Original subtitles

This program is rated G

and is suitable for general audiences.

This program is rated G

Hey there, sleepyhead.

I just got done Skyping Grandma and Grandpa.

They send their love.

I miss them.

Aw, they miss you, too.

Maybe we can go to Phoenix

and visit them for Easter!

Cool!

What's this?

I made a list.

All the things we can do over the Christmas break,

starting with "finish decorating the house."

I promise, we will do that together,

along with "wrap lots of presents,"

and, "make a ridiculous amount of gingerbread cookies."

Yum!

What's on your Christmas list?

You are all I need for Christmas.

Now, why don't you eat up

so your mama's not late for work?

Welcome back, Mrs. Carlucci.

Why, thank you.

Hi!

My goodness, you're glowing!

Well, get yourself a honeymoon in St. Barts,

and you can glow, too.

Yeah, I'll pass.

Well, you never know.

Yeah, sometimes, you do.

Hey, Scarlett!

You're excited to be on Christmas Break?

Yeah.

We have a lot of things to accomplish.

I made a list.

Apple.

Tree.

I know, she didn't fall far.

No.

Laurel!

Just who I wanted to see.

Hello, Mr. Mayor!

Hey, Scarlett!

How are you?

Mind if I borrow your mom for a sec?

Sure!

I'm bringing it back!

What, exactly?

The Christmas Parade!

But we haven't been able to afford that

for five years.

And that's the Christmas miracle.

Turns out we have an unexpected surplus

that says we can afford it!

Okay, but...

Trust me, there's more than enough for a parade...

a big one.

Floats! Bands! The whole shebang,

just like we used to.

But I just wonder if maybe...

I know you,

and I know what you're going to say...

be practical.

Exactly.

But Laurel, it's important

to celebrate the good things, too,

and everybody loves a parade.

Hey, Scarlett? You like parades?

Yes!

There you go.

Parades. Everyone loves them.

Okay, fine.

I will get started immediately in the New Year.

Oh, no.

This year!

What?

One does not delay a celebration.

But Christmas is in two weeks!

So, no time to waste!

Howard... I...

Laurel, you've been doing a great job

running Parks and Recreation-- superb.

You can do this.

Think of how happy it will make everyone.

Think of the accomplishment.

And then think of the promotion.

Ah! Thought that would get your attention.

Laurel, I so believe in you,

and when you pull this off,

I'm going to appoint you City Manager.

I... I don't know what to say.

Tree. A big tree.

At least 20 feet, maybe 30.

I know you can do it.

Ha, ha...

I can do this. I can do this.

Is that your car?

It was.

My dad gave me that car in high school.

My baby...

You don't drive it anymore?

No.

It's been sitting in my dad's garage for a while.

The engine needs work, but it's expensive,

so I'm saving up.

What's the progress?

Um, so, Jeff's Tree Ranch thinks

they may have one 15-footer back at the farm

and the Taylors have one that's close to 20 feet.

But they're not sure?

It's too busy right now for them to double-check,

but they said we could if we wanted.

Well, let's go find out.

Okay, but don't forget,

we have to exchange my violin for a bigger one.

Yes, yes.

Add it to the list.

Have fun!

- You okay, Mom? - Of course.

It's going to be a lot of work,

but when I was a little girl,

I looked forward to the parade all year long,

and I'm glad now you'll get to see it, too.

I hope you're okay

with the change of plans over Christmas break.

Of course! It's a parade.

Everybody loves a parade.

Hey, Betty!

Hey, how'd it go?

We went to both farms. It's a no-go.

The trees were all scrawny!

I think we have to make a contingency plan

in case we can't find one near town.

Okay.

Big Tree contingency plan.

There are a few other Christmas tree farms

that may work.

There's one in Vermont... Payden's Pines.

Oh, will they deliver?

It says they do, but I'll confirm.

Thanks! You're the best!

Okay, bye!

Bye.

Okay, next, we need to think about floats.

Chamber of Commerce will want one.

Could my school have a float?

Absolutely!

Mom, slow down.

What is that?

Looks like a sleigh.

That's strange.

I don't remember there being a house up here,

but look at that sleigh.

It looks like a Santa sleigh.

I've only seen them in movies, though.

And parades.

Maybe we can fix it!

It would need a lot of fixing up.

It doesn't even have runners.

But it would be so cool!

It would.

Hi!

Ha, ha!

Hello to you.

My name is Laurel Bishop.

This is my daughter, Scarlett.

Greetings!

I'm Mr. Winter.

Is this your sleigh?

You noticed that, huh?

Yeah, it really caught my eye.

It has a tendency to do that.

Can I buy it?

Buy?

Or borrow? Whichever.

Well, I don't know.

I...

You know, it has a lot of sentimental value to me.

I met my wife while I was riding on this sleigh.

You met your wife while you... were riding on the sleigh?

It's a long story, but, uh...

great ending.

Oh, okay!

Let me back up.

I'm overseeing the Mission City Christmas Parade.

Is that coming back?

That's wonderful!

Yes.

The point is, my daughter and I

think this sleigh would be perfect for the Santa float.

We'd fix it up, if you wouldn't mind.

Uh...

It would look amazing in the parade,

and they don't make things like this anymore.

No, they certainly don't.

Ah... I don't know.

I was going to move it up north...

Well, if you promise to mend it with love...

