All language subtitles for Christmas In Washington (2021)-eng

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♪ Jolly old St. Nicholas ♪

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♪ Don't you tell a single soul ♪

♪ What I'm going to say ♪

Breakfast!

Thank you, sweetheart.

♪ Whisper what
you'll bring to me ♪

♪ Tell me if you can ♪

What? I like when my breakfast
smiles up at me.

[chuckling]

Wait, where are my glasses?
Oh.

Oh, that's better.

Ems, this is some of the best
work you've ever done!

Oh, can you imagine the
publicity

you would get from this job?

The article showcasing
your designs

in "Views From The Capital"?

That alone would launch your
event design firm!

Clients would be banging
down your door.

As much as I appreciate your
unbridled support, mom,

I'm lucky to even have
the interview.

And that's only because Katie
is friends

with the executive assistant.
It's a long shot.

So we should manage our
expectations.

It's happening, baby girl.

All you have to do is let it.

To your clean bill of health
from the doctor.

And to your interview today.

In which you will secure the job

of decorating the Belmarian
Embassy

for the Christmas Charity Ball.

[glasses clinking]

And when you get
the embassy gig--

If I get the embassy gig.

You are going to need shop
and office space

so you can manage all
the business it will bring.

Once again, getting ahead
of ourselves.

Maybe you'll even meet
some new people.

Take a little time for romance.

Romance?! Sure.

I'll just squeeze it in between
designing the city's

biggest charity ball, and
launching my own design firm.

I'll just put it on my
Christmas list.

Do you think I can order a
boyfriend online?

[laughing]
You know...

Your dad always said Christmas
isn't about opening presents.

It's about opening hearts.

Isn't it nice to have
your breakfast smile up at you?

♪ Deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la
la-la-la-la ♪

While I love your voice,
my little songbird,

isn't it a little early
for Christmas songs?

Aunt Julia said that
the Christmas Charity Ball

is the most magical ball
she's ever been to.

Aunt Julia told you
about the ball, did she?

All about it. The dancing,
the lights, the decorations.

I see. While those things,
are expected,

they are not what's truly
important.

The ball is put on to raise
funds for a charity

that supports environmentally
sustainable practices

around the world.
And that, dear child of mine,

might give our planet, and you,
a future we all need.

So if the ball is for me,

then I should probably attend,
correct?

Isn't it past your bedtime?

Please? It would be
my first ball!

And surely such an important
cause is worth one late night.

When did you become
such a shrewd negotiator?

[giggling]

Okay. All right.

You may come on one condition.

That you save the
first dance for me.

I promise.

I hope the other negotiators
today aren't as shrewd as you.

[giggling]

I mean, you did cave
pretty quickly.

I totally would have agreed
to extra chores

or just about anything.

That is an excellent point.

Too late. We already settled
the terms.

Amanda: Are you taking all
of these to your presentation?

No, I just can't pick.
I love them all.

I'll decide on my way there.

Okay, now on the off chance
that I do get this job,

I have all of these at the ready
so we can load the truck ASAP.

Promise me you won't overdo it.

You know, I think the only
reason you asked me to help you

is so you can keep
your eye on me.

That, and the fact
that I learned more from you

about Christmas decorating than
I ever did at design school.

[sighing]
I really want this.

Well, my darling,
you better go out and get it,

because I've already given
your farm job away.

No pressure.

No pressure.
[laughing]

The ambassador is en route.

Why so early?

Because there is much
work to do.

Good morning, everyone.

Welcome, Mr. Ambassador.

I'm looking forward to
working with you.

Thank you,
I'm sorry to be early,

but your office management
is legendary.

I'm sure you began hours ago.

Days. Here's today's schedule.

A list of files we need
to go over,

as well a list of--

Excuse me, um, what is that?

A poinsettia.

This is typically the week
we like to start

getting into the spirit.

Mm-hm, that is not necessary.

I find these unnecessary
flourishes to be distracting.

It is of utmost importance
that we maintain

a dignified tone here.
In this office,

we'll maintain decorum,
not decor.

Karl, please take the flower
to my desk.

- Right away.
- You were saying, Ms. Coles?

Oh, yes. Today's schedule,

and a list on potential
charity donors.

Mr. Ambassador!

Allow me to welcome
you to your new Embassy.

Thank you, Arvid.

I'm excited to begin work
on the Charity Ball.

Of course. The importance of the
Christmas Charity Ball

cannot be underestimated.
As you well know,

the crown expects each year's
charity contributions

to surpass previous year's.

Not to suggest that your job
is on the line

before you've even started.

Am I fired already, old friend?

I assure you,
I am aware of the consequences

and the expectations.

You mentioned that
the previous ambassador

had issues with priorities.

Yes, unfortunately,
they had a tendency

to get overly consumed with
the decorations

and the Christmas cheer.

Right, he overspent,
which affected the numbers.

Imagine if he focused on
the actual aim of the ball.

I want this to be the most
successful Charity Ball to date,

and not based on the
frivolities.

I want to begin building
relationships

with all the major donors.

As it so happens,
I know just the man.

A whale of a donor I've been
trying to hook for years.

Once he heard about your work,

he finally agreed to join us.

How big a donation?

Well, big enough to give this
charity global impact.

Excellent.

The queen is thrilled,
of course, and rumor has it,

she may even come
to the ball this year.

That's excellent news,

but we have much work
to accomplish before then.

Arvid and I will focus on the
publicity and the donors.

Since you've overseen the plans
for the last several years,

you will have full authority
to orchestrate all the details.

Of course, sir.
Not to worry.

I already have "the ball"
rolling.

- No pun intended.
- Oh, pun fully intended.

All of the arrangements
are under control,

from the magazine spread
to the--

- well, the-- the ornaments.
- Yes, speaking of,

we have a press conference
later this morning.

It would be a good time for you
to officially launch

the charity's donation website.

Mm-hm. Hang on, I'd like to
discuss this society article.

How useful is it to the charity?

The magazine has been
indispensable

for boosting donations.

Sir, I don't like having a
society magazine here

anymore than you.

Things we must endure
to remain relevant.

Fine, we'll keep it,
but stick to the budget, okay?

I do not want to be linked

to the previous ambassador's
overspending.

This charity is too important
to be sullied by gossip.

I could not agree more.

Which is why I have insisted on
full editorial control.

Belmarians maintain
more formality than Americans.

Nothing can be published or
printed without your approval.

Pardon me, Emily Barnes just
checked in at the front gate.

Oh my, everybody's early.

Next you'll tell me
Christmas is early.

Well, let's hope not.

If you'll excuse me.

♪

Does the new ambassador really
mean no decorations?

He'll come around.

He practically grew up
on a reindeer farm.

Oh, that's nice.

I love that you're early!

Oh my!

[sniffing]

Christmas is early.

Fresh-cut this morning.

[women chattering outside]

Vera:
Inside this way.

Emily:
Oh, the embassy is lovely.

It just needs
a bit of Christmas spirit.

Vera:
I couldn't agree more.

Please, come in.

Magnus, uh, if I may,

I've known you
and your family so long

I feel like I've helped
raise you.

I am so proud of how you've been
handling everything.

I know Christmas can be
difficult for you,

after Margerete...

She did love Christmas, yes.

Thankfully, I'm not
the Christmas ambassador,

I'm just the Belmarian
ambassador.

And it will be refreshing to see
a return to propriety

to this office.
Your father taught you well.

You had a hand in it too.

