Everything Christmas (2023) Movie Script
LJ... how are you doing
with the market analyst report
for the Hennessy account?
Good. Almost done.
Good.
You are on
the Cabin Crew account.
Drop dead due date Monday.
You're going to have to
work through the holidays.
No, I'm not.
Yeah, you are.
Randy, it's December 19th.
I have a drop dead
leave date tomorrow.
You know that.
I've been planning
this trip for years.
We've been trying to
nail this account for years.
Sorry, not sorry.
No, no.
I have to leave.
This is important.
I have to go.
Then you have
to find another job.
But... it's Christmas.
Really?
No one would have ever guessed.
How old are you?
Thirty-two.
That was a rhetorical question.
Lose the antlers.
It's weird, LJ.
This is an office,
not Santa's workshop.
Psst!
What are you going to do?
I don't think I have
much of a choice.
Sorry, sweetie.
I know how much
this trip meant to you.
What?!
You can't do that.
I just did.
LJ, okay,
look, I know you're upset,
which is totally understandable,
but I really think we
should talk about this
I'll see you at home.
LJ! Hey! Hey! Hey!
You pay half the rent.
You know that, right?
I'll get another job.
- When?
- After the holidays.
Where?
I don't know.
You of all people, know how much
this means to me.
When my grandmother died,
I told her I would do this.
I made a promise and it's taken
me four years to finally go.
Look, that's really sweet,
and it sounds
like an amazing place,
full of Christmas cheer,
which makes a lot of sense,
considering the town
is literally called
Yuletide Springs.
Weird, but okay.
And they celebrate
Christmas all year long -
still weird, but that's fine,
which means
you can go any time.
But the tradition
with the ornament
only happens
on Christmas Eve.
There is no talking you
out of this, is there?
Okay, look.
My parents are in Europe.
You said you're not
going to your sister's.
Come on, let's do this!
I can't!
I have my job.
You hate your job.
I do hate my job,
but I have a car,
and I have insurance,
and I like to eat
once in a while.
Plus,
I have zero money in the bank.
Work remotely.
This will be good for you.
You need a little
Christmas cheer.
Look, I'm sorry I don't put up
decorations before Halloween.
I know a lot of people
can't wait for the holidays to
be over, and I know it's silly,
but the world needs a little
Yuletide Springs, and so do you.
I can't.
Not to mention,
could be dangerous
for me to drive across
the country alone, you know?
You could be
putting me in danger.
You are killing me.
No...
I'm saving you.
Driving itinerary to Yuletide
Springs, arriving in three days.
Wait. That puts us
there on December 23rd.
That doesn't leave
much room for error.
That's why I've
got it all mapped out.
Straight shot
and no detours.
"Enchanted Forest of
Lights," what's this?
Yeah...
So, it looks amazing,
but it's gonna have to wait.
I'm not taking any chances.
Okay, well,
first stop: Chester, Ohio.
What's in Chester, Ohio?
A really cute motel
I found.
Hi, Randy.
Uh, yeah, no,
I'm feeling okay.
Could be food poisoning.
Yeah, I know. Twice.
What are the chances, right?
What's...
No, no, no, no.
That's the Gadbaw account.
It's not the Hennessy account.
Is this my exit?
Shh! Shh.
Uh, no. No, no, no,
that's just my computer.
LJ?
No, it's...
Hello? Randy?
I've got no reception.
- Good!
- What? No, not good.
Thanks to you, I've got
twice as much work to do.
So, quit!
I have chosen not to quit
for the reasons we've discussed.
Why not choose to be happy?
I don't know, Lori-Jo,
because being broke
doesn't make me happy.
"Happiness resides
not in possessions,
not in gold.
Happiness dwells in the soul."
Democritus.
Where do you come up
with this stuff?
Speaking of brilliant philosophers...
Hi, Randy!
Yeah, sorry.
I've got really bad reception.
Hello?
I'm totally getting fired.
Listen to yourself!
You're drowning and you don't
even know you're underwater.
Listen to that.
See? That's what I'm saying.
You have to listen to yourself.
No, no, no, no, no.
Listen to that.
What do we do now?
It's okay.
I've got this.
Do you even know
what you're doing?
Not a clue.
Ugh! See? This is why we should
have stayed on the interstate.
Well,
the interstate wasn't faster.
Season of miracles, huh?
Ye who has little faith.
Okay!
Ye who has lost her mind.
Come on.
Please, please, please...
Okay.
Antlers and a nose on a truck?
It's a sign!
Or a coincidence.
What's the trouble?
Uh... started making
a clunking noise
and then it just... quit.
Oh, I see.
I like the antlers.
Oh, thanks.
I like your sweater.
Oh, thanks.
My grandma made it.
That's so sweet.
Gift.
I like it.
Thank you.
Hi there. Hey.
Right, yeah, I'm just gonna
take a quick peek here.
Sorry.
Okay.
- No problem.
- Yeah.
Gonna take a little
quick peek here.
All right, what have we got?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
Belt's fried,
and I don't have one
that's gonna fit on me.
Now, I have folks in my cab, but
I'm only 15 minutes up the road.
Can you hang tight
for a bit?
I don't think
we have much of a choice.
True.
I'm Zack, by the way.
Spelled with a 'C-K'.
I'm LJ -
short for Lori-Jo,
spelled with an 'L' and a 'J'.
It's nice
to meet you, LJ.
Yeah,
it's nice to meet you, too.
Ooh!
Sorry!
- No, no, no, I'm okay.
- No, I'm sorry.
- No, it's fine.
- That was my fault.
Yeah, it's okay.
And I'm Tory -
short for Viktoria,
spelled with a 'K'.
Spelled with a 'K'.
- It's nice to meet you.
- Okay.
All right, I'll be right back,
lickety-split.
- Okay.
- Yep.
Ye of little faith.
Okay, it's been 45 minutes.
He forgot.
He'll be here.
He didn't forget.
You don't know that.
We don't even know this guy.
I have a way of reading people.
He is--
Cute?
Is he?
I, uh... didn't notice.
Oh, my God.
You sound like my niece.
Well, I'll take that
as a compliment.
Ellie is smart
and funny--
And 13 and boy crazy.
I'm supposed to call Randy back.
I have zero reception.
Let it go.
I have, and I've never
felt more free in my life.
That's because you've
gone completely insane.
"You need a little bit of
insanity to do great things" -
Henry Rollins.
Wow!
I assume this wasn't
your intended destination.
I'm afraid not.
And whom
do I have the pleasure?
I'm LJ.
I'm Tory.
Yes, yes, you are.
Kris Kringle, at your service.
Uh, Kris... Kringle?
I get that a lot
this time of year.
Is that really your name?
Well, a name is just a name.
I'm in character.
Makes it so much more fun with
the children this time of year.
So, what seems
to be the trouble?
Well, apparently,
it's the belt.
Let's have a look.
Yes. Hold on.
Wait. You have the right one?
Of course.
Here we go. Now...
So, are you a mechanic?
Well, I've, uh...
tinkered a bit
through the years. But no.
Different profession entirely.
Here we are.
Yes.
All right.
Let's... give it a try.
Okay.
Oh! Spectacular!
Thank you so much.
Yeah, thank you.
I don't know what to say.
What do we owe you,
Mr... Kringle?
Consider it a favor.
Perhaps you'll have the
opportunity to pay it forward.
See you down the road.
- Thanks again.
- Yeah. Bye.
Great!
- Okay!
- Okay!
I am so sorry.
Those people
just wouldn't let me go.
You got it going?
Some guy stopped
and fixed the belt.
Some guy?
Yeah, he was older
and driving a pickup truck.
I mean, you must
have just passed him.
That's funny. I don't
remember passing anyone, but...
So, he had the right belt.
What was his name?
Maybe I know him.
Uh, his name was Kris.
Kris.
What was his last name?
He didn't tell us
his last name,
not his real one anyway.
Well, hey, that's great.
I don't know how far you guys
are planning on going tonight,
but Clover Bend is just up the
road and there's a motel, so...
Uh, we actually have to get
to Chester, Ohio tonight.
We have a schedule.
Oh, Chester. Wow,
that's four hours from here,
and it's going
to be pretty dark soon.
And you know, tonight,
we have our Christmas fair.
It's always pretty popular.
There's a lot of food.
Always a lot of fun, so...
Uh, it's just that we have
a long journey ahead.
Right.
"Well, it's the journey, not
the destination" -
Ralph Waldo--
Emerson.
Maybe we could just leave
super early tomorrow.
Yeah.
Why not?
Do they have cell reception?
Yes, we do. Yeah.
Great.
- Well, follow me.
- Okay, sounds good.
I'll lead you
right into town.
What?
So much
for your schedule.
It's not going to be long.
Okay.
It's going to be Christmassy.
He was really nice.
This is so cute.
I would have never imagined.
I can't believe,
if we hadn't broken down,
we would have missed this.
Christmas is a pretty
big deal around here.
People come from all over
for the annual holiday party.
Only problem is our Santa
cancelled last minute
and we've been scrambling
to find a replacement.
How's your belly laugh?
Good.
Beard, not so much.
Same here.
Hey, you said there was
a motel around here?
Yep, it's just up the road.
It's the best rate in town.
It's also the only rate
in town.
Oh, and this is where
the party's happening,
so you guys should
definitely come by.
Hey, wait a second.
That's the truck.
Whose truck?
The guy who helped us.
Well, here, maybe he's inside.
Yeah.
Come on.
Here we are.
Wow.
Oh, good.
They found somebody.
All right, now,
show it to everyone else.
I have a feeling
he found them.
LJ! Tory!
My, my, my!
What are the chances?
Come on in.
Now, take a card.
Go ahead. Here you go.
Now, memorize your card.
Don't let me see it.
Show it to everyone else.
Now, place it
back into the deck.
Oh, yeah.
I've seen this one.
And I wonder...
is this your card?
Still got it.
You look great
in that suit.
I told you
I'm in character.
Hey, thanks for
filling in on short notice.
I'm Zack.
Yes, you are.
Zack, you are.
My goodness,
are you grown up.
Sorry?
Kris Kringle.
Right. Yes.
Do another
magic trick, Santa.
Of course.
I love doing this
almost as much as
handing out the gifts.
Now, who here
really believes in magic?
Now, who do we think
is here tonight
that is the least likely
to believe in magic?
But what about
my friend, Lori-Jo?
Now, I know she's magical.
Do you know that
she has a red nose
and reindeer antlers
on her car?
What?
- And what about Zack here?
You know that he has
the same red nose
and reindeer antlers
on his tow truck.
And what a wonderful Christmas
sweater you're wearing.
You see, this tells me
everything that I need
to know about these two,
every little thing.
Well, let me tell you
about my friend Tory.
Now, Tory, I think,
has a very practical mind.
Looks like someone's
on the naughty list.
It's a good mind,
smart, and very kind.
But I wonder...
Viktoria Fry,
pick a card.
Come on.
How does
he know my full name?
I think we're going
to find out.
Now.
Uh... okay.
Okay, well...
All right.
Good. Now,
write your name onto the card.
Don't let me see it.
Show it to everyone else.
All right.
Okay.
Excellent.
Now, just a quick
little shuffle-- oh!
Whoa!
Pick them up.
Pick them up. Quickly.
Thank you, children.
All right, now,
Ms. Fry,
pick your card.
Now, show it to them.
No.
What? Wait, wait, wait.
Oh, no.
Hey, wait.
Ms. Frye...
what is...
that in your purse?
What?
How did you do that?
Just a little touch
of magic.
Now, who wants
to open presents?
Me!
I do!
Now, I'm afraid I'm a bit
short-handed tonight.
