[clears throat]
Hi, y'all.
It's Leia, back with
another video.
We're gonna try again.
[exhales]
Hey! It's Leia!
What was that?
Hey, all! It's Leia,
back with another video!
oday, I wanna talk to you guysabout Christmas.
It's coming soon. So, like,
et's chat tradition and stuff.l
As Gen Z, it's up to us
to either continue,
or bring in traditions
from previous generations.
So here's a list of
Christmas traditions
that Millennials have set up
for us.
Leaving avocado toast for
Santa,
or maybe some beard oil. Okay.
Genderless gingerbread person.
Okay. I, personally, think
we should keep this.
White bread under
the mistletoe.
I mean, I guess
it's romantic.
Let me know in the comments
if you think we should
keep any of these,
or if you have any traditions
of your own,
please remember to share
this video with your friends
and subscribe to my
music channel.
hank you so much for watching.Bye!
[kisses]
[computer clicks]
[sighs]
Ah. I see you found the tree.
I waited for you to put
the ornaments up with me.
Then I'm gonna decorate
the front window.
Your dad gave me this one
on our first Christmas together
in the city.
[sighs] I don't have
too much, okay.
We don't have to repack it all
in a few weeks.
I just wanted some
Christmas stuff out.
Jeez, look, Leia, I should be
hearing any day now
about that new job
in the city,
so we'll probably be moving
after New Year's.
You already have a job.
Yeah. I wanna be a real cop
in a real city.
I mean, come on. I can't spend
the rest of my life
being deputy of Mayberry.
What "berry?"
It's this town,
from an old show.
Whatever.
On to the next home.
Look, the next home will be
our forever home.
We had a forever home.
That was...different, okay?
Look, the next home will
our last, I promise.
Did you get the orange juice
I put on the list?
Oh, come on, Leia,
we talked about this.
That stuff has more sugar than
a kid's Pixy Stix
in Willy Wonka's
chocolate factory.
Kale and spinach, super healthy,
keeps you regular.
- Regular?
- Yeah.
You know...
keeps your bathroom time
on schedule.
- You have a schedule?
- We're getting off track here.
That's gross, Mom.
It's healthy.
Don't know why I can't
drop you off at school?
Because we're in
a police truck.
And you afraid your friends
will think
you spent the night in jail?
No, because I don't have
any friends.
The kids are all butts
and stuff.
Hey, come on, don't say that.
Don't say "and stuff."
Just say the kids here
are butts.
But I'm sure they're not.
I mean, come on, Leia.
Just give them a a chance.
Why? We're just gonna move
in a month anyways.
Have a great day
at school, sweetheart.
Don't be like your mother.
[car door closes]
Be nice instead.
MAN: See you next week for
some of those candy canes.
- Unloading inventory again?
- Maybe.
Are you a stock boy
or a sheriff?
They need help.
It was a 5:00 a.m. delivery.
- In a fire zone.
- So?
The quicker we unload
the better.
Okay. Well, it's a good thing
I brought you this.
- Light peppermint mocha, right?
- Yes, ma'am.
Gotta get in that
holiday spirit.
Ugh. I don't know how
you drink that stuff.
Mmm.
What, you don't like mocha?
No! I drink it black,
like my soul.
So you enjoy your mocha,
and I'll enjoy my daily
anti-m*rder juice.
A deputy who jokes
about m*rder.
So glad I gave you this job.
So, who was in the shop
this morning?
Was it Mario or Levi?
Couldn't tell you.
You'll get their names down
eventually. It takes time.
No need. If I need anything,
I need to say,
"Hey, you there!
The guy with the face!"
- Okay, "Big City."
- Hmm. "Big City." I like it.
Around here,
it's good to know everyone.
It helps squash a lot
of the problems
if you already know
the people involved.
What problems? Too many cakes
at their bake sale?
Sometimes.
[scoffs]
You know, I don't think
I remember a single crime
ever being committed here,
not even when we were kids.
Why do you think that is?
Take Doug here.
Morning, Doug. How are you?
Morning, Sheriff, Deputy.
Annie, you remember Doug?
Can't say I do.
Apologies.
It's all right.
I don't know that I'm
that memorable.
Doug Richardson.
Pleasure.
Deputy Willows, but everybody
calls me Annie,
except my dentist who calls me
Bonnie,
but it's been way too long
to correct her.
How's the shop doing,
Doug?
Doing fine, Sheriff.
Ready for the Christmas rush.
That's great.
How are the boys?
Well, Danny's finishing up his
first semester at State,
and hopefully Davy will
join him next year
if all goes
according to plan.
Those boys have
a bright future.
We'll see you all at
Holiday Park?
Wouldn't miss it, Sheriff.
- Good.
- Good.
Doug of Doug's Hardware.
Aren't you glad
you now know his name?
- I know plenty of people.
- [laughs]
Like who?
Name one person?
Leia's teachers.
Skylar something,
That's because Skylar Posey
went to high school with us.
You really don't remember
anyone else?
Look, I know faces.
I'm bad with names.
But come on,
eventually I'll get it.
[scoffs]
Admit it.
You miss this place.
"Missed" is a strong word.
Take a deep breath.
What do you smell in this crisp,
clean air?
[sighs]
Pine-Sol.
It's actual pine, Annie.
Hey, come, on, listen,
it's a great place to grow up,
but I left for a reason.
Uh, ouch.
I don't mean it
like that, okay?
I--I just wanted
to see the world,
and so did Sean.
You sure did.
But I'm glad you're here now.
Yeah.
Yeah, I, uh...
You know, there's a lot I don't
miss about the city, okay?
I mean, I once saw a mom with
her dog in the stroller,
and her kid on the leash,
so...
Who's that one?
He got a name?
Herman Elliott. The Hermit
is what the kids call him.
Herman the Harmless
is what I say.
Morning, Herman!
Oh, have you met Father Justin?
No, but I should make an
appointment for a confession.
I got a lot to discuss.
Tell him to clear his schedule.
[laughs]
Hey, there's somebody I know.
Mayor...
Lady Mayor.
Good morning,
Mayor Ruth Mulligan!
I was close.
- How does it look?
- B-E-A-utiful!
Looks like Christmas threw up
all over the building.
I think it looks great.
You've got to get in
the holiday spirit.
That's the second time
you've said that today.
What are you?
The Grinch?
Yeah. Did you ever stop
to think about
maybe the Grinch would be nicer
if every five minutes
some dude wasn't singing
songs about what a jerk he is?
[phone buzzes]
Sheriff Hay.
All right, all right.
I hear you.
My finest deputy's
on her way.
- Where am I going?
- Mrs. Crinshaw's farm.
Ugh! Again?
I mean, come on!
That woman calls us at least
twice a week
to complain about too many
clouds in the sky.
Hey, you remembered who she is.
It's progress!
[indistinct chatter]
- I Googled you.
- Oh. Uh...
You've been here
half the school year
and haven't talked to
anyone else but teachers.
I had to make sure you weren't
a spy for the witch.
The witch?
The witch who lives
outside town.
You and I would have
serious problems
if you were
working for her.
Don't worry. It turns out
you're legit.
Thanks.
I found your YouTube videos.
- Oh, those are just--
- I liked a few and subscribed.
Really?
[bell rings]
Oh, I'm Zora.
This is Sebastian.
See ya.
Oh, sorry about your dad.
Okay. Bye.
- She's been kidnapped.
- Hold on, Mrs. Crinshaw.
You have to find her.
