Original subtitles

Christmas, a time for family, friends, and those unforgettable feasts that

our hearts and fills our tummies.

And it all begins right here in the kitchen.

So, darling, as you all gather around your tables this Christmas, remember

holiday joy is just one treat away.

Because when you're spending your Christmas with Leslie Lake, one bite

story. Merry Christmas.

And we're clear.

Can someone please tell me why my competitor's cookies are on this plate?

Huh? Where's my operations manager?

Emma! Emma!

Yes, Leslie.

How many times do I have to tell you? The art director said... Leslie Lake is

household brand. Do you know why?

Because my cookies are actually pretty.

Look at that.

How do you expect to get a promotion when you can't even follow the simplest

detail? I reminded them multiple times.

Walk with me, please.

So tell me, what would you do if you were in my shoes?

Eat the cookie?

Exactly. See, you would allow everyone and your employees to just walk all over

you. Now, is there any way how to run a multi -million dollar brand?

Well, I wouldn't say that.

Guess it's a good thing we'll never find out.

Nick Wake? Yes.

No. No.

No, no, no. No way.

Come back when you get some taste.

Now, where were we? Oh, yes, your epic fail.

Today is your lucky day, Emma, because I have an opportunity for you. For a

promotion? No, to keep from getting fired.

Right.

Check this out.

Sweet D Sugar Bakers? Mm -hmm. Small family -owned company.

Relatively successful.

Loyal fan base.

And they have a limited -run product that is so popular, retailers can't even

keep it in the box.

I mean, it's no wonder. Look at that cash flow. They can barely afford their

demand. Exactly.

They can't.

Leslie Lake, on the other hand.

So you want to acquire a bakery?

No. Last thing I need is another bakery.

But I want to require the name. Take it nationwide.

Your thoughts?

I think this sounds like a job for mergers and acquisitions.

I already called the owner.

And? And I quote, It'll be a frosty day in July before I ever sell my family's

legacy to some highfalutin big city corporation.

You find that funny?

No. I mean, not really.

Because I need someone to get in there, find out their operational weaknesses,

and convince Denise Sugarbaker to sell me her company.

Wait, her name is actually Sugarbaker? Yeah.

So perfect you could almost puke, right?

And what if this Denise Sugarbaker won't sell?

That's where you come in.

You're uniquely qualified to evaluate their operations and help me strategize

aggressive acquisition.

So you want me to go undercover.

Exactly. Places like this, they love seasonal employees.

That is, unless you don't want to keep your job.

Leslie, it's Christmas.

Emma, you always work on the holidays.

I told you, I promised my mom I'd spend it with her.

Christmas is what, two weeks away?

Yes. So, that'll be perfect. You can finish this up and then fly to Oklahoma

see her on Christmas Eve.

Indiana. Same thing.

Listen, the board gets together first of the year.

I need this closed by then.

The thing is, I don't know a thing about baking.

Oh, come on.

You work for Lovely Lake.

Does that mean you're going to give me some pointers?

Sure. How about watch some of those cooking videos on social media?

You don't think you can bake?

Ha!

I'm about to prove you wrong.

I'm Butterfingers, and we're going to make my legendary sugar cookies. They're

quick and easy. All you need is 1250 cups of flour.

Wham! Wham!

One cup of raw sugar is my preference.

Wham! Two free -range eggs.

You've got to be nice to the chickadees. One teaspoon of vanilla, three or four

shakes of cinnamon, and you mix that all up until it gets nice and doughy. And

then you pluck that dough off into these.

Wham! Look at those babies. They are all ready to go into the oven,

and in 15 minutes... Oh, look at that!

Wham!

Are you ready to dig in? Just give yourself a pat on the back. And if you

this recipe, just click the link below and follow.

Butterfingers!

And the market jumped this morning after reports that retail stores are

forecasting very strong sales for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

And other news, several families in a Southern California neighborhood

experienced...

Oh, boy.

you sneaking?

Hi, I'm here about the... That's my heart. Where my manners?

Welcome to Sweet D's Sugar Bakers, where our favorite ingredient is family.

I'm Denise.

Oh, uh, Emma.

I got into a little kerfuffle with a batch of scotcheroos in the back.

How can I help you?

Oh, uh, I applied for the job online, a seasonal floater.

Oh, let me look.

Yeah, name, experience, whatnot.

What's wrong?

I never heard of any of these bakeries.

Yes. They were just small family businesses, you know.

So tell me, how long have you been baking?

How long have I been baking?

Uh, a long time. Since I was a kid. I used to bake with my mother on Sundays.

mom and I, we used to bake checkerboard cookies for the church every week.

What was your mother's favorite recipe?

Oh, well, we baked a lot. I just couldn't tell you. There's so many.

Mm -hmm. Don't I know it.

Wait.

So that's it?

Yeah, I can call about the references later, but you look like an honest, hard

-working employee to me.

You are honest, aren't you?

Yes. Of course. Definitely.

Well, then, welcome to Sweet Tea Sugarbakers.

Oh, this bakery has been in my family for three generations, founded by my

mother, Eugenia, way back in 1962.

My son, David, he pretty much runs everything around here. He got a fancy

Not that I need somebody to tell me how to run my bakery, but like my mama

always said, we are sugar bakers. We got flour in our veins.

Speak of the devil. Good morning. Morning. Good morning.

Morning.

You two know each other already?

No.

Wait,

I thought I saw you earlier.

This is Emma, our new seasonal floater. Oh, welcome aboard the Sugar Baker

Express. You wouldn't mind showing her around, would you?

Those are sweet, these Sugar Baker butter brownies, they are not going to

themselves. They would if you would modernize, like I told you. Poppy

It was lovely to meet you.

All right, come on.

Let me show you how I prefer to run things.

Okay. Come on.

All right.

Everybody, listen up.

This is our brand -new seasonal floater, Emma.

I'll be helping all of you out. Hey, Emma.