Would you be so kind as to
bring in the gifts for me?
Gifts?
Ah, yes.
Okay.
Can you handle that?
Yes. Thank you. Oh.
All right, team, let's go.
I've seen magicians up close,
but he was really good.
One of those kids
had to be in on it.
You heard him.
It was magic.
It's better not to know.
Ruins the fun, right?
I agree.
I think it was that
little girl in the front row.
Ooh, hot cider.
Anyone?
More of a
hot chocolate guy myself.
- Me too.
- Really?
Yeah.
Oh, boy...
Okay.
Don't mind Miss Scrooge.
Christmas isn't
exactly her thing.
Well, I feel bad because
Christmas is...
...the most
wonderful time of the year.
Exactly.
Where exactly are you two headed
on such a tight schedule?
Yuletide Springs.
- Never heard of it.
- Yeah.
Two please.
No marshmallows
for me.
Extra marshmallows
for me.
You don't know
what you're doing.
You don't know
what you're missing.
This one's on me.
No, no, my treat.
Oh. Here, I got it.
I'm so sorry, once again.
Keep the change.
Yeah.
I am such a klutz.
No.
It's me, trust me.
My dad always says I'm lucky
my head's attached to my neck.
I just think marshmallows
take away from the taste.
Well, I think the chocolate
enhances the marshmallow.
Thank you.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
You know what?
I'll get that for you.
Merry Christmas.
You can keep the change.
Here you go.
Beat you to it.
Yeah, you did.
Hi there.
Just one, please.
- Thank you.
- You were pretty fast there.
I was trying to be
the generous Christmas guy.
You were the generous
Christmas gal.
- Right.
- Right.
Okay, I cannot believe
I haven't heard of
a place called Yuletide Springs.
And they celebrate
Christmas all year.
Get out.
Yeah, I know.
Sounds like my kind of place.
Yeah.
Oh, thank you.
There you go.
Thank you.
And they have a
tradition on Christmas Eve,
where you can come and place
your own ornament
on the city's tree
and make a wish
or whatever you want.
- That sounds amazing.
- Yeah.
I didn't think there
was a place out there
that celebrated
Christmas more than we did.
Hey, um, when
do you have to be there?
Because I was thinking,
if you wanted,
you could stick around here
for a couple of days.
Lots of traditions.
I could be your tour guide.
I can't.
This is something
I'm doing for my grandmother.
We were supposed
to do it together.
I just can't chance
missing it.
I understand.
That's really sweet.
Yeah.
Do you think you'll be coming
back this way anytime soon?
Uh, I don't know.
It's not exactly
the most direct route.
Tory's also
set on going back to work.
Ah. Got it.
I'm so glad
I caught you before I left.
I have something
for each of you.
Well... what is it?
For us?
Of course.
Just a token of my thanks.
You've been such
a great help this evening.
You too, Tory.
Here. Special...
just for you.
A gift voucher for ECEATT?
What is it?
Well,
you'll find one of their
shops here and there.
They're really
quite spectacular.
I'm sure you'll find
something you like.
Cindy?
Cindy, dear?
Would you and your mother
do Santa Claus a favor?
Yes, of course.
Please pass me
a fortune cookie.
And...
Viktoria.
Oh, it's a... stamp.
Cool.
I thought it might
prove useful.
Is this a good one, Santa?
My, yes, it's perfect.
Okay.
Do I open it now?
No, just wait
until the moment's right.
And when do I know
it's right?
Don't come this far,
only to come this far.
Now, be careful with that.
I know it's not ideal,
but it's the best
I could do last minute.
Thank you, Kris.
Hey, how do we know
this isn't another trick?
Well, now, that depends.
Depends on what?
Depends on whether or not
you believe in magic.
Good night.
Sleep well.
Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!
- He's...
- Strange.
I like him.
Rise and shine, baby girl!
We've got to get over
to Zack's garage!
Perfect.
All right,
everything else looks good.
Thank you so much.
That belt was
on backorder, by the way.
You guys are lucky
Kris had it.
Anyway,
it was nice to meet you, Tory.
Yeah, you, too.
Have a great Christmas.
Thank you.
But, um, it's already
off to a good start.
Well, uh,
this was a surprise.
Yeah, a nice one.
Yup.
Enjoy that fortune cookie.
Right.
Yeah.
It's, uh, still intact,
safe and sound.
Well...
I hope everything goes
well in Yuletide Springs.
Your grandmother
would be proud of you.
Take care of yourself.
Yeah, you too.
Bye.
We've got two more
days to get there.
So, if we stay on Highway 12,
it should loop back
to the interstate,
and then we can spend the night
in Alford, Pennsylvania.
Okay, so, we're only
a day out,
a couple hours behind,
but that's not bad.
No more detours.
I liked that detour.
You liked Zack.
I liked Zack.
He was nice and smart.
- Cute.
- Was he?
I didn't notice.
Oh, come on, please...
Well, did you
at least exchange numbers?
You didn't?
- I wasn't thinking!
- LJ!
You know,
it doesn't matter.
Our paths are
going to cross again.
That's one way of looking at it.
I believe in fate, Tory.
The car broke down
for a reason.
Oh, yeah,
because the belt broke.
No,
We were meant to be in
Clover Bend last night.
I don't know how
and I don't know why,
but it was meant
to be that way.
Don't answer it.
I forgot to call
Randy back yesterday.
It's the holidays;
you have to set boundaries.
Okay, well, then, he's
just going to call me back.
So, don't answer.
No.
It's my niece.
Tell Ellie I say hi.
Oh, she's so sweet.
She says she misses me
and wishes
I was there for Christmas.
But I couldn't go, right?
I had way too much work to do.
You could've
tried to figure it out.
Well, I guess that's
just the way I am, okay?
I'm... I'm too practical.
I'm not spontaneous.
You came on this trip.
Yeah,
because you guilted me.
And it worked.
Did I ever tell you we make
gingerbread houses at Christmas?
You never told me that.
Yeah, it's kind of
our thing.
Oh, she would have
loved Clover Bend.
I mean, she's not a freak like
you, but she loves Christmas.
Hey, maybe you can send her
a postcard from
Yuletide Springs.
Yeah, I...
Wait a second.
Is that...?
Kris?
It appears I have
a flat tire.
I'm trying to
get to my next stop.
I'm afraid I might need a lift.
Sure.
- Of course.
- We'll give you a hand.
Great.
What are the chances?
Yeah.
Let's hope I can call
someone out to pick up my truck.
Thank you, thank you.
More gifts to deliver.
No time to waste!
Oh. So, where's your next stop?
It's on your way.
How do you know
where we're going?
Which way are you going?
- That way.
- Me, too.
It won't be but a minute,
I assure you.
Got it.
Okay.
Perfect.
Yes, just perfect. Off we go.
Don't you mean,
"On, Dancer, on, Prancer?"
Quite right! Quite right!
Oh, you'll quite enjoy this.
Truly spectacular.
I know.
Not this time, though.
Someday, I hope.
"Someday" is often
a word for "never".
Seize the moment, my girl.
It's just that we have a...
A schedule, I know.
Perhaps, I can show you a faster
way to Yuletide Springs,
get you there
in plenty of time.
Wait. How do you know we're
going to Yuletide Springs?
And it's a much lovelier drive.
Oh, well, it's just we
sort of had it mapped out.
As have I, many times.
I believe it's the next exit
and then left, I think.
Are you sure this isn't taking
us too far out of our way?
Enjoy the moment.
This is exactly where
you're meant to be going
and exactly where
you're meant to be.
Where exactly is that?
Everywhere.
Turn left here!
Aww!
Gingerbread Glen -
what a cute name.
I thought you'd like it.
I can't believe this.
Christmas is everywhere,
if you know where to look,
and the people here
are all very much
in the spirit.
I think you'll find it
a lovely place.
Oh, we're just
passing through.
Of course, of course.
There, the church, that's it.
Kris!
I was just beginning to worry.
I wouldn't miss it
for the world.
I know.
These are my friends,
Lori-Jo-- sorry, LJ,
and Viktoria - Tory.
Without them I'd be--
I don't know.
This is my dear friend,
Pastor Olivia.
It's lovely to meet you.
A pleasure.
Now, I know you're
in a big hurry,
but I wonder if I could
ask you to help me once again.
Ah, yes.
Here.
That should do it.
I am so appreciative
of this.
You manage to track
me down every year.
It makes
so many children happy.
They do the same for me.
Any special plans?
Oh, well, you know,
since moving here,
the people have become
just like family, so special.
We're having a large party.
Even my nephew
says he's going to come.
Now, I'll believe it when I
see it, but it would be nice.
Oh, yes, you said.
I haven't seen Jason
since my sister passed.
It's been years.
Never take for granted
the people that you love.
That's my age-old
wisdom for the day.
Free of charge.
Well, we actually do
have to get going, so...
Yeah.
Let me buy you lunch first.
You can't drive
on an empty stomach,
and it's the least
I can do for all the help.
Sure.
Great. I know just the spot.
Truly spectacular.
Do you have another stop, Kris?
Oh, yes. Many more.
Busy time of year.
But wait,
if you don't have a truck,
how are you
going to go anywhere?
Oh, yes.
And the reindeer
aren't yet in flying shape.
If I push them too soon,
it's a pulled muscle here,
a strained quad there.
People think
that Christmas Eve
is the busiest time
of the year.
Nope. It's the weeks and months
leading up to Christmas Eve.
By Christmas Eve,
everything's settled -
who gets what,
who's naughty, who's nice.
Well,
I guess I'll have to thumb it.
Uh, well,
which way are you going?
LJ...
Don't you worry about me.
I'll manage.
Besides, you have so much more
to see around every corner,
if you only take the time.
Remember that.
I'll try.
Okay, so, now, he's saying
we all have to be
on a Zoom call tomorrow.
Don't mind her.
She's married to her job.
That's a terrible marriage.
I need to send that email.
It can wait.
No, it can't.
Hard work is a wonderful virtue;
it can take you a long way,
and if you choose the right career,
it can bring you great joy.
But so is knowing when to
unplug, when to say no,
when to... be present,
appreciate everything
that's around you.
I think I might put
that in a Christmas card.
Oh, okay, okay,
but can I at least hit send?
If you promise
to do me a favor.
- Promise.
- Pinky swear.
Pinky swear.
Okay. Sent.
Right. Done.
Now...
look behind you.
Um...
Hardly noticed it when you
walked in, did you?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess I didn't.
It's really cute.
Remind you of anything?
My niece - we make
gingerbread houses together.
How wonderful.
Lovely little postcards,
aren't they?
I should send her one.
What a lovely idea.
In fact, I think the post office
is just around the corner.
Okay.
I'll go right now.
Wait.
I should go with you.
What? No, no, no, no, no.
You finish your pie.
I'll be right back.
Okay.
So...
What is it that you want for
Christmas this year, dear?
You mean
you didn't get my list?
You didn't mail me
a list this year.
Why are you traveling
to Yuletide Springs?
It's a long story.
You're the one
who's in a rush, not me.
My grandmother and I made this
when I was a little girl.
How lovely.
We always talked about
going to
Yuletide Springs together,
hang it on the tree,
make a wish.
That's the tradition.
But we never got
a chance.
Or never took
the chance.
There was always
a good reason not to go.
It was always... someday.
Yes.
There's that word again.
But not this time.
I made her a promise,
and I'm finally going.
Tell me something
about your grandmother.
I really miss her.
She was so positive.
She told great stories.
She had a contagious laugh.
My parents didn't always
understand me...
but she did.
Hi there.
I just need
to mail... this, please.
- Sure.
- Thanks.
- Ma'am.
- Mmm-hmm.
- There's no stamp.
