Christmas Pen Pals (2018) Movie Script
Good morning, Marvin.
Good morning, Hannah.
Activate morning routine.
Activated.
It's December 7th,
and today's weather in Seattle
is a cold one.
You'll need to bundle up.
Sports news is next,
after a song to get us
in the Christmas spirit.
The magic of
Christmas is near
A countdown 'til
presents appear
Houses are glowing and
love will be flowing
Marvin, turn off the speakers.
Speakers deactivated.
Marvin, check my mail and texts.
52 new emails.
Three missed calls from Lucy,
two missed calls
from Jason Gallagher.
Marvin, schedule a call
with Jason Gallagher
at 3:00 PM today.
Call scheduled.
Hannah Morris speaking.
Hannah Morris?
The creator of Perfect One,
North America's most
popular dating app?
Hey there, Sis.
You know,
for someone who works in tech,
you're not very easy
to get a hold of.
Yes, I know, I'm sorry.
It's been hectic.
Christmas is our
busiest time of year,
everyone's looking for love,
and I just have to make sure
the database doesn't crash.
So, without you,
love could be lost?
Whew, the pressure.
Speaking of looking for
love, how is Jonathan?
It's Jason.
Meh. Close enough.
He's great.
We have date number
10 this weekend.
Wow, 10?
You must really like this one.
Yeah, I do, I do.
He's...
He's smart, he's
successful, he's organized.
Always on time.
He's got all the
things on my list.
He sounds like the
male version of you.
What does he do again?
Stock market?
Financial analyst?
He works at a
private equity firm.
Right. Sounds thrilling.
You know, I can actually
hear your eyes rolling?
So listen, I'm only going to
ask you this one more time.
Are you absolutely sure you
can't come home for Christmas?
Dad would really
love to see you.
It's been years since you
spent the holidays in Jackson.
Hang on,
I was there two years ago.
For, like, 12 hours!
We miss you.
She really means it, I swear.
You know I would love to see
you guys so much, I just...
I have to stay
close to the office
in case something goes wrong.
But, a...
as soon as things slow down,
I'll come out and see you, okay?
Okay.
It's just sometimes,
it feels like...
you intentionally
avoid coming home.
What!?
What's wrong, are you okay?
I'm sorry, I gotta go, this is a...
a work emergency.
We dropped again?
For the third month in a row?
This is our most
popular time of year!
Could...
could the new report be wrong?
I'm afraid not.
I was hoping we would
have an upswing,
with it being Christmas and
all, but...
We are officially in trouble.
No one is falling in
love on Perfect One.
And word is spreading.
Fast.
That can't be right.
I designed the algorithm
to match people
with their perfect companion
based on an extensive
personality test,
birth order, economic
status, everything!
I've been reading our
user feedback all morning,
and people are sick of the
lack of romance involved
in online dating.
I guess people want to fall
in love the old-fashioned way.
How? At a speakeasy?
This is the 21st century,
for crying out loud.
That's what you
need to figure out.
Why just me?
You're the creative brains
behind this whole operation.
I'm business and sales.
And you create.
Okay.
Naomi, we can't let this happen.
We built this
company from nothing.
It's already happening.
And it's only gonna get worse;
we need to start thinking about
a total rebrand to
come out of this alive.
Okay.
Okay, uh, I,
I will re-examine the algorithms,
I'll make 'em
better, more precise.
What if we need to take a
step back from the numbers,
and focus on
understanding the spark.
The spark.
What is that,
like a new software program?
No!
The spark.
You know, when we meet someone,
and it just feels like
everything is magic?
It's the moment we realize
we're starting to fall in love.
That's what people wanna feel.
Especially at Christmas-time.
And Perfect One
doesn't have that.
Have you ever been in love?
Yeah.
It was forever ago.
So... Before smartphones?
Oh, yes.
Exactly.
You have to find a way
to blend the traditional
and sentimental ways
of falling in love...
with modern technology.
Okay.
I will stay late every night.
So, what you need is to
get away from the office
and get inspired again.
I'm sorry, a...
away from the office?
It's almost two weeks
until Christmas.
Take that time to spend
more of it with Jason.
I'll stay here and manage
the PR and the budget cuts.
Go find that spark.
Jason!
It's Hannah, again.
Um, we need to talk?
Can you just, uh,
just call me back?
When you get a chance.
Soon? Please? Thank you.
Okay. Bye.
Incoming email from
Jason Gallagher.
Yes.
Good. Good, good, good, good!
"Dear Hannah,
I got your messages.
"I know you don't like
long, drawn out emails,
"so I will keep this short.
"This just isn't working."
What?
"I'm sorry.
"I can't be in a relationship
that lacks any real connection.
"I might as well
be dating a robot
"with all of the automated
messages I get from you.
"I wish you all the best,
but we just aren't right together.
"Merry Christmas, Jason."
Did I just get dumped via email?
Okay.
Okay,
who else can I spend time with?
Let me see, let me
see, let me see.
Okay, let's see, let's see.
Mike.
Eh, he's a little clingy...
Uh...
Jeremy!
Oh, the weird eyebrow
thing happening.
Um, come on...
Chad.
Yeah, Chad was nice.
He was good.
Okay.
Marvin.
ll Chad.
Calling dad.
No. No, no!
Chad!
Marvin, hang up. Call Chad!
Hello?
Hi dad!
Hannah!
I'm so glad you called.
I feel like I haven't
talked to you in ages.
How's work?
Saving the world,
one set of lovebirds at a time?
Not exactly.
Things are not going super well
at work right now, to be honest.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
But you'll turn it
around, you always do.
Ugh, I'm not so sure this time.
Does Naomi have you
working over the holidays?
Not anymore.
Well now, wait a minute.
Does that mean you can come
home for Christmas after all?
No!
No! That's not...
Great!
It'll be like old times again.
I'll get your room ready.
Uh, wait, hold on.
Dad, I... I...
Can't wait!
Your sister will be thrilled.
Hannah!
Dad!
I told you not to wait up!
Oh!
I was too excited to sleep.
Welcome home.
Where are all the decorations?
Normally you have them
up by November 1st.
Oh, it's just me in the house.
It seemed a bit silly.
Not even a tree?
You love decorating a tree.
It's your favourite tradition.
Well, sometimes,
you have to let go of the past,
and Lucy and Joe
always invite me over
to decorate theirs anyway, huh?
Come on,
get this stuff upstairs.
You must be tired.
There we go.
Oh, some things never change.
A lot of happy memories.
It's late. I'll let you unpack.
Glad to have you home.
Goodnight, dad.
See you in the
morning, Sweetheart.
Okay.
Marvin. Close the blinds.
Marvin.
Please close blinds.
Marvin!
Oh yeah.
Good morning.
Good morning!
How'd you sleep?
Fine.
That, uh, mattress could
use a little upgrade though.
Hey, what's the WiFi
password here again?
Oh, I should've told you.
I got rid of the internet
a few months ago.
Are you serious?
Well, what can I say?
An accountant always looks
where he can save a buck.
Plus, I've got it at work.
Why do you need the
internet all the time?
Um, to check my email?
The news? Social media?
Bank account?
Number of steps I've taken?
Number of hours I've slept?
I could go on.
I'm surprised you know
how to breathe without it.
Okay.
Where's the coffee maker?
Oh, about that.
I went to that new doctor
in town about stomach pains,
and he suggested I quit.
So...
there's no internet or coffee?
Oh, I'm sorry, honey.
I have lots of tea!
No, it's...
it's fine, I'll just...
go to a cafe in town after
breakfast and get some coffee.
Check my email.
Oh, while you're
out, would you mind,
uh, mailing some
Christmas cards for me?
Oh, so you're still writing out
all those cards to everyone?
Some traditions I just
can't seem to let go of.
You know, if you had WiFi,
I could set up your email so
that a virtual Christmas card
goes out to everyone
automatically every year.
It would save you a ton of time.
You know, snail mail really
is a thing of the past, dad.
There's more to life than
increasing its speed.
Come on.
Thanks dad, this looks great.
Well, your mom's old recipe.
So, um, uh, how are things going
with the new guy you're dating?
Uh, well,
he broke up with me actually.
In an email.
Oh, no. I'm sorry.
You deserve better than that.
Oh, it's fine.
We weren't really
working, anyway.
Do you ever think about
meeting someone new?
Putting yourself
out there again?
I wouldn't even
know where to start!
Well,
I could get you a smartphone.
And then,
you could sign up for Perfect One.
I'm sure there are
tons of women out there
that would love to
spend time with you.
You're a total catch!
I'm too old school
for that techie stuff.
Besides, I'm fine as I am.
Are you?
Of course!
I have a good life.
I have two beautiful daughters,
and the most wonderful grandson.
Don't you worry about me.
Can I help you?
Grande mocha frappuccino,
hold the whip.
And the WiFi, please?
Is that order a joke?
Hannah.
Sam.
You're home!
You're here.
I own the place.
Wow, I...
It's, uh, it's very vintage.
Yeah,
I took it over five years ago.
Figured I'd keep
it the same way.
How nostalgic of you.
Well, if it ain't
broke, why fix it?
To improve things.
Keep up with the 21st century.
How are... how are you?
How are... how are your parents?
Oh, they're just a
couple of snowbirds now.
They spend the
winters down south.
Are you gonna go down and
see them over the holiday?
Got a business to run.
I'm sure you can remember I
wasn't exactly Mr. Christmas.
Right. Right.
Speaking of Mr. Christmas,
how is your dad?
I haven't seen him
for a few weeks.
He's good.
He actually seems
a little lonely.
Kinda wish he'd
meet someone new,
it's been so long since...
Yeah.
Look, I'm... I'm sure he'll
find someone when he's ready.
You can't rush these things.
I updated the inventory.
We are all stocked up.
Thanks, Julie.
Did...
did I interrupt something?
No.
-No.
-No.
Uh, Julie, th... this is Hannah.
We...
went to high school together.
She's the reason
I passed physics.
Oh!
So, you knew Sam
back in high school?
I bet all the girls
had a crush on him.
Huh?
Something like that.
Oh.
Um, I, uh, gotta go!
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Hey, didn't you want a...
coffee?
Aunt Hannah!
Max!
Oh, my goodness, you're a giant!
How did you get so big?
How are you?
Good.
I just signed up
for Christmas Cupid!
I've never heard of it,
but that sounds amazing.
I can't believe
you're really here!
How'd you know where to find me?
Dad called me.
Also, everyone knows
Hannah Morris can't go more
than two minutes upon waking
without her caffeine fix.
You, my dear, have a problem.
Oh. By the way,
speaking of which,
thanks for telling me that Sam
now owns the cafe downtown!
It's exactly the kind of
thing I was hoping to avoid.
Yikes.
Awkward small-talk with an ex?
The past.
Was it weird to see him?
No, we broke up when I was
a sophomore in college.
I mean, we were kids.
It was like the Mesozoic era.
You were alive
with the dinosaurs?
Cool!
Yes, I was.
You didn't answer my question.
Okay, fine.
Next topic.
Dad invited us over
for lunch today.
Oh, he's so excited
to have you home.
It... it's making me question
who his favourite really is.
Does he seem kind
of lonely to you?
He hasn't even put
up any decorations.
I know, but what do you expect?
He lives alone and spends all
of his time at the office.
The apple doesn't fall
far from the tree.
What's that mean?
Mom, can we go to
the candy store now?
You promised.
Yes, yes I promised.
Do you want to come with us?
Uh, I just have to drop off
a couple Christmas cards
for dad at the post office
first, but then,
I will meet you back at the
house, okay?
See you there, sis!
Hannah Morris!
What a pleasant surprise!
Mrs. Monroe!
I haven't seen you since I
taught 12th grade English.
And please, call me Martha.
I didn't know you worked here.
You bet, ever since I
retired from the high school.
What can I do for you today?
Uh, yeah, I just need to
get some stamps for these.
Mm-hmm.
You interested in signing up
for the town's Christmas Cupid?
My nephew was just
talking about that.
What is it, exactly?
Well, it's an old Christmas
tradition the town used to do
during the Second World War.
Strangers would write to each
other in the hopes of either
forming a deep
friendship, or better yet,
falling in love.
All you have to do is sign up,
and I connect you
with a secret pen pal.
Match-making's my specialty.
Pen pal, huh?
Yup.
Then all the letters have to be delivered
either to that mailbox over there,
or the red one outside.
And I'll make sure all the
letters get to the right house.
That seems like quite a bit of
hassle when it's so much easier
just to meet someone online.
Well, you'd be surprised
how many people prefer
to write letters.
Half the town signed up.
So, why did the tradition stop?
Well, during the war,
the post office made sure
that letters were
delivered very quickly.
It was the only way loved
ones could keep in touch.
But once the war ended,
using the phone became cheaper,
more efficient, and more modern.
A little too modern
if you ask me.
This could be perfect.
Oh, great!
I'll get you a signup sheet.
Oh, no, no, no.
No, not for me, no. For my dad.
Um, can I run home
and bring him back?
Of course,
but today's the last day to sign up.
Okay. I will be back.
Thanks, Mrs. Monroe.
Uh... Martha!
Thanks for waiting.
Dad!
Yup?
Oh! Hey!
So, you have to sign
up for Christmas Cupid.
It is the perfect way for
you to meet someone new.
Hello to you, too.
Joe. Hi!
Good to see you!
Is that that pen pal thing
everyone keeps talkin' about
at the office?
Yes, exactly!
You are such a great writer.
Aren't pen pals for kids?
No!
Liz, would you just tell
dad that he has to sign up
for the Christmas Cupid thingy?
I signed up, Grandpa!
Maybe we'll be pen pals!
I think it's a great idea.
See?
For you.
What? For me?
Now that I can
get on board with.
Okay. Nice try.
But... no!
I need to spend
every waking moment
trying to save Perfect One.
Naomi needs me to focus on
researching old fashioned ways
of falling in love that are
both timeless and sentimental.
Hmm...
No. For... for other people!
Not for me!
Besides, I don't,
I don't even wanna meet someone new.
I just got dumped.
So...
Technically,
you're not meeting them.
You're just writing to them.
Yeah.
Okay, you know what,
this whole thing was
supposed to be about dad?
So, I'm not quite
sure what's happening.
Why don't you both sign up?
Brilliant!
Really?
Now that seems fair to me.
The only way I will sign
up is if you do, too!
You serious right now?
Do we have a deal?
Hmm?
You know what,
it might actually be good
for research purposes.
So, okay, fine.
That's the only
reason I'm doing it.
Well, looks like Christmas just
got a lot more interesting.
Oh boy, I'll say!
Yeah.
Here you go!
You're back!
Nice to see you, Teddy.
You too, Martha.
Somehow, my daughters have
convinced me to sign up
for this Christmas Cupid affair.
Well, I think that's splendid.
I'll get you a signup sheet.
Oh, and one for my Hannah
here, too.
Delightful!
You're just in time.
The first letters are
gonna arrive tomorrow.
And after you finish signing up,
something sweet
to say thank you.
All right.
Woo!
