Christmas at the Amish Bakery (2023)

[bunniefuu]

♪ Doesn't matter where we are ♪

♪ Or if the snow forgets
to fall ♪

♪ As long as we're together ♪

♪ We've got it all ♪

♪ You light me up
with your holiday smile ♪

♪ Your peppermint kisses
linger all the while ♪

♪ We're hand in hand ♪

♪ In a wonderland in
a snow globe state of mind ♪

♪ I love yule tidings with you ♪

[woman]: Absolutely, I'll get
those contracts sent over ASAP.

Oh, and happy holidays.

♪ In a magical Christmas mood ♪

♪ Everything's better
in the cozy up weather ♪

♪ Nothing else I'd rather do ♪
[elevator bell chimes]

♪ Than spend December
yuletiding with you... ♪

Ah, morning, Sarah.

You pulling double shifts again?

Yeah.

You need this more than I do.

You are a coffee angel.

I prefer caffeine queen.

♪ Then here with you
making new mistletoe memories ♪

♪ Wrapping that string
jingle bells ring ♪

♪ It's laughing
and singing off key... ♪♪

[soft, sentimental music]

[woman]: "Dearest Sarah, I'm writing to wish
you a peaceful and blessed Christmas season."

I trust your year has gone well
and you are happy and healthy.

Exciting news from home,

Abram and I have welcomed
a baby girl

with Abram's dark eyes
and my nose.

I can already tell she's gonna d

as she refuses to be swaddled
even on the coldest of days.

Know we think of you often.

Gott segen eich.

"Your sister, Rachel."

Numbers from last quarter
are in.

Okay, uh... not great.

Huh, not great was first quarter
when we were down 15% over last year.

This is disastrous!

Cookbook sales are
notoriously unstable.

The market will bounce back

once people get tired of
reading someone's entire life story

before getting to the recipe
at the end of the blog.

- Maybe.
- But in the meantime,

we are losing shelf space
in brick-and-mortar stores!

I need you to figure out
how to retain it.

Oh, uh, now.

[scoffs]
Uh, okay. Um...

Themed cookbooks.

- Limited shelf life.
- What else?

[sighs]

Celebrity bakers.

Too expensive to contract.

Okay, give me the morning
to brainstorm

and I will think of something.

Well, you'd better or we both
may be looking for new jobs.

Darla, your family,

they own this business.

I think you're safe.

Hmm.

You know what my father did when he
was handed the company from my grandma?

Fired her.

Figure this out,
I'm begging you.

What's that?

[card crinkles]

Um... it's a... card
from my family.

You never mentioned
your family was Amish.

It never came up.

- Actually, this is perfect.
- What is?

The Amish are known
for their wonderful baking.

This is the answer
to your problems.

An Amish cookbook?

Yeah, you must know wonderful
recipes that you can compile.

And oh, include a section on
baking secrets and...

I don't know,
how to churn butter.

I actually don't know
any recipes.

How is that possible?

You're a cookbook editor.

- It's... ironic.
- I know.

Um, I never took to baking.

I burned everything I touched.

My sister actually banned me
from the kitchen at one point.

Wait, your sister, she can bake.

Yeah, Rachel owns a very
successful bakery in Kentucky.

Ah!

Perfect.

Go home for the holidays
and get those recipes.

Uh, I-I can't do that.

I haven't been home
in a very long time.

Plus, there are
Amish recipes online.

We both know those aren't
the real recipes.

Look, Sarah, it's your choice

but I can't sugarcoat
the obvious.

If there is no cookbook for retailers
to get excited about in the New Year,

there's no job.

So...

Okay.

Ugh!

[doowop song]

♪ Come on everyone ♪

♪ Let's have some fun ♪

♪ Oh it's gonna be
a wonderful Christmas ♪

♪ A tingle and a jingle
those bells ♪

♪ It's gonna be a wonderful
Christmas ♪

♪ I can tell... ♪
[man moans]

♪ There is nothing better than
all friends and family ♪

♪ Singing carols
all together ♪

♪ Everyone say do re mi ♪

♪ It's gonna be a wonderful
Christmas this year ♪

Uh, I'm sorry,
no outsiders allowed.

What would you call
yourself then?

Uh...

a friend of the Amish.

I'm Johnathan's daughter, Sarah.

Sufficient proof for ya?

Um...

I... guess you may pass.

[clears throat]

Sign's upside down, by the way.

[♪♪♪]

♪ It's gonna be a wonderful
Christmas this year ♪

[sentimental music plays]

Sarah!

You're home!

I thought it was about time
I come and met my niece.

This is Hannah.

Hannah?

- After Mom.
- Mm-hmm.

I just can't believe
you're really home.

I should have written
to you first.

It was kind of an impulsive,
last minute thing.

It's okay that I'm here, right?

- Of course.
- I'm just surprised, that's all.

In a good way.
[chuckles softly]

Would you like to hold her?

I should probably get settled,
you know, before Dad sees me.

It's too late.

Hmm.

Hey, Dad.

It's been a while.

Hmm.

It is good to have you home.

How long are you staying?

Through the holidays.

If that's okay.

Oh, you're more than welcome
to stay as long as you like.

I was thinking I could help
in the bakery while I'm here.

Hmm... the bakery.

Now, you do remember
that place, right?

Aprons, rolling pins, the flour.

The bakery?

- I was not that bad.
- Yeah.

I'll enjoy the company.

- Well...
- [exhales]

You're more than welcome
to wear what you like here

but it's cold,
so you're gonna freeze in that.

Why don't you get
yourself settled.

We'll be around. Have
some breakfast or somethin'.

[clicks tongue then laughs]

[whirring]

[chuckles]

I cannot believe you produce
so much from this kitchen.

And all of this new equipment!

Is this allowed?

As long as we power it with
the energy we create, it's fine.

But we need it to keep up
with this demand.

This is our busiest time
of the year.

Oh, well, in that case,
thank goodness I am here.

