A Christmas Star (2021)

[bunniefuu]

...thanks to you.

Excuse me.

Where's Madeline?

Uh, I haven't seen her yet.

If I know her,
she's still in the lab.

I hope not.

Give her a call.

There are some people
I want to introduce her to.

The trajectory, the timing...

- This is it!


Oh, no.

Christmas party.

Okay...

Naomi!

Oh, excuse me.

- Where have you been?
- At the lab.

I found it.

Come here.

What did you find?

A new meteor shower.

I told you it was there.

There's a five-day window
starting Saturday,

and the best place to watch
is upstate.

Upstate! In the mountains!

I'm going to go up there
tomorrow.

You wanna come with me?

This is fabulous.

Um...

Saturday?

Wouldn't that put the last day

on... like, Christmas Eve?

The day before.

We'd be back for Christmas.

Maybe.

Uh...

Glad you could join us.

Dr. Meadows.

I found it.

What? Found what?

A new meteor shower.

Off the top, it seems to me

you're counting on
an unusually long comet tail.

Not at all.
The science is there.

What's your percentage of
this event actually occurring?

%.

That's not horrible.

It's scientifically
acceptable.

Enough to go look,
and I know you've been looking

for a discovery
you can call your own

since you got here.

No, no.

Since the day that we met
at graduate school.

Comet Madeline.

Madeline's asteroid.

Come on.

It's for science...

but, yes,
like everybody else here,

I do want a discovery
of my own...

and it's going to happen.

Is this where you ask me

for time off and equipment

and a crew to take
to record this meteor shower?

Wouldn't you?

Actually, I would.

But I can't give you a crew.

I'm sorry. It's Christmas.

I'd really like to take

the Takahashi
triple refractor...

Okay, wait, where do you
want to take it?

Upstate.

There's a mountain top
outside of this town...

Summit View.

You made that name up,
didn't you?

No, it's a real place,

and the coordinates work.

I called the weather service.

Snow now, but starting Friday,

clear skies
until after Christmas Day.

Okay.

Two requirements.

One, you're back in time
to chair the endowment committee

to find a location

for the new
satellite observatory.

Second, if this shower happens,

you be ready
to write a paper about it

for the planetarium to issue.

That work for you?

Of course.

Thank you.

Madeline!

You can't leave yet.

There's a guy I wanted
to introduce you to tonight.

It's fine. I don't really
have time right now.

Yes, you do.

You choose not to make it
for anything but your job.

That's not true.

I had dinner with Andre
from the French observatory

just last month.

Mm-hmm, because you wanted
to get the newest information

on the Cat's Eye Nebula.

That had nothing
to do with dinner.

That's not dating.

Plus, he left for France
the next day.

But he was nice.

Nice and safe.

Okay, I have to go pack.

You have fun.

Okay.

Yeah, there it is.

Have a look through there.
I found it.

That's the Big Dipper.

It looks like a soup ladle.

How can stars be a soup ladle?

Well, actually, how can they be
two soup ladles,

because there is
the Little Dipper, as well,

and there's a bull,
and an archer...

You're making that up.

No, no, no, I'm not.

Have a look. Have a look.

Look for the handle

and the four stars
that make up the bowl.

- Yeah.
- Yeah!

It's... it's a soup ladle
made of stars.

I told you.

What else could we find?

What do you think's
in the ladle?

Oh...

I'm gonna imagine
there's chocolate sauce.

Well, let's be realistic.

There's no chocolate sauce
in the Big Dipper.

That's in the Little Dipper.

In the Big Dipper,
there's butterscotch.

Everyone knows that.
How do you not know that?

Which star is Mommy?

The brightest one, sweetheart.

She's the brightest one.

Okay, maybe if you look up...

Your dad said
you'd be out here.

Hey, Celeste.

Hi, Mr. Brown.

Hey, Cal.

Me and Dad are looking
at Mommy and star ladles.

Well, that sounds fun.

Can I talk to you
privately for a sec?

Yes, sir.

See what else you can find.

I just came from a very long
County Supervisors' meeting.

- Uh-huh?
- No luck.

The money isn't there.

I tried every argument
in the book.

Like, I have to close down
two stations,

and I gotta lay off...

How long, Cal?

First of the year.

Well, I need this job.

It's everything to me,
outside Celeste.

Look, what if I went in there,

I talk to them...

They're not happy
about this either.

It was a tough call.

County finances
are stretched to the max,

and... we're the loser.

I'm putting you on reserve
as of tonight,

so you can use up

all the vacation weeks
you've accrued.

Be ready to work if I need you,

but, um, your time
is yours.

And you're getting
a great severance package.

I don't want
a severance package.

I want my job.

Look, do me a favor.

Don't tell my family,
especially Dad,

until after Christmas.

Okay.

Thanks.

Look, I'm not done
trying to fix this,

not by a long shot.

I know.
I appreciate you, Cal.

I love working for you,
what can I say?

I thought you were going
to take my spot

when I retired.

I don't know what to say.
Hang in there.

Thanks, Cal.

Oh, yeah.

Your dad told me to remind you

about the extra lights
for the tree.

Said you promised Mayor June.

Yeah. Thanks.

It's definitely flat.

No, I can't change it,

because I never
got the spare fixed

from last time.

I know...

Oh, there's a truck coming.

I'll call you back, Naomi.

- Hi.
- Hi.

You okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Thanks for stopping.

No problem.

Uh...

I'm Ryan. Wilson County Ranger.

Madeline.

Hi, Madeline.

What's the problem?

I've got a flat tire.

That's not good.

I can help you change it.

Thanks, but I don't
have a spare either.

It's also flat.

I've been meaning
to replace it.

Well, in that case,
I can give you a lift to town.

My friend Jimmy's
got a gas station

and a tow truck.

A ride? Um...

I don't think...

Can I see your badge again?

Sure.

Everything okay?

Yep.

I'll take that ride now.

I sent your I.D.
to my friend, Naomi.

Oh.

I mean, please
don't take it personally.

It's just you said
that you were a County Ranger,

but you don't have a uniform,

and your truck is full
of Christmas decorations.

Well, it is good
to be careful.

You have any luggage?

It's not exactly luggage.

What have you
got in here? Rocks?

Optics. It's a telescope.

A telescope that big?

Thank you for your help.

It's my pleasure.

So, uh, why the telescope?

I'm taking it up to a place
called Porter's Peak?

Porter's Peak?

Yeah, uh, a mountain
outside of Summit View.

Yeah, yeah, I know it well.

So you can tell me how
to get up there when I need to?

Uh, yeah, with my eyes closed.

Yeah, you're from here,
aren't you?

It is my home town.

So, how's the Gingerbread Inn?

How is it to stay there?

It is the best place in town,
yeah...

as long as you got
a reservation.

Well, I made one online
last night.

Last night?

Okay.

Well, here we are.

This is out of a storybook.

Welcome to Summit View.

It's pretty busy.

Yeah, the only reason people
come here this time of year

is for the Christmas Fair...

though not as many people
as there used to be.

