Original subtitles

Uh, Julie Wilson of 4455 Pinetree Place?

That's me, and that's my new address.

Oh, you just moved in?

A couple weeks ago, but it still hasn't gotten old.

Oh, well, in a place like this, I doubt it will.

Well, I got a delivery for ya.

It is very big and very heavy.

Ah! It's here!

And I'm sorry that it's behind schedule.

It's my first Christmas on the job.

I wanted to make a good first impression,

but I was not expecting this many deliveries.

Well, it is that time of year.

- So it is! - Yeah.

And... just sign right there.

- Uh-huh! - And just so you know...

"Delivering in Mission... is our mission."

Oh, love that! Thank you, Dennis.

I've been waiting for this moment forever!

There we go!

All right, I got the chairs, legs, and leaves in the van.

- I'll be right back. - Thank you, Dennis.

All right.

Got the legs.

Wow! That is one beautiful table.

Isn't it?

My nana hosted all of us around it every Christmas Eve,

just across town, in Mission.

Well, that's a good tradition to have.

It was.

And now it's mine.

Well, this table is very heavy.

You want any help putting on the legs?

Oh, um, i-it's okay.

I-I know you're busy.

Okay, I am more than happy to help.

'Tis the season.

No key?

Oh...

I love this! Great idea.

Yeah, when I was a kid,

I used to build these cozy corners,

and disappear into books for hours.

Well, hopefully,

it gets the kids back in the library again.

Well, if Christmas books and candy canes can't,

I don't know what will.

This town really lucked out,

hiring you to run things here.

You're making our library feel so special.

It already was.

Okay, fine. More special.

Mm.

I still can't believe you packed up and moved

from Redhaven all by yourself.

Yeah, I-I needed a fresh start.

Well, it's the best time of year for that, isn't it?

I hope so.

I am determined

to pack this place full of kids reading books.

Travel plans?

Yeah, because I've heard

international travel's always so smooth

during the holidays.

Still undecided...

but a little research never hurts.

Yeah, Christmas in London does look amazing.

It is tempting.

It just depends on...

Depends on what?

Oh, sorry! If you don't mind me asking?

Oh! I-I'd just rather spend it with my niece and nephew,

but my sister and I aren't speaking right now.

I'm sorry.

Sisters.

Do you have any siblings?

No. No, I'm an only child.

Well, I'm sure my sister and I

will find our way back to each other, eventually.

Just maybe not in time for Christmas.

If you're looking at the U.K.,

I would actually recommend this author.

She has great local tips.

Thank you!

- I'm Ali. - Julie.

- Julie! - Ah...

You're good.

My book club has already been raving about you.

Oh! Thank you.

Just getting started.

Enjoy!

Thank you.

Thank you.

And... Merry

Christmas.

Vanessa

are you sure you need all of these books?

Yeah. A few of 'em are yours.

"A few." Emphasis on a few. Oops.

Oh! Oh... you okay?

Yeah.

Um, I think this might be over your checkout limit.

It is. That's why I'm using my dad's library card.

Oh, you are?

Mm-hmm.

Hi!

Hi.

Library card, Dad?

Uh, yeah, of course.

- Got it. - Thank you.

You know...

I love seeing readers your age.

It's when I realized

that books

can take you anywhere.

Well, she's a reader and a writer.

Poetry!

Oh! Even better!

Oh...

- $11.11. - Oh, make a wish!

Meh, no, it's actually your overdue charge.

Well, that's impossible. I barely even...

Right.

All gone.

You did make a wish, right?

It's exactly what I wished for.

And they say they come true at Christmas.

You must be the new head librarian.

Yeah, yeah! I'm Julie Wilson.

Mark... Evans.

- And my daughter, Vanessa. - Hi!

You should check out our Christmas Corner.

It's full of all the best Christmas books.

Dad, can we stay a little longer?

Sure, kiddo.

Maybe your writing will be in there someday.

- Oh! - Dad, my notebooks

are just full of scribbles.

If you're filling notebooks, you are ahead of most writers.

It's nice to see a new face around here.

I only moved to Mission a couple years ago myself, so,

and the library's proven to be, uh

resourceful.

That's what we're here for.

Mm. Vanessa's mom is traveling with her new husband

for the holidays.

This is the first Christmas

we're having together, just us two, so

trying to make it special.

Looks like you're both booked up for the holidays.

"Booked up." I see what you did there.

It's a library joke.

And a good one!

Well, um, I hope you two have a Merry Christmas.

That's really sweet. Thank you.

Nice to meet you.

You too, Julie.

We got one!

What are we doing here?

Ah...

Oh.

Oh!

Y-You got it?

I got it! Thank you. Oh!

No, sorry.

- I'll grab that. - Wow!

My Christmas party trick.

It's a good one. Thank you.

I'm Julie. I just moved in.

Figured as much.

I'm Jim. Just live across the street.

Huh!

Well, welcome to Pinetree Place.

Well, I'm happy to be here!

Yeah, happy to have ya!

See ya 'round... neighbor.

See ya, Jim!

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

You went into a puddle there.

Come on, buddy!

You can't melt on me now.

We gotta get through the whole holidays together.

Mark?

Julie!

Uh... hi.

Hi!

You live on Pinetree Place?

I do.

What?

Me... and these fine individuals.

Crazy.

Uh, me too! 4455... that's me.

So... we're neighbors?

Yeah. What are the odds?

Huh.

Well, I, um

see the gang's all here.

Uh, Santa, Gingerbread Man...

Yes.

Oh, some penguins.

Yeah! I, uh

was hoping Vanessa would love all of these, but

falling a little flat.

Yeah, they certainly are.

Actually, this guy must have a hole in him somewhere,

but it's gonna be impossible to find.

Here, let me see.

- Oh, you don't have to... - It's okay.

Ah.

Yeah, that's what I thought...

A... scarf in the fan.

A classic!

While... I admire his fashion choices...

I think that might've been the problem.

See?

That makes a lot of sense.

Embarrassing... but thank you.

It's okay. Happy to help.

And if you ever need any help,

don't be afraid to knock.

I will.

See you around.

Bye.

Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.

Jules, hi!

How's our homeowner?

Owning it!

I'm happy to hear that.

You will never guess what happened.

What?

