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[INSTRUMENTAL "CAROL OF THE BELLS" PLAYING]
[door creaks open]
Hey, honey.
Hey.
Oh, Heidi.
I wish you wouldn't put these rejection letters up like this.
It's for motivation, Mom.
How else am I going to get good enough to get in next year?
You are good enough.
The art is one of a kind.
Technically, There are 12 of a kind.
They're incredible and they're going to sell like crazy.
In Boulder, maybe.
But no matter what I do, I can't seem
to break out of this bubble.
You know how competitive the German Christmas markets are.
Especially, the Heidelberg market.
I know.
I just put everything into my ornaments this year.
You put everything into your art every year.
I wish I had more to show for it.
I work out of my parent's garage and my best friend
is a blowtorch.
[chuckles]
I just thought I'd be further along by now.
Honey, you get to travel all over the country selling
your art.
But I don't really get to appreciate it.
I'm working so much, I barely see the outside of my booth.
Well, that's on you.
Maybe it's time to start thinking
about grad school again.
Do you still feel inspired by your work?
I don't know anymore.
I don't really doubt my talent, but I do wonder
if I could be fulfilled doing something else.
I can't help but feel like I'm letting Oma down.
Oma could never be disappointed in you.
She just wants you to see the city she grew up in.
Well it seems that city has other plans.
I know how difficult it must be to work so hard at your art
and still feel like you're failing,
but you've got to hang in there.
Yeah.
Now let's go get some turkey and stuffing.
Your brother's been basting that bird since breakfast.
Say no more.
When I get cleaned up, I'll be right behind you.
Good.
[soft music]
[dog barking]
Wanna go outside?
Lyra!
Hi, baby.
Oh, Auntie loves you, mwah.
Good job.
Dad, you know it's still Thanksgiving for another nine
hours.
Yeah.
But my countdown to Christmas started the last week
of October.
OK.
Well, don't do too much without me.
I wouldn't dare, sweetie.
Heidi, I need some advice.
This year's Christmas cards, what are you feeling?
Tough call.
But I'm going to have to say, ugly Christmas sweater.
Thank you.
Cam, I was right.
Ugly sweaters it is.
Don't distract me, I am delivering a masterpiece.
Honey.
Cameron, that smells delicious.
Where's your mom?
I don't know.
She was upstairs on the phone last I saw her.
My German's too rusty to keep up with her speech.
She was speaking German?
[speaking german]
She still is.
[chuckles]
What she's saying?
She's thanking something.
Oh for what?
Something's wonderful.
It's got to be good news, right?
What is she talking about?
Shh!
Totally in the dark now.
No idea.
[dramatic music]
Someone's headed to Heidelberg.
What?
Yes, Heidi.
Are you kidding?
I told you.
Did I not tell her?
Oh my.
Sweetheart!
Finally!
I still don't understand how someone dropped out
after only a week.
Who cares how it happened?
OK.
It happened.
Exactly.
You are finally getting the break you deserve.
And in the same market where my mother
used to sell her paintings.
It's nothing short of a miracle.
No.
The real miracle is going to be booking the flights
and shipping the ornaments.
Gosh, I got to find a place to stay.
Let me see what I can do.
And we will help you with the rest.
Yeah.
Absolutely.
Yes.
It just seems a bit rushed, doesn't it?
And I'll have to cancel Boulder Festival.
Maybe Heidelberg will let me defer till next year.
No!
Are you sure?
You can't do that.
This is an opportunity.
You are Heidi Heidelberg.
Your ancestors transported the great columns
of Charlemagne's Palace in Ingelheim all the way
to the Heidelberg Castle.
So I am sure you can arrange some last-minute travel.
Well when you put it that way.
Looks like I'm going to Heidelberg.
Yes!
That's my daughter!
Now we're talking.
Yes.
And, as our ancestors would say, prost.
Prost!
[soft music]
Oh!
Great.
You're practicing.
As much as I can.
But I have mostly been working on packaging my ornaments.
Yeah.
I have to ship them out as soon as I can.
Eh, what is that for?
This is my display set that I'm taking on the plane
and then I'll ship the rest.
Ta da!
You have some wood for me?
[chuckles]
No, I said stolz, not holz.
Oh.
You're proud of me.
I swear.
I have forgotten half my high school German.
Keep at it.
It will come back.
I have some good news for you.
An old friend of mine has a friend
that has a guest cottage that is close to the market
and quite affordable.
They will email you with the details.
Oma, that's amazing.
Right, sorry.
Wish you were coming with me.
Maybe we can talk to your friend to see if there's
room in the guest cottage.
I have a feeling this is something
you need to do on your own.
I'll be thinking of you every moment.
You'd better.
And to remind you of that, I made you a list.
These are pieces of my youth.
I hope you will be able to put them together.
[chuckles]
I promise to be home on the 24th with a phone full of pictures
and a suitcase full of chocolate.
Now you're speaking my true language.
You must bring me back [speaking german]
What's that?
That's your job to find out.
Mission accepted.
OK.
[laughter]
I mean that's a lot of boxes.
20 boxes, right?
Are you sure that's the best you can do?
Yeah, the prices are what they are.
Especially with Christmas right around the corner
and how fast you want these delivered, you know.
I understand.
What you quoted me is almost as much
as the value of my shipment.
I'm sorry.
I wish there was something I could do, but I can't.
Unless, no, never mind.
Unless what?
Well, unless you are willing to explore
some alternative shipping options.
What do you mean alternative?
You heard of a little company called UPS?
Yes.
I just told you they quoted me--
No, no, no, not that one.
I'm talking about universal private shipping.
They're the lesser known of the UPSes.
If you gave them a chance, they would do their darndest
to get your packages delivered by first week of December.
Do their darndest?
Oh, yeah.
That doesn't sound too promising.
Their price sure does.
Wow.
That is like way cheaper than any of the other bids.
Yeah, right.
I mean, it doesn't seem real, but it is.
Guys are great.
Now what do you say?
I don't know.
Maybe it's too cheap?
They offer verified international tracking number
and full insurance.
OK.
Let's give them a try.
Wonderful.
[chuckles]
You want to add the insurance then?
Yes, as much as you can give me.
And can I have some extra fragile stickers?
You, betcha.
Hey, these are on the house.
Ha, thanks.
Well one of them is on the house.
We're going to charge for the rest of those.
They are pricey.
Bye, honey!
Have a wonderful time!
[festive music]
Everything is so festive.
Ah!
Can you stop here, please?
I want to see if I can find my booth.
It'll only take a second.
I promise I won't take long.
OK, OK.
Just give me one minute.
[festive music]
Oh.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Ja.
Thank you so much.
I just had to see that.
Sorry.
The house number, bitte.
House number, right.
124.
Ah, ja.
Ja?
Yeah.
Here?
Ja.
Oh, danke schoen.
Wait!
My bags.
Thank you.
[energetic music]
Danke schoen!
You're welcome!
[energetic music]
Are you kidding me?
I said 124.
It's probably just a block up.
Seriously?
What is going on here?
[energetic music]
Wonderful.
