Christmas on Windmill Way (2023)

[bunniefuu]

["Together at Xmas Time" playing]

Felt like a long time, but it's here

So, let the good vibes roll in

When you look outside

And see the snowmen

And Santa is on the way

Looking ready, Santa

It is almost nearly Christmas

When we're together

[phone buzzing]

Yeah, a little Christmas time

[phone buzzing]

[sighs]

Together

Together at Christmas time

Together, together

It's milling day, Mom.

Good morning, Oma.

Good morning, my dear.

Ah! It smells as heavenly

as your bakery in here.

[grandmother chuckles]

Fresh Kerststol?

It's not even Christmas yet.

I am submitting this dish

to the Christmas market

Dutch bake-off this year.

Can I try a bite?

Oh, you'd better. [chuckles]

Mm. Absolutely delectable, as always.

- Hmm.

- I hope the judge thinks so too.

Well, I will be your guinea pig

any day of the week.

Oh, just like your mother was.

The Christmas season inspires me even more

to live up to their example.

Oh, sweetheart, they are watching over you

with such pride.

What is it?

Oma.

[clicks tongue, clears throat]

I sold the deed

to the Windmill Way property.

Wait, what?

The money will go directly

to the mill repairs

that we've been putting off.

The developer promised our family

would still run the mill

and the furniture workshop.

They just want to put a hotel

on the vacant land next to it.

I wish you would have talked to me first.

Oh, honey, I didn't want to burden you

with my money problems,

until I had a solution.

I didn't feel like I had a choice.

Now, I've scheduled a meeting with you

for the developer, today after the tour.

- [woman] Can we talk later?

- The developer, he's... No...

I can't be late for this tour.

Oh, dear.

[uplifting music]

- [woman] Good morning, Mia!

- Hi.

[rollers creak on track]

[Mia sighs, chuckles]

Very cute, Lily. Your knitted ornaments

looked great at the market.

Is it obvious I'm getting excited

for the Christmas market?

[laughs] Only a little.

What is it?

- Oh, nothing.

- No, I can tell something's wrong. What?

[sighs] Well, apparently, Oma sold

the deed to the Windmill Way property,

and we're getting a new hotel neighbor.

Oh. Wow, uh, I'll have to tell Willem.

This could affect the inn.

Don't tell Herb. I don't want to worry him

until I have all the facts.

Of course. Oh, speaking of.

Looks like

an enthusiastic group coming in.

Well, our Christmas tour

gets more popular every year.

Yeah, well, the kids do love

the tours we make.

That you make. We could use

the extra money for some minor repairs.

Oh, by the way,

I just got off the phone with Ann.

She told me about the sale.

I do wish she would have consulted us

beforehand.

She meant well. She didn't want anyone

to worry, especially you.

I know. Still.

Come on, Mia. We both know

Ann can do no wrong in Herb's eyes.

- Isn't it your first date tonight?

- It's just a night out with a friend.

I'm so grateful to have Ann in my life,

but I could never fill

your grandfather's shoes.

Well, Pop was a wonderful man,

but I know he would want her to be happy.

As do I.

- It's time.

- Yeah. Okay.

[Mia sighs]

[chime glissandos]

[door rumbles]

Hi, welcome. Come on in.

Hi. Welcome to your Christmas tour.

- [Lily] Hi, come on in.

- Hello.

I'm on my way to the meeting now.

Uh, yes, I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you, Mr. Quigley.

Well, I am your tour guide, Lily Jansen,

and this here is Mia Meijer,

the mill manager

and one of our lead furniture designers.

Ladies and gentlemen,

you are standing in Zefier,

which is Dutch for "gentle breeze."

At this wind-driven sawmill,

we transform log timber into lumber

for craftspeople, such as myself,

to design, build, and sell

custom furniture.

My great-grandfather

built this mill in 1932.

Our, uh, 90th annual Christmas market

is coming up soon,

and we invite you all to join us.

We'll have activities

for the whole family,

like, um, a Dutch bake-off and Santa Day,

where St. Nick himself

hands out free toys

from his glorious throne

made in this very mill.

[Lily] Hmm.

- Thanks, Lily.

- Yeah.

We do hope that all of you can join us

for the Christmas market.

Now, our wind-powered crankshaft and saws

transform timber into lumber,

and our sawmiller, Herb,

manages this process.

For our Christmas market,

we use the scrap lumber

and offcuts from our furniture

to make kids' toys.

We're helping Santa out a little bit.

And everything in this mill

is made in house.

Artists like Mia come up with

wooden furniture designs in our studio,

and then we put it all together

in our finishing shop,

and then we sell the pieces

in our showroom.

Why is there a shoe

hanging in the middle of the mill?

This clog is the primary method of

communication in the windmill,

when you don't want to yell.

Like a walkie-talkie?

Mm more like passing notes in class,

which you shouldn't do.

I don't do that.

[laughs] Well, when the windmill blades

are rotating and the saws are in motion,

it can get pretty loud in here.

So, when visitors come,

they put a note in the clog,

and we pull it up with the rope

and check it from time to time.

It also has a secret message on it.

It says "Koerier Klomp."

Does anyone know

what that Dutch phrase means?

Yes. You, sir, with the camera

around your neck.

It means "courier clog."

That is correct, Mr?

Schaltz.

Uh, Brady Schaltz.

Welcome, Brady.

Or, should I say, welcome back.

Question... do you answer

all of your messages?

Of course. There's nothing worse

than leaving someone hanging.

Um, okay, if you'll all follow me,

we'll just continue up this way.

[instrumental "Deck the Halls" plays]

[general chatter]

[Lily] Thank you for coming.

Thank you. Take care.

[sighs]

- Thank you for helping me with the tour.

- Yeah.

Got a little distracted.

[camera shutter snaps]

What is he still doing here?

Why is he taking pictures of something

he has a million photos of already?

Wait, you know that guy?

- [sighs]

- He looks familiar.

Brady Schaltz.

We dated in high school.

Aw, puppy love.

- It was a little more than that.

- What happened?

He dumped me right before prom.

