All language subtitles for Holiday.For.Heroes.2019.1080p.WEBRip.x264.AAC-[YTS.MX]

(spirited music)

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(festive music)

(cheerful music)

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year

♪ Now bring us some
figgy pudding ♪

♪ Now bring us some
figgy pudding ♪

♪ Now bring us some
figgy pudding ♪

♪ And a cup of good cheer

- Thank you.

Look at this.

Let's see what we got.

- Bring enough for the whole
class, Devin? (chuckling)

- Absolutely.

My sister goes above and beyond.

How about you?

Get anything from home?

- This is home.

Enjoy.

- Sergeant Evans.

From my sister's coffee
shop in Branford.

She roasts it herself.

You'll love it.

- Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

(soft music)

- [Evans Voiceover]
Dear Miss Brown,

I hope it's okay that
I'm writing to you.

Your brother Devin gave me your
address so I could thank you

for your amazing coffee
that he'd shared with me.

It reminded me so much
of home at the holidays.

I'm trying to ration it out
so I can extend my Christmas

into January and
February, maybe all year.

- [Brown Voiceover] Dear
First Sergeant Evans,

I'm so happy you
like the coffee.

When it comes to Christmas
spirit, I operate at a 10.

I try to stretch out the
season as best I can,

but by February I
already miss it.

I don't want you to have
to ration your coffee,

so as long as you promise
to celebrate Christmas

every month, I promise
to keep sending more.

Take care,

Audrey.

- [Evans Voiceover]
I'm doing my best

to keep up my end
of the bargain here.

This month I celebrated
by gift giving.

Red Barn coffee went with
me into a village today

and helped me make
a few new friends.

Let's just say your coffee
is an international success.

You may want to prepare
for some more orders.

Your caffeinated pen pal,

Matt.

- Four specials, you got it.

- [Audrey Voiceover]
That's amazing news!

We've been talking about
expanding the business.

Maybe we should
take it overseas.

My Christmas in July
trick is to sneak over

to the local hockey rink
real early with my skates.

The ice always has a way of
bringing me back to Christmas.

- [Matt Voiceover]
I'm so jealous.

I'm a true Minnesota boy,
so I could live on the ice.

Take a lap around
the rink for me.

I need it, 'cause
Christmas in September

has been a tough
one to come up with.

In times like this, I
think of George Washington

crossing the Delaware
on Christmas night.

I'm gonna borrow from
his brave example.

Thank you for your letters.

They mean a lot out here.

- [Audrey Voiceover] I love
that you're so into history.

My dad was the same way.

It's officially November,
so decorations are going up,

and I start planning the
Holiday for Heroes event again.

It's our way to thank the
local service men and women

and give presents to
the families in need.

It's the highlight of
the Christmas season

here in Branford.

Can you believe it's
coming up on a year

that we've been writing?

It went by so fast.

Anyway, I'm glad you've
enjoyed my letters.

It's been great hearing
from you as well.

Let's keep the tradition
going, shall we?

- Morning, Carlos!

- Good morning, Audrey.

- How ya doin'?

- I am fantastic!

- You know, your
artwork just gets better

and better every year.

- Why thank you, Audrey.

- So I brought you
some extra decorations.

- Oh!

You didn't have to.

I know you're busy.

- How's our Rosa
doing, by the way?

- Six weeks to go.

Juliana has a countdown
going and everything.

- I'm doing the same
thing for Devin.

- [Carlos] Good.

- I can't wait to celebrate them

at the Holiday for Heroes party.

It's gonna be amazing.

- Because you make it
amazing every year.

- It's because I have
an amazing caterer.

- Well he does
make a mean tamale.

- Speaking of, I'm gonna need

to sample those
very soon please.

- You got it.

How about tomorrow?

- Sounds like a plan to me.

- There you go!
- See you then.

- All right, we'll see you.

- [Matt Voiceover] Dear
Audrey, as much as I would like

to continue our letter
writing tradition,

I'm afraid I won't be able to.

Don't worry, it's good news.

- Hey!

You are never gonna believe

where they're sending
me to finish up.

- Where?

- Branford.

- No way, that's crazy!

I'll be there for Christmas.

- Well I'll see
you back home, huh?

- Look forward to it.

- [Audrey] My first stop
after work will be your shop.

Can we have a cup of Christmas
in December coffee together?

This one's on me.

(bright music)

- Audrey!

11 days!
- 11 days!

- I'm so ready to
have Keenan back.

- I know.

I plan to spoil Devin
rotten this Christmas,

partly because I need his
help decorating the barn,

but mostly just 'cause
I miss him so much.

- You haven't decorated?

Who kidnapped the real Audrey?

- I know.

But I just didn't want
to do it without him.

What is this?

(laughing)

- Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas. (laughing)

Can I pick 'em or what?

- Yeah.

- [Friend] I sure can!

No, I'm good.

Thanks, okay.

- Oh.

- Did you know the dress
shop was relocating?

They must have
moved out overnight.

- We're thinking the
same thing, right?

- All of this space?

I mean, we could do everything
we've been talking about.

- Break through the
wall, connect the spaces.

- Let's go back.

Do you think we can afford it?

- Doesn't hurt to ask.

- Okay, I'll ask Luke
about it tomorrow

at the Christmas tree lighting.

- Are you ladies talking
about me again? (chuckling)

- Hey, Luke.
- Hi, Luke.

- Sorry, I couldn't resist.

- The usual?

- [Luke] Yup.

- Hey.

- But seriously,
is there something

you wanted to talk to me about?

- Yeah, actually, it's
about the space next door.

We're thinking about expanding.

- That would be amazing.

- I am totally booked
up today and tomorrow,

but I could show you
around Wednesday, noon-ish?

- Yeah, that's be
great actually.

- It's a date.

- What do you think?

It's perfect, right?

- Let's put some lights on it.

(gentle music)

- Is there anything
more romantic

than a decorated Christmas tree?

- Still writing
your pen pal, I see.

- I'm just finishing my
to-do list for the party.

- Pen pal?

How do I not know about this?

- We're friends.

- Maybe.

But you look forward
to his letters.

- Real life love letters?

That's even more romantic.

- Okay, I've never
even met the guy.

Besides, he stopped writing me.

- Was he hurt?

- No.

No, nothing like that.

I asked Devin.

- Maybe he's planning
to show up here

and sweep you off your feet.

- Okay, can everybody just
relax for a second please?

I have too much work to do
than to focus on that stuff.

Besides, he's thousands
of miles away.

(upbeat music)

- Your office will
be over there, Evans.

Now, I know this is different

from your positions
in the field,

but we need a hand
with per stats.

- Personal statistics?

Great. (chuckling)

No, I have a little
experience there.

- Well, we have some
new regulations.

Familiarize yourself
with those, will ya?

- Yes, sir.

- Evans!

Are you kidding me?

- Oh, come on!

What am I, back in basic?

Thought you retired, Tom.

- From the army.

Teaching high school now.

They got me coaching hockey.

- No!

Well what are you doing here?

- I'm trying to get the brass

of public affairs to sponsor us.

- That's great.

- How long have you
been in the states?

- Long enough to unpack.

I got a month left
on my contract.

And they put me here.

(chuckling)

- [Tom] This is not
the Evans I know.

- Right?

But ...

it is nice to be stateside
for the holidays.

- Yeah.

Hey, you played hockey, right?

- Lakeville High.

Two-time Minnesota state champ.

- Still bragging about that.

- To anybody who will
listen, buddy, (laughing)

- Well hey, I got a way for
you to relive the glory days.

