Christmas Joy (2018) Movie Script
Hey, Joy!
Ready?
You bet.
Let's go knock the socks
off Weatherton's.
Okay, we are coming to the end
of our time as a focus group,
but I just want to pose
one last question.
Since you're all
shoppers of Weatherton's,
how would you sum up
your experience?
I love it,
especially
at Christmas.
Yes, I just love
the Weatherton's store.
They do such a wonderful job
of making it feel warm
and welcoming.
But classy, too.
You know
you're getting the best.
Well, that's
wonderful to hear.
That's very valuable.
Now, how would you say
the Weatherton's experience
is different from other stores?
It's one of the stores
I make a point of going into.
You can't really know
if something's right
unless you see
yourself in it.
I still prefer
to do my Christmas
shopping online,
but I'll come in
for the hot cocoa bar.
That does seem to be
quite popular.
Okay, I think
that about covers it.
Thank you so much
for your time.
Where's your
research director?
Uh, Margie Carter?
She couldn't make it
this time.
Or last time
either, as I recall.
Joy is very good at this.
They're ready
for you upstairs,
Mrs. Weatherton.
Hmm.
Mrs. Weatherton?
Had to go
to a meeting.
Oh. Probably for the best.
Margie doesn't like it
when we talk to the clients.
Mrs. Weatherton mentioned you.
Me? Specifically?
She thought you were doing
a good job
with the focus group.
Well, I should be,
I've done enough
to last a lifetime.
Not for much longer.
That's not guaranteed.
You've been working 24/7
since I've known you.
They're going to announce
your promotion
at the Christmas Gala,
and you know it.
We'll see.
Do you have your dress yet?
For The Gala?
Who's had time to shop?
Why? Do you?
No,
but it just so happens,
we did a focus group
at a legendary
department store, so...
I love shopping at Weatherton's.
So cute.
I know...
Wow.
That is pretty.
It's just like
the dress
I was thinking of
for the Gala.
My mom gave me
a Christmas ornament once
that was exactly this color.
Oh...
It looks very expensive.
But this is my dress.
That's one of
my favorites this year.
Mrs. Weatherton!
Hello, Joy.
Renee.
Good to see you're a shopper
at Weatherton's as well.
Of course.
So, about earlier,
how did you think
the focus group went?
Oh, as you know,
we have to read
the transcripts
and write up the report...
Yes, I do know
all that.
I've been a MacDonald-Webber
client for many years.
But I want to know
what you think.
Gut instinct.
How did they respond
to shopping here
at Weatherton's,
in store?
Very positive.
People love
your store,
especially
this time of year.
I remember once
when I was a little girl,
my mom drove four hours
out of the way
to bring me
Christmas shopping here.
It's one of
my favorite memories.
You can't recreate that
on a website,
no matter how hard you try.
This particular shade of green
will look perfect on you.
Is the car ready?
Yes,
Mrs. Weatherton...
You shouldn't
have said anything.
I know, Margie, I'm sorry--
I know, she put you
on the spot.
What's going on?
It's not like her to be so...
insistent.
Poppy Weatherton
is considering
expanding Weatherton's
outside of
the D.C. area.
That's a good idea--
Not good idea.
Cyber shopping
is the arc of the future,
not stores.
All of our research shows that.
But Weatherton's
isn't like most other stores.
People actually like
going there.
I realize
your mother took you there
when you were little,
and it's a very
sweet story,
but completely
incidental
to the MacDonald-Webber
overall assessment.
We deal in data, Joy.
I know.
Just make sure
that our reports
reflect those facts,
not your personal
sentiment.
Understand?
Mm-hmm.
Happy holidays, Crystal Falls.
It's a beautiful
North Carolina morning
and to celebrate
the Christmas season,
tune in as we keep an eye
on the temperatures,
we may be getting a white
Christmas, but...
Hey!
...But tune in later,
we'll tell you all about it.
Good morning, Ben.
Good morning.
Be sure they save
some of that
for me to do later.
You never get enough
Christmas, do you?
Never.
Aunt Ruby...
Merry Christmas.
Five times lucky
in the Cookie Crawl, Ben.
Let's do it again.
Here are the bids
for the top three
medical records
service companies.
Thanks.
And where are we
with your temp replacement?
Karen's ready to go
as soon as this lil' guy is.
Which is after
Christmas, right?
Well, we're in that final
two-week window, so...
maybe?
You were totally thinking
about your mom
and the gingerbread
contest.
Does that make me a bad boss?
No.
No, but what's done is done.
It's your turn
to participate.
Your mom is
counting on you.
The entries are complete,
the decorating team
has been picked
and knows what to do.
Relax,
you have a judge
other than yourself this year.
But you have to be
at the contest.
I'm gonna do my best,
but I'm not the only one
with a say in this matter.
I know, and...
if I have to take over
judging responsibilities
myself again,
I will.
I'm sure Mom will understand.
No, she won't.
Ah, you're the best!
Thank you so much.
Hey, how'd it go yesterday
with Margie?
I don't know why
I kept blabbering on
about Poppy Weatherton.
Sorry.
Hello?
Joy?
Joy, hi! It's...
It's Shirley Andrews.
Mrs. Andrews, hi!
How are you?
Oh, I'm fine, I'm good,
but, um... I'm afraid
your aunt isn't.
What's wrong?
Well...
she was reaching for some
supplies for the Cookie Crawl,
and she...
she slipped
and broke her ankle.
Well, is she okay?
Can I talk to her?
No, no,
I'm just home
getting a few things,
but I want to get back
to the hospital
before her surgery.
Surgery?
Look, I don't want you
to worry about this, Joy,
she's gonna be fine.
She told me she didn't
want me to call you
and worry you, but...
but I figured you're family,
you should know.
Yes, absolutely.
Thank you so much.
Okay, bye, Joy.
What's going on?
My aunt got hurt.
I have to go.
Do you want me to write
the Weatherton's report?
No, that's okay.
Uh, I have my laptop,
I'll write it
when I get to Crystal Falls.
Crystal Falls?
It's the closest thing
I have to a home.
Oh! Wait-- Uh...
Are you okay?
Yeah, uh--
Ben?
Hey, Joy.
Ben Andrews?
Long time no see.
Yeah.
Though it's kinda hard
to miss you like this.
Well, just...
trying to make an entrance.
I see that.
Um...
Oh, Ruby is
around the corner,
three doors down.
My mom's with her
right now.
Are you visiting, too?
Nope, this is my place.
Hospital administrator.
Oh, so are you trying
to drum up some business?
You found me out.
Well, I hope visiting hours
aren't over.
Visiting hours are never over.
Never?
Nope.
This is North Carolina, Joy,
not D.C.
How am I supposed
to do the Cookie Crawl
like this?
Ben will take over.
It's a two-person job.
Honey, you just concentrate
on what's important.
You're right.
I just made a cake.
Would you be a friend and
go home and get it for me?
And here I was
worried about you.
Joy!
Did you call her?
Aren't you glad I did?
I sure am.
Oh, did you drive
all the way through?
I stopped to get
your favorite magazines,
so that you won't
go stir crazy
and try and take over
the place.
How's the patient?
Uh... impatient.
Sounds about right.
It's just
a silly ankle.
She is seeing
her doctor tomorrow
for the official word.
You're worrying Joy.
We're all worried
about you, Ruby.
Is that Rocky Road?
The rockiest.
Joy, do you remember
my son--
Ben.
We sort of ran into each other
down in the lobby, Mom.
It's been a while.
I think the last time
I saw you,
you were headed off to college?
Georgetown.
And you went to--
-Columbia.
-Right.
You became a New Yorker.
Yeah, for a little while.
You know what,
I think we should get out
of Ruby's hair for a bit.
Oh, what about
my animals?
They need feeding.
Oh, I can
take care of them.
I was actually
planning on
staying at
the farm tonight.
Thank you, honey.
Oh, the Cookie Crawl! Ben!
What are we going to do?
-It's in seven days!
-Oh-- No, don't--
Is that the thing
where people buy tickets
to go look at decorations
and eat cookies?
Christmas cookies.
Yes.
But there are so many
strong competitors this year!
And your aunt has won
the past four years.
Thanks to Ben.
Ben?
Ruby's co-captain
at your service.
Aunt Ruby, why didn't
you ever ask me
to be
your co-captain?
I'm your niece.
Honey, you're
never here anymore.
I might have
come home.
From D.C.?
Yeah.
To help with
a cookie crawl?
Is that so crazy?
No.
You know, you guys,
we can discuss this later.
I think we should let Ruby
get some rest.
Okay.
I'll come back
tomorrow,
so we can hear what
the doctor has to say.
Thank you, Joy.
Of course.
It sure is good
seeing you here again.
It's good to see you, too.
Rest up.
Oh, man.
Normally I'd say
hindsight is 20/20,
but not in this case.
You're hilarious.
I thought these things
came with cool cameras
and cappuccino makers
or something?
Maybe if I'd had
a cappuccino
I would have been able
to use the cool camera.
Do you have a pen and paper?
I gotta leave
the truck's owner my info.
Oh, the truck's owner knows.
Of course.
I'm so sorry.
You know... you wanna hear
the good news?
My truck's fine.
But your Mini
looks disappointed.
Disappointed!
That you didn't use
the cool camera
to avoid
something like this!
Well...
But you wanna hear
more good news?
Oh, can't wait.
I know a guy
who can fix that
for the cost of parts
and a pizza.
Seriously?
Seriously.
My cousin, Zeke.
Take it to his place,
any day but Saturday.
Zeke?
Yeah.
Why not Saturday?
He helps out at his parents'
diner on Saturday.
Right.
Yeah. Did you forget
how small this town can be?
Apparently.
Should be good
to drive for now,
but, hey, let me know
if the bumper falls off.
Thank you.
You're welcome. Anytime.
Yeah, I got it.
Thanks for carrying
those in, sweetie.
Of course.
If it's okay with you,
I think I'm going to swing by
later this week
to pick up the decorations
for the Crawl.
I'm kind of tired.
Are you still planning
to do that? Alone?
Sure.
I'll have to start even earlier
now that Ruby's
out of commission.
It's just a lot of work
for one person.
Hi, honey.
Hey...
Dad, what's wrong?
I just finished watching
"It's A Wonderful Life".
It gets me every time.
Oh, you are such a softy.
That's why you love me.
Oh, do you remember
Ruby's niece, Joy?
She came to see her
today in the hospital.
Drove all the way
from Washington D.C.
-Well, that was nice of her.
-I know.
I can't believe she said
she'd come back
to help with the Crawl.
A nice gesture
from another
big city girl.
Oh, come on, Ben.
Not all city women are...
you-know-who.
Ben?
Uh...
All this talk about
the Cookie Crawl,
and there's still
so much to prepare for--
our contest,
the gingerbread contest,
and we're...
we're still teammates, right?
As long as Ashley
doesn't go into labor.
You know,
you've been judging
the gingerbread contest
for four years now,
which makes four years
that we couldn't
be teammates.
I promise, if Ashley
can't be a judge,
I'll find someone else who can.
I love you.
I love you, too.
There you go.
Not exactly
how I pictured my weekend.
You again.
That's a new look.
It was either this,
or an emerald
cocktail dress.
Good call.
Mondays are the formal days
around here.
Oh, I'll be sad to miss it.
Yeah.
Where's the "to-go" line?
Grab a seat,
somebody'll find you.
You in a hurry?
Ruby's meeting
with her doctor today.
Oh, you've got plenty of time.
I'll tell them
not to start without you.
Are you going, too?
Mm-hmm,
Mom couldn't make it,
so she wanted me to make sure
Ruby listens to
the doctor's orders.
Ah.
What are
the chances of that?
See you there.
Yup.
No!
Aunt Ruby...
It's six days!
I can't put
any weight on it now?
Exactly.
Which is why you'll need
to keep your ankle elevated
for the most part.
I can do
all of that at home.
