Christmas on Ice (2020)

[bunniefuu]

♪ Like a child on
Christmas Day ♪

♪ Every bit of light
shines through ♪

♪ And it may be
a hopeless dream ♪

♪ But I dream of Christmas ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ Walking through
the village green ♪

♪ Feeling so blue
and all alone ♪

♪ Stars above I wish upon ♪

♪ Please bring my
baby back home ♪

♪ Like a child on
Christmas day ♪

♪ Every bit of light
shines through ♪

♪ And it may be
a hopeless dream ♪

♪ But I dream of
Christmas with you ♪

Okay. There you go.

There's a bench right over there
you can put them on.

Please, let me know
if you need any help.

Have fun.

Yeah...

Can you get up?

Can you wait just one minute?

I'll be right back.

Oh, May I?

It's okay. I used
to fall down a lot!

Let me help you up.

Ooh, got it.

What's your name?

Grace.

Grace, I'm Courtney
it's nice to meet you.

You're doing great.

Have you ever skated before?

A couple times.

I learned to skate right
here on this rink

Hey, you're doing great.

Now just push to
the side and glide.

That's it. That's it.

Awesome.

Now I'm going to let you
do it on your own, okay?

Okay.

You're doing it!

My Ompa works in there.

Oh, wow, he works for the city?

Uh‐huh.

Nice.

‐Whoa! ‐Oh, whoops. I got you.

Now you try.

‐Thank you. ‐Of course.

We have class on Tuesday
and Thursday afternoon

for kids her age
if she'd like to join.

And we do a show at
the Christmas Carnival.

‐Merry Christmas!
‐Merry Christmas!

See you tomorrow, Trevor.

You betcha. Have a great night.

You, too.

Hello?

Oh, hi, Mr. Greenwood.

Sure, tomorrow at 9:00AM,
no problem.

Okay, see you then. Bye.

Hey, Trev.

Can you cover for me
tomorrow morning?

I have an early meeting.

Only if you introduce me
to your roommate.

Seriously?

I wasn't scheduled
to come in until noon.

Okay, fine.

But I already told you.
You're not her type.

How would she know
if she hasn't met me?

You're impossible.

Not impossible, just persistent.

Hey!

‐Hey, it's Sheila Sugarplum.
‐In the flesh.

That costume is so cute.

Thanks. Whatcha making?

Mmm, mm‐hmm.

So, I got a weird call from
your boss just as I was leaving.

Which one?

Santa or the Mayor?

I wish it was Santa.

Mmm. I was afraid of that.

Do you know what it's about?

I know he was in a
long budget meeting

with the city council today.

I only hear from him
when it's bad news,

so I thought I'd make
him some cupcakes.

Buttering up the mayor
is always a good idea.

Sorry, though.
I wish I knew more.

Okay, well, I shouldn't
be too late.

Hey, don't worry.

It's gonna be okay.

Are you sure?

Yeah, it's Christmas!

Oh, by the way,
Trevor wants to meet you.

Who?

Trevor. The Zamboni
driver at the rink.

Oh, why?

Why not?

Mmm‐mm. No. He's not my type.

Well, how do you know
if you haven't met him yet?

Oh, I know.

Please? I owe him one.

Fine.

Good.

I hope you don't have
too many criers.

Yeah, me too.

You know, you should
publish a book

of crying babies with
Santa pictures.

You might be on to something.

That could really sell!

All right, see you later.

Bye.

Hey, Mom.

Hello, sweetheart, how are you?

I'm good. How's Santa Barbara?

Oh, it's just lovely out here.

Sunny and in the 70s today.

What I want to know is,
how do you get in

the Christmas spirit
on the beach?

You know how your father
and I hate the cold.

Cold?

Are you serious?

How many days did you and Dad
spend with me at the rink

when I was little?

Oh, I know. We miss you, honey.

Is there any chance
you could come out here

for the holidays this year?

It's my busiest time of year.

I'll try to get out
there after New Years.

Well, we love you, sweetheart.

Whenever you can come,
we'd love to see you.

I love you too, Mom.

Okay, bye, sweetheart.

Bye.

I don't have all day.

Should just be a few minutes.

Hey!

Come here.

You know who's in there?

‐Who? ‐Noah Tremblay.

Who?

The hockey player.

He played for the Maple Leafs.

So?

So he's kind of a big deal.

I don't care if he's
Patrice Bergeron.

I've got stuff to do.

‐Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
‐Thank you.

Oh... excuse me.

I'm sorry.

No, I'm sorry.
Here, let me help you.

No, no, I got it. Here.

Thanks.

Courtney.

I see you already
met Noah Tremblay.

Ah... yes. Hello.

Hi.

Courtney runs the Skating Oval
in the park.

Oh, yes, nice to meet you.

You two have a lot in common.

Really?

Mm‐hmm, Noah just built

the new indoor ice complex
in the canal district.

They're going to have their
grand opening in a couple weeks.

‐Right, Noah?
‐Yeah, that's right.

Hmm.

Well, you wanted to
see me Mr. Mayor?

Yeah, come on in.

‐Thank you. ‐Take care.

I hope I bump into you
again, Courtney.

‐Beth, would take care
of that for me?
‐Sure.

If you can find a place
to work on that desk.

I was impressed to hear about
your skating career in college.

Thank you.

State champion is
quite an accomplishment.

Such a shame you got injured.

It happens.

I'm just glad I can
share the joy of skating

with the kids now.

Yes, well about that.

We've been going over
the budget and the city

is just not going to be able
to subsidize the cost

of running the Skating Oval
any longer.

What?

But, rentals are up this year

and I've been recruiting
more and more kids

for the after school
skating program every day.

That's nice, but
the Skating Oval is a luxury

that the city just can't afford.

But, Mr. Greenwood,

the skating means
so much to the kids

and it's Christmas!

Well, Noah's new
indoor ice complex

is going to have all kinds
of programs for the kids.

Have you seen it?
It's really very impressive.

But that's not free.

What about the kids
who can't afford it?

