Christmas Plus One (2022) Movie Script

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You laugh like you're
still five years old.
You look like you're still
five years old.
I know.
Okay. Wait, wait, wait.
Be honest with me.
Is there any part of you
that feels just, like,
a little bit silly for still
doing this in our 30s?
Are you kidding?
It's tradition.
Besides, our wishes
always come true.
I'd be silly not to.
Yeah, it's a good point.
Okay.
- What'd you wish for?
- I don't want to say!
- What?! Why not?
- 'Cause it's embarrassing.
More embarrassing
than wishing you could dye
your hair pink for prom?
Uh, no, yeah,
I think this is actually
more embarrassing than that.
Okay, we'll say it
at the same time then.
On the count of three. Come on.
Okay.
Okay? One...
two, three!
I wish to meet my soulmate.
What? Actually?
Oh my gosh. No way!
I cannot believe that
we made the exact...
same wish.
After all these years,
we're still so connected.
Even living far apart.
I really miss you.
It's hard being away from you.
And Mom and Dad, I guess.
At least we know that
every year, no matter what,
we're both coming home
for Christmas.
- You promise?
- Promise.
Oh!
'Kay, let's wish.
Are you kidding me?
Wait! Wait!
Uh...
Um, how much for the car?
Uh, sorry?
The car. How much
do you want for it?
Yeah, I don't think that's
how it works.
No. Please.
You don't understand.
My sister is getting married
and her wedding dress
fitting is this afternoon.
I need to be there
and you literally
hold the keys to that happening.
- Where are you headed?
- New York City.
Okay, well, it just so happens
that I'm headed there too.
Can I come?
You're willing to ride
in a car with a stranger
for hours
just to go to a dress fitting?
Yeah, I would do anything
for my sister.
And Christmas has kind of always
been our special time together.
And I really don't want
to miss a second of it.
Please.
Okay.
You can ride in the car
with me...
But, but, but...
On one condition.
Now, I know it's gonna sound
a little lame,
but I'm planning on listening
to the Central Park Caroller's
Christmas album
until we get there, on a loop,
so you have to be
okay with that.
I love the Central Park
Carollers.
What... really? Most people
haven't even heard of them.
I'm Cara.
Chace.
Wow. Um...
Did you make this?
It is... I did.
It's hand-made.
I know, I know. Here,
let me get your bags.
Oh. Thanks.
So, there we are racing
all over town.
The clock is ticking.
It is starting to look dire.
So, in a moment
of sheer desperation,
we end up getting a tree from
one of those street vendors.
Total Charlie Brown moment.
That's why you gotta go
to the 34th Street lot.
Oh, trust me, I'm never making
that mistake again.
Well, I guess this is
goodbye then.
- Yeah.
- I gotta say,
that felt like the fastest
six hours of my life.
I was thinking
the exact same thing.
And I can't believe you
and your sister
go to the riverside snowman
building contest every year
and that we...
Never run into each other.
Yeah!
I would have remembered you.
Uh, speaking of our many
common interests...
I'm planning on hitting up
Pete's Cafe for the...
Peppermint hot cocoa.
Yes. Yeah.
And I was hoping,
maybe I'd see you there.
Absolutely.
Okay. Great. Um...
Take my number.
Text me and we...
will make a plan.
Okay. Say congrats to
your sister for me.
I will.
The wedding's on the 24th.
I know this is crazy,
but I don't have a date.
And we just got along
so well and so...
- I'd love to.
- Really?
Yeah. Yes.
Just to clarify, I'm asking
you to my sister's wedding
as my date.
Yeah. I got that.
Okay. Cool.
Well, I'll text you 'cause...
I've got your number now.
Okay. Uh...
I'm glad I met you, Cara.
I am so sorry!
No!
What?
You just kicked my phone
into the sewer!
- I did?
- Yes!
What was your phone doing in
the middle of the sidewalk?
I was twirling and then
I dropped it, okay?
You were twirling?
Doesn't matter, now it's gone.
Well... look.
Maybe we can still...
Yeah. It's gone.
Of course it is.
Thanks a lot!
Uh...
Amy! I'm here!
I'm sorry I'm late.
Oh, that's okay. I'm just
really glad you're here.
You hate it? I knew it!
I knew it. Is it...
Amy, you're perfect.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
Yeah, I guess
it's not bad, huh?
Oh, okay, I'm really, really
happy that you're here.
Have I said that?
I wouldn't miss it
for the world.
Although I almost did.
What?
So anyway, wow.
Now the phone's gone and I have
no way of contacting him.
- Huh?
- Yeah.
Which kind of stinks
because I sort of invited him
to your wedding.
Uh, you what?
- I know.
- How?
- Well you don't understand...
- Oh!
The connection! It was...
magical!
Wow, Cara!
Wow.
Chace loved these cookies.
Oh yeah?
That's it.
What, you're gonna leave
a trail of shortbread crumbs
so that he can find his
way back to you?
Yeah, kinda.
If we just go to all of
our usual Christmas spots,
I'm bound to run into him
eventually.
Um, okay, right.
I've been meaning to talk
to you about that.
I can't come with you.
It's just,
with the wedding coming up,
I have so much on my plate
and I...
Oh, please don't be mad...
No.
- I'm so sorry.
- No. I'm not mad.
Of course I'm not mad.
This is your wedding
we're talking about.
And I'm here to help.
Whatever you need.
Thanks.
But hey, this shouldn't
stop you.
I mean, if Chace
is your soulmate,
you gotta find him.
I'll make a list
of all our spots.
There she goes.
Chace.
Michael.
You know we can't publish
this, right?
Why not?
I feel like it's some
of my best work.
Well no one's saying
it's not good,
but it just wasn't
the assignment.
Do you really think
that people want to read
and entire article on why
New York's pizza's
better than Chicago's?
This... this has heart,
and history,
and drama, and intrigue!
Like... isn't that what people
want to read?
No. Look.
You're a great writer.
Probably the best we have.
But you have to learn to write
within our parameters.
No more think pieces.
Okay.
What've you got for me?
- It's a top ten list.
- No.
- Michael!
- Okay, fine.
