Original subtitles

this one, mommy.

This is what I want for Christmas.

put that away. I'll come back.

Okay.

So you know what,

I think this little guy needs to take a nap.

What's your name?

Charlotte.

Charlotte,

so should I tell Santa

that this is what you really want for Christmas?

You know Santa?

Can you keep a secret?

Good, because I'm really not supposed to tell anyone,

but Santa is actually a personal friend of mine.

He is?

He is,

and, you know, he calls me every time this year

asking me

what all the good girls and the good boys

want for Christmas.

So, have you been good this year?

Because I kinda have to report back to him.

I've been good.

You have?

That's wonderful.

Santa's going to be so happy to hear that.

can I?

-Thank you. -There you go.

you're wonderful with kids.

You must have some of your own.

Not yet, but hopefully soon.

Henry, my fiancé, and I

we own this shop together,

and he loves kids.

If it were up to him, we'd have a baker's dozen.

And how do you feel about that?

It's definitely negotiable.

this sweater is so beautiful.

You know, Nicole made that.

Well, if you happen to have one in my size,

make sure Santa puts one under the tree for me.

Thank you.

That is very kind of you to say,

but, really, it's just more of a hobby.

Well, let me know

if you ever decide to make sweaters for people.

I own a store, unique styles.

I know my customers would love your work.

Here's my card.

Thank you,

something to think about.

See you tomorrow.

See ya.

Come on, Charlotte, time to go.

Bye, Charlotte.

-Bye! -See ya.

what do you think, jack frost?

You think I could make a living selling my designs?

Hmm?

yeah, it's a crazy idea.

hey there, my future wife.

Hello, future husband.

How'd we do today?

Uh, good. Busy.

We even sold the giraffe.

-Which one? -Tall guy.

Gonna miss that big guy.

Oh, he's going to a good home.

uh, you got our sweaters?

Yes.

Just finished them today.

Ah-hah.

Oh, they're beautiful.

You do realize

that we're going to an ugly sweater party,

though, right?

Yeah, that is why

I made the proportions from the eyes to the bill

completely off, you see?

-Yeah, no... -kinda ugly, right?

Yeah, I see that.

They're... Hideous.

You know, this could actually be the year

that we win this thing.

Yeah, that's not going to happen.

You know Susan's won, like, four years in a row.

yeah,

but she has no idea who she's dealing with.

Huh?

Wow, I like the way you think.

I like the way you kiss.

Mm, we're not wearing those.

okay.

There she is.

Why are we stopping at the house?

I left my gloves here.

I love our house.

It's perfect.

I can't wait to raise our family here.

Oh, it's gonna be perfect

once I finish all the renovations.

Mm...

Can we go inside?

Not today.

I just took out all the flooring.

Aw...

Oh, just think, Nic.

This time next year

we're gonna be in our house

having Christmas dinner with all our friends.

You promise?

I promise.

oh, wait.

Oh.

huh?

aw...

The first of many memories we're going to make here.

Mm-hmm.

hey, hey.

seriously, Susan,

why bother having people over to your house

if you're going to make your friends do all the work.

I'm not following.

-Not following? -Nope.

You realize I made a glazed ham, roast turkey,

rack of lamb, and beef wellington

for your party.

Remind me, what exactly is your contribution?

My fabulous personality.

That's what keeps 'em coming back for more, sweetie.

-right, I forgot. -You're crazy.

Oh...

How is the renovation going?

It's going really good.

I mean, slowly but surely,

but I can't wait for you to see it.

It's going to be amazing.

Hey...

Hi!

So, what do you think

of your sister's Christmas sweaters?

I want one.

I'll trade you yours for Phil's.

Uh, ooh, no.

- Not a chance. - yeah, no.

attention, everyone!

For crying out loud, Susan, lose the bullhorn!

Lose the bullhorn?

Please! Yes!

Okay, all right.

Well, friends,

it is time to give out the grand prize

for the best Christmas outfit.

This cashmere throw from ooh la la gift emporium

goes to....

Me!

it's not fair.

You've won five years in a row now.

Have some jingle juice.

You'll be hearing jingle bells in no time.

Ah, cheers.

Cheers.

ooh, we are out of ice.

Tom, we've run out of ice.

What do you want me to do, Susan?

You could break off some icicles?

Uh, no, look, I could just go to the market

and get some bags.

No need.

Tom, wake the kids. We need those icicles.

Susan, do not wake up the kids.

Henry can go. He doesn't mind.

Really, I do not mind.

-You sure? -Yeah.

All right then.

Okay, thank you.

Hurry back.

-I love you. -Love you.

Thank you.

next year, I'm gonna put my foot down.

I'm telling Susan I am not bringing any more food.

I'm going to tell her to order a few pizzas.

We can all throw in a few bucks, call it a day.

What do you think, Nic?

Nic?

Where is Henry? He should have been back by now.

I'm sure he's fine.

I tried calling him.

It went straight to voicemail.

I'm sure he'll be walking through that door any minute.

hello?

hey, tom.

How you doing, Nic?

I'm good.

Thanks for coming.

I know this time of year could be hard for you.

I'm good, tom, really. I'm okay.

you sure you're ready to let go of the house?

Yep.

Yup, I'm ready.

I'm ready to sell.

Okay, well, like I said,

my company is more than happy to list it for you.

You think I can get what Henry and I paid for it?

Not till the work's complete.

I just don't want you to take a hit on the house, Nic.

Let's get someone in here that can do the work,

and then think about selling.

Is that okay?

Mm-hmm,

and what about the store?

Any interested buyers?

I've got a couple showings lined up.

So let's just...

Give it a little time,

and I promise you we will sell the toy store

and this house.

Great.

Thank you, tom.

You got it.

I'm curious.

About what?

Well, after you sell everything,

this house, the store,

what's next for you?

Oh, you know me, tom.

I always figure something out.

Right.

I'm gonna go check it out.

All right.

Go for it.

hey.

Got you a gingerbread latte.

Oh, thank you, Nic.

How's it going today?

Good. Yeah, yeah, yeah, busy.

Any calls?

Yes, Mrs. Barnes called.

Said she was looking for a plastic rocketship

for her grandson.

