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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00It was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring,
00:00:11not even a mouse.
00:00:14The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would
00:00:21be there.
00:00:24The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced
00:00:31in their heads.
00:00:32And Maman, in her kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled in for a long winter's nap.
00:00:44When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
00:00:52But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all, and to
00:01:02all a good night.
00:01:22Take care.
00:01:23Thank you so much.
00:01:24Good night.
00:01:25Mom?
00:01:26Are you okay?
00:01:27Oh, yeah.
00:01:28It's just, uh, I can't believe that was the last time.
00:01:29Honey, we're only moving out to Long Island.
00:01:30We can always come back and visit.
00:01:31I know.
00:01:32It's just, uh, I never thought it'd be so hard to leave this place.
00:01:33I know.
00:01:34It's just, uh, I never thought it'd be so hard to leave this place.
00:01:35I know.
00:01:36It's just, uh, I never thought it'd be so hard to leave this place.
00:01:37I know.
00:01:38It's just, uh, I never thought it'd be so hard to leave this place.
00:01:39I know.
00:01:40It's just, uh, I never thought it'd be so hard to leave this place.
00:01:41I know.
00:01:42I can't believe that was the last time.
00:01:45Honey, we're only moving out to Long Island.
00:01:47We can always come back and visit.
00:01:48I know.
00:01:49It's just, uh, I never thought it'd be so hard to leave this place.
00:01:52Are you guys sure I can't convince you to stay?
00:01:56We talked about this.
00:01:58Your father and I aren't getting any younger.
00:02:00And you, we couldn't ask for anyone better to take our place here.
00:02:04Seriously.
00:02:05Yeah, honey.
00:02:06The customers love you.
00:02:07The employees love you.
00:02:08You've always done such a great job keeping the Christmas Eve block party going.
00:02:11That is, assuming you want to keep the shop going.
00:02:13Yeah.
00:02:14Are you kidding me?
00:02:15This store has been in our family for over 40 years.
00:02:18This is practically your life's work.
00:02:20Of course I want to keep it going.
00:02:23Well, since that's the case, the Christmas shop is all yours.
00:02:31I'm going to miss you guys.
00:02:34We're going to miss you too, sweetheart.
00:02:41I'm going to miss you too.
00:02:48I'm going to miss you too.
00:02:56Merry Christmas.
00:03:15Merry Christmas.
00:03:40Oh, I'm so sorry.
00:03:42I'm sorry.
00:03:43No.
00:03:45Yeah, do you.
00:03:46Please.
00:03:48Yeah, sorry.
00:03:50So...
00:03:52Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, I get it.
00:04:13Don't you just love Christmas in New York?
00:04:21Someone woke up on the right side of the Christmas tree this morning.
00:04:28Good morning, Toby.
00:04:30Good morning to you too.
00:04:32Someone spiked our eggnog.
00:04:35Guys, this is my first day running the Christmas shop, and I am going to make it our best season yet.
00:04:42Okay, so...
00:04:45What are we going to work on first?
00:04:47What do you mean?
00:04:48It's like I said, the Christmas shop is yours.
00:04:50It means you can change wherever you want.
00:04:52Guys, why would I want to change anything?
00:04:54People have been coming here for 40 years.
00:04:56Generations have grown up with this place.
00:04:59I think it's perfect just the way it is.
00:05:01What are we going to do about the big Christmas Eve block party?
00:05:04I mean, your dad always did the decorations, and your mom always read the crowd a story.
00:05:08Assuming people even come, you know sales are down.
00:05:11Guys, we can handle it.
00:05:13Eric and I have been practically running this place for years anyway.
00:05:18Come on, there's nothing to worry about.
00:05:20Everything is going to be just fine.
00:05:25Yeah, I'll look into that for you.
00:05:26These figures in front of me look promising.
00:05:29Yeah, okay.
00:05:30Oh, hey, yeah, yeah.
00:05:32Let me call you back.
00:05:33All right, yeah.
00:05:34Ellen, what can I do for you?
00:05:37In case you haven't heard, there's this thing called Christmas.
00:05:40That sounds vaguely familiar.
00:05:43You sure? Because I'm not seeing any holiday spirit in here.
00:05:47Oh, I know, I know. I've been so busy.
00:05:50Yeah, come with me. I want to show you something.
00:05:52Yeah.
00:05:57Michael.
00:06:01Is this the new development?
00:06:03Mm-hmm.
00:06:0550 stories, 90 units, full concierge service, health and fitness spa,
00:06:11three restaurants, and an organic supermarket.
00:06:14Broadway Towers.
00:06:17Think you can handle it?
00:06:20I thought Dunbar was overseeing this.
00:06:21He gave notice this morning.
00:06:23He's going over to Weddington.
00:06:25Wow.
00:06:27Rich and Chris are still stuck on this downtown project.
00:06:30I honestly don't have anybody else available.
00:06:34Look, if it's going to be too much work, I mean, we could ask for some...
00:06:36No, no, no, no. I can handle it.
00:06:39You sure?
00:06:40Absolutely, yeah. Yeah.
00:06:43All right, great.
00:06:44You don't have plans for Christmas, do you?
00:06:49Of course you don't.
00:06:51Wait, your office looks...
00:06:52I wouldn't be surprised if you got visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.
00:06:56You know?
00:06:58Christmas Carol, yeah, I get it.
00:07:00Hey, if you were going to take some time off, take it now.
00:07:04Find somebody special to celebrate before things get crazy around here.
00:07:18Thank you for shopping at the Christmas shop and have a merry day.
00:07:21Thanks.
00:07:23Hey, Chuck.
00:07:24So the folks finally retired?
00:07:26Yes, but don't you worry, we are not going anywhere.
00:07:30Oh, this is for Parker.
00:07:33Aw.
00:07:34I know how much he loves him.
00:07:35I'll see you tomorrow, Stefan.
00:07:37Is there anything for me? I'm expecting a package.
00:07:39You shipped it here?
00:07:40Yeah, my roommate opens by mail.
00:07:43Hmm, it's from our landlord.
00:07:45Uh-oh, been running the place one day and they're already raising the rent?
00:07:50Actually...
00:07:52Actually...
00:07:54They're kicking us out.
00:07:56Uh-huh, very funny.
00:07:58I'm serious.
00:07:59It's a 30-day notice.
00:08:01It says the trust sold the building and the buyer isn't renewing any of the leases.
00:08:05Let me see that.
00:08:09She's not kidding.
00:08:11It says our last day is December 31st.
00:08:14Did you get one too?
00:08:16I can't do that, can they?
00:08:18Just kick you guys out like that?
00:08:19Well, we're month-to-month, so as long as they give a 30-day notice,
00:08:22they can technically do whatever they want.
00:08:24This is my daughter's favorite store.
00:08:26She's gonna be heartbroken.
00:08:27Well, what about Patty Cakes?
00:08:29You can get coffee and cupcakes anywhere, but this place?
00:08:33It's one-of-a-kind.
00:08:34Where would you start over with a shop like this?
00:08:36Okay, guys, do me a favor and don't tell my parents, okay?
00:08:41I want to be the one to call them.
00:08:44Eventually.
00:08:46A toast.
00:08:48To my kid brother improving the city one building at a time.
00:08:52I'm gonna see if I actually pull it off.
00:08:54Oh, you look at that.
00:08:55A New York real estate mogul who's actually humble.
00:08:58Dad would be proud.
00:09:00Yeah.
00:09:01You know, it's not Christmas yet, but we got you something.
00:09:05Oh.
00:09:06Nice.
00:09:07What is it?
00:09:08I don't know.
00:09:09I don't know.
00:09:10What is it?
00:09:11I don't know.
00:09:12We got you something.
00:09:13Oh.
00:09:14Nice.
00:09:15Well, I didn't get you anything.
00:09:17That's all right.
00:09:18Like she said, it's not Christmas yet.
00:09:20Stop it.
00:09:21Ah, okay.
00:09:22This guy.
00:09:24Here you go.
00:09:32Hey.
00:09:33Wow.
00:09:34Whoa.
00:09:35First edition?
00:09:36Where'd you find this?
00:09:37A thrift shop in the village.
00:09:39Great.
00:09:40I figured since we couldn't get you what you really needed,
00:09:42it's the next best thing.
00:09:44What is it that I really need?
00:09:46Doesn't it bother you?
00:09:48You work all the time and you have no social life.
00:09:51Mike, when was the last time that you, you know,
00:09:54took a little time for yourself?
00:09:56I appreciate your concern.
00:09:58I do.
00:09:59But I'm fine.
00:10:00Really.
00:10:01I have someone that I want you to meet.
00:10:04Julia.
00:10:05We went to Columbia together.
00:10:06She's 33.
00:10:07She's lovely.
00:10:08And she's a lawyer at a midtown firm.
00:10:12Just promise me that you'll email her.
00:10:15I appreciate the gesture.
00:10:18I do.
