Check Inn to Christmas (2019)

[bunniefuu]

- Morning, Julia.
- Good morning.

Good to see you.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Morning.

- Did I miss it?
- No. Blake's running late.

Oh, good. I was up late,
working on the Nelson account,

and then getting across town
today took forever.

Is it just me, or does
the population of this city

multiply by the second?

Okay, take a deep breath, relax.

You're not late.
And I brought donuts.

You are the best.

Okay, I just want to say,

whatever it is
that the partners decide,

I think you're
an amazing lawyer,

and I just love
working with you.

Melissa, I feel
the exact same way about you,

and I wish they could promote
both of us to senior associate.

- I know.
- On the bright side,

I am glad they gave us
this time off.

I think this is gonna be
the first time since law school

that I've had
a real Christmas vacation.

Are you heading
to your family's inn?

- I am.
- Colorado, right?

Flying out on the 15th.

That sounds fun and relaxing.

I wish. My dad's gonna
put me to work at the inn

and then volunteer our family

for every event
at the Christmas celebration.

Oh, Christmas celebration?

It's a festival
Crestridge throws every year

with tons of events
the entire month of December.

That actually sounds fun.

That's one way to put it.

You don't sound excited at all.

No, I am.
I really am.

It was just more fun
when I was a kid,

but it will be great
to see my family.

Normally, they're visiting me,
since I'm always working,

so I know
they're really excited.

How about you?
Are you going anywhere?

No. I'm knee-deep in paperwork

on the River View Estates
acquisition.

Deadline's early January,

so I should work through
the holidays.

So you're not
taking any time off?

No. Too much to do.

Good morning.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

How's the Nelson case going?

We were unable to secure
zoning variants in Cape Cod,

so we're currently
looking for other property.

It happens.

Donut?

What's the Christmas season for

if not to load up
on sugar and carbs?

I called you both in
this morning

to give you an update on
the senior associate position.

You're both excellent attorneys

and incredibly smart
and capable.

We're lucky to have
such a hard decision.

Unfortunately, Thompson is
tied up with the Keller case,

and we can't move forward
until he's back in the office.

As soon as we're able
to have a partners' meeting,

we'll let you know
who we're promoting.

It'll certainly happen
before the end of the year

because we need
everybody on hand

for the new chain store account
in January.

I'll let you know
as soon as we know.

Thank you so much, Blake.

We know it's
a difficult process.

That it is.

I was planning to go to Colorado
for Christmas to see my family,

but if you think it's better
for me to stay here--

No, don't be ridiculous.

You've earned that time off.
Enjoy.

I'll be in touch.

- [phone buzzing]
- Oops.

I'd better take this.
Excuse me.

Well, no news
is better than bad news.

It's true, but I would've
loved to have known

before the holiday.

Maybe I should stay.

No. You said it yourself.

Your family is so excited
about your homecoming.

Yeah, they are.

It'll be fine.

Have a great time in Crestwood.

It's Crestridge.

♪♪ ["Deck the Halls"]

[train horn blares]

[bells clanging]

You're welcome.

Thank you.

- Thank you. Merry Christmas.
- You're welcome.

Merry Christmas.

MAN ON P.A.: Passengers
continuing to Rawlins,

this train departs
at 3 p.m.

3 p.m.

What are you doing?
Map's right.

Excuse me?

The map is right.
You're here.

See, you are here.

[laughing]

But your laptop
almost wasn't, so...

- Oh, my goodness.
-You left it on the train.

Thank you so much.
I really appreciate this.

Yeah, you're welcome.

- Julia!
- Lexi!

Why were you talking
to Ryan Mason?

That was Ryan Mason.
I thought he looked familiar.

Mom's parked right over here.

What did he want?

Just to return my computer.
I left it on the train.

Was he asking you
about my campaign

for Christmas grand marshal?

No. What do those words mean?

In honor of it being
the centennial,

they're naming a grand marshal
for Christmas celebration.

Someone who exemplifies
the Crestridge Christmas spirit.

His brother Frank and I
are the two finalists running.

So my little sister could be
Christmas grand marshal.

- Now that is fancy.
- I had to write an essay.

I will vote for you.

Nobody does Christmas
like you do.

I thought maybe Ryan was trying
to get intel on my campaign.

No, he was just returning this.

Why are you looking at me
like that? This is a big deal.

It's like high school
class president all over again,

except this time,
Frank's not gonna win.

I see the Mason-Crawley feud
has not dissipated.

Mom! Oh!

I can't believe you're here.

Oh, it feels like
it's been forever.

You guys were just in New York
this summer.

Forever since you've been here.

Well, it is really
nice to be back.

Oh, don't let your father
hear you say that.

He's gonna talk your ear off
about why you should move home.

Yeah, I'm sure.

Wow. Looks like the Masons

have really scaled back
on decorating.

Oh, I know.

Your dad's pleased.

He's been monitoring them
like a hawk.

They beat us for best-decorated
business last year.

Yeah, I remember.
I got the call.

I assume Dad's out for revenge.

Oh, that's why
he didn't pick you up.

He and Grandma are still
putting up decorations.

We are going all-out
on decorations this year.

You go all out on
decorations every year.

Oh, it's different.

This is Crestridge's centennial
Christmas celebration.

More activities, more contests.

Oh, including Crestridge's first
Christmas dessert bake-off,

which we're hosting,
by the way.

Grandma must be so happy.

She has been prepping recipes
for months.

And I forgot to tell you,

they're throwing a huge
centennial Christmas dance

at the rec hall.

That's where they're
announcing the grand marshal.

What do you get
if you win grand marshal?

A trophy and bragging rights
for the next 100 years.

Wow, that is pretty epic.

♪♪ ["Hark! The Herald
Angels Sing"]

Oh!

Welcome home, honey!

- Thank you, Dad.
- Ah, look at you!

- It's so good to see you!
- Gosh!

So what'd you think
of the front?

I think it looks great.

I'm worried it's not enough.

- I think it's enough.
- Julia!

Let me see
my fancy lawyer granddaughter!

Hi!

Beautiful as ever.

Has any city boy
snapped you up yet?

- Nope, not yet.
- No?

Slim pickings
back in this town.

Mom, we don't need to give Jules
more reasons not to live here.

Besides, you never know
when she'll decide

she misses us
and move back.

Wow, Dad. You made it
a whole half-minute

- before bringing that up.
- Yeah, I did.

I'm actually up for
senior associate at the firm.

Wow, that sounds big.

It is. It's a lot more
responsibility,

and I would be on a direct track
to become a partner.

Then we're rooting for you.

Oh, Dad, we passed
by the Mason Inn.

Still pretty sparse
on the decorations.

That's because it's not
their year. It's ours.

Did Mom tell you
about all the great

centennial Christmas
celebration activities?

She did.
It sounds like a lot.

A lot of fun, I would say!

And a lot more ways to show
Bill Mason we're the best.

Yeah, I think
I'm gonna go unpack.

Or you could warm up
that arm of yours.

The snowball toss is tomorrow.

- They still do that?
- Yep.

And you are a part of it.

I think I would
rather just watch.

We'll see.

So who wants to put up
Christmas lights?

I can't. I'm setting up
bins around town

for the toy drive
I'm organizing.

- Bye.
- I'm gonna go unpack.