Why don't you come
help out with the team?

- Ah, they don't need a
second drill sergeant.

- No, I think they'd
really benefit

from someone that
knows the game.

I mean, I was pretty good,
but I wasn't all-state.

- Playing to my ego, huh?

- [Tom] Is it working?

- A little bit.

Yeah, that would be great.

It would be fun to
get back on the ice.

Yeah, thanks.

- All right!

Practice tonight, six o'clock.

- Tonight I can't.

I have a ...

meeting with someone.

- Oh.

Okay.

Tomorrow, 18:00 hours sharp?

- I'll be there.

- All right.

- Good to see you, Tom.

(gentle music)

- Have a great day.

- I'll have a cup of your
Christmas roast to go.

- Got it.

Oh, there's no charge.

- I really appreciate that.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

That's more than double what
her coffee would have cost.

- So generous of her.

- Let's add it to the
toy drive donation box.

- Pay it forward.

I like it.

- Jade, we should really
go back to storage

and look at the books.

- Ooh, I say we call
it the conference room.

It sounds classier.

(laughing)

- You're silly!

(gentle music)

(bells jingling)

- [Jade] I don't know, Nathan.

You might need to wait
until your father gets back.

- But my paper's
due before then.

- You know I'm only
helpful with the math.

- Hey, what can I get for you?

- I'd like a cup of
the Christmas roast.

I hear it's best in December.

- Yeah.

Oh, can I get a name for
the order, Sergeant Evans?

- It's Matt.

Oh, coffee's free
for servicemen.

I'll call your name
when it's ready.

- You know, as a history buff,

did you know that
this building was used

as a munitions stockpile
during the Revolutionary War?

- No.

But I bet my boss does.

Audrey!

- Oh.

You must be Pam.

- Wait.

Are you psychic?

- No.

- Is everything okay?

- Yeah, the sergeant wants to
tell you a historical fact.

What was it?

- Matt?

- Yeah.

I can't believe
I'm actually here.

- Is this your pen pal?

- No.

Yes, but I don't call you that.

- It's all right.

- I don't mean to act surprised.

It's just been a while
since I heard from you.

Since like September, right?

- September?

You didn't get the one
that I mailed last month,

saying I was stationed
here in Branford?

- That's amazing, but no, no,
I didn't get that one, no.

- Oh, well then sorry to just
show up and surprise you.

- It's okay.

I love surprises.

I do.

Should we sit?

- Sure.

What a great place.

I mean, I didn't know
how to picture it.

- Probably bigger.

- No, not at all.

It's perfect.

- So, you're stationed here now?

- Until I figure
out what's next,

they gave me a desk
job over at the base,

which I wasn't expecting,

but I was happy to get the
opportunity to come here,

and have a cup of
coffee, and meet you.

- It's nice to finally
be face to face.

- [Matt] I know.

- Oh, and now that you're here,

you can come to all of
our Christmas events,

especially the Holiday
for Heroes party.

- I was secretly hoping
to get that invite.

- Are you kidding?

Of course.

So?

What do you think,
a 10 out of 10?

- It's better in person.

It takes me back to
Christmas morning.

See the snow falling
on our porch.

- At your grandma's
house on Orchard Lake.

- Whoa.

You remembered that.

Nice!

- [Audrey] Yeah.

- What about you?

- Well, mostly it just
makes me think of Devin.

It's his favorite.

- Devin's a great guy.

Great soldier.

I was proud to serve with him.

(phone buzzing)

- Excuse me.

Ha!

His ears must be ringing.

Oh, that's so funny.

Hey!

Devin, you're
never gonna believe

who I'm sitting with right now.

First Sergeant Matt Evans.

- That's great.

Hey, Audrey, listen, I
need to make this quick.

I'm so sorry, but
we just got word

they need us in the field
here a few more weeks.

I won't be home for Christmas.

- How long will you be delayed?

- Not sure, but it's the
same for the whole company.

- Well, this is for sure?

I mean, we have so much
planned for everyone.

- It seems pretty certain.

We're just
undermanned right now.

But I'll check in again
in a couple of days, okay?

Love you, sis.

- I love you too, Dev.

(emotional music)

- Sorry.

- I'm guessing you know
exactly how this feels.

- All too well.

(phone ringing)

- Hey.

I understand, you
have a job to do.

Yeah.

Don't worry about us.

- I miss you, dad.

Yes, sir.

(emotional music)

- You okay?

- Yeah.

- You know what?

Go ahead, I'm gonna ...

I'm gonna go unpack.

But I would love
to continue this.

- That sounds good.

- [Matt] Maybe
I'll come by later.

- I'd like that.

(gentle music)

- All right, half ice
drill, then we pack it up!

- [Matt] They look good.

- Yeah.

Except for Nathan.

He's a little off today.

You know, he just
found out his dad's

not coming home for Christmas.

I'll talk to him.

- Hey, how'd your
meeting go last night?

- It was good.

- Yeah?

- Until she found out
her brother wasn't
coming home either.

- That's rough.

How do you know this girl?

- We were writing
letters back and forth

while I was deployed.

- Emails?

- No, no.

Actual letters.

And as it turns out,
she wasn't expecting me,

so I caught her a little
off guard, and it was ...

- Awkward.

Yeah.

What are you thinking?

You can't show up unannounced.

- Cut me a little slack.

I haven't done this in a while.

- I think it's great
you're making the effort.

- You know, I knew we wrote
back and forth for a year,

but I met this girl one time,
it's like I know her forever.

But I should've called?

- Yeah, yeah.

What's that Winston
Churchill speech

you were always quoting?

Never give up.

Never, never, never.

- No.

What he actually said
was never give in.

Never, never, never.

In nothing, great or small.

- You know what I mean.

- I know what you mean.

- All right.

- And I will not give in.

- [Tom] Good.

All right, let's go boys!

(bright music)

- Oh, you're closing already?

- Sorry.

Christmas tree lighting tonight.

- Oh, that's right.

It's Jade, right?

I'm Matt.

- Nice to meet you officially.

- You too.

You know where Audrey is?

I was just trying to
catch up with her.

- I'll give you one guess.

Tree lighting.

- Right, yeah.

That was stupid.

You're gonna be keeping
an eye on me, aren't you?

- [Jade] Mm-hm.

- I respect that.

We're gonna be
friends, me and you.

- Let's not get
ahead of ourselves.

- [Nathan] Hey coach.

- Hey!

There he is.

Hardest working
hockey player we got.

Got a good kid here.

So, where would I find
this tree lighting?

- You want to walk with us?

- Thank you.

(upbeat music)

- Yes, the Holiday for
Heroes party is still on.

It's gonna be great.

Everything's going
according to plan.

It's exciting.
- Hey!

- Zoe!

Hi!

- Hi.
- Hi there!

- I'm so sorry about Devin
and the rest of the company.

- Thanks.

- On behalf of the hotel,
I want to let you know

we are fully onboard
to have the party.

- I really appreciate that.

Even though we're missing
some of our heroes,

I think it's really important

that we celebrate
them, you know?

- Are we still gonna have
the toy soldier dance?

That's my favorite!

- Well we're gonna try our best.

Enjoy the tree lighting.

- Audrey!

- Hey, Luke!

- Hey, I'm excited
for our date tomorrow.

- [Audrey] I know, me too.

- [Luke] You guys
are gonna love it.

- Oh, I'm so excited!

I can't wait.

- [Luke] You're gonna
be big time now.

- We have some exciting
Christmas activities

that involve a lot of calories.