Well, please, let me know if
there's anything else I can do.

I only want to see you succeed.

Thank you, Arvid.

I wouldn't be here
without your trusted counsel.

Well, now, since we have time
before our first meeting,

shall I give you a tour?

The embassy can be quite tricky.

It's very easy to get to get
turned around.

Um, not necessary.
I have some documents to review.

Plus, I need to learn my way
on my own.

As you wish.

[clearing throat]

Um, sorry to say this,

but you seem more nervous
than I am,

and I'm the one being
interviewed.

- Is everything okay?
- Yes, of course.

It's just...

There might be some people who
don't think the embassy

needs to be decorated
for Christmas.

A Christmas ball without
decorations?

But it's the Belmarian
Christmas Charity Ball!

It's the biggest event
of the season!

Surely the new ambassador--
Oh! Is he the one?

Who is the new ambassador,
Ebenezer Scrooge?

Oh, no, it's not really
like that.

It's his first day,

and first days are always
a bit more intense.

But it's not Christmas
in Washington

without the beauty and the heart
of the Belmarian Charity Ball.

I couldn't agree more.

Oh...

these designs are stunning.

And what is this? A map?

Emily:
Oh, that's just for reference,

it's not really part of the
presentation.

It should be, it's beautiful!

Thank you, it helps to have
a bird's eye view.

It's stunning.

But, uh, unfortunately...

I have to level with you,
Miss Barnes.

We usually hire a large firm.

I have a full staff of helpers,

and a detailed plan
that covers contingencies.

If we stick to this plan,

we could have everything
completed

by the media walk-through.

As part of the publicity,

there will be photographers
capturing every step

of the embassy's transformation,
and I must stress,

decorum is of the utmost
importance to the ambassador.

Belmaria might
be a small country,

compared to our northern
neighbors, Denmark,

but he wants it, and especially
our initiatives,

to be taken seriously.

I was drawn to this job

especially because of
those initiatives.

Being raised on a tree farm
taught me the importance

of planning for future
generations.

My dad always used to say
that harvesting Christmas trees

should be about renewing hope,
not destroying forests.

Every one of my decorations
can be reused and recycled.

You know what?
You're hired.

Really?!

You've surprised and
inspired me,

and I think that may just be
what we need right now.

- Thank you!
- Yes!

And what should we do
regarding the...

"some people" who don't want
too much Christmas

- at the Christmas ball?
- Yes.

Well, I'm going to chock it up
to first day jitters,

temporary myopia.

After the ambassador
sees your elegant decorations,

all will be well, I'm sure.

Is there anything else you need
to get started?

I got this.

[exhaling]

[cheering quietly]

Okay.

[line ringing]

- Tell me you got it.
- Start loading the truck.

Congratulations, baby girl!

Okay, the truck's already
loaded.

Mom, it's such a big job!

I'm worried this is going to be
putting too much stress on you.

Okay, that's why we hired
extra help.

Anyway, I'm gonna be
at the embassy fluffing bows,

not here chopping down trees.
So just take a deep breath,

and remember, the doctor gave me
a clean bill of health.

- But you're my mom.
- Your mom. Not your excuse.

I will not have you
put your life on hold

with needless worry about me.

Okay? I just--
now just go get started.

I'll be there in 20 minutes.

And my heart is fine.
Don't make me worry about yours.

Okay.

Oh!

I thought wreaths only went on
the outside of the doors.

Why shouldn't they go
on both sides?

Excellent logic.
I'm Lily.

I'm Emily.

Are you as big a fan of
Christmas decorations as I am?

- Maybe bigger.
- Challenge accepted.

- Want to help me fluff bows?
- Yes, please.

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ In a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Over the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

You have a lovely voice!
Have you ever sung in a choir?

I did back home in Belmaria.

Have you thought of joining one
while you're here?

If you'd be interested,
I have a friend who directs

a children's community choir.

Really?

I'll give Vera the info.

Wow.

I wasn't sure my dad
would allow all of this,

but this is just what he needs.

My tutor is here.
I've got to go.

I know everything will be
all right now that you're here

to bring the Christmas.

Vera?

Um...

- Oh!
- Pardon me.

No harm done.

- Do you work here?
- You could say that.

Yes, well, I'm supposed to be
in the press gallery,

but I'm afraid I've lost my way.

Oh, okay.
Um, you're here,

so this is the fastest route
to where you want to be.

Mm-hm... that's a great map.

You've... is there a more
standard version,

one that's not so decorated?

If so, I don't have one.

Oh, um, it's just...

I wouldn't want to give this to
embassy visitors, is all.

Oh, I made this for my own
personal use, so...

But I think it's artfully done.

- Yeah.
- [chuckling]

Definitely, it's artfully done,
yeah.

Thank you. My gift to you.

Ah. Thank you.

[chuckling]

Oh yeah, sweetie, you go ahead
and take that box in.

I can wait and lead people in,
this place can get confusing.

Oh, no, no, I have the map.

You go ahead and get started,
we'll be right behind you.

I just need to find my glasses.

[muttering quietly]

Oh, there you are!

I was about to send out for
a search party.

No need to worry.
I got myself turned around,

- but found my way.
- What is this?

Why, I never approved
this design.

Oh, not to worry.

It's from this charming, um--

Anyway, uh, I'm still early,
correct?

Yes, you are.

The reporters and photographers
have arrived,

but before we begin,
I would like to brief you--

- [Amanda yelps]
- Arvid: Madam!

Oh! I am so sorry!

It's my first day, I'm--

Mine too.

Madam, I urge you to watch
where you--

Okay, you know what?
I'm headed to the ballroom,

and I just-- I know
it's around here somewhere,

but I need to find my glasses.

Your glasses, madam,
are on the top of your head.

[laughing]
Oh, I always do that.

Oh! Well, it's right over there!
I knew I was close.

- What is going on here?
- We're with the decorator.

- Decorator?
- Yeah.

The embassy is already
beautiful enough.

Yes, but it still needs a little
Christmas sparkle.

You know, to match
the two of you.

- Oh...
- Ballroom.

- I'll be right back.
- Sir...

Okay, you could have just
told me where the ballroom was.

Now look what you've done.

- Me?!
- [groaning]

It's always the handsome ones.

Madam, I--

♪

Magnus:
Excuse me, um--

You, the woman who put Christmas
on the map.

[laughing]

Well, that's going on
my website.

Yeah, you said you work here.

Oh, blue over there.

Well, as you can see,
I am working here,

I'm the event decorator for
the Charity Ball.

This needs to stop
this instant, okay?

You know, all you need
is a hook,

and then we could hang you
on the tree like an ornament.

But like, an angry ornament,

so maybe up high
and out of the way.

This is not a joke.

This is exactly
what I don't want--

all this fuss and tinsel,

and this gaudy red and green
hullabaloo, it's--

Hullaballoo?
Nothing is even staged yet!

Look, if you have concerns,

take it up with the new
ambassador.

I am the new ambassador, okay?

Emily:
Oh.

Oh, Magnus. Magnus,
let me introduce you

to the editor in chief
of "Views From the Capital,"

the magazine that's going
to be doing

the multi-page photo spread
for the charity ball.

I mean no disrespect,
Mr. Ambassador,

but how can you hold a Christmas
Charity Ball

without Christmas decorations?

[camera lenses shuttering]

Uh, I'm sorry, Mr. Ambassador,

are you saying that this year's
Christmas Charity Ball

is not going to be Christmassy?

