Good morning!
It's the first of December,
so you better remember,
there's just 24 more shopping days 'til Christmas...
And here's a holiday favorite
to start your day off with a smile!
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
♪ fa, LA, LA, LA, LA LA, LA, LA, LA ♪
"Deck the halls?" Already?
♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪
Mm...
It's going to be a long month.
Just one? Coming right up.
Wow, I didn't know anyone read newspapers anymore.
Very old school.
Well, I work for the paper,
so I like to keep the illusion going.
Writer?
I wish.
Copy editor.
I get all the news I need to know online.
Mm, yes, they do such in-depth reporting
on Facebook and Twitter.
Well, sometimes, you need to know
what your friends had for lunch.
Miss?
Um, medium drip, room for milk, please?
House, or Christmas blend?
What makes it a "Christmas blend?"
Is it brewed by elves?
I don't know...
It's just a thing...
For the holidays.
People like it.
You want it?
Mm, that's okay, I'll stick with the house.
Sure you don't want to roll the dice?
Not with my coffee, no.
Oh, can I also get a multigrain, gluten-free bagel,
exactly one tablespoon of light cream cheese?
Thank you!
Wow, you are a thrill-seeker.
And you've got paint on your face, and in your hair.
Hazard of the profession. Artist.
Hey!
"Deck the halls." That's my favorite.
Mm... that makes one of us.
Hi.
I'll take a Christmas coffee, please.
Extra large.
Ooh, is that their Christmas blend?
Oh, hey, hales.
No, it's holiday-free coffee, thankfully.
Uh-oh, here it comes again...
The I-hate-Christmas-blues.
You have such a vivid imagination.
No wonder you work in the creative department.
You do realize it's been two christmases
since Steve proved
what a worthless excuse for a boyfriend he was.
Isn't it time you gave the holidays a break?
I am overflowing with Christmas cheer.
Hey, watch it with the reindeer!
You are so not overflowing with cheer.
I'm stressed.
I have a meeting with yvette
about my story pitch.
Oh, the one about the dog weddings?
That's great! That must mean she really likes it.
Or she just wants to reject me face to face.
Again.
I'm sorry, it's a pass.
Really?
'Cause I feel like a lot of our readers
who love dogs would...
Susan...
Maybe you were just meant to edit other writers' work.
There's no shame in that.
It's a compliment.
Thanks, yvette, but I'm tired of being a copy editor.
I mean, I want to be a writer.
Well, then bring me an idea with some magic.
Something authentic, emotional...
Personal.
I mean... Do you even have a dog?
No, but...
I rest my case.
Susan?
Okay, fine,
I'm going to give you one more chance.
Something just fell through for the Christmas day edition.
Pitch me an amazing holiday story,
and the slot is yours.
You are into Christmas, aren't you?
Christmas?
Me?
Are you kidding?
I live for Christmas!
I mean, I am, like, the queen of Christmas.
Okay. Outline on my desk in two days.
Two days. Two days!
Why do you still bother with these lights?
Half of them don't work, they always get tangled up,
and you just end up throwing them out.
And buying new ones.
That's just what we do, sweetie.
Well, it doesn't seem very practical.
You should write about this.
A story about an old piece of wood...
I smell pulitzer.
You can make jokes,
but this "old piece of wood" is a story...
One filled with magic.
Oh, mom, please, not that again.
Well, be "cynical susie," if you want,
but this little angel brings people together.
Oh, hon, that's old family folklore.
How did you and I meet?
Is that a trick question?
You met on a blind date.
So?
So what was I doing the first time
your father called to ask me out?
I was decorating our...
Family Christmas tree!
You were "literally placing the angel on top of it
when the phone rang."
That's right...
And 10 months later, I was walking down the aisle.
Mom, it's sentimental, but it's not a feature story.
Thank you, though.
I'll tell you what...
Take it, it's yours.
What?
How is it mine?
Don't I have to get married
before the big "angel pass-down"?
Isn't that the family rule?
Rules are made to be broken.
Since when?
Maybe the angel will help inspire your article.
Which is to say, help find you a boyfriend.
Preferably before the holidays!
Oh, hon...
And someone special, please.
Thank you, mom,
but I'm not looking for "someone special," okay?
Not right now, anyway.
That just might be up to this little angel here.
Oh!
Got it!
And then it seems my great-grandpa
carved the angel for this actress he fell for,
but, in the end, he married my great-grandma Maggie...
And gave the angel to her.
You should at least write about it.
Maybe the thing with your great-grandpa and the actress
was really romantic...
Or, better yet, tragic!
The problem is, no one knows much about it.
According to my mom,
he never talked about the actress.
Well, maybe not to your mom.
Look, you want to be a journalist, right?
So go investigate...
And would you please get that angel a Christmas tree?
She works one month out of the year.
Don't deprive her!
Even if I wanted to, I can't, remember?
No backyard.
Oh, right.
Your wacky family custom... Outdoor Christmas trees only.
Who started that brilliant idea, anyway?
Mm, my great-great-grandfather,
ages ago, in wales.
"So the tree could look up to God."
That part's actually sort of nice.
Yeah, it is.
Sweetie, you nail this article,
the sky's the limit.
Wow, you are an optimist.
Gotta think outside the box, sister.
♪ Silent night ♪
- Hi. How's that pitch coming? - Oh!
Fabulous, yvette... Fabulous.
Uh, can't wait for you to read it.
And I can't wait, period.
If it's not on my desk tomorrow, I look elsewhere. Understood?
Mm-hmm.
You know, for "the queen of Christmas,"
you're a little light on your decorations.
Mm...
Okay...
You win.
I read your pitch.
You hated it. Message received.
Maybe I'm not meant to be a writer after all...
And you know what?
That's okay because I'm thinking,
maybe I should just quit altogether...
Susan, I liked it.
Just pack up my stuff... Wait, what?
What'd you just say?
