Christmas CEO (2021)

[bunniefuu]

This program is rated G

and is suitable for
general audiences.

Maybe we should have put up
more signs?

Or maybe it's just
too cold outside, Chris?

I was hoping we'd sell
at least one toy

before dinner time, Joe.

Know what? We will,

'cause I'm gonna buy one.
This one!

- But you helped them make it.
- So?

The whole point is
that we make toys

that we'd wanna play with,
right?

Right.

Then congrats on being our
first official customer.

Let's do this every year.

That's the plan. I wanna be
a world-famous toymaker,

just like Santa Claus.

Just way prettier.

Heather tells me
it's my destiny to make toys

since I was born on Christmas.

Can it be my destiny too?

Even though I'm born in July.

- Of course.
- Pinky promise?

Mom, look at all these toys!

Can I get one?

Ooh, that one is my favorite.

Oh, that's about $ . .

Oh, the weather
outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful

And since we've no place to go

Right, but let manufacturing
know we will reorder,

once they add a new recording
to the voice chip.

Now, it doesn't show signs
of stopping

And I've brought some corn
for poppin'

Hmm, and I have
Kathleen Keller at : ,

so make sure that my meeting
with Quality Assurance

gets pushed. Oh, one second.

Okay, yeah, go ahead.

How I hate goin' out
in the storm

Uh-huh.

Yeah, I'm on my way.

But if you really hold me tight

All the way home I'll be warm

Now, the fire is slowly dyin'

And my dear,
we're still goodbye-in'

But as long you love me so

Let it snow, let it snow,
let it snow

Oh, it doesn't show signs
of stopping

And I've brought some
corn for poppin'

All the lights are turned
way down low

Let it snow...

Tell Marketing that
I will approve all overtime,

I just need everyone
to stay late

so they can finish
the focus group reports.

Ah! Oh! Oh!
I'm-I'm so, so sorry.

No, not you, Alice.

You're in uh, quite a hurry.

It's Christmas Time.
You should be slowing down.

Uh, Alice, hold on,
I have a Santa talking to me.

I-I'm sorry, what?

You're in too much
of a hurry. It's Christmas!

You should be enjoying it all.

Well, that sounds lovely,

but it's a very busy time
of year for me, so...

It's a very busy time
for me, too.

You know, Christmas
is days away,

but I'm not bumping into people.

You don't have a company to run,

and the biggest meeting of your
life, happening today.

Yeah.

That you know of. h*, h*, h*.

Oh, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.

- Looking good, Nick!
- Thank you, Joe.

h*, h*, h*. Taxi!

Oh. Also, I wanna make sure
that there is

fresh pastries available
for when Kathleen arrives.

Get over here!

Why is she here so early?
I don't know,

I was in the copy room
this whole time

and just saw now
that she was in your office.

How long has she been waiting?

I'm not sure.
Why are you so nervous?

Because, CEO's of top-tier
toy companies

don't call me everyday
to arrange a meeting.

I mean, this could be
about something big!

- Help me!
- Good luck.

Also, your sister called again.

Yeah, tell her I'll call her
tomorrow.

Kathleen Keller,

it is such a pleasure
to meet you in person.

Well, I feel the same.

Uh, I'm so sorry
to keep you waiting,

I just, I thought our meeting
was at : ?

You know, I was probably in LA

when I put it on my calendar,

and the cell phone didn't
transfer the time zones.

Well, I hope I'm not getting
you at a bad time.

Oh no, no, not at all.

I'm just so glad
that you're here.

I was thrilled when I heard
the CEO of Arlo Toys

wanted to meet with me.

I've just admired
your work from afar

for as long as I can remember.

I've been following yours,
as well,

and to see everything you've
accomplished here at CJ's Toys,

in such a short time,
it's very impressive.

That's actually why
I wanted to meet you.

I am uh, planning on retiring

before the end of the year. Oh.

And I don't wanna leave my
company in just anyone's hands.

I need someone just as driven,
just as dedicated,

just as business-focused
as I am.

Hmm.

And from all my research,

I believe that person is you.

I... I'm flattered!

I wouldn't ask you to give up
everything

you've created here,
so to preserve my legacy,

and to begin yours,

I am proposing...

that CJ's Toys
and Arlo Toys merge.

To form one, brand-new company,

with you as CEO.

- A-Are you serious?
- To be honest,

I really can't see Arlo Toys
continuing to move forward

without someone like you
at the helm.

I mean, merging,
with Arlo Toys...

being in charge of something
that big

would just it-it would be
an honor.

Well, I'm happy you feel
that way.

I've been trying to expand
CJ's Toys for so long,

but we never had the resources
until now.

Well, there's a bit of a process

before things become official,
of course.

- Yeah, of course.
- But we wanna move fast

so we can make the announcement
of the merger

before the new year.

Whatever you need, I-I'm in.

Okay, well we'll need
all your quarterly reports

- for the past few years.
- Okay.

And the Board will wanna
meet with you

before they vote on anything
officially.

Okay, ju-just say when,
and I will be there.

Well, lots to do,
as you can imagine,

but I am so happy
we're on the same page.

Me too.

So, uh, I'll be in touch.

Sure. Let me walk you out.

Oh, there was one other thing
that my lawyers mentioned.

Oh, what's that?

When CJ's first started,
you had a co-founder, right?

Joe Sullivan?

What?

Uh, yeah, yeah, he uh,

he left the company years ago.

Good, then uh,
it shouldn't be a problem

to get him to sign off?

- What's that now?
- Well, his name is still

on the articles of
incorporation.

All the owners of the company
have to sign off

for the merger to go through.

But it's not a problem, right?

- No!
- Okay.

- No, no, no, not at all.
- Great.

- No problem.
- We'll be in touch.

- Okay.
- Talk soon.

Great!

Okay, I'm bad at lip reading,
but did she just say merger?

We have a problem.

Merging with a company
as large as Arlo Toys

takes us to the next level.

Yeah, and they want me as CEO.

That's amazing!
But why do you look like

like you just saw a ghost?

Because I have to get
Joe Sullivan to sign off

- on the merger.
- Who's that?

He was my childhood best friend.

Oh.

We co-founded CJ's Toys
together,

- he's the "J" in CJ's Toys.
- Oh!

He left, abruptly, one day,

just after a discussion
that we had about

the direction of the company.

Still not totally seeing
the problem.

It didn't end on the best
of terms,

and I have not spoken to him
in seven years.

Hmm.

I have an idea. You know what?

Get our lawyers on the phone.

I bet you I can come up with
a better solution than this.

Also, your sister called.

She needs you to call her back.

Hello.

Hey, Heather!

Finally I got a hold of you.

Yeah, sorry, it's been
a busy morning.

You busy? No way.

- Hey, we gotta go.
- Funny. What's up?

The headliner for the
UK Christmas Folk Tour

just dropped out. They asked
Todd and I to step in

for the rest of the tour.

Oh, wow! Congrats!
That's so cool!

I know that you've been wanting
to tour with them for awhile.

Exactly, but it does mean

that we have to be away
for a few weeks.

So, I'm calling because we need
someone to watch Emma.

Normally I would say yes
in a heartbeat but um...

I just found out that Arlo Toys
wants to merge with us.

- With me as CEO.
- Oh, wow!

That's amazing! Congratulations!

