Timeless Tidings of Joy (2025)

[bunniefuu]

How's the new batch coming, Ally?

Ready to spread some Christmas

cheer once the ink dries.

I think these are your best

this year, Grandma Joy.

Cookie break?

Oh, do you even have to ask?

You know, most people

use gift bags nowadays.

They save a lot of time.

Where's the heart in that?

No, no.

A proper gift should

feel more like a mystery.

Something you open up slowly, bit by bit.

Your grandpa used to say

I could make even

the simplest of gifts feel like magic,

just because of the way I wrap them.

Let's be honest, the words you

wrote on the tags

meant more to him than any gift.

Grandma, where's your wedding ring?

It was just a ring, Ally.

The shop needed it more than I did.

Your grandpa would understand.

Oh.

Not again.

It's okay, Grandma. I've got it.

I can't believe

I keep knocking this thing over.

One day I'm going to

replace this silly carousel.

One day, Grandma?

You always say the same thing, but...

But how many days do I have left?

Is that what you've been

worrying about, dearest.

I worry that you've been

running this shop for 60 years,

and it's taken everything out of you.

Oh, honey

that's because you think

of this little shop as just a place.

Every tiding of joy I've ever drawn,

every Christmas season

we've spent together,

and every person who walks in that door

looking for something unique

to send to someone they love,

it's all a part of me,

and I'm a part of it,

and it's all a part of God's greater plan.

In our technological world,

a great app isn't enough.

If we want ConnecTree to succeed,

we need to make it feel

essential to our users.

We need to manufacture that feeling.

Limited early access, paid sign-ups.

Users will subscribe simply because

they don't want to miss

out where their friends are.

If we do all these steps right,

we hit the ground running

and by the end of the year.

ConnecTree will be

the fastest growing communication app.

Well, we are

one month out from launch

and as you know,

this is the time most companies bring in

a launch strategy team

to oversee the roll out.

But we're not going to do that.

Instead,

I'll be leading the launch myself.

No one knows this product

better than you, Ally.

Before we move on, can we just

give Nina some appreciation?

Because not only is she

the best techie in the game,

but she somehow manages

to make an app

look like it belongs on a runway.

Okay, that's it everyone.

Thank you so much.

Have a great, long weekend.

And if you see Santa,

ask him for some coffee,

because we're going to need it.

Hey, Lucas,

can I see you in my office, please?

Mmhmm.

Hey.

Hey, come on in. Have a seat.

You weren't exactly celebrating in there.

Look, I know how much

work has gone into this.

I don't want to be the guy

throwing a wrench into it.

Well, you're on the team for a reason.

If you see something, say it.

Ally, you should have hired

a launch strategy team.

Why?

I mean,

that's what companies

usually do at this stage.

I know the company better than anyone,

and we've put in the work.

The last thing we need

is someone coming in now,

reshaping it.

A launch strategist isn't going

to tell me anything

I don't already know.

I've been tracking market trends,

start ups using this exact playbook

are seeing big initial spikes

then crash.

The market's over saturated.

The Tech Insider Substack

dropped an article this morning.

Companies following this

launch model are flatlining.

I just thought you should know.

I appreciate your input.

I'll take the weekend to think about it,

and I'll figure out a way

to fix the strategy myself.

All right.

I'll leave you to it.

I thought I was the only one still here.

Are you turning the boardroom

into Santa's workshop again?

Only place I can wrap presents

without my little spies snooping around.

What are you working on? Huh?

Why 70 percent of tech launches fail.

Well, that's one way to get

to the Christmas spirit.

Lucas says our launch strategy

won't work,

that we're going to be just another app

in an overcrowded market.

If I don't find a way to break

through the noise,

we could crash before this even

gets off the ground.

Maybe you should take

a break over the long weekend.

You've been in overdrive for months.

Exhaustion doesn't exactly fuel creativity.

Well, trust me, if I could, I would.

But I have to drive

to Indiana this weekend.

Indiana? Why?

Do you remember how

my grandmother, Joy,

left me her shop?

Vaguely, yes.

Well, we finally have someone

interested in buying it,

so I want to get there ASAP

to finalize the sale.

Oh, I didn't know you still had that.

Yeah, it was on the market

nearly two years with zero interest.

But thankfully, someone

is crazy enough to think

that a bespoke Christmas shop

is actually worth something.

Speaking of,

this is probably

the tidying shop manager.

You know, he and my dad

are the only two people

who insist on calling over texting.

Except the only difference is

I always answer a call from my dad.

Have a good weekend, Ally.

Hi, Dad.

Hi, honey. What, are you still at work?

Uh. Second thoughts?

No, no, no, I'm actually headed home.

I'm gonna change

and then get on the road.

I love your shirt.

How's Florida?

Well, the shirt is courtesy of your uncle,

and we're having a blast.

I did look into tickets

a little earlier to try and be there.

Oh, don't worry about it. Have fun.

This offer came in so last minute.

I've got everything handled.

I just... I just wish

I could be there for you.

Say goodbye to the shop for me, will ya?

A lot of memories.

Yeah, some better than others.

Oh, sweetheart,

I know that things got really difficult

between you and your grandmother,

but she always loved you.

Remember, after raising two boys,

you were the daughter she never had.

I know. I was lucky like that.

I remember how excited she was

when your mom and I told her

that she could name you.

She picked it out in seconds.

Like she'd been waiting for

that moment her whole life.

I've always loved that story,

and I loved her,

even though we didn't see eye to eye.

She just knew how I felt about the shop.

So why'd she leave it to me?

Maybe she hoped you'd take

a second look,

see it the way she did.

Anyway, there's a storm coming

towards Bloomington so

if you're going to beat it,

you need to get on the road.

I'll text you when I get there.

Drive safe, honey.

Okay. Bye Dad, I love you.

I love you, too.

Reports are coming

in of a freak thunderstorm

rolling into the area.

Lightning and thunder

in December.

Now that's a Christmas twist.

