Original subtitles

Marie, yeah.

Mr. Dean is having difficulty here with the new system.

I'm trying to check in, but it says my room doesn't exist.

Oh, minor glitch. Your room exists. It's just plain shy.

There it is.

2518, great view. And don't forget that we have hot chocolate in your room

service as well. You just press season's greetings.

Have a wonderful stay, Mr. Dean.

Sorry to throw you back in guest-facing mode. Oh, don't worry about it. I love

talking to our guests.

I just mostly talk to the tech now. And don't worry about that glitch. It's all

going to be running seamlessly very soon.

Speaking of running... I don't want to be late for my contract renewal meeting.

Hey, you've got this, okay? Guest numbers are up, costs are down.

It is a Christmas miracle. It's not a miracle.

It's Marie Anderson.

Thank you.

I just hope the executives will see that and that they will let me automate this

entire chain. Then I can actually relax for my Christmas vacation.

Okay, we never get Christmas time off, so you really need to enjoy Denmark for

the both of us. Okay, I will. I promise.

I haven't been there in so long, I don't know if I will remember all the

Christmas stuff, you know?

So, this is Baxter, head of HR.

What's head of HR doing at my contract renewal meeting?

Oh, I'm not getting renewed.

Don't jump to conclusions.

Good luck in there.

And not that you need it.

Tell her why I'm going to need it.

If it dips under $16, if it spikes, sell.

Well, it's Christmas.

Might as well make it merry.

I'll call you back.

The plant I got you two weeks ago is still out here, Ryan.

Have you even unpacked your apartment yet?

Sure.

Got a cushion for the couch.

Huge commitment.

You've been running on commissions and caffeine for what?

Almost a year now? I don't even remember a year ago, Debbie.

I've been too busy.

You burned out.

You've got to do that breakup eventually.

Oh, I've dealt with it.

I've decided I'm never falling in love again.

Well, I've got the cure for you.

Uh, Danish?

Denmark. I've booked you a one-week tour of Copenhagen. You are going to find

your light again.

Find my light again?

Don't they only get, like, seven hours of daylight in the winter?

If any place is going to make you slow down, it's Denmark.

It's listed as one of the top places to visit.

And they've got the hygge thing.

The hygge what?

Oh, you know, it's how they make their winters feel warm.

Are you trying to set me up with someone again?

No. No, no, never.

I can't just disappear from the firm.

Trading slow till January, we both know that.

Listen, this is the only time of year that we're allowed to actually breathe.

This better not be one of those breathwork retreats.

You can't just pull the boss card whenever you want.

Well, technically, I'm pulling the big sister card.

Is this a Christmas present or an intervention?

Both.

Do I have a choice?

No. Pack your coat, bring the camera, and don't ask questions.

Just let someone else tell you what to do.

You'll thank me at Christmas.

I promise.

Go.

They've been baking cookies all afternoon for nissan

Is that little elf still living in the attic and got us trouble? Yes, but it's

mostly Casper who's causing all of the trouble. Oh, come on, Casper.

Oh, I'm scared.

I'll work it, babe.

It's so good to be here.

Yeah. Oh, hi.

Oh, you're early.

I wanted to surprise you guys. It was hectic at the airport. I jumped on a

bike. You've certainly earned your bliss.

Yeah. Now it's Christmas.

Back to the reason club.

Come on. And no more cookies, Clara.

Okay, but I paid some for me.

Marie, I'm going to put your lock engine in your room. Sure, yeah. Oh, you know

what? I'm going to keep the computer bag. I just need to... No, no more work

for now.

I got a whole night planned for us, and we're getting eager with it. We are?

Yeah. I mean, I feel like I should... No, no, it's fine, honey. It's fine.

We'll see if you're still Danish.

Enjoy, my girls.

Tell me all about your great American life.

You've got your contract renewed, right?

Tell me this.

The hotel seems very empty, considering it's supposed to be the busiest time of

year.

I'll let more talk to you about that.

I want to hear about you.

Anyone special?

Not since... Also, I've been so busy with all the automation at the hotel,

the upgrades.

Oh, nuts.

I left my mittens at the last hut. Oh. Um, I'll be right back. All right.

Oh, I'm sorry. I walked right into your shot. Probably out of focus anyway. I'm

out of practice, so... You're American?

That obvious?

Well, your accent.

Not the, I got lost in the train, can't find my hotel, and I've stumbled into a

Christmas market look?

You're American, too?

No, I'm from here, but I live there.

Terrible math, great at languages, you know.

Sorry, it's work.

Oh, I get it.

So you are in Denmark now, and it is almost 4 p.m.

We don't work past 4 p.m., so you could relax.

Wouldn't that be nice? Yeah. Oh, found them. Oh, good.

Okay,

are you ready? Ready.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, you just can't help yourself, can you?

I know, old habits.

uh we're in my old room the kids are in 25 and eunice put you in 23.

oh it's so nice everybody being back under one room oh i'm so happy to have

us all here yeah we've been trying our best to help her out but you know

between the substitute teaching and eunice's law firm and raising the kids

they're amazing and while i'm home i'm going to do everything i can to help you

It's so wonderful to have you home.

I missed you. I missed you too. Good night.

Debbie sent me to Narnia.

Is this a hotel?

Yes. Anderson Hotel? This is the Anderson Inn. Come in. Let me take that.

Hello. Hello.

Again?

Are you staying here?

I am.

What are the chances?

I know.

Let me take that.

I can check you in right over here.

Okay, thank you.

Yeah, my phone died.

But I have an affirmation.

That'll suck.

Oh. Yeah.

Well, what's the name on the reservation?

Ryan Miller.

I'm here for the tour.

The tour?

Mm-hmm.

The Copenhagen Christmas tour?

Sure. Yeah.