Well, you know

that Christmas Cruise contest they hold down at the mall?

Yeah, the one you enter every summer?

Yeah, and lose.

Except this year!

You won?

Well, um, okay, the-the-the winners backed out,

so your father and I

are next on the list.

That's amazing! Congratulations!

I can't believe it.

Yeah! Well, we couldn't believe it either,

and then, uh, we looked at the dates.

Yeah, the-the cruise leaves on December 22nd.

We'd be missing Christmas Eve dinner

at your new home.

Oh...

You're... You're still going, right?

You've-You've wanted this for so long.

- Um... - Well

we wanted to talk to you first.

Guys, it's a free cruise at Christmas!

You have to go!

Are you sure?

Of course! Yes, go!

Send me a postcard.

- Oh! - Aw!

- We love you, Julie. - Aw, love you, baby.

I love you. Bye.

Okay! What's next?

Why, hey, neighbor.

Hi.

I was thinking about what you said earlier,

about if I needed any help, ever?

Help?

I brought you a gift.

Aren't neighbors supposed to come asking to

borrow a cup of sugar?

Yeah, yeah. Thought you might say that. Uh...

Consider that an I.O.U.

As in, "I owe you

the batch of cookies that that sugar will become."

Sounds like a sweet deal.

I need to hang a light fixture, and it's a two-person job.

Okay, so, uh, it's just you over there?

Just me.

Well, great! Uh...

I mean, "yes."

Of course. I'll help.

Uh... Ness?

We're going across the street!

Dad, I'm reading!

- You can bring your book! - Okay!

Huh?

Well played.

You know, this reminds me...

I've got a couple home projects of my own before Christmas.

Oh? What are you and Vanessa getting up to?

My whole family's coming into town on Christmas Eve,

and I am hosting.

- Oh! - Yeah.

They haven't actually had a Christmas with Vanessa

for five years...

Not all together, at least...

So, it'll be a full house and

probably total chaos.

Of the best kind, I bet!

I don't know.

Vanessa's mom is so good at Christmas,

so I usually just take Thanksgiving.

Mm.

That's why I wanna make this

the most memorable Christmas possible.

I'm sure you already are.

She's just always got her head buried in a book...

Which I love...

It's just...

Mission's still

a new-ish chapter for both of us.

Sometimes, I wish she'd just pick up her head

and see she belongs here, too.

Uh, we're... done.

Nice!

I had a feeling you could help with that.

They don't always let architects

near the electrical, but

if there's a connection

we'll make it work.

You're an architect?

I am.

It's not that different from what you do, actually.

Books and buildings

both have stories.

Oh! That's clever. I see what you did there.

It's a gorgeous table, by the way.

Oh, yeah, speaking of stories, it was my nana's.

Really?

Yeah, I had it in storage for years.

I didn't wanna unpack it until I owned my own home.

And now you do.

Yeah! It's my dream

to host a Christmas Eve dinner where I fill the table,

just like my nana used to.

This Christmas Eve?

Maybe next year?

Okay.

Those look like they have some stories, too.

Oh, yes!

This one here

is a mystery.

And this one here

is a legacy.

"Prepare for what you want,

and have faith that it will find you."

My nana's words.

- Of wisdom! - Mm.

She was an optimist.

Yeah, a trait of hers I am trying to inherit.

New town, new job, new neighbors

all with a smile on your face.

Looks like optimism to me.

Yeah, I suppose so.

I guess I just thought that...

What?

It's nothing.

No, tell me.

I thought that, in life, I'd have a full table by now.

Ah

Well

your nana might tell you to just keep preparing.

It is good advice.

It is, isn't it?

What if...

I set the table

plan the dinner, and just

see what happens?

Test her theory?

Yeah! What have I got to lose?

If I want to host a Christmas Eve dinner...

I should plan to host a Christmas Eve dinner!

And then, hopefully,

the right people will find their way to my table.

You could be on to something.

You know, I-I do have a slight problem...

I don't know many people in Mission,

and Christmas is in two weeks.

Definitely ambitious,

but I'd be happy to introduce you

to some of the folks in Mission.

I wanna fill eight seats!

And what's the current count?

One!

Just you?

Just me.

Bold... but I love it!

And I'm happy to help any way I can.

Okay.

But let's make it a two-way street.

Okay.

You help me plan my dinner,

and... I help you

make this the most memorable Christmas season for Vanessa.

Sounds like a plan.

Oh?

Deal!

Deal.

And you know what they say...

"If you cook it, they will come."

You know, I think your nana would've loved your plan.

Oh! Check it out.

Hot off the press.

"Christmas Voices"? What is this?

I had a thought last night.

The Christmas Corner is a great place to read,

but what if we made it a place to share, too?

Help the next generation build their own community

right here, at the library.

They can... They can write poems, and stories,

and then share them on Christmas Eve morning,

before we close at noon.

That is a great way to start the winter break.

Right? We'll have blankets, and hot chocolate,

and a circle of tiny voices.

Oh, ho! I think my heart's gonna burst.

There's probably kids all over Mission

with Christmas stories.

Exactly! Let's give them a place to share them.

You okay?

Yeah, just seeing if my husband, Trevor,

will be home for Christmas.

Oh...

He's overseas with World Medical Response.

It's our first Christmas married,

but his assignment was extended,

so we don't know if he'll be back.

I really hope he makes it home.

Yeah.

But if he doesn't,

you don't have to be alone on Christmas Eve.

I'm hosting a dinner,

and I would love for you to be there.

That sounds really nice. Thank you.

Yeah, of course!

Mark me down as "to be determined".

Amazing. Oh!

Oh, do you mind finishing up here?

I'm gonna meet a friend and put up some flyers.

Yeah, I got this.

- Okay! - 'Kay.

Okay.

All right, ready to commence Day One

of "Operation: Christmas for Eight".

Is that what we're calling it?

I'm still workshopping the name.

This, however, needs no workshopping.

It's an annual Christmas tradition...

The Mission Window Walk.

Oh!

Yeah, there's only one rule...

No choosing your favorite until you've seen them all.

That's fair.

You wanna make it a double duty?

Sure.

I want to get the word out

about the Christmas Voices event I'm hosting at the library.

Oh.

It was actually inspired by your daughter.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

She'll love to hear that!

