Christmas Land (2015)

[bunniefuu]

[children chattering]

It's not quite right, is it, Jules?

No, Grandma.

It's missing something.

Well, Jules, like I always say, "When in doubt, add glitter."

You were right!

Now it's beautiful.

Just like you.

Children, my name is Glinda Stanwyck, and I love Christmas so much that I created this entire holiday village for you and your families to come and enjoy.

But it's getting late, and you don't wanna miss the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, do you?

No!

All right then!

Chop chop!

[cheering]

MAN: There she is! Look!

WOMAN: They're gonna light the Christmas tree. Let's go see!

MAN: Come on, let's follow.

-WOMAN: Merry Christmas, Glinda!

-CHILD: Merry Christmas!

[people celebrating]

Okay.

Wave at the camera, darling.

When you're not here, I can watch this and pretend that you are.

I love you, Grandma!

MAN: Merry Christmas, Glinda!

Hi!

WOMAN: Come on!

-Whoo!

-WOMAN: Merry Christmas, Glinda!

MAN: Merry Christmas, Glinda!

We love you!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Thank you all so much for coming to tonight's Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

All right, everybody, on the count of three!

ALL: One, two, three!

[cheers and applause]

CHILDREN: Merry Christmas!

This is so awesome.

I'll never forget it.

And I'll never forget you.

♪♪ [upbeat]

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Tick tock tick It's coming up quick ♪

♪ Yeah, Santa Claus is on his way ♪

♪ Loading lots of toys for the girls and boys ♪

♪ On his trusty Christmas sleigh ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, wee ♪

♪ Christmas is coming fast ♪

[phone rings]

This is Jules.

Yes, all media have the press release.

#WearRedGoGreen is officially trending.

Perfect. Bye.

h* h* h* h*.

I think we can wear red.

Yes! Go green!

Now through Christmas, any customer wearing red will get a green reusable coffee mug.

Bring it back to any Nickerson's location coast to coast, and your coffee refill is half-price.

It's Nickerson's way of saying

"h* h* h*!" to their customers and to the environment.

For News 8, I'm Hudson Goodell.

Megan, back to you.

And we're clear.

Jules, how you doing?

Good.

Good to see you.

That was great. Thank you.

The place looks fantastic.

Jules is here.

Hi.

Pardon me.

Jules.

Thank you for all of your tireless work.

I mean, I had high hopes for this campaign, but I must say I am thrilled.

It is better than I could possibly have hoped for.

Well, that is my job, Ms. Nickerson, to exceed expectations.

Well, you're darn good at it.

In fact, I was just singing your praises to your boss when you came in.

That was very nice of you.

Oh, and while you're here, I wanna get a picture of you at the big event.

Do you ever stop working?

I'm gonna take some time off over the holidays.

Tim, Ms. Nickerson.

Ma'am.

I wanna get a picture of her with the customers.

No problem.

Great, thank you.

I know exactly where I'd like it. Over here.

Oh, hey, Jules, if Nickerson's Coffee can ever help you as much as you've helped us, please, do not hesitate to pick up the phone.

I just might take you up on that.

I hope you do.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

So, Tim?

Yes.

Uh, let's set up the shots so you can see the menu as well as the employees and all the happy customers.

Merry Christmas.

[line ringing]

You've reached Mitchell Johnson.

Leave a message at the beep.

Mitchell, where are you?

You said you'd be here.

Text me your ETA.

So... did you get stood up again?

No.

No, Mr. Hobbs.

Mitchell said he'd be here.

He promised.

You hit a home run with this campaign.

I mean, you never fail us.

I'm beginning to think you're some kind of branding genius.

Thank you.

And you're kinda promoted.

How does "Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy" sound to you?

That sounds fantastic.

And you know the best part?

No more globetrotting.

Yeah, you finally get to call New York City your home.

Ah!

[laughs]

[door buzzer]

Hey. Getting a cab was nuts.

I got your text.

Sorry I missed the coffee thing.

I got caught up with a client.

How'd it go?

Pretty well.

I got promoted.

Wow! That's-- That's great.

Yeah!

Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy.

"Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy."

You still have no idea what I do, do you?

You...

Mm-hmm.

You develop brand identity through the eyes of the customer.

Cheater.

Well, hey, maybe now you can buy that condo you've been eyeing on West 80th.

I got a promotion.

I didn't win the lottery.

Well, congratulations.

Thank you.

Mm!

No more traveling.

I can finally unpack my suitcases and live like a normal human being.

I hope this doesn't screw up your vacation time.

No, I still have the time off, but they want me to hit the ground running first of the year.

Good, because I've got some news too.

How would you like to spend Christmas in Aruba?

Aruba?

Yeah, a client of mine has a place there, and he was so thrilled with our last deal that he offered it up to me for the holidays.

We leave next week.

I guess I won't unpack.

[laughs]

Uh, while we're gone, you might wanna think about holding your mail, as well.

It's just junk mail.

Subscription to The New Yorker expired.

I never had time to read it anyway.

Did you see this letter?

I don't know.

Who's it from?

A law firm, marked

"Third notice. Urgent."

Hey!

I think opening someone else's mail is ill*gal.

I know. I'm an attorney.

Huh.

What is it?

Well, it appears you've inherited a house from a Ms. Glinda Stanwyck.

Oh. That's Grandma Glinda.

She died when I was in Poland, remember?

Well, I think you should go take a look at this property, see what kind of shape it's in.

I'll push Aruba a week.

I think the sooner you take a look, the better.

No. Why can't I just go after?

Well, legally, you've only got nine months to claim it, otherwise it goes to probate the first of the year.

Who knows? You might be able to sell this thing, make a nice little profit.

Let me see that.

"House and surrounding compound."

I don't believe it.

What is it?

I inherited Christmas Land.

Jules Cooper, I presume.

Guilty as charged.

Hi. Tucker Barnes.

