Sorry, excuse me.
Oh, my!
Laurel, be careful.
You'll spill your cocoa.
Merry Christmas.
Good morning.
Welcome to The Plaza.
Oh, here. Let me help
you with that.
Thanks.
May I assist you
with your baggage?
I don't have any.
I'm here to see Amanda Clark.
Oh, well check at the concierge.
I hope you made an appointment,
she's a very busy lady
this time of year.
Actually, I'm going
to be working here.
Oh, really?
Yeah.
I'm doing research
for the Plaza about...
Christmas.
Oh, you've heard?
Yes, yes.
We've been talking about it
for weeks.
We're all very excited
about that.
Good.
Now, why don't
you hold onto that?
There may be more
hot cocoa ahead.
Thank you.
I'm Jessica Cooper.
I'm Reginald Brookwater.
Head bellman, at your service.
So, you're here to study
our grand lady?
The Plaza provided a grant
to the university
and I'm the archival historian
in charge of the project.
You have a very
impressive title.
I'm not as important
as it sounds.
I wouldn't be so sure of that.
You know what we say
around here.
What do you say around here?
Nothing unimportant ever happens
at The Plaza.
Hi, Dennis.
Hi. It's all set. We fly to JFK
on Christmas Eve.
This is so exciting.
I can't wait to meet
your parents.
I just hope they're
not disappointed.
Why would they be disappointed?
Because their son
is dating somebody
who's using her PHD to study
Christmas trees.
How did your mom take the news
that you won't be home
for Christmas this year?
Surprisingly well.
She's going to go on that
Caribbean cruise
she always wanted to...
Dennis, I'm going to have
to call you back.
Who leaves a ladder
just standing around?
I do.
Oh no.
Hang on.
Good idea.
I'm so sorry! I didn't know
you were up there.
Must've been an important
phone call.
I was talking to my boyfriend.
Well, with boyfriends
you get an automatic free pass.
Just maybe watch where
you're going next time, huh?
Or maybe put up a sign
next time.
Like that one?
Hey, Merry Christmas.
One suit, sponged and pressed
for Mr. George Kaplan. Room 796.
Anything else?
Of course, Mr. Kaplan.
My pleasure.
Good morning. How may
I help you, theatre tickets?
No, thank you.
- Dinner reservations.
- No.
You need car service.
Actually, I'm looking for...
Here you are!
And right on time, too.
I like punctuality,
it shows character.
Good morning, Ms. Clark.
- Amanda.
- Amanda, thank you.
And I see you've met Kenny,
our head concierge.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Anything you need,
he's here to help.
Isn't that right, Kenny?
That's right, Amanda.
...Ms. Clark.
This way.
This is where I think we
should place the installation.
We are all very eager to see
what you have in mind.
Christmas traditions are
very important to us here.
And what better place
to honour the legacy
of Christmas at The Plaza
than our historic Oak Room?
About that.
I was hoping you could
give me some idea
of what you're really
looking for.
I was thinking a sort of museum
art gallery combination.
You know, panels and pedestals,
and of course,
there will be an opening night
party with champagne...
That's not quite what I mean.
When I'm developing an archival
history presentation,
I like to have some kind
of point of view.
You know, like a through line,
or a...
A Christmas story.
Well, not exactly a...
That sounds perfect.
What does?
We need a Christmas story.
And since you're the expert,
I'm going to let you
come up with one.
I'm not really a story person.
I deal in facts.
Facts.
Yes.
You see, the thing about history
is you don't have to make
anything up.
The story's already happened.
That just makes it easier, then.
Yeah.
Our records room is this way.
All you have to do is go through
the hotel files.
There are plenty of references
to Christmas parties
and tree lighting, carol
singing, special holiday events.
Yes. Isn't it something?
Most of these are pre-internet,
so they haven't been scanned
or digitally preserved.
These are the original files.
How far back does
all of this date?
I don't really know.
But I don't think anything
would've been thrown out,
so could be over
100 years' worth.
Well, I'll leave you to it.
Which ones are
the Christmas files?
I have no idea.
You mean they're
not categorized?
Well, no. That's
why you're here.
Miss Clark.
- Amanda.
- Amanda.
Going through all these records
could take a year at least.
Well, you certainly
don't have a year.
Opening night of the display
is planned for December 15th.
But that's only
three weeks away.
I know.
But fortunately, you won't have
to do it all alone.
You'll be coordinating
with our Christmas decorator.
Christmas decorator?
There he is now.
Mr. Perrelli, I'd like you
to meet someone.
This is Jessica Cooper.
She's in charge of the History of
Christmas at The Plaza display.
Jessica Cooper, Nick Perrelli.
Surprise.
Surprise.
You two know each other?
- We've met.
- We've met.
Well, that's good.
Because you'll be working
together this Christmas.
So what are you supposed
to be looking for?
Christmas.
What kind of Christmas?
Like celebrations,
events, photographs.
Anything that connects The Plaza
to the holiday season.
Why's that?
To create a historic
installation
celebrating the legacy of
Christmas at The Plaza.
Like a museum.
Yeah. Like a museum.
You do that for a living?
Yeah. I have degrees in
anthropology, urban archaeology,
and social genealogical studies.
Better be careful, one more
degree and you'll have a fever.
I think that if people respect
the past,
it helps them understand
the present.
You know what they say about
people who hang onto the past.
They're afraid of the future.
I don't think that's true.
Can you not touch anything,
please?
Sorry.
In historic terms, we call this
an artifact.
In New York terms, we
call this a newspaper.
Don't you have trees to put up?