Oh, I think we've got one in the back.

Oh, and pops called.

Twice.

He needs a new razor.

Gail dropped one off at his house,

but he said it's a lady's razor,

and it doesn't work,

and then he said because Gail messed up,

he now has a mustache, so...

He grew a mustache in two hours?

That's what he said.

You want me to stop by the pharmacy

and pick him up a new one?

No, it's all right.

I've got to head over there to make him lunch later anyways.

Okay.

Oh, hey, hey, uh...

How did it go with tom?

Did he say he could sell the house?

Yeah.

He, uh, just wants me to finish the remodel first,

but, um, I just have no idea

how I'm going to find someone to do it.

You know what?

I happen to know a guy.

Yeah, he's an old friend. He's a carpenter.

I think he could help you out.

-Oh... -Want me to call him?

Yes.

Teddy, please. That would be amazing.

Thank you.

Ooh, hello.

merry, merry!

Hello.

Did you get my message about tonight?

What about tonight?

A bunch of us are going to see "it's a wonderful life"

at the majestic, 8:00.

Please say you'll come.

I can't.

I have things to do.

I need to... Organize the back.

Nicole, you need to get out more.

Have some fun.

I have fun.

Reorganizing the stock room is not fun.

It is for me.

Gary Jankowski is coming to movie night tonight.

Who?

Gary Jankowski.

The orthodontist?

Remember I told you about him?

The single doctor?

Right... Barry.

Gary!

And he is just the sweetest.

I'm sure he is,

but tonight is no good for me.

You know, I have a lot of stuff to do.

-Mm. -A lot.

A lot of... A lot of stuff.

Mm-hmm.

Fine, be a party pooper,

but you're definitely coming Tuesday, right?

Tuesday?

It's my ugly sweater party,

and, um...

I just thought it would be great for you to be with all of us...

And you do not want to miss what I am wearing this year.

okay?

Biggest fashion disaster this town has ever seen.

Please say you'll come.

Will Gary Jankowski be there?

As a matter of fact,

he has a dental convention,

so no.

Okay then, I will come.

Yes!

Hint...

My sweater requires an outlet and an extension cord.

Intrigued?

Always.

goodbye.

Bye!

Really?

Chips? Donuts?

Soda?

A frozen pizza, pops?

Come on.

You know, I promised mom and dad

when they moved away

that I would take care of you.

So, take care of me and heat up that pizza.

Not a chance.

I'm making you a salad.

so, how you doing, pops?

You feeling good?

I'd feel a lot better

if the badgers could get a rebound...

oh, come on, you...

I miss going to games with you and Henry.

The three of us went to a lot of games together

last season.

He'd wear that big foam badger hat,

and nobody could see past him.

I miss him.

Yeah, those games were a lot of fun.

you don't have to be brave with me, honey.

It's okay to show what you're feeling.

I miss him, too, pops.

It will get better.

I promise.

How did you get through it when grandma died.

Well...

After your grandma died,

for a year,

every single day,

I wrote her a letter.

I would pour my heart out,

I would tell her how much I missed her,

I would tell her about my day,

what was good about my day, what was bad,

and it helped to heal my heart.

Letters.

That is so beautiful.

Yeah, but these days, you kids don't write letters.

Everybody's just texting.

did you keep any of those letters?

Yeah, some...

They're in the closet, on the top shelf, I think.

Can I take some to read?

Well, of course.

About my lunch, there is a frozen burrito there.

Uh-uh.

I just can't win.

Nope,

not if I have anything to do with it.

hey...

Can I come over?

I made you some tea.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Mm, thanks for letting me come over.

Sometimes, it's just too hard

to be in my apartment with all those memories,

alone.

You're my best friend.

You're family.

My home is your home.

You know, I've been thinking,

and I've been thinking that I'm mad at you.

I am mad at you

because that night,

the night that Henry died...

You told me he was going to walk through the door

any minute.

I know I did, but...

You know what happened was a terrible accident.

It was no one's fault.

I'm so scared, Alan.

I know, sweetie.

I know.

What are these?

These are letters that my pops wrote to my grandma

when she died.

Oh.

He said that writing them

helped him to not feel so sad.

Aw...

Can I see?

Yeah, sure.

"my dearest Margaret,

today, I found the pin we bought in Italy.

The cameo you loved to wear.

I sat on our bed holding it...

And cried."

"until then,

I've been holding it all together,

but just how much I miss you finally came flooding out.

Forever and always,

your john."

it's beautiful.

I know.

okay, we need cookies.

-I've decided. -Yes, please.

Okay.

hey, it's your favorite sis.

Another casserole is on its way.

Be on the lookout.

that day at the house,

you said it would be the first of many memories.

I didn't think it would be the last.

one pretty pony tea set.

I hope your daughter enjoys it, Angela.

I'm sure she will.

Hey, Nicole,

I heard a rumor that you're selling the store.

Please tell me that's not true.

It is.

You know, ever since I first met Henry in college,

it was always his dream to have a toy store.

I swear, the proudest moment of that man's life

was when we first opened the doors

to village toys.

I remember that day.

You know, we were each other's partners

I ran the business side,

and he was all about the fun and the whimsy.

Henry was so amazing

at getting every kid that walked through that door

to go to faraway places with their imagination.

I miss that.

I think we all miss that.

You know, a year ago,

I never would have thought I'd sell this place,

but then I realized, you know,

this was Henry's passion.

This was Henry's dream.

Without him,

this store doesn't really make much sense

for me anymore.

I get it.

Sometimes, life shows you a fork in the road.

You just never know where life's going to take you.

Yeah.

Here you go.

Marry Christmas, Nicole.

Merry Christmas.

higher, billy!

The lights need to be in the garland!

I got it, Mrs. Ward.

Well, hello, Nicole.

Hi, Helen.

I can't remember the last time I laid eyes on you.

It's been a while.

You're planning on fixing up the house

so you put it on the market?

That's the plan.

Oh, and billy?

The Rudolph is looking a little tarnished.

Yes, Mrs. Ward.

You know I'm on the committee

for our neighborhood Victorian Christmas display.