You must be the caretaker.

Oh, no, not exactly.

I'm the estate attorney with Barnes and Bantley.

Oh.

My boyfriend's an attorney and, well, you just don't look like an attorney.

I will take that as a compliment.

Nice to meet you.

Likewise.

We actually had a heck of a time tracking you down.

Sorry. I have been traveling for work, and I can barely keep up with my emails, much less snail mail.

Ah, life in the fast lane.

I understand.

Things are a little less hectic here.

I remember.

I used to come every year when I was little.

I know you did.

You do?

I was in the crowd one year when Glinda had you light up the tree.

Really?

That's amazing.

Well, welcome back to Christmas Land.

Do you want me to show you around?

Sure.

And the Christmas tree farm, who does that belong to?

You.

Wait, I thought it was just Grandma's house and these buildings.

No. Everything the eye can see from here belongs to you now.

Do you want me to show you the house now?

Yeah.

[Jules sighs]

Like a picture in a storybook.

It's been closed up for the last couple months.

As you can see, everything was pretty much left intact.

[sighs]

Grandma.

Are you okay?

Just miss her.

Why'd you stop coming to visit?

When I was 12, my dad got transferred, so I wasn't able to make it back as much.

She came to visit us instead.

Where are your parents now?

Seattle.

Could use some dusting.

Yeah, and the village could use a little paint here and there, and most of the attractions need maintenance.

But, you know, with a little TLC, I think the place could be as good as new.

Ta-da!

Cute.

So are you interested?

Oh, absolutely.

Yes, I am really glad I came.

Great.

I'm just wondering how long it will take to sell.

Sell?

Is that a problem?

No, no.

It's your right, of course.

It's just that, well, when the town heard that Glinda's granddaughter was inheriting the place, I think that we all hoped that... that you might open it up again and run it like your grandmother did.

[laughs]

Me?

No. No, no, no.

I-- Well, I actually just got promoted.

No. I'm a city girl now.

But, I mean, this place is great.

It's just as wonderful as I remember it.

Yes, it is.

But I'm still gonna sell it.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Let me show you the rest of the place.

Hey, what's cooking?

Hey, Tucker.

You must be the granddaughter.

That would be me.

Jules Cooper.

Honored to meet you.

Uncle Frank is the caretaker here.

Ah. It's an honor to meet you too.

I thought this place was closed.

This time of year, we sell Christmas trees, thanks largely to Uncle Frank.

You're the spitting image of your grandma when she was young.

She's gotta be smiling, looking down at you right now.

It's a great thing, you being here.

Uncle Frank--

Opening this place back up, getting her going again like it was in the glory days.

Uncle Frank--

It's gonna make so many people in town happy.

Okay, um...

I'm just going to stop you.

I'm not going to reopen the place.

Well, that's what you said.

I never said that.

I said that maybe she would...

I said that maybe you would.

She's not moving to town.

No, I'm not. I'm sorry.

Yeah, well, have fun telling that to everybody in town whose Christmas you just ruined.

Uncle Frank, I--

Unc--

You know what?

I can possibly find a buyer who might wanna reopen the place.

I'll keep that in mind!

Mm-hmm.

Believe me, I didn't tell people you were gonna open up the place again for sure.

But you told them I might.

A guy can hope, right?

You have to understand that--

I do. It's...

It's just people around here have a tendency to jump to conclusions.

I can see that.

Look, I know how special this place is, and I can see how much potential it has.

Totally! And right now we're only selling trees.

When Glinda was in her prime, and this place was going full blast...

You know, he's right.

You actually do look a lot like her.

[doorbell rings]

Oh, is this her?

Gretchen, Eloise, this is Jules Cooper, Glinda's granddaughter.

Oh, I used to work in the bakery, and I just want you to know I am ready to bake again.

Welcome.

Ladies...

And I used to work in the ice cream parlor, and I know what it's like to get a place going again.

So whenever you're ready, I am available when you need me!

She has her eyes.

Don't you think she has her eyes?

Oh, she has her eyes!

Yes!

Well, thank you.

You are quite the welcoming committee.

We thought since you're opening up the place again that you deserve the red carpet tre-- that is, the red velvet cupcake treatment!

[laughing]

No. Um...

See, I think there's been some sort of miscommunication.

Ladies, gather up your treats because we've been tricked.

Tricked?

Tricked?

She has no intention of opening Christmas Land back up.

Well, what is she doing here then?

If you're not gonna tell 'em, I will.

I'm gonna sell the place.

Told ya.

[sighs]

Sell it? Hmmph!

Or rent it maybe.

You see, I don't live here.

I have a job and an apartment in New York.

Well, la-dee-dah.

I guess the bright side is, we don't have to get any of the attractions ready in time for Christmas now.

Okay, well, this has been fun.

I'm sorry.

They just got their hopes up.

I think we all got a little carried away with a trip down memory lane, but let's get real.

If I'm gonna sell this place, I need to claim it first, right?

Right. I have the papers at my office.

Great.

And just your signature here to make it official.

I'm glad you had the paperwork drawn up and ready to be signed because I have a lot going on back in New York.

I can't take on anything else right now, especially this close to Christmas, so selling it... does make the most sense.

Yes. You have said that.

A few times.

Well, I don't think you'll have much trouble.

Over the years a lot of people made offers to Glinda, but she never sold.

Why not?

They always had their own ideas, and it was important to her that Christmas Land stay the way it is.

Or was.

You know, I guess I... could, I mean should... clean the place up, right?

If I'm gonna sell it, then a buyer needs to see it in its best light.

You think it's difficult for people to see its potential?

Well, I can see it, but... some people need a little more convincing.

Yes, some people do.

Hmm.

[typing]

Hey, hon, here's Mr. Barnes.

Hello, Mr. Barnes.

I'm here from St. Ed's to ask if you'd be willing to make a donation to our annual Christmas show.

