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DAD (VOICEOVER):
It's Christmas Eve.

And there I was in the middle of
a snow storm on the final leg--

on your left.

[music playing]

Started to flip and--

[laughs]

Stop!

I don't like this part.

Tell it differently, Dad.

This is how it happened, Anya.

How could you lose if you were
the best racer in the world?

I don't know if I was
the best in the world.

Oh, you were.

At least that's
what you said when

they brought you into my
med tent on a stretcher.

In my defense,
I was delirious.

You really didn't
win the race?

No, but my dogs were OK.

And I won the hand of the most
beautiful and brilliant doctor

I'd ever seen in my life.

You're right.

You were delirious.

Mhm.

Swept me off my feet and brought
me to the land of Arizona

and gave me the greatest
prize in the world.

[giggles] Less
romance, more sled dogs.

Maybe in the morning.

Santa called.

He's very close to our house.

I didn't hear the phone.

He paged me.

Now go to sleep or Santa
might have to skip our house.

[kisses]

I think this present
wants to be opened.

How do you know that?

[upbeat music]

OK.

ALL: Cheese!

[camera click]

[sighs]

[barks]

[giggles]

I'll race you to the house.

[playful music]

Yeah.

[clattering]

[panting]

[grunts]

Are you OK?

I almost had you.

I almost had you.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, you got your
grandma's speed.

Oh, yeah.

Elyse?
- Hi.

Why are you
decorating my house?

Oh, um, because you didn't.

Because we leave tomorrow.

Yeah, well, we need
a little Christmas, OK?

[scoffs]

You know, I don't know any
Finnish Christmas songs.

I guess I'll have to look
some up on the plane.

I'm sure my
cousin will be more

than happy to teach you some.

When I asked Lavi if
we could stay with him,

he sent me back a 14-page
email about the sights

and sounds of Finland.

That's my kind of cousin.

So how are you feeling
about the race?

Good.

Just good?

This is the race in
your father's home

country against the very man who
beat him, and you're just good?

Yeah, I'm good.

OK, also terrified and
excited and overwhelmed

and a little bit nauseous.

But I'm trying to
keep myself steady.

So let me just have good.

Aye, aye, captain.

Thank you.

I can't believe this
is finally happening.

And I can't believe my
parents aren't here to see it.

I know.

But I am.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for spending
Christmas away from your family.

Please, they see enough of me.

We're going to do a big
thing when I get back.

And you know that I wouldn't
miss this for the world.

Plus, I know that you need
someone a little bit press

savvy like myself
to help you navigate

the throngs of reporters.

[laughs] There
won't be throngs.

One more question.

One more question.

You were right.

This is a throng.

We're here live at the signing
at the 40th annual Joulurauha

Dog Race, where Anya
Kivela has arrived,

taking back her family legacy
and restoring her father's name.

The tension is palpable.

The stakes are high, and
the chances nonexistent.

That is harsh.

Wow.

Little orphan
Anya, what do you

have to say to your opponents?

I just-- you know, happy
race, and I wish them well.

Even Monty White
who beat your father

and sent him into
early retirement?

Oh, sure, especially him.

What about you?

What do you have to
say, friend of Anya?

Uh good race.

[laughs] Press savvy, huh?

I got sharp elbows.

I'm her cousin.
I'm her cousin.

I'm her--

Lavi.

Anya.

Hi.

Elyse, this is my cousin Lavi.

Yeah, we met when
I came to America.

We were, like, best friends.

Well, we were three.

And this is Elyse.

She's--

I'm her project
manager, sled designer,

and current best friend.

I'm honored.

And Lavi is also the--

the race veterinarian.

Oh, isn't that like
a conflict of interest?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

The panel okayed it.

Yeah, when it comes
to matters of racing,

I'm like veterinarian
number one, cousin two.

OK, so are you to sign in?

Yeah.

Yeah, let's go.

OK.

- Anya, one more question.
- No.

One more question.

No more questions
No more questions.

Wow.

I'm like Finnish bear when
it comes to your safety.

Thank you, Lavi.

Thank you.

[mellow music]

Hi, Anya Kivela.

Of course, we
are honored to host

the Kivela return to Finland.

Thank you.

Wow, everything is
so beautiful here.

Thematically on point.

It is a Christmas race
in the home of Santa Claus.

Well, that explains it.

That'll do it.

Let me show you something.

[soothing music]

Wow.

[soothing music]

Elyse, I'm slightly concerned
about the qualifying leg.

We came all the way out here.

And if I lose so
early, I'm just--

All you have to do is
make it into the top six,

which, come on, you could
do that in your sleep.

[sighs]

OK, two coffees coming up.

Ooh.

The backbone of
Finnish hospitality.

Thank you.

Is it decaf?

It's coffee.

Thank you very much.

But is it decaf?

It's coffee.

Right.

I'm just saying I can't have
caffeine too late in the day

or else I can't sleep.

Hmm.

That's great.

You know, Lavi your house
is-- is just so inviting.

Is there a Finnish equivalent
of "lagom" or "hygge"?

[laughs] A
Scandinavian expert here.

Oh, I mean, some call
me a scholar of coziness.

The most worthy scholarship
of all time, if you ask me.

[giggles]

[laughs]

Well, uh Kalsarikannit.

That's it.

Kalsarikannit

Kalsarikannit

Very good.

Yeah.

What does that mean?

Pantsdrunk it means drinking
alone at home in your underwear.

[laughs]

I'm so sorry.

That's good.

Did you hear it?
Elyse: Yeah.

You snorted just
like Aunt Thora.

Oh, did I?

Yes.

- Oh, lovely.
- You're going to meet her.

She's going to be in Sodankyla.

And you're going to meet also
Uncle Ernie and Aunt Pihla

and cousin Hilda,
Matilda, and Petri.

You know what?

Let's slow down.

What if Anya doesn't meet
her entire extended family

right in the middle of the most
important race of her life?

OK, interesting.

It's not that I
don't want to see them.

I really do.

I mean, it's been so
long, especially your mom.

I haven't seen her in ages.

She's not good with surprises.

That's not true.

That is so not true.

I'm great with surprises as
long as I know about them first.

That was a joke
at my own expense.

I have a very dry wit.

Oh, yes.

And it leaves me quite parched.

[laughs]

Well, I'm going to go unpack
before the welcome party,

so you two don't over
caffeinate too much.

Oh, there's no such thing.

[clinking]

[rustling]

[soothing music]

I know.

But I'm just saying,
come to the party.

I know there's going to
be a lot of press there,

but it will be more fun
if you're there too.

What do you say?

Nothing.

Wow.

I'm going to remember this.

I love you.

Turtledove brothers,
welcome from Canada.

Would you say that your
self-esteem and live presence

is riding on this race?

Well, his may be,
but I'm doing fine.

Oh, wow.

Food.

Lohikeitto--
it's a salmon soup.

Oh.

OK.

Karjalanpiirakka--
it's potato pastry.

It's pretty good.

That one I think I got.

Yeah.

Potato and bread.

It's leipajuusto.

It's--

I'm fine.

Thank you very much, though.

I can figure it out.

- Understood.
- Yeah.

Here we go.

You know what?

Actually, what is this?

Reindeer.

No.

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

Not for me.

Good choice.

Some of these.
- Yeah.

So that's a grape.

Yeah.

[laughs]

So Finnish Santa is Jouli--

Joulupukki.

Joulupukki.

Joulu.

Yeah, it means Christmas goat.

And now we have a regular,
generous human Santa?

Yes, of course, we have.

OK.

In fact, we are standing
in his hometown right now.

Oh, OK.

Well, that explains why I saw,
like, 20 Santas on the way

from the airport to here.

[laughs] Elyse,
there's only one Santa.

He's just very fast.

Speaking of very fast, Nitaro.

Mendis.

Hi.

Your placement at La Grande
Odyssey was incredible.

Is this your first
race so far north?

It is.

And I can't think
of a better one.

I'm-- I'm a nut for Christmas.

Oh.

And you, are you
a Christmas nut?

