All language subtitles for Believe.In.Christmas.2024.1080p.WEBRip.DDP5.1.X265.10bit.GalaxyRG265

Snow globes for sale.

Snow globes here, get your
snow globes.

I'm telling you, Bill,
collagen is a hot topic.

Women want it and
they wanna know

how they can get more
of it. And I really think

this story is gonna resonate
with a lot of people.

It's what the female
readers are looking for, and...

Yes, I know it's Christmas
time, Bill.

Yeah snow globes.
Come on, hey, happy Christmas.

Buy a snow globe! Snow globes
for sale! Come on in!

Yes.

Hey, snow globes for sale.
You want a snow globe?

Uh. Uh-huh.

Okay. Life affirming,
upbeat story that

tugs at the heartstrings,

and get it in by
Christmas time, of course.

Okay. Yeah, thanks Bill.

Tissue?

Plain black coffee.
Just how you like it.

Thank you. Ugh.
What is that sugary,

colorful concoction
you have there?

- Candy cane syrup.
- That's disgusting.

This, my friend, is the joy of
Christmas. What happened to you?

Ugh. This is also the
joy of Christmas,

crosswalk slush spray.
It's trending.

Sorry. I know you hate
walking through tourist traps

this time of year, but
it's an emergency.

Shopping is an emergency?
You know there's still

two weeks left
'til Christmas, right?

Oh, no, not for me. If I don't
get my family's gifts

in the mail this afternoon,
they won't get there on time.

Why don't you just
bring them with you

when you fly out for New Year's?

And not have gifts under
the tree for my nephews

on Christmas Day?
- Oh, the horror.

Right? It's bad enough
I'm not there

to see them open my presents.

You know, if you want
to spend actual Christmas

with your family, I will
totally understand.

Are you kidding?
Bestie, Christmas is our thing.

It's been the hallmark of
our friendship since college.

Linchpin of our BFF bond.

The lime in our margarita,
the gold standard for all.

Okay, that's enough for you.

Seriously.
I love our traditions.

The movie marathons,
caramel popcorn.

Mmm, your homemade chili,

vegging on the
couch for hours on end.

Correction, I veg, you work.

I work from home on
the couch, so it counts.

You wild child, you.

A journalist's job
is never done.

My point is, I love
spending Christmas with you.

Okay, it's settled. Staycation
friendmas for the win.

But with a caveat.

The staycation aspect
of our friendsmas,

I was thinking maybe this year

we try something a little
different.

- Okay, now you're scaring me.
- You haven't even heard my idea.

Yes, but you're acting weird

and you are the queen
of traditions,

and now all of a sudden
you wanna change things up?

What was it that your foster
mom used to say?

"Don't touch the
crystal ornaments."

Yeah, that, and "The best
way to find out

"if you can trust
somebody is to trust them."

Yeah. But she stole that
from Hemingway

Well, you need to trust me now.

Okay, you know how
I always listen

to that holiday radio station?

The one that plays all the
Muppets Christmas songs

that everyone
finds pretty annoying?

- Em.
- Right.

So I entered one of their
call-in contests and I won.

You won, that's great!
What did you win?

Two all-expense paid
tickets to Christmasland.

Wow! What exactly is
Christmasland?

Christmasland is only the
most magical place on earth.

Just picture it, B.

It's an entire town devoted
to Christmas.

Hey everybody.

Hey Ethan, welcome home.

Oh, hello Ethan!

Ask your mother where she
wants the colored lights.

The whole town
comes together every year

to give visitors the Christmas
experience of their dreams.

What does that mean exactly?

Does the entire town gather
around a giant Christmas tree

and sing the Whoville song?

No. Although maybe
they do that too.

But that's not the best part.

I certainly hope
that's not the highlight.

So there's this inn,
the North Pole Inn,

owned by the founders
of Christmasland,

where all the
guests are invited to stay

and they guarantee a whole
holiday experience.

An entire town in the
middle of a magical land!

Okay, you lost me
at "magical land."

Fine. It's Massachusetts.

Okay, carry on.

And apparently they make every
guest feel like they're family.

- Hello.
- Oh, you're home! Ahh!

- Hey mom.
- Oh my gosh.

Mwah! You look hungry.
Are you hungry?

I could be.

Wow. And your hair
looks nice. Longer.

- Shorter.
- Wow. And still so much of it.

Just like your father.
I miss him every day.

Look at you. Oh my God.
You didn't shave?

No. This is five o'clock
shadow.

But it's morning.

No, mom, that's what
it's called.

It's called five o'clock shadow.

And everything is,
you know, okay?

Yes, yes, everything is great.

It's Christmas time, we're
in Christmasland.

I'm in the queen of
Christmasland's foyer.

Mhm, okay. Oh my gosh, my
boy, how I've missed you.

Now, are you
ready to get to work?

- Yeah.
- Alright, here you go.

Okay. No rest
for the weary.

Not unless you're
a paying guest.

Ooh, cookies are ready.

The best part is they guarantee
a full holiday movie experience.

A what now?

You know those Christmas movies

I like to binge watch
every year?

Yeah, like the one
that you made me watch

where a puppy somehow makes
two people fall in love?

Like that one.

Except it's not the puppy
that brings them together,

it's the magic of Christmas.

- That makes way more sense.
- Yeah.

The family that runs this inn,

they must be really
into Christmas.

Smells good in here.

Ooh, I wouldn't try
that if I were you.

Why? Not ready?

Because it's my
holiday potpourri.

It's oranges, cloves,
cinnamon, nutmeg.

My recipe for a splendid
smelling Christmas kitchen.

Okay, easy there, Mrs. Claus.
What are you looking for?

What do you think?

Oh, of course. Yes,
it is that time of year.

The search for the missing
ornament continues.

Yeah. Well I was thinking that
maybe you could have

a peek around the
garage and see if it's in

one of those boxes high
up in the rafters.

Okay, will do.

Oh! Oh, hey, those
are for fellas

working with the reindeer.

You did not get more plastic
reindeer for the roof, did you?

Well, I did, but these
are for the fellas

working on the real reindeer.

- The real reindeer?
- Yes.

The town voted to have
a reindeer farm

on Mr. Harlow's property.

- Isn't that fabulous?
- It sounds a little excessive.

Well, moderation
is a fatal thing.

Nothing succeeds like excess.

Except you just made that up.

No, I didn't.
That's Oscar Wilde.

Honey, people thought
it was excessive

when I decided
to turn this place

into a Christmas themed inn
after your father passed.

But it's what's kept me going,

and our neighbors
deciding to turn the town

into Christmasland! That's
kept many of them going

for their own personal reasons.

It's fun, it's festive,
and it's for all.

Okay. And I hear it's official
now that the Town Council voted

to change the name of the
town to Christmasland.

Officially, official it is.

Okay. Well, as long
as this isn't too much

for you to organize
and you're happy.

Never been merrier.

Okay, so what you're
trying to say

is this town makes you
feel like you're living

in a Christmas movie?

Isn't it awesome?

Oh, now don't forget, the rest
of our players arrive tonight

and our paying guests
will be coming

over the next couple of days.

- Lots of reservations?
- Fully booked.