Yeah, yeah. Top ten. I love it.
Okay. What are we talking, huh?
Best bagels in Brooklyn?
Martinis in Manhattan?
It's about Christmas
in New York.
You know I haven't spent
Christmas in the city in years.
I need you to prove to me
that you can do this
or that's a conversation
I don't want to have with you.
Fine.
Christmas in New York.
- Morning, Mom.
- Morning sweetheart.
How'd you sleep?
Like a baby.
Mom!
Mom. Emergency.
Our dance instructor
broke her leg skiing.
Who's gonna choreograph
our first dance?
Um, don't panic.
Mrs. Gardener, who lives down
the street, teaches Zumba.
Trust me, she is phenomenal.
Okay, Mrs. Gardener,
I'll put that in the maybe pile.
- Bad news.
- What?
- My parent's flight is delayed.
- But the fitting.
Don't worry,
I've already rescheduled.
What about the tasting?
We don't need them
for the tasting.
Besides, you know my Dad's idea
of fine dining
is pigs in a blanket
dipped in grainy mustard.
Yeah, you're right.
He has terrible taste.
And how did you sleep,
sugar plum?
- Like a baby.
- I'll just have to try one...
Gary. How many times
do I have to tell you,
these are for Chris' parents.
Who, by the way, you have to
pick up at the airport at...
what time, Chris?
Uh, tomorrow. 3:45.
Ooh, before I forget, Cara,
how are the monogram
and menu designs coming?
They're going great.
In fact, I was thinking
I would head to Pete's Cafe
to work on them today.
Pete's Cafe, huh?
Hoping to run into
Mr. Chace, are we?
Chace? Who's Chace?
He's no one.
Ooh, does somebody
have a date?
Is he your boyfriend?
Okay, I am leaving now.
Love you.
Love you too.
Okay, this dough needs help.
Would you please pack
the cookies?
Okay.
- Oh well.
- Gary!
I can see you.
Another round?
Make it a double.
No sign of him, huh?
Wow, that's pretty good.
Are you an artist?
Uh, graphic designer.
Well actually I'm not.
I wish I was though.
It's a competitive field.
Well then, start competing.
And I'll go pick up your double
peppermint hot cocoa.
What's the assignment this week,
Ace?
It's a top ten list.
New York's top ten hidden gems,
Christmas edition.
Yikes. No offence,
but couldn't they find anyone
who was more qualified?
Right? Now I have to cancel
my flight and actually
spend Christmas here.
Exhausted just thinking
about it.
Okay. Sounds like you can use
a double shot,
double whipped cream,
candy cane eggnog latte?
I'll get you your regular.
You're no fun.
For you.
Thanks, Pete.
You know you really should try
one of his seasonal drinks...
You?
Phone girl.
What are you doing here?
Uh, I'm... working.
Having coffee.
Hanging out with my buddy Pete.
Um, I'm actually glad
I ran into you here.
I feel really bad
about what happened,
can I buy you a coffee,
make it up to you?
Yeah, I guess
that would be okay.
Uh, I can also replace
the phone.
No, I bought a new phone.
It's the contents of the phone
that can't be replaced.
They're irreplaceable.
Hold on. You mean to tell me
that Michael is the one
who kicked your phone
into the sewer?
Okay, how'd you know
about that?
Okay, I know about everything.
You sir, may have lost
this woman her soulmate.
Wait, what?
- So there's this guy...
- There's always a guy.
We met yesterday
and we drove from Pittsburgh
to New York together
and I am not being dramatic
when I say that he's the one.
She even invited him
to her sister's wedding.
- After knowing him for one day.
- You don't understand.
We connected on every level.
But every year, they do the
same niche Christmas activities.
I was hoping
that I was gonna see him
at the riverside snowman
building contest tomorrow.
You need a partner.
Don't have any family and
friends that could go with you?
No.
Most of my friends have
gone home for the holidays
and my family is
completely wrapped up
with my sister's wedding.
Which, of course, but...
Well, that's tough.
Michael will go with you.
- I'm sorry, what?
- You kind of owe her.
Oh, no, it's okay.
Hear me out. Michael here is
a writer who is currently
doing an article
about Christmas in New York.
Which he knows nothing about,
seeing as how he's avoided
Christmas in the city
for the last ten years
by fleeing to Aruba.
And you're
a Christmas enthusiast
who needs a partner for
a snowman building contest
so you can find the love
of your life.
You see what I'm getting at?
Can you excuse us
for a moment?
Yeah.
P- What are you doing?
No, what are you doing?
You should be jumping
at this opportunity.
She could basically write
the article for you.
- Yeah, but she...
- Look, you can't afford
to lose this job.
And you know diddly-squat
about Christmas in the city.
The universe is handing you
everything you need.
Cara!
So?
I'm in.
Snowman building contest.
As long as I can come along
to all the other...
activities for the article.
Okay. I'm just not exactly
sure what I'm getting
out of all of this.
Cara here is a budding graphic
designer who needs an in.
And I happen to know that
Michael is good friends
with the editor
of Evergreen Graphics.
Evergreen Graphics?
That's the best firm
in the city.
Wait. You can make
a connection, can't you Mike?
Yeah. Mm-hmm.
I can.
Uh, cool.
See you tomorrow,
Riverside Park, 2PM?
That'll be three-fifty.
That'll be three-fifty.
Yeah.
No problem.
See you tomorrow.
- Okay.
- Bye Pete.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Ellen, Patrick, okay.
Okay, we are making progress,
right?
- Yes.
- I think we really are.
- Yes.
- And we just have to...
Janice! Okay... hmm.
Now, I can't put aunt Janice
next to cousin Joey
after the volleyball incident,
- Definitely not.
- So, where do I put Janice?
We got another late RSVP
from your uncle George.
Ugh! That throws
everything off!
Why don't we put...
Ted next to Felicia.
George next to Margot.
And Joey all the way
over here next to Liane?
You know they'll just talk
each other's ears off
about their love of...
building
model airplanes.
Oh my gosh, okay,
this makes sense.
What would I do without you?
- I don't know.
- Stop!
