Christmas Cookies (2016)

[bunniefuu]

[♪♪♪]

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Candles burnin' low ♪

♪ Lots of mistletoe ♪

♪ Lots of snowy nights ♪

♪ Everywhere we go ♪

♪ Choirs singin' carols ♪

♪ Right outside my door... ♪

We're here live

for the annual festival
of Christmas lights

in the magical town
of "Cookie Jar",

a town teeming
with all things Christmas,

as you can see.

A town that's home

of the famous Aunt Sally's
Christmas Cookie Company.

You may remember those
wonderful, sweet sugary delights

from your childhood.

♪ Mm-mm... ♪

♪ I see your smilin' face ♪

♪ Like I never seen before ♪

We're here with
some longtime residents.

Lighting the tree
marks the beginning

of something special
in Cookie Jar.

Yes, it does.

The lighting of this tree

makes the beginning
of our Christmas season.

You're all originally
from Cookie Jar?

Born and raised.

That's what
makes a town.

No one ever
wants to leave.

It's pretty much
the best place on Earth.

Hi, Mom!

My parents brought me here
every Christmas for years,

I know
I never wanted to leave.

Well, that's what
this is all about.

People spend
Christmas with us,

and then they have memories
that last a lifetime.

Memories of Aunt Sally's
Famous Christmas Cookies,

and the tree
in the center of it all.

Gentlemen?

[Electricity crackles
and the crowd cheers]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]: I get it.

I know it's a little cliche.

the whole horse-drawn carriage
through snowy Central Park,

but, whatever!

I mean,
look at this place.

I mean,
it's incre--

What's wrong?

No big deal.
It's...

Wish I'd brought my gloves.
[puffs air]

Oh, come on, Gavin.
Here.

Put your hands in the blanket.
There.

Problem solved.

I know this
is not your idea

of a romantic night
with me, okay?

I get it.

But it's
important to me.

I-I'm sorry.

That wasn't fair of me.

I guess I'm just
more traditional.

Company dinners,
schmoozy parties.

"Stuffy" parties.
You like stuffy parties.

[chuckles]

You know,
sometimes, it's nice

to have a little fun,

without the work.

Hey, speaking of parties.

My annual Christmas Eve party
is coming up.

I'm really hoping
that you'll make an appearance.

Oh, so I can
talk about Christmas,

when I don't want to
talk about Christmas?

Hannah, sweetheart,

it's really
important to me.

Kind of like this
carriage ride is for you.

Nice try, Gavin.

You'll love it.

Just you wait.

[♪♪♪]

[exhaling deeply]

I am here. Where are you?

[footsteps]

I'm here.
Sorry I'm late.

Ohh! Really starting
to snow out there.

It's cold.

And...?

The carriage ride?

Oh. Yes!

Oh, wow.

So he finally
went for it, huh?

-Thank you.
-Well, that's something.

What?

It was nice...

until he started talking about
his Christmas Eve party.

Oh! Wow, that stuffy thing?

Right?

That's exactly what I said.

You hated that
last year.

Okay, so...

you had him
on the carriage.

And it was nice.

It was romantic.

Mm-hmm.

Maybe he'll pop
the question soon.

What?

What are you
even saying?

I'm so not ready
for marriage.

Not at all.

He's a catch. You need
to lock up the good ones

before it's too late.

And I'm gonna listen
to relationship advice

from my little sister,
who is, by the way,

currently single?

[TV plays quietly]

Hannah, isn't that
your company?

...Known as "Aunt Sally",
passed away,

and now, it looks like
her family business

just might go global.

We have
exclusive confirmation

that National Foods

is making a play

for the small
upstate cookie company--

Wow! Well,
Aunt Sally's cookies

are just the best thing
in the whole world.

Did you see
the story

on Cookie Jar
last night?

No. I-I missed that one.

Well, the town
is still so cute!

Why didn't
you tell me

your company
was scooping them up?

It's the first
I'm hearing about it.

Well, that-- that
should be your deal.

I should tell my boss.

But you won't,
because...?

Because-- because
I can't just walk in there

and tell my boss
that I want that account.

It doesn't work
like that, Kelly.

And plus, I'd have to go
to Cookie Jar.

So? We went there

every Christmas
when we were little girls.

We loved it!

I know.
We did love it, didn't we?

-A lot!
-Yeah.

Do you remember?

We used to try packing so many
cookie boxes into our luggage,

we didn't even have
room for our clothes!

We thought we had, like,
a year's worth--

Yeah! We had,
like, a week's worth.

At most!

We ate 'em so fast.
Yeah.

[chuckling]

Yeah.

Well, a lot's happened
since then.

[loudly]:
Ah! Ladies and gentlemen--

We have a grinch--

Oh, hush.

-...In the house.
-No, we don't!

I just have a lot
more to think about

than Aunt Sally's,
or--

[cell phone chimes]

Oh! I gotta go.

Just wait!
Just hear me out.

We could go to Cookie Jar
this Christmas,

just the two of us.

It could be so fun.
Please?

I will think about it.

-Yes!
-That is not a yes.

That is a yes.

[Kelly laughs]

Okay, so, if I don't
see you tonight,

good luck
on your presentation.

I know you're terrified
of your boss.

Thank you for that, Kelly.

[laughs]

I love you.

So, the way we differentiate
ourselves from the field,

is not only by having
our chocolate milks

in old-fashioned,
recyclable glass bottles,

which we all know
is nothing unique,

however, what is unique,

is what's in them.
We have...

Our "Dark"...

"Light",

and we have

white chocolate.

Okay, so, if Mr. Thurber
gives us the thumbs-up,

then we need to be prepared
pull the trigger A.S.A.P.

We gotta have this done
by Easter.

-Can we do that?
-Hannah?

Yes?

Mr. Thurber
would like to see you.

Okay. Did I get
the days wrong?

No. But he'd like to
see you now.

Okay.

All right. Well, uh...

then I'll be back.

Hopefully.

[Hushed]:
Did I miss a meeting?

He didn't say why,
but he's in crisis mode.

Crisis mode?

Don't worry, Hannah,
he's had his lunch,

so he won't bite.

[Weak chuckle]

[Steadying breath,
exhales]

Uh, excuse me, sir?

Did you want me to move
the presentation to today?

I could do that.

You ready for the big leagues,
Miss Harper?

Um...

Yes, absolutely.

I hope so.

Because National Foods is buying

Aunt Sally's
Christmas Cookie Company,

and it's a very important deal
to us.

It's gonna open up
a whole new market.

So my question to you is...

[thud]

Can you seal the deal?

[stammers]

Absolutely, sir, yes!

Yes, I can seal the deal!

This was Dan Wilcox's deal,

that is,

until he took his talents
to our top competitor.

Anyway.

Wilcox approached
the temporary CEO

of Aunt Sally's
after Sally Carter passed away,

and, well, he was very
receptive to our offer.

Uh, I'm sorry.
Who's he?

Aunt Sally's nephew.
His name's Jake Carter.

He's a corporate
lawyer in New York.

When he inherited the company,

he went back to Cookie Jar
and took over the reins.

Sir, this company is teetering
on the brink of insolvency.

Have you seen these numbers?

Yeah, well, that's what you get

when you're in production
only half of the year.

So, listen.

If we are gonna
stop Wilcox

from swiping this deal

right out from
underneath our feet,

we cannot let this stretch
past Christmas.

Okay.

I do not want you to be
distracted by the season.

Oh... [chuckles]

Sir, I'm not a fan of Christmas.
Don't worry.

Good!

So, we get
Mr. Carter's signature,

we can start working out
some of the details,

like moving the operation
to Buffalo.

Walk with me.

[mutters]: Buffalo?

Jane?

[Jane]: The limo's
waiting for you, sir.

