Five Star Christmas (2020)

[bunniefuu]

Yes, I will call her back.

Hey, Merry Christmas.

Hugh!

You did such a great job
on that Peterman account.

It's just awesome.

Thanks.

It would mean a lot if you could
tell the boss.

I already did.

Here.

Put some sparkling water
on that coffee stain.





- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

- There she is.
- Hi.

I heard you signed a new one.

Yes, I did.

It wasn't that hard,

considering what the last
agency pitched them.

Did you see this?

Oh, my gosh.

Santa looks like he's about
to Rob electronics,

not deliver them.

I know.

Hey, could you send a thank you
to Dianne Terasino

for setting this up, actually?

One of those little spa package
gift certificates.

Got it. I will.

Better head out early because
the traffic to Connecticut is...

Brutal.

Yeah.

So is your whole family
going to make it?

Yeah, brother, sister,
grandma, gramps.

Dad's so excited to have us
all under the same roof again.

What about Sean?

Sean? We broke up.

When?

Like a month ago.

What? I thought he was
a good guy.

He chewed with his mouth open.

Bye Holly.

Hey Carlos.

Did you decide if you're going
to go visit

your family in Phoenix
for the holidays?

Not this year.

That new car I bought
set me back.

Let me rephrase that.

You're going to visit
your family in Phoenix.

Round-trip tickets?

Lucy.
Best. Boss. Ever!

Oh, my god!

Feliz navidad.

Feliz navidad.

Your shoelace is untied.

So in Bolivia,

we can walk on the biggest
salt flats in the world.

Hey, you realize that
this time next month,

we'll be giving
our 30 days notice?

Are you sure we can afford this?

These co-live, co-work
setups across the world

are cheaper than our rent.

We're going to be fine.

I started my makeup blog
for fun.

And I didn't think being in IT
would allow me to work

while travelling around
the world.

Not bad for a girl
from Hartford.

How about this boy
from Pinewood?

At least you've been to Jamaica
for your friend's wedding.

I haven't even been outside
of the country.

But soon we'll be walking
on clouds in Bolivia,

seeing the Northern Lights
in Iceland...

Eating shrimp from the barbie

in Melbourne!

The world is our oy...

What is going on?

I have no idea.

Hey pumpkin!

Hey, grandpa.

Hop on in.

You're still driving old George?

You bet.

Ooh, it's cold.

Okay. That's good.

- There we go.
- Yeah.

I'm okay, I'm okay.

Do you want me to drive?

Oh, Amber.
Don't you trust my driving?

No, of course I do.

It's just it's a long way
to the house.

- Better buckle up.
- OK.

Sorry, sorry...

Okay, just let me get
my seatbelt...

Okay, no!

No, no, don't have
a seatbelt on.

Lucy.

Hi, Mr. Donahue,
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

It's so nice to see you.

Can I have a cup of
hot chocolate please?

Coming right up.

Thanks.

So...

Candy canes are right over.

I believe there's one more
of your favourite left.

Thanks.

Okay, peppermint, cinnamon,
cherries, sassafras.

That's my favourite.

Mine too.

My mom used to give them to us
as stocking stuffers

when I was a kid.

Cool.

I'm sure there's another one
in here somewhere.

I'll bet you for it.

What you thinking?

I bet I know more about these
than you do.

Whatcha you got?

Mr. Donahue's been selling these
sassafras candy canes

for the last 20 years.

But only in the last 10 years
did he start selling this size.

Also as a side note,
the sassafras plant

was introduced to European
immigrants by native Americans

who used the plant for a variety
of medicinal purposes.

Your turn.

Candy canes were introduced
in the 1600s but it wasn't

until the early 1900s that
flavours and stripes were added.

Actual sassafras was banned
in the 1960s

because there were concerns that
the oil was a health hazard.

Really?

Sounds like a draw.

The actual botanical name
is sassafras albidum.

He's got you.

Fine, it's yours.

You know, in the spirit
of Christmas, here you go.

No, you won that
fair and square.

It's just a candy cane.

It's sassafras and you won it,
and that's that.

Okay.

Have it your way.

Merry Christmas.

You too.

Okay, just a hot chocolate
for me.

Here you go.

Thank you.

That guy said I should
give you this.

And he paid for it, too.

Lucky me. Too bad he's gone.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

What?

Hello?

"Lucy, welcome to
the Ralston Inn.

"Gone grocery shopping with
your brother and Suzanne. Dad."

Nine grand?

Hey! I was hoping to get back
before you.

But the chairman of the
Christmas board cornered me.

His Santa has a toothache,

so... guess who they've asked
to step in this year?

I told them I was busy
running the Inn,

but I figured it might be fun.

I missed you so much.

I missed you too, daddy.

Speaking of your Inn, what is...

Surprise!

I hate surprises.

- Hi.
- Hi.

You look good.

Did you know about this?

No, I had no idea.

Hi.

Good to see you.

You too.

I just have one question.

Why?

It's a secret.

No, I was going to explain it
to everybody,

I just didn't want to do it
more than once.

Your grandpa's coming
with your sister,

and 'til then you can get
settled in your rooms.

Are they really
our rooms anymore?

When you're here, they are.

We put all your stuff
in the basement,

you can go through it
whenever you like.

The basement?!

Honey, what's the matter?

Dad, I came home for Christmas.

Home.

Home is not here.

This will always be your home.

Where's the door frame with
the notches of our heights?

Where's the scratches
in the floor

from when I tried out
my new roller-skates?

Where is the bathroom faucet
with the hot and cold

all switched around?

Where is that?

What?

Maybe we're in the wrong house.

I know my own house, grandpa.

Dad, what did you do?

Me? What about you?
Your hair is pink.

Hey, is it true you changed
your major again?

Yes.

Thank you.

I did, yeah.

This. It looks nice.

Welcome to the Ralston Inn,
guys.

It's not bad for a retired
Park Ranger, huh?

Is grandma Margo coming?

Tomorrow.

You know your mom's mom likes
to make a grand entrance.

I hope you're not waiting 'til
then to tell us what's going on.

No.

Living room, please.