Left town,

and I haven't heard from him since.

Oh. Wow.

Yeah. Spoiler alert, he's friends

with your husband.

Oh, wait, he's that Brady?

[Willem laughs]

Oh. Wow.

Lily, I'd like to introduce you

to my good friend Brady.

- Hi.

- No, bring it in, come on.

- [Lily] Oh.

- [Brady] Oh!

It is so nice to finally meet you.

You are all Willem talks about.

As it should be.

And you remember Mia?

Great Christmas tour.

- Thank you.

- [Brady] Hmm.

I hope Willem told you how much I loved

the photos from your wedding. Beautiful.

Yes, uh, but he was a little disappointed

you couldn't be there.

Uh, water under the bridge.

I was out of the country

on a work conference.

You got my gift, though, right,

the sparkling water dispenser?

Yeah, we did. Thank you.

Wasn't on the registry, but

But sometimes the best gifts are

the ones that we never knew we wanted.

[fake chuckle]

Good, I'm glad. I knew it.

[Lily] Yeah.

Ready for lunch, honey?

Very ready. I'll see you later, Mia.

And nice to meet you, Brady.

Pleasure. Later, buddy.

[both sigh]

It's good to see you.

What's with the suit?

You hate wearing suits.

My style has evolved since high school.

Feels like a lifetime ago.

Yeah, it does.

It's great to see that you followed in

your mom's footsteps, managing the mill.

[chuckles]

Yeah, well, you know, I always wanted

to carry on the family legacy.

I'm so sorry to hear

about your parents, Mia.

You could have called.

I wanted to.

I did. But then I thought

you wouldn't want to hear from me.

I see you finally took my advice

and upgraded your camera.

Oh, yes, the disposable camera market

took a big hit.

[chuckles]

You know, it is good to see you.

- But I have a meeting.

- Actually...

- Could you do me a favor?

- Sure.

If you see a guy who looks like

a real estate mogul

wandering around here looking lost,

can you send him my way?

I can do that, but, uh

[Mia] Thank you.

[chuckles]

[knocking]

I always loved the mill's no-door policy.

Brady, I have a meeting.

I am your meeting.

You were the guy

who bought the land from Oma?

Not me, personally.

The company I work for, Beaubridge Realty.

She didn't tell you

she was working with me?

Property developer?

I thought you wanted to become

a photographer.

It's funny where life takes you. Heh!

But, hey, part of my job entails

taking photos of our properties, so

- May I sit?

- Sure.

You're the boss, apparently.

[chuckles]

Listen, Mia,

I was a tad hesitant

when I got this assignment,

considering our history.

Oma mentioned a hotel.

A Dutch inn on Windmill Way, right on

the piece of property next to the mill.

Well, it could also go

at the southernmost end of the property.

By the swamp?

It's not a swamp.

It's more of a lagoon.

Let's see it.

I'm open-minded.

Come on, let's check it out.

Look, I'm sorry. I didn't know

about this meeting until this morning,

and I have a lot to catch up on

before the Christmas market.

So, if we could do this

this afternoon?

Sure. We can discuss business later.

Thanks.

[sighs]

["Gloria in Excelsis Deo" ringtone]

Hello?

[man] Brady, how'd the meeting go?

Uh it went well, Mr. Quigley.

Please, you can call me Lionel

after getting that deed.

You have no idea what this means

to Beaubridge Realty.

It's a sound investment for everyone.

Out of respect for your track record,

I, uh, honored your request to pay them

a little more than face value.

I appreciate that, I do.

The Meijers are good people.

Now, we have an opportunity

to make up for that loss.

Net even more.

My projections show the inn putting us

in a good position with our investors.

Oh, we knew the inn would pay for itself.

Now, Walt Caprio is interested

in Windmill Way.

The Walt Caprio, of Caprio Resorts?

You bet. Now

you didn't offer the family

special rights to that windmill, did you?

Well, uh, yeah,

I promised they could still run it.

I mean, since we're only interested

in building next to it.

- You put that in the contract?

- Technically, no.

Uh, the contract states

we own everything on the property.

Nice work.

I knew you being local

would be beneficial.

Now, the, uh, plan

is to tear down the old mill

and put a Caprio resort

right next to the inn.

The mill means a lot to this family.

They were well compensated.

Caprio is flying in to survey the land.

I want you to finalize

this new deal personally.

Wow, uh

I'm flattered.

[chuckles smugly]

Look, you seal this deal with Caprio,

that VP position is yours.

I know how much you wanted this.

I've got to take this call.

Keep me apprised on everything.

Will do.

[sandpaper rasps on wood]

Hey.

[breath whooshes]

Wow.

Your skills have vastly improved

since high school.

[chuckles]

Took me a while to get

all the angles right,

but I think it should be ready

for the Christmas market.

Do you still decorate Christmas ornaments

with the youth group here?

You know, participation

has skyrocketed in recent years.

So, now, we hold it at the Jansen Inn.

That's great.

Um

Oh, right, our meeting.

Look, as long as your hotel doesn't block

the wind, we should be fine.

I'm sorry.

I know that I promised, but

What is it?

Just tell me, please.

[sighs]

I just found out that my company

has plans to tear down the mill

and put in a resort too, not just the inn.

- What?

- I know. I'm sorry. I am.

The order came from the top.

Please understand, this isn't personal.

Brady, you know how important

this mill is to my family.

To this community.

How could this not be personal?

With this region's first Caprio resort,

Windmill Way will be

the biggest tourist spot on the map.

By demolishing the windmill?

On Windmill Way?

[exhales] I never wanted this to happen.

[sighs]

A Caprio Resort?

I thought you were building a Dutch inn.

Yeah, I know. It's both, actually, uh

they want to lean

into the quaintness of the town,

but this new deal with Caprio, they want

to give tourists a more "modern" choice.

- So, nothing's official yet?

- The paperwork isn't signed...

You know how much this mill means to me.

Give me a chance to save it.

[sighs]

Mia, I feel like my hands are tied,

but I will hear you out.

Thank you.