And you remember what
to do when they arrive.

Yes. I have my cap and I am
ready to perform, dear lady.

Oh, Tiny Tim.

You saying you don't
like the cap?

I'm sorry. With all that
facial hair, I can't tell

if that's a trick question or
if you're just being serious.

- Okay, mom.
- Alright.

I know my part.

- So?
- So what?

- Will you come with me?
- To Crazy Town?

It's Christmasland
and it'll be fun.

No, absolutely not.

It's not like you
have other plans.

Em, you know I don't
even like Christmas.

Oh, we just
established that you do.

No, I like our Christmas.

Not the one that is filled with
family and memory lane,

and everybody expects
you to be jolly all the time.

It'll still be our friendsmas.
Just on the backdrop.

It's something that I
just cannot relate to.

Hey!

Just looking for green hair,
your Grinch roots are showing.

Look, if you wanna go,

I absolutely think
that you should, but.

I'm not going without you.

I love you, Em, but
I'm not coming.

I know where you live!

And hide your spare key!
You can't avoid me forever.

You're still gonna help me with
my shopping though, right?

- Come on.
- No.

- Please?
- Nope.

Why?

Because.

Because why?

Just no.

Pretty please?

Still no.

Pretty please,
with sugar on top?

Just no.

But what about my
Christmas gift?

Come on, B, we made a
sacred promise to each other,

to always be there
for one another.

I am a grown woman who wears
a plastic friendship bracelet.

Do not doubt my loyalty.

But Crazy Town is where
I draw the line.

Christmasland.

But well, what about
your work? Huh?

- What about it?
- Your upcoming story?

He said he needed it
revised, didn't he?

Hmm. Yes. "Life affirming,
upbeat story that tugs

"at the heartstrings,"
I think were his exact words.

Christmasland might be
right up that alley.

A work assignment
and a gift to your BFF.

Two birds, my friend.
Two birds.

Okay. You could
be onto something.

There might be a story there.

I mean, who willingly lives in
a town called Christmasland?

There might be a
human interest angle.

So does this mean you're
coming with me?

Fine, I will come.

You are not gonna regret this.

Mmm, we are gonna
have so much fun.

Let's not get
ahead of ourselves.

What are we watching?
Not a Christmas movie.

Definitely a Christmas movie.

Okay, it says here that there
is a town-wide snowball fight.

How does that even work?

I bet they have rules.

Or maybe it's a free-for-all.
Maybe this is like the

Hunger Games of
Christmas themed towns.

Maybe. Oh, look
at the next page.

Carriage rides.
That sounds kind of cool.

Ice sculptures. Snowman
making contest.

A holiday bake off.

Oh, you should definitely
stick to the ice sculptures.

Hey!

I'm just saying, you might
be more dangerous

with a spatula than a pickaxe.

Ooh, hot chocolate tasting.

That is for me.
Sign me right up.

What was that?

No idea.

Yep. We have a flat.

Oh, please tell me
you have a spare.

Oh my gosh, it's starting.

What? This string
of bad luck?

It's Christmasland.

Yeah. Yeah. I see,
I see the sign.

No, no, this is totally the
magic of Christmasland at work.

What, you think Christmasland
gives a flat tire?

A flat tire at night
in the middle of nowhere;

it has holiday romance
written all over it.

A handful of nails scattered
strategically across the road,

and voila, this is the magic
of Christmasland.

Okay. If you are right,
it's not magic.

It is a lawsuit
waiting to happen.

And I mean, how would that
even work with it?

I mean, no, this is
just... This is bad luck.

Somebody's gonna come.

And I bet you anything,
it's gonna be a he. Ah!

There's no spare!

Trust me. This is all fine.
It's part of the experience.

Ah, there's no service.
There's no service.

B, B, calm down.

I'm telling you, he'll be here.

He who? I mean what...

Okay, look, Em, I know
that you're excited,

but this is not a good situation
for us. We need to...

Told you.

Oh, I bet he's really handsome,

blue collar knight in shining
armor.

What are you talking about?

Probably wearing plaid
and with a full head

of like, amazingly manly hair.

And the strong shoulders,

the male leads always have the
nicest shoulders, you know.

Em, I love you, but
you've lost your mind.

Evening, ladies.

I told you so. He's the
rugged tow truck driver

that comes to the rescue.

I've seen this one
a million times.

Need some help?

He looks like a single dad.
Ask if he's a single dad.

I'm not asking him that. Hi.
Yes, we seem to have a flat.

You don't have a tow
truck back there, do you?

I do not have a tow truck handy.

If you have a spare though.

No. No spare.

Where are you headed?

Christmasland. You know it?

Yes, I do. That's where
I'm going.

You don't say!

Would you like a ride?

Absolutely...

Not! Just excuse us
for one moment.

What are you doing?
He could be a serial killer.

Does he look like
a serial killer?

His timing was too perfect.

Exactly.

So you really think
that he was sent

by the weirdo elves
of Christmasland?

More than I think he's
a super hope serial killer,

dressed in plaid, on his
way to Christmasland.

Everything okay?

Ah, we would love a ride.

A ride would be great.

Great. Well, I am Ethan,

Christmasland's official serial
killer. And you are?

Beatrice. This is, uh.

Em. Emilia, but everyone calls
me Em. You can call her B.

Well, it's a pleasure to meet
you. Are the bags in the trunk?

Oh yeah.

Oh!

Thanks.

Don't go falling for me yet.
You just got here.

Stay warm, it's a cold
night. I'll get the bags.

Such a gentleman. I told
you he'd be gentleman.

You did, and he is.

Holy moly.

He has a puppy!

- Wow.
- Oh my goodness. He's adorable.

I see you two met Jingles.

We have. How old is he?

Not exactly sure. Someone
dropped him off at the shelter.

A friend of mine adopted him.

And I am now just the chauffeur
taking him to his new home.

He's very cute.

So Ethan, are you a full-time
resident of Christmasland?

No. No, I grew up here, but
actually live in Boston now.

Just home for the holidays.

Hometown boy moves to the city,

and then rediscovers the beauty
of his small town. Classic.

-Shh!

And I take it you're a lawyer?

Nope. Engineer.

Interesting.

First time in Christmasland?

Is it that obvious?

No, no. I just wanted to
make sure that you're prepared.

Prepared for what?

Prepared for this.

Welcome to Christmasland.

This is incredible.

This is not real. What!?

Oh my goodness, are
you seeing this?

Oh, I see, I see.

Best day ever!

I'm glad you're happy.

- Christmas coffee?
- Okay.

Oh, what is this?

Peppermint oat latte
with coconut whipped cream.

That is disgusting.

It's much better than
the plain black coffee

that you normally drink.
Here, put this on.

I'm not wearing that.

Just wear it. Thank you.

So I've been thinking about
our agenda for the day.

Wait, how long have you been up?

You think I could sleep
in when we're in

the most magical place on earth?

All right, tone it
down a notch, Cindy Lou.

I can't. There's actually a
surprising amount of caffeine

in that drink, so you should
really give it a chance.

Okay. So what do you wanna do?

Well, I was thinking we
could start by watching

the carollers rehearse,

or we could join an
impromptu snowball fight.