You expect it in spring,

not when there's snow

- on the ground.

One day I'm

going to replace this silly carousel.

Thank you for

your generous offer, Fred,

but I've decided to decline.

I hope you have a merry Christmas.

Sincerely, Joy.

You should have taken it, Grandma.

Ah! The infamous granddaughter

who returns every phone call with a text.

Uh, hi.

Wait, you're Bennett, the manager?

I'm technically an illustrator,

printer, painter

turned manager, occasional janitor.

It's good to meet you.

Finally.

Yeah, you're not at all

what I was expecting.

Really?

Huh? How so?

Um, I mean, I just...

I expected someone a lot older.

Why? Because I work at a

semi-outdated Christmas shop.

Yeah. And honestly, you just

seemed kind of old-fashioned.

You are exactly the way

that I pictured you would be.

Oh, well that's easy.

My... my grandma had

pictures of me in here.

No, no, I just mean someone

who had let a place go

because it didn't make sense to them.

Um, you don't even know me.

That's true.

But I grew up in a household

filled with people

with your exact demeanor.

My demeanor?

I don't mean to offend you,

but, you know, people

who are only focused

on the bottom line in life.

Okay, I am offended.

And I don't just focus on the bottom line.

This is a business,

not a charity.

And it hasn't made money in years.

And, well, what's one of these

tidings going to say

that a text or an email can't?

Funny you should ask.

"May you find the courage

to choose what is right,"

"even when the path is steep

and the way uncertain."

"And if you don't do the right thing,"

"may those left behind find a way"

"to piece together

the wreckage you caused."

It does not say that last part.

Yeah, well it should.

Look, I didn't even ask for this place.

I grew up watching it take

everything from my grandma.

And now it finally has the

chance to be worth something.

I, I have a buyer, and I'm not

about to let that slip away.

You have a buyer?

What do you think Grandma Joy

would think

if she knew you were trying

to sell it right now?

I think she'd admit

that she doesn't want me

to make the same mistake that she did,

and that she wishes

she would have sold it

to the only investor who ever offered

to buy it, back when she had the chance.

What just happened?

I don't know.

Well, the building got struck

by lightning or something.

How is it daytime?

These are not my designs.

"As the world celebrates

the allies' victory,"

"my greatest joy is having you home."

Well, no wonder it's not selling.

It sounds like it's from World w*r II.

And you only charge $0.05.

No.

Okay. Something weird is going on.

Oh. Hi, there.

Welcome to tidings of Joy.

I'll be with you in a jiffy.

Just need to put these

parcels in the mail truck.

Feel free to look around.

Who was that?

I don't know.

How did she get in here?

Okay, this is weird.

I'm sure I locked the back door.

No.

No, this... this can't be happening.

Was she acting like she works here?

Because I think she does.

No, no, I didn't hire her.

In fact, I think she might own the place.

Bennett, I...

I think that was my grandmother.

Your grandmother passed away

three years ago,

and she was 98 years old.

No, no, no, no, no.

My grandmother

from when she was young.

Okay, look at this place.

This... this is not the same

store that I walked into

15 minutes ago.

What are you saying?

I mean, it is the same store.

It's just

it's not the same one that

it was 15 minutes ago.

Bennett.

What?

December 14th, 1945?

How is this even possible?

It is not?

Well, it sure seems like we

just traveled back in time.

Now, there's probably some

logical explanation for this.

I mean, there's no such thing

as time travel.

Lightning, right?

We both got struck by

lightning, went unconscious,

and now we're just hallucinating.

Hallucinating the same thing.

Yeah.

What about my grandma?

That woman you saw her

for, like, a split second?

There's no way you can be

sure that that's actually her.

Sorry for the delay.

I'm Joy.

Oh. Do you not speak English?

Oh, no.

Hi. Uh, I'm...

I'm Ally.

This is Bennett.

Well, it's lovely to meet you both.

Oh, I see you found one.

Would you like me to put a tiding on it?

I illustrate all the tidings myself

and can style the message

however you'd like.

Speaking of style, I...

Well, I've never seen clothes

like yours before.

Where are you visiting from?

Well, it's quite an

unbelievable story, actually.

It's... it's pretty funny. We're from.

- Chicago.

- Chicago.

Our outfits are part of the latest trend.

I think we need more time

to look before we decide.

Sure.

Take your time.

Okay.

Look.

What?

This isn't just any tiding.

This is the tiding.

Okay. I'm not following.

The one my grandmother

gave the investor in 1945.

Turning down the offer to buy her shop.

That means

that means the offer

hasn't happened yet.

What exactly

are you saying to me?

I think I was sent back here

to stop her from making

the wrong choice.

Do you remember what I said

before the lightning?

Yeah. You said that your

grandmother regretted

not selling to the investor

when she had the opportunity.

Right.

What was his name?

Fred.

Yeah. Good memory.

Yeah. So, I think I've been

given the opportunity

to help my grandmother

make the right choice

by accepting Fred's offer.

What, do you think you were

sent back through time

to rewrite history.

No. Not rewrite.

Fix.

Why do you care so much what

your grandmother did back then?

I didn't get the job in Chicago.

Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry.

I know how much that meant to you.

God's in control. He always provides.

You always say that.

Like... like that's supposed

to make it okay.

It's just a reminder to trust his timing.

He has a bigger plan.

Was selling your wedding ring

to pay the bills,

trusting that God will work things out?

I don't think trusting in God

means doing nothing.

It means pretending like things

aren't as bad as they are.

I lost out on that job, Grandma,

because I was here.

I've missed out on so

many opportunities.

I thought you enjoyed working here.

Honey, I never asked you

to sacrifice yourself for this shop.

Well, then it never would have survived.

I love you so much,

and I appreciate all that you've done.

But God has always sustained this shop,

not us.

No, we're the ones

that have been standing

behind the counter every day,

balancing the books,

worrying about the bills.

Not God.

Us.

I can't do this anymore, Grandma.

You deserve more than just getting by.

