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♪ The fire's crackling and the popcorn's strung ♪
♪ Bulbs a twinkling and the stockings are hung ♪
♪ So much fun doing Christmas by the book ♪
How are you doing?
I'm a little nervous, if I'm honest.
I haven't done one of these before.
You'll be great.
You know your material frontwards and backwards.
You're genuine. You've got this.
Thanks.
Remind me never to release a book at the same time
as a local bestselling author.
Hey Adie!
This is going to be fun.
Come on. Let's get started, shall we?
Adeline Wilson! Welcome to the podcast!
It's great to finally meet you!
Thank you for having me. Please call me Adie.
Adie, oh! Besties already!
Listen, we're live, so let's just jump right in. Okay?
This book is quite humbling.
And here I thought having gifts bought and wrapped
by December 23rd was crushing Christmas.
It's not meant to add more stress to the season,
but to alleviate it by taking away the guess work
with tried and true methods.
You have chapters in here dedicated to decorating,
hosting, cooking.
You've meticulously planned out
every detail of the holiday season starting November 1st.
I realize there's often debate about Christmas prep
before Thanksgiving, but coming at it from the point of view
of large families or homes that need a little more time
with the financial implications of the season,
it makes sense to start early.
And speaking of the financial aspects of the holiday season,
you have a chapter here called "Christmas on a Budget".
Why did you feel the need to add this?
It was important.
The message is that
Christmas doesn't need to be elaborate to be special.
And that making the effort is truly what matters.
Hmmm.
Now you know a little something about that, don't you?
Umm...
We're live!
Um, as a child, Christmases in my family were quite simple.
Yes.
And sometimes there was no Christmas at all, right?
Which is why I try to enjoy it to the fullest now.
I've three Christmas trees in my home this year,
all decorated in different themes.
Your book tour starts here, next week in Washington.
And you have twelve U.S. stops along the way, right.
Safe travels and I wish your book all the success.
I'm Trish with the "Bumble Bee Podcast" here with
Adeline Wilson, author of "A Christmas Season Handbook".
Get your copies today by using the link below.
Bye bye for now!
Ah, I have to catch this.
- Bye. - Bye.
I'm so sorry she went off script from the pre-approved questions.
It's fine.
Is it also fine that we've added an additional stop to the tour?
Twelve. As in "The Twelve Days of Christmas".
It's on all the bookstore posters
advertising the signings.
I know.
It's just that this store's been selected to host
the National Synchronized Christmas Eve Reading
of "Twas the Night Before Christmas",
so they're getting quite a bit of press.
And since Red Ribbon Publishing is a major sponsor of the event,
we thought we could piggy-back off that.
So I guess I don't have much of a choice.
Which store is it?
It's the Alpine Book Store in Illinois.
Okay.
These should be on the front table for the holiday season.
Do you really think this book signing's a good idea?
Ah, yeah.
We need all the holiday events we can get before year end.
But we're already hosting the Synchronized Reading event
on Christmas Eve.
That's creating a buzz.
We are up against the big box stores. Okay.
No buzz is too big!
Wow...
Your bookkeeping skills are truly a wonder.
Thank you.
Wasn't a compliment.
Garth, look.
I hate to be the one to tell you this, but
if you don't have a successful Christmas selling season,
I don't see the store being here next year.
It's not that bad.
No, it's worse.
You're bankrolling this company on savings
and haven't made money in almost two years.
I mean, this store is just a sucking sound on its best days.
I get it.
Do you?
Look, baby brother, while the rest of us have had to slum it
in Corporate America, your Olympic athlete days have
afforded you the luxury and the flexibility
of just doing what you love.
Which is great, but if you don't start taking the business
side more seriously, like in this changing climate...
Dude, you're going to end up in a nine to five office job
that will literally kill you.
I just don't feel the need to turn the store
into something that it isn't.
Selling other items like blankets and knickknacks...
I know. I'm not saying to expand the inventory beyond books but,
you know, people would want to stay here longer
if there was like a cafe attached serving drinks.
We'd need a food operating license for that.
Just another headache.
Okay. Well, I don't know. A seating area maybe?
I have a seating area.
That's your seating area? Okay.
Ah, maybe a more comfortable seating area?
Perhaps one with furniture that wasn't salvaged
from the dumpsters out back.
First you say we're in trouble financially,
and then you give me gears for trying to save money?
Just, hear me out. Okay?
I've been putting some ideas to paper...
I know you don't like this kind of thing, but,
it could help.
Actually, I got to take this one.
Of course you do.
There she is! Future doctor on the screen!
Hey, Dad.
Hi, Luna.
Aunt Mel! You're there already?
Yeah. I thought I come a week early this year.
I thought your dad could use some help with
the National Synchronized Reading event prep.
Probably a good idea.
I'm going to ignore the implication.
How did the exam go?
Good. I think.
Maybe. I don't know.
I should have studied more.
That would have been impossible. You barely slept all week.
I can sleep when I home for the holidays.
And miss all the epic holiday fun, not a chance.
I got the ski bindings ready to go.
Do you know how many people get injured
on the slopes every holiday season?
Nope. And don't go into all the gory details
like you did when I wanted to buy a trampoline.
You've already broken every bone in your body anyway.
Not this one.
Three more exams, then I'll be home.
Okay, honey, go crush your goals and then we ski.
Bye Luna.
I'm not so sure if med school's such a good idea.
She was always so up for anything.
And now she's so cautious.
She's sensible and smart and you're going to need her
to have a doctor's salary to look after you in old age.
Because I'm not taking you and your cat menagerie in.
Hey, I don't even have one cat now.
Oh, they will come, trust me.
Once you move into the trailer park with Uncle Melvin,
cats will find you.
That's why you need this.
Fine. Let's give this business proposal a look.
Doesn't the publishing house normally ship the books
to the stores in advance?
They would have if you were flying across,
but since you're driving,
they wanted to save on shipping costs.
Great.