We've got the s'mores
festival happening

on the weekend and
in Murray Park,

our traditional Christmas
caroling downtown on the 17th,

and our classic traditional egg
nog competition on the 21st.

(crowd applauding)

Plus, we've got ice
skating and sleigh rides

happening downtown
all month long.

- Did she forget the
Holiday for Heroes party?

- Honoring our daughter
and the other troops?

That's our favorite
part of Christmas.

Are they not doing it this year?

- I'm sure she just forgot.

- [Mayor] Are you ready
to light the tree?

- [Crowd] Yeah!

(upbeat music)

- Five, four, three, two, one!

(cheering)

(ecstatic music)

- Mayor Fielding, Mayor
Fielding, Mayor Fielding?

Hi, hi.

- Audrey.

- Hi!

You forgot to announce the
Holiday for Heroes party.

- Yes, my office was
supposed to be in touch.

The council voted to
cancel the party this year

because of the
extended deployment.

- Well, does the city still plan

to match the donations
for the toy drive?

That's the most important
part of the event.

- I'm afraid not.

- The families will
be so disappointed.

- Yes, but the council
thought that the families

would be more
disappointed if they had

a Holiday for Heroes
party without the
heroes in attendance.

- Well, did you ask them?

- I'm sorry, Audrey.

It's been decided.

(curious music)

- Hi, everyone.

I'm Audrey Brown.

Some of you may have noticed

that Holiday for Heroes was
not announced this year.

The town has decided
not to sponsor it.

But that's okay.

I am speaking for the
planning committee when I say

we are going to
figure something out,

and we are going to find
another way to honor our heroes.

(applauding)

I don't know exactly
what that is yet,

but if anybody has any ideas

on how to plan
something for our troops

and support them during
this difficult time,

you can come to
the Brown homestead

on Old Oak Drive this Saturday.

And I will make sure to
brew you lots of coffee.

And um ...

- Excuse me.

- Oh, hi.

- That's great to hear, Audrey.

And Luke Montgomery
Realty is gonna be sure

to sponsor whatever we decide.

So bring your good ideas
and your holiday cheer,

and we'll figure something out.

- Yes.

(cheering)

(gentle music)

- Thank you for stepping up
last night at the tree lighting.

I don't know what
I was thinking.

- You were thinking
that it was wrong

for the city to
cancel the party,

and you wanted to do something
to help the local families.

- This girl got herself into
a situation, didn't she?

- She does that a
lot, doesn't she?

(chuckling)

Here it is!

- There's so much room.

- Yeah.

- The refrigerated pastry
counter I've been wanting,

it would fit right here.

- Your baked goods
could finally get

the space that they deserve.

Oh, and we could like
build a stage over here

and invite local
musicians to play.

- I like it.

- Hey, Luke?

Do you think the building owners

would let us tear
down this wall?

- Oh yeah, I'm sure
they'd consider it.

In the meantime,
here are the specs

and the prices on the space.

- Oh, wow.

That's more than
I was expecting.

- Well you guys are in a
longterm lease next door,

and the prices have
gone way up since then.

They could honestly get that

or probably even
more for the space.

- Oh, okay.

- I'll put in a
good word for you

if you want to make an offer.

You've been really
good tenants for them.

- What do you think?

- We've been wanting
this for so long.

We have to try.

- Yeah.

- All right.

Think of what the best
offer you can make is,

and I'll pass it
along to the owners.

- Okay, yeah, we
can do that today.

- Yes!

- And now, as someone who
is committed to the cause,

how can I help with
this planning meeting?

- How quickly can
you make a flyer?

- Planning party at your place.

How fun is that?

Do you want me to cover the shop

while you're at the meeting?

- [Audrey] Would that be okay?

- Yeah, of course.

But, oh, wait, just remember,

whatever you plan, I
have dibs on decorating.

- [Audrey] Done.
(bells jingling)

- Are you expecting someone?

Every time that door opens,

you light up like
a Christmas tree.

- I don't know, I thought
Matt would come by again.

- He did.

The night of the tree lighting.

I showed him to the town square.

You didn't see him?

- No.

- Hm.

Nathan can show him the flyers.

He's helping Coach Daniels
with the hockey team.

You want to write a
letter on the back?

- Very funny.

Actually ...

I'll take it to him myself.

- How do you get so much power?

- You gotta lock
your elbows, right?

So the stick flexes
against the ice.

You see that?

'Cause then that
generates a lot more power

than we can do on our own.

All right, here.

Come on.

Look, what you gotta do
is you think of your stick

kinda like one of those
medieval catapults, right?

Like you crank back
that wooden arm.

That way, when it releases,
you knock down the castle gate.

All right, come on.

Nice!

That was great!

Did you feel that?

- Yeah.

- All right, way
to put in the work.

Good job, I'll see you tomorrow.

- Hey coach, seems like you
know a lot about history.

- I would hope so.

I majored in it.

- Jared Franklin and
I are study partners,

and we're way behind.

Any way you could help tutor us?

- Of course.

You guys figure out a
day that works for you,

and we'll get it done.

- All right, cool.
- Good job today.

You did great.

- [Nathan] Thanks.

(gentle music)

- This is a nice surprise.

- I told you, I love surprises.

Well, except for this one.

The city is canceling the
Holiday for Heroes event.

- Oh.

- But I still want
to think of a way

we can celebrate these families.

Your insight would be really
valuable if you can make it.

- Of course I can make it.

- Great.

And I'd love to still
find that time to talk

or do something else,
do something Christmasy.

- Well the ice is free now.

'Cause wasn't this your
Christmas in July or something?

- Yeah, that's a good memory.

Where are all the decorations?

I know this is a hockey rink,

but this place is like a
four on the Christmas meter.

- Oh, right, 'cause you
only operate at a 10.

- Thanks.

Well.

No, honestly, I'd love to, but
I have to get back to work.

But some time, yeah, sure.

- I'll hold you to it.

- Great.

Okay.

I'll see you Saturday.

- [Devin] Who are you
gonna spend Christmas with

since I can't be there?

- Don't remind me.

Hey, you can see
the mantle, right?

I hung up our stockings.

- It looks great.

But I'm serious.

- I don't know.

Maybe I'll open up the
shop for people like me

who want a place to go.

- Did you put the tree up yet?

- I can't do it without you.

It's tradition.

- Don't wait.

This is your Christmas too.

I want you to be happy.

Listen, don't stress so much
about them canceling the event.

We all still know
you're thinking of us.

- But you deserve so much more.

- What are you talking about?

You spoil me rotten.

I get so many care
packages over here

that I end up sharing
'em with half the guys.

- [Audrey] Doesn't
everybody get care packages?

- Not the Audrey
Brown treatment.

- Well they should.

- Uh-oh.

I know what that look means.

Just promise me you
won't pull a full Audrey

and spend so much time
worrying about everyone else

that you forget about yourself.

Hey, I gotta go.

But I'll talk soon, okay?

Love you.
- Okay, I love you.

Be safe.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Jade.

How quickly can you make
12 dozen snickerdoodles?

(cheerful music)

- Audrey, Jade.

Audrey, did you
organize all this?

- Oh, with the help of
Jade's amazing baking skills

and wonderful volunteers
who brought donations.

- I'm gonna find
a home for these.

- Oh, hey coach!

- Hey fellas.

What's going on?

Let me see that.

- Your friend's here.

- Matt.

Hi.

- [Matt] Hey.

- I'm glad you could make it.

- Me too.

That looks familiar.

- Hey, would you let me
embarrass you for a minute?

