Okay, so Steve?
He's the one that she's
secretly in love with, right?
Uh-uh, Steve's her fiance,
the big Wall Street tycoon.
Hm, the one that wants to
put Christmas out of business.
Exactly. I hate him.
And the other one is Aaron?
Andy, so he's a super sweet guy
who works at the ski lodge.
The one where Beth's car got
snowed in for the holidays.
They met in the cutest way.
Hold on a second, I'm working.
How is it? It's
wonderful, right?
It's good. Not great.
Really? I think it's so good.
Are you writing your
review column already?
No, taking a few notes.
I'll write the full
article tonight.
I'll give them an okay review,
and then, when I
come back in a month,
they'll gimme a better dinner.
Well, how do you write
your relationship column?
Don't you, don't you
take notes or something?
No, I just feel
inspired and I write.
Hm. Oh, okay, so Aaron.
- Hm, Andy.
- Andy.
Andy is stuck at the ski
lodge, no, no, no, no.
He is working at the ski
lodge and Beth is stuck there.
Meanwhile, her jerk of a
boyfriend is working in Europe.
Uh-uh, he's in Hawaii.
Right.
- So then the two of them.
- Aaron and Beth?
Andy and Beth, they get
stuck in a car together.
- Okay.
- Okay, what?
- Okay, what happens next?
- I don't know.
I paused the movie so I
could come have dinner
with my best friend,
Kathy Kutlenios,
the world's most
important food critic.
- Hardly.
- You will be
when you get that job
writing for "The Times."
- If.
- Of course you'll get it.
You know more about food
than anyone I've ever met.
You do know how this story
ends for Aaron and Beth, right?
Yes. Probably.
Don't ruin it for me.
Danielle, you are
such a talented writer.
I mean, I understand
that you're writing
the relationship column
for the magazine,
but you could be writing these
holiday movies that you love.
Why aren't you?
I will answer that
when you tell me
why you are writing about food,
when you could be cooking it.
Kathy, you could be
the most talented chef
in all of New York City.
- Saved by the bell.
- I'll be in the bathroom.
- Hello?
- Kathy.
Hey, Mom.
You don't have to sound
so thrilled to hear from me.
I'm thrilled to hear from you.
I'm just not thrilled to hear
about what you're gonna ask me.
And what am I going to ask you?
Come to Holly for Christmas.
Your father and
I miss you so much.
I miss you guys too.
I just don't miss
that little town.
Holly is the quaintest
little town in all of Michigan.
Hm, that's one
way to describe it.
- Kathy, dear.
- Yes, Mom.
Just say you're
going to come home.
I've already bought
the plane tickets.
Your father will be so happy.
We're planning the
biggest Christmas dinner
this quaint little
town has ever seen.
I'm excited.
♪ Dashing through the snow ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Over the fields we go ♪
♪ Laughing all the way ♪
♪ Bells on bob-tails ring ♪
♪ Making spirits bright ♪
♪ What fun it is
to ride and sing ♪
♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪
♪ Hey, jingle bells,
jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ In a one-horse
open sleigh, hey ♪
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ A day or two ago ♪
I am so sorry, officer, I.
Is there something funny
about breaking the law, ma'am?
No, no, no, no.
I wasn't trying to make
anything seem funny.
That's enough, ma'am.
Step out of the vehicle, ma'am.
Are you serious?
Yes, ma'am, just step
out of the vehicle.
Okay.
I'm sorry, ma'am,
I'm, I'm just kidding with you.
I know I need to
stop doing this,
but sometimes I
can't help myself.
Well, talk about
breaking the law.
Impersonating an overly
serious officer? I know.
You know, I might have
to get the phone number
for your chief of police.
Well, I'm not so sure it
would do you any good though.
He's got a bigger sense
of humor than I do.
Well, in that case,
Officer Williams?
Call me Matthew.
Officer Matthew?
Just Matthew.
I'm Kathy, by the way.
Well, I wish we had met
under less reckless
conditions, Kathy.
Reckless? How
fast was I going?
51 in a 25.
Well, that doesn't seem
exceptionally reckless.
Oh, that's reckless.
It's a rental car.
Well, last time I checked
reckless was reckless,
whether you owned
the vehicle or not.
Well, maybe, if you check
your instruments again,
you might see, I was
only going 35 in a 25.
Or if you look really
close, you might see,
I was only going 25 in a 25.
Huh, human error.
That's an interesting thought.
Well, it doesn't
have to be human error.
It could be the blossoming
of early Christmas spirit.
Sort of like a, like
a secret Santa gift,
except from an officer
instead of a coworker.
Yeah, something like that.
I'm gonna need your license
and registration, ma'am.
- It's Kathy.
- Kathy!
Oh, baby girl, you
look so beautiful.
It's so good to see you.
Nice to see you, too.
Kath, it's so nice
to see you, sweetie.
How've you been?
I'm good.
How was the trip?
Lovely.
Oh, what went wrong?
This town, which
loves me so much,
gifted me with a reckless
driving ticket for Christmas.
That's not the town's fault.
I know it's my fault, Dad,
but that doesn't
make it any better.
What were you two studying
so intently when I came in?
Your father and I
are finalizing plans
for the annual Christmas dinner.
This is gonna be the most
amazing one we've ever had.
We have a very
special guest coming this year.
You got Santa.
How did you pull that off?
I heard he was booked
through the 25th.
Ha, ha.
I'm not gonna let
your big city humbug
infect my Christmas cheer.
You know, I've never understood
why you can't enjoy
the season, Kath.
Christmas has
never been a really big thing
for our family since we moved.
Moved you here?
Well, that's because we
never really appreciated
the magic of Christmas
until we moved here.
And you two got a good
case of Christmas cheer
when you moved us from DC to
this little slice of Americana,
also known as Holly, Michigan.
But all I got was a new school
for senior year and no friends.