I said, I liked it!
It's good!
It's the perfect Christmas piece.
It has hope, love, enchantment...
And a teaspoon of mystery to Polish it off.
Best of all? It's true.
Wow... Yvette, I'm so glad.
Of course, you could drive a truck
through the holes in the story.
Number one, who was this actress your great-grandfather loved,
and whatever became of her?
I will find out everything.
And I don't need to remind you
that you need an ending.
"Angel comes full circle, family mystery solved,"
that sort of thing.
There's a great ending here. I know it.
3,000 words by December 24th.
Thanks, yvette! Thank you.
So?
How'd it go?
She actually used the word "perfect."
Oh my gosh, that's fantastic!
See, I told you it would happen!
What's "fantastic?"
Susan's writing the new feature
for the Christmas day issue.
Ambitious. I like that. Congratulations.
Thank you!
Right back at you, Mr. new vice president of advertising.
We should go out and celebrate our victories.
Cafe solana? Tomorrow night?
Doesn't that place have, like, a six-month wait?
The owner's an old family friend.
That's a really tempting offer, thank you,
but I've got a lot of work to do.
No problem.
If you change your mind, let me know.
"I've got a lot of work to do?"
What?
I can't go out with someone I work with.
Steve worked here.
And there you have it.
I gotta go... 3,000 words to write!
So, I just have to figure out
how my great-grandpa met this actress,
who she was,
why he carved her the angel for her,
and why they broke up.
Piece of cake, right?
My money's on you...
And the magic angel you carry around with you, of course.
Oh, stop it.
I just didn't want to leave it at work.
It's not magic.
Ugh, I forgot...
I promised I'd go to this gallery opening.
Wait, come with me!
What? No, hayley, I have to get home
and start my research.
Oh, come on, it's right around the corner.
- Five minutes. - No, no, no, no, no.
Come on. You're coming with me.
But, but... no!
You're coming with me!
This is interesting...
Look at this...
"Broadway at Christmas, 1925."
That actress was probably starring in a play
right then and there!
Hmm...
I never thought of them meeting in New York.
See how much more you already know?
Oh, look at this one!
This one's my favorite.
I especially dig how the light is cast on the lovers' faces,
and it's all reflected
in the store window's Christmas display.
Coffee shop guy?
Newspaper girl!
Wait, you two know each other?
No, not really.
Well, we crossed swords the other day
at the brewing station
'cause I like "deck the halls," and she does not.
Uh, Brady howe, assistant gallery manager
and artist in residence.
Mm.
Oh, yikes, I'm sorry.
Yep.
Hi. I'm hayley.
Hi.
Tell the nice man your name, sweetie.
Oh, Susan. Susan Nicholas. Hello.
So, "artist in residence." What does that mean exactly?
Uh, basically means
that the gallery owners let me use their storeroom
to work on my masterpieces...
That is, when I'm not hosting gallery openings
and giving my two cents
about what's hanging on the walls.
Your "masterpieces"?
Well, you've got to aim high.
Anybody want a guided tour?
Oh, yeah, it's just so late... I feel like...
We'd love one.
Uh, yes.
Awesome. Follow me.
Great, great.
And this one's is called "Christmas at the white house,
1955..."
Even though it's really just a white house in Ohio somewhere,
but what's cool about it
is the way that the light lands in a way...
It looks like it's daytime above the house,
but night time below.
Exactly!
Uh, hayley, we really have to go.
But Brady's not done yet. Are you, Brady?
Honestly,
I could talk about this stuff for days,
so you should probably get out of here
while you have the chance.
Okay, well, thank you for the tour.
You are a wealth of information.
It was a pleasure.
Um...
There's one important thing I don't know, though.
Uh, what's that?
Whether or not I could take you for an adult drink sometime.
Wh...
Martini?
Wine?
Eggnog if you're into the whole seasonal beverage thing?
Please don't make me drink alone.
Does that line really work for you?
Don't know. Does it?
Mm... not so much.
Pity.
I'm excellent company.
Taxi!
Are you insane? He was adorable!
I don't trust artsy types.
I'm an artsy type!
Are we dating?
You're not dating anyone!
There is nothing on earth
that could make me consider that idea.
Hey, hey!
Sorry for invading your umbrella space.
You forgot this in the coat room.
Oh... Uh, thank you.
No problem.
Nice meeting you.
Absolutely nothing on earth, huh?
Hello. She's coming.
Oh! Coming!
I see someone's getting her caffeine fix.
Hi, Derek.
Yeah, 3:00 rolls around,
and it's either this or a power nap...
And since no one ever got a raise
by dozing in their cubicle...
Say no more. I'm with you.
How's your Christmas story going?
You all swept up in the holiday spirit?
Not sure "swept up" would exactly describe it.
Anyway, I'm still in research mode.
How about you? Are you a holiday kind of a guy?
Can I be completely honest with you?
Mm-hmm.
I'm not a big fan of Christmas or new year's.
Really?
It all feels so forced and manufactured.
I mostly can't wait for the week to pass
so I can get back on schedule and back to work...
And I know it's early December,
but if I have to hear "deck the halls" one more time,
I can't be responsible for my actions.
A man after my own heart.
I mean...
I feel your pain.
Hey, enjoy your coffee!
Ugh...
Hey there!
What? What? Hi, Brady! Hi.
Susan Nicholas.
Leaving so soon?
What? No, no, no.
I mean, I didn't even see you here.
I was just walking...
That is a lovely angel.
Careful, she sees all and knows all.
If you believe in angels.
Let me guess... you don't.
Let me guess... You do.
Well, in art, angels are everywhere,
so it's hard not to.
So what are you doing here other than window watching?
Actually, I was about to pop in somewhere warm.
You up for that drink?
Oh, no, I have to get home.
Work to do for tomorrow.
Yet here we are...
You, me... an angel.
Something's going on.
Come on, one drink.
