-[upbeat music] -[whistling]
Downloaded from YTS.MX
♪ Something about the weather got me feeling something new ♪
Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX
♪ That I felt before the last 24th ♪
♪ I'll always take December way over summer June ♪
♪ 'Cause I'd rather be settin' up the tree oh with my family ♪
♪ Making memories like a silver-screen do ♪
♪ It's a classic that we make brand-new ♪
♪ Fa la-la la-la the only time of year ♪
[drone whirring]
Thought we can take a break, Charlie.
We've already missed second breakfast. I'm cold.
Really? I think this is invigorating.
♪ Fa la-la la-la the only time of year ♪
-[hens clucking] -[chuckles] Hi!
♪ Oh oh oh ♪
Okay, okay, okay...
♪ Of year ♪
Ah. Good morning, girls.
You're looking fine today.
Coming, bub. Ah.
Hi.
♪ And I've got our traditions but we're not breaking ♪
[chuckling] Hey, Betty, make room for your sister, please.
♪ There's nothing on my wish list that hasn't come true ♪
♪ Wouldn't change a thing I got everything oh with my ♪
Well, we're still 300 feet away.
No, I think we found her.
-[drone whirring] -[hens clucking]
♪ Fa la-la la-la the only time of year ♪
What is all that noise?
♪ Fa la-la la-la ♪
♪ Raise your glass and cheer ♪
♪ It's the birthday boy ♪
Listen.
-[leaves rustling] -[wind howling]
[wood creaking]
I-I don't hear anything.
The tree, it's calling to us.
Um, I'm just gonna take your word on that one.
♪ Whoa oh-oh-oh ♪
[whistling]
♪ Fa la-la la-la ♪
♪ The only time of year ♪
This isn't the tree we ID'd from the chopper.
I know. This one is way better.
[hens clucking]
Are we on private property?
♪ La-la la-la ♪
♪ The only time of year ♪
♪ Everyone you love is near ♪
♪ Whoa oh-oh-oh... ♪
Now we want all of our packages to feel like they were wrapped
for a member of our own family.
All of our customers should feel like Santa wrapped them himself.
Now, as I've just shown you,
I have my classic Christmas bow that I put on every package,
but I encourage you all to find your own unique style.
Okay, let's give it a try.
-Oh, that's gorgeous. -[indistinct chatter]
-[man] You just pull it. -Yeah, nice.
It's all in the wrist. Think Edward Scissorhands.
Yeah, you're getting it.
Okay, remember, joy delivered, that's our motto.
Hi, honey, I hate to interrupt,
but the new ornaments just came in.
Oh. These are fantastic!
Dad, the craftsmanship is amazing!
Where do you find these?
These were hand-painted by a grad student
I met at a craft fair down in Boston. Aren't they beautiful?
-Pick out your favorite one. -Ooh. Um...
-This one for sure. -Oh.
-Partridge. -Yeah.
These will be perfect for next year's line, dad.
Yeah, perfect for your first catalog on your own.
Mm. Can't believe you and mom are retiring in January.
Going to miss you.
Hey, you'll be too busy to miss us. Come on.
I know, there's so much to do around here.
CEO, HR, buyer...
Butcher, baker, candlestick maker.
-Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha... -[cell phone ringing]
Oh.
Mm. I got to go. Marie's outside.
-She needs me for a taste test. -Yeah. Say hi.
-Saving this one for you. -Thank you!
[instrumental music]
[Sonal on phone] The tree is gorgeous, Charlotte.
I'm looking at the photos right now.
The governor is gonna be over the moon.
You tell him that it is three feet taller
than Vermont state Christmas tree.
How soon can you get it to Augusta?
We're working on it.
There's no room for error on this one.
-We're counting on you. -I know. I know.
Good, because I wanna get a press release out
as soon as it's under contract.
Okay. Bye.
Nice!
-Uh-huh? Uh-huh? -Oh...
I think I just died and went to heaven. What is that?
An experiment, a Christmas macaron
with cranberry filling and rosemary essence.
Amazing! For the employee Christmas party?
Yeah, I only had to make four dozen to find the perfect one.
[laughs] Save the rejects for my dad, you'll make his day.
[indistinct chatter]
-So it was a drone. -What?
This morning, all the-the buzzing.
[Marie] What are you talking about?
Uh, uh, excuse me? Hi!
Hi, uh, I'd like to talk to you just for a second about, uh,
the, uh, uh, uh...
-[Marie chuckles] -Your, um...
The, um, uh, the drone!
Oh, sorry if we caused any trouble.
No! No, no, no, no. No. No.
I mean, yes.
Just the, the buzzing, it got my chickens all riled up.
I'm really sorry about that. Look, we're almost done here.
-I like your antlers. -Oh.
[Charlie] 'Tis the season and all.
[Charlie chuckles]
You two look like you're from around here.
Can you make a recommendation for lunch?
Uh, what about that place
I was telling you about, Charlie?
[Charlie] No, something heartier.
Like, stick-to-your-ribs food.
Isn't Camden famous for stew?
-Uh, stew? -Stew?
-No. -Maybe a 100 years ago.
It's like the best patisserie in New England.
-In Camden? -[Alma] Hey.
It's not like we're some backwards town.
-No, that's not what I-- -We have a library.
We got a newspaper, even Wi-Fi.
Can we please just get some lunch? I...
If I don't eat something, I'm...
You are looking for Noelle's Patisserie.
-Wait a minute, you're... -Oh.
-Marie Gauthier! Oh! -That I am.
I have been following you since Paris.
Well, I just made a Gateau St. Honore.
Mm! I hear your pate a choux is amazing.
[chuckles] You mean pate a choux.
But it took me forever to figure that out.
Okay, no more compliments.
She'll be impossible for the rest of the day.
Come on, I'll take you over. Why don't you join us?
-I can't. I gotta work. -Oh, come on.
I owe you a cup of coffee for all the trouble.
Or a baguette for the chickens.
Another time. Thank you.
Mm-hmm. Hm.
[cell phone beeps]
Oh, my!
Ooh...
[instrumental music]
There you are. Oh, my two favorite people.
Uh-oh, that's code for I have something I need you to do.
This consultant's latest report has come in
and there's a few things we need to go over.
Oh, come on, I didn't think we needed to reinvent the wheel.
I thought we'd been doing a pretty good job
running the company for the past 100 years.
We just wanna make this transition
as smooth as possible for you, darling.
It's okay, mom. We agreed we needed a strategic plan.
Good, good, good.
Uh, why are they questioning our complimentary gift-wrapping?
-That's who we are. -What? I don't think...
I think they just mentioned
that we should get an automated gift-wrapping machine,
which seems like an idea
that, you know, we could look at.
You know, what I find really interesting is
they want us to have more of a digital footprint
for our catalog.
But the, the catalog is what makes us unique.
We're more than just another online retailer.
Listen, if we're gonna reject all of their recommendations,
that's not gonna leave us many options.
Okay, okay, let's, uh, let's all take a beat
and, uh, we'll come back and read it more thoroughly.
We don't... We just...
Marcus, it's gonna be the end of January before--
Honey, we will, we will get to the report, I promise,
but right now we have those Christmas stockings
for the first responders...
I pulled some stock already.
Uh, self-care items they wouldn't only buy for themselves
chocolates, candles, that sort of thing.
See? Perfect. She knows what she's doing.
Okay, well, let's read the report, then we'll talk.
-Okay. -Mm.
[instrumental music]
Dad says he can't wait to try the macarons.
-They're still here? -They set up shop...
Like, it's their office and they keep ordering food.
How much can they eat?
Hi. Can we have another round?
And, yeah, we're starving. We've been in the field since dawn.