You guys are too cute for
my single heart to handle.
Well I thought you were bringing
your soulmate to the wedding, no?
He's even got a pin
on the chart.
Yeah, he's right there.
Okay, let's not get
ahead of ourselves,
I still have to find him.
How's the search going,
anyways?
Well, he wasn't
at Pete's today.
But I did manage to find myself
a partner for tomorrow.
So, hopefully
I'll see him there.
A partner? Who?
It's kind of a long story,
but this guy Michael
wants to tag along,
he's writing some article
about Christmas in New York.
So you're just gonna build a
snowman with a total stranger?
A girl's gotta do what
a girl's gotta do.
Besides, if we don't find him,
your entire seating plan
will be off.
Oh, well we can't have that,
can we?
No, no, no, we can't.
Thank you so much Gladys,
you're an absolute doll.
Yeah, I can't wait to tell them.
Tata. Well, great news.
Mrs. Gardener is happy to be
your new dance coach.
Aw, that's so great Ma.
Thanks.
Oh. Before I forget,
did you manage to call
Ruby's about the cake?
Yes. Uh, they said it will be
ready in a couple of days.
But of course, I also have
to get my mani-pedi
and I have to pick up my dress
and I have to have
the final menu meeting
with the caterer.
Ah, Chris, because you're
a scientist,
can you build me
a time machine please?
Sorry babe, I don't think
they have that technology yet.
Also, I'm a biologist,
so it's not really what I do.
Okay. Then what good are you?
Well, I'm pretty good
at the seating charts.
That's true.
I guess I have to keep you.
- I guess you do.
- Uh, I can pick it up for you.
- Actually?
- Yeah.
Thank you. It is a three-
tiered gingerbread wedding cake,
the one that I've been dreaming
about since I was a little girl.
Yeah. You've talked about it
a few times.
Hey.
Hey.
Can't believe you showed up.
That was the plan, right?
Yeah, I just really didn't
think you'd come.
I do have an article
to write, so...
Yeah, no, I know.
I'm glad you're here.
Yeah, I'm glad I came too.
- I guess we should...
- Uh, yeah.
Hi.
Sorry, you... you go.
Do you wanna put that away?
Yeah. Sure.
Wow. This is no joke.
Yeah, it's serious business.
People go all out.
Yeah.
Hi, Nadine.
Looking good, as usual.
She is so smug.
She thinks she's all that
just because she minored
in Art History.
Isn't this supposed to be
a two-person competition?
Yeah, that's the other thing.
Every year,
she sends her partner
to go get hot chocolate,
and then they never come back
and she does
the whole thing herself.
Okay. This looks like the spot.
Great.
Okay, I'm getting down.
So...
Time to mitten up.
Okay.
Where are your mittens?
I have my gloves.
You wore fingerless gloves
to a snowman building contest?
It's all I have.
And they're great
for taking notes.
You can't build a snowman
with fingerless gloves,
you'll get frostbite.
You should put that
in your article.
I'll be fine.
Okay.
I like him. He's got character.
Might as well just hand
the prize to Nadine.
Hey, don't go giving up
so easy.
Ours can't be the worst one.
Check out the competition.
What?
What are you looking at?
That's his scarf.
- Really?
- Yeah!
How many people do you
know that would wear
a red checkered snowman scarf?
We're on the right track.
I just know we're gonna find him
on the next one.
Michael, please find attached
my portfolio,
I know I don't have much but...
I hope that what I do have
speaks for itself.
See you tomorrow.
Hey. Mom and Dad just left
for the Nutcracker.
Let's do this.
Okay, I have to remember
which ones
I've actually wrapped already
and which ones
I still have to finish. Um...
How fast can we do it?
Where are your
Christmas pajamas?
Oh, yeah, no, Chris got me
these for my birthday.
Aren't they nice?
Yeah, it's just, we always
wear matching PJs at Christmas.
Um, no, I know.
I guess I just thought these
were a little bit more me.
Yeah. They're great.
I'm kind of jealous.
You can borrow them.
It's kind of wild to think
it was just a year ago
that we made the wish.
A lot has changed in a year.
Mm-hmm.
It really has.
Can I tell you a secret?
Mmhmm.
Um, when I made the wish,
I wasn't picturing Chris.
What were you picturing?
I don't know,
somebody more like me,
somebody more like the guys
I dated in the past.
I know, um...
And then Chris came along and...
It just sort of worked,
you know?
You guys are really great
together.
I like to think so.
I think you should make
your wish with Chris this year.
- What?
- Yeah.
Really?
I think he'd really like it.
Okay.
- Oh! Another bulls-eye, okay.
- Yes!
You win again.
One more round,
come on, Uncle Chace.
I'll tell you what, why don't
you go find your mom
and tell her I'm gonna come
visit for dinner tonight, okay?
- Okay.
- Alright.
- We made it!
- Yeah.
Okay. You'll be needing these.
What's this?
Oh, thank you,
that's very thoughtful.
Well, you know,
it'd be pretty hard
to write your article
when you can't feel
your fingers.
- Alright.
- It's okay, loosen up.
Let's have some fun!
- It's not exactly my idea of...
- Yeah, alright, you're ready.
My idea of fun, but okay.
Okay, I'm more of
a soccer guy myself.
Okay, okay.
Wow! Good job!
- Thanks.
- Okay.
Alright.
Warm up's over.
Give me a snowball.
Oh.
Ah, okay.
- Yes!
- Wow!
You're making us look bad.
Yeah, I know.
This baby's going downtown.
You just need to stop
trying so hard.
You think it's so easy,
well why don't you try?
Alright.
- Come on!
- Nice!
We're almost here.
Alright, what am I looking at?
This is my favourite Christmas
market in all of New York.
Huh. Look.
It's you.
Ha.
What?
Oh, is that him?!
Shh!
It's too soon to tell.
You're right. Looks handsome.
How can you tell? It's just
the back of his head.
I don't know, I just...
I'm nervous.
Why am I nervous?
- It's not him.
- Oh. Shucks.
Hey, he's pretty
handsome though.
If you don't find
the real Chace,
you could always go
for that guy.
What did I tell you?