Then you can go back and be the responsible employee.
You know, you have paint on your nose.
Kidding.
I'm going to take that as a yes.
It warms the cockles of me heart.
Best Irish coffee in the city.
Sorry, just a little crazy in here,
and I've got a lot on my mind.
Everybody needs to relax sometimes.
That's not a word on my schedule right now.
Is it ever?
Brady, with all due respect, you don't know me.
No, um...
I'm trying to.
Want to give me a hand here?
Fine...
I'm kind of stressed out
about this Christmas article I'm doing.
So you're writing. That's great.
Your wish came true.
I feel like I'm driving without a map.
I mean, I know where I have to go,
I just don't know how, or even if I'll get there.
Enjoy the ride... The destination will unfold.
And did you just make that up now,
or steal it from an old "Star Trek?"
That's funny.
So, tell me about your art.
What are you working on?
Oh... all kinds of stuff.
Portraits, landscapes...
Abstracts.
Sculptures, mosaics, mixed-media... you name it.
Well, at least you've narrowed it down.
Choice is one of life's great luxuries.
You think you'll choose to run your own gallery one day?
No idea.
Have a buddy, Zack... He found a space a while back.
He thought we could go in on one together...
But I don't know. I just...
I want to create. I want to stay liberated.
Yeah...
But think about it...
If you had your own gallery, you could show your work
without anyone else's permission.
That's liberation.
It's good, right?
It's not bad.
Well, if it doesn't work out with your article,
at least you have Christmas to look forward to.
Mm...
Okay.
Let's just say I have a complicated relationship
with Christmas.
Have you seen a couples' counselor?
I tried.
Santa kept missing the appointment.
Something about his "busy season?" I don't know.
I'm all about Christmas.
Yeah? You should meet my mother.
On second thought...
Hey, what are you doing tomorrow night?
Brady...
This was nice.
I mean, you're... Interesting.
I just don't have room in my life right now.
I just asked you what you were doing tomorrow night.
How do you know? Maybe I'm taking a poll.
What are you doing tomorrow night?
Thanks for the drink.
Bye, Brady.
See you.
Susie q!
Hi, grandpa! Sorry I'm late.
I'm just glad you made it.
I was afraid you might need a passport
to come all the way out to long island.
Well, I don't know exactly what I'm looking for, anyway.
Just some history of great grandpa Owen's life...
Whoa.
Like my organizing system?
You really don't throw anything away, do you?
Yep... ever since your grandma rose passed,
I...
Yeah, I kind of just let things pile up.
Uh, your great grandpa Owen's stuff
should be in one of these boxes.
Not there.
Oh, boy...
I haven't seen this thing in ages.
I remember that.
Yeah, it was grandma's favorite.
She painted it herself.
Well...
Our family loves its angels, huh?
Oh, yeah.
Does your mom still have the family angel?
Actually... She gave it to me.
That's kind of what got this whole thing started.
Mm.
Yeah, my dad was so proud of that thing.
He used to say it was... "It was made with love."
He carved it back in 1926.
He spent weeks working on it, as I recall.
He wanted to get every detail just right.
Did he ever talk about the woman he carved it for?
That actress?
The actress...
Of course!
Fashioned the angel after her...
Especially the eyes.
At least... that was what he told us.
Any idea how they met?
How they met...
Actually, I do know.
It was Christmas time...
I want to say around 1925.
My father took a trip into Manhattan...
And one night, he went to see a play,
on Broadway...
...and it was there that he laid his eyes
upon the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
She was an actress performing in the play that night.
I remember him telling me
about her long, golden hair and beautiful lavender eyes.
He said it looked as though she were sent from heaven.
Yes? May I help you?
I'm, uh, Owen Thomas.
I'm visiting from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Oh, thank you.
Please don't be taken aback,
but I loved your performance this evening,
and I also happen to think
you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
Well, that's quite a declaration,
Owen Thomas from Bethlehem.
I know...
And I realize it's Christmas week,
but...
If you have any free time,
I'd be honored if you'd spend it with me
while I'm here in New York.
Wow...
That was a pretty bold move.
It must've worked... Because she said yes.
Unlike me, who would've filed a restraining order.
Never turn your back on love, susie q.
You wouldn't happen to remember the actress's name,
would you?
Nope, can't say that I do.
My father said they wrote to each other for about a year,
but that was it. He never mentioned it again.
Really?
Yep.
In fact, it usually took a couple of slugs of scotch
for him to bring it up in the first place.
Well...
Sorry it's such a mess.
So, do you think
our family angel has magic powers?
Mom seems to think it's the next best thing
to having a matchmaker.
Well, you know how I met grandma rose, don't you?
In a supermarket, right?
No. Hardware store.
Oh.
One Christmas Eve,
I dropped the angel and broke its nose.
When I went out to get some wood glue,
who was in the next aisle buying Christmas lights?
Only the prettiest gal I'd ever seen.
Coincidence? Special powers?
Who knows...
But I'm sure glad I dropped the darn thing.
Yeah.
That moment changed my life.
How's the busiest bee in the hive?
Oh, ha...
New tie?
What's the occasion?
Wining and dining some prospective advertisers.
Big spenders.
Could help me reach my annual goal.
Goals are good.
Well, I've got a million of them.
Really? Name three.
Make v.P. By next year.
Buy a condo.
Meet the woman of my dreams.
That shouldn't be too hard for you.
It is when she's too busy to go out with me.
I meant, like, to buy a condo.
What's with, um...
All the angels?
Oh, yeah...
They're for this article I'm writing.
Long story.
The only angels I believe in play in the baseball team.
Mm-hmm, yeah.
Yeah... oh!
My offer to celebrate still stands, you know.
We could go out... Or stay in.
I cook a superb branzino.
Well... I love branzino,
but I love my job more.
I need to focus on this.
Gotcha...
But we all have to eat,
so call me when you come up for air, okay?
Maybe.
