Trading Up Christmas (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Hi, friends.

Read-Along-Michelle here.

And today, we are reading one of

my favorite Christmas stories.

Sound it out with me.

"The Most Magical

Christmas Stocking".

And this story is about a

girl who gets gifted the

most beautiful stocking

from her grandmother,

but this isn't

just any stocking.

No, this stocking is

able to make

one wish come true on Christmas.

So follow along with me-

onand if you getue

stuck on a word,

don't worry about it,

because just like

the magical stocking, I am

here to remind you

that anything is possible.

And wishes really do come true.

Hi, Dad.

Hey, Michi.

How's your day?

HMwah.d.

Good, how are you?

Good. You look

beautiful today.

Thank you!

- Guess what?

- What?

- I'm in love.

- Oh.

I think I finally found the one.

- Ain't she a beaut?

- Yeah!

But I mean, gonna be a

little hard to fit her

under the Christmas tree.

We're gonna need a bigger tree.

under the-Wait. tmas tree.

Aren't you nervous though,

buying a boat off the internet?

I mean, it's basically

gonna be your new home.

No, no, people buy entire

houses off the internet now.

You should see

some of these ads.

People are practically

giving houses away.

- Gee, sign me up.

- Yeah.

Wish me luck, okay?

If this works out,

I'll be sailing around the

world by Valentine's Day.

Then I wish you zero luck.

I love you too.

I love ou too.

Hm-hm, hot chocolate for you.

Auntie Michelle!

- Oh, hi, baby.

- Thank you.

You're welcome.!

Rosie, if you drink

that hot chocolate,

it'll count as dessert.

Rk

Hot chocolate for you.

Thank you.

If you drink that hot chocolate,

it'll count as dessert.

Different rules, honey.

Plus, it can't count as

dessert because I already

have plans to stress eat

a yule log in bad.

We got bad news.

No, baby, it's not bad news.

This is beautiful.

You keep working on that, okay?

It's terrible news.

My landlord called this

morning to tell me

they're selling our building.

My landlOh, no! led this

mornil'm sorry. me

Although we did know

that was a possibility

when we found it.

I mean, that's why

the rent was so cheap.

I know, and it did help me save.

But now, we have to move, again.

So, we'll just find

you a new place.

I know, but also, I knew this

place was a bad idea, and...

I should have listened

to my gut because...

this will be our third

apartment, in five years.

And, moving's expensive,

but more so,

I'm worried I'm not giving Rosie

the stability she deserves.

- Yes, you are.

- Am I?

I mean, she already

divides time between

her dad's house and mine, and...

you know, his schedule's

always changing,

so he can't be relied on,

and now we're

moving around all the time?

So hel just want herd on,

to feel secure.

Moving around

alShe does. e?

I wish I could just

win the lottery and,

and buy you a house.

Oh, oh, we could do,

wiwe could do, um, d,

what's it called? The crowd,

crowd funding!

No! I am not a

charity case.

And also, you're sweet, but,

this is not your problem.

Keri, if it's your problem,

it is my problem.

And also, you're sweet, but,

this iSo, we will... blem.

Figure it out, together.

I hope so.

But I want something

on my desk later today.

Dan, give me your pitch

for a holiday article.

Excuse me?

That is not my beat.

Dan, in the time it took

you to utter that sentence,

a dozen local newspapers

were shut down,

so everything is

everybody's beat now, okay?

Let's try this again.

Gimme that pitch.

Oh, okay, okay, how about this?

Let's try this again.

Christmas cyber-crime.

Is Santa Claus,

stealing your identity?

Okay, back to your desks.

ICome on, man!,

I need warm and fuzzies.

I need readers.

I need advertising revenue

so we can all keep our jobs.

And I need to write

a story with meaning.

Well, you're the writer, Dan.

It's your job to

give a story meaning.

I want something.

I mean it.



















But it's the coolest story!

This kid, over the course

of two years, traded up,

so he starts with a,

a rubber band,

and then he'd trade for a

blender, and then a laptop,

and eventually he

traded up to a house.

Amazing.

The power of the

human spirit, huh?

Your enthusiasm is noted,

but my point is

you could do this.

Except that kid had two years,

and apparently a lot

of energy and optimism,

none of which I share.

Well, then, I could do it.

- Are you joking?

- No, I mean, I want to help.

I feel guilty. I'm partially

responsible since

I found you the apartment,

and you know,

unless you and Rosie want

to move in with me?

I found you the apartment,

an,

unlesOkay, well then, want

why not just let me try?

I found yCome on, partment,

try trading for a house?

UnlesOOkay, when you, want

why say it like thattry?

I fit does sound kindaent,

try tcrazy, but... house?

You know, I was

reading the article

and I just felt like...

something clicked,

and I know that click.

It just means that-

That it's time for

one of Michelle's

harebrained schemes?

You say harebrained

schemes, I say...

- Imaginative solutions.

- Then I guess, fine.

Spend two years trying

to trade for a house.

But Rosie and I have to be

out of our place by

February 1st, so I'll be on

the apartment hunt.

Well, what if I can

do it before then?

Every project loves a deadline.

Agree to disagree.

Okay, well, what if I can

do it by Christmas?



This Christmas?

The same Christmas

that's ten days away?

Why not?

Because that kid took two

years to trade for a house,

and you're gonna do it

in less than two weeks?

If it is doable,

then I will do it.

Or I will go down trying.

Okay, I can see,

that you've really

latched onto this, so...

fine, you have my blessing.

But, I don't want Rosie to know.

I don't want her to

get her hopes up.

But, I don't want

RosieDeal.now.

And please, make it anonymous.

I don't need people

thinking I'm a charity case.

Okay, it's not charity,

it is trade.

And I know you love

an impossible project,

but don't get your

hopes up. Okay?

I will take that as a pep talk.

You will take anything

as a pep talk.

I w-Love you. hat

Love you too.

THIS IS THE

SWEETEST SEASON



I KNOW THALOVE'S THE REASON



LIGHTS ON THE TREES...

AND YOU HERE WITH ME

THIS IS THE

SWEETEST SEASON









I knew you'd forget about the

ugly Christmas sweater

party today, so...

I consciously chose to

excise this from my memory.

Well, Kuzora wants to see you,

and he's feeling

very festive, so...

you might want to

don the sweater.



Dan, Dan, come here.

What's up?

So, I'm up late last

night doing your job,

scouring the internet

for a story...

when what do I stumble across?

"Trading a stocking

for a house"?

Read it.

Ah, "This isn't just a stocking."

It's a family heirloom

my grandma made for me.

This stocking has seen our

family through ups and downs,

loves and losses.

"This stocking is basically

our family crest."

- Oh, that's sweet.

- Mm-hm, it gets better.

"Now I'm looking to trade

the stocking for a house."

She's trying to trade a

sock for a house, hm.

Keep reading!

"To give the ultimate

Christmas present of"

providing a forever home

for someone I love dearly.

And no, I don't think

you'll trade a stocking

for a house,

but maybe you can

help me on my way?

"You'll need a houseking

by Christmas."

She wants a house

heby Christmas. ay?

Is that all? Wow.

"Many thanks.

Trading Up Christmas."

Well, as I previously stated,

"Many thanks.

Tthis is not my beat."

Well, and as previously stated,

you want to keep

your job, right?

Readers love this

pkind of story. ed,

So find her!

Readers love this

pkind ofstory. ed,



DOO-DOO-DOO

DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO

IT'S COMING DOWN...

ALL THE FLURRIES

DANCING AROUND

OH, IT'S COLD

OUTSIDE

BUT YOU'RE KEEPING

MY HEART WARM...