Now, the first rule is,
every letter has to be handwritten.
No computers, phones,
gizmos or gadgets allowed.
But typing is so much faster.
Speed is not the goal here!
Oh, music to my ears!
And the second rule is,
you have to come
up with a pen name.
A fake name? Why?
The experience will
be so much richer
if you don't know who
you're writing to.
Plus, on Christmas Eve,
there's a Christmas Cupid festival,
where everyone will finally
reveal their true identities
to one another.
It's gonna be so fun.
Try to think of a name that
reminds you of a special
Christmas memory.
Oh! How about Bing?
White Christmas was
a favourite of ours,
wasn't it, Hannah?
Yeah,
we used to watch it every year.
Great choice.
How about you, Hannah?
Stardust.
Here goes nothin'.
Hey, dad?
Yeah?
Do you remember how your
parents fell in love?
I do, why do you ask?
I'm just trying to
figure out how people
from their generation met.
Well,
it was an ice cream parlour.
Dad worked there,
and she came in every...
every Tuesday for
a root beer float.
Eventually,
he mustered up enough courage
to ask her to a movie.
That, and an extra scoop of
ice cream sealed the deal.
I'm guessing you don't
know how mom's parents met?
Ah, I wish I did.
But your mom was too
young when they died.
I would have loved
to have met them.
Yeah, me too.
Ooh.
Hey!
Hey!
Look what I just found!
Wow, that did not take long.
One for Bing.
And one for Stardust.
What is hangin' off
of these letters?
It looks like an
invitation to something.
Ohhh yes!
"Welcome to the First
Annual Christmas Cupid.
"Since 1945.
"All participants are
invited to a free skate
"at the local arena
tonight at 6:00 P.M.
"Come for a chance
to brush shoulders
"with your new pen pal."
Well, I haven't skated
since, uh, sixth grade?
So, yeah. Count me out.
Hey, nice try!
We're in this
together, remember?
Well, in her defence,
she's possibly the worst
skater in the country.
Yeah, that's...
That's my point exactly.
A deal's a deal, kiddo.
Come on,
read your letters already.
Okay. All right.
"Dear Stardust: I must confess
"that I almost
didn't write this.
"I've never been
good with words,
"and don't really know why I
signed up in the first place.
"Martha somehow convinced me.
"She said that Christmas
is a magical time of year,
"and anything is possible
if we truly believe.
"I think that I could use a
little bit of Christmas magic
"these days.
"Look forward to hearing from you.
Hutch."
So?
He spelled "believe" wrong.
What kind of a
person doesn't know
that it's "i before
e, except after c?"
This was such a bad idea.
Give him a break, Judge Judy.
No one is perfect.
What about you, dad?
How was your letter?
Ah, she sounds very interesting.
She has recently
taken up painting.
Hmm.
I mean honestly,
did Martha set me up with a second grader?
Oh, give it a chance, Hannah.
You never know what surprises
will come out of this.
Spellcheck was
invented for a reason.
Ooh. Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo.
I don't wanna go go go
under the mistletoe
Unless you're here with me
Don't wanna hear ho-ho-ho
from the jolly 'ol soul
all alone on Christmas Eve.
Christmas cheer
won't cheer me up...
Ahh! Oh!
Oh, honey!
Are you okay, Aunt Hannah?
Yep, good, just figuring it out.
It's gonna be great.
It's gonna be great.
Welcome, welcome!
I'm so glad you came.
Thanks, Martha.
Hannah! Are you okay?
Aaah! Fine!
Fine. Good.
Oh, look! It's the Mayor.
Have fun!
Well,
if it isn't the Morris gang!
What a pleasant surprise!
Susan, great to see ya.
Hey, Susan.
Hannah,
I haven't seen you for years.
You are looking more and
more like your mother!
Ah, she was a little
bit better on skates.
Isn't this great?
I swear, the whole town is here.
Martha, she sure knows how
to bring people together.
Does she ever!
This is really something.
How are the kids?
Oh, they're great.
Nicole is in Mexico with
her family for the holidays,
and Simon is still finishing
up his degree in France.
Fantastic.
You must be proud!
I should really introduce you
to the ladies from my book club.
They are gonna be so excited
that you signed up
for Christmas Cupid.
What'd I tell ya?
They're just over there,
on the other side of the rink.
Okay. I'll meet you over there.
I'm just waiting for
Hannah, here.
No, no, no.
I'm fine, I'm fine! You go!
I'll... I'll catch up.
Are you sure, Honey?
Yes! Go, go. Get outta here.
Get outta here.
Okay.
Okay... I'll just... go...
I can do this.
Yeah. I got this, I got, oh...
Oh! Ouch!
Ahhhhhh!
Oh!
Hannah Morris on skates.
I never thought I'd see the day.
Sam.
What are you doing here?
Don't tell me you signed
up for Christmas Cupid.
I'm just serving hot chocolate
as a favour for Martha.
Okay.
Did... you sign up?
Uh, I...
I'm doing it for research.
Plus, also, my dad refused
to do it unless I did, so...
Hmm.
Yeah.
I can't imagine having to write
a new letter every other day
for the next two weeks.
Sounds...
Stressful.
What are you talking about?
You used to be a
great letter writer.
Back in the day.
I think I still have a few of
those, somewhere.
Well, I knew extortion was
somewhere in my future.
So, who do you think he is?
Oh, I don't know.
Honestly,
I wish I hadn't signed up.
I just want the next two
weeks, and Christmas,
and anything to do
with it over with.
That does not sound
like the same girl
that once dragged me carolling
while wearing a lit-up
Christmas sweater.
Well...
You know, some things change.
I'm gonna go check
on my dad and Max.
Uh, see you later!
Try to have fun.
Okay!
Oh, sh-
Woah, Hannah!
-You okay?
-You okay?
That was a hard fall.
Here, let me help you up.
Thank you.
Ouch.
That's a good one.
Yeah.
Is she okay, Dan?
You two know each other?
Yeah.
I'm a regular at the cafe.
Hey, hey, Sam,
would you mind finding us a bandage?
Thank you...
I'm Daniel Harrison, by the way.
Local MD.
And you are?
I'm, uh, Hannah Morris.
Local... figure skating champ.
I will be signing
autographs later.
In case you're interested!
Well, Hannah Morris,
you might wanna think about
taking some skating lessons.
Doctor's orders.
Oh!
You must be the new
doctor that told my dad
to stop drinking coffee.
What, Ted?
Yeah!
Guilty as charged.
I... I just moved here a few
months back from Chicago.
Took over Doctor
Tucker's practice.
Chicago?
It's kind of a small
town for a big city guy.
Well, my sister and her husband live
here, so it makes sense.
Get to see my niece anytime I
want, now.
It's nice to be close to family.
But with how much I work,
I don't really get a chance to
meet anyone outside the office.
Which is why I signed
up for Christmas Cupid.
You signed up for this?
Yeah! Why do you think I'm here?
Uh, I don't know, for like...
ice skating Emergencies?
Technically,
I'm supposed to be off duty.
Sorry about that.
Here you go.
Oh, thanks Sam.
Perfect.
Actually,
I'm pretty excited about it.
It's such a unique way
to meet someone new.
Secretly, I can't wait
'til she writes me back.
I dropped my first
letter off last night.
Really? I just got my
first letter this morning.
Huh.
I should get back to the stand.
What?
Uh...
Oh yeah, okay.
Great.
Thank you!
Looks like you're gonna be okay.
Okay.
Thank you.
Hannah!
Sarah?
Sarah! Hi!
It's been so long!
Are you okay?
I saw you fall from
across the rink!
Yeah, well,
thanks to Doctor Harrison over here,
I think I'm gonna live.
Daniel is a lifesaver.
Oh, uh, uh, Sarah and I went
to high school together.
I haven't seen you since...
When?
My 21st birthday bash.
I think I should let
you two catch up.
It was really nice to meet
you, Hannah.
You too.
Put ice on that tonight, okay?
Okay!
Got it.
Isn't he great?
I have never been so grateful
to be so bad at skating
in my entire life.
How are you? How are you?
What's been going on?
Good! Good.
I moved back here
a few years ago,
got a job teaching fourth grade.
Oh!
Yeah, Max is in my class!
What?
Yeah, but, okay, how about you?
Sounds like you've
been busy hanging out
with Mark Zuckerberg?
Oh!
And doing TED talks?
Your life sounds amazing.
Oh.
I actually went on a few dates
with a guy that I
met on Perfect One.
Really?
Yeah, it's just, you know,
it didn't really work out.
Like, it...
We didn't really have that...
Spark?
Exactly.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
Yeah.
I'm excited about this, though.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I've skated around
the rink five times already.
Trying to see who
my pen pal could be!
Do you really think it's
possible to fall in love
through a letter with
a total stranger?
Why not?
It's like Martha said: "anything
can happen at Christmas."
Even falling in love.
Oh. Okay.
Dear Hutch,
thank you for your letter.
Like you, I thought about
not going through with this.
Sometimes the Christmas
season can be hard for me.
It used to be my
favourite time of year,
especially decorating
the tree with my family.
But now, things are different.
Really different.
We don't even have
a tree this year.
However, I'm beginning to wonder
if perhaps Martha is right.
Maybe there is still
some Christmas magic
left to be found.
I just don't know where to look.
Any suggestions?
Look forward to your reply.
Stardust.
Finally!
Hey, Naomi.
Yeah, sorry, I've been trying
to stay on top of my emails,
but my dad just
gave up his WiFi.
So, how is everything?
Our numbers are still
continuing to dip.
Uh, we lost 3,000 users
just this week alone.
Our... our investors are
threatening to pull out.
You've gotta be kidding me!
How long do we have?
If we don't have a
solution by the new year,
it's bad, Hannah.
Have any brilliant ideas
landed in your lap?
Not unless you consider a letter
from a stranger "brilliant."
Come again?
I signed up for my
hometown's Christmas Cupid,
which is this old
tradition from the '40s
where people are matched
with anonymous pen pals
in the hopes of finding
friendship or falling in love.
It's all pretty ridiculous,
but I thought it might
be good for research.
Sounds fascinating.
I... I'm intrigued.
Uh, is it working?
Well, I don't really even
know anything about the guy.
But I am holding his second
letter in my hand as we speak.
Well, open it!
Read what it says.
I don't know.
Oh, come on.
Okay, all right.
Okay. All right.
Okay.
Here goes.
"Dear Stardust"
That's my pen name.
"I understand what
you're feeling.
"Sometimes we romanticize
our past so much
"that we can't
enjoy the present.
"So let's try to change that.
"I challenge you to get a
Christmas tree and decorate it
"with your loved ones,
whoever they are.
"It might feel different
than it did before,
"but maybe somewhere
in that old tradition,
"Christmas magic still lives."
Wow, he sounds so sweet!
So, when you gonna go?
Go where?
To get a tree?
Oh, no, I don't know.
It's a...
it's a nice thought, but I'm...
But what?
This Christmas pen pal
cupid whatever thing may be
just the inspiration
you've been needing.
You gotta go with it.
Okay.
Okay.
But I have to wait 'til my
dad gets home from work.
Unless...
Unless I surprise him with one.
Now you're thinking.
Hannah Morris?
Greg.
Greg Williams, hey!
Wow!
If it isn't the high
school valedictorian
before my very eyes.
How are you?
I didn't know you
still lived here.
I am actually just in
town for the holidays.
I live in New York now.
Oh, really?
Yeah. I work at Frank
and Oak Real Estate.
You're looking at
one of the top ten
real estate agents in the city!
That's very impressive.
Thank you.
Ah, I thought I saw you
at the skating rink.
Wait.
You signed up for
Christmas Cupid too?
Yeah. Mrs. Monroe...
Martha.
Martha, right.
Martha.
She basically forced me
to when I ran into her.
Yeah, sounds about right.
Uh, listen, I mean, I gotta run.
Do you...
do you want to grab a cup of coffee
while we're both in
town and catch up?
Sure.
Great.
Uh, call me.
Oh, okay!
All right.
-See ya.
-See ya.
Huh.
Okay. Tree, tree.
Yeah. This is the one.
Uh...
Oh! Hi!
Hi. Excuse me?
Can... can I get this tree?
Sure.
You just use one of the
carts over there and bring it
to your vehicle.
Wait, you don't...
You don't deliver?
Good one.
Thanks, Julie.
Say, Sam, when are you gonna get
some new options in this place?
I'd pay good money for
a pumpkin spice latte.
Yeah, that must take
a lot of courage,
to say that out loud.
Trust me, Mike,
I've been telling him that for months.
What's the saying?
"Stubborn as a mule" or
"dumb as a doorknob?"
I think they both work.
You still on for hockey tonight?
Starts at 7:00. Don't be late.
I'll be there when I get there.
Oh, hey Spencer, what's up?
Hey Julie.
I'm good, how are you?
I'm-
Uh, I... I mean, uh, not much.
Not much. Not much is up.
I'm good.
Are... are you good?
I... I'm... I'm good.
Good. Good.
Good, good, good, good.
Did you want anything, or?...
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, yeah. Sure.
I'll... I'll take that.
The pink butterfly cupcake?
Yup.
Uh, it's for my sister.
Oh. You have a sister?
How much would that be?
Um... $3.00.
Okay.
Well, hey.
Keep the change.
Thanks.
Mm-hmm.
Okay.
Good.
Okay.
Bye.
Wow.
He has a serious crush on you.
Who? Spencer?
He's just awkward.
No way.
I know someone who
was just like him.
You?
Almost passed out every time
I tried to talk to
the girl I liked.
I ended up having to
stick a note in her locker
in 11th grade,
just to ask her to a movie.
Did she go out with you?
Quite a few times.
We ended up dating
for almost four years.
Four years?
Woah.
How have you never told me this?
The point is,
don't be so quick to brush him aside.
Who was she?
Forget it, you're not listening.
Someone I know?
Stop.
Was she pretty?
She was-
Hannah!
It was Hannah?
Would you go fill some
mugs or something?
Large coffee, black.
Should I even ask?
I was trying to surprise my
dad with a Christmas tree,
but I don't have a car.
It was the perfect tree.
No, it's on the house.
Oh, thanks.
I... have my truck.
I could take you.
Seriously?
Wait, now?
As opposed to?
Aren't you working?
You know, Julie's here.
Hey Julie?
Uh, yes?
Can you hold down
the fort for a bit?
I'm gonna help Hannah
with something.
As you wish.
Ooh, uh, could you drop off
my Christmas Cupid letter
on your way?
Fine.
Are you sure?
Well, you can't give
up on the perfect tree
just because of a
bump in the road.
Now, let's go before
I change my mind.
You too.
Oh, looks great.
You picked a beauty.
My dad is gonna be so excited.
Thank you so much, Sam.
I could not have done
this without you.
I owe you one.
Uh, how about one of your
mom's famous apple pies?
I think I could find
that recipe somewhere.
Never in a million years did
I think that when I came home,
I'd be buying a Christmas tree,
or writing to a
Christmas pen pal.
How's that going, by the way?
