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Hey. So, I got these adorable
Christmas tree-shaped sprinkles,

but I don't know if that's
redundant because I already have

a Christmas tree-shaped
cookie cutter.

- I think they sound cute!
- I don't know.

I also got a sweater-shaped
cookie cutter

but I'm wondering
if it's even that festive.

I don't know. I might return it
and get different sprinkles.

I'm sure whatever you
got will be fine.

I know, but I want it
to be better than fine.

Ellie, this is our
Christmas cookie party,

Cookie Edition.

I know that, but Mom puts these
in her charity baskets,

- they can't be all slapdash.
- Use your artistic eye.

Or just hang onto them
and I'll take a look at them

when I come over tonight.

Good idea.
Delay the decision.

By the way,
Hunter was asking

whatever happened
to connecting with Kevin?

Kevin?

You very well know
the Kevin I speak of.

Um, Caroline?
I actually have to go.

I have a meeting thing.
I'll see you guys later!

Mom hasn't done the drawing
for the secret Santa yet.

Do you think maybe
it's not happening this year?

Mmm. She asks hopefully.

Your mom said we're doing
the drawing his week.

I'm nervous.
I feel like my luck of drawing

distant cousins and great aunts
is running out.

And with it, your ability
to throw gift cards

- at the situation.
- Hey. I stand by my strategy.

I'm giving people
the gift of choosing

their own Christmas joy.

And you know
I'm really bad at gifts.

Maybe if I draw someone
from the immediate family,

Hunter will switch
with me again.

We can get Hunter
to do what?

Trade me secret Santas
if I draw Mom?

Mmm. Nope.

I will no longer enable
your habit of evasion.

We've got some business
to discuss.

About Kevin?

The very eligible gentleman
who I connected you to.

Which I didn't
ask you to do.

Well, he said it seemed like
you guys had a spark,

over text.
And then, apparently,

when he asked you out
to meet in real life,

at L'Ami Jeanne, a restaurant
that I happen to know you love,

and-- pfft!
You disappear.

No response,
even after he followed up.

Ellie, what happened?

I-- I just didn't wanna
move forward.

Oh, come on!

What is the worst thing
that could happen?

I don't know. He's your friend,
I'm your sister.

If it doesn't work out,
things could get messy?

Well, could you at least
have texted him,

instead of ghosting him?

Whoa! "Ghosting"
is a really strong word

with harsh connotations.

I think I might be with your
brother on this one, Ellie.

Sending an "I'm sorry
I'm not interested" text,

that only makes things harder!
And then they ask why,

and what am I gonna say
that doesn't hurt?

People think
that ghosting is cruel

but I think it's quick,
decisive, and humane.

So wait, you do this
all the time?

Sometimes.

But mostly online,
where it's acceptable.

Practically expected.

Speaking of,
whatever happened

to that uh, Mr. Sparky guy,
from the video game forum?

It was Blinky.

-- Blinky4
- Lyfe?
- Right.

With the number 4.
That was his handle, anyway.

Remember Blinky from Pac-Man,
the little red ghost?

Yeah, he had
this whole backstory

about how he was
Pac-Man's arch enemy--

So wait, you even
ghosted that guy?

It's complicated! Okay?

I think we're absolutely ready
to lock Freya the Knight,

level four! That's three days
ahead of schedule.

Since we have
some extra time,

I was wondering
if I could use the afternoon

just to do a few passes?

Everything looks amazing.

I'm not sure it needs it.

I just wanna adjust
one or two things.

You'll love it, I promise.

Of course. Just be sure you
leave enough time for a QA pass.

Oh, and I wanted to ask,

I was wondering if Susan
and Donald might be receptive

to that pitch
I was telling you about?

Oh, the uh, Santa Claus game?

It's actually centered
on his reindeer.

Rogue Reindeer? It's both
a strategy and a puzzle game.

I just don't feel like
they're gonna wanna hear

a Christmas pitch.

Really? I mean, even when
the spirit's in the air?

In their minds, seasonality
means less demand year-round.

Ellie. I know you adore
Christmas,

so my recommendation
is take a break

and enjoy it!

You're one of the best lead
character artists in the bizz!

Relax. And celebrate
all your hard work!

You're coming to the company
party later, right?

Wouldn't miss it.

Knock, knock.

Lana says
you wanted to see me?

Apparently you've
got a glitch?

- She sent you, huh?
- Yeah. Sorry to disappoint.

I guess you didn't make
Santa's nice list this year.

Charlie,

the thorn in my side,
the coal in my stocking.

Yeah actually, I gave
the QA team the night off

so they could
enjoy the party,

which means I will be
doing your final pass.

I thought you were adverse
to such things

as putting in extra work,
staying late?

Yes, correct, I am.

Who would actually want
to stay late?

May I?

So, you know that the party's
already started, right?

Thanks for
the news bulletin.

And did you know you have
a whole team

that can take care of
this kind of busy work for you?

I just prefer to do
the final pass myself.

Hmm.

And you know you're gonna
drive yourself crazy

looking at the same thing
over and over again?

Thanks for the sage advice.

There. Fixed.

Wow. That was fast.

Live on the edge, Ellie.

Lock the game,
and come to the party.

It's great out there!

Instead of Santa Claus,

they've got this like,
weird fortune teller lady.

That's not
very Christmassy.

And we've got
a great spread,

they've got
some good tunes playing.

Julia brought
her homemade pierogis.

Okay, I get it.
You just want me to wrap up

making this game exceptional

so you can chillax
or whatever.

- Whatever it is that you do.
- You got it.

Maximum chillaxer here.

You know, the fact that
you would even use that word

proves that you don't know
how to do it!

Anyway,
see you when I see ya.

♪ Hands up
if you wanna be free ♪

So, I've done
some recon, okay?

Give the shrimp a pass.

Pierogis? Really nice.
These things?

I don't know what they are,
but they're yummy.

This dip is transcendent,

but I would
definitely recommend

avoiding the grey-green
sludge situation here.

So, you're technical support
for hors d'oeuvres too?

I've just made some mistakes
in the past

and I would hate
to see you do the same.

Thanks for looking out.

And sorry, I know you've had to
stay late for me before.

So, you still haven't locked.

Not quite. I just came
to get some sustenance

and then I'm heading back.

Okay, Ellienezer Scrooge.

Scrooge?

If you're gonna sling insults,

at least
base them in fact.

I believe
you've seen my office?

It's true, it is
surprisingly festive in there.

So, you gonna go check out
the fortune teller?

They got her set up
in the creative lounge.

No, those give me
the creeps.

Plus they're all
make believe anyway.

Seems like a bit
of a contradiction.

If it's make believe,
why should it freak you out?

I guess I just avoid it,
just in case.

Just in case it's real?

If it's not real,
what's the big deal? It's fun.

Why don't you go, then,

since you think
it's such a great idea?

How 'bout we flip a coin?

I don't have to
agree to this.

I just came
to get a snack!

Mm-hm.

I don't even have coins.
Do you?

Do you accept Bitcoin?

How 'bout we pull
a Christmas cracker, huh?

One side always wins.

- Fine.
- Okay!

So, the winner
will keep the prize.

And the loser will go
see the fortune teller.

I can't believe
I'm agreeing to this.

Okay.

- One--
- Two--

- Three!
-

Ooh! Oh, yeah!

Who's the king of Christmas?

Charlie's the king of Christmas.

- So?
- Cute.

You looking forward
to your meeting

with the Ghost
of Christmas Future?

No.

Hey, if you're actually
freaked out by it,

I can release you from
your contractual obligation.

No, I'll go. Just you
leave me alone about it.

That's sound logic.

- Watch my food.
- Mmm, no promises. Have fun!

Oh, hello there! Hello!

Oh, come, come, sit down.

I like your crystal ball.

There was this amazing sale
at Lydia's Attic on snow globes

and well,
I add the magical element

myself at home.

- Yeah.
- Right. Makes sense.

Mm-hm. Your name...
it begins with a C!

No. I'm sorry.

I am seeing the letter C,
like big time.

Ah, perhaps someone
you're close to?

My sister-in-law,
who's also my best friend?

Her name begins with a C.

