All language subtitles for The Christmas Writer (2025)_Track05

As she stood there in
front of the Christmas tree,

her eyes welled up with tears
as she allowed the feeling

of betrayal to penetrate.

She dismissed the
tears from her face,

embarrassed that
she had trusted again.

Turning to the front door,

she heard her,
before she saw her.

Susan entered, dressed in
crimson red from head to toe

with a dusting of
snow on her shoulders.

Caught somewhere between
devotion and deception,

Leslie crossed
the room and said...

And you'll have to finish that
chapter yourself

to see what she says.

Thank you so much.
Thank you.

You're welcome. Hi!

Thank you so much.

There you go.

Thank you.

You saved the best for last.

Hi!
Oh, my gosh.

Come this way.
Oh! As your

official best friend,
I simply had to attend

the book signing
in our hometown.

Well, it is in our
best friend agreement

so, you know.
Mm-hmm.

Oh, my gosh.

Where's Aimee?
She's working.

She couldn't
make it on this trip.

She works...

...a lot.

She's sad she couldn't be here.

She hates it here.

She's a city girl.

Yeah, who-who did
you bring tonight?

Well, there is a clause in
our friend agreement

that says,
you cannot judge my choices.

How young is she?

She has her masters.

Is getting
she's getting her masters.

Where is she?

She's in the white.

She's very smart.

She looks

wise beyond her years.

Your dating life has been

a great distraction
for me this past year.

Well, I am happy
to be of service.

How are you doing?

I'm trying to keep it together.

Coming back and
forth has been hard,

and... now I'm here...

...with my book,

and my mom doesn't get
to be here with me,

and...

...she always loved
that this was

my last stop on my book tour.

I know.

But she was always
so proud of you.

She would talk about it
to all of her students.

And honestly, everyone
at the college.

I know. It could get a
little embarrassing.

You still have your grandma.

She's been a rock for us both.

Okay, you know what?
Get it together.

You've a photo op coming up.

And do I get to meet, um...

Uh.
It's Sar...

Uh, c

Oh, my God.

Lauren, Lauren, Lauren.

I knew it was Lauren.

Just love it that you are here.

Noel, we sold more copies today
than the last book,

and that book's
doing well again.

That's great. Uh

Grandma, Erin,
you remember Jillian,

my agent.
Good to see you.

Pleasure.

Yeah, we met last year.

My mom would be so happy.

Oh...

She said this
one was her favorite.

Feeling up for photos?

Let's do it.
Okay.

Hello, Pinewood.

Noel's hometown has always
been a favorite stop

on the book tour.

For VIP ticket holders,

Noel will take photos now.

Hello.
Hi, thank you so much
for coming to Pinewood.

Oh, I love coming home.

It's-we really appreciate it.

It's really inspiring.
Thank you.

What do you do?
Ladies,

can I take your photo please?

Oh.
Oh.

Thank you so much.
Yeah.

Hi, how are you?
Hi.

Hey, you should all go
out tonight and celebrate.

It feels weird
celebrating without mom.

Oh...

Her mom was Professor Robbins.
Oh

Oh, no.
Okay, that's o

I loved her. Your mom,

she was my favorite teacher.

Thanks, she was a great mom too.

She would want you to have fun.

No, I hope it's okay. I

just kind of wanna go
ahead and drive home tonight.

I wanna surprise Aimee, so.

Oh, well, now

now you be safe

driving this late.

I will, I will.
Okay.

Love you, friend. Bye. Ooh.
Love you, friend.

Okay.
Okay.

Bye.

Surprise, Aimee, I'm home.

It was so good to see everybody.

They missed you, though.
Grandma says hi.

Aimee?

My hat.

Hello.
Hey, you. Haven't heard

from you for a while,
wanted to check in.

Well, you found me.
Which is where?

Home.
We're headed to the
pumpkin patch

and apple orchards today.

You know, you're welcome
to drive up and meet us.

I'd love to have you
for a couple days.

God, I can't believe
it's almost Halloween.

I'm no fun to be
around right now.

It's too close to the holidays.

She loved Christmas.

Yeah, she did.

Is it weird not
having a book

out this season?
Ugh,

I can't even think about it.

I may not even wanna be the
Christmas writer anymore.

Maybe I need something new.
Hey, you're not just

a Christmas writer,
but a great writer,

period.

You're a great best friend.

Love you, come see us.

I love you.

I will.

Soon.

Bye, friend.

I'm ready,
send her up.
Okay.

Ms. Robbins,

Ms. Howard will see you now.

Okay.
Oh, I'll hold onto this.

She doesn't like outside bags.

Noel,

you know, the
moment I first see

the sign of pumpkin spice,
I think of you.

Maybe I should write
about pumpkin spice.

Don't tease about that.

So what do you have for me?

I have a pitch.

A pitch?

Okay, lay it on me.

The setting is an
unusually warm spring with

Wait, wait, wait.

Spring? No way.

No.

Noel, you're the gay
lady Christmas writer.

The only climate you
should be thinking about

is snow and ice.

I was thinking
of branching out,

you know,
trying something new.

Thanks, Paulette.

Why would you do that?

Would Danielle Steel write
a political thriller?

Absolutely not.
Would Margaret Atwood

write a romantic comedy?
I don't think so.

Would James Patterson
write a cookbook?

There's not a chance.

Christmas writing
is what you do.

It's who you are and
what your fans love.

Tell me you have
something Christmas for me.

Chapters,
rough drafts, something.

That's what I wanted
to talk to you about.

I have writer's
block with Christmas.

No one is expecting a Christmas
book from you this year

because of the loss of your mom.

But we need to feed
those hungry fans.

Next year, they'll be hungry
for the next great

Christmas romance
by Noel Robbins.

If you start now, you'll
have plenty of time.

Coming next winter,
Noel Robbin

I don't wanna think
about Christmas.

I know how close
you were to your mom.

I know how important
she was to you, but

She... loved Christmas.

Every time I try to write or...

...think about Christmas,
I have this...

...huge...

...grief well up inside
and I-I can't

I can't write.

I can't imagine how hard
this has been for you.

Your mom wouldn't
want this for you.

You not thinking about Christmas

is unnatural.

It's your brand. It's

Maybe it's time for a new brand.

Nonsense.
Do whatever you have to do

to find that thing you do.

