All language subtitles for A.Christmas.Post.2024.720p.WEB.TbV

Maybe next year, Tessa.

Bad news.

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

Hi, uh, can I get a black coffee
to go please?

We're out.

Of coffee?

Yep.

- More coffee?
- Great, thank you.

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 1800 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 my coaster.

Well, I've been praying
every morning

for a response
from the committee.

Have faith, it'll all work out.

I hope so.

Your prayers
may have been answered.

Okay, the nomination committee
is granting an injunction

to pause construction
until they can review

- the full application.
- Oh.

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.

- Morning, morning!
- Morning.

- They serve you at the cafe?
- Yeah, of course. They love me.

You always were a charmer.

Hey, the 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.

Oh, this coffee is disgusting.

Well, you better be convincing
at this meeting

or get used to
caffeine withdrawals.

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,

uh, for his
office building proposal.

Uh, please hold all questions
until the end.

Noah.

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.

Um.

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've got this.
- Okay.

I... I thought we were
holding questions until the end.

Uh, 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?

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.

Hmm. 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?

Oh... 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.

I... Wasn't that a major concern
of yours too, Mayor?

Yes, yes, it was a...
a major concern.

You... 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 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...

Uh-uh.

to see if a compromise
could be had?

You know, after all, part of
her job is preservationist.

I... I think
that's a great suggestion.

- No, I don't, I don't.
- No, that's not...

All those in favor of Noah
and Tessa collaborating

to find a...
a mutually beneficial solution?

- What?
- It 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, um...

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.

He's going to 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 going to
have to do

is fight the injunction.

Might just take
a little extra effort here.

This Tessa Findlay 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
they're coming 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, Noah. Come check this 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?

It'd be a shame 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 manor tours today?

What can I do for you,
Mr. Harrington?

Please, call me Noah.

If we're going to be
working together,

we should probably
move past the formalities.

It's Tessa, right?

Miss Findlay's fine.

Okay. Well, Miss Findlay, uh,

we actually found
this old mailbox

when we were cleaning out
the post office.

And there were
still letters inside.

From 1992.

All addressed to the North Pole.

I thought maybe you could
help me track down

the town residents and make
some Christmas wishes come true?

Albeit a few decades late.

You want to play Santa?

Despite what
your impression of me is...

I'm not a Scrooge.

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.

Thank 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 Tessa?
- Not there yet.

Don't mistake my kindness
and cooperation as a weakness.

Wouldn't dream of it.

Oh.

Oh, hi.

- Can I help you find something?
- Hi.

Oh, I'm just waiting for Noah.
He came by to see Tessa.

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.

Okay.

Okay.

What?

Can I give you a hand
with something?

Uh...

um, yeah. Please.

- Oh, no worries.
- Thank you.

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. No. It's... it's fine.

We've 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.

Yeah, 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.

- Sorry.
- No problem.

Oh, excuse me?

- That's Noah. Duty calls.
- Sure.

Sorry.

- Bye.
- Bye. Bye.

Thanks for your help
with the shelves.

- Yeah, no problem.
- Bye.

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...
- Well, that's still to be seen.

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 Gramps to visit.

We haven't spent
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 Parsons.

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?
- Oh, Kim was on to me.

Any luck figuring a way
out of this?

Maybe. 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.

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
significance in the community,

but I'd argue
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?

Want to grab dinner
at the cafe later?

My team's meeting up
at the ice rink tonight.

- Maybe a sandwich to go?
- Yeah, sure.

Hey...

we haven't seen a movie
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.

- Hey, Tessa.
- Hi.

- 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.

Oh, doubt I would have
gotten this wish

even if the letter
had been delivered.

Those game tickets
were 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... 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...
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, though.
- No need. No need.

- No.
- They're company tickets,

and I can't make it
to the game anyway.

Better they go to a real fan.

Thank you.

I guess sometimes
wishes come true

when you need them
the most, huh?

- Thank you.
- Merry Christmas.

- Thanks.
- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hey, where'd you go?

Do these books really...

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Where did you come from?

Uh, nowhere?

The, uh, self-help section.

- Oh, so you came to your senses.
- Yeah, I'm not sure about that.

But, um, the thing is,
I'm not... 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... 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...

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.

- Okay.
- Yeah.

- Thank you for this.
- Don't tell Kim.

Oh, trust me, I won't.

Greg seems like a great guy.

Yeah, I think
he appreciated those tickets.

- Mm-hmm.
- You 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,
Ms. Findlay?

Only with things I excel at.

How did you become
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.
- Hmm.

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?

What about me?

Why design?

I believe everyone deserves
form that serves function.

You know, it's about the people.

- It's for them.
- Hmm.

Why is the post office
so important to you?

It used to be the hub
for the community.

I mean, like you said,
for the people.

People got married there.

They would host
community picnics every summer.

And the old men would sit
on the bench every afternoon

and grumble about local affairs.

But none of that's 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.
Go through some more letters.

See you tomorrow.

Yes, yes, I understand.
It's just a delay.

Mm-hmm.

I'm sure the project will be up

and running again
before Christmas.

Yes, the signature
Harrington design

will be featured here
in Oak Creek.

Mm-hmm. Okay.

Okay, thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Investors?

Yep.

They are really not happy
about the delay.

You think they'll back out?

Uh, 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 isn't going up
as scheduled,

and 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 thing
is just a coincidence.

Not likely, my friend.

Great.

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.

Or 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
you might 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 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?
- Hmm.

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 acts of service guy.