Thank you, Jane.

Um, Buffalo?

Well, it's really
a no-brainer.

You know, it's a lot
easier and cheaper

to move things in
and out of Buffalo

than it is out of
some small town

that's barely
on the map.

And I want to put
those cookies

in every single
grocery store in America,

and all year round.

Uh, no disrespect, sir,

but, well, isn't part
of the charm and appeal

of Aunt Sally's

is that it's
a small company,

and you can only
find the cookies

in select stores,

and only
at Christmas? Right?

That's right,
Miss Harper.

You know,
deals like these,

they make or break
a career.

"Make or break"?

[chuckles]

All right.
Forget I said anything.

Just go to Cookie Jar
and make the deal.

When you come back,

we'll talk about your future
with National Foods.

Okay.

Okay, sir. Um...

Thank you so much--

I'm gonna tell you something
nobody ever told me.

You need to have passion.

That's the secret.
Passion.

Find the passion,
Miss Harper.

[hushed]:
I have passion.

[mumbles]:
"Make or break."

[♪♪♪]

Thank you.

[♪♪♪]

Ahh. You are Ed.

Miss Hannah Harper?

Yes.

I'm your taxi.

Uh...

Well, y--

you're late,
'cause my train was on time.

Oh. Yeah.

Sorry. A lot of traffic
this time of year.

Cookie Jar traffic?

Oops. There we go.

Thank you.

You know, it's a really nice
drive up there.

I'd hate for you to miss it.

You need to finish
up the call?

It's my office,

and they like
their regular updates, so.

Oh. That makes sense.

Oh, it's...

Sorry, I'm just...
I'm just--

I'm just cold.

All right...

get a little...

[radio turns on,
Christmas tune plays]

Can y-- Can you just turn down
that music a little bit?

Do you not
like Christmas music?

[Chuckles]
It's not my favorite.

First time here?

Mm-mm, no.

I came here as a girl,

did the whole
"Christmas Cookie" thing.

Good thing
you're here.

Aunt Sally's may not exist
next year.

Oh?

Rumor is some big corporation's
coming in to buy the factory.

Hmm.

Really?

Yeah.

Gingerbread Inn?

Oh! Yeah.

[starts engine]

Buckle up.

["Up On The Housetop"
playing on radio'

♪ ...Here is a hammer
with lots of tacks ♪

♪ Also a ball
and a whip that cracks ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho
Who wouldn't go? ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho
Who wouldn't go? ♪

We hope you enjoy your stay.
It was nice meeting you.

Oh, thanks, Ed.

Yeah.

[Knocking]

Hello!

-Hi.
-Hi!

Oh. Ed usually
waves goodbye.

Huh! He's a cutie,
though, isn't he?

Uh, yeah,
he's a cutie.

Well, why
don't you come in?

I'll hold
the door for you.

Thank you.

Did you
have a good trip?

I did! Wow.

Good! Welcome to
the Gingerbread Inn.

Wow...

Aww. It's just like
I remember it.

You've been
here before?

Yeah. Yeah, when
I was a little girl.

Oh!

[sniffing]

The cookies are right...

Right there.

Right there!
Yes, they are!

Ohh...

Mm! They're so good.

Mm! I'm sorry.
I'm being rude.

My name's Hannah Harper.

I'm with National Foods.
I have a reservation.

We have been expecting you,
Miss Harper. I'm Betty.

Betty, you can call me Hannah.

Do I need to sign something?

No, no.
It's all taken care of.

Your company
handled everything.

Okay.

Yeah. Oh! And...

You will be staying in
the Peppermint Room.

Ooh!

And it is just up the stairs.

Okay.

Uh...

I've heard the rumors.

About Aunt Sally's?

[sets case down]

You know,
you are the second person today

that has seemed

a little less than excited
about those rumors.

Cookie Jar
is Aunt Sally's.

That little company
means everything to this town.

It's our Christmas tradition.

Oh. But that's not
for you to worry about.

Things change.

You give me a shout
if you need anything.

Sure.

Thanks, Betty.

[exhales deeply]

It would have to be
the top floor.

[door creaks]

[♪♪♪]

Oh...

My own Christmas tree. Huh.

How nice.

[♪♪♪]

Hi, Hannah.
Did you have a good rest?

I certainly did,
Betty.

Is your room
satisfactory?

Yes. Everything
is perfect. Thank you.

Uh, but I am getting
a little hungry.

Is there somewhere I can eat?

Absolutely.

[Door opens]

Hi, Herbert!

Seasons greetings, Betty!

[both chucking mirthfully]

Oh, and to you, Miss.

Hi.

Herbert, this
is Hannah Harper.

She's with National Foods.

Hi. It's nice
to meet you.

National Foods?

Well... welcome
to Cookie Jar.

Thank you.

Coming to the tree
decorating tomorrow night?

I never miss it.

See you there!

Yes, you will.

He seems very nice.

How about
that, um, restaurant?

Oh, right.
If I were you,

I would check out
the Cookie Cutter Cafe.

Just tell Sam
that Betty sent you,

and you will get
the Gingerbread discount.

Okay. Deal.
Thanks, Betty.

You're more
than welcome.

And it is just down, turn left,
past the community hall.

Thank you!

♪ Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel ♪

♪ Born is the King of Israel ♪

♪ Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel ♪

♪ Born is the King of Israel ♪

[♪♪♪]

[woman]: Sam will be
right with you.

Sir, what can I get you?

[Hannah]:
Yeah, Gavin, stop worrying.

I'm gonna wrap it up here.
I'll be home tomorrow.

I am not going to miss
your Christmas Eve party.

I promise.

Stop.

Uh, listen, I gotta go.

Okay, okay, okay. Bye.

[Chuckles] Sorry.

Was there anything else
I could get you?

Hey, maybe
a slice of pumpkin pie?

Oh... pumpkin pie
sounds good, but...

Just the check.

Sure.

Brooke?

Yeah. Sorry, you are?

-My name's Hannah.
-Hi, Hannah.

-Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you, too.

Hey, Brooke!

Hi, Bon-Bon.
What are you doing here?

Mom said I could say hi!
We were Christmas shopping.

That sounds fun!

Oh, uh, Bonnie,
this is Hannah.

Hannah, this is
my little sister, Bonnie.

Hi, Bonnie.

Hi! You're very pretty!

Oh, not as pretty
as you are.

I got to go. Bye!

See you at supper.

-Hey, you.
-Hey.

Here you go.
No rush.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Hi.

Hi!

Do you mind if I join you
for a minute?

Yes.

No! I-- No, I don't mind
if you join.

You-- Sit down, please.

[chuckles awkwardly]

Um--

Your take-out order's
almost ready!

Thank you, Sam.
Appreciate it.

So, busy day driving?

Yeah. Kind of.

Have you always lived
in Cookie Jar?

Born and raised.

I left a few years ago,

um, but ever since
I've moved back,

I don't have any intentions
on going anywhere else.

You know, we don't
have a lot of people

come here on business,
so are you selling something?

[laughs] No.
No, I'm not selling anything.

Okay.

I actually
have a meeting

at the cookie factory
with a...

Jake Carter.

Do you know him?

I do. Yeah.
Everybody knows Jake.

And what's he like?

Um, well,
he's a bit of a hard case,

but, you know,
a pretty charming guy.

Mm. Charming?
That so?

I think people think so, yeah.

So, you enjoying
your stay here so far?

Yes, I am. Betty is taking
very good care of me.

I'm sure.

Uh, here is your to-go order.

Oh, thank you,
Brooke.

No worries.

By the way,
congratulations!

Princeton?

Good for you!

I know.
I'm excited.

I'm studying
to be a doctor.

Wow! Where do you
want to practice? Here?

Yeah.
I mean, it's home,

and there's always
needs for doctors.