That's why we're going to
keep the Skating Oval open

through the holidays
and then shut it down

right after the new year.

What about the Christmas
Carnival on Christmas Eve?

That is exactly the
kind of event

that makes the Skating Oval
unsustainable.

You're cancelling the
Christmas Carnival?

The kids will be heart broken.

Running a city means making
tough choices, Ms. Bennett.

With all due respect,
I think you're making
a mistake.

The kids aside,
the Skating Oval represents

a commitment
to revitalize downtown,

to make the city more
accessible and family friendly.

If it closes that would
be a major step backward.

The city council is
dead set on this.

The numbers are the numbers.

But you could convince
them otherwise.

What would it take?

Money.

Make the Skating Oval
a revenue source for the city

instead of a negative line item
that it is right now.

So, how do we make that happen?

A Christmas miracle.

Okay, then I'll get to work
on a Christmas miracle.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Greenwood.

Merry Christmas.

I can't believe
he's closing the Oval

and cancelling
the Christmas Carnival.

The kids look forward
to this all year long!

It's not just the kids.

This is the biggest event
for Santa and me every year.

Did you know about this?

Did somebody call
to cancel you yet?

No, I just assumed we were on.

We've been doing the Christmas
Carnival for years.

What am I going to do?

You're going to figure it out.

But how?

Come on,

you've got to get those
competitive juices flowing.

Fight for what you believe in.

Is Santa looking
for another elf?

Because I'm gonna be out
of a job next Christmas.

Look. He told you
what you have to do.

You need to find a way
to fund the rink

and the carnival and take
the cost off his ledger.

That's easier said than done.

I didn't say it
was going to be easy.

Hey.

Oh, hi, Trevor.

Beth this is Trevor.
Trevor, my roommate Beth.

‐Hi. ‐Hi.

I gotta go.

I'll just leave you two
to get to know each other.

Have fun.

What are you doing to me?

So...

That's her, Daddy.

Hi, Grace! You came back!

Hi, Courtney. This is my Dad.

I'm Courtney Bennett.

Oh, it's you!

‐Yeah, we've met. ‐Yeah, we did.

How could I forget.

You skate beautifully.

Thank you.

I actually had the pleasure of
skating with Grace yesterday.

So she said.

Well, if she's interested,

we have a beginner's class that
starts in about ten minutes.

Really sweet group
of girls just her age.

We meet twice a week.

How much does it cost?

Nothing, actually. It's free.

‐It's free? ‐Yeah.

Can I Dad? Can I?

So the city subsidizes it?

Yeah. Well, for now.

Huh.

Are you sure you want to take
skating lessons with Courtney?

Yeah!

Okay, great.

Well, we'd love to
have you join our class.

‐And I see you already
have skates.
‐Yup.

Why don't you go put them on?

'Kay, but I need help
tying them.

Sure, I'll be right there.

Thank you.

I've got a sign up
sheet in the shack.

All right, so everyone's
in the circle.

Perfect, make your circle.

And... yep, perfect.

And then heels together.

Great, and then arms.

Start. You go up, and out.

And then swizzle in.

And then left arm.

And then grab each
other's hands.

Okay, you just undo the hooks
like this.

Oh, okay.

‐Then it's like
a regular shoe.
‐Oh.

Courtney, thank you.

Grace really had fun,
I could tell.

She's a great kid.

With real skating
potential, too.

Yeah, I mean she just never
really showed

much interest in
skating with me.

You were a hockey player, right?

That's right, yeah.

I learned to skate
before I could walk.

Maybe she's just
not interested in hockey.

Maybe not.

Well, Grace is doing
really well.

She's a natural.

Takes after her old man.

Guess so.

Well, I...

guess we'll see you on Thursday.

Sounds good.
Have a great evening.

‐You, too. ‐Bye.

Oh, Courtney, wait.

I really had fun
at class, thank you.

You're so welcome.
I'll see you next time!

‐Yup! Bye. ‐Bye.

‐Hi. ‐Hi.

How was Trevor?

You owe me big time!

Oh, no, sorry.

Eh, he's not actually
as bad as I expected.

But, forget about Trevor.

What was that all about?

What, Noah?

His daughter joined
my class today.

Oh, so we're on a first
name basis already?

So...

So, he's gorgeous, rich...

And oh, right, single.

And a typical jock,
full of himself.

Okay... and that's a problem?

Wonder what happened
to Grace's mom.

So you are interested.

Please.

He's only the most eligible
bachelor in Worcester.

And, he owns the
indoor ice complex.

He's the main reason why the
Oval is going to be closed down.

Your boss was drooling over
that facility the other day.

Ooh, hadn't thought of that.

I'll introduce you
next time he comes by.

Nah, I, uh...

I'm going out to dinner
with Trevor tomorrow night.

Oh, you are?

I figured I'd give him a chance.

So, I owe you why?

Okay, see ya!
I gotta go make some kids cry.

Okay.

Oh, hi.

What a nice surprise.

Hi.

Um...

I can't believe I haven't
been in here before.

It's incredible.

Well, thank you, yeah.

I thought you weren't open yet.

Oh, a couple of local skaters
and teams needed some ice time,

so I gave them a
little soft opening

before the big unveiling
in a few weeks.

Hmm.

How can I compete with this?

Excuse me?

How can I compete with this?

Hey, hey, hold up.

Hold on.
What are you talking about?

You're not even open yet
and this place is bustling
with activity.

There's athletes,
their families, their coaches.

Restaurants, a coffee shop!

You don't have
to compete with this.

Apparently I do!

The Mayor wants
to close us down.

‐He said that? ‐Yes.

"The Skating Oval is a luxury
the city can't afford."

Huh.

It's the centerpiece
of the Worcester's
recreational offerings

and it's right downtown.

Have you ever skated out there?

No, actually I haven't.

Nothing beats skating outdoors,
especially at Christmastime!

I've certainly done
my fair share of
outdoor skating.

Then you know.

Yeah, I do.

Well, I hope I wasn't
intruding by stopping by.

Not at all. Come by anytime.

Hey, Noah.

