Original subtitles

Well, good morning, Mrs. Johnson.

Keeping warm?

I am.

And hoping you are as well, Mr. Mayor.

Where's your scarf?

Wouldn't want you to get windswept after all.

I appreciate the concern. I'll have to wrangle one up.

Don't. Now, you just take one of mine.

We have plenty of extras this year at the store.

Very sweet of you. Thank you. And you know what? That reminds me. I haven't

gotten my staff anything for Christmas yet. Would you please put a couple of

these on hold for me?

I can.

Okay. Merry Christmas, Mr. Mayor. Merry Christmas.

Hey, Mr. Mayor.

Hey, Sadie. How's the bakery?

The bakery's great. Outside the bakery, not as great.

Oh. What's the problem?

There's a big crack in the sidewalk.

It's only gotten worse by the day.

Any chance you... Oh, I'm adding it to my list of city repairs right now.

Thanks, Mr. Mayor.

I'll save you a box of gingerbread muffin. You spoil me, Sadie. I got you.

Morning, Mr. Reynolds.

What's the morning traffic report?

Mayor Ortega, look at this.

I'm looking at what I'm not sure. The traffic lights, they keep flickering. We

don't want it to cause any accidents.

Well, these gorgeous Long Grove winters can wreak havoc on the bulbs.

Did you say havoc?

There's no place for havoc in Long Grove.

You're absolutely right about that, Mr. Reynolds. I'll add streetlight

maintenance to the budget inquiry.

Until then, thank goodness you're here to lend a helping hand. And what about

the tree? The town tree?

It's on the docket for today's city council meeting. We should buy a big

one, like Rockefeller Center.

Now that's a tree!

Yes, sir.

Lee, hey.

Did you hear from John? Do we got the numbers yet?

He's here right now, actually.

He says he needs to talk to you, and he seems... worried.

Not bad, huh?

All right, tell him I'll be right there.

After you go to the school. The school? I'm headed to the office right now.

Oh, the interviews this morning.

You pushed it twice already.

What's this journalist's name again?

Joey DeLuca, and he is quite insistent on getting this time with you.

All right, head into the school now. Thank you.

Don't grow, huh? Who knew this place even existed?

Fifty miles from New York, but a world away.

New York or not.

Watch your steps. Don't go busting hill. You just got here.

Merry Christmas. Thank you. Merry Christmas.

God!

Oh, I forgot, too.

I am so sorry I couldn't make the trip to the city this year. Oh, my goodness,

don't be.

This is a wonderful excuse for me to come home. It's been way too long.

It is so good to have you back.

Oh,

wait, my bag. Yeah.

Good one, Pop.

and I had to see what that joyous sound was. I thought you had a professional

choir in here.

Mayor Ortega used to stand on those very same bleachers when he was in the

Christmas show.

Actually, I was really working backstage.

It looks a little different back there. You mind if I check it out? Of course

not. You take a stroll down memory lane while we rehearse. Okay, kids, silent

night.

Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Luna Mack.

My fourth grade Christmas list.

Dear Santa, can you make me dance like Fred Astaire? My mom loves him.

Mr. Mayor, you must be looking for me. I'm Joey DeLuca.

Joey DeLuca?

Yes, of course. Joey DeLuca. I was looking for you for our interview,

right? Yeah.

Follow me.

Okay.

Oh, nice.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

So, Mayor Ortega, I'm interested in doing an article for our Christmas Day

edition about what makes you you.

Snack? I'm an open book, and no thank you.

Eh, maybe some juice.

Before I begin, I'll tell you what I tell all of my interviewees. It's best

to speak from the heart and not to think too much before you answer.

Think vulnerability.

Got it.

So, you ready?

Hope so.

Do you believe in the spirit of Christmas?

I believe.

Go on.

Uh, yeah.

Yeah, I believe in the spirit of Christmas.

And I love how this community comes together to really show that spirit.

So what is the part of Christmas that makes you the happiest?

It's making sure that every Long Grove resident enjoys the holiday season as

much as possible. If they're happy...

Why aren't you ready? Trust the process.

So your family has a lot of history in Long Grove, correct?

Yep. My grandfather opened the very first general store here.

And my dad painted a lot of the murals that you see on Main Street. As a matter

of fact, he painted that one over there.

Nice.

And my mom... Yes?

Well, anyway, there's a lot of history.

I'm proud to be part of this special town.

So what makes this town so special? What makes Long Grove so amazing?

I'm sorry, what was the question again?

What makes Long Grove so amazing?

Um, well... Uh, well, because, uh...

Maybe you should think about it and get back to me.

Wait, it's over?

That's it?

For now.

Hey, Joey.

Last call for letters for the big guy.

Oh, hey, Hannah. Actually, just throw this in there.

Thanks. Mr. Mayor?

Um, okay, uh...

I'll be in touch.

Okay.

See you soon.

I wish I could have decorated before you got here, but... Oh, are you kidding?

I love this. My shoebox apartment can barely fit a tabletop tree.