Where's the coatrack?

I love your hair.

Thank you.

Pink is also not
a Christmas colour.

I just didn't know if you wanted
to know that or not.

What am I supposed to do,
make it red and green?

You could have picked
one of them.

Hello!
Living room please!

Please, everybody just sit.

Okay, I know that it's a shock
seeing our home

turned into a Bed and Breakfast.

You think, dad?

Truth is, I missed you guys.

This place was so empty
and I thought

this would be a great way
to meet new people

and maybe earn some money
at the same time.

Have you?

Have I what?

Made money.

There were cost overruns
on the renovation.

But I have had some guests.

I guess the answer's no.

How much staff do you have?

You're looking at him.

How long have you been open?

A month.

How bad is it?

Could be better.

Just tell us, dad.

Gonna turn it around.

You were a Park Ranger.

What do you know about running
a Bed and Breakfast?

I know people who do business
plans and feasibility studies.

Why didn't you call me?

It was supposed to be
a surprise.

What about a website?

I need something called
a "domain name".

IT is what I do.

All right.

In the meantime I have postcards
in every tourist rack in town.

Postcards?

Is that like a telegram?

What?

There is some good news.

I heard from Rick Bishop.

Who's that?

He's the guy who runs
the Pinewood Cottage Inn.

Now that is a nice place.

I hear they make
a great schnitzel.

Anyway, he told me that there
was this travel critic

rumoured to be in the area,

visiting Bed and Breakfasts
for the holiday season.

Who's the critic?

Bea Turner.

I've heard of her.

I have some friends
who user her site

before booking a place to stay.

Really?

It's a nice website.

"Trust Bea for the best B&Bs."

She has a reputation
of making or breaking

a B&B with her ratings.

I think she shows up
at the B&B incognito.

Look at this.

Her last posting was yesterday.

It was for a B&B in Milford.

Meaning she's close.

What if she comes and gives you
a good rating?

Your bookings will go way up.

Bookings.

I don't have any guests.

You think that'll look bad?

We can pretend to be
your guests.

You think?

Dad, she's joking!

You guys, this is...

There are so many Bed
and Breakfasts in this area.

The odds that this woman
is going to show up here

is very slim.

You're right.
You're right.

I'm going to go and get
the groceries.

You're like Scrooge and
the Grinch rolled into one.

Is no one else upset by this?!

How could we be when you're the
one taking up all the emotion?

Oh please, didn't you drop
your psychology major?

And that's called deflecting.

I'm really sorry you're upset
about this, honey.

Here, let me...

Luce.

I was really lonely

in this big old house on my own,
you know?

When I was a Park Ranger,
I loved meeting new people,

hearing their stories.

I can see how this makes
your life better.

Thanks, hon.

Okay.

Okay. So. You didn't...

You didn't really answer
the question.

How bad is it?

I can't hide anything from you.

Mom used to say that
about you too.

She said it was one of your best
qualities, among many.

I have enough for two months
if I don't turn it around.

Okay.
I have some savings.

How much do you need
to keep everything afloat?

No, no, no.

I'm not having my daughter
sink her savings

into my hare-brained idea.

I won't let it keep me down.

You got somebody coming?

No.

Excuse me.

My tire has gone flat and
I don't get reception here.

Do you have a spare?
I could fix it.

I'm Ted, and this
is my daughter Lucy.

Thank you, but I have
road service.

I don't want to trouble you,
I just need a working phone.

No trouble. Road service
will take a while.

Right. This is
so nice of you.

Luce, can you give me a hand
with this?

Yes.

That's very nice of you.

I can grab that.

Thank you.

Where are you headed?

Just a leisurely trip
up to Maine

to see some cousins
for the holidays.

Nice.

Is this your Bed and Breakfast?

It is.

Finest in town, actually.

Do you have any vacancy?

Yes.

As a matter of fact we do.

I was planning on stopping
at a place up the road, but...

This seems nice.

Great.

Lucy, would you please make sure

the Pinecone Room
is ready for...

Beth.

Beth Thompson.

Beth Thompson.

What is it?

Dad has a new guest.

Well, at least that's something.

Yeah, she's got a flat tire.

He's out helping her with it.

She said her name
is Beth Thompson.

B.T.

As in Bea Turner!

Maybe it's a coincidence.

Looks like they really
hit it off.

No kidding.

Look at them.

Dad says he wants me to put her
in the Pinecone Room.

Which one is that?

There was a Pinecone
in our Room.

Are you kicking me out
of my room?

Ever heard of taking one
for the team?

Yeah, but why does it have
to be my room?

What is she doing?

You see that?

She just took pictures
of this place!

Why would she do that?

Because she really is
Bea Turner.

What are we going to do?

A good rating would give him
a boost.

A bad one would sink him.

Ted's right. An empty Inn
doesn't look good.

Okay, here's what
we're going to do.

We're all going to be
the guests and staff.

Like you said,
Suzanne was joking.

That's the best option
that we have, honestly.

We can play a married couple
travelling through town.

Okay, okay.

But we're not just travellers,
we are world travellers.

Yeah!

You're adorable.

You get to be a guest too.
Let's make you a...

I want to be the chef.

Since when do you know
how to cook?

Since I got an apartment
off campus.

Let's keep you as a guest.

Why can't I be the chef?

Because there's too much at
stake if you blow it, honestly.

I'm sorry, please.

Grandpa, do you mind being
the all-purpose worker?

Sure.

Okay, great.

And why don't you have
to take on a role?

Because dad already introduced
me as his daughter.

I need my makeup bag.
It's in the car.

Okay.

Okay, great.

So we all have
our marching orders.

Let's move.

All right, there you go.

Thanks. You are quite handy
with a tire Jack.

I've helped many a stranded
motorist.

Used to be a Park Ranger.

Well, you must have
some stories to tell.

My family's heard most of them.

As a matter of fact, they are...

Dad!

Can I speak to you for a moment.

Just, it's about
our linen order.

The what?

Our linen order.

The staff is ready to show you
to your room.

Thanks.

Staff?

Beth.

If there's anything
that you need.

Just feel free to let me
or my dad know.

That's very kind.

Thank you.

I think she's Bea Turner.

The B&B critic?

Hello.

Welcome.

Welcome and welcome...
To the Ralston Inn.

Thank you.

How do you do?

My name is Clayton Warner.

Hi.

I'm a...

I'm a guest.

Beth Thompson.
Nice to meet you.

Do you need me to sign
the register?

Oh no, that's all right.
We know who you are.

Let me introduce you
to my wife...

Candace Lebeau.

Please, call me Candace.

Nice to meet you, Candace.

Where are you from, Bea?

Bea?

Be-because we always
like to know

where our fellow guests
are from.

I'll take your coat?

Sure.

New York.
Where are you from?

More like, where aren't we from?

Paris, Rome, Sydney.

We've been all over.

Well, that sounds exciting.

Mr. Ralston, I need you
to approve tonight's menu.

Okay.

Chef Francesca,
nice to meet you.

Beth, nice to meet you.

Everybody is so friendly.

Yes, they are.

This is a beautiful fireplace.

This is lovely.

Annie made that.

Annie?

My wife.

She passed 15 years ago.

I'm sorry.

Would you mind if I took
a picture?

Please, be my guest.

Is the Pinecone Room ready?

Yeah.

Or so I've heard from the staff.

Good. Please, follow me.

Okay.

Sassafras.

Hi.

Come in.

Okay.

Welcome.

Is this your place?

No, it's my father's.

But I'm just here for
the holidays, helping out.

Nice.

Do you have a reservation?

No. No, I do not.

But I was hoping maybe
you had a vacancy?

- You're in the right place.
- Yeah.

Come with me.

This way.

Thanks.

Excuse me, sorry.

I...

What's your name?

Jake Finley.

Jake Finley.

And how long will you be
staying with us?

That's a good question.
Maybe a couple days?

I'm here on a geological survey.

Nice.

Hello, I'm Walter.

...ers.

Ers?

Walters.

Yes, I'm Walters-ers-ers.

Mr. Walters is our handyman.

Okay.

Nice to meet you.

And... and these are
our guests.

Clayton Warner, and my wife.

Candace Lebeau.

How do you do?

Boy, I hope we pulled that...

Box of Christmas lights
out of the attic.

Dad, this is our guest, Jake.

Jake.

Welcome, Jake.

Let's show Jake the Fern Room.

Two doors before the end.

Check that.

Let's put Jake in
the Cedar Room.

Up the stairs, right away
at the end of the hall.

It's got a much nicer view.

Sure.

All right, off we go.

That's heavy.

Yeah, it's tools of the trade,
you know.

Geologist and all.

Let me take it.

No, no. I've got it.

Okay.

Thank you for that candy cane,
by the way.

No problem.

I sensed that you may have
needed it

a little bit more than me.

Well, it was very nice
but totally unnecessary.

Well, isn't that the very
definition of a gift?

Fair enough.

This is you, the Cedar Room.

Okay.

There you go.

That's nice.

Don't geologists get
the holidays off?

Not when we love what we do.

How did you hear about us
by the way?

One of your little postcards

off the rack at
the tourist office.

That's great.

Okay, well, let me know
if you need anything.

Will do.

Yes.

I do need to know
what's for dinner tonight,

because I am starving.

You know, chef Francesca
is really creative,

and I never quite know
what she's going to whip up,

so I guess it'll be a surprise.

That's okay.

Excuse me.

Really?

What? I make this for myself.

It's cheap and does the trick.

Cheap and does the trick
isn't going to get dad

a five-star rating.

Could you have not at least
tried to make something

a little more... chef-y?

I don't even know
what that means.

I just wish that you would've
listened to me.

This is why I didn't want you
to be the chef.

We could've brought
in some good food.

Like a schnitzel from
the Pinewood Cottage Inn.

Yeah, I mean... yeah.

I just wish you would've
listened to me.

Well, you're not the boss
of me anymore.

I know that I'm not the boss
of you anymore...

Girls!

Come on.

Do you know what's for dinner?

No. It's a surprise.

Thank you.

Sir?

Well...

Good evening.

Tonight we will be serving a...

Hearty, deconstructed,
garden melange...

thank you.

With a, a bone broth?

I had to throw it together
last minute.

Tomorrow's meal will be
much better.

Bon appetit.

I love it.

It's really tasty.

It is pretty good.

Mr. Warner.

Great.

Chef Francesca,
why don't you join us?

Don't mind if I do.

Nice work.

Who would like some wine?

There you go. Enjoy.

Good job.

Thanks.

Anybody for wine?

- I'll have some.
- Pass your glass.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Looks great.

So people say Paris is
the most romantic city,

but I'll take Buenos Aires.

Remember that night?

Mi amore.
How could I forget?

I never knew you could tango.

So you are a geologist here
for work?

I am, yeah.

I'm going to head up to Long
Hill in the morning,

collect some samples.

Are you missing friends
and family over the holidays?

No, I don't have any brothers
and sisters.

But my parents retired
in Germany,

so I'm going to head to Berlin
in a couple months to see them.

Ooh, Berlin.
Such a lovely city.

Oh, you've been?

Of course.

What'd you think
of Gendarmenmarkt?

Genda men's market?

Didn't we buy you
some pants there?

Gendarmenmarkt,
that's the famous square,

and it has the beautiful
cathedrals,

the German and the French?

Right.

But there was a little
shop nearby

that sold pants, remember?

What brings you to Pinewood?

Pinewood is...
A magical place.

It really has a charm
all its own.

Besides, Pinewood is home.

For you, but not for me.

For us, it's like a home
away from home.

Exactly.

Ice cream a la Francesca?

Is that, is that ready?

Yeah, almost.

What's in that?

Whipped cream, chocolate
sauce, and freshly chopped nuts.

That sounds like a sundae.

Oh, no.

Not the way Francesca makes it.

Yeah.

I use freshly chopped nuts.

That breaker's popped.

I've been having trouble
since the reno.

Someone ought to fix it.

Yeah.

Someone oughta.

Can I borrow that?

Thank you.

Jake, the breaker panel's
in the Cedar Room.

Do you mind if I go
into your room?

No, by all means.

This is highly unusual.

Hello?

Surprise!

Margo?

Who are you?

I'll just give you
the outside tour.

What's, what's happening?

I'm sorry, I thought you were
coming in tomorrow.

I was going to call you.

This is the Ralston Inn?

I know. Dad is running
a B&B now.

What's gotten into him?

I don't know, but we have
to talk about that later,

because right now,
there's a critic in there

who thinks we're all guests
and you have to play along.

We can say the truth about you
that you're my grandma.

And let everyone else
have all the fun?

Not likely.

Grandma, please don't blow it.

What, me? Blow it?

Hello, everyone!

Hi.

I'm checking in.

Margo Kovats.

How do you do?

Won't you join us for dinner?

Thank you, thank you.

Would you be a darling and
please bring in my luggage?

May I take your scarf?

I seem to be a little late
for this lovely party.

Would you please get me a drink?

Thank you.

What are you doing?

I'm just taking a...

You like taking photographs,
don't you?

I do. It helps me with
a little project of mine.

So have you been here before?

Yes.

Place was different then.

So are you staying
through Christmas.

Yes. You?

Oh no, I'm headed to Maine
to see some extended family.

Do you have family nearby?

They are very close by.

Nice, so you'll be seeing them.

Yeah.

That's great.

Well, I'll see you a little
later, okay?

You were going to make a
difference with that, I...

I know but the world's not going
to miss another Poli-Sci major.

That's exactly what you said
when you switched

from English to Sociology
to Psychology.

Okay, being undeclared
is my comfort zone.

That's ridiculous.

You're a junior, you need
to come up with a major.

I just worry about you.

Yeah, I know you do.

Something will spark.

We can't all be like you, Lucy.

I don't want you to be like me.

I want you to be you,
but happier,

with direction and stuff.

Hi.

Hey, isn't that our guest, Jake?

Oh, yeah.

You should go say hi.

No, I don't want to bug him.

Hey Jake!

Hey.

Hey.

Alright, get me a cappuccino.

Hey.

What's going on, I thought
you were on Long Hill today.

I've already been there
and back.

Just inputting a little
information.

Okay.

We're going to have a hot brunch

if you want to join us,
if you're around.

You're sure?

Yeah, you're our guest.
Sure I'm sure.

Never turned down a meal.

That soup you made last night
was really good.

Thanks.

Maybe you take after your mom.

She was such a great cook.

That's what I remember
most about her.

And every Christmas she would
make that ham dish.

That was so good.

Good morning everybody.

- Here you go.
- Thank you.

Enjoy.

Thank you.

It tastes better than it looks.

I should hope so, darling.

This is delicious.

Yeah, this is really good.

I like it.

And after brunch, I would like
to invite everybody outside

for a little Christmas
tradition.

Sounds fun.

- Hey.
- Hey, how are you?

Good, you?

I'm just going to grab
a few things.

Help yourself.

Okay, are we waiting
for Candace?

No, she said she had to run
an errand in town.

Well, that's too bad.

All right, so every Christmas,

the Ralston family likes to get
together to build a snowman.

This year, we'd like to invite
our guests to join us.

This sounds like fun.

Yeah.

Yeah, okay. Let's... let's go
build that snowman.

Snowman building it is.

Alright.

Some right here.

How long you been working
at the Ralston Inn?

Seems like my whole life.

Be careful.

Here comes the head.

Let me help you with that.

No, no, no, I got it!
Let me do it!

You OK?

No, no, no, no, no.
Let Jake help her.

Yeah!

Here let me help ya.

I got you.
OK, come on.

Alright, guys, I got it.
I'm OK-no!

Oh! Jeez!

Come on. We're going
to get you inside.

Put some ice on it.

- This is so embarrassing.
- Come on.

Get some ice on there.

Okay.

I don't know if this
is necessary.

You want it to heal?

This'll speed it up.

Okay.

Okay.

Give me your foot.

Yes sir.

It's going to be tender,
but just for a sec.

Okay. I'm sorry.

All right. My mom was a nurse,
so I picked up a thing or two.

What did your dad do?

He was career military.

Is that why they're in Germany?

Yeah. They loved it so much
they decided to stay.

How about you guys?

How long you been doing
the B&B thing?

Ah, gee. Well, it's new.

It's really new, actually.
This is my childhood house.

I grew up here.

And now it's not my home
anymore, but it's okay.

My dad is really happy, and
I'm just getting used to it.

Good for you.

Okay, you hold this on here.
I'm going to fix you some tea.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you. Here we go.

Thank you.

If you want a scarf, you should
use a real one.

You know we've got a whole box
of old winter stuff

in the closet.

You can use anything
you can find.

Yes, Mr. Ralston.

In one of the closets
in the house.

I'll go get that.
Right now.

Her temperament is the key
to her culinary success.

Dad's ancient camcorder.

Okay.

I'm not ready, I'm not ready.

Ted, what are you doing?

I just want to make sure
this camera works properly,

and I know how to use it before
the kids wake up in the morning.

Really?

You're not just looking
for a reason

to not cut up
the sweet potatoes?

That too.

Okay, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.

Amber, is your daddy a slacker?

Is he a slacker?

I haven't even done my hair
this morning.

I'll get that.

It's just me and you, kiddo.

It's just me and you.

Can I have a cr*cker?

Mommy loves you.

Mommy loves you, baby girl.

I love you so much.

Yeah.

Hi, mom.

Hey, who's out here?

What are you doing?

Oh, gosh!

What is up with you
and candy canes?

What's up with you
sneaking around?

Not so much sneaking as grabbing
some dry firewood.

Got to stay warm somehow.

Sorry, I'm sorry.
I heard a noise.

I'm sorry, I'll leave you be.

It's okay.

How's your ankle?

It's better, apparently.

See? The ice worked.

That is spectacular.

Look at that.

Yeah, it really is.

You know actually, as a teenager
I would come out here

in the middle of the night
and just do this.

Just stare at the sky
and take it all in.

Really. I used to do
the same thing.

Really?

Yeah.

Yeah, when I was a kid, I'd get
used to living in one place

and the military would have us
move to another place,

and so the stars were always...

They were always so steady
and constant for me.

Don't you travel for work now
as a geologist?

Yeah, all the time.

That's interesting.

You chose a career
that doesn't give you

what you were looking for
in the first place.

In the stars.

I never thought of it like that.

It's very philosophical.

Yeah, sorry. I'll send you
my bill.

Doctor Lucy.

Yeah, I don't know what
to say about that.

I guess it's in my blood.

What are you...

What are you looking for
on Long Hill?

Researching some iron deposits.

You know what those are?

Nope.

Nope.

It's, it's stardust.

Yeah, iron is only created
when giant stars explode.

It's in everything.

It's in mountains,
trees, you, me.

So we really are all
made of stardust.

Yes, we are.

You hear that, mama?
I'm a star.

You definitely are.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry that you have
to spend your Christmas

with some random family.

And our guests.

What are you talking about?

This has been...
this has been amazing.

It's very homey.

I was actually going to
thank you and your dad.

Well, in that case,
you're welcome.

You have siblings?

I do. I do.

I have two younger siblings.

Names?

Will and Amber.

Will and Amber.

Are they coming
for the holidays?

They're close and should be
here soon.

What about your mom?

She passed when I was 15.

I'm sorry.

Thanks. Yeah.

She was my steady and constant.

I think actually,

the stars became that for me
as well after she died.

That's beautiful.

So, military brat.

What was that like?

Military brat?

Well, I don't know about that,

more of just an all-around
brat, brat.

I was a handful.

Did you get into
a lot of trouble?

And I'm standing in the snow,
bawling my eyes out,

and suddenly I hear somebody
drive by in the distance

with the radio blaring.

And guess what song was playing?

Elvis's Blue Christmas.

Of course.

I don't know, it's just always
stuck with me.

It's made me break
into a million pieces.

I just couldn't stop laughing
for like 20 minutes.

And I think from
that point forward,

ever since I heard that song,

I just knew everything's going
to be okay.

That's a great story.

- Wow.
- Oh, god.

What time is it?

I don't know.

It's, it's pretty late,
probably.

We should probably
get some sleep.

Probably should.

Maybe?

Coffee, light cream, one sugar.

Seems your transition
from Park Ranger

to Bed and Breakfast proprietor
has been a smooth one.

Some parts smoother than others.

But now you know my story,
what's yours?

I'm retired also.

Used to teach English
at New York City college.

New York City must be
very exciting.

I think my husband liked it
more than me.

Husband?

He passed five years ago.

I'm sorry.

Thanks.

Well, he loved the city.

Me, I like it out here where
I can just really be myself.

Well, we certainly hope
you'll stay as long as you want.

In the meantime,

I have to go and get a tree
with my daughter Lucy.

So if you need anything,
please help yourself.

Thank you.

Hey, can I come brush my teeth?

Yeah, come on in.

Thanks.

I heard you were up pretty late
last night.

Who told you?

I heard you.

We were just talking.

We were.

Hey, your blog is doing really
great, huh?

200,000 followers and growing.

And you and Will are about
to go on this adventure

around the world?

Yeah, Will's really excited
about that.

Are you not?

I was, but I...

But what?

I've been thinking about
starting a... a family.

Wha...

Have you told Will
about this yet?

Not yet.

Okay.

There's no time
like the present.

I guess.

Okay, here's what I think.

My brother has always wanted
to travel.

But he loves you
more than anything.

Just talk to him.

It's going to work out.

Okay.

You look really pretty,
by the way.

I should hope so.
It's what I do.

Yeah.

You know what I mean.

Hi.

Hello.

Figured we could use some help
with the tree.

Jake graciously volunteered.

Great.

Here, let me get in the back.

No, no. Stay, stay, stay.

Okay.

Let's go get a tree.

Well?

It's lopsided.

You think?

Trust me.

Lopsided.

She knows what she wants.

Always has.

So she mentioned she used
to help a lot

with her brother and sister.

Yeah.

She had to grow up fast.

Well, some kids rebel
when that happens.

Well, the only thing
I worried about Lucy

was that she was worrying
too much about the rest of us.

Hey! What about this one?

That's a good one.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to it,
too.

Grandma, what did she say?

She's telling
them that she's staying.

Bye-bye.

My dad's going to be so...

She's going to stay, great.

Cookie?

Thank you.

Those looks great.

You're welcome.

- Special delivery.
- It's here.

It smells so good?

Where do you want this?

Just here, here.

Just in this like this little
space right here.

Okay, okay.

Cookie?

Oh, yes.

Look! It looks so good!

It's beautiful.

Isn't it?

Mr. Ralston, Beth has decided
to stay another night.

You run such a nice Inn,

I thought I would soak it in
a little more.

That is great news,
I'm glad to hear it.

I can't find the Christmas
decorations.

Thank you.

And we should decorate.
We should decorate.

You're going to have to do it
without me.

I'm not going to have time
to run into town,

set up a Santa stand,
get back, get my suit on.

Let me do it, let me help you.
I'll set up the stand.

You're playing Santa?

All the more reason why
he shouldn't be the one

to set up the stand.

I will do it, I'll take
your pickup truck,

and you can use my car
whenever you're ready.

I can take him.

Kind of like to see
you as Santa.

h*, h*, h*!

Great. It gives me more time
to decorate.

Let's do it together.

Yeah, the whole family!

Because, when you're a guest
at the Ralston Inn,

you're automatically a member
of the family.

Count me in.

Eggnog?

All right.

Yay!

Good job everybody.
It's beautiful, beautiful.

All right. I'm going
to set up your stand.

Thank you.

Need some help?

Don't you have to go over
to Long Hill?

Long Hill will be
there tomorrow.

Okay, great. Come on.

See you guys later.

Here's to one more.

This is a lot more work than
I thought it was going to be.

Yeah, apparently Santa needs
a big advance team.

Thank you for your help.

Yeah, sure.
I gotta take this.

Yeah, yeah, go ahead.

Hey, what's up?

Hey boss.

I haven't received your review
on the Ralston Inn yet.

Yeah, sorry.
I've been a little delayed.

Are you moving on
to the next one?

No, not quite yet.
I need to spend a little...

A little bit more time here.

That's not like you.

I know.

Okay, perfect. Yeah, great.
Okay, talk to you soon.

All good?

Yeah, yeah, I just got granted
access to Ore Hill in Salisbury.

Well, congratulations.

Thank you.

Hi, sweetheart.

What are you doing?

Planning Christmas dinner.

I'm missing some
ingredients though.

What's gotten into you?

I just want it to be perfect.

You have really embraced
the chef's role.

Yes, I have.

Remember this?

That was your
mother's favourite.

h*, h*, h*.

Make yourself comfortable there.

That's good.

That's got an interesting
flavour to it.

Mr. Donahue's finest.

Lucy, how are you doing?

Merry Christmas,
Mr. Bishop.

Hi. Rick, this is Jake.

Rick Bishop runs the Pinewood
Cottage Inn.

Nice to meet you.
How you doing?

Good, thank you.

Are you going to meet your
brother and sister?

I haven't seen them in town.

No, they're-they're
coming later.

Big surprises with your dad
converting the house into a B&B?

Yeah.

I mean, how's he doing that?
He must be short staffed.

No, he's great.
Everything's great.

Actually, I was just going
to show Jake around,

but I'd love to talk with you
later okay?

OK. Have a great one. Bye.

Nice to meet you.

Down that alley and around
the corner

is the old Pinewood
Train Station,

and the whole interior
is made out of...

Let me guess. Pine.

How could you possibly
have known?

And then down this road
a little ways

is the Pinewood Pine Museum.

- More pine.
- More pine.

And then over here is,

they've got the world's
largest selection of pine...

Let me guess.
Pine scented products.

Yes. How did you know?

Pine scentral, get it?

Because it's central.

h*, h*, h*.

Looks like you need a hand.

I think I need two smaller ones.

You know, I'm...

I'm a little nervous
about playing Santa.

Really?

Yeah.

You're so kind and generous
and jovial.

You sure you're not
the real deal?

Well, now let's do something
about Santa's stomach.

Let's try this.

Here we go.

Okay.

Make some room.

This looks great.

Suddenly, visions of sugarplums
are dancing in my head.

Five o'clock, better get going.

Right.

Okay, that's the town tour.

That's great.
I love the...

Well, well, well!

Oh, my gosh.
You look great!

I had some help
from my elf here.

This is such a quaint
little town.

It is, isn't it?

This looks fantastic, Luce.

You did a great job.

Thank you.

I did have a little help.

I had some help from my elf.

What am I, chopped liver
over here?

I wanted to ask you.

Where could I get
some stationery?

I got you covered.

Pine scented or regular?

I have a choice?

Inside joke.
Come on.

OK.

I'll show you.

So.

What do you think?

h*, h*, h*.

As a branding professional,

I have to say this is
the epitome of Christmas.

Thank you.

So, what do you want
for Christmas, young lady?

I would like to save
our family home.

You know, fathers are supposed
to set an example

for their kids.

Look at what I've got
my kids doing.

All for a good review.

It's okay.

We're all having fun.

No one's getting hurt.

You're the most honest
man I know,

and as a father
and an innkeeper,

you deserve five stars.

And there's no deception
in that.

Thanks.

Wait, what about us?

You can't go.

Why do we have to miss
the Christmas festival?

Because, Mr. Clayton Warner,

if somebody in town recognizes
you as Will Ralston,

Bea Turner's going to be there
and the jig is up.

I was really looking forward
to the festival.

I'm sorry, grandpa.

Why don't we just try
and stay away from her?

No. It's a really small town.
There's too much at stake.

Please.

Do we have
an understanding?

Skootch it over,
skootch it over.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

Do you want to talk?

Not now.
I'm just a little tired.

Do you know
what'd lift your spirits?

The Christmas festival.

But Lucy said no.

I love my sister,
but she can be a control freak.

I really want to go.

You would?

I think we can keep
a low profile.

Where are you going?

I... I have to...

You want me to wait five minutes
for you to make up something?

Or do you want to tell me
the truth?

The truth is,

I don't know how many more
Christmas festivals I have left.

And...

I don't want to miss this one.

Well.

Someone responsible is going
to have to keep an eye on you.

Okay.

h*, h*, h*, Merry Christmas.

What's your name little girl?

Sophia.

Sophia, have you been
a good girl this year?

Yes.

I'll take that as a no.

h*, h*, h*.

No, no, no, no, no!

Hi, Mr. Bishop.
How's it going again.

Hey, I heard a rumour
that Bea Turner is in town.

Yeah, I heard that too.

Uh-oh.

Why uh-oh?

Isn't that your sister
Amber over there?

That really looks
like her, doesn't it?

No, she's not home.

But Bea Turner.

You know, her last review
is from Milford.

No kidding.
So it's true.

She's in the area.

I wonder if she's going
to your place.

Bye.

Bye!

I'll be right back.

She's going to find out,
and she's angry.

I know, but it's all
going to be...

What are you guys doing here?

You know, just keeping
a low profile.

Come on. You're not.

Because Rick Bishop
almost saw you

and he's standing near Bea.

Where'd he run off to?

He think that Bea's going
to his place. It doesn't matter.

You guys, please.

Will, I know this is not how you
want to spend your Christmas,

but I'm begging you to go home.

She's right, Will.
Let's go.

Thank you, Suzanne.

- I'm sorry.
- Fine.

Thank you. Sorry.

Where's Amber?

Hey.

Hi.

Did I just hear you call them
Will and Suzanne?

Them?

I don't want to lie to you.

Listen, Beth isn't Beth.
She's Bea Turner.

She's a Bed and Breakfast
critic.

And she's incognito.

Really?

Yeah.

So her review can make
or break my dad's place,

and I didn't want the Ralston
Inn to seem

like it was empty
and staff-less.

Have you heard of her?

No.

Well, anyway.

Clayton isn't Clayton.
He's my brother Will,

and Candace Lebeau
is his wife, Suzanne.

And chef Francesca
is my sister, Amber.

And Margo?

My grandmother.

And Mr. Walters?

My grandpa.

That makes a lot of sense now.

Does it?

Yeah.

And I hate to do this, but

now I have to ask you to not
tell my family that you know,

and please play along.

I'm sorry. Please.

That depends.
Are you actually Lucy?

I am.

Just as I thought,
I'm out of star anise.

But I need it for a recipe.

Maybe you can substitute
for something else.

No, I can't.

It's a special recipe.

I'm sorry, Amber.

Hang on.

What are you doing?

I add star anise to my cocoa.

There's not much left.

But it's enough.

Can I buy it from you?

No. But I can give it
to you.

Thank you, Mr. Donahue.

Merry Christmas.

There's so many lovely gifts
and sweets.

I know, are you going
to pick anything up?

Well you know, my cousins
love holiday fruitcake.

Where can I get that?

Actually right here,
Mr. Donahue's...

But he's closed, so
the next place that sells

good fruitcake is...

There on the corner of...

Okay. Hey, Margo, hi!

Hi Margo, what a surprise.

Yes, well darling.

I thought I'd stretch my legs
a little in town.

You headed back now?

I will, as soon as I find
Mr. Walters.

He's here too?

With me.

But when I turned, he was gone.

We'll probably run into him.

Help me.

Here let me help you find him.

Let's go.

Why don't we relax in here?

Okay.

Okay everyone, the moment
that you've been waiting for.

The winner of our ugliest
Christmas sweater ever contest is...

Walter!

Hey Walter,

There you go!

Merry Christmas, Walter.
Merry Christmas.

- That was too funny.
- Oh, my gosh.

We couldn't find him anywhere.

- We did.
- He was in the contest.

He must fancy himself a showman.

Hey, Beth, come and join us.

Thank you, Mr. Claus.

Are you going to talk to me?

Yeah, I'm just trying to figure
out how to tell you.

Tell me what?

I'm pregnant.

And I know you want to travel
the world, and I do too.

But I want to start a family.

You're pregnant?

And I couldn't be happier.

And now I'm going to go be happy
in the bathroom.

You have a very beautiful voice.

Thanks.

You don't sing?

No Christmas carolling for you?

No, no, no, no.

Why?

No, I do not like to sing.
Especially not in public.

What if there's like,
30 other people doing it?

You want 30 people to leave?

I do not like drawing
attention to myself.

Well, I hate to tell ya,
with a face like that

you're drawing attention
everywhere you go.

Excuse me, you trying
to tell me something?

Nothing you don't already know.

Oh, yeah?

Might this happiness be tied
to a certain handsome guest?

Maybe.

Grandma, he travels
for a living.

There's no future in that,
right?

When your mom first started
dating your father,

he was an unemployed history
major living in a camper.

I told her, there's no stability
in that man.

Grandma!

My point is,
people surprise you.

You should follow your heart.

It worked for your mom.

What are you going to tell
your guests

when they ask you
why I am doing this with you?

Oh, well, we'll just tell them

I'm helping you wrap gifts
for your royal family.

Dad runs a full service B&B.

Careful dad,
lift with your legs.

Hey.

Here.

I was the one that taught
you that.

You were, you're right.
Sorry.

I could tell you had fun
last night.

I did.

I don't think I've seen you
that happy

in a woman's company since...

Annie.

You're right.

So you going to do
something about it?

She's a big time writer
with her website, and...

I haven't exactly been truthful
with her.

Well, yep.
That's got to change.

You're right.

Remember what I told you when
you first started seeing Annie?

Yeah.

Say it.

When it comes to love,
reach for the stars.

Life and love, son.

You got to reach for it.

Oh dear.

Oh dear.

What are you reading?

A "what to expect when
you're pregnant" article.

What are you...

It is my turn to talk.

Okay.

Yes, I wasn't expecting this.

Yes, I want to travel the world

and yes, I want to live
an unconventional life.

Well, I guess I don't need
an article.

You're laying it all out for me.

But what I want most in
this life is a great adventure.

And I can think of
no greater adventure

than having a baby with you.

- Really?
- Really.

Who says we have to do it
like the rest of the world.

We'll do it our way.

Yeah.

Our world didn't get smaller,
it just got a lot bigger.

And it's going to be fantastic.

- Hi.
- Hi.

Is taffy almost ready?

Yeah, almost.

I haven't seen this box in ages.

I know, I missed it.

Oh, my gosh, do you
remember that?

Yes.

Look at the peanut butter
and jelly grilled cheese.

That was my favourite.

What else smells good?

You're cooking something else,
what is it?

- Yeah.
- It smells so good.

Yeah, I'm prepping
Christmas dinner.

Okay.

Do you want to go get Jake?
I'm almost done with the taffy.

Yes.

Okay.

Well, it's a shame that
you're leaving, Beth.

We certainly have enjoyed
your company.

It's been so nice.

These peppermint snowball
cookies that Francesca made

are so good.

Yes they are.

Mr. Ralston.

Have you heard the news
that Beth is departing?

Really?

I've had such a great time.

I wish I didn't have to go.

Well, you can't go
before the taffy.

Chef Francesca has it
all ready, so...

Hello?

Hello, can I come in?

Yeah. Of course.

- Hi.
- Hi.

You're been holed up here
for a while.

Yeah, I'm just getting
some work done.

Getting those pressing deadlines
out of the way.

A lot of work.

Well, taffy's ready,
and taffy can't wait.

So come on!

So this butter is
for your fingertips

so that the taffy doesn't stick
to your fingers.

That's it.

So I'm going to pass
this around.

Okay.

Now, with your partner...

There you go.

Grab the taffy, like so.

You share this
with your partner,

then you stretch
from the center,

fold it over,
and pull the taffy,

pull it to the middle,
getting the air into the taffy.

And that, ladies and gentlemen,
is how you pull taffy.

Let's get to it.

All right!

What happened?

Breaker again.

I'll go flip the switch.

Here, do you mind if
I go in your room?

Yes, absolutely.

Lucy.

Please be fair when
you write your review.

Lucy, I'm sorry.

I don't even know what
to say right now,

because I don't want to
jeopardize my father's review

anymore than I already have.

What if I tell you that anything
you say to me right now

is not going to have any bearing
on the review?

I told you I thought Beth
was Bea Turner

and you didn't correct me.

You just let me continue
to think that.

Why? Why weren't you honest
with me?

Honest?

You mean like, how you were
with this whole charade?

That's... that's not
the same.

I'm trying to save
my family home here.

You knew the whole truth
and you kept it from me.

Trust me, I wanted to tell you.

But you didn't.

You told me you were
a geologist,

and then you kissed me
under false pretences.

That's not fair.
That is not fair.

I mean, maybe you're used
to lying wherever that you go,

but I'm not.

Writing reviews for B&Bs
is my livelihood.

I can't get a proper bearing on
a place if they know who I am.

But you jeopardized your ability
to get a proper reading

on this place because
you got involved with me.

I didn't plan on getting
involved with you.

But you did.

Yes, I did.

You're right.

But I still got a job to do.

So do I just check out now?

I don't know, moving on
is in your blood, right?

So you all thought
I was Bea Turner?

You were taking
so many photographs.

So why all the pictures?

Well, I'm doing a remodel

and I love what you've done
with this place.

So you were just getting ideas?

Yeah.

I should take it
as a compliment.

Well, you should.
You have a good eye.

I wonder if Jake will give us
a one-star review.

We don't know that he's going
to trash this place.

Well we tried fooling him into
thinking we're people we're not,

and he fell for Lucy
who kicked him to the curb.

I didn't kick him to the curb.

He said he was going to leave
and I didn't stop him.

Well, at least now we can stop
all the deception.

Amber.

Well, it was fun
while it lasted.

It certainly was, darling.

What's going on?

I haven't been able
to figure out

what I want to do with my life.

I know.

Something will come to you.

It has...

Culinary school.

Culinary school?

What do you think?

Well, the food you've made
has been fantastic.

I feel a real connection
to cooking.

Like mom.

Yeah.

Yeah, like mom.

I want you to follow your dream.

And if your dream is to be
chef Amber,

then I am all for it.

Thanks, dad.

I'm proud of you, kiddo.

And I always will be.

So there you are.

How's Amber?

Amber, she's great.

How are you?

I'm sorry, dad.

For what?

You might lose the house.

Sweetheart, I'll be fine.

I hope I didn't mess things
up for you.

I really hope I didn't mess
things up for you.

What do you mean?

You and Jake.

You two seem to have clicked.

Dad, that whole thing
was built on a lie.

I don't even know how much
of that was real.

Yeah, well, that's not
what I saw.

And as a very wise man
once told me, life and love,

you gotta reach for it.

If I were a critic, I would
give rave reviews

to this beautiful Inn
and your wonderful service.

Well to be honest, I'm rather
glad you're not a critic.

Why?

Because it would seem a little
odd to ask a critic

to be our guest for
a little while longer.

My cousins are expecting
me in Maine.

They have the same old,
same old Christmas.

I can't disappoint.

My cousins aren't half as
entertaining as your family.

But it's just
your family here now.

Wouldn't that be odd?

Beth, I...

I think I misspoke
when I said "our guest."

I meant, I'd like you
to stay as my guest.

And I wasn't fussing over you

because I thought
you were Bea Turner.

I like you and I'd like to get
to know you more.

Can I use your phone?

I still don't have
reception here.

Sure, come on in.

Hey bam-bam.

Hey woozy, where are you?

I'm in town, just wandering.

Listen, my friend who works
at the Pinewood Cottage Inn

said Jake checked in last night.

He's still here?

Yeah, well, what are you going
to do about it?

Mr. Donahue, did you get
a new shipment

of those sassafras candy canes.

I sure did.

Now you can have your pick.

Great. I'll take them all.

Now don't eat those all at once.

They're not for me.

Thank you!

I have to pay you.

Actually, can you just
put it on our tab?

Bye!

You don't have a tab.

You want to help me out here?

I'm totally out of
my comfort zone, okay?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry too.

I'll have to check.

That weekend is filling up.

"A once-in-a-lifetime
experience."

"When you stay
at the Ralston Inn,

"you become a family
member!"

"The food is extraordinary."

"The decor first class."

"With warm and unique
characters."

You must be
talking about me, right?

Obviously.

With a five-star review,

I'm going to have to hire
more staff.

I'm available.

All the presents are out
from under the tree.

Hey, hey, hey.

Are we going to open up
the rest of this stuff?

What does this say?

To Beth from somebody named Ted.

What? When did you
sneak out for this?

That's beautiful.

What do we have here?

You didn't?

It's not much.

This is perfect.
I love it.

You can stop taking pictures.

Here you go.

What's this?

A gift certificate.

Dinner for two of schnitzel.

From the Pinewood Cottage Inn.

I hope they have bratwurst too.

Thanks, dad.

I love you, bam-bam.

This was tucked away.

For me?

Just a little last minute
something.

You know the way
to a man's heart, sassafras.

Home sweet home.

Dad...

I saved it from the Reno.

You're going to make me cry.

Thank you so much.

I love you.

I love it.

And I do love our new home.

Merry Christmas!

What?

I knew it!

Yes!

Really?

That's great!

Congratulations!

That is great news!
Congratulations!

Come here.

Congratulations.

I'll tell you what,

if I knew Amber could cook
like this, I would...

Yeah, you did all this?

Certainly beats what
my cousins serve.

You guys ready
for the main dish?

- Yeah.
- Yes.

Oh, please, bring it.

Star anise and orange
glazed ham.

That's exactly what mom used
to make for Christmas dinner.

I know. It's her recipe.

Your mother would be so proud.

Everyone, I just want
to say thank you to you

and your alter egos...

...for having me here
this Christmas.

It is so special

and truly one of the most
memorable that I've ever had.

I'd like to make a toast.

To those who are gone,
to those who are here,

and to those who are on the way.

This will always be home.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, grandpa!