If you have this whole complex,

why do you bring Grace
to the Oval for lessons?

Well, uh...

she chose it.

Really?

Yeah.

She chose it because of you.

Nice, girls.

Gracie!

Daddy, look!
I can skate backwards.

That is wonderful sweetheart.

Hello, Noah.

Hi. Look at that,

she's skating backwards!

I know, she's making
great progress.

Yeah, she sure is.

Hey, I had something
I wanted to discuss with you.

Maybe you have time for a
coffee, after you're done?

Oh, um, today?

Yeah, why not.

No time like the present, right?

Uh... yeah, okay.

Great.

All right, girls
let's do the star.

Nice. Nice!

So, what do you do in
the summers when
there's no ice?

I run the kids sailing
program down at the lake.

Do your parents ever ask you
when you're getting a real job?

Excuse me?

I'm kidding...

That's a great compliment to
what you do in the winter.

Thank you.

Meanwhile, I'm working
on my Masters.

Really? In what?

Education.

That's perfect for you.
You're a natural teacher.

So, what did you
want to talk about?

Well, I was really impressed
with the way

you interacted with the kids.

Wow, thanks.

And Grace has really
taken to you.

I mean...

Haven't seen her light up
like that...

about anything for... forever.

She's a great kid.

So I want to offer you a job.

Wait, what?

Yeah, I want you to
teach skating for me.

Okay... I didn't
see that coming.

Well? What do you think?

I see what you're doing.

You're trying to
eliminate the competition.

No, that's not what
I'm doing, really.

Here's the thing.
I already have a job.

And I only have a couple weeks

to figure out a plan to save it.

Yeah, right, this is
a year 'round position.

As long as you're not
trying to sabotage me...

I'm not trying to sabotage you.

Maybe we could work together

to figure out a way
to save the Oval.

Okay, what did you have in mind?

Either we raise a lot of money

or we convince the city that
it's in their best interest

not to close it.

‐Or both. ‐Exactly.

I bet those are things
you're pretty good at.

That's interesting.

Do you have a business plan
or a proposal doc?

Not yet.

I only just heard
of the mayor's plans.

The problem is we
don't have much time.

‐Right, how much do
you need to raise?
‐I'm working on the budget

and how much it costs
to run the rink each year.

What do you think?
Would you be willing to help?

Okay, way to ask for the order.

I should have offered
you a job in group sales!

This is important to me.

I can see that.

Okay, um...

Let me take a look
at the numbers.

Fair enough.

Let me do some homework
and I'll get back to you.

Are you crying?

Yeah, so?

Oh, you're so sappy.

I can't help it.

I love Christmas movies.

What's up?

Well... Noah's not as
bad as I thought.

Oh, you saw him again?

He invited me for coffee.

Ooh, coffee. Trouble.

I think I'm in over my head.

Wow, already?

Not with Noah. With the Oval.

Oh. How?

I need a business plan, stat.

Okay.

Do you know how
to write a business plan?

As a matter of fact, I do.

‐Really. ‐Yeah.

How do you think Santa and
I got our start up funding?

How'd you learn how to do that?

YouTube.

You can learn
anything on YouTube.

No kidding?

Can YouTube help me find out
how much it costs the city

to operate the Oval each year

including the
Christmas Carnival?

No, probably not, but
it's all public record.

So I can just dig
it out tomorrow.

Piece of cake.

‐Thank you. ‐Mm‐hmm, sure.

Okay.

He offered me a job, you know.

Oh, that's nice.

You might need one.

Okay, now can I watch my movie?

Yeah, what's happened so far?

Ugh, I can't even tell you
or I'll start to cry.

It's that sad.

So bad.

‐Do you want one? ‐No.

‐Pre‐emptive? ‐No.

Hi, returning?

All right. Have a good one,
see you soon.

Hey.

So, with set up and breakdown
costs in the Fall and Spring,

the off‐season storage of
the boards and the Zamboni,

maintaining the ice,
refrigeration, electricity,

your salary and
Trevor's it looks like

the Skating Oval costs the
city about $135,000 a year.

Wow.

And that doesn't even count the
cost of the Christmas Carnival.

Nope.

The cost to decorate
the Commons is $25,000.

Well, they have
to do that anyway.

True.

Hello?

You there?

‐It's him. ‐Who?

It's Noah.

And he's carrying his skates.

Oh, really?

‐Talk later. ‐Okay, bye.

‐Hi. ‐Hi.

What are you doing here?

Well, I actually haven't
skated outside
since I was a kid

playing shinny hockey
with my friends.

You're kidding, really!?

Yeah.

So you got me intrigued.

How much for
a lunch break skate?

Without rentals?
$5.00 for an hour.

Okay.

Great.

Would you, um...
would you care to join me?

Um... okay, sure.

Great.

I'll see you out there.

Wow, this is great.

I can't believe I haven't
done this before.

Isn't it great?

It's wonderful.

So did you think about my offer?

I thought I made it clear

I'm not really looking
for a job right now.

Okay. No pressure.

You know, your passion
is pretty contagious.

Where does that come from?

I was a pretty competitive
skater when I was younger.

I heard.

Massachusetts state champ?

Yeah.

I almost made the US Team,

but then I blew out my knee.

So now I share my love
of skating with the kids.

Yeah. How'd you wreck your knee?

Playing soccer.

‐Ooh. ‐Yeah.

My skating coach was really mad.

I rehabbed it like crazy,
but as soon as I got back
out on the ice,

it just wasn't the same.

It was 90% there, but
I lost my trust in it.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

I'm a member of
the torn ACL club myself.

Is that why you
quit playing hockey?

Yeah. Exactly.

I had the surgery,

and my knee just was
never the same.

I think it was in my head.

I just, I lost my edge.

Literally and figuratively.

Ha!

Oh, look who's here.

She's really sweet,
by the way...

Grace's baby‐sitter.

‐What's her name?
‐Yeah, she is. Margaret.

I couldn't do it without her.

Single parenting
is pretty tough.

I can't imagine.
What happened to Grace's mom?