[Magnus clearing throat]

What will my photographers
take pictures of?

Of course not, um...

we are striving for a more
dignified tone.

It's important to me
that the glitz and the glamour

and the superficial elements not
outshine the actual cause,

which is the charitable
foundation.

I can assure you that the
ambassador is pro-decoration.

In fact,
he was just assisting me.

The proof is all over
his suit jacket.

While some may consider
Christmas decorating

to be superficial,
the truth is that decorating

is a deeply meaningful custom

that represents our hearts,
our families,

and even our cultures.

In short, there's a reason

Belmaria hosts the Charity Ball
at Christmastime.

If we want people to open
their hearts, and their wallets,

then we need to
make this place shine...

No, it has to explode
with sights of the season.

[camera lenses shuttering]

Why is everybody such a shrewd
negotiator today?

♪

Oh, um, peace offering?
It's a lint brush,

or as my mom calls it,
a "glitter getter," for...

That was quite the
maneuver back there.

I am so sorry, I had no idea
when I walked in there hollering

that all of DC's press was
there.

That's why I... I prefer if that
in this embassy,

we always conduct ourselves in
a respectful manner

so that we avoid those
situations.

This is the reason why
I didn't want

all these decorations
and fanfare.

Look at the mess it's already
gotten us into.

One could argue that
I saved you

from the bigger
embarrassing flub

of holding an underwhelming
Charity Ball.

Well, there would have been zero
embarrassing flubs

if you didn't begin accosting
this place

- with Christmas this morning.
- Which I was hired to do.

Your sentimental speech
was affecting.

It certainly persuaded
all the press,

and you, uh...

Cornered me into publicly
committing to, um...

What was it? An explosion of
Christmas, right?

In my defense,
I was trying to help you.

Well, either way,
it illuminated the point

that this Christmas-mania
is a prerequisite

for all DC attendees.

So I will allow you to continue
decorating the embassy,

but we must certainly downgrade
from "explosion," okay?

- So back to "shine?"
- How about "faint glimmer."

And I insist on minimal decor,
only in public spaces.

Surely you'll want some minimal
decor in the residence.

The minimalist of minimal.

Absolutely none in
the private residence.

Do we understand each other?

I don't think so.

But we have a deal.

Well, to be clear, um,

you didn't win me over.
You just cornered me.

Move out?!

Yeah, I think we should start
looking at a timeline

for you to get back into
your townhouse.

After the holidays, of course.

Here I was thinking that we were
celebrating my new job

when really, you're pushing me
out of the nest!

Well, no, it's more like
I'm replanting you

in a larger pot so you
can bloom.

How is that different?

Because it applies
to both of us,

and if we just stay here
in our one planter,

we're not going to grow.

And if there's one thing my
recent health scare

has taught me, it's to make the
most of the time we've got,

and to get on with life,

and you moving back into
your townhouse

could make room for romance.

Maybe for both of us.
You saw that handsome man today.

The ambassador is handsome,
but I'd say a little closed off.

- I'm talking about Arvid.
- Emily: Arvid?! Amanda!

And that new ambassador
is your type.

- He's not my type.
- He's everyone's type.

And don't act like you
didn't notice!

Yes, I noticed.
But no!

How could I be interested
in someone who is so uptight?

Okay, sweetheart, you did color
a bit outside the lines today.

Oh, speaking of coloring,

can you just tell me
one more time

what your ideal commercial space
looks like?

Ideally, I would like
a mostly open space.

Um, somewhere with good
foot traffic.

I'm imagining, um,
an inviting storefront

with big windows that let in
lots of natural light.

So some place little like this?

♪

Yes!

You want to take a closer look?

The realtor's a friend of mine.
Come on!

Mother!

This is everything
I've ever dreamed.

Including its proximity
to our favorite lattes.

But shouldn't I look at some
other places also?

Like, do some comparisons?

Sweetheart! If you find a prince
on the first try,

you don't go around
kissing frogs!

It's time for you to
take a leap.

Are we still talking frogs?

[sighing]

I did take a leap,
and I fell flat on my face.

That was the last time
I got ahead of myself like this.

Well, you were dealing with
word of mouth.

You have "Views From The
Capital" now.

I need more time to think.

Well, well, well!
You had a memorable first day!

Mr. Ambassador Snowflake, huh?

Queen Therese rechirped it.

Magnus:
"Rechirped?"

Well, that's what she calls it.

And who's going to argue
with the queen?

But what intrigued the queen
the most

was that after the photo
was posted,

traffic increased
on the charity's website.

Let's face it, my dear brother,
you are now clickbait,

and the more likes you get,
the more money you raise.

Ah, but--

what intrigued me the most
was this photo here.

Who might this be?

She's just, um, the decorator
for the ball.

Julia:
Oh, a decorator.

You don't normally invite
decorators

to press conferences, do you?

She's just your type, you know.

Hey, come on.
I don't have a type.

Oh, sure you do.

She's just an event decorator,
all right?

She's already made a debacle of
things, to be honest with you.

And let's just call it
an eventful first day.

One that did a number on the
respectability of the embassy.

And I... I can only imagine
father's reaction.

Okay, I'm worried about you.

Especially now that you're
paired with Arvid.

The two of you are like
a dynamic duo,

except not dynamic.

[deep voice]
A dignified duo.

I thought you called
to support me.

I did! I just also remember
the ten-year-old boy

who slept in the straw beside
the reindeer,

and who brought the snowball
fight inside

Grandma and Grandad's house.

Do you remember that kid?
Have you seen him anywhere?

Look, unfortunately, we can't be
ten years old forever.

No, but we can once in awhile.

Goodnight, sis.

♪

So Ems, how do we know
if we're being minimal enough?

[sighing]
I don't know.

I'm feeling it out as I go.

I just know I need to keep
everything contained--

staying away from offices and
conference rooms.

Glitter is on lockdown.

Oh! It looks like we have
a visitor.

No classes today?

My tutor's been delayed, so I
was told to amuse myself quietly

and not cause any trouble.

I wanted to thank you for
encouraging me

to join the choir.
We're going caroling.

Oh, that's great!

I'm sure you'll make lots
of new friends.

I think so, too.
This is amazing.

I feel like
I'm in Santa's workshop.

Behind the scenes of
Christmas Central.

- Want to be an elf?
- May I?

Follow me. Come on.

Should we be spending so much
time on our smaller donors?

I want to familiarize myself
with all of the donors,

take everyone seriously.

Many are loyal, returning
contributors

with valuable networks.

Speaking of your "whale", Dan--

- Dan Danvers, sir.
- Right. I have an idea.

Do you think that we can
push him a little more?

Perhaps get him to agree to an
additional matching amount.

That will incentivize the
little fish to give more too.

That's genius, but I'm not sure
he'll go for it.

He is already planning a sizable
donation, right.

Don't forget, he's benefitting
from us as well.

See what you can do.

♪

I have something for you.

Perhaps you can take these with
you when you go caroling.

And see these little nicks here?

These bells have been on a lot
of adventures.

Rumor has it, they once belonged
to one of Santa's reindeer.

My great grandparents
had a reindeer farm, actually!

Wow!

Reminds me of someone I know.

[giggling]

Wait. Where is she going?

Sir, It's Her Majesty,
Queen Therese.

She's not on the schedule.

Queen Therese:
I can hear you, Magnus.

I can see you, too.

Can you not muster up a smile
for your queen?

Of course. It's always
a pleasure, Your Majesty.