IN THIS CHRISTMAS

WONDERLAND

GOT SOME COCOA

HOT ON THE STOVE

COZY UP WITH YOU

BY THE FIRESIDE

GOT SOME COCOA HOT ON

THE STOVE WE'LL WARM

IN THIS CHRISTMAS

WONDERLAND

YOU AND I

DECEMBER DREAMING

EACH AND EVERY DAY

THAT LOVELY WINTER

MAGIC'S ALL WE NEED

MAKE A FROSTY FRIEND

WITH A CARROT NOSE

WHO KNOWS HOW TO

TURN A PHRASE

I COULDN'T BE IN

BETTER COMPANY

WHO KNOWS HOW TO

TURN A PHRASE

DA-DA DOO-DOO-DOO

DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO

WHO KNOWS HOW TO TURN A PHRASE

DOO-DOO-DOO DOO-DOO-DOO-DOO

Are you Trading Up Christmas?

Not me.

- Trading Up Christmas?

- No, not me.

You must be

Trading Up Christmas.

Can you imagine

if that was my real name?

Wouldn't that be-Sorry, um...

[Yeah, hi.

Michelle Kostka.

Dan Bautissa.

Cool sock.

- Ugly sweater.

- Yeah, I get that lot.

So, is this what

you do for a living?

No, ah...

I'm a reading specialist.

I create programs that

foster literacy in schools.

I also work with kids who

have learning challenges.

And I have YouTube channel,

where I teach reading.

I also work with kids who

haVery cool, very cool.s.

What about you?

What do you do?

I alsolt's funny yous who

haVery should ask.cool.s.

I happen to be a

journalist for...

Worcester Watch.

Did you email me earlier today?

Yeah, but I was hoping

that we could discuss it

a little further, you know,

it's just one article.

YeaThere's nothingping

that wto discuss. cuss it

Like I said, the person who

I'm getting this house for

doesn't want any attention.

Then we won't include them.

But, you lied to get me here.

I did not lie.

You said you were

coming to trade.

I am here to trade.

I'm gonna trade you

your story for the most

precious asset of all...

publicity.

You can keep your "publicity".

But I'll take your sweater.



The sweater off my back?

The sweater you came to trade.

Okay. You want it,

it's yours.



Thank you.



Trade one, and done.



Thanks a bunch.

And good luck with whatever

your story ends up being.

I hope you find it honestly.

























Hello?

You missed the ugly

Christmas sweater party!

I don't know if I'd

say I missed it.

YoCute. Did you ugly

Chrfind Trading Up? arty!

I did, she's not interested.

Well, get her interested

because I want

this story in two days.

Well, get her interested

Alright, we'll see.



Do you want me to

break down these boxes?

No, I'm gonna use them

for packing.

We're actually seeing

an apartment later.

Oh?

A little out of our budget,

but slim pickings

this time of year.

A littlMommy! Mommy! budget,

This is the house

I'm going to buy us.

I'm going to sell hot

chocolate at

Santa's Story Village,

and then use the money to

buy us a house.

It's going to have a

room for each of us,

and a really big backyard.

Rosie, you are so sweet.

But houses can cost

a lot of money.

Then I'm just gonna have to

sell a lot of hot chocolate.

BuShe's tenaciousst

like her auntie.



"Willing to trade your

sweater for a box of

Christmas lights."

"Some lights work."

Some lights work?

Ugh!













Even though I don't

think it was lying...

I want to apologize.

It's fine.

Apology accepted.

Really?

Doesn't sound like you

accept my apology.

Obviously, I accept

your apology.

I'm here, aren't I?

OBesides, it's just

yone article.

And you're right,

it probably will be

Ogood for my cause,

so let's get it over with.

Oh, but first, I have a caveat.

As I told you before,

so lethe person that with.

I'm getting the house for

wants to remain anonymous

so, no digging.

Deal?

Deal.

As far as the trading,

what's your plan?

My plan?

As far as the trading,

whMy plan is... n?

Not to reinvent the wheel.

You know, people have been

trading for houses before me.

I've been reading their stories.

- I identified a pattern.

- And what is it?

You have to trade up

enough times to get a

big ticket item- so, a laptop or

a gaming console,

and then a vehicle.

And from there,

you trade up to a house.

Okay. And you really think

this is gonna work?

I do.

Seems like it's gonna

require a lot of...

kindness from strangers.

Wouldn't that be a wild

news ticker for you?

Breaking news!

Christmas inspires

kindness in strangers.

Well, actually,

I'm a print journalist,

so it would be a headline.

Well, actually,

I'This is going well. t,

so it would

bl think so.e.

You better get a move on.

I need a story.

Oh, well, I'll get right to it,

since you've got a deadline.

Oh-Dan? I,

I'll get-Yeah? to it,

You know that stocking

I traded you?

Oh-Dan? I,

I'll geUh-huh. to it,

It means a lot to me so,

when I get the house,

I'm gonna trade you back for it.

Well, if it means

so much to you,

why would you trade

it in the first place?

It just felt right.

But I'll get it back.

I wouldn't be so sure. I kind

of like that little sock.

I might want to hang on to it.

I wouldn't be so sure. I kind

of lilt's a stocking.ock.

Okay, well-Oh, and,

just between me and you-

off the record-

You really think you can

get a house in time

for Christmas?

Isn't it kind of like...

trading a cow for magic beans?

I would trade a cow for magic

beans any day of the week.

So, yeah, I do think

I'm going to get

a house by Christmas.

So, yeah, I do think

I'mWatch me. get

a house byChristmas.

So, yeah, I do think

"Brimming with confidence,"

Kostka seems up to the

challenge of the trades.

And as she proudly says,

'never hesitate to trade

"the cow for a handful

of magic beans'."



Excuse me.

It's freezing out!

- Hi, Dad.

- Hey.

How's the boat hunt going?

Ah, there was a keel

issue on the last one,

so I'm back in the market.

How's "Operation Michelle

Gets You A House"

"Before Christmas" going?

- Grandpa!

- Rosebud, hey!

- Mwah!

- Wait.

Mommy, Auntie Michelle's

getting us

a house for Christmas?

Our own house?

M-Like a forever house? s

ge-Um... us

Yes!

Ah, I mean, no.

M-LikNo! I'm sorry. use? s

I mean, maybe?

So we're getting a house?

I am working on it.

Wow. That's the

So webest news ever. ouse?

That's what I asked

I amSanta for. n it.

Can you please let me

down so I can call Daddy?

That's what I asked

I amSantOh.or.n it.

We weren't telling her!

I didn't want her

to get her hopes up.

And now she's calling

Wher dad. Cover for me.

I didn't see her there, and...

I'm sorry!



It is a stocking!

Yeah, it's a stocking.

It is a tocking!

Good start on that article.

Been up an hour,

already very sticky.

Yeah, it's getting

three times more traction

than my climate piece.

Which, by the way,

I have a new pitch for...

"Unwrapping Climate Cost:

What You Need To Know."

No.

People want good news.

This is good news.

This will pose a solution for,

for a green Christmas.

Once again, no.

Also, I already have

you on something,

as I've decided to turn

Trading Up into a series.

No, no, no, that wase

supposed to be a one off.

Then I guess you did

too good a job.

So, you follow Trading Up

until she gets a house.

That could be my entire

journalistic career!

And, and that's IF

she gets the house.

That's a big if.

ACall her. Tell her

shethe good news.e.





May I help you?

You're somehow

still angry with me?

Ah, you called it a sock!

Family crest didn't

quite have the same...

ring to it.

- And magic beans?

- What?

That was a direct quote.

Look, if you didn't like

the article, you're in luck.

You get a redo.

My boss just told me

he's turning the piece

into a series, so...

I'm going to be

following you around

until you get the house.

I'm sorry. Was that you

asking for my consent?

Michelle, may I please

follow you around

until you get the house?

I think the coverage

will be great for you.

Well, since you

asked so nicely...

No.

But since your article

did lead to

an uptick in responses...

Fine.

Actually, I'm setting up

my next trade right now.

Oh, congrats.

What is it?

It is a gift certificate to

my Duke's for their now.

Christmas eggnog tasting.

You sure that's a trade up?

I was until you asked me that.