Yeah, let's put 'em up, and hand 'em out.

How is Christmas with Vanessa coming along?

So far, so good.

I've been planning the Ultimate 12 Days of Christmas.

- Wow, sounds official! - Yeah.

It's a holiday escape room, Christmas drone show,

polar bear swim club

12 distinct and different ways

to make memorable Christmas traditions.

It's a lot of pressure to put on one holiday.

- Is it? - Yeah.

Okay.

Oh, what a cute display!

Look at those elf shoes!

Yeah.

Who runs this store?

Ann Marie and John.

They can break in, re-sole,

and shine up even the most worn-out shoes.

And... they love meeting new people.

What do you know?

Oh, um... hi!

Hi, um, my name's Julie.

I'm the new librarian, and, um

we're-we're holding a special event at the library,

and I would love to see you there.

Christmas Voices? That's a great idea.

Please come! Please bring your friends.

Thanks!

Bye.

And this... is the Mission Gift Shop.

Oh!

That's Courtney.

She took the place over from her father, Greg.

It's been here for 30 years.

Seems like she's doing a great job.

Yeah.

Actually, there used be a vintage train

that would run through this little Christmas city.

Ness and I used to make a special trip here,

just to see it, every year.

What happened to it?

You know, I-I don't know.

- Hey! - Oh, hi. Cute.

Wow, you seem to know a lot of people in this town.

Ah, architect's eye.

When you notice the buildings,

you can't help but notice the people inside 'em.

Oh, yes!

Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no, no.

No, no, no, you can't...

You can't choose the bookstore.

Once I've seen all the windows, I can.

A librarian choosing the bookstore is just...

- Yeah. - It's too obvious!

Okay.

Ahem! Sorry to interrupt.

If you boys like to read,

I bet you've also got some stories of your own.

Please come share them at Christmas Voices.

See you there!

No one can say you're not a go-getter.

They can't.

Perfect!

I think so, too.

Do you mind if I bring one of these home to Vanessa?

Yeah, of course!

Ah! Oh!

Oh, no! Oh, no!

Oh, no, my flyers! Oh! Oh, no.

Ah! Oh...

All right, you got it.

Ahem. Um

you wanna check out the-the turkey?

Uh

Sure.

Thanks.

Oh! Look at that.

You should enter.

Well, it's a little ambitious at this point.

Only me and... one "maybe".

A maybe's not a "no".

- True. - Hi, Mark.

Sal. Hi!

- Oh, hi. - You gotta meet Julie.

- Hello! - Julie, this is Sal.

- Hi. - Welcome.

Enter the raffle.

- Oh... - You never know your luck!

It is Christmas, after all.

Gotta have faith, right?

Oh... I gotta get a holly wreath.

It's beautiful.

While I can't commit to a turkey that size...

I can commit to these.

How many is that?

Eight.

One raffle ticket, please!

You got it.

You got a gap.

Left side, 'bout a foot down.

Here?

A little to the left.

What do you mean, my left?

- You haven't gone far enough. - Oh!

You got it. There.

You are good at this.

Well, I haven't been able to put lights up

in a couple of years,

but I still know a thing or two.

I have more than I need.

Do you want me to put some up for you?

Well, that's really nice, Julie, but

you don't need to go out of your way.

Jim, it's hardly out of my way.

If you don't think it'd be a hassle,

I'll take you up on it! Thank you, Julie.

Oh, my pleasure.

Um...

I was wondering

what you have planned for Christmas Eve.

Oh, nothin' much.

Nat King Cole on the record player,

red-and-green dinner.

Seafood arrabbiata

with enough fresh basil to qualify as a vegetable.

Oh!

Do you wanna come over for Christmas Eve dinner?

Well, I appreciate the offer.

Means a lot.

But I've really come to enjoy my quiet traditions.

Yeah, yeah, it-it... it sounds very nice.

It will be!

Another gap.

What?

Right side.

Where?

Yeah. In that hole, right now.

Jim.

Ahem.

- Good morning. - Morning!

No luck with that, huh?

Oh, without the key, the mystery continues.

Mm.

- Um... - Go ahead.

Um, my dad said you did this because of me.

Is that true?

It is, yeah.

And kids can really bring in their own writing

and read it in front of people?

They can, and I really hope that you do.

See? I told you. She had to hear it from you.

Anyway, we're off

to our second Ultimate Day of Christmas.

Oh, what is on the agenda?

Splitting and gathering firewood.

Like lumberjacks.

And making Christmas wreaths!

Well, maybe it will spark some ideas for some poetry?

Hmm.

You should come, too!

Oh, uh...

I-I think it's probably just something special

for you and your dad.

He already said we have to make a holly wreath for you.

He did?

I do pay attention.

Well, in that case, let me get my jacket.

You... are a blabbermouth.

And that's how you do it.

Cool, Dad.

Can I go make my wreath now?

Go ahead, honey.

Nothing impresses that one.

You don't look very warm.

I've been warmer.

Oh, thank you.

There you are. That's better.

Much better.

Oh! Tell you what... it is beautiful.

Is that what made you know

you wanted to move back to Mission?

No, no. It's, um, it's where my nana lived, actually.

When I'd visit every Christmas,

I would get this feeling

that this was exactly where I was supposed to be,

and then I grew up,

and spent a long time going in the wrong direction.

- Been there. - Yeah.

My ex and I, um

we kinda had the whole thing.

You know, the-the plus-ones, the weekends away.

I was ready for the next step and he wasn't, so...

I decided to stop constructing a life around someone else,

and build what I want.

That's brave.

- It is? - Yeah.

Not a lot of people even ask themselves

if they want more,

much less go out there and get it.

I spent way too long trying to make something work

just 'cause I thought it was what I was supposed to do.

- Ah! - Oh.

- You okay? - Ah, I pricked my finger.

Oh... yeah

yeah, you're gonna be okay.

Oh!

Oh, that's your official prognosis?

You gotta trust me... I'm an architect.

Beautiful.

The, uh, the wreaths...

Oh... Are beautiful.

Right.

Right.

Can I make a suggestion?

You should go make a Christmas memory with her.

Great idea.

Go on.

- Hey! - Hi.

How's it going?

- Little Women? - Yeah!

Yeah, underrated as a Christmas classic.

I just hope some kids agree.