Yeah, thank you.
It's still uh...

sinking in so...

as you could imagine,
there's a... a lot to do,

and apparently, it can't happen
unless I get Joe Sullivan

to sign off on the merger.

Well, there's a name that I
haven't heard in a long time.

Right? So, I-I have a lot
of stuff to figure out,

so I'm-I'm sure
you can understand

that throwing Emma
into the mix right now

would just be really,
really tough.

Well, Mom and Dad are on
their cruise until Christmas

and there's no one else that
we can ask to watch Emma

on such short notice.

You-you know, I haven't
watched her in years.

I know, because you're always
working.

Yeah. Yeah!

Of course I will.
It's no problem at all.

Great. We'll drop her off
after dinner.

Can't wait!

Todd: Okay, so no TV
on school nights.

Also, make sure to be on time

for pick up and drop off.
It gets crowded there.

Oh, and tomorrow,
she's auditioning

for the school Christmas
concert.

That means no staying up late!

- Okay. Right.
- Relax, guys, we got it. Okay?

Right, Emma?
Okay, got a flight to catch.

Bye, Sweetheart.
Have fun with Aunt Chris!

- And call me anytime.
- Okay.

- Thank you.
- Okay, guys, go.

Go, enjoy the tour!
We're good here!

Thank you so much, Chris!

Whew!

So, hey, I mean,
this should be fun, right?

We haven't hung out,
just the two of us,

since you were little.

Okay, well um, you could help
yourself to anything,

and I'll put your guitar
and your bag up in the room

that I-I made for you.

I was gonna order a pizza
tonight, if you want that?

So...
Where's your Christmas tree?

Uh, I-I don't have one.

I usually spend Christmas
at your place.

Yeah, well not for these
past two years.

True, uh, but I usually
have work emergencies

that I'm taking care of.

- At your toy company?
- Mm-hmm.

So, then,
where are all your toys?

Uh...

well, I-I mainly work on the
business side of toymaking.

You know, like profit margins,
and...

supply and demand.

It's really cool.

How 'bout I just order
that pizza?

I don't understand.

But he was the one
who walked away

and made it perfectly clear
he wanted nothing to do

with the future of the business.

- We're here!
- Can I tell him...

Oh, uh I gotta go. I will...
I'll call you right back.

Okay.

Where is everyone?
It seems kinda empty.

I think everyone is inside.
We're really late.

sh**t, sorry,
that's kinda my fault.

But the-the cold pizza
was pretty good, right?

Yeah.

Okay, I'll-I'll be here at : .

- : .
- : .

Have a good day!

Hey, good luck on the audition!
Thanks.

Okay, I'm back.

Are you sure, there's no
legal action we can take?

I don't even know
where Joe Sullivan is.

He's pretty much fallen
off the map.

You're looking for Joe Sullivan?

Yeah. Hang on a second. Why?

Well, I know Joe Sullivan.

Well, Santa, it's probably
a pretty common name.

Well, is his father
Tucker Sullivan,

who's got the antique shop
downtown?

Yeah, actually that's the one.

Well, Joe works there now.

Wow.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

I found him. I found him.

h*, h*, h*!

Hey! I'm so sorry.

Just a really busy day
at the office.

You okay?

Look, I-I really am sorry, Okay:

I-I-I'll try and be better
about being on time.

I just...

I'm still getting used
to all this.

It's not that.

Then what is it?

Hey, you can tell me anything,

you know that.

- It's stupid.
- I doubt that.

I asked if I could perform
an original Christmas song,

but they said that I could
only perform a song

that was already approved.

I didn't know
you wrote your own songs.

Although, I guess, since both
your parents are musicians,

it was only a matter of time.

Yeah, well, they do
folk covers, and I do pop.

Oh, yeah, I like pop, too.

You know, just 'cause they
said no this time,

doesn't mean that things
can't change.

I mean, I can't tell you
how many no's I got

When I was starting
my own company.

Just made me want it even more.

- Really?
- Yeah!

Okay, so they won't let you
perform it here.

You'll find some place else
that does. It's their loss!

I hope you're right.

Thanks, Aunt Chris.

I know I'm right.

Let's get outta here.

So, I have a really important
stop to make.

- Mind tagging along?
- Sure.

Okay.

Whoa, this place is cool!

What's a toy hospital?

I don't know.

Hey, Joe!

Chris?

What are you doing here?

Um, I needed to talk
to you about something.

Okay.

What's a toy hospital?

It's where I fix uh,
toys that are broken.

Huh, Joe, you remember
my niece, Emma?

Oh! Wow, yes,

the last time I saw you,

you were a toddler.

Wait, you guys know each other?

Used to.

Look at all this stuff!

I was really surprised to
hear that you're working here.

Yeah, well, things didn't
quite work out

the way I'd hoped.

You know how that goes.

Look, I-I... I didn't come
here to stir things up.

CJ's Toys and Arlo Toys
are merging,

so apparently, and legally,

I need your signature to uh...

move forward with the merger.

Hmm...

no. Mm-mm.

No?

What do you mean, no?

Like, the usual definition
of no,

like, no.

There's no way this is
gonna happen.

I'm not gonna give our company
away to a corporate giant.

Okay, first of all, it hasn't
been our company in years,

and that was your choice.

And secondly, I'm trying
to do this the easy way.

Without all the paperwork
and lawyers.

Lawyers.

And what difference does
it make to you anyway?

Wait, you guys started
CJ's Toys together?

Yeah.

And then one day, Joe decided
to walk away from it all.

That, well...

your aunt decided that
the most important things

of toy making was the profits.

No, the most important thing
about running a business

is sustaining that business.

- Same thing!
- It's not the same thing!

- It is.
- No!

- Same thing!
- Not at all!

What's all this stuff
over here for?

Uh, those are donations
that we put together.

I run the annual toy drive
jamboree,

and we do an event every year
with Toys for Tots.

We bring these toys to
children's homes in the area.

It's really fun.
That's really nice of you.

Yeah, it's always a lot of fun.

Sounds like a really great
cause.

It is.

I guess I'll get
the paperwork ready and...

call the lawyers.

Let's go.

Chris!

I'll sign.

- Under one condition.
- Okay?

You volunteer for my
toy drive jamboree,

and I will sign your silly
merger away.

I can't!

I don't have the time to
volunteer for a toy drive.

- Hmm.
- Um, but-but...

what if CJ's Toys made like
a really big donation?

Mm-mm. No, we need
boots on the ground.

It's at Pleasant Park.

Kids come from all over.

They eat together,
we play games,

they actually get to open
every one of these gifts

that we collect all month long.

Come on, Aunt Chris,
it sounds like fun.

- Can I help?
- Yes! Of course!

The more, the merrier.

Okay, um...

so, if I sign off on this
toy drive thingy.

Jamboree.

Jamboree.

Then you'll sign off
on the merger.

Promise.

- Good morning.
- Morning.

Huh. Guess who got
you breakfast?

Well, technically Alice did,

but it's better than cold pizza,
right?

The sugary kind. Mom never
lets me have that one.

Oh, uh, sh**t.

Well um... maybe we don't tell
your mom.

Hmm?

Oh, I found this in the back
of the guest room closet.

I was looking to see if you had
any Christmas decorations

stored there. You don't,
but you have a toy.

Oh, wow.

I haven't seen this in ages.