Well, I thought we were supposed
to be working together.
We are, and if I need you,
I'll call.
Okay.
Enjoy your artifacts.
Do you think I was rude to him?
No.
He sounds pushy, overbearing,
and full of himself.
Is he single?
I don't know, why?
Ask him if he likes almost
famous musical theatre actors.
I'm in the market for
my next ex-boyfriend.
Speaking of bad relationships,
how's Dennis?
Cass, don't start.
Let's try here.
You know I'm right.
You've been dating for,
how long?
Two years next week.
Exactly.
And that finger is still bare.
And I'm okay with that.
Of course you are.
Because you're afraid
of commitment.
You know, just 'cause you took
one psychology course in school
doesn't mean...
Let's try over there.
I've watched it happen.
Every time a guy gets serious,
you bail.
That's why your relationship
with Dennis
has lasted this long.
You're afraid of commitment,
and he's afraid to commit.
You gotta face it, Jess.
You're stuck in a dead-end
relationship.
For your information,
Dennis has made a commitment.
He's taking me to meet
his parents.
In Florida.
Really?
We fly out on Christmas Eve.
- Back there.
- Yeah.
- Who's idea was that?
- What do you mean?
- Well, to meet the parents?
- I don't know.
Well, who bought the tickets?
Was it Dennis or the parents?
What difference does it make?
Maybe none, but if Dennis
bought the tickets,
it means that he's serious
about a relationship.
If his parents bought
the tickets...
Gotta go.
I am filling in as one of
Santa's elves in the park.
And it takes me 20 minutes
to get into those tights.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
See you soon.
Sorry.
Sorry, I had to get the funding
application in for next year.
The university committee
is being impossible, as usual.
Is that hot cider?
It was, 20 minutes ago.
Don't forget, we have
the faculty Christmas party
a week Thursday.
Franklin Collins
is going to be there.
He's the committee chair and I'm
hoping to get a word with him.
Who knew clinical biology
could be so exciting?
Who knew?
How's your project going?
I'm not sure yet.
There's just so much material
in the archives,
I don't even know
where to begin.
And if by some miracle I did
know where to begin,
there's no way I'm going
to finish by the deadline.
I think taking this project
might've been a big mistake.
What do you have to do to get
a drink around here?
Dennis?
Yeah?
About the trip...
To see your parents.
Yeah?
Nothing.
Never mind.
Miss Cooper.
You need anything?
No thank you, Reginald.
Still trying to figure
this all out.
Christmas giving
you some trouble, is it?
There's just so much
material here.
- There is.
- I don't know where to start.
Well, maybe I can help you.
Here. You want some history
of Christmas at The Plaza?
There you go.
That was taken in 1968.
That's you?
Yes.
It was the day after the
Thanksgiving Day parade.
We'd just come in for high tea.
See, everybody dressed up
in those days.
Who were you with?
This girl I used to know.
Anyway, I remember she loved
the Christmas tree topper that year.
It was her favourite colour.
It was bright blue,
diamonds all around it.
I promised her I'd get her
her own someday.
Did you?
No.
Life gets in the way sometimes,
you know.
But if you want to borrow
that for your project...
Actually, I don't think
this is my project.
I beg your pardon?
Yeah, I don't think this is
going to work out after all.
I need to go talk to Amanda.
You're not thinking of quitting,
are you?
It's probably for the best.
Well, I hope you'll reconsider.
Opportunities like this
don't come along every day.
Nobody regrets the ones
they take,
just the ones they don't.
Anyway, I'm... I'm sure
you'll make the right choice.
Looks beautiful.
Thanks.
The plaza has so much
great history,
I figured it deserves
the best, huh?
See, you're not the only one
who respects the past.
Look, Nick.
I'm sorry about
what I said yesterday.
I know you were
just trying to help.
Don't worry about it.
So, you done for the day?
Actually, I've decided to step
away from the project.
Seriously?
I'm going to talk
to the university
about finding a replacement.
That's too bad.
I mean, I know Amanda
will be really disappointed.
I know.
And I feel awful about it,
but like you said,
The Plaza deserves the best,
and I just...
I don't think I'm the right
person for this project.
I'm sorry to hear that.
It was nice to meet you,
Jessica Cooper.
And you too, Nick Perrelli.
Oh, hey.
How about a souvenir?
Think of it as an early
Christmas present.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
I'm sorry,
Miss Clark's in the middle
of a very important call.
Is there anything I can help
you with?
No, thank you.
I need to speak with her myself.
I'll wait.
Beautiful, isn't it?
I think this year's tree topper
is my favourite.
I mean, finial d'arbre.
Miss Clark prefers we use
the proper name.
I'm supposed to bring
it downstairs
to the decorating team,
but I kind of want
to keep it myself.
It is beautiful.
You said "this year's?"
Reginald showed me
a photograph with
a different tree topper.
How many have there been?
I guess as many as there've
been Christmas trees
at The Plaza.
And they've had a Christmas tree
here at the hotel
ever since it opened in 1907.
It's a tradition.
I'll tell Miss Clark you're in.
No, that's okay.
Don't bother her.
All right, well, do you want me
to give her a message for you?
Yes, please.
Tell her...
Tell her I've found
our Christmas story.
So, that's a dozen
cherry tomatoes,
three almonds, one bottle
of champagne.
Pink of course, Miss Thompson.
Will there be anything else?
My pleasure.
Good morning, Miss Cooper.
How can I help you today?
And put one more in
that corner over there.
Needs a little Christmas.
This is Nick.
Nick. It's me.
Alicia?