And then
you'd just be tempted
to get into
the decorations,
which is too risky.
This way is safer.
So, how far away
is the rehab center?
About two hours south.
It's too far!
Your insurance covers it.
That's not the point.
I won't be able to do
the Christmas Cookie Crawl.
It's important to me.
Oh, you'll be home
in time to participate.
But not prepare.
I'll prepare.
That way,
when you get home,
you won't miss a thing.
Honey, it is so much work.
Oh, don't worry about it.
Besides, you took me in
at the worst time in my life,
and made me feel safe
and loved.
It's the least I can do.
But what about your job?
Oh, let me worry
about that.
I've got some vacation days,
and I've got my laptop,
so I can work remotely.
Listen, you just focus
on healing,
and I'll take care
of everything,
including the Crawl, okay?
Joy!
I'm so glad I found you,
I tried to catch you
at the hospital.
-Here's my card.
-Why?
So you can call me,
set up a time to meet,
go over the specifics
of the Crawl.
Why would we need to meet?
We have a lot of ground
to cover in six days.
We've got to
figure out a theme.
Ruby keeps a record
of all the themes
that've been used,
which is helpful.
Last year's was
"International Christmas".
Once we figure out
a theme,
we have to create
the interior
and exterior design,
integrate
the Christmas trees--
"Trees," plural?
Yes, plural.
I'm thinking four, maybe five?
Five trees?
Oh, yeah,
you'll see.
And we've got to start
making the dough reserves.
-Dough reserves?
-Yeah.
We're going to be making
a lot of cookies,
but first, we have to make
a lot of dough.
Okay, Ben,
I appreciate the fact
that you've helped my aunt
over the last few years,
however,
I just need an overview,
not a co-captain.
This is a two-person job--
Which describes
most of the jobs I already do,
except I do them alone.
You don't know
what you're getting into.
It's Christmas trees
and cookies,
not advanced calculus,
which, by the way, I aced.
Then you'll understand
these numbers--
20 dozen sugars,
14 dozen thumbprints,
10 dozen shortbread,
four dozen lemon bars,
40 dozen chocolate chip,
regular
and chocolate-chocolate.
30 dozen brownies,
with and without nuts.
-Both?
-Both.
All that's just
what we did last year.
15's another number.
That's how many houses
are participating this year,
each trying to win
the golden wreath.
-The...
-Golden wreath?
-That's a thing?
-A big thing.
Your aunt's thing.
The thing you just
promised to take care of,
alone.
Good luck, Solo,
and welcome back.
Seven days?
Well, five,
and there's a weekend in there,
so it's really
not as many as it seems.
I thought you went home
because of your aunt.
I did, and that led me
to the Cookie Crawl.
Cookie?
It's this thing,
it's important to her,
so it's important to me--
No, no, no, I get it,
family is first.
Thank you.
Okay, and I brought my laptop
and cell phone with me,
so I can work remotely.
I saw the Weatherton's
report went out.
It was perfect.
Great.
The good news is
we're headed into the December
pre-holiday slowdown,
but you will be back in time
for The Christmas Gala, yes?
Absolutely.
I already have my dress.
Okay, good.
Happy baking.
Thank you.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Wow.
Joy said she wanted to do
the whole thing by herself.
What?
And you agreed?
I can't make her
work with me.
Besides, this way,
I'll have more time
to focus on the gingerbread
contest with you.
Yeah, but does she
truly have any idea
what she's getting
herself into?
She will when I bring over
the decorations
I still have from last year.
"Find a theme.
"Make dough.
"Decorate the house.
Make the cookies."
Not so bad.
Whoa.
This is bonkers.
Hi.
Yet another
new look for you.
Yeah, well, I figured
if I'm gonna be here
for a few days,
I should do
some shopping.
What brings you here?
I brought decorations
for the Crawl.
Oh, actually,
I already found them.
You found half of 'em.
I have the other half.
Is all this
really necessary?
You can probably
do without a few boxes.
Depends on how many
trees you use.
Once you figure out
more of your theme,
you know, you'll...
You have figured out
your theme, right?
I figured
I'd start baking first,
and get inspired.
Ooh...
I gather you disapprove.
Oh, it's your show.
But from my experience,
I'd figure out a theme
as soon as possible.
Okay, why not go with
the most direct?
Christmas Cookies.
More disapproval?
At least try.
It's not just
about the cookies.
It's about the whole
Christmas experience.
Okay, what theme
would you choose?
I thought
you didn't want my help.
I'm just asking
for a casual suggestion.
Based on my years
of Cookie Crawl experience.
-All right, I'll pay you.
-Pay me?
I mean, what's the going rate
for Cookie Crawl consultation?
Joy, here in small towns,
we help each other
because it's the right thing
to do,
not because
somebody's paying us.
If you do want my help,
you know where to find me.
I got this.
Okay, Margie, I'm all yours.
Back again.
Yes, uh,
I need coffee in the mornings.
Smart.
The coffee here's good.
Ben, I'm sorry.
I want to apologize
for offering to pay.
I didn't mean to offend you.
Thank you.
I probably overreacted a bit.
Why?
I guess I...
it just reminded me of something
my ex-wife might have done,
still hits a nerve I guess.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about it at all.
I was thinking about
the Cookie Crawl,
and I think--
Excuse me.
Yeah.
Of course.
Hello?
Hey!
Oh, you did?
Oh, that's amazing.
Wow...
he's a big boy.
Bye-bye. Thanks.
Hey...
Everything okay?
Yeah, actually,
it's great news.
My assistant
had her baby.
Good for her!
Yeah, a week early.
Everyone's...
everyone's healthy,
and that's what's important.
I'm sensing
there's more to the story.
Selfishly.
Ashley was running
the local gingerbread contest.
Wait, full stop.
Crystal Falls has
a Christmas Cookie Crawl
and a gingerbread contest?
Yup.
Do the grand prizes come with
a lifetime gym membership?
No, but that's...
that's a good idea.
All right, so why is
the happy arrival of a baby
problematic for you?
Because Ashley took over
the gingerbread contest from me
so I could enter with my mom.
That's so cute.
Yeah, well,
unfortunately,
it's not gonna happen now.
I can't judge and participate.
Why do you have to judge?
Because there's no one else.
At this point,
everyone's either entered
or doing something
else on the 22nd,
so I'm gonna have to break
my promise to my mom,
unless I can find s...
What?
-You'll be in town then.
-Me?
Oh, no, Captain Christmas,
this time, you've gone too far.
Come on, please,
I'm begging.
No, no, no, no,
I am up to here in cookie prep.
Not to mention my real job,
for which
I'm up for a promotion,
and can't let anything slide.
And my company's formal
Christmas gala is that night.
I'll help
with the Cookie Crawl.
We've already went over this.
I know you said
you like to do things solo,
but that was before you saw
what a huge undertaking it was.
Come on, you already
look tired.
Thanks!
A pretty kind of tired.
You gotta admit,
it's more than you imagined
it'd be, right?
Judging
the gingerbread contest
is barely anything!
Ashley already did
99.9% of the work.
All right, don't try
and dazzle me with data.
We can help each other.
I'll pitch in
for the Cookie Crawl,
I'll do all the heavy lifting.
Seriously,
I will lift heavy objects,
and whatever else you need.
What do you say?
Me and you?
Cookies and gingerbread?
Fine.
Cookies and gingerbread.
"Captain Christmas"?
Mm-hmm, that's you.
Recipes...
Recipes...
My mom gave me
a Christmas ornament once
that was exactly this color.
No, I really think
that we should leave
the candy focus group
in December,
because by January,
people will be all sugared out.
And I can say that
with great confidence.
What is going on?
Are you making cookies
for an army?
I mean, you cannot imagine
how much preparation this takes.
Hold on while I switch
this conversation to record.
Is this the contest
you're judging?
Nope, that's
the gingerbread contest.
All of this is for
the Cookie Crawl.
It is a whole new world
you have entered.
Yes.
Which is why I need you
to tell me workish things,
I need the contrast.
Well, it's just a rumor.
Ooh, go on.
Something's going on
with the Weatherton's account.
Like what?
That's just it,
nobody knows.
but someone overheard
Margie's assistant
talking about bringing up
all of the Weatherton's files.
That must go back
a decade at least.
Well, it could be nothing.
Or it could be something.
I know I'm not lead
on their account,
but they really are
my favorite client.
Come in!
Is that the gingerbread guy?
Hey.
Hi! Say hi to Renee.
Hi.
Ben, Renee.
Renee, Ben.
That's Ben?
Nice to kinda
meet you, Renee.
You, too, Ben.
Um, all right, we're off
to make our cookie dough.
Even though we don't have
a theme yet.
It's possible that
we could be inspired
by making our "dough reserves."
Though that hasn't been
my experience.
All right,
I gotta go, bye.
Bye.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Just looks like you're making
the oatmeal raisin first.
I am, because
they're my favorite.
I usually like to start
with the chocolate chip.
It tends to last longer.
Okay, well,
just because that's how
you've always done things,
doesn't mean that's how
they should always be done.
Tell that
to four Golden Wreaths.
All right, maybe
you should just open up
to some new possibilities.
The possibility of losing.
Wow.
I'm gonna do
my batch,
you do your thing.
Great. I think I will.
Phew!
Not bad for our first round.
"First round,"
he says so easily.
Oops.
It's a little tricky.
There we go.
Impressive.
Thank you.
I get a bizarre satisfaction
from crossing things off
my "to-do" lists.
That's half the fun of my job.
You know, you don't really
strike me as an admin guy.
It's the flannel.
You're right.
So, I was looking through
some of Aunt Ruby's notebooks,
and you're right, there is
a big emphasis on theme.
Did you just say I was right?
Anyway...
I started
brainstorming
some theme ideas.
You wanna hear?
Go for it.
Okay, studies show
that people are drawn to things
that are twists on the familiar,
so I was thinking,
"Frosty the Snowman
goes tropical."
I see melting.
Okay, maybe not the best twist.
What about Dickens?
I'm a sucker
for "A Christmas Carol".
Uh... it was done in 2012.
Mabel Pine.
She came in third.
Before my time.
Hmm.
What about
Dickens 2.0?
A virtual-reality Scrooge
goes back and forth in time?
Come on,
we're "twisting".
I like the classics
to stay
pretty much classic.
Yes, and dated.
Not dated. Proven.
Proven to be dated.
Look...
look at this.
Look at this ornament.
It's gorgeous.
Simple, classic.
It doesn't need a twist.
Why mess with
something proven to be--
Oh, Joy, I am...
I am so, so sorry.
It's okay, I'll get a broom.
It was just...
it was from my mom.
Here, I'll
clean it up.
Thanks.
Who's Phil Finnegan?
He's the regional
sales rep
for Carolina's
Best Flour.
They're the sponsors
for the gingerbread contest.
He wants to meet
for coffee in an hour.
He probably just wants
to go over the rules,
the contest,
get you up to speed.
Okay.
How about this--
I'll follow you
to Zeke's,
so you can
drop off your car
before you meet
with Phil,
then I'll drive you home.
Okay.
But you're buying
Zeke's pizza.
Done.
Ready?
Mm-hmm.
Pizza for repairs,
all right?
Thanks, Ben.
-Yup, as promised.
-Thank you.
-You're welcome.
-I appreciate it.
-Deluxe, right?
-Just what you ordered.
All right...
Hi, Phil.
There you are.
I was getting nervous.
We're three minutes early.
But it's only three days
until the contest,
and I want to make sure
that she knows
everything.
There's so much
for you to learn.
Phil Finnegan,
Joy Holbrook.
Hi.
How much exactly?
These are our rules
and regulations.
Now, it would be
really helpful
if you could get
up to speed on these
as quickly as possible.
Being a judge is
a lot of responsibility.
Mm-hmm.
I don't suppose
there's a shorter version.
Th-this is the shorter version.
Great.
Three days, huh?
You are so
buying me dinner.