Tabitha's been missing
for three days now!
- How old is she?
- She's four.
She was born right there
in that barn.
I delivered her myself!
Physical appearance?
Black and gray,
matching her mama.
- Gray?
- I'm so worried.
Her fur is gonna get matted
if she's not--
Is Tabitha just a cat?
She's not just a cat,
Deputy.
She's family.
She's my child.
[cat meows]
You need to take this serious!
Write this down!
I think I've got enough here.
Listen, are you sure
she's missing?
I see at least two cats
in the house.
If I say Tabitha was stolen,
she was stolen!
And it's your duty
to get her back!
Any signs of break-in?
Doors, locks,
windows been tampered with?
Not a thing!
But they could be too cunning
for the likes of you.
Mm-hmm.
Okay, I'll look for your cat
around town, post some flyers.
Do you have a photo
of the animal?
You look like the only animal
that's here!
Don't you touch a thing!
[door closes]
[door opens]
I know what you're thinking.
"That is just some
crazy witch."
But someone in that wretched
town is trying to hurt me!
I just know it!
[crying]
They took my baby!
Mrs. Crinshaw, listen,
I used to have a cat.
I even bought here
a present once,
and then I did that present
in the basement
with the rest of
my family gifts.
In case you're wondering
how weird I am.
Here.
And I want a receipt!
[crickets chirping]
[sighs]
There's so much stuff.
Why did you put
all that out?
I'm sorry.
Look, it looks
really beautiful.
Really, it's worth it.
Thanks.
[sighs] I just don't want
to go overboard, okay?
I was driving around today,
and I saw a car
that was dressed up
like Rudolph,
and I thought, "This is exactly
why aliens don't visit us."
We never decorate for
at Christmas anymore.
Last year, we did nothing.
This year, you're just gonna
ruin it again.
Dad used to--
Dad isn't here!
["The First Noel" playing]
Maybe we could...
play a game later?
I think I saw Rudolph knocking
on a box earlier.
Actually I've got homework.
[sighs]
[thud]
["Ring Christmas Bells"
playing]
[sighs]
[sips, gulps]
[phone buzzes]
Morning, Hay.
Wait, are you serious?
Uh-huh. Leia, come on,
we gotta go.
[siren]
Can I come?
Do not leave my side.
Do not say anything. Got it?
Got it!
Can you believe this?
It's an actual emergency.
I think this morning was
the first time
I turned on the siren
in years.
- Hi, Tom.
- Hey, Princess Leia.
What is she doing here.
Did not have time to drop her
off at school.
I'll do it after.
What do we got?
Someone stole our decorations!
It's awful!
Simply awful!
They even took
the nativity scene.
What kind of a monster
steals Jesus?
Decorations?
That's the emergency?
I don't think you quite
comprehend
the ramifications
of this, Deputy.
This holiday
keeps our town alive.
How so?
Tourists, honey!
Tourists passing through,
buying gifts,
feeling the small-town charm.
The town needs that
influx of cash.
And sales are down this month,
across the board.
So we are really counting on
the Holiday Park Tree-tacular.
- Tree-tacular?
- It's our biggest weekend.
People from all over
come into town
to see the lights at
Holiday Park
and the tree-decorating
ceremony.
You don't remember?
Everyone brings
a special ornament
to contribute to
the town tree.
RUTH: Yeah.
TOM: It's a great night.
Our most important night.
And it all culminates right here
at Town Hall.
And it hasn't even snowed!
We're on the case, Ruth.
We understand
how serious this is.
Let's get a closer look.
Shall we?
Thanks.
Who would want to swipe
Christmas from Townhall?
The lights were ripped down.
Someone had a hold of an end
and yanked.
LEIA:
How do you know that, Mom?
The way the staples are
pulled away from the wood.
Who's this little one?
The junior deputy?
I'm Leia.
- Security cameras?
- No, ma'am.
We never needed them.
TOM: What kind of lights
were they?
RUTH: Standard outdoor lights
from Doug's Hardware.
Maybe 50 strands altogether.
Multi-colored.
Hey, I got something.
Okay.
How big is the nativity scene?
Oh, it was the entire
holy moment.
Jesus, Mary,
the Three Wise Men.
Pulled out of the scene.
This must have been
a truck of some kind.
A vehicle large enough
to fit all that in.
Let's call the DMV, check
records for any trucks in town.
All right.
ANNIE: Where's that door
lead to?
To our basement, where we keep
all the landscaping tools.
Is it usually left open?
No, we lock it up at night.
They could have used this
to get ahold of the lights.
Hey, what are you doing?
You'll destroy the fingerprints.
Fingerprints?
[scoffs]
Annie, we don't have
print powder here.
How is that possible?
You said it yourself,
we don't have crime.
What if there's
a m*rder or something?
We'd get help
from the state.
This is just about the most
exciting thing we've ever seen.
[sighs]
Sheriff Hay, I'm gonna need you
to go to the hardware store.
Get me a candle, a lighter,
and some clear tape.
Mayor Mulligan, go the party
store and get a balloon.
Just one?
Just one.
Fill it halfway with water.
And I need a makeup brush.
Oh! How's this?
That's my girl!
What are you waiting on?
Go.
- Oh.
- Oh. Okay.
Hey, y'all.
It's Leia.
I am at the scene of a crime.
Someone stole the Townhall
lights and decorations.
Even sweet baby Jesus!
This is my mom,
lead detective on the case.
I'm not a detective.
Oh, good, everyone's back.
Hey, wanna see something
cool and science-y?
Heck yes!
All right, Mayor,
balloon.
- I hope this is right.
- It's perfect.
Hey, light the candle.
Okay.
There we go.
All right.
Bring it over here.
Now swirl it around
a little bit.
TOM: Okay.
- Perfect.
The balloon won't burst 'cause
of the water inside.
And the smoke from the candle
collects on the balloon's
surface to create soot.
- Hmm.
- That's pretty good.
Okay. Leia, makeup brush.
Oh, right.
Here.
And we use the makeup brush
to collect some of the soot
from the balloon's surface.
And hold this, please.
Thank you.
Now, I go over to the ladder,
and I put this where I think
someone's fingerprint
might have been.
Hay, tape.
- There you go.
- Perfect.
Just like that.
We have a print.
- Wow.
- Wicked!
Pretty good, huh? Do kids still
say that these days?
- Yeah.
- No.
[beep] Okay. so, like, let me
know in the comments,
whose fingerprint
do you think this was?
What? No. Leia.
Please remember to share this
video with your friends
and subscribe to my
YouTube channel.
Bye!
[kisses]
You are not posting that.
Why not? It's just
a fingerprint trick.
- Because you're not.
- Come on, Mom. It's cool.
You look awesome and stuff.
Don't say "and stuff."
Just say I look awesome.
Okay. Fine.
But nothing else about this
case. Do you understand?
Got it.
What now?
This is your scene it seems.
I'm gonna stay here and keep
dusting this ladder,
see if I can find
any more fingerprints.
Hey, would you mind dropping off
Leia at school?
And then come back here,
start knocking on doors,
see if the neighbors
saw anything.
Sure, boss.
Take this balloon.
[bell rings]
[indistinct whispering]
The energy. I can't believe you
were at the crime scene.
I sent everyone your video.
You're like Big Miss.
- [all talking]
- Shut up! Shut up!
My dear friend will take
questions one at a time.
One at a time, people!
Do you have any information
on the missing Townhall
decorations?
I don't like to gossip.