Ah, yes, Caroline.
Of course.

Wait, how did you know her name?

And your name is?

Ellie.

Ah! I see that now.

Please, place your hands
on the crystal ball, my dear.

Ah! Allie!

It's Ellie.

I was just checking
to see if you were listening.

I was actually wondering if I'll
ever get my own game concept

out into the world.

Let me have a looksy.

Mmm! There's this dense cloud
in your love life

and it's mucking up
everything in my vision!

Mm.

Oh!

I'm-- I'm seeing a collection
of wandering souls

awaiting answers.

They're like, ghosts.

No! Wait.

You're the ghost!

A sea of questions
waiting for answers.

A "sea" sounds
a bit extreme.

- Yikes!
- Yikes?

You have ghosted
all these men,

and you've let your fear
get the best of you.

Well, you know, you really
left these guys kinda hangin'?

Can you be more specific maybe?
How do I--

Ah! If you don't make amends
to ever man you have ghosted

by the stroke of midnight

on Christmas Eve,

you will be destined

to never find true love!

Ah, all right. Time's up.

Are you sure?
'Cause that's under a week away.

I do accept tips on Venmo.

My username
is Rhonda P. Magyk.

That's "Magyk" with a Y and a K!

But I just have
a couple follow-up--

Have a wonderful
Christmas, Emily!

It's Ellie.

Next!

- Yes
- Thank you.

- And you get one.
- Thanks.

You're back!

So, how was it?

It was good.

Um, except--

it was good.

I'm gonna
get back to work.

I cannot stay.

I cannot linger.

I wear the chain
I forged in life.

You will be haunted
by three spirits.

Without their visits,

you cannot hope to shun
the path I tread.

"Magyk" with a Y and a K.

So, I have a question
for you.

Is it why my cookie artistry
is superior to yours?

No time for that.
Did you happen

to play a really elaborate
prank on me

regarding my ghosting problem?

Ah, so you admit
it's a problem.

Seriously.
Did you arrange something,

maybe with my work party
and a fortune teller?

Why, that sounds
like an amazing idea.

The holidays
are way too busy for me.

I didn't hear anything.
I would've told you.

- Oh you would, would you?
- There was this fortune teller,

and I don't know, she was
actually really bad at her job

but she was occasionally
eerily on point.

Like, she brought up
all the guys that I ghosted.

She called them
"wandering souls".

Sounds like
someone's feeling guilty!

No, it's not that.
She just--

♪ Da-da da-da da-da-daah! ♪

I found some more red icing
in our reserves.

For you.

Oh, Ellie.

I forgot to tell you,

I found a bunch
of your old paintings.

- From when?
- Oh, I don't know.

I think you were probably
about five or six.

I remember you
and your little easel.

I knew right then you were gonna
be our next Jackson Pollock

or Mark Rothko
or something.

Mark Rothko, really?
At five.

Mm-hm. Well, I put them aside
for you, anyway.

I thought maybe
they could be,

I don't know,
inspiration or something?

- So, how's work been?
- Good!

Yeah, we're close to wrapping up
on a new medieval quest game.

- Oh, yeah?
- You should actually start

seeing the ads for it
starting in January.

Mm-hm?

People think it's gonna be
really popular.

Mm-hm. Well,
popular's good I guess.

Yeah, I mean,
I know there's a lot

of medieval quest games
out there.

This one has
some cool elements.

So, Hunter and I have been
playing Space Safari,

the game you designed,
and it's just so fun.

Aw, thanks.

-
- She always wins.

- Oh yeah, obviously.
-

Hey!

Well, that sounds neat.

Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Oh, how are you?

Good morning,
Father Christmas.

Here's your half peppermint,
half caramel dolce half-caf.

Oh, thank you.

So, what have you got lined up
for the actual holiday?

Oh, you know me,
the usual.

Just laying low,
avoiding crowded airports,

maybe some quality time
with the Atari?

Mm. You and that Atari.

What about your mom?

Oh, she's still
on her honeymoon.

Well, you know
you're always welcome

to come with me, Marcy,
and the kids to Rockford, huh?

Thanks, but I wouldn't
want to impose.

Plus, you know, solo holidays
are actually underrated.

Yeah, I'll take
your word for it.

All right, I'm off
to the software salt mines.

You here all week?

- Through Christmas Eve!
- Nice.

That's yes, by the way.

Hi! You wanted
to speak to me?

Yes, so, listen.

There was an interesting
development last night.

I was on a call
with Susan and Donald

and out of nowhere, Susan
suddenly expressed interest

in a holiday-themed game,

even wondered why
we didn't already have one.

Naturally, I thought
of your reindeer idea.

I think there's
a narrow window here,

but if there's a time to put
something together, it's now.

If you can create
a pitch deck

and maybe a short demo by
Christmas, I'll pass it along.

I'd love to. I'll get started
on it right now!

One thing, I'm gonna require you
to bring someone in

from software design
to help you.

Sure. Whatever you think.

One hiccup might be
who's actually available?

Got it, I got it! Whoop!

Sorry. Just, uh,
decorating here.

Go long!

It's fine. It's not--

Bit plans for the holiday?

- Well, define "big".
- Perfect.

Ellie here is doing
a rushed pitch deck

and needs a user interface
engineer.

Would you be interested
in stepping in, partnering up?

With Ellienezer?
I don't know.

And a temporary promotion,
overtime pay?

As long as you demote me
again after the holidays.

Of course.

Sure. Why not?

Well, that was easy!

Could we just have
a quick word in private?

Right. I'll be, uh,
cleaning up the mess.

I mean, no disrespect,
but is he even qualified?

He's over-qualified,
actually.

He headed the user interface
department over at Verve

before he came over.

Really?
How did I not know that?

I've been trying to promote him
from programmer on projects

but he keeps
turning them down,

saying he's contented.

Who knows
what that's all about.

You know, we have plenty
of projects lined up,

and honestly, I'd recommend
you rest and enjoy the holiday.

No, I really wanna do this.
I'll work with Charlie.

- Great.
- Thank you.

So, the sleigh's flying
and presents are falling down

and the reindeer has to break
away, find them, return them,

and when he does,

the sleigh itself
turns into a spatial puzzle.

That sounds a lot like--
what was it called--

Bubba's Barge? The puzzle game
you put out last year?

I know,
and that's a good thing.

That game sold really well,

and, you know, there's a bit
of a tried and true element.

I think Susan
will appreciate it.

Or you could be bold and go
with something totally new.

Well, it's a cute idea,

but I'm not really trying
to go off-book

with my first official pitch
with them.

Plus, we can have a lot of fun

with the different personalities
of the reindeer.

Like, Dasher could be
a high school star athlete

and Cupid is a romantic,
of course.

And a few of them
should be women.

I mean, why do we assume
that all reindeer are male?

Yeah. Aren't we talking
51% of the reindeer population?

I mean, Vixen, right?

Anyway, you can look at some
of these sketches I made.

This one I actually
envisioned as Dancer.

But I was thinking
instead of dancing,

she could be more like,
karate expert.

I love it.

She's got pluck.

Oh. Good.

I was also thinking
when you reach a certain level

you could get--

Oh, you have a message here

from a gentleman caller
named Marcus.

"Hi, Ellie. It makes me sad
that you didn't reply to--"

Um--

Sorry. I should not have read
your private message.

You wanna talk about it?

- No.
- Okay.

Uh, I'm gonna
go out on a limb

and say we need
to get some food.

I've heard your stomach
grumble twice.

Plus you seem
a little bit hangry.

I just-- I wouldn't have
had you pegged for a ghoster.

- Why not?
- Because you're so thorough

and ghosting seems flippant.

You know how it is
out there in the dating world.

I'm sure you've ghosted
a lady or two.

Why do you assume that?

I don't know. You just seem
like... Captain Fun Times.

Captain Fun Times?
Okay, wow.

- Yikes.
- I just mean,

it seems like you like
to take things easy.

Right, whereas you
are serious.

Well, it sounds like you
seriously ghosted poor Marcus.

The fortune teller
at the party,

did she strike you
as seeming legit?

Honestly, I don't have
a lot of experience

with office party
fortune tellers.

I don't know.
Why do you ask?