We lost her five years ago.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

‐Hi‐ya. ‐Hi.

Hi, sweetheart. How was school?

Good... Hi, Courtney!

Hi Grace, you ready for class?

Yeah!

Why don't you
put on your skates?

‐Okay. ‐Get out here.

Would you mind helping her?

Thank you.

She's pretty awesome.

I had no idea the city wanted
to close down the Skating Oval.

That's a shame.

I know. Which is
why I'm looking
for sponsorships

to help underwrite
the cost of operating
the rink.

They're still going to have
the Christmas Carnival, I hope.

I hope, but that's why
we need to raise money.

Can I put you down for a pledge?

Of course.

I'd be more than happy to
give $100 toward the cause.

$100?

Yes, absolutely.
What do I get for that?

An ad in the program?

Uh, a quarter page ad.

Oh, great. That's great.

Well, thank you.

Great, thank you.

You have a nice day, all right?

‐You, too. ‐Bye‐bye.

♪ Just a little miracle
is all I need ♪

♪ Won't someone follow my lead ♪

♪ Just a little miracle
is all I need ♪

♪ To get by ♪

♪ Because we're hanging
out here in outer space ♪

♪ I need someone
to hold me a place ♪

♪ All I need is you ♪

♪ On Christmas ♪

♪ Just a little miracle ♪

♪ Will do ♪

Hey!

What do you think?

What was I thinking?

This is futile.

Even if I spent
months to prepare,

there is no way
I'm going to raise $135,000.

Well, you can't
give up so easily.

Yes, I think I can.

How much did you raise?

$250... in pledges.

Ooh. That's not so good.

No! It's terrible.

I need a whole new plan.

We'll figure this out.

Why doesn't the city see
the value in the Skating Oval?

I think it's like
Mr. Greenwood said,

it's just a budget thing.

C'mon... in the scheme of things
this is not a huge line item.

The city must spend
lots of money on things

much more frivolous
than the Skating Oval.

Yeah.

You know what?

I'm gonna get you a copy
of the city's entire
operating budget.

Ooh, could you?
'Cause that would
be really helpful.

Yeah, sure.

It would give me
some really good a*mo.

We need to get your
boss to fight for us.

‐What's his soft spot?
‐I don't think he has one.

Everyone has a soft spot.
Especially at Christmas.

What's his?

I'll find it. I promise.

Well?

Well, I think you're right,
it's ambitious.

I know.

Unless we find a true angel,
we just don't have time.

See, I think that's
the biggest challenge.

Because otherwise the
proposal makes sense.

Well, I've already thought
about how we could take
a whole different tack.

Really?

I was wondering...

Since you seem to know
the mayor pretty well,

would you mind talking
to him on my behalf?

He needs to hear how
much the community
loves the Skating Oval

and he's being such a Scrooge.

Yes, I mean, I do know
him pretty well.

He can be a grump,

but he's not a bad guy
when you get to know him.

What would be the angle?

We appeal to his sense
of charity

and giving at Christmastime.

Melt ol' Ebenezer's cold heart.

Yeah, something like that.

You could be my Jacob Marley
and forewarn him

of the doom and gloom that
will befall the city

if he doesn't keep
the Skating Oval open.

Look, honestly, I don't think
that's the right approach.

Why not?

Because Calvin looks
at my facility

like a shining star in the
revitalization of the city.

It's an economic engine

that provides jobs and
adds to the tax base.

He's all about the money.

But it shouldn't just
be about the money.

No, it shouldn't.

We have to show him
how many people

in the city love the Oval!

But How?

I'm thinking
a Christmas card campaign.

We spread the word and get
as many people as possible

to write him a Christmas card

telling him how much the
Skating Oval means to them.

See, now you're talking!

Let's bury his desk
in Christmas cards!

Okay, I'll reach out to
the community,

and mine will be the first.

I'll tell him how
disappointed Grace will be.

Thank you, Noah.

I'm so grateful for your help.

You're welcome.

But now I have a favor
to ask of you.

Okay...

Grace and I are going
to get our Christmas tree
this weekend.

And she specifically asked
if you'd like to join us.

Really?

She hasn't really had
a strong female presence

in her life so much

and she really likes you.

That's so sweet.

I told her Christmas was
a family time,

and maybe you have other plans.

Well, my folks
are in California.

They're not
coming back this year.

Okay, so, maybe you
would like to join us?

Is this Grace asking? Or you?

It's me.

I'd love to.

Oh, wonderful.
Thank you, thank you.

Hey, before you leave, we're
trying to save the Oval.

So send the mayor
a Christmas car,

it could really
make a difference.

Thanks, bye.

Oh, hey are you
looking to rent skates?

Perfect. Well, until then,
let me give you this.

I'm trying to save the Oval,

so send the mayor
a Christmas card.

♪ Snow is falling everywhere ♪

♪ The city streets and
the public squares ♪

♪ Are white ♪

‐♪ And green tonight ♪
‐We need all the help
we can get.

‐♪ All the trees in the park ♪
‐Hey, guys.

♪ Love the fire works
in the dark ♪

♪ A million stars
shining bright ♪

Big smile!

h*, h*, h*, h*!

‐♪ Everywhere you look ♪
‐Icicle stare you're giving me,
come on.

♪ It's a winter wonderland ♪

♪ So come on baby take my hand ♪

♪ It's Christmas and
all the world is right ♪

♪ It's Christmas in
the city tonight ♪

If you could talk it up
with all your customers,

that would be a huge help.

I'd love to.
I'll put it right here,

because the Oval
is worth saving.

Yes, it is.

And my wife and I will
send a card tonight!

Wow, thank you.
That means a lot.

You're welcome, thank you.

♪ It's Christmas in
the city tonight ♪

More than usual today.

That time of year I guess.

Just leave it there.

Don't forget, you've got
a meeting with the Chamber
of Commerce today.

Uh‐huh.

Who's this girl?

Hmmm?

This girl in the photo.

Is this your daughter?

Yep.

She's pretty.

I didn't know you
had a daughter.

Okay.

