Original subtitles

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

[clears throat] Hi, y'all.

It's Leia, back with another video.

We're gonna try again. [exhales]

Hey! It's Leia! What was that?

Hey, all! It's Leia, back with another video!

oday, I wanna talk to you guysT about Christmas.

It's coming soon. So, like, et's chat tradition and stuff.l

As Gen Z, it's up to us to either continue,

or bring in traditions from previous generations.

So here's a list of Christmas traditions

that Millennials have set up for us.

Leaving avocado toast for Santa,

or maybe some beard oil. Okay.

Genderless gingerbread person.

Okay. I, personally, think we should keep this.

White bread under the mistletoe.

I mean, I guess it's romantic.

Let me know in the comments if you think we should

keep any of these,

or if you have any traditions of your own,

please remember to share this video with your friends

and subscribe to my music channel.

hank you so much for watching.T

Bye! [kisses]

[computer clicks]

[sighs]

Ah. I see you found the tree.

I waited for you to put the ornaments up with me.

Then I'm gonna decorate the front window.

Your dad gave me this one

on our first Christmas together in the city.

[sighs] I don't have too much, okay.

We don't have to repack it all in a few weeks.

I just wanted some Christmas stuff out.

Jeez, look, Leia, I should be hearing any day now

about that new job in the city,

so we'll probably be moving after New Year's.

You already have a job.

Yeah. I wanna be a real cop in a real city.

I mean, come on. I can't spend the rest of my life

being deputy of Mayberry.

What "berry?"

It's this town, from an old show.

Whatever. On to the next home.

Look, the next home will be our forever home.

We had a forever home.

That was...different, okay?

Look, the next home will our last, I promise.

Did you get the orange juice I put on the list?

Oh, come on, Leia, we talked about this.

That stuff has more sugar than a kid's Pixy Stix

in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

Kale and spinach, super healthy, keeps you regular.

- Regular? - Yeah.

You know...

keeps your bathroom time on schedule.

- You have a schedule? - We're getting off track here.

That's gross, Mom.

It's healthy.

Don't know why I can't drop you off at school?

Because we're in a police truck.

And you afraid your friends will think

you spent the night in jail?

No, because I don't have any friends.

The kids are all butts and stuff.

Hey, come on, don't say that. Don't say "and stuff."

Just say the kids here are butts.

But I'm sure they're not. I mean, come on, Leia.

Just give them a a chance.

Why? We're just gonna move in a month anyways.

Have a great day at school, sweetheart.

Don't be like your mother.

[car door closes] Be nice instead.

♪♪♪

MAN: See you next week for some of those candy canes.

- Unloading inventory again? - Maybe.

Are you a stock boy or a sheriff?

They need help. It was a 5:00 a.m. delivery.

- In a fire zone. - So?

The quicker we unload the better.

Okay. Well, it's a good thing I brought you this.

- Light peppermint mocha, right? - Yes, ma'am.

Gotta get in that holiday spirit.

Ugh. I don't know how you drink that stuff.

Mmm. What, you don't like mocha?

No! I drink it black, like my soul.

So you enjoy your mocha,

and I'll enjoy my daily anti-murder juice.

A deputy who jokes about murder.

So glad I gave you this job.

So, who was in the shop this morning?

Was it Mario or Levi?

Couldn't tell you.

You'll get their names down eventually. It takes time.

No need. If I need anything, I need to say,

"Hey, you there! The guy with the face!"

- Okay, "Big City." - Hmm. "Big City." I like it.

Around here, it's good to know everyone.

It helps squash a lot of the problems

if you already know the people involved.

What problems? Too many cakes at their bake sale?

Sometimes.

[scoffs]

You know, I don't think I remember a single crime

ever being committed here, not even when we were kids.

Why do you think that is?

Take Doug here. Morning, Doug. How are you?

Morning, Sheriff, Deputy.

Annie, you remember Doug?

Can't say I do. Apologies.

It's all right.

I don't know that I'm that memorable.

Doug Richardson. Pleasure.

Deputy Willows, but everybody calls me Annie,

except my dentist who calls me Bonnie,

but it's been way too long to correct her.

How's the shop doing, Doug?

Doing fine, Sheriff. Ready for the Christmas rush.

That's great. How are the boys?

Well, Danny's finishing up his first semester at State,

and hopefully Davy will join him next year

if all goes according to plan.

Those boys have a bright future.

We'll see you all at Holiday Park?

Wouldn't miss it, Sheriff.

- Good. - Good.

Doug of Doug's Hardware.

Aren't you glad you now know his name?

- I know plenty of people. - [laughs]

Like who? Name one person?

Leia's teachers. Skylar something,

That's because Skylar Posey went to high school with us.

You really don't remember anyone else?

Look, I know faces. I'm bad with names.

But come on, eventually I'll get it.

[scoffs] Admit it.

You miss this place.

"Missed" is a strong word.

Take a deep breath.

What do you smell in this crisp, clean air?

[sighs] Pine-Sol.

It's actual pine, Annie.

Hey, come, on, listen, it's a great place to grow up,

but I left for a reason.

Uh, ouch.

I don't mean it like that, okay?

I--I just wanted to see the world,

and so did Sean.

You sure did.

But I'm glad you're here now.

Yeah.

Yeah, I, uh...

You know, there's a lot I don't miss about the city, okay?

I mean, I once saw a mom with her dog in the stroller,

and her kid on the leash, so...

Who's that one? He got a name?

Herman Elliott. The Hermit is what the kids call him.

Herman the Harmless is what I say.

Morning, Herman!

Oh, have you met Father Justin?

No, but I should make an appointment for a confession.

I got a lot to discuss. Tell him to clear his schedule.

[laughs]

Hey, there's somebody I know. Mayor...

Lady Mayor.

Good morning, Mayor Ruth Mulligan!

I was close.

- How does it look? - B-E-A-utiful!

Looks like Christmas threw up all over the building.

I think it looks great.

You've got to get in the holiday spirit.

That's the second time you've said that today.

What are you? The Grinch?

Yeah. Did you ever stop to think about

maybe the Grinch would be nicer if every five minutes

some dude wasn't singing songs about what a jerk he is?

[phone buzzes]

Sheriff Hay.

All right, all right. I hear you.

My finest deputy's on her way.

- Where am I going? - Mrs. Crinshaw's farm.

Ugh! Again? I mean, come on!

That woman calls us at least twice a week

to complain about too many clouds in the sky.

Hey, you remembered who she is. It's progress!

♪♪♪

[indistinct chatter]

- I Googled you. - Oh. Uh...

You've been here half the school year

and haven't talked to anyone else but teachers.

I had to make sure you weren't a spy for the witch.

The witch?

The witch who lives outside town.

You and I would have serious problems

if you were working for her.

Don't worry. It turns out you're legit.

Thanks.

I found your YouTube videos.

- Oh, those are just-- - I liked a few and subscribed.

Really?

[bell rings]

Oh, I'm Zora. This is Sebastian.

See ya.

Oh, sorry about your dad.

Okay. Bye.

♪♪♪

- She's been kidnapped. - Hold on, Mrs. Crinshaw.

You have to find her.

Tabitha's been missing for three days now!