You know, Grandma took me
and your mom,

when we were little, to see
the Nutcracker Ballet,

- and this was my souvenir.
- Hmm.

Oh, it doesn't work. I tried.
Oh.

That's probably why it was
in the back of the closet.

Hmm.

You know you could take it
to the jamboree meeting.

Maybe Joe could fix it.

For one minute,

I had the bliss of forgetting
that I volunteered.

Why don't you like Joe?
He seems nice.

I don't not like Joe.

In fact, we used to be
best friends.

- No way!
- Yeah,

we even went to the same
college.

That's where we created
CJ's Toys.

Hmm. What made you two
stop being best friends?

Did you have a fight?

Something like that.

Anyway, you almost finished?

I wanna be able to tell your
mom I made drop off on time.

Fine, but will you go
get the wind-up ballerina

to get fixed?

For you, of course. Hmm.

So, you're holding your
signature for ransom.

Dad, I'm not holding
anything for ransom,

I just think if I can keep
Chris away

from her corporate world,

maybe she'll be able to get
back to her love of making toys

and what got her there
in the first place.

And maybe you'll get
your friend back.

Yeah, maybe. And she'll
understand why I had to leave

and couldn't keep going
down that road with her.

- That's a lot of maybes.
- Yeah, I know.

Hmm, just be careful.

I know how much she meant to you

and how hard things were
when things went south.

It's not like that.

I don't have feelings
for her anymore.

Right. Of course.

That was a long time ago,
and besides,

I never acted on them.

Well, I trust you know
what you're doing.

Just can't figure out
this light.

Oh, funny.
Why didn't you tell me?

Well, when will
the supplier show up?

Okay, well when was it due?

Uh-huh, uh-huh.

Okay, Alice can you contact
the supplier,

see if they can get those
deliveries out tonight?

Hey! Better late than never.

Um, I gotta go.

I'll-I'll be back
at the office soon.

I had a work call.
You, a work call?

Everybody, this is uh,
our newest volunteer, here.

This is Christmas Winnacker.

- Uh, hi, I go by Chris.
- Hi, Chris.

Your full name is Christmas?

Um, yeah, yeah, I was um,

I was born on December th,

a week early,

so my mom figured my destiny
was Christmas.

Mm-hmm.

You look familiar.

Oh, it's you!

You're volunteering
for this too?

- Proudly!
- You're... everywhere.

Of course I am, I'm Santa.

Or, if you prefer,
you can call me Nick.

- Committed to the role, huh?
- Hmm.

- Noble.
- Whatcha got there?

Oh, uh...

I don't know
if you remember this,

but it's my sugar plum
fairy ballerina.

Emma found it
and it-it's not working,

so I thought perhaps
you could fix it?

I do remember this!

Uh, let me, let me look at it.
I'll see what I can do.

- Thank you.
- Okay, everybody,

so I was just about to get
everybody together

and go over what we need to
for the next week and a half.

Oh, okay.

So, we still have two more
food vendors that need spots.

We need to fill those spots.
Two more collection bins

are needed for the businesses
over at the Galleria.

I have a walkthrough a little
bit later at the venue

at the park, so who's free
to come by and help me

measure out some of the venue
there, anybody?

h*! h*! h*!

Chris! Yes, thank you.
That's unexpected,

but okay, it's gonna be at
Pleasant Park at : p.m.

Well, uh, well, no, no.

Thank you.
And it's... I'm inspired.

Inspired by your initiative
with this.

Thank you for volunteering.

Sure.

Okay, Decorating Committee.

We need one.

All right, that's feet,
right there.

Okay, that's three booths
across.

Are you sure there's enough
room here for everything

you wanna put in it?

Yeah! Sure, we'll make it work.

Okay, well either there's
enough room, or there's not.

I mean, the numbers here
don't have much wiggle room.

Ah, numbers don't determine
everything.

Right, but they play
an important role.

Are we still talking
about the booths?

You know, you were the same
way when it came to our company

you didn't pay attention
to the numbers there, either.

The funny thing about that is,

you had all the most
creative ideas back then.

Do you remember that little
remote control car

that turned into a boat?

Yes, I loved that car.

But then, I came back to reality

and realized you can't make
something that costs more

than what you could sell it for.

Reality, you see, that's when
it all became about money.

No, it became about running
a business,

which is the whole point
of having a company.

- Ah.
- Hey, Joe? - Yeah.

Do you still think the wind
up ballerina could be fixed?

I think that just about
anything can be fixed

if... you're willing to work
at it.

Okay, what's next?

Stage location.

Wait, there's gonna be a stage?

Yeah, I mean, not a big stage,

but there'll be music there
throughout the day.

You know, Emma's
a singer-songwriter now.

No way!

Yeah, well, my school
doesn't think so.

Well, they won't let her
perform the Christmas song

that she wrote for the school
concert.

Well, that's ridiculous.

Hey, I have a really good idea!

Why don't you play your song
here,

for us, at the jamboree? Really?

Yeah, an original song
written by a kid,

Heard for the first time
by other kids,

it'll be the highlight
of the entire day!

That sounds amazing.
Thank you, Joe!

Yeah!

Oh, hey Aunt Chris, there's
a Christmas Tree lot here,

maybe we can get one
for your apartment.

Whoa, hold on, you don't
have a Christmas tree yet?

- Isn't that crazy?
- It's crazy.

Well, it's not a big deal,

I spend Christmas
at Heather's anyway.

Yeah, when you're not working.

Right, which is almost never,
so I just,

I don't see the point of going
through all of that

if I'm barely home.

Wow, so okay, so your aunt

used to be really good
at decorating Christmas trees.

You were!
Okay, so before you both

die of offense, let's go get
a Christmas tree.

- And decorations.
- Yes!

Whoa, whoa, wait.

You don't have decorations
either?

Who are you?

Come on, Emma!
We got work to do!

At abo?

No way! We can go way bigger
than that.

You don't have
to do this, you know.

I'm sure you have a ton
of work to do.

Right, and find out that you
backed out,

went back into work?
No way, not ever.

I'm not doin' that to Emma.

We're gonna find you something
here.

We're gonna get your house
decorated.

I forgot how determined
you can be.

Yeah,

that's-that's one thing
we had in common.

True.

We just became determined
about the opposite things.

Yeah.

Look, I know that us
not talking for like,

seven years is this huge
elephant in the room, so I-

- Shh, shh, shh, shh.

Not in front of the trees.

Christmas tree shopping
is a sacred experience.

It's a merry one,
in case you forgot.

Found one!

Look, see? Emma, she's got
a Christmas spirit,

so genetically, it must be
somewhere in there?

Hello?

Okay.

I think more to the right.

No, my right. This way.
Oh, good! Yeah.

Oh, I've got needles everywhere.

Well, that's how you know
you're doing it right.

Wow.

Ahem.

Did somebody say decorations?

Wow! Look at all this stuff!

And you just happened to have
all these

Christmas tree decorations
lying around.

This is the tip of the iceberg.

You should see how much
stuff we have.

People decorate all year round.
Did you know that?

- Bordering on hoarding.
- Yeah... hey.

This is gonna look great
over here.

Oh yeah. Really great.

Right. Oh yeah,
let's tinsel it up.

- That's garland.
- Same thing.

Is it though? Both:

I cannot remember the
last time I decorated a tree.