[energetic music]
[grunts]
[energetic music]
Cobblestones, of course.
Oh boy!
[energetic music]
Ah, 76.
OK.
Halfway there.
[energetic music]
I'm sorry.
I'm too exhausted to speak German right now.
That's OK.
I speak English as well.
Can I help you?
Yes.
Can you tell me why the house numbers in Germany
only go up two at a time?
Yes.
That would be because our system is extremely efficient.
We don't like waste even when it comes to house numbers.
Well, where I come from, when you
get to the end of the block, the numbers automatically
go up by a 100.
That sounds highly illogical if you ask me.
Either way, I wish I had known that before the cab
driver dropped me off 50 houses back from where I needed to be.
That doesn't sound very German of him.
Be honest, what did you do?
What do you mean what did I do?
I mean, maybe he got a little annoyed with me
because I asked him to make a pit stop at the Christmas
market.
That could do it.
But more likely it was because I got nervous
and said, ja, even though I had no idea what he was saying.
It's all making sense now.
Yeah.
Hmm.
I thought my German was pretty good.
But everyone here speaks so fast and if they have a dialect,
forget about it.
Exactly.
Yeah, sorry.
Probably can't help you to understand the dialect,
but I can help you the rest of your way.
That won't be necessary.
You sure about that?
Yeah, I got it.
Sorry.
Let me just take this one for you.
Thank you.
Sorry to bother you.
Not at all.
Besides, my mother would never forgive me if I didn't help.
How would she know?
Oh, she could sense it.
Trust me.
Are you serious?
Absolutely.
In fact, I'd better take the other bag too just in case.
Where to?
Just up a way a little bit.
All right.
Wait.
What about your bike?
I dare someone to steal it.
Honestly, it would end up saving me money.
It belongs to my father.
But somehow, he always tricks me into fixing it.
Hmm, sounds like you have quite the parents.
Ah, they are very--
let's see, how would the Americans put it?
Extra?
Hmm.
Say no more.
OK.
Well I'm gonna take it.
How do you ride this bike up at hill?
Ah, years of training.
I'm Lukas.
I'd shake your hand, but my hands are full.
I'm Heidi.
Pleasure to meet you.
So Heidi, that's a pretty German name
for a pretty American girl.
Wait till you hear my last name.
How long do I have to wait?
I actually decided not to tell you.
That's quite strange.
You'll never believe it.
At least give me a chance.
What's your last name?
Oppermannn.
You see how easy that was?
Do you live at 124 Wilhelminenstrasse?
Heavens, no.
Oh.
That's where I'm going.
Huh.
Then you are in luck.
Why?
Because you're about to see how extra my parents really are.
Thank you.
Listen, I don't want to stress them out.
Maybe you could just show me the guest cottage
and I can meet them tomorrow?
Impossible.
They would insist you join us for dinner
and to celebrate the lighting of the first candle.
I'm really too jet-lagged to celebrate anything.
Interesting argument.
We'll see how that holds up.
Heidi Heidelberg.
Oh, thank goodness.
You have arrived in one piece.
Welcome, mwah, mwah.
I'm still learning.
Oh, you must be hungry.
Would you like some soup before dinner?
Actually, I'm not hungry.
I just--
Save me.
Hold it.
Your last name is Heidelberg?
I know you wouldn't believe it.
Heidi Heidelberg?
Hmm.
I don't even know where to start.
Start by telling them that I can't stay for dinner, please?
I'm wrecked.
I can try, but I think it's best if you just give in.
Heidi Heidelberg!
What a pleasure to welcome you home
to the city of your ancestors.
You must excuse me for not heating up
the soup before greeting you, but we have so looked forward
to hosting you that I simply have to meet you immediately.
Welcome to the Oppermannn home.
It's so good to meet all of you.
But really, you do not have to make me any soup.
Would you rather have spatzle?
You poor thing.
You must be exhausted.
Wonderful.
Then come in and don't mind the mess.
Wait.
What is happening?
You said, "ja," before you understood everything,
didn't you?
Ja.
I got to stop doing that.
Theresa, Mark, we have a guest.
Mark, can you set another plate at the table?
Got it.
All right.
Who's hungry?
Here we go.
As we gather together as a family
on this very first advent Sunday of the Christmas season,
we would like to extend a special welcome
to our honored guest, Fraulein Heidi Heidelberg.
May her time here in Germany be fruitful and festive.
[speaking german]
Here are the dumplings.
Hmm.
Homemade schnitzel.
Fried potatoes.
You're going to love these.
I'm sure that's quite enough, mama.
OK.
I was on baking duty when you arrived.
I'm Teresa, the older and much smarter sister of Lukas.
I have no rebuttal.
It's great to meet you.
And these must be your boys?
Yes.
Jona is 9 and Dani is 7.
Oh, and we're expecting a little girl.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
[laughter]
Oh.
Oh, no.
What did I say?
Futter is for cows and essen is for people.
Right.
Futter sounds like food so I always mix that up.
It's OK.
Daddy makes way worse mistakes than that.
Guilty.
I've been here over a decade and I still have a hard time.
I thought I detected an American accent.
Yep, I'm Mark.
I got stationed out here for the Army and never left.
No wonder your boys speak such perfect English.
And because they watch way too many Ninjago cartoons.
I don't know that cartoon.
They're LEGO ninjas.
We wrote Saint Nicholas to bring us one this year.
What day does he come again?
I don't think she's teasing.
Where she lives, Santa Claus visits the children,
while Saint Nicholas takes care of us out here in Europe.
Saint Nicholas doesn't come to America?
It's usually just Santa.
I'm never going to America for Christmas.
[laughter]
Grandma Knudtson will be very sad to hear that.
Maybe you should teach Heidi about the Saint Nicholas Day
tradition.
Hmm.
After all, she'll be celebrating her first one this year.
I want to know everything.
It all started with the Saint named Nicholas.
He was very nice and lived a long time ago.
He loved children and always brought them presents.
And he still comes around at the ninth of December the fifth
and drop some presents off.
Only if you're good.
If you're bad, you get a visit from belsnickel.
Who is belsnickel?
He is friends with Saint Nicholas.
But he's very hairy, and he wears fur,
and has a lot of horns, and he never takes a bath.
Oof.
If you're naughty, he brings you something
bad in your stocking like coal or sticks.
Uh-oh.
Has he ever come to visit you?
No, but he almost came for Dani.
Yeah, when I burn mommy's bathrobe.
Oh, yes.
Oh my.
It's OK.
I said, I was sorry and Saint Nicholas brought her a new one.
Phew.
I am so glad you apologized.
I'm glad he didn't burn the whole house down.
That too.
So what brings you to Heidelberg?
I'm here to sell my artwork at the Christmas market.
That's amazing.
I'll be there too.
Oh, what kind of art do you do?
The tasty kind.
Baked goods.
Pastries, cakes, cookies.
I can't wait to try them.
Well, you won't have to wait long.
I baked some cookies for dessert.
Dessert?
Yes.
It's going to be a long evening, you know?
We've got lots of stuff planned.
Stories and carols singing.