Wait,
I got an email a few weeks ago.

Take a look at this.

"Dear Ms. Robbins, I can't
imagine how hard

it's been for you since
losing your mom.

She was one of my
favorite teachers.

If you're coming home for
Christmas, we're running a
contest at Pinewood Books

for the best
Christmas story idea.

I need a judge.

Of course, I thought of you."

Reece comma Callie.

Gus runs Pinewood Books.
Is this a scam?

You thinking what I'm thinking?
It would be great for PR.

It would be great for her.
Plus, I think it'll
help her generate

some new ideas.
And her grandma's still there.

Her grandma is still
I'm still in the room.

Right.
You love going home.

Uh, I love what it used to be.

Look, your mom wasn't
just your inspiration.

She was your biggest fan.

Wouldn't she
just be devastated

if you didn't write
another Christmas novel?

I'll think about it.
Good.

And I will go.

Oh.

Noel, honey.

Is that you?
Hi, grandma.

Can you see me?
Yes, ye-yes, I can see you.

Oh, you look beautiful.

Did you do something
different with your hair?

No, nothing special.

Do you like my

my new sweater?

D-Do you think it's too much?

No, Grandma, it's cute.

It's not too much.
Oh.

Well, I don't know.
I'd probably just wear it to

to book club.
Uh, I was thinking of

coming home for a few days,
few weeks, actually.

Oh! I'm thrilled, Noel.

Just thrilled.

Yeah, I'm gonna
leave in a few days.

Can I
can I fix you something?

Um...
Do you want meatloaf?

Oh, you always
loved my meatloaf.

Grandma, you don't
have to do that.

Just fix what you
normally would.

Oh, well, okay.

I'll call you when I'm
on the road, I love you.

Oh, I love you too.

Can I get you anything?

How about a story idea?

Yeah, uh,
just soy latte, please.

Thanks.

Let's see if we can
find some inspiration.

Okay, Pinewood, gimme
that Christmas magic.

Hi, Jillian.

Guess what I woke up to today?

That seems like a
really personal question.

A social post about
Bernard Flocker's

upcoming Gay Christmas book.

I'm sending it to you.

Oh, Bernard's lost weight.

He's going to have
the number one LGBTQ

Christmas book this year.
Okay.

Well... good for him.

I mean he trails my
numbers every year.

He can have this one.
Good for him?

No, darling, you don't have
a book for next year yet.

I don't want Bernard to
have two years of top sales.

Okay, well, I took
your advice, Jillian.

I'm home in Pinewood.

Good news, good news.
Now, just

carpe diem that inspiration.

I don't think that's right
'cause diem means day and um

You got this, bye.

That would be carpe that...

...inspiration.

Noel, I didn't hear you come in.

Hi, Grandma.
Oh!

What is all of this?

Oh!

I'm sellin' online.

Do you know how to do that?

Oh, well

Ooh!

We're going live in
one hour with my

Crafting for Christmas class.

Today, we're showcasing
the lost art of...

...cursive.

What is happening right now?

I know. Do you know how many

people don't know how to

to write their own name
in cursive?

I mean, it's-ooh,
don't get me started.

Anyway, tell me

what you're working on.

Next year's book.
Oh...

I came back here
so I could focus.

Oh.

Why do you have all of those?

Oh.

Those are for the ladies
in my book club.

Oh.

I've left little notes for you.

So that you can write a
little something personal.

You don't mind, do you?

The ladies in your book club

read lesbian romance novels?

Well, sure.
As long as it's a good story,

who cares?

Uh, you know, you can

you can do this later.

Joyce Dorbeck?
Oh.

Eh-Joyce.

She came to your recital
when you were 10.

Okay.

Why don't you go and settle in.

Your old room is
all ready for you.

Oh, honey.

I'm so happy that you're home.

Me too, Grandma.

Are you
ready for bed, young lady?

I'm too excited to sleep.

That's not
just excitement you're feeling,

it's Christmas love.

It's the magical feeling we get

when we think about Christmas.

What do you feel
deep, deep down?

I need some of that
Christmas love, mama.

Okay.

Hey, Frosty.

I'm a little cool on the ideas.

Oh God, that was awful.

You sit over there and
think about what you did.

Rudy, who has always been
self-conscious about her nose.

No.

There's no time like Christmas!

There's no time like Christmas!

There is no time for that.

You know what I want
for Christmas, Santa?

A story idea.

Here you are.
And Merry Christmas,

have a great one.

You, uh, certainly don't
look like you need it.

Excuse me?

The self-help, uh...

Sorry, worst line ever.

I was looking for Gus.
Is he around?

Gus is my uncle.
Uh, he sold me the place

about six months ago.

Oh, you're Callie.

That's me.

I remember him mentioning you.

Yeah, and I, uh-I was at your

book event last year.

Oh.

Yes.

That's great about Gus.

Reece comma Callie.

Yes, author Noel Robbins.

I'm a big fan.

You're who emailed me
about the writing contest.

I host a writing
night every Friday.

Uh, it's really popular
with the college kids.

Uh, I did a study on queer
lit a few months back.

I used one of your books.

Wow.

You're really bringing
Pinewood up a notch.

Wish this place was here
when I was at Barnes.

Can I make you a cup of coffee?

Writers never turn
down free coffee.

Anything but pumpkin spice.

I-I can take that.

Yeah. That

So, my agent

didn't tell me
much about this contest.

Are you just a lover
of Christmas stories?

Or is this more of a stunt?

I love Christmas.

I'm really lucky that in a
small college town

like this they appreciate
the local bookstore.

I've already had quite
a few people sign up.

But I think they're just
intimidated to pitch

to such a great
Christmas writer like you.

Shouldn't be right now.
I don't feel like

very much of a Christmas writer.

So, what are you
working on next?

Or is it like top secret,
embargoed stuff?

Super top secret.

Not even I know.

Yeah, it's uh

it's been rough since, um...

Mm.

Everyone in town loved your mom.

She was one of my favorite
teachers at Barnes.

I'm so glad you got
to take her class.

Yeah, she's actually who
got me started.

She was the biggest fan
of my books.

And Christmas.

And, your dad?

He left when I was 10.

I was raised by my mom
and my grandparents.

Did they, um... support you?