And I need to finish
updating our accounts.

I'm baking.

♪♪ ["Jingle Bells"]

Don't forget to vote Frank Mason
for Christmas grand marshal.

There'll be a voting booth

at the centennial
Christmas celebration, okay?

I'll see you there.
Have a good day.

Merry Christmas.

- Thank you.
- Merry Christmas to you.

Wow. This is a lot of lights.

Yes, it is, and I've got
some more boxes coming.

When the town sees
what I have in mind,

they're gonna be blown away.

I don't know. The bakery's
doing something pretty special.

Hmmph! Bakery.

As long as the Crawleys
don't win, I'm fine with that.

I've said it before
and I'll say it again.

This whole feud
with the Crawleys

is absolutely ridiculous.

It is not ridiculous, all right?
They started it.

We were here first.

They may serve breakfast,
but we have a better location.

I really don't think
we need to worry about them.

They don't really
pose a threat to us.

Edgestone Resorts,
however, does.

[scoffs]
Edgestone Resorts.

On the train,
I was reading an interview

with their CEO,
Kevin Howard.

He says that all their success
is owed to them penetrating

these overlooked
and underdeveloped properties.

So what happens
when they come in

and they set their eyes
on Crestridge?

Well, they already have.
I said no.

Sorry, what?

Edgestone Resorts
offered to buy the inn.

When?

I don't know.
It was a while back.

Were you not gonna tell me?

I'm sorry. I didn't think
it mattered, Ryan.

Obviously I said no. You know
I'm not gonna sell this place.

I know that, but as the manager,

I would like to know stuff
like that.

Are you not worried that they're
gonna go buy another property?

People don't want some
big, fancy resort hotel

in a town like this.

This is why they come here,
to get away from that.

Let them have their fancy spa

and their overpriced
restaurants.

Customers like it
when they call here

and an actual Mason family
member takes their reservation.

And I agree,
but this industry is changing,

and these big resorts,
they're coming in

with all kinds of amenities,

and they can afford the public
relations to market them.

So I don't know.
If they manage to get in here,

this inn could easily
fade into the background.

Look, Ryan, I know you just came
back from this big conference,

but I run this inn
the way my dad did

and the way his dad did,

and that's what
people want, okay?

You of all people know
our numbers are great.

We're fine.

For now.

Hey, I thought I heard
my oldest son.

Hey, Mom. Sorry, I didn't
want to disturb you.

You disturb me anytime.

How was the conference?

Uh, conference was great.

We covered a lot of stuff.

You know, I think I saw
Julia Crawley

at the train station.
but I'm not sure.

I barely recognized her.

Wow. I haven't seen her
around town in a long time.

Well, there's another vote
for Lexi.

Didn't you two
used to be friends?

[laughs]

Hardly.

What are you guys thinking
for dinner?

Well, that's yet to be decided.

What about Jaimie's Diner
for takeout?

- Yeah.
- That's a great idea.

Usual? All around?

- Extra mashed potatoes, please.
- Got it.

All right.

All right,
let's hang these up.

- Pin, Dad, pin.
- Thank you.

- Wear it.
- You look cute in a Santa hat.

♪ Oh, we wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a Merry Christmas ♪

Ryan Mason.

Julia Crawley.

Did you know it was me
at the train station?

Was having a hard time
placing you.

I did not know it was you
until my sister pointed it out.

Well, to be fair to both of us,
it's been a long time.

It has, and we didn't really run
in the same social circles.

You were a sophomore
when I was a senior, right?

Yes, much younger than you.

I mean, you lettered
in football,

I lettered in debate.

That's right, yeah.

Social circles aside,

we probably wouldn't have
hung out much,

given our dads' situation.

Very true.

Thank you again
for returning my computer.

You're welcome.
Where were you coming from?

New York.

New York. Wow.
Do you work there?

I do. I'm an attorney
at a corporate law firm.

Look at debate team paying off.

- Right?
- Wow.

Where are you coming in from?

I was coming in from a business
management seminar in Denver.

- Nice.
- Yeah.

I got my MBA
a few years ago,

so now my dad thinks
I'm a glorified bookkeeper.

Well, I'm sure he's very glad
to have you around.

- Where'd you get your MBA?
- Chicago.

And you came back here
by choice?

I did. I love Crestridge.

Nice mountain air,
friendly faces.

- Well, your family aside.
- So here's your order.

Thank you. Do we have
extra mashed potatoes?

- Yes.
- Great.

My dad always gets that too.

I'm sorry. They have
something in common?

- Imagine that.
- Wow.

- How long you in town?
- At least through Christmas.

Well, Julia Crawley,

I hope I accidentally
bump into you again.

I would like that,

as long as we can
keep our families out of it.

One can dream.

Don't forget this.

My family thanks you.

Just a Crawley
looking out for a Mason.

Merry Christmas!

Candy cane?

Hi! Merry Christmas!

Whoa!

Hi, Mrs. Billingsley.

Oh, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all.

All right, now we gotta
sell this stuff.

- Hi, Julia. How are you?
- Hi!

I'm good. How are you?

- Good to see you.
- You too. Merry Christmas.

Well, well, look who it is.

That's a nice smile.

Are you following me?

This is a very small town.

I'm just in line to get
some delicious hot chocolate.

So this isn't the accidentally
bumping into me on purpose plan?

Would you like it to be?

If you must know,
I am smiling

because everyone here
looks like they're having fun,

and I think that is nice.

I'm so happy to see you
re-embracing your roots.

Relax, it's a smile.
Get some hot chocolate.

I'm not signing up
for the snowball toss.

Hello, hello!
Welcome, everyone, welcome!

[cheering]

For those of you just
joining our festivities,

I am Mayor Victoria Johnson,
and welcome

to the Crestridge Centennial
Christmas Celebration.

[cheering]

Every year,
folks flock to our town

to participate
in our Christmas traditions.

And I have to say, today's event
is my personal favorite,

the snowball toss!

In honor of it being
our centennial,

all the events this year
will be bigger and better.

So this year's snowball toss

won't be an individual
competition.

It will be a team competition.

You'll need four team members
to participate.

- Oh, no.
- What?

I can already tell
what my dad's thinking.

And the best part is
this year's prize,

kindly donated by Kevin Howard,

spa day passes
to Edgestone's resort hotel

over in Mount Marcy!

[cheering]

So gather up your teams.

Sign-up is closing soon.

Best of luck
and Merry Christmas.

That's not good.

What?

That's Kevin Howard.

He owns Edgestone Resorts.

Pretty sure I know
why he's here.

Because he's a fan
of our Christmas celebration?

He's put three family inns
out of business

in the Rockies alone.

- Julia, Julia, Julia!
- Hey, Dad.

- Did you hear?
- I did.

- Teams.
- I think you, Mom, and Lexi

are gonna make a great team.

We need four.
You're on the team.

- Dad.
- Come on, you played softball.

You have the best arm.

I played second base
for one season in sixth grade.

It's like riding a bike.

- You remember Ryan Mason.
- Of course.

I assume your father
will be entering.

Oh, the whole lot of us.

Well, good luck.
May the best family win.

Good luck to you as well.

When you're done
getting hot chocolate,

we'll be over there
practicing our snowball toss.

Have to find your sister.

Sounds good, Dad.

So it's officially on.

It's on.