That's beneath me.
But I heard it was
an inside job.
I didn't see nothin'!
It's them hooligan teenagers!
We can't have Christmas
without those decorations!
We can't!
We just can't!
Who knows what
they'll take next?
The mall Santa's beard?
Rudolph's nose?
Yule predates the Christmas
holiday by thousands of years.
In the Norse culture,
"yule" refers to god Odin.
If you ask me, I think it was
Herman the Hermit.
I heard nothin'!
Why?
What-what-what have you heard?
Yule celebrations included
ritual sacrifices,
so the god Odin would bless them
with fertility
and good battles.
Maybe it was Father Justin.
But don't tell him
I said that.
What if he smites me?
Okay, let's recap.
No one saw anything,
no one knows anything,
everyone is accusing
everyone.
Hey, at least we got the word
out that we're looking.
Maybe someone will
come forward.
We do have that one print
off the ladder.
My friend's running it
through the whole town.
We get no hit,
she'll go lighter.
I don't think it'll
come to that.
[sighs] Come on, Hay,
you know this whole town.
Who do you think did it?
I honestly don't believe
anyone in this town
could do something
like this.
And why?
I can't imagine.
What do you know
about the mailman?
You think he could be going
postal on Christmas, you know?
Taking it out on the decor?
Charlie loves Christmas.
Maybe.
Think about it.
All those deliveries
on Christmas?
Could be pretty overwhelming.
He volunteers at Holiday Park
every year.
[phones buzzes] Come on, Hay.
Gotta be something.
- I couldn't begin to say.
- I can.
I.D. came back on the print
with a positive match.
Who is it?
Of course those are my
fingerprints on that ladder.
- I used it.
- Used it for what?
Who do you think
hung those lights?
Ask the mayor.
You can ask the mayor anything.
Mr. Richardson here says
he's the one
who put up the Christmas
lights.
Sure did.
He does it every year.
You didn't think to
mention that before?
I didn't think
it was relevant.
I must have forgotten to lock
the storage when I left.
I'm really sorry about that,
Mayor Mulligan.
I've had a lot on
my mind lately.
No worries at all.
I'm actually gonna get
some replacements.
You buy the decorations
from Doug?
Everyone in town does.
Not this year.
I'm sorry?
Yesterday you said business
was doing just fine.
Normally around this time,
we're bustling.
People grabbing up holiday
lights and decor.
But not this year.
Truth is, we're struggling.
Yesterday you mentioned that
one of your sons was in college,
the other son's
gonna join him.
College tuition's
pretty expensive.
You think I took those lights?
To drum up business?
Well, the mayor is here
right now
to drop some money
in your store.
If people find out
there's a thief in town,
it'd drive 'em away.
Why would I do that?
No one is accusing anyone
of anything.
Besides, Doug is right.
Who would wanna come shop here
if they're afraid something
would be stolen?
Are we done?
If it's all the same,
I'd like to be finished
with this interrogation.
Yes. Thank you for your time,
Mr. Richardson.
Doug didn't do this.
- How do you know?
- I just know.
Okay, in our line of work,
"I just know" doesn't cut it.
He has two sons.
He needs the business.
Otherwise he'd have to tell
his youngest
that he can't go to college
with his big brother.
Still doesn't make
stealing the lights right.
If he did it, which I'm not
convinced he did.
ANNIE: Herman the Hermit.
What's his story?
TOM: He's not a real hermit.
He lives outside of town,
but he comes into town
for groceries, errands.
How does he feel
about Christmas?
I don't know if I've ever
seen him at Holiday Park,
but he's harmless.
I know,
like you've mentioned.
Hey. The bank has a camera.
Do you see that?
Yeah, but it doesn't aim over
the street, only the sidewalk.
Still it's worth a shot.
We can pull the footage,
and maybe we'll catch somebody
going toward the crime scene.
- Yeah. I like that.
- Right.
Hey. Someone had a good day.
I guess so.
And I've been thinking.
Maybe it's okay if you start
if you start
to drop me of at school
sometimes.
I can do that.
Cool.
Do you wanna help me
with something?
Is it related to the case?
It's related to a case.
Yes, yes, yes!
Put your seatbelt on.
I can still arrest you.
Don't think I won't.
Uh-oh.
Someone lose a cat?
Oh, she's not mine.
I'm just here helping my mom.
Ah. Father Justin Holbrook.
Nice to formally
meet you, Deputy.
Mrs. Crinshaw's cat
ran away.
Not that I'd blame the cat.
Ah. I know her,
very well.
- The cat?
- No, Mrs. Crinshaw.
Lovely woman,
and a genius.
I'm sorry, are we talking about
the same person?
Lives at the edge of town,
cat lady, wild hair?
She's been a bit reclusive
since her husband passed.
Um, she used to work
at NASA.
- Oh.
- Like, as an astronaut?
Not exactly.
In astrophysics, I believe.
Her husband always dreamed
of owning a farm,
and she worked remotely until,
well...
Together they made each other's
dreams possible.
I'll, uh, I'll keep
an eye out for Tabitha.
- Thanks.
- Wait.
Maybe the same person who stole
the decorations took the cat.
That is too bad
about those decorations.
Do you suppose somebody wants
a...
a literal w*r on Christmas?
You know, I had a friend
fighting the front lines
of Christmas, 2012, 2014.
She was stationed
at Starbucks.
Pumpkin spice inventory.
Ugh.
Mom!
Sheriff Hay says you've really
taken charge of this case.
We're lucky to have you.
He went out to talk to Herman,
I believe.
- Wait, what? Hay did?
- Yes, ma'am.
- We have to go.
- But I want to hang my flyers.
That's not the priority
right now, Leia.
What about Tabitha?
Look, I can't leave you here
by yourself.
- Mom, I'm 13.
- Father, would you mind?
Say no more.
I'd be happy to help...
until your mother gets back.
- That'd be awesome!
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Sure, sure.
- Bye, Mom.
- Let's go.
[car door closes]
Hey! Why didn't you tell me
that you were coming here?
Annie, I appreciate that you
have more experience
with cases like this.
No one's ever worked
a case like this.
But the way you interrogate
people, it isn't right.
Hey, look, I know how you feel
about these people.
I'm sure suspecting them
is beyond difficult.
But I'm just trying to find out
who did it
so it doesn't happen again.
- That may be but--
- What I'm trying to say is...
I'm sorry.
I could have been
more delicate,
and I will try harder
next time, okay?
- Okay.
- Good.
So, what made you
suspect Herman?
[sighs]
I thought about what you said,
and you were right, so...
Someone in my town stole
the decorations,
and I decided to start
making the rounds.
- You suspect him?
- I worry about him.
I'm worried that
he might be jealous
of all the town folk
with all their money
when Herman has so little.
Yeah, and the whole town
calls him Herman the Hermit.
Which wouldn't exactly
make him feel very welcome.
Hey, Herman?
HERMAN: Who is it?
- Sheriff Hay.
- I didn't do nothing!
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.
No one said you did.
What's this all about, then?
Nice truck you got there.
You looking to buy, are you?
ANNIE: Are you looking
to sell?
I might be
if the price is right.
It don't run, though.
It ain't run in years.
Sure about that?
If it ran, I wouldn't
be walking into town
to work every day,
now, would I?
TOM: Easy now.
Got something here, Hay.
Are these new?
[mumbles]
I had them forever!
They're antiques
practically.
I just ain't exactly had time
to put 'em up yet.