You have a Christmas Fair?

Yeah.

I love Christmas Fairs...

but I can't. Porter's Peak.

Right.

Uh, I'll unload your stuff,
you go check in.

- Okay.
- Okay.

And don't forget to join us

for some
fresh gingerbread cookies

right here in the lobby later.

Follow me, gentlemen.

Oh, hey. Can I help you?

Hi. Madeline Baggett.

I've got a reservation
for the Candy Cane Suite.

Candy Cane Suite...

Wait, are you sure?

I have a party named Myers
in that suite

right through Christmas.

I have my reservation
right here.

Oh, honey.

Did you look at this?

Hmm. You made your reservation
for next year.

We haven't had a room available
for this week

- in a couple of months.
- Wait. What?

I'm so sorry.
I wish I could help you.

No, this can't be happening.

I called Jimmy.

He's gonna go get your car.

Please, I need a room
for a week.

It's very important.

Is there a problem?

Yeah. There's no room
at the Inn.

Well, that's pretty standard
at Christmastime, isn't it?

Did you book
for next year by mistake?

All I can do
is put you at the top

for any cancellations.

Do you get very many?

Never used to,

but, well, these days, maybe?

Don't have any now.

What am I gonna do?

I need a room.

Is there somewhere else
you know of that I can stay?

- I'd really appreciate it.
- Any ideas?

I could call the Motel
in Weaverville.

It's about an hour away.

That'll have to do.

Thank you.

You know what?

Can you just give me a moment?

Sure.
Anything you can do to help.

Would you like
a fresh gingerbread cookie?

Thank you.

I could use some comfort food.

What's in your case?

Mm.

It's a telescope.

Really?

That's cool.

My dad has a little one.

We look at the stars with it.

I do that for work.

You get paid
to look at stars?

I want that job.

I'm Celeste.

I like that name.

I'm Madeline, and this is
a really good cookie.

Thanks.

You think I could
look through your telescope

while you're here?

I don't see why not...

if they can find me a room.

Seems like they're all sold out.

You don't have a room?

Hey, are you bothering
this nice lady?

No, Daddy.
She has a big telescope.

Mm-hmm.

She doesn't have
a room, though.

Can she stay in the barn?

The barn?

Yeah. We could put up a tent
so the horses don't bother you.

Uh, thank you, honey,
but I'm not sure about the barn.

Well, under the circumstances,

I don't think
you've got a choice.

I'm joking.

I think we have
a non-barn solution for you.

Let's see if we can
get it figured out.

So, we were thinking,

as one of the owners of the Inn,

my sister, Darlene,
has a room here,

but she went to Paris
for the holidays

with a couple
of girlfriends.

And she wouldn't mind?

I'm an owner, too,
and I say it's okay.

This is so amazing.

You have no idea how much
you're helping me out.

You are more than welcome.

Ryan says that you're up here
for some kind of work thing.

At Christmas?

Oh, I love Christmas,

but this is something
I have to do.

It's for my job.

Ah.

I still get to look
through your telescope, right?

Absolutely.

Celeste. She's here for work.

No, it's okay.
She's a bright kid.

I want to encourage
her interest in the stars.

And yours.

She told me
about your telescope.

Well, my telescope's a toy
compared to yours.

No telescope is a toy.

It's a way
of seeing the universe.

I love that you use one
with your daughter.

Yeah, but your job
is to look at the stars.

We just do it for fun.

It's fun for me, too.

Pretty cool, huh?

You know, you're going to be
here at Christmas,

you have to spend it with us.

I insist.

No one should be alone
for the holidays.

Oh, that's so sweet.

Ah, it's Christmas.

It's what you do.

You don't even know me.

That's okay.

My mom can take a picture
of your license.

So, you want a tour?

Yeah, that would be great.

This is incredibly generous.

I'm the tour guide.
Come on.

Stop trying to match-make, Mom.

This is the common room
where everyone eats breakfast.

That's my Christmas village...

and that's my sled.

Wow, it's a nice one.

These are the horses
I told you about.

That one's Comet,
and that one's Stardust.

They were my mom's horses.

She's not with us anymore.

Daddy says she's a star now.

Well, they're beautiful,

and very appropriately named,
as far as I'm concerned.

Okay, why don't you
continue the tour,

and I will take your bags
to the room?

Thank you.

You are welcome.

That's the Christmas tree...

I can't believe I fell asleep.

Thank you for keeping
the kitchen open for me.

Aw, I'm not surprised
you sacked out.

That bed is wonderful.

Ah, and the room is beautiful.

Gosh, so is that tree. Wow.

It's my favorite
Christmas symbol.

The star that guided
the Wise Men.

It was the first star
that fascinated me as a kid.

Is that what you're
here looking for?

The Christmas star?

Nope.

I'm looking for something else.

Well, there you all are.

Am I working alone tonight?

So sorry.

My fault.

It's probably my fault, Dad.

Dad. Okay.

Just making notes,
who belongs to who.

You're a family.

You've got that right.
What's going on?

Pops, this is Madeline.

Her job is looking at stars.

Oh, you don't say.

She's staying in Darlene's
room for a couple of days.

Okay, I'm sure
there's a story there,

but we gotta get to work.

There's a hotel full of guests,
and they all need gingerbread.

I hear them
howling in the streets.

"Gingerbread!" they cry.
"Give us gingerbread!"

Will you excuse us?

Come on, Celeste.

There you go, sweetheart.

Thank you again
for everything.

It's beyond anything
I could expect.

Lovely.

Yes, they are.

Is it okay if I stay here
and use the Internet?

Oh, of course, you can.

Uh, I want to ask you, uh...

...do you want to
have lunch with me tomorrow,

maybe tell me a little bit
more about your work?

I mean, think of it as payback
for the room.

Oh, okay, so it's...
it's blackmail.

Yeah. Yeah, I guess it is.

Yeah, that sounds fun.

Great.

Okay, I'll leave you to it.

Okay.

- Good night.
- Good night.

Yep. A barn.

And you believed him?

Almost.

It's a long story,
but I got a room,

and it's nice,
and so are the people,

and I'm not going to miss
any Christmas here,

because it's... everywhere.

Well, that's good.

Are you sure you're okay?

Yes, I'm fine,

and the equipment is safe.

The ranger who gave you
a ride is cute.

Stop it.

I am here to work.

But yes, he is really...

helpful.

Mm-hmm.

And not a safe scientist.

Definitely not.

...but it's a job that I loved,

and for now, it is gone.

And there's nothing
you can do?

Well, I have it
till the end of the year,

but I'm hoping for a reprieve.

If that doesn't happen,

I'll probably get a job
at the Inn.

I know Mom and Pops
would love that.

It's not what you want, is it?

I love the outdoors.

Nothing better
than working in nature.

So what about you?

I work as far as I could be
from the nature I study.

I'm an astronomer

at the New York Planetarium
in Central Park.

Well, I've never met
a real astronomer.

It's not exactly
what you might think.