How about, uh, over breakfast tomorrow,

say 9:00 a.m., Ann's Bakery?

- I thought our meeting was now.

- It was. It was.

But because of this new deal,

I'm swamped for the rest of the day,

unfortunately.

But I... I needed to come tell you

this news.

Fine. Breakfast at Oma's.

Oh.

I brought this for you.

[door sliding]

He promised the mill was safe.

He could have at least put it in writing.

It was a verbal promise.

And I trusted him.

There's got to be some sort of, like,

loophole in here or something.

Mia, I had my lawyer read it again,

and it's pretty much cut and dried.

Beaubridge Realty can do

whatever they want with the property,

mill and all.

Ah. Leave it to Brady to pull

the oldest trick in the book.

Well, he did say the orders

came from the top.

It sounds like it wasn't

his decision to make.

[heavy sigh]

You know what Mom always used to say?

To learn something new,

you have to shift your perspective.

True.

I think that's exactly what I have to do

with Brady to try and save the mill.

Shift his perspective.

Thank you so much.

Your room's just up the stairs.

Thank you.

- Willem, did you manage to...

- I reset the router.

The internet is firing on all cylinders.

You are the man.

Wow.

I got to tell you, you and Lily,

you really kept this place thriving. Ah.

Yeah.

What's this I hear from Lily

about you tearing down the mill

and opening up a Dutch inn and a resort?

Pshooo, news travels fast.

No hard feelings?

[scoffs] I mean, my wife

will be out of a job.

And can you guarantee

this won't hurt my business?

I ran the numbers.

No matter what we put on Windmill Way,

you being downtown

will always give you a steady clientele.

Trust me.

[sighs]

Well, you're lucky

that we rarely have vacancies.

If anything, these businesses

will help take the pressure off of you.

When was the last time

you and Lily took a vacation?

- Our honeymoon.

- Exactly.

You guys are always at full capacity.

Look around, it's beautiful in here.

You're busy, you're working hard,

and I respect that about you, I do,

but this can help take

some of the load off.

Fair point. I could share the wealth.

But, Brady, come on.

Knocking down the mill, really?

You should've seen

the way Mia looked at me.

I felt sick.

Is there anything you can do?

I'm in a tough spot.

But I'm gonna meet Mia tomorrow

so we can brainstorm some ideas.

I hope you two can keep it civil.

Yeah, doesn't help that there's

still tension from how we ended things.

Just tell her what you told me.

That'll help.

- What's that?

- Take a vacation.

No mill, no work, right?

[sighs]

[tender music plays]

[gentle knock on door]

Can we talk?

Yes. But, promise, no more bombshells.

[sighs]

I know you're still upset.

And I am truly sorry

for not discussing the deal with you.

Sometimes I forget

you're a grown woman, not a child.

And it's... it's not my job to protect you.

But it was a very generous offer.

I thought it was the right thing to do.

I just wanted to make sure

that your financial future is secured.

Do you forgive me?

Of course I do.

How was the meeting with Brady?

Well, after the shock wore off,

I told him to go build on the swamp.

[laughs]

I'm sure that jab felt good, huh?

Yeah. Yeah, it did.

He did say the paperwork to tear down

the mill hasn't been signed yet.

Is that right?

Huh.

He seems so different now.

Well, he certainly has grown up.

Yeah. We both have.

[Ann] Thank you very much.

You'll need a bigger display case

after this year's Dutch Bake-off.

Oh, that's very sweet of you to say.

Willem might be

a tough competitor this year, though.

Sorry I'm late. I got pulled

into a last-minute meeting.

It's fine. Oma and I just finished

the morning rush.

- Morning, Ann.

- Brady.

I want you both to know,

I never would have had you sign that deal

knowing the mill was at risk.

Thank you for saying that.

I hope we can find a situation

that makes everyone happy.

Me too.

You brought your camera. Perfect.

Never leave home without it.

I'll be back later, Oma.

- You two take care.

- Uh, what about

breakfast?

Oh, wait.

Thank you, Ann.

Oh, you're a culinary genius.

[Ann chuckles]

[upbeat music plays]

Wow, the market looks great.

Yeah, well, you've been gone a long time.

It's grown.

I'd say.

Oh, uh, you seemed excited

when you saw I had my camera.

Yes, I was.

If you'd be so kind, I would love if

you could take photos for my memory box,

in case everything changes.

I remember your memory boxes.

Stop.

You know, for me,

there's nothing like freezing

that moment in time.

You get to have it forever, you know?

Photos can't replace the real thing.

Do you ever wonder

how things would have been if

we had stayed together?

You knew my family needed me.

My future was here.

And you had that photography internship

that you just couldn't ignore.

But you could have said goodbye.

I guess I was naive to think

we were still going to prom together.

I asked you to prom.

I left you a note.

I took your silence as no.

Wait, what? I never got a note.

I put it in the clog.

When you didn't answer,

I thought you wanted a clean break.

I wanted to respect that.

- You're joking.

- No!

I stuffed it in there

about a week before prom.

- [scoffs]

- Are you...?

- Must've fallen out.

- [laughs]

It's crazy, after all these years,

I never found it.

And here I thought you were ignoring

the grand, romantic gesture

of our teenage years.

And I thought that your feelings

toward me had changed.

Did you go to prom?

Yeah. I went alone.

Kinda thought that you would show,

but I think you were already gone.

I'm sorry.

Gosh, I feel like

I'm apologizing a lot lately,

but I completely would have been there.

Don't worry about it.

It's ancient history.

You, uh

you seeing anybody now?

Mm.

I've dated a few people

here and there, but nothing serious.

You?

Well, I, uh I was in

a serious relationship for a few years,

but we wanted different things.

Hmm.

They still have Santa's throne?

[Brady laughs]

[Mia laughs]

It's the original one

that my great-grandfather built.

And we still make, sell, and ship these

all over the country, every season.

Huh Look at you. Always spreading joy.

Well, it's not just me,

it's everyone at the mill.

We're the backbone of this community,

especially at Christmas.

How do I look?