It's the gift that
keeps on giving.
You know, if you could
let it into your heart,
you might find you could love
this town as much as we do.
Yeah, you might like it here
and do the job
you're meant to do.
You two have got
to let that one go.
My life and my career
are in New York.
But you're not
doing what you love.
Life is so much better
when you do what you love
instead of a job where
you just go to work.
And you know that from
personal experience,
don't you, former
Congressman Kutlenios?
Look, I'm not a chef.
I'm a food critic.
You're right, you're not a chef.
You're more like a
genius in the kitchen.
A genius, Mom, really?
It's the truth.
You two are so sweet, and I love
that you think so highly of me,
but I'm a city mouse,
not a country mouse.
- For now.
- For always.
I need to take my stuff
upstairs and get settled.
Same room from
high school, right?
Ah, you know, we haven't
rented that room out yet at all
for any dates this next year.
In case you might
change your mind.
Oh, of course, because
that's what every 30-year-old
fiercely independent
woman wants to do,
live with and work
for her parents.
Fierce independence
isn't incompatible
with doing what
you love in a place
that loves you back.
You two are insufferable.
I'm taking my stuff
upstairs before you try
and dress me in a Santa hat.
Oh, the Santa hat is
on your dresser, dear.
Along with the
notes for the tour.
No, no, no, no, please, no.
I, I haven't done that
tour since I was 17
and I hated it then.
You better go get those notes.
The tour starts in an hour.
You know, child labor laws
have been enforced
since the 1800s.
Honey, you're 30.
Thanks for reminding me, Mom.
And we're country mice
now, and child labor laws,
they don't apply on a farm.
None of this is
going to change my mind
about Christmas or this town.
Why would we
want to change your mind?
After all, we did raise you
to be a fiercely
independent woman.
It's so good to have her home.
Was he cute?
- Yeah.
- Super cute?
Well yeah, but
that's not the point.
He was a total jerk.
Well, at first he
was nice but then,
and then he gave me a ticket.
Can you believe that?
Well, how fast were you going?
- 51 in a 25.
- Kathy!
I know. I know.
Well, what did he
write you up for?
Five over.
Mm-hmm, he's a total jerk.
You should call him.
- What?
- Yes.
I see them do it all
the time in the movies.
His number's on the back
of the ticket, right?
No, no, I will not.
I will not.
I gotta go.
Bye.
Your parents said
you'd be up here.
Sandra!
Merry Christmas, Kathy.
Well, it's not Times Square,
but I guess it's
a Merry Christmas.
It's always a Merry
Christmas at the Holly Hotel.
You are as bad as my parents.
Have a seat. I'm
still unpacking.
They are so happy to have
you back for the holidays.
Well, you can't let them
know, but I'm happy to be back.
Come up with any exciting
new dishes I can steal,
I mean, borrow from you lately?
I've actually been
eating a lot more
than I've been cooking.
- Still the food critic.
- Yes.
I'm with the magazine still,
but I'm up for a new
job at "The Times."
You'd be the most
influential critic in New York.
Well, nothing's definite yet,
but I should know in a few days.
I'm happy for you.
- You don't look it.
- Maybe not.
I just think you should be
in the kitchen with a spatula
instead of on the dining
room floor with a pen.
Do my parents pay you extra
to be their double agent,
or do you just do that for free?
Oh, I do it for
free. Definitely.
Well, at least you're honest.
So look, I want to invite you
into the kitchen with me,
anytime while you're here.
There's room for only one
chef in the kitchen, Sandra.
Except at Christmas.
And before you ask, yes,
your parents do pay me
extra to be this cheerful,
but you can't let them know.
I'd be this way for free,
even if they didn't.
Well good, we can both keep
a secret from my parents.
I just wanted to give
you an open invitation.
You can join me
whenever you want.
I'll think about it.
Don't think about
it, just do it.
Okay, Chef Nike.
Oh, and if you happen to
do a review on this place,
you'd better love my dishes.
You taught me
everything I know, Sandra.
How could I not?
Just remember, I know where
you're staying if you don't.
They haven't changed a
word since high school.
The Holly hotel
was built in 1891.
It has always been a
hotel and a restaurant.
The original owner
was Mr. Hurst and,
ladies and gentlemen, I
believe I have a stalker.
Someone needs to make sure
the good people of Holly
are safe from your
cyclone of recklessness.
Grandma Williams and I
would like to take the tour
before we sit for dinner
in this fine establishment.
Grandma Williams
is perfectly capable
of speaking for herself, Sonnie.
Ooh, Sonnie.
I like that, Grandma Williams.
Do you mind if I
call him that too?
Not at all.
He thinks he's the bees knees
because he gets to wear a badge.
But I remember when his badges
were all made of plastic.
You have my permission
to bring him down a peg.
Well, you know, Sonnie
here gave me a ticket
on the way into
town this morning.
Right before Christmas?
That's outrageous.
She was going 51 in a 25.
But she's so pretty.
Yeah, that's not how
the law works, Grandma.
I have to continue
the tour now, Grandma.
Don't worry about
that ticket, Missie.
I'll work on him.
Oh, Missie.
Can I call her that too?
Okay, can we get back to this
romance dance later, please?
Oh, we're.
Oh, oh no, that, we're not.
Yeah, whatever.
Um, you know what?
Let's, follow me
into the, the bar.
Let's go to the bar.
This is the bar area.
Now it has been
said that Mr. Hurst,
the ghost of Mr.
Hurst, enjoys sitting
in this very seat at
night, chatting it up.
There was a very
tragic fire in 1913.
Ownership then changed
over, the hotel was rebuilt
and then almost to the
exact day, 65 years later,
there was another tragic fire.
Follow me into the next room.
And this is the Alley Cat Club.
We host poetry, open mic,
many great singers and bands,
and on the weekends
we have comedy night.
- Tell her.