- How old is she? - She's four.

She was born right there in that barn.

I delivered her myself!

Physical appearance?

Black and gray, matching her mama.

- Gray? - I'm so worried.

Her fur is gonna get matted if she's not--

Is Tabitha just a cat?

She's not just a cat, Deputy.

She's family. She's my child.

[cat meows]

You need to take this serious! Write this down!

I think I've got enough here.

Listen, are you sure she's missing?

I see at least two cats in the house.

If I say Tabitha was stolen, she was stolen!

And it's your duty to get her back!

Any signs of break-in? Doors, locks,

windows been tampered with?

Not a thing!

But they could be too cunning for the likes of you.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, I'll look for your cat around town, post some flyers.

Do you have a photo of the animal?

You look like the only animal that's here!

Don't you touch a thing!

[door closes]

[door opens]

I know what you're thinking.

"That is just some crazy witch."

But someone in that wretched town is trying to hurt me!

I just know it!

[crying] They took my baby!

Mrs. Crinshaw, listen, I used to have a cat.

I even bought here a present once,

and then I did that present in the basement

with the rest of my family gifts.

In case you're wondering how weird I am.

Here.

And I want a receipt!

[crickets chirping]

[sighs] There's so much stuff.

Why did you put all that out?

I'm sorry.

Look, it looks really beautiful.

Really, it's worth it.

Thanks.

[sighs] I just don't want to go overboard, okay?

I was driving around today, and I saw a car

that was dressed up like Rudolph,

and I thought, "This is exactly why aliens don't visit us."

We never decorate for at Christmas anymore.

Last year, we did nothing.

This year, you're just gonna ruin it again.

Dad used to--

Dad isn't here!

["The First Noel" playing]

Maybe we could... play a game later?

I think I saw Rudolph knocking on a box earlier.

Actually I've got homework.

[sighs]

♪♪♪

[thud]

["Ring Christmas Bells" playing]

[sighs]

[sips, gulps]

[phone buzzes]

Morning, Hay.

Wait, are you serious?

Uh-huh. Leia, come on, we gotta go.

[siren]

Can I come?

Do not leave my side. Do not say anything. Got it?

Got it!

Can you believe this? It's an actual emergency.

I think this morning was the first time

I turned on the siren in years.

- Hi, Tom. - Hey, Princess Leia.

What is she doing here.

Did not have time to drop her off at school.

I'll do it after. What do we got?

Someone stole our decorations!

It's awful! Simply awful!

They even took the nativity scene.

What kind of a monster steals Jesus?

Decorations? That's the emergency?

I don't think you quite comprehend

the ramifications of this, Deputy.

This holiday keeps our town alive.

How so?

Tourists, honey!

Tourists passing through, buying gifts,

feeling the small-town charm.

The town needs that influx of cash.

And sales are down this month, across the board.

So we are really counting on the Holiday Park Tree-tacular.

- Tree-tacular? - It's our biggest weekend.

People from all over come into town

to see the lights at Holiday Park

and the tree-decorating ceremony.

You don't remember?

Everyone brings a special ornament

to contribute to the town tree.

RUTH: Yeah. TOM: It's a great night.

Our most important night.

And it all culminates right here at Town Hall.

And it hasn't even snowed!

We're on the case, Ruth.

We understand how serious this is.

Let's get a closer look. Shall we?

Thanks.

Who would want to swipe Christmas from Townhall?

The lights were ripped down.

Someone had a hold of an end and yanked.

LEIA: How do you know that, Mom?

The way the staples are pulled away from the wood.

Who's this little one? The junior deputy?

I'm Leia.

- Security cameras? - No, ma'am.

We never needed them.

TOM: What kind of lights were they?

RUTH: Standard outdoor lights from Doug's Hardware.

Maybe 50 strands altogether. Multi-colored.

Hey, I got something.

Okay.

How big is the nativity scene?

Oh, it was the entire holy moment.

Jesus, Mary, the Three Wise Men.

Pulled out of the scene.

This must have been a truck of some kind.

A vehicle large enough to fit all that in.

Let's call the DMV, check records for any trucks in town.

All right.

ANNIE: Where's that door lead to?

To our basement, where we keep all the landscaping tools.

Is it usually left open?

No, we lock it up at night.

They could have used this to get ahold of the lights.

Hey, what are you doing? You'll destroy the fingerprints.

Fingerprints? [scoffs]

Annie, we don't have print powder here.

How is that possible?

You said it yourself, we don't have crime.

What if there's a murder or something?

We'd get help from the state.

This is just about the most exciting thing we've ever seen.

[sighs]

Sheriff Hay, I'm gonna need you to go to the hardware store.

Get me a candle, a lighter, and some clear tape.

Mayor Mulligan, go the party store and get a balloon.

Just one?

Just one. Fill it halfway with water.

And I need a makeup brush.

Oh! How's this?

That's my girl!

What are you waiting on? Go.

- Oh. - Oh. Okay.

♪♪♪

Hey, y'all. It's Leia.

I am at the scene of a crime.

Someone stole the Townhall lights and decorations.

Even sweet baby Jesus!

This is my mom, lead detective on the case.

I'm not a detective.

Oh, good, everyone's back.

Hey, wanna see something cool and science-y?

Heck yes!

All right, Mayor, balloon.

- I hope this is right. - It's perfect.

Hey, light the candle.

Okay.

There we go.

All right. Bring it over here.

Now swirl it around a little bit.

TOM: Okay. - Perfect.

The balloon won't burst 'cause of the water inside.

And the smoke from the candle

collects on the balloon's surface to create soot.

- Hmm. - That's pretty good.

Okay. Leia, makeup brush.

Oh, right. Here.

And we use the makeup brush to collect some of the soot

from the balloon's surface.

And hold this, please. Thank you.

Now, I go over to the ladder, and I put this where I think

someone's fingerprint might have been.

Hay, tape.

- There you go. - Perfect.

Just like that. We have a print.

- Wow. - Wicked!

Pretty good, huh? Do kids still say that these days?

- Yeah. - No.

[beep] Okay. so, like, let me know in the comments,

whose fingerprint do you think this was?

What? No. Leia.

Please remember to share this video with your friends

and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Bye! [kisses]

You are not posting that.

Why not? It's just a fingerprint trick.

- Because you're not. - Come on, Mom. It's cool.

You look awesome and stuff.

Don't say "and stuff." Just say I look awesome.

Okay. Fine.

But nothing else about this case. Do you understand?

Got it.

What now? This is your scene it seems.

I'm gonna stay here and keep dusting this ladder,

see if I can find any more fingerprints.

Hey, would you mind dropping off Leia at school?

And then come back here, start knocking on doors,

see if the neighbors saw anything.

Sure, boss.

Take this balloon.

♪♪♪

[bell rings]

[indistinct whispering]

The energy. I can't believe you were at the crime scene.

I sent everyone your video. You're like Big Miss.

- [all talking] - Shut up! Shut up!

My dear friend will take questions one at a time.

One at a time, people!

Do you have any information

on the missing Townhall decorations?

I don't like to gossip. That's beneath me.

But I heard it was an inside job.

I didn't see nothin'!

It's them hooligan teenagers!