I would gasp but no,
that tracks.

At least I'm doing it now.

Yeah.

Oh, since you're out practice
you probably don't remember,

but you should space out your
ornaments.

They're gonna cluster.
No, they're not.

- Ooh.
- Oh, yeah.

Actually, you're right.
Smart kid!

There.

Oh, I, I have to take this.

Hey, Kathleen.

Hey. I was hoping to catch
you at the office,

but nobody picked up.
Oh, uh, I'm not there.

Okay. Well, I was calling
to let you know

that the Board wants to meet
with you on the nd.

They want a full presentation
of your work at CJ's

and your vision for our merger.

- Okay, sounds good.
- All right, so,

while you're working on it,
why not send it over to me,

and uh, we can tweak it
to their satisfaction.

Can you have something ready
for me by Friday the th?

- Yeah, I'll get right on that.
- Excellent.

So, the other thing I wanted
to ask about was

the Joe Sullivan situation.
How's that going?

Oh, uh, it's good.
It's coming along.

Heads up! Kathleen: I hope so!

Be a shame to have the Board
approve

and then come up short
with that.

Well, believe me,
I won't let that happen.

Okay. Good.

- Okay, have a good night.
- You too.

Ah, look what I found!

Okay, a little to the left.

- This part?
- Yeah, a little more.

Yeah, little...
More to the right now.

- Okay, right there.
- Right. Right there.

Yeah? Looks good.
Oh, we got a decorator down.

I didn't realize it was so late.

I have to get her to bed.
Allow me.

Okay, come here, you.

There we go. Okay.

Well, Emma is snug as a bug.

Thank you.

Mm-hmm.

Wait, is that what I think
it is?

This? Yeah,

I thought it might make
a good tree topper.

I can't believe you still
have that.

Well, like you said,
I'm bordering on hoarder.

Really, I'm... I'm surprised.

Guess it meant a lot to me.

You... you meant a lot to me.

You meant a lot to me, too.

Just some things meant
a little bit more.

I thought we weren't gonna
get into that today, remember?

Right. Right.

Your tree is decorated,
and that's all that matters.

- Should we put it on top?
- Yeah!

Yeah. It still fits.

Hey! All right, here she is!

All dressed
and ready for school.

Looks like she's playing
guitar and still in her PJ's.

Uh, well, we have like,
minutes

before we have to be there,
so we're... we're good!

Hey, guess what?
Joe is gonna let me perform

my original song
at the Toy Drive Jamboree.

It's gonna be my first gig

where I get to play
something that I wrote.

- What?! That's amazing!
- Exciting!

But hold on, back up,
Joe as in Joe Sullivan?

Yeah, Aunt Chris' old friend.
He's really fun.

Interesting.

It's a long story.

- We've got time.
- Yes, but we don't.

We have to get to school,

and we are all about being on
time in this house.

Mm-hmm.

Uh, will you guys be able
to make it for my performance?

- When is it?
- December rd.

Yeah, our last show's
the nd, so we'll be there.

Wouldn't miss it for the
world. Love you, Honey!

- Love you!
- Love you, too!

Bye!

I really mean it,
Joe's really fun.

Yeah, he has his moments.

- You're fun too, Aunt Chris.
- Thank you.

Okay, you need to get ready
for school.

Oh um, also, today after school,

I need you to come
to the office with me.

I just, I have a lot of work
to do. I hope that's okay?

Yeah, sure.
You work at a toy company

and that's like every kid's
dream.

Okay, get dressed.

I don't get it.

What?

There aren't any toys
here either?

Uh, I think we have some
left over from the display

that we did at the toy
convention, right, Alice?

Yeah, in storage.
I can bring some out.

That'd be great.

Okay, why don't you set up
over there

and I'll just get a little bit
more work done.

Great.

Hey. Having fun?

Yeah. Some of these
are really great.

- I love this one.
- Aw,

I haven't seen that one
in a while.

That was our big Christmas toy
a few years back.

Hmm. This one's really cool.

This one was one of my
favorites.

Though it didn't sell
like we hoped.

What about these ones?

I don't really know
what they do.

Really?

Well, this one was huge!

See, it's a pretend phone

that leaves voice recordings
for places you call.

Listen to this.

Hi there,

would you like to make
a dentist appointment?

Oh. Fun.

Really? I thought kids liked
toys that interact

and talk back?

At least, that's what all our
research shows.

Well, they should ask
more kids. It's kinda boring.

Huh.

So, these just sit
in a storage closet.

Yeah, pretty much.

Can we donate them
to the toy drive?

That's a brilliant idea.

Sweet of you to think that.

Kids are gonna love this.

All right, let's donate
all of them.

Maybe not the fake phone thing.

It's super lame.

Okay.

Christmas Winnacker.

What a treat to see
your face again.

Tucker!

It is so good to see you again!

You look exactly the same.

That's kind of you to say.

This is my niece, Emma.

Pleased to meet you.

Is that an Epiphone
hummingbird guitar?

Sure is. Wanna see it?

Yeah!

- A musician, I see.
- Whatcha got here?

Oh, um these are donations
from CJ's Toys.

Just some stuff we had
at storage.

It was Emma's idea to donate.

Aw, that's such a great idea.
Okay, let's uh,

let's take them to the back.
Okay.

- All right, this way.
- Yes.

Emma, how'd you like to see
some more

of the vintage guitars?
Yes, please!

Well, this was nice
of Emma to... to do this.

Yeah, well, she was pretty
disappointed

when she got to the office

and saw that there were no toys
around.

Now, are these offices in
those big,

giant buildings downtown? Uhhuh.

Oh, shame!

- Do you like them?
- Yes, I do.

- Really?
- Yes.

What are these?

Oh, just some designs
and some sketches

I've been pitching around
that...

You know how it is nowadays.
Everything's so flashy,

and unless it's got an app
attached,

nobody's even really
interested, it seems anyway.

Hmm.

You were always so much
better at pitching

new toys than me.

That's just because you never
liked to go at it

from the marketability
perspective.

You know, see the business
side of things.

It's true.

But I'm really glad
you're designing again.

Yeah, it's...
it's a part of who I am.

You know, my dad is getting
ready to retire

and I have zero interest
in antique dealing, so.

But you know,

so I guess I'm just trying
to find my

groove with my career.

Until he sells this place.

Hmm.

Yeah.

- Flyers have been delivered.
- Dad!

- Oh!
- There you go.

- For the toy drive?
- No, no, for movie night.

Wait, what-what's movie night?

Yeah, I have you down
for helping out with tickets.

Okay, well back up,
what's-what's movie night?

Okay, so Thursday night,

we're having Christmas movie
night in the park,

where people can bring a toy,
they donate it to the drive,

and then, they get to come
into the movie.

It sort of helps get the word
out a bit.

Oh.

So people can bring out lawn
chairs, or you know,

Blankets to snuggle up, and
I get to use my old projector.

Oh, I remember this!

We used to watch old movies
in your backyard on this!

- Yes.
- Indeed!

Now, we haven't had as many
RSVPs as we'd hoped,

so I thought maybe
we'd just put up

some old-fashioned style flyers.

- They look good.
- I could um...

talk to my social media team
to get the word out.

- You'd do that?
- Yeah.

Thank you.

Happy to help. Hmm.

- Wow, it's packed.
- Yeah!