She just said some things
that were oddly specific,

and true.

And then she
brought up ghosting.

Without you
tipping your hand?

Yes, just completely
on her own.

- Wow.
- And then she said

if I didn't make amends with
every man I disappeared on

by Christmas, I'd be doomed
to never find true love.

Come on!

That's-- that's baloney.

Besides, isn't ghosting
fairly normal by now?

Thank you!

It's not something
that I do, but--

Wait. How many guys
have you ghosted?

I'd have to look.

Oh my goodness!
Ellie, serial ghoster?

I had no idea!

You're cold as ice.

I mean,
maybe it is worth trying

this whole
making amends thing.

Seems like it's kinda
weighing on you.

I could help.

You just want
a work distraction.

But seriously,
there is the threat of--

--never finding true love!

This is your fault.
You know that, right?

How? How is it my fault?

If I never saw
the fortune teller,

I wouldn't even
have this problem.

Or maybe the problem
was already there

and the fortune teller
just alerted you to it,

so...

You know, most of these guys
were online anyway.

How hard could it be to just
send out a bunch of messages?

So, you're actually considering
this venture?

Maybe it's worth trying.
I mean, just in case.

Well, you've got
five days now,

including Christmas Eve,

and you don't exactly move
through projects quickly?

Yeah, I don't know.

I'm on your side, but
I don't think you could do it.

You're on.

Okay.

Then there's Amir.
He talked about his ex a lot.

Boy. Okay,
I suppose that's a fair reason

to end that line
of conversation.

Right? And then
there's Ethan from Boston.

What was wrong with Ethan?

He talked about his mom
a little too much. Look.

Looks like he was throwing
his mom a surprise party

and asking for your advice?

Okay. Uh,
what about that guy?

I realized that there's
something untrustworthy

- about how he parts his hair.
- What?

Look, it's odd!

All right. What about
this Kristoffer guy?

With the funky spelling?

It made me think
his family is eccentric,

whereas mine's
more traditional,

so I thought it was best
to nip it in the bud early.

Ellie, I gotta say,

I think that this issue
might go a little bit deeper

than the whole
"heartless ghosting"?

Hey, I thought this was
a judgment-free zone.

And as I explained earlier,

it's not heartless.

It's just saving people
from deeper long-term pain.

Right. You know what?
We're getting off-topic.

And we also agreed
that it wasn't

about who deserved
to be ghosted

but more about
cleaning the slate. So--

So, I figured I'd just send

a follow-up apology text.

Maybe employ
a few white lies,

like, "Sorry, I was in
Antarctica. Bad reception?"

I think in the spirit
of making amends,

honesty might be
the best policy.

I was afraid
you were gonna say that.

I mean, not "I don't trust
your side part" honest,

but, you know.

I'll create a form text.

"Hello, Amir.

"A little while ago I abandoned
our communication.

"Although I enjoyed our chat,

"I didn't want
to move forward

"and I didn't have the guts
to just say so.

"I hope you accept
my apology

"and I hope you find
someone special.

"Merry Christmas! Ellie."

Guess I'll just send off
a few of these?

Let the unghosting begin!

Okay, so what do we call
these guys? Victims?

No! Victims?!

Well, aren't they?

Okay, how about "ghostees"?

They're not ghosts
until they die of heartbreak.

- This is just the beginning.
- Yeah.

So, who else?
I know there's more.

Okay.

Master list. Lay it all out.

Liam.

Jose.

Um--

Edward. This guy came on
a little strong.

Sent.

Yeah!

First one down!

Yeah, that felt pretty good.

Ethan?

Bye, Ethan! Go "pahk your cah"
somewhere else.

- Done!
- Yeah.

Mm, mm, mm, mm!
Thank you.

Bye. Get a haircut.
He might give us a hard time!

I don't really have a type,
as you can probably see.

- Yeah.
- Who's next?

Very romantic.

Bit too much.

Classic ghost.

- Very good.
- That's me.

But not anymore.

I think I might personalize
this one a bit.

"Good luck
with the biathlon."

Just a little dash
of thoughtfulness.

You're getting good
at this.

Now, these three don't seem
to be on the site anymore.

- Or they blocked you.
- Ouch!

What, you can ghost
but they can't block?

Point taken.

I'll do a little
online sleuthing.

I'm pretty good at it.

Think this is gonna be
easier than we thought.

We've already knocked out
a good chunk of these

and we have, what,
four days to go?

Don't forget,
it's gonna get harder

as you get into
the final stretch

because you're gonna be
dealing with the guys

who don't wanna be found,

plus we haven't even talked
about IRL yet.

- IRL?
- Mm-hm.

As in, "in real life"?

You think
that counts for this?

What, guys
you full-on stood up?

Yeah, that's
the original ghosting!

You haven't ghosted
like 45 guys, have you?

No!

No, that's what nipping it in
the bud online is all about.

It's just one.
And it's touchy.

You got this.

After decades
of this tradition,

I shouldn't have to tell you

that revealing your secret Santa
to even one other person

can be detrimental to the magic
of the whole thing, right?

I mean,
people start inadvertently

using the process
of deduction.

Before you know it,
all the fun is gone.

Also, also,
I heard a rumor

that two years back,
there was some swapping.

Something I highly,
highly disapprove of.

That kind of meddling just chips
away at the magic of the thing

and then all the spirit is gone.
So, let's--

let's just
keep the magic alive.

Let us delight in the unknown.
All right?

Okay. Now,

come on, dear! Pick.

Okay.

- Ooh.
- Ahh!

He goes right
to the bottom, it's good.

The bottom.

Okay, sweetheart.

Yeah, okay.

Now, I will finish this round

with the extended family,
all right, tomorrow.

Oh look,
in the meantime,

can we just
challenge ourselves

to do something better
than gift cards?

I mean, the whole fun
of this whole process

is to find a way to make it
personal and meaningful.

And--

--surprising, right?!

Okay, open them.

I drew Mom.

Ellie, what did she just say?

You're diminishing
this Christmas magic.

Are you willing to switch
with me? I'll do anything.

And it doesn't matter
who you got. I can owe you one.

You've finally drawn
the secret Santa master.

Remember, what was it like,
three years ago

when your mom got your aunt Gina
that baking set

and it triggered
her realization

that she actually wanted
to be a pastry chef?

And it completely
turned her life around.

Or when she tracked down

that reproduction
of the Italian painting--

Yeah, yeah!

--from Grandma
and Grandpa's honeymoon?

Yeah, you gotta
step up your game.

Yes, I know I have to
step up my game.

And I absolutely want
to find the perfect gift

for the woman who's perfect
at gift giving,

but the timing
couldn't be worse.

I'm putting in a last minute
pitch deck at work

and I have this--
other task.

What other task?

Remember when I told you
about that fortune teller--

the one who knew I had
ghosted all those guys?

She said if I don't make amends
with all of them

by midnight on Christmas Eve,
I'll never find true love.

- Ouch!
- That was at an office party?

Yes, and I mean, it's not like
I believe it or anything,

but I'm just using it
as inspiration

to reach out to all these guys
and make amends.

I love it.

You're just like
Ebenezer Scrooge.

you know, having to confront
the wrongs of your past,

getting one last chance
to make it all better

before Christmas morning.

This is the third time

I've been compared
to Scrooge this week,

and it's unwarranted.

He was a miser
who hates Christmas.

I love Christmas!
And I'm certainly not a miser.

Well, you're a miser
of the heart.

Joking aside,

I think this could be
a positive thing.

Maybe you'll find an unexpected
love connection in the process.

Oh yeah, what about
reconnecting with that guy,

uh, Blinky Town?

-- Blinky4
- Lyfe.
- Right.

I just hope this process
of looking back

doesn't keep you
from moving forward

and taking a real leap.

Well, I can't take any leaps

if I'm doomed to never find
true love now, can I?

So, you won't switch?

- No.
- No!

So, how were the responses?

Okay overall.
Couple thank yous.

Some were pretty bad.

Remember Bobby,
the ferret guy?

Yeah.

And several
just didn't reply,

but my phone says
delivered, so.

I know I wouldn't
text you back.

Oh, harsh!

But, technical question--

in those cases
I'm still covered, right?