We can't have Christmas without those decorations!

We can't! We just can't!

Who knows what they'll take next?

The mall Santa's beard? Rudolph's nose?

Yule predates the Christmas holiday by thousands of years.

In the Norse culture, "yule" refers to god Odin.

If you ask me, I think it was Herman the Hermit.

I heard nothin'!

Why?

What-what-what have you heard?

Yule celebrations included ritual sacrifices,

so the god Odin would bless them with fertility

and good battles.

Maybe it was Father Justin.

But don't tell him I said that.

What if he smites me?

Okay, let's recap.

No one saw anything, no one knows anything,

everyone is accusing everyone.

Hey, at least we got the word out that we're looking.

Maybe someone will come forward.

We do have that one print off the ladder.

My friend's running it through the whole town.

We get no hit, she'll go lighter.

I don't think it'll come to that.

[sighs] Come on, Hay, you know this whole town.

Who do you think did it?

I honestly don't believe anyone in this town

could do something like this.

And why? I can't imagine.

What do you know about the mailman?

You think he could be going postal on Christmas, you know?

Taking it out on the decor?

Charlie loves Christmas.

Maybe. Think about it.

All those deliveries on Christmas?

Could be pretty overwhelming.

He volunteers at Holiday Park every year.

[phones buzzes] Come on, Hay. Gotta be something.

- I couldn't begin to say. - I can.

I.D. came back on the print with a positive match.

Who is it?

Of course those are my fingerprints on that ladder.

- I used it. - Used it for what?

Who do you think hung those lights?

Ask the mayor.

You can ask the mayor anything.

Mr. Richardson here says he's the one

who put up the Christmas lights.

Sure did. He does it every year.

You didn't think to mention that before?

I didn't think it was relevant.

I must have forgotten to lock the storage when I left.

I'm really sorry about that, Mayor Mulligan.

I've had a lot on my mind lately.

No worries at all.

I'm actually gonna get some replacements.

You buy the decorations from Doug?

Everyone in town does.

Not this year.

I'm sorry?

Yesterday you said business was doing just fine.

Normally around this time, we're bustling.

People grabbing up holiday lights and decor.

But not this year.

Truth is, we're struggling.

Yesterday you mentioned that one of your sons was in college,

the other son's gonna join him.

College tuition's pretty expensive.

You think I took those lights? To drum up business?

Well, the mayor is here right now

to drop some money in your store.

If people find out there's a thief in town,

it'd drive 'em away.

Why would I do that?

No one is accusing anyone of anything.

Besides, Doug is right.

Who would wanna come shop here

if they're afraid something would be stolen?

Are we done? If it's all the same,

I'd like to be finished with this interrogation.

Yes. Thank you for your time, Mr. Richardson.

Doug didn't do this.

- How do you know? - I just know.

Okay, in our line of work, "I just know" doesn't cut it.

He has two sons. He needs the business.

Otherwise he'd have to tell his youngest

that he can't go to college with his big brother.

Still doesn't make stealing the lights right.

If he did it, which I'm not convinced he did.

ANNIE: Herman the Hermit. What's his story?

TOM: He's not a real hermit.

He lives outside of town, but he comes into town

for groceries, errands.

How does he feel about Christmas?

I don't know if I've ever seen him at Holiday Park,

but he's harmless.

I know, like you've mentioned.

Hey. The bank has a camera. Do you see that?

Yeah, but it doesn't aim over the street, only the sidewalk.

Still it's worth a shot. We can pull the footage,

and maybe we'll catch somebody going toward the crime scene.

- Yeah. I like that. - Right.

Hey. Someone had a good day.

I guess so.

And I've been thinking.

Maybe it's okay if you start if you start

to drop me of at school sometimes.

I can do that.

Cool.

Do you wanna help me with something?

Is it related to the case?

It's related to a case.

Yes, yes, yes!

Put your seatbelt on. I can still arrest you.

Don't think I won't.

Uh-oh. Someone lose a cat?

Oh, she's not mine. I'm just here helping my mom.

Ah. Father Justin Holbrook.

Nice to formally meet you, Deputy.

Mrs. Crinshaw's cat ran away.

Not that I'd blame the cat.

Ah. I know her, very well.

- The cat? - No, Mrs. Crinshaw.

Lovely woman, and a genius.

I'm sorry, are we talking about the same person?

Lives at the edge of town, cat lady, wild hair?

She's been a bit reclusive since her husband passed.

Um, she used to work at NASA.

- Oh. - Like, as an astronaut?

Not exactly. In astrophysics, I believe.

Her husband always dreamed of owning a farm,

and she worked remotely until, well...

Together they made each other's dreams possible.

I'll, uh, I'll keep an eye out for Tabitha.

- Thanks. - Wait.

Maybe the same person who stole the decorations took the cat.

That is too bad about those decorations.

Do you suppose somebody wants a...

a literal war on Christmas?

You know, I had a friend fighting the front lines

of Christmas, 2012, 2014.

She was stationed at Starbucks.

Pumpkin spice inventory. Ugh.

Mom!

Sheriff Hay says you've really taken charge of this case.

We're lucky to have you.

He went out to talk to Herman, I believe.

- Wait, what? Hay did? - Yes, ma'am.

- We have to go. - But I want to hang my flyers.

That's not the priority right now, Leia.

What about Tabitha?

Look, I can't leave you here by yourself.

- Mom, I'm 13. - Father, would you mind?

Say no more. I'd be happy to help...

until your mother gets back.

- That'd be awesome! - Okay.

- Thank you. - Sure, sure.

- Bye, Mom. - Let's go.

♪♪♪

[car door closes]

Hey! Why didn't you tell me that you were coming here?

Annie, I appreciate that you have more experience

with cases like this.

No one's ever worked a case like this.

But the way you interrogate people, it isn't right.

Hey, look, I know how you feel about these people.

I'm sure suspecting them is beyond difficult.

But I'm just trying to find out who did it

so it doesn't happen again.

- That may be but-- - What I'm trying to say is...

I'm sorry.

I could have been more delicate,

and I will try harder next time, okay?

- Okay. - Good.

So, what made you suspect Herman?

[sighs] I thought about what you said,

and you were right, so...

Someone in my town stole the decorations,

and I decided to start making the rounds.

- You suspect him? - I worry about him.

I'm worried that he might be jealous

of all the town folk with all their money

when Herman has so little.

Yeah, and the whole town calls him Herman the Hermit.

Which wouldn't exactly make him feel very welcome.

Hey, Herman?

HERMAN: Who is it? - Sheriff Hay.

- I didn't do nothing! - Whoa, whoa, whoa.

No one said you did.

What's this all about, then?

Nice truck you got there.

You looking to buy, are you?

ANNIE: Are you looking to sell?

I might be if the price is right.

It don't run, though. It ain't run in years.

Sure about that?

If it ran, I wouldn't be walking into town

to work every day, now, would I?

TOM: Easy now.

Got something here, Hay.

Are these new?

[mumbles] I had them forever!

They're antiques practically.

I just ain't exactly had time to put 'em up yet.

- That's my fault. TOM: Millie.

He spends so much time taking care of me.

He barely has time for much else.