Probably should have saved
ourselves some seats!

Yeah.

I've got seats for ya
right over there.

- Thanks.
- Anytime.

Hey, guys.

- Um, I-
- This is the...

Sorry, ladies first.

This is um, one of my favorites.

Well, I was just gonna say
that when I watch this,

it makes me uh, think of you.

Oh, wow.

- Do you feel that, too?
- What? No, no, no.

- What?
- Kathleen is here.

- Kathleen? From Arlo?
- Yes! Yes!

What's she doing here?

- Kathleen!
- Oh, hi!

Hi! What-What are you doing
here?

Well, I saw that your
marketing department

had posted about it and thought
it was good cause.

Wanted to donate some toys.

- Oh, that's so nice of you.
- That's so nice of you.

Just what our kids need,
overly gadgety toys.

Is that a drone?

- It's a very expensive drone.
- Okay.

- Who might this be?
- This is Joe.

Joe Sullivan.
Joe Sullivan from CJ's Toys,

back when we used to make
meaningful toys,

and not just worry about
maximizing profits so much.

Evidently even less
about maximizing charm.

This is the signature we need?

I-I'm sorry.

Joe and I just sort of
see things differently

when it comes to the toy
business.

I like to make great toys.

Hmm.

Joe, why don't you go get us
some popcorn?

Would you like to go get
some popcorn?

Can you go get us some
popcorn, please?

- That's a really good idea.
- Great.

I am, I'm sorry, again.

Why do I have the feeling
That getting his go ahead

might be a little more difficult

than you let on at the start?
No!

I mean, it-it completely,
well it's just a,

it's just a work in progress.

But you don't have to fear,
we-we have an arrangement.

I hope so!

Be a shame for such an amazing
opportunity to fall through

for something trivial.
Absolutely,

and I promise you, I will not,
not let that happen.

So, you tell me where you
and your guests are sitting,

and I will go get that popcorn
for you.

Oh, I didn't bring anyone
with me. Um...

this is what it looks like when
you're married to your job.

Yeah, you're right.

Okay, I'm gonna go get some
popcorn

and put this down.
I'll see you later.

- Thank you.
- Yeah.

What was that?

I-I came in a little bit hot
but I was just being honest.

By putting my dreams
on the line.

I can't believe you would
jeopardize

everything I'm working for.

She can take some
constructive criticism.

Come on.

And you are only thinking
of yourself.

I'm gonna go sit with Emma.

Ok...

So, I have the numbers
you need for your presentation.

- Oh, great.
- And do you need your coffee?

Yes! Please.

So, movie night went well?

Huh, define "went well".

What is he doing here?

What are you doing here?
Hey, I try and visit

all the most corporate-looking
office buildings in America

before I die.

I'm kidding. I...

I actually came here
to apologize.

Oh, well, you're off
to a great start.

I let my feelings
about Arlo Toys

jeopardize your business
dealings and...

I shouldn't have done that.

No, no, you shouldn't have.

I know better than anyone

how hard you've worked
to get here.

And for that, I am...

I am truly sorry.

Forgive me?

- Maybe.
- Maybe?

Yes, maybe.

So, this is...

this is CJ Toys.

Yes. Yes it is.

- Where are the toys?
- Wow.

I-I could see why Emma's
confused.

It looks really nice
and it's professional.

- That's the idea.
- Right.

Hi. minutes 'til : .
We gotta go.

- Okay.
- What's at : ?

Uh, I have to pick up Emma.

It's her last day of school
before winter break.

Nice! What are you doing
to celebrate?

- Nothing.
- Oh, come on.

You-you don't remember what a
big deal winter break was?

How much fun we used to have
on the last day of school?

Well, I didn't plan anything

she's just gonna come back here.

I have a ton of work to do.

Oh, I wish I had a time machine,

I would take you back
and remind you

how much fun we used to have.

- Hey, I do fun stuff.
- Really?

Like what, this massive pile
of work,

books on your desk?
Yeah, which by the way,

I should, I need to get back
to this.

Yes. You should.

I should!

Come... come with me.

Come with you where?

Ice skating.

Actually, I've got
a really good idea.

Shh. Come.

You good? Yeah, I'm good.

Hey!

See, it's like riding
a bike, right?

Yeah, if that bike was rusty
and several decades old.

Yeah, but it beats being
outside in the cold.

That it does.
This was a good idea.

I didn't know you could
skate, Aunt Chris.

Yeah, I love skating. Come here.

- Joe, grab my other hand.
- Okay.

Are you uh, getting excited yet
about your performance?

I am. It's just that I...

She's a little nervous

about what people might think
of her song.

It's my first time playing
my music

in front of the crowd.
It's scary.

Well, you just can't care
what people think about you.

That's what I've been trying
to tell her.

But you have to, actually
have to practice that.

How do you practice not caring

about what other people think?

By staring at your
insecurities, dead in the face.

Dashing through the snow

Whoa!

On a one-horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go Wow!

Laughing all the way

h*, h*, h*, h*.

You're really off-key.

That's the whole point
is you can judge me,

they can judge me,
it doesn't matter,

I'm going where I'm going
and I'm having fun.

So, do you wanna have some fun?

Sing your song. Let's hear it!

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one-horse open sleigh

Hey! Good job!

Yes, that's great.
Okay, you're next, Chris.

Come on! Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

Jingle all the way

On a one-horse open sleigh

Oh!

You okay?

Are you okay? Ah!

- Are you guys okay?
They're all right.

Yes, great.

Slow down now.

Feeling a bit better about
your performance?

I think so. What matters
is that I enjoy it.

Exactly.

h*! h*! h*!

- Santa's here?
- Yeah, Emma, this is Nick.

Nick, Emma. He's one of our
other volunteers.

Well, nice to meet you, Emma.

Nick, as in Saint Nick?

- Well?
- Well, if you want it to be.

I was hoping to catch you here.

Now, how did you know
that we were gonna be here?

Well, it's me! Santa!

Anyways, I was rotating bins
at the Christmas Café.

We're getting great donations
there, by the way.

Oh, that's great.

Oh, I didn't know that place
was still open.

I thought it closed down
forever ago.

- Grand reopening this week.
- Wow!

We haven't been there since...

well, since we were kids.

How would you like some
tickets for Christmas dessert?

Uh... I-I can't,
I have to get some work done

on that presentation
for the Board.

Wait, what's a Christmas café?

It's a place all about
Christmas desserts

and non-stop fun. h*! h*! h*!

It would always open up
right after Thanksgiving,

and then close right after
New Years.

- Hmm.
- Can we go?

Please, Aunt Chris,
I've never been. Please?

Yeah, they do have really
good fudge there.

Oh, they do have really
good fudge.

I would eat that 'til I get
a stomach-ache.

- Yeah, but it's so worth it.
- Please?!

Come on.

Okay, yes,
just for a little while.

- Yes!
- And Joe too?

I do happen to have three
tickets.

Oh, looky, looky.

If he would like to join us.

I, you know,
could always make time

for a little bit of...
Christmas desserts.

- Mm-hmm.
- Look at that.

- Let me see those.
- h*! h*!

Those are cool.

Am I dreaming?

How has no one told me
about this place?

Ah, hasn't changed one bit.

Look at this! They still have
the reindeer racing game.

Oh!

