Original subtitles

¶ Here comes that feeling again ¶

¶ That candy cane feeling again ¶

¶ Those gingerbread memories come alive ¶

¶ Oh oh ¶

¶ December's here again ¶

¶ Heard from the weatherman ¶

¶ The snow is on its way tonight ¶

¶ Ooh ¶

¶ It's so extraordinary ¶

¶ Anything but ordinary ¶

¶ Everything's so very merry ¶

¶ Thrilling chilling snowing blowing ¶

¶ Hurry up now let's get goin' ¶

¶ I can't wait for Christmas anymore ¶

¶ The sound of laughter and of carols at my door ¶

¶ Rocking around that mistletoe ¶

¶ We got the Jingle Bell Rock on the radio ¶

¶ I can't wait for Christmas anymore ¶

¶ Here comes that season again ¶

¶ That sugar-plum season again ¶

¶ Hear the sleigh bells ringing everywhere ¶

¶ Oh oh ¶

D'you want me to call you a lift?

Nope, I got it, but you can

call me a double hot, double shot, please.

Ooh, already on it.

-What time is your flight? -2:15.

Just late enough that Phil will have to pick the kids up

and feed them himself.

Well, I sure hope Phil understands you coming down

for a very good cause.

I mean, he understands now that I showed him the ads

from this new company. Oh, do you have oat milk?

Are you my bossy sister?

So I've been getting really excited about this new deal,

and I was thinking we need to do an epic holiday piece,

like, really boost holiday subscribers.

Yes, one-hundred percent.

And maybe since I'm done with my work early at the paper,

I can come up to San Fran a few days early,

cook up something fun,

a little holiday bake-off, perhaps?

Nope. I already won this bake-off.

Oh, you have, have you?

[Aubrey] Wait, what is that? Solvang?

Okay, I've heard of it.

But the "Most Christmassy Town in the USA?"

-Isn't it wine country? -Yes, it is.

And what better to pair a good cab with than Christmas?

Okay, but it doesn't even snow there.

At least not for the last 20 years,

but this morning they got four inches of snow.

I mean, it is practically a Christmas miracle.

Or maybe it's climate change.

Aubrey, this is our epic holiday piece.

Okay, wait. You wanna go to Solvang now?

No. I have kids. I want you to go to Solvang now.

Or early next week, whatever.

What am I gonna do there?

It's the most Christmassy town in the US!

There is an entire website

filled with holiday festivities you get to partake in.

And you want me to do all of this alone?

You do everything else alone.

[scoffs]

I'm, I'm just saying,

maybe it's the holiday reprieve from LA that you need.

And it's on the way to San Fran to see me and the kids.

You get to stop, take some photos for the site,

and sample all of the local pastries, all the bakeries,

do some shopping, I mean, and maybe,

maybe even have a little bit of fun.

Hey.

I know how to have fun.

I'm married with kids, and I'm the fun one.

And you know it.

Also, just thinking, but, you know,

maybe it's the inspiration you need

to start writing music again.

My songwriting career is gone two years too late.

-We both know that. -Doesn't have to be like that.

Look, our site has kept me more than busy with my writing,

and, please, I don't wanna talk about it anymore. I don't.

Okay, fine! Then it's settled.

We're gonna do a great vlog piece on this magical little

Danish village of Solvang, and it is gonna be a game changer

for Sights, Style, Songs And Sweets!

[groans] Okay, fine, I'll go.

But I guess I gotta figure out where I'm gonna stay.

Yeah, I already did that, it's this cute little B&B

and check-in is on Friday.

-[horn honking] -Oh! There's my lift.

[instrumental music]

[Sawyer] Come on. Straight down, you good?

[Hayden] Yeah.

Ho-ho! Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!

-[Laurel] Ah! -Hey.

-Hi. Finally! -Look who we got.

-My tree! -Yeah. Where do you want it?

Put it right over there.

-Right here? -Yes, yes.

-Ready? -Yeah, yup.

-Push her up. -Okay.

Oh. See you guys got the best one on the lot.

Thank you, Sawyer.

Hey, would you have even let it

through the door if we hadn't?

Hey, why don't you stick around and, uh, help us decorate?

I'll fire up the grill, make some food.

You know, I would love to,

but all this unexpected snow

has the Yulefest committee going crazy.

They want someone with a good camera to take

a bunch of pictures before it's all gone.

Well, that's a good idea, I was

so sad we slept through it all.

-I know, the whole town did. -Well...

Who knows, maybe it'll snow again right before Christmas.

Ah, I know you'd like that, but I think that one time

was an anomaly in it of itself.

Hey, I, for one, hope it does.

Especially after the bleak late fall that we had.

Tell me about it, we haven't had a no-vacancy

since, what, September?

But guess what, we are all booked up this weekend

as of this morning.

-Someone booked the Stork Room? -Mm-hmm.

-Someone headed up from LA. -Oh, LA?

LA tourists are my favorite kind!

[laughing]

Well, hey, let me make you a nice hot tea to go, okay?

Thank you, man. Have fun.

[Sawyer] Hey, guys, can I take your picture

in front of the snow here?

-Sure. -Yeah, okay.

[Sawyer] Here you are. There we go.

Got it. Thanks.

-[Sawyer] Oh. -[camera clicking]

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

A windmill? You've got to be kidding me.

[chuckles] What have I gotten myself into?

And this must be where the tree-lighting ceremony is.

What a total madhouse.

Oh, no. I'm good, thanks.

Oh, no, thank you so much. Merry Christmas!

-[bell ringing] -[camera clicking]

[cell phone ringing]

Hey, um, I can't really talk right now.

[Reagan] Are you there? Is it snowing?

No. Of course it's not snowing.

-Well, how's it? D'you love it? -Well...

I'm about to go to the tree-lighting ceremony.

And let me tell you, the whole thing feels like

one big tourist trap.

-[Reagan] What? N-no way. -[chuckles] Yes way.

And it takes kitschy to a whole new level.

[Reagan] Look, Aub, you're gonna have to figure out a way

to make it work because I talked to the brand strategist

again this morning, and with these new advertisers,

we have a lot riding on this holiday piece.

No, I know, but the whole thing might be a little bit more

focused on the silliness of Solvang

rather than the magic of it all.

I don't know, we can make it like a cute little satire piece.

[Reagan] That's fine, I mean, you're the writer.

Just will you get the kids some kitschy little gifts

from that darling little Christmas store downtown?

[Aubrey] Yes, I promise I will get the kids

some really kitschy gifts...

Hey, lady, get, get out of the road!

[Reagan] Aub, are you okay?

I have to go. I-I'll call you back.

Are you all right?

Aside from you trying to run me

over and me falling into

a dirty patch of melting snow...

-I... -I am great, sir.

I-I called out you were standing in the middle of the road.

Yes, everyone was walking in the middle of the road.

That's why it's closed off, no?

Yeah, but everybody else was watching where they were going.

Everyone else, except for you, clearly.

You should have a license in order to be riding that thing.

Okay, I have lived here my entire life.

I know these streets back and forth.

I could ride that surrey cycle

with my eyes closed.

Oh, I'm very sorry, I see I've interrupted

something very important.

Yes, you did. My life.

No. I'm sorry, it's been a day.

Uh, you just said that you're from this town,

then you probably know where the, um,

Dolphin House B&B is?

Yes, I am. And, yes, I do.

Yeah, I'm, I'm actually riding by that right now.

Oh, well, that's great!

Um, then, uh, how much

for a ride on your strange bike thingy?

My-my strange bike thingy?

That's, it's called a surrey cycle.