- That's my fault.
TOM: Millie.
He spends so much time
taking care of me.
He barely has time
for much else.
HERMAN: Go on back inside,
honey, please.
I might wanna sit out front.
I wanna feel the sun.
Yeah, setting up Christmas
decorations can be a real pain.
I used to tell my husband
that Christmas lights
should come with coupons
for couples counseling.
[laughs]
I thought things would
get better
when our daughter came along,
but it turns out
kids go with holiday decorations
like, probably even hurricanes.
[laughs]
Hey, I like this one.
She's funny.
- You okay?
- Yeah.
You two have
a nice day.
- Yeah.
- Bye.
- Honey...
- It's okay, Herman.
You excited for Christmas?
I guess.
That doesn't sound
very convincing.
My mom will probably
mess it up again.
What do you mean?
My dad loved Christmas.
We used to do all sorts of
fun traditions together.
You don't anymore?
He died.
Oh.
I'm so sorry.
The first year without him,
Mom was too sad to do
anything,
so we didn't really
have a Christmas.
Then she said she wanted to have
a fresh start somewhere new.
So that's why you moved here.
[softly]
Yeah.
But she wants to move back to
the city as soon as possible.
Sheriff Tom only
gave her this job
until she finds
something else.
And you're afraid that...
this Christmas will be
like the last one
I thought being here
would let Mom have fun again.
But, like, she still doesn't
wanna do any Christmas stuff.
Well, um...
what do you like to do when you
can't do Christmas stuff?
I have a YouTube channel.
My last video got tons
of views.
Really? Well, then,
um...
maybe you could
help me with something.
Like what?
Some of the people
in our town...
have forgotten
the reason for the season.
The true meaning of Christmas.
I can tell you know it.
- I do?
- Yeah. Sure you do.
I don't think you just miss
the traditions and things
you used to do.
You miss doing them with your
father, with your mother.
That loving family time.
That's what Christmas
is all about.
And sometimes people just
need a reminder, you know?
So I was wondering,
maybe you could, uh,
put together a video for me.
What kind of video?
All right. Talk to as many
people as you can
and ask them two questions.
What does Christmas
mean to them?
And what is their favorite
Christmas memory?
- That's it?
- That's it.
I think it could
help people a lot.
- Really?
- Really.
Love is always a gift
worth giving.
- Okay. I'll do it.
- All right.
What say we hang some more
of those flyers?
- Okay. Let's go find Tabitha.
- That's right.
Hey, Mom,
can I interview you?
Is this for
a class assignment?
No, actually.
It's for Father Justin.
He wants me to ask everyone
questions about Christmas.
- Sure.
- Cool.
- [recorder beeps]
- Uh, Christmas means chaos.
I mean, just try to go shopping
in December,
and you'll know exactly
what I mean.
People are just as likely
to elbow you in the face
over a Barbie dream house
as they would wish you
Merry Christmas.
- Wow! Mom!
- You asked.
Okay. Well, what is your
favorite Christmas memory?
[sighs]
My favorite Christmas memory.
Um...
[sighs]
He said they were antiques.
We figured maybe he'd sell them
on eBay for extra cash.
Nope. Those are not
our lights.
- Are you sure?
- 100%.
Don't worry.
We'll find them.
It's not about recovering
the lights, Sheriff.
It's about catching
whoever took them.
Word has already gotten out
about the thief.
People are cancelling
hotel reservations.
At this rate, the Tree-tacular
is going to be a--
- Disaster?
- Yes!
You are coming,
aren't you, Deputy?
You simply must.
Well, if I simply must.
Hey, do you mind if I bring
my weird roommate?
You mean your daughter?
Yeah. Don't worry.
She'll be cool.
Yes. Of course.
Do you have any other friends
you could bring?
Uh...
[phone buzzes]
Hey. The bank. They got
the security footage ready.
Tom?
We'll let you know if there's
any update on the case.
- Thank you.
- Mm-hmm.
Did you find Tabitha yet?
Not yet, Mrs. Crinshaw.
What is taking so long?
Sorry. We're busy working on
more important things,
actual crimes.
How dare you insinuate--
Mrs. Crinshaw, I assure you
we're doing
everything we can
to find Tabitha.
We put the word out, we posted
flyers all over the town.
Look, why don't you come to
the Tree-tacular this weekend?
We can put the word out
about Tabitha together.
Humbug!
Well, someone was right.
Maybe you should only visit
people once a year.
[chuckles]
[beep]
LEIA: What does Christmas
mean to you?
Uh...
sadly, I think that Christmas
has become all about
lights, decorations, presents,
all the shiny things...
without the true feelings
behind it.
Um, but I pray
that will change.
And I think you helped
make that happen.
LEIA: What is your favorite
Christmas memory?
[chuckles]
Got the footage
queued up?
I'm viewing it now.
Is that my dry cleaning?
Yeah. I passed it
on the way here.
Figured I'd save you
a trip.
Anything?
Uh, no.
It's all quiet on
the Western front.
Hmm.
Do you mind taking over
while I change?
I, uh, spilled some mocha
on myself earlier.
Thought you smelled
a little pepperminty.
Got yourself a new
holiday cologne.
Ha! I wish.
It's been nice having
a deputy around.
I miss working so close
with someone else.
You haven't found
a new teammate?
Ha. No, not since swim team.
And even then, we all still
swam solo.
You know, after Dad took off,
Mom, she was always
working, so...
I got used to being alone.
Anyway, I guess what
I'm trying to say...
I'm glad you're here.
Yeah.
Um...
Look, Tom, I...
You gonna finish
that sentence?
Yeah. Yeah. I, um...
I thought of something
Christmassy
that I actually enjoy.
TOM: Hmm. Is that right?
Yeah, Christmas sugar cookies,
you know?
Right there in the name:
sugar.
Love a sugar rush.
Oh, what about cocoa?
Cocoa.
Who's that?
ANNIE: Doesn't it seem
a little late
for her to be wandering
around town?
I think I know who she is.
Uh, presents.
I was shopping for presents.
At midnight.
On a school night?
For my dad.
I didn't want him to see what
I was getting him for Christmas.
What's even open that late?
The mini-mart?
You went to a mini-mart
to buy presents?
Probably bought candy
or something.
Still...
You shouldn't be sneaking out
late at night.
Your parents would be
worried sick.
It's just my dad, and he works
late in the morning.
No more late night
shopping sprees, okay?
TOM: You can go back to class.
- She's hiding something.
- I know.
And I got news for you.
Even Santa uses Amazon Prime.
No way that kid doesn't
shop online.
No way she took
the decorations.
I mean, how would she haul it
all away?
I'm gonna pick up Leia.
- Hey, say, Annie.
- Mm-hmm?
What are you doing tonight?
Uh, nothing much.
Why?
There's this
cookies and cocoa event
at the Space Between tonight.
Kids decorate cookies,
parents watch.
I don't know.
Might be fun...
for you and Leia.
You gonna be there?
Sure am.
Meet you there?
Yeah. Yeah.
Sounds great.
[mouths]
Yes.
["The 12 Days of Christmas"
playing]
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree
Evening, ladies.
Well, hey, Tom.
- Can I go now?
- Sure.
Were you waiting for me?
Sip your cocoa.
- Wanna decorate with me?
- Yes, please.
Hmm.
On the 13th day of Christmas,
my true love said to me,
"I think I might be
a hoarder."
[laughs]
I mean, you've got a point.