- Stop, Dad,
it's embarrassing.
What's that?
I'm actually gonna be
singing here on Christmas Eve.
That's wonderful news.
What about ghosts?
Legend has it there's
actually two ghosts
that live in the hotel with us.
You can always sense a presence.
Sometimes you'll
hear noises, voices,
or see a shadow walk by.
Mr. Hurst is actually one
of our most famous residents
from the other realm.
Do you smell that?
Mr. Hurst was a very
heavy cigar smoker
and some say you can
actually catch a hint of it
when you're down here.
All I smell is Pine-Sol.
No doubt that's Mr. Hurst's
lady of the house, Nora.
She's another one of
our prominent ghosts.
Now, if you don't mind,
let's head upstairs.
In addition to ghosts,
our hotel has hosted a
sitting U.S. president.
You'll see here, a
picture of the president,
the first lady and my father
back when he had hair.
During his reelection
campaign in 1992,
the president actually
made our hotel a stop
on his train tour of the state.
I was in the
dining room with him.
Were you really?
Yes, he was one
good-looking man.
Grandma.
Well, he was.
Well, now, if you
don't mind, follow me.
And this is our train car room.
Everything you see
here is authentic.
My father actually
went to southern Ohio
to get everything from
a 1910 Pullman rail car.
We've had an abundance of
wedding proposals here.
Come on in and take a look.
And this is our hotel attic,
where we have six bed
and breakfast rooms,
all of which are
currently occupied,
so I do apologize,
I can't show them,
but if you follow me this way
to one of our banquet rooms,
where we have weddings
and other large parties,
we have an amazing
dinner planned for you.
Do you believe in all that
ghost mumbo jumbo, Missie?
It makes for a fun story.
When I lived here
in high school,
there were a few things
that were not easily
explained though.
I believe in ghosts.
Sonnie here believes
in everything.
He was 15 before I convinced him
that there was no such thing-
Grandma!
What?
Don't say things
like that out loud,
you'll make them come true.
Well, I think being a
true believer is sweet.
True believers are
great for dating,
but they're terrible
at paying the bills.
I pay my bills, including
your dinner tonight.
- Kathy, something happened.
- We need you.
- Sandra burnt her hand.
- Badly.
I don't think she can
finish dinner tonight.
You have to take over.
I, I, I can't, I'm not prepared.
I'm trained in first aid.
Where is she? I'll take a look.
In the kitchen. Come with me.
Your grandmother can
stay. Dinner's on us.
- Kathy.
- No, Mom, I can't.
William?
He's a sous chef.
Really more of a line
cook, he's not that good.
He'll be fine.
Kath, please.
Mom, boundaries.
I knew we'd get out
of paying the bill.
How was dinner,
Grandma Williams?
It'll pass.
I could've done better.
Well, the thing is.
The thing is I was
there when it happened.
I'm 90, I'm not stupid.
Yes, I, yes, ma'am, I.
But the thing is, I-
I don't need excuses, dear.
I needed five-star food.
I think you have a future
in restaurant reviews.
Future?
When you get to
be as old as I am,
the future is all in the past.
You wanna talk about future?
How do you feel about
that grandson of mine?
Well, I, I don't know,
I, I don't really know him.
He's handsome. He's kind.
And he's got a job.
What's to know?
Well, I, I don't, I
don't, I don't know.
Sit down.
I'll, I'll tell you a
few things about life.
Oh no, no, I can't, but.
That wasn't a question. Sit.
Speak of the devil.
Angels appear.
Ha, nobody writing tickets
two days before Christmas Eve
can call themselves an angel.
Yeah, but anyone
who puts up with you
for seven days a week sure can.
Puts up? Puts up?
Come a little closer, Sonnie.
I bet I can still
lean you over my knee.
Thank you for
keeping Grandma company
while I took Sandra to the ER.
Sorry I couldn't
dine her tonight,
but we're always on duty.
Why don't you find your courage
and ask this pretty
girl out on a real date?
Grandma.
Yeah, why aren't you
doing that, Officer Matthew?
You are afraid of
something, Sonnie boy.
Grandma, please.
What are you going to tell me?
That you've got game and
I'm ruining it for you?
Got a game?
Seriously, Grandma, where do
you come up with these things?
If it wasn't for me,
you wouldn't be asking
this young lady for a date.
Are you asking me out on a date?
I do all the work.
He just stands in line
and waits to get the prize
at the bottom of the
cr*cker Jack box.
Well, um, Kathy.
Just say yes, Missie.
I'm gonna expire
before he gets around
to asking you for a date.
Okay, fine, yes. Why not?
I would love that.
See, Sonnie, that's how you
ask someone out on a date.
Well, I better
get her out of here
before she finds a chapel
and has us married.
You should be so lucky.
But do you like him?
I don't know.
He was nice when I
was giving the tour,
but I hardly know him.
This could be so
great for you, Kathy.
He could be the one.
The one? Okay, stop Danielle.
That is not practical.
I live in New York.
Oh no, Kathy, what
did you text him?
"Hi, Matthew.
It's okay, I think we both know
that this isn't meant to be,
but it was nice meeting you."
Please give it another try.
It was a nice daydream
while it lasted.
Good night, Danielle.
You went to bed rather
early last night, didn't you?
I am 30 years old, Mom.
Do they ever get too
old to worry about?
If they do, I wouldn't know it.
Why didn't you go out with
that nice police officer?
Well, he stood me up actually.
He what? No.
Stood you up?
Yeah, I got a text
from him last night
saying he had an emergency
call or something.
Oh, well, you know,
he is a police officer.
And very handsome.
Did you see the way he took care
of his grandmother last night?
That boy's a keeper, Kath.
Okay, I'm gonna let him know
that you two are interested.
It's not often you find
someone as grounded as he is.
What are we doing here?
I have it on good information
that you would like a meeting
with the chief of police.