Well, it all looks so wonderful, Helen.

this year, I'm the reindeer captain.

good heavens! Walter!

Walter, darling!

come to mama!

oh, no!

Is it always like this around here?

I'm sorry?

Dogs in Christmas sweaters.

I must have saw 12 on my ride over here,

Santa and reindeer

on every single lawn on the block.

Speaking of which, where's yours?

Um...

Oh, teddy told me

that this neighborhood went all out for the holidays.

This is more than I could have ever imagined.

Yes, everyone around here

does seem to have Christmas fever.

Apparently so.

You must be Joe Roberts.

Teddy's friend, the carpenter?

Nicole, right?

Yes.

Thank you for meeting me here.

Yeah, yeah.

Beautiful house.

Teddy said that you needed some work.

You were thinking about selling it?

Yes, uh... You want to take a look around?

Sure. Should I follow you in?

Oh, um...

You know what, why don't you go ahead?

I need to make a phone call,

and after you've had a chance to look around,

then we can talk...

Out here...

About how to proceed.

Yeah.

Yeah, sure, whatever you want.

Okay, thank you.

you okay?

Yes.

I'm fine.

Um, what do you think

about the work that needs to be done?

Well, I can do it.

I just need to purchase some moldings and wood, and...

great.

My checkbook's at the store.

Meet me there?

So, does this mean I'm hired?

Yes.

Okay, then.

I guess I'm hired.

Hi.

Here's the estimate from the lumber yard.

Looks good.

I just need to find my checkbook.

So do you want to pick out the wood

for the living room mantel?

No.

You can decide.

I really don't need to be a part of those decisions.

Okay.

Uh, I'll give you my work cell.

Anything you think of, anything you need to run by me,

you can just give me a call.

You know what, that won't be necessary.

Um, I'm really just fixing it up to sell.

So if you have any questions,

you can reach out to my realtor, tom young.

He's got an office on first street.

Tom young. Got it.

Where is my checkbook?

Uh...

Oh!

right here.

yo-ho-ho!

Well, I can see now why you and teddy are friends.

okay, so I just got back from taking pops to the barbers,

and get this,

he wanted sideburns.

What?

I tell you, Nicole, something's up with him.

He's gone completely nutty.

Well, I think it's all the sugar he eats,

personally.

Uh...

Oh!

Thanks.

Sorry.

Was I... Interrupting something?

Oh, no, no, no.

Um, sorry.

Joe this is my sister, Gail.

Gail, this is Joe.

Ahoy.

Ahoy...

I just hired Joe to do the remodel on my house.

You're remodeling Tudor road?

Yeah.

Tom said I should before we put it up for sale.

You're ready to sell the house?

Yeah.

Yeah, I think it's time.

It's been almost a year since he died.

So, I heard

you might be going to Susan's party tonight.

Yes, I said I might.

Um...

I understand.

But you should go. You should go.

Go have fun.

I mean, Susan said

her outfit's going to be even crazier than ever.

Oh, teddy and I picked out some pretty solid sweaters

to wear to the party.

You're going to Susan and tom's party?

Yeah, teddy invited me.

He said Susan said everyone was welcome.

that sounds like Susan.

Yeah.

Well, I'd better get back to the house.

Uh, nice to meet you, Gail.

Same.

so, if you change your mind,

and feel like coming to the party tonight...

We can go together

and we don't have to stay very long.

Okay.

Maybe.

-Okay. -Okay.

I'll check in with you later.

Great.

Nice guy.

Did you bring the fruitcake, Phil?

No one likes fruitcake, Gail.

I told Susan we were bringing fruitcake.

I think we still have one from last year

in the trunk of the car.

Think anyone will know the difference?

With a fruitcake?

Take my hand.

I got you, Nic.

I got you.

attention, everyone!

It is time to give out the prize for the best sweater!

Our second place winner this year is...

Alan!

you are the lucky winner

of this lovely holiday-scented candle.

Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait a minute.

I think I gave you this for Christmas last year.

Ooh...

I was hoping my regifting would go unnoticed this year.

yeah, well, I noticed.

Well...

And now our grand prize is this cheese board

that is from village trinkets and treasures

goes to....

Hmm... Me!

I mean, come on.

It's not fun if you win every year, Susan.

Don't get your tinsel in a tangle.

Oh, what do you know, it's already personalized.

Ooh... How did that get there?

oh, thank you.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

Wow, your friends are fun.

They are quite a bunch.

Are the holidays always like this?

Yeah, every Christmas.

You should see Alan's gift exchange.

It's pretty cut-throat.

-Cut-throat? -Oh, yeah.

Attention, everyone, Alan is demanding a recount,

and to be perfectly clear,

I strongly object,

based on the uniqueness and creativity of my sweater.

Honey, I think your sweater just blew a fuse.

Too loud in there?

Yeah, and too hot.

It's like she has the heat up to 90 degrees.

Man, this neighborhood is something else.

Yeah, I guess it is.

Did you grow up here?

Been here my whole life,

except for the four years I went to college.

It must be nice,

actually really being from somewhere.

I was an army brat, so we moved around all the time.

Every year it was a new town, a new school,

Christmas in a different house.

When I was a kid,

I was just wanted, you know, some stability in my life,

a house I could call my own.

You never had a house of your own?

Oh, dozens, actually.

Well, yeah, when I was little,

I used to carve all sorts of little houses.

You know, ones with big roofs and white picket fences,

porches, high ceilings.

I guess I thought

that if I built it,

then maybe it would become a reality,

that someday I would build a home for real.

So, have you built your dream home yet?

Oh, no, not yet.

Why not?

I guess I'm just still looking

for the right place to build the foundation.

Hmm.

But until then,

you know, I'm happy doing that for other people.

Huh.

So I guess I hired the right guy for the job then.

I guess you did.

Mm-hmm.

I'm going to get going.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

Hey, are you walking home?

Yeah.

Me too.

This direction?

Uh, yeah.

Ah.

Crazy idea here,

but I mean, since we're both walking the same way,

maybe we can walk home together?

Okay.

Cool.

So, what was your childhood dream?

I guess to own my own business and sell my knits.

That's an amazingly practical grown-up dream.

Well, I guess there was another one.