And, of course, we play games.
It's going to be a long night.
[christmas music]
I guess I was hungry then I thought--
My parents cooking has a way of doing that.
Well, your sister's baking is a problem as well.
Oh, tell me about it.
Oh, come on.
[christmas music]
Wow, the market is so magical.
I can't believe I get to spend the next three weeks on it.
I just can't wait to get out there and get all set up.
Let's get you a good night's rest first.
Good idea.
Come on down you two, we're about to light
the first candle.
You don't have to stay.
I can show you to the cottage--
Your sister's cookies are giving me a second wind.
You sure it's not the coffee?
Hmm, maybe that too.
On the first Sunday before Christmas,
we light the candle to remember to spread light to those
around us who are in darkness.
Hmm.
Only three more candles through Christmas.
And only six more days until Saint Nicholas comes.
And only 15 more minutes till your bedtime.
[laughter]
I love that you have your own advent wreath.
I mean, we have one at church, but it's really neat
that you have this tradition in your home.
What kind of traditions do you have at home?
Well, we all go caroling on Christmas Eve
and then we act out the nativity story as a family.
That must be quite the production.
Hmm, you have no idea.
But probably my favorite tradition
is called stocking secrets.
I've never heard of that.
Neither I.
Because my mother made it up.
Oh.
It's not a present you give someone,
it's a secret wish or a goal you make during the holiday season.
You write it down and you stick it
into the toe of your stocking.
And you only reveal it if and when the wish comes true.
A goal like in football?
Not exactly.
I'm not sure of the word in German.
[speaking german]
Yes.
I'll give you an example.
One year my stocking secret was to make a glass ornament.
I'd always wanted to, but I was too nervous to try.
But somehow, writing it down and sticking it into my stocking
gave me the courage to sign up for a class.
It was not perfect, but it still hangs on my family's tree.
Aww.
Sweet.
That is wonderful.
In honor of our welcome guest, why
don't we all join in the stocking secret
tradition this Christmas?
Yeah.
Yes.
OK.
Then I get pen and paper.
And I have an extra stocking with your name on it.
How do you already have a stocking with my name on it?
Well, I stitched at the moment I knew that you were coming.
I told you so.
I know what I want to write.
Me too!
You will learn we Oppermannns quite
enjoy our Christmas traditions.
We're happy to share on yours.
Thank you.
[christmas music]
Oh, all right.
We have officially tired out the guest of honor.
That's our cue for the Knudtson family to head home.
But what about Heidi's artwork?
Yeah, I want to see it.
I think we can wait until tomorrow.
Yes.
It's OK.
I can show them quickly.
Wow!
Wow.
Wow!
These are absolutely stunning.
May I?
Of course.
We just have to be really careful
because it's my display set.
Oh, that's very unique.
There's nothing quite like this at the market.
Oh, that means a lot coming from a fellow artist like Lukas.
You didn't tell me you're an artist.
Because I'm not.
I'm a craftsman at best.
The word "artist" should be reserved for people with talent
like this.
Thank you.
But now I'm curious, what kind of artist are you?
I make and repair furniture.
Speaking of which, I should be off.
There's a lot to finish tomorrow.
Before you start your day tomorrow,
why don't you show Heidi to her booth?
I'll probably be fine.
Oh, the Christmas market can be very confusing.
Yeah, I think it's a great idea.
I can handle the finishing at the shop
so you don't get behind.
Does this mean you unretired?
For a few hours, I presume.
If you would like the company, I'd
be glad to show you to your booth.
I can't believe you already carried over my suitcase.
Oh my mother made sure of that.
Well, the market doesn't open till 11.
So I'm going to sleep in a bit.
Asleep as long as you need.
I have plenty to do.
Just meet me in the woodshop whenever you're ready.
Perfect.
Can you give me the address?
Oh, that makes it easy.
[german] Oh, that means woodwork, right?
Yes.
And perfect pronunciation.
Danke.
It's so cute.
[festive music]
I can't believe it.
I think I'm going to cry.
You wouldn't be the first.
Right this way.
Are you kidding?
Oh, my mom would die.
Sorry, but I really have a lot of work to do.
So if we can hurry?
Right.
Yeah.
Well, as you see, it gets quite busy in here so stay close.
Oh, seriously?
Heidi?
Hey, come on.
You have plenty of time to look around at anything
you want after you're all set up.
Oh, homemade soaps.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no!
All right.
Here we are.
Booth number 260.
I told you I was going to cry.
As well you should.
Just being here is a big accomplishment.
Well, if everything is in order, I'll head back to the woodshop.
Oh, please do.
You've done so much already.
I'm all set here.
Oh.
I'm all good.
Maybe I'll just help you get set up quick?
Thank you.
[festive music]
That's beautiful.
You really thought of everything.
And thank you for your finishing touch.
I just wish I had all my inventory.
When does that arrive?
December 4th by noon.
Look at this.
Your first customer.
Ah.
I can't believe this is happening.
Good.
I'm Heidi.
I'm the artist.
So if you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
These are handcrafted from the glass blowing
to the hand-painted designs.
And all the designs are completely original.
I make them from 100% recycled glass
so they're very eco-friendly.
I mean, if that's important to you.
Rest assured the quality is not compromised, of course.
Guess what my last name is?
Heidelberg.
Isn't that crazy?
Yeah.
Discounts available if you buy multiple sets.
What did I say?
Maybe you should wait until they want
to buy one set before you push multiples.
They were leaving.
I panicked.
I don't get it.
Usually the customers love talking to me.
Can I give you a little unsolicited advice
on your solicitation?
Please.
All right.
In Germany, we have a little different mindset.
We are not really a shop-till-you-drop culture like
you, Americans.
It's how you see us?
It's not bad.
It's just different.
Germans love the black forest.
Americans love the Black Friday.
The deals are pretty amazing.
I can only imagine.
Fine.
Hm-hmm, enlighten me.
Perhaps, you should try a little more laid back approach.
Let your art speak for itself.
Like a soft sell situation?
I've never heard that term, but I like it.
Yeah.
How would you say it in German?
[speaking german]
Yeah.
I think I'll stick to the English version.
Yeah, probably for the best.
Look at this booth.
I'd like to buy every last ornament, please.
Yes, of course.
Oh.
Oh my goodness.
I'm so sorry.
That was a horrible joke.
No, no.
It was a pretty great joke.
I'm just a little bit too sensitive right now.
I feel like nobody likes my booth.
Very common feeling for your first time in the market.
Don't worry.
You'll find ways to get over it.
OK.
Like how?
Why don't you come by my pastry booth
and eat your worries away.
I would love to.
But I just got here, I can't leave.
Well we all take care of each other here.
I'll just ask the neighbors to watch over it.
But what if other customers come?
They can read your lovely sign and look at the website.
And if they want it badly enough,
they will come back for it.
Trust me.
Plus, most people are just browsing this early.
Soft sell, remember?
Hmm.
Uncomfortably soft.
OK.
Yes, I would love to leave my booth on my first day.
[laughter]
Just breathe.
You'll be fine.