No, no, no, no...
Maybe... it... should... be...
I already know what you think I should do.
Hmm...
Back to the scene of the crime.
Interesting choice of words.
Glad you came.
Why did you?
I thought maybe if I did, you'd finally leave me alone.
That's as good a reason as any.
So why am I here, again?
You, my new student,
desperately need your Christmas spirit back,
and I'm going to be your guide to all things yuletide.
What if I say no?
Then you'll never get rid of me...
Unless you change your cell phone.
That might work, too.
Where are we going?
It's a surprise.
Oh, no. No, no, no.
I'm not big on surprises.
Shocker!
Well, kiss that boring chapter of your life goodbye.
This is why I hate surprises.
Why, 'cause you might have fun?
No, because I'm a total klutz.
Oh, come on, you're doing awesome.
Yeah...
I think I'll quit while I'm ahead.
Just take my hand.
Now who's got commitment issues?
Ah!
Ooh!
Brady, this isn't the class I signed up for.
What about your Christmas spirit?
The world will live without it.
Yeah, but will you?
What's that, your guardian angel?
Oh! Oh...
Oh, my gosh. Derek, I'm so sorry!
Are you okay?
Boy, I don't think that angel likes me.
Uh, can I get you a tissue or something?
No, no, no. It's okay.
It's fine, really. I...
Oh, great!
Coffee on my brand-new Hugo boss tie.
There's 100 bucks down the drain!
Listen, I will pay for that dry cleaning.
Susan, you can't dry clean a tie.
They're never the same.
What are you doing with that thing, anyway?
Uh, it's being photographed for my article.
Listen, I said I was sorry.
Oh, Susan, good, you're here.
We're all set up for the...
What happened to you?
Well, you could say I was "touched by an angel."
Hmm. Clumsy one, from the looks of it.
We're shooting in my office.
Okay, I'll be right there.
I just wanted to look good for my new client meeting today.
I know it was just an accident.
Then again, maybe there are no accidents, huh?
Mom, come on... You can't really believe
the angel was trying to tell me something.
Do you like this Derek?
I might.
I don't know, maybe a little...
But since the tie incident, I'm not so sure.
Well...
Angels see all and know all.
That's exactly what Brady said.
Smart man.
Who's Brady?
He's this artist I met.
Really?
Do you like him?
Mom, I barely know him.
That wasn't what I asked.
Well, I'll say this... He's different.
Now, that sounds promising.
Okay, you're just saying that
because he's male and breathing.
No.
I'm saying it because nothing would make me happier
than to see my only daughter happy...
And don't thank me.
It's my job.
So were you surprised to get my text?
Probably not as surprised as you were that you sent it.
Oh, please, I had a little writer's block.
I thought it might be good for me
to get out.
Fair enough...
So, um, how did you remember
that you used to make your own Christmas ornaments?
Was that hypnosis?
Regression therapy?
Photographic memory...
My mother's.
Well, what better place
to revisit your glory days of ornament-making
than an art studio?
Especially one that comes with its very own artist.
And a talented one at that.
Why didn't you tell me you were so good?
Oh...
Probably all kinds of things we haven't told each other.
Worst part was...
He left me for our yoga instructor.
Here I was, thinking, "oh, it's so great!
"Steve and I have so much in common.
We even both love yoga!"
Little did I know what he loved was the teacher.
That's a bummer.
At least he left you for a person, though.
My last girlfriend, Anna,
she said that she would rather be alone
than be with me.
Ugh, that's awful. You're not that bad.
Gee, thanks.
I'm guessing she didn't dump you
on Christmas day.
He did?
Yeah.
Yeesh, that's low.
No wonder you're so weird about Christmas.
I've always been kind of funky about the holidays...
All that pressure to enjoy yourself...
I know, it's such a chore.
After Steve, it went into overdrive.
Well...
When Anna left me, I was a mess, but...
I realized...
It wasn't really her that I missed that much,
it was just being part of a couple, you know?
A team.
So I just told myself,
"I'm going to go out and find someone better."
Well, that's impressive.
Me, I just turned in my yoga mat,
called it a day.
Ha!
Yoga's boring, anyway. Nobody talks.
Rule number one, no rulers.
What? Why?
I don't want a lopsided gingerbread house.
Just eyeball the pieces and glue them together.
It's not supposed to be perfect.
It's supposed to be handmade.
See?
No, see, that's just goofy.
I know, right?
So, um...
I was thinking about what you said...
About running my own gallery.
It kind of makes sense.
And you're not worried this might qualify
as an actual life plan?
Nope.
I don't make plans... I... "Envision."
Oh, well, I stand corrected.
Miss neat,
you've got a little spot of paint on your face there.
- Where? Here? - Just...
Here?
There. Here.
There you go.
Good as new.
Thanks.
Mm!
Who are those from?
Oh...
"Sorry I snapped. Please forgive me. Derek."
Nice move. Point, Derek.
I saw Brady again yesterday.
Point, Brady!
And?
And nothing.
We made Christmas ornaments...
And...
He and his favorite bottle of wine
are coming over later.
I have no idea what I'm doing.
You don't have to know. You're just hanging out.
This is good.
It is?
Because it's feeling a little whirlwind to me.
Yeah?
Lucky you.
Grandpa? Everything okay?
Spring cleaning? In December?
I figured your grandma's been gone three years now.
She would have wanted me to downsize a bit.
Must say, it was quite the trip down memory Lane.
Wha... grandpa!
How in the world did you do this?
Well, the neighbor kid needed some Christmas money,
so I hired him as my assistant.
Don't tell anyone, but he did most of the work!
I found this box stuck in a corner.
It's just a bunch of old ledgers, invoices...
But...
There was also this.
A blueprint?
Yeah.
Of what?
As soon as I saw it, I remembered
a whole other part of that story my father told me.
Want to hear?
Yes, I want to hear!
Well...