- Oh.
- To help you.

Oh, friendship bread.

You know, I look forward
to this every year.

Thank you for always sending it.

It's not Christmas without it.

[♪♪♪]

Who is that?

Dean Eriksen.

Dad's Englishman friend
I told you about in my letters.

I... I guess when you said
widower, I...

I pictured someone older.

Well, he's cute, but certainly
not very handy, is he?

He tries.

[chuckles]
His intentions are good.

Any kids?

One, Zoey, she's eight.

Gets along wonderfully
with the Amish kids.

And I think they quite
a different education from her.

Oh, I'm sure they do.

Were you gonna help or just
look at the scenery all day?

[laughs]

No metal for sourdough.

Right.

Remind me again why?

Sourdough is acidic

so best to use wooden spoons
and... glass bowls.

- [bowl clinks]
- Got it.

Where are the recipes?

[sighs]

We... had a kitchen fire
a few years ago.

Lost 'em all.

I bake from memory now.

There was a fire?

You didn't mention that
in any of your letters.

I only tell you
about the good things.

Is that...

the original Haney family
heirloom sourdough starter?

Still the same one.

It miraculously
survived the place.

That has to be, what,


Things around here
are made to last.

Unlike the city,

where everything is
just constantly changing.

But you enjoy living in Chicago?

Yes.

Of course.

And your job's going well?

- Cookbook editing is...
- interesting.

No!

I am not dating anybody.

I didn't ask.

Your face did.

As long as you're happy,
that's all that matters.

But you're not getting
any younger.

Ah!
[snaps fingers]

Look, it's not that I don't
want a relationship.

I do. It's just...

it's hard to find someone.

In a city full of people?

It's hard to find
the right someone.

Honestly, it's not even
the men's fault.

I realize that I have
impossible standards.

Such as?

I want a man who works hard,

but isn't a workaholic, for one.

Someone who could get
through dinner

without checking
their cell phone.

Someone who wants to go
on walks with me and read.

Just you know, enjoy being
in each other's company.

You know you just described
an Amish man.

[laughs]

That is my problem.

This upbringing
completely spoiled me.

[laughs]
[bell on door jingles]

Deliveries are done.

Hi, Sarah, nice to see you.

It is nice to see you, too.

I met your daughter.

She's really something.

Wait until you hear her
howling at midnight.

[scoffs]
[chuckles]

Can I talk to you for a second?

Sure.

[speaks Pennsylvania Dutch]

[sighs]

[clears throat]

[sighs]

Is everything okay?

Yeah, it's fine.

You know, my Dutch is
a little rusty but...

pretty sure he said that
the Finley's bakery is closing?

It's true.

The Finleys are closing shop
and retiring next year.

Unfortunately, they were
a big source of revenue for us.

Have you been able to find a
bakery to replace the business?

This isn't for you
to worry about.

You're here this Christmas
and I want to enjoy that.

The rest will figure itself out.

It always does.

[sighs]

Hi.

You must be Zoey.

You're Mr. Johnathan's
other daughter, right?

I'm Sarah.

Why haven't I seen you before?

Well, I live in Chicago.

Why?

That's where I work.

What do you do?

I'm an editor.

Are you married?

Nope.

Have any kids?

- [chuckles]
- Nope.

Are you Amish?

Um...

why aren't you in school?

I'm homeschooled.

That's a very nice drawing.

You're really talented.

I learned from my dad.

He draws pictures for books.

Dean Erikson.

Your dad is the illustrator
for the Z's Adventure series.

[sad music plays]

[bellowing in the distance]

Thought you could use
some hot coffee.

Thanks.

Oh, sorry about earlier.

I didn't know your family
was expecting you.

That's quite all right,
'cause they weren't.

[chuckles]

It's nice to know
someone's looking out for them.

How's it goin' out here?

Uh, well, you know, manual
labor's not really my expertise.

- Oh, you're kidding.
- [chuckles lightly]

You're an illustrator, right?

I met Zoey.

She's quite the artist

and has a very bright future
as an interrogator.

[chuckles] - Sorry, she's all
about the questions these days.

- That's okay.
- It was really cute.

So, you're home for Christmas
to visit your family?

Yeah.

Holidays, new baby.

Seemed like a good time
to visit.

- And that's okay?
- To come and go, I mean?

The Amish believe
in the freedom of choice.

When we're 16,
we're given this opportunity

to either commit to our faith

or go live among the Englishmen,

a life of our own choosing.

Rumspringa.

As long as you haven't made
a vow of faith

and then broken it,

you're able to keep ties
with your family.

You live in Chicago?

I'm actually in publishing, too.

So, I'm familiar with your
bestselling children's series.

- [clears throat]
- Um...

I-I should
really get back to this.

- Oh, um...
- Thanks for the coffee.

Yeah, thanks for helping out
around here.

I'm not sure if I'm really
a help or a hindrance.

- Huh.
- I just really like it here.

The pace, the quiet.

It's really special.

Especially if you're coming in
from the outside.

It's like all of the...

[both]: noise stops.

[laughing]

You know, I was trying
to convince Johnathan

to open the community up
to outsiders.

I don't know if the leaders
would go for that.

They're a very private group.

A little more conservative than a
lot of the other Amish communities.

I just think there's so much
we could learn from the Amish.

I totally agree with you.

Well, maybe while you're here,

you could help me
try to convince them?

Oh.

Maybe.

I should really
get back to this.

I'll head back to the bakery.

I'm sure Rachel's in a frenzy
without me. [Chuckles lightly]

[gentle Silent Night plays]

This pattern is one
of my favorites.

- Would you like to help?
- I shouldn't.

I haven't picked up
a needle in years.

[chuckles]

So, um...

Dean mentioned that he
thought it might be a good idea

to open up our farm
to outsiders.

For tours and visits.

That sort of thing.

He's mentioned it a few times.

So far, the community leaders
have voted against it.

A lot of Amish families do it.

