Deck the Halls (2005) Movie Script
1
(bright techno music)
(bright instrumental music)
- [Melody] I found this
recipe Bon Appetite.
- Oh aren't you the domestic.
You're gonna make some
man a very good wife.
- Yeah, so why am I not married yet?
- 'Cause you haven't found the right guy.
- [Melody] Is there such a thing?
- [Holly] Yes.
- I know the holidays
are difficult without him
and I just wanted to
let you know, I'm here.
- Don't go there.
- Hey, that's what friends are for.
- [Laura] Ooh, that turkey smells good,
how's it coming along?
- Oh, about another half hour more.
- Mom, what's Ben doing?
- Oh, he's teaching his grandfather
how to play a video game.
- Oh, that must be interesting.
That guy came into the 21st
Century kicking and screaming.
I got him a cell phone last
year, he's used it twice.
- Holly.
- Hmm?
- How is Ben adjusting?
- Well you know, he's a little anxious.
I think he misses his dad.
He's giving us a time when
all the neighborhood kids
would get together and
they'd play street hockey.
- Yeah, I remember a few years back,
he almost lost his front teeth.
- That's true.
- Right.
Oh my god.
- Who, Ben?
- No, Michael.
Ben's slap shot hit him in the mouth.
He was so upset, poor baby.
- You know, Ben is such a sweet kid.
- You know, at his age, I think he
doesn't fully understand Michael's loss.
- Yeah, it's a struggle.
- He'll be fine once he
finds new friends at school.
- Well, that's what I'm hoping.
- Grandpa, you could've
used the left button
to kill the onions.
Grandpa!
Wake him up, Oscar.
- Hey, Oscar!
Hey, hey, hey.
Oh, we got to get these
guys Ben (mumbles).
- [Holly] Alright, dinner's ready!
- Let's go.
- Come on, you guys.
You can save the universe after dessert.
(pretend shooting)
- Mom, mom, Grandpa got
a whole army of aliens.
- Good, now I feel so much safer.
- And I shot Ultra Star Cruisers.
- Alright, no more stories at the table.
Dad, he hasn't stopped
playing with that game
since you got it for him.
- [Grandpa] One of our best sellers.
- Grandpa, are we gonna
attach the battle cruiser?
(brrrr)
- Not at the table!
- [Jack] After dinner, Ben.
- Jack, please say grace, honey.
- Lord, we thank you for the
food we are about to receive
and for blessing us with Holly and Ben
and for Melody to share it with us.
And we trust that Michael
is with you in heaven.
(dog barks)
And thanks for Oscar too.
Amen.
- [Everyone At Table] Amen.
- Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
- [Everybody At Table] Happy Thanksgiving.
- Dig in!
- Who wants yams?
- I do.
- Do you think you can
start the turkey over here?
There we are.
- Oscar, Oscar, go ahead, boy.
Go, go, go, go.
- Thank you so much for dinner.
- [Laura] Oh, you're welcome, Melody.
You know you're always welcomed.
- Oh mom, I'm so full,
I'm not gonna be able
to eat for a week.
- Ben, don't forget, I
saved you the wishbone.
- Oh come on, it's not keep away.
- Ben, do you have something you wanna say
to grandma and grandpa?
- Can I have another piece of pie?
(laughing)
Thank you, grandma and grandpa.
- You're welcome, Benjamin.
- Okay Ben.
- He loves that dog.
- Yeah, Michael knew what he was doing
when he got Ben Oscar.
You know what's interesting?
I think that Ben feels closer to his dad
when he's with the dog.
- We've got your office all
ready for Monday, honey.
- Wait 'til you see it.
Jack said I could help
out with decorations.
- Oh Melody, what would I do without you?
- I hope we never, ever find out.
- [Holly] Alright, we'll see you later.
- Okay, sweetheart.
- [Holly] Thank you.
- [Laura] Bye.
Thanks.
- [Holly] Come on, Ben, let's go.
- [Ben] Come on, Oscar.
Come on, Oscar.
Come on, Oscar.
- How is she holding up?
She has her good days and her bad days.
- I'm hoping this new
job will help her move on
with her life.
For Ben's sake.
- Michael was her true love.
- How can I forget?
- Bye.
Bye Mel.
- [Jack] Bye.
Bye, honey.
- Bye.
(bright instrumental music)
(car horn blowing)
- Hey, are you the new neighbor?
- Yeah, hello.
(bright instrumental music)
- Excuse me.
Excuse me.
- Oh.
Sorry, Nicholas St. Claire,
you can call me Nick.
- I'm Holly and this is my son, Ben.
You're parked in my driveway.
- This is your driveway?
- This is my driveway
and that's your driveway.
- Oh, huh, well I've got some more things
to unload now.
About 20 more minutes?
- I'm sorry, I need you
to move your truck now
so I can park my car.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
- Did you eat turkey today, mister?
- Ah, no, I've been too busy.
- We have some extra, do you want some?
- Aren't you nice?
Yeah, no thank you.
(car horn blowing)
- Is that your sleigh?
- Yeah.
- Benjamin.
- Do you have reindeer too?
- Maybe.
- [Holly] Now!
- Ooh, you better go!
Grrr.
- Coming, mom.
Good boy, good boy.
Come on, move over.
I need to sit down.
(playful instrumental music)
(saw buzzing)
- [Nick] (screaming) Yah, yahoo!
- Excuse me, I know that
you're the new neighbor,
but can you please do that in the daytime?
(muffled ear bud music)
- What?
- I said ...
- What?
- I said, it is getting late.
Could you please do that tomorrow?
- Got a schedule.
- Well my son is trying to sleep.
- Sorry again.
I guess I'm not winning any
brownie points around here.
- No, no, not really.
So far in fact, I would give you a D minus
as a neighbor.
- What do I gotta do for an A?
- Move.
(door slams)
Ben, you better be in bed.
- [Ben] Yeah, mom.
- Hey, how are you doin'.
Ah, excuse me, you're
not supposed to be spying
on people with these.
Remember, you've got to be good
if you want Santa to
bring you any presents.
Did you say your prayers?
- I will.
- Okay.
- What was that noise?
- Oh, it was our new neighbor,
he was working with some power tools,
but he's finished, so now it's time
for you to go to sleep.
- What does he do?
- I don't know what he does.
- Maybe he works for Santa.
- Somehow, I doubt that.
So, did you have a good day
with grandma and grandpa today?
- Yeah.
Grandma saved me the wishbone.
- Really?
- She said I should make a wish.
- Okay, let's do it.
- I wish that ...
- Oh no, can't say it out loud
or it won't come true.
Okay, you ready?
Ready?
- Mom, I got the bigger piece!
- Yeah, you did.
That means your wish is gonna come true.
Now you go to sleep, okay?
Okay.
I love you
to the moon and back.
- Love you too, Mom.
Goodnight.
- Sweet dreams.
I'll take that for you.
- Thanks, Mom.
Goodnight.
Can I have the door open?
- [Holly] Okay.
- Dear Lord, thank you
for the wonderful meal
we ate today.
And please watch over
my mom, my grandparents,
and dog Oscar.
And please say hi to my dad.
I know grandpa said you
need him more than me,
but it sure doesn't
feel that way, so much.
Amen.
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
(playful carnival music)
- Hey, hey, hey.
Good morning, honey.
- [Holly] Good morning, dad.
- You already to take a
look at your new digs?
- Actually, I think I need
a cup of coffee first.
- Ah, forget the coffee.
Come on, you're gonna love this.
(playful carnival music)
Hey, it's looking great, Melody.
- [Melody] Good morning.
I hope you don't mind, I
got some stuff from your mom
to cozy up the place.
- You are great, thank you.
(phone ringing)
- There's coffee on your desk.
- Perfect.
- And could you come to
the vet with me today?
Ms. Kiki's got a little
case of the sniffles.
- Aww, sure, I'll go.
- Love you, beautiful.
- Bye.
- Well.
Now honey, I know you're probably used
to different working conditions
in your big city job.
But I'm really trying to keep things light
and fun around here like a big toy box.
- I can see that dad.
- I want you to be happy
when you come to work.
- I'm happy.
I am happy.
- Did you get a chance to
look at those budget reports.
- Yep, I studied them all weekend.
Your expenditures are
eating up your profits.
This Christmas campaign is way over budget
from last year.
Who's ever in charge of this campaign
is overspending on every line.
- That's why I need you here, honey,
you're gonna turn things around.
No more waste of money.
- That's right, $14,000 on elves.
- Yeah, that's Nick for you,
he's a crazy, creative nut.
But he's the best.
- Who's Nick?
- St. Nick's what I call him.
The best in the business.
He's a miracle worker who's
saving our holiday campaign.
We got off to a late start this year
and he's really doing wonders for us.
- Oh you know, somebody needs to talk
to good old St. Nick, 'cause
he is spending your money
like he just won the lottery.
- I've got some invoices
I need you to look over.
- Well, I'll get out of your hair
and let you get to work.
- Wait, hold it, dad.
I want to speak to this Nick.
- Oh, you're just like your mother.
Where you tackle the
problem head on and fix it.
Okay, let's go.
(clown horn honks)
- [Nick] Come on guys, you're on.
Let's see some Christmas magic.
Spruce it up a little bit.
- Hold on a sec, Holly, okay?
Nick.
Nick.
Nick, you've got a minute?
Nick, I want you to meet somebody.
Holly.
Nick, this is our new
Chief Financial Officer,
my daughter, Holly.
- I don't believe it.
- What, you two know each other?
- Oh, we go way back, Mr. Hall.
- It's Jack.
- He's my new next door neighbor, dad.
- Oh, you're renting the Bradford house?
- It's my home away from home.
- Well, well, well, it's a small world.
Well, I'll just get out of here
and let you two talk shop.
- How funny is this?
Oh come on, you have to admit,
it's pretty humorous.
I mean, this could only
happen in a small town.
- So, how long have you been a
working for my father?
- Oh, he brought me on about a month ago.
I've been visiting all his stores
across the country
trying to get some ideas
for the campaign.
- And what do you think?
- Oh, we're a little behind, but we're
shifting into high gear.
So, you're the head financial guy.
Girl.
So if I was Superman,
you'd be kryptonite, right?
- You can see why.
Oh, sorry we got off to
a bad start this weekend
you know, things have
been crazy around here.
- Look, when you have time, I'd like to go
over the budget report with you.
- Yeah sure, I just have to get
this photo shoot done before lunch.
Hey, hey, why don't we chat over lunch?
- Why don't we meet at my office at three.
- Or meet at your office at three.
(elves giggling)
Alright, knock it off, guys.
I've got work to do,
we're meeting at three.
- You are the boss, we've
got to wrap this up.
- [Melody] So what do you think of Nick?
I think he's totally hot.
- Yeah?
You should go out with him.
- He's not my type.
- And he's my type?
- Sure.
He's talented.
He travels, so you know he's spontaneous.
And I heard he has a great sense of humor.
- And?
- You're very structured,
you're very cautious, totally responsible.
- Totally not compatible.
- Opposites attract, Holly.
I just read a magazine about the subject.
- You read too many magazines.
- I'm just saying maybe
it's time to meet someone.
Maybe just as friends.
So did you guys talk?
- Ah, he was in the
middle of a photo shoot,
I think he's very annoying.
- Yeah, the internet campaign.
- What's the internet campaign?
- Nick, he developed this new program
for our holiday site.
Kids use their parents
email to write Santa.
The software, flags the toys dimension.
The program emails the parents
with a link to our site.
They just click and order online.
He's a genius.
- Well that genius
happens to be my neighbor.
- See that's fate, you guys
crossed paths for a reason.
- There is no reason.
I'm not interested.
- Okay, Dr. Olsen.
- Dr. Olsen?
- Tighty pants Olsen?
- He's single, and he's hot.
- Well, I can't seem
to find anything wrong
with her, Melody.
But we'll give her a little something.
Some vitamin drops, that should help.
- Well it really is good
to see you again, Holly.
It's been ages.
- It has, I think the last time I saw you,
we were ice skating.
- Yeah, with me in my tight pants.
- I think you fell down and split them!
- Don't remind me.
Didn't I try to kiss you
and your gum got stuck
in my braces?
- You remember that, very embarrassing.
- You were embarrassed?
- Well, it's nice to see that
you're doing so well, Kirk.
- Well thanks, thanks.
