A Christmas Less Traveled (2024)

[bunniefuu]

See the snow falling

on your shoes.

Dusting off those

winter blues.

All the yuletide

spirits high.

There's a ringing

to the sky.

Big celebration, I hear the

children laugh and play...

- Here's to vacation...

- [sizzling]

[humming]

I'll be right back

to take your order.

- Doing okay?

- Mmhmm.

You're still good over here?

- Is the food good?

- Mmhmm.

[telephone ringing]

Hello, Dash or

Dine. Sam speaking.

I'll be right back

with your check.

If you ladies come

early tomorrow,

I'll make sure I have

those cinnamon rolls.

[customer laughs]

Hungry Wholesale

canceled the order.

They said the card was declined

and if we want groceries

by Christmas...

Oh, eggs! That reminds me.

Introducing Elf-Frittata.

I need a tester.

Wow. That's amazing.

Right?

I woke up with a recipe

scribbled next to my bed.

For some reason, those always

turn out to be the best.

Hi, Emily.

Hi.

Hey, there.

- Your order is almost ready.

- Thanks.

Let's see.

Two burgers, two

fries, two side salads.

That'll be... on the house.

Desi...

My diner, my rules. Besides,

it's almost Christmas.

Thank you.

I'll be right back.

Desi? What do I

do about the card?

If we don't have eggs

or milk or peppers,

there won't even be

an Elf-Frittata and...

What is that?

Nothing to worry about.

Here, use my card.

But this is your

personal. I can't...

Sam... It's our busiest

time of the year.

Buy whatever you need.

I hope you saved

room for dessert.

And here is some of

Polly's peppermint bark.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Desi.

[bell ringing]

On Dasher!

[both] On Dancer! On

Prancer, on Vixen.

[Rob] Have you gone inside?

Not yet. I'm observing.

[Rob] You flew to New York

five days before Christmas

just to observe, Greyson...

Look, the timing

has to be perfect.

[Rob] Time, my friend,

is the very thing

you're running out of.



[radio] You're

listening to Delilah.

We're starting off tonight

by going straight

to the phone lines.

I'm going to get

through this time.

I can feel it.

[chuckles]

[radio] Dial ...33-5452.

Oh, Desi... This

was my moment.

Sorry, Joe, we're closing

early for the Holiday Hop.

Your jackets, gentlemen.

I didn't want you to

forget them this time.

I thought it was our

job to look after you.

Oh, nobody needs

to look after Desi.

She has her father's spunk.

You know, everybody

needs somebody.

Speaking of, just got off

the phone with your wife.

You didn't tell me

when you ordered

that double helping of bacon

that you were on a diet.

She phoned you?

Sure did.

Oh, Paulette, you

ratted him out?

Of course she did.

Time to go, Joe.

Drive safely.

[sighs]

How do I look?

Like a woman who's about

to get a mistletoe kiss

at the Holiday Hop.

It's not too much, is it?

Oh, you look beautiful, Sam.

You know, I can

stay and help close

if you want to go, get ready.

No, not a chance.

I wasn't gonna make

it tonight anyway.

Have enough fun for

the both of us, okay?

Thanks, Desi.

[indiscernible chatter]

[to himself] You can do

this. You can do this.

Well, that didn't go as planned.

Honey, there is a great

big world out there

and you're missing it.

You should be going on dates.

Polly, we talk about this

at least once a week.

I'm doing perfectly

fine on my own.

And speaking of dates,

uh, did I hear Bernie say

he's saving a dance

for you tonight?

That man has been saving

a dance for me since 2002.

He can wait an extra hour.

You know, your father

used to do that.

Do what?

Clean the same spot five times

instead of talking about

what's on his mind.

Yeah, and it was the cleanest

auto shop in New York,

that's for sure.

Honey...

This diner is your

heart and soul,

and we both know what it's

going to take to keep it.

Now I believe in miracles,

but we owe $12,000.

That doesn't just

appear out of nowhere

even at Christmastime.

The first three years are

statistically the hardest

for any restaurant.

So if I can make it one more

year, I know I'll get ahead.

But we don't have a year.

The mortgage is due on the 26th.

Well, then maybe this is

my sign to call it quits.

Have you thought any more

about what we discussed?

Yes, and I can't do that.

Look, your father

loved that truck.

Heaven's sake, I'm his sister.

And he wouldn't even let

me get behind the wheel.

But he loved you

more than anything.

Polly, I feel guilty enough.

I can't add selling

the truck on top of it.

It would break his heart to

see you give up on your dream.

You break a lot of

folks hearts, actually.

Your father said goodbye to

that truck a long time ago.

And now it's your turn.

Yeah. Okay, I'll list

it for sale tonight.

That's my girl.

You can let it out, you know.

[buzzing sound]

Oh, that lightbulb's been

driving me crazy all week.

[Rob] Hey, big bro.

The reindeer is taking flight.

[Rob] What?

She's leaving.

[Rob] You get cornier with

age. So what's the plan now?

Well... hopefully just

casually bump into her

at this Holiday Hopper thing.

[Rob] The Holiday whater?

It's some Christmas dance

they have here in town.

I'm assuming that's

why they closed early.

[Rob] I think

that's a great idea.

Casually pepper her with

questions while you waltz.

I've only got a few days left.

What else do you suggest?

[Rob] You know, most people

would just forget about it

and enjoy the holidays.

Yeah, well, I'm not most people.

- Have a good night.

- You too, sweetie.

[radio] Merry Christmas

wherever you are

in the great state of New York.

Merry Christmas, Delilah.

[radio] I hope you can

cozy up by a warm fire

and snuggle your loved ones

a little tighter tonight.

But if you're like me

and missing someone

extra special this Christmas,

I hope this next song

hugs your heart

like a warm blanket

with memories of Christmas past.

[Instrumental "It Came

Upon A Midnight Clear"]



[phone buzzing]

[phone buzzing]

[sighs]



[phone ringing]

Yeah. Uh, right now's

not really a good time.

[Rob] Why are you whispering?

I'm at her house.

[Rob] What are you

doing at her house?

Okay. You remember that

photo of her dad's autoshop

from that old newspaper article?

[Rob] Yeah.