We haven't formally met. I'm Charlotte Freeman.
-Alma. -Everybody calls me Charlie.
Or Drone Lady.
That, too, but I prefer Charlie.
This is Rohan, my partner in crime.
Hey.
-Oh. For your papa. -Ah!
You two seem to know each other pretty well.
Uh, my first job out of grad school was in Paris, Marie
worked at the little place where I got my coffee every morning.
It was so nice to have a fellow American come in.
I became obsessed with her eclairs.
-We got to be good friends. -Mm. Paris is my favorite city.
-The food, the clothes. -Yeah, I have relatives there.
I actually apprenticed in their patisserie.
When we met, she'd already been there for ten years.
I learned to bake from my Grandmother Noelle.
My recipes are hers, except, with a twist.
I made the sourdough starter you posted.
Yeah, he carries it around in a jar everywhere we go.
-Yes, I have to feed it. -It's like having a baby.
-He named it. -Of course I named it.
What do you call it?
-Puff Daddy. -[Marie] Puff Daddy!
You just earned a free pain au chocolat.
Ooh. Thank you.
I don't get how youended up in Camden.
I grew up here, actually.
When it was time to come home, I made Marie come with me.
We always talked about going into business together.
We wanted to try a local market first,
so we opened up here in Camden.
We're actually opening up a second location in Portland.
Part of our five-year plan.
[antlers rattling ringtone]
Uh-huh. The antlers. The ringtone.
Okay, I figured it out. You're Mrs. Claus.
She is, actually, even when it's not Christmas,
she's running around in those silly antlers.
Uh, they're not silly.
Actually, I think they're kinda cute.
See?
[antlers rattling ringtone]
Ah, I'm running late. I gotta head back to the North Pole.
-Santa's work is never done. -Merry Christmas, Alma.
[door opens]
So, Charlie, can I get you anything else?
-Charlie? Hello? -Hm?
Oh. Sorry.
Um, can you recommend a good florist in town?
I need a knock-your-socks-off arrangement.
[instrumental music]
[knocking on door]
[door opens]
-[Marcus] Hi. -Hi.
I'm Charlie, this is Rohan.
-We're from the State of Maine. -Hello.
We wanted to talk to you about one of your trees.
Okay, come on in.
[laughter]
[Isabella] Oh, gosh. Ah...
I mean, I couldn't, I couldn't. I'm stuffed.
-I can't. -[Isabella] There she goes.
Oh. Oh, my God!
-Alma? -Hi.
-You two know each other? -Oh, we kind...
Well, it's kind of a long story, dad.
Wait, you live here?
[Isabella] Alma's taking over the house
when Marcus and I retire next year. Yeah.
Did you know that Charlie and Rohan
are from the governor's office?
-Wait, really? -Yeah, they wanna use our tree.
As the official State Christmas Tree
at the Capitol building in Augusta.
What an honor, right?
-Wait, our tree? -Yeah.
[Charlie] Yeah, we've never had one from Camden before,
which is what makes it so special.
W-well, there's probably
millions of trees in Maine. Why ours?
Because that white spruce in your backyard is the most
beautiful Christmas tree I have ever seen.
I mean, it was love at first sight.
Didn't the State Tree already go up this year?
It did, but, um, it was destroyed by an ice storm.
-Ah. We saw that on the news. -[Isabella] Yeah, we did.
The top 20 feet just snapped right off.
But I convinced them to push the lighting back to Christmas Eve
if I promised to find them a new tree in time.
-Oh, good. -[Charlie] Yeah.
Charlie is known as The Tree Whisperer.
-The Tree Whisperer? -Oh, yeah.
She can find the single-most perfect tree
in a forest of thousands.
Anyway, Rohan and I have been
flying over in a helicopter,
uh, surveying the local forests.
Oh, so that's what all the noise has been.
Okay, I apologize, it's--
Oh, Charlie, it wasn't that bad.
Mom, you were complaining about it just this morning.
Let her finish, sweetheart.
-[sighs] -[Charlie chuckles]
Our tree has a lot of sentimental value,
not just to our family, but to all of Camden.
It's a symbol of hope, we do this big tree lighting
every year, it's a whole thing.
We need more inspirational stories like that.
Donating your tree would ensure
that your family's legacy lives on.
Oh, that's true. We won't be around forever.
Dad.
Well, I mean, Charlie's got a point.
Trees have a life span, just like us.
Yeah.
Look, take some time, take some time.
You don't have to decide now.
[Isabelle and Marcus] Hm.
-Um, it was so nice meeting you. -Gosh.
Alma, here, this is my card, just take it, call me,
text me anytime if you have any questions.
-Well... -Come on, I'll walk you out.
It was such a pleasure meeting both of you.
-Take care. We'll let you know. -Bye.
[Charlie] Bye!
Huh!
I think we're gonna have a problem.
What? No. Alma will come around.
Nobody signs on the dotted line after the first ask.
-I-I don't know about that. -Look.
They're lovely people, let's just give them some space.
Okay, but the tree needs to be on a truck
to Augusta in a week.
Okay, okay. Slow down.
We will get that tree.
First we need to run a property survey
and a title report on the Beltran property.
-Okay. -Deep breaths.
Okay.
We got this.
You guys aren't seriously considering that, are you?
Honey, they said the state would donate a thousand trees
to the community in our name, imagine what that would do
to the reforestation project in town.
I've spent every Christmas with that tree.
I can't imagine the holidays without it.
Boy, that Charlie was something else, wasn't she?
We could sure use someone like that on our sales team.
-Think she's gay? -Dad!
-Of course she's gay. -Hm.
Well, I think it just might be
a fitting send-off for us and the tree.
Well, it's not really how I envisioned us
spending our last Christmas together before you guys move.
Look, I'll get in touch with her.
No, honey, you've got a million things
on your plate. Let me and your mom handle it.
I didn't realize we'd come to a decision.
Well, I wasn't really thrilled with her offer,
but she does have a job to do, this wait gives her
more of a chance to look for another tree.
I just don't wanna give her false hope like I'm interested.
Like we're interested.
-Yeah. -Sure.
Hm.
[both chuckling]
[instrumental music]
[Charlie] I just got off the phone with Sonal.
I told her to tell the governor that we have this in the bag.
But we don't.
You worry too much for somebody
your age. Relax.
Yeah, have another pastry.
Two shots, extra foam,
chocolate on the bottom, cinnamon on top.
-Oh, you remembered. -That's my job.
Have you been doing this your whole life?
Oh, no, I had a big job in publishing.
Corner office, view of Midtown, the works.
And you walked away?
I was ready for a career change.
I always wanted to be a baker,
so I decided to follow my heart.
-I love my job, yup. -Hm.
So were you always just interested in food?
Oh, yeah, I was that 11-year-old
who was inside analyzing brownie recipes
while everyone else was outside playing soccer.
I think that's why Alma and I connected.
She's the same kind of nerd, except about Christmas.
Going into business with her was a total no-brainer.
And I really like her mom and dad.
Oh, you know the Beltrans pretty well.
[Marie] They're wonderful people.
Their tree-lighting event is the event of the season!
Everyone in town goes.
Ah, I see you have their catalog.
Yeah, it was in the gift basket in my room.
-It's absolutely beautiful. -All Alma.
Huh.
Totally retro. Cool.
[Charlie] It's filled with everything you could possibly
want or need for Christmas.
Here, check out this back cover.
Aww. Adorbs.
You sure you don't wanna think about that a little more?
Her offer was pretty compelling.
-It's a no, mom. -Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Should I call her?
Why don't you, um...
Why don't you go tell her in person?
I saw them just now over at Noelle's.
No, no, no, I'll-I'll, I'll just text her.