Look, the tasting serves four.

It has monetary value.

It's a good gift.

Maybe.

But if I were you...

I'd give it a little bit

Itmore thought.t.

Okay.

Yeah, I'm gonna

pick it up tonight.

Thank you, bye!

Yeah, I'm gonna

pick it utonight.

Thaye!





You?!

You're here.

That's kind of desperate.

- Desperate for eggnog.

- Ha-ha.

See what you did there.

ThaSeriously, though.ate.

Come to plant more

seeds of doubt?

Well, if by that, you mean

perform my duty as

journalist, then yes.

And I'm here for the eggnog.







Yeah, it's got a certain charm.

Do you just refuse to be

impressed by anything?

This place is a town staple.

I've been coming

here my entire life.

Well, I just moved

here a year ago, so...

Where were you before?

WWell, I grew uped

here in Madison. so...

I went to college

Wherein Chicago, efore?

And I stayed there

for a little while.

- Why move here?

- My brother lives here.

Oh, that's so sweet.

I totally, totally get it.

I'm very close with my sister.

She's the best.

I mean,

who else would I be trying

to get a house for?

Wow.

I think that might be the

worst kept secret

in all history.

I, I'm not so great with

secrets, but please, please,

please don't put

her in your article.

You promise?

You promise? You promise?

I promised, and I stand by that.

Thank you.

So, all of this is...

this is for your sister?

Yeah.

She's my everything.

We're like best friends.

Our dad raised us on his own,

and now he might be

moving away, so it'll just

be us and my niece.

They could really use the

stability, and I just,

I really want to help.

They cAnd she can'tse the

stabafford a house? st,

Well, she does own

Kostka Home, on Main..

Oh, yeah, I know

that place. It's very busy.

Yeah, she does well,

but she just expanded,

and then that coincided with

her divorce, which,

Yyou know, ran into,

buta financial hit. ed,

But she's always dreamed

of owning her own home.

Just never had the down payment.

- Anthem of a generation.

- Mm-hm.

Hi, I'm Duke.

Oh, are you Michelle with

the ugly sweater trade?

- That's me.

- Ain't that hideous?

Ah, I love it.

I'll take it.

- Yeah.

- Great.

- And I like your posts.

- Thank you.

Yeah, I'm always looking

online at those posts and

And I like your posts.

Yours struck a chord.

Thank you.

And thank you for

the support and...

and for my second

trade in the books.

- Mind if we get a photo?

- Yeah, yeah, of course.

Dan, get in here.

He's doing my PR.



He's Ha-ha. my PR.

All right, so do you two

have to...

run right away, or can I treat

you to a flight of our best?

I would love some eggnog.

That's why we came.

Would you like a

Christmas beverage?

Yes, thank you.

Alright, follow me.

Yes, thnk you.



Mm, yeah, I think my favorite

is the straight vanilla eggnog.

Except you're drinking

the sugar cookie eggnog.

I figured a journalist might

be more attuned to details.

Okay, well, one,

what's the dominant flavor

in sugar cookie?

Vanilla.

And two...

I guess that's why journalism

is going the way of the dodo.

Are you worried about that?

Yeah, yeah, I am. I mean,

you see what's happening

with small news outlets, and

I believe in local news.

I think if we're going

to unify a divided country,

with it's going to come, and

I bthrough developingws.

I thia shared senseing

to unifof community. ountry,

Well said.

And I agree, totally.



What about you?

What inspired you

to becoming a...

a reading specialist?

Um, well...

I had dyslexia that went

undiagnosed until I was ten.

So, growing up,

I kind of felt like...

something was wrong with me...

Sand learningp,

I kwas impossible.e...

But then I got help, and it

changed my life, so...

now I want to help kiddos,

and that's why

I have my program and

my channel and...

I do a book donation fair

every year called

Santa's Story Village, sorry.

IOh, hey! We got a trader

efor the eggnog! d

Ha!

All right, ah...

"This eggnog and that wreath,"

it's kind of like a

sideways trade at best.

We need to trade up, up and out.

"We"?



Okay, we need to find Mary.

Do you need a tree?

Need is not the

word I would use.

Let me rephrase.

Do you currently have

a tree in your home?

I do not.

That one's cute.

This one?

I-Mm-hm..

Oh, yeah. It's also the

price of my heating bill.

What's the point?

I mean, nothing says holiday

cheer like finding

pine needles in your

sock until June.

You really don't like Christmas.

Why are you writing this series?

- You didn't want to.

- I had my reservations.

Like what?

I got this funny thing

about me where

I want to write stories

that have meaning.

- Gee, thanks.

- No, what I meant was...

I want to write stories

that could change the world.

Well, changing the

world starts at home.

And happy stories

have meaning too.

I just feel like your

expectations are unrealistic

and your goal is

next to impossible.

There, I said it.

Well, lucky for you, I try to do

something impossible

nearly every day.

WelFor example, you,

today's impossibility

was to try and find

you charming.

How's that working out?

Day's not over yet.

But it doesn't matter what

you think because I believe

in myself, and I know

that I will get a house.

Despite the fact that

your last two trades

have done next to nothing?

Despite the fact that

yYes, despite that...

I'll get a house.

In fact, why don't we make this

a little more interesting?

More interesting than

conjuring a house

out of thin air in the

a litnext seven days? ting?

I gotta hear it.

If I get a house, I want

my stocking back.

And if I don't, you can have

the gift of your choice.

If I get a house, I want

my stockng back.

Alright, bet.

Fair warning:

Ifmy gift might be toant

keep that little sock.

- Hi!

- Hi!

- You must be Mary.

- I am!

And you're Michelle!

I've never traded

something online before,

but I read that article,

and loved the idea.

- I wrote it.

- Well...

but I read that article,

This is the wreath!

And it feels fitting

for you to have it.

Thank you.

When I first moved to town

and was just getting

on my feet, a stranger

gifted me a wreath and,

that little kindness

made all the difference.

It's perfect.

Thank you.

Here's your certificate.

Do you mind if we get a photo?

- Mm-hm.

- Yay. Okay.



Perfect. Oh, Mary,

one more thing.

Mm-hm?

Dan here, he needs a tree.

- A big one.

- Hm, okay...



Okay...

Hey, look! Look, look!

Look what I got.

Oh! It's so beautiful!

Is this my new house?

Lo-Hilarious.ot.

Does everybody doubt me?

I don't doubt you.

Really, I don't.

But actually, I did want to

talk to you about

the house thing.

BI feel like you're takingo

this a little more seriously

than I thought you would.

And I don't want you to

put in all this time

and then be disappointed.

And plus, I don't

want you to feel like

you have to take care

of us all the time.

I don't feel like I have to.

I want to, and...

it's kind of fun.

Okay, well, thank you.

But since you're

doing all this and

Santa's Story Village,

I thought I could

host Christmas Eve

dinner this year.

But I always host Christmas.

I- You have the store to run,

and you're packing.

- I can take care of it.

- Are you sure?

Yeah! Easy peasy,

lemon squeezy.





Dan Bautissa.

Thank you.



Dan Bautissa.

Small world.

I swear I'm not following you.

I've been coming here

long before I met you.

It's fine.

Nice to see you.

Ditto.

So, any bites on the wreath?

It's received a

lot of responses.

Your article definitely helped.

Oh!

"Thank you, Dan."

Thank you, Dan.

However, none of these

responses are particularly...

great, ah...

I've got a reindeer

lawn set that that

may or may not still inflate.

I've got a reindeer

Okay, that's a pass.

A handmade elf costume

that self-admittedly

smells like mothballs.

A You know, I thinkume

tyou need to startly

thinking outside the box.

That's your advice?

I don't know if you've

been paying attention,

but thinking outside the

box is kind of my thing.

Well, what I mean is,

maybe you need a

second set of eyes.

Do you mind if I take

a look at these emails?

- Knock yourself out.

- Okay.