Well, there is a garage here,

and it's a sign on it

that is exactly the same.

[Rob] So?

So I'm going to go

and check it out

and see if there's anything

that actually helps us.

[Rob] You know what

would help us more?

You not getting arrested?

Oh come on, it's

just an old garage.

[Rob] On someone

else's property.

Yeah, well, okay,

that's a good point.

[sighs]

I'm sorry, Dad.

Just call me when you

get to your motel.

Up on a housetop

reindeer paws...

Oh!

...good ol' Santa Claus

down through the chimney

with lots of toys

all for the little ones...

h*, h*, h*...

who wouldn't go

h*, h*, h*...

who wouldn't go

Up on the housetop,

click, click, click...

Down through the chimney

with the good St. Nick

Have a good night.

[music continues to play]





[emotional music]

[Dad's voice] She's running

pretty good, I'd say.

Now, what do you

want to call her?

I know.

What do you got Desi girl?

Red.

Old Red. I like

the sound of that.

It will be a Christmas truck.

A Christmas truck, huh?

You're right.

We could even enter it in

the Holiday Hop contest.

Get mom to decorate it.

We could make it like

a new family tradition.

What do you think?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

All right.

Oh, what fun it is to ride

on a one-horse open sleigh

[radio] And a Merry

Christmas it is.

You're listening to Delilah.

I hope you are soaking in

all the joy of this season.

I can't believe you're driving.

Oh, I can't believe

you're letting me drive,

especially Old Red.

Well, you only turned 16 once.

Besides, she was

always yours too.

I think mom might have loved

Old Red more than any of us.

You just keep your

eyes on the road, okay?

You know, I'm basically

giving you the reins

to Santa's sleigh here, right?

Which reminds me...

- [both] Don't tell Polly.

- [Desi laughs]

On Dasher.

[bell chimes]

[emotional music]

Come on, Old Red.

[engine struggles then starts]

[Dad's voice on

audiotape] My Desi girl.

[teary] Dad.

Probably took you a long while

to get back into Old Red.

[sighs]

[audiotape] You're

stubborn like your old pop.

Glad you finally came around.

I trust you'll get this

message when you need it most.

You know, trust is a

gift we've been given

for the things we

can't control in life.

And we're given the

high calling of courage

for the things we can.

In these last few months

of my life, Desi girl,

I've realized how much

of that I've lacked.

[sighs]

I made these tapes so I

can take you on a journey

to our favorite spot,

Treasure Bluff.

After your mom passed,

I did a lot of things wrong

in order to avoid the pain.

But I want to show you some

things along the old route

that I never had the courage to.

And at the end, waits

the most valuable gift

I have to give you.

And yes, you're taking Old Red.

She's been sitting

around too long.

It'll be good for

the both of you.

Now open up the

glove compartment.

I've left you with plenty of

instructions along the way.

We've taken her out 100

times together on the road.

Let's do it once more.

[teary] Oh, Dad.

[exhales]

[upbeat music]

You got to be kidding me.

- Morning.

- Morning.

Can we talk?

Oh, yes. Of course.

Um, I'll pour us some coffee.

It's a wonderful day

at Sunnyside Stay,

how may I help you?

Do you have one

of those... um...

scraper things for your car.

Ice scraper?

Yeah.

Uh, you're the guest

that parked there.

We advise all our guests

to park on the opposite side of

the street this time of year.

That's funny.

It was in your welcome

pamphlet and on the sign.

Oh. You're serious?

I'm afraid so.

Have a Sunnyside day.

Oh, he said he had faith

that I'd find the message

at the perfect time,

but I feel like

it's more the worst.

I woke up to an inbox

full of potential buyers

that want to see

the truck today.

I don't have time

for a road trip.

But he mentioned there's

something valuable

waiting for you

at the end, right?

What if it's something

that could save the

diner and Old Red?

This could be your miracle

after all, sweetie.

[instrumental Christmas music]

[scraping sounds]

[exhales] Come on, come on.

Okay.

[engine struggles]

Oh. Come on.

[sighs]

Okay.

[sighs]

Okay. Everything good here?

Great. Enjoy.

Oh, I thought I got the

wrong order for you.

Listen, I'll go

right to the kitchen

and sort that out for

you. Sorry about that.

Okay.

Hi. How's it going?

Full pot just for you guys.

Great. Okay. I'll get...

I'll get your bill.

And the coffee. Yes,

I'm brewing more.

Okay. Sam, I'm going to need,

uh, two eggs scrambled,

buttered toast,

extra crispy bacon, and

a stack of pancakes.

[Sam] Got it.

Hey, what can I get

you to drink, handsome?

Uh, yeah. Coffee, please.

The hotter, the better.

Okay, you got it.

Just, uh, passing

through, I take it.

Uh, is it uh, that obvious.

Face like yours

I'd never forget.

So where do you call home?

Uh, Miami. I'm just

here on business.

Miami. I had a few fun

summers there back in the day.

So must be some pretty

important business.

You being so far from home

Christmas week and all.

Yep.

Yeah. Okay. So listen,

you take your time.

The name's Paulette, by the way.

Okay.

How you doing?

Shouldn't Desi be in by now?

She's taking a little road

trip for a couple of days.

What?

She'll be back in time for

the Christmas breakfast.

Don't worry, I've got

everything under control here.

- [loud beeping]

- Oh, no, no, not that.

[coughs] Just a

bit of burnt toast.

Okay, I got this, I got

this. Nothing to worry about.

Woo. Oh, looks like we

got ourselves a dasher.

Well, at least he paid.

It's got to be it.

Oh!

Man, that's my last

candy cane one.

Here. You know what?

This will serve you a lot better

than one of those

silly scratch-offs.

Uh, how about an

apology instead?

Oh, Desi, I can...

What's Old Red doing here?

Oh, I'm taking her on a

road trip to Treasure Bluff.

Tires. Okay?

Quite a trek all

the way to Maine.

I'm all set.

And Joe here take mine.

You don't have to do that.

And if there's a prize,

I want you to keep it.

You are an angel,

Desi. Drive safely.

Mmhmm.

Uh... wait.

Sorry, I couldn't help but

overhear that you're...

you're on your way

to Treasure Bluff.