Or should I go over there? Or is that too obvious?
Like, too obv... Well, it's not like you're asking her out.
No. No, no, no. Of course not.
-No. No. -Yeah?
I mean, yeah, no, it just, it can get confusing, you know?
Yeah. No. No, totally.
I just, I wanna let her down easy is what I'm trying to say.
-Oh. Yeah. -So...
So, yeah, so...
I'm gonna text her. I'm gonna text her. I'm gonna text her.
Here we go. Thank you for helping me figure that out.
-Anytime. Anytime, sweetheart. -Yeah.
[Rohan] Okay, so what do we do next?
I think she's gonna reach out first.
This is gonna be the easiest assignment ever.
But maybe we could just, like, call her.
-Ugh. -[cell phone vibrates]
What did I tell you? You're working with a pro.
Hey, Marie, break out the champagne.
"Good morning, Charlie, we have considered your offer.
And while we find it immensely flattering,
we have decided to decline."
The Beltran tree will remain
standing tall and proud
here in Camden.
Good luck.
-Yeah. -Hey.
-She's still a maybe. -She just said no.
That's just her opening serve. I would've done the same thing.
That sounded pretty final to me.
Doesn't Puff Daddy need another feeding or something?
Cheers.
[whispers] Don't give up.
[instrumental music]
You have got to be kidding me.
Ugh. Charlie?
Hope you don't mind that I stopped by.
No, no, not at all.
But I thought you'd be gone by now.
-Did you not get my text? -Yeah.
Look, I just wanted to talk to you about this catalog.
This is incredible, Alma, it's clear
that you've put your heart and soul into every page.
Thank you, there's not a single item in there
that I wouldn't give as a Christmas gift to myself.
Well, then I need to get you my wish list.
-What's all this? -Ugh.
The vendor thought we wanted them disassembled.
Like, we get a lot of orders for decapitated nutcrackers.
-Harr-harr-harr... -That's terrifying.
Yeah, 300 of them are scheduled to go out in the morning.
-Oh, that's awful. -Yeah.
-You good with arms and legs? -Yeah.
-You want a hand? -No, no, I was just kidding.
No, no, no, part of my job is to, you know, get to know
our local businesses and assess their needs.
-Really? You wanna help? -Yeah.
Yeah. Let's get these bad boys crackin'.
-Ooh. -It felt wrong coming out.
Five out of ten. Five out of ten.
[Alma and Charlie sighing]
-So where's Rohan? -Ooh, he's with Marie.
And they're bonding over Christmas croquembouche,
whatever that is.
What are the chances I would meet her
at some random little bakery in Paris, right?
You know, nothing's random.
Well, the next person you meet could be the person
who changes your life.
♪ ...at Christmas ♪
This warehouse is really nice.
-So much natural light. -Yeah. Thanks.
Before I moved back, it was full of these,
like, dark cubbyhole offices.
But since we opened it up, the energy levels have skyrocketed.
Sounds like you really like what you do.
Oh, yeah. Well...
When you celebrate Christmas 365 days a year,
you got to really love it.
-Even in the summer? -Oh, especially in the summer.
-Yikes! -Christmas in July is the best!
Every day is a reason to eat eggnog ice cream. Come on.
Wow.
Hm...
Ta-da!
Oh. You did that on purpose.
-I did not. -What is this creature?
Did you not play with dolls as a child?
No. Dolls creeped me out. I liked to play in the garden.
My dad had a nursery. That's how I became a tree expert.
Which is why your family tree speaks to my heart.
Everyone in town has a story about her.
Okay, that I wanna hear. Tell me about it.
They played under her as a kid or got engaged there.
I'm gonna get married there one day.
Someday?
I'm single, if that's what you're asking.
Okay, I got to be honest with you, Alma.
My whole job is riding on this, the governor thought
last year's tree was a little too Charlie Brown.
And then there was a stowaway owl
who came all the way to Augusta with us.
Oh, yeah, I remember that.
-What happened to him again? -I called him Kris Kringle.
And I found him a new home
at a wildlife refuge not far from here.
-Wait, that was you? -Yeah.
I got him a grant from the State and everything.
He's the only owl I know who's the CEO of his own foundation.
Hm.
Well, that was fun.
Oh.
-[sighs] Mm. -Really?
[instrumental music]
-Well, did you get her to sign? -She's single.
-[cell phone vibrating] -Hello?
[Sonal on phone] The governor loved the video.
What's the schedule on contracts and permits?
-We're on it. -[Sonal] Good.
All eyes are on you, Charlotte. Talk soon.
What? Relax, Rohan, it's all part of the job.
W-what-what are we gonna do now?
It's our job. Come on. Follow me.
-Hey, Isabella. -Oh, hey, guys.
Can we give you a hand with that?
Yeah, sure. I'd love that.
Oh, I just saw your warehouse. What an amazing place!
I know, isn't it? Isn't it? A lot of history.
But Alma is really gonna take this company new places.
Yeah, I'm certain she will.
Hey, listen, I just wanted to apologize for yesterday.
What? Why? No, no, no. We loved the presentation.
If it wasn't for Alma, we were ready to say yes.
Oh. Well, maybe she'll change her mind.
Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
[chuckles] So what's all this?
Well, this is our annual holiday school fundraiser.
A gingerbread house building competition.
But between us, Alma has came in second place
for the last two years and it is killing her.
She likes to succeed at everything she does.
-Yeah, I can tell. -Yeah.
So she's been prepping since September.
Oh, hey, why don't you guys stop by?
You can maybe even sign up for a team.
Oh, you know, I don't know the first thing about ginger--
Oh, no, Charlie was just telling me how much she loves
to step outside of her comfort zone.
Perfect. I could introduce you around.
I think this would be a really nice way
for you to get to know the community.
-Hm... -Okay, yeah.
-That sounds wonderful. -Good.
-Yeah, maybe I will. Okay. -Great!
Okay. Are you sure you don't need help with this?
Look, Rohan will be happy to lift the heavy boxes.
[laughs] No, no, I'm fine. I'm gonna see you later.
-Okay. Okay. Great. Bye. -Okay!
-Buh-bye! -[Rohan] Ciao!
[instrumental music]
-Oh! -Oh! Sorry!
-Hi! -Hi. Hi. Hey.
I-I thought I heard someone, I just, I wanted
to drop this off, spirit of the season and all.
Well, gifts might work for my parents, but they're not gonna--
Oh, no, no, no, no! I just wanted to thank your mom.
She offered to introduce me to some people in town.
-Did she? -She's really great.
Well, I would invite you inside, but I'm just, uh,
closing up the chicken coop for the night.
-Oh, can I meet them? -Oh, the girls are sleeping.
Oh. Yeah, sure. That's, that's okay.
But we can just pop in and say hello
just as long as we're quiet.
Okay.
Come on.
Oh...
Oh, I love that photo of you and the chickens in the catalog.
[chuckles] Oh, thanks.
My dad and I built the coop when I was seven.
-Is there anything you can't do? -Uh...
I've been building things my whole life.
Birdhouses, mailboxes.
-Barbie's dream house. -Right.
-[chuckles] -[indistinct chatter]
-Hey. Yeah. -They're my council of advisors.
Every time I'm stuck on something,
I come and sit with the girls.
They've helped me make some really big decisions.
Wow. It's like having four therapists in your backyard.
-[both laughing] -Ooh, sorry, Mary B!
-We didn't mean to disturb you. -They have names?
Yeah. Of course. They're family.
That one, that's Mary B.
She's the mother hen. She's the biggest.
-Uh-huh. -And that one is Susan.
-Our youngest. -[Charlie chuckles]
And Betty and Judy are sisters.
[Charlie] Who are they named for?