Don't forget your appointment.

‐It's already quarter of. ‐Yep.

♪ A smiling snowman ♪

♪ Or a candy cane ♪

♪ Red nosed Rudolph ♪

♪ Is pulling Santa's sleigh ♪

♪ One is a golden bell ♪

♪ And one is a dove ♪

♪ Inside every Christmas card ♪

♪ Are wishes and love ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year ♪

Hey, Sheila Sugarplum,
my undercover elf.

Any scoops?

Yeah, so, he got about
20 Christmas cards today.

‐Not bad. ‐No, not at all.

He was definitely half puzzled,
half intrigued.

Well, okay, that's good I guess.

We'll see.

Remember, even if you
change his mind,

he still has to
convince the City Council.

Okay, well, one step at a time.

And, um, there's a photo
of a girl in his office.

I'll send it to you.

She's outside in the picture

and she's got skates
over her shoulder.

Really? Who is she?

That could be his soft spot.

Yeah, that's what
I was thinking.

He says it's his daughter.

I know he's divorced because
his ex‐wife calls

once in a while and
announces the fact

that she's his ex pretty
definitively.

Well, that's great.

Let me know if you
learn anything more.

Okay, will do.

Thanks, Sheila!

Over and out!

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a happy new year ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ One and all ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Happy new year ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ One and all ♪

Okay, big smile.

Big smile!

Whoa, what an awesome Santaland.

My roommate Beth is
working tonight.

I thought Grace might
get a kick out of her.

The one who works for the Mayor?

One and the same.

Trevor?

Oh, hey!

Nice outfit. What're you doing?

‐Helping Beth. ‐I can see that.

Just picking up a
few shifts here and there.

Don't worry, I'll be
there for you.

I'm not worried,
I'm just amused.

By the way,
that suit is adorable.

Whoa, it's so cool!

Grace, this is my
roommate Beth, er...

‐Sheila Sugarplum. ‐Hi, Grace.

You want a photo with Santa?

Sure. I already wrote
him a letter, though.

So he knows what I want.

Smart.

And this is her Dad.

Very pleased to make your
acquaintance, once again.

Nice to meet you, Sheila.

Courtney, come on, let's
get a picture with Santa.

Okay.

Oh, you guys, so cute.

I love it! So good!

One more, perfect.

Thank you, Santa.

Grace, Courtney and I
are going to see if we
can find a tree.

Do you mind helping
Sheila for a minute?

‐Yes. ‐Yes, great.

Okay, so we are going
to help our next customers.

But you guys have
a Merry Christmas

and, um, stay off
the naughty list!

Hi, you ready?

Thank you.

All right, tell Santa
what you want.

It's not been until
this very moment

I felt like I could actually
be in the Christmas spirit.

So you feel it now?

Yeah.

For the first time in
a long time.

I feel it, too.

What was your Christmas
tradition as a kid?

We had a heavy skating theme for
our Christmas tree decorations.

Ours was hockey.

Not surprising.

What do you and Grace do?

Well, besides the giant blow‐up
Santa on the front lawn?

You have a giant blow‐up Santa?

Yes, we do. Grace's choice.

How can I say no?

What do the neighbors
say about that?

They're good sports.

But I mean asides from that,
we're pretty traditional.

Grace likes gingerbread men.

Gingerbread people...

So we make cookie ornaments
for the tree.

And we decorate them
like her and I,

Oma, Ompa, aunts, and uncles.

And Mom?

Yeah, Mom too.

She's actually the angel
on the top of our tree.

Oh, wow.

I'm sorry. That is so touching.

Don't apologize.

It gets me too.

It was Grace's idea.

It was?

Yeah.

How does she handle it?
Not having her mom around.

She's a trouper.

I think she mostly remembers
the memories I tell her

and the pictures I have.

That's how we keep
her alive, in our hearts.

We don't have to talk about it
if it makes you uncomfortable.

No, no.

No, it's good.

Honestly, I, um...

I haven't had anyone

I felt comfortable talking to.

Really?

Yeah, until now.

You guys, I found
a perfect tree!

‐Oh, you did? ‐Yeah, come here.

C'mon!

‐♪ Dashing through the snow ♪
‐You like our blow‐up Santa?

I love it.

♪ In a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ O'er the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Bells on bob tails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits light ♪

Smells good.

They're gonna be so good.

So good.

So do you save the Christmas
ornaments every year?

We tried that one year
and a mouse ate them.

What? Must have been
one happy mouse!

It was a big mess.

I'll bet!

We'll have to make
you this year, Courtney.

Really?

I thought it was just family.

Family and special people.

Aw...

Well then, I'd be honored
to be on your tree.

♪ Deck the halls with
boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la ♪

♪ Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la ♪

♪ Don we now our g*y apparel ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient
yuletide carol ♪

I'll put you right here
in the front.

Oh, wow. A place of honor.

You deserve it.

And then I'll put me
right next to you.

And Daddy on the other side.

Out of the mouths of babes.

‐What's that mean Daddy?
‐Nothing.

We're going to have a
Merry Christmas this year.

I can feel it.

Me too, sweetheart.

Me too.

Oh, and we have Mom.

Our angel.

Our angel.

‐Let me. ‐Okay.

Three, two, one, blastoff!

There you go.

What's this?

Well, you've been getting
so many Christmas cards

I thought I would display a few.

A few?

Yeah. There's a bunch more here.

Guess a lot of people
just want to wish you

a Merry Christmas this year.

Take these down.

‐But sir... ‐Now!

Well, humbug to you too.

Hey. Here he comes.

Courtney!

Oh, Mr. Greenwood.

You're just the person
I was looking to talk to.

Well, then this
is fortuitous timing.

What's the meaning of this?

Excuse me, I'm not
sure I understand?

I'm being flooded
with Christmas cards.

How nice.

And all of them say
"I want to save the Oval".

Who have you been talking to?

I may have mentioned
to a few people

that the city wants
to shut it down.

Oh, that's very nice,

but it won't change the fact
that we can't afford

to keep it running.

We'll see.