We will! We promise!

And to get it back to me immediately after the parade?

We promise.

Okay.

All right, all right. It's a deal.

Great!

Shake.

Bye, Mr. Winter!

- Bye! - Bye-bye, now!

Okay...

This'll just take a minute.

Mom, look!

No!

No, no, no, no!

No, no, no, no, no...

No, no, no, no, no...

No, no, no, no, no, no!

Look out!

Whoa!

I'm sorry!

It just came loose from the...

Anyone seen the reindeer that go with this?

Alex?

Laurel!

Are you okay, Mom?

I'm fine, honey.

Alex, this is my daughter,

Scarlett.

Scarlett, this is Alex McCord.

Nice to meet you.

Hi!

Well, if it isn't Laurel and Scarlett Bishop,

and you brought a sleigh.

I've never had a sleigh before.

Hello, Audrey.

It's for the Christmas Parade.

The Christmas Parade?

They're bringing that back?

How marvelous. Are you in charge?

Yep.

Did I tell you

that Laurel is the Head of Parks and Recreation?

You did.

Aunt Audrey likes to keep me up-to-date

on all things Mission City.

How riveting for you.

You'd be surprised.

Speaking of surprised, what are you doing in town?

I thought your folks were in Portland,

visiting your sister's family.

It's a small town. Everybody knows everything.

I forgot.

I'm sure.

So where'd you find this?

Near the woods by Hickory Road.

We're going to make it into Santa's sleigh

for the parade.

Well, that's going to take some work.

Anything worthwhile usually does.

Well, this is practically going to need

a full renovation.

How are you going to pull that off

in two weeks?

Alex?

All that time in New York hasn't made it

so that you forgot everything your uncle taught you

about how to fix up antiques, has it?

That's okay.

We can manage on our own.

Really?

Really?

Yes, really.

Just stay here.

I'm going to pull the car around.

How do you know my mom?

We went to school together.

- High school? - And college, yeah.

Alex grew up in Mission City.

But you moved away?

To New York, after college.

Is this your first time back here?

Do you want to be a prosecutor when you grow up?

My mom says being curious is one of the most important things

a person can be.

Ah.

Oh, excuse me.

Always...

always listen to your mom.

Oh, and here she is.

'Kay, let's go get in the car.

Fasten your seatbelt.

So, do you have a plan?

- Excuse me? - For fixing this thing up.

I'll think of something.

All right, so you were just being stubborn

when you told me you didn't want my help.

Or independent.

Yeah, I'd call it stubborn.

I'm sure you would.

So you didn't answer my question.

What are you doing here?

I'm, uh...

I'm helping Aunt Audrey sell the store.

She's selling?

Yeah, it's practically already sold.

I'm just helping her through the last steps.

I can't imagine this place not being here.

I love this shop.

I remember.

You used to come in here all the time.

Well, I thought if I looked hard enough,

I'd find a magic lamp,

or a watch that would let me time travel.

Always looking for magic.

And never finding it.

So I made my own.

When do you go back?

Uh, the 26th.

Well...

have a pleasant visit.

Maybe I'll see you around?

It's Mission City, Alex, not New York.

I'll see you around.

Oh, I want to see it! I want to see it!

Please?

Okay,

but keep in mind, it's still a project.

Right.

It needs all kinds of work.

It needs a lot of new paint and new runners and...

Right.

It's gone.

Maybe it flew away.

Call around. See if anyone's seen it.

You want me to put out an APB

on a missing sleigh?

Whatever works.

I'm going to drive around, see if I can find it.

Okay.

Okay.

What lunatic steals a sleigh?

Seriously?

So, you changed your mind.

What?

You know, about me helping fix this up.

Wait, you didn't take it?

Why would I take your sleigh?

I don't know!

To... dash through the snow?

Ah, yeah, that's it.

You caught me.

Whatever. I just need to get it back

and hopefully keep this thing in one place.

Can't you just, I don't know,

get one in a little better shape?

Another Santa sleigh?

Two weeks before Christmas, while I'm planning the parade,

and trying to make sure

my own daughter has a good Christmas?

Laurel, okay, just... come on.

Just let me help, all right?

You know I know woodworking.

That's not the point.

You still have that birdhouse I made for you in shop class?

Maybe.

It's a good birdhouse.

Maybe.

Don't be stubborn.

Independent.

Which can lead to being overwhelmed

if you're not careful.

Come on!

Look, the sleigh already likes me.

It's already found me twice.

Two times.

Fine.

See, that wasn't so hard, was it?

Maybe.

I'll be back to check on you.

I mean your work.

I look forward to it.

Oh, I like that one.

I like this one.

Santa's sleigh is red.

Everyone knows this!

Elves!

I was thinking there should be plenty of elves

at the parade.

Noted.

Excellent!

That promotion's looking better every day.

However, I can't help noticing the distinct absence

of something very important at Town Hall.

The Christmas tree is on its way.

Fantastic!

Guess we'd better find that tree.

Yeah.

So who's this guy renovating the sleigh for free?

Um, an old friend from high school...

and college.

Wait...

is this "Almost Fiancé Alex"?

"Almost" only counts in horseshoes, Betty.

And heartache.

That has to be a country song.

But he's back?

The guy who left you after college

for his "dream job" in New York is back?

Briefly,

and then he returns to New York, where he lives,

and who knows?