It was one of my favorites.

Which sister did you want to be when you were younger?

Jo!

I wanted her confidence.

Oh, I wanted her sisters.

I would read and imagine they were mine,

so that I wasn't missing out.

Sometimes, you weren't. Trust me.

Any progress?

With my sister?

- No. - Why don't you call

and invite her to coffee?

What's the worst that could happen?

That she won't pick up my call?

Okay, what's the best?

It's Christmas!

I think it's worth finding out.

Julie!

Records?

I found them in my nana's collection,

I thought you might like to add them to yours.

You're a special one, Julie.

I'm glad to see you got someone special in your life.

I do?

The young fellow from down the street?

Oh, you're talking about Mark?

No! No. Mark is a neighbor!

He's helping me get settled.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, he's a friend.

- Good friend? - Stop!

You know, when something good comes along,

we don't always recognize it right away.

Enjoy the music, Jim.

I will!

Julie?

I'd like to have you over sometime.

Oh.

We can break open your nana's albums together.

I would love that!

- I can't wait. - Goodnight.

Okay.

Hey, Julie, look!

Someone signed up!

- Yeah. - Progress!

Yesterday, we had none.

Any update on Trevor's arrival?

"Pending."

Could be December 24th, or... not at all.

What would you be doing if you knew, for sure,

he'd be home on Christmas Eve?

Um... I'd be baking.

Okay.

Well, practicing baking, at least.

I'm hopeless around an oven.

You have to prepare for what you want to happen,

even if it feels like it won't.

Okay.

Okay, yeah!

Well, wish me luck.

- Good luck! - Oh...

Oh!

Hey! Cookie sheets and a turkey roaster.

Right on time!

Barely.

These are some of the deliveries

that are trying to roast me!

There you go, if you could sign right there.

Thank you!

Decorations look great, by the way.

You really got this place coming together.

You do have a Christmas tree, right?

- No. - Mm...

I just haven't gotten around to it yet!

You know you do need a Christmas tree

in order to invite Christmas into your house?

Yes. Yes.

I do recommend going to Henderson's.

They just got a brand-new shipment.

Great! Just need to figure out how to get it home.

You do know somebody with a whole delivery van.

Yeah-yeah-yeah. You make a good point there.

I'll let you know if I need help.

Okay.

Dennis?

Uh, yeah?

Uh, do you wanna come over for dinner on Christmas Eve?

Really?

I mean, I mean, yeah, I would absolutely love to.

Oh!

But I do work that day,

and probably all the way through till midnight...

Then Santa takes over.

You work on Christmas Eve?

Yeah. I know,

but at least I do have

plans with my friends on Christmas Day.

Good.

But thank you so much for the invite...

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

- Thank you. - Bye.

Wow! Looks like they got a good one.

It looks like any other tree.

All right... what about this one?

Symmetrical, balanced...

A strong trunk foundation, huh?

Sounds like you're describing a building, Dad.

Okay.

Here, I like this one. It's got personality!

Kind of the problem, Vanessa.

It's got more personality than it does pine needles.

Hmm.

Julie?

Hey!

Hi, guys.

Catching us on one of our Ultimate 12 Days.

Nice!

Actually, just in time for a split decision.

Maybe you want to be the tie-breaking opinion?

Okay.

This tree... luscious, green as ever.

Mm!

Or this one!

Oh

Well

this one is beautiful...

I agree.

But this one

looks like it has a story to tell.

Hmm.

Why don't you get both?

- Both? - Well, yeah!

I mean, you need one, I need one...

I was told that, once it's up,

Christmas will officially arrive.

I... am gonna take

this tree.

Yay, I win!

I'll go get the tree guy.

Why did I have to lose?

Well... because picking her tree

is gonna be more memorable.

But I don't want "picking the runt"

"of the Christmas tree litter" to be our new tradition.

You can't plan traditions!

They grow out of little moments

that you wanna relive over and over again,

until one day...

It's like they've always been there.

Exactly.

I'll put both of these on top of my car.

Perfect!

Eggnog and tree-trimming at mine, later?

Eggnog sounds like

just the right amount of "ultimate".

We'll be there.

Oh

Wow!

Yeah.

Ah... oh.

Dad?

This one looks like the train

that used to be in the gift shop window.

Sure does. Wow.

You have a lot of decorations for someone who just moved in.

Well, I've been collecting them for years!

Oh. I brought over a special one for you.

Oh, no. You didn't?

I did.

Meet... the Glitter Elf.

Oh... uh...

That's, uh...

- Terrifying? - Magnificent?

Both!

Our accidental Christmas tradition.

Every year, someone gets stuck with the Glitter Elf.

Last year, Uncle Steven gave it to Dad.

And I tried to keep it hidden in its box.

But you can't stop the Glitter Elf from shining.

I love this tradition.

I have the perfect spot for him.

You have so many great books.

Oh! Yeah, these are some of my favorites.

Um, how do I know if people will like what I write?

You don't.

And that is the scary part, but you do it anyway.

But what if I don't know what to write?

Come with me.

All right, Vanessa...

Check this out.

These... were my nana's words.

"Prepare for what you want

and have faith that it will find you."

Basically, hope and action make you unstoppable.

So, just, like... go for it?

Yeah, I mean, pretty much!

Find a place that invites inspiration.

- The library? - Library's great.

Uh... I used to get my best ideas

under my nana's dining room table.

This table?

Yeah.

The only thing is, um,

you won't know if your writing is getting better,

unless you share it.

Like at Christmas Voices?

Exactly.

Okay if I go write for a bit?

Of course, honey.

I'll grab my notebook.

I have snacks for us in the kitchen.

I'm starving.

Christmas is the time for grazing.

A hundred percent.

Did your family ever get

those giant Christmas tins of popcorn?

Oh, yeah, the ones with the three flavors?

The caramel never lasted long in our house.

We used to sit around the table playing games for hours,

until every last kernel was gone.

You know, after seeing

how much Vanessa loved your Christmas Corner,

I suggested we make her one of her own.

She was so excited.

Oh, that makes me happy!

It's a really special thing you're building here.

You're an amazing person, Julie Wilson.

Thank you.

After my breakup, I was doubting

pretty much everything.

Mostly my heart.

It's been hard to trust it again.