Uh, I simply was not
expecting you.

Queen Therese:
This will be brief.

I hear you want to improve
donor outreach.

Tell me, how is that
coming along?

Well, first, I want to make sure
the business practices align--

Dad! Look what Emily gave me!

Will you excuse me?
Just one moment.

Wait, wait, is that Lily?
What's that in her hand?

I suppose those are
sleigh bells.

The bells are beautiful, Magnus.

As are you, dear one.

I'm sorry, Dad.
I just got excited.

Am I in trouble?

No, you're not in trouble. Um--

I'm so sorry, she was helping--

[whispering]
I'll be going.

Magnus, wait!

Is that the decorator?

You must introduce us.

Yes, of course, um...

Uh, Your Majesty,

the decorator, Emily Barnes.

Ms. Barnes, may I present
Queen Therese.

It's an honor to meet you.

I see a distinct Belmarian
influence

in your color palette.

I appreciate your efforts.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I look forward to taking
a closer look

when I'm there for the ball.

Oh, does that mean
you've decided you're coming?

Don't sound so pleased.

Well, I-- I'm delighted,
of course.

And I'm happy that you've got
the Christmas spirit again.

I don't know if I'd go that far.

But apparently reminders of the
Christmas season inspire giving,

so the decorations,
they play an important part

in the charity's success.
Or so I've been told.

Well, let's resume tomorrow.

Yes, of course, Your Majesty.

Again.

I'm so sorry.

Yes, great. Uh, just...

Less "Jingle Bells," more
"Silent Night."

Okay.

Um, what is this?
No, this can't go here.

There's no room for it.
You need to talk to--

There's the woman
who can fix this!

I don't know what this is,
but I did not order it.

No, the ambassador did.
I just learned about it myself.

It's a display board

that will keep track of our
donation totals.

He wants you to have it hanging
above the stage area.

Apparently it's non-negotiable.

So he opposes Christmas
decorations

but he wants a scoreboard.

Well, he says it will be
motivational,

inspirational, and...

apparently it can be programmed
to explode confetti

when the total
surpasses last year's.

I'm guessing he didn't see
that detail.

Let's not mention it.

He said non-negotiable.

That he did.

Okay, all hands on deck!

We need to clear out this area
in order to make space for...

This thing.
Let's go!

Amanda:
Oh, it is so early, Emily.

What are you doing up?

Oh! Are you going to go check
out the storefront?

I'm heading into the embassy.

I want them to have
at least one finished space

for the big meeting
today with the donor.

Well, I'm sure the donor and the
ambassador will understand

it's a work in progress.

I told him the decorations would
inspire Christmas spirit

and giving.
Time to prove it.

[chuckling]

You are your daddy's girl.

Always spreading Christmas
spirit.

Trying to open up hearts.

Just don't take
anything else on.

You have enough on your plate.

But that's another reason
to go in early.

Opening hearts, sure,

but I should also be opening
a design firm.

Turning this embassy into
a showcase, even a minimal one,

is not only great for
the charity,

but it kick starts my business.

One way or another,
our futures are intertwined now.

We succeed or fail together.

You'll succeed.

Thank you, but you're my mother.
You have to say that.

Yeah, maybe.

♪

- Magnus: Who's in here?
- [gasping]

Sorry, I heard a noise, and...

- But it's you.
- I checked in with security.

Yeah, I'm sorry I startled you.
It's...

- What are--
- What are--

- You first.
- I live here.

I'm decorating.

I know you have a big
meeting today.

I wanted to give you
a finished space,

so you can feel the spirit
of the season,

and not the chaos of the set up.

That is-- that is very kind
of you.

Especially considering
I was such a bear the other day.

I just, um, I wasn't expecting
so much.

It's a major job, decorating an
embassy of this size.

Even minimally.

Yes, well, I owe you an apology.

- I understand.
- No, no, please.

Um, it's one of the reasons
why I'm up so early.

I was walking the halls,
I couldn't sleep.

I mean, this was helpful,

but I do owe you an apology.

Apology accepted.

Thank you.

These are lovely.

Oh, um, that's just a...

potential logo for my potential
design firm.

It's nothing.

Hey, I... I appreciate you
respecting my wishes

to keep it minimal.

Well, since you're here,
you might as well help out.

Me, decorate?

Well, the room's not going to
decorate itself.

I see what the Queen meant by
your Belmarian influence.

You've even worked the crest
in here, that is--

it's very thoughtful.

I'm developing a new style.

It's called "lavish minimalism."

[chuckling]

Also all the decorations
are environmentally friendly.

That's marvelous.

Your charity is one of the main
reasons why I wanted this job.

I grew up on a tree farm.
so it was instilled in me,

the importance to look beyond
the next year.

To plant for the next
decade, the next generation.

Ah, there you are!

I've been looking
everywhere for you.

We really need to--

Are you... helping her decorate?

Am I grounded?

Sorry, Arvid has a tendency
to forget

that I'm not 10 years old
anymore.

I mean, my apologies,
but you are the ambassador, sir.

Yeah, so it seems.
But duty calls.

Should we have the donor meeting
in your office

or in the conference room?

Actually, I think we should
have it in here.

Are you sure?
It's not... suitable.

I think you're wrong.

I think it's perfect.

Oh, Ems! This is just beautiful.

Everywhere you look, there's
something delightful.

Thank you! Do you think
the trees are too much here?

They won't stay,
but I thought they'd make

- a welcoming impression--
- Yeah!

It's like a family greeting
guests at the door.

From the door to the parlor,
it's perfect.

Any donor who has any kind of
heart will definitely

be touched by this.

[gasping]

I thought the kanelbullar
reminded me of home,

but this-- this is too much.

Now Karl definitely has heart.

- Never in doubt.
- [chuckling]

Well, she is a good decorator.

Indeed.

Stop wasting time.

The coffee service should be
set up in there already.

Okay.

[clattering]

[crunching]

Well, I hope I didn't
ruin Christmas.

- Mr. Danvers.
- Call me Big Dan.

Arvid: Ah, Big Dan, excellent.
Right this way.

- Who is that young lady?
- The decorator.

- This way, sir.
- Dan: Right...

I heard the glass crunch
and I didn't know

- whether to come or stay away.
- It's not too much damage,

I'll get someone to
help clean up.

Okay.

♪

Hey, are you hiding?

The important donor
is Dan Danvers.

Big Dan?
The real estate developer?

Oh, Emily! He hasn't hugged
a tree in his life!

What's he doing
talking to this charity?

Maybe he's turned over
a new leaf?

Not unless it's clearing the way
for a new parking lot.

If Big Dan is the important
donor they're counting on,

- you've got to talk to Magnus.
- Who am I to say anything?

Since when have you been known
to stay quiet?

Okay, that's true.

But I'm sure they've done
their research,

and there's too much on
the line for me.

I've only just made nice with
the ambassador again.

Oh, made nice, huh?

I'm going to stick to my job.

Well, you've got a lot of
gumption to look at my offer

and come back and ask for more.

But by golly, I think we can do
a lot of good together.

I'm sure we will.

You mind if I use
your facilities before I go?

Oh, of course, sir.
Right this way.

No, no, I'm a big boy.

Just point me
in the right direction.

Ah, yes, up the stairs
on the right.

Gentlemen.

Hmm...

I thought I recognized you.

Hello, Mr. Danvers.

Emily, how many times do I have
to tell you to call me Big Dan?

- Everybody does.
- Are you sure about him?