- I heard you moved to New York
and work for some big company?
- Yeah, I did, but then
my husband passed away,
so I moved back home.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- Thank you.
- Well, Ms. Kiki is all better.
Now there's no charge for today.
- You don't have to do that.
- It was nothing, I insist.
- You're too kind, Dr. Olsen, thank you.
- Alright, anytime.
Ms. Kiki's probably
stressed, it's the season.
Well ah, maybe I'll see you around, Holly.
- Maybe you will.
- Look who grandma dropped off.
- Hey, how was school?
- We won a hockey game, five to three.
- You did?
Give me five.
One.
- Pound it, pound it.
Is grandma gonna pick
me up again tomorrow?
- Ah, yeah.
You know what, honey, I
have a lot of work to do.
Could you go down to the fun center?
- Do they have games there?
- Go see.
Alright, then I'll come down later
and we'll go see Santa.
- Yeah, I guess.
- What do you mean I guess.
Fun, Santa, presents.
(phone ringing)
(upbeat holiday instrumental music)
- I can't believe ...
I can't believe I almost
forgot Josie's request
for the water buffalo.
I mean, what's a kid need
with a water buffalo?
He doesn't even have a pool.
You know, at this pace,
we're not gonna make
our Christmas deadline.
Pick that up.
- It always comes together, boss.
- [Nick] Well, the kids
are depending on me, Deano.
- You're the man.
Like your saint or somethin',
always the guy to get the
job done no matter what.
- Ho, ho, ho.
- Hey there.
Oh, it's okay, come on over, Ben.
We're just getting ready for Christmas.
You play hockey?
- Yeah, we won a game at school today.
Do you play?
- Sure I do.
I've got a wicked wrist shot.
We should play.
- Wow, you really mean it?
- Of course I do.
I promise we'll play a game sometime.
And remember Ben, to
always keep a promise.
- Yes, sir.
- Now, did you write Santa and tell him
what you want for Christmas?
- Yeah, I sent him a letter,
but he hasn't written me back yet.
- You've been a good boy?
- Ah ha.
- I'm sure he'll write you back soon.
Christmas is full of possibilities.
- Hey, isn't Santa an old guy?
- Well, they want you to think he's old,
but between you and me,
he's a younger, hipper dude.
It's all about marketing.
- Ah, there you are.
Sorry, I'll get him out of your hair.
- Oh, he's no problem.
- Come on, honey, we've
got to go see Santa.
- Bye Ben.
- Let's go.
- Bye Nick.
- Let's get it on.
This is Christmas time
in the (foreign language)
This is Christmas time
(foreign language)
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- [Santa] Now, what's your name?
- Ben.
- [Santa] Ben?
Have you been a good boy, Ben?
- Aha, do you work for Santa?
- Why, I am Santa!
- No you're not.
Santa's a much younger, hipper dude.
I think I know where he lives.
- [Santa] Oh, do you?
- Yeah, he's cool.
And his elves are real.
- Benjamin.
- [Santa] Why don't you tell
me what you want for Christmas?
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
- I'm sorry, he thinks that
you can perform miracles.
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
- Sorry.
- Oh, hi.
- Hi, how are you doing?
- Good, so you're Christmas shopping?
- Oh yeah, I'm just getting a few things
for the nurses at the office.
So who's this big guy?
- This is Ben, my son.
Ben, this is Dr. Olsen, we
used to go to school together.
- Hi.
- So did you talk to Santa?
Did you give him a list?
- What I really want, I
don't think Santa can bring.
- Well, you never know what
can happen at Christmas.
Nice to meet you, enjoy yourselves.
- Alright, see you later.
(background chatter)
- [Nick] You ah, want to see
me about the budget again?
- Yeah, one moment, let
me just finish this here.
- Feel like I'm being called
into the principal's office.
Have I been a bad boy?
- Yes, very bad, Nick,
you are over budget.
- In what category?
- Every category.
- Wow, what can I say.
Once the creative juices
started to flow --
- So does the money?
- It's a make or break
time for the campaign
and your dad wants me to
go all out this season.
- Well Nick, like my dad,
you spend too much money.
- You have to spend it to make it,
first law of business.
- So on the elves, it would be
on per diem, hotel, costumes.
- They are classically trained actors.
You would not believe what
they're adding to the campaign.
- $14,000.
- (clearing throat) Okay.
I'll try.
- Thank you.
- So what about lunch?
- Yep, you're right in
line on that budget too.
- No, I mean, you and
I going out to lunch.
- Why, so you can charge
something to the expense account?
- You are unbelievable.
- No, I'm precise and I
pay attention to details.
- Precise people have to eat lunch too.
- I'm eating right here.
- Okay, but one day, you and
I will have a meal together,
I'll buy.
- Yeah well, I've done the math, Nick.
The odds are not in your favor.
(Nick snickering)
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Don't be long.
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Any letters from Santa?
- [Mailman] Sorry, Ben, not today.
- What about those?
- Oh, these are for Nick.
I keep them separate so
it doesn't get mixed up
with your mother's.
If it did, then Nick
would have to deliver it,
and I would be out of a job.
Have a good one, Ben.
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Did Santa write you back?
- No, grandma.
- He will, Ben, he's just
very busy this time of year.
- I know.
Nick told me you take your own letter.
- You've met Nick?
- Yeah, he lives next door.
- Does he?
I didn't know that.
- Yeah, and his elves come
over to our place too.
- They did?
That must've been really special.
Do you want a snack?
Ginger cookies and milk.
- Sure, grandma.
- [Man On TV] Nick, we need two co workers
who are secret admirers.
They correspond by email,
and after they finally met,
they were married in three weeks.
Stay tuned.
- What's a secret admirer?
- Oh well, that's when you like someone
and you send them an anonymous letter.
- Well, what does anonymous mean?
- It means you don't know who it's from.
- Why?
Why all the secrets?
- Well, you want to see if they like you.
- Oh.
- Did you know that your grandpa and I
were secret admirers in high school?
- Really?
Wow!
- We used to trade letters
in each other's lockers.
- Do you still have the letters?
- Yeah, I think they're
in a scrapbook somewhere.
They were so sweet.
Did you want to see them?
- Yeah.
- I'll take them out for you.
(playful instrumental music)
- Hello, mom.
- Yes, sweetheart, how was work today?
- Oh busy, thanks for staying with Ben.
- Oh, anytime, honey.
Here.
- So somehow I got my
neighbor's mail in my mailbox.
- Nick?
- Yes.
- What's he like as a neighbor?
- Ah, please don't ask.
- [Mom] Why, what's the matter?
- Let's just say he's definitely somebody
who gets under your skin.
- Well, Ben seems fond of him.
- Mom, he's eight years old.
- Well your dad thinks he's a genius.
- Well he's 70!
- Sorry.
- Yeah, well he's got everybody fooled.
(truck rumbling)
(playful instrumental music)
(door knock)
(Oscar barking)
(footsteps)
- Hey, Mrs. Hall.
- Hello, Nick.
- Give it up.
There was a mix up, I got
Holly's mail in my box.
- Oh, thank you here, I'll take that.
- Hold it, Nick, I've
got some of your mail.
- Oh yeah, hey, there's a mix up, sorry.
Thanks.
- I had no idea that you
were the new neighbor.
- I was really lucky to find a place.
- Do you really need that big of a house?
- It's my workshop.
- Okay, well ah, see you later, Nick.
Thanks.
Homework, young man.
I'm gonna make some dinner.
Ben, what are you doing?
- Homework, mom.
- [Holly] Yeah?
How is it going?
- Ah, fine.
- Good,
(mumbles)
(instrumental Jingle Bells music)
(chuckles)
- What is it?
- Ah, nothing!
- Oh how fun, a secret admirer.
- So high school.
- Yeah, but it's flattering.
Who do you think it is?
- I don't know.
I don't recognize the email address.
- He must be using his
personal email account.
- Yeah, well he should
be using his spell check.
- I think I know who it is.
- Who?
- Andrew, did you see how
he was flirting with you
after the budget meeting?
- Isn't he dating somebody?
- No, they broke up three months ago.
Are you gonna reply?
- No.
- It's just an email, Holly.
You're so uptight.
- Uptight, ugh.
Be fun.
- Yeah, now there's my Holly.
Just do it for fun.
Fun online flirting,
just see where it goes.
- Melody, it's just email.
- But it's a start for you.
(playful instrumental music)
(Nick laughing)
- What's funny?
- I've got a secret admirer.
- You lucky bum.
I need to start to look for
a half decent broad for me.
- Don't look for love and
it will find you, Leon.
- You think so?
- Mmh hmm, sure, but first
you have to believe in love.
- Oh, I knew there was a catch.
- You think I should send it?
(buzzing)
Bombs away!
- Bombs away!
(pft)
(pooey)
- We had a rough year, folks,
but we're right on target
for this holiday campaign.
Sales are up 40% in all our stores
and our retail sales are sky rocketing.
Thanks to our St. Nick.
(laughing)
- Thank you, Jack.
Really, it's a team effort.
I'm blessed 'cause Christmas
is such a special time.
And what better job could a guy have
than being part of something so amazing
like Dreamland Toys, come
on, let's give it up.
- Is he running for office?
- He is running at the mouth.
- Oh.
(applauding)
- Holly and Melody are
supervising our budgets
and they're really starting
to turn things around.
- Well, most departments are
within the season's budgets.
That is, most departments.
- Well, we really got to stay
within our budgets, folks.
I'm the first to admit I spend
too much this time of year.
Holly's really keeping me in check.
- That's a full time job, dad.
- Lucky for me, she didn't
inherit my spending gene.
(Nick laughing)
(school bell ringing)
(romantic instrumental music)
- [Matthew] Hey, new
kid, what are you doing?
- The name's Ben.
- Yeah, okay, new kid, what's up?
- I'm reading my reading
my grandma and grandpa
secret admirer letters.
- What's a secret admirer letters?
- Grown ups who think they
might like each other,
but they're too chicken to talk.
- See you later alligator!
That's weird!
- Yeah, I guess it's how they talked.
I'm trying to get Nick
to go out with my mom.
- Huh?
Who's Nick?
- My grandpa calls him St. Nick.
I think he's Santa Clause.
- No way, dude.
- Shh, he lives next door to me.
- Stop lying.
- I'm not lying, Matthew.
He's been working on a
secret Christmas project
at my mom's job.
Santa's workshop, and his elves.
- Prove it.
- Okay, come over and you'll see.
- I will, because you're lying.
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Hey, hey, hey, there's my grandson.
- Hi grandpa.
- Well, Christmas is no the way.
Have you written to Santa?
- Yeah, but he hasn't written me back.
- Ah, he will, Ben, he will.
- Grandpa, where's Nick?
- I think he and the elves went
to the Christmas tree farm.
There's my beeper, gotta go.
See you later, alligator.
- Hey.
- Hi Mom.
- Thanks, Mel.
I have a little more work to do,
so sit down and read for me, okay?
- What did he say?
- I think that you're a really
cool (drowned out by game).
And it would be a kick to take you
for burgers and (drowned out by laugh).
Mel, listen to this, this is,
he ends it with, see you later, alligator.
It's something corny
like my father would say.
- Oh, it's retro, it's cool.
Send a reply.
- I did.
- Yeah?
- Mmh hmm.
- Mom, can we get a Christmas tree today?
- Well, honey, we told
grandpa we'd go with him.
- He said all the good
trees have been taken
out of the tree lot.
- I know, but he knows the owner
and the owner promised to
get us a real nice tree.
- Please, I really, really
want a tree tonight.
- Honey, I have so much work.
- Please.
- Okay.
- Yes!
- If he replies, I want
all the juicy details.
- I promise.
Hey, how about that one, you like it?
- Too small.
- How big do you need it?
- A big tree.
- I think this is perfect
for the living room.
- Mom, there's a good one over here.
Nick!
- Hey, Benjamin, what are you doing here?
- [Ben] My mom and me are getting a tree.
What are you doing?
- You know, Christmas
is a time for giving,
so we're making sure that those families
who can't afford a tree, get one.
Yeah.
- I haven't heard from Santa yet.
- St. Nick will take care of it for you.
- Really?
Cool.
- Let's just keep this between us, okay?
- Yeah, it's our secret.
- So, you know what
you want for Christmas?
- If it's not too much trouble,
could you bring my dad back?
So mom will be happy again.
- Where's your dad, Ben?