I should probably
take it easy on you.

Absolutely not.
If anything,

you're gonna want me
to take it easy on you.

Wow.

To think moments ago,
you weren't even into this.

I'd better go stretch.

Thought you were in line
for hot chocolate.

Just wanted to say hi.

So still signing up after
what happened last year, huh?

[scoffs]
May I remind you, Bill,

that I have beaten you
more times at the snowball toss

than you have me.

And may I remind you, Tim,

that we have won
the last three years in a row.

Guess we'll have to change that.

Hmm.

Well, hello,
my favorite innkeepers.

- Hi.
- Victoria.

Is it true
I heard that Edgestone

is sponsoring
the prize this year?

Oh, the CEO offered.

Besides, who wouldn't want
a free spa day?

Huh. I don't think I like him
being here.

Me neither.

So the two of you can
agree on something.

Who knew?

VICTORIA: First round,
get as many snowballs

through the holes
as possible.

First up, Team Mason.

- Whoo-hoo!
- Yeah!

Ready, set...

[blows whistle]

Good boy! Go, go, go!

♪♪ ["Joy to the World"]

Oh, yes!

Oh!

- Everybody's hot.
- That's right!

Time!

That's what I'm talking about!
Whoo! That's right!

Looks like we got a competition!

Oh, yeah.

Next up is Team Crawley.

All right!

Ready, set...

[blows whistle]

[cheering]

That was a 50!

Time!

Yeah!

Not bad.

We currently have a tie
between the Crawleys

and the Masons.

Why am I not surprised?

To determine the winner,
we need one representative

from each team
to throw one more snowball.

For this portion
of the competition,

different holes
are worth different points.

All right, we choose Julia.

Dad, are you sure?

Yes, you have the best aim.

That's a lot of pressure.

So was law school,
but you did okay there.

- That's a little different.
- No.

- Wanna do it?
- Let him do it. It's on you.

Well, guess
it's just you and me now.

I like the odds.

The odds of you losing?

Ha! You're funny.
That was funny.

Yeah.

Julia, you will go first.

Okay.

Go for the most points.
It's worth it.

Yeah, go for the big one,
then you're sure to get it.

SANDRA: Honey, just stay calm.

Yeah!

Okay, that was good!
Nice shot!

That was pretty good.
That was good.

All right, now it's Ryan's turn.

Tell you what.

If I miss this,
will you have dinner with me?

No. I wanna win this
fair and square.

If I make it,
will you have dinner with me?

How about you try, you miss,

and then nobody has dinner
with anyone?

What do you have
against dinner?

- Can't say I didn't try.
- Yeah, you did, you tried.

[cheering]

Yes!

Mason's family wins.

Oh, Tim, I'm sorry.

I guess that makes it
four years in a row, huh?

Lucky shot.

Hey, good game.

It was a good game.

Here, have one of
my campaign buttons.

You made buttons.

Just a few to remind
everyone in town

that I have the most
Christmas spirit.

Second to me.

Maybe I should've taken
that dinner after all.

Maybe you should have.
But good game, Crawley.

You too, Mason.

JULIA: Yes, and the bake-off
will actually be held

right here in the lobby.

We serve breakfast every morning
from 7 to 9.

There's a full list

of Crestridge Christmas
celebration activities

in your room.

- Enjoy your stay.
- Thanks.

You're a natural at this.

Well, when you've been
working the front desk

since you were a kid,
it's second nature.

Still, you were always good
at one-on-one with the guests.

Maybe that's why
you're a good lawyer.

Your clients must love you.

Unfortunately, I don't
get to work directly

with clients in-person
these days,

but hopefully that will change
with the promotion.

Boy, the cookies sure do
go fast around here.

You know what?
I can't wait for everyone

to experience Grandma's skills
in the bake-off.

GRANDMA: Thank you, dear.

Dad, you guys have to
come down the street.

It's the Masons.

They put up decorations,
and it's good.

It's really good.

Okay, let's go.

BILL: And this year, in order
to win best-decorated business--

See? What did I tell you?

It's not bad.

What do you wanna do?

Well, gotta do something.

Oh, we'll do something.
Let's get out of here.

JULIA: I'll catch up with you
in a minute.

And this will be
completely covered.

Wow.

Not too shabby.

- Yeah, you like it?
- It's beautiful.

Little joint effort
between my father and myself.

He wanted every square-inch
covered in lights,

and some genius

put all these beautiful
Christmas trees everywhere.

I'm assuming
you are that genius.

Thank you for saying so.
I appreciate that.

So look, he's starting to listen
to your ideas after all.

That's because he wants to win
best-decorated business.

Have you ever just been
straightforward with him

and told him you want
more responsibility?

He's well aware.

When I decided
to go to law school

instead of working at the inn,

my dad was in denial
until I sat him down,

and I told him that becoming
a lawyer was my dream.

I wanted to help people,
and I hoped he would support me.

And did he?

Took some convincing,
but I was honest with him,

so that helped.

Just keep trying.

He listened to you about
all these Christmas trees.

That's because he wanted to win
a Christmas light competition.

Yes, according to Crawley lore,

the Masons have always been
quite competitive.

[laughs]

Oh, boy, I would love to hear
more of said Crawley lore.

The way my grandma tells it,

you guys are entirely
responsible for this feud.

- Is that right?
- Mm-hmm.

Mason lore paints it
a little bit different.

My great grandfather spent years
of backbreaking labor

working at the railroad
in hopes to one day be able

to save enough money to open his
own inn in his favorite town.

He found the perfect plot
of land right by the railroad,

and then Samuel Mason,
your great grandpa,

swooped in early,
bought it out from under him

and opened his own inn.

- Are you gonna say anything?
- You done?

- Yeah.
- It's a great story.

- Thank you.
- See, the way I hear it

is my great grandfather

won fair and square
in that bidding w*r,

and George Crawley
just couldn't take it,

got jealous,
and he opened up a rival inn

just to run our family
out of business.

And somewhere in the middle
probably lies the truth.

Probably so.

Think they'll ever get over it?

- Not in the foreseeable future.
- Yep.

Nice work, Mason.

Have a good night, Crawley.

♪♪

- Julia!
- What?

Didn't you hear me calling?

Come on, rise and shine, honey!
I need your help downstairs.

- What time is it?
- It's time to get up.

Dad, I worked the front desk
last night.

Lexi's making breakfast.

Mom and Grandma
are doing breakfast.

We have something
much more exciting!

Come on, chop-chop!

Lexi!

What is going on?

Wow, Dad!
[laughs]

It may not look like much,

but with your help
and a couple hours of work,

our yard will come alive
with bigger, better,

and classier
Christmas decorations!

Is this because of
the Masons' new decorations?

Yes. I was thinking
on too small a scale.

We need so much more

if we're gonna compete
on the Masons' level.

We don't have time.

All the businesses that want to
be considered for the contest

have to have their final
decorations up tonight,

so people have time to vote

before the end
of the celebration.

Piece of cake.

I'm not gonna ask you
where you got all this stuff

in the middle of the night,
but I am gonna ask

if there's any way I don't have
to help you put it together.

Come on, Jules.
It'll be fun!

Beautiful morning air,
quality time with my daughters,

and best of all,

a display that will
make jaws drop!