Emma, this is Sally, our cake decorator. This is Patty, operations manager who

keeps everything humming.

Clark, our shipping clerk who makes sure everything gets to where it's supposed

to go. And Maggie, our longest running employee and the best gift wrapper east

or west of the Mississippi. And don't forget calligrapher. Wait, you write all

those by hand?

Yes. And our custom card.

Efficient.

Well, it's very nice to meet you all.

I'm here to help, so just let me know.

Oh, actually, did you go down to the warehouse?

We just got an order for 20 black forest cakes from Julio's Market.

Wait, who is supposed to wrap all of those orders? Hold up, hold up. I need

help frosting the Christmas cookies for my daughter's school. No, no, I need her

help to make sure we're fully stocked. Remember last year when all the butter

spoiled? Remember, how could I forget? You didn't let me live it down for two

weeks. And that reminds me, Maggie, did you talk to Jane about her anniversary

cake? Jane, Jane, Jane Johnson or Jane Thomas?

Jane Bullock. Jane Bullock, Jane Bullock, Jane Bullock.

Oh, oh. Yeah, got it, got it. Come on.

Guys, wait.

Tell you what. How about I go to the storeroom, get what you need, drop them

at the warehouse, get the boxes, get those wrapped, and help you frost those

cookies.

You're an angel.

Thank you.

I think we're in good hands.

I know.

Okay, so this is the kitchen, and it's also where we usually need the most help

during the holidays.

And do you bake?

Oh, you know, I dabble.

You know, like my mom always says, we sugar bakers. Have flour in your veins.

Oh, okay.

Yeah.

Um, you know, we still use all of Grandma Eugenia's original recipes, and

as her famous gingerbread cookies go, we have all been sworn to secrecy, okay?

So no one outside the family, ever.

Let me guess, you also have a vault with General Sanders' recipes?

Yeah. And me and my mom have the only kid, so.

Wait, really?

No, no. No, but that vault thing?

That's a good idea. I mean, we should look into that.

All right, come on. Let's continue.

So, you survived your first day.

What were you expecting?

Anxiety attack or nervous breakdown.

It was actually fun.

Try harder tomorrow.

Relax. I got a good sense of the bakery and how it works. Good, because tomorrow

you are actually going to start baking.

Baking?

Yeah, is that a problem?

No, it's just that, you know, your mom being the mastermind and all. It doesn't

mean she doesn't get overwhelmed.

Look, hey, relax, okay?

I'm sure it'll be a piece of cake for someone with your experience.

Piece of cake, right.

If there's anything you're going to learn here, that we're all family.

And family takes care of family.

Besides, I'm sure that you are a much better banker than you let know.

You're not late.

See you tomorrow.

Hello?

Have you learned their weaknesses?

It's only my second day.

And?

What have you learned?

Besides the fact that they're severely understaffed, it's quite a charming

place. The people are really nice and... Have you not learned anything from me?

People are expendable.

Today, it's all about the IP and who controls more of it.

I don't think they're going to share their family secrets.

Then you'll have to make them interested.

You do know what's going to happen when they find out I lied on my application,

right? Oh, please.

Small businesses never check references.

But don't you worry.

You just put on your apron and get in there and shake a leg.

Gotta go.

Emma, look, I want to talk to you about your application, specifically your

references. Uh, what about?

You don't think that you have, like, some explaining to do?

Uh -huh.

I just thought, um, with understaffed small businesses, it would take more

to check them.

Right, and you would be correct, which is why I was so happy to hear from one

your former employers this morning.

Huh? Yeah, man, she had nothing but wonderful things to say about you. In

she said...

You were the best baker since Leslie Lake.

Oh, yeah, of course she did.

Which leads me to ask, why in the world are you working as a seasonal floater?

Um, I just think that I wanted something to do for the holidays and

stuff. Uh -huh.

Copy? Uh, no. I already got mine.

Oh, that's because you have not tried mine yet.

I'll have you know, this right here, Sugar Baker's award -winning coffee.

Mmm. Mmm.

What's your secret?

Six years studying for college exams.

My turn.

Ooh.

It's not bad.

Not bad.

What's your secret?

Find a demanding boss who has issues with work -life balance.

Mmm, small price to pay for a great cup of coffee.

All right, ready to roll up your sleeves?

Ready. Good.

I'll holler at my mom and she will get you going.

Okay. All right.

We'll start off easy -peasy. Seven dozen gingerbread men. You got the chops for

that?

Seven dozen is... Eighty -four.

Gingerbread men.

That ain't a hitch, is it? No. No hitch.

Mm -hmm.

I'll kill Leslie.

What? What was that? I'm excited to begin.

Ah.

God, this is your life.

Is this... The recipe?

Touched by the hands of Mama Eugenia herself.

Wow. Mm -hmm. We only make these six weeks out of the year, mid -November

through Christmas, and then that bad boy goes right back in the office. Ooh,

imagine a hullabaloo if the competition got their mitts on that bad boy.

Ooh. Yeah, imagine.

Mm -hmm.

Oh, you know what? You can go in the kitchen and sauce the mixer, okay?

I'll be right back.

What are you doing, Emma?

You having trouble?

Nope. Not at all.

Glad to hear.

Okay.

20 minutes should be good, right?

Mm -hmm.

Why do they need all this stuff?

Yeah, they make that bread flour instead of cake flour, if you can believe that.

Emma.

What are you doing?

Uh, I was taking a break.

Letting the cookies cook.

Checking out our stock.

I was just getting familiar with the inventory.

Learn anything interesting?

Yeah. Actually, do you always cut the expiration date so close?

I order based on projections, and if others have trouble meeting those

projections, that's not my problem. Hey, come on, Patty.

It's the holidays.

Okay. Dave, do you have issues meeting those projections?

Okay, look.

Here's the thing you've got to learn about my mom, okay?

She prizes quality over quantity.

But it's quantity that makes a business successful.

Yeah.

Wow, you are not like other seasonal floaters.