Well, I've got some

business there,

and I'm having some car trouble.

I'm staying over at

the Sunnyside Motel.

Oh.

Is that your car I saw

in the parking lot?

Yeah.

You know, it's only sunny

on that side of the

street half the year.

I love how people say that

like that's a normal thing.

Yeah.

Yeah, well, since I'm

having car trouble

and I can't seem to

get a ride share,

Welcome to Edinburg.

Yeah.

I, um...

I'm wondering if it's at

all possible if maybe, um...

can I get a ride?

What?

I know it's totally brazen

and presumptuous of me,

but it's really important.

And I'm Greyson, by the way.

And I'm not weird or

crazy or dangerous.

I'm just a little... Whoa!

Oh!

Ugh!

Oh. Ow.

You're just a little bit clumsy.

Oh! Oh!

Oh!

Glad I'm not the only one.

Uh...

Uh...

Yeah.

Um, uh...

I'm sorry, but it's

going to be a no.

I'll pay you $3,000.

I'm trying to close the most

important deal of my life

and I can't miss it.

Okay, a few conditions.

Okay.

You pay up front.

Sure.

You have to be okay with

a couple of pit stops.

Absolutely.

And before we leave, you

need to apologize to Joe.

Joe?

It's just a silly scratch.

Okay, okay, I... I will go

apologize to scratch-off guy.

Joe.

I will go apologize to Joe.

Good.

And just so you know,

I've taken many

self-defense classes.

Understood.

Great. Bring your own snacks.

Snacks.

I'm gonna go

apologize... first.

Joe.

Oh, that's not going to

fit up here with mine.

You're going to have to put

it in the bed of the truck.

[cheerful music]

So... cool truck.

It's very... Christmas-y.

Thanks.

Are you, like, uh, Buddy the

Elf's cousin or something?

- Twice removed.

- Hmm.

Want one?

Oh, no, no, no.

I don't really do sugar

for breakfast... or ever.

...born the King of Angels

o come let us adore him,

Oh, these are cool.

Oh... Please

don't touch those.

Okay.

You've never been on

a road trip, have you?

My... my travel arrangements

normally look very

different than this.

Hm.

Not that this isn't

great. This is great. I...

No, it's okay, it's

okay. I get it.

[phone buzzes]

So, uh...

why, uh, why Treasure Bluff?

It's kind of personal.

May I ask what these pit

stops are that we're making?

Same answer.

Got it.

Hey, I thought people were

supposed to talk on road trips.

Touch.

Okay then, good chat.

Okay. Change of subject.

What is the deal

with this truck?

What do you mean?

I mean, I thought these

things only existed

on holiday throw pillows

and Christmas cards.

It was my dad's.

Oh.

He, uh... he a big car guy?

Yeah. He used to own

an autobody shop.

Fixing vintage vehicles

was his specialty.

This one was his favorite.

Why this one?

- Personal.

- Personal reasons.

Like father like daughter, huh?

Well, now, this one's

cool. I haven't...

Don't touch that!

Oh.

- Wow.

- I'm sorry. It's just...

Personal, I get it.

[both] Listen, I.

[both] Why are you so...

[both] Let me talk.

First, okay?

Look, I am trying to do you

a favor by giving you a ride.

This is a transaction,

not a favor.

Mm, well, this transaction

doesn't include

meddling in my truck,

so why don't you just

sit still, please,

for a little while longer,

and this will be a

really pleasant drive.



[radio] We've got stories ahead.

To warm your heart

and feed your soul.

Like a hot bowl of steaming soup

on an icy winter's afternoon.

This is Daytime with Delilah.

Feed my soul like a hot

bowl of steaming soup.

Just listen, it'll

make you feel better.

I play this in my

diner all the time.

- My guests love it.

- Okay.

[radio] Who do we

have on the line?

Hi, Delilah. My

name is Michael.

I'm calling to dedicate a

song to my fiance, Jenna.

We're getting married

on Christmas Eve

without a penny to our

name but we don't care.

As long as we're together,

we'll figure it out.

[in unison] Wow.

[radio] Michael, there are

many, many people who are rich

but have no one to love them.

If you have someone who

loves you for your heart,

then you are truly the

wealthiest man in the world.

This song is for you and

your treasured sweetheart.

What?

Oh, come on, poor Michael.

I mean, literally poor Michael.

He's banking on something

that'll be gone as

soon as the snow melts.

What are you like,

the Grinch's cousin?

Twice removed.

[radio] Make sure to get your

fireplaces roaring tonight,

because Santa's sending

a pop-up snowstorm

straight from the North Pole.

[Greyson] Great.

[Desi] I am going to pull over.

I need to put the

cover on the truck bed

before the storm hits.

Don't want to carry extra snow.

Ohhh...

What?

Hope you can get that

stain out of your shirt.

Where's my suitcase?

Looks like someone

forgot to fully close

the tailgate back at the motel.

My shirt is...

Maybe it'll be a good

icebreaker for your meeting.

Hey, you know what?

Why don't you go in and

get yourself something?

I'll do this. Yeah,

I'll take care of this.

Thank you.

And I'll double-check

it when I'm back.

Desi girl.

[audiotape] After

your mom passed,

I did a lot of things wrong

in order to avoid the pain.

How'd it go?

Uh, good.

You okay?

Oh, yeah. Great. Yeah.

Here. It's the greenest

thing I could find.

Thanks.

Hopefully there's no

more bumps in the road.

Oh, I think that's the

least of our worries.

Wait, is this apple and kiwi or

is this like spinach and kale?

[exhales]

Oh, I'm gonna be sick.

Oh, it's not that bad.

Well, looks like we're here.

Cozy Cliffside.

Now, there's two words that

should never go together.

Betty, were we expecting

another couple tonight?

Another couple?

Oh, no, Mister, I'm

not falling for that.

You're just trying

to put me off my game

before the gingerbread contest.

You invited them

for the contest?

Ezra, darling, we're going

to disturb our guests.

What are you looking at?

Where did I see

that truck before?

What?

[Desi] It's really cute.

Honey. It's her.

Well, deck the halls.

Now are you going to tell me

what it is we're doing here?