Well, I'm sure he's very rich
and wants to give us more money

than any single donor
we've ever had.

I don't hold a grudge
against you

ruining my deal with your mama.

I know it was fresh on your
daddy's passing,

and you weren't thinking
clearly.

His manner, it's-- he's so...

American, sir?

No, um, over the top.

Why are you really here?

Besides my undying commitment to
Mother Earth?

[scoffing]

The publicity alone
makes this endeavor

a worthwhile investment.

And the tax benefits make it
cheaper than advertising.

So you've got
some bad press coming?

Wouldn't know anything
about that.

And I'd be sure that you keep
that to yourself.

I'll be right back.

Ah, looks like I needed help
finding my way after all.

Second door on your way.

Much obliged. Young lady.

Everything okay?

Just finished with the garland,

I'll be back to add
some more ribbon.

Have you two met before?

I have met Mr. Danvers,
years ago.

His file reads like
a local hero.

Saving farms,
being everybody's buddy.

But you, you don't call him
Big Dan?

He's not my buddy. That's all.

♪

Arvid, how thoroughly did you
investigate Big Dan?

What else do we need to know?

Well, he wants to do a photo-op
where he hands me a big check.

Well, it's great publicity
for the charity, so why not?

I know how excited you are
about this big get.

Just... why is he interested
in our charity now?

Because he's so impressed
with you,

you have a stellar reputation!

Right, and that's currency
in itself.

Does this have anything to do
with Ms. Barnes?

No, of course not.

Hmm. You seem a touch
protective.

I-- I'm just trying
to suss out Mr. Danvers.

If you were thinking of opening
your heart again,

you would find few who would be
as happy as me to see that,

but with everything
that's at stake,

with the success
of the charity ball

and the commencement of
your tenure here,

there may be a different,
better time,

and, uh, a different...

more suitable person.

[sighing]

♪

Look, daddy!

These flowers are the ones that
grandmother grew in her garden.

Really?

Flowers from my homeland.

They weren't exactly in season,

so I had to order them from a
domestic nursery,

but yes, I chose them because
they're common in Belmaria.

Or so my research indicated.

Well, the yellow varieties are.

The white varieties are
far more rare.

They were my mother's favorite.

So then these decorations

wouldn't be considered
superficial?

No, I would say that they're
very, very deep.

Profound, even.

I tried to convince Emily to
help me put a tree in my room,

but she wanted to be good and
follow the rules.

I appreciate you
respecting my wishes,

but, um, I don't suppose
I see the harm

in putting one of these
in your room.

Really?!

How could I deny something that
makes you smile that big?

♪

Checking up on me?

Actually, I'm looking for Lily,
she seems to be drawn to you.

Aww, she's drawn
to the Christmas fun.

Speaking of. Careful there,
little elf!

Oh, I hope you two have a
splendid time.

The capital is so beautiful
this time of year.

Yeah, Um, shall we?

Amanda:
Hey, sweetie--

It's too bad Emily
can't come with us, daddy.

I bet she'd be
a splendid tour guide.

You know what,
my little songbird?

You make an excellent point.

Um, Ms. Barnes,
would you care to join us?

Oh, that would be wonderful!

But there's so much to do here.

Well, Lily just made an
excellent point.

We need a tour guide.

We wouldn't want to get lost in
our new city, you know?

Causing some sort
of international crisis.

Sir, I can find someone from the
staff to accompany you.

No, no, Arvid, that won't be--
that's not necessary.

I would love it if Emily
would join us.

Go on, sweetheart!
I've got this.

Think of it as Christmas
inspiration.

How can I pass up a chance
to show Lily around my hometown?

- Okay, you got it?
- Yeah, I've got it!

You know, Arvid, if you're
concerned about propriety,

we could always chaperone.

Madam! I--
[stammering]

I have work to do.

You know, all work and no play

makes Santa question
your priorities.

What? I...

Oh, that woman!

[camera shuttering]

No, no! No, no, no!

No, no, no!

Are you sure us being out here
gallivanting about

won't reflect poorly on the
embassy?

Gallivanting?
[chuckling]

I promised my daughter

I'd take her to see the city
at Christmas.

Now I don't know how that
reflects on me as an ambassador,

but not coming would reflect
poorly on me as a father.

That's sweet.

I'm adding this to my list

of favorite Christmas
memories ever.

- Really?
- Yes!

Everything is new again.

What's your favorite Christmas
memory, daddy?

Oh, no, no, no.
I couldn't follow that.

That means you're up, Emily.

Oh, is that how it works, huh?

Okay.
[sighing]

My favorite memory is
when I was a child,

attending a candle light service
with a choir.

The lights were dimmed,
and so the candle light

sparkled on the decorations,

and when the choir invited
everyone to sing,

I felt like I was joining
a chorus of angels.

That's beautiful.

Did you really grow up on
a reindeer farm?

No, who told you that?

- [all laughing]
- People talk.

My grandparents had a farm.
I did visit often.

Did you spend Christmas there?

Um, you know that song about
children spying

to see if reindeer really knew
how to fly?

Uh, one year, I think I might
have been ten,

I did exactly that.

What did you do?

Well, grandfather and
grandmother tucked me in.

I waited until they were
fast asleep,

and then I put on all my clothes
and I snuck outside.

And I was determined to watch
the reindeer all night long.

And did you see them fly?

Alas, no. No.

Grandfather found me the next
morning in the barn,

asleep on a stack of hay.

[laughing]

Sadly, my findings were
inconclusive.

That's a good Christmas memory.

Magnus:
Thank you.

Don't you get any ideas, okay?

♪

Magnus:
Wow, this is stunning.

This is how Washington
reminds me of home.

History and tradition
are present and important

and woven into the fabric
of everyday life.

It's stately.

Yes, stately and dignified.
Your favorite things.

These, um, ideals,

they were impressed upon me
by my father.

You know, he was--
he was a farm boy

who worked his way to university
and all the way up

through to a career in service
of queen and country.

He wasn't exactly welcomed
by the nobility,

so he felt that he constantly
had to prove himself

just to be accepted.

So he had to maintain even
higher standards of decorum?

The highest, yes.

My mother would try to tell him
that Queen Therese

most likely trusted him
precisely because

he lived outside the nobility.
He never believed that.

All he saw was how he stood out.

Arvid was the only one of
the Queen's staff

who actually befriended him
and helped him learn the ropes.

- Which fork to use.
- Amongst other things.

Tradition is important.

And there's good reasons
for propriety and protocol.

[all laughing]

Oh, sweetheart, it is on!

♪

Ah! Just the man I'm
looking for.

Oh, I wasn't aware we had
a meeting.

We didn't, but it seems
your ambassador

is dragging his feet
on signing our deal.

Oh, no, no, not at all.
Just a formal process--

I have the feeling that you're
the type of guy

that likes to know what problems
may arise ahead of time

so you're not surprised by them.

Yes, I certainly do like to
avoid calamity.

Especially anything that might
disrupt your generous donation.

Then we're on the same page.

Now it may be nothing,

but it is possible that your
little decorator lady

may try to cause some trouble
for me, for us.

Ms. Barnes? No, no, no.
She's harmless.

Unless you're an undecorated
bannister.

[chuckling]

Well, she may have
the wrong idea about me.

After her daddy died, I tried to
buy her family's tree farm.

I offered them a generous amount
and her mama accepted,

verbally, but by the time she
came to sign the contracts,

that young lady
had talked her out of it,

and convinced her mama of all
kinds of lies about me.

