"He spoke not a word but went straight to his work,
"and filled all the stockings then turned with a jerk.
"And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod,
"up the chimney he rose.
"He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
"and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
"But I heard him exclaim e're he drove out of sight
"happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night".
It's Santa, dad.
Not Batman.
Sorry, bud.
I'll ease up on the bass next time.
You forgot the back.
To Daniel,
the best gift I've ever received.
Love, mom.
Can you read it again?
It's getting late.
Maybe tomorrow, ok?
Did you fix the porch light?
Not yet.
What if Santa misses us?
He won't.
But he goes really, really fast.
You know what?
See this?
What is it?
That's a special part of Santa's sleigh
that makes sure he gets every girl and boy on Christmas Eve.
How does it work?
It's magic.
What do you want for Christmas, dad?
I got you.
What more could I want?
A puppy?
Pff. Nice try.
Goodnight.
Come on, let's go, kiddo!
Don't worry, I'm here now!
I'm here, I'm here.
Now this is gonna be a Southern Christmas card!
Everybody set?
Alright, count us down, boss.
Five, four, three, two, one.
Welcome aboard ladies and gentlemen.
This is your captain speaking.
On behalf of our crew I'd like to wish you and yours
a very happy holiday season.
New hire?
Axeman from corporate.
I can't lose this job.
I just can't.
Was working at this company always your plan?
My plan?
Yeah.
When you pictured your future.
No, I just needed a job.
I thought it would be temporary.
Isn't it funny how temporary can turn into ten years?
I guess I didn't realize it had been that long.
Sometimes we stay places that are comfortable
even if we know that they're holding us back
from what we're really meant to do.
Yeah.
Do you believe things happen for a reason?
I guess.
I do.
And I believe that this is your new beginning.
New beginning.
Thank you.
Can I tell you something?
I always hated it here.
That's fantastic.
It feels good to say it.
Shot of bourbon.
"It's fast money".
"Hey, you like kids".
What a joke.
You know, there's no lousier gig than a mall Santa.
Mmmhmm.
What, you think you get it worse?
It's not a competition.
Oh, that's right, it isn't.
Because I've been stuck in a velvet sweatsuit
for eight hours covered in little Billy's vomit.
What was the highlight of your afternoon?
I'm an actuary at a multi-national corporation.
I fire people for a living.
Today I walked into a building and told 52 people
that they no longer have a job.
I gave them each a tiny severance package which,
if stretched, may get them through the next month,
and then I sent them into an economy
where they're more likely to get struck by lightening
than they are to find commensurate employment.
And after the 48 hours that I get for Christmas,
then I get on a plane and do it all over again.
I just saw your text.
I thought I was going to DC for the holiday.
Something's come up.
We need you at Donner's at Carbon Hill.
The ornament factory?
Donner's?
That's a pretty recent acquisition.
They were struggling when we bought controlling interest
but they had a big annual order that kept them afloat.
They just lost it.
It's hemorrhaging money.
Oh.
I'll send you the last few quarterlies.
Um, consider it some in-flight entertainment.
That bad, huh?
Worse.
Well, Merry Christmas.
Two.
Why didn't you tell them it was a conflict of interest?
Because it's not, dad.
You used to live in that town.
Now you're gonna come back
and dismantle their largest employer.
We were only here for a few years,
people probably won't even remember me.
What are you up to today?
Well, I'm just waiting for that storm to die down
so I can go get our tree.
Dad, it's two days before Christmas.
I'm sure the lots are sold out.
I'm not going to a lot.
Uh-uh.
No, I'm chopping one down myself.
Dad, this isn't what retirement looks like.
Well, a little hard work never hurt anybody.
I'm pretty sure falling trees have, though.
Yeah, you know what happens to people who slow down, Amelia?
They slow down.
Alright, alright.
I'll leave you to your manual labour.
Tell mom I say hi.
Ok, kiddo.
We're gonna see you at New Year's, right?
And anything else you need in the meantime you just call.
I'll be fine.
What I do is a necessary evil.
Without intervention the entire business would go south.
Sometimes you need to prune a few branches
in order for the tree to live.
Mmm.
Even if some of those branches are your friends?
Daddy, please.
I love you, I'll talk to you later, ok?
Bye.
Yes, yes,
I'm sorry to hear that.
It's alright, we'll cancel the order right away
and hopefully we can do business again next year.
Looks good buddy.
Hey.
Thanks again for watching him.
It's no problem.
I was going to bring him to work with me over winter break
but things have just been crazy.
Is everything ok?
Yeah, yeah.
Just a rough month,
but they're sending someone out
from the corporate offices, so...
And this is a good thing?
We can use all the help we can get.
I'm optimistic.
You always are.
Excuse me.
Ok.
Hi.
Oh, hello.
Butter pecan bar?
No, thank you.
I'm looking for Mr. Donner.
Oh, uh... he's in his office.
Right back there.
Come in.
Jesse?
Amelia.
Hi.
When I saw the name of who I should expect...
I thought that it must be a coincidence.
Where's your dad?
Uh, well he retired a few years ago.
I took over for him.
Oh.
Uh, how are you?
Good.
How are you?
Good. Yeah, really good, thank you.
How are your folks?
They're good.