That one.

I'm here for a week.

I'm checking out on Christmas Eve.

I'm sorry. I'm sure my mom wrote it in here somewhere.

Beautiful place you got here.

Oh, thanks.

Well, I mean, it's not mine. It's my family's, and I'm just visiting for the

holidays. And I'm making you work on your Christmas vacation.

Oh, don't worry about it. We all help each other out over the holidays.

Plus, I have a hard time turning off work, so... Oh, I get that.

Oh, here you are.

Ryan Miller. Oh.

Uh, you're early.

I am?

Yeah, I don't have you arriving for another two days.

Is that going to be a problem with the tour?

Uh, I will get back to you on that. Uh, in the meantime, here is your key.

Oh, analog check-in. Don't worry, I'll get them updated.

Um, there are spare blankets in the cupboard in your room. Do you need help

with your suitcase?

I'm fine, thank you.

Oh, wait, stop. Hold on, wait.

One second.

Here you go.

Look.

Warm red wine, spices, almonds, raisins, and Denmark's finest Christmas cheer.

It certainly is.

Wow.

Thank you.

Marie. Marie.

Yes.

Full day in the air.

Hour at the taxi stand.

Missed stop on the train.

But your welcome has made me feel like it might actually be worth it. Oh, I

promise you it will be. There is no place like Copenhagen at Christmas.

Right.

Uh... Oh, your room is that way.

Got it.

Good night.

Good night.

Who's a travel writer?

Shh.

Shh.

We don't want him to know.

To know what?

For him to know that we know.

What do we know?

That he is here on an assignment.

His boss sent him here to go on the Copenhagen Christmas tour.

We haven't done that tour since your dad passed away.

Why would he be sent on a tour that doesn't exist anymore?

Jonas.

Yeah?

It's still on the website.

Yeah.

No one's updated that thing for like a decade.

Clearly. Well, I'll move my kayak stuff out of your way in the morning.

Do you still do carol kayaks, Anua?

Yeah. Every year since Dad introduced me to it as part of his tour.

You're right. That was part of his tour.

You got that look.

What look? If you're thinking about reviving your father's Copenhagen

Christmas tour.

What makes you say that?

What? Do you even know Danish anymore?

Okay. All right.

Well, I got rooms to housekeep.

Why are you housekeeping?

Because you're a saint of a mother. She gave everybody the week off so they can

spend time with their families for Christmas. So whatever you're thinking,

don't. I am the right denska for this job. Jonas, I'm an Anderson.

The tour is still on the website more.

I'll just apologize and explain that the Andersons don't facilitate the

Copenhagen Christmas tour anymore.

But what if we did?

Just for one week.

Your father would have started long ago.

How are you going to fit two weeks worth of activities into six days?

Easy. Efficiency.

Schedule everything back to back. No coffee or cake breaks.

Unless they're scheduled.

Your father loved his tours.

Said it turned strangers into family.

But every year was different, though. There was something new or something

removed. I don't remember everything he did. It's okay. I'm here to help now.

Oh, I don't know.

Mua, this would be so good for the inn.

Giving Ryan Miller a true Danish Christmas experience.

Getting a great travel review from a writer of his caliber would change

everything.

But I like things the way they are, Minsked.

Mua.

The inn is at half capacity at the busiest time of year.

I'm taking it slow.

In the new year, I'm stopping altogether.

What? What are you talking about?

I've decided I'm going to sell the inn.

And slip in for a change.

You're... What?

You can't do that. That inn is our family home. It's our legacy.

It's where we grew up.

Your father and I built that place together, but I can't run it alone

anymore. And none of you can take it on.

It needs two hearts behind it.

Even more reason to do the tour.

Please, don't make up your mind yet, okay? Just let me do this. I will make

it the best Christmas week ever.

Well, they're calling for a big storm.

I mean, real Christmas weather, not the pretty kind.

I'm a Dane living in Chicago.

When has weather ever stopped me?

Your father always started day one with Ullebril and opera.

Well, I will help you all I can, but making it happen, that part is yours to

do. Okay.

Oh, sure.

Good morning.

Morning. I wanted to... Oh, my goodness. I'm so sorry. That's the Nisse.

Let me get you something.

Hold on. Let me go to that. Okay.

Let's grab this towel.

So, Nisse? The Nisse is a small elf who lives in our attic during the month of

December, and the kids have to feed him Riesengroll or rice forage to keep him

happy.

But it looks like he's playing his tricks on you.

Yikes.

Now, I... About the tour, I have... Excuse me for just a second. Not again.

Okay, no. Okay.

Oh, wow.

Might have to hang back and handle a little bit of work stuff.

Oh. Um, okay.

But, you know, I have a couple of minutes.

Is this for me?

Well... I mean, unless you know of another Ryan Miller staying at the

hotel.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Just going to tense this real quick. Okay, sure.

Good. Now, I don't want to get you in trouble with whoever booked you this

tour, so, you know, I think I did make a little itinerary that maybe...

i don't know you want to just take a peek uh yeah sure sure okay oh christmas

tree bullet points very festive thank you breakfast at 9 a.m sharp uh that's

in 22 minutes to be exact okay i'll get um you

We're making breakfast?

Yeah.

Okay.

What are we doing?

We are making ullebrøl, which is an old-fashioned Danish recipe sure to keep

you warm all day.

I will take all the warmth I can right now.

Yes, I'm so sorry. The radiators are old.

I'll be sure to get a plumber out.

Is that beer for breakfast?

Yeah.

It's cultural.

Okay, so my mother is a fan of cooking by taste, but I am a fan of a good old

-fashioned recipe.

Okay. And it says here that we start with two dark loggers.

Just dump them right in the pot there.

Okay. And then I have to take five slices of rupel,

which is rye bread.