Oh.

Wait a second.

Are you her?

Her who?

The Christmas angel lady who's going to reopen Christmas Land?

Listen--

Yes.

What?

I am going to reopen Christmas Land.

I'm going to reopen Christmas Land!

You're gonna do what?

I am going to reopen Christmas Land.

I'm gonna get the whole thing up and running for Christmas.

Are you nuts?

Christmas is in a couple weeks, and we're going to Aruba.

We can go after Christmas and then stay through New Year's.

So you're gonna stay there for Christmas?

Yes! Prospective buyers need to see the full potential of this place.

That's why I have to reopen it.

I'm not following.

- I'm in marketing.

Picture it.

You are showing a potential buyer this beautiful winter wonderland all decked out in ivy and mistletoe, the smell of gingerbread and peppermint fills the air.

Carolers serenade you, all the while, passing acres and acres of Christmas trees.

Wait, wait. Wait a second.

Did you say acres?

I thought it was just this old house and a row of little shops.

It's like 200 acres.

200?

Mitchell, are you there?

Yeah, yeah.

Uh, you know what?

Have that lawyer email the paperwork, and you stay there and make the place look presentable.

Just leave it to me, Mrs. Claus.

Santa is gonna deliver you a buyer by Christmas Eve.

Talk to you later, babe.

There you go.

Thank you for letting me use your office.

Well, thank you for changing your mind.

Do you know how far it is to the inn?

The inn?

That's where I'm staying tonight.

No, no!

Christmas Land is yours now.

Uncle Frank and those nice ladies you met, they're cleaning up the place as we speak, getting ready for you to move in tonight.

Oh.

Here we are.

Goes without saying, all this is yours too.

So what do you say?

You gonna move in?

No.

I mean, I don't think so.

All I'm concentrating on right now is getting Christmas Land up and running again ASAP.

Well, your grandmother loved this place.

[sighs]

It's a far cry from the city.

And that's why I love it.

Doesn't get too quiet for you?

I guess it's a bit slower, but that doesn't bother me.

You like things slower?

I like to enjoy myself.

Everyone's always in such a hurry.

Comes a time in your life when you have to slow down, decide where you want to call home, right?

So you have everything you need here?

Almost everything.

[phone rings]

Oh, I gotta get this.

Yeah.

It's my boyfriend.

Ah.

Yeah.

Hi, Mitchell.

Hey, babe.

So how's it going?

Fine, but hold on a second.

I'll just be a minute.

No, no, no, that's okay.

You talk.

I'll come by tomorrow at 9 a.m., pick you up, show you the rest of the property and help you get started fixing the place up.

Night.

Bye.

Who was that?

Tucker.

Tucker?

Yeah, Tucker Barnes, the estate attorney.

Wait, Tucker Barnes is the attorney?

What?

Do you know him or something?

I went to law school with a Tucker Barnes, if it's the same guy.

How old is he?

Um, our age.

Brown hair, your height.

Athletic build.

- Yep.

That's him.

He was, uh...

He was what?

He had a reputation.

[laughs]

Are you jealous?

Jealous of Tucker Barnes?

Give me a break.

I know. Give me a little more information about this place.

[engine starts]

Everything okay?

It's actually amazing.

It would be a great place to raise a family.

Yeah, if you're into that kind of thing.

"That kind of thing?"

Well, what I mean is if you're able to sell this place, you might be able to make an amazing investment in the city.

Maybe that dream condo on the upper west side?

Yeah.

- Well, you get some sleep, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Good night.

'Night.

[groans]

[sighs]

What have I gotten myself into?

Good morning.

Oh, morning.

Tucker stopped by on his way out last night and asked me to get you breakfast this morning at 8:30.

Well, you didn't have to do that.

I gotta eat too.

And it's just as easy to cook for two as it is for one.

Well, thank you.

Mm-hmm.

So do you live here too?

Yes, there's a guesthouse behind the gift shop.

I squat there from time to time.

I hope that's not a problem.

No.

No, not at all.

Jules, I wanted to apologize about yesterday and how harsh I was.

Tucker said that you're gonna be opening up the old place again.

Morning!

Oh, this is cozy.

Yeah, um...

[clears throat]

You know what? I, um...

I'm gonna just go get ready and shower and, you know, just--

You just, um...

Shovel the walkway.

Yeah, yep, yep, okay.

10 minutes!

[laughs]

Amazing.

Nice coat.

I found some of Grandma's clothes.

What? You don't think it suits me.

No, I-- I love it.

It's fitting, especially now that you're running the place.

So how was your sleep?

Okay, once I fell asleep.

It's really quiet, which kind of freaked me out.

Freaked you out?

Not a lot of sirens here.

I'm used to sirens.

I like sirens.

Don't sirens usually mean someone's hurt?

That's not what I meant.

It's just...

I have a lot on my mind with fixing this place up and Aruba--

Yeah, you seem a little vexed.

Vexed?

Yeah.

Vexed.

Oh.

Can you promise me something?

Depends on what it is.

Look...

I do still plan on selling this place.

Oh, now I understand why you're vexed.

But I also still plan on reopening Christmas Land.

I do. I just don't everyone to get down and out and like that, like it's the last Christmas or something.

Well, if you sell the place, it is the last Christmas.

You see? No.

I have a plan.

Lying to everyone.

No!

If everything goes the way I think it will, I'm pretty sure I can find a buyer for this place who will keep it open for good.

But not you.

Tucker, I have a life and a job in New York.

Right. The sirens.

Okay, will you help me?

How can I help?

Just... go along with it.

Keep everyone's spirits up.

Seems like you're the one that does that anyway.

What makes you think that?

First impressions.

Come on. Just help me.

I'm really not that good at lying to people.

It's not lying!

It's just, um, withholding the truth.

[laughs]

What is it you do again for a living?

I'm Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy.

Ah. You make stuff up.