Hi, how are you?
I'm fine.
Been a while.
I know. Too long.
Something I can do for ya?
I heard you were decorating
The Plaza.
That's amazing, congratulations.
Thanks.
I would love to come and see it.
Maybe we could grab
a drink after.
Hey, listen.
I'm... I'm really busy
right now. I gotta go.
All right.
Well, Merry Christmas.
Yeah. Yeah, Merry Christmas.
Hey!
I thought you were leaving.
I might've been a bit hasty.
Well, that's great.
It's... good.
What changed your mind?
Well, did you know The Plaza has
had a different finial d'arbre
every Christmas
for over 100 years?
Tree topper.
I did not know that.
Yeah.
Each one is handmade and unique
to that specific year.
I did not know that either.
This one, for example,
is from 1949.
See here, signed by the artist,
making it a priceless piece
of socio-historic memorabilia.
Who knows how many more of them
are hidden away
inside these boxes?
Yeah, who knows.
Nick. This is a major find.
Each of these tree toppers
represents an artist
with an individual story.
The... the cultural importance
of the passage of time
represented by the artisanal
craftsmanship in this room
is simply staggering.
They make really nice
Christmas ornaments too.
Are you just gonna stand there,
or are you gonna help?
What would you like me to do?
So, why history?
What do you mean?
Well, you obviously love it,
but where's the attraction?
I think it's important
to understand that the way
politics and social mores have
impacted events throughout time.
Oh, come on, that sounds
like a classroom lecture.
What's the real reason?
The real reason?
Yeah.
Please.
My dad was in the diplomatic
corps,
so we moved around a lot
when I was young.
There was always
a different town,
a different school.
I never knew where we were gonna
be or what was gonna happen.
That's pretty tough
on a little kid.
I started studying history.
Felt safe.
'Cause you always knew exactly
what was going to happen next?
When you can't depend
on the future,
there's something kind of
comforting about the past.
You still feel that way?
Sometimes.
I took the liberty of
bringing you some fresh coffee.
You've been down here for hours.
Thank you, Reginald.
I guess we lost track of time.
Well, the grand lady reveals
her secrets slowly, doesn't she?
By the way, I'm glad
you changed your mind,
and I believe the work you're
doing here is very important.
I mean, this place means
a lot to me.
To all of us.
Thank you, Reginald.
Hey, look at this.
What is it?
I found one.
It's beautiful.
That is magnificent,
isn't it?
Look at the fine work
around the edges there.
Takes years to learn that.
That makes five we've found
so far.
And only 10,000 more boxes
to go through.
Well, good thing there are
two of you.
Good thing.
Yeah, so I'm an elf!
So what?
It's New York.
You look great.
- Right?
- Yeah.
It's like stepping into
a time machine in there.
Every box I open is another
piece of history.
And Nick found some incredible
photographs from 1922.
Nick?
Pushy overbearing Nick?
It wasn't really his fault.
I overreacted.
He's actually a very nice guy.
Really?
And you two are
working together?
Alone.
I know what you're thinking,
and you can stop thinking it.
There's nothing going on
between Nick and me,
except Christmas.
Gotta go.
Santa's finished feeding
the reindeer,
and he hates it
when his elves are late.
Sorry about lunch.
I'll grab a candy cane at work.
Hey. Did you ever find out
if Nick was single?
I don't care.
Okay. I believe you.
Do you believe you?
Hi.
Tell me you're not wearing that.
Why not?
You forgot.
The faculty Christmas party.
Of course I didn't forget.
I was just getting ready.
Come on in. I'll only
be a minute.
How's your project going?
It's actually pretty exciting.
I think I might have a mystery
on my hands.
Every year since 1907, the tree
in the lobby of The Plaza
has had a different
finial d'arbre.
A what?
A tree topper.
Interesting.
That's not the interesting part.
Look at the picture
on the table.
The top one.
The Christmas tree?
See? No tree topper.
Fascinating.
Isn't it?
What happened to the tree topper,
and why that year?
I don't know.
Jess, we're going to be late!
Okay. I'm ready.
Shoes.
Right.
Meet you in the car.
There's Franklin Collins.
Come on. Let's go say hello.
Love to.
Evening, Mr. Collins.
Oh, Dennis.
Well I'm glad you made it.
This is Dennis Park,
one of our newest faculty members.
I read your paper, Dennis.
It was interesting,
very interesting.
I'd like to talk to you
some more about it.
That would be great sir,
thank you.
This is my...
Jessica Cooper.
How do you do?
Well, a pleasure to meet you,
Jessica.
You probably know most
of the people here.
I'm not...
Well, Jessica's an alumni.
Sociology and anthropology.
What are you doing
these days, dear?
Jessica's working
on a very important
archival research project.
On what subject?
History of the finial d'arbres
of The Plaza.
Finial d'arbres... isn't
that Christmas ornaments?
That's right.
How interesting.
It's actually an important study
from a cultural and historic
point of view.
Of course it is, dear.
So, Dennis, tell me,
what are your plans?
Well, I have a little bit more
work to do on this paper, but...
Oh, no I think this draft
that you delivered...
Jessica.
Did you have to bring up
that whole...
Christmas decorations thing?
Why?
It's just I'm trying
to impress Collins,
and it doesn't sound
very academic.
Well, they asked.
Anyway, he wants to see
the rest of my research,
but he's totally behind
my proposal.
He actually told me he's going
to personally resubmit it
to the committee himself.
Can you believe it?
That's great, Dennis.
Isn't it?
Yeah.
I mean...
Good party, right?
You having fun?
