Christmas at the Holly Day Inn (2023) Movie Script
[upbeat music]
[logo whirring]
[logo whooshing]
[lightning whirring]
[upbeat music]
La la la la la la la la
- [Emma] Come on, Mel.
- [Mel] No, it's too early in the morning for this.
- [Emma] Just a few more minutes.
- [Mel] Seriously, Emma, I can't believe
that I let you drag me out here at the crack of dawn.
[people breathing]
What do you think you are training for, the Olympics?
- I wanted to hang out with you
and this is the only time I could squeeze it in.
- First of all, this is more like torture than a hang out.
Now, meeting me at some cute wine bar is a hangout,
but you never get to hang because all you do is work.
When's the last time you just relaxd and just chilled?
Forget about the last time you had a date.
- Date, who even has time to meet anyone?
You know what my work is like?
One slip up and the boys club will elite me alive.
- And that's what I mean, do you even like working there?
- I like being able to play in the big sandpit.
I like it when I win the account.
- I know you like the chase,
but there's more to life than the grind.
- Speaking of which, I've gotta bolt
after this, big meeting today.
- What's so important?
- The partners are announcing
who they're promoting before we break up for Christmas.
And I think I'm gonna nail it with my presentation.
Plus my numbers are there
and I've put in double the hours of everyone else.
- I just worry that you put too much pressure on yourself.
- Don't worry, today's gonna be my day.
[people breathing]
[upbeat music]
[footsteps tapping]
- So in conclusion,
as natural resources will only continue
to be further strained,
companies will be forced to change
the way they do business to be profitable.
We can start with a complete revision of our supply chain.
- Emma, do you realize that this is going
the complete opposite direction to profit?
And I'm sure you've let Frank and the board know
that this is actually gonna increase costs.
- Is this true?
- Initially, yes.
Emma, you see the shareholders.
They're not gonna like that.
And I think I speak for everybody in this room when I say,
we need a better solution.
- I think if you look at the long term.
- We'll take your suggestions under consideration,
now for our last order of business
before we break for Christmas.
Which by the way,
just because you're not in the office doesn't mean
you can stop checking your email.
Now, as you know,
we've been looking to fill the position of director of sales
and the board has come to a decision.
Tough decision, lots of qualified candidates,
but one of you really stood out putting in the time
and really contributing.
Congratulations, Craig.
[Craig laughing]
[people clapping]
We look forward to watching you rise in the company.
- Thank you so much, sir.
Hey, we still on for a bit of golf this weekend?
- Wouldn't miss it.
- Congratulations, Craig.
I'm sure you'll deliver everything
they've come to expect from you.
- Cheers Em.
- And Frank,
consider this my notice.
- Oh, don't be so rash, Emma.
I'm sure another opportunity will come along.
- Maybe, maybe not.
I'm just not willing to wait around anymore.
Look, I appreciate having had the chance
to work for this company, but it's time for me to go.
[footsteps tapping]
[gentle music]
- [Larry] I need you to go outta town.
Get this handled.
Counting on you Oliver.
- Have I ever let you down Larry?
- If you get the owner
to sign away the Holly Day Inn.
You might not want to come back,
the Holly Day Inn, what a corny name.
- Seriously, what do you mean don't come back?
What exactly are you trying to say?
- Well, I'm not trying.
I'm telling you flat out,
this deal has gone on way too long.
Investors are getting nervous
that the partners are looking for someone to blame-
- How exactly do I sit into this blame game?
[gentle music]
- I like you,
but I'm not far from retirement
and I am not gonna take the fall for this.
- For starters, you certainly kicked off
your holiday with a bang.
- Yeah, no kidding.
Oh my god!
I don't know what came over me.
I just had enough.
- For a girl that plans every second of her life,
you really jumped the gun with this one.
What are you gonna do?
- It's hardly the best time of year to be unemployed.
Maybe I should call Frank, ask for my job back.
- Don't you dare, admit it,
you hated that job, didn't have time for anything.
Friends, romance.
- Pedicure even.
- Letting your life pass you by.
Why don't you do something to clear your head
before you make any more big decisions?
Why don't you go see your dad?
- I haven't been home for Christmas in years.
Never had time.
- Well, it would seem that you do have time now.
- I don't know, should be looking for another job.
- You just said no one hires during Christmas,
so you might as well spend your time
finding a job you actually like doing.
What would that be?
- I don't even know.
It's been years since I've actually thought
about doing something I enjoy.
Yeah, maybe you're right.
Some fresh air, some time with Dad.
- Exactly, that's exactly what you need.
[upbeat music]
Let's get away this Christmas
Just the two of us
Pack up all your troubles
Away from all the fuss
Outside the snow keeps falling
A chill is in the air
Let's trade it off a tropical shore
And Christmas without a care
[car banging]
- Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
[gentle music]
Please work, please work.
[gentle music continues]
[boot banging]
[gentle music continues]
Ow.
[Emma sighing]
[gentle music continues]
[car engine whirring]
Thank you, thank you.
[car door banging]
- Thank you for stopping.
- You're kind of hard to miss.
- I just didn't know when
or if another car would come along.
- Yeah, not much traffic around here, huh?
- Yeah, this is pretty much rush hour.
- Looks like you need some help.
- Need is a strong word, I'm sure I could handle it.
- Look, it's up to you,
but you're the one that weighs me down.
- I mean, if you feel like it.
- Not a problem.
[cow mooing]
There we are, good as new.
- I take it back, I'm glad you turned up when you did.
- Well, lucky for you
one of my specialties is rescuing damsels in distress.
- I don't think I needed to be rescued.
I'm sure I'd have figured it out eventually.
- I'm sure you were perfectly capable,
but there's nothing wrong with letting someone help you
if you need it.
- Guess I'm not used to asking.
- Sometimes it takes more courage just to ask.
- Okay.
Well anyway, thanks for everything.
I better be hitting the road,
but seriously, I do appreciate it.
- My pleasure.
[footsteps walking]
- Merry Christmas.
- Oh yeah, that's right.
Merry Christmas to you too.
[Emma sighing]
[car engine whirring]
[upbeat music]
[car whirring]
[Emma sighing]
- Emma, you're home.
[Ben laughing]
- Oh, I've missed you dad.
- And you too, Mr. Jingle.
- And we've missed you too.
I can't remember the last time I spent Christmas
with our little girl.
- I know, I should have been back more, I'm sorry.
- Oh no, I didn't mean it to sound like that.
No, I'm just happy that you're home.
It means the world.
- Me too.
- Is that all you've got?
- I can't stay long.
I've gotta get back and find a new job.
- Oh right.
Well, at least stay long enough to unwind
from the stress of work and the big city.
You know, slow down and smell the roses.
- Well, I can't say that a change of pace
won't be welcome, that's for sure.
Dad, what happened to the snowman out the front?
- Well, I don't put everything out like I used to.
Well, it's a lot of work for one old man.
- I used to love that kid.
- All right, let's see if we can find it in the attic.
Come on.
- Come on, Mr.
[gentle music]
Here we are.
- It's so good to be home.
Dad, where's the tree?
- Oh, I thought I'd skip it this year.
- But you love Christmas.
You used to do it up so big.
What's going on, is everything okay?
- Well, like I said,
I didn't get round to much decorating this year.
I didn't dream you'd be coming.
It seemed rather pointless just for myself.
- What about the guests?
They used to come every year just to see
what new decorations you'd added.
Where are the guests?
[Ben coughs]
- Well, you see the thing is,
business has been rather down this last couple of years.
- How down?
- Well, at the moment it's just you and me.
Look, why don't you go and settle into your old room
and then come down and we'll have a talk.
- Okay, I want the whole story.
[footsteps walking]
- Here we are, there.
- You always made the best hot chocolate.
- Well, it's your mother's recipe.
- Yeah, but you always gave me extra marshmallows.
- Sometimes it's the little things that count.
- Speaking of little things, what's been going on?
Are there really no other guests?
- Well, it's not exactly like the good old days.
Sometimes I think one of those computer sites
might be a good idea.
- Dad, do you still not have a website?
We need to get an online presence for the inn.
Maybe I can help you whilst I'm home.
- If you think it would help.
- And hardly any Christmas decorations.
You always went over the top with that.
- Not ever since your mum...
- It's been hard, I'm sorry.
- Your mother brought such joy to the festivities.
- And I haven't exactly been around.
- Something else I ought to tell you,
I've been struggling with the workload here.
I can't fill the rooms, can't pay the bills.
Sometimes it's hard enough just to keep my head above water.
- Dad, no.
- It's not all bad.
I love this place,
but maybe I should retire.
Find somewhere less demanding.
- But, this is your life, what would you do?
- There's a property developer
wants to buy the land
and build a resort and conference center.
Well, they keep pushing, but I'm not sure.
- That's the worst idea I've ever heard of.
The Holly Day Inn will be gone forever.
- Well, they've come in with a low offer,
but so far I've said no.
But I'm not sure how long I can hold out.
- Dad, we can't let this happen.
- Well, I might have no choice,
I haven't got the money or the energy
to keep the place going.
- Look, I love this place too.
I'll think of something, I promise.
Let's get that Christmas spirit back into you.
- What?
- Come on, I'll get your coat.
- Oh.
[upbeat music]
I haven't been down here for ages.
Thank heavens you're back.
It's all looking lovely
- Wow, I used to love this place,
we used to come nearly every day after school.
- As I recall, most of your pocket money ended up in here.
- It was the perfect hangout.
Plus Molly made the best coffees.
I wonder what ever happened to her.
- Nothing happened to her, she's still here.
[Emma gasping]
- Dad, we have to go in and say hi.
- We?
[Ben stammering]
I do bump into Molly occasionally, but I...
- I definitely have to go in.
Come on, I'll buy you a coffee.
- Well, I don't know anything about these fancy coffees.
- Don't worry, I'll look after you.
[door whirring]
[people chattering]
- Emma, oh!
What a lovely surprise.
It's been...
- Way too long, I know Molly.
- How you doing, Ben?
Haven't seen you in a while.
- Oh, you know, Molly, just the same as always.
- It's good to see you, both of you.
Now what can I get you?
- Do you remember my usual?
- How could I forget?
You'd order the same thing every day.
Pumpkin spice latte.
But if you're feeling adventurous, I've got something new.
Do you wanna try?
- Is it good?
- Really good.
Caramel apple spice with cinnamon dolche
topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
- That sounds amazing.
- It's like childhood in a cup.
[both laughing]
Oh, they still do this.
I used to love going to the festival, it was so much fun.
Well, if you liked it before, come and see what we've added.
Brings in quite the crowd compared to the old days.
- Maybe I'll go and check it out tomorrow.
- Then stop by the baked goods stand.
It's a fundraiser for the library.
And I've got a few of my prize winning cakes there.
- I wouldn't miss that for the world.
- Go and have a look round the shop.
You might find a few new goodies.
- Really has expanded.
Dad, would you mind waiting for the order,
I wanna see what cool gifts Molly's got in the shop.
- Okay, I'll be right here.
Trying to work out what to order.
- Oh, sorry, I forgot.
Don't worry, I'll take good care of your dad.