You know what? You could just crumble this right into the pot.

Yeah, okay.

This part is all about slowing down and taking in the textures and the smells.

The hygge of it all.

Can you explain to me exactly what that... the hygge is?

I would love to.

Do you want to maybe take some notes?

Yeah, sure. No problem. Yeah.

Okay.

So hygge is one of the central concepts of Danish culture. It is a quality

of coziness and comfort and conviviality.

And it fosters a feeling of quiet contentment.

Quiet, okay.

Yeah. It's a prescription, really. You know, something to combat the dark days

and long winters.

So it's like Denmark's national coping mechanism.

Hygge is done right.

You'd be surprised at how warm it could make you feel.

Looking forward to that.

Okay. One.

Two. And then, the recipe says we let that simmer for 40 minutes.

What do we do while we wait?

Stand?

We can eat this later.

Yeah, there is a legendary Spandauer across town, and it's buttery Danish

with custard in the middle. We will just order it for delivery.

Okay. Yeah. Perfect. Ordering online.

Is that in the hygge who?

It is not, but it is efficient.

So maybe just don't tell anybody about this part.

Okay. A Spandauer will be delivered to you in the hygge cult in ten minutes.

Okay, yes.

Spandauer in the...

Let's go there. You got it. Follow me.

This is our... Which translates to cozy corner. It's mindfully

designed to let our guests relax, be in the moment, and release all annoyances.

Oh,

you're spent now. I'll be right back.

Please, enjoy.

Hi.

I'm Sophie, Marie's sister.

Yes, nice to meet you. Yeah, you too.

So, how is your Copenhagen Christmas tour going so far?

Yeah, great.

Marie's trying to make me feel hygge.

Oh.

Excuse me, is the hygge hour still on today?

Yes, Glück by the fire at five.

You've been emailed an alphabetical list with all our amenities.

Thank you very much. You're welcome.

Marie, alphabetical amenities.

You know her that well already?

Honestly, we're so lucky to have her this season. I mean, she got a big

promotion. Okay, here we are. Your Spendawa, a Copenhagen classic.

Thank you. And the next tour activity is in one hour. There's a matinee

performance at the opera.

So, I ask that you dress in semi-formal attire?

Yes. Enjoy.

Thanks.

Oh, hello.

Hi.

Do you like Spandau?

Okay.

Oh,

if we don't move, we'll miss our window.

Hey, no risk, no reward, right?

Hold on, I'm going to have to call you back.

Yeah, I'm going to need longer than that.

The operator's very involved.

Sorry, just had a work call.

Oh, yeah, I lost you in there.

Yeah, well, I've been lost the whole before.

Well,

we don't have to go back in there if you don't really want to.

Really? Yeah.

It's just, I have not eaten today, and I don't think I can sit through anymore on

an empty stomach.

Didn't you eat the spend while I got you?

Almost. And then two little kids use their power of cuteness to get it right

out of my hands.

You remember Nissen?

I think there's two of them.

Casper and Clara.

I apologize. I can absolutely pivot. I will get you some food, and we will find

somewhere that you can still soak up some culture.

Let me check if they're open, okay? Okay.

Nyhavn. Huh?

New Harbor.

For centuries, this was the gateway between the city and the sea.

And today, it is the most iconic landmark in all of Denmark.

I love all the lights on the boats. I know.

Wait till you see the carol kayaks.

People from all over Copenhagen come out to celebrate light in the darkest time

of year.

Ryan! Aunt Marie!

Oh! Hey!

Hi!

What are you guys doing here?

Hi, uh, Jonas is paddling with his law firm.

Oh, the kids wanted to cheer.

Of course.

I bet you guys like salt cringlers just as much as you like Spindell. Yeah.

Want to help me finish it? Sure.

All right.

Oh.

Yeah. Talk, man.

You'd think we didn't feed them.

Uh, you know, Ryan, you haven't had a real hot dog until you've had a hoot.

So, um, you see that stand over there? Do you mind jumping in line? I'll be

right there.

Oh, yeah, sure. Thank you.

See you guys later. See you.

Okay, guys, this is the second time today you have eaten all of Ryan's food.

I'm sorry.

Okay, see you at home. See you at home.

Okay.

Oh,

you guys.

Come on, let's find it.

Here.

Oh. I know.

You got one. Good.

And I got one for you.

Oh. I didn't have to do that.

It's just a hot dog. It is not just a hot dog. Oh. And it needs toppings.

Okay. Well, what do we put on it?

Mustard, raw onions, crispy onions, pickles. I mean, really, it's like

decorating a Christmas tree. The more, the merrier.

Moment of truth. Yeah.

Oh, wow.

Yeah. Uh-huh.

The tour's growing on me.

Hot dog's helping. Should we go find your family?

Let's avoid another stolen meal, shall we?

Go over and get them a few more.

Are you sure you want to do that?

Nikita, three more, please.

Talk.

Let's go.

The carol kayaks have started.

I got so busy.

Sorry. Oh, excuse me.

Hot dog's coming for you.

Hey, guys.

Hi. Look what I got.

Wow. Thank you. Thank you.

Oh, and one for you, too.

For me? Okay, thank you.

Oh, man.

How did we ever fit all of this into one season?

Oh, we didn't. Dad just kept adding.

Every year, something new for his Copenhagen Christmas tour.

Well, if we can't quite remember it, this will definitely help remind us.

Yeah, well, I'm hoping to find our old St. Lucia gowns and the crowns to go

with it.

Do you think those are still up here? I don't know.

But I'm making costumes for the entire parade, so I thought...

That too less might help.

Oh, maybe this could help.

Hygge for the holidays.

Join Lars Andersen for the warmest week of the year.

I wish I could remember all the activities on the tour.

His old sauna hat.