Nope. Because I don't

really know myself.

Wait, what?

Really? What?

Oh, uh, hi. I'm not really

sure how to explain this.

Let's get you two

out of the cold.

- Come on in.

- Come.

Come, come.

You're so beautiful.

Just the spitting image.

And I see you've done

well for yourself.

[in unison] Oh, no.

We're not together.

Let me grab your coats. I'll

get those hung up for you.

And I'll make some

homemade hot cocoa.

Oh, lovely.

It sounds sweet.

Actually, do you

have a wooden hanger?

It's just better

for the leather.

Thank you.

[fire crackling]

Okay, so you're telling me

you don't know these people?

Un-huh.

Well, it looks like they like

Christmas as much as you do.

[scoffs]

And where's your luggage?

Oh, uh, a bit of a long story.

It fell out of the truck.

It smells like skunk.

Good thing you left

it behind, then.

I've got an extra set of pajamas

I can lend you for your stay.

You'll be warmer,

that's for sure.

Oh, no, no, no, we're not...

we're not spending the night.

[Ezra] Oh, you're

going to have to.

There's a storm

expected any moment now.

Going to be the biggest

one we've had in years.

I'll get your room ready.

[Greyson] Thanks.

[emotional music]

Someone you recognize?

Um...

Yeah, my parents... and me.

They were always

our favorite couple.

We have a lot to catch up on.

Mmm. This smells delicious.

Oh, it's a new recipe.

Ezra says he loves it, but then

he'd like a piece of cardboard

if I gave it to

him. [all chuckle]

Somebody say they

want to play cards?

No, Ezra, I didn't say

cards, I said cardboard.

Ah!

Oh, big old teddy bear. He

can't hear me half the time.

Oh, here. Let me

help you with that.

Oh thank you, dear.

These look so good.

So do, uh, one of

you play guitar?

I used to, I love playing,

but I lost my hearing

a few years ago.

As I'm sure you can tell by now.

Our health insurance doesn't

cover the cost of hearing A*DS,

so he can't play anymore.

Yeah, my... my aunt

has hearing A*DS.

She just paid out

of pocket for them.

- She's been really happy...

- Cookie?

As soon as we dig ourselves out

from our medical bills,

it'll be the first

purchase we make.

But in the meantime, we'll

just drive our guests crazy.

Shouting at each

other, won't we?

Whatever it takes.

[both laugh]

Oh, life is easier when

you can laugh together.

Now. Take a sip.

Oh, okay.

Mm. That's really good.

Okay. Let me guess.

Nutmeg, cinnamon,

dark cocoa, of course.

Full fat coconut milk

whisked with sugar

and a dash of espresso.

Oh, you've got a gift.

Reminds me of your mother.

She was in the kitchen every

time your parents visited.

I still use her sugar

plum pie recipe.

Oh, I have to give that

to you before you go.

My dad never mentioned

anything about this place

or my mom's recipes.

I don't think he knew how

to talk about her

after she was gone.

It was like he shut down

that part of his life

and tucked it away.

I do know he regretted

not sharing more with you.

So is that why he sent me here?

To share this place with me?

There's a lot he wants

to share with you.

He wants to save you

from making the same

mistakes he did.

You know, you should

really consider

entering this into

a competition.

Well, let's get

you two settled in.

We can chat some

more in the morning.

Come along, this way.

We really do appreciate

you having us stay here.

But are you sure there

aren't two rooms?

Maybe you could

just double-check.

Because, like I said,

we aren't together.

Definitely not together.

[laughing] Oh. That's obvious.

You two are as rigid together

as a couple of tinsel trees.

But with this being

the week of Christmas,

unfortunately, this is the

only room we have available.

I put sheets in a pillow on

the couch for Mr. Greyson.

We're just the room over if

you need anything at all.

Sweet dreams.

Well... this is awkward.

Well, I got dibs on this

one... and dibs on the bed.

Huh?

Wait. Are you serious?

[laughter]

I'm speechless.

I don't have a choice.

Unlike you, who actually

brought their own clothes

but is choosing to wear

whatever... this is.

What? This old thing.

[laughter]

[Desi laughs]

Oh.

Wow. A smile and a laugh.

Oh. Ha, ha. Very funny.

I'm actually a lot of fun.

Oh, okay.

Hey, um, what did you

mean when you said

your dad sent you here?

I mean, clearly he must have

wanted me to have this onesie.

I mean, you can't get

light-up pajamas anywhere.

You do that a lot, don't you?

Do what?

Avoid. Deflect.

I've known you

less than 24 hours.

I've seen you do it,

like, five times.

Uh, that's because I've

known you less than 24 hours.

No, I don't buy it.

I think you do it with everyone.

Well, if you must know,

this whole road trip

was my dad's idea.

His stops, his rules.

Why? I don't know, but this is

supposed to be the first stop.

So here we are.

How many stops are there?

At least a couple more.

Not entirely sure.

I'm sort of waiting on

further instructions.

From where?

You do that a lot, don't you?

What?

Pry. Press. Dig.

Well, how else are you supposed

to get to know someone?

[sighs]

Last night I found a

message in the truck.

The tape that says "Desi girl".

You snooped.

I'm on a road trip with

a complete stranger.

Can you blame me?

That's fair.

So what did the tape say?

Some memories, some regrets.

I guess there's a lot he wishes

he would have told

me or shown me.

I'm... I don't know, it's still

kind of a big question mark.

Well, now I feel guilty

for forcing myself

onto such a personal trip.

Don't. You're

actually helping me.

I'm kind of drowning in debt.

Ah, so that's why you

let me pay you to come?

Well, I didn't have much choice.

Everything I love is on the

line, including Old Red.

[sighs]

So, how did your dad pass?

Wow. You don't

hold back, do you?

No, look. Sorry.

Forget I said that, you

don't have to answer that.

[sighs]

I was at culinary school abroad.

He was so proud of me.

Even when I couldn't

come home or call,

he never made me feel guilty.

And then when I

finished my degree,

I knew the second

I got off the plane

that he was sick,

that he'd been sick.

A week later, he was gone.

I'm sorry.

So your turn.

What's your story?