[chuckles]

You look very dapper.

Remember when we would come up here

every Christmas morning

and take photos of the mill at sunrise,

before anyone was up?

Oh, yeah.

You know, I made a collage

of all those golden-hour photos.

See? The mill is linked

to so many good memories.

I know what you're trying to do, Mia.

I do.

But it is gonna take a lot more

than nostalgia to save the mill.

- Oh!

- [Mia gasps]

- Whoa!

- Oh, no.

- Did I just break Santa's throne?

- [huffs]

- What else could go wrong?

- Can you fix it?

I hope someone at the mill

can fix it before Santa Day,

or else you're gonna be

on the naughty list for a very long time.

- [camera shutter snaps]

- [gasps]

Good afternoon, Ann.

Herb, what a pleasant surprise.

Mia and Lily are working hard

decorating for the Christmas market.

I'll surprise them with a treat.

Ah, ha, well, a box of fresh oliebols

should do the trick.

Oh h*, my favorite. How did you know?

[chuckles]

Are you okay?

I still wish that I hadn't picked up

Brady's phone call.

Well, you couldn't have known

this would happen.

You thought it was best for your family.

As soon as he said that the mill was safe,

I should have made sure

that was explicit in the contract.

Circumstances changed after you signed.

You have to forgive yourself.

I'm having flyers made,

and I'll use my platform at the bake-off

to spread the word about

what's at stake with the mill.

Oh, I think that's a great idea,

and I would love to help.

I appreciate that.

Okay. Yeah.

Oh.

Oh, thank you.

Hey, how was your morning

with Mr. Real Estate?

[scoffs] I don't think

the Christmas stroll down memory lane

really made that much of a difference.

Oh. Well, I could try to get Willem

to talk some sense into him.

But what more could we do?

Well, as the manager

of all of our social media pages,

let the town know what's going on.

Do we want to worry them?

Their livelihoods are at risk.

We have to let them know.

Oh, um, we could put together

an online petition.

That's a great idea.

[door rumbles on track]

- Special delivery from Ann's.

- Oh, yum.

Would you be our first signer

on the petition to save the mill?

I'd be honored.

Would you also be honored

to repair a town heirloom?

[sighs]

Brady accidentally broke Santa's throne.

Ooh.

Willem's parents have a picture of him

on that throne with Santa from every year.

It is a special tradition around here.

Everyone would be very disappointed

if we didn't have it for Santa.

- We have so many in the back we could use.

- They're all ready for shipment.

We can't take another community's

Santa throne.

- No.

- Please?

- If anyone can fix it, it's you.

- Yeah, I'll see what I can do.

You're the best, Herb.

No, thanks, buddy. I just ate.

Look good, though.

They are. But I am

in full bake-off mode right now.

My tastebuds are too close to this

to be objective.

[exhales]

[sniffs]

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Mm.

These are better than your dad's.

Hey, don't make a mess,

this is a new table.

It's nice. It's classic.

It's one of Mia's.

Handmade at our very own mill.

Thought you should know.

Look, the mill was built in the 1930s.

It's had a good run, right?

You've been away a while,

so maybe you've forgotten.

Nothing is more important to this town

than its heritage.

Every home has at least one piece

of Mia's family's furniture.

I'll give you that.

Did you see all the buzz online

about the petition to preserve the mill?

"Preserve the mill."

"Best wooden furniture in the country."

- You wrote that one, didn't you?

- Well

"Beaubridge's bridge too far."

Of course.

The mill is beloved.

I get your point.

[sighs]

[phone rings]

Hello?

Mia, 500 signatures.

- Really?

- Oh, we're well over that number now.

You know, I'm in the middle of something.

Can I call you back? Thanks.

Mia? Mi... Mi

[both laugh]

Sorry, we're closed.

I need to speak with Mia. Please.

Brady, all business aside,

it's good to see you again.

Yeah.

- Thanks, Herb.

- How are your parents?

They're good. They're good.

They're enjoying retirement in Florida.

So much so, they're gonna stay there

for Christmas.

Ah. Well, good for them.

Me, I'll work here as long as I'm able.

This mill gives me a sense of purpose.

It is the main industry and lifeblood

of this town, after all.

I'm ready, Herb.

We're just setting up outside for

our "Preserve the Mill" rally tomorrow.

You should come.

You know, tomorrow's gonna be

a little hectic for me, but maybe.

Where can I find Mia?

- Oh, she's in the back.

- Thanks, Herb.

I see your petition is getting

a little traction in the media.

You said nostalgia wouldn't save the mill,

so, I'm just improvising.

I called you earlier because I wanted

to give you a heads-up.

A safety inspector is coming

to do a survey of the mill next week.

Didn't you say your hands were tied?

Because I feel like

they're actively meddling instead.

I'm trying to untie them a bit.

Whenever a demolition gets bad press,

my boss sends a safety inspector

on site, the next day.

One negative report later,

public opinion sways like a pendulum.

I suppose it's easier

to tear something down

that's not up to code

than it would be otherwise?

You have my sympathy, Mia, you do.

That's why I'm giving you more time

to implement these repairs

than my boss would ever allow.

Well, I'm not afraid of your inspector.

And I welcome the accountability.

And I hope this is the first safety report

that doesn't go my boss' way.

By the way

Hmm.

Another signature for your petition.

Who's Billy Schofield?

My pseudonym.

I want to help.

And keep my job, if possible.

Thank you so much.

- [Ann] We brought refills.

- Oh, great. Thank you.

Yeah. How's it coming?

Well, we have a few hundred

more signatures already.

Oh, excellent.

If Brady's company is adamant

about knocking down the mill,

why is he insisting on

a safety inspection?

Strategy. If they can shift public opinion

into thinking the mill is hazardous...

- They'll accept it being demolished.

- Exactly.

Oh.

Miss Meijer, I'm from Channel 4.

Could I speak to you?

What would you like the viewers to know?

Well, for almost a century,

my family has made

handcrafted furniture here, at this mill.

And at Christmas, wooden toys

for all the children of this community

that we love so much.