- That doesn't sound good.

- Coach!

Coach, coach, coach,
coach, coach, coach!

- Could I get everybody's
attention, please?

Thanks so much.

I just wanted to thank you all

for coming to our
little planning party,

which then turned into our
little care package party.

And I wanted to introduce you
to First Sergeant Matt Evans,

who recently returned
from Afghanistan.

(applauding)

I was hoping you could
tell us a little bit

about what the care
packages mean to the troops.

- Honestly, they mean more
than you could ever know.

And it doesn't matter
how big or how little.

Just knowing that someone
back home is thinking of you

can make your whole day, or
even your whole holiday season,

because the reality is
is that not every soldier

gets something for Christmas.

I know because I
was one of them.

Until Miss Brown was kind
enough to remedy that,

and it changed
everything for me,

so I think this is a great
idea that you're doing.

- After hearing that, I
think we can all agree

that no soldier from this base

should go without a care
package this Christmas.

(applauding)

- Yeah.

- I've gathered a list
of all of the names

of those serving who
are from Branford,

so let's get packing!

Oh, and make sure you
add a personal note.

It really means a lot to them.

- Be sure that you tell 'em
that everybody back home

is okay, that you're happy.

It gives them the security
and the peace of mind

to go out and do their
jobs without worrying.

'Cause if you ask them,
they're gonna tell you

that it's the families
who are back home

keeping everything together
who are the heroes.

- Which is why ...

we should still throw the
Holiday for Heroes party,

in honor of all the heroes
right here in Branford.

Who's with me?

- We are.
(applauding)

- I mean, it would
be a lot of work,

especially since the city's
cut all of our funding, but--

- I'll provide the
food again this year.

- And I'm all over deserts.

- I'm pretty sure the hotel

can still donate
the event space.

- You know I'm great at flyers.

- Amazing!

I mean, we're practically
halfway there.

I would just need some help
with planning and logistics.

- I can do that.

I can help with the
planning, logistics.

- Thank you, great.

All right, everybody,
spread the word!

The Holiday for Heroes
party is officially back on!

(cheering)

And I just still have
to check with Zoe

to confirm that we
can use the hotel.

- [Matt] I have a confession.

- What?

- [Matt] I know nothing
about planning a party.

- Really?

- I just said that I would help

so I could spend a
little time with you.

- Oh.

Well I'm really glad you did.

- 'Cause you're not
the easiest person

in the world to get ahold of.

- What?

Okay, I admit I have a
hard time sitting still,

but I just figure if
there's work to be done

and people in need, I
might as well do it.

- Best prize life has to offer

is the chance to work
hard on work worth doing.

- Teddy Roosevelt,
and I totally agree.

Yeah, Devin says I do too much.

But he's off defending our
country, so he's one to talk.

- You and Dev seem pretty close.

- We are.

Our parents passed away
when I was 18, he was 12,

so I feel like I raised him.

- Wow, that was quite
the responsibility.

That changed your whole life.

- He's my brother.

He means everything to me.

- Well, besides maybe being
the best sister in the world,

what do you do for fun

that's not tied to committees
and party planning?

- I do fun things.
- Like what?

- Like, um ...

Oh, tonight actually, there's
this Christmas event in town.

Do you want to go with me?

- I would love to.

- Okay.

- After we finish this very
important planning session.

- I like your attitude.

I just want to make the
party great this year.

So many people can't make it.

It has to be extra special.

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la

(laughing)

- I don't even know.

I think I did it wrong.
- No, it was good.

(laughing)

Oh, hey, Carlos,
question for you.

We're talking
Holiday for Heroes.

What is the best part
of the event for you?

- Besides the toy soldiers?

- It's really fun.

- No, but honestly, the
best part is when they honor

my daughter Rosa
and all the troops.

It unites the families,
makes them strong.

Oh, hey, I got
something for you.

Hold on, stay right there!

- You know, I haven't
been to a place this fun

for Christmas in a long time.

- Yeah.

So what did you usually
do for Christmas?

- Well, I spent a lot of
those years writing papers

every spare moment I had,
trying to finish my degree.

And then, after that I
would find all the guys

who couldn't go home
for Christmas, and
we would celebrate.

- That's nice.

So what are you doing this year?

Are you heading
back to Minnesota?

- My grandma passed
away about 10 years ago,

and I've been
overseas ever since.

So, I just don't have
an emotional connection
there anymore.

But what was that ...

What was the thing Carlos,
the toy solider thing

Carlos was talking about?

Is that like a Revolutionary
War reenactment.

- Oh, you'd love
that, wouldn't you?

- [Matt] Yes I
would! (chuckling)

- I hate to disappoint
you, but I think

we're gonna have to
cancel it this year.

I should take it off the list.

- Wait, you haven't
even told me what it is.

- Well, every year some
of the local troops

do this really great
marching routine

dressed in the uniforms,
dressed like toy soldiers,

the big hats, the red coats.

It's super charming.

- All right, okay,
these are for you.

I want you to drink this
and tell me what you think.

- Is this your eggnog?

- Oh yeah!

And I put a little extra hint

of Mexican hot
chocolate in there.

- Ooh, a little kick in there.

I like that!

- Do you think it
needs more cinnamon?

- Maybe a pinch.

- Sadly, I really shouldn't.

I'm judging the eggnog
competition this year.

I need to remain impartial.

- I am not a judge, nor do
I need to remain impartial,

so I want hers as well.

- There you go.

That right there is
the Christmas spirit.

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la

- So the Christmas thing that
you invited me to tonight,

what's that all about?

- Well let's just say if
you like Christmas before,

this is gonna make you
like it even s'more.

(chuckling)

(upbeat music)

- [Matt] What is all this?

- Just some extra
firewood and blankets.

- You aren't related to
Florence Nightingale, are you?

- I can't help myself.

I don't want anyone to
be too cold out here.

- Okay.

- We can rest this
here if you want.

- Yeah, okay.

- Yeah.

Hey there.

We will take the Jolly
Saint Nick package please.

- Oh ho!

Where are the toppings?

- Over there.

And there's a lot of options.

There's peanut butter,

there's chocolate
covered espresso beans.

People here get really creative.

- I am an expert at this.

Let me make you one.

What would you like?

- Surprise me.

- Meet me in 10 minutes.

(bright music)

- Hi.

- Hey.

All right, close your eyes.

- Okay.

- And open.

- How am I supposed to eat this?

Oh no!

Oh, it looks good though.

Oh, that's good.

I might eat one more bite.

Wow, what is in this?

- Peppermint bar,
chocolate drizzle.

- This is like a 10 on the
Christmas s'mores scale.

You have to try it.

I don't think I'm
ever gonna be able

to eat a regular s'more again.

Do I have anything on my face?

- No, it's perfect.

Me?

- You're good.

- But you know what?

If we don't have this
after eating s'mores,

we're just not doing it right.

- So true.

How am I?

- Pretty good.
- Yeah?

- Yeah.

- So, how'd you get pulled
into coaching the hockey team?

- Oh, assistant coaching.

Tom asked me to.

You know, I was raised by my
grandma, and a coach stepped in

and it really made
a difference for me.

- Paying it forward.

I like it.

- Military school
in Virginia, huh?

Never saw you as
the teaching type.

- It's just an interview, sir.

- Well, your leave is approved,

but your commander may not
write your letter of rec.

- And why is that?

- Come on.

You know he wants
you to reenlist.

Army always needs good
men like you in the field.

You can teach when
you're gray like me.

Evans.

Think about it.

(gentle music)

- How cute is this?