[chuckles]

Uh, okay. [clears throat]

Raised in Miami...

to a single mother.

One younger brother, dad

was never in the picture.

She struggled a lot

when I was growing up,

emotionally,

financially, you name it.

She passed this year a

little after Labor Day.

I'm sorry.

It turns out me

leaving home at 18

was the best thing to

happen to both of us.

She went back to school,

opened a law firm.

She became super successful.

Impressive.

It's all supposed

to be mine soon.

Is that what your

business deal is about?

Yeah.

That's so exciting.

You get to be in

charge of a place

that changes people's lives.

Yeah, I guess so.

I try to do that with my diner.

What do you mean?

Sometimes serving a

warm meal feels like...

opening a door to

someone's heart.

I've always wanted to

create a safe place

for people to feel

like they belong.

I don't know if I've

ever heard anyone

say anything like that before.

[sighs]

Desi...

[exhales]

Good night.

[exhales]

[cheerful music]

Hey, there. You need

a hand with that?

My pride says no.

- My age says yes.

- [both laugh]

Well, today age wins. Huh?

You're a good man.

Oh, don't thank me yet.

I've never cut down a

Christmas tree before.

This could go terribly wrong.

Ah! Come on.

Okay.

I'll go on this side.

Go ahead.

There we go. You got it.

There we go. Got it.

- There you go.

- All right.

We cut down a tree!

We got a tree.

Here. You mind taking that?

Yeah. Just drag it in.

You got it? You're good?

Get this in the house.

We got a tree.

Need any help?

Would love some. Could

you stir the batter?

Sure.

So do your children

come home for Christmas?

No. We tried for

years to have kids,

but the Lord had other plans.

Oh, I'm so sorry,

I didn't mean...

No. Don't be.

There was a time I

couldn't talk about it.

But that changed

when we turned this place

into a bed and breakfast.

What do you mean?

We chose this house

because it had the perfect

room for a nursery.

I even decorated, hoping one

day we'd be able to fill it.

But years went by.

One day I walked in and all I

saw was a room collecting dust.

That's when I had to

shift my perspective.

It's people that bring us joy.

That's the day I told Ezra

I wanted to turn this

into a bed and breakfast.

It must have been really

hard to let go of, though.

Yeah.

But now all the rooms

are constantly filled

with new people

I get to call family,

like your parents.

Like you.

All right, we

ready? Here we go.

Hey. All right.

Perfect.

Wow. Miami guy

turned mountain man.

It's a Christmas miracle.

I'm full of surprises.

Ooh! You two can

help us decorate.

Oh, actually, I think we

should be getting on the road.

Nonsense.

The roads out here won't be

ploughed for a couple of hours.

Desi, come help me get

started with these ornaments.

And you guys get the rest.

You play?

Oh, not in a long time.

Go on, take her for a whirl.

No, I couldn't.

If there's one

thing I've learned

is never to take a single

moment in life for granted.

You see a beautiful

instrument, you play it.

You see a beautiful

woman, you say it.

Uh...

I can barely hear anyways.

I'll pretend to be

impressed either way.

[both laugh]

Oh let's see...

[strumming guitar]

[playing "It Came Upon

A Midnight Clear" ]

No way.

My love.



[clapping]

Come on, let's

decorate that tree.

Look, I have popcorn.

You want the tall guy

to start it up here.

All right. There we go.

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

That's perfect.

That's a good one.

Okay. You two stand

in front of the tree.

It's tradition.

Now, in. In, in.

A little bit closer.

No. Yeah. Big smiles.

[camera whirrs]

[Ezra laughs]

Oh, we should

probably get going.

Yeah, we should, yeah.

Um, thank you so much for

loaning me this shirt.

Oh, before you go.

I've been keeping this for you.

Thank you.

I'm so glad my dad sent me here.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[Greyson] Thank

you for everything.

That was unexpected.

It was.

Speaking of, you're amazing

for playing the guitar.

I told you, I'm

full of surprises.

[audiotape] And that's how

your mom and I got roped into

blowing up 100 balloons

for Ezra and Betty's

Christmas party.

I have never seen your mom

laugh so hard in my life.

And that's how that first

red balloon was released.

Sometimes I wonder what my

life would have been like

if I'd kept that tradition.

Maybe I would have

been a better father.

I wouldn't have made

some of the mistakes.

[yawns]

I'm sorry I dozed off there.

Did I hear something

about a red balloon.

A story about my mom.

Personal. Got it.

Would you settle

for the cliff notes?

What, are you kidding me?

Those are my favorite

kind of notes.

At the end of every

year, my parents and I

used to take a road

trip to Treasure Bluff

and release a red balloon.

I don't know if you know this,

but they're called cliff notes,

not cliff note.

They discovered the

spot on their honeymoon.

My mom thought it

was the perfect place

to release her... her doubts

and fears and failures to God.

And she was digging through

her purse to look for something

to symbolize the act

and at the bottom, she

found a red balloon

from the Christmas

party at Cozy Cliffside.

So they just blew

it up and let it go.

After that, the tradition stuck.

Until it didn't.

Until your mom...

Yeah.

I heard him say something

about making mistakes.

Did he mention any of those?

A few. Why?

I'm just wondering if

there's anything significant.

I mean, I don't think he

had any deep, dark secrets,

if that's what you mean.

Christmas is that

time of year...

When we gather

round to hear

words of love

and good cheer

[Desi] Alright. We're here.



...speech of joy

for all mankind.

Let us light our dark

nights with illumination.

Pour yourself a glass

of wine, let us toast...

My dad said to get

here before 2:00.

Apparently, he used to meet

some of his friends here.

Fun.

Yeah. He said to find the

booth with man's best friend.

Oh. Right here.

Well, it looks like

we're in for a treat.

You mean literal treat?

Okay. Thank you. Welcome to

Precious Paws. How may...

Desi?

You must be Big

Mike. Hi, my dad...

Come here girl! [laughs]

Oh, it's happening again.

Gary!

Gary! Look who moseyed

on in in the corral.

It can't be. Hey!

It sure is. Come on.

Hey, this is Desi, and, uh...

Hey, now, who's this fella?

Oh, uh...

This is Greyson. He's...