Oh, mom started the
first PFLAG at Barnes.

And Grandma owns

more rainbows
than a leprechaun, so...

...uh, I was really lucky.

That's a lot of information
for a first cup of coffee.

Sorry, uh, that tends to happen.

I've been asking
a lot of questions.

So I-I guess we should
talk about the contest?

Can I ask you something first?

Yes, Noel is my real name.

No, I wasn't born in December.

I was actually born in summer.

You've been asked
that before, huh?

Few times, yeah.

Let's find that Christmas love.

Okay.

Welcome to the
Christmas story idea contest

with acclaimed
author Noel Robbins.

Now you each have a pitch sheet

and 15 minutes to share
your idea with Noel.

She may ask questions
or offer feedback.

The winner gets a $100
Pinewood Books gift card.

Thank you all for being here,
and, um,

we hope you leave inspired
and full of Christmas magic.

Okay, do you need anything?

I've got my notebook, pen,
coffee, and an open mind.

So, what do you need me to do?

Just listen to their
ideas and ask questions.

I can do that.

Awesome, good luck.

I just love your books.

Thank you so much.
That-that means a lot.

Well...

I think it should be

about giving,

don't you think?
Sure.

How do you write so well?

Lots and lots of practice.

If you wouldn't mind,

would you make this out to Sue?

There's this world
where everyone is blue,

but they all wear Santa hats.

So, and they're like this
highly evolved race of beings.

But they're able to connect

through their
Santa hats to humans.

Kind of like a holiday Avatar.

How-how do you mean?

There's this
Grinch type character

that runs around with a
machete chasing anyone

that talks about the holidays.

You know, I was unfortunate
when I was a child.

If you could make
this out to Gloria.

The cool, beautiful,
warm, golden sunlight

rose from the east, like a
new friend saying, "Hello".

And this-this, Dolores.

You know, in my day,

if I got an orange and a
peppermint stick,

I was happy.

Not the kids these days.

Is that what you
wanna write about?

The Christmases from your past?

My past?

Well, now there's a story.

Oh, you are a trooper.

Think you got it
in you for one more?

Of course, uh...

Well, hi, what's your name?
Pepper.

Well, Miss Pepper, what is
your Christmas story idea?

One where I get a
new mommy and my mama

Oh, Pepper.

Um, what about the one about
the puppy that saved Santa?

She's yours?

I have two stories, Mama.

Are you a real writer?

I sure am.

Pepper, this is Noel.

She really wants to be a writer.
She really wanted to meet you.

Do you know Junie B. Jones?

We've met.

Next time you see her,

tell her
I think book three is the best.

Will do.

Pepper, uh, Nana's waiting.

Oh.

She's eight.

My parents help me
out with her a lot.

It's hard being a single parent.

Especially trying to
run your own business.

Did you have Pepper alone?

No.

Sandra left us about
seven years ago.

Being a mom, Pinewood, me,

just wasn't for her.

She's a travel blogger.

Rome, Japan, I really
can't keep up.

But ever since it's
just been me and Pepper.

Does Sandra ever
travel back here?

No.

Anyway, thank you so
much for your time.

I know I'm taking you away
from your writing time.

Oh, no problem. It was, uh...

...interesting.
Well, you only have

one more day of interesting.

How are you liking being back?

How long have you lived here?

Oh, I moved here for
college and never left.

Met Sandra at Barnes, so.

Are you happy here?

Are you kidding? I love it here.

Where else in America
can you pick up tractor parts,

buy cow feed and sip a latte
while listening to poetry,

all on the same block?

Uh-But small town values,
I mean, it must be hard.

Ah. People around
here care more about

how you keep up your farm
and handle your business

than they do about who
you're in love with.

I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay.

Oh, hey, um, if you're
not busy tomorrow night

Oh, I'm not ready
for a relationship.

I'm still healing from my mom.

And my last relationship
lasted way

longer than it should have.
I mean,

she cheated on me and I

And I've said too much. Again.

I was gonna say, if you're free,

I'll be at the open mic
night at the coffee shop.

Oh.

If you like poetry.

I do...

...like poetry. I

But I should probably write.

Well, if you need great coffee
and angsty college poetry,

I'll be there.

Maybe.

So I walked in and they're
wrapped up in my new sheets.

What?
And the other girl's wearing
my Santa hat.

Yours?
Mine.

That is insane.
Yeah.

Okay, well she's on
the naughty list in my book.

Thank you.
Mm-hmm.

How was your trip?

Mm. It was good.

They put my table next to
the guys

from Edmonton.
Mm.

One of them is
a very close talker.

Has horrible breath.
Ew.

Have you decided if
you're gonna stay?

Not yet.

I keep thinking that
coming back here,

the other part of me
would come back too.

The Christmas writer.

Is that, um,

cute bookstore owner helping?

How d

Do you know her?

No, no. It's a small town.

Okay, well, I can't stop
sharing personal information

with her and I hardly know her.

She's really nice.
And she doesn't

take herself too seriously.

And she is

over the top
precious with her daughter.

And she smells nice.

Uh-huh.

And she seems very smart.

Mm. Hey, yeah, I mean, you
don't know her at all.

I should introduce
you two sometimes.

Okay.

I feel like you're
mocking me right now.

Yes, the coffee shop would
be fun, but I need to write.

I can't go to the coffee
shop, I need to write.

I know I need inspiration.

You think I might find it there?

With college kids
and emo poetry?

Y-Yeah, it would be more
interesting than talking

to a blinking cursor.

You're right, I'll go.

Thanks for the talk.

In the land of textbooks
and sleepless nights,

where caffeine and stress
reach dizzening heights.

Hey.
Hi.

You left this at
my house

last night.
Ah...

Thank you. Oh, my gosh.
Yeah, no problem.

See you later.
Okay.
Yeah, see you later.

Hi.
Hi.

You came.
Yep.

Do you wanna, um, sit down?
Yeah, sure.

Yeah.

Didn't mean to interrupt
your conversation.

Uh, yeah, um,

Pepper left this on a playdate.

This place is cool.
It is, great food, too.

I hope all the ideas you
heard today didn't interfere

with the ones in your head.

Oh. No, I think
most people just

wanted conversation and...

...to check me out, I guess?

Can I show you a wine list?

They sell wine here,
that's impressive.