We must've blown every single
penny we made

in our toy stand on this game.

That's because you were always
trying to beat my high score.

- Which I did.
- Only once.

- Only once.
- I wanna try!

Okay, well let's eat first.

Okay, I'll take one of
everything.

- Me too.
- I'm starving. Me too!

Mm-hmm.

Sure we can't play first?

I think I still have more room.

I think your mom would want
me to cut you off.

Hey, look, game's free!
Now's your chance!

Go see if my name's still
on the top score.

- Uh yeah, doubtful.
- Ah.

I think the last time
we were here

was high school winter dance.

Ah, the winter dance.
Good memory.

Yeah, and if that memory
serves me right,

your date fell asleep
on that booth.

- Who, Dan?
- Dan.

I don't remember that.

Come on. Dan. Dan the man.

Well, what about your date,
huh? Sandy.

- Oh.
- Right?

She didn't even go
to our school.

Well, it was slim pickins.

I had to call in a favor
and it's, you know,

because somebody bailed on me,
not pointing any fingers.

No, I didn't!

Dan asked me and you knew
how into him I was.

Besides, I don't think you
wanna talk

about who bailed on who, hmm?

For the record,
I-I never bailed on you.

You're not talking about
the winter dance, are you?

If you didn't bail,
then what do you call just

walking away from everything
that we had been working

our entire lives for?

I had to.

Wasn't our company anymore

and it certainly wasn't me.

And wasn't us.

According to you!

I mean, we didn't even talk
about it.

You know,

let's not get into it right now.

That's fine. Fine with me.

You know,
I think it was this booth

where you snorted root beer
out your nose.

- That was you.
- No.

- Yes.
- Really?

Oh yeah, we were and you
had this great about idea

a Slinky that also was a pen,
and I was like,

"Hey, why don't we call it
an Inky Slinky."

And you snort laughed;

so much root beer went
everywhere, like on me.

Oh, that's right.

Oh, that was your fault.

- That's true.
- Yeah.

Good memories.

Hey, hey, I know,
I know that I said

that I would help you earlier
with sorting out the toys,

but I, oh, I...

Work, right?

- Yes.
- Hmm.

I'm just, I'm just,
I'm juggling a lot,

but I am here now.

Okay, well since we get so
many different types of kids

at the jamboree, I like
to organize the toys

into categories of interest.

So, when a kid's opening
their gift,

they're gonna get something
that they really like.

Okay, okay,
I can help with that.

Okay.

I've done lots of research
on toy groupings and...

Yeah, no. No, no.

In this case, you're gonna
actually wanna pick up the toy

and touch it and play
with the toys.

For example, sports and games.

Or science.

How so?

Okay.

- Good lesson on physics.
- Physics. Think fast!

Ah!

- Yes, I scored!
- Wait, wait, wait, no!

- Yes!
- No! - Yes!

Okay, good job.

Jingle Bells

This is definitely in the
games and learning category.

And high-level skills.

But that's not a category.

- Really?
- No.

Should be. Look at this.

Yes!

High-level skills are
definitely required.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

Can-can I show you something?

Sure.

Come.

You wanted to further prove
to me that you're a hoarder?

Funny. Just,
just look inside the box.

Oh.

I remember this.

That's the first toy we ever
made for CJ's Toys.

I remember because we couldn't
agree on the color of the vest.

But eventually,
you gave into blue.

It looks good.

- Are these all?
- Yep.

Every toy we ever made.

You kept them.

Yeah. Look at this.

I remember...
you remember this one?

It's a prototype modelled

after a high school gym teacher.

Yes, the crazy hair!

Wow.

Still can't believe it.

Glad you kept them.

Yeah.

Hmm.

What are these,
more toy designs?

Yeah, just something I've
been working on recently.

- What is it?
- This?

This is uh, my plans
for a dollhouse

that kids can build from the
ground up. All by themselves.

- I like it!
- Yeah.

You know, you could make it
so that each part

has multiple uses, and then
that way, there could be like,

an infinity number of houses

that someone could build
from one kit.

That's actually a really good
idea.

- Yeah.
- Like that?

Yeah, like that.

We made a good team.

Until we didn't.

'Cause it stopped being
about the toys.

Because it was the real
world, Joe.

The toy business
was competitive.

I just wanted to make sure that
we lasted.

And I wanted to make sure
that we didn't lose track

of what that was,
what made our company great

in the first place.

We made open-ended toys

that allowed kids' imaginations
to run wild and...

you lost faith in us
knowing what that was.

Because we weren't kids
anymore, Joe!

Right.

Success mattered.
Money mattered.

We're never gonna agree
on this, are we?

No.

I'm gonna go pick up Emma.

Hey, is Chris stopping by?

It's been nice
having her around.

I remember how inseparable
you two used to be.

Even after all this time,

whenever she comes around,
there's just this

part of me that feels...

Complete?

Yeah.

You should tell her that.

It's just lingering nostalgia,
Dad.

I'm never gonna change
her priorities.

Work's... work's always gonna
come first and you know,

that's okay,
it's just who she is.

I just need to accept that.

There she is.

Well, everyone needs someone
to balance them out.

What does that mean?

Means to keep your mind open
to some of her strengths.

Merry Christmas!

Yeah, I'll call,
I'll call you back.

- Everything okay? Sorry.
- Sh! Nick!

Hey, uh yeah, yeah,
just lots of work to do

and I know that Joe needs
my help,

but I also need to run through
this presentation thing

I have tomorrow afternoon.

Or, now hear me out,

you stay here,
you turn off the phone,

and you trust that everything's
going to work out

the way it's supposed to.

That's nice, in theory.

You know when you were little

and you used to stay up really
late at night waiting for me

to come down the chimney?

You or Santa?

My point is no matter how
hard you tried to stay awake,

- you'd still fall asleep.
- Yeah.

Sometimes we think
we want something so bad,

but in the end, forces beyond
our control, they know best.

It's better to let go.

And to see what tomorrow brings.

- Go! Here come the presents!
- Okay, I got it.

- I'm catching up.
- No.

- Yeah, yeah, yeah!
- Go Chris! Go Joe!

- Watch the jump!
- I got this!

You wish!

Okay, I'm catching up,
I'm catching up.

- Nope! Nope!
- Yes!

- Eat my reindeer!
- Whoa, here I come!

- Yes!
- Oh!

Oh, I still got it!

Oh, so close! Almost had you.

No, you didn't.

Oh, hey, our desserts are here.

I still can't believe you
guys talked me into this.

I'm supposed to be home,
working on my presentation.

What more do you need to do?

Just tell them that you're
really good at devoting

all your time to making
trendy toys.

Only you can make success
sound bad.

Either way, we all need to rest.

You have set-up tomorrow,

and you need to practice
your song.

Come on, Aunt Chris,
I've already practiced a ton.

Does this mean that we're not
getting another slice

- of pecan pie?
- Hmm.

- Oh, I did not say that.
- Yes!

Mm-hmm.

Didn't you get my message
last night?

What? No, no, Santa turned
off my phone, why?

The Board moved your
presentation up a few hours.

You're supposed to be there
right now!

What?! Are you kidding?
Call them. Call them,

tell them I'm on my way.
I'm on my way!

- Go! Go!
- Ugh!

Kathleen: Here she is.

Ah, my sincerest apologies.