He seems really...
sweet, actually.
It feels like he's
listening to me.
Says the girl who wished
she never signed up?
Yeah, well,
I'm trying to give it a chance.
Well, don't get too excited.
You could be writin'
to Principal Cullen
for all you know.
I saw him at the rink.
What? That's so gross!
Remember how much
nose hair he had?
Yes!
And how it connected
to his moustache?
Yes! Ugh!
Well, it still does, but...
Hey, maybe he's the one.
Love knows no bounds, after all.
It "nose" no bounds.
Okay,
that's just a terrible joke.
You should never say that again.
Can you...
You know, you need to stop!
Right now.
Forget I mentioned it.
Hey!
Is that Sam I see?
What a surprise!
Ted.
Wow, a tree!
It's the perfect tree!
Well, you know, I figured we
hadn't decorated in a long time.
I thought maybe we
could do it tonight.
Unless you threw out
all the decorations.
Threw out?
I don't think so.
Come on, Max,
let's go find them.
Well, I should get going.
Yeah.
Hey, thanks again for
today, Sam.
Glad I could help.
Sam, you should come back
later to decorate with us.
Oh yeah? I... I don't know...
He did help bring it in.
Only seems right
that you should get
to help decorate it, too.
I mean, unless you're too much
of a Scrooge to participate
in something so merry and jolly.
Alright, count me in.
This might be our
best tree ever!
It definitely beats the year
a live squirrel jumped out.
It practically gave
mom a heart attack.
Just like that movie.
We had to chase it
around the house.
Uh, we?
I think you mean Sam.
He chased that thing with an
old pot and saved the day!
Come on.
It's a true story.
We have to give Joe
some credit here.
He screamed every time
that thing ran by,
so at least I knew where it
was, right?
Oh, you're my hero.
Oh, why thank you!
It really is perfect.
Not yet. We're missing the star!
Would you like to do the
honours, Mr. Max?
Really? Cool!
Come on, Joe.
Give me a hand with this
guy, here.
All right, ready?
One, two, up we go!
Good guy!
All right, you got it, man.
Hannah?
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry.
What's wrong?
It's nothing.
It's... it's stupid.
Is this about Max putting
the star on top of the tree?
I know that used to
be your mom's job.
You remember that?
She is hard to forget.
It just doesn't...
It doesn't feel
right without her.
This whole Christmas season
just makes me miss her more
than I can bear.
It's too much.
You know, the way I see it,
continuing old traditions
you used to do with your mom
will only help keep her
alive in your heart.
Just because you added a
twist to the tradition,
it doesn't erase the past.
She would love to see
Max putting the star
on top of that tree.
It would break her heart
to see you avoiding
the Christmas season just
because she isn't here.
I know.
I know, you're right.
I just thought that I
would be over this by now.
It's been so many years.
I'm just tired of feeling sad.
Well, sometimes it doesn't
matter how much time goes by.
We can still miss someone
with our whole heart.
And that's okay.
It just means we
love them fully.
When did you get so smart?
I know what it's
like to miss someone.
Come see the tree,
it's all done!
Come on!
Okay, I promised your mom
we were just looking today,
so don't try to trick me
into buying you anything.
Hey, look, it's Doctor Harrison!
Hey!
Well, if it isn't my
favourite figure skater?
Oh...
How's the wrist?
It's good, it's good.
Thanks for asking.
Good.
Hey, Max,
good to see you again, buddy!
This is Lizzie, my niece.
Hey, Lizzie!
Did you find anything
interesting in here yet?
I'll show you!
Come on!
I miss it sometimes.
Just being a kid,
getting so excited by everything.
And what made a nine-year-old
Doctor Harrison fill
up with excitement?
Dreaming of becoming a doctor.
Really?
You... you knew you wanted to be
a doctor from the age of nine?
I was six, actually.
I guess I just always
knew what I wanted.
I... I think that's an
incredible quality to have.
Did you accomplish everything?
Almost.
There's just one thing left.
Oh yeah, what's that?
To find someone.
The one.
And, if Martha is as good
a cupid as she says she is,
I think it's my pen pal.
I've got a good
feeling about it.
Really?
Even though you have no
idea who you're writing to?
Who knows?
Maybe she's standing
right next to me.
Hannah.
Hey, Martha.
Or, should I say, Stardust?
How can I help ya?
I just came by for some stamps.
How's it going with your
Christmas pen pal so far?
You happy you signed up?
Yeah, he seems great.
I just...
can't really wrap my brain around
the whole concept of falling
in love through letters.
It seems a little far-fetched.
How come?
Anything's possible
at Christmas.
Plus, look at all the couples
that ended up together in 1945.
I found this digging through
the archives at the library.
Oh.
"Margaret James and Thomas Floyd
"married three months
after Christmas Cupid."
"Jill Hartwick
and Hal Bradford."
These are...
these are my mom's parents!
You're kidding?
"The two began writing right
before Hal went off to war,
"and it wasn't until
the following Christmas
"when he was discharged that
they finally met in person.
"They married two weeks later
and quickly became pregnant
"with their only daughter."
That's my mom!
This, this is incredible.
I wouldn't even be here if it
weren't for Christmas Cupid.
I told you.
Writing letters is magical.
So, hold on.
First,
you didn't even want to sign up.
And now you're telling me
that you think he
could be your soulmate?
Do you have any idea
who it could be?
No! I have no idea.
It could be Doctor Daniel.
Or maybe even Greg Williams.
Did I tell you I ran
into him the other day?
Apparently,
he's very successful.
And you know how I
love a good work ethic.
Oh! Mail!
Ooh!
Okay.
Okay.
Here, here!
Ah, ah, ah!
Well, what does it say?
Hang on, hang on, hang on.
"Dear Stardust,
to help you on your quest to finding
"the magic of Christmas again,
I've drawn you a special map.
"If followed correctly,
"you will find a Christmas
treasure at the end.
"Can't wait to read
your next letter.
"Thinking of you often."
He drew you a map?
He drew me a map!
I think we're supposed
to go through the gate.
Okay, if you say so.
'Cause we just
came through here.
Okay.
Excellent.
You go.
You go!
You go!
Okay. Okay.
Okay.
Okay, I think we just
keep going down this-
This guy better not be the
Zodiac Killer or something.
Don't say that,
he's not the Zodiac!
You don't know that!
Oh, Hannah!
Look!
Okay!
Um...
What am I supposed
to be looking for?
There's an arrow!
Oh! Oh, no, no, no!
I'm not putting
my hand in there.
Hang on.
I think I feel something.
Oh god.
Please don't be
someone's big toe inside.
Stop it!
Okay.
Please, please, please.
Okay.
Here.
It's so cute!
"Found these at an antique
store and thought of you.
"I can't explain why.
"Apparently, they are over 60
years old and were inspired
"by a wonderful old book
called The Christmas Star."
"I hope you like them. Hutch."
Did you tell him about the book?
No!
Wow!
God, I think I just felt it!
What?
The spark!
Oh!
Dear Hutch.
What you did for me
today meant so much.
More than you could
possibly understand.
I will forever cherish
those earrings,
and whenever I wear them,
I will remember the feeling
that you gave me today.
Thank you.
You are more than I
could have wished for.
What are you doing up so late?
Ah, making Christmas
Cupid cookies.
Christmas Cupid cookies?
Who blackmailed you?
Well, since everyone in town
was participating in the thing,
I figured it would
be good for business.
Which...
I could use right about now.
Ugh.
I can relate to that.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Your company, it...
Yeah. We've been taking
a turn for the worse.
I may be back to
waitressing, come New Years'.
Oh yeah.
Hey,
I've heard the tips are great.
Have you ever, like,
thought about getting WiFi in here?
Or, you know,
like setting up a rewards point program
to give customers incentives
to keep coming back?
No way!
This place would lose
its soul with that stuff.
You know,
someone once told me that just
'cause you add a new
twist to an old tradition
doesn't mean you're
erasing the past.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Kay, well,
he sounds like a doofus.
A... a doofus? Really?
Yeah, that's a...
That's a thing I say.
It's a good word.
More grown men
should use that word.
Right.
These look amazing.
Yeah, I just need to
finish with the icing now.
Well, put me to work.
Okay. Be my guest.
Great.
They are so delicious.
Thank you.
And thanks for helping.
Mm-hmm.
It's actually an
old family recipe.
I just added
marshmallow for texture.
Oh wait, so like,
you added something new
into an old recipe,
and it made it better?
That's so weird!
Okay. Okay.
Look, I get your point.
Mm-hmm?
I just don't want
to see this cafe
turn into some hipster place
where everyone's wearing
their headphones,
and they're more
focused on their apps
than they are on each
other, you know?
Yeah.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean that.
No, no, no, no, no.
It's totally fine.
I am starting to understand
the importance of really...
really connecting with
people, face to face.
Instead of, just... you know?
Through our devices.
But I do think that
technology can do a lot
to bring people together.
Yeah. That's totally true.
I mean, what would we do
without viral cat videos?
I don't even know.
I don't know either.
So, you have anyone in
your life these days?
Sort of.
I'm... I'm getting to know
someone, but... yeah.
It's nothing serious.
Anyone I know?
Oh, I doubt it.
Look, it's... it's complicated.
Hmm.
Um, anyway,
how's your Christmas pen pal?
He's actually... pretty amazing.
Wait...
are you falling for this guy?
Ugh, I don't know.
Maybe?
I think so, I don't know.
Oh, look.
Remember what I said?
Don't get your
expectations too high.
I'd hate to see
you get let down.
He's already surpassed
my expectations.
He's helping me understand what
I used to love about Christmas.
I haven't enjoyed this
time of year since...
Since my mom died.
Oh. Must be midnight.
Oh. I better go.
Yeah.
Goodnight, Sam.
'Night.
Hannah?
Yeah?
You still owe me
your mom's apple pie.
Right.
One at a time, folks!
One at a time!
Let's keep the
casualties to a minimum.
This isn't Black Friday!
Oh, Hannah!
Hey, Sarah!
This is insane.
People are really into this!
No kidding!
Between you and me,
I kinda think my
guy might be Daniel.
He is a hot commodity
around here.
Who are you hoping for?
I want it to be Sam.
Sam?
He's not doing it.
But he was at the ice rink.
He was selling hot chocolate,
but he never actually signed up.
Sorry.
Oh.
But, you know,
that shouldn't stop you
from getting to know him.
I mean,
just 'cause he's not your pen pal
doesn't mean you can't,
like, ask him out.
Really?
Yeah.
You wouldn't mind?
What? No!
No, we're like, ancient history.
Cool!
Thanks Hannah.
Sure! I'll talk to you later.
'Kay.
Hey, Jeff, how's it going?
Daniel!
Hannah!
What a nice surprise!
What are you doing here?
I was just out shopping,
I saw you come in,
I thought I'd come say hi.
I'm glad you did.
Please, take a seat.
Oh.
I'll take your coat for you.
Oh, thank you.
How's your wrist?
Uh, much better, thanks.
Yeah. It's so funny you're here,
I was just thinkin' about you.
Really?
Yeah, this whole Christmas Cupid
thing just has my head spinning.
Yeah, you're not the only one.
And, I was thinking about how...
Uhh, hold that thought.
The pager.
Oh, okay.
Ahh, shoot.
I... I'm sorry, I gotta go.
Work calls.
We'll finish this conversation
soon, okay?
Sure.
It was nice to see you.
You too.
As short as it was.
Oh my gosh!
So, Sam shoots the 8 ball,
it bounces off of
the pool table,
and smacks me
right in the mouth.
I lose two teeth!
No!
It was hilarious.
One time when I was in
college, we were playing pool,
and Sam actually broke
the TV with a cue.
No, no, not the pool cue.
It was actually the cue
ball, right off the break,
just Bam!
Wow, remind me to never
play pool with him.
You want another drink?
You gonna leave me
with these two clowns?
Yeah, good point.
Come with me.
Okay.
Can we get another
round, please?
This is fun.
Yeah.
I'm...
I'm really glad you're here.
Me too.
Hey Sam!
What?
Would you look at that?
Kiss her!
What?
What are we, in seventh grade?
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Kiss her! Kiss her!
It's just a kiss, right?
Yeah, right.
Right. Okay.
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Thank you.
The cookies sold well yesterday.
I saw that.
I'll have to tell Hannah.
She helped me out
with the icing.
Hannah?
When?
A few nights ago, she popped in.
Ooh la la!
No.
It's not like that.
We're just old friends.
Hmm, come on.
You can tell me.
I can keep a secret.
There's nothing to tell.
Besides,
she's this big city tech whiz now.
Sam, you own a business.
That's... that's a big deal.
On top of that,
you can cook and bake?
Any woman would be
lucky to date you.
Okay.
Now I know you've lost it.
Well, hey Sarah,
what can I get you?
I'm not here for
coffee, actually.
Oh really?
Uh, can I help you
with something?
Well.
I was talking to Hannah.
I had mentioned to her
that I was interested
in getting to know you better,
and, she encouraged me
to ask you out sometime.
Hannah told you to ask me out?
I was thinking maybe we
could grab a drink tonight
at Winston's?
Oh, it's...
it's okay if you... don't.
Oh, no, no, no!
The cafe doesn't
close 'til 9:30.
And then I have to count
the, uh...
Oh, I, um...
I'm... I'm closing tonight.
Remember, Sam?
Huh?
He would love to go out tonight.
Really?
What time can I pick you up?
Hey guys!
Hi! Hi! Hi!
Hi!
How do you spell "triceratops?"
Um... Ulgh...
You know what?
Just sound it out and
see where you land.
Hmm.
I'm gonna get the dictionary.
This needs to be perfect.
He seems to be
enjoying his pen pal.
What are you doing here?
Do you think it's cheating if
you're forming a relationship
with someone you've never met,
but then you accidentally
kiss someone else?
What?
Who did you kiss?
Kinda...
Sorta...
Sam?
Oh! What?!
How did this happen?
Sit down!
Tell me!
I went to the bar to
spend time with Daniel,
but then he had to
go, so then I wound up
with Sam and his friends,
and there was this whole,
like, mistletoe situation
and it all happened so fast.
It didn't mean anything.
Are you sure?
Yes! I'm sure, yeah.
Plus, I'm really trying
to give my Christmas
pen pal a shot here.
I am just worried that Sam might
think that it meant something.
I do owe him one of
mom's apple pies,
so I'll make a pie,
I'll bring it over,
we'll have a talk.
Do you want the recipe?
Yeah.
Oh, yeah! Do you have it?
Yeah. It's in the cupboard.
In mom's old recipe book.
Hey, Julie, is Sam here?
Sorry,
he left early to go out tonight.
Go out?
Uh...
Where? With who... with who?
With Sarah.
They're going to Winston's!
Sarah?
Wow, she didn't waste any time.
Are you okay?
Yeah. I'm fine.
I'm good.
Yeah.
I brought this for Sam,
but I can bring it
back another time.
It's fine.
Not necessary.
I can just give it to him.
Oh... 'Kay.
Ooh!