There's no way you're still
accepting gifts from someone
and four days of birds.
[laughs]
There's that laugh.
What's wrong with my laugh?
It's a good thing.
It takes me back.
To?
To you and Sean and your
nonstop shenanigans.
I could never keep up.
What? You held your own.
Pff. Barely.
For you it was...effortless.
For me, I had to, like,
bring my A-game
every time we hung out.
But if I can make
Miss Annie Willows laugh,
that was a gold star night.
So yeah.
It's a good thing.
Because it always
feels like a win.
Sorry, I just don't have a lot
to laugh about lately.
TOM: I know.
I miss him.
Me too.
I guess that's my I've been
such a Scrooge lately.
- I hadn't noticed.
- Oh.
- Ouch!
- [laughs]
Sean always dove head first
into Christmas.
As a matter of fact,
I'd say drowning in it.
And then when Leia was born,
it just got worse.
I mean...better.
I mean...
something about songs
and trees and cookies,
Elf on the Shelf,
and upchuck duck and...
Upchuck duck?
[laughs]
Yeah.
He put this Santa hat on this
really weird duck puppet and...
Instead of an Advent calendar,
it would throw up on Leia
every morning.
A little toy or a piece of candy
or a...
instructions for a
two hour scavenger hunt.
Got him hungry
before I was...or am.
For everything, he...
Just for everything.
Annie...
he knew.
Right.
TOM: This is nice.
[chuckles] Yeah, watching a
grown woman pout into her cocoa.
No. I mean being off-duty.
Just...
well, just talking.
Yeah.
Yeah, it is nice.
[laughing]
You know, something happens
to you
every time you look at that
little girl of yours.
It's like...
the walls come down,
and I see a spark of something.
The real you.
Leia's getting
all Christmassy too.
Father Justin has her doing
this video project.
You don't think Father Justin
could have done it, do you?
Hmm. Somebody else is
obsessed too.
- What happened to off-duty?
- I can't help it, okay?
That's just the way
my mind works.
Father Justin is a priest.
So? What if he's upset about
how commercial
the holiday's become?
Wants everybody to stop
and appreciate it
and teach us a lesson.
Feels like a reach, but I guess
we shouldn't rule anyone out.
[laughing]
And I wanna keep Doug Richardson
on that list.
That was his fingerprint
on the ladder.
And he has motivation.
That's better.
Hey, y'all.
onight, I wanted to update youon the Christmas crime.
The moment you've all
been waiting for.
Whose fingerprint was
on the ladder?
Doug Richardson,
owner of the hardware store.
What was he doing
with the ladder?
Was he at Townhall
that night?
I don't know.
What I do know is he is
suspect number one.
- Good morning!
- Morning.
- Homework due today.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Hey. Have a seat.
- Hello.
- Hey!
- Hey, Skylar.
Checking out the old haunts.
Yeah, it's a real
blast from the past.
[chuckles] Well, I thought
I escaped, but here I am.
Right back where I started.
Get me out!
[shouts]
Kidding. You know I love
being your teacher.
[laughs]
Shouldn't you be in class?
Get in there.
- Bye, Mom.
- Bye.
[chuckles]
Whoo! Still smells the same.
Like one book of memories.
Boys wearing too much of
their dad's cologne.
[both laugh]
We wanted to put up
Christmas decorations,
but some of the parents
don't celebrate the holidays,
so the school board
wouldn't let us.
- Big surprise.
- Mm.
Which parents complained,
if you don't mind me asking?
You didn't hear it from me,
but it was Mr. Anderson.
You know his daughter, Zora.
They don't celebrate
Christmas?
Nope.
So there'd be no reason for her
to be buying gifts
at a mini-mart at midnight.
Is there any reason why anybody
should be buying gifts
at a mini-mart at midnight?
[indistinct chatter]
[bell rings]
- Thank you.
- See you later.
All right, class.
Let's get started.
LEIA: [beep] What does Christmas
mean to you?
Christmas, to me, means
a nice two-week break!
I mean, it's not that I don't
wanna see you kids,
it's just that midterms
and parent-teacher conferences,
it just gets so busy and...
aaagghh!
LEIA: What's your favorite
Christmas memory?
Olivia Karnick, Channel 6.
Why did you steal
the decorations?
Were you taking a stand
against Christmas?
Who do you hate more,
Santa or Jesus?
Hey, hey, hey, hey,
what's going on here?
Why have you not made
an arrest yet
if you already know that
Mr. Richardson is the thief?
I'm not a thief.
Mr. Richardson is not
a suspect at this time.
There's no story here.
Then why were his fingerprints
on the ladder?
- I saw the video.
- The fingerprints are Doug's...
from when he put up
the lights.
Wait a second.
What video?
What were you thinking?
Do you have any idea what you've
done to this man's life?
You said it was
his fingerprints.
But we didn't release that
to the media, Leia.
And this is exactly why,
okay?
You gather the evidence before
you jump to conclusions,
and the evidence says that Doug
is most likely innocent.
He didn't do it?
His son told Sheriff Hay
that he was up
working with his dad late
the night before,
and then Doug had to be in to
work early the next morning,
and he probably just
didn't have sufficient time
to steal those decorations.
But that's not the point, okay?
The point is,
you can't just publish
that kind of stuff!
I never should have taken you
to that crime scene.
But it was so cool
getting to see you work.
You did awesome!
And my videos are finally
getting
views and likes
and attention.
Sweetheart, listen.
You can't just post
that kind of stuff
without thinking about it
first, okay?
Once you post it,
it's out there,
and you can't take it back.
and have
real-life consequences.
I have to take your phone.
- What? No!
- Leia.
Please. I'm sorry. I didn't mean
to hurt anyone.
I just...
People are finally starting
to watch my videos.
And the kids at school,
they wanna be my friend.
See?
I won't post anything else about
this case, I promise.
Just, please, don't take
my phone.
You made all these videos?
Everyone wants to
talk to me now.
[sighs]
Fine.
But no Holiday Park
until you find a way
to make this up to
Mr. Richardson.
I will.
I promise.
I took the video down right away
after Mom told me what happened.
And I wanna make it up to you.
What'd you have in mind?
Well, I'm pretty good at
Christmas decorations,
so I wanted to make
a window display for you.
We think it will help draw
customers to your store.
All right.
You can use anything in
the store for the window.
Just ask me before you
open anything.
- Mm-hmm.
- [sighs]
Well, come on, then.
It ain't gonna decorate itself.
- What's this?
- Turkey club, no mayo.
Packed myself lunch
this morning.
Figured I'd pack
some extra for you.
Don't make it a thing.
I didn't say anything.
Did you lose your appetite?
I, um...
After Leia's video
on Richardson,
I started looking
at her YouTube page.
I watched a few.
They're cute.
Cute?
They're heartbreaking.
I didn't realize she was
using it as therapy.
I feel like I failed her
as a mom, you know?
No, Annie.
She lost a father.
That's not your fault.
Yeah, but in a way,
she lost her mom too.
You know, and...
she hasn't had a real Christmas
since, um...
You should be proud.
It was resilient of her
to make those videos.
She took all those feelings,
and she did something
productive with them.
Oh. Sorry.
I think she's a very
creative girl.
Yeah, she is.
Thanks.
[beep]
What does Christmas
mean to you?
Christmas means our busiest
time of the year.
We've got to bring in as many
customers as possible.
The money from the holidays
is what sustains us
for most of the year.
Without it, I--I don't know
if we'd make it.