Oh, that looks nice.

Do you do this sort of thing when you plan those events?

Sometimes. Last week I had a Fortune 500 conference.

The hours are crazy, but I'm making really good contacts.

Do you ever find time to sing anymore?

I barely have time for a home-cooked meal.

I mean, I think in the shower, but not much anymore.

Oh, I'll help you. No problem. No problem.

There we go.

Okay. I'm going to take that around.

There it is.

Okay.

I'm sure that's good. Got it.

Hello there.

Whoa.

Uh, hi.

Uh, I don't think we've met before, Mr... Kringle.

Chris Kringle?

How'd you guess?

Okay.

So, Chris, you, uh, new to Long Grove? Uh, just visiting?

Oh, I try to make a trip here at least once a year.

Of course you do.

Well... Glad you're back.

I'm Mayor Ortega. Anything you need, here to help.

Actually, this trip was unexpected.

Do you know a place I could stay for a couple days?

Yeah, the Holly Inn is a nice place. It's right over there.

Well, thank you, Brian.

That's my alarm for the city council meeting. I should get going. But again,

if there's anything you need, I'm here to help.

That's funny.

I was going to say the same thing.

He's really going all out this year.

Did that Santa guy put you up to this?

Hey, you guys are good.

What just happened?

Excuse me, Mr. Reynolds. What was that?

What was what?

The music and the dancing. What just happened?

What happened is I need a place to put all these wreaths. Should I hang them on

the new gazebo?

Why don't you try the fence over there?

Just give us the date and I'll make sure I'll put it in.

Yes, I got you.

You put it in the calendar?

Dear Santa, can you make me dance like Fred Astaire? My mom loves him.

Actually, this trip was unexpected.

There's no way.

Not a lot of guests these days. I think those are the same exact jars from when

I was a little girl.

Probably.

If we have time, we should... Time.

I'm going to be late.

For what?

The city council meeting.

I'm a business owner. I attend to everyone.

Okay.

Hi. Hey, John.

How bad is it?

Well, as you know, the past two years, we've seen a decrease in all areas.

I know, but those years were supposed to be just a blip. The blip is still very

much still blipping, Mr. Mayor.

Tourism is down again.

And city maintenance is up. So those ads in the upstate magazines and tax

incentives are not working? It's hard to compete with the spa resort they just

built in Holly Falls.

Everyone loves a spa.

Does everyone love a spa, though?

I know I do.

Look, the numbers don't lie, Brian. We need to go in there and turn this around

and reverse it, but also go forward. And, okay, we need to take what we have

and make what we have fit what we need. So take what we have, make what we have

fit what we need. Look, I don't know what you're saying, but the meeting's

starting. Gotta get in there.

Let's not sound the alarm until we can figure out some solutions moving

forward. Let's put on a good face, let the town know we're on top of it.

So, uh, busy year, everyone.

Uh, lots of goings-on that, uh, um, that continue

going on. Well, we have gotten your requests to add to the

budget.

Numbers upon numbers.

Do I have a fever?

You feel okay to me.

The budget is full of fullness.

No, the numbers are busy. No, we are working.

We are stretching.

Yes, yes, yes, we are. Thank you so much. Really appreciate that, yes.

I may translate.

I think we have a lot of budget requests for this coming year.

Brian Ortega?

I went to elementary school with him.

Now, with Christmas around the corner, I'd like to ask if we have any

volunteers who'd spearhead this year's tree donation.

Anyone?

Okay, thank you, Mr.

Pringle. My assistant, Lee, will be in touch with the details.

Well, it sounds like next year is gonna be one for the record books. A time

where we can really see some growth in areas that... Mr. Mayor, may I address

the town for a moment, please?

Yes, Randall, of course.

Thank you. Thank you. Hi there. You all probably know me. I'm Randall Withers of

Withers Development Company, longtime and proud resident of Long Grove.

By the way, I hope you all have been enjoying the gazebo that I recently

installed in the town square. Yes.

Please, please.

Withers Development Company recently bought the plot of land just south of

Main Street. And I have a proposal that I think will ultimately bring some

increased revenue into Longrow. And that plan is this. A luxury

outdoor pedestrian mall.

Complete with mainstream brands and chain restaurants and, wait for it,

A spa.

And all I would need to do in order to achieve this is buy the five properties

on the southernmost part of Main Street.

Isn't the inn on the southern side of Main Street?

And of course, I will remunerate all of these shop owners handsomely to do so.

So we have all seen what Holly Falls has done with their outgrowth and their

expansion. And I see no reason why Long Grove shouldn't take a page out of their

playbook and also make a little moolah for ourselves, right?

Do something.

Randall, thank you. Thank you. Really, really appreciate your time.

We'll definitely consider the possibility.

However, I don't think we need to make any decisions right away. We have

Christmas ahead, and... And...

And

I'm proposing a big bonanza, a Christmastown festival.

I'm glad I'm here for this.