Oh? You know, usually they're college students home for the holidays, but... I

better watch out.

What do you mean?

Because you might be after my job.

Well, I... May I?

Oh, that... Oh, my God.

I've never seen anything like this before.

Okay, look, we'll clean her out and have her back on track in no time, all

right?

Emma, are you sure you followed the recipe exactly?

Yeah, I mean, I think so.

I guess maybe I mixed up the ingredients.

Maybe too much baking soda, powder, yeast fermentation.

Look, Emma, I'm not sure how you did things at those other bakeries, but here

Sweet D's Sugar Bakers, We never improvised, ever.

Truthfully, I'm not really much of a baker.

I thought I was going to be doing operations.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, honey, this is not your fault now. Baking, it

comes second nature to me, and sometimes I forget that it's not the case for

everybody. So let's go and find something less destructive for you to

Well, I guess you're not going to lose your job after all.

Hi, Mom.

Do I need to start making appointments to talk to my own daughter?

Sorry, I've been busy.

You tell that Leslie woman I'd like to speak to my daughter once in a while.

Cute.

What's she got you doing this time?

Corporate espionage.

Oh.

Okay.

That's, um, not illegal.

Is it? Oh, gosh, no.

I mean, I don't think so.

Sometimes I think that Leslie woman just needs to hear the word no from your

lips to God's ears.

Just so long as I get to see my daughter for Christmas.

About that, I... I'm really looking forward to it, just the two of us

We'll see what I can do. Just remember, at the end of the day, nobody ever said

they'd wish they spent more time at the office.

Thanks, Mom.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Bye. Bye, Mom.

I know that

look. What look?

A little bit of amusement, a little bit of...

Overwhelm -ness?

Is that a word? I don't know, but I know exactly what you mean.

You'll get used to it, trust me.

I just thought I was going to be working in a bakery, not a Christmas emporium.

Well, that is how the business started, and baking is still at the core of

everything we do. But when Denise took over, we really expanded.

I can tell.

Everything you need for Christmas is here. I can't imagine going anywhere

That's the idea.

I'm starting with Maggie today.

Well, good. You'll get to see how each package is personalized and beautifully

wrapped. Is that the most efficient use of time?

Maybe not, but it matters.

Year after year, season after season, our customers come back to us because of

the way our gift packages make them feel.

You really buy into all this, don't you?

You bet.

And you will, too. Trust me.

Come on. Let's get back to work.

Welcome to the wrapping paper area that I like to call the North Pole because I

prefer to think of us as Santa's little helpers, don't you?

Oh, you were serious?

Well, yes. Here at Sweet Deep Sugar Bakers, we believe that a first -rate

product deserves first -rate presentation.

Right? So look, I'm going to hand you a box of peppermint Teddy Fours, and it's

all wrapped up.

You know that a lot of care and effort went into them, right?

I mean, don't get me wrong, it's definitely first rate, but it's just

costly. Oh, my goodness. I mean, they're just going to rip it apart and throw it

out anyway.

Yes, but don't you see people?

They love our wrapping paper.

And it sets us apart from our competitors.

That's your part, all right.

Okay, so I want you to watch and learn.

See?

And perfection.

Wow.

Okay. Now, it is your turn.

Here you go.

Okay.

Good.

Perfect.

Voila. What do you think?

I think that the next one will be easier. How

many of these do we have to do?

Oh, today, I believe we have 200.

And you do them all by yourself? Oh, gosh.

Oh, gosh, no. Of course not.

That's why you're here.

Here we go. Okay.

Yep.

Are we keeping you from something?

Oh, no, not at all.

Hmm.

How was your day with Maggie?

Well, I learned everything there is to know about... Christmas wrapping.

Trust me, by the time you're done, you'll have a PhD in ribbon curling.

Hungry?

Trying to buy all this?

Starving. Good.

Well, then you wouldn't mind joining me for dinner.

Doesn't involve cookies, does it? No, no.

Next best thing.

Okay. All right.

I just have a couple of things to finish up in the kitchen, and I'll meet you

there.

Excuse me. Hi.

I came in the front door, but no one was there.

Oh, that's probably because everyone left.

Can I help you with something?

Well, I hope so.

Adam Olson. I'm a real estate broker.

My office is right down the street just off Juneway.

Emma Donovan. Nice to meet you.

This is a nice piece of property you have here.

Yes, it's very festive, that's for sure.

Well, I'm not talking about the store and the bakery.

I'm talking about the property.

The property?

The land.

The site.

It's worth a pretty penny.

You're probably right. I am right.

I make it a point to know the value of all these lots.

Mind you be interested in selling?

I think you'd be surprised at what this place could bring in.

Oh, this isn't my store. I just started here. I'm not even a full -time

employee. Oh, well, I'm sorry.

I just figured you said since everyone was gone that... Oh, yeah, and I should

probably be too. I just had a few things to finish up.

Well, can you tell me who I should talk to then at another time?

Denise Sugarbaker. She's the owner.

You're pulling my leg.

Trust me, I thought the same thing when I heard her name.

Well, that will give you a leg up in the competition, I'm sure.

I mean, have you tried her cookies? She doesn't need a gimmick. I have,

actually. Another broker had a box in his office.

Mmm, delicious.

Oh, and it's not just the cookies or the baked goods.

I mean, this is a one -stop shop for everything Christmas.

Mmm, it is impressive.

Well, I won't keep you any longer. Just give this to Denise, if you wouldn't

mind, and tell her to call me anytime.

Have a nice night.

Will do.

Shoot.

I've never had an evergreen aperitif before.

So, quit.

Tell me what you think.

That's really good.

Look, I'm telling you.

Look, my dad, like, he would order one of these every single Christmas. Huh.

I wanted to ask you about yesterday.

Oh, don't worry about that. Um, handyman came by this morning, fixed the oven

up, so, like... Oh, no, no, not about that.

About meeting projections.

What about it?