It's a riddle, no one's been able
to figure it out, except my parents.
Oh, come on, it can't be that difficult.
Well, Judy is for Judy Garland, right?
Mn-mn.
Okay. Give me a hint.
Figuring out the riddle is the first step to figuring out me.
Uh-huh.
Okay, let's let them sleep.
[whispers] Goodnight.
Betty as in Bette Davis, right?
I did not name my chickens after gay divas.
Why not? That would have been fun.
-Bettie Page? -Mm. Mn-mn.
Mm... Betty, Betty White?
No, but good.
My God, this is gonna drive me nuts!
-I'm gonna be up all night. -Hm.
Oh! Betty Crocker.
Betty Crocker?
[Alma] Come on!
It's a Christmas, no? It's a sound gap.
[scatting]
[vocalization]
[indistinct chatter]
-Honey, it's not MMA. -Uh-uh.
There is no way I'm coming in second place
again this year, dad. I'm taking no chances.
There definitely seems to be
some pretty fierce competition this year.
Yes, Marie, thank you. I'm aware.
I've been scoping everyone out.
[exhales] I've gotta psych myself up.
You got this. Look, you've been practicing forever.
The YouTube videos, the gingerbread houses.
Honey, I've gained five pounds
since you started training for this thing.
[Marie] Look, Alma, just remember, there's nothing wrong
with second place. Okay, I gotta go. Good luck.
And most importantly, have fun!
Yeah. And have fun, but win.
-Mm-hmm. -Give me that.
-[both grunting] -Uh, it's, uh, Charlie.
-Hi. Oh, hey. -Hey.
Oh, no... What? Oh, your mom invited her.
Thought it might help with her work.
-[sighs] Of course. -You have fun. Win.
Charlie. Hey. What a surprise.
Oh, looking sharp, Alma.
Uh, you know those aprons are only for competitors, right?
Yeah, this is gonna be so much fun.
Uh, it takes years to hone your skills.
This is a very serious competition.
Ah, wouldn't it be great
if we were on the same team?
Oh, come on! You're gonna be fine.
Okay, I gotta get a picture of you in this vest.
What's wrong with my craft vest?
Uh, strike a pose,
or act natural, that's fine. Oh.
It's wrong on so many levels.
[laughs] That's why I love it so much.
I also have a sewing vest and a baking vest.
Why am I not surprised?
Welcome, welcome, everyone!
Oh, I am so thrilled to see all of you here.
As you know, the money we raise will go towards supporting
our school's fine arts programming.
So thank you, thank you for your generosity.
Yeah!
Now, we are so honored this year
to have two of the city's top chefs
on our judging panel.
Well, we have Marie Gauthier of Noelle's Patisserie.
-[cheering] -[hooting]
And Elena Nikas of Nikas Greek Taverna.
-[woman] Yay! -Thank you, Elena.
Okay, I want a drumroll, please.
We are choosing our teams! Okay.
-We have Franny Wong. -Oh!
Oh, and Sara Wong!
Whoo! Go, ladies.
I think this is our very first mother-daughter team.
[sighs] This is my worst nightmare.
-What? -Okay, you see those two?
Granny is former Army Corps of Engineers
and the Goth is on a scholarship
at Rhode Island School of Design.
For the past couple of years, one of them has always been on
the winning team, if they get on the same team this year,
I am screwed.
Have you ever done anything like this before?
I wasn't really one of those crafty kids in school.
Play-Doh, it's mostly for eating, right?
Uh, uh...
Beth Langand and...
Karla Thomas.
Yay! Whoo-hoo!
Oh, no, Beth! Oh, okay.
[Isabella] I'm so excited.
Oh, Alma Beltran...
and Charlie Freemont!
-What? Me? -[applause]
-Yes! -Yeah! We're on the same team!
How cool is that?
Okay! I'll go get ready.
[instrumental music]
Okay. Here's my shopping list.
We need to get every single item on that.
-Got it. -All right, competitors.
When I ring the bell,
the elves' workshop will be open
for five minutes and five minutes only.
So get everything you need, because there are no exchanges.
There are no refunds, and all sales are final.
Dude, you need to chill.
Did you read Lord Of The Flies in high school?
Yeah, I hated that book. It's the worst of the patriar--
Well, get ready, 'cause you're about to live it.
I'll get the coconut. Get the dragees.
-What the hell are dragees? -[bell ringing]
-Go! -[grunting]
Go. Okay. Wait a minute!
Wait! Okay, okay!
You can't do that! There's none left for anybody else.
You snooze, you lose!
...do with 20 squeeze bottles?
Oh. Ah!
Oh, these are so cute.
Oh, I love these.
[Charlie] Oh. Yeah... Whoa.
Oh, my God!
Whoa, whoa!
-[woman] Okay. -Um...
[indistinct chatter]
[Alma] Okay.
That was a lot of cardio.
[groans] I didn't get half of what I needed.
-Oh. -Cotton batting?
-[chuckles] Snow? -Ugh.
[humming]
Charlie, w-what are you doing?
Doing my Snoopy dance from It's A Charlie Brown Christmas.
What are we celebrating?
-Santa came early. -Oh, my...
-[shushing] -How did you do that?
The tree whisperer is also a stealth shopper.
Wow, when I first met you,
I thought you were all cool and laid-back.
But that's a cover. You're cuckoo bananas.
Says the lady in the craft vest?
Hey, you wanna win this thing?
Let's get to work.
[instrumental music]
[Charlie] So what exactly are we building?
George and Mary Bailey's house in Bedford Falls.
-Oh, from It's A Wonderful Life. -Yeah.
[indistinct chatter]
[music continues]
[indistinct chatter]
Easy. Easy.
Ooh...
[both laughing]
[music continues]
We're gonna crush you, Alma Beltran.
You wish, I've got a killer partner
and we take no prisoners. Am I right, Charlie?
Yeah!
[clears throat] Hi.
[indistinct chatter]
-Oh... Look at that thing! -[Charlie] It's a masterpiece.
Sorry, George and Mary Bailey.
There's no way we can compete with that.
[dramatic music]
[Isabella] Three, two, one! Time's up, bakers!
[Beth] We present "The Nightmare Before Christmas,"
Camden style.
-[all gasping] -Oh.
And, you know, I have never seen black frosting before, have you?
Totally surprising and unexpected. Well done.
Innovative and off-the-charts fun.
[indistinct chatter]
Welcome to George and Mary Bailey's House
in Bedford Falls.
It's both practical and fanciful.
I love what you two have done with the dragees.
Amazing execution.
[Elena] All the skill is here as well as the artistry.
Brilliant work, ladies.
That was good, right? Okay.
[Isabella] It's been a whirlwind of a competition.
So much talent and style on display.
You are all winners here.
But only one team will take home
our coveted Gingerbread Trophy.
All right, judges, the moment we've all been waiting for.
We are down to the final two.
You should be proud, Alma.
Look how far we've come.
The team with the highest score,
who brought Christmas magic to life as we know it.
First prize
goes to
Alma and Charlie for their It's A Wonderful Lifehouse!
-Oh, Alma, you won! -[applause]
-[cheering] -[woman] You deserved it.
[cheering]
[Isabella] Okay, here we go. [Marcus] Hey, hey!
This is my first time having glogg.
Well, another reason to celebrate. I mean...
I still can't believe we won!
Um, usually I'm not a competitive person.
Ah, you are the most competitive person I've ever met.
[Charlie] No, no, that's you, Alma.
Never ever trust the quiet ones with the sweet smile.
-You two make a great team. -Hm.
A toast to our two
fearless gingerbread warriors
and their sweet, sweet smiles.
I got one better.
-To the lesbians! -To the lesbians!
[Charlie] I have a question.