Yes, yes, it could be a fundraiser of sorts, but also a way to get some

publicity out there for all Long Grove already has to offer. The money from the

ticket sales will be a nice little boost, and it's a great way to celebrate

this town. We can have festive food, holiday games, and that thing you hammer

and it hits the bell.

The High Striker!

Yes, the High Striker.

Nina?

Yes, the high striker. Thank you, Nina Med.

Look, we have a lot to plan, but I hope you're as excited as I am for the, uh,

the... the clause for celebration.

Great name.

Thank you, everyone.

Oh, thank you.

We'll see.

All right.

Yeah.

Oh, Mr. Mayor, I think we should talk soon. Yeah, why don't you come by my

office tomorrow afternoon?

All right, excellent.

Progress equals profits.

Brian.

Nina. Sorry to catch you off guard up there.

I was more caught off guard than anyone knew the name for the high strike. Oh,

yeah. You home for long?

I'm visiting my grandmother at the inn. I was...

Overdue for a long girl Christmas. Oh, well, that's great. So you'll be in town

for the new festival Yes, and I love the name by the way. Oh the claws for a

celebration Yeah, that just sort of came to me. Mayor Ortega. I need your

signature on these.

Oh Sorry, tintura. Oh, no worries. I have to get back to my grandmother.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hello Glad you did Mr. Mayor. Yes. I didn't hear

anything in the city council meeting about those flickering traffic lights

It could be they just need to replace the bald, or maybe it's just some grime

and gunk that got back there over time.

Hi again.

Anna. Are you looking for Joey?

Actually, I was looking for you.

Today, you had that box, that letters to Santa box?

Right, I painted that myself.

The stripes took forever.

Do you want me to make you one?

No, thank you, though.

I mean, it was lovely, but, um... What did you do with the letters in the box?

I put them in the mailbox and sent them to the North Pole.

The North Pole?

How else would Santa get them? You can't just make a wish list. You have to send

it off.

It's a two-step process, from what I understand.

True. Merry Christmas, Mr. Mayor.

Let me know if you change your mind about the box.

Merry Christmas, Anna.

Once you're 30, you can't even remember what you had for breakfast.

Reminder, you have dinner with your dad tonight, and we need to track down that

Kris Kringle for the Christmas tree donations.

Please, don't stop singing on my account. You sound amazing.

Thanks.

Uh, let me help you.

It's, uh, it's kind of a strange thing to brag about, but I'm actually really

good at Christmas decorations. The key is you gotta twist the branch. Let me,

boom, pop up like that, see? Nice. Well, it's amazing to see the talents you've

learned since I've been gone. Never mind the whole mayor thing.

Ah, never mind that.

So, what have you been up to for the last...

Oh, please do not calculate the years since the fourth grade. Way too many to

count. Good point.

What have you been up to the last few years since you moved?

Let me guess.

Lead singer in a band?

Married? Dog named Hamilton?

Not even remotely close. Single.

I gave up singing a few years ago, and I primarily focus on event planning and a

cat named Hamilton.

Seriously? No.

His name is Romeo.

You haven't changed.

A little help?

Oh, thank you.

I got you, Rumpa. What you doing here, Mr. Mayor?

Oh, I'm just grilling your granddaughter about her beautiful voice.

I say the same thing.

How's your dad? I haven't seen him in ages.

He's good.

I'm on my way there after this, actually.

Oh, please tell him I said hi.

I will.

Now, how's your arm? What do you need? Well, after today, I need all the

strength I can find after hearing Randall's plans.

Just try to take the in from me.

Oh, you tell him, Gummy.

You have nothing to worry about. He can have all the big plans he wants, but

ultimately, it's your choice.

We may not be full every night, but as long as we have guests, I'm not going

anywhere.

Actually, that's why I came by to see you. I had a question about a possible

guest of yours.

Oh, not to help me decorate?

That too.

What guest?

Uh, this may sound kind of funny, but is there a Kris Kringle staying here?

Who?

Room 21.

Wait, really?

He's a lovely guest. Very tidy. Big fan of my cookies.

Oh. Well, he volunteered a Christmas tree for the town.

Wait. If you need a tree, you are welcome to check the back property here

at the inn.

That's where we got this beauty.

Oh, that's a good-looking tree. Oh, we've got three acres of woods back

there. Glenn and I always talked about adding some hotel amenities at some

point, but we never got around to it.

It's okay.

Uh, are you free tomorrow, perhaps, for a Christmas tree adventure?

Sure, yeah, tomorrow morning.

I'll bring some hot chocolate for your troubles.

Extra marshmallows.

See you tomorrow morning.

Extra marshmallows. Don't forget.

Hey, Dad, it's me. I got cheeseburgers. I'm in the studio.

Oh.

You've been busy, huh?

Yeah, lots of commissions this time of year.

People love giving paintings as Christmas presents, you know.

I have two ready to be shipped. I mean, if you want to swing by the post office

for me. Of course I'll take them, Dad. I just thought maybe you'd like to get

out.

Decorations are going up. The town looks beautiful right now.

I'll take your word for it.