And I'm just giving her a ride as a favor.

-It's, this is not my job. -Oh, that's fine. How much?

I wish I could help you out,

but seeing as how I don't have a license...

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

[crowd] Ten, nine, eight,

seven, six, five,

four, three, two, one!

[crowd cheering]

[man on PA] Beautiful! All right...

[camera clicking]

[sighs]

-[Hayden] Is that Aubrey? -Oh. Hi.

Hello! Welcome!

-Ooh. Thank you. -My name's Hayden.

Uh, I'll also be your bellhop

for the evening, so give me these.

Should we get you, uh, just checked right into your room?

-Perfect, thank you. -Okay, good.

How old is this B&B?

Uh, actually, um, it's a lot older than it looks.

It used to be the Solvang community center.

And my pa was, uh, mayor back in the day,

so I spent a lot of time here as a kid.

I didn't have the heart to let him tear it down,

so my wife and I took over

and we took it and turned it into a B&B.

Well, it certainly has a lot more of a romantic feel

than anything I've seen so far.

Yes. All right.

Here we are.

-Thank you. This is perfect. -Good.

Well, don't tell anyone I said so,

but the stork room happens to be my favorite room in the house,

mainly because of this view.

-Wow. -I know, right?

I believe my wife has, uh, prepared some Danish delights

for your arrival, if you'd like to follow me into the parlor...

-Sure. Thank you. -Yeah. After you.

Ah! You must be Aubrey Lang.

-Hi! -Hi. Hi.

-This is my wife, Laurel. -Oh.

Sorry, handshakes are for strangers,

and you are just no stranger.

Sit, sit, sit.

Oh, I just love your site.

When I heard you were coming to stay at our little bed

and breakfast, I got so excited.

You and your sister are the coolest.

Aww! Thanks, that means so much.

And I have to tell you, I love your place.

It's like a magical little...

-Holiday hideaway? -Yeah.

You can use that for your site, if you want.

-Wine? Okay. -Yeah, sure.

Thanks.

And, uh, we have cheese Danishes,

raspberry Danishes, and my famous Danish Kringle.

Yeah, definitely go for the Kringle.

Oh, well, these definitely look very delicious,

and I'm not gonna lie, I'm a big fan of sweets,

-Especially chocolate. -Oh.

Well, you have to go to Ingeborg's.

They have the best chocolate in town.

Ingeborg's. Ooh, I like the sound of it.

It's very Scandinavian.

Yeah, that's everything around here.

Um, so is there anyone else

staying here this weekend,

or am I the only one?

Oh, yeah, sure, the Brightons and the Bennetts

are both staying here, but they're out checking out

the wineries tonight, so it's up to you and me.

You and me?

I need help decorating that tree,

so I hope you brought your ornament fingers here

to dance with me!

[Laurel humming]

-Do you sing? -Hm?

Your humming, it sounds very melodic.

Oh. No, I don't sing.

I mean, I love to sing, but I, I don't.

You, though, didn't you write some big songs

for some country and pop artists, right?

Yeah. I-I did.

I used to. I don't do that anymore.

-The songwriting part. -Don't you miss it?

Well, between my work as a writer

for an online travel publication and my work on the site,

it keeps me busy.

Oh, yeah, your sister said you're doing a special

on Solvang for the site.

Mm-hmm, yeah, I'm here to check out

the most Christmassy town in the USA,

see what it's all about.

Well, I think,

purely based on your tree decorating skills,

you're gonna fit in here just fine.

It really does look great.

[laptop keys clacking]

[Aubrey] Santa's tourist trap.

Yeah. You're not so bad.

[instrum

-Good morning! -Ah, perfect timing.

[Aubrey] Ooh, smells like cinnamon spice.

-[Laurel] Hayden's Aebleskivers. -Hi.

[Hayden] Aebleskivers. [Aubrey] Mm, that's a mouthful.

It is Danish, and it literally translates into apple slices.

-[Laurel] Mm-hmm. -There you go.

We don't always use apple in it, but...

-Looks good. -[Laurel and Hayden chuckling]

-What do you think? Yeah? -Mm-hmm.

Uh, so what's on the big agenda today?

Hm, well, I was hopeful

someone in town could show me around,

give me the lay of your little Danish town.

Oh, yeah, sure, just go to the visitor's center

and ask for Darren Larsen.

I'm sure he can find someone to show you around.

Darren Larsen. Perfect. Thank you.

[Hayden] Hm. [Laurel] Mm-hmm.

[instrumental music]

Hi there. I'm looking for Darren.

-You must be Aubrey. Darren. -Yeah, Aubrey Lang. Hi.

Hayden at the Dolphin House texted me about you.

Um, I was wondering if you could possibly give me a tour,

show me around, if you have time.

I'm-I'm doing a piece for my blog.

That sounds terrific, but, unfortunately,

I-I'm just kinda tied down at the moment.

We've got the big Yulefest parade coming up next weekend.

I'm in charge, and I've just been totally slammed today.

[chuckles] Well, I totally understand that,

but thanks so much anyway.

B-b-but my, um, my community coordinator,

he could help you out if you like, he knows more

about this town than anyone else.

Oh, that's just great. Thank you.

Sure.

Here he is. Um, Sawyer?

This is my son Sawyer, I'd like you to meet Aubrey Lang.

-Aubrey Lang, this is Sawyer. -Oh, we've met.

It's nice to see you again.

This is your community coordinator?

-Yeah. -And your town tour guide.

It's your lucky day, Ms. Lang.

I don't suppose you have a pick of guides for me to choose from?

No one knows more about Solvang than my son.

Well, see, your son, he almost tried to run me over yesterday,

so I feel like if he were to give me the tour,

I would be putting my life on the line.

Well, it sounds to me like Sawyer has

a lot of makin' up to do, okay?

So, son, I want you to guard Ms. Lang

with your life, understand?

And get her the story that she needs.

Sure thing, pops.

Ready to do this?

-Thank you. -Have fun.

And now I'm gonna take you by the Yule house

where the spirit of Christmas is alive year-round.

You know, between the Danish style half-timber facades,

the open-facing storefronts, and the very large windmills,

it all just seems too touristy to be true.

It's not touristy. It's part of the town's identity.

Okay, well, call it what you want, but I am looking

for the real scoop on Solvang, Sawyer,

not just some silly guided tour.

I mean, we've been walking around all day

and all I have to show for are a bunch of postcard-looking photos

that are only gonna give my followers nothing more

than a surface town's view.

Okay, what is it that you want me to show you exactly?

Well, the entire town, it feels like one big schtick to bring in

tourism, disguised as some picturesque holiday getaway.

-So can you prove me wrong? -Yeah, that's-that's easy.

It's, this is part of the town's history.

The town was founded in 1911,

and when it was, all the buildings utilized

the traditional Western Mission-Spanish architecture

known to Southern California.

But then the first Lutheran church adopted

the Danish architectural style,

and everybody else started to follow suit.

Okay, so maybe it started out that way.

But when the town caught on that it was working for tourism,

they decided to go for it. What do you think?

Even if that's how it went down, does it take anything away

from Solvang's undeniable holiday charm?

Not everything here is charming.

Are you saying I'm not charming?

No, I am just saying that you,

you sound like a well-rehearsed tour guide

giving me your fluff, but what I really want,

I want to get to the heart of Solvang

and what makes it so special.

So are you gonna help me or not?

You know what? No.

No, I don't think it's possible to help someone who doesn't

immediately see that Solvang is bursting from the seams

with holiday charm. I wish you the best with your piece.

Enjoy your stay here in Solvang, Ms. Lang. Merry Christmas.