What will you do with the donations?

We plan to use these generous donations

to renovate and preserve the mill.

It's part of what makes this town

so special.

And I would like to extend

a huge thank you

to everyone who came out

to support this important cause.

Thank you so much, and merry Christmas.

[crowd cheering]

How'd I do?

Oh, you were amazing.

I am so proud of you.

Thank you, Oma.

I just hope this all works.

Yes, me too.

Thank you.

- So, what do you think?

- I think it can be fixed.

Before Santa Day at the Christmas market?

Well, I'll certainly do my best.

[Herb sighs]

I feel a need for some milk and cookies.

Can I get you anything?

No, thanks.

I'll be right back.

I really need a better security system.

Yeah.

So, what's the prognosis?

Will Santa Claus have his throne

when he comes to town?

Herb seems to think so.

And that's enough for me.

Good.

I saw you on the Channel 4 news.

I wanted to congratulate you.

Thank you.

We have 1,000 signatures so far,

and I think all the donations

will be enough to cover the repairs.

I truly underestimated

the love for this mill.

I won't disagree with that.

Mia, listen, I know that you have

no reason to trust me,

but I am trying to do more

to change this deal.

- Really?

- Really.

I'll talk to my boss tomorrow

and see if we can't lead Walt Caprio

to better opportunities elsewhere.

I appreciate you doing that.

It's amazing how you guys still make toys

from all the scraps and offcuts.

It started out as a way

to use up all of our material.

But, now, we have

a designated space in our workshop

just for making toys.

And we sell them all year round,

but at the Christmas market,

we gift one to every child in town.

That's fantastic.

It's quality craftsmanship.

Well, I'd love to take credit, but Herb

makes most of the toys these days.

I stick to furniture.

You know, I was talking

to Willem yesterday,

and I still have

the wooden angel tree topper

you gave me back in high school.

- Really?

- Really.

- Still in one piece?

- Put it on my Christmas tree every year.

Hey, do you remember that stool

that you helped me make?

The one with three legs?

Used to wobble when we sat on it?

That's the one.

Yeah, I'll bet that's been turned

into toothpicks by now.

Think again.

You kept it? No!

[laughs]

Well, still wobbles.

It's part of my history.

Mia

[Herb] Time to make

our own Christmas miracle.

Oh.

- I'll see you tomorrow.

- Yeah.

- Cookies look good, Herb.

- Mm!

[phone ringing]

- [call beeps on]

- Hello?

Saw the news. What's going on?

We've received a little backlash

from the town.

Nearly half the residents

signed that petition.

I'd say that's

more than a little backlash.

I was able, however, to schedule

a safety inspection before Walt's arrival.

Hmm. Taught you well.

Lionel, I think we should offer

alternative properties to Walt.

You think the windmill

will pass inspection?

Do we really want a sizeable portion

of the population that cherishes this mill

to be against Beaubridge

and Caprio right away?

I've been courting Walt

to do business together for years.

It wasn't 'til Windmill Way

that he finally showed interest.

How about we lose the Dutch inn entirely,

and he puts his resort next to the mill?

Sacrifice all that revenue?

[sighs] Have you heard from Walt?

Uh, we've been playing phone tag,

but he emailed me

to confirm his arrival date.

And he expressed interest

in exploring the Christmas market.

Keep calling. I want him engaged.

And don't sow doubt in his mind

with alternative options.

Understood, sir.

[call beeps off]

I think we're good to go.

[sighing]

First day of the Christmas market.

I just feel like I should be more excited.

What's wrong, sweetheart?

[sighs] Just worried about the inspection.

Oh, well, you, Herb, and Lily

fixed all the small things

and identified the larger issues

for the contractors.

Yeah. Yeah, I guess you're right.

I've just never felt

this much pressure in my life.

Never forget, Mia, you can handle

whatever winds may blow your way,

as long as your confidence

and your faith are resolute.

Thank you, Oma.

Aah! Ha ha! Hot off the presses.

Oh! Oh.

Thank you, Herb, for picking them up.

- [Mia] These look great.

- [Herb] I helped with the design.

If the 90th Christmas market is on track

to be our biggest year yet,

these are gonna help spread

the message far and wide.

Thank you. Thank you, both.

Do you mind tightening my apron?

I'm here to help.

- Hey, buddy.

- There he is.

Good to see ya.

Happy Christmas bake-off, Mia.

I'm surprised you made it.

Maybe I'm feeling a little nostalgic.

It's about time.

You said the Christmas market had grown.

Even I can't believe

how many people are here.

Well, I just organized a group of vendors,

and we've been raising money all year

to increase advertising.

Plus word of mouth, and now,

we're the biggest Christmas market

in three states.

Of course you are.

You've had the same passion

and determination since high school.

That is not a dig. I swear.

Truly, it's it's admirable.

Thank you.

Hey, would you like to try some?

Finally! Yes.

Mm. Really?

Mm.

Oh, Willem, sorry.

It's close, but, uh

I think Ann's got you beat.

Whose side are you on?

That's the million-dollar question.

Mia, it's our turn.

Ann, Herb, Mia,

what do you have for me this year?

Mr. Mayor, from Ann's Bakery,

please enjoy a slice

of her famous homemade

Christmas Kerststol bread.

Mm. Mm! Mm!

Great job. Next.

Ooh, don't forget a flyer.

Go get 'em. [chuckles]

Mr. Mayor, from the Jansens,

I present to you

our homemade Christmas poffertjes.

[mayor] Mm!

All right, I have everyone's scores,

and I'll announce the winner shortly.

[Lily giggles]

Mia, I wanted to tell you,

I'm going around my boss,

and I'm working on a proposal

to present Walt Caprio directly.

My goal is to convince him

that the Muskegon property up north

is a better investment than Windmill Way.

- The best news I've heard all day.

- I thought you'd want to hear that.

Here we go.

- [microphone squeals]

- Well, the scores have been tallied.

Excelling in all categories

of overall taste, texture,

presentation, and the adherence

to the Dutch culture,

the unanimous winner is

Ann's Bakery,

for her Kerststol Christmas bread.