Once I get in the zone with my work, I just want to hunker down, you know?

Yeah.

I know, Dad.

Hey, you know, I was at the elementary school earlier today, and I saw the

festival painting of yours.

Would you donate that?

Yeah, a couple of years ago when I was, you know...

cleaning stuff up after your mom died.

She always liked that one, too.

I said she wanted to just jump in there and dance forever.

Is there something you want to tell me?

Well, uh, remember, uh, remember when Mom and I used to... Watch those old

Fred Astaire dance movies when I was a kid? Yeah, of course.

All right, well, let's start there.

Rangel? Just the man I wanted to see.

I thought we were meeting this afternoon.

You bringing me some wrapping paper?

Not exactly. I just thought we could get a head start.

Future of Long Grove can't wait, after all.

Is that coffee I smell?

Let me get you a cup.

Thanks.

So what is all this?

Thank you.

Well, after your very timely announcement of the festival the other

day, something interesting has come up. I went down to the surveyor's office and

had Longrow's lot lines rechecked.

Okay.

Were you aware that this piece of land right here, my recently purchased land,

has been used as Long Grove's unofficial events grounds for years?

It's true. You can see it right there. See?

No. I wasn't aware.

And I'm just assuming that's where you're planning on having the festival,

right?

Yeah.

We're on the same team here, right? We both grew up in Long Grove. I want

people to enjoy this town for generations to come as much as you do.

And I think this will help.

Just take a look.

Yeah?

Wow. I told you.

House has the best in town.

Mayor's not supposed to choose favorites, so you didn't hear that from

me.

You know, I'm not surprised, by the way.

That I chose the best hot chocolate?

That you're the mayor.

You're always the first one to raise your hand to collect the lunch trays or

wash the chalkboard.

What can I say? I like to help out.

I didn't realize there was so much property back here. I know, right?

I played out here all the time when I was a little girl.

What a cool place to be a kid.

You know, my grandparents bought this the week they got married.

She's not gonna give it up.

I got a visit from Randall this morning.

He thinks he has a plan that can really help Long Grove, but... I'm not so sure.

He's trying to derail our festival plans.

Is there anything that you can do?

I'm working on it, but getting new permits for the rides for a new location

is... Who needs rides? I mean, we could bring in gorgeous ice sculptures or

hundreds of poinsettias or maybe even one of those... I think you may be

misjudging our budget just a bit. Okay, okay, so we'll get creative, okay? I

love a challenge.

Well, we need a venue first.

Hey, Brian, what about this one?

What?

Has this always been here? It's perfect, actually.

Yeah, great find.

It's sort of my thing.

Kris Kringle, it's good to see you again.

Do you want me to get this tree into town for you?

By yourself?

Not a problem.

I do it all the time.

That would actually allow us more time to go look for another venue.

Yeah, okay. Uh, great.

You kids run along.

Enjoy the ride.

I'm sorry?

I said enjoy your time.

Oh, watch it. Oh, thank you.

Sorry. It's on the list.

I guess you better add this to the list as well.

Unbelievable. Yeah.

What's one more thing?

I'll call a tow.

Let's go, Brian.

Yeah. Your alternate is messed up.

I can get it back to you two days tops.

Days? Not exactly what I was hoping to hear.

I'm not going to leave you hanging.

I got you covered. I got you a loaner.

Look at those keys.

All right.

Did you hear that?

The doorbell?

Oh, I thought it was something else.

All right, check it out. Just got her in today.

A little paperwork nonsense, but I think it's gonna do just fine.

A 57 Chevy Corvette?

Ooh, I love the candy cane red.

This is my childhood dream car. Like, exactly.

What a coincidence.

Drive a 57 Cherry Red Corvette?

Okay,

seeing how it feels.

You don't care if I drive it first, do you? I've never driven a classic car.

Yeah, sure, you can go first.

I mean, what's another 15 minutes after I've waited 30 years?

Have I mentioned how much I miss Long Grove?

Once or twice.

Why is this so good?

It's Christmas and everything tastes better at Christmas.

Do you know that Christmas morning feeling when you open a gift? It's like

a mixture between curiosity and... Exhilaration. Yes.

I'm sorry I searched for a venue today turned into a total greasy garage.

You mean you're sorry I got to hang out with you in an awesome car and have the

best fudge I've ever had?

Don't be.

I should get you back to the inn.

However, this time I'm driving.

Oh, okay, we'll see.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I'll make sure you get in the passenger side.

After you, miss.

Wait, is that...

He got that here all by himself?

Hey, Chris!

That looks great.

Okay, well, that's one less thing we need to worry about now. We just need a

venue.

Randall, my late husband and I built this business from the ground up.

It's an amazing offer.

It really is. But the end means too much to me.

Of course. Of course, Ratha. I understand.

But you do have to remind yourself what this place is going to feel like when

you go from virtually no guests to no guests at all.

Is everything okay, Gami?

Anything we can help you with, Randall.

No, but thank you very much. I'm just talking to my friend Ratha here.