And what're you doing
with all those kids
out there this morning?

I already told you
the Christmas Carnival
is not happening.

I'm still counting on my
Christmas miracle, Mr. Mayor.

Mr. Greenwood!

Rena Blackstone from
the Telegram & Gazette.

Yes, of course, Rena, hi.

Is it true that you are
thinking of pulling

the city's funding
for the Skating Oval?

I'm not prepared to talk about
the city's budget issues.

Right at the moment,
that's a work in progress.

Well, we had a report
that you've received

more than 1000 Christmas
cards from citizens

who all want to
save the Skating Oval.

Do you care to comment?

Well, I can't confirm the number

but we have received quite
a lot of Christmas cards.

We do every Christmas.

But were they specifically
supporting the Skating Oval?

As a matter of fact
some of them are.

I was just discussing
that with Ms. Bennett

who as I'm sure
you know runs the Oval.

Are those some of
the cards there?

This is a PR nightmare.

We're just trying to
run the city

in a responsible way
and now this!

You gotta admit,
it's a pretty clever idea.

I don't care how clever it is.

Bottom line is
we can't afford it.

Have you ever skated out there?
It's pretty special.

No. And I don't intend to.

I'm not going to let some
figure skater make me look bad.

Might be a bit late for that.

Well, that's why
I need your help.

We got to save some face here,

we got to throw the Carnival.

Great, happy to help.

I want you to do it
at your place.

No, no, wait a minute...

No, it's going to be great.

A huge celebration as part
of your grand opening!

You can absorb the cost, right?

Aye, good man. Thank you.

Yeah, he's in there right now...

I'll let you know
if I learn anything.

Yeah. Gotta go. Bye.

‐Bye, Noah. ‐Bye, Beth.

That was weird.

You ready, girls?

Yeah.

Has anybody seen Grace?

Well, let's get out there.

Have fun.

‐Hey! ‐Hi. What's this?

I took your advice.

I'm putting together a book.

‐Crying babies with Santa?
‐Mm‐hmm.

Remember my uncle who
runs a publishing company?

Yeah, so I told him
the idea and he loves it.

Oh my gosh, that's brilliant!

You're gonna sell
millions of these.

I hope so!

And I want to donate half the
proceeds to the Skating Oval.

Beth, that is ridiculously
generous of you,

and absolutely not necessary.

Get your book published first.

We'll figure this out.

Here's one for you.

Oh, it's so cute. Thank you.

Yeah. Oh, so by the way.

I was looking at the
city's budget today

and noticed something.

What?

The Skating Oval's funding
falls under Parks and
Recreation.

That makes sense.

And the Parks and Rec
budget is pretty tight.

I can see why
they're looking to cut.

Yeah.

But, there is a separate line
item for memorials and statues.

Really...

And there's a surplus right now.

Guess we haven't been erecting
any w*r memorials recently.

Huh. Good to know.

Mm‐hmm.

And then there's something else.

It's probably nothing, but

Noah was really cold when he
left the Mayor's office today.

Cold?

Yeah, like he barely
even acknowledged me.

That's strange.

I know. Like I said,
it's probably nothing.

Grace wasn't at
class today, either.

Really?

Yeah.

Hmm.

Hi, this is Noah, you know
what to do after the beep.

Hi, it's me, Courtney.

Missed you and Grace
at class today.

Just wanted to make
sure everything is okay...

Okay, bye.

Hey.

Hey, so what's up with
the Christmas Carnival?

You tell me.

I just got a call from
somebody at Noah's Ice Center

about booking me and Santa
there, not at the Oval.

What?!

Hey! Noah!

What the heck is this?

I've been meaning to talk
to you about that, Courtney.

How could you?

I thought we were
getting kind of close.

I thought maybe I meant
something to you.

We were, you do.

Then why would you agree to hold

the Christmas Carnival
at your place?

Because the Mayor asked me to.

You betrayed me.

No, Courtney.

Understand, I didn't betray you.

How could I possibly
understand that?

You don't know the whole story.

And why is that Noah?

Because I haven't
told it to you.

This job and that Skating Oval
mean the world to me.

And it breaks my heart
to think that kids

like Grace won't have
a chance to enjoy it.

Courtney, listen...

‐Goodbye, Noah.
‐Please, Courtney.

Courtney?

Is that you?

Courtney... Hey!

Courtney!

Are you all right?

I'm fine. It's just my knee.

Ooh, um...

Here, let me help you up.

Oof.

Oh, that looks...

Yeah, here, get you
arm around me.

‐Thank you. ‐Yeah.

‐How's it feel? ‐Oh! Not good.

Okay. I'll get you
to a hospital.

No, no, no, just take me home.

‐Really? ‐Yeah. I'll be fine.

I can't deal with
the hospital right now.

Okay.

Oh!

Hey, sunshine!

‐Hi. ‐How'd you sleep?

I'm not sure I did.

You did.

I got you an MRI appointment
for later this afternoon.

Whoa. How'd you do that so fast?
What time is it?

Well, it's almost noon and
it helps

when you call
from the Mayor's office.

Noon?

Oh, my goodness.
I guess I did sleep.

Yeah. How's the knee feel?

Like a balloon.

Oh, honey.
I'll get you some more ice.

Trevor was so sweet
to bring me home last night.

Did I hear somebody say my name?

Oh, good morning Trevor.

It's the afternoon.

Right.

Oh.

Oh, you might
not want to see that.

I've already read it.

I guess we know why
he was ghosting you.

How could he do this?

He knows what this means to me.

My guess is that
he didn't have a choice.

Of course he had a choice.
You always have a choice.

‐Wait a sec? ‐What?

If Trevor is here,
who is at the Oval?

I closed it for the day.

‐What!?
‐You were in no shape
to go to work.

What should I have done?

That's exactly what they want!
A closed rink.

Where do you think
you are going?

To work.

Wait. Take your ice!

Thanks for the lift.

So what exactly did they say?

It was just an MRI technician.

Yeah, and...

We won't know anything
until my doctor

‐takes a look at it next week.
‐Ugh. Well, how's it feel?