Okay. How is it impromptu
if it is planned?

Don't be a spoil sport. Ooh,
or we could feed the reindeer.

Seriously?

Well, elk or caribou, I
think. But same, same.

Ho, ho, ho, and welcome.

Nothing like cookies
fresh from the oven

to make you feel at home.

These are incredible.

Well, they're not as good as
Shelley's down at the bakery,

but mine are made with love
and the holiday spirit.

I can taste it.

I'm Carol, the owner
of this inn.

I met Emilia downstairs
earlier, and she was kind enough

to give me both your
holiday profiles.

Well, I'm not
really into the holidays,

so sorry if mine's a bit sparse.

Oh, don't be silly. The jolly
thing is you filled it in.

You're Beatrice, right?

I am, yeah.

Well, it's nice to meet you.
Apologies for not being here

when you ladies checked
in last night.

But it was a good thing
Ethan turned up when he did.

- That was really good timing.
- It was indeed.

Now I better get back
to the front desk,

but if there's anything
you need, you holler, okay?

Yeah. We'll let you know when we
decide which event to hit first.

May I suggest the
eggnog tasting?

It only runs 'til the eggnog
runs out, so shake a leg, girls.

This place.

It's incredible, right?

Yes, Em. It's perfect.

Help yourself to some hot
chocolate in the parlor.

And Ethan will be right
behind you with your luggage.

Oh, going out for some
eggnog, are we?

- You better believe it.
- All right. And you as well?

Oh, she can't participate.
She's lactose intolerant.

You don't have to tell everyone.

Oh, let me see. Maybe you could
go look around at the farm?

Oh, I'm just gonna go
for a walk around town.

Okay.

B's a writer. She's always
looking for a good story.

Oh, we have plenty of
those here in Christmasland.

Oh! I've just the man to
show you around. Ethan.

Oh, I don't need
anyone to show me around.

Ethan, B's gonna take
a stroll around town.

Why don't you be her tour guide?

I really don't need
a tour guide.

I'd be happy to.

If you want me to.

Well...

Great! I'll see you
outside in five?

Don't forget, there's
a dinner here tonight

for all the guests. A little
mingling, a little jingling.

And how does carols
around the piano sound?

We wouldn't miss it.

Oh. Sorry.

I'm sorry.
I didn't see you there.

Yeah, I wasn't looking
where I was going.

I should. Yes.

Thank you.

Of course. Yep.

Hey.

Hey. I'm not sure
she wants my company.

Maybe we should just let
her explore on her own.

Ethan, you know your job.

Oh boy. Okay, I'm going.

- You're gonna have a good time.
- Okay.

I'll see you after the
eggnog tasting event.

- Have fun finding a story.
- Mhm.

Ready?

Possibly, but probably not.

Just got word on your car.

Johnny's finished
fixing the tire.

He's gonna bring
it by later today.

Oh, great. That's great.

Ah, any thoughts on what
you'd like to see first?

You know, you really
don't have to do this.

Oh no, I do. I do 'cause
Carol's word is law.

So does that
mean you'll be fired

if you don't play tour guide?

Fired? No. No.
Disowned, maybe.

Disowned? Does
that mean that

Carol is your mother?

Uh-huh.

Wow. I cannot imagine.

I mean, Carol's a
lovely woman, but I just...

Is her name actually
Carol, as in?

Like Christmas carol?
Yeah. That's one of the reasons

why she likes Christmas so much.
It runs in the family.

No.

Yeah, you should ask my
aunt Holly or my uncle Nick.

You're joking.

Am I? Huh. Come on.

So did you grow up
in Christmasland?

Well, I grew up
in the town, yes,

but Christmasland, no.

This started about 15 years ago,

and it's kind of getting a
little bit bigger every year.

So everyone in this town just
really loves Christmas, huh?

Yeah, something like that.

Oh, Beatrice, let me
introduce you to,

hey, this is our Mayor, Kris.

Oh, Mayor smayer.

"Your Excellency" will do.

Pleasure to meet you,
Beatrice. I'm Kris.

Nice to meet you too, Kris.

Well, let me ask you
this question.

Have you found the spirit
of Christmas yet this year?

Right. Well, I'm here, aren't I?
Giving her a go.

Well, that's not very
convincing, is it, Ethan?

Listen. Well, you just
remember young lady,

you find it in here. Hmm?

Now if you'll both excuse
me, many things to do.

- Lovely seeing you.
- Kris.

He's not for real, is he?

It depends on
what you mean by "real".

I mean, your mayor's name is not
actually Kris Kringle, right?

You are in a town that is trying

to make all your Christmas
fantasies a reality.

There's a fine line between what
is real and what isn't, here.

Are you real?

Are you saying that
I look like Pinocchio?

My advice is just go with it.

Don't try and see the wizard
behind the curtain.

Just have fun.
Don't ruin all the fun.

Well, I'm a journalist. It's
my job to find the wizard.

You're a journalist?

I mean, sort of. I am.

Haven't done any hard hitting
Walter Cronkite type pieces

just yet, but I write
mostly female-centric pieces.

And I'm currently working

on a holiday fluff piece,
heartstrings and such.

Huh. Well, I'm sure you're a
great journalist and I'm sure

you'll be even more amazing,
you know, when you do get

that hard hitting piece
that you're looking for.

But I wasn't actually suggesting

that you would ruin your fun,
but maybe other people's.

Emilia?

Yeah. And anyone else who's
here for the fantasy of it.

Don't worry, I'm not
here to reveal

the tinsel tangled
secrets of Christmasland.

What would be the point anyways?

It's not like the town
lies about what it is.

Promises a fantasy and it's
what it seemingly delivers.

Hmm. Well now is the
time in the tour

where you actually
get to make a decision.

Do you want the official
Christmasland tour,

or do you want
the Ethan special?

What's the difference?

Wait, you're not
an axe murderer,

and the "Ethan special" is code
for my untimely death, right?

Oh really? It's gonna be
like that? Fine, bring it.

Okay. You're brave. Let's go.

Hey, you're staying at
the inn, right? I'm Emilia.

I'm Porter. Porter Bryant.

- Do you mind?
- Oh, please.

Thank you.

Are you here alone?

Uh, yes. I just...

Okay, me too. I mean,
I'm not alone, alone.

I came here with a
friend to Christmasland.

I mean, not here to
the eggnog tasting.

Meaning, I'm here tasting
alone too. Yay!

I was just gonna get
a cup of coffee.

Are you lactose tolerant?

Please say no. Please say no.

No.

Can we get another
flight over here please?

Thank you.

I hope you like
eggnog, Porter Bryant.

You're about to have your fill.
Cheers.

Okay, first stop, contraband.
You like coffee?

You mean the whipped cream
candy cane covered confection?

No, no, no. I mean real coffee,

black, the way it's
supposed to be.

Greg and Millie make
the best cup in town, so.

Yes, yes, yes please.

- You got it.
- Thank you.

Hi.

Am I the worst friend
ever if I ditch you

for a hot cocoa making class?

So I take it the eggnog
tasting was a success.

Oh B, I'm on such a sugar
high I think I could fly.

Please don't try.