Do you remember when Dad used to put the cold plunge up in the courtyard?

Yeah. Until the neighbors complained about all the shrieking.

Oh, yeah.

But the old spa's gone.

There's thermal circuits all over the city now.

I miss him.

Well, I might not be able to do it as well as he did, but I sure am going to

try. Because you know what? I think that if Ma can see how well we do it, she

might reconsider selling me in.

Marie, it just takes one good review. It could change everything.

More doesn't want a review.

Oh, but she does.

She does. She just doesn't know it yet.

Here you go.

Wednesday's mail.

For its shape, not flavor.

Okay.

Uh-huh. So why do they call it a Wednesday snail?

Because they only make it on Wednesdays.

It's like a midweek treat.

Is this it?

Yep.

Mandatory part of the Christmas tour.

Okay.

Okay, this is, uh... Hi.

Yeah.

I used to be terrified of heights as a kid.

Not anymore.

I learned to look out, not down.

Want to go higher?

There's more?

Yeah. Okay.

So,

Chicago's home for you now?

Yeah.

I mean, I guess.

It's never really felt like home, though.

I've been away from Copenhagen so long, I don't know if I totally fit in here

either. I don't know. I guess I'm still figuring it out.

Wow.

Worth every terrifying step. Yeah.

Is it getting narrower?

It is.

Yeah. Why don't you stop here?

Okay.

My dad used to say, the higher we'd climb, the lighter we'd feel. Yeah, my

family would always go for long walks after big meals.

My mom said it would keep the peace and make room for dessert.

Actually, my dad used to do something similar.

And that actually happens to be our day three tour activity.

Oh. We'll go on a Unisemblingswandling.

Cullingham? Right. I'm so sorry.

It's a Christmas spirit walk.

Yeah, through the gardens. You just get to wander and be alone.

Reflect on your thoughts.

Maybe I'll skip that one tomorrow.

Oh. Yeah.

Oh, no.

What? I look down.

Oh, no. Hey, okay, easy, easy. Okay.

Eyes up here. Eyes up here. Okay, yeah.

Yeah, I'm good.

Oh, no, I'm not fine. I'm not good.

Okay. You know what? New plan.

You are not going to take your eyes off me until we are on solid ground. That's

400 steps.

Marie, I got you.

Okay. Yeah, one step at a time.

Don't focus on it.

Tell me what's next once we're on the ground. You're going to love it.

My eyebrows are frozen.

You can't appreciate the warmth until you've made friends with the cold.

I'm okay with being unacquainted. It's a refresh and a reset, and it's part of

the tour, and you're going to do great, Brian.

We're starting with the hot, right?

Yes, definitely.

So we just sit here and... We let our bodies settle.

It's all about balance.

If you experience the extremes, then you can find your center. The hot, the cold,

the rush that brings you back to life.

We Danes believe you should feel everything.

That's funny.

I've spent the last year trying to feel nothing.

And keep moving.

Literally.

On my fourth apartment in less than a year.

Wow. Um, hi.

I had a breakup last year.

Big one.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

It never would have worked.

We lived on either side of the country, and she wanted me to move to Florida.

Settle down.

And I, uh... I have to keep moving.

Or I sink.

Hmm.

You know, sometimes being still isn't the problem.

You might just not have found where you belong yet.

It is hot in here.

Like, is it normal to feel like you're going to pass out?

Definitely not. Let's get you in the cold plunge. Yeah, I think so. Okay.

Okay.

I don't know. I think mine looks too cold. They all look too cold. Ryan,

that's the point, okay? This is the body reset part.

I didn't back up my files.

Here.

My dad always used to say if he didn't wear his sauna hat, his head would steam

like a locomotive.

Wait, this is your dad's? Yeah.

I'm honored.

All right.

Okay, okay. This is not so cold.

Okay, it's cold.

It's cold. Okay, okay. Let's do this.

Okay.

Nothing. Okay.

You just gotta focus on your breath, okay?

Just in through your nose and out through your mouth. I can't feel my

mouth. Let's just count down from ten, okay?

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, out, out, out,

out.

Okay, team.

We gotta shake off our snowblows. We gotta remember what it was that was on

Dad's old Copenhagen tour. Okay, more?

Can you help us decode what is on this list we found in the attic, please?

A good walk to walk off all the treats.

Some of our other guests might be interested in it, too.

Yeah, yeah.

Ryan isn't interested.

Okay, I remembered that one, and he doesn't get it.

You didn't think he would just jump straight from American Christmas to

dancing around the Christmas tree Danish style, did you?

I don't know.

I don't know. Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just not doing a good enough job proving

Fuka to him.

Well, you don't have to prove Fuka.

Look around.

It's everywhere.

Right.

So maybe I need to capture it all in one place.

She's got that look again. Somewhere where he walks in and he feels it.

Right away, you know, the scents, the smells, the sights. Like stepping right

into the heart of Danish Christmas.

Oh, so like a special room? Like a huge holiday suite.

Picture this. And it throws on every surface. Candles in every window. The

smell of pine the moment you walk in.

Oh, and a box of peony by the bed. Yes!

Just like a room with blankets and snacks?

it's not Jonas it is an experience okay it's the coziest room in all of

Copenhagen and it's a perfect photo opportunity for his article I am going

to hit Ryan Miller over the head with you can watch me

or she could just invite him over by the fire

Okay, almost there.

Okay, stop.

Wait. Keep your eyes closed.

Okay, you can open them.

Your new room.

Wow.

This is something.

Yeah. Oh, and?

For you. Okay.

it's a lot of blankets and snacks yeah it's um

it's a huge experience right and check out this writing

desk over here hmm i mean this is worthy of hans christian anderson

himself yeah wow that's a heck of a of a desk

I don't know why you're going to all this trouble for me, but I appreciate

it. You're welcome.