There was a slight mix up

and I didn't realize the
presentation had been moved up.

Well, you're here now,
so why don't we get started?

Great.

I would like to begin by
walking your through CJ's Toys

exponential growth
over the last decade.

Ta da! Well, it's not Busch
Stadium, but it's a start!

- I love it!
- Yeah?

Okay, check this out.
Here's what I'm thinkin'.

You can go here and then,

we'll have the speakers
projecting out into the world.

Yeah, I can't believe this
is where I'm gonna be

performing my first original
song.

Oh yeah, they're gonna be
doing drive-by tours

of this very spot.
If people like it.

If people like it? Who cares!

All that matters is that you
like it, you enjoy yourself.

That's what matters, right?
Yeah.

- That's what I think.
- Thanks. And Joe?

Mm-hmm?

I hope you and my aunt
keep being friends.

Yeah. Me too.

Good. No more going seven
years without talking.

- Deal.
- Okay.

Now, let's get your guitars out

and let's get a sound check
going.

- Yes.
- Rock on!

So, as you can see,
my priorities at CJ's Toys

were about optimization
of profits

and always looking for ways
to expand.

I believe a merger with Arlo
Toys would be a perfect fit.

Here at Arlo Toys, we take
pride and dedication,

and investing in the work

Is that something you think you
can handle?

Oh, absolutely.

I've spent the last seven years
learning how to work harder

and work faster,
and that does not happen

without many late nights
and cancelled plans.

Okay, well thank you, everyone.

Thank you.

Board members: Thank you very
much. Thank you.

I'm gonna have to take these.

Well, didn't go quite as
flawlessly as I'd hoped,

but I think it went okay.

Again, I'm so sorry
about being late.

Well, hopefully the numbers
in your reports

- speak for themselves.
- Please,

let, let me know if there's
anything else we can do.

Well, would you like to go
through

some of the future toy lines?
I have some time now.

I would love to,
but I'm sorry, I can't.

I have to go set up
for that toy drive.

Right. Of course.

Have... have a good toy drive
and uh,

I'll let you know
if there are any decisions.

Okay, thank you.

Hey, get that signature.

I will.

Thank you, again.

Okay, so your parents
made their flight

and they're gonna make it here
on time to see you perform.

Hmm.

I've had a lot of fun with you,
Aunt Chris.

We've never gotten to spend
this much time together before.

Yeah, that's my fault.

But I will absolutely make sure
we spend more time together

in the future.

- Promise?
- I promise.

And Joe?

And hopefully Joe too.

You know, I was thinking,
you should marry Joe.

You know, then he'd be my uncle.

Just throwing it out there.

Okay, somebody had a little
bit too much peppermint bark.

He's cute and funny,

and he likes toys
as much as you do.

Good night, my sweet niece.

Good night.

I got a bright vest, Baby

Jingle bells what a thrill

I'm gonna take ya downtown,
we got Christmas time to k*ll

It's a downtown Christmas,
Baby take a ride with me

Yeah, it's a downtown Christmas

Baby, take a ride with me

On a cold Christmas night,
downtown is where I wanna be

You know uptown, Baby

- Hey, you.
- Hmm.

Have you heard from them?

Yeah, Heather and Todd
just texted,

they're gonna be here any
minute.

Good. I mean, is she nervous?
How's she doin'?

She's about to debut her big
song.

Well, I think she's okay.
She's warming up right there.

Oh.

This is the season
Merry Christmas to you!

Look at her go!

I know.

You know, this whole thing is
really special.

- Why, thank you.
- I mean it.

I mean, you took your love
of toys

and found a way to give back.

Usually this time of year,

I'm only concerned
with the bottom line.

Well, ever since I left
the company and you,

I've had this giant void that
I've been trying to fill

with stuff. Things like this.

Oh.

Is it working?

Odd to say, with you here,

yeah, it's working pretty good.

Hmm.

- Todd: Hey Chris!
- Hey!

Wanna let her know?
Yeah, I'll check on her.

- Okay.
- Where is she?

Hi! She's warming up.

Oh! Thank you for everything.
She's warming up?

- Good.
- It's her first time.

I know, right?

Okay, okay, put your hands
together one more time

for the flying turtle doves.

Ahem!

Ladies and gentlemen,
boys and girls,

please join me in welcoming
to the stage

our very next performer,

performing an original
Christmas song.

Put your hands together
for Emma Stewart!

- Go Emma!
- Wooo!

Show 'em what you got!

Yeah.

All they want for Christmas

Is a little heart and love

They're not asking for an angel

Just hoping Santa knows

Wishing on a star
through the window

They never stop believing

Looking at the twinkling lights

Dreaming of a present

That's on its way
to them tonight

Tonight

Oh Joyful, Joyful

This is the season

Time to make a change

Santa won't you bring
my happiness

On your sleigh

Yeah Emma!

Ooh, ooh

All they want for Christmas

Is someone to hold their hand

They're not asking for an angel

Just a little faith to know

Santa's on his way
through the snow

Oh, Joyful, Joyful

This is the season

Time to make a change

Santa, won't you bring
my happiness

On your sleigh

Ooh, ooh

Oh! Kathleen!

I-I didn't expect
to see you here.

I know, I'm sorry to just
drop by like this but uh,

Oh.

By the way, this is
gorgeous. I'm impressed!

Ah, thank you.
It was a team effort.

So, uh is-is everything okay?

- It went great.
- Oh.

The Board has approved
the merger

with you as the new CEO.

Wow! Wow!

Wow.

Uh, I can't believe it. Uh...

Well, it's official now.

Well, not quite, we still
have that signature, right?

Oh, right. Ha, ha.
Well, we um...

We made a deal, so you're gonna
have that soon.

All right.

Well, I was just really excited
to come by

and tell you the news.

You know, I see so much
of myself in you.

And I cannot wait to see the
enormous success

you are gonna make
of this new company.

Ah, thank you!
Thank you so much.

I mean, this is all I have ever
wanted.

Well...

congratulations.

- See you soon.
- Okay. Okay.

Which one do you want?
You want the Teddy Bear?

There ya are!

- Oh, hey.
- Hey.

I was just getting a head
start on cleaning up.

Oh, wow. Can I talk to you?

Yeah! Oh, about the tree?

I'm so sorry about that bald
spot

where more tinsel needed to go.
I-

- What? No, no, no.
But look at you, you're just...

a tree designer.

Sorry, no, it's not that at all.

It's got nothing to do
with trees. I um...

Whew.

I am in love with you.

Seems like I may have always
been in love with you.

But I just didn't wanna
jeopardize our-our friendship

or our uh, our,

business relationship,
our partnership,

so I just never acted on it.
Never did anything about it.

But these last few weeks,

just seeing you with Emma,

and spending time with you,

it feels like I've been
with the real Chris again.

And all these feelings
just came rushing back in

like a tsunami,

and I don't even know what
to sometimes do with myself

when I'm around you, but listen,

I know we're best friends,

but there's something here,

there's something here,

and I think there's always
been something here.

If you, do you feel it?

- I do.
- Good.

Of course I feel it, too, but...

the real Chris?

I mean, I-I'm still me.

I'm still this Chris.

I-I'm worried that you're
in love with a version of me

that doesn't exist.

No, no, no, she exists.

She's right here,
I'm looking at her,

and she, you, did this.