I'm not giving up.
Aw no, not again. What?
The Christmas photographer's
here.
It's like, the best part
of the market.
They have backdrops and props.
- No. No.
- Really?
I do not photograph well.
It's a bad idea.
Well, I find that
hard to believe.
What?
You know what I mean.
- Yeah?
- Oh, whatever.
No, no, um, elaborate please.
- Fine, I'll go alone.
- No, far be it for me
to deprive the world of this...
photogenic face.
- Like a reindeer...
- Ah! My eye!
So good, yes, yes.
I told you.
Okay, come on. I told you,
I'm not that photogenic.
It's Chace.
- What? Where?
- Here.
He was just here.
This kid looks
kind of familiar.
I can't believe that
we missed him again.
Okay. You're Chace.
Where do you go next?
I know just the place.
Say, these gloves do make
a difference.
I can almost feel
my fingers again.
Well, you're welcome.
Thank you!
Hold these.
Wow. You are very prepared.
You're like the Boy Scouts
of Christmas.
Thank you.
Oh. Cheers.
Silent night
Holy night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and child
Holy infant
so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Snow really came down again.
I know, but it was so magical.
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and a...
- What are you doing?
- Aw.
Two turtle doves and a...
I don't know.
A partridge in a pear tree.
Aw, right!
You know, it was on the tip
of my tongue.
You know, it's really
coming down,
maybe we should think about...
I love this city!
Hey, can I ask you a question?
Mm-hmm.
If you love this city so much,
why did you leave?
It's a tale as old as time.
Move for a guy.
- That old chestnut, huh?
- Yeah.
Then you stayed there?
Yeah, the company
that I work for has promised me
a position in graphic design
eventually.
But I'm starting to think that
eventually is never gonna come.
Well hopefully my friend Phoebe
will come through for you.
Yeah. Hopefully.
Okay. So, let me ask you this.
What is about this
particular concert
that keeps you coming back?
Well, I think the music speaks
for itself.
But it's also a tradition.
- Right. Tradition.
- Mm-hmm.
What is about traditions
that gets everyone
so worked up over Christmas?
Well, Christmas
is the one time of year
that you get to be together
with everyone you love.
And then the traditions
have this incredible power
to transport you back to the
happiest memories with those people.
You okay?
- Yeah.
- Yeah? You sure?
I'm sure.
That's really well put.
You mind if I put it
in the article?
Right, the article.
How's that going by the way?
Well, the fact that it's going
at all is because of you.
Explain to me again why
you're writing an article
on a topic you clearly
have no interest in?
Oh, if I could only
explain that myself.
Wasn't my choice.
Kind of a long story, but...
let's just say I'm not
the best at sticking
to the parameters
of the project.
I actually used to dream
about writing a novel.
After I graduated,
I fell into this job, and...
it's an expensive city.
- Yep.
- Grateful for the work.
But now years have gone by
and I feel like I've lost touch
with why I started
in the first place.
Then write your novel.
What's stopping you?
It's not that easy.
You gotta have a publisher,
an editor, and...
And what?
Well, I guess if
I'm being honest, um...
Maybe I've lost
a little confidence.
I've been writing fluff
for so long that I don't know
if I still have what it takes.
Well, you won't know
unless you try.
And there's no better time
to take a leap of faith
than Christmas.
While I appreciate
your unrelenting faith
in the Christmas...
No, hear me out.
Every year my sister and I make
a Christmas wish,
and they always come true.
And what did you wish
for last year?
Well, if you must know,
both Amy and I wished
to meet the man of our dreams.
What?
I'm sorry, I don't mean
to laugh, I, uh...
You can think whatever
you want to think,
but every year,
our wish comes true
and this year is no exception.
And maybe if you opened
yourself up to a little bit
of Christmas magic,
it would work for you too.
Maybe we'll agree to disagree.
Maybe we will.
See you tomorrow?
You bet.
- See ya.
- See ya.
Good morning.
Oh. Darling,
I can't wait for you to
see the dresses
I had them pull for you.
You are gonna be a show stopper.
That Chace fellow won't know
what hit him.
Yeah, okay, so really quick,
I kind of agreed to let Mom
pick out some dresses for you.
So...
You're a stylist,
how could you do this to me?
I know that, but she is
our mother and she insisted
and then she got so excited
and then, you know, so...
we just need to humour her,
okay?
But don't worry,
I had them set aside a dress
I know you're gonna love.
Hey!
Tada!
Ooh!
I can tell.
Yeah, she knows.
Let's try this.
It's very... blue.
Oh, it's just awful.
Okay, good.
Do we all agree this is
not the one?
No. No, it's not gonna work,
hold on...
What about...
Oh my gosh, hey.
You forgot about this one.
Maybe this one?
She should just try it
and then see.
- Mom, great taste.
- I know, right?
Thanks. Yeah.
Yeah.
Thought I'd bring you a little
Christmas inspiration.
But from the looks of it,
you don't need any.
I don't know.
Something Cara said yesterday,
it sparked something.
It's just been
flowing out of me.
I gotta say, when I suggested
this little arrangement,
I never imagined it
to be such a success.
What do you mean?
Look at you.
You're enthusiastically writing
an article about Christmas.
She's clearly had quite
the effect on you.
Okay, I wouldn't go that far.
Alright, I'm working on
a deadline here.
Okay, whatever you say.
So, what's on the agenda today?
I don't know, actually.
She likes everything
to be a surprise, so...
Yeah, I'm supposed to meet her
at... Right now.
Shoot, I gotta go. I'm late.
Alright, but first you have
to try my drink.
Okay.
Oh! Um... Like candy cane?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, it's, uh...
Not my thing. Good try though.
Don't listen to him!
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Wow.
Oh, wow.
I... I'm speechless.
It's beautiful.
Well hello. Who's this?
Michael. Hi.
Hi.
Um, Michael, who's...
Oh, Michael.
So nice to meet you.
Oh my gosh, I am so sorry,
I completely lost track of time.
I'm gonna go change.
That's all good.
Uh, so...
you're the writer?
That would be me.
And you must be the sister.
Yes.