Maybe this time, he'll even say goodbye.

Hi, Mom!

Look who I found outside.

Hi!

Hey.

Mr. Carlucci!

Mrs. Carlucci!

Hi.

How did your first parade float meeting go?

Good.

We picked our theme, The First Christmas Eve,

and I'm going to be the Star of Christmas.

That's great, honey.

Mrs. Swenson says she can make the costume.

Costume?

For the star.

She's making Molly's.

Oh, no, that's okay.

I will make your costume.

That was very nice of Mrs. Swenson.

Yeah.

Yeah, okay. Yeah.

Thank you.

I just got a call

from the Concord Antiques Consortium.

Their attorney is sending over the paperwork

in the next couple days.

Oh!

Already, huh?

Are you sure you want to do this?

Yes, I've waited my whole life to retire

and see the world.

My old friend, Sylvia, you remember her?

- Of course. - That's who I'm going with.

She's got our entire itinerary planned out.

She's a Virgo.

Ah.

First Europe,

then Australia!

All right, so why the look just now?

Well, I suppose this store's been my baby

for a lot of years.

It'll be natural to miss it, that's all...

and it'll always remind me of your Uncle Teddy.

He loved this place.

Now,

I think I have us a lead

on some replacement runners.

That's great news. I want to get those on there

before Laurel comes by and sees what I--

- Laurel! - Hi, Audrey.

I just stopped by to see how the sleigh is coming.

Oh, how lovely.

Well, I think I'm going to go get some lunch.

Traitor.

Hi, again.

Why are you making that face?

What face?

That face.

There's no face.

Did you break it?

What?

No.

No, no, no, no, no.

This is a work in progress.

What happened to the side?

It, uh...

it broke.

- Broke? - Yeah.

Did you break it?

I was there when it happened.

Alex...

Laurel, look, we're working on it.

Aunt Audrey's got a lead on some replacements,

and we're tracking down new runners.

You have to understand how important this is to me.

The mayor is talking about making me City Manager.

Oh!

So this is a career boost?

Yes, and I'm sensing something behind that comment.

No, just...

it's good to see you recognize

the importance of taking the necessary steps

to improve one's career.

Wow.

You managed to turn this into one of our old arguments

in less than a minute... impressive.

- Laurel, come on... - You know what?

I'm not going down that road again.

I'll fix the sleigh on my own.

Laurel!

I'll send someone over to pick it up.

Laurel, wait!

Thank you.

So, what happened to Alex?

Oh, he was better at breaking things

than fixing them.

Uh-huh.

So, who's going to make this beaten-up old thing

look more like a Santa sleigh?

I thought you and I could.

No!

What?

You completely restored that old car of yours.

I fixed that car with my dad because he loved cars...

which, in case you hadn't noticed,

are not sleighs.

They're both transportation.

You acted impulsively, didn't you?

And impractically!

That is not the Laurel Bishop I know.

We all have our sides.

Is this side named Alex?

Fine.

I will fix it on my own,

add it to my endless list of "to-do" responsibilities.

Wait, Laurel, you don't know anything

about restoring an antique sleigh.

No one in this place knows anything

about restoring an antique sleigh.

- You know who might know? - That old man!

Who?

- Genius, Betty! You're a genius! - No, no, no, wait!

That's not who I was talking about!

Wait! No, no, no, no! That's not who I was--

No. What?

Hi, sweetheart!

Hey.

You got a date?

Work.

I'm up for a new position within the company.

Exec VP.

Oh! Congratulations.

Thanks. It looks good.

I'm just... waiting on word.

It's funny.

I never really saw you as a banker.

Finance.

You know what I mean.

I remember

when you and your uncle would work together,

fixing all kinds of treasures I'd haul in here.

A lot of summers doing that.

He, uh...

he taught me so much.

Woodworking was your favorite.

It was, but you know...

things change.

Some things do.

Some things don't.

Laurel's still as lovely as ever,

and a wonderful single mother.

Did you just emphasize "single"?

Did I? Come on.

I made your favorite. Lemon meringue pie.

Ah!

So what did you find out?

Nothing.

The cabin was completely dark.

Now what do we do?

I don't know,

but I have to pick Scarlett up at Molly's.

We'll figure something out.

- Okay. Good night. - Good night.

Mom, I'm tired.

I know, honey.

I'm sorry. It past your bedtime.

Why don't you lay down here

while I talk to Alex?

Did you lose your sleigh again?

No, that's not why I'm here.

I apologize.

I overreacted and was unfair to you,

and I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Now, you going to let me fix that sleigh?

You still want to do it?

Sure.

I hate incompletion.

Well, I do have dozens of other carpenters

lined up for the job,

but I suppose you were first,

so...

How generous of you.

Come on, Sleepyhead.

There you go.

Thank you.

There you go, buddy.

I think these bring out the color of my eyes.

What do you think?

We can't have blue pillows.

It's not Christmas-y.

Well, you know what?

My aunt is a wiz at sewing,

so we just have to find the right fabric.

Just not green.

The sleigh is going to be green.

Uh...

I assumed it would remain red.

Why does everyone think that?

Because Santa's sleigh is red!

It's common knowledge.

You know what?

I think I know

where this "Santa's sleigh is green" thing is coming from.

Where?

It's your mom's favorite color.