Um, also retired.
They bought a place in Vermont.
Wow, nice.
Yeah.
I should get started.
Right. Yes, of course.
Let me introduce you to my team.
It's good to see you again.
Can I get everybody's attention, please?
I know that we've had a few bumps in the road this year
and many of you have expressed your concerns
about the fate of the company.
I want to introduce you to Amelia Pierce.
She's been sent by the fine people at Saveco
to help us achieve the kind of success that we had 60 years ago
when my grandfather first opened the doors.
I want to thank you guys again for agreeing
to work through Christmas Eve
so that Amelia can observe our operations
and have enough time to do that.
I'm going to get you guys out of here as soon as I can, alright?
I promise.
And you'll have a little extra time in the New Year
to spend with your families.
So Amelia's gonna be watching you guys at your workstations,
um... so please just answer any questions that she has,
and let's make her feel at home, ok?
Thanks, you guys.
So, uh... can I give you the tour?
Oh, I prefer to observe by myself.
Just blend into the background.
I don't see how that's possible.
I'll let you know if I need anything.
I'm sorry, is this, like, a thing?
The song.
I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean.
Why does everyone hum it?
We like it.
Say, did everyone hear about that crash?
In the woods behind Millie's Diner.
They're saying it was a meteor.
Uh huh.
Good afternoon, Rachael.
What can I get ya?
A coffee, black.
Alright.
You guys figure out what crashed by the old dam last night?
I've never seen anything like it.
Busted trees and a big hole.
A satellite?
Didn't see any debris.
Whatever it was, it ain't there no more.
That's so strange.
How could it just disappear like that?
Maybe it was Santa's sleigh?
Danny?
Where are you sneaking off to?
Nowhere.
I just wanted to see the crash.
There's nothing to see.
He said there was a hole.
You wanted to see a hole?
Yes.
So when your daddy comes to pick you up and can't find you,
I'm supposed to tell him that you wandered off
into the woods alone to see a hole?
Yes.
Come inside, Danny.
Well, that's a nice surprise.
Uh, what is?
You know, I thought she looked familiar
when she first walked in.
You know, maybe we keep Amelia's past between us.
Oh boy.
You used to parade her through this factory
looking like the cat who stole the cream.
There's probably still pictures of the two of you
on the walls.
Everyone remembers your first girlfriend.
I guess I was a little uh... enthusiastic.
You were over the moon.
It was very cute.
But I didn't realize that the two of you stayed in touch.
Oh, we haven't.
After her family moved away I never saw her again.
And your paths are crossing again after all this time?
Maybe this is a sign.
A sign of what?
That your own little Christmas miracle is in the works.
She's here to do a job,
and if she can save the factory
that's all the Christmas miracle that I need.
It's been three years, Jesse.
It's time to put yourself out there again.
Cara would have wanted you to.
Is um... everything alright, sir?
I've lost something.
A bauble.
A... a bauble?
A small silver ball with etchings on the side.
I was passing through town and I stopped here briefly
and now it's gone.
Hmm.
Is-is it valuable?
To me.
Well, let me call down to the station
and see if anybody's turned it in.
So your official job title is "sculptor"?
Yes.
Do you draw the concept art as well?
No, I sculpt.
I am the sculptor.
And so all of these are done by hand?
The best things usually are.
And about how long
does a sculpture like this usually take?
As long as it takes.
Ok. Can I get a ballpark on that, please?
Look, I see what you're doing here.
You're trying to figure out how to do my job without me.
I'm simply trying to figure out how to make the company better.
No, you want faster and cheaper.
You don't want better.
I'm just asking some questions,
there's no reason to get upset.
Of course there is!
I know how this works!
Could you please keep your voice down?
Why? Are you worried they'll figure out
what you're really doing here?
Hey, what's going on?
I worked for 30 years in this factory,
I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into helping build it
from the ground up!
Of course you have, Ben, and we owe you a lot.
And now she wants to just cast me aside.
No, no, no, no.
No one is getting cast aside.
She's asking an awful lot of questions, Jesse.
Ben, that's why she's here.
The more she understands about what we do,
the more that she can help.
No one is going anywhere.
I promise.
Uh... sorry, you just... got a little um...
occupational hazard.
Spend enough time on the floor,
you're bound to get hit with a little Christmas cheer.
Hopefully Christmas cheer comes out with bleach.
I'm sorry about Ben, he's uh...
he can be a little tense.
It's fine.
No, I mean, he puts on a gruff exterior
but the guy's a marshmallow
and when he sees why you're really here,
he'll warm up to you.
Jesse, about why I'm really here.
Uh, sorry, sorry.
I didn't mean to cut you off, it's just...
are you hungry?
I ordered some take-out.
Sure.
That's my son, Danny.
He's cute.
Just like his dad.
Oh.
I hope for his sake he has his mother's sense of humor.
He does.
And her eyes.
She passed a few years ago.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
So where are you living now?
DC.
Do you like it?
It's nice.
I feel like I'm starting to put down roots.
I've been traveling around my whole life,
I never really had a place I considered home.
And now you do.
Close enough.
Man, I love this stuff!
Yeah, I know.
I remember.
So what do you think of the factory so far?
I think it's very festive.