You wanna show me the rest of this place?

Come on.

[sighs]

So here we are at the barn.

[Jules laughs]

Okay.

TUCKER: Well, this was probably Christmas Land's biggest attraction JULES: I remember.

TUCKER: But as you can see...

it's...

Missing a wheel.

Yeah.

You'll probably wanna leave this particular project to whoever actually buys the place.

You don't think I can fix it?

[laughs]

Uh, no.

And even if you could, I think it would take a level of commitment to Christmas Land that I just don't think you have.

Coming?

So, Frank, what's the damage this year?

25.

25. No problem.

Best trees in town.

Yeah, they are the best.

Here you go.

You have a Merry, Merry Christmas, okay?

Merry Christmas to you, Frank.

JULES: You make your customers pay right on the spot?

Yeah, what's wrong with that?

That's just shortsighted.

Make 'em pay in the gift store.

When they're in there, they might find some ornaments and things to decorate their trees, and on the way out, smell the cookies from the bakery, buy a dozen of those.

Huh. That's not a bad idea, actually.

It's what I do.

So you spend quite a bit of time here.

Not a lot going on in the office this time of year?

Hey, I'm working.

I'm showing you around your property.

Oh, that is until you sell it to the highest bidder.

Stop!

You don't have much of a sense of humor, do you?

I have a keen sense of humor, and I sense none.

[chuckles]

But not a bad gig, right?

Showing me around?

Ah, I'm still making up my mind.

[laughs]

Honestly, I like to try to get out here as much as I can, especially this time of year.

And as high maintenance as you are--

High maintenance?

Yes! You can't sleep without sirens.

You are definitely high maintenance.

But what I was trying to say is... glad you're here.

I wasn't here last Christmas, and this gives me a good excuse.

Well, I'm glad I could help.

Ah.

These trees are gorgeous.

They're missing something though.

They are?

Yeah, don't you remember?

Some of the trees were decorated with ornaments that the kids made?

Oh, yes!

Crafty Christmas Club.

And when you said you were reopening the place, I thought you might wanna bring some traditions back, so I took some liberties.

What kind of liberties?

Come on, I'll show you.

[children laugh]

Oh, kids, this is Ms. Cooper.

Jules.

This is the lovely young lady who is going to reopen Christmas Land!

Yay!

You know what? Maybe you would like to show 'em how it's done.

Huh?

Making ornaments.

Well, I-- I couldn't.

No, that's a great idea.

Show us how it's done, queen of Christmas Land.

Oh, yes.

And I'm so glad you changed your mind.

What do you think of this, Ms. Cooper?

Well!

I think it's pretty great.

Is it finished?

I don't know.

I can't decide.

Well, my grandmother always used to say, "When in doubt, add glitter."

How do I do that?

[laughs]

I will show you!

So you're gonna take this brush, brush the glue on...

She has a way with the kids.

You take the glitter and just sprinkle it on.

And then blow off the excess.

[blows]

GIRL: Wow!

She's quite the girl.

I know what you're doing.

What?

I'm just missing work, walking a lovely young lady around Christmas Land all day.

Oh, wait.

That's what you're doing.

Thanks, Ms. Cooper.

My pleasure, sweetheart.

It's gonna be beautiful, just like you.

[engine starts]

JULES: Bye!

Are you okay?

I should have had photographers here.

What?

I should have had photographers here for this.

The place wasn't ready.

I wasn't ready.

Things need to be cleaned and fixed.

What are you talking about?

The kids had a great time.

Well, I'm sure they did, but there's a lot more work to do.

You haven't seen anything yet.

They created a Christmas monster.

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la La la la la ♪

You know, I could throw some trash on the ground and make it feel more like home, if you like.

Oh, you would do that for little old me?

George.

Tucker.

George, I want you to meet the young--

You must be Jules Cooper.

I can't tell you what a great thing you're doing.

Reopening Christmas Land?

Best news we've had around here in a long time.

Well, actually, that is why I'm here.

I need some paint and--

Sure, sure.

Anything you need, and it's on the house.

Has anyone ever told you that you have your grandmother's eyes?

I've been hearing that a lot lately.

It's fitting that Glinda's granddaughter would swoop down like some kind of Christmas angel and save us again.

Again?

Yeah.

That place out there is a real shot in the arm.

Businesses in Fox Valley were closing left and right.

Then Glinda opened Christmas Land and saved my store.

Heck, it saved the whole community.

Let's go get you some paint.

Hey, so what did he mean, that Christmas Land saved the whole community?

Well, like most people around here, George has a tendency to exaggerate a little bit.

But Christmas Land made people feel special.

They're proud of it.

It's something for them to feel good about.

You know, get behind the town.

It's kinda like a mascot or a...

Symbol.

Yeah.

Sometimes a symbol is all you need.

♪ It's a winter wonderland ♪

♪ So Merry Christmas ♪

♪ It's a winter wonderland ♪

♪ So Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

How much do I owe you this year, Frank?

Don't handle payments out here anymore, Gary.

You gotta pay at the gift shop.

New owners, new policies, huh?

Yup.

But this is one policy I think you're gonna like.

Since you're buying a tree, you get 25% off any tree decorations or lights.

Really?

That is a darn good deal.

Thank you kindly, Frank.

Merry Christmas, Gary.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Well, I gotta hand it to you.

You were dead right.

Through the eyes of the customer.

The key to a successful business plan.

So this is what you city slickers call a soft opening?

Yep! You open up the doors a few days early, iron out the kinks, and then you have the grand reopening gala.

Gala. We're not in the city anymore.

We don't do galas.

I do galas!

Don't worry.

Plenty of eggnog.

No champagne.

Place looks pretty great.

What's it like here in the offseason?

Well, it's a bit quieter.

I worked here as a kid in the summers.

Doing what?

Growing Christmas trees with Uncle Frank.

