Christmas Lover's Anonymous (2021)

[bunniefuu]

I thought you and Mark

were havin' lunch today.

He said he had to go to work.

He's working on a Saturday?

Maybe.

Or maybe he's shopping

for a special gift.

We've been dating

three years now.

And you think

he's gonna propose?

Well he said he had to

talk to me after Christmas

and he's been acting really

weird lately, so maybe.

Oh.

You're not excited for me?

Of course, but

you guys are just so

different.

I know he doesn't

love Christmas.

But you know what they

say, "Opposites attract."

They you say that about

accent walls and other-

- Mark.

- Speak of the Mark.

- Hey.

Hey, just wonderin' if you

wanted to go to dinner tonight.

Oh, I'd love to.

But Lindsey and I are

decorating, remember?

I thought you were

gonna come over.

We could order takeout.

All right, you know

I hate decorating.

That's why you decorated

my place for me.

What about tomorrow night?

Tomorrow, tomorrow.

Well I've gotta go and

collect and wrap the gifts

for the toy drive and

help decorate Main Street,

collect the ornaments for the

neighborhood gift exchange

and then bake cookies

for the bake sale.

I thought you were gonna

come over and help.

I'd just get in the way.

What about Monday night?

We promised to decorate

for the fundraiser.

No, you promised.

How about Tuesday night?

What's going on?

You're still taking me to the

fundraiser on Friday, right?

Look, I was just hoping

to have some alone time.

Oh, okay.

We can have dinner, just

the two of us on Tuesday.

Okay, I'll see you then.

Okay.

Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday.

I think it's Tuesday.

I think it's gonna be Tuesday.

Tuesday.

Have you heard anything about

the manuscript you submitted?

Oh, I got the latest

rejection letter last week.

Keep trying.

Why don't you write

about Christmas?

I do love Christmas.

Almost obsessively.

You do too much, Kat.

Aw, do not.

Mom told me you

volunteered to bake

for the bake sale again.

Well you know me, any

excuse to decorate cookies.

She said you joined the

city planning committee

to help with

Christmas decorations.

Well they needed the help.

And you've committed

to the toy drive again.

Imagine those children's faces

when they open their gifts.

Aren't you already in charge

of their Christmas fundraiser?

Well it's for the kids.

Don't you remember the magic

of being a child on

Christmas morning?

I don't want any kid

to miss out on that.

I get it,

but I worry that you're

jeopardizing your own Christmas.

Christmas is a time of giving.

But you give

way too much, Kat.

I can't say no if

someone needs my help.

That's your fatal

flaw, you can't say no.

I can so.

Remember when you

tried to get out

of our neighborhood

ornament exchange?

That was different.

And now you're doing

all the collecting

and distribution for them.

Exactly my point.

'Kay.

Well I guess I feel like

I'm Santa's little helper.

An overly-caffeinated

one who can't say no.

Ooh, a peppermint

mocha with whipped cream

and a candy cane sounds

great right about now.

Hmm?

Hmm?

Hmm, hmm, hmm?

I know what you're doing.

But I can't say no to that.

Oh, wait 'til you see my dress

for the Christmas fundraiser.

I got the seamstress

to make Mark

a matching bow tie and vest.

For Mark.

I'm sure he's gonna love that.

Oh, you made it.

Oh, I'm so glad you're here.

- So am I.

- Come in, come in.

It's cold.

Yes, it is cold.

Want me to take this?

Thanks. I'm glad to be here.

All right.

Where is she?

Uncle Hunter.

Hey.

Oh my Lord.

What'd you eat?

I don't know.

- Rocks?

- No.

- Iron.

- Mm-mmm.

- Yes.

- No.

Okay.

How'd you get so heavy?

There she is, my favorite niece.

Your only niece.

Yes, you're gettin' so big.

I'm 10 now.

Whoa.

You are so old.

I should've brought

you a walking cane.

But instead, I brought you that.

Thanks.

Oh, I got you somethin' else.

There you go.

Thanks, Uncle Hunter.

How about you get

ready for bed, sweetie?

She's not in the

baby dolls anymore.

Not really.

I tried.

Thanks.

You hungry?

Starving.

Yes.

Come on, let's feed you.

Are you sure you're

gonna be okay living here

and working for our

tiny TV news station

when you're so used

to the Big Apple?

Hey, Rainbow has its charm.

Besides, I wanna be here

for you and Charlotte.

You know, I'm sorry he left.

It's okay.

It's tough, but

we'll get through it

especially with you here.

Thank you.

Love you.

Thank you.

Okay.

That's great.

Oh, looks like it's leanin'

a little bit to the left.

No.

It looks straight to me.

I'm just kidding.

It looks fine.

But the ribbon should be

on top, don't you think?

What? No.

The bow always

goes at the bottom.

You're messing with me again.

Okay, got it.

Do you mind?

Well I heard they have

the best cookies in town,

but I didn't realize

it was so tough

to get through the door.

Oh, pardon me.

The door, kind sir.

Thank you.

Hope the door doesn't

hit you on the way in.

You said you

wanted to talk to me?

Hey, thanks for decorating

and you didn't have to do

that on your lunch hour.

It's my pleasure.

Just a reminder: I need

to leave early today

to collect donations

for the toy drive,

but I'm gonna come in early

tomorrow to make up for it.