- Oh, I love that one!

I had a collection
of angels growing up.

I myself was a snow
globe kind of girl.

- Ah!

You and Devin both.

My parents used to give
him one every Christmas.

After they passed, I
kept up the tradition.

- You know, you're a
really good sister.

- Well, I had a lot of support.

This whole town was here for us.

That's why I want to give back.

I mean, this toy drive is so
important to so many families.

- Hopefully some more
donations will come in soon.

- Without the town
matching the donations,

we're not gonna come even
close to what we're used to.

- We're doing the best we can.

- You know what, I'm
gonna talk to Zoe tonight.

Maybe she can leave a
donation box at the hotel.

And maybe Luke can
leave one at the office.

Oh, and I can call the
local news station.

Maybe they can do a story,
and it'll raise awareness.

- I'm sure everyone
would love to help,

but don't spend all
your time on this.

You should enjoy the
holiday too, you know.

- Well, my way of
enjoying the holidays

is making sure everyone
else enjoys them as well.

- You certainly
help me to enjoy it.

Especially with Keenan gone.

(phone buzzing)

- It's Matt.

- Well, pick up.

- Hey.

- Hey, how are you?

- I'm great!

I'm here with Jade.

We're wrapping gifts
for the toy drive.

- Oh, nice.

Hey, I was wondering if ...

you would want to join
me for a skate tonight.

I may even have a
surprise for you.

- Tonight?

Oh, I have to work
on these donations.

- Actually, I'll do that later.

I'd love to go with you.

- You know what,
actually I'd love to go.

- Yeah?

Great.

Well maybe we meet at
the rink around six?

- Okay.

I'll see you then.

- See you then.
- Bye.

Are you sure this
is a good idea?

We only have a week.

- Audrey, I love you, but
you're in desperate need

of a night to relax
and have some fun.

- Keep 'em closed, closed.

Slow down, slow.

And ...

Open.

♪ Have yourself a merry
little Christmas ♪

(gasps)

- It's amazing!

You did this?

- I had a little help.

By the way, the hockey
moms can do anything.

- It's beautiful.

- Well, we started at a four.

But now?

- An 11.

Definitely an 11.

- Ready for that skate?

After you.

♪ Have yourself a
merry Christmas now ♪

♪ Through the years we
all will be together ♪

♪ If the fates allow

♪ Hang a shining star

♪ Upon the highest bough

You having fun?

- Yeah.

Are you?

- It's perfect.

- Actually, this isn't
quite your speed, is it?

You used to being out here
with a stick in your hand.

- Feels a little wrong.

- Right.

Okay.

I'm game.

Let's go.

- Really?

- Come on, coach.

Show me you skill.

- So that's pretty much it.

You want to try one?

- Sure.

All tied up.

- Ambushed.

That changes things
for me a little bit.

Uh-huh.

Two-one.

- Devin was the first
freshman to make varsity.

I am a hockey mom.

Yes!

Two-two.

(shouting)

- Looks like we're
a pretty even match.

Tie breaker?

- Game on.

Let's go.

- [Matt] Okay.

- Come on.

So there's this Christmas
caroling event tomorrow.

Would you want to go?

- I wish I could.

I'm leaving for
Virginia tomorrow.

- Wow.

What for?

- I have a job interview.

A history position opened up

at a military school down there.

- That's amazing.

Good for you.

- We'll see.

I'm not sure what's
gonna come of it.

But hey, I will be
back on Wednesday

if you want to do
something then.

- Sure.

Well, why don't you let me
do something for you then.

What was the thing you missed
most when you were overseas?

- Food.

(laughing)

Traditional American food.

- Like hamburgers?

- Yes, and mac and
cheese, and fried chicken,

and turkey, and everything.

- Okay, well, why don't we
make dinner at my place?

How's Wednesday?

- Seriously?

- Yeah.

- Yeah, I can't wait.

Thanks.

(cheerful music)

- Merry Christmas, everyone!

I have great news.

Took a little Montgomery magic,

but the owners
accepted your offer.

(shrieking)

- That's great!

- Now there's still the
cost of opening the wall,

which they won't cover.

- Okay, so what do we do now?

- I already called
my contractor,

and he's gonna be giving
us a bid this afternoon.

- Wow, Luke, you are on it.

- Thanks Pam!

What's all this?

- Oh, we're starting
a donations board

for the Holiday for Heroes event

if you don't mind
spreading the word.

- Oh, sure.

How is your helper working out?

- Oh, uh ...

All of my helpers are
working out great.

Thanks.

- Well, you have my number,
just in case I can help.

- Bye.

(screaming)

Yes!

- Sergeant Evans.
- Commandant.

- So glad you could make it.

- Thank you for inviting me.

What a beautiful
campus you have.

- Yes, it is.

How you feeling?

- Great.

Excited for the
interview process.

- Oh, that's over.

The history faculty
was convinced

from the moment they
saw your resume.

I mean, you're a
decorated soldier

and you finished your education

in the midst of your service.

You're exactly the kind
of role model we want.

Now, I'm ready to
offer you the position,

but before you take it,

I want you to really
think about your decision.

- I will, and thank you.

Sir, it would be an honor
to be a part of your team.

- Well, that's not the decision

I want you to
think about, Evans.

- Sir?

- I spoke with your
company commander,

and he had nothing but great
things to say about you.

He told me you're an excellent
leader, a team player,

and he doesn't want to lose you.

I'm not telling you to
stay in the army, Matt.

I'm asking you, before
you say yes to this job,

to be certain.

So tell me, are you certain
you're done with the army?

(gentle music)

- Okay.

So, we're gonna start
decorating the ballroom

on the morning of the 20th.

That gives us less than a
week to get things organized.

Until then, if you want
to pledge any donations,

feel free to just write
them on the snowflakes

and pin them to the board.

- I'm gonna help the kids

build gingerbread
houses at the party.

- I think the hotel has
some mini tables in storage

that we can use for that.

- [Jade] Nice!

- I'll take photos of the kids.

Ooh, we just need a Santa.

So, let me know if anyone knows

of someone jolly
enough for the job.

(chuckling)

- I'll do the banners
again this year.

(applauding)

- Hey, I think I'll
help you with that.

- All right, there you go!

- Yay!

It's gonna be great.

- Hey, do you have a minute?

The contractor's here.

- Oh, yeah.

- Great.

- But here's where you
need to make a decision.

Now, unfortunately, this
is a load-bearing wall.

It separates this
space from your store.

I can open it up
for you, sure thing.

But it won't be cheap.

- Can you give us
an estimate, Pete?

- I can put some numbers
together for you.

Any other questions?

- Yeah.

Have you ever played Santa?

(chuckling)

- All right, there you go, Don.

Thanks for coming in.

Hey, tell Patricia
I said hi, okay?

- I can't believe
you asked him that.

- Why?

He's adorable.

And he was thrilled to do it.

- You have a one-track
mind, sister.

- Pam, we got you a Santa.

(gasps)

- It's a Christmas miracle.

(giggling)

- Wish he could put a
load-bearing door on his sleigh.

- Oh, and ...

you've got mail.

- Was it from Matt?

- It's the missing letter.

(giggling)

- [Matt Voiceover] Dear Audrey,
after 20 years in the army,

I'm at a place where I have
to make some big decisions.

But you'll never guess
where they're sending me

for my last month
of my enlistment.

Branford, Connecticut.

I'm not sure where life
will take me after that.

I have an interview at a
military school in Virginia

for a teaching position
in the history department.

As you may guess,
that's pretty enticing.