They promise to
teach us how to make

the world's best hot cocoa
in this class, so.

Go, enjoy and try not
to go into a sugar coma.

- And you're good?
- I'm good.

Bye.

- Thank you.
- I thought you might be hungry.

You got me chips for breakfast?

Yeah, breakfast of champions.

This tour's off to a good start.

Yeah, I think so too.

And the Ethan special
hasn't even started yet.

I will try to contain
my excitement.

Oh, careful now, careful.

Well, this is our last stop.

Oh my gosh. How does it smell so
good and we're not even inside?

Oh, just wait.
Welcome to cupcake heaven.

Come on, lemme get the door.

Thank you.

- Shells.
- Ethan!

Ooh. I heard you were home.

Took you long
enough to come see me.

Well, you know I always
come and visit you.

Hey B, I want to
introduce you to Shelley.

Her mom owns the place. Shelley
is the best baker in town.

Listen, do you
think you could hook B up

with one of your world
famous cupcakes?

In Ethan's world,
chips for breakfast

and cupcakes for lunch
is healthy living.

One sugar plum
special coming right up.

Thanks.

Oh, Jingles.

Hey, managed to find
the best seat in the house

where all the crumbs fall.

So I didn't know cupcakes
was what you had in mind

when you said you wanted
to take me out for lunch.

Well, you are on vacation.

Is that the Christmasland motto?

Would you prefer, "what
happens in Christmasland

"stays in Christmasland?"

I think that's taken.

Here you go.

Oh wow, that looks amazing.

Is it dairy free?

You're one of the tourists, huh?

I am, yes. Here
'til Christmas.

You should enter the bake off.

Oh, baking's not
really my thing.

Yeah, that is, that's
a great idea.

This is one of our best events.

You only say that 'cause
you get to be a judge.

Well, it is really difficult
eating all those sweets,

but honestly, you should
do it. We'd have a good time.

You should. It's always fun when
we get somebody who can't bake.

Well, I didn't say I can't bake.

Oh, you're just not up
for the challenge?

No, I'm always
up for a challenge.

Great. Then I guess we'll see
you tomorrow at the bake off.

May the best woman win.

- For your mom.
- You got it.

Bye now.

Hot chocolate for anybody? Oh.

What just happened?
And why do I feel like

I was just challenged to a dual?

Oh, it looks like you're one
of the bake off contestants.

No. No, that wasn't real.

No, that was real.
Yeah, for sure.

You said, and I quote, "I
never said that I can't bake."

Yeah, but I never said
I could bake.

What are you saying?

I can't bake. Like seriously,
I really, really can't bake.

How bad are we talking?

Like the fire department
was called last time

I tried kind of bad.

Oh, okay.

This is not funny.
You should have warned me.

It's kind of funny. But how
was I supposed to know

she was gonna
come at you like that?

Oh, you really can't tell when
a woman has a crush on you.

No. She may have when we
were kids, but not anymore.

Mhm. Did you two ever date?

No. Not at all.
It's not like that.

Shelley's like a little
sister to me.

Well, these are Kris
Kringle's famous candy apples.

You should try them.
They're delicious.

I will save this for Emilia.

Okay.

So seriously, what
am I gonna do?

About what?

The bake off.

I think you should bake cookies.

Hey, you accepted the challenge.

Well, that's just who I am.

I'm never gonna say
no to a challenge.

Okay. Okay,
here's what I'll do.

Just because I did have
something to do

with getting you into
this, I will, uh. I will help.

You bake?

So surprised. I grew up
in the same house as Carol,

the cookie queen of Christmas,
so I did learn a few tricks.

I can get one of my grandma's
favorite cookie recipes

and I'll walk you through it.

Wouldn't that be cheating?

No. No, it's like consulting,

like your guide in the
world of baking.

Well, look who's loving
the holiday treats now.

This is Ethan's fault.

B, Ethan, meet Porter, my
sugar loving partner in crime.

Hey.

Hey.

Your friend kindly saved me from
making hot cocoa for one.

Well, believe it or not,

he has a sweet tooth
that can match mine.

- Ooh.
- So what are you two up to?

Well, actually, I
need to be getting back.

My mom needs some help with
some guests at the inn.

See you later?

Sure.

Great.

You know what, Ethan,
I may go with you.

I have a few
calls to make for work.

See you at dinner?

I'd like that very much.

Beatrice.

Bye.

For you.

Fine. Okay, so.

- You go.
- No, you go.

Tell me you're not working?

I'm not working.

I'm lying. I think I
have an idea for a story.

Oh, is the headline, "my hot
tour guide made me swoon"?

Because I'd read that.

It's funny and no, I've been
thinking about the economics

of Christmasland.
Like what did they do

before it was Christmasland, and
how much money do they bring in?

Yeah, that's definitely the
life affirming feel good story

your editor is looking for.

Come on, let's head down.

I told Porter we'd
meet him before dinner.

Mmm.

So what's the deal with Porter?
Is he here on his own?

For business.

What kind of business
does he have

in Christmasland
over the holidays?

Well, at first it felt like
he was an investment banker,

but then he started talking
about the antioxidant properties

of dark chocolate and

the traditional theory of.

And he sings.

- That was pretty good.
- That was great.

I really don't think
I can win this game.

Never in my life have
I tied one of these.

You'll figure it out.
You can do it. I believe in you.

Fortunately for you both,
I am a world class tie tier.

Okay, how am I doing?

I think we may...

You know what, how about
we just find something

that maybe I can
show you by example.

You didn't tell me
how it went today.

Mm. It went well.

Beatrice?

Don't worry. I know my part.

Oh, you think she's warming up?

She's getting in the
spirit, as they say?

Right, so over.

- Yeah, I think so.
- She's very pretty.

-And she doesn't have a ring.

Mom!

What? It's just
an observation.

Hey, that's a happy accident.
I like that.

You didn't tell me
about the breakup.

Well, that's because there's
nothing really to tell.

It was six months ago,
and I did tell you that.

Yes. She's called the
inn quite a few times.

What? Caller I.D. is
not snooping, Ethan.

Mhm, okay, yes. She has called.
We've talked a little bit.

We're friends. It
didn't end on a sour note.

We weren't meant for each
other, that's all.

We grew apart,
instead of together.

You know what, I never could've
imagined that tying this on

someone else would prove
to be this difficult, but.

How do you not know how to do
this? You're wearing two ties.

I know.

I enjoyed my time
in the city, but

I really just wanna move home.

I wanna find somebody
who fits with here.

Aw, home is where the heart is.

Yeah. Anyway, this
is my way of saying,

you don't need to worry
about me. I'm happy.

Well, I'm a mom.
Worrying is what I do.

You know, your father used
to say a soulmate,

one's partner to be in life,

is something that's
intuitively known.

It's not something
that can be described,

but something that's felt with
the heart and the mind.

Speaking of your father, did
you find my crystal angel

in the garage?

I looked there, I couldn't find
it. I don't know, Mom,

it's been five years.
Maybe it's time to call a truce.

Oof, truce. It's my Christmas
angel, Ethan.

She's going to
come back, you'll see.

And the timing will be perfect.
That's just what angels do.

- Okay. Oh!
- Oh.