All right.

You settle in. I'm going to go figure out what that is.

And here is your itinerary for Copenhagen Christmas Day 3.

Okay. Oh, and I know you don't want to do the Yulestendingsvandling, but my

mother invited some other guests along for it, so just ignore that part.

Candy cane bullet points.

Yeah.

Oh, sorry. What are you doing here? You call for a plumber?

Uh-huh.

I'm Nils.

Nils, the plumber. Uh-huh. You're Marie?

Yep. Yeah. I've known you since, um... Nils! Of course. Oh, my goodness. How

are you?

I'm good. How are you? I'm good. Yeah. Good.

Um... Are you almost done here?

No. Huh. Okay.

How much longer are you going to be clanging around out here, then? I have

to do the whole house. I mean, it's pretty bad, actually.

Huh. You know what? I think you could just do the rooms that are occupied.

Okay, just... You know what, actually?

Don't do any rooms at all.

Um... Okay. Hold off on the clanging till after Christmas.

After Christmas? Yeah. Okay? Tack.

You're welcome.

Yeah,

we... Oh, just pick up real quiet.

Thank you. I'm glad you could join us for a walk. We should go if we want to

get back before the storm. This is my youngest daughter, Marie.

She's taken over our beloved Copenhagen Christmas tour and will be leading us

today. We're thrilled to be on that tour. Thank you for including us. Of

course, of course. I hope that this tour will be both sweet and memorable.

Right? You decided to join us for our unistimates, finally.

Mindful meditation.

Thought I'd give it a try.

Hmm.

Okay. Well, lead the way.

I encourage everybody to stay silent on this stroll.

Felix Mack Garden was laid out in the late 1700s as part of the king's private

estate, like a quiet sanctuary in the center of the city.

Oh, okay.

Puppy? Shh.

No? Okay.

So the winding paths were designed to make people walk more slowly.

It was, you know, Copenhagen's closest thing to meditation in the 18th century.

Okay, you know what? We're going to take it this way.

Let's go.

So, Sophia, we'll have a look in a bit later

to warm you all up.

Well, it was more fun than I thought.

I got some great shots. What?

Ryan, you were supposed to be doing nothing.

What is happening here?

Oh, it's... Well, no, it's because it... Okay, here. I'll stuck you right here.

Come on. I got it.

Your heart is racing.

Yeah, um... It's the center snow.

And yes, that is a real thing.

You know what? I'm sorry.

I don't want to cross any professional lines. You know, you have to remain

unbiased.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Whoa.

Hello?

Reservation for Miller.

Ryan Miller.

So just to confirm, you are both named Ryan Miller.

Seems that's right.

Okay. Uh, Ryan Miller with Rome Magazine.

You're Ryan Miller with Rome Magazine?

Yes, working on a Christmas in Copenhagen piece. The happiest people on

the planet at the happiest time of year.

What are the odds one week to Ryan Miller's?

And that makes you Ryan Miller with...

Miller Investment Firm.

Naturally.

Well, I will have your check-in details sent to you the minute our system is

back up and running. And your schedule for the Copenhagen Christmas Tour.

Marie can also print it for you.

I like them mind-printed with the little Christmas drawings on it.

Sorry, what tour? What tour?

The famous Copenhagen Christmas Tour.

Yeah, I'm not familiar. I'm just here for some local color, experience-stained

hygge in its natural habitat.

Oh, then you definitely got to take Marie's tour.

Have you seen the Heigekrug?

Sorry, the what?

See,

these are the things you'd find out if you were on the tour.

And Marie has this way of making even the smallest details just seem so

wonderful. Sounds like I'm in the right place. Why don't you sign me up for a...

Uh, spot.

Yeah. Yes. I will do that, and I will get you your itinerary ASAP. Okay,

here's your room key, sir.

It's top floor. It's warm and cozy. Let me just get that on there. Okay.

Can I help you up with your bags?

I'm okay.

Again, I apologize. Everything will be back to normal any moment now.

Thank you, and welcome to the Anderson Inn.

Oh.

You thought I was him.

Well, yeah,

I mean, you had a camera, and, you know, did you never think that it was weird

that I was just inviting you on all these trips with just me?

Hold on.

My sister set me up on this whole Danish tour, and I wasn't allowed to ask any

questions. And honestly, I, uh... just thought you liked me.

I do like you, Ryan, okay? I just...

It's just a mess.

It's not.

It's not your fault. I went to the wrong hotel. I was supposed to go to Hotel

Anderson.

It's my fault.

I messed up. I'm sorry. Well, okay. But it's... Okay.

No, not that.

But that won't work. It's good.

Power's out on the whole block.

I know.

I just feel like I need to do something. Well, the electricity company said

everything will be back up shortly.

Where are you going?

Ingrid's holed up across town. I'm going to check in on her. I'm bringing snaps

and a little herring. Now?

I'll be back soon, honey.

The inn is in good hands with you. And while you wait for the power, there's a

crate of candles in the attic.

Light the night, right?

Right. She's good. Yeah.

Sorry. What are you doing?

I'm cleaning flashlight check.

Oh, I gotta go upstairs. I gotta find Ryan.

Ah, Ryan left.

Hi, two minutes ago.

As soon as the lightning stopped. Where did he go?

Maybe he was going to the hotel, Anderson.

I gotta go get him.

Really? You're going out in that storm?

When has little weather ever stopped in Anderson?

What are you doing here? I'm looking for you.

Why aren't you at your hotel?

Well, I... I can't find it again.

I'm so sorry about all the confusion.

You know, I thought that maybe this was the Christmas miracle that the Anderson

Inn needed to remain the Anderson Inn.

What? Okay, so my mother is selling in the new year, and it kind of is, you

know, messing with my plans of staying here indefinitely.