Well, congrats on
the upcoming nuptials.
- Oh, thank you.
- I'm the mother.
Ah. Yes. I was putting
that together, yeah.
Uh, so what are
you two up to today?
Ah, I couldn't say.
Apparently it's a surprise.
Wow. Well, my sister is just
full of surprises isn't she?
She certainly is.
Okay, I'm ready.
Okay, I'm ready.
Mom, thank you. Amy, I love you.
Michael, let's go.
Okay.
Uh, nice to meet you ladies.
Okay.
Okay. Who is...
Michael.
Wow.
Okay, are you gonna tell me
where we're going
because I'm starting
to fear for my life.
What is this?
Oh, it's only the most
exclusive Christmas tree lot
in all of Manhattan.
Only the best trees
from the best nurseries
are sold here.
And I figured,
since you don't have one...
Okay, I'm picking up what
you're putting down.
Let me introduce you to Giles.
Who's Giles?
He's just
my Christmas tree guy.
Come on.
Cara! Hey!
- Good to see you!
- Hi.
Michael here is
in the market for a tree.
Oh, well what kind of tree
are we looking for?
Little balsam? Douglas?
Maybe an East Himalayan?
West Himalayan? Korean?
Red, silver?
Uh, I don't really know-
- He hasn't had a tree
for years,
I think he might need
a crash course.
Well now, let's start with
our basic Fraser Fir,
one of our most fragrant,
I might add.
Isn't that right, Cara?
Cara?
Oh, yes, absolutely.
Would you two excuse me for
just one second?
Sure.
Ah!
You scared me.
- You abandoned me!
- I did not!
Giles is the best in the biz,
you should be so lucky.
Yeah, he's trying to sell me
a 300-dollar tree.
Yes, they can be
a little expensive,
but they're worth it.
And who said you need to get one
that's ten feet tall?
This one is perfect for you.
It's kind of cute I guess.
Kind of cute?
Okay.
This is the tabletop
Norwegian Spruce.
It's a great starter tree.
Alright.
Alright.
How much is this... Actually,
nevermind. Don't tell me.
It does smell pretty good.
Oh, ain't that beautiful?
There you go.
It's the winner, right there.
Let me wrap this up
for you, hang on.
So, uh, where'd
you run off to anyway?
Oh, I thought I saw Chace,
but he disappeared.
- Really?
- I couldn't catch up to him.
Oh. Sorry.
You know what?
I think I'm gonna leave him
a little bread crumb.
A what?
There. Now, he'll have
my number.
And you're sure he's gonna
pick this exact tree?
No, but if it's meant to be,
he'll find it.
- Oh.
- Here you go.
Thank you.
What do I owe you?
You know what?
Merry Christmas.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Giles!
Anytime, anytime.
I'll see you soon?
- Yes.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Take care.
Yeah. Merry Christmas.
Hey, um...
I don't know about you but
I'm feeling kind of cold.
And I did see
some cozy-looking firepits
and some eggnog we could sip on.
You wanna hang out here,
see if he comes back again?
Really? You don't mind?
Well, you did help me pick out
the perfect...
Okay, yeah, yeah,
sounds great!
Oh, you came back?
So?
It's good.
- And you like eggnog.
- Mm-hmm.
Gotta say, you are one
confusing man, Michael.
Hey, never said I didn't like
anything to do with Christmas.
I actually used to love it.
It was my dad's favourite
holiday, we'd go all out.
In fact, uh...
What?
I... nevermind.
No, I wanna hear it.
Hey, it's Phoebe
from Evergreen.
What did she say?
Sorry. Um...
Said that your stuff
looks promising,
but there's not enough in
the portfolio to move forward.
Yeah, can't blame her.
They need someone
with experience.
Don't give up, okay?
I've seen your stuff.
You're really good.
Thanks.
And thanks for trying.
I really appreciate it.
Look...
I'm sorry my end of the bargain
didn't exactly hold up.
If you want to call it,
I'd understand.
You've already given me a really
good start to the article, so...
No, don't be silly, I told you
that I would help
and I'm gonna see it through.
Turns out your company
is not so bad either.
I don't know about you,
but I'm getting
a little peckish. Um...
Grab us a few of those
gingerbread cookies.
That would... Wait.
Gingerbread!
Uh, I think they have
shortbread too, if you're...
What time is it?
Uh, quarter to five.
Okay, we need to go.
Grab the tree.
I have to go.
Oh, here. Bye.
- Thanks!
- Nice to meet you.
Uncle Chace, Uncle Chace,
can you grab this one?
I don't know, buddy,
it's pretty big.
Do you think it'll fit?
Yes, it will fit!
Please, please!
Alright.
Uh, yeah.
Yes!
Yeah! Okay.
We're too late.
I was supposed to pick up
my sister's wedding cake.
I can't believe I completely lost track
of time and she trusted me with this
and I just don't know
what I'm gonna do.
I'm sure she'll understand.
It's the wedding cake.
The entire wedding revolves
around the cake.
Some people only show up
for the cake!
Oh God, I don't know
what I'm gonna do.
I think I might have an idea.
So, what? Pete's suddenly getting
into the cake-making business?
No. But we are.
One peppermint hot cocoa,
one black coffee.
Actually, we have
to use the kitchen.
It's an emergency.
Oh, you know where it is.
Go for it.
Okay, I appreciate
what you're trying to do here,
but I don't see how we can pull
this off.
I'm a terrible baker.
Well, lucky for you,
you're in the presence
of a master baker.
Uh...
Ooh.
I have said it once
and I will say it again:
you are a confusing man.
For you.
Mixing bowls.
Alright.
Let me show you how it's done.
What are you doing there?
Mixing.
Yes, something, but if it's...
You have to really
smooth it out,
so it doesn't get too lumpy.
Kinda...
It's good, though.
I'm liking this.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
It's looking good, but that...
That needs a little bit...
Yeah, sift it.
And you just kinda...
Hit it on the side
a little bit.
Ooh. Okay. Just like that?
Perfect.
Just a little more.
How'd you get so good at this?
My family owned
a bakery in Queens.
Christmas time was always
the busy time, so...