You go shop.
[Molly laughs]
Well, there's quite a lot there isn't there?
To-to-machitoto?
- Macchiato.
- Macchiato?
- [Molly] Good, yes.
- [Ben] Yes, yes.
[gentle music]
- Excuse me.
- Sorry. - I'm so sorry.
- You again?
What are you doing here, you following me?
- I could ask you the same question.
- No stalking today, I'm just here visiting my dad.
- How about we start this whole thing over.
Hi, I'm Oliver.
- Emma.
- So are you from around here or?
- Yeah, I grew up here.
I moved out after college.
I take it you're not from around these parts.
- No, I'm just here for a few days on a work assignment.
Seems like a nice place to grow up.
- Yeah, I mean, you know what it's like
when you're a kid,
you wanna be somewhere exciting.
This place can be a bit sleepy.
- Doesn't seem all that quiet to me.
- I think the definition of quiet changes
when you're an adult,
now I'd call it charming.
Plus everyone's coming in for the Christmas festival.
- Ah, that's good to know.
- Why is that good to know?
- Like I said, it's a working weekend for me.
It's good to know a little bit more about the area.
- Well, I can give you some pointers.
Where are you staying?
- Still working out the details on that.
- Well, you should stay at my dad's place.
It's practically a historic landmark at this point.
It's called the Holly Day Inn.
[Oliver coughing]
- Sorry, sorry.
That's your dad's place?
- Have you heard of it?
- Yeah, well, it's kind of on my radar.
- Are you one of those travel writers?
Oh, you should definitely come and experience the inn.
Get a feel for the place.
A good writer would be great for business.
We could really do with the press.
- I don't think you understand.
- Oh please.
My dad would be so grateful if you're doing a story,
call it a favor for the help with the tire.
- Let me think about it, okay?
- Okay, I promise you, you won't find a more charming place.
- That looks antique.
Are you gonna get it?
- Maybe another time.
[gentle music]
[birds chirping]
[footsteps walking]
[bags whirring]
- What's all this for?
- We're making cookies.
- Cookies?
Oh, there goes my diet.
- It's Christmas, you have to have cookies.
- Have to?
- It's tradition.
Where's your mixer?
- Mixer?
[phone buzzing]
- Yeah, Merry Christmas.
[phone beeps]
Hey Larry.
- Just checking in on your progress.
- [Oliver] Come on man, I've only just got here.
- No time to waste, have you located our target yet?
- Actually, you're not gonna believe it,
I've met the daughter of the owner
and she thinks I should stay at the Inn.
- You're kidding, hey, how'd you swing that?
- Oh, long story.
Obviously she doesn't know what I'm here for.
She thinks I'm a travel writer.
- Great cover.
Yeah, well pump them for information
and then spring the papers on them.
- I don't know, I don't think I should stay there.
It seems wrong.
- That's why I sent my best shark to get the job done.
- She seems like a nice person.
- I didn't send you there to make friends.
Get the job done and then get back here
to celebrate the bonus you're about to earn.
- This was always my favorite.
The best bit was decorating with all different colors
of icing and sprinkles.
- Oh, I remember watching you and your mother
making cookies.
- I used to love eating the dough.
- As I recall, you ate more dough than actual cookies.
- Guilty as charged.
[Ben laughing]
[bell ringing]
- Were you expecting anyone?
[bell ringing]
[gentle music]
Yes?
- Yeah, I'm in need of a room.
I heard that you might have a spare.
- Ah, I'll check the reservations.
See if we have any.
- I thought you said this place was empty.
- Just go with it, Dad's got his pride.
- Another favor.
- Well, you can take your chances
finding somewhere else miles away
on such short notice.
- You're in luck sir, we have a cancellation.
- Oh, great, I'll take it.
- Thank you Mr. Erm?
- Oliver please, just call me Oliver.
- Well, Oliver, go upstairs,
settle in, come down and join us by the fire
for some refreshments.
- Oh no, I wouldn't want you to go into any trouble.
- No, no, I insist, you're a guest.
Please treat this place as if it's your home.
[footsteps walking]
[Ben laughing]
[upbeat music]
[oven opening]
Oliver.
Come in, sit down son.
- Thank you.
- There.
- What's that?
- Mulled cider.
It's been a holiday tradition at the inn since.
- since I can remember. - Yeah.
- Mom used to keep a pot
warming on the stove for the guests.
- And there's one thing that goes extremely well with the.
- Dad, you're supposed to wait until they're decorated.
- Oh, just one.
- Or two.
- Won't do any harm, besides you've made enough
for an army, and if you're not careful,
I'll end up looking even more like Santa Claus.
Ho, ho, ho.
[both laughing]
- Consider it quality control.
I mean, you don't seem like the type of girl
that wants to be known for her substandard baking,
besides, this one is defective.
It's missing a leg.
[Ben chuckling]
- Fine, I give up.
You win this one.
But you should know I'm used to getting my way.
- Why am I not surprised?
- By the way, you've already made three batches.
Why are you making so many?
- Remember when Molly was telling us
about the Christmas festival?
- [Ben] Yeah.
- Well I wanted to contribute some cookies
to the fundraiser for the library.
- Oh, that's really nice of you.
The library needs all the help it can get.
- But there's a catch.
In order to get them decorated so I can bring them tomorrow.
- Ah, let me guess.
- That's right, I'm gonna need
some volunteer cookie labor to get them decorated.
- Heavens-to- Betsy is that the time.
- Oh come on dad, it'll be fun.
- You remember your mother
never let me anywhere near the decorating.
- You can't be that bad.
- Oh no, he's right, I'd forgotten,
they'd end up looking more like a Picasso
than a gingerbread man.
- So I'm off the hook and off to bed.
- You can stick around and watch if you want.
- No, no, you two stay.
I'll see you in the morning.
Good night Emma.
Oh, it's lovely to have you back.
Good night, Oliver.
- Night.
So what I'm hearing is that you're asking for help.
- I prefer to think of it as an exchange.
- How do you figure?
- Well, if you are writing a travel article
on the town and the Inn,
you're gonna need a tour guide.
Someone who really knows the place and the people,
basically me.
[Oliver laughing]
- You've really got this all figured out, don't you?
- If you think about it,
it's more like, I'm doing you the favor.
Not that I'm kicking score or anything.
- Oh, of course not.
- So do we have a deal?
- You drive a hard bargain.
Fine, it's a deal.
Where do we start?
[gentle music]
[objects whirring]
- So what kinds of Christmas traditions
does your family have?
- Nothing much really.
- You've never decorated the tree together?
- Nope.
My mom did have this artificial tree
that she never undecorated.
- What?
- Yeah, she strung it with lights
and put all the decorations on it
and then wrapped it in a blanket
and kept it in a cupboard under the stairs.
Every year she'd just bring it out and plug it in, ta-da.
New Year's day, she'd wrap it back up in the blanket
and put it straight back in the cupboard.
- Well, I suppose that was a practical approach.
So you've never gone in search of the perfect Christmas tree
or any other real traditions?
- No, for me, Christmas has always
just kind of been another day.
We got a couple of presents though.
- I can't imagine that.
- It was okay.
I guess you can't really miss something you've never had.
Besides, it appears The Holly Day Inn
is missing a Christmas tree.
- Kind of you to notice.
And I plan of remedy that as soon as I can.
- I can't say becoming a professional baker is in my future,
but overall, not bad.
- You did great and I'd never have got them finished
in time if it wasn't for you, so thanks.
- Happy to trade some cookie labor
for a personal tour of the town.
- Okay, well to sweeten that deal, I've got an idea.
Got something special I want to show you.
- Oh, I don't know, it is kind of getting late.
- You sound like an old man.
I'm getting your coat.
- Yes ma'am.
Far be it for me to argue with such conviction.
What's that?
- You'll see.
[footsteps walking]
[cookie crunching]
- I didn't know Stargazing
was a typical Christmas tradition.
- When I was a little girl,
every Christmas Eve dad would take me out
and we'd watch for hours
hoping for a glimpse of Father Christmas on his sleigh.
In summer, he'd teach me about the constellations.
Here, you take a look.
Pretty cool, right?
- Yeah.
- You see three stars in a row,
that's Orion's Belt.
Two of the brightest stars in the sky
are in the Orion constellation.
- I didn't know that.
You really know your stuff.
- I've got Dad to thank for that.
It took me years to work out that all those years
of teaching were just his way
of spending time with me.
- Oh hey, you've gotta see this.
- Quick, close your eyes, make a wish.
- Oh, I...
- Just do it.
[gentle music]
- So what did you wish for?
- I can't tell you that otherwise it won't come true.
[Emma laughing]
Oh, it's freezing.
I'm gonna head back in.
- Look, hey, thanks.
I'll put this on my list.
- What list?
- New Christmas traditions.
[gentle music]
Ah, morning everyone.
- Ah, good morning.
How did you sleep?
- Like a rock.
- There you are.
- Thank you, it must be all the fresh air.
- It's a good thing 'cause we've got a busy day ahead of us.
- Emma tells me you are writing an article
about the town and the Inn.
Well, that could have helped to attract more tourists.
- Yeah, it's definitely a working vacation.
- Well, it couldn't come at a better time.
We need the publicity to get this place back on its feet.
You are a good man, thank you Oliver.
- Actually, I'm not really a...
- So cookies are done.
Would you be ready in five?
- Sure thing, boss.
- Boss, kind of like that.
- Dad, you sure you don't wanna come with us?
- No, I'll see you at the festival later.
I've got some errands to run.
- Okay, well, do you wanna meet us somewhere?
- I'll find you.
- How are you gonna find us?
- Well, it's not a big place.
- Well wouldn't it just be easier
to find a time and place to meet?
- If you have to know,
I shall be at Molly's helping her to set up.
- Molly hey.
- She talked me into it yesterday when we were at the shop.
- You know she's got a crush on you.
- Don't be silly, I've known her for years.
We're just friends.
- I know a crush when I see one.
- I'm far too old, I'm far too old for this sort of thing.
- You're only too old if you believe it,
you might find out you like her too
if you give it a chance, what's the harm?
- As they say, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.
[footsteps walking]
- What's a city boy like you doing with a truck like that?
- Oh, it's a present to myself on my first raise.
Yeah, I was used to be driven around in one as a kid.
- Nice when something brings back the memory.
So, we drop the cookies first
and then go full festival mode.
- So what does that involve?
- Well, the festival is one
of the biggest tourist draws we have.
The town really pulls out all the stops.
Let's do everything.
[door banging]
- Everything, like what?
- Like every single thing.
- Sounds like an adventure.
- You don't know what you're in for.
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
[upbeat music]
- Hi.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
[people chattering]
- What have you got there?
- Just some cookies.
I think they're pretty good.
- I can confirm that they're very good.
- Emma, Emma Harley, I haven't seen you in forever.
I always ask your father about you.
- Hiya Jen, yeah, I'm back to see my dad for Christmas.
- And who's this?
I hadn't heard that you had a boyfriend.
In fact, I specifically remember
someone saying how sad that you don't have a husband
or boyfriend or anything.
- Wow.
Didn't realize that was such a relevant topic
of conversation around here.