00:10:19Really.
00:10:20But I'm fine.
00:10:21Really.
00:10:23Oh.
00:10:26Oh, um, it's the sitter.
00:10:27Excuse me.
00:10:30Come on.
00:10:31Your work is going great.
00:10:33You're making decent money.
00:10:34Don't you think it's time to start thinking about settling down?
00:10:37Are you thinking of your own?
00:10:38Give up being Uncle Mike?
00:10:40Not a chance.
00:10:42Come on.
00:10:43Let's eat.
00:11:07Come on.
00:11:32Hello.
00:11:34Oh, hey.
00:11:35You just caught me.
00:11:36I was about to...
00:11:37I've seen you before.
00:11:39I don't think so.
00:11:41At the coffee shop downstairs.
00:11:43Right?
00:11:45Oh.
00:11:46Right.
00:11:47Yes.
00:11:48Hi.
00:11:49Hi.
00:11:50Can I help you find something?
00:11:51Actually, I'm looking for a Christmas decoration.
00:11:53Not really sure if I'm in the right place, though.
00:11:55Hmm.
00:11:56I think we might have a few left.
00:12:02So, are you looking for anything in particular?
00:12:05Well, something small.
00:12:06I haven't really had a lot of time to get out this year and find anything.
00:12:09Well, my mother always said the best ornaments were the ones that say something.
00:12:14Wow.
00:12:15Well, how about a snowman playing the guitar?
00:12:18Oh, you like him, huh?
00:12:20I do.
00:12:21Check it out.
00:12:29Sounds like his guitar's out of tune, though.
00:12:31Well, to be fair, it's kind of hard to play when your arms are made of twigs.
00:12:34Touché.
00:12:38Wow, this is, um...
00:12:42This is some place you got here.
00:12:43Yeah, well, take a good look while you can.
00:12:48You going out of business?
00:12:49They sold the building, and they're kicking us out at the end of the month.
00:12:53Well, that's a shame.
00:12:54Yeah.
00:12:55Tell that to the Scrooges who are kicking us out.
00:12:58And with business being so slow, we can't really afford to move.
00:13:01Well, maybe I could help.
00:13:02Do you have any experience in Christmas miracles?
00:13:05No, but I do have a little experience in real estate, and I'd be happy to give you some advice.
00:13:10I mean, if you want.
00:13:12Some advice?
00:13:13Yeah, well, assuming that you've been a good tenant, which I'm sure that you have,
00:13:18I think they could get you, uh, at least a relocation cost.
00:13:21Hmm.
00:13:22Interesting.
00:13:24Of course, you could always just fight it.
00:13:26I'll tell you what.
00:13:28I'm going to look at a few things, and I'll give you a call tomorrow.
00:13:31If you want.
00:13:34Stephanie Nickel.
00:13:35It's really nice to meet you, Stephanie. I'm Michael.
00:13:38I'm going to take this little guy, because he's got soul.
00:13:41Great choice.
00:13:57You know what?
00:14:16I want to wish you Merry Christmas
00:14:20From the top of every mountain
00:14:24From the middle of the ocean
00:14:28And the bottom of my heart
00:14:32You and I could take a sleigh ride
00:14:37Bundle up and build a snowman
00:14:41Is that in dollars?
00:14:46Take my hand, let's get away
00:14:50Though the cold wind is blowing
00:14:55I feel so warm inside
00:14:59I can't shake the feeling
00:15:14And two eyes made out of coal?
00:15:16Hmm.
00:15:17What are you working on?
00:15:19Oh, just looking something up for a friend.
00:15:23Take a walk with me?
00:15:34Morning.
00:15:35Good morning, Erica.
00:15:37Late night?
00:15:39I was looking for spaces for rent.
00:15:41And?
00:15:42I don't suppose you have any rich uncles I don't know about?
00:15:45I gotta tell you, my mom is not going to be happy with me moving back in with her.
00:15:48We have 30 days to figure this out.
00:15:50We can do this. We can.
00:15:52Yeah.
00:15:56I know you're the optimistic one.
00:15:58It's what everyone likes about you.
00:16:00It's not like someone's just going to walk through the door and tell us how to save the store.
00:16:04Well...
00:16:05Did someone walk through the door and tell you to save the store?
00:16:08All he said was that he was in real estate and he might be able to help.
00:16:12But it might be nothing.
00:16:14Nothing?
00:16:15Stephanie, think about it.
00:16:17The day you find out you're getting evicted, someone just happens to show up and offers you a way out.
00:16:23It's like a fairy tale.
00:16:25Okay, what if I'm not looking for my Prince Charming right now?
00:16:28When are you going to learn that there's more to life than just eating frozen pizza at home alone?
00:16:32And what if I like frozen pizza?
00:16:33All I'm saying is, open your mind.
00:16:36Sometimes change is good.
00:16:38What are we doing here?
00:16:40You were so terrible at surprises.
00:16:42You must have been real pissed all at Christmas time.
00:16:46I give you...
00:16:48Broadway Towers.
00:16:51Wait, you bought this building?
00:16:52Mm-hmm.
00:16:53Trolley Square?
00:16:54Isn't it great?
00:16:55The location is perfect.
00:16:57I mean, it's near the subway, it parks two blocks that way.
00:17:01What about the tenants?
00:17:02They're not going to like it.
00:17:04It parks that way.
00:17:06What about the tenants?
00:17:07Well, you don't have to worry about them. They'll be out by the end of the month.
00:17:21It's him.
00:17:23Prince Charming?
00:17:28So, if everybody gets out by the 31st, we can break ground the first week of January.
00:17:31Michael!
00:17:33Hi, Stephanie.
00:17:34Break ground for what?
00:17:37A state-of-the-art residential complex and shopping center.
00:17:41And you are?
00:17:42Stephanie Nickel.
00:17:44Helen.
00:17:45Do you two know?
00:17:48Michael, are you okay? You look sick.
00:17:51Michael, I don't understand.
00:17:55I'm the Scrooge that's kicking you out.
00:18:02Did you have a little experience in real estate?
00:18:04Did you? I didn't know.
00:18:05And you just happened to wander in.
00:18:07I was looking for Christmas decorations.
00:18:09You're such an idiot.
00:18:11But nobody's saying that you have to close the store forever, all right?
00:18:14There's plenty of opportunity in the city for places like this.
00:18:17You think I didn't look?
00:18:18The fact is, without rent control, we don't have a lot of options.
00:18:21Maybe I can help you find something.
00:18:23You know what? Why do I have to move?
00:18:25Why don't you find a new place?
00:18:27You said yourself there's plenty of opportunities in the city.
00:18:29Stephanie, this is a billion-dollar development.
00:18:31They're not just going to pick up and move because...
00:18:33Why? Because of a little shop like this?
00:18:36Last night, you told me I should fight.
00:18:39It was before.
00:18:40Before you knew it was you.
00:18:43Yeah.
00:18:47Best I can do, I can talk to my boss about this, but I'm not making any promises.
00:18:51Okay. Well, I won't hold my breath.
00:18:55Let's get back to work.
00:19:00Okay.
00:19:03I can be back in the office in a minute.
00:19:29Okay.
00:20:00Hey, guys. How's the new place?
00:20:05Oh, so far, so good.
00:20:06We're still unpacking. Your father is a pack rat.
00:20:09I'm standing right here.
00:20:11So, how's everything with the shop?
00:20:14Um, the shop is great.
00:20:18You actually brought this?
00:20:20It's my favorite hat.
00:20:22I'll buy you a new one.
00:20:24You sound stressed out.
00:20:25Mom, everything's fine.
00:20:27Are you eating okay?
00:20:29I can have Patty bring you some of her arugula.
00:20:32It's just been a busy day, that's all.
00:20:36You're sure there's nothing I can do?
00:20:38Mom, everything is okay.
00:20:40I'll call you later, okay?
00:20:42Sure. Love you, sweetie.
00:20:56Here you go.
00:21:00Stephanie!
00:21:01Oh, hey, Amelia.
00:21:03Are you going to take my order today?
00:21:05Uh-huh.
00:21:06In that case, I will have the usual.
00:21:09Coming right up.
00:21:12Hey, what did she say?
00:21:14The usual.
00:21:18I'll get that.
00:21:23I'll get that.
00:21:25Don't you have some eviction notices to be serving up or something?
00:21:28I'll tell you what.
00:21:29I have a table over there with an empty chair.
00:21:32If you want to take a moment and chat, it's yours.
00:21:35If not, it's really nice to see you again and I hope to see you around.
00:21:41Okay?
00:21:42Yep.
00:21:43Okay.
00:21:49It's the good-looking ones you have to worry about.
00:21:51Yeah, right.
00:21:54Talk to him.
00:21:55What?
00:21:56You know what they say.
00:21:57Yeah, that no good deed goes unpunished?
00:22:00Keep your enemies closer.
00:22:02Bah, humbug.