Oh, have you had a chance to consider that proposal I mentioned?

Actually, I've been a little too busy with the festival finding ways to

celebrate this town rather than change it.

The festival, your little thing.

Count me in for several tickets. Anything for Long Grove, right?

Just let me know where and when.

Emphasis on the where, of course.

It's going to be here.

The clause for celebration is going to be here.

Hey!

There we go.

Location handled.

How many tickets would you like there, Randall?

I'll get back to you on that.

Offer still stands, Miss Madden.

Have a good one.

You too.

Hey!

I'm a good cook.

Okay.

I've started a list. So you'll get the permits in order, and I will work with

Gami to get the property ready to host, and then... You don't have to do this,

Nina. I appreciate it, but I know you're here to visit your grandmother, not help

me.

I may have moved to the city, but Long Grove will always be my home.

So like I was saying, let's make a list.

A list.

Nina, do you by chance happen to... Remember your fourth grade Christmas

list?

Fourth grade?

I'm sure it had something to do with singing.

Did that ever come true for you?

Yeah, it did for a little while.

But then I became an adult, and I had to get a real job.

So you started planning events.

It's a much different life than I had imagined, but it is what it is.

You still sing?

Only when I'm happy.

What about you, Mr. Mayor?

What's on your fourth grade Christmas list?

This is crazy, but... Wilson,

hey. Oh, that was quick.

Uh, all right.

Thanks. I'll see you in a few.

Huh.

My car's ready.

What is it?

Nothing. It's nice to see you again.

Same.

I have an elementary school thing tomorrow. We host this annual Christmas

toy drive.

You should come.

I would love to.

Perfect.

All right, then. Well, you go enjoy your last drive in my car.

Right. Your car.

I'll see you tomorrow.

It's like you drove it out of the poster in your room. I know, right?

I'm on my way to returning, but I wanted you to see it first.

This is from the list again, yeah?

I think so.

Wish number two.

You know, with great power comes great responsibility.

Isn't that from Spider-Man?

Winston Churchill.

But close.

Well, don't worry, Dad. I've already got some inspiration. We're moving the

festival to Rotha's property.

Seems to be excited.

I'm glad to see you having some fun.

Come on.

Hop in. We'll go for a little spin. I want to show you the houses with the

best decorations.

No, no. I got to get back.

Okay, maybe real quick.

Come on.

See the decorations and any of the coffee and, you know.

There you go. I got that.

You ready?

Yeah.

Hi,

thanks for coming. Oh, it's a great day for giving.

Oh, it's good to see you. I'm a stuffed animal.

Reindeer is my guess.

There's a lump of coal or game system.

I'm hoping this is an instrument of some kind.

Ho, ho, ho, everyone.

Hey.

Welcome to the Long Grove Charity Toy Drive.

Man, this guy is everywhere.

We appreciate your generosity, and all donations from today will go to help

families in need.

Hey. Sorry I'm late.

Hey, you made it. I wouldn't miss it.

Mrs. Colvin?

Lena Madden? You remember me?

I can't believe you're back.

And of course I remember you. Your voice was unforgettable.

See? I'm not the only one.

While you're in town, you should stop by during rehearsal.

I would love that. All right. Yes, for sure.

Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Joey DeLuca, Long Grove School newspaper editor and

Mayor Take's friend.

So nice to meet you, Joey DeLuca. I'm Nina Madden. I used to go to this school

forever ago with Brian.

Really? So you probably have some great insight into how Brian was as a kid.

Oh, yeah. Don't get any ideas there, Joey.

We'll talk later.

Hey. Whoa.

Take a shot.

Uh, no, no, no, no. No one wants to see that. Mr. Mayor, I'll tell you what. If

you can make it from half court, I will donate $5,000 to your favorite Long

Grove charity.

Huh? Oh.

Wait, this isn't gonna get out of hand. Come on, do it for Long Grove.

Huh? Yeah!

You have to do it. Come on, I believe in you. You gotta do it.

All right. Take the shot.

So much charity for one day.

Isn't it wonderful?

All right. Settle down, everyone.

Shoot your shot.

Let's hear it for Mayor Ortega and a $5,000 donation to the

Anna Ortega Dance Foundation.

What was that?

A little Christmas spirit, I guess.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, my gosh.

basket from half court in front of the whole school hey you

disappeared i just kind of had to soak that up for a minute that was wild right

yes wait a second is that the

oh how does it smell

the exact same like piano keys and painted plywood

Hey, here we go. That's better.

You know, my parents used to sit

right there, front left. My mom would always wink and wave at me through the

crack in the curtain.

I bet she's so proud of you.

You know, I've been back here for two days.

And all I see is how much you take care of others.

Kind of comes with the job.

No. It comes with the person.

You know, I didn't get a chance to ask you yesterday what is something that

makes you happy.

Real cokes.

Classic cars.

Classic Christmas movies.

Putting away my cell phone and...

Putting on some music and watching my dad paint.

Good stuff.

You know, being here on stage with you makes me pretty happy also.