Oh, no.

This one, she's like a
Christmas goat, you know

Yeah.

Hey, look, I wouldn't call you
a scrooge to your face, but--

I am not a scrooge.

I'm just reserved about
Christmas, all right?

You keep Christmas
in your own way.

I'll keep it in mine.

[chatter]

JOURNALIST: Monty,
Monty, Monty, welcome

how do you feel this year?
- I feel great.

You see the world champion,
Monty White has finally

graced us with his presence.

My dogs are in splendid
condition as am I.

I am Anya Kivela.

You beat my father.

Prepare to--

Shh!

You should say that to him.

May I have your
attention, please.

May I have your attention.

Hyvaa joulua, everyone.

Welcome to the 40th
annual Joulurauha race,

starting here in
Rovaniemi, the official

hometown of Santa Claus.

The top six of tomorrow's
qualifier will move on and take

part in a three-day,
300-mile race around Finland,

the same slope as
the Santa Joulupukki

took when he was training
to fly around the world.

That race will culminate on
Christmas Eve, where the winner

will become our sole champion.

And this year promises to be
the most competitive race yet.

[applause]

Our racers span the globe.

From Ladakh, near the Himalayas,
we have Nitaro Mendis.

[applause]

To Canada, Bryce and
Beckett Turtledove.

[applause]

Do you think that's
their name all year

long or only during Christmas?

[laughs]

And, of course,
the epic match 30

years in the making between
Monty White and Anya Kivela.

[applause]

Come on, Jaak, we're athletes
not Shakespeare characters.

I'm sure Anya Kivela
isn't here just

because 30 years ago, I
annihilated her father's

otherwise perfect legacy.

[laughs] I kid.

But truly, to come all this
way just to finish her father's

business would be sad.

Don't you agree?

Oh, I couldn't agree more.

It would be silly to put so much
stock in a man who's been racing

for 30 years but still
hasn't managed to beat

any of my father's records.

[laughs] Yet.

I'm honored you know so
much about me, junior.

I shall have to look you up,
do a quick Google search.

Maybe follow you
on social media.

[laughs] Don't worry.

By Christmas Eve, you'll
be sick of following me.

Yeah.

Aah, there it is,
the Kivela fire.

JOURNALIST: Anya, did you
practice that burn, Anya!

Hey.

Psst!

[footsteps]

Coast is clear.

Are you OK?

Yeah, great.

I'm Anya.

Hi.
- Cole.

Nice to meet you.

Yeah, no problem.

They could be animals.

Thanks.

Who is this?

This is Roux.

Hi, Roux.

May I?
- Yeah, of course.

She loves the little
pets behind the ears.

Aw, So does my lead.

Are you racing too?

Cole, I'm glad I caught you.

I have your press credentials.

[scoffs]

[laughs]

They're animals, huh?

They are, yeah.

Not me.

I [chuckles] provided the cover.

Probably so you
could lure me down here

and pepper me with questions.

No.

Maybe a little bit.

Yeah, you know what it
is, the thing about you guys

is you have no idea
what goes on out there.

Cole used to race.

Cool.

Wait.

Cole as in Cole Olsen.

Did you race together?

No, no, no.

I mostly stuck to the
North American races.

And I mostly raced when
she was on sabbatical.

Besides, if we
ever race together,

she would have been so far ahead
of me, never would have seen me.

What else?

What do you mean?

You're secretly a reporter,
secretly a former racer.

What other information
are you withholding?

I'm a middle child.

I'm ambidextrous.

And I'm afraid of reindeer.

This has been wonderful.

Merry Christmas, Cole.

I don't think she meant that.

Got that new gang line.

Oh, and I gave the dogs their
morning soup at 7:06 this

morning, which I think was
maybe a little bit early,

but I feel like it'll be OK.

Maggie and Max prefer the
meaty blend, I noticed.

So I put that in the yellow
cooler for later after the race.

And also, I did tighten
up the stanchion

brackets here because they were
looking a little bit loose.

They were like [vocalizing]

Elyse, freeze.

What's up?

You've not been this revved
since our first race.

What are you talking
about, revved, huh?

I'm totally cool.

I am, like, cooler
than a Finnish morning.

The people here drink
more coffee per capita

than anywhere else in the world.

Did you know that?

I didn't know that.

And I thought that was
highly interesting.

Actually, maybe I should give
the dog some coffee, you know.

Elyse, take a breath.

Right, in and out.

[humming] How are
you so calm right now?

Well, I'll have
time to rush later.

So what is that?

Do you think this was planted
here by one of our competitors

like a bug of some kind.

Maybe it was Monty.

Do you think he's listening
in on our conversation.

It was my dad's, Elyse.

Oh, of course.

Yeah, it's a himmeli.

They used to hang it over
the Finnish Christmas table

to ensure a good harvest.

And this was on my dad's sled.

It's really beautiful.

Yeah, it is.

I think I'm just
worried that, like, I'm

going to be the one to ruin
this whole thing for you.

Yeah, I kind of
figured that out, like,

two breathless monologues ago.

Listen to me, Elyse,
we're a team, all right,

you, me, and five dogs.

So there's no blame.

Either we lose together
or we win together.

Right, one team, one dream.

One team, one dream.

One team, one dream.

BOTH: One team, one dream.

One team, one dream.

[laughter]

Please let us win.

[laughs]

- Anya?
- Ugh!

Hi.

Hey, I was about to tell you I
was press when Jaak came over.

I do not believe you.

OK, fair enough.

But my writing isn't
exploitative, OK.

I do human interest
stuff, deep dives,

insightful celebrity profiles.

ANYA: I'm not a celebrity.

COLE: Well, you are
celebrated, right.

I mean, you won the Can-Am crown
at 21, the American Derby twice,

and you've never placed worse
than third until you took five

years off to care for your dad.

And now you are back.

What is your point?

Everyone is writing about you.

I want to do a piece that
actually gets your perspective.

OK?

I mean, we could
just do an interview.

No, I'm sorry, but
that's not going to happen.

Why don't you interview
Monty or Nitaro or the twins.

People love twins.

Your story is
fascinating and so human.

That's why I got into sports.

Sports is people.

Sports are people.

Yeah, I was doing,
like, a stylistic thing.

I don't know that it worked.

Never mind.

All right.

I understand.

I will-- I'll back off.

Thank you.

I appreciate that.

How are you feeling
about the race?

Honestly-- oh, my God.

You're relentless.

That was a genuine question.

Mm-hmm.

[upbeat music]

Elyse: How are you feeling?

Feeling good.

You've got this.

Ah, Anya, I see they
placed us side by side.

Don't let it get to your head.

It doesn't matter
how we start,

Monty, only how we finish.

[scoffs]

The Kivela method.

Mm-hmm, yeah.

I read about it in
your father's book,

five dogs instead of six, one
in the middle instead of two.

Pretty wild.

Two is better always.

The fluidity in the line
makes it so the rest of the team

can handle a harsher terrain.

Smart.

Less wear on your
old dogs, no offense.

My pups are all three and under.

Young is better always, right?

Racers, on your marks,
[barking] get set--

Come on, Cupid.

We can do this.

--mush!

[bell ringing]

[cheering]

[barking]

Come on.

[barking]

On by, on by,
trail on your left.

[barking]

[hitting]

[exclaims] Are you crazy?

What is wrong with you?

Hiya!

[upbeat music]

[cheering]

REPORTER: What do you see?

MAN: Monty.

[sighs]

[cheering]

[barking]

[grunts]

[barking]

There's only one slot left.

She'll make it.

[cheering]

Hey!

What are you new?

Excuse me, I was going
to ask you the same thing.

It is standard to
yield the right of way

when you're being passed.

If the passing sled makes
their intentions known.

I said, trail.

I must not have heard you.

Speak up next time.

Oh, I will.

You know it's a race, right?

It's not some little
team-building exercise.

Don't.

What you did out there
wasn't just unsportsmanlike,

it was dangerous.

Anya, it's Cupid.

He's hurt.

I pushed him too hard.