Do you mind if I take

Ooh, this is intriguing.

- Knock -Yeaself out.

- But unhygienic.

Do you mind if I take

Ooh, Oh, here we go.uing.

- You got a bite?

- Definitely.

Do y-What is it? take

Ooh-Do you trust me? ing.

Not sure yet, but mostly no.

Do y-Okay, well, take

Othis is a great trade..

And if you don't like it...

Wait, you're seriously not

gonna tell me what it is?

I think it's better

if I just show you.

Wait, yo-Come on. ously not

gonna t-Wha... Oh. it is?



- Come on!

- Okay, okay!

- Oh!

- You dropped your hat.

I'm coming!

Oh, my goodness.

You're really not even going

to give me a little hint?

I...

Is that? Are you?

Yeah, that's my brother.

The real estate king of this

town is your brother

and you just failed

Yeato mention that? ther.

Why would I mention it if it

doesn't come up organically?

Well, I don't know.

Maybe because

he could help me get a house.

Wouldn't that interfere with

your trading up integrity?







Michelle! Dan!

Hi, I'm Chloe.

- I'm a hugger.

- Hi.

And actually kind of a

fangirl of yours, Michelle.

I'm a hugger.

I love this trading up idea.

When my family immigrated to

the States, we had nothing.

Everything we owned was

either found for free or...

traded so, kind of keeping

the family traditions alive.

I love that.

TradAnd thank you foreping

thesupporting my cause... ve.

With... coo...

cookies?



- Cookies?

- My fault.

I wanted to surprise Michelle.

Stay right here.

I will go get him.

Him?

Oh, you're gonna love this.

You're gonna love this.

One sec, just a little cranky.

Oh.

- Okay, there we go.

- Haha, huh?

- Oh!

- Ooh, there we go.

One of these, and...

Nick was a part of my

holiday display for years

until he broke down on me.

But he's very well-loved.

Until he broke

Sure is... something.

Right?

He's something.

You know what?

I'm gonna let the three

of you get acquainted.

Make sure that this

is the right trade.

Ah!

Appreciate it, Chloe.

- Nick.

- What?!

How about this?

I'm sorry, but my last

few trades were sideways,

but festive night at

Freddy's here is a trade up?

Who is gonna want that?

Ah, I know, I think

I know exactly

who's gonna want this

guy right here.

We got to be more proactive

about how we go about this.

You know, if we're going to

trade up to a house

before Christmas, you can't just

wait for people to come to you.

BefoWe have toas,

yseek them out.

Give the people what they want.

So you're saying you have

someone who wants this,

and is willing to trade

something of value?

Yeah.

Yeah, I think I do.

So, do we have a verdict?



Come on, come on, come on,

come on, come on!

- We'll take him.

- Awesome!

Oh, you're going to

love him, I promise.

Okay, well...

here you go.

Oh, You know whileto

lyou guys are here, .

You two should

decorate some cookies.

You know, 'cause I'm

lso into holidays, ,.

I would love to

decorate some cookies.

I don't know about Michelle.

She's a little bit of

a stick in the mud.

Wet blanket, if you will.

Nothing that

cookies can't solve.

This way.

Cookies.



I'm not sure about this trade.

I told you, I'm going

to help you. Trust me.

Wouldn't that interfere with

your journalistic integrity?

Well, then I guess

there goes my Pulitzer.

Hm, probably went to a

story with meaning.

I'm sorry I said that.

Hm, probably went to a

storylt's okay.ing.

It means something to me

and that's all that matters.

I think it has meaning

to a lot of people.

You know, if you're so

willing to help me

with this trade,

why won't you just

call your brother and

ask for help?

He might know of,

why of, like, just

an abandoned property

or something.

I'm not going to

talk to my brother.

I haven't spoken to him

in almost a year.

Our mom passed away.

I havWe got into ao him

dispute over the...

estate.

And, ah...

I don't know. Things got

really tense between us.

- I'm sorry.

- That's okay.

I don't know how things

got so bad so fast.

You know, I started

to feel like...

he would put money

over family, like,

he'd put money

over anything. I mean,

I moved out here so

I could be close to him.

Now I don't know

why I'm still here.

I moved out here so

Have you told him this?

No.

Well, then how is he

supposed to know, or change?

I don't think he can change.

You don't know if you don't try.



Wow, look at these cookies!

m*rder*d by icing.

I will trade you these

cookies for my stocking back.

I kind of like the stocking.

Yeah, it keeps my foot warm.

I will trade you these

cookies for mEw! tocking back.

I kYou just worry aboutking.

Yeagetting that house... arm.

And the stocking is all yours.

You can still have the cookies.

You know, that was

actually kind of fun.

Oh, did you actually

enjoy something festive?

Dan...

You're sure you have this

next trade lined up, right?

Because...

I'm kind of exactly where I

was at the beginning of this,

only now I have less time..

And I really want

to come through

for Keri and Rosie here.

I am pretty confident the

next trade will be vertical.

Okay.

I am And, if we don't the

next tget the house... tical.

You still tried.

Yeah, ah...

Except trying doesn't

really give my sister

and my niece a place to live.



But... it's going

to be great.

Forget I said anything.

But... it's going

tGood night.

Good night...











Hey, Jack...

It's me.



- Hey, Michi.

- Hi, Dad.

Look at the news ticker.

"Christmas inspires

kindness in strangers."

Well, it's print,

so it's a headline.

"And that's just Dan

kinmaking fun of me.s."

WNo, no, no, no, ,

so he's sincere.ne.

Let me read you my

favorite part.

"Armed with determination

and indefatigable optimism,"

Michelle is determined to

"bring Christmas

miracles to life."

Stop.

Anyway. How's it going

with the boat?

Well, good, good.

I got a lead on a

strong contender.

And inspired by you,

they might even be

sopen to trading.

- What are you gonna trade?

- TBD, as the kids say.

They might even be

soOh, and, ah...

I wanted to check in about

Santa's Story Village.

I mean, I'm happy to

oversee the book donation.

No, I've got everything handled.

You just focus on being

the best Santa ever.

Oh, I will.

Hey, Michelle.

Hi.

Um, Dan, this is my dad, Eli.

Oh, hey, nice to meet you.

I've been enjoying

your articles.

Oh, I'm glad somebody

in your family does.

Actually, your latest

one was shockingly sweet,

even for you.

- Thank you.

- Did you get a lead on the...

On the next trade?

Is that why you're here?

No, I haven't yet.

I'm actually here

to meet somebody.

Oh... great.

Yeah.

Ah, well...

Have fun.

Have fun.

- You keep these coming.

- All right.

- Good meeting you.

- Yeah, yeah, you too.

- Hey, man!

- Hey.

How are you doing?

It's good to see you.

Long time no see.

Actually, I see you

all the time.

Don't remind me,

I feel ridiculous.

Is that why you chose

this as a meeting spot?

Ha-ha.

I couldn't help myself.

But it seems business is good.

Business is great.

Yeah, we have

expanded the office,

took on a few new realtors.

Yeah, yeah.

And you're still at The Watch?

Yeah, yeah, you know,

journalism is a sinking ship,

but I'll happily

go down with it.

Ah.

Also, I wanted to meet

with you 'cause...

holiday season.

Also, I wanted to meet

Easy to be sentimental.

And you're my brother,

you're my only family.

I moved out here so I

could be close to you.

Still live here.

So I'm just hoping

that we could...

fix this whole thing.

- Yeah, me too.

- Good.

Yeah...

So, should we continue

to stand awkwardly by

my bench ad, or do you want

to go get a cup of coffee?

- 'Cause I'm freezing.

- Let's get a coffee.

- Yeah, cool, let's do it.

- I got it.







- Code red.

- Hm?

What's, what's a code red?

- Cute guy.

- What? Oh.

W-Dan?,

wh-You know him? d?

- Yeah, that's the reporter.

- Go!

- Go talk to him.

- Okay.