Like I twisted it.
It's going to be fine.

You athletes are
so stubbornly stoic.

Your leg could be falling
off and you'd be like...

Mm‐mm, put me
in coach, I'm fine.

Yeah, so?

So are you sure
you want to do this?

What? Go to Noah's house?

No.

But give Grace her present, yes.

Just wait here. I won't be long.

I'm not going anywhere.

‐Got it? ‐Yeah.

Oh, Courtney! Hi!

Hi, Grace.
I've missed you at class.

Me, too!

What happened? Are you okay?

Oh, I'm fine, thanks.

Dad! Courtney's here.

Come on in.

I really just stopped
by to give you this.

Thanks.

Should I open it now?

No. No, you should wait
until Christmas day.

Hey, Courtney.
What happened. You okay?

I'm fine.

I just stopped by to give
Grace her Christmas present.

We really miss her at class.

Can I go back, Dad?

We're still rehearsing

even though it looks
like there won't be

any Christmas Carnival
at the Oval.

No Carnival?

No, the city moved
it to your Dad's place.

We can't we do
the show at the Oval?

I'm afraid not.

Not unless your Dad and I can

get the Mayor to reconsider.

Dad, I'll talk to him.

Unfortunately,
it's a little late.

I'm sorry, sweetheart.

Please Dad, let me talk to him.

I want to do
the show at the Oval.

I really tried.

I'm sorry.

Merry Christmas, Grace.

Merry Christmas, Courtney.

Hey. How'd it go?

Go.

You okay?

Just go, please.

Who is this girl?

That's the girl from
Mayor Greenwood's office.

That's his daughter.

Exactly.

What's the same photo
doing in Noah's house?

It is?

Yeah, right in the front hall.

I don't know how
I never noticed it before.

‐That's weird. ‐Right?

And wait a second, Grace said
she could talk to the Mayor.

She did?

And what does Ompa mean?

Ompa?

Yeah, I remember
When I first met Grace

she said that her Ompa
worked for the city.

I think it's a
pet name for Grandpa.

Do a Google search
of images of Noah.

See if anything comes up.

There are a bunch of
him playing hockey...

Oh, wait a second.
That must be his wife.

He doesn't have any pictures
of his wife in their house?

He must, I just
didn't look closely.

Figured it was private.

Plus a little awkward.

She looks kind of like
the girl in the photo.

Yeah, she does...

Wait a sec.

Oh, my goodness. That's it.

What?

We were right.

What? Show me.

She was the Mayor's daughter.

Which makes Noah...

The mayor's son‐in‐law

and Grace is the
Mayor's grand‐daughter.

Oh wow...

It all makes total sense.

It sure does.

She died of Melanoma.

Melanoma? Oh, that's awful.

So what do we do now?

Your daughter, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you.

Melanoma runs in my family, too.

Listen, I appreciate
your concern

but what is this all about?

I can't believe
I just figured it out...

why you didn't fight
harder to save the Oval.

Why you're moving
the Christmas Carnival
to Noah's place.

I fought as hard as I could.

The bottom line
is the bottom line.

We can't afford it.

I saw the same photo
at Noah's house.

So, what, are you going
to sic your reporter friend

from the Telegram on me again?

Call it rampant nepotism?

No, Mr. Mayor, no.

Losing Sarah was
the hardest thing

I've ever had to face
in my entire life.

I'm so sorry, Mr. Greenwood.

I really am.

She was an ice skater,
wasn't she?

Yes, she was.

I taught her myself up
at Comet pond.

Some of my happiest
memories are of skating

with Sarah at the pond...

...at Christmas time.

I have an idea
I'd like to propose.

And what might that be?

I'd like to name
the Skating Oval after Sarah.

I'd like to make it the
Sarah Tremblay memorial rink.

The Christmas Carnival could
be a fundraiser for Melanoma.

Each year the extra proceeds

could be donated in her
name to Melanoma research.

Mr. Mayor, I studied
the city budget

and there might be a way
to take the rink

off of parks and rec

and fund it with money
appropriated

for statues and memorials,

which hasn't been
tapped for a few years.

You've done your homework.

Yes, sir.

What do you think?

You'd need a citizen's petition.

I got over a thousand people to
send Christmas Cards, didn't I?

Yes, you did.

I'll get the signatures.

But it's too late to change
the venue for the carnival.

The vendors are already...

I think Noah can help me there.

I told you, Mr. Mayor, I
believe in Christmas miracles.

You're starting to
make me believe, too.

But, I can't take your
proposal to the city council.

Why not?

Because it's in
my daughter's name.

Oh, right, of course.
That could be misconstrued.

But you could.

Me?

City council meeting
is tomorrow.

I'll put you on the agenda.

Hey.

Hey.

How's the knee?

It's fine.

Nothing's torn, just a sprain.

You are tough, huh?

I spoke to your Father‐in‐law.

You did?

Why didn't you tell me?

Look, I didn't want you to think

I was getting
special consideration.

And you didn't?

Look, I didn't come here
to get mad at you again

and we don't have much time.

For what?

There's an alternate way
to fund the rink.

Look, Courtney, I want to

save the Skating Oval
as much as anyone.

Especially now that I know you.

And Calvin does, too,
his hands are just tied.

Exactly.

Which is why I'm going before
the city council tomorrow

with a proposal.

Really?

You have to be okay
with this idea.

And, if it works I'm going
to need your help.

Okay...

If we can work together,
we can throw

the best Christmas
Carnival ever.

Here's my plan...

As I told Mayor Greenwood,
I believe in Christmas miracles.

And I believe
in the Skating Oval...

its purpose as a gathering
place for public recreation,

its goal as the center‐piece

of the downtown
revitalization effort,

and its gift to
underprivileged children.

To see it close would
not only cost me my job,

but it would break my heart.

Which is why

I propose re‐dedicating
the Skating Oval

as a memorial in the name
of Sarah Tremblay

who tragically lost her life at
far too young an age to cancer.