Oh, a little
birdie told you, huh?
Something like that.
Hey, Bob.
Hey, bro.
Well, if it isn't my
favorite youngest officer.
I'm your only youngest officer.
Doesn't mean you
can't be my favorite.
And who might you be?
I'm Kathy.
My parents actually
own the Holly Hotel.
- George and Chrissy's girl.
- Yes, sir.
Well, it's so nice to meet you.
I will be sure to tell
them we finally met
when I come by for the
annual Christmas Eve dinner.
Yeah, actually Dad's got
something super special planned.
So special that he won't
even tell me what it is.
Well, I can confirm
that there is a national
security element, actually,
to the dinner this year.
And it is going to be a
very big deal for this town.
National security?
Probably shouldn't
have said that.
Do me a favor, let's
keep that just between us
and please don't tell
your dad I said so.
Your secret's safe with me.
And as much as I
enjoy entertaining
new people in my office,
what brings you in today
on your day off, Matthew?
Well, Miss Kutlenios wanted
to file a formal complaint
with the police force, sir.
Miss Kutlenios, really?
Well, I did say it
was a formal complaint.
What seems to be the trouble?
There's no trouble,
really, it's just, um,
I just can't keep my lead foot
off the accelerator, is all.
Let me guess, he caught
you just coming into town?
I was hiding behind
the welcome sign.
How many times have
we had this conversation
where we park in
front of the sign,
where the speed limit reduces?
This is not to be
a speed trap town.
We wanna welcome people
when they come into town.
So just how fast were you going?
51 in a 25.
51 in a 25, well,
that is a bit reckless.
That's what I said.
But still it is Christmas.
And if you do promise to
obey all of the other laws
and ordinances in our community,
this is the citation he
wrote you.
Merry Christmas, Kathy.
Merry Christmas, chief.
Kathy, it's amazing
to finally meet you
and I'm sure I'll
see you again soon.
You as well, sir.
Tell me something.
Okay.
Why do you stay in New York
doing that food critic thing,
when everyone says you're
so good at being a chef?
You don't pull punches, do you?
Can't, too much of Grandma
Williams blood in me.
Hmm, she does explain a few
things about you, doesn't she?
All good, I hope.
Jury's still out, but I'm
leaning in the good direction.
You really think you got away
without answering that
question, don't you?
Maybe I do?
Afraid to answer.
Why do people do what they do?
I mean, it's hard to
follow your dreams.
You have to really
believe in yourself.
Think about it this way.
How many people do
you know in your life
that draw really well?
I don't know,
maybe like 10 or 15.
And of those 10 or 15,
how many of them have
art hanging in a museum?
You want your food
to hang in a museum?
Don't be silly.
I'm sorry, I couldn't help it-
Grandma Williams in you, I know.
Are you saying your skills
don't rise to the level of art?
Ouch.
Well, yeah, that's
what I'm saying,
but it hurts worse when
you have to say it for me.
Does it have to be art though?
What if your skill's good
enough to make people happy?
I need more.
So what about you?
Have you always dreamt
of being a deputy
on the Holly Police Force?
I'm just a regular
guy with a good heart.
Except for when you're
giving out speeding tickets
right before Christmas.
You were going 51 in a 25.
- Ah, that's reckless.
- I know.
So you're saying you
don't have any dreams?
I didn't say that.
Well, let's have
it then, officer,
before I have to
publicly cite you
for being as emotionally stunted
as the rest of your gender.
It's embarrassing.
Oh, like admitting that
I'll never be as good
at the one thing I
love as I want to be?
Embarrassing like that?
You got me.
Well, let's have it
then, Officer Perfect.
What are your dreams?
I love this so much.
Okay, tell me more. Go on.
He said.
I wanna be a good husband
and a good father one day.
I want a house full of kids
who can't get to sleep
on Christmas Eve.
I want to hold my best friend
in the whole wide world's hand
while we watch our children
unwrap the presents
on Christmas morning.
That is the sweetest
thing I have ever heard.
Okay, keep telling me more.
And I told him
that he's amazing,
and so incredibly good-looking.
And that I'm sure he's gonna
make someone so happy one day,
but I just don't think
that I'm the girl for him.
And now you've ruined it.
- Danny.
- No, you've ruined my night
and you are literally
ruining Christmas.
Goodbye.
You've got to stop doing that.
If I knew how, I would.
I have to hand it to you though.
Bringing Kathy back here,
setting her up with Matthew.
If you can pull it off,
it will be your greatest
Christmas miracle yet.
They're right for each other.
It will all work out in the end.
That would be nice.
And how have you been
passing the endless time?
I'm bored, Nora.
Pull a wire here and
I pull a wire there.
I just can't make heads or tails
out of this modern technology.
I never know which
light I'm turning off.
Well, how about pitching in
and helping me help
these two youngsters?
Why not? We're a team, right?
Like George and Chrissy.
And Kathy and Matthew.
This place makes love shine.
Truer words, Nora
dear, truer words.
Shall we retire to the basement?
We shall.
I love you, Mr. Hurst.
I love you, dear Nora.
Hi.
Hey.
This is awkward.
Maybe a little.
It's nice to see you though.
- What are you?
- My grandma's inside.
She sent me a text asking
me to join her for tea.
Yeah, she's not inside.
Are you sure?
Oh, yeah.
Actually she just
texted me and asked me
to meet her on the front porch.
Something about going
last-minute shopping.
- I see.
- Yep.
So here we are.
Here we are.
That was nice of you though.
What's that?
To agree to take her shopping.
You hardly know her.
She's a nice lady.
The best. She's also
a pathological liar.
She means well though.
So what now?
Oh, boy.
What?
I think I have an idea.
Whoa.
Excuse me, sir,
is there any chance
you were reserved
by a Mrs. Williams?
Absolutely not.
I was sent from the
beyond by Mrs. Hurst.