You have a lot of loyal customers, but it seems like you're struggling.

Like, things have gotten better since I came on board, but it was still

stretched pretty thin.

But you have more employees, so does that mean more sales?

Look, we are not one of those big corporations like Leslie Lake.

Like, the margins are thin.

Always, we've always kept our overhead down.

Have you ever considered joining forces with...

a bigger company?

You mean selling the bakery?

Have you ever thought of it?

Sweet D's Sugar Bakers has been in the family for generations.

Like my mom, you know her. She would never hear that.

And you?

I respect my mom's wishes.

Are we ready to order?

Ooh!

Let me guess.

Never.

Yeah. Can we do two more of these?

You got it. Appreciate it.

Never.

Really good. I'll

tell you.

Like, the best.

Hello?

Hey, any progress?

What if this isn't the right company for you?

Have you ever tried their famous gingerbread cookies?

Have you? I only eat my own products.

But everyone that I've talked to says that they're fabulous.

They're not wrong.

Then this should be a setch. After all, they're just a mom and pop bakery.

Actually, pop's been out of the picture for quite some time now.

So it's just a mom bakery.

Even better.

Mom likes the way things are.

You know what mom would like even better?

I give up. That fat check that I'm going to write her when I buy her company.

And what if I can't make her interested?

Maybe your photo position there will be more permanent.

Right. Remember, Emma, the sooner you finish, the sooner you can get to your

in Illinois.

Indiana. Same thing.

I've heard Illinois is better.

Gotta go.

Ooh, that looks good.

So, how was dinner?

It was fine, Mom.

Just fine?

Okay.

I had a good time.

I knew it. Mom, give me a second.

I'm not judging you, honey. You're an adult.

She's an adult.

Very attractive adult.

Don't think. I don't know what you're doing. Oh, David James Sugarbaker, what

are you talking about?

Well, what is it? What are you talking about? What is it?

I don't know. It's just, it's like something about her.

Well, she might be more experienced than our other floaters. But, no, that's the

thing, though. She's not experienced, like, at all.

Don't get me wrong. She's smart and she's driven, but, like, why is she

you know?

You know, all I hear every year is how overworked everybody is. So you can

believe the last thing I'm going to do is, look, this gift rained in the mouth.

Okay? I hear you.

That's good, though. Fine.

Okay. Just fine.

You're going to be done with this job, and that's it.

Do not get distracted.

Do not.

Oh, good morning.

Good morning.

For you.

For me.

Well, you've been so patient with me, so I figured I'd remind you what real

coffee tastes like.

Oh, wow.

Thank you.

You know, I'm not going to pretend that I won't enjoy it.

Well, um, Sally needs my help, so... Yeah.

Hey, Emma?

Yeah? Are you wearing makeup?

Well, a little, yeah.

Looks nice.

Thank you.

Yep.

Now I want you to picture the cookie.

The icing.

What are the colors?

What is that cookie saying to you?

It's telling me to stop looking at it.

Okay, now there are three types of piping.

You have the dots, you have the stars, and then you have the lines.

Okay. You just have to be patient.

And you're going to outline first.

And then flood.

Yeah, you try it.

Outline.

And line.

Oh, okay.

Well, you said flat. I did? I did.

Look, your mother trusts you. And the last thing I want to do is overstep.

I just don't understand how we're supposed to increase productivity

help. Patty, my mom has run the bakery for 30 years.

Have faith, all right?

It's the faith we need.

All right. There we go. All right. Lightly. Yes. You're getting the hang of

Very good.

Do you have a daughter?

I do. Yeah. She's in fourth grade. Her name is Jackie.

Oh. What about you? Any kids?

No. Not yet, at least.

Well, mine is the center of my world.

You know, I honestly don't know what I would do without Sweet D's Sugar

Breakers. What do you mean?

Well, Jackie has... severe asthma, and her insurance wasn't covering her

bills, so Denise went ahead and changed providers. No questions asked.

Even though it cost the company more money.

She really did that?

Yeah. Yeah, it's really special to have a boss that cares so much about her

employees.

Imagine that.

Take it from here. Okay, I got it.

Nice. You really think so?

Yeah, I mean, I've never seen abstract impressionism on a Christmas cookie

before.

Ha ha.

You know, you could buy machines to do this. It would be a lot faster and more

efficient. And expensive.

Like, do you have any idea how much equipment like that would cost?

I mean, of course not. You're a floater.

I'm so sorry that it came out so harsh.

No, no, you're right. I don't.

Let's just say it would be more than we can afford.

Listen, Dave, I didn't mean to overstep the other day.

Doesn't mean you're not right.

But in case you ever noticed, my mom is very old -fashioned and stubborn.

Sometimes it feels like I'm trying to keep this company together with glue and

Popsicle stick.

I imagine you're swimming in debt. But the good thing to focus on is your

market, position, and brand strength.

Have you been looking at the company financials?

No, because that would be ridiculous.

But if I were to look at the financials, hypothetically, I would imagine you

have a lot of room for expansion.

Well, then you are in luck.

How do you mean?

Because apparently you flunked at a cookie decorating.

Tomorrow, I'm going to have you shadow the corporate raiders.

That was a joke.

Very funny.

What? I thought it was funny.

You okay?

What? Oh.

Yeah, of course.

Did Dave say something?

He can be tough, but he has a good heart.

Hello?

Hi. Oh, my gosh. Does it smell good in here?

I'm sorry. I just was in the area, so I decided to pop in.

Sally, this is... I'm sorry.

Adam Olson.

Sally. Sally.

Enchanté.

So, did you speak to the owner?

Sorry again. I must have slipped my mind.

Well, is she here now?

Afraid not.

Is there anything I can help you with?

I stopped by the other day hoping to speak to the owner. I don't know if

aware, but in this real estate market, this property could be extremely

to a developer.

Our bakery and shop?

The land.

Whoever buys it will probably tear down the bakery.

Oh, I'm sorry. This business has been in our owner's family for generations.