My word,
would you look at that?
Y'all did this.
You brought customers
back into my store.
Thank you.
Love is always a gift
worth giving.
Come on.
Well...
What do we have here?
A home delivery service?
Hi, Mrs. Hermit.
Their last name isn't Hermit,
Zora.
Oh. Sorry.
Anyone who brings me groceries
does not have to apologize
for something like that.
Kids, this is my wife Millie.
Millie, this is Leia
and Zora.
Oh, my gosh, I can't
thank you kids enough.
Now-now, what do you want?
Uh, what my husband means is,
how can we repay you?
Oh, you don't need to pay us.
We just wanted to help.
Well, you have to let me
give you something.
And I will not take no
for an answer.
I like...
apple cider.
Hey! Yeah, yeah!
How about two apple ciders at
the Tree-tacular tonight?
Aw, kids, I'm sorry.
I--I just don't think Millie is
quite up to something like that.
Herman, we owe these kids,
and I intend to make good.
Two apple ciders tonight
at the Holiday Park.
Awesome!
See you there!
- Goodbye, girls.
- Bye.
Oh!
["Up On The Housetop"
playing]
[indistinct chatter]
Up on the housetop,
reindeer paws
Out jumps good old
Santa Claus
Down thru' the chimney
with lots of toys
All for the little ones,
Christmas joys
- Hey.
- Hey.
It's okay if you like him.
What? Who?
Sheriff Tom.
I mean, it's okay with me
if you wanna, like, date him.
What are you talking about?
It's okay to miss Dad
and still be happy.
You can do both.
We're not, like, starting
a new book here.
We're starting
a new chapter.
And new chapters means
new characters.
That's a very mature way
of wording it, Leia.
I read a lot.
I'm just saying it's okay
if you love Tom.
What? Who said anything
about love?
Come on, I'm 13.
Okay, here he comes.
Just act natural, okay?
Okay.
And then I said,
"Rubber baby buggy bumpers."
Wise decision, Mom.
Oh, hey, Tom.
We didn't see you there.
- Oh. Good evening.
- Hey.
You're both looking lovely.
Thank you.
Okay, I'm gonna get some cider,
so you two can talk.
Excuse me.
[both laugh]
"So you two can talk?"
I don't know when my daughter
turned 40.
I thought I'd be the, uh, one to
bring you something this time.
Mm.
[sniffs]
Ah. Mulled wine.
Ah. You're officially my
favorite.
I'm leaving you everything
in my will.
[laughs]
There's usually more people here
on a night like this.
Listen, don't worry.
We'll find the guy.
By then it might be
too late.
[sighs]
- Question.
- Answer.
Have you thought about...
what you want for Christmas?
Come on, that's easy.
Someone to pay off my
debilitating student loan.
But, you know, you can never
have enough mugs.
- [laughs]
- How about you?
- Honestly, Annie?
- Mm-hmm.
I want you.
Oh.
Uh...
And Leia...
to stay...
here.
Become deputy full-time.
Look how you've handled
this case already.
We need you.
I need you.
Here.
As my deputy.
I don't know, Tom.
I mean, this case?
[groans]
It's like it's just...
spinning out and haven't made
much progress and--
Just think about it,
all right?
Think about Leia
growing up here.
It could be great.
I mean, we turned out okay.
[groans] Last thing I want is
my daughter to turn out like me.
I can't think of
anything better.
Really?
Ask Father Justin.
He gets it.
Father Justin,
tell Deputy Willows
how much this town has done
for her daughter.
More like how much her daughter
has done for our town.
I mean, have you seen the way
she transformed Doug's Hardware?
That window display is really
bringing people in.
I have never seen it
so busy.
Well, she owed him after
she posted that video.
Okay. Well, just look
over there.
I mean, I have never seen Herman
at Holiday Park ever.
And I don't remember
the last time Millie
made the journey
into town.
It's been months,
maybe a year.
But your daughter
and her friend Zora
convinced them
to come here tonight
after helping them
deliver their groceries.
Are you sure you have
the right kid?
[laughs]
Leia is making miracles happen
on this town, Deputy.
Wait. Did you see Zora
here tonight?
Can't say that I did.
What do you know
about her dad?
Skylar said he's
anti-Christmas.
He sort of keeps to himself.
Well, if he doesn't
celebrate the holiday,
then what was Zora really buying
at that mini-mart?
Folks! Folks!
May I have your
attention, please?
I want to thank you all
for coming out tonight
to the Holiday Park
Tree-tacular!
[cheering]
I know it may not be the turnout
we were all hoping for,
but we can still make it
a night to remember.
Now's the time we take
our annual pilgrimage
down to Townhall
to decorate the town tree.
Does everyone have
their ornaments?
CROWD: Yeah!
- Then away we go!
Okay.
Oh, my.
The town tree is missing.
- [crowd gasps]
- What are we going to do?
That tree means everything.
What? Who steals a tree?
There wasn't a camera
outside the mini-mart,
but there was one inside.
So I got the footage from
the night Zora
was shopping for presents.
Is she stealing cat food?
- She has Mrs. Crinshaw's cat.
- Bingo.
I wouldn't put cat food
at the top of the list
for your average shoplifter.
Plus this is a good way for me
to get into the Anderson house
and talk to her dad,
you know?
See if he's involved
in any of this.
I am most certainly not
involved in any of this.
Just because we do not
celebrate Christmas,
it doesn't meant that
I would steal from anyone.
I have nothing against
the holidays.
It just doesn't align with
my beliefs, that's all.
Well, the school mentioned
that you complained
about the Christmas
decorations.
I did not complain.
The school overreacted when
I picked up Zora one day
and-and I happened to mention
that we did not decorate.
Oh. So the school board
flipped out over--
- Over nothing.
- That sounds about right.
Sorry for my assumption there.
Do you mind if I talk
to Zora for a second?
Zora?
Zora.
Come speak with
Deputy Willows.
Zora, sweetie, I've got
a quick question,
and I just need you to
give me an honest answer.
She's in my closet, okay?
[crying]
She's in my closet.
Who is in your closet?
Please, don't be mad.
I found her, honest.
I'm sorry, Daddy.
I guess she thought if I just
played with her for
a little bit, that's all.
But I was too scared
to take her back
'cause she belongs
to the witch.
Why didn't you tell me, honey?
I could have helped you.
I'm sorry about this.
My job comes with a long
commute, back and forth,
so I'm gone most of the day.
I should have paid
more attention to Zora.
Listen, no apologies.
I'm a single parent too.
I get it.
We do the best we can.
And from what I can tell,
Zora has a very lovely home.
Thank you.
Now we have to
make this right.
Zora, you're going to return
the cat to Mrs. Crinshaw,
let her decide what
the consequences should be.
We can all go.
It's better.
[knocks on door]
I'm not buying
nothing you're selling!
- [meows]
- [gasps]
My baby!
You've come home!
Where was she?
Did you take her?
I saw her after school
one day,
and she followed me home.
I fed her and bathed her.
She likes baths, and she likes
to chase string.
When I saw the flyers,
I should have
brought her to you.
But I'm really sorry.
Tabitha is very clean.
And well-fed.
She might even be
heavier now!
You did an excellent job
taking care of Tabitha
while she was on this
little...
let's call it vacation.
I told Zora that her punishment
is up to you.
Oh, I see.
Well, you can come by every day
after school
and help take care of
Tabitha.
[Tabitha meows]
Maybe even some of
the other kitties.