Do you remember that Christmas sweater

you used to wear every single year,

with the giant snowmen on the pockets?

Green. Ugliest thing I've ever seen.

Sweet, but ugly.

This coming from the guy

who used to wear the same striped knit cap

all the way through high school.

Was it red?

Oh, yes,

and it made him look like an elf,

and, for the record,

green is not my favorite color.

Oh, really? What is?

Scarlet is my favorite color.

Sounds like red to me.

Fine. The sleigh can be red...

as long as...

the interior is green.

Ha ha!

All right, I'm going to throw these in the back.

You guys get warmed up.

- Okay. - All right.

No way.

Alex?

Yeah?

It can't be the same one.

I think it is.

What is that?

I met your mom because of this snow globe.

She was in the store.

Like always.

She was looking at this snow globe,

and she picked it up...

And Alex was behind it. All I could see was his head!

My body was blocked.

I screamed!

So loud.

And your aunt came running in from the other room!

You know, I'm actually surprised she could hear you.

I thought only dogs could hear sounds at that pitch.

What is it?

Is everything okay?

Yeah, it's just... it's a...

It's a work thing.

Oh.

Don't they know you're on vacation?

Yeah, but it's about a new position at the firm.

It's, uh... apparently looking good.

Such great news!

Will you have to leave sooner?

Uh, no.

I mean, at least, I don't think so.

Well, Scarlett and I need to get home.

We have some Christmas decorations

we need to finish.

Awesome! Do you guys need any help?

No, we can't take up all of your free time.

Laurel, come on. It's Mission City.

There's not that much to do.

Unlike New York?

Sorry.

Bye, Alex.

I remember this!

Grandma bought it for me when I was little.

Which was ages ago.

Your star costume!

I should've bought the fabric when we were at the store today.

I've been so distracted.

It's okay.

No, it's not.

Tomorrow. I'll get the material tomorrow.

You've been working very hard on the float.

It's been so much fun.

I can't wait to see it when its finished.

I know, right?

And the sleigh.

Hey, Betty.

You're not still at the office, are you?

Uh, we're all doing our part.

Uh-oh. Tell me it's not the tree.

Okay.

It's the tree.

It went to Mission City, Maryland.

How is that even possible?

I don't know,

but the folks of Mission City, Maryland

were very appreciative of our "gift" to them,

and are sending us a holiday fruitcake

in return.

Swell.

Does Howard know?

Not yet.

Okay, it's getting late.

We have to get another tree.

We will. I have a couple leads.

Tell me how they work out.

Will do.

Thanks, Betty.

Bye.

Hey!

Any luck with the Davis Tree Farm?

They just sold their last 20-footer yesterday.

That's it for the neighboring states.

I'm not sure how much farther out we can go

and still arrange for a tree to get here

and be decorated on time.

Hi, Alex.

Hey.

Alex, what are you doing here?

Uh, nothing!

Just...

you know, all is...

uh, as well as... as it...

as it... you know... you know how things go.

That makes no sense.

None of this does.

I don't know what happened.

The doors were locked when I came in.

Alex, you're making that face again.

Please don't be mad.

What?

The sleigh is gone.

again.

Okay...

did anyone see where the sleigh went?

Cute sleigh, needs work? No?

Let me check the office.

I'll see if we have any messages, okay?

Great.

Is everything okay?

We're just...

Smoothing over some stuff.

But everything's going to be fine, honey.

Don't worry.

So there was a message on the City Hall main line.

Someone named "Mr. Winter"

said he was the one who loaned you the sleigh,

and he has it.

Wait, hold on. Mr. Winter?

It's back at his place?

That's what he said.

This is starting to be more trouble than it's worth.

Maybe we should just find another sleigh.

But I like that one.

Yeah, at this point,

I'm kind of partial to it myself.

Fine.

How about you stay here with Betty,

and Alex and I will go pick up the sleigh?

Okay...

There's something I've been meaning to tell you.

I'm sorry.

For what?

For after college.

I was young, I was stupid,

and I didn't handle it, handle us,

in the right way when I, uh...

Just left?

Without saying goodbye?

I felt terrible about it ever since.

You know, seeing you again...

it made it feel like it just happened.

Well, it didn't just happen.

It was a long time ago,

and we're very different people.

Are we?

Yes.

All right.

And look, I'm so happy for you.

You're living your dream,

you know, what you always wanted to do

since you were a kid,

and I'm doing great.

I've got Scarlett.

Mm.

What happened with us was in the past, right?

Yeah, right.

Here we are.

Remote cabin in the woods?

Mysterious goings-on?

All I'm saying is,

these stories don't usually end well.

You're being dramatic.

Tell that to Hansel and Gretel.

Hey! Hello, welcome, Laurel!

Come on in.

Mr. Winter!

After you, Gretel.

Thank you.

My pleasure. Welcome! Hello!

Wow!

I'm Alex McCord.

It's great to meet you.

You know, I think I remember you.

Oh, I'm sure we've never met before.

Oh, are you?

Your home is so lovely!

Thank you!

But I'm a bit confused.

I was here just the other day,

and this place...

looked nothing like it does now.

It was practically empty.

You're sure you were at the right cabin?

Yes! Maybe...

I thought I was.

Please, have a seat.

Make yourselves comfortable.

A little homemade cocoa.

Thank you.