I did my part,
did my best to make amends?

Yeah, yeah,

I think that definitely covers
you fortune teller-wise.

Good. Today we really need
to refocus on Rogue Reindeer.

This is
super important to me.

Yeah, but Rogue Reindeer
is just one project.

A lifetime
without true love?

I never said thank you,
by the way.

For helping me.

Why are you helping me?

It's like you said
the other night,

it's more fun than work.

Plus, this has legitimately
gotten better

than a reality dating show.

Speaking of
reality dating shows,

what's going on
in yours?

Any cozy romantic
Christmas plans?

No. I am taking
a seasonal hiatus.

Dating during the holidays
is just too tricky.

What's on the docket
for you?

Me? Nothing.

Charlie! You can't be alone
for the holidays.

I can and I shall.

Man, I get this reaction
from everyone.

You know,
I've done it a few times

and it's actually great.

I get to wake up
when I want to,

order a pizza just for myself
with all my own toppings on it.

I get to scroll through cable
and take my pick

of like three different versions
of A Christmas Carol.

Anyway, Rogue Reindeer!

Have you decided what content
you want in the demo?

No. That's what I'm stuck on,
actually.

But I do have a good idea

for where we could get
some inspiration.

It's great that our office
is so close to the plaza.

Isn't it? Last year I came
every day that this was open.

So, Lana told me that you
used to be a lead at Verve,

and that she keeps trying
to promote you

but apparently
you're contented?

And I've started to notice that
you're actually quite talented

and have some
pretty good ideas,

so, just trying to connect
the dots in my head.

It's true.
I am quite talented.

Uh, yeah, I was a lead at Verve
for a couple years.

We worked crazy hard
on this one game.

It was like
a passion project of mine.

And then two weeks before
it was gonna get released,

Sky City put out a game
exactly like it.

So, ours was dead.
It was just bad luck.

Two, please.

And I just--
I put so much time

and heart into it,

I put everything in my life
on hold and for what?

I'm sorry.
That's a huge disappointment.

Anyway, it was clear to me
that I had to start over

and downgrade.

Pick something
that I was good at

and just have
a more sane position.

Guess I could see that.

But I suppose if I did that
I would miss building things,

challenging myself.

Well, I still put
in good work,

and I always get
good results,

and then I check out
and I have life balance.

I guess
that's sound logic.

But what are you doing
after 5:00 PM

that you need life balance?

Uh, I recently
bought an aquarium?

Ehh, guess I'm still
workin' on that.

Recently I have been helping
a super driven friend

with her pitch deck
and ghosting problem.

Speaking of, I think this
next batch is gonna be tough.

Well, you could just
let it go at this point.

You have done a lot
to redeem yourself.

Let's be honest, it was just
a hired party fortune teller.

Not really any more prophetic
than a magic eight ball.

Listen, I took my magic eight
ball very seriously as a teen.

- Of you did.
-

And I don't know, ghosting
on the unghosting project

seems like extra bad
for some reason.

That's a good point.

Hey!

- Oh, hi!
- Hi!

I wish we knew
you weren't working,

we would've coordinated.

Oh, I am working.
We're working.

We just took an inspiration
breather type thing.

And this nice person you have
yet to introduce us to is...

Oh, sorry. Um, Charlie,
this is my brother

and my sister-in-law who's also
my high school best friend,

- Hunter and Caroline.
- Wow, so nice to meet you.

And this is Charlie,
my coworker,

the one I'm doing
that pitch deck with.

And he's also helping me
with my extracurricular problem?

Oh! Wow, that's uh,
super generous.

- So, what are--
- Yeah, so, we should head back?

- Oh?
- Probably?

- Don't wanna--
- Yeah, no, we should.

- We gotta get to work, so.
- Right.

Yeah.
See you guys later!

I hope that, uh--

Okay, come on.

- You know, we could--
- Yeah. Okay.

Okay. Bye.

Bye, Charlie!

I think
something's happening?

Uh-huh.

Ho, ho, ho!

Donations for
Children's Hospital!

Donations, donations!

Hey, hey!

Sorry, they were out
of peppermint syrup.

Unbelievable.
Thank you.

Do they know who I am?

What do you mean?
Who are you?

Santa!

What's--
what's with the get-up?

You still going to the office?
I thought they wrapped.

Yeah, I'm just helping
to put together a pitch deck

with this-- person.

Doesn't that
go against your code

of not taking on
anything too meaningful?

You don't have to
put it that way.

Okay, okay.
You know what I mean.

Thank you!

You know what I mean.
Anyway, I'm in full support.

Listen.

I know you feel like you ruined
your last relationship,

you know,
because of your focus on work,

but I'm still not convinced

you were even in
the right relationship.

Hi.

Jeez, Todd, it's like
eight in the morning.

Can we cool it
with the psychotherapy

at least until
I've had my coffee?

All right.

I'm pretty sure
this is where he works.

I mean, can't forget
the name, right?

For the Love of Beans!

So, how are you feeling?
Are you ready for this?

Yeah, I think.

You just gotta get in there
and apologize.

Make amends. Easy-peasy.

So, uh, you've got
your list of names.

I'll just meet you
back at the office, or?

What?

No, you're not
going anywhere.

You're my accomplice now.

And, if I'm honest,

I need you here
for accountability.

I'm not seeing him.

Maybe it's not his shift.

Either way, they have
amazing egg nog lattes.

Ooh.

Oh, that's him.

Should I hang back?

We don't wanna seem
like we're together.

Unless we do? Is that
the angle that we're--

Next?

I didn't really think about it.
What are you--

Okay, that's the direction
we're going in.

- Hi, how can I help you?
- Nate?

Is that you?

Uh, yeah.

Sorry, I just-- I recognize you
from your profile photo

on Hearts Collide?

Oh, um, right.

It's Ellie.

We were messaging
back in September.

We were talking
for a while actually.

Right!
Um, Ellie. Uh--

You sort of
disappeared on me.

Yes. Uh, I did.
And I wanted to say

that I'm very sorry
about that.

To be honest, I actually
remembered that you worked here

and I wanted to come in
and apologize.

I shouldn't have
disappeared on you.

I'm glad you did.

The next person I messaged was
Clara, my now girlfriend,

and I'm actually gonna propose
to her Christmas Eve.

I didn't block you, by the way.

I was just off
the site because...

I was in love.

I mean, I should
really thank you.

If we'd still been chatting,
I wouldn't have found her.

That's wonderful news, Nate.
Congratulations.

Thank you.

You know what?

I think it's really brave of you

to make the effort
to come out here

and make things right.

Really?

Why don't I get you
an eggnog latte?

On the house.

Great. Oh.

Uh, could you make
it two, actually?

All right.

So, that went really well,
much better than I thought.

You know, true love curse aside,

I think this could be
really good for me.

Well, let's venture forth.
Who's next?

Next, we have... Edward.

Hmm.
What was wrong with Edward?

Did he slurp his soup?
Was he a bad parallel-parker?

Okay, that is
truly the worst, but...

it's funny,
I actually don't remember.

Huh.

Where are you supposed
to run into him?

Well, you're not the only one
who's good at online sleuthing.

I checked out his
Instagram and, every day,

he does a "Bavarian
Pretzel diary" at 12:30.

"Pretzel diary?" Social media
these days, am I right?

I don't know.
It could be kind of cool.

Who knows?
Maybe I sold this one short.

-
- Hi.

Ellie. Hi.

Your hair's grown out
since our profile picture.

It's nice to see you, Edward.

Please, it's "Eddie."

Finally.

Finally?

You've come back to me.

I loved you, I set you free,

and now,
you've flown back to me.

Yes, Eddie.
I have flown back to you,

but only to apologize
to you for ghosting,

and then I'm going
to fly back out.

Yeah, but we're Eddie and Ellie.
We're Ellie and Eddie.

Yes.

We are, but just...
separately.

Um...

So, I am sorry for ghosting you
and, um... goodbye.

Hey, are you sure you
wanna walk away from that?

He had some pretty solid points
about possibly being soulmates.

It's not funny.

You're supposed to be
encouraging, okay?