Here you go.
Keep the change.

College
isn't cheap.

Oh, thank you.
Have a good day.

Nice seeing you.

Okay. I mean--

It's good to see you, too, Ed.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]: Yeah, it's exactly
like I remember it,

and they really
push these things on you, too.

You know,
if I don't get out of here,

there's not gonna be
another cookie left

in Cookie Jar,
'cause I'm gonna eat 'em all.

[both laughing]

You know, you sound
almost happy over there.

Happy? I don't know
if I'd go that far.

I mean, it's Christmas
every way you turn here.

All right, well,
you just give it a minute,

and it's gonna grow on you,
I promise.

Which reminds me,
when you get back,

can we do
some Christmas baking?

Ugh! Kelly!

I think I'll have had
enough cookies by then.

Please?
It'll just be like old times.

Maybe I'll find
Mom's original cookie recipe.

All right, on one condition.

You be more careful
with the flour this time.

[Laughing] Right! Right.
Okay, yeah.

But just promise me that
you're not gonna back out on me

because you're
"too Christmassed out".

Yes, I promise, I promise.

Okay. Okay, well, now on
to the important matter.

Your decision?

What decision?

Gavin's party?
What are you going to wear?

Oh. I don't know.

Does it matter?

Yeah, the man wants
to show you off,

it matters if you look good.

I don't care if it's
your type of fun or not.

Let me get this straight.

I'm gonna come home
from Christmas town,

to bake Christmas cookies,

to go to a Christmas party.

For someone
who doesn't like Christmas,

that's a lot of Christmas.

Christmas can actually
be pretty fun, Hannah.

Oh, uh, the cafe's closing.
I gotta go, okay?

All right.

Okay! Merry Christmas!
Whoo!

Merry Christmas.

Oh! Hi, Hannah.

Oh, hi.

I was just going to
grab myself a slice of pie.

Would you care
to join me?

Oh, no, I think

I've had enough
sweets for one day.

But if you wouldn't
mind the company...

I would
love the company.

Mm. Mm! Is this
Aunt Sally's pie?

No.

Aunt Sally didn't make pie,
just cookies.

No, this pie

is the recipe of
my late husband.

Really?

Yeah. Yeah, he used
to run the inn

and make
all the desserts,

back in the day when

I was worked at
the cookie factory.

You worked
for Aunt Sally?

Oh, yeah.

Almost everyone
in this town

has worked there
at one point or another.

Come on.
Grab the pie.

Each Christmas,

Sally would buy a gift
for every child in Cookie Jar,

and place the wrapped packages
under the tree in town square.

That sounds nice.

It was.
It really was.

Ahh.

What about you,
Hannah?

What are some of

your most favorite
Christmas memories?

Oh. [Laughs wryly]

Well, at Christmas,

uh, I don't
really have

any favorite
Christmas memories.

-Really?
-No.

Oh. I'm sorry.

That's okay.
It's all right.

I have a meeting
with a Mr. Jake Carter tomorrow,

and I know you know
everything about him,

so go ahead,

spill the beans,
tell me everything.

He's a lot
like his late aunt.

He's kind.

Trustworthy.

Understanding.

And if you think that,
uh, Ed is a little cutie,

wait till you see Jake.

[Mr. Thurber]: What's
the latest, Miss Harper?

I have my meeting with
Mr. Carter this morning, sir.

Well, good.

Just remember that we hold
all the cards, right?

His company's on thin ice,
and it's starting to cr*ck.

He needs to know that
we're his only option.

You got that,
Miss Harper?

Yes, sir.

Morning, Miss.

Hi! Good morning.

Ed's Taxi.
Ed at your service.

[chuckles]
Thank you.

Listen, I'm sorry
I wasn't there

to pick you up
myself yesterday.

I had
mechanical issues.

Oh, that's okay.

And don't worry,

we will get you
to your meeting

in plenty of time

at the cookie factory.

You know about my meeting?

Oh, sure.

Everybody knows.

Thank you.

[Hannah sighs]
Perfect.

[♪♪♪]

Ohh.

[Quietly]: Oh, wow...

Oh, these are incredible.

[♪♪♪]

I remember you guys.

Merry Christmas,

and welcome to Aunt Sally's
Christmas Cookie Factory.

Hi.

I'm Hannah Harper.

I have a meeting
with Mr. Carter.

Oh! Of course you do.
I'm Melody.

Would you like to try
our Christmas cookie of the day?

Santa's Shortbread.

Ohh...

Has anyone ever
turned you down, Melody?

Not in the time
I've worked here.

I'm not gonna be the first.
Thank you.

Follow me.

Jake's on the factory floor.

We'll go through
the specialty bakery.

[♪♪♪]

Melody, how long
have you worked here?

20 years.

My mother worked
here before me,

and my grandmother was
the very first employee

Sally hired,
way back in 1948.

Wow!

The extruder.

[Hannah]:
Mm! Beautiful.

The chocolate-enrober.

[Hannah]: My favorite machine.

I'll bet you have
had your fair share

of Christmas cookies,
haven't you?

I would say about
a thousand boxes' worth,

give or take.

If you don't love
the product you make,

why make it?

Very true.

Mm-hmm.

The chocolate-wrapper.

Season's greetings.

You're killin' me.

[Laughs] Come on!

[Jake speaking indistinctly
nearby]

Jake? Miss Harper's
here to see you.

Thank you, Melody.
I appreciate it.

I'll fix you
a cookie sampler basket

for when you leave.

Oh, thank you.

Mm-hmm.

[Jake]:
Yep. Sounds good. Okay.

Thank you.

[mutters]:
You're Jake Carter?

[♪♪♪]

You look familiar.

I'm glad you think
this is funny, Mr. Carter,

'cause I don't.

I don't like
being made fun of.

I wasn't--

I find it
disrespectful

and totally unprofessional.

Okay.

What I don't
even understand

is why didn't you tell me
that you were... you?

Fair enough.
May I explain?

If you think you can,
go right ahead.

I'm sorry, you're right.
Maybe I should have

told you I was the one
you were here to meet.

But, for the record,

when I offered to pick up
the rep from National Foods,

you threw me off.

I thought
I was meeting with Dan Wilcox.

Well, Dan no longer
works for the company,

and that is an awful excuse.

Well, once I found out
who you were,

I didn't really
want to ruin the mood

by talking business.

What-what-what-what? What?

The mood? [laughs]

The mood? Mr Carter,
there's no "mood".

And business
is why I'm here.

Okay.

Okay.
I-I apologize.

I was just trying
to do Ed a favor.

And I got to be honest,
I'm happy Wilcox left.

Is that you being charming?

Mm-hmm.

How about we start over?

Jake Carter.

Nice to meet you.

Hannah.

Harper.

Hannah Harper?

Very nice to meet you,
Hannah Harper.

[Announcement]: Jake Carter!

You're wanted
on the factory floor.

I'm popular. Come on.
Come walk with me.

What-- Uh, what?

[Hannah]: Sir, just
bear with me, okay?

Um, this will only take
a second, Mr. Carter.

"Jake."

Okay, Jake.

Uh, National Foods

feels like this is
a more-than-fair offer,

so I'm prepared to go over
the deal points with you.

Okay.
I'll consider it.

But you didn't
even look at it.

Don't need to.

Why don't
you need to?

Because we've had
some developments

with Wilcox
as of late.

But this is a sweetheart deal!

-You'd be crazy not to take it.
-Well, call me crazy.

But you agreed!

I did not agree.

I said I was interested,
and now things have changed.

I'm no longer interested.

But if you don't
take this deal,

your employees will get nothing.

You know that.

We're working on
an alternate plan.

-An alternate plan?
-Yes.

What does that mean?
What would--

Keeping
the factory here.

That's something your deal
doesn't include.