I mean, it's not really a dream.

I was just a little kid, and it's kind of silly.

Come on, tell me, I want to know.

All right, so, there's this really big pine tree,

and it sits just in the middle of this meadow

outside of town,

all by itself,

and I always thought

it looked like the loneliest tree in the world.

So this one Christmas,

I gathered up all the remaining ornaments

and decorations I could find,

and I rode my bike out there

with the intention of decorating it,

but a little pink bike on an icy road

only gets you so far.

Maybe, but you had a dream.

That's all that matters, right?

Well, this is me, so...

-Night. -Night.

Hey.

You should go decorate that tree.

That is a crazy idea.

Sometimes, those are the best kind.

I'm pretty sure

that nothing will ever compare to the pain of losing you.

I wake up every day and I ask myself,

how can I possibly move forward in this life

without you?

Who am I now that you're gone?

Who am I stepping into the unknown?

you haven't read

'twas the night before Christmas?

Well, you need to read this,

and before you know it,

visions of sugar plums will be dancing in your head.

Hi.

Here. Just, uh, excuse me for one moment.

Hey, what's going on?

You look like you've just seen a ghost.

I texted Henry.

What?

You texted Henry?

Like pops did with the letters,

and someone texted...

just look.

Read it.

"I'm so sorry.

This is not who you think it is.

I got a new phone,

and this is the number I was given.

I also have experienced a great loss in my life."

"I understand what you're going through."

someone has Henry's number.

Well, yeah, I see that.

Well, maybe you should look past that.

Look what this person is saying to you.

They understand what you're going through.

They get it.

Well, what should I do?

Well, I don't know, Nic.

Something tells me Henry had a hand in this.

Henry?

What do you mean?

Well, maybe it's a sign from Henry.

A sign?

What kind of sign?

Maybe the person that sent you that text

is like an angel that Henry sent to watch over you.

Just think about it.

What are the odds

that someone who has gone through a loss like you

would end up with Henry's number?

there you go, Nicole.

One turkey on rye.

Hold the mayo for pops.

Can I throw in a donut for him?

Absolutely not.

-morning. -Morning.

I was just about to head over to the house.

Morning coffee first?

I need to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Ooh, you've come to the right place.

What can I get you?

Uh, let me have a piece of the fruitcake...

No... No, I am gonna go with

a slice of the gingerbread spice cake.

All right, mike, no,

uh... Rum cake?

No good?

Everything's good.

No, no, of course, it is.

It's just it's his first time here,

so he has to get the peppermint-bark cupcake.

Cupcake for breakfast?

You haven't lived

until you've had mike's peppermint-bark cupcake.

All right, mike,

we're going with one of those, please.

All right.

The moment of truth.

come on, mike!

what?

This is not fair!

This is amazing!

this is amazing!

Aw...

It's good seeing you laughing again, Nicole.

Um, I should... I should get going.

All right.

Okay, goodbye.

Goodbye, Nicole.

-Okay. Bye. -See you.

Bye!

May I have a large coffee, please, mike?

Sure, comin' right up.

no donut?

Not today, pops.

Hey, pops, can I ask you something?

After grandma died,

did you ever reach out to anyone

to talk about the things you were feeling?

Well, of course.

Even people you didn't know?

Sometimes, that's easier.

I'll let you in on a little secret, honey.

After your grandma died,

every day,

I would go to the community center

for a swim, remember?

Mm-hmm.

Well, the truth is,

for a whole year,

I never stepped foot in the pool.

What?

Yeah.

There was a young girl who worked there.

She was maybe 20 when her mother passed away.

I think she recognized my broken heart.

She...

I could talk to her about all the grief

that I was carrying around.

She was somebody who understood exactly what I was feeling.

Well, you could have talked to me.

Oh, honey.

Sometimes, those that are closest to us,

bless their hearts,

try too hard to help us heal,

you know what I mean?

Yeah, like Gail's casseroles.

So you never went swimming?

Well, a year later, I went back to the pool.

I was in the deep end,

but I felt so uneasy.

I was gripping the side of the pool.

I was scared,

and that girl, she was there,

and she said,

"just let go."

and did you?

Yes.

Sometimes, you have to let go in order to move forward.

I'm trying, pops.

I'm really trying.

I know you are.

It's just hard.

You'll get there.

oh...

My mitten.

You dropped it at the bakery.

Thank you.

You didn't have to bring this out here.

Snow is in the forecast,

and you look like a girl who's thrown a snowball

once or twice in her life.

that's a lot of gifts.

Yeah, they're for the kids at the children's hospital.

That's gonna make a lot of kids happy.

Teddy said you're closing up shop.

February.

And then what?

You know...

I don't know.

Since my fiancé died a year ago,

it's strange.

I feel like I'm on this journey,

but I don't really know where the journey's taking me.

Hmm...

Well...

I think there's only one way to find out.

pick a card...

what?

Go on.

let genie Joe the amazing

see what the future holds for you.

Genie Joe the amazing?

That's what all my friends call me.

please, madame!

let the audience see what the card you've picked is!

The audience?

What?

Oh!

The audience...

ah!

The future is bright!

You know what?

I think we actually should hear from the audience.

Uh...

well...

What do you think about Nicole's future,

lord fluff 'n' stuff?

of course, her future's

looking bright, Joe!

lord fluff 'n' stuff?

Okay, just stop!

everybody thinks your future's looking good.

Okay.

Yeah.

okay, well...

Well, I should get back to the house.

I'm putting in your new floors today.

Oh.

See you around, Nicole.

Yeah.

See ya.

Nicole...

Uh-oh.

Nicole the amazing.

oh... Wow.

"the future is bright."

I was thinking about your loss.

Three years ago, I lost my brother.

He just turned 29.

We were two brothers, the best of friends,

but I've learned

sometimes things that break apart

can come together stronger.

Sometimes, those broken places will let in the light.

Let the light in, huh?

hi!

Hi. Mike wanted me to drop these off for you,

great.

You want to come in?

Sure.

Cool, come on in.

Uh, you know what, since I have you here,

would you mind helping me move my couch?

Sure.

Thank you. Sorry.

I'm just trying to, like, trying to go this way.