00:22:08Gingerbread muffin?
00:22:10I thought Christmas wasn't your thing.
00:22:13I don't have anything against Christmas.
00:22:15I'm just busy.
00:22:17I really want to help you.
00:22:19This place will have to close too, you know.
00:22:21And the flower shop across the way.
00:22:23Did you know that Bloom's invested their entire life savings into that place?
00:22:27Wait, their last name is actually Bloom?
00:22:31Stephanie, look around.
00:22:32It's dead here.
00:22:34I suppose you and your boss want to turn it into a juice bar or a yoga studio.
00:22:38You're taking this personally.
00:22:39It is personal.
00:22:40My parents worked so hard for that place.
00:22:43Forty years.
00:22:44I'm sure they'll understand that it's not your fault.
00:22:47Says the guy who's probably never had to worry about anything a day in his life.
00:22:51You think I just woke up one day and decided I wanted to do this?
00:22:54That's just the sad part.
00:22:56Maybe it is just a job for you.
00:22:58But I've spent practically my entire life in that shop.
00:23:01And if you just spent a little time there, you would see how special it was to you.
00:23:06I don't need to hang out in your shop to see how much it means to you.
00:23:10No, but maybe you'd find it means something to you.
00:23:19I'm going to need you down there on site anyway.
00:23:21Meeting with the architects, contractors, inspectors.
00:23:25You know, and if your being there makes her feel more comfortable about this transition, then what's the harm?
00:23:31Because I feel bad.
00:23:33She already told me that the store can't afford the move.
00:23:36I can't be concerned with the well-being of every tenant.
00:23:39I know.
00:23:40All I'm saying is that with everything going on, it might just be easier if you were down there.
00:23:46On site.
00:23:47I'll think about it.
00:23:49Okay?
00:23:52Don't forget your snowman.
00:23:55We wouldn't want him to get lonely now, would we?
00:24:10Don't look now, but your Prince Charming is back.
00:24:23Michael!
00:24:25What are you doing here?
00:24:26Well, someone told me if I spent a little time here, I'd see how special this place really is.
00:24:31Luckily for me, I have to spend a lot of time here getting this project off the ground.
00:24:37Well, in that case, welcome to the Christmas shop.
00:24:49You set this all up yourself?
00:24:50It's a work in progress.
00:24:52And in this corner, we have our very own North Pole.
00:24:57Does he sing, too?
00:24:58Funny.
00:25:00And then right over here is our Holiday Row.
00:25:03This is where we keep all of our themed ornaments.
00:25:06We have a 4th of July tree, a Halloween tree...
00:25:10An Easter tree?
00:25:11We're a year-round store. You should have seen our haunted house in October.
00:25:15I can imagine.
00:25:17Block party, huh?
00:25:18The biggest and best holiday block party in our neighborhood.
00:25:22We do it every Christmas Eve, right here behind the building.
00:25:25Dude, I never would have imagined that there was enough Christmas stuff to, you know...
00:25:31Sell an entire store?
00:25:33Anything and everything you need for the holiday spirit.
00:25:36That's what my mom used to say.
00:25:38I'm curious about one thing.
00:25:40Why didn't your parents ever decide to modernize?
00:25:43What do you mean?
00:25:45I'm not saying that you have to change everything.
00:25:48It's just, you know, little updates here and there.
00:25:51It ain't broke. Don't fix it.
00:25:53Stephanie, your register's ancient.
00:25:55You have handwritten price tags. You got a stamp of what, two?
00:25:59How do you even process online orders?
00:26:02Do you even have a website?
00:26:04Seriously?
00:26:05Everybody's got a website nowadays.
00:26:07The Christmas shop is meant to be an experience.
00:26:09When you walk in here, it's not just another shop.
00:26:12It's the lights and the music and the...
00:26:15Animated Santa Claus.
00:26:17Okay, turn around and close your eyes.
00:26:20Right now?
00:26:22I won't bite.
00:26:23Alright, now what?
00:26:25Take a deep breath.
00:26:29Smell that?
00:26:31I, uh... Oh, wait.
00:26:34Is that pine?
00:26:35Mm-hmm.
00:26:36Cinnamon?
00:26:37Mm-hmm.
00:26:38Is that apple?
00:26:40It's Christmas.
00:26:46I, yeah, uh...
00:26:47Egg.
00:26:48I have a...
00:26:49Contractor's meeting in five minutes downstairs, so, uh...
00:26:51Okay.
00:26:52Okay, babe.
00:27:00We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:02We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:04We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:06We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:08And a Happy New Year
00:27:10Good tidings we bring
00:27:12To you and your family
00:27:14We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:16We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:18And a Happy New Year
00:27:20Good tidings we bring
00:27:22To you and your family
00:27:24We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:26We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:28To you and your family
00:27:30We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:27:33And a Happy New Year
00:27:42Now bring us some figgy pudding
00:27:45Now bring us some figgy pudding
00:27:48Now bring us some figgy pudding
00:27:51And a cup of good cheer
00:27:54Good tidings we bring
00:27:57To you and your family
00:28:00We wish you a Merry Christmas
00:28:03And a Happy New Year
00:28:17She's...
00:28:18She's old-fashioned.
00:28:20She just likes nostalgia.
00:28:21There's nothing wrong with that.
00:28:24You have to admit your parents
00:28:25were a little old-school.
00:28:27Isn't that part of the appeal?
00:28:29I mean, why does everything
00:28:30have to change?
00:28:31Dude, you like her.
00:28:33No, it's just business, man.
00:28:35I don't actually work at the store.
00:28:37I just have a lot of
00:28:39on-site meetings, you know?
00:28:41Thinking of those inspectors
00:28:42and everything, it was like
00:28:43he couldn't wait to tear
00:28:44the place down.
00:28:45He's just doing his job.
00:28:47Maybe if he wasn't trying
00:28:48to destroy everything
00:28:49my parents worked so hard for,
00:28:51I would think about it.
00:28:53So you're telling me
00:28:54that if all things were equal,
00:28:55you still wouldn't go out with her?
00:28:56What's it matter?
00:28:57At the end of the month,
00:28:58they'll be closed,
00:28:59and Helen will have
00:29:00her big new skyscraper.
00:29:04What are you going to do about it?
00:29:05I don't know.
00:29:06I mean, I'm not really looking
00:29:07for someone in my life right now.
00:29:09I meant the store.
00:29:11Oh, right.
00:29:15You still have that reporter friend
00:29:16over at the Sentinel?
00:29:17I have an idea.
00:29:21Come on.
00:29:32Michael?
00:29:33Could you...
00:29:34Oh, sure.
00:29:35Thanks.
00:29:36Of course.
00:29:37I got to tip her off.
00:29:38Hey, good.
00:29:40Have a good one.
00:29:42Thanks.
00:29:47Bye, thanks for coming.
00:29:48Bye, thanks.
00:29:50Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
00:29:52That is not how we say that.
00:29:54Say what?
00:29:55Repeat after me.
00:29:56Thank you for shopping
00:29:57at the Christmas shop.
00:29:58Have a merry day.
00:30:01Come on, just try it.
00:30:03Thank you for shopping
00:30:04at the Christmas shop.
00:30:05Thank you for shopping
00:30:06at the Christmas shop.
00:30:08Have a merry day.
00:30:10Have a merry day.
00:30:12That's sort of what
00:30:13you're going for, right?
00:30:14Somewhere in there?
00:30:15Yeah.
00:30:16You made it.
00:30:17Yeah.
00:30:19What a master at work.
00:30:22Welcome to the Christmas shop.
00:30:23How may I help you?
00:30:25I'm Allie Hadley
00:30:26with the New York Sentinel,
00:30:27and I'm looking for Stephanie
00:30:28regarding a potential article
00:30:29about the Christmas shop.
00:30:30Oh, yes.
00:30:31I'm Stephanie.
00:30:32Oh, hi.
00:30:33Wow.
00:30:34You were not kidding.
00:30:35This place is really huge.
00:30:38You said you worked
00:30:39for the Sentinel?
00:30:40Yeah.
00:30:41Hi, Allie.
00:30:42You work here, too?
00:30:43Interesting story about that.
00:30:44Michael Kilpatrick.
00:30:45I work for McLean Properties.
00:30:46You guys don't mind
00:30:47if I record this, right?
00:31:18I'm sure she won't.
00:31:19Okay?
00:31:20What is going on?
00:31:21The Sentinel printed a story
00:31:22about the shop
00:31:23on the front
00:31:24of their life section.
00:31:25Thank you for shopping
00:31:26at the Christmas shop.
00:31:27Have a merry day.
00:31:28Can you load this?
00:31:29Is it incredible?
00:31:30Actually,
00:31:31it's a Christmas miracle.
00:31:35It seems like the Upper West Side
00:31:37might get coal
00:31:38in their proverbial stocking
00:31:39this year,
00:31:40and yet another example
00:31:41of a well-connected developer
00:31:43forcing out a quaint
00:31:44mom and pop shop.