Yes. Yes, I am.
Crystal Falls Lodge.
I can't remember
the last time I was here.
Let me guess, prom?
No, actually.
I didn't go to prom.
That's surprising.
Not really.
I mean, I moved here
when I was 15.
You know,
at that point,
everybody already had
their best friends
since elementary school.
And that was
right after my mom...
So, I wasn't exactly
in the best place.
That I remember.
Oh, I'm sure you do.
Your mom made you
take me to the movies
when you were
home from college
on your
Christmas break.
Asked.
Still.
It couldn't have been fun.
Ah, you were quiet,
but I knew why.
And if I remember correctly,
the movie was good.
Oh, "Love, Actually"
is the best.
Is that which one it was?
I think so.
Wow...
I'd forgotten about that.
When was the last time
you were home?
Gosh, I don't know.
Um... probably not since
I graduated from college.
I mean, I started working
right away,
all the time.
And Aunt Ruby
comes to visit me in D.C.,
so...
I didn't realize
how long it had been until...
Well,
I know Ruby would love to have
you around more.
Plus, this is a nice town.
It is.
Some might even
call it "classic".
Whoa, don't push it.
I'm hungry.
Yeah, me too.
Oh, Ben!
Mom, Dad, hi!
Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.
Joy, it's so good
to see you again.
You too.
Joy, could you
excuse us for a second?
Of course.
So, what...
Are you two on a date?
No.
No,
we were working
on the contest together,
and, you know, got hungry.
At the same time.
Oh.
Couldn't just order a pizza?
It's not like that.
I see.
Mom...
She's leaving in a few days,
and you know
I don't date people
who live in the city anymore.
I thought you were over Anne.
I am over Anne,
but it doesn't mean
I can't learn
from the lesson.
Which is?
"Stay in your lane."
Well, just
remember, my son,
if you never leave your lane,
the scenery's gonna get
mighty boring.
Hey, Margie.
Am I calling too late?
No, it's fine.
What's up?
Good.
I want you
to write up the report
on the Hansen Candy focus group.
I thought Renee
was handling that?
Yes, but her boyfriend
is surprising her
with a birthday weekend,
and I told her
that you would take over
since you're not busy.
Well, I am busy--
Surely, you can make time
between making cookies.
Yeah, of course.
Just send me the transcripts.
Already have, with my notes,
and I'll need it
by noon tomorrow.
Really appreciate it.
Bye!
Bye.
So, where are you
with the dough count?
I've got about a quarter
of the sugar cookie dough done
and some brownies, too.
"Some" brownies?
I know for a fact
that Fern Hartley's freezer
is 3/4 full.
And you know
Twyla Taft's at capacity.
Oh, yeah.
Okay, I will focus
on our dough count.
And if you want my advice,
I would double
the Oreo snowmen.
Ruby here tends
to run out.
I do not.
Well, you were
down to one last year.
That's not
running out.
Well, you got lucky.
So...
have you started
decorating yet?
No, we thought we'd do that
after we figure out our theme.
You haven't picked a theme?
Oh, dear.
It's in three days,
and you don't
have a theme?
Ben and I are
kicking around some ideas.
And?
It's definitely not
"Tropical Frosty".
How you doing, honey?
You seem
a little wiped.
I had an emergency
work project
come in
late last night.
What, due ASAP?
Is there
any other way?
Thank you.
Oh, thank you.
Well, I'm glad those days
are behind me.
Yeah...
I used to be a paralegal,
back in the day.
Everything was urgent,
and I just was
on the go constantly,
yet, you know,
never getting anywhere.
So, what did you do?
I... I walked away,
and started working
at the hospital,
and I've never
looked back.
I don't know that
I can just walk away.
I've put so much
of myself into my job.
Mm-hmm.
Does it make you
happy, honey?
Parts of it do.
Other parts,
not so much.
Well, maybe
it's just about
figuring out which parts
are most important to you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So, I was looking through
Ashley's notes,
and it doesn't look like
you guys use blind voting
for the gingerbread contest.
That's right.
Well, I mean,
that can lead people
to load up on one entry,
or to give pity votes
to another.
Do you have another idea?
Um, I do.
I'm gonna have to
email you, though, okay?
Okay.
Okay, bye.
Aren't you cold?
No.
I have hot chocolate,
with a special
ingredient.
What's wrong with
regular hot chocolate?
Come on, you can handle it.
It's cayenne.
Pepper?
Mm-hmm, makes it
double warm.
Did you get that trick
from one of Ruby's notebooks?
No, actually,
my mom used to do that
when I was little.
It's delicious.
See? New things.
So, I bet you're wondering
why I called this meeting.
It's either cookies
or gingerbread.
It's the Cookie Crawl.
We need to get started
on finding our theme
so that we can start decorating.
I'm still not doing
virtual-reality Scrooge.
No, I know.
Have you ever heard the phrase
"creativity happens
in the cracks"?
Can't say I have.
Okay, so it basically means
you knock your head
against an idea
for however long it takes,
but staring at a computer
or a blank piece of paper,
you get nowhere,
but you go take a shower,
wash your dishes,
suddenly, voila!
The answer appears.
Exactly.
So...
today, we're going
to find the crack.
How'd you find
this place?
My Aunt Ruby
used to bring me here.
To the Wildfire Inn?
To what's inside it.
Hmm...
I totally forgot
this place was here.
Oh, you, Captain Christmas,
forgot about
an ice-skating rink?
I know, right?
A new rink was built
closer to town
about 10 years ago.
I like this one.
Let's give it a go.
Okay.
Need help?
- Yeah!
- You're good?
You think?
So, I know it's
a billion years later,
but I wanted to thank you
for taking me to the movies
way back when.
Of course.
Okay, so that's
ancient history.
What's your
story now?
My story?
It's sad,
mainly because it's
so boring and dateless.
Really? Nobody?
I mean...
Come on.
There was a guy, Todd,
this summer,
but we just went
on a few dates.
Todd...
How'd that end?
In a fizzle.
It's always a fizzle.
Hmm.
Always a fizzle,
I get that.
Any idea
for the theme yet?
Nope.
Me neither.
Maybe we're trying too hard
to not try too hard.
Maybe.
Let's listen
to the trees for a second.
Close your eyes.
I have a confession
to make.
I come out into the forest
whenever I'm upset
about something
and listen to the trees.
It puts things in perspective.
So you're saying
you're a tree whisperer?
I am.
Do they
whisper back?
All the time.
And what do they say?
It's not so much
about what they say,
it's about how they make me feel
connected to everything.
One of
my favorite quotes,
it's something like,
"Once we pick out
one thing,
"we wind up realizing
"that everything's hitched
to everything else
in the Universe."
John Muir.
I always liked that one.
It reminds me
of Crystal Falls.
Really?
Yeah.
I mean, everything
here is connected.
I mean, just being home
has made me realize
that no matter
how far away I go,
or how long
I've been gone,
that I am still hitched
to Crystal Falls.
So why don't you
come back more?
I don't know,
I was only here
for a couple of years
right after
my mom passed,
and then when I went
away to school,
I think maybe
it was easier
to pretend like
I wasn't from anywhere,
or connected
to anything.
But then
your mom called,
and I realized,
I am connected,
to my Aunt Ruby,
to my good memories here,
and...
Oh, wait.
Oh, wow.
Wait, that's it.
-What?
-Our theme!
Mother Nature,
about how we're all connected
through nature,
and it becomes especially
apparent at Christmas,
when people
come together.
I think it's perfect.
So let's go make it happen.
It's beautiful.
And you didn't snag
anyone in the process.
That's half the fun.
Is that something
you make a habit of doing?
You were the first.
Okay, so I think the tables
go here, here, and there.
Ruby always puts them
against that wall
over there.
Yeah, but this way
would have better flow.
Better flow?
Yeah, so people can access
both sides of the table.
You are
breaking out in hives.
I'm fine.
No, you're not.
You're out of
your comfort zone,
and it's bugging you.
Is it so wrong
for me to want my comfort zones
to be comfortable?
And safe,
and proven.
I feel like
we're veering away
from table arrangement talk.
All right,
that's fine.
We can go back
to the comfort zone.
Thank you.
Although, for the record,
I can do change.
I lived in New York
until a couple years ago.
Hmm, so, what
brought you back?
My mom and dad retired.
They always seemed
so invincible,
and then suddenly, they were
taking a step back, and I...
that made me realize
how much I was missing out on.
Seeing them at Christmas
just wasn't enough
for me anymore.
So, I got a job at the hospital
and moved home.
Are you glad you did?
No question.
I've had more fun today
than I've had
in longer than I can remember.
Well...
I'm glad to be a part of it.
Thank you.
What's wrong?
I have to go.
I have to go, um...
help my mom with the, uh,
gingerbread contest stuff.
Okay.
Uh, thank you
for the, uh,
the, uh,
ice skating,
and the tree
decorating, and...
and everything.
I think we're in good shape
for the Cookie Crawl.
I need some cookies.
Oh, no...
No...
The whole top
of the freezer was defrosted,
and the dough went bad.
The bottom half
stayed cold enough.
That's good news.
Yeah, except I had to go
two towns over
to replace all the supplies.
Two towns?
Mm-hmm.
Between the gingerbread contest
and the Cookie Crawl,
it's like baking locusts
have descended on this town.
You're not seriously
thinking about
trying to make
more dough, are you?
I have to.
The Crawl's in two days.
With the Gala tomorrow night.
And the gingerbread
competition I'm judging
is tomorrow afternoon.
Good luck, Wonder Woman.
I know.
I'm afraid
something's gotta give,
and I'm afraid it might be me.
You're still coming
to the Gala, though, right?
Yes, of course!
Okay, just checking.
You've been in the Land
of Perpetual Sugar so long.
I know how important it is.
Good, because Margie
isn't too thrilled
you've been gone.
What do you mean,
did she say something?
Nothing direct.
Just little comments,
and she made a big deal
about me giving you
the Hansen Candy report to do.
Well, I thought
you were out of town.
I was,
and I could've handled it.
But she kept saying
you were basically
on vacation,
and that you should
pick up the slack.
Well, that's not good.
I mean, she's basically
the biggest factor
in me making Director.
Right?
So don't skip.
Get Handsome Ben to help you.
I don't know about that.
Why? I thought you guys
were co-captains.
-Well--
-Wait.
Did something happen
between you two?
Something almost
happened between us,
and then he pulled away,
so it didn't,
and then it got weird.
Uh-oh.
I think it's best
if I do things without Ben
from now on.
Ben, you're awfully
quiet today.
What's on your mind?
Huh?
Oh, nothing.
Just thinking about... work,
and the contest tomorrow,
and the Crawl.
How's all that going?
Fine. Great.
Amazing.
That is such good news.
And Dr. Walsh said
I was doing so well,
I could already use a cane.
That's wonderful.
What was that?
Um...
I just had to do
some last-minute shopping,
get some extra
dough ingredients.
How many extra?
Uh, just... a little bit.
Joy...
I can hear it in your tone
that something's wrong,
so you might as well
tell me everything now,
save us both the time.
Boy, do I need time.
Almost done.
Just got to let this section
dry for a couple hours,
and then it'll be ready
for the icing.
Ruby just called.
Why didn't you tell me
Joy had a problem
with the cookie dough
freezer, hmm?
What, she didn't tell you?
No.
I thought you guys
were spending
all this time together.
I helped her get ready
for the Cookie Crawl.
How bad is it?
Half of it's gone,
and apparently,
she's going to stay up
all night tonight.
She can't possibly
handle all that by herself.
No. She can't.
Word travels fast.
And we're here
to help, sweetie.
Come on in.
Hi.
Thank you for coming.
Thank you guys so much
for all your hard work.
I know you did it
for Aunt Ruby, but--
We did it
for you and Ruby.
I really appreciate it.
I know.
Well...
All right.
Get some rest.
Yeah.
Bye, Shirley.