Thank you.
That... works too.
Hannah!
Hi, Greg!
I was gonna get a cup of coffee.
You want to join me?
Yes. Yes.
I would... I would love to.
But I, you know, actually,
I'm just thinking,
it's kind of late for coffee.
You want to go to
Winston's and grab a drink?
Absolutely.
Great.
To Winston's.
Okay.
Hi.
Welcome to Winston's.
How many?
Just two.
The wait will be over an hour.
Hannah! Greg!
Hey!
Look who it is.
What are the odds?
What are you two
doing here together?
Well,
we were hoping to have a drink,
but the wait is over an hour!
Do you guys wanna join us?
We could pull up
two extra seats.
Oh, no.
I'm sure they'd rather
have their own table.
That would be great, thanks.
So then,
I get an offer on the apartment.
It's insanely over asking
price, and you'll never guess
who the buyer was.
Jimmy Fallon.
No way!
I love him.
Oh, he's great. He's great.
Really shy,
if you can believe it.
Say, Sam!
What've you been up
to all these years?
Well, I stayed here to
work after high school,
as Eddie's apprentice
at the cafe.
I started managing
the place at 26,
and eventually, I bought it.
Isn't that amazing?
Thank you.
I was laying down roots.
Let's get another bottle.
I'll be right back.
Could we just get one
more, please?
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Are you okay?
I'm just getting some fresh air.
Why are you here with Greg?
Why are you here with Sarah?
I don't know, you tell me.
I thought you were
dating someone else.
Like I said, it's complicated.
Why does it matter to you?
It doesn't.
Really?
Seems like it does.
I just...
I can't keep bumping into my past.
It needs to stop.
I gotta focus on my future.
With Greg and the
big shot Williams?
With my pen pal, okay?
Whether it's Greg or not.
I just,
I need to give it a shot.
With your pen pal.
Yes.
Okay.
So what are you saying, exactly?
I'm saying I...
I can't be around you, all right?
And why is that?
You know why.
No.
I really don't. Tell me.
You don't know why.
No. I don't know why, Hannah.
So why don't you tell me?
I'm here, right now,
in front of you.
You just, you walked out
of my dorm room that night,
and you never came back.
You made it very clear that
you didn't want me around.
I didn't know what I wanted.
My mom was dying.
I... I needed you.
I'm not a mind reader.
You said you wanted to be
alone and I respected that.
What was I supposed to do?
It doesn't even matter anymore.
You should probably
just get back inside.
You think it's easy
for me to see you?
That it's only hard for you?
You're up late.
I went to a movie with a
lady from Susan's book club,
Cheryl.
Wow, a date!
How'd that go?
It felt a bit
forced, truthfully.
Well, maybe if you keep
trying it'll feel right?
Eh, I don't think
that's how it works.
Is everything alright?
No.
Maybe.
I don't know.
What's on your mind, kiddo?
Okay.
When I signed up for this
Christmas Cupid thing,
I wasn't just doing
it for research.
I was doing it because I
wanted you to find someone.
I was worried that you
seemed lonely and isolated,
and that you'd never get over
your heartbreak over mom.
And now I'm realizing that
this whole time I've really,
pretty much just been
describing myself.
This about your pen pal?
He seems... perfect.
He's kind and thoughtful,
and there's something about
the way that he writes.
I feel like, I... I don't know,
I feel like he understands me.
I think he could
maybe be the one.
So, what's the problem?
Well, I mean, besides the fact
that I still have
no idea who he is.
I'm still thinking
about someone else,
and I can't shake it.
Sam?
Is it that obvious?
It is to your old dad.
Love isn't rational,
my dear, it's magical.
You'll figure it out.
How'd you know mom was the one?
Well, I think I knew for sure
when we were out for dinner,
and I was so nervous...
I started to stutter.
She reached across the
table, put her hand on mine.
It was like a jolt of
electricity, a spark.
Suddenly, my stutter went away.
And I knew right then and there
that everything would be okay,
as long, uh...
As long as I had her by my side.
Do you ever think that...
you could have that
spark with someone else?
No one will ever replace your
mother, Hannah.
But if this Christmas
Cupid experience
has taught me anything,
it's that it's...
it's okay to move forward.
To feel something
for someone again.
Nothing would make your mother...
happier.
It's so hard to
let go of the past.
Well, maybe... maybe it's not
about letting go entirely,
but maybe not holding
on quite so tight.
I'm really sorry I've avoided
coming home as much as I have.
Sometimes the memories
were just too much.
I really miss being home.
You're here now,
that's what counts.
Okay.
Here.
Gimme some of that.
All right.
Good.
I second that.
I can't believe Sam said that.
I said some pretty harsh
things, too.
Well, if it makes
you feel any better,
I had a doctor's
appointment this morning,
and guess what?
What?
Doctor Daniel told me that he
hopes that you are his pen pal.
Really?
A doctor for a brother-in-law?
I could get on board with that.
Look, it's a flyer from Martha!
Here. Come here bud.
What does it say?
"Dear Christmas
Cupid participants.
"This is a reminder to
write your final letters
"to your pen pals before
you find out who they are.
"Include how you plan
to reveal yourselves.
"Looking forward to a night of
serendipity on Christmas Eve!
"Martha Matchmaker."
Okay! Thanks!
Susan!
Happy almost Christmas Eve.
Ted. Thank you.
You too!
What are your plans
for the big day?
Ah, since Paul passed away
and the kids aren't here,
I'm just in a house by myself.
Why don't you come have
Christmas dinner with us?
I don't want to impose
on your family, I...
No, no.
No imposition.
I promise.
You know what?
That would be great.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Oh!
How was the date with Cheryl?
Oh, goodness,
that woman is a chatterbox.
I hardly said a word.
I should have warned
you about that.
Bye.
Bye!
You're late.
By one minute.
You're still late.
Since when do you care?
Since now.
You're grumpy.
Why are you grumpy?
I'm not grumpy.
Okay... Fine.
Hannah came by and
dropped this off for you.
I don't want it. Throw it out.
What? Throw it out?
Yeah. Now. Gone.
Capiche?
Okay. Look,
I might have only just turned 20,
but I know what's going on here.
You're in love with her.
I beg your pardon?
Hannah? You love her.
Stop trying to deny it.
I can see it.
Sam.
You have to tell her.
Dear Hutch, I can't believe
it's almost Christmas
Eve already.
Strangely enough,
I wish it was further away
so we could keep
writing one another.
Your letters have meant more to
me than I ever thought possible.
You've helped me realize
that it's time I moved on
from the past,
and really let myself see a future.
I haven't told you yet why
I chose the name Stardust.
When I was growing up,
every single year on Christmas Eve,
my mom would read the
book "The Christmas Star"
to me and my sister.
Yeah.
The same book that the earrings
you found for me
were designed after.
Pretty serendipitous, huh?
It's this beautiful
old book from the '40s,
and sadly,
ever since she passed away,
we haven't been able to
find our copy anywhere.
Anyway, my mom would always
tell me that every time
I look into the sky
and see a shining star,
it is a reminder
that she is with me.
I can't wait to
finally meet you.
I'll be wearing the
Christmas Star earrings,
eagerly searching
the room for you.
And, if I forget to
say it at the festival,
thank you for everything.
Your pen pal.
It's Hannah.
Dear Stardust,
the first time I wrote you
I told you I was
not good with words.
The idea of writing to someone
in the hopes of finding love
sounded ridiculous,
but I'm so happy I did.
I feel deeply connected to
you and this whole process
has made me realize how
closed off I was to the world.
Thank you for opening my eyes.
No matter what happens
after tomorrow night,
know that you mean
so much to me,
and that I care for you deeply.
I'll be the one holding a book.
With love, Hutch.
I can't believe
how nervous I am.
What if it's Principal Cullen?
Ew!
Stop!
Martha wouldn't do that to you.
I wonder why his name is Hutch.
You can find out tonight!
Oh, I'm just so glad that I
don't have to see Sam tonight.
The last time we saw
each other was so bad.
Why are you thinking about Sam
the night that you might
meet your soulmate?
I know, you're right,
you're right, you're right.
Oh, hey, speaking of soulmates?
I told Naomi that I
think Christmas Cupid is,
it just might be the fix
that we've been looking for.
Really? How?
By matching people
with a pen pal.
She loved the idea.
We're gonna call it
"Perfect Pen Pals."
I love it! It's great!
Woah!
You look great, Aunt Hannah.
Your pen pal is one lucky guy.
You are absolutely beautiful.
Your mom's dress
looks perfect on you.
Thank you, dad.
You look so handsome.
Are you ready to
go find your spark?
I'm ready.
Very Merry Christmas
Let's take a picture!
We'll have this year.
A very merry Christmas,
without old tears
Every night, every day
Is a happy holiday
A very merry
Christmas to you
Whoa
Sam in a suit?
What are you doing here?
Did you sign up?
Shhh.
I can't believe you signed
up and you never told me.
It's Hannah.
What?
My pen pal is Hannah.
Are you serious?
This is crazy.
It's like fate.
I know.
Um, how do I look?
Hmm...
Okay, yeah. Perfect.
Really?
Definitely, she's gonna love it.
Surprise.
Oh my gosh, Spencer?
It's been you this whole time?
I... I can't believe it.
Are you disappointed?
No. No, of course not.
Let's dance.
Okay.
Good luck, Sam!
Every night, every day
Is a happy holiday
A very merry Christmas to you.
Oh, I really hope
Hannah is my pen pal.
I had a huge crush on
her in high school.
I think now could
finally be my chance.
Well, I wouldn't get
your hopes up too high,
because Daniel and Hannah
are basically spoken for.
They are both convinced they
are each other's pen pals.
Really? The doctor?
Hannah thinks they
could even be soulmates.
She's totally smitten.
I feel bad for Sam, though.
I think he's still
hung up on her,
after all these years.
Wow.
He needs to get over it already.
Move on.
She's a tech mogul
for crying out loud.
Hey, Sam.
What are you doing here?
I just came here
to give you this.
What's this?
It's Hannah's.
Uh, Martha told me that
you two are pen pals
and she left it at
the post office.
Could you give that back to her?
No way. She's my pen pal?
That is amazing!
I was hoping it was her.
I... I'll definitely
give this to her.
Thank you.
Hey, uh, Sam.
I think she's the one.
I really do.
Isn't that crazy?
Yeah, well,
she's one of the most amazing people
I've ever known, so...
be good to her.
Of course.
Very merry Christmas
Joyful...
Very merry Christmas
Sam!
What are you...
what are you doing here?
Martha, uh,
wanted my help with something,
but I'm... just leaving.
Have a great night.
Is that... is that...
is that it?
What do you want me to say?
I don't... I don't know.
Look, I thought about what
you said the other night.
And I think you're right.
I think it's time to
move on from the past.
You look beautiful.
Thank you.
Yeah.
... A very merry
Christmas to you.
Bing.
Susan, you're Comet?
I was hoping it was you.
To be honest,
I was wishing for you too.
May I?
Oh.
Susan, would you like to dance?
Yes, I'd love to.
Lizzie?
Max!
Are you Dial?
You're Skywalker?
Mm-hmm!
Come on!
Looking for someone?
Daniel.
I believe this is for you.
Wow... I'm...
I, I just...
I... I can't believe
it's really you!
Do you want to go
somewhere where it's quiet?
Yes. Yes!
Um, can you give me a minute?
Yeah,
I'll just go grab our coats.
Okay.
Sarah?
What are you doing sitting
here all by yourself?
My pen pal isn't here.
I think he stood me up.
What?
I'm sure he'll come.
Just give it time.
Well, I'm only gonna stay a
little longer before I leave.
Ah, one sec... one sec.
Oh. So you were right, huh?
Yeah, I guess I was.
He's waiting for you. Go.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I'll be fine.
Okay.
Do you want my coat?
No, I'm actually fine.
Thank you.
It's funny.
We had so much to say in
our letters and now it's...
hard to find the words.
I know.
It's weird.
You know, I think I know
what might break the ice.
Wait.
I'm sorry, I, I...
I don't think I can do this.
Are you not happy it's me?
No, I am, I... I wanted it
to be you more than anything.
I just...
I don't know, I thought I would...
I thought I would feel something
more when I saw you tonight.
I know what you mean, I mean, I...
I expected to feel...
Like a, like a... spark.
Yeah.
Exactly.
I just, I don't think
that we should force this.
Our letters.
We were so connected.
I know.
The way you opened up about
how your brother's deafness
affected your family.
Brother? What?
I don't, I don't...
I don't have a brother.
What?
Wait, are you Hutch?
Hutch?
No.
No. You're not my pen pal!
I'm not?
No!
No, there must have been
some kind of a mix-up.
I stood up my pen pal!
You need to get back in
there, it's Sarah!
She's waiting for you,
and she's about to leave.
Go!
Sarah?
Yes!
Look, are you sure?
I can't just leave you.
I'm fine, I'm fine.
Go, go, go.
Wait, wait, wait!
What about the book?
Who?
To Hannah,
I just left you in your dorm,
and your first day of
college is tomorrow.
I'm so lucky to call
you my girlfriend,
and more importantly,
my best friend.
I love you, and I'm so proud of
you for going after your dreams.
I know you're gonna
do amazing things.
I believe in you, Sam.
"Beleive".
"I before e." It's Sam.
It's been Sam all along!
Okay.
Dad?
It's so late!
You're not gonna ground
me, are you?
It's Susan, can you believe it?
She's so great, dad.
I've always thought so.
It's funny how you can
spend years knowing someone
without really seeing them.
I know what you mean.
Uh, by the way,
I told Susan she'd be welcome here
for Christmas dinner?
Yeah, absolutely.
Thank you.
Tell me about your night.
I saw you leaving with Daniel,
and the next thing I know,
he's dancing with
Sarah Anderson.
I am so confused.
I think I finally
know what I want.
Oh, is that all I get?
Yes. For now.
More later.
But, I gotta go
before it's too late.
I love you, dad.
His cafe lights are on.
Dear Hutch,
my name is Hannah Morris.
Many years ago,
I made the worst mistake of my life,
when I decided to
break things off
with the most amazing
person I have ever known.
It has taken me a long time to
realize that the key to finding
Christmas magic is spending it
with the person you love most.
Which has always been him.
Thanks for everything, Hutch.
But now, I must say goodbye,
and do everything I can
to make things right
with the man of my dreams.
Even if he does
occasionally forget
that it's "i before
e, except after c.
Sincerely, Hannah.
Hi.
Hannah,
I'm so sorry that I stood you up.
I'm...
sorry I lied about signing up.
When I realized it was
you I was writing to,
it was almost Christmas Eve.
So you gave the book to Daniel?
You said you didn't
want me around.
Sam.
You said you wanted to
focus on your future.
You are my future.
I love you, Sam Watson.
I love you too, Hannah Morris.
I always have, I always will.
Even when you don't
know what you want.
Even when you try
to push me away,
I promise you I will
never stop loving you.
That's what I call a spark.
Merry Christmas, Stardust.