That is if it's okay
with your father.
- Can I, Dad?
- Of course, Zora.
- Thank you, Mrs. Crinshaw.
- I'm sorry.
It's okay.
She didn't mean it.
No, I mean...
I'm sorry. Me.
I apologize for my attitude
when I first got here.
You were right.
Someone had taken your cat.
I should have taken it
more seriously.
Thank you for that.
Perhaps I was a bit hard
on you as well.
[chuckles]
When you've been alone
so long like me,
sometimes you forget
how to treat people.
Father Justin says
you used to work for NASA.
- No way. Really?
Can you come to my school
and teach us some...
like, science stuff?
Oh, I don't think they'd
wanna hear from me.
I'm sure the Science Club
would love to hear
about your adventures.
I would love that.
I can talk to the science
teacher,
and we'll set something up.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
Tabitha, say goodbye
to your friends.
Class, please give a warm
and friendly
Science Club welcome to our
special guest Ms. Crinshaw.
Thank you, Miss Posey.
Some of you may know me
as The Witch
who lives outside of town.
Well, you're right.
I am a witch,
and I'll show you some magic.
Now, what you call magic,
I call physics.
Now let's see if we can
make it snow inside.
Whoo-hoo!
Whoo!
Whoooo!
Deputy Willows.
Yes. Hi.
I've been waiting
for your call.
[people chatting]
Great. You found a cat.
Was it stuck up a tree?
Is this all you're good for?
We need more time,
Mayor Mulligan.
I can buy you until tonight,
but then you need some kind
of information.
Hello?
All right. All right.
Settle down.
Before our midnight mass
tonight for Christmas Eve,
we will hold a town meeting
at the Missouri Theater.
I promise you, our beloved
law enforcement
will have your answers
by then.
Thank you.
[murmuring]
What does she expect us
to do?
Pull the answers out of
Santa's magic bag?
I don't know.
TOM: The mayor's just pushing us
for an answer.
The only time I saw a cop
use a corkboard like this
was when they had no leads and
no idea what they were doing.
And now I'm one of them.
All right.
Let's focus, Annie.
What if Mayor Mulligan
is behind it?
That's why she's pressing us
to jump to a conclusion,
so she isn't considered
a suspect.
- Annie.
- Think about it.
It gives her a good excuse
to access the town budget,
dig into the tax funds.
That doesn't make sense.
This is hurting tourism.
That is the opposite of
what she wants.
Okay. Well, then,
who is it, Tom?
'Cause you haven't suspected
anyone so far
in this entire town.
That's 'cause you're suspecting
everyone for me.
What's that supposed to mean?
[sighs] Nothing.
I don't want to get into it.
You know what? If I seem harsh,
it's because I had to be.
It's because you're too close
to these people, Tom.
And you're too nice to see that
someone in your town is a thief.
You don't think
I'm a real cop.
What? Come on, Tom.
Of course I do.
You took over this case the
moment we walked onto the scene.
You didn't even
give me a chance.
Because I knew
you couldn't handle it.
Tom, look, I'm just saying,
there's a difference between
crime in a small town
and a big city.
It must be nice to always be
the smartest person in the room.
No, it's awful, but it's
a burden I must bear.
This isn't funny, Annie.
The bottom line is, you don't
trust anyone in this town.
There's not much I can do
about that.
But I thought at least
you'd trust me.
I'm the one who has your back.
You should have mine.
- Tom, I do.
- No, you don't.
You just wanna move back
to the city
so you won't have to let
anyone get close to you,
so you never get hurt,
so you never lose anyone
ever again.
But that is no way
for a person to live.
And it's no way for
your daughter to live.
A solitary life like that,
it changes a person, Annie.
Yeah? Well, you know, it's not
your problem anymore
because I got a job offer,
so...
I, uh--Just consider it
as my two-week notice.
- What?
- I got a job offer.
I start in the new year.
So you don't have to
worry about me
ruining your perfect
little town anymore.
You know what?
I'll take your two weeks.
And you can work
every minute of it.
What's that supposed to mean?
You can handle the meeting
tonight, on your own.
That's how you like it.
Tom, come on.
Where are you going?
If we were a team,
I'd tell you.
- Hey, sweetheart.
- Hi, Mom!
My video is almost done!
I talked to the mayor already.
She said that I could play it
after the meeting tonight
before we all head to mass.
She said it might...
lighten the mood,
whatever that means.
Great, kiddo.
Listen, Leia,
I have some news.
- What news?
- I got that call.
The job in the city.
So we can start looking
for houses tomorrow.
That could be our Christmas
present to each other.
You know, shopping for our
forever home.
Why can't this be
our forever home?
Come on, Leia, you know
that was always the plan.
Your plan,
not mine!
You never even asked me
what I wanted!
I finally have friends here.
Real friends!
And not just kids at school
but all over town!
Sweetheart, you can make
new friends.
Come on, Leia.
A week ago you were saying
the kids on school
are butts and stuff.
I like it here.
I don't wanna start over
somewhere else.
[sighs]
I'm sorry, sweetheart.
Listen, we can discuss this
tomorrow, okay?
I gotta get to
the townhall meeting.
[people shouting, talking]
[shouting and talking
continue]
Okay, everyone, settle down!
Settle down! Listen.
Quiet, please, so we can
discuss this.
[crowd shouting]
- Quiet!
- [crowd quiets]
Okay, we are still actively
working on this case,
but these things take time.
[shouting]
It's not like we can
throw darts at a board of names
and pick a perpetrator.
You have had days
to work on this.
[shouting continues]
[shouting stops]
Leia...
Leia, what are you doing?
Don't judge them
by tonight, Mom.
They're scared.
- I know but--
- Can I say something?
[sighs]
Be my guest.
Oh, so you're putting her
in charge now?
- Okay. Let me.
- No. I got this.
Don't worry.
My name is Leia Willows.
When I first moved here,
I didn't know any of you.
And it was hard to ju--
But I've learned something
since then,
something that I think a lot
of you have forgotten about.
Christmas isn't about
the lights,
or the tree, or any of
that stuff.
And someone stealing them
doesn't stop Christmas.
Tomorrow morning,
Christmas will still be here.
So who cares about what
we don't have?
Look at what we do have,
right in front of us,
all of the people that we love.
My dad used to tell me
that we all
hold the spirit of Christmas
in our hearts all year round.
It's just at Christmastime
that we get to let it all out.
Which is why I wanted
to show you all this.
Mayor?
[click]
LEIA: What does Christmas
mean to you?
Uh, Christmas means chaos.
The money from the holidays
is what sustains us
for most of the year.
Without it, I--I don't know
if we'd make it.
LEIA: What's your favorite
Christmas memory?
Last Christmas, my family
got stuck in a snowstorm,
so they couldn't fly back.
Which meant I was
home alone.
Well, my students found out.
They stopped by
throughout the day,
and they brought cards
and candy and gifts.
They didn't want me to be
alone on Christmas.
The other night
at Holiday Park,
seeing all the people enjoying
the festivities together,
under the night sky
and everything.
Oh, and your mother.
She was watching you with
this spark in her eye.
I miss that spark.
One Christmas morning
with my boys.
They were maybe
five and seven, I think.
I got 'em each their
first tool kit.
And they said, "Look, Dad,
we're like you."
Now they're going off
to college.
Where's the time go?
Christmas morning,
a few years back,
I went to the local
hospital to visit the kids
who were too sick to come home
for the holiday.