00:31:46I'm just trying
00:31:47to enhance the neighborhood.
00:31:48I don't need
00:31:49this kind of publicity.
00:31:50I warned you.
00:31:51This Christmas shop
00:31:52is really important to Stephanie.
00:31:54She's not going down
00:31:56without a fight.
00:31:57Clearly.
00:31:58Maybe there's something
00:31:59that we can do
00:32:00to let her stay.
00:32:02It's just one store.
00:32:04If we don't break ground
00:32:06on schedule,
00:32:07the financiers
00:32:08lose their patience.
00:32:09And if the financiers
00:32:10lose their patience,
00:32:11the entire deal falls apart.
00:32:13So no, Michael.
00:32:14I'm sorry.
00:32:15The Polar Express
00:32:16has left the station.
00:32:30And people have been coming
00:32:31from all over the city
00:32:32to finally experience
00:32:33that holiday magic.
00:32:34The shop is now run
00:32:35by Stephanie Nichol,
00:32:36whose parents started
00:32:37the business
00:32:38about 40 years ago.
00:32:39I feel that just because
00:32:40something's been around
00:32:41for a while
00:32:42doesn't mean it needs
00:32:43to be replaced.
00:32:44And it's so important
00:32:45to me
00:32:46that the people
00:32:47of this neighborhood
00:32:48and this city
00:32:49have a place
00:32:50that they can go to
00:32:51where they feel
00:32:52Christmas spirit
00:32:53in their hearts.
00:32:54It's not bad, huh?
00:32:55While no one
00:32:56can say for sure
00:32:57how long it'll be here,
00:32:58the Christmas shop
00:32:59is a memorable experience
00:33:00for anyone
00:33:01who takes the time
00:33:02to visit.
00:33:06Hey, Mom.
00:33:07Ellen Peterson
00:33:08called to say
00:33:09that she heard
00:33:10from Susan Larson
00:33:11that Lillian Bland
00:33:12said that they
00:33:14Mom, I'm so sorry.
00:33:17I just didn't want
00:33:18to worry you.
00:33:19Well, of course
00:33:20I'm going to worry.
00:33:21I'm your mother.
00:33:22You're my responsibility.
00:33:24I'll figure something out,
00:33:26somehow.
00:33:27Is this even food?
00:33:28Why can't I order
00:33:29the bacon?
00:33:30Remember your last checkup?
00:33:31Dr. Stein said
00:33:32you have to watch
00:33:33your cholesterol.
00:33:34You should see
00:33:35the attention
00:33:36the shop has got
00:33:37since the story went viral.
00:33:38If I could just
00:33:39change his mind.
00:33:40Whose mind?
00:33:42It's not important.
00:33:43Steph,
00:33:44what have you
00:33:45gotten yourself into?
00:33:47Just let me call you
00:33:48in a few days.
00:33:49Everything is going
00:33:50to be just fine.
00:33:51Okay, sweetheart.
00:33:52I love you.
00:33:53Bye.
00:33:55Daniel Martin Nichols,
00:33:56you put that back
00:33:57right this second.
00:34:12We've got cupcakes!
00:34:16Ah, cinnamon swirl!
00:34:18You didn't have to do that.
00:34:19Shake for yourself.
00:34:22Mommy,
00:34:23can I go see the reindeer?
00:34:24Sure.
00:34:27All the press
00:34:28your store has gotten
00:34:29has been great for business.
00:34:30Really?
00:34:31You don't think it might
00:34:32actually turn things around,
00:34:33do you?
00:34:34I don't know.
00:34:35But I wanted to tell you
00:34:38we found a new location.
00:34:41Really?
00:34:42Over on 84th.
00:34:44It's smaller.
00:34:45But it's got a great kitchen.
00:34:47We were planning to move
00:34:48after the block party.
00:34:50The Blooms found a place, too.
00:34:52Oh.
00:34:54What about you guys?
00:34:56Well...
00:34:57Um...
00:34:58Stephanie,
00:34:59you're not actually
00:35:00trying to fight them,
00:35:01are you?
00:35:02No!
00:35:03No, of course not.
00:35:04I...
00:35:06Um...
00:35:07I better get going.
00:35:14I didn't think you
00:35:15had any meetings today.
00:35:16Oh, I saw you on TV this morning.
00:35:18Oh.
00:35:19Well, I just wanted people
00:35:21to appreciate
00:35:22a good old-fashioned Christmas.
00:35:23I thought you were terrific.
00:35:25Really?
00:35:26Yeah, you made me want to
00:35:27run out and buy an ornament
00:35:28right now.
00:35:30Well, what's stopping you?
00:35:32Um, look,
00:35:33since you're already here
00:35:34and you don't have
00:35:35any meetings,
00:35:36do you want to
00:35:37lend a hand?
00:35:40Why not?
00:35:45Patty came by this morning.
00:35:47Oh.
00:35:48Said she found a place.
00:35:51The Blooms, too.
00:35:53Really?
00:35:55You didn't know?
00:35:57Actually, I didn't.
00:35:59But it must make you
00:36:00happy, right?
00:36:01I mean, you're winning.
00:36:05Stephanie,
00:36:06this is not a game.
00:36:07It's not about
00:36:08winning or losing.
00:36:09It's just progress.
00:36:10Well, did it ever occur to you
00:36:11that maybe things
00:36:12are a certain way
00:36:13for a reason?
00:36:14That tradition
00:36:15is something to be preserved?
00:36:17Tradition?
00:36:21What are you doing
00:36:22tomorrow night?
00:36:24Why?
00:36:25I don't know.
00:36:26I don't know.
00:36:28Why?
00:36:29Well, I was
00:36:30wondering if
00:36:32maybe you
00:36:34want to go
00:36:35someplace
00:36:36with me.
00:36:38You mean like a date?
00:36:40No.
00:36:41No, definitely.
00:36:42Definitely not
00:36:43a date.
00:36:45So, uh,
00:36:46where are we going to be
00:36:47going exactly on this
00:36:48hot date?
00:36:50It's a surprise.
00:36:52Well, at least tell me
00:36:53what time I can pick you up.
00:36:54Oh.
00:36:55You're going to pick me up,
00:36:56are you?
00:36:57Uh, tradition.
00:36:59Okay.
00:37:02Then this
00:37:04is my address.
00:37:06I'll see you at seven.
00:37:07Okay.
00:37:08Excuse me.
00:37:09Could you help me find
00:37:10something for my little girl?
00:37:12Yeah, don't worry.
00:37:13I got this covered.
00:37:14Okay.
00:37:15Right over here.
00:37:20It's not a date.
00:37:22It's just a,
00:37:23you know...
00:37:24Business meeting.
00:37:25She's determined
00:37:26to make me fall in love
00:37:27with Christmas.
00:37:28Did you ever ask yourself
00:37:29why he agreed to be there
00:37:30at the shop?
00:37:31Maybe he felt bad.
00:37:33Or maybe he just wanted
00:37:34to give the place a shot.
00:37:35You know,
00:37:36I actually think that
00:37:37she does have something
00:37:38special there.
00:37:39So, what's the problem then?
00:37:41Come on.
00:37:42You and I both know
00:37:43what this is really about.
00:37:44Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
00:37:46Come on.
00:37:47You're the one who was
00:37:48always complaining about
00:37:49the women you date.
00:37:50For good reason.
00:37:51Michael is different.
00:37:52He can actually
00:37:53be pretty helpful.
00:37:55When he wants to be.
00:37:58Ah, you should have seen
00:37:59her on television.
00:38:01Oh, yeah.
00:38:02This is just a business
00:38:03meeting, all right.
00:38:04Sure.
00:38:05Come on.
00:38:06Let's hit the ice.
00:38:07I'll show you the boss.
00:38:08Oh, you are so good.
00:38:09Hey, look.
00:38:24Not a date, not a date,
00:38:25not a date.
00:38:37Wow.
00:38:38You look...
00:38:39Wow.
00:38:41So do you.
00:38:43I mean, hi.
00:38:44Sorry.
00:38:45Please, come in.
00:38:49Wow, this is some place
00:38:50you got.
00:38:52What do you...
00:38:53What do you get
00:38:54for a square foot around here?
00:38:57Sorry, I can't turn it off.
00:38:59I was subletting
00:39:00from a friend of mine
00:39:01and then I just
00:39:02kind of took it over.
00:39:04It's so close to the shop.
00:39:05That's great.
00:39:06One of the many benefits.
00:39:09Are those?
00:39:11Oh, yeah, yeah.
00:39:12These are for you.
00:39:14They're beautiful.
00:39:16I'll go find something
00:39:17to put them in.
00:39:18Sounds good.
00:39:23So, any clue
00:39:24as to where we're going tonight?
00:39:26And ruin the surprise?
00:39:31Oh, hey, I think
00:39:32I know your cousin.
00:39:34There we go.