How does this work?
I-I was thinking joint custody?
Ah... Yeah, I don't know how that works.
[Isabella] Alma, could you give me a hand in here, sweetheart?
Uh-oh.
[Alma] Yeah.
[instrumental music]
[instrumental "Auld Lang Syne"]
[music continues]
Oh! Sorry. I didn't, uh--
No, please, it's, it's beautiful.
Who's the musician in the family?
Oh, my parents, well, they started me on lessons
before I was tall enough to hit the keyboard.
-Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to-- -No, no, please. Just...
I was really enjoying that.
Our house hasn't seen music in ages.
-Come on. Join me. -No. Go, go, go, go.
You know, me and my dad used to play this song.
Everybody always thinks it's such a sad song,
but I don't think so.
Exactly, right? I mean, it's such a hopeful song.
Raise a cup of kindness to old friends
and remember the good times.
It's a beautiful song.
"It's all in how you play it."
That's what my dad used to say.
Yeah.
[instrumental "Auld Lang Syne"]
[Charlie] Oh.
[music continues]
[applause]
Brava, brava!
-Dad, that was beautiful. -Oh, just like old days.
Yeah, my fingers remember what to do.
Well, it's clear you've had a lot of training.
[Isabella] You know, the first time I met Marcus,
he was the lead singer of a band.
And, uh, boy, he was the handsomest guy I'd ever seen.
I was just smitten.
-He won my heart instantly. -Aww.
I can't thank you enough for getting my dad to play tonight.
He's a natural talent.
Oh, by the way, I still haven't figured out your chicken riddle.
[chuckles] I've searched everywhere.
There's no connection between the names.
Hm.
Come on. I wanna show you something.
[door opens]
[Charlie] Wow. It's even more beautiful in the moonlight.
You know, the favorite part of my job
is finding a tree like yours.
How's the search coming?
Actually, I was kind of hoping you were having second thoughts?
-You never give up, do you? -No.
Not when I find something I really like.
Don't worry, I'm still looking, I'm still playing the field.
But there's only one tree who's captured my heart.
I should get going.
Thank you for an incredible day, Alma.
Goodnight, Charlie.
[instrumental music]
[Alma] DJ booth can go here.
Oh, and we'll put the desserts over on that table.
I am so excited.
You guys throw the best Christmas parties in town.
-[chuckles] -[drone whirring]
Do you hear that?
What?
There's a drone outside.
I swear I didn't.
[drone whirring]
-[Alma chuckles] -[gasps] Ooh. Oh.
"You are invited to a very special holiday dinner tonight.
Meet me at Noelle's at 6:00. The Drone Lady."
You knew about this.
I don't know what you're talking about.
You're the worst liar ever.
But there's no way I'm gonna be done by 6:00
I have a stack of orders to fill from three days ago.
You have been working 24/7. You deserve this.
-Take my advice, say yes. -I always take your advice.
Oh, really? Then why are we still having this conversation?
'Cause she's just here for a few more days.
She's just passing through.
I don't recall an expiration date
stamped on her forehead.
-What if I'm not ready? -Nobody's ever ready.
That's when the magic happens. Trust me.
Better yet, trust yourself.
[instrumental music]
-Come on, honey. Goin' home. -Mm-hmm.
Oh, no, no, no, babe. Just another hour.
Honey, we've been here since 7 a.m.
I ordered food, we're picking it up on the way. Come on.
You know what, I just wanna finish up
this new inventory program for Alma.
Honey, she can call us when we're in Florida
if she has any questions, come on.
By the way, where is she?
She... What? Oh.
-Oh! -What happened?
Marie helped Charlie engineer a night out for her.
-You mean, like a date? -Shh!
We were strictly forbidden to use that word as per Marie,
but, yes, it's a date!
-Yeah. -[cell phone beeps]
Oh. Sorry.
It's just the consultant's final report.
I've been waiting for this darn thing all day.
Honey, please, come on, after dinner.
Please. Honey, you have your own hot date, you know?
-What, were you... I... -Yeah.
Oh, so I do. Mm.
The most handsome guy in Camden.
Just Camden?
What? No. No. In the entire state of Maine.
-Oh, that's better. -Mm.
♪ Start feeling festive ♪
♪ There's lights upon the tree ♪
♪ There's just one more thing I need ♪
♪ I just want it to snow ♪ Snow ♪
♪ Snow snow ♪ Snow snow ♪
♪ Let's stay in think I know where you'll go ♪
♪ Go ♪ Go ♪
Okay, I'm gonna need your phone.
-Wha... -No distractions.
Okay, fine by me.
So how did you pull this off?
I asked Marie if I could rent the place for the evening.
She was delighted.
May I take your coat?
Oh, thank you.
I asked her about all your favorite meals.
But you're not cooking, right?
Marie's here, hiding in the back somewhere?
-No, I gave her the night off. -Oh!
But she did make everything in advance.
So I just have to heat it up.
-You're good at this. -Yeah.
♪ Snow snow ♪ Snow snow ♪
♪ Let's stay in think I know where ♪
Mm.
♪ Go go ♪ Go go ♪
-Cheers. -Cheers.
[oven beeps]
[indistinct singing]
Shouldn't you go check on that?
No, it'll be fine.
That's not how kitchen timers work.
Okay, you need to relax.
You don't always need to know where we're going.
Sometimes the destination finds you.
-You're probably right. -Mm-hmm.
So did you spend a lot of time
cooking with your mom when you were a kid?
No. No, mom and I were shopping buddies.
When I was a kid, we'd do this big shopping trip to New York
every year for Thanksgiving.
I just loved looking at all the store windows.
-Where is your mom? -She lives in Seattle now.
Near my brother and his family.
What about your dad?
He passed away.
-I'm sorry. -Yeah.
The nursery was the most wonderful place
to spend the holidays.
Talk about a magical Christmas.
Feelin' kinda disconnected since we sold it.
That's tough.
Well, you seem close with your parents.
Uh, my mom and I
are a lot alike.
But growing up I was always building things with my dad.
We had something really special together.
I feel lucky having both of them.
Hm. Yeah.
My dad knew I was gay before I did.
[laughing]
He didn't care who I loved, he just wanted me to be loved.
Shouldn't you check on dinner?
Don't worry, Marie left me step-by-step instructions.
Some of them seemed a little unnecessary,
so, so I just skipped it.
I don't think you can do that.
Yeah, the people on TV cooking shows do it all the time.
It's like magic.
Okay. You're the chef.
Speaking of magic, I've been meaning to give you something.
Have you ever been to the Camden reforestation project?
It's just outside of town, amazing little place.
That's where you should be looking for your Christmas tree.
Some of them have been around for almost 300 years.
They could use someone like you with your expertise over there.
They lost a lot of their staff to retirement.
They're not getting people our age to work up there anymore.
Uh, do you smell smoke?
[oven beeping]
[clattering]
Uh, do you need help?
[Charlie] No, everything's under control.
[coughing]
Why don't we go right to dessert?
[Charlie] God! That Buche de Noel tastes just like Christmas.
What did I tell you, Marie's a genius. Mm...
Uh, you got, you got a little something right there.
Oh, you think I'm falling for that old trick?
-I know you just wanna kiss me. -What? No, I don't.
[stammering] I didn't mean it like that.
You know what I mean, right?
Mm-hmm.
But seriously, you do actually have, uh, just a little...
Oh.
No, wait, I don't, I don't think you got it.
Can you try again?
[instrumental music]
-Wait a minute. -What? What's wrong?
Wait a minute.
-The riddle. -What riddle?
Your riddle, the riddle of the chickens.
Um, Mary B, she's the mother hen.
She is Mary Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life.
Oh, of course, our gingerbread house.