Okay.

-Okay? -All right.

One, two, three...

-whoa! -Oh, no!

The peppermint bark cupcakes!

I think they're still good?

oh, I don't...

You know, are you hungry?

I'm always hungry.

I am, too.

Um, I have just the thing.

My sister loves to cook.

She brings me another one of these massive casseroles

every week.

Mm...

You have to try the broccoli cheddar.

Oh, I'm still working on the carnitas and peppers.

Mm...

How many have we had so far?

I think, like, 10? 15?

I don't know.

I still have so many in the freezer.

Wow, I think you're going to have enough meals

to last you till new year's.

I think I'm set for meals until next Christmas.

oh...

Oh, you gotta try this.

So good?

The mac and cheese is amazing.

Here.

-Yeah? -Mm!

That is so good.

You know, I think my furniture

is actually back where I started.

-Oh. -Mm.

Well...

You know, when things aren't going my way,

and I need a change in direction,

I'll just go to the movies.

To the movies?

Yeah.

I'll just sit alone in the dark and have a good cry.

You cry at the movies?

Yeah.

At everything, even the previews.

You know the dancing box of raisinets

and the singing soda

that remind you to get snacks from the concession stand?

Yeah.

Gets me every time.

Really?

well, maybe I should give that a try,

instead of rearranging my furniture next time.

I highly recommend it.

Oh, there's an early delivery over at the house.

I should get going.

Gotta check it out.

Okay.

So, thank you for everything.

I appreciate it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a good night.

You too.

See you, Nicole.

See ya.

thanks for your kind words.

I want you to know I'm sorry for your loss.

"for months, the grief just overwhelmed me,

but lately, something has changed in me."

"what changed?"

"I realized that while my grief may never end,

if I can take one step forward every day,

my grief will not be a place where I stay very long."

"remember, fight for your dreams,

because I promise you,

it's those dreams

that will light your darkest hours."

hey, I hope it's okay,

I thought I could work a little later tonight.

Can I have that, please?

What?

That.

What? Oh. Oh, this?

Oh, I just thought it was something I could get rid of.

I'll just put it back for you...

no, no, no, no, it's okay, I can just take it.

I'm sorry, I should have left it where it was.

It's okay, really.

Um... Just keep doing what you're doing.

I'm sure it's great.

Do you want to come inside and have a look around?

Uh... I'm good.

I should get going.

I'm sure it's great.

Really, just great.

Thank you.

I'm very grateful for everything you're doing.

need some help?

Let me take a look...

no, it's okay.

Um, it's getting late.

I'll just deal with it in the morning.

Then let me give you a ride home.

It's fine, it's not very far.

I'm just going to walk.

Then let me walk with you.

You've already walked me home once.

Then let me walk you home twice.

I just have to put some tools away

and lock up.

Sure.

I guess that's fine then.

Check out these reindeers. They're so shiny.

I wonder what kind of polish they use.

Well, did you see the carolers next door?

Whoa.

everywhere you look,

it's like the spirit of Christmas is all around.

I can't decide which house I like best.

Hmm...

You know, when I was a little girl,

every year,

my dad used to take me and Gail for a walk around the town.

We would walk for hours.

He wanted us to see

how each house in the town was decorated,

and Gail and I would pretend we were judges in the Olympics,

and we'd give each house a score.

Okay...

Okay, so what kind of score

would you give that house?

Oh, well, this is the Watson house.

Every year a 6.5.

Only a 6.5?

Yeah, I mean, crooked antlers on the reindeer.

Oh, and then rusted Santa sleigh,

you gotta take off two points,

and then Rudolph with a tennis ball for a nose?

I mean, that's gotta be like a 1.5 deduction.

- At least? - Wow...

okay.

Hmm, what about this house?

This is the Fraleys'' house,

and I give it a 9.0.

Really?

A 9.0 for that?

well, actually, it's only really that high

because one year,

Mr. Fraley heard Gail and I give it a 5,

and he actually complained to our parents,

and I do not want a repeat of that.

no. No, you do not.

Okay...

What about this house?

Come on.

No blitzen.

Blitzen?

Blitzen, my favorite reindeer.

No blitzen, no perfect score.

Tough critic.

Mm, me?

you should see Gail's scores.

Are you hungry?

Don't tell me you've never had breakfast for dinner.

I can't say I have.

so do you make a habit out of eating breakfast for dinner?

Oh, yeah. And dinner for breakfast.

Ooh. Okay.

So, breakfast for dinner, dinner for breakfast?

Mm-hmm.

Every Christmas morning,

my brother and I used to wake up at 4:00 a.M.

And make spaghetti and meatballs for breakfast.

It used to drive my mom nuts.

Wow.

So what about fourth of July?

We'd celebrate on the fifth.

Mm. And thanksgiving?

I mean, dare I ask... was there turkey involved?

Why on earth would we do something like that?

Right.

Has anyone ever told you

you are a very unusual man, Joe Roberts?

Only every other day of the week.

hey, I can make you my famous spaghetti and meatballs

for breakfast one morning.

At 4:00 a.M.?

-I don't think so. -Okay.

But thank you.

Then I can cook you dinner sometime.

need anything else, folks?

Uh, no. Thanks. I think we're good.

Yeah.

Hey!

You work at the toy store, right?

I do.

You know, a couple of years ago,

I bought my daughter

this stuffed pelican at your store.

You knitted the cutest sweater for it...

it had candy canes all over it.

Any chance you can make one for me?

Oh... Um, it's really just a hobby.

Oh, well,

if you change your mind, let me know.

I showed that little sweater to the girls at my book club,

and they all went nuts for it.

I think you'd get a lot of orders.

Thank you.

so...

"so"?

Your dream

of selling your designs, having your own business...

you said someday that could happen.

Yeah, maybe. Someday.

My father used to say,

"someday isn't a day of the week."

go ahead. Try 'em.

Okay.

Here it goes.

What do you think?

Mm! Those are very good.

Nice. What kind of score are you giving those pancakes?

Mm...

A 9.5.

"nine-point" whatever! Those are a 10!

Nope. Not enough butter.

-Come on. -You gotta have the butter.

ten! Nine!