- Yeah, th-Dan, hi.reporter.

- Hi, Michelle.

Ah, Dan, this is

my sister, Keri.

- Yeah, th-Dan, hi.reporter.

- HKeri. Dan.e.

Very nice to meet you.

My-Likewise.eri.

How was your date?

I didn't have a date.

Why would you think that?

Michelle has quite

the imagination.

Oh, I know that about her.

She's also terrible at

keeping smoking hot secrets.

Oh, okay. Anyway,

I got good news.

I heard back about the trade.

- We got the green light.

- Yeah?

I -Mm-hm. ack

about-Yes! trade.

What are we trading for?

Do you trust me yet?



Yes.

I'm gonna go check it out.

You wanna come?

- All right.

- Okay.

He's a solid code red.

- All right.

- OSh!

Nice meeting you.



Bye, Dan.



- No, I got it.

- Are you sure?

Yeah, no...

finesse it.

Oh, oh, careful.

Alright.

You ready?

Yep.

- Let's do it.

- Okay.

- Otis!

- Oh!

Hey, Otis!

Probably in the back.

Otis!

Sorry.

Who are we meeting?

Oscar the Grouch?

What is this place?

Sorry.

WhoAnd who is... ng?

Who is Otis?

A colleague of mine wrote

an article about him

about a year ago.

He's a fixer.

Oh!

Otis!

He-Oh! Oh! er.

Otis!

- There he is.

- Hey, there.

- Hi!

- You must be Michelle.

- Yes.

- I'm Otis.

Hi, nice to meet you.

- How you doing?

- Hey.

What do you,

what do you do here, Otis?

Well, this is?

My repair cafe.

I take broken things

and I fix them.

I like to see possessions

in a new light.

You know,

find new value in them.

So when Dan showed me

your post, I thought...

hm, there's someone

after my own heart.

Also, I have a

stocking like yours.

My mom made it.

Oh, my grandma made mine.

- What's she like?

- She was the best.

Nothing could keep her down.

She said to me when she

gave me the stocking that,

whoever's stocking

hung next to mine

better love me as

much as she did.

So let's make

Grandma happy, huh?

Let me show you the snowmobile.

- Yes!

- Snowmobile?

Then y'all can

introduce me to Santa.

- Mm-hm.

- Purrs like a kitten.

Just had the engine

tuned up last week.

- Are you sure?

- Positive.

I'm happy to help.

Yeah, you've got a deal.

Wow. I just need to figure

out how to get it home.

Oh, I can drop it off.

Tell me where.

Wow. I just need to figure

out howThank you! home.

- All right.

- Well...

Look at this guy.



- I was wrong.

- About what?

About your story

not having meaning.

You inspire people.

It has a ripple effect.

You should read the comments.

Oh, I do.

No, I mean, the good ones.

I do.

People are doing things

they thought they couldn't.

- You're contagious.

- Thank you.

It does feel like a lot of

pressure, though, I mean...

I know I've made some progress,

but I only have a few days left,

and now people are

following a series about it?

But I mean, have

what if I fail?,

Well, failure is

always a possibility,

bbut as you'vee

whshown me... l?,

so is achieving the impossible.

Bbut as you'vee

Says the serial doubter.

What do I know?

I have no idea how this

whole thing is

going to come together, but...

But I hope you succeed.

Wh-Thank you. s



But I hope you succeed.

Wh-Thanyou. s



I got us a snowmobile!

It's huge!

A working snowmobile,

by the way.

I mean, do you know

what we could

trade up to you for that?

Michelle, I know you've put

a lot of time and energy

into the trading, but I

need you to stop.

Why? I just-

Rosie read The Watch articles.

And?

And now she's really

convinced that

this is going to happen.

Her hopes are sky high.

She's gonna be crushed when

you can't get us a house.

Well...

wouldn't she be more

crushed if I just gave up,

and then you definitely

don't get a house?

I want to be positive here.

There's no chance of this.

No one is going to

just give us a house.

Not give!

Trade.

I love you, I'm grateful.

Thank you.

I need you to stop,

I'm okay? ful.





"With a big ticket

item on the horizon,"

it increasingly seems that

nothing can stop Michelle.

The community is rallying

behind her efforts,

as Kostka makes a strong

attempt to prove that

creativity and holiday

spirit can make even

the loftiest dreams come true,

"and inspire the most

fervent of disbelievers."

Dan, you see the traction

on your last piece?

- Readers love it.

- But?

They want to know

who the house is for.

No, no, no, no, no,

I made a promise.

They want to know

who I can't tell.for.

But you can ask her at the end.

Look, a, a big reveal

would make a great finish.

A great finish would be

me finishing this series

with a little bit of integrity

still intact, so...

Unfortunately,

no can do, my man.

Fine, for now.

Oh, also, really strong writing.

There's been a shift in you.

What's changed?

Just writing in my usual tone.

Only now I'm taking out

any sense of logic

Just writing in

or serious journalism.

Only Well, keep upg out

anythe good work. c









I just can't understand

her wanting to stop.

I mean, ou're actually

close to a house.

I know, but...

Look, she's just, she's

trying to protect Rosie, so...

I have to respect that.

I'm sorry if this

ruins your story.

Don't worry about the story.

Ah, I got it.





Well, it was nice meeting you.

Yeah, you too.

Hey, ah...



I'm going to miss

seeing your face.



Ditto.







Hi, Dan.

Michelle isn't here.

Oh, no, I'm actually

here to see you.

Oh, you're here to convince

me to change my mind.

No, no, not really.

Oh, Michelle, she's, she'sce

mea force of nature..

That she definitely is.

You don't meet too

many adults with her...

spirit.

You know, somebody

who believes that

dreams can still come true.

I know I don't, I don't

know her so much,

but I know that she loves you.

And she gets so much joy

out of being your sister

and trying to help you.

I know that.

And I think this whole

antrading up thing is...

just as much for her

as it is for you.

Because she needs to believe

that she could do something.

She needs to believe that

anything is possible.

Think about it.



Think aout it.







I'm so happy this is back on.

And your article must have

been very well read

because I have,

like, 100 responses.

Oh, yeah, everybody

wants a snowmobile.

But we've got to

pick the right one.

We've only got four

days 'til Christmas.

It's nice to see you're not

feeling the pressure at all.

Hm? Not at all.

Oh, read this one.

"Willing to trade Christmas

vacation for snowmobile."

All expenses paid trip

for four to Hawaii.

"Airfare included."

See, now, that's a good trade!

Right?

Although, I don't know

if it's good enough

to get me a house.

No, but it'll boost our

number of responses,

and something in there might

be a big enough trade

for a house.

You see?

Since when did you

become such an optimist?

Is that what this is?

Since when did you

become ptimist?

I kinda like it.

Thank you.

A couple of things I wanted

to go over about your booking!

How exciting!

Oh, just excuse me one moment.

Hi, hon, you must be Michelle.

Yes.

And this is Dan.

Hi. Well, I'm just

finishing up,

and then I will be

right with you.

Why don't you help

yourselves to some cider?

Okay?

These look fun!

Oh, sunset picnics.

Rose petals on the pillows!

No, it looks like fun.

I'm sure you and your

significant other

would have a great time.

Are you asking if I'm single?

No, just making

wouldconversation. time.

You're a journalist,

so I imagined you

should have done

your background.

But yes, I'm single.

Wow, how is that possible?

I'm not sure if you've noticed,

but I can be a lot.

Kind of an acquired

taste, I guess.

- You don't say?

- What about you?

- Heartbreaks? Exes?

- Nope.

How's that possible?

Here's a fun fact about me...

I've never been in a

long-term relationship.

Based off your expression...

it's not such a fun

fact after all, I guess.

- I'm sorry.

- No, it's okay.

Itl don't usuallyun

factlead with that.uess.

So, you just

Ndon't date? y.

No, I, I date.

Just never past six months.

- Why?

- I have a rule.

Nothing sticks past six

unless she is the one.