[incredulous scoff]

Okay, well, mind sharing
with me how that's gonna work?

Not at the moment.

Keeping the factory here

just doesn't make
economic sense!

I mean, it's easier
to get to Buffalo.

And it's cheaper, too!

Maybe. Just have to
get a little creative.

[Scoffs]
A little creative?

Okay, Jake,
you forget,

I've seen your books,
and I know the market.

You need us
to survive.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Look, every day that
you don't take this deal,

you're losing money, okay?

And our plan
will ensure

that Aunt Sally's
lives on

in grocery stores
across America,

and we'll make you
a very rich man.

I have enough.

[Frustrated sigh]

Okay.
I-I don't get it.

I don't understand
what's going on here.

If this is--
If this is some ploy

to try to get
a better deal,

it's not gonna work.

I am telling you
that National Foods

will walk away
from the table,

and you will be forced
to file for bankruptcy.

And, Jake, listen.

I love
Aunt Sally's, okay?

I don't want
to see that happen.

I guess we're at an impasse.

What're you--
What are you saying?

The... meeting's over?

Yes. I-- I'm sorry.

No, no, no. Wait.
You mean you won't,

like, look
at the proposal?

Okay. You know,
I at least owe you that.

So, I'll take a look.

Just don't get
your hopes up.

Oh! And before you leave,
try a cookie sampler.

They're fantastic.

[♪♪♪]

[muttering] Cookie sampler.

[factory humming industriously]

[♪♪♪]

Jake. Jake?

Look at the stock options
for every single worker.

This is a great deal!

That depends on
whose perspective you're using.

Looking at
everyone's perspective!

Look, National Foods respects

that Sally left a stake
in her company to her employees,

and we are more than prepared

to make sure
that they are very comfortable.

Comfortable?

With no jobs?

No one from here's
going to go to Buffalo.

The relocation
tax credits!

It's not always
about money, Hannah.

I didn't say
it was always about money,

but, you know, the money's
not nothing either.

And Aunt Sally's isn't actually
rolling in the dough.

[chuckles]

Well played.

[laughs]

If the factory can stay here,
I'll consider your offer.

You know, I can't do that.

Then I can't do
a deal with you.

[scoffs]
Wait. Wait, wait. Wait!

All right, listen.
Here's what I'll do.

I will-- I will look at
the numbers again, okay?

And I'll call my boss,

but you have to agree
to meet with me again.

day.

You owe me...

Come on.

Especially after
the whole fake cabbie bit...

"Ed."

Okay.

Okay.

Okay, all right.

Well, I'll--
I'll buy you lunch?

Cafe at noon.

Cafe at noon.
You got it.

Oh, uh...

Tell Ed I said hello.

Huh.

Well played, well played.

[♪♪♪]

Of course I understand
your position, sir. Yeah.

He says he's working
on an alternate plan.

I don't know,
he wouldn't discuss the details.

I think he's bluffing.

Yes.

Okay, I-- I'm confident
he'll accept the new deal, sir,

and I'll call you as soon
as the meeting's over.

Okay.

Thank you.

Right. Bye-bye.

[exhales]

[buzzing background banter
of patrons]

Hi.

How's it going?

I'm great. Thank you
so much for meeting me.

Sure.

Uh... [exhales deeply]

So...

My boss has
authorized me...

to offer you
a deal-sweetener.

Coffee. Sorry.

[background chatter]

Says nothing about
keeping the company here.

I know that.
I know. I know.

I talked to my boss,

but it just doesn't
make any sense

to keep the factory here.

Buffalo is just

a better,
more viable option.

Okay? But...

this is a very
generous offer...

Hmm...

Final offer?

Yeah. Yeah, it's a final offer.

National Foods

is prepared
to walk away

if you don't
accept the deal.

Jake, I gotta
be honest with you,

if I were you,

I'd think long
and hard about this,

because you don't have
another concrete option.

Well, folks,
what can I get for you?

Coffee, please.

Coffee. Ma'am?

Just, um, refill.
More coffee.

-You got it.
-Thanks.

Thank you.

It's disappointing, Hannah.

I thought
you were gonna fight harder.

I-I fought, okay?

But it's just not

in National Foods'
best interest.

All of our resources
are in Buffalo.

They're not here.

I'll think about it.

Jake...

this is the thing
for your employees,

in the long run.

[inhales deeply]

Maybe.

Maybe not.

[sighs heavily]

Oh, yeah.
I forgot all about your plan.

My plan's a long sh*t,
but it's one worth exploring.

Sure.

Don't worry.
I'm gonna mull over your offer.

What? Huh? You're gonna m--

What-- What does that even mean?

"Mulling."
How long does that take?

Your typical mulling period
lasts about 72 hours.

[Blurts]: 72 hours?

That's three days!

Jake, that puts us
into Christmas Day,

and I cannot go home
until you sign this paper!

You're right.

Speaking of which,

Christmas Eve,

we have this dance
we do every year.

I would love if you would come.
I think you would have a blast.

Can I take that as a "yes"?

[Sharply]: It was
a "I'll mull it over."

Oh...

She coming back?

She's coming back.

[Laughs]

You know, Jake...
I like her.

[Hannah]: Gavin, how many times
do I have to tell you I'm sorry?

But I have to stay!

This is totally
out of my control.

[Gavin]: But my
Christmas Eve party,

you know how important
this is to me.

You promised it!

The partners
are gonna be there.

I wanted them
to see you.

To "see" me?

Can't you just tell your boss

to send someone else
to Cookie Jar?

I can't just tell my boss
to send someone else here.

Okay? It's my job,

and I have to
see this deal through,

nobody else.

Fine.

I just want to know

where do I fall
in your pecking order, Hannah?

Am I even close
to the top?

Yes. You are, like--

You're-- You are so right there
at the top.

You know, you're like--

number two.

As soon as
this job is over,

you will be number one again.

Until next job.

[sighs] I know, I'm sorry.

Okay, but I promise,
I'll make it up to you.

I know, if you really want
to come to my party,

you'll figure it out.

Sure.

Okay, I gotta go.
Love you. Don't work too hard.

Okay.

[♪♪♪]

Hi! I hear you're extending
your stay through Christmas Eve.

Word travels
fast, huh?

Well, I think
it's wonderful.

You'll be spending Christmas
with us here in Cookie Jar.

Mm.

So you're not going?

Going where?

To the Christmas
tree decoration.

It's this evening!

No, you sim--
You really want to be there.

Oh, I don't know.
Stressful day.

I've still got so much
work to do anyway.

Well, Jake will be there.
You can talk to him!

Mm-hmm.

Okay. I'll go change.

See you soon.

[Betty]: Well... tah-dah!

Wow, Betty!

Did you help
with all this?

Well, yeah.
Maybe a little bit.

[laughs] You can
take credit.

It's wonderful,
isn't it?

Yeah, it's beautiful.

We've been decorating

the Christmas tree
in the park now, since...

since I was
a little girl.

[Hannah]: Yeah?

[Betty]:Yeah, well,
it was much shorter then.

Hi there, Betty.

Oh, hi, Herbert!

Do you
remember Hannah?

Oh, right. National Foods.
I heard the rumors.

Yeah. [awkward chuckle]

Care for
some punch.

Thank you.

Oh, thank you, Herbert.
How nice.

[Jake]:
Good evening, everyone.

Thank you all for being here.

I just want to welcome everyone
to the 52nd Annual

lighting of our Christmas tree
in town square.

But before we take
these festivities outside,

I want to introduce

fourth-grader Bonnie Carroway
as she sings

"O, Christmas Tree."