You helped create all this.

I should've never left
so abruptly

and-and-and I, I should've
never given up on us,

all those years ago.

But Joe, it-it,
it would never work.

Why-why not?

Because CJ's Toys
is merging with Arlo Toys

and I am going to be CEO.
Kathleen just told me.

Only thing we're waiting on
is your signature.

Is that, is that really
what you want?

Really, still?

I've worked my entire life
for this.

How do you not understand that?

How do you say you're in love
with me and then,

think I don't want this
anymore? This who I am!

I...

if... if this is what you want,

go for it.

Ever since we were ,

all I've wanted
is your happiness.

I didn't stand in your way then,

and I'm not gonna stand
in your way now.

Hi! How was the toy drive?

When did Joe drop this off?

Did he... leave a note,

or say anything?

Must've been before I got here.

Hey, Nick! Got the toys.

So glad to see that you
got my message.

Sure.

Hope it wasn't an inconvenience.

No, I was headed downtown
anyways, so it worked out well.

To Arlo Toys?

Yep.

Only thing left to do is sign.

Hmm.

Ah, there's nothing better

than seeing a kid immersed
with a toy.

I remember wrapping that
truck over there.

Look at that,
that's the little girl

that I had the tea party with.

- Hmm.
- She loves that doll so much.

Do you see how much joy
we brought these kids?

Creating joy is what Christmas
is all about.

I don't think Christmas
is only one day a year.

I think Christmas is anytime.

Any day.

People always striving
to create joy in others.

In themselves.

It's a good motto to live by.

I guess what I'm trying
to ask is,

does this bring you that kind
of joy?

Child: Santa! He's here!
He brought more toys!

Yeah!

Duty calls. And you have
a big decision to make.

h*! h*! h*! h*!

Oh, here we go. Okay.

So, let me see,
who would like the red one?

- Me!
- There you go!

Gift from my second husband.

Ah, it's pretty.

Yeah, it's about the only
thing from that marriage

that survived.

- Oh, um...
- It's okay.

We all have tough decisions
in life to make,

and I'm sure you know
what I'm talking about.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah, you know, we decide
to go for more profits,

more product,

newer designs, flashier toys.

All of that just doesn't
leave a whole lot of time

for personal stuff.

Yeah. Yeah,

I missed the last two
Christmases with my family

because I was making sure
those consumer reports

were being filed.

Well, it's the price we pay.

Do you ever regret it at all?

Sometimes.

Sometimes I wish I had found
a better balance.

Maybe this retirement
will be my second change.

Huh, maybe.

Well, anyway, we have work
to do here.

These contracts aren't gonna
sign themselves.

Shall we?

Been at that nonstop.

Yeah, but it's a lot easier
to focus on this.

Than Chris?

I don't wanna talk about it.

Okay, I'll talk about it.
It's embarrassing, Dad.

I laid it all on the line

and I don't think there's
anything else for me to do

or or say,

that's for sure.

Sometimes things don't work out

exactly when we want it,

or exactly how we want it,

but that doesn't mean they
don't find a way to work out.

I mean... I hate the way
that we left things.

If there's one thing I've
learned over those few weeks is

how much I've missed our
friendship.

So, don't let it slip away
again this time.

Hey, you have to take that toy
back to her again, right?

Yeah.

So, tell her that you don't
wanna go another seven years

without speaking again.

Right, but if she goes
through with this merger then

I'm gonna lose her all over
again.

So, don't let that happen, okay.

- Hi.
- Hi. Alice, right?

- Yeah.
- Is Chris here?

No, sorry.

- Do you know where she went?
- Yeah,

she actually just called
from Kathleen Keller's office.

Oh, so she's um,

going through with it then.

She asked me to get a
champagne bottle ready so,

I assume so.

Do you want me to tell her you
stopped by

or I could give her a call.

No, no. Um...

Works. If you could um,
give this to her.

Uh, that'd be great.

Yeah. Will do.

- Thanks, Alice.
- Hmm.

(Woo!, playful la)

So, my teachers heard about
how everyone liked my song

at the jamboree, and they
promised that I could perform

an original song
at next year's concert.

- Hey, that's great!
- Wow!

So, you gonna remember me w
hen you're a big,

famous singer-songwriter?

Oh, I'm sorry,
what was your name again?

I'm kidding!

Mom, can I have a few more
quarters

for the reindeer racing game?
Sure, Honey.

Thank you.

I guess I should thank you

for introducing Emma to this
place?

She only asks to come here
every five minutes.

Sorry. Okay.

I'll have some pie
then I'm off to see Joe.

I can't believe
you're really doing this.

I know, me neither.
It just feels right.

I'm proud of you.

I really am. This is big.

Thank you.

It took me a while to get here
but I don't know,

I woke up this morning
and I just,

I felt like anything
was possible.

Good luck.

Thank you. Hopefully he
doesn't turn me away.

Just be open, be honest,

and go with your gut.

Okay. But I need pie.

I need pie.

Oh, sorry, we're closed.

It's gonna be a white
Christmas tonight.

Chris.

What are you doing here?

I wanted to talk to you.

I don't really think there's
a whole lot to be said.

Oh, I think there's a lot
to say.

I-I heard about the merger,

that you went forward with it,

so just, congratulations there,

I'm super happy for ya.

Hmm. You look super happy.

- Joe.
- Chris.

I didn't move forward
with the merger.

I don't... no,

because Alice told me
about the champagne.

Champagne to celebrate,
but not the merger.

- What?
- Yeah.

So, no merger.

Technically no CJ's Toys,
either.

What happ... what about you?

Like, you were supposed to run
the whole shebang.

That's kinda why I wanna talk
to you.

- Okay.
- Okay.

See, now um,

I'm kind of a free agent.

And I was hoping that uh,

you and I could

start over.

Together.

Like a blank slate.

And you and I...

could build the kind of company
that we always wanted to.

We could run it and operate it

like we always intended to.

We could build meaningful toys

that bring people so much joy.

And we could be at a company
where we would be free

to be ourselves.

Hold on. Hold on.

Let me just get this straight,

you wanna make toys again
with me.

Yes, I do.

I mean, with my business sense
and your imagination,

we make a pretty good match.

That we do.

Are you sure about this?

More than anything.

There's just uh, one little,
tiny complication.

What's that?

I'm in love with you.

Merry Christmas! Happy! Happy!

- Hmm.
- Ooh. Hey.

Corner Stand Toys' first
Christmas party

is off to a good start.

Yeah. Although I miss Nick, huh,

I haven't seen him since
this year's toy drive.

Well, duh, tonight's his
biggest night of the year.

- Impossible.
- Are you sure?

- Yeah, are you sure?
- Come on!

He's always right there where
you need him.

Mm-hmm.

He's always making sure
kids have toys,

and he's always busy
on Christmas Eve.

Yeah.

Final numbers are in!

Build Your Own Dollhouse

is officially the number
three toy this Christmas.

Yes!

That's awesome!

Good job, everybody!

- Whew.
- Congratulations.

Congratulations to you.

Are you sure you're all right
with not being number one?

You know, I mean,
long-term data does say

that kids are five times
more likely to play

with our dollhouse
than that number one

little laser light toy thing.

Yeah, I couldn't agree more.

Merry Christmas, Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Joe.

Woo-woo-woo! Woo-woo-woo!