That first Christmas week in New York,
before my dad went back home, he came up with a plan...
Next Christmas,
I'd like to come back to New York...
And bring you home with me, to Bethlehem.
Owen, that's a whole year away...
And what exactly will you be doing all that time?
Building a cabin for us...
With a Christmas tree outside the front door,
Owen...
That sounds so beautiful...
And I'm so flattered, really and truly...
But...
My life is here, in New York.
Maybe so, and I know you love what you do...
But next year at this time...
I'm hoping you'll say yes.
And this was his design for the cottage?
Drew it himself.
See his initials here in the corner?
Yeah. Did he ever build it?
Well, if he did, I never saw it.
Oh!
I found something else...
My parents' wedding picture.
What a lovely couple.
Your mother was so beautiful.
Yeah.
"As beautiful inside as out."
That's what my dad used to say.
She'd have to be to accept that angel he carved
with his ex-girlfriend's eyes!
In fact, it was because of my mom
that he even kept the angel.
How do you mean?
Well, if I remember correctly,
it was on the day they first met,
at their church, back in Bethlehem...
Excuse me?
Hello!
Can I help you?
Is pastor Boyd here?
No...
I'm Maggie, the new church secretary.
Well, um,
Maggie, I'd like to give this angel
to the church,
for their Christmas tree.
It's top quality, handmade.
Let me guess... by you?
How did you know?
The way you're holding her.
So proud...
Like she's a part of you.
Well, she was, but...
Not anymore.
Would you like her?
It's very generous,
and I'm sure pastor Boyd would be grateful...
But just between us...
Why would you want
to give away something so beautiful?
You should keep her. She'll bring you luck.
She already has...
Bad luck.
Can I make a suggestion, um...
Owen! Uh... Owen Thomas.
Okay, Owen Thomas.
Here's what I think.
Why not keep the angel until next Christmas?
If she doesn't bring you better luck,
then you can come back and leave her here with us.
Something tells me my luck is changing already.
And it sure did.
Six months later, they were married.
So I guess you could say the angel brought them together.
I mean... Sort of, in a way.
Honey, take it from your old grandpa...
If you want to believe, you have to take a leap...
But look too close,
and the magic's gone...
And, really, where's the fun in that?
Blueprint aside, it's just random stuff.
No clues about the actress...
Unless this carburetor receipt from 1958
has some hidden meaning!
Well, lookee here...
Baby susie with great-grandpa Owen.
You were adorable...
Of course.
He died when I was two.
I just wish I could've gotten to know him.
Yeah, he could've told you about the actress first hand,
saved you all the research.
Right now, I'd just settle for knowing her name.
I used to have an old relative
that acted in the theater, too...
According to my parents, anyway.
Yeah?
I think every family has at least one starry-eyed member
who tried acting at some point.
Hey, look at this.
"Opening night crowd enjoys the Christmas surprise."
December 3rd, 1926.
His second Christmas in New York.
Wait, is that...?
I think that's my great grandfather.
Well, at least we know he was there.
We still don't know
the name of the actress he fell for.
Google the title, see what comes up.
"The Christmas surprise."
Premiered on Broadway, 1926
at the orpheum theater in Manhattan.
That's all it says.
It's a dead end.
Not necessarily.
That theater's still there.
Might be worth a visit.
Brady!
You're a genius!
I mean, thank you.
Any time.
They're all Austrian crystal.
Wow, it's just beautiful.
It's one of the oldest theaters on the Broadway.
Really?
Now, as I told you on the phone, miss Nicholas,
we're very proud of our history here at the orpheum theater.
So you think you can help me?
I know I can.
If we're going to find anything,
it will be in this.
How long have you worked here at the theater?
All my life.
Really?
Yes. I started as an actor, you know?
Now, here we go.
1926.
Great.
This is October, November...
Oh, December!
Let's see what's in here.
Wait, there.
Oh.
Ah.
"The Christmas surprise."
Well...
No wonder my great-grandfather was crazy about her.
She was a beauty.
"Jessica rose.
The girl with the lavender eyes."
"Did 'the girl with the lavender eyes'
"ever truly consider a life
"with the Pennsylvania coal miner?
"Did she ever really see beyond the lights of Broadway
"to ponder a future with someone as kind and loving and true
as her unexpected admirer?"
Readers are going to eat this up.
It's so emotional, so romantic.
Yet with a zippy yuletide twist!
Oh, and get this...
The angel's eyes?
Lavender.
Just like Jessica's.
Sweet, or creepy?
Totally sweet.
Meanwhile, how's "the boy with the hot hazel eyes"?
How do you remember what color Brady's eyes were?
Actually, they...
They have these little gold flecks in them.
How close to them did we get?
What?
I need a refill.
Is all forgiven, or am I still an idiot?
Forgiven,
at least by me.
I can't vouch for her.
Put in a good word for me, would you?
Just in case.
Will do.
Thank you, by the way,
for those flowers.
They're gorgeous.
My sentiments exactly.
What was that?
What? What was what?
You tell me, flirty mcflirt.
What about Brady and his gold flecks?
Brady and I are just hanging out.
You said it yourself.
Which makes Derek, what, some handy diversionary tactic?
Now, see, there's goes
that vivid imagination of yours again.
Now, choosing a Christmas tree
is one of the most important decisions of the holiday season.
So, which tree has your name on it?
Which one doesn't?
Although I do have to go small.
You know, apartment living.
Well, if I was getting a tree, it'd be that one,
and I'd put my great-grandpa's angel right on top.
Oh, yeah?
Your angel might find a home this Christmas.
No, no.
You're not talking about
that little Charlie brown tree, are you?
Actually, I was thinking
it would look awesome
on the tree outside our country house.
You have a country house?
LA-di-da.
Relax, it's my parents'.
And it's more of a cabin.
My great-grandparents bought it ages ago as a vacation place.
Sounds nice. Is it?
It's totally nice.