Look, Adie, we both know this book isn't
the company's main focus this holiday season.
That's why they assigned it to me.
The company was excited about it when I pitched the idea.
Three years ago.
Enthusiasm over a project in this industry is fleeting.
The book took time. I didn't want to rush it.
I know and I believe in it. I know we can make it a success.
I can't stress enough how much my job depends on that.
Oh, no pressure.
Well, I guess I'm off.
Drive safe! Good luck!
Check in!
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a Happy New Year
"The Christmas Season Handbook" by Adeline Wilson.
Chapter one.
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a Happy New Year
♪ So bring us some figgy pudding ♪
Hi.
Do you know where the washroom is?
Thanks.
♪ Good tidings we bring
♪ To you and your kin
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a Happy New Year
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
"It's all downhill from here".
The owner thought it was clever.
Miss Wilson!
You're Mr. Bowman?
Let me guess. I don't look like the scholarly type?
Rest assured I've read all the classics cover to cover.
That's a shame.
Modern literature has so much more to offer.
Such as your work?
No.
My work is a how-to manual,
written for practical and pragmatic purposes.
I leave the fanciful to the fiction writers.
Practical?
Sounds like a polite way of saying boring.
Excuse me?
I said we are so excited to have you here!
My sister is inside setting up for your signing.
Go on in.
Oh, shoot! I am late for Luna.
Bring these inside for me? Thanks.
Some help here...
Thanks.
Oh! Adeline Wilson
I'm so sorry, I thought you were Garth.
Oh, he went to get Luna?
Right. Apologies for that.
I'd like to say we're not always this disorganized, but,
well that would be a lie.
It's really no problem. I'm early.
Wouldn't have mattered.
Where should I set these?
Ah... Just... You know what?
Just put them over here on the counter. Thank you.
Oh. I'll take those from you as well.
I can only imagine my brother made quite an impression.
He didn't strike me as my number one fan.
Pay him no mind.
Structure and organization make him break out into hives.
I can see that.
we've set you up in the back for your event.
Just make yourself at home, okay.
Peter! Hi, yeah, yeah, no, ah, everything's on schedule
for the Christmas Eve event.
Yeah, uh hmmm, yeah, all under control.
All under control. Right.
"That smooth transition
"from pine to gingerbread to cinnamon will evoke the ultimate
"scent experience for positive holiday memory retention."
Even if you haven't started yet, "The Christmas Season Handbook"
can still help you deliver a very successful holiday season.
Would you like a signed copy?
Thank you.
Hey, hey. I gotta run.
I have a meeting with the local news team
covering the Christmas Eve event.
You got this from here?
Wait, wait. This was your idea. You can't just leave me here.
Just ask Adie to sign the paperwork.
I've already filled out everything important for you.
- Okay? - Hold it, don't...
Hey!
I have to say, I'm surprised by the turnout.
Why is that exactly?
Oh. Just saying that your store is quite popular.
And why wouldn't it be?
No reason.
Okay, so, how do we do this?
Just report the sales to the publisher
and they'll square up with me.
This is your first book signing?
It's Melanie's idea.
You don't enjoy having a store full of people?
I like the place to myself.
Don't really like people touching all the books.
I should be going.
Well, Merry Christmas.
And you. Safe travels.
Do you really think that every detail of the holidays
needs to be planned or is that just to sell books?
I absolutely stand by every word.
But really? Everything?
I take it you prefer to wing the holidays?
Not wing it, but leave some things to spontaneity.
Spontaneity leads to disappointment.
Kids love surprises.
Kids love planned, organized events
that appear to be surprises.
There's a big difference.
I just think parents,
they stress themselves out and then nobody enjoys the season.
Okay.
You're not going to challenge me?
You are obviously stuck in your opinion as am I.
We will agree to disagree.
And you'll be wrong.
What was that?
Nothing. Just that you are wrong.
You care to try to prove that?
What do you mean?
This is your last stop of the tour?
It is.
And you're already hyper organized
and ready for the big day?
I am.
Then stick around town.
Observe how I do Christmas and reassess your judgments.
That will never happen.
If you're afraid of being revealed as a fraud.
Whoa! Hold up. I'm not afraid of anything.
And my theories are rock solid.
Then, accept the challenge.
Fine. Be prepared to re-evaluate your stance.
Care to make it more interesting?
What do you have in mind?
If you can get me to come around to your boring way
of doing the holidays,
I'll personally ensure you sell enough copies of your book
this season to hit a bestseller's list.
My publicist hasn't even made that impossible promise.
How do you propose to do that?
You've never heard of me, huh?
No, Mr. Bigshot, I guess I haven't.
I won gold in two separate Olympics for skiing.
I have a fan or two on social media.
Six million followers.
Okay. Well, what happens if you win
if I don't convince you that my method is the best?
You add a chapter about spontaneity to your book.
You have a deal.
How was the last tour stop?
There was actually a huge turnout.
Sold all but one copy.
Well, from the box designated for that store.
We won't talk about the rest of the boxes
in the trunk of my car.
That's great. What time are you heading back tomorrow?
I've actually decided to stay a few days.
Really? Why?
The local hero posed a challenge.
What sort of challenge?
He has a few issues with my book and he'd like the opportunity
to disprove my well-researched methods.
I don't know about this Adie.
Oh come on, what could he possibly do to change my
mind after years of calculated research and childhood trauma?
What's at stake?
Just that I add a chapter to the next edition of the book
on spontaneity.
What?
That goes entirely against the rest of the book's message!
You can't be serious about putting your brand
at risk like this.
What could you possibly have to gain?
Apparently he has six million devoted followers
on social media.
One post and poof, Santa brings a bestseller list!
Okay. That's something
I just hope you know what you're doing.
Nailed it!
Did you see that?
Aunt Mel has some really great ideas, Dad.
You really need to take a serious look at this.
You should seriously check out this run.
That quad flip was off the charts.
Completed one and only one in my career.
It was the most terrifying...