[crowd clapping]

[saw running]

They say renovations should be done

in a couple days.

I know these repairs weren't cheap.

Well, between what Brady's company

paid us for the land

and the money we've raised, we'll be okay.

I have no doubt we'll pass the inspection,

but will it deter the powers that be?

Public opinion is on our side,

and with a solid report,

that strengthens our case.

Brady's also looking

for alternative locations to offer Caprio.

Yeah. Seeing you two together again,

suddenly feels like old times.

I think he still has some fondness

for this town.

You have a sparkle in your eye around him,

just like back in high school.

- He's

- Hmm?

I'm not

Huh?

Saving the mill is

my top and only priority right now.

Well, it won't be easy,

but preserving the mill

would certainly make history.

History. That's it.

- What do they call the downtown area?

- Downtown Historic District.

They started calling it that

after the mayor at the time

registered the entire area

as a historical landmark.

- You know your town's history.

- We just have to register the mill.

To qualify as a landmark,

I think the downtown area

had to be 50 years old or older.

And the mill is as old

as the Christmas market, at 90.

Overqualified and overdue, if you ask me.

Maybe the mill will get

its Christmas miracle after all.

It might take up to 45 days

to get a structure like Zefier registered.

Don't they want

to start building soon, though?

[sighs] Probably not until the spring,

when the ground thaws.

But they could bring in

a demolition crew at any time.

And, actually, they technically

could evict us at a moment's notice.

So, keep looking.

Wait, what about

our town's Dutch heritage?

Yes.

Oh, I think there's some sort

of special ordinance

we could maybe get approved for in time.

Okay. That sounds promising.

What does it do?

Um "The ordinance is

a protective measure that can be placed"

"while a permanent application

to the United Register

of Historical Landmarks is pending."

- I should go file the paperwork.

- Mm-hmm.

- Would you mind locking up?

- Of course!

Go save your birthright. And our jobs.

[laughs] Well, our history is

all of our birthrights.

Belongs to everyone.

Hmm.

- [Mia] Let me take your coat.

- [mayor] Thank you. [shivering]

- Please, have a seat.

- Thanks.

I remembered these are your favorites.

Oh, you know how much I love these. Yum.

Congratulations again for winning

this year's Christmas Golden Rolling Pin.

She literally couldn't have won it

without you.

[mayor chuckles]

Well, my opponents

are already calling me biased.

I've declared Ann the winner

both years I was the judge.

It's not biased

when you have impeccable taste.

Ooh, you're hired. No interview required.

Thank you.

Well, it's not exactly

why I asked to meet with you today.

How can I be of service?

I'd like to discuss

the time-sensitive issue I emailed about.

I know, and I read your flyer

at the Christmas market bake-off.

[sighs] I understand your position.

It's commendable what you're trying to do.

The windmill is the epicenter

of our town, in many ways.

I submitted the online application,

but I wanted to give you a physical copy.

I was hoping maybe you can do something

to expedite city council's review.

I realize how important the mill is

to you and your family,

but I've got to be honest

I don't think they'll grant you

the ordinance.

May I ask why not?

Well, the idea of a Caprio Resort

on Windmill Way

is hugely popular with the council,

for the added revenue

and the influx of tourism.

Yeah, but you were at the bake-off.

We had the highest turnout

that the Christmas market's ever seen.

Which is fantastic.

It also puts into question our small

town's need for sufficient lodging.

Most people have no qualms

with the Dutch inn

that Beaubridge Realty

wants to build next to the windmill.

But the resort is excessive.

Please, if you could just

look over the application.

I've outlined everything

from my great-grandfather building it

and establishing our heritage town

almost 100 years ago,

to the Dutch culture and traditions

that perpetuate

through the furniture we create.

It truly is a historical landmark.

[sighs] You've clearly put a lot of time

and energy into this.

The windmill is

the heart and soul of this town.

Can you imagine our town without it?

Because I can't.

[sighs] I can't promise anything,

especially this close to Christmas.

But the council will review everything

and consider your proposal seriously.

[exhales happily]

That's all I ask. Thank you.

Oh, and thank Ann

for these delicious treats.

[laughs] I surely will. Thanks again.

[festive music]

Good timing. Could you cover the desk

while I help Willem set up?

- Sure. I'm not really qualified, but...

- Thank you.

Okay.

[door opens]

Brady?

Would you like a room, miss?

Please don't tell me that

you bought the Jansen Inn too.

What? No, no It's

I'm just covering for Lily.

Well, I wanted to talk to her,

but I'll come back later.

- You look

- Like a corporate drone?

I was gonna say "stunning," but, sure.

Well, you look good dressed down.

- Thanks.

- Brady

I submitted a protective ordinance request

for the mill,

to be considered as a historical landmark.

You're a genius.

Look at you.

Well, if Walt won't listen to you,

he'll have to listen to that.

It's really inspiring to see the lengths

that you will go for something you love.

[footsteps approaching]

Hey! How was your meeting with the mayor?

It's up to council now.

Brady, Mia, you two should play the first

Christmas cornhole game this year.

- For old time's sake.

- I'm

You are relieved of your duties.

- I was really good.

- [Lily] Mm-hmm.

You know, if I remember correctly,

and I'm pretty sure I do,

the last time we played,

I beat you really badly.

Your memory needs jogging,

because I recall that very differently.

- Hmm.

- Rematch.

Oh, you're on.

Lead the way.

Okay, you know the rules.

Take turns throwing your bags.

Whoever makes the most targets, wins.

Ladies first.

[Mia] Thank you very much.

Oh, wait, wait, wait. Wait.

Hold up.

There we go.

[camera shutter snaps]

Now you're up.

Okay.

Ooh.

Hey, I'm just getting warmed up.

Hold that.

Uh-oh, coat's coming off.

Ladies and gentlemen,

this is getting serious.

[inhales deeply]

I was closer than you were.

[scoffs]

- [Mia] Whoo!

- Oh! Okay, one-nothing.

- I think I was a little closer.

- Everyone gets lucky once in a while.