Just a few hours west of here,
murphysburg, Pennsylvania.
We should go!
Christmas Eve.
What? No.
My article's due that day.
And anyway,
I'm not going away with you.
I've known you for all of, what, two weeks?
Well, by then, it will have been 23 days,
which is the life span of a worker bee.
Oh, wow.
Thank you for that little factoid,
and for the offer,
but I will pass.
Okay.
Guess I'll just have to figure out something else
closer to home.
Think this'll fit in the back of an uber?
I think it could fit in the glove compartment.
That's very funny
for someone who managed
to get out of there Christmas-tree-less.
Uh, hello...
These bags weren't going to carry themselves!
Susan?
Oh!
- Hi! - Hey.
Derek!
What are you doing here?
I just made an offer on a condo around the corner.
That's fantastic.
You two look like
you've been doing some shopping yourselves.
Yeah...
Brady, this is Derek. We work together.
Derek, meet Brady. We...
What do we do?
We annoy each other.
It's actually pretty entertaining.
That's quite the fashion statement.
Oh...
Yeah, it's all part of "operation jump start."
Which is...
Brady's personal mission
to revive my Christmas spirit.
That's a joke, right?
No, it's as real as the santas on that scarf.
It's... complicated.
I'm sure it is.
Not really.
Hey, good luck with your condo.
I'll see you at the office, okay?
Merry Christmas!
Wow. Should I be jealous?
Of who?
The male model-looking, condo-buying office guy
that has zero appreciation for Christmas wear.
Well, I don't know. That depends.
What exactly are we?
Aside from two people who annoy each other?
More than that, I hope.
Don't you?
You're right.
He has no appreciation
for Christmas wear.
Whatsoever.
Hey, so why are we on your roof?
Okay, we have this weird tradition
in my family.
We only put up our Christmas trees outside.
The idea is that it helps them...
Look up to God.
Brady, this is unbelievable.
My family has the same tradition.
Come on. No way!
That's crazy.
No, we've done it forever!
I just thought it was an old welsh custom.
Well, apparently,
a few irishmen picked it up along the way.
Anyway...
That's why the small tree.
Because anything bigger would blow over up here.
Make sense?
About as much sense as anything right now.
He arrived in time
to attend the opening night
of a new play called "the Christmas surprise."
Owen, you made it, and just in time!
Curtain is in 20 minutes.
You made this yourself? For me?
It's gorgeous.
And the eyes...
They're lavender, like mine.
You were all I could see while I was carving it.
You don't have a Christmas tree in here?
I'm surprised.
Someone once told me
that the only place for a Christmas tree
is outside, where...
Where it can look up to God.
Well, marry me,
and every year,
the angel will crown the tree in front of our new house.
Ten minutes, miss rose.
You don't have to decide now.
Go. Have a magnificent opening night.
We'll talk after.
So who was your friend?
Derek.
- You scared me. - Sorry.
I was saying, who was your friend?
From yesterday?
Oh, Brady?
He's an artist...
And a holiday enthusiast.
And...
And what?
Susan, I thought you were on a deadline?
I was. I am.
But dating's not quite as out of the question as you thought?
Brady and I aren't exactly dating.
Good.
Then you and I can revisit the idea of dinner.
Or even do something Christmas-y,
if that helps your little experiment.
I'll let you know, okay?
Fine...
But I gotta tell you,
that...
Angel...
Wait, why would you order a backup feature
from another writer for my Christmas day slot?
Just in case.
In case of what?
Susan, you've edited
your share of backup articles.
You know how this works.
Yvette, I've got this.
You don't need a backup.
Oh, really?
What if you don't find your ending?
Then what?
Who says I don't already have it?
Do you?
Not... completely...
But I will. No question.
Excellent.
Then you have nothing to worry about.
From now on,
it is all writing, all the time!
In fact, I'm going to call Brady
and tell him I can't see him tonight.
We'll have to go caroling another time.
No, no, no!
Right now, being around Brady
is the best thing for you and your article.
How do you figure that?
Susan, if you want to be a great writer,
you have to experience life,
and it's been a while
since I've seen you this happy.
Really?
Yes, really.
You've even got this bounce when you walk,
and your skin,
it's glowing like it was lit by birthday candles.
- Okay, that's ridiculous. - No, I'm serious.
Brady's bringing out your creative side.
♪ ...heedless of the wind and weather ♪
♪ fa, LA, LA, LA, LA LA, LA, LA, LA ♪
Cheers, you guys.
I think somebody's officially found their Christmas spirit.
That was actually really fun.
Thank you.
For the record, you crushed "deck the halls."
Yes!
And there was nothing silent about your "silent night."
Oh, and let you sing louder than me?
I don't think so, buddy.
Oh, want to stop for one of
those "best Irish coffees in all of Manhattan"?
My treat.
How about some place more private?
Okay.
To Saint Nick
and the sled he rode in on.
You working on something new?
Oh, it's just something I'm messing around with.
Yeah? Can I take a look?
Yeah, no...
Maybe when I'm finished.
Okay.
So, you remember the friend of mine,
Zack, I was telling you about?
He was looking for gallery space?
Yeah.
Well, he started looking again
and he found what he thinks is a primo spot.
I like what I'm hearing.
Yeah, he'd put the money up, I'd run the place.
We'd split the profits.
That is fantastic.
Where is it? Soho? Chelsea?
Wait... Brooklyn!
Los Angeles.
Los Angeles?
Place called echo park.
Real hip.
Place needs a ton of work,
but that's why we can do the lease.
Wow, California...
Yeah, honestly,
I had no idea where he was looking.
I just assumed it was New York.
Apparently, the worst dump
is, like, through the roof here, so...
Brady...
This is huge.
Running a gallery in L.A.!
Think about the work you can do out there.
I mean, the weather alone
should inspire greatness.
Congratulations!
When do you leave?
Leaving?