Yes.

It's not for us.

I understand that it hasn't
been for us in the past

but I can't help but feel like
now would be a very good time.

We-we could sell
some of Rachel's desserts.

Maybe find a new middleman
account to replace the Finleys.

Do you think so?

Could work.

There are bakeries in town
we've never spoken to.

- Yeah, it's...
- it's a lot to consider.

I mean, it's a lot of planning.

We could do it alongside
the kids' Christmas concert.

Dad, you and Abram could show
people around the farm,

and Rachel and I
could set up a market stand.

Sell her baked goods.

Maybe even some quilts.

Dad... what do you think?

Hmm...

yeah, I'm not comfortable
with any of this.

I mean, it almost feels
like we're trying

to push out the boundaries of
this community or something and...

I can tell ya, that's not gonna
sit well with anybody.

We ask the other families
to participate.

They can sell their goods.

It could be
a true community event.

Mm-hmm.

All right, all right,

look, I'll...

I'll talk to the others, okay.

And there's no guarantee.

Just... I don't know.

May... maybe a trial run.

[upbeat music plays]

[upbeat music plays]

[indistinct chatter]

[children laughing]

Guess what?

The community leaders have
agreed to open up the community

for the kids' Christmas concert.

I've been working that angle
for over a year with no luck.

- What can I say?
- I'm persuasive.

It is just a trial run, though.

Well, it's a great start.

I hear she's in the concert.

Been practicing the songs
all week.

She's usually pretty shy and
quiet around other kids her age

but not here.

She mentioned
she was homeschooled.

She's suffered from separation
anxiety since her mom died.

How's it look?

Well, it looks like someone
has been doing their homework.

Yeah, busted.

Your secret's safe with me.

[yawns]

Not such a morning person
anymore?


of the night.

What do you think
we should make?

Well, we need to showcase
the bakery's offerings,

so I'm thinking a wide selection
of traditional Amish desserts.

But we do need to keep it simple

so we can stay
cost and time effective.

Our cherry pie is always a hit.

Is that vinegar?

It's the secret ingredient.

Ah, vinegar in cherry pie.

- [curious music]
- It's for future reference.

[scoffs] - When did
you get so into baking?

Tired of all the over processed
food in the city...

I guess.

And speaking of food,

I am starving.

If you're going to force me
to be awake this early,

I'm going to need to eat.
[chuckles]

Mm!

You know,

I really wish this wasn't
so time-consuming to make

because I would live on it.

- [chuckles]
- Once you have the starter,

the process is easier.

I mean, anyone,
even you, can make it.

That is a great idea!

We can give guests
a little bit of the starter.

And instructions on how
they can make the bread at home.

Do you think
people would like that?

Oh, Rachel, they would love it!

Plus, it's a perfect
takeaway gift from us.

Share our family's
heirloom starter.

I like it.

If you could be any animal,
what would you be?

I quite like being a human.

I'd be a walrus.

Really? Why?

They get to be
on water and land,

they have long, sharp teeth,

they're fierce and powerful,
and can swim really fast.

I don't know how to swim yet.

Oh, you need to learn.

It's an important
life skill to have.

And if you're gonna
be a walrus...

- [giggles] - Makes sense.
- Yeah.

Here ya go.
[sheep bleating]

[exhales sharply]

What does that mean?

Oh yeah,

it means to allow God

to guide and direct us
with peace within our soul.

What's the worst sound
you've ever heard?

I don't believe I have one.

This is mine.

[hee-haws warbly]

Yep.

Okay.

That one there's mine, too.

Has she been following you
around again?

Oh hey, yeah.

I like the company.

Miss Arabelle needs you
for Nativity play rehearsal.

I'm one of the three wise men.

That seems fittin'.

[chuckles]

I love you,
Mr. Johnathan.

[giggles]

Sorry, she's... affectionate.

Yeah.

It's okay.

[speaks Pennsylvania Dutch]

I mean, it had
to be near freezing.

Jacob dove right off the dock.

- Yes.
- Into the nearly frozen pond.

Okay, now I remember.

I have never heard anyone
scream like that in my entire life.

- Right? One of a kind.
- [laugh]

I don't mean to interrupt
but Rachel,

it's our turn to get them
Christmas quilts up to Evergreens.

Is Abram still here?

No, he left about


head in to pick up some lumber.

Um...

Well, I can take them.

I will use the car and be back
to help before you know it.

Help?

- Taste testing is helping.
- [laughs]

Hmm, yeah.

You may wanna change.

You'll be scarin' English
off the streets in that.

[sighs]

This charm quilt was made
in a quilting circle

by four Amish elders while
awaiting the birth of a baby.

You know, I had forgotten how much
the Englishmen love to hear the stories

about how each quilt was made.

It really does make them
even more special.

The community love and attention
that goes into each one.

- That's the last of them.
- Drive carefully.

Okay, back soon.

I will be back. I promise.
[chuckles]

There's just a lot riding on this
open community day being a success.

And I'm not gonna let you down.

Now, get back to your pies
before they burn.

[engine turns over]

You're not leavin', are ya?

You know, I didn't realize that
everyone viewed me as such a flight risk.

Oh no, I-I just meant
that you agreed to help out

- with the open community day.
- I know what you meant.

I'm just going into town
to deliver the quilts.

Oh, okay.

Uh, well, be safe.

The roads are slick
after last night's rain.

Well, if you're worried,
you could come with me.

If you want.

I-I'd like to,

but I promised to help Abram
with the Nativity scene.

Your skills are in high demand.

- [scoffs]
- Ha, ha.

Just be safe.

Will do.

Hey, Zoey.

Where is everybody else?

Prayer group.

And what is this?

Scarecrow snowman.

Not enough snow to make
a real one. Yet.

- [laughs]
- Would you like some help?

You don't need to pray
with the others?

I give thanks in my own way.

I haven't gone to church
since my mom died.

You don't need to work?