Whoo!
Go, Bonnie.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

♪ O, Christmas tree
O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely are your branches ♪

♪ O, Christmas tree
O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely are your branches ♪

♪ In beauty green
Will always grow ♪

♪ Through summer sun
And winter snow ♪

♪ O, Christmas tree
O, Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely
Are your branches ♪♪

[♪♪♪]

[quiet background chatter,
indistinct]

[Hannah]: So... ahem.

I guess
I owe you an apology

for the way I left.

That was not
very professional of me,

so I am sorry.

It's quite all right.

You're just
doing your job.

I guess.

[chuckles]

You glad you came?

Oh, look at
this place. Yes.

Yes. I am glad
I came.

Yeah, it's
a beautiful tradition.

Um, I should probably

be getting back
to the inn, though.

Well, it's still early.

I have a question
for you.

Hmm?

How do you
feel about pie?

[laughs] How do
I feel about pie?

Mm-hmm.

Pumpkin,
to be exact.

Oh. I love
pumpkin pie.

Oh! 'Cause
you're in luck.

I know
this great place.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]:So did
Aunt Sally raise you?

[Jake]: Uh, yeah.

Yeah, she actually
adopted me when I was two.

I don't really
remember my parents.

So how did you get
to do what you do?

Did you
always dream of

growing up and working
in corporate America?

Uh... no.
No, actually.

I wanted to be, um,

wanted to be
a professional princess,

but found out
the job opportunities

in that field
were very limited,

so... [chuckles]

Here I am!

What about you?

Did you always
want to be a lawyer?

I wanted
to own my own zoo.

A zoo?

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Then I found out
how much

I'd have to clean up
after the animals,

and it lost its appeal.

Yeah. I can
see that. Ugh.

[laughing]

You know,
the truth for me, is,

I thought there was a time

that this town was way too small
to hold big dreams.

-Yeah?
-Mm-hmm.

What were those big dreams?

To make a lot of money.

Oh.

And after I got
into the real world

and I made that money,

I realized that
something was missing.

What was missing?

The feeling
of family.

The goodness that
I feel when I'm here.

Yeah.

It's home.

Yeah.

It's home.

Oh. Speaking of home,

I need to get
back to the inn.

It's getting late.

Want me
to walk you back?

I would
like that very much.

Okay.

Thank you.

That pie was good!

You're welcome.
I made it.

You did not!

I did.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah]: I can't believe
I left my gloves.

[Jake]: Yeah.

So what's going on with you?
What's your story?

You seem like a nice enough guy.
Why aren't you married?

Oh, you noticed?

I did notice.
Yeah. [laughs]

I was engaged once.

You were?

I was.

What happened?

She loved
the New York lifestyle.

Wasn't exactly thrilled
when I left it.

Ahh. I see.

I hadn't noticed
a rock on your finger.

Oh, wait--

No, you didn't.
Don't have one.

Why not?

Yeah, the race up
the corporate ladder,

long hours.

I guess I haven't
had the time

to find Mr. Right.

I have found plenty
of Mr. Wrongs, though.

Like, everywhere.

They're just
readily available.

[both chuckling]

[sighs] Ohh.

You gonna take the deal?

Back to business, huh?

Well, kind of
why I'm here.

Think I have...

60 hours left

to mull over it.

The mulling period, right?

Yeah, I forgot
about that.

Oh, Jake.

Look, you know,
in a perfect world,

Aunt Sally's would stay
right here in this town, but...

well, it's not perfect.

T-minus-60.

Goodnight.

[dry chuckle] Goodnight.

[♪♪♪]

[humming]

[Hannah]: Hello.

Oh! Hannah.

Hi!

Is everything
all right?

Aw, Betty.

[sighs wearily]

I'm supposed to be
a professional.

You know?

Just to come here
make the deal, go home.

Kind of thought I was
doing such a good thing,

making sure that Aunt Sally's
had a future, but just...

[sighing] Jake, he's...

he's being so--
he's being so stubborn.

I mean, why doesn't
he understand

that this is
the best solution?

Well, are you sure?

That this is
the best solution?

Yeah.

Yeah, I-I mean,
numbers don't lie.

Well, that may be true,

but they don't always tell
the whole story either.

How well did you know
Aunt Sally?

She was my dearest friend.

Yeah?

Yeah. Loyal
to a fault

and smart as a whip.

And when it came to her cookies,

she was
a perfectionist.

Ha. Obviously!

[Laughs] If you wanted
to be one of her employees,

you needed to
memorize your recipe

right down
to the fraction of a teaspoon.

-What?
-Yeah!

You had to memorize everything?

Yes. Well, everything
I was supposed to.

What's that mean?

Well, when I worked for her,
I made the icing,

and let me tell you,

I can make the best icing
you've ever tasted.

I do not doubt that
one bit, Betty.

[laughs] But I have no idea
how they bake the cookies

or make the sprinkles
or the fudge,

or-or anything else.

Aunt Sally didn't let anybody
write the recipe down.

Well...

because

what does anything mean
if you just know it?

[quietly]: Gotta feel it.

Yeah.

Do you know
where Aunt Sally's house is?

Mm-mm.

It's the cute little white one
on the corner.

Oh, yeah, yeah.
Yeah.

Jake's living there now.

Christmas is
what you make it...

or bake it.

[♪♪♪]

I like it!

[Jake]: Oh, it looks great!

Except it's missing
one thing.

[gasps] The nose!

You do the honors.

There you go.

Last one.

Ahh.

Hey!

[gate creaks]

Hey, Hannah!

Do you like
our snowman family?

I love your snowman family.

They look amazing!

However...

I think there's just
one little thing missing.

-What?
-Mind if I fix it?

Sure.

What are you doing?

I want your scarf.

That's my scarf.

Not anymore.

Okay...

What about that?
Do you like it?

I think it's perfect.

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

Nice touch.

Bonnie!

Honey,
it's time to come home.

Jake said
he would take me

to practice for
the big sled race.

Are you sure, Jake?

Of course!
We need the practice.

I'll have her back
in a couple of hours.

Uh, Hannah, Stephanie.
Stephanie, Hannah.

Hi. Okay, honey.

Just remember
to wear your mittens.

You guys, too.

Okay, Mom.

Wanna go
sledding with us?

[laughs] Sled race?

It's a big deal here!

Oh... I don't know.

What do you think?

It would be fun.

-You want me to go?
-Yeah!

I'll never say no to her.

We'll talk business.

Yes!

[bells jingling]

[Hannah]:
Oh, this place is beautiful!

What's it called?

[Jake]: Carter Mountain.

No.

Yeah.

Aw, no!

[both laughing]

Let's all
go on the sled!

All of us?

Can we fit
on that thing?

I'll go in front,
you go in the middle,

and Jake,
steers from the back.

I don't know.

I haven't been
on a sled in a long time.

Ple-e-ease!

Oh! I can't say no to you
with your face like that.

You're doing
the puppy-dog face.

Okay. All right.
I'll go. Okay.

♪ ...This is Christmas... ♪

[Bonnie]: Faster!

[shrieking]

[Hannah laughing]

♪ ...This is Christmas ♪

♪ It's a special time of year ♪

♪ When everybody's here ♪

♪ This is Christmas ♪

That was awesome.

Let's do it again!

Again?

Ohh! [exhales]

Again!

All right.
We're going again.

So you really think
that you and Bonnie have a sh*t

at winning
the big race?

[laughs] I don't know.
Tough competition.

Sam and Melody have won
three years in a row.

Well, you can't let
that happen again, then.

Thanks. I'll try
not to let it.

[laughs]

You know, I had
a really good time today.

Me too.

[cell ringing]

Oh. Sorry.

[phone continues ringing]

[ringing stops]

Work stuff?

Oh, um...

No, it's just my friend.

Probably wondering
why I'm still here.

I suppose I'm the reason
you're still here.