I'd go into the kitchen,
help out my dad.
So, it runs in
the family then.
You could say that.
I liked it, but it was really just
an excuse to hang out with my dad.
See, this is what
I'm talking about.
These traditions let you relive
your fondest memories.
Yeah.
I guess, yeah.
Sorry, did I... say something?
No, no, no. Um...
Just sometimes, these memories
can be hard to relive.
Just... why I tend
to avoid 'em.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...
Oh, no, don't apologize.
It's...
It's just...
My dad and I...
We were really close.
He died when I was a teenager
around Christmas time,
so it's...
a little hard to be around
the city this time of the year.
It's just a lot of memories.
You know?
Yeah.
I'm so sorry, I didn't even
consider...
Don't... don't apologize.
I have spent years
trying to avoid reliving this,
thinking that it was
going to be hard.
But I don't know,
just since I'm...
running around
the city with you,
reliving all this stuff, it...
I feel like I'm reliving
more good memories than bad.
So...
I'm so glad you're getting more than
just an article out of all of this.
Me too.
Me too.
I gotta say, this really
is some of my best work.
It's a shame I'm not gonna be
able to sample my masterpiece.
Well you should
come with me then.
- Where?
- The wedding.
How about Chace?
The wedding's in three days.
And you know,
I'm starting to think
that maybe it wasn't
meant to be.
I'd love to.
Are you sure?
Yeah, you know. I'm gonna go
with someone.
I'm sure I could do
a lot worse than you.
Thought you too could use
a little pick-me-up.
- Ooh!
- Hey.
Am I interrupting something?
No.
Okay. I'll just put
these here and... leave.
Thanks, Pete.
See you, buddy.
Thanks, Pete.
- Hey.
- Hi.
How's it going?
Um, could I get...
one peppermint hot cocoa to go?
One PHC, coming right up.
That'll be 3.50, please.
Right, thanks.
Looking for someone?
Uh, no. I mean...
No, uh. Gotta go.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Actually, yes, yes, I am...
I am looking for someone.
Now, I know this is
gonna sound kind of...
kooky, but I'm looking
for this woman,
her name is Cara.
We met a few days ago and we...
Uh, we really hit it off
and I gave her my number,
so when I didn't hear from her,
I kind of lost all hope,
but then...
Then...
I found this, that's her.
Uh, the number got smudged
but she says she comes here every
year for the peppermint hot cocoa.
So, I was hoping that
you might have seen her.
I really don't know.
Okay. That's okay.
I knew it was a long shot,
but hey, you never know.
It is Christmas after all,
right?
I'll... Can I borrow your pen?
Uh, yeah.
Thanks. Uh...
If you do happen to see her,
would you mind
giving her my number?
You got it.
Okay! Thank you. Thanks.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Let me see it.
Sorry!
Let me see my wedding cake!
What are you doing,
skulking around, you creep?
Let me see it.
No means no.
But...
I can show you something else.
Did you finish them?
- Mm-hmm.
- Oh, oh!
Wow, Cara!
You've really outdone yourself.
Hey, I...
I really can't thank you enough.
For everything that you've done
for this wedding.
You're the best sister
in the world.
And I love you.
I love you too. Stop.
Wow, so pretty!
I should put this
in the fridge.
Hey, Amy?
Yeah?
Um...
You know the other day,
that thing you said about how
when you made your wish, you weren't
imagining someone like Chris?
Yeah.
Well, when you did meet,
how did you know
he was your soulmate?
I think it was when I realized
that he was different
than I knew.
I mean, it wasn't immediate.
Not like how it is
in the movies,
no love at first sight
or any of that.
Um... And he's my polar opposite
in so many ways.
But... I think our differences
are what make us so compatible.
I mean...
He's my best friend and I feel
so comfortable around him and...
He also challenges me to grow.
You know?
Yeah.
Why do you ask?
I'm just...
getting ideas for my speech.
Oh, okay.
- Good night.
- Good night!
Still in the throes
of inspiration, I see.
It's really coming together.
Cara's been amazing.
You have feelings
for her, yes?
What?
No.
Really?
I don't.
Okay, well you won't mind
if I give her this, then?
Where did you get this?
He came in yesterday
after you left.
He said he found a photo strip.
He actually found that...
Apparently.
So, you won't mind if I give
that to her?
Let me give it to her.
I'm gonna be seeing
her later anyway.
Okay.
Cara...
Your wish is about to come true.
Don't tell me you've never
been ice-skating before.
No, I've... I've ice-skated.
You don't have to be embarrassed
if your skating's not up to snuff.
I can get you one of those
little cones.
Hey, I'm just kidding.
I am no Michelle Kwan myself.
No, it's just...
I actually used to come here
all the time with my dad.
So, it's one of those
memories, then.
Well, we can go
if you want to...
No.
No, I...
I think it'd actually be fun.
Alright, Michelle Kwan.
Let's see what you got.
It's like riding a bike, right?
Yeah!
Ooh! Oh.
Do me a favour and don't try
riding a bike anytime soon.
Ha-ha.
Okay
You ready?
Yeah, let's just go forward,
yeah.
- Okay.
- There we go.
This isn't embarrassing at all.
Well, luckily for you, there
aren't very many witnesses.
Which is why I like coming here
so much!
You actually have room to skate!
Ah, okay!
Okay, you're turning a lot!
How do you feel?
Yeah, I think... Okay.
Oh, oh! Okay.
Okay, now we're dancing?
I'm not prepared
for both of these things.
You know, good, yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Look out!
I survived.
Ah, wow!
That was really fun.
Whoo!
Okay.
I still cannot believe that you
and your dad used to come here.
It was actually one
of my favourite things
to do at Christmas with my dad.
Yeah?
Yeah. Just be the two
of us and afterwards,
you pull out a thermos
with some hot cocoa
and we'd go over the hill
and sit by the statue.
I love that statue.
Remind me who it is again?
Uh, Charles Owen.
My dad's favourite author.
Hmm.
Yeah, he always used to go over
to the statue for inspiration.
He'd sit there
and write for hours.
Your dad was a writer too?
Aspiring.