I do too.

It's time to let it go.

Well, maybe for you, but not for me.

Why?

It has never been profitable.

Oh, but it has.

Profit isn't just about making money.

It's... it's about finding purpose.

You were once given a life

changing offer by an investor,

and you turned him down, right?

Yes. And given the same opportunity,

I wouldn't change a thing.

Well, if I could go back in time,

I'd sell the shop for you.

Then it's a good thing God didn't give you

that decision to make.

I couldn't continue to sit back

and watch her

put blind faith in God,

when really, it's just a crutch.

If she sells now,

she could have the future she deserves.

What if I don't agree.

Then we could end up stuck

in 1945 forever.

But if I am right,

and I was sent back here

to change her mind.

Then the only way for us

to get back home

is if you accomplish that.

That's

everything. Thanks Joy.

Merry Christmas, Joy.

Did you find one you like?

Yes. This one.

"Christmas has felt different

ever since I met you."

Well, can't argue with that one, can we?

Well, I'm honored that you've

come to my little store

to shop for your first Christmas.

That'll be $0.05.

Okay. Right.

Oh, no, I've got it.

I got it here.

Uh, here.

You still carry change?

Yeah. Benefit of being old-fashioned.

Mm. That's a funny looking nickel.

Is it real?

Does this thing still...

I wouldn't do that!

I am so sorry.

Oh, don't be. It happens all the time.

Oh.

Let me.

Okay. Okay.

Don't worry. I've got it.

One day I'm going to replace

that silly carousel.

You know, I couldn't help but notice

you don't have anyone

helping around here, do you?

I'm afraid I can't afford much of a wage.

And besides, no one in town

knows how to run a letterpress.

I do.

You do?

Yeah. My, uh, my grandma

actually taught me.

Well, isn't that something?

But... Well, I couldn't possibly ask you

to work for next to nothing.

Well, maybe instead of a wage,

I could stay in a spare room

if you have one.

Well, as a matter of fact, I do.

I have a small bedroom

downstairs with a daybed.

Are you sure that'll do?

I'm positive.

I think that's a great idea

especially since I already

have a place to stay in town.

Oh, this is truly an answered prayer.

Managing the shop alone

has nearly run me off my feet.

I haven't even had time

to finish decorating for Christmas.

Oh, well, then let me help you

get started with that right now.

That'll be dandy.

Oh, well, that was

an interesting woman.

I don't mean to be too forward,

but do you have anything a bit less

eye-catching to wear while you work?

Um, unfortunately,

these are the only kinds

of clothes we have.

I don't have a lot of change left over...

Oh, it's no problem at all.

I'll take care of it.

I volunteer at the Salvation Army store

just down the street.

The shop closes for lunch

in ten minutes.

Maybe the three of us could pop over

and find you something more... fitting.

I would love that.

I'm not much of a shopper,

but I think the two of you

should go for sure.

Give you some time to bond.

Nothing like the thrill of a good find.

It's been a while since

I've been shopping.

It's kind of nice.

You know what, me neither.

Shall we make the most of it, then?

Mmhmm.

Mhm. Too dull?

No, no. Too stiff.

Too boring.

Now you're catching on.

Oh, what do we have here?

Now this is something.

I usually go for something

a little more practical.

We were made to be

the light of the world, right?

No harm in dressing the part.

Usually, I don't let anyone do my hair.

I figured.

You don't like letting people

take care of you, do you?

Well, I just think

when you leave things

up to other people,

there's a bigger chance

they'll mess it up.

And heaven forbid

someone gets it wrong.

Sounds rather exhausting

having to hold it together

yourself all the time.

Well, it's better than the alternative.

You don't agree?

Since the w*r, keeping the shop

has been a struggle.

Sometimes I'm not sure. I'll figure it out.

The truth is, I... I can't

hold it together myself.

Well, if it's such a struggle,

why don't you sell it?

The thought has crossed

my mind on harder days.

But no.

Because even when I can't

hold it together,

God can.

You showing up and offering to work

that was his provision.

Have you always been like this?

You're still so young and you just trust

that God will take care of everything.

Well, I'm far from perfect,

and I definitely do have

my days of doubt.

Well, I guess it all started

when The Depression hit.

It was a frightening time to be a child.

The pantry was nearly empty,

and my father took any job he could.

But it wasn't enough.

And then just before Christmas,

my parents gave what little we did have

to a family who had even less.

They did?

And I remember thinking,

well, why couldn't God

just provide for both families?

Why would he provide for one

and not the other?

And then Christmas morning came,

and sitting on my doorstep

was a full Christmas meal

that our church had made.

Oh, it was ham, butter, sugar,

things I hadn't seen in years.

But you know what the best part was?

Sitting on top of all of that

was a doll that I had wanted

for two years.

I never dreamed I'd have it.

It was in that moment that I realized.

God always provides,

even when he takes away.

He provides more in return.

And so that night, I sat at the table

and wrote my first tiding to thank God.

Hmm. Not bad for someone

else doing it, huh?

Not bad at all.

Well, would you look at that

time has a funny way of slipping by

when you're having fun.

Oh. Hi, Bennett.

Hello.

Lunch is over, and I best

get back to the shop.

Don't feel like you have to hurry.

Oh, I'll be right behind you.

And thank you Joy, this was really nice.

Wow, you look great.

I didn't want you to feel left out.

Given your enthusiasm

for all things old-fashioned,

I figured you'd

appreciate a little something

from 1945.

Wow. Thank you.

That was really thoughtful of you.

I'm sure you would have done the same.

Well, since it looks like you

have everything all figured out

here with Joy,

I'm going to change

and then scout the town a bit.

Scout for what?

Maybe I'll ask around

and see if I can find someone

called Fred.

Well, just, uh... be careful.

Okay?

Don't worry. I won't wander too far.

Unless, of course, someone

mistakes me for Cary Grant

and begs me to star

in one of their movies.

Well, good luck with

your big Hollywood dream.