- Oh!

- Boom!

- It's a tie.

- Kshhh!

Ah.

That was a good game.

One is better than none.

Wow. This place looks great.

Yeah, we're all ready

for today's inspection.

Is Mia in?

I I brought her this Christmas rose

as a token of good luck.

That's nice of you.

I am rooting for her.

I hope you believe that.

She's upstairs helping Herb.

She might be a while, though.

Would you please give this to her for me?

Of course. Yeah.

Uh, you know what? On second thought

[chuckles]

[groans]

We used to, uh, send messages like this

when we were kids.

Okay.

[groans]

This is the same clog. It's pretty old.

Probably. It was here when I started.

Well, hope this one makes the trip.

Take care.

Bye.

- [Ann] Hi, honey.

- Hi, Oma.

Oh, thanks for doing the dishes.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

What's this?

A Christmas rose for good luck.

From Brady?

[sniffs]

Mm, it's beautiful.

Are you falling for him again?

What? No. No.

No, I Maybe.

I suppose, yes.

But I

Oh, and this is the safety report?

That's it.

I was too nervous to open it alone.

Let's do it together.

Okay.

You know what? You do it.

Um, let's make a plan

for both outcomes first.

Okay. Um

If we pass,

I take it directly to the press

to contradict Beaubridge Realty's claim

that the mill is old and dangerous.

And if we don't pass?

I have faith.

I have faith that there's a plan,

and we'll get through this together.

That's my girl.

You know what?

You do it.

[sighs]

[Ann laughs nervously]

We passed!

Oh! Oh, that's marvelous, dear!

Oh, gosh.

- I've got to call Lily.

- Yeah, I can't wait to tell Herb.

- All we need is that protective ordinance.

- Any update?

Well, I submitted Mayor Beaman a request

to expedite city council's review, but

Okay. I'll have extra donuts ready,

if need be.

Thanks, Oma.

[uplifting music]

Thank you for springing

for the extra supplies.

It's the least I could do.

You know, I sent the safety report in

for publication earlier.

Good.

How's your ornament coming?

Well, I think I'm all done.

Already?

Yeah.

Hey, no peeking until you're done too.

No peeking, huh?

Ah, sometimes I can't help myself,

'cause I've got so many eyes.

Oh, wait.

[camera shutter snaps]

It's a good one.

And to think they're

the oldest kids at that table.

[Ann and Herb laugh]

- I think I'm ready.

- Let's see it.

Does this look like a dog?

Maybe if you add some teeth.

Yeah, let me see yours.

Oh.

"Dinner date tonight?

7 p.m. at Deventura's."

[chuckles happily]

Nothing would make me happier.

Oh.

- How's it going over there, Picasso?

- Oh, I'm ready.

But, please, after you.

Hmm.

You're a better artist than me.

Well, furniture is easier.

Is that me with a camera?

[laughs] Yep.

I love it.

Alright, let's see what took you so long.

Whoa, no, now I'm embarrassed, it's

Come on, let's see.

I know it's bad, it's

What is it?

Well, it's you and me

at our high school prom.

If we'd gone together.

It's not exactly painted to scale,

of course.

[teary exhale]

Of course.

So cute to see Oma

all nervous about her date tonight.

I'm glad they're both finally admitting

it is a date.

Me too.

And what about you and Brady?

I thought all those sparks flying

would burn down the inn.

[sighs]

I think I'm falling in love

with him again.

What?

I know, but I can't think

about that right now,

not while the future of the mill

is uncertain.

But Brady said he'd talk

to that Caprio guy

about stopping the resort deal.

He's putting together a proposal to try

and persuade them to build elsewhere.

And what about that ordinance?

Still under review.

I did send Mayor Beaman

a bunch of donuts, though,

'cause those are his favorite.

Just to sort of help push things through.

We can't lose faith now.

[man] Brady, Walt Caprio here.

Sorry we keep missing each other.

I got all your messages and emails.

I look forward to learning

about this Muskegon opportunity tomorrow.

I can't wait to check out

this Christmas market too.

Oh, and I wanted to commend you

on your photos

of the Windmill Way property.

I pulled them

from the Beaubridge database.

They had such great attention to detail.

I felt like I was really there.

So, we can get all business

out of the way first.

I just emailed you

the signed Windmill Way contract.

Demolition starts

as soon as you get the permit signed.

See you tomorrow.

No

[Brady sighs heavily]

My presentation is done.

- Hmm.

- Did you sleep at all last night?

A few hours. [sighs]

Walt preemptively signed

the Windmill Way contract.

So the mill is history.

I kind of, sort of

went behind my boss' back

and told Walt

about a more fruitful opportunity,

north of here, in Muskegon.

He's agreed to hear my proposal

this afternoon at our meeting.

So, him agreeing to the new plan would

cancel out the contract he just signed?

Boom. That's my plan.

I'm picking him up at the airport later,

but I got to talk to Mia.

If she allows, I'm pitching him

right there at the mill,

so I can appeal to his better angels.

Have you told Mia all this?

Uh, I'm gonna go have a meeting

with her right now.

Catch her up on everything. And, uh

hopefully get her blessing.

Hmm. Hey.

You'll always be my friend.

I want what's best for you. Just

Make sure your priorities are clear.

Thanks, Willem, but they are crystal.

I'll see ya later.

Lionel. I didn't know you were coming.

I mean, I'm I'm glad you're here.

[Lionel] Didn't want to miss your big day.

Where you headed now?

I'm going to the mill

to prep for our meeting

before I pick Walt up from the airport.

Don't worry about that.

I'm picking him up.

We'll meet you up by the mill, 4:00?

Shake hands, celebrate?

- You spoke to him?

- Briefly, before he took off.

Hmm.

Why the long face? You should be happy.

- What do you mean?

- Well, this meeting with Walt.

It's just a formality,

since he already signed.

That VP Developer position, it's yours.

Wow, uh

Wow!

I have worked

my entire career for that title.

It's long overdue.

A promotion well deserved.

- Lionel...

- I'll let you go. I'm gonna check in.