Yeah, I can go a little overboard this time of year.
A little?
I know we've had a slow year and losing the Marley account, that's...
well, that hurt.
But I think, with a few new purchase orders,
we'll be back on track.
You have new purchase orders?
No, but I have some firm leads.
Verbal agreements?
No, not that firm, no.
Have you thought about pricing the labour off-shore?
No, no. I would never.
It could be an option.
No.
No, it's not.
Did you draw these?
Yeah.
Those are nothing.
No, they're not nothing.
This is what you use for the moulds, right?
Jesse, they're really beautiful.
I was worried they'd send someone out
who didn't understand what we're trying to do here,
because I know that we're a bit unconventional.
I'm glad it was you.
I just want what's best for everyone.
Will it fix the crack?
It says it works best on wood, paper, or plastic.
What about magic?
I don't know that we have that kind.
You heading out?
Yeah, I'm done for the day.
I'll be back tomorrow.
Or you could come back tonight.
We're having a Christmas party.
We have one every year.
Oh, I don't think so.
Yeah, there's food, there's music,
it's always a good time.
You shouldn't miss it.
You want me to crash your company party?
Well, you wouldn't be crashing because I just invited you.
After all, you're part of the Donner family.
Come on, we could catch up.
I'll think about it.
Great.
See you there.
I said I'll think about it.
I know, I'm looking forward to it.
See you at 7:00.
Hey, you need to jump in the bath before the party.
In a minute, dad.
Wow.
Danny, dinner time!
Coming!
It just happened so fast.
I got to the factory and all of a sudden I'm being hailed
as its savior.
Well, who says you can't be?
Dad, they paint each ornament by hand.
Their business model is completely unsustainable.
Nah, you shouldn't talk yourself out of a solution
before you even start.
That's not what I'm doing.
I'm just being realistic.
All I'm saying is keep an open mind.
You never know what you could discover.
You're right.
Ok, I gotta go.
Bye, dad.
I think it belongs to Santa.
Really?
Yeah!
It's a part of his sleigh.
The magic part.
Do you remember the meteor?
That was Santa's sleigh.
No.
Yes!
Does it make any noise?
Yeah.
Amelia.
Hi.
You made it.
I did.
Hey, Danny.
Come here for a sec.
I want to introduce you to an old friend of mine,
this is Miss Amelia.
Hey.
I like your tie.
Thanks, I picked it out myself.
Dad has one.
Oh, he does?
It's in his pocket.
I think he should be wearing it.
That's what I said.
Outnumbered.
I may need a little help.
Oh, sure.
Um...
there we go.
It's very nice.
Thank you.
Betsy brought out the cookies.
We gotta go.
Alright, bud.
They'll still be there in a second!
Oh, aren't you coming, Amelia?
I sure am, lead the way.
Slow down, slow down.
Lead the way to the cookies!
Oh, thank you.
It's a French martini.
What makes it French?
My accent?
Mmm.
You ok?
Uh, mistletoe is a little inappropriate
for the workplace.
Actually, that's holly, the most innocent of Christmas greenery.
Sorry, the winter wonderland isn't exactly my scene.
I could never tell a wassail from a figgy pudding.
Since when?
Um, always?
I just don't particularly like it.
Uh... you don't like it?
No.
I don't understand how anyone could hate Christmas.
No, I hate sentimentality.
I love Christmas.
What's not to love?
Millions of people spending money,
pulling businesses out of the red.
I think you're kinda missing the point of the season.
That is the point.
According to you.
Me and Charles Dickens.
An old, stingy man finds true Christmas happiness
by spending his heaps of money with reckless abandon
on toys and turkeys in a grand celebration of capitalism.
If A Christmas Carol teaches us anything
it's that shopping is good.
I don't know what to say.
Admit it, it's convincing.
No.
A little bit?
That is a very selective reading of the text.
I don't think so.
Christmas is more than just about things, Amelia.
Yeah, maybe in the movies.
There's something I want to show you.
Now this is Christmas.
I would like the record to show that that is, in fact, a thing.
How much do you know about the Donner family history?
Um, founded in 1948 by Carol and Nathan Donner,
a small family operation that, by the mid-50's,
had grown into a nationally recognized brand, market share-
Ah, ok. That's good.
Now, my grandfather,
he was stationed in Germany after World War II
and he met my grandmother the day
before he was deployed.
She was a waitress at Millie's Diner
back when there was a Millie.
And when he finally worked up the nerve to talk to her
he discovered that she grew up in a town called Herrenberg.
She spent the whole night telling him what to expect.
Local traditions, some of the language.
And she said that if he had to leave his home
he was welcome to borrow hers for a while.
And he found this in a little shop in Herrenberg
and he bought it as a thank you but it ended up
as an engagement gift.
So that's why they started the business?
Yeah.
Yeah, it was a reminder that some of the best things in life
start with a simple act of kindness.
Jesse-oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
What's up, Betsy?
Could you help me bring in some new trays?
Of course.
I'll be right back.
Careful!
It belongs to Santa.
Oh, it does, does it?
It's a part of his sleigh.
The magic part.
Oh.
So how did you end up with it?
I found it behind Millie's Diner.
It fell off after the crash.
The crash?
You mean the meteor?