HERMAN: Go on back inside, honey, please.

I might wanna sit out front. I wanna feel the sun.

Yeah, setting up Christmas decorations can be a real pain.

I used to tell my husband that Christmas lights

should come with coupons for couples counseling.

[laughs]

I thought things would get better

when our daughter came along, but it turns out

kids go with holiday decorations like, probably even hurricanes.

[laughs] Hey, I like this one.

She's funny.

- You okay? - Yeah.

You two have a nice day.

- Yeah. - Bye.

- Honey... - It's okay, Herman.

♪♪♪

You excited for Christmas?

I guess.

That doesn't sound very convincing.

My mom will probably mess it up again.

What do you mean?

My dad loved Christmas.

We used to do all sorts of fun traditions together.

You don't anymore?

He died.

Oh.

I'm so sorry.

The first year without him,

Mom was too sad to do anything,

so we didn't really have a Christmas.

Then she said she wanted to have a fresh start somewhere new.

So that's why you moved here.

[softly] Yeah.

But she wants to move back to the city as soon as possible.

Sheriff Tom only gave her this job

until she finds something else.

And you're afraid that...

this Christmas will be like the last one

I thought being here would let Mom have fun again.

But, like, she still doesn't wanna do any Christmas stuff.

Well, um...

what do you like to do when you can't do Christmas stuff?

I have a YouTube channel.

My last video got tons of views.

Really? Well, then, um...

maybe you could help me with something.

Like what?

Some of the people in our town...

have forgotten the reason for the season.

The true meaning of Christmas.

I can tell you know it.

- I do? - Yeah. Sure you do.

I don't think you just miss the traditions and things

you used to do.

You miss doing them with your father, with your mother.

That loving family time.

That's what Christmas is all about.

And sometimes people just need a reminder, you know?

So I was wondering,

maybe you could, uh, put together a video for me.

What kind of video?

All right. Talk to as many people as you can

and ask them two questions.

What does Christmas mean to them?

And what is their favorite Christmas memory?

- That's it? - That's it.

I think it could help people a lot.

- Really? - Really.

Love is always a gift worth giving.

- Okay. I'll do it. - All right.

What say we hang some more of those flyers?

- Okay. Let's go find Tabitha. - That's right.

Hey, Mom, can I interview you?

Is this for a class assignment?

No, actually. It's for Father Justin.

He wants me to ask everyone questions about Christmas.

- Sure. - Cool.

- [recorder beeps] - Uh, Christmas means chaos.

I mean, just try to go shopping in December,

and you'll know exactly what I mean.

People are just as likely to elbow you in the face

over a Barbie dream house

as they would wish you Merry Christmas.

- Wow! Mom! - You asked.

Okay. Well, what is your favorite Christmas memory?

[sighs] My favorite Christmas memory.

Um...

♪♪♪

[sighs]

He said they were antiques.

We figured maybe he'd sell them on eBay for extra cash.

Nope. Those are not our lights.

- Are you sure? - 100%.

Don't worry. We'll find them.

It's not about recovering the lights, Sheriff.

It's about catching whoever took them.

Word has already gotten out about the thief.

People are cancelling hotel reservations.

At this rate, the Tree-tacular is going to be a--

- Disaster? - Yes!

You are coming, aren't you, Deputy?

You simply must.

Well, if I simply must.

Hey, do you mind if I bring my weird roommate?

You mean your daughter?

Yeah. Don't worry. She'll be cool.

Yes. Of course.

Do you have any other friends you could bring?

Uh... [phone buzzes]

Hey. The bank. They got the security footage ready.

Tom?

We'll let you know if there's any update on the case.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

Did you find Tabitha yet?

Not yet, Mrs. Crinshaw.

What is taking so long?

Sorry. We're busy working on more important things,

actual crimes.

How dare you insinuate--

Mrs. Crinshaw, I assure you we're doing

everything we can to find Tabitha.

We put the word out, we posted flyers all over the town.

Look, why don't you come to the Tree-tacular this weekend?

We can put the word out about Tabitha together.

Humbug!

Well, someone was right.

Maybe you should only visit people once a year.

[chuckles]

[beep]

LEIA: What does Christmas mean to you?

Uh...

sadly, I think that Christmas has become all about

lights, decorations, presents,

all the shiny things...

without the true feelings behind it.

Um, but I pray that will change.

And I think you helped make that happen.

LEIA: What is your favorite Christmas memory?

♪♪♪

[chuckles]

Got the footage queued up?

I'm viewing it now.

Is that my dry cleaning?

Yeah. I passed it on the way here.

Figured I'd save you a trip.

Anything?

Uh, no.

It's all quiet on the Western front.

Hmm.

Do you mind taking over while I change?

I, uh, spilled some mocha on myself earlier.

Thought you smelled a little pepperminty.

Got yourself a new holiday cologne.

Ha! I wish.

It's been nice having a deputy around.

I miss working so close with someone else.

You haven't found a new teammate?

Ha. No, not since swim team.

And even then, we all still swam solo.

You know, after Dad took off,

Mom, she was always working, so...

I got used to being alone.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say...

I'm glad you're here.

Yeah. Um...

Look, Tom, I...

You gonna finish that sentence?

Yeah. Yeah. I, um...

I thought of something Christmassy

that I actually enjoy.

TOM: Hmm. Is that right?

Yeah, Christmas sugar cookies, you know?

Right there in the name: sugar.

Love a sugar rush.

Oh, what about cocoa?

Cocoa.

Who's that?

ANNIE: Doesn't it seem a little late

for her to be wandering around town?

I think I know who she is.

Uh, presents. I was shopping for presents.

At midnight. On a school night?

For my dad.

I didn't want him to see what I was getting him for Christmas.

What's even open that late?

The mini-mart?

You went to a mini-mart to buy presents?

Probably bought candy or something.

Still...

You shouldn't be sneaking out late at night.

Your parents would be worried sick.

It's just my dad, and he works late in the morning.

No more late night shopping sprees, okay?

TOM: You can go back to class.

- She's hiding something. - I know.

And I got news for you. Even Santa uses Amazon Prime.

No way that kid doesn't shop online.

No way she took the decorations.

I mean, how would she haul it all away?

I'm gonna pick up Leia.

- Hey, say, Annie. - Mm-hmm?

What are you doing tonight?

Uh, nothing much. Why?

There's this cookies and cocoa event

at the Space Between tonight.

Kids decorate cookies, parents watch.

I don't know. Might be fun...

for you and Leia.

You gonna be there?

Sure am.

Meet you there?

Yeah. Yeah. Sounds great.

[mouths] Yes.

["The 12 Days of Christmas" playing]

♪ On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ♪

♪ A partridge in a pear tree ♪

Evening, ladies.

Well, hey, Tom.

- Can I go now? - Sure.

Were you waiting for me?

Sip your cocoa.

- Wanna decorate with me? - Yes, please.

Hmm.

On the 13th day of Christmas, my true love said to me,

"I think I might be a hoarder."

[laughs]

I mean, you've got a point.

There's no way you're still accepting gifts from someone

and four days of birds.

[laughs]

There's that laugh.

What's wrong with my laugh?

It's a good thing. It takes me back.