- It's time for announcements.
- Oh, okay.

Good evening everybody.
I hope everyone's first day

was festive, and I hope tomorrow
will be just as merry.

First, there's a
snowman building contest

after breakfast in
the town park.

Just before lunch
in the parlor here.

And my personal favorite,

the carriage ride on the
hillside and dress warmly.

It's supposed to be very chilly.

Speaking of chilly, I still have
some of my spiced tea there

and shortbread if
anyone's got room.

So I'll see you all tomorrow
and have a wonderful sleep.

How was dinner?

Oh, it was great.

It was like being in a Norman
Rockwell painting

hanging on the wall of the
house in 'Leave It to Beaver'.

If there was ever an analogy to
be had, I think that was it.

My mom would probably
quote you on that if I told her.

Oh, well, she should have
the Christmas elves

put on a plaque and hanging
above the wall in the kitchen.

Oh, be warned.

Foster kid being quoted

in the most cheerful
familial house of all time.

I've seen everything.

Hey, I was wondering,
tomorrow for the carriage ride,

do you wanna ride with me?

Oh, I thought that
you had maybe had enough

of playing tour guide.

No.

Okay. Well, yes, sure.

Okay. It's a date.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Yeah, I'm gonna...

- Okay.
- Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Tell me, what do you think?
Top hat or page boy like mine?

No, perhaps I should have
reconsidered my teammates.

Hey, I never claimed to be
a snowman-making genius.

Oh, right, just a
regular type genius?

- Your words, not mine.
- Right.

I couldn't help but notice you
have quite the singing voice.

Oh.

Your harmony with
Ethan last night.

It felt like you two
knew one another.

Well, yes, we do
know each other.

I thought you said you
were here on business.

So a singing businessman
who's also an art expert.

Well, uh.

Fine work, ladies. Fine work.

Oh and good sir, of course.
Good sir.

Thank you very much.

Hot chocolate break?

Ah, yes.

- Do you want one?
- But of course. Thank you.

What is going on
with you and Porter?

You guys have been making googly
eyes at each other all day.

Listen, he is so
perfectly posh and cute.

Like a character from
"Bridgerton," right?

Your very own Regé-Jean Page.

Hence why I'm convinced
he's to good to be true.

Sure.

I mean, you said it yourself.
What kind of business

does someone like that
have in Christmasland?

So you think he's in on the act?

Maybe? I think so.

He doesn't seem like an actor.

There's just something
that doesn't ring quite true,

You know? Like a Prince
Charming, if you will,

that only exists in fairytale,
or.

Feel good rom-coms?

But at least we know
Ethan's not an actor, so.

We know that because..?

Hello? The way he
looks at you.

The way he looks at me?

Don't pretend like you
haven't noticed.

I'm just saying
he is for real, so.

Not that I'm
eavesdropping, ladies,

but I just wanted to mention

this beard is also real.

- This town is so weird.
- Don't say it.

Well, this should
be an adventure.

A horse-drawn carriage,
beautiful snowy winters day,

and a gorgeous woman by my side.

You think I'm gorgeous?

Stunning.

Shall we?

Lets.

Okay. Confession time.
I did have an ulterior motive

in asking you to be my partner
in this carriage ride.

What was that?

Oh, my special tour
is not quite over yet.

So does that mean we're
not going with

the rest of the carriages?

No, no, we are gonna go rogue.

That is, if you are
okay with that.

Sure. I guess so.

Okay, good. So this
is hot chocolate.

- Ah.
- Courtesy of my mother.

It's dairy free.

Wow, word travels fast.

Well, we are a small town,
first and foremost.

There are no secrets. You ready?

I guess so.

- Okay.
- Okay.

You know, this town really is as
magical as it claims to be.

That's why the tourists
come, the illusion of magic.

You know, the way you say
"illusion" makes me feel

like it's not all positive.

No, no, it's not like that.

It's just the town has changed
a lot since my dad died.

Oh, I'm sorry. When was that?

Oh no, it's 15 years.
Wasn't recent.

But his absence is
kind of how I track the

progress of the town, if you
can call it that.

You can call it that.

Yeah. Well, I mean, as you
can see, Christmasland

doesn't just happen
behind all the joy and love

and Christmas spirit
that it brings.

There's a whole machine
that has to keep it going.

An engineer talking about
the machine of Christmas.

Now that's a story I
would like to hear.

Okay. Slow down, Katie Couric.

So you got this
from saving a cat?

Yes.

Apparently I'm not as good at
climbing trees as I once was.

But you saved a cat in
the middle of Central Park.

Yes, it was just inside the
East 79th Street entrance.

It's across from the
building that my family owns.

Your family owns a building
on the Upper East side?

Mhm. And the
funny thing is,

the cat's owner lives on
the first floor.

And I live in all one of
the upper floor apartments.

-Penthouse apartment.

And that cat,

that cat still seemed to
recognize me for some reason.

As the cat saver that you are.

Precisely, yes.

Is this a joke?

- I beg your pardon?
- An act, I mean.

You said you're
here for business.

- Yes. Yes, that's right.
- Over Christmas?

Well, I mean, I don't
have much family, so.

No wife or girlfriend?

No, no, no.
Definitely not, no.

So a single businessman
from the big city

who just so happens to
be here in Christmasland

for business alone
over the holidays?

Yes. Is that a problem?

No. No. It's just

a little too on the nose.
Don't you think?

"On the nose"?
I don't think I understand.

You know what? Nevermind.
I mean, I'm having fun.

Most fun I think I've had, ever.

Is that so?

Just forget I said anything.

I'll just play along, you know?
Enjoy the day. Why spoil it?

Okay.

Shall we see if this hot
chocolate is as good as ours?

We shall.

I'm sure it's not
going to be, but.

Sorry, it's a little bit cold.

I can't believe it's
dark out already.

Do you know your way back?

- Brought my compass.
- Really?

-No.

So what is this place?
Oh, let me guess.

This is a set that you built for
guests who want to experience

A Christmas Carol,
and Ebenezer Scrooge

and the ghost of Christmas
past are about to appear.

That's funny. My mom actually
did try that a few years ago,

but it wasn't really a hit. But
I did keep all the decorations.

No, this was
built by my granddad.

It's a place of quiet reflection
for the Crane family men.

Well, I guess just for me,
now that my father's passed.

You talk about your dad a lot,
you must miss him.

Yeah. My dad was actually
inspiration for Christmasland.

Well, kind of.

After he passed,
my mom didn't get outta bed

for about a month.
She was depressed.

She found a letter
that he had written

when they had first
started dating.

He kept saying how our hometown

is the most magical
place in the world.

And he proposed in that letter,

and as soon as he came back,
they got married the next day

which was Christmas day.

Pretty sure that that is
what got my mom out of bed,

inspired her to do all of this.

Wow. That is beautiful.

What are you looking for?

Hmm? Oh, interestingly,

the wedding gift that my dad got

for my mom was a crystal
angel ornament,

made by a local artisan.
Went missing a few years ago,

but my mom hasn't given
up looking for it.

Same chore every year.

Oh, well let me help you.

Thanks.

Remind me, does the angel
go on the top of the tree

or on this side?