It was Santa.
His sleigh is gone so I know he's ok
but he must have dropped this piece.
Hmm.
That's pretty careless of him.
But he did just fall out of the sky
so I guess it's understandable.
What are you planning on doing with it?
Keep it until he comes to get it.
A tradition that started with my dad.
It was like our own little secret Santa.
At the beginning of the month we would draw names
and then we would make ornaments
specifically tailored to the person you picked.
It was supposed to represent their personality.
So what does that say about you?
That I'm a leader and a rebel?
Or maybe that you have horrible fashion sense.
No, no.
Definitely the first one.
Jesse, it's time.
Uh, everyone, it's time!
Uh, it's for the tree lighting.
It's symbolic.
Another year down, another ahead of us.
It's always been good luck.
It's Jesse's favourite part.
Well, it's everyone's favourite part.
It's the highlight of the party.
I want to thank you all for a wonderful year.
When my grandfather started this business
he imagined a place where he worked with friends,
never strangers.
And you have all helped make that dream become a reality.
This place is more than a company to me.
It's my family.
Alright, enough of that.
Ben, kill the lights.
Got it, Jesse.
Three!
Two!
One!
Uh, Betsy, hit it.
Something's wrong.
Here, let me take a look.
Uh, must be a defective bulb or something.
I don't know, maybe one of these bulbs isn't plugged
or a frayed wire or something.
I'm-I'm sorry, you guys.
I guess we're without our grand finale.
Merry Christmas.
God bless us, everyone!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
Care to dance?
Oh, uh-I don't think so.
Well, I'll just be out on the dance floor by myself
if you want to join me.
For the sake of you and your patheticness...
it's just too sad.
That's what I was going for.
I remember prom night.
You do?
Barely.
Probably more than you do.
What is that supposed to mean?
I was very lucid.
Ok.
I guess uh...
maybe I remember things a little bit differently.
Or maybe one of us doesn't remember them at all.
You're right.
That was really nice, what you did for him.
Oh, it was nothing.
The boy always wants the best for everyone.
It would have crushed him.
I wanted to apologize for earlier.
I just got spooked.
You know, it wouldn't be the first time someone came
sniffing around the factory but it wasn't fair of me
to assume the worst.
But you doing something like that, it means you care.
So if you've got any more questions,
I'll be happy to answer them.
That's um... you're doing really well.
I'm really getting the hang of it.
So uh, Danny certainly believes in Christmas magic.
Yeah, he hasn't stopped talking about that little ball
since he found it.
Well, with good reason.
You know it belongs to Santa.
I don't have the heart to tell him it probably fell off
the back of a pick-up.
And he probably wouldn't listen to you if you did.
Yeah, you're probably right.
Ta-dah!
Should we put it on the tree?
Yeah, I think we can find a place for it.
Way in the back.
So how long are you in town for?
Uh, just a few more days.
I'll send everything that I have to corporate
and then I'll go over it with you.
Where are you staying?
That motel off the highway.
The one with the broken sign and the giant cockroaches?
Not my first choice.
Everything decent was booked up for the holidays.
Well, you should stay with us.
No. No, I couldn't do that.
We have a guest room.
It would be silly not to.
I don't want to put you out.
You wouldn't be.
I mean, tomorrow is Christmas Eve,
you should be staying with friends or family.
How big are the cockroaches?
The size of your fist.
Ok.
I'll just grab my things at the hotel and meet you there.
Sorry, bedtime usually doesn't take that long.
He's excited we have company.
Oh, it's ok.
I kept busy by snooping.
Really?
Did you find my diary?
Oh yeah, picked the lock with a bobby pin.
Some more wine?
Sure, thanks.
There you go.
I think that I'm winning you over.
Sorry, what?
First the carols, then the ornaments.
Someone's getting into the Christmas spirit.
Oh, I'm sure it'll pass.
We'll see.
I can't believe it, this place hasn't changed.
At all.
Yeah.
You know, when my parents retired and put this place
on the market I couldn't stand the idea
of it not staying in the family.
With a new house it's so easy to just...
tear everything down and start over, but uh...
I guess it's a little different, your childhood home.
Do you remember the summer we went camping with your family?
You mean when we almost went camping.
Right.
Your brother got so sick before we even left the driveway
so your dad put tents up in the back yard instead.
I was so bummed.
I wasn't.
Your grandpa made the most amazing cinnamon rolls
for breakfast the next morning.
To date, the best thing I've ever eaten.
Ah yes, the Donner family cinnamon roll.
A staple of any family function.
Do you know how to make these rolls?
I do.
Then what are you waiting for?
I think they go better with a white wine.
You think I'm joking?
I'm very serious.
I don't even know if I have any cinnamon.
Oh.
Ok, you know what?
I promise I will make you some before you go.
I'm holding you to that.
Ok.
You know, it's probably later than I thought it was.
I'll help you get set up.
I brought you an extra blanket.
It gets a little chilly at night.
Thanks.
Also, I wanted to give you this.
Jesse.
I didn't draw your name but it seemed fitting
since you're our guardian angel.
It's for saving the factory.
Jesse, I think you need to be prepared for the possibility
that we might not be able to fix everything.
I believe in you.
I know that you can do it.