We don't spend all our time
looking through telescopes.

But you brought
your telescope here,

so you must be planning
to use it.

You're right about that.

I've discovered
a new meteor shower,

and I'm here
to watch it and record it.

Here? In Summit View?

Mm-hmm.

And you can know
exactly when it's going to come?

It's complicated, but yes.

Down to the time of night.

It's a pretty exacting science.

So are we going to be able
to see it from town?

There's a five-day window
starting Saturday.

That's the entire
run of the Fair.

Then everybody here
should be able to see it,

as long as they can
get themselves

outside of the city lights,

which is also why
I need to get my car back,

so I can get up that peak.

Okay, so we...

Ryan Sparks, there you are.

Were you able to get
all the extra lights we needed

for the tree-light ceremony?

Yes, Ma'am. Back of my truck.

You gonna introduce me?

Madeline, this is
the Mayor of Summit View,

June Jackson.

You can call me June, please.

Nice to meet you, June.

Nice to meet you as well, dear.

You're here
for the Christmas Fair?

Oh, I wish I was,
because it sounds so great,

but I'm here on business.

Oh, well, I hope
you'll be able to make it

at least one day.

We could use all the people
we can get.

Excuse me, I see
Milt Harris over there,

and I have not received
his check for his booth.

Well, that is Mayor June
in a nutshell.

She's something.

Oh, yeah.

She got elected on a platform

to make the Fair
as successful as it used to be,

so she's on high twitch
right now.

You want, uh...

you want a tour of the town?

Yeah.

Yeah, I would.

Wow, look at this.

Oh, yeah.
Well, this is nothing.

Just wait until Saturday night
when the Fair kicks off.

We take our Christmas
very seriously.

Well, it's a beautiful
Christmas Fair.

Oh, yeah.

Just wait until
the tree gets lit,

streets get lit...

big ceremony,
booths, food, and Santa.

People come from all over.

It used to be huge.

It's still fairly big.

If it snows,
we go into the school,

but it's not supposed to snow
until after Christmas.

I'm hoping that's the case.

I don't think
I've seen any town

do Christmas this big.

Yeah, I mean,
these stores here,

they do a huge percent
of their business

this time of year.

It used to be
a go-to Christmas destination,

but I think over the years,

people have kinda
taken it for granted.

Well, I wish I had known
about this Fair years ago.

Hey, you want to, uh...

you want to go see
my soon-to-be-ex office?

Yeah.

- Yeah, let's do it.
- Okay.

This is gorgeous.

It is pretty beautiful.

Where does the trail go?

Well, this one here
is a four-mile loop,

comes back around.

Beautiful hike...

and luckily, I think they're
gonna keep this one open.

This is hard
for you, isn't it?

Yeah.

I mean, they're closing
ranger stations, campgrounds...

it's a mess.

I didn't think
they'd actually do it.

It's a shame.

I get it, though.

We operate completely on grants

and government contracts
and endowments.

It's always a money game.

Well, if you ever
have any to spare,

it's the Wilson County
Parks Department...

Okay, you have some work to do.

Shall we?

Can we stay here

and look at this
a little while longer first?

Absolutely.

Thank you for the tour.

I really do wish I could
come to the Fair,

but I've got
to get up the mountain.

Speaking of, I could really use
a tour guide for that, too.

Well, you know I'm available.

Yeah? That would be amazing.

But I do need to talk to you

about how we're going
to get up to Porter's Peak...

- Madeline!
- Hi!

I've been waiting and waiting
for you to get back.

Can we do the telescope
tonight?

You bet. Meet me... uh...

Out by the barn is good.

Okay, we'll set up
the telescope after dark,

if it's okay with your dad.

Oh, it's okay...

as long as I can come, too.

Sure.

I'll go tell Grandma!

All right, I've, uh, taken
enough of your time today.

No.

I've enjoyed every minute...

though I do need

to make some adjustments
to the scope

if we're going to use it.

I know you're interested
in this stuff.

Do you want to watch?

Sure, if you don't mind.

We can use the common room.

Great.

It might be
a little boring, but...

Oh, I doubt it.

I'll go grab it.

Okay, I'll meet you there.

Okay.

I told you
this would be boring.

Are you kidding?

No, I've never seen
anything like this.

I, uh, I don't know
what you're doing,

but it looks...
it looks pretty impressive.

I am talking to the telescope.

Setting some parameters.

We want to see
something close,

we're looking in our galaxy,

so I have to tell it that.

You can use this thing
to look at other galaxies?

Oh, yeah.

Nebulas... yeah, other galaxies.

Do you have to, uh...

uh, calibrate it?

That's what
I've got to do with mine.

You mean a collimation.

No, this a refractor.

I'm sure yours is a reflector.

Okay, yeah. I get it.

I don't get it.
I don't get it at all.

I'm sorry.

I deal with
so much technical stuff...

Yeah.
That's okay, it's your job.

I just...
like looking at the stars

for fun.

It's time with Celeste,

and my wife loved it.

We... we lost her
a few years ago.

I'm sorry.

Thanks.

But I can think
of no better reason

to look at the stars.

Agreed.

I think this will be
really fun for Celeste.

Definitely.

Wow.

It looks close enough
to touch.

I wish they were,

but the nearest star to Earth

is still
over million miles away.

I know that one.

Dad told me. The sun.

That's right.

Your dad knows his stars.

Okay, do you see
these three right in a row?

That's Orion's belt.

They look like they're
right next to each other,

but they're actually
hundreds of light years apart.

I knew of Orion's belt.
I didn't know that, though.

There's more.

Each light is a different kind
of celestial body,

so, the first one is
an entire star system,

the middle one is a star,

but the last one
is a super giant,

which means it's , times
brighter than the sun.

This is fascinating.

It's almost as bright as you.

Aw... you're too sweet.

There's a Christmas
component to them, too.

They're called the Three Kings,

after the three wise men

who followed the Christmas Star
through the desert.

Do you have to do a lot
of school to be an astronomer?

You do.

I went to college
for eight years.

That's a lot.

Well, I have
a Doctorate in Astronomy...

and a couple of degrees
in Physics.

Whoa.

Does that mean math?

It's a ton of math...

but if you want something
bad enough,

you do whatever's required
to get it.

I wanted to be an astronomer.

If you do, too,
you gotta do the math.

Okay.

I'll work harder on my math.

Thank you.

My dad knows where
the butterscotch ladle is.

The butterscotch ladle?

Don't listen to her.

In the sky.

The Big Ladle.

The Big Dipper?

Yeah.

He said that it was filled
with butterscotch.

I didn't believe him.

Mm.

Smart girl.

We might make an astronomer
out of you yet.

You are something.

Stop it.

I know about space,

but you probably know
more about the outdoors

than I could ever learn...

except for the stars.

Butterscotch?

Yeah.

Butterscotch.

And the Little Dipper
is full of chocolate.

I bet you didn't know that,
did you?

Hey, do you think
I could hire you

to come up with me?

I mean, you know the road,

you know the mountain.