But the army is also
pushing pretty hard

for me to reenlist.

I don't know, but I
have 30 days in Branford

to make that decision.

And in the meantime, I'm
really looking forward

to meeting you in person,

Matt.

(doorbell ringing)

- Welcome back!

- Merry Christmas.

- Wow!

What could it be?

Come inside, come in.

- Ah, thank you.

- Matt.

I got your letter.

The lost letter.

Telling me you were
coming to Branford.

- Wow, it came?

- So, you only
have 30 days here.

Even less now, actually.

Why didn't you tell me?

- I don't know.

I should have.

Sorry.

It just never felt
like the right time.

I've just been having
so much fun with you.

- Yeah, me too.

So tell me about your interview.

I bet they loved you.

- They offered me the job.

- That's great.

And does the army still
want you to reenlist?

- Yeah.

I'm getting hit on all
sides with that one.

- Wow, you weren't kidding.

You have a lot of big
decisions to make.

- It's overwhelming.

- Well, what I always do is
make a list of pros and cons.

I can help you with your list.

- Did you just go into
planning mode for me?

(laughing)

- I guess I can't help myself.

- You know what, Audrey?

I actually would
really like your help.

But tonight, I just want
to set that stuff aside

and be here with you.

Is that okay?

Sorry I didn't say anything.

Toast?

To finding our
happiness at Christmas.

And all year long.

Okay, now what do
you want to do?

Do you want to watch
a Christmas movie

or maybe go out and
take a walk in the snow?

- Actually, Devin said that
I ought to do something,

and I think I'd like you to
help me if you're up for it.

- Lead the way.

(gentle music)

- Bet you didn't know I
was that good with an ax.

- Yeah, you were
like Robert the Bruce

from the Battle of
Bannockburn out there.

- [Audrey] I'm guessing
that's a good thing.

- It is.

I can't believe I'm in the
actual barn from the coffee bag.

- Yeah.

When my great-grandfather
bought this land,

he couldn't afford to
build a barn and a house,

so he built the barn first.

That Christmas, everyone
gathered in here

and they put up their tree,
and their tradition stuck.

- That's so great.

(gentle music)

- Hey.

You okay?

- I'm in here every
day roasting the beans.

It's just, with the
tree it's different.

It's the last thing we did
with my parents that night.

We all decorated
the tree together,

and I stayed here with Devin,
and they went to a party.

The weather was nasty.

There was ice and wind
on these windy roads.

The other driver
just lost control.

- I'm sorry.

- I thought that I would
hate Christmas after that.

But I couldn't do that to Devin.

So I ...

overdid it every year.

I wanted to make it as
fun for him as possible.

But the tree, that's ...

The tree's always really hard.

That's why I always
do it with Devin.

Except this year I
don't have his help.

He's turned the tables on me.

He wants to make sure
that I still do Christmas

even though he's not here.

- And I'm honored.

Where should we put it?

(gentle music)

You okay that I put that on?

- Of course.

I'm glad you feel at home.

Comfortable, I mean.

- Come here.

♪ Just like the ones
I used to know ♪

Happy?

- It's perfect.

♪ Where the treetops glistn

Want to dance?

♪ And children listen

♪ To hear sleigh
bells in the snow ♪

- Matt.

About the job offer.

- Oh, let's not
talk about that now.

- I just ...

want to say ...

if you have to leave,
I'll keep writing you.

- Me too.

♪ May your days be
merry and bright ♪

♪ And may all your
Christmases be white ♪

- [Tom] So you bought her a
hockey stick for Christmas?

Is she still talking
to you? (chuckling)

- She's incredible.

- Well Annette
wants to meet her.

She's been bugging
me to have you over.

How's Friday?

- I can't Friday.

I got a meeting at the base.

You know, I took a look at
that new SRB they sent out.

- You thinking about
staying in the army?

- Of course I am.

That's all I've known,
what I'm good at.

- You take that signing bonus,
that's three more years in,

first year overseas.

- I know.

I just ...

want to make an informed choice.

- Hey, Matt, long-distance
relationships are not easy.

- But not impossible.

That's how Audrey and I
started this whole thing.

- Yeah, sure.

But things are
different now, right?

- Look, Tom, obviously I
would love to stay here

and play this out with
her, but I gotta work.

Right now I have
two great options.

It's just, unfortunately they're
both taking me down a path

that's away from her.

- Well maybe there's
another path.

(bright music)

- Hold up!

- There's only eight
snowflakes up here.

- Why is it still so empty?

Everyone seemed so excited.

- Give it time.

(bells jingling)

- Ho, ho, ho!

Hi ladies.

I have that estimate for you.

- [Audrey] Thank you.

- Is this where you volunteer

to sign up for the
Holiday for Heroes party?

- I already signed
you up to be Santa.

- Yes!

And on top of that, my
wife is making pies.

She's a middle school teacher,

and the kids are really
excited to help out.

Can she make copies of these?

- We'll take all
the help we can get.

- Thanks.

And let me know if you have
any questions about that bid.

- Bye Santa.

- See?

It is going to happen.

- The party maybe.

- Okay.

- And he even comped
his own labor.

It's just so expensive.

- We do have some savings.

- No, our savings are
going to the chairs

and the tables at the new space.

Plus we need the
refrigerated case.

- What's really bothering you?

- What if I'm falling for Matt?

And he decides to move
to Virginia next month,

or he gets deployed again?

- Can I tell you what I learned
being married to Keenan?

- Yes, please.

- You can't live
in the what-ifs.

Instead, I have to live
in the what-I-haves.

And what I have is pretty great.

I have Keenan, even
though he's far away.

I have Nathan, I have
you, and this shop,

which is great, whether
we expand it or not.

And we have--

- Pies, and a really jolly
Santa, and gingerbread houses,

and a photographer, and help
with set-up and tear-down,

and something else I can't read.

- And of course a beautiful
venue, and a few days

to round up whatever
else we need.

With Matt, just
enjoy what you have,

and let it build from there.

- Okay.

(chuckling)

- [Matt] You know,
there's one task

that we've been
neglecting for the party.

- [Audrey] Are you serious?

What?

- The toy soldier routine.

- Oh, I don't know.

All the guys that used
to do it are overseas.

- Everybody seems to love it.

I'll get guys from the
base, and we'll learn it.

- You're gonna do it?

- Why not?

Is it hard?

- It's like a whole
dance thing, you know?

Like the tin soldiers.

- Oh, like the robot, like ...

(laughing)

- Arms down!

Those are some
good moves though.

Oh, I think it's our turn.

(gentle music)

- Here.

- Thank you.
- Okay?

- Yeah.
- There.

(cheerful music)

- Hey!
- Hey!

(gasping)

- Tada!

- It's perfect!

You made this?

- Rosa told me I
needed to paint more.

- I love it.

- Thank you.

Let's stick it over there.

- Thanks guys!

- [Matt] Hey.

- Hi!

Matt.

You made it.

We're just getting started here.

- Great.

- You okay?

- Yeah, yeah.

Listen.

I just had a conversation--
- Audrey.

I'm so sorry.

Can I talk to you for a minute?

- Of course, Zoe.

What's up?

- Not here.

Can we step outside?

- [Audrey] Okay.

- Hey coach.

- Gentlemen.

I'm glad to see you're
here giving a hand.

Coach, what would
you say is the reason

Hamilton endorsed Jefferson
in the election of 1800?

- Great question,
because Jefferson

was in the opposing
party as Hamilton, right?

What was that?

What's going on?

Guys, I know you're
not over here

talking early American politics.