Uh...

Your House Cab, please.

Thanks.
Awesome.

Club Soda with lime, please.

Be right back.
You don't like wine?

I don't drink.

Oh.

How long?

Seven years.

What... changed?
I mean, what...

...brought you around?

Pepper.

Books.

Your books.

What do you mean?

Well, I love Christmas.
I always have.

And your series with
the Christmas mysteries...

...had me hooked.

Every time I felt like I needed
a drink, I would just...

...pick up one of your books
and get lost in another world.

Helped me stay sober.

Why didn't you tell me?

What was I supposed to say?

"I'm so glad you're here, by the
way, you helped me get sober.

Can I show you around?"

It's a little stalker-y, yeah.

Well, how long has that picture
of me been on your desk?

Uh...

So Christmas lover, all
these Christmas pitch ideas.

What's your perfect
Christmas story idea?

So, I have a lot of downtime
at the shop to do research.

And I was looking
into the history

of the song Carol of the Bells,
you know it, right?

Oh, yeah, it's one
of my favorites.

Okay, so the story of how

the song came to America

would make the perfect
Christmas story.

I wrote a version set in 1920,

added some lesbian
themes, naturally.

Well, naturally. But, wait.

You-You wrote this as a novel?

Yeah, it...

...needs a revision.

I... got stuck at the end
and hate what I wrote.

I have
haven't shown it to anyone.

How long have you
been working on it?

On and off about
five and a half years.

Oh, wow.

Yeah, I'm not as
fast as you are.

Would you trust
me to look at it?

Oh.

W-Wow.
Ladies.

Thank you.

Here you go.
I...

Enjoy.
Thanks.

You looking at my work, uh.

I don't think I'd
be ready for that.

I think I'd be way too nervous.

I'd really love to read it.

I'm blocked right now,
so it might be good for me

to help someone else.

I promise to be nice.

Uh, can I think about it?

Sure.

Writer's block, is that...

...unusual for you?

Very.

I guess I'm lucky that it's
always come so easily, but...

Where do you find
your inspiration?

My mom's love of
Christmas was so...

...infectious.

Every year around
the holidays it was like...

...I could pluck Christmas out
of thin air and bottle it.

You make it sound easy.

I'm not used to
it being this hard.

I tried to get out of the genre
and do something different,

but, uh...

Breaking outta genre is hard.

Stephen King managed to do it.

Nora Roberts.

Anne Rice.

Anne Rice?
Yep.

She wrote under A.N. Roquelaure.

I did not know that.

So, what inspired you
to write your novel?

Pepper. Seeing Christmas
through her eyes.

Mmm.

Christmas magic
is most passionate

through a child's eyes.

It is.

Ugh, and rediscovering things
with her is just amazing.

So what did Anne Rice write?

Hi, Grandma.
Hey, dear.

Those-those look great.

Sweetheart.

I have to take this.
Don't mind me.

Hi, Jillian, what's up?

Hi, darling. Just checking in.

Tell me you're writing.

Oh yeah, working away.

Look, Noel, we've got
word from the publisher.

There are talks about not going

with LGBTQ Christmas anymore.

Jillian, they're not going
to cancel gay Christmas.

The numbers people
are looking at demand

We demand Christmas!

And I'm soaking up
inspiration everywhere.

Finding Christmas magic
through a child's eyes.

They don't wanna hear
you're getting inspired.

They wanna hear you're writing.

Write, right?

Absolutely.

Have I ever let you down?

The lesbians need you, Noel.

Talk soon.

That was Jillian.

Oh.

Grandma, what's this?

You're moving to
a retirement home?

It's just an option, Noel.

Something I've been
thinking about.

No, you can't sell this house.

You and mom spent years
making this our home.

You love it here.

Oh, I
I certainly do.

But it-it does get
lonely with everyone gone.

Grandma, you've never been
lonely a day in your life.

You have a better
social life than I do.

Well...

I'm lucky to have my friends.

But they can't...

...do the
things they used to and...

Well, I miss your mom...

...and you.

Grandma, I didn't
think you were lonely.

Oh, well...

I didn't wanna
burden you with anything.

You have such
an exciting life and...

Well, Pinewood

Pinewood Peaceful Living,
isn't...

...an old folks home really.

People there are...

...pretty active.

I just don't like eating alone.

Grandma, I'm so sorry.

Oh, well. [chuckles] Let's not
think about these things

while you're here.

I love having you around.

I love you, Grandma.

I love you too.

You know, your
your mom would

want you to have
a joyful Christmas.

I know.

I'm trying.

Oh.

You know, sometimes...

...that's all we can do.

And then she really wanted me
I was kind of like never

She wanted me to come
to her improv show.

Well, I liked that girl.
I did like her.

B-But...

...husband.

Oh, wait, oh, I need
to talk to you.

You have made me
wait long enough.

What's going on
with you and Callie?

There's nothing to tell.

Have you kissed?

Seriously, Erin, are we
are we 14?

Well, if we were 14,
I would be asking about Tommy

from the football team and
you'd be changing the subject.

Uh, that's true.

Have-have you kissed?

Yeah...

She has beautiful lips,
I bet she's a good kisser.

We've...
Oh!

...talked.

Talked and what else?
Nothing else.

What do you know about
Pepper's other mom?

I know-I knew who she was

because she was very
connected to Barnes.

Was it sudden?

It was like out of a movie.

One weekend just packed
her bags and left.

Pepper was a baby.

God, I can't imagine.
I know.

I don't think she was a
bad person from what I've heard.

But I think she just
didn't want this life.

Like with a kid?
I guess.

I dunno, it's a small town.
We're not near an airport.

And I guess having a small child
doesn't necessarily scream

travel blogger.

I don't know.

What do you think about kids?

I haven't been in a relationship

that's made me think about it.
But...

...I always pictured
I'd be a mom someday.

I am the exact opposite.
If someone has a kid,

that is a dealbreaker for me.
Yeah.

That's not happening.
But doesn't sound like

that's the case for you.

No.

Actually, I think it'd be great.

Wow, okay.

You are having a lot of
revelations at this lunch.

I guess so. Thanks, friend.
Yeah.

Anytime. And I can be the aunt

that sugars them up
and sends them back.

Sounds like a plan.
Yeah.

So, how's writing going?