Stunt you ever pulled off.
Yes, you've only told me a hundred times.
Let your old man relive his glory days, please.
You going to stop living in the past, Dad?
You need to start thinking about the store's future.
The store's fine.
Only it's really not.
These sales numbers are atrocious.
I should never have taught you such language.
We should have kept to sportscaster speak.
Let's paint the picture for those of you just tuning in.
The odds are stacked against them, yet here they are,
mounting a comeback for the ages!
Look at the focus, the fire in their eyes.
You can feel the energy surging on the slopes!
This store could go all the waaaaaay!
Okay. Let's watch the replay so you can recount
how you did it better.
That's my moon.
Excellent choice.
No order whatsoever.
The hunt is part of the fun.
If you have six hours.
Kids and Adults, really?
What about genre classification?
Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels?
This method is more enlightening.
This chaos isn't a method, but do enlighten me.
Wellll, the way I see it, someone might come in looking
for a sci-fi novel, insisting that they only read sci-fis.
But maybe while they're searching the shelves looking
for one, they find an intriguing mystery or tempted by a ripping
romance novel, a genre they'd never consider otherwise.
It's called upselling.
It likely just annoys people and they leave.
Annoys people?
What is this annoys people that you speak of?
People like order.
Boring people can shop elsewhere.
Okay...
So, should we get started?
On what?
You trying to prove to me that spontaneity
is the magic of the season.
If I had something planned that would kinda defeat the purpose,
don't you think?
So what then?
Should I start proving my theories?
You really can't just relax and go with the flow, can you?
Not since I was three years old.
You should come with me.
What? Where? Do I need my purse?
How long are we going to be gone?
Carl! Are you ready for a rematch?
When you least expect it there, Garth.
Carl and I had our first snowball fight
when we were eight.
Every year since, once of us tries to surprise the other
with the first throw of the season.
You know snowball fights right?
Of course I do.
There's a whole chapter of snow-fun in my book.
Right, the pre-arranged snow battle
complete with team colors and rules.
It's a fun day to organize
and that way you at least know who you're aiming at.
Well, I aim at everyone.
You never know who's going to join in.
Everyone joins in?
Yesss.
That seems...
Spontaneous? Exactly.
Like this?
You know what? This is fun.
"We've reached a record number of store sign ups this year.
"A credit to your lovely and charming persuasion."
I never knew a florist could be so competitive.
Miss Lynn, she used to pitch on a woman's baseball league.
That explains a lot.
Fun, right?
It was about a six.
Come on, you were laughing so hard, you couldn't breath.
My pre-planned game is fun too.
Time recoveries would not result in side splitting laughing.
Okay, fine. One point for spontaneous.
You made a scoreboard?
We needed a visual, so you can see how badly I'm beating you.
Okay fine. My turn.
Hey, where are you going?
I have some prep to do
but I will meet you at your place at five PM.
Don't eat lunch.
I ate lunch at ten thirty.
Of course you did.
Normal meal times dictated by society would be off brand.
You two seem to be having fun.
Sorry. Didn't mean to leave all the actual work to you,
but you're just so much better at it.
How goes the event prep?
Good, yeah, almost everything's done.
The founder of the event says we've reached
a record number of store signs ups this year.
Does someone have a crush?
Ah, I don't know.
Do you?
No no. I'm talking about you and this Peter guy.
You talk like a dozen times a day.
He's also about seventy-five years old, so, there's that.
But it's too bad because he's actually very sweet and funny.
So, he's got a few decades on you.
You've dated worse.
Dad!
You're not my Dad.
Hi. You must be Luna.
And you are our new cook?
Nooo...
Didn't want to interrupt your studying to tell you.
This is Adeline Wilson, author of
"The Christmas Season Handbook".
She's teaching me how to make
one of her fool proof holiday recipes.
I assume this is part of the bet you two have going?
Well, she's attempting to prove that scheduling every aspect
of the meal prep results in a hotter, more delicious meal.
Makes sense.
Thank you.
You traitor! Come on!
Okay. I just need a clear kitchen.
Perhaps it's better to just leave you to it.
Whatever she's making smells delicious.
Oh come on, she's been in there for over two hours.
I'm starving.
Shouldn't take longer to make the food
than it does to eat it.
Someone's hangry.
This is your fault for taking this woman on
with this challenge.
She is a celebrated best selling cook book author!
Her book's ridiculous. Have you read it?
According to store sales reports,
it was a hit at her signing.
That's because of the self-help book craze.
This new generation thinks that they need solutions to things
that don't need to be that complicated.
It's all insta this and insta that.
Hey I have seen what you post to your followers.
The cereal eating challenge?
Well, now you're just making me more hungry.
That's it, I'm ordering pizza.
Don't you dare.
Dinner's ready.
Already?
I'm finishing this last bite.
I don't care if I explode.
I'll add your point to the scoreboard tomorrow.
I'll leave the rest of it for you.
Are we getting the tree tomorrow?
I'm one step ahead of you.
Come with me and prepare to be amazed.
Um... Dad.
Where did this come from?
The side of the house.
I had it out there to surprise you.
Since last Christmas?
No. Just before Thanksgiving.
Of all the premeditated holiday activities, you picked the tree?
Oh no you don't. You're not getting a point for this one.
This is the definition of spontaneity.
Hmm. Do tell.
Gladly.
So there I was, driving down state road forty-six
behind a truck transporting Christmas trees.
This one fell off and I had to swerve to miss it.
Is that how your headlight got cracked?
Yeah, it smoke it.
Anyway, so I pulled over...
And I rescued it!
And voila, free Christmas tree.
That's a great story, Dad.
I'm going to ignore the part about how you nearly died
from a tree falling off a truck, and then you running out
onto a busy freeway to rescue it.
But, does it look a little dry to you?
No. Nothing a little hydration can't fix.
Dad, you put lights on that thing, that baby's going up.
It's a great tree, Dad.
Or at least it used to be.
Do have any tips in that book of yours on how save this one.