I can pay you.

Mm-hmm.

Hire me?

Firstly, you don't have
to hire me.

I would love to help you.

Secondly, I've been
trying to tell you,

there is no way up that mountain
this time of year

in any vehicle.

Wait, what?

There's... there's a road
on the map.

There's a road on the map,

uh, but it's
an old logging trail,

meant for hikers
and parks vehicles.

Could we take
your parks vehicle?

Not in the winter.

Then how do people get up there
in the winter?

Follow me.

This way.

Seriously? Horseback.

Unless you want to hike up.

There's no other way?

I've been riding exactly once.

You'll be fine.
I'm going with you,

and I want to see
this meteor shower, too.

All my equipment,

the telescope,

I don't really see how...

Well, we'll take it on a sled.

Both horses
have done it before.

I'll take it up with Comet.

This is nothing new.

I would need
your help every day.

Isn't that too much?

We only got
to pack it in once.

There's a ranger station
up there

we can store your equipment.

I got a key.

It's just...

Okay.

I mean, I told Celeste
that if you want something,

you gotta do
what you gotta do,

so I guess
I'm gonna ride a horse

to see a meteor shower.

Right.

You'll be fine.

In fact, we can
practice tomorrow.

They're really good horses.

Can I send their I.D.s
to Naomi?

Okay, we'll let these boys
get their beauty sleep.

I really feel
like I should pay you.

What? No.

You don't have to pay me.

What you did
with Celeste tonight,

you inspire her,

and that's priceless to me.

Besides, it's the same old
Christmas Fair every year,

and... I wanna do this. Okay?

I can't keep you
from Christmas.

Don't you take Celeste?

Mom and Celeste
go to the tree-lighting ceremony

every year.

It's their thing.

I've seen it, like,
a million times.

No one's gonna miss me.

I don't believe that.

Madeline, I could not think
of a better Christmas light show

than a meteor shower
with you.

Okay. You talked me into it.

Good.

I would love the help.

We should see it...

right around there somewhere.

Wow, that's perfect.

Well, you two look like
you're having fun.

We are.

Why is his nose in his eye?

It's not his nose.

It's his telescope.

Oh, yeah.

Now I see it. It's nice.

So, ready for a little bit
of horse-ridin' practice?

Oh, can't today.

I traded the use
of the horses this week

for lunch with Celeste
and an astronomy lesson later.

Oh, really?

They're my horses.

She's got a point.

That's no problem.

Whatever makes you happy,
sweetheart.

It will be fun.

We got to get to it.

- Yeah.
- We got a full day.

This is my mom's star.

Dad says she's
the brightest star in the sky.

I think your father's
right about that.

That was fun.

I love Celeste.

She's funny and smart.

She's special, that's for sure.

Definitely her mother's daughter.

I'm sorry we didn't get
to the horses today.

Oh, it's okay.

It's not a taxing ride.
You're gonna be fine.

Just get some good rest.

I'll try.

See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

So, how's it going?

This whole town is a gorgeous
Christmas village,

where the only way up

to where I need to go
to watch the shower

is by horseback.

Horseback?

In the winter?

Then tell me
you're coming home.

No. I'm staying.

I have a park ranger
helping me get up there.

The same cute one?

One and the same.

He just volunteered
to help you?

Yes.

He has a very real interest
in the stars.

So you just talk
about science?

No, we talk about
more than science.

You? Yeah, sure.

I... barely know him,
but he's real.

Tell me more.

It's beautiful.

Hey, Cal.

Thanks for meeting me, man.

Yeah. What's this about?

I mean, if it's about...

No, no, no.

I wanna reopen the station
up on Porter's Peak.

What for?

I mean, it's closed
for the winter.

It's gonna be closed permanently
in January.

I know.

There's an astronomer here
from New York

who's here for
a big celestial event.

It's official parks business

in conjunction with
the planetarium in New York.

You being straight with me?

Of course.

We're going to head
out there tomorrow

on horseback,

and I promise

nothing outside regulation.

Why are you doing this?

Uh...

Well, I like this woman, Cal.

She's different.

I want to be a part
of what she's doing,

to help her.

Think of it
as my farewell tour.

Okay. Be safe.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's right, we were
high-school sweethearts.

What was your wife's name?

Meg. Megan.

That's a nice name.

Thanks.

She's the one that bought me
the telescope,

and we would spend hours
looking at the stars.

She's the one
that named Celeste.

Well, I love the name Celeste,

because... celestial.

So did she.

I think
I would have liked her.

I don't think
there's any doubt.

Okay, uh, let's get moving.

Let's do this.

Wow.

h*.

This is quite a...
quite a spot you have here.

It certainly is.

It's pretty beautiful
this time of day.

The sun's setting.

Comfortable?

Yeah.

Okay.

Good?

Mm-hmm.

- Okay.
- Thanks.

We gotcha. Yeah.

It's over here.

Pretty beautiful, huh?

This is incredible.

Look at this view.

I never get tired
of this place.

So, we should probably
get your equipment inside.

I have a coffee pot,

no running water,

but bottled water,
propane gas,

so, want a hot coffee?

I'd love some.

Coming right up.

So, this a good spot
for you?

You kidding?

I've got an unobstructed
view of the sky,

no real light pollution
from the town,

which I was
a little worried about

with the Christmas lights,

but it's gonna be okay.

Look at this image.

It's really amazing.

So, this five-day window,
how does it work?

Exactly what it means.

Could be tonight,
could be any of the next four...

but I'm hoping for tonight.

One and done, huh?

Done?

No.

There'll be a ton
of work to do afterwards.

It'll be fun, though.

You're fun.

Thank you.

I will be
when these meteors show up.

Welcome, everyone,

to the opening night
of the rd annual

Summit View Christmas Fair!

Tonight, we light our town

with the best and brightest
celebration ever!

Summit View, we wish you
a very merry Christmas!

Wait, what's going on?

Where did all that light
come from?

Oh, man.

It's got to be the lights
from the Christmas Fair.

They must have lit the town
and the Christmas tree.

I didn't think it would make
that much difference.

This is a disaster.

I thought the lights
were already on.

We need to get them shut off.

Seriously?

Just for like an hour
during the meteor shower.

Uh, it's the Christmas Fair.

They're not going
to turn the lights off.

Yeah, but look at this image.

I won't be able to get
any decent recording or data

with this much light pollution.

I'm really sorry.

Well, I'm no longer
hoping it comes tonight,

I can tell you that much.

If it doesn't, can you help me
talk to the Mayor?

I need to explain to her

the historic and scientific
significance of this event.

Uh, you want me to ask them
to turn all the lights off?

That's a really big ask.

Yeah, I understand that,

but what else can I do?

Well, uh, I suppose
we could try another mountain.

We got until tomorrow night.

Look, this is the mountain.
There is no other mountain.

Okay. Uh...

so, do you want to wait here?

Yeah, I have to know.

If it comes tonight,
we'll just get what we can,

and I'll be out your hair
in the morning.

No, you're not in my hair.