It's a Christmas tree farm, Jules.

So you planted all of these trees.

No, not all of them, but a lot of them.

Ah! See that patch over there?

Planted those.

Those are scotch pines.

What about that one?

You tell me.

How am I supposed to know?

You need to know this stuff.

I don't think that's necessary.

If you're gonna be running the place.

Only for a couple of weeks.

Oh, yeah.

I keep forgetting.

I think the Christmas tree farm is doing just fine without me.

Well, don't forget, the trees are the heart of the place.

All this other stuff, it's--

A brand, Tucker.

Speaking of which...

I'm fixing this!

Jules!

Look around!

This is a great business, and it's finally becoming a great brand.

This is the final touch, and it's gonna be so sweet.

You're going to fix this?

Mm-hmm.

What do you know about carriages?

A lot, actually, thanks to this place.

My grandmother taught me how to care for the horses and maintain the carriage.

Came in handy too.

One summer, I worked in Central Park, driving a carriage.

You're kidding.

[Jules laughs]

What? You think you're the only one that worked in nature during the summers?

Oh, Central Park is nature now?

What exactly happened to you in the city, by the way?

Were you mugged or something?

There are lots of nice things to do in the city.

Pass me those tools, please.

And I have nothing against the cities.

They are great places to visit.

I just don't wanna live there.

Somebody broke your heart.

Let's just say that the breaking was mutual.

You know, she didn't like the snow, she didn't like the leaves, she didn't like the rain--

So seasons then?

[laughs]

Yeah, yeah, I guess.

My parents moved to Florida a couple years ago, my brother lives in San Diego.

Everybody I know is just so over the cold.

And I know this sounds strange, but... the cold keeps me warm.

Does that make sense?

What about you?

What about me?

Why don't you buy it?

Well, pro bono work doesn't exactly pay that well.

Which reminds me, I have to get back to the office, wrap up the year-end stuff.

Whoa!

You're not gonna stay and watch me fix this thing?

Watch you?

You know if you asked nicely, I could help you.

I can fix it fine without you.

I just thought you'd enjoy the lesson.

You're going to give me a lesson.

Class is about to begin, Counselor.

Oh!

[laughing]

Jules?

Mitchell Johnson?

I fell.

Are you okay?

Oh, I'm fine.

No, I mean what you're wearing.

Well, actually, this is my...

You look like a hobo.

...grandmother's.

Anyway, it's great to see you.

Um, so what are you doing here?

I have the same question.

Tucker Barnes.

Can't believe it.

Though I'm not surprised to find you in a barn.

Nice to see you, Mitchell.

Funny story, actually.

Mitchell told me that he went to school with a Tucker Barnes.

I wasn't sure it was the same guy.

It's a small world, huh?

It's too small.

This is your boyfriend, huh?

So, Mitchell, um, what are you doing here?

I've got some business in Chicago, so I thought I'd come by and check out this place of yours.

MITCHELL: Wow.

This is pretty amazing.

It's beautiful, right?

Think you're gonna make quite the k*lling.

Ah, same old Mitchell, I see.

You know, you're just in time for the grand reopening.

Mitchell, it's gonna be amazing.

Really just want to see the property.

Well, you could try opening your eyes.

Maybe it's time for a private tour?

Yeah, sure.

That's all right.

I have to get back to the office anyway.

Where's that, the barn?

Nice seeing you again, Mitchell. Jules.

Jules?

Yeah. Yeah, um... let me finish showing you around.

What's the deal with you two anyway?

With me and Tucker?

There's no deal.

I just never really liked the guy, always talking about his hometown.

Kinda crazy that this was the place he was talking about, huh?

Yeah, it is.

Sad, actually.

So listen, I, uh--

Sorry. It's hard to talk to you with that coat.

Jeez!

I'll take it off.

Scrooge.

So listen, I didn't want to say anything earlier, but I've got a meeting with a guy who wants to buy this place.

Already?

But I haven't even shown it.

I told you that I would find someone by Christmas.

Sound good?

Yeah.

Yeah, that sounds good.

This guy that I have lined up has actually been to Christmasville.

Christmas Land.

There are signs all over the place.

Right. Same thing.

Anyway, he said that if Christmas Land...

Thank you.

...was for sale, then he would definitely be interested.

Well, what do you think?

It's not really our thing, is it?

I mean, we can leave the sticks for guys like Tucker, right?

[scoffs]

You know, the grand reopening is tomorrow.

It might make a great presentation for this guy.

Do you think he could come on such short notice?

I know that he's really busy right now.

That's why I had to line up this meeting in Chicago for tomorrow.

Why don't you come with me?

This guy is gonna keep it open, right?

What do you mean?

Christmas Land.

I just wanna make sure whoever winds up with the place is devoted to it.

That's why you should come with me and ask him yourself.

I told you.

I have the reopening tomorrow.

But I could do a lunch meeting the following day in Chicago.

He seemed pretty excited, so yeah, pushing it a day might be a good move.

Make him want it more.

All right, I'll see what he thinks.

Think there's any bears out here?

Maybe, Mitchell.

Maybe.

JULES: We worked very hard to get Christmas Land open again.

REPORTER: So what inspired you to open this place back up after so much time?

Well, aside for my grandmother, of course, I would have to say that people in this town really inspired me.

TUCKER: Your grandmother would be really proud of you.

Thank you.

And you know, your cookie looks a little sad.

Maybe you should add some sprinkles or frosting.

Or not, because this is my design.

Oh, well, I'm just trying to help.

Oh.

So where's your boyfriend?

Chicken out?

He had to go to Chicago on business.

That's a shame. I was looking forward to catching up.

What is your problem with him?

I don't have a problem with him at all.

I think you found yourself a very special guy.

But I don't think he ever got over the fact that I graduated first in our class.

Wait a minute.

He told me he graduated first in his class.

Is that what he told you?

No.