Your message said

you found the sleigh?

I didn't see it anywhere outside.

About that... I found those old runners,

and I thought, well, I should fix it

before I head back up north.

If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the sleigh?

It's a very interesting piece.

Ah, so you saw that, huh?

I'm in antiques.

Since when?

Okay, well, I used to be around antiques and woodworking.

Regardless, it's a rather...

interesting design, wouldn't you say?

I think you could say that.

So where is it?

Let me put on my coat, and I'll show you.

This way, please.

Come on, follow me.

Watch your step.

I could've sworn this was the place.

Now it looks so different.

You did remember

to leave a trail of breadcrumbs, right?

Well?

Here we are.

The runners, they're beautiful.

With a little paint,

she'll be ready for the parade.

This tree would be perfect.

For what?

City Hall.

If that's okay with you...

I think it's a wonderful idea!

Great!

I'm going to call Betty

and get a crew down here ASAP

to get this tree back to town.

You know, I like you two...

and that's good,

because this is obviously a two-person job.

Two-person job?

Yeah, to get it finished

in time for the Christmas parade.

I guess I could... help?

Oh, well, see, you got your hands full.

I mean, I can totally do it on my own.

I think you can figure it out--

together.

Bye! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

in the middle of nowheret

and not only find the sleigh, with repairs made,

but also the perfect Christmas tree

for City Hall?

Yeah, I'm thinking of buying a Powerball

on the way home.

Yeah, luck is definitely on your side...

and who is this Mr. Winter, anyway?

No clue, but I am eternally grateful.

It's absolutely beautiful!

Wow, it really is.

I want to make sure Wade sees it.

I swear, all that man does these days is work.

Ladies, you have outdone yourselves!

I don't think we've ever had a prettier Christmas tree.

How goes the troublesome sleigh?

Alex is sanding it as we speak.

That's why he couldn't come to see the tree with me.

What is it, dear?

Something Mr. Winter said.

Think you can handle the rest from here?

If I can't, I know your number.

Bye, everybody.

Beautiful.

Rumor has it this is a two-person job.

Mm.

Need a helper?

Absolutely.

Why aren't you using an electrical sander?

Well, the wood's old,

and I didn't want to risk damaging it,

so these things, they give you more control...

leaves more of the wood in place,

and it takes a lot longer.

Oh, well, that explains it.

You ever sanded before? Catch.

Uh, yeah...

the walls of my old apartment,

right before I painted them...

Green?

I prefer to call it sage, thank you,

but they are, admittedly, in the same color family.

Okay, well,

wood is different than drywall, all right?

The number one rule, bar none,

is you want to go with the grain,

never against it.

All right, so you can see the grain pattern,

but I want you to feel it. Put your hand on there.

Do you feel that?

Yeah.

Yeah, there.

Yeah.

So you just, uh...

just go like this.

Like that. You try.

Give it a shot.

That's it.

You do that until it's smooth and it's ready for the paint.

'Kay.

Uh...

you take the back quarter.

- Hey. - Thank you.

Do you remember?

I remember a lot of things.

Specifically?

Our sleigh date?

How could I forget?

All the other girls' boyfriends

brought them to the winter formal

in a car.

Amateurs.

It was so cold.

It was so romantic.

You thought it all through.

All the way down to the boom box

playing the sleigh bell sounds on repeat.

Couldn't you just get the real thing?

Hey, listen, you try and track down silver sleigh bells

back in the day

before the Internet took over the world.

Are we ready to paint now?

Uh, yeah. Yeah, we are.

Okay.

I'll call the moving crew to pick this guy up

and bring him to the floats.

Then I have to pick up Scarlett.

Hey, Laurel?

Thanks for being my helper.

Grandma and Grandpa said to tell you hi.

Huh?

Oh...

It's okay.

They know you're busy with the parade.

What are you looking for?

An old photo.

What of?

A sleigh date.

Let's get you to bed.

It will make Christmas come faster.

Hey there, Mr. Carlucci.

Mrs. Carlucci!

What brings you to this side of town?

Pastries. I was hungry.

The cafe's back that way.

Is it?

Yeah.

Lucky I ran into you, then.

Oh, you're such a mess, Mr. Carlucci.

Is that grease?

What?

You're a computer programmer.

How do you have grease on your...?

- Computers have grease. - They do?

Trust me. I'm the expert.

Uh-oh.

Boss may have downloaded a virus... again.

Got to go. Mwah!

Oh, okay.

Does it really matter which way I do it?

No.

It wasn't me!

You know, I have to admit,

the red does look pretty spectacular.

Spectacular! We just got a "spectacular"!

Hey, do you think she's saying we were right?

Okay!

Okay. You were right...

about the red, anyway.

Mm-hmm.

Smile!

Three, two, one...

Oh, yeah.

I can't believe this is the same sleigh

you guys found out in the woods.

I got a "spectacular" out of this one.

It still feels like there's something missing, though...

Well, Aunt Audrey's still working on those pillows.

She should have them redone in a couple days.

No, that's not it.

It'll come to me.

Uh, Scarlett,

why don't you go show Alex the gingerbread house float?

It's so cool!

All right.

Okay, so, we've got the tree

and... and now the sleigh's almost done...

Hey...

What's going on?

Wade's being weird.

How can you tell?