I appreciate that.

Let's work out
the Christmas lights tomorrow,

but for right now,

is there anything at all
I can do for you?

Pray that the shower
doesn't come tonight?

I can do that.

I'm sorry about
all the frustration

back on the mountain.

If it makes you feel better,
the lights do look beautiful.

No, I'm just happy the shower
didn't happen tonight.

You have no idea
how happy I am.

You made it.

So, what do you think?

It's never been better,

or brighter.

Well, it didn't do any good.

It's been the slowest
opening day ever.

I don't know
what I'm going to do.

I may have a way
to get more people here.

Really? How?

I'm sure Ryan's told you

that I'm an astronomer

with the planetarium
in New York City.

He did not.

Oh, well,

I'm here to record a special
new astronomical event

taking place in the skies

right over
your magnificent town.

Right here, where
the people could see it?

Imagine dozens of sh**ting stars

flying across the night sky

all at the same time.

It would be an exclusive

Summit View
Christmas spectacular,

only to be viewed
from right here.

Would we be on the news?

Honestly, there's...

there's a good chance...

and written up
in scientific journals

all around the world.

And there's
a cooperation component as well.

In fact, you two should talk
with the council.

Guaranteed to have
more people here, Mayor June.

A council meeting?

Okay.

I could set up a special
council meeting tomorrow.

: a.m.? Would that work?

That's perfect...

and the town
does look beautiful.

It does, doesn't it?

Well, I will leave
you two alone,

and I will see you tomorrow.

This is very exciting.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas, Mayor June.
- And to you.

That went well.

Yeah. Well, you still
gotta convince them.

Getting these lights off,
that's going to be a tough ask.

Not all of them.

Just the Christmas lights,
and only for an hour.

Well, I'm in your corner.

So, you think this little town
is beautiful, huh?

I do.

It looks amazing.

Listen, I love Christmas
and all that it has to offer,

and any other year...

You wouldn't be here.

Tell me the truth.

Why are you helping me
like this?

You've gone way beyond...

Oh.

Well, this morning,

I woke up to
my daughter studying math,

and it's Christmas vacation...

my daughter,

who I almost have to tie down
to get to do schoolwork.

Ah.

And there's, uh,
a little something else.

I like spending time with you.

Nothing more complicated
or scientific than that.

I'm enjoying your company, too.

Come on.

Scientific history
right here in Summit View?

And we can publicize
and tell people about it?

You should.

Get people to come and see it.

A beautiful Christmas
light show in the sky?

What could be better than that?

Could we set up tables
from the high school

in town square
so people could watch and sit?

Sure, yeah, we could do that.

We moved them before

so everyone
could watch those guys

pull the logging truck
out of the ravine.

And I'm willing to pay
whatever it costs

to move them, too.

All you have to do

is just shut off
all the Christmas lights,

just the Christmas lights,

between : and : .

I'll do whatever it takes.

Just think of

all the coffee and hot chocolate
you could sell, Dave.

I mean...

sitting people get colder
than walking people, right?

And you promise it'll be good?

It will be spectacular.

It'll put your town
in the record books.

I know this is
a big sacrifice for you,

but it could be major news.

Well, I know the guy

who runs the radio station
in Lake Placid.

He could get the word out.

We could double our attendance.

It's certainly a possibility.

Double attendance?

Look, besides
the radio station,

you can all reach out
to the newspapers,

get it online,
let the people know.

Double attendance.

This better happen,
that's all I can say.

There's a % chance

that it will happen
in the next four days.

Well, %
doesn't sound very good.

Uh, no,
those aren't bad odds at all.

Okay. Let's take a vote.

Do we turn off
the Christmas lights tonight?

You don't get to vote.

Tonight, the Christmas lights
go out in Summit View,

but there better be
a meteor shower this week,

and lots of people.

So, you haven't dated anyone
in four years?

Not really.

Some dinners,
but that's not dating.

I mean, they were
pretty much business dinners,

because all we talked about
was science.

Wait.

You were with these guys,

they didn't even ask you
about you?

No, not really,

but I didn't ask them
about themselves either.

Well, I feel special, then,

'cause you've asked
a lot about me.

- I guess I have, haven't I?
- Yeah.

So, I'm curious.

What do you do for fun?

I go horseback riding
with a nice man occasionally.

Oh, really?

Who is this man?

I think I might be
a little jealous.

You should be.

You, um... you want a coffee?

- Yeah.
- Okay.

Oh, yeah.

Coming right up.

My father had a telescope.

He the one
that got you interested?

That and the Christmas star.

I wasn't kidding about that.

I heard the story

about the star
guiding the Wise Men,

and I asked him to show it to me
in his telescope.

You ever see it?

No, never.

I'm still looking.

Anyway, in high school,

I had this teacher, Miss Donner.

She taught physics,
and she was amazing.

Physics?

I avoided physics.

You don't hold that
against me, right?

The fact
that you're no scientist

is points in your favor...

Oh, that's good.

...but I loved physics,

so when Miss Donner
sponsored an Astronomy club,

I was the first one in line.

I never had any idea
that physics and astronomy

were so closely tied.

Oh, like an old married couple.

Hmm.

I love it here.

I just feel free.

Is it hard for you at all,
coming up here like this?

No.

No, I love it here.

Being here with you
at this ranger cabin,

helping you
do something historic...

I might as well go out big.

You love this job so much.

I wish you didn't have
to go out at all.

Hardest thing is going to be
telling the family,

especially Celeste.

Mm, no.

They'll only support you.

Hope so.

I got a good feeling.

You're probably right.

I'm definitely right.

All these people
weren't here yesterday.

Nope.

Lot more people here today.

I've talked to a lot of them.

They're here for the shower,

but they are loving
the Fair, too.

This is all good.

Everyone...

count down with me.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One!

You got your dark sky.

They ought to give you credit
for your powers of persuasion.

We'll see.

I may be able to convince
the town council,

but this meteor shower,
it's a whole other thing.

Well,

maybe I can distract you.

You know, if you're not looking,
then they will come.

Works all the time
when you're expecting company.

Yeah, you're right about that.

Okay, so how are you
going to distract me?

Dancing might work.

Sing for me.

Guaranteed to keep
the meteors away.

For sure, that's the truth.

You're a forest ranger.

How about you tell me
a campfire story?

Hmm. Now, that I can do,

but usually I'm telling them
to Celeste and her friends.

Well, just think of me
as a big kid.

I don't think I could do that.

I'll tell you what.

How about I tell you
a love story?

Go on.

Is that a meteor?

Nope. Airplane.

Unless meteors
have flashing lights.

Then where are they?

Oh, be patient, honey.

She... she hit him with a what?

No, she didn't hit him
with anything.

She ran over his foot
driving a team of horses

for a Christmas hayride.

Was his foot okay?

No. He said it really hurt.
A lot.

And this is a love story?

Yeah.

Well, I hope so.

I wouldn't be here otherwise.

That's a good point.

So they fell in love
over a hurt foot?

Kind of.