Since I, you know, probably don't have a job in Chicago anymore.

Like, maybe.

I don't know. I don't know. Huh.

When are you going to know?

My contract renewal is pending.

It's up for review, and I... You know, I'm not very optimistic.

Right.

Anyway, I want you to come back.

I would love for you to stay as a regular guest.

Are you sure?

Absolutely. Can I still be a regular guest on the Not Quite Real tour still?

Oh, it's real now.

You sold it so well.

I had no idea that you felt that way.

I do.

So where am I exactly?

At the king's house.

What? Is that where there's guards?

I'm glad you're here.

Me too.

So now I have to go and light candles in all of the windows

for Luxembourg.

What's that?

Oh, it's a Danish Christmas tradition. It welcomes travelers home for the

holidays.

All right.

Let's light it up.

You want to help?

Yeah, if I can't be the right Ryan for the tour, I might as well help you get a

great review for the Anderson Inn.

So this is the lair of the Nyssa.

You remembered.

How could I forget?

I still have porridge between my toes.

Your dad really went all in on Christmas. Oh, yeah.

Didn't yours?

My parents didn't really get any time off to decorate.

So, if you aren't Ryan Miller from Rome Magazine, who are you?

What do you want to know?

Everything.

Okay, so your family didn't do Christmas. Oh, no, we did Christmas. We

just didn't do all the decorating leading up to it.

Christmas morning? Mm-hmm.

Best day ever.

Yeah, we would make my favorite eggnog French toast, and there would be a

mountain of presents that we literally lose them at the bottom of the wrapping

paper. Even though your parents were busy, they still took the time to make

something memorable. That's nice.

Yeah.

Let's light the night.

Okay, now it feels like Christmas.

This is the Anderson Inn I remember.

Thank you, Ryan.

Okay.

Everybody gather around. Tree-cutting day. Today, as is tradition, we get to

go and pick the tree that we see most fitting for the Huguenot. We will then

vote on the trees.

You cannot vote on your own tree. And if there is a tie... Okay, bye. I

ultimately get to decide.

She always tries to control the tree-picking.

Sorry. What'd I miss? Excellent question from Ryan.

And, um... Oh, I, uh... I brought a notebook.

Oh, uh... You know, just in case you want to take some notes at your own

leisure. So, in America, they put up the tree...

Oh.

In America, they put up the tree long before Christmas. Some even right after

Halloween. But here in Denmark, we like to wait.

We like to cut down our tree much closer to Christmas so that it stays fresh for

Julaften, Christmas Eve. Ah, so your big celebration is on the ease? Yes, and

you're of course all welcome to join us in the Hugo Co. on Julaften. Everyone

belongs at the table.

That's right.

What are the rules for tree selection?

There are rules?

Of course. You get points for color, fullness, branch spacing, and photo

potential.

I don't remember Pha having a point system.

And your ten minute timer starts... Pha definitely didn't have a timer.

Or a whistle.

Now.

Cutting down a Christmas tree is a quintessential fugue experience.

What else is there?

Coziness, comfort, conviviality.

And sense. You want to trigger memories, nostalgia, so... For me,

card games, fireplaces, family dancing around the tree, touch,

textures, lights, and sensation.

Coco!

I am so, so sorry, Mr. Miller. You know what?

We'll go check out the ambience over here. Okay.

I am terribly sorry. Are you okay?

Ah, yeah.

Coco?

No. No.

Ooh!

Will, you look at this tree!

I mean, it's perfect!

Wait, I mean... Okay, we still have 12 seconds left, but this, we've got a

winner, guys.

Huh?

Look at these bows.

Okay, in three, two... What?

Our tree wins!

I just turned the whole tree down.

I thought we were going to vote. Too late to blame it on the Nissan?

Oh!

Again, sorry about the Christmas tree. I didn't hear the first part of the

instructions. I know, you've said that.

Nothing we do about it now. No need to cry over spilt pine needles.

So, what's on the agenda?

Ryan wants happiness, hygge, Danish Christmas, and we are going to give him

all of it. Yeah.

Hello!

So nice to see you all.

Welcome to Nyto, Christmas Market. For centuries, this was the center of

everyday Danish life.

And at Christmas time, it turns into the most authentic Christmas market, where

we will be enjoying... We will be taking in the lights, the music, there is

candle making, carolers. Are we going to be here for a week?

Oh, I know.

I know it's a lot, but if it's Hugo you want, this is really where you're going

to get it. And with that jam-packed schedule, I would love to get moving. I

think we should go off on our own.

Like, split up? Yeah.

I mean, the fun of a market is wandering.

Why don't we see where the night takes us? Well, you know what? I actually have

a route planned out that maximizes all... I thought Hugo was about being,

not scheduling.

Also about togetherness.

Well, we have been together all day.

I think we should go off and explore on our own and find sugar by ourselves.

Yes, great idea.

Let's meet back at the Candlemaker's hut in one hour, exactly.

All right? I've never seen a Christmas crew before.

Oh, I'm going to need Luke.

Your turn.

All right.

What's that?

Is this yours?

Yeah.

Cultural.

What?

This one is red. Yeah.

Yeah. I'm not sure what this is. I got it.

There.

You did it.

You did it, but thanks.

Well, you get to keep it.

Thank you. It's a souvenir.

All right. So happy to have us all back together. I hope you all enjoyed

yourselves.

To finish off our Christmas market tour, we will be making candles.

Fun fact, Danes burn more candles per capita per year than anybody else.

Candles in every window at Christmas welcomes everyone home.

That's right.

And now...

Thanks to Tobin, I get to show you how it's done.

So, first we want to start with a steady pour.

Centered, there we go.

Danish design is inspired by the nature around us.