Oh
Not.

I have tried
every technique I can think of,

and I'm stuck.

You just
Jillian is

her patience is
wearing thin with me.

You need to try to enjoy

the holiday season.

It's...

It's too many memories.

But it's time for new memories.

Yeah.

I think I'm
starting to make them.

Hey, okay, another round.

Come on.

Mmm. You-you brought props.

The bank is going to take
this old woman's house.

The bank is always
a good antagonist.

I'm back. Everyone in the town
is obsessed with Christmas.

See then,

two by two,

Santa leads them all
to the giant boat.

So she's forced to
move to an old folks home

during the holidays.

So there's this hotshot CEO,

coming back to a small town
to shut down the local factory.

So, does she stay at
the old folks home?

She hates it.

So her daughter
takes her to live

with her and some
of their friends

in their house.

Eventually the main character

falls in love with the local guy
and saves the factory.

That is so...
Unique, right?

This coffee should
be strong enough.

I just used it to
start my Bronco.

Mmm.

You okay?

I'm thinking about my grandma.

She's thinking about moving.

Pinewood Peaceful Living?

She says she's lonely.

But it's her home.

I'm so sorry.

I really do want
what's best for her.

But I hope she changes her mind.

I know you believe
in happy endings.

Do me a favor. Keep
reminding me?

Noel!

Oh, is this for me?

Yep.
Thank you.

What-Pepper did you feel that?

Maybe.

What?

Oh yeah, you're definitely
feeling it. Mm-hmm.

What?

Christmas love.

Christmas love?
Mm-hmm.

See this tree?
Yep.

See how its lights all shine,

but somehow they
all come together?

Yep.
They swirl and twirl and

fly up in the sky until
they land...

...right in your belly.

You're right! How did you know?

My mom taught me all
about Christmas love.

Mama, is that true?

Of course, Noel's a writer.

Writers always tell the truth.

Um, excuse me?

Uh, hi, sorry. I just-I...

just wanted to thank you
for your feedback

on my story idea
the other night. It was...

...just the inspiration
I needed.

I-I've been writing
all night and day.

That's so great.
I'm happy I could help.

Yeah, that-thanks.
Yeah.

Oh, don't let me forget
to pick up the ingredients

for the cookies.
Yes!

We're baking sugar cookies

for the old people.
Th

The residents of
the nursing home.

That's nice.

It's for Christmas
Volunteer day.

Do you wanna help?
You don't have to.

Please, please,
please, please, Noel.

How can I say no?

I'm really good at
decorating cookies.

I can see that.

Mommy says you're
busy working on a book

and that's why you haven't
been able to visit us yet.

Well, I'm trying, but I'm
not doing a very good job

right now.
Have you been good before?

Yeah. This is the first time
it's ever been hard for me.

That sounds just like my number
one best friend's brother.

Your number one
best friend's brother.

Her name is Ashley. And her
brother used to play basketball,

but when he got to junior
high, he wasn't good at it.

I had to go to his games
with Ashley all the time.

Why wasn't he good?

He didn't grow
like the other boys.

And he wasn't very
coordinated with his hands.

But his dad wanted him
to play basketball.

Then one day he tried soccer.

And he was really
good at soccer.

So he was shorter and
better with his feet.

Yep.

So... now what's he do?

Quit the basketball team,
and now he's playing

on the travel soccer team.

Well, that's a happy ending.

Yep, he's much
happier playing soccer.

This one's me,

and this one's Mama,

and this one's Papa,
and this one's Nana.

You have a delicious
looking family.

Who's that?

You.

Me?

Are you going to stay with us?

What, what?

I can't hear you.

Pepper, Pepper!

What, what?

What's going on down here?

Somebody say something?

I can't hear anything!

I brought this down.

I actually really would
like your thoughts.

Oh wow.

Thank you.
I know the ending is bad,

but with a
second set of eyes...

They only help.

Mama!

I should go check on that.

Yeah.

One second, Pep.

Thanks for the invite.

I had fun.
Yeah, we did too.

Okay.

Let's see what
Carol of the Bells has.

Ooh! Mm-hmm.
Good morning.

Good morning, sweetheart.

Oh, thank you.

What do you think of going
to the Reece family farm

and getting you
a real tree today?

Hmm.

Interesting.
What's interesting?

You think she'll be there?

Maybe.

Oh!

My short stories I get,

but there's no
need to still have

all of my Pinewood
Elementary report cards

in the writing room.
Oh, but I love those.

They can be thrown away.
No!

When I'm gone, maybe.
Carol!

Carol, hello!
Oh!

Hey there, Tom,
it's good to see ya.

Mr. Reece,
this place is adorable.

Thank you, young lady.

Dad? They have some questions
Yeah.

about the balsam firs.

They're the cone
shaped ones, Mama.

We've been doing this for years,

she still can't
answer a question.

You better come with me.

Thank you, guys.

So, I take it you're not
going into the family business?

I always got along
better with books.

Oh well, I'm just gonna grab...

...something from the car.

Okay, Grandma.

This place is impressive.

Ah, you think this is cool,
you should see the trees.

Oh, well, lead the way.

Can I ask you something?
Sure, go ahead.

Have you ever
thought about moving?

No.

Pepper loves it here.

I love it here.

And my parents
moved here to be with us.

This is my home now.

But don't you ever
feel compromised here,

like you can't be your
real authentic self?

No.

Being around the college
and all the

beautiful land and nature...

...it's who I am.

How about your love
of books and writing?

They allow that here.
Okay, yes, but,

I mean, if you ever
really wanted to write or...

...pursue something greater,
you just got so much

more potential in a city.

Potential for money maybe.
But

I love what I do

and I like a slower pace.

Passion isn't limited by
location or population.

And you can find that here.

Speaking of finding, this tree

needs a home and...

...I think he wants
to go home with you.

Oh really?
Mm-hmm. Yeah, hold on.

Let me find out for sure.

Uh huh.

Oh yeah, he definitely
wants to go home with you.

Please, Noel. Take me home.

Put lights and ornaments on me,

and I help you find
the Christmas spirit.

Wow, that was really cheesy.

Yeah, but kinda cute too?

Yeah okay, this tree please.

Yeah, I knew it.

Noel, dear!

I'm going to the store.