Ha, Mr. And Mrs. Hurst,
the ghost from Holly Hotel.
Remember the tour?
Ah, right. So?
Grandma Williams.
So are you gonna climb on board
or do I have to go back
to lighting candles
when nobody's looking?
May as well.
Sure. Why not?
Oh, it's cold out here.
Just to stay warm.
What girl could
object to warmth?
It's a beautiful day.
Glad to be spending it with you.
Have you heard the
forecast for Christmas yet?
Yeah, hasn't snowed here
on actual Christmas
in a few years.
You must be a good
luck charm for Holly.
Just for Holly?
Maybe me too.
Nothing to say?
Just enjoying the moment
and to be totally
honest with you,
I don't really know what to say.
I'm having a lot of thoughts,
but I'm not so good at talking.
You didn't seem to
have that problem earlier
when you painted the perfect
picture of Christmas morning.
Yeah, that didn't work out
so well for me though, did it?
I'm sorry, I-
It's okay.
Well, maybe you should tell me
what it would be like with you.
Maybe I'll dream about
it when I'm in New York.
A lot of Grandma Williams.
- Be serious.
- I am.
- Matthew?
- Yeah?
What are we doing here?
I don't know,
but I'm not objecting
to the warmth either.
I leave for New
York in a few days.
Oh, I will deal with
that when it happens.
I mean, if we keep
going down this path.
I will have a
broken heart for sure.
And you won't be the only one.
I've never been so happy
to hear of a broken heart.
Maybe we should just stop
spending so much time together.
Makes sense.
Very rational.
I mean, do you want to?
- No.
- I don't either,
but we have to agree that
this is only temporary.
I mean, I have a job,
possibly my, my dream job
as the lead editor
at "The Times."
I mean, and my apartment,
it's all in New York.
You have a job, maybe
a new job, and a place.
But I didn't hear you mention
anything about having a life.
I thought you said
you were bad at talking?
I have my moments.
Kathy!
Do you know where the, oh, um,
sorry, I, I didn't see anything.
Goodbye, Officer Perfect.
Goodbye, Miss Perfect.
I'm sorry.
About what?
About this.
About everything.
I shouldn't have almost.
I shouldn't have led you on.
I shouldn't have led myself on.
I just need to rip
the Band-Aid off.
I shouldn't have almost kissed.
Goodbye, Matthew.
♪ Is it too good to be true ♪
♪ I want this so much ♪
♪ But don't know if
I can trust you ♪
♪ My mind's racing fast ♪
♪ Trying to find the
red flags I'm used to ♪
♪ All these green lights,
are they coming too soon ♪
♪ Caught between red
and the green in you ♪
♪ I'm stuck in the blue ♪
Matthew, wait, what
are you doing tomorrow?
I don't know.
Thought it might be a good day
to alphabetize my spice rack.
Name one spice that
starts with the letter A
and maybe I'll believe you.
Al, falfa.
'Cause everyone loves alfalfa
on their steak and potatoes.
You name a spice
that begins with A.
Arrowroot.
Can you do B?
- Basil.
- C?
Cinnamon.
Can you do all of them?
Oh, yeah.
How about Z?
Ah!
Za'atar.
Is that a real thing?
Yeah, if you don't
believe me, look it up.
X.
Xylocarp.
Oh, come on, that sounds
like a prescription drug.
Do you concede?
Yes.
Well, thank goodness,
because I thought you
were gonna ask me about Q.
Q, right, why didn't
I think of that?
Why don't you, um, come here
for lunch with me tomorrow?
What happened to
the Band-Aid thing?
Should I bring my spice rack?
Just the alfalfa.
Nora, darling.
You gave me quite a fright.
You have never gotten
used to the habit
of me appearing and
disappearing, have you?
It's even more disconcerting
now than when we were alive.
When we were alive,
it was just because
you were not very good
at paying attention to me.
That's not true.
When we were alive,
I paid attention to
nothing else but you.
I know it, dear.
I was trying to rile you.
You were succeeding.
I have been knowing you
for over a hundred years.
I have a secret map to
all of your buttons.
A hundred years.
Has it truly been that long?
Seems no more than a day.
That's as sweet as what
that boy said to that girl.
Well, it's part of the
magic of this place, isn't it?
It is.
Did you enjoy the carriage ride?
Oh, it was a lovely evening,
even if a bit chilly, and
thank you for riding up front,
so I could sit in the
back seat with them.
We almost got her to
say that she would stay.
Well, she'll get
there, don't you worry?
I am worried.
She doesn't believe
in herself yet.
Well, she's cooking
lunch for Matthew tomorrow.
That's a good sign.
How long has it been since
she's graced our kitchens?
12 years. That
girl sure could cook.
Yes, she can.
She just needs to find
the joy in it again.
Well, that's what
this place is all about.
Exactly.
Are you sure you
know what you're doing?
Have I ever been wrong yet?
Ah, don't answer that.
Well, what about that job?
We both feel it in the
air, she's going to get it.
The entire day of
Christmas depends on it.
Oh, I sure hope you
know what you're doing.
Don't I always?
And don't answer
that one either.
Shall we go downstairs?
We shall.
Who's playing tonight?
Oh, I don't know.
It'll be a surprise
for both of us.
Ah.
You got in late last
night, didn't you?
I am 30 years old, Mom.
Do they ever get too
old to worry about?
If they do, I wouldn't know it.
That young officer
is so handsome.
That boy's a keeper, Kathy.
Okay, happy Groundhogs
Day to you too.
♪ Make your list
and check it twice ♪
And we're done.
That looks amazing.
Presentation is important,
but the real test is the taste.
I have no doubts.
Wow. I don't know what you
call this, but it's amazing.
Thank you. I added a
little extra alfalfa.
You're not gonna let
that one go, are you?
Nope, I'm gonna hold
onto that one for a while.