If you two would excuse me.

Anyway, you'd be surprised.

About what?

Well, I've seen a lot of business owners change their minds once they get an

offer.

You've never met Denise?

No chance, huh?

No chance, sorry.

Oh, well.

So, tell me about yourself.

Oh, well, I don't even own my own home. Wait, rent.

You and your husband?

Me and my daughter.

Oh.

Um, how long have you worked here?

Oh, forever.

And you live nearby?

Yeah, not far.

You know, I'm surprised I haven't run into you around town. I just live right

over off Chaucer. Well, between work and my daughter, I don't really get out

much. I get it. I, uh, I also... You know, I don't mean to be rude, but it's

Christmas season. I have so much work to do. No, no, no, no. I understand. I

just, I talk so much in this job, I rarely find somebody I enjoy talking to.

Well, it was a pleasure, Sally.

Maybe I'll see you around town?

Yes, maybe.

Sally?

What? What? He was totally into you.

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

He just took an announcement.

Sally, wake up.

When was the last time you've been on a date?

You need to call him.

No, actually, I think I still have his card.

No, you need to focus on work and not my love life.

So what you got?

My evaluation.

Nice work.

And the owner?

At that debt level, she will have no choice.

The board won't wait for a Chapter 11.

They may not need to.

Oh?

Denise owns the bakery, but it's manned by her son Dave. David.

Undergrad from the University of Chicago.

MBA from Stanford.

He should be on Wall Street or Silicon Valley, not in his mother's kitchen.

He is loyal, but he is practical.

Seems I may have misjudged you, Emma.

Perhaps you are a promotion material after all.

Wait, so does that mean you're going to have mergers and acquisitions give him a

call? Why would I do that?

I've got my inside woman right here.

Don't you think that's a little above my pay grade?

Above the pay grade of my operations manager, but not the pay grade of my

director of brand management.

Wait, are you offering me a promotion?

Ben, you ready to earn it?

You know, I've been rattling my noggin about the other day, and it hit me like

crate of chocolate chips.

Baking has always been second nature to me, but sometimes I forget it's not easy

as pie for everyone else.

So I figured today we should have something simple.

Sugar cookies.

Oh, great.

Milk, butter, sugar.

Now, we can't mess that up now, can we?

Right.

Oh, okay. So tell me, tell me, how did you make them at your other job?

Oh, um, I just...

Can you give me a second?

You waiting for Butterfinger's butter cookie?

I am. All it's going to take is two cups of flour.

Wham! Of course, we're going to add the raw sugar, but most importantly, the

butter!

Oh, please. They can't be... Oh, come on.

Bad.

Did you use the white container in the storage room?

Yeah, they look perfectly fine.

Oh, it is perfectly fine.

Perfectly fine salt.

They're unique, though. I'll give you that.

Hey, this is not funny.

I mean, it's a little funny. No, we got the Edgemore Resort that just ordered 75

boxes.

Okay. Why don't we offer them...

80 boxes of our brand new salted caramel cookies for the same price.

Um, we don't have salted caramel cookies.

We do now.

Come on, let me show you what a caramel says.

Cheers, caramel.

Sally Martin?

Sally, it's Adam.

Oh, sorry, Adam who?

Adam Olson.

The realtor from the other day?

Oh, Adam, of course.

Sorry, I was distracted.

Can I help you with something?

Well, actually, yes.

I was hoping for a date.

With me?

Who else?

Oh, well, I don't know.

No, come on. What's the worst that could happen?

You're not having fun? I'll bring you home early.

Come on, I usually don't have to beg.

I'll tell you what. A bunch of us are going to the watering hole tonight.

Why don't you join us?

You know, I know exactly where that is, and I'll be there.

Okay. And Sally.

Yeah?

I'm looking forward to it.

See you then.

I could apologize again, but I think I've used up all your goodwill. What?

Emma. Clark says he has not been able to keep our brand new salted caramel

cookies in stock.

I mean, do you think you could do it again because we could use some for our

famous Christmas party on the 23rd?

I think I should stay away from anything edible.

What are you doing right now?

Besides going home to hang my head in shame, nothing.

Today is Thursday.

Do you know what that means?

Tomorrow's Friday.

Karaoke night.

Oh, no.

No. You really want to miss the opportunity to celebrate your culinary

Listen, the caramel is enough meth as it is.

I mean, I could put a boss card, tell you it's mandatory.

But come on, I promise you, none of us sing nearly as good as we bake.

Especially Patty and Sally.

Fine, okay.

Cool.

It's the time of year.

But we're getting together to share some cheer.

I'm Santa, Santa, and there's eight reindeer.

Because all I want for Christmas is to have you here.

Come on, Santa.

Good feelings are all around.

The fire's blowing everywhere just now. Getting those golden pipes ready.

Denise, I wanted to apologize.

Karaoke is no place to apologize.

Sorry.

I know what it's like to be the new kid on the block.

Think I've been doing this all my life?

Shoe store, bookstore, drugstore, you can name it. I've probably been fired

it. Oh, you're serious? I just assumed.

No point in this, baby.

Everybody is good at something. Just, you take the time to find out what it

Like karaoke?

I don't know who they do. I'm definitely no good at karaoke.

God, me neither.

Good. So, you, you know, you wouldn't mind picking one?

Pick a song.

Oh, no, no, no. I just, I just came to watch.

Nobody comes to karaoke to watch.

But I'll embarrass myself.

I hope you do.

Hey, Dave.

Oh, son.

Come on. Hey.

Christmas songs.

What's wrong with Christmas songs?

Oh, Emma, she don't like Christmas.

Huh? That is not true. Really?

Because I seem to remember a certain someone who didn't like that I was

Christmas music.

That, that doesn't mean I don't like the whole holiday.

Okay. Prove it.

And how am I supposed to do that?

All right, give it up for Charlotte, Maggie, and Patty.

Okay.