Merry Christmas, Hutch.
Good morning, Hannah.
Activate morning routine.
Activated.
It's December 7th,
and today's weather in Seattle
is a cold one.
You'll need to bundle up.
Sports news is next,
after a song to get us
in the Christmas spirit.
The magic of
Christmas is near
A countdown 'til
presents appear
Houses are glowing and
love will be flowing
Marvin, turn off the speakers.
Speakers deactivated.
Marvin, check my mail and texts.
52 new emails.
Three missed calls from Lucy,
two missed calls
from Jason Gallagher.
Marvin, schedule a call
with Jason Gallagher
at 3:00 PM today.
Call scheduled.
Hannah Morris speaking.
Hannah Morris?
The creator of Perfect One,
North America's most
popular dating app?
Hey there, Sis.
You know,
for someone who works in tech,
you're not very easy
to get a hold of.
Yes, I know, I'm sorry.
It's been hectic.
Christmas is our
busiest time of year,
everyone's looking for love,
and I just have to make sure
the database doesn't crash.
So, without you,
love could be lost?
Whew, the pressure.
Speaking of looking for
love, how is Jonathan?
It's Jason.
Meh. Close enough.
He's great.
We have date number
10 this weekend.
Wow, 10?
You must really like this one.
Yeah, I do, I do.
He's...
He's smart, he's
successful, he's organized.
Always on time.
He's got all the
things on my list.
He sounds like the
male version of you.
What does he do again?
Stock market?
Financial analyst?
He works at a
private equity firm.
Right. Sounds thrilling.
You know, I can actually
hear your eyes rolling?
So listen, I'm only going to
ask you this one more time.
Are you absolutely sure you
can't come home for Christmas?
Dad would really
love to see you.
It's been years since you
spent the holidays in Jackson.
Hang on,
I was there two years ago.
For, like, 12 hours!
We miss you.
She really means it, I swear.
You know I would love to see
you guys so much, I just...
I have to stay
close to the office
in case something goes wrong.
But, a...
as soon as things slow down,
I'll come out and see you, okay?
Okay.
It's just sometimes,
it feels like...
you intentionally
avoid coming home.
What!?
What's wrong, are you okay?
I'm sorry, I gotta go, this is a...
a work emergency.
We dropped again?
For the third month in a row?
This is our most
popular time of year!
Could...
could the new report be wrong?
I'm afraid not.
I was hoping we would
have an upswing,
with it being Christmas and
all, but...
We are officially in trouble.
No one is falling in
love on Perfect One.
And word is spreading.
Fast.
That can't be right.
I designed the algorithm
to match people
with their perfect companion
based on an extensive
personality test,
birth order, economic
status, everything!
I've been reading our
user feedback all morning,
and people are sick of the
lack of romance involved
in online dating.
I guess people want to fall
in love the old-fashioned way.
How? At a speakeasy?
This is the 21st century,
for crying out loud.
That's what you
need to figure out.
Why just me?
You're the creative brains
behind this whole operation.
I'm business and sales.
And you create.
Okay.
Naomi, we can't let this happen.
We built this
company from nothing.
It's already happening.
And it's only gonna get worse;
we need to start thinking about
a total rebrand to
come out of this alive.
Okay.
Okay, uh, I,
I will re-examine the algorithms,
I'll make 'em
better, more precise.
What if we need to take a
step back from the numbers,
and focus on
understanding the spark.
The spark.
What is that,
like a new software program?
No!
The spark.
You know, when we meet someone,
and it just feels like
everything is magic?
It's the moment we realize
we're starting to fall in love.
That's what people wanna feel.
Especially at Christmas-time.
And Perfect One
doesn't have that.
Have you ever been in love?
Yeah.
It was forever ago.
So... Before smartphones?
Oh, yes.
Exactly.
You have to find a way
to blend the traditional
and sentimental ways
of falling in love...
with modern technology.
Okay.
I will stay late every night.
So, what you need is to
get away from the office
and get inspired again.
I'm sorry, a...
away from the office?
It's almost two weeks
until Christmas.
Take that time to spend
more of it with Jason.
I'll stay here and manage
the PR and the budget cuts.
Go find that spark.
Jason!
It's Hannah, again.
Um, we need to talk?
Can you just, uh,
just call me back?
When you get a chance.
Soon? Please? Thank you.
Okay. Bye.
Incoming email from
Jason Gallagher.
Yes.
Good. Good, good, good, good!
"Dear Hannah,
I got your messages.
"I know you don't like
long, drawn out emails,
"so I will keep this short.
"This just isn't working."
What?
"I'm sorry.
"I can't be in a relationship
that lacks any real connection.
"I might as well
be dating a robot
"with all of the automated
messages I get from you.
"I wish you all the best,
but we just aren't right together.
"Merry Christmas, Jason."
Did I just get dumped via email?
Okay.
Okay,
who else can I spend time with?
Let me see, let me
see, let me see.
Okay, let's see, let's see.
Mike.
Eh, he's a little clingy...
Uh...
Jeremy!
Oh, the weird eyebrow
thing happening.
Um, come on...
Chad.
Yeah, Chad was nice.
He was good.
Okay.
Marvin.
ll Chad.
Calling dad.
No. No, no!
Chad!
Marvin, hang up. Call Chad!
Hello?
Hi dad!
Hannah!
I'm so glad you called.
I feel like I haven't
talked to you in ages.
How's work?
Saving the world,
one set of lovebirds at a time?
Not exactly.
Things are not going super well
at work right now, to be honest.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
But you'll turn it
around, you always do.
Ugh, I'm not so sure this time.
Does Naomi have you
working over the holidays?
Not anymore.
Well now, wait a minute.
Does that mean you can come
home for Christmas after all?
No!
No! That's not...
Great!
It'll be like old times again.
I'll get your room ready.
Uh, wait, hold on.
Dad, I... I...
Can't wait!
Your sister will be thrilled.
Hannah!
Dad!
I told you not to wait up!
Oh!
I was too excited to sleep.
Welcome home.
Where are all the decorations?
Normally you have them
up by November 1st.
Oh, it's just me in the house.
It seemed a bit silly.
Not even a tree?
You love decorating a tree.
It's your favourite tradition.
Well, sometimes,
you have to let go of the past,
and Lucy and Joe
always invite me over
to decorate theirs anyway, huh?
Come on,
get this stuff upstairs.
You must be tired.
There we go.
Oh, some things never change.
A lot of happy memories.
It's late. I'll let you unpack.
Glad to have you home.
Goodnight, dad.
See you in the
morning, Sweetheart.
Okay.
Marvin. Close the blinds.
Marvin.
Please close blinds.
Marvin!
Oh yeah.
Good morning.
Good morning!
How'd you sleep?
Fine.
That, uh, mattress could
use a little upgrade though.
Hey, what's the WiFi
password here again?
Oh, I should've told you.
I got rid of the internet
a few months ago.
Are you serious?
Well, what can I say?
An accountant always looks
where he can save a buck.
Plus, I've got it at work.
Why do you need the
internet all the time?
Um, to check my email?
The news? Social media?
Bank account?
Number of steps I've taken?
Number of hours I've slept?
I could go on.
I'm surprised you know
how to breathe without it.
Okay.
Where's the coffee maker?
Oh, about that.
I went to that new doctor
in town about stomach pains,
and he suggested I quit.
So...
there's no internet or coffee?
Oh, I'm sorry, honey.
I have lots of tea!
No, it's...
it's fine, I'll just...
go to a cafe in town after
breakfast and get some coffee.
Check my email.
Oh, while you're
out, would you mind,
uh, mailing some
Christmas cards for me?
Oh, so you're still writing out
all those cards to everyone?
Some traditions I just
can't seem to let go of.
You know, if you had WiFi,
I could set up your email so
that a virtual Christmas card
goes out to everyone
automatically every year.
It would save you a ton of time.
You know, snail mail really
is a thing of the past, dad.
There's more to life than
increasing its speed.
Come on.
Thanks dad, this looks great.
Well, your mom's old recipe.
So, um, uh, how are things going
with the new guy you're dating?
Uh, well,
he broke up with me actually.
In an email.
Oh, no. I'm sorry.
You deserve better than that.
Oh, it's fine.
We weren't really
working, anyway.
Do you ever think about
meeting someone new?
Putting yourself
out there again?
I wouldn't even
know where to start!
Well,
I could get you a smartphone.
And then,
you could sign up for Perfect One.
I'm sure there are
tons of women out there
that would love to
spend time with you.
You're a total catch!
I'm too old school
for that techie stuff.
Besides, I'm fine as I am.
Are you?
Of course!
I have a good life.
I have two beautiful daughters,
and the most wonderful grandson.
Don't you worry about me.
Can I help you?
Grande mocha frappuccino,
hold the whip.
And the WiFi, please?
Is that order a joke?
Hannah.
Sam.
You're home!
You're here.
I own the place.
Wow, I...
It's, uh, it's very vintage.
Yeah,
I took it over five years ago.
Figured I'd keep
it the same way.
How nostalgic of you.
Well, if it ain't
broke, why fix it?
To improve things.
Keep up with the 21st century.
How are... how are you?
How are... how are your parents?
Oh, they're just a
couple of snowbirds now.
They spend the
winters down south.
Are you gonna go down and
see them over the holiday?
Got a business to run.
I'm sure you can remember I
wasn't exactly Mr. Christmas.
Right. Right.
Speaking of Mr. Christmas,
how is your dad?
I haven't seen him
for a few weeks.
He's good.
He actually seems
a little lonely.
Kinda wish he'd
meet someone new,
it's been so long since...
Yeah.
Look, I'm... I'm sure he'll
find someone when he's ready.
You can't rush these things.
I updated the inventory.
We are all stocked up.
Thanks, Julie.
Did...
did I interrupt something?
No.
-No.
-No.
Uh, Julie, th... this is Hannah.
We...
went to high school together.
She's the reason
I passed physics.
Oh!
So, you knew Sam
back in high school?
I bet all the girls
had a crush on him.
Huh?
Something like that.
Oh.
Um, I, uh, gotta go!
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Hey, didn't you want a...
coffee?
Aunt Hannah!
Max!
Oh, my goodness, you're a giant!
How did you get so big?
How are you?
Good.
I just signed up
for Christmas Cupid!
I've never heard of it,
but that sounds amazing.
I can't believe
you're really here!
How'd you know where to find me?
Dad called me.
Also, everyone knows
Hannah Morris can't go more
than two minutes upon waking
without her caffeine fix.
You, my dear, have a problem.
Oh. By the way,
speaking of which,
thanks for telling me that Sam
now owns the cafe downtown!
It's exactly the kind of
thing I was hoping to avoid.
Yikes.
Awkward small-talk with an ex?
The past.
Was it weird to see him?
No, we broke up when I was
a sophomore in college.
I mean, we were kids.
It was like the Mesozoic era.
You were alive
with the dinosaurs?
Cool!
Yes, I was.
You didn't answer my question.
Okay, fine.
Next topic.
Dad invited us over
for lunch today.
Oh, he's so excited
to have you home.
It... it's making me question
who his favourite really is.
Does he seem kind
of lonely to you?
He hasn't even put
up any decorations.
I know, but what do you expect?
He lives alone and spends all
of his time at the office.
The apple doesn't fall
far from the tree.
What's that mean?
Mom, can we go to
the candy store now?
You promised.
Yes, yes I promised.
Do you want to come with us?
Uh, I just have to drop off
a couple Christmas cards
for dad at the post office
first, but then,
I will meet you back at the
house, okay?
See you there, sis!
Hannah Morris!
What a pleasant surprise!
Mrs. Monroe!
I haven't seen you since I
taught 12th grade English.
And please, call me Martha.
I didn't know you worked here.
You bet, ever since I
retired from the high school.
What can I do for you today?
Uh, yeah, I just need to
get some stamps for these.
Mm-hmm.
You interested in signing up
for the town's Christmas Cupid?
My nephew was just
talking about that.
What is it, exactly?
Well, it's an old Christmas
tradition the town used to do
during the Second World War.
Strangers would write to each
other in the hopes of either
forming a deep
friendship, or better yet,
falling in love.
All you have to do is sign up,
and I connect you
with a secret pen pal.
Match-making's my specialty.
Pen pal, huh?
Yup.
Then all the letters have to be delivered
either to that mailbox over there,
or the red one outside.
And I'll make sure all the
letters get to the right house.
That seems like quite a bit of
hassle when it's so much easier
just to meet someone online.
Well, you'd be surprised
how many people prefer
to write letters.
Half the town signed up.
So, why did the tradition stop?
Well, during the war,
the post office made sure
that letters were
delivered very quickly.
It was the only way loved
ones could keep in touch.
But once the war ended,
using the phone became cheaper,
more efficient, and more modern.
A little too modern
if you ask me.
This could be perfect.
Oh, great!
I'll get you a signup sheet.
Oh, no, no, no.
No, not for me, no. For my dad.
Um, can I run home
and bring him back?
Of course,
but today's the last day to sign up.
Okay. I will be back.
Thanks, Mrs. Monroe.
Uh... Martha!
Thanks for waiting.
Dad!
Yup?
Oh! Hey!
So, you have to sign
up for Christmas Cupid.
It is the perfect way for
you to meet someone new.
Hello to you, too.
Joe. Hi!
Good to see you!
Is that that pen pal thing
everyone keeps talkin' about
at the office?
Yes, exactly!
You are such a great writer.
Aren't pen pals for kids?
No!
Liz, would you just tell
dad that he has to sign up
for the Christmas Cupid thingy?
I signed up, Grandpa!
Maybe we'll be pen pals!
I think it's a great idea.
See?
For you.
What? For me?
Now that I can
get on board with.
Okay. Nice try.
But... no!
I need to spend
every waking moment
trying to save Perfect One.
Naomi needs me to focus on
researching old fashioned ways
of falling in love that are
both timeless and sentimental.
Hmm...
No. For... for other people!
Not for me!
Besides, I don't,
I don't even wanna meet someone new.
I just got dumped.
So...
Technically,
you're not meeting them.
You're just writing to them.
Yeah.
Okay, you know what,
this whole thing was
supposed to be about dad?
So, I'm not quite
sure what's happening.
Why don't you both sign up?
Brilliant!
Really?
Now that seems fair to me.
The only way I will sign
up is if you do, too!
You serious right now?
Do we have a deal?
Hmm?
You know what,
it might actually be good
for research purposes.
So, okay, fine.
That's the only
reason I'm doing it.
Well, looks like Christmas just
got a lot more interesting.
Oh boy, I'll say!
Yeah.
Here you go!
You're back!
Nice to see you, Teddy.
You too, Martha.
Somehow, my daughters have
convinced me to sign up
for this Christmas Cupid affair.
Well, I think that's splendid.
I'll get you a signup sheet.
Oh, and one for my Hannah
here, too.
Delightful!
You're just in time.
The first letters are
gonna arrive tomorrow.
And after you finish signing up,
something sweet
to say thank you.
All right.
Woo!
Now, the first rule is,
every letter has to be handwritten.