Well, good luck derailing

your grandmother's dream.

First things first.

A tiding should meet

a person where they are.

The right words at the right time.

Exactly what I was going to say.

But before the message, you

have to find the right picture.

An image speaks volumes

before anything is ever read.

You're already saying something.

Love, care, celebration.

Joy, you are so gifted.

You could really expand your talents.

How do you mean?

Well, marketing is my specialty.

I could help you find ways

to share your art

and your way with words

to make a real living off of it,

far beyond the shop.

You could even travel

with it to see the world.

Well, I appreciate your offer, truly,

but I love my little post.

It's more than enough for me.

Do you see Matthew over there?

He goes to my church.

When I asked if he needed help,

he seemed a little jumpy.

My guess he's about

to propose to his sweetheart.

He often times has trouble

finding the right words,

so we need to find him a message

that will say it perfectly.

That explains why he's been

here so long.

He doesn't know this, but

when he was fighting in the w*r,

I helped his girl make

personal tidings for him.

So in a way, I feel I played a

small part in their love story.

Watch this.

"My dearest, I have never been

a man of many words."

"But if I could put to paper

all that you mean to me."

"I need a thousand Christmases

to fit it all."

"I love you."

It is incredible how you do that.

The truth is,

I don't feel the need to see the world

because there's nothing I would

trade for the moment.

I see a person's face light up,

even for just a second,

knowing that I made a difference.

Are you ready to check out, Matthew?

Indeed.

Here's your mail.

Merry Christmas.

These came for you.

You know, growing up,

I watched my grandmother

sacrifice over and over, and

well, it just hurt my heart

knowing how much she gave and

could still barely get by.

Well, I know the feeling.

I watched as my brother

was first in town to enlist

when we went to w*r,

and he gave up everything for the cause.

Your brother?

I don't talk about him much.

Didn't seem fair.

Especially because he had his...

his whole life ahead of him.

Watching that kind of sacrifice it

it changes you.

It does.

It makes you see things differently.

Especially money.

You know, I... I know you don't

think money's the point,

but, um, in business it is.

Oh, it's not that

I'm against making money,

but when my brother shipped out,

he left me everything he'd saved.

He said money doesn't follow us

when we go.

So if he didn't make it back,

I should use it to create

something that would

stand the test of time.

Oh, so you opened this shop.

So I started writing

tidings of comfort and joy.

And I'd like to think I infuse everyone

with a bit of his love and legacy.

What are you doing?

I'm making a coloring book.

Must be miserable not being able to play

with the other children.

Hopefully a Christmas gift

will cheer him up.

That's a week's worth of work

you're just giving away.

I can always make more.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

It's for you to color here.

Thank you.

Well, give me an hour, fellas.

By the time I'm back,

the shop will be settled.

- Joy.

- Mm.

What is this ledger for?

Oh, it's a list of the free tidings

of comfort and joy that I send.

Free?

Well, to the soldiers,

their wives, and, of course, any widows.

After what they've been through,

it's the least I could do.

You know, you're never going

to get ahead

if you keep giving things away

all the time.

That's how the world wants us to think.

That's not how God works.

He sees me.

He knows what I need,

even when I don't.

He's given me everything

necessary to open the shop

and what's needed to keep it going.

I want all these men and women

to know that God sees them, too.

Oh.

We have a customer.

Oh, good afternoon, ladies.

I hope I'm not interrupting.

Oh, not at all. How can I help you?

Fred Whitmore, ma'am.

Pleasure to meet you.

Fred Whitmore, as in

Whitmore Savings and Trust.

Guilty as charged.

I've recently moved back here

from Chicago to oversee

the family business here.

Well, welcome back to town,

Mr. Whitmore.

Well, thank you.

And please call me Fred.

I wanted to stop by in person because,

well, you haven't responded

to any of our letters.

Well, that's because I have

no interest in a Whitmore-sized

business swallowing up

what I've built here.

Mm.

Well, I think you misunderstand, Joy.

My family specializes in helping

local shop owners, like yourself,

make a smooth transition and thrive.

I think you're misunderstanding

me, Mr. Whitmore.

What I've built here is thriving.

Perhaps not by your standards,

but it is by mine.

It's no small feat

surviving the last four years.

Shops like yours will face

challenges like never before.

Many won't make it through

the changes ahead.

Let us take the burden from your hands.

And make sure what you've

built lasts for years to come.

You make a compelling

argument, Mr. Whitmore.

But respectfully, my answer is no.

Huh?

Well

should you reconsider,

my office address is on the card.

Have a good day, Mr. Whitmore.

You, too.

Joy,

don't you think it's worth

at least hearing him out?

Well, I have no need.

I've seen what the Whitmore

family has done

to shops around town.

They don't care about the customer.

They only care about profit.

But Fred's offer could

change everything for you.

Well, how do you know

what Fred's offering?

Do you know him?

No, no. Not personally.

I just heard his name before.

You're from Chicago?

He has a reputation for giving fair deals.

Life-changing ones.

I don't want his money, Ally.

But... but Fred said that

Tidings of Joy is in danger.

And if he can guarantee that

it keeps making an impact.

Well, you could take the money

and pay off your bills.

I think this is a sign.

You know, Fred, coming in here

today right after you said.

God knows what you need,

even when you don't.

Fine. I'll hear him out,

but not at some fancy office.

If he wants to meet,

it'll be tomorrow at 8 a.m.

at the diner where I have

breakfast every morning.

Mr. Whitmore.

I can't tell you two how

much I appreciate the help.

Glad to be of service.

Now, if you eat all the popcorn,

there won't be any left for the tree.

Perhaps that's because

there's no string left.

I'll go grab some more.

I still can't believe

she's meeting with him tomorrow.

Yeah, she obviously trusts you.

So the bond that you two

share must transcend time.

I just hope that she trusts Fred.

I wouldn't.

What if she doesn't?

My grandmother is a stubborn woman.

And it's not just her

future that's at stake.

This is our ticket home.