Actually, I need to talk

to you about something.

Sure.

I need you to go to New

Mexico for a new account.

But we're weeks

away from Christmas.

I'm in charge of a

fundraiser this Friday

and then I need to

deliver toys on Saturday.

I volunteered to be Mrs. Claus.

There has to be someone

else who can do it.

Can you ask around?

Please?

Don't worry.

I'll find someone.

Wonderful.

Listen, kiddo.

I gotta let you go.

You're firing me?

But I've been here five years.

Right before Christmas?

Katrina, you're a hard

worker and extremely talented.

But every Christmas,

you get busier.

You're here, but clearly

your mind is elsewhere.

He fired me.

Yeah.

Well maybe

this'll give you time

to work on your books.

You know what?

Have you heard of income?

I need it.

Maybe you can freelance

or even check out

the local paper

and see if they need some help.

Maybe.

This day could

not get any worse.

Hey, I'm sorry about your job.

Thanks, but I'm

not complaining.

We finally get some

alone time together

and I made some extra

cookies just for you.

Now don't lemme forget.

Before you leave, I've gotta

give you a bow tie and vest

that you're wearing

for the fundraiser.

About that.

And we need to be ready

to leave at 6:00 sharp.

The party doesn't

start 'til 7:00.

I know, but we can't be late.

Look, Kat.

I just want everything

to be perfect.

I know you always want

everything to be perfect.

But-

But what?

I can't do this anymore.

What are you saying?

Kat, you love Christmas

and that's great for you,

but I am so tired of

hearing Christmas songs

two months before Christmas.

Christmas is the most

wonderful time of the year.

But you take it to an extreme.

You send cards to

over 100 people

you haven't seen in years.

Well that's why I send

them, to keep in touch.

And then there's

no time for me.

Us.

And I wanna spend

more time together.

Sometimes you don't like doing

things that I love to do.

You're right.

We're too different.

This is never gonna work.

That's not what I meant.

Katrina, I wanted to

wait 'til after Christmas,

but I can't.

I need a break.

Oh.

Okay.

Well you don't have to come

to the parties this weekend.

No, no.

I need a break from

this, from us, from you.

But I thought you

were gonna propose.

What?

No.

I should go.

No!

No!

Can't believe he broke up

with you before Christmas.

I don't know if I'm more upset

about Mark breaking up with me

or me breaking

Grandpa Marks' Santa.

Why don't we go

grab some pizza?

I'm too depressed

to leave the house.

Okay, it's a girls' night in.

Want some hot cocoa?

I can order some food

while we watch a nice

romantic Christmas movie, hmm?

Yeah.

Let's watch what

I will never have.

Okay, no movie.

Hot cocoa comin' up.

Another rejection.

Another rejection.

Figures!

"Things will get better,"

isn't that what you always say?

No, I never said that.

Nothing gets better ever.

Why don't you write

something about Christmas?

It might cheer you up.

I'll write something

about Christmas all right.

I'll write something

about Christmas.

I'll leave this

right here for you.

"Just say no to Santa.

Just

say no

to h*,

h*,

"h*."

Maybe we should

put on a movie.

"Pressure of relationships."

This is interesting.

Not what I expected

but very entertaining,

especially coming from you.

Yeah, it was very therapeutic.

You know, you're probably

not the only person

who's felt stressed out

during the holidays.

I'm not stressed.

I'm just sad.

Are you goin'

to the parties this weekend?

I'm going

back to bed.

You should try to

get this published.

I'm goin' to work now.

Catch up with you later.

Well viewers,

today we have the author of

"Just Say No to h* h* h*"

Katrina Marks.

Welcome, Katrina.

Hi.

So I hear that you

are a journalist.

Yes, I work for a small

paper in Greenbough.

So what made you decide

to write this book?

Well last year,

I tried to have the

perfect Christmas.

But when things

went terribly wrong,

I realized that I was so focused

on the stuff of Christmas

and not the true

meaning of the holiday.

Well yes.

I read the book and

what I understood is

that we should not

really feel obligated

to write down a checklist

durin' the holiday.

Right. Exactly.

So does that mean that this

year you will not be doin'

any of the usual traditional

Christmas things?

No.

I mean

yes.

Yes.

I refuse to worry

about making sure

I've got the perfect gifts

or the perfect decorations

or the perfect outfit or

even the perfect date.

I'm not gonna run

myself ragged anymore

tryin' to be involved in every

fundraiser or losing sleep

to make sure I've got everything

done in time for Christmas.

So

Yes, I won't be

doing it this year.

Well hey, that's enough said.

Ms. Katrina Marks is not

celebrating Christmas this year,

so don't expect

a gift or a card.

But check out her book

"Just Say No to h* h* h*".

This is so exciting.

You're a published author.

What have I done?

The publisher said your

sales went through the roof

after that interview.

Aren't you excited?

I don't know.

The advanced payment

plus the money from the book

sales can't hurt, right?

Katrina, this should

open doors for you.

People are loving the book.

It's a hit.

But what if I wanna decorate?

We can still decorate.

But we'll keep the

windows covered,

the doors shut and

not have anyone over.

Of course this means

you'll have to do

all your shopping online.

And if you do go out for

anything Christmas related,

you'll have to wear a disguise.

Think of it as a covert mission.