[instrumental music]

I'm sorry for being so harsh back there!

I just feel like there's more to Solvang

than windmills and fancy winer... Ooh!

-Plaza. -[camera clicking]

Oh.

There is more to it, but you're too preoccupied with yourself

to be able to stop and smell the real sweets.

"Stop and smell the real sweets?"

Yeah, you spent half of the tour making sure

you had the perfect photo or video, and then the other half

hash-tagging everything on your phone.

Okay, Smarty-pants Solvang.

I know how to stop and smell the real sweets.

That's why people follow my blog.

And I'll have you know I really like sweets.

-Especially chocolate. Yeah. -Oh, yeah?

Okay, when was the last time you ate an entire chocolate bar

all by yourself?

I don't really see how my inability to eat

an entire chocolate bar is relevant to my ability

to stop and enjoy real life.

Okay, when was the last time you went out and danced in the rain?

Oh. Do you know how dirty the rain is in Los Angeles?

Okay, fine, when was the last time you went on a vacation

or just anywhere fun, and didn't make one post,

one story, one vlog piece about your trip?

Okay. Ha-ha. You know what? Let's make a deal.

You promise me to show me the real Solvang,

and I will do my best to enjoy the real Solvang.

And, of course, I will pay you for your time.

All right, but the only

form of payment I will accept is

an autograph that I can give to my little sister for Christmas.

[laughs] Wait, why would she want my autograph?

Uh, yeah, she's a big Brandy Brickhouse fan

and Burning Flame is one of her all-time favorite love songs.

Oh, no. Wait, how did she know I wrote that?

It's a small town, and news travels fast.

So do we have a deal?

All right.

Where are we off to next?

Oh, that's really good.

-That's where I was born. -Uh-huh.

The top shelf there.

Oh, you gotta see this. Let's go in here.

-[bells jingling] -Sorry!

We're closing up now. Come back tomorrow at 10:00.

Oh, that's too bad, 'cause I was just hopin' to get a hug

from my favorite godmother.

[laughs] Oh, goodness.

[laughs] My dear Sawyer.

Ooh, and watch that mother stuff.

I'm your only godmother.

I feel like I haven't seen you in at least a week!

Now you know that's simply unacceptable.

So who's this darling little Danish

you've brought in with you?

Aubrey, this is Estelle.

She's a good family friend.

Estelle, this is Aubrey Lang from LA.

Lang? Is that British?

Uh, very close. Scottish.

And it's really nice to meet you, Estelle.

Oh, you do, you do!

Ooh, and that's-that's, that's cashmere, huh?

-Uh-huh. -Yeah.

Okay, now listen, are you really here for a nisse

or are you just here to see me and say hi?

Actually, both of those things.

Uh, this is Aubrey's first time in Solvang,

and she's never even seen a nisse before.

Well, no one has really seen a nisse before Christmas, dear.

See, that's what a nisse does.

It hides away until right before Christmas.

You see, the nisse has to protect the farmlands

almost all year long, and Christmas time

is the one time of year that it comes out to play.

Oh. Want to hold one? Here.

-Hold him. -Oh.

Oh, but I must warn you, you must be very careful.

The nisse is known to be quite mischievous.

-Where are his eyes? -Oh, watch out!

-[Aubrey screams] -Watch out! Watch out!

-Watch out! -[laughs]

Don't wake him before Christmas.

Oh, I just love the story.

-It has so much, um... Yes. -Personality?

Of course it does. Look who's running the place.

[laughs] Um, Estelle, would you mind if I took some photos,

if it's not too much to ask?

No, but of course! Here.

Thank you.

So where did you two meet?

Uh. Oh, no, it's not like that. I'm just giving her a tour.

You have never brought a tour in here.

Yeah, I've never had a visitor this high-maintenance before.

Or one as pretty either.

[chuckles]

[instrumental "O Little Town Of Bethlehem"]

[mumbles]

I think I'm gonna get these.

Those? Ooh. Those are not cheap.

Oh, that's okay. I just love them.

Well, all, all right then.

I'll give the family discount. How's that sound?

-I'd love that. -[laughs] All right.

-She's so fun! -She's a good one.

[Aubrey laughs]

Estelle is so great.

-Isn't she the best? Yeah. -Yes.

The snow's really melting, huh?

I wonder if it's gonna snow again. What do you think?

I don't know, do you believe Christmas miracles

can come true?

I believe this little village would lead someone

to believe they can.

Hey.

Meet me at Mortensen's Bakery

tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., all right?

Huh? What's on the schedule for tomorrow?

You said you liked sweets, right?

-Mm-hmm. -Just bring your appetite.

-[knocking] -Come in!

Oh, Laurel, so sorry, I should have asked you earlier,

but, um, where are your hand towels?

Oh, there is a linen closet in the first suite

past the foyer there.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Hey, wait a minute!

Would you mind helping me

with this for a minute?

I need someone to hold the fabric while I cut it,

or else it gets uneven.

[laughs] Yes, of course.

Ooh, wait, what are you making anyway? What is this?

Well, I am making some angel chorus costumes

for the Nativity pageant tomorrow.

They decided to dress up last minute

and needed some assistance, so, here I am.

So you sing and you sew. It's very impressive.

Not as impressive as blogging and vlogging

and songwriting and all of that.

Speaking of, how did today go?

Did you get some good stuff for your big holiday special?

Yeah, I think I did.

I think I have a hook, but nothing is concrete yet.

What do you need for the hook?

Oh, um, something that drives the story forward.

Something special about Solvang

that helps resonate with all my readers, you know?

Yeah, sure, I get it.

Oh, oh, oh, but I did hear about, um,

your famous Danish nisse...

Yeah, yeah, nisse, from the,

the great lady down at the gift shop.

-Estelle. Isn't she the best? -Estelle.

Oh, she is so great, and so fun!

Yes. What about Sawyer? Was he your guide today?

Ugh! Unfortunately.

I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, I know he's friends

with your husband and everything, but...

he really wasn't much of a help for being such a know-it-all.

I mean, he definitely does speak his mind,

but he's really smart and has such a good heart.

And his dad was city commissioner growing up,

so he does know a lot about everything.

And he certainly thinks that he does.

[both laughing]

He has been single for about as long as I can remember,

but he is the apple of his mother's eye.

And aside from my husband, he's one of the best catches

in our tiny town, so...

[both laughing]

What about you? You seeing anyone?

Do you really think I would be at this very romantic chalet

all alone if I had any other choice?

Touche.

Let me rephrase. Do you wish you were seeing anyone?

If you don't mind me asking.

Well, um...

I tried the whole love thing,

but I haven't been with anyone in a few years.

I thought I had someone

and we talked about getting engaged,

but when we finally did...

he decided a week later, um,

he made the wrong choice by asking me.

Aubrey, I'm so sorry.

I think the part that hurt the most was...

was the fact that he was just being honest,

so I couldn't hate him.

I can't even imagine.

But I think what crushed me the most...

was that I knew in my heart that he wasn't the right one for me.

I just fabricated the idea that he was.

You're a hopeless romantic.

-[laughs] -Am I? No!

No, I'm not anymore though, I'm not.

I used to be, but I'm not anymore.

You say that.

Think about it, what kinda great storyteller

or songwriter isn't?

Yeah.

I did write my best stuff when I was with him.

[instrumental music]

Oh, my favorite son!

Your only son.

I see the annual Danish gingerbread cookie chaos

is in full swing.

And what do we owe the pleasure?

I didn't know you were coming by.

What, and miss

contributing to the chaos?