- He's not with us anymore.
He had to go away and
help God with some stuff.
- Sorry.
I'm sure he's a special guy.
- I'm sad he had to go away.
- I'm sure he loved you very much.
I know he's watching over you right now.
- Like Santa does?
- Yeah, like Santa does.
So you better be a good boy.
Hey, want a picture with the elves?
- Yeah, could I?
- Yeah, come on.
(playful instrumental music)
Hey guys.
We're gonna do some pictures, group photo,
what do you think about that?
Great.
Okay, hey listen.
This is just kind of casual, hanging out
having a cup of tea,
that sort of thing, okay?
Now, let's just give me something natural.
That's good.
Yes.
Yes.
Oh yes, aha.
Give me gangsters, gangsters.
Good, that's it.
Oh yeah, oh, this is it, your
mom's gonna love this one.
This is good.
Oh, I thought --
- Thank you, that was very nice.
- They're gonna stay with me now.
I've got that big house, all that room.
We'll save on the hotel bill.
- Holiday miracles.
- Mom, did you see me with the elves?
- I did.
And did you thank Nick?
- Thank you, Nick.
- You're welcome, Ben.
- Know what honey, we gotta
find a tree and go home.
- Goodbye, Nick.
- See you, Benjamin.
Bye Holly.
- Bye.
- Hey guys, thanks for
taking the photos with Ben.
He's a very special kid and
he's been through a lot.
I know it made his day.
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
(instrumental Silent Night music)
- Mom, how long is Nick
gonna live next door?
- I think a couple more weeks,
just before Christmas he needs to move.
- Does he have any kids?
- I don't know.
- Daddy made this.
- Oh he did.
Remember what he called it?
- Patty claws.
- That's right, good memory.
- Can I hang it up here?
- You know what, no.
Let's bring it to grandma and grandpa's
and put it on their tree, okay?
- Okay.
- Okay.
(instrumental Silent Night music)
(birds chirping)
- Mom look, it's a letter Nick
promised from Santa Clause.
- Yeah, what does it say?
- It says I should help you
with stuff when you ask me.
- He's a smart man.
- [Ben] And if I'm a good boy,
I'll get lots of presents for Christmas.
- Yeah, you better listen to that one.
Come on, get in.
Ready?
Alright.
(birds chirping)
It's just lunch.
I promise.
(knocking on door)
Come in.
- What, what?
- Mystery man wants to have lunch today.
- Oh Holly, that's fantastic.
You think it's Andrew?
- I don't know.
- Where's the date?
- Willow Park, 12:30, and we are supposed
to bring our own lunches.
- Oh, a picnic in the
park, that's so romantic.
What did you tell him?
- Yes.
- Ah, that's exciting,
I want all the details.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Oh you'll be fine.
It's like riding a
bicycle, you never forget.
I'm sorry, I don't now why I said that.
- Hi.
- [Nick] Hello.
- [Holly] Need those invoices.
- Can't, got a lunch meeting.
- [Holly] Have a good lunch.
- Good.
- Good.
- Bye.
- Bye.
(church bells ringing)
- (clearing throat) Excuse me.
Hi, are you meeting somebody for lunch?
- No, but I can be.
- No.
No, thank you.
I am (mumbles) for lunch.
- I don't believe this (chuckling).
- You are the secret admirer?
- There's some kind of a mix up.
- Just like the mailboxes.
- You think I did that?
- You know, our paths are
crossing a lot lately.
- It's a small town, Holly.
- You emailed me first.
- No I didn't!
- Oh, yes you did and now
you're trying to deny it.
- This is hilarious.
- I'm flattered.
- Please, what's my email address?
- I'll show you.
- She has the emails printed.
- Yes, you should have used spell check.
Daddy-O.
- This is the same email address
that's been emailing me.
- What are you talking about?
- Somebody set this whole thing up.
- Ah, Melody.
- Well, I am starving, so,
I'm gonna eat my lunch.
- See, you don't need an expense account.
- Ha, ha.
- That's fine, I'm gonna eat alone.
(background distant children chatter)
(Holly chuckling)
- What are you having?
- Salad.
How about you?
- I've got a chicken
sandwich on Rosemary bread
with goat cheese and peppers.
I've got these amazing Italian
olives and pickled tomatoes.
- And you're not married?
- [Nick] No.
- Oh then you must be --
- No, no.
- Oh yeah.
- I guess I'm married to my work.
- Ah.
Fear of commitment, huh?
- I just travel way too much.
I'm never in one place for too long.
- Men.
- Enough about me.
If you don't mind me asking,
what happened to your husband?
- He (clearing throat)
died, in a car accident.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
That's gotta be hard on Ben.
- Yeah.
Yeah, the holidays are tough.
For both of us.
- But he's lucky to be so loved.
Wonderful thing about life is
we can find love again.
Sometimes right in front of you.
- I had the love of my
life, and I lost him.
I don't know why I'm telling you this,
I hardly know you.
(soft piano music)
- Care to try a bite of my sandwich?
I think it's the most amazing
creation I've made yet.
Come on, try it.
- Fine.
- Yeah, huh?
How good is that?
- It's good!
- Yeah, see?
I told you, you gotta trust me.
- I don't know if I can trust a man
who wears a Hawaiian shirt.
- Looks can be deceiving.
- Maybe.
- Holly, you don't ever
get to know someone,
unless you give them a chance.
How are my odds?
- Better.
(Nick chuckling)
(car horn honking)
It was Nick.
- Nick, are you kidding me?
- Did you have something to do with this?
- What?
- It's okay if you did,
I just want to know.
- Holly, I didn't have anything to do
with getting you guys together.
I'm telling you, it's fate.
- Yeah, well, somebody's
trying to set this up
because we thought we were
emailing each other directly,
but we weren't.
- Who do you think it is?
- I have no idea, but I'm gonna find out.
- So give me all the details.
How did it go?
- You know, for as much as he annoys me,
and he does annoy me, I have to admit,
there is something special about him.
- He's totally hot.
- Yeah, well, it's against company policy.
- First of all, he's a consultant,
so that doesn't count.
And what if it was Andrew?
Would you still be having this problem?
- I don't know.
- Can't live your life
by the company book, Hol.
- [Ben] Got 'em!
- [Matthew] Good work, new kid.
- It's Ben.
- [Matthew] Hey, have
you heard from Santa?
- Yeah, I told St. Nick and
I got a letter the next day.
- So where are the elves, huh?
I think you're lying.
- I'm not lying.
Come on.
They live upstairs.
- [Matthew] No way.
- Hey look, there it is.
- Maybe he's Santa's helper.
I though Santa was an old guy.
- Na, it's some marketing.
He's really a younger, hipper dude.
Look, the elves, told you.
- Wow, dude, you really do
live next to Santa Clause.
- You think one might be Rudolph?
- Maybe, but I didn't see a red nose.
- And you didn't believe me.
- Did you hook your mom up with him?
- I hope, they're supposed
to go to lunch today.
- If Santa becomes your
dad, you can have presents
all year long.
- Whoa!
- Ben, dinner's in a half hour.
- Hello, Mrs. Hall.
- Matthew, you want to join us?
You can call your mom.
- No, I have to get home.
- Okay, clean up, Ben.
- [Ben] Look at all the reindeer.
- Whoa!
(soft aquarium water gurgling)
- You know, I had lunch
with somebody today?
- You did?
What did he say?
I mean, who did you have lunch with?
- Nick.
- [Ben] Oh.
- Somebody has been emailing us
trying to make us thing that
we were secret admirers.
I wonder who that could be.
- I don't know.
- Ben.
Ben, look at me.
I know what you're trying to do.
And I appreciate it.
But Nick is leaving in a week.
- But Mom, don't be chicken.
It's okay.
- You know Ben, remember when I told you
that some people weren't
meant to be together?
Nick and I are meant to be co-workers,
maybe friends, but that is it.
- But Mom.
- Honey, I know this is
hard for you to understand,
you've got to be a big boy.
- Yeah, okay.
- You know ...
... you know I love you.
I love you to the moon and back.
- [Woman] I am so sorry, I
tried to get a hold of you.
- [Nick] Ah, don't worry about
it, it happens all the time.
- These are the latest invoices
from the department heads.
- Do I even want to see them?
- Oh, you're turning things around, Holly.
Everyone's staying within their budgets,
except, who do you know?
- You're such a rebel.
That car really suits you.
I'd love to go for a ride sometime.
- Okay, when I get the time.
Bubbles!
(Nick chuckling)
Bubbles, yeah!
Ack!
- He's impossible.
(instrumental Jingle bells music)
- It's a beauty, don't you think?
- [Holly] You did a nice job, dad.
- I'm really excited
about this holiday party.
- Did you know Nick's
playing Santa Clause?
- Yes, I know.
- Why don't you grab some
garlands and have some fun?
- Oh dad, I have a ton of work.
- How are the year-end reports.
- I'm doing the best I
can, but getting some
of your departments to deliver on time
is like pulling teeth.
- It'll all come together, honey.
There's a magic in the air.
Just look at the Christmas spirit.
- Speaking of which, are we
having Christmas Eve dinner
at your house or mine?
- Our house, your mom is doing turkey.
- Good.
- You know, honey, I
think you should invite
Nick to dinner.
- Nick?
Why would I invite him?
- Who's he got for the holidays?
He lives alone.
We'll send him off with
the spirit of Christmas.
I can't begin to tell you everything
that Nick's done for us this season.
Holly?
- It's been a tough year, Nick,
my wife's been sick, in
and out of the hospital,
we're struggling with the bills.
- Sorry you're going through a tough time.
- Hey, but thanks for the job.
You do it every year.
You're a pal, a real St. Nick.
- How much did you say you needed?
- I can't accept money from you.
- Will that hold you?
- I don't believe it!
- It's Christmas, Deano,
you better believe it.
- I'll pay you back, I promise.
- You don't have to pay me back,
you're gonna work for me next year.
Don't worry about it.
Don't worry.
- Merry Christmas, Nick.
- Merry Christmas, Deano.
Top of it (chuckling).
Alright, get out of here.
Go do some work.
Earn the money.
(keyboard taps)
(quick footsteps)
(door slams)
(knock on door)
- Can I come in?
- You're not gonna believe this,
but I'm almost done the invoices.
I know, I know, call
it a Christmas miracle.
- Never call miracles.
Ben got your letter.
I think he was so excited.
- I'm glad.
Oh here, I wanted to
give this to you earlier.
Turned out better than I expected,
Ben's gonna love it.
- It's great.
Again, and again, and again, thank you.
- Oh, you're father asked
me to play Santa Clause
at the Christmas party.
- Well, he loves the holidays.
- How could I to refuse it.
It's important for people
to believe in Santa Clause.
- I guess.
- Don't tell me you don't
believe in Santa Clause.
- Don't tell me you do?
- You bet I do.
Huh, I mean, what's Christmas
without Santa Clause,
it's like peanut butter without jelly,
or life without love.
- I believe in Santa.
That he lives in our imaginations.
- Hmm.
And love?
You're just afraid to believe
it could happen again.
But once you take the
leap of faith and open up,
love will find you.
- Nick, Ben has grown
very attached to you.
- He's a very special kid.
I really like him a lot.
(soft piano music)
- The thing is, I don't
want him to be heartbroken
when you leave.
- He'll be fine.
In a month or two he won't even remember.
You know how kids are.
- Nick.
I would appreciate it if
you would make yourself
less available to him while you're here.
You could just say you have a lot of work.
(soft orchestral music)
- Okay.
- I'm sorry.
- You're going through a difficult time.
And the last thing I want
to do is hurt anyone.
I'll have your invoices
ready by the end of the day.
- That would be fine, thank you.
(soft orchestral music)
- Do you remember when
you were a little kid?
You wake up Christmas morning
expecting something wonderful to happen,
something you always wanted,
but you weren't sure if it could be real.
Ben still believes in miracles.
Something wonderful can happen.
Please don't take that away from him.
Or yourself.
(soft orchestral music)
(birds chirping)
- Hey Nick, you want to play a game?
- Ah, I don't think it's a
good idea right now, Ben.
- Come on, Nick, you promised.
And we never break a promise.
- Come on, Nick.
We love hockey, let's mix it up.
A quick one for the kid.
- Yeah, alright, alright.
One game, up to three.
We'll bring it.