- Oh, right.
Sorry. Uh...
All out.
We had a rush this morning.
I will have some by tomorrow.
Oh. Okay.
Wait.
Weird.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Have a great day.
You too.
Oh. I'm sorry.
Me too.
Excuse me.
Hot Cider.
Spare Change Lady.
Hi.
Do you live here?
No. Do you?
No, just visiting.
Actually, um, I'm looking
for St. Mark's Church.
Are you Jason?
Yeah.
How do you know that?
Your aunt
is Pastor Olivia.
That's right.
Do you know her?
In a roundabout way, yeah.
She gave me the address.
I think maybe
I wrote it down wrong.
I put it in my phone,
but it's not coming up.
Maybe you could point me
in the right direction.
And you're...?
Oh, um, Tory.
Tory.
How do you know my aunt?
Well, it's actually
kind of a funny story.
I'd love to hear it.
I really enjoy these
out-of-the-way little towns.
Always so many
unexpected surprises.
I really wish
we had more time.
Says everyone,
everywhere, all the time.
Oh, it's from Tory.
She says to meet her
back at the church.
I wonder why
she went there.
We best find out.
Okay.
Jason?
Hey, Aunt Olivia.
Oh, my...
Oh, my! Oh!
Oh my... you did come.
Nothing was going
to stop me this year.
You've made me so happy.
It's great to see you.
Oh, uh, don't mind me.
But the two of you...
No, no, no, no, no, no.
We just bumped into each other.
Literally.
What are the chances?
I'm sure we came
a different way.
- Did we?
- It doesn't look familiar.
You know, you might be right.
Maybe it's this way.
No, wait.
Did-- did you
just see that?
See what?
It can't be.
No, I didn't order it.
You're Ann?
I am.
And this is your shop?
It is.
And I am in the town
of Gingerbread Glen.
Yep.
This is a purchase order for
Ann's Garage, Gingerbread Glen.
I can see that, but...
there must be a mistake because
I didn't order any rotors.
So, I drove here...
for nothing.
Zack?
LJ?
- What are you doing here?
- What are you doing here?
Making a delivery.
That I didn't order.
- How is this possible?
- I don't know.
But I don't really care.
I'm really happy
to see you.
I'm happy to see you, too.
What are the chances?
I just got this order
a few hours ago.
That I didn't order.
Well, I'm glad
somebody did.
So am I.
Hey, uh, Casanova,
fine, I'll take the rotors.
There you go.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah, you, too.
There is room
at my place for you
and all your friends
to stay, if you like.
Well, thank you,
but we're on a tight schedule.
Oh, sorry to hear that.
And you two have already
crossed paths in Clover Bend.
Well, we, uh,
bumped into each other.
Twice, yes.
Well, if it were me, I wouldn't
be leaving it to chance again.
Aunt Olivia,
it was just a coincidence.
I don't believe in coincidence.
Right.
- But I forgot the sugar.
Sorry about that.
She means well.
She's very sweet.
You have to admit, though...
Admit what?
Well, us meeting twice,
I mean, that happens, right?
Oh, right.
Hi!
Hi.
This is Jason,
Olivia's nephew.
Jason, this is LJ.
- LJ... Jason.
- Nice to meet you.
Yeah, nice
to meet you, too.
Could you excuse us
for just a moment?
Of course.
- One sec.
- Can we just...?
- Mm-hmm.
He's cute.
What?
This is gonna
sound really weird,
but do you remember
the gift that Kris gave me?
- The stamp?
- Yeah.
Hey, Tory.
What?
I know.
Uh, Zack, this is Jason.
Jason, this is Zack.
Meet, greet,
become friends.
- Okay.
- Hey.
- Something happened.
- Yeah, I can see that.
Okay, you can't believe
that everything that's
happened is a coincidence.
Well, I'm starting
to wonder.
Okay, what were you
gonna tell me before?
About the stamp?
So, they ran out of
stamps at the post office
and I had to use
the one Kris gave me.
But if I hadn't taken the time
to search around for it
in my purse,
Jason and I wouldn't have
bumped into each other.
- And...
- And what?
And we already met
in Clover Bend
when I was going
to get cider.
You're kidding!
I have to talk to Kris.
Oh, Kris left.
Left?
Yes, he said he
had to be on his way.
Oh, well, he's not
staying for the party?
No, no.
He delivers gifts for the kids,
but he has a bigger,
longer-standing tradition.
Well, how's
he going to get there?
I wouldn't worry
about that.
He always manages
to find a way.
But he did say that
you left this at the diner
and he didn't
have time to return it.
Thank you.
It's a note from Kris.
"Be present."
- What?
- Directions.
The fastest route
to Yuletide Springs.
How long does it take to get to
the Enchanted Forest from here?
Oh, I'd say it's
about a half an hour hike.
It was a big attraction
in its day.
Truly spectacular.
- Tea?
- Yes, please. Thank you.
I mean, it was on your list,
and we're already here,
and now, we can
get there in time
because Kris
showed you the fastest way.
And I wouldn't mind spending
some extra time with Zack.
I know. I mean, I know
Jason and I just met,
but it would seem really rude
if I left so quickly,
after we had just bumped
into each other again.
Okay. As long as we're there
by Christmas Eve,
that's all that matters, right?
I mean, if...
you're okay with it.
We're gonna make it in time.
Nothing's gonna go wrong.
Pinky swear?
I'll pinky swear.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Sure.
Okay.
Which, uh, way do we go?
It doesn't say.
Well, maybe you guys
can try that path...
And we could try this one?
- Sounds good.
- Okay.
After you.
So, you have it with you now?
Yeah.
Wow!
You guys made this?
Yeah, we did.
And that's when she told me
about the Yuletide Springs.
We made a promise that we would
go there someday together.
I think I understand
your love of Christmas now.
Oh, yes, she would start
decorating in September.
But you don't?
No, I'm not that
much of a fanatic.
October.
Same.
Oh, thanks.
Oh! Oh, jeez.
Thanks.
Sorry.
That's why I keep it
in the box.
But I'll feel much better
when it's on the tree.
No doubt.
I just, um...
I wish she could be there
with me, you know?
That part's hard.
Well, it sounds like she is.
I think she is, too.
Well, work's
pretty important to you, huh?
Sorry, I wish that it wasn't.
But no reception here anyway.
Well, maybe that's a good thing.
Yeah, yeah, you're right.
LJ's right, Kris is right.
There's still
so much pressure, you know?
That's okay, I get it.
I know what it's like
to have a deadline
and I'm guessing a boss
who probably doesn't really
appreciate what you do.
Ah, bingo.
What do you do?
I work in marketing.
Mostly, I just do reports.
But sometimes,
I give creative ideas,
and sometimes people use them
and take all the credit.
Ah, bingo.
You know, LJ and I used
to work together.
She had the guts to quit.
She's always been
so brave like that.
She always knows exactly
what she wants in life.
Yeah, what about you?
What does Tory Fry
want out of life?
Uh, well, for starters,
maybe to actually
work in marketing.
I don't know, maybe, you know,
my an agency one day,
be my own boss.
Hmm. So, work is the most
important thing.
No. No,
I'd really like kids one day,
But for now, I mean,
I'd love a career,
instead of just a job,
and maybe to get away from
this thing once in a while.
Yeah, that was me
for a long time.
And then... I just up and quit,
like your friend did.
Seriously?
Yeah, seriously.
I was living in New York,
doing exactly what you're doing,
evenings, weekends.
And then,
I just walked away.
I wanted to travel
across the country,
I wanted to see my aunt,
the friends that
I'd lost touch with.
Wait. Without even having
another job lined up?
Yeah, but that was
the whole point, right?
Force myself
to figure it out.
Now, I'm freelance.
I work from the road.
I can make time for
adventures like this.
But I tell you what, it--
it also taught me
something very important.
What's that?
Career, family -
doesn't have
to be one or the other.
Hi!
Hey!
So, is this it?
It has to be, right?
Sure seems like it.
Why aren't
any of the lights on?
Maybe it doesn't work anymore.
No, Kris wouldn't
send us somewhere
unless it was...
Spectacular.
Yes.
- Okay, there's lights,
but we gotta figure out
how to turn them on.
Maybe there's
a plug or a switch?
Oh, hey,
check this out.
I can't see
how it turns on, though.
Oh, you know what?
It needs a code or something.
Oh, check the brochure.
Oh, yeah! Yeah.
Uh... okay.
"Don't come this far
only to come this far."
- Wait.
- What?
Zack, what did Kris tell you
when he gave you
the fortune cookie?
"Don't come this far
to only come this far."
Yeah!
Hold on.
Okay, still got it.
"You didn't come this far
to only come this far."
- Come on!
- Hey, look!
There's numbers!
Oh, numbers for the code.
5-
10-68-3-19-6.
Okay, how did he do this?
You don't know by now?
Because he's
a magician, Lori-Jo,
and a really good one,
I'll give him that.
No, no, this is impossible.
There's no way.
Come on. He directed us here.
He obviously set the code.
Yeah, but how did
he know these numbers
were going to be
in this fortune cookie?
And that's why it's
called an illusion.
Come on,
we didn't actually see
where that girl got
the fortune cookie,
and she probably put
the playing card in my purse.
Guys, I'm so confused.
Okay, Kris, your aunt's friend,
gave us each a gift.
Mine was the fortune cookie.
And that just
happened to have the code
to turn these lights on?
See?
Because he's really,
really good.
Okay, what about
your stamp?
Okay, you said it yourself,
if he hadn't given it to you,
then you wouldn't have stopped
to dig into your purse,
and then you wouldn't
have bumped into Jason.
It was a coincidence.
Okay, like Zack,
who got a bogus order
in the same town
we were going?
That Kris was going!
We drove him here, but he
orchestrated the whole thing.
I mean, he probably
didn't even have a flat tire.
Don't get me wrong,
I think it's wonderful.
Well, okay, well, why would he
go through all this trouble,
when he hardly
knows you guys?
Well, maybe it's his way of
spreading holiday cheer,
which you said that
we could use more of.
Well, here it is,
alive and well.
Okay, well, I think there's
something else going on here.
Okay, okay.
Well, the only alternative,
Lori-Jo,
is that he's Santa.
And is that such
a terrible alternative?
I don't think it is.
A-ha!
Am I the only one here
who has a logical mind?
It's Christmas;
I'd rather believe in magic.
Me, too.
Yeah, why not?
See?!
You're outnumbered!
I hate to state the obvious,
but we've been walking
a lot longer than 30 minutes.
Okay,
are you suggesting we're lost?
I'm not trying to critique
your... orientation skills,
but, uh, yes.
You might have
a point, actually.
We should have gotten
to the road by now.
Did we veer off
the path somewhere?
Terrific.
"Not all who wander
are lost."
- J.R.R. Tolkien.
- Yes!
Although we may actually be in
Middle-earth for all I know.
Hey, hey, listen.
Sounds like it's
coming from over here.
Okay.
Well, hello.
Hi.
Chris Bronstad?
- Uh, no.
You didn't happen to run into a
Chris Bronstad around here,
did you?
No.
And you don't
know Chris Bronstad?
No, it's just us.
You wouldn't be looking for
a ride to town, would you?
Actually, we would love that.
Come on aboard.
Thank you!
What a great day.
Another great day.
Two in a row, not bad.
Not bad at all.
Come with us.
- To Yuletide Springs?
- Yeah.
You're the only
other person I know
who loves Christmas
as much as I do.
You'd love it.
I wish I could,
but I do have
a business to run,
and people really depend on me,
especially this time of year.
I understand.
You know,
it's going to be amazing
when you finally
get to hang that ornament
and fulfill
your grandmother's wish.