Glad I could be of service.
Speaking of service,
I've said that word twice
in front of my parents
since I've returned
and both times they
just started laughing
and then said that
they can't wait
for the Christmas secret?
Do you have any idea
what has them so giggly?
No, I think my captain
knows, but I honestly don't.
And why do they,
why do they say secret
every time I say service
and then start laughing?
I have no clue.
You're much smarter than I am.
I'll always be known
as the sweet one
in any conversation about us.
Oh, there's an us now, huh?
Well, technically anytime
there's a we there's also an us.
I don't know if that
comment made any sense or not.
And that's what I
have a talent for,
disguising the
intelligence of my answers.
Well, maybe I should just
let myself be surprised.
Well, think of it like
a Christmas present.
Sure, you could shake the box
and you might be able to
figure out what's inside,
but wouldn't it just be
better to wait and unwrap it?
I like that.
It means a lot to my dad anyway.
So let him have this.
You know what we need?
Grandma Williams to bust in
here and publicly insult me,
til I find my courage to ask
you to see me again tonight?
That too.
But I was thinking maybe we
should go inside the kitchen
and make some of the hotel's
famous chocolate mousse.
Oh, that sounds fantastic.
Mom, Dad.
Hey, you kids
enjoying your lunch?
She is a wonderful chef.
Don't I know it.
Thank you.
I actually wanted to talk
to you guys about that.
As nice as William is,
I think it's obvious
that he's not gonna be able
to do the Christmas dinner.
- Well.
- No.
No, no, he, he cannot.
Well, I was thinking, if the
offer's still on the table,
I would be the chef
for the evening?
Oh, honey, this
is wonderful news.
Kathy, you are seriously
saving Christmas.
This dinner is so important.
You are saving the hotel.
This is the best
Christmas present.
They certainly seem happy.
Indeed. Me too.
I'm actually looking
forward to it.
Can I ask you something?
And know beforehand, I am
actually being serious for once.
Officer Matthew Williams,
are you going to propose?
No, we would need Grandma
Williams' blessing for that.
Oh, you're not gonna get that.
She doesn't think you're
good enough for me.
Give her time.
She'll come around.
So what were you gonna
ask me, Captain Serious?
Do you feel like
there's been something
pushing us together
this Christmas?
What, like some sort
of Christmas magic?
Yeah, something like that.
You know I don't
believe in that stuff.
How have we gotten so close
in such a short
amount of time then?
I don't know, the
magic of pheromones
and facial symmetry, maybe.
You are such a scientist.
Reason first, I always say.
I'm gonna ask
you something else.
And I don't want you to think,
I just want you to feel.
That's gonna be a little
difficult for me, but I'll try.
Will you give us a chance?
What do you mean?
I mean us, you and me.
Will you allow what is
happening to keep happening
until we become
all that we can be?
I mean, we might be beautiful.
We would be beautiful.
Then let's try.
I'd like that.
Kathy, this is amazing.
It's like you're living
in a Christmas film.
But all those
movies are the same.
Big city girl goes
home for Christmas.
To plan her wedding.
Or run her parents' bakery.
Where she falls
in love with a guy.
- A veterinarian.
- Who wears flannel.
But Matthew and I
haven't gone on a date
at a Christmas tree farm yet.
There's always a Christmas
tree farm in those movies.
There is always tomorrow.
How many of those
movies have you seen?
All of them?
I see all of them.
I don't doubt that.
You have to admit
you love them too.
Okay, maybe I do.
Hello?
Is this Kathy Kutlenios?
This is she.
Hi Kathy, this is
Elaine from "The Times."
You interviewed
with me last Friday.
Yes, Elaine, how are you?
I'm very good.
Also, I have some
exciting news for you.
I've spoken with
the other editors
and we've decided to
offer you the job.
That's, that's, ah,
I'm listening, I'm sorry.
You don't seem very excited.
No, I am.
There's a new restaurant
called The Villa Americano
opening in SoHo tonight.
Now, I remember when
you interviewed,
you said you'd be visiting
your parents this week,
but we really need
you back in town
to cover the grand opening.
Well.
That's not gonna
be a problem, is it?
No, no, it won't.
I'm sure your family
will understand.
This is the type of opportunity
to further your career
that doesn't come
around that often.
They'll understand.
Then you accept?
Yes, of course.
Excellent, my assistant will
book your flight right away.
Pack your bags and
head to the airport.
Will do. Merry Chri.
Merry Christmas.
He can't handle
the Christmas meal.
He's gonna screw it all up.
Kathy has to do it.
George.
I'm so sorry.
I really don't wanna
abandon you guys like this.
This is the most important thing
that's happened to this
hotel since we've owned it.
I just, I don't think I
can fly out in the morning.
They're calling
for feet of snow.
George, stop
making her feel bad.
This is her dream job, we
can't interfere with that.
You're right.
You're always right.
I'm just a worrywart.
And you know that.
I've been that way since 2008,
when the polls had
me up by 10 points
and I still lost my seat
because of that big blue wave.
Sweetheart, this isn't an
election, it's just a dinner.
Congratulations.
I'm happy for you.
I had to take the job.
It's my dream job,
like you said.
I'm sorry if I'm being selfish.
Tell us about your new job.
It's. Nothing really to say.
It's what I've been working for
the entire time I
was in New York.
I just can't believe
it's finally coming true.
- Good things come-
- To good people.
Are you guys sure.
Are you sure I'm a good person?
Of course you are honey.
Absolutely.
It's just that being
here the last few days
has really gotten to me.
When we first moved here
after Dad lost the election,
and when I was in high school,
I just thought this
place was horrible.
Moving here from DC, it
was like moving into a, a,
a one bedroom apartment
from a mansion.
I couldn't even breathe the air.
But the last few days.
With Matthew?
With him, with you
guys, this place,
I finally feel like
I, I came home.