I know what you mean.

Since my divorce,

I've been very... careful.

I don't know if I'm ready yet.

You know, I-I've got this new house,

this new job...

I really wanna build something that I'm proud of.

Well, maybe that groundwork

is exactly what prepares you for

whatever's next.

I hope so..

I've got a really good feeling about it.

Julie!

I have a question!

What's up?

How do you make sure

that the person reading knows where to pause

in your poems?

That is an excellent question!

Well, let me see.

Oh, good. Good.

You can do this,

or you can break the line with a slash...

It's basically writer's choice.

Okay.

Keep going. It's good.

Vanessa, look.

What do you think it opens?

Recipes?

Nana's secret recipes.

Sweet potatoes

celery-and-sage stuffing...

Oh.

What is it?

Jojo's cookies!

These are, like,

the best Christmas cookies I have ever had.

Who is Jojo?

Don't know! But we loved their cookies.

Oh, we thought Nana never wrote these down!

Well, now you have a whole box of them to make.

For your Christmas Eve dinner.

For my Christmas Eve dinner.

[jazzy festive piano tune splaying

Listen to that.

Everything sounds better on vinyl.

I think you might be right.

I've been living too long to be getting things wrong.

You know, when I bought my house,

this is kind of what I pictured.

Sitting in an old man's living room?

No!

Sitting in a new friend's company.

Well, you've certainly found that.

And I suspect

there's some other people in Mission

that have gotten pretty attached to you.

One in particular.

The kids are loving it here!

I know!

Okay, so I did what you said.

I prepared, had faith, and...

Oh!

These cookies came out.

- Mm... - They're gingerbread...

Oh!

Allegedly.

Although, I might have added too much ginger,

or forgotten the "bread" altogether.

Hey! I'm sure that they are...

Terrible.

Not terrible, just, um...

Not edible!

I just wanted to impress him.

Hey. I know a recipe I think he'll love.

They're... They're Christmas fig cookies.

My nana called them Jojo's Cookies.

Is it an easy one to make?

Mm-hmm, she made it look easy. You wanna try together?

- Oh, I would love to. - Of course!

Glad we don't need these anymore.

I called my sister!

And...?

- And she hasn't called back. - Oh...

But the olive branch is there, if she wants it.

I do feel good about that.

Ali, if you knew for sure

you were seeing your sister on Christmas,

what would you be doing right now?

Well, I'd probably be shopping for presents for the kids.

Well, let's go shopping.

- What? - Yes.

- Now? - Yes!

You have to prepare for the best-case scenario.

I'm done with work. Let's go!

Keep reading!

Oh, my book club wants to meet you.

Oh!

You'd be the guest of honor at our next meeting,

if you'd like to join?

I would love that! I've actually been looking for a book club.

Thank you.

Mark?

Julie.

Hi! This is my friend, Ali.

Hi!

Hi. Guess we all had the same idea.

Right.

Hey, you don't happen to know why the train in the window

hasn't been running for the past few years, do you?

I get asked about that a lot.

We upgraded the electrical,

and realized the old train couldn't be hooked back up

without rewiring it.

- Oh. - Mm.

So, a train without a conductor... literally.

Exactly. It kept tripping breakers,

and overheating,

so we shut it down... for now...

But, one day, I hope to get it back up and running.

I hope you do.

My daughter Vanessa's favorite Christmas tradition.

Oh, I'm seeing my dad on Christmas Eve.

It will really make him happy

to know that people still remember it.

I always wanted a tradition like that

with my niece and nephew.

There is still time.

And listen...

If you don't get invited to your sister's

for Christmas Eve,

you are invited to mine.

I'm hosting a dinner,

and I would love for you to be there.

That sounds so wonderful. Thank you!

- Yeah! - But I can't.

I went ahead and booked

that trip to London as a Plan "B".

Spending Christmas there

sounds so much better than sitting around

and waiting for the phone to ring.

She'll call!

I'll give it a few more days, and if she doesn't,

I'll just pop those presents in the mail.

Why not deliver them in person?

Have you... you ever thought about that?

I don't think I'm ready for that.

Every time you take a leap,

there's this moment where you wonder,

"Is this gonna work out?"

Sounds like you're speaking from experience.

Everything works out eventually.

I'm just sayin'.

♪ O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪

♪ O, Christmas tree... ♪

You know, what you're doing for Ali is really sweet.

Oh, thank you.

Hey, did you end up going through your nana's recipes?

I did!

And planning on making any?

I'm starting with her sweet potato recipes.

Plural?

Three, actually.

Okay. Even if you get eight people,

that seems like maybe too many sweet potatoes.

Yes. Yes, I have to plan which one to serve,

even though it's just me, and maybe Daniela.

All right, well, I still have faith.

Yeah, faith is only faith when it's being tested, right?

I suppose so.

How is your Ultimate 12 Days of Christmas coming along?

Truthfully?

I think Vanessa lost interest after the polar bear swim race.

You know, you don't need these big, elaborate plans

for them to be memorable.

I feel like it's the little moments

she'll remember.

I just want it to be

the "Ultimate Christmas with Dad".

Right, but...

I saw her face

when you sat with her in the Christmas Corner.

And when you helped her with her wreath?

That is what she wants.

And old traditions, like the Glitter Elf.

Okay.

Okay... what is something you used to do with her

every Christmas?

Uh, Santa pancakes on Christmas morning.

Strawberry hat,

whipped cream beard... the whole thing.

Okay, now, when you made these pancakes,

were you trying to start a new tradition?

No, we were just making pancakes.

Exactly. Vanessa doesn't need bigger, better, newer...

She needs...

Uh, something that never gets old.

- Something timeless. - Mark, she needs you!

Right.

Right.

Oh! I forgot to tell you.

I'm picking her up later from, get this...

Her new friend's house.

She made a friend?

- Yeah! - Oh...

Yeah, she, uh, met her at the Christmas Corner,

and now they're planning to get together

at her next visit.

She's finding her community!

Yeah.

You know...

I think that's all I've ever wanted for her.

Okay! We got the flour

eggs, figs, and most importantly,

- sprinkles! - Mm-hmm.

You said this recipe was your nana's?

Yeah, she kept it in that locked box.

Oh, then you know they're good!

Right? Okay.