It's probably best if
I'm not in the bakery by myself.

But I do know
where I can find a carrot nose.

Okay, you can help.

[tender music plays]

What do we think?

- Perfect.
- You wanna make another one?

Not sure if I can get away with stealing
a second carrot from tonight's stew.

But I do know where
a pretty great tire swing is.

Ooh, I'm not allowed
to leave the farm alone.

Or with strangers.

Can we invite my dad?

- Sure.
- If-if he's not busy.

Bring my dad to what?

This is higher than it looks.

Are you chickening out on us?

Thinkin' about it.

We both took our turn, Dad.

Yeah, well, when it comes
to tire swings,

I think that some people are
better suited... wah!

No! No!
Not so high!

You're doing great, Dad!

You just wait until I get
outta this thing, Zoey.

[laughing]

- Should I add a spin?
- Mm-hmm.

- No.
- A spin?

Ah, it's... okay. Wow. Zoey!
[laughing]

Wanna build
another scarecrow snowman?

Zoey, Sarah probably
has a lot to do today.

Actually... Zoey,
have you ever tried snow cream?

Oh, my goodness.

Let's go!
[giggling]

Oh, wait up!

First ingredient, snow.

I found some down by the well

and grabbed a little extra

because I have a feeling that
your dad's gonna wanna try this.

First thing, add in the milk
and the sugar.

[gentle music plays]

Okay, stir that all up
until it gets nice and creamy.

And when you're ready, add
just a little bit of that vanilla.

- That good?
- Perfect.

Okay, should be ready to try.

[tense music builds]

This is the best ice cream
I've ever tasted!

That's because it's snow cream.

It's special because you can
only have it when it's winter

and it's snowing.

[tender music plays]

[door clicks open]

I see you have found
my favorite reading spot.

[chuckles]

In your absence,
I've claimed it as my own.

But I'll share.

She's gonna sleep well tonight.

Did you see how much sugar
she added to the snow cream?

She'll be buzzing a while yet.

Can I ask you

what happened
with the Z's Adventure series?

They just abruptly ended
a couple of years ago and...

[clears throat]

Um...

the final book was released a
month before my wife, Anna, died.

You wrote them together.

At first, creating together

was a way that Anna and I
could combine our talents

to create a flexible life
while raising Zoey.

Family first.

The Z Adventure series started
off as Anna's online journal.

She wrote about all the stuff
that Zoey got up to.

And it was great at first.

That overnight success
that everyone dreams of.

But as the series rose
in popularity,

it started to consume
all our time.

What was supposed to give us
more time as a family

consumed our waking moments.

I know the publishing world
well,

so believe me when I say
I understand

the pressures that authors
are facing these days.

The day of the accident,
we were passing nearby

and the roads were slick.

We were on a call
with our publicist.

I was distracted.

Anna and I were disagreeing over
our social media marketing strategy.

Zoey was in the back seat

trying to get our attention
over a deer

that she saw
on the side of the road.

The deer decided to cross.

Next thing I know,

the car hit a tree.

It was all a blur after that.

[teary]: I'm so sorry.

If it wasn't for your dad
passing nearby...

My dad was there?

He saved Zoey's life.

[gasps]

I owe him everything.

Yes, Dad, Sarah's there
right now getting the recipes.

Yeah.

I know what's at stake.
I've got it under control.

Yes, Dad, I did your Christmas
shopping for Mom.

She's gonna love
what you bought...

[tense music plays]

[call dials]

- Okay.
- [clears throat]

I've been trying to reach you!

I am on an Amish farm.

- There are no cell phones allowed.
- How are you surviving that?

- Actually, it's really quite...
- Look, we need approval

on the cover art and the back
cover blurb, ASAP.

Marketing would like to create
online preorders before the break.

We are slated
for an April release!

I think all of this
is a bit premature.

I haven't even cleared
the idea with my family yet.

You've been there for three
days. What have you been doing?

I-I just need the timing...

The timing is right now, Sarah!

Before I have a panic attack.

I promised my dad that we can
save these accounts

and I need you to come through!

Okay. I-I will talk
to my sister today.

- Do it!
- And keep me posted!

- You okay?
- Fine.

I'm totally fine.

Why do you ask?

You haven't eaten half a loaf
of friendship bread yet today.

I, uh...

met my holiday carb limit,
I guess.

[baby whining]

Uh, do you mind?

- No!
- Not at all.

You're a natural!

Oh, now I wouldn't go that far.

You know, your mom is
such a great baker.

Everyone in the world should be
lucky enough to try her yummy desserts.

If only there were a way.

Okay, what's goin' on?

Nothing.

It's nothing.
I just...

I had an idea.

Mm-hmm.

What if you were
to publish your baking recipes?

Crane Publishing is looking for some
new cookbook ideas for the new year and...

You know we don't like the idea
of partnering with big corporations.

But book sales, they could
really help boost the business.

Help replace some of the money
from the Finley account.

I thought that's what we were trying
to achieve with the open community day.

It is.

This would just be
on a much bigger scale.

A successful cookbook could
hit a major bestselling list.

[laughs]

You know I love you

and you've accomplished a lot
in the city but...

we don't wanna be a part
of a big publishing company.

[sighs]

Believe me,

if there was a way we could
do it where we could boost profit

and stay within community rules,
I'd consider it.

What about self-publishing?

Selling only print versions.

Here, at our farm.

Or through local middleman
bakeries?

I could type all of the recipes
on my old typewriter.

We could have it printed
by Vintage Press.

They still use the old hydraulic
printing machines.

But part of the appeal of cookbooks
are images of the final product, right?

I mean, people wanna see
what they're making.

We can't take photos.

I think I know a way.

- Hi, Sarah.
- Bye, Sarah.

[laughs]

Well, someone's excited
to get to rehearsal.

She had three candy canes
this morning.

Before I woke up.

Well, 'tis the season
of sugar indulgence.

There's something
I would like your help with.