Okay. All right, all right, all right, all right. So for our next vocalist, she

can absolutely just not wait to share her favorite Christmas song with you all

tonight. Emma Donovan, In The House.

Come on.

Okay, Emma, what song will you be singing for us tonight?

You'll see.

Okay, then take it away, Emma.

I'm so sorry I'm late.

I had a showing. It took forever.

A showing this late?

Unfortunately, the holidays are our busy season.

Well, if that makes sense, with everyone off of work and school.

Well, there's that, and then there's all that end -of -year optimism.

Everybody wants a fresh start at something.

So, you know, I'm sorry I'm late.

It's okay. Yeah, I tried to call, but I don't have your cell phone number. I

have the number for the store, and I figured you wouldn't be there, so...

meant. Just... a bunch of us embarrassing ourselves with karaoke.

Listen, I know it's late and I know you probably want to get home, but can I

take you for a cup of coffee?

Sure.

Thank you.

You know,

for someone who doesn't like Christmas music, I could do pretty good of it.

I never said I didn't like Christmas music.

You never said you did.

Okay, well, kind of hard to get into the spirit when you work long hours for a

demanding boss.

Well, previous boss.

Uh -huh.

What's wrong?

I'm just saying, like, if they have any pastries to go with these.

Have you ever thought about selling our products at a place like this?

Our products?

Well, you know what I mean. At Sweet D's Sugar Bakers. Oh, no, no, I know what

you mean. It's just, like, the last time I checked.

There was one sugar baker sitting at this table.

It's just an idea.

You know, increase more streams of revenue.

That is not how we do things here.

Well, not how you do things now, but what if the company goes out of

What do you mean?

What would you do?

Doesn't matter.

Why?

Because I would never let that happen.

I mean, the way you, the way we run things, the ingredients are overpriced,

system's outdated, and most of all, that enormous warehouse that's just too much

overhead. There you go again, aiming for my job.

Aren't you worried?

About what?

Um, aggressive acquisition?

That's a big time for a seasonal flutter.

Well, it just so happens that I have experience in business because of the

last place I worked at, Cookies and Cakes.

Cream.

Huh?

You worked at Cookies and Cream.

Yes, right. Of course.

Hey, Emma, can I ask you a serious question?

How are you spending Christmas?

Uh, well, I was supposed to spend it with my mother.

Where does she live?

Indiana.

What?

What things may change.

Such as?

I may have to stay.

Like, in town, or?

At Sweet D's Sugar Bakers.

That's the problem with seasonal floaters.

Like, they tend to be seasonal.

They sure do.

Well, um, guess we better make the most of the season.

Oh, and you better not leave before Sweet D. Sugarbaker's famous Christmas

party.

Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Good.

Cheers to that.

You're late on that, too.

Hey.

Hey. You okay?

I'm fine. What's going on? I called you a bunch of times last night.

Oh, yeah.

Sorry, I was out.

Out?

My director of brand management is supposed to be working.

Well, it turns out I actually was working.

Rome wasn't built in a day, you know.

No, it wasn't. But it was built faster than you're going.

Oh, hey, I gotta go.

Dave. Big.

Uh -huh.

Dave.

Okay.

Who are you talking to?

No one.

I heard someone talking.

Oh, that was a podcast.

Huh.

Hey, look, um, I got something serious I want to talk to you about, or ask you.

Oh?

Um, and I want you to answer honestly. Can you do that?

Yeah. Cool.

How, what are you doing for brunch tomorrow?

What did you think I was about to ask you?

I don't know. That, I don't know, something to do with an oven?

Mm, right. Because, I mean, why would we ever need one of those in a bakery,

right?

Why did you want to ask me?

Oh, just you wait and see.

I didn't know what to bring. I hope you like mimosa.

Honey, I like champagne.

Oh, my goodness.

That sweater is adorable.

Thank you. You know, it being the holidays and all.

Yeah, my son was telling me that you were a big scoop.

She's lying.

But I knew you were a softie.

Hey, don't you listen to a word this woman says.

Well, I hope you brought an appetite.

Sure did.

Come on.

You were right. That brunch was delicious.

I'm telling you, that woman was born with a blanket in one hand and a spatula

the other.

I've never had a Christmas meatloaf before.

Just wait until you try her eggnog.

Homemade? Well, we don't grow the cows, but close enough.

And?

It is pretty good.

I'm telling you, we take Christmas pretty serious around here.

Says the guy with the roasted chestnuts and eggnog.

Don't you mean like you have never done this with your family before?

I've never even had a chestnut.

It is like a cooked sweet potato.

You made that up.

Did I?

What do you think?

I don't think.

It... Tastes like a cooked sweet potato.

All right.

Okay, I will get us some more. Well, no, no.

Next one's on me.

It's been a long time since he bought a lady friend one.

I can't believe that.

Not for my lack of trying, of course.

Well, your favorite ingredient is family.

You remember.

Here's the thing about my son.

He's very particular.

I noticed.

Not his fault. He happens to come from a long line of perfection.

My mother... Eugenia.

Sweet as pie, but one tough cookie. Must be where he gets it from.

He's a tough cookie.

Especially on himself.

What can I say? He's married to the business.

I know the feeling.

Only problem is...

Everything will give me no grandkids.

Well, you do make a lot of children happy, so in a way you can say you have

lot of grandchildren.

Hmm, never quite thought of it in that way.

You're a very perceptive woman, Emma.

Now, I just have one request for you.

Anything.

Make him happy.

You know, some astronomers believe that the star of Bethlehem, the one that

three wise men saw, was actually a comet or a meteor.

Yeah, everybody already knew that.

Okay.

So, what were you and my mom talking about earlier?

That you were particular.

And she wants a grandkid.

From you?

She wasn't really specific.

I guess y 'all don't.

Why has it been such a long time since you had a girlfriend?

No reason. It's just been busy, I guess.

Is that a mistletoe?

Wow.

My mom has really thought of everything, hasn't she?

Then we better not let her down.