The connection to our surroundings helps remind us that we are a part of

something bigger. And to let nature in, not just shut it out. Are you? Really?

You know what?

You're right.

How did I do it? Well, now you know why Mom didn't keep up the Christmas chore

on her own.

Here, have a cookie. They made everybody feel so special. And, you know, I tried

to capture that. They didn't get it.

Or maybe I failed.

What do you mean?

i just always thought that leaving denmark would put me on a bigger better

path you know now i don't know maybe the path was always meant to lead back here

but if moi sells the inn then i feel like our entire family story just

disappears it won't that doesn't just

live in the inn it lives in all of us okay but i wanted to live here

I think you need to go and talk to Ma.

Oh.

What are you... Oh.

Hey. Morning.

I'm setting up the tree.

Christmas Eve is only three days away.

Oh, no, I don't have any tour activities planned for today. Also, what are you

doing? We can't dance around the tree if it's in the corner.

That must be a Danish Christmas thing.

Yeah, it's the Danish Christmas thing. We hold hands and we dance around the

tree. It's got to be in the middle of the room.

So I can be in the way there?

Not if... Oh, Mr. Miller, good morning. You are up early.

I will have a copy of today's tour activities sent up to your room. You

might want to send up a plumber. I woke up to an inch and a half of water.

The floor is a skating rink, and all my Christmas sweaters are soaked. We have

backup sweaters. No, no, that won't be necessary. I've found another hotel to

check into. It just seems I'm not really finding what I need to write about. Mr.

Miller, I am so sorry.

I know this has been a bit of a situation here, but I will do anything

to make this right. I will comp your room.

I will... No, no, Marie, thank you. You're... Too kind, really.

I just, this hygge thing, although it sounds lovely, I just wonder that maybe

it's hype.

You're back.

Well, we'll fix it. Don't fret.

I'm so sorry. This whole Hugo Suite was a stupid idea.

Well, it was an idea from your heart. Your father would have been proud.

That's what his tour was all about, after all. Love.

What do you mean?

He was a romantic, not a historian.

He wanted people to fall in love with Copenhagen, to fall in love with

Christmas. Just to fall in love.

That's what I wanted everybody to feel.

Oh, so selling the inn would be impossible for me to do?

I know why you're trying so hard, Maria, and I love you for it.

But I can't run this place by myself.

I'm going to get a mop.

What are you doing?

The Hygge Co. was running low on firewood, so I thought I'd try to be

useful.

It's weird seeing you with something other than a phone in your hand.

I know, right?

Feels good.

Hey, um, I don't know what the other ride was talking about, because the

Anderson Inn is 100% Hygge.

Thank you for saying that.

Don't think that's what his article is gonna say. Well, we use the magazine as

firestarter You know how about instead of trying to

make you get happened we try and let it find us Yeah What

can I do?

To me the tree still looks kind of strange there.

Well, it is right where it belongs

Oh, Minsky, look at the tree.

Oh, and your DIY decor.

I'll be lucky.

Au revoir, Marie. Fresh from promotion and still finding time to help her

family over the holidays.

Promotion?

You told me, but you didn't tell your family yet?

Sometimes it's easier to tell a stranger.

Life's stranger?

Not anymore.

Hello.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. What, what, what?

Guess what?

She's going to be the Saint Lucia Princess.

Casper, I wanted to tell her myself.

Oh.

Tell me what, Clara?

I'm going to be the Saint Lucia Princess.

That's amazing.

That's what I wanted to be.

That's great. Congrats.

Thank you. You're welcome.

Come on, kids.

Congrats, moi.

Yeah, thank you.

Now you can say you've been to a Danish universe, Ryan.

That means Christmas lunch.

Wow, this is not just lunch. This is a feast.

We're going to start with the herring, and trust me, it is delicious. And then

we're going to move on to the fliskesteg with crackling, brown potatoes, and red

cabbage, and we will finish with a pistola.

That looks too good to eat.

Wait, what is that?

eggnog french toast i didn't want you to not have your favorite christmas food

oh um excuse me one i'll be right back

are we waiting for jonas or uh no he's getting the kids ready for the saint

lucia parade the kids must be excited you have no idea

hello andersons welcome back mr miller

Ryan came to Copenhagen in search of contentment and true comfort, and what I

gave him was more of a laundry list of cozy.

That happens to the best of us.

Very kind of you.

It really is this.

A warm room, good food, connecting with the people who matter most.

No coincidence that the happiest people in the world also prioritize hygge. And

I didn't want you to leave Denmark without experiencing that.

Thank you.

Oh, unofficially and off the record, of course, I'm not here as a journalist.

We are happy to have you.

Yeah. Let's enjoy.

All right.

Now.

you all remember your father's tradition bring something to share a thought a

funny story i have something to share i will keep it simple

i didn't know what to expect when i first arrived here

truthfully i had no idea why i was here oh neither did marie

it's true uh but between the candles

and the chaos, I slowed down.

I stopped searching, and I finally found something.

So here's to finding light, even when we didn't know we needed it.

School. Oh, school. School.

You are so sweet, Ryan.

And we've loved every minute of having you here.

So, Molly, do you want to go next? Oh, um, honestly, I

forgot about this tradition.

You don't have anything to share?

Well, uh...

There is something I should tell you, moi.

I might be staying a little longer than I had planned.

I don't know if my contract's getting renewed.

The meeting wasn't exactly the champagne toast that I had anticipated.

Oh, yeah, I'm so sorry.

I feel like I went to Chicago to chase success, and then I came back here to

chase home, and I...

couldn't do either very well, you know? And I just, I wanted to, I wanted to do

Fast Christmas Tour because I thought that maybe that way that the hotel could

stay alive forever.

You don't need to chase anything.

You're wonderful.