Actually, I'm a little tired.
It's been a long day and I'm...
Of course.
I'm sorry.
You've been at work all day.
I should've thought of that.
You want to go home?
- Would that be okay?
- Absolutely.
I'll call you a car.
I would go with you,
but really got to seal this deal
with Collins.
Of course.
You don't mind, do you?
Me? No.
Not at all.
Thanks for understanding.
How was your night?
I've had better.
Do you like Christmas songs?
I could play one for you
if you like.
Maybe it'll cheer you up.
Thanks.
Doing anything special
for Christmas?
I'm going to go meet
my boyfriend's parents.
Sounds serious.
I'm not sure about that.
Where is he right now?
Back at that party.
You know what?
Maybe I'm overreacting.
I mean, it's not like
he made me walk home.
True.
What if Cassidy's right?
About what?
What if I really am afraid
of commitment?
I mean, this is
my usual pattern.
I fall for a guy, he gets serious,
I get nervous, I break it off.
Cassidy's your boyfriend?
No, Dennis is my boyfriend.
Who's Cassidy?
She's an elf.
You know what, I changed
my mind,
I don't want to go home
right now.
I don't blame you.
So where to now?
Happy holidays.
Miss Cooper. Good evening.
Everything all right?
I guess so. You're working late.
Oh, well.
Sometimes I just like to stick
around till everybody
goes home at night or gets
tucked into bed upstairs.
And then I just listen
for a while.
To what?
To the sound of the grand
lady sleeping.
She snores sometimes, you know.
What are you doing here?
I'm having some trouble
with the lights.
Seems okay to me.
Yeah, well, it's my first time
decorating The Plaza.
It's kind of a game changer
for my business,
so I don't want okay,
I want perfect.
Well, I'd better make my rounds.
Goodnight folks.
Goodnight.
What are you doing here?
I want to find that missing
tree topper,
the one from 1969.
There's... there's still a lot of
boxes to go through down there.
A little overdressed
for the records room.
I was at a Christmas party.
Must've been a nice party.
You look great.
Thank you.
So, how was the food?
I always eat too much
at those things.
I didn't actually get any.
You didn't get any?
Why not?
Bad timing.
Well, if you're still hungry,
I know a place that
stays open late.
I was going to go get something
to eat.
Want to grab some dinner?
That's very nice of you,
Nick, really.
But, the thing is...
I know, I know.
You have a boyfriend.
Still gotta eat.
How do you feel about Italian?
It was my Dad's
business originally.
Mostly party rentals.
But when I took it over,
I focused on Christmas
'cause that's where
the real money is.
But between you and me,
I'd do it for free.
You love it that much?
Oh yeah, a house is like
a blank canvas to me.
And there's that moment when
you gather the family out front,
you flip the switch, and
the whole thing lights up.
And the look on their faces.
That's Christmas.
You decorate for
your family too?
It's a mob scene.
I got three brothers
and two sisters,
and they're all married
and they've all got kids.
So, pressure's on.
What about you?
Anybody special?
There was, a couple years ago.
But it didn't work out.
I'm sorry.
Happens.
So what's your boyfriend do?
Dennis?
He's in clinical research
at the university.
Impressive.
He's a very intelligent man.
You're no slouch yourself,
with all those degrees
at the end of your name.
I don't know about that.
You're kidding me, right?
When I first started out
at university,
I had all these really
lofty goals, you know?
I wanted to use my education to
speak to the human condition,
help people understand history
and make it relevant
in their lives.
Maybe make a difference
in the world.
And?
And here I am, cataloguing
Christmas ornaments.
I'm sorry.
That's... I didn't... I didn't
mean it to come out like that.
I'm sorry.
It's fine, it's fine.
Don't worry about it.
But you shouldn't be so hard
on yourself, though.
I know, I just always thought
I'd be doing something
more important with my life.
I get that.
But think about it this way.
The storage room in the basement
at The Plaza?
Imagine how many Christmas
memories are there,
just tucked away
in all those boxes.
And you're part
of that history now.
And you're going to bring
happiness to who knows
how many people this Christmas.
What's more important than that?
This is me.
Hey. Nice place.
Thanks.
My Mom and Dad were
in real estate,
so I got it when they retired.
I see a big blank canvas.
In case you haven't noticed,
I've been a bit busy lately,
so I'm sorry I haven't
quite gotten around
to decorating out here yet.
Well.
If you need some help,
I got a guy.
Does he have
any references?
Known him my whole life.
I'll think about it.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.
We've divided it into decades
from the turn of the 20th
century to now.
Each section features photos
of the ten tree toppers
with stories about the artists,
and we include a brief history
of that decade's most important
Christmas events at The Plaza.
Wedding, party,
celebrity guests.
Jessica, I must tell you
I'm impressed.
Thank you.
This is wonderful.
It's the perfect balance
of history and Christmas.
Go back please.
Of course.
There, stop there.
What's that?
That's the one I couldn't find.
There's no record of their
having ever been
a tree topper in 1969.
That's impossible.
It's a hotel tradition.
That's what I thought, but...
We can't have a gap in the hotel
Christmas timeline.
It makes us appear incompetent.
I'm not sure what I can do
about it.
Well, something, I hope.
This is your problem, Jessica.
You need to fix it.
So, why don't you just fake it?
Go buy some other tree topper
and paint it.
Who's gonna know?
I can't believe you're asking me
that question.
I'm gonna know!
I'm a historian, Cassidy.
I search for the truth.
I'm not going to lie about
something as important
as Christmas.
You know I'm not really
an elf though, right?