On top of the Christmas
tree or on the side?

It's like you never decorated

a Christmas tree before.
It can go wherever it wants.

Oh, I'm not trying to
make fun of you.

No, no, no.
I know, it's weird.

A grown woman who's never
decorated a Christmas tree.

Are you being serious?

You've never decorated
a Christmas tree before?

Yeah. I mean, I've seen them,
of course, you know.

Emilia's family had one
and they had all decorated,

and saw them on TV Christmas
specials.

The big happy family
around the fireplace

with the stockings all hung,
and the sparkling tree

and the presents
exploding underneath.

Foster care. I remember
you mentioning

that the other
night after dinner.

Yeah. Yeah. The holidays weren't
really a time of year

I looked forward
to in my childhood.

I still avoid it actually,
which is ironic

being that I'm in a
town called Christmasland.

I'm sorry, Beatrice.

Hey, before you go
feeling sorry for me,

I am fine, all right.

And you know, Emilia
declared me her best friend

in second grade and I have
never been lonely since.

She's definitely a good friend.

Yeah, the best.
No matter where I moved

or how many schools
I transferred to,

she always made sure
that we stayed close.

Wow! Does this work?

Yeah. Some oldies
underneath there.

Take a look, put something on.

That's a good one.

-What?

- Wanna dance?
- Okay.

♪

-I'm going to spin you.

- No, you're not.
- Yeah. Can you handle it?

Hey, what are you doing?

I think I have a new story idea.
I was thinking about what Ethan

said about how it's not so much
the decorations and events

that make magic of
Christmasland,

but it's the machine of how
things are put together behind.

Only you could write a
story about Christmasland

and make it sound industrial.

Well, I haven't figured
it all out just yet,

but I think I'm onto something.

You know, it's the soul of
how things work behind it.

What are you doing?

Put that away for a second.
I wanna show you something.

Okay. Seriously,
what are you doing?

- We're being sneaky.
- Ah.

Okay. Being sneaky is not
your strong suit.

- Shht.
- What are we doing?

Remember when I told you that
Porter was too good to be true?

Like seriously, saving
a cat for an

old lady, that's just overkill.

I thought he never
admitted to it being an act.

I really don't think that they
would plant the guests.

Ah, think again.

I'm pretty sure I just cracked
the case of the phony guest.

Look!

May I just add that you look...

What is he doing?

May I just add that you look

truly lovely this evening.

I think he's practicing
his lines like he's an actor.

Like a real actor.

It's kind of brilliant though.
I mean, if some of the guests

are in on the whole holiday
romance experience.

Whoa, whoa. What
holiday romance experience?

This is supposed to
be holiday magic.

No one said
anything about romance.

You don't think romance
is magic?

I think Porter, the
posh, big city billionaire

with the heart of gold
is a character.

He's a fantasy. Just like
everything else in this town!

You really think that they've
planted guests?

Not all of them, obviously.
But I mean, did you hear

that lady singing carols last
night? She's gotta be a ringer.

- You sound paranoid.
- Or am I just onto the truth?

- No.
- Yes!

Oh, hey, there you are.

-Are you two all right?

- Yeah. Mhm. Yeah.
- Yeah, totally.

- We're just, uh.
- We're just, um.

We're just checking to see
which doors creak the loudest.

Yeah, just... so far I'm winning.

Uh... Cool. Oh,
Beatrice, guess what?

I scored my grandmother's famous
ginger molasses cookie recipe.

There's no way you are not
gonna win with those suckers.

I don't think you know
what you're up against Ethan.

But good luck and I'll
catch up with you later, B.

Mhm.

- You ready to get baking?
- Probably not, but sure.

Come on.

Okay. So where do I start?

Well, the first and most
important part of baking cookies

is appropriate attire.

Ah.

- Oh.
- Here we go.

Thank you.

It's an inexact science.

Here we go.

Okay. What's second?

The second step is
you get to work.

-Get to work, okay.

-Work my muscles.

- Don't! Don't even.
- What? Oh, I'm sorry, what?

A truce, I call truce.

Called it, I didn't think you'd
be the first to surrender.

Hey, I did not say
anything about "surrender".

I just suggested a truce.

Oh, semantics.

- Something on you.
- Thanks.

Oh! Oh my. I'm sorry to intrude.

No, no. You're
not intruding, Mom.

Of course you're not intruding.
This is your kitchen.

Cookies smell good.

Yeah, Beatrice made them.
I helped.

Yeah, I see that, sweetheart.

I should help clean up.
We should clean up, it's...

Don't be silly. You're Ethan's
guest. I'll clean up.

- I'll help you.
- Are you sure? Because it's...

You know, I'll
have your apron washed.

Oh no, you keep it, sweetheart.
It looks great on you.

Keep it? Are you
sure? It's so beautiful.

- It's nice.
- Okay. Thank you.

Thank you for your help.

It's a pleasure.

The cookies. Thank you.

Yeah. You're welcome.

Something about Beatrice. Hmm?

It's just so hard, you know,

figment of my
imagination or real.

Okay, wait a second. We need to
take a break from the conspiracy

theories, and talk about what
just happened with me and Ethan.

What happened? Did
he kiss you?

No, but almost, I think.

An almost kiss, are you
kidding me?

What? Is that bad? It is,
isn't it? No, of course

you're right because we
live in different cities, so.

No, B, that's not why I'm
freaking out. I'm totally down

with you kissing the rugged blue
collar knight in shining armor.

Okay, we need a shorter
nickname, that is a mouthful.

But an almost kiss, that's
classic holiday romance

movie material right there.

You said that there was no
way that Ethan was an actor.

I did. But almost
kisses are right up there

with snowball fights,
and flour fights.

Flour fights?

Yeah. You know that scene
where the lovebirds are cooking

or baking or whatever and they
just end up being all cutesy

and tossing flour
on each other, and.

What are the holiday romance
cliches again?

Let's see. There's
snowball fights, flour fights,

sharing a hot cocoa, slow
dance, and an almost kiss

that gets interrupted at
just the right moment.

Check, check,
check, check and check.

What?

No, I mean, I see. Maybe
he wasn't gonna kiss me.

Oh, and the big bad ex,
that is a must.

There has to be an ex?

There usually is one.

You could just ask him.
Of course, I asked Porter

and he avoided the question,
like, duh.

But then again, I'm pretty sure
he's an actual professional, so.

No, no, there's no way. I mean,

Ethan and I, we shared like,
a moment, kind of.

I know I barely know him, but
I just feel like I can...

trust him?

Wow.

What?

I just don't think I've ever, in
your entire life, heard you say

something quite like that.
Except about me, of course.

You know what? Believe in that.

Forget everything we
were just talking about.

So you don't think there's
anything to worry about?

Nothing at all.

Except maybe...

The bake off.

- You got this.
- What have you done?

Alright, everyone settle down
now. Settle down. Settle down.

All right, well welcome
to all of our guests,

and to all of our judges.
And let's give a special hand

to Mrs. Mirabell Cooper,
and her daughter Shelley

for hosting our 10th annual
Christmasland bake off.

10 years, it's a lot of sugar.

Alright, now this is a blind
taste test,

but before we get started,

why don't we meet some
of our contestants, hmm?