You wouldn't have been sent otherwise.
Thank you.
Goodnight.
Good night.
Morning, sweetheart.
I did it.
It took all night but I found a way to keep everyone on.
Oh, that's wonderful.
It's not a slam dunk just yet.
I still have to get approval and they usually don't let me
get this creative but it is a real solution.
Now I just have to convince them that it is
absolutely worth the extra effort.
Oh, I'm proud of you, Amelia.
Thanks, dad.
Oh, I think Jesse's up.
I can't wait to tell him.
You're at Jesse's?
Yeah.
Uh, when he found out that I was checked into the Roach Motel
by the highway he offered to let me stay.
In the guest room.
Down the hall.
Well, I see.
I know what you're thinking.
It's not that, I promise.
I gotta go.
I'll let you know how it all works out.
Did you get the gift your mom and I sent?
I did, it came last week.
What'd you think?
I haven't opened it yet.
Why not?
Because it
Good morning.
You want a coffee?
I would love a coffee.
I was up all night actually, working on this.
This looks great.
Mmmhmm.
It's a little out of the box but um... yeah.
I think it just might work.
Well it looks like we have ourselves a game plan.
I knew you could do it.
Amelia.
Dad's taking me to Millie's for breakfast.
Do you want to come?
Oh, I would love to but I need to head to the factory.
Ok.
Next time though.
I used to love their doughnuts.
I would dip them in hot chocolate.
Not a chance, pal.
You'd be bouncing off the walls.
I'll work on him.
Alright, you ready?
Yeah, let's go.
Excuse me, ma'am.
I was wondering if you could help me find this.
I've lost it.
Thank you.
Excuse me, if you would... um, thank you.
Thank you.
Ma'am, oh sir, ma'am, I've lost this,
I'm just wondering if you could help, it's a very small,
small little bauble.
That's not what we discussed.
I know.
You're recommending zero terminations?
I played around with the numbers last night.
I think if we get creative-
Your job is to cut the fat.
You're good at it!
That's why we sent you.
But if I found another way shouldn't we at last try?
This was never a salvage mission.
But it could be.
You should see this place.
See what they've made.
It's really something special.
We answer to our investors.
If it's not making money, it's not working.
I know, but-
Find out who is immediately expendable,
pink-slip them today, and get on a plane tonight.
You want me to pink-slip people on Christmas Eve?
It's not going to be any easier a week from now.
Plus, we need you back in DC after all.
Look, I know you're getting burnt out, it's a hard job.
But you have proven to be a valuable asset to this team.
You do this, you stay the course
and we will move you up to bigger and better things.
Ok?
Ok.
I got a question for you, buddy.
What is it?
Well, you know how it's just been you and me
for a while now?
What would you think if maybe sometime soon
there was someone new.
Someone new?
Yeah.
Like a puppy?
No, no. Not like a puppy.
Like a person.
Oh.
You know that I love your mother very much
and I will never try and replace her.
I know, dad.
So... that'd be ok?
Sure.
Alright.
Amelia is really pretty, don't you think?
Yeah, buddy.
She is.
Ben?
Ah, Amelia.
Morning. What can I do for you?
I need to see you in the office.
Do you think Amelia will like the doughnuts I picked out?
Oh, I don't know.
Let me have a taste test here.
No way.
I can't believe it's happening!
I don't know what I'm going to do now!
I'm so sorry.
Why don't you wait out here for a sec, Danny, alright?
Ok, I'll go find Amelia.
Ok.
It'll be ok.
What's going on?
I don't know.
Ask her.
What are you doing?
I've been instructed to make some cuts.
That's almost half of my staff.
I know.
I'm sorry, it's out of my hands.
You were supposed to save the factory, not kill it.
Jesse, there's nothing to save here.
People aren't going to buy these ornaments
when they can just get the cheap plastic version
at the dollar store.
No, that is not true.
There will always be space for tradition,
especially at Christmas.
Well, the numbers don't lie.
What about this, huh?
What about all your hard work?
They didn't go for it.
You know what?
I think you should leave.
No.
Not 'till I finish what I came here to do.
No, I'm not going to let you fire one more person.
You really don't have a choice.
This is my company!
It's not your company anymore!
Dad?
Danny, not now, ok?
We got these for you, Amelia.
I hope you like the chocolate ones.
I love the chocolate ones.
Thanks, Danny.
Come on, Danny, let's go.
Amelia's got work to do.
Wouldn't want to get in your way.
Sometimes we stay in places that are comfortable...
um... sometimes we stay in places that are comfortable
because they...
I'm sorry.
Do you think that everything happens for a reason?
I do.
I'm sorry, what?
I do think everything happens for a reason.
I don't want to get you in trouble, Jesse.
This is still my business
and you are not going anywhere.
We knew things were bad.
Maybe this is the only way.
I'm not going to accept that.
Jesse.
I'll be ok.
The most important thing is that the business survives.
It's what your grandpa would have wanted.
Not like this.
Please just stay and I will figure this out.
Really?
Yeah.
Ok.
Now get back to work.
Oh.
Are we going to lose the factory?
Why would you think that?
I heard some people talking about it.
They were really upset.
We're just going through a little rough patch right now,
but everything is gonna be fine.
