Original subtitles

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Bad news.

Won't be making it home for Christmas after all.

♪♪

♪♪

Hi.

Could I get a black coffee to go, please?

We're out.

Have a coffee?

Yeah.

♪♪

More coffee?

Great, thank you.

♪♪

♪♪

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♪♪

I didn't realize being a small-town librarian

also meant being good with power tools.

Well, that's what you get for listing

able-to-acquire skills quickly and efficiently

on your resume.

Oh, any word from the nomination committee yet?

Nope.

And I can confidently say

hitting refresh 1,800 times

does not make an email appear.

Hmm.

Do you think this will work?

I hope so.

Because getting a petition

to stop the construction didn't.

Yeah.

Well, I guess grassroots movements

aren't as effective as they used to be.

Yeah, but if we can get the post office

recognized as a National Historic Site,

no one will be able to tear it down

or turn it into some eyesore of an office building.

Tell you what's not an eyesore.

Noah Harrington.

Darla, he is the enemy.

I'm just saying.

Give me back week coaster.

Well, I've been praying every morning

for a response from the committee.

Have faith.

It'll all work out.

I hope so.

Ah!

♪♪♪

Your prayers may have been answered.

Okay.

The nomination committee

is granting an injunction

to pause construction

until they can review the full application.

Hmm.

So you'll present it

at the town meeting this afternoon?

Yeah, as soon as I'm done

at the Wesley Manor house tour.

Okay.

I will see you there.

Save me a seat.

Will do.

♪♪♪

I'll see you in a couple hours.

Bye.

I'll see you in a couple hours.

Bye.

Morning.

Morning.

Morning.

They serve you at the cafe?

Yeah, of course.

They love me.

You always were a charmer.

Hey, the, uh,

building plan presentation

ready for the town meeting?

It's not the building plans

I'm worried about.

They're solid.

I just...

I need to persuade

the people of this town

to give me a chance

and listen to my proposal.

I don't need any problems

once construction starts,

and so far,

people here haven't exactly

been welcoming.

Ha ha.

Oh, this coffee is disgusting.

Well,

you better be convincing

at this meeting

or get used to

caffeine withdrawals.

Ha ha.

You have both made

some very good points,

and I will consider both sides.

Now, I would like to welcome

to the podium

Noah Harrington

for his office-building proposal.

Please hold all questions

until the end.

Noah.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Ahem.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Many of you have

already seen

the proposed design plans,

so I'm here today

to talk about

the benefits

of the new space.

Ahem.

This new office space

will provide an opportunity

for small to mid-sized businesses

who don't need

to operate out of the city

to confidently run

their companies from here,

benefiting from

the lower cost of living

and the convenience

of operating remotely.

With so many more

businesses remaining local,

this will create

new employment opportunities

for the next generation.

And...

Tessa!

Sorry.

Tessa.

I was getting worried.

Sorry.

The tour ran late.

I'll call you soon.

Okay.

I thought we were

holding questions

until the end.

She's the town historian.

I think we should

hear her concerns.

Okay.

Go ahead

with your question.

Post office

has been in this community

since the late 1800s.

It was once

the heart of Oak Creek.

I'm sorry,

what was your question?

Well, I thought

it was implied.

How can you even

entertain the idea

of tearing it down?

The post office

hasn't been operational

in decades.

Well, it's not

about functionality.

It's about preserving history.

And what do you propose

the city does with it

instead?

I suggest

educational tours,

hosting local events.

I'm assuming

this isn't

your everyday attire.

I give tours

at Wesley Manor House.

How many people

were on this tour?

Four.

Is that average?

Well, in the summer months

we can see up to eight or nine.

At what cost per person?

Well, it's actually free.

So not at

all that lucrative

for the local economy then.

It's not always

about money,

Mr. Harrington.

Some of us care

about the community

and about preserving

the past.

Mayor Mitchell,

was that not the slogan

for your last campaign?

Preserving the past

as a way to our future?

Yes.

Yes, it was.

The past is very important

here in Oak Creek.

But

what future

does Oak Creek have

without growth?

Not a very prosperous one.

The younger generation

are moving away for jobs.

The general population

is aging

and tourism

in Oak Creek

is nowhere near

as competitive

as neighboring communities.

Wasn't that

a major concern

of yours too, Mayor?

Yes.

Yes, it was

a major concern.

You both

make very good points.

Well, it might not

be up to you

or me

or Mayor Mitchell.

What do you mean?

I applied to the

National Registry

of Historic Places

to get a designation

for the building

to protect it.

What?

You're on hold.

Oh,

great.

Great.

Great job, Tessa.

We have a timeline

for construction.

Yes, right.

And, uh,

we will have that sorted

ASAP.

I'm sorry,

can I see that, please?

Oh, it's, uh,

it's actually

just a blank piece of paper

for effect.

But I promise you

I have the injunction.

You're really

going to hold this up

for sentimentality?

And you really want

to force an agenda

that no one here wants?

I have a suggestion.

Um,

well,

seeing as

we're at a standstill,

why doesn't Tessa

work with Noah

to see if a compromise

could be had?

You know,

after all,

part of her job

is preservationist.

I think that's

a great suggestion.

No, I don't.

I don't.

No, let's not.

All those in favor

of Noah and Tessa

collaborating to find

a mutually beneficial

solution?

What was my idea?

All opposed?

Then it's decided

as part of her role

as town historian,

Tessa will be

the preservationist

on this project.

I...

I...

Why would you say that?

If you work with him

instead of against him,

you might be able

to convince him

to have change of heart.

You know,

more bees with honey

kind of thing.

There's gonna be

a bee in my bonnet,

all right?

He's cute, though.

Nice touch.

Yeah,

a bit of Christmas cheer.

Hey,

how was the town hall meeting?