Are you kidding me?

I think you two make a good match.

In the way you were talking out there with the newspaper, you really had me going.

What are you talking about?

"Oh, well, the people in this town really inspired me."

If I didn't know the whole story, I would've almost believed you.

I wasn't...

Tucker, I meant that.

Okay, children, time's up.

Stop decorating your cookies.

Ms. Cooper, will you do the honor of picking a winner?

Ohh! Does that mean I have to disqualify my own design?

Oh, I'm afraid so.

And what about me?

Mr. Barnes, unless you're under the age of 12...

Okay.

If I must, then judge I shall be.

But I am warning you kids, I am not easy to please.

You can say that again.

You know, if I were judging, I would pick yours.

Hmm.

JULES: Okay.

I have made up my mind.

And the grand prize winner is...

Joey and his marshmallow snowman cookie!

Congratulations.

No disrespect to Glinda, but I think Christmas Land is better than ever.

Oh, thank you.

Ohh!

Hi!

You, uh, you startled me.

I take it you're not coming to the s'mores campfire roast.

I hate to sneak away like this, but I promised Mitchell I'd sit down with a buyer in Chicago.

Buyer. Right.

Well, have fun.

Tucker, it's just one day.

Will you cover for me, please?

Do you realize that in all my years practicing law, I have never been so dishonest in my entire life?

I know for people like Mitchell and you, lying comes a little bit easier, but I have a harder time with it.

Is that really why you're upset?

I'm not upset.

You seem upset.

I'm not--

Why would I be upset?

You're gonna sell the place, you're gonna move back to New York, everything's gonna be fine.

Everything is gonna be fine.

That's why I'm going to Chicago to make sure of it.

Okay, then go.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Yeah.

Good luck.

Don't worry.

[sighs]

[car door closes]

[engine starts]

♪♪ ["Deck the Halls"]

Ooh!

Excuse me.

I don't miss that.

What? People actually on their way somewhere?

Is that what that was?

You've been out in the wilderness too long.

I gotta deprogram you.

Here you go.

Thanks.

Thank you.

You look amazing, by the way.

Lot better than the other day, right?

Mitchell.

What? I just said you look amazing.

Thanks.

You gotta admit, this is a lot more civilized than hanging out in a barn, right?

You might not want to trash the place when you're trying to sell it.

Oh, there he is.

Mitchell.

Mason.

Mason Richards, Jules Cooper.

Ms. Cooper.

I don't know if Mitchell mentioned it to you, but I'm very familiar with Christmas Land.

I took my own family there years ago.

It truly is a marvelous place.

And your grandmother was the owner?

Yes. Yes, she was.

What can I say?

I love it, and I want it.

Just like that?

Don't you at least want to see it first?

Don't need to.

But--

Why don't you tell me how this sounds?

I'm willing to pay you

$1.7 million right now, provided you sign this contract.

[nervous laugh]

Now you and Mitchell can start your lives out right.

Did Mitchell tell you how important Christmas Land is?

He didn't have to.

What I mean, Mr. Richards, is... this is my grandmother's legacy, and I have to be sure whoever buys it won't tarnish that and, well, destroy the place.

Jules, as long as I've known you, you've always wanted to live on the upper west side, live by the park.

That used to always just be talk.

But now, thanks to your grandmother, that could be a dream come true.

What better legacy is there than that?

Mr. Richards...

No one will take better care of it than me.

I can assure you of that.

If it makes you feel better, I'll take over the first of the year.

[laughter]

Congratulations.

You are now a millionaire.

Wow.

[laughs]

To Christmasville.

Christmas Land.

Thank you.

And this guy, he really seems to love this place.

I'm just-- I'm so excited and honestly relieved.

Everything is going to be okay.

I'm really happy for you, Jules.

I really care about this place a lot.

And it's gonna be here now, and I'm gonna come and visit.

You're gonna move back to the city, and you're never gonna come visit us.

That's not true.

MAN: Oh, I think they're over here.

Hi.

Hi.

Are you lady who reopened Christmas Land?

I am. Actually, it was my Grandma Glinda's place.

Well, we certainly appreciate it.

I grew up in town and...

Christmas Land was always one of my favorite childhood memories.

I'm just so happy my daughter Emma will get to share that too.

We're looking for the best Christmas tree, but there are so many different kinds.

Yes, there are.

It's really hard to choose.

What's this one called?

It's the Colorado Blue Spruce.

They're not as popular as they used to be

'cause the needles are really prickly.

But smell it.

[sniffs]

Ah, it smells like Christmas!

Daddy, I want this one.

Okay, sweetie.

That one it is.

Hey, thank you so much.

My pleasure.

All right, let's go find the man with the saw.

[laughs]

See? I do care about this place.

Very much.

Just makes it harder to see you go.

Howdy! Come on in.

I have every ice cream flavor known to mankind, and then some.

I'm looking for Jules Cooper.

I'm Jules.

I'm Walter Hayes.

I work with Mason Richards.

Why don't we go outside?

Right this way.

Sorry. I haven't announced the sale yet.

I'm waiting till after Christmas.

Are you the new groundskeeper?

Ah, no.

I don't see that happening.

This is 206 acres, right?

Yes, exactly.

Do you know this property is centered perfectly between two interstates?

It's perfect for commerce.

Well, yes, we actually get quite a bit of church traffic.

There's gonna be a great deal of competition for the lots.

The lots?

Real estate development.

What's to develop?

With a property like this, the possibilities are endless.

And we could put an industrial park right over there.

I predict if you come back in five years, this place will be completely unrecognizable.

Are you okay? You look like you're gonna be sick.

I think I am.

Excuse me. I have some business to attend to in Chicago.

Hey.

I specifically told you I wanted a buyer who would not destroy Christmas Land.

What are you talking about?

Some developer.

Said he worked for Mason.

Mitchell, they're gonna sell the land.