This is a lot to take in.

You can still go

wild with decorations

in both of our rooms.

This is exciting.

The book is a bestseller.

My sister's a famous publisher.

You don't need

any more coffee.

Cocoa, good idea.

There's a thinker.

Questions on assignments?

Hey April, did you do

somethin' new with your hair?

Looks great.

Thanks, but I still

don't forgive you

for stealin' that tip

about the pipeline.

'Kay.

Hey boss.

What'd you think of my idea?

Well you really love the

David and Goliath stories,

don't you?

You know, is there

a problem with that?

No, but we're a small outlet.

We need to stick

with local stories.

Speaking of, this

book just came out.

I want you to do a story

on the book and the author.

Now she's a local and

works on the other side

in the paper division.

"Just say no to

feeling obligated

to decorate for the holidays.

It just makes you

feel more depressed

"when you have to clean

up the mess after."

I'm gonna just say no to

reporting on this book.

Okay, I'll give

the story to April.

Fine. I'll do it.

Well if I can't celebrate

Christmas publicly,

there must be a way I can

celebrate anonymously.

"Profile name:"

Santa's Little Helper.

"About me."

About me.

I love Christmas.

If I could celebrate

Christmas every day, I would.

I have an extensive

Santa collection.

There you go.

I'm glad you're goin' with

us to get our tree tomorrow.

Oh, I wouldn't miss

it for the world.

Hey you know,

I know we didn't do much

last year for Christmas.

But this year we

are gonna go all out

and make it the

best Christmas ever.

Yay!

I'll do this.

All right.

"Christmas activities for people"

who want to go all

out for Christmas:

baked goods, building

a gingerbread house,

"Christmas stuff around town."

Wow, this site is a

goldmine of information.

"Profile name:"

Jolly Soul.

I learned from

a young age to be nice,

not just because I thought

I'd get gifts from Santa

but because even

back then I knew

that what you put into the

world comes back to you.

I definitely believe

what goes around comes around.

I'm curious about your

extensive Santa collection.

What can I say?

I love Santa.

I think it's because

my favorite grandfather

would only visit at Christmas.

And when I was seven, he

gave me my first Santa.

The whole idea of

a magical being

who'll give you what

you want if you're good

has always intrigued me.

That's sweet

and you would have to be pretty

grumpy to not love Santa.

I'm curious.

Why did you pick

the name Jolly Soul?

I like to

laugh and joke around.

I'm actually on this

forum for my niece.

I have no idea what to

do for her for Christmas

and I wanna make it extra

special for her this year.

Last Christmas was tough on her.

I'm sorry to hear that.

It's a long story.

But basically, I need help.

Well you've

come to the right place.

Though ice skating

is always fun,

there's baking and

decorating Christmas cookies,

making ornaments, getting and

decorating a tree, sledding.

Wow.

She knows a lot about Christmas.

Those are great ideas.

Thanks.

Sure.

You know where to reach me.

Will do.

Have a merry Christmas.

That was fun.

This isn't gonna be fun.

"The competitiveness

of Christmas."

All right.

We compete with others

to have the prettiest

decorations,

the best gingerbread house

and even the perfect partner

to take to all our

Christmas events.

What's my angle on this story?

Oh.

I got you.

Careful, it's a little slippery.

This isn't a good idea.

I can't help myself.

I could've picked

out our tree.

We all have to

help pick it out.

We better make

this quick then.

Okay.

You pick out the tree.

Okay.

She's excited.

Oh, who gave you that idea?

This is it.

Great.

I'll go find my salesperson.

Excuse me.

Ow.

Uncle Hunter,

I found our tree.

Right.

Who did that?

Lemme see it.

We want this tree.

Wow, you picked a good one.

Okay, take this up to the front

and I'll have it ready for

you in about 20 minutes.

Thank you so much.

Great.

Now let's get outta here

before anyone recognizes you.

No one is gonna recognize me.

You don't know that.

They will know you.

I read your book.

Where do I know her from?

She's a fraud.

What are you talking about?

I just saw this writer down

at the Christmas tree lot.

But in her book, she says no

to decorating for Christmas.

Okay, but she just got hired

to do a column in our

newspaper division.

I don't like when people

pretend to be

somethin' they're not.

I wanna expose her.

This could be a great story.

I'm all over it.

Hey, can I help you?

Yeah. Hunter

Williams, Channel 20.

I'm here to interview Chief

Cody about the new station.

He's actually in

another interview

with that nice lady from

the Greenbough Times.

What?

How many trucks do you

have at this station?

Eight, I think.

- Eight.

- Hi.

Hi. Hunter Williams, Channel 20.

We had that interview

scheduled at 1:00.

Oh yeah, I was just

talkin' to Katrina here

from the Times.

Yeah, we were

just wrapping up.

It's been a pleasure

talking to you, Chief.

Thank you so much for your time.

I got everything I need.

You're welcome.

Hudson Fire and Rescue.

Emergency.

Oh, we gotta go.

Can we make this up?

- Yes.

- Cat on a tree.

There are high-voltage

power lines in the area.

Probably for the best.

Your button's undone.

I'm just messing with you.

I found a skating rink.

I wish I could go skating.

Fun.

Fun.

It's a nice

little outdoor skating rink

in Hudson.

No way.