Maybe I should...

Well...

I can't believe you just

threw popcorn at me.

How about now?

What's your problem?

You need to get out of your head.

Let tomorrow worry about itself.

You've done everything

you can for today.

You get this chance to decorate

with your grandma

for Christmas... again.

You could enjoy it.

You're right.

I am right.

Well, I hope that tree

wears the popcorn

as well as you do, Ally.

Perfect.

It's amazing what a little

Christmas cheer can do.

It's funny, isn't it?

We're always rushing around,

and then suddenly

you add some decoration

and everything feels right.

I'll go wash up.

- Wow.

- Cookie?

Yes, please.

Ah.

You know, I just realized

we've been through

a pretty significant life event together.

Mhm. Time travel?

Yeah. Time travel. Time travel.

And I still don't know

a single thing about you.

Oh, well, I could say the same thing.

I don't know anything about you either.

It's true. All right, I'll go first.

What would you like to know?

Why does it bother you so much

that I want to sell the shop?

I just have this thing about

people taking something pure

and turning it into something

that was never meant to be.

Sounds personal.

Yeah. Growing up in my family,

Christmas was all about appearances.

Fancy parties, tuxedos that I hated,

piles of gifts that nobody needed.

And of course, I go to school,

there'd be this kid that got

one gift, and he was happier.

His family had traditions

and real moments of connecting.

Christmas for them wasn't

just about showing off

how profitable your year had just been.

I'm sorry, those are your memories.

Don't be.

It taught me to be different.

Instead of doing finance

and what my parents wanted,

I do what I love.

Illustrating.

Your whole old-fashioned persona

makes a whole lot more sense now.

I bet you think I'm one of

those guys who drinks tea

out of a tin cup and calls dinner supper.

Aren't you?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, I guess I am.

I just think that when people

can go back and decorate

and do things together,

like string popcorn,

that it connects us to our past

and it helps us to enjoy

the present moment

even more.

Hm.

Yeah.

Bennett, that is really beautiful.

Well, I say you've done plenty

for your first day, Ally,

and thank you kindly

for your help, Bennett.

Why don't the two of you

enjoy the evening?

It's lovely out.

Thank you.

Well, if you're CEO, why do you

need to figure out every detail

of the launch strategy by yourself?

Well, because if I don't

and something goes wrong, it's on me.

Interesting.

What?

I just find it fascinating that somebody

who spent their entire career

helping people connect

finds it so difficult to

receive help herself.

Well, I built the company

from the ground.

I convinced investors, I hired a team.

They left stable jobs

to take a chance on this.

So if the startup fails, it's...

it's not just me who loses,

it's them.

Their livelihoods, their families.

I just don't trust anyone else enough

to care about the launch

as much as I do.

Right, I get it. That can be scary.

I just want to take the right risks.

Right. Unlike your grandmother.

Yeah.

Ally, you know you don't need

to carry the weight

of everybody else's struggles

just because you couldn't take

hers away.

Those people who work

at your company,

that's not something happening to them.

They chose it... just like you did.

I don't know about you,

but time traveling is exhausting.

I'm gonna go get some sleep.

Oh, you never told me

where you were staying.

Yeah. I found this, uh, empty apartment.

Don't worry, us old-fashioned guys

know how to defend ourselves.

See ya.

Bye, Bennett.

Good night.

Today's the day.

The Lord provides.

Well, Joy...

Oh, I should have sat on that side.

Then why didn't you?

I don't know.

I think I'm just nervous.

I can still switch if you want.

No, no, no, I don't want Joy distracted.

I need this meeting to go well.

Well, didn't she invite you

along for moral support?

Uh...

Oh, you invited yourself, didn't you?

I couldn't help it.

But she was very happy, I offered.

Well...

So what's happening?

Uh, he's schmoozing and she's smiling.

She's smiling.

- Uh-huh.

- That's good.

What about now?

Oh, we should probably order.

Oh, don't worry,

I know you don't have

a lot of change left.

Welcome to the Swizzle and Fizz.

What'll you have?

Uh, I'll have whatever

the Christmas special is.

Today's is the merry maple muffin.

Oh, yeah. We'll do two of those,

and that'll be all.

Great.

She's laughing now.

Oh, okay.

If she starts playing with her necklace,

it's a telltale sign she's retreating.

So look out for that,

because then we might have

to intervene.

Thank you.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

Yeah.

Uh-oh.

What?

She's playing with her necklace.

What?

You.

You're not really a big fan of

trusting the process, are you?

No. That is my grandmother's

specialty, not mine.

You know, you're actually

more alike than you think.

What makes you say that?

I mean, for starters,

you're in tech, right?

She's in retail.

But both of you help people

stay more connected.

No, I guess I never

thought about it like that.

I see now how much you care about

your grandmother having a better life.

And the way that you talk

about people who work for you,

it is obvious how much

you care about them.

Like you want to make a real

difference and help people.

That's exactly what

your grandmother did.

Thank you.

For what?

For seeing the heart behind my methods.

Oh, get ready to thank me again.

What? Why?

Come with me.

- Grab the muffins.

- Oh.

Well, I must say, Fred,

this morning has been most unexpected.

Oh, yeah. I'm so hungry.

I nearly didn't show,

but I'm glad I did.

They're gonna notice.

They're not noticing.

You've completely brightened

an otherwise dull morning.

So Joy, do I dare hope for the

answer I've been waiting for?

Well, I suppose a girl

would be silly to say no.

So is that a yes?

Yes, I would be delighted

to be your date to

the Christmas Snow Dance.

And I promise we won't talk

a lick about business.

Consider the offer tabled

until you decide.

Either way,

no hard feelings.

Wait a minute.

Uh-oh.

Who is he?

That's my grandfather.

Uh-oh.

And I'll have my driver pick you up.

Oh.

This must be that Christmas.

I'm going to need

a little more information.

This is the Christmas that

my grandfather came home

from fighting in the w*r.