And as I'm walking
down the hall,
I noticed that every single
room is filled with family.
There was not a single kid
left alone.
When our girls were young,
and my husband Mike dressed up
like Santa Claus,
oh, the look on their faces.
The joy it brought them.
The last Christmas
with your dad,
he had his diagnosis.
He knew he was on
borrowed time,
but he insisted on doing
everything the same.
All the usual traditions.
I just remember sitting in
front of the fireplace,
watching him watch you open
the Christmas presents
on Christmas morning,
and he had this...
spark in his eye.
And why can't I just
make her answer
what Christmas means to me?
Christmas is about...family.
If I had to sum up,
I'd say Christmas
is all about family.
- Family.
- Family.
It's family.
[applause]
Oh!
Wasn't that simply wonderful?
[applause]
Thank you, Leia Willows.
The entire town is so
very happy to have you
and your mother here.
Well, why don't we
gather ourselves
and head down the road
to church, shall we?
We have midnight mass
beginning shortly.
That was marvelous.
Just marvelous.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
That was so beautiful.
[crying]
I'm so proud of you.
I know I wanted to
leave town, Mom.
But you like Tom.
And you're worried about what
will happen if we stay here.
But moving forward
doesn't mean
we're forgetting about Dad,
you know?
Oh, Leia.
You had to grow up so fast,
and now you're wiser
than your momma.
I know you're sad.
I've been sad too.
But that's okay.
Because I know what that
sadness is.
It's love.
Our love for Dad.
But just because you meet
someone new
doesn't mean you're giving
that love to someone else.
You're sharing more
of your love,
because we all have
so much to give.
And love is always a gift
worth giving.
Thank you. I love you so much.
I love you too, Mom.
Now let's head out.
People are leaving and stuff.
That can change.
And stuff?
- Yes, please.
- Okay.
[crowd murmuring]
It's back!
- Everything came back.
- Yeah, but who did it?
All of the missing items from
Townhall have been returned
to the church
during a confession.
- [beep]
- Now, as you all know,
everything spoken during
confession
is privileged
and private.
- So you can't say a word.
- I cannot.
But the person responsible
wanted me to express their
sorrow for what they had done
and deeply apologize for causing
everyone such anxiety.
They promise it will
never happen again,
and they beg you all
for forgiveness.
[crowd murmuring]
Now, now...
[chuckles]
If you must blame someone,
you may blame me.
Had I been more present
and reached out to this person,
none of this
would have happened.
So, I am responsible.
No. As mayor,
I should have made sure
that everyone felt welcome
in our community.
So, you may as well say
I did it.
Well, if you did it, Mayor,
I guess that means
that I did it too.
- No, I did it.
- I did it!
- I did it!
- I did it!
I did it!
Well, perhaps we all had a part
in making this happen.
But let's not allow that
to ruin Christmas.
Everyone, run home
and get your ornaments
and let's decorate
this tree!
[excited chatter]
I'll be right back.
Hey, y'all.
I think it's a real
Christmas miracle.
Comment down below
if you think so too.
[kisses]
Did you do it?
Is that why you had Leia
make that video?
Show everyone that they cared
more about their decorations
than what really mattered?
Are you going to arrest me,
Deputy?
He didn't do it.
I did it.
I took the lights,
the nativity scene,
the tree, everything.
So I understand how you can
yank down the lights
and pack up a nativity scene,
but the town tree?
There's no way. Did Father
Justin help you with it?
Easy now, Annie.
My husband was a pillar
of this community.
And when he died, I felt
abandoned by this town.
I heard the rumors that
people said about me.
For years, I locked myself
away because
I thought the people of this
town were cruel.
And when I thought somebody
took my Tabitha from me,
it broke me.
I wanted to teach the people
of this town a lesson.
It's like this town barely
seemed to notice.
So she came back for the tree.
But how? We checked
the DMV records.
You don't own a truck.
She does.
It's registered in
her husband's name.
Okay, fine.
But the town tree?
By yourself?
How?
Physics, my dear.
You figured this all out?
After our, uh, conversation,
I went to Crinshaw's place
and checked the barn.
The barn!
I just peeked inside.
You would have found
my secret.
The years of isolation took its
toll on me, Deputy Willows.
It made me bitter and angry
at the world.
But I was doing it to myself.
I locked myself in a prison
of my own making.
I didn't realize it until that
sweet child
brought my Tabitha back
to me.
And your kind words
and going to the school.
It made me see the error
in my ways.
I confessed everything
to Father Justin,
and he helped me bring
everything here.
I hoped that seeing everything
returned
would remind people to be
forgiving.
Unfortunately, Father,
that's not how the law works.
ANNIE:
Maybe it can.
The tree and the decorations
are very clean.
Clearly they were
all cared for.
I'd say Mrs. Crinshaw
did a fine job
of taking care of them
while they on this little...
let's call it a vacation.
It is the season, right?
Is it really that shocking
that I can be nice?
Yeah, a little.
Uhh! Ouch!
ANNIE: Sorry.
You sure this is how
you wanna handle this?
It's your case.
You cracked it.
All right.
Well, you heard her, folks.
Let's keep it between
the people in this room.
Okay?
Thank you so much.
My daughter recently
told me
that love is always
a gift worth giving.
I'm pretty sure she heard that
from someone in this room.
RUTH: Where did all of these
people come from?
JUSTIN: I think it's
Leia Willow's video.
Over 28,000 views
in under an hour.
[laughs]
Well, what are we all
waiting for?
We've got a tree to decorate.
Come on down.
Evening, ladies.
Hey.
You asked me what
I wanted for Christmas,
and I said you,
and I meant it.
Annie, we make a great team.
Yeah, we do.
All three of us.
Wait. What are you
saying, Mom?
I'm saying...
this is the closest we're
getting to the city.
Really?
Listen we made a lot of
great memories there,
but we've got a lot of great
memories on the way here too.
Starting this Christmas.
Well, what are you waiting for?
Go put it on the tree.
There it is again.
That spark in your eye.
Yeah? I think I know
what it is.
What? An eyelash?
Some dirt maybe?
- Stop it!
- Ow!
It's love.
Love?
Yeah. Love.
Seems like a lifetime
since I've been gone
But I got some good news
I'm coming home
Leaving on Thursday
And if what they say
is true
I'll be spending
Christmas Eve with you
Who needs sunshine?
Just let it snow
We leave our footprints
every place we go
We can go skating
Like a pair of
Christmas fools
When I spend my
Christmas Eve
Baby, I won't ever leave
After spending
Christmas Eve with you
Christmas isn't just
another holiday
It's a time when
all our dreams come true
Christmas Eve is always
just a day away
When I close my eyes
and think of holding you
The fire's burning
The light's are low
They're playing
"White Christmas"
Every place we go
Dancing to Crosby
It's the thing
we like to do
When I spend
my Christmas Eve
Baby, I will never leave
After spending
Christmas Eve with you
Christmas isn't just
another holiday
It's a time when
all our dreams come true
Christmas Eve is always
just a day away
When I close my eyes
and think of holding you
The fire is burning
The lights are low
They're playing
"White Christmas"
On the radio
Holding you tightly
And I'm never
letting you go
When I spend my
Christmas Eve
Baby, I won't ever leave
After spending Christmas Eve
with you
Christmas Eve with you
My Christmas Eve with you
Christmas Eve with you
Oh, yeah
Christmas Eve with you
Christmas Eve with you
Christmas Eve with you
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A Chrismystery (2025)
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