Hudson.

Yeah, that's close

to where I live in Greenbough.

I live in Greenbough.

What?

Really?

Wow.

What a small world.

Have you put up your tree yet?

Yeah.

Yeah, we went there

opening day and got a tree.

Really?

I was there too.

She's everywhere.

Maybe we saw each other.

Yeah.

Hey, any ideas for

my niece's Christmas gifts?

Well I do

this thing for my sister

that I call the 12

gifts of Christmas.

Starting December 12th,

I give her gift a day

leading up to Christmas.

It's become a tradition.

They're not expensive gifts.

Just little things like

lotion, jewelry, makeup.

Girls your niece's age would

probably love lip gloss,

hair ties, definitely

a pair of fuzzy socks.

Ooh, fuzzy socks.

Good to know.

Maybe I'll get my

sister a pair too.

Well I better call it.

Busy day tomorrow.

Me too.

Me too.

Take care.

Do I have to do

the book signing?

It's good for sales.

And the more books sold,

the more likely you'll

get another book deal.

I guess you're right.

It's the station.

Answer it.

Hello?

Yes, this is Katrina Marks.

A story for Channel 20.

A reporter will be

at the book signing?

Uh-huh.

Okay.

Sure.

Bye.

Ooh.

I just hope they send April.

You got this.

Do I look okay?

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Mark.

What are you doing here?

And now that you're not

so busy with Christmas,

maybe we could go to dinner.

Oh.

I don't know, Mark.

I should be getting back

to the book signing.

You know, picks up around lunch.

Well you see, it gets

busier around lunch.

I have a book

that needs signing.

Yes.

Please.

I'll call you.

Who was that guy?

No one important.

So he sent you instead of April.

Yup.

Hunter Williams.

It's nice to meet you again.

I was thinking after

the book signing,

we could start part

one of your interview.

Part one?

Yeah, I wanna do a two-part

story on you and your book.

Is that really necessary?

Of course.

You have such a

unique viewpoint.

I wanna know all about it

so I can portray you

in the proper light.

We can meet at the skating rink.

There's bleachers out front.

- Well-

- Well unless it's easier

to meet at your house.

No.

Skating rink is fine.

Okay.

In two hours?

See ya then.

Thank you.

Where is he?

Hey.

That's Joe, my cameraman.

We'll do a quick

interview on camera.

And then later, we'll schedule

set up our one-on-one time.

Okay.

Don't be nervous.

Just be your honest self, 'kay?

All right.

Hunter Williams here with

local superstar Katrina Marks

who is the author of

"Just Say No to h* h* h*",

offerin' a unique

perspective on Christmas.

So what was your

inspiration for the story?

Well I used to go

all out for Christmas.

Some might say I was

obsessive about it.

But last year, that

all came crashing down.

My boyfriend dumped me,

I lost my job

and I broke something

very sentimental to me.

Sounds like an

unfortunate Christmas

or country music

or a country music song.

It was then when I realized

that I was putting way too

much pressure on myself

and I thought maybe,

maybe there were others out

there that did the same.

And this book is

about freeing yourself

from the guilt and the

pressure of the holidays.

In your book,

you said that you are done

decorating for Christmas,

that people shouldn't feel

obligated to decorate.

Well for one, decorating

can be expensive

and it's a lot of work.

No one wants to take all

of those decorations down

at the end of the season.

And then there's the

issue of storage.

I mean where do you store

all this stuff you use

once a year?

Decorating can remind us

of the beauty of Christmas.

It could be a fun

bonding moment.

Yes, but the holidays

aren't always a happy time

for some people

and they don't wanna be

pressured into decorating.

This book gives them

permission to just say no

without feeling like a Scrooge.

So I take it

you didn't put up your

Christmas tree this year.

The point of my book

is that it's okay to

say no to Christmas,

the activities and obligations.

Could be quite freeing.

Well you heard it here, folks,

straight from the

author's mouth.

Free yourself from the

responsibilities of Christmas.

We got it.

That's it.

I'd like to set up

our next appointment.

Excuse me.

Hey.

Okay, yup.

I have to go.

I'll be in touch about

our next meeting, 'kay?

All right.

Ready to skate?

Hey.

How's it goin'?

Uncle Hunter.

Hey, got the skate.

How'd it go?

Terrible.

Another reporter.

I mean I don't know him well,

but he works with April and

I bumped into him last year.

There was sort of a spark.

But I don't think he

remembers me though.

He's a bit of a jerk.

How so?

I feel like he's

onto me, you know?

Like he's waitin' for me

to slip up or something.

You're just being paranoid.

Maybe.

Oh.

And you're never gonna guess

who came to the book signing.

Mark.

He did?

Why?

Wants to go to dinner.

You're not going

out with him, are you?

Absolutely not.

Although if I can't go

to any Christmas parties

or go shopping.

I'm just joking.

Don't worry.

Yeah, I'm great at that.

This 12 gifts of

Christmas idea is great.

My niece loves it.

Oh good.

I'm actually wrapping

presents right now.

Oh.

Me too.

You said last

year was tough on her.

My sister's husband

just up and left last

year before Christmas.

Wow.

That's terrible.

I'm so sorry.

I knew my

sister really needed me

and she didn't wanna

uproot my niece,

so I moved to be here with them.

That's terrible.