Hey, you coming along.
Unfortunately, I have to head back
to the woodshop for real this time.
Thank you so much for your help.
Of course.
Auf wiedersehen.
Ciao.
Come on.
We're really leaving?
Yes.
OK.
You don't think anything's going to happen?
It will be fine.
It'll be fine.
Come on.
I literally just got here.
I hope you don't mind me taking a shortcut.
It's not exactly the scenic route.
Are you kidding me?
Every street you take out here is the scenic route.
What was going on in there?
They sell a chocolate called a [german]..
Very popular.
My Oma wanted one of those.
Does she have a secret crush on someone?
What do you mean?
Traditionally, if you give someone a [german],,
it's a way to tell them that you have a crush on them.
Huh.
It goes back to the 1800s, it started at the university here.
That's so cute.
Are they any good?
Oh, delicious and made by a local chocolatier.
Oh, that's the real reason my Oma wanted one.
She's a chocolate fiend.
[chuckles]
Oh, I'll have to come back and get
her one on the line dies down.
Oh, yeah.
Good luck with that.
This city is full of love.
So they're always busy.
[christmas music]
Danke.
[laughter]
OK, I don't know where to start.
I would start in Paris and then head to Berlin.
Good call.
Oh.
And once you're done with that, I have a whole tour of Europe
to take you on.
Lead the way.
Ready?
Hm-hmm.
It's great, let's go.
Hmm.
Good?
It's good.
It is good.
Yum.
[chuckles]
[christmas music] Merry Christmas to you.
Holly jolly, fa la la-ly Christmas to you.
Merry Christmas, holly jolly,
Merry Christmas, fa la la-ly
I am so glad I skipped lunch.
Right?
[chuckles]
Oh my goodness.
What?
Someone just bought a set of ornaments for my QR code.
My first sale.
Congratulations.
I guess, Lukas was right about the soft sell.
You should leave your booth more often.
Hmm.
[chuckles]
So is any of your family coming to visit while you're here?
Oh, I wish.
It was so last minute.
It was even a stretch for me to get here.
But everyone agreed it was too big an opportunity for me
to pass up.
Well, I'm glad you made it out.
Mark and I were talking about how sweet
you are with the boys.
They had so much fun with you last night.
They are delightful.
The whole family is.
I've been wanting to ask you, how did you
end up marrying an American?
I ask myself that all the time.
[chuckles]
Um, our paths crossed at a Christmas charity event.
But the soldiers always volunteer and the rest
is history.
Yeah.
I'm lucky that he loves Germany enough to stay and start
a life here after he retired.
Do you know how rare that is?
I do and I'm very grateful.
How about you?
Are you looking or just focusing on your art?
A little bit of both actually.
Now the problem is, once people realize
how much I work and travel, they seem to lose interest.
I think some people would find what you do very interesting.
Somehow.
Never the ones I meet.
Well, here's to finding the balance between love
and doing what you love.
Prost!
[christmas music]
The colors are so vibrant.
And the detail of the painting is amazing.
It must have taken you hours to do each one.
Many hours.
But people like you make it all worthwhile.
My father's going to love this.
It's his favorite carol.
He sings it once a day starting exactly 12 days
before Christmas.
What a sweet tradition.
[chuckles]
The older he gets, the more off key he sings.
But, to me, he will always sound like an angel.
He will love these.
They're really perfect.
That makes me so happy.
Do you take cash?
Yes.
But it has to be a pre-order because all my inventory
doesn't arrive until tomorrow afternoon.
It'll be worth the wait.
Thank you.
["deck the halls" playing]
open sleigh.
Over the fields we go laughing all the way.
What are you working on?
It's nothing.
Come on.
I showed you my artwork.
Let me see yours.
Maybe I don't want to be judged by someone
of your artistic talent.
Says the man who makes the best handcrafted furniture
in Heidelberg.
That's right.
I did a little cyberstalking last night.
Your family's business is known and respected
all across Germany.
So don't tell me you're not an artist.
You create the joy of Christmas with your work.
I create a place to keep your socks and underwear.
Come on now.
Wow.
OK.
I know it's not finished.
But I can tell when it is, it's going to be extraordinary.
Unfortunately, I rarely ever finish them.
Why?
I mainly do it to clear my head.
There's so much actual work to be done.
I don't really have the time to mess around with a hobby.
So why aren't you at your booth?
I took a break to see if a certain someone could
go to the post office with me.
You need some backup?
And maybe a vehicle to pick up the boxes.
All right.
I'll get my bike then.
I have 20 boxes.
I think I was thinking more the van out front.
OK.
I take the van, you the bike.
Thank you so much for your help.
I know how busy you are.
You are busy yourself.
I heard sales are going well.
Yes.
You were so right.
The laid back approach is really working for me.
I had a feeling it would.
[speaking german]
I don't know how else I would have gotten the boxes home.
But I promise not to make a habit out
of distracting you from your work.
Listen, you somehow got my father helping in the shop
again.
I am not complaining in the least.
How long ago did he retire?
Well, five months ago, then five years too early if you ask me.
[speaking german]
What happened?
I'm not exactly sure of myself.
One day, out of the blue, he handed me his apron
and said the business was mine.
Along with the reputation of four generations
of Oppermannns.
Wow.
That's a lot of pressure.
Why do you think I eat so many of Theresa's pastries?
[speaking german]
OK.
I admit.
This is very efficient, but also equally nerve-wracking.
You got to track number and photo ID, right?
Yes.
And you've got nothing to worry about.
[speaking german]
I'll be right behind you.
[speaking german]
Right.
Sorry.
Hmm, of course.
Sending or receiving?
Receiving.
My boxes should be here today.
OK.
Tracking number and identification.
Thank you.
I promise it's real.
People always think, Heidi Heidelberg,
that must be a fake name.
But no, it's real.
I'll show you my birth certificate.
That won't be necessary.
To be honest, I find your name quite unremarkable actually.
OK.
Heidelberg is a very common family name in this region.
Furthermore, seeing as many Americans
are quite fond of little Russians.
It would be very probable for your parents
to choose "Heidi" as your given name.
Hold, please.
Yeah.
What he's saying?
It seems there's a bit of a problem.
What problem?
No.
I don't know.
He's--
I gave him the tracking number.
Not there?
What does that mean?
No.
It's supposed to be here today.
Oh, OK.
I'm very sorry for the delay, but I
have located your packages.
Oh good.
You got me so worried there for a second.
They are currently being held at a customs office in Iceland.
Iceland?
Why would they be there?
Seems they're subcontracted through a second-tier provider.
Second-tier?
Yeah, you're right.
Probably third-tier at best.
Why was it subcontracted?
To save money perhaps.
No.
I was told it was a reliable service.
I have no idea who gives you this information.
But, on the bright side, as long as the items
are clear customs in Reykjavik, they
could be here on next Thursday.
Thursday?
In the future, may I suggest that you
entrust your shipping needs to the ever reliable and extremely
efficient German Postal Service.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Auf wiedersehen.
Please stop.
Let's go.
I have to talk to him.
I don't understand.