I'm gonna be at
the retirement home

with Pepper and Callie later.
We're gonna volunteer there.

I'm so glad you're getting
more into the spirit.

Have fun.
Thanks.

I knew you were a selfless gal,
but now you're just showing off.

You think this is bad, you
should see how many lawns

I mow in the summer.

Hm. Can't wait.

Think you'll be around to

see those lawns?

Maybe.
Hm.

It's really
nice of you and Pepper

to spend your time here.

The volunteers do a great job.

These used to be the hardworking
residents of Pinewood,

they need to know they're
not forgotten about.

Mama, Mr. Frank needs more
chocolate in his hot chocolate.

See if he likes that one.

These people sure do love

their chocolate.

Maybe you can use
this as inspiration

for your next
holiday romance novel.

Hmm, lesbian
love in retirement. Perfect.

This should be good.
It's not too hot, is it?

No.
Okay.

That reminds me. I started

reading yours and it's...

fantastic.

Trying not to think about
one of my favorite writers

having my manuscript.

It's great.

I mean,
I have some notes, but

it's really good.

That's a relief.

She's amazing.

She really is.

I mean how can you not be
merry and bright

around that?

Christmas tree shopping,

volunteering at
the holiday party,

you might just find the
Christmas spirit yet.

Hmm.
Come on,
Mama, let's sing.

You too, Noel.
Okay.

Yeah.

♪ Jingle Bells ♪

♪ Jingle Bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way ♪

Beep beep.

Beep beep.

Hey.

Do you know how to make fudge?

Come in.

Hi. Oh.
Hi.

I don't know what
I'm doing wrong.

I followed the recipe down
to the finest details.

It's-It's not hot enough.

How do you know that?

My grandma was
Kentucky State Fair fudge champ

every year when I was a kid.

I picked up some things.

I have many gifts, but baking

is not one of them.

You, however,
are very good at this.

Okay, come here, take a look.

See how it's not
sticking to the edge?

That is how you know it's ready.

How do you know?

You just do.

Did I ruin it?

Your timing was perfect.

You'd love this, mom.

She's a really good writer.

Hi, Mrs. Reece.
Hello, Noel.

Noel, what's that?

Well, this is for you.

It's a Christmas angel.

This isn't just
any Christmas angel.

It is going to show you...

...if you have
the Christmas spirit.

It does?

Mm-hmm. Now take a step back.

Now, if you believe
in Christmas love,

the angel's gonna
light up for you, okay?

So look at the angel.

Take a deep breath.

Now, focus on the wings.
Are you focusing?

Yes.

Okay.

Now, do you believe
in Christmas love?

Yeah.

Mmm, not good enough.

Okay, yes, I believe.

I did it!
You did it.

Can I do it again?
Mm-hmm.

Hey there,

what is this?

Noel got me this
Christmas angel,

and it means I have
the Christmas spirit

and Santa will come to visit me.

Wow, look at that.

Hey, Pepper, can you
go see Nana for me?

Come with me, Pepper.

I need some help in the back.

I thought you were writing.

I took a break.

And went shopping.

I saw something I
thought Pepper might like,

so I stopped by.

Seem to be doing that a lot.

I do, don't I?

Look, last night was...

...really great,

but it made me realize that
I don't really know what this is

or where it's going. And...

I'm starting to like,

like you.

Like, like me?

And Pepper is getting
really fond of you too.

But you have a book
and a life to get back to.

And I don't want
to get left again.

I get that.

As much as
I'd love to be casual,

w-with a kid, you just can't.

So, is this just casual for you?

I just know I really
like being around you.

And I really like
being around you, too.

And you're a really good kisser.

Well, we definitely
have a connection.

So, um...

...do you think there
might be something here?

Maybe.

I'm sorry.

I just don't have
time for maybes.

So

Hi, I'll be
with you in a moment.

Noel Robbins?

Oh, she should be right over

there in our holiday section.

No, not her books.
I'm looking for her.

I'm Jillian Howard.

Yes, you're her agent.
I am.

And I'm Paulette,
I'm Jillian's assistant.

Is she writing?

I think so.

How's the pitch stuff going?
The PR could be helpful.

Big city author returns home
to help mom-and-pop bookshop.

Actually, it's just mom shop.

Noel comes to a people devoid
of culture and literature.

That's a little dramatic.
We actually have
a really reputable

Famous author saves small town.

We don't need to be saved.
Thank you.

Have her sessions been popular?

Yeah, I mean, people are
really excited she's here.

I'm the one that told
her to come here, you know?

And that was a brilliant idea.

Are you a writer?

No, uh, not really.

But she has a good face.
I could see it on a book.

Love it, make a note.

Okay.

Oh.

That's a stocking fancier
than a peacock at a hoedown.

Oh, goodness.

Oh... SSanta's gonna
tip his hat at that one.

Oh, uh,

that must be a guest coming

to get one of my stockings.

Uh, y'all just
keep on going and...

...I'll be back
to check in on ya.

Goodness.

Jillian.

And...
Paulette.

And Paulette.

Hello.

What a surprise.

Hello, Grandma Robbins,
good to see you.

Oh.

Oh, your cute cursive lessons.

You're a viral sensation.

If you ever wanna
write a book, let us know.

You know, my boyfriend,
Renaldo, he loves your videos.

Cursive is a lost art.

Yes, yes it is.

Uh, Noel didn't mention
you were coming in town.

Do you have a bathroom?

Oh, y-yes, yes, dear.

Right through there.
Through there, perfect.

We wanted to surprise her.

See how she's coming
with her book.

Oh.

The sessions at the bookstore,

um...

...are going really well.

And, uh,
the town really loves her here.

I knew it, I knew
it would be great.

Her sales are doing
well this year,

even though she
hasn't had a new one.

Well,
I loved her last one.

Bells Are Ringing was one
Yes.

of my favorites.

I have sold

15 of these
Mm. Mm.

glass cups at the TT shop.

I bought one of these.
They're great for...

Iced coffee.
Iced coffee.

Jillian, it's time to go.

Oh, oh.
Oh, okay. Well...

It's a shame, we're
gonna miss Noel.

Oh, I know that she'll be so sad

that she missed you.
I know.

See you later.
Oh, okay.

Oh!
Oh.

You're so handsome, Paulette.