00:39:36You ready?
00:39:37Lead the way.
00:39:52It's just up ahead,
00:39:53I promise.
00:39:55Okay, I'm excited.
00:39:57Right here.
00:39:58Oh, what?
00:40:00Oh, what?
00:40:07What is this?
00:40:09Oh, you'll see.
00:40:11Afternoon.
00:40:18Are you sure
00:40:19we don't need more people
00:40:20in the back?
00:40:21Relax.
00:40:26You are going to love this.
00:40:31Oh, my God.
00:40:55Dave Cullens.
00:40:58I thought you were
00:40:59going to appreciate it.
00:41:00Oh, Stephanie.
00:41:15Do you know the story
00:41:16of this song?
00:41:17No, tell me.
00:41:19Originally, it was in German.
00:41:22It was called
00:41:23O Tennenbaum.
00:41:24It wasn't Christmassy at all.
00:41:26It's just a story
00:41:27about a fir tree.
00:41:28And the fir tree
00:41:29symbolized faithfulness.
00:41:32So later, once the
00:41:33tradition of the Christmas tree
00:41:35started in the late 1800s,
00:41:38that's when they added
00:41:39some more lyrics
00:41:40and turned it
00:41:41into the Christmas carol
00:41:42that we know and love today.
00:41:44Hmm.
00:41:45They didn't do that.
00:41:59trombone solo
00:42:19applause
00:42:21applause
00:42:28Hello, it's amazing.
00:42:29How did you know
00:42:30he was going to perform?
00:42:31Stephanie, Merry Christmas.
00:42:33Oh, it's great to see you.
00:42:35Dave, there's someone
00:42:36I want you to meet.
00:42:37Dave, meet Michael.
00:42:38Michael, meet Dave.
00:42:39Michael, nice to meet you.
00:42:40Yeah, great to meet you, too.
00:42:41Did you enjoy the show?
00:42:42It was fantastic, yeah.
00:42:43It was really fun.
00:42:44Great, I'm so happy
00:42:45that you could come.
00:42:46And by the way,
00:42:47you were so right
00:42:48about the poinsettias.
00:42:49Look how great they look
00:42:50on our set.
00:42:51Always happy to help.
00:42:52I really appreciate it.
00:42:53Listen, I got to run.
00:42:54It's great to see you.
00:42:55All the best.
00:42:56Great to meet you, Michael.
00:42:57Yeah, real pleasure.
00:42:58We appreciate you guys
00:42:59coming, okay?
00:43:01Merry Christmas.
00:43:02Merry Christmas.
00:43:03Bye.
00:43:04Bye.
00:43:05Uh, okay, so
00:43:06how do you know him?
00:43:07Oh, Dave?
00:43:08Yeah.
00:43:09He's been coming
00:43:10to our shop for years.
00:43:11Well, when he's
00:43:12actually in town.
00:43:13Okay, yeah.
00:43:14Dave Kahn
00:43:15shops at your store.
00:43:16A lot of people do.
00:43:19Like I told you,
00:43:20our shop is special.
00:43:32So you're really
00:43:33into music, huh?
00:43:35Actually, once upon a time,
00:43:36I, uh, I wanted to be
00:43:38a music teacher.
00:43:39Well, I was
00:43:40a music teacher brief.
00:43:42Really?
00:43:43Yeah.
00:43:44BS 238 in Bronx.
00:43:46What happened?
00:43:47Budget cuts.
00:43:48Apparently, music
00:43:49appreciation wasn't
00:43:51viewed as a necessity.
00:43:53Oh, that's such a shame.
00:43:55Luckily, I had a fallback.
00:43:56My dad was really
00:43:57into real estate
00:43:58for a long time, so...
00:44:00It just kind of
00:44:01came naturally to me.
00:44:02Really?
00:44:03Yeah, while all his
00:44:04friends were saving up
00:44:05for college, he bought
00:44:06his first building.
00:44:07It was a run-down duplex
00:44:09in Springfield, Ohio.
00:44:11Wait.
00:44:12You're from Ohio?
00:44:13Richland County.
00:44:14Born and raised.
00:44:15I would have thought
00:44:16you were more of a...
00:44:17Big city guy?
00:44:18Not a chance.
00:44:20Well, I've lived here
00:44:21my whole life.
00:44:22Yeah, you strike me
00:44:23as the kind of gal
00:44:24who likes to stay put.
00:44:25So, do you ever
00:44:29work with him?
00:44:30My dad?
00:44:31Mm-hmm.
00:44:32He, uh, he offered.
00:44:34I think he always wanted
00:44:35me to follow in his footsteps,
00:44:36but I just wanted
00:44:37to make it on my own,
00:44:38you know,
00:44:39do my own thing.
00:44:42Now, it's my turn
00:44:44to show you something cool.
00:44:46Come on.
00:44:49What is that?
00:44:53Oh, this is one
00:44:54of my favorite places
00:44:55in the city.
00:44:56Michael K.
00:44:57What's up, Randy?
00:44:58How are you?
00:44:59I want you to meet
00:45:00Christmas Girl.
00:45:01Randy.
00:45:04You're not the only one
00:45:05who likes records, you know.
00:45:07That record you ordered
00:45:08came in.
00:45:09I'm gonna go ahead
00:45:10and grab it for you.
00:45:11All right.
00:45:12So, let me get this straight.
00:45:13You know Dave Cause
00:45:15and Randy.
00:45:17Well, when my parents
00:45:18downsized their apartment,
00:45:20I pretty much inherited
00:45:21their entire collection.
00:45:22Hmm.
00:45:23You could say that's
00:45:24when I fell in love.
00:45:25Hmm.
00:45:26You know, I just felt
00:45:27the music had the potential
00:45:28to be honest and pure.
00:45:31You know, it's not just
00:45:32about tempo and melody.
00:45:33It's about the joy
00:45:34that it brings people.
00:45:35Culture.
00:45:36The traditions?
00:45:39Exactly.
00:45:43Here you go.
00:45:44Oh, thanks.
00:45:45Wait.
00:45:46A Christmas album?
00:45:48Well, okay, first off,
00:45:49this is not just
00:45:50a Christmas album.
00:45:51This is the Christmas album.
00:45:53Recorded by the Good Knights.
00:45:54Oh, you know it.
00:45:55Know it?
00:45:56My grandmother used to
00:45:57play this for us every year.
00:45:58I haven't heard
00:45:59this album in years.
00:46:03You should have it.
00:46:05Wait, what?
00:46:06Yeah, no, I want you to have it.
00:46:07No, Michael, I couldn't.
00:46:09Trust me,
00:46:10if anybody deserves it,
00:46:11it's you.
00:46:18You're welcome.
00:46:23I know Randy's store
00:46:24is not for everyone,
00:46:25but for those who love it,
00:46:26he's special.
00:46:28My family's shop
00:46:29isn't much different,
00:46:30you know.
00:46:32You know, Randy
00:46:33used to be downtown.
00:46:35One day, the building
00:46:36that he was in
00:46:37decided they could make more money
00:46:38with a big box store,
00:46:39and Randy had to move.
00:46:41I didn't know that.
00:46:43That space that we were in,
00:46:45I helped him find it.
00:46:47All you have to do is ask.
00:46:52Well, thank you
00:46:53for a wonderful evening.
00:46:56Will you be okay getting home?
00:46:59I just have to pick
00:47:00something else up
00:47:01on the way home.
00:47:03Well, good night.
00:47:06Good night, Stephan.
00:47:08Enjoy your record.
00:47:37Okay, Michael.
00:47:40If you can help Randy.
00:47:43Christmas is coming
00:47:46It's that time of year
00:47:50When family comes calling
00:47:54From far and near
00:47:58Hanging the stockings
00:48:03By the fire glow
00:48:06What could be sweeter
00:48:08Than candy canes
00:48:10Under the mistletoe
00:48:15I don't remember
00:48:18In spring, summer, or fall
00:48:23Feeling as warm
00:48:26As a Christmas
00:48:31Gingerbread houses
00:48:35And sugarplum dreams
00:48:37Tell the properties.
00:48:39This Christmas is perfect
00:48:42Who asked you anyway?
00:48:43A perfect Christmas
00:48:46With you
00:48:49You standing this Christmas
00:48:54Here with me
00:49:00Humming
00:49:04Michael, what are you doing?
00:49:07Uh, updating your software.
00:49:09And what's wrong
00:49:10with the old software?
00:49:12Nothing, nothing.
00:49:13Love a good abacus.
00:49:14Who doesn't?
00:49:15Funny.
00:49:16See, but with this program,
00:49:18it uses your Wi-Fi
00:49:19to connect your scanners,
00:49:20keeping track of your inventory
00:49:22instantaneously.
00:49:23Huh.
00:49:24Speaking of which,
00:49:25did you know that you're down
00:49:26to your last two
00:49:27sugarplum music boxes?