Uh...

a friend.

I take it they

don't get much snow

from where you're from.

Uh, no, they do not.

Well, welcome to our neck

of the woods. [laughs]

So how do you guys know my dad?

Well, you know, he came in

and got some candy

apples one day.

Yeah, and he got it a little

too close to the pups.

[laughs]

Paws were all over him.

And you know what,

he volunteered

almost every weekend after that.

Yeah, he was one

of the great ones.

I'll tell you what, though.

You knew never to cross

him or the people he loved.

That sounds like my dad.

That, uh, ever get him

into any kind of trouble.

Now, what are you alluding to?

Oh, nothing. I just,

from what you said...

Holly's ready for you.

Hey, hey, hey, there's my girl.

How are you doing?

You're John's girl.

He was always talking about you.

Showed us all the pictures of

your time at culinary school.

I'm Janice.

Hi.

All three of us are business

partners in Precious Paws.

Hey, and this is

Desi's friend, Gralen.

Uh, Greyson.

Nice to meet you.

Hey, you two pick the

best time to visit.

Cinema in the snow is tonight.

What's that?

A drive-in movie theater in

the forest across the way.

And it's Holly's favorite.

Big Mike adopted little

Holly here last Christmas.

Uh, she adopted me.

Oh, speaking of adoption,

Whiskers and Lucky

are being adopted just

in time for the holidays.

Hey, you guys want to

help them get groomed?

Yeah.

Uh...

Yeah. [laughs]

I'll be out back. You

guys have a great time.

Welcome to the team.

[laughs nervously]

I'm, not that this is

any of my business,

but that snow storm

kind of put us

a little behind schedule.

Are you sure you

have time to do this?

To help these sweet little guys?

Always.

Okay.

[Desi] Hi. Hi...

Okay, let's do this.

- Okay, what do we do?

- Alright. So...

[instrumental "Deck

the Halls" playing]

Yeah. Does that feel good?

Hi.

[laughs]

Okay. Final touch.

- Oh, absolutely.

- Mmhmm.

I'm not sure about

how to tie this knot.

You just didn't pull

it tight enough.

I just didn't pull

it tight enough.

I was just worried.

I know we're good.

Ah, it is so good.

Oh. She's beautiful.

Yeah. She is.

Uh, so you guys are

here every weekend?

Yeah. You know, with the

lack of local funding,

we're trying to raise awareness.

But, you know, unfortunately,

this is probably going

to be our last Christmas.

Oh, that's so sad.

Hey, you know, it breaks...

it breaks my heart.

Think of all the dogs

that we won't be

able to rescue or...

be saved by Precious Paws.

- [Janice] Big Mike.

- Yeah.

Can you help me unload

a box of dog food

before I go home?

Yeah.

I hope you have a box

of tissues or something.

You know what? I'm

so glad you came.

[crying]

This place really means

a lot to him, doesn't it?

Yeah. Big Mike was in a

dark place for a while.

Felt like he wasn't

needed anymore.

Asked for a sign.

Then he found a group

of orphaned puppies

cuddled under his truck.

Sparked the idea to open

up the rescue shelter.

Wow.

Talk about a sign from God.

Yeah.

Oh! [laughs]

It looks like somebody's

ready for the movie.

Oh.

All right.

I got you...

the sugariest

thing I could find.

Perfect. Thank you.

And some beef jerky

and an apple for me.

Yeah. Mmhmm.

And a blanket.

Oh, oh.

One for you, one for me.

Right? Of course.

Well, who knew that a Christmas

festival had so much to offer?

I mean, we got

world-famous candy apples,

hand-quilted blankets, and

adorable dog adoptions.

Hmm. Enough to

make you reconsider

your future travel arrangements.

[chuckles] Yeah, only if

your dad is planning it.

Hey, why do you keep

asking about my dad?

Like earlier, when you asked

if he'd ever gotten

into any trouble.

I mean, I am on a road

trip with his daughter,

who is apparently very

proficient in self-defense

and has a rather intimidating

puppy loving friend,

and who getting to talk

about anything personal

is like pulling teeth.

Maybe I just want to

know more about the man

who raised a woman like you.

Look, Desi, there's

something I need to tell you.

[banging]

Pretty cool setup, huh?

Gary, they're having a moment.

Uh, right. Carry on.

As you were.

Enjoy the movie.

Yeah, you guys too.

Enjoy the show.

Alright, everyone,

it's movie time.

Turn your radio

dials to 98.8 FM.

Great.

[woman] Well, you can't

throw away your career

because of sentiment.

[man] I'm not throwing

a career away.

I'll get by. I'm a

darn good lawyer.

This doesn't shake your

faith in me, does it?

This is a question of

common sense, not faith.

[man] Faith is

believing in things

when common sense

tells you not to.

I wish you could let yourself

believe in people like Chris,

and in fun and love and joy

and all the other intangibles.

[woman] Can't pay the

rent with intangibles.

And you can't live without them.

Why don't you try a little

blind faith, darling...

[peaceful music]

[indistinct chatter]

[phone buzzes]

[phone buzzes]

Any chance I could buy

these red balloons?

Can I? Thanks!

Thank you.

Aww... That's so clever.

Hey. Everything okay?

We've been hanging on

to this for a long time.

Thank you.

I've learned more from the both

of you than you'll ever know.

Come here, girl.

So don't be such

a stranger, okay?

Okay.

- See ya.

- Bye.

[phone ringing]

Yeah.

[Rob] Greyson, what's going on?

Have you got any

more information?

No, no. Look, Rob, I don't

know what to tell you,

but let's just drop it.

[Rob] What?

I don't care what it

is her father did.

It doesn't matter anymore.

Desi deserves every bit of it.

[Rob] You're falling

for her, aren't you?

I've known her for three

days. Don't be ridiculous.

You do realize how much half

of everything is, right?

Yeah. Look, I gotta go.

Hey. Morning.

Another tape, huh?

Do I get to listen to this one?

Well, we gotta get moving,

so I don't have much

of a choice, do I?

[upbeat music]

[audiotape] If Big Mike

taught me anything,

it's that vulnerability

isn't a weakness.

It's a great strength.