Like, I know there's "Wade Weird,"

which I alone find adorable,

but then there's "Weird Even For Wade" weird,

which I can't figure out.

You don't suppose he's already...

losing the magic with us, do you?

You two have known each other since kindergarten.

If he didn't lose the magic by junior high,

you're safe.

Yeah, you're probably right.

"Almost Fiancé" Alex is nice.

I like him.

Yeah, me too.

if Mom ever gets my costume done.

Well, I'm sure she'll get around to it.

She's just got a lot on her plate right now.

I know.

Here.

For me?

Yeah.

Well, thank you.

For when you go back.

You don't have to do this.

They're going to sell off everything, aren't they?

That's the idea.

It's funny.

When I decided on my plan,

I didn't think about everything I'd be leaving behind.

I just wanted to go...

travel the world with Sylvia,

like something out of an E.M. Forster novel.

I can still put a stop to this if you want me to.

I think what I want...

is a little more time to think everything through.

Okay, done.

Unless, of course, you have any interest

in taking over the shop.

Me?

That would be a heck of a commute to my other job.

I suppose it would.

I've loved having you back.

I've loved being back.

I can see that.

You've been smiling a lot lately...

More than when you first arrived.

You two did a marvelous job of that sleigh.

It's been fun.

She's a wonderful girl, Alex...

but you've always known that.

This has exceeded even my lofty expectations.

Well, thank you, Howard.

Bad news.

Well, good news for him, bad news for us.

What?

The guy we got for Santa just won a trip to Toronto

in our church silent auction.

He's going immediately

and staying for the New Year.

You lost Santa?

Three days before the parade?

We'll find a new one.

Yes, I'm aware, thank you.

Yes, silver.

No, no, they have to be silver.

Perfect!

Can you, uh, can you rush delivery?

All right, great, thanks!

Okay, great! Okay. Thank you.

Laurel!

Hey.

Hi!

Just when you think you have it all in order,

you lose your Santa.

Oh.

Well, listen, don't look at me.

You're hardly Santa material.

Fortunately, Dr. Walker is up for the job,

so, crisis averted...

until the next one.

So, you got time for coffee?

It's just coffee.

Okay.

Oh!

Thank you.

Thank you.

You know, I sometimes forget

places like Mission City still exist.

We must seem a million miles away

from New York.

And yet,

coming back here feels like...

the most natural thing in the world.

Everything's still the same.

Not true.

We completely remodeled the interior of Parks and Rec

three years ago,

added new lights by Johnson's Bakery...

Uh-huh.

And that old field on Ketchum Road?

Turned it into a sports park.

Well, you do know your town trivia.

I should. I supervised all of it.

Well done, Ms. Bishop.

Thank you, Mr. McCord.

Of course, you don't need me telling you this.

I'm sure you hear it all the time, but...

Scarlett is...

amazing.

I completely agree,

although I might be a smidge biased.

Well, from the outside looking in, I promise,

there aren't a lot of kids like her in The Big Apple.

How long has it been just the two of you?

Kevin and I split up about seven years ago...

Mm-hmm.

And then my parents retired to Phoenix last June,

so I lost my go-to babysitters.

And how are Rick and Shellie?

They're well.

My dad's golf game

is now his favorite topic of conversation,

and how much she hates his golf game

is now my mom's favorite topic of conversation.

Has it been hard, being on your own?

At times,

not going to lie...

but Scarlett is worth every moment...

good, bad, whatever.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Because if I did, I wouldn't have her.

And that's what's important.

It is.

Not that I don't sometimes...

wonder.

Oh, no...

Do you have to go?

I'm sorry.

No, I totally understand. Duty calls.

Shoot!

I'm supposed to go shopping for Scarlett's star costume,

and I've got to go pick her up.

Well, listen, I can take care of that for you,

if you want me to.

No, I can't ask you to go pick up...

Laurel.

Consider it delegating.

Fine, I delegate to you

to pick up Scarlett and bring her home.

She's at the barn

with some of her friends from school.

I'll call Betty and tell her you're coming.

Okay.

Thank you.

We started to put all the decorations up,

but then we both kind of fell asleep.

Mm-hmm.

What do you say we do the rest of it,

you and me?

Really?

All right...

It's too heavy. I need your help.

What's this?

Where is the glue?

On the counter.

On the counter. Yeah.

Hey.

That's fantastic! Thank you.

No, I'm very excited.

It's, um... it's a...

it's a great opportunity.

Yeah, I'll, um... I'll call tomorrow.

All right...

Time for these?

I think it's time for these.

Okay, so, the mayor and his truck

goes after the banner...

Yes, with Santa's sleigh at the end on Main Street,

and then in the middle, the...

Spectacular!

What is?

We have a marching band.

Ferguson High School is coming in from Kiowa County.

Good old Ferguson High.

Hey, where's Scarlett?

Alex picked her up for me.

Oh, really?

Yes, really.

It was an emergency, and he was being gracious.

Oh, just a regular Prince Charming.

Who turns into a pumpkin at midnight.

That's not how the story goes.

That's how my story goes.

You know what, I think just forget the--

I think you should wear it as a hat.

I think it would make such a great statement

walking around town with it, you know.

Did I pass my first costume-making test, or what?

Yeah, absolutely!

High five.

Mom, isn't it awesome?

Alex made the perfect costume!

I see.

And we finished decorating the house.

Did you notice?