(upbeat rock music)
What's up with the world we live in
It's the greatest of concerns
There comes a time when
we all crash and burn
I'm so sick of trying
- We got it, we got it.
Best on three.
We're never right, it
seems like more ways wrong
It's a voice of reason
It's a voice that won't go away
Well I'm feeling the pressure
Every single day
- [Nick] We got 'em, we
got 'em, don't give up.
Look what I've become
Look what I've become
Every day I'm faking my way
Look what I've become
Look what I've become
Goal.
(upbeat rock music)
- Hey, that's not fair.
- He bit me in the butt.
(Oscar barking)
- .
- No it's not.
- Yes it is.
(upbeat rock music)
Still I feel so empty
Where do I find love
Spin around in circles
(muffled vehicle engine)
- I'm sorry, he came out
of nowhere, I'm sorry.
(Oscar whimpering)
- It's gonna be okay, Ben.
Trust me, Leo get the car.
(clock ticking)
(dismal orchestral music)
- When can I see Oscar?
- He's being sedated, I
need to operate right away.
But you can see him later on, Ben, okay?
- [Ben] Mom.
- Oh, I'm so sorry, he's
gonna be okay, okay?
- I'll do my very best.
- Are you alright?
(dismal orchestral music)
- Guys, will you take Ben outside?
(dismal orchestral music)
Look, I ...
- What part of make
yourself less available
did you not understand?
- I promised him a game, I
didn't want to break my word
and let him down.
- Nick, that dog means everything to him.
And he didn't need that,
particularly on Christmas.
- Everything's gonna be okay, Holly.
- How do you know?
- Just have faith.
- Are you deluded?
What you think just because you believe it
it makes it so?
(clock ticking)
- [Holly] How is he?
- It's not good.
I got a chance to take a look.
He's got internal bleeding.
I'm sorry, I don't know if
there's anything else I can do.
- You've got to save Oscar.
- Hey, believe me, Ben, I'm
doing everything I can for him.
But you've got to be a
big guy for us now, okay?
We could use a miracle right about now.
(dismal orchestral music)
(soft holiday music)
- [Ben] I can't sleep.
- Come here, sit with me.
You know, I just got off
the phone with the vet.
He said that Oscar's
sleeping very comfortably.
- When can I see him?
- We have to wait until he
gets a little bit better.
- It wasn't Nick's fault, you know.
It was mine.
- It wasn't your fault.
- I had Oscar playing goalie.
Maybe he should play defense.
- And it was just an accident.
You can't control everything.
(soft orchestral music)
- Are you okay?
- Yeah, yeah, fine.
You know what?
You go upstairs and I'll come up
and tuck you in a second, okay?
- Okay.
- Okay.
Say a prayer for Oscar.
- [Ben] I did, Mom.
(soft orchestral music)
- Got these out of the meeting.
- Ah great, what I need, another donut.
- I love what they called
us, the budget busters.
- You know, Melody, I have to be honest,
if it wasn't for my father,
I would not be going
to this party.
- Bah humbug, Mrs. Scrooge.
Where is your holiday spirit?
- You know, with
everything that's going on,
I have no holiday spirit.
- What would the holidays
be without a miracle?
- What is it with miracles?
I don't believer in miracles, okay?
- They can't happen if
you don't believe in them.
- What will be will be.
It is out of my control.
(soft orchestral holiday music)
Nick.
- Look, I want to apologize
for everything, Holly.
I know how much Oscar
means to you and Ben.
I was just trying to let him down easy
with one final game and it
ended up making things worse.
- Look, it's not your fault.
It's, it's just a lot to handle.
- Yeah.
Christmas can be stressful.
- Yeah, sometimes you just
have to learn to let go.
- Wow, I think you and I are
more alike than you may think.
- Against my better
judgment, my father wanted me
to invite you over for
Christmas Eve dinner.
- That's very nice of him.
But I don't think I can make it.
- Why, what else do you have to do?
- A lot.
- And I thought I was a workaholic.
- I'll try my best.
- If not dinner, maybe dessert.
- Maybe.
(playful instrumental music)
Easy.
What are you doing here, Ben?
- I saw the reindeer, I was
wondering if I could pet them.
- Ah, they're actually
gonna go to sleep now.
- Where is the other reindeer?
- At the Pole.
- Oh.
Can I go in and see your workshop?
- Ah, actually, I'm in
the middle of something.
I'm sorry, but maybe you should go home.
- I got you something.
(birds chirping)
- Wow, it's nice.
(paper scrunching)
(Nick laughing)
How did you know that I love ducks?
That's very thoughtful, thank you.
Alright, you can come in for a minute.
I've always been a sucker for quacks.
- Quack.
- Why do you have to go
back to the North Pole?
- Think I'm Santa?
- Aren't you?
- Think of me as one of his helpers.
Like the guy at the mall.
- You're not like the guy at the mall.
- I've got a lot of work
to do before tomorrow, kid.
- I'm gonna miss you, Nick.
- I'm gonna miss you too, Ben.
Remember what Santa said, okay?
If your mother asks you to do something,
you've got to listen.
Even if she doesn't ask you, okay?
- I know.
Do you think Oscar will come home?
(soft orchestral music)
- What do you believe?
(soft orchestral music)
What did the vet say?
- The vet said ...
... that it'll take a miracle.
- Do you believe in miracles?
Ben, miracles happen every day.
You've never seen a sun rise
or a beautiful flower,
or a snowflake up close?
Or a brand new baby?
You just go, close your eyes and let go.
(soft angelic music)
- Why do you have to leave?
- Got another job.
- Are you coming back?
- Maybe next year.
You gotta go.
You're a great kid.
(bright instrumental music)
We three kinds of ancient Orient are
Bearing gifts for the newest king
We travel far
Fill mountain more mountain
following that star
We travel so far, we travel so far
Star of wonder and star of might
Star why your beauty shining so bright
Star of beauty shining bright
Frankincense and
myrrh to offer he do I
Is incense worthy of your deity now
Prayer and praise worship
him the one on high
We travel through the night
We travel through the night
(footsteps)
- Okay, Nick, you're on.
- [Nick] Almost ready, Jack.
- Here, give me your hand.
I just want to thank you again
for everything you did for us.
- It was my pleasure.
Thank you.
- I'm sorry things didn't work
out between you and Holly.
(chuckles)
- They worked out just fine.
She's a very special person.
- Yeah, Holly can be hard headed at times,
but she means well.
- I know.
- When Holly was nine years old,
she and some neighborhood friends
had a lemonade stand.
Holly ran an audit at the end of the day
and found out they were 80 cents short.
Drove her crazy.
- Did she ever find it?
- Yeah, but she wouldn't go to bed
until she bounced numbers.
- That's Holly for you.
- Well, I better get out of here
and warm up the crowd for Santa's arrival.
- Yeah, woo!
(fading footsteps)
(soft orchestral holiday music)
Ho, ho, ho.
(soft instrumental holiday music)
- Can I have your attention, please?
I hope you're all enjoying
our holiday party.
There's plenty of food and
drink right over there.
Now, I just got a call, our special guest
will be arriving any minute.
Now I want all you kids to
grab these bean bag chairs
and set 'em up over here.
Come on, kids.
'Cause, when our special guest arrives,
he's gonna want to see you guys first.
(background chatter)
Honey, come on, just
down in there, come on.
- Where's Nick, grandpa?
- Oh, he's coming, he's
coming, Ben, I promise.
Now, I'd just like to take a moment
to thank all of you for your hard work
this holiday season.
You know, this company began as a dream
to make children's lives a little happier.
We started some 30 years ago in the back
of Harry's Furniture Store
and we grew into one of
the biggest toy companies
in the country, thanks to you,
the good people of Milton Springs.
Yeah, Dreamland Toys began as a dream,
but all you hard working employees
made it a reality.
And this year, you really,
really met the challenge.
Our 15 stores have had record sales.
(applause)
Christmas is a time of giving and sharing
and this party's my way of giving back.
And wishing you all the
happiest of holidays,
the best of health, love,
and prosperity in the new year.
- [Woman] Ah, here, here.
- And I want to thank you all again.
Here's to all of you!
(bells ringing)
Shh!
Did you hear something?
(bells ringing)
I think somebody's on the roof.
(bells ringing)
- [Santa] Ho, ho, ho,
happy holidays everybody.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Santa, how nice of you to drop in.
- [Santa] Well, I was in the neighborhood
and I thought I heard a party.
- Did you ever see such
nice boys and girls?
- [Santa] Never, ever have I
seen such nice boys and girls.
Have you all been good?
- [Children] Yeah!
- [Santa] I can't hear you?
- [Children] Yeah!
- [Santa] Good, because I
brought you all presents.
Ho, ho, ho.
Here you go.
(children chattering)
Here you go, sweetheart.
Here you go, all these smiles.
Oh, I got presents for the big kids too.
This is for you.
- Aww, you shouldn't have, Santa.
- [Santa] And for you.
And I even got one, oh, it's a big one.
A big, oh heavy one.
For you.
- [Melody] Thank you, Santa.
- [Santa] You're welcome.
Have you been a good girl?
- Absolutely.
- [Santa] I know you have.
I've been watching.
- You have a tough job.
- [Santa] Tougher than you know.
Ho, ho, ho, alright.
- [Melody] It doesn't sound
like my Christmas bonus.
- I need another drink.
(background children chatter)
(paper scrunching)
- [Nick] Lunch time
will never be the same.
- Thank you for the cookbook.
It's gonna come in hand, I'm getting tired
of my old salads.
- [Nick] So, what are you
doing back here all alone?
- I was just talking to Dr. Olsen.
- [Nick] How is Oscar?
- Not good.
Anyway, I hear you're leaving us tomorrow.
- Yeah, if I can get everything done.
- Well, good luck with
everything you do, Nick,
it was great working with you.
- No it wasn't.
- You're right.
- Ooh, look what I found.
- You didn't steal that, did you?
'Cause that would be
very un-St. Nick of you.
- Well, they say that St. Nick
was the patron saint of thieves.
(champagne fizzing)
And of married women.
(champagne fizzing)
To miracles.
And making the impossible, possible.
(glasses clink)
- Here, here.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
That's gonna go straight to my head.
- That's the idea.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
Is there a chance?
- That is not possible.
Company policy, no kissing at co-workers.
- Hmm, well as of right now,
I'm unemployed, so you're off the hook.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
I hate goodbyes.
So I'll just say Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
- [Laura] I got the
recipe out of that book
that Nick gave you.
- [Melody] I just know that
it's gonna be delicious.
- Okay, dessert.
- Boy, boy, a yule tide log.
Sweetheart, you've outdone yourself.
I haven't had that since I was a kid.
I'm sorry Nick couldn't
join us for dinner.
- [Ben] He's going to help Santa.
- Is that what he told you?
- Aha, he's one of Santa's helpers.
- I offered him a full time
position with the company.
- Yeah, what did he say?
- He said he'd thing about it.
- I don't think Nick's quite
ready to settle down yet, dad.
- I don't know about that.
Well, let's take a bite of this.
(upbeat piano Silent Night music)
Deck the halls with boughs of holy
Fa la la la la la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la
(bells ringing)
(dramatic holiday orchestral music)
- Merry Christmas to all,
and to all, a good night.
(dramatic orchestral music)
(bells chiming)
(sleigh swooshing)
(doorbell ringing)
- [Jack] Maybe that's Nick.
Oh, Kirk.
(Oscar barking)
- [Ben] Oscar!
- I've never seen anything
like it before tonight,
he just woke up,
started wagging his tail and he was fine.
- I don't know how to thank you, Kirk.
- Honestly, Holly, it wasn't me.
It's a miracle.
- [Jack] Why don't you come on in
and help decorate the tree?
- I should probably get back.
- Please come, join us.
- You've got to try my Christmas yule log.
- Yeah, yeah, I'd like that.
Haven't had that since I was a kid.
In all my years, I've never
seen anything like it.
I was certain Oscar wasn't gonna make it.
Thank god I was wrong, huh?
- I had a friend who once told me,
that if you'll open yourself up to believe
amazing things will happen
and I think he was right.
Sometimes things are right in front of you
and you just don't know it.
- It's a merry Christmas, Hol.
- Yeah, it is.
(bright holiday orchestral music)
Thank you, St. Nick.
(bright orchestral music)
(upbeat Deck the Halls instrumental music)
(bright techno music)
(bright instrumental music)
- [Melody] I found this
recipe Bon Appetite.