I was so busy trying
to make up time,

I didn't even notice
he was overexerting.

Well, I doubt that Cupid
felt anything until he

stopped running, you know.

Is he going to be OK?

He's going to be
absolutely 100% OK.

Don't worry about it.

He's going to be fine--

Yeah.

--in about four to six weeks.

Four to six weeks?

Mm-hmm.

So he's out of the race?

Yes.

OK.

I thought it would
be a great tactic

to start being encouraging
then give the bad news.

I see now that was wrong.

I'm sorry.

That's fine.

Cupid is going to be OK,
and that's what's important.

Yeah.

Sisu.

What?

It means determination
and perseverance

and having a clear head
when things are bad.

And you have it.

Sisu.

Now you go, and I'll
take care of Cupid.

OK, baby.

I'll see you in a bit.

[kisses]

[whines]

OK.

Yeah.

Oh.

No, not you.
- Oh it is.

So sorry.

Any big thoughts on your
dramatic finish today?

- Yeah, don't waste your time.
- Don't waste your time.

That's brief and enigmatic.
What does it mean?

It means interview someone
who's actually racing.

I'm out.

Good news, sled
was an easy fix.

Terrible news,
Cupid is injured.

We have to scratch.

I was just on my
way to tell Jaak.

What?

I'm sorry, scratch, as
in, like, quit the race?

We can't race
without a lead dog.

And none of the
other dogs are ready.

I-- I'm so sorry, Elyse.

I'm sorry that I dragged
you away from your family

at Christmas.

I cannot believe that
I thought I was ready.

I can't believe
we ended up here.

Hey, hey, hey.
Stop, OK.

Do not scratch.

Just give us a few hours to--

you know, we're going to
think of a solution here, OK.

Worst case, the lesser
Partridge brother--

Turtledove.

--finds out that he
qualifies a little bit later.

It's Christmas.

You got to have a little hope.

Fine.

But just a little.

OK.

[mellow music]

I'm sorry, guys.

[mellow music]

Sisu.

It's all my fault.
I feel so responsible.

Lavi, it's all
going to work out.

Well, how do you know this?

Because it's Christmas.

That's true.

Hey, you two.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Elyse, I can
take over sled work

if you want to go start packing.

What?

Are you leaving already?

Well, I mean, I
figure I should get you

home for Christmas if I can.

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

We are not going anywhere.

In fact, we are competing
if I have to strap myself

to the front of this sled.

It's going to hurt.

Like a reverse Air Bud.

Elyse: Yeah.

I'm not sure Jaak's
going to go for it.

OK, well, I at least need to
get a good Finnish Christmas

out of this trip.

So Lavi, what do you got?

A lot like Santa Claus.

Mhm.

LAVI: Santa Claus
village for you.

That is a snowman.

[chuckles]

And over there is
the elf school,

and over there is the
reindeer retirement home.

[laughs]

Yeah.

If I lived here,
I would never leave.

Like, not even to fly around
the world for a night.

Yeah.

Finland's pretty magical, Lavi.

Yeah, you should
come back next year

and, like, compete again.

What was this?

Why did you look at each other
with, like, secret in your eyes?

Well, between the
entry fees and--

Equipment costs--

ANYA: --and the
pre-race checks--

--international travel for
two women plus five dogs--

--I bet we'd have enough
saved up to come back--

--about--

Five years.

What?

Yeah.

Kind of mortgaged everything
that I had to be here.

And when I took a few years
off to take care of my dad,

I lost all my sponsorships.

Well, we will get them back.

Well, that's the
big hope behind Anya

winning the race this year.

Wait, I know.

We shall go and see Santa
Claus and ask him for help.

[laughs]

Yeah, I know, we can't travel
all this way and not see him.

That's crazy.

It is crazy.

LAVI: Yeah.

Like, go sit on Santa's lap?

No, that's-- come on.

That's weird, right?

That's weird.

Hey, Lavi, how do you
say bah humbug in Finnish?

Pyh humpuukia

That's what you
sound like right now.

That's what I
sound like right now?

Pyh humpuukia

Yeah.

Fine.

Let's go see Santa.

Well, I've got to admit, Lavi,
this place is pretty amazing.

I told you.

Aren't you old?

Yes.

Look, it says
right here, Santa

Claus enjoys meeting friends
of all ages, so she's fine.

- Thank you.
- Yeah.

SANTA CLAUS: Next.

[footsteps]

[giggling]

ANYA: Hello.

Elyse: Hi.

Hyvaa joulua!

Amerikkalainen serkkuni

Oh, what brings
you to Lapland?

Oh, nothing.

Just wanted to stop
by and say hello.

And?

All right.

Fine.

Santa, I would very much
like to be able to compete

in the Joulurauha race.

But-- excuse me, you're
not going to ask to win?

Serious?

Well, winning I can handle,
but it's the competing

that will take a miracle.

Anya?

Are you stalking me?

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

No.
Nephew.

I have a nephew and a sister.

Just met him here.

I think fate brought
me here, though.

I have a way for you
to stay in the race.

Say cheese.

Cheese!

[camera clicks]

This is iconic, and I'm
going to keep this forever.

Where is he?
Do you think he forgot?

Do you think this is a trick?

Do you think he's just
trying to score an interview?

I think he's probably
just hanging out with Santa,

and you might have
some trust issues.

- Ah!
- Sorry about that.

Oh, hi.

Hi.

OK, so what's your plan?

Use Roux.

Who's Roux?

Cole's lead dog.

Oh, who's Cole?

Oh, you're-- right, of course.

He's a reporter.

Oh, Well, I got sharp elbows.

OK.

Yeah, he used to be a racer.

And I don't know anyone who
takes better care of his dogs

than-- yeah, besides Anya.

Thank, Lavi.

That really means a lot.

Yeah.

Roux is in incredible shape.

I was ready to
retire, she wasn't.

What's your angle?

None.

I won't even write about
it if you don't want.

I am here as a former racer.

I know what it's
like to fly halfway

across the world
for a race, and I'm

not going to let you
pull out if there's

anything I can do to help.

OK, well, I can't just throw
in a new lead dog last minute.

The first leg is in six days.

Roux doesn't know
our harness set up.

It'll throw off the
entire team dynamic.

Jaak won't allow it.

OK, let's do it.

Yes.

What just happened?

Oh, she just
has to lay out all

the obstacles in front of
her before she sets off,

metaphorically.

Yeah, I just, I really
like to see a map before I

make a decision.

Brilliant.

It's a long shot,
a real long shot.

But, I mean, what other
option do we have?

You say nothing.

I do all the talking.

Got it.

You're the lead dog.

Pretend I didn't say that.

It's going to be great.

No, no.

I don't know.

I know that you finished
with the dogs you start with,

but technically, that
was just the qualifiers.

The race hasn't started yet.

It's a shame to
lose you, Anya.

I was a big admirer of
your father and you.

Thank you.

But the rules,
it's just not done.

What will the board say?

They--

I think they'll say,
whew, I'm so glad Kivela

isn't out of the race.

Attention has been
declining over the years,

but people seem
really excited again,

thanks to her perseverance
and moving story.

What a shame it would be if
she was to drop out so early.

But I just don't think this
attention is enough to justify--

Cole is going
to write about me.

What?

He is.

Yes, I am.

It is about a legacy trying to
catch her father's white whale.

It's a new dog tries
old trick kind of thing.

Sorry, am I the new dog?

I got to stop doing that.

I mean, yeah.

This is not a conflict that
she's racing with your dog?

Not if everyone
knows I'm involved.

Jaak, this is going to be a
first-person essay, right.

And my editor at the
magazine, which has

a circulation of 1.2 million--

Oh, my God

--and a digital
readership of 5 million,

is going to love this.

I will bring it
to the board now.

If Roux passes the
physical and the board

approves this and all the
other racers agree, you're in.

Go.

OK.

Good, Jaak.

We are only on the record
when I say we're on the record.

I set our hours and
no probing questions.

Anything else?

I get final edit.

Absolutely not.

Fine.