No computers, phones,
gizmos or gadgets allowed.
But typing is so much faster.
Speed is not the goal here!
Oh, music to my ears!
And the second rule is,
you have to come
up with a pen name.
A fake name? Why?
The experience will
be so much richer
if you don't know who
you're writing to.
Plus, on Christmas Eve,
there's a Christmas Cupid festival,
where everyone will finally
reveal their true identities
to one another.
It's gonna be so fun.
Try to think of a name that
reminds you of a special
Christmas memory.
Oh! How about Bing?
White Christmas was
a favourite of ours,
wasn't it, Hannah?
Yeah,
we used to watch it every year.
Great choice.
How about you, Hannah?
Stardust.
Here goes nothin'.
Hey, dad?
Yeah?
Do you remember how your
parents fell in love?
I do, why do you ask?
I'm just trying to
figure out how people
from their generation met.
Well,
it was an ice cream parlour.
Dad worked there,
and she came in every...
every Tuesday for
a root beer float.
Eventually,
he mustered up enough courage
to ask her to a movie.
That, and an extra scoop of
ice cream sealed the deal.
I'm guessing you don't
know how mom's parents met?
Ah, I wish I did.
But your mom was too
young when they died.
I would have loved
to have met them.
Yeah, me too.
Ooh.
Hey!
Hey!
Look what I just found!
Wow, that did not take long.
One for Bing.
And one for Stardust.
What is hangin' off
of these letters?
It looks like an
invitation to something.
Ohhh yes!
"Welcome to the First
Annual Christmas Cupid.
"Since 1945.
"All participants are
invited to a free skate
"at the local arena
tonight at 6:00 P.M.
"Come for a chance
to brush shoulders
"with your new pen pal."
Well, I haven't skated
since, uh, sixth grade?
So, yeah. Count me out.
Hey, nice try!
We're in this
together, remember?
Well, in her defence,
she's possibly the worst
skater in the country.
Yeah, that's...
That's my point exactly.
A deal's a deal, kiddo.
Come on,
read your letters already.
Okay. All right.
"Dear Stardust: I must confess
"that I almost
didn't write this.
"I've never been
good with words,
"and don't really know why I
signed up in the first place.
"Martha somehow convinced me.
"She said that Christmas
is a magical time of year,
"and anything is possible
if we truly believe.
"I think that I could use a
little bit of Christmas magic
"these days.
"Look forward to hearing from you.
Hutch."
So?
He spelled "believe" wrong.
What kind of a
person doesn't know
that it's "i before
e, except after c?"
This was such a bad idea.
Give him a break, Judge Judy.
No one is perfect.
What about you, dad?
How was your letter?
Ah, she sounds very interesting.
She has recently
taken up painting.
Hmm.
I mean honestly,
did Martha set me up with a second grader?
Oh, give it a chance, Hannah.
You never know what surprises
will come out of this.
Spellcheck was
invented for a reason.
Ooh. Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo.
I don't wanna go go go
under the mistletoe
Unless you're here with me
Don't wanna hear ho-ho-ho
from the jolly 'ol soul
all alone on Christmas Eve.
Christmas cheer
won't cheer me up...
Ahh! Oh!
Oh, honey!
Are you okay, Aunt Hannah?
Yep, good, just figuring it out.
It's gonna be great.
It's gonna be great.
Welcome, welcome!
I'm so glad you came.
Thanks, Martha.
Hannah! Are you okay?
Aaah! Fine!
Fine. Good.
Oh, look! It's the Mayor.
Have fun!
Well,
if it isn't the Morris gang!
What a pleasant surprise!
Susan, great to see ya.
Hey, Susan.
Hannah,
I haven't seen you for years.
You are looking more and
more like your mother!
Ah, she was a little
bit better on skates.
Isn't this great?
I swear, the whole town is here.
Martha, she sure knows how
to bring people together.
Does she ever!
This is really something.
How are the kids?
Oh, they're great.
Nicole is in Mexico with
her family for the holidays,
and Simon is still finishing
up his degree in France.
Fantastic.
You must be proud!
I should really introduce you
to the ladies from my book club.
They are gonna be so excited
that you signed up
for Christmas Cupid.
What'd I tell ya?
They're just over there,
on the other side of the rink.
Okay. I'll meet you over there.
I'm just waiting for
Hannah, here.
No, no, no.
I'm fine, I'm fine! You go!
I'll... I'll catch up.
Are you sure, Honey?
Yes! Go, go. Get outta here.
Get outta here.
Okay.
Okay... I'll just... go...
I can do this.
Yeah. I got this, I got, oh...
Oh! Ouch!
Ahhhhhh!
Oh!
Hannah Morris on skates.
I never thought I'd see the day.
Sam.
What are you doing here?
Don't tell me you signed
up for Christmas Cupid.
I'm just serving hot chocolate
as a favour for Martha.
Okay.
Did... you sign up?
Uh, I...
I'm doing it for research.
Plus, also, my dad refused
to do it unless I did, so...
Hmm.
Yeah.
I can't imagine having to write
a new letter every other day
for the next two weeks.
Sounds...
Stressful.
What are you talking about?
You used to be a
great letter writer.
Back in the day.
I think I still have a few of
those, somewhere.
Well, I knew extortion was
somewhere in my future.
So, who do you think he is?
Oh, I don't know.
Honestly,
I wish I hadn't signed up.
I just want the next two
weeks, and Christmas,
and anything to do
with it over with.
That does not sound
like the same girl
that once dragged me carolling
while wearing a lit-up
Christmas sweater.
Well...
You know, some things change.
I'm gonna go check
on my dad and Max.
Uh, see you later!
Try to have fun.
Okay!
Oh, sh-
Woah, Hannah!
-You okay?
-You okay?
That was a hard fall.
Here, let me help you up.
Thank you.
Ouch.
That's a good one.
Yeah.
Is she okay, Dan?
You two know each other?
Yeah.
I'm a regular at the cafe.
Hey, hey, Sam,
would you mind finding us a bandage?
Thank you...
I'm Daniel Harrison, by the way.
Local MD.
And you are?
I'm, uh, Hannah Morris.
Local... figure skating champ.
I will be signing
autographs later.
In case you're interested!
Well, Hannah Morris,
you might wanna think about
taking some skating lessons.
Doctor's orders.
Oh!
You must be the new
doctor that told my dad
to stop drinking coffee.
What, Ted?
Yeah!
Guilty as charged.
I... I just moved here a few
months back from Chicago.
Took over Doctor
Tucker's practice.
Chicago?
It's kind of a small
town for a big city guy.
Well, my sister and her husband live
here, so it makes sense.
Get to see my niece anytime I
want, now.
It's nice to be close to family.
But with how much I work,
I don't really get a chance to
meet anyone outside the office.
Which is why I signed
up for Christmas Cupid.
You signed up for this?
Yeah! Why do you think I'm here?
Uh, I don't know, for like...
ice skating Emergencies?
Technically,
I'm supposed to be off duty.
Sorry about that.
Here you go.
Oh, thanks Sam.
Perfect.
Actually,
I'm pretty excited about it.
It's such a unique way
to meet someone new.
Secretly, I can't wait
'til she writes me back.
I dropped my first
letter off last night.
Really? I just got my
first letter this morning.
Huh.
I should get back to the stand.
What?
Uh...
Oh yeah, okay.
Great.
Thank you!
Looks like you're gonna be okay.
Okay.
Thank you.
Hannah!
Sarah?
Sarah! Hi!
It's been so long!
Are you okay?
I saw you fall from
across the rink!
Yeah, well,
thanks to Doctor Harrison over here,
I think I'm gonna live.
Daniel is a lifesaver.
Oh, uh, uh, Sarah and I went
to high school together.
I haven't seen you since...
When?
My 21st birthday bash.
I think I should let
you two catch up.
It was really nice to meet
you, Hannah.
You too.
Put ice on that tonight, okay?
Okay!
Got it.
Isn't he great?
I have never been so grateful
to be so bad at skating
in my entire life.
How are you? How are you?
What's been going on?
Good! Good.
I moved back here
a few years ago,
got a job teaching fourth grade.
Oh!
Yeah, Max is in my class!
What?
Yeah, but, okay, how about you?
Sounds like you've
been busy hanging out
with Mark Zuckerberg?
Oh!
And doing TED talks?
Your life sounds amazing.
Oh.
I actually went on a few dates
with a guy that I
met on Perfect One.
Really?
Yeah, it's just, you know,
it didn't really work out.
Like, it...
We didn't really have that...
Spark?
Exactly.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
Yeah.
I'm excited about this, though.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I've skated around
the rink five times already.
Trying to see who
my pen pal could be!
Do you really think it's
possible to fall in love
through a letter with
a total stranger?
Why not?
It's like Martha said: "anything
can happen at Christmas."
Even falling in love.
Oh. Okay.
Dear Hutch,
thank you for your letter.
Like you, I thought about
not going through with this.
Sometimes the Christmas
season can be hard for me.
It used to be my
favourite time of year,
especially decorating
the tree with my family.
But now, things are different.
Really different.
We don't even have
a tree this year.
However, I'm beginning to wonder
if perhaps Martha is right.
Maybe there is still
some Christmas magic
left to be found.
I just don't know where to look.
Any suggestions?
Look forward to your reply.
Stardust.
Finally!
Hey, Naomi.
Yeah, sorry, I've been trying
to stay on top of my emails,
but my dad just
gave up his WiFi.
So, how is everything?
Our numbers are still
continuing to dip.
Uh, we lost 3,000 users
just this week alone.
Our... our investors are
threatening to pull out.
You've gotta be kidding me!
How long do we have?
If we don't have a
solution by the new year,
it's bad, Hannah.
Have any brilliant ideas
landed in your lap?
Not unless you consider a letter
from a stranger "brilliant."
Come again?
I signed up for my
hometown's Christmas Cupid,
which is this old
tradition from the '40s
where people are matched
with anonymous pen pals
in the hopes of finding
friendship or falling in love.
It's all pretty ridiculous,
but I thought it might
be good for research.
Sounds fascinating.
I... I'm intrigued.
Uh, is it working?
Well, I don't really even
know anything about the guy.
But I am holding his second
letter in my hand as we speak.
Well, open it!
Read what it says.
I don't know.
Oh, come on.
Okay, all right.
Okay. All right.
Okay.
Here goes.
"Dear Stardust"
That's my pen name.
"I understand what
you're feeling.
"Sometimes we romanticize
our past so much
"that we can't
enjoy the present.
"So let's try to change that.
"I challenge you to get a
Christmas tree and decorate it
"with your loved ones,
whoever they are.
"It might feel different
than it did before,
"but maybe somewhere
in that old tradition,
"Christmas magic still lives."
Wow, he sounds so sweet!
So, when you gonna go?
Go where?
To get a tree?
Oh, no, I don't know.
It's a...
it's a nice thought, but I'm...
But what?
This Christmas pen pal
cupid whatever thing may be
just the inspiration
you've been needing.
You gotta go with it.
Okay.
Okay.
But I have to wait 'til my
dad gets home from work.
Unless...
Unless I surprise him with one.
Now you're thinking.
Hannah Morris?
Greg.
Greg Williams, hey!
Wow!
If it isn't the high
school valedictorian
before my very eyes.
How are you?
I didn't know you
still lived here.
I am actually just in
town for the holidays.
I live in New York now.
Oh, really?
Yeah. I work at Frank
and Oak Real Estate.
You're looking at
one of the top ten
real estate agents in the city!
That's very impressive.
Thank you.
Ah, I thought I saw you
at the skating rink.
Wait.
You signed up for
Christmas Cupid too?
Yeah. Mrs. Monroe...
Martha.
Martha, right.
Martha.
She basically forced me
to when I ran into her.
Yeah, sounds about right.
Uh, listen, I mean, I gotta run.
Do you...
do you want to grab a cup of coffee
while we're both in
town and catch up?
Sure.
Great.
Uh, call me.
Oh, okay!
All right.
-See ya.
-See ya.
Huh.
Okay. Tree, tree.
Yeah. This is the one.
Uh...
Oh! Hi!
Hi. Excuse me?
Can... can I get this tree?
Sure.
You just use one of the
carts over there and bring it
to your vehicle.
Wait, you don't...
You don't deliver?
Good one.
Thanks, Julie.
Say, Sam, when are you gonna get
some new options in this place?
I'd pay good money for
a pumpkin spice latte.
Yeah, that must take
a lot of courage,
to say that out loud.
Trust me, Mike,
I've been telling him that for months.
What's the saying?
"Stubborn as a mule" or
"dumb as a doorknob?"
I think they both work.
You still on for hockey tonight?
Starts at 7:00. Don't be late.
I'll be there when I get there.
Oh, hey Spencer, what's up?
Hey Julie.
I'm good, how are you?
I'm-
Uh, I... I mean, uh, not much.
Not much. Not much is up.
I'm good.
Are... are you good?
I... I'm... I'm good.
Good. Good.
Good, good, good, good.
Did you want anything, or?...
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, yeah. Sure.
I'll... I'll take that.
The pink butterfly cupcake?
Yup.
Uh, it's for my sister.
Oh. You have a sister?
How much would that be?
Um... $3.00.
Okay.
Well, hey.
Keep the change.
Thanks.
Mm-hmm.
Okay.
Good.
Okay.
Bye.
Wow.
He has a serious crush on you.
Who? Spencer?
He's just awkward.
No way.
I know someone who
was just like him.
You?
Almost passed out every time
I tried to talk to
the girl I liked.
I ended up having to
stick a note in her locker
in 11th grade,
just to ask her to a movie.
Did she go out with you?
Quite a few times.
We ended up dating
for almost four years.
Four years?
Woah.
How have you never told me this?
The point is,
don't be so quick to brush him aside.
Who was she?
Forget it, you're not listening.
Someone I know?
Stop.
Was she pretty?
She was-
Hannah!
It was Hannah?
Would you go fill some
mugs or something?
Large coffee, black.
Should I even ask?
I was trying to surprise my
dad with a Christmas tree,
but I don't have a car.
It was the perfect tree.
No, it's on the house.
Oh, thanks.
I... have my truck.
I could take you.
Seriously?
Wait, now?
As opposed to?
Aren't you working?
You know, Julie's here.
Hey Julie?
Uh, yes?
Can you hold down
the fort for a bit?
I'm gonna help Hannah
with something.
As you wish.
Ooh, uh, could you drop off
my Christmas Cupid letter
on your way?
Fine.
Are you sure?
Well, you can't give
up on the perfect tree
just because of a
bump in the road.
Now, let's go before
I change my mind.
You too.
Oh, looks great.
You picked a beauty.
My dad is gonna be so excited.
Thank you so much, Sam.
I could not have done
this without you.
I owe you one.
Uh, how about one of your
mom's famous apple pies?
I think I could find
that recipe somewhere.
Never in a million years did
I think that when I came home,
I'd be buying a Christmas tree,
or writing to a
Christmas pen pal.
How's that going, by the way?
He seems really...
sweet, actually.