Outlandish lies.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that,

but luckily the decorator is
just the decorator,

and she will be gone
in a few days.

Well, just in case she has
anybody's ear,

wouldn't want her to
poison the well.

I bear her no ill will.
Just thought you should know.

Thank you for letting me know.

Keep up the good work, Alfred.

Thank you.

- How was it, sir?
- Magnificent.

Oh, sorry.

How did you find the capital,
young lady?

So fun! I totally beat daddy
in that snowball fight.

Yes, and don't let anyone
tell you any different.

Lily, your tutor is waiting
for you inside.

Bye!

Emily, this is very short
notice,

but the staff Christmas dinner
is this evening,

and we'd love for you and your
mother to attend.

Oh, um, that would be wonderful!

But I don't want to be an
intrusion.

No, no, it's no intrusion.

You're a member of the staff.
Isn't that right, Arvid?

Uh, well, I suppose you could
technically say

she works here.

We share the same first day,
after all.

[laughing]

Uh, Arvid, why don't you catch
me up on this afternoon?

Yes, sir, yes.
I had a good meeting.

- See you tonight!
- Thank you!

[sighing]

♪

I'll be back in a minute.

- You look nice.
- Thank you.

And thank you again
for including

my mother and I tonight.

Of course, I love watching
your relationship.

- It reminds me of home.
- Emily: That's sweet.

Ah-ah-ah!
They are just talking.

Maintaining the highest levels
of decorum.

Madam, my seat is at the--

Your seat, I believe,
is right here.

You, madam,
are not to be trusted.

Then you, sir,
better keep an eye on me.

Do you think we should
separate those two?

Actually, I prefer this
seating arrangement.

♪

Everything is so beautiful.

I have to admit, I've never been
to an embassy dinner.

Well, I hope you enjoy it.

The chef has gone all out.

Well, apparently there's going
to be a fish course.

Look at you!
Your first embassy dinner,

you already know
which fork to use.

Of course, formal dinners
and etiquette

are an important part
of event design.

Well, I will drink to that.

What do you have against Emily?

What? Well, nothing!
She's--

It's just that...
Magnus is like a son to me.

You know, Arvid,

Emily is not just a daughter
to me.

She's one of the finest
people I know.

And I'm not just saying that

because I'm like a mother
to her.

I've known Magnus since before
his first assignment

at the embassy in Paris.

I've watched him rise through
the ranks.

He's lost so much in
his life already.

I want to protect him.

You know, you have a crunchy
outside.

But you have a sweet,
gooey center, don't you?

Oh!
[chuckling]

♪

So tell me about your charity.

I love the work that it does,
at home and abroad.

It gives citizens the means
and support

to transform their farms and
their businesses

into more sustainable models.

Yes, I believe that most people
are willing to change,

so long as they have
the support to do it.

Magnus:
Exactly.

This charity,
it's one of the reasons

why I went into
the foreign service.

Not just to make a difference
in Belmaria,

but in the world.

And that must sound rather
lofty.

No, not at all.
That sounds fantastic.

Plus, you're actually doing it.

You are too. I mean,
you're going after your goal.

Emily:
Trying to.

You want an event design firm
of your own?

You want the lofty version?

I wouldn't settle for less.

[sighing]

I want to make artistic design
affordable and sustainable,

so more people can celebrate
the events of their lives,

and feel special among
inspired art.

All that while giving back
to the planet.

You're going to be
a success, Emily.

Your joy, your thoughtfulness,

it's infectious.

Um, in a good way, of course.

Are you suggesting that you're
feeling the Christmas spirit?

Maybe minimal Christmas spirit?

It's probably evident to you
that Christmas

is challenging for me.

I'm afraid that I may have
inadvertently trampled

all over the season for Lily.

I want to make Christmas special
for her, you know?

Especially after moving her
across the world.

I think I can help with that.

[glasses clinking]

♪

Wow.

Welcome! What a beautiful day.

Come on, let's go.

♪

[horse whinnying]

Those trees will be ready for
harvesting next year.

Did you know it takes seven
years to grow a Christmas tree

over six feet tall?

Seven years?
So you were planting those

when I was just learning
to walk?

- Pretty much!
- That's not fair!

They grow a lot faster than me.

Well, you're growing fast
enough for me.

♪

- [horse whinnying]
- Welcome back, everyone!

- Did you have fun?
- Yes!

All right.

♪

I have some nice mulled cider

warmed up for everyone.

Thank you.

Amanda:
There you go.

You know what?
I am so far behind

on my Christmas preparation,

and I really need to bake
some cookies.

Does anyone here
want to help me?

Uh, I would!

- Good!
- May I?

Of course, yes. But please don't
rope me into it.

Cookie-baking is beyond my
skillset.

But he makes great blueberry
pancakes, though.

He uses the blueberries
to make a smile.

Oh! That's what Emily does!

Why shouldn't your breakfast
smile up at you?

- Exactly.
- [laughing]

Come on, sweetheart.

So if you're not
into making cookies,

how are you at roasting
chestnuts?

People actually do that?

- Oh, yes.
- Yes, I'm in.

All right.

♪

Okay, so find the round part,
then you're going to score an X.

Yeah.

Yeah, very good.

Then you put it X-side up.

And now we are just
10 minutes away

from buttery, nutty goodness.

I'm really touched by
your mother's thoughtfulness

with Lily.
It's very sweet.

My mom is the best.

I've been so worried about her.

Worried? Why?
She's so vivacious.

[Emily laughing]

Are you trying to say that she's
a force of nature?

Well, in a good way.

No, no, she absolutely is.

And she's been telling me
not to worry about her,

but it was her heart.

I pressed pause
on my design work,

and my whole life, really,
and I moved in here

to look after her and the farm,

and now she has a clean bill
of health from the doctor,

and I know I should move on.

Magnus:
Start your own design firm.

Yes. I... I tried once.

Before all of this.

I signed a big lease,
I took out a business loan.

I called in all my favors,

I put my all into a few
projects.

And I did amazing.

But it didn't matter.

I couldn't gain the momentum,

my small operation was
too small.

But now you've got the
charity ball,

and "Views From The Capital,"
right?

It could be momentum.

My mom even found a space
for when the business rolls in.

And it's perfect.

But for some reason I'm hesitant

to actually commit
and make it all real.

Maybe you're protecting yourself
from something.

Huh.

My wife, um, Margerete,

she, uh, she loved Christmas.

She always made it the most
joyous occasion, you know?

She's been gone
over five years now,

and, uh, I have not celebrated
it since.

Until this year.

You, you taught me that there is
a lot to love about Christmas.

Maybe you've been wrapping
yourself

in a little bit
of bubble wrap, too.

Well, um...
[chuckling]

You said that your life feels
like it's on pause?

Maybe you should press play.

- [laughing]
- Touché.

[laughing]

Oh!

Oh, wow, look at those.

- Now comes the hardest part.
- What's that?

We have to wait for them
to cool.

I can handle that.

♪

Okay, I don't want you to get
too excited--

You're not the boss of me,
and I'm already excited. What?

I finally called about
the space.

- Yes!
- I'm gonna sign the lease.

- Oh!
- That is,

if it's still available.

Both: So let's not
get ahead of ourselves.

I'm so proud of you, baby girl.
That's great.

But when you said you had
good news,

I was thinking it might be more
along romantic type--

Oh, that's good.
That's good.

- Mr. Ambassador.
- I'm not interrupting, am I?

