♪ I taste the sugar plum It tastes so wonderful ♪
♪ Everything is magical with multicolored popsicles ♪
♪ Red ribbons with the sleigh bells ringin' ♪
♪ It's, oh, so fantastical My ears froze up like icicles ♪
♪ It's a beautiful feeling, a beautiful season ♪
♪ Everything feels so brand new ♪
♪ I can hear the bells ringin' ♪
♪ The whole world is singin' "I love you" ♪
♪ I make the gingerbread, hang up my stockings ♪
♪ And with all the holly, jolly big-bellied bearded men ♪
♪ Comin' down the chimney ♪
♪ All his milk and cookies ♪
♪ I just can't wait to see everything's he's got for me ♪
♪ It's a beautiful feeling, a beautiful season ♪
♪ Everything feels so brand new ♪
♪ I can hear the bells ringin' ♪
♪ The whole world is singin' "I love you"... ♪
Good morning.
Ah, perfect timing as always, Ms. Walker.
Here's your nonfat double cap.
Thank you, George.
♪ I can hear the bells ringin' ♪
♪ The whole world is singin'... ♪
Eddie, a little to the left.
Good.
Hey, Jen!
Hi!
Need a blowout?
Tonya, I can't.
I have a meeting at corporate. How about later?
OK. Good luck!
OK, thank you.
♪ I can hear the bells ringin' ♪
♪ The whole world is singin'... ♪
Don't you just love Christmas?
The only thing I love about Christmas is the fact
that we're about to make a third of our yearly sales in 6 weeks.
Every year around the holidays,
you put on this Grinch routine.
But deep down, I know you are just a big softie
who loves Santa and babies and rainbows. Admit it.
You watch too many Christmas movies.
Are those the QED reports?
Yeah.
All right. Hmm...
It's not straight.
Oh, I thought it reminded me of my ex-boyfriend.
Hey, Jen!
What do you think? Does it look good on me?
You better hurry up. We open in 5 minutes.
Oh, I am loving the whole illusion today.
Who put that together for you?
Hmm, you guys did.
Aw, she's even wearing those cute little black heels
we picked out for her at the 75%-off sale.
You have 5 minutes.
Fierce.
(Siren wailing)
(Clearing throat)
Today, the official countdown begins.
35 % of our annual retail profits
are gonna be earned over the next 6 weeks.
Now, is my team prepared?
Yes, sir.
Hmm? Are you ready?
Mm-hmm, yes, sir.
Yeah? Well, so is the competition.
Last year, our holiday sales showed a 12% decline,
yet Internet sales rose 35%.
So how can Hillridge Malls compete
in this overcrowded market?
Incentivize customers to come to us, sir.
Exactly right, Ms. Walker.
And here's the incentive I'm offering to each of you today.
I'm creating a new position.
Vice president of marketing and promotions,
overseeing all the malls in the northeast.
The person with the greatest increase in sales
by Christmas Eve wins the promotion.
The losers get nothing.
You'll be lucky to keep your jobs.
Good luck!
By the New Year, you're gonna be working here at corporate
with me where you belong.
You heard?
I'm the VP of strategic planning.
I know everything that goes on around here.
Finally, a chance for you to get out of that vacant dump.
It's not a dump.
I know.
But it's not the suburbs either.
I mean, how can I compete with them?
Well, you do have the lowest numbers
in the group at the moment,
but that just means you got nowhere to go but up.
Hey, I have faith in you. You can do this.
A move to corporate by Christmas would be amazing,
and a year earlier than I'd hoped.
Do you mind if I take a rain check on our date tonight?
I just really wanna focus on this competition.
Hey, Jen, you never have to explain a work obligation to me.
Hey, that's why I love you.
If I get this promotion, I'll be a year ahead of schedule.
Yeah, well, I'm already a year ahead of schedule
to eat my weight in cinnabuns.
So we'll both have something to celebrate.
I've got a ways to go before I can celebrate.
I've got those sharks from the suburbs breathing down my neck.
How can South Boston
compete with the ladies that lunch in Hartford?
Especially when our working class has been hit so hard?
I know. Remember when all the rides were full?
I also remember you throwing up on Jake Donovan
when you downed one of those ginormous banana splits
from the food court.
I thought that one was in the vault, missy.
(Laughs)
I need something that makes South Boston Mall
a destination for holiday shopping, you know?
Something that inspires people to come to the mall
from all over the city, maybe even the suburbs.
Something that makes people wanna open their wallets
and spend their hard-earned money.
Oh!
(Laughing)
Isn't it a little early for that?
It's never too early in the day to start looking at hot men.
I mean the holiday sale.
We haven't put up Santa's Village yet.
Well, clearly, it's working.
(♪ Dance beat ♪)
Thank you.
Wow!
Oh, hey, girls!
- How are ya? - Hi!
Checking out the merchandise?
Yes, yeah.
- He'll help you out. - Hello there!
Have you seen our new line of sequined party dresses?
This one is only $129.99.
Well, I will take three.
You know what? She's fine. Thank you.
Three? And he called you "ma'am."
He can call me whatever he wants.
Guess it's true what they say. Sex really sel...
That's it!
We all know that the majority of holiday shopping
is done by women, right?
So let me ask you.
What do stay-at-home moms, 20-something career girls
and desperate housewives all want to unwrap for Christmas?
Anybody?
(Clearing throat)
I present to you
South Boston Mall's Search for Sexy Santa.
- Whoo! - That's great!
Now, the auditions alone will generate all sorts of press.
We'll have a panel to choose the top three.
And the audience will get to crown their own Santa.
OK, like American Idol, but with hot dudes.