Thank you both for coming in.

You enjoy your vacation.

UnlessBon voyage. one.

You eHey, you two, ation.

Unlesscome on in. one.

Sure, thank you.

I love this.

And I love you.

- And I love the articles.

- Dan wrote them..

Ah, Dan, they reminded me

of my family.

Made me cry.

Full on waterworks.

Oh, I am rooting for you

the whole way.

So, obviously,

this is all online,

but I've collated the info

for you here:

flight, hotel, transport, etc..

Thank you so much.

- For your snowmobile.

- Thank you.

You know, I get these free

trips once in a while,

and I thought, ah, I should

do something good for someone.

I mean, unless you two

want to go off together.

Right.



Hawaiian vacation

posted for trade.

Fingers crossed.

So, what are you

doing now? You want to,

you wanna get dinner

or something?

Huh?

Dinner?

You w-Oh, um... inner

It's just dinner.

I'm not asking to

run away together.

Ah...

That-I mean, of course,

yeah, I eat, you eat.

We could get- I would love to,

but I have to help set up

for Santa's Village,.

So, um, rain check?

Yeah, yeah, okay, sure.

Rain check.

- Great, I'll see ya.

- See ya.

Yeah, yeah, okay, sure.

Rain heck.







Sorry we had to audible

the breakfast.

My agent called in sick,

and I have an

open house here today.

Third open house, but no offer,

so I'm hoping decorating

will move the needle.

Well, I'm happy to help.

It actually brings

back memories of Mom.

The hours

she spent decorating.

Bribing us with fudge

to help her.

You know, she would have liked

your Trading Up Christmas story.

You knoYeah? e would

You read it?

Of course. I read

all your work.y.

Well, then why did you say...

"You still working

at The Watch?"

I don't

sound like that.

But, yeah, I've always

read all your articles.

I dig Trading Up.

Yeah, it's a bit of a

departure from the,

you know, shelving my

whole cynicism and...

just believing things

will work out.

Yeah, you can feel it in the

reading and in the writing,

and I'm happy to help.

Ask other agents,

put an ear to the ground.

- Thanks, man.

- Yeah.

Ask And, Jack, ts,

put ayou know, I'm... und.

I'm sorry about what

happened between us.

Me, too.

I'm also confused.

What did happen between us?

Well, it just seemed

like with Mom's estate,

everything became

about money with you.

All right, that kind

of hurts to hear, I...

never knew you felt like that.

And I thought you were

angry with me for

taking on the caregiver role.

What? No, I wasn't angry.

I was grateful.

But you never expressed that.

Wit sounds like we needy.

To come together and...

have a deeper conversation.

Sounds like we do.





What a lovely surprise!

Here, I can take

your jacket for you.

Oh, thank you.

Okay, I'm sorry to pop in

on you like this,

but I have some

really good news.

Brother Jack...

he's gonna help us find a house.

- Really?

- Mm-hm.

Oh, that's amazing!

Wait, you're talking again?

Yeah, I reached out to him.

We're sorting

through some things.

- Communicating.

- I love that.

That's exactly what

siblings are supposed to do.

Communicating.

Or at least try.

ThWell, thank youat

siblinfor your advice. to do.

You're welcome, anytime.

No, really, I mean...

before we met, I was

ready to give up on Jack.

And, and my writing was...

Anyway...

Thank you. y

It means a lot.

So, what's with all the

books and decorations?

It's for Santa's Story Village.

It's my book donation fair,

bowhich I also may or?

May not have signed you

up to volunteer at.

Oh, wow.

You're just the gift that

keeps on giving, huh?

I'll take

that as a compliment.





- So, this is it?

- This is it.

Pretty cool, huh?

Yeah, it's got a

certain charm about it.

You and the "certain charm"!

Yel don't thinka

certhat's a negative.t.

It'll be great.

You'll see.

Here.

- Here we go.

- Thank you.

Alright, I'm gonna

clean things up.

- Oh, I'll be right back.

- Yeah, yeah.

Ooh, I can't wait to

try your hot chocolate!

Try? I think the word you're

looking for is buy.

Ooh, I can't wait to

try your Rosie! ocolate!

What?

I'm saving up money to buy

a pool for our new house.

Hm. Why don't you

go find Grandpa?

He's right over there.

Okay.

There she is!

You gonna get into Santa's lap?

Hey, you little monkey.

Get up here, ah!

So, what's going on

with you and Dan?

There's some serious

flirting going on.

So, what's going on

You think there's flirting?

Mm-hm.

Not flirting, we're just...

two grownups who, ah, get along.

So, I can see how that could

be mistaken for flirting.

But I don't, I don't

think it has legs.

Why?

He's so great, and...

I mean, you are in

a quest to trade up.

Oh, cute.

Thank you.

Ah, no, I just-

He told me that he

has never been in a

long-term relationship.

And that's kind of a red flag.

Ah, you're scared and that's

not in your range of safe

emotions, so you don't

know what to do with it.

I'm not scared,

I'm... cautious.

Emol mean, being aon't

knowcommitment-phobe it.

I'm not scared, lis a red flag..

Yeah, I mean, anything

can be a red flag

when you're scared.

Thank you for the support.

Oh, I have to go

save him from Dad.

- Oh.

- Yeah, mm-hm.



- Hi, Dad!

- Hey, Michi.

Hey, could you do me a favor?

I want to buy Dan one

of your hot chocolates.

Can you go make him

a special one?

- Of, course.

- Thank you!

Your dad was just telling me how

he plays Santa Claus every year.

He does.

I put on a suit,

I sit in a chair,

and I read to the kids.

I think I look forward

to it more than they do.

Hey, what are we

reading this year?

Well, I think apropos

of everything:

"Magical Christmas Stocking".

WelThat was one ofpos

Michelle's favorites

from when she was a little girl.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Frl might havewas amade a trade.

My truck for a sailboat.

My truck's at

the mechanic right now

getting checked out.

- Amazing!

- Yeah.

Okay, we need some

of that energy for

my Hawaii trip because...

I only have three days.

I'm so sorry, baby.

I got to take this call.

I'm sorry, it's the mechanic.

Great.

I -It's the mechanic.ll.

- Yeah.

- Sorry, excuse me.

- You mind if I?

- Yes.

Okay...



You know, I was watching

some of your reading videos

online the other day.

- You were?

- Yeah.

And I came across your

Magic Stocking video,

and I said...

Anthat, right there, ur

Mathat is Michelle. o,

How do you mean?

You're one of the only people,

if not the only person I know...

who can will their

dreams into existence.

If not the only pelt's, ah...

it's incredible.

Thank you.



Goodbye, traffic and

hello, high seas.

I got the green light

from the mechanic.

- Hey, congrats.

- That's awesome.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

But that's not the best part.

- No?

- No.

My mechanic knowse Nick Spear,

the guy with all the

car dealerships,

and he wants to make

a trade with you.

Really?

For what?

For an RV.

And Michi...

You can trade an RV for a house.



You can trade an RV e.



What do you think of this?

It reminds me of the car

my dad used to drive.

- It's cute.

- It's a cream puff.

Michelle! Dan!

Nick Spear!

Spear Automotive.

It'SP-E-A-R.puff.

Mi-Wow, hi. an!

Nic-Hi.ear!

Nice to meet you, and thanks

for the potential trade.

- Yeah, yeah.

- Yeah, it's quite the trade.

Oh, you're wondering

what my angle is, hey?

All right, I'll tell it

to you plain. Follow me.

So, it's about love and money.

My wife, she had

a very tough year.

And her best friend,

she's been a rock,

and they love Hawaii, so I

thought I would take her and

her best friend, and her

best friend's husband

on a thank you trip.

So that's the love.

Where's the money?

Well, yeah, Dan here

can attest that, ah...

your news story, it's, ah,

really popular

around these parts.

You'll get free publicity.

Yeah, I don't mind

looking like a good guy.