Okay, it says here
that you show your affection

by helping others...

kind gestures,
and being a provider.

Hmm. Probably not as obvious
as words of affirmation, though.

Oh, no, I think
it's a really good one.

- Hmm.
- It's very selfless,

and it requires actual effort.

Hmm. It's a little hard
to portray on a first date.

- Hmm.
- Maybe I should try compliments?

Okay.

Try one on me.

Oh, um, okay.

Hmm.

I think
your speed reading skills

- are truly impressive.
- Thank you.

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...
- Oh.

but no that was, um,
that was better.

- Really?
- Really.

Lights are done.
Um, what's next?

Um.

- Bathrooms need cleaning.
- Bathrooms, glamorous.

Excuse me.

This one's not happening.

Take a look at this one.

Dear Saint 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?
- Hmm.

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.

No. Look... 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!

Oh.

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.
- It's better.

Are you going to tell Myles
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... I miss our time
together.

Really has been so long.

He's going to be so excited
to see you too.

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,

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 hand held video game.

You know, if you wanted to do
any Christmas shopping

of your own,
we 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. Um, 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
and 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 Findlay!

Canned? Seriously?

Won't you lose
your historian card for that?

Yeah, well 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
into the coffee shop.

To be 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 have put into

assisting Santa this Christmas.

Must have been fun,
working together.

It's been great.

And... 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?
- Hmm.

- 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.

And you know, a common lesson
that I'm getting

from all of these books
is that opposites attract.

Yeah, kinda.

- 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.

- Hmm.
- 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.

I... I never said
I disliked small towns.

- Hmm.
- And the more time I spent

in Oak Creek,
the more I could see myself

settling down
in a place like this.

Hmm.

Hmm. Well, maybe you aren't
so different after all.

I mean, you're both
obviously very passionate

about spreading Christmas cheer.

- Hmm.
- Yeah.

Oh, we're not done yet.

Oh, so more surprises
in store, huh?

Just you wait.

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
as a teen

at a Christmas donation center.

We'd put together gift baskets.

I was in charge
of wrapping the toys.

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 to us?

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... 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

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
the glow of Christmas lights,

a good cup of hot cocoa,

and a heartwarming
Christmas movie

to get me in the festive spirit.

That does 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.
- Uh, it's the least we could do.

Also...

- For me?
- Mm-hmm.

Yeah. There was one letter
from an anonymous sender

whose wish could only
have come from one person.

- I knew it was you immediately.
- Oh.

Oh, wow.

Oh, I must have been
so excited about Christmas,

I forgot to sign it.

Oh, this was so long ago.

I... I don't even remember
what I asked for.

Open it.

Oh.

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!

- Come in!
- Welcome to... welcome to

Santa's workshop!

- Oh, wow!
- Hey!

Oh my God, this looks amazing!

That went really well.

- That was fun.
- It was.

I, um...

I should get back
to the library.

I'm meeting
with my history kids.

I think it's great
you pass 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.

Hmm.

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?

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.

- Bye.
- Bye.

I'll confirm
that order tomorrow.

Okay, 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.

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...
- Weren't you getting us coffees?

- I'll just 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 Findlay.

What?

Nothing.

Just, I don't know, you seem
a lot more cheerful lately.

It's Christmas.
Of course I am.

Oh.

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.
- Hmm.

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?

An 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.

Seemed to be an important part

of everyone's
Christmas traditions.

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

Not sure.

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

Or Tessa could take it

to the manor house
and reestablish

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.
- Thank you.

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. 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
in a 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, here.

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...

uninspired concrete and glass.

Fine, maybe 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.

Uh, 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 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 the 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 sixtieth birthday.

He loves to sing.
When he really shouldn't.

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 look 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
Tess's knowledge of everyone

in town that made it happen.

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.

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.

♪ O come all ye faithful ♪

♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪

♪ O come ye, o come ye ♪

♪ To Bethlehem ♪

♪ Come and behold Him ♪

She's great.

- So good.
- I know.

♪ King of angels ♪

♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪

♪ O come, let us adore Him ♪

♪ O come, let us ♪

♪ Adore Him ♪

♪ Christ ♪

♪ The Lord ♪

Dance with the enemy?

Sure.

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, Ms. Findlay?

Hmm, despite my best efforts.

Hey, um...

there's something
I need to tell you.

What's that?

It's about the National Registry
application.

Excuse me, Tessa.

- Thank you.
- Oh, you're welcome.

- That was very special.
- Oh, you did a great job.

- Really good.
- You did.

Uh, what were you gonna say?

Oh, um...

just that whatever happens...

I've 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.

- Hmm.
- 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...

- gone and complicated things.
- Hmm. By falling 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.

You 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.

Thank you.

- 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.

Oh.

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.

Uh.

We're done here, Mr. Harrington.

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.

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. It 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... 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.

Oh...

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

Yeah, and...

this is the last book
in the relationship section.

We, um, we make a good team.

Okay.

It's a... Well, 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...

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... 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
to 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... I love this idea.

Thank you.

This... 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've got to do.

- Oh, I'll...
- Okay.

Can you, uh, 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, uh, plan.

Thank you, Mayor Mitchell.
It's fantastic news.

Thank you.
And Tessa for figuring this out.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas to you.

Ho ho ho!
Merry Christmas!

Just a few more steps.

All right, 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."

It's your turn. Go ahead.

Okay.

Just as magical
as I thought it would be.

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

This tradition
should continue too.

Who's going to answer
all the letters?

We 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.