Fig stems are off, butter is cold.

Let's get baking.

And the dates?

Yes. Both of those in there.

Okay.

Perfect!

My nana never let me do this.

Your house, your rules.

Mm!

And they turned out perfect!

Okay, careful, careful, careful... ooh.

Okay, this was always my favorite bit

when I was little.

Mm!

Amazing, right?

So delicious.

I told you!

Okay.

So... how's it living here on your own?

Well, I'm trying to trust

that everything is unfolding the way that it's supposed to.

But it has been amazing.

Yeah.

I've met some really special people.

You, Jim down the street,

Ali invited me to her book club.

Vanessa and Mark...

They have been spending lots of time at the library.

Ah! Vanessa likes to read, so...

Mm-hmm, and I think he likes more than just the books.

Oh, no, no. I...

He's been a really good friend

and I like to spend time with him.

You "like" like him!

The point is,

couple weeks ago, I didn't know anyone here,

and now...

Mission feels like home.

Yeah.

Tastes like it, too!

- They're so good! - I know!

Oh!

Hi.

Hi, Julie.

I'm in a real bind here.

You wouldn't happen to have any packages

that belong to somebody else on this street, would ya?

No. Did some go missing?

Well, it seems like

I got a couple of rogue parcels to worry about.

Oh, no!

- You mean like this one? - Oh!

Showed up at my house, but... it's addressed to Julie Wilson.

So sorry. We had a bunch of bad routing labels.

The street addresses were right, but the barcodes didn't match,

so the scanners kept sending us to the wrong houses.

- Sounds stressful. - Yeah.

A-And nobody caught it

until after the deliveries were made,

and on top of today's deliveries,

I'm essentially going door to door,

trying to reunite the right packages

with the right people.

Well, I'm free.

And Vanessa's at her friend's, so I'm free, too.

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

No, no, no. I'm sure you guys have better things to do.

We would be happy to help.

'Tis the season?

Thank you. Thank you.

I could use all the help I can get!

Of course.

Thank you!

It's okay. It's all right, Dennis.

Time for a little Christmas recon.

I have always wanted to be a Santa's elf.

If the shoe fits...

All right! Maple Street?

Maple Street... 3340,

3358, 3300... here.

Ah, thank you, Julie.

All right.

There we go.

All right.

Great!

Thank you.

Back to the North Pole?

After you.

Oh, I think this one

goes with the other two for Cleveland Avenue.

All right. I think so, too.

I'll put them together, where they belong.

So many people celebrating the holidays.

Just like you.

What if preparing for a dinner without a guest list

is a bad idea?

You can't lose faith, Julie.

These things never go exactly the way we planned, but

sometimes they're better.

You think?

Well, my weekend activities with Vanessa

were supposed to be a "Silent Night" disco,

an ice-fishing derby,

and a Christmas-themed obstacle course,

so, yeah.

Holy.

Instead, we ended up

telling each other stories by the tree,

and making popcorn garlands.

Oh.

And how much popcorn made it into the garland?

About half.

Ah...

Maybe a little less than that.

Christmas memories kind of

make themselves, don't they?

All right!

Next stop... Cleveland Avenue.

Cleveland Avenue.

Yeah.

Load 'em up!

♪ ...la-la-la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La, la, la, la-a-a-a-a ♪

I seriously can't thank you two enough.

Oh, please, it was fun!

Oh, no, seriously,

I-I'm pretty new to this,

and you have one bad day this close to Christmas,

and suddenly everybody knows your name.

Oh, I think you're overselling us just a little there.

Oh, we definitely saved some Christmases.

Kind of takes the magic out of the day

when a kid opens a toaster instead of a toy.

So, deliver you two back to Pinetree Place?

Wait!

Do we have time for one more delivery?

Her car's gone.

She might not even be home!

Either way, we will be right here, waiting.

Showing up counts for a lot.

Especially on Christmas.

Right, and if we drive away without trying,

I will regret it.

Okay. Okay!

Okay, I'm going in.

You got this.

Mm! I'm excited! It's like a stakeout.

When I tell you I am invested...

Someone's home!

Hi.

I think that's the brother-in-law.

Sister isn't there.

Oh, but the kids are!

Hi, guys!

Oh!

They're hugging. They're hugging.

Yeah, ha! Now that's what I call a successful delivery,

right there.

Yeah!

Would you like to do the honors, young lady?

- Me? - Yeah!

Okay.

All right, just reach in there. No peeking!

Okay.

And the winner of the turkey raffle is...

Julie Wilson!

That's you!

It's me! I won!

Oh, my goodness! Thank you.

I can't believe it.

Wow.

Congratulations!

Oh, no

who am I gonna cook this for?

Thank you. Thank you.

Great idea.

Ah! Thank you.

Trevor's coming home!

What?

Yes!

His flight gets in on the 24th.

Oh, Daniela, I'm so happy for you!

That just means I won't be able to make it

to your Christmas Eve dinner.

Daniela, please! I know how much this means to you.

He's coming home.

He's coming home!

Hey, look who's here.

Is she signing up?

- Hide. - Oh, hide.

- Is she doing it? - I think so!

She's taking a really long time.

I know!

Did she just look at me?

I-I think... maybe?

She's coming. She's coming. Ahem.

Ahem.

- Hey, Vanessa. - Hey.

Hi.

Good to see ya. Heh.

- Go! Go-go-go-go! - Okay.

Okay.

There it is

oh, look at all these little book-lovers.

- You did it. - Oh!

Julie?

Mark! Hi.

She signed up.

You believed in her.

You doing a little... "light" reading?

- Uh, little side project... - Ah.

Actually.

- So, hey, I actually wanted to... - Listen, I wanted to talk

to you.

I want to talk to you, too.

Maybe... outside?

- Yeah, that's a good idea. - Okay.

Thank you.

Oof, oh, it's cold!

Yeah, it is.

So do you wanna go first?

Yeah, um...

I was thinking about what you said,

about how

building a life I'm proud of

might actually be preparing me for more and, uh...

I'm ready for more.

So am I.

Great. Um

your turn?

Right! Ha-ha. Right.

I just...

I've been so focused on making this Christmas perfect

that I kind of forgot that the most important part

are all the little memories in between.

You showed me that.

Actually...