So first up, we have
Mr. Gavin Rainey

visiting us from Mahone
Bay. Mr. Rainey, everyone.

He took the bus. And we have
Miss Beatrice Thompson,

who is a guest of Carol
Crane's at the North Pole Inn.

Yes. City girl. Oh, and we have
our very own Miss Shelley
Cooper.

Stand up, give everyone
a wave, Shelley.

Let's see if Shelley can win
for the third year in a row.

Oh, that's a dynasty. Yes.

All right, let the tasting
begin! Oh ho ho.

- Nervous?
- No. Okay, maybe a little.

Well, if you don't win, there
is no justice in this world.

Well, you're just saying
that because you helped.

Wait, why aren't you judging?

I excused myself.

But you like tasting
all the little treats.

I had more fun helping
you today.

Besides, I think I would have
a hard time not being biased.

All right, everyone,

the moment you've all been
waiting for, the results are in.

Drum roll please.

And the winner is...

Oh! Miss Beatrice Thompson!

-Quelle surprise!

Come up, Beatrice. Come up.

Oh, congratulations.
Speech, speech.

Wow. This is very unexpected.

Okay, well I'd like to thank
Ethan Crane for helping me.

This is your win as well.

And Anne, a big thanks to
your grandmother for her recipe

and to Carol Crane for giving
me your beautiful apron,

which is obviously very lucky.

- Aww.
- So, thank you.

Congratulations.
Congratulations. Great speech.

And now everyone's
favorite time of the night.

Come up and dig in everyone.

Hi. Yes, no, I'm still
in Christmasland.

Oh, on the right track.

Okay, that's good to hear. Sure.

Right, yeah. Yeah.
I'll keep working on it,

and I'll send you
a final draft soon.

Merry Christmas.

Congratulations.

Thank you.
It was a team effort.

Oh, "team". Is that
what we were?

- You prefer "partners"?
- Yeah, I prefer "partners".

Well, you're just saying
that because you want

me to share the prize with you.

Well, the prize was a crown,

so I think I'm gonna
let you keep that.

A crown? We did all
that work for a crown?

Oh, there she is. Our winner.

Oh, you two are
looking cozy, huh?

- You forgot this!
- Oh.

Congratulations! Perfect!

- Wow, that's just really nice.
- Yeah, it really suits you.

You did it!

My mom is never gonna
believe this.

No one who's ever met
you is gonna believe this.

It's a Christmas miracle.

Well, congratulations, Beatrice.

Hey, shall we
celebrate back at the inn?

Sure, that would be great.

Yeah. I'll just check
if Shelley needs some help

cleaning up and I'll
see you there.

Everything okay?

Yeah.

I was just thinking about what
you said about Porter earlier

and the weirdness, and
it's all just so weird.

But weird good, right?

Mostly, yeah.

Beautiful, unexpected magical
things can happen, you know?

Yeah. I'm just scared.

You're putting
yourself out there

for the first time in your life.

Opening up to someone.
I'm proud of you.

- Yeah, you're right.
- I usually am.

Besides, the hot cocoa
and the flour fight

could hardly have
been avoided in this town.

But what about Porter practicing
his lines in the mirror?

Yeah. That was pretty odd.

But we haven't heard him
use the line on anyone, right?

Maybe it's just a self-esteem
boost or something.

Yeah, I guess.

And there's one cliche
that has not happened yet.

The big bad ex.

Exactly. Now if some gorgeous
uppity city chick

suddenly comes onto the scene
declaring herself Ethan's ex...

Then you'll know its all an act.

Can I help you?

I'm here to see Ethan Crane.

I mean, they looked good,
which was surprising.

But I still don't
know how they tasted, so.

Good evening, ladies.

Hello.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Apple cider for you, my dear.

Wow, that's so
thoughtful of you.

Of course.

And might I just say that you
look truly lovely this evening.

Porter, if that really
is your name,

I think it's time you
and I have a little chat.

- Scarlet?
- Surprise!

Beatrice.

What are you doing here?

I thought you were at
the bakery store.

Hello?

What are you doing here?

- Oh, I just came...
- I just came to see you.

I should go.

No, Beatrice, wait.

I'm sorry, you are?

I'm just a guest.

No, no, no, Beatrice isn't just
a guest. Beatrice is my friend.

Ethan, perhaps you should
introduce us to.

Oh yeah, Scarlet.
Ethan's girlfriend.

- Oh.
- No, ex-girlfriend.

- You're kidding.
- Okay. I can explain.

No, no. I can't believe
you would take

the holiday fantasy this far.

This far?

I'm sorry, I mean, I
didn't get the script,

so you'll have to fill me in.

Script?

Ethan, who is this?

This, it's...

Your girlfriend?
Is that how this goes?

I mean, I haven't seen
a lot of these movies,

but I'm pretty sure I've seen
this one.

- What are you talking about?
- Isn't that how it goes?

I stand in for your girlfriend.
Save you from the big bad ex.

Excuse me!?

How am I doing?
Is my performance on point?

Oh, oh, oh no. Beatrice, no,
that...

You know what? I'm just gonna
go ahead and flip the script

because you can have
him. He's all yours.

You know, I know that this
holiday romance package works

for some of your guests,

but I just, I did not
sign up for this.

What romance?

Seriously, you need
to drop the whole,

"I don't know
what's going on" act

because it's a little
bit over the top.

What is going on?

And also, you should
probably talk to wardrobe

'cause I don't know anyone who
wears high heels in the snow.

Oh, okay. Beatrice, trust me,

there has been a
misunderstanding.

No, no misunderstanding.

I mean I should
have seen it coming

because the flour fight
and the carriage ride.

And then you wanted to kiss me.

- Kissed her!?
- Kissed her?

Almost kiss 'cause it's
always an almost kiss.

Okay, so.

What I wanna know is how
far were you willing to go

to make me feel like I'd fallen
into some holiday love story?

- Love story?
- Love story?

Mom.

All part of the Christmasland
experience, right.

Hold on. This place isn't really
called Christmasland, is it?

Okay, see, if you really
were Ethan's girlfriend,

you would know all about
Christmasland

and how much he loves it here

and can't wait to move
home, if that's even true.

So you can just, you
can drop the act.

I so don't need to stand
here and listen to this.

I guess you should go
after your girlfriend.

No, my ex-girlfriend
from six months ago.

Okay. I just, I
don't want to...

I don't want to hear it.

I should go after her.

Yes, you should.
But which one?

Which way did she go?

I'm so stupid. I'm so
stupid. How could I?

Oh!

Oh my gosh! Sugar plum!

Okay, I'm so sorry.

No, thank you.
That's terrific.

Mom and I always
take all the leftovers

to the shelter every day.

Oh wait, you have a
homeless shelter here?

Don't look so shocked.

We have all the same
problems as every other town.

Just typically the tourists
don't see them.

Are you okay?

Oh yeah. Yeah.

Just have allergies.

Winter allergies, I understand.

Hey, you know I'm sorry
about earlier.

I was really shocked
that I won the bake off.

I bet you are.

Yeah. This might sound weird,

but you're being
really nice to me.