You've been paying attention.
And Susan, wasn't Susan Natalie Wood's name
on Miracle On 34th Street?
Two out of four, you're on fire!
Okay, I'm just a little stuck on Betty and Judy.
It's gotta be another Christmas movie.
Mm.
Remember, they are sisters.
Sister? Mm...
Wait! Oh, sisters?
Uh, White Christmas, Rosemary Clooney
and Vera-Ellen, uh, Betty and Judy in the Sistersong!
-Ding-ding-ding! -Oh, yeah!
[sighs]
I had my first profoundly queer moment
as a kid watching that movie.
-What? -Okay.
When Vera-Ellen starts dancing
with her legs going from here to Mars, ooh,
I fell in love instantly.
Wait, so White Christmas made you gay?
Absolutely. Only a thousand other little girls.
-And boys. -Mm-hmm.
To Vera-Ellen.
-To Ms. V. -Mm!
Oh! Oh, I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed.
Yeah, my cooking has that effect on people.
[laughing]
Marie trusted you with the keys, wow!
What? You thought I was gonna burn the place down?
-Mm. -[owl hooting]
-That's Kris Kringle. -What?
No way, how can you tell?
I'd recognize that hoot anywhere.
[owl hooting]
He's watching down over us.
Uh, right.
Mm.
[cell phone vibrating]
Wow, seems like the real world missed me.
Uh, can you excuse me for one second?
Yes.
[line ringing]
Hey, mom, I just saw your messages.
Yeah, honey, just when you get home,
maybe we could talk for a minute.
Yeah. What's up? Talk to me.
-[cell phone vibrating] -[sighs] Yes?
Hey, where you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you.
-Slow down, Rohan. -The title report came back.
Their deed is in the parents' names.
We don't need Alma to sign off on cutting down the tree.
Well, the consultant's report came back.
And they-they do wanna get rid of the catalogue.
I thought we already talked about this.
There's more.
This is great news.
We can close the deal without her.
You should let her down easy.
-And I'll get the paperwork re-- -Wait a minute, Rohan.
They wanna consolidate operations to save money.
-In, um, in Arizona. -What?
-Hey, come on, Charlie. -Just, uh, I'll call you back.
Let me call you back.
[instrumental music]
Is everything okay?
Yeah, yeah, everything's fine. Yeah, I think so.
What about you?
It's great. It's wonderful.
[instrumental music]
[sighs]
Oh, honey.
I didn't mean to call you away from your, um,
meeting with Charlie.
It's fine, mom. This is important.
Look, it's not that I have anything against Arizona.
It's just I don't see us moving our warehouse there.
Camden is our home. Company logo is growing in the backyard.
I mean, how am I supposed to go between here and Arizona
to oversee the warehouse while also doing catalogue sales?
Well, eventually they'd like to move all operations to Phoenix.
I mean, this is the bottom line according to this projection.
If we don't do some radical restructuring
within the next five years, we either get bought out
or we get driven out of business.
We're gonna need to make some big decisions
and we're gonna have to do it before January.
-Yeah. -Okay.
Now, come on, it's almost midnight.
Let's, uh, let's get some sleep
and we'll come back to it tomorrow, all right?
Goodnight.
-My two lovelies. -Oh.
Big day tomorrow. Workers coming in to set up the tree lighting.
-This looks beautiful, Marie. -Thank you.
You know what they say, "You can never have too much Christmas."
Ah! So how did it go last night?
Eh, it was good. We had some surprises along the way.
It got a little confusing afterwards.
-Oh, will you tell me later? -Marie.
What am I gonna do when we go back to Augusta
and I can't start my day here?
You are such a sweetheart, Rohan.
You know, I have to get inside 'cause I've got
some dough proofing.
So you hear from the office this morning?
Yup, Sonal wants the new contracts on her desk,
so I gotta buy us some more time.
I called Baxter State Park,
they've got lots of specimen trees.
Let's just head over there right now.
I'm not ready to move on, Rohan.
If we don't find a tree in the next 48 hours,
this whole thing is going to blow up in our faces.
Do you have a new copy of the contract
with the parents' signature line?
What are you gonna do?
Oh, this is quite a production.
I've been hanging some of these same ornaments
since I was a kid. Always a trip down memory lane.
There's something I wanna talk to you and your parents about.
Yeah, sure, I think mom and dad are free
in, like, five minutes. Oh!
I've been meaning to invite you and Rohan
to our employee Christmas party tonight.
-It's always super fun. -Thank you.
We are ready to start hanging lights, Alma.
Oh, thank you.
-I have an idea. -For what?
-Hey, Tad, can you give us five? -Five minutes. That's it.
Thank you.
You know, I've never seen your tree-whisperer skills in action.
-What do you say? -Absolutely.
Your carriage awaits.
Oh.
So, you and this tree go way back.
Well, all the way back.
My great-great-grandparents planted that tree
the day they started the company.
Dad proposed to mom underneath it.
I had my first kiss right over there
in the middle of a snow storm on Christmas Eve.
I'll never forget it.
-Can I cinch you in? -Yes, please.
Nothing like a good harness to start your day.
-Tighter? -Yes, as tight as you can get.
Mm-hmm.
Now I know why you like your job so much.
Okay.
Aren't we taking an operator?
You're lookin' at her.
All right. Here we go.
-Safety first. -Thank you.
-Ready? -Ready.
[instrumental music]
Can we stop here?
This is where I look for what separates a good Christmas tree
from a great Christmas tree.
There are so many factors that come into play
beyond aesthetics, like how difficult it's gonna be
to cut and haul off-site, what are the hydration levels.
But if you listen closely,
you can figure out a tree's history.
How so?
-Look. See the discoloration? -Mm.
-Signs of CSNN. -What's that?
It's current season needle necrosis.
This tree has fought drought conditions for a long time.
Yeah, we had a really bad one a couple of years ago. Huh.
Over there, see that scarring?
-This tree was hit by lightning. -When I was 12.
The boom was so loud, it cracked my bedroom window.
I thought we'd lost her for sure.
Wow, this is a really special tree.
-Oh, she's the mother tree. -What's that?
She shelters all the trees around her.
But someday when she moves on,
she's gonna allow in enough sunlight
to nourish all the saplings.
It's beautiful.
I still don't get how you do this, it's like magic.
Call it reading a tree. I do it with everything in life.
My father taught me.
Sometime a tree can look incredible from a flyover,
but you don't really know what you're looking at
until you're up close.
Maybe it's not such a perfect fit.
Or maybe it's the one
that you've been looking for you entire life.
[music continues]
[Tad] Alma!
-Your five minutes is up. -Okay, Tad, we'll be right down.
Do we have to?
Our carriage is about to turn into a pumpkin.
Yeah.
Thank you, Tad.
Oh, that was amazing.
Oh, you wanted to talk to mom and dad about something, right?
-I can go grab them. -Uh, you know what?
It's, it's nothing. It's nothing at all.
Do you think your mom has any more of that glogg left?
-I could use a drink. -Okay, let's go.
[indistinct chatter]
[upbeat music]
Yeah, these are my favorite...
[indistinct chatter]
-God, this is unreal! -See...
I don't understand why the governor
doesn't throws parties like this.
There's always some boring old string quartet.
Hey, I'm so glad you guys made it. Hi.
Oh, my God, Alma, this is incredible!
Here, pick a card. I wanna see what you are.
Naughty. No, naughty is the new nice.
Okay, Rohan, let's see how you fair.
Okay.
I don't know, it says naughty. Doesn't really sound like me.
I knew it. Here you go.
Hey, you want to check out the food?
I hear some genius baker made all the desserts.
Let's go.
Think she forgot something mandatory.