No.

I wanted to talk to you about
Dan Danvers.

I got the paperwork, but, uh,

I just can't bring myself
to sign it.

Usually I rely on logic
over my instincts,

and yet...

Trust your instincts.
Dig deeper.

And don't wait around for him.

You know, our farm is part of
an online community

of like-minded farmers.

I can give you contacts
of people

equally as passionate as you.

Yes, that would be very helpful.

You might not get the big fish,

but you might get a bunch
of little ones.

Magnus: There are a lot of great
potential connections

- on this list.
- Yes.

The list is a very cute gesture.
But what will it get you?

Five dollars here?
10 dollars there?

Well, you never know, Arvid.

I try not to underestimate
people.

Speaking of
not underestimating people,

I think we should sign the deal
with Big Dan today.

There's no way we can surpass
last year's total without him

and we're being cavalier
by dawdling.

I had Vera do some research
on Danvers.

Is this about Ms. Barnes?
Has she said something?

I'm simply doing my job, finding
out who I'm associating with.

Well, actually I was debating
whether or not to bring this up.

This is exactly what we were
trying to avoid.

Gossip.

Like it or not, pictures like
these have the potential

to sully the message
of the charity.

I just hope the queen
won't be upset.

This is not how things are done
in Belmaria.

Well, we can't control
everything the media says

about us, and these photos,
they reveal nothing.

- But you're leaning in!
- "Leaning in?"

Are you serious?

All right, forget about what
the media supposes.

I know you,
and I see what's happening.

I care about you too much
to not say anything.

Magnus, you must remember,
you represent the crown.

If not for your sake,
then for Lily's.

I know you mean well,
but being around Emily

is the happiest that Lily has
been since her mother passed.

I see that too, I suppose I even
see it with you,

but this is something that is
ultimately seasonal.

You've been swept up in
the magic, it's understandable.

But you know you have not
been focused.

Magnus, I-- I know what this job
and this charity mean to you

and for Lily's future.

Your work is the thing that has
held you together

these past five years.

This-- this interlude
with Ms. Barnes

without a doubt will hurt
everything

that you have been working
towards.

It's just the way of the world.

[sighing]

Emily, um--

Oh. Do you need help finding the
small conference room?

I was just calling back
to our first day.

You know, when I was the person
who put Christmas on the map.

Yeah, right. Um...

You're here late.

Just making sure everything
is good before the walk-through.

Everything will be on schedule,
right?

Of course! We're on schedule,
and I never miss a deadline.

Is everything okay?

Yeah, of course. Um, it's just
the media walk-through

and the charity ball are
fast approaching,

so I just want to make sure
everything is presentable.

I think you know it will be more
than presentable.

Uh, I wanted to tell you.

I called the realtor about the
commercial space.

I decided to hit play.

That's great. That is, uh,
very brave of you.

You are-- you're gonna do
amazing things, Emily.

I really should be on my way.

Bye.

♪

Julia:
You look rough, brother.

Well, I just endured
an Arvid lecture.

Let me guess.
Does it have something to do

with the photos I saw from
the staff dinner?

It looks like the "not your
type" decorator

from the press conference
was in attendance.

You're like Belmarian TMZ.

Yes, that's-- that's Emily.

Um... we're not suited.

Your countenance says otherwise.

No, Arvid is just telling
me the hard truth

that I need to hear.

There's too much at stake here
to feed into unseemly gossip.

You know, what would people
think if I was spending

too much of the donation money
on decorations?

Imagine what they would think
if I was actually

dating the decorator?

I think you might be finding
every excuse you can

to not open up your heart again.

Oh, come on,
my job's not an excuse.

Julia: No, I'm not talking
about your job.

I'm talking about
all the decorum.

Dad means well,
Arvid means well.

But what does Magnus want?

I want for the charity ball to
be a record success.

Well I look forward
to seeing you there, then.

One more thing.

If you don't have feelings for
this lovely decorator,

be honest with her,
and let her go.

I can see a lot in these photos,

and I can tell she
is quite smitten.

- Good night, sis.
- Good night.

♪

[exhaling]
Signed, sealed, and delivered.

Oh, I am so excited for you,
sweetheart.

And with the media walk-through
tomorrow, this is--

this is perfect timing.

♪

Good morning, Emily!

We've had a-- well,

a slight change in plans.

Sorry, what is going on?

The media walk-through
has been moved up.

I've never heard of anything
like this before.

They said there was
a last minute

superseding event tomorrow.

- Sounds like Big Dan.
- Oh, that's ridiculous.

Why would he sabotage an event
for which he's a donor?

'Cause this doesn't sabotage
the actual event,

it sabotages the publicity,
which sabotages me.

Why would he care about
sabotaging you?

Well, it doesn't matter how or
why it happened.

We need to pull together and
help each other out.

You're right, we were 100%
on schedule to finish tomorrow.

Now we just need a little
extra hustle.

- We can do this.
- Excellent.

Vera, go round up any staff that
may have a spare moment.

Emily, I trust that you have all
your helpers on deck?

- I'll round them up.
- Excellent.

We are going to get this place
decorated.

- Even you, Arvid.
- What? This is madness.

Look, worst case scenario,

they photograph the rest
of the embassy.

Best case, we get finished and
they're welcome in here as well.

You're forgetting we have the
photo-op with Mr. Danvers.

No, I canceled it.
Emily was right.

If I took a photo with Big Dan,
it would legitimize him

and I'd look like a fool.

Sir, if you don't reach the
contribution goal,

you could lose your job.

Arvid, I'd rather keep my
integrity than my job.

Have faith, old friend.

We still have plenty of time
to gain other donors.

Now do you want to unwrap
the decorations,

or fluff the bows?

[Arvid groaning]

♪

So I think we deliberately
save this tree

to let guests at the ball
help decorate it.

That's a brilliant idea.

No, the guests will love it.

It's a beautiful tree even bare,
if I do say so myself.

Well aren't you the talented
bow fluffer.

[chuckling nervously]
Madam.

Well, if it's worth doing,
it's worth doing right.

Indeed.

Well, um, we need to prepare
for the meeting.

I understand,
we'll be out of here

well before the event starts.

No, I mean, um,
that's not what I mean.

What I'm trying to say is,

would you be my official hostess
for the ball?

Hostess? Like, Maître D'?

No, no, no.
Um, my guest.

It's only fitting that you be in
the photos with all your work,

and you and your mother, you
deserve to celebrate in style.

Those sound like
perfectly good reasons.

Of course, I'd love to.

Excellent. I should get going.

Good luck finding new donors.

This is exactly what I
was afraid of. Look at these!

Magnus:
It's a beautiful photo spread.

Beautiful?
These pictures tell a story,

a very romantic story about you
and a certain Ms. Barnes.

Magnus: Yes, I see the story
they're telling.

This spread is not about
the charity!

It isn't even about you as
the new ambassador,

and it is in poor taste.

I suggest canceling the article.

You have a tendency to
overreact, Arvid,

so let's just hang on.

Emily's new business
is depending on the publicity

from the magazine.

Yes, it is very kind of you
to consider her.

She has done a lovely job,
and is a lovely person.

But this magazine is blatantly
embellishing the story

between the two of you
just to sell more copies!

The queen cannot see this.

You're right.
They do tell a story.

Well, shall I cancel
the article?

No, no, I'll take care of it.

As always, you are right, Arvid,

and thank you for pointing out
what was right in front of me.