Yeah, I guess you are
the reason I'm still here,

'cause if you would've
just signed those papers

when I asked you to,

I could be at home,

eating a carton of ice cream,
reading a good book,

but instead, I'm here...

here, with you,
scraping this windshield.

[laughing]

So what do you think
of our little town?

I, uh...

I think you guys really know
how to do Christmas.

[laughs]

If you're into
that kind of thing.

[scraping ice]

Stick around long enough,
this town might change you.

Well, that would
take a miracle.

Why don't you come to my aunt's
for dinner tonight?

Is this
a professional dinner?

Call it what you like.

Well, we are in the midst
of the whole "mulling"--

[laughing]

...Phase, so,
I kinda need to know

what I'm getting into.

Come to dinner.

We'll talk.

[resumes scraping ice]

[Quietly]: Jake.

Jake.

[♪♪♪]

[Hannah exhales]
Thank you.

You're welcome.

Wow, this is beautiful!

Thank you.

Hannah's here!

Bonnie?

Hey! We met earlier.
I'm Stephanie.

[Jake]: You remember Stephanie?

-[Frank: Hey, Hannah.
-[Jake]: That's Frank.

-Hey, Hannah.
-Brooke.

I'm Frank,
by the way.

Frank.

Thought you said we were
gonna talk about business.

I said we were
gonna talk.

I never said
about what.

That is why
I'm here.

[Bonnie]: Hey, Hannah!

I want you to sit beside
me at the dinner table.

Oh. Okay.

Supper is ready!

Pasta!

Brooke
is an amazing cook.

I keep telling her

she should be a chef,
not a doctor.

Mama, stop it.

Helping people
is my passion.

Cooking's fun,

but I want to
make a difference.

Good for you.

Shall we say gratefuls?

-Yes.
-Oh, yes.

"Gratefuls" are when

you tell something
that you're grateful for.

It's a family tradition.

Oh. Okay.

All right. Bonnie?

I'm grateful for...

Hannah,
my newest friend!

Oh, that's sweet.

We are all grateful
for Hannah.

Honey?

Well, I'm grateful

for Christmas,
the season of giving.

And Santa!

Yes. Of course, Santa.

Brooke?

I'm grateful for...

my amazing family,

especially my parents,

who saved up
their hard-earned money,

so that I could go
to medical school.

I am grateful
for working almost 20 years

at the best little
cookie factory in the world.

I'm grateful for

this home.

I'm grateful for this town.

I'm grateful
to have this wonderful meal

amongst fantastic friends.

Well said.

Oh. It's my turn, right?

Okay! Uh...

Well, I am grateful for...

sledding today.

That was awesome.

I have not done that

since I was,
like, 10 years old.

And I'm also grateful

for you, Bonnie.

All right. Let's eat!

[Brooke]:
Okay, let the waitress serve.

Brooke makes it
really spicy.

[Frank and Stephanie
chuckling and chatting]

Hey, you two.

You have to let me
take over.

Oh, nonsense.

Are you coming

to the Gingerbread
House Competition

tonight at
the community center?

How many traditions
do you guys have?

I know. We have
a lot of them.

But it's so much fun.

You must come.

The best part?

We eat the houses
after we're finished.

Hey, you know,

we are always looking
for unbiased judges.

In fact,
in this town,

that would be considered
a Christmas miracle.

[Laughs]

Bonnie would love it
if you were there.

Mm. You two
are very convincing.

I'm in.

-Good.
-All right.

Hey.

Thank you for letting me
join you guys tonight.

It's been a long time
since I've had a family meal.

We were happy

to share a table
with you tonight, Hannah.

The pleasure was all mine.

Oh, perfect! That's exactly
what I came in here for.

Oh, did you
want this?

Yes.

You want this?
This cake?

Yeah.

Oh, I don't know.

There's more
of this cake.

No.

That the last piece?

That's really the last--

Hi, everyone.
Good evening.

Uh, can I have
your attention, please?

Um, okay,
gingerbread house judges

will be looking for

precision, difficulty,
originality,

and overall appearance.

This year,

the top three are in
for a very special surprise!

Just give us a few minutes

just to get the last
of the volunteer judges,

and we'll be ready to go.

Thank you.

I should get in
on this next year.

I can bake.

I'm actually
a really good baker.

Next year?

You know what I meant.

Hmm. Interesting.

So when are
you gonna tell me

about this big
plan of yours

to keep
the factory here?

Or is that like

a state secret
or something?

No. It's no secret.

I've been talking with

a large distributor
in Canada,

they're in two provinces,

expanding to three more.

They love Aunt Sally's,

and they want to
inject some cash,

and we get to keep
the operation here.

Hmm.

That's good.

For you.

We'll see how it goes.

-Hi there.
-Hey, you!

[Hannah laughs]

So I heard
you're judging?

Is that what you heard?

Okay!

Here's
your checkboard.

All the houses
are numbered,

and this is what
they're looking for.

Have fun!

Okay.

Wow...

I'm gonna be a judge.

Congratulations.

Hi, everyone!

Um, judges, you are now
free to circulate.

Why don't you keep
this warm for me?

You should...

circulate.

Oh, I'm circulating.
That's what I'm doing.

♪ Bells on bobtail ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is to ride ♪

♪ And sing
a sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ And it goes ♪

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle bells
Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Hey! ♪

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is ♪

♪ To ride
in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh ♪♪

Ladies and gentlemen?

The moment we've all
been waiting for has arrived!

The winner of this year's
"Best in Show"

will receive
a lifetime's supply

of Aunt Sally's
Christmas Cookies!

[Laughs] I know!
I'm so excited.

And the winner is...

Herbert White

for "Christmastide
at the Gingerbread Inn"!

Come on up, Herb!

[all cheering]

Thank you, judges,

and congratulations
to all the participants.

That concludes this year's
Gingerbread House Competition.

Goodnight and Merry Christmas!

Thank you.

And can we talk
about this house?

Incredible!

-Yeah. I know.
-Yeah!

You ever done this?

No. I'd eat it all
before I could finish it.

Maybe I'll try
next year.

Ahh, you are going
to Princeton, Missy, remember?

[deep breath]

Yeah. If it happens.

What do you mean,
if it happens?

You know,
if the factory closes down,

and my family needs my help,
I'll stay.

Huh. That's pretty selfless
of you, huh?

My family is everything to me.

I mean, not just
my family, this town.

Look at it.

Yeah. It's pretty amazing.

[phone ringing]

Oh.

It's okay.

I've gotta go find
Bonnie anyways.

Okay. Bye.

[keeps ringing]

[ringing stops]

[♪♪♪]

Here we are again.

Yeah. Here we are.

Can I ask you
something?

Yeah.

What made you want
to sell the factory?

I mean,
'cause you seem

so dead-set
against it now.

What changed your mind?

Letters.

Letters?

Two weeks
after Aunt Sally d*ed,

Herb forwarded me
hundreds of these letters

to my office in New York.

They were written
by people

from all over the place

that would come here

and they would
spend their Christmases here

and they would let her know
how many

wonderful family traditions
and memories they had

because of her
and because of this place.

Oh.

Must've been pretty
touching to read those.

Yeah, it was.

And now I'm faced
with a decision

that could affect
this entire town...

and I don't know
if I can save this company,

but if I can't,

I'm gonna go down
swinging.

That's because

this town deserves it.

Aunt Sally deserves it.

And the people
that wrote those letters,

they deserve it, too.

Okay, well...

All right.
Have a good night.

[Hannah]: Goodnight.

[sighs heavily]

I hope you get
your Christmas miracle, Jake.

Attention!

We're down to
two contestants left

in this year's
knock-out competition.

Reigning champions
Sam and Melody...

[cheering]

...Versus newcomers
Bonnie and Jake,

who just won the semifinals!

The grand finale!