I'm trying to do
the right thing and--

Gosh, maybe the right thing is
back there, waiting for you?

Stop. Okay, let's go.

So, what's the deal
with this next guy?

His name is Harold.

I managed to reach him by text,

but he felt an in-person apology
might be more effective.

Harold's is milking it.

Well, we were talking
for a long time.

It makes sense
that he might want

some more meaningful closure.

Plus, I haven't
come all this way

just to fail this whole mission
on a technicality.

Oh, it's him.

"Hello, Ellie.
This is Harold.

"I will not be
meeting you tonight.

"I 'm ghosting you.

Oh...
- "How does it feel?

"How do you like it?
Karma. Karma big time."

Whoa.

Talk about a technicality.

Do I correct him?

Tell him that this isn't
actually ghosting?

Nah, let him have it.

It's Christmas,
after all. Right?

That's-- that's not him, is it?

I... ghost you.
I ghost you!

Oh...

Ellie, you are a
menace to society.

You're wreaking havoc with
the people in this city.

They're losing their
minds over you. It's okay.

It's okay, we know him.
He's a...

community theatre actor.

Should we leave?

I don't know.
Are we in danger?

No. No, I think
we should make a stand.

We should stay here because
I... like this place.

Me, too.
I love a good Christmas popup.

Yeah. We shouldn't let
whatever that was

stop us from
finishing our drinks.

- Cheers.
- To Harold.

To Harold.

- Wow.
- Which one did you get again?

Uh, the Rum Rum Rudolf.

How 'bout you?

Candy Cane Fever.

- Nice.
- Well...

took care of Harold.

I think Harold
took care of himself.

We did Nate, Liam, Jose, Edward.

"Eddie and Ellie.
I set you free."

Actually, I just have a
lingering phone call or two.

Aww, so you don't
need me anymore?

No, I didn't say that.

Of course I need you,

but just for rogue reindeer,

which we are very
behind on, by the way.

Wow, so you're almost
done with the un-ghosting,

and two days ahead of schedule.

Well, I actually
have one more guy

that I hadn't officially
added to the list.

Mm. The "touchy situation?"

I mean, is it
touchier than Eddie?

Touchier than Harold?

Well, touchy in a different way.

This is the guy
I actually stood up.

Ahh. So, do you need help
tracking him down?

Nah, I got this.
I may not even include him.

I'm not sure it counts.

Okay, well, then,
what's next for you?

I guess you'll take a hiatus
from the dating apps?

Why do you say that?

Because you're not open to
meeting people right now?

I'm open. I'm looking.
That's why I'm on there.

You know, open and looking
are not the same thing.

So, uh...

What do you think
the Elf on the Top shelf is?

You should order it.

Thank you.

So, how are the fish?

The-- the fish?

You said you've
got an aquarium?

Oh...

It's all I know
about your personal life.

Yeah, the fish are--
the fish are good.

Did you name them?

Yep. So far, I have Inky,
Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde.

I love that.

Except now, I've run out of
names, if I get any more.

Not necessarily. There are
the alternate nicknames,

and also, the original
Japanese names.

Yes!

Not a lot of people know that.

Guess it just comes with the
territory in our field.

So, I have a question for you.

- Okay.
- Have you ever been ghosted?

Yeah, a couple times.

I mean, who hasn't?

Yeah, but did any one time,
like, really burn?

Oh, sorry.
I didn't mean to, like...

No, no. It's fine. Yeah. Um...

Yeah, there was
this one time.

This was a long time ago,
I mean a long, long time ago.

Um, I got stood up.
That kind of burned.

Sorry. I mean,
you don't have to explain it.

It's okay.
There's nothing to explain.

There's no story

because nothing happened.

I was excited,
it was disappointing, the end.

Gosh...

The look on your
face right now, I...

This is the worst I've felt
about ghosting this whole time.

I really hope I didn't make
someone feel like this.

I'm sorry
on behalf of all ghosters.

Wasn't your fault.

How's your Noel-groni?

It's good.
How's your Blitzen Bellini?

It's got a-- got a pretty
good kick to it, of course.

So, tomorrow night is
Christmas Eve Eve,

which I've always thought

was the unsung best
day of the holidays,

where the anticipation
is at the perfect pitch.

I totally agree.

But it also means
I don't have much more time

to figure out this Secret Santa
thing I have going on.

My family does
this big Secret Santa

and this year,
it's gonna be tough.

How come?

I drew my mom.

- Aww. That sounds sweet.
- No.

I feel like she's already
disappointed in me

and I just don't
want to add to it.

It's strange, I don't think I've
ever said that out loud before.

My mom's just this...
force of nature.

She's so bold and creative.

She works in publishing
and, one day,

she decided to just break off
with her own imprint

for less mainstream writers,

and she did this all
as a single parent,

after my dad passed away.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Thanks. Yeah,
it was when I was pretty little.

I find it hard to believe

that you don't have
your mother's approval.

My mom just goes
for things, you know?

She's fearless,

whereas I feel like
I'm always hesitating.

You're deliberate.

That's not the worst
thing in the world.

Thank you for that, but...

I don't know,
I can't help but feel like

she thinks I compromised
my artistic endeavors

or I sold out somehow
by working in gaming.

Did you?

Is this where you reveal that
you have a secret passion

for oil painting and I tell you
that you need to quit your job

and move to Vermont?

No. I-I love my job.
I didn't settle.

The art I create

is art people
get to interact with

and play with and be a part of;
excites me.

Yeah. Doesn't your mom realize

that you're so respected
in your industry?

That you're known for
bringing a fresh take

to consumer markets?

That your work is
brilliant and inspiring?

You think my work is
brilliant and inspiring?

Yeah.

I thought that even before
you came to Cartwheel.

I didn't know that.

Where did that even come from?

Where did that even...

- Let me help.
- It's down my shirt!

- Are you okay?
- I'm okay. Are you okay?

- Yeah. Are you okay?
- Yeah.

Sorry, I already said that.

I should go.

- Me too.
- Okay.

Oh. Do you go... that way?

Uh, I'll go that way.

- Okay.
-

- See you at work.
- Okay, bye!

Hey.

Before you ask,
my answer is still no.

I am not going to swap
Secret Santas with you.

What?
No, that's not why I'm calling.

I'm actually just
double-checking

that your office is open today.

I have a note
I want to leave for Kevin.

Is this part of your
Scrooge redemption thing?

No, trust me. It's just a
sincere letter of apology.

Either way, I hate to tell you,

Kevin called out sick

and the office is
closed tomorrow,

so it'll have to wait
'til after Christmas.

But it can't. That's past
my deadline, you know this.

I was so close.

Wait. Sick, you said?

With, like, a cold, or...

Yeah.

Hello?

Hi. It's Ellie, Hunter's sister.

I'm the very rude person who
never texted you back.

I know this may sound strange,

but I wanted to come
apologize in person.

and I heard you were home sick,

so I brought you some wonton
soup from Green Dragon.

I can just leave it here, if...

Green Dragon's the best.
I'll meet you in the lobby.

Hi!

Hi.

Sorry, I would have
invited you up,

but it's probably
germ city up there.

Oh, it's totally fine.

It's me who's
inconveniencing you.

Uh, here.

Thank you. I, uh--

I love Green Dragon wonton soup,
and they stopped delivering,

so this is perfect.

Oh, there's a letter in there,
too, basically,

just saying how sorry I am,

and it turns out
I have a ghosting problem.

That's all right.
I figured you had a good reason.

To be honest, I'm still
reeling from my last breakup,

so I told your brother
it wasn't a big deal.

Sounds like he was the one
most invested in the setup.

Sounds like it.
He just wants me to be happy.

Well, I gotta go to work,

but I hope you have
a merry Christmas.

Thanks for the soup,
Saint Ellie.

Bye.

Hey.

Hey, partner.

Hi.

Oh.

I was going for a high-five.

I just thought you
were trying to hug me.

Uh, I like your hat.

Oh, thank you.
It's the one I always wear.

Yeah, I know. I just
realized I hadn't, uh...

complimented you on it.

Oh. Thank you.

So, fun development,
the office heating is busted.

What?!

Which is why it's freezing in
here and no one's around.

Now? Of all times?