What are you two doing?

We should probably go. Yeah, we should go.

What

is

going on with those two?

I just work here.

Excuse me.

What is going on between you and Emma?

Nothing. You know. Oh.

Okay. Come on. I invited her to my mom's for brunch.

Ah.

Did she have the Christmas meatloaf?

She did.

Uh -huh.

Uh -huh.

Okie dokie. Spill it.

What is the spill? Oh, please.

Everybody knows that she is sweet on you. It is a bakery. Everything is

Please, that is a cop -out and you know it.

It was just brunch.

And what happened after brunch?

We ate roasted chestnuts.

Uh -huh.

And then we had my mom's eggnog.

Uh -huh. And then it got dark and we looked at the stars.

Uh -huh.

And then there was the mistletoe. Uh -huh. Okay, no, no, no. That was it.

What? What do you mean? That was it. My mom came out, and we called it a night.

Well, okay, then. There's still time for us to fix this.

Fix what exactly?

This. You need to go and tell her how you really feel. Okay, now? Now. Now.

Go. All right. Okay.

Cheers.

Hey, it's me. Why are you whispering?

Because I'm in the storage room. What storage room?

Sweet D's Sugar Bakers. Listen, I have to make a confession.

I may have crossed a line.

What line?

I almost kissed Dave.

Did he kiss you? We were getting close. We sang karaoke.

He invited me over to his mother's for lunch. Get to the point. The point is, I

can't let my feelings cloud my judgment.

It's called greasing the skids.

Actually, it's called greasing the skids.

Whatever. It's clever.

It's wrong.

Me? Frankly.

I didn't think you had it in you.

I don't.

Listen, this isn't about the acquisition.

Well, of course it is. You said that Dave was a more practical one, didn't

That he was more receptive than his mother? Yes, but... Then it seems like

you've positioned yourself perfectly.

But it's almost Christmas.

Well, didn't you say you wanted to get out sooner to go see your mom in

I'm not going to do this.

I thought you wanted the promotion.

You do want the promotion, don't you? I do.

I think.

What if we didn't need to buy the company?

Sweetie, I'm Leslie Lake. I don't need anything.

I know.

But what if you could incorporate their most popular products without destroying

the company?

I'm listening.

You said it yourself. You just need IP, not the people.

And? I'll get the recipes.

All of the recipes?

If it means these people can keep their jobs, then yes.

Actually, it means I won't be the one firing them.

Once I launch my own line of Leslie Lake Sugar Baker Treat, I doubt they'll have

a job to keep.

Yeah.

Whatever you decide to do, just do it quick.

Gotta go. Leslie! Leslie, wait!

Who's Leslie?

Oh, um... And why are you taking calls in the storage room?

I just, uh, I needed some privacy.

Hmm. Since when and about what?

There's something we need to talk about.

Okay. There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just... I just got a call from

the school nurse.

Jackie had another asthma attack.

Do you mind if I leave? No, of course. You know, I'll drive. I still have all

those gift wraps to do for the hospital.

I'll take care of it.

Of course. Okay.

What were you about to say?

You should go.

Okay.

Wow. You are getting pretty good at this.

Thank you.

How's Sally doing?

Um, Jackie just got home. You know, she's tired, but she'll be fine.

Do you think they'll mind if I visit her?

I think she would love that.

How about we go together?

Okay. Okay.

Hi, sweetheart.

You remember my boss?

Mr. Sugarbaker.

Oh, Mr. Davekittle. And this is Miss Emma. We work together.

You decorate cakes, too? I try.

How are you feeling?

I'm bored.

Oh, yeah. She's definitely feeling better.

I brought you something.

That is really good.

Can I have it, Mom?

Of course.

After dinner.

That was really sweet of you.

Well, Jackie is part of Sweet D.

Sugarbaker's family, and you always said family takes care of family.

Hey, what's up?

I need to tell you something.

I should have told you earlier.

which I told you earlier, but I just didn't know how to say it.

Okay.

I'm not a floater.

I mean, I am a floater. That's what your mom hired me for, but that's not why

I'm here.

Okay, I'm lost.

I work for Leslie Lake.

Like the Leslie Lake. I'm her operations manager.

Okay, I don't understand.

She wanted to take over 3D Sugar Bakers.

What my mom said is she already said no.

Yes, but Leslie doesn't take no for answers, so she sent me here to... To do

what?

To spy on us?

To convince you.

You mean seduce me?

No.

So, all it is between me and you was what? It was strategy?

No. I mean, did any of this mean anything to you? Of course it did. Like,

you expect me to trust you, Emma?

I don't.

You're fired.

Dave, wait.

You haven't done enough damage yet?

It's just... Here.

You've looked better.

I didn't sleep last night.

Ah, spending a lot of time on your special assignment?

More like regretting I took it in the first place.

Well, if it was supposed to be fun, it wouldn't be called work.

I'm not doing it.

Doing what?

I told David everything.

When you say everything, you mean?

Everything. Your interest in the company, my involvement.

And I gave him back the recipes.

You gave them back?

If you want to destroy a family -owned business, leaving employees unemployed

for the holidays, that's your decision.

But leave me out of it.

I see.

You do realize that I'll have to fire you now.

You don't have to.

And why's that?

Because I quit the moment I walked through that front door.

I just wanted to find out when you were coming home for Christmas.

I don't know. I don't really feel like celebrating right now.

Well, what happened to your boss's espionage?

Ex -boss.

Uh -oh. Yeah, and that's just the least of it.

Believe me. You know you can talk to me.

I know, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Try me.

Okay.

I met someone under false pretenses, and when the truth came out, they learned I

wasn't the person they thought I was.

That is a pickle.

Really? That's your words of wisdom?

Well, I suppose the real question is, are you the person you

thought you were?

And...

Dip me in honey and call me a biscuit.

I need your help.

Okay. Can I come in?

I guess Dave told you what happened.

He did.