Eight! Seven! Six!

Five! Four! Three!

Two! One!

♪ deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ fa, la, la, la, la la, la, la, la ♪

♪ 'tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ fa, la, la, la, la la, la, la, la ♪

♪ don we now our gay apparel ♪

♪ fa, la, la, la, la la, la, la, la ♪

♪ troll the ancient yuletide carol ♪

I'm finding it very hard this time of year,

to feel all of the holiday joy

everyone around me is feeling.

"don't pack your holiday memories away.

Cherish them. Embrace them.

Let them into your heart."

he's not here.

He's gone to "feel the vibe".

what?

He's at "feel the vibe"?

I don't know what,

but something's up with that man.

Well, thank you, rose. See ya.

Bye.

♪ it's cold out, baby ♪

♪ put a jacket on for the chill ♪

♪ I got a bright-red sleigh ♪

♪ jingle bells for the thrill ♪

♪ I'm gonna take it downtown ♪

♪ we got a Christmas time to kill ♪

♪ it's a downtown Christmas ♪

♪ baby, take a ride with me ♪

♪ it's a downtown Christmas ♪

♪ baby, take a ride with me ♪

♪ on a cold Christmas night ♪

♪ downtown is where I want to be ♪

to another holiday ugly gift exchange

with great friends.

cheers!

Cheers!

all right, let's get into this.

What do we have here?

Uh...

What is this?

A wine-glass holder for the shower.

Hey, Susan, this has your name written all over it.

I love it. I need one just like that.

Thank you.

Uh, Phil, your turn.

I'm gonna go ahead and steal Alan's "sleepy kitty" chia pet.

Really?

-Hand it over! -Really? Grr!

Oh!

Fine. Then I am gonna steal it from tom.

But I really like these fuzzy reindeer slippers.

They're not even your size, so.

Fine.

All right. I...

I'm gonna trade with Gail

for her Christmas dashboard figurine set.

And what do I get?

Big, pink...

Sequined...

-...Pillows.

It's a matching set.

Uh, Joe, did you pick?

Oh, yes, and I am very happy with my "scared Santa" ornament,

so, hands off, everyone.

Well, one gift left...

Nicole, your turn.

Okay. Which one is it?

I'll try this one.

Here we go.

oh, that is so beautiful.

Oh, I love that.

Where can I get one?

Well, you can't.

Why?

It's just a little something I made last night.

It's nothing special.

"nothing special"?

I change my mind.

I want to steal the sign for my wine-holder.

-What? -Yeah!

-It'll look great in my store. -No!

It's not even your turn, Susan.

fine.

Thank you.

I love my shower wine-holder.

-hey. -Oh, hey.

You know, I really like the sign that you made.

I really like that sweater you're wearing.

-Oh. -Did you make that?

I did. It's nothing special.

It is special, Nicole.

It's very special.

Thank you.

Tell you what...

instead of paying me to renovate your house,

how about you just make me two of those

famous Nicole graham sweaters, and we'll call it a day?

you know, I'm glad I met you, Joe.

Does this mean we're becoming friends?

I think we are.

so what do you think the chances are

that Phil turns over that chia pet to me?

Ooh, not a snowball's chance in...

attention, everyone!

Alan has sat on my wine-holder and broke it.

I am demanding that he hand over the reindeer slippers. Okay?

Are we all in agreement?

Welcome to our friend group, Joe.

-All in favor, say "aye".

hey, you need a ride?

Um... No, no, no.

I don't mind walking. Thanks.

Oh, come on. It just started to snow.

Get in.

Okay.

do you know this one?

Because I do not, and I am going to sing it.

♪ good king wences lost his soul ♪

♪ to the king of... ♪

♪ Sweden ♪

♪ now we do these... ♪

"I was thinking about you today.

How are you doing?"

pretty good.

Lately, I think I've found some joy in my life.

For the first time in a long time,

I actually forgot about feeling sad.

"just remember...

a joyful heart will always chase away any sorrow."

♪ o, Christmas tree... ♪

♪ o, Christmas tree ♪

♪ thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

♪ o, Christmas tree... ♪

♪ o, Christmas tree ♪

♪ thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

♪ not only green when summer's here ♪

♪ but also when it's cold and drear ♪

♪ o, Christmas tree o, Christmas tree... ♪

what flavor is my mask again?

Eggnog. I'm gonna be selling it in my store for the holidays.

Mm. It's so good.

oh, don't eat it!

Why? It tastes so good. I can't help it.

Let it soak in.

It's gonna do wonders for your pores.

Mm. I'm so glad we're doing this.

Me too.

This last year has been so hard.

Mm. Really missed you, Nicole.

It's not been the same without you.

I think Joe Roberts has been

a really good thing for your life.

What does that mean?

Oh. Um...

Just that he's, you know...

A good guy to have around.

What? Wait. No, no, no.

W-what is this look? This...

this?

nothing.

Okay, good, because Joe and I are just friends.

That's all.

I bet.

We are!

You can even ask him!

-Uh-huh. -And you know what?

I am in no way ready to start dating yet, okay?

Especially not with that podiatrist, or whoever,

that you're trying to fix me up with.

-Orthodontist... -okay.

And Gary Jankowski is... Whoo! ...Everything.

Uh, ahem. So is Joe Roberts.

That's right.

Stop it, Gail. You're being annoying.

Oh!

what?

I... Can dish it out, too, Nicole.

oh!

Ladies! Ladies, come on!

Let's keep it together here, okay?

You know what, Susan?

-You're annoying, too! -Oh!

How... oh!

you're a horrible, horrible sister.

the queen bees!

-Yes! -We're back.

♪ Christmas time ♪

♪ everyone's feeling fine ♪

Gail! This looks amazing.

-Thank you. -Mm!

I will take a... Candy-cane cookie.

Thank you.

Mm. Mm, so good.

I think these cookies are better than mike's.

Hey, I heard that.

But your cupcakes are the best.

yeah, yeah, yeah.

Oh, I meant to tell you,

I think I'm gonna be done with the work on your house

by Christmas.

Oh. Sounds good.

I hope you like what I did.

If you ever want to come take a look...

Yeah. Anyway.