Oh, I wish I paid closer

attention to the details

of my grandparents' love story.

Um...

Okay. I remember

that my grandmother had said

they shared a kiss

that changed everything

at Christmastime.

Hm.

And... and that it was

a magical moment like

they were in a snow globe.

And... and there was

something about dancing.

Christmas Snow Dance.

If my grandmother goes

to the dance with Fred,

she's not going to kiss my grandfather,

which means they won't fall in love,

which means...

I...

won't exist.

Oh, please tell me

you saw which way he went.

Let's go.

Thank you.

That way.

Okay. Quick question.

What exactly is the plan here?

Oh, simple.

We tell him to kick Fred to the curb,

dance with Joy at

the Christmas Snow Dance.

Have a magical night.

Kiss her in what feels

like a snow globe moment

so they can fall in love.

Have my father, eventually I'll be born.

And then I can travel back

in time to convince her

to sell the shop.

Okay, so no plan then.

Right.

I saw the look in my grandmother's eyes.

She could end up marrying Fred.

My entire existence depends

upon the next five minutes.

No pressure.

Merry Christmas, Walter.

Well, I'll be.

George Parker, back in the flesh.

You're finally home.

Just rotated back stateside today.

Oh, it's good to see you, son.

They say you boys were

the backbone out there.

I'd say they were right.

Thank you, sir.

How's the family?

Oh, they're keeping me on my toes.

My youngest is fixing to get married,

so it's been a whirlwind

planning the wedding.

Well, congratulations.

Hang tight a minute.

Let me grab your mail.

I'll be right with you two.

Take your time. We're just browsing.

Here you are.

Joy sent me these?

Sure did.

When everyone came back undelivered,

she'd tell me to hang on to them.

She's got a heart as big

as they come... that girl.

I saw her today with some fella.

Looked pretty sharp.

Fancy suit.

Oh, you talk about Fred Whitmore.

He's been sniffing

around her shop lately.

Came in just this morning

to buy two tickets

to the Christmas Snow Dance.

So what's next for you

now that you're home?

I'm thinking about re-enlisting.

Wait. He didn't re-enlist?

This didn't happen.

It looks like that might be changing.

But you just got back, son.

Still plenty of work to be done overseas.

Rebuilding, helping put

things back together.

Making sure it doesn't

all fall apart again.

Are you sure this isn't about

something or someone else?

I just don't think

there's anything left here

for me anymore.

I got to let my commanding

officer know by tomorrow.

If I do reenlist,

I promise to say goodbye before I go.

We missed you around here

while you were gone, George.

And I reckon we'll miss you

again if you leave.

I think the world kept turning

just fine without me.

You cannot let your grandfather reenlist.

If he does, who knows how long

he's going to be gone for?

I know, I know,

but how to get him to that dance.

We also need tickets for us.

We have to make sure this kiss

actually happens.

But they are $5.

We don't have any cash.

Yeah, actually we do.

Hi. Three tickets to the dance, please.

All right.

There you are.

Thank you so much.

Your change.

Thank you.

Have fun.

Okay.

Thank you.

Where did you get the money?

When my great grandparents

first moved to town,

the first thing they did,

they bought this upscale

apartment building.

The family lived on the top floor,

and they rented out

the rest of the building.

Now on the ground floor,

there was this apartment

that we kept for guests,

and it was furnished.

There's this trick window

around the back

that just never really closes properly.

Okay.

And so as a kid, I used to

sneak in there all the time.

It was my favorite place

to draw to, to paint.

So that's where I slept last night.

And this morning, when I was

putting the apartment back,

I found two tens

under some linen in the cabinet.

Yeah.

Bennett, that's amazing.

Yeah.

Wait, your family lives here?

Why didn't you tell me that earlier?

Because, um, my grandfather

is Fred Whitmore.

What?

So you're not the only one

who's not going to exist

if we don't fix this.

And you didn't think

this was important enough

to tell me before?

I wanted to.

I hate being associated with them.

The minute somebody finds out

I'm a Whitmore,

that's all they see.

I understand that.

Now, it all makes sense.

The tuxes, the piles of

Christmas presents,

the... the family and finance.

Obsessed with profits.

Yes. I'm so sorry.

I justified not telling you

because I didn't think

it was something that you

needed to know.

My grandfather died when I was a kid,

and I only knew of him.

I'm really sorry.

From now on, no more secrets.

Deal?

Deal.

Bennett, we have to fix this.

Okay. I'll take care of George.

You head back and see

if you can't convince Joy

that she's backing

the wrong horse. Okay?

Okay.

Excuse me, Staff Sergeant.

Can I give you a hand with that?

Oh, sure.

Appreciate it.

It's kind of you to do this.

Well, somebody's got to.

Might as well be me.

Right.

Name's George, by the way.

I'm Bennett. It's good to meet you.

Listen, the real reason I came over here

is I saw what happened at the diner

with Joy.

Oh, was I that obvious?

Oh, let's just say everyone's

rooting for the two of you

to get together.

They are?

Yeah. You kidding me?

You guys are destined for the altar.

I guess it's no surprise I've been

sweet on her since high school.

Smitten to the point I could

barely string together

a sentence when I was around her.

But she doesn't see me like that.

Not yet.

But trust me George, she will see.

See, my girl works with Joy.

And between you and me,

that guy Fred,

not the guy for her.

Well, Fred's got everything going for him.

Fancy suits, success,

the whole nine yards.

And she said yes to dance with him, so...

You just got home from

fighting in a world w*r.

Risked your life every single day

for something greater than yourself.

And you're going to stand there

and tell me

that all it takes

is some guy running around

in a fancy suit to back you down.

Well, you put it like that.

You go to that dance.

Get her back.

Ready to go?

I think so.

Would you believe this is my first time

to the Christmas Snow Dance.

Well, it should be an

unforgettable evening.

That is, if you're with the right person.

You know, I wasn't expecting

to connect with Fred

so much this morning.

You're right about him.

He's quite charming, isn't he?