I haven't covered resuscitating evergreens in my courses yet.
If you cut a few inches off the bottom of the trunk
and put it in distilled water, it could have a shot.
Really? That'll work?
Worth a shot.
Just remember to watch the water level to see if it goes down.
Unless, of course, you want your dad out cruising the freeways
for more sacrificial trees.
I'll go get the saw.
Where's your audiobook section?
Or your hunt and find section most likely to hold one?
Audiobooks aren't real books.
Say what now?
Books are meant to be read, not listened to.
Tell that to every child below the age of five.
Adults, I mean.
Just like, um,
comic books don't belong in a real bookstore either.
There is so much wrong with the words coming out of your mouth
these last twenty seconds.
Ah... I didn't take you for a graphic novel collector.
I read all genres. It's called being open-minded.
And audiobooks have been proven to target reactions
in the same parts of the brain as reading.
I still think it's cheating.
How has this store stayed open so long?
I will admit, it has not been the most lucrative venture.
It could be, with some adjustments.
According to "What's Trendy Magazine"
bookstores are making a comeback.
Mel's got some fantastic business plans.
I'll give it some thought in the new year.
Resistance to change seems odd for a man
who's life motto is about embracing the impulsive.
My wife and I opened the store fifteen years ago
when my career ended and Luna was little.
Kelli loved to read.
The chaotic nature of the design was her idea.
Can I ask what happened?
She got sick.
Luna's studying to become a doctor.
That's impressive.
Yeah, sports medicine.
I'm so proud of her
but she's working so hard I'm afraid she'll burn out.
You'll keep her balanced.
Okay, next act of holiday spontaneity.
Let's go.
Any point asking where?
Nope.
Hi. We'd like two tickets to the Christmas concert, please.
We're sold out.
Well, could we get tickets for tomorrow?
This is our last day.
Next time, buy tickets in advance.
So, maybe buying tickets in advance is the better play here?
I practically gave you this one.
My redemption.
No no no no no. No way.
I'm not good at skating. Afraid of falling, actually.
Come on, Adie. I've got you.
Well?
It's actually really fun.
But I'm still terrified.
Adrenaline adds to the enjoyment.
Is that why you enjoyed your extreme skiing career?
Definitely an adrenaline fanatic.
But it was also the thrill of competition.
I'm very competitive by the way.
Hadn't noticed.
Tell me you're winning this bet.
Scoreboard is tied. Two all.
There's a scoreboard?
Oh, the whole thing's very official.
You're having fun with this, aren't you?
I'm out to prove the guy wrong, that's all.
- You're sure? - Absolutely.
He's not getting to you, is he?
I mean, you're still sticking to your convictions right?
Yes!
All he's really demonstrated is that some spontaneous fun
can happen, but he still needs to prove to me that important
details can be left unplanned in order to win.
And that's going to be impossible.
Don't worry, I got this.
It always looks worse than it is.
You know, if you mail your holiday packages in September,
there's no line-ups.
How do you buy gifts that early?
Newsflash, stores are open for business year round
and Christmas comes every year.
It's not a surprise.
I don't mind waiting in line. It's kinda fun.
Adds to the feel of the hustle and bustle of the season.
Everyone sending gifts to their loved ones.
Encourages a sense of in it together.
A sense of community, huh?
- Thank you. Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
With regular shipping?
Yes, please.
Estimated delivery is between January 10th and February 4th.
That's after Christmas.
But it's well before next Christmas.
What other shipping options do you have
to get it there before this Christmas?
There's priority ground shipping.
Sounds good.
Oh, wait, no. They'll have your packages arrive January 5th,
at the earliest.
Let me check priority air.
Thanks.
I'm seeing December 27th to 30th...
You're getting warmer.
Express priority is the only way this late in the season.
Okay. Express priority it is.
How much?
This can't be right.
That price is correct.
Your package will arrive December 24th, guaranteed.
Merry Christmas!
Are you Adeline Wilson, the author?
Yes. I guess that's me.
I love your book. It's so smart!
I'm following your advice
and I've never had a better Christmas season.
Wow. Thank you. I'm happy to hear it.
You should read it sometime.
Thanks.
Thank you so much.
What is going on?
Ah, apparently your little bet went viral.
What?
Thank you so much.
My publicist...
She saw an angle to capitalize on this challenge we have going.
Well, it's certainly been good for business.
Oh, I hope you don't mind, I took those extra boxes
of books out of your car when we ran out.
I hope you didn't need them for anything.
No, no. That's great.
I will give you your change. Thank you.
And now that you're back maybe you can sign some?
Yeah, absolutely.
I'm just going to check in with my publicist.
I'll just be a sec.
Perfect. Thank you.
You're going viral!
Yeah, about that.
Don't you think posting about someone trying to disprove
my claims is a little counterintuitive?
I thought you were worried about this.
I was but then I thought why not use it to our advantage?
You're banking your job and the success of the book
off of controversy-based sales?
It's not that controversial, it's just fun.
People will buy the book to see whose side they're on.
And your social media followers have risen significantly.
I hope you know what you're doing.
Me too.
So far, business around here has definitely picked up.
They're selling all the copies I didn't sell everywhere else.
See, it's working.
You still ultimately need to win so he delivers on his promise.
I'll try.
Oh, and get a photo of you two
in front of the scoreboard to post to your page.
Will do.
Adie, we need your signature over here!
I got to go. Bye.
That woman is a Christmas savant.
Why are all the Christmas presents for our family
and friends still on the kitchen table?
Because the shipping was going to cost more
than the items inside.
So, everyone's getting e-gift cards this year.
Those presents will be used for next year's gift.
See! Now who's the pre-planner?
How's the patient?
On the mend. The water is down an inch.
Another inch or two and I think we'll be out of the woods.
Out of the woods...
It's a tree, oh come on, it's a tree pun.
That was funny.
I'll add that to the list of Dad jokes
I never want to hear again.
Up late again?