[all cheering]

You guys are gonna
win the whole thing!

I don't know.

Why would you say that?

Jake's ankle hurts.

Oh, um, yeah, all those runs,
yeah, finally tweaked my ankle.

What? No.

-Yeah.
-I'm sorry.

Maybe you could
ride down with us.

Like practice.

Wouldn't you
be disqualified?

Sam?

Yeah?

You guys wouldn't mind
if Hannah rode with us,

would you?

Well, you'll have
more weight

with three people.

Unfair advantage.

Oh, with all the cookies
you've eaten, Sam,

we'll still b*at 'em.

All right, well, if you guys
don't mind, then, uh...

let's do it.

All right, Girlie.

Well, let's stop
jibber-jabbering.

We got a race to run.

We're gonna smoke you!

[Hannah laughing]

You're going down.

[Hannah]: Let's do it.

[♪♪♪]

Do you mind giving us a push?
You know, my ankle.

Yeah. okay.

I can see you're in
lots of pain.

When you're ready,

give us
the thumbs-up.

Racers, on your marks,
get set...

[Both]: Go!

[Crowd cheering]

♪ This is Christmas... ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ This is Christmas ♪

♪ It's a special time of year ♪

♪ When everybody's here ♪

♪ This is Christmas ♪

♪ It's a special time of year ♪

♪ When everybody's here ♪

♪ This is Christmas ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ This is Christmas ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ This is Christmas ♪♪

Congratulations
to our winners

and "Big Sled Race"
Champions...

Sam and Melody!

[cheering]

And Bonnie,
Jake, and Hannah!

[cheering]

The first time,
ladies and gentlemen,

we've ever had a tie.

[cheering continues]

Don't get your hopes up
on winning next year.

You're on.
You are on!

We've got presents!

One for you.

Oh-- [laughs]

Uh, look at that.

Your ankle's all better.

Yeah. Winning does that.

Well, we tied.

For first.

[chuckling]

[♪♪♪]

Hannah?

Gavin?

I missed you so much.

I've been calling
and texting.

It's so close
to Christmas,

I just had to see you.

Yeah, Gavin... wow.

[Hannah stammers]

That's a big surprise.

Am I interrupting something?

Gavin.

Jake.

Hannah's my significant other.

Yeah, um,
Gavin and I are---

um...

we're... we--

It's nice to meet you.

You're welcome.

Don't worry.

He won't be
bothering you again.

What?

Gavin...

That-- [sighs]
That's not what you think.

That's the guy
I'm negotiating with.

Listen, uh, I've been doing
a lot of thinking lately,

and I think this is right.

What's right?

Us. This.

Gavin, what are you doing?
What are you doing?

[onlookers hush]

[Loudly]:
Hannah Harper...

We were meant to be together.

[awkward chuckle]

Will you marry me?

[♪♪♪]

See you around.

Gavin, I...

[♪♪♪]

[Door creaks]

Jake?

I didn't know
he was coming.

Okay? That was
a total surprise.

When's the wedding?

There's not gonna
be a wedding, okay?

I didn't say yes.

Why not? He seemed
like a nice guy.

Can you just look
at me, please?

I know I should
have told you.

I told him
I need a little more time.

Jake, I'm sorry.

No, it's-- it's fine.
I understand.

It's all just been
about the deal.

No! No. I mean...

Yeah.

At first, absolutely,
it was about the deal.

But then I got to
know this town

and these people,

and how special
they are.

And I got to know you...

And how special
you are.

[Cell phone ringing]

Sorry.

Hello?

Mr. Thurber,
I'm sorry,

I cannot
talk right now.

Okay, bye.

It's my boss.

Who's probably wondering

why you don't have
a signed contract.

It's a counter-proposal.

I'm sure it'll
make him very happy.

And I signed it.

What about Canada
and your plan?

They backed out.

They needed
six months,

and I don't have
six months.

I'm sorry.

Why?

You won.

But...

Hold-- Hold on.

This leaves 100%

to employees
and their families.

You didn't leave yourself
anything.

Congratulations.

You just bought
a cookie company.

Wait! Jake.
Hold on, hold on.

Uh, but--

This is a different contract,

so I've got to get my boss
to sign off on it.

Anything you need,
Miss Harper.

[starts engine]

There you are.

-Hi.
-Hi.

Look, I know
you're here for business,

but don't you think Mr. Thurber
could wait a few days?

I mean, who works this close
to Christmas, anyway?

Yeah. Mr. Thurber.
I've got to call him.

Jake signed the deal.

Fantastic!

Well, you can call him
from the train.

Train?

Yeah.
Done deal, right?

We're going home.

We'll make
my Christmas Eve party.

I know you've been
under a lot of stress,

but it's all done now.

We can relax
and you can do some thinking,

and tomorrow,

I will show you off
in front of the partners.

Right?
It's gonna be great.

Let's go get your stuff.

[♪♪♪]

[Betty]: Are you sure
you want to do this?

No, I'm not sure,

but Gavin's here,

and I have to go
to his Christmas Eve party.

Christmas is what you...

"...Bake it."

[both laughing]

Merry Christmas.

Oh...

I'm awful!
I didn't get you anything.

On the contrary--
you gave me your friendship.

That's the greatest gift
anyone can ever give.

Open it.

Nothing greater
than that.

[chuckles]

[voice breaks]:
You got me my own ornament.

Yep. It's for
the tree.

You're one of us now.

[quietly]: Thanks.

[Sniffles]

Merry Christmas.

[Gavin]: Hannah!

We gotta go!
The train!

[Sighs]
I gotta go. Sorry.

Thank you for everything.

[Gavin]: Everyone at the party
will be so jealous.

I can't wait for the partners
to get eyes on you.

[Chuckles]
They're all married.

It's like a rite of passage
or something.

I'm so glad
you changed your mind, Hannah.

What are you
talking about, Gavin?

Maybe you could
try it on.

Gavin.

Can you just-- Can you
put that away? Please?

Have you noticed

that I haven't
said yes to you?

Not once!

That you just always
assumed that I do?

I don't understand.

I know you don't
understand.

I don't need to
change my mind,

I need to make
my mind up,

and I have,
and I can't--

[tearfully]: I can't
do this anymore.

I know this is, like,
crazy, all of this.

I've only been in
this town for a few days,

but I'm... I'm changed.

I'm different.

And it's these people,
you know,

they've made me realize
something about myself that--

[laughs and sniffles]
...I don't think I saw before.

I kind of like
this new version of me.

And...

I just I don't have that...
that spark...

for you
that-that--

I get it.

So Jake just wasn't
trying to kiss you...

You were letting him.

[sniffs]

I gotta go.

Gavin, I'm--

I have a Christmas
party to get to.

I'm sorry. I--

Oh...

Oh! Mr. Thurber.

Miss Harper.

I didn't know
you were coming here, sir.

Well, you would've known that
if you hadn't hung up on me.

Uh--

Ah, indeed.

[Stammering]

Sir, what are you
doing here?

I'm going to
close the deal,

something that you seem
to be incapable of doing.

I told you,

I wanted it done
before Christmas.

I do not want this

to go to
our competition.

I made the deal, sir.

You signed the deal?

Yeah, I mean,

some of the terms
are a little different,

that's actually why

I was on the train
back to New York,

to get you
to sign off on it.

Some interesting
revisions here.

Yeah, I know, Jake--
uh, Mr. Carter,

wants everything
to go to his employees.

He said that they're responsible

for making Aunt Sally's cookies
what they are.

[Mr. Thurber]: You know what?

I don't really care
who we pay,

as long as those cookies
sell as advertised.

Well!

I guess we can head
back to New Y--

Ah.

Looks like we're
staying in Cookie Jar.

Do you think you could
set up an appointment

with me
and Mr. Carter?