So Mom's parents own the Inn,

and she made her parents put Dad
in a room for the night,

'cause she felt guilty.

And then they fell in love.

Well, he fell in love
with her at first sight,

but she didn't give him
the time of day...

so he put his foot
under that wagon on purpose.

That's a little extreme.

Absolutely.

He was .

He needed to get her attention.

And, you know,
guys' brains at

are a little...

That's true.

You didn't have
to agree so fast.

But in the end,

he won her over,

and their true love
lasts to this day.

It's strange...

and kind of romantic.

He sacrificed his foot
for love.

He sacrificed his foot
for love.

♪ He sacrificed
his foot for love ♪

Sounds like a Country song.

Nobody's ever done
anything like that for me.

Well, maybe they have,

but you were maybe too focused
on your career goals?

But you are definitely worthy
of a foot sacrifice.

You're just saying that
to make me feel better.

No, I'm not.

But I'd probably do something
a little less painful.

Well, you do know
how to distract a gal

who's waiting
on a meteor shower.

Told you.

Speaking of which...

Yeah, well, maybe
tonight's not the night.

Oh, it's so frustrating.

I've been waiting for this
since I was little.

It's like
the ultimate confirmation

of your life choices.

Yup.

I absolutely get that.

Good odds?

Mm. % is good odds, June.

And she made it very clear
it could be any night this week.

Turn on the lights.

I know it could happen
any night,

but the people are here tonight.

I mean, do we need
to explain it again?

I don't want them
leaving disappointed.

It's not that bad.

They're having fun,

and we've have never had
this many people

any night in the last few years.

And we have sold
a lot of coffee.

Yes, but it's embarrassing.

We kinda promised them a show.

No. The astronomer
promised the show.

You're right.

Well... it's not so bad.

No?

I need to ask them

to turn the lights
off again tomorrow.

Hmm.

Yeah.

Hey...

you ever consider dating
a non-scientific guy?

Well, I've been going steady
with my job for years.

Oh, yeah,

your job ever give you
its Letterman sweater?

Was it that serious?

Well, we didn't
pinky swear or anything.

Oh, whew!

Good to know.

That's all?
That's all you want to know?

Yeah, for now.

You know, you made
a disappointing night

pretty fun.

So did you.

Madeline!

Hi, Dad.

What happened?

The meteors didn't come.

Tonight's not the night.

A lotta people in town tonight
were watching.

They still have fun?

Yeah, I think so.

Most people seemed
to be having a good time.

Anyway, it's
the Christmas Fair, so...

You think it'll come tomorrow?

I hope so, honey.

Oh, I have to tell you,

the Mayor called,

and she wants
to see Madeline tomorrow.

: a.m., City Council room.

It's not like
I didn't expect it.

Yeah.

Who is in the mood
for something sweet?

Oof, me.

Ooh, hot chocolate?

Huh?

I ran out of words
trying to explain to people

why there was
no Christmas show in the sky.

I know I made it clear

we were in a five-day window
originally.

There are three days to go.

You did.

I mean, she did.

Just telling the truth.

Uh, but...

Hey... you're right,
she can defend herself.

Sorry.

You did, but people will hear
what they want to hear,

so are you asking us

to turn off the Christmas lights
again tonight?

I can't tell you enough
how much I would appreciate it.

Well, I'm inclined not to

because the lights are
a big part of the festival.

I understand that, but...

But...

there were a lot of people
in town for the meteor shower.

If this event does happen,

it could be a boon to us
for years to come,

but no one really
understands it.

The whole window thing.

Is there any way to really
explain it to people?

Yes. I could do that.

Happy to.

Well, how would you do that?

A presentation.

I do them at the planetarium
all the time,

the how and why
of the meteor shower.

Questions and answers,
visuals, the whole thing.

I still don't know.

Well, since it's Christmas,

maybe we could take

an astronomical look
at the Christmas Star,

put everything into
a holiday perspective.

I don't know about you,

but I've always wanted
to know about it.

I like that.

Mm-hmm.

Tie it into Christmas.

It's too late
to do that today.

You'd need to do it tomorrow

if there's a meteor shower
tonight or not.

Either way.

It would... be my pleasure.

And we need to get back
on the radio, and Internet.

Want to get people
back up here for it.

Done.

And you can do it
right here in this room.

Works for me.

- Thank you.
- Thanks.

The Christmas Star?

That was quick thinking.

Well, it is the star

that got you into astronomy
in the first place.

Yeah, but you remembered.

That means a lot.

I also told you that nobody's
ever found the Christmas Star.

I haven't either...

but we do know it was there.

Well...

you haven't found
the Christmas Star yet.

Just tell them what you know.

I mean, I wanna know
the story

about the star
that got you started.

That's what I'll do.

Good.

One more minute.

I don't think
they're coming tonight.

They have to.

Well, maybe she was wrong
about tonight.

Not Madeline.

I don't believe it.

Everyone should be as loyal
a friend as you, honey.

You'd better come tomorrow.

You tell 'em.

Well, why don't you
pack up the computer,

and I'll take
the telescope inside.

Thanks.

Hey.

Maybe tomorrow.

What, you're doubting it now?

No, no, not at all.

I just don't want you
to be discouraged.

No, the science is there.

I know it.

We have two more days.

Two more days.

That is a win in my book.

And I have to give
a presentation tomorrow.

That's right. That's right.

I can't wait for that,

and I know Celeste
is going to love it.

Well, you do know
how to make a girl feel better.

Aw, shucks.

They're making you
teach a class?

It was my idea.

I mean, I'm asking
so much of them,

it's actually
the least I can do.

You still have your ranger
helping you, I hope?

I do.

He's pretty great.

Really?

Is this a thing now?

No.

Maybe.

I like him,

and his family
and his daughter...

but I look at him and I think,

what do we really
have in common?

Well, you're a scientist.

You know opposites attract.

In physics.

People aren't physics.

Why are you
fighting this so hard?

Stop looking at everything
like an equation.

I know that you're right.

I completely forget about work
sometimes when we're together.

Scary is good.

Give your ranger a chance.

Ryan.

Nice name.

It is.

But how did you get
a presentation like this

together so quickly?

Oh, it's not
my first rodeo, partner.

If I do well,

maybe they'll turn
the lights off again tonight,

so wish me luck.

Oh, no luck needed.

You, uh... you got this.

Oh, this is great.

Even if she's wrong,

it's bringing in
more new people.

Well, I'd rather she be right.

This is
the Perseid Meteor Shower.

It recurs every summer.

Like I said,
the vast majority of showers

are the tail ends of comets,

and since we're dealing
with space,

we can only predict
an overall time, like a week,

not a specific date.

Yes.

How do they get their names?

The people who discover them
get to name them, usually.

So do you get to name
this one when it happens?

I do, but I'm not saying yet.

Don't wanna jinx it.

Yes, the young man
in the front.

Uh, yeah, how big
do these meteors get?

Like, could they hit Earth?

What you're seeing here

are meteors
completely burning up

in our atmosphere.