They're gonna chop it up and sell it into lots.

What does it matter?

We're gonna be in New York.

You knew.

Didn't you?

Didn't you?

This was the fastest and easiest way.

I really don't see what the problem is.

And that, that right there, Mitchell, that is the problem!

That is a huge problem!

Okay, calm down.

You lied to me!

I didn't lie to you.

I just...

I withheld the truth.

I want out.

What?

I'm not selling.

What are you talking about?

You sold.

Well, there has to be a way out.

Babe, it doesn't work that way.

You signed a contract.

Look, if you have any feelings for me at all, you owe it to me to fix this.

And as your attorney, I advise you to not do anything that will upset this opportunity for you to become a millionaire!

And what do you mean, if I have feelings for you?

'Course I have feelings for you.

I love you.

I don't.

I don't love you, Mitchell.

What do you want, Jules?

I don't know anymore, but...

I know I don't want you.

All you care about is money.

And I want out of the deal, and I'm gonna figure out a way to get out of it.

Jules.

I'm gonna fix this.

You can't fix this.

It's not broken.

It's just done.

Goodbye, Mitchell.

Have fun in Aruba.

I'm sorry.

I tried to stop her.

It's all right.

Have a seat.

I'll stand.

What seems to be the problem?

Well, one of your employees paid me a little visit.

Yeah. Seems like you're planning on developing the land.

It's what I do.

I'm a real estate developer.

See, I was under the impression that you loved Christmas Land.

I do.

And it's not like I'm gonna roll a bulldozer through the place on January 1st.

But that land has a lot of potential, and eventually, I'm gonna have to just let the market decide.

I don't wanna sell it.

Ms. Cooper, you don't seem to understand.

You've already sold it.

Now, I don't know what you've heard, but...

Yes, I plan on selling some lots on the edge of the property.

But I have no intention of touching your grandmother's house or any of the buildings in the village.

Yeah, right.

Well, not at first.

The Christmas tree farm is a business.

It employs a lot of people, and the town really cares about that place.

Please.

I am begging you.

All right, this is what I can do.

You have $1.7 million right there.

You scrape up another

1.3 by Christmas, I rip up the contract.

What are you saying?

I'm saying I own the property.

A property, let me remind you, I've had my eye on for quite a while.

But I'm willing to flip it.

Flip it?

Sell it back to you... if you can meet my price:

$3 million.

And I'll give you till midnight, Christmas Eve.

TUCKER: Jules...

I don't even know what to say, but... what have you done?

Did you read the entire contract?

I mean, there's gotta be a way out.

[sighs]

Remember what I told you about people coming around over the years, but your grandmother never sold?

Yeah.

Mason Richards was one of those guys.

I really wish you had checked with me before you signed this.

No, no. There's got to be something that I can do.

Jules, stop. It's done.

It's done.

You know, I believed in you.

I really thought you were committed to Christmas Land.

Tucker, I was!

I am!

Christmas Land is history.

Enjoy your apartment next to Central Park.

[sighs]

♪♪ [melancholy]

[applause]

Ladies and gentlemen, our sweet Jules Cooper is here now.

Jules!

Come on up!

[cheers and applause]

Also, I would like to say that I am so happy and grateful for everything that our little Christmas angel has done for Christmas Land.

And I said it before, and I think it bears repeating:

Christmas Land is better than ever.

MAN: Yeah! Welcome back!

[cheering continues]

I just wanna say how proud your grandmother would be of you.

Eloise, thank you. I...

Uh, actually, uh... there is something that I need to say.

Uh...

I...

I haven't been entirely honest with you.

When I first came here, my intention wasn't to move here and run the place.

My hope was that I would make it attractive enough for someone to buy it so that I could go back to my life in New York.

But something happened.

I fell in love.

I fell in love with this place, and I fell in love with all of you.

[chuckles]

But I sold it.

You sold it?

I didn't mean to.

I thought that I was selling it to someone who would keep Christmas Land open, but it doesn't appear that that is what he is going to do, and I'm just...

I'm just so sorry.

I am still trying to get out of the deal, but I...

I'm sorry. I'm--

I'm really sorry.

♪♪ ["The First Noel"]

[cheering]

Wave at the camera, darling.

When you're not here, I can watch this and pretend that you are.

I love you, Grandma!

CROWD: One, two, three!

[cheers and applause]

- [line ringing]

- Come on, pick up.

Pick up.

- Hello?

Oh! Ms. Nickerson?

Um, it's Jules.

So I guess you can say I'm calling in my favor.

Jules, once again, your pitch doesn't disappoint.

This Christmas Land place sounds wonderful.

It really is special, Ms. Nickerson.

Well... you've always delivered for us.

I think this time I can deliver for you.

I can gladly provide you with $850,000 in advance for the exclusive right to serve Nickerson's Coffee at Christmas Land.

850,000.

Look, I know you needed more, but you're catching us at year end.

I mean, my cash flow just can't handle any more than that.

- I'm sure you can understand.

- Yes, of course.

No, I do.

I'm-- I'm thrilled.

Great. I'll get the contracts out to you in the morning, and I can wire the money in the afternoon before the ink is even dry.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate this.

It's my pleasure.

And it's good business.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

It's not enough.

I need 450,000 more.

GRETCHEN: Well, you can knock me over with a feather.

I thought you two lovebirds would be picking out china patterns by now.

Yeah, well we had an argument.

I said some things I regret.

Honey, romancing has its ups and downs.

All you gotta do is say you're sorry and then let the makeup smooching begin.

Hey, Uncle Frank.

Just saw Jules.

She's in the barn.

Well, stop moping and go apologize.

Apologize?

She should apologize to me!

She never should've signed those papers.

She didn't know that man was such a scoundrel.

You should ease up on her a little bit.

The poor thing really seems to be trying to make things right.

Yeah.

Yeah.

TUCKER: Wow.