Right. Uh...
Does it bring out my eyes?
Check it out.
Oh, my God! Your parents are rockstars!
They alternate sets every 30 minutes.
Dad's rediscovering his musical roots, all thanks to you.
Oh, well, you're welcome for that.
Come on.
[music continues]
Welcome. Oh, I am Mrs. Maggie Claus.
What do we have here?
Two beautiful women looking for their futures.
Let Maggie light the way.
-Who goes first? -Charlie.
Okay.
[upbeat music]
Mm...
Four calling birds. Oh.
Um, she's talking about the chickens.
The chickens? No.
Birds that travel great distance, that is you.
What kind of bird am I?
Falcon.
An eagle.
-Oh, maybe an owl. -An owl?
Okay, well, only one question per reading. Next.
Uh...
Mm...
[gasps] A partridge in a pear tree.
-Mm, we're birds. -Oh, no.
You are the pear tree, not the partridge.
You provide a home for the birds.
Oh, may you all live together in harmony.
-What does that mean? -The heck if I know.
I'm just the messenger.
Next.
[instrumental music]
-[cell phone vibrating] -Uh-oh.
Hey, mom, how you doin'?
Rohan, I've been trying to reach
Charlotte, I keep leaving messages.
Does she have her phone turned off?
I don't know, but I can find her for you, if you want.
No, actually, I'd rather talk to you.
Why haven't you been calling me back?
Oh, well, you know, I've just been,
um, really swamped around here.
Okay, so where is Charlotte with the contracts?
-Technically-- -Technically...
Doesn't get the tree here by Tuesday.
It's the daughter, Alma, that's the holdup.
I mean, I keep telling Charlie, we don't actually need her.
Her name's not on the title. Ah!
You know what, why don't I get Charlie to call--
No, no, it's okay. I got what I needed.
-I'll see you soon. -Okay, love you.
You havin' a good time?
I thought so.
We're here to celebrate our retirement.
-[Marcus] Yeah! -[cheering]
Stop it, stop it.
We're here to celebrate Christmas
and we're here to celebrate you, our valued team.
Isabelle and I, how do we even start to thank you?
And, uh, to also introduce your new boss,
our lovely little daughter, Alma.
I'd like to sing a song. It's been a while.
I used to sing this song to the two
beautiful women in my life every Christmas.
And, um, thanks to a new friend, who with a little prodding,
little encouragement, brought me back to it.
-Here goes. -[piano music]
♪ Should auld acquaintance be forgot ♪
♪ And never brought to mind ♪
♪ Should auld acquaintance be forgot ♪
♪ And days of auld lang syne ♪
♪ For auld lang syne my dear ♪
♪ For auld lang syne ♪
♪ We'll take a cup of kindness yet ♪
♪ For days of auld lang syne ♪
You know, this wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for you.
-Well... -I'm really glad you're here.
Charlie.
I hate that you're going back to Augusta in a few days.
You know, I never thought I'd say this,
but I'm tired of livin' out of a suitcase.
I thought you liked your freedom. Every day's a new day.
I did. I do. I used to.
-Since when. -Since meeting you.
I'm about to go between here and Phoenix next year.
You know, I had a girlfriend in Paris.
When I came home, we tried to make the whole
long-distance thing work, but it didn't.
Hm.
So where does that leave us?
I don't know.
Right.
[applauding]
[instrumental music]
Thank you.
Good morning. Oh, I didn't know we were havin' a board meeting.
-Let me go wake up your mother. -No, no, just let her sleep.
Honey, I'm worried about you.
Got a lot on my plate, I can't lie.
Yeah, yeah, and life will keep throwing you curve balls.
Faster than I can hit 'em.
You know, when I was your age, my parents asked me
to take over the company, but I was planning a career in music.
What?
I didn't know that. I thought that was just a hobby.
Well, I mean, I figured I'd work for my dad,
your grandfather, for a couple of years
and then go off and do my music full-time.
What?
But then I, uh, I met your mom
and we started dating.
And, um, then there was no reason to leave.
There were only reasons to stay. I mean...
-Do you have any regrets? -No.
No, so many wonderful things happened, like you.
But this is the beginning of your journey.
I mean, who-who knows where it'll lead you.
I feel like I'm failing already.
I don't wanna disappoint you and mom.
You're kidding me? That'll never happen.
Just feel like I always make safe choices,
and I, I can't do that anymore.
Whatever you decide, we will support you. You understand?
Come on, come here.
Hey. Oh...
Mm.
[Rohan] What about this Douglass fir on the right?
Coordinates, 21.37 by 80.6.
That's a beautiful tree.
Stately, probably a 150 years old.
It's problematic base. Not feelin' it.
We've been here for two hours and you're not feeling anything.
-We can make this tree work. -No. The tree will find us.
Let's keep looking.
[Isabella] I told the consultant your feelings about
keeping the catalogue, and they sent this link this morning.
[sighs] I-I know that they're just trying
to work with us. I'm not trying to be impossible.
No, no, their creative team just did a quick mockup.
They thought it might be helpful to see what it would be like
if we did decide to go fully digital.
-[Alma] Wow. -Yeah.
I mean, it's beautiful, but...
-It's not really us. -No?
What happened to the recipes, the-the family photos,
the chicken coop from the back page?
Uh-huh, well, I think they wanted to feature
more of our product line, which seems...
I think we need to consider some of their recommendations--
I know, but this is so soulless, mom.
What happened to the joy of Christmas?
There won't be the joy of celebrating anything
if we go out of business.
Wow, I can't believe we're disagreeing on this.
Part of your job now as CEO, a big part of your job,
is going to be considering all the options,
no matter how unpleasant they may be.
Ugh.
Look, we can postpone our retirement.
-No... -If you think that would help.
Mom, I don't need you to do that.
All right, then, we're gonna get through this.
We're gonna need the strongest, blackest coffee you've got.
I should probably check in with Sonal.
No need. I'm right here.
-Ma? -Sonal?
A lovely young woman at the BnB
said I could find you here.
We need to talk.
I didn't see an 18-wheeler parked out front
with my Christmas tree.
-Let me explain. -You do remember...
The governor is up for re-election next year.
We're gettin' close, Sonal.
You should've seen some of the candidates
this morning.
W-what happened to the Beltran tree?
It's not available.
That's never been a problem before.
[Rohan] Charlie's doing everything she can.
That's not the report I wanna take back
to the governor. I'm disappointed in you two.
If you don't need he daughter's signature, just get on with it.
What? How do you know we don't need the--
Uh, my mother called me the other night
during the party. I'm sorry.
You pitched me the most beautiful tree you've ever seen.
And now that's all the governor can talk about.
Why can't you just get them to sign this?
It's complicated.
Whatever you've been doing to cozy up to this family
clearly isn't working.
Whatever happened to that charm offensive?
If the parents said they're fine with you taking the tree,
just forget about the daughter.
[clears throat] Okay.
-Alma? -What's goin' on?
-Hi. I'm Alma Beltran. -Hi.
I'm Charlotte's boss, Sonal. It's nice to meet you, Alma.
I'm just here to secure the contract for your tree.
Oh, our tree isn't going anywhere. Charlie knows that.
Oh, I appreciate that it means the world to your family,
which is why Charlie fell in love with it in the first place.
That's why she's been trying so hard to get you--
We haven't changed our minds.
Uh, you do realize, with your parents onboard,
we don't need you.
Excuse me?
[Sonal] Tell her, Charlotte.
-What Sonal's trying to say-- -No, no, no.
I'm not trying to say anything.
Be straight with her.
Legally we just need your parents' signature
on the contracts.
But I'm gonna find another tree.
I'm done.
-[door opens] -Alma.