I'm sorry that I wasn't

more vulnerable with you.

I'd give anything to be at that

Christmas market with you now.

I hope you got a candy

apple for me too.

[telephone ringing]

Hello. Dash or

Dine Sam speaking.

Hey, uh, there's someone on

the phone looking for Desi.

Said it's important.

- Oh.

- [crash sounds]

Ahhh!

Uh, take a message.

Tell them we'll

get back to them.

Okay.

Go.

What's going on back here?

[audiotape] The last stop

before Treasure Bluff

won't be long, but it might

be the most important.

There's a little

white church up ahead.

Stop in and ask for Cheryl.

Tell her I said hello.

- We won't stay for long.

- Yeah.

[phone buzzing]

Hey. You coming?

Uh, yeah. Yeah. Of course.

All right, let's get up

on the stage, shepherds.

And here's your staff

and a staff for you.

Okay, just before we

sing "Away in a Manger",

I'm going to get Mary

to put baby Jesus

in the manger for me.

Oh. Beautiful, sweetie.

Uh, but next time,

can you just please place

baby Jesus in the manger?

Oh. Oh, hello. Uh, we're

closed for rehearsals.

I'm so sorry. I didn't

mean to interrupt.

I'm looking for Cheryl.

I'm Cheryl. Um, what

can I do for you?

Um, I'm not sure exactly.

I'm, um... John Phillips

sent me to talk to you.

Desi.

Uh... Excuse me one second.

Um. All right, everyone,

just give me a second.

I'll be right with you,

okay? Just, uh, chill out.

Hi. I'm... I'm Greyson.

Um, if you two need

a moment to talk,

I'm happy to hold

down the fort for you.

I actually minored in

theater in college,

so I know how to deal

with restless actors.

That would be

wonderful. Come on.

All right, everyone,

um, I just need to speak

to Miss Desi for a moment,

but I'll be right over

here if you need anything.

In the meantime,

this is Mr. Greyson.

- Hello.

- [children greet Greyson]

He studied acting in college,

so this is a perfect

opportunity to learn from him.

Okay, over to you.

Thank you.

Okay, well, that

was a while ago,

so I need a bit of a refresher.

So who can tell me what stage

left and what stage right?

So how did you know my dad?

I was in love with him.

You were in love with him?

When?

It was many years after

your mother passed away.

We met exactly 10 years ago here

at the Christmas Eve service,

on his way home

from Treasure Bluff.

Mm.

So that's when he started

going back to Treasure Bluff.

That was my first year

abroad at culinary school.

My first Christmas

ever away from home?

Yes. He didn't stop

talking about you.

He told me how hard it

was to be apart from you.

So what happened?

Well, we really hit it off,

and he made countless

trips up here to visit me.

And then one day he called and

he told me he was very sorry,

but he needed to end things.

I didn't hear from him again

until a few years later.

I got a letter right

before he died.

And what did the letter say?

He finally explained

why he cut things off.

He was terrified to

feel that deeply again

and possibly lose

someone else he loved.

So he walled off his heart

and convinced himself

that he was better off alone.

So you never got

to see him again.

No.

Pain has the ability

to turn even the softest

heart into stone.

Your father sent you here

because he didn't want you

to close off your

heart the way he did.

All right, now, what is the most

super serious rule of acting?

[children clamoring]

I know! I know!

- Yes.

- Have fun.

Have fun! Of course!

That is the most

important rule of all.

He's a good one. I can tell.

Now, everybody, I need you

to be very, very serious.

Put on your serious faces.

I just don't want

to get hurt again.

The cost of love is loss.

But it's the greatest

gift we've been given.

How did you...

He mailed it with the letter?

I have always prayed

that you would stop by.

All right.

Let's thank

Mr. Greyson, shall we?

[clapping]

Thank you so much.

Now, remember, kids...

have a very Merry Christmas.

You guys are great.

All right, let's get ready

to sing "Away in a Manger".

Hey, if you don't mind,

would we be able to

stay for one song?

I kind of promised

the shepherds I would.

Of course.

One, two, three. One, two.

Away in a manger

No crib for a bed.

[all join in] The

little Lord Jesus

lay down his sweet head.

The stars in

the bright sky.

Looked down where he lay.

The little Lord Jesus,

asleep on the hay.

Hey, Sam, why don't

you take a break now

before the dinner

crowd rolls in.

- Okay?

- Okay.

- Thanks Polly.

- Yeah. You bet.

Oh, yeah.

[receptionist] Thank

you for calling

the law office of

Virginia Rivers in Miami.

How may I help you?

Oh, yes. Hi. I got a message

that you were looking

for Desi Phillips.

Oh, really?

...and take us to heaven

- [phone buzzes]

- to live with thee there.

[applause]

[sighs]

Desi, there's something

I need to confess.

Okay.

[phone rings]

Oh, um, I can take this later.

Oh, I can't actually.

I told Polly only call

if it was an emergency.

I'll try to be quick.

Yeah, yeah... Go

ahead, take it.

[sighs]

Hey. Everything okay?

You're not going

to believe this,

but I just got off the

phone with a lawyer

about an inheritance

left to your father.

Wait, what? Whose inheritance?

Some woman named

Virginia Rivers.

She's left him

half of everything.

But why?

I don't know, but apparently

it's a big enough sum

to make her children

launch an investigation.

Now, they've been trying

to contest the will,

claiming undue influence,

but they couldn't prove it.

So what does that mean?

It means that the

inheritance is now yours.

Wait, how?

I've never even heard

the name Virginia Rivers.

Well me neither.

They told me she was a

big shot lawyer in Miami.

Passed away just

after Labor Day.

Did she have a son?

Uh, yes, two. Both in Miami.

About the same age as you.

I'll call you back.

Okay, I can explain.

So this was all an attempt

just to get dirt on my dad?

At first, yes.

- But Desi...

- You lied to me.

I didn't technically lie.

I just didn't

disclose everything.

But Desi, your father he's...

He what?

My mother wrote

explicitly in her will

to leave half of her

estate to John Phillips,

the prisoner that got free.

Why would she write that?

My dad's never

even been arrested.

And I believe that now.

But before this trip,

I mean, how do you

think it looked to us?