What's going on?

- Jared and I told the guys
about how you helped us,

and they wanted to soak
up some of your knowledge

before our big test coming up.

- Well what do you say we put

a little team study
group together?

That sound good?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

- All right, we'll do that.

- Hey, can I get
everybody's attention?

Really fast.

There's been a bit of
a scheduling mix-up.

A corporate event has
this space now, so ...

Long story short, we
can't have the room,

so we have to move out.

- When?

- Immediately.

So, if everybody doesn't
mind gathering up their stuff

and putting it in
boxes, I'll hold onto it

until we find a new venue.

- Where's Zoe?

I'll talk to her.

- No, she feels awful.

She's practically
in tears back there.

I think tonight all we
can focus on is just

packing up.

Thank you so much.

You can just put
it in the truck.

I appreciate it.

- [Matt] Okay,
we're good in there.

Is this the last of it?

- It should be.

- Hey, Audrey.

For what it's worth,
I think sometimes

we have to give ourselves
permission to fall back

and regroup for the
next mission, you know?

- Yeah, but I don't have
anywhere else to go.

It's so last minute.

I mean, canceling
this party twice?

That sounds devastating.

- I know.

But we will find another place.

- Thank you.

Oh, what were you trying
to tell me earlier

before Zoe walked up?

- [Matt] Oh, no,
I'll tell you later.

- It's okay, no, it
sounded important.

What was it?

- I just had a meeting
over at the base,

and they want me to
reenlist for at least

another three years, because
they want me to be an officer,

and they're gonna pay for
my officer training and ...

It's a big offer.

- Wow.

Congratulations.

- Thanks.

Look, why don't I just,
I'll follow you back,

and we can get this
stuff unloaded.

- You know what,
that's okay, I got it.

- What, no, no.

- Yeah, I ...

I just want to go home and watch

It's a Wonderful
Life and recharge.

I'll see you later.

- Okay.

(phone buzzing)

- [Audrey] Devin.

- Hey.

- Oh, it's so good
to hear your voice.

- [Devin] What are you up to?

- I'm in the barn.

- Did you put the tree up yet?

- I did.

Actually, Matt helped me.

- Oh, he did, did he?

- Devin, everything
is going wrong.

Matt may be reenlisting, we
can't afford to expand the shop,

we lost our venue for the
Holiday for Heroes party,

and I have nowhere to
put all of those people

at the last minute.

(chuckling)

Are you laughing at me?

- Well I can't help you
with the first two problems,

but the last one
is pretty simple.

- What do you mean?

- Audrey.

Take a look around you.

Our family has always
had Christmas there.

Why not share it
with the community?

- Oh, well Dev, I mean,

this is our special
place with mom and dad.

Letting Matt in was
one thing but ...

- What would mom
and dad have done?

Fill the barn with Christmas,
the way it's supposed to be.

- I miss you so much.

- [Dev] I miss you too.

Good thing I called
to save the day, huh?

- Funny.

- Hey, I just got the time's
up signal, so I gotta go,

but I'll talk to you again
before Christmas, okay?

- Okay.

I love you.

- Love you too.

All right, talk soon.

- Bye.

(bright music)

- I'm so glad your
barn worked out.

I felt terrible
about what happened.

- I'm happy to host.

- Hey.

Luke sent you this.

Congratulating you
on the expansion.

- Oh!

That was sweet of him.

- I'll put it on the counter.

- Thanks.

All right, let's see.

Wow!

Okay.

This attendance list just
keeps getting longer.

- Almost every family
in town is coming.

- I'm worried we're
not gonna have

enough gifts for the kids.

My favorite part of the night
is watching their sweet faces

as our Santa gives them
all their presents.

What happens if we run out?

- We've had collection boxes
in almost every business

in town, but I think
people are tapped out.

- Right.

I just wish I had
more to offer them.

Unless ...

I'm sorry, can you
excuse me for a minute?

Jade?

Conference room.

- We could match the donations.

- What, how?

- With the money with
saved for the lease

on the space next door.

It would mean we'd have
to wait longer to expand,

and we'd probably
lose the space.

But I don't know, I've
been thinking a lot

about what you
said the other day

about how we need to
focus on what we do have.

- I totally agree.

What's a few more
months of us having

to squeeze ourselves
into this back room

if it means we get to honor
these families the right way?

- You're the best.

You know that, right?

- I've heard.

(chuckling)

(bright music)

- Good job.

This is a special place.

- [Tom] It is, right?

- It's the first place that's
felt like home in a long time.

- I'm guessing that's
not just because

of your new running partner.

- He's all right.

(chuckling)

There's something with Audrey,

something I've
never felt before.

I just don't know if
she feels the same way.

- Well I think you
should ask her.

- Okay, look, the
problem is I don't know

if she's into me or
this other guy, Luke.

- Montgomery?
- Yeah.

- From the for-sale signs?

No, don't worry about that guy.

You just, you worry
about yourself.

- I'm trying, it's just ...

You know, I get these
two great job offers,

and my head tells me that
I can't pass those up,

but yet it feels like
I need to stay here

and see if something
happens with us.

(gentle music)

- I think you should
tell her that.

- I think you're right.

(cheerful music)

- It's pretty good.

- Let's cheers it.

Bring it.

Green to green.

Perfect.

Wow.

That one's gross.

(chuckling)

- Okay, everybody.

The top three entries
have now been sampled,

and it's time for the judges
to submit their final votes.

- [Luke] There you go.

- Hey.

Are we all going out after this?

I have to talk to
you about something.

- I'm all yours.

Did you get those
flowers I sent?

I am so excited for you guys.

- Yes, that was so,
so sweet of you.

Actually, that's what I
have to talk to you about.

- And the winner of this year's

Christmas eggnog contest is ...

Carlos Gabon!

- I did it!

(cheering)

Thank you, thank you.

I'm the eggnog king!

(laughing)

Thank you, honey.

Thank you so much.

Hey!

- Matt!

- Hey, Pam.
- Can I--

- Have you seen Audrey anywhere?

I can't get ahold of her.

- [Pam] She's judging the
eggnog contest tonight.

- Oh, right.

- Did you know that,
although they taste terrible,

carnations are entirely edible?

- Um ...

Where is the eggnog contest?

- Downtown Bar and Grill.

Hey, let me get
you a free latte.

- No thanks.

- Matt?

- Ah, thank you.

- Thank you.

- So what's up?

- Jade and I can't
afford to lease

the space next to
ours right now.

- Is this about
the renovation bid?

- No, that was gonna
be a challenge, but ...

The Holiday for Heroes party
is really important to us.

So we've decided to use
our down payment money

to cover the extra expenses.

- Wow.

- I know, you probably
think we're crazy,

but we both agree
that the community

really needs it right now.

- You're an amazing
women, Audrey.

You know that, right?

I wish I could hold
the building for you,

but it's not my call.

Are you sure about this?

- I am.

- Okay.

(emotional music)

To what might have been.

- What might have been.

(bright music)

- Don's Meats is donating pigs
in a blanket, 500 of them.

Look at all these snowflakes.

It's like a blizzard in here.

- How did this happen?

- Apparently Luke
told his colleagues

about the wonderful sacrifice
his client was making

for the military families and
that they should help out too.

- Well that was
very nice of him.

This one's new.

- Matt put it up a while ago.

It got moved around when
you put the new sign up.

You haven't seen much of
each other since then.

- Not at all, actually.

Jade, I don't know
what to say to him.

- It's okay to tell
him what you want.

- He hasn't told
me how he feels.