As long as it doesn't require
handyman skills, you got it.

I have a feeling this one is
more in your wheelhouse.

You have my attention.

I'd like to hire you
to illustrate an Amish cookbook.

You can draw food, right?

[laughs] - Since first
year art school, yes.

- [laughs]
- So, you'll do it?

I will.

But no payment required.

Just happy to finally add
some value around here.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I'll go tell Rachel
the good news.

Hold up.

I actually do have
one condition.

Which is?

I get to taste what I draw.

You drive a hard bargain, sir.

I'll see what I can do.

[bell on door jingles]

I'm here to draw.

Well, the desserts are ready
for their portrait session.

Um, well, I'll just
set up here, out of the way.

That's perfect.

And thank you for doing this.

My pleasure.

Any thoughts on what
we should make next?

I'm running out of
almost everything.

[sighs]

This is where
you've been hiding.

Hey, don't tell me you haven't
appreciated not having to redo my work.

Think we'll be able
to sell all of this?

If Dean doesn't eat it all
first.

I negotiated this
into my contract, remember?

[chuckles]

Sarah and I need to run into
town to get more ingredients.

Can you bring Hannah
to the barn with you?

It's really cold out there.

- She's bundled up warmly.
- She'll be fine.

- I could run into town for you.
- What do you need?

What is acacia?

A... type of flour?

We won't be gone
longer than an hour.

[softly]: Hey, it's okay.

Oh.

For the record, I have
no idea what acacia is either.

[hammering]

♪ This is the season
to believe ♪

♪ Make your wish, release it,
let it breathe ♪

♪ My special Christmas prayer
for you ♪

- You okay?
- You're okay.

♪ Is to see your spirit rising
brave and true ♪

♪ Had a long and lonely road ♪

Please.

♪ May you shine bright
as the star over Bethlehem ♪

She hardly ever cries
with Rachel.

Only with me.

I don't think she likes me.

You just have
to find your thing.

My thing?

Yeah.

The thing you do to calm her,

that no one else does
quite like you.

They like movement.

Yeah.

You try.

[Hannah whimpers]

[Hannah cries]

It's working.

How did you know how to do this?

When Zoey was that age,

she refused to go to sleep
unless she was moving.

A lot of nights spent pushing
her stroller around the block

until she'd fall asleep.

[softly]: You're okay.
You're okay.

♪ I know my voice has the power
to move mountains ♪

Not gettin' much sleep
these days yourself, huh?

Rachel needs her rest

and she takes care of Hannah
during the day,

so I'm on night shifts.

But even when she is sleeping,
I can't...

I just sit there staring at her,
making sure she's okay.

Wondering how
I'm going to do this.

You can't break her.

I promise.

Kids are resilient.

They need a lot less
than they think we do.

Just lots of love and attention.

♪ Your voice has the power
to move mountains... ♪♪

For all we are about to receive.

[speaking Pennsylvania Dutch]

Father, I thank you for family.

Do you ever regret leaving?

It's not regret, exactly.

I was always a little different
from everybody else.

Different how?

Curious about the outside world.

I used to beg my mom
to go into town with her

any time she had to go.

I was fascinated
with the lifestyle.

And don't get me wrong,
I loved my life here,

there was just something
pulling me.

This... thirst for knowledge.

This big life that felt
so different than mine.

Do you think that might be
part of the reason

you decided not to come back
after Rumspringa?

A huge part.

I don't love everything
about the Englishman way but...

I do wanna experience all of it.

And I love learning.

I really wanted
to continue my education.

Well...

I think what you're doing
for your family is really great.

Oh um...
[clears throat]

Uh, we should get back.

Already?

- Yeah, it's uh...
- it's past Zoey's bedtime.

[chuckles]

- Yeah, mine too these days.
- [chuckles nervously]

Will I see you tomorrow?

Uh, Zoey has her homeschooling
tutoring tomorrow.

But the next day.

You are coming back, right?

I didn't know
I was such a flight risk.

Come on.

[phone call ringing]

Hi, you've reached Sarah Haney.

Please leave a message. I'll
get back to you... [call beeps off]

[exhales]

[grunts]

[inhales and exhales deeply]

[snoring]

[sighs heavily]

I just haven't done this
in a very long time.

That's okay.

I don't wanna mess it up.

Perfection challenges God.

Flaws add to the design
of the quilt.

Flaws are okay.

Struggles are okay.

Mistakes are okay.

[typewriter keys clacking]

Fruitcake has long held
the reputation

of being the holiday dessert
that no one truly appreciates.

So, here on the Haney
family farm,

a holiday fruitcake bake-off
has been a long-running tradition.

This recipe was created
by our mom, Hannah Haney,

at age 16, when she first
competed in the bake-off

and won not only
the best fruitcake,

but the heart of our father.

Every year, she made
this special fruitcake for him

and it's a tradition that lives
on in her memory.

Oh, been a long time
since I heard them keys speak.

Sorry, am I keeping you up?

No, no,
that's the little one's job.

This here is a good sound.

I'm actually typing up
Mom's special fruitcake recipe.

- Hmm.
- Yeah.

I just snuck a slice downstairs
in the kitchen.

Gotta tell ya, it's...

it tastes just exactly
how I remember it.

Hmm.

Yeah, well,

anyway, just uh,

don't stay up too late,
all right?

I won't.

- All right.
- [speaks Pennsylvania Dutch]

Night, Dad.

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ On a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ O'er the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Bells on bob tails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is to laugh and
sing a sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ Oh jingle bells, jingle bells
♪

- ♪ Jingle all the way... ♪♪
- Lemon juice.

Keeps them from turning brown.

Well, I will add that
to our tips and tricks section.

And that should just
about do it.

We have 40 recipes
and with Dean's illustrations

and all of our family stories,

it puts the book
at around 100 pages.

Thank you, Sarah.

I couldn't have done
any of this without you.

[sighs]
[bell on door jingles]

Oh, this place smells
as fantastic as usual.