There's this job over in rock springs

that I might start on the fifth, so.

What about your shelves?

What about my shelves?

The shelves in her apartment.

They're... Basically falling apart.

Falling apart.

-Yeah. -Uh...

sure. I can take a look, push the rock springs job

a week or two.

we'd love that.

mm-hmm.

Yeah, he is definitely good to have around.

You know?

Fix a couple of things.

beautiful. Thank you.

I don't have too many left, Nicole,

but I got some good ones back here...

perfect for you.

Uh, let's see... we have Fraser fir, pine,

spruce, balsam fir...

Oh, and, uh, that one there, that's a beauty.

Uh, that's a Douglas fir.

Smell that. It smells like Christmas.

Oh!

And this one here is the noble fir.

It's the perfect holiday tree.

The needles are actually soft to the touch.

Go ahead. Touch it.

It feels like Christmas.

I want this one.

Okay.

it's a beauty.

I wanted to thank you for helping me with my grief.

I know you understand what I'm going through.

"grief comes and goes.

It shows up at unexpected times."

talking to you made me feel I'm not alone.

It brings me feelings of comfort and peace

when I need it most.

"I was thinking, maybe we should meet."

meet?

Hey, Helen.

Nicole! Hi.

Hi. I was just picking up some lunch for pops.

I think he's over the turkey sandwiches now.

He's been so picky lately.

Yes, I now how that is.

think he'll go for tuna on wheat?

Pops?

Yeah.

I'm heading over there now, to bring him some lunch.

Oh! Um...

Oh, I was just about to pick him up lunch,

like I usually do, but if you're going...

I got this, Nicole.

I promise, I'll take good care of him.

I know you will, Helen.

Oh! Um, no pickles.

-Pickles? -Yeah.

Ah. Okay.

Oh! And nothing on sourdough.

What about avocado?

avocado on a sandwich?

Who thinks of these crazy ideas?

good luck.

pops?

-Yeah? -Hi!

Oh, hi.

I just wanted to drop this off.

Oh, honey. Honey.

Come in, come in.

Are you wearing cologne?

Yes, I am.

I see.

Sit down. Sit down.

-Pops... -Yep?

How do you move on from the love of your life?

Oh... Uh.

Well...

Margaret was my first love,

and...

The love doesn't go anyplace.

It just finds a new place, deep in your heart.

I haven't given up on love, Nicole.

I might've been a little late,

but I came to realize,

if you're given a second chance at love,

you'd better grab it with both hands.

I really like her, pops.

Me too.

Okay!

What? No! You have to wait till Christmas morning.

At my age?

Why wait?

Oh, honey.

I love this.

I'm so glad you like it.

Oh, I love it when you make me things.

I still have the gloves you made for me

when you were a little girl.

Oh, pops. Those had seven fingers.

You can throw those away now.

Oh, no. They're easier to put on.

okay, here.

Here.

What's this?

-My gift to you. -Oh...

Well, I want to wait until Christmas morning to open mine.

Why?

Okay, fine. Maybe just a quick peek.

Grandma's pin?

Yeah.

Oh, pops, I can't take this.

I want you to have it.

I will cherish it forever.

That's why I'm giving it to you.

thank you.

Merry Christmas, honey.

Merry Christmas.

-hi! -Hi.

So I made you your favorite... mac and cheese.

Just fire up the oven to 350, put on another pair of sweats,

and you'll be good to go.

Thank you.

Whoa!

Goodbye, sweats.

Yeah, I got this from Susan's shop.

I'm meeting someone tonight.

Let me guess.

Are you meeting Joe?

No. Not Joe.

It's actually someone you don't know.

Well, I don't really know them, either.

It's just someone

who's been helping me through some things, you know?

Helping me through my grief

and some stuff that I've been carrying around.

I don't... it's hard to explain.

This is a good thing.

It's a very good thing.

I'm so happy for you that there's someone out there

that you can share your feelings with.

These past 12 months,

there hasn't been a single minute of the day

that I haven't had a knot in my stomach.

I'm so worried about you, Nic.

Hey. I'm gonna be okay.

All right?

So don't worry about me anymore.

Really. I'm going to be okay.

Yeah.

Oh.

Careful, you don't want to smudge your lipstick

before you meet your mystery man.

Gail. Don't even go there.

Oh, I'm going there!

♪ goodbye ♪

have fun!

oh, Nicole.

You're leaving?

Uh, yeah. I'm meeting someone.

Oh.

Anyway, I just thought I'd come by

and take a look at those shelves,

but if you're busy, I can come back another time?

Sounds good.

'night.

Yeah, goodnight.

what was that?

A goodnight kiss?

A "goodnight kiss" with a question mark?

Uh, what?

Because that felt like a kiss without a question mark.

I'm sorry I thought, since we're friends now,

that I would...

you would, what?

Just turn a question mark into an exclamation point?

Y...Eah?

W-w-wait. Where are you going?

To meet a friend.

And he is just a friend. No question mark.

Yeah, that's... that's great that you have so many friends.

And I suggest that you should go meet a friend as well.

Well, it just so happens, I am meeting a friend...

exclamation point.

-Good. -Yeah.

I didn't mean to do that.

You didn't mean that, question mark?

Because, to me, that felt like two exclamation...

ugh.

Say hi to your friend for me!

My friend?

Uh, "friend"... quotation marks.

"something's come up.

I can't meet you.

I'm so sorry."

Wow.

That's a small world, huh?

well... You know, I think you should tell her.

You know me, Teddy. I can't.

Why? She'll understand.

I like her, ted.

You know, in the beginning,

she was someone who was grieving

and I was someone there with a shoulder to lean on.

Became friends,

and, through texting,

we found out that grief shared,

it was grief lessened.

But, ted, I swear,

when I went to the restaurant last night,

I had... I had no clue it was her,

and at first, I was really happy that it was her.

When I saw her sitting there...

She just looked so beautiful,

waiting for the man

who helped put all her broken pieces back together,

but I-I couldn't walk through that door.

I couldn't take another step and tell her it was me.

Why not?

How could she ever trust me again?

If she knew

that I was the one she was pouring her heart out to,

I was the one that was encouraging her

to move on from Henry...