Bring Roux by first
thing tomorrow morning.

All right, you got it.

What are you doing?

Are you already writing
this in your head?

- Maybe.
- Stop.

See you tomorrow, boss.

[sighs]

You know, we're not
on the record yet.

This is nothing personal.

You did nothing wrong.

You are perfect.

And you're late.

Are you sure about that?

Wow, you are right on time.

I was so ready for
you to be late.

[exhales]

I'm taking this serious, Anya.

Thank you.

I really appreciate that.

Here, this is for Roux.

This is for you.

It's Karelian pie.

It's rice porridge
in a rye crust.

I figured you're
not the sit down

and eat a bowl of oatmeal type.

Thank you.

It's very sweet.

Let's go.

I went ahead and left Cupid
back for this just in case

he got territorial.

- Yeah, it's definitely wise.
- Yeah all right.

You're good.

You're good, baby.

OK, you're good.

You're good.

You're good.

All right, let's try this.

[barking]

Hike!

[clanking]

[whines]

All right.

All right.

Maybe if I reorganize the line.

Maybe.

OK.

[groans]

[whines]

[clanking]

All right, let's go.

Hike!

[whines]

Really?

Nothing.

Great.

This is going really well.

- They need more time.
- I don't know what they want.

I'm not sure what
to do for them.

[barking]

Six hours, and I think we went
a total of 4 cumulative feet.

Jeez, I never thought
that team loyalty

would be our big downfall.

Well, on the bright side,
I think you and Roux bonded.

We really did.

Look at us.

[laughs]

Except we lost an entire day.
- Yeah.

And we only had
five to begin with.

True.

Too bad doggie ice
breakers aren't a thing.

[laughs] Yeah, everyone go
around and bark your favorite

flavor of dog food.

[laughs] Would
you rather belly

scratches or ear scratches?

If you're stranded
on a doggie desert

island with one
celebrity, dead or alive,

who would you want it to be?

Balto.

Naturally.

Yeah.

Oh, of course.

[yawns] Oh, I'm so tired.

[laughs] I'm sorry.

I did not sleep last
night, and I doubt

I will sleep again tonight.

There's not some Finnish
cure-all for insomnia, is there?

Actually--

[soothing music]

Avanto.

But I don't avanto.

I'm hilarious.

[laughs]

Yeah.

I'm familiar with this
concept, but I've never done it.

You've been missing out.

Whoo!

Whoa!

Oh!

[sighs] Oh.

The anticipation
is the worst part.

Yeah?

[exhales]

[shudders]

[gasping]

[stammers]

The anticipation is
not the worst part.

[laughs]

How is this supposed
to make me sleepy?

I feel like I have the
adrenaline of a skydiver.

As your body
temperature decreases,

you'll start releasing a bunch
of chemicals like melatonin--

Mm-hmm.

--and reduce cortisol levels,
so you'll be less stressed.

Cool.

Yeah.

How much longer?

- Takes 30 minutes.
- What?

OK.
30 seconds

- OK.
- And then the good part.

OK.

[shudders]

Oh-oh!

Worth it?

Worth it.

I cannot believe I'm in
a sauna with a reporter.

Sauna.

Sauna.

Yeah, the sauna is actually,
it's one of Finland's

greatest Christmas traditions.

Families, they-- they
go in on Christmas Eve

and to cleanse and
rest the mind and body.

That's lovely.

How connected are you
to your Finnish roots?

Well, it's my first
time here, but wait--

are you asking me as a
reporter or as a fellow racer

turned almost friend?

Almost friends?

Yeah.

What's your deal
with journalists?

Why do you dislike us so much?

I don't dislike you,
I just don't trust you.

Why?

My dad lost one
race, one race,

and everyone wrote about
his life and my life

like it was a tragedy.

And, you know, I just
don't like that someone

else can tell you who you are.

You could write that
I smell, you know.

I could be smelly Anya Kivela
for the rest of my life.

Anya Ki-smellia.

Ugh, see, that's good.

That would stick.

Yeah, it would.

I just don't know
what you'll write.

And I hate, hate unknowns.

I have to know what's coming.

Where do you think
that comes from?

Actually, it's my turn.

Mm-hmm.

Where are you from?

The Midwest.

So vague.

Why do people say that?

Because wait, I'm not the
one being interviewed here.

Where are you from?

I'm from 181 Nicholas
Avenue, Wakefield, Michigan.

I moved here in high school.

Thank you.

That's very [yawns] specific.

See, the Midwest,
super boring.

No, it's not boring.

- Yeah.
- You're not boring.

[laughs]
- Serious?

[laughs] You're not.

I'm just actually
genuinely getting sleepy.

My plan worked.

I'm going to pay you
back for that plunge.

- Sure.
- You know I am.

Maybe not tonight and
maybe not tomorrow.

But someday.

One day my revenge will come.

[mellow music]

And then after
that we went tubing.

And, oh, my gosh,
that's when Lavi

said this really funny thing.

Wait, I want to get the
nuances of this right

because he's so funny.

What did he say?

It was like--

[laughs]

[clanking]

Elyse, is it possible you
have a crush on my cousin?

Pienen pieni

[laughs]

Is that OK?

Yes, it's adorable.

You two are some of
the cutest humans

who have ever Christmas-ed.

What kind of Grinch
wouldn't love that?

Well, speaking
of adorable, what's

going on with you and the
missing Hemsworth brother?

[laughs]

Uh, it's good.

I don't know.

I mean, when Lavi was suddenly
so positive about him,

something in my
brain just shifted.

Well, that makes
sense, you know.

I think when someone you trust
signs off on someone new,

it just makes you feel safe.

Elyse, you're a genius.

You're a genius.

Oh, my gosh, you are a
beautiful, perfect genius,

and I love you.

OK.

Oh, OK, so you're just going to
tell me later what's going on?

I'm a beautiful genius.

All right.

How do you get two
alphas to bond?

Sounds like the beginning
of a very bad joke.

Yeah, we're going
to be a very bad joke

if we don't make this work.

That's true.

- OK.
- OK.

All right, let's just
give them a circle.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, follow the leader.

That's a good boy, Cupid.

Good boy, Cupid.

Yeah, you see, you see.

Yeah, you can see.

Yeah, give him a sniff.
- Right there, sniff there.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

It's so good.

Oh, yeah.

All right.

If we get Cupid to accept
Roux, we should be gold.

You really think
this is going to work?

No, but it's worth a try.

[pants]
ANYA: Hi.

We really think
this is going to work?

No, but it's worth a try.

All right.

Yeah.

Yeah?

[barks]

[whines]

There you go.

COLE: Got it.

OK.

Wish me luck.
- Good luck.

Got this.

Hike.

[barking]

Hike.

Hike!
Hike!

Hike!

[barking]

Hike!

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

Come on.
Looking good.

All right, let's
see how she corners.

[barking]

[cheering]

Nice.

She's really good.

Oh, oh, oh.

That's so good.

Yeah.

[barking]

LAVI: Good.
Good.

Hey, hey.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

We're doing good.

Nice.

Yes.

Yeah!

We did it.

Elyse: You did.

Good job.

ANYA: That's all we need.

Yes.

[footsteps]

The vet said the
dog looks great,

so you're officially
back in the race again.

Monty really agreed?

Yes, he said, as long as
the vet besides your cousin

did the exam, he has
no issues with it.

I guess we're back in this.

[cheers]

Today is a fantastic
day to be alive

because we are live here
from the starting line

of the Joulurauha dog race.

OK, harnesses
have been double--

wait, actually, triple checked.

Did you remember--

To add electrolytes to
Axel's soup this morning?

Yes, I did.

Oh, and I forgot to mention,
Libby's paw pad is--

Oh, it's looking a little red.
I put some balm on it.

She's totally good now.

Amazing.

You are going to crush
this, because you are the most

stubborn, cantankerous--

Weird pep talk.

I got more
coming-- determined,

levelheaded, and resilient
person that I know.

- One team.
- One dream.

Yes.

Ah!

You should know I had no
reservations about the panel's

unconventional request
to allow you to continue

with the replacement dog.