Hey, look!

Oh, my! What?

Are you sure?

This is-This seems

very valuable.

So is what I'm getting for it.

So it's in pretty good shape?

Yeah, yeah,

it's got a lot of miles,

but it all checked out.

She's got a lot of life

it'sstill in her... iles,

but it -...left.ed out.

- May I?

- Sure, go!

Wow...

Yeah.

- I-yes, yes!

- Okay, great, good!

Good, good! You're gonna

shout out to Spear.

Spear Automotives.

S-P-E-A-R!

- Yeah, I got it, Spear.

- Good, good.

- Do you do a selfie?

- Yes, can we?

- Can we do a selfie?

- Yes!

- Do you Ah.a selfie?

- Y?

Ah!

Do Great. Okay, fie?

Let's go inside!

I got heating in here,

it's nice.

- You have TV.

- Wow, okay.

- You got TV in there?

- Yeah!



YoI'VE BEEN GOODe?

ALL YEAR LONG

DONE NOTHING WRONG

SO GOOD TO SANTA!

BEEN OH SO NICE

SO GOOD TO SANTA!

I'VE BEEN WRAPPING ALL

YOUR FAVORITE GIFTS

BEEN OH SO NICE

S

...EVERYTHING ON

YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST

Yo, Dan!

Hey! You made it!

- Thanks for the invite.

- Good to see you, man.

Man, every year I say I'll

come to this, but never do.

What a great place to

tell you the good news...

We might have some progress

co*n finding a new house.o.

- You're kidding me!

- No!

Listen, I've been searching

for properties that have

been sitting for a while,

and I've got a lead-

and nothing definite.

- Oh.

- But we'll see.

That is great news.

AndThank you, man.te.

Ha! Right?

Don't thank me yet.

It's still in early stages,

and I know you have a timeline.

Three days 'til Christmas,

Itso I'm trying to hurry. s,

So, where's the trade up?

Oh, yeah, ah...

There she is, in the green.

Wow.

OhWho's that?

Yeah, that's her sister.

You want to meet her?

Yeah.

Gotta give Grandpa his refill.

Okay!

So, have you talked to Dan?

Why do you keep

asking me about Dan?

Oh, sorry, do you not enjoy

my unsolicited meddling

in your life?

Oh, sorry,

do yTouch.enjoy

Did I tell you I talked to Dan?

Oh, sorry,

do No. When? njoy

Remember when I told you I

wanted you to stop trading?

Yeah.

Well, after that,

Dan came to talk to me...

And, he gave the sweetest

speech about you.

It was everything I've

ever wanted a man

to think about you before.

And honestly, the only

reason I changed my mind

about the trading,

was so you would

spend more time with him.

Well, if it means I still

can get you a house,

spend more time I'll take it.

Wow.

Who's the fox?

SpendWait, time

is that bench ad guy?

Michelle, this is

my brother, Jack.

- Hi, nice to meet you.

- Hi. Nice to meet you.

This is her sister, Keri.

This is my brother, Jack.

I recognize you

from your bench ad.

Oh, no, that's...

That's embarrassing.

No, I like them!

They're cute.

- Yeah?

- Mm-hm.

Okay.

I think your father needs

some help over there.

We should go over there to

see your father for some help.

So, you own the Kostka Home?

I've been to your shop before.

And I've sat on

your face before.

- Excuse me?

- I meant the bench ads!

Oh!

Yeah, the bench.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

- That's right.

- Yeah.

Hey, can you do me a favor?

Can you make me

another one of these?

I'm gonna put it on your tab.

Can you make me

another What? f these?

I thought these were free.

Ugh.

- Is it time to read?

- Yes.

- Let's do it.

- Okay...

Story time, everybody!

Come gather around.

There's seats for

Stoall you kiddos! ody!

Before we start, I just

want to thank you all

so much for your donations.

And these will all be

delivered to the hospital,

the foster homes,

and the shelter

where they will

bring so much joy.

And I just want to thank you

for bringing me so much joy,

for supporting

this entire event,

and for supporting

my dreams. I mean,

however magic beans

they may seem.

So without further ado,

my absolute favorite

Christmas story,

"The Magical

Christmas Stocking."

Yay!

Yay!

Thank you, Michi!

"The Most Magical

Christmas Stocking."

Yay!

Thank yo, Michi!

"Two weeks...

until Christmas."

"On one snowy eve..."

Now look at this.

Look what you did, you

and your magic beans.

How do you feel?

This could be it.

One more trade and...

that might be it.

Maybe for the house, but...

this experience taught me

that everything in life

is kind of a trade...

Friendships, relationships...

Love.



I just, I feel like

you're trading

the fear of heartbreak...

for the possibility of

a deeper connection.

- Worthy trade.

- Yeah?

Is it a trade that

you would be...

interested in making?

Is itYeah... e that

Yes, it is, yeah.

Okay.

Okay, you want to talk about it?

You and I?

- Yeah.

- Sure.



- Yeah.

- Now?

- Sure!

- Ah...

Yeah, of course.

I guess cue the intimacy, huh?

Ah..-What? tering]

I'm sorry, this is not exactly

my field of expertise.

Talking about my emotions.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Guess what?

- We found a house!

- Oh!

- You did?

- Yeah!

Yay!

- Okay!

- This guy, am I right?



- Okay!

- This guy, am I right?

I can't believe it!

You did it!

- You found us a house.

- I mean, maybe.

Jack said the RV still

needs to get checked out,

so we shouldn't get excited.

What? You're the queen of

negetting too excited. ut,

I know.

What is it?

Ah, I just spoke to Dan, and...

I think he just told me

he doesn't like to

talk about his feelings?

I Did you try to talkme

about your feelings here?

Yeah.

Talk abl just... eelings?

I feel like it might not be a

great idea to be falling for

a guy who has told me that

he doesn't like commitment,

and now communication.

A guBut you haven't goneat

he don a date yet, so... nt,

maybe do that before you

start worrying about

his capacity for

eternal commitment.

Maybe do that before you

starGood point. about

I don't know, I just...

I don't want to get my hopes up.

Michi, getting your hopes

up is your whole thing.

I don't want to get my opes up.

Yeah. You're right.

Thank you.

And listen, I can

finish cleaning up here.

You go home.

And, from Rosie...

it's on the house.

Finally.

- Thank you.

- Get some sleep.

- Good night.

- Good night.



We haven't gone in yet.

Jack hasn't had the keys.

This is more just a first

impression pass to

see if this is something

Keri wants to pursue.

I've already expressed

that a free house is...

absolutely something

I want to pursue.

I'vSorry, not sorry. ed

tl'm getting emotional.

It's just...

I'vSI've wanted thised

tl'm gfor so long, onal.

And I'm so grateful

to all of you.

I'm a little embarrassed I

couldn't get there on my own.

Well, maybe this isn't something

you're supposed

to do on your own.

Well, that sounds

like a Michelle-ism.

Well, there are still

terms to discuss.

Paperwork to get going.

RV to be inspected.

Most importantly,

the seller's family

to get on board.

So, the ink isn't dry yet.

But it's promising.

So, I will just get the

appropriate amount of excited.

Michi, take note.

Is it possible to get a tour

aof the rest of the property?

Yeah, I'll give you a tour.

Is it possible to get a tour

aof the restOkay. he property?



Well, I guess, thank you

for the free PR...

and for enlisting the

help of your brother.

It really wouldn't have

happened without you.

I would have never

reconciled with Jack

if it wasn't for you.

I would have never

This has been, ah...

It was special.

Yes, it WASspecial.

Well, I don't mean that

in past tense. I...

I mean, I'd really like to get

to know you better.

I thought you didn't do that.

I mean, I'd really like to get

tl'd like to try...

'cause I really like you.

I really like you too.

'Cause I realy like you.

- I told you, right?

- Yeah, you're right.

Oh, gosh!

Sorry.

- It's so pretty.

- So?