- Oh aren't you the domestic.
You're gonna make some
man a very good wife.
- Yeah, so why am I not married yet?
- 'Cause you haven't found the right guy.
- [Melody] Is there such a thing?
- [Holly] Yes.
- I know the holidays
are difficult without him
and I just wanted to
let you know, I'm here.
- Don't go there.
- Hey, that's what friends are for.
- [Laura] Ooh, that turkey smells good,
how's it coming along?
- Oh, about another half hour more.
- Mom, what's Ben doing?
- Oh, he's teaching his grandfather
how to play a video game.
- Oh, that must be interesting.
That guy came into the 21st
Century kicking and screaming.
I got him a cell phone last
year, he's used it twice.
- Holly.
- Hmm?
- How is Ben adjusting?
- Well you know, he's a little anxious.
I think he misses his dad.
He's giving us a time when
all the neighborhood kids
would get together and
they'd play street hockey.
- Yeah, I remember a few years back,
he almost lost his front teeth.
- That's true.
- Right.
Oh my god.
- Who, Ben?
- No, Michael.
Ben's slap shot hit him in the mouth.
He was so upset, poor baby.
- You know, Ben is such a sweet kid.
- You know, at his age, I think he
doesn't fully understand Michael's loss.
- Yeah, it's a struggle.
- He'll be fine once he
finds new friends at school.
- Well, that's what I'm hoping.
- Grandpa, you could've
used the left button
to kill the onions.
Grandpa!
Wake him up, Oscar.
- Hey, Oscar!
Hey, hey, hey.
Oh, we got to get these
guys Ben (mumbles).
- [Holly] Alright, dinner's ready!
- Let's go.
- Come on, you guys.
You can save the universe after dessert.
(pretend shooting)
- Mom, mom, Grandpa got
a whole army of aliens.
- Good, now I feel so much safer.
- And I shot Ultra Star Cruisers.
- Alright, no more stories at the table.
Dad, he hasn't stopped
playing with that game
since you got it for him.
- [Grandpa] One of our best sellers.
- Grandpa, are we gonna
attach the battle cruiser?
(brrrr)
- Not at the table!
- [Jack] After dinner, Ben.
- Jack, please say grace, honey.
- Lord, we thank you for the
food we are about to receive
and for blessing us with Holly and Ben
and for Melody to share it with us.
And we trust that Michael
is with you in heaven.
(dog barks)
And thanks for Oscar too.
Amen.
- [Everyone At Table] Amen.
- Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
- [Everybody At Table] Happy Thanksgiving.
- Dig in!
- Who wants yams?
- I do.
- Do you think you can
start the turkey over here?
There we are.
- Oscar, Oscar, go ahead, boy.
Go, go, go, go.
- Thank you so much for dinner.
- [Laura] Oh, you're welcome, Melody.
You know you're always welcomed.
- Oh mom, I'm so full,
I'm not gonna be able
to eat for a week.
- Ben, don't forget, I
saved you the wishbone.
- Oh come on, it's not keep away.
- Ben, do you have something you wanna say
to grandma and grandpa?
- Can I have another piece of pie?
(laughing)
Thank you, grandma and grandpa.
- You're welcome, Benjamin.
- Okay Ben.
- He loves that dog.
- Yeah, Michael knew what he was doing
when he got Ben Oscar.
You know what's interesting?
I think that Ben feels closer to his dad
when he's with the dog.
- We've got your office all
ready for Monday, honey.
- Wait 'til you see it.
Jack said I could help
out with decorations.
- Oh Melody, what would I do without you?
- I hope we never, ever find out.
- [Holly] Alright, we'll see you later.
- Okay, sweetheart.
- [Holly] Thank you.
- [Laura] Bye.
Thanks.
- [Holly] Come on, Ben, let's go.
- [Ben] Come on, Oscar.
Come on, Oscar.
Come on, Oscar.
- How is she holding up?
She has her good days and her bad days.
- I'm hoping this new
job will help her move on
with her life.
For Ben's sake.
- Michael was her true love.
- How can I forget?
- Bye.
Bye Mel.
- [Jack] Bye.
Bye, honey.
- Bye.
(bright instrumental music)
(car horn blowing)
- Hey, are you the new neighbor?
- Yeah, hello.
(bright instrumental music)
- Excuse me.
Excuse me.
- Oh.
Sorry, Nicholas St. Claire,
you can call me Nick.
- I'm Holly and this is my son, Ben.
You're parked in my driveway.
- This is your driveway?
- This is my driveway
and that's your driveway.
- Oh, huh, well I've got some more things
to unload now.
About 20 more minutes?
- I'm sorry, I need you
to move your truck now
so I can park my car.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
- Did you eat turkey today, mister?
- Ah, no, I've been too busy.
- We have some extra, do you want some?
- Aren't you nice?
Yeah, no thank you.
(car horn blowing)
- Is that your sleigh?
- Yeah.
- Benjamin.
- Do you have reindeer too?
- Maybe.
- [Holly] Now!
- Ooh, you better go!
Grrr.
- Coming, mom.
Good boy, good boy.
Come on, move over.
I need to sit down.
(playful instrumental music)
(saw buzzing)
- [Nick] (screaming) Yah, yahoo!
- Excuse me, I know that
you're the new neighbor,
but can you please do that in the daytime?
(muffled ear bud music)
- What?
- I said ...
- What?
- I said, it is getting late.
Could you please do that tomorrow?
- Got a schedule.
- Well my son is trying to sleep.
- Sorry again.
I guess I'm not winning any
brownie points around here.
- No, no, not really.
So far in fact, I would give you a D minus
as a neighbor.
- What do I gotta do for an A?
- Move.
(door slams)
Ben, you better be in bed.
- [Ben] Yeah, mom.
- Hey, how are you doin'.
Ah, excuse me, you're
not supposed to be spying
on people with these.
Remember, you've got to be good
if you want Santa to
bring you any presents.
Did you say your prayers?
- I will.
- Okay.
- What was that noise?
- Oh, it was our new neighbor,
he was working with some power tools,
but he's finished, so now it's time
for you to go to sleep.
- What does he do?
- I don't know what he does.
- Maybe he works for Santa.
- Somehow, I doubt that.
So, did you have a good day
with grandma and grandpa today?
- Yeah.
Grandma saved me the wishbone.
- Really?
- She said I should make a wish.
- Okay, let's do it.
- I wish that ...
- Oh no, can't say it out loud
or it won't come true.
Okay, you ready?
Ready?
- Mom, I got the bigger piece!
- Yeah, you did.
That means your wish is gonna come true.
Now you go to sleep, okay?
Okay.
I love you
to the moon and back.
- Love you too, Mom.
Goodnight.
- Sweet dreams.
I'll take that for you.
- Thanks, Mom.
Goodnight.
Can I have the door open?
- [Holly] Okay.
- Dear Lord, thank you
for the wonderful meal
we ate today.
And please watch over
my mom, my grandparents,
and dog Oscar.
And please say hi to my dad.
I know grandpa said you
need him more than me,
but it sure doesn't
feel that way, so much.
Amen.
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
(playful carnival music)
- Hey, hey, hey.
Good morning, honey.
- [Holly] Good morning, dad.
- You already to take a
look at your new digs?
- Actually, I think I need
a cup of coffee first.
- Ah, forget the coffee.
Come on, you're gonna love this.
(playful carnival music)
Hey, it's looking great, Melody.
- [Melody] Good morning.
I hope you don't mind, I
got some stuff from your mom
to cozy up the place.
- You are great, thank you.
(phone ringing)
- There's coffee on your desk.
- Perfect.
- And could you come to
the vet with me today?
Ms. Kiki's got a little
case of the sniffles.
- Aww, sure, I'll go.
- Love you, beautiful.
- Bye.
- Well.
Now honey, I know you're probably used
to different working conditions
in your big city job.
But I'm really trying to keep things light
and fun around here like a big toy box.
- I can see that dad.
- I want you to be happy
when you come to work.
- I'm happy.
I am happy.
- Did you get a chance to
look at those budget reports.
- Yep, I studied them all weekend.
Your expenditures are
eating up your profits.
This Christmas campaign is way over budget
from last year.
Who's ever in charge of this campaign
is overspending on every line.
- That's why I need you here, honey,
you're gonna turn things around.
No more waste of money.
- That's right, $14,000 on elves.
- Yeah, that's Nick for you,
he's a crazy, creative nut.
But he's the best.
- Who's Nick?
- St. Nick's what I call him.
The best in the business.
He's a miracle worker who's
saving our holiday campaign.
We got off to a late start this year
and he's really doing wonders for us.
- Oh you know, somebody needs to talk
to good old St. Nick, 'cause
he is spending your money
like he just won the lottery.
- I've got some invoices
I need you to look over.
- Well, I'll get out of your hair
and let you get to work.
- Wait, hold it, dad.
I want to speak to this Nick.
- Oh, you're just like your mother.
Where you tackle the
problem head on and fix it.
Okay, let's go.
(clown horn honks)
- [Nick] Come on guys, you're on.
Let's see some Christmas magic.
Spruce it up a little bit.
- Hold on a sec, Holly, okay?
Nick.
Nick.
Nick, you've got a minute?
Nick, I want you to meet somebody.
Holly.
Nick, this is our new
Chief Financial Officer,
my daughter, Holly.
- I don't believe it.
- What, you two know each other?
- Oh, we go way back, Mr. Hall.
- It's Jack.
- He's my new next door neighbor, dad.
- Oh, you're renting the Bradford house?
- It's my home away from home.
- Well, well, well, it's a small world.
Well, I'll just get out of here
and let you two talk shop.
- How funny is this?
Oh come on, you have to admit,
it's pretty humorous.
I mean, this could only
happen in a small town.
- So, how long have you been a
working for my father?
- Oh, he brought me on about a month ago.
I've been visiting all his stores
across the country
trying to get some ideas
for the campaign.
- And what do you think?
- Oh, we're a little behind, but we're
shifting into high gear.
So, you're the head financial guy.
Girl.
So if I was Superman,
you'd be kryptonite, right?
- You can see why.
Oh, sorry we got off to
a bad start this weekend
you know, things have
been crazy around here.
- Look, when you have time, I'd like to go
over the budget report with you.
- Yeah sure, I just have to get
this photo shoot done before lunch.
Hey, hey, why don't we chat over lunch?
- Why don't we meet at my office at three.
- Or meet at your office at three.
(elves giggling)
Alright, knock it off, guys.
I've got work to do,
we're meeting at three.
- You are the boss, we've
got to wrap this up.
- [Melody] So what do you think of Nick?
I think he's totally hot.
- Yeah?
You should go out with him.
- He's not my type.
- And he's my type?
- Sure.
He's talented.
He travels, so you know he's spontaneous.
And I heard he has a great sense of humor.
- And?
- You're very structured,
you're very cautious, totally responsible.
- Totally not compatible.
- Opposites attract, Holly.
I just read a magazine about the subject.
- You read too many magazines.
- I'm just saying maybe
it's time to meet someone.
Maybe just as friends.
So did you guys talk?
- Ah, he was in the
middle of a photo shoot,
I think he's very annoying.
- Yeah, the internet campaign.
- What's the internet campaign?
- Nick, he developed this new program
for our holiday site.
Kids use their parents
email to write Santa.
The software, flags the toys dimension.
The program emails the parents
with a link to our site.
They just click and order online.
He's a genius.
- Well that genius
happens to be my neighbor.
- See that's fate, you guys
crossed paths for a reason.
- There is no reason.
I'm not interested.
- Okay, Dr. Olsen.
- Dr. Olsen?
- Tighty pants Olsen?
- He's single, and he's hot.
- Well, I can't seem
to find anything wrong
with her, Melody.
But we'll give her a little something.
Some vitamin drops, that should help.
- Well it really is good
to see you again, Holly.
It's been ages.
- It has, I think the last time I saw you,
we were ice skating.
- Yeah, with me in my tight pants.
- I think you fell down and split them!
- Don't remind me.
Didn't I try to kiss you
and your gum got stuck
in my braces?
- You remember that, very embarrassing.
- You were embarrassed?
- Well, it's nice to see that
you're doing so well, Kirk.
- Well thanks, thanks.
- I heard you moved to New York
and work for some big company?
- Yeah, I did, but then
my husband passed away,
so I moved back home.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- Thank you.