I love you.
I don't want you to worry.
I'm not worried.
Amelia will help us.
Excuse me, I was hoping you could help me.
I don't really have the best track record in that department.
Sorry, bad day.
What can I help you with?
I've lost something very precious to me.
Have you seen it?
Uh, I have.
Let me write down the address for you.
Could I perhaps trouble you for a ride?
My vehicle, well... it had a bit of an accident.
I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry.
I have to catch a flight and I still have to pack.
He's right.
Um, you know what?
Hop on in.
Much obliged.
Uh, you should probably knock.
But your friend doesn't know who I am.
Trust me, you'll get a warmer welcome than I will.
I thought you would have been long gone by now.
Me too, actually.
This is Mr. Tomptey.
He's looking for his silver bauble.
Know where we might find it?
Come on in.
Hey, Danny, can you come downstairs please?
You have a lovely home.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, these are quite good.
Did your son make them?
Yeah.
Never can get mine to come out right.
I'm all thumbs.
I have to say,
I had almost given up hope of ever finding my bauble.
I was very relieved to run into your friend.
Ah, yeah... friend.
Hey, Danny.
We found the owner of your ball.
Santa?
Must be the beard.
I kept it safe for you.
There was a little crack in the bottom but I fixed it-
Danny, this is Mr. Tomptey.
He's not Santa Claus.
Oh.
But I'm very grateful you took such good care
of something so important to me.
Let's not keep Mr. Tomptey waiting.
Can you go get it for us?
Sure, it's in my room.
Thanks, Danny.
Funny kid.
I can't find it.
Ok, ok bud, slow down.
I was extra careful.
I believe you.
I'm sure it's around here somewhere.
Alright, spread out.
Let's go.
I'll find it, don't worry.
I'm really good at finding things.
I have no doubt that you are.
Because you really, really need it, right?
Right.
For your sleigh?
No, I'm afraid not.
It's just an old family heirloom.
I have another idea.
So I guess you couldn't make a clean getaway after all.
Believe me, I considered abandoning my wardrobe.
I should have known that you weren't playing chauffeur
out of the goodness of your heart.
What's that supposed to mean?
Jesse, I came here to do a job.
I'm not going to apologize for being capable.
You're not capable.
You're brilliant.
And that's why I thought you were the one person
that could help us.
That's what I was trying to do!
No, no, no.
You were trying to help yourself.
No, that's not true.
I did what needed to be done for the company.
No, there was another way, you said so yourself!
Will you answer that, please!
Hi, you've reached the Donners,
Jesse, Cara, and Danny.
Please leave a message after the beep.
Merry Christmas.
Um... I've just been busy with work.
I haven't um... I haven't had a chance to record a new one.
Jesse.
We can't find it.
Uh... maybe you left it somewhere else?
Where was the last place you remember having it?
You put it in your backpack this morning
when you guys went out for breakfast.
Ok, so maybe-maybe you lost it when we went out.
We can re-trace our steps.
I don't want to put you out.
No, no, it's-it's no trouble.
Thank you so much.
Uh, if it turns up you can reach me here.
We'll find it.
I know you will.
This time of year, anything is possible.
That sounds an awful lot like something Santa would say.
Amelia,
aren't you going to help us?
Oh, um...
No, she's gotta get going, buddy.
Please, Amelia?
Amelia is the best helper.
My dad says so.
Sure.
I'll help.
Hey guys.
Uh, I've got a question.
So I've lost something very important to me.
It's a small, shiny ball,
it's about this big and it looks like this.
Has anybody seen it?
It's so different.
The town re-did the whole thing a couple of years back.
No jungle gym, no monkey bars?
Too dangerous.
We lived.
It's all gone.
Not all of it.
Well at least they had the good sense
to keep a little history intact.
Yeah, well some people are so quick to move on
to the next new thing.
Jesse, there's a difference
between a reverence for the past
and stubbornly holding on to a business that's broken.
Yeah, well I don't believe on giving up on things
that matter.
Well, just because we love something
doesn't mean that it works.
I'm sure that at one point Annie and Cindy really were best friends
and that Josh did heart Jennifer,
but nothing lasts forever.
That's not true.
I gotta go find Danny.
Jesse wants us to stay put.
He's trying to figure out a way to keep us all on.
I don't stay anywhere I'm not respected.
Just give it one day?
I haven't seen it since yesterday.
I'll keep an eye open.
Thanks.
You look awfully familiar.
Have we met before?
Yeah, um...
You remember Amelia, right?
She went to school with us, Rach.
Wait, Amelia Pierce?
Of course I remember.
Probably not as much as you do, Jess.
Funny.
It's nice to see you again.
It's good to see you, too.
I was only here for a few years,
I'm surprised anybody remembers me.
I'm not.
You make an impression.
I'm gonna go.
I'm gonna check the back, alright?
Hey bud, any luck?
No.
Um, Amelia?
Yeah?
Do you think Mr. Tomptey is... Santa?
I think Mr. Tomptey is a very nice man
who needs a little help.
But not Santa?
No.
I don't understand.
It was in my book.
Well, sometimes we see things we want to see
because they make us happy.
Do you know what I mean?
No.
Rachael, hi.
I have to go make a phone call outside.