I mean, it looked almost

something like, like blackmail.

Blackmail?

Why would a prominent

Miami lawyer

leave half of her fortune

to some random guy

with an auto shop in New York?

Look, Desi, your

father had a whole life

and regrets you knew nothing

about before this trip.

I'm just saying, is

there any chance.

Don't...

There may have been a few

things that I didn't know

about my dad, but he was

a good man, an honest man,

a better man than you.

You can keep your mom's

money. I don't want it.

Desi...

Desi, please.

Okay. You're right.

Your father was a

better man than me.

But the only thing I've

discovered on this trip

worth anything is I don't

want to be the same man I was

before I met you.

Desi, I am so sorry.

I'm sure you'll find someone

to pay for a ride back to town.

Merry Christmas, Greyson.

[pensive music]

Dad, I don't get it.

I tried being vulnerable.

I tried being open.

I'm just not sure that works.

[bell chimes]

Merry Christmas.

Thank you for donating.

Your generosity makes

a big difference.

[inspirational music]

[bell continues to chime]

On the count of three,

we're going to

give it all to God.

Ready?

[all] One, two.

[audiotape] Welcome to our spot.

Now, I know you're probably

doing just fine on your own,

but that doesn't

mean you ought to be.

Promise me that you won't

let your fear of getting hurt

cause you to miss out on

the best things in life too.

There's one last regret

that I have to tell you.

There was an argument

your mom and I had.

Some silly misunderstanding.

She tried to resolve it

before we went to work,

but I was unwilling to see

things from her perspective.

Later that afternoon,

a drunk driver ran

a red light and...

She was gone.

I let my pride

take away the last few

moments we had together.

[sighs]

The last kiss.

The last look into

those deep blue eyes.

Desi...

the greatest piece of

advice I have to give you

is to forgive.

Forgive quickly.

Forgive when it's hard

for your own sake.

Sometimes the hardest part

is to forgive yourself

and don't feel guilty

about your time abroad.

I have never been more proud.

You got to pursue

your dreams, Desi.

Chase them.

Don't ever quit.

I don't know why it's easier

to talk to a tape recorder

than it is to talk to the

people you love most sometimes,

but forgive me

for not sharing these things

with you sooner, Desi.

I love you.

I love you, Dad.

I always have.

Always will.

Enjoy the view. I know I am.

[sighs]

Hey, um...

I don't know what else to say,

but I just know you guys

are going through it.

It's the least I can do.

Thank you.

- Hey, Greyson.

- Hey.

What are you doing

here? Where's Desi?

Desi went to Treasure

Bluff on her own.

Hey, can I give you

a ride anywhere?

Yeah, actually.

Okay. Come here girl.

Holly and I got you. Let's go.

Time to give it all to God.

One, two...

[all] Three.

Ezra. [chuckles]

Oh. Never mind.

Greyson, what a lovely surprise.

Where's Desi?

Oh, uh, we went our

separate ways this morning.

Can I come in for a minute?

Of course, dear. Let's

have a cup of tea.

This means so much

to both of us.

Oh.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.



Hey, what is it? Now's

not really a good time.

Big Mike's waiting in the van.

[Rob] Who's Big Mike?

Actually, never mind.

Just please tell me

you're not at the airport.

Not yet. Why?

You're not going to believe

what I found at mom's house.

I'm sending you

pictures right now.

Desi says the first

piece goes to you.

- Thank you.

- You're so welcome.

The second one goes to you.

This is new.

Another one of Desi's

late night revelations?

No, not this one.

You doing okay?

Not really.

How's that honesty feel?

Different. But refreshing.

Mm. You'll get used to it.

So what time's the buyer coming?

Any minute.

They offered double

the asking price,

so as long as they show up,

the diner should be just fine.

It sure will be fine.

I'm going to miss Old Red,

but I feel closer to

dad now more than ever.

Losing the truck

won't change that.

Actually, I have to clean it

out before the buyer gets here.

- You got this?

- Yeah.

Always.

"To forgive is to

set a prisoner free

"and to discover that

the prisoner was you."

The prisoner that got free.

[notification alert]

Hi, Desi, it's Betty.

Greyson made me promise

not to say anything,

but I just can't help myself.

He stopped by last night

with a check to cover

Ezra's medical bills.

It was the sweetest blessing.

Please know that I'm

praying for you both.

He's a keeper.

Merry Christmas, Desi.

Big Mike.

There she is!

Uh... Polly, what's going on?

[radio] Uh, my name is Greyson.

- Greyson?

- [all] Shh!!

[radio] What's on

your mind, Greyson?

Oh. It's not what

but uh... who.

Uh, her name is Desi,

and she's the best

person I've ever met.

She's smart and talented,

and she has the biggest

heart in the world.

She's beautiful in

every way, Delilah.

The world is better and

brighter because of her.

I'm better because of her.

And I would do anything to

make things right between us.

[radio] Well, Greyson, if you share

with her what you just told me,

I think you might

have a good chance.

This next song is

for you and Desi.

Away in a manger

No crib for a bed

I, uh. I need some fresh air.

Oh, Desi.

Desi...

Turns out...

My mother kept a journal

and even after climbing

all the way to the top,

it wasn't enough for her

and eventually her old

habits crept back in.

One night she drove

her car into a ditch.

According to her, that's

where God found her,

sent her an angel.

In John.

My dad.

While he fixed her car,

they talked all night

and he shared with her

that forgiveness was

his key to peace.

She wrote that that night,

that encounter with your father

was when she found her faith.

Now, for the first time

in her entire life,

she felt true freedom.

Apparently, your dad credited

his own similar journey

to a quote he shared with her.

"To forgive is to

set a prisoner free."

And discover that

the prisoner...

[both] Was you.

Yeah.

Desi, can you ever forgive me?

I already have.

[cheering and applause]

Okay. Here we go.

Christmas miracles.

It was you who put the balloons

in my truck, wasn't it?

I told you, I'm

full of surprises.

What do you say we

take out Old Red

one last drive for

old-time's sake?

We can't I... I sold her.

Mm. I know.

You're the buyer.

I told you I had to close the

most important deal of my life.

[laughs]

[bell chiming]