[laughing]

Okay, so it looks like we just
place these bows on the boxes,

and we have a magical world
of presents.

Sounds like a plan.

You waiting for a call?

Just waiting to hear
if the partners

have made a decision
on who to promote.

- When do you find out?
- That's the worst part.

I don't know.

Well, I hope you get it.
I know how hard you have worked.

Thank you.

I put in 10 years at this firm,

so I hope they see
what I'm capable of.

They gave me this time off,

and part of me wonders
if it was a test,

and I should've stayed
in case they needed anything.

- And miss this?
- [laughing]

No, I'm happy to be home,

even if it means
waking up insanely early

to help Dad build
his Christmas paradise.

You have to admit
yesterday was really fun.

It was. I just wish Dad didn't
get so heated about the Masons.

You talk like you're
not part of the feud.

- Because I'm not.
- You used to be.

I guess living
outside of Crestridge

has given me some perspective.

This whole feud, it happened,
what, three generations ago?

I think we should've
moved on by now.

Mm-hmm.

What's that "mm-hmm?"

I think it's another reason.

And what would that be?

I saw you blushing yesterday

when you were talking
to Ryan Mason.

I think I sense a crush.

And I think you've been
outside too long,

and you are not making sense.

Glad to see you guys
are working so hard,

but I need one of you
to get my tape measure.

It's on the check-in desk.

Perfect!
[laughs]

I'm fine.
Do it myself.

Christmas grand marshal.

SANDRA: All right,
here's your room key.

We serve breakfast
from 7 to 9 in the morning.

- Enjoy your stay.
- Thank you.

- So how's decorating 2.0 going?
- Don't get me started.

I'm just looking
for Dad's tape measure.

Ah.

What's this?

SANDRA:
Oh, it's nothing, really.

Edgestone Resorts
wants to buy our inn?

Well, they tried,
and your dad firmly said no.

He'd never sell.

Should we be concerned
they even asked?

No! I mean, look,
you've seen things.

The inn's doing great,
especially this time of year.

A lot of people come
for the Christmas celebration.

I'm sure that Edgestone
just wants a piece

of Crestridge's
Christmas tourist action.

You have nothing
to worry about, okay?

This inn has been in our family
for generations.

We're not going anywhere.

Still, I wonder if they're
asking anyone else to sell,

and if they do find a property,
what would that mean for us?

It wouldn't be good.

But it's okay.

Crestridge prides itself on
small-town small businesses.

Now go.
Finish helping your father

make his decoration dreams
come true.

[laughs]

Okay, Ryan, in the song,
"Frosty the Snowman,"

what brings Frosty to life?

- Dad?
- Yes.

- I love you.
- I love you too.

Why are you asking me
about Frosty?

Because the day after tomorrow
is the Christmas trivia,

and we need to practice
'cause I do not intend

on giving up
my winning streak.

So what brings Frosty to life?

A pipe.

No! Pipe?
No, it's an old silk hat.

See, this is why
we gotta practice.

I promise I will brush up
on my Frosty trivia later,

but right now,
I'm working on some sketches.

I want you to see 'em.
Think you're gonna like 'em.

I'm thinking we do some kind
of addition to the inn.

Maybe a small gym
right around here,

or we can make this
a sauna and spa.

What do you think?

Ryan, we just don't
need that here.

I really think
we should consider

adding some sort of addition.

All these bigger resorts
like Edgestone,

they have these amenities
to provide to their guests.

I checked our funds.

We can do this.
I've priced it all out.

The look and feel of this inn
is classic.

I just think adding on
would take away

from the aesthetic
my grandfather built here.

How would you feel about
maybe converting the garage?

Yeah, I'll think about it, okay?

But today the name of the game
is Christmas trivia,

so on that note, sir,

what Christmas-themed
Russian ballet

premiered in St. Petersburg
in 1892?

Nutcracker.

Ah! Well done, my son.
I'm so proud of you.

Okay, you still need
to practice though.

We're gonna win!

Hey.

Pretty brave coming over here.

You nervous somebody's
gonna see us talking?

No.

- Should I be?
- Maybe.

So is this a new hobby?

Taking some land measurements.

Thinking about putting in a gym.

Hmm. I once suggested new
wallpaper for the guest rooms,

and my dad looked at me
like I was crazy.

Ah. No, no, my dad's
the exact same way.

I'm going with a new tactic.

Gonna show him some numbers,
some visuals,

try to convince him that we need
to do something different

to compete
with the bigger resorts.

Speaking of the bigger resorts,

do you wanna meet me for
a secret cup of hot chocolate?

I have something to run by you.

What if I casually
bumped into you at the diner

in about 10 minutes?

Accidentally.

- Maybe.
- Maybe sounds good.

Shh.

♪♪ ["Deck the Halls"]

It's the same letter my dad got.

Really?

Yeah.

Clearly Edgestone wants
to build in Crestridge.

So let's say they do
find a property.

What would that mean
for our families' inns?

It would be terrible.

They opened up one
in Valley Hill,

and their B&B was closed.

They opened up two in Canton,

and they ran both the inns
out of business.

What's so special
about Edgestone?

They offer things
that we just can't.

I mean, they have
entire spas, gyms,

clothing boutiques,
nice restaurants.

So what do we do?

I don't think
there's anything we can do,

other than just make sure
that our inns are up to date

as much as possible.

There's gotta be something more
than convincing my dad

to get on social media.

I'm not talking social media.

I mean up-to-date amenities.

What?

It's a bit interesting

how concerned you are
about this.

Yeah.

This is my family.

No, I know, but...

don't you work for a big
corporate law firm?

Yes, I do.
Edgestone isn't our client.

Concern for small-town business
is just, uh...

It's an interesting
career path.

- That's all I'm saying.
- Well, I'm sorry.

I just wanted more
than being stuck in this town.

Is that what you think?
I'm stuck here?

That... came out wrong.

I just-- I think you had
a lot going for you

in high school and after it and
the world at your fingertips,

and you made a choice and
came back to work at the inn.

I like this town.

I care about the people in it.

And you think I don't.

Thank you
for meeting me. I...

I should probably go.

♪♪

[laughing]

So you guys want me to quiz you
on some more Christmas trivia?

- After the next game.
- I can't.

I actually have
to get things ready

for the gift basket
for the troops event

I'm hosting tomorrow.

I've been putting things
together all week,

and we're actually
short some volunteers,

so if you know of anyone...

Sure.

No trivia? Okay.

Doesn't Lexi volunteer
at the VA?

- You should invite her.
- I'm competing against her.

Why would I invite her
to my charity event?

Because it's a charity event.

I'm just saying
you might be surprised.

I never once saw you try
to be friends with Julia

while we were growing up.

Where's this coming from?

We don't know them
all that well, so...

don't judge too quickly.

All right, I'll think about it.

SANDRA: Tim, there are
too many lights.

TIM: It'll be fine!

[laughing]

Of course, Mrs. Aspinwall.

Just let me know
if you need anything else.

[thud]

[thudding continues]

[thud]

[thud]

What are you doing?

I was knocking.

With snowballs?

Yeah.

Do you wanna come down?

It's late.

Can always keep knocking.

I'll be right there.

What are you doing?

My whole family's inside.

Yeah, yeah.

I didn't have your number, so...

I wanted to apologize

about what happened
back at the diner.