I just wish
I could be there to see it.
You will be.
Okay.
All right.
All right.
You good?
Yeah. Thank you.
Watch your step.
I got it.
Oh! What a breeze!
- Hi.
- Cold!
All right, so, there's a bedroom
upstairs for the girls,
couches for the boys,
if that's okay.
That is more than fine.
Thank you.
All right,
I'm going to turn in.
There's hot chocolate and tea
in the kitchen, if you like.
Firewood's outside,
if you want to make a fire.
Good night. Thank you.
You're more than welcome.
Jason, what a lovely gift,
having you here.
It's great to be here.
Night.
Goodnight.
Okay, I'm going to
make some hot chocolate.
I guess we should
go get some firewood.
Let's do it.
Let's find
the marshmallows.
- Okay.
- Yeah, of course.
This is so nice,
her, like, letting us stay
here - a woman we just met,
with two guys we just met.
Every turn on this trip
has been so magical,
unexpected.
We already talked about this.
I think, maybe,
you're starting to believe.
It doesn't feel like
we just met them, does it?
No.
Okay, okay.
So, maybe some things...
do happen for a reason.
I asked Jason
to come with us.
You did?
Yeah.
Is that okay?
Of course.
What did he say?
He said he really wants to,
but he doesn't feel right,
leaving his aunt after
just getting here, so...
Oh, well, just the fact
that he wants to come with,
that's so sweet.
Yeah.
Don't!
Don't do it!
- I really should.
- Don't!
He sent me an email,
threatening to fire me
if I didn't answer
the next time that he calls.
What did we just talk about?
I still need this job!
Yeah, you're gonna
get another one!
I need a retirement plan.
You have time to plan.
- I need healthcare.
- You're healthy.
See? Easy.
Not so easy.
It felt good, though,
didn't it?
Yeah, it did.
Yeah!
Come here!
I'm so proud of you!
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm--
I'm proud of me, too.
Hey, thank you, Lori-Jo,
for being just...
such a great friend.
No, Tory, thank you.
I know this wasn't an easy
decision for you to come here.
I couldn't have done
this without you.
Yes, you could have.
Yes, you could because
that is who you are, but...
But I'm really glad
I said yes.
Me too.
My, um...
My head's still kind
of spinning
from everything that's
gone on the past 12 hours.
You're telling me. Jeez.
You really want to go
with them, don't you?
Yeah, I really do.
It's not like something
like this happens every day.
But I just don't
think it would be right
leaving my aunt's on Christmas.
- Yeah, of course. Yeah.
- It is what it is.
Guess so.
What about you?
I mean, I know what
you said to LJ, but...
...maybe you shouldn't
let this one get away.
Seize the day,
you know what I mean?
Yeah.
Why don't you...
just tell him
how you really feel?
Come on.
I don't really
know how I feel.
It's like you said,
I just met him.
Well, and it's like
you said,
maybe... some things
aren't a coincidence.
I don't know.
Maybe we should stop before
we fall head over heels.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Maybe it's better this way,
you know, before both of us
fall head over heels.
Yeah.
Oh, boy...
- Oh, boy...
- Yeah.
Just for you -
your favorite.
I didn't forget.
Thank you.
You're the best.
Now...
you're going
to tell her yes.
Excuse me?
Tory,
tell her you're going with.
No, no, I can't.
Jason,
you coming here is the best
Christmas gift I could ever get.
Yeah, and I came here
to spend it with you.
All my friends are here,
half the town;
I'll be okay.
Don't let this one go.
Yeah,
I don't know what happened.
It's like I was
hit with a spell.
Then,
that makes me even happier.
And I won't take
no for an answer.
I love you too much.
I love you, too.
On one condition:
swing back here for New Year's,
the bunch of you.
We'll ring it in together.
You got a deal.
Why does this
feel like a mistake?
Imagine someone stuck
on the side of the road,
unable to make it
home for Christmas
because you decided
to take a day off.
Thank you, Lori-Jo,
for a--
for a very special time.
It's an experience
I won't soon forget.
You, uh--
you have my number.
You have mine.
All right.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You okay?
I'm good.
You're sure it's okay
that I'm tagging along, right?
Of course it is.
LJ?
Hey!
- What's wrong?
- I don't know.
I can't believe
this is happening.
I've waited for so long.
What if it's a letdown?
What?
It won't be.
It's gonna be
everything you dreamed...
and more.
Make it happen, LJ.
You're so sweet.
You're just as
excited as we are.
No, I just really have
to use the restroom,
so, you know,
make it happen.
Oh. Okay.
Looks like we're getting close.
Yuletide Springs!
I am so excited
we're finally here!
There's Randall Stevenson.
He loved Christmas so much
that he started a tradition
of painting all the buildings
different colors to make the
town more festive all year long.
Oh, look!
That's the clock
that chimes...
...at midnight
on Christmas Eve.
Come on.
You're Mayor Bennett.
That I am, the one and only
mayor at hand of the grandest,
most Christmassy
town in all the land.
Oh, I'm LJ, short for Lori-Jo.
I am your biggest fan.
Well, not you specifically.
Your town, this town,
Yuletide Springs.
My grandmother inspired me.
Always wanted to come,
but never had the time.
But then, one day,
we made a pact
after we made
a really special ornament,
and we were gonna hang it
on the tree, as per tradition.
But then, she sadly
passed four years ago
and my heart was just so broken,
I couldn't take the trip.
But then, this year,
I said, "I am going."
And so-- well,
this was my best friend Tory.
She agreed
to come with me,
and we just saw all
these beautiful things.
And then, I met this really nice
guy who had to go back home.
And then, Tory met Jason,
and he agreed to come with us.
And now, here we are.
And I just wanted
to say thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you!
Well...
welcome to
Yuletide Springs, Lori-Jo.
We're happy you're here.
Yeah.
You really do need help.
Look, there's the tree.
Whoa, guys, check it out.
Oh, it looks like
they've already started.
Do it, girl.
Oh, wow.
Should we call someone?
Are you okay, Miss?
Lori-Jo, are you hurt?
I think I--
I broke my ornament.
I broke my ornament.
Oh, my...
Hey...
Look, I know
how much this meant to you,
but it's the sentiment
that matters, right?
I mean,
your grandmother's spirit
wasn't stuck in that ornament.
It's like you said, she's here,
she's with you right now.
So, let's go find another one,
one she would have loved,
and every year, we're gonna
come back and do the same.
You're right.
It's just an object.
No, it's way more
than that,
and it's okay to be sad.
I don't want to
be sad on Christmas.
Kris was right
about being in the moment.
The moment isn't just now;
it was the entire way here,
and I feel like
I might have missed it.
No, you didn't.
If you did, then,
you wouldn't be missing Zack.
Hey, if it
makes you feel any better,
I bet you
he's absolutely miserable.
I sure hope so.
LJ?
It can't be.
It is.
What? How did...?
It's gotta be it, right?
I mean... wow.
So, what are
your first impressions
of Yuletide Springs?
Hey, look who I found!
Kris!
Hello, dear!
Oh, I'm so glad
you both made it.
Well,
all three of you, of course.
I really missed you.
Oh, come now,
it's only been a couple of days.
Wait. What are you doing here?
Turns out he's the Santa Claus
here every year.
- Get out!
- It's true.
Why didn't you
say anything?
Well, I wanted you to have
your own journey together.
How was it?
It was quite... spectacular.
I suspected as much.
Kris, how did you do it?
Do what, young man?
You know, how did you get the
numbers in the fortune cookies?
How did you make that happen?
The numbers in
the fortune cookies?
Well, it's really
quite simple.
I can show it
to you if you like.
But they've been doing it for
years and years and years.
Now, can I indulge you
to help me once again?
The elves are
rather busy elsewhere.
Wait!
How did you get
your truck back?
I mean, it was left
on the side of the road.
Luckily, I have an in with
an excellent tow truck driver
not too far from here.
Tow truck?
Oh, they've started.
Come on now.
The gifts can wait.
The candles are a must-see.
What tow truck?
Hi.
Hi.
I'm really happy you're here.
So am I.
So, you really towed
Kris' truck all that way?
And I'll tell you what else,
the only two tires that I have
that would actually fit his
truck were flat,
so it didn't leave any choice,
but to tow him.
Not that it took
too much convincing, but...
Kris? Huh.
Well, where does he
hand out the presents?
I guess
somewhere here in the park.
Hey, he left
two presents here.
Oh. I'll take those.
Thanks.
Hey, come take
a look at this.
"Chris Bronstad."
The carriage.
The carriage?
The carriage driver.
"Chris Bronstad,"
that was the name that
he was asking about, right?
Yeah.
- Wow.
- Chris Bronstad.
You know,
I'm just realizing, I was sort
of hoping it was all true.
Yeah, me too.
Mayor Bennett: We'll have to
start the line-up over there.
We'll have his
chair and helpers...
Mayor Bennett!
I'll be right there.
Lori-Jo! How could I forget?
How are you feeling?
Oh, I'm-- I'm fine.
I wanted to ask you
about Kris.
- Mayor Bennett: Kris?
- Uh, Kris Kringle.
- Your Santa?
- Kris, of course!
Lovely man.
No better Santa out there.
Is his real name
Chris Bronstad?
Mayor Bennett: It is.
I still refer to him
as "Kris Kringle," we all do.
Why not?
Makes it all the more fun.
It's just that we...
helped him get here and we--
I was really
starting to believe.
Well, you're not the first.
He's pretty good
at his trickery, isn't he?
So, he really is
just a magician?
I think
he'd prefer illusionist.
But yes, in his day he
was quite the performer.
I don't understand
how he could have done
some of the things he did.
Yeah, it sure
seemed like a lot more
than just smoke and mirrors.
I once saw
David Copperfield
make the
Statue of Liberty disappear.
But he didn't;
he just made me believe I did.
Kris has this gift, too.
Sounds like
he took a liking to you.
Consider that one of the luckier
things that's ever happened.
By the way, I rather doubt that
you helped him get here.
Most likely,
it was the other way around.
Are you ready for Santa Claus?!
Yeah!
Have you been nice this year?
Yeah!
Excellent. Oh, no.
I seem to have left Casey
and Maggie's gifts
behind in the truck.
We have them right here.
Thank you once again.
My goodness,
what would I have done
without all of you
this year?
Well, we came here
to thank you.
Thank me for what?
For making this
a very special Christmas...
Chris Bronstad.
Well, good.
That's what I wanted.
So, you gonna
tell us how you did it?
I already told you.
All right, I know.
I'm just the type of person who
likes to peek
behind the curtain,
see how it's done.
Same here.
Word of advice...
don't peek.
Once in a while, just let
the world be a magical place.
Thanks again.
Are you staying
for the gifts?
Best eggnog
you've ever had afterwards.
- Of course!
- Good.
I assume, then,
you'll be staying the night.
Well, if we can find a place.
So far, everything's booked.
Probably should
have thought of that.
Ye of little faith.
I know just the place.
Well,
if we actually find a room,
that'll be his best trick yet.
I wouldn't doubt if he had
something up his sleeve.
Hey, wait,
is that it up there?
Yeah, must be.
What's wrong?
Look!
Everything Christmas
Everywhere All The Time!
Oh, that's cute.
No!
Look!
The gift voucher from Kris!
Welcome!
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Can I help you find something?
I don't know.
I'm looking for something,
but I'm not sure what.
Well, let's help you find it.
Just give me a second.
LJ...
Your ornament.
Wait. Didn't you say you
made that from scratch?
How is that possible?
I have no idea.
I do.
How much is this?
$32.52 with tax.
Could you please tell me
how much this is worth?
Well, I'll be... $32.52.