Bye, sweetie.
Bye.
Hey, Ben...
Thank you.
Of course.
Look, about yesterday--
It's okay.
We got caught up in a moment,
it happens.
But I made it awkward--
Life gets awkward sometimes.
It's fine.
Like now?
See you tomorrow?
Cookies and gingerbread.
Cookies and gingerbread.
Thanks.
Are those, uh...
The voting boxes
without voter bias.
You can't
see through them.
Ah.
I like it.
Oh, gosh!
It looks wonderful.
Tell Joy thank you.
Will do.
Each person
gets one coin to vote with.
Here you go.
Grab one...
Cast your vote.
Wisely?
Joy?
Excuse me.
Ah.
Check, check...
Hi, everyone.
I'm Phil Finnegan,
and I am thrilled
to officially welcome you all
to Carolina's Best Flour's
Gingerbread Bake-Off!
This year,
the honor
of announcing the winners
goes to our newest judge,
Joy Holbrook!
Thanks, Phil.
Thank you guys so much
for having me.
You have all done
a wonderful job here.
So, as you can see,
we went with
a blind voting system,
so I think the results
will be a little bit more
of a surprise
than you're used to.
But let's get down to business.
Based on our secret ballots,
we've tallied all your votes,
and I have
the top three winners here.
Third prize
goes to the Carolina Panthers'
stadium at Christmas.
Congratulations.
Well done.
Second prize goes to...
the Christmas Carousel!
Well done.
And the winner
of Carolina's Best Flour's
Gingerbread Bake-Off is...
Santa's Workshop
among the trees!
Brought to you by
the mother-son duo
of Ben and Shirley Andrews.
Victory photo!
First-place winners, bravo!
Got it.
And now for the words
that everybody's
been waiting for--
time to eat!
Congrats.
Thank you.
Look!
Look at that.
Well done!
Congratulations.
Thanks, Dad.
Are you heading back to D.C.?
My company's Christmas Gala
is tonight.
It's just five hours away.
After the gingerbread contest,
and staying up all night
making cookie dough?
I've been drinking
lots of coffee.
Well, I just wanted
to come out and tell you
you did a great job
with the judging.
The blind voting idea
was a good one.
Thank you.
But Ashley really did
99% of the work.
Now who's dazzling
with the data?
That's what I do.
I know you gotta
get out of here,
uh, this is just one thing.
What's this?
Ah, it's just
a Christmas present.
Open it later.
You gotta get going, I know.
I'm coming back
for the Cookie Crawl tomorrow.
You could just
give it to me then.
Just in case you decided
to change your mind
and stay in D.C.
Thank you.
Well, drive safe.
Ben!
Hey, Dad.
I saw you
heading out this way.
Whatcha doing?
Thinkin'.
About anything
in particular?
Joy.
Ah...
I'm guessing you mean
the young lady,
not the emotion.
Unless one
brings the other.
I feel like
I'm setting myself up
for heartbreak.
Well, that very well
could be.
I gotta say,
you're not looking
real happy
at this moment, either.
But Joy lives in D.C.
What if
I'm getting myself
right back in the same
kind of situation?
Well, that's the risk.
Anytime you put
yourself out there,
there's always a risk.
I know, Dad.
I know she's not Anne.
Well then, if you like her
and you want her to know it,
you gotta find her
and tell her, and...
then wait and see
if she'll stick around
for the long haul.
Like everybody else.
There are
no shortcuts, Ben.
Come on...
Oh, Ben...
Hey.
Hey,
I'm downstairs in the car.
Okay, um, I'll be right down.
Sorry, traffic was crazy.
I'll just, um, I have to
finish my hair in the car.
See you soon.
Joy, Renee,
it's good to see you.
You too.
Does this mean you're back
in D.C. for good now?
Uh, I have to run back tomorrow.
My aunt's getting
released from the hospital,
and it's the Cookie Crawl.
Isn't that what you've been
doing the entire time?
I've been preparing
for the Crawl.
Oh, how lovely.
Sure. That's great.
Um, excuse me.
Mrs. Weatherton,
how are you?
Hey, did you ever hear
what was going on
with the Weatherton's account?
No,
but Fran
in Margie's office said
they weren't even sure Poppy
was gonna show up tonight.
That's not good.
Well, at least
she's here.
And you, too!
It's nice to see
your pretty face
on something other
than a monitor.
You too.
Now let's
go to the bar,
and you can
tell me all about
what's going on
with Ben.
Thank you.
I knew that dress was perfect.
Mrs. Weatherton...
I called your office
last week.
They said
you were out of town,
in North Carolina?
Yes, ma'am.
Uh, Crystal Falls?
Oh, I know that place.
You do?
Yes, I have family
in Charlotte.
What brought you there?
I was helping my aunt
with the town Cookie Crawl.
The...
I'm sorry, did you say
you called the office for me?
Yes.
If your office
is anything like ours,
I'm sure you've heard
some gossip lately.
I came here
in part tonight
to let you know
that there are going to be
some changes
starting in January,
and I want you to know
that I valued your input
in our account over the years,
even when you didn't get
the... obvious credit.
Thank you, so much.
That means a lot to me.
Cookie Crawl?
Cookie Crawl.
My imagination is...
running wild.
Okay, let's go.
Of course,
Mrs. Weatherton.
This way.
Have you ever head
of a Cookie Crawl?
I have not.
Look it up for me,
would you?
Joy!
What did
Poppy Weatherton say?
Oh, she just wanted to thank me
for working on her account.
What's going on?
Okay, you can't
say anything yet,
but we lost Weatherton's.
What?
I just found out
for certain--
which means that
I'm going to need to you
to work double-time
starting tomorrow.
I can't tomorrow.
My aunt comes home,
and then we have
the Cookie Crawl.
Joy, we just lost
one of our biggest clients.
We can't waste any time
finding a way
to replace that revenue.
I promised my aunt.
She'll understand.
I won't.
Joy, just...
I want you
to think about things.
Now, they haven't announced
the promotions yet.
What are you saying?
Just be smart about this.
This is your career.
Now, you could
very well be busier
than you have
ever been.
I already pour so much
of my time into this job,
that I barely see my friends
or my aunt as it is--
-Joy--
-I'm sorry, Margie.
If it's a couple of days
that you need, I--
No. Thank you, though.
You know, I've been dreaming
of this Christmas Gala
for so long,
and now that I'm here, I just...
I feel so disconnected.
All I wanna be is--
In Crystal Falls?
It's my home.
I will let the partners know.
Thank you.
For so many things.
Joy...
-Hi!
-Hi!
I think I just
quit my job.
You did not.
Cheers.
Cheers!
What?
-Oh, my gosh...
-I'm a free woman.
-What are you gonna do?
-I don't know.
Oh, hey,
we need more champagne
from the back.
Excuse me?
Champagne. From the back.
Come on.
Can you excuse me
for just a second?
Yeah.
Excuse me.
Hi. You've reached
Ben Andrews.
Please leave a message.
Can you grab my car, please?
I'm doing it.
Whoo-hoo!
Yup...
Thanks to the helping hands
of friends and family,
we have five tables set up
for the Cookie Crawl.
Oh...
So... when can I see?
Soon.
We've still got
a bit of work to do,
but we'll get it done.
Yes, we will.
So, when are the Andrews clan
coming over tonight?
I'm not sure.
I haven't heard back
from Ben yet.
What's going on?
I don't know.
We worked
together great
on the gingerbread
competition,
and then he pulled back,
and then he showed up
at the MacDonald Webber Gala.
In D.C.?
Yes!
But he left
before I could talk to him,
and it's just been
radio silence ever since.
That doesn't seem like Ben.
I know.
So, I don't know what to do
about the Cookie Crawl.
Oh, that'll
take care of itself.
The important thing is
how you're doing.
I don't like
feeling like this.
Vulnerable?
Yeah.
Love makes us vulnerable.
And I am
pleased as punch
that you're feeling that way
about someone.
Ben is a good one.
Then why won't he
call me back?
That's up to you
to figure out
before you leave.
About that.
How would you feel
about having a roommate
for a little while?
Are you considering--
Making some changes in my life,
and making time
for the people I love.
I think that would be
the greatest Christmas gift
that you could give me.
Oh...
Oh!
Hello!
I bought a new one
so I thought I'd bring back
your old snow shovel--
Why aren't you
calling Joy back?
And good morning, Mom.
Ruby's home,
and she said
that Joy has been trying
to get ahold of you,
and you are not
responding.
Mom, let me handle it.
Except you're not handling it.
I'll make it a point
to say goodbye
before she goes back to D.C.
Well, that shows
how little you know.
She's staying.
What?
Yeah.
In Crystal Falls.
It seems she turned down
some big promotion,
and decided to move
back home for a bit.
Why?
You'll have to
ask her that yourself.
Careful.
Mm-hmm...
Just a couple
more steps.
Okay.
Ta-dah!
It's like
Mother Nature came
and decorated it herself.
That's what
I was going for.
We're serving two kinds
of hot chocolate.
Regular and--
And one with kick,
like Emma
used to make for you.
Oh, Joy, it is
just perfect.
Perfect.
Good. I'm glad
you're happy.
I love it.
By the way,
I found out what
Twyla Taft's theme is.
"Chocolate Chip".
That's it?
Mm-hmm.
It's like
she wasn't even trying.
I almost feel bad
how good ours is.
Almost.
Here we go!
Come on.
Make yourselves at home.
Come on in.
Oh, welcome!
Good to see you.
Excuse me.
Oh, you made it!
There was no way
I was going to miss this.
-Where is he?
-Who?
Ben!
Oh, um...
I'm not sure
he's going to make it.
I haven't seen him yet.
Well, the night's not over yet.
Okay.
Hi, everyone!
It's so great
to see you all.
I just wanted
to take this moment to say...
thank you
to Joy,
for all her hard work
so we could all celebrate
this night.
Thank you.
As you were.
Ben made this for me.
Oh, that reminds me
of the one
that Emma gave you.
I love it.
I do, too.
Oh!
Excuse me.
So, this is
a Cookie Crawl.
Mrs. Weatherton, what...
what are you doing here?
I was over in Charlotte,
and I got curious.
It really is extraordinary.
A lot of people
worked very hard
to make this happen.
But you took point, didn't you?
I did.
I thought as much.
You probably know by now
I've taken Weatherton's
market research out
from MacDonald-Webber.
Margie mentioned it to me.
What she likely didn't mention
is that I've decided to create
an in-house marketing division,
and I would love
for you to be part
of the leadership team.
Me?
Yes. If you're
interested.
Of course,
that would likely entail
a move on your part
since I'm opening
a new store
and new corporate offices
in Charlotte.
But something tells me
you won't mind.
I do hope you'll call me
on January 2nd
to discuss.
Thank you.
And now, if you'll excuse me,
I'm dying for a ginger snap.
Enjoy.
Oh, my.
You're here.
I wasn't sure if...
I am co-captain.
It's as much your doing
as anyone else's.
You brought everything
together so nicely.
I'm sorry I wasn't here
for the last part.
But you were in D.C., right?
So why did you leave
without talking to me?
You looked so beautiful
in that dress.
And the way you fit in
with that world,
I never could do that.
And I got scared.
But I'd like to try again,
if you'll let me.
Maybe this time
without the tux.
I liked the tux,
it was a nice touch.
I liked that dress.
You did?
You looked beautiful.
So, Joy Holbrook,
will you go to dinner with me?
Crystal Falls Lodge?
It's not just for proms
and Sweet 16 parties.
I think that can be arranged.
Can it?
Mm-hmm.
Turns out, I have a lot
of arranging to do.
I'm going to be
starting a new job
with Weatherton's office,
in Charlotte.
That's commuting distance.
Which is a good thing,
since I plan to be
in Crystal Falls
for a very long time.
Are you sure?
Took me a little while
to realize it, but...
"When you pick out
anything by itself..."
"...you find it hitched
to everything else."