Sorry.
I think Nick's starting
to rub off on me.
Nick again?
Two cocoas please.
He gave me a Christmas pep
talk at dinner the other night.
It helped a lot.
How nice for you.
Make mine a double.
You know, this isn't fair.
What do you mean?
I mean I'm out here
terminally single,
and you've got two guys
all to yourself.
I don't have two guys, Cass.
I have a boyfriend
and I have a co-worker.
So Nick's just your co-worker?
That's all.
And have you told your
boyfriend about your co-worker?
Well, no.
It hasn't come up
in the conversation.
I bet.
Honestly, Cassidy.
The way your mind works.
Do you want this receipt,
or can I have it?
My accountant says
that I can deduct
Christmas related beverages
as research.
What?
Hi.
Jessica, guess what.
They approved my grant.
That's wonderful news, Dennis.
I'm so happy for...
Listen, I got an important question
I want to ask you.
Okay.
Not over the phone.
Meet me at Crawfords,
6:00.
All right.
Great. See you then.
I thought I might find
you down here.
You okay?
Look at this.
A receipt?
In 1969, The Plaza tree
didn't have a finial d'arbre.
Really?
Nobody seems to know why.
North Pole Christmas Boutique,
received from The Plaza hotel.
Yeah.
It's for the tree topper
they ordered that year,
but they didn't put it
on the tree.
Maybe they didn't get it.
Or maybe it's still there.
We're sorry the
number you have reached...
Number's out of service.
Well, they used to be down
in the East Village.
We could go check it out, see
if they're still in business.
It's been so long, it's probably
a waste of time.
Well, you want to find that
missing finial d'arbre, don't you?
I gotta meet with some suppliers
down there anyways.
Come on.
Finial d'arbre.
Hey, what are you waiting for?
Christmas?
Look at this one.
Look at the detail work.
Must've taken them days
to set this up.
That is beautiful.
Come on, let's take a picture.
Give me your phone.
No, it's okay.
Oh, come on.
Christmas only comes
once a year.
Thank you.
Chestnuts.
Come on.
Don't you just love
roasted chestnuts?
Believe it or not,
I've never had any.
Seriously?
I actually didn't think
they were a real thing.
I thought they were just
from that song.
Well, you are in for an
authentic Christmas treat.
Two please.
Why did we park
so far away?
Did we?
We've been walking for blocks.
Well yeah, but then we got
to see the skaters at 30 Rock,
and the merry go round
at Bryant Park,
and the Christmas windows
and the big Christmas tree.
If I didn't know better, I'd say
you did this on purpose.
Hey.
The store.
Aha, The Plaza tree topper.
It's part of my family history.
Back when my grandpa used
to own the business,
we'd buy most of this stuff.
But back in the day, I had
an uncle who worked here,
he used to design and build
everything by hand.
So this would've been a really
important commission for him.
Well, how so?
Well, The Plaza would usually
sell replicas
of their annual tree topper
in the gift shop.
So that would've been a big
boost for the family business.
You said "would've been."
What happened?
Nobody really knows.
Apparently, my uncle just lost
interest and didn't finish it.
Do you know why?
No.
He stopped designing
and never made another
Christmas decoration.
He quit the whole
family business.
That's him.
R. Brookwater.
Yeah. That's my uncle.
How long has he been gone?
Gone? No, he's not gone.
You mean your uncle's
still alive?
Yeah. I thought you knew.
Uncle Reggie works at The Plaza.
Reginald Brookwater?
Right. He's the head bellman.
Going down?
We need to talk.
So, how'd you find out?
Your nephew told me.
He showed me some
of your other pieces.
You're a wonderful artist.
- What exactly are you looking for?
- Your tree topper.
The one you started
to make in 1969.
I was hoping maybe
you still had it
for my Christmas
at The Plaza display.
I'm afraid not.
Well, could you draw one for me?
I mean, based on your original
design, of course.
That was a long time ago.
I left that life behind me.
I understand that, but I really
need it to complete the archive.
Otherwise we're missing an
important part of the history of...
Miss Cooper, I really appreciate
what you're trying to do here,
but I can't help you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, we
have a full hotel this week.
So, what are you going to do?
Well, I can't force the man to
make me a Christmas ornament.
I guess I'll just have to tell
Amanda that we're missing one,
and that's all there is to it.
You think she's going
to be okay with that?
I doubt it.
She doesn't strike me as
somebody who sees failure
as an option, but I just
don't know what else to do.
Well, why don't we drown
your sorrows
in a big plate of Linguini
and clams?
I can't.
Come on. It doesn't have
to be Linguini.
No, I mean I have
dinner plans with...
Dennis. Got it.
Yeah.
He said he's got something very
important to talk to me about.
Well, don't want to get
in the way of that.
Nick.
It's okay, don't worry about it.
I'll see you later.
Jessica.
Any progress on our missing
finial d'arbre?
Actually Amanda,
I'm not having much luck.
I thought I'd located it,
but I...
Well, I have faith in you.
I know you don't want
to let me down.
Or The Plaza.
No, of course not.
But there's not much...
So I can safely assume
that you will continue
your search until you find it.
Excuse me.
'Kay. No pushing, no shoving.
'Everybody gets a chance
to see Santa.
Okay, here you go.
Hey!
Okay, I'll be right back.
Stay in line or you'll get
on the naughty list.
Just kidding.
Hey!
Hi.
Thought I'd stop by
for inspection on the way.
It's new.
Very nice.
What's the occasion?
Dinner with Dennis.
He said he's got something
important
he wanted to talk to me about.