What did you wish for?
It already came true.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
with the market analyst report
for the Hennessy account?
Good. Almost done.
Good.
You are on
the Cabin Crew account.
Drop dead due date Monday.
You're going to have to
work through the holidays.
No, I'm not.
Yeah, you are.
Randy, it's December 19th.
I have a drop dead
leave date tomorrow.
You know that.
I've been planning
this trip for years.
We've been trying to
nail this account for years.
Sorry, not sorry.
No, no.
I have to leave.
This is important.
I have to go.
Then you have
to find another job.
But... it's Christmas.
Really?
No one would have ever guessed.
How old are you?
Thirty-two.
That was a rhetorical question.
Lose the antlers.
It's weird, LJ.
This is an office,
not Santa's workshop.
Psst!
What are you going to do?
I don't think I have
much of a choice.
Sorry, sweetie.
I know how much
this trip meant to you.
What?!
You can't do that.
I just did.
LJ, okay,
look, I know you're upset,
which is totally understandable,
but I really think we
should talk about this
I'll see you at home.
LJ! Hey! Hey! Hey!
You pay half the rent.
You know that, right?
I'll get another job.
- When?
- After the holidays.
Where?
I don't know.
You of all people, know how much
this means to me.
When my grandmother died,
I told her I would do this.
I made a promise and it's taken
me four years to finally go.
Look, that's really sweet,
and it sounds
like an amazing place,
full of Christmas cheer,
which makes a lot of sense,
considering the town
is literally called
Yuletide Springs.
Weird, but okay.
And they celebrate
Christmas all year long -
still weird, but that's fine,
which means
you can go any time.
But the tradition
with the ornament
only happens
on Christmas Eve.
There is no talking you
out of this, is there?
Okay, look.
My parents are in Europe.
You said you're not
going to your sister's.
Come on, let's do this!
I can't!
I have my job.
You hate your job.
I do hate my job,
but I have a car,
and I have insurance,
and I like to eat
once in a while.
Plus,
I have zero money in the bank.
Work remotely.
This will be good for you.
You need a little
Christmas cheer.
Look, I'm sorry I don't put up
decorations before Halloween.
I know a lot of people
can't wait for the holidays to
be over, and I know it's silly,
but the world needs a little
Yuletide Springs, and so do you.
I can't.
Not to mention,
could be dangerous
for me to drive across
the country alone, you know?
You could be
putting me in danger.
You are killing me.
No...
I'm saving you.
Driving itinerary to Yuletide
Springs, arriving in three days.
Wait. That puts us
there on December 23rd.
That doesn't leave
much room for error.
That's why I've
got it all mapped out.
Straight shot
and no detours.
"Enchanted Forest of
Lights," what's this?
Yeah...
So, it looks amazing,
but it's gonna have to wait.
I'm not taking any chances.
Okay, well,
first stop: Chester, Ohio.
What's in Chester, Ohio?
A really cute motel
I found.
Hi, Randy.
Uh, yeah, no,
I'm feeling okay.
Could be food poisoning.
Yeah, I know. Twice.
What are the chances, right?
What's...
No, no, no, no.
That's the Gadbaw account.
It's not the Hennessy account.
Is this my exit?
Shh! Shh.
Uh, no. No, no, no,
that's just my computer.
LJ?
No, it's...
Hello? Randy?
I've got no reception.
- Good!
- What? No, not good.
Thanks to you, I've got
twice as much work to do.
So, quit!
I have chosen not to quit
for the reasons we've discussed.
Why not choose to be happy?
I don't know, Lori-Jo,
because being broke
doesn't make me happy.
"Happiness resides
not in possessions,
not in gold.
Happiness dwells in the soul."
Democritus.
Where do you come up
with this stuff?
Speaking of brilliant philosophers...
Hi, Randy!
Yeah, sorry.
I've got really bad reception.
Hello?
I'm totally getting fired.
Listen to yourself!
You're drowning and you don't
even know you're underwater.
Listen to that.
See? That's what I'm saying.
You have to listen to yourself.
No, no, no, no, no.
Listen to that.
What do we do now?
It's okay.
I've got this.
Do you even know
what you're doing?
Not a clue.
Ugh! See? This is why we should
have stayed on the interstate.
Well,
the interstate wasn't faster.
Season of miracles, huh?
Ye who has little faith.
Okay!
Ye who has lost her mind.
Come on.
Please, please, please...
Okay.
Antlers and a nose on a truck?
It's a sign!
Or a coincidence.
What's the trouble?
Uh... started making
a clunking noise
and then it just... quit.
Oh, I see.
I like the antlers.
Oh, thanks.
I like your sweater.
Oh, thanks.
My grandma made it.
That's so sweet.
Gift.
I like it.
Thank you.
Hi there. Hey.
Right, yeah, I'm just gonna
take a quick peek here.
Sorry.
Okay.
- No problem.
- Yeah.
Gonna take a little
quick peek here.
All right, what have we got?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
Belt's fried,
and I don't have one
that's gonna fit on me.
Now, I have folks in my cab, but
I'm only 15 minutes up the road.
Can you hang tight
for a bit?
I don't think
we have much of a choice.
True.
I'm Zack, by the way.
Spelled with a 'C-K'.
I'm LJ -
short for Lori-Jo,
spelled with an 'L' and a 'J'.
It's nice
to meet you, LJ.
Yeah,
it's nice to meet you, too.
Ooh!
Sorry!
- No, no, no, I'm okay.
- No, I'm sorry.
- No, it's fine.
- That was my fault.
Yeah, it's okay.
And I'm Tory -
short for Viktoria,
spelled with a 'K'.
Spelled with a 'K'.
- It's nice to meet you.
- Okay.
All right, I'll be right back,
lickety-split.
- Okay.
- Yep.
Ye of little faith.
Okay, it's been 45 minutes.
He forgot.
He'll be here.
He didn't forget.
You don't know that.
We don't even know this guy.
I have a way of reading people.
He is--
Cute?
Is he?
I, uh... didn't notice.
Oh, my God.
You sound like my niece.
Well, I'll take that
as a compliment.
Ellie is smart
and funny--
And 13 and boy crazy.
I'm supposed to call Randy back.
I have zero reception.
Let it go.
I have, and I've never
felt more free in my life.
That's because you've
gone completely insane.
"You need a little bit of
insanity to do great things" -
Henry Rollins.
Wow!
I assume this wasn't
your intended destination.
I'm afraid not.
And whom
do I have the pleasure?
I'm LJ.
I'm Tory.
Yes, yes, you are.
Kris Kringle, at your service.
Uh, Kris... Kringle?
I get that a lot
this time of year.
Is that really your name?
Well, a name is just a name.
I'm in character.
Makes it so much more fun with
the children this time of year.
So, what seems
to be the trouble?
Well, apparently,
it's the belt.
Let's have a look.
Yes. Hold on.
Wait. You have the right one?
Of course.
Here we go. Now...
So, are you a mechanic?
Well, I've, uh...
tinkered a bit
through the years. But no.
Different profession entirely.
Here we are.
Yes.
All right.
Let's... give it a try.
Okay.
Oh! Spectacular!
Thank you so much.
Yeah, thank you.
I don't know what to say.
What do we owe you,
Mr... Kringle?
Consider it a favor.
Perhaps you'll have the
opportunity to pay it forward.
See you down the road.
- Thanks again.
- Yeah. Bye.
Great!
- Okay!
- Okay!
I am so sorry.
Those people
just wouldn't let me go.
You got it going?
Some guy stopped
and fixed the belt.
Some guy?
Yeah, he was older
and driving a pickup truck.
I mean, you must
have just passed him.
That's funny. I don't
remember passing anyone, but...
So, he had the right belt.
What was his name?
Maybe I know him.
Uh, his name was Kris.
Kris.
What was his last name?
He didn't tell us
his last name,
not his real one anyway.
Well, hey, that's great.
I don't know how far you guys
are planning on going tonight,
but Clover Bend is just up the
road and there's a motel, so...
Uh, we actually have to get
to Chester, Ohio tonight.
We have a schedule.
Oh, Chester. Wow,
that's four hours from here,
and it's going
to be pretty dark soon.
And you know, tonight,
we have our Christmas fair.
It's always pretty popular.
There's a lot of food.
Always a lot of fun, so...
Uh, it's just that we have
a long journey ahead.
Right.
"Well, it's the journey, not
the destination" -
Ralph Waldo--
Emerson.
Maybe we could just leave
super early tomorrow.
Yeah.
Why not?
Do they have cell reception?
Yes, we do. Yeah.
Great.
- Well, follow me.
- Okay, sounds good.
I'll lead you
right into town.
What?
So much
for your schedule.
It's not going to be long.
Okay.
It's going to be Christmassy.
He was really nice.
This is so cute.
I would have never imagined.
I can't believe,
if we hadn't broken down,
we would have missed this.
Christmas is a pretty
big deal around here.
People come from all over
for the annual holiday party.
Only problem is our Santa
cancelled last minute
and we've been scrambling
to find a replacement.
How's your belly laugh?
Good.
Beard, not so much.
Same here.
Hey, you said there was
a motel around here?
Yep, it's just up the road.
It's the best rate in town.
It's also the only rate
in town.
Oh, and this is where
the party's happening,
so you guys should
definitely come by.
Hey, wait a second.
That's the truck.
Whose truck?
The guy who helped us.
Well, here, maybe he's inside.
Yeah.
Come on.
Here we are.
Wow.
Oh, good.
They found somebody.
All right, now,
show it to everyone else.
I have a feeling
he found them.
LJ! Tory!
My, my, my!
What are the chances?
Come on in.
Now, take a card.
Go ahead. Here you go.
Now, memorize your card.
Don't let me see it.
Show it to everyone else.
Now, place it
back into the deck.
Oh, yeah.
I've seen this one.
And I wonder...
is this your card?
Still got it.
You look great
in that suit.
I told you
I'm in character.
Hey, thanks for
filling in on short notice.
I'm Zack.
Yes, you are.
Zack, you are.
My goodness,
are you grown up.
Sorry?
Kris Kringle.
Right. Yes.
Do another
magic trick, Santa.
Of course.
I love doing this
almost as much as
handing out the gifts.
Now, who here
really believes in magic?
Now, who do we think
is here tonight
that is the least likely
to believe in magic?
But what about
my friend, Lori-Jo?
Now, I know she's magical.
Do you know that
she has a red nose
and reindeer antlers
on her car?
What?
- And what about Zack here?
You know that he has
the same red nose
and reindeer antlers
on his tow truck.
And what a wonderful Christmas
sweater you're wearing.
You see, this tells me
everything that I need
to know about these two,
every little thing.
Well, let me tell you
about my friend Tory.
Now, Tory, I think,
has a very practical mind.
Looks like someone's
on the naughty list.
It's a good mind,
smart, and very kind.
But I wonder...
Viktoria Fry,
pick a card.
Come on.
How does
he know my full name?
I think we're going
to find out.
Now.
Uh... okay.
Okay, well...
All right.
Good. Now,
write your name onto the card.
Don't let me see it.
Show it to everyone else.
All right.
Okay.
Excellent.
Now, just a quick
little shuffle-- oh!
Whoa!
Pick them up.
Pick them up. Quickly.
Thank you, children.
All right, now,
Ms. Fry,
pick your card.
Now, show it to them.
No.
What? Wait, wait, wait.
Oh, no.
Hey, wait.
Ms. Frye...
what is...
that in your purse?
What?
How did you do that?
Just a little touch
of magic.
Now, who wants
to open presents?
Me!
I do!
Now, I'm afraid I'm a bit
short-handed tonight.
Would you be so kind as to
bring in the gifts for me?