- You know how it is.
We know everything about the ones that still live here.
You're our little shooting star that made it out.
Hi, I'm Jen.
Nice to meet the leading man of the former senior head girl.
- We're not actually.
- Hi, I'm Oliver. - Hi.
- Head girl, babe, you never told me that.
What other secrets have you been keeping from me?
- Anyway, Jen, these are my cookies,
- Our!
- Our cookies.
So good to see you.
Maybe I'll...
- Hopefully.
- Bump into you before I leave.
- That would be so amazing.
[Emma chuckling]
- Why did you do that?
- Why did you let me me?
- I don't know.
I guess I just didn't want her to...
- To think that you didn't have a boyfriend.
- I mean, I really don't care about that.
- So why then?
- It just seemed easier than getting into a big discussion.
This is a small town and Jen has a big gob.
- Ah, let me guess.
She's the equivalent of a town crier.
- Pretty much.
I should probably go and straighten this out.
- Or not.
- Word's gonna be all over town, it probably already is.
- You're only here for a few days, right?
- Yeah.
- Then give them a better story than your solitary life.
- All right, it's not that bad.
I just work a lot.
Least I did.
- Did?
- Yeah, I quit my job.
Long story.
- Look, I'm in the same boat, Emma.
I don't have much time for a personal life either.
Look, we don't have to make a big deal of it.
Just go along for the ride.
- Fine.
But I'm in charge of this fake relationship.
- Never doubted that for a second.
- Okay, first up this way.
- Yes boss.
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
- You ready to get skates on?
- Oh, I don't know, I haven't skated since I was a kid.
I'm really not very good.
- Are you chickening out?
I wouldn't have expected that from you.
- Wouldn't exactly call it chickening out.
More like damage control.
- Come on, it'll be like riding a bike.
It will come back.
- Fine, but I'm holding you personally responsible
for my wellbeing.
[people chattering]
[upbeat music]
Time of year, it's Christmas time again
It's Christmas time again
Santa checking his sleigh tonight
[skates whirring]
- Take it slowly, get your balance.
- I don't know about balance,
I'm just trying not to face plant the ice.
I'm good.
- Hold on to my arm and get a feel.
It's Christmas time again
Santa's checking his sleigh tonight
You're doing great.
- Just promise me one thing.
- What's that?
- If you go down, try not to take me with you.
- Can't make any promises, but I'll do my best.
Okay, I think I've got it.
[skates whirring]
Show off.
- What, I used to be so much better.
I'm so out of practice.
- Oh well right now you're just a blatant reminder
of my lack of ability.
- Stick around long enough
you might get some ice skating skills of your own.
- I'm not sure I'll be able to get there
in just a couple of days.
- You seem like the kind of guy who could do anything
if you put your mind to it.
- I'd like to think so.
But this challenge seems a bit outta my comfort zone.
- Oh, it's good to get out of your comfort zone.
[breathing heavily]
I guess I'm the one out my comfort zone now.
[horn beeping]
- [Announcer] Time's up, please make your way off the ice.
- Did you hurt anything?
- Only my pride.
- Well, let's take what's left of it and get out of here.
[water flowing]
[gentle music]
Do you wanna go in and warm up with a coffee?
- Now there's an idea.
- Oh, are you not having fun?
- No, no, I'm kidding.
Today's been amazing.
I just thought it'd be nice to sit down for a minute
and nurse my bruised ego.
You're a tough lady to keep up with.
[Emma laughing]
- I'm just really excited to be here.
- After you.
- Ah, you finally showed up.
I told Ben you'd be here sooner or later.
- Speaking of dad, have you seen him?
He was supposed to meet us.
- Been here all day.
Just as well too, we've been really busy.
I couldn't have managed without him.
Woohoo!
[Ben laughing]
- He actually seems like he's enjoying himself.
- He is.
- Now what can I get you two?
- Something pepperminty.
I've got just the thing, what about you?
- Today's all been about getting outta my comfort zone.
So why don't you surprise me?
- Who doesn't love a surprise hey?
- What you up to dad, got a new job?
- Well, I can think of worse ideas.
Mind you, the boss is a bit of a task master.
- Hey you.
- Mind you, I'm enjoying myself enormously.
- Well, maybe I'll hire you back for another day.
- Hire, you mean this job pays?
- All the coffee and pastries you want,
along with my excellent company.
- Where do I sign up?
- Here you go.
- Sorry.
- Not a problem at all.
- Well, it shouldn't be a problem.
- What does that mean?
- Well, I've been hearing all day
what a lovely couple you two make.
- See, I told you word would be around town.
This is Jen's doing.
- Shouldn't worry about it Emma,
They'll be talking about something else tomorrow.
- Like you said, you're only here for a couple of days.
Takes too much energy to put out a gossip fire.
Sometimes it can make it worse.
- Suppose you're right.
We'll be going our separate ways in a few days anyway,
so no one will know the difference.
Let's get going.
- I thought we were gonna hang out here for a bit
you know, and sit down.
- Yeah, but there's something that I wanna show you.
Besides, I think dad's break might be over.
She's right, back to work you and no more muffins.
- Oh, I can't have that.
See you two at home.
- Bye, chop chop, come on, chop, chop.
- [Oliver] They're cute you know.
- [Emma] Who?
- Your dad and Molly.
Just think yesterday I heard him say
that they're just old friends.
No chance of romance, and now.
- Now they're acting like a couple of teenagers.
- I'm not sure I'd go that far.
But who'd have thought those kind of feelings
could develop so fast?
- Must be some sort of Christmas miracle.
- Do you really believe in that kind of thing?
- Yeah, stop.
Look.
- Wow.
[footsteps walking]
- You are witnessing the annual parade of Christmas trees.
People around here get super into it.
- I can see that.
- It's how the festival started.
Just a few people with a few trees
and every year it kept growing, and now.
- I had no idea when I came here
that this town was gonna surprise me like this.
- This is my favorite place in the world.
I used to come here when I was a kid,
when I wanted to be alone and think,
if a guy had broken up with me or I hadn't passed a test.
[gentle music]
When mum died
this park has got me through
some of the hardest times in my life.
Some of the most important too.
- I can see why this place is so special.
- It's more than that.
It's like my touchstone.
The place that lets me know everything's gonna be okay.
What's this?
Jen's not here.
Don't have to put on an act.
- You never know who's watching.
Consider it practice in case we run into her again.
Besides, it's kind of nice, right?
- It is kind of nice.
- Thanks for sharing this place with me.
I'll add it to that list of Christmas traditions
I've never experienced.
- But you don't live here.
- Maybe I'll have to come back.
[phone ringing]
Oh, sorry.
Oh, it's my boss, editor.
He'll just keep calling if I don't answer it.
I'll just be a minute.
Larry?
Yeah, I thought you were gonna give me
some space to handle this.
- [Larry] How are you, haven't heard from you all day,
thought you'd have this thing signed, sealed
and delivered by now and be on your way back.
- It's a little more complicated than I thought.
I need more time.
- [Larry] Time's the one thing you don't have.
- Look, these are good people.
- People, who else besides the old man?
- I told you his daughter's here and, no, no, no.
It's not what you think.
- [Larry] You still haven't told her who you are have you?
- It's not exactly the easiest thing
to drop into conversation.
- [Larry] You need to remember what you are there to do.
And it's not to complicate things
because you've developed some little crush.
Get the deal done by tomorrow.
- But it's Christmas.
It seems like pretty cold timing
to shake down the family business then.
- [Larry] Oh, don't get soft on me Ollie,
you've got one job to do.
Just do it.
[Oliver sighs]
[footsteps walking]
[Oliver sighing]
- Look at that one.
Isn't it the cutest?
- Yeah, I guess.
- Hey, what's up, has something happened?
Is it work?
- Yeah, but...
Right, here's the thing.
- I'm gonna stop you right there.
It's Christmas.
You're having a pretty great time, right?
- Pretty great.
- So one phone call.
- He is my boss.
- Isn't allowed to take away from the great time
that we've been having.
Whatever that call was, just forget about it.
Let's just have a good night.
Can you do that for me?
- I'll do it, but just remember I did it for you.
- Good, now.
Shake it off.
[Emma makes babblng noises]
Come on, go on.
[babblng noises]
[babblng noises]
Again.
[babblng noises]
Better?
- Yes, okay.
Yeah, I actually feel better.
- That's the Christmas spirit.
Don't let anybody or anything take that away.
- Afraid Jen is somewhere hiding?
- No, like you said, it's kind of nice.
- Glad you agree.
- Sticking with the theme of traditions
you haven't experienced,
I've got a great idea for us tomorrow.
- I'm afraid to ask.
- Trust me, you're gonna love it.
[gentle music]
[upbeat music]
[food sizzling]
There's love and laughter in the air
It's cold outside but I don't care
Why did you let me sleep so late dad,
I've got so much stuff to do.
Oh wow, didn't expect to see this.
- I have many hidden talents.
- And when did you last sleep past the crack of dawn?
You've told me you're at your fancy gym of yours most days
before you start your 15 hour work day.
- Is that true?
- It was, being gainfully unemployed hasn't been so bad.
Thank you.
- If you don't mind me asking, what happened?
- Let's just say it was a matter of principle.
I'd got tired of other people calling the shots,
especially when I thought they were the wrong shots.
- I thought it was very brave of her.
- Maybe not the smartest move, but honestly I do feel free.
I just hope it was the right thing.
- These things have a way of working themselves out.
Here we are.
- So have you decided what your next career move should be?
- Not yet, but I do know I want it to be
something I love doing.
- If I know my little girl, she'll land on her feet.
- I can't believe you're going back to work for Molly again
after calling her such a tough boss.
- Yes, who'd have thought it?
I must be a glutton for punishment.
- Well, whatever you are,
I'm glad you're doing something you enjoy.
- Do you know, I really am.
Just don't tell her that.
- I think it's too late for that.
- Right, you and I have a mission.
- Why, where are we off?
- Well, I promised you a Christmas
full of new traditions, right?
- I do recall that promise.
- Look at this place, does it look Christmassy to you?
- Um.
The answer's no but we're gonna change that.
Starting with going up into the attic
and finding all the decorations.
[footsteps walking]
Then we're gonna give the Holly Day Inn the royal treatment.
- Sounds like a lot of work for one day.
- It'll be worth it.
[upbeat music]
Quickly, chop, chop.
[boxes whirring]
- [Oliver] Find anything?
- Not yet.
- Maybe there's some sort of system to storage.
- You've met my dad, does that sound like him?
- Oh yeah, right.
- Aha!
- Look at this.
- Cute, were you always an overachiever?
- Yeah, pretty much.
- Go figure.
- Oh, here he is, jackpot.
[objects whirring]
[hands clapping]
[Oliver sighing]
Oh, well this is great.
- What's wrong?
- We have a problem.
We don't have a tree.
- Ah, you did mention that.
- With the excitement of finding the decorations
I sort of forgot.
- Then there's only one thing for it.
[gentle music]
- What about this one?
- No, not gonna work.
- Why not?
Look at that flat spot.
[gentle music continues]
- Check out this one.