And you still decided to sit down with me? You try baking nonstop for 48 hours

straight and you see how comfy your feet feel.

Then I should...

Get out of your way. Sit down, sit down.

I suppose I should be flattered that some big -time muckety -muck like Leslie

Lake sent her operations manager all the way down to try and trickle and load

me. What I did was a terrible thing.

Let me guess.

She dangled some kind of promotion in front of your face?

Something like that.

Heck, if Leslie Lake offered me a promotion, I'd probably follow me, too.

Oh, trust me.

It's so not worth it.

Are you trying to tell me that she ain't all peaches and cream?

I'm telling you, she might actually be the devil.

Shame.

I really didn't like her showing that cookie, Jim.

Listen, I appreciate you taking time to talk with me, but I just, I

don't think I deserve it.

Well, I suppose that depends on your answer to my next question.

Which is?

When you said that you and your mother baked together now, was that... The

truth? Yes.

Although I did more watching.

But a wise woman once said, Mama bakes best.

I don't know about that.

I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you.

What do you mean?

Apparently, a little birdie told my...

Son, my bakery should sell some of our products in retail stores.

So I decided to give you our very first shipment.

Personally.

Our brand new salty caramel cookies.

You named this after me? Of course. Gotta give credit where credit is due. I

don't know what to say.

You don't have to say anything, sweetheart.

But you can RSVP.

RSVP for what?

The annual Sweet D.

Sugarbaker's Christmas party. You didn't forget, did you?

Oh, of course not. But, I mean, I'm not an employee anymore.

Well, then I guess you'll just have to come as my guest.

Uh -uh. Don't you say no?

Yes. Great.

See you tonight.

Thanks. What's that sour look?

What sour look, Mom?

That sour look.

You think I don't know when my own son is down in the dumps?

No, it's just, it's been a hard year, you know?

You know what the best part of a bad year is?

I give up.

There's always a new year right around the corner.

Nothing ever gets you down, does it? No, Captain.

Cold showers, running out of gas on the highway. Someone messing with your oven.

Penelope.

I'd forgotten about that one.

Yeah, I didn't.

You missed them.

She lied to us, Mom.

Like, she could have taken all this away from you.

Yet she didn't.

Now, why do you suppose that is?

Oh,

you're plus one just arrived.

I'm a plus one.

I'm up.

How long since you didn't think you were coming?

Well, I didn't think I was coming either.

Come here. I'll grab you a treat.

Come here, John.

What are you doing here, Emma?

Your mother invited me.

Doesn't mean you had to accept it.

No, I didn't.

Aren't you supposed to be going to see your mom? I was.

What?

But she asked me a good question.

Really?

She asked me if I thought I was the person I was and if that was the person

wanted to be.

What was your answer?

At first, I didn't know.

And then I thought about it and I realized, I don't want to be that person

anymore.

I don't want to be the person that wakes up 10 years from now and the only thing

they have in their life that has meaning is their career.

That their only purpose was to be someone else's tool.

For the first time in my life, I found something that gives me meaning the more

I do it.

And I fell in love with it.

And I realized the old stuff doesn't matter anymore.

Like Leslie Lake?

Especially Leslie Lake.

So he fired you?

I quit.

Really?

Now, I know I don't deserve a second chance, but maybe someday, one day,

we can go out to dinner or sing karaoke.

Don't you already got plans this week?

When I get back?

You know, we have to see if it fits into your schedule.

What do you mean?

Well, you see, someone had all these ideas about how we can maximize

and expand distribution.

Did they?

And now I got to actually go out there and hire someone to manage all of it.

Imagine that.

What do you say?

I'd say the best ingredient is family.

Yeah, now we just need a job title for you.

Ooh.

Director of Brand Management has a nice ring to it. You know, I was thinking

more of Vice President of Brand Management.

I can work with that.

Is that what I think it is?

My mom has really thought of everything, hasn't she?

Then we better not let her down.

Here

you

go.

Actually,

can I?

Sir.

I... I didn't mean to deceive you all.

I was just doing my job.

Or what I thought was my job.

You guys were so kind and generous, and you made me feel like I was a part of

something special.

Because 3D Sugar Breakers... is something special.

When I was a kid, I loved Christmas more than anyone.

And then something happened, and I had to push it away.

But then I met someone who showed me the love and joy of the holiday.

He made me fall in love with it again.

We must be the same.

Let the people become the same.

It's absolutely beautiful.

And who's this?

This is my daughter, Riley.

Hi.

She's going to hang out with Jackie. Well, Jackie just got started on the

cookies inside, if you want to give her a hand.

Can I help her with the cookies?

Sure, pump in.

So, how is everything with you two?

I would say, couldn't be better.

When's the wedding?

Oh, let's... Get through the holiday season first. This is very special

it's our first Christmas together.

Some would say that would be a make -or -bake Christmas.

Nice. But there is one thing, though.

We're going to need a good baker for the wedding cake.

Oh, don't look at me.

Don't look at me. You got this job.

Business is good.

Better than good.

My mother would be so proud of what you have done.

Thank you both.

Well, you know what, partners, I got to get up out of here and I'll see you

later at the holiday party.

Oh, we would not miss that.

It is Christmas after all.

Is that Leslie Lane?

Leslie, what are you doing here?

Well, can a girl buy herself a box of Emma's Caramel Crunchies? Well, I

you didn't buy your competitor's merchandise.

That's normally because my competitor's merchandise isn't any good.

But you, Emma, you really hit it out of the park.

Or out of the bakery.

Hello, Dave.

Hey, Leslie.

Well, this one's for you on the house.

Thank you.

Emma, I realized that I was hard on you and that I sent you here to do my dirty

work.

And I want you to know that I've seen everything that you've accomplished.

And I'm proud to be your mentor.

Thank you so much, Leslie. That means a lot.

You're welcome.

Well, I better get going before people see me buying someone else's boxes and

you know them, they'll start talking.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, darlings.

Merry Christmas.