But I never felt like
that when I was in DC.
And in New York, I mean,
that's just a place
I, I thought I was
chasing my dreams
and it just never
felt like home,
no matter how long
I lived there, and.
Not like a Dorothy and her
magic slippers type home.
There's no place like home.
No matter how far
away from home you get,
you can always come back to it.
We love you.
- Yeah.
- I love you too.
We love you.
Hello, Grandma. I'm coming in.
You don't knock anymore?
I've been knocking.
Hmm, must be something
wrong with my ears.
I didn't expect you until it
was time to go to the dinner.
Well, things didn't work
out the way I'd hoped.
Did you let that girl get away?
I didn't let her. She
chose New York over me.
Why did you give her a choice?
What was I supposed to do?
Kidnap her?
If that's what it took.
I can always count on your
sense of humor, Grandma.
I wasn't joking.
Her heart wasn't in this place.
She sent me a text,
Grandma, a text!
"Matt. Thank you.
Work called with
a big promotion.
Have to leave today.
It was a pleasant dream
while it lasted. Kathy."
A text, are you kidding me?
I'm 90 years old, I know
true love when I see it.
Well, maybe you were
wrong this one time.
I am never wrong.
So what are you
gonna do about it?
What can I do?
She's on her way to
New York right now.
What?
You want me to chase
her down at the airport?
A text. You sent me a text.
You chased me down in a
cop car and pulled me over.
Matthew, don't act
like I'm the crazy one.
When is the last time
you've been in love?
Don't make this harder
than it needs to be.
I've been in love
once, right now,
today, with you, that's it.
So yeah, I'm out
here in the cold,
outside my jurisdiction
abusing my police powers,
but that's not crazy.
Crazy is you driving off
and pretending like you
don't feel the same way.
Don't make me cry, Matthew.
I, I, can't-
Kathy.
I'm sorry.
♪ Sail on off the radar ♪
♪ And venture away from this ♪
♪ Trouble, it will find you ♪
♪ It's behind you ♪
♪ It always is ♪
♪ Unfold from my mind ♪
♪ I don't want you near ♪
♪ If you k*lled
me with kindness ♪
♪ I'd no longer feel you here ♪
Ah, excuse me, sir,
we're not open yet.
Maybe just one drink?
You do look like you
could use a friend.
Come on and pull up a stool.
You're worried that you
haven't been a very good father.
Well, yes, as a matter of fact.
How did-
I doubt that it's true.
It's true.
We have two daughters.
Victoria is a senior in
college, out in Colorado.
She got snowed in this year,
so she won't be joining us.
But I was so excited
when Kathy, my oldest,
announced she was coming home.
I didn't raise them
here. Should have.
Should have stayed in local
government or business,
but I ran for Congress, and
for 10 years DC was their home.
They didn't get the
benefit of this town.
Or a good father.
They're doing well now though.
Um, I suppose.
Kathy, my oldest.
I know.
Do I know you?
Oh, we've been in the same
room together many times.
Just never really talked though.
But enough about me. Kathy?
She's on her way
back to New York.
She landed a big job
writing for "The Times."
And you're not happy about it.
I'm happy if she's happy.
I'm just not
convinced that she is,
but I'm too old to
tell her what to do,
and she's too old for
any fatherly advice.
I love her so much.
I just want her to
have a good life.
You're a good man, George.
It's not too late.
Everything will
work out in the end.
Trust me, this place,
the town and the people,
they just have a way of
changing us for the better.
So have you been
to the hotel before?
Oh, many times.
Probably more than you.
George! George,
what are you doing?
We, ah, we.
We?
- There was a gentleman.
- Honey, we have work to do.
Come on, right now.
I, um.
Let's go, the
door's gonna open soon
and we have to get ready.
♪ Oh, come, all ye faithful ♪
♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪
♪ Oh, come ye, oh come ye ♪
♪ To Bethlehem ♪
♪ Made of the Father ♪
♪ Now in flesh appearing ♪
♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪
♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪
♪ Christ, the Lord ♪
♪ Sing, choirs of angels ♪
♪ Sing in exultation ♪
♪ Sing, all ye citizens ♪
♪ Of heaven above ♪
Kathy. Kathy's back.
♪ And behold him ♪
♪ Born the King of angels ♪
♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪
♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪
♪ Christ, the Lord ♪
Okay, um, we'll just keep the
menu simple, grilled cheese.
Grilled cheese?
Grilled cheese?
Are you serious? This
is Christmas dinner.
And tomato soup.
Do we serve that warm or cold?
It will be fine.
Sara, you can make
our clam chowder soup?
Yeah, no problem, um,
but Sandra usually samples it
and then adjusts
it a little bit.
But you know how to do it,
so however it comes out
tonight is how it comes out.
Okay.
William, you can make
our special salads?
Yeah, I've made
that a hundred times.
Good. Get to it.
Now, who knows
how to roast duck?
What if we put a ham
in the grilled cheese?
What is going on in here?
Kathy! What are
you doing here?
Your plane should've
left an hour ago.
It did.
I just recognized I don't need
to take a plane to get home.
Okay, let's get this
kitchen in order.
Mom, you and Dad take
care of the dining room
and I'll take care of this.
Oh, thank heavens. Oh!
Ladies and gentlemen.
Can we have your
attention please?
As you may know,
we have two special
guests joining us tonight.
And when we say special.
We mean very special.
Ladies and gentlemen,
give a round of applause
to the president.
And the first lady.
Of the United States of America.
Hello, hello, how are you?
Merry Christmas, everybody.
How you doing? You all right?
How you doing? How are you?
How are you doing?
So much, how's
everybody? You okay?
How are you?
It's been a while.
Ah, since 2008, sir.
You don't have to call me sir.
It's just Tyler.
You know, the same guy
that played cards with you
in the basement
every Saturday night.