It was

not the best.

I didn't even get

to the end of my presentation

before this young woman

started talking about history

and waving a piece of paper

in my face.

So what now?

Can we move forward or...

She's put an application

in with the National Registry

for Historical Places

to stop us.

And until we hear back,

the mayor

wants us to work together

to find a solution.

Well,

maybe you can convince her

into withdrawing

her application.

I doubt it.

She seemed very adamant

to stop this project.

I think what we're

gonna have to do

is fight the injunction.

Might just take

a little extra effort here.

This Tessa Finley

seems to have already

made up her mind.

Okay.

So,

tell me more

about this Tessa.

She seems to have you

quite worked up.

Well?

Yeah,

okay,

I guess she's

passionate.

Definitely stubborn.

Sounds familiar.

And somehow she makes

clothes from the 1800s

look fashionable.

Interesting.

Well,

it could be nice

to actually make a friend

in this town, you know?

Understand where

you're from,

maybe find some

common ground

with these people.

And besides,

you have been so worked up

for years

with all the work.

When was the last time

you actually hung out

with a woman?

Come on,

don't start that again.

I'm just saying

you could use a little

extra balance in your life.

Maybe one day.

But right now,

I have a very important

project to save.

Hey,

check it out.

Oh, a Christmas mailbox.

Yeah,

there's still letters

in here.

Here, have a look at that.

These are all to Santa.

From 1992.

That's the year the post office

shut down.

Poor kids.

Must have been

a disappointing Christmas

that year.

What do you reckon

we should do with this?

Be ashamed to just toss it?

Sentimentality

getting to you now?

I just think

maybe you need to

change your approach

to the residents here

and one preservationist

in particular.

You're a genius.

Come in.

Mr. Harrington,

I trust you received

my email

with the injunction letter?

I did.

Thank you for sending.

No mannered tours today?

What can I do

for you, Mr. Harrington?

Please,

call me Noah.

If we're gonna be

working together,

we should probably

move past the formalities.

It's Tessa, right?

Miss Finley's fine.

Okay.

Well, Miss Finley,

uh,

we actually found

this old mailbox

when we were cleaning

out the post office.

And there are still

letters inside

from 1992.

All addressed

to the North Pole.

Thought maybe

you could help me

track down the town residents

and make some

Christmas wishes come true?

I'll be at a few decades late.

You wanna play Santa?

Despite what your

impression of me is,

I'm not a Scourge.

I thought maybe a little goodwill

could go a long way.

Oh,

you know bribery won't work

to get the community's support.

At this point,

I'll settle for

a decent cup of coffee.

But it's more than that.

Giving back

to the communities

I'm invested in

is very important to me,

and I feel like

this is a great way

to do that here in Oak Creek.

We're stuck working

together anyway, right?

And the construction's

on hold

thanks to your diligent efforts,

so why not spread

some Christmas cheer?

Well, it could get costly.

Are you planning on

funding this act

of generosity yourself?

My company actually

has funds allocated

specifically for

Christmas donations,

and I can't think

of a better way

to use the money.

Fine.

I'll help you.

You know,

if you're looking

for more office space,

I know just the building.

Don't push it,

Mr. Harrington.

Noah?

And you are Tesla?

Don't mistake my

kindness and cooperation

as a weakness.

Wouldn't dream of it.

Oh.

Oh.

Hi.

Can I help you

find something?

Oh, I'm just

waiting for Noah.

He came by to see Tesla.

Oh, did he?

Well, you know,

everybody comes

to the library

to discover something

about themselves.

Okay.

Thank you,

but I'm just browsing.

Suit yourself.

Oh, God.

Oh, God.

Okay.

What?

Can I

give you a hand

with something?

Uh,

um, yeah.

Please.

Oh.

No worries.

Get this out.

Oh.

Excuse me.

Sorry, Brad.

Things are just

not working out.

But have a Merry Christmas.

Ouch.

Uh, excuse me?

Privacy?

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's not my business.

No, it's fine.

We'd only been on

a few dates,

so it's not a big

breakup or anything.

It's just...

And honestly,

I'd rather she be honest.

You know, but

would it be nice

to have someone special

to spend Christmas with?

Well, I mean,

I'm no expert

on finding Christmas romance,

but luckily for you,

we have

an entire section

on relationship advice

at our disposal.

Ah.

Found it.

Here you go.

Oh, wow.

Um,

thank you,

but, uh,

yeah, I'm not exactly

a self-help book

kind of guy.

Oh.

Sorry.

No problem.

Oh,

excuse me?

That's Noah.

Duty calls.

Sure.

Sorry.

Bye.

Bye.

Thanks for your help

with the shelves.

Yeah, no problem.

Okay.

He'll be back.

Looking for something?

So many letters.

Better get reading.

Wait.

What's wrong?

Do you think it's okay

that we're opening

all these letters?

As owner of this building.

A lot still to be seen.

Okay.

As temporary

owner

of this building.

Okay.

As temporary

owner

of this building.

Okay.

As temporary

owner of this building.

I

now make you

an honorary

post office employee.

They're just letters

to Santa.

From kids.

From 1992.

Okay.

Okay.

Dear Santa,

I've been good this year.

Well,

as good as I can be

with a new baby brother.

Michelle Grant.

She's a teacher

in town now.

We were actually

in the same grade

and I remember

the year her brother

was born.

She was so worried

her parents wouldn't

have time for her

with all the attention

given to the new baby.

Well, she certainly

wasn't materialistic.

All she asked for

was snow.

Dear Santa,

this year

all I really want

is my Grams and Grams

to visit.

I haven't had Christmas

with them since

my grandpa got sick.

Are all the kids

in Oak Creek

this altruistic?

I told you.

This town

cherishes what's

really important.