Gifts?
Ah, yes.
Okay.
Can you handle that?
Yes. Thank you. Oh.
All right, team, let's go.
I've seen magicians up close,
but he was really good.
One of those kids
had to be in on it.
You heard him.
It was magic.
It's better not to know.
Ruins the fun, right?
I agree.
I think it was that
little girl in the front row.
Ooh, hot cider.
Anyone?
More of a
hot chocolate guy myself.
- Me too.
- Really?
Yeah.
Oh, boy...
Okay.
Don't mind Miss Scrooge.
Christmas isn't
exactly her thing.
Well, I feel bad because
Christmas is...
...the most
wonderful time of the year.
Exactly.
Where exactly are you two headed
on such a tight schedule?
Yuletide Springs.
- Never heard of it.
- Yeah.
Two please.
No marshmallows
for me.
Extra marshmallows
for me.
You don't know
what you're doing.
You don't know
what you're missing.
This one's on me.
No, no, my treat.
Oh. Here, I got it.
I'm so sorry, once again.
Keep the change.
Yeah.
I am such a klutz.
No.
It's me, trust me.
My dad always says I'm lucky
my head's attached to my neck.
I just think marshmallows
take away from the taste.
Well, I think the chocolate
enhances the marshmallow.
Thank you.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
You know what?
I'll get that for you.
Merry Christmas.
You can keep the change.
Here you go.
Beat you to it.
Yeah, you did.
Hi there.
Just one, please.
- Thank you.
- You were pretty fast there.
I was trying to be
the generous Christmas guy.
You were the generous
Christmas gal.
- Right.
- Right.
Okay, I cannot believe
I haven't heard of
a place called Yuletide Springs.
And they celebrate
Christmas all year.
Get out.
Yeah, I know.
Sounds like my kind of place.
Yeah.
Oh, thank you.
There you go.
Thank you.
And they have a
tradition on Christmas Eve,
where you can come and place
your own ornament
on the city's tree
and make a wish
or whatever you want.
- That sounds amazing.
- Yeah.
I didn't think there
was a place out there
that celebrated
Christmas more than we did.
Hey, um, when
do you have to be there?
Because I was thinking,
if you wanted,
you could stick around here
for a couple of days.
Lots of traditions.
I could be your tour guide.
I can't.
This is something
I'm doing for my grandmother.
We were supposed
to do it together.
I just can't chance
missing it.
I understand.
That's really sweet.
Yeah.
Do you think you'll be coming
back this way anytime soon?
Uh, I don't know.
It's not exactly
the most direct route.
Tory's also
set on going back to work.
Ah. Got it.
I'm so glad
I caught you before I left.
I have something
for each of you.
Well... what is it?
For us?
Of course.
Just a token of my thanks.
You've been such
a great help this evening.
You too, Tory.
Here. Special...
just for you.
A gift voucher for ECEATT?
What is it?
Well,
you'll find one of their
shops here and there.
They're really
quite spectacular.
I'm sure you'll find
something you like.
Cindy?
Cindy, dear?
Would you and your mother
do Santa Claus a favor?
Yes, of course.
Please pass me
a fortune cookie.
And...
Viktoria.
Oh, it's a... stamp.
Cool.
I thought it might
prove useful.
Is this a good one, Santa?
My, yes, it's perfect.
Okay.
Do I open it now?
No, just wait
until the moment's right.
And when do I know
it's right?
Don't come this far,
only to come this far.
Now, be careful with that.
I know it's not ideal,
but it's the best
I could do last minute.
Thank you, Kris.
Hey, how do we know
this isn't another trick?
Well, now, that depends.
Depends on what?
Depends on whether or not
you believe in magic.
Good night.
Sleep well.
Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!
- He's...
- Strange.
I like him.
Rise and shine, baby girl!
We've got to get over
to Zack's garage!
Perfect.
All right,
everything else looks good.
Thank you so much.
That belt was
on backorder, by the way.
You guys are lucky
Kris had it.
Anyway,
it was nice to meet you, Tory.
Yeah, you, too.
Have a great Christmas.
Thank you.
But, um, it's already
off to a good start.
Well, uh,
this was a surprise.
Yeah, a nice one.
Yup.
Enjoy that fortune cookie.
Right.
Yeah.
It's, uh, still intact,
safe and sound.
Well...
I hope everything goes
well in Yuletide Springs.
Your grandmother
would be proud of you.
Take care of yourself.
Yeah, you too.
Bye.
We've got two more
days to get there.
So, if we stay on Highway 12,
it should loop back
to the interstate,
and then we can spend the night
in Alford, Pennsylvania.
Okay, so, we're only
a day out,
a couple hours behind,
but that's not bad.
No more detours.
I liked that detour.
You liked Zack.
I liked Zack.
He was nice and smart.
- Cute.
- Was he?
I didn't notice.
Oh, come on, please...
Well, did you
at least exchange numbers?
You didn't?
- I wasn't thinking!
- LJ!
You know,
it doesn't matter.
Our paths are
going to cross again.
That's one way of looking at it.
I believe in fate, Tory.
The car broke down
for a reason.
Oh, yeah,
because the belt broke.
No,
We were meant to be in
Clover Bend last night.
I don't know how
and I don't know why,
but it was meant
to be that way.
Don't answer it.
I forgot to call
Randy back yesterday.
It's the holidays;
you have to set boundaries.
Okay, well, then, he's
just going to call me back.
So, don't answer.
No.
It's my niece.
Tell Ellie I say hi.
Oh, she's so sweet.
She says she misses me
and wishes
I was there for Christmas.
But I couldn't go, right?
I had way too much work to do.
You could've
tried to figure it out.
Well, I guess that's
just the way I am, okay?
I'm... I'm too practical.
I'm not spontaneous.
You came on this trip.
Yeah,
because you guilted me.
And it worked.
Did I ever tell you we make
gingerbread houses at Christmas?
You never told me that.
Yeah, it's kind of
our thing.
Oh, she would have
loved Clover Bend.
I mean, she's not a freak like
you, but she loves Christmas.
Hey, maybe you can send her
a postcard from
Yuletide Springs.
Yeah, I...
Wait a second.
Is that...?
Kris?
It appears I have
a flat tire.
I'm trying to
get to my next stop.
I'm afraid I might need a lift.
Sure.
- Of course.
- We'll give you a hand.
Great.
What are the chances?
Yeah.
Let's hope I can call
someone out to pick up my truck.
Thank you, thank you.
More gifts to deliver.
No time to waste!
Oh. So, where's your next stop?
It's on your way.
How do you know
where we're going?
Which way are you going?
- That way.
- Me, too.
It won't be but a minute,
I assure you.
Got it.
Okay.
Perfect.
Yes, just perfect. Off we go.
Don't you mean,
"On, Dancer, on, Prancer?"
Quite right! Quite right!
Oh, you'll quite enjoy this.
Truly spectacular.
I know.
Not this time, though.
Someday, I hope.
"Someday" is often
a word for "never".
Seize the moment, my girl.
It's just that we have a...
A schedule, I know.
Perhaps, I can show you a faster
way to Yuletide Springs,
get you there
in plenty of time.
Wait. How do you know we're
going to Yuletide Springs?
And it's a much lovelier drive.
Oh, well, it's just we
sort of had it mapped out.
As have I, many times.
I believe it's the next exit
and then left, I think.
Are you sure this isn't taking
us too far out of our way?
Enjoy the moment.
This is exactly where
you're meant to be going
and exactly where
you're meant to be.
Where exactly is that?
Everywhere.
Turn left here!
Aww!
Gingerbread Glen -
what a cute name.
I thought you'd like it.
I can't believe this.
Christmas is everywhere,
if you know where to look,
and the people here
are all very much
in the spirit.
I think you'll find it
a lovely place.
Oh, we're just
passing through.
Of course, of course.
There, the church, that's it.
Kris!
I was just beginning to worry.
I wouldn't miss it
for the world.
I know.
These are my friends,
Lori-Jo-- sorry, LJ,
and Viktoria - Tory.
Without them I'd be--
I don't know.
This is my dear friend,
Pastor Olivia.
It's lovely to meet you.
A pleasure.
Now, I know you're
in a big hurry,
but I wonder if I could
ask you to help me once again.
Ah, yes.
Here.
That should do it.
I am so appreciative
of this.
You manage to track
me down every year.
It makes
so many children happy.
They do the same for me.
Any special plans?
Oh, well, you know,
since moving here,
the people have become
just like family, so special.
We're having a large party.
Even my nephew
says he's going to come.
Now, I'll believe it when I
see it, but it would be nice.
Oh, yes, you said.
I haven't seen Jason
since my sister passed.
It's been years.
Never take for granted
the people that you love.
That's my age-old
wisdom for the day.
Free of charge.
Well, we actually do
have to get going, so...
Yeah.
Let me buy you lunch first.
You can't drive
on an empty stomach,
and it's the least
I can do for all the help.
Sure.
Great. I know just the spot.
Truly spectacular.
Do you have another stop, Kris?
Oh, yes. Many more.
Busy time of year.
But wait,
if you don't have a truck,
how are you
going to go anywhere?
Oh, yes.
And the reindeer
aren't yet in flying shape.
If I push them too soon,
it's a pulled muscle here,
a strained quad there.
People think
that Christmas Eve
is the busiest time
of the year.
Nope. It's the weeks and months
leading up to Christmas Eve.
By Christmas Eve,
everything's settled -
who gets what,
who's naughty, who's nice.
Well,
I guess I'll have to thumb it.
Uh, well,
which way are you going?
LJ...
Don't you worry about me.
I'll manage.
Besides, you have so much more
to see around every corner,
if you only take the time.
Remember that.
I'll try.
Okay, so, now, he's saying
we all have to be
on a Zoom call tomorrow.
Don't mind her.
She's married to her job.
That's a terrible marriage.
I need to send that email.
It can wait.
No, it can't.
Hard work is a wonderful virtue;
it can take you a long way,
and if you choose the right career,
it can bring you great joy.
But so is knowing when to
unplug, when to say no,
when to... be present,
appreciate everything
that's around you.
I think I might put
that in a Christmas card.
Oh, okay, okay,
but can I at least hit send?
If you promise
to do me a favor.
- Promise.
- Pinky swear.
Pinky swear.
Okay. Sent.
Right. Done.
Now...
look behind you.
Um...
Hardly noticed it when you
walked in, did you?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess I didn't.
It's really cute.
Remind you of anything?
My niece - we make
gingerbread houses together.
How wonderful.
Lovely little postcards,
aren't they?
I should send her one.
What a lovely idea.
In fact, I think the post office
is just around the corner.
Okay.
I'll go right now.
Wait.
I should go with you.
What? No, no, no, no, no.
You finish your pie.
I'll be right back.
Okay.
So...
What is it that you want for
Christmas this year, dear?
You mean
you didn't get my list?
You didn't mail me
a list this year.
Why are you traveling
to Yuletide Springs?
It's a long story.
You're the one
who's in a rush, not me.
My grandmother and I made this
when I was a little girl.
How lovely.
We always talked about
going to
Yuletide Springs together,
hang it on the tree,
make a wish.
That's the tradition.
But we never got
a chance.
Or never took
the chance.
There was always
a good reason not to go.
It was always... someday.
Yes.
There's that word again.
But not this time.
I made her a promise,
and I'm finally going.
Tell me something
about your grandmother.
I really miss her.
She was so positive.
She told great stories.
She had a contagious laugh.
My parents didn't always
understand me...
but she did.
Hi there.
I just need
to mail... this, please.
- Sure.
- Thanks.
- Ma'am.
- Mmm-hmm.
- There's no stamp.
- Oh, right.
Sorry. Uh...