Believe it or not,

a lot of them are no bigger
than a grain of sand,

but they hit our atmosphere
at such high speeds

that you can see the flames
from Earth.

Let's talk
about the Christmas Star.

Oh.

When the star appeared
on Christmas

to denote the birth,

and, historically, it's pretty
much agreed that it was there,

there was no
scientific explanation,

and there's still
one unscientific theory

that remains...

it was...

a miracle.

"And the star they had seen
went ahead of them

and stopped over the place
where the Child was."

Yes, Celeste?

You think it was
a Christmas miracle?

In science, you can never
rule anything out.

Thank you all so much
for being here today.

Tonight, starting at : ,
look skyward,

and maybe we'll see
another miracle.

One based on science, right?

And math.

Yes, absolutely.

We need her back here
every year.

Mm-hmm.

You heard June.

Christmas lights
go out again tonight.

Way to go.

I had to promise
to come back next year.

Win-win,
as far as I'm concerned.

Can I come up with you tonight
to see it?

Sorry, honey.

Two horses, two riders,
in the dark.

You know the rules.

Plus, it's my job...

...to keep everyone safe.

I knew you were
gonna say that,

but I had to try.

Don't you ever change. Okay?

How about I cook you both
a good early dinner

before we go up the mountain?

If I can use the Inn's kitchen.

You cook, too?

Of course.

The science of cooking

is just a combination
of chemistry and physics.

Or cooking is just

throwing a bunch of stuff
that tastes good in a pot.

Well, in either case,

I can guarantee
the use of the kitchen.

- Right?
- Right.

Mm-hmm.

What are we waiting for?

Ladies first.

Dad?

Why was He born in a barn?

I mean, if He's a king,
why not in a palace?

Because He didn't come
for just the rich,

but for everyone,

so He was born humbly
to represent all people.

What's humbly?

Humble.

Humble people are the ones

who put others
before themselves.

Well, in that case,

Emily from school,
isn't humble.

Everything is about her.

It's ready.

Please have a seat.

Oh, and speaking of humble?

Tonight's chef. Let's go.

Well, I love single-dish meals.

Especially in a pot.

Oh, yeah.
It's mostly all I make.

Easier when you live alone.

I even liked the asparagus.

Wait. Math and asparagus?

It's another Christmas miracle.

Madeline, I think

the Christmas Star
was a miracle.

Hmm.

Sometimes, when you eliminate
every other explanation

and all that's left
is a miracle,

then you may be right.

Well, the only stars
I see around here are you two.

Dad!

Did I just say that out loud?

- Yes!
- Yes.

Aw...

It's okay, Dad.

I like it.

Thanks, sweetheart.

You're welcome.

So you think I'm a star, huh?

I don't think anybody's
ever called me that before.

Well, you're welcome.

Uh, look, if you decide to stay
for Christmas

with my family,

that would be great,
I'd love that,

but...

I'd like you to stay
for New Year's with me.

That's a lovely offer...

but it'll depend

on how much time I need
to process all the data.

You understand.

- Mm-hmm.
- But...

...yeah, I'd love to,
if it works.

Good.

Well, of course,
work comes first, so...

no pressure.

Little bit of pressure.

A lot of pressure.

I feel it.

No pressure, just a beautiful
Christmas speech.

I feel like this is
one of those time-loop movies.

The same day
over and over again.

I get it.

Waiting for anything you want
is hard.

Like Christmas morning
when you're a kid.

This is exasperating.

If it doesn't happen tonight,
it's over.

We can't have
the lights turned off

on the last night
of the festival.

As much as I would love
to see a meteor shower,

I think the Council would agree.

We can't have people
leaving here disappointed.

It's like
we brought them up here

under false circumstance.

We can't have that.

I don't believe it.

Well, it's not your fault.

I wanted it to be tonight.

Me too.

It's okay.

You still got one more night.

No, you don't understand.

I may never
get this chance again.

These come once in a career.

You're right,
I don't understand.

I thought you said

these meteor showers
happen once a year.

Not one I discover.

Well, you've got
other chances.

Come on, I mean,
we got to meet each other,

and your effect on Celeste
as a role model

has been really great...

so that's a little bit
more important to me

than some fiery grains
of sand in space.

Okay, no, you don't get it.

This is scientific discovery.

This is what I live for,

and if it doesn't happen,

any chance of me putting my name
on a cosmic event is gone.

What?

The Baggett Meteor Shower.

The Baggett Meteor Shower.

So all this,

the lights,
the people you put out,

the people
who believed in you...

all that was so you could name
something after yourself?

It was all about you?

No, of course not...

but it's my job.

There's more to life
than a job.

That's not what you said
about yours,

and I get that.

No, no, no, no.
You misunderstand me.

I loved my job,

and I'm brokenhearted
to lose it,

but it's not my life...

and I would...

I would lose my job
a thousand times

if it meant Celeste was happy.

Uh...

yes, of course,

but I didn't mean it that way.

That's okay.

You know, we should...
probably pack this up,

head back down the mountain,

and maybe you should
come up here

by yourself tomorrow.

No, no...

'Cause I thought we were feeling
something for each other

beyond the jobs...

'cause I haven't spent
any time with a woman...

since Meg passed,

and you know that...

it's my mistake.

I feel the exact same way.
I just...

Yeah, your job.

It's the most important thing.

I really understand that now.

I told you.

I warned you.

I know. I know.

I blew it
with this wonderful man

because all I can think about
is meteor showers.

I might as well
have kicked him in the teeth.

What do you want me to say?

You know you can have
a career and a relationship.

You choose your job...

maybe because it's safer.

No, that's
not completely true.

We were on the verge
of something amazing.

You're not talking

about the meteor shower now,
are you?

No. I don't think I am.

Guess it's just
you and me today, huh?

So... you sent her out there
by herself?

Stardust is tacked up.

If she's going up there alone,
at least she'll be safe.

Don't you think you're being
a little hard on her?

I do.

She shook this town out of
its Christmas complacency.

I mean, you certainly
couldn't say

that this was
the same old Fair this year.

It was like the old days.

She brought in
a lot of new people,

and that oughta count
for something.

She's got you there.

Look, I love you both,

but can we please just
drop this conversation?

Are you sure you're not just
tripping over your own pride?

It's complicated. Okay?

She lives in the city.

She has a job there,
a life there.

We've known each other
for a short time,

and I didn't think that I would
ever feel like this again,

but I do...

and best of all,
Celeste loved her.

But it can never...

I still love her!

I heard everything.

I'd want to name it
after me, too.

If you won't go up there
with her, then I will.

Celeste!

Celeste!

She's already gone.

Aw, sweetheart,

don't worry.

She's perfectly capable
of taking care of herself.

Plus, she's on Stardust,

and he knows the way
up and back.

She already flew the coop, huh?

Celeste, honey,

your grandmother needs
your help back at the Inn, okay?

You go ahead.

I'm just going to talk
with your dad for a second...

...about his job.

Calvin told me everything.