- Well, Ms. Kiki is all better.
Now there's no charge for today.
- You don't have to do that.
- It was nothing, I insist.
- You're too kind, Dr. Olsen, thank you.
- Alright, anytime.
Ms. Kiki's probably
stressed, it's the season.
Well ah, maybe I'll see you around, Holly.
- Maybe you will.
- Look who grandma dropped off.
- Hey, how was school?
- We won a hockey game, five to three.
- You did?
Give me five.
One.
- Pound it, pound it.
Is grandma gonna pick
me up again tomorrow?
- Ah, yeah.
You know what, honey, I
have a lot of work to do.
Could you go down to the fun center?
- Do they have games there?
- Go see.
Alright, then I'll come down later
and we'll go see Santa.
- Yeah, I guess.
- What do you mean I guess.
Fun, Santa, presents.
(phone ringing)
(upbeat holiday instrumental music)
- I can't believe ...
I can't believe I almost
forgot Josie's request
for the water buffalo.
I mean, what's a kid need
with a water buffalo?
He doesn't even have a pool.
You know, at this pace,
we're not gonna make
our Christmas deadline.
Pick that up.
- It always comes together, boss.
- [Nick] Well, the kids
are depending on me, Deano.
- You're the man.
Like your saint or somethin',
always the guy to get the
job done no matter what.
- Ho, ho, ho.
- Hey there.
Oh, it's okay, come on over, Ben.
We're just getting ready for Christmas.
You play hockey?
- Yeah, we won a game at school today.
Do you play?
- Sure I do.
I've got a wicked wrist shot.
We should play.
- Wow, you really mean it?
- Of course I do.
I promise we'll play a game sometime.
And remember Ben, to
always keep a promise.
- Yes, sir.
- Now, did you write Santa and tell him
what you want for Christmas?
- Yeah, I sent him a letter,
but he hasn't written me back yet.
- You've been a good boy?
- Ah ha.
- I'm sure he'll write you back soon.
Christmas is full of possibilities.
- Hey, isn't Santa an old guy?
- Well, they want you to think he's old,
but between you and me,
he's a younger, hipper dude.
It's all about marketing.
- Ah, there you are.
Sorry, I'll get him out of your hair.
- Oh, he's no problem.
- Come on, honey, we've
got to go see Santa.
- Bye Ben.
- Let's go.
- Bye Nick.
- Let's get it on.
This is Christmas time
in the (foreign language)
This is Christmas time
(foreign language)
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- [Santa] Now, what's your name?
- Ben.
- [Santa] Ben?
Have you been a good boy, Ben?
- Aha, do you work for Santa?
- Why, I am Santa!
- No you're not.
Santa's a much younger, hipper dude.
I think I know where he lives.
- [Santa] Oh, do you?
- Yeah, he's cool.
And his elves are real.
- Benjamin.
- [Santa] Why don't you tell
me what you want for Christmas?
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
- I'm sorry, he thinks that
you can perform miracles.
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
- Sorry.
- Oh, hi.
- Hi, how are you doing?
- Good, so you're Christmas shopping?
- Oh yeah, I'm just getting a few things
for the nurses at the office.
So who's this big guy?
- This is Ben, my son.
Ben, this is Dr. Olsen, we
used to go to school together.
- Hi.
- So did you talk to Santa?
Did you give him a list?
- What I really want, I
don't think Santa can bring.
- Well, you never know what
can happen at Christmas.
Nice to meet you, enjoy yourselves.
- Alright, see you later.
(background chatter)
- [Nick] You ah, want to see
me about the budget again?
- Yeah, one moment, let
me just finish this here.
- Feel like I'm being called
into the principal's office.
Have I been a bad boy?
- Yes, very bad, Nick,
you are over budget.
- In what category?
- Every category.
- Wow, what can I say.
Once the creative juices
started to flow --
- So does the money?
- It's a make or break
time for the campaign
and your dad wants me to
go all out this season.
- Well Nick, like my dad,
you spend too much money.
- You have to spend it to make it,
first law of business.
- So on the elves, it would be
on per diem, hotel, costumes.
- They are classically trained actors.
You would not believe what
they're adding to the campaign.
- $14,000.
- (clearing throat) Okay.
I'll try.
- Thank you.
- So what about lunch?
- Yep, you're right in
line on that budget too.
- No, I mean, you and
I going out to lunch.
- Why, so you can charge
something to the expense account?
- You are unbelievable.
- No, I'm precise and I
pay attention to details.
- Precise people have to eat lunch too.
- I'm eating right here.
- Okay, but one day, you and
I will have a meal together,
I'll buy.
- Yeah well, I've done the math, Nick.
The odds are not in your favor.
(Nick snickering)
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Don't be long.
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Any letters from Santa?
- [Mailman] Sorry, Ben, not today.
- What about those?
- Oh, these are for Nick.
I keep them separate so
it doesn't get mixed up
with your mother's.
If it did, then Nick
would have to deliver it,
and I would be out of a job.
Have a good one, Ben.
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Did Santa write you back?
- No, grandma.
- He will, Ben, he's just
very busy this time of year.
- I know.
Nick told me you take your own letter.
- You've met Nick?
- Yeah, he lives next door.
- Does he?
I didn't know that.
- Yeah, and his elves come
over to our place too.
- They did?
That must've been really special.
Do you want a snack?
Ginger cookies and milk.
- Sure, grandma.
- [Man On TV] Nick, we need two co workers
who are secret admirers.
They correspond by email,
and after they finally met,
they were married in three weeks.
Stay tuned.
- What's a secret admirer?
- Oh well, that's when you like someone
and you send them an anonymous letter.
- Well, what does anonymous mean?
- It means you don't know who it's from.
- Why?
Why all the secrets?
- Well, you want to see if they like you.
- Oh.
- Did you know that your grandpa and I
were secret admirers in high school?
- Really?
Wow!
- We used to trade letters
in each other's lockers.
- Do you still have the letters?
- Yeah, I think they're
in a scrapbook somewhere.
They were so sweet.
Did you want to see them?
- Yeah.
- I'll take them out for you.
(playful instrumental music)
- Hello, mom.
- Yes, sweetheart, how was work today?
- Oh busy, thanks for staying with Ben.
- Oh, anytime, honey.
Here.
- So somehow I got my
neighbor's mail in my mailbox.
- Nick?
- Yes.
- What's he like as a neighbor?
- Ah, please don't ask.
- [Mom] Why, what's the matter?
- Let's just say he's definitely somebody
who gets under your skin.
- Well, Ben seems fond of him.
- Mom, he's eight years old.
- Well your dad thinks he's a genius.
- Well he's 70!
- Sorry.
- Yeah, well he's got everybody fooled.
(truck rumbling)
(playful instrumental music)
(door knock)
(Oscar barking)
(footsteps)
- Hey, Mrs. Hall.
- Hello, Nick.
- Give it up.
There was a mix up, I got
Holly's mail in my box.
- Oh, thank you here, I'll take that.
- Hold it, Nick, I've
got some of your mail.
- Oh yeah, hey, there's a mix up, sorry.
Thanks.
- I had no idea that you
were the new neighbor.
- I was really lucky to find a place.
- Do you really need that big of a house?
- It's my workshop.
- Okay, well ah, see you later, Nick.
Thanks.
Homework, young man.
I'm gonna make some dinner.
Ben, what are you doing?
- Homework, mom.
- [Holly] Yeah?
How is it going?
- Ah, fine.
- Good,
(mumbles)
(instrumental Jingle Bells music)
(chuckles)
- What is it?
- Ah, nothing!
- Oh how fun, a secret admirer.
- So high school.
- Yeah, but it's flattering.
Who do you think it is?
- I don't know.
I don't recognize the email address.
- He must be using his
personal email account.
- Yeah, well he should
be using his spell check.
- I think I know who it is.
- Who?
- Andrew, did you see how
he was flirting with you
after the budget meeting?
- Isn't he dating somebody?
- No, they broke up three months ago.
Are you gonna reply?
- No.
- It's just an email, Holly.
You're so uptight.
- Uptight, ugh.
Be fun.
- Yeah, now there's my Holly.
Just do it for fun.
Fun online flirting,
just see where it goes.
- Melody, it's just email.
- But it's a start for you.
(playful instrumental music)
(Nick laughing)
- What's funny?
- I've got a secret admirer.
- You lucky bum.
I need to start to look for
a half decent broad for me.
- Don't look for love and
it will find you, Leon.
- You think so?
- Mmh hmm, sure, but first
you have to believe in love.
- Oh, I knew there was a catch.
- You think I should send it?
(buzzing)
Bombs away!
- Bombs away!
(pft)
(pooey)
- We had a rough year, folks,
but we're right on target
for this holiday campaign.
Sales are up 40% in all our stores
and our retail sales are sky rocketing.
Thanks to our St. Nick.
(laughing)
- Thank you, Jack.
Really, it's a team effort.
I'm blessed 'cause Christmas
is such a special time.
And what better job could a guy have
than being part of something so amazing
like Dreamland Toys, come
on, let's give it up.
- Is he running for office?
- He is running at the mouth.
- Oh.
(applauding)
- Holly and Melody are
supervising our budgets
and they're really starting
to turn things around.
- Well, most departments are
within the season's budgets.
That is, most departments.
- Well, we really got to stay
within our budgets, folks.
I'm the first to admit I spend
too much this time of year.
Holly's really keeping me in check.
- That's a full time job, dad.
- Lucky for me, she didn't
inherit my spending gene.
(Nick laughing)
(school bell ringing)
(romantic instrumental music)
- [Matthew] Hey, new
kid, what are you doing?
- The name's Ben.
- Yeah, okay, new kid, what's up?
- I'm reading my reading
my grandma and grandpa
secret admirer letters.
- What's a secret admirer letters?
- Grown ups who think they
might like each other,
but they're too chicken to talk.
- See you later alligator!
That's weird!
- Yeah, I guess it's how they talked.
I'm trying to get Nick
to go out with my mom.
- Huh?
Who's Nick?
- My grandpa calls him St. Nick.
I think he's Santa Clause.
- No way, dude.
- Shh, he lives next door to me.
- Stop lying.
- I'm not lying, Matthew.
He's been working on a
secret Christmas project
at my mom's job.
Santa's workshop, and his elves.
- Prove it.
- Okay, come over and you'll see.
- I will, because you're lying.
(instrumental Deck the Halls music)
- Hey, hey, hey, there's my grandson.
- Hi grandpa.
- Well, Christmas is no the way.
Have you written to Santa?
- Yeah, but he hasn't written me back.
- Ah, he will, Ben, he will.
- Grandpa, where's Nick?
- I think he and the elves went
to the Christmas tree farm.
There's my beeper, gotta go.
See you later, alligator.
- Hey.
- Hi Mom.
- Thanks, Mel.
I have a little more work to do,
so sit down and read for me, okay?
- What did he say?
- I think that you're a really
cool (drowned out by game).
And it would be a kick to take you
for burgers and (drowned out by laugh).
Mel, listen to this, this is,
he ends it with, see you later, alligator.
It's something corny
like my father would say.
- Oh, it's retro, it's cool.
Send a reply.
- I did.
- Yeah?
- Mmh hmm.
- Mom, can we get a Christmas tree today?
- Well, honey, we told
grandpa we'd go with him.
- He said all the good
trees have been taken
out of the tree lot.
- I know, but he knows the owner
and the owner promised to
get us a real nice tree.
- Please, I really, really
want a tree tonight.
- Honey, I have so much work.
- Please.
- Okay.
- Yes!
- If he replies, I want
all the juicy details.
- I promise.
Hey, how about that one, you like it?
- Too small.
- How big do you need it?
- A big tree.
- I think this is perfect
for the living room.
- Mom, there's a good one over here.
Nick!
- Hey, Benjamin, what are you doing here?
- [Ben] My mom and me are getting a tree.
What are you doing?
- You know, Christmas
is a time for giving,
so we're making sure that those families
who can't afford a tree, get one.
Yeah.
- I haven't heard from Santa yet.
- St. Nick will take care of it for you.
- Really?
Cool.
- Let's just keep this between us, okay?
- Yeah, it's our secret.
- So, you know what
you want for Christmas?
- If it's not too much trouble,
could you bring my dad back?
So mom will be happy again.
- Where's your dad, Ben?
- He's not with us anymore.