I haven't actually gone to bed yet.
This is a vacation.
You remember the definition of that, right?
Thank you for doing this.
Thank you for selling them.
Wasn't sure what I was going to do with all these extra copies.
Give them as Christmas gifts to friends and family?
I don't really have much of either.
I traveled a lot as a military kid, so...
Lasting friendships were tough to make.
Yeah.
Yeah, I used to worry about that a lot with Luna, you know, when
the family was traveling around a lot for Garth's skiing career.
I was really happy when they finally settled down here.
I sensed it wasn't something Garth wanted to talk about,
but his wife must have been really young when she passed.
She was, yeah.
She was a track and field sprinter
and she was going back to competing, you know.
Garth had retired and
Kelli wanted to give her athletic career one last go.
And Garth supported her, I mean, we all did.
But, ah, a few weeks in, she got sick,
and then, ah,
well, and then she was gone.
That's so sad.
That must be a factor in Luna's decision
to practice sports medicine?
Yeah, yup.
Life changed for Garth and Luna in that split second.
That's why my brother is the way he is.
That's why he lives in the moment, for the moment.
It's because he knows how precious every second is
and how fast it can all just be gone.
But ah, you know, he needs to start thinking
more about the future as well.
Wilty survived the night!
Who's Wilty?
The name Luna gave the tree.
She said if it had a name,
it'd know we were talking to it and...
Man, she's good.
I wonder where she gets her sarcasm from?
Hm, yeah, I wonder. Where does she get that?
Since it was your idea that saved it,
would you like to help us decorate it later?
No point distribution, no challenge pressure.
Just plain, old holiday tradition.
A temporary truce.
Sure, I'm in.
Don't judge the decorations. They all have special meaning.
This has special meaning?
Yes! I can't believe you don't remember this one.
Spring break road trip to Oregon.
We stopped at that famous ice cream shop in that tiny town
and they were selling these in the clearance bin, claiming that
they were supposed to be the chocolate ice cream emoji.
It is supposed to be the chocolate ice cream emoji.
This is the same conversation we had that day.
You said it was ice cream.
I said it was the result of a lactose intolerant condition.
It's not exactly great marketing.
We argued the entire way to the coast.
I remember now!
We finally let the old man with the metal detector on the beach
weigh in to solve the debate...
And he said...?
Poop emoji.
These definitely have meaning.
Oh, we don't have to hang those this year.
What are you talking about?
You always say they deserve a place of honor
in the front of the tree.
You won all those?
This is from his first competition in Breckenridge.
You know, I'm sure Adie doesn't want to hear about my career.
Actually, I do.
This is from his first Olympics.
And this is from his second Olympics.
And the rest here are all from
the regional and national events.
Very impressive.
Thank you. Do you ski?
If by ski, you mean drink hot cocoa by a fire in a lodge,
then yes.
You should take her, while she's still here.
Yeah, maybe.
What's this?
A new addition to the tree.
Dad...
I haven't even graduated yet.
That's just a matter of timing.
You might have just jinxed it.
Or maybe, it's a manifestation.
Worst tree ever.
I don't know. I kinda like it.
This is an awful lot of presents for just your family.
Ah, Christmas morning.
We all revert to our four year old selves.
It doesn't matter how old you are, the excitement of seeing
a giant pile of presents under the tree never fades.
What are you doing?
Wrapping.
That is not wrapping.
That looks like the gift wrap after the present's been opened.
Okay, show me how it's done.
Watch and learn.
Tada!
You think that looks more fun than mine?
Definitely prettier.
Okay, let's let Luna decide.
I thought you said today was no points, no pressure?
No, I'm too competitive to commit to that.
Besides, I think I've got this one.
Luna!
Thought I wasn't allowed to come in yet.
We need you to solve something for us.
Which present would you be most excited to open?
I pick the messy one.
Aha!
Sorry, Adie. I just wouldn't want to open yours.
It looks too pretty.
Aha! So my wrapping is technically better.
It doesn't matter.
The deciding factor is which one she'd rather open.
Another point for spontaneous.
Can I go back to learning how to set a broken femur now?
Yes. Gross.
So, your bio says you didn't have
the perfect holidays growing up.
My editor said that people needed to feel as though
the advice in the book was coming from someone
who knew what they were talking about.
Why I was the one to write this story,
the dreaded question posed by all non-fic writers.
So you came up with a false backstory to sell books?
I doubt that.
No, it's true.
Growing up I didn't experience joyful, magical Christmases.
My mom died when I was a baby,
so it was just my dad and I.
He didn't care much for the holidays.
Did you celebrate at all?
Yes, but he'd failed to plan or put any effort in,
and then feel guilty at the last minute
and run out to buy some random gifts,
whatever turkey the grocery store still had.
It was obvious he wasn't into it, so when I became a teenager,
I put him out of his misery and told him
I wasn't into Christmas either.
Well, he has to know the truth now.
He passed away three years ago.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
I do feel that he did inspire me to become
the Christmas expert that I am today.
So, have you always known you wanted to be a writer?
I wouldn't really call myself a full time writer.
I was too scared to give up my day job.
I'm actually an ESL instructor. I teach English online.
That's cool. I like that. A back up plan.
Having moved around the world so much,
I picked up a few languages along the way.
And I like the independence of working from home
and on my own schedule.
Well, plus it gives you more time to research the best way
to burn scented candles
for the ultimate holiday memory retention.
Full disclosure.
If I never smell another scented candle again,
it will be too soon.
Online book sales are through the roof.
Even right before Christmas, for a non-fiction title,
this is unheard of.
That's great news.
Of course we still need that big push from Garth's post
to solidify this as a bestselling book.
By the way,
have you two discussed a way to wrap this up?
Wrap this up?
Yeah, the challenge. It's coming to an end right.
By Christmas Eve?
Um... Of course.
We're running out of challenges anyway.
Here are some ideas...
Wearing fancy dress clothes
to sit around the house and eat all day.