Family, community,

traditions.

Which is why

you're gonna have

a hard time

swaying anyone

with your new

office building.

Some kid in town

must have wanted

something with a big

bow on it

under the tree.

Dear Santa,

this year

more than anything

I really want

tickets to see

the New York Islanders

play on December 20th.

Hey,

what about this?

Oh, Greg Carson's.

Yeah, he owns

the local grocery

store in town.

His wife died last year

after a long battle

with cancer.

It's just him

and his teenage son now.

It's been a challenging year.

This one I can do.

Did you find

a time machine

in here too?

Okay,

obviously not

for the 1992 game

but for an upcoming one.

For him and his son.

Might give him

something to look forward to.

That's a very

nice gesture

but I think

it might be

too expensive

and might be

a little late

to find tickets.

My company

just so happens

to have season tickets.

Easy.

Done.

You're giving away

my seat to one of

the biggest games

of the season?

It's for a good cause.

Also,

where's my coffee?

Ah,

Kim was on to me.

Any luck

figuring a way

out of this?

Maybe.

I've been going over

this national

conference

for the past year

and I haven't

been able to find

a seat.

So,

I'm going to have

to find a way

out of this.

I'm going to have

to find a way

out of this.

I've been going over

this national

registry application process

and there are

several conditions

that need to be met

to get the designation.

Right.

Age of the building

has to be 150 years old.

Well,

she's got that one.

And it also

still needs to have

its original integrity.

Not sure

integrity

is the word I'd use

but it does look

the same

as it always did.

There is

one condition

that we might be able

to work a loophole

in our favor.

Significance.

This building

used to have

and maybe it doesn't

anymore.

Historical value?

Only if it's being

used somehow

to educate

or bring in tourism.

Ah.

So,

that'll be Tess's plan.

Yeah,

but it hasn't

happened yet.

I wrote a letter

arguing our case.

I mean,

it's worth a shot.

Okay.

Well,

let's hope for the best.

Hmm.

Ready to play Santa?

Okay.

Wanna grab dinner

at the cafe later?

My team's meeting up

at the ice rink tonight.

Maybe you say

where should we go?

Yeah,

sure.

Hey,

we haven't seen

you in a while.

Saturday night?

Sorry, Dad.

I promised Liam

we'd hang out

and try his new VR set.

It's the latest model.

Yeah.

That's cool.

Hi.

Hey, Tessa.

Mr. Harrington?

Ah, it's Noah.

Just give me a second.

I'll be right with you.

Sure.

Here you go.

We actually came by

because Mr. Harrington

Noah.

found the old

mailbox to Santa

and one of your letters

was inside.

Dad,

I would have gotten this wish

even if the letter

had been delivered.

Those game tickets

for long sold out.

Thanks for the letter, though.

We, um,

Noah,

actually,

thought it might not

be too late

to grant some Christmas wishes.

Okay.

What's this?

Open it.

You're giving me tickets

to the Islanders hockey game

this weekend?

I can't accept these.

And if this is a way

for you to gain my support,

it's not.

It's just a way

for me to give back

to the community

I hope to be accepted

in one day

to be a part of.

Tickets to the Islanders

hockey game?

For real?

Yeah.

This weekend, Sunday,

if, you know,

if you got plans,

if you don't got plans

with your buddies.

Nothing this cool.

Thanks.

It means a lot.

Let me reimburse you that.

No need.

No need.

They're company tickets

and I can't make it

to the game anyway.

Better they go to a real fan.

I guess sometimes

wishes come true

when you need them the most,

huh?

Merry Christmas.

Thanks.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hey!

Where'd you go?

Do these books really...

I'm so sorry.

Where did you come from?

Nowhere.

The, uh,

self-help section.

Oh.

So you can't use your senses.

I'm not sure about that,

but, um,

the thing is,

I'm not a big reader.

Oh.

Well, I'm a fast reader.

Speed-reading champion

three years running.

Oh, that's not a thing.

That's a thing?

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, it's like an Olympic sport

in my profession.

Okay, wow.

Right.

Um...

Why don't

I

read these books for you

and

I can just give you

the bullet points?

And what do you get

out of that?

You would

help me out around here?

With the building project

on hold,

I'm not really busy.

You got yourself a deal.

Deal.

Uh, where should I start?

Oh, you can start

out back.

Okay.

Thank you for this.

Don't tell Cam.

Oh, trust me, I won't.

Greg seems like a great guy.

Yeah, I think he appreciated

those tickets.

Mm-hmm.

He did good.

This parade seems like

a big event in town, too.

The local stores actually

start decorating their floats

the day after Halloween.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

In the city, the stores

put Christmas stuff on sale

in August sometimes.

It's not about sales here.

Hmm?

It's about

prolonging the spirit

of Christmas

as long as possible

with

the cold, shorter days

of November.

It's made a little easier

with glowing Christmas lights

and the fun of friendly

competition in the air.

Are you a competitive person,

Miss Finley?

Only with things I excel at.

How did you become

a town historian?

I've always been

fascinated with history.

Where we come from,

how we got here.

Small towns are

often overlooked.

I agree.

Preserving the history

of a small town

is definitely important.

Sometimes things

need to change

to make room

for the greater good.

Mm.

The point of contention

continues.

You lived here

your whole life?

Yep.

Only child.

My parents

were both doctors in town.

They retired last year.

And now they actually

volunteer as medics

on charity.

Lifelong dream.

Wow.

That's incredible.

Mm-hmm.

What about you?

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

What about you?

What about me?

Why design?

I believe

everyone deserves

the form that serves

function.

You know?

It's about the people.

It's for them.

Why is the post office

so important to you?

It used to be

the hub for the community.

Like you said,

for the people.

People got married there.

Community picnics

every summer.