And I'm hitched here.
Ready?
You bet.
Let's go knock the socks
off Weatherton's.
Okay, we are coming to the end
of our time as a focus group,
but I just want to pose
one last question.
Since you're all
shoppers of Weatherton's,
how would you sum up
your experience?
I love it,
especially
at Christmas.
Yes, I just love
the Weatherton's store.
They do such a wonderful job
of making it feel warm
and welcoming.
But classy, too.
You know
you're getting the best.
Well, that's
wonderful to hear.
That's very valuable.
Now, how would you say
the Weatherton's experience
is different from other stores?
It's one of the stores
I make a point of going into.
You can't really know
if something's right
unless you see
yourself in it.
I still prefer
to do my Christmas
shopping online,
but I'll come in
for the hot cocoa bar.
That does seem to be
quite popular.
Okay, I think
that about covers it.
Thank you so much
for your time.
Where's your
research director?
Uh, Margie Carter?
She couldn't make it
this time.
Or last time
either, as I recall.
Joy is very good at this.
They're ready
for you upstairs,
Mrs. Weatherton.
Hmm.
Mrs. Weatherton?
Had to go
to a meeting.
Oh. Probably for the best.
Margie doesn't like it
when we talk to the clients.
Mrs. Weatherton mentioned you.
Me? Specifically?
She thought you were doing
a good job
with the focus group.
Well, I should be,
I've done enough
to last a lifetime.
Not for much longer.
That's not guaranteed.
You've been working 24/7
since I've known you.
They're going to announce
your promotion
at the Christmas Gala,
and you know it.
We'll see.
Do you have your dress yet?
For The Gala?
Who's had time to shop?
Why? Do you?
No,
but it just so happens,
we did a focus group
at a legendary
department store, so...
I love shopping at Weatherton's.
So cute.
I know...
Wow.
That is pretty.
It's just like
the dress
I was thinking of
for the Gala.
My mom gave me
a Christmas ornament once
that was exactly this color.
Oh...
It looks very expensive.
But this is my dress.
That's one of
my favorites this year.
Mrs. Weatherton!
Hello, Joy.
Renee.
Good to see you're a shopper
at Weatherton's as well.
Of course.
So, about earlier,
how did you think
the focus group went?
Oh, as you know,
we have to read
the transcripts
and write up the report...
Yes, I do know
all that.
I've been a MacDonald-Webber
client for many years.
But I want to know
what you think.
Gut instinct.
How did they respond
to shopping here
at Weatherton's,
in store?
Very positive.
People love
your store,
especially
this time of year.
I remember once
when I was a little girl,
my mom drove four hours
out of the way
to bring me
Christmas shopping here.
It's one of
my favorite memories.
You can't recreate that
on a website,
no matter how hard you try.
This particular shade of green
will look perfect on you.
Is the car ready?
Yes,
Mrs. Weatherton...
You shouldn't
have said anything.
I know, Margie, I'm sorry--
I know, she put you
on the spot.
What's going on?
It's not like her to be so...
insistent.
Poppy Weatherton
is considering
expanding Weatherton's
outside of
the D.C. area.
That's a good idea--
Not good idea.
Cyber shopping
is the arc of the future,
not stores.
All of our research shows that.
But Weatherton's
isn't like most other stores.
People actually like
going there.
I realize
your mother took you there
when you were little,
and it's a very
sweet story,
but completely
incidental
to the MacDonald-Webber
overall assessment.
We deal in data, Joy.
I know.
Just make sure
that our reports
reflect those facts,
not your personal
sentiment.
Understand?
Mm-hmm.
Happy holidays, Crystal Falls.
It's a beautiful
North Carolina morning
and to celebrate
the Christmas season,
tune in as we keep an eye
on the temperatures,
we may be getting a white
Christmas, but...
Hey!
...But tune in later,
we'll tell you all about it.
Good morning, Ben.
Good morning.
Be sure they save
some of that
for me to do later.
You never get enough
Christmas, do you?
Never.
Aunt Ruby...
Merry Christmas.
Five times lucky
in the Cookie Crawl, Ben.
Let's do it again.
Here are the bids
for the top three
medical records
service companies.
Thanks.
And where are we
with your temp replacement?
Karen's ready to go
as soon as this lil' guy is.
Which is after
Christmas, right?
Well, we're in that final
two-week window, so...
maybe?
You were totally thinking
about your mom
and the gingerbread
contest.
Does that make me a bad boss?
No.
No, but what's done is done.
It's your turn
to participate.
Your mom is
counting on you.
The entries are complete,
the decorating team
has been picked
and knows what to do.
Relax,
you have a judge
other than yourself this year.
But you have to be
at the contest.
I'm gonna do my best,
but I'm not the only one
with a say in this matter.
I know, and...
if I have to take over
judging responsibilities
myself again,
I will.
I'm sure Mom will understand.
No, she won't.
Ah, you're the best!
Thank you so much.
Hey, how'd it go yesterday
with Margie?
I don't know why
I kept blabbering on
about Poppy Weatherton.
Sorry.
Hello?
Joy?
Joy, hi! It's...
It's Shirley Andrews.
Mrs. Andrews, hi!
How are you?
Oh, I'm fine, I'm good,
but, um... I'm afraid
your aunt isn't.
What's wrong?
Well...
she was reaching for some
supplies for the Cookie Crawl,
and she...
she slipped
and broke her ankle.
Well, is she okay?
Can I talk to her?
No, no,
I'm just home
getting a few things,
but I want to get back
to the hospital
before her surgery.
Surgery?
Look, I don't want you
to worry about this, Joy,
she's gonna be fine.
She told me she didn't
want me to call you
and worry you, but...
but I figured you're family,
you should know.
Yes, absolutely.
Thank you so much.
Okay, bye, Joy.
What's going on?
My aunt got hurt.
I have to go.
Do you want me to write
the Weatherton's report?
No, that's okay.
Uh, I have my laptop,
I'll write it
when I get to Crystal Falls.
Crystal Falls?
It's the closest thing
I have to a home.
Oh! Wait-- Uh...
Are you okay?
Yeah, uh--
Ben?
Hey, Joy.
Ben Andrews?
Long time no see.
Yeah.
Though it's kinda hard
to miss you like this.
Well, just...
trying to make an entrance.
I see that.
Um...
Oh, Ruby is
around the corner,
three doors down.
My mom's with her
right now.
Are you visiting, too?
Nope, this is my place.
Hospital administrator.
Oh, so are you trying
to drum up some business?
You found me out.
Well, I hope visiting hours
aren't over.
Visiting hours are never over.
Never?
Nope.
This is North Carolina, Joy,
not D.C.
How am I supposed
to do the Cookie Crawl
like this?
Ben will take over.
It's a two-person job.
Honey, you just concentrate
on what's important.
You're right.
I just made a cake.
Would you be a friend and
go home and get it for me?
And here I was
worried about you.
Joy!
Did you call her?
Aren't you glad I did?
I sure am.
Oh, did you drive
all the way through?
I stopped to get
your favorite magazines,
so that you won't
go stir crazy
and try and take over
the place.
How's the patient?
Uh... impatient.
Sounds about right.
It's just
a silly ankle.
She is seeing
her doctor tomorrow
for the official word.
You're worrying Joy.
We're all worried
about you, Ruby.
Is that Rocky Road?
The rockiest.
Joy, do you remember
my son--
Ben.
We sort of ran into each other
down in the lobby, Mom.
It's been a while.
I think the last time
I saw you,
you were headed off to college?
Georgetown.
And you went to--
-Columbia.
-Right.
You became a New Yorker.
Yeah, for a little while.
You know what,
I think we should get out
of Ruby's hair for a bit.
Oh, what about
my animals?
They need feeding.
Oh, I can
take care of them.
I was actually
planning on
staying at
the farm tonight.
Thank you, honey.
Oh, the Cookie Crawl! Ben!
What are we going to do?
-It's in seven days!
-Oh-- No, don't--
Is that the thing
where people buy tickets
to go look at decorations
and eat cookies?
Christmas cookies.
Yes.
But there are so many
strong competitors this year!
And your aunt has won
the past four years.
Thanks to Ben.
Ben?
Ruby's co-captain
at your service.
Aunt Ruby, why didn't
you ever ask me
to be
your co-captain?
I'm your niece.
Honey, you're
never here anymore.
I might have
come home.
From D.C.?
Yeah.
To help with
a cookie crawl?
Is that so crazy?
No.
You know, you guys,
we can discuss this later.
I think we should let Ruby
get some rest.
Okay.
I'll come back
tomorrow,
so we can hear what
the doctor has to say.
Thank you, Joy.
Of course.
It sure is good
seeing you here again.
It's good to see you, too.
Rest up.
Oh, man.
Normally I'd say
hindsight is 20/20,
but not in this case.
You're hilarious.
I thought these things
came with cool cameras
and cappuccino makers
or something?
Maybe if I'd had
a cappuccino
I would have been able
to use the cool camera.
Do you have a pen and paper?
I gotta leave
the truck's owner my info.
Oh, the truck's owner knows.
Of course.
I'm so sorry.
You know... you wanna hear
the good news?
My truck's fine.
But your Mini
looks disappointed.
Disappointed!
That you didn't use
the cool camera
to avoid
something like this!
Well...
But you wanna hear
more good news?
Oh, can't wait.
I know a guy
who can fix that
for the cost of parts
and a pizza.
Seriously?
Seriously.
My cousin, Zeke.
Take it to his place,
any day but Saturday.
Zeke?
Yeah.
Why not Saturday?
He helps out at his parents'
diner on Saturday.
Right.
Yeah. Did you forget
how small this town can be?
Apparently.
Should be good
to drive for now,
but, hey, let me know
if the bumper falls off.
Thank you.
You're welcome. Anytime.
Yeah, I got it.
Thanks for carrying
those in, sweetie.
Of course.
If it's okay with you,
I think I'm going to swing by
later this week
to pick up the decorations
for the Crawl.
I'm kind of tired.
Are you still planning
to do that? Alone?
Sure.
I'll have to start even earlier
now that Ruby's
out of commission.
It's just a lot of work
for one person.
Hi, honey.
Hey...
Dad, what's wrong?
I just finished watching
"It's A Wonderful Life".
It gets me every time.
Oh, you are such a softy.
That's why you love me.
Oh, do you remember
Ruby's niece, Joy?
She came to see her
today in the hospital.
Drove all the way
from Washington D.C.
-Well, that was nice of her.
-I know.
I can't believe she said
she'd come back
to help with the Crawl.
A nice gesture
from another
big city girl.
Oh, come on, Ben.
Not all city women are...
you-know-who.
Ben?
Uh...
All this talk about
the Cookie Crawl,
and there's still
so much to prepare for--
our contest,
the gingerbread contest,
and we're...
we're still teammates, right?
As long as Ashley
doesn't go into labor.
You know,
you've been judging
the gingerbread contest
for four years now,
which makes four years
that we couldn't
be teammates.
I promise, if Ashley
can't be a judge,
I'll find someone else who can.
I love you.
I love you, too.
There you go.
Not exactly
how I pictured my weekend.
You again.
That's a new look.
It was either this,
or an emerald
cocktail dress.
Good call.
Mondays are the formal days
around here.
Oh, I'll be sad to miss it.
Yeah.
Where's the "to-go" line?
Grab a seat,
somebody'll find you.
You in a hurry?
Ruby's meeting
with her doctor today.
Oh, you've got plenty of time.
I'll tell them
not to start without you.
Are you going, too?
Mm-hmm,
Mom couldn't make it,
so she wanted me to make sure
Ruby listens to
the doctor's orders.
Ah.
What are
the chances of that?
See you there.
Yup.
No!
Aunt Ruby...
It's six days!
I can't put
any weight on it now?
Exactly.
Which is why you'll need
to keep your ankle elevated
for the most part.
I can do
all of that at home.
And then
you'd just be tempted
to get into
the decorations,
which is too risky.