And earlier it seemed like you
didn't really like me, kind of.

Isn't that music to my ears?
I played the part perfectly.

What, so you mean?

I'm part of the show, yeah.

The baking rival. Who loses.

Beatrice? Hey... Scarlet.

Yeah, it's Scarlet.

I guess you do remember
something about me.

What are you doing here?

I just came to, I don't know.

Maybe win you back.

Probably should have called.

What is this place?

And what was that lady
talking about back there?

It's a little bit
hard to explain.

So wait, does that mean
I didn't win the bake off?

Goodness, no. Did you
try your own cookies?

- That makes sense.
- Yeah.

What about Jingles, your puppy?

Part of the ruse. Works wonders
with the guests though,

as the guests always
find the puppy relatable

in our Christmasland experience.

Especially when Ethan
is seen with one.

But the reality is
my mom and I volunteer

for Canine Companions
as puppy raisers.

- Wow, that's amazing.
- That's Christmasland.

So you don't have
a crush on Ethan?

Ethan? Oh goodness,
no, no, no.

I'm happily
married with two kids.

You met Kris Kringle?

- The Mayor?
- Yeah.

- He's your..?
- Other half, yep.

Okay, let's get you something
warm to drink before you go.

Oh, if you're sure.

Yeah, but you're
welcome to stay.

It's a long drive, it's cold.

No, I'm fine.

I wouldn't be able
to sleep anyways.

I'm just sad it's over.

You're a good man, Ethan Crane.

You're awake.

Em, I'm really sorry,
but I just.

Before you say
another word, come with me.

- Em, I just...
- Wanna leave, I know.

Can you at least get a cup
of coffee with me first?

They don't serve coffee here.

Are you sure about that?

The ex showed up, Em.

I heard.

I mean, you told me that
everything here was gonna be

a fantasy and I went and
fell for it anyways.

No, you are not letting
me off the hook for this.

I took the least trusting
person I know to a place

where nothing can be trusted,

and I told her to believe.
I should be friend shamed.

No, it's not your fault. It's...

It's no one's fault, it just is.

I would try and convince
you to stay,

but I know you well enough
that that's not gonna happen,

so just gimme five minutes.
I will pack up my stuff,

and then we can be
on the road by noon.

Oh no, no, Em, we are not going.

- But...
- I am gonna go.

It's Christmas Eve and
you love it here.

And I believe I saw Porter

serenading you last night,

so I have a hunch you might
wanna spend Christmas with him.

No, not more than I
would with you.

Well, I love you for
that, but I wanna know

what's going on with
you and Porter.

We are talking
about you right now.

No, we're done talking about me.
I'm fine. I'm fine.

Well, turns out he
does have business here.

What I did not think was
plausible is apparently real.

He's very smart, very
successful, a very good singer.

And he's very much into me
as much as I am into him.

And he's working
with Ethan, actually.

Really?

He didn't say more than that
and I didn't wanna dig.

So what about the
rehearsing in the mirror?

I guess he's just nervous
around me,

so he wanted to practice what
he was gonna say. He's so cute.

So you're happy?

Yeah. Yeah, I'm happy.

Good, good.

I'll be right back.

Oh, I see you found that
pot of black coffee I made.

I did. Thank you.

I also found...

- this.

My Christmas angel?
She found me.

- Seems like it.
- Aw.

Please don't go, Beatrice.

Unfortunately, I just,
I think I have to.

Ugh.

But thank you so
much for having me.

This really is the most
warm and loving home.

It's right up there with
my best friend Emilia's.

And as someone who has
lived in a lot of spaces,

it's top two for sure.

You know, it was me
that tasked Ethan

with being your tour guide.

Well, he's very good
at it. He's charming.

Well, there's always someone
who's been dragged here

and doesn't want to be here. And
it's Ethan's job to make them

comfortable. At least,
that's what I task him with.

Oh.

Not everybody's into
the illusion and the magic,

and so we give them
something real.

Like black coffee and a
behind the scenes tour.

Yes, Ethan may work for me for
the holidays, but he's no actor.

So what you're trying
to say is...

Ethan is my Grinch handler.

Every year we have a
Grinch like you, no offense.

None taken.

"Grinch" is the wrong word.

I just mean someone who doesn't
see the magic of Christmasland.

Because at its heart,
Christmasland is,

it's a celebration of
the spirit of Christmas.

It's not a place where
anybody gets hurt.

To my knowledge, no
one ever has, until now.

Hey, I have a thick skin.
I'm fine.

Well, I can see that you do.

Beatrice, I know it's
not my place to ask,

but do you think you can do me
a favor on your way out of town?

- A favor?
- Yeah.

I didn't know that
you were going to...

Your mom just wanted me
to drop this off to you.

You found her.

Yeah, I did.

Look, B, I know you're
upset with me,

but I'd like to talk.

It's Christmas Eve, and I
really need to get on the road.

Please.

I know what you're thinking,
Beatrice,

that your experiences here
with me, that they weren't real.

Well it wasn't real
because your mom told me

that it was your job
to entertain me.

It wasn't like that.

What was it like then?

I wasn't trying to trick you.

The more time that we spent
together, the more feelings

I started to have and they're
feelings I've never had before.

I like you. I think
you like me too.

It doesn't matter if I like you.

Then what does matter?

If I can trust you.

You can.

Gimme one reason why I should.

Trust isn't something
you can reason, it's a...

a leap of faith.

Yeah. Leaps of faith
are not exactly my forte.

I mean, I don't even know you,
you don't know me, really.

Yet I feel like maybe I've
known you for my whole life.

How about this? You
ask me anything

and I promise you,
I'll tell you the truth.

Okay. Tell me about
Mayor Kris.

Not real. He's a lawyer.

Well, a community
theater actor too.

And he's married to Shelley,
who's also an actor.

Okay. I actually knew
that because Shelley told me.

I was just testing
your truthfulness.

So then what about Porter?

Because he told my best
friend that he's real, so.

Porter is for real.
More than that, really.

Somebody I've been
working with for

the past couple
years in the city.

This is my hometown.

I belong here and
I'm moving home,

and I want to help
grow Christmasland.

And Porter is one
of my investors.

Gonna surprise my mom
with the news tomorrow.

Wow. Okay.

What about Scarlet?

She's an ex-girlfriend.

Long gone. Long,
long over.

And you should stay.

You should stay and help me
decorate this Christmas tree

for your first time ever
on Christmas Eve.

- Ethan, I...
- Please stay.

I have a lot of imaginary
things in my life,

but if you stay, I can
show you something real.

Okay.

And so dear reader, I'm pleased

to report that there truly
is magic in Christmasland.

In this close-knit town

where stories intertwine
like garland and holly,

the real enchantment
lies not solely in bake offs,

or Kris Kringle's
snowy contests,

nor even in Carol
Crane's mischievous grin,

but within the leaps of faith
that come with trust,

held snug by the
wings of one's angel.

Your life's desires just
a heartbeat away,

waiting to be revealed.

They may arrive
in unexpected forms,

embraced by newfound companions
who become cherished kin.

So I guess my message to
you is have faith, my friend

in the unseen hand that
guides Christmasland,

and the trust that
anchors it all together.