Sarah was a native of our city

who loved the sport
of ice skating,

she was a young mother,

and she was the daughter
of our beloved Mayor

who has served this
city with distinction.

Thank you for considering
this proposal.

Well?

That was quite
an impassioned plea.

It came from the heart.

I could tell.

Did they vote?

Yes, they did.

You're k*lling me
here, Mr. Mayor.

What did they say?

You have a lot of work to do.

They approved it.

They did?

Yes, they did.

Oh, thank you Mr. Greenwood.

No, thank you.
Please... call me Calvin.

This means so much.

♪ It's Christmas Eve and ♪

♪ All your work is done ♪

♪ The gifts are wrapped ♪

♪ The stockings stuffed
and hung ♪

♪ Another year has come
another year has gone ♪

♪ You'll do it for the kids
and all the people you love ♪

♪ What does Christmas mean ♪

♪ Much more than make‐believe ♪

♪ Christmas time means
sleigh bells

♪ And reindeer and toys ♪

♪ A story of a king and a star ♪

♪ But the truth of Christmas... ♪

Look!

Hi, Ompa! You're doing great!

Thank you, sweetheart.

I can't believe I haven't
ever skated out here before.

This wonderful.

Not bad, Huh?

Especially at Christmastime.

She's a keeper, Noah.

I know.

I want you to be happy.

Sarah will always be
with us in our hearts.

But I want you to be happy.

You don't know how
much that means to me.

This will be a wonderful way
to remember her.

Yeah, it certainly will.

What do you think?

It's adorable!

You look beautiful, sweetheart.

I can't wait for
the show tomorrow!

You're going to be so great!

Thank you.

Why are you thanking me?

You're the one that's
making Grace's Christmas.

I've never seen her this happy.

She is so excited,
and that costume is perfect.

But I wanted to thank you for
sharing this all this with me.

It's our pleasure.

I mean, I have a gingerbread
person on your tree.

Yeah.
It kind of feels like
you belong there...

Like you belong here.

Honestly, I do feel
like I belong here.

I haven't been this happy
in a long time.

I'm glad.

Hey!

Can I have another
cup of hot chocolate?

Oh, yeah.
Of course you can, honey.

I'll get it! I'll get it.

With marshmallows, please.

‐Got it. ‐Yes, please.

Thanks, Courtney.

Okay Mom, I miss you too.

Give my love to Dad,

and tell him I'll
call Christmas morning...

Okay. Love you, too, bye.

Tough being away from home
for Christmas isn't it?

Yeah. Christmas is family time.

‐I really miss them. ‐Me, too.

But hey, we're like
family, right?

Yeah, we are.

Thank you so much.

I couldn't have done
this without you.

Ah, no, it was nothing.

And hey, I got you
a little something.

I got you a little
something, too,
but let's wait.

There's only two days
'til Christmas.

Nah, I want you to see this.

C'mon. Open it.

All right.

Oh my gosh, what?

How did you get it
printed so fast!?

My uncle pulled some strings.

It's an advance copy.

Doesn't it look great?

It looks amazing.

Congratulations!

Thanks.

And I'm serious about
donating the proceeds
to the rink.

Beth, that is too sweet,

but let's wait and
see what happens tonight.

Okay.

Three, two, one!

Merry Christmas!

I think I know you
from somewhere.

I think it's the nose.

‐Rudolph. ‐Oh, yeah!

Oh my goodness.

♪

Weren't they beautiful?

I know, right?

So many people came together
to make this evening possible.

First I'd like to thank

the hundreds of citizens
who sent me Christmas Cards.

What an outpouring of support.
Thank you.

And to our vendors and sponsors,

a heartfelt thanks to
each and every one of you.

And to the city council
who had the wisdom

to make this...

this magical Skating Oval
a memorial...

thank you.

But most of all,
I want to thank a woman

whose boundless energy
and enthusiasm,

whose tireless work
and dedication

and whose...

whose valuable
and thoughtful advice

made this whole
thing possible...

Courtney Bennett.

Before I ask Courtney
to come out here,

I'd want to introduce
you to somebody

that most of you
probably already know.

Former Toronto Maple Leaf's star

and my son‐in‐law,
Noah Tremblay!

Come on out here, Noah.

Noah Tremblay.

Thank you, Calvin.

What a a wonderful tribute
for the mayor's daughter...

and my wife, Sarah,

who we tragically
lost 5 years ago.

You know, Sarah, she loved
the sport of ice skating

and for our family
to know that this rink

will forever be known as
the Sarah Tremblay Skating Oval

is a tribute and an honor
beyond our wildest dreams.

Hey, Grace, you want
to come out here?

When I heard that we were
going to have this dedication

this Christmas,

I reached out to
some of my NHL alumni

and we pieced together
a little something.

Honey?

With this $100,000 donation,

I'd like to announce
the formation

of the Courtney Bennett
Scholarship fund

for the advancement of
youth skating in the city.

And if today's show
is any indication,

we are off to a great start!

Courtney is single‐handedly
responsible

for saving this rink

and has given of her time
and her talent

to help the youth of this
city for many, many years.

And we hope that with
this little kick start,

that she'll be able
to do that for many,
many more years to come.

Courtney, would you come out
here and join us on the ice?

This is truly
a Christmas miracle.

Thank you.

No, I should be thanking you.

Merry Christmas, Courtney.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

Wow.

Wow.

I'm going to put it
right by my bed.

Thank you, Courtney.

I'm so glad you like it.

Can we roast some
marshmallows now?

Of course!
That's why we brought them!

Grab a stick.

This is the best Christmas ever.

You know, you're really
great with her.

She's such a sweet girl
it's not difficult.

This has also been my best
Christmas in a long time.

Mine, too.

And it's because of you.

You know, there's something
I wanted to do

with you out on that
stage yesterday,

that wasn't
appropriate in public.

Oh, yeah?

What was that?

This.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Let's do it.

‐Let's do it. ‐Let's do it.

How's the marshmallow?

Good. So good.

‐You want some? ‐Sure.

Really good.

You want a bite, Daddy?

Yes, please.