- Well what's important
is how you feel.

- I adore him.

- Then why haven't
you told him that?

- Because it's scary.

- Yes, it is.

- But I can be brave.

- Yes, you can.

- Matt.

Matt Evans.

Meredith Franklin.

It's the principal
of the school.

Her son Jared's on the team.

- Oh, of course.

Nice to meet you.

- Jared tells me you helped
him with his history paper.

- A little bit.

He and Nathan were
struggling in that class.

To their credit, they came
by and asked for help.

So we stayed after practice
and worked on their papers.

- And when he finished, you
read it and gave him feedback?

- On Jared's, yes,
he asked me to.

- My son has never
gotten an A in his life,

and definitely not in history.

- Good for him.

Obviously he has it in him.

- The boys work hard
for Matt on the ice too.

He's good with them.

He's tough, but he's kind.

We're in good shape this season.

- Sorry, did I do
something wrong?

- Quite the opposite, Mr. Evans.

Coach Daniels tells me
you've been offered a job

at some other school, but
he'd prefer to keep you here.

- Oh, he would, would he?

- If you're interested, come
by my office sometime soon.

I'm sure there's
something we can work out.

- I will, thank you.

- Thanks.

Looks like you
got another offer.

- Thanks for doing that.

- Well, maybe you can see
things through with Audrey now.

- She's not interested, Tom.

- You saw her talking
to another guy.

What's the big deal?

- It's more than that.

I haven't seen her since
the night of the borrow.

- You told her you might be
shipping of for three years.

What kind of message
did that send?

- I got a text that said,
"Sorry I'm so busy."

Come on, I can read
between the lines.

- Matt!

Don't make tactical
decisions based on hearsay.

First get your intel
correct, soldier.

(bright music)

- Over there is perfect.

- Can you believe all
the help we're getting?

- It's so inspiring.

I can't believe it.

It's all coming together!

Hey, you haven't seen
Matt yet, have you?

- No, and you just
asked me 10 minutes ago.

Did he say he was coming?

Well, I texted him the
info, but he didn't reply.

- You need a more
direct approach.

- What are you doing?

Jade?

Jade!

He's responding!

I need to talk to you too.

I can meet you there in 15.

- I can hold down the fort here.

(emotional music)

(bells jingling)

- Hey there.

- Hi.

I'm sorry that I haven't
been in touch lately.

I just ...

When I heard you
were leaving town,

I guess I was just
trying to protect myself.

- I get it.

Audrey, listen.

Look, if I'm not ...

If you're interested in somebody
else, you can just tell me.

- Who else would I
be interested in?

- Well I saw you at the bar
with Luke the other night.

- He's my realtor, Matt.

- It's obvious he wants to
be a lot more than that.

- Luke is a really nice
guy, but he's not for me.

I mean, he spends more
time on his hair than I do.

(laughing)

And he certainly wouldn't
do the robot in public.

Matt, we weren't on a date.

- Um ...

Can we start this over?

- Yes, please.

- Great.

Hey.

I'm Matt.
- Hi.

- We've been writing
letters together all year.

- [Audrey] Oh, okay.

We're going that far back.

- Yeah, why not?
- Okay.

Well, Matt, it's nice
to finally meet you.

- Nice to finally meet you too.

- Would you like a coffee?

- Great.

- [Audrey] Okay.

- You know, those letters
really got me through,

made me feel like I had
someone to come home to.

Audrey.

I thought about you every day.

And now--
- No, wait.

I have to say this.

Matt, I love talking with you,

and dancing with you, and
making s'mores with you.

And I would really love to
spend Christmas with you.

But I can't ask you to stay.

You have to decide
that for yourself.

But I can tell you how I feel.

And I am falling for you.

It's Christmas every
month of the year.

They're beautiful.

- When I was overseas,
you were my angel.

And you still are.

Audrey, you don't have
to ask me to stay,

because I've already
decided to stay.

Because I met this girl.

And there's no way I can leave

without giving it a chance.

- Life is full of
little surprises.

- And I have a couple more.

I gotta go.

- You're leaving?

- I will see you at the party.

(chuckling)

- Wait!

Can I at least get a hint?

- Nope.

(bright music)

- This is so exciting!

Why are we here?

- Mysterious meetings in
the middle of the night.

What's this all about?

- I don't know.

- But why is it a secret?

- Is it some kind
of town emergency?

- Ah, why did you
call this meeting?

- Well, I didn't
call this meeting.

- Who did?

- My new friend, Matt.

- Thanks, Luke.

I wanted to ask all
of you for your help.

- Okay.

(cheerful music)

- Hey, come here.

How you doing?

- Good.

- What would you
like for Christmas?

- I would like a half
pony and half unicorn.

- Oh!

Okay.

Let's take a picture on that.
- Say cheese.

- Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Hey, buddy.

- So gorgeous.

- So did you all
try the tamales?

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

- Wow, it looks
great in here, right?

- But seriously, I mean,
you're not gonna believe me,

but December is
the month to buy.

- Congratulations, partner.

We know how to throw a party.

- We really do.

I just wish they could
all be here to see it.

- We'll send them
lots of pictures.

- Okay.

I am finally ready
to enjoy myself.

- This I have to see!

- Wow.

You look great.

- You look great.

- So does the barn.

- What are you up to?

- What do you mean?

- Matt Evans.

- Would you let me
embarrass you for a minute?

- What?

- Can I get everybody's
attention please?

Welcome, everyone.

This is my first
year being a part

of the Holiday for Heroes party.

While we will still have a
lot of your favorite moments,

we decided to flip the script
a little bit this year.

Now, we all know Audrey Brown.

(applauding)

Who works so hard every
year on this party.

You know, usually she's up
here, giving a beautiful tribute

to those who are serving
in the armed forces.

Today I stand here as
one of those soldiers

to give a tribute to her.

Audrey, you have
such a giving heart.

You go above and beyond to
make things special for others.

We all know it, and we
all wanted to say it.

These are cards thanking
you for everything

that you do for us
at Christmastime and
throughout the year.

But that's not all.

We also have something
else we want to give you.

- In case you hadn't
heard, Audrey and Jade

put their dream on hold so
we could be together tonight.

They used their savings to cover

the extra costs of this party.

- You have both taken
care of all of us

over the years in
different ways.

And so now it's our turn
to take care of you.

We present to you the newly
expanded A&J's coffee shop.

(cheering)

The town pitched in to
cover the renovation

and the first year
of the extra lease.

- I can't thank you all enough.

You have no idea how
much this means to us.

- We love you, Branford!

(cheering)

- Now let's get back
to some of our favorite

holiday traditions.

- Ladies and gentlemen,
march of the toy soldiers!

(applauding)

(whimsical music)

(applauding)

- Devin!

(gentle music)

- Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome home

the entire 192nd
infantry battalion

of the Connecticut
National Guard.

(cheering)

(ecstatic music)

- Why didn't you tell me?

- I was going to, but
since you love surprises,

Matt and I decided it would
be a lot more fun this way.

- Well done.

- Great homecoming top.

Thanks for putting it together.

- I can't believe it!

You've made this
the best Christmas

I could ever possible imagine.

♪ I'll be home for Christmas

♪ You can count on me

♪ Please have snow

♪ And mistletoe

♪ And presents under the tree

I can't believe
you did all this.

- You deserve it.

I do have one more
tiny surprise.

- Okay, now you're
just spoiling me.

- I just took a job
teaching at the high school.

- In Branford?

- I'm staying here.

But you can write me
a love letter anytime.

(gentle music)