This is what I get
for procrastinating.

Well, it's not that bad.

We do have a lot of work to do

on the text portion
of the presentation.

I guess we don't
have to do that together.

We could work remotely,

and then finish
the demo off tomorrow.

Oh... yeah.

Just gonna be slaving away
on Christmas Eve

for my boss, Ellienezer,
just like Bob Cratchit,

no coal for the fire.

Oh... When you should
be home with your family,

your family of fish.

Yes!

- Especially Tiny Inky.
- Aww.

Little Tiny Inky
with the stumpy fin?

Aww...

Okay, well,
I guess we could go to my place.

I mean, the snacks
are better there, anyway.

Sure. Lead the way.

- Let's go.
- All right.

Would you like some popcorn?

Ooh, I love Glenda's.
Did you do a custom mix?

Of course.

I'm not an amateur.

I have cheddar,
caramel, and macadamia.

Nice.

Do you want me to keep
yours separate or mix?

Are you kidding?

Do I look like a noob?
Mix it up!

Good answer.

So, uh, dare I ask?
How's the unghosting going?

It's... going okay.
I'm almost done.

But... I think we should
a hundred percent

not talk about un-ghosting today

or I'm never
going to finish this,

much less figure out
my mom's Secret Santa gift.

Copy that.

No recess for me today.

I feel like we're missing
something in the journey.

You know? Like,
there needs to be more stakes.

I don't know. What if the
world is going to end

if he didn't make it?

Why does it always
have to be like that?

Why does there have to be
explosions and a doomsday?

- It's Christmas?
- I know, I know. I...

What's this?

Oh, that's an old
family photo album.

I was hoping
to get some inspiration

for my mom's Secret Santa.

Oh... May I?

No.

Sure.

Okay...
Hello, Ellie's past.

A lot of Christmas here.

Yeah. It's kind of
a big deal for my family.

Hence the epic Secret Santa?

Aww!

Who is this?

That was part of a run of
years where I insisted on

dressing like an elf
and being called "Elfie"

instead of Ellie.

Oh, yeah.

Starting in November
and ending in March.

- Wow!
- Yeah.

I actually designed that costume

and my mom and I,
we kind of made it together.

I'm sorry.
That's adorable.

So... you still haven't figured
out what you're getting her.

No.

Apparently,
I have a ghosting problem

and a procrastination problem.

Well, it's kind of
the same thing, isn't it?

How do you mean?

Well, they're both about not
wanting to take the next step,

not wanting to make a choice
that might not be perfect,

not putting yourself
out there. Right?

This coming from the guy who
willfully demotes himself?

Touché.
But I chose that path.

I'm not fighting it.

Sorry, I, uh--
I could be completely wrong.

Although, it is worth noting
that the one thing

that all those guys
have in common is

you haven't met
any of them in person.

That's not about me;
that's just calling it early,

saving a lot of hurt feelings.

Hmm.
Theirs or yours?

Oh, why did you bring
up ghosting?

I thought we weren't
going to talk about it!

This is your fault. Um...

What I was gonna say
is we should go back

to the Christmas
market for lunch.

Maybe you'll find
something for your mom there.

Hmm?
Kill two birds with one stone?

- Okay.
- Great.

Ugh! It's just so hard to
actually think of something.

Like, I'm hoping this will just
give me some inspiration.

Yeah. I think you just
need to go with the flow

of the Christmas market
and let the gift find you.

Oh. This could be something.

I could make a whole
gingerbread family.

- Oh...
- I don't know.

An ornament seems to obvious.

Oh, what about this handsome,
skinny-legged fellow?

- It's not really her style.
- No?

I'm sorry, my friend.
Your day will come.

Blitzen never gets any respect.

Maybe you could get her
a T-shirt that says,

"Best Secret Santa Ever"?

My mom's not
really a T-shirt person.

Oh, she is, however...

a scarf person!

My mom loves scarves.

She has all these various ways
she ties them, all French-like.

It's her signature.

Does that mean she
gets them a lot as gifts?

Yes, but I feel like I could
find a way to make it personal.

Excuse me.
Do you do embroidery for these?

Monograms and such?

I do, but I got
quite the backup.

Oh, I was thinking

just, like, a small message,
nothing extravagant.

I could get something
to you by the 28th.

Would you consider
making an exception,

bumping her up the list a bit?

See, she's buying
for her mother.

It's a very special
relationship, and it's just--

it's tearing her up inside that
she hasn't found perfect gift,

until now.

That's everyone's story who's
shopping on December 23rd.

Maybe I could bribe you

by bringing you a pretzel
or some gluhwein?

I bet you haven't
been able to step away

from your booth all day.

I suppose I am a little peckish.

Thank you so much.

Okay, we'll be right back.

Okay, you have to remind me

to pick up the scarf at
noon tomorrow, very important.

- Mm-hmm.
- Wait.

I just had the best idea!

You should come with me to my
family's for Christmas Eve.

It's so fun.

We watch movies,
we have mulled wine,

my mom makes
amazing apple strudel,

and I still stand by the belief

that no one should be
alone on Christmas.

I don't know.
I mean, I'm a stranger.

No, you're not!
You've been indispensable to me.

Sorry, that sounded
really business-y.

What I meant was I've really
enjoyed your company

the last several days.

It'd be weird if you just
suddenly weren't there.

Come.
I want you to come.

Sure. Okay.

You had me at apple strudel.

- Wait. That's it.
- What?

Come on.

What's more relatable

than the wonderful yet challenge
countdown to Christmas?

Trying to get everyone
the perfect present,

Secret Santas,

trying to get grandma's
eggnog recipe just right.

Do you know what I'm saying?

No.

It's holiday tasks and events,

except the world
literally depends on it.

It's friends and family
instead of random packages

and imaginary worlds.

We can use strategy, matching.

Okay. I could see it.
But with the reindeer?

Good point. But...

I guess, why not?

I mean it could be any
Christmas-related character.

But it shouldn't be
"any" character.

It should be specific, personal.

Hear me out. What about...

Elfie?

Okay? She's one of Santa's

many workers,
but she is special.

She's brilliant,

she's precocious,
she's steadfast,

she wants to make sure
everything just right.

And she can't take it easy,
but that's because

everything is
high stakes for her,

especially if it
has to do with her work

or the people in her life.
It's very endearing.

Besides, these guys
always eat it up

when there's
a personal connection.

Don't you think it's
a little late in the game

to change all this?

Do you really want to settle
for Rogue Reindeer?

Okay, you're right.
I love it.

- Yeah?
- Yeah. We're going with Elfie.

- Let's do it!
- Elfie!

Yes! Elfie to the rescue!

Okay, so, she shoots
lasers out of her eyes, okay?

You're the artist here.

Yeah,
it's like a superhero.

Yes, exactly,
and I picture her holding

kind of like a Christmas tree.

Grabbing presents, like,
as they're falling.

Maybe catching them in her bag?

And then,
there's the clock, obviously.

And then, she's got,
like, all this stuff in it.

Perfect gift for her mom
at the exact right time?

Okay, but I like it.

What do you think about this?

- Oh, yeah, yeah.
- Yeah?

With the extra emphasis
on the sleigh?

Yeah, that's great.

Thank you.

You look so at home.

I know, I'm pumped.

I'm so pumped.

What? What?!

How did you do that?!

How do you think I
get my inspiration?

Oh my gosh!

Come on! Yes!
Ha-ha-ha!

Boom! Joystick drop!

- You cheated.
- Boom!

Thanks for all this.

You've definitely gone beyond

your duties of
interface engineer.

I mean, the brainstorming,
the cooking and cleaning,

the unghosting project...

Well, like I said,
it's better than reality TV.

Should we debrief?

Yes.

I took care of the
last phone calls,

my brother's friend Kevin.

And I think that's everybody,

except... the last guy,

the one that
I actually stood up.

What?
Ellie, you're so close!

You wanna throw the whole
endeavour away over one guy?

I thought you said
this was baloney.

Well, maybe I bought
into it at some point.

Besides, there's only one guy
left, so you probably should.

You know, you don't
wanna tempt fate.

Look, you've already taken
a lot of risks today.

Why not take one more?

I just...