You're doing the
right thing, sir.

I will see you at the ball.

Didn't I tell you?
Everything is working out.

The queen is here.
A beautifully decorated embassy.

A new business!

A healthy mom
in her dancing shoes.

A new romance!

You know, you are going to be
turning everyone's heads

at the ball tonight.

I know I say this a lot,

but we really shouldn't get
ahead of ourselves on this one.

He may just need a hostess
for the event.

Anyway, something--

something clicked off
last night.

It's like, it's like
he decided to put his heart

back into bubble wrap
or something.

Okay, I may have picked up your
knack for awkward metaphors.

Listen, Christmas is about
opening hearts,

and Magnus's heart is now open.

- You really think so?
- Mm-hm.

Because I'm pretty sure
I'm falling for him.

Oh, honey, I'm so happy for you.

I'll see you tonight.

[exhaling]

I can't believe you're this
excited about Christmas again.

- I'm so happy.
- I am too.

It's Emily, isn't it?

She brought Christmas
back to us.

She really did.

The queen is here.

Isn't it beautiful?

Mm, I've never been to a more
splendidly decorated ball.

Neither have I.
Even better than the palace.

Ah.

♪

Excuse me.

♪

It's a pleasure to meet you
in person.

You did a magnificent job.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Magnus, what are you
waiting for?

Yes, of course. Shall we?

- You look radiant.
- Thank you.

You look rather radiant yourself
tonight.

Thank you. The tree decorating
was a big hit.

There you are!

Oh, I'm so glad you made it!

Julia, this is my--
this is Emily.

Emily, this is my sister,
Julia.

Oh, it's a pleasure
to meet you.

It is so lovely to meet you.

The work you've done here
is absolutely breathtaking.

- Minus the scoreboard.
- That was me.

- I figured.
- [laughing]

Emily! Do you want to help me
pick an ornament for the tree?

Of course!

♪

Merry Christmas, ladies.

This evening is off to a
wonderful start.

Yes, although...

We still have quite a ways to go

to reach our fundraising goal.

I saw you met Emily.

Julia:
I did, she is so lovely.

I thought for awhile there
might be something

going on between her and Magnus,

but he confirmed with me the
other night that there is not.

He still hasn't fully recovered
from Margerete's death.

I sometimes wonder
if he ever will.

Anyway, the decor is just
simply stunning.

Vera:
Yes.

You sent the photos in,
didn't you.

What are you talking about?

These.

I don't remember any of these
pictures being taken.

That's immaterial! What matters
is that you sent them,

even after Magnus told them
not to print them!

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

I didn't send those pictures.

I know you are trying to gain
traction and recognition

for your career, you're scrappy.

But you have not given
any thought

to how this can affect Magnus
or Lily.

- I would never hurt--
- Not intentionally!

But people talk,

and photos like these set
tongues wagging.

Now it may not be
a big deal here,

but this is seen differently
in Belmaria.

The fall out will affect both of
your careers for the worse.

Look, your work here is
beautiful,

you have a gift.

But the best thing for everyone
is if you take the good press

you already have,
and leave quietly.

I didn't send those pictures.

And I would never do anything
to hurt Magnus or Lily.

In fact, I was already
on my way out.

So this was pointless.

I have to go.

I'm ready to sign the contract,

but I have added one
little clause.

[scoffing]

You think I'm going to
sign this?

Does it not uphold the values
that you've claimed to us

so boisterously?

Apparently if you don't
get my money,

you don't keep your job.

So what you don't seem to get

is that you need me more
than I need you.

What I need is my integrity,
not my job.

Sign it, or our business
is done.

[chuckling]

[clicking tongue]

We'll just see what your queen
says about it.

[sniffling]

Emily, sweetheart, what's wrong?

[gulping]

Magnus's heart isn't open.
It never was.

You need to talk to him.

Where is Emily?

Well, I just confronted her
about sending in the photos.

- She denies it, of course.
- What are you talking about?

I'm sure we'll need to do some
damage control

- with the queen.
- Arvid, where is she?

Well, she was on her way out
when we spoke.

Arvid, you have it all wrong.

Emily did not release the
photos, I did.

You? But why?
It's pure gossip.

It is not gossip if it's true.

Emily is amazing, and the whole
world should know it.

And that's what those
pictures do.

I am so sorry, I was trying
to look after you.

I-- I didn't realize the depth
of your feelings.

Honestly, I was afraid that you
might never feel that way again.

I thought so too, but I do.

And Lily adores her.

I can't deny my feelings,

even if it means losing the
respect of the queen.

The queen would not stand in
the way of romance.

♪

Thank goodness you're
still here.

Look, I really need to
talk to you.

Arvid! We need to talk!

You have every right
to be upset,

I was wrong and I'm sorry.

I didn't think Magnus's heart
was involved, but it is.

I realize that there is nothing
more unsuitable

than a broken heart.

Oh, okay.

Good talk.

I didn't send the pictures,

but I don't want to do
anymore damage.

If I hurt the charity, or Lily,
or your career,

I'll never forgive myself, and
the fall out will hit me too.

I'll be bad news,
no one will want to hire me.

But please believe me,
I had no idea

what pictures the photographer
even had.

I know.

You've been so wonderful,
Magnus.

I never would have had the
follow-through

to establish my firm if you
hadn't encouraged me

- to push the play button.
- Arvid overreacted.

I know you didn't send the
photos, I did.

- You?
- Yes.

I could have insisted they use
the other ones,

but the editor was right.
They tell a great story,

and they showcase the brilliance
of your work all in one.

Well, that's great publicity,
but I don't want it

at the expense of the charity
or you.

- And Big Dan--
- Don't worry about Big Dan.

Queen Therese:
Magnus?

Can you explain what is
happening here?

Yes, Your Majesty,
fire me if you must,

but I will not expect donations
that are little more

than bribes, and I will not
sully my name

or the name of the charity
by associating with that man.

- Do you see?
- I do.

Good.

It's time for you to leave.

What?

You're gonna take his word?

I trust his integrity
above all else.

I'll show myself out.

[guests cheering]

♪

Before I got interrupted,

what I wanted to say was that--

[loud popping]

[guests cheering]

Emily!

Your network came through
big time!

And they became especially
generous

when I tweeted that we dropped
Dan Danvers from our roster.

The numbers have been rising
steadily since.

All the little fish!

The thing you have to remember,
Arvid,

is Christmas isn't about
opening presents.

It's about opening hearts.

Madam, it even opened mine.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you for celebrating with
us this evening.

And thank you for all your
generous donations.

I am happy to announce that we
have met our goal.

[guests applauding]

I am deeply touched
that so many of you

support a cause
that is near to my heart.

Now many of you know me

for my efforts
in maintaining decorum.

But if you'll indulge me,

I'd like to show you
a different side.

First,

I want to thank a very special
person, Emily Barnes,

who is the reason this event is
so magical this evening,

and who transformed this embassy

into a warm holiday home.

I hope you all enjoy what I've
arranged for her this evening.

[choir singing
in foreign language]

♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a Happy New Year ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

You recreated my favorite
memory.

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a Happy New Year ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

Just wait right there.

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

This is for you.

Wrapped it myself.
Lily supervised, of course.

♪

It's from my home,
I want you to have it.

I thought you'd never give your
heart away again.

Nor did I.

But I was wrong.

Emily, you are everything that I
need and want in my life.

And in Lily's.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Ambassador.

I think we can dispense
with the decorum.

♪

♪