This way is safer.
So, how far away
is the rehab center?
About two hours south.
It's too far!
Your insurance covers it.
That's not the point.
I won't be able to do
the Christmas Cookie Crawl.
It's important to me.
Oh, you'll be home
in time to participate.
But not prepare.
I'll prepare.
That way,
when you get home,
you won't miss a thing.
Honey, it is so much work.
Oh, don't worry about it.
Besides, you took me in
at the worst time in my life,
and made me feel safe
and loved.
It's the least I can do.
But what about your job?
Oh, let me worry
about that.
I've got some vacation days,
and I've got my laptop,
so I can work remotely.
Listen, you just focus
on healing,
and I'll take care
of everything,
including the Crawl, okay?
Joy!
I'm so glad I found you,
I tried to catch you
at the hospital.
-Here's my card.
-Why?
So you can call me,
set up a time to meet,
go over the specifics
of the Crawl.
Why would we need to meet?
We have a lot of ground
to cover in six days.
We've got to
figure out a theme.
Ruby keeps a record
of all the themes
that've been used,
which is helpful.
Last year's was
"International Christmas".
Once we figure out
a theme,
we have to create
the interior
and exterior design,
integrate
the Christmas trees--
"Trees," plural?
Yes, plural.
I'm thinking four, maybe five?
Five trees?
Oh, yeah,
you'll see.
And we've got to start
making the dough reserves.
-Dough reserves?
-Yeah.
We're going to be making
a lot of cookies,
but first, we have to make
a lot of dough.
Okay, Ben,
I appreciate the fact
that you've helped my aunt
over the last few years,
however,
I just need an overview,
not a co-captain.
This is a two-person job--
Which describes
most of the jobs I already do,
except I do them alone.
You don't know
what you're getting into.
It's Christmas trees
and cookies,
not advanced calculus,
which, by the way, I aced.
Then you'll understand
these numbers--
20 dozen sugars,
14 dozen thumbprints,
10 dozen shortbread,
four dozen lemon bars,
40 dozen chocolate chip,
regular
and chocolate-chocolate.
30 dozen brownies,
with and without nuts.
-Both?
-Both.
All that's just
what we did last year.
15's another number.
That's how many houses
are participating this year,
each trying to win
the golden wreath.
-The...
-Golden wreath?
-That's a thing?
-A big thing.
Your aunt's thing.
The thing you just
promised to take care of,
alone.
Good luck, Solo,
and welcome back.
Seven days?
Well, five,
and there's a weekend in there,
so it's really
not as many as it seems.
I thought you went home
because of your aunt.
I did, and that led me
to the Cookie Crawl.
Cookie?
It's this thing,
it's important to her,
so it's important to me--
No, no, no, I get it,
family is first.
Thank you.
Okay, and I brought my laptop
and cell phone with me,
so I can work remotely.
I saw the Weatherton's
report went out.
It was perfect.
Great.
The good news is
we're headed into the December
pre-holiday slowdown,
but you will be back in time
for The Christmas Gala, yes?
Absolutely.
I already have my dress.
Okay, good.
Happy baking.
Thank you.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Wow.
Joy said she wanted to do
the whole thing by herself.
What?
And you agreed?
I can't make her
work with me.
Besides, this way,
I'll have more time
to focus on the gingerbread
contest with you.
Yeah, but does she
truly have any idea
what she's getting
herself into?
She will when I bring over
the decorations
I still have from last year.
"Find a theme.
"Make dough.
"Decorate the house.
Make the cookies."
Not so bad.
Whoa.
This is bonkers.
Hi.
Yet another
new look for you.
Yeah, well, I figured
if I'm gonna be here
for a few days,
I should do
some shopping.
What brings you here?
I brought decorations
for the Crawl.
Oh, actually,
I already found them.
You found half of 'em.
I have the other half.
Is all this
really necessary?
You can probably
do without a few boxes.
Depends on how many
trees you use.
Once you figure out
more of your theme,
you know, you'll...
You have figured out
your theme, right?
I figured
I'd start baking first,
and get inspired.
Ooh...
I gather you disapprove.
Oh, it's your show.
But from my experience,
I'd figure out a theme
as soon as possible.
Okay, why not go with
the most direct?
Christmas Cookies.
More disapproval?
At least try.
It's not just
about the cookies.
It's about the whole
Christmas experience.
Okay, what theme
would you choose?
I thought
you didn't want my help.
I'm just asking
for a casual suggestion.
Based on my years
of Cookie Crawl experience.
-All right, I'll pay you.
-Pay me?
I mean, what's the going rate
for Cookie Crawl consultation?
Joy, here in small towns,
we help each other
because it's the right thing
to do,
not because
somebody's paying us.
If you do want my help,
you know where to find me.
I got this.
Okay, Margie, I'm all yours.
Back again.
Yes, uh,
I need coffee in the mornings.
Smart.
The coffee here's good.
Ben, I'm sorry.
I want to apologize
for offering to pay.
I didn't mean to offend you.
Thank you.
I probably overreacted a bit.
Why?
I guess I...
it just reminded me of something
my ex-wife might have done,
still hits a nerve I guess.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry about it at all.
I was thinking about
the Cookie Crawl,
and I think--
Excuse me.
Yeah.
Of course.
Hello?
Hey!
Oh, you did?
Oh, that's amazing.
Wow...
he's a big boy.
Bye-bye. Thanks.
Hey...
Everything okay?
Yeah, actually,
it's great news.
My assistant
had her baby.
Good for her!
Yeah, a week early.
Everyone's...
everyone's healthy,
and that's what's important.
I'm sensing
there's more to the story.
Selfishly.
Ashley was running
the local gingerbread contest.
Wait, full stop.
Crystal Falls has
a Christmas Cookie Crawl
and a gingerbread contest?
Yup.
Do the grand prizes come with
a lifetime gym membership?
No, but that's...
that's a good idea.
All right, so why is
the happy arrival of a baby
problematic for you?
Because Ashley took over
the gingerbread contest from me
so I could enter with my mom.
That's so cute.
Yeah, well,
unfortunately,
it's not gonna happen now.
I can't judge and participate.
Why do you have to judge?
Because there's no one else.
At this point,
everyone's either entered
or doing something
else on the 22nd,
so I'm gonna have to break
my promise to my mom,
unless I can find s...
What?
-You'll be in town then.
-Me?
Oh, no, Captain Christmas,
this time, you've gone too far.
Come on, please,
I'm begging.
No, no, no, no,
I am up to here in cookie prep.
Not to mention my real job,
for which
I'm up for a promotion,
and can't let anything slide.
And my company's formal
Christmas gala is that night.
I'll help
with the Cookie Crawl.
We've already went over this.
I know you said
you like to do things solo,
but that was before you saw
what a huge undertaking it was.
Come on, you already
look tired.
Thanks!
A pretty kind of tired.
You gotta admit,
it's more than you imagined
it'd be, right?
Judging
the gingerbread contest
is barely anything!
Ashley already did
99.9% of the work.
All right, don't try
and dazzle me with data.
We can help each other.
I'll pitch in
for the Cookie Crawl,
I'll do all the heavy lifting.
Seriously,
I will lift heavy objects,
and whatever else you need.
What do you say?
Me and you?
Cookies and gingerbread?
Fine.
Cookies and gingerbread.
"Captain Christmas"?
Mm-hmm, that's you.
Recipes...
Recipes...
My mom gave me
a Christmas ornament once
that was exactly this color.
No, I really think
that we should leave
the candy focus group
in December,
because by January,
people will be all sugared out.
And I can say that
with great confidence.
What is going on?
Are you making cookies
for an army?
I mean, you cannot imagine
how much preparation this takes.
Hold on while I switch
this conversation to record.
Is this the contest
you're judging?
Nope, that's
the gingerbread contest.
All of this is for
the Cookie Crawl.
It is a whole new world
you have entered.
Yes.
Which is why I need you
to tell me workish things,
I need the contrast.
Well, it's just a rumor.
Ooh, go on.
Something's going on
with the Weatherton's account.
Like what?
That's just it,
nobody knows.
but someone overheard
Margie's assistant
talking about bringing up
all of the Weatherton's files.
That must go back
a decade at least.
Well, it could be nothing.
Or it could be something.
I know I'm not lead
on their account,
but they really are
my favorite client.
Come in!
Is that the gingerbread guy?
Hey.
Hi! Say hi to Renee.
Hi.
Ben, Renee.
Renee, Ben.
That's Ben?
Nice to kinda
meet you, Renee.
You, too, Ben.
Um, all right, we're off
to make our cookie dough.
Even though we don't have
a theme yet.
It's possible that
we could be inspired
by making our "dough reserves."
Though that hasn't been
my experience.
All right,
I gotta go, bye.
Bye.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Just looks like you're making
the oatmeal raisin first.
I am, because
they're my favorite.
I usually like to start
with the chocolate chip.
It tends to last longer.
Okay, well,
just because that's how
you've always done things,
doesn't mean that's how
they should always be done.
Tell that
to four Golden Wreaths.
All right, maybe
you should just open up
to some new possibilities.
The possibility of losing.
Wow.
I'm gonna do
my batch,
you do your thing.
Great. I think I will.
Phew!
Not bad for our first round.
"First round,"
he says so easily.
Oops.
It's a little tricky.
There we go.
Impressive.
Thank you.
I get a bizarre satisfaction
from crossing things off
my "to-do" lists.
That's half the fun of my job.
You know, you don't really
strike me as an admin guy.
It's the flannel.
You're right.
So, I was looking through
some of Aunt Ruby's notebooks,
and you're right, there is
a big emphasis on theme.
Did you just say I was right?
Anyway...
I started
brainstorming
some theme ideas.
You wanna hear?
Go for it.
Okay, studies show
that people are drawn to things
that are twists on the familiar,
so I was thinking,
"Frosty the Snowman
goes tropical."
I see melting.
Okay, maybe not the best twist.
What about Dickens?
I'm a sucker
for "A Christmas Carol".
Uh... it was done in 2012.
Mabel Pine.
She came in third.
Before my time.
Hmm.
What about
Dickens 2.0?
A virtual-reality Scrooge
goes back and forth in time?
Come on,
we're "twisting".
I like the classics
to stay
pretty much classic.
Yes, and dated.
Not dated. Proven.
Proven to be dated.
Look...
look at this.
Look at this ornament.
It's gorgeous.
Simple, classic.
It doesn't need a twist.
Why mess with
something proven to be--
Oh, Joy, I am...
I am so, so sorry.
It's okay, I'll get a broom.
It was just...
it was from my mom.
Here, I'll
clean it up.
Thanks.
Who's Phil Finnegan?
He's the regional
sales rep
for Carolina's
Best Flour.
They're the sponsors
for the gingerbread contest.
He wants to meet
for coffee in an hour.
He probably just wants
to go over the rules,
the contest,
get you up to speed.
Okay.
How about this--
I'll follow you
to Zeke's,
so you can
drop off your car
before you meet
with Phil,
then I'll drive you home.
Okay.
But you're buying
Zeke's pizza.
Done.
Ready?
Mm-hmm.
Pizza for repairs,
all right?
Thanks, Ben.
-Yup, as promised.
-Thank you.
-You're welcome.
-I appreciate it.
-Deluxe, right?
-Just what you ordered.
All right...
Hi, Phil.
There you are.
I was getting nervous.
We're three minutes early.
But it's only three days
until the contest,
and I want to make sure
that she knows
everything.
There's so much
for you to learn.
Phil Finnegan,
Joy Holbrook.
Hi.
How much exactly?
These are our rules
and regulations.
Now, it would be
really helpful
if you could get
up to speed on these
as quickly as possible.
Being a judge is
a lot of responsibility.
Mm-hmm.
I don't suppose
there's a shorter version.
Th-this is the shorter version.
Great.
Three days, huh?
You are so
buying me dinner.
Yes. Yes, I am.