Well, that is entirely
Rachel's fault.

I have nothing to do with it.

[chuckles]

Are those the illustrations?

They're still
a little bit rough.

Could definitely do
with some more tweaking.

I will be the judge of that.

Wow.

Dean, these are fantastic.

Yeah?

They're so realistic.

And they totally capture
the warmth we're going for.

I'm glad you like them.

I love them.

Um...

we love them.

Thank you.

- [clears throat]
- Um, if you're busy here,

I could head over
to Vintage Press,

drop everything off, see about
printing time frame and all that.

She's not busy.

[exhales nervously]

I guess my services
are not appreciated here.

[giggles]
I'm free.

I could go with you.

If you'd like.

That'd be great.

No need to rush back.

You two could even have
dinner together.

I actually am
a pretty good cook.

Dinner at our place tonight?

If that's okay, I mean.

- Zoey counts as a chaperone.
- It's fine.

- [laughs]
- Yes.

Dinner sounds great.

Meet you at the gate?

[bell on door jingles]

Rachel, what was that?

Someone had to do it.

You two were taking forever
to get there.

- Rachel!
- [laughs]

Oh, I was 10 pounds lighter
before I met your family.

- Hmm.
- [chuckling]

It's all the pure ingredients.

All natural, all delicious.

Oh, no, no, no,
guests don't clean up.

Are you sure?

- Absolutely.
- Go relax in the living room.

- Coffee?
- That would be great.

Can I play outside?

Just for a little while.

And don't forget your hat.
[chuckles]

Zoey looks a lot like her mom.

Thank goodness for that.

[chuckles]

She has your smile, though.

Hmm.

Do you think you'll ever
finish the series?

If my agent and publisher
get their way,

which they likely will.

Your heart doesn't seem in it.

I had already started
to burn out before the accident.

If not the series,

what would you like to be doing?

Hmm.

I think I'd be happiest
freelancing.

I don't wanna fall
into another series

with deadlines and the pressures
of marketing.

I'm horrible on social media.
[laughs]

And I don't believe in exploiting
Zoey for a bestsellers list.

I get that.

What?

N-n-nothing.

N-no, it's just...
you're easy to be around.

Thank you? I think?

No, believe me,

coming from an introvert like
myself, that's a huge compliment.

Well, I think you're
pretty easy to be around, too.

[chuckles lightly]

And coming from someone

who is constantly
surrounded by people...

I also mean it as a compliment.

You're also very beautiful,

and kind, and funny.

I find I can't stop
thinking about you.

Oh, should I not have said that?

[laughs]

Um... no.

I mean, thank you.

I guess it's just been
a while since I felt...

this connected to someone.

It's a slightly terrifying
realization for me as well.

Sarah, it's been a long time

since I've opened myself up
to someone.

I've been closed off, guarded.

Meeting you changed things.

I've been happier
these past few days

than I have been...

ever?
[chuckles softly]

Getting to know you and Zoey,

reconnecting with my family

and seeing what a big part
the two of you are in their lives...

I don't know,
everything just feels...

[both]: Right.

[exhales]

[door clicks open]

I found fresh laid snow!

Let's make snow cream!

[sighs]
[clears throat]

Looks like our chaperone
is back.

- She sure is.
- Mm-hmm.

Well...

Well, what?

How was dinner last night?

It was really nice.

Dean wasn't kidding,
he is a very good cook.

And your cherry pie,
it was a hit.

I wasn't asking about the food.

Well, the company
was really nice, too.

You and Dean have been
spending a lot of time together.

He's illustrating the cookbook

and helping
with the Christmas concert.

I was just saying,

you seem to get along
really well, that's all.

He's really nice.

He's compassionate
and he's kind.

He is such a good father
to Zoey.

He's so different than the men
I meet in the city.

[chuckles]

Well, then again,
everything here is different.

In a good way.

He's... different too,
since you've been here.

Different how?

Happier.

More talkative.

Just open.

Huh.

It's probably just
that he finally feels

like he's contributing
in a meaningful way.

He always was.

He's a good man.

He's gonna miss you when
you leave after the holidays.

Just like the rest of us.

You know, I've been thinking...

what if I visit more?

We do have a barn raising
planned for the spring.

Count me in!

♪ Come and behold him ♪

It is tight.

Got it.

♪ Oh come let us adore you ♪

[tender music plays]

Everything all set for tomorrow?

We're as prepared as we can be.

Everything will be great.

I'll make sure of it.

You know, you make
a pretty decent security guard

if you're considering
a career change.

[laughs]

I always loved
the winter months out here.

Shorter days

and we got to stop our chores
a little earlier.

Be inside,
enjoying each other's company.

No work.

No distractions.

You must be looking forward to
going back to the city, though, right?

Yeah.

It'll be nice to be back
in a routine.

But I'm really gonna miss this.

Maybe in the new year,
Zoey and I can come visit.

She's never been to Chicago.

I would love that.

Are you nervous?

About tomorrow?

Things will work out
the way they should.

It really turned out
beautifully, Rachel.

It's yours.

- Oh, I-I couldn't.
- I want you to have it.

Consider it your Christmas gift.

And it even comes with a lovely
story of two sisters.

[bell on door jingles]

Special delivery.

The cookbooks are here?

I didn't think
they'd be done so soon.

Mr. Lapp said Dean paid for a
rush order to have them here today.

Thank you, Sarah.

We now have our recipes back to
pass down to future generations.

[kids laughing]

[upbeat music plays]

Was it hard?

Letting Sarah leave?

Hmm.

I keep wondering
how I'll deal with Zoey

going back to school
in the new year.

I can't imagine having her live
in a different city.

- You know, it wasn't my choice.
- It was hers.

And I'm at peace knowing
she's following her own will.

Sarah knows she's gonna be
welcome here anytime.

That door is always gonna be
open for her, you know,

if she ever decides
to choose our way.

Hmm.