And I wanna shrink you down
and carry you around with me.

Let's go out that way.
Okay!

Lemme show you
out. Goodbye ladies.

Have a good day.
Thank you so much.

You too.
Goodbye.

Bye!

Noel, is that you?

Yeah, grandma, it's me.

You had a guest.

A guest? Who?

That fancy Jillian

and her assistant. They came by.

Wait, Jillian came by?

Well, yeah, she came by.

Uh, she wanted to see you.

And I didn't know
where you were.

Noel?

Is everything okay?

Yes, everything
everything's fine.

Okay.

Hi. Um, uh-oh.
Hi.

Your agent came
by the shop earlier.

She came by the shop too?

She wanted to check in
on your writing.

She came by the house.

She's going to be disappointed

in my lack of a novel for her.

I'm sure you'll have
something to her soon.

I hope so.

I got your favorite coffee.

Thanks.

You know my coffee order.

It's the same as mine.

Anyway, I finished
your manuscript.

It's really good,

like... really good.

I gave you some notes and
a couple of suggestions

for the ending, which
does need a-a little work.

I know.

But I do think my
suggestions will help.

Thank you so much.
This is so nice of you.

You're an
amazing writer, Callie.

And whenever you're ready,

I'd be happy
to pass it to Jillian.

Oh, wow. Um...

That is so generous.

And I was thinking about
what you said the other day.

Yeah, uh, things were
getting a little intense.

And...

...I love

spending time
with you and Pepper, and...

...you've both helped
me make new memories.

But I'm not being fair.

You're leaving.

I didn't consider how it
would affect Pepper when I

I was being selfish.

As much as I would love
to be casual, I just can't.

And I'm not in a place where
I can make a huge life move.

Uh

I have to get back to

being the Christmas writer.

Yeah.

Yeah, uh...

W-I will...

...see you...

...on your next book tour.

Uh, thank you, and um...

...thank you, thank you.

Thank you for-for coming.
Thanks so much.

You are making a big mistake.

How could you, of all people...

...not see the mistletoe
under your nose?

Mistletoe under my nose?

You have true love
and a happy ending,

right in front of you.
Why would you throw that away?

What would your mom say?
My mom would say I need to get
back to writing.

I can't change

my career, my life,

for a chance
on someone who has a kid.

It's not fair.

I got caught up
in being a parent

and forgot that I'm a writer
and I love being a writer.

And I
I love living in the city.

S-seriously, you
have a tiny apartment

that has no green space.

You have never been able
to hold a relationship

longer than a year, and your
last girlfriend cheated on you.

And now you cannot write because

you've closed
yourself off from love.

This is just a low point
in the novel where...

...you've lost everything.

But I'm telling you...

...your happy ending is
right around the corner.

You light up just
talking about them.

I thought you were
supposed to be supportive.

Isn't that in our
best friend agreement?

So is honesty.

Stop being the tragic
lovelorned character.

This is the moment when
you take back the narrative,

and realize that your life
before now did not have the joy

that you've found here
with Callie and Pepper.

I mean, your mom used
to teach this stuff.

The
There's a place for you here.

Why don't you teach?

I don't have my PhD.

Okay, well you have an MFA

and you also are a
published author.

The college has a residency

If I come back,
it means I failed.

I left to be a writer.

And if I come back...

...it means I failed.

So you're really leaving?

Yeah. I'm really leaving.

Okay.

Okay, come here.

But, when you
come crawling back,

I'm gonna be here
to tell you that I told you so.

Hey, Cal.
Hey, Dad.

Uh, can Pepper stay
with you tonight?

Yeah, you betcha.

You got a big date or something?

Or something.

Mom, I don't know what to do.

And you're not here
to give me advice.

I'll write it out.

Noel sits at her desk.

The cursor...

...blinking at her.

Her mom sits on the desk,

next to her.

Staring at
that screen won't make

the words come
any faster, you know?

I just...

I don't understand.
I used to love writing and now,

God, it's like pulling teeth.

Maybe it's not the writing.

Maybe it's the why behind it.

What do you mean?
You spent so
long trying to prove yourself

to me, to your professors,
to the world.

But writing isn't
who you are, Noel.

It's just what you do.

No, it's more than that.

It's my career, it's my future.

Shouldn't your
future light you up inside?

Success means nothing
if you can't share it

with someone who matters.

I just don't wanna
disappoint you.

Oh, sweetheart,
follow your heart.

Not some idea of what
you think you should be.

But...

...what if my heart is
leading me somewhere...

...unexpected?

Then you go there.

Life's too short to live

someone else's story.

Thanks, Mom.

Congratulations, here you go.

What's this?
An advance for
finishing your novel.

The publisher loved it so much,

I was able to squeeze
a nice check out of them

for next year's release.

That's a huge check.

Wait, what release?

I was coming in here to
tell you I'm retiring.

Great, after this book you can.

What book?

Carol of the Bells.

Carol of the-What are
you talking about?

Paulette found it
in your writing room.

No, no, no, no, no.

Yes, it's fantastic.

And the ending needs
a little bit of work,

but we sent this draft
to the publishers

and they loved it.

The press release
has already gone out

and we've started scheduling
the book tour based on it.

You have to take it back.

Take it back?

This book will sell more
than any of your others.

It's your best writing yet.

It's not mine, it's Callie's.

I was giving her notes.
This is horrible.

This is plagiarism.
I'm gonna be ruined.

It's not yours?
Mm-mm.

You didn't check this?
Well, there wasn't
a name on it.

So, I just assumed it was hers.
How did you get it?

I found it.

In...

...your writing room.

And I scanned it.

So, you came into my home,

stole from me, snooping
through my things.

Do you hear how twisted that is?

Fix this now.

Print a retraction,
call the PR agency.

Call the publisher.

Got it.

She's gonna think I stole this.

Does she have an agent?

Oh hey, Book Thief.

Callie, I swear I had no idea.

Book Thief.

That is five years of
my life you just stole.

No, I wound never.
This is just a misunderstanding.

They sent out a press release.

I received an event request
for next year for my book.

They're sending out a
retraction. Okay, please listen.

Is this why you left?
You couldn't write your own
book, so you had

to steal mine? I mean, how
many other people have you

done this to?
Is this what you do? You just

steal your girlfriend's work?