Cue the spotlight.

Actually, I think it might have went a little more like...

Turn.

Okay, stage crew.

You learn a thing or two after watching so many rehearsals.

Dance with me. No, I couldn't keep up. Yeah, you can.

Come on, just try.

Sorry, I got carried away a little bit.

You should have tried out for the show.

No, I like to be backstage.

Yeah, always taking care of others.

Brian, they're waiting for you to take photos with the student council.

Right.

Coming.

What's come over me?

Everything I see The colors seem brighter for sure

The old I see and new I haven't got a

clue Why I couldn't see

As I reminisce, I can't figure it out.

Why seeing all this is touching me now?

I've never felt this kind of

They just don't make them like that anymore.

They sure don't. They just don't make them like Fred Astaire anymore either.

Oh, come on. He was one of a kind.

So, what's next on the list?

I wish I knew.

Oh, Dad, I wanted to ask you a favor.

What's up?

Well, we need a local artist for the ornament station to help people...

paint the ornaments and hang them on the tree, you know.

Well, let me think about that a little bit.

I mean, that's... that's a lot of people.

Take your time.

It's all good.

By the way, I forgot to tell you that I went to the school auditorium yesterday

and saw the backdrop that they have in the corner for the Christmas show, and,

oh, man, it... it didn't look good. It was woof.

What do you mean?

The snow wasn't right, and the painting was cracked, and it's just a real

rundown. Like, they've been using the same one for ages.

A rundown, huh?

Mm.

Well, I'm almost finished with my commissions for the end of the year.

Maybe... Maybe I can see if Mrs. Colvin could use a little help.

That's a great idea.

But I never thought of that.

Yeah. I'm on to you, pal.

Hey, Nina.

You down for some crepes?

Who's Nina?

I ought to pick you up.

No, who's Nina?

See you later, Dad.

Who's Nina?

Here you go.

Ooh.

Thank you.

Seriously?

Better than New York.

I mean, maybe because I'm not eating on the go. I'm sitting and savoring each

bite. Appreciating the atmosphere.

Enjoying my company.

You forget how great Long Grove is. You've been in New York for too long.

It was just a matter of time.

Are you okay?

Yeah. No.

Not really.

Are you worried about the festival?

Not just the festival.

Beyond the festival.

I love this town.

It's just that these other towns, they have these big spas and these brand-new

shopping centers, and it's just getting hard to keep up.

I'm not sure I'm doing what's best.

I get it. You want to keep Long Grove.

as it's always been and how it should always be.

Just trust yourself.

Don't give in to... Randall. Yes, Randall. No, Randall.

Thank you.

It's a copy.

Morning.

We'd really love to get you on board too Enjoy your breakfast

It's

time to make this festival great we need to get the word out Joey

Okay.

So this is where you come to think. I have a little brother, and he needs a

Christmas present.

Don't read too much into it.

Could you, uh, print this flyer in your school newspaper?

Trying to get the word out to all the families in town.

Of course, but it doesn't get you out of your Christmas piece.

Hey, you scratch my back, I scratch yours.

Deal? Deal.

So where's this shindig gonna be held?

The Holly Inn.

It's the perfect place to host a festival for this amazing town.

And what makes Long Grove so amazing?

Well... The only place in the world that has a sock-booking museum?

Exactly.

Mr. Mayor, I'll be in touch.

Well? Haruka?

Joey's gonna get the word out to the kids and parents, and we can distribute

the rest of these.

Great. I'm doing the right thing, right?

Yes.

I'm not gonna let withers take over this town, right?

No. Okay.

Good.

This town is lucky to have you.

I am the mayor.

I've already told you.

It's the person.

Come on, stage crew. We gotta get this town excited for a festival.

Thank you, and you have a glorious day.

Mr. Mayor, how's the peppermint soap feeling?

Like Christmas morning.

Hey, Winston, would you be willing to put up a soap booth for the Clause for

Celebration Festival? Your homemade soaps are next level.

I'd love to.

Nice.

I have to try and figure out what scents the festival goers would like. Oh, maybe

cinnamon ginger.

I'll leave you to it, Winston.

Thanks for the suds.

Vanilla sugarplum. Oh, maybe some winterberry bubble bath.

Ryan, here to collect your scarves? That, and to see if you'd be interested

in setting up a booth for the store at the festival. Maybe really get some of

this inventory moving. I love that idea.

We're in.

Nice. Thank you. Sure.

I'll take this one in red if you have it.

Good choice.

Ugh, what a day.

Sounds like you could use this.

So you can always keep Long Grove close after you leave and go back to New York.

Yeah.

You okay?

Yeah.

No, not really.

I'm just thinking what life would have been like if we hadn't moved.

Yeah.

I've thought about that, too.

I have something to tell you, too.

You can go first.

I just found out we're moving at the end of the year.

My dad got a job in New York.

Oh.

What did you want to tell me?

Nothing as exciting as your news.

I'll miss Long Grove, though.

I'll miss you.

The curtains.

Nina, you're on.

Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Nina Madden.

Hi, Lee.

I'm not sure I can hold down the fort without you much longer.

Yeah, I'm so sorry. We've just been busy with cluster celebration stuff.

Well, I had about 12 calls today, adding to the list for maintenance.

All right. I'll be right there.

Sorry, bud.

It's okay. Go ahead. I have to go see Mrs. Colvin anyway.

See you later.

The most famous artist to come out of Long Grove.

My family's favorite painter.

I have a Michael Ortega original hanging in my apartment right now in New York

City.

Every time I look at it, it reminds me of home.

Art.

Always seems to do that, doesn't it?

I mean, it's beautiful.

I love how you captured the Long Grove Bridge.

But you can't forget about the Newtown tree.

You know, I don't think I've seen it yet.

I'm Nina Madden. Young Nina Madden. Most famous singer to ever come out of Long

Grove. And you're my family's favorite artist.

Well, I didn't have quite the same success.

I'm successful because I get to paint every day.

No matter where or for whom.

It's what I am.

And without it, it wouldn't be me.

You're a singer.

You love to sing.

Success is finding a way to do it.

No matter where you are.

Well, I think that's my cue.

Get a better look at that town tree, huh?

Our friend Nina is here today to help us sing and get our voices in great shape.

Okay, let's warm up. Repeat after me.

need you to uh it's

just a sign there

There it is.

You've got other things to do.

Let me finish up here.

You sure about that?

Trust me.

Thank you.

It's like a movie.

Wish number four. A white Christmas dance solo.

The light looks great.

It's like a movie.

Make a wish.

What'd you wish for I tell you I'll take my

chances

Here you go. Thank you. You know, Joey's actually a really good writer.

Hey, I knew my boy could write.

I feel like we're in a really good position for the festival.

Now we just need the town to show up.

Mayor Ortega?

What's up, John?

May I have a word?

Sure.

You can speak freely.

Okay. I tried everything.

Okay, the numbers are not numbering the way we want them to. There are several

numbers. Slow down.

We still have hundreds of tickets left.

Okay, this fundraiser, it's not even going to be able to cover the cost of

the maintenance budget for the next year. And we're nowhere near that.

So none of the outreach to Holly Falls, Redmont, Hammond, Greenwood, none of

that worked?

It's going to take more than a festival to fix our problems.

We need some... We need something drastic to change.

We are out of options.

What are we gonna do?

Am I the only one in this town that wants to keep it as it is?

Maybe I'm the one that needs to change. Ryan.

I just... I just need to think right now.

See y'all later.

Even when he's sad, he's really handsome, you know?

Do it for Longrove.

Ryan?

Hello.

I was pleasantly surprised to get your call.

Thank you, Lee.

Hi. I was on my way home, but I feel like we need to talk.

Is this about your meeting with Randall?

Please tell me you did not make a deal with him. It's not as simple as it

looks. If you sign those papers and the last shop agrees, it'll just be Ratha

against all of you.

Actually, it'll be Ratha and me against all of you. I don't know what to do

other than embrace the reality. This town's not going to be able to keep up.

Even with the Clause for Celebration, even if I fix every streetlight by

myself, it's not going to work.

So that's it, huh?

Well, Mr.

Mayor, you do what you gotta do.

Hi. This young man wanted to interview me because he's doing a story on you.

I'd suggest that we all talk.

I don't think this is a good time.

Let's talk about why.

Because I'm in way too honest a mood.

So,

you're

telling me Santa's here and your fourth grade wish list is coming true?

Item by item.

And even though it's fun and exciting and even a little crazy, it's not really

giving me what I want anymore. And worst of all, the woman I love is mad at me.

So, if you can make your wish list now as a grown-up, what would be on it?

Good question.

First of all, I'd wish that everyone could see...

the charming gem that Long Grove is before it becomes another high-end

shopping center. It's quaint and unique and beautiful, and the people here are

some of the best you'll find.

No, the hot chocolate isn't from France, and the scars aren't cashmere, and we

don't have a spa, but I wish it was a way to remind people that bells and

whistles aren't what makes something special. We're so much more than all

that, especially during the holidays.

We're like that more happy Christmas feeling all year long.

That is a great wish.

And next, I make the town's clause for celebration of success without

stretching the town's non-existent budget.

I wish these people could see that they don't need to have a big festival for

others. They alone are reason enough to celebrate. It's all the love they pour

into everything and into everyone they meet.

That's enough reason to celebrate right there.

This community deserves so much more than I can give it, and I just wish I

would have figured it out in time for Christmas.

And finally, I wish I had the courage to tell Nina

Madden how I really feel about her before she leaves again.

Great! Great!

Great? That was awesome.

This is what I was talking about when I said to speak from the heart.

Mr. Mayor, I can't solve your problems, but I can say that you are doing a great

job, and I wish that you saw that.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with the Long Grove Elementary School

newspaper. Wait, I kind of blacked out. What did I say?

Sounds like you finally figured out what makes Long Grove so amazing.