Crystal Falls Lodge.
I can't remember
the last time I was here.
Let me guess, prom?
No, actually.
I didn't go to prom.
That's surprising.
Not really.
I mean, I moved here
when I was 15.
You know,
at that point,
everybody already had
their best friends
since elementary school.
And that was
right after my mom...
So, I wasn't exactly
in the best place.
That I remember.
Oh, I'm sure you do.
Your mom made you
take me to the movies
when you were
home from college
on your
Christmas break.
Asked.
Still.
It couldn't have been fun.
Ah, you were quiet,
but I knew why.
And if I remember correctly,
the movie was good.
Oh, "Love, Actually"
is the best.
Is that which one it was?
I think so.
Wow...
I'd forgotten about that.
When was the last time
you were home?
Gosh, I don't know.
Um... probably not since
I graduated from college.
I mean, I started working
right away,
all the time.
And Aunt Ruby
comes to visit me in D.C.,
so...
I didn't realize
how long it had been until...
Well,
I know Ruby would love to have
you around more.
Plus, this is a nice town.
It is.
Some might even
call it "classic".
Whoa, don't push it.
I'm hungry.
Yeah, me too.
Oh, Ben!
Mom, Dad, hi!
Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.
Joy, it's so good
to see you again.
You too.
Joy, could you
excuse us for a second?
Of course.
So, what...
Are you two on a date?
No.
No,
we were working
on the contest together,
and, you know, got hungry.
At the same time.
Oh.
Couldn't just order a pizza?
It's not like that.
I see.
Mom...
She's leaving in a few days,
and you know
I don't date people
who live in the city anymore.
I thought you were over Anne.
I am over Anne,
but it doesn't mean
I can't learn
from the lesson.
Which is?
"Stay in your lane."
Well, just
remember, my son,
if you never leave your lane,
the scenery's gonna get
mighty boring.
Hey, Margie.
Am I calling too late?
No, it's fine.
What's up?
Good.
I want you
to write up the report
on the Hansen Candy focus group.
I thought Renee
was handling that?
Yes, but her boyfriend
is surprising her
with a birthday weekend,
and I told her
that you would take over
since you're not busy.
Well, I am busy--
Surely, you can make time
between making cookies.
Yeah, of course.
Just send me the transcripts.
Already have, with my notes,
and I'll need it
by noon tomorrow.
Really appreciate it.
Bye!
Bye.
So, where are you
with the dough count?
I've got about a quarter
of the sugar cookie dough done
and some brownies, too.
"Some" brownies?
I know for a fact
that Fern Hartley's freezer
is 3/4 full.
And you know
Twyla Taft's at capacity.
Oh, yeah.
Okay, I will focus
on our dough count.
And if you want my advice,
I would double
the Oreo snowmen.
Ruby here tends
to run out.
I do not.
Well, you were
down to one last year.
That's not
running out.
Well, you got lucky.
So...
have you started
decorating yet?
No, we thought we'd do that
after we figure out our theme.
You haven't picked a theme?
Oh, dear.
It's in three days,
and you don't
have a theme?
Ben and I are
kicking around some ideas.
And?
It's definitely not
"Tropical Frosty".
How you doing, honey?
You seem
a little wiped.
I had an emergency
work project
come in
late last night.
What, due ASAP?
Is there
any other way?
Thank you.
Oh, thank you.
Well, I'm glad those days
are behind me.
Yeah...
I used to be a paralegal,
back in the day.
Everything was urgent,
and I just was
on the go constantly,
yet, you know,
never getting anywhere.
So, what did you do?
I... I walked away,
and started working
at the hospital,
and I've never
looked back.
I don't know that
I can just walk away.
I've put so much
of myself into my job.
Mm-hmm.
Does it make you
happy, honey?
Parts of it do.
Other parts,
not so much.
Well, maybe
it's just about
figuring out which parts
are most important to you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So, I was looking through
Ashley's notes,
and it doesn't look like
you guys use blind voting
for the gingerbread contest.
That's right.
Well, I mean,
that can lead people
to load up on one entry,
or to give pity votes
to another.
Do you have another idea?
Um, I do.
I'm gonna have to
email you, though, okay?
Okay.
Okay, bye.
Aren't you cold?
No.
I have hot chocolate,
with a special
ingredient.
What's wrong with
regular hot chocolate?
Come on, you can handle it.
It's cayenne.
Pepper?
Mm-hmm, makes it
double warm.
Did you get that trick
from one of Ruby's notebooks?
No, actually,
my mom used to do that
when I was little.
It's delicious.
See? New things.
So, I bet you're wondering
why I called this meeting.
It's either cookies
or gingerbread.
It's the Cookie Crawl.
We need to get started
on finding our theme
so that we can start decorating.
I'm still not doing
virtual-reality Scrooge.
No, I know.
Have you ever heard the phrase
"creativity happens
in the cracks"?
Can't say I have.
Okay, so it basically means
you knock your head
against an idea
for however long it takes,
but staring at a computer
or a blank piece of paper,
you get nowhere,
but you go take a shower,
wash your dishes,
suddenly, voila!
The answer appears.
Exactly.
So...
today, we're going
to find the crack.
How'd you find
this place?
My Aunt Ruby
used to bring me here.
To the Wildfire Inn?
To what's inside it.
Hmm...
I totally forgot
this place was here.
Oh, you, Captain Christmas,
forgot about
an ice-skating rink?
I know, right?
A new rink was built
closer to town
about 10 years ago.
I like this one.
Let's give it a go.
Okay.
Need help?
- Yeah!
- You're good?
You think?
So, I know it's
a billion years later,
but I wanted to thank you
for taking me to the movies
way back when.
Of course.
Okay, so that's
ancient history.
What's your
story now?
My story?
It's sad,
mainly because it's
so boring and dateless.
Really? Nobody?
I mean...
Come on.
There was a guy, Todd,
this summer,
but we just went
on a few dates.
Todd...
How'd that end?
In a fizzle.
It's always a fizzle.
Hmm.
Always a fizzle,
I get that.
Any idea
for the theme yet?
Nope.
Me neither.
Maybe we're trying too hard
to not try too hard.
Maybe.
Let's listen
to the trees for a second.
Close your eyes.
I have a confession
to make.
I come out into the forest
whenever I'm upset
about something
and listen to the trees.
It puts things in perspective.
So you're saying
you're a tree whisperer?
I am.
Do they
whisper back?
All the time.
And what do they say?
It's not so much
about what they say,
it's about how they make me feel
connected to everything.
One of
my favorite quotes,
it's something like,
"Once we pick out
one thing,
"we wind up realizing
"that everything's hitched
to everything else
in the Universe."
John Muir.
I always liked that one.
It reminds me
of Crystal Falls.
Really?
Yeah.
I mean, everything
here is connected.
I mean, just being home
has made me realize
that no matter
how far away I go,
or how long
I've been gone,
that I am still hitched
to Crystal Falls.
So why don't you
come back more?
I don't know,
I was only here
for a couple of years
right after
my mom passed,
and then when I went
away to school,
I think maybe
it was easier
to pretend like
I wasn't from anywhere,
or connected
to anything.
But then
your mom called,
and I realized,
I am connected,
to my Aunt Ruby,
to my good memories here,
and...
Oh, wait.
Oh, wow.
Wait, that's it.
-What?
-Our theme!
Mother Nature,
about how we're all connected
through nature,
and it becomes especially
apparent at Christmas,
when people
come together.
I think it's perfect.
So let's go make it happen.
It's beautiful.
And you didn't snag
anyone in the process.
That's half the fun.
Is that something
you make a habit of doing?
You were the first.
Okay, so I think the tables
go here, here, and there.
Ruby always puts them
against that wall
over there.
Yeah, but this way
would have better flow.
Better flow?
Yeah, so people can access
both sides of the table.
You are
breaking out in hives.
I'm fine.
No, you're not.
You're out of
your comfort zone,
and it's bugging you.
Is it so wrong
for me to want my comfort zones
to be comfortable?
And safe,
and proven.
I feel like
we're veering away
from table arrangement talk.
All right,
that's fine.
We can go back
to the comfort zone.
Thank you.
Although, for the record,
I can do change.
I lived in New York
until a couple years ago.
Hmm, so, what
brought you back?
My mom and dad retired.
They always seemed
so invincible,
and then suddenly, they were
taking a step back, and I...
that made me realize
how much I was missing out on.
Seeing them at Christmas
just wasn't enough
for me anymore.
So, I got a job at the hospital
and moved home.
Are you glad you did?
No question.
I've had more fun today
than I've had
in longer than I can remember.
Well...
I'm glad to be a part of it.
Thank you.
What's wrong?
I have to go.
I have to go, um...
help my mom with the, uh,
gingerbread contest stuff.
Okay.
Uh, thank you
for the, uh,
the, uh,
ice skating,
and the tree
decorating, and...
and everything.
I think we're in good shape
for the Cookie Crawl.
I need some cookies.
Oh, no...
No...
The whole top
of the freezer was defrosted,
and the dough went bad.
The bottom half
stayed cold enough.
That's good news.
Yeah, except I had to go
two towns over
to replace all the supplies.
Two towns?
Mm-hmm.
Between the gingerbread contest
and the Cookie Crawl,
it's like baking locusts
have descended on this town.
You're not seriously
thinking about
trying to make
more dough, are you?
I have to.
The Crawl's in two days.
With the Gala tomorrow night.
And the gingerbread
competition I'm judging
is tomorrow afternoon.
Good luck, Wonder Woman.
I know.
I'm afraid
something's gotta give,
and I'm afraid it might be me.
You're still coming
to the Gala, though, right?
Yes, of course!
Okay, just checking.
You've been in the Land
of Perpetual Sugar so long.
I know how important it is.
Good, because Margie
isn't too thrilled
you've been gone.
What do you mean,
did she say something?
Nothing direct.
Just little comments,
and she made a big deal
about me giving you
the Hansen Candy report to do.
Well, I thought
you were out of town.
I was,
and I could've handled it.
But she kept saying
you were basically
on vacation,
and that you should
pick up the slack.
Well, that's not good.
I mean, she's basically
the biggest factor
in me making Director.
Right?
So don't skip.
Get Handsome Ben to help you.
I don't know about that.
Why? I thought you guys
were co-captains.
-Well--
-Wait.
Did something happen
between you two?
Something almost
happened between us,
and then he pulled away,
so it didn't,
and then it got weird.
Uh-oh.
I think it's best
if I do things without Ben
from now on.
Ben, you're awfully
quiet today.
What's on your mind?
Huh?
Oh, nothing.
Just thinking about... work,
and the contest tomorrow,
and the Crawl.
How's all that going?
Fine. Great.
Amazing.
That is such good news.
And Dr. Walsh said
I was doing so well,
I could already use a cane.
That's wonderful.
What was that?
Um...
I just had to do
some last-minute shopping,
get some extra
dough ingredients.
How many extra?
Uh, just... a little bit.
Joy...
I can hear it in your tone
that something's wrong,
so you might as well
tell me everything now,
save us both the time.
Boy, do I need time.
Almost done.
Just got to let this section
dry for a couple hours,
and then it'll be ready
for the icing.
Ruby just called.
Why didn't you tell me
Joy had a problem
with the cookie dough
freezer, hmm?
What, she didn't tell you?
No.
I thought you guys
were spending
all this time together.
I helped her get ready
for the Cookie Crawl.
How bad is it?
Half of it's gone,
and apparently,
she's going to stay up
all night tonight.
She can't possibly
handle all that by herself.
No. She can't.
Word travels fast.
And we're here
to help, sweetie.
Come on in.
Hi.
Thank you for coming.
Thank you guys so much
for all your hard work.
I know you did it
for Aunt Ruby, but--
We did it
for you and Ruby.
I really appreciate it.
I know.
Well...
All right.
Get some rest.
Yeah.
Bye, Shirley.
Bye, sweetie.
Bye.