It will be nice to stay

in one of our own next time.

Yeah.

[blows out breath]

Morning, Brady.

Hey, Herb. Wow.

- Santa's throne is good as new.

- Yeah.

- Just helping to protect our heritage.

- Is Mia in yet?

Yeah. She's upstairs.

But she left a note for you.

Thanks, Herb.

[saw whirring]

"Catching the wind while it's strong.

Be down soon. Mia."

What if it never fell out?

Wait a minute.

Huh.

What are you doing?

I was, uh, huh

hoping to find

the note I left you for prom.

[laughs] No luck?

Take a guess.

- Well, if your prom story is true

- Which it is.

My theory is that

it fell out during transit

Mm-hmm.

found its way into one of the saws

and was chopped into smithereens.

It's a pleasant thought.

[chuckles]

So, what's with the voicemail?

What is it?

I couldn't connect with Caprio before

he signed the Windmill Way contract.

I was just informed

that the demolition on the mill

is scheduled to start next weekend.

I never wanted any of this to happen.

I have to go and

Remember the property

I was telling you about in Muskegon?

Walt's agreed to hear my proposal.

With your permission,

I'd like to host him at the mill,

so that he can see, in person,

how extraordinary this place truly is.

I'll leave the door open for you.

Mia, you mean the world to me.

You always have.

There's still time.

We can still save this place, you and me.

"We," as in Brady, or the pseudonym

you used to save face with your company?

It's not like that now.

There's still time.

I'm gonna try and change his mind.

What about the ordinance

to make this a historical landmark?

- Have they made their decision?

- It's not your problem.

You don't even live here anymore.

Mia.

I need you to go now.

Please.

Fine.

[cries]

[Mia] "Will you go to prom with me?

Forever yours, Brady."

Ready to go?

[teary exhale]

Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?

They're tearing down the mill.

It's over.

Is that what Brady came here to say?

I failed.

No, you didn't.

Everything that my family

has spent their lives working for

everything that I've worked for

al the people over the decades

that have worked at this mill

it's all gonna be gone.

No, Mia, listen to me.

Look, you did everything you could.

Your parents know that, I know that,

and they are so proud of you.

And their love extends beyond this mill.

It's endless timeless.

You're a great friend, Lily.

We don't have time to be sad anyways.

- It's Santa Day.

- It's Santa Day.

[both laugh]

Come here.

[both giggle]

[both laugh]

[kids laughing and talking]

Wow, didn't Herb do such a great job

fixing Great-grandpa's Santa throne?

Yeah, he sure did.

Oh, I see Willem.

[giggles]

So, you ready for Santa Day?

- [kids] Yeah!

- [Santa] h*, h*, h*!

Merry Christmas!

Walt, it's a pleasure to finally meet you.

You as well, Brady. Interesting choice

of venue for this meeting.

Especially since one of your

luxurious resorts will be replacing it.

Uh, gentlemen, please, take a seat.

I've prepared a presentation about a new,

lucrative opportunity here in the area.

You're telling me that the contract's

already been signed by these tycoons,

dooming the windmill to oblivion,

and Brady is there with those guys?

- Yes.

- Yeah, that's beyond wrong.

If Brady couldn't stop Walt from signing,

I doubt he'll be able to do much more.

I wouldn't give up on him just yet, Mia.

He was up all night working on a plan

that might save the mill.

Eggnog?

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

Santa has something for you.

- What is it?

- Oh, it just arrived.

Special delivery,

straight from the North Pole.

We got the protective ordinance.

[all laugh happily]

Thank you.

You can finally build

one of your mega-sized resort hotels,

which you mention on your website.

Instead of

your standard-sized version here.

Here's our profit projections

at Windmill Way compared to Muskegon

over the next five years.

This windmill that we're in

doesn't just hold space for furniture.

It's the heartbeat of this town.

It holds a family.

A special family.

And a community.

It holds them together. It binds us.

Now, I may lose my job for this,

but I now wholeheartedly believe

that this place should be preserved.

Not destroyed.

Excuse me. Brady, I need to talk to you.

What's going on here?

Gentlemen, it is my pleasure

to introduce to you Mia Meijer,

furniture designer, manager of the mill,

and the great-granddaughter

of the man that built this place.

So, you put him up to this.

Brady did all of this on his own volition.

But I did this on mine.

Let me see that.

It's a letter from our mayor stating

that there's a protective ordinance

granted for Zefier,

pending the review of its application

to the United Register

of Historical Landmarks.

This protects the mill,

no matter what Caprio Resorts

or Beaubridge Realty originally intended.

- I see.

- Lionel.

I want you to know

how much I truly appreciate

the job offer of the VP position,

but I've got to decline.

I'm also giving you

my official resignation.

Are you sure about this?

I have never been more sure

about anything in my entire life.

Brady, wait.

With or without this protective ordinance,

you've convinced me

that this windmill is worth preserving.

Your presentation,

well, it was very impressive.

I want to hire you as my point person

on this Muskegon project.

Walt, that is extremely generous,

but I need to pass.

I'm gonna stay here, in town.

But, have no fear, you are in great hands

with Lionel and Beaubridge Realty.

Lionel, we going to Muskegon?

Of course. Uh, yes. [clears throat]

After I check out this Christmas market.

It's, uh, my favorite time of year.

[Walt clears throat]

- Brady...

- Lionel.

I am grateful

for everything you've done for me.

No hard feelings?

Good luck, Brady.

You didn't have to do that for me.

I'm not losing you again.

What are you gonna do here?

Well, I don't know

if I've ever told you this, but

I'm kind of into photography.

I was thinking about opening

a photography business.

[chuckles]

Oh.

You know what this means, don't you?

[soft acoustic music]

- Should auld acquaintance be forgot

- May I have this dance?

I thought you'd never ask.

And never brought to mind

Are you really sure about all this?

I love you, Mia.

And the days of auld lang syne

I love you, too, Brady.

For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld lang syne

We'll take a cup of kindness, dear

For days of auld lang syne

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

For days of auld lang syne