You've got to be kidding me.
It's a celebration. You have to dress the part.
Give the day the respect it deserves.
I'll give my full stomach the respect it deserves
by wearing stretchy pants.
Oh, please don't tell me you're
ugly Christmas sweater people.
Much worse.
Pajamas all day people.
Like, you don't shower all day?
No. We change out of our bedtime Christmas pajamas, shower,
then put on daytime Christmas pajamas.
We're not uncivilized.
You've obviously never spent the entire day in pajamas, have you?
Sure, I have!
Other than when you're sick.
Then, no.
You don't know what you're missing.
I'll take your word for it.
We're doing this. The store's closed tomorrow
My place, nine AM
in your pajamas.
No way.
Are you forfeiting the challenge?
Fine.
How does it feel?
To be standing in front of practical strangers
in my pajamas, weird.
You get used to it.
DVDs? You actually still have a DVD player?
Dad refuses to stream, says movies look better on DVD,
low-res nostalgic.
My vote is "The Bells of Bedford".
Actually, I think it's only fair since I'm being a good sport
about the pajama day, the least we can do is experience
my movie watching plan.
Your what?
I agree. That's fair.
Oh, I see.
The ladies are sticking together. How nice.
Fine. Fine.
What's first?
♪ Joy to the world the Lord is come ♪
♪ Let earth receive her King
♪ Let every heart prepare Him room ♪
♪ And heaven and nature sing
♪ And heaven and heaven and nature sing ♪
So, do I get this point?
Undeniably.
I don't think I can watch these movies in any other order now.
And I'll admit, the pajamas aren't horrible.
Okay fine, they're fantastic!
But does this really qualify as spontaneous?
Or just lazy?
Hmmmm. Fine.
I'll sacrifice the point.
It was worth it to get you to experience it for yourself.
Well, I have to get back to studying.
Great hanging out with you, Adie.
So, how many times, in different orders,
did you have to watch these movies to figure that out?
Let's just say, I could act out each one off script.
You must have done a lot of research for your book.
How long did it take you to write?
Three years.
Three years! That's a whole other level of commitment.
I didn't want it to be just a simple holiday suggestion book.
There was enough of those on the market already.
I wanted my theories to be tested and true,
based on psychological and scientific evidence.
Wow.
So, Christmas has basically been your life for three years.
Yep.
And yet, you don't actually have
any real Christmas plans yourself, do you?
What makes you think that?
Because you agreed to stay in a strange, small town
leading up to what you have affectionately deemed
the most significant month of the year to hang with me,
a dude you don't know and barely like.
Okay, fine, you got me.
As I told Melanie, I don't really have any family
and my circle of friends is more acquaintance level.
So, ah, no boyfriend or fiance?
I was engaged once, a few years ago.
What happened?
The book, the Christmas everywhere, all the time,
it got to him.
He said, direct quote,
"You have ruined Christmas for me".
Not exactly a book endorsement quote.
What a jerk.
No, believe me, I understood.
Christmas was my only focus.
Music, movies, festive food meals.
Well, I could suffer through that dinner you made more often.
Anyway, that was a few years ago and it didn't make much sense
to drag someone else through the holiday madness.
Relationships were put on hold until I finished the book.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed your time here this season.
I have, a lot.
We should really talk about how we're going to wrap
this whole thing up.
I'm leading on the scoreboard by one.
Right, yeah, yeah, I guess it's coming to an end soon.
But I still have a few tricks up my sleeve, though.
I may have a few counter moves myself.
Can't sleep?
Too much sugar.
He says as he consumes even more.
How goes the studying?
The book stuff I'm confident about.
The exams aren't that hard.
With the amount of studying you put in,
anything would feel easy.
It's the practicum next semester at the sports therapy clinic
I'm most worried about.
Applying what I'm learning in a real life scenario is freaky.
- Practice on me. - Really?
Yeah, just don't be surprised if my stats are all off from the
sugar high and the emotional movie watching journey today.
And of course your pulse might be racing as well?
What are you getting on at?
I saw the way you looked at Adie.
No you didn't because there was nothing to see.
Now, take my blood pressure before you annoy me
and it gets worse.
You know it's okay to like her.
She's the competitor. There's no room for weakness.
Your blood pressure is fine.
Still in top athlete shape.
I wouldn't go that far.
Just saying. It's been a long time since you dated someone.
Not interested in dating.
Mom's been gone a long time.
Time doesn't decide when the heart's ready to move on.
Now go to bed.
♪ Snowflakes falling Everyone around us is singing ♪
♪ It's Christmas Magic with you under the mistletoe ♪
♪ Maybe I'm dreaming but I hear the sleigh bells ringing ♪
Hey Peter. Hey.
Wait, what?
No, those stores should already have those books.
Okay, let me look into it, Peter, and I'll call you back.
Okay? Okay, bye.
There you go. Thanks.
A holiday flash mob in the middle of the mall, epic!
And I think that's another point for spontaneous.
You better pick up the pace Wilson.
We're running out of time.
That's not a good look.
I caught that.
These were supposed to go out to bookstores weeks ago.
The others went out.
Because I did it.
I left this last batch to you! Remember?
My bad.
You're bad? That's all you got?
I'm sorry.
It's not good enough, okay.
The event is tomorrow night and we're never going to get these
to all the participating stores in time now.
Look, that book's a classic.
I'm sure each of the other bookstores have a copy.
That wasn't the point.
The point of the event is that every store
has the same version, same words, same photos,
same sticker on the front as a commemorative souvenir!
Okay, I messed up. How do we fix it?
Well, I don't know if we can.
I mean, half of these stores are miles away.
Even express post likely won't make it in time.
Courier?
That would cost a small fortune.
We can deliver these.
Really?
You want to drive around for hours delivering books?
It may be the only way to save the day.
Ah...
So, you're admitting sometimes an act of spontaneity is...
Is a necessary evil when someone fails to plan.
That's fair.
No point.