Vanessa had an idea,

and I... we wanted to ask you a question.

How would you feel about our family

coming to yours, on Christmas Eve?

My parents, my brother, and his two kids...

Oh!

Vanessa, me, and you... all together?

It's exactly eight.

A full table.

You would really wanna do that?

If you do, we do. Yeah.

I can't believe that dinner's actually happening.

Okay! We have

marshmallow,

tri-color with coriander,

and roasted with cinnamon.

All right. Ness, you sure you don't want to come out

from under the table and try this?

There's marshmallows.

No, thanks, Dad. I'm on a roll.

Okay, let's do... gold for first place,

silver for second place...

Classic.

And red for third.

Right.

The entire fate of my Christmas Eve dinner

is in your hands... no pressure.

No pressure.

That doesn't even taste like a vegetable.

That would be the marshmallow.

That would be cheating.

No! It's the recipe.

Mm...

There can only be one winner.

I don't know about two and three, but

we have a winner.

I had a feeling you were gonna pick that one.

Oh.

Hey.

Look. I wrote some poems.

Oh!

Oh... wow.

I don't know if they're any good.

Come on.

May I read some?

Yeah, sure.

She's reading all of them.

Well, at least you'll get an honest review.

Vanessa...

Your writing is wonderful.

It is?

Yeah! Yeah.

You have a way of seeing things that most people miss.

Told ya.

Seriously, the one about the snowman?

Oh, it's not that good.

It is.

It made me feel something,

and I think that is the whole point.

We'd be lucky to hear any one of these

at Christmas Voices.

Huh?

Thank you.

I had a really lovely night.

Yeah, me too.

Spending time with you and Vanessa

has become the highlight of my holiday.

Ours, too.

Aw.

Maybe we

create a Christmas memory of our own, sometime?

Yeah, I'd like that.

You would?

Of course.

All right, well...

Vanessa's headed to a Christmas movie night

at her friend's.

I've gotta run downtown for a bit, then

say I pick you up around seven?

Sounds perfect.

Perfect.

Hey, kiddo! You got everything?

Yep. Ready.

Goodnight!

Goodnight.

Goodnight, guys.

Thanks, Julie.

Ahh.

It is magnificent.

A front-row seat

to Mission's Christmas wishing tree

for our little picnic.

Here we go.

This is very sweet, Mark. Thank you.

Well, you deserve it.

Oh, stop.

Oh...

You know, I gotta say...

Christmas for eight? Pretty great.

Mulled wine for two... is pretty great, also.

I just wanted to make sure we had some alone time

before the chaos of family Christmas ensues.

I, for one, am looking forward to it.

I've actually got something special planned

for you and Vanessa, tomorrow.

I'm all yours.

I don't think I have any wishes to make.

Come on, there's gotta be something.

Maybe one.

All I know is

all of my wishes have come true

since I met you at the library.

Oh, yes... your overdue charges.

Yeah, that was a bit of Christmas magic, but, uh

what I actually wished for was more time with you.

You changed Christmas for me, Julie.

I have?

Having you down the street from us,

suddenly everything just

feels right.

We're finally home.

Julie!

Cookies?

My nana made these every Christmas.

Well, thank you.

Of course!

- Big day tomorrow. - Yeah!

Yeah, Mark and his family are coming over.

Look at that!

It's funny, I've... I've wanted this

for such a long time...

A house with a table full of people on Christmas Eve,

but

now that it's real, I'm nervous.

Nervous? Why?

Well, I think I just want it to live up

to the image I've had in my head all these years.

You want it to feel like Christmas Eve at Nana's.

Tell me...

What was it about that night at Nana's

that made it so special?

I don't know.

It just felt magical.

Exactly!

It felt magical.

It's not about how good the food is,

or how beautiful the house looks.

Your guests will remember how they felt at your table.

And you, Julie

you have a gift

for making people feel at home in your presence.

You and your guests are gonna have a wonderful Christmas Eve.

Thank you, Jim.

You're welcome.

If you change your mind, there's still a spot for you.

Merry Christmas, Julie.

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy those cookies!

You know I will!

All right!

Thank you.

I love roasted chestnuts.

Me too!

So simple, yet so good.

You know what I've always said?

"Christmas is best when you keep it simple."

I'm sorry, is that what you've always said?

I think so, yeah.

Huh... huh!

Hey, we should make chestnuts for Christmas Eve.

I think that that is a great idea.

♪ ...A Merry Christmas ♪

- ♪ And a Happy new Year ♪ - Bravo!

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas... ♪

What's going on down there?

Something's happening at the gift store.

Maybe we should check it out.

Dad

It's back.

How?

Mark!

What you did here...

I-I can't thank you enough.

I wish you could've seen my dad's reaction

when I told him.

Merry Christmas, Courtney.

Merry Christmas.

Wait, Dad, you did this?

Dad!

This is the best Christmas memory ever!

Vanessa's face really said it all tonight.

You know, I think that's the look I've been waiting for,

this whole time.

She has a great Christmas face.

"Christmas face"?

Yeah. Yeah.

That childlike wonder.

I think that is what Christmas is all about.

Okay, if you say so, it is.

That's gonna be you, tomorrow...

Seeing all those people gathered around your nana's table...

I think you're gonna have a great Christmas face.

Thank you!

I think tomorrow's gonna be perfect.

I think it is, too.

My wrapping, however?

- Oh, no... - Not so much.

Mark, good thing...

I am a wrapping expert.

Oh?

Let's, um, work on that one later.

The secret is you wanna start

with more paper than you think you need.

Okay.

And then, when it comes to the scissors,

don't cut...

Glide.

- Oh... yeah! - Mm-hmm.

That's the sound you're looking for?

So satisfying!

Hi, Dad. Hi, Julie.

What are you doing here while we're wrapping presents?

I made these place cards for everyone coming.

Oh! Your writing is beautiful.

Names are easy. Poems are hard.

Hey, whatever you share tomorrow will be wonderful.

Thanks, Julie.

Hey, you! No peeking.

- I'm not. - Cheeky!

- All right, okay. - Okay.

Big folds, straight creases.

Uh...

- One second. - Yeah.

Mom!

Hi.

No. No, I-I didn't.

Yeah, I...

Yeah, I understand.

Yeah, I'll, uh...

I'll tell her.