What do you think it is?
I don't know.
Do you think he's going
to ask you to marry him?
Cassidy, that's the last thing
I think he's going to do.
No! It makes sense.
Almost your two year
dating anniversary,
you're going to meet
his parents.
You think?
I do. See what I did there?
And if he does, I will
officially take back
every bad thing I've ever
said about him.
Aren't we kind of jumping
to conclusions here?
Maybe, but maybe not.
Who knows.
This might just be one of
the best nights of your life.
Here you are.
Hi.
How was your day?
Actually, I'm having...
That's great. Okay.
So listen.
I've been trying to figure out
the right way to ask you this
for a while now,
so I'm just going to come
right out and say it.
Jessica... I trust you more than
anyone I've ever known.
I would like to ask you
if you would work with me
on my research project
for next year.
What?
I told you I got the grant,
so you could give up
that Christmas project and we
could work together instead.
Wouldn't that be great?
That's what you wanted
to ask me?
To write a paper with you?
Well, yeah. What did
you think?
Something else.
Like what?
Something I thought
I didn't want.
Jessica, you're not really
making any sense.
No. I suppose I'm not.
Excuse me.
Where are you going?
I think I need some fresh air.
Hey.
So, how was your dinner?
I don't want to talk about it.
Okay.
Then we won't talk about it.
Does your offer still stand?
I mean, about the Linguini?
I got a better idea.
I know a place
that serves up good
old-fashioned Christmas spirit,
and they're open all night.
So, you want to talk
about it yet?
Not really, no.
Okay. Well, if you change
your mind...
It was all my fault. I jumped
to conclusions.
I don't want to marry
Dennis yet, anyway.
You don't?
No!
How are you supposed to know
if you want to spend
the rest of your life with
somebody after only two years?
Well, I heard it's been done
in only two weeks.
And here we are.
Nick, this is beautiful.
This must've taken you days.
Don't you ever get tired
of Christmas decorating?
Look up there.
See, some jobs I do for money,
and some jobs I do for love.
See the white star?
That's how you can tell
I did this one for love.
Almost forgot.
I have an extra one you can use.
What's this for?
You're about to find out.
Nicky, you're late!
I know, Ma,
Sorry, I was working.
Hello!
Hi.
Ma, this is Jessica.
Jessica, this is my mom.
Very nice to meet you,
Mrs. Perrelli.
Call me Lana,
everybody else does.
You've got your sweaters on!
Great.
Well, come on in.
We've got work to do.
Oh, thanks.
What is all this?
It's just a little something my
family puts together every year.
We do our Christmas shopping
early and wrap all the presents
to give to a couple
of local charities
so everybody gets a Christmas.
That's...
Really nice.
Everybody. Hey!
Everybody.
Look who finally showed up.
Nicky!
Hi.
And this is Jessica.
Jessica, this is everybody.
Hi Jessica.
Hi.
Okay, you get to work.
Jessica, come with me.
Have fun.
Welcome to cookie
command centre.
We wrap all these up
and take them over to the
veteran's home on Clark Street.
You do this every year?
It's no big deal.
We have so much, it seems
like the right thing to do.
So, how do you and my Nicky
know each other?
We've been kind of working
together at The Plaza.
Only work?
We're just friends.
Well, you must be a pretty
special friend.
My son hasn't brought anybody
home for Christmas in years.
Not since he and Alicia...
Well. In years.
It's okay.
He told me about her.
Did he tell you
she broke his heart?
How's it going in here?
Well, don't expect any miracles.
I haven't made cookies
since I was a kid.
They say it's
like riding a bike.
You never really forget how.
Okay everybody,
it's showtime.
Yes!
Dad, do we have to?
Oh, come on, Nicky.
You know it's a family
tradition.
Let's go.
Come on, let's do this.
I'm sorry about this.
What's a tradition?
Thank you, thank you.
And now you know why
I married him.
Okay. Our final singer in this
year's Christmas karaoke will be...
Jessica.
No, I can't, really.
I'm not good at this sort
of thing.
Nicky, why don't you help her?
All right, all right.
Gosh.
You did that on purpose.
I'm sure I have no idea
what you're talking about.
You rigged the votes so Jessica
and I'd have to sing together.
Oh, Nicky.
What a terrible thing to accuse
your mother of doing.
Shame on you.
Okay.
'Night mom.
Thank you.
I had such fun tonight.
I hope we'll see you again
during the holidays.
But I imagine
you have plans.
Actually, I do.
You don't seem
very happy about it.
You know what, Lana?
I'm not.
Well, Christmas isn't just
about cookies and singalongs.
It's also about reflecting
on the past year.
Where we are,
where we're going.
Maybe this is that kind
of Christmas for you.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Sorry about that.
My family gets a little
crazy sometimes.
Are you kidding?
I loved them.
My mom really liked you too.
I could tell.
She made me feel pretty special.
She said you haven't brought
anybody home for Christmas
in a long time.
Let me guess.
She mentioned Alicia?
Just once.
My mom talks too much sometimes.
Alicia and I were engaged
until she decided there was
no real future with a guy
who decorates Christmas trees.
I'm sorry.
It's all right.
I should be grateful,
I guess.
That's a very healthy attitude.
Well, she dumped me
at Christmas.
So every year instead
of thinking about it,
I decorated.
Nothing like a heartbreak
to really help your
business take off.
What is it?
Looks like we gotta take
a detour.
How about now?
Still off.
I don't get it.
Fuses are all working,
the bulbs are all fine.
Wait a sec.