00:49:28Tradition doesn't have to be
00:49:29so complicated, Stephanie.
00:49:30Come on.
00:49:31Excuse me.
00:49:32Uh, do you have any cookie cutters?
00:49:34We sure do.
00:49:35Uh, they're...
00:49:36Allow me.
00:49:37I, uh, I got this one.
00:49:38Right this way.
00:49:39And everything you could
00:49:40possibly ever dream of.
00:49:41We've got Santa Claus's,
00:49:42snowflakes, Christmas trees.
00:49:47You're glowing.
00:49:49I am not.
00:49:51Um, he certainly seems
00:49:52to be in a good mood.
00:49:54He does, doesn't he?
00:49:55Yeah.
00:49:56Oh, hey, I was wondering
00:49:57if you could watch
00:49:58a movie I shot this afternoon.
00:49:59I just have an appointment.
00:50:00Everything okay?
00:50:01Yeah.
00:50:02Just a little something
00:50:03I have to take care of.
00:50:04Sure, whatever you need.
00:50:05Like this one.
00:50:06That feels right.
00:50:07Excellent choice.
00:50:08Christmas tree.
00:50:09Okay.
00:50:10Okay.
00:50:11So?
00:50:12Scan the item.
00:50:13And it deducts it
00:50:14from your inventory
00:50:15instantly.
00:50:16Cool.
00:50:18That'll be $5.50.
00:50:19Here you go.
00:50:21Thank you for sharing.
00:50:22You're welcome.
00:50:23You're welcome.
00:50:25You're welcome.
00:50:26You're welcome.
00:50:28Thank you for shopping
00:50:29at the Christmas shop.
00:50:30Have a merry day.
00:50:31Okay.
00:50:32You are getting
00:50:33pretty good at that.
00:50:34Don't you have work to do?
00:50:36What are you doing
00:50:37Friday night?
00:50:38I, uh, my brother
00:50:39has this Christmas party
00:50:40every year,
00:50:41and I was wondering
00:50:42maybe if you're, uh,
00:50:43not busy,
00:50:44you'd like to come
00:50:45as my date.
00:50:46Date?
00:50:47Yeah, well, you know,
00:50:48we don't have to stay
00:50:49the whole time
00:50:50if you don't want to.
00:50:51It's usually just
00:50:52his coworkers,
00:50:53which are just a bunch
00:50:54of boring computer people.
00:50:55Oh, you make it sound
00:50:56kind of enticing.
00:50:57Well, they have Jenga,
00:50:58so that's a win.
00:51:00I would love to.
00:51:02I really would,
00:51:03but I have to set up
00:51:04for the holiday block party.
00:51:06But if you find yourself
00:51:07getting tired
00:51:08of your brother's coworkers...
00:51:10I'd love to.
00:51:11I mean, if you would like me
00:51:13to help,
00:51:14I could come
00:51:15lend a hand.
00:51:16Of course.
00:51:20Ah.
00:51:21There she is.
00:51:23Mr. Cranston!
00:51:24Oh, good to see you.
00:51:25So,
00:51:26how are the parents
00:51:27enjoying retirement?
00:51:29Oh, they're great.
00:51:30Good.
00:51:31Well, they're lucky
00:51:32to have someone like you
00:51:33to look after the place.
00:51:34Oh, thank you.
00:51:35So,
00:51:36what do you have for us
00:51:37this year?
00:51:39I know it's in good hands.
00:51:41I will let you know
00:51:42when it's done.
00:51:43All right,
00:51:44looking forward to it.
00:51:45Bye-bye.
00:51:47Is that a message
00:51:48from Santa?
00:51:49Mr. Cranston is one
00:51:50of our oldest
00:51:51and dearest customers.
00:51:52About 35 years ago,
00:51:53he had an idea
00:51:54for an ornament
00:51:55he wanted made.
00:51:56He brought the idea
00:51:57to my father,
00:51:58and he created him
00:51:59something.
00:52:00Ever since,
00:52:01he's been coming here
00:52:02every year
00:52:03with a new subject.
00:52:04Something to share
00:52:05with his wife.
00:52:06And you make him
00:52:07an ornament.
00:52:08It could be a moment,
00:52:09a memory,
00:52:10a milestone.
00:52:11One year,
00:52:12it was the birth
00:52:13of their son.
00:52:14Another,
00:52:15it was a special
00:52:16vacation they took.
00:52:17What's the subject
00:52:18this year?
00:52:20Their first date.
00:52:23What are we going to make?
00:52:25I don't know.
00:52:27Oh.
00:52:32Something urgent?
00:52:33It won't take long.
00:52:34Erika, go.
00:52:35We got this.
00:52:36Don't we?
00:52:37Absolutely.
00:52:39Thanks, Dad.
00:52:44So,
00:52:45what are we going to do
00:52:46this year?
00:52:48686 square feet.
00:52:51The building's
00:52:52just been renovated.
00:52:53There is tremendous
00:52:54foot traffic here.
00:52:55Great visibility.
00:52:57It's very nice.
00:52:59So what is it
00:53:00you say you do?
00:53:02Uh, retail.
00:53:03Our family,
00:53:04well,
00:53:05I own a Christmas shop
00:53:06on the Upper West Side.
00:53:08I think I saw
00:53:09that on the news.
00:53:10Didn't Helen McLean
00:53:11buy that building?
00:53:13Yep, that's the one.
00:53:16I'm curious.
00:53:17What is it your store
00:53:18does for the rest of the year?
00:53:20What do you mean?
00:53:21Well,
00:53:22when it's not Christmas time.
00:53:24Oh, well,
00:53:25we sell decorations
00:53:26for other holidays as well.
00:53:27St. Patrick's Day,
00:53:29Valentine's Day,
00:53:30Easter.
00:53:31Oh, um.
00:53:35Miss Nickel.
00:53:36Mm-hmm?
00:53:37I'm going to be
00:53:38very honest with you.
00:53:39The people that own
00:53:40this property,
00:53:41they were looking
00:53:42for something
00:53:43with a little more
00:53:44ongoing potential,
00:53:46like a,
00:53:47a juice bar
00:53:48or a yoga studio.
00:53:50Right.
00:53:53Of course.
00:53:55You never know
00:53:56until you try, right?
00:53:58I, um,
00:53:59I do have a property
00:54:00in Jersey City.
00:54:01That might be
00:54:02a little more up your alley.
00:54:04Yeah.
00:54:07I'll think about it.
00:54:14All right.
00:54:33Hello.
00:54:35It's me.
00:54:36Your father and I
00:54:37are in the middle of a game.
00:54:39He thinks
00:54:40Kringle is a real word.
00:54:41It is a real word.
00:54:43What's going on?
00:54:44I don't think I can do it.
00:54:46Do what, sweetheart?
00:54:49Save the shop.
00:54:51I tried, Mom.
00:54:52I really did.
00:54:54The shop just doesn't
00:54:55make enough money
00:54:56to qualify for a new lease.
00:54:58Oh, honey.
00:55:00I know how important
00:55:01the shop is to you and Dad,
00:55:03but it just,
00:55:04it just seems like
00:55:05everything's changing,
00:55:07and I'm trying
00:55:08so hard
00:55:09to hold on to it,
00:55:10to preserve something
00:55:11that means so much
00:55:12to so many people.
00:55:13Well, you did
00:55:14the best you could.
00:55:15And why do I feel like
00:55:16I'm letting you down?
00:55:19Not just you and Dad,
00:55:20but Erica and Toby
00:55:22and all the customers.
00:55:25Honey, you didn't let us down.
00:55:27We don't need the shop
00:55:28to be happy.
00:55:29We have each other.
00:55:30That's what's important.
00:55:31That's all we've ever needed.
00:55:32And you know what?
00:55:34We'll make new traditions.
00:55:36Erica and Toby
00:55:37will be fine.
00:55:38The customers will be fine.
00:55:39And your father and I
00:55:41will always be proud of you,
00:55:43no matter what.
00:55:45Okay?
00:55:47Now, Christmas is in four days.
00:55:49You make it the best four days
00:55:51that shop has ever seen.
00:55:53Okay?
00:55:54Okay.
00:55:56You got it.
00:56:05Well?
00:56:06It isn't here,
00:56:07but I gave you frankincense.
00:56:09Frankincense is a word.
00:56:14Dan.
00:56:16What are we doing here?
00:56:18Playing a game.
00:56:19No, I mean here.
00:56:21I mean, don't you feel...
00:56:22Bored?
00:56:25I miss the city.
00:56:26We don't belong here.
00:56:28We belong there,
00:56:29with our daughter.
00:56:31Well, then,
00:56:32let's go home.
00:56:35Really?
00:56:36Yeah.
00:56:38Oh, I love you.
00:56:41Does this mean
00:56:42I can order bacon again?
00:56:43No.
00:56:44No?
00:56:53All right, well,
00:56:54let's get those over.
00:56:56Yes, sir.
00:56:57To the office, all right?