To?

To you and Sean and your nonstop shenanigans.

I could never keep up.

What? You held your own.

Pff. Barely. For you it was...effortless.

For me, I had to, like, bring my A-game

every time we hung out.

But if I can make Miss Annie Willows laugh,

that was a gold star night.

So yeah. It's a good thing.

Because it always feels like a win.

Sorry, I just don't have a lot to laugh about lately.

TOM: I know.

I miss him.

Me too.

I guess that's my I've been such a Scrooge lately.

- I hadn't noticed. - Oh.

- Ouch! - [laughs]

Sean always dove head first into Christmas.

As a matter of fact, I'd say drowning in it.

And then when Leia was born, it just got worse.

I mean...better.

I mean...

something about songs and trees and cookies,

Elf on the Shelf, and upchuck duck and...

Upchuck duck?

[laughs] Yeah.

He put this Santa hat on this really weird duck puppet and...

Instead of an Advent calendar,

it would throw up on Leia every morning.

A little toy or a piece of candy or a...

instructions for a two hour scavenger hunt.

Got him hungry before I was...or am.

For everything, he...

Just for everything.

Annie... he knew.

Right.

TOM: This is nice.

[chuckles] Yeah, watching a grown woman pout into her cocoa.

No. I mean being off-duty.

Just... well, just talking.

Yeah. Yeah, it is nice.

[laughing]

You know, something happens to you

every time you look at that little girl of yours.

It's like...

the walls come down,

and I see a spark of something.

The real you.

Leia's getting all Christmassy too.

Father Justin has her doing this video project.

You don't think Father Justin could have done it, do you?

Hmm. Somebody else is obsessed too.

- What happened to off-duty? - I can't help it, okay?

That's just the way my mind works.

Father Justin is a priest.

So? What if he's upset about how commercial

the holiday's become?

Wants everybody to stop and appreciate it

and teach us a lesson.

Feels like a reach, but I guess we shouldn't rule anyone out.

[laughing]

And I wanna keep Doug Richardson on that list.

That was his fingerprint on the ladder.

And he has motivation.

That's better.

Hey, y'all.

onight, I wanted to update youT on the Christmas crime.

The moment you've all been waiting for.

Whose fingerprint was on the ladder?

Doug Richardson,

owner of the hardware store.

What was he doing with the ladder?

Was he at Townhall that night?

I don't know.

What I do know is he is suspect number one.

- Good morning! - Morning.

- Homework due today. - Yes, ma'am.

- Hey. Have a seat. - Hello.

- Hey! - Hey, Skylar.

Checking out the old haunts.

Yeah, it's a real blast from the past.

[chuckles] Well, I thought I escaped, but here I am.

Right back where I started.

Get me out! [shouts]

Kidding. You know I love being your teacher.

[laughs] Shouldn't you be in class?

Get in there.

- Bye, Mom. - Bye.

[chuckles]

Whoo! Still smells the same.

Like one book of memories.

Boys wearing too much of their dad's cologne.

[both laugh]

We wanted to put up Christmas decorations,

but some of the parents don't celebrate the holidays,

so the school board wouldn't let us.

- Big surprise. - Mm.

Which parents complained, if you don't mind me asking?

You didn't hear it from me,

but it was Mr. Anderson.

You know his daughter, Zora.

They don't celebrate Christmas?

Nope.

So there'd be no reason for her to be buying gifts

at a mini-mart at midnight.

Is there any reason why anybody should be buying gifts

at a mini-mart at midnight?

[indistinct chatter]

[bell rings]

- Thank you. - See you later.

All right, class. Let's get started.

LEIA: [beep] What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas, to me, means a nice two-week break!

I mean, it's not that I don't wanna see you kids,

it's just that midterms and parent-teacher conferences,

it just gets so busy and... aaagghh!

LEIA: What's your favorite Christmas memory?

Olivia Karnick, Channel 6.

Why did you steal the decorations?

Were you taking a stand against Christmas?

Who do you hate more, Santa or Jesus?

Hey, hey, hey, hey, what's going on here?

Why have you not made an arrest yet

if you already know that Mr. Richardson is the thief?

I'm not a thief.

Mr. Richardson is not a suspect at this time.

There's no story here.

Then why were his fingerprints on the ladder?

- I saw the video. - The fingerprints are Doug's...

from when he put up the lights.

Wait a second.

What video?

What were you thinking?

Do you have any idea what you've done to this man's life?

You said it was his fingerprints.

But we didn't release that to the media, Leia.

And this is exactly why, okay?

You gather the evidence before you jump to conclusions,

and the evidence says that Doug is most likely innocent.

He didn't do it?

His son told Sheriff Hay that he was up

working with his dad late the night before,

and then Doug had to be in to work early the next morning,

and he probably just didn't have sufficient time

to steal those decorations.

But that's not the point, okay? The point is,

you can't just publish that kind of stuff!

I never should have taken you to that crime scene.

But it was so cool getting to see you work.

You did awesome!

And my videos are finally getting

views and likes and attention.

Sweetheart, listen.

You can't just post that kind of stuff

without thinking about it first, okay?

Once you post it, it's out there,

and you can't take it back.

and have real-life consequences.

I have to take your phone.

- What? No! - Leia.

Please. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone.

I just...

People are finally starting to watch my videos.

And the kids at school, they wanna be my friend.

See?

I won't post anything else about this case, I promise.

Just, please, don't take my phone.

You made all these videos?

Everyone wants to talk to me now.

[sighs]

Fine.

But no Holiday Park until you find a way

to make this up to Mr. Richardson.

I will.

I promise.

I took the video down right away after Mom told me what happened.

And I wanna make it up to you.

What'd you have in mind?

Well, I'm pretty good at Christmas decorations,

so I wanted to make a window display for you.

We think it will help draw customers to your store.

All right.

You can use anything in the store for the window.

Just ask me before you open anything.

- Mm-hmm. - [sighs]

Well, come on, then. It ain't gonna decorate itself.

♪♪♪

- What's this? - Turkey club, no mayo.

Packed myself lunch this morning.

Figured I'd pack some extra for you.

Don't make it a thing.

I didn't say anything.

Did you lose your appetite?

I, um...

After Leia's video on Richardson,

I started looking at her YouTube page.

I watched a few. They're cute.

Cute?

They're heartbreaking.

I didn't realize she was using it as therapy.

I feel like I failed her as a mom, you know?

No, Annie.

She lost a father. That's not your fault.

Yeah, but in a way, she lost her mom too.

You know, and...

she hasn't had a real Christmas since, um...

You should be proud.

It was resilient of her to make those videos.

She took all those feelings,

and she did something productive with them.

Oh. Sorry.

I think she's a very creative girl.

Yeah, she is.

Thanks.

[beep]

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas means our busiest time of the year.

We've got to bring in as many customers as possible.

The money from the holidays is what sustains us

for most of the year.

Without it, I--I don't know if we'd make it.

♪♪♪

My word, would you look at that?

Y'all did this.

You brought customers back into my store.

Thank you.

Love is always a gift worth giving.

Come on.

Well...

What do we have here?

A home delivery service?

Hi, Mrs. Hermit.

Their last name isn't Hermit, Zora.