I would not miss it. Besides...

Who is going to taste test all the cookies?

Hey, those are still cooling.

Mm.

This must be mom's batch 'cause these are really good.

Actually, they're mine.

[imitates choking]

Oh, yeah, you're a real riot.

Yeah, and since you're here, you're gonna do

more than just taste testing, one of mom's blenders just broke

so we're gonna put your arms to work.

-We're a whipper short. -Mm-hmm.

[laughing]

Where were you today, anyway?

Um, uh, dad had me do a day tour.

Uh, to a pretty tourist, I hear.

And who did you hear that from?

Your father and Estelle.

News travels fast around here.

-And so you were on a date? -It was not a date.

And if you badger me, I am not going to get you her autograph.

Wait, why? Is she famous or something?

No, she's not really that famous,

but she has written a few songs that are.

One of which, I believe, is a little anthem

that they call Burning Flame?

Wait. She wrote that song? Can you introduce me?

Yeah, I can, but if I do,

you are gonna need another purse to carry around

all that growing patience for your big brother.

Oh, you are so dead!

-Hey, hey! -[Miriam] Wait a minute.

Who's gonna taste my new batch?

-[Darren] I will. -Oh, yay, you're home.

Darling! Oh, I'm so happy you're home.

-You sure they're good? -These are delicious.

[instrumental music]

[bells jingling]

[door shuts]

-Oh. -Hi!

[Aubrey] Hey there.

They're incredible, aren't they?

Yeah. Did you make these?

Oh, no, no, no, Mr. Olsen did. And he does it every year.

His gingerbread houses are famous with the locals

and with the tourists.

But I did make those cookies with my kids.

Oh, would you mind if I try one?

[Miriam] No, please.

Mm! This is delicious! Oh!

-Is this your bakery? -Yes, it is.

Would you like to see the pastry display?

We have every kind of Danish delight

you could ever think about.

Are you familiar with Danish desserts?

I'm not, but I always love to try new things.

Would you mind if I take some photos?

Not at all.

Oh, you must be that blogger that's come to town

to do the article on Christmas in Solvang.

Oh, uh-huh, yeah, I am.

-I'm Aubrey. -Oh. I'm Miriam.

How did you know that I was the blogger?

-Just a hunch. -Hm.

So do you see anything that you like?

I could start a box for you.

As much as I would love that,

I should probably wait for my tour guide.

He's gonna show me around, so I should wait

till he gets here to order.

-Your tour guide? -Yeah.

You probably know him or know of him.

He's really handsome, but also, like, full of himself,

and the community coordinator

and the man around town, apparently.

Oh? He's the man around town?

Yeah, his dad also runs the town

and he's the apple of his mother's eye,

so you're probably a big fan of him, too.

Oh. Maybe I know him.

Hey, mom. Good morning.

Hey, honey.

Wait. This is your mother?

-Y-you're the mother of him? -Yes.

Darren and I got married right out of high school,

and nine months later, this little bundle of joy came along.

You could say I grew up with my kids.

And he is the apple of my eye, most of the time.

And whatever he did or said,

he can be a pain sometimes, you're right.

But, of course, he gets that from his father.

I have no idea what's going on here,

but I'm very glad you like my cookies.

-You made this? -Yeah.

All the ones with the green vests.

Suddenly I don't really feel very good.

Oh, you two, you really do have something in common

'cause he tried that same thing with his sister last night.

All right, enough with all this, it's time for me

to impress you so I get a good write-up in your piece.

Now, what Danish delight can I entice you with this morning?

Anything that he didn't make, I'll have.

-Oh. The Nativity, right? -Yeah, how did you know?

Laurel, she was making costumes for it last night.

-It seems like quite an event. -It is.

You know, we have been telling the Nativity story

for 37 years in a row at this theatre.

It is a huge collaboration, a bunch of talented musicians,

the Santa Barbara Gospel Choir. It is not to be missed.

And I sound like a tour guide again.

[laughs] It's totally fine, don't worry.

I just can't believe that the admission price

is so low though, nothing would ever be

that cheap in Los Angeles.

How does a pageant like that sustain itself?

You know, funny enough, we didn't even used to charge.

The city paid for it some private money,

but then it got more expensive, more popular,

so we decided we need to start charging a small admission fee.

That is the kind of thing that gives a seemingly touristy town

its holiday magic.

A Christmas pageant that everyone can enjoy.

I can't think of anything more spirit to the season.

Do you wanna take some pictures?

No. I think I'm gonna take this moment for myself.

Ingeborg's! The chocolate shop Laurel was telling me about!

Oh, uh, can you hold this for me?

-I thought you were stuffed. -Oh.

I think I've already burned off the calories.

Oh.

Hi, uh, can I get you a sample of anything?

Oh, is there a limit on samples?

-[chuckles] -This place is incredible.

In fact, I think I just figured out

my new favorite place in Solvang.

-Oh, hey, Saw. -What's up, Gib?

Wait.

Is this... Are you Aubrey Lang?

As in, the songwriter Aubrey Lang?

-Oh, um, yeah-- -Aubrey.

This is my sister Gibby.

She's your biggest fan.

-Yeah. -Oh, thanks.

That means a lot, but I just write the songs.

[chuckles] I'm sure the artists

are the ones that you're really a fan of.

Nope, I-I mean, yes, but I'm the lyrics queen,

and your lyrics are the best.

I mean, I went back to listen to all your music,

and it's Sia here, and then you.

-See? Lyrics queen. -Oh.

Oh, yeah, and there's no limit on samples.

Unlimited samples, whatever you want.

Excuse me, just 'cause she wrote a few songs

back in the day and they were hits doesn't mean she gets

unlimited samples. She's a human being just like the rest of us.

-Three samples max. -Oh, no, no, no.

You can't put a cap on her sample distribution.

You don't own this town or this store.

Well, you're half right.

I-I don't own this town, but I do own this,

your favorite place in Solvang.

Oh.

Hm.

-One. -Okay.

It's terrible, it's utterly awful,

but bursting with so much flavor

with just enough richness, not too crispy, but not too melty.

The density is flawless with the perfect amount of filling.

-Mm! -Thank you very much.

Where did you learn to make chocolate like this?

I feel like I've died and gone to Danish village heaven.

Um, well, this was actually my grandmother's store.

She brought the recipe back from Denmark,

it was her parents' before her.

I've been recreating the magic and churning out

Ingeborg's chocolate ever since I was a little kid.

When I took over two years, I added 16 flavors to the menu.

When he was little, he used to sneak chocolate in his backpack

to the house, and he would get busted eating them

after brushing his teeth at night.

Oh! How did you get caught?

Uh, one morning he came downstairs

with chocolate all over his face

and at breakfast mom asked who had been

sneaking chocolate in the house, and he pointed at me.

I didn't know I had chocolate on my face.

I just, I figured she saw all the wrappers in the trash

and that's how she knew.

I was in so much trouble.

I couldn't come to the shop for, like, a week.

-It was torture. -Oh.

Well, I would say

it is totally worth getting in trouble for these chocolates.

I was, I was always getting in trouble.

Gibby was the golden child.

Really? You were a troublemaker?

Now, this I find very hard to believe.

What about you? Were you a troublemaker?

Because I have you pinned as the goody Gibby of your family.

Hey, you know how I feel about that nickname.

Whoo! No, I would say, um, I was...

I was the good one, I know I should actually say

I was the adaptable one.

My sister, she was older than me

and she was always telling me what to do,

so I always did what she wanted me to do,

but sometimes that did, it got me into trouble.

Really? I didn't think of you to be a follower.