Thank you, Monty.

It is a shame, though.

What is?

You building your
name off of your father

and then having that
journalist come to your rescue.

Disappointing for womankind to
see such a prominent young woman

rely so much on men.

How lucky womankind is
to have you in our corner.

I do what I can.

All right.

Thank you, brother.

I'll see you at the
finish line in Sodankyla.

[barking]

Racers on your
marks, get set, mush!

[cheering]

Ha!

[barking]

[cheering]

[ringing]

[barking]

Up the hill.

Up the hill.

You can do it.

[barking]

Almost there.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

That's what I missed.

That's what I missed.

[barking]

Mailbox is over here, junior.

Aargh!

Where's the letter?

[laughs]

Come on, boys.

Come on!

[grunts]

[barking]

OK.

[barking]

[upbeat music]

[cheering]

[laughs]

[cheering]

[upbeat music]

Atta girl.
Come on, girl.

Eyes forward, eyes forward.

You got this.

[barking]

Here are the
Turtledove brothers.

[cheering]

The only one.

Only one is here.

There she is, Anya Kivela.

There she is.

[cheering]

Hooray, Anya.

I mean, everyone.

I mean, everyone, everyone,
everyone is so good.

That is so amazing.

Fourth is my favorite number.

Fourth of six, better
than one third of the teams.

That's what I
was going to say.

- And that's math.
- That is math.

You know what?

There were some kinks to
work out, but, in the end,

they really came together,
and our girl did great.

Good.

Well, that's a lot of
celebrating for fourth place

and overshooting the mailbox.

Just imagine how I'll do when
my team has more time to gel.

[scoffs]

JOURNALIST: Monty.

[cheering]

OK, vet hat off,
cousin hat on.

I have a special
delivery from my mother.

You must come for
dinner tonight.

- I would love to.
- Great.

Yes, I'd love to.

It's been too long.

Elyse, Cole, are you in?
- Yeah.

I think that's a
little weird, right?

I'm not part of the family.

OK, OK.

Hang on a minute.

It would be weird
if you did not come.

Elyse: Are you ready for this?

ANYA: Yeah, I just raced across
Finland with a brand new team.

I'm ready for anything.

[doorbell rings]

You made it.

Hey.

Hi.

Come in, everybody.

Oh, thank you.

I'll take that.

Oh, thank you.

MAN: There she is.

[exclaims]
- Hi.

Welcome, my love.

Oh, it's so nice to see you.

It's been too long.

Everyone is so excited.

Everyone?

Hi.

Hi.

Merry Christmas.

And Evie is your second cousin.

Oh, hi.

So you're my cousin's cousin.
- No.

No, second cousin
means you have

a great grandparent in common.
- Yes.

Oh.

So a third cousin would have
a great, great grandparent

in common.
- Precisely.

Aha!

So who would be my first
cousin once removed?

Oh, I think that's
your cousin's cousin.

No, no.

Removed means
generation up or down.

LAVI: Yeah.

OK, so my father's cousin is
my first cousin once removed.

Yes.

Like cousin Aatos.

Oh.

Hi, Aatos.

[laughs]

OK, OK, OK.

So who's the cousin's cousin?

Like, what's that person?

That's someone you
met at a wedding once.

And how do you know all this?

My Finnish mother is
very into genealogy.

Come on, Anyakka.

I have a very special
Christmas job for you.

I'm being summoned, everybody.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

We are going to make--

Joulutorttu.

Yes.

[laughs]

These jam pastries were
your father's favorite.

He made sure you knew them?

Well, my mom did, actually.

I think she felt guilty
about moving him to Arizona,

so she tried really hard to
keep his traditions alive.

They were very much
in love and very lucky.

I know.

Anyway, I haven't
made these in years.

Well, tonight you will.

Now, we cut the
corners like this.

OK.

Then a big dollop of jam.

Ooh, that looks good.

And then you fold
the corners like this.

That's right.

This feels familiar now.

[laughs]

Very, very good.

My brother had no
patience for baking,

but he could absolutely
inhale these.

I so wish that we had visited
Finland together as a family,

but dad was always
putting it off.

I think he wanted
to wait until all

the fuss about his legacy had
died down, which, of course,

as you know--

It hasn't.

Mm-mmh.

Now you do it.

Yes, OK.

How's that?

Your father would
be very proud.

Of my Joulutorttu?

That too.

Um, hi.

They are demanding more Glogi.

[sighs] You help her.

Oh.

I'll fold, you jam.

I live to jam.

[laughs] So, I've
noticed you haven't asked

me any probing questions
for your article recently.

Well, I've been focusing
more on my astute powers

of observation.

Oh, no, Don't tell me that.

That's terrifying.

I do have one probing
question, though.

All right.

Go for it.

You've been working your
entire career for this race,

and everyone and their
cousin thinks they know why.

But what does it mean to you,
you know, in your own words?

Well, I guess--

I guess, I always hated that
part of my father's life

had to end so the
other could begin.

Racing Kivela made
way for Papa Kivela.

So it feels like me
being here racing

and maybe winning,
it's my way of saying,

here, Dad, you can have both.

It's a lot sweeter than just
coming here to trounce Monty.

Well, I want to do that too.

Of course, yeah.

Deeply.

OK, my turn.

Oh, no.

What do you do when
you're not busy following

me around everywhere?

It's a little embarrassing.

I doubt that.

No, it is.

I'm-- I'm working on a book.

In what world is
that embarrassing?

That's really cool.

What is it about?

Losing.

OK, that sounds great.

Very uplifting.
- Oh, yeah.

Yeah, big time.

[laughs]

It's a collection of
essays about people who had

to lose big before they won.

I have a publishing friend of
mine, and he wants to read it.

But I think people just--

I don't know, they
kind of want to-- they

want to read a book about
losing from a winner, right?

I think you're
selling yourself short.

I do.

You're a great writer.

Yeah, the night that we
agreed to the article,

I stayed up until like 5:00 AM
reading your work just to make

sure that I didn't doom myself.

Wow.

You really can't handle
the unknown, can you?

No.

[sucking]

[clanking]

So the Glogi is
really good here.

[laughs] It's really good.

What is that, like,
cardamom in it or something,

is that what that is?

You know, oranges are very--

In Finland, it is
OK to sit in silence.

Oh, OK.

So you guys aren't
big on small talk?

Yeah, no, but I
like it when you talk.

I kind of like
it when you talk.

[giggles]

[laughs]

OK, that's enough of
a companionable silence.

Letkajenkka time.

[cheering]

OK, follow me.

Perfect.

Mm-hmm.

[singing in finnish]

[laughs]

How long were we in there?

I'm not sure if we time
traveled forwards or backwards.

Are you the best
racer in the world?

I don't know
that I'm the best.

I'm Willa, and
I'm your cousin.

And I wanted to be a
racer my whole life,

but I don't have any
dogs, so I can't race.

No dogs, you say.

How are we going
to do this exactly?

Well, you used to be
a professional racer.

You should know how this works.

Gosh, I can't believe I
never mentioned this to you.

I did the human part.

What?

Yeah, I know.

Hey, you ready?

All right, you
know what to do.

Hike!

[groaning]

Yeah.

Gee!

Ha!

Gee!

Gee!

[laughter]

Ah!

Haw means left.

Yeah, I know that.

I just I forgot--

Let's go again.

--which way left was.

OK.

Again.
You heard the girl.

I need to take a minute.

Do you know the
number for a doctor?

[laughs]

I think something
romantic might be happening

between those sled dogs.

Oh, yeah.

I would definitely agree.

100%.

What would a romantic
date in Finland be?

Oh, yeah, you could take a
tour of the frozen waterfalls.

That's so great.

That sounds amazing.

I've never seen a
frozen waterfall.

No, yeah, you should.

Yeah, definitely.

I mean, I hope I get to
before I leave, you know.

You and Anya
must go and see it.

It's so good.

No, I mean, like, you know,
it would be cool, like, if I

had, like, a local to show--
- Yeah.