All out.
We had a rush this morning.
I will have some by tomorrow.
Oh. Okay.
Wait.
Weird.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Have a great day.
You too.
Oh. I'm sorry.
Me too.
Excuse me.
Hot Cider.
Spare Change Lady.
Hi.
Do you live here?
No. Do you?
No, just visiting.
Actually, um, I'm looking
for St. Mark's Church.
Are you Jason?
Yeah.
How do you know that?
Your aunt
is Pastor Olivia.
That's right.
Do you know her?
In a roundabout way, yeah.
She gave me the address.
I think maybe
I wrote it down wrong.
I put it in my phone,
but it's not coming up.
Maybe you could point me
in the right direction.
And you're...?
Oh, um, Tory.
Tory.
How do you know my aunt?
Well, it's actually
kind of a funny story.
I'd love to hear it.
I really enjoy these
out-of-the-way little towns.
Always so many
unexpected surprises.
I really wish
we had more time.
Says everyone,
everywhere, all the time.
Oh, it's from Tory.
She says to meet her
back at the church.
I wonder why
she went there.
We best find out.
Okay.
Jason?
Hey, Aunt Olivia.
Oh, my...
Oh, my! Oh!
Oh my... you did come.
Nothing was going
to stop me this year.
You've made me so happy.
It's great to see you.
Oh, uh, don't mind me.
But the two of you...
No, no, no, no, no, no.
We just bumped into each other.
Literally.
What are the chances?
I'm sure we came
a different way.
- Did we?
- It doesn't look familiar.
You know, you might be right.
Maybe it's this way.
No, wait.
Did-- did you
just see that?
See what?
It can't be.
No, I didn't order it.
You're Ann?
I am.
And this is your shop?
It is.
And I am in the town
of Gingerbread Glen.
Yep.
This is a purchase order for
Ann's Garage, Gingerbread Glen.
I can see that, but...
there must be a mistake because
I didn't order any rotors.
So, I drove here...
for nothing.
Zack?
LJ?
- What are you doing here?
- What are you doing here?
Making a delivery.
That I didn't order.
- How is this possible?
- I don't know.
But I don't really care.
I'm really happy
to see you.
I'm happy to see you, too.
What are the chances?
I just got this order
a few hours ago.
That I didn't order.
Well, I'm glad
somebody did.
So am I.
Hey, uh, Casanova,
fine, I'll take the rotors.
There you go.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah, you, too.
There is room
at my place for you
and all your friends
to stay, if you like.
Well, thank you,
but we're on a tight schedule.
Oh, sorry to hear that.
And you two have already
crossed paths in Clover Bend.
Well, we, uh,
bumped into each other.
Twice, yes.
Well, if it were me, I wouldn't
be leaving it to chance again.
Aunt Olivia,
it was just a coincidence.
I don't believe in coincidence.
Right.
- But I forgot the sugar.
Sorry about that.
She means well.
She's very sweet.
You have to admit, though...
Admit what?
Well, us meeting twice,
I mean, that happens, right?
Oh, right.
Hi!
Hi.
This is Jason,
Olivia's nephew.
Jason, this is LJ.
- LJ... Jason.
- Nice to meet you.
Yeah, nice
to meet you, too.
Could you excuse us
for just a moment?
Of course.
- One sec.
- Can we just...?
- Mm-hmm.
He's cute.
What?
This is gonna
sound really weird,
but do you remember
the gift that Kris gave me?
- The stamp?
- Yeah.
Hey, Tory.
What?
I know.
Uh, Zack, this is Jason.
Jason, this is Zack.
Meet, greet,
become friends.
- Okay.
- Hey.
- Something happened.
- Yeah, I can see that.
Okay, you can't believe
that everything that's
happened is a coincidence.
Well, I'm starting
to wonder.
Okay, what were you
gonna tell me before?
About the stamp?
So, they ran out of
stamps at the post office
and I had to use
the one Kris gave me.
But if I hadn't taken the time
to search around for it
in my purse,
Jason and I wouldn't have
bumped into each other.
- And...
- And what?
And we already met
in Clover Bend
when I was going
to get cider.
You're kidding!
I have to talk to Kris.
Oh, Kris left.
Left?
Yes, he said he
had to be on his way.
Oh, well, he's not
staying for the party?
No, no.
He delivers gifts for the kids,
but he has a bigger,
longer-standing tradition.
Well, how's
he going to get there?
I wouldn't worry
about that.
He always manages
to find a way.
But he did say that
you left this at the diner
and he didn't
have time to return it.
Thank you.
It's a note from Kris.
"Be present."
- What?
- Directions.
The fastest route
to Yuletide Springs.
How long does it take to get to
the Enchanted Forest from here?
Oh, I'd say it's
about a half an hour hike.
It was a big attraction
in its day.
Truly spectacular.
- Tea?
- Yes, please. Thank you.
I mean, it was on your list,
and we're already here,
and now, we can
get there in time
because Kris
showed you the fastest way.
And I wouldn't mind spending
some extra time with Zack.
I know. I mean, I know
Jason and I just met,
but it would seem really rude
if I left so quickly,
after we had just bumped
into each other again.
Okay. As long as we're there
by Christmas Eve,
that's all that matters, right?
I mean, if...
you're okay with it.
We're gonna make it in time.
Nothing's gonna go wrong.
Pinky swear?
I'll pinky swear.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Sure.
Okay.
Which, uh, way do we go?
It doesn't say.
Well, maybe you guys
can try that path...
And we could try this one?
- Sounds good.
- Okay.
After you.
So, you have it with you now?
Yeah.
Wow!
You guys made this?
Yeah, we did.
And that's when she told me
about the Yuletide Springs.
We made a promise that we would
go there someday together.
I think I understand
your love of Christmas now.
Oh, yes, she would start
decorating in September.
But you don't?
No, I'm not that
much of a fanatic.
October.
Same.
Oh, thanks.
Oh! Oh, jeez.
Thanks.
Sorry.
That's why I keep it
in the box.
But I'll feel much better
when it's on the tree.
No doubt.
I just, um...
I wish she could be there
with me, you know?
That part's hard.
Well, it sounds like she is.
I think she is, too.
Well, work's
pretty important to you, huh?
Sorry, I wish that it wasn't.
But no reception here anyway.
Well, maybe that's a good thing.
Yeah, yeah, you're right.
LJ's right, Kris is right.
There's still
so much pressure, you know?
That's okay, I get it.
I know what it's like
to have a deadline
and I'm guessing a boss
who probably doesn't really
appreciate what you do.
Ah, bingo.
What do you do?
I work in marketing.
Mostly, I just do reports.
But sometimes,
I give creative ideas,
and sometimes people use them
and take all the credit.
Ah, bingo.
You know, LJ and I used
to work together.
She had the guts to quit.
She's always been
so brave like that.
She always knows exactly
what she wants in life.
Yeah, what about you?
What does Tory Fry
want out of life?
Uh, well, for starters,
maybe to actually
work in marketing.
I don't know, maybe, you know,
my an agency one day,
be my own boss.
Hmm. So, work is the most
important thing.
No. No,
I'd really like kids one day,
But for now, I mean,
I'd love a career,
instead of just a job,
and maybe to get away from
this thing once in a while.
Yeah, that was me
for a long time.
And then... I just up and quit,
like your friend did.
Seriously?
Yeah, seriously.
I was living in New York,
doing exactly what you're doing,
evenings, weekends.
And then,
I just walked away.
I wanted to travel
across the country,
I wanted to see my aunt,
the friends that
I'd lost touch with.
Wait. Without even having
another job lined up?
Yeah, but that was
the whole point, right?
Force myself
to figure it out.
Now, I'm freelance.
I work from the road.
I can make time for
adventures like this.
But I tell you what, it--
it also taught me
something very important.
What's that?
Career, family -
doesn't have
to be one or the other.
Hi!
Hey!
So, is this it?
It has to be, right?
Sure seems like it.
Why aren't
any of the lights on?
Maybe it doesn't work anymore.
No, Kris wouldn't
send us somewhere
unless it was...
Spectacular.
Yes.
- Okay, there's lights,
but we gotta figure out
how to turn them on.
Maybe there's
a plug or a switch?
Oh, hey,
check this out.
I can't see
how it turns on, though.
Oh, you know what?
It needs a code or something.
Oh, check the brochure.
Oh, yeah! Yeah.
Uh... okay.
"Don't come this far
only to come this far."
- Wait.
- What?
Zack, what did Kris tell you
when he gave you
the fortune cookie?
"Don't come this far
to only come this far."
Yeah!
Hold on.
Okay, still got it.
"You didn't come this far
to only come this far."
- Come on!
- Hey, look!
There's numbers!
Oh, numbers for the code.
5-
10-68-3-19-6.
Okay, how did he do this?
You don't know by now?
Because he's
a magician, Lori-Jo,
and a really good one,
I'll give him that.
No, no, this is impossible.
There's no way.
Come on. He directed us here.
He obviously set the code.
Yeah, but how did
he know these numbers
were going to be
in this fortune cookie?
And that's why it's
called an illusion.
Come on,
we didn't actually see
where that girl got
the fortune cookie,
and she probably put
the playing card in my purse.
Guys, I'm so confused.
Okay, Kris, your aunt's friend,
gave us each a gift.
Mine was the fortune cookie.
And that just
happened to have the code
to turn these lights on?
See?
Because he's really,
really good.
Okay, what about
your stamp?
Okay, you said it yourself,
if he hadn't given it to you,
then you wouldn't have stopped
to dig into your purse,
and then you wouldn't
have bumped into Jason.
It was a coincidence.
Okay, like Zack,
who got a bogus order
in the same town
we were going?
That Kris was going!
We drove him here, but he
orchestrated the whole thing.
I mean, he probably
didn't even have a flat tire.
Don't get me wrong,
I think it's wonderful.
Well, okay, well, why would he
go through all this trouble,
when he hardly
knows you guys?
Well, maybe it's his way of
spreading holiday cheer,
which you said that
we could use more of.
Well, here it is,
alive and well.
Okay, well, I think there's
something else going on here.
Okay, okay.
Well, the only alternative,
Lori-Jo,
is that he's Santa.
And is that such
a terrible alternative?
I don't think it is.
A-ha!
Am I the only one here
who has a logical mind?
It's Christmas;
I'd rather believe in magic.
Me, too.
Yeah, why not?
See?!
You're outnumbered!
I hate to state the obvious,
but we've been walking
a lot longer than 30 minutes.
Okay,
are you suggesting we're lost?
I'm not trying to critique
your... orientation skills,
but, uh, yes.
You might have
a point, actually.
We should have gotten
to the road by now.
Did we veer off
the path somewhere?
Terrific.
"Not all who wander
are lost."
- J.R.R. Tolkien.
- Yes!
Although we may actually be in
Middle-earth for all I know.
Hey, hey, listen.
Sounds like it's
coming from over here.
Okay.
Well, hello.
Hi.
Chris Bronstad?
- Uh, no.
You didn't happen to run into a
Chris Bronstad around here,
did you?
No.
And you don't
know Chris Bronstad?
No, it's just us.
You wouldn't be looking for
a ride to town, would you?
Actually, we would love that.
Come on aboard.
Thank you!
What a great day.
Another great day.
Two in a row, not bad.
Not bad at all.
Come with us.
- To Yuletide Springs?
- Yeah.
You're the only
other person I know
who loves Christmas
as much as I do.
You'd love it.
I wish I could,
but I do have
a business to run,
and people really depend on me,
especially this time of year.
I understand.
You know,
it's going to be amazing
when you finally
get to hang that ornament
and fulfill
your grandmother's wish.
I just wish
I could be there to see it.