Um, no, I am not a follower.

I would say I'm a really good sidekick.

My sister, she always had the mind for business

and I was the more creative one.

You know, Gibby, Gibby was always

the more business-minded one of the two of us for sure.

Well, I will say, with all the new flavors you put on the menu,

you are the creative one, too.

Really? Hm, never thought of myself like that before.

Well, that or maybe I'm havin' a total sugar rush

and it's finally getting to my head.

Hey, hey, um, the Christmas story pageant's tonight.

-Mm-hmm. -You in?

Well...

If I can sneak some of these chocolates in,

stealthy Sawyer-style, I am totally in.

Oh, no, that's mine.

Mm. Not anymore.

[instrumental music]

[Hayden] The most beautiful woman in Solvang.

Who is about to freeze her toosh off

if she doesn't get a jacket on.

Thank you.

Aubrey, we're almost ready, we're gonna be late

if we don't leave now! I can't walk fast in these boot heels.

[instrumental music]

Oh, Aubrey, you look gorgeous.

Well, this dress wore me to the Grammy's five years ago,

that one time I was invited,

and it's far more than I would ever pay for a dress.

I don't care what it cost, that dress

is definitely not wearing you.

Well, then, shall we?

Mm-hmm!

[instrumental music]

¶ Hark the herald angels sing ¶

¶ Glory to the newborn ¶

The view is so breathtaking.

¶ Peace on Earth ¶

Yeah, I always stand up here, it's the best seat in the house.

¶ God and sinners reconciled ¶

¶ Joyful all ye nations rise ¶

¶ Join the triumph of the skies ¶

¶ With angelic.. ¶

[instrumental music]

[cell phone beeps]

This town isn't a tourist trap.

I guess I'm gonna have to convince them

to like a new idea even more.

Goodbye! Please do come back!

-Merry, Merry Christmas! -Thanks very much...

[woman] Merry Christmas!

[both gasping]

Oh, my gosh, look, we're twinsies.

-Well, cute sweater. -[both laughing]

How's it going? Did you guys go see the wineries today?

[sighs] Yes, between yesterday and today,

I think I've seen them all.

Ugh, I'm so jealous.

You know, Hayden and I used to wine hop every year

for our anniversary, we'd always have so much fun.

I don't know why we don't do that anymore.

Well, maybe you should ask Santa for a wine hop this Christmas.

Maybe I will. Anyway, how's that hook coming?

You've been locked in your room the past three nights,

you must be close by now.

Yeah, I'm not quite done.

What I thought was gonna be my hook is wrong, so...

Well, are you gonna be able to find one between now

and when you leave on Friday for San Fran?

Well, yeah, that's the thing, I was thinking

I was gonna stay through the weekend if that's what it takes.

Oh, also, if my room, is it still available?

Yes, of course you can stay.

But, uh, are you sure you're staying just for the story?

Wait, what do, what do you mean?

Wouldn't have anything to do with a certain

handsome chocolatier who's been showing you around town?

Uh, Sawyer? No, no, no, no.

I just need to find my holiday hook.

Well, maybe you'll find it tonight.

Wait, what's tonight?

Sawyer told Hayden that he's inviting you

on his candlelight walking tour.

[instrumental music]

I thought that this was a group tour.

No, I did the group thing last night, besides, you're not

paying me to bring a bunch of extra tourists around.

Last I checked, I said I was gonna pay you, but you said no.

Yeah, that was before you ate half the chocolate

out of my store.

I can always give it back to you.

Wait, you didn't already eat the two boxes

you took back to the bed and breakfast?

Well, I gave some to Laurel and Hayden

and to the Brightons, but just a few.

Oh, just a few? Yeah.

Hey, Hayden said that you're gonna extend your stay

through the next weekend, is that right?

Yeah, I suppose.

I just haven't gotten the entire story yet.

Hm. Well, I am thrilled that you're staying.

Oh, yeah?

And why is that?

Hm, because you'll get to be here

for the scavenger hunt and parade

and those are the two best things

out of the whole festivities.

Oh, I definitely don't wanna miss

the best parts, do I?

I just thought you would be thrilled to get rid of me.

I don't know.

Oh, no. My candle, it burned out.

Um...

[chuckles]

"Can you see me, too?

Or I am the only one

who sees you through this burning flame?"

You did not just quote one of my songs.

-That's from a song? -Yeah.

Huh.

One of my very good songs.

Have you noticed that there are storks

on the rooftops around town?

Yeah, I have. In my room and at Estelle's.

What is that all about, anyway?

Well, back in the Middle Ages, hundreds, thousands of storks

would come to the shores of Denmark

and alight on the houses in the summertime.

And if a pair nested on your house,

it was a symbol of good luck.

We don't have any real storks here in Solvang,

but we put those up

to remind us.

And what does it mean in Solvang?

In addition to good luck, it's also a symbol of fertility,

protection, and love.

Hm. That's really sweet.

[Aubrey] Christmas in Solvang,

a charming...

town.

[instrumental music]

[fire crackling]

[instrumental music]

Oh, my gosh, look at you!

-We're Christmas! -[laughing] We're Christmas!

Here, I got you these. Put them on.

-I put it on? Okay. -Yeah.

-[laughs] -Perfect.

[instrumental music]

Do you want me to take that for you?

Yes. Thank you.

-Come on! -Merry Christmas!

¶ I don't wanna go go go under the mistletoe ¶

¶ Unless you're here with me don't wanna hear ¶

Thank you. Mm...

¶ All alone on Christmas Eve ¶

¶ Christmas cheers won't cheer me up ¶

[indistinct chatter]

-[Sawyer] On me? Okay. -Okay.

¶ Not nearly near enough ¶

¶ So you had better hurry up ¶

¶ Christmas comes just once a year ¶

¶ Wish you were here ¶

¶ I wish you were here... ¶

-Merry Christmas! -Merry Christmas!

[indistinct chatter]

-Thanks. -We'll share it.

[indistinct chatter]

-Oh, yo, you need.. -Whoa, hey. Alright.

[Hayden] Serve us up.

What flavor of holiday ice cream

can I serve up for you guys?

I'm gonna have mint chocolate chip

with a mega peanut-butter cup and a frozen banana.

Whoa! I just want some eggnog custard.

-Peppermint stick, please. -You? You? You?

Uh, I'm going to have a little bit of everything.

-Yeah. -A little bit of everything?

[instrumental music]

Mm, this buttered bourbon truffle is to die for,

plus I really need to understand the flavors for my story,

so I think I might need some more.

Wow.

-So, can I ask you a question? -Yeah.

Why did you stop writing music?

Um, I guess

my heart just wasn't in it anymore.

Come on, we all know that doesn't just disappear.

Well, you might be right about that.

I strangely started writing another song last night.

[gasps] Really? Can we hear it?

Oh, no, um, it's-it's not really ready

and I don't really sing, so...

Well, you did that one time. Your Christmas song.

Gibby found it and sent it to me.

Oh, oh, no, no. Oh, no, uh...

Well, how did she find that song?

I've never even released an album.

How did she find that song?

Well, yeah, but you released it in that Christmas movie,

and she found it!

No, I don't think that's a good idea.

Oh, Laurel, this is so embarrassing.

I don't know if this should happen right now.

Laurel, do we think this is a good idea?

Oh, what do you know, it's right here.

-Oh. -Ooh.

-Oh. Come on. -To the dance floor.

Oh, I don't know, you guys, this is so embarrassing.

You can't, you can't... Party on the dance floor.

-Whoo! -Ready?