- It's okay.
Some people like a tall skinny tree.
I'm just a more is more kind of girl.
Let's keep looking.
- I tried.
[footsteps walking]
- I can't believe it.
Finding a tree like this so close to Christmas
is like finding a unicorn.
- So this is the one.
- This is the one.
Just a few more things and then we can hit the road.
[gentle music]
[objects whirring]
- This is just a few more things?
- It's my epic Christmas dream.
I wanna surprise dad by doing it all big like we used to.
- Oh, I for one can't wait to experience
a very Emma Christmas.
Oh, hey.
How about I run across the road
and get us a couple of hot drinks, yeah?
- It's like you read my mind.
[gentle music]
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
Actually, there's something else I'd like to get.
It'll just take a second.
- Do you need any help finding it?
- Thanks, I know exactly what I want.
- What's he up to?
- I have no idea.
But he's got that look in his eyes.
- What look?
- Like a man on a mission.
And I suspect it involves your daughter.
- Well, everyone needs a purpose.
Speaking of which, would you be open to my continuing
to help out around the shop?
- Well, I don't want to impose.
You've already helped so much.
- Well, I don't know, it's been kind of fun
and I think we make a really great team.
- Well, that might be a good idea
to be a team.
- Listen Molly, when Claire died,
well, I didn't think I'd feel anything
for anyone ever again.
I've enjoyed spending time with you
and I want to keep on doing it.
- Ben,
I've had a crush on you since college.
Maybe I should have told you sooner.
- Better late than never.
[both laughing]
[upbeat music]
[vehicle rumbling]
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
- The next bit is the best part.
- There's more?
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
[light piano music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
- Oh, sorry, you go ahead.
[light piano music continues]
The holy and the ivy
When they are both full crown of all the
Ah!
[Ben laughing]
- Well, isn't this something?
- I hope you don't mind,
but we decided to spruce up the place.
- It's just beautiful.
It feels like Christmas.
- That was the plan.
- Of course, it might be the last one we spend here.
- Dad, I've told you,
I'm not gonna let some soulless corporation
erase everything that you've built here.
I'll do everything that I can to save this place.
- All I can say is seeing the inn like this
makes me remember the good old days.
Anyway, enough talking of selling for the moment.
Just look at what you have done.
You too Oliver, this is the best Christmas gift ever.
[phone ringing]
- Sorry, it's work.
I've gotta take this.
- Don't they know it's Christmas?
- It's my boss.
[footsteps walking]
Yeah.
- [Larry] Such an enthusiastic greeting.
I take it from your lack of communication
that there hasn't been any progress.
- Look, I think we should pull out the deal.
- [Larry] Not your call to make.
- I'm just not comfortable doing your dirty work anymore.
- [Larry] Never seemed like a problem before.
- That's because I never saw the people that it affected.
- [Larry] Told you this wasn't about making friends.
- It's more than that, Larry.
This place, this town, it's special.
The Holly Day Inn shouldn't be bulldozed
for some conference center.
They don't make them like this anymore.
- [Larry] Do you have any idea
how much we've already spent on plans, hmm?
Architects, studies.
- Look, if you could just see the place.
- [Larry] Oh, I will.
From a penthouse view when the resort is built.
- No, not if I can help it.
I'm gonna come clean and tell her everything and then,
then I'm gonna figure out a way to save the inn.
- [Larry] You know this is career suicide.
You'll be blacklisted so hard
you'll never work again in this industry.
- Well, maybe that's a good thing.
- [Larry] You do understand what you're saying.
- Never more clear than this moment.
Goodbye, Larry.
[gentle music]
[gentle music]
[Oliver sighing]
[fire crackling]
- What, what is it?
- Take a walk with me.
[footsteps walking]
- What is it?
- It's just a little Christmas present.
- I haven't got you anything.
- Here.
- Oliver.
- Please, just open it.
- Oliver it's too much.
- Emma, you've given me so much in these past few days.
You've shared with me who you are,
your family's memories and traditions.
I just wanted to give you something back.
- You really didn't need to, but thank you.
It's probably one of the most thoughtful gifts
that anyone's ever given me.
- You deserve good things all the time.
Look, I can't believe I'm saying this,
I didn't think it was possible
to feel like this about someone so quick.
It's a connection, I don't want it to.
- Don't want it to end.
Neither do I, I don't wanna go back to my real life.
- Maybe this could be your new real life.
- How do you mean?
- Look, I've been thinking,
you said you want your next career move
to be something you love, right?
- Yeah.
- And you really seem to love the Holly Day Inn.
- So much.
- And Ben has said on more than one occasion,
that it's become too much for him to handle.
- Are you thinking that I should.
- Yes, take over the Holly Day Inn.
That's exactly what I'm thinking.
- I hadn't even thought about that.
I've just been trying to find ways to save it.
- This is a way to save it, think about it.
You're so smart and you're good with people.
And I see the way you light up
when you talk about this place.
- But if dad can't keep it afloat with all his experience,
how am I supposed to do it on my own?
- Emma Harley, I've never met such a positive,
more determined person in all my life.
I know you can do anything you set your mind to.
And there's one other thing,
maybe you wouldn't have to do it alone.
Maybe if it's okay with you,
I could stick around and help run it with you.
What do you say?
[gentle music]
[both kissing]
- I say yes.
- I still get to be the boss though, right?
- Obviously.
- Let's go and tell dad.
[gentle music continues]
Dad, dad?
- Forgot something in town, back in a jiffy.
- What do you bet that what he forgot
was just an excuse to see Molly.
- Wouldn't surprise me.
- Oh, he's pretty smitten.
- Seems to be going around.
Does your dad have any more of that mulled cider?
- Yeah, there should be some warming on the stove.
[gentle music]
- [Oliver] Where are the glasses?
- One sec.
[paper whirring]
- Here we are, two mulled ciders.
It's not what it looks like.
Okay, it's exactly what it looks like, but not anymore.
- What do you think it looks like?
Because I think it looks like you came here to spy
and then pull the rug out from under us.
Was that your plan?
Get close, find out everything you can
and then get my dad to sign his life's work away.
- No.
Yes, yes.
At first it was just about getting the deal done.
- That bit about being a travel writer?
- I never actually said that, you just assumed.
- Oh, right, yeah, so now that's my fault.
- I'm not saying that, I'm just.
- Why didn't you correct me?
- I don't know, I don't know.
It just seemed easier to go along with it.
- So this is just one big lie.
All part of your little plan.
I should have known you seemed too good to be true.
- I mean, it started out like that.
But when I got to know you and care about you,
things changed.
- And I'm supposed to believe that.
- We trusted you.
I thought we had something special.
But it's all just a trick
to get your soulless company's hands on the inn.
- No, this is real.
I fell just as hard
and I was serious about staying here.
- Sure, as part of the resort
that's gonna bulldoze this place to the ground.
- No, everything's changed, what we have.
- Apart from that small detail
you forgot to mention, you're a fraud.
- I'm sorry, I wasn't honest.
I was just afraid that if you knew who I was,
that what we have, it would all be over.
- How did you think this was gonna end?
Well I hope you're happy.
[footsteps walking]
I am sorry dad.
[gentle music]
[footsteps walking]
- Giving up so soon?
- Look, Ben, I truly am sorry.
- You were just doing your job, I get it.
- Well, I've just quit my job.
So that's not a problem anymore.
I'm talking about not being honest.
I should have been straight with you and Emma
from the start.
- I can't argue with that.
[Oliver sighs]
Let's talk.
[gentle music]
- The festival, decorating the tree.
The inn, never experienced anything like this
and I didn't want it to end.
- I can understand that.
- I really did start to care about you and the inn.
- And Emma?
- Especially Emma.
I was just trying to find a way to dig myself out.
I was in too deep.
Now I've ruined everything.
- [Ben] So you really are giving up.
- What else can I do, she hates me.
- In my experience, anger is just a symptom of hurt.
Emma doesn't open up to most people.
- And when she finally did.
- You made her wish that she hadn't.
Look, I've only known you a short time,
but I've been watching you.
I think you're a good man that made a bad decision.
Not only that, I know my daughter,
you lit up a spark in her
that I haven't seen in a long while.
- Do you think there's any way I can make it right with her?
- Depends how badly you want it.
- More than anything.
- Then go and find her and tell her
what you told me, then you might stand a chance.
[upbeat music]
- Thank you, I'll give it everything I've got.
- Back so soon?
- No, I've just realized I have no idea where she is.
- I'm sure you'll figure it out.
- I'll do my best.
- Oh, this has been the most unconventional Christmas ever.
Don't you agree Mr. Jingles?
Oh you are a good boy aren't you, come on, come on.
Yes you are, happy Christmas.
Happy Christmas.
[Oliver breathing]
- Emma.
- I don't wanna talk to you.
- Emma, please give me a chance to explain.
- Explain, what are even doing here?
- I understand.
- You got what you wanted.
- I'm so sorry I hurt you.
I made a mistake.
A terrible, terrible mistake.
I should have been straight with you from the start,
but you would've shut me out.
And we never would've gotten to know each other.
I lied and that was wrong.
- You made me care about you.
And that's not something I do easily.
I believed in this thing between us, I believed in you.
- All I've ever cared about was the job,
the deals, the money.
Until you,
you showed me that there's so much more.
I'm not the same guy that showed up here.
Being with you, it makes me want to be a better man.
- You really hurt me.
- And that was the last thing I ever wanted to do.
But if you'll give me a chance,
I will spend the rest of my life proving to you
that what I'm telling you now is the truth.
I promise with all my heart,
you are everything.
But if you give me the chance
and I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.
[gentle music]
- Do you really mean that?
[footsteps walking]
[both kissing]
- So just to confirm, that's a yes, right?
- A definite yes.
[both laughing]
[gentle music]
- So I guess that's another Christmas tradition
I'll add to my list.
- What's that?
- I'm gonna bring you back to this park every year
at Christmas and kiss you again.
- Christmas has always had a special place
here at the Holly Day Inn.
The memories we've made over the years
and the laughter and joy we've shared,
somehow I managed to lose all of that.
But somehow you three have managed to bring it back
and give it meaning for the first time in a long while,
I have hope.
So here's to new love,
new beginnings and the new owners of the Holly Day Inn.
I'm looking forward with great expectations
to see what the next year will bring.
So, oh, Merry Christmas.
Cheers.
- Fantastic.
[people laughing]
[upbeat music]
- Merry Christmas.
- Cheers.
- And it will be.
More than presents underneath the Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
I don't need presents or mistletoe
All I need to see your face and the fires grow
A cup of hot chocolate, some cookies and cream
You're my one and only yuletide dream
Merry Christmas baby, come dance with me
There's more than presents underneath this Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
A little bit naughty a little bit nice
Gonna give you some extra special loving tonight
I put on my perfume
My satin and lace
Gonna put a big smile on your pretty face
Merry Christmas baby, come dance with me
There's more than presents underneath this Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
No more dreaming and longing
No more dreams
Tonight we'll be falling, falling
Falling, falling, falling
Merry Christmas baby, come dance with me
There's more than presents underneath this Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
[logo whirring]
[logo whooshing]
[lightning whirring]
[upbeat music]
La la la la la la la la
- [Emma] Come on, Mel.