The old men would

sit on the bench

every afternoon

and grumble

about local affairs.

But none of that

has happened in decades.

But the memories persist.

They always will.

No one's trying

to take those away.

I should get back

to the library.

I am tutoring

some history students

for their midterms.

I'll see you tomorrow

to go through

some more letters.

See you tomorrow.

Okay.

Yes.

Yes, I understand.

It's just a delay.

I'm sure the project

will be up and running

again before Christmas.

Yes, the signature

Harrington design

will be featured

in the book.

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Okay, thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Investors?

Yep.

They are really

not happy about the delay.

You think they'll back out?

It's too late for that.

The paperwork's already

signed on the deal,

but I have too much

riding on this.

If that building

reaches 50% occupancy

within the first six months,

I don't know

what I'm gonna do.

You knew this one

was a risk,

but also the biggest payoff,

so...

If I can move forward,

but...

I gotta get Tess

to come around

in my way of thinking.

Yeah, that may be

tougher than

you originally thought.

Think there's any point

in hoping the last name

is just a coincidence?

Not likely, my friend.

Okay.

Okay.

So...

How are things

with Mr. Harrington?

Good.

The letters

have been entertaining.

It's a blast from the past.

I heard about the hockey

tickets he got Greg.

It was pretty amazing.

Yeah.

Noah's a good guy.

But he's still adamant

about tearing down

the post office.

So,

no luck getting him

to see what it means

to this town?

To you?

Not yet.

You haven't told him,

have you?

No.

I don't want to make

this about me.

It'll weaken my stance.

But I'm not giving up.

I'm seeing him later.

We're going through

more letters.

Wow.

So he's really committed

to winning over this town, huh?

I'm sure that's

his ulterior motive.

Maybe he's just committed

to winning you over.

Yeah, no chance of that.

We'll see.

It's cold out there today.

What's up with you?

There's something I think

I'd like to see.

Assuming this is

a relative of yours?

It's my grandfather, George.

He was the town postman

for almost 60 years.

Never took a sick day.

Never took vacation.

Refused all his

retirement incentives.

Wow.

That is

commitment.

Yeah.

He loved his job.

He said delivering letters

was his job.

He said delivering letters

was the equivalent

to spreading Christmas

cheer every day.

The way people's expressions

would light up

when they received one.

Nice sentiment.

Unless, of course,

it was a bill.

He knew everyone

and their business.

He'd spend so much time

talking to people

that the mail delivery

would take all day.

Did he eventually retire?

Well, he had no choice

when the post office closed.

It was a really sad day for him.

Like he lost his purpose,

you know?

Yeah, I understand that.

To be so connected

to the community

and be appreciated

and needed

and then suddenly

not have that anymore.

That'd be tough.

What?

Oak Creek's growing on me,

I guess.

Hmm.

The reply letters to Santa

were actually his favorite.

I think he'd be

really happy

that we're doing it now.

You think he would?

Yeah, he died

a few years ago.

You two were close, huh?

The closest.

He used to let me

help him with his route

if I had the day off school

or I'd pretend to be sick

just so I could go with him.

You must have been

quite the little actress

to pull that off

with parents who were both doctors.

I think my parents knew

that I just loved

spending time with him,

so they looked the other way.

Yeah, I bet your grandpa

loved spending time with you, too.

Having a little helper.

Now that you say that,

I did carry the bag.

Hmm, so

the memories persist

even in the absence?

We should get back

to the letters.

Yeah.

Okay, let's talk

love languages.

Like

French, Spanish

and Italian?

No, no,

those are romantic languages

for sure, but

I'm talking about

how you like to

give and receive love.

Okay, well

I guess I like

doing things for people.

Could have guessed that one.

You are an

expressive service guy.

Okay, it says here

that you show your affection

by helping others,

kind gestures

and being a provider.

Probably not as obvious

as words of affirmation, though.

Oh, no, I think it's

a really good one.

It's very selfless

and it requires

actual effort.

It's a little hard

to portray on a first date.

Maybe I should try

compliments?

Okay.

Try one on me.

Oh, um,

okay.

I think your

speed reading skills

are truly impressive.

And

I find it endearing

the way your lips move

when you read.

No good?

No, I mean

yes, yes, I

I just thought you were

going to say

nice shoes or

cute hair, but

no, that was

that was better.

Really?

Really.

Uh, well,

lights are done.

Um, what's next?

Um,

uh,

bathrooms need cleaning.

Bathrooms.

Glamorous.

Disturbing.

This one's not happening.

Take a look at this one.

Dear St. Nicholas,

this year

I'd really like

a reindeer.

Actually,

this one's already

come true.

No way.

Yeah, Kelly Hines,

she owns a farm

an hour outside of town

with reindeer.

Each one named

after Santa's.

Well, I guess

it's true what they say.

If you want something

bad enough.

What's that one say?

Dear Santa,

I know this might

be a lot to ask for,

but what I

really, really

want this year

is to go to a theme

park in Florida.

Kim,

the waitress at Ambiance?

I'm not sure a theme

park is her

desire anymore,

but I know a trip

to Florida would still

be on her wish list.

Really?

Why's that?

Oh, her boyfriend's

in the military and he's

stationed on a base there.

No.

Game tickets

were one thing,

but a trip?

It's too much.

Look,

I know you want your coffee,

but I can't

let you do it.

Let's stick to toys

or something

less expensive.

No,

no, I think I can

swing this one.

Listen,

I travel a lot for work

and I get delayed

almost every single trip.

I have the worst

luck traveling.

Never travel with me.

Noted.

I have travel points

that are about to expire.

We could use those

to book her a flight

and accommodations.

You're serious?

Someone may as well

put those points

to good use.

You think Kim could

get time off work?

Only one way to find out.