He was always so busy
with the bakery,
he never really had a chance
to seriously pursue it, but...
whenever he had a free moment,
this is where he'd be.
It's... actually his passion
that inspired me
to become a writer myself.
Well I'm sure he'd
be very proud of you.
Yeah, I don't know about that.
I write top 10s for a living.
I don't think this is exactly
what he...
imagined for me.
Or what I imagined for myself.
Then write your novel.
We've been over this.
I know, I know.
You need a publisher,
you need an editor.
And I also have a full-time job
that takes up all of my time.
You know what
that sounds like?
A whole lot of excuses.
If this means something to you,
you need to do it.
Well, you're one to talk.
Hey, I tried. She said no.
Try again.
You think Evergreen is the only
graphic design firm in New York?
And do you really want to
spend the rest of your life
in Pittsburgh,
with a job you hate,
hoping that one day, your dreams
are just gonna fall on your lap?
Cara.
No, you know what,
you're right.
No, I'm sorry,
I... I overstepped.
No.
No more excuses.
For either of us. Come on.
Come on!
Okay, the whole surprise thing
was very cute at first,
but... can you please
tell me where we're going?
We're here.
Hello!
Mom?
Is this where you grew up?
Yeah.
Wow.
Festive.
Come on!
This way!
Well, I'm starting
to see where you get
your Christmas cheer from.
Oh yeah, we go all out.
Clearly.
You'll be needing this.
Oh.
Okay.
Michael.
Cara.
Do you remember
when I told you
about my tradition
with my sister?
The Christmas wish?
How could I forget?
Well, it's time for you
to make yours.
Yeah, I don't know.
Come on, it's worth a shot,
right?
And I'm writing mine too.
Isn't this what you do
with your sister already?
This year, with the wedding
and everything,
things have been
a little different.
You know, it's two days
'till Christmas
and time's running out.
Uh...
For me.
What do I write?
What do you mean,
"What do I write?"
The whole reason
I brought you here
was so that you could manifest
your novel.
You've never read any
of my stuff,
you don't know if I'm any good.
I have the internet,
I've done my research.
Okay.
And it means something to you.
You know, everyone has
a story to tell and...
I think people would be lucky
to hear yours.
Okay.
Okay. Done. So, what now?
Pixie dust?
Do we have to say
a special incantation?
Very funny.
No, you have to roll it up.
And then...
pick one of these.
Oh.
It's a great sound.
Now what?
Now you hang it on the tree.
That's it.
Thank you.
For bringing me here.
For everything.
I have not had a Christmas
this special in a long time.
I should be thanking you,
this would have been
a pretty lonely Christmas season
without you.
And even if we don't find Chace,
it'll be worth it, 'cause I met you.
Speaking of Chace,
there's something I have
to tell you. Um...
Chris, don't forget
the ice cream!
He's so...
Oh! Hello, Michael.
Fancy seeing you here.
Mom, you remember Michael.
Dad, this is Michael.
Hi.
Uh, Cara's helping him
write an article
about Christmas in New York.
Ah!
Well, no-one knows Christmas
better than my little sugar plum.
Sugar plum?
Michael!
Why don't you join
us for dinner?
Ah, no, I don't want to...
impose on you guys.
Nonsense! Got enough takeout
to feed an army.
She's right.
Are you sure?
I...
I'm cool with it
if you're cool with it.
Yeah, I... I'd love to stay.
Oh, wow.
Cara, these are incredible.
That's a nice thing to say.
Oh.
The carollers?
Mmhmm.
Do you mind if I use this
for the article?
Yeah, sure.
Great.
Come on, you two!
Okay, I will grab these and...
After you.
Thank you.
Hello! Michael, sit by me.
Okay! Thanks.
Wow. This... looks amazing.
Are we just like...
Let's go in, let's go in.
Yes Amy, it's all taken care
of, I promise.
Okay, I'm just at Pete's,
getting a coffee and then,
I'm gonna pick up my dress
and then, I will be home.
Okay. Bye.
Cara.
Chace!
You're here.
Yes, yeah.
Wow.
Uh, I'm so sorry
I didn't call you,
my phone got kicked
into a sewer and...
No, it's okay, it's okay.
I figured something happened.
I found the photo strip.
Really?
Yes. Yeah, the ink was smudged, but
I've been looking everywhere for you.
You have?
Yeah, I went to all
our places, I even made a list.
I also made a list.
Huh.
What are you doing here?
Oh, uh...
I was dropping off some flyers.
There's a violinist playing
a charity concert
at the Christmas
tree lot tonight.
So, here I am.
Here you are.
Wow.
This is...
I can't believe we finally
found each other.
You know, I even left my number
here, hoping you'd stop by.
Really? I wonder why Pete
didn't...
Uh, hey, Pete?
Cara! Hi.
Hi!
And who is this?
This is Chace.
He said he left
his number for me.
Oh, yes, right! I thought
I recognized you.
Yeah...
Right. So, why didn't you
give it to me?
I...
Well...
Pete?
Okay, I gave it to Michael.
Sorry, who's Michael?
He's, um... no-one.
Uh... Anyway, you're here now
and this is so wild.
Yeah.
You know, I wish
I could stick around
and have a coffee with you,
but I gotta get to my nephew.
If you're free tonight,
would you want to meet me
at the Christmas tree lot
for the concert?
I would love to.
Okay. Great, uh...
We should probably exchange
numbers.
I'll take yours this time.
There you go.
So...
Do you like it?
Do I like it?
I love it.
Oh!
Great.
You've completely captured the
magic of Christmas in New York.
It just really, it makes me
think of my childhood.
And I didn't even grow up here.
Phil, I don't even know what
to say. Um...
You're fired.
I'm sorry, what?
You and I both know that
you're too good for this job.
This article confirms that.
But if no-one's pushing you,
you'll never achieve
your full potential.
So, here's me pushing you.
Well, I appreciate
your confidence in me.
Phil, I do.
I need a job.
What am I gonna do?
You're gonna write!
I have a friend in publishing
who I think you should meet.
Expect a call from him
sometime this week.
Thank you.
I don't even know what to say.
Merry Christmas, Michael.