Well, yes, sir, Mr.
President, ah, Tyler, I'll try.
Chrissy, we really
appreciate you
having us here at your hotel.
Oh, any time, Mr. President,
it's an honor to have you.
- It's Tyler.
- Tyler.
All right.
You know, we miss
you down in DC.
We really need good
people down there.
Well, you know, I
was there 10 years
and I think they
had enough of me.
And frankly, I've
had enough of DC.
Well, I have some cabinet
positions opening up
and I'd love to
have a spot for you.
We're happy here, Tyler.
That's all right.
If anything changes
you let me know.
- Will do.
- Now, your hotel,
this place is just incredible.
Thank you so much, thank you.
You really done a great
job putting this together.
We love it here.
The town is beautiful.
The people are so lovely
and warm, it's, it's home.
Well, we really
appreciate you having us.
We have no plans of
going anywhere again.
This is it.
I see that. Okay.
The last entree
has left the kitchen.
You all did such a great
job, thank you so much.
I can't believe how
flexible everyone was
changing the entree
at the last minute.
Now let's keep our focus as
we get the desserts out and.
Matthew?
Kathy, you came back?
I realized everything
I wanted was right here.
- Kathy!
- Oh, come on!
- You can kiss her later.
- When, when is that?
Kathy, you did it.
You did it! The
meal was wonderful.
The president wants
to talk to you.
Of the United States?
Yes. Where, where
have you been?
Wait, the president?
I can't, I can't
see him like this.
Why not? You remember him?
Well, yeah, he was
the congressman then,
now he's the president.
You'll do fine.
Oh, my God, I'm, I'm so nervous.
Will you go with me?
Of course.
Okay, I gotta change.
How do I look?
Wow. You look gorgeous.
Is, is that little Kathy?
Isn't she stunning? Look at her!
Let's give it up for the chef.
Now, get over and give
your Uncle Tyler a hug.
My goodness, I haven't seen
you in, oh my, 12 years.
Oh, my goodness.
You know, I've been
all over the world
and I must say this meal
was probably the best
I've ever had in my life.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Oh, it's Uncle Tyler to
you, always Uncle Tyler.
I am so proud of you, I
don't know what to do.
Now, who is this man lucky
enough to hold your hand?
Matthew, Mr. President.
It's nice meeting you, Matthew.
You know, you're
incredibly lucky
to have this young lady
as your girlfriend.
Pretty smart guy.
You must have voted for me, huh?
I want everyone to
join us downstairs
and we're gonna read
some Christmas poems.
"The Night before
Christmas." Let's go.
She didn't get on the plane.
Kathy didn't get on the plane.
"Was the night before Christmas
when all through the house
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse."
You did it, Missie.
Thank you, Sonnie.
"The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care
in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there."
Am I seeing what I
think I'm seeing out there?
"The children were nestled
all snug in their beds
while visions of sugarplums
danced in their heads.
And Mama in her 'kerchief
and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains
for a long winter's nap."
It's snowing.
"When out on the lawn
there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to
see what was the matter.
Away to the window
I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters,
and threw up the sash."
It's gonna be a white Christmas.
Of course, it is.
"The moon on the breast
of the new fallen snow
gave the luster of
midday to objects below.
When what to my wandering
eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh,
and eight tiny reindeer."
You know.
What?
I truly feel like
I'm finally home
for the first time in my life.
"With a little old
driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment
it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles
his coursers they came,
and he whistled and shouted
and called them by name.
Now Dasher, now Dancer!
Now Prancer and Vixen!
On Comet, on Cupid!
On Donner and Blitzen!"
I love the way you hold my hand.
Well, I am under strict
orders from the president.
I know, right?
It might be a
capital crime not to.
"To the top of the porch,
to the top of the wall.
Now dash away, dash
away, dash away all!
As dry leaves that before
the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an
obstacle, mount to the sky,
so up to the housetop
the coursers they flew,
with the sleigh full of
toys and St. Nicholas too."
Are you gonna be able to put
up with this reckless driver?
"And then in a twinkling,
I heard on the roof,
the prancing and pawing
of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head,
and was turning around,
down the chimney St.
Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed in all fur
from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all
tarnished with ashes and soot."
Matthew, I love you too.
"A bundle of toys he
had flung on his back,
and he looked like a peddler
just opening his pack.
His eyes, how they twinkled.
His dimples, how merry.
His cheeks were like roses.
His droll little mouth
was drawn up like a bow,
and the beard on his chin
was white as the snow."
Well, are you
gonna say it or not?
"The stump of a pipe he
held tight in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled
his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face,
and a little round belly
that shook when he laughed
like a bowl full of jelly."
Kathy Kutlenios.
Matthew Williams?
"And I laughed when I
saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and
a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I
had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word but
went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings,
then turned with a jerk."
Will you marry me?
"And laying his
finger aside of his nose
and giving a nod, up
the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh,
to his team gave a whistle,
and away they flew like
the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim ere,
as he drove out of sight."
Yes, I would love nothing more.
"Merry Christmas to all
and all a good night."
Thank you. Thank you.
Merry Christmas,
everybody. Merry Christmas.
Maybe next Christmas
we'll have a baby.
Wouldn't that be lovely?
It would, it surely would.
♪ When the gathering has begun ♪
♪ And concerns are down to one ♪
♪ Should we clean up or
have fun for a while ♪
♪ There's a sweet,
sweet stillness there ♪
♪ In the quiet Christmas air ♪
♪ May you find yourself
laughing all the while ♪
♪ Have a happy, merry,
beautiful Christmas ♪
♪ Where all your
troubles fade away ♪
♪ Where there's laughing
and memories made ♪
♪ By the Christmas tree ♪
♪ And joy for every age ♪
♪ So have a beautiful
Christmas, oh ♪
♪ Have a beautiful Christmas ♪
♪ Beautiful ♪