He had to go away and
help God with some stuff.
- Sorry.
I'm sure he's a special guy.
- I'm sad he had to go away.
- I'm sure he loved you very much.
I know he's watching over you right now.
- Like Santa does?
- Yeah, like Santa does.
So you better be a good boy.
Hey, want a picture with the elves?
- Yeah, could I?
- Yeah, come on.
(playful instrumental music)
Hey guys.
We're gonna do some pictures, group photo,
what do you think about that?
Great.
Okay, hey listen.
This is just kind of casual, hanging out
having a cup of tea,
that sort of thing, okay?
Now, let's just give me something natural.
That's good.
Yes.
Yes.
Oh yes, aha.
Give me gangsters, gangsters.
Good, that's it.
Oh yeah, oh, this is it, your
mom's gonna love this one.
This is good.
Oh, I thought --
- Thank you, that was very nice.
- They're gonna stay with me now.
I've got that big house, all that room.
We'll save on the hotel bill.
- Holiday miracles.
- Mom, did you see me with the elves?
- I did.
And did you thank Nick?
- Thank you, Nick.
- You're welcome, Ben.
- Know what honey, we gotta
find a tree and go home.
- Goodbye, Nick.
- See you, Benjamin.
Bye Holly.
- Bye.
- Hey guys, thanks for
taking the photos with Ben.
He's a very special kid and
he's been through a lot.
I know it made his day.
(instrumental It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear music)
(instrumental Silent Night music)
- Mom, how long is Nick
gonna live next door?
- I think a couple more weeks,
just before Christmas he needs to move.
- Does he have any kids?
- I don't know.
- Daddy made this.
- Oh he did.
Remember what he called it?
- Patty claws.
- That's right, good memory.
- Can I hang it up here?
- You know what, no.
Let's bring it to grandma and grandpa's
and put it on their tree, okay?
- Okay.
- Okay.
(instrumental Silent Night music)
(birds chirping)
- Mom look, it's a letter Nick
promised from Santa Clause.
- Yeah, what does it say?
- It says I should help you
with stuff when you ask me.
- He's a smart man.
- [Ben] And if I'm a good boy,
I'll get lots of presents for Christmas.
- Yeah, you better listen to that one.
Come on, get in.
Ready?
Alright.
(birds chirping)
It's just lunch.
I promise.
(knocking on door)
Come in.
- What, what?
- Mystery man wants to have lunch today.
- Oh Holly, that's fantastic.
You think it's Andrew?
- I don't know.
- Where's the date?
- Willow Park, 12:30, and we are supposed
to bring our own lunches.
- Oh, a picnic in the
park, that's so romantic.
What did you tell him?
- Yes.
- Ah, that's exciting,
I want all the details.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Oh you'll be fine.
It's like riding a
bicycle, you never forget.
I'm sorry, I don't now why I said that.
- Hi.
- [Nick] Hello.
- [Holly] Need those invoices.
- Can't, got a lunch meeting.
- [Holly] Have a good lunch.
- Good.
- Good.
- Bye.
- Bye.
(church bells ringing)
- (clearing throat) Excuse me.
Hi, are you meeting somebody for lunch?
- No, but I can be.
- No.
No, thank you.
I am (mumbles) for lunch.
- I don't believe this (chuckling).
- You are the secret admirer?
- There's some kind of a mix up.
- Just like the mailboxes.
- You think I did that?
- You know, our paths are
crossing a lot lately.
- It's a small town, Holly.
- You emailed me first.
- No I didn't!
- Oh, yes you did and now
you're trying to deny it.
- This is hilarious.
- I'm flattered.
- Please, what's my email address?
- I'll show you.
- She has the emails printed.
- Yes, you should have used spell check.
Daddy-O.
- This is the same email address
that's been emailing me.
- What are you talking about?
- Somebody set this whole thing up.
- Ah, Melody.
- Well, I am starving, so,
I'm gonna eat my lunch.
- See, you don't need an expense account.
- Ha, ha.
- That's fine, I'm gonna eat alone.
(background distant children chatter)
(Holly chuckling)
- What are you having?
- Salad.
How about you?
- I've got a chicken
sandwich on Rosemary bread
with goat cheese and peppers.
I've got these amazing Italian
olives and pickled tomatoes.
- And you're not married?
- [Nick] No.
- Oh then you must be --
- No, no.
- Oh yeah.
- I guess I'm married to my work.
- Ah.
Fear of commitment, huh?
- I just travel way too much.
I'm never in one place for too long.
- Men.
- Enough about me.
If you don't mind me asking,
what happened to your husband?
- He (clearing throat)
died, in a car accident.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
That's gotta be hard on Ben.
- Yeah.
Yeah, the holidays are tough.
For both of us.
- But he's lucky to be so loved.
Wonderful thing about life is
we can find love again.
Sometimes right in front of you.
- I had the love of my
life, and I lost him.
I don't know why I'm telling you this,
I hardly know you.
(soft piano music)
- Care to try a bite of my sandwich?
I think it's the most amazing
creation I've made yet.
Come on, try it.
- Fine.
- Yeah, huh?
How good is that?
- It's good!
- Yeah, see?
I told you, you gotta trust me.
- I don't know if I can trust a man
who wears a Hawaiian shirt.
- Looks can be deceiving.
- Maybe.
- Holly, you don't ever
get to know someone,
unless you give them a chance.
How are my odds?
- Better.
(Nick chuckling)
(car horn honking)
It was Nick.
- Nick, are you kidding me?
- Did you have something to do with this?
- What?
- It's okay if you did,
I just want to know.
- Holly, I didn't have anything to do
with getting you guys together.
I'm telling you, it's fate.
- Yeah, well, somebody's
trying to set this up
because we thought we were
emailing each other directly,
but we weren't.
- Who do you think it is?
- I have no idea, but I'm gonna find out.
- So give me all the details.
How did it go?
- You know, for as much as he annoys me,
and he does annoy me, I have to admit,
there is something special about him.
- He's totally hot.
- Yeah, well, it's against company policy.
- First of all, he's a consultant,
so that doesn't count.
And what if it was Andrew?
Would you still be having this problem?
- I don't know.
- Can't live your life
by the company book, Hol.
- [Ben] Got 'em!
- [Matthew] Good work, new kid.
- It's Ben.
- [Matthew] Hey, have
you heard from Santa?
- Yeah, I told St. Nick and
I got a letter the next day.
- So where are the elves, huh?
I think you're lying.
- I'm not lying.
Come on.
They live upstairs.
- [Matthew] No way.
- Hey look, there it is.
- Maybe he's Santa's helper.
I though Santa was an old guy.
- Na, it's some marketing.
He's really a younger, hipper dude.
Look, the elves, told you.
- Wow, dude, you really do
live next to Santa Clause.
- You think one might be Rudolph?
- Maybe, but I didn't see a red nose.
- And you didn't believe me.
- Did you hook your mom up with him?
- I hope, they're supposed
to go to lunch today.
- If Santa becomes your
dad, you can have presents
all year long.
- Whoa!
- Ben, dinner's in a half hour.
- Hello, Mrs. Hall.
- Matthew, you want to join us?
You can call your mom.
- No, I have to get home.
- Okay, clean up, Ben.
- [Ben] Look at all the reindeer.
- Whoa!
(soft aquarium water gurgling)
- You know, I had lunch
with somebody today?
- You did?
What did he say?
I mean, who did you have lunch with?
- Nick.
- [Ben] Oh.
- Somebody has been emailing us
trying to make us thing that
we were secret admirers.
I wonder who that could be.
- I don't know.
- Ben.
Ben, look at me.
I know what you're trying to do.
And I appreciate it.
But Nick is leaving in a week.
- But Mom, don't be chicken.
It's okay.
- You know Ben, remember when I told you
that some people weren't
meant to be together?
Nick and I are meant to be co-workers,
maybe friends, but that is it.
- But Mom.
- Honey, I know this is
hard for you to understand,
you've got to be a big boy.
- Yeah, okay.
- You know ...
... you know I love you.
I love you to the moon and back.
- [Woman] I am so sorry, I
tried to get a hold of you.
- [Nick] Ah, don't worry about
it, it happens all the time.
- These are the latest invoices
from the department heads.
- Do I even want to see them?
- Oh, you're turning things around, Holly.
Everyone's staying within their budgets,
except, who do you know?
- You're such a rebel.
That car really suits you.
I'd love to go for a ride sometime.
- Okay, when I get the time.
Bubbles!
(Nick chuckling)
Bubbles, yeah!
Ack!
- He's impossible.
(instrumental Jingle bells music)
- It's a beauty, don't you think?
- [Holly] You did a nice job, dad.
- I'm really excited
about this holiday party.
- Did you know Nick's
playing Santa Clause?
- Yes, I know.
- Why don't you grab some
garlands and have some fun?
- Oh dad, I have a ton of work.
- How are the year-end reports.
- I'm doing the best I
can, but getting some
of your departments to deliver on time
is like pulling teeth.
- It'll all come together, honey.
There's a magic in the air.
Just look at the Christmas spirit.
- Speaking of which, are we
having Christmas Eve dinner
at your house or mine?
- Our house, your mom is doing turkey.
- Good.
- You know, honey, I
think you should invite
Nick to dinner.
- Nick?
Why would I invite him?
- Who's he got for the holidays?
He lives alone.
We'll send him off with
the spirit of Christmas.
I can't begin to tell you everything
that Nick's done for us this season.
Holly?
- It's been a tough year, Nick,
my wife's been sick, in
and out of the hospital,
we're struggling with the bills.
- Sorry you're going through a tough time.
- Hey, but thanks for the job.
You do it every year.
You're a pal, a real St. Nick.
- How much did you say you needed?
- I can't accept money from you.
- Will that hold you?
- I don't believe it!
- It's Christmas, Deano,
you better believe it.
- I'll pay you back, I promise.
- You don't have to pay me back,
you're gonna work for me next year.
Don't worry about it.
Don't worry.
- Merry Christmas, Nick.
- Merry Christmas, Deano.
Top of it (chuckling).
Alright, get out of here.
Go do some work.
Earn the money.
(keyboard taps)
(quick footsteps)
(door slams)
(knock on door)
- Can I come in?
- You're not gonna believe this,
but I'm almost done the invoices.
I know, I know, call
it a Christmas miracle.
- Never call miracles.
Ben got your letter.
I think he was so excited.
- I'm glad.
Oh here, I wanted to
give this to you earlier.
Turned out better than I expected,
Ben's gonna love it.
- It's great.
Again, and again, and again, thank you.
- Oh, you're father asked
me to play Santa Clause
at the Christmas party.
- Well, he loves the holidays.
- How could I to refuse it.
It's important for people
to believe in Santa Clause.
- I guess.
- Don't tell me you don't
believe in Santa Clause.
- Don't tell me you do?
- You bet I do.
Huh, I mean, what's Christmas
without Santa Clause,
it's like peanut butter without jelly,
or life without love.
- I believe in Santa.
That he lives in our imaginations.
- Hmm.
And love?
You're just afraid to believe
it could happen again.
But once you take the
leap of faith and open up,
love will find you.
- Nick, Ben has grown
very attached to you.
- He's a very special kid.
I really like him a lot.
(soft piano music)
- The thing is, I don't
want him to be heartbroken
when you leave.
- He'll be fine.
In a month or two he won't even remember.
You know how kids are.
- Nick.
I would appreciate it if
you would make yourself
less available to him while you're here.
You could just say you have a lot of work.
(soft orchestral music)
- Okay.
- I'm sorry.
- You're going through a difficult time.
And the last thing I want
to do is hurt anyone.
I'll have your invoices
ready by the end of the day.
- That would be fine, thank you.
(soft orchestral music)
- Do you remember when
you were a little kid?
You wake up Christmas morning
expecting something wonderful to happen,
something you always wanted,
but you weren't sure if it could be real.
Ben still believes in miracles.
Something wonderful can happen.
Please don't take that away from him.
Or yourself.
(soft orchestral music)
(birds chirping)
- Hey Nick, you want to play a game?
- Ah, I don't think it's a
good idea right now, Ben.
- Come on, Nick, you promised.
And we never break a promise.
- Come on, Nick.
We love hockey, let's mix it up.
A quick one for the kid.
- Yeah, alright, alright.
One game, up to three.
We'll bring it.