Merle,

I'm taking a week off!

Almost everyone

at school had been

to a theme park

and I was desperate

to go.

It's funny,

as a kid you never

really realized the

limitations on Santa's

ability to deliver.

Well, it's not

a theme park.

Better.

Are you going to tell

Niles or surprise him?

Are you kidding?

I could never

keep this to myself.

When was the last time

you saw him in person?

Over a year ago.

It was last Thanksgiving.

Too long.

You know,

FaceTime calls

and texts are great,

but I miss

our time together.

It really hasn't been

so long.

He's going to be so excited

to see you two.

Are you

sure about this?

I haven't exactly

been the nicest to you.

Let's talk about it

over a cup of coffee.

You got it.

Dear Santa,

this year I'd like

ice skates to join

the hockey team

so I can finally play

with my older brothers.

Dear S.C.,

great news!

I finally got

my cast off,

so I'd really love

a new skateboard.

I promise

I'll wear safety gear

this time.

Dear Santa Claus,

this year

I'm going to be

Here's Santa Claus.

This year

what I'm really hoping for

is a new

Molly Miggins doll

with curly hair

and green eyes.

Dear Saint Nick,

for Christmas

I'd love

a new handheld

video game.

You know,

if you wanted to do

any Christmas shopping

of your own,

you could do that as well.

There's a lot of

great gift ideas

on this website.

My parents and I

do Christmas in July

and I got Darla's

gift weeks ago,

so I'm good.

Sure, yeah.

I just meant

if you needed

a male opinion

for a gift

for a...

boyfriend.

Is that your way

of asking

if I have one?

Smooth.

I know.

I don't.

What about you?

Any

female

advice

needed

for gift giving?

Tons.

For my

mom

and my

grandma

and

my three sisters.

Big family celebration?

Yeah, it's tradition

to

do a gift exchange

on Christmas Day dinner

at a restaurant

near my parents' place.

We've been going there

for years.

Christmas Day dinner

at a restaurant?

Believe me,

it's safer that way.

That way,

there's no argument

over homemade

versus canned cranberry sauce.

Well, there should never

be an argument

in that case.

Let me guess.

Homemade.

No,

actually canned.

Miss Finley!

Canned?

Seriously?

You just keep that secret

to yourself.

Maybe I'll let you share

a can with me

on Christmas Eve.

My lips are sealed.

It's nice to finally

be welcomed

in a coffee shop.

You know,

being greeted

by people on the street

and even get some smiles

my way.

Well,

you've earned it,

Noah.

I've seen how much effort

you and Tessa

must have been fun

working together.

It's been great.

And what were

the odds of us

coming together

after that first

town hall meeting?

It is a Christmas miracle.

It's funny how

this was supposed

to be a quick

in-and-out job

or work,

but this is so much better.

Making new friends, huh?

Should we toast to that?

Sure.

To friendship.

To friendship.

To friendship.

To new friendship.

And with the help

of our extensive

relationship section,

I am helping my new friend

find love.

Cheers.

Cheers to that.

You know,

a common lesson

that I'm getting

from all of these books

is that opposites attract.

Yeah.

Kind of.

Like you two.

You know,

you're right.

You guys,

I mean,

you have completely

opposite opinions

about the renovation

of the post office,

and yet,

look what a great

team you make.

I wouldn't say

we're complete opposites.

Well,

you kind of are, though.

Noah with his

slick city lifestyle

and Tessa loving

the history and culture

of small towns.

Come on.

It's not that I dislike

small towns.

And the more time

I spend in Old Creek,

the more I could

see myself settling down

in a place like this.

Come on.

Well,

maybe you aren't

so different after all.

I mean,

you're both obviously

very passionate about

spreading Christmas cheer.

Yeah.

Oh,

we're not done yet.

Oh.

So,

more surprises in store,

huh?

Just you wait.

Thanks.

Do you mind?

Yeah.

Sure.

Thanks.

The gifts look great.

Yeah.

Believe it or not,

this is not my

first time

at a gift wrapping table.

Really?

Yeah,

I used to volunteer

at a Christmas donation

center.

We'd put together

gift baskets.

I was in charge

of wrapping the toys.

The best part

was delivering the gifts,

seeing the looks

on people's faces.

Guess maybe that's what

appealed to me

about this idea.

This is going to be

a lot of deliveries.

Yeah.

Maybe we can have

people come dance?

Like a little

Santa's workshop?

Yeah.

I, um,

I could see

if we could get

the meeting room

at Town Hall,

have people come there.

I like it.

Good.

Do women really

enjoy poetry?

Well,

according to the books,

we do.

Just try it.

Okay.

No,

I don't know

if I can do this.

Oh, sure you can.

Come on,

just write four lines.

Think

love and Christmas.

Love and Christmas,

right.

Okay.

Great.

Christmas joy in the air,

but it's your smile

that fills my heart

with cheer.

Christmas carols,

the soundtrack of love,

as we dash

through the winter snow.

Know my warm embrace

awaits you

under the mistletoe.

Okay.

Looking good.

Tree, too.

I'm really glad

we did this.

I haven't decorated

a tree in years.

I put one up

every year.

A small one,

just as a nice symbol

of the season,

you know?

There's nothing like

Christmas lights,

a good cup of hot cocoa,

and a heartwarming

Christmas movie

to get me

in the festive spirit.

That'd sound nice.

Do you think

they're gonna all turn up?

Everything's all set.

Oh, wow.

Oh, this place

looks incredible.

We really wanted it

to feel like Santa's workshop.

Oh, wow.

Mission accomplished.

I still can't believe

you did all of this.

Wow.

It's the least we could do.

Also...

For me?

Mm-hmm.

There was one letter

from an anonymous sender

whose wish could only

have come from one person.