00:56:58Okay.
00:57:00Yes, sir.
00:57:07Helen,
00:57:08what are you doing here?
00:57:09Everything proceeding on schedule?
00:57:11Yeah, don't worry.
00:57:12They'll be out on time
00:57:13if that's what you're concerned about.
00:57:15Is that what you think?
00:57:17They're good people.
00:57:18I'm sure they are.
00:57:26Michael,
00:57:27I realize
00:57:29that I put a lot of responsibility
00:57:31on your shoulders,
00:57:32but I haven't heard from you
00:57:33in three days.
00:57:35So I wanted to come down here
00:57:37and see how you were doing.
00:57:40Hey, look,
00:57:41the permits have been submitted
00:57:42and approved.
00:57:43They think that they can
00:57:44preserve some of the facade
00:57:46as a focal point
00:57:47if you're still interested.
00:57:49I wanted to come down
00:57:51to see how you were doing.
00:57:55Excuse me,
00:57:56can you help me find something?
00:57:57Oh, of course.
00:57:58Yeah.
00:57:59Excuse me.
00:58:01So are you looking
00:58:02for something for your parents?
00:58:04No, my teacher.
00:58:05Oh, what grade are you in?
00:58:07Third grade,
00:58:08but we're leaving.
00:58:09Oh?
00:58:10My family and I
00:58:11are moving to Seattle.
00:58:13Seattle's a nice place.
00:58:15I don't want to move.
00:58:17You know,
00:58:18when I was about your age,
00:58:19I had to move too.
00:58:20To Seattle?
00:58:21No, it was to Ohio.
00:58:23My dad had got a job there,
00:58:25so we had to pack up
00:58:26everything that we owned
00:58:27and put it into these boxes
00:58:28and put it all into
00:58:29a great big truck.
00:58:31My mom let me pack
00:58:32my own toys.
00:58:33Well, you know what
00:58:34happened after that?
00:58:36I met my best friend, Jack.
00:58:38Yeah, I mean,
00:58:39we went everywhere together.
00:58:40He was the best.
00:58:41We went to the movies.
00:58:42We went to the library.
00:58:43He even taught my brother
00:58:44and I how to play hockey.
00:58:46So guess what happened next?
00:58:48What?
00:58:49I wasn't sad anymore.
00:58:50In fact, it turned out
00:58:51to be one of the best things
00:58:52that ever happened to me.
00:58:53I don't want Miss Hill
00:58:54to forget me.
00:58:55Was that your teacher?
00:58:56Yeah.
00:58:57Well, do you have, like, um...
00:58:59Do you have, like,
00:59:00a favorite memory
00:59:01from your class?
00:59:02Last week, she read us
00:59:03a book about
00:59:04our gingerbread family.
00:59:05Yeah?
00:59:06Hmm.
00:59:11Come with me.
00:59:12I got the perfect thing
00:59:13for you.
00:59:17What do you think?
00:59:18It's just like
00:59:19the one in the book.
00:59:20Yeah?
00:59:21Well, then I'm sure
00:59:22she'll love it.
00:59:23How much?
00:59:24Tell you what.
00:59:25If you give Seattle
00:59:26a fair shot,
00:59:27it's on me, okay?
00:59:30Merry Christmas.
00:59:31Merry Christmas.
00:59:40Your boss left.
00:59:41Ah, it's too bad.
00:59:45So that was very sweet.
00:59:47Oh, you know,
00:59:48somebody once told me
00:59:50that the best ornaments
00:59:51are the ones that say things.
00:59:53Hmm.
00:59:55Sounds like someone
00:59:56very wise.
00:59:58And special.
01:00:02Uh, speaking of ornaments...
01:00:04Yes?
01:00:05I believe that we have
01:00:06a first date ornament tonight.
01:00:08Oh, we do, do we?
01:00:10Mm-hmm.
01:00:11Come on, open this letter up.
01:00:12Let's see what it says.
01:00:17I remember the very first date
01:00:19Mary and I ever had.
01:00:22I was working as a fry cook
01:00:25in a little diner
01:00:26in San Francisco.
01:00:28One late December night,
01:00:30I'm in the back.
01:00:32Someone's crooning Jingle Bells
01:00:35on the jukebox.
01:00:37And that's when Mary walked in.
01:00:40Her eyes sparkled like ice crystals
01:00:43on fresh-fallen snow.
01:00:45Her smile lit up the whole room.
01:00:48We must have talked for hours.
01:00:52And then I asked her to dance.
01:00:54Right there,
01:00:56in the middle of that greasy diner.
01:00:59Hmm.
01:01:00And I knew
01:01:02I would be dancing with this woman
01:01:05for the rest of my life.
01:01:11Hmm.
01:01:12Oh, I got it.
01:01:14¶¶ ¶¶
01:01:41Do you want to help?
01:01:43I'm not really the artistic type.
01:01:46Come on, this is your idea.
01:01:48Grab me a brush.
01:01:50Tiny one.
01:01:52Other one.
01:01:53Bingo.
01:01:55Okay, here.
01:01:57Okay, now dip lightly.
01:02:02Okay.
01:02:03And then make a circle
01:02:04right in the middle.
01:02:10All right, not bad.
01:02:12Mm-hmm.
01:02:13You know, I think this could use some glitter.
01:02:15And you said you weren't the artistic type.
01:02:17I'm in Rome.
01:02:18Right there.
01:02:19Yeah?
01:02:20Oh, here?
01:02:21Whoop.
01:02:22Gold or silver?
01:02:24What do you think?
01:02:26That one.
01:02:27And then sprinkle it lightly.
01:02:31No, I said lightly.
01:02:34It was lightly.
01:02:36¶¶ ¶¶
01:02:42Beautiful.
01:02:44It is a beautiful night, isn't it?
01:02:48I mean you.
01:02:51Me?
01:02:52Yeah, I had no idea how talented you were.
01:02:55Oh, thank you,
01:02:57but I never really thought of myself as talented.
01:03:02¶¶ ¶¶
01:03:04Well, here we are.
01:03:07After you.
01:03:09¶¶ ¶¶
01:03:14Oh, my goodness, look at that.
01:03:18That's just beautiful.
01:03:20Oh, yes.
01:03:22That's me, and that's you, honey.
01:03:26Stephanie, this is perfect, as always.
01:03:30It was Michael's idea,
01:03:32and it comes with this.
01:03:36Oh, look, they've even got the record.
01:03:40This will look great on the tree
01:03:42with the other ornaments you've given us.
01:03:45¶¶ ¶¶
01:03:47And to think, all I was trying to do that night
01:03:50was get in out of the rain.
01:03:52And I was just trying to finish up those dishes
01:03:55so I could go home.
01:03:57¶¶ ¶¶
01:03:58And now we've got all these memories.
01:04:02¶¶ ¶¶
01:04:06Stephanie, that's a very special shop you've got there.
01:04:10Take good care of it.
01:04:12¶¶ ¶¶
01:04:18Oh, honey, this is beautiful.
01:04:21¶¶ ¶¶
01:04:27The shop made all these?
01:04:30They're beautiful.
01:04:32And every one is personal.
01:04:35¶¶ ¶¶
01:04:43¶¶ ¶¶
01:04:49Wow, all your customers have a collection like Mr. Cranston?
01:04:53Quite a few. Why?
01:04:55I was just thinking, where are they going to go
01:04:57if your shop closes down?
01:04:59Shop closes down?
01:05:01Well, tell that to Helen McClain.
01:05:05¶¶ ¶¶
01:05:07You know what?
01:05:09I think I will.
01:05:11Wait, really?
01:05:13Yeah.
01:05:15I'm not going to let her close the shop.
01:05:18¶¶ ¶¶
01:05:22I, uh...
01:05:25We should, uh...
01:05:27Definitely.
01:05:29Yeah, I think, uh...
01:05:31I'm... I'm going to see you tomorrow.
01:05:34Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow, too.
01:05:36Yeah.
01:05:38Have a good night.
01:05:40¶¶ ¶¶
01:05:44¶¶ ¶¶
01:05:50¶¶ ¶¶
01:05:56Michael.
01:05:58We have to talk.
01:06:01This...
01:06:03This Christmas shop is unique in a special place,
01:06:06and it means so much to the people in that community.
01:06:09I know it's old-fashioned.
01:06:11You know what? That's okay.
01:06:13Because if you want hip and urban,
01:06:15there is a whole city out there for you.
01:06:18But if you want someplace that's...
01:06:20that's sweet...
01:06:22magical...
01:06:25shouldn't there be someplace you can go?
01:06:27What are you suggesting?
01:06:31Let them stay.
01:06:33We talked about this.
01:06:35Transfer the lease to the new building.
01:06:37Give them the same terms.
01:06:39They're paying 75% below market value.
01:06:41They've been there for 40 years.
01:06:43I can appreciate tradition.
01:06:45This company goes back five generations.