Sure.

But is charm really enough?

Oh, well, I suppose not, but...

I'm excited to get

to know him better at the dance.

Maybe if it goes well, he'll court me.

Oh, I don't think that's a good idea.

Why not?

That sure is a change

of tune from yesterday.

You were singing his praises.

Well, I said that he's a great guy.

I didn't mean that he's the guy for you.

Well, why wouldn't he be?

I get the sense that you want

the kind of love

that you write about in your tidings.

You know, the kind that

doesn't burn bright then fade.

But... but one that lasts.

And sometimes that kind of love

is found with someone you least expect.

Well, that's exactly it.

My conversation with Fred

was so unexpected.

I misjudged him at the shop,

and I shouldn't have done that.

Who knows, maybe we could have

that kind of love.

Only time will tell.

But, Joy, don't you think

that mixing business

and romance is risky?

You know, if things don't work out,

it could complicate everything.

And well, I think you should take his offer

and just walk away before it gets messy.

Oh, is that what you're worried about?

Oh, Ally, I won't muddle the two.

No matter what happens

between me and Fred personally,

the shop will be a private matter.

Oh. Someone's at the door.

Hello?

The shop is closed but can I help you?

Are you Joy?

I am. Is everything all right?

Yes. Uh, I don't want to keep you.

I just want to thank you.

We've never met, but my name is Opal.

And, uh

this is the tiding you sent me

after my husband passed in the w*r.

Your words were a lifeline

in my darkest hour.

I thought I couldn't go on,

and I know I'm not the only one.

There are plenty

of military wives around here

who'd say the same.

When the way forward isn't clear,

God has a way of sending us

just what we need.

Where is he?

He's in a tux.

Just another reminder that he

can give her the kind of life

I'm still struggling to build.

Yeah, but you can give her

something that he can't.

Your heart.

Look at her.

She's having the time of her life.

She's having the time of her life

because she's dancing

not because she's with Fred.

Now you go.

Get out there.

Is now a bad time to tell you

I have two left feet.

What?

I'm not a good dancer.

If I go out there,

I'll make a fool out of myself

compared to someone like Fred.

You're in uniform.

How can you embarrass yourself?

Hang tight.

I'll be right back.

Well, in the words of Cary Grant himself,

you are the most beautiful

girl in the room.

Well, you polish up pretty nicely yourself.

Thank you.

Sorry we're late.

George almost got cold feet.

Oh well, that's okay, at least he's here.

Why is he just standing there?

I think he needs some courage.

Come with me.

Is he looking?

Yeah, I think it's working.

Where'd they go?

Oh. Right there.

Oh.

Go get her, George.

That's the love I've always seen.

Now I just need them to kiss.

Looks like it's happening.

No no no no no no.

- I'll go after him.

- Yeah.

Bennett!

I think he's gone.

Oh, this is all my fault.

All I ever wanted was

for my grandmother to have a better life.

You know, one that

I thought she deserved.

And instead...

I've gone and completely

ruined everything

because I thought I knew better.

You want to know why I care so

deeply about Tidings of Joy?

I took the job there because growing up,

your grandmother

was the only person in town

that told my grandfather, no.

Every single business in town caved.

But your grandmother,

she stood strong.

That takes guts, courage

and a trust in God.

Everything that I wanted to believe

that people were capable of,

everything that I wanted to believe

I was capable of.

I need a minute. I'll be back.

You keep the change.

My grandfather always said

a man could command

an entire room just by wearing a tux.

Your grandfather was a smart man.

Have we met before?

You look a little familiar.

Not yet.

One, please.

Thank you.

Your, uh... your girl leave early.

Yeah. Not all of us can pull off

a fairy tale romance

like you and your dance partner.

Well, don't get me wrong,

she's a fine girl.

But this is more of

a business opportunity.

She's got a stubborn streak,

I'll give her that but

everyone comes around sooner or later.

It won't work.

I beg your pardon.

Joy is smart.

You twirling her around on a dance floor

is not going to make her change

her mind on keeping the shop.

If you want her business

or her respect, then

you need to lead with honesty.

And trust me, I learned

that one the hard way.

Well, with all due respect,

I know what I'm doing.

I'm sorry, Grandma.

I know I'm too late, but I'm so sorry.

I was wrong.

I was so wrong.

Oh! Please have battery.

There's Fred.

Where are my grandparents?

Oh.

I was starting to think I was

going to close this place up

all by myself.

Sorry. I went back to the shop.

I just needed a minute alone.

I get it.

While you were gone

I tried to talk to Fred,

but it just fell on deaf ears.

And now the dance is over.

Well, lucky for us,

my grandparents didn't fall

in love or kiss at the dance.

And how's that lucky for us?

Follow me.

All right, so tell me,

what does this have to do

with your grandparents?

Here. I want you to stand in here.

Okay.

Do you remember I told you how

my grandparents fell in love?

Yeah.

That they had a kiss

at Christmas time after dancing.

Yeah.

In a moment that felt like a snow globe.

How did you figure that out?

Remember, my grandma always had

that newspaper framed on the wall.

Yeah, by the desk.

It featured a photo of

the Christmas Snow Dance.

When I first got to the shop,

I took a picture,

and I zoomed in on it,

and I realized Joy and George

aren't photographed

because they were never at the dance.

Wait. If they were never at the dance,

why do they have a framed

picture of the article?

There was a column in the corner

honoring the shop for

its impact on the community.

Oh.

Plus my grandfather,

he just came back from the w*r.

There's no way he would have

been able to afford tickets

on his own.

That's true. We bought him that ticket.

Yeah, exactly.

He was so thoughtful.

You know, if he couldn't buy

those tickets,

he would have made the evening

special in his own way.

And this is where he always

planned to take her.

Okay, so now all we gotta do

is find a way to get them here.

Good morning.

Joy... I have to tell you something.

Oh?

The advice I gave you about selling,

I was wrong.

You have to keep this shop.

It's not just a business, it's you.