I'm not even sure I want to do this thing.
Well, how could you not? It sounds perfect!
What if I was trying to leave myself open for other things?
Like what?
This could be the chance of a lifetime.
You don't want to blow this.
If you're talking about us, I agree.
Brady...
You're a talented artist.
Your should put the work first.
You have to put your work first.
As for us...
Who knows what we are?
Look, you're a writer.
I get that.
You're all about words,
but...
Not everything has to have a label.
I think we've started something really good here.
I think it can only get better.
Yeah. Maybe,
but I'd feel terrible
if you didn't move because of me.
You can't do that.
What?
Truth?
I was kind of hoping
that you were going to try and talk me out of this.
How about...
We table this conversation for now,
just finish up our work,
and enjoy the holidays?
Together?
Yeah. Together.
Well, Brady, we're thrilled
you could join us tonight.
We thought we'd never meet you.
Mom...
You'll have to excuse my wife, Brady.
When it comes to matters of the heart,
she's incorrigible.
No worries.
It's good to finally meet you.
I'm stoked to help you decorate this tree.
And outdoors, too...
Just like your folks do it, right?
Yeah. That's a crazy coincidence, huh?
Or not.
Who knows?
Brady, there's some cider on the stove.
Would you mind getting it for us?
Yeah, sure.
Thank you!
Oh, I love him!
I like him, too.
Honey...
What's wrong?
I told Brady we could spend the holidays together,
but now I'm thinking maybe we shouldn't.
I don't want us to get too close.
I mean, if he goes to L.A., that'll be it.
So, what's the point?
Yeah, logically speaking, I can't disagree.
Honey,
if you and Brady are supposed to be together,
it may already be out of your hands.
Mom, please, I need a real answer.
Look, when the time comes...
I mean, if it comes...
Make the decision together.
Okay! Who wants some cider?
- I want some cider. - Yes, sir.
Thank you.
- For you. - Thank you.
Aw this is so nice.
Merry Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!
Does eating dessert always make you this happy?
That's part of it.
Okay, listen,
I... I told Zack I'm out of the L.A. deal.
If he wants to do it, he's on his own.
Brady, that's crazy.
I told you, you can't not go because of me.
No, you said
that you'd feel terrible if I didn't go because of you,
but then I realized I'd feel terrible if I did go,
so it's on me.
What?
I thought we weren't going to get back into this
until after the holidays?
Well, Zack was pushing me for a decision,
so I made one.
Well, we should have made it together.
Why, so you could talk me out of it again?
Brady, you just...
You don't know me well enough or long enough
to make such a major life choice like this.
Okay, so tell me everything I need to know about you.
Don't leave anything out.
It's not that simple.
See, I think it is.
Yeah, because you're more... Freespirited than I am.
I'm a free-spirit?
That's not a criticism.
Did you ever think
that maybe you're not free-spirited enough?
Only every single of my life,
which is probably why I... Thought...
Think... You could be good for me.
Just not good enough.
If I thought that,
I wouldn't even be here right now,
which...
I probably shouldn't be.
I should be home finishing my article.
Yeah, maybe you should be...
Or maybe you should take a cue from your great-grandfather,
who fell for somebody that he'd only known for a week,
yeah, and I think you know how well that turned out.
Brady... wait.
Maybe we should just slow down a little,
take some time.
Just like that?
What about the holidays?
I'm sorry.
I just think it's for the best.
Okay.
Just know
that that jerk
that dumped you on Christmas Eve
for his yoga teacher?
I am not that guy.
What if I've totally blown it?
I'm sure Brady will accept your apology in a second.
My apology? For what?
Thinking of his future and trying not to hold him back?
I mean my article!
It's due tomorrow.
I still don't have an actual ending
to the Owen-Jessica saga.
Couldn't you just make something up?
I mean, who's going to know?
You can't make up the facts.
That's called "fiction."
I call it flexibility, but, hey, that's me.
As for Brady, I'm not sure what your problem is.
Who wouldn't want a guy who puts her first?
It's too much, too fast,
and I don't trust it,
but, hey, that's me.
More wine? Yes, please.
So, I...
Evening, ladies.
Hi.
Where's your artist friend?
Uh, we're...
Taking kind of a "time out."
From what, "not exactly dating"?
That sounds about right.
If you're going to ask her to dance,
would you do it already?
Otherwise, we're getting a refill.
Sure, okay.
Care to dance?
Sure.
Perfect timing.
"Angels we have heard on high?" Really?
You can't get away from Christmas,
especially at a Christmas party.
Good news.
They accepted my offer on the condo.
I close next month.
Wow. Look at you,
knocking down those goals like bowling pins.
The place looks great.
I can't wait for you to see it.
That was not perfect timing.
Or maybe it was. I don't know...
Derek, I'm so sorry.
I have to go.
- Oh! - Whoa!
Sorry.
You having a good time?
You'll have my article right on schedule.
Tomorrow, 4:00 P.M.
Just so you know, the backup piece came in,
and it's pretty terrific...
But I'm expecting yours
to be even better.
Got you a tea.
Thanks.
I know this isn't news, but relationships are hard,
and don't even get me started on marriage.
I just wasn't ready for this.
Well, I mean, who's ever ready for love?
You know, it happens.
You know, it finds you...
You jump in the deep end and swim for dear life.
What if you drown?
Sweetheart, did I ever tell you
that your mother and I almost split up
that first Christmas Eve
that we spent together?
Really?
She always says
how you two were
crazy about each other right from the start.
Oh, yeah, we were.
"Opposites attract," and all that...
But, you know what,
we were both jockeying for control.
We had different priorities, different approaches...
And on that particular night...
Our own ways of decorating a Christmas tree.
Uh-oh, mom and her Christmas trees.
Oh, yeah.
I wanted to start at the top and work down,
she wanted to start at the bottom up and work up,
and that was just the start of it.