- It's really pretty.

- Oh.

- Yeah.

- Good.



"It seems Michelle will

prevail and get the house."

But what about the other

gifts she gave along the way?

The reminders that

everything has value,

that people are

genuinely good...

and that even the most

shut down hearts...

"can be touched."





Hey, Dan, how's it going?

I'm almost done.

And no, I have not

changed my mind.

I am not going to tell

you who the house is for.

I think you're making a mistake.

Just sent it to you.

Give me a half hour

All right. I'm gonna

get a coffee.



All right. I'm gonna



All right. I'm gonna



All right. I'm gonna



What's up?

Everything okay?

Bad news.

The house fell through.

What?

What happened?

The property's in a trust,

and the seller's family

had to unanimously

accept the deal.

Then, oddly, in the 11th hour,

a buyer showed up and

took it off the market.

Wait, so you sold the

house instead of

a following throughnd

took on the trade? rket.

It wasn't my decision to make.

You sure about that?

What are you trying to say?

That I used this

opportunity to make a sale?

- That's who you think I am?

- I don't know.

I just know whenever

opporit comes to money, ale?

That's things getink I am?

Complicated with you.

- What about you?

- What about me?

I don't hear from you

for a year, and then

suddenly you reach out

when you need something.

- It wasn't like that.

- Really? Are you sure?

Because it seems to me

you're only my brother

when you want something.

I'm not giving up on

finding a house.

But I'm doing it for Keri,

not for you.









Hey.

What is this?

How could you do this?

I promised anonymity.

I'm sorry.

This is your job.

My job, as you told me,

I was to find meaning.

In this story, and I have.

MAnd then you come in, ,

Iwasand you just-ing.

- The readers-

- I don't care about readers.

I don't care about advertising,

and I don't care about

social media likes.

I care about Michelle.

And II, I made a about

sopromise to her.s.

I care abot Michelle.



Michelle, it wasn't me.

I It was my editor.le.

- Sure it was.

- Michelle, here.

No, seriously.

Just... stop.

You know, maybe it's

better this way.

Clearly, we don't

want the same things.

And what do you want?

Clel want to be't

wanclose to people.s.

Look, I might not be

perfect, but at least

I can be honest

about my failings.

And I can't?

I think you believe

that only happy stories

have meaning.

And that's just not true.

I think you should leave, Dan.



Here.



Hee.







How you doing?

How do you think I'm doing

with people looking at me

like I'm a mom who can't

provide for my child?

- Pitying me.

- No one's pitying you.

The article's wrong. We

didn't even get the house.

Well, we'll just

find you another one.

The aNo, we won't, g. We

didn't eMichelle. he house.

Maybe I will, but we won't.

What?

I know you're only

trying to help,

but I am tired of you

always trying to save us.

- I'm not.

- It feels like you are.

And the more you try to save me,

the more it feels

like I am failing.

Why didn't you say anything?

Because everything

always has to be

happy and positive with you.

There's no room for my feelings.

And honestly, I can see how

Jack and Dan might need a

break, because sometimes

I feel that way with you.

So, I guess...

let's just take some time.











Hello?

Anyone home?

- Oh, Hey, Michi.

- Hey, Dad.

Oh, no...

That bad, huh?

Dan gave me my stocking back.

But, you, you wanted

it back, right?

Yeah, but...

Butnot like this. ted

it I just... ht?

I kind of thought

that maybe it...

What?

Nothing, nothing.

What about you?

How's the boat?

Oh, ah, enh,

I'm not gonna keep it.

Really?

Dad, I'm sorry.



Christmas fail for

both of us, I guess.

Oh, I don't know.

Maybe less of a fail,

and more of a detour,

you know, I...

guess we're both just gonna

have to make a wish

on a magical stocking this year.

I feel like I might be

out of wishes.





Thank you.

Hey, thanks for meeting me, man.

Thanks for calling.

Although this isn't

the best sign, n.

We've only been

talking a few days,

and we're already

fighting again.

Well, see,

we weren't fighting

at all before..

That was the problem.

We just assumed we

understood how the

other person felt,

what they needed.

I'm sorry for what I said.

Me, too.

Even though I feel like a

lot of what I said was true.

Me too.

But we got to be able to

argue with one another

without the other person

stomping off

and we're never talking again.

I don't want to spend

another Christmas

without my brother.

It's lonely.

Yeah.

Me too.

But there's something else

I need to tell you.

We might have found a house.

You found a house?!

We might have found house.

- Mommy?

- Mm-hm?

Yes, sweetie?

Why isn't Aunt Michi

here helping?

Oh, um...

Come here, you little gooser.

Let's have a talk.

Come here,

you What's up? ser.

Is it because you're in a fight?

I see all, and I know all.

We're not in a fight.

It's just sometimes...

people need space.

But shouldn't you be happy that

she tried to get us a house?

But shouldn't you

Well, I am happy.

I just didn't want you

to get your hopes up.

I didn't want you

to be disappointed.

But I'd rather be excited

and try to do something

and get disappointed

than never try at all.

Aunt Michi taught me that.

You are my love.

Mm!

Oh, I love you, baby.

You are my love.

M!













Michi?

What are you doing here?

I came to say I'm sorry.

No, I should apolo-

Mich, you worked day and night

trying to get us a house.

You saw us struggling,

and you did whatever

tryiyou could to help.se.

- Who does that?

- But I overstepped.

No.

You do that sometimes.

But I still need you.

Not always, not as my...

therapist, or my...

mother, or my savior.

But I need my sister.

And I know it's hard for

you to see me struggle,

but I'm okay.

I know you are.

- Dan gave it back?

- Yep.

Remember when I told you

Dan came into the store

and he was talking about you?

Remember when I told you

Dan Well, he said... ore

that you're a force of nature.

Remember when I told you

That you're a rare spirt.

It's not so much what he said...

Remember when I told you

Thait's how he said it.t.

It's not so much

He really sees you.



Wait. Shouldn't you

be at the store?

It's probably a zoo.

Actually, I took the

rest of the day off

so I could host

Christmas Eve dinner.

- Oh-

- No arguments.

So-Can I help? t

Christmas-No. dinner.

- Oh-

- No Okay.ents.

So-Can I help? t

You can make dessert.

But one dessert.

Hey, do you have any more

of those sugar cookies left?

Yes, I do.

That does not count

as your dessert.

I know, I'll make

something else.



I know, I'll make







Keri!

What is going on?

You haven't figured it out?

Why, Michi!

This is my new house!

- Come on!

- What?!

What?!





- Auntie Michelle!

- Hi!

Look at our house!

Isn't it the best house

you've ever seen?

- Yes!

- Come on!



Tah-dah!

Great, she made it.

Tahdah!

So, what do you think?

I mean, is this

really your house?

Yeah. The owner

wanted an RV...

and a sailboat.

Dad!

There'll be lots of

other boats, but...

when will I get

to do this again?



WAre you gonnat

tgive me a tour??

Well, why don't you...

give yourself a tour?

- What?

- Come on, let's eat.







What are you doing here?

Finishing our story.

Well, maybe not

finish our story.

Hopefully, continue our story.

That sounded better in my head.



That sounded

better Hi.my head.

Michelle, I told you

I liked you...

because I couldn't say

all the things that

I really feel for you.

You make me feel more at

home and more alive

than I've ever felt

before in my life.

You make me feel more at

hWhen I'm with you,

I feel like anything

is possible.

Even the most impossible

things seem possible.



Even the Yeah, impossible

tl feel the same way.



Well...

you fulfilled your

side of the deal.

Did you steal my stocking?

Technically, your sister did.

Did yl want to trade. king?

Trade for what?

A chance to be the person

your grandma talked

about when she said,

"Whoever hangs their

stocking next to yours...

yobetter love youed

aas much as I do."d,



So, I trade you...

your stocking...

for the possibility of

hanging my stocking...

next to yours, forever.



Solid trade.

I'll take it.