It's the way you make people feel.

It's the way you remind them

that they matter.

And without you here, this town, it

it wouldn't be the same.

Don't ever let anyone else's

idea of what's best

pull you away from what God has

already placed in your hands.

You know, I spoke to Fred

last night after the dance.

He was up front about why

he asked me to be his date,

and why he's so keen

on buying Tidings of Joy.

Fred made some

sound business arguments,

and I appreciated his honesty.

But though I value Fred's

good business sense,

I trust God more than

the market forecasts.

I know in my heart

I'm meant to keep this shop.

Oh, I am so glad to hear you say that.

Oh, I have an idea.

So I don't know what you said

to him, but he took your advice.

I just reminded him that

a straight path in business

is better than a crooked

shortcut every time.

So you told him to be honest with her?

Yeah.

Oh. Hello, Bennett.

Hello.

How does this sound?

"Thank you for your generous

offer, Fred,"

"but I've decided to decline."

"I hope you have a merry Christmas."

"Sincerely, Joy."

- Yeah.

- It's perfect.

Great.

Oh, just one last thing.

Wait.

How did my grandmother keep

the tidings in the glass case

all these years if she

gave it to Fred back then?

Hello.

Good morning everyone.

Fred, what brings you in?

Oh, just wrapping up a little business.

About that.

I just made this for you.

I know full well the financial

struggles of this shop, but...

I'm determined to keep it.

Come what may.

And you can't be swayed.

My mind's made up.

Good.

I was hoping you'd say that.

- What?

- Really?

I just got word

about a substantial grant.

My bank awards to one shop

at the end of each year.

Aren't you usually buying up local shops,

not donating to them?

Well, every year my family

finds a way to give something

back to the community.

The recipient is chosen

based on nominations

from the town and,

and this year, Tidings of Joy

was unanimously selected.

Thanks to the women and servicemen

that were so touched by all

the tidings of comfort and Joy

that you gave away during the w*r.

The grant is enough to keep

your shop going.

Joy!

I can hardly believe it.

That is very kind of you.

Keep this,

as a reminder to never lose sight of

why this shop matters and,

and the difference you make.

Thank you, Fred.

Truly.

I hope you all have a merry Christmas.

You take care, Fred.

I'm so excited to tell George the news.

I'll be back soon.

That's peculiar.

A thunderstorm in December?

I think that might be our cue

to start heading back home.

Oh. So soon?

Oh, well, I wish we didn't have to leave,

but, now we need to get

back to Chicago.

And now that you have the grant,

you can hire someone

to help you around here.

I'm going to miss you.

Oh, I'm going to miss you, too.

I'm so happy we got the chance to meet.

Well, I best get back to George

before the storm arrives.

Safe travels to you.

Merry Christmas, Joy.

Bye, Joy.

Goodbye Ally.

Ally.

I like that name.

And don't forget to latch

the door on your way out.

And be sure to drop by

the next time you're in Indiana, all right?

I sure hope this works.

Only one way to find out.

Wait. Close your eyes first.

Hm?

Trust me.

God, I know you're in control

so please bring us back safely.

Amen.

Okay, now we're ready.

Did it work?

It looks like it.

Welcome back to present day.

The Christmas Snow Dance/

Look at this.

That's us.

Ah!

Well, I did something this weekend

I should have done weeks ago.

I brought on a launch strategy team.

And the team has come up

with an entirely new approach.

Because I realized that

when you do what's predictable,

you'll never do anything remarkable.

The strategy I built was too safe.

And if we launch that way,

we would have been just another app

shouting in an overcrowded market.

You can see on your faces

you're all wondering

what happened to Ally over the weekend.

Well, my grandmother left me

an old Christmas shop

that I nearly sold

because I've always thought

it was irrelevant.

But something happened

over the weekend

that made me realize

why people continue to go back

all year round, year after year.

My grandmother gave without

expecting anything in return,

and because of that,

she left a lasting impact.

So what if instead of fighting

for attention, we give it?

What if instead of

trying to pull people in,

we meet them where they are?

So here's the overview.

All first-time customers

will get an initial membership for free.

No strings attached, no hidden fees.

We invest in them

before they ever invest in us.

And we'll partner with Tidings of Joy,

the company that inspired this strategy.

I know it's risky,

but sometimes stepping out in faith,

choosing to trust even

when you can't see the outcome,

could be the very thing that

leads to something greater.

We don't want to be just another app.

We want to redefine what

connection really means.

The launch team will tell you

about the specifics.

Okay. I love this new side of you.

The strategy, the launch.

I knew you had it in you.

Well, I'm getting used to it myself.

Well, it suits you. You

even look different.

Lighter, like someone

who finally let someone

wrap her Christmas presents.

Okay, who's making

you smile like that?

Oh, it's nothing.

It's just the Tiding Shop manager.

Wait. The guy who doesn't

know how to text guy?

Yeah, that's the one.

Okay, now, I really love

this new side of you.

No, it's not like that.

He's just... he's a friend.

Uh-huh. And yet you're smiling

at your phone

like it just hung mistletoe over your head.

So when are you leaving?

Leaving?

To Indiana.

Come on. Don't act like you're not

already planning the drive.

Okay. Actually, I am going,

but only because he and I need

to get a head start on designing

the new tidings for the launch.

Mmhmm.

I expect a full business

report when you get back.

- Aha. There she is.

- Hi.

I thought maybe you forgot

how to text or something.

Oh I just figured I'd answer

when I got here.

You know, the old-fashioned way.

Ah. How did it go?

It went exactly how it was supposed to.

- Really?

- Mmhmm.

No last minute overthinking or anything.

Didn't need to.

Look at you.

We should probably get to work.

Right. Yeah.

I'll go, uh, I'll go get supplies.

Okay.

Or we could start with supper.

- Supper, huh?

- Yeah.

Well, I drove all the way here.

At least you could do

is have dinner with me.

Yeah, I'd like that.

I'm gonna go, uh, lock up.