I keep thinking of
reasons not to because...

I really liked this one, a lot.

We were messaging for a while

and... I feel
silly even saying this

about someone I've
never even met IRL, but...

I've never really had a
connection like this before.

Wow, that's rare.

Yeah.

I was really excited
to meet up with him,

so excited and so nervous
that I totally chickened out

and I just stood him up.

So, I guess you were right,
this did all start

with me not wanting
to take a step.

Um, I know I was
saying the opposite,

but maybe you've
done enough for now.

By this time tomorrow, you'll
have handed in your pitch,

you have got your mom's scarf,

you'll be on your
way to her house...

Well, you're coming too, right?

Sure.

You should just
enjoy your holiday.

And then, in the future,
you can try to be open.

And who knows?

Maybe someone really
wonderful will come along.

You know what?
I'm going to finish this!

I mean, you were right
the first time.

I've come way too far
to give up now.

And, I mean,
I've got to start taking

leaps at some point, right?

At the very least,
I owe this man the respect

that I gave to
Harold and Eddie.

- Well...
- I mean...

Okay, I haven't used
this app in a while.

All the notifications are sound
bites for old Atari games.

We had our own
custom set and everything.

That's really nerdy.
"Hello.

"This is Ellie.

"I know we never
exchanged our real names,

"but I'm the girl who stood you
up a year and a half ago."

Wait, how-how
did you meet this guy?

I know, I know,
he could be, like, eighty

or a criminal or something.

"I've felt terrible

"about that day for a long time.

"It wasn't you.

"I let my fear get
the best of me,

"and you deserve better.

I hope I'll get
the opportunity to explain."

Um...

No, don't worry. Don't worry.

I met him on this forum
for classic gaming fans.

He's totally harmless.

I don't know his real name, but
- his username was "Blinky4
- Lyfe."

So, how much more
harmless can you get, right?

Sounds so dorky with
hen I say it out loud.

Anyway...

I guess... send.

Did you just swat your
phone into the sink?

Yup.

So, what happened then?

I fished my phone
out of the sink,

I told her
I thought I saw a bug,

and then I left abruptly.

So, Ellie is also
"ElfsAndStars312".

Which makes sense,
since her name is Ellie Sanders

and she's got this...
adorable "elf" thing.

The same woman who left you
reeling a year and a half ago.

And now, you
fell for her again?

In real life?

Briefly,
but I'm out, okay?

'Cause he has this
totally different idea

of the guy that she wants to...
make amends with.

- Which is you.
- Well...

Okay, I'm not sure I understand
what the hurdle is here.

-"Blinky4
- Lyfe" is fiction.

She's never met
the real... Blinky.

She did, however, met me,

and I am not the kind of guy
that she is interested in.

No, she is...

serious, and
brilliant, dedicated,

and she thinks that
I'm just the office jester.

I mean, I doubt
she thinks about me at all.

Well, is Blinky
going to message her back?

Blinky doesn't know.

Charlie, come on.

You gotta take your own advice,
man, open up.

Isn't that what you've been
trying to tell her to do?

Well, yeah,
but that's different.

Whatever.

- Hey you.
- Hey.

You might wanna keep your hat
on; it's still a little chilly.

I kind of like it, though;

keeps me on my toes.

You were in
kind of a hurry last night.

Everything okay?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Just my phone,

I was sad that it fell
in the water.

You know,
"kids and their phones!"

I got a new one this morning.

Oh. Good.

So, did you hear
back from that, uh,

- Blinky4
- Whatever guy?

No,

but I did just get
a text from Kevin.

Was he the one
with all the phobias?

No, my brother's friend.

I brought him soup yesterday,
along with the apology,

and he just texted me,
asking me to get drinks later.

I haven't responded yet.

But I thought, in the spirit of
everything we've been doing,

it'd be bad to say no.

I mean,
I should take a risk, right?

Put myself out there?

If nothing else,
for the practice.

It's a whole new you.

Are you okay?

Yeah, yeah.
I'm just, uh, thawing out.

Okay, let's, uh--

let's get this Elfie thing
done and over with.

Okay, I think we're done.

Since we have
a little more time,

I just wanna fix one thing.

Ellie...

It's important, I promise.

Ellie, you're regressing.

Let's send it in, and we can go
enjoy our Christmas Eves.

"Eves"?

I thought you were coming
with me to my mom's.

I forgot to tell you, but,
actually, something came up.

What could've come up?

Come on, it's gonna be fun.

We're gonna watch
A Christmas Carol,

the 1993 animated version.

Don't you love that one?
Plus, it's on theme.

Look, this is in a good place.
Can I just send it in?

No, no. There's something
I want to futz with.

Well, too late!

I uploaded it!

- I'm saving you from yourself.
- Charlie!

There were two actual things
that needed fixing.

Yeah, there always are.

You worked hard on this, too,

why are you suddenly so
detached?

Don't you want it to be great?

Yeah, I want it to be great,

which is why I don't want
to fiddle and polish

until it's lost all its life.

That's not what I do.

You think that's what I do?

You've thought that
this whole time?

No, just I think
at a certain point

you have to take a leap,
and anyway, I didn't--

Again with the "taking a leap."

At least I'm out
here trying things!

What about you?
What leaps are you taking?

You won't even take
a leap to come with me

to my family's house.

You'd rather just stay all safe
and sound at home on your own.

This game, my work,
it's actually important to me,

and just because you've
situated yourself in such a way

that you have nothing to lose,

it doesn't mean
I have to do the same.

I was going to say,
I didn't actually upload it.

That was just me
trying to lighten the mood.

In retrospect, maybe not
the best joke for the moment,

but I'm glad we got
to clear the air.

You don't need me for this part.
So, I'm going to go.

So, I know it was
a bold move to reach out

after you ghosted me once,

but I had the feeling
maybe we re-connected?

So, I thought
I'd take a little leap.

Yeah, I'm glad you asked.

It's a leap for me, too.

It's funny, that theme has
been coming up a lot this week.

Leaping.

How do you mean?

Oh, just in life.

Hey, maybe we should try

the "Seven-and-Seven
lords-a leaping" drink next?

Pardon?

Oh, I just love these cute
Christmassy cocktail names.

- Oh.
- Never mind.

I'm a beer guy.

Sorry if I seem a little off.

I had a fight with
a co-worker today,

has me a little rattled.

You worked today?
Who made you work today?

I did?

I read this article
about how Americans

put too much
importance on their jobs.

What if you
really love your job?

They do things like work
overtime so they can buy gifts

- for Christmas--
- Gifts!

What time is it?

1:30?

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

What's wrong?

I finally had the perfect
Secret Santa gift for my mom,

but I was supposed
to pick it up by noon!

Now I have to figure
something else out.

I'm sure it will be okay.

I mean, Christmas shouldn't
always be all about gift giving.

You're absolutely right
and that's a really

healthy perspective, Kevin,
but it doesn't apply here.

I'm so sorry,
but I actually have to go.

Thank you for reaching out,
and I just have to be honest,

I don't really see us
going on a second date,

and it's not you,
and it's not because

I'm chicken, or hiding,
I'm just not feeling it.

Are you?

No. I still miss my
ex-girlfriend.

Okay, well, good.
Well, not good,

but you should text her instead!

Wish her a Merry Christmas Eve!

I gotta go. Drinks are on me!

Bye.

Hi, Lana! Merry Christmas Eve!

Ellie. I'm glad I caught you.

I just dropped by the office,
which is freezing by the way,

and opened your pitch deck,
meaning to just glance at it,

and I totally got drawn in.
It's excellent!

So personal and fun,
and I think quite marketable.

I just sent it to
Susan and Donald

and I'm feeling very optimistic.

I'm so glad!

It's so clearly your vision,
Ellie.

I guess my only
question would be,

did Charlie help you at all?

Or did he just ghost on you?

It turns out that
Charlie was crucial.

I actually owe a lot of
the success of the deck to him.

It might make sense
to make him a co-creator.

Well, that's refreshing.

He's secretly extraordinary,
that one.

He really is.

Talk to you Monday.
Congratulations.

Okay, so, what do you mean?

What is ghosting? What is it?