Like you said, the people of this town are the best there is. Go talk to your

people. They'll understand.

Enter my house. One hour.

Joey! Hi. I made copies.

I'm sorry?

Brian's interview, we finished, and I thought before I published it, you'd

want to see it first.

Yeah, these are cool.

Oh, hey.

Maybe I'll take them to the festival.

You know, sell them at the ornament station.

That'd be great.

I've been thinking a lot about you and your mom this Christmas.

I can see why you like being involved in the community.

I've really gotten a lot out of a small amount I've given.

Dad, I don't know what I'm going to do about this class for celebration.

We don't have enough attractions.

We haven't sold enough tickets. We don't... Let me stop you right there.

What do you mean by saying that you don't have?

What do you have?

We got Hal Bakery's gingerbread muffins and hot chocolate.

A cup of grow coffee.

It's a great start.

We basically have everything that Long Grove has to offer.

Exactly right.

That's enough.

Oh, my God.

Hey.

I need a favor.

Are you familiar with the town of Longrove? Well, have I got a story for

you.

Are you okay?

We're fully booked. What?

The inn is fully booked. The papers. I'll have this article. You won't

believe what it says. Well, I saw sneak peek.

So many big jams.

So many bookings.

Nina.

You were right, Nina. I can't wish away these problems or take them on myself.

I need to tell everyone what's going on.

Look at this.

It looks like the story got out about Long Grove. Joey's story went national.

Wow. I guess I underestimated Joey.

He had a little help.

The best part about being an event planner are all the contacts that you

make. So, if you read the article, then you know... Yeah.

I'm kind of crazy about you, too.

Right now, we need to figure out how we're going to fit all these people into

Long Grove.

There's people coming? Yes, for the Claus for Celebration. The inn is booked

from Christmas through New Year's.

And Fourth of July is booking up fast.

Brian, you did it.

Not yet.

Hey, Lee, we need to call an emergency city hall meeting.

So I'm sure you've all seen the papers.

Well, first of all, I'd just like to apologize. I haven't exactly been honest

with you on how much trouble this town has been in, and I was wrong.

What makes Longrove so amazing?

The really talented journalists and...

A close friend of mine has been asking me why I think it's so special, and I

couldn't really answer that until today.

I realize that what makes this place special is the love within the community

and the authenticity of our town.

This, this is the place that people go to take a break from the daily grind.

And it took all of you.

To remind me of that.

People want to get back to the simple, happy pleasures that Long Grove is so

abundant in. And that's what we're going to remind them of with this festival.

And you know what? They're going to come back the next time they need to feel

that connection.

And they're going to tell their friends that Long Grove is the town that isn't

trying to keep up.

We may be 50 miles from New York, but we are very probably a world away.

However, I'm going to need your help.

I could bring my new litter of kittens for people to pet.

Yeah, I'd love that.

I could decorate my tractor like a sleigh and give rides.

That'd be great.

All right.

Who's with me?

Oh, you read about my wish list?

Yeah, yeah, that's true.

Hey, how you doing?

Please,

please come in. Merry Christmas, everyone.

As promised, your favorite. Oh, thank you, Sadie.

Mm, yeah.

This is great.

Oh, cheers to you. You got nice coloring, though.

Yeah.

Hey there. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Brian.

Merry Christmas, Randall.

No. I see a lot of faces here I don't recognize.

I like it.

Well, word must have got out that Longgrove's the perfect Christmas town.

As is.

Yes. Oh, which reminds me. At some point, I would love to bend your ear

about how to best use my lot.

Oh, well, my grandmother has always wanted to expand.

Tennis court, pool.

That's interesting.

Or maybe an art gallery.

Ah, I like the sound of that.

I wouldn't even mind helping get it off the ground.

Withers Galleria d'Arte.

Dang it. Eh, spitballing.

Either way, we'll be talking soon. Lots of exciting things to discuss, yeah?

Absolutely. Have a good night, guys.

Hey there, Mr.

Journalist of the Year.

Hey there, Mr. Mayor of the Year.

I don't know what to say, Joey.

Thanks for getting it out of me.

A good writer knows the story will always reveal itself in time.

Couldn't have done it without you, kid.

Stop it already.

I gotta go find Hannah. She promised we'd do that thing with the, uh, the

hammer, the, uh... Hey, Joey!

Come on.

The, uh, high striker. Have fun.

This is better than I could have ever imagined.

The numbers are happy.

Very happy. Great.

Do you want to do the cotton candy with me?

I'd love to.

No, wait.

Okay.

Congratulations, Brian.

Thank you for all your help.

I... I... I don't know if you're... I don't know how

much you had to do with...

I, uh, I found this.

Is this yours?

I don't need that anymore.

All my wishes came true.

Well, almost all. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Nina Madden.

This is for you, stage crew.

What's come over me?

Everything I see The colors seem brighter for sure

The old I see and new I haven't got a clue

Why I couldn't see

See it's so clear. I figured it out I'm staying

right here cuz I can't live without the

feeling of this kind of