How are they not here yet?
I'm going to talk to the manager.
At least they made it to European soil, technically.
I'm sure they will arrive next week exactly as he said.
What he said exactly was that as long as they clear customs,
they should arrive.
That hardly sounds like a guarantee.
What am I going to do?
If I can't deliver these ornaments by a reasonable time,
all my customers are going to cancel.
Have you ever eaten a maron?
What?
My life is falling apart and you're offering me a snack?
Are you ready for this?
That doesn't look like a macaroon.
Not a macaroon, maron.
It's a chestnut roasted on an open fire just
like this Christmas carol all Americans are obsessed with.
It's a pretty great song.
And why have you never had one?
It doesn't look very appetizing.
Wait till you taste it.
OK.
Pretty good.
All right, that Bing Crosby knew what he was singing about.
What the song doesn't say is that chestnuts
have a very spiky husk on top of the hard shell.
If you saw it on the tree, you'd never
think to pluck it, peel it, roast it, and turn it
into something delicious.
And how does this anecdote help me get my ornaments delivered?
Maybe a situation's like a chestnut.
It looks horrible on the outside, but peel away the bad,
it's positive energy this trip may turn out
better than you expected.
It's a bit of a stretch.
[chuckles]
But I can see what you're doing.
Honestly, I was just trying to prevent
an altercation between you and the postal worker.
So I need to trust that my ornaments will
arrive eventually and try to enjoy my life in the meantime.
Where do you want to start?
Oh.
With Oma's list.
It contains pieces of her childhood
that she wants me to experience while I'm here.
Oh.
You've got some work to do.
Hm-hmm.
I don't know how I'm going to balance it all with the market.
Why not start with the castle your ancestors built?
I should have some time Saturday morning,
if you'd like some company.
We could be then back before the market even opens.
That'd be great.
But will it be open that early?
Even if it's closed, we'll tell them
Heidi Heidelberg is coming.
Apparently, it's a very common name.
Even so, I think it's lovely.
Can I have another macaroon?
A maron.
Please?
A maron, yeah.
Maron.
Here we go.
[music playing]
[upbeat music]
I love the architecture.
So much history.
Yes.
It's incredible.
This is like just up the street from your house.
[chuckles]
Look how tall it is.
And this is actually the flag of Heidelberg.
Heidi Heidelberg?
Yeah, probably.
Look at this.
I love this piece.
The details are incredible.
And it's also made by Alexander Colin.
This is a ginormous keg.
Yes, it is.
And wait till you see it this one.
Are you kidding me?
I've never seen anything like it.
It's a keg fit for a king.
This is called the Powder Tower.
In the 1600s, the French blew it up.
This part's granite with the rest of its sandstone.
Actually, I never noticed that before.
According to my Oma.
My ancestors transported these pillars
from the ruins of Charlemagne's Palace in Ingelheim
to here to use around the well.
That's over 100 kilometers away.
Yeah, it's really far.
It is.
That's my favorite thing about this Castle.
What?
No matter what horrible thing happened
from being struck by lightning or under siege of war, people
of Heidelberg were always ready to pick up the pieces
and make it beautiful again.
It amazes me what lengths humans are
willing to go to for beauty.
And we still do it today.
Well, at least, you do.
I mean, I'm still amazed by your artwork.
It reminds me of 19th century Bohemian glass makers.
Right.
Well for someone who specifically
claims not to be an artist, you sure do know a lot about art.
There might be a reason for that.
I studied art here at my time at Heidelberg University.
Hmm.
That's why you know so much.
I credit that to the school more than to myself.
I noticed the woodcarving you were working on
looked a little bit like the Renaissance relief
we saw in the castle.
Did that inspired you?
I would say it's most blatant copy.
Stop doing that.
Doing what?
You keep downplaying yourself as an artist.
You are talented.
You should embrace it.
Seriously.
I really wish I could embrace it,
but I've lost my inspiration for it.
And why is that?
I thought woodworking would fulfill the need to create
and it did for a while.
But now it feels so routine and I'm just
going through the motions.
Especially since my father turned it all over to me,
I don't have the time to be artistic even if I wanted to.
Do you regret taking it over?
Not exactly.
I really am proud of what my family has
built over so many generations.
Yeah.
But now that it was just dropped in my lap,
I feel a lot of pressure not to let people down,
especially my father.
He seemed so happy to hand over the keys to the shop.
I didn't want to disappoint him.
Maybe you should talk to him.
Let him know how you feel.
In a way it's too late.
I mean, I can't really run off and pursue something else now,
can I?
I can't answer that for you.
But I do know that you need an outlet for your creativity.
Otherwise, it'll dry up.
So whether it's at work or somewhere else,
you've got to find it.
[soft music]
You really didn't have to walk me home.
It's fine.
I still have some work to do in the shop tonight anyway.
Someone has been distracting me lately.
Oh, shame on them.
That's OK.
I told Saint Nicholas to put in belsnickel list.
Uh-oh.
Well, hey, he's already on his way.
The wheelbarrow of coal.
Oh, goodness.
That's tonight, isn't it?
Yes, it is.
Did the boys collect one of your shoes yet?
Yes, it was so cute.
I gave them one of my boots so I could maximize the amount
of chocolate I'll get.
Or the amount of coal.
I guess we'll see.
[soft music]
[knocking]
Hey, boys.
Saint Nicholas came.
[laughing]
He did.
What did he bring?
You have to look for yourself.
Come on.
OK.
I'll be right there.
[door closes]
Maybe it's that one.
No.
I already built it.
Good morning.
Happy Saint Nicholas Day.
Good morning.
How are you?
So what did everyone get?
A Ninjago set.
Just like we asked for.
You must have been good.
What are you building?
Saints' robot.
Here's yours.
Wohoo.
I'm rich.
They're not real.
They're made out of chocolate.
Even better.
Well you also got something in here.
But my boots are already full.
Well the boot is from Saint Nicholas.
But the stocking is for surprises from friends or loved
ones.
A [german].
Did you pick this up for me?
It wasn't me actually.
Then who did it?
Oh, oh.
Someone wants to kiss you.
He wants to kiss you, Heidi.
Nobody wants to kiss her.
Really, Lukas?
Well, of course, people want to kiss you.
Probably hundreds of men.
Hundreds?
Who do you think I am?
No.
Obviously, that's not what I meant.
Well, what did you mean?
Yes, do tell.
So somebody has a crush on Heidi.
Can you blame them?
No.
But traditionally, if a suitor was brave,
they would put their name on it like I did with your mother.
Maybe your suitor isn't very brave.
Oh, perhaps the suitor didn't even know about this
and the chocolate was put in your stocking
by someone who fancies themselves a matchmaker.
Well, secret admirer or not, this looks delicious.
I'll have to get Oma another.
I'm going to try this one.
I'll have a bite.
Oh, Dani.
I think you've had quite enough chocolate today.
Yeah.
You can never have too much chocolate
on Saint Nicholas Day.
Oh.
[laughter]
This is good.
What do you say?
You'll get an email the second they're available
and you can pick them up right here.