- [Mel] No, it's too early in the morning for this.
- [Emma] Just a few more minutes.
- [Mel] Seriously, Emma, I can't believe
that I let you drag me out here at the crack of dawn.
[people breathing]
What do you think you are training for, the Olympics?
- I wanted to hang out with you
and this is the only time I could squeeze it in.
- First of all, this is more like torture than a hang out.
Now, meeting me at some cute wine bar is a hangout,
but you never get to hang because all you do is work.
When's the last time you just relaxd and just chilled?
Forget about the last time you had a date.
- Date, who even has time to meet anyone?
You know what my work is like?
One slip up and the boys club will elite me alive.
- And that's what I mean, do you even like working there?
- I like being able to play in the big sandpit.
I like it when I win the account.
- I know you like the chase,
but there's more to life than the grind.
- Speaking of which, I've gotta bolt
after this, big meeting today.
- What's so important?
- The partners are announcing
who they're promoting before we break up for Christmas.
And I think I'm gonna nail it with my presentation.
Plus my numbers are there
and I've put in double the hours of everyone else.
- I just worry that you put too much pressure on yourself.
- Don't worry, today's gonna be my day.
[people breathing]
[upbeat music]
[footsteps tapping]
- So in conclusion,
as natural resources will only continue
to be further strained,
companies will be forced to change
the way they do business to be profitable.
We can start with a complete revision of our supply chain.
- Emma, do you realize that this is going
the complete opposite direction to profit?
And I'm sure you've let Frank and the board know
that this is actually gonna increase costs.
- Is this true?
- Initially, yes.
Emma, you see the shareholders.
They're not gonna like that.
And I think I speak for everybody in this room when I say,
we need a better solution.
- I think if you look at the long term.
- We'll take your suggestions under consideration,
now for our last order of business
before we break for Christmas.
Which by the way,
just because you're not in the office doesn't mean
you can stop checking your email.
Now, as you know,
we've been looking to fill the position of director of sales
and the board has come to a decision.
Tough decision, lots of qualified candidates,
but one of you really stood out putting in the time
and really contributing.
Congratulations, Craig.
[Craig laughing]
[people clapping]
We look forward to watching you rise in the company.
- Thank you so much, sir.
Hey, we still on for a bit of golf this weekend?
- Wouldn't miss it.
- Congratulations, Craig.
I'm sure you'll deliver everything
they've come to expect from you.
- Cheers Em.
- And Frank,
consider this my notice.
- Oh, don't be so rash, Emma.
I'm sure another opportunity will come along.
- Maybe, maybe not.
I'm just not willing to wait around anymore.
Look, I appreciate having had the chance
to work for this company, but it's time for me to go.
[footsteps tapping]
[gentle music]
- [Larry] I need you to go outta town.
Get this handled.
Counting on you Oliver.
- Have I ever let you down Larry?
- If you get the owner
to sign away the Holly Day Inn.
You might not want to come back,
the Holly Day Inn, what a corny name.
- Seriously, what do you mean don't come back?
What exactly are you trying to say?
- Well, I'm not trying.
I'm telling you flat out,
this deal has gone on way too long.
Investors are getting nervous
that the partners are looking for someone to blame-
- How exactly do I sit into this blame game?
[gentle music]
- I like you,
but I'm not far from retirement
and I am not gonna take the fall for this.
- For starters, you certainly kicked off
your holiday with a bang.
- Yeah, no kidding.
Oh my god!
I don't know what came over me.
I just had enough.
- For a girl that plans every second of her life,
you really jumped the gun with this one.
What are you gonna do?
- It's hardly the best time of year to be unemployed.
Maybe I should call Frank, ask for my job back.
- Don't you dare, admit it,
you hated that job, didn't have time for anything.
Friends, romance.
- Pedicure even.
- Letting your life pass you by.
Why don't you do something to clear your head
before you make any more big decisions?
Why don't you go see your dad?
- I haven't been home for Christmas in years.
Never had time.
- Well, it would seem that you do have time now.
- I don't know, should be looking for another job.
- You just said no one hires during Christmas,
so you might as well spend your time
finding a job you actually like doing.
What would that be?
- I don't even know.
It's been years since I've actually thought
about doing something I enjoy.
Yeah, maybe you're right.
Some fresh air, some time with Dad.
- Exactly, that's exactly what you need.
[upbeat music]
Let's get away this Christmas
Just the two of us
Pack up all your troubles
Away from all the fuss
Outside the snow keeps falling
A chill is in the air
Let's trade it off a tropical shore
And Christmas without a care
[car banging]
- Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
[gentle music]
Please work, please work.
[gentle music continues]
[boot banging]
[gentle music continues]
Ow.
[Emma sighing]
[gentle music continues]
[car engine whirring]
Thank you, thank you.
[car door banging]
- Thank you for stopping.
- You're kind of hard to miss.
- I just didn't know when
or if another car would come along.
- Yeah, not much traffic around here, huh?
- Yeah, this is pretty much rush hour.
- Looks like you need some help.
- Need is a strong word, I'm sure I could handle it.
- Look, it's up to you,
but you're the one that weighs me down.
- I mean, if you feel like it.
- Not a problem.
[cow mooing]
There we are, good as new.
- I take it back, I'm glad you turned up when you did.
- Well, lucky for you
one of my specialties is rescuing damsels in distress.
- I don't think I needed to be rescued.
I'm sure I'd have figured it out eventually.
- I'm sure you were perfectly capable,
but there's nothing wrong with letting someone help you
if you need it.
- Guess I'm not used to asking.
- Sometimes it takes more courage just to ask.
- Okay.
Well anyway, thanks for everything.
I better be hitting the road,
but seriously, I do appreciate it.
- My pleasure.
[footsteps walking]
- Merry Christmas.
- Oh yeah, that's right.
Merry Christmas to you too.
[Emma sighing]
[car engine whirring]
[upbeat music]
[car whirring]
[Emma sighing]
- Emma, you're home.
[Ben laughing]
- Oh, I've missed you dad.
- And you too, Mr. Jingle.
- And we've missed you too.
I can't remember the last time I spent Christmas
with our little girl.
- I know, I should have been back more, I'm sorry.
- Oh no, I didn't mean it to sound like that.
No, I'm just happy that you're home.
It means the world.
- Me too.
- Is that all you've got?
- I can't stay long.
I've gotta get back and find a new job.
- Oh right.
Well, at least stay long enough to unwind
from the stress of work and the big city.
You know, slow down and smell the roses.
- Well, I can't say that a change of pace
won't be welcome, that's for sure.
Dad, what happened to the snowman out the front?
- Well, I don't put everything out like I used to.
Well, it's a lot of work for one old man.
- I used to love that kid.
- All right, let's see if we can find it in the attic.
Come on.
- Come on, Mr.
[gentle music]
Here we are.
- It's so good to be home.
Dad, where's the tree?
- Oh, I thought I'd skip it this year.
- But you love Christmas.
You used to do it up so big.
What's going on, is everything okay?
- Well, like I said,
I didn't get round to much decorating this year.
I didn't dream you'd be coming.
It seemed rather pointless just for myself.
- What about the guests?
They used to come every year just to see
what new decorations you'd added.
Where are the guests?
[Ben coughs]
- Well, you see the thing is,
business has been rather down this last couple of years.
- How down?
- Well, at the moment it's just you and me.
Look, why don't you go and settle into your old room
and then come down and we'll have a talk.
- Okay, I want the whole story.
[footsteps walking]
- Here we are, there.
- You always made the best hot chocolate.
- Well, it's your mother's recipe.
- Yeah, but you always gave me extra marshmallows.
- Sometimes it's the little things that count.
- Speaking of little things, what's been going on?
Are there really no other guests?
- Well, it's not exactly like the good old days.
Sometimes I think one of those computer sites
might be a good idea.
- Dad, do you still not have a website?
We need to get an online presence for the inn.
Maybe I can help you whilst I'm home.
- If you think it would help.
- And hardly any Christmas decorations.
You always went over the top with that.
- Not ever since your mum...
- It's been hard, I'm sorry.
- Your mother brought such joy to the festivities.
- And I haven't exactly been around.
- Something else I ought to tell you,
I've been struggling with the workload here.
I can't fill the rooms, can't pay the bills.
Sometimes it's hard enough just to keep my head above water.
- Dad, no.
- It's not all bad.
I love this place,
but maybe I should retire.
Find somewhere less demanding.
- But, this is your life, what would you do?
- There's a property developer
wants to buy the land
and build a resort and conference center.
Well, they keep pushing, but I'm not sure.
- That's the worst idea I've ever heard of.
The Holly Day Inn will be gone forever.
- Well, they've come in with a low offer,
but so far I've said no.
But I'm not sure how long I can hold out.
- Dad, we can't let this happen.
- Well, I might have no choice,
I haven't got the money or the energy
to keep the place going.
- Look, I love this place too.
I'll think of something, I promise.
Let's get that Christmas spirit back into you.
- What?
- Come on, I'll get your coat.
- Oh.
[upbeat music]
I haven't been down here for ages.
Thank heavens you're back.
It's all looking lovely
- Wow, I used to love this place,
we used to come nearly every day after school.
- As I recall, most of your pocket money ended up in here.
- It was the perfect hangout.
Plus Molly made the best coffees.
I wonder what ever happened to her.
- Nothing happened to her, she's still here.
[Emma gasping]
- Dad, we have to go in and say hi.
- We?
[Ben stammering]
I do bump into Molly occasionally, but I...
- I definitely have to go in.
Come on, I'll buy you a coffee.
- Well, I don't know anything about these fancy coffees.
- Don't worry, I'll look after you.
[door whirring]
[people chattering]
- Emma, oh!
What a lovely surprise.
It's been...
- Way too long, I know Molly.
- How you doing, Ben?
Haven't seen you in a while.
- Oh, you know, Molly, just the same as always.
- It's good to see you, both of you.
Now what can I get you?
- Do you remember my usual?
- How could I forget?
You'd order the same thing every day.
Pumpkin spice latte.
But if you're feeling adventurous, I've got something new.
Do you wanna try?
- Is it good?
- Really good.
Caramel apple spice with cinnamon dolche
topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
- That sounds amazing.
- It's like childhood in a cup.
[both laughing]
Oh, they still do this.
I used to love going to the festival, it was so much fun.
Well, if you liked it before, come and see what we've added.
Brings in quite the crowd compared to the old days.
- Maybe I'll go and check it out tomorrow.
- Then stop by the baked goods stand.
It's a fundraiser for the library.
And I've got a few of my prize winning cakes there.
- I wouldn't miss that for the world.
- Go and have a look round the shop.
You might find a few new goodies.
- Really has expanded.
Dad, would you mind waiting for the order,
I wanna see what cool gifts Molly's got in the shop.
- Okay, I'll be right here.
Trying to work out what to order.
- Oh, sorry, I forgot.
Don't worry, I'll take good care of your dad.
You go shop.
[Molly laughs]
Well, there's quite a lot there isn't there?
To-to-machitoto?
- Macchiato.