You know,

that door is always gonna be
open to you and Zoey as well.

I sense a but coming.

Nah.

No but.

Just that...

you know, it can be...

it can be pretty easy
coming out here

and just get yourself lost,
you know.

Hide away from the rest
of the world.

It's something that...
something that we choose to do.

But you and Zoey, you got a... you
got a whole 'nother life away from here.

You know, one that
you may be neglecting.

Yeah.

One that you may...

you may need to spend
a bit more time in.

Yeah.

[upbeat music plays]

♪ There's love and laughter
in the air ♪

Come on in.

♪ And everybody's here
it's my favourite time of year ♪

♪ It's Christmas time again ♪

♪ I'm ready
for a snowball fight ♪

♪ And I like caroling
all through the night ♪

♪ Get those stockings on,
Rudolph's on the run ♪

♪ It's Christmas time again ♪

♪ Santa's checking his list ♪

♪ He knows he's gotta
check it twice... ♪

I got the rest that we have.

Can you believe
that's all that's left?

- I know.
- It's amazing.

I know!

♪ ...star
atop the Christmas tree ♪

♪ Shines brighter every year
for me ♪

♪ Sharing memories
with friends and family ♪

♪ It's Christmas time again ♪

[song continues]

♪ 'Cause I'm
the richest woman of all ♪

♪ I've found love
and that's everything... ♪♪

[knock echoes on board]

I hear that we have you to thank

for getting this book
here on time.

Well, couldn't miss
a great chance to sell them.

They turned out beautifully.

Thank you.

Well, you and Rachel
created the magic.

I just drew what I saw.

This is so much more
than a cookbook.

It's a true family treasure.

All of our stories and histories
wrapped up into baked goods.

You did good, Sarah.

[tender music plays]

For the record...

I would really like
to kiss you right now.

For the record,

I'd really like for you
to kiss me right now.

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm... ♪

It's okay to sing.

♪ Round yon Virgin ♪

♪ Mother and Child ♪

♪ Holy infant ♪

♪ So tender and mild ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪♪

[cheers and claps]

[curious music plays]

Ugh! Ugh!

- That was so good!
- I remembered all the words!

You were so great, Zoey!

You know what we should go get?

Hot chocolate!
[gasps, Sarah chuckles]

Bye.

You know where hot
chocolate lives?

Have we ever been there?

[laughs]

- Big news for me, I mean...
- Oh, Sarah, there you are!

Um... give me just...

uh... one second.

Darla, what are you doing here?

I haven't been able
to reach you in days!

So you came to Kentucky?

To check in on the status
of the cookbook.

Sales and marketing
has been driving me crazy

with status updates, and
final cover design approvals.

Is this the prototype?

- No!
- Not... exactly.

This is fantastic!

It needs some touching up, obviously,
from the marketing department,

but you've really outdone
yourself, Sarah!

Darla, my family is not
signing with Crane Publishing.

- What?
- I don't understand.

What are you doing?
Stop pushing!

[gasps]

What is wrong with you?

I can't exploit
my family's recipes.

You had no problem
with it two weeks ago.

Yes, I did!

I was just in fear
of losing my job!

That fear should still be
driving your decisions.

Fear should not drive decisions.

Doing what's right should.

- [cackles]
- No.

This would be very profitable
for your family.

You're offering them
a book contract!

Do they realize how many bakers
would love to be in their shoes?

A guaranteed


They don't care
about any of that.

The answer is no, Darla.

Look, Sarah, I get it,

being home for the holidays can
stir up all sorts of emotions.

I know I've stocked up on wine.

But think about your career.

Your future.

I am thinking about my future.

My family comes first.

And your family should realize
how good you are at your job.

You can't control the market,
Darla.

I'm sorry.

And if this means I don't have
a job in the new year...

I guess that's just something
I'm going to have to deal with.

I really am sorry.

I am too.

I can't save your position.

Especially now, having to go
back on the idea,

after getting
everyone's hopes up?

I have to let you go.

I understand.

Hmm...

[grunts]

Ugh!

Ow!
Ooh, I hate the country.

What is this?

Dad, I-I...

It's late. We'll talk about it
in the morning.

Go on, sweetie.

Jump in the car where it's warm.

I'll be there in a sec.

I can explain.

- Don't bother.
- I get what's happening.

No, it-it's not like that.

You weren't here
to exploit your family?

[sighs]

I admit,

I came here initially
to talk to my family

about doing a book
with Crane Publishing

but that changed.
I mean, everything changed.

You grew a conscience, you mean.

I never wanted to do
any of this in the first place.

When Rachel told me no,
that was it.

End of discussion.

If any of my drawings

appear in a book

other than the one
I agreed to...

I would never do that!

Dean, come on,
you know I would never do that!

I have to go. Uh...

Zoey's waiting.

Bye, Sarah.

[footsteps crunch away]

[melancholy music plays]

I'm sorry that I wasn't honest.

Yeah well,

I knew why you'd come here.

Why didn't you call me out?

- It's not our way.
- You know it.

Besides,

I knew you'd have
a change of heart.

How?

You're my daughter.

And I raised you right.

I should get going.

I wanna say goodbye
to Rachel in the bakery.

You can stay.

I'd, um...

we'd like you to stay.

[teary]: I think
it's probably best if I go.

[sniffles]

Bye, Dad.

Don't be a stranger.

[door closes]

[bell on door jingles]

I'll let you two talk.

It was good to see you, Sarah.

It was great to see you, too.

Hannah.

I am so sorry that I didn't
tell you why I was here.

Did you really think I believed you had
suddenly become interested in baking?

You knew too?

You're a cookbook editor.

Wasn't exactly a mystery.

I promise I'm not publishing any
of our recipes for Crane Publishing.

Look, if you had just told me
your job were in trouble,

I would've let you
use the recipes.

You could've published
your own book.

I just didn't want you to think that
that was the only reason I was here.