Primary connective
conductor system
isn't achieving maximum
wattage polarity
due to an oxygen breach.
I'm sorry?
Somebody pulled out the plug.
It's beautiful, Nick.
Thanks.
You know this place
used to be a nightclub?
Really?
It's called the Persian Room.
It's one of the most elegant
places in the city.
Sinatra used to sing here.
Who?
You're kidding, right?
A little.
And this place right here,
this used to be the dance floor.
My grandparents met here.
Really?
It was Christmas Eve,
she was a nurse
and he was away on shore leave,
and he asked her to dance.
Like this.
And they danced together
all night,
and when the sun came up,
they made a promise
to each other
that when he got back
from the w*r,
they would never be apart again.
And they kept that promise
the rest of their lives.
And so I come here every year
on Christmas Eve,
and I have a glass of champagne
in their honour.
That's a very special
Christmas tradition.
Look, I... I know you don't like
to think about the future,
but what are you doing
on Christmas Eve?
Nick.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, I thought...
You're a wonderful
person really,
but I...
I can't do this.
I'm sorry, I have to go.
Sorry. We're closed.
Uncle Reggie!
What are you doing here?
I came to find something.
You've done some nice work here,
Jeremy.
Thanks, Uncle Reggie.
I mean, the place looks
pretty good.
I'm glad you like it.
Look!
Look at that, my old workbench
is still here.
Yeah, Dad liked it.
Said it reminded him of you.
It's our internet
order desk now.
Well, that is something.
Could you give me a hand?
Yeah, this, put it above.
Okay.
Whoo.
What are we doing?
I'm opening a doorway
to the past.
A doorway to the past?
Yes.
The past...
shall set us free.
What's in there?
Well, I told you I had to pick
something up here.
Yes.
Here we go.
What is that?
This is a little bit
of unfinished business.
How long has that been
in there?
Close to 50 years.
Do me a... a favour,
put on a big pot of hot coffee
and crank up some
Christmas music
and leave me be
for a couple hours.
Okay.
I got some work to do.
And alternate the larger and
smaller panels along the outside
so it creates a flow through.
Don't forget to leave some room
for a couple trees.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I wasn't sure you'd be here.
Well, we're a team, right?
At least I thought so.
Nick...
Just let me finish.
About the other night,
I didn't mean for that
to happen.
That's not true, I meant
for that to happen,
but I was out of line
and I'm sorry.
No, Nick. I'm sorry too.
Look. I'd be lying if I said
I didn't care about you, I do.
But Dennis and I have been
together almost two years.
I'm going to go to Florida
to meet his parents.
Sounds... Fun.
The thing is, I'm in
a relationship
and I can't let my feelings
for you get in the way.
Mine either, huh?
Nick, don't say that.
I'm sorry, I just... I promised
myself I wouldn't be
a sore loser, and I guess that's
a little easier said than done.
I should get back to work.
Wait.
I still have your
Christmas sweater.
You better keep it.
I heard it gets cold
in Florida at night.
Dennis.
My parents have arranged
a car to pick us up
at the Miami airport.
And then we'll meet them
for dinner at this...
Sorry.
That's okay.
Dennis, you said
you had something
you wanted to talk about?
Right.
The thing is, I was thinking
about the other night.
What about it?
I was thinking about...
Why you left.
If you don't want to write
the paper with me,
I understand.
It's not about the paper.
It's not?
Who bought the tickets?
What do you mean?
For our trip to Florida,
who bought the plane tickets?
My parents.
It's only fair.
It was their idea. Why?
Dennis. You're a very nice guy.
You're smart and I know
you mean well,
but I... I need more
than that.
What kind of more?
We've been together two years.
Almost two years.
Right.
Almost two years, and I thought
I didn't want a commitment,
because that meant thinking
about the future
and that was scary.
But I've seen what
the future can look like,
and I'm not scared anymore.
Are you talking about...
marriage?
I don't know exactly what
I'm talking about, Dennis.
But whatever it is,
I know it's not this.
Wait... Are you breaking up
with me?
I'm not sure there was anything
to break up.
Are you sure about this?
I am.
I'm... I'm sorry, I...
I guess I always knew
this was going to happen,
I just, I didn't want
to admit it.
Take care of yourself, Dennis.
You too.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, Miss Cooper!
I have a package for you.
It was left here sometime
last night with your name on it.
I didn't see a card or anything.
I know who sent it.
Thank you.
I thought maybe you'd like it.
But you said...
I did. I stopped making things
like that a long time ago.
You never said why you quit.
Love.
It was 1969.
Her name was Marie, and
I was going to marry her.
And I was making the tree topper
that year in her honour
and I was going to propose
to her on Christmas Eve,
but her... her parents,
they didn't approve of us.
Or me, actually.
They thought of me as someone
who made Christmas decorations.
What kind of life could I
provide for their daughter,
and so they made us
stop seeing each other.
Every time I... I looked
at that thing,
it reminded me of her,
and I couldn't throw it away.
So I hid it and tried
to forget about it
like it never even existed
at all.
And you never made
anything again?
Well, my heart wasn't in it
anymore, you know.
I made things with love,
I guess.
And I guess I just stopped
believing in that.
So why are you giving
this to me?
Working at The Plaza
all these years,
I've seen honeymooners
and newlyweds
and proposals and weddings,
and then watching this Christmas
you and Nick together,
I thought maybe one shouldn't
give up on love.
How can we be in love?
Nick and I barely know
each other.
We just met.
Yes, but you met him
at this hotel.
And you know what we say
around here.
Nothing unimportant
ever happens at The Plaza.