I knew it was you

immediately.

Oh, wow.

Oh, I must have been

so excited about Christmas

I forgot to sign it.

Oh, this was so long ago.

I don't even remember

what I asked for.

Open it.

Vintage Jane Austens.

Oh.

They're perfect.

Oh, thank you, Noah.

No, thank you

for everything you're doing

for Brad.

Oh, speaking of which,

I should probably get to work.

Good luck, you two.

Have fun.

See you later.

How did you manage

to find those?

It took some

extensive research,

but it wasn't that hard.

She loves collecting

vintage books.

Just like you love history?

I can't help it.

I find traditions charming

and connecting the past

to the present.

Yeah.

There's a certain romance

in the old-fashioned ways.

We're all here!

Hey, hey, hey!

Merry Christmas!

Welcome to Zanna's workshop!

Oh, wow!

Hey!

Oh, my God!

It's amazing!

♪ ♪

That went really well.

That was fun.

It was.

Hmm.

I, um,

I should get

back to the library.

I'm meeting

with my history kids.

I think it's great you passed on your knowledge

to the next generation like that.

Go back to where you started, or as far back as you can.

Examine all of it.

Travel your road again, and tell the truth about it.

Sing, or shout, or testify, or keep it to yourself.

But know whence you came.

James Baldwin.

I think I could learn a lot from you.

Yeah.

You know where to find me.

Hey, how about this?

If I promise to be open to your preservation pitch,

would you at least consider my aim for innovation?

Mm-hmm.

I make no promises, but I will try to be open-minded.

So I guess that's it for the letters, huh?

Yeah, it was fun.

Everyone seemed happy.

They did.

So I guess I'll see you around.

Yeah.

Hi.

Hi.

I'll confirm that order tomorrow.

OK, bye.

Just a quick coffee break, boss.

Hey, grab me one too, would you?

Well, that's a given.

I am an acts of service kind of guy.

A what now?

Apparently, that's how I show love and care for people.

There's a whole book about it.

I think you've been spending too much time at the library.

And judging by the amount of time

you've been spending with Tessa,

you're all about quality time.

I'm actually all about getting the job done.

Come on, look at you.

You keep finding excuses to spend time with her.

You practically turn into Santa's helper just

to win her over.

But hang on.

Maybe that makes you a gift giver.

Are there any more categories you're going to put me in,

or is this it?

You've always been good at giving presents, even with me.

That's because you're easy to buy for, Brad.

But Tessa, I want to do something special for her.

I just can't figure out what.

Maybe you could.

Are you getting us coffees?

I should go get the coffees.

Yeah.

I should go get the coffees.

Yeah.

I should go get the coffees.

Yeah.

Dear Santa, this year my request is the same as every year.

I know there's probably a lot of kids asking for the same thing,

so I know I have to be patient and wait my turn.

But if it's at all possible, please, please, please,

let me be the one selected to ring

the bell on Christmas Eve.

I promise to do it with the utmost care.

Love, Tessa Finley.

Let's go.

OK.

What?

Nothing.

Just, I don't know.

You seem a lot more cheerful lately.

It's Christmas.

Of course I am.

So nothing to do with all of this time

you're spending with Noah?

No.

We are just spreading some holiday cheer.

Well, it's working.

The whole town's been buzzing about your acts of goodwill.

That Santa's workshop set up was a hit.

I think my grandfather would have loved that.

It's actually been fun to fulfill

the Christmas wishes with Noah.

You're falling for him.

What?

No, I'm not.

We are so different.

He is big city, modern, sleek.

I am old fashioned and traditional

and more understated.

So compromise.

Meet in the middle.

Come on, maybe there really is a way

to preserve a part of the post office

and allow Noah to move forward with his business plan.

I really wish there was.

It would make things so much easier.

But he has to answer to his investors.

Well, don't lose faith yet.

I mean, a week ago, you never would have imagined

you'd be getting along with the enemy.

So anything's possible.

Maybe even a Christmas romance.

You have been spending way too much time with Brad.

Only thing better than fresh bagels

are fresh bagels on the house.

What's that you got there?

Antique bell.

There used to be a tradition here

where every Christmas Eve, one local child

would be selected to ring the bell just before midnight.

Cute.

Yeah, a sign of community and celebration.

You know, I don't know about you,

but I've never seen a bell like this before.

It seemed to be an important part of everyone's

Christmas traditions.

OK, so what are you going to do with it?

I'm not sure.

OK, well, maybe we could donate it to the museum.

Or Tessa could take it to the manor house

and re-establish the Christmas Eve tradition there.

Yeah.

Yeah, either of those options could work.

Hmm, are you starting to rethink the build plans?

No, it's just this connection with Tessa

is complicating things.

It's not not complicating things,

but it's more than that.

The more I learn about the history of this town

and the connections people have to it,

the more I feel a little apprehensive, I guess.

Enough to put the building plans on hold permanently?

We have to move forward.

I just wish there was a way Tessa and I could

both get what we want.

In the meantime, I have one last gambit

to get her to come around to my way of thinking.

One of these for me?

Yeah.

Coffee, coffee, coffee.

All right.

Hey, um, do you have time to talk?

Yeah, of course.

So, um, I found a few more letters,

and I was wondering...

Sure.

Uh, do you want to meet at the post office?

Yeah, yeah, that'd be great.

Um, also, if possible,

I would like to show you my entire presentation.

I have a new approach.

Okay.

I have a new approach.

Okay. See you soon.

Okay, great.

Is this going to take long?

You agreed to be open-minded.

I know. I did, and I will.

It's just...

Older buildings were built with artistry and craftsmanship,

a pride in wanting to build something to last.

I'm not sure your presentation is going to persuade me.

I'd argue that whatever we create today

will be historical 100 years from now.