--maybe give me, like, a
private tour or something.

Yeah, definitely good idea.

Yeah.

No, Lavi, I'm asking you out.

What?

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

[stammering] I couldn't.

I could never do that, you know.

That's not possible.

You know, I'm a veterinarian.

Yeah, so?

And I'm a cousin.

And--

OK, you're not my cousin.

I simply can't.

I cannot.

I'm really sorry.

No worries.
No.

- No.
- It's fine.

It's totally cool.

I mean, if I was giving
you a wrong impression,

I'm really sorry about it.

It's fine.

No, because us Finns
are very known for being

effusive and outgoing.

But you are really
beautiful, but I can't--

OK, I have to get
now more glogi.

I'm sorry.

Bye.

[mellow music]

Elyse: Yeah, He said
he was too effusive

and just all this other
stuff about being a vet

and a cousin and--

Wow, really, that
was his excuse?

Yeah.

I'm so sorry.

I really thought that
he liked you too.

Yeah.

Whatever, It's for
the best, right?

It's not like we had completely
complementary personalities and

the same exact sense of humor.

Like, how would it have
ever worked, right?

So delusional

- Hello, Jaak.
- Hi.

Is everything OK?

Yeah, you might
disagree, but there

has been a recent
development in the race.

In order to level
the playing ground,

players now must race
with weighted bags,

so every sled is travelling
with the same amount of burden.

I'm sorry, I'm not following.

Do you mean that the
smaller racers now have

to travel with added weight?

Are you saying that we're
going to be doing that?

Yes, everyone is pulling as
much as the heaviest racer.

The heaviest racer?

Let me guess who that is.

Is it Monty?

Yes, that was him that
brought it to the committee.

But there is good news.

We were able to style
the weighted bags,

so we stayed on theme.

Oh.

Wow, that is great news.

have reached the
second leg of Finland's

annual Joulurauha race.

All eight races are
departing from Sodenkyla

and are heading to
beautiful, beautiful Kemi.

Each racer needs to drop
coal into a designated

stocking along the route.

The second leg has begun!

Trail on your left.

[barking]

[thud]

Come on.

On the bright side,
you placed second,

and Monty's face was [kisses].

But I know it was your dad's.

Oh.
All right.

I'm going to go over to the vet
office and get more ointment.

Do you want to--

you want to stay
here and not come

within 100 yards of that place?
- Mm-hmm.

Yeah.
- Got it.

I'll meet up with you later.

Understood

Ah, Anya, well
done for second.

You probably didn't make
up enough time to win

tomorrow but good hustle.

[sighs] You know, Monty, I am
really not good with unknowns,

so I just wanted to thank you
for being so reliably obnoxious.

It means a lot.

Come.

I'm offering gallon and
a half of water every day.

Yeah, yeah, Yeah.

Hi.

Hello.

So sorry to interrupt.

OK.

How are you holding up?

Not great.

I came in last today.

My team is exhausted.

Not the finish I was hoping for.

Yeah, that weight
trick, that was rotten.

So puppies like yours--

Yeah.

--they get so excited when
they're running and competing

that they totally forget to
think about their bodies,

and therefore, don't
hydrate enough.

I don't know
what more I can do.

Well, if you don't mind
some unsolicited advice.

- Sure.
- Go ahead.

Yeah, is she a good eater?

Oh, big time.

OK.

OK.

So try soaking her
kibble in a lot of water,

and then disguise it with
fish and frozen meat.

- Yeah.
- Exactly.

Good trick.

So she's eating and
hydrating at the same time.

Exactly.

NITARO: Thanks.

You're welcome.

All right.

Have a good night, guys.

Yeah, you too.

Good luck.

Come on.

OK, how can I help?

Wait, how is Elyse?

Is she sad?

Is she fine, not fine?

OK?

OK, never mind.

Never mind.

How can I help?

For my dogs, I need ointment.

What?

Ointment, yes, no problem.

And for you?

[sighs] For me, I
need a distraction.

Are there any, like,
once-in-a-lifetime

things to do in Kemi?

Yeah.

OK.

There you are.

LAVI: Thank you.

Welcome.

Guys, I am so
relieved that an ice

restaurant means that
it's made of ice and not

that it only sells ice.

[laughs]

You know what?

I'm-- uh, what's going on?

That was moderately funny.

It was OK.

I'll tell you later.

You guys, I cannot believe
that the race is over tomorrow.

Yeah.

I know.

Yeah, so how long
has this been a goal?

Oh, gosh, For me and
Elyse, it's been what?

12 years.

For Anya, it's been
two, three decades.

Oh, I don't even
want to think about it.

But you know what I could go for
right now is a warm beverage.

Could we do that?

Yeah and, like, a gingerbread.

Yes, We haven't had
any Finnish gingerbread.

I screwed up.

I'm such a bad host.

No, you're not.

I'm so, so bad.

No, I'm not saying that.

You must try gingerbread
the Finnish way.

What's the Finnish way?

LAVI: Yeah.

ANYA: OK.

Blue cheese.

ANYA: I'll do it if you do it.

We win together,
we lose together.

[chewing]

It's interesting.

Yeah, it's an experience.

Yeah, it's good.

It's good, huh?

Very brave.

Speaking of brave--

Why am I suddenly worried?

--the time has come.

I'm going to take my revenge.

Please, no.

Oh, no.

What is your
thing with reindeer?

It's a long story that
involves my older siblings,

a New Year's prank, and
upsetting that guy's cousin

once removed.

WOMAN: Next.

OK.

So you guys want to take
the front, we'll take the--

WOMAN: Yeah, only two per sled.

Sorry, you can
take the next one.

- Uh.
- Fine by me.

I don't mind.
Yeah.

No.

OK.

OK.

Nice.

[laughs] Do you
need a distraction?

Funny.

Yes

OK.

Why did you start racing?

You have a real
one-track mind, don't you?

I call it goal oriented.

Oh, I love dogs.

Love being on teams.

It doesn't get much better
than being on a team

with a bunch of dogs.

I came to this race, my
first Christmas here,

and I was a goner.

I think that's really lovely.

Yeah.

OK.

Now, why did you stop racing?

I just didn't have
the killer instinct.

You have it.

I don't have it.

And I love the process.

I love the work.

But, you know, we get
out there, and I just

think as long as we try
hard and have a great time,

that is all that matters.

I still think that.

And a dog needs a driver
who really wants to win.

I agree.

If you don't mind me saying, it
sounds like maybe you wouldn't

have made a great lead dog.

Actually, I never made
a first move in my life.

Good to know.

Yeah.

[clears throat] So
the snow everywhere.

It's a good snow.

You know it's bad when a Finn
is trying to make small talk.

Yeah.

You know, when we
get back to the cabins,

I'm going to read
your book proposal.

That's revenge part two.

No.

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

Absolutely not.

I am out of my comfort zone, as
you can tell by the reindeer.

And we are even-steven.

Well, the discomfort
of that plunge

means one reindeer ride
plus one book proposal.

That's just math.

OK, that's over.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

So nice trip?

OK, it's a snowstorm.

Yeah, a big one.

It's supposed to hit tomorrow.

Well, how many inches?

You know, when is
this going to start?

What's the path?

Do you think this
will affect the race?

It's not a
crystal ball, right?

You know whatever
will be, will be.

Yeah.

You're right.

I don't know what's coming, but
whatever it is, I can handle it.

- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah.

Yes.

That's right,
ladies and gentlemen,

this race has thrown
me enough snowballs

that I feel like I've grown,
maybe a little against my will.

And speaking of--

OK, the book's
still, it's very rough.

There's a lot I want to
change, especially kind

of the flow in the
beginning, all the way

to, like, the midpoint.

What will be will be.

Right.

Take a walk, Cole.

OK.

I probably should
cut that into--

OK.

[mellow music]

[background chatter]

Look, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

No, no.

Actually, just let me go first
because I want to apologize for,

you know, making things weird.

No, no.

I'm sorry for being so really
harsh and rude, you know.

I'm so sorry.

OK.