Don't worry about it, please.

Okay, I-I love you, too.

Bye.

Apparently, a huge snowstorm just hit the East Coast.

Oh, Mark.

No, everybody's fine, just

my parents and my brother are

not gonna be able to make it out.

No one's coming to Christmas?

It looks like it's just gonna be the three of us tomorrow.

I'm really sorry, Julie.

I know how badly you wanted to fill the table up.

No, no, no. No. Don't worry about me.

What about you?

You wanted this Christmas to be memorable for Vanessa.

It already is.

Maybe not exactly what we had planned,

but I wouldn't change it for anything.

I should probably break the news to her, though.

Yeah. Yeah, I gotta go, anyway.

I have to get to the library early tomorrow, to set up.

Goodnight!

Goodnight.

Mm.

No one yet?

No.

It was a little hard to get here this morning.

I'm sure everyone's just running behind.

Mm.

Oh!

I was worried you weren't gonna make it. Come here!

Oh, it's so good to see you.

Well, a plow was blocking the road,

but a little snow wasn't gonna stop us.

Okay, but wait!

One voice, or all twelve... you deserve a chance to share.

Welcome. Welcome!

Come in, please! Please. It's nice and warm in here.

Have a cookie. Have two!

Have all the cookies. Please, just come in.

Oh, welcome to Christmas Voices, everybody!

Thank you for being here.

Thank you. Thank you, Mom. Dad, thank you.

Make yourself at home.

Pull up a beanbag!

- Get in there! - Yeah.

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Oh, thank you all so much for being here.

Are you ready to share your Christmas Voices?

Yeah!

Okay, who wants to go first?

Okay... uh, anybody?

I will.

Come on.

There's a train in a gift shop window

I would visit years ago.

I used to press my face up to the glass

and watch it go,

but, one day, when it stopped,

I thought,

"Some things are yours until they're not."

But

you should prepare for what you want in life.

Have faith. Expect no less.

You can set a table before anyone's said "yes".

You should salt the stairs before it starts to snow,

believe in an ending

before you know how the story goes.

My favorite gift this Christmas

was to see that train come back.

Amazing things can happen,

but you must first lay down the track.

'Cause maybe

all the special things you wish for on a star

are on their way to you

when you live as if they are.

Whoo!

Go, Vanessa!

Still set for eight?

Yeah, I couldn't bring myself to clear the rest.

Well, Vanessa and I are gonna be reintroducing

our Santa pancake tradition on Christmas morning,

and we'd love if you'd join us.

Yeah, I'd-I'd love that. Thank you.

Hi!

Can we still use all the Christmas crackers?

Yes, but

you've gotta wait till dessert.

Here, let me help you with those.

I hope you're hungry, kiddo!

Oh, can you check that, please?

Yeah.

- Um, it's from Ali. - Oh!

It says, "My sister called"

as I was on my way to the airport.

We talked.

I'm invited for Christmas Day,

"and I canceled London."

She did?

Yeah! That's what it says, and also, um,

"I'm free tonight. Is there still a seat for me?"

Yes! Yes! Text back, "Yes."

Yes? "Yes,"

and then heart emoji, happy-face emoji,

thumbs-up, and Santa emoji?

- Yeah! - Okay.

That's a table half-full.

Yeah, not bad.

Oh! Daniela, hi.

Okay, Julie, don't judge me. The ham...

What about it?

- It's bad. - Very bad.

Okay, it's burned on the outside,

and somehow still raw in the middle.

Oh, I didn't even know that was possible.

What do I do?

You come to my house for dinner!

Are you sure it's not too late?

No, no, of course not. How soon can you be here?

- Soon! - Soon!

Great!

How many is that?

Six!

I can't believe it.

Somehow, I can.

Oh! That will be Ali.

Dennis?

Hi. Um, sorry for just dropping by like this.

No, don't be! You're not working tonight?

My boss actually gave me the night off.

He said that we'd worked really hard,

and to enjoy my Christmas Eve.

You should.

Hey, look, you and Mark have helped me out a lot,

and that's probably

the only reason why my boss even took notice,

and I just wanted to come by and say thank you.

Oh, you shouldn't have...

Oh!

Wow, this looks absolutely delicious.

Wait.

Does this mean you're free to join us for dinner?

Oh, no, no, I don't want to impose.

You wouldn't be! You're invited, remember?

- Okay. - Come on in here, Dennis!

Come on, it's cold.

Hi! Come in. Oh...

You didn't have to wait.

Oh, no, we wanted to.

Hey, who made the sweet potatoes?

Oh, that would be me. My nana's recipe.

You know what? That makes more sense.

I'm just the taste-tester.

And... Vanessa made these gorgeous place cards!

Oh!

We made it!

Ah!

- Welcome, welcome! - Thank you!

I promise... I have no idea.

Hi.

There's something wrong with the cookies.

There is?

Yes.

They're delicious, but

when I gave your grandmother this recipe,

I always told her they tasted best

when they're shared.

Jim, you're "Jojo"?

"James Joseph."

- Oh, my... - JoJo's a nickname

lovingly given to me by Jennie Wilson,

who I realize now is your nana.

My nana, yeah!

She had me and the bridge club

at her table for dinner every Sunday.

Jim, I have that very table set for dinner,

and just like my nana...

I saved you a seat.

Oh...

- Come on in. - Thank you.

Oh, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Um

When I moved to Mission,

I brought some of my nana's things with me...

Some big

like this table.

Uh, some small...

Like a single piece of advice.

"Prepare for what you want

and have faith that it will find you."

I always knew I wanted a full table.

What I didn't know

was how filling these eight seats

would make me feel.

This was never just about hosting a dinner.

It was about finding my people

my community.

You all showed up exactly when I needed you...

Not just to my table,

but into my life,

and you have taught me something I will never forget...

Courage.

Acts of service.

Love.

Friendship...

..and what it means to feel at home.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

You did your nana proud.

To Julie!

To Julie!

Okay, that's enough of that! Let's eat!

Hey!

I brought syrup.

Could you be any sweeter?

Mm, you could find out.

Merry Christmas, Julie.

Oh, Merry Christmas, Mark.

Santa pancakes are up!

Get 'em while they're hot.

Come on in.

There's a seat for you at our table.

Aw.