certain
for shepherds ♪

♪ In fields were they lay

♪ In fields where they

♪ Lay keeping their sheep

♪ On a cold Winter's night

♪ That was so deep

♪ Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël

♪ Born is the King of Israel

♪ Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël ♪

Subtitling: difuze