Probably I shouldn't have
said some of that stuff.

I'm sorry too.

I forgive you.

[laughs]

Are you busy right now?

Like right now?

Yeah, are you free?
I'm free.

I am. I am free.

Perfect. I know a great
little place we can go.

Would you like to?

Okay.

Let's go.

Here's my famous
hot chocolate.

- Ah, thank you, Eddy.
- Thank you.

You're very welcome.
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

This place hasn't changed a bit.

Did you know this is the first
building in Crestridge?

- Wow.
- They actually measured once.

Eddy's Pub is smack dab
in the center.

That's impressive.

It's a beautiful property,
all this old brick.

You should see the rooftop.

The view of the lake,
it's incredible.

I've been telling Eddy he needs
to open up a rooftop bar.

You do have a good mind
for business.

Wow. Thank you.

I'm sorry I said what I did
about you staying here.

Sorry for questioning
your concerns.

You know, after I got my MBA,

I actually worked at a small
startup tech company in Chicago.

I didn't come right back home.

I did not know that.

I hated the crazy hours

and the insane workload,

and not to mention the fact

I never got to work
with an actual person,

so after about a year,
I decided I'd had enough.

But here at the inn,

I get to work with the guests
one-on-one

and see that even
the small things I do,

they matter to people.

I get it.

My job right now is mostly
law books and paperwork.

I'm hoping this promotion
I'm up for

will lead to more
human interaction,

but it's also gonna mean
longer hours

and even less of a life.

Maybe our great
grandfathers knew

how fulfilling it was
to help people one-on-one.

That's why they built the inns.

Maybe.

Or maybe it was the end
of the First World w*r,

and recreational activities
were on the rise,

and they saw
the economic potential

of a small mountain town
vacation spot.

Yeah, there's that too.

I've actually been thinking
a lot about what you said

about how you wished there was
more that we could do

to keep Edgestone
out of Crestridge.

I wanna do more.

We could write
a strongly-worded letter

telling Edgestone to stay away.

I was thinking more
of a keep-out sign.

What about the snowball toss
and the person who--

Wait a second.

That could actually be it.

Right, you should definitely
challenge Kevin Howard

to a snowball fight.

No, our fathers.
Their natural competitiveness.

What if we could get them to
join forces against Edgestone?

- Yeah, that could work.
- It's easier said than done.

We're talking about
a century-long feud here, but...

If anyone could do it,
it's us.

Really?

Yeah, it'd be great.

You're great, I'm great.

We'd be great together.

I mean, we could
work great together.

That's what I meant.

Got it.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

So what do we do?

We get our families
together, right?

We need to help them see
how much they have in common.

[laughs]

Um, well, unless you plan
on taking all of them

and locking them up in a room
against their will,

I think that's a tricky idea.

What about trivia night?

Everyone's gonna be here.

Way too competitive.

That's when they're
at their worst.

Right.

Or we could see
if they wanna volunteer

to make gift baskets
for the troops tomorrow.

Love it. I'll rally the troops
to help the troops.

Let's do it.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

To making miracles happen.

Hello, sweetie.

Grandma, hey.
What are you doing up?

I was going to ask you
the very same thing.

I just went out
on a little walk.

In the middle of winter
in December?

Well, I can't get nature
like this in Manhattan.

Join me for a cup
of peppermint tea?

Sure, thank you.

Did I ever tell you about
your Great Aunt Elizabeth?

Just that she lived
in California.

She was a lot like you.

Ambitious, hard worker.

She used to sneak in and out
of that very door too.

She sneaked out to go see
the man she was in love with.

His name was John Mason.

When your great grandfather
found out about it,

he told her she had
to break it off immediately.

It was a betrayal
to the family.

Did she?

No.

She loved him.

So what happened?

She asked him
to move away with her,

and he said no.

He couldn't leave his family
or the town.

And so he ended it.

Broke her heart.

She moved away not long after.

The last thing I want is for you
to have a broken heart.

Grandma...

this is nothing like that.

I live in New York,

and I know I can't
get attached to anyone here.

And you know that
I've always wanted

to be a partner in a good firm.

I will not let anything
or anyone jeopardize that.

Good.

But I do think it's time
we leave the past behind us.

Oh, that's hard to do.

The past doesn't like to let go.

Or maybe we don't like
to let go of it.

But Christmas is known
for its miracles.

- Good morning.
- Hey!

Huh! Well, look who
decided to wake up.

- I fell asleep late.
- For the record,

I saw Dad outside your room
this morning with a blow horn,

but I talked him out of it.

And you are
the best sister ever.

We're just so excited
to have you home,

we wanna spend
every minute with you.

Then you should
come with me today

to make Christmas gift baskets
for the troops.

That's at the Mason Inn.

Yes, it is, and I hear they
could use some extra hands.

You know how much
I love the cause,

but we have
Christmas trivia tomorrow.

We need to study.

Dad, it's Christmas trivia.

How much do you need to study?

Well, I overheard Eddy yesterday
in the library,

asking the librarian about
Crestridge Christmas history.

I'm thinking it's gonna be
its own category,

so we need to brush up.

Isn't that cheating?

It's not cheating.

It's additional information that
may or may not be pertinent.

Well, I think making Christmas
gift baskets for the troops

is a great idea.

Julia, I'll join you.

Mom, the Masons are hosting.

So? Christmas is about giving
just as much as it is receiving.

Doesn't matter who's in charge.

You're right.

And I do love making
a good gift basket.

Just leaves you, Dad.

I think that I can
volunteer some of my time.

For the troops.

For the troops!

How's everyone doing?
You need anything?

Can I get some more of these?

[humming]

How? How did you do this?
How'd you get them together?

The hard part's gonna be getting
your dad to be okay with it.

Uh-huh.

You put the cookies
on the side there.

Actually can fit more
in the basket.

I think I know how
to put things in a basket.

- Here we go.
- Let's just give them time.

- Rome was not built in a day.
- Mm-hmm.

It's been a century.
How much time do they need?

Can I have that deck of cards?

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

What about them?

Shocked you came.

Well, it's a good idea.

I've been organizing
a toy drive.

Yeah, I've seen the bins
around town.

Nice work.

Thank you.

What was that?

I think that is
what we call hope.

- Hope. Oh, right.
- [chuckles]

- Looks good on 'em.
- There's always hope.

There we go.

All right, let's put
these boxes in the back.

Right there.

Yeah, that's good.

They'll appreciate it,
the soldiers.

Think so.
Did you ever serve?

Uh, no.

My dad did. World w*r II.

Yeah, same.

Before he took over the inn.

Yep.

Good man.

Definitely.

I hope we're doing them proud.

Tomorrow at the trivia...

Just so you know,
I've been studying,

so you're gonna be in trouble.

[laughs]

Just a heads-up.

I overheard Eddy
talk to the librarian

about Crestridge
Christmas history.

I'm thinking
it might be a category.

Well, it's good to know.

Yeah, you know,
even playing field.

Yeah.

Well, good luck...
'cause you're gonna need it.

Same to you, buddy.

[laughing]

Hello, everyone, and welcome

to one of our celebration's
most popular events,

Christmas trivia.

- [cheering]
- Yes!

Winners, of course,
will receive one month

of free drinks
right here at Eddy's Pub.

Oh, boy, that's gonna cost you.

Thank you, thank you.

And now, without further ado,

the host of Christmas trivia
for the last 10 years,

pub master Eddy.

- [cheering]
- Yay, Eddy!

Who's ready for
Christmas trivia?

[cheering]

♪♪ ["Hark! The Herald
Angels Sing"]

Moving on to our big
category round:

Crestridge Christmas history.

You got this.

And the winner of this year's
Christmas trivia is...

the Crawley Family.

[cheering]

Before you get back
to your meals,

I have one more announcement.

This will actually be
my last Christmas celebration

here in Crestridge.

- What?
- Oh, no.

I know, I know,

but my daughter just had
my first grandkid,

and I want to retire
and move back to Florida

and be closer to them.

- Oh, congratulations, Eddy.
- That's great.

We are so sorry
that you are retiring.

Who's gonna be
taking over the pub?

Actually, I decided
to sell the place.

The entire strip of businesses,
in fact.

- Sell it?
- Yeah.

Edgestone Resorts
made me a great offer.

- Edgestone?
- You-- You what?

Edgestone Resorts?

Edgestone?

Oh, God.
What are we gonna do about this?

[sighing]

- This is bad.
- Very bad.

They could run my family
out of business.

Mine too.

So we need to do something
and fast.

We still need to work on
getting them on the same page.

They can stand up
to Edgestone.

There's power in numbers,

and both families are facing
the exact same problem.

I agree, so we need to get them
to come together as a team.

Yeah.

Is your family participating
in the bake-off?

No. They're scared
of your grandmother.

Great. I have an idea.

How could Eddy sell to them?

They made him a good offer.

There you are. Did you win?

Yeah.

Well, you don't look
like you did.

Edgestone Resorts
is buying Eddy's Pub.

Oh, dear.

Yeah.

They're just gonna tear down
the entire building

and put in one of their
cookie-cutter resorts.

There's plenty of time
to worry about this later.

Bake-off is tomorrow,
and I need all hands on deck

for my buche de noel.

I'm on it.

My first year running the inn,
we had a really slow season.

I was afraid we were
gonna have to close.

But guess what.

We pulled through.

The Crawleys always do.

Hmm?

It'll be okay.

I know.

Best thing to do
when life gets hard?

Bake something really good.

All right.

And this one.

Lexi, could you go get
those utensils?

- Mm-hmm.
- There you go.

I'll start on
the dry ingredients.

[crackling]

Yeah!

Okay.

Uh-oh. That's not good.

They-- They might come back on.

Well, it's the entire inn.

I told you there was
one too many electric things

in the yard.

Those things are gonna win us

the best-decorated
business award.

Not if they short-circuit
our power, they're not.

We're hosting
the bake-off tomorrow.

I'll get the backup
generator running,

cover the guest rooms,
then I'll call the electrician,

have him out here
first thing in the morning.

But what about
my buche de noel?

Can you just make it tomorrow
before the bake-off?

This dessert requires
time, patience, and precision.

So no.

Found some extra candles.

We need much more
than candles to bake.

Why don't we just use
somebody else's kitchen?

Who else would have the space
we need this time of night?

The Masons.

You suggesting
we just call 'em up

and ask to use their kitchen?

Well, Dad did Bill a favor

by giving him
a heads-up on trivia.

I don't know.
This is different.

Doesn't the generator
cover all the guest rooms?

So the guests will be fine,

and there's
a night clerk on duty

if anyone needs anything.

Son, I have to do this.

Edna Harrington and I
agreed that this bake-off

would be the final say
on who is the superior baker.

Fine.

I will call them.

[doorbell rings]

- Merry Christmas! Welcome!
- Merry Christmas.

Thank you, thank you very much.

- You guys are lifesavers.
- This is great.

How much counter space
do you have?

The normal amount?

- Does that work?
- Yes.

Oh, here, let me
help you with that.

Thanks.

Don't be so surprised.
I'm actually not a bad guy.

Never said you were.

- Power outage?
- Yep.

- Do I ask?
- Nope.

Okay.

This is wonderful.

Thank you so much.

What exactly is
a buche de noel?

It's a rolled sponge cake

filled and frosted
with chocolate buttercream.

Ah, it's a yule log cake then.

TIM: Buche de noel.
Our ancestors were French.

It seems complicated to me.

It is.

I mean, that's why
it's going to win.

I think we got this covered,

if you guys
wanna do something else.

Did you show Mr. Crawley
the new pool table?

Wait, you got a pool table?

Yeah, yeah,
customers love it, yeah.

Dad, you've been talking about
getting a pool table

for a long time.

Yeah, you two should play.

You don't need us here?

No, I think we got it.
Mr. Mason?

I get the impression
they want us to leave.

Yeah, I'll show him
the pool table.

When did you get a pool table?

They don't belong in here.

It goes faster
if you whisk it up higher.

Oh, actually, given
the separation of the cream,

it's more flavorful
if you alternate.

Fun fact.

Yay!

- Chef's gotta taste as he goes.
- All right.

- Mmm!
- Yeah?

- That's pretty good.
- That's really good.

- Here, try this.
- Ah.

I'm not usually an eggnog guy,
but this is delicious.

Right? Special ordered.

Well, looks like
business is going well.

Yeah, very well. You?

- Yeah, yeah.
- Good.

I can't believe
they got to Eddy.

Yeah, tell me about it.

I guess Edgestone
had to look elsewhere

after I turned them down.

- They made you an offer?
- Yeah.

Us too.

You worried?

I don't know. You?

Yes, actually.

I don't get what's so great
about these big, fancy resorts.

Exactly, I mean,
they're all the same.

- Yeah.
- Cookie-cutter. No character.

At least our inns reflect
the flavor of this town.

Exactly, yes!

- Right?
- Yeah.

Do you know
what you're gonna do?

No. You?

[scoffs]

No.

If you like it,
don't forget to vote.

- Enjoy.
- Merry Christmas.

You're gonna love it.

Man, I'm already so full,

and we still have
half the samples left.

I know.
I should've paced myself.

Did you try
the hot chocolate cupcakes?

No, I've been too busy
with these cream horns.

- Okay, I'm done.
- You're done?

- That's all you.
- Okay.

I just wish
you'd told us first, Eddy.

A resort like that
could put us out of business.

I was thinking
it might do the opposite.

You know,
bring in more tourists.

The more tourists, the better
for all the business here.

Have you signed anything yet?
Is this a done deal?

No. I just got the paperwork.

Hey, y'all.
What are we talking about?

Just discussing the sale.

Hey, more hot chocolate, anyone?

- No, thanks, thanks.
- I'm going to get some.

Did you know about this?

Well, I knew that Kevin Howard

had been spending
more time here,

but I didn't know that Edgestone
officially made an offer.

This changes a lot.

I know you're both concerned,
and I get it,

but a big hotel like this
may allow for growth.

Besides, these days,
people expect

a lot out of their lodging.

- Like a spa.
- Yeah, or a gym.

That's what I hear.

Ooh, excuse me a second.

Melanie just put out
reindeer tarts.

One hundred years.

Just like that,
could be over.

VICTORIA: Hello, everyone!

[applause]

[cheering]

I don't know about y'all,
but I am full.

[laughter]

The votes are in,
and I have the winners

of our first Crestridge
Centennial Christmas Celebration

Dessert Bake-off.

Oh, that is a mouthful.

[laughs]

And our first-place winner is...

the Crawley family's
buche de noel!

[cheering]

Actually, we had some help.

So technically,
it's the Crawley-Mason family

buche de noel.

Well, other than
Edgestone coming in

and trying to ruin the town,

I'd say that was
a pretty big success.

I'd say we make
a pretty great team.

[groans]

There's a step there.

- I missed that step.
- You did miss that step.

It's a shame this is
just for the centennial.

I think they should
do this every year.

Well, then I would have
to come home for Christmas

a lot more often.

Or maybe a little
more often than that.

I would like that.

Hey, Jules, have you seen--

Um, never mind, never mind.

Was that your sister?

That was my sister.

Okay.

I should go.

- I'll take care of that.
- Take care of that.

- Good night.
- Good night.

[door closes]

Uh, were you and Ryan just...

Are you guys a thing?

[phone ringing]

I have to take this.

You're not getting out of this.

Hey, Melissa, what's up?

Hey, sorry to interrupt
your vacation.

No, it's okay.

I just wanted to let you know
Thompson's back,

and he just called a meeting
with the partners tomorrow.

He did?

Yeah, this could be it.

I mean, I don't know

if they're gonna discuss
the promotion or anything,

but I just wanted
to give you a heads-up

in case they call.

Okay. Thank you.

Let me know if you hear
anything else.

I will. Bye, Julia.

Talk to you soon.

♪♪ ["Up on the Housetop"]

I hope you had a great day.
Merry Christmas.

If you need any
celebration recommendations,

you let me know, okay?

If you like peppermint
and hot chocolate,

make sure to stop by Jaimie's

for amazing peppermint
hot chocolate.

50% off if you tell them
Lexi sent you.

And don't forget to vote for
your Christmas grand marshal.

Mom, your favorite.
Wreath making.

Ah! Well, lucky we have enough
wreaths at the inn, thank you.

No, no, no, you can never
have enough wreaths.

Let's do it. I'm down.

Thank you, Grandma.

You're welcome, dear.

It's beautiful.
You're right, honey.

Sweet little baby pinecones.

I'm gonna go get you
a hot chocolate.

Honey, you're right.
Those are lovely.

Wow!

You can make your own wreaths.

That sounds fun.
I wanna give that a try.

Oh, look, it's the Crawleys.

You guys care to join us?

What perfect timing.

We were just saying we were
hoping to make a wreath.

- Yeah? Please, yes, join us.
- Can I get your chair?

Thank you.

So, Tim, you have any experience
making wreaths?

I majored in wreath-making.

- You?
- If I weren't an innkeeper,

I'd be a professional
wreath maker.

[laughs]

So no clue?

No clue at all.

Now, does a wreath
have to be round?

I have the same question.

I think that is just a garland.

Hmm. I think I'm gonna
go with a garland.

I love a good garland.

I'm gonna go see if
Grandma has silver ribbon.

Real quick, before you get
to your ribbon thing,

um, something
I wanted to ask you.

Ask away.

The dance is tomorrow night,

and I was wondering
if you'd like to go with me.

Before you say anything about
our families not getting along,

I want you to look over there

and look what
we've accomplished.

That is all our efforts
right there.

That's hard to do.

I was gonna say
I would love to.

Oh.

Okay.

Pick you up at 6:00?

Preferably on a horse
and sleigh.

Like a one-horse open sleigh?

[laughs]

I'm kidding, obviously.

I think I could
make it happen.

BILL: We're centrally located.
People like that.

And we have dining options
for our guests,

which is more important.

Let's go see.

So what's going on?

- [sighs]
- With Edgestone coming in,

I was just saying
more likely than not,

only one of our inns
will survive.

I agree, and it will be ours.

No, it'll be ours because
we were in Crestridge first.

First? By one month,

and only because
you took the property

next to the railroad station.

We bid on that property
fair and square.

We have way more rooms.

Ryan has a lot of new ideas.

He wants to add a gym
onto the place, so...

This is ridiculous.
It's all speculation.

You know, it is ridiculous

because if one of us
is gonna close,

it will not be
the Mason Inn.

- I think we'd better go.
- No, we're going.

Dad, I'm sure
we can work this out.

No, I know how he feels,

and he has always thought
that his inn is better.

Well, I guess we'll find out
whose closes first.

Fine.

Honey!

That went well.

Maybe we're kidding ourselves.

This rift is too deep.

So close.

Very close.

We still on for tomorrow?

Yeah, but it's probably best
if I just meet you there.

Hey, here's a wreath
for our sleigh.

See you tomorrow.

Dad.

This is our home.

Yes, it is.

- I can't lose it.
- You won't.

I might.

Four generations have survived.

And now some resort
could just take it all away?

Dad...

Maybe it's time
I just face the facts,

stop running from reality.

We don't stand a chance
against an Edgestone Resort.

There has to be another way.

Nothing you need
to worry about.

You got a good thing going on
in New York.

Just because
I don't live here anymore

doesn't mean this isn't my home.

Being back here,

it's made me realize
this will always be my home.

And we can't lose it.

♪♪

Hmm.

Hello?

Is anybody here?

- Hello?
- Hi.

Julia.

Is Ryan here?

Yeah, he should be
in the kitchen.

Do you mind
if I go back there?

No, no, that's fine.

Thanks, Mr. Mason.

Bill, please, call me Bill.

Thanks, Bill.

Hey.

How did you get past
the guard?

Friendly smile.

Which you do have.

Do you want a sandwich?

No, I'm good,
but thank you.

I have an idea that I think
can keep Edgestone Resorts

out of Crestridge,

but it's a little out there,

and I'm gonna need your help
to make it work.

Go.

I went and talked to Eddy.

I looked over the contract.

We can offer him more money.

He could terminate the sale.

Well, I don't know about you,

but we don't have enough
to buy the entire strip.

We don't either on our own,

so I was thinking
what if our families

go in on this together?

I'm sorry, you want our families
to buy a property together?

Yes, I do.

And what would we do with it?

We would turn it into
an upscale hotel together.

We'd offer everything
that the resorts have.

A spa, a gym, a restaurant,
but with a family touch

that the Masons
and Crawleys bring.

We could convert that
second floor to some more rooms,

maybe add another level,
take advantage of the view.

- I like this.
- The back wall goes,

could add
more amenities there.

And that is brilliant.

This could be the place
that tourists are looking for

when they come to Crestridge,

and they want that more
luxurious accommodation.

Exactly, and if they want
the family experience,

they could stay
in one of our original inns.

Yeah, it's a win-win.

Right?

However...

Okay, let's say,

hypothetically,
miraculously speaking,

our fathers set aside this feud,

and they joined forces
to buy this hotel,

and they outbid Edgestone,
what's to say that Edgestone's

not just gonna go buy up
another property

and put their resort there?

Gives us time
to implement this.

What is this?

I got this idea
from Cape Cod's newest law

that blocked one of our clients.

It's an amendment
to the town's zoning laws.

It requires every business
to obtain a permit

and a site plan approval

from a board made up
of local business owners.

That way, if any corporation
tries to come in,

our town has a say in it.

Oh, you're good.

Do you think we can sell this
to our parents?

We have to convince them
that it's worth it.

I was thinking
we could bring it up

tomorrow night at the dance.

Everyone's gonna be there.
It's neutral territory.

Okay. I'll come up
with a business plan

and a good budget.

And I will write up a contract

that shows
it's an equal partnership.

You know,
before you walked in here,

we didn't have this much work.

♪♪

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Julia, hi. I know
you're home with the family,

but do you have second?

Yes, of course.
Is everything okay?

Very much so.

I'm calling with good news.

We wanna offer you
the senior associate position.

That is incredible.

We love the work
you were doing last year,

and we think you would be an
asset to our senior-level team.

Thank you.

It was a hard decision,

but your skill set

and your ability
to think outside the box

solidified it for us.

Thank you so much.
I really wanted this.

Now we're gonna hit
the ground running

with the chain store account
on January 2nd,

so we would love it if you'd
get back a little earlier.

Maybe right after Christmas to
start getting things in order.

Sure, yeah,
that shouldn't be a problem.

Perfect. Congrats,
and I'll see you soon.

[sighs]

♪♪ ["It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear"]

♪♪

You like him, don't you?

I do.

Wow.

You look beautiful.

You look dashing yourself.

I try.

So when do you wanna do this?

I think we just wait
for the right time.

I missed your sleigh ride.

Good evening, everyone,
and welcome

to the Crestridge Centennial
Christmas Celebration Dance.

[cheering]

During our first celebration
back in 1919,

locals and guests alike would
gather together for a dance,

and tonight we bring back
this tradition.

[cheering]

But before I let you
dance the night away,

it is time to announce
our Christmas grand marshal,

a person who exemplifies
our town's values

and the spirit of Christmas.

So without further ado,

this year's first Crestridge
Christmas grand marshal is...

Lexi Crawley!

[cheering]

- Whoo!
- Lexi!

Thank you.
Thank you so much.

I have lived in Crestridge
my entire life,

and I firmly believe there's
no better place on Earth,

especially
to celebrate Christmas.

And Christmas
isn't about awards.

It's about family
and who you share it with,

so I share this with my family,
the Crawleys,

and of course with all of you,
my Crestridge family.

Thank you
and Merry Christmas.

[cheering]

Congratulations.

You're a worthy opponent.

Thank you.

- This might be a good time.
- Yeah, I think you're right.

Congratulations.

Ryan and I have something

we would like
to talk to all of you about.

We have a proposition for you.

Just keep an open mind.

♪♪ ["O Little Town
of Bethlehem"]

Well, they're all talking.
That's something.

It wasn't a flat-out no.

They even asked to see
a business plan.

- That's wonderful.
- I know.

Would you like to dance?

Okay.

♪♪

You know, if they do say yes...

what do you think about
sticking around town?

You could have all kinds
of lawyer-things to do.

I got the promotion.

So I'm going back to New York
the day after Christmas.

I'm happy for you.

You are?

You're smart,
and you're talented.

They would be crazy
not to promote you.

I want you to know that being
home and spending time with--

I know.

Me too.

♪♪ ["The First Noel"]

♪♪

Ryan, it's Christmas Eve.
Take a break.

I could use the distraction.

So I just got back from
talking to the Crawleys.

Oh, boy, how'd that go?

Well, it actually
went pretty well.

We're gonna do it.

We're gonna buy
Eddy's place together

and open up
the Mason-Crawley Hotel.

Actually, he wants to call it
the Crawley-Mason Hotel,

but that's clearly
a terrible name,

so maybe we'll call it
the Crestridge Hotel

just to play it safe.

Really? Are you serious?

Yeah! I mean, the business plans
that you and Julia showed us,

well, they were so strong,
we just couldn't say no.

I don't know what to say.
That is fantastic.

Um, you know, if it's okay,
I would love to discuss

maybe the possibility
of me running this venture.

Oh. Really?

Yeah. This is the opportunity
I've been waiting for.

I know I could take
a place like that,

make it a state-of-the-art
destination hotel

and also keep the traditional
customer services

and the personal touches
that we've put on our inn.

Well, it's funny because...

I think I just said that
exact same thing to Tim,

that you'd be the perfect person
to oversee this whole operation.

You did that?

I know it doesn't seem like it
sometimes, son, but...

I do listen.

I'm proud of you son.
Come here.

[laughs]

- That's great.
- Yeah.

I heard Julia's going back
to New York, huh?

Yeah, yeah, she is.

She got the job
that she wanted.

I know you two
were getting close.

Feud's over. That's great.

That's right.

I'm sure we'll get in
some scrapes in the future,

but we both care
about the community,

and if setting aside
a century-old feud

is what's best for our inns
and for the town,

then so be it.

Yeah, so be it.

You look lost in thought.

It's just so peaceful here.

I don't think I really
appreciated that

when I was growing up.

You don't appreciate much
of anything when you're young.

That's one of the best parts
about growing up.

You grow wiser.

You told me to be careful
not to get my heart broken.

I did.

And I thought I was.

I always knew
I would be going back,

that this was the job I wanted,

and now it's the thought
of leaving here

that makes my heart break.

Our family and the Masons

are going into business
together.

[laughs]

And that's all thanks to you.

This Christmas,

you did something
that no one else in this family

has ever been able to do
for generations:

Bring us all together.

Thank you.

- Hey, partner!
- You made it.

Are you kidding? For years,
I've been hearing about

how amazing
your Christmas breakfast is,

and now I'm finally invited.

[laughing]

Hey, I am happy to hear

both of you are buying
Eddy's land.

- Yeah, so are we.
- Yup.

And I'm really excited to see
how you decorate next Christmas.

The two of you got tons of votes
for best-decorated business.

So who won?
You can say it. Go ahead.

- The bakery.
- What?

They used actual crystals
to refract their lights through.

I'll announce it in a bit.

- [sighs]
- Runner-up?

Can't really beat
real crystals, I guess, huh?

No, no, you can't.

But you came pretty close.

Gave me a run for my money.

No. Your place looks great too.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Tim.

Mind if I join you?

Good morning, Grand Marshal.

Well, it's a big job,
but someone's gotta do it.

Yeah.

But seriously, congratulations.
You earned it.

Thank you.
After breakfast,

I'm gonna go deliver
all the toys I collected.

I could use a hand.

I would love to.

Tim, where's Julia?
She didn't leave, did she?

No, no.
Oh, you just missed her.

She had to
take care of something,

and she told me
to give you this.

Thank you.

Hey.

So what do you think
of the Mason-Crawley Hotel?

I think you mean
the Crawley-Mason Hotel.

[laughs]

Missed you this morning.

I had a few things
I needed to take care of.

Gotcha.

I wanted to meet you here

because this is where
you first got me thinking

about what really matters,

about how life is
more fulfilling

when you see
the impact you have,

and I see what we were able
to do for our families.

That's pretty special.

So I called my boss,
and I told him

that I'm not taking
the promotion.

I have decided to open up
my own law firm

right here in Crestridge.

Helping our families
made me realize

that this town could use
a good attorney.

And the best part is
I made partner right away.

You serious?

You wanna stay here?

I do.

There's something
about this town that...

just makes me
wanna stick around.

Maybe some indefinable quality
you just can't put into words.

No, I can put it in words.

Oh, I'm sure you could.

My family,

a job I can truly be proud of...

and you.

♪♪