Hey, Ben...
Thank you.
Of course.
Look, about yesterday--
It's okay.
We got caught up in a moment,
it happens.
But I made it awkward--
Life gets awkward sometimes.
It's fine.
Like now?
See you tomorrow?
Cookies and gingerbread.
Cookies and gingerbread.
Thanks.
Are those, uh...
The voting boxes
without voter bias.
You can't
see through them.
Ah.
I like it.
Oh, gosh!
It looks wonderful.
Tell Joy thank you.
Will do.
Each person
gets one coin to vote with.
Here you go.
Grab one...
Cast your vote.
Wisely?
Joy?
Excuse me.
Ah.
Check, check...
Hi, everyone.
I'm Phil Finnegan,
and I am thrilled
to officially welcome you all
to Carolina's Best Flour's
Gingerbread Bake-Off!
This year,
the honor
of announcing the winners
goes to our newest judge,
Joy Holbrook!
Thanks, Phil.
Thank you guys so much
for having me.
You have all done
a wonderful job here.
So, as you can see,
we went with
a blind voting system,
so I think the results
will be a little bit more
of a surprise
than you're used to.
But let's get down to business.
Based on our secret ballots,
we've tallied all your votes,
and I have
the top three winners here.
Third prize
goes to the Carolina Panthers'
stadium at Christmas.
Congratulations.
Well done.
Second prize goes to...
the Christmas Carousel!
Well done.
And the winner
of Carolina's Best Flour's
Gingerbread Bake-Off is...
Santa's Workshop
among the trees!
Brought to you by
the mother-son duo
of Ben and Shirley Andrews.
Victory photo!
First-place winners, bravo!
Got it.
And now for the words
that everybody's
been waiting for--
time to eat!
Congrats.
Thank you.
Look!
Look at that.
Well done!
Congratulations.
Thanks, Dad.
Are you heading back to D.C.?
My company's Christmas Gala
is tonight.
It's just five hours away.
After the gingerbread contest,
and staying up all night
making cookie dough?
I've been drinking
lots of coffee.
Well, I just wanted
to come out and tell you
you did a great job
with the judging.
The blind voting idea
was a good one.
Thank you.
But Ashley really did
99% of the work.
Now who's dazzling
with the data?
That's what I do.
I know you gotta
get out of here,
uh, this is just one thing.
What's this?
Ah, it's just
a Christmas present.
Open it later.
You gotta get going, I know.
I'm coming back
for the Cookie Crawl tomorrow.
You could just
give it to me then.
Just in case you decided
to change your mind
and stay in D.C.
Thank you.
Well, drive safe.
Ben!
Hey, Dad.
I saw you
heading out this way.
Whatcha doing?
Thinkin'.
About anything
in particular?
Joy.
Ah...
I'm guessing you mean
the young lady,
not the emotion.
Unless one
brings the other.
I feel like
I'm setting myself up
for heartbreak.
Well, that very well
could be.
I gotta say,
you're not looking
real happy
at this moment, either.
But Joy lives in D.C.
What if
I'm getting myself
right back in the same
kind of situation?
Well, that's the risk.
Anytime you put
yourself out there,
there's always a risk.
I know, Dad.
I know she's not Anne.
Well then, if you like her
and you want her to know it,
you gotta find her
and tell her, and...
then wait and see
if she'll stick around
for the long haul.
Like everybody else.
There are
no shortcuts, Ben.
Come on...
Oh, Ben...
Hey.
Hey,
I'm downstairs in the car.
Okay, um, I'll be right down.
Sorry, traffic was crazy.
I'll just, um, I have to
finish my hair in the car.
See you soon.
Joy, Renee,
it's good to see you.
You too.
Does this mean you're back
in D.C. for good now?
Uh, I have to run back tomorrow.
My aunt's getting
released from the hospital,
and it's the Cookie Crawl.
Isn't that what you've been
doing the entire time?
I've been preparing
for the Crawl.
Oh, how lovely.
Sure. That's great.
Um, excuse me.
Mrs. Weatherton,
how are you?
Hey, did you ever hear
what was going on
with the Weatherton's account?
No,
but Fran
in Margie's office said
they weren't even sure Poppy
was gonna show up tonight.
That's not good.
Well, at least
she's here.
And you, too!
It's nice to see
your pretty face
on something other
than a monitor.
You too.
Now let's
go to the bar,
and you can
tell me all about
what's going on
with Ben.
Thank you.
I knew that dress was perfect.
Mrs. Weatherton...
I called your office
last week.
They said
you were out of town,
in North Carolina?
Yes, ma'am.
Uh, Crystal Falls?
Oh, I know that place.
You do?
Yes, I have family
in Charlotte.
What brought you there?
I was helping my aunt
with the town Cookie Crawl.
The...
I'm sorry, did you say
you called the office for me?
Yes.
If your office
is anything like ours,
I'm sure you've heard
some gossip lately.
I came here
in part tonight
to let you know
that there are going to be
some changes
starting in January,
and I want you to know
that I valued your input
in our account over the years,
even when you didn't get
the... obvious credit.
Thank you, so much.
That means a lot to me.
Cookie Crawl?
Cookie Crawl.
My imagination is...
running wild.
Okay, let's go.
Of course,
Mrs. Weatherton.
This way.
Have you ever head
of a Cookie Crawl?
I have not.
Look it up for me,
would you?
Joy!
What did
Poppy Weatherton say?
Oh, she just wanted to thank me
for working on her account.
What's going on?
Okay, you can't
say anything yet,
but we lost Weatherton's.
What?
I just found out
for certain--
which means that
I'm going to need to you
to work double-time
starting tomorrow.
I can't tomorrow.
My aunt comes home,
and then we have
the Cookie Crawl.
Joy, we just lost
one of our biggest clients.
We can't waste any time
finding a way
to replace that revenue.
I promised my aunt.
She'll understand.
I won't.
Joy, just...
I want you
to think about things.
Now, they haven't announced
the promotions yet.
What are you saying?
Just be smart about this.
This is your career.
Now, you could
very well be busier
than you have
ever been.
I already pour so much
of my time into this job,
that I barely see my friends
or my aunt as it is--
-Joy--
-I'm sorry, Margie.
If it's a couple of days
that you need, I--
No. Thank you, though.
You know, I've been dreaming
of this Christmas Gala
for so long,
and now that I'm here, I just...
I feel so disconnected.
All I wanna be is--
In Crystal Falls?
It's my home.
I will let the partners know.
Thank you.
For so many things.
Joy...
-Hi!
-Hi!
I think I just
quit my job.
You did not.
Cheers.
Cheers!
What?
-Oh, my gosh...
-I'm a free woman.
-What are you gonna do?
-I don't know.
Oh, hey,
we need more champagne
from the back.
Excuse me?
Champagne. From the back.
Come on.
Can you excuse me
for just a second?
Yeah.
Excuse me.
Hi. You've reached
Ben Andrews.
Please leave a message.
Can you grab my car, please?
I'm doing it.
Whoo-hoo!
Yup...
Thanks to the helping hands
of friends and family,
we have five tables set up
for the Cookie Crawl.
Oh...
So... when can I see?
Soon.
We've still got
a bit of work to do,
but we'll get it done.
Yes, we will.
So, when are the Andrews clan
coming over tonight?
I'm not sure.
I haven't heard back
from Ben yet.
What's going on?
I don't know.
We worked
together great
on the gingerbread
competition,
and then he pulled back,
and then he showed up
at the MacDonald Webber Gala.
In D.C.?
Yes!
But he left
before I could talk to him,
and it's just been
radio silence ever since.
That doesn't seem like Ben.
I know.
So, I don't know what to do
about the Cookie Crawl.
Oh, that'll
take care of itself.
The important thing is
how you're doing.
I don't like
feeling like this.
Vulnerable?
Yeah.
Love makes us vulnerable.
And I am
pleased as punch
that you're feeling that way
about someone.
Ben is a good one.
Then why won't he
call me back?
That's up to you
to figure out
before you leave.
About that.
How would you feel
about having a roommate
for a little while?
Are you considering--
Making some changes in my life,
and making time
for the people I love.
I think that would be
the greatest Christmas gift
that you could give me.
Oh...
Oh!
Hello!
I bought a new one
so I thought I'd bring back
your old snow shovel--
Why aren't you
calling Joy back?
And good morning, Mom.
Ruby's home,
and she said
that Joy has been trying
to get ahold of you,
and you are not
responding.
Mom, let me handle it.
Except you're not handling it.
I'll make it a point
to say goodbye
before she goes back to D.C.
Well, that shows
how little you know.
She's staying.
What?
Yeah.
In Crystal Falls.
It seems she turned down
some big promotion,
and decided to move
back home for a bit.
Why?
You'll have to
ask her that yourself.
Careful.
Mm-hmm...
Just a couple
more steps.
Okay.
Ta-dah!
It's like
Mother Nature came
and decorated it herself.
That's what
I was going for.
We're serving two kinds
of hot chocolate.
Regular and--
And one with kick,
like Emma
used to make for you.
Oh, Joy, it is
just perfect.
Perfect.
Good. I'm glad
you're happy.
I love it.
By the way,
I found out what
Twyla Taft's theme is.
"Chocolate Chip".
That's it?
Mm-hmm.
It's like
she wasn't even trying.
I almost feel bad
how good ours is.
Almost.
Here we go!
Come on.
Make yourselves at home.
Come on in.
Oh, welcome!
Good to see you.
Excuse me.
Oh, you made it!
There was no way
I was going to miss this.
-Where is he?
-Who?
Ben!
Oh, um...
I'm not sure
he's going to make it.
I haven't seen him yet.
Well, the night's not over yet.
Okay.
Hi, everyone!
It's so great
to see you all.
I just wanted
to take this moment to say...
thank you
to Joy,
for all her hard work
so we could all celebrate
this night.
Thank you.
As you were.
Ben made this for me.
Oh, that reminds me
of the one
that Emma gave you.
I love it.
I do, too.
Oh!
Excuse me.
So, this is
a Cookie Crawl.
Mrs. Weatherton, what...
what are you doing here?
I was over in Charlotte,
and I got curious.
It really is extraordinary.
A lot of people
worked very hard
to make this happen.
But you took point, didn't you?
I did.
I thought as much.
You probably know by now
I've taken Weatherton's
market research out
from MacDonald-Webber.
Margie mentioned it to me.
What she likely didn't mention
is that I've decided to create
an in-house marketing division,
and I would love
for you to be part
of the leadership team.
Me?
Yes. If you're
interested.
Of course,
that would likely entail
a move on your part
since I'm opening
a new store
and new corporate offices
in Charlotte.
But something tells me
you won't mind.
I do hope you'll call me
on January 2nd
to discuss.
Thank you.
And now, if you'll excuse me,
I'm dying for a ginger snap.
Enjoy.
Oh, my.
You're here.
I wasn't sure if...
I am co-captain.
It's as much your doing
as anyone else's.
You brought everything
together so nicely.
I'm sorry I wasn't here
for the last part.
But you were in D.C., right?
So why did you leave
without talking to me?
You looked so beautiful
in that dress.
And the way you fit in
with that world,
I never could do that.
And I got scared.
But I'd like to try again,
if you'll let me.
Maybe this time
without the tux.
I liked the tux,
it was a nice touch.
I liked that dress.
You did?
You looked beautiful.
So, Joy Holbrook,
will you go to dinner with me?
Crystal Falls Lodge?
It's not just for proms
and Sweet 16 parties.
I think that can be arranged.
Can it?
Mm-hmm.
Turns out, I have a lot
of arranging to do.
I'm going to be
starting a new job
with Weatherton's office,
in Charlotte.
That's commuting distance.
Which is a good thing,
since I plan to be
in Crystal Falls
for a very long time.
Are you sure?
Took me a little while
to realize it, but...
"When you pick out
anything by itself..."
"...you find it hitched
to everything else."
And I'm hitched here.