Okay, girlfriend's
a little strong.

Oh, that's not
the point, Book Thief.

I wanted to come here
and look you in the eye

and tell you myself, I am
glad that you are leaving

and I am glad that I never
let you get close to Pepper.

You are not the kind of
person I want in her life.

Callie, stop
You are not

ruining my dramatic exit.

I'm gonna fix this.
I told them it was yours!

Where do you think they are?
I have no idea.

Keep looking, hopefully...
Oh! They're gonna
I know she wanted to be here.

They're gonna, they're
gonna miss the whole thing.

Oh, I think maybe
Excuse me, excuse me.

Here we are, come on. It's
almost

time for the tree lighting.
Come on, come on.

I can't see.

Five, four,
three, two, one.

Merry Christmas!

You wanna come home
to Pinewood with me?

Yes, Noel.

I've been very lonely.

Me too.

Hey, Noel. Hello! How are you?
Stanley, hi.

Hi, congrats on
winning the contest.

Well thank you for
helping me write my book.

I've started it
and I'm almost done.

That's great,
I'm so glad I could help.

Well, Merry Christmas Eve
to you.

Merry Christmas Eve, Stanley.

Oh, Merry Christmas.
Have a good one.

Hi.

Hi.

Can I help you with anything?

I just wanted to say hi.

And see if, uh, you
heard from Jillian?

Yes. She said
we'll talk in the new year.

That's good. Good. That's good.

So-so she told you?

Yeah, Paulette took it off your
desk, thought it was yours.

So you didn't know.
They told me.

I thought I would've heard from
you after that got cleared up.

Why?

Well, you-you kinda
yelled "Book Thief" at me.

I'm sorry,
you're not a book thief.

Okay.

Good.

Okay.

You still left.

Okay, you may not have
been a book thief,

but you still left us
like an emotional thief.

Emotional thief?
I had a theme there,
I'm just going with it.

Why are you here?
I-I missed my grandma

and you and Pepper.

And I just...

I wanted to see you.

Good.

Good to see you.
Merry Christmas.

I need to... close up now.

I think-No.

I know I want us to work.

I came here to show you I want
this and I think you do too.

My trust is broken.

I'd like to see if
I can earn it back.

I'm moving back.

I'm moving back here
to help my grandma and...

...figure out
what's next for me as

not the...

...gay lady
Christmas writer.

You're moving back?

Yeah.

This place feels like home
again with you and...

...Pepper. And...

...I wanna make this work.

I need time.

I understand.

I'm not going anywhere.

And I'd like to see you.

Maybe.
I-I have time for maybes.

I'm so glad you told her.

And I'm so glad
that you came back here.

Me too, Grandma.

I'm so proud of you.

Proud...
Proud of what?

Putting yourself out there.

For-for making the big
decision to come home and...

...follow your heart.

If I was

If I was writing this story,

we would've
made up in the shop,

and kissed under
the mistletoe and...

...made plans for Christmas,

or something romantic. But...

It's just not time
for the ending, then.

I mean... that would be
a little contrived,

don't you think?

Okay, who's the writer now?

Oh, honey.

Noel, honey...

...the story's
just not done yet.

You'll see.

And who's that one for?

It's for Noel.
Noel?

Yeah, she loves sugar cookies

and she's gonna be
here for Christmas.

And how do you know that?

I heard you talking
about it to Nana and Papa.

Well, I don't think we'll
be seeing her tomorrow.

Why not?

Well, I think she'll
wanna spend the day

with her grandma
and her friend Erin.

She'd probably wanna
come over if we'd invite her.

I don't think she wants
to spend all her time

hanging out with us.

Even though you
are a lot of fun.

Look, I know you're
afraid of getting
close to people,

but she's on a journey.

A journey?
Yeah.

She thought she was
good at basketball

but she's better at soccer.

Noel would get it.

Let's bring this one
to her tomorrow.

I had 25 people
at my cursive class.

And they tipped me $10 each.

That's a good tip and not
bad for a 30 minute class.

I'll drink to that.

You expecting somebody else?

Everybody I'm expected is here.

No, all my women have
gone home for the holidays.

Oh, my.
Who is it, dear?

It's a Christmas miracle.

Merry Christmas.

Santa left this at
my house

for you.
Well, thank you very much.

Please come in.

Hi.
Hi.

I hope we're not

You're not.
You're not.

Should I open this now?
Yes.

And it's not really from Santa.
I'm not supposed to lie.

I made it. It just sounded
better to say it's from Santa.

Callie, it's a very hot onesie.

Thank you.

I'm so excited.

You made this, for me?
Aww...

Oh, this is the best,

and I am sure,
most delicious gift

I've ever been given.

You're welcome.

Do you think
it would be okay if I

talk to your mom
outside for a second?

Yep, you two need to
work some things out.

Out of the mouth of babes.

Oh... Oh, honey, I think I have
some extra glitter around here.

Thanks for coming by.
It was Pepper's idea.

I kind of got that. But I hope
you weren't too unwilling.

Not too.

This is the story book ending.

Okay, it's time for
photo ops, you ready?

Yes.

Paul.
Paul? Where's Paulette?

She's a junior agent.
This is my new assistant, Paul.

Oh, my goodness, hi,
you look Christmas fierce, yes.

Let's do photos.

Love you.

You certainly have
an assistant type.

All of my assistants have
gone on to be top agents

or powerful publishers.

I have an eye for the killer
instinct and great wardrobe.

Well, as long as I'm working
with them and not against them.

Exactly.

So, you passed the mantle of
"Christmas Writer" onto her.

It's well deserved.

She's an amazing writer.

She is.

And our next one?
It's coming along.

Not one every year, though.

Every other year?
Mmm, maybe.

And how's your new role?
Which one?

Noel!

Hey, she's in the back.
Oh.

Looks like this
one's going well.

I mean your
acquisitions editor role.

Really, really well. I'm a

much better editor
than I ever was a writer, so...

I thought you would
teach at the college.

Mmm, that's a little
contrived, don't you think?

I hope you don't give
up writing entirely.

You're a great writer, too.

I might pick it back up
again if inspiration strikes.

But we've got a pretty
great life here, don't we?

Yep.
You wanna go take
pictures with your mom?

Let's go!

Hi, baby.

Family photo?

Okay.

Perfect.