[music on laptop]

Wow, you were really holding out on us,

because this is good, and, uh, we all know

that the spirit of Christmas should be shared.

¶ Give me what I'm asking for ¶

¶ As you walk in through my door... ¶

¶ Let me come on and all the way through ¶

¶ I'll give you my heart... ¶

[laughs] Oh, no.

[Laurel] Sawyer?

Sawyer? Oh, no.

Hey. Wait, should we say goodbye?

No. We are going to let them have their moment.

-Oh, I like that. -All right, come on, come on.

[machine whirring]

All right, so we just take one of these guys here,

the turtle, and strategically locate it on the conveyor belt.

-And watch what happens. -It is like an art.

So what are you doing for Christmas?

You've mentioned you were going to your sister's?

Um, yeah, I'm gonna go to my sister's in San Fran.

She's got little kids, so I think it's gonna be really fun.

And, um, and what about your parents, where are they?

My parents, they're retired and they're living in Florida.

They loathe the traffic of San Francisco,

so they're living it up on some yacht somewhere

with some of their friends, I saw them for Thanksgiving,

so I'm gonna see my sister for Christmas.

What about you?

Do you have anything tying you to Los Angeles?

Oh, like, like, like a boyfriend?

[laughs] No. No, I don't.

Oh, and what about you?

I-I figured, with all the tourists coming to Solvang,

you meet a lot of very beautiful women.

I do meet a lot of very beautiful women,

but they're all on their anniversaries

with their husbands.

I mean, I've, you know, dated a few over the years,

but nothing stuck.

Huh? I find that surprising.

A conveyor belt trudging out so many Danish chocolates,

I figured that would be the way to any girl's heart.

I don't know.

I've never liked one enough to bring her back here.

[clattering]

-Oh, no, the chocolates. -Uh-oh.

Oh!

Oh, no, we have to save the chocolate.

[Reagan] Okay, so what I'm hearing is,

you're staying an extra weekend to stay for this guy

that you complained about before?

No.

I mean, yes. No?

I'm staying so I can finish the story.

My first version was a bit harsh,

and I just still need an ending, everything else is done.

Okay, great, but we needed this by Christmas

and I wanted it turned in by Sunday, which is today,

and I haven't seen anything yet.

I know, and I'm really sorry,

but I'm just, I'm not quite done yet.

Okay, so why don't you send me what you have

so I can make my edit?

Okay, I can do that, I'll just send you the ending

as soon as I am finished.

Okay, sounds great.

And the guy? What's going on with you and the guy?

Oh, nothing, it's just...

So you don't like him anymore?

[Aubrey] Well, I do, and he...

But you're not staying around for him?

-Oh, no. -Okay, got it.

So wait, what's his name again?

-Sawyer. -It's a good name.

Have you guys kissed?

[chuckles] No.

Ah, I mean, I thought he was gonna kiss me last night,

but then there was this marzipan fiasco

and then there was chocolate all over the floor, and, ugh!

But you're gonna see him again, right?

Yeah. I mean, I hope so.

-I assume. -[sighs]

Aubrey, I haven't seen you so equally thrilled

and utterly confused in a very long time,

which, don't get me wrong, it makes me really, really happy

and I think that you should just go for it.

-Go for what? -Give this guy a chance.

Stay in Solvang for as long as you need to, even through

Christmas, we're not going anywhere, Aubrey, we're here.

No, I mean, of course, I-I wanna come home for Christmas

and see you guys, but...

I don't know, here kinda has a feeling of home, too.

¶ Virgin Mother and Child ¶

¶ Holy infant so tender and mild... ¶

So pretty.

Aubrey, I did not know you were here.

Your voice is so beautiful.

Gosh.

You really do have a gift.

Have you ever thought about singing for other people?

Sharing your voice with the world?

You know, my dad was a really wonderful singer.

-Really? -Mm-hmm.

And was an amazing guitar player.

He used to host this little open mic night back in Denver,

and I would go with him every Friday night

until I was 15.

We would always sing the closing song together.

Uh, this one night I didn't go with him.

I had just started high school,

and I wanted to hang out with some friends,

and he died in an accident that night.

Laurel...

I am so sorry. I really am.

It's okay.

My mom always thought it was kinda silly

my dad wanting a career in the music industry,

so I guess I just never really thought of it for myself.

And after that I'm not really sure I wanted to, you know?

What do you think he would say

if he knew that you stopped?

He'd have really chewed me out.

Well, it's never too late

to be open to the possibilities again.

I myself have been writing some music.

Really? Aubrey, that's wonderful!

Oh, my God, I'm so excited for you.

I don't know, we'll see what happens.

You just never know.

And how was the rest of last night with Sawyer?

You two would make such a cute couple.

I...

-Yeah, I really like him. -Yeah?

And I really enjoy his company.

-[Laurel] Whoo! -Mm-hmm.

But he lives here and I live in LA,

and I'm not very good at being in relationships,

let alone long-distance ones, so...

Well, it's never too late to open yourself up

to the possibilities again, right?

Right.

Maybe just wait and see what happens.

-There they are. Hi. -[Laurel] Hey, guys.

It is getting chilly out there.

-Hi. -Hi.

-What have you two been up to? -[Hayden] Uh...

Where we've been isn't important,

but you should be excited about where we're going.

Where are we going now?

I thought the kids were going on a scavenger hunt around town.

Exactly, and we're gonna join them.

[instrumental "Deck The Halls"]

[Darren] And whoever brings back the first nisse wins first prize

and second and third and so on.

-[Sawyer] What's the top prize? -Ah, well...

The parents get a free coffee every week,

and the kids get a free pastry every week.

[all cheering]

You get the free coffee, I get the free pastry.

And, uh, having said that, without further ado,

happy holiday huntings...

And let the nisse hunt begin!

[all cheering]

-Come on, kids, let's go. -[laughs]

Come on, come on!

-And none for you? Okay. -[woman] No.

-[indistinct chatter] -Wait a minute, wait a minute.

You're not supposed to pick that up. It's for the kids.

But aren't I technically still your kid?

Well, Hayden did tell me that you were gonna join the hunt,

so I got you guys special clues.

And one for you guys. Happy hunting.

-Yeah. Oh. -[Darren] Go, guys.

-[Miriam] Go. Go. -We better go!

Look, look, look... We still find toys for girls and boys.

-Yule, yule, yule, the yule. -All right.

Oh, oh, wait, let's see what we got here.

Okay.

Uh, "A little like Santa

and a lot like a Christmas gnome..."

"Where the nisse and his bride go, feels a lot like home."

Home? Um, um...

Uh, would she have hidden at home, like, I don't know,

my-my parents' old house where I used to live, maybe?

Well, she handed us one she picked out herself, so maybe so?

Yeah, let's start there. Come on.

Okay.

[door opens]

[chuckles] Wow!

You grew up here, it's very...

Oh, let me guess. It's very kitschy?

No. Magical.

And the only thing your tree is missing

are some Julehjertes though.

Oh, yeah? And how do you know what those are?

Laurel, she taught me all about them,

they're Danish pleated hearts.

I think your tree definitely needs them.

All right, um...

[laughs] Let's find this nisse

and then I'll get started on that.

Right.

I don't really see anything.

Nothing up here.

Hey, uh, Sawyer?

Um, I just wanted to say I'm really sorry

about the way I acted when I first got to town.

Oh, that's, oh, it's fine, fine. Forget about it.

No, I, I was kind of a brat

and I didn't really realize what a pessimist I'd become,

so I'm sorry.

Your site, your site is all about sightseeing, songs, swee--

Sights, Style, Songs And Sweets.