(upbeat rock music)
What's up with the world we live in
It's the greatest of concerns
There comes a time when
we all crash and burn
I'm so sick of trying
- We got it, we got it.
Best on three.
We're never right, it
seems like more ways wrong
It's a voice of reason
It's a voice that won't go away
Well I'm feeling the pressure
Every single day
- [Nick] We got 'em, we
got 'em, don't give up.
Look what I've become
Look what I've become
Every day I'm faking my way
Look what I've become
Look what I've become
Goal.
(upbeat rock music)
- Hey, that's not fair.
- He bit me in the butt.
(Oscar barking)
- .
- No it's not.
- Yes it is.
(upbeat rock music)
Still I feel so empty
Where do I find love
Spin around in circles
(muffled vehicle engine)
- I'm sorry, he came out
of nowhere, I'm sorry.
(Oscar whimpering)
- It's gonna be okay, Ben.
Trust me, Leo get the car.
(clock ticking)
(dismal orchestral music)
- When can I see Oscar?
- He's being sedated, I
need to operate right away.
But you can see him later on, Ben, okay?
- [Ben] Mom.
- Oh, I'm so sorry, he's
gonna be okay, okay?
- I'll do my very best.
- Are you alright?
(dismal orchestral music)
- Guys, will you take Ben outside?
(dismal orchestral music)
Look, I ...
- What part of make
yourself less available
did you not understand?
- I promised him a game, I
didn't want to break my word
and let him down.
- Nick, that dog means everything to him.
And he didn't need that,
particularly on Christmas.
- Everything's gonna be okay, Holly.
- How do you know?
- Just have faith.
- Are you deluded?
What you think just because you believe it
it makes it so?
(clock ticking)
- [Holly] How is he?
- It's not good.
I got a chance to take a look.
He's got internal bleeding.
I'm sorry, I don't know if
there's anything else I can do.
- You've got to save Oscar.
- Hey, believe me, Ben, I'm
doing everything I can for him.
But you've got to be a
big guy for us now, okay?
We could use a miracle right about now.
(dismal orchestral music)
(soft holiday music)
- [Ben] I can't sleep.
- Come here, sit with me.
You know, I just got off
the phone with the vet.
He said that Oscar's
sleeping very comfortably.
- When can I see him?
- We have to wait until he
gets a little bit better.
- It wasn't Nick's fault, you know.
It was mine.
- It wasn't your fault.
- I had Oscar playing goalie.
Maybe he should play defense.
- And it was just an accident.
You can't control everything.
(soft orchestral music)
- Are you okay?
- Yeah, yeah, fine.
You know what?
You go upstairs and I'll come up
and tuck you in a second, okay?
- Okay.
- Okay.
Say a prayer for Oscar.
- [Ben] I did, Mom.
(soft orchestral music)
- Got these out of the meeting.
- Ah great, what I need, another donut.
- I love what they called
us, the budget busters.
- You know, Melody, I have to be honest,
if it wasn't for my father,
I would not be going
to this party.
- Bah humbug, Mrs. Scrooge.
Where is your holiday spirit?
- You know, with
everything that's going on,
I have no holiday spirit.
- What would the holidays
be without a miracle?
- What is it with miracles?
I don't believer in miracles, okay?
- They can't happen if
you don't believe in them.
- What will be will be.
It is out of my control.
(soft orchestral holiday music)
Nick.
- Look, I want to apologize
for everything, Holly.
I know how much Oscar
means to you and Ben.
I was just trying to let him down easy
with one final game and it
ended up making things worse.
- Look, it's not your fault.
It's, it's just a lot to handle.
- Yeah.
Christmas can be stressful.
- Yeah, sometimes you just
have to learn to let go.
- Wow, I think you and I are
more alike than you may think.
- Against my better
judgment, my father wanted me
to invite you over for
Christmas Eve dinner.
- That's very nice of him.
But I don't think I can make it.
- Why, what else do you have to do?
- A lot.
- And I thought I was a workaholic.
- I'll try my best.
- If not dinner, maybe dessert.
- Maybe.
(playful instrumental music)
Easy.
What are you doing here, Ben?
- I saw the reindeer, I was
wondering if I could pet them.
- Ah, they're actually
gonna go to sleep now.
- Where is the other reindeer?
- At the Pole.
- Oh.
Can I go in and see your workshop?
- Ah, actually, I'm in
the middle of something.
I'm sorry, but maybe you should go home.
- I got you something.
(birds chirping)
- Wow, it's nice.
(paper scrunching)
(Nick laughing)
How did you know that I love ducks?
That's very thoughtful, thank you.
Alright, you can come in for a minute.
I've always been a sucker for quacks.
- Quack.
- Why do you have to go
back to the North Pole?
- Think I'm Santa?
- Aren't you?
- Think of me as one of his helpers.
Like the guy at the mall.
- You're not like the guy at the mall.
- I've got a lot of work
to do before tomorrow, kid.
- I'm gonna miss you, Nick.
- I'm gonna miss you too, Ben.
Remember what Santa said, okay?
If your mother asks you to do something,
you've got to listen.
Even if she doesn't ask you, okay?
- I know.
Do you think Oscar will come home?
(soft orchestral music)
- What do you believe?
(soft orchestral music)
What did the vet say?
- The vet said ...
... that it'll take a miracle.
- Do you believe in miracles?
Ben, miracles happen every day.
You've never seen a sun rise
or a beautiful flower,
or a snowflake up close?
Or a brand new baby?
You just go, close your eyes and let go.
(soft angelic music)
- Why do you have to leave?
- Got another job.
- Are you coming back?
- Maybe next year.
You gotta go.
You're a great kid.
(bright instrumental music)
We three kinds of ancient Orient are
Bearing gifts for the newest king
We travel far
Fill mountain more mountain
following that star
We travel so far, we travel so far
Star of wonder and star of might
Star why your beauty shining so bright
Star of beauty shining bright
Frankincense and
myrrh to offer he do I
Is incense worthy of your deity now
Prayer and praise worship
him the one on high
We travel through the night
We travel through the night
(footsteps)
- Okay, Nick, you're on.
- [Nick] Almost ready, Jack.
- Here, give me your hand.
I just want to thank you again
for everything you did for us.
- It was my pleasure.
Thank you.
- I'm sorry things didn't work
out between you and Holly.
(chuckles)
- They worked out just fine.
She's a very special person.
- Yeah, Holly can be hard headed at times,
but she means well.
- I know.
- When Holly was nine years old,
she and some neighborhood friends
had a lemonade stand.
Holly ran an audit at the end of the day
and found out they were 80 cents short.
Drove her crazy.
- Did she ever find it?
- Yeah, but she wouldn't go to bed
until she bounced numbers.
- That's Holly for you.
- Well, I better get out of here
and warm up the crowd for Santa's arrival.
- Yeah, woo!
(fading footsteps)
(soft orchestral holiday music)
Ho, ho, ho.
(soft instrumental holiday music)
- Can I have your attention, please?
I hope you're all enjoying
our holiday party.
There's plenty of food and
drink right over there.
Now, I just got a call, our special guest
will be arriving any minute.
Now I want all you kids to
grab these bean bag chairs
and set 'em up over here.
Come on, kids.
'Cause, when our special guest arrives,
he's gonna want to see you guys first.
(background chatter)
Honey, come on, just
down in there, come on.
- Where's Nick, grandpa?
- Oh, he's coming, he's
coming, Ben, I promise.
Now, I'd just like to take a moment
to thank all of you for your hard work
this holiday season.
You know, this company began as a dream
to make children's lives a little happier.
We started some 30 years ago in the back
of Harry's Furniture Store
and we grew into one of
the biggest toy companies
in the country, thanks to you,
the good people of Milton Springs.
Yeah, Dreamland Toys began as a dream,
but all you hard working employees
made it a reality.
And this year, you really,
really met the challenge.
Our 15 stores have had record sales.
(applause)
Christmas is a time of giving and sharing
and this party's my way of giving back.
And wishing you all the
happiest of holidays,
the best of health, love,
and prosperity in the new year.
- [Woman] Ah, here, here.
- And I want to thank you all again.
Here's to all of you!
(bells ringing)
Shh!
Did you hear something?
(bells ringing)
I think somebody's on the roof.
(bells ringing)
- [Santa] Ho, ho, ho,
happy holidays everybody.
Ho, ho, ho.
- Santa, how nice of you to drop in.
- [Santa] Well, I was in the neighborhood
and I thought I heard a party.
- Did you ever see such
nice boys and girls?
- [Santa] Never, ever have I
seen such nice boys and girls.
Have you all been good?
- [Children] Yeah!
- [Santa] I can't hear you?
- [Children] Yeah!
- [Santa] Good, because I
brought you all presents.
Ho, ho, ho.
Here you go.
(children chattering)
Here you go, sweetheart.
Here you go, all these smiles.
Oh, I got presents for the big kids too.
This is for you.
- Aww, you shouldn't have, Santa.
- [Santa] And for you.
And I even got one, oh, it's a big one.
A big, oh heavy one.
For you.
- [Melody] Thank you, Santa.
- [Santa] You're welcome.
Have you been a good girl?
- Absolutely.
- [Santa] I know you have.
I've been watching.
- You have a tough job.
- [Santa] Tougher than you know.
Ho, ho, ho, alright.
- [Melody] It doesn't sound
like my Christmas bonus.
- I need another drink.
(background children chatter)
(paper scrunching)
- [Nick] Lunch time
will never be the same.
- Thank you for the cookbook.
It's gonna come in hand, I'm getting tired
of my old salads.
- [Nick] So, what are you
doing back here all alone?
- I was just talking to Dr. Olsen.
- [Nick] How is Oscar?
- Not good.
Anyway, I hear you're leaving us tomorrow.
- Yeah, if I can get everything done.
- Well, good luck with
everything you do, Nick,
it was great working with you.
- No it wasn't.
- You're right.
- Ooh, look what I found.
- You didn't steal that, did you?
'Cause that would be
very un-St. Nick of you.
- Well, they say that St. Nick
was the patron saint of thieves.
(champagne fizzing)
And of married women.
(champagne fizzing)
To miracles.
And making the impossible, possible.
(glasses clink)
- Here, here.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
That's gonna go straight to my head.
- That's the idea.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
Is there a chance?
- That is not possible.
Company policy, no kissing at co-workers.
- Hmm, well as of right now,
I'm unemployed, so you're off the hook.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
I hate goodbyes.
So I'll just say Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
(soft holiday orchestral music)
- [Laura] I got the
recipe out of that book
that Nick gave you.
- [Melody] I just know that
it's gonna be delicious.
- Okay, dessert.
- Boy, boy, a yule tide log.
Sweetheart, you've outdone yourself.
I haven't had that since I was a kid.
I'm sorry Nick couldn't
join us for dinner.
- [Ben] He's going to help Santa.
- Is that what he told you?
- Aha, he's one of Santa's helpers.
- I offered him a full time
position with the company.
- Yeah, what did he say?
- He said he'd thing about it.
- I don't think Nick's quite
ready to settle down yet, dad.
- I don't know about that.
Well, let's take a bite of this.
(upbeat piano Silent Night music)
Deck the halls with boughs of holy
Fa la la la la la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la
(bells ringing)
(dramatic holiday orchestral music)
- Merry Christmas to all,
and to all, a good night.
(dramatic orchestral music)
(bells chiming)
(sleigh swooshing)
(doorbell ringing)
- [Jack] Maybe that's Nick.
Oh, Kirk.
(Oscar barking)
- [Ben] Oscar!
- I've never seen anything
like it before tonight,
he just woke up,
started wagging his tail and he was fine.
- I don't know how to thank you, Kirk.
- Honestly, Holly, it wasn't me.
It's a miracle.
- [Jack] Why don't you come on in
and help decorate the tree?
- I should probably get back.
- Please come, join us.
- You've got to try my Christmas yule log.
- Yeah, yeah, I'd like that.
Haven't had that since I was a kid.
In all my years, I've never
seen anything like it.
I was certain Oscar wasn't gonna make it.
Thank god I was wrong, huh?
- I had a friend who once told me,
that if you'll open yourself up to believe
amazing things will happen
and I think he was right.
Sometimes things are right in front of you
and you just don't know it.
- It's a merry Christmas, Hol.
- Yeah, it is.
(bright holiday orchestral music)
Thank you, St. Nick.
(bright orchestral music)
(upbeat Deck the Halls instrumental music)