- Macchiato?
- [Molly] Good, yes.
- [Ben] Yes, yes.
[gentle music]
- Excuse me.
- Sorry. - I'm so sorry.
- You again?
What are you doing here, you following me?
- I could ask you the same question.
- No stalking today, I'm just here visiting my dad.
- How about we start this whole thing over.
Hi, I'm Oliver.
- Emma.
- So are you from around here or?
- Yeah, I grew up here.
I moved out after college.
I take it you're not from around these parts.
- No, I'm just here for a few days on a work assignment.
Seems like a nice place to grow up.
- Yeah, I mean, you know what it's like
when you're a kid,
you wanna be somewhere exciting.
This place can be a bit sleepy.
- Doesn't seem all that quiet to me.
- I think the definition of quiet changes
when you're an adult,
now I'd call it charming.
Plus everyone's coming in for the Christmas festival.
- Ah, that's good to know.
- Why is that good to know?
- Like I said, it's a working weekend for me.
It's good to know a little bit more about the area.
- Well, I can give you some pointers.
Where are you staying?
- Still working out the details on that.
- Well, you should stay at my dad's place.
It's practically a historic landmark at this point.
It's called the Holly Day Inn.
[Oliver coughing]
- Sorry, sorry.
That's your dad's place?
- Have you heard of it?
- Yeah, well, it's kind of on my radar.
- Are you one of those travel writers?
Oh, you should definitely come and experience the inn.
Get a feel for the place.
A good writer would be great for business.
We could really do with the press.
- I don't think you understand.
- Oh please.
My dad would be so grateful if you're doing a story,
call it a favor for the help with the tire.
- Let me think about it, okay?
- Okay, I promise you, you won't find a more charming place.
- That looks antique.
Are you gonna get it?
- Maybe another time.
[gentle music]
[birds chirping]
[footsteps walking]
[bags whirring]
- What's all this for?
- We're making cookies.
- Cookies?
Oh, there goes my diet.
- It's Christmas, you have to have cookies.
- Have to?
- It's tradition.
Where's your mixer?
- Mixer?
[phone buzzing]
- Yeah, Merry Christmas.
[phone beeps]
Hey Larry.
- Just checking in on your progress.
- [Oliver] Come on man, I've only just got here.
- No time to waste, have you located our target yet?
- Actually, you're not gonna believe it,
I've met the daughter of the owner
and she thinks I should stay at the Inn.
- You're kidding, hey, how'd you swing that?
- Oh, long story.
Obviously she doesn't know what I'm here for.
She thinks I'm a travel writer.
- Great cover.
Yeah, well pump them for information
and then spring the papers on them.
- I don't know, I don't think I should stay there.
It seems wrong.
- That's why I sent my best shark to get the job done.
- She seems like a nice person.
- I didn't send you there to make friends.
Get the job done and then get back here
to celebrate the bonus you're about to earn.
- This was always my favorite.
The best bit was decorating with all different colors
of icing and sprinkles.
- Oh, I remember watching you and your mother
making cookies.
- I used to love eating the dough.
- As I recall, you ate more dough than actual cookies.
- Guilty as charged.
[Ben laughing]
[bell ringing]
- Were you expecting anyone?
[bell ringing]
[gentle music]
Yes?
- Yeah, I'm in need of a room.
I heard that you might have a spare.
- Ah, I'll check the reservations.
See if we have any.
- I thought you said this place was empty.
- Just go with it, Dad's got his pride.
- Another favor.
- Well, you can take your chances
finding somewhere else miles away
on such short notice.
- You're in luck sir, we have a cancellation.
- Oh, great, I'll take it.
- Thank you Mr. Erm?
- Oliver please, just call me Oliver.
- Well, Oliver, go upstairs,
settle in, come down and join us by the fire
for some refreshments.
- Oh no, I wouldn't want you to go into any trouble.
- No, no, I insist, you're a guest.
Please treat this place as if it's your home.
[footsteps walking]
[Ben laughing]
[upbeat music]
[oven opening]
Oliver.
Come in, sit down son.
- Thank you.
- There.
- What's that?
- Mulled cider.
It's been a holiday tradition at the inn since.
- since I can remember. - Yeah.
- Mom used to keep a pot
warming on the stove for the guests.
- And there's one thing that goes extremely well with the.
- Dad, you're supposed to wait until they're decorated.
- Oh, just one.
- Or two.
- Won't do any harm, besides you've made enough
for an army, and if you're not careful,
I'll end up looking even more like Santa Claus.
Ho, ho, ho.
[both laughing]
- Consider it quality control.
I mean, you don't seem like the type of girl
that wants to be known for her substandard baking,
besides, this one is defective.
It's missing a leg.
[Ben chuckling]
- Fine, I give up.
You win this one.
But you should know I'm used to getting my way.
- Why am I not surprised?
- By the way, you've already made three batches.
Why are you making so many?
- Remember when Molly was telling us
about the Christmas festival?
- [Ben] Yeah.
- Well I wanted to contribute some cookies
to the fundraiser for the library.
- Oh, that's really nice of you.
The library needs all the help it can get.
- But there's a catch.
In order to get them decorated so I can bring them tomorrow.
- Ah, let me guess.
- That's right, I'm gonna need
some volunteer cookie labor to get them decorated.
- Heavens-to- Betsy is that the time.
- Oh come on dad, it'll be fun.
- You remember your mother
never let me anywhere near the decorating.
- You can't be that bad.
- Oh no, he's right, I'd forgotten,
they'd end up looking more like a Picasso
than a gingerbread man.
- So I'm off the hook and off to bed.
- You can stick around and watch if you want.
- No, no, you two stay.
I'll see you in the morning.
Good night Emma.
Oh, it's lovely to have you back.
Good night, Oliver.
- Night.
So what I'm hearing is that you're asking for help.
- I prefer to think of it as an exchange.
- How do you figure?
- Well, if you are writing a travel article
on the town and the Inn,
you're gonna need a tour guide.
Someone who really knows the place and the people,
basically me.
[Oliver laughing]
- You've really got this all figured out, don't you?
- If you think about it,
it's more like, I'm doing you the favor.
Not that I'm kicking score or anything.
- Oh, of course not.
- So do we have a deal?
- You drive a hard bargain.
Fine, it's a deal.
Where do we start?
[gentle music]
[objects whirring]
- So what kinds of Christmas traditions
does your family have?
- Nothing much really.
- You've never decorated the tree together?
- Nope.
My mom did have this artificial tree
that she never undecorated.
- What?
- Yeah, she strung it with lights
and put all the decorations on it
and then wrapped it in a blanket
and kept it in a cupboard under the stairs.
Every year she'd just bring it out and plug it in, ta-da.
New Year's day, she'd wrap it back up in the blanket
and put it straight back in the cupboard.
- Well, I suppose that was a practical approach.
So you've never gone in search of the perfect Christmas tree
or any other real traditions?
- No, for me, Christmas has always
just kind of been another day.
We got a couple of presents though.
- I can't imagine that.
- It was okay.
I guess you can't really miss something you've never had.
Besides, it appears The Holly Day Inn
is missing a Christmas tree.
- Kind of you to notice.
And I plan of remedy that as soon as I can.
- I can't say becoming a professional baker is in my future,
but overall, not bad.
- You did great and I'd never have got them finished
in time if it wasn't for you, so thanks.
- Happy to trade some cookie labor
for a personal tour of the town.
- Okay, well to sweeten that deal, I've got an idea.
Got something special I want to show you.
- Oh, I don't know, it is kind of getting late.
- You sound like an old man.
I'm getting your coat.
- Yes ma'am.
Far be it for me to argue with such conviction.
What's that?
- You'll see.
[footsteps walking]
[cookie crunching]
- I didn't know Stargazing
was a typical Christmas tradition.
- When I was a little girl,
every Christmas Eve dad would take me out
and we'd watch for hours
hoping for a glimpse of Father Christmas on his sleigh.
In summer, he'd teach me about the constellations.
Here, you take a look.
Pretty cool, right?
- Yeah.
- You see three stars in a row,
that's Orion's Belt.
Two of the brightest stars in the sky
are in the Orion constellation.
- I didn't know that.
You really know your stuff.
- I've got Dad to thank for that.
It took me years to work out that all those years
of teaching were just his way
of spending time with me.
- Oh hey, you've gotta see this.
- Quick, close your eyes, make a wish.
- Oh, I...
- Just do it.
[gentle music]
- So what did you wish for?
- I can't tell you that otherwise it won't come true.
[Emma laughing]
Oh, it's freezing.
I'm gonna head back in.
- Look, hey, thanks.
I'll put this on my list.
- What list?
- New Christmas traditions.
[gentle music]
Ah, morning everyone.
- Ah, good morning.
How did you sleep?
- Like a rock.
- There you are.
- Thank you, it must be all the fresh air.
- It's a good thing 'cause we've got a busy day ahead of us.
- Emma tells me you are writing an article
about the town and the Inn.
Well, that could have helped to attract more tourists.
- Yeah, it's definitely a working vacation.
- Well, it couldn't come at a better time.
We need the publicity to get this place back on its feet.
You are a good man, thank you Oliver.
- Actually, I'm not really a...
- So cookies are done.
Would you be ready in five?
- Sure thing, boss.
- Boss, kind of like that.
- Dad, you sure you don't wanna come with us?
- No, I'll see you at the festival later.
I've got some errands to run.
- Okay, well, do you wanna meet us somewhere?
- I'll find you.
- How are you gonna find us?
- Well, it's not a big place.
- Well wouldn't it just be easier
to find a time and place to meet?
- If you have to know,
I shall be at Molly's helping her to set up.
- Molly hey.
- She talked me into it yesterday when we were at the shop.
- You know she's got a crush on you.
- Don't be silly, I've known her for years.
We're just friends.
- I know a crush when I see one.
- I'm far too old, I'm far too old for this sort of thing.
- You're only too old if you believe it,
you might find out you like her too
if you give it a chance, what's the harm?
- As they say, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.
[footsteps walking]
- What's a city boy like you doing with a truck like that?
- Oh, it's a present to myself on my first raise.
Yeah, I was used to be driven around in one as a kid.
- Nice when something brings back the memory.
So, we drop the cookies first
and then go full festival mode.
- So what does that involve?
- Well, the festival is one
of the biggest tourist draws we have.
The town really pulls out all the stops.
Let's do everything.
[door banging]
- Everything, like what?
- Like every single thing.
- Sounds like an adventure.
- You don't know what you're in for.
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
[upbeat music]
- Hi.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
[people chattering]
- What have you got there?
- Just some cookies.
I think they're pretty good.
- I can confirm that they're very good.
- Emma, Emma Harley, I haven't seen you in forever.
I always ask your father about you.
- Hiya Jen, yeah, I'm back to see my dad for Christmas.
- And who's this?
I hadn't heard that you had a boyfriend.
In fact, I specifically remember
someone saying how sad that you don't have a husband
or boyfriend or anything.
- Wow.
Didn't realize that was such a relevant topic
of conversation around here.
- You know how it is.
We know everything about the ones that still live here.
You're our little shooting star that made it out.