♪ This Christmas I believe ♪
♪ There's more to this world Than I can see ♪
♪ The tinsel sparkles And the trees light up ♪
♪ I hear my heart say This world is love ♪
♪ And if you don't mind I wrote a wishlist ♪
♪ I know I'm too old but I've missed this ♪
♪ Here's my number two and three ♪
♪ But number one feels close to me ♪
♪ Snow is falling
♪ And you are calling my name
And, that's the last of them.
We did it.
♪ And if I believe in my dreams Then this Christmas ♪
♪ I'll be holding on to you
Luna says, snow's coming, drive safe.
Sometimes I forget who the parent is.
She's very protective, huh?
Always has been.
She's going to make a fantastic doctor.
Was that always her dream?
No, no.
She was going to follow in my footsteps in competitive skiing.
Since her mom died, medicine became her new passion.
Melanie told me what happened. I'm really sorry.
Yeah, it just happened so fast.
It took weeks to even believe that she was gone
and months to figure out how to move forward without her.
It couldn't have been easy.
I was learning to become a dad. Kelli there as my guide.
She's a natural at parenting.
It just took me longer to get it.
All of a sudden it was all up to me.
You did an amazing job. Luna is incredible.
Thank you.
Feel free to tell me it's none of my business but
you must have been a really young dad.
Yeah.
I mean, Kelli and I were young everything.
We were young athletes, young parents.
She retired from competing when she found out she was pregnant
with Luna and then they continued to tour with me
until I retired.
An injury?
No. It was just time to walk away.
And then you two opened the bookstore?
Yeah, we were driving into town with everything we owned
in this U-Haul and as we were passing by this space for lease,
Kelli pointed to it and she goes
"That building holds our next chapter".
I didn't realize she meant quite literally.
And now you run the store with Mel?
Mel's actually on loan for the holidays.
She has a job in financial management about an hour away.
She gives all her vacation time to help me during the holidays.
You two seem very close.
We have our moments.
Like today when I messed up and she wanted to strangle me.
I don't know how Luna and I would have gotten through
those first few years on our own without her.
Family support can make all the difference.
I'm sorry you haven't had that.
I know I've only known you for a week, but if you need anything,
Luna, Mel and I are always here for you.
Heard Adie really helped save the day yesterday.
Yeah. Quite possibly my life.
Aunt Mel looked ready to murder me.
Dad, you know I love you but you have to start taking things
a bit more seriously.
I know.
The store is capable of being something truly great.
But you have to try harder.
I will.
Aunt Mel can't keep spending her yearly holidays
to come help you out, so you really should try
looking into some part time help and definitely an accountant.
Thank you, but I'm the parent here.
Sorry. I worry about you.
It's okay. You shouldn't have to.
I promise, next year, I'll get everything sorted out.
What about Adie?
What are you going to do about the connection between you two?
We're friends. I'm sure we'll keep in touch.
And the challenge? Last time I checked the scoreboard,
even after today's fiasco, you're still in the lead.
Yeah well, after today, I can't argue that some planning is
definitely the way to go.
So you'll tell Adie she won and endorse her book
to all your followers?
I'll tell Adie she won
and endorse her book to my followers.
Good.
I've decided to move forth Melanie's store proposal
in the new year.
That's great.
Yeah, so the next time you host a book signing here,
there might actually be a better set-up.
I think this one worked out well.
Your book's really great Adie.
I'm sorry if I ever made you think otherwise.
And your spontaneous spirit is something
more people could learn to embrace.
Oh! There was no mistletoe! I had to improvise.
I'm sorry, I just, since Kelli...
Got you!
I'm sorry. What?
Proof that a spontaneous mistletoe kiss is a bad idea.
My point. The score is tied.
So, that was just part of the challenge?
Of course!
You just wanted to even the scoreboard?
Yep.
Okay, well, I guess we're tied.
That was awfully risky.
What if I hadn't completely frozen and kissed you back?
Then I guess you would have won.
But you didn't, so I guess we're at a stalemate.
She went in for a kiss and you rejected her?
I didn't reject her.
She caught me off guard. I panicked!
So, you wanted to kiss her?
I don't know, maybe, yeah.
But then she claimed this was all just part of the challenge?
Yes, but I'm not so sure.
But if you're starting to have feelings for her,
why didn't you just tell her?
I don't know if I'm feeling feelings.
I mean, ever since the kiss, I just feel nauseous and clammy.
Yep, that's love.
Love? Let's not get carried away.
I've only known the woman less than ten days.
You said it was love at first sight with mom.
That only ever happens once.
But Dad, this woman has you feeling feelings
and that hasn't happened in a very long time.
You have to explore this.
Does he? I mean, Adie's leaving soon.
Exactly.
That's a cop-out.
People make long distance work all the time
and she's a writer and online ESL teacher.
She could move here.
Oh! Let's not get ahead of things.
I agree.
But I think you should at least explore this connection.
I mean, what do I even say after the way
that I panicked and acted, it was...
Apologize for acting weird and tell her you like her.
Okay, it's weird that I like her.
Right.
No, Dad, come on. Deep breath.
You're weird. She's great.
You want her to stay and spend Christmas day with us tomorrow.
What if she says no?
She won't say no.
How do you know?
Because I've seen the way she looks at you.
And that kiss wasn't part of the challenge.
Okay.
["He's going to mess this up again.
Hey! Can I come in?
Of course.
You're leaving?
I thought it was a good time to hit the road.
Less traffic on Christmas Eve.
You're not coming to the event tonight?
I don't think it's a good idea.
Don't want the whole challenge thing to
steal the focus of the event.
My dad panicked.
He told you about the kiss?
Luna, I'm so sorry. It was nothing.
Just a bad way not to lose the challenge, that's all.
That's too bad because my dad likes you too.
Really, my ego is fine. You don't have to say that.
He does. I know him. He just freaked out.
He's never dated anyone since my mom.
So, he's nervous and afraid to open himself up.