That was nice of you to

uproot your life for family.

Aww.

It's part of my sibling duties.

Family means everything to me.

I feel exactly the same.

I don't know what I'd

do without my sister.

She's my best friend.

And I wanna prove to them

that not all men are jerks.

Now you have your

sister and niece close by

and

possibly

a significant other to share

the holidays with.

No girlfriend

or significant other.

I did have a girlfriend

before I moved here,

but she wanted no

part of Greenbough.

Oh.

That's awful she didn't

wanna come with you.

She's a city girl.

Well what about you?

Do you have a

boyfriend, husband?

N-O.

No.

I'm a little too busy for

a relationship right now,

but I think your girlfriend

was crazy to let you go.

Thanks.

And it sounds like you

just haven't met a guy

worthy of you yet.

That's sweet of you to say.

Well it was great

connecting with you again.

Goodnight, Jolly Soul.

Sweet dreams,

Santa's Little Helper.

Hey.

Hey.

Thanks for

giving Charlotte a ride.

I had to do some

Christmas shopping

and I lost track of time.

I guess I was tryin'

to do too much.

Hmm.

Maybe this lady's book can

have some merit after all.

Book?

Oh, I'm doin' a

story on a local author

who wrote a book called

"Just Say No to h* h* h*".

Funny title.

Yeah, well even funnier

is she doesn't practice

what she preaches.

What do you mean?

Well I caught her at

the Christmas tree lot

when we went to get our tree.

So?

So in her book,

she says she doesn't

wanna decorate anymore.

Maybe the tree was

for someone else.

We'll see.

I have an interview

with her again.

Hopefully I'll catch

her slippin' up.

So that's what

your story is about.

You're hoping to

catch her in a lie.

It's investigative reporting.

Hey, I am just tryin' to see

if she is who she says she is.

Right.

You sure?

Mm-hmm.

Really?

Obviously.

That's pretty shaky.

You'll see.

Maybe that was him.

Who?

This guy I met online.

You're not online

dating, are you?

No, no.

I just met this guy on

this Christmas website.

He goes by the name Jolly Soul

and we're really connecting.

We shouldn't even be here.

Oh, I had to get some of

Mrs. Goodwin's famous biscotti

for mom and dad.

Well biscotti'll get

us busted is what I say.

Katrina?

Katrina?

Take a look.

Hunter.

Hey.

Almost didn't recognize you.

Oh, well I didn't wanna

be recognized by fans.

What're you doin'?

My sister wanted to

pick up some cookies

and I needed my caffeine fix.

Right?

Right.

Hi, I'm Lindsey.

Oh, I'm sorry.

You're the one doing this

story about Katrina's book.

I am.

Actually, I'm glad

I ran into you.

I was hoping we could

set up our next interview

at the Christmas tree

lighting ceremony.

Right.

I keep hopin' you'll wanna

do somethin' Christmasy.

No.

How about we meet at the bakery?

Yeah, let's say

Monday at 10:00.

Sure, it's a date.

I mean I'll put that

date on my calendar.

Right.

It was nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

Have a nice day.

That's the reporter?

Yeah and that was a close one.

He almost caught me.

You didn't tell

me he was cute.

And annoying.

And cute.

I think he has a girlfriend.

He might even be

married with a kid.

I didn't see a

ring on his finger.

Look, I don't care if I'm

a one-woman dating service.

I'll take care of you.

Hey April.

Hey.

How's the new position?

Great so far.

Thanks for putting in

a good word for me.

Well you did them a favor

by taking the position.

I mean they needed some fresh

eyes in that department.

It's really nice to have a job

where you can make

your own hours.

Can't beat that.

Unless you write a bestseller.

I'm so excited for you.

It's about time you used

that journalism degree.

Thanks.

I was just sad when you

didn't do the interview.

Yeah, plus they gave

that assignment to Hunter.

I don't know why.

I would've loved to do it.

And I would've

loved you to do it.

Well he'll do a good job.

Hunter's like an orange.

I'm sorry, did

you say an orange?

Yeah, you have to peel

back his tough exterior

to get to his sweet side.

Yeah.

Oh, but don't

tell him I said that

because he is the competition.

Oh.

Hmm.

My lips are sealed.

Well I better get back to work.

I'm off to the toy drive today.

Oh, it's this week, isn't it?

Yeah.

Okay, well we should

hang out sometime.

But after the holidays,

since I know you're not going

to any parties this year.

That's right, yes.

I mean no,

I am not going out to any

Christmas parties this year.

I'm definitely not

doing Christmas.

Thanks.

Bye.

Oh my gosh.

You almost gave me a

heart attack.

Yeah, I was on email

and you came around the-

- Yeah, well I didn't

know you were gonna.

No.

Yeah.

You should really watch

where you're goin'.

What?

Hey boss, what'd you need?

I need you to

cover the toy drive.

It's happening at

the fire station.

That sounds more

like April's thing.

No, I just sent her to cover

the hospital's

charity fashion show.

You can switch with

her if you'd like.

No, no.

Toy drive it is.

Oh, Hunter.

How's that Santa

book story going?

It's going.

Well and how many gifts

do you get each year?

One for every

child, of course.

Oh, that's amazing.

I think I've got

everything I need.

So can we get some photos?

Sure.

Great.

That's perfect.

- h*, h*, h*.

- You know,

I'll be right back.

Hmm, I'd almost say

you're following me.

I'm just always

chasin' a good story.

h*, h*, h*.

Okay.

I better let you get to it then.

You know, I am surprised

you're coverin' a story

about givin' away

Christmas gifts to kids.

Isn't that one way to

celebrate Christmas?

Well I guess you could

look at it that way.

But when it comes to

making sure no child

goes without knowing they're

loved or important enough

to Santa to bring them a gift,

then I don't feel like

that's a mindless thing we do

during the holidays.

Now I'm no longer the

head of fundraising

and I'm just here doin' my job.

So if it helps some

kids feel special, then

I'm sorry?

Oh.

No.

No.

No, you're right.

It's a good cause and

you're just doin' your job.

'Kay, so go in there

and help promote it.

I'm on it.

Look at this.

He's decorating

his Christmas tree.

Who's that?

Jolly Nick, your

online boyfriend?

He's not my boyfriend.

Just if I can't do Christmas,

at least I can help

someone else do Christmas.

Good point.

I'm surprised there

were guys on the forum.

He's on it for his niece,

to get ideas for Christmas

gifts and activities.

It's been really nice talkin'

to someone who loves Christmas

as much as I do.

Ahem.

Oh, as much as we do.

Thank you.

Beautiful.

- This red one?

- Yeah.

Is everything okay?

Oh, I'm just chattin'

with someone online.

Someone online?

It's a long story.

Just a friend?

Or is it a girlfriend?

Charlotte.

Charlotte, go to your room.

You're blushing.

I'm not blushing.

And he's blushing.

He's goin' red.

No, I'm not.

So what other Christmas

activities do you suggest?

Well making gingerbread houses

is always fun.

They have kits to make it easy

and your niece would

probably love that.

Wow, I haven't

made a gingerbread house

since I was a kid.

You should

definitely do it then.

You can also make

Christmas cookies,

decorate stockings

or make ornaments.

Just go to the craft store

There's something

I wanna tell you.

You think my

niece will like these?

She'll love them.

Charlotte and my sister

I got them Santa ornaments

for the next gift.

Your love of Santa

is rubbing off on me.

I'm pleased to hear it.

You need to show me

Sure, but it's

missing the first Santa

that my grandfather

ever gave me.

I accidentally

broke it last year.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

Thank you.

It makes me sad 'cause it

was very special to me.

Okay, so I'll share a

pic.

So this is what you look like.

I'm a little older now.

Well that's good.

Maybe I can see what

you look like now.

Since we both live

in Greenbough,

maybe we should meet.

I can't.

I think I have the flu.

I'll be fine.

I just can't go out for awhile.

Maybe some other time?

Sure.

He wants to meet.

He said he wants to meet.

Jolly Soul?

Mm-hmm.

What did you say?

I told him I was

sick and that I can't.

But you wanna

meet him, don't you?

Yes.

No.

I don't know.

I can tell that you like him.

Unless you have feelings

for that reporter guy.

Don't be silly.

You said there was

an initial attraction.

And why do you care

what you look like

if there's nothin' goin' on?

Just tryin' to figure

out what to wear.

Then why did you do your hair?

Maybe he wants a photo.

Maybe.

That one.

- This one?

- That one.

Not the tights, but that one.

Of course not the tights.

You totally like her.

I knew it.

No.

No, but why would you say that?

Since when do you

care what you look like

unless you like a girl?

Because it is a

business meeting and

I wanna look professional.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

All right.

Thank you.

Here, let me.

I'm just Santa's Little Helper.

Ring a bell?

Anything?

Why am I so nervous?

It's not like it's a date.

It's not a date.

It's not a date.

Hey.

Hey.

- Hey.

- Hey.

After you.

No.

After you.

Ladies first.

Okay.

Hi.

Can I get a black coffee please?

Thank you.

That must be yours

because you hate Christmas.

Stop it.

It's not that I

don't like Christmas.

Make sure you make that

clear in your story.

You know, I'm not Scrooge.

I just don't think people

should feel pressured

to do certain things

during Christmas.

Well don't you miss things

like Christmas shopping?

You mean running

around exhausted

tryin' to fight the crowds?

Seein' that special someone

open your gift with delight.

Seeing them pretend to like it

while secretly planning how

to return or re-gift it.

And no romance this Christmas?

I didn't say you

can't fall in love.

I just don't think you

should date someone

just because of the pressure

to be with someone

on the holidays.

And are you seein' someone?

Maybe.

But if I was, it wouldn't

be with someone like you.

Oh.

Okay.

Jeez.

That hurts. What's

wrong with me?

I'm a nice guy.

I'm sorry.

I'm sure you're a nice guy

when you're not getting a story.

Well you know, I'm

just challenging you.

It helps you grow.

Yeah, that's easy

for you to say.

You're not the one

being challenged.

You missed a spot.

Yeah.

Yeah?

Right under the nose.

Okay, you got it.

You're good. You're good.

I got it all?

Yup.

I guess I see your point.

Yeah.

Well I really do

hope you find love.

That guy was an

idiot to let you go.

I mean

even though you were clearly

a misled about Christmas,

you have some

good attributes.

Yeah. Oh, look.

Christmas trolley.

Too bad you don't

like Christmas.

This looks fun.

Well maybe you should

take your girlfriend.

Oh, I don't-

- Wait.

Wait, are you the author

"Just Say No to h* h* h*"?

Yeah.

Your book was such a relief.

I usually go all

out for Christmas.

But after reading your book,

I learned that it's okay

to turn it down a notch.

I'm so glad it helped.

Thank you.

No, thank you.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

See?

Put that in your story.

My book helps people.

All right.

Okay. In your book,

you mention that you were

obsessed with Christmas

before this year,

but you never said why.

Yeah, well I

don't like to talk

about my past or

personal life, you know?

Especially with you.

Okay.

Wait.

Okay, that came out wrong.

It's just you know,

you're doing the story.

It's okay.

- Fine.

- No.

- So when I was little-

- It's okay.

It's okay.

I think I have

enough for the story.

- You do?

- Yeah.

Yeah.

So that's it?

That's it.

Huh.

Take care.

Right, I will finish with that.

Oh and I emailed you a copy of

my story about Katrina Marks.

It's just a glorified

book review,

but it'll be good for

her publicity-wise.

I'm sorry you didn't get the

expose you thought you would.

I need to just stop

being so skeptical.

I love 'em.

Thanks.

Hello?

Did you hear me?

Hmm?

What?

Is something wrong?

You seem distracted.

No.

It's just Hunter.

What about Hunter?

I actually think I'm gonna

miss meeting up with him.

It's just something he said

that's been playing on my mind.

What did he say?

He said Mark was

stupid to let me go.

He said that?

That means he has

feelings for you.

He has a girlfriend.

How can you be sure?

I saw him at the skating rink

with this beautiful

woman and a young girl.

I'm sure it was her

that was calling him

during the interview.

It could've been

a sister, a friend.

If you have feelings for Hunter,

what does that mean

for Jolly Soul?

I don't know.

Jolly Soul is

sweet and kind.

He's family-oriented

and thoughtful.

It's so easy just

open up to him.

What if you meet him in real

life and there's no chemistry

like the chemistry

you have with Hunter?

If I could just

put the two together,

I'd have the perfect guy.

Maybe it's time

to meet Jolly Soul.

Do you think chemistry

is important in a relationship?

I think

chemistry is important,

but it can't be the only

thing two people share.

It won't sustain a relationship.

We have a

great connection online.

But what if we meet and we

don't feel it in person?

I suppose that's a risk

we'd have to be willing to take.

I also think

chemistry could grow

once you get to know a person.

Either way, I think we've

become great friends.

I'd be open to meeting

if you're still interested.

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Yes, yes.

Yes, how about the waterfront

park tomorrow at 2:00?

Okay.

Okay.

How will I know it's you?

I'll be wearing

a red winter coat and

Christmas earrings.

Okay, see you tomorrow.

You're not supposed to eat it.

Why not?

So are you done with your

story about the author?

You like her, don't you?

I can't worry about that now.

I'm gonna meet my online friend.

You are?

Oh, okay.

Look at you two.

I wanna get her somethin'.

She was sorta my Christmas coach

tellin' me what to get

for everybody else,

so I don't know what to get her.

What does she like?

That's it.

You are a genius.

I'm gonna get goin'.

I got some shoppin' to do.

Okay, have fun.

Yeah.

Are you crazy?

I can't help it.

Think I'm falling in love.

What did you just say?

I'm just tired

of shopping online.

I need to buy something special

for Jolly Soul, for

his niece, his sister.

Maybe even Hunter

for doin' the story.

Katrina!

I gotta go.

Call you later.

I reviewed your story.

But you were right, it's

a glorified book review.

I've decided to

run April's story.

No, actually there's

something you need to see.

It might change your

mind about the story.

What is it?

Video proof that

Katrina Marks is a fraud.

I'll look it over.

I'll look it over.

Why am I so nervous?

Can't believe you're

actually meeting him.

I know.

Hope there's chemistry

like you have with that-

- Oh, chemistry

isn't everything.

You know, I feel like we bonded.

I've shared things with him

I haven't shared with anyone.

I've decided to

tell him the truth.

What?

I'm gonna tell him why

I signed up for the forum,

about my book, everything.

I know.

Wish me luck.

I've decided to air

your story tonight

on the six o'clock news.

Wait, but my story was

supposed to air tonight.

Congratulations, man.

Thanks.

I gotta get goin'.

Where are you goin'?

I gotta go home

and get ready to meet

this girl I met online.

I didn't know you

started online dating.

I'm not.

It's just someone I met

on a Christmas forum.

Christmas forum?

Where is he?

Katrina?

Katrina is Santa's

Little Helper.

Hey, how'd it go?

Oh.

You wanna talk about it?

It's her.

Who?

The girl that I met online

That makes no sense.

Actually that

makes perfect sense.

She loves Christmas so much

that she logged on to

the forum anonymously

because she had to hide

her love for Christmas.

What are you gonna do?

I don't know.

I better stop that story.

Yeah, yeah.

Go, go.

I guess he just took

one look at me and bolted.

Don't be silly.

That's absurd.

There was probably

some sort of emergency.

Well he didn't

send any messages.

I'm sure you're

goin' to find out later

that something urgent came up.

Never been so humiliated.

Hey, I need you

to stop the story.

I can't.

It's already locked

in and set to air.

There was something

I wanted to tell you.

So that's why I had to go on

the forum and be anonymous.

I wanted you to know the truth.

I don't know why

you didn't show,

but I just hope

everything is okay.

Yeah, but now

she's gonna hate me.

I'm sorry you

couldn't stop the story.

Yeah, I ruined it.

Well maybe reach out to

her, explain your side.

No, I can't.

Why not?

There's just no use.

It's over.

Have you heard

anything from him yet?

Nope.

Maybe this thing

with Jolly Soul

wasn't supposed to work out.

Look, your story.

In the book "Just

say No to h* h* h*",

author Katrina Marks

writes about just sayin' no

to Christmas shoppin'

and gift buyin'.

And yet, this happened.

Did you see that?

I can't believe it.

I knew he was up to no good.

I should've listened to myself.

I started to think he was

different and I was wrong.

What an idiot!

Maybe you could come

clean, explain your side

or tell everyone that

I convinced you

to keep up the ruse.

No.

It's over.

It's over.

I'm sorry Leslie pulled your

story and ran mine instead.

Go ahead, open it.

Wow.

Thank you.

I hope we can put our

competitiveness aside.

Let's just work together.

Yeah.

Hey April.

I wanna ask a favor.

Can I come in to do

another interview please?

Thanks.

Hi, I'm here

with Katrina Marks,

author of "Just

Say No to h* h* h*"

to set the record straight.

When I wrote "Just

Say No to h* h* h*",

I wrote a rant.

'Cause my Christmas

did not go as planned

and I was so stressed

because I always do too much.

Well my sister found it

and she sent it to a publisher

who wanted to

release it as a book.

I felt like I had to

hide my love of Christmas

in order to sell the book,

so I tried to be

someone I wasn't.

I discovered that

I miss decorating

and buying gifts

and doing Christmasy things.

And I admit you know, I

did decorate a little.

I got a tree, baked a little.

Even shop for

friends and family,

but I did not overbook myself

and no one expected

anything from me this year.

Thought it was really

nice to slow down

and not worry about making

sure everything is perfect.

My holidays have become

more of a to-do list

rather than spending

time with loved ones,

doing fun traditions

together of the season.

It's been my best Christmas yet,

except for the story last night.

I realized that Christmas

is not about making sure

everything is perfect

which is still the

point of my book.

It's about

sharing the joy,

the kindness,

the magic of the holidays.

That's so true.

Well there you have it, folks,

straight from the

author's mouth.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

That's a wrap.

Thank you for letting me

tell my side of the story.

I'm so glad it was

you and not Hunter

who did the interview.

Katrina, you

don't know, do you?

Know what?

Hunter tried to

stop the story.

He did?

He said something about

a girl he met online

at a Christmas forum and

he tried to stop the story,

but it was too late.

I had no idea.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

I'm glad she got to

set the record straight.

Are you still not gonna tell

her that you're Jolly Soul?

Hey, you wanna watch a movie?

No thanks.

Hello?

I'm so sorry.

I'm gonna have to say no.

I just can't commit at the

moment, but thank you so much.

Who was that?

The hospital.

They wanted me for

fundraising next year.

I can't believe

you just said no.

Well I'm still gonna

volunteer for the toy drive,

but I'm not gonna go crazy

and overbook myself anymore.

I want plenty of time for me

and family next Christmas.

No, I'm not available.

That's right.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I thought you were someone else.

You want me to write a book

on the joys of Christmas.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, sure.

I'll look out for that email.

Sure.

Your next book.

That's so exciting

and one that truly

represents who you are.

Uh-huh, yeah.

Guess that's true.

You don't seem

to be too excited.

Isn't this what

you always wanted?

I always thought so,

but now I'm not so sure.

I've missed our talks.

I believe we have

something special

and I'd love to meet you.

I'll be at the park tonight

Christmas Eve, seven o'clock.

I'll be wearing a red jacket

and Christmas earrings.

I hope to see you there.

Thank you, Uncle Hunter.

Thanks.

I love fuzzy socks.

Yeah.

They're cute.

You're welcome.

Hey, what's going on?

She wants to meet.

When?

In 15 minutes.

What?

What are you still

doin' sitting here?

She's gonna hate me when

she finds out I'm Jolly Soul.

No, not if you

tell her the truth.

She won't hate

you, Uncle Hunter.

No one can hate you.

Mm-hmm.

That's very sweet.

Thank you.

Plus I like her.

She makes you happy.

I agree.

Well.

Go.

Go, go, go.

- Go.

- Okay.

Before you say anything,

I know you weren't

expectin' it to be me.

I actually knew it was you.

You did.

And you still wanted to meet?

I was pleased it was you.

You were.

Oh.

Kind of annoying, but I

like how you challenged me.

I like how I got to

know the part of you

that loves Christmas

and I'm sorry how

my story turned out.

I guess you were

just doing your job.

So now what?

I tried not to look

for love on Christmas.

Yeah.

But sometimes love finds

you when you least expect it.

So does that mean you like me?

Maybe.

Oh no, I didn't know we

were exchanging gifts now.

We're not.

Well I found this

at a vintage store.

I don't know what to say.

I know it's not the one

your grandfather got you.

It's the perfect gift.

Thank you so much.