Hi, I'm Jen.
Nice to meet the leading man of the former senior head girl.
- We're not actually.
- Hi, I'm Oliver. - Hi.
- Head girl, babe, you never told me that.
What other secrets have you been keeping from me?
- Anyway, Jen, these are my cookies,
- Our!
- Our cookies.
So good to see you.
Maybe I'll...
- Hopefully.
- Bump into you before I leave.
- That would be so amazing.
[Emma chuckling]
- Why did you do that?
- Why did you let me me?
- I don't know.
I guess I just didn't want her to...
- To think that you didn't have a boyfriend.
- I mean, I really don't care about that.
- So why then?
- It just seemed easier than getting into a big discussion.
This is a small town and Jen has a big gob.
- Ah, let me guess.
She's the equivalent of a town crier.
- Pretty much.
I should probably go and straighten this out.
- Or not.
- Word's gonna be all over town, it probably already is.
- You're only here for a few days, right?
- Yeah.
- Then give them a better story than your solitary life.
- All right, it's not that bad.
I just work a lot.
Least I did.
- Did?
- Yeah, I quit my job.
Long story.
- Look, I'm in the same boat, Emma.
I don't have much time for a personal life either.
Look, we don't have to make a big deal of it.
Just go along for the ride.
- Fine.
But I'm in charge of this fake relationship.
- Never doubted that for a second.
- Okay, first up this way.
- Yes boss.
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
- You ready to get skates on?
- Oh, I don't know, I haven't skated since I was a kid.
I'm really not very good.
- Are you chickening out?
I wouldn't have expected that from you.
- Wouldn't exactly call it chickening out.
More like damage control.
- Come on, it'll be like riding a bike.
It will come back.
- Fine, but I'm holding you personally responsible
for my wellbeing.
[people chattering]
[upbeat music]
Time of year, it's Christmas time again
It's Christmas time again
Santa checking his sleigh tonight
[skates whirring]
- Take it slowly, get your balance.
- I don't know about balance,
I'm just trying not to face plant the ice.
I'm good.
- Hold on to my arm and get a feel.
It's Christmas time again
Santa's checking his sleigh tonight
You're doing great.
- Just promise me one thing.
- What's that?
- If you go down, try not to take me with you.
- Can't make any promises, but I'll do my best.
Okay, I think I've got it.
[skates whirring]
Show off.
- What, I used to be so much better.
I'm so out of practice.
- Oh well right now you're just a blatant reminder
of my lack of ability.
- Stick around long enough
you might get some ice skating skills of your own.
- I'm not sure I'll be able to get there
in just a couple of days.
- You seem like the kind of guy who could do anything
if you put your mind to it.
- I'd like to think so.
But this challenge seems a bit outta my comfort zone.
- Oh, it's good to get out of your comfort zone.
[breathing heavily]
I guess I'm the one out my comfort zone now.
[horn beeping]
- [Announcer] Time's up, please make your way off the ice.
- Did you hurt anything?
- Only my pride.
- Well, let's take what's left of it and get out of here.
[water flowing]
[gentle music]
Do you wanna go in and warm up with a coffee?
- Now there's an idea.
- Oh, are you not having fun?
- No, no, I'm kidding.
Today's been amazing.
I just thought it'd be nice to sit down for a minute
and nurse my bruised ego.
You're a tough lady to keep up with.
[Emma laughing]
- I'm just really excited to be here.
- After you.
- Ah, you finally showed up.
I told Ben you'd be here sooner or later.
- Speaking of dad, have you seen him?
He was supposed to meet us.
- Been here all day.
Just as well too, we've been really busy.
I couldn't have managed without him.
Woohoo!
[Ben laughing]
- He actually seems like he's enjoying himself.
- He is.
- Now what can I get you two?
- Something pepperminty.
I've got just the thing, what about you?
- Today's all been about getting outta my comfort zone.
So why don't you surprise me?
- Who doesn't love a surprise hey?
- What you up to dad, got a new job?
- Well, I can think of worse ideas.
Mind you, the boss is a bit of a task master.
- Hey you.
- Mind you, I'm enjoying myself enormously.
- Well, maybe I'll hire you back for another day.
- Hire, you mean this job pays?
- All the coffee and pastries you want,
along with my excellent company.
- Where do I sign up?
- Here you go.
- Sorry.
- Not a problem at all.
- Well, it shouldn't be a problem.
- What does that mean?
- Well, I've been hearing all day
what a lovely couple you two make.
- See, I told you word would be around town.
This is Jen's doing.
- Shouldn't worry about it Emma,
They'll be talking about something else tomorrow.
- Like you said, you're only here for a couple of days.
Takes too much energy to put out a gossip fire.
Sometimes it can make it worse.
- Suppose you're right.
We'll be going our separate ways in a few days anyway,
so no one will know the difference.
Let's get going.
- I thought we were gonna hang out here for a bit
you know, and sit down.
- Yeah, but there's something that I wanna show you.
Besides, I think dad's break might be over.
She's right, back to work you and no more muffins.
- Oh, I can't have that.
See you two at home.
- Bye, chop chop, come on, chop, chop.
- [Oliver] They're cute you know.
- [Emma] Who?
- Your dad and Molly.
Just think yesterday I heard him say
that they're just old friends.
No chance of romance, and now.
- Now they're acting like a couple of teenagers.
- I'm not sure I'd go that far.
But who'd have thought those kind of feelings
could develop so fast?
- Must be some sort of Christmas miracle.
- Do you really believe in that kind of thing?
- Yeah, stop.
Look.
- Wow.
[footsteps walking]
- You are witnessing the annual parade of Christmas trees.
People around here get super into it.
- I can see that.
- It's how the festival started.
Just a few people with a few trees
and every year it kept growing, and now.
- I had no idea when I came here
that this town was gonna surprise me like this.
- This is my favorite place in the world.
I used to come here when I was a kid,
when I wanted to be alone and think,
if a guy had broken up with me or I hadn't passed a test.
[gentle music]
When mum died
this park has got me through
some of the hardest times in my life.
Some of the most important too.
- I can see why this place is so special.
- It's more than that.
It's like my touchstone.
The place that lets me know everything's gonna be okay.
What's this?
Jen's not here.
Don't have to put on an act.
- You never know who's watching.
Consider it practice in case we run into her again.
Besides, it's kind of nice, right?
- It is kind of nice.
- Thanks for sharing this place with me.
I'll add it to that list of Christmas traditions
I've never experienced.
- But you don't live here.
- Maybe I'll have to come back.
[phone ringing]
Oh, sorry.
Oh, it's my boss, editor.
He'll just keep calling if I don't answer it.
I'll just be a minute.
Larry?
Yeah, I thought you were gonna give me
some space to handle this.
- [Larry] How are you, haven't heard from you all day,
thought you'd have this thing signed, sealed
and delivered by now and be on your way back.
- It's a little more complicated than I thought.
I need more time.
- [Larry] Time's the one thing you don't have.
- Look, these are good people.
- People, who else besides the old man?
- I told you his daughter's here and, no, no, no.
It's not what you think.
- [Larry] You still haven't told her who you are have you?
- It's not exactly the easiest thing
to drop into conversation.
- [Larry] You need to remember what you are there to do.
And it's not to complicate things
because you've developed some little crush.
Get the deal done by tomorrow.
- But it's Christmas.
It seems like pretty cold timing
to shake down the family business then.
- [Larry] Oh, don't get soft on me Ollie,
you've got one job to do.
Just do it.
[Oliver sighs]
[footsteps walking]
[Oliver sighing]
- Look at that one.
Isn't it the cutest?
- Yeah, I guess.
- Hey, what's up, has something happened?
Is it work?
- Yeah, but...
Right, here's the thing.
- I'm gonna stop you right there.
It's Christmas.
You're having a pretty great time, right?
- Pretty great.
- So one phone call.
- He is my boss.
- Isn't allowed to take away from the great time
that we've been having.
Whatever that call was, just forget about it.
Let's just have a good night.
Can you do that for me?
- I'll do it, but just remember I did it for you.
- Good, now.
Shake it off.
[Emma makes babblng noises]
Come on, go on.
[babblng noises]
[babblng noises]
Again.
[babblng noises]
Better?
- Yes, okay.
Yeah, I actually feel better.
- That's the Christmas spirit.
Don't let anybody or anything take that away.
- Afraid Jen is somewhere hiding?
- No, like you said, it's kind of nice.
- Glad you agree.
- Sticking with the theme of traditions
you haven't experienced,
I've got a great idea for us tomorrow.
- I'm afraid to ask.
- Trust me, you're gonna love it.
[gentle music]
[upbeat music]
[food sizzling]
There's love and laughter in the air
It's cold outside but I don't care
Why did you let me sleep so late dad,
I've got so much stuff to do.
Oh wow, didn't expect to see this.
- I have many hidden talents.
- And when did you last sleep past the crack of dawn?
You've told me you're at your fancy gym of yours most days
before you start your 15 hour work day.
- Is that true?
- It was, being gainfully unemployed hasn't been so bad.
Thank you.
- If you don't mind me asking, what happened?
- Let's just say it was a matter of principle.
I'd got tired of other people calling the shots,
especially when I thought they were the wrong shots.
- I thought it was very brave of her.
- Maybe not the smartest move, but honestly I do feel free.
I just hope it was the right thing.
- These things have a way of working themselves out.
Here we are.
- So have you decided what your next career move should be?
- Not yet, but I do know I want it to be
something I love doing.
- If I know my little girl, she'll land on her feet.
- I can't believe you're going back to work for Molly again
after calling her such a tough boss.
- Yes, who'd have thought it?
I must be a glutton for punishment.
- Well, whatever you are,
I'm glad you're doing something you enjoy.
- Do you know, I really am.
Just don't tell her that.
- I think it's too late for that.
- Right, you and I have a mission.
- Why, where are we off?
- Well, I promised you a Christmas
full of new traditions, right?
- I do recall that promise.
- Look at this place, does it look Christmassy to you?
- Um.
The answer's no but we're gonna change that.
Starting with going up into the attic
and finding all the decorations.
[footsteps walking]
Then we're gonna give the Holly Day Inn the royal treatment.
- Sounds like a lot of work for one day.
- It'll be worth it.
[upbeat music]
Quickly, chop, chop.
[boxes whirring]
- [Oliver] Find anything?
- Not yet.
- Maybe there's some sort of system to storage.
- You've met my dad, does that sound like him?
- Oh yeah, right.
- Aha!
- Look at this.
- Cute, were you always an overachiever?
- Yeah, pretty much.
- Go figure.
- Oh, here he is, jackpot.
[objects whirring]
[hands clapping]
[Oliver sighing]
Oh, well this is great.
- What's wrong?
- We have a problem.
We don't have a tree.
- Ah, you did mention that.
- With the excitement of finding the decorations
I sort of forgot.
- Then there's only one thing for it.
[gentle music]
- What about this one?
- No, not gonna work.
- Why not?
Look at that flat spot.
[gentle music continues]
- Check out this one.
- It's okay.
Some people like a tall skinny tree.
I'm just a more is more kind of girl.
Let's keep looking.
- I tried.