Will you let your dad know?
Ok.
Keep looking.
I would like one of those lovely pecan pies.
It's not in the booth or the bathroom.
Where's Amelia?
She went outside.
Jesse, hi.
Hey.
I'm just picking up a pie for dessert.
You know how my Joe has a sweet tooth.
Right.
Uh, I'm glad that I ran into you.
Have you seen Danny's silver ball?
Oh, the one from the party?
Yeah.
Oh, I found it on one of the work stations
and I put it in the lost and found.
Thank you so much, Betsy.
Thank you.
Come on, bud.
Hey.
Call Mr. Tomptey, we know where it is.
Really? That's great!
So why were you waiting outside?
I was just checking some email.
Was it because Betsy walked into the diner?
Wow, Jesse, I really don't want to fight anymore.
Look, neither do I.
Just ask yourself this: if you're so ok
with what happened to that factory
then why do you feel the need to hide away?
Just give me one sec and I will have your bauble, Mr. Tomptey.
My, my.
These are beautiful.
They don't make them like this anymore.
No, they really don't.
They remind me of home.
Where is home?
Um, just up north.
Oh, what a splendid tree.
It must be quite the sight when it's all lit up.
One of the strands is broken.
Oh, what a shame.
The box is gone.
It's not where we normally keep it.
I can't find it anywhere.
What are we going to do now?
I don't know if there's anything we can do.
Sorry we called you all the way out here for bad news.
No, no.
You've all been wonderful.
Especially you, young man.
You went to a lot of trouble to help someone in need.
You're a very good boy, Daniel.
I'm sorry I didn't believe you when you said you weren't Santa.
That's quite alright.
I may not be Santa,
but I do know a thing or two about Christmas lights.
I guess it really was a bulb.
It's probably getting late.
I should go or I'm gonna miss my flight.
Yeah, we'll walk you out.
Come on.
It was magic, just like you said, dad!
It's Christmas Eve, Danny.
I think that Santa's a little too busy
to spend the day with us on a scavenger hunt.
Not if he lost a part that he needed to make his sleigh work.
Well.
Have a safe flight.
Thanks.
You guys want a ride?
No, no, no.
We'll just walk, right buddy?
Danny, it was so good to meet you.
Do you really have to go?
I do.
Will you come back to visit?
I'll try.
Ok, let's go.
Danny?
Danny, dinnertime!
He is Santa, I know it.
Danny.
He is, and I ruined Christmas.
You haven't ruined anything.
You said he needed that part
to get to everyone on Christmas.
I was wrong.
You're never wrong.
Son, I'm often wrong.
He's gonna miss someone now.
And it's gonna be all my fault.
Come here, come here, buddy.
Hey buddy, it's ok.
It's ok.
I mean, my job has never been easy
but I always knew it was for the greater good.
For every person that I fired I was saving 50 more.
I told you this would be much tougher than you're used to.
You think you can just turn your feelings on and off
whenever it's convenient.
Well, you can't, Amelia.
But it wasn't just because I knew those people.
I mean, I'm sure that that was part of it
but Donner's was different.
I came up with some real solutions and my bosses
wouldn't even entertain them.
Those layoffs were the easy decision,
not the right one.
So what are you going to do?
Dad, I'm gonna call you back.
Merry Christmas, Miels.
Merry Christmas.
Here, Ben, let me help you!
I don't need it.
Please.
You have every right to be mad at me.
I need you to know how sorry I am.
You were right.
I was wrong.
I should have fought harder.
Thank you.
I appreciate that.
Wait a minute.
Hey, what are you doing?
It's here!
How did that get in there?
I need to get this to Danny!
Hello?
Come in.
What are you doing here?
Delivering a Christmas present.
Where did you find that?
Lost and found.
Danny! Come here!
Amelia's got something for ya.
Thank you, Amelia!
Thank you!
You saved Christmas.
That's strange, it says the number is out of service.
Ok, thank you.
Happy holidays.
No luck?
No one seems to know him.
That's so strange.
Everyone knows everyone in this town.
There has to be someone else we can call.
We'll ask around tomorrow morning.
It'll be too late!
He needs it tonight.
There's nothing more we can do, buddy.
Is he gonna be ok?
Yeah, I'll just give him some space to cool off.
I'm so sorry, I just wanted to help.
No, it means a lot that you would do that for him.
Don't you have a plane you should be catching?
Oh, yeah.
I definitely missed that.
I already emailed my boss.
Want some hot chocolate?
Mmmhmm.
Coming up.
You know that's supposed to go on the string.
That's such a waste.
Nothing is a waste if it brings you joy.
Were you this corny when we dated?
Probably, though I did go through a brief punk phase
in senior year.
Oh, wow.
I'm sorry I missed that.
Are you playing with me?
Dead serious.
I had the metal studs, the leather jacket, the whole bit.
Finally, the true meaning behind the rockin' Christmas ornament.
Busted.
Who are you dodging?
My boss.
She expected me in DC by tomorrow.
She's not going to be happy.
Could you lose your job over that?
No, but when the brass starts questioning your priorities
it can be just as bad.
I'm sorry.
What do you do when you start to hate the thing
you're good at?
I don't know, I think I have the opposite problem.