You know, there was the lights, the tinsel,
the number of ornaments, the kind of ornaments.
I mean, we disagreed
about absolutely everything.
We were both so set on our own family traditions.
And I mean, an outside Christmas tree?
What was that?
Well, that was the last straw is what it was.
We had a... A huge fight,
and I got in my car and I just drove off.
And I really had no idea if I was ever coming back.
But you did.
Yeah, about an hour later.
But...
We never talked about it.
We just finished decorating the tree
and then, together,
we put your great-grandfather's angel
right on the top.
You know what?
Suddenly, everything was okay.
So, I don't know...
Maybe there is something about that angel of yours.
I never knew that story.
What exactly are you trying to tell me?
He's trying to tell you
that running away
isn't always the only option.
Isn't that right, darling?
Yes, of course, darling.
"In the end,
"Owen and Jessica
clearly made a decision about their future..."
"But how?
"And did they regret it forever,
or did they stand by their choices?"
It's Brady. Tell me something good.
Hi. Is Brady there, please?
No.
Did he say where he was going?
His cabin?
One Christmas blend! Extra large!
Excuse me?
Do you know where the howe family cabin is?
Brady?
Susan?
Oh, hello! Hi!
Merry Christmas Eve?
What are you doing here?
You said murphysburg, so...
I asked in town, and they directed me here.
This place is lovely, by the way.
For somebody that doesn't like surprises,
you sure know how to give one.
You mean, like the angel painting?
That was amazing. Thank you.
You're welcome.
You know, you could have
just texted me thank you, though,
saved yourself the trip.
Yeah, well... It's Christmas Eve.
Friends shouldn't let friends be alone!
Come on.
I... I went to the market earlier.
I got some groceries,
because, you know, the whole "starving artist" thing
is a little overrated.
Why did you really come out here, Susan?
Brady, you were right.
You're not Steve, not even close.
But you're also
not like most other guys I meet,
and for someone like me, that's scary.
You throw in my Christmas angst
and your whole... New york/l. A. Thing...
And there's so many roadblocks.
What if I told you I was rethinking Zack's offer?
Maybe go on out west after all?
I'd say that's great.
Do it...
And we'll play it out.
But for now, let's just have a fantastic Christmas Eve...
Together.
Wow.
You're... you're okay with not having a "plan?"
For us, I mean?
I still don't have an actual ending
for my article,
but I'm turning it in anyway.
So, yeah, yeah. I guess I am okay.
You?
For a "free spirit,"
I am feeling weirdly grounded.
I have to at least try to wrap this thing up.
I'm just going to go grab my laptop.
There's a really cool old desk you can work at in here.
It's been here for ages.
Used to belong to my great-grandma.
Sounds perfect.
Oh!
Brady?
Brady, are you out there?
"To someone who will one day write our story."
Were you calling me?
Uh, yeah.
Sorry. I was trying to find a pen,
and, uh...
These are addressed to my great-grandma mabel,
in Manhattan.
Your great-grandma's name was mabel mcnutt?
It was her maiden name.
I'm sure she couldn't wait to change it.
I know I would.
Wait, this one's postmarked "Bethlehem, pa."
They all are.
Brady, that's where my great-grandfather was from!
Really? That's weird.
What's wrong?
"Owen Thomas,
10 sycamore circle, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania."
Is that...?
Why would your great-grandpa
be writing letters to my great-grandma?
Because she was your old relative
who acted in the theater,
who had the world's
least glamorous name for an actress,
so she changed it to "Jessica rose."
Brady, do you realize what this means?
That your great-grandpa and my great-grandma
were once in love?
And something tells me
we were supposed to find these letters.
Well, go ahead, read one.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Okay.
"My darling mabel..."
He called her "mabel," not Jessica.
"It is with a heavy heart
that I am forced to say goodbye to you forever..."
When you said accepting the angel
would mean accepting me as your husband
and that your true heart was in the theater,
i was crushed.
But, hard as it is to admit, i now wonder if that was a sign,
maybe even from the angel herself,
that we are not destined to be together,
and that even greater love awaits.
Brady...
This is the cottage he built for your great-grandmother,
with that old blueprint we saw!
Looks like she found the place after all.
And made it a home away from home
for her and great-grandpa howe.
For generations to come.
So, let's see...
Owen and mabel both fell in love again,
they both had great families,
and both lived happily ever after.
Yeah.
Looks like that angel knew what she was doing after all.
I think she still does.
Did I tell you she whacked the heck out of Derek?
All right! That's my kind of angel.
You know what else this means, don't you?
Yeah!
Yes, I now have a phenomenal ending for my article.
Oh, not a minute too soon!
Which is completely great...
But I wonder
if maybe the real reason
our great-grandparents didn't get together was...
So that we could.
Are you still thinking about that move to L.A.?
Yeah. I'm kind of rethinking my rethinking.
Brady, no.
I told you, you have to put your work first.
Why? You didn't.
What do you mean?
Um, who left New York without finishing her do-or-die article
just to come after me?
Okay, I didn't exactly "come after" you.
Oh, you completely did.
You put me first, which is huge!
So, no, I'm not running away...
And neither are you.
Actually, you should run away.
But just for an hour.
I have an ending to write!
Okay.
Make me proud, angel.
You finished?
Yep.
Now we just wait for tomorrow's paper
to see if I have a future as a writer.
No pressure.
Well, in the meantime...
You want to... Decorate a Christmas tree?
More than anything.
♪ O Tannenbaum o Tannenbaum ♪
♪ forever green your branches ♪
♪ o Tannenbaum o Tannenbaum ♪
♪ forever green your branches ♪
♪ not only green through summer's sun ♪
♪ but also winter's frost and fun... ♪
Congratulations, Ms. staff writer.
I couldn't have done it without you.
No... you couldn't have done it
without our great-grandparents.
Oh, and the angel, of course.
Merry Christmas, Brady.
Merry Christmas, Susan.