Thank you.
[speaking german]
Hi.
You're ready for round two?
Oh my goodness.
The post office.
I brought some liquid courage just in case.
I hope I don't need it.
This has to be some kind of joke.
I assure you, neither I or any of my colleagues
find this amusing in any way.
If I want to make you laugh, I want to say--
OK.
[speaking german]
Fine.
If you check next week--
But it's already been a week.
Once again, I cannot speak to the inefficiencies
of the provider you engaged.
I can only assure you--
That I should have used the incredibly flawless,
world-renowned service of the German Post.
I know.
Your words.
But I don't disagree.
OK.
Maybe this place will help you clear your head a bit.
Philosopher's Way is the most famous hiking trail in Germany.
It's been used by many great minds, including Gott himself.
Yeah.
Gott must have been really in shape.
This is no joke.
It's a bit steep.
But look at this, it's my favorite view of the city.
And I can see why.
I do some of my best thinking up here.
Curious.
Why do you think you got so defensive last Sunday
with the whole [german] scandal?
Maybe I was upset that someone beat me to the punch.
Is that so?
But I still think my parents were behind this.
They've been trying to fix me up for a decade now.
Why hasn't it worked?
Because so far nobody has met what I'm looking for.
Interesting.
And what are you looking for?
Someone with real passion, that's for certain.
[peaceful music]
I can be too passive at times.
I don't know.
I just want someone who's driven to do what they believe in
and then help me do the same.
I love that.
What else?
Well, I'm not sure exactly, but I'm starting to figure it out.
Come on.
Only two kilometers to go.
Let's go.
I have no idea how far that is.
You will find out soon enough.
What's my favorite ornament?
Hmm.
What I love about this one is what the five golden rings
represent.
For me, it's my family.
They are the most precious.
Hence, the gold and the symbol of the ring goes on forever.
Oh.
And I really believe that families are forever.
It's really nice.
Thank you.
[SINGING "O TANNENBAUM" IN GERMAN]
[applause]
Speaking of tannenbaums, we're halfway to Christmas,
where is your Christmas tree?
In Germany we usually put up the tree on Christmas Eve.
When does your family put it up?
Well when most Americans are shopping on Black Friday,
my family celebrates what we call "Green Friday."
We go up into the mountains and cut down a fresh evergreen
and bring it home that night to decorate it.
Lovely.
Reminds me that it's time to light the third advent candle.
And to share another Oppermannn tradition, this week's theme
is all about joy.
We are all very thankful for the gifts
that Saint Nicholas gave us last week.
So this week, we focus on how we can give back to our community
this Christmas season.
We'll go first.
As you know, Mark and I met at the Christmas charity dinner
for the senior care facility.
Well we're excited to tell you that we
decided to volunteer to host the entire event this year.
That's a good idea.
That's great.
Maybe we can all volunteer to serve at the event.
Your mother and I could be in charge of the cooking.
We'll take all the help we can get.
I could sing a Christmas carol for the program.
I can sing too.
That would be lovely.
Lukas, what about you?
What else do you need?
What about gifts for the guests?
Well that would be a lovely idea,
but there might be too many guests to arrange that.
Yeah.
After covering food and decorations,
we usually don't have the budget for gifts.
I have an idea that won't cost you a thing.
OK.
Are the horns really necessary?
We're Santa's helpers, we have to look the part.
This sort of thing may work in the States,
but I'm a bit worried how it's going to go over here.
Lukas, it's for a good cause.
OK.
Try to have a better attitude.
I apologize.
Engaging cheery smile.
Good.
Watch and learn.
This is how you do a hard sell.
Hi, Anja.
Hi, hello.
Oh, thanks again for watching my booth yesterday.
I think I made more sales in those two hours
than I did the rest of the day.
Oh, your work is brilliant.
It sells itself.
You're so kind.
Hey, Anja.
I was wondering, would you be willing to donate
one of your pieces to charity?
What kind of charity?
It's for senior citizens who don't have a place
to go for Christmas.
Please, take whatever you'd like.
Thank you.
How about the socks?
Oh, these are perfect.
Yeah.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
And that's how it's done.
I think it was the ears.
I think so too.
[music playing] Santa, won't you come and help me please?
'Cause you're the only one--
You're the only one--
--that can make it be.
That can make it be.
I won't ask for nothing else this year.
And make a promise this is all I,
This is all I want.
Please, let it be one of these other guys.
Of course not.
Mr. Wiedmann.
Fraulein Heidi Heidelberg.
I'm surprised you remember such a boring and common name.
Please, tell me my shipment cleared Icelandic customs.
I can see here that your packages
have left Iceland safely.
But they were shipped to Ireland, unfortunately.
And must clear a similar protocol.
Ireland?
Why Ireland?
It seems you have become a victim of poor penmanship.
Apparently, The letter R looked much like a C, I'm afraid.
Your carrier did not catch this originally
and forwarded it to Ireland instead
of the final destination.
That happens quite often.
Not by the ever efficient German Post, of course.
Of course.
But why would it have been to either Iceland or Ireland
in the first place?
To save money.
A multi-step delivery is much cheaper,
albeit a much less viable option.
Can you take me to the Christus church?
I'm sorry, Madam.
But I cannot leave my post during business hours.
Not you.
Him.
Of course.
Mr. Wiedmann.
It is clear that you are an exceptional representative
of the German Post.
Which is why I am going to empower
you to contact me the moment you hear anything regarding
my shipment.
Can you do that?
I will proudly present the service, Ms. Heidelberg.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks.
Auf wiedersehen
(SINGING) Hark the herald angel sing.
How are you feeling?
I'm fine, really.
I just needed a little perspective.
This is where Oma would come for Christmas Eve service.
I thought it would bring me a little peace.
I still can't believe how well you handled that.
I do need to start thinking about alternatives though.
Maybe I can find a glassblowing shop nearby that I can use.
Do you really think you can remake all those ornaments
in two weeks?
Mm-mm.
Just be patient and try to focus--
I know.
Peel back the negative.
Focus on the positive.
So what are we looking for exactly?
The painting behind the third column.
Do you think that's that over there?
I think it's this nativity painting.
Right here.
It's beautiful.
It really is.
It was the winner of a painting contest in 1932.
Marie Keller?
That's my great grandma.
That's Oma's mom.
My Oma always said I got my artistic sense
from my great grandma, Keller.
The talent definitely runs deep.
Hmm.
Do you want to take a walk with me?
I can see why my Oma preferred the bridge at night.
I would have to agree with her.
I'm having such a wonderful time.
Honestly, if it wasn't for you, I
don't think I ever would have seen outside the market.
No, seriously.
Sometimes, I get so obsessed about what
I think is important that I lose sight
of what's actually important.
And now I'm seeing this whole side of the city
that I wouldn't have seen otherwise.
I'm finally learning how special this place is.
I'm learning how special you are.
[chuckles]
I thought we'd talk at the Castle.
I decided to work on my art again
and to make it more of a priority.
I told you that I lost my passion for art,
but I think I found my muse again in you.
That makes me really happy.