Oh. Sorry.

Anyone who brings me groceries

does not have to apologize for something like that.

Kids, this is my wife Millie.

Millie, this is Leia and Zora.

Oh, my gosh, I can't thank you kids enough.

Now-now, what do you want?

Uh, what my husband means is,

how can we repay you?

Oh, you don't need to pay us. We just wanted to help.

Well, you have to let me give you something.

And I will not take no for an answer.

I like... apple cider.

Hey! Yeah, yeah!

How about two apple ciders at the Tree-tacular tonight?

Aw, kids, I'm sorry.

I--I just don't think Millie is quite up to something like that.

Herman, we owe these kids, and I intend to make good.

Two apple ciders tonight at the Holiday Park.

Awesome! See you there!

- Goodbye, girls. - Bye.

Oh!

["Up On The Housetop" playing]

[indistinct chatter]

♪ Up on the housetop, reindeer paws ♪

♪ Out jumps good old Santa Claus ♪

♪ Down thru' the chimney with lots of toys ♪

♪ All for the little ones, Christmas joys ♪

- Hey. - Hey.

It's okay if you like him.

What? Who?

Sheriff Tom.

I mean, it's okay with me if you wanna, like, date him.

What are you talking about?

It's okay to miss Dad and still be happy.

You can do both.

We're not, like, starting a new book here.

We're starting a new chapter.

And new chapters means new characters.

That's a very mature way of wording it, Leia.

I read a lot.

I'm just saying it's okay if you love Tom.

What? Who said anything about love?

Come on, I'm 13.

Okay, here he comes. Just act natural, okay?

Okay.

And then I said, "Rubber baby buggy bumpers."

Wise decision, Mom.

Oh, hey, Tom. We didn't see you there.

- Oh. Good evening. - Hey.

You're both looking lovely.

Thank you.

Okay, I'm gonna get some cider, so you two can talk.

Excuse me.

[both laugh]

"So you two can talk?"

I don't know when my daughter turned 40.

I thought I'd be the, uh, one to bring you something this time.

Mm.

[sniffs] Ah. Mulled wine.

Ah. You're officially my favorite.

I'm leaving you everything in my will.

[laughs]

There's usually more people here on a night like this.

Listen, don't worry. We'll find the guy.

By then it might be too late.

[sighs]

- Question. - Answer.

Have you thought about...

what you want for Christmas?

Come on, that's easy.

Someone to pay off my debilitating student loan.

But, you know, you can never have enough mugs.

- [laughs] - How about you?

- Honestly, Annie? - Mm-hmm.

I want you.

Oh. Uh...

And Leia... to stay...

here.

Become deputy full-time.

Look how you've handled this case already.

We need you.

I need you.

Here. As my deputy.

I don't know, Tom.

I mean, this case? [groans]

It's like it's just...

spinning out and haven't made much progress and--

Just think about it, all right?

Think about Leia growing up here.

It could be great.

I mean, we turned out okay.

[groans] Last thing I want is my daughter to turn out like me.

I can't think of anything better.

Really?

Ask Father Justin.

He gets it.

Father Justin, tell Deputy Willows

how much this town has done for her daughter.

More like how much her daughter has done for our town.

I mean, have you seen the way she transformed Doug's Hardware?

That window display is really bringing people in.

I have never seen it so busy.

Well, she owed him after she posted that video.

Okay. Well, just look over there.

I mean, I have never seen Herman at Holiday Park ever.

And I don't remember the last time Millie

made the journey into town.

It's been months, maybe a year.

But your daughter and her friend Zora

convinced them to come here tonight

after helping them deliver their groceries.

Are you sure you have the right kid?

[laughs]

Leia is making miracles happen on this town, Deputy.

Wait. Did you see Zora here tonight?

Can't say that I did.

What do you know about her dad?

Skylar said he's anti-Christmas.

He sort of keeps to himself.

Well, if he doesn't celebrate the holiday,

then what was Zora really buying at that mini-mart?

Folks! Folks!

May I have your attention, please?

I want to thank you all for coming out tonight

to the Holiday Park Tree-tacular!

[cheering]

I know it may not be the turnout we were all hoping for,

but we can still make it a night to remember.

Now's the time we take our annual pilgrimage

down to Townhall to decorate the town tree.

Does everyone have their ornaments?

CROWD: Yeah! - Then away we go!

Okay.

♪♪♪

Oh, my.

The town tree is missing.

- [crowd gasps] - What are we going to do?

That tree means everything.

What? Who steals a tree?

There wasn't a camera outside the mini-mart,

but there was one inside.

So I got the footage from the night Zora

was shopping for presents.

Is she stealing cat food?

- She has Mrs. Crinshaw's cat. - Bingo.

I wouldn't put cat food at the top of the list

for your average shoplifter.

Plus this is a good way for me to get into the Anderson house

and talk to her dad, you know?

See if he's involved in any of this.

I am most certainly not involved in any of this.

Just because we do not celebrate Christmas,

it doesn't meant that I would steal from anyone.

I have nothing against the holidays.

It just doesn't align with my beliefs, that's all.

Well, the school mentioned that you complained

about the Christmas decorations.

I did not complain.

The school overreacted when I picked up Zora one day

and-and I happened to mention that we did not decorate.

Oh. So the school board flipped out over--

- Over nothing. - That sounds about right.

Sorry for my assumption there.

Do you mind if I talk to Zora for a second?

Zora?

Zora.

Come speak with Deputy Willows.

Zora, sweetie, I've got a quick question,

and I just need you to give me an honest answer.

She's in my closet, okay?

[crying] She's in my closet.

Who is in your closet?

Please, don't be mad.

I found her, honest.

I'm sorry, Daddy.

I guess she thought if I just

played with her for a little bit, that's all.

But I was too scared to take her back

'cause she belongs to the witch.

Why didn't you tell me, honey? I could have helped you.

I'm sorry about this.

My job comes with a long commute, back and forth,

so I'm gone most of the day.

I should have paid more attention to Zora.

Listen, no apologies.

I'm a single parent too. I get it.

We do the best we can.

And from what I can tell, Zora has a very lovely home.

Thank you.

Now we have to make this right.

Zora, you're going to return the cat to Mrs. Crinshaw,

let her decide what the consequences should be.

We can all go. It's better.

[knocks on door]

I'm not buying nothing you're selling!

- [meows] - [gasps]

My baby!

You've come home!

Where was she?

Did you take her?

I saw her after school one day,

and she followed me home.

I fed her and bathed her.

She likes baths, and she likes to chase string.

When I saw the flyers,

I should have brought her to you.

But I'm really sorry.

Tabitha is very clean.

And well-fed.

She might even be heavier now!

You did an excellent job taking care of Tabitha

while she was on this little...

let's call it vacation.

I told Zora that her punishment is up to you.

Oh, I see.

Well, you can come by every day after school

and help take care of Tabitha.

[Tabitha meows]

Maybe even some of the other kitties.

That is if it's okay with your father.

- Can I, Dad? - Of course, Zora.

- Thank you, Mrs. Crinshaw. - I'm sorry.

It's okay. She didn't mean it.

No, I mean... I'm sorry. Me.