And run another string of lights
through there.
I want the place to sparkle.
Nick.
Alicia?
What are you doing here?
When I heard your voice
the other day it brought back
so many memories, so I thought
I'd come and say hi.
Well, hi.
How are you doing?
Exhausted.
I just finished a really
intense spin class.
You've done a great job here,
Nick.
It's beautiful.
Thanks.
It's going to open up so many
possibilities for you.
I hope so.
I have always been very proud
of you, you know?
I've missed you, Nick.
I miss us.
Hey, what, what are you doing?
What does it look like?
Alicia, we've been over
for a long time.
I know, but that's in the past.
I know. I'm sorry, but I think
that's where it should stay.
Look, you know what, I
gotta get back to work.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
The Plaza has many stories
to tell,
especially around the holidays.
And this year,
with this wonderful History
of Christmas display,
we hope to share some of them
with all of you.
Please welcome the
very talented historian
who put all of this together
for us, Jessica Cooper.
Thank you so much.
Such an honour to have been
entrusted with the legacy
of The Plaza hotel.
But I also want to acknowledge
another very important part
of that legacy, my wonderful
friend Reginald Brookwater,
who generously brought us a long
lost piece of history
from a Christmas past.
Thank you.
Christmas is...
Christmas is a time
for celebration.
But also maybe a time
for reflection, too.
Not just the history
of all of this,
but the history of all of us.
These beautiful decorations
are an important part
of the holidays,
but I don't think
it's the decorations
that make Christmas memories.
It's the decorating.
It's the coming together
to put up a tree,
hang some lights, make cookies,
even sing Christmas songs,
sometimes badly.
I guess what
I'm trying to say is,
it's not just what we do that
makes the holiday special,
it's... it's what we are
to each other.
And it's what's in our hearts
that makes us all a part of
the history of Christmas.
Thank you.
Oh, Miss Cooper.
Thank you.
No, don't thank me.
Thank you.
Thank you for giving me
back my art.
I called my nephew this morning
and I'm going to start making
Christmas decorations again.
That's the best gift
you could've given me.
Great speech, kiddo.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Reggie.
Marie.
I was hoping to find you.
What are you doing here?!
How did you...
I read in the paper
that they were having a party
about the history of
Christmas tree toppers
and I thought I'd take a chance.
I hoped you'd be here.
Was that going to be mine?
Yeah.
It's beautiful.
It sure is.
That was a nice speech.
Thank you.
I'm glad you could make it.
I wouldn't miss it
for the world.
You're alone?
Yeah.
I thought maybe
you'd bring your friend.
Who?
Come on, Nick, you know who.
What are you talking about?
I saw you kiss her
the other day,
right in that room.
You saw...
you saw that?
No, no, no, no.
It's okay, it's no big deal.
No, no, really.
It's no big deal...
That was Alicia.
That was my ex.
She heard I was here,
and she was trying to...
Look, I told her I wasn't
interested, and she left.
Jess, I thought you understood
how I felt about you.
I'm sorry.
No, no, no. I should be
the one apologizing.
You have a boyfriend.
Actually, I don't.
What about Dennis?
Dennis and I just came to
the end of our relationship.
That's not 'cause of me,
I hope.
No. Because of me.
Congratulations!
Thanks.
Look, it's, it's Christmas.
It's an emotional season for a
lot of people and we just met.
Maybe we should take
a step back and,
you know, take a breath,
get some perspective.
Yeah. Sure.
Yeah, let's...
let's do that.
Let's.
I better go. My reindeer's
double parked.
Merry Christmas, Jessica.
Jessica. You've done
a remarkable job.
Everyone is having
such a wonderful time.
Almost everyone.
And what are you doing
for the holiday?
Actually, I've had a sudden
change of plans.
My mom's still on her cruise,
so I'm... I'm going to go skiing
with my friend and her family
for Christmas.
Well, I hope you have
a nice time.
I prefer my ice
in a Martini glass.
I wish you would reconsider
our offer.
The Plaza could use
a permanent historian.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
But I... I'm going to put my
degrees to use in another way.
I'm taking a teaching position
at a school down in the village.
Investing in the future.
Well done.
This is for you,
from all of us.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Kenny.
Merry Christmas.
I'm sad to see her go,
Ms. Clark.
It's Christmas, Kenny.
You may call me Amanda.
Thank you, Amanda.
I'll go back to work now,
Ms. Clark.
Hi.
Hey! I'm almost ready.
I appreciate this so much, Cass.
You're sure I'm not imposing?
With my family?
Forget about it.
The more the merrier.
Okay.
Besides, I can't have my bestie
spending Christmas alone.
Any word from Nick?
No, nothing.
I guess stepping back a bit
meant saying goodbye.
Well, you're better off
without him.
Besides, it's obvious that you
can decorate a house
on your own.
The outside, it looks great.
I mean, it's a little
over the top,
but I'm an elf,
what do I know?
I didn't decorate the outside.
What?
If you didn't do this,
then who did?
Is this a private tradition,
or can anybody join?
Please.
Tell me, how did you get
all those lights on my house
without me knowing about it?
You kidding me?
I decorated The Plaza hotel
this year.
House is a piece of cake.
Show me again where
your grandparents danced.
So does this mean you're free
for Christmas?
What do you have in mind?
House full of family.
There's going to be presents,
and food,
and a lot of noise though,
so you've got to be really
into Christmas to enjoy it.
I could give it a try.
And if it doesn't work out?
We should think of the future.
There's always next Christmas.
And the Christmas after that.
And the Christmas after that.
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