-Right. -Mm-hmm.

All happy things.

So you've been looking at our site. Hm.

I may have taken a peek.

I may have read a few blogs, watched a few vlogs.

[laughs] Maybe watched them all.

Well, as much as I show love for things on my site

on a daily basis, my walls were pretty high,

so thank you for being, um...

Well, you know, thank you for just, you know, uh...

-For putting a dent in 'em? -Yeah, yeah.

And for being a good...

friend.

Right, yeah, um...

Friend, 'cause that's what I am.

I am friendly and, um, and so are you.

-You, you are. -Yeah, I'm friendly.

-Sawyer? -Yeah.

-Gibby. -Hi.

Um, am I interrupting something?

No. Not at all.

We were just looking for the nisse.

-We are on the hunt. -Yeah, we are looking...

Oh, well, um, they didn't hide any here.

-As far as I know. -No? You sure?

Uh, I left the shop earlier today

because of that final term paper

and I've been the only one here.

-Great. -[Aubrey] Okay.

Where else would she have hidden it?

Uh, she said something about a home.

Well, she could be at someone else's home.

Like, where do they usually live?

I mean, besides Denmark and the North Pole?

Well, most of the nisse sold in town

are at the mall, so maybe try there?

Yeah, I mean, it's worth a shot, right?

-[chuckles] -Thanks, Gibby.

-Yeah. -Let's go.

-See you later. Bye! -Bye!

[bells jingl

-[Estelle] Oh, you two again. -We are looking for the nisse.

Did mom and dad come in and hide one anywhere in here?

Well, I-I don't know, but you can take a peep around

and see if you can find the little mole.

Okay, you check the second floor,

I'm gonna start down here.

Got it.

[instrumental music]

You didn't hear this from me, but you might wanna take a look

at the little ones with the red and green tags on 'em.

-Thanks. -Mm-hmm.

So, uh, I see you and my little godson

are still together after a week-and-a-half later.

Yeah, he's been showing me all around Solvang.

-It's been really great. Mm-hmm. -Mm-hmm.

So what exactly are your intentions, if I may ask?

Oh, um, uh, we're just enjoying each other's company?

Oh, I'm just teasin' you, sweet girl.

But seriously, he's precious.

Don't you even try to hurt him.

I won't. I promise.

Now between you and me, he came into the shop last week

and went on and on about you.

And as long as I've known him,

I've never seen him that way about a girl.

Well, I feel the same about him, too.

Wonderful, then that means you'll be

at the Christmas Eve caroling in the courtyard.

Oh, I hadn't heard about that.

But sadly, I'm gonna be in San Fran

with my sister and her family.

Oh, that's too bad.

Well, then I guess you'll just have to come back

as soon as possible then, huh?

Well, I'll tell you what, put your name and address

down in my guestbook so that I can keep you involved

in all the things that are going on here in Solvang.

Mm-hmm.

You know, you can always do songwriting anywhere.

-Hm? -Right.

[Estelle chuckles]

-Did you find it? -Uh, nope.

Let me take a look at that.

"It's a little like Santa

and a lot like the Christmas gnome.

The little nisse and his bride feels a lot like home."

[laughs] "A lot like home."

It's the bed and breakfast, of course.

The bed and breakfast. Thank you so much, Estelle.

-Nice one. -Thank you, Estelle. Bye!

All right, sweetheart.

It's freezing.

Maybe we should have taken your car after all.

I'm sorry, I don't know what I was thinking earlier

when I said the night's nice and we should

go the rest of the way on foot.

Open mouth, insert foot.

But...

I may have called in reinforcements.

Did somebody order a horse-drawn holiday carriage?

Oh, my goodness. Oh.

This is amazing! It's so nice to see you.

-[Darren] Nice to see you. -Thanks, dude.

[Aubrey] I can't believe this. Sawyer!

[Sawyer] Best way to see the town.

[Aubrey] Thank you. I love this.

You look a bit warmer now?

[chuckles] Yeah, I'm much better, thanks.

So when do you head off to your sister's?

Uh, Tuesday. Christmas Eve is Thursday.

So I should get there before.

-Makes sense. -Yeah.

But I'm really bummed out I'm gonna be missing

the Christmas caroling in the courtyard on Christmas Eve.

Estelle, she was telling me all about it,

and it sounds like so much fun.

Yeah, it is, you know, I was gonna invite you to that,

but, uh, I just assumed you would have left by then.

You know, can I, can I take you out

for a farewell dinner on Monday?

Yeah, sure. I'd like that.

Um, you know, and if you want,

we could invite Hayden and Laurel.

Yeah.

Yeah, or, or it could just be us, I don't know,

if you wanna make it a real date...

-Yeah. -Yeah?

A date would be nice. I'd really like that.

You know, I'm just gonna throw this out there, um, if...

if you ever decided that you wanted to come back to Solvang

for a visit, I would, I would be in support of that.

I think I could arrange for that.

And, I don't know, maybe you could come visit me sometime

in LA, too.

-Yeah, really? Yeah. -Yeah.

Yeah, I just, you know, need to make sure

that Gibby can handle the shop while I'm away, uh...

But I could, I, you know, could definitely arrange that.

Good.

[instrumental music]

Okay. Where do we look?

I'll check the east wing where my bedroom in the parlor is.

And I will start in Hayden and Laurel's suite.

Perfect.

How couldn't you say "I told you it's the Yule house."

You did, you did. Wait, hold on, hold on.

-She posted it, babe. -The article?

Yeah.

That's not a good face.

[Hayden] Whoa.

[panting]

Is that a snowflake?

Wait. Is that...

The nisse.

-We found it. -We found them.

They're a pair.

They're perfect.

They are.

It's really snowing.

Right here in Solvang.

[Laurel] "Santa's tourist trap?"

Wait, wait, what did you just say?

-[Sawyer] You all right, Laurel? -No.

No, I'm not all right.

Aubrey, how could you write these things?

No, that's, that's not my story. I-I didn't post that story.

It's got your name on it.

I sent my sister the wrong story.

Look, I never meant for that story to go up.

-That was my first draft. -Your first draft?

I can only imagine how special your latest draft must be.

Aubrey, did you really write this?

Yes, I did, but that two weeks ago.

-Before-- -Before what?

Before I fell in love with this place.

-Before I fell for you. -Really?

Um, because it seems like this whole thing,

it could just be some, some ruse to get you and your sister

a bunch of hits on your website, so your advertisers

feel like they're getting their money's worth.

Sawyer, I'm not lying, that's not my story,

that is not the story that I intended to tell.

"And if the scenery doesn't say

you're on the amusement park of it all,

seek out Sawyer, the community coordinator, for a tour.

His bland smile and arrogant air

are just as tasteless as his tiny town."

Although, I got to admit, your, your prose

is just as strong as your song lyrics.

You didn't, you didn't mean to write this?

[Sawyer sighs]

Laurel, I'm so sorry.

I'll call my sister now and I'll tell her to take it down.

You know, I-I believe you, Aubrey.

But the fact that you ever thought it'd be okay

to put our livelihoods at risk for a success story

on your blog, that hurts.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Thank you!

[door opens]

You did not make me fly down from San Fran

two days before Christmas.

I didn't make you do anything.

Well, this is what happens when

you don't call your sister back for three days.

I mean, I have Phil at home wrapping presents with the kids,

so you are on his list, not to mention

your niece and nephew are completely devastated

that you are flaking on Christmas with them.

So you are in a world of trouble.

I just couldn't deal with everything anymore.

I needed to come home and sort out my feelings.

-With plain cheese pizza? -Yeah.