[instrumental music]
To keep you warm when you're out there.
Thank you. Rohan's gonna be thrilled.
[sighs] What am I gonna do, Marie?
[sighs] That's a tough one, Charlie.
God, I've made such a mess of
everything. Maybe I should just go.
There's nothing wrong with floating through life,
but at the end of the day you want to be rooted
and connected to someone or something.
I want that. I just, I don't know how to get there.
You will. The pathway is out there for all of us.
-The trick is finding it. -[door opens, shuts]
Okay. I got the drone all loaded.
-Good luck. -Today's the day.
-I can feel it in my bones. -[Marie chuckles]
[instrumental music]
[owl hooting]
-It sounds like Kris. -[Rohan] All the way over here?
Yeah, I re-homed him just across the ridge.
Aren't owls nocturnal? What's he doing hooting during the day?
[shushing] He's trying to tell us something.
[owl hooting]
[gasps]
Yeah.
[drone whirring]
Now this is a grand old dame!
So regal! Look how she stands like a dancer.
Beautiful crown on a tall proud base.
Excellent. Yeah, you're getting the lingo down, Rohan.
This Douglas fir is nearing the end of her life.
I think she'd be honored to have thousands of people
visiting her for Christmas. I think we've found our tree.
Thank you, Kris!
[hens clucking]
[grunts]
♪ Should auld acq... ♪
-Hey. -Hey.
Hope you don't mind. Your dad said you were out here.
Why are you here, Charlie?
♪ Should auld acq... ♪
Rohan and I are leaving first thing in the morning.
-Have a safe trip. -Wait.
I wanted to say more than goodbye.
Just hear me out, then I'll go, I promise.
♪ Syne my dear for... ♪
-What happened with my boss-- -I can't believe you lied to me.
I didn't. I-I could have moved on without you, but I didn't.
Really, 'cause it looked like you were just using me
to get what you wanted. I mean, she even said as much.
Your charm offensive?
♪ Lang syne ♪
I found a wonderful tree at the reforestation project.
It will be cut down tomorrow.
I'm gonna build an entire educational platform
around what they're doing over there.
Maybe it'll help with their funding.
That's really great.
It wouldn't have happened without you.
You know, each of us in our own way is a whisperer.
For me it's trees.
For you it's Christmas.
♪ ...sun till dine ♪
I am not so sure about that anymore.
Come on, you are the true Camden Christmas Shoppe whisperer
if there ever was one.
Who else eats eggnog ice cream in July?
♪ Auld lang syne my dear ♪
You know, you don't need some consultant
telling you what to do.
You already have all the answers.
♪ Take a cup of kindness... ♪
Everything I said to you was real.
♪ Auld lang syne ♪
I really wanna believe you.
♪ Should auld acq... ♪
So it's goodbye, then?
♪ Be forgot and days... ♪
Whatever this was was...
wonderful.
♪ Acquaintance be forgot and ♪
But it's over now.
♪ Lang syne ♪
♪ For auld... ♪
Goodbye, Charlie.
♪ Syne my dear ♪
Okay.
♪ Lang syne ♪
♪ We'll take a cup of kindness yet ♪
♪ For auld lang syne ♪
If all goes to plan, we'll be in Augusta and unloaded by 3:00.
-Are we checked out? -Yup. We are ready to go.
Hey, I'm sorry about the call with my mom.
She gets to talking, and I just don't know when to shut up.
No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put you in the middle.
Hey, I got to learn how to stand up to her for myself.
That is between her and me.
I'm gonna go finish loading the SUV.
For the road. Something to remember me by.
Ah. I'm never gonna forget this trip, Marie.
And I'm never gonna forget the guy who was willing to carry
his sourdough starter all over Maine.
You know, I'm gonna be opening up that shop in Portland.
I'm gonna be needing an apprentice.
Stay in touch, Rohan.
You... butter believe it.
[both chuckling]
[Rohan sighs]
Oh, hey!
This arrived for you early this morning.
Are they giving me the keys to the city?
Hm.
You take good care of her, Marie.
She's lucky to have a friend like you.
There's always a table for you here, Charlie.
[indistinct chatter]
Bye.
-[instrumental music] -[indistinct chatter]
Here you go. Enjoy.
Dad, the s'mores bonfire was a such a good idea.
-The kids are loving it. -[Isabella] They are.
Yeah.
Mom, I wanna apologize for snapping at you yesterday.
-I was at a breaking point. -[Isabella] You didn't, honey.
You've been under a tremendous amount of pressure.
Oh, we knew this transition was gonna be tough.
It's scary stuff, honey. Just know that we love you.
I know, but I want you guys to be able to go to Florida
and not have to worry about me.
Listen, if it makes you feel any better,
I'm really anxious about leaving.
It's hard letting go.
I mean, your mom's doing a great job.
I mean, we-we both are. We both are, right?
I'm letting go so you have room to grow
and soak up the sun.
Like the mother tree.
Yeah. Like the mother tree.
I've been doing a lot of thinking,
and I've made some decisions.
Oh?
-I'm done with this consultant. -What?
I'm not moving our warehouse.
Yes, I will hire someone to do digital outreach,
but the catalog stays.
Mom, we've been going strong for a 100 years now,
and if I follow my instincts, we'll be in business
another 100 years from now.
Mom, what do you think?
Are you asking me as the soon-to-be former CEO
or as your mother?
Both.
Sweetheart, it's not easy to blaze your own trail,
but it's the mark of a true leader.
And I'm right here with you, Alma, all the way.
I don't color outside the lines very often,
but I think it's time I start scribbling all over the page.
Oh, baby.
-[sighs] -You're beautiful.
-Oh. -We did good, Issy.
-We did good. -Yeah.
[instrumental music]
-All right! -Whoo! Yeah!
Welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone! Welcome, welcome!
I'd like to introduce my daughter, Alma.
Come on up, honey, say a few words. Come on, Alma.
-Oh. Yeah. -[Marcus] Come on up.
Just come on up.
Stage is yours. Stage is yours.
-Thank you, dad. -Okay.
Oh, oh, I feel like I know everyone here by first name,
and I probably do.
[laughter]
Tonight we are here to celebrate everything
that makes Christmas so special.
For me that's family, friends...
and especially this tree.
She's endured a 100 years and she's still going strong.
She's our mother tree.
She whispers her secrets to those of us
who are willing to listen.
And her message this Christmas is about love,
always enduring, through good times and bad.
To another 100 years.
[cheering]
[Alma] Merry Christmas.
-[Marcus] Okay. -Beautiful.
-[Marcus] We know what to sing. -Beautiful.
♪ O Christmas tree o Christmas tree ♪
♪ Thy leaves are so unchanging ♪
♪ O Christmas tree o Christmas tree ♪
♪ Thy leaves are so unchanging ♪
♪ Not only green... ♪
Charlie?
I thought you went back to Augusta.
I did. The tree goes up in the morning.
The governor was thrilled.
I feel terrible that I hurt you, Alma.
I'm so sorry.
I was at the reforestation project,
and I saw that they were looking for a new executive director.
Seriously?
I mean, they could use a certified tree whisperer.
I think there's an opportunity for me here.
I was kinda hoping I could ask the girls for their advice.
Do you think we can give this another shot?
I was hoping you'd say that.
-[Marcus] Let's light the tree! -Yay! Yay!
[applause]
Come on. I want you to join us.
Really? Nah, it's just family.
Exactly.
[instrumental music]
Come on, Charlie.
Okay.
[all] Three, two, one!
[all cheering]
Merry Christmas!
[Charlie] Oh.
Merry Christmas, Alma.
Merry Christmas, Charlie.
[music continues]
[owl hooting]
[instrumental "Joy To The World"]