Merry Christmas, Phil.
Coming!
Michael.
What are you doing here?
I got fired.
I'm sorry to hear.
No, it is a good thing.
My boss wants me to go
and write my novel.
It's great news, Michael.
Congratulations.
Is everything okay?
Actually, I have news
of my own.
Oh yeah?
Yeah.
I went to Pete's today and you'll
never guess who I ran into.
Chace.
I ran into Chace.
Oh.
Yeah.
Cara, uh... I can explain.
Okay, I would love to hear it.
Well... Pete only
gave it to me a few days ago.
A few days ago?
I meant to give it to you.
But you didn't.
You kept it from me
and you lied to me.
No, I... always meant
to give you the number,
it's just...
I started to feel that...
Feel what?
There was something happening
between us.
I'm so sorry, I...
I made a mistake.
I tried to give you the number
and I'm...
You didn't try hard enough,
you should have said something.
You know, now it's too late.
We spent the last week
running around the city,
hoping to find your soulmate.
Mmhmm.
So, forgive me if it never
quite felt like the right time.
And to be honest,
I wasn't sure how you felt...
but obviously, I was wrong.
What if I...
What if you what?
It doesn't matter now
because I can't trust you.
So, there's no way...
you can give me another chance?
Cara...
Merry Christmas, Michael.
And what did I see?
There it is, a picture of you,
just sitting there.
I couldn't believe my eyes.
I honestly cannot believe
that it actually worked.
Michael was so sure
that you would not find it,
but I knew deep down
that you would.
Right, uh... And Michael,
I'm assuming is the guy
in the photo?
Yeah.
But he's out of the picture now.
Oh, I didn't realize
that you two...
No, we aren't.
We weren't.
Okay, got you.
But enough about him,
I want to hear more about you,
how has your trip home
been so far?
Yeah, it's been great.
I've been going around town
with my nephew, Gregory, showing
him a real, New York Christmas.
We've been hitting
all the spots.
He doesn't know all the places,
so I've been taking him around,
I've been...
We ran into a real-life
abominable snowman...
Thanks.
Oh... Michael, I'm so sorry.
No, don't apologize,
it's not your fault.
But it is.
She caught me on the spot,
I wasn't thinking,
it just came out.
Pete.
It's okay. Okay?
You gave me the number
to give to her and...
the rest is on me.
So, what happened?
She says she can't trust me.
She's probably on a date
with Chace right now.
So what?
You're just gonna give up?
Give up on what?
On Cara. There's obviously
something between you.
Something special.
She brought out a part of you
that I haven't seen in years.
I'm not gonna stand by and
watch you walk away from that.
What am I supposed to do, man?
Can't force her
to want to be with me.
Oh, and I got fired.
What?
Yeah.
Michael.
We need to talk.
Turns out that Michael
is this incredible pastry chef and we made
the entire three-tier cake from scratch.
Wow!
Wow, that...
Yeah.
- That's very impressive.
- Yeah.
Uh.
I had a really great time
tonight.
Me too.
So, about the wedding,
I was thinking that...
Look, Cara, I really like you.
You're great and we have
so much in common and...
I think if the timing
was different, maybe...
you could have been
something great, but...
it's clear to me that this
isn't working out.
Okay.
Why?
I think you know why.
How's it going back there?
You get tangled up again?
I'm almost ready,
just one second.
Ta-da!
Wow!
What's wrong?
You just... You look so
beautiful.
Okay, that's a nice try,
but you were emotional
before I even came out here.
What happened?
Hm.
"Hi, again, Phoebe,
I just wanted to follow up
with some of Cara Martin's
additional materials.
While I respect
your initial decision,
it is my hope that these designs
will help you see
what a brilliant talent
she is and give her a chance.
I can personally attest
to her passion
and determination,
and am confident she would make
a valuable addition
to your team.
Best, Michael."
She wants to meet
in the new year.
She thinks I have
a lot of potential.
Cara! This is amazing!
Yeah, um, I just don't even understand
how he got the wedding mockups.
Um...
Yeah, I might have had a little
something to do with that.
What was I supposed to do, okay?
Pass up the opportunity to help
my sister fulfill her dream
and potentially move back
to the city?
Not to mention make
her Christmas wish come true?
You know, things didn't
work out with Chace.
I'm not talking about Chace.
Doesn't make any sense,
though. It's...
- You're polar opposites.
- Yeah.
I think sometimes, your soulmate
is the person you least expect.
He lied to me, though.
I can't trust him anymore.
He told me that he tried
to give you Chace's number.
I really think his heart
was in the right place.
I mean, some love stories
are just complicated.
Enough about me!
This is your day!
Ooh, okay, but I'm dropping
this just for now,
because it's not over, okay?
Oh!
Wow.
You do look beautiful.
I kind of do, don't I?
Yeah!
Wow, the veil.
It's almost time.
Okay, I'll meet you
down there.
Hi.
Hi.
Look, Michael, I...
Before you say anything else,
I need to apologize
to you again.
Amy invited me to the wedding,
but if you don't want me
to be here...
No, no, no, I want you
to be here.
And I should be apologizing too,
I was so caught up
in finding some guy I barely
knew that I completely missed
what was right in front of me.
Oh, you two made up!
That's great.
You should...
Yeah, I'm gonna go.
Yeah, yeah.
Okay! Okay.
Wow.
Ooh, it's all happening.
I love you.
I love you.
Amy, I love you so much.
That's only because
I could not have imagined
somebody so kind,
so caring,
so handsome...
and so generous as you.
So?
Big interview coming up.
Mmhmm.
You nervous?
A little. It's only
my dream job, so...
You know, trying to manage
expectations.
But it seems like
your Christmas wish
is already coming true, so...
Hmm...
How are you so sure you know
what I wished for?
You mean to tell me
that you didn't wish
for your novel to get published?
That is exactly
what I'm saying.
Then what did you wish for?
Can I? One, two, three!
Oh my gosh, you're kidding!
There's no way you made this!
Well, I had a little help.
It's beautiful!
I love it so much.
Alright.
Cheers!
- To the happy couple.
- To the happy couple.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.