Original subtitles

Uh-oh, eric.

I'll make eggs.

Okay.

A mike maxim action man!

What, honey?

Mike maxim! see?

Oh, yeah. that's neat.

This is what i wanted for christmas!

Oh. More than anything!

Well, we'll see if it's not too expensive

and maybe we can manage it.

Don't worry, mom. Santa will get it for me.

I'll put it on my wish list.

You do that.

Don't you just love christmas?

Yeah. love it.

Ah, yep.

It's exactly what i had in mind.

We're gonna have some luck here, jack. i know it.

Okay, would you wipe the stars from your eyes

and listen to me for half a second?

Yeah, sure, sure.

No no no. really. I mean it.

Just one second, okay? What?

Chris, it is a matter of simple mathematics, okay?

If you're looking for the perfect wife,

you'd have much better odds finding her

in new york or chicago or miami.

I mean, there are tons of women in those cities.

Been there, done that. It's never clicked.

It's time we try somewhere off the beaten path

and i got a really goods feeling about this place.

Okay okay. you want to waste your time hanging out in podunk, u.s.a,

be my guest. but listen, if this doesn't pan out,

don't come crying to me.

Yes, it's a wonderful engagement photograph.

But we need it at a much higher resolution.

Send me a jpeg by noon and we'll make the deadline.

Wonderful. ta-ta.

Lori wilson's getting married.

Again?

Four's the charm, they say.

What ever happened to, "three strikes and you're out"?

Jen, never say that.

You've got to be in it to win it.

Gertrude?

Yes, martin?

Do you have plans for lunch?

No.

I have some ideas about the society page.

If you don't mind a working lunch, the paper's buying.

Sure, i'd love to.

Perfect.

And are we still on for that business conference tonight?

Yes, absolutely.

Good.

Working lunch? Business conference?

Why all the euphemisms?

Just admit it. You guys are dating.

Because according to him, we're not.

Why, because he thinks it's unprofessional to be dating one of his employees?

It may be old school, but it's romantic,

so don't knock it.

No, i'm so happy for you.

I never thought speaking in code could be so exciting.

Hi. i'm the new guy.

That desk behind you is empty. must be mine.

Sam. sam franklin.

Oh. jen robbins. Nice to meet you.

Human interest reporter.

I was brought on to help on the crime beat,

so if you got any hot tips, i'm all ears.

Here. it's my card.

I doubt i will, but thank you.

Franklin. uh, jim pickard's car towed again.

That's $800 worth of unpaid parking tickets.

That's a freebie. Now run with it.

What are you laughing at, robbins?

Nothing, sir.

Where are my pages?

Oh, i know. i am so sorry.

It's just really hard to find christmas magic

in this shopping frenzy we call the holidays.

Look, i need it warm and sappy, and i need it quick.

Now, in the spirit of the holidays,

i'm extending your deadline for three more days.

But that's it. get it done!

Yes, sir.

Okay. i need fuel now. You want to join me?

Yeah. uh, i'll show you where it is.

I have no motivation to write this article.

I mean, christmas these days has just become so commercialized.

Right you are. Kids do love it.

But hey, they don't do any of the work, do they?

Huh-uh.

Well, your editor is getting anxious.

Yeah, i know.

I was supposed to turn the story in yesterday.

Gotta feed the beast.

I am sorry to disappoint you fellas,

but we cancelled santa for this year. not in the budget.

Okay, listen, mister, it won't cost you a penny.

In fact, we pay you.

Is that so?

Yes. the mall gets 50% of every photo a parent buys

of their kid sitting on santa's lap.

Mm-hmm. i suppose you'll be in the santa suit.

No, that's me.

I can see you're worried. Um, you know what? here.

Here's a list of all the malls we've been to over the last nine christmases.

Just look it over. and you can even call them if you like.

It'll make you feel better.

Huh. so what's the catch?

No no, there's no catch. There's no hidden fees.

We just... we like spreading good cheer.

Yes, that is us. we are good cheer spreaders.

Look, this might sound corny,

but for me, it's a labor of love.

It's what i was born to do.

I don't know why, but i get a good feeling off you.

And i'd hate to disappoint the kids just because we're having a lean year,

so, welcome aboard!

That's the spirit!

Thank you, sir!

Mommy!

Yay! oh!

What's this?

I'm sorry, but he insisted

on getting the christmas decorations out of the closet.

Can we put it up now? Please?

No, not now, buddy. I'm so tired.

Maybe this weekend, okay?

Ooh.

Uh-oh.

You should be careful with that. it's old.

Can we just get a real tree this year?

No, because that's a waste of money.

And we have a tree.

Oh! i almost forgot to finish my wish list for santa.

If he was any more pumped about christmas, he would explode.

He wants a mike maxim action figure.

Honey, you should have gotten that weeks ago!

They've been sold out forever.

You see? that is the problem with christmas.

They've turned it into one big marketing campaign.

Christmas isn't about presents.

It's about counting our blessings

and loving one another,

and all that other sappy stuff.

Maybe for you, but what i remember about christmas

is being left with an infant when my husband walked out on us.

Okay, yeah, um, there's that.

Listen, for the sake of your son,

you have to snap out of it, girlfriend.

It's been six years.

It's time to move on with your life

and, you know, get into the christmas groove.

That's easier said than done.

Hey, i have an idea. Let's take eric to see santa,

at the mall. i read online that he's starting tomorrow.

Oh...

eric can get his picture taken with santa.

He would really like that, wouldn't he?

Oh, just a tad, yeah.

Hey, mom? Yeah, honey?

How does santa have time to do all this christmas stuff?

Oh, well, i don't know.

I think he's got super powers. Mmm.

Oh. so, santa's like a superhero?

Yeah, that sounds right.

Yeah, and cookies give him his mojo.

Yeah!

Okay. Okay.

Okay. how do i look?

Jolly good, i'd say.

Okay.

Ho ho ho ho!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,

may i have your attention please?