I did, yes.

Scarlett, honey,

it's time for you to get ready for bed.

Say thank you to Alex for all his help.

Thank you, Alex. This was awesome!

I had a great time.

See you in a minute.

I asked you to pick her up,

not decorate my house and make her costume.

I know, but we just figured--

We?

Yeah, Scarlett and I, we...

Alex, stop.

Stop what?

Don't be charming and wonderful and make her like you

when you're just going to turn around

and leave in a couple days.

She's just a little girl. She won't understand.

Have you heard back about that job?

Uh-huh.

Congratulations.

I should probably just...

Yeah.

Listen,

I didn't mean to...

I know...

and it's as much my fault.

I should've stopped it sooner...

but it was nice to pretend for a while.

Laurel, come on...

I have to protect her, Alex.

It hurts too much.

Ugh...

I'm sorry I was so late.

It's okay.

I had a great time with Alex.

He did do a good job.

Is something wrong?

No, I'm just tired.

Are you mad at me?

No, sweetheart. Not at all.

Are you mad at Alex?

No.

It's just complicated.

Did you guys "like-like" each other?

We did,

but that was a long time ago.

A lot has changed.

You, for instance.

Now I have you!

It's been fun having him around.

Honey, you have to remember, he doesn't live here.

He'll be going home soon.

I know, but...

he could come back.

Sylvia just signed us up

for a ten-day tour of the Scottish castles!

Ten days!

I'm beginning to think I should've retired

when I was 40.

Take note, young man!

Is that a star on your shoulder?

Oh, yeah. Um...

I was helping Scarlett make her costume

for the Christmas parade.

She's going to be the Christmas Star.

Oh, how fun!

Yeah...

that's kind of the problem.

She let you know what's what, did she?

Yeah.

She's a single mother. I wasn't thinking.

Hmm. Only feeling.

I'm not surprised.

You're never as happy

as you are when the two of you are together.

But we're not together.

That's why she got mad.

Well, she maybe felt a little guilty, too.

Laurel wanted

to do those things with Scarlett herself...

well, she probably felt bad that she couldn't.

I hadn't even thought of that. Now I feel worse.

Laurel has been on her own for a long time now.

You can get used

to shouldering things on your own,

so much so,

that you sometimes forget how to ask for help.

It sounds like somebody's speaking from experience.

Hey, come on now.

I finally came around to asking for your assistance

with the sale of this place.

Yes, you did,

and I'm glad you did.

I've waited long enough

to follow my dreams.

Are you sure?

I'm at the age

when you have enough sense

to know an opportunity when you see one,

and enough experience

to know just how rare they truly are.

Don't take them for granted,

especially if you're so lucky

to have them come by twice.

Why do I get the feeling

we're not talking about this anymore?

'Cause we're not,

and that's all I'm going to say about that.

Oh, both the "Gazette" and "Tribune"

are sending photographers.

Excellent.

How's Wade?

I feel like he's hiding something from me.

When did you know

there was something wrong between you and Alex?

When he took the job in New York

without telling me,

and then later, when he left town

without saying goodbye.

Okay, well...

I hope we're not quite at that level.

You're not.

Are you okay?

I will be.

I let myself daydream for a little while.

I knew better.

Sorry, Laurel.

I'm just worried about Scarlett getting hurt.

Just Scarlett?

No.

Oh, Audrey's finished the pillows.

Do you want me to go pick them up for you?

No, that's okay, but thank you!

Okay.

- Talk to you later. - Bye.

Hey.

Hey. Uh...

Aunt Audrey had to run an errand back at her house.

She left me a message about the pillows.

Right here.

They're great. Tell her thank you.

I'm sorry.

I should've asked for permission first...

just been more thoughtful.

I feel like we're always apologizing to each other.

Yeah, that's not all we do.

We laugh a lot.

We do...

or did.

Is it done?

Uh, yeah.

I just have to deliver it.

What's going to happen to all these things?

Well, most of the items will, I don't know,

be distributed amongst other antique stores

in state and nearby.

The store?

Two phone carriers are bidding on it

at the moment.

Out with the old...

Out with the old.

Tell her thank you for me.

Okay.

Laurel...

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Alex?

Uh...

I'm leaving tomorrow, so I'll take the rental car back

so you don't have to worry about it.

You're not going to stay through Christmas?

No, I can't.

Well, what about the parade?

Everything's done.

Well, don't you want to see all that you've worked for?

It's just a sleigh.

Could you do one thing for me?

Could you give this to Laurel,

and let her know it's for the sleigh.

It's the, um...

It's the "something" that was missing.

Alex...

Thanks.

You're going to be the most beautiful Christmas Star

a parade has ever seen.

I'm so proud of you.

I'm proud of you too, Mom.

The parade's going to be awesome.

Oh, thanks, honey.

Okay.

Got it?

Hi, Molly.

Thanks for taking her, Mrs. Swanson.

Okay. See you all there.

Bye!

I love you.

I love you, too.

Audrey!

Is Alex here?

Sorry, dear, but he's gone.

Gone?

Back to New York.

He's not staying for the parade?

No.

I think it would've made him too sad.

He did ask me to give you something.

For the parade.

Silver bells.

That's what's been missing from the sleigh.

He knew.

This is just like college.

I was so afraid of being hurt,

I pushed him away.

Everyone thinks he broke up with me.

I think I even convinced myself he did.

And the truth?

The truth?

I let him leave

without ever telling him how I felt.

He always dreamed about moving to New York,

and I never wanted that kind of life,

but I didn't want to hold him back,

and, maybe...

maybe I was afraid I couldn't measure up.

Then he left without a word.

It sounds like you were both young.

So what's my excuse now?

You tell me.

Fear.

Well, that's most people's.

So...

what are you going to do about it?

I'm so sorry.

Oh, dear.

It's another emergency,

and the parade's in a couple hours.

Of course.

Thank you for listening.

Any time, and I meant it.

It's never too late for love...

oh, and a glue gun.

Uh, for the pillows.

I forgot to include it last night.

Thank you.

Bye!

Hi!

What is it?

There's good news and bad news.

'Kay, bad news first.

Uh, Dr. Walker broke his leg,

and we don't have anyone to play Santa.

And the good news?

We wouldn't have had any place for Santa to sit

because the sleigh is...

gone.

We've got to stop meeting like this.

This is the magic I've been searching for all along.

Right. Okay, well...

that is...

wonderful! Thank you!

We don't have a Santa?

We can't have a Christmas Parade

without a Santa!

It's a disaster!

I just got off the phone with that one person...

And he just confirmed right away

about the thing.

Yeah, so we have that... going.

All ready to go.

I'll leave you ladies to solve this crisis...

but promise me...

We will have a Santa. I promise.

We will?

What?

Where's Wade?

I don't know!

Off being mysterious, I suppose.

Oh, Betty...

We'll talk later. Focus!

We still have a Santa to replace

and a sleigh to find.

Alex?

You missing something?

Where are you?

How did it get all the way out here?

You know, with this sleigh,

I'm starting to get the feeling

it's best not to ask too many questions.

You left...

without saying goodbye, again.

We said plenty the other night.

No, we didn't.

At least, I...

I didn't.

I, um...

I came by Audrey's Antiques earlier...

to see you...

but you were gone.

Well, I'm here now.

What did you want to say?

I should never have let you leave.

After college, before New York,

and that was my mistake.

Your mistake?

And I'm the one who pushed you away now...

and not just to protect Scarlett.

You are the last two people I would ever want to hurt.

Yet, we just keep hurting each other.

Laurel...

I am in love with you.

I probably always have been,

and...

I understand you have to go home.

This is not your life, and that's okay, really,

but I had to be honest and tell you

it has been... really great to have you here...

helping with everything,

the sleigh and the costume...

being with Scarlett...

making me laugh...

and to tell you that I have missed you...

so much...

for a very long time.

I've missed you, too...

so much.

Did you...?

No! I didn't!

Then how...?

You know what?

I think it's probably best we don't ask too many questions.

After you.

Thank goodness, you made it!

Okay, everybody!

Let's get this sleigh onto the float!

Mom! Alex!

You look awesome!

I'm going to find a spot to watch you from.

Good luck!

Go do your thing, all right?

- I'll find you. - Okay.

Wait, don't let him leave.

We still don't have a Santa.

Wade.

No, I told you, he's too much of a beanpole.

No... Wade!

Merry Christmas, darling!

Engine works good as new now!

Been working like mad to fix it up for my angel!

I was going to save the surprise for tomorrow,

but I wanted to get it done...

Thank you!

Oh, my gosh!

She's perfect.

Santa!

Ho-ho-ho!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone! Ho-ho-ho-ho!

Hello, Laurel!

Merry Christmas!

Mr. Winter?

Hey.

Looks like you got the job, Laurel!

See? Parades!

Everyone's happy!

Yes!

Oh, wow!

Oh!

Yes!

Look at these guys! That's great!

Scarlett!

Merry Christmas!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, sweetheart!

You look beautiful!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

- Hey. - Hi!

- Merry Christmas! - Hey, you lovebugs.

Nice ride.

Merry Christmas!

Oh, wow, look at those lights!

Oh, ho!

Look at that car!

No!

Look at that puppy.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Ho-ho-ho!

It's Santa!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!

Didn't you say you were missing a Santa?

Hold on a second! How did he--

I know!

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!

Hello, Laurel!

Merry Christmas! Ho-ho-ho!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Ho-ho-ho-ho!

Laurel!

Congratulations. You pulled it off!

It was wonderful! I loved it.

Thank you.

I can't believe we did it.

Wait. Where's the sleigh?

You found the silver bells from the winter formal.

They're beautiful. Thank you.

Aunt Audrey?

What would you think if I didn't deliver this

to the consortium?

And what would you say...

if I bought the shop from you instead?

Well, I would say

that that is the best Christmas present

I could've hoped for.

- Really? - Yes!

Going back into the antique business, are you?

Well, you know,

I thought I'd do something to pull my weight

with the new City Manager.

You've done so much already.

I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

- Smile! - Oh!

Scarlett, you get in there, too.

Oh, that reminds me,

thank you for returning the photo.

I've been missing it.

What photo?

From our sleigh date way back when.

Wait a second. You have that?

I was looking for that just the other day.

Say cheese!

Uh...

Oh, now, that's a keeper!

Wait, if you didn't give me the photo...

then who...?

I...

Maybe Santa left it for you.

Don't ask.

- Hey... - Hey.

Laurel, I love you.

I love you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.