Because you're just all Maria.

You sure you're okay? Yeah.

Yeah, I'm really glad I told them.

I don't know why I felt like I couldn't. I get it.

I didn't tell anyone after my breakup for months.

I just kept busy and acted like everything was fine.

I guess we're both pretty good at pretending, Mr.

Travel Writer.

You don't have to pretend with me.

You know, this is the most zen I've seen you all week.

Guess what?

I don't have my phone.

What?

Right? Come on.

I'm a new man.

I feel like I could just be, you know?

I've actually been thinking.

Maybe I stick around?

Go up and hang?

A little while longer?

I can work anywhere.

What do you think?

I think I'd like that a lot.

That's good.

Did Lucille have time?

We gotta go.

You know, you're not really Danish until you've spent way too long untangling

Julia.

Well, nowhere else to be.

What's happening here?

Okay, there we go.

I got

you a little something.

Really?

Thank you.

You brought light into my world this week, so...

Thank you.

Um, where should I hang it?

Ryan. I mean, other Ryan. Hi.

Wow, would you look at this Christmas tree.

Best choice after all. Yeah, so my plane was delayed, and I couldn't bear the

thought of being stuck in another airport lounge for another minute, so I

told my taxi driver to flip it around and bring me back to the best lounge in

all of Copenhagen. Your Hugo Crew.

Cool. Cool.

Anyway... I've only got a couple hours, but I figured why not spend it here to

carve out my new Christmas in Copenhagen piece.

You found something to write about.

I did.

Home, Heart, and Hygge at the Anderson Inn.

Wow.

We're so honored.

Let me get you some friskies to add a snack on. Ryan, can you pour Ryan some

glick? Coming right up. Thanks.

Sorry about that.

Sorry about what?

Interrupting that kiss between you and Marie.

Oh, uh, well, hopefully I'll get another chance.

Well, you live in California, she lives in Chicago.

Who's moving where?

Oh, uh, we're not there yet. I mean, we just met this week, but...

Really?

Wow. I mean, you already feel like family around here. It feels like it.

Long distance. That is tricky.

I mean, usually that... Hey.

Hey, you never know.

You never know.

Lily, you're Marie.

Hi.

I'm taking mom breakfast.

She said someone already dropped off rice porridge.

Nathan. Yeah.

Oh, what's that?

Full automation?

A promotion in London?

Yeah. Oh, my. Congratulations. Thank you. Yeah, I guess they weren't

reviewing to let me go. They were reviewing to promote me.

And you deserve it.

Thanks. In London?

Wow.

Thank you, Minsoo.

Clearly you... Oh, it certainly is.

Marie's hotel offered her a promotion.

In London!

In London? Well, that's wonderful.

Yeah. Do you think she's ready to shift her life all over again?

I mean, especially now that she found someone.

Well, I don't think she'd make up her mind based on someone she just met.

Do you?

Is your online shopping on Christmas Eve? No, I'm not online

shopping on Christmas Eve. I'm checking something off my list.

Me.

Hotel Now offered me a promotion.

Congratulations. Thank you.

I don't believe in what they're becoming anymore.

So you're not accepting?

The key to hospitality is heart.

You can't have heart without people.

Hi.

Yeah. On your way to the airport, Ryan?

I had a wonderful stay, but markets don't stop.

Not even for Christmas.

Ryan, what?

I thought maybe I could stay, but it's just not realistic.

My life isn't here. Yours isn't there.

Okay.

Was it something I said?

Did I... No.

No, nothing like that. No, you're... My time here has been incredible.

You have made it incredible.

And I've fallen in love... with Denmark, and...

I hope I'll be back.

But I don't want you to have to dim your light.

You need to shine as bright as you are.

Wherever that is.

But... I just...

It's good.

I declined Hotel Now's offer.

I want to stay here.

Are you sure? Yes.

This is where I belong.

And I'm hoping that if I do stay, maybe you'll reconsider selling me in.

Hello, this is our home.

And I forgot how much I love making other people feel at home here.

You've done a wonderful job of that this Christmas.

You've brought back the heart here.

Those aren't happy tears, are they?

Does Ryan know how you feel?

I don't know. I think so.

You have to tell him.

Otherwise, moments like this will just pass you by.

He's at the airport already.

Whatever happens, you will never regret telling him how you feel. But if you

don't, you will always wish that you did.

Oh, the traffic is terrible tonight, so take the metro back home to Newtown.

Don't worry.

I'm at the right airport.

Just get on the right flight.

No more mix-up mistakes.

Best mistake ever. I've got your Christmas tree set up for your arrival.

Are you ready to leave Copenhagen? Yeah.

Yeah.

Guess I'm ready to leave Copenhagen behind.

Is there something you're leaving behind there?

Maybe someone.

Someone, Ryan?

You set me up, Deb.

Even if you didn't know.

Well, does she know?

Marie?

More or less.

Well, go for more.

Come on, your flight's flexible. Just stay in Copenhagen and tell her how you

feel. Well, even better, show her how you feel. It's not that simple. And it's

Christmas. Exactly.

If Marie is the one who's making you feel that way, then she's the one you

should be.

Now, come on.

Go. Merry Christmas, Debbie.

We will have some traffic. This is as far as I can go, my friend. Lovely you.

Really you.

Thank you.

Marie?

Ryan!

What are you doing?

What are you doing here?

Your heart.

It's yours.

I'm not going back to America.

Neither am I.

Not right now.

Denmark, the States.

We're not where we're going to be.

But right now, for Christmas?

I only want to be here.

Where's you?

That sounds very ugly to me.

So I found this present outside.

Any idea who it might have been from?

So,

a Christmas announcement.

I'm not selling the inn. Having everyone home, new and old, reminded me why your

father and I built this place.

So family.

So happy.