It feels like he's
listening to me.
Says the girl who wished
she never signed up?
Yeah, well,
I'm trying to give it a chance.
Well, don't get too excited.
You could be writin'
to Principal Cullen
for all you know.
I saw him at the rink.
What? That's so gross!
Remember how much
nose hair he had?
Yes!
And how it connected
to his moustache?
Yes! Ugh!
Well, it still does, but...
Hey, maybe he's the one.
Love knows no bounds, after all.
It "nose" no bounds.
Okay,
that's just a terrible joke.
You should never say that again.
Can you...
You know, you need to stop!
Right now.
Forget I mentioned it.
Hey!
Is that Sam I see?
What a surprise!
Ted.
Wow, a tree!
It's the perfect tree!
Well, you know, I figured we
hadn't decorated in a long time.
I thought maybe we
could do it tonight.
Unless you threw out
all the decorations.
Threw out?
I don't think so.
Come on, Max,
let's go find them.
Well, I should get going.
Yeah.
Hey, thanks again for
today, Sam.
Glad I could help.
Sam, you should come back
later to decorate with us.
Oh yeah? I... I don't know...
He did help bring it in.
Only seems right
that you should get
to help decorate it, too.
I mean, unless you're too much
of a Scrooge to participate
in something so merry and jolly.
Alright, count me in.
This might be our
best tree ever!
It definitely beats the year
a live squirrel jumped out.
It practically gave
mom a heart attack.
Just like that movie.
We had to chase it
around the house.
Uh, we?
I think you mean Sam.
He chased that thing with an
old pot and saved the day!
Come on.
It's a true story.
We have to give Joe
some credit here.
He screamed every time
that thing ran by,
so at least I knew where it
was, right?
Oh, you're my hero.
Oh, why thank you!
It really is perfect.
Not yet. We're missing the star!
Would you like to do the
honours, Mr. Max?
Really? Cool!
Come on, Joe.
Give me a hand with this
guy, here.
All right, ready?
One, two, up we go!
Good guy!
All right, you got it, man.
Hannah?
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry.
What's wrong?
It's nothing.
It's... it's stupid.
Is this about Max putting
the star on top of the tree?
I know that used to
be your mom's job.
You remember that?
She is hard to forget.
It just doesn't...
It doesn't feel
right without her.
This whole Christmas season
just makes me miss her more
than I can bear.
It's too much.
You know, the way I see it,
continuing old traditions
you used to do with your mom
will only help keep her
alive in your heart.
Just because you added a
twist to the tradition,
it doesn't erase the past.
She would love to see
Max putting the star
on top of that tree.
It would break her heart
to see you avoiding
the Christmas season just
because she isn't here.
I know.
I know, you're right.
I just thought that I
would be over this by now.
It's been so many years.
I'm just tired of feeling sad.
Well, sometimes it doesn't
matter how much time goes by.
We can still miss someone
with our whole heart.
And that's okay.
It just means we
love them fully.
When did you get so smart?
I know what it's
like to miss someone.
Come see the tree,
it's all done!
Come on!
Okay, I promised your mom
we were just looking today,
so don't try to trick me
into buying you anything.
Hey, look, it's Doctor Harrison!
Hey!
Well, if it isn't my
favourite figure skater?
Oh...
How's the wrist?
It's good, it's good.
Thanks for asking.
Good.
Hey, Max,
good to see you again, buddy!
This is Lizzie, my niece.
Hey, Lizzie!
Did you find anything
interesting in here yet?
I'll show you!
Come on!
I miss it sometimes.
Just being a kid,
getting so excited by everything.
And what made a nine-year-old
Doctor Harrison fill
up with excitement?
Dreaming of becoming a doctor.
Really?
You... you knew you wanted to be
a doctor from the age of nine?
I was six, actually.
I guess I just always
knew what I wanted.
I... I think that's an
incredible quality to have.
Did you accomplish everything?
Almost.
There's just one thing left.
Oh yeah, what's that?
To find someone.
The one.
And, if Martha is as good
a cupid as she says she is,
I think it's my pen pal.
I've got a good
feeling about it.
Really?
Even though you have no
idea who you're writing to?
Who knows?
Maybe she's standing
right next to me.
Hannah.
Hey, Martha.
Or, should I say, Stardust?
How can I help ya?
I just came by for some stamps.
How's it going with your
Christmas pen pal so far?
You happy you signed up?
Yeah, he seems great.
I just...
can't really wrap my brain around
the whole concept of falling
in love through letters.
It seems a little far-fetched.
How come?
Anything's possible
at Christmas.
Plus, look at all the couples
that ended up together in 1945.
I found this digging through
the archives at the library.
Oh.
"Margaret James and Thomas Floyd
"married three months
after Christmas Cupid."
"Jill Hartwick
and Hal Bradford."
These are...
these are my mom's parents!
You're kidding?
"The two began writing right
before Hal went off to war,
"and it wasn't until
the following Christmas
"when he was discharged that
they finally met in person.
"They married two weeks later
and quickly became pregnant
"with their only daughter."
That's my mom!
This, this is incredible.
I wouldn't even be here if it
weren't for Christmas Cupid.
I told you.
Writing letters is magical.
So, hold on.
First,
you didn't even want to sign up.
And now you're telling me
that you think he
could be your soulmate?
Do you have any idea
who it could be?
No! I have no idea.
It could be Doctor Daniel.
Or maybe even Greg Williams.
Did I tell you I ran
into him the other day?
Apparently,
he's very successful.
And you know how I
love a good work ethic.
Oh! Mail!
Ooh!
Okay.
Okay.
Here, here!
Ah, ah, ah!
Well, what does it say?
Hang on, hang on, hang on.
"Dear Stardust,
to help you on your quest to finding
"the magic of Christmas again,
I've drawn you a special map.
"If followed correctly,
"you will find a Christmas
treasure at the end.
"Can't wait to read
your next letter.
"Thinking of you often."
He drew you a map?
He drew me a map!
I think we're supposed
to go through the gate.
Okay, if you say so.
'Cause we just
came through here.
Okay.
Excellent.
You go.
You go!
You go!
Okay. Okay.
Okay.
Okay, I think we just
keep going down this-
This guy better not be the
Zodiac Killer or something.
Don't say that,
he's not the Zodiac!
You don't know that!
Oh, Hannah!
Look!
Okay!
Um...
What am I supposed
to be looking for?
There's an arrow!
Oh! Oh, no, no, no!
I'm not putting
my hand in there.
Hang on.
I think I feel something.
Oh god.
Please don't be
someone's big toe inside.
Stop it!
Okay.
Please, please, please.
Okay.
Here.
It's so cute!
"Found these at an antique
store and thought of you.
"I can't explain why.
"Apparently, they are over 60
years old and were inspired
"by a wonderful old book
called The Christmas Star."
"I hope you like them. Hutch."
Did you tell him about the book?
No!
Wow!
God, I think I just felt it!
What?
The spark!
Oh!
Dear Hutch.
What you did for me
today meant so much.
More than you could
possibly understand.
I will forever cherish
those earrings,
and whenever I wear them,
I will remember the feeling
that you gave me today.
Thank you.
You are more than I
could have wished for.
What are you doing up so late?
Ah, making Christmas
Cupid cookies.
Christmas Cupid cookies?
Who blackmailed you?
Well, since everyone in town
was participating in the thing,
I figured it would
be good for business.
Which...
I could use right about now.
Ugh.
I can relate to that.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Your company, it...
Yeah. We've been taking
a turn for the worse.
I may be back to
waitressing, come New Years'.
Oh yeah.
Hey,
I've heard the tips are great.
Have you ever, like,
thought about getting WiFi in here?
Or, you know,
like setting up a rewards point program
to give customers incentives
to keep coming back?
No way!
This place would lose
its soul with that stuff.
You know,
someone once told me that just
'cause you add a new
twist to an old tradition
doesn't mean you're
erasing the past.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Kay, well,
he sounds like a doofus.
A... a doofus? Really?
Yeah, that's a...
That's a thing I say.
It's a good word.
More grown men
should use that word.
Right.
These look amazing.
Yeah, I just need to
finish with the icing now.
Well, put me to work.
Okay. Be my guest.
Great.
They are so delicious.
Thank you.
And thanks for helping.
Mm-hmm.
It's actually an
old family recipe.
I just added
marshmallow for texture.
Oh wait, so like,
you added something new
into an old recipe,
and it made it better?
That's so weird!
Okay. Okay.
Look, I get your point.
Mm-hmm?
I just don't want
to see this cafe
turn into some hipster place
where everyone's wearing
their headphones,
and they're more
focused on their apps
than they are on each
other, you know?
Yeah.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean that.
No, no, no, no, no.
It's totally fine.
I am starting to understand
the importance of really...
really connecting with
people, face to face.
Instead of, just... you know?
Through our devices.
But I do think that
technology can do a lot
to bring people together.
Yeah. That's totally true.
I mean, what would we do
without viral cat videos?
I don't even know.
I don't know either.
So, you have anyone in
your life these days?
Sort of.
I'm... I'm getting to know
someone, but... yeah.
It's nothing serious.
Anyone I know?
Oh, I doubt it.
Look, it's... it's complicated.
Hmm.
Um, anyway,
how's your Christmas pen pal?
He's actually... pretty amazing.
Wait...
are you falling for this guy?
Ugh, I don't know.
Maybe?
I think so, I don't know.
Oh, look.
Remember what I said?
Don't get your
expectations too high.
I'd hate to see
you get let down.
He's already surpassed
my expectations.
He's helping me understand what
I used to love about Christmas.
I haven't enjoyed this
time of year since...
Since my mom died.
Oh. Must be midnight.
Oh. I better go.
Yeah.
Goodnight, Sam.
'Night.
Hannah?
Yeah?
You still owe me
your mom's apple pie.
Right.
One at a time, folks!
One at a time!
Let's keep the
casualties to a minimum.
This isn't Black Friday!
Oh, Hannah!
Hey, Sarah!
This is insane.
People are really into this!
No kidding!
Between you and me,
I kinda think my
guy might be Daniel.
He is a hot commodity
around here.
Who are you hoping for?
I want it to be Sam.
Sam?
He's not doing it.
But he was at the ice rink.
He was selling hot chocolate,
but he never actually signed up.
Sorry.
Oh.
But, you know,
that shouldn't stop you
from getting to know him.
I mean,
just 'cause he's not your pen pal
doesn't mean you can't,
like, ask him out.
Really?
Yeah.
You wouldn't mind?
What? No!
No, we're like, ancient history.
Cool!
Thanks Hannah.
Sure! I'll talk to you later.
'Kay.
Hey, Jeff, how's it going?
Daniel!
Hannah!
What a nice surprise!
What are you doing here?
I was just out shopping,
I saw you come in,
I thought I'd come say hi.
I'm glad you did.
Please, take a seat.
Oh.
I'll take your coat for you.
Oh, thank you.
How's your wrist?
Uh, much better, thanks.
Yeah. It's so funny you're here,
I was just thinkin' about you.
Really?
Yeah, this whole Christmas Cupid
thing just has my head spinning.
Yeah, you're not the only one.
And, I was thinking about how...
Uhh, hold that thought.
The pager.
Oh, okay.
Ahh, shoot.
I... I'm sorry, I gotta go.
Work calls.
We'll finish this conversation
soon, okay?
Sure.
It was nice to see you.
You too.
As short as it was.
Oh my gosh!
So, Sam shoots the 8 ball,
it bounces off of
the pool table,
and smacks me
right in the mouth.
I lose two teeth!
No!
It was hilarious.
One time when I was in
college, we were playing pool,
and Sam actually broke
the TV with a cue.
No, no, not the pool cue.
It was actually the cue
ball, right off the break,
just Bam!
Wow, remind me to never
play pool with him.
You want another drink?
You gonna leave me
with these two clowns?
Yeah, good point.
Come with me.
Okay.
Can we get another
round, please?
This is fun.
Yeah.
I'm...
I'm really glad you're here.
Me too.
Hey Sam!
What?
Would you look at that?
Kiss her!
What?
What are we, in seventh grade?
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Kiss her! Kiss her!
It's just a kiss, right?
Yeah, right.
Right. Okay.
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!
Thank you.
The cookies sold well yesterday.
I saw that.
I'll have to tell Hannah.
She helped me out
with the icing.
Hannah?
When?
A few nights ago, she popped in.
Ooh la la!
No.
It's not like that.
We're just old friends.
Hmm, come on.
You can tell me.
I can keep a secret.
There's nothing to tell.
Besides,
she's this big city tech whiz now.
Sam, you own a business.
That's... that's a big deal.
On top of that,
you can cook and bake?
Any woman would be
lucky to date you.
Okay.
Now I know you've lost it.
Well, hey Sarah,
what can I get you?
I'm not here for
coffee, actually.
Oh really?
Uh, can I help you
with something?
Well.
I was talking to Hannah.
I had mentioned to her
that I was interested
in getting to know you better,
and, she encouraged me
to ask you out sometime.
Hannah told you to ask me out?
I was thinking maybe we
could grab a drink tonight
at Winston's?
Oh, it's...
it's okay if you... don't.
Oh, no, no, no!
The cafe doesn't
close 'til 9:30.
And then I have to count
the, uh...
Oh, I, um...
I'm... I'm closing tonight.
Remember, Sam?
Huh?
He would love to go out tonight.
Really?
What time can I pick you up?
Hey guys!
Hi! Hi! Hi!
Hi!
How do you spell "triceratops?"
Um... Ulgh...
You know what?
Just sound it out and
see where you land.
Hmm.
I'm gonna get the dictionary.
This needs to be perfect.
He seems to be
enjoying his pen pal.
What are you doing here?
Do you think it's cheating if
you're forming a relationship
with someone you've never met,
but then you accidentally
kiss someone else?
What?
Who did you kiss?
Kinda...
Sorta...
Sam?
Oh! What?!
How did this happen?
Sit down!
Tell me!
I went to the bar to
spend time with Daniel,
but then he had to
go, so then I wound up
with Sam and his friends,
and there was this whole,
like, mistletoe situation
and it all happened so fast.
It didn't mean anything.
Are you sure?
Yes! I'm sure, yeah.
Plus, I'm really trying
to give my Christmas
pen pal a shot here.
I am just worried that Sam might
think that it meant something.
I do owe him one of
mom's apple pies,
so I'll make a pie,
I'll bring it over,
we'll have a talk.
Do you want the recipe?
Yeah.
Oh, yeah! Do you have it?
Yeah. It's in the cupboard.
In mom's old recipe book.
Hey, Julie, is Sam here?
Sorry,
he left early to go out tonight.
Go out?
Uh...
Where? With who... with who?
With Sarah.
They're going to Winston's!
Sarah?
Wow, she didn't waste any time.
Are you okay?
Yeah. I'm fine.
I'm good.
Yeah.
I brought this for Sam,
but I can bring it
back another time.
It's fine.
Not necessary.
I can just give it to him.
Oh... 'Kay.
Ooh!
Thank you.
That... works too.
Hannah!