The last thing I'd ever want to do,

after everything she's been through,

is cause her any more pain.

How could she ever believe that I didn't know?

Yeah.

So what are you gonna do?

Give her that for me, please.

wait. So he just didn't show up?

No.

I waited and waited,

and then I got a text saying that he couldn't come.

Well, so you'll make another plan.

Ah, I don't know.

I mean, it was hard enough

to get myself to go in the first place.

Nic. Hey, hey, there you are.

Uh, so, listen.

Joe wanted me to give you this.

Oh.

Nicole,

I took another job out of town. Sorry, I can't do your shelves.

Merry Christmas. Joe.

hey. I just wanted to clear the rest of this stuff out

before I took off.

Thanks.

Well, anyway, I'm sorry I... I gotta go,

but you know, other job.

Sure. I understand.

But before you go,

will you show me the house?

You want to go in?

Yeah.

I'm ready to do that now.

what do you think?

It's perfect.

well, I... I'd better get going.

Merry Christmas, Nic.

Merry Christmas, Joe.

Joe?

Wait. Um...

I just would very much like to have you in my life.

Sure, Nic.

Sure.

hey, Teddy. It's Nicole.

Uh, Joe left his phone at my house today

and I don't think I'll be seeing him anytime soon,

so I was wondering if you could get it to him.

I will leave it in an envelope at the shop for you.

All right. Thanks, Teddy. Bye.

what? Mm.

I was disappointed I didn't get to meet you

the other night.

I was gonna tell you how thankful I am to you,

so I guess I'll do that now.

Thank you for letting me lean on you.

I will always be grateful.

I know it was you.

just sign here and it's all yours.

wow!

I am so happy for you.

Thank you.

I mean, it's always been a dream of mine

to own a toy store.

But what about you?

What's next?

"Nic's knits."

are you opening an online store?

Yeah. I figured, why not?

You remember Kim, from unique styles?

Well, I gave her a bunch of my designs

and she sold out of them in 10 days.

It made me realize that, yeah,

maybe I could turn this into a business.

And I also realized

you don't have to see the full staircase

to take the first step.

I'm so proud of you, Nic.

You know, you've always been my role model.

-Me? -Yeah.

This last year, everything you've been through...

you never let it defeat you.

It made me realize what true strength is.

Thank you, Teddy.

whew.

you knew, didn't you?

Knew what?

About Joe.

Texting me.

look, I told him to tell you, Nic.

I-I did.

He's not a bad guy.

He didn't even know it was you until he showed up

at that restaurant and saw you sitting there.

That's just the thing.

He could've walked right in and told me then.

But, instead, he let

the guy who helped me through my grief

just leave me there,

feeling alone and confused.

I've known Joe a long time,

and he's someone who knows about loss,

knows how fragile people are,

and he just... he didn't want to hurt you.

But he did.

By not telling me the truth, he hurt me.

But Nicole, just ask yourself this...

did he help you?

Because, the way I see it...

...You're a new person now.

You're filled with life and joy again,

so he must've said something right.

hey.

Hi.

Hey.

I'm sorry.

Of all the people in the world

who could've gotten Henry's number,

what are the odds that it would be you?

I mean, if that's not a Christmas miracle,

I don't know what is.

I wanted to tell you.

But you didn't.

I never meant to hurt you.

I would never hurt you.

I-I can't figure you out, Joe.

Which guy are you?

The one who turns his back and leaves,

or the one who was the only person

who seemed to understand everything I was going through?

I am that guy, Nic.

And I am... I meant every single thing I wrote.

I just wanted you to move past your grief,

to live your best life and...

I want to live that best life with you.

I...

We can start over.

We can't.

Why not?

Because I don't know if I can trust you.

finally! You're here.

Hi. Is he here?

I told you,

he called and said he's not coming.

Okay.

I know that you're really upset

about everything that happened with Joe,

but do you think you could just put it aside,

just for one day?

Maybe try to forget about everything besides?

Today is my annual Christmas scavenger hunt,

and you know what that means?

it's all about being with people who love you

and it's about having some fun. Okay?

-Okay. -Gonna have some fun?

-Yes. -Okay!

Where is everyone?

In the backyard.

The backyard?

Well, it's a scavenger hunt. Where else would they be?

Susan, it's 25 degrees outside.

I made cocoa!

I can't believe you're making us go outside.

Come on!

It's so cold out!

A bit of a nip in the air...

quite frankly, I find it invigorating.

Can we please go inside?

Uh, no, we still haven't found "the wrapped present."

uh, Nicole, can you help Alan find the wrapped present?

I would rather go inside and wait for the cheese board.

That's against the rules.

Please, help Alan find the present.

go ahead.

She's so bossy.

And you're just realizing this now?

Wanna talk about it?

Not really.

You know, he should've told me

when he found out

that I was the one he was sending those texts to.

And just because he didn't tell you,

does that make those words any less beautiful?

the way I see it,

we're all just stumbling through this life,

trying to figure things out.

We fall down, then we get back up again.

Everyone makes mistakes, Nic.

Don't let that be the reason you give up on somebody.

Oh! There it is.

Ah!

Here we go.

Got it!

Open it.

it's in the rules.

Okay.

it's my house.

It looks exactly like my house.

Joe made it for you.

Said that, seeing as you're selling your house,

you should at least have something

to always remember it.

Teddy, where is he?

you're here.

you did all of this?

I thought the lights could maybe help sell the house.

I'm not selling the house.

No?

No.

Because of you,

I am gonna wake up every Christmas morning

in the beautiful house that you built.

Because of you,

I found someone

to lean on when I couldn't heal myself.

Nicole, I'm sorry, I should've told you when I...

when I first realized... -no.

I spent the last year of my life

only thinking about what happened.

Playing it over and over in my head,

again and again.

I was stuck,

but then you came into my life

and you showed me how to push forward...

...How to move past what happened before,

and focus on what's happening right here,

right now.

And...

What exactly is happening

right now?

Wait.

Wait, uh...

so what score would you give that kiss?

Mm. Say a 9.5.

Only a 9.5?

Well, kiss me again. Let's make it a 10.