I can't believe it. You--

You did it.

Not quite.

But I-- I tried, Tucker, I really tried, and I came close.

What are you talking about?

I raised 850,000.

Jules, that's amazing.

To be fair, it all came from one company, but there's a catch.

We are contractually obligated to sell Nickerson's Coffee here now.

At least until we close, which barring a miracle will probably be at midnight tomorrow.

Well, while there's still time, isn't there anyone else you can call?

I'm gonna try a few people, but it doesn't look good.

And I am all out of ideas.

The carriage looks...

It looks amazing.

I was gonna get two horses and drive up to your office door and tell you that I raised all the money and Christmas Land was gonna stay open.

That would have been one heck of a show.

Yeah.

I'm really sorry, Tucker.

♪♪ [light piano]

[sighs]

TUCKER: Well, looks like tonight will be the last Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Déjà vu.

I remember the last time it was the last Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

You know, which reminds me...

I still have some Christmas shopping to do.

Uncle Frank!

This is quite a stash.

Everybody has a stash for a rainy day.

Everybody.

[doorbell rings]

What are you doing here?

It's Christmas Eve.

This seems to be the place to be.

And I have to hand it to you.

You've really done amazing things here.

I remember it being quaint, but nothing like this.

Bravo.

Well, if you like what I've done, is there any chance you might keep it as-is?

Or lower the asking price?

After all, it is Christmas.

[chuckles]

Ah, Jules.

I admire your tenacity, but a deal's a deal.

I think I gave you a relatively reasonable opportunity.

I'm sorry, but your time has run out.

Yeah, I know.

Well, I'm gonna get back to packing my bags, since this isn't my place anymore.

Good night, Mason.

Evening, Tucker.

Mason.

Long time.

Look, I'm glad you're here.

There's something I want to talk to you about.

You're not coming downstairs?

I don't think I'm wanted.

Come on. It's the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

And thanks to me, it's the last one.

That's okay.

Why don't you come downstairs with me?

Guys.

Tucker, what's going on?

You'll see.

And what are you still doing here?

Okay, we're all here.

Jules, we wanted to thank you for everything that you've done for this place.

No, I don't think you understand.

I was unable to raise the money.

Yes, but... we were.

What?

TUCKER: All of us.

It occurred to us that if we really want to save Christmas Land, well, maybe we should do our part.

After all, Christmas Land saved us once.

You're darn tootin'.

So we all decided to chip in ourselves to save Christmas Land!

How much did you raise?

Well, that's why I asked you down here.

Do you still have that commitment from Nickerson's Coffee?

I do, but I'm still

$450,000 short.

Well, there is

$450,000 in that box, if you would do us the honor of accepting it.

Oh.

Um...

Well, I will accept... this $450,000... from you sweet, generous people...

...on one condition.

It is a loan, and I will pay back every penny as soon as possible from the profits of Christmas Land with interest.

Take it or leave it.

[soft chatter]

Sold!

[laughter]

I will write you a check for the rest if you will kindly tear up that contract.

Whoo!

[laughter]

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Whoo!

Yeah!

Well, do you think Glinda would approve?

I know she would.

I have one more surprise for you.

[whinny]

Almost there.

[Jules laughs]

Oh, my gosh, Tucker.

Wanna go for a ride?

Crowd awaits.

It's cold out, and I thought you might want something warmer.

[giggles]

♪ And surely you will buy your cup ♪ MAN: There she is!

Hey, Jules!

- ♪ And surely I'll buy mine ♪

- Jules, we love you!

♪ We'll take a cup of kindness yet ♪

- ♪ For auld lang syne ♪

- Thank you, Jules!

Merry Christmas!

♪ We two have run about the slopes ♪ Happy holidays!

♪ And pulled the daisies fine ♪

♪ We've wandered many a weary foot ♪

♪ For times gone by ♪ WOMAN: Merry Christmas!

MAN: Thank you, Jules!

Thank you!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

[cheers and applause]

CROWD: Merry Christmas!

MAN: Whoo!

I want to thank you all so much for coming out.

I wanna say, despite what you have heard, I am not selling Christmas Land.

MAN: Yeah! All right!

[cheers and applause]

And I'm not leaving.

[cheers and applause]

MAN: Yeah, Jules!

Christmas Land is back in business for good.

Whoo-hoo!

[crowd cheering]

MAN: Love you, Jules!

So the time has come... for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony!

[cheers and applause]

I want to dedicate tonight to the memory of my beautiful grandmother, Glinda Stanwyck, the grande dame of all things Christmas and the founder of Christmas Land.

MAN: Miss her too!

So let's do this!

[cheering]

MAN: Light it up!

All right!

[laughing]

Everyone, on the count of three.

One...

CROWD: One, two, three!

[cheers and applause]

WOMAN: Oh, it's so beautiful!

It's beautiful!

[crowd cheering and celebrating]

I don't wanna go back to New York.

It's not my home.

This is.

♪♪

♪ You can't imagine ♪

♪ How good it feels to hold you right here in my arms ♪

♪ At this holiday season ♪

♪ I'd like to make a wish upon a sh**ting star ♪

♪ And ask for just one dance ♪

♪ When I have you near me ♪

♪ I never want to let you go ♪

♪ Just one dance ♪

♪ I'm living a dream come true ♪

♪ As long as I am here with you ♪

♪ Here with you ♪

♪ Here with you ♪

♪ Just one dance with you ♪

♪ The years go by so quickly ♪

♪ I try to take a moment to let it all inside ♪

♪ Though I know I can't stop time ♪

♪ And I know that things will change ♪

♪ If you give me half a chance ♪

♪ I know together this life is better ♪

♪ And in our hearts we'll always stay in this ♪

♪ Just one dance ♪

♪ When I have you near me ♪

♪ I never want to let you go ♪

♪ Just one dance ♪

♪ I'm holding you ♪