Friends again?

Friends.

Yeah.

It's good that we made up
before Christmas Peace.

What's Christmas Peace?

OK, so in the
Middle Ages, we'd

start the Christmas season
by declaring a period

of harmony and goodwill.

Oh, that's beautiful.

Isn't it?

Yeah.

Yeah, and those who
violated it were, like,

punished so, so, so harshly.

That's less beautiful.

Now just have fun
and a beautiful start

of the Christmas season going.
- I love that.

Yeah.
[laughter]

Happy Christmas Peace.

Yeah, Christmas peace.

[clinks]

Safe to enter?

It is.

Oh, Cole, this is wonderful.

- Yeah?
- Yes.

You have to give this to
your publisher friend.

I mean, it's funny
and insightful.

And if the article about
me is half as good as this,

then I know I have
nothing to worry about.

What?

Oh, God, is it the article?

Is it bad?

Is it a hit piece?
- Oh, no.

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

It's just I'm a little stuck.

It's because I'm
boring or something.

I knew it.

I told you you should
have done the twins.

You're not boring.

It's just-- look, the
other night I asked

what the race means to you.

And your answer was
still about your dad.

I don't know what a
win means for Anya.

[inhales]

[exhales]

Um.

[exhales]

When I was younger, I
lost my mom really fast.

And then later, I lost
my dad really slow.

And turns out that both
ways are equally terrible.

Yeah.

Yeah, I-- I knew that.

I'm so sorry.

Yeah.

And-- sorry can we actually
talk off the record?

Yeah.

[exhales]

I had really,
really, really, really,

really wonderful parents.

And they loved Christmas.

Oh, they loved it.

But they're gone now,
and it's just me.

And deep down, I
really hate that

I get to keep having these
beautiful Christmases,

and they don't.

But there is something
about being here,

being in Finland in the
place where they met,

especially at the
race where they met.

It's really nice.

And it kind of makes
me feel like I'm having

Christmas with them again.

Gosh, I hope you win.

Did you not beforehand?

Is that new?

You can tell me.

Do you think you
have an article now?

Yeah, I think so.

Good.

No, I appreciate getting
to know that stuff about you.

Yeah.

As almost friends.

Mm-hmm.

OK.

Here, eat, eat, energy.

Mhm.

Mhm.

Oh, my, you got the almond.

What does the almond mean?

That is good luck for
the rest of the year.

I suspect this
almond was planted.

[laughter]

Hey, can I say something
else off the record.

Yeah.

[kissing]

I want you both to know
that no matter what happens,

I feel so, so lucky to have
gotten to race with both of you.

Cupid, my love, we would
not be here if you didn't

get us through the qualifiers.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Aah!

Absolutely touching.

Merry Christmas Eve, Monty.

You know, it's devastating
to know that we're coming

to the end of our journey.

I have enjoyed our banter.

What have you got for me?

Am I a feminist tragedy,
a spoiled upstart?

Am I the heartbreak of the
Finnish American dream?

I just wanted
to wish you well.

It's a scary day
for you, after all.

I'm not scared of you, Monty.

I never said you were.

But me, I'm lucky.

Win or lose, I'll
wake up tomorrow,

and I'm still Monty White.

But you-- well, if you win,
you're little Anya Kivela

saving her father's legacy.

But if you lose,
[laughs] oh, boy, you

said you don't like
unknowns, and that's

a big one, a whole life
building to this race.

Without it, I have to
wonder, who are you?

Anyway, have a good race.

[footsteps]

[somber music]

Hey, coffee?

Thank you.

I just don't really
have time for that.

Hey, I'd be careful.

You can get arrested around
here for talking like that.

Mm-hmm

I can't find Libby's booties.
I can't find them anywhere.

Last night, we had a full
13, and now they're what?

They're just gone.

Libby can't race
without her booties,

and I can't race without Libby.

You know we always
have a back up pair.

Of course.

Thank you.

Hey, this is
not about booties.

Are you a little woo-hoo
because of your kiss with Cole?

Elyse!

What?

It's not like we don't all know.

I mean, we're adults.

No, I'm not really
thinking about kissing Cole.

No offense, Cole.

A little bit of offense.

I'm sorry.

I just-- you know, I ran
into Monty this morning,

and now I'm--

Monty?

Forget about that guy, OK.

You can trounce
him in your sleep.

Elyse, I know you're trying
to be positive right now,

but that's really
not what I need.

No, no, I'm not
being positive, OK.

I know that we can
win this thing.

Right, guys?
- Absolutely.

- Yeah.
- I mean, that's just not true.

Monty came in first twice.

I have a lot of time
that I've got to make up,

and there's a very
real possibility

that I'm going to lose.

With that attitude you
might because you are being

very pessimistic right now.

No, I'm being pragmatic.

Well, I don't really know
what the difference is.

Cole, will you
please back me up here?

The difference between
pragmatism and pessimism?

Well, look, all I'm saying
is I need my team to be

living in reality right now.

Reality.

No, Anya, I don't think you
should be living in reality.

Remember when you
were living in reality

and you almost quit right
before the qualifying race,

or when you were
living in reality

and you almost didn't
have the confidence

to start racing to begin with?
- OK.

All right, all right, all right.

Win or lose, right, what
you've accomplished so far,

it's incredible.

But I mean--
- Thank you.

That's a beautiful sentiment.

The thing is, is that's a very
writer-y version of saying

there will be a happy ending.

Well, don't you
want a happy ending?

I would love a happy
ending, but this is real life.

And that's not how things work.

Anya, just remember,
you're not in this alone, OK.

We're a team.
We're here for you.

I know we're a team.

But I need you all to
realize that today holds very

different stakes for all of us.

Well, we've all made
sacrifices to be here.

Yeah, we did.

We did.

But if we lose, Cole
goes back to writing.

Lavi goes back to saving dogs.

You go back to your big
joyous, rescheduled family

Christmas celebration.

And I, I will be a
loser with no family.

So I don't want to
hear silver lining.

I don't want to
hear words of cheer.

I want to mush through another
disappointing Christmas

and for all of you to
give me a little space.

[somber music]

I think I really need to
tell her about Christmas Peace.

As millions of children
around the world

is waiting to see
if Santa will come,

Anya Kivela is waiting to see if
her entire life is building to

a soul-crushing disappointment.

As the storm brews
and the snow swirls,

to tell us more about this
last leg is our chairman, Jaak.

What can you tell us?

Much like Santa, our racers
must deliver a sack of presents

to a designated Christmas
tree along the trip.

Tomorrow, the Santa Claus
himself will deliver those

presents to a children's
hospital in Rovaniemi.

Which is beautiful.

But we need to speak
about the commanding lead

of 22 seconds, Monty White.

Do the other six races,
should they give up now?

This is still anybody's race.

This is still anybody's race.

We are coming back
to you after this.

OK, boys, it's time to shine.

All set.
All right.

- Hey.
- Hey.

Nitaro, your dogs
look better today.

Yeah, your kibble
trick worked.

Good I'm really
glad to hear that.

My mother told me
that a true competitor

wants to face their opponents
at their absolute best.

Yeah, my father taught
me the same thing.

Good luck out there today.

Yeah, you too.

Hi.

Everything's looking good.

Thank you.

I'm still mad at
you, but I think

the guys would be pretty upset
if I didn't give you this.

Oh, Elyse.

Yeah, Cole found the straw,
and Lavi put in the work,

but it was all my idea.

[mellow music]

Thank you.

Elyse, I'm so sorry that I said
I'd be a loser without a family.

I mean, even if I
don't win today,

I will be a loser with a family.

A family.

Yes.

Thank you.

Sorry.

Just remember
that no matter what,

you are Anya Kivela, the most
determined, practical dreamer

that I know.

One team.

One dream.

That's right.
OK.

I'm going to go.

I'll see you at the finish line.

OK.

[barking]

[whining]

I'm Anya Kivela.

OK.

I'm more comfortable around
new dogs than I am new people.

I'm incredibly pragmatic.

But if there's the
tiniest glimmer of hope,

then I will throw
my all into it.