Uh, y... yes, sir.

I can do that.

Good. You know...

[Laughing] Just
between you and me,

I just got out of
three Christmas parties.

Three?

Yeah. One of 'em's
at my house.

[laughs loudly]

[cell phone ringing]

Coming, sir!

Uh...

Hello?

[Kelly]: Hey, Hannah.
Where are you?

Hi, Kelly.

So, you're on
the train back, right?

Uh, no, no, no, no, no.

I'm actually stuck here
until tomorrow.

What? But tomorrow
is Christmas Eve.

Listen, Kelly,
I can't talk right now.

-I gotta go.
-Wait--

I gotta go.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

Kelly!

[Laughing] Hi!

Oh, I missed you
so much!

Ahh! What are you doing here?

You think I'm gonna
spend Christmas Eve

without
my big sis? No!

Oh... this place
looks exactly the same!

Mm. I know what
you're looking for.

-They're right behind me.
-♪ Out of my way! ♪

Which one, which one?

This one!

My first Christmas cookie.

[both laughing]

Oh!

I can't believe you came.
I can't believe you're here.

I'm in need of
some quality baking.

I tried to
make cookies at home,

because you weren't
gonna be there,

but I didn't have a recipe,

and I didn't know
what I was doing,

so I just ended up
throwing them all out, so.

So tell me. Why are
you so dressed up?

I am going to
the Christmas Eve dance.

Christmas Eve dance?

Amazing. I'm so in.
I love dancing.

Mm-hmm.

No? You're not excited?

Well, we signed the deal today,

so I'm sure a lot of people

aren't gonna be that thrilled
be to see me,

but there's somebody
I need to say goodbye to.

And? Where's Gavin?

I broke up with him

after he proposed to me
in front of the whole town.

What?

Yeah.

Ohh!

Is that like
a "hug you" situation,

or like a "high-five" situation?

That's a "I'm okay" situation.

Okay. All right.

We have a lot
to catch up on, okay?

So I'm gonna go change,
and you tell me everything.

-Okay. Deal.
-Okay.

Upstairs,
to your right.

[buzzing chatter
of crowd]

Good evening, everyone.

[hush settles on crowd]

I'm really happy
to see all of you tonight.

Tonight's gonna be a little bit
different than years past.

I know
you've all heard the rumors,

and I'm here to tell you
they are no longer rumors.

Aunt Sally's

is gonna be
transferring ownership

to National Foods

effective January 1st.

[crowd groaning
and murmuring]

She loved you all so much.

She cared about you
and considered you her family,

and I really hope
that you all know that.

And although we may be
going our separate ways...

I want to let you know
I feel the exact same way.

I really wish
I could have done more.

[Ed]: You did
the best you could, Jake.

[Frank]:
Nobody blames you.

[crowd murmuring]

I'd like to dedicate
this next song to her.

Merry Christmas.

♪ Should old acquaintance
be forgot... ♪

Jake? Jake, you did
everything you could.

Excuse me.

Could I just have a word?
Thank you.

I just
wanted to say,

in case it wasn't
clear before,

we're gonna
do right by your company.

Quality control,
original recipes,

the whole thing.

Thank you.

They deserve it.

Yeah.

Look, since we
don't have Mom's recipe,

then maybe we can
steal Aunt Sally's, right?

And some
bigger clothes.

What'd you say?

Mm, I've accepted
my impending obesity?

No, no, no, no.
About Mom's recipe.

Well, there's
no recipe.

Ahem. So?

There's no recipe.

No.

'Cause...

No one person
has the recipe.

Kelly, no one person
has the recipe!

You are a genius!

That's really not genius,
'cause if someone dies, I mean--

Jake. Jake!

Stay there for one second.

Hello! Hi!

Uh, sorry for the interruption,
everybody.

My name is Hannah Harper.
I work for National Foods.

What's she doing?

Sir? Just...

Just bear with me, okay?
[sighs]

What comes to mind

when I say "Aunt Sally's
Christmas Cookies"?

Cookies
and Christmas.

Yeah.
The Aunt Sally way.

Christmas and cookies,
the Aunt Sally way.

Okay, well, what does that mean?

Well, to me, it means

making a delicious product

with a taste that
you can't find anywhere else.

Sir, National Foods might own

the name "Aunt Sally's
Christmas Cookies,"

but we don't actually
own the cookies.

We own everything
about the company.

No, we don't.

No, we don't.
We don't own these people.

Look, just let me explain to you
what I mean.

Um, ahem, Betty?

Okay, so you worked
for Aunt Sally's, right?

That's right.

Okay, and what did you make?

I made the icing.

You made the icing.
Okay, what else did you make?

That's all I made.

That's all you made.
All right.

And who makes
the icing now?

Okay, and who makes
the shortbread?

And the fudge?
I could go on and on, sir.

Uh, sorry,
what is your point?

My point, sir,

is that no one person
or corporation

owns these cookies,

this town does.

Nothing is written down.

Those recipes only exist

in the minds of each
and every one of you.

And without each
and every one of you,

Aunt Sally's...

just doesn't exist.

Mr. Thurber,

have you ever had
one of these cookies?

Have you--

I have not.

You have not? Okay. Kelly?

Why don't you share
one of the cookies right there?

Could you please give him one?
Give him one.

[Mr. Thurber chuckling]

This... Heh.

That's
a "Santa Shortbread."

That's actually
the original recipe.

Okay, and-and...
How's that taste?

Wow.

Yes! And what makes it "wow"?

The thing that makes it "wow"
is that secret ingredient,

and that secret ingredient
is love,

and the reason I say that
is because

all of these people
love what they do,

they love this town,

they love Aunt Sally's.

They love every single thing
that that cookie stands for.

And you can go to Buffalo,

you hire somebody to push
a button on some machine,

okay, but it's not
gonna taste like that.

If you want the people

to bite into an Aunt Sally's
Christmas Cookie

and think,

"Mm! That's that taste that
I remember when I was little,

then you're gonna have to
hire these people to do it,

in Cookie Jar.

And if there's one thing
that this town has taught me,

it takes that...

that "spark"--

little bit of love--

to make something
really special,

because it can't
be manufactured.

Passion!

I'm glad you found your passion,
Hannah.

You know, one thing
I've learned over the years,

is that passion
make things happen.

Can you make... this happen?

I know I can make this
happen, sir.

Jake?

Deal.

Deal.

[All cheering]

You go, girl!

Yay! I'm going to go
to university!

♪ Deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la ♪

♪ Tis the season
to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la ♪

Whoo!

♪ Don we now
our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la ♪

♪ Sing the ancient
Yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la ♪

♪ See the blazing Yule
before us ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la ♪♪

[Jake]:
Exactly where it belongs.

I'm very happy

that this won't be
Aunt Sally's last Christmas.

You did it.

You really did it.
You saved this town.

[Laughs]

I don't know about that.

Sometimes, you just have to be
a little creative,

you know?

Somebody once
told me that.

Yeah?

So what's next?

Well, you know,
somebody's gotta stay here

and make sure that you don't run
this company into the ground.

[Chuckling]

Not exactly
what I meant.

I was hoping

that maybe

this would be
the first Christmas of many...

here...

with you.

I'd like that.

[♪♪♪]

Guess I got that miracle
after all.

I got mine, too.

♪ I'm humming along ♪

♪ To holiday songs ♪

♪ As snowflakes
Start to fall ♪

♪ I've got
bright-colored bows ♪

♪ On boxes in tow ♪

♪ For children young and old ♪

♪ But what I want for me ♪

♪ Won't fit under a tree ♪

♪ And warms me to my toes ♪

♪ A very special kiss ♪

♪ From the one I miss ♪

♪ Here, where you belong ♪

♪ The holidays at home ♪

[♪♪♪]