Hi, Greg!
I was gonna get a cup of coffee.
You want to join me?
Yes. Yes.
I would... I would love to.
But I, you know, actually,
I'm just thinking,
it's kind of late for coffee.
You want to go to
Winston's and grab a drink?
Absolutely.
Great.
To Winston's.
Okay.
Hi.
Welcome to Winston's.
How many?
Just two.
The wait will be over an hour.
Hannah! Greg!
Hey!
Look who it is.
What are the odds?
What are you two
doing here together?
Well,
we were hoping to have a drink,
but the wait is over an hour!
Do you guys wanna join us?
We could pull up
two extra seats.
Oh, no.
I'm sure they'd rather
have their own table.
That would be great, thanks.
So then,
I get an offer on the apartment.
It's insanely over asking
price, and you'll never guess
who the buyer was.
Jimmy Fallon.
No way!
I love him.
Oh, he's great. He's great.
Really shy,
if you can believe it.
Say, Sam!
What've you been up
to all these years?
Well, I stayed here to
work after high school,
as Eddie's apprentice
at the cafe.
I started managing
the place at 26,
and eventually, I bought it.
Isn't that amazing?
Thank you.
I was laying down roots.
Let's get another bottle.
I'll be right back.
Could we just get one
more, please?
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Are you okay?
I'm just getting some fresh air.
Why are you here with Greg?
Why are you here with Sarah?
I don't know, you tell me.
I thought you were
dating someone else.
Like I said, it's complicated.
Why does it matter to you?
It doesn't.
Really?
Seems like it does.
I just...
I can't keep bumping into my past.
It needs to stop.
I gotta focus on my future.
With Greg and the
big shot Williams?
With my pen pal, okay?
Whether it's Greg or not.
I just,
I need to give it a shot.
With your pen pal.
Yes.
Okay.
So what are you saying, exactly?
I'm saying I...
I can't be around you, all right?
And why is that?
You know why.
No.
I really don't. Tell me.
You don't know why.
No. I don't know why, Hannah.
So why don't you tell me?
I'm here, right now,
in front of you.
You just, you walked out
of my dorm room that night,
and you never came back.
You made it very clear that
you didn't want me around.
I didn't know what I wanted.
My mom was dying.
I... I needed you.
I'm not a mind reader.
You said you wanted to be
alone and I respected that.
What was I supposed to do?
It doesn't even matter anymore.
You should probably
just get back inside.
You think it's easy
for me to see you?
That it's only hard for you?
You're up late.
I went to a movie with a
lady from Susan's book club,
Cheryl.
Wow, a date!
How'd that go?
It felt a bit
forced, truthfully.
Well, maybe if you keep
trying it'll feel right?
Eh, I don't think
that's how it works.
Is everything alright?
No.
Maybe.
I don't know.
What's on your mind, kiddo?
Okay.
When I signed up for this
Christmas Cupid thing,
I wasn't just doing
it for research.
I was doing it because I
wanted you to find someone.
I was worried that you
seemed lonely and isolated,
and that you'd never get over
your heartbreak over mom.
And now I'm realizing that
this whole time I've really,
pretty much just been
describing myself.
This about your pen pal?
He seems... perfect.
He's kind and thoughtful,
and there's something about
the way that he writes.
I feel like, I... I don't know,
I feel like he understands me.
I think he could
maybe be the one.
So, what's the problem?
Well, I mean, besides the fact
that I still have
no idea who he is.
I'm still thinking
about someone else,
and I can't shake it.
Sam?
Is it that obvious?
It is to your old dad.
Love isn't rational,
my dear, it's magical.
You'll figure it out.
How'd you know mom was the one?
Well, I think I knew for sure
when we were out for dinner,
and I was so nervous...
I started to stutter.
She reached across the
table, put her hand on mine.
It was like a jolt of
electricity, a spark.
Suddenly, my stutter went away.
And I knew right then and there
that everything would be okay,
as long, uh...
As long as I had her by my side.
Do you ever think that...
you could have that
spark with someone else?
No one will ever replace your
mother, Hannah.
But if this Christmas
Cupid experience
has taught me anything,
it's that it's...
it's okay to move forward.
To feel something
for someone again.
Nothing would make your mother...
happier.
It's so hard to
let go of the past.
Well, maybe... maybe it's not
about letting go entirely,
but maybe not holding
on quite so tight.
I'm really sorry I've avoided
coming home as much as I have.
Sometimes the memories
were just too much.
I really miss being home.
You're here now,
that's what counts.
Okay.
Here.
Gimme some of that.
All right.
Good.
I second that.
I can't believe Sam said that.
I said some pretty harsh
things, too.
Well, if it makes
you feel any better,
I had a doctor's
appointment this morning,
and guess what?
What?
Doctor Daniel told me that he
hopes that you are his pen pal.
Really?
A doctor for a brother-in-law?
I could get on board with that.
Look, it's a flyer from Martha!
Here. Come here bud.
What does it say?
"Dear Christmas
Cupid participants.
"This is a reminder to
write your final letters
"to your pen pals before
you find out who they are.
"Include how you plan
to reveal yourselves.
"Looking forward to a night of
serendipity on Christmas Eve!
"Martha Matchmaker."
Okay! Thanks!
Susan!
Happy almost Christmas Eve.
Ted. Thank you.
You too!
What are your plans
for the big day?
Ah, since Paul passed away
and the kids aren't here,
I'm just in a house by myself.
Why don't you come have
Christmas dinner with us?
I don't want to impose
on your family, I...
No, no.
No imposition.
I promise.
You know what?
That would be great.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Oh!
How was the date with Cheryl?
Oh, goodness,
that woman is a chatterbox.
I hardly said a word.
I should have warned
you about that.
Bye.
Bye!
You're late.
By one minute.
You're still late.
Since when do you care?
Since now.
You're grumpy.
Why are you grumpy?
I'm not grumpy.
Okay... Fine.
Hannah came by and
dropped this off for you.
I don't want it. Throw it out.
What? Throw it out?
Yeah. Now. Gone.
Capiche?
Okay. Look,
I might have only just turned 20,
but I know what's going on here.
You're in love with her.
I beg your pardon?
Hannah? You love her.
Stop trying to deny it.
I can see it.
Sam.
You have to tell her.
Dear Hutch, I can't believe
it's almost Christmas
Eve already.
Strangely enough,
I wish it was further away
so we could keep
writing one another.
Your letters have meant more to
me than I ever thought possible.
You've helped me realize
that it's time I moved on
from the past,
and really let myself see a future.
I haven't told you yet why
I chose the name Stardust.
When I was growing up,
every single year on Christmas Eve,
my mom would read the
book "The Christmas Star"
to me and my sister.
Yeah.
The same book that the earrings
you found for me
were designed after.
Pretty serendipitous, huh?
It's this beautiful
old book from the '40s,
and sadly,
ever since she passed away,
we haven't been able to
find our copy anywhere.
Anyway, my mom would always
tell me that every time
I look into the sky
and see a shining star,
it is a reminder
that she is with me.
I can't wait to
finally meet you.
I'll be wearing the
Christmas Star earrings,
eagerly searching
the room for you.
And, if I forget to
say it at the festival,
thank you for everything.
Your pen pal.
It's Hannah.
Dear Stardust,
the first time I wrote you
I told you I was
not good with words.
The idea of writing to someone
in the hopes of finding love
sounded ridiculous,
but I'm so happy I did.
I feel deeply connected to
you and this whole process
has made me realize how
closed off I was to the world.
Thank you for opening my eyes.
No matter what happens
after tomorrow night,
know that you mean
so much to me,
and that I care for you deeply.
I'll be the one holding a book.
With love, Hutch.
I can't believe
how nervous I am.
What if it's Principal Cullen?
Ew!
Stop!
Martha wouldn't do that to you.
I wonder why his name is Hutch.
You can find out tonight!
Oh, I'm just so glad that I
don't have to see Sam tonight.
The last time we saw
each other was so bad.
Why are you thinking about Sam
the night that you might
meet your soulmate?
I know, you're right,
you're right, you're right.
Oh, hey, speaking of soulmates?
I told Naomi that I
think Christmas Cupid is,
it just might be the fix
that we've been looking for.
Really? How?
By matching people
with a pen pal.
She loved the idea.
We're gonna call it
"Perfect Pen Pals."
I love it! It's great!
Woah!
You look great, Aunt Hannah.
Your pen pal is one lucky guy.
You are absolutely beautiful.
Your mom's dress
looks perfect on you.
Thank you, dad.
You look so handsome.
Are you ready to
go find your spark?
I'm ready.
Very Merry Christmas
Let's take a picture!
We'll have this year.
A very merry Christmas,
without old tears
Every night, every day
Is a happy holiday
A very merry
Christmas to you
Whoa
Sam in a suit?
What are you doing here?
Did you sign up?
Shhh.
I can't believe you signed
up and you never told me.
It's Hannah.
What?
My pen pal is Hannah.
Are you serious?
This is crazy.
It's like fate.
I know.
Um, how do I look?
Hmm...
Okay, yeah. Perfect.
Really?
Definitely, she's gonna love it.
Surprise.
Oh my gosh, Spencer?
It's been you this whole time?
I... I can't believe it.
Are you disappointed?
No. No, of course not.
Let's dance.
Okay.
Good luck, Sam!
Every night, every day
Is a happy holiday
A very merry Christmas to you.
Oh, I really hope
Hannah is my pen pal.
I had a huge crush on
her in high school.
I think now could
finally be my chance.
Well, I wouldn't get
your hopes up too high,
because Daniel and Hannah
are basically spoken for.
They are both convinced they
are each other's pen pals.
Really? The doctor?
Hannah thinks they
could even be soulmates.
She's totally smitten.
I feel bad for Sam, though.
I think he's still
hung up on her,
after all these years.
Wow.
He needs to get over it already.
Move on.
She's a tech mogul
for crying out loud.
Hey, Sam.
What are you doing here?
I just came here
to give you this.
What's this?
It's Hannah's.
Uh, Martha told me that
you two are pen pals
and she left it at
the post office.
Could you give that back to her?
No way. She's my pen pal?
That is amazing!
I was hoping it was her.
I... I'll definitely
give this to her.
Thank you.
Hey, uh, Sam.
I think she's the one.
I really do.
Isn't that crazy?
Yeah, well,
she's one of the most amazing people
I've ever known, so...
be good to her.
Of course.
Very merry Christmas
Joyful...
Very merry Christmas
Sam!
What are you...
what are you doing here?
Martha, uh,
wanted my help with something,
but I'm... just leaving.
Have a great night.
Is that... is that...
is that it?
What do you want me to say?
I don't... I don't know.
Look, I thought about what
you said the other night.
And I think you're right.
I think it's time to
move on from the past.
You look beautiful.
Thank you.
Yeah.
... A very merry
Christmas to you.
Bing.
Susan, you're Comet?
I was hoping it was you.
To be honest,
I was wishing for you too.
May I?
Oh.
Susan, would you like to dance?
Yes, I'd love to.
Lizzie?
Max!
Are you Dial?
You're Skywalker?
Mm-hmm!
Come on!
Looking for someone?
Daniel.
I believe this is for you.
Wow... I'm...
I, I just...
I... I can't believe
it's really you!
Do you want to go
somewhere where it's quiet?
Yes. Yes!
Um, can you give me a minute?
Yeah,
I'll just go grab our coats.
Okay.
Sarah?
What are you doing sitting
here all by yourself?
My pen pal isn't here.
I think he stood me up.
What?
I'm sure he'll come.
Just give it time.
Well, I'm only gonna stay a
little longer before I leave.
Ah, one sec... one sec.
Oh. So you were right, huh?
Yeah, I guess I was.
He's waiting for you. Go.
Are you sure?
Yeah. I'll be fine.
Okay.
Do you want my coat?
No, I'm actually fine.
Thank you.
It's funny.
We had so much to say in
our letters and now it's...
hard to find the words.
I know.
It's weird.
You know, I think I know
what might break the ice.
Wait.
I'm sorry, I, I...
I don't think I can do this.
Are you not happy it's me?
No, I am, I... I wanted it
to be you more than anything.
I just...
I don't know, I thought I would...
I thought I would feel something
more when I saw you tonight.
I know what you mean, I mean, I...
I expected to feel...
Like a, like a... spark.
Yeah.
Exactly.
I just, I don't think
that we should force this.
Our letters.
We were so connected.
I know.
The way you opened up about
how your brother's deafness
affected your family.
Brother? What?
I don't, I don't...
I don't have a brother.
What?
Wait, are you Hutch?
Hutch?
No.
No. You're not my pen pal!
I'm not?
No!
No, there must have been
some kind of a mix-up.
I stood up my pen pal!
You need to get back in
there, it's Sarah!
She's waiting for you,
and she's about to leave.
Go!
Sarah?
Yes!
Look, are you sure?
I can't just leave you.
I'm fine, I'm fine.
Go, go, go.
Wait, wait, wait!
What about the book?
Who?
To Hannah,
I just left you in your dorm,
and your first day of
college is tomorrow.
I'm so lucky to call
you my girlfriend,
and more importantly,
my best friend.
I love you, and I'm so proud of
you for going after your dreams.
I know you're gonna
do amazing things.
I believe in you, Sam.
"Beleive".
"I before e." It's Sam.
It's been Sam all along!
Okay.
Dad?
It's so late!
You're not gonna ground
me, are you?
It's Susan, can you believe it?
She's so great, dad.
I've always thought so.
It's funny how you can
spend years knowing someone
without really seeing them.
I know what you mean.
Uh, by the way,
I told Susan she'd be welcome here
for Christmas dinner?
Yeah, absolutely.
Thank you.
Tell me about your night.
I saw you leaving with Daniel,
and the next thing I know,
he's dancing with
Sarah Anderson.
I am so confused.
I think I finally
know what I want.
Oh, is that all I get?
Yes. For now.
More later.
But, I gotta go
before it's too late.
I love you, dad.
His cafe lights are on.
Dear Hutch,
my name is Hannah Morris.
Many years ago,
I made the worst mistake of my life,
when I decided to
break things off
with the most amazing
person I have ever known.
It has taken me a long time to
realize that the key to finding
Christmas magic is spending it
with the person you love most.
Which has always been him.
Thanks for everything, Hutch.
But now, I must say goodbye,
and do everything I can
to make things right
with the man of my dreams.
Even if he does
occasionally forget
that it's "i before
e, except after c.
Sincerely, Hannah.
Hi.
Hannah,
I'm so sorry that I stood you up.
I'm...
sorry I lied about signing up.
When I realized it was
you I was writing to,
it was almost Christmas Eve.
So you gave the book to Daniel?
You said you didn't
want me around.
Sam.
You said you wanted to
focus on your future.
You are my future.
I love you, Sam Watson.
I love you too, Hannah Morris.
I always have, I always will.
Even when you don't
know what you want.
Even when you try
to push me away,
I promise you I will
never stop loving you.
That's what I call a spark.
Merry Christmas, Stardust.
Merry Christmas, Hutch.