Did he?

Calvin wasn't supposed
to say anything to anyone.

About my son losing
the only job he's ever had...

or wanted?

You can't blame him.

He was just thinking of you

getting the support you need
at home.

And how am I going
to tell Celeste?

How am I going
to tell my friends?

How was I going to tell you?

The truth always works.

You didn't do
anything wrong, son.

He also told me
that you've known about this

since before
the star-lady even got here.

The star-lady.
Her name is Madeline.

I know her name.

I also know that you can't think
about your job or anything else

when you're around her.

It's impossible not to see.

She's special, okay?

And you sent her
alone up a mountain

because she wants to name
some meteors after herself?

That's not you.

Why'd you really do it?

To sabotage myself, okay?

You happy?

If you are.

Maybe I see
a relationship with this woman.

But I don't have a job.

What can I offer her?

She's like a genius.

How long before
she gets tired of me?

Give her some credit.

She knows a good thing
when she...

she knew a good thing
when she saw it.

Stop thinking so much,

and for sure
stop doing her thinking for her.

It'll be okay.

Will it?

Because I just sent her
up a mountain alone.

There's another horse
right there.

Thanks, but, um...

I blew it.

Besides, going back up there

is like returning
to a scene of the crime.

She's going to be fine.

I'm going to be fine.

Okay.

Gonna start getting dark soon.

Ryan.

Too bad about no meteor shower.

It could have been
good for the town.

Well, it still could happen,
according to her math.

The City Council took a vote,

and we're going to keep
the lights on tonight.

Last night of the festival
with no lights? No.

Yeah.

I guess I was just hoping
for something special.

Well, I guess
we were all taken in.

Well, no one was taken in.

It's real. It's based
on real science,

and look what she did
for the town,

the people that came
because of it.

Who'll remember us
for not keeping a promise

for something special?

Well, a % promise
isn't a promise.

It's a chance.

A good chance.

And I don't know, Mayor June...

I was kind of hoping for some
Christmas magic this year.

Me too.

I'll see you later.

Hello, if I could just have
everyone's attention, please?

First, I just
wanted to say thank you

for coming out to Summit View's

Annual Christmas Fair this year.

I know we've had
some disappointment

with meteor showers,

and...

Hey! When are you
turning out the lights?

Well, it's the last night
of the Fair,

so we wanted to make sure
the lights stayed on

so you could enjoy

all the hours until closing
at the Fair.

Maybe I can help you.

Madeline?

Dad, she's here.

Hi, everyone.

For those who don't know me,
I'm Madeline Baggett,

astronomer with
the New York observatory,

and the person who's had you
sitting in the dark all week.

I was sure the meteor shower

would happen
the past few nights,

but I've been wrong so far...

but right or wrong,

that's not
what's really important.

It'll be :
in a couple of minutes.

Should I be
on top of a mountain

waiting for some meteors?

Yeah, I should...

...but I couldn't.

I've packed my telescope
into my car...

Oh, yeah.
Is Jimmy here?

Hey! Thanks for fixing my tire.

I came here tonight
to apologize...

and to say thank you...

To Summit View.

To you, Mayor June,
and the Council.

You turned out the lights
on your Christmas Fair

every night for me.

I know what a sacrifice
that was.

To all of you,

the people who came out
every night, from what I hear,

to see my dream come true.

And to this marvelous
and humble man,

who reminded me

there are more important things
than meteor showers,

and that Christmas
is the very definition

of putting others
ahead of yourself.

Thank you, Ryan,

for putting up with me...

...for your family,

and for the lesson
in humility, and...

for just being
who you are.

Jobs are just jobs.

People are forever.

It's : .

The perfect time to go.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Celeste!
What are you doing?

Turn off the lights!

Turn off
the lights!

Turn off the lights!

Turn off
the lights!

Turn off the lights!

Turn off
the lights!

Turn off the lights!

You heard them.

Turn off the lights!

Turn off
the lights!

Turn off the lights!

I owe you an...

Nothing.

I owe you.

Look!

You were right.

Wow.

It's wonderful.

Pops? Get yourself
and anyone there outside.

It is on!

Pretty amazing
closing night, huh?

It's so beautiful.

It's much more
than I expected.

Your telescope?

All your equipment?

Already in the car.

But this is perfect.

Honestly, you think this
would have been better

alone on a mountaintop?

No.

I don't want it to be over.

Me either, but that's
not the way it works.

Madeline, what's that?

Gigi, can I see those, please?

Yes, yes.

Thank you.

I don't know what that is.

You think
it's the Christmas Star?

You know,
given the circumstances,

I wouldn't be surprised.

Or it was your mom.

She's the brightest star
up there, right?

I can't believe it's
the last night of the Fair.

I can't believe
it's almost Christmas Eve.

I can't believe
the snow held off

until after the meteor shower.

Best Fair ever.

Yes, it was. One to remember.

Madeline!

I'm sorry I ever doubted you.

Don't worry about it.

After the first few days,
I would have, too.

Well, everyone's starting
to put it onto the Internet,

so we're going to be famous.

Yes, you are.

I've decided to call it
the Summit View Meteor Shower.

You sure?

I'm very sure.

Uh, excuse us.

I do hope she'll
say something to that account

in the Town Square.

I'm sorry, Mayor,

but I don't think
that's going to happen tonight.

Oh...

I don't know what to say.

Well, I can't believe
you didn't get your recording.

Aren't you gonna
get in trouble?

Probably...

but I made my decision.

I'm not about
to second-guess it.

I've been
second-guessing myself

for the last hours.

I was...

I was a little hard on you.

As important
as my job is to me,

it's not my whole life.

You reminded me of that.

You're really something.

But you're so much more
than your job, too...

but it's still a job
you deserve to have.

Thank you, Madeline.

I need to make a phone call.

One second.

Okay.

Hi, Chuck.

Wait, what?

It's trending online.

Wow.

Yes, I will be making
a full report,

including the star sighting.

Uh, no, I can't do that.

I won't be available
to speak about it

until after New Year's.

It's Christmas.

I'm spending it with the people
most important to me.

Oh, one more thing.

I've decided
on my recommendation

for the satellite observatory,

and it will involve
working closely

with the County Parks
system here.

Yeah, I've already found
the perfect spot,

and it has
a Ranger Station on site.

Yeah. I'll be meeting with
the County Supervisors soon,

and I will
send you more info ASAP.

Well, it's exactly
what the endowment calls for,

so it should be
a quick approval.

Great.

Merry Christmas to you.

Did you just save my job?

Uh, well, if doing my job
means saving your job,

then, yeah, I guess
that's a good thing.

How did you pull this off?

Christmas miracle?

You think so?

Well, if you exhaust
all the scientific data,

then, yeah, it's definitely
a possibility.

Okay, so in that case,

if you can't prove

there's no butterscotch
in the Big Dipper,

then that's a possibility, too?

I think that might be
your celestial journey to go on.

Okay.

You know what?

What?

I think I found
my Christmas Star.

Where?

Right here.