01:06:47I mean, my great-great-grandfather worked along Reginald Vanderbilt himself.
01:06:52Our investors expect a return.
01:06:55The return is based on anticipated revenue.
01:06:57What kind of revenue can I promise
01:06:59when I'm giving my tenants a discount?
01:07:01I'm not talking about all of them.
01:07:03I'm just talking about that one.
01:07:05We have full occupancy at this point,
01:07:07and I've got over 100 names on the wait list.
01:07:10Please.
01:07:12I'm sorry, Michael. I... I can't.
01:07:15I can't.
01:07:18Then consider this my resignation.
01:07:23Michael.
01:07:25If you're going to kick him out, I'm not going to be a part of it.
01:07:47Wow.
01:08:10Wow, Stephanie.
01:08:12You weren't kidding.
01:08:18Hmm?
01:08:24Michael.
01:08:26Stephanie.
01:08:28Hi.
01:08:30Um...
01:08:32We had to talk.
01:08:34Is there a place that we can go?
01:08:36Okay.
01:08:38Yeah.
01:08:41So...
01:08:43How did it go?
01:08:47It's over.
01:08:49What?
01:08:51Stephanie, I'm so sorry.
01:08:53There's nothing that I can do.
01:08:55I don't understand.
01:08:57I mean, you've...
01:08:59You've seen how important this place is to everyone.
01:09:01Helen's hands are tied.
01:09:03The building's already full.
01:09:05It hasn't even been built yet.
01:09:07I know.
01:09:09Maybe... Maybe you can just talk to her again.
01:09:12I can't.
01:09:14Why not?
01:09:16Because I quit.
01:09:18What?
01:09:20I couldn't be a part of doing this, do you?
01:09:22Michael.
01:09:24I'm so sorry.
01:09:26I feel like I'm letting everybody down.
01:09:28I just...
01:09:32I wanted to give you your Christmas miracle.
01:09:35I know.
01:09:37I appreciate everything that you've done.
01:09:40I guess we just ran out of time.
01:09:44That's all.
01:09:48Yeah.
01:09:50Um, with everything that's going on,
01:09:53I think I need some alone time.
01:09:59Yeah, I understand.
01:10:01Okay.
01:10:03If you need anything.
01:10:34Oh.
01:10:48I believe that we can make it.
01:10:50Buddy.
01:10:52What's up, buddy?
01:10:54How you holding up?
01:10:56Oh.
01:10:58Oh.
01:11:00Don't worry about me.
01:11:02I'm fine.
01:11:04I'm fine.
01:11:06I'm fine.
01:11:08I'm fine.
01:11:10I'm fine.
01:11:12I'm fine.
01:11:14I'm fine.
01:11:16I'm fine.
01:11:18I'm fine.
01:11:20I'm fine.
01:11:22I'm fine.
01:11:24I'm fine.
01:11:26I'm fine.
01:11:28I'm fine.
01:11:30I'm fine.
01:11:32I'm fine.
01:11:34I'm fine.
01:11:36I'm fine.
01:11:38I'm fine.
01:11:40I'm fine.
01:11:42I'm fine.
01:11:44I'm fine.
01:11:46I'm fine.
01:11:48I'm fine.
01:11:50I'm fine.
01:11:52I'm fine.
01:11:54I'm fine.
01:11:56I'm fine.
01:11:58I'm fine.
01:12:00I'm fine.
01:12:12Leasing opportunity.
01:12:16Lease?
01:12:28Yeah, you got that paperwork on the Broadway Towers project?
01:12:34How far back does it go?
01:12:58All right, there you go, man. Don't tell your mom how much money you spent, all right?
01:13:12Hey, I think I saw the snowman you had.
01:13:15Look at you. Mom? Dad?
01:13:19There's my girl. Hi, sweetie.
01:13:22I don't understand. What are you doing here?
01:13:27Well, we had a chat after you called the other day, and...
01:13:31The city's our home.
01:13:33We belong here with you.
01:13:35Even if it is a little packed.
01:13:36And the taxis are a little loud.
01:13:39Looks like you're stuck with us, honey.
01:13:41Guys, I am so sorry. You left me in charge, and I really let you down.
01:13:47I just really thought Michael would be able to help.
01:13:49Sounds like you really tried.
01:13:51I suppose you're right. I guess it doesn't matter anymore,
01:13:54because next year, everyone's going to go to some big box store for their Christmas decorations.
01:13:58But every once in a while, someone will remember that little shop that was on the corner,
01:14:04where they felt magical.
01:14:06Used to.
01:14:08You know, honey, whether you want them to or not, things change.
01:14:12I mean, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.
01:14:15How you adapt to that change is all up to you.
01:14:19It's Christmas Eve.
01:14:21Do you want to spend the holiday moping, or are we going to think about the things we can really celebrate here?
01:14:26Now go out there and make us proud.
01:14:36He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
01:14:43He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf.
01:14:48I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
01:14:57A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
01:15:04Aw, thanks.
01:15:05But I spoke not a word that went straight to his heart.
01:15:08In the middle of the big stocking, and then turned with a jerk.
01:15:13Oh, no, thank you.
01:15:15Um, could you tell me where to find Stephanie Nichol?
01:15:25But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
01:15:28Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
01:15:43What are you doing here?
01:15:45You didn't think I was going to miss the biggest and the best holiday party on the Upper West Side, did you?
01:15:52You were wonderful.
01:15:56Not bad.
01:15:58Helen, I didn't expect to see you here.
01:16:03Michael called me this afternoon and asked me to come down.
01:16:07What's up?
01:16:09Well, last night, on a whim, I decided to take a look at the paperwork from the acquisitions of the building.
01:16:15I found this.
01:16:17Michael, I've had several attorneys review the transfer from the Properties Trust.
01:16:21I assure you, there are no issues.
01:16:24Maybe not with the Trust, but this is the original lease from the Christmas shop.
01:16:29Mr. Nichol, perhaps you remember this.
01:16:32It's my old lease.
01:16:34Forty years ago, when your dad opened his store, the building was owned by his friend.
01:16:39Ben? Yeah, but he passed away a long time ago.
01:16:42Well, he must have liked you a lot, because he put a very interesting clause in there.
01:16:465B, if you care to read.
01:16:50Basically, it says that in the event that the building is sold, either by him or his heir...
01:16:55He could have sold it.
01:16:57Basically, it says that in the event that the building is sold, either by him or his heir...
01:17:02The Christmas shop has the option to purchase the building.
01:17:07We do?
01:17:13He's not kidding.
01:17:15In the event that the building is sold, the lessor will be given first option to purchase the building at fair market value.
01:17:24But Michael, at fair market value, there's no way we'd be able to afford it.
01:17:31I know. That's why you need an investor.
01:17:35Who's that?
01:17:37My father.
01:17:40Hey, son.
01:17:42You must be Stephanie. Michael spoke very highly of you when he called me last night.
01:17:48Michael... Michael called you?
01:17:50Yes, yes. And is the store inside?
01:17:54Yes. Would you like to see it?
01:17:58I'd be delighted. Please.
01:18:14Very whimsical.
01:18:21This is adorable.
01:18:25That smell...
01:18:30Smells like Christmas.
01:18:37You know, when my son called me last night and told me about this store, I knew it had to be something special.
01:18:44Now standing here...
01:18:48I know he was right.
01:18:51Thank you so much, Mr. Kilpatrick.
01:18:54Please, call me Thomas.
01:18:56And I should be the one thanking you.
01:18:59For what?
01:19:00For giving me something I've wanted for a very long time.
01:19:07Finally something we can do together.
01:19:10Deep down I think I always knew you weren't happy.
01:19:14But now I can see you've found a place where you belong.
01:19:17And I want nothing more than to be a part of that.
01:19:24Yes.
01:19:27I would be proud to invest in such a delightful venture.
01:19:36Who are these lovely people over here?
01:19:41This is my mom and this is my dad.
01:19:43How are you, sir?
01:19:44This is Mr. Kilpatrick.
01:19:45Such a lovely daughter you have. And what a beautiful story.
01:19:51I'm sorry about your development home.
01:19:54But...
01:19:57Mr. Nickel had a deal.
01:19:59How are you?
01:20:04It's only a building.
01:20:06Our investors will find other deals.
01:20:09But as for you...
01:20:11I knew your heart wasn't in real estate.
01:20:15I'm just glad that you found what truly makes you happy.
01:20:22You've got to promise me something.
01:20:23Anything.
01:20:24Take good care of her.
01:20:26She's a keeper.
01:20:30I intend to.
01:20:34Merry Christmas.
01:20:39Merry Christmas.
01:20:44I invited David and his family over to join me for Christmas dinner tomorrow.
01:20:48I'd very much like it if the two of you would join.
01:20:51It's a date.
01:20:53Very well then.
01:20:54I look forward to seeing you both tomorrow.
01:20:56Merry Christmas, Dad.
01:20:59Merry Christmas, son.