Because to tell you the truth,

the moment I walked in
those gates,

I was just so happy to be home.

To spend time with all of you.

To meet Hannah.

Meeting Dean and Zoey?

It was all wonderful.

As soon as you said no to the
cookbook idea, I dropped it.

I just wanted to help
the community after that.

I know.

And you did.

Not only did we make a fantastic
family heirloom cookbook to treasure,

but we also secured a new bakery

to sell our items
in the new year.

Community day worked.

So well that Dad said
the other community members

wanna make it a regular thing.

That's fantastic.

So... what
are you gonna do now?

[sniffles]

I don't know.

But I will figure it out.

I should get on the road.

It's starting to snow.

Can't you stay through
Christmas?

Dean and Zoey made plans to
spend their Christmas with you.

I would hate to make that
awkward.

I understand.

Thank you.

For everything.

I should be
the one thanking you.

Have faith.

Dean will come around.

He just might need some time.

You know, the fact
that he's upset with me,

it makes me like him even more.

I love the way
he cares for all of you.

Tell them merry Christmas
for me.

Of course.

From you to me to you.

Merry Christmas, Rachel.

Merry Christmas.

[bell on door jingles]

[paper crinkling]

If she's gone,
how can we give her her present?

I'll mail it to her in the city.

I really liked her.

Me too, Z.

Me too.

[old Christmas movie
plays in background]

I'm sure Mr. Daly has
other plans.

No, he hasn't, have you?

Well, as a matter of fact, to be truthful
and completely realistic with the child,

- I must say, I haven't.
- Please, Mother, please.

Can I ask all right,
Mr. Daly?

Well, that all depends.

[Sarah sobbing]

[tender music plays]

[paper crinkles]

What do we do with this one?

This is for Sarah.

I don't have
her contact information.

All right, well,

I'll have Rachel get it to her.

Aren't you upset?

With Sarah?

No, no.

Well, I knew
why she'd come here. And...

You know, I knew
she'd do the right thing.

Even if she didn't, well,

forgiveness...

it's... it's our way.

Yeah, I'll admit...

I'm still struggling
with that part.

Hmm. Yes, that's us choosing
our own path, you know.

We choose to do the right thing,

we choose to do the wrong,

but always, that choice is
gonna be up to you. And...

I guess that's really
what it comes down to.

You know, we...

we choose our own happiness.

Fear and anger, whew,

resentment, well,

they're just gonna steal
your joy, son.

And that ain't no way to live.

Actually,

do you think I could have that
address for Sarah in the city?

Ah...

I think I'd like
to give this to her myself.

Well, okay.

All right.

Well, you be safe
on the road, all right?

Hey, uh...

why don't you have Zoey
stay here with us?

Could use a good Scrabble
opponent.

- Hmm.
- Hmm.

[Deck the Halls melody playing]

[knocking on door]

Dean.

What are you doing here?

Where is Zoey?

Playing Scrabble with your dad.

[chuckles lightly]

I would have called
or texted first

but we never did get a chance
to exchange phone numbers.

I did, however,
have your address.

[chuckles lightly]

You drove six hours
on Christmas Day

just to see me?

Actually, to give you
your Christmas present.

Uh, may I come in?

Oh, um, yes!

Of course you can.
I'm sorry.

[door creaks closed]

Here you go.

[paper rustles]

[teary]: It's perfect.

I'm sorry I was so upset.

And for the things I said.

[sniffles]

I should be the one apologizing.

You were just trying
to protect my family.

The way I should have.

We all make mistakes.

I know I made one.

Oh, Dean.

Sarah, I was terrified

to open myself up to the
possibility of love again,

so at the first
sign of trouble, I bailed.

I panicked.

But I'm not ready to walk away
from what we have

because I know what we have is
special.

No one makes me feel
the way you do.

I feel the same way about you.

This Christmas,
getting to know you

restored my faith in hope,

and forgiveness, and in love.

I never thought I'd feel
this way again, but...

I'm falling in love with you,
Sarah.

I'm falling in love
with you, Dean.

I'm only sorry that you didn't get
to spend Christmas with your family.

This is the best part
about an Amish Christmas,

we have a whole another day to celebrate
with friends and family on the 26th.

Like a second Christmas?

That is exactly what
it's called! [Laughs]

♪ Are you ready to fall
in love this Christmas ♪

♪ Under the mistletoe ♪

♪ Is a kiss
on top of your wish list ♪

♪ Well I know a girl
you should know ♪

♪ She is sugar and spice ♪

♪ Naughty and nice ♪

♪ Waiting under
that evergreen ♪

♪ If you're ready to fall
in love this Christmas... ♪♪

[door opens and closes]

Look who I found trying
to trespass on the property.

Daddy! Sarah!

Hey, kiddo.

It is good to have you home
so soon.

- Merry Christmas, Dad.
- Ah.

[speaks Pennsylvania Dutch]

Oh yes.

Told you he'd come around.

Oh well, sometimes you just
need to have a little faith.

[laughs]

Thank you for bringing me home
for Christmas.

It wouldn't be this special
without you.

Merry Christmas, Sarah.

Merry Christmas, Dean.

[upbeat music plays]

♪ I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ It's the best time
of the year ♪

♪ I love toasting marshmallows
in the fire ♪

♪ And jelly cups of cheer ♪

♪ I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ Let those bells ring
loud and clear ♪

♪ Oh I can't wait
for Christmas ♪

♪ Santa be my witness ♪

♪ I can't wait for Christmas
this year ♪

♪ I love gifts to wrap
making ginger snaps ♪

♪ And angels in the snow ♪

♪ Writing letters
to Santa Claus ♪

♪ Everybody knows ♪

♪ I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ Bells ring loud and clear ♪

♪ Oh oh I can't wait
for Christmas ♪

♪ Santa be my witness ♪

♪ I can't wait for Christmas
this year ♪

♪ Waiting underneath the mistletoe
until someone kisses me... ♪♪