Just in the nick of time,

straight from the north pole,

the man you have all been waiting for,

live and in person,

can i have a big round of applause

for the one, the only santa claus!

Well, hello! merry christmas, everybody!

Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho!

Thank you all for coming and visiting with santa today.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

Merry christmas! Ho ho ho ho ho!

Merry christmas!

And you get to meet santa first!

Yeah! Ho ho ho ho!

Come on in!

Come on in. your name must be john.

Come sit right up here on santa's lap.

Tell me what you want for christmas.

Okay, we are gonna count to three and then you're gonna smile.

Okay. i need you to look at the camera.

One, two...

Three, smile!

A strapping young boy! Hey, buddy.

Hi. Come sit here on my lap.

Oh, it's okay. i don't think i need this.

Because i already know what you want for christmas.

You do?

Let me think. um,

a mike maxim action man? Am i right?

Yeah!

Well, don't worry. I got a good feeling

because i saw your name on the "nice" list, eric.

How do you know my name?

Well, because i'm santa claus.

Nah.

You must have read it on my wish list.

Okay, well, let's see here.

Then your name must be "my".

I never should have doubted you.

Oh, ho ho ho!

That's okay, buddy. I'm used to it.

You just gotta have faith.

Oh, and there's something else i want too.

Well, what is it?

See, my mom doesn't really care about christmas,

but i want a christmas tree this year.

A real one.

Your mom doesn't care about christmas?

But she brought you here to see me today.

Mom says a real tree is a waste of money

since we already have a fake one.

Okay, all right, buddy.

I'll see what i can do about a christmas tree.

Okay, are we ready for the picture now?

Oh, yes! let's do it! Picture!

One, two, three, frown!

Ah, we do that one every time.

Okay, this is the real one.

Okay, i need a big smile on three.

One, two three, smile!

Look at that!

I was thinking of buying some lingerie...

He knew what i want!

He knew i wanted a mike maxim!

Now, jen, hold on.

Let's just stay here while mommy's busy.

Can i talk to you for a moment, please?

Uh, well, uh, sure, yeah. What can i do for you?

I would appreciate it if you would not promise my son

a toy that is impossible to get.

Okay okay. okay, you know what? let's take five,

and you two can chat about this in private.

Good. Good idea.

Don't worry, boys and girls.

Santa's taking a little tiny break, okay?

But we'll be right back.

Oh, uh, right this way.

Hey, look!

Eric, um, it's not what it looks like.

Santa can't be everywhere at once, so he has helpers.

Stop treating me like a baby!

I know what's going on here.

Okay, what is going on, smarty pants?

When santa's not working,

he disguises himself as a regular person.

He does?

Yeah, like when superman becomes clark kent.

Oh!

Mike maxim action man too.

All the superheroes do it.

So santa shaves his beard to blend in,

and wears a fake beard when he's on duty?

Exactly.

I never thought of it like that.

Does your mother know how smart you are?

I'm really sorry. I never meant to upset you.

I'm just trying to spread a little christmas cheer, that's all.

Everywhere that kids look, all they see are ads

for these extravagant toys they just gotta have

while their parents are just trying to figure out how to pay the bills

and give their children a merry christmas

and it's doubly difficult for single parents like me.

I've got to be the bad cop and the good cop.

I could use a little help here.

I just don't want to disappoint my son, that's all.

Oh, no, you're not gonna disappoint him. trust me.

All he really wants is to embrace the christmas spirit like everybody else.

And so should you.

What makes you say i don't?

Intuition, i guess.

I just... i get this feeling

that christmas holds some really bad memories for you.

How could you know that?

I'm santa claus, remember?

Oh!

Actually my names is chris. Oh.

It's a pleasure to meet you, jen.

How did you know my name? I didn't...

Lucky guess?

Yeah. oh, right.

My son must have told you, right?

Yeah. he's a really good boy.

You must be so proud of him.

Oh, well, i am.

Thank you. listen, i...

I'm sorry. i shouldn't have gone off on you like that.

No, i'm a big boy. I can handle it.

I think it's really sweet what you're doing,

and the kids, they absolutely adore you, so...

The parents do too. Well, mostly.

Touche.

Let's just call it a draw. Okay.

'cause i gotta get back to my throne.

Oh. yeah, i should go too.

Yeah, all right.

Okay. Nice.

Oh, hey, jen? Oh. yeah. yeah?

Why don't you try to have a little fun?

It's christmas time! Right! i will. okay.

Oh!

Oh, excuse me. You scared me.

You forgot this.

Oh. oh, thank you.

Oh, that's great! That's so great.

All right. i... okay.

I'll just, um, go. Okay. all right. thank you.

Bye. Bye.

Bye.

Whew!

Hi, mommy!

Hi. how about some ice cream?

Yay!

Oh, wait a minute.

Oh, you're not falling for humbug mommy, are you?

Aw, no no no no no. i heard what she was saying to you.

No no no. she's hopeless.

So what happened?

The strangest thing.

I walked over there wanting to give him a piece of my mind,

and i left kind of liking him.

You could do worse than santa!

And from where i'm standing, he look kind of fine.

Oh, please stop.

You should be looking for serious candidates.

Candidates? Possibilities.

You only have until midnight christmas eve.

Time is running out.

Yeah, i know.

Then you need to start acting like it.

Chris, you are the heir to the legacy.

You're the son of santa claus.

Oh, by the way, your son saw santa without his beard.

Oh no! Relax.

Superheroes have alter egos and so does santa. end of story.

Good thinking!

I'm not as dumb as i look.

Let's see. you know your father, he can't dso this forever, chris.

He is counting on you. Yeah.

You don't want to let him down again, do you?

Yeah... no. no.

Then it's time to step up to the plate.

If you don't qualify for the job to be santa the next generation,

somebody else will have to take over.

You don't want that.

Of course not.

So it's just time to put your game face on.

It's not as easy as you think.

Come on, chris.

You've just got to make this one simple connection

to get that extra power, or, you know, confidence,

chutzpah... whatever you call it.

Don't worry, jack. this year it's gonna be different.

No, it really is. I know it.

Okay.

36 active listings. Now we're talking.

$400? who would be stupid enough to pay these inflated prices?

Got plans tonight?

Oh, just a cozy evening with eric.

Eric, huh?

I was gonna ask you out to dinner

but i guess i should back off.

Oh, eric is my seven year old son.

Seven. wow.

Well, who's looking after eric until you get home?

Um, my neighbor suzie.

Well, it's happy hour.

Why don't you call suzie and charm her into staying a little later,

and join me for a drink?

Okay. but not too long.

Sure.

Okay.

And once i traced the payments to the senator's account, i knew we had him.

We published and he's serving three to five for tax evasion.

Wow. you must have been very proud.

Yeah, unfortunately the paper folded.

Oh. well, that's how you got here?

More or less.

What about you. What do you want to do?

Oh. well, i mean of course

i'd love to break a big story like that one day,

but for now i feel like i've got more than i can handle

with this christmas spirit assignment.

Yeah, yeah.

You know you do have a beautiful smile.

Well, you should have seen me at ages 12 to 13 with the braces.

It was just, uh... sorry.

I guess i should just say thank you, huh?

You're welcome.

You know, it's nice to find somebody i can connect with.

Yeah.

Yeah, it's um, nice.

But, um, i really gotta get home now.

I understand. That was our plan.

Okay.

How about we get lunch on saturday,

when you're not in such a rush to leave?

Okay, yeah.

Sure, that sounds nice.

And in the meantime i'll see you at work tomorrow.

Cool. you run. I'll pay up here.

Okay. thank you.

Have a good night. You too.

♪ Jingle bells jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way

♪ oh what fun it is to ride

♪ on a one horse open...

Bullfrog!

♪ Sleigh

ribbit! that was great!

Why doesn't mommy like christmas like us?

Oh, honey, mommy's just busy.

Okay, let's do one more song.

This time let's be ducks.

Okay. quack quack!

Oh, hi! Mommy!

Hello! oh my gosh!

I have to go. i have just a little more christmas shopping to do.

Thank you so much for staying later,

and be careful out there with all the crowds.

Oh, i don't mind it at all.

It's so festive!

Hi, bud!

Hi.

So i was thinking...

You were thinking, huh?

What were you thinking about, young man?

You know how we have that fake christmas tree?

Yes.

It doesn't smell.

You want a smelly christmas tree?

Yes! one that smells like christmas!

Oh, but honey, we'd have to bring it home on the roof of a car.

Yeah!

A real christmas tree is messy. It gets needles everywhere.

But the needles on our fake tree are falling off too.

Please?

We'll see.

Yes!

I said we'll see.

I really think we need to update the layout

on the social section. Why not distribute

the engagement announcements on different pages?

That will pull the readers through the whole section.

You know what? you're a very clever woman, gertrude.

The advertisers would love that.

I say let's do it.

You're very sweet to take my suggestions, martin.

And if it's successful, i'll take full credit.

Franklin.

Yes, sir?

The picker case, the traffic ticket scandal,

what have you got for me?

Oh, you were serious.

What?

Um, it's serious.

I'm gonna need more time.

Tomorrow.

Robbins.

Yes, martin?

I got a resource for you. okay.

The johnson family...

Former advertiser...

They've been through some tough times

but they've got two kids

and the whole family is crazy about christmas.

Yeah.

Yeah, well, you're having dinner with them tomorrow night.

Oh. Well, come on,

we need these feel-good stories.

Print is dying. Schmaltz sells papers.

It's those kinds of stories that keep us in our jobs.

I understand.

So get into the feel-good spirit. you do that

and the story will write itself.

Put it right under this arch...

all right, we're here.

You sit still and i'll come get you.

No looking.

Okay, lean forward.

Two steps.

Can i take off my blindfold now?

Not yet.

Come on, mom, what's the surprise?

You'll see.

All right. no peeking.

I want you to tell me if you smell anything out of the ordinary.

Real christmas trees! Yeah!

Awesome! you're the best mom ever!

I've never seen so many christmas trees!

Jen! Oh!

Oh, you're so...

So...? Everywhere.

Oh, yeah. santa claus by day,

christmas tree salesman by night.

Oh.

I try to pick up as much work

as i can around the holidays.

Right.

Santa?

Uh, no. no. hey, buddy. My name's chris.

Nice to meet you.

As in kris kringle, right?

Can't fool me. I know who you are.

Sorry. he saw us talking yesterday with your beard down.

Oh. no, i'm sorry.

It's okay. don't worry. Your secret's safe with me.

Well, the secret's out, so mum's the word.

That goes for you too.

Oh. aye aye, mr. c.

So, eric, i was waiting for you to come.

And i picked out the perfect tree for you and your mom.

You did? Yeah.

It's actually right here.

What do you think?

Whoa.

How could you have known that we were coming?

I only just decided less than an hour ago.

Oh, it was on his wish list, and you said you didn't want to disappoint him,

so i thought i better be prepared. oh.

Wow. it's perfect!

Yeah? you like it?

And look what it says right there.

I put your name on it.

It says my name! Yeah, that's right.

Oh!

I can deliver it for you too.

Oh, no, that's okay. we'll...

Okay. yeah.

Okay.

On one condition.

Oh, what's that?

That you'll stay and have some christmas cookies with us.

I'm baking.

Aw.

Santa's coming for cookies and milk

at our house?

Well? I would be delighted.

Thank you for the invite.

Great. do you have something to write our address down?

There's no need.

You know where we live?

No! no, that would be creepy.

Yeah!

Uh, no, there's no need to write it down.

I'll just remember it.

Oh. okay! Phew!

It's 135 fillmore street.

135 fillmore street. got it.

Okay. All right.

Good.

Ready? here we go.

This is good, jack. This is really good.

So why is this good?

Don't you see? i knew she was gonna be here tonight.

That could have been a hunch.

No, it wasn't a hunch. I knew it.

This is what you've been coaching me for...

A connection, right? A real connection.

When we looked into each other's eyes, i felt it.

Well, i think you're wasting your time with this one.

I really do.

I hope you're wrong, jack.

For the sake of christmas, i hope you're wrong.

Me too.

Santa!

Eric, my man!

You ready to put this beauty up?

Yay!

Oh, hey. Hi.

I can see you're up to your elbows in cookie dough.

I'll go wash my hands and i'll come back and help.

Oh, no, i wouldn't hear of it.

We can handle it, right? right!

Yeah, it'll be up in a snap.

Okay. Okay.

So where should we put it?

Right here.

That's a perfect corner.

Oh. oh, thanks, buddy.

You're welcome.

Let's get it in there.

Watch the top.

A little more right.

Okay, i think that's it.

What do you think? Perfect!

It's perfect. i agree.

Hey, how's it going in here?

Oh, very good. almost done. How's it going out there?

Really good. i want you to come and see it.

Okay. Okay, come on.

Ready?

Ready.

Okay, here we go.

On the count of three. Ready?

One, two, three!

Oh! merry christmas! Wow!

This is wonderful, buddy!

Do you smell something?

The cookies!

Oh my goodness! i'll get 'em. you stay here with eric, enjoy the lights.

No, wait... Relax. i got it. i got it.

Wow.

It really looks like christmas now.

Yeah. sure does.

Okay, here we go.

Boy, chris.

Mmm, cookies.

Oh, chris,

this is so lovely.

I can't believe you just did this.

Did you really just make these cookies?

Yeah, it's nothing, nothing at all.

And we got hot chocolate with marshmallows.

I love marshmallows!

Well, then we'll give you extra marshmallows.

I like a lot of marshmallows too. i don't know about you guys.

I love a lot of marshmallows.

Then you're gonna get this one right here.

That one is for you, buddy.

Thank you.

And there you go. Thank you.

This one's mine.

Uh... we almost forgot the star for the top of the tree, guys!

Oh. Oh, i know where it is.

Uh, will you excuse me for just one minute?

Mm-hmm.

Okay. just one minute.

So are you wrapping things up?

Have you made a christmas convert out of humbug mommy?

No, not yet, but...

See? the clock is ticking.

No no, it is time to move on, chris.

You don't cook.

I hope this isn't just you mooning over a pretty face.

Yeah.

He is sound asleep.

Oh, good.

I bet he has visions of sugarplums dancing in his head.

You're not from here, are you?

No.

So, where are you from?

Uh, i'm from the north... canada.

The north canada.

Um, northern canada. And you?

I'm from here. Born and raised.

Hey, it's a great town.

So, you got married eight years ago?

How did you know that?

Oh, i just figured. eric is seven, and i did the math.

Oh. yes, i was married,

and very unceremoniously dumped when eric was one.

Yeah.

Well, you know,

sometimes people can't rise to the occasion.

When people really want to leave, it's usually better that you let them go.

Hey, why don't i come by tomorrow night

and help put up some more outdoor lights?

Oh... oh, i can't.

I have this dinner with a local family tomorrow night.

Oh, okay.

No, its research that i'm doing

on an article on christmas spirit.

You are?

Yeah.

Really? that's great!

Oh.

Yeah. hey, maybe i could help you.

I could come with you. As santa, of course.

Help spread a little christmas cheer.

You definitely could do that, judging on tonight,

yes, i would say you could.

What about your christmas tree lot?

Oh, jack can handle it.

That's not important. Yeah.

Besides, i, um...

I really like your company.

It's not a date.

No!

Because it's my job.

No, of course not. i know.

And i'm a professional.

That's right.

So it would be two professionals working.

Yes. correct.

Okay.

Okay. Okay.

I should go. Okay.

Yeah. All right.

Okay.

So, um, tomorrow night. Tomorrow night.

Okay. Oh, oh...

What time?

Meet me here at 5:30.

Okay. 5:30.

5:30. Be here.

Okay.

Okay, the bidding on this mike maxim is only $140

with 60 seconds left to go.

I'm gonna put a bid in at $150

when there's only 10 seconds left so nobody can outbid me. yes!

First of all, that's the same strategy everyone else uses

and second, are you insane?

$150 for a $20 action figure?

Okay, suzie, i know it sounds insane, yes!

But i am exhausted looking for this thing.

I just want to get it done and pay through the nose if i have to.

Cross your fingers.

Oh no!

"sorry, you have been outbid!"

oh! Winning bid is $475!

See? this is what i told you!

I am so sick of this time of year!

I've had it!

Jen, you're just putting too much pressure on yourself

trying to make everyone else happy.

Yeah, that's because everyone's all happy happy happy

and i'm... i don't know. I'm lonely.

Hey, hello? What about me?

What am i, chopped liver snaps?

Not that kind of lonely. You know what i mean.

Oh. oh.

You know, i've just had it with these dreamer flaky guys

who won't grow up. I'm done with boneheads.

I want a nice guy who will really know how to treat a lady right.

Amen. I think i deserve that.

Well, of course you do. And welcome to the club.

Wait. you go on dates al the time.

Dates, yes. Mates, no.

At least not this week.

And what are you complaining about?

You have two guys fighting over you.

That one guy at work took you out this week.

Sam? oh, he is handsome.

I don't know. i'm just not really feeling it.

Well, that chris seems nice.

And he makes a mean christmas cookie.

Wait. no more. that's it.

No more. get 'em away.

Yeah, but my kid thinks he's santa.

You could do worse than a guy who wants to spread joy to the world.

What i'm saying is, what if it goes really great

and then really bad

and then eric ends up getting terribly hurt.

You're never gonna know if you don't take a chance.

It's like winning the lottery.

You gotta be in it to win it.

That is do weird. gertrude from my work said the same exact thing.

So how many times to you have to hear the same thing?

Oh! okay okay, i've gotta be in it to win it.

That'll be my new motto.

Oh no! sam is here! i forgot that i promised lunch with him!

New guy from work? you said you weren't interested in him!

Yeah, but you said i gotta be in it to win it!

Well, yeah, but not two at once!

Share the wealth! gosh!

Holy moly!

He's gorgeous!

Oh, if you aren't feeling it, let me know!

Because i am feeling it right now!

Shhhh!

Hi.

Hey. i was thinking maybe you weren't home.

Oh, sorry.

Aren't you gonna introduce me?

Oh, yes. this is suzie, my neighbor.

Hi, suzie, i'm sam. Nice to meet you.

Hi. i've heard all about you. the new guy.

Welcome. Thank you.

Suzie's my oldest friend.

Ow!

My bestest friend in the world.

And my son's favorite babysitter.

Nice.

I rock. if you ever need a friend or a babysitter,

you know who to call.

Hey look, it actually says "friend and babysitter" on here.

It does? No. just kidding.

Oh. hah!

Huh.

Well, this is awkward.

Maybe you two should skedaddle. Yeah yeah yeah.

Although i'm not sure i would use that word.

Okay.

Okay, have a lovely time.

Not!

No murders, no robbery, no arson.

What's a crime reporter supposed to do all day in this sleepy town?

So what about you?

How's the christmas juju story coming along?

You getting anywhere?

Mmm. actually i am.

Really? Mm-hmm.

Yeah. i really wasn't into the story initially,

but when i got into it, i don't know, something happened.

Just, something's different.

No really, i mean it.

Life this week, it just seems a little less grim.

Are you making fun of me?

A little bit.

Well, that was fun, you know? Mm-hmm.

Let's do it again.

Sure.

Mmm.

Oh. uh...

i'll see you around the office.

Yeah.

Okay. Okay.

Something's happening to me, jack.

Something new.

Something wonderful.

Okay, you read my lips.

You have got to find a woman who is 100% into christmas.

The north pole. elves. Reindeer. the color red.

I know, but i get this feeling

that the closer i get jen to believing in christmas,

the more power i have to bring christmas to everybody.

Listen, if your powers are revving up, that's great.

I don't know, maybe she is the one.

But actions speak louder than words.

You don't believe that my power's getting stronger?

No. not really. Okay.

Come on. i want to show you something.

Come here.

I want to show you something. yeah yeah yeah.

Look. all right, you see that group of kids over there?

Yeah. what about 'em?

I can tell you which ones are naughty

and which ones are nice.

Give me a break. They're all nice.

Except for the kid in the green t-shirt.

Just wait. you'll see.

Hey, bobby! I'm telling mom!

Okay. yeah. now you have my attention.

Well it's about time.

When do you see her again? Tonight.

Hmm.

I am warming up to this, chris.

Warming up.

Hi! come on in! Ho ho ho!

I'm almost ready. Okay.

You look amazing!

Oh, thanks.

Hey, where's eric?

Oh, he's at dinner at a friend's,

so he'll be home later. Okay. all right.

Well, ho ho ho!

Hi. This is our neighbor suzie.

Hi, suzie. Hi.

I'm chris underneath all this stuff.

Yeah, i've seen you before.

I was with jen at the mall when she bawled you out.

Oh. thanks for reminding us. Yes. i remember now.

And you sure gave this house a christmas makeover!

Oh, thanks.

And your cookies are a girl's worst nightmare.

I mean, staple 'em to my thighs!

Thank you so much! Sorry about that.

All right, i'm gonna go get my stuff. be right back.

All right.

You treat her right, you hear?

Oh, yeah, of course. I will.

'cause that's my christmas wish for santa.

Okay.

Oh, just so you know, the johnsons are going through a tough time.

Yeah, the father lost his job...

How would you know that?

Logical guess. they're...

Oh.

Well, i hardly imagine they're full of holiday cheer

no matter what my editor says.

Oh, here we go.

Hi.

Miss robbins, right?

Oh, please call me jen.

And santa?

Ho ho ho! Merry christmas!

This is my friend chris.

He is a professional santa at the mall.

Come on in! Welcome! welcome!

Great! here, let me take your coat.

Okay.

Oh!

Santa! santa! He's here!

Oh, ho ho ho! merry christmas! stella, right?

How did you know my name?

'cause i'm santa claus. I know everybody's name.

Hello! santa, welcome!

Hi!

I'm just finishing up a few things in the kitchen,

so please make yourselves at home.

Thank you. Okay.

Mommy mommy, santa knew my name!

That's amazing!

You want to come help me in the kitchen?

Okay.

Dexter.

Yes.

My, you're growing up so fast.

Bet you're excited for christmas, huh?

Yes, sir... i mean, yes, santa.

Oh, good, good!

Dexter, let's get our guests some drinks, huh?

Okay.

I never told you their names, did i?

Oh, i think you did.

Hmm?

So, what's your favorite part about christmas?

Presents!

Presents!

And what about you?

Presents too, but i mostly love the tree and the lights.

We didn't buy any new decorations this year.

We made everything ourselves.

Well, that's even better!

Yes, i haven't worked for... Well, for quite a while.

We decided to skip presents this year.

I'm so sorry.

Oh no it's okay. we have plenty to eat from the church food bank.

The kids did a great job with the decorations,

we have each other and we're healthy. what more do we really need?

Well, you certainly have a wonderful attitude about it.

Listen, no matter what life throws at you,

when christmas comes along,

everything seems exactly right, you know?

Mm-hmm.

Oh, no!

Oh, no!

Oh!

No! oh!

Everything okay in here?

I forgot to cover it!

Ooh. um, i think i can help.

But it's a cinder! i... Dinner is ruined!

Oh, no, mrs. johnson. It's not ruined.

I've got an idea. why don't you go and hang with the family

and let me see what i can do in here?

I don't know what you could possibly do.

Maybe some gravy.

I'm afraid no gravy i know of is gonna fix this one.

Well let me just give it a shot.

Come on.

Well, santa knows best.

There you go! That's the spirit!

Go ahead, relax.

Oh, boy.

How's dinner coming along?

Oh, santa insisted on making some gravy.

That's great. now you can just sit back and relax.

Yeah.

Mrs. johnson, could you give me a hand in the kitchen?

But how could you do this?

It's not possible!

Oh, it's very possible because you're such a good cook.

It's... it's perfect.

Yeah. dinner time. Let's eat!

Okay!

Ooh! ahh!

This looks good!

Honey, you have really outdone yourself with this one.

It wasn't...

Didn't she do a great job on that turkey? wow!

He just did something amazing in there.

Oh, believe me, chris is full of surprises.

Okay, now before we start,

who knows how many reindeer it takes to pull santa's sleigh?

That's easy. eight.

Correct!

Well, plus rudolph.

Yes, but only in foggy weather.

Well, i'm starved. Me too.

Let's eat.

How's it going in here?

Oh, good.

Need a hand?

Why, sure. thanks.

I can dry.

Excellent. Yeah.

Give me that.

My wife and i take turns.

When she cooks, i clean up,

and vice versa.

Hey, you know the christmas tree farm down on forest road?

Yeah, i know it.

Sure gets busy around the holidays.

Could use an extra hand, really.

I mean, you know, if you had the time.

Of course i got the time.

Oh, yeah? really?

It pays pretty good.

Full benefits. in fact, if you like the place,

we could use someone to manage it year round.

We're expanding the business.

When can i start?

How about tomorrow?

I do not know how to properly thank you.

No thanks needed.

Oh, the dishes are done?

And your friend here just offered me a job

at the christmas tree farm.

Pardon me, but i have to tell my wife the good news.

You didn't have to do that.

No no no.

Actually, we could really use a guy like that around.

Hmm.

I still don't know how

you pulled off that magic in the kitchen.

Well, i'll let you know when the story runs in the paper.

Please do.

Bye, santa!

Goodbye, stella.

Bye, nice to see you.

Nice to see you, dexter.

There's, uh, there's presents...

Merry christmas to all.

And to all a good night!

Bye!

So, you have no explanation how a bunch of christmas presents

suddenly appeared under the christmas tree.

Maybe they were just empty boxes

wrapped up for decoration.

And you perform another miracle in the kitchen

and give the guy a job?

All right, look. The bottom line is,

the johnson family deserved a break

and we gave them one.

Doesn't it just make you feel wonderful? yeah.

I mean, they're such a great family.

They're so loving with each other.

Yeah, i guess so.

You guess so? What's the matter?

Come on, jen.

Talk to me. it might make you feel better.

You already know that i was married

and that it ended badly.

Yeah.

On the eve of eric's first christmas.

I don't understand why you're so upset with me.

I'm upset because you tricked me into having a baby!

You're overreacting.

Look, i married you.

I think i've done enough, okay?

We're done.

We have a baby, paul.

Done!

No!

How could you?

You know how much this means to me!

That thing was ugly!

I'm glad it's busted.

That was the last present my mom gave me before she died.

I'm so sorry, jen.

It doesn't matter.

No, it does matter.

You know, all i've ever wanted for eric

really is what the johnsons have,

you know, like, two parents that love each other

and a sibling to play with.

It's what i want him to have. it's what i want.

Yeah.

But i can't be hurt like that again.

And i can't put him through losing another parent either.

We have each other, and...

That'll just have to be enough.

So, you can see why i've kind of outgrown christmas.

Okay. um,

i'm gonna say something that i believe in

more than anything else in the whole world.

I now you've been through some really terrible times,

but you can never ever

stop opening yourself up to the chance of magic coming into your life.

And not just for you, but for eric too.

There's no magic, chris.

There's just life.

No no. no, there's magic.

You just don't see it yet.

I don't know why, but for some reason, when i'm with you

i'm so close to believing that.

Can i see you tomorrow?

There's something i want to show you.

Yes.

Okay.

"can there really be christmas magic

for anyone older than the age of 12?

I for one had my doubts.

And yet deep down there was nothing i wanted more

than to regain that euphoric holiday spirit

that i enjoyed so much as a child.

Many of my friends and colleagues look forward to the christmas season

and seem to embrace all of it.

So why was i dreading it more and more with each passing year?

So what's the deal with the new guy?

Mr. johnson. He's a lovely man.

You're gonna really like him.

Conscientious worker. He's got kids too.

Terrific. We can use the help.

But have you forgotten our main objective?

No, jack. look,

things are really starting to happen for jen and me.

Whoa! whoa, okay! Details, please.

Okay, so we're at the johnson house

and mrs. johnson... Lovely woman,

but she completely burned the turkey.

And i reverse-cooked it and it was perfect.

You what... what?

I'm just getting started.

They couldn't afford to buy presents for the kids this year.

And?

I did what only dad can do.

You?

Yes.

I generated presents.

You did it!

You did it! you did it! You did it! you did it!

You did it! you did it! Oh, man!

I've never done anything like that before.

But how do we know it's because of her?

No, it's totally because of her!

I know it, jack. jack, she's the real deal.

You better be right this time, chris.

Your dad, he just can't keep doing this.

I know, and i am right.

You would see it too if you just got a chance to hang out with her.

Why don't you meet up with us tomorrow night?

Okay, tomorrow night is christmas eve.

If she's not the one,

then you will have no time left to find someone else.

We're not gonna need any more time. trust me.

You're killing me.

I only have one item on my wish list

and i don't think it's in the cards for me this year. maybe next.

Good things come to those who wait.

Whoever made up that nonsense must enjoy watching paint dry.

Everybody, please, uh,

may i have your attention?

As most of you know, uh,

i lost my wife a year and a half ago.

And, well, i found it a very difficult time to get through.

Feeling sorry for myself, i decided then and there

that next christmas was going to be a whole lot happier.

And once i had opened myself up

to the possibility of love,

i suddenly saw this beautiful lady in a while new light.

What, the overhead fluorescents?

No, my dear. As i was saying,

gertrude has been the society page reporter

for over 30 years.

And i wanted to take this opportunity to announce

that for the last eight months

she's also been my secret sweetheart.

Hear hear!

My god, some of you actually looked surprised!

I thought it was the world's worst-kept secret.

Now, this next part nobody knows about,

including you.

So, let's get on with it.

Gertrude, will you marry me?

Yes!

You bet i will!

Yes! yes!

There we go. oh!

All right all right. Let's enjoy some punch!

Robbins.

Yes, martin?

I must say i was surprised.

By...

Your article on the christmas spirit.

Oh. what were you surprised about?

It was so optimistic and hopeful.

Not at all like you.

Gee, thanks!

I don't know. maybe santa was rubbing off on me.

I like it.

So what's your secret?

What do you mean?

The last time we talked you were having writer's block.

How'd you shake it?

Oh. i don't know. i uh,

i just stopped fighting it, i guess.

Fighting what?

Well, when you're writing a piece on the spirit,

it helps if you believe in it.

Aren't we as journalists supposed to be objective observers?

Hmm. every piece has its own point of view.

I can't quite figure you out.

What makes me so mysterious?

Don't you ever dream of writing more than just human interest stories?

You're smart, savvy, attractive.

You could do anything you want.

Like what?

Like you could be reporting on women's rights in afghanistan

or be in switzerland covering the financial crisis.

You could be anchoring at a major news channel

doing something important.

Oh. like, what i'm doing is not important.

No, i'm sorry. that...

That came out wrong.

What i meant to ask is this...

If you ever get the itch to write a story

with a little bit more meat on the bone,

i could teach you the ropes of investigative reporting.

You'd be great at it.

Heck, we'd make a really good team,

knock this town on its ear.

I'll admit that sounds tempting.

Well, no pressure. i'm here whenever you're ready,

so just think about it.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Suzie, it's christmas eve!

I know! i'm so excited!

Whoa! ho ho ho!

All right, thanks, suze.

I'm just gonna get him to bed before i go to...

Okay, good night!

Good night!

Santa's coming!

Yay!

Whoo!

If santa's going with you, then

how will he deliver everybody's toys?

Oh. well, you know santa doesn't deliver everybody's presents

until everyone is sound asleep.

And we'll be home long before that.

Um, honey, i was meaning to ask you,

what?

What if santa doesn't bring a mike maxim?

But he's bringing one tonight. he said so.

Right, but what if he doesn't have enough of them for everyone?

You mean another kid wouldn't get one if i did?

Sure, something like that.

I guess he would bring me something else, hmm?

Yes, of course he would.

Okay.

Chris!

Come on in. Oh, thanks.

Wow, you lost a lot of weight since i last saw you.

Oh, yeah. And you got really cute.

Jen's just putting eric to bed. She'll be down in a minute,

so just come on in.

Okay, all right. Wherever.

Can santa tuck me in?

I'll go ask. Good night, honey.

Good night.

I love you.

I love you too.

Oh! Hi.

He was just asking if you'd tuck him in.

Hi, santa!

Hey, buddy!

Yes, of course. I'd love to.

I'll go et my things and i'll meet you by the door.

Okay. bring something warm, 'cause it's gonna be kind of chilly.

Okay. good night, honey. I love you.

I love you too, mom.

Hey, buddy! merry christmas!

Merry christmas to you!

You all ready for bed?

Yeah. uh, santa,

can i ask you for one more thing for christmas

or is it too late?

No, i think that'd be okay. what is it you want to wish for?

See, the thing i really really want...

Yes?

Is for my mom to be happy.

Um, you don't think your mom's happy?

I guess she's happy. It's just that...

What is it, buddy?

My dad went away before i can remember.

Oh, i know.

I just think she's lonely sometimes.

Yeah, but she's got you.

And she's got suzie,

and all of her friends and the people she works with.

Yeah, but,

i just want her to... you know...

You mean fall in love with the right guy?

Yeah. and...

You always come through.

I'll do my best.

Okay.

Are we really gonna make it?

Yeah, completely.

So, where are we going?

It's a surprise.

Ooh. well, you should probably let me know

so i can get us there.

Oh yeah. yeah, i'm the co-pilot,

so you just leave that to me.

Okay.

Oh! i haven't been here in so many years!

When i was a little girl i used to dream of a white christmas

and of course it would never snow.

But this was the next best thing.

It was my favorite thing to do,

to come on christmas eve...

How could you know that?

Uh, good guess?

Well, come on, let's go on the ice!

I can't believe that this place has hardly changed at all.

It's all part of the spirit of christmas.

You still don't believe, do you?

I really don't know what i believe anymore.

Jen, it brought us together, didn't it?

Yeah.

And look what the spirit of christmas

is doing all around us, right here, right now.

Okay, you see this young couple right here?

Yeah?

That young man, he has a ring in his pocket.

In a little while he's gonna get down on one knee

and he's gonna ask his girl to marry him.

How could you possibly know that?

Okay, yes, your intuition is off the charts,

but you're not a mind reader, are you?

Are you?

Well, i am santa's son.

You know what? I would almost believe that.

I've never known a grown man to be quite so into christmas before.

Look, jen, i'm leaving for the north pole

tonight at midnight and i want you to come with me.

And you have such a goofy sense of humor.

I really love that about you.

In fact, i think i'm falling in love with you.

Oh, jen, i'm in love with you too.

That's what i've been trying to tell you. i love you.

I love you and i love eric too.

I want you both to come with me

because you see, jen,

you've made me ready.

You've made me ready to finally take over for my dad

and become santa myself so christmas could continue.

I guess i was a little lonely at the pole, okay,

but i read a lot, and i spent a lot of time with the elves in the workshop.

And my dad... santa, that is...

He taught ne all about the different local traditions for christmas...