What we build today are cookie-cutter

concrete and glass boxes that have no inspiration.

I'm hoping to change your mind

once you see what I'm proposing.

I've seen this.

Okay, but you haven't seen the whole thing.

Okay, I admit, it's nice.

But you're still not impressed.

What can I say? I'm a tough critic.

Yeah.

Okay.

Ah, this area

will be used for community events

like weddings, parties,

um, business networking.

Okay, this space is beautiful.

You designed this?

Yes, ma'am.

I want all my buildings to have a unique quality

that's recognizable as a Harrington construction build,

not just some

hut-inspired

concrete and glass.

Fine. Maybe you're with the right designer.

Modern architecture has a place.

Okay, now for the best part.

A memorial of sorts?

Yeah, a way to honor the building

that stood here for generations.

We kept all the memorabilia we found,

and I've always planned to dedicate

the foyer of the building to displaying it all.

That's a really nice touch.

Maybe if the town residents

had seen the slide of your presentation,

you would have gained more support.

Yeah, well, we didn't quite get there

because someone couldn't wait

till the end of the presentation to ask questions.

It's really nice.

You're very talented.

But you're still not ready

to let go of this building, are you?

Unfortunately, no.

Okay, this is the last one.

Dear Santa, I've worked really hard

in my music lessons this year,

even landing this solo in the school Christmas pageant.

My dream is to someday perform

on a real stage in front of crowds of people.

This year, if it isn't too much trouble,

I'd like a karaoke machine.

Jillian Sharp.

She's the local music teacher in town.

None of us ever stood a chance

booking a solo when Jillian was auditioning for the choir.

Her plan was to move to Nashville.

She always said we'd hear her on the radio.

But she decided to stay in town and teach music lessons.

Yeah, her mom got sick,

so she stayed home after graduation.

And I know she has a karaoke machine.

I borrowed it for my dad's 60th birthday.

He loves to sing, and he really should.

I get that.

Anyway, that's the last one.

Hey.

What if...

we gave Jillian an opportunity to perform?

A Christmas-themed open-mic night at the cafe.

It's not exactly the big stage she always dreamed of,

but it's something.

I love it.

Let's do it.

Oh, Tessa!

It's so pretty!

Wow!

Hey, Merry Christmas.

This was a great idea.

I hope you know how much folks appreciate your kindness this Christmas.

It was Tessa's knowledge of everyone in town that made it happen.

Um...

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't know.

Ah.

So the two of you have put aside your differences, huh?

A temporary truce.

Are you still moving forward with the construction project?

If we can, yeah.

Even if it means jeopardizing

whatever's going on between the two of you?

There's nothing going on with us.

Like, she doesn't even like me.

Right.

Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that.

What's going on here?

Jillian, hi!

What's all this?

It was Noah's idea.

We, uh, he thought it might be fun

to feature the town's best singer

for a night of festive music.

We wanted to surprise you.

I think I found something that belongs to you.

This dream feels like a lifetime ago.

I can't believe you two did this.

Well, it's not the big Nashville stage,

but your hometown crowd would love to hear you play.

What do you say?

Okay.

Okay.

Oh, come

All ye faithful

Joyful and triumphant

Oh, come ye

Oh, come ye

To Bethlehem

Come and behold him

He's great.

Born king of angels

Oh, come let us adore him

Oh, come let us adore him

Oh, come let us

Adore him

Christ

Christ the Lord

applause

Dance with the enemy?

Sure.

I'll be gazing in your eyes

Everyone looks like they're having a wonderful time.

Yeah, I think the town's starting to like me a little.

Hmm, maybe a little.

And how about you, Miss Finley?

Hmm, despite my best efforts.

Hey, um, there's something I need to tell you.

What's what?

It's about the National Registry application.

Excuse me, Tessa.

You're welcome.

That was very special.

You did a great job.

Really good.

I did.

Uh, what were you gonna say?

Oh, um, just that whatever happens,

I really enjoyed my time with you.

Me too.

We'll build that little piece of forever

You make my new year dreams come true

Oh, dreams come true

It's so pretty.

It really is.

I'm sorry we're still on opposite sides of this thing.

I was really hoping that there'd be a way we could

be in the middle without either of us having to sacrifice something important.

Yeah, me too.

Karaoke was a good idea.

Yeah, I couldn't have done it without you.

I think we're good together.

Me too.

You and Noah looked awfully cozy last night.

He may have kissed me.

Okay.

Okay, details.

I don't know, we were walking along Main Street, it was snowing, there were lights.

It just kind of happened.

Well, it felt right.

Although the connection between us is very unexpected.

Do you think he'll have a change of heart?

I don't know.

Problem is, I'm not sure I want him to.

What do you mean?

I just feel like he's trying to find common ground.

It's from the National Registry.

Open it.

What happens if they've approved my application, though?

That's what you wanted, to preserve the post office.

Yes, it was, is.

I've just gotten complicated things.

I've fallen for the enemy.

Well, either way, you need to read the message.

Well?

The application's been denied.

What? Why?

You met all the criteria.

No, we didn't meet the significance requirement.

That's impossible. I read your submission.

It detailed all of the ways the post office holds significance

and the fact that you were going to use the building to educate.

Apparently, Noah wrote a letter with a more compelling argument to the contrary.

Noah wrote a letter?

He didn't tell you?

No.

Cocoa delivery.

I should probably get back to work.

Take one to go?

Thanks, Noah.

Good luck.

You okay?

Fine.

I don't need to read a dozen relationship self-help books

to know that fine means quite the opposite.

You wrote a letter to the National Registry arguing against my significance claim.

I did.

That was before.

Before what?

Before you and I got to know one another.

Okay, and now that we know each other, does that change anything?