- You explain it.
- Alright, so, like,

she sets up a date
and then she never turns up.

Yeah, and it's just rude.

Well, I mean,
that's not the first time.

Yeah, you understand?

She's trying!

Okay, okay.

There she is!

Hey!

How did your pitch thing go?

It went really well,

and my boss just called
and said she loved it.

Hey, congrats!
That's great news!

Wait, wasn't your friend,
Charlie, supposed to come?

Oh, uh, something came up.

But seriously,
let's cut to the chase.

What's the latest in
this ghost cursing thing

or whatever you want to call it?

I'm sorry,
but you know what it's like

when mom starts digging.

You have seven hours left.
What's the latest?

Yeah, we've been speculating
before you came in.

- Yeah.
- Just taking bets.

Wait, not actually.

You want in?

Ellie?

Hi, mom.

What are you doing?

It's been an eventful week.

Yeah.

Hey can I break
a Secret Santa rule?

What, do you need an extension?

Oh, you didn't do the gift
card thing again, did you?

- No.
- No? What?

I was hoping that
I could do mine early.

- Uh...
- It's for you.

Well, I suppose we could
keep it on the down low.

What is it?

Surprise!

Oh, sweetheart, it's beautiful!

It's a sketch for
the game I just pitched.

It's Elfie,
and it's Christmas-themed.

Yeah.

And it's based on me
when I was eight.

Oh, look, it's Elfie.
Of course.

Elfie. And this is
the costume that you designed,

and the one we made together.
Oh, sweetheart.

I love it.

I'm so, so glad you like it. I--

Sometimes, I don't know, I just
feel like maybe you think...

What?

Maybe you think my work
isn't serious or worthwhile.

I don't know.

No! No, no. Not at all!

It's just that
I see you struggling

and I just get so worried
that you're not fulfilled.

But I am.

I really am.

Especially now.

Yeah?

When I'm struggling it's just

me struggling to really
put myself out there.

Well, it sure feels like you're
putting yourself out there now.

Give me a hug, Elfie.

Aw, I love you.

Elfie.

Remember?

Yes, do I.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.

So you never heard back
from this Blinky character?

No.

But you were hoping to?

I don't even know anymore.

Honestly, I just want
to sit with you guys

and enjoy my Christmas Eve.

Well, that's fair.

You've accomplished
a lot this week,

but, you know,
my concern is the wording

in your text to Blinky.

I'm concerned that
it just leaves it open,

so that it's not technically
making amends just yet.

You know? And therefore--

According to the fortune teller
Maybe that wouldn't count.

- That's right.
- Wait, so you guys actually

- believe this stuff?
- You never know!

Well, look, at the very least,
I've always taught you to

finish your projects, right?

You guys,
I just let this one go!

Why are you getting me
all riled me up?

Can someone just press play?

Okay. Mm-hm.

My question would be

where does this Charlie
fit into to all of this?

Why would Charlie be in this?

Good question,
because you're Team Charlie.

What?!

Yeah, he's Team Charlie,

I'm Team Blinky,

and Mom's tie-breaker.

Is that him?

- It's Blinky4
- Lyfe.

What?

He wants to meet at
the Christmas Tree at the market

at 11:45.

Todd!

Oh, you're not Todd.

Sorry, my friend Todd is Santa.

I mean, Todd usually
does Santa around here.

Yeah, yeah. Todd's chill.

Yeah, Todd is totally chill.

Hey, can I buy you a coffee?

- Sure!
- Great.

Yeah, see, I normally,
well, I go to Todd for advice,

maybe you could sub in for him?

Um, sure?

Great, okay.

Where to begin? Uh...

You know Pac-Man, right?

Mm-hm.

So, Pac-Man is like a metaphor.

Right? For life.

Yeah.

Alright, so, four ghosts.
Inky, Blinky, Pinky...

I don't know, like--

I don't think she should go.

- What?
- Well, what do you think?

- What does she think?
- Are you going to go?

I don't know.

Suddenly I don't feel
compelled to go meet him.

Yeah, but what about closure,
right?

Yeah, and didn't
Rhonda P Magyk say "midnight?"

Because I have to say 11:45?

Doesn't that seem
like a bit of a sign?

I think she may have developed
feelings for somebody else.

Ah.

Yes! I have feelings
for Charles Dickens

and his beautiful tale about
redemption at Christmastime.

Ellie.

Okay, and maybe somebody else,

but I'm just trying to work
it out in my head right now.

So, your big gesture is you

reached out to her as Blinky,

so you can surprise her
that you are also you.

Yes! Big moment.
Twinkling lights.

Christmas tree
in the background!

That is classic.

Yeah?

But what if she doesn't
turn up for Blinky,

but she would turn up for you?

Hey, you said this
was all about opening up,

baring your soul, right?

So aren't you kind of
still hiding behind Blinky?

Like you're still
playing it safe, you know?

Huh. How old are you?

Eighteen.
Also, it seems like there are

a lot of unnecessary steps here.

Like, why do all this
bait-and-switch crazy stuff

when you could
just go to her house,

like she invited you to do,
and be, like, "I like you."

Yeah, I don't know.

Huh.

Yeah!

Thank you, Santa.

No problem.

You can have this.

So, wait what did you decide?

Are you going to
the market to meet Blinky?

Yes.

Finishing what she started.

What about Charlie?

Let your sister be. She knows
what she wants.

We're just glad you're going out
there and taking a real chance!

Well, either way
it's very exciting!

Drive safe, Honey!

That's too bad.

I was really
rooting for Charlie.

Yeah, I think I was, too,
honestly.

I think they had a fight,
though.

Should we start the mov--

She must have
forgotten something.

Hey! Come on in.

Uh, look, it's Charlie!

- Hello.
- Oh.

- Sit down.
- Hi.

- You must be Mrs. Sanders.
- Yes, I am.

- Very nice to meet you.
- And you.

So, is Ellie here?

She just took off to meet
- this Blinky4
- Lyfe character.

But, look, can we offer you some
popcorn and maybe some strudel?

No, thank you,
but how long ago did she leave?

Oh, you just missed her!

I'm so sorry.

No, it's okay.

It's okay.

- I'm Blinky4
- Lyfe!

I gotta go
-'cause I'm Blinky4
- Lyfe.

Team Charlie!

Team Blinky!

And Team Charlie, too.

Ellie.

Hey, what are you doing here?

Oh, you know,
it's the Christmas Market,

it's not a niche hangout.

I have so much to tell you!

First, I went on a date
with Kevin and it was terrible.

Second, Lana called
and she loved our pitch.

And third, I'm making you
co-creator of Elfie.

Okay, wait--

No! I'm not letting you
argue your way out of it.

It's time you got over
your career heartbreak!

I'm not trying to get out of it.

And there's one more thing.

Can I just speak first?

You're here to
- see Blinky4
- Lyfe, right?

I am, but--

But he is late, isn't he?

Yes, and if this
"never finding true love" thing

gets me on a technicality,
I'm going to be so mad,

but the other thing
I wanted to say is,

I didn't come to
meet Blinky to meet Blinky.

I just wanted to
check off the final box

and leave zero doubt of me
having my shot at true love,

because I do want true love.

With you,

And I'm sorry we fought
and for the things that I said--

I didn't mean to interrupt you,

but I had to get that
kiss in before midnight.

- So, I'm Blinky4
- Lyfe.

Okay, that makes a lot of sense!

I guess you're in the clear,
true love-wise.

Can we keep kissing then?

Yeah, okay.

Finally, you're here!

Now, wait. It's after midnight,

so Merry Christmas!

Come on in, it's so cold!

It's so exciting, sweetheart.

Nice to see you again!

- Get in, get in, get in.
- Welcome.

Do you like
A Christmas Carol, Charlie?

It's my favorite.

♪ Christmas day
is not far away ♪

♪ It's time to prepare
for the holiday ♪

♪ Got your gifts wrapped and
under the tree ♪

♪ No peeking ♪

♪ 'Cause Christmas morning ♪

♪ You'll see ♪

♪ Then when all the work ♪

♪ Is through ♪

♪ We can go for a skate
across a moonlit lake ♪

♪ Back home ♪

♪ We'll thaw our frozen toes ♪