I love a job that I'm not cut out for.
But Jesse, what you've built...
I've never seen anything like it.
You're employees literally whistle while they work.
Yeah, well Christmas carols can't keep a business afloat.
When I grew up in that factory I thought I knew everything
there was to know about running that company, but...
when the orders disappeared
I was out of my depth.
I owe you an apology.
I shouldn't have blamed you for the layoffs.
That was all me.
Not you.
You know what I say? I say nuts to that.
Nuts to what?
Donner's doesn't have to fail.
And it shouldn't.
It already has, hasn't it?
No, no, no.
Your numbers aren't great but they're workable.
You're gonna need some pretty deep cuts right away
but I actually got a lot of waste on your books.
Done.
The big thing is gonna be securing new orders.
You need someone to buy these ornaments
and in large quantities.
I can forward you a list of potentials.
You'll just need to work your charm.
Charm I can do.
Well, I'm aware.
What happens if it doesn't work?
Then we go down swinging.
I was right.
About what?
We make a good team.
Yeah, we do.
I'm gonna go check on Danny,
see if he wants to help us with the garland.
Danny! What are you up to, pal?
Danny?
He's gone!
What do you mean, "he's gone"?
Danny!
We'll find him.
His bike is gone. Where would he go?
Maybe the factory?
It was the last place we spoke to Mr. Tomptey.
It's worth a try.
This is all my fault,
I should never have fed into the fantasies.
Every parent does.
It's just that his mother loved Christmas so much
I wanted to keep the traditions alive for him
as long as possible.
And I'm sure that means the world to him.
Yeah, but when is it too much?
I mean, he carries that Christmas book around like
it's a security blanket.
The book.
I think I know where he is.
Where?
The crash site.
Mr. Tomptey! Mr. Tomptey!
Santa!
Mr. Tomptey? Mr. Tomptey!
Santa!
Oh no.
No!
Now, now.
No need to cry.
I broke your bauble.
I'm sorry.
Sometimes things that are precious to us break,
and we feel we might break along with them.
But we can always put the pieces back together.
It may look a little different when we're finished,
but it will be just as precious in its own way.
But nothing can fix this.
Not even glue.
Can I tell you a secret?
I never really needed the bauble.
But I don't understand.
If you never needed the bauble
then why were you here?
To deliver your present, Daniel.
Merry Christmas.
Danny!
Danny!!
Hey! Hey!
Hey, buddy.
Are you ok?
Yeah, I'm ok.
You scared me.
I'm sorry, I just wanted to find Mr. Tomptey.
Look, the next time something's bothering you,
you come to me and we'll fix it together, ok?
Alright.
Come on, let's go!
You ok?
We were so worried.
Is it a scarf?
No.
A thermos?
Dad, you think I got you a thermos for Christmas?
Hey, I need a thermos.
Just open it!
Alright, here it goes.
Let's see, it is... oh my, my, my.
Oh, I love it.
It's beautiful.
Yeah, see?
Since you insist on living in an icy tundra,
I thought you could use that.
Oh, thank you, thank you, Miels.
Love it.
Ok, your turn.
Oh, I'm gonna have to rain check my gift.
I'm still in Carbon Hills.
You missed your flight?
It's a long story, I'll fill you in at New Year's.
He came!
Santa came!
Dad, I gotta go.
Hey, hey.
Call me the minute you open it.
I promise.
You're gonna love it.
I'm sure I will.
It's portable.
There's your last clue.
Dad, I didn't ask for a first one.
Maybe I'll send you a picture.
Dad!
Good things are worth the wait.
Yeah.
Yes, yes. That's true.
Love you, Miels.
Merry Christmas.
Look what Santa brought me!
Oh, that's awesome!
Can we try them out, dad?
After breakfast, ok?
No, you didn't!
I found some cinnamon.
Oh, even better than I remember.
Oh, Santa brought you something, too, Amelia.
He did?
It wasn't me.
It's cute.
Holly?
No.
No, not that one.
Well, it is tradition.
I thought you weren't big on sentiment.
You're winning me over.
Oh.
It's my boss.
Time to face the music?
Hey, dad?
I'll take it outside.
Come here, bud.
So where did we leave off?
Um...
Hello?
Finally!
I've been calling you all night!
I know, I'm sorry.
I got a little tied up.
That's certainly an understatement.
But a little heads-up next time would be appreciated
when you're making a deal this size.
Deal?
And mamma in her kerchief and I in my cap
had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.
Is everything ok?
She was calling to congratulate me.
Congratulate?
On securing a sizable new purchase order for Donner's.
You did?
Apparently.
Uh, well is it big enough to save the factory?
It's bigger.
They want to expand.
Really?
Really!
And they want me to oversee the whole thing.
Who was it?
Tomptey Global Deliveries.
Tomptey.
Hey, Danny, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean to interrupt the story.
You know, it's ok.
We can start from the beginning.
Come here.
Can you read it, Amelia?
Absolutely.
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
How am I doing?
Better than dad.
Hey now, it's not a competition.
Lucky for you.
Maybe we should alternate pages...
No, no, no.
Keep going, Amelia.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
while visions of sugar plumbs danced in their heads.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.
And mom in her kerchief and I in my cap
had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap...