♪
♪
♪ Dashing through the snow ♪
♪ On a one horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Over the fields we go ♪
♪ Laughing all the way ♪
♪ Bells on bobtail ring ♪
♪ Making spirits bright ♪
♪ What fun it is to ride
and sing ♪
♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
[car door opening]
[seatbelt alert beeping]
[woman sighing]
[groaning]
Lodge doesn't look so bad.
♪
[grunting]
[sighing]
Kelly, sweetheart!
Oh, I thought that was you!
- Hi, mom.
- Oh, look at you.
- My beautiful girl.
- Aww.
Come in, come in.
No, it's okay. It's okay, mom.
No, you haven't been back
for a while.
- Now let me spoil you.
- No, mom, it's heavy.
- Oh!
- Yeah.
What have you got in here?
You're not moving home, are you?
No, mom, I'm not moving home.
It's just my stuff.
Plus, I thought I'd surprise you
with a few new Christmas
ornaments.
Oh, well that's lovely!
Now come on inside,
it's freezing!
Can't wait to show you
everything.
Okay, you can manage, right?
- Yes.
- Okay.
Nice of you to bring ornaments,
honey,
but we have plenty of
our own here.
Which reminds me, you're going
to have to do the tree tomorrow.
What? Mom, you don't have the
tree up yet?
Christmas is a week away!
Well, that was always yours
and dad's thing.
We figured you'd want to do it
this year.
Oh my gosh, Kell!
You look straight out of a
shampoo commercial!
City life must be treating
you well.
It's just a blow out.
A blow out? Oh, is there
supposed to be
a big storm coming this evening?
No, mom, it's fine.
Never mind.
But hey, look at you!
You look like you should be
on the cover of "Fit Pregnancy."
Third trimester, here we come.
So I drove by your house
on the way in.
You didn't tell me that you and
Chris got a new car.
We didn't, we rented our
place out.
Oh, well, where did you move to?
Oh, I... I thought mom told you.
Chris and I moved in here.
Why? Help with the baby?
Yeah, and--
And also to help me with
this and that.
Besides, we have lots of extra
space this year.
Mom, this is usually your
busiest time.
You're usually booked out
months in advance.
We were, and then...
Well, we weren't.
Although we have one family
staying in room four,
the Nelsons.
Only one family?
Mom, how are you covering
the bills?
Listen, I've got some
hot chocolate
brewing in the kitchen.
I'll catch you up.
And I'm going to make sure
everything
is okay with your room.
It's so good to have you home,
Kell.
Shall we?
Yeah.
It was one thing after another.
She just...
she couldn't keep up
after dad d*ed.
Well, it didn't seem so bad when
I was here this summer.
Has she considered selling?
What?!
She could get a really
good price.
- Kell!
- It's too much for her.
And she's getting older.
Look, my firm can draft up
the contracts
and deal with the legalities
of the sale.
Dad built this place.
It's his legacy.
I know, but we have to be
realistic, Grace.
The place is crumbling,
and there are no guests.
You know what?
Mom is really trying.
She took out this ad in the
community paper.
- One second.
- Community paper?
[sighing]
Look, it's front page!
Okay, we... we need to
do something more than this.
A website or something.
What we need is some
Christmas magic.
"Christmas magic?"
Gracie, you're starting
to scare me.
What we need is to be
practical here.
Um, you know,
it's gonna work itself out.
It always does.
It's won't work out unless we
work it out, Grace.
- You know what we should do?
- What?
Grace:
We should build a snowman.
A snowman? And how is that going
to solve anything?
Well, it won't, I guess, but...
we used to love building snowman
when we were younger.
Yes, but I just drove for three
hours, Gracie.
Remember that Christmas
when we had that huge storm?
We were snowed in for days.
Yeah. I forgot about that.
Dad used to say, "Don't let all
that glorious snow..."
Both:
"Go to waste."
- He was such a special man.
- I know.
I really miss him, Kell.
Me too.
♪
Fine.
Let's go build that snowman.
[laughing]
- Really?
- Yeah.
Ahh! There's that sister I know!
[breathing heavily]
Okay, so where do we start?
Well, in order to build the
perfect snowman,
we've gotta begin with...
Both:
The perfect body.
I have to say,
after all these years,
we definitely haven't
lost our touch.
- Mitchums don't mess around.
- Uh-uh!
Man:
They sure don't!
[laughing]
Your sister's only been in town
for 20 minutes
and you guys are already
building a snowman?
Oh honey, don't be jealous,
you know you're
the only man for me.
Well, I better be, babe.
This guy's way cooler than I am.
- Oh...
- Shh, see what I did there?
'Cause he's made of snow?
Yeah, we did, Chris.
- That was pretty good.
- It's my super power.
Kelly-bean!
Look, in honor of your visit,
I went ahead and made some
Christmas cookies.
Or should I say,
"Chris-mas" cookies?
- Okay, okay.
- No, Chris, remember, no puns?
Bad jokes are one thing
but I draw the line at puns.
We did talk about that,
you're right.
Listen dude, you let me know
if these two start picking
on you, okay?
Us dudes fellas gotta stick
together.
Hey!
You two are so cute.
From high school sweethearts
to parents,
who would have thought?
I'm so happy for you.
And also totally jealous.
- How's the dating scene?
- Awful.
Ugh, that bad, huh?
Yeah, people really aren't
interested in wanting to
get to know you, and there's all
these unwritten rules,
and if I get ghosted one more
time, I swear...
- That's really a thing?
- Yeah!
People just disappear when
things start to get too serious.
- That sounds awful.
- Yeah.
You know, the dating scene for
me is a distant second
to just staying at home
with a good book
and a hot water bottle.
You know, wouldn't it be amazing
if I could just...
build the man of my dreams
just as easily
as we're building this snowman?
That would be amazing.
You could build him into
anything you want him to be!
Yeah.
Yeah, that could actually be
quite cathartic.
- Huh.
- What would you start with?
Well, he definitely can't be
afraid of intimacy.
- No, that's important!
- Uh-uh.
And he has to be a good
listener.
He can't talk at me, he has to
talk to me, with me, you know?
And he has to be a good
story teller.
Loyal and devoted.
Grace:
Getting all that, Frosty?
Yeah, and a total babe.
[giggles]
Well, he's got that cased.
But he can't just be a pretty
face, he...
he has to be romantic, and he
also has to make me laugh.
- That is a deal breaker.
- Very important.
And also someone that I can
build a home with.
He also needs a nose.
Not having a nose is a deal
breaker too.
I'll be right back.
Last but not least,
he has to really see me.
♪
Voila.
The perfect man.
[giggling]
- [sighing]
- What?
Were these dad's?
I think so, yeah.
They were so in love.
Yeah.
They made it look so effortless.
Well...
♪
I think I'm gonna go and get
settled in.
No, no, no way! Not before the
finishing touch.
A little dusting of magic.
Oh, no, no, you do the honors.
No way, it's your man!
Okay.
♪
[giggling]
♪
♪
♪
Is that a snow globe?
Yeah, it is.
Do you want to see it?
That looks like the house.
It is. It was actually a
Christmas gift,
when I was just a little bit
older than you.
- Cute, right?
- Yeah.
Hey, Clara, come and get your
coat on, love.
Oh, Miss Nelson,
I didn't know that you were
checking out today.
Yeah. We weren't supposed to.
It's just that the hot water
never got hot in our room and...
so we were shivering through
cold showers all week.
I am terribly sorry.
Um, you know what?
Why don't I just try to get
a plumber in for you?
And I'm sure it will heat
back up.
Yeah, they tried that a couple
of days ago.
We're just... we're gonna check
into the hotel in town.
I hope you understand.
Certainly.
We'll definitely refund you.
Oh, no.
We really like this place.
Hopefully it will be better
next year.
Bye now.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
♪
- Where are they going?
- They left, mom.
There was something wrong with
their room.
Oh, dear.
[sighing]
Hey, anybody want breakfast?
I'm gonna make egg-cellent one.
- Grace: Chris.
- Babe, that's not a pun.
It's a play on words, they're
very different as I've learned
- from my improv classes--
- Chris!
I'm going to be in the kitchen
if anyone needs me.
What's going on?
Well, our last guest just left.
I thought they were booked
through to the holidays.
Well, they were,
except they didn't have any hot
water in their room.
Sheila: And now we need
a contractor,
which is going to be near
impossible
considering how close to
Christmas it is.
- We need a miracle.
- Oh, God.
Hello?
Hi. Can we help you?
Uh, I think I'm actually here
to help you.
Uh, I'm Forest.
Contractor.
Your name is Forest Contractor?
No, it's Forest Newell.
Um, I am a contractor,
- by profession.
- Oh.
I was scheduled to
come in today.
But, um, maybe not--
maybe it's a bad time?
No, it's perfect timing.
It's the perfect time, I mean.
- Hi, I'm Kelly.
- Hey, Kelly.
- Sheila.
- Hey, Sheila.
And this is my sister, Grace.
- Oh, hi.
- How are you?
Good.
[giggling nervously]
Well, by the sound of
your voice,
I think it's you that contacted
me about doing some renovations?
- Me?
- Yeah.
Oh, well, I-I usually
put that in my--
Oh, I don't see anything here.
I do apologize, I must have
forgotten to write it down.
Oh, it's no problem.
Although I don't know how I
could have forgotten.
It's okay, mom, um, Grace and I
can handle it from here.
Yeah, Chris has an egg-cellent
breakfast
waiting for you in the kitchen.
Egg-cellent, that's funny.
That's waffle-y clever.
[all laughing]
It was very nice
to meet you, Mr...
Just Forest, ma'am.
Oh, okay then, Just Forest.
[laughing]
Forest, where did you say
you were from?
I didn't, but Alaska, actually.
Just got into town last night.
Last night?
Hey, Kell, why don't you give
Forest a tour,
show him the lodge,
what needs repairing, you know?
Yeah, I'd like to get to work
as soon as possible.
You know, being Christmas
and all.
I suppose that's a great idea.
But if it's an imposition...
You guys are probably busy,
right?
No, no. We're not at all.
I just have a list.
It's quite an extensive list.
I, um, I'm a list girl.
- She's a lawyer.
- Ahh.
Well, I got time.
I'm at your service.
Okay, well that was great,
nice to meet you.
- Likewise, and congrats.
- Oh, thank you!
Grace, wait, are you not
joining us?
Oh, I'd love to but, uh,
the baby is making me tired.
I think I'd better rest.
Oh, okay.
♪
Um...
[clearing throat]
Shall we?
Sure, yeah, lead the way.
Right, um, let's start with
the living room.
Right through here.
Now believe it or not,
this place really does need
a lot of work.
- Well, I'm at your service.
- Great.
Well, first these windows need
to be resealed.
And then we have to look at the
hot water and plumbing.
Sometimes I just wonder if we're
better off selling.
No, no, that'd be a shame.
This is your family's place?
Yeah. My dad practically built
this place with his bare hands.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- He did a fine job.
- And all on his own.
This wood is repurposed, too.
- No way.
- Yeah.
That-- that's incredible.
You know, only a very skilled
carpenter
could be capable of work
like this.
Yeah, he was a great man.
- Was?
- Um...
He passed away this year.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's okay, thanks.
Christmas was always his
favorite time of year, and...
I'm so sorry, I don't know why
I'm telling you all this.
We just met,
and you are here for a job,
and you don't need to know
my life story.
No, on the contrary, I'd like--
I appreciate it, it's, um,
I'd be happy to see what I can
do to bring back the lodge
to as you remember it,
as a kid, you know?
I don't know, I just...
I feel like it would be a waste
of your time.
No, it would be time well spent.
It's just all your
perspective, right?
Okay. But it's gonna have to
wait until tomorrow.
I have to try and get
our Christmas tree in today.
Maybe I could lend a hand.
No, I couldn't ask you to help
with that, it's--
Sure you could, um,
I'm not doing anything.
Where do you get your
trees from?
Okay, aside from you being
a handyman,
do you also have a green thumb?
Forest: So what's this
tradition?
Kelly: Well, my father couldn't
fathom cutting down a tree
just to decorate it for
Christmas,
but what's Christmas without
a tree, right?
So he came up with a great idea.
Every year, my father and I
would go out into the backyard
in search of a young tree,
and then we would dig it up,
put it in a planter,
and bring it inside for
Christmas.
Then once the holidays
were over,
we would take our new
tree friend out
and plant him in the backyard.
Wow. So all the trees in
your backyard?
Were once our Christmas trees.
Wow, that is beautiful. Yeah,
and it's quite fitting too,
with the whole Christmas tree
tradition, you know.
People used-- used to decorate
trees in their backyard.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Like, in the 16th century,
they would put, like, apples
- and pears and walnuts.
- Huh!
Yeah, many Alaskan winter
nights, lots of reading.
Hey, what about that one?
That looks like a good
candidate.
Yeah, it's perfect!
- All right.
- All right!
Wow. You really do have a green
thumb, don't you?
Yes, I do.
My name is Forest, after all.
Right.
[laughing]
He is so gorgeous.
What should we call him?
I don't know, um, Piney?
Short for Pinestantine,
of course.
- Of course!
- Yeah, he, you know,
he's going to go through
in grade school,
but then he'll come to learn to
love his distinctive name.
- He will.
- Yeah.
Well, we just need some
decorations
and he's all good to go.
Oh, don't tell me that you do
tree trimming as well?
- Yes, of course I do.
- Oh!
- However, I don't charge.
- [cellphone chiming]
Oh.
Oh, okay.
Um, I gotta go.
- Oh.
- I'm sorry.
Oh, okay.
Well, hey, thanks for all of
your help today.
Anytime.
Well, I'll be back tomorrow,
right? Of course.
- I'll see myself out, okay?
- Okay.
Forest: Pleasure meeting you,
Kelly Mitchum.
- Likewise.
- I'll see you.
Huh...
♪
Oh, hey!
♪
♪
We have a whole box of our own
homemade Christmas ornaments
in the basement.
Why do we have to use these
inferior mass-produced ones?
Because, have you not heard
a word I said?
Yes, I heard everything.
Okay, then what was the last
thing I said?
You said that he walked into the
woods and then disappeared.
Right, right. Isn't that crazy?
I don't know, I guess.
What?
I know that face you're making.
-I'm not making a face.
- Yes you are!
That's the face you make when
you have a crush.
You don't know my crush face.
Yes I do, I'm your sister.
Kell, it's totally your
crush face.
Guys, I'm just gonna go on
record here to say
that I like this guy already.
He used the term
"waffle-y clever," like...
- I'm gonna steal that.
- We know you are.
I'll credit him if he wants it
but I'm taking that.
That's gonna be mine.
Look, if I were to build a man,
would he not be a lot
like Forest?
Absolutely.
Grace, don't make me spell this
out for you.
- Oh, I see.
- Yeah.
Yeah, I have no idea
what you're talking about.
- The snowman.
- What about him?
Didn't you see Forest's hat
and scarf?
Well, his face and body
had me pretty occupied.
- Grace!
- What?
I'm a happily married woman.
You're a happily married
pregnant woman.
You can't blame me for noticing
he was objectively
very attractive.
Look, I know this is gonna
sound crazy,
but do you not think there's
some connection
between Forest and--
- And?
- And the snowman?
- Whoa.
- Yeah.
Like, hat and scarf were
identical to the ones
we put on the snowman!
That doesn't necessarily mean--
And he said that he just got
into town last night!
And mom doesn't remember
contacting him.
He's everything that I listed.
He's funny, kind, a good
listener.
Very handsome.
- Oh my gosh.
- What.
Someone I could build
a home with.
I explicitly remember
saying that!
I mean, he is a...
Both:
Contractor!
[laughing]
Okay, now my head is spinning.
The morning after you let
yourself believe
that your dream man could be out
there, he shows up.
If that's not Christmas magic,
I don't know what is.
Oh, yeah... no.
- Listen to us.
- What?
- Christmas magic.
- Yes.
Okay, wow.
That bad dating scene has really
got to my head.
Here I am with the first nice
guy that I meet,
and I think that he's connected
to a snowman
and a magical Christmas wish.
Listen, life is full of mystery
and magic we can't explain.
[glass shattering]
Can I just get our old Christmas
ornaments from downstairs?
No. Just... where does mom
keep the broom?
I'll get it.
Listen, I know you don't wanna
get hurt again,
but I just don't see what
the harm is
in letting yourself believe.
Think about how happy you were
just a minute ago.
Well, I'm not going to be
made a fool again
and I'm not going to get
carried away again.
Mom hired a contractor, and
I gave him a tour of the house.
And that's it.
Okay, I understand.
It's just nice to see you so
passionate again.
It's the Kelly that I knew when
we were younger.
Well, I'm all grown up now.
You know what I think?
Carpe diem!
If he really is connected
to the snowman,
then he could melt tomorrow.
Seize the day!
♪
Log on the Christmas fire,
four letters.
- Wood?
- Yule, babe.
I'll what?
Hey, um, sorry,
I just let myself in.
- I hope that's okay.
- Oh, hi!
Yeah, no, totally fine.
Cool, um, Kelly is expecting me,
is she here?
Yeah. Hey, Kell!
Kelly: Yeah?
- Oh, hi.
- Hi.
Hey, you know,
we've gotta get going.
I don't have 12 down yet,
it's eight letters.
- Shovel the walk.
- That's not gonna fit.
No, you've gotta shovel the walk
and I've gotta go wrap those
Christmas presents.
Oh, right, yeah. I have to...
shovel the walk, and you have to
wrap the baby's presents.
- Hey, snow problem.
- I'll sleigh ya later.
All right, cool.
- Wow. Okay.
- Right?
Well, that's my brother-in-law,
Chris.
He's funny, I like him.
Shall we continue the tour?
- Absolutely, yes.
- All right.
So this railing needs to be
re-secured.
- I think I can handle that.
- Okay.
Whoa. This view is spectacular.
Yeah, my sister and I used to
swim in this lake a lot
when we were kids.
In the summer, I'm assuming?
Oh, yeah, definitely.
Though my dad used to do
a polar bear swim
every New Year's Day, so...
This property is just amazing.
Must have been really special
growing up here.
It was, we spent a lot of time
outside when we were kids.
Yeah, there's some really nice
trails near here.
- Do you like hiking?
- Sure, yeah.
Isn't that just a fancy way of
saying "going for a walk?"
With special shoes, of course.
But I mean, it usually happens
in the woods, so...
Right, that's the difference.
[chuckling]
Okay.
Well, maybe if you're free
one day, we can go.
Sure, I'd love that.
Okay!
I really like your life.
What do you mean?
Just... it seems like you had a
really magical childhood.
Yeah. I did.
Um, know what?
There's something that I want
to show you.
Come with me.
Did your dad build this too?
- Yeah.
- It's amazing!
I know.
What's this?
Grace and I had a growth chart
from when we were little
to when we were teenagers.
Wow, there's a lot of
history here.
Yeah. But the most important one
is up there.
Oh, yeah? Come on, do tell.
Well, every Christmas,
we would come down here
and we would mark how tall we'd
gotten from the previous year
and then we would talk about
how tall we really felt.
And then there was one year,
my high school boyfriend
broke up with me.
Oh, what a fool.
I know, poor Kelly.
I felt so small,
and Steve Kowalchuk,
he just really wasn't worth it
in the end.
But I told my dad what happened,
and he picked me up on his
shoulders,
and he made me feel ten feet
tall again.
We all have our
Steve Kowalchuks.
Even you? I don't believe it
for a second.
You're so lucky to have someone
make you feel ten feet tall.
You know, we all need those
people in our lives.
Um, why don't we go on to
the next stop?
Come on, follow me.
Forest: Wow, this place just
really feels like home.
You know, especially with this
gorgeous winter like this.
Is it kind of like where
you grew up?
Uh, somewhat, I mean,
I guess I've just always felt
at home around snow.
Why is that, you think?
You know, some people think that
winter is just dead and dull,
but the snow actually
protects the soil,
you know, it helps things grow.
All this life going on,
just waiting to be woken up.
Come on.
You know, I think just a couple
new hinges, a little WD-40.
Should be good to go.
Okay, well ,I think we should
prioritize that,
because every girl needs
a working closet at all times.
You got it. Hey, you got some
more decorations here for Piney.
Yeah, those were from when
I was little, I just...
didn't want to see them up
on the tree this year.
Oh, got it.
Um...
That your dad?
Yeah, that's him.
You know, he really loved
his family.
But he also really loved
this lodge.
Oh, uh...
Hey, I apologize,
I didn't mean to upset you.
Oh, no, you didn't.
It's okay.
It's just, um,
it's just hard sometimes.
Actually...
A lot of the time.
Look, I totally get it.
But you should know that every
time I walk into this house,
I am in awe of how full
of life it is,
and maybe in some different way,
he's still here.
And I promise you, look,
I'm gonna do whatever I can
to help preserve that, okay?
Thank you.
[phone chiming]
Oh, darn.
Um, I've gotta get going.
Hey, why don't I come by
in the morning,
and why don't I start with the
plumbing in the guest room?
Oh, you've already
helped us so much,
I couldn't asked you to do
the plumbing, too.
It's nothing, consider it an
early Christmas gift.
What do you lawyers call that?
Um, pro bono, right?
- That's right.
- Right.
Um, you know,
maybe if there's time after,
we could, um, go on that hike?
Sure, yeah, I'd love that.
Well, thanks for the tour.
I know the way out.
[laughing nervously]
♪
Wow, mom, that looks great!
Christmas just wouldn't
be Christmas
without a gingerbread house.
You know what, let me help you.
Let's do it together.
What a treat!
I can't remember the last time
you offered to help me
with Christmas baking!
What's gotten into you?
I don't know, I guess I'm just
feeling festive.
Grace: Ooh, are we baking?
What's the occasion?
The occasion?
Um, let me think about that.
I think it's a day in December
that happens every year
and people bring trees into
their homes and decorate them
and put gifts underneath them,
I just don't--
I know it's Christmas, dummy.
Christmas! Yes, that is what I
was thinking of.
Someone is in quite the jokey
mood for the morning.
I wonder why.
So, the reason that
I am baking, girls,
is because we've had
some reservations this morning.
- Really?
- Really?
Yes, and I have to get ready
for the lodge's annual
Christmas dinner,
and the unveiling of the lights
on Christmas Eve.
We're doing that this year?
Why would this year be any
different from any other year?
♪
So, have you found out anything
more about Forest? Any clues?
Oh, are you talking about that
handsome young contractor?
Oh! Do you know who he
reminds me of?
- Cary Grant?
- Cary Grant?
Yes! He seems like an old soul.
Do you know who your father
always said I reminded him of?
- Grace Kelly.
- Grace Kelly.
Mom, is that why when you
had two girls,
you named them Grace and Kelly?
If you had two boys, would you
have named them Cary and Grant?
All right, stop teasing your
poor old mother, you two.
You know, I can't for the life
of me remember
where I got the phone number
for that young man.
Hmm, well, I say we chalk it up
to a bit of Christmas magic.
Maybe there's something to that.
And tell me, when will that
fine gentleman
be gracing us
with his presence again?
Oh, yeah, Kelly,
when will that fine gentleman
be gracing us
with his presence again?
Well, actually he's coming by
tomorrow to fix the plumbing
- and touch up the paint.
- Oh.
- And...
- And?
I was thinking, if there's time,
I would take him for a hike
up by the waterfall.
Oh, a romantic walk.
Look, he's not from around here
so I just thought
I'd show him the sights, okay?
Okay. Wow, even I didn't think
building a snowman
would stir up so much in you.
Well, maybe...
Things were just waiting
to be stirred.
♪
[drill whirring]
[knocking]
For me?
♪
I can't believe you got all
that stuff fixed
in the house so quickly!
- It was like--
- Magic.
- Yeah!
- Yeah, we're a good team.
Team? I don't know about that.
I mean, all I did
was supply you with baked goods
and hot chocolate.
So, like, only the most
important part?
[water rushing]
Forest:
This is spectacular.
Kelly: Right? I used to come
here when I was a kid,
it was like my secret hideaway.
Yeah? What were you hiding
away from?
Not much, it was more just like
a place to get away to.
I wish I had a place like this
when I was young.
I just realized that I've been
talking about myself
this whole time.
I know nothing about you at all.
Oh yeah? What do you
want to know?
What was your childhood like?
It was good! Good.
You know...
It was... it was hard at times.
I didn't really know my mom,
you know?
She-- she passed
when I was younger.
I'm so sorry.
My dad, um, I guess he didn't
know how to deal with it,
so we just never talked
about it after.
That's why when I see your
family, I'm just, I'm in awe.
You're so fortunate to have been
that close with your dad,
and if I'm ever lucky enough to
have a family of my own,
I'd want them to be like yours.
Anyways, uh,
we should get back before it
gets dark, right?
Yeah, that's a good idea.
I think my sister might have
some cookies baking in the oven.
Oh yeah?
Forest:
That was seriously fun.
Kelly:
Yeah, it was.
You know, there's something
about you.
Uh-oh, I do not like where
this is going.
No, no, it's not a bad thing!
It's just... I've been wanting
to ask you something.
Would you be my date tonight?
The lodge does a holiday dinner
every year,
and people get dressed up,
and there's dancing,
and it's actually a lot of fun.
And I would love for you
to join us.
I mean, I would love for you
to come with me
and be together with everyone,
and....
Okay, I would love for
you and me
to be together tonight
- with everyone.
- Uh, is it a date,
or are you asking me
to join a cult?
- It's-- it's a date.
- Okay.
Oh man, this was so much easier
when I was younger.
Forest:
I'm not much of a dancer.
- That's okay.
- I don't have a suit.
There's no dress code.
- Well, I'd love to.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- [phone chiming]
[stammering]
I sense a "but" coming on.
Look, you don't have to come--
No, no, no. No buts.
No buts.
Uh, I would love to,
and what time is it?
- Seven.
- All right, see you then.
- Okay.
- See ya.
Huh!
Wow. "Join us?"
Way to go, Kelly.
That's, uh... that sounds weird.
"Be with us." Okay.
[jazz version of
"Jingle Bells" playing]
♪
Thank you so much for coming.
Our pleasure!
Thank you for having us!
[guests chattering]
♪
Mademoiselle?
I'm about to carve into
the bird,
unless you want to wait for...
Chris, you don't have to be so
formal about it,
but I do have to say,
you look great.
- Don't I?
- Mm-hm.
Thank you, yeah,
I did it for the baby,
You know, I just...
Cool dad, cool dad stuff.
Oh man.
Hey, how about a top up
on the house red?
- Sure, thanks.
- Okay.
You good?
Yeah, Chris, I'm great.
Maybe we can just give him
five more minutes.
Vine with me!
[laughing]
♪
♪
Girl: Christmas to go each year,
bringing with it joy and cheer.
Happiness for you and me,
and our extended family.
[applauding]
♪
Who wants gingerbread?
[all cheering]
♪
- Is there any coffee?
- No, I understand.
Well, you've given me a lot
to think about.
Yes, well, I'll try and
see it that way.
Merry Chri--
Mom, who was that?
What's going on?
Who were you talking to?
Someone is trying to put an
offer in on the lodge.
It's not even for sale!
Did you have something to do
with this?
- Of course not, how could--
- This is our home!
I know that,
this is my home, too.
No, you don't see it that way.
Not the same way that we do.
You can't just swoop in here
and think you know what's
best for us!
Grace, you can't talk to your
sister like that!
Okay, can someone please just
explain to me
exactly what is going on here?
Yes, I just received a phone
call from a realtor
and apparently he has an
anonymous buyer
who wants to put an offer in
on the lodge.
No, not on the lodge.
On the land.
They want to demolish the lodge.
What?
Well, apparently there are some
things that are not
proper to code,
and the offer is low,
but the way they put it,
it might be our only option.
Why? Mom, you said that we had
reservations coming in, right?
Yes, but it might be too little
too late.
This is what you always wanted,
isn't it, Kelly?
What?! Come on!
The first thing she said when
she got here
was that we should sell.
I don't feel that way
anymore, mom!
Well it might be too late,
Kelly.
Okay, that's enough.
Could you just give me a minute
with your sister alone, please?
Fine.
Here.
[sighing]
Take a seat, kiddo.
Your decorations look nice.
Thanks.
Maybe they are an improvement
over our old sentimental ones.
All those trinkets we collected
when you kids were young.
I just thought it was time
for a change
but now I think we should get
the old ones--
Kelly, you're right.
I think we should sell.
What?
The lodge is too much for me.
I'm... I'm overwhelmed.
And business isn't what
it used to be.
You've seen that for yourself.
You've always been so savvy,
smarter than I on these things,
so if you think that it's a good
offer, than I'm behind you.
But what about dad?
And...
Well, dad wouldn't want to see
his beautiful work
deteriorate like this.
Besides, no matter where we are,
he's always with us.
I don't know,
I just can't imagine life
with the lodge gone now, mom.
It will be a big adjustment
for all of us.
Look, I-- when I first got here,
I was worried.
But something changed.
That lodge that I remember
when I was a kid,
I thought it was
gone with dad, but...
I miss him.
I know you do, sweetie.
So do I.
But you know what he'd say?
What?
Do you remember that year
the snow fell
and we were stormed in
and he said...
"You can't let all that
beautiful snow go to waste."
That's right, and we built that
whole family of snowmen.
[laughing]
Yeah.
Well, maybe we can't let this
offer go to waste.
I know, it's a tough thing.
But you know, I think your dad
would turn this on its head,
and so can we.
Now the realtor said that he was
going to send the offer over.
Could you take a look at it?
I could use your legal
expertise.
It would mean a lot to me.
Sure, mom.
Now can I get you a coffee?
I wish it didn't have to be
this way, Kell,
but I'm afraid it might be
our only option.
♪
[water rushing]
- Hey.
- Hey.
Can we talk?
I can't get into it right now.
- Busy with the sale?
- With the sale, yes.
Look, you know that I don't
want this, right?
I thought you did.
You came here wanting to sell.
Get rid of it all.
Dad's decorations, the lodge...
- All of it.
- That's not true.
I just want what's best for mom.
If you really mean that,
then how come you never
come home?
Because...
Because it's just too painful.
There are reminders of him
everywhere.
How do you think I feel, Kell?
I'm here every day.
Every day.
I know. I know that you
needed me
and I couldn't be here for you.
And I am sorry.
But you have to believe me,
I had nothing to do with
this sale.
We just...
We miss you, and we love you.
I'm sorry too.
♪
Wanna build a snowman?
No thanks, Grace.
I think I've had enough
of snowman for the time being.
Got ya. Where was Forest
last night, anyway?
- Stood me up.
- What?
Yeah, he ghosted me.
Can you believe it?
Oh, he must have some kind of
explanation,
that doesn't make any sense.
Hold on a second...
Speaking of "ghosting,"
you look like you just saw one.
- The buyer...
- What is it?
- It's Forest.
- What?
Look! It's written right there!
How could I have been so stupid?
- Oh, Kell, you're not.
- Yes I am!
I mean, he used me!
He wanted to get in-depth
knowledge of the lodge
so that he could make
a lower bid.
He took advantage of mom.
And that is the worst kind
of con artist.
And I got taken in.
This has to be some kind of
misunderstanding.
Yeah, my misunderstanding that
he was a good guy.
So much for Christmas magic.
Yeah, you know why?
Because it doesn't exist.
Just like an ideal man
doesn't exist, either.
I let myself
believe for one moment
and look what happened.
I've been acting like
a kid this whole time.
I think it's time
we both grew up.
I'm going to find Forest,
'cause he can't
get away with this.
♪
[gasping]
- Oh, my gosh.
- Sorry, I didn't see you there.
- I'm so sorry. Are you okay?
- Yeah, I'm alright.
There you go.
Thanks so much.
Are you off to do
some Christmas shopping?
No, not exactly.
I just finished mine.
Merry Christmas!
Yeah, if you say so.
Hi, there! Can I interest
you in some gingerbread?
No, thanks.
What about a peppermint brownie?
Um, sure.
Merry Christmas!
Yeah. You, too.
Girl: Merry Christm--
Look, I'm just not in the mood!
Clara, let's just go.
Someone's obviously not got
a lot of Christmas spirit.
I'm so sorry, sweetie.
Here. Take it.
Thank you.
Forest: Hey, Kelly.
You!
Look, I should really explain
what happened the other night.
No, you don't need
to explain anything.
We got your offer.
Your anonymous offer
to buy the lodge.
That's not me, Kelly.
How could you?
[sighing]
That is not the case.
You used all of the family
secrets I told you about
to lowball my mom
out of her house, our house!
Kelly, really?
You think I would do that?
You are the worst
kind of person.
I'm the worst kind of--
[stammering]
Can I just explain?
No! I never want
to see you again.
What do you mean?
You stay away from
my family and I.
To think that I was
starting to care about you.
You're just like
the rest of them.
♪
This isn't your fault.
♪
Favorite part
of the year by far.
Hey, remember when
you made this?
Uh, I think I was,
like, six years old?
It was last year, babe.
Mix and match or something.
What do you think?
Uh, let's stick to the classic.
Before you say anything,
I know you didn't want
the old decorations up,
but we figured it's been such
a rough past couple of days.
And so I just though,
hey, what the elf?
Yeah, the house could use
some a little Christmas--
Don't say it.
Don't say "magic." Please.
Okay.
What about "Christmas spirit?"
Christmas spirit is
for songs and stories.
It doesn't exist, Grace.
Do you really believe that?
I don't know
what I believe anymore.
Sorry. Sorry, guys. I--
I should be alone.
Get Christmas over with
and head back to the city.
[sighing]
What the elf?
- What the elf?
- What the elf?
Yeah.
♪
[sighing]
♪
[sighing]
♪
Presided over by
Forest Newell Senior?
[scoffing]
It says to use an Allen Key.
Allen Key? Hopefully that's
the name of the guy they're
going to send to build
the rest of this crib, babe.
What is a [unclear]?
Hi. I'm just going to take some
things over to the thrift store.
I wondered if you
wanted to add anything.
No.
No?
Oh, um.
By the way, um,
The realtor and the buyer
might be poking around today.
I know it's not
going to be pleasant,
but try to be nice.
Mom, there's something we need
to tell you about the buyer.
Oh, there they are now!
Are you sure that's the buyer?
Positive.
He said he wanted
to survey the land.
[knocking]
- Hey.
- Hey.
You've been cooped up
in here all morning.
You wanna go for a walk?
Yeah, I should actually.
Let me just get my shoes.
I can't wait to hear
your list of baby names.
I don't even know how
we're going to choose.
[laughing]
You.
Hi.
What are you doing here?
I know you never
wanted to see me again.
And yet, here you are.
What part of
"never again" was unclear?
Look, I was fully
prepared to leave,
and never come back here,
but then Grace tracked me down.
Oh, she did, did she?
It isn't as simple as it seems.
Huh. Well, let's see.
You betrayed me and my family
and put our future at risk.
Seems pretty simple to me.
No, no, no.
That is just not the case, okay?
Look, my father and I,
we've never been close.
He's part of the reason
I moved up north.
I just wanted to
get away from him
and everything
that he stood for.
and then, I don't know,
this year something shifted.
I was stirred up,
and then I thought,
I was hopeful for the first time
in a long time that we could
actually have a relationship.
So, I can't really explain it,
but I just got pulled back here.
So, my only intention was to
patch things up with my dad
and maybe pick up
some work here and there.
Well, it looks like we gave you
the opportunity to do both.
That's not the case.
I left my number at
the hardware store,
and your mom called me.
I'm sorry. I just--
I can't hear any more of this.
Wh--
What should I do?
Go get her.
Kelly, look!
Hey! I just need you
to hear this. Please?
Your father, he built
something singularly beautiful.
I love that lodge.
And it should be restored,
and brought back to life
the way that you remember it.
And I've loved
seeing it through your eyes.
But you took
everything that I told you
and used it against us.
It wasn't my intention.
My father, he'd rather
destroy everything in his path
than to look back and repair it.
I, naively, thought that
my passion for the project
would allow him to see
the value of restoration.
I was so wrong.
Some things, they just--
They just never change,
you know?
And when I found out that he
intended to use that information
to buy the property,
it was the night of our dinner.
and I couldn't face you, okay?
I was horrified.
So, look, I understand if
you never want to see me again,
but you deserve
to know the truth, and...
I'm sorry.
I really am.
[sighing]
[sighing]
Hello?
Hi, are you with
the Mitchum Lodge?
Yes. Would you like
to rent a room?
Ah, no. Actually, I'm supposed
to meet someone here.
A Mr. Forest Newell.
Forest? Why?
He set the meeting
up a few days ago.
- He did?
- Yes.
Newell?
That's the name I was given.
Junior?
I'm not sure about that.
He seemed young by my standards,
but I am getting up there!
[laughing]
You seem to be having a little
trouble with your snowman.
Yeah, don't I know it.
How can I help you?
Oh, I should introduce myself.
I'm Brett Gabel, president of
the historical society in town.
Mr. Newell told me that
I might have some interest
in this lodge here,
in preserving it.
He did?
He asked me to come by
and see if you'd like to
have it assessed.
He said he was curious as to
whether it would qualify
as a heritage building.
What would that mean?
[laughing]
Well...
There are many benefits
to something being declared
properly historic.
There is a government
stipend dedicated towards
the maintenance and preservation
of its historic buildings.
And of course, not that
this would ever be the case
with this place, but it becomes
much more difficult to alter,
and nearly
impossible to demolish.
The way Mr. Newell described it,
this lodge sounded like
the kind of place that had real
promise of qualifying.
And even from here,
I think he was onto something.
That's-- That's just wonderful.
So, who is the rightful
owner of the property?
That would be my mom.
She's inside.
You can just knock on the door.
Excuse me, I have to go.
[laughing]
♪
[knocking]
What are you doing here?
How did you get in?
I let myself in.
There wasn't a receptionist
or anything, so...
Oh, well, of course not.
It's Christmas.
Apparently, nobody thinks
they need to work on Christmas.
Hey, I'll tell you what.
If you're looking for a job,
and you know how to type,
you don't mind working holidays,
you're hired.
That's not why I'm here.
Okay. Well, then, let me guess.
You are a caroler gone solo.
No.
Uh, Girl Scout cookies?
No.
Okay, well, maybe you're
a ghost come to scare me
into being a better person.
Mr. Newell,
I'm here to talk about your son.
Forest?
[sighing]
He's gone.
Gone?
Back to Alaska.
Who are you?
I'm Kelly Mitchum.
Oh, right, right.
Kelly Mitchum
from the Mitchum Lodge.
That's right.
Well, your father's lodge made
quite an impression on my son.
Well, it seems to have made
quite an impression on you, too.
So much that you want to buy it.
It's on a beautiful
piece of land.
Yes, it is. At least
we can both agree on that.
You want to have a seat?
Can I get you
something to drink?
No, thank you.
You're not going to give
that place up easily, are you?
No, sir. I'm not.
It means a lot to
my family and I.
Do you know why my son
went back to Alaska?
Well, I have some--
Because he doesn't like
the way I do business.
You see,
that crumbling little run-down
lodge of yours
it's already cost me too much.
It's cost me my son.
Are you telling me Forest had
no idea of your intentions?
He didn't a clue.
Which is really kind of ironic
when you consider he's the one
that put the idea in
my head in the first place.
You see, he'd come home the last
couple of days just raving about
the beauty of the land
and how incredible
that lodge was,
but he also told me how much
work needed to be done to
the place structurally.
So, got my wheels turning.
Thought I'd make
an offer on the place.
So you can demolish it.
I prefer the term "gentrify."
So, he really had no idea.
Forest didn't know.
You kidding?
That boy's got a sentimental
streak from here to,
well, Alaska.
I could have never told him.
Should have known he'd
over-react when he found out.
Mr. Newell, doesn't it
bother you that you've been
lying to your own son?
Do you have a good relationship
with your father, Ms. Mitchum?
[chuckling]
I did, yeah,
but he passed away
a few months ago.
And we were close, yes.
You know, it's funny.
You don't know how much
you're going to miss
someone until they're gone.
Really gone.
Mr. Newell, you should know that
you have an incredible son.
The lodge wasn't the only thing
that an impression on him.
You made quite
an impression on him as well.
You know, if you hurry,
you might be able to
catch him at the bus station.
Bus station?
He's catching
a bus back to Bellingham
and from there he's taking
a flight back to Alaska.
Thank you.
Oh, and Mr. Newell?
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
♪
[Sighing]
Okay. Gotta call Grace.
No, no, no. Don't die on me!
[Groaning]
♪
Okay.
Yes, a payphone.
Okay.
Alright.
Yes. Alright.
What is Grace's number?
Uh...
Alright.
Man: Lingerie by Lewis.
How can I help you?
Lingerie by Lewis?
Sorry, I have the wrong number.
Dang.
What is her number?
Okay.
Try it again.
[phone ringing]
Yes, it's ringing.
Okay.
C'mon Grace, pick up!
Unlisted number? Nope.
Sorry, I do not answer those.
No! No, no, no, no, no!
Hey! No!
Oh, it's probably those
pesky people wanting to know
if we want our ducks cleaned.
I keep telling them
that we don't have ducks.
Geese, yes, but no ducks.
[both laughing]
Oh! Excuse me! Do you have
a quarter I can us, please?
I'm so sorry to bother you.
It's for a call.
It's a very important call.
Oh, thank you,
and merry Christmas!
Okay.
[sighing]
Pick up, please.
[phone ringing]
Mitchum Lodge.
How may I help you?
Grace! It's me.
Kell! Where are you?
You ran off so fast we were--
Look, don't worry about me,
it's just...
I know this is going to
sound crazy but, um,
would you make another
snowman with me tonight?
Yes! Wait, why?
If it was magic
that brought him here,
then maybe it'll be
magic that brings him back.
What have we got to lose?
You're absolutely right.
Great. Okay.
Grab the hat and the scarf.
I left them on
the reception desk.
Uh. Mom.
Yes, honey?
Did you see a hat
and scarf here earlier today?
I don't know. They might have
been in the donation box.
Grace: Where's the donation box?
I took it to the thrift
shop this afternoon.
No! No, no, no!
Those were dad's things!
Long sh*t,
but maybe they're still there?
Do you think the thrift shop
is still going to open?
It's almost Christmas!
What do you have to lose?
Yes. Yes, okay.
Yes.
Hello?
Oh, boy.
[panting]
Wait!
Hi. Sorry. Sorry to bother you.
My name is Kelly.
Kelly Mitchum and, um,
my mom, she brought aa box
of things in today,
and they were my dad's things.
It's really important
that I get them back.
Please?
Well, normally I'd ask you
to come back tomorrow.
I'm just locking
up for the night.
Please.
It is Christmas.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you so much.
♪
Thank goodness. These are them!
I will happily buy
these back from you.
Oh, sorry.
I cashed out for the night.
Oh. Well...
Go on. Take it.
Really?
Yeah.
Thank you so much.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, indeed.
Did you get them?
Yes!
- Yes!
- Okay. Now.
I don't know how
this is going to work,
or if it will work,
but I think it has something
to do with believing.
What's gotten into you?
I'm seizing the day.
I'm taking your advice.
[gasping]
We've got a snowman to build.
Yeah.
[both laughing]
Okay. Alright.
No, don't you dare!
[laughing]
God, you always do that to me.
We have to work!
Okay, let's start
with the body, okay?
Get his arm out of the way.
Get his head out of the way.
[sighing]
Oh. Oh.
[both laughing]
What now?
I guess we just sit and wait.
- And hope.
- And hope.
We almost forgot.
The finishing touches.
A sprinkling of Christmas magic!
♪
♪
Morning, mom!
Mom?
Grace?
Grace?
Where is everyone?
Oh, the lights!
Okay, now these are
going to go on the windows
all the way around,
and these are going to go
through the cross over.
Oh, my gosh.
It's Christmas Eve.
How could I forget
the light unveiling?
Honey, you go up the ladder.
I'm too old.
And I'm pregnant.
And I'm terrified of heights.
Okay, then.
[sighing]
Here we go.
How are you holding up,
sweetheart?
Feel alright.
Mom, what's going to happen?
To the lodge? To us?
No one knows.
All we have is this moment,
and at this moment,
I have my girls with me
and my home.
It's my favorite time of year
and the lodge is going to be
lit up tonight with
the spirit of the season.
This moment is good.
I wish I had your strength.
You do.
You may not know it now,
but your passion
is your strength.
I always thought
it was my weakness.
Well, think again, dear.
You're strong and you're brave.
Just like your father.
No, come on.
If this is our
last Christmas here,
we are going to enjoy
every minute of it.
Okay.
[sighing]
[chuckling]
[sighing]
Hey, there. Would you
like a gingerbread cookie?
There you go.
I am so sorry if I was
grouchy to you yesterday.
It's okay.
[laughing]
Can I have some hot chocolate?
Well, that's up to your mom.
Sure, Bug. Go ahead.
[laughing]
If only we all had the wisdom
of a six year-old, right?
I wanted to apologize for
checking out the other day.
Oh.
The hotel in town has
got nothing on this place,
hot water or not.
We'll definitely
be back next year.
You always treat us like family.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
♪
[sighing]
Hey, how's Piney doing?
He's great.
He decided he liked
the vintage ornaments better.
So, we went with those instead.
That's a good choice.
What are you doing here?
Well, I got to the airport
and I thought,
"What am I doing?"
How is running away from my
problems any different than what
my dad does, and you,
you made me to see that.
See what?
That moving into
the future doesn't mean
leaving the past behind.
And on that note,
I might have some
good news for you.
I spoke to Brett last night
and I hope you don't mind,
but I did invite him here.
I just wanted to thank you from
bringing this incredible place
to my attention.
I did a thorough examination of
the foundation of the lodge,
the wood paneling used
on the bannisters, and...
And I was just thrilled
at the history that I found.
I will have all
the paper work drawn up for you.
If you and your family
will consider it, of course.
Consider what?
Having the lodge
declared a historic building,
deemed essential
to the land's history,
and protected accordingly.
I... I don't know what-- Mom!
Come over here.
You have to listen to this.
Oh! Hello!
Hi.
- Hello, again.
- Hello, again.
So, what's the news?
Well, I don't even
know where to start.
- [laughing]
- Oh!
I'm sure you two have
a lot to talk about.
We'll leave you to it.
- Oh, okay.
- Please.
Kelly, listen--
Me, first. Please.
I owe you an apology.
You tried to tell me something
and I didn't listen.
I'm sorry.
No, no, no. Look, I should have
told you about my father's
intensions as soon as
I found out about them.
And I didn't believe
that yours were honest.
Now, I see that they are.
Thank you for saving our home.
It's true, I fell in love
with the lodge in my time here,
but I also felt myself
falling in love with you.
Son?
Dad?
How did you know I was here?
I didn't.
Sheila invited me to come out
and see the unveiling
of the lights.
Well, that, and, uh,
I think I had to see with
my own eyes how wrong I was
to want to tear this place down,
and how right you were
in trying to save it.
What you said to me
yesterday at my office,
that really sealed it for me.
I'm sorry.
And, son,
I'm sorry that, once again,
I, uh...
Well, I put my own ambitions
ahead of family.
But I'm going to be
better from here on in.
I promise.
I love you, son.
I love you, too, dad.
Um, well, I, um,
I suppose I'll go mingle
and I'll give you two a moment.
Whoa.
Where were we?
Somewhere about being in love.
Right.
It's too bad that
you're going to have to go
back up to Alaska eventually.
Yeah, but,
there's this contract here,
you know, this preservation
of a certain lodge
that might keep me here.
Might keep me busy.
Yeah, well, you're the perfect
man for the job.
I might stay here, too,
for a little bit.
Help mom around the house.
I can work from here,
and it feels good to be home.
Hey, we got time before
the unveiling, right?
Yeah.
There's something I have to do.
Okay.
[laughing]
[laughing]
Sorry, but I had to do that.
Why?
Because that is how
tall you make me feel.
Clara: Hey, are you guys coming?
Oh.
Maybe we should go back up.
Yes.
[laughing]
Gather round!
[laughing]
Let's have a count down!
All: Five! Four! Three!
Two! One!
[all cheering]
Come here, you.
[all cheering]
Okay, mom. That was maybe
the greatest lighting ceremony
of all time, but it's now
time for hot chocolate.
Hey, I never noticed that
before. A snowman.
- Oh, yeah!
- I love building snowmen.
We should, uh, you know,
build him a companion.
Maybe a whole
little snow family!
Oh, uh.
Okay, we can talk about that.
[laughing]
♪
♪
♪
A Snowy Christmas (2021)
Moderator: Maskath3