You will be.
Okay.
All right.
All right.
You good?
Yeah. Thank you.
Watch your step.
I got it.
Oh! What a breeze!
- Hi.
- Cold!
All right, so, there's a bedroom
upstairs for the girls,
couches for the boys,
if that's okay.
That is more than fine.
Thank you.
All right,
I'm going to turn in.
There's hot chocolate and tea
in the kitchen, if you like.
Firewood's outside,
if you want to make a fire.
Good night. Thank you.
You're more than welcome.
Jason, what a lovely gift,
having you here.
It's great to be here.
Night.
Goodnight.
Okay, I'm going to
make some hot chocolate.
I guess we should
go get some firewood.
Let's do it.
Let's find
the marshmallows.
- Okay.
- Yeah, of course.
This is so nice,
her, like, letting us stay
here - a woman we just met,
with two guys we just met.
Every turn on this trip
has been so magical,
unexpected.
We already talked about this.
I think, maybe,
you're starting to believe.
It doesn't feel like
we just met them, does it?
No.
Okay, okay.
So, maybe some things...
do happen for a reason.
I asked Jason
to come with us.
You did?
Yeah.
Is that okay?
Of course.
What did he say?
He said he really wants to,
but he doesn't feel right,
leaving his aunt after
just getting here, so...
Oh, well, just the fact
that he wants to come with,
that's so sweet.
Yeah.
Don't!
Don't do it!
- I really should.
- Don't!
He sent me an email,
threatening to fire me
if I didn't answer
the next time that he calls.
What did we just talk about?
I still need this job!
Yeah, you're gonna
get another one!
I need a retirement plan.
You have time to plan.
- I need healthcare.
- You're healthy.
See? Easy.
Not so easy.
It felt good, though,
didn't it?
Yeah, it did.
Yeah!
Come here!
I'm so proud of you!
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm--
I'm proud of me, too.
Hey, thank you, Lori-Jo,
for being just...
such a great friend.
No, Tory, thank you.
I know this wasn't an easy
decision for you to come here.
I couldn't have done
this without you.
Yes, you could have.
Yes, you could because
that is who you are, but...
But I'm really glad
I said yes.
Me too.
My, um...
My head's still kind
of spinning
from everything that's
gone on the past 12 hours.
You're telling me. Jeez.
You really want to go
with them, don't you?
Yeah, I really do.
It's not like something
like this happens every day.
But I just don't
think it would be right
leaving my aunt's on Christmas.
- Yeah, of course. Yeah.
- It is what it is.
Guess so.
What about you?
I mean, I know what
you said to LJ, but...
...maybe you shouldn't
let this one get away.
Seize the day,
you know what I mean?
Yeah.
Why don't you...
just tell him
how you really feel?
Come on.
I don't really
know how I feel.
It's like you said,
I just met him.
Well, and it's like
you said,
maybe... some things
aren't a coincidence.
I don't know.
Maybe we should stop before
we fall head over heels.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Maybe it's better this way,
you know, before both of us
fall head over heels.
Yeah.
Oh, boy...
- Oh, boy...
- Yeah.
Just for you -
your favorite.
I didn't forget.
Thank you.
You're the best.
Now...
you're going
to tell her yes.
Excuse me?
Tory,
tell her you're going with.
No, no, I can't.
Jason,
you coming here is the best
Christmas gift I could ever get.
Yeah, and I came here
to spend it with you.
All my friends are here,
half the town;
I'll be okay.
Don't let this one go.
Yeah,
I don't know what happened.
It's like I was
hit with a spell.
Then,
that makes me even happier.
And I won't take
no for an answer.
I love you too much.
I love you, too.
On one condition:
swing back here for New Year's,
the bunch of you.
We'll ring it in together.
You got a deal.
Why does this
feel like a mistake?
Imagine someone stuck
on the side of the road,
unable to make it
home for Christmas
because you decided
to take a day off.
Thank you, Lori-Jo,
for a--
for a very special time.
It's an experience
I won't soon forget.
You, uh--
you have my number.
You have mine.
All right.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You okay?
I'm good.
You're sure it's okay
that I'm tagging along, right?
Of course it is.
LJ?
Hey!
- What's wrong?
- I don't know.
I can't believe
this is happening.
I've waited for so long.
What if it's a letdown?
What?
It won't be.
It's gonna be
everything you dreamed...
and more.
Make it happen, LJ.
You're so sweet.
You're just as
excited as we are.
No, I just really have
to use the restroom,
so, you know,
make it happen.
Oh. Okay.
Looks like we're getting close.
Yuletide Springs!
I am so excited
we're finally here!
There's Randall Stevenson.
He loved Christmas so much
that he started a tradition
of painting all the buildings
different colors to make the
town more festive all year long.
Oh, look!
That's the clock
that chimes...
...at midnight
on Christmas Eve.
Come on.
You're Mayor Bennett.
That I am, the one and only
mayor at hand of the grandest,
most Christmassy
town in all the land.
Oh, I'm LJ, short for Lori-Jo.
I am your biggest fan.
Well, not you specifically.
Your town, this town,
Yuletide Springs.
My grandmother inspired me.
Always wanted to come,
but never had the time.
But then, one day,
we made a pact
after we made
a really special ornament,
and we were gonna hang it
on the tree, as per tradition.
But then, she sadly
passed four years ago
and my heart was just so broken,
I couldn't take the trip.
But then, this year,
I said, "I am going."
And so-- well,
this was my best friend Tory.
She agreed
to come with me,
and we just saw all
these beautiful things.
And then, I met this really nice
guy who had to go back home.
And then, Tory met Jason,
and he agreed to come with us.
And now, here we are.
And I just wanted
to say thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you!
Well...
welcome to
Yuletide Springs, Lori-Jo.
We're happy you're here.
Yeah.
You really do need help.
Look, there's the tree.
Whoa, guys, check it out.
Oh, it looks like
they've already started.
Do it, girl.
Oh, wow.
Should we call someone?
Are you okay, Miss?
Lori-Jo, are you hurt?
I think I--
I broke my ornament.
I broke my ornament.
Oh, my...
Hey...
Look, I know
how much this meant to you,
but it's the sentiment
that matters, right?
I mean,
your grandmother's spirit
wasn't stuck in that ornament.
It's like you said, she's here,
she's with you right now.
So, let's go find another one,
one she would have loved,
and every year, we're gonna
come back and do the same.
You're right.
It's just an object.
No, it's way more
than that,
and it's okay to be sad.
I don't want to
be sad on Christmas.
Kris was right
about being in the moment.
The moment isn't just now;
it was the entire way here,
and I feel like
I might have missed it.
No, you didn't.
If you did, then,
you wouldn't be missing Zack.
Hey, if it
makes you feel any better,
I bet you
he's absolutely miserable.
I sure hope so.
LJ?
It can't be.
It is.
What? How did...?
It's gotta be it, right?
I mean... wow.
So, what are
your first impressions
of Yuletide Springs?
Hey, look who I found!
Kris!
Hello, dear!
Oh, I'm so glad
you both made it.
Well,
all three of you, of course.
I really missed you.
Oh, come now,
it's only been a couple of days.
Wait. What are you doing here?
Turns out he's the Santa Claus
here every year.
- Get out!
- It's true.
Why didn't you
say anything?
Well, I wanted you to have
your own journey together.
How was it?
It was quite... spectacular.
I suspected as much.
Kris, how did you do it?
Do what, young man?
You know, how did you get the
numbers in the fortune cookies?
How did you make that happen?
The numbers in
the fortune cookies?
Well, it's really
quite simple.
I can show it
to you if you like.
But they've been doing it for
years and years and years.
Now, can I indulge you
to help me once again?
The elves are
rather busy elsewhere.
Wait!
How did you get
your truck back?
I mean, it was left
on the side of the road.
Luckily, I have an in with
an excellent tow truck driver
not too far from here.
Tow truck?
Oh, they've started.
Come on now.
The gifts can wait.
The candles are a must-see.
What tow truck?
Hi.
Hi.
I'm really happy you're here.
So am I.
So, you really towed
Kris' truck all that way?
And I'll tell you what else,
the only two tires that I have
that would actually fit his
truck were flat,
so it didn't leave any choice,
but to tow him.
Not that it took
too much convincing, but...
Kris? Huh.
Well, where does he
hand out the presents?
I guess
somewhere here in the park.
Hey, he left
two presents here.
Oh. I'll take those.
Thanks.
Hey, come take
a look at this.
"Chris Bronstad."
The carriage.
The carriage?
The carriage driver.
"Chris Bronstad,"
that was the name that
he was asking about, right?
Yeah.
- Wow.
- Chris Bronstad.
You know,
I'm just realizing, I was sort
of hoping it was all true.
Yeah, me too.
Mayor Bennett: We'll have to
start the line-up over there.
We'll have his
chair and helpers...
Mayor Bennett!
I'll be right there.
Lori-Jo! How could I forget?
How are you feeling?
Oh, I'm-- I'm fine.
I wanted to ask you
about Kris.
- Mayor Bennett: Kris?
- Uh, Kris Kringle.
- Your Santa?
- Kris, of course!
Lovely man.
No better Santa out there.
Is his real name
Chris Bronstad?
Mayor Bennett: It is.
I still refer to him
as "Kris Kringle," we all do.
Why not?
Makes it all the more fun.
It's just that we...
helped him get here and we--
I was really
starting to believe.
Well, you're not the first.
He's pretty good
at his trickery, isn't he?
So, he really is
just a magician?
I think
he'd prefer illusionist.
But yes, in his day he
was quite the performer.
I don't understand
how he could have done
some of the things he did.
Yeah, it sure
seemed like a lot more
than just smoke and mirrors.
I once saw
David Copperfield
make the
Statue of Liberty disappear.
But he didn't;
he just made me believe I did.
Kris has this gift, too.
Sounds like
he took a liking to you.
Consider that one of the luckier
things that's ever happened.
By the way, I rather doubt that
you helped him get here.
Most likely,
it was the other way around.
Are you ready for Santa Claus?!
Yeah!
Have you been nice this year?
Yeah!
Excellent. Oh, no.
I seem to have left Casey
and Maggie's gifts
behind in the truck.
We have them right here.
Thank you once again.
My goodness,
what would I have done
without all of you
this year?
Well, we came here
to thank you.
Thank me for what?
For making this
a very special Christmas...
Chris Bronstad.
Well, good.
That's what I wanted.
So, you gonna
tell us how you did it?
I already told you.
All right, I know.
I'm just the type of person who
likes to peek
behind the curtain,
see how it's done.
Same here.
Word of advice...
don't peek.
Once in a while, just let
the world be a magical place.
Thanks again.
Are you staying
for the gifts?
Best eggnog
you've ever had afterwards.
- Of course!
- Good.
I assume, then,
you'll be staying the night.
Well, if we can find a place.
So far, everything's booked.
Probably should
have thought of that.
Ye of little faith.
I know just the place.
Well,
if we actually find a room,
that'll be his best trick yet.
I wouldn't doubt if he had
something up his sleeve.
Hey, wait,
is that it up there?
Yeah, must be.
What's wrong?
Look!
Everything Christmas
Everywhere All The Time!
Oh, that's cute.
No!
Look!
The gift voucher from Kris!
Welcome!
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Can I help you find something?
I don't know.
I'm looking for something,
but I'm not sure what.
Well, let's help you find it.
Just give me a second.
LJ...
Your ornament.
Wait. Didn't you say you
made that from scratch?
How is that possible?
I have no idea.
I do.
How much is this?
$32.52 with tax.
Could you please tell me
how much this is worth?
Well, I'll be... $32.52.
What did you wish for?
It already came true.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.