Jen, are you okay?

Um...

I'm feeling a little queasy.

Is there anything i can get you?

Do you want to leave?

Yes.

Yes, i think i should leave.

Suzie can't stay that late anyways.

Jen, what is it? What's wrong?

I've done it again.

I've wasted my time on another guy who can't grow up,

who thinks he's the frickin' son of santa claus.

What's wrong with me? Why does this keep happening?

You! you're delusional! You're a fraud!

No, jen. no, it's the truth.

Can't you just see that?

What am i gonna tell eric?

The truth!

Jen.

Finally i get to meet her!

I really hope things are going as well as you said they are.

I blew it.

She was the one and i blew it.

Hey, okay, we'll figure it out. come on.

Come on, we'll figure it out.

Hello?

Hey, um, it's jen.

Hey. what's wrong?

Well, um, we need to talk.

That sounds loaded.

Yeah, i know it's late, and it's christmas eve,

but would you mind meeting me for a drink, please?

I'd really like to do this face to face.

Okay, sure. our usual hangout? 15 minutes?

Okay. yes. i'm on my way.

So, what is this all about?

Uh, well,

um, being a single parent

is something that i take very seriously.

I admire that about you.

Thank you. and i'm very proud of my son

and i'm proud of the job i've done raising him on my own.

That being said, i would, you know, uh...

If i found someone, the right person...

Would like to have a man in my life.

I think that's great. You deserve it.

Okay. the problem is that, uh,

when i'm dating someone and things start to click,

i can't just think about myself.

I have to consider whether or not this person

would be right for my son as well.

Of course.

I mean, if you're looking for a serious relationship, absolutely.

But i hope you weren't thinking, well, us,

like you and me.

I didn't know what to think.

That's what i'm here to find out.

Jen you're an amazing woman.

I'm just really not ready to settle down.

I'm just not that guy.

Thank you for being honest.

Couldn't we keep it the way it is?

Casual, no strings attached?

No. it's not enough.

I'm looking for something more.

Please don't go.

Merry christmas, sam.

Jen...

Hi! jen, this article you wrote is so beautiful!

How was the date?

What is it, honey?

He's not the one, no more than sam is.

You mean chris?

He wants us to go with him to the north pole.

I don't understand.

He loves me and eric.

And tonight he wants us to go home with him to the north pole

to live there with santa, his dad,

and i guess mrs. claus and the elves, and the reindeer...

Oh, he's just joking. he's got that quirky sense of humor.

No he's not. He's out of his mind.

No. i met him. he's not crazy. trust me, i know crazy. he's not one of those.

I saw it in his eyes.

He believed every word that he was saying.

I can't believe i did this.

What did you do?

I fell in love with him, suzie!

I thought that he would actually love me and be a father to my son.

I've ruined everything!

I just wanted a sweet, beautiful christmas

for that wonderful little boy in there

and now i've given him one that will make him miserable!

What am i gonna tell eric when he never sees chris again?

Oh, honey.

And i don't even have a mike maxim action figure!

I'm a complete failure!

No, you're not. You're not at all.

I just want to go to bed.

You gonna be okay?

I have to be. For eric.

It's christmas tomorrow.

Yeah. well, you're gonna feel better in the morning, i promise.

I'm gonna head out now. Okay.

But i'll see you tomorrow, okay?

Yeah.

Thank you so much for everything.

I don't know what i'd do without you.

Me either.

Because i'm awesome.

See, you're smiling. You're gonna be okay.

Merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

Eric?

Why don't you believe chris is the real santa?

Honey, chris is a great santa.

I know that you like him very much.

I do.

But chris just pretends to be santa

to try to make people happy.

Because nobody ever sees the real santa, right?

He comes when you're asleep and leaves before you wake up.

And what would happen if you stayed up all night?

Then he wouldn't come.

That's right.

So how could he be the real santa?

Because i believe in chris, mom.

I can't believe i did it again.

Maybe i'm just a washout.

Well, you got a half hour left before it's midnight.

Who knows? maybe a miracle will happen.

I just felt so very close to her, jack.

It was incredible!

When i was with her i felt power and peace

and excitement and love all at the same time!

That is exactly what your dad said you would feel

when you met the right one.

She's changed you. You've changed her.

You're both better, stronger.

You gotta do something, chris.

Use your magic. Christmas needs you.

She needs you.

Mom, what's that over there?

I don't know. santa hasn't come yet, honey.

A present, see? And it's for me!

Look!

May i open it now, please?

Uh, of course.

A mike maxim action man!

I told you santa would bring it for me!

Oh, honey. Yeah!

There's another box! See?

And it has your name on it!

Huh.

Oh my gosh.

Wow!

Come on, we have to go.

Where are we going? It's christmas eve.

Where are we going?

Put your shoes on. Where are we going?

I'm getting your jacket.

I've got the keys. You ready, buddy?

Mom, just tell me where we're going!

Okay! okay! we're gonna go see santa.

Yay!

Oh, it's suzie.

Honey, where are you going at this godforsaken hour?

The north pole. What?

Oh, and here, before i forget,

my christmas present to you,

with sincere blessings and best wishes.

Okay.

Bye, suze.

Bye, suzie. i'll miss you!

Bye!

"sam franklin."

sam the new guy!

Oh!

It's almost midnight. man,

i don't think that miracle is going to pan out, my friend.

I've done everything i can, you know?

If she doesn't respond, maybe it's just not meant to be.

No! not red! green! Turn green!

Whoa! how did that happen so fast?

It's green, mom! just go go go!

Okay okay!

Come on, mom!

We're too late!

They've already gone!

Oh!

I'm sorry, buddy.

Mom, who's that over there?

It's santa!

Chris! Hey!

I believe!

Not a moment too soon.

I believe in the christmas spirit and i believe in you!

Every year from now on i promise to show you the wonder of christmas.

Because for the first time,

i found my strength in you, jen.

And i found it in you!

Hey, mom, it's snowing!