Oh. You must have really liked this guy.

I even started writing music again, Rea.

Yeah, first song I've written in years,

and, admittedly, it's really good.

Well, that is the best news I've heard yet.

-He must be something special. -Yeah.

I think for the first time, in a way

that actually makes sense.

We just clicked in a way

I never have with anyone else before.

It's not convenient

and it certainly did not start out that way,

but when I think about how I see him,

I don't adjust the picture like I did with guys in the past,

how I always made them fit into the picture.

I just see him for who he is,

and, honestly...

that's what I love about him most.

Well, it seems like you found something very real, Aubrey.

Yeah. Painfully so.

[sighs]

-And guess what? -What?

He even owns a chocolate shop.

-Wait, what? -I know.

You need to fix this. I mean...

When are you ever gonna find a guy

that caters to your sweet addiction again?

Seriously, you need to call him.

-No, I can't. No, I can't. -Call him. Call him.

I can't. He-he told me he doesn't wanna see me again.

And besides, I humiliated his entire town.

Well, thankfully, it's Christmas time,

which is also the perfect time to make things right again.

-Let's do this. -I love you.

I love you, too.

[laptop keys clacking]

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

Okay. I am ready to go.

Uh... Oh, wow. Nice Llama sweater.

That Danish village really did one over on you.

Posted. Okay, it's done.

I can't wait to read it on the plane.

You know you're gonna be okay, right? And Solvang, too.

-Yeah. -Okay, well...

I will see you Christmas morning.

Did you get the e-ticket I sent last night?

I did, and I will be there.

Family comes first.

-Love you. -Love you, too.

-I'll see you soon. -See you soon! Safe travels!

[Reagan] Hey, Aub, there's a package on your doorstep.

[Laurel] Dear Aubrey, I know you didn't mean

to mess things up, and I'm sorry

I got so overly emotional the way that I did.

It's just, you're the first girlfriend I've made

since I moved here to Solvang.

And I used to feel the same way about this town

until I fell in love with it the way I know you did, too.

In the end I was just really sad to see you go.

By the way, the song you wrote is perfect.

If I had the music to sing it with,

I'd be singing it tomorrow night at caroling

in the courtyard.

Anyway, here's a little gift from me and Hayden.

And I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. Love, Laur.

[cell phone beeps]

-Hayden? -[Hayden] Yeah?

-Come in here. -What's up?

Look.

[instrumental "Deck The Halls"]

[Aubrey] No, I know, I'm so gonna be there, I just...

I need to do this first, okay?

All right. I love you so much.

Okay. Bye.

[sighs]

Hey, uh, DK, it's Aubrey.

Yeah, hi!

I know it's been so long. How are you? Merry Christmas!

Oh, yeah, um, I'm good. Great, actually.

And that's kind of why I'm calling.

By chance...

how fast could you lay a new track down for me?

[instrumental "Deck the Halls"]

-Merry Christmas! -[Miriam] Oh, my goodness...

-Look who's here! -Miriam.

-Merry Christmas. -It's so nice to see you. Hi!

-Hey, nice and warm. -Good.

We got, uh... We're all lined up on the track?

-Right here. Yup. -It's good. You got the mic?

[Hayden] It's perfect, Tulsa.

Aubrey?

[both laughing]

I can't believe you're really here!

Ah, I can't believe I'm here, either,

but something was just telling me

that I needed to come back.

Your gift. The storks, most likely.

-Hello? I'm so glad you made it. -Hi! Oh!

-Merry Christmas! -Merry Christmas!

Wait, did you know she was coming?

Uh, we'll call it a hunch?

Thank you so much for the gifts, you guys.

But, wait, how did you figure out my address?

Well, you left your information in a little guestbook

at the gift shop, and someone may have informed me

how much you paid for those storks.

So they belong with you.

-Aubrey! -Oh! Este...

Oh, my goodness, it's so good to see you!

-Merry Christmas, my dear! -Merry Christmas.

And thank you so much

for getting Laurel's gifts back to me.

It means so much considering everything that's happened.

Everything and nothing.

Your last story on Solvang was just--

The perfect Danish Kringle.

I can't imagine anyone doing it better than you.

-Miriam, Merry Christmas! -[Miriam] Yay!

Merry Christmas, Aubrey. Welcome back.

-Thank you. -[Laurel] Wait.

But what about your family?

I thought you were going up to San Fran.

Um, well, they understood

that I had some unfinished business here.

Speaking of unfinished business,

I think you have some of your own?

-You're going on stage. -Wait, what?

[Hayden] Oh, you're singing tonight.

Honey, I don't have anything prepared.

I think you do.

Wait. No!

Yes. I wrote that song for you.

So go up there and sing.

-Okay. -Never too late, remember?

[Laurel squeals]

-Hey, Gibby. -Oh, hey, Sawyer.

This is Aubrey's sister, Reagan,

this is Phil and their daughter Isla.

-Hi, Gibby, nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you, too.

Uh, I think I saw Aubrey talking to mom and dad.

-Thanks. -Yeah.

We're happy that you're back. We really are.

[Aubrey] Sawyer.

Oh, my gosh!

Oh! What are you guys doing here?

We went to the visitor's center to find out about this

and we ran into, uh, the community coordinator

that was in your write-up.

Oh!

I can't believe you guys came!

You said it best, family comes first.

Now why don't you go get him to forgive you

and lock him in before someone else does?

-[chuckles] -Right?

-Right? -[Reagan] Come here.

I can't believe you guys are here!

[laughing]

Tell her, say "Get it, girl."

[laughing]

I really dig your family, they're great.

You're a little high-maintenance,

but that's par for the course.

I deserve that, and worse.

I'm really sorry about my article.

You don't need to apologize, Aubrey.

You, you more than made up for your first article

with the second one.

You read my new article?

Yeah. The whole town read it.

I especially liked the part

about the community coordinator.

How did you describe him this time?

I think it was "Eloquent, passionate,

compassionate, a bit rigid,

but he more than makes up for that with, uh,

his wholesome warm charm."

Now aside from the rigid part, I think you nailed it.

Well, I'm glad that my article resonated with you

as much as Solvang resonates with me.

I really did fall in love with this place.

Is that why you came back?

Uh, well, Solvang was just the added bonus.

[Laurel] Merry Christmas, everyone!

And thank you for coming to our Christmas Eve

caroling in the courtyard!

This song is a little something written by a friend

who reminded me this holiday season

that we mustn't let fear overshadow our hearts.

So this goes out to her and to everyone else in Solvang

where the spirit of the season still burns bright.

[instrumental music]

¶ In a snow-covered town ¶

¶ Silence is all around ¶

¶ The evening stars light our way ¶

¶ Your hand tied in mine ¶

¶ Your eyes so divine ¶

¶ Your lips know just the words to say ¶

¶ I stopped searching ¶

¶ But you found me in the cold ¶

¶ Now I won't let you go ¶

¶ I won't let go ¶

¶ On this night I give all ¶

¶ With no questions left for me ¶

¶ No more here on my own ¶

¶ My loneliness is free ¶

¶ I was blind but I see ¶

¶ Lost my faith now believe ¶

¶ This night I give all ¶

¶ On this night I give all ¶

¶ To you ¶

You really wrote this?

[music continues]

[cheering]

-That was amazing! -[Laurel squeals]

[grunts] Mwah!

I thought you didn't write music anymore.

I don't know, I guess something here inspired me again.

And I think after the holidays,

I'm gonna be spending a lot more time here,

that is, if you'll come see me in the city, too.

I can definitely do that.

And if you need anymore inspiration...

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]