Tessa, that building is in desperate need of repairs.

It's been neglected for years. It's not the same building it once was.

So just demolishing it and forgetting it ever existed is the best course of action?

I'm not saying that.

But you're moving forward either way.

We don't know that for sure.

Just because I wrote a letter arguing my case against yours doesn't mean I'll win.

You did.

What?

My nomination was denied based on your letter that deemed the post office

just another relic the town is clinging to for relevance.

I...

I didn't mean it how it sounds.

Yes, you did.

Okay, maybe I did. Back then.

But I've grown to have a different opinion now.

Why?

Oak Creek.

The community and the people here, it's...

It's something I've never experienced.

And you have to believe me when I tell you that I'm taking everything into consideration.

So you might not tear it down?

It's not that simple. I've invested a lot into this project.

Yeah, but there are so many other locations for your office building.

I mean, there are tons of old buildings.

Look, I promised my grandfather that I would use my position as the local historian

to preserve the post office at all costs.

I'm sorry about your grandfather, Tessa. I really am.

But saving the post office is not going to bring him back.

We're done here, Mr. Harrington.

Sigh.

I worked for the post office for over 20 years.

It truly is the heart of the community.

My wife and I had our wedding photos taken outside the post office building.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

The post office is where I met my husband.

Both waiting in line to mail Christmas gifts.

We talked for hours that day.

Hey, Darla filled me in. We're good to move forward as planned.

Yep.

Yet, you're not as happy as I would have expected.

Nope.

The petition was easy to ignore when it was just a bunch of signatures on a page.

But now, through their letters to Santa, you've gotten to know the folks behind them.

Yeah.

Then there's this one.

You had hers this whole time?

Trying to figure out what to do about it.

Makes sense now why she wanted to preserve this place.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Goes deeper than that, though.

She promised her grandfather that she would use her position as town historian to do whatever it takes to keep this building safe.

So, what are you going to do with it?

A question of the hour.

Listen, Noah, you know that I'll support whatever you decide.

Why does it sound like you have a preference that you're not revealing?

All I'm going to say is, sometimes things are worth holding on to.

Even if it doesn't make sense for the sake of progress.

So, did you talk to Noah?

I don't think there's anything left to say.

Oh, Tessa, I'm so sorry.

I really thought he might have a change of heart.

Thinking maybe you did, too.

Yeah.

I guess I was hoping that he'd be willing to make a different choice, and then he didn't.

Tessa, I've seen the way that he looks at you.

And the way that you light up when you're around him.

That's special.

It'd just be such a shame to let this get in the way of your future happiness.

I don't know what happens now.

Well, all I know from reading countless books on relationships this Christmas is that

sometimes it's better to let go of the past, you know?

So you can move forward with your future.

Yes, I'm happy to say we're back on schedule.

Yep, a few days after New Year's, the construction on the building will commence.

Thank you again for your patience while we sorted this out.

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Oh, great!

Okay.

Ah!

That was the last project on my to-do list.

Yeah.

And this is the last book in the relationship section.

We make a good team.

I'm so glad you're here.

We make a good team.

It's, uh, it's a shame our friends couldn't do the same.

Yeah, yeah.

My, uh, my buddy's got it bad.

If he's actually considering walking away from this project, he's got so much riding on.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah, I think Tessa's been reconsidering what she wants, too.

Oh.

You know what?

I think you should forget everything you read in these books.

What do you mean?

Well...

I think you're pretty perfect the way you are.

You do?

Yeah.

I do.

And, you know, the right woman is gonna see that, too.

She's not gonna expect you to change to fit some ideal of the perfect partner.

She's gonna love you for who you truly are.

And, you know, if she doesn't, then, well, she doesn't deserve you.

Maybe you're right.

Oh, I'm definitely right.

Come in.

Hey.

Hey.

About earlier, I shouldn't have said what I did, and I'm sorry.

In the beginning, all I cared about was moving the building project forward.

But things are different now.

I care about this town.

And I really care about you.

Things are different for me, too.

And I care about you a lot.

I don't want your business to fail just because of my inability to let go of the past.

I've been doing some thinking, and there's something I want to show you.

Okay.

Mm-hmm.

I've decided to try a different approach with my presentation today.

I've decided to try a different approach with my presentation to the investors.

And I'd love your thoughts.

If we keep the original exterior facade, it will reduce the number of floors in the building,

but I can extend back further and make up that additional office space.

I mean, this is fantastic.

You'd consider doing that?

Yeah.

For the town.

For you.

I love this idea.

This means a lot to me.

You mean a lot to me.

And this is what you want, too?

What I want is to preserve the past while building a new future.

With you.

There's something I gotta do.

Oh.

Okay.

Can you meet me tonight at the post office?

Yeah, I'll see you tonight.

Okay.

I can happily say I don't think we will have any trouble getting the committee to approve this new plan.

Thank you, Mayor Mitchell.

It's fantastic news.

And Tessa for figuring this out.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.

Just a few more steps.

Alright, you can open them.

You found the bell?

I believe this used to be a Christmas Eve tradition that was really important to the community.

How do you know that?

Well...

You had this the whole time?

I had to deliver one last Christmas wish.

Dear Santa, this year my request is the same as every year.

To be the one selected to ring the bell on Christmas Eve.

Ding!

It's your turn.

Go ahead.

Okay.

Ding!

Just as magical as I thought it would be.

I guess there's just one thing left to do.

Ding!

This tradition should continue too.

Who's going to answer all the letters?

You did a pretty good job this year.

What do you say we do it again next year?

I say that's a great idea.

I think we just started our own new Christmas tradition.

Yeah, I guess we did.

I'm falling in love with you, Tessa.

I'm falling in love with you too, Noah.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Do you want to get out of it?

I'd have to check my schedule first.