I have my father's
passion, my mother's heart,

and a very dry sense of
humor, which honestly,

more people should appreciate.

You're telling me this why?

Because you asked who I
am, and I'm telling you.

I'm Anya Kivela.

And I'm going to win.

[scoffs]

Racers, on your
mark, get ready, mush!

[bell ringing]

[barking]

[cheering]

[barking]

Come on.

[vocalizing]

[barking]

Help!

Help!

Over here.

Help!

Help!

[sighs]

Why couldn't it be anyone else?

I'm sorry, did you want
to wait for someone else

to save you?

What happened?

The storm blew us off course.

A tree got knocked down from the
wind, and it spooked the dogs.

They knocked me off my sled
and ran too close to the cliff.

And I couldn't exactly
go chasing after them.

- Can you put any weight on it?
- A little.

All right.

Sit down on my sled.

I can't beat you if
you're dead, silly.

Take a seat.

[barking]

Whoa!

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

OK, Monty, grab the brake.
Careful.

Take it easy.

Take it easy.

You got it?

- I got it.
- OK.

All right.

I'll be back.

Oh!

Yeah.

All right.

Yeah, OK.

Your sled is caught
between some ice and rock.

Your lucky day.

You should just leave me.

Yeah, I probably should,
but I'm not going to do that.

Besides, if I did, who would
take care of those guys, huh?

You know what?

While I have you, what is
your problem with me, anyway?

You were born into racing
with the greatest teacher

to ever live, handed a legacy,
and then welcomed back to

my race like a returning hero.

[chuckles] That's
a very biased story.

Well, that's what stories are.

How about the son
of a single mother

teaches himself how to race,
defeats the greatest competitor

of all times, returns to
that race 30 years later,

and then gets painted
as the villain.

All right, I'll be back.

Stay on that brake.

OK.

Here we go, OK easy, easy.

OK.

[grunts]

[hitting]

[grunts]

[hitting]

Be careful.

Oh, now you care.

[grunts]

[hitting]

[sliding]

[gaps]

[whining]

[barking]

Monty, help!

[panting]

[barking]

Help me!

Monty!

Hang on.

Anya is hanging off a cliff.

Here, take this rope, take it
around those trees down there,

and hitch to Anya's lead dogs.
- Yeah, yeah.

- I'll get around to help her.
- OK.

Quick.
Let me know when you're ready.

Yeah.

Hold on.

Hang in there, Anya.

It's not like I have a choice.

I'm coming.

Ready?

Yeah.

Mush.

Ha!

[barking]

Grab my hand.

I can't reach you.
NITARO: Yeah, you can.

Come on.
- I can't.

NITARO: Come on.
ANYA: I can't.

[groaning]

NITARO: Come on.

ANYA: Good dogs.

Well, that was close.

What?

You thought I was just going
to leave you out there.

Absolutely, 100%.

I'm a jerk not a monster.

[laughter]

Thank you.

Thank you, both of you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

We're even for the kibble thing.

Oh, no, that's not even
remotely the same thing.

But, yeah, I'll take it.

Just so you know, this
little friendship circle

doesn't mean I'm going
to go easy on you ladies.

I wouldn't want
it any other way.

[barking]

Where have you been?

It's a long story.

[upbeat music]

[barking]

[exhales]

Oh, that's amazing.

Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad.

Ha!

[upbeat music]

[barking]

Anya!

Anya!

Anya!

Anya.

Anya!

CROWD: Anya!

Anya!

Anya!

Anya!

JOURNALIST: Is this possible?

Is this possible?

[barking]

CROWD: Anya!

Anya!

Anya!

That's not your father
they're cheering for, Anya.

[upbeat music]

Bring it home, baby.

You got this, girl.

[cheering]

[applause]

Yes, we won.

I don't know why I
can't stop saying that.

I don't know why
either, but I like it.

OK, I have to confess, I was
rooting for you all the time.

You don't say.

I had my suspicions.

You actually had a
pretty big rooting section.

[cheering]

Oh, they came.

All the way from Sodankyla.

Everybody wanted to see you win.

Where's Cole?

Anya, Anya, Anya,
congratulations.

Do you have any comments on
your highly improbable win and--

You know what?

Anya Kivela was a winner
from the moment she stepped

off the plane, all right.

She is the smartest,
bravest person I know.

And Finland is
lucky to have her.

[laughs]

Anything to add, Anya?

No.

No, I think that
about covers it.

But if you want a really good
story, go talk to that guy

right there.

He can tell you all
about our adventure.

Monty.

Monty White.

Monty White, how do you feel?

How do you feel?

So there I was stranded
and injured in the woods.

A tree collapsed from the
wind and spooked my dogs.

Hey, we have won.

[laughs]

In Finland, we come to the
cemetery on Christmas Eve

to remind ourselves that
those who are not with us

are never really gone.

I think that's beautiful.

You know, I really felt
my parents with me when

I crossed that finish line.

I guess all those Christmas
Eves of my dad telling the tale

of him losing really paid off.

Oh, Anyakka, you
know, he wasn't telling

you that story of losing.

Oh, I know.

I know.

It was about how he met my
mom, and then how he had me.

But--

There's no but.

Not for your father--

you were no consolation prize.

You were the win, a
very unexpected win.

So you're saying
that this entire time

I've been listening
to a fairy tale

about embracing the unknown?

Some lessons we have
to learn for ourselves.

Speaking of love
stories, [giggling],

what's happening with you and
that reporter from my kitchen?

I knew you were going
to ask about that.

Cole--

Aha.

--I don't know.

He picked up Roux from Elyse
while I was talking to Jaak,

and he didn't stay to see me.

I just don't think it
can work between us.

I'm too aggressive,
and he's too passive.

My life is a big
question mark right now,

and we live in vastly
different places.

It just, it can't work.

I don't see a clear path.

Still with all the unknowns.

Yeah, that's me.

In Finland, we
have this saying,

you can't get the almond
unless you eat the porridge.

Cole is my almond.

Yes.

Cole is my almond.

Yes, he is.

[laughter]

Cole is my almond.

You're right.

Oh, you're absolutely right.

I have to tell him.

This is a little
creepy but beautiful.

Yes.

Yes.

Elyse, so I have
another confession.

I lied to you.

Oh, buddy, I'm
way ahead of you.

There's no way blue cheese
on gingerbread cookies

is an actual thing.

No, that's a thing.

It's very good.

No, wait, that's not it, sorry.

I lied when I said I
wasn't interested in you.

Oh.

In my list of things
I find interesting,

the first thing is like
Christmas and dogs,

and it's like you way up here.

And I just didn't think
you'd like me back.

And I panicked.

I just thought I was
unworthy of a beautiful soul

such as yourself.

[kissing]

Hey, you two.

Hey, where are you going?

To get her almond.

You're my almond.

[giggling]

[kissing]

[typing]

Don't look at me like that.

The last time we talked
she specifically said,

I'm not thinking
about kissing Cole.

So, yes, it was a very
specific set of circumstances.

Yes, she did kiss me
first, but I don't agree.

I don't think the
ball is in my court.

If Anya was interested,
she would take the lead.

[thud]

I fully support this, but
I'm wondering a little bit

where it came from.

Well, it's like
the Finnish say,

you can't get your almond
unless you eat the porridge.

Well, it's not a
Finnish saying, you know.

My mom lies sometimes.

Hey, Anya.

Good evening.

Good to see you.

What's going on, girl?

What?

Cole.

Anya.

Hey.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[stammers] I was
looking for you.

I was looking for you too.

Well, I wanted
to tell you that--

- No, no, no, no, no, no, stop.
- What?

Why?
What's wrong?

I'm finally being lead dog.

[serene music]

[kissing]

And I really got to quit it
with those dog metaphors.

I mean, it only kills
the romance a little bit.

OK, your turn.

I wanted to tell you
that I like you, Cole.

And I have no plan.

I'm completely off trail.

There is no map.

But I really, really,
really like you.

[kissing]

[theme music]

[audio logo]