I apologize for my attitude when I first got here.

You were right. Someone had taken your cat.

I should have taken it more seriously.

Thank you for that.

Perhaps I was a bit hard on you as well.

[chuckles]

When you've been alone so long like me,

sometimes you forget how to treat people.

Father Justin says you used to work for NASA.

- No way. Really?

Can you come to my school and teach us some...

like, science stuff?

Oh, I don't think they'd wanna hear from me.

I'm sure the Science Club would love to hear

about your adventures.

I would love that.

I can talk to the science teacher,

and we'll set something up.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Tabitha, say goodbye to your friends.

Class, please give a warm and friendly

Science Club welcome to our special guest Ms. Crinshaw.

Thank you, Miss Posey.

Some of you may know me as The Witch

who lives outside of town.

Well, you're right.

I am a witch, and I'll show you some magic.

Now, what you call magic, I call physics.

Now let's see if we can make it snow inside.

Whoo-hoo!

Whoo!

Whoooo!

Deputy Willows.

Yes. Hi.

I've been waiting for your call.

[people chatting]

Great. You found a cat.

Was it stuck up a tree?

Is this all you're good for?

We need more time, Mayor Mulligan.

I can buy you until tonight,

but then you need some kind of information.

Hello?

All right. All right. Settle down.

Before our midnight mass tonight for Christmas Eve,

we will hold a town meeting at the Missouri Theater.

I promise you, our beloved law enforcement

will have your answers by then.

Thank you.

[murmuring]

What does she expect us to do?

Pull the answers out of Santa's magic bag?

I don't know.

TOM: The mayor's just pushing us for an answer.

The only time I saw a cop use a corkboard like this

was when they had no leads and no idea what they were doing.

And now I'm one of them.

All right. Let's focus, Annie.

What if Mayor Mulligan is behind it?

That's why she's pressing us to jump to a conclusion,

so she isn't considered a suspect.

- Annie. - Think about it.

It gives her a good excuse to access the town budget,

dig into the tax funds.

That doesn't make sense. This is hurting tourism.

That is the opposite of what she wants.

Okay. Well, then, who is it, Tom?

'Cause you haven't suspected anyone so far

in this entire town.

That's 'cause you're suspecting everyone for me.

What's that supposed to mean?

[sighs] Nothing. I don't want to get into it.

You know what? If I seem harsh, it's because I had to be.

It's because you're too close to these people, Tom.

And you're too nice to see that someone in your town is a thief.

You don't think I'm a real cop.

What? Come on, Tom. Of course I do.

You took over this case the moment we walked onto the scene.

You didn't even give me a chance.

Because I knew you couldn't handle it.

Tom, look, I'm just saying, there's a difference between

crime in a small town and a big city.

It must be nice to always be the smartest person in the room.

No, it's awful, but it's a burden I must bear.

This isn't funny, Annie.

The bottom line is, you don't trust anyone in this town.

There's not much I can do about that.

But I thought at least you'd trust me.

I'm the one who has your back. You should have mine.

- Tom, I do. - No, you don't.

You just wanna move back to the city

so you won't have to let anyone get close to you,

so you never get hurt,

so you never lose anyone ever again.

But that is no way for a person to live.

And it's no way for your daughter to live.

A solitary life like that, it changes a person, Annie.

Yeah? Well, you know, it's not your problem anymore

because I got a job offer, so...

I, uh--Just consider it as my two-week notice.

- What? - I got a job offer.

I start in the new year.

So you don't have to worry about me

ruining your perfect little town anymore.

You know what? I'll take your two weeks.

And you can work every minute of it.

What's that supposed to mean?

You can handle the meeting tonight, on your own.

That's how you like it.

Tom, come on. Where are you going?

If we were a team, I'd tell you.

♪♪♪

- Hey, sweetheart. - Hi, Mom!

My video is almost done!

I talked to the mayor already.

She said that I could play it after the meeting tonight

before we all head to mass.

She said it might... lighten the mood,

whatever that means.

Great, kiddo.

Listen, Leia, I have some news.

- What news? - I got that call.

The job in the city.

So we can start looking for houses tomorrow.

That could be our Christmas present to each other.

You know, shopping for our forever home.

Why can't this be our forever home?

Come on, Leia, you know that was always the plan.

Your plan, not mine!

You never even asked me what I wanted!

I finally have friends here.

Real friends!

And not just kids at school but all over town!

Sweetheart, you can make new friends.

Come on, Leia. A week ago you were saying

the kids on school are butts and stuff.

I like it here.

I don't wanna start over somewhere else.

[sighs] I'm sorry, sweetheart.

Listen, we can discuss this tomorrow, okay?

I gotta get to the townhall meeting.

[people shouting, talking]

[shouting and talking continue]

Okay, everyone, settle down! Settle down! Listen.

Quiet, please, so we can discuss this.

[crowd shouting]

- Quiet! - [crowd quiets]

Okay, we are still actively working on this case,

but these things take time.

[shouting]

It's not like we can throw darts at a board of names

and pick a perpetrator.

You have had days to work on this.

[shouting continues]

[shouting stops]

Leia...

Leia, what are you doing?

Don't judge them by tonight, Mom.

They're scared.

- I know but-- - Can I say something?

[sighs]

Be my guest.

Oh, so you're putting her in charge now?

- Okay. Let me. - No. I got this.

Don't worry.

My name is Leia Willows.

When I first moved here, I didn't know any of you.

And it was hard to ju--

But I've learned something since then,

something that I think a lot of you have forgotten about.

Christmas isn't about the lights,

or the tree, or any of that stuff.

And someone stealing them doesn't stop Christmas.

Tomorrow morning, Christmas will still be here.

So who cares about what we don't have?

Look at what we do have,

right in front of us, all of the people that we love.

My dad used to tell me that we all

hold the spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year round.

It's just at Christmastime that we get to let it all out.

Which is why I wanted to show you all this.

Mayor?

[click]

LEIA: What does Christmas mean to you?

Uh, Christmas means chaos.

The money from the holidays is what sustains us

for most of the year.

Without it, I--I don't know if we'd make it.

LEIA: What's your favorite Christmas memory?

Last Christmas, my family got stuck in a snowstorm,

so they couldn't fly back.

Which meant I was home alone.

Well, my students found out.

They stopped by throughout the day,

and they brought cards and candy and gifts.

They didn't want me to be alone on Christmas.

The other night at Holiday Park,

seeing all the people enjoying the festivities together,

under the night sky and everything.

Oh, and your mother.

She was watching you with this spark in her eye.

I miss that spark.

One Christmas morning with my boys.

They were maybe five and seven, I think.

I got 'em each their first tool kit.

And they said, "Look, Dad, we're like you."

Now they're going off to college.

Where's the time go?

Christmas morning, a few years back,

I went to the local hospital to visit the kids

who were too sick to come home for the holiday.

And as I'm walking down the hall,

I noticed that every single room is filled with family.

There was not a single kid left alone.

When our girls were young,

and my husband Mike dressed up like Santa Claus,

oh, the look on their faces.

The joy it brought them.

The last Christmas with your dad,

he had his diagnosis.

He knew he was on borrowed time,

but he insisted on doing everything the same.