[footsteps walking]
- I can't believe it.
Finding a tree like this so close to Christmas
is like finding a unicorn.
- So this is the one.
- This is the one.
Just a few more things and then we can hit the road.
[gentle music]
[objects whirring]
- This is just a few more things?
- It's my epic Christmas dream.
I wanna surprise dad by doing it all big like we used to.
- Oh, I for one can't wait to experience
a very Emma Christmas.
Oh, hey.
How about I run across the road
and get us a couple of hot drinks, yeah?
- It's like you read my mind.
[gentle music]
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
Actually, there's something else I'd like to get.
It'll just take a second.
- Do you need any help finding it?
- Thanks, I know exactly what I want.
- What's he up to?
- I have no idea.
But he's got that look in his eyes.
- What look?
- Like a man on a mission.
And I suspect it involves your daughter.
- Well, everyone needs a purpose.
Speaking of which, would you be open to my continuing
to help out around the shop?
- Well, I don't want to impose.
You've already helped so much.
- Well, I don't know, it's been kind of fun
and I think we make a really great team.
- Well, that might be a good idea
to be a team.
- Listen Molly, when Claire died,
well, I didn't think I'd feel anything
for anyone ever again.
I've enjoyed spending time with you
and I want to keep on doing it.
- Ben,
I've had a crush on you since college.
Maybe I should have told you sooner.
- Better late than never.
[both laughing]
[upbeat music]
[vehicle rumbling]
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
- The next bit is the best part.
- There's more?
[upbeat music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
[light piano music]
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la
- Oh, sorry, you go ahead.
[light piano music continues]
The holy and the ivy
When they are both full crown of all the
Ah!
[Ben laughing]
- Well, isn't this something?
- I hope you don't mind,
but we decided to spruce up the place.
- It's just beautiful.
It feels like Christmas.
- That was the plan.
- Of course, it might be the last one we spend here.
- Dad, I've told you,
I'm not gonna let some soulless corporation
erase everything that you've built here.
I'll do everything that I can to save this place.
- All I can say is seeing the inn like this
makes me remember the good old days.
Anyway, enough talking of selling for the moment.
Just look at what you have done.
You too Oliver, this is the best Christmas gift ever.
[phone ringing]
- Sorry, it's work.
I've gotta take this.
- Don't they know it's Christmas?
- It's my boss.
[footsteps walking]
Yeah.
- [Larry] Such an enthusiastic greeting.
I take it from your lack of communication
that there hasn't been any progress.
- Look, I think we should pull out the deal.
- [Larry] Not your call to make.
- I'm just not comfortable doing your dirty work anymore.
- [Larry] Never seemed like a problem before.
- That's because I never saw the people that it affected.
- [Larry] Told you this wasn't about making friends.
- It's more than that, Larry.
This place, this town, it's special.
The Holly Day Inn shouldn't be bulldozed
for some conference center.
They don't make them like this anymore.
- [Larry] Do you have any idea
how much we've already spent on plans, hmm?
Architects, studies.
- Look, if you could just see the place.
- [Larry] Oh, I will.
From a penthouse view when the resort is built.
- No, not if I can help it.
I'm gonna come clean and tell her everything and then,
then I'm gonna figure out a way to save the inn.
- [Larry] You know this is career suicide.
You'll be blacklisted so hard
you'll never work again in this industry.
- Well, maybe that's a good thing.
- [Larry] You do understand what you're saying.
- Never more clear than this moment.
Goodbye, Larry.
[gentle music]
[gentle music]
[Oliver sighing]
[fire crackling]
- What, what is it?
- Take a walk with me.
[footsteps walking]
- What is it?
- It's just a little Christmas present.
- I haven't got you anything.
- Here.
- Oliver.
- Please, just open it.
- Oliver it's too much.
- Emma, you've given me so much in these past few days.
You've shared with me who you are,
your family's memories and traditions.
I just wanted to give you something back.
- You really didn't need to, but thank you.
It's probably one of the most thoughtful gifts
that anyone's ever given me.
- You deserve good things all the time.
Look, I can't believe I'm saying this,
I didn't think it was possible
to feel like this about someone so quick.
It's a connection, I don't want it to.
- Don't want it to end.
Neither do I, I don't wanna go back to my real life.
- Maybe this could be your new real life.
- How do you mean?
- Look, I've been thinking,
you said you want your next career move
to be something you love, right?
- Yeah.
- And you really seem to love the Holly Day Inn.
- So much.
- And Ben has said on more than one occasion,
that it's become too much for him to handle.
- Are you thinking that I should.
- Yes, take over the Holly Day Inn.
That's exactly what I'm thinking.
- I hadn't even thought about that.
I've just been trying to find ways to save it.
- This is a way to save it, think about it.
You're so smart and you're good with people.
And I see the way you light up
when you talk about this place.
- But if dad can't keep it afloat with all his experience,
how am I supposed to do it on my own?
- Emma Harley, I've never met such a positive,
more determined person in all my life.
I know you can do anything you set your mind to.
And there's one other thing,
maybe you wouldn't have to do it alone.
Maybe if it's okay with you,
I could stick around and help run it with you.
What do you say?
[gentle music]
[both kissing]
- I say yes.
- I still get to be the boss though, right?
- Obviously.
- Let's go and tell dad.
[gentle music continues]
Dad, dad?
- Forgot something in town, back in a jiffy.
- What do you bet that what he forgot
was just an excuse to see Molly.
- Wouldn't surprise me.
- Oh, he's pretty smitten.
- Seems to be going around.
Does your dad have any more of that mulled cider?
- Yeah, there should be some warming on the stove.
[gentle music]
- [Oliver] Where are the glasses?
- One sec.
[paper whirring]
- Here we are, two mulled ciders.
It's not what it looks like.
Okay, it's exactly what it looks like, but not anymore.
- What do you think it looks like?
Because I think it looks like you came here to spy
and then pull the rug out from under us.
Was that your plan?
Get close, find out everything you can
and then get my dad to sign his life's work away.
- No.
Yes, yes.
At first it was just about getting the deal done.
- That bit about being a travel writer?
- I never actually said that, you just assumed.
- Oh, right, yeah, so now that's my fault.
- I'm not saying that, I'm just.
- Why didn't you correct me?
- I don't know, I don't know.
It just seemed easier to go along with it.
- So this is just one big lie.
All part of your little plan.
I should have known you seemed too good to be true.
- I mean, it started out like that.
But when I got to know you and care about you,
things changed.
- And I'm supposed to believe that.
- We trusted you.
I thought we had something special.
But it's all just a trick
to get your soulless company's hands on the inn.
- No, this is real.
I fell just as hard
and I was serious about staying here.
- Sure, as part of the resort
that's gonna bulldoze this place to the ground.
- No, everything's changed, what we have.
- Apart from that small detail
you forgot to mention, you're a fraud.
- I'm sorry, I wasn't honest.
I was just afraid that if you knew who I was,
that what we have, it would all be over.
- How did you think this was gonna end?
Well I hope you're happy.
[footsteps walking]
I am sorry dad.
[gentle music]
[footsteps walking]
- Giving up so soon?
- Look, Ben, I truly am sorry.
- You were just doing your job, I get it.
- Well, I've just quit my job.
So that's not a problem anymore.
I'm talking about not being honest.
I should have been straight with you and Emma
from the start.
- I can't argue with that.
[Oliver sighs]
Let's talk.
[gentle music]
- The festival, decorating the tree.
The inn, never experienced anything like this
and I didn't want it to end.
- I can understand that.
- I really did start to care about you and the inn.
- And Emma?
- Especially Emma.
I was just trying to find a way to dig myself out.
I was in too deep.
Now I've ruined everything.
- [Ben] So you really are giving up.
- What else can I do, she hates me.
- In my experience, anger is just a symptom of hurt.
Emma doesn't open up to most people.
- And when she finally did.
- You made her wish that she hadn't.
Look, I've only known you a short time,
but I've been watching you.
I think you're a good man that made a bad decision.
Not only that, I know my daughter,
you lit up a spark in her
that I haven't seen in a long while.
- Do you think there's any way I can make it right with her?
- Depends how badly you want it.
- More than anything.
- Then go and find her and tell her
what you told me, then you might stand a chance.
[upbeat music]
- Thank you, I'll give it everything I've got.
- Back so soon?
- No, I've just realized I have no idea where she is.
- I'm sure you'll figure it out.
- I'll do my best.
- Oh, this has been the most unconventional Christmas ever.
Don't you agree Mr. Jingles?
Oh you are a good boy aren't you, come on, come on.
Yes you are, happy Christmas.
Happy Christmas.
[Oliver breathing]
- Emma.
- I don't wanna talk to you.
- Emma, please give me a chance to explain.
- Explain, what are even doing here?
- I understand.
- You got what you wanted.
- I'm so sorry I hurt you.
I made a mistake.
A terrible, terrible mistake.
I should have been straight with you from the start,
but you would've shut me out.
And we never would've gotten to know each other.
I lied and that was wrong.
- You made me care about you.
And that's not something I do easily.
I believed in this thing between us, I believed in you.
- All I've ever cared about was the job,
the deals, the money.
Until you,
you showed me that there's so much more.
I'm not the same guy that showed up here.
Being with you, it makes me want to be a better man.
- You really hurt me.
- And that was the last thing I ever wanted to do.
But if you'll give me a chance,
I will spend the rest of my life proving to you
that what I'm telling you now is the truth.
I promise with all my heart,
you are everything.
But if you give me the chance
and I wanna spend the rest of my life with you.
[gentle music]
- Do you really mean that?
[footsteps walking]
[both kissing]
- So just to confirm, that's a yes, right?
- A definite yes.
[both laughing]
[gentle music]
- So I guess that's another Christmas tradition
I'll add to my list.
- What's that?
- I'm gonna bring you back to this park every year
at Christmas and kiss you again.
- Christmas has always had a special place
here at the Holly Day Inn.
The memories we've made over the years
and the laughter and joy we've shared,
somehow I managed to lose all of that.
But somehow you three have managed to bring it back
and give it meaning for the first time in a long while,
I have hope.
So here's to new love,
new beginnings and the new owners of the Holly Day Inn.
I'm looking forward with great expectations
to see what the next year will bring.
So, oh, Merry Christmas.
Cheers.
- Fantastic.
[people laughing]
[upbeat music]
- Merry Christmas.
- Cheers.
- And it will be.
More than presents underneath the Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
I don't need presents or mistletoe
All I need to see your face and the fires grow
A cup of hot chocolate, some cookies and cream
You're my one and only yuletide dream
Merry Christmas baby, come dance with me
There's more than presents underneath this Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
A little bit naughty a little bit nice
Gonna give you some extra special loving tonight
I put on my perfume
My satin and lace
Gonna put a big smile on your pretty face
Merry Christmas baby, come dance with me
There's more than presents underneath this Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
No more dreaming and longing
No more dreams
Tonight we'll be falling, falling
Falling, falling, falling
Merry Christmas baby, come dance with me
There's more than presents underneath this Christmas tree
Only wish I have tonight is that we
Fall in love and stay in love eternally
Fall in love and stay in love eternally