Then, I really think I should go.
This week's been fun and I've enjoyed getting to know you, but
I think it's best for everyone if I leave now,
before anyone gets hurt.
Okay.
I get it.
Good luck with school.
You're going to make a fantastic doctor.
If I ever decide to try skiing,
you'll be the first person I call to reset my femur.
Thanks, Adie.
Merry Christmas.
Okay...
Sorry, the event's not starting yet.
Melanie?
I'm Peter Franklin.
Ah, no you're not.
Peter Franklin has about thirty years on you.
That would be my father.
Excuse me, I'm Peter Franklin Jr.
Oh. Oh, hi. Well... Welcome!
The place looks great.
Thank you.
Ah, so, it's been you that I've been chatting with
this whole time?
My father handed the reins to me this year.
Which is why it was so important for me to pull this off.
Wow, well ah, you really took a chance leaving something
so important in the hands of this store.
I don't think so. You've been incredible this whole time
I mean, especially the way you handled those
last minute deliveries.
Well, I mean, that was my brother,
but sure, I'll take the credit.
Happy Christmas Eve!
It sounds like you're on the road?
Decided I should start the journey back.
On Christmas Eve?
I thought you'd be staying to celebrate the holidays.
Don't be silly.
It was a fun vacation. Now it's over.
Well congrats on winning the challenge!
What? No, I didn't.
The score was tied.
- You didn't see the post? - What post
Garth Bowman's social media post,
recommending your book with a very heartfelt message.
He posted something?
But neither of us won the challenge.
I'd say you did.
Digital book sales have been through the roof
since the post went live two hours ago.
Seriously?
I guess people are wanting to get a jump on next year.
As you always say, "Christmas comes every year.
"It shouldn't come as a surprise."
And the best part,
I overheard the execs talking about a next potential book,
"The Perfect Valentine's Day".
Wow. I mean, I'm never going to write that, but wow.
He did this because of the kiss.
You did what now?
It was nothing.
Why are you really leaving on Christmas Eve, Adie?
This wasn't about book sales, was it?
Do you like him?
Yes, but he's not ready for a new relationship.
And if I stay for the holidays,
it would make it harder to leave.
Did you tell him how you feel?
I went with actions that backfired
and then I backtracked and well, ran away.
How can you expect him to open up
and trust in your relationship if you're too scared
to be vulnerable and honest?
I guess you're right.
But I'm already hours away.
It's never too late to turn around.
Go ahead and officially lose that bet, Adie.
It's time you had a Merry Christmas.
Hey Snow Angels!
G-Bowman here with a special Christmas Eve post.
By now a lot of you have heard about the
Teamspontaneous vs. Teamstructure challenge
I have going on with Adeline Wilson,
author of "The Christmas Season Handbook".
And well, I'm humble enough to admit when I'm wrong.
While I still believe that life happens
in the unexpected moments, I've come to learn that
being prepared for those moments makes them even better.
Adeline Wilson is the Christmas expert we can all learn
something from as she not only outlines how to
make Christmas special in her book,
but she's injected heart into those words of wisdom.
So, officially, congrats Adie for winning the challenge,
but I consider myself the luckiest for
having met you and spent this time with you.
Go buy the book! Merry Christmas!
This event means so much to me and
I'm so thankful that I can be here tonight
to share in this experience with all of you.
My father started this event thirty years ago and
this year's sign-up was a record-breaker,
so thank you to the event sponsors but a special thank you
to the woman who made it all possible,
Melanie Bowman.
Just one sec.
Hey.
She's not coming. She left town already.
It's fine.
It was always going to end.
Well, it didn't have to.
After my reaction to the way she tried to kiss me,
I don't blame her for leaving.
Well, maybe you should call her.
If the kiss had really meant something and it wasn't
just about the challenge, she would have stayed
when she saw my post.
Maybe she didn't see it.
I did.
She came back.
I can see that. What do I do?
Don't mess this up again.
Thanks for the helpful advice, sis.
I thought you left town already.
I did.
And you came back.
I did.
Did you forget something?
I did.
Okay.
I forgot to tell you that this Christmas
has been the only one that has truly felt special.
And it's because of you.
I meant, like, did you leave a phone charging cable
at the hotel, or something, but I'll take that.
I'm glad you came back.
You are?
Yeah.
Because I also forgot to tell you that this Christmas has been
the best one I've had in a long time, because of you.
Sorry I didn't say it before you drove hours away.
Maybe it was something that needed to happen this way,
without overthinking, over planning.
Just me following my heart.
So, maybe some spontaneity is okay?
Maybe a little.
Maybe a little more.
We are live!
"Twas The Night Before Christmas when all through the house,
"not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."
And while planning and preparing can relieve some of
the stress of the season, being open to the unexpected magic
all around can elevate the season from a successful one
to one your family will never forget.
There you go. Merry Christmas.
Another bestselling season in the books.
I think the new chapter is my favorite.
Definitely the one that required the best research.
Thinking of dividing the store into genres.
No way! Let the folks be inspired.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
What do you say?
Are you ready for a meticulously planned, spontaneous holiday?
Absolutely.
Don't think I've forgotten about the snow you put down my coat.
♪ We're living out our favorite traditions ♪
♪ With gingerbread treats too sweet not to mention ♪
♪ It's a wonderland whirlwind everywhere you look ♪
♪ Tinsel blinging round the evergreen ♪
♪ It's a non stop jingle bell jubilee ♪
♪ So much fun doing Christmas by the book ♪
♪ We're singing every carol at the top of our lungs ♪
♪ Hanging all the wreaths and the mistletoe up ♪
♪ Making darn sure every silver bell's done been shook ♪
♪ We're flying high yuletide
♪ Kringle time grooving
♪ Everybody who knows us knows we're doing ♪
♪ Christmas
♪ The fire's crackling and the popcorn's strung ♪
♪ Bulbs a twinkling and the stockings are hung ♪
♪ So much fun doing
♪ Christmas by the book