You're unlike anyone I've ever met before.
What do you mean?
I don't know.
It's like we have this understanding.
This connection that I've never felt before.
It's like we speak the same language.
[speaking german]
[chuckles]
This is actually my favorite spot.
Hmm.
Wow.
Gosh, it's perfect.
You know, there's only two things
that could make this trip any better.
What would those be?
The first would be for my packages to finally arrive.
And the second would be for me to figure out if I truly
have a secret admirer.
Ah, the mysterious [german].
Yeah, I would love to get to the bottom of it.
But I don't know who gave you the chocolate,
but I can show you that it's not a secret how much I admire you.
It's that so?
["o christmas tree" playing]
There it is.
It's so beautiful.
I can't believe it's still there.
Gosh, you're such a brilliant artist.
I told you, that's where you get it.
It looks like you're working on a masterpiece of your own.
Just a little something for Christmas.
Well, thank you for making that list.
It's been so much fun piecing together
the picture of your youth here.
How many have you completed so far?
A bunch, but I still have a lot to go.
I have to fit it in between my time at the market.
But Lukas thinks we can finish all of them before I go home.
Great.
How have sales been?
Well, pre-sales are going really well.
People are ordering off the display sets.
So as long as the real sets arrive in the next week,
I should be able to fulfill all the orders
in time for Christmas.
If not, I need to find a shop out here and get to work.
That must be so stressful.
It is.
But Lukas has helped me keep a really good perspective
about it all.
You keep mentioning Lukas, is there
anything else going on there?
Come on, Oma.
You know I can't hide anything from you.
I won't say a word to your mother.
It has developed a bit since we last talked.
I don't know if it's 100% real or if it's
a product of how magical everything is here,
but he's really special.
I only have one piece of advice.
Hmm.
Treat this relationship like you treat your art.
Whatever you do, let it be inspired.
I love you so much.
[music playing] Did you hang my stocking by the fire?
And the holly berries in the hall?
Oh.
Did I use up all of my wishes dreaming of your mistletoe
kisses?
Or is there room for just one more?
Christmas is not the same on my own.
Oh.
baby, with you, I swear I belong.
And now I know.
Oh, Santa.
Santa, won't you take me home.
Take me home.
Oh, Santa.
Santa won't you take me home.
Oh, Santa.
Santa won't you take me home.
Santa take me home.
Oh, Santa.
Santa won't you take me home.
[applause]
And that was the last thing on the list.
Yes, we've done everything.
Oh,
[german]
To completing all of the items on Oma's list.
And a few of our own as well.
[phone rings]
Oh, sorry.
Just in case it's Mr. Wiedmann.
He's not going to text you.
He texted me.
Are you serious?
Yep.
What does it say?
I am pleased to inform you that your shipment arrived
at the Frankfurt hub today.
Unfortunately, there is no service on Sunday,
but I took the liberty to expedite the delivery of all
of your packages to the given address at 124
Wilhelminenstrasse.
Expect them first thing Monday morning.
Merry Christmas and auf wiedersehen,
Lawrence Wiedmann of the ever reliable and extremely
efficient German Postal Service.
To Mr. Wiedmann.
A very strange, but honorable man.
Cheers.
["deck the halls" playing]
Don't mix the sweet with the savory, OK.
Honey, just leave them alone.
We'll have to get into costume.
And serve seconds and thirds to anyone who asks.
Nobody goes hungry, all right?
Thank you for doing this.
Everybody's so happy.
Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Of course.
I can't wait to see the look on their faces
when we hand these out.
Speaking of which, where's our Saint Nicholas and belsnickel?
I'm sure they'll be here on time.
Here.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have some special guests.
Ho, ho, ho.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
[applause]
[speaking german]
Merry Christmas.
(SINGING) Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
lean your ear this way.
Don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say.
Christmas Eve is coming soon.
Now you dear old man, whisper what you'll bring--
So Merry Christmas, everyone.
[cheering]
Everybody.
(SINGING) Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
lean your ear this way.
Don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say.
Christmas Eve is coming soon.
Now you dear old man, whisper what you'll bring to me.
Tell me if you can.
[cheering]
Merry Christmas!
[cheering]
The fourth week of advent represents peace.
It's a virtue that is very difficult to find these days.
But if you want to see our world in harmony,
it's important that we are the peacemakers
at home and in our community.
Is anybody closer to fulfilling their striking secret yet?
We actually just fulfilled ours.
Yes.
I can't wait to hear.
You may have guessed it already, but we
got inspired to host the seniors dinner together.
And with all your help, we were able to make it more
special than it's ever been.
[applause]
Anybody else fulfilled their--
I did!
So did I!
I wanted to join the kinder choir at school,
but I thought it was just want to sing with the older kids.
But I asked my teacher and she's letting
me join the spring concert.
Whoa!
That's amazing!
My secret was to make a new friend, not a best friend.
Because Jona is my best friend.
But someone that's in my same class.
So I made friends with Max from my football team.
[applause]
Yeah!
Well, my stocking secret is one I thought might never
be possible to achieve.
But with a little Christmas luck and some amazing advice
from Lukas and Theresa, I was able to sell out
all of my ornaments on pre-sale orders alone.
Wow.
That's awesome.
Yes.
And now that my shipment is finally arriving tomorrow,
I'll be able to give everyone their ornaments
in time for Christmas.
Aww.
What about you brother?
Any luck with your secret?
My secret was to dedicate more time to something
that I've always been passionate about, but always too scared
to really pursue it.
My artwork.
When I took over the woodshop, I felt a lot of pressure
to put the artistic side of me away and focus on the family
business.
Only the pressure wasn't coming from anyone else.
It was put on by myself.
But I'm not going to do this anymore.
But this doesn't mean I'm quitting the business,
it just means that I will do whatever
it takes to find time to work on my own creations as well.
Even if that means that I need to bring on some other help.
I especially want to thank, Heidi, for inspiring me
and for that, I want you to have this.
It was one of my first pieces of work.
But thanks to you, it won't be my last.
[chuckles]
All right, you two.
What about you?
Have your stocking secrets come true?
Oh, Rudy and I, we share the same secret.
Any updates on how it's going?
Well, it's a little early to be certain,
but I must say things are looking pretty positive.
Yeah.
Thank you for taking this tradition to heart.
It's really helped me feel at home.
When can you see the next one?
Dani, not yet.
It's fine.
I think, it's time?
Yes?
OK.
Yeah.
Time for what?
You know I can speak German kind of.
[chattering in german]
I'm not peeking.
Two, one, surprise!
It's a few weeks late by your tradition and a week
too early by ours, but we wanted to compromise.
That's beautiful.
Imagine when we finished decorating.
[chuckles]
Come on.
Let's get it started.
Yes.
Come on, just get one.
It smells so good.
I want that one on the top actually.
[christmas music]
Hey, the boxes are pretty beat up.
Are you sure they're OK?
I'm sorry, Madam.
That's the condition they were in when
they arrived in Frankfurt.
Thank you.
[somber music]
No, no, no, no.
No!
No, no, no, no, no.
I'm sorry.