All the usual traditions.

I just remember sitting in front of the fireplace,

watching him watch you open the Christmas presents

on Christmas morning, and he had this...

spark in his eye.

And why can't I just make her answer

what Christmas means to me?

Christmas is about...family.

If I had to sum up,

I'd say Christmas is all about family.

- Family. - Family.

It's family.

[applause]

Oh!

Wasn't that simply wonderful?

[applause]

Thank you, Leia Willows.

The entire town is so very happy to have you

and your mother here.

Well, why don't we gather ourselves

and head down the road to church, shall we?

We have midnight mass beginning shortly.

That was marvelous. Just marvelous.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

That was so beautiful.

[crying] I'm so proud of you.

I know I wanted to leave town, Mom.

But you like Tom.

And you're worried about what will happen if we stay here.

But moving forward doesn't mean

we're forgetting about Dad, you know?

Oh, Leia.

You had to grow up so fast,

and now you're wiser than your momma.

I know you're sad.

I've been sad too.

But that's okay.

Because I know what that sadness is.

It's love.

Our love for Dad.

But just because you meet someone new

doesn't mean you're giving that love to someone else.

You're sharing more of your love,

because we all have so much to give.

And love is always a gift worth giving.

Thank you. I love you so much.

I love you too, Mom.

Now let's head out. People are leaving and stuff.

That can change. And stuff?

- Yes, please. - Okay.

♪♪♪

[crowd murmuring]

It's back!

- Everything came back. - Yeah, but who did it?

All of the missing items from Townhall have been returned

to the church during a confession.

- [beep] - Now, as you all know,

everything spoken during confession

is privileged and private.

- So you can't say a word. - I cannot.

But the person responsible

wanted me to express their sorrow for what they had done

and deeply apologize for causing everyone such anxiety.

They promise it will never happen again,

and they beg you all for forgiveness.

[crowd murmuring]

Now, now... [chuckles]

If you must blame someone,

you may blame me.

Had I been more present and reached out to this person,

none of this would have happened.

So, I am responsible.

No. As mayor, I should have made sure

that everyone felt welcome in our community.

So, you may as well say I did it.

Well, if you did it, Mayor, I guess that means

that I did it too.

- No, I did it. - I did it!

- I did it! - I did it!

I did it!

Well, perhaps we all had a part in making this happen.

But let's not allow that to ruin Christmas.

Everyone, run home and get your ornaments

and let's decorate this tree!

[excited chatter]

I'll be right back.

Hey, y'all.

I think it's a real Christmas miracle.

Comment down below if you think so too.

[kisses]

Did you do it?

Is that why you had Leia make that video?

Show everyone that they cared more about their decorations

than what really mattered?

Are you going to arrest me, Deputy?

He didn't do it.

I did it.

I took the lights, the nativity scene,

the tree, everything.

So I understand how you can yank down the lights

and pack up a nativity scene, but the town tree?

There's no way. Did Father Justin help you with it?

Easy now, Annie.

My husband was a pillar of this community.

And when he died, I felt abandoned by this town.

I heard the rumors that people said about me.

For years, I locked myself away because

I thought the people of this town were cruel.

And when I thought somebody took my Tabitha from me,

it broke me.

I wanted to teach the people of this town a lesson.

It's like this town barely seemed to notice.

So she came back for the tree.

But how? We checked the DMV records.

You don't own a truck.

She does.

It's registered in her husband's name.

Okay, fine.

But the town tree? By yourself?

How?

Physics, my dear.

You figured this all out?

After our, uh, conversation,

I went to Crinshaw's place and checked the barn.

The barn! I just peeked inside.

You would have found my secret.

The years of isolation took its toll on me, Deputy Willows.

It made me bitter and angry at the world.

But I was doing it to myself.

I locked myself in a prison of my own making.

I didn't realize it until that sweet child

brought my Tabitha back to me.

And your kind words

and going to the school.

It made me see the error in my ways.

I confessed everything to Father Justin,

and he helped me bring everything here.

I hoped that seeing everything returned

would remind people to be forgiving.

Unfortunately, Father,

that's not how the law works.

ANNIE: Maybe it can.

The tree and the decorations are very clean.

Clearly they were all cared for.

I'd say Mrs. Crinshaw did a fine job

of taking care of them while they on this little...

let's call it a vacation.

It is the season, right?

Is it really that shocking that I can be nice?

Yeah, a little. Uhh! Ouch!

ANNIE: Sorry.

You sure this is how you wanna handle this?

It's your case. You cracked it.

All right. Well, you heard her, folks.

Let's keep it between the people in this room.

Okay?

Thank you so much.

My daughter recently told me

that love is always a gift worth giving.

I'm pretty sure she heard that from someone in this room.

♪♪♪

RUTH: Where did all of these people come from?

JUSTIN: I think it's Leia Willow's video.

Over 28,000 views in under an hour.

[laughs]

Well, what are we all waiting for?

We've got a tree to decorate. Come on down.

♪♪♪

Evening, ladies.

Hey.

You asked me what I wanted for Christmas,

and I said you, and I meant it.

Annie, we make a great team.

Yeah, we do.

All three of us.

Wait. What are you saying, Mom?

I'm saying...

this is the closest we're getting to the city.

Really?

Listen we made a lot of great memories there,

but we've got a lot of great memories on the way here too.

Starting this Christmas.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go put it on the tree.

There it is again.

That spark in your eye.

Yeah? I think I know what it is.

What? An eyelash? Some dirt maybe?

- Stop it! - Ow!

It's love.

Love?

Yeah. Love.

♪♪♪

♪ Seems like a lifetime since I've been gone ♪

♪ But I got some good news ♪

♪ I'm coming home ♪

♪ Leaving on Thursday ♪

♪ And if what they say is true ♪

♪ I'll be spending Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Who needs sunshine? ♪

♪ Just let it snow ♪

♪ We leave our footprints every place we go ♪

♪ We can go skating ♪

♪ Like a pair of Christmas fools ♪

♪ When I spend my Christmas Eve ♪

♪ Baby, I won't ever leave ♪

♪ After spending Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Christmas isn't just another holiday ♪

♪ It's a time when all our dreams come true ♪

♪ Christmas Eve is always just a day away ♪

♪ When I close my eyes and think of holding you ♪

♪ The fire's burning ♪

♪ The light's are low ♪

♪ They're playing "White Christmas" ♪

♪ Every place we go ♪

♪ Dancing to Crosby ♪

♪ It's the thing we like to do ♪

♪ When I spend my Christmas Eve ♪

♪ Baby, I will never leave ♪

♪ After spending Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Christmas isn't just another holiday ♪

♪ It's a time when all our dreams come true ♪

♪ Christmas Eve is always just a day away ♪

♪ When I close my eyes and think of holding you ♪

♪ The fire is burning ♪

♪ The lights are low ♪

♪ They're playing "White Christmas" ♪

♪ On the radio ♪

♪ Holding you tightly ♪

♪ And I'm never letting you go ♪

♪ When I spend my Christmas Eve ♪

♪ Baby, I won't ever leave ♪

♪ After spending Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ My Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Christmas Eve with you ♪

♪ Christmas Eve with you ♪