I'm so, so sorry.
Oh, you guys can stop.
You can stop.
There's no point.
Well, at least you got the insurance.
The shipping company will have to pay for this disaster.
He's right.
At least you will be able to refund your customers.
I don't care about the money.
I don't even care about the countless hours
I spent making them.
What I care about is letting all those people down.
You know one woman told me how excited she was to give these
to her elderly father.
"12 Days of Christmas" is his favorite carol
and she wanted to give him something special.
Something to lift his spirits.
Said she couldn't wait to see the look on his face.
It breaks my heart to know that won't happen.
Heidi, you have to know that this is not your fault.
It doesn't matter whose fault it is.
It still happened.
And there's nothing I can do about it.
I was so close to fulfilling my dream.
And now it's all just--
shattered.
[somber music]
[knocking]
Come in.
[soft music]
I guess that means you're leaving.
What else should I do?
I don't have a reason to stay anymore.
Well, I can think of a few.
There's almost a week of the market left
and I have nothing to sell.
I can't talk about this right now.
I just-- I think it's best if we leave things as they are.
OK.
It means I don't want all the memories
we shared these last few weeks to be tied to that mess
out there.
I want to wrap it in a perfect snow globe
and remember it all on its own forever.
Look at you.
You understood everything that I said without any translation.
What does that tell you?
Heidi, I want to tell you something.
I know what you're going to say.
No, no, you don't actually.
So please, just let me say it.
I found these three ornaments among the shards, the only ones
that remain unharmed.
And I believe, they were meant to survive the journey.
This one reminds me of your grace and your beauty.
Maybe the doves will give you some peace.
And the milkmaid, it's still a mystery to me.
But just give me some time, I'll find a connection.
I can only imagine how heartbroken you are
and I know that there's nothing that you or I can
do to fix it right now.
But I have no doubt that you will
be able to pick up the pieces and move on to something
even more beautiful.
[soft music]
Promise you'll at least say goodbye before you leave.
[soft music]
Lukas, we're going to need some glue.
Well, I'm not--
It's for the ornaments.
Well, sort of.
Come here.
Come on, come on, come on.
It's a concept piece I was inspired and wanted
to show you.
It's interesting, it's unique.
I love it.
Do you think we have something here?
I know it.
How many more of these do you have?
And a few more boxes in storage.
How is this going to work?
Most of these are still rough carvings,
it will take forever to finish them.
That's the beauty of this new design.
The carving serve as the foundation and the mosaic
that we built together from the broken glass
will be the finishing.
There's a lesson in there somewhere.
We're going to need some help.
OK.
Easy, boys, easy.
We're looking for LEGO-sized pieces here.
Nothing smaller, OK?
Here we go.
Here is some glue.
Yes.
[indistinct chatter]
Oh, it looks amazing.
[uplifting music]
What do you think?
Will they sell at the market?
Yeah, I'm sure.
Yeah, of course.
Of course.
But they take so long to make.
Good thing we don't have to do it all in one night.
There's still three full days left at the market.
So we'll work as late as we can tonight and pick up again
in the morning.
I mean, Lukas and I. You all have done your part.
Now, please.
Get these boys to bed.
Copy that.
Come on, guys.
Say goodnight.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, kids.
Goodnight.
Sleep tight.
If you need more time to finish the mosaics,
then Rudy and I can handle the customers.
Oh, that would be amazing.
I'll email everyone and update the website.
Some people might be upset so I'm
sorry if you have to deal with that.
No, no, no.
Once they see these new creations,
they will be thrilled to get one in exchange.
I hope so.
I know so.
It's such an interesting blend of two.
Very different styles, but somehow perfectly
complementary.
I guess, it was meant to be.
All right, you two, time for bed.
Goodnight.
Lukas, uhm, can I speak to you for a moment?
Of course.
I'll walk you out.
Thank you.
Thanks.
I'm sorry for stepping away from the business so suddenly.
It was meant to be a token of how much I trust and appreciate
your work.
And I realize now that it must have put a tremendous amount
of pressure on you.
The last few weeks in the shop have taught me,
I miss working with you more than ever.
It has been quite nice.
Maybe I can delay my retirement until we
can make a plan for what you want the future to look like.
Together?
Yeah.
[speaking german]
Come here.
I'm proud of you
OK.
Do you need some glue?
Oh, this is almost finished.
Hey, that's perfect.
OK.
I'm going to add some red for the boots.
I like that idea.
We better hurry.
Just taking it all in.
Only one more day at the market.
One more day in Heidelberg.
Try not to think about it.
Just enjoy yourself.
Is that working for you?
Not in the slightest.
Same.
But good thing for both of us.
I reached out to the head of the selection committee
for the Christmas market.
And even though it was in really broken German,
I explained what happened with the shipments
and the pre-orders and I asked if we could
secure a spot for next year.
Serious?
What did they say?
It was a resounding yeah.
You said it back I hope.
Yeah.
[laughter]
I know a lot can happen in a year.
But come on, spending the holidays
in Heidelberg, that's a tradition I could get used to.
Come on.
That's amazing
[laughter]
[speaking german]
I'm right behind you.
There you go.
Thank you so much.
[speaking german]
Thank you for your patience.
I'm so glad you still wanted to order.
Here you go.
[speaking german]
Oh, hey.
This is the woman I was telling you about.
Just give me a sec.
Hi.
I got your email about the ornaments.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
It was tragic.
But that tragedy inspired something just as beautiful.
Yes.
They're quite exquisite.
You're welcome to anyone you want, but--
I have a feeling you'd rather have these.
It's your only set.
It's a special gift for a very special father.
This will keep them singing for many years to come.
Merry Christmas.
Bye.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you, merry Christmas.
[speaking german]
I can't believe it.
The last one.
[speaking german]
How did you-- when did you--
Oma!
I couldn't miss your first Christmas in Heidelberg.
I want you to meet Lukas.
Danke.
I hope you're ready because I have my own list to show you.
Oh, is that so?
You have to try Theresa's black forest cake.
And then I have to show you the most gorgeous,
hand-knit stockings.
I'm so glad you're here.
[laughter]
Lukas, what are you doing?
Why don't the two of you go on alone?
I don't want to interfere.
I can catch up with you later.
OK.
I can't argue with that.
[chuckles]
[music playing] Hear the bells ringing, hear the kids singing.
This is how it should be.
When the snow's swirling and the fires burning,
I can finally believe.
This Christmas I am right where I want to be.
This Christmas I'm holding love close to me.
It's family and friends--
So, on behalf of the Oppermannn family,
we want you to have this.
Oh, thank you.
Oh my goodness.
We talked to our pastor and she felt
it was time that it went back to the family.
I don't know what to say.
Are you sure?
She insisted.
Oh.
Come here, come here.
You don't know what this means to me.
Thank you so much.
Oh, darling!
Thank you.
I understand you did our stocking secret
edition this year.
Yes, we did indeed.
Yeah.
And did your secret wish come true?
I believe so.
[music playing] Make this Christmas
the best we'd ever see.
Merry Christmas.
[festive music]
[audio logo]