Exactly. The winner will get $10,000, half up front
and half at the end of business day on Christmas Eve.
He'll do a whole dance number, followed by photographs
and a sit-down on his lap.
Oh!
Who can resist that, right?
Oh, you're in your uniform.
Well, didn't you call me in here
because you wanna get a jump on the holidays?
Smart move, Jen.
Actually, Jim, I called you in here
because I have to let you go.
(Phone ringing in distance)
What are you talking about?
Look, I've been Santa at South Boston Mall for 17 years.
I'm a tradition!
I know.
But we're going in a different direction this year.
HR has a severance package waiting for you, OK?
Sorry.
That was so sad.
Like you fired my dad or something.
Don't look at me like that.
I mean, I feel bad too,
but I am not gonna get anywhere being everyone's BFF.
You'll see. This job isn't as easy as you think.
No, I know, I know.
I got stuck in a horrendous line.
Fifty guys? OK, I'll be right there.
Yeah, I'm coming now.
Sorry.
Hi! Sorry, Ms. Walker, it got cold.
But I'll make you a new one.
OK, thanks, George.
Hey, there's a line.
There is.
Yeah, man, you tell her.
Yeah, I know, I'm sorry. I'm just late for work.
Yeah, work's a grind. But we all got someplace we need to be.
Right.
You know, I think what I'm late for
is a little more important
than your bike-messenger-delivery thing.
Wow! Well, number one, I'm not a bike messenger.
And number two,
I didn't think you Beacon Hill princesses came down here.
And what makes you think I'm from Beacon Hill?
The outfit and the attitude.
Well, genius, I'm actually from the neighborhood.
Born and bred.
Could've fooled me.
You know, I don't think
that would be a very difficult thing to do.
(Laughs)
Are you always such a little sweetheart in the morning?
Only when confronted with jerks like yourself.
Oh, that hurt. That stung.
Yeah, that's true.
♪ Once upon a time, I rhyme about a dude named Scrooge ♪
Om!
♪ Huge attitude and mood is quite rude ♪
♪ If you gave him a smile ♪
♪ He'd give a shrug instead of Merry Christmas... ♪
I can't believe I am actually at work today.
There are so many hot men!
OK. So, guys, we have one camera crew,
thanks to our guest panellist, TV host Christine Mayweather.
Oh yeah, girl!
Remember, we're looking for someone
who has the sex appeal of Brad Pitt
and someone who has the spirit of Santa Claus.
(Applauding and whistling)
OK, guys, you'll have 60 seconds to show us
you have the looks and the personality
to be South Boston Mall's new sexy Santa.
Now remember, only three of you
will make it to the final rounds.
You have to give a great first impression.
And good luck!
(Applauding and cheering)
♪ Everybody's runnin' around store to store ♪
♪ Isn't Christmas time about somethin' more ♪
♪ Than fancy gifts, name brands and high-tech toys? ♪
(Grunting)
♪ It should be about peace, love ♪
♪ And spreadin' joy ♪
♪ So come on ♪
He looks like a jungle cat.
♪ Please let's make a deal ♪
♪ It's not been said until this year ♪
♪ Gonna give you somethin' special money can't buy ♪
♪ You ain't never had a little gift like this in your life ♪
Yeah, yeah!
♪ I can be nothin' more than my dream... ♪
Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!
♪ Yeah, yeah ♪
(Laughing)
♪ On me ♪
Next.
Uh, name?
Uh, David Moretti.
(Whistling)
Hi. Why are you here today?
Uh, I know it's not manly to say this,
but, um, I love Christmas.
And my mom used to make it very special for us as kids.
She's, um, she's no longer with us, but...
I know she would get a huge kick out of this competition.
Thank you.
No. Um, hang on.
He's not finished.
Go on, David.
Well, we used to watch a dancing show together.
And I memorized the routine.
And I was gonna do a solo, but can I borrow her?
- Yeah, go ahead. - Please.
(Cheering)
- Just follow my lead. - He's so cute!
♪ Chica, chica, love me Señorita ♪
♪ Won't you come and hug me? Kiss and hug me ♪
♪ I've never seen anyone as beautiful as you ♪
♪ Girl, you got it going on ♪
♪ The feeling, it's amazing ♪
♪ You got me going crazy Crazy loco ♪
♪ So please believe my love for you is true ♪
(Cheering)
I mean, he's OK, but what do you think about this guy?
(All): Yes!
OK. And what about dumb-but-hot?
Absolutely.
Personally, I prefer the juicehead over the pretty boy.
Let's just put male model to a vote. All in favor.
No.
- Yeah. - Mmm, sorry, blue steel.
OK, this guy, Moretti. Total poser, right?
What are you talking about? He's perfect.
Are you kidding me?
Using your dead mother to gain points: totally tacky.
I think he is a tasty morsel.
Total man candy.
This guy?
Are we talking about the same guy?
Good night.
Oh, come here. What do you think of this one?
Oh, you mean my future husband?
See? Look, hello!
You change your vote on David,
I will vote yes on your juicehead.
You can't do that!
How badly do you want metal guy in the top three?
Bad.
Exactly. So let's just say smooth and metro are in.
But the third position, let's not fight over it.
Let's put it to a secret ballot, shall we?
Just vote your conscience.
(Bike hitting bike stand)
(Horn blaring in distance)
(Sighing)
(Exhaling sharply)
Hey!
What are you still doing here?
Bike lock's frozen.
Ever heard of public transportation?
I like the freedom my bike gives me.
Oh yeah, it looks really freeing.
I feel like we kind of got off on the wrong foot.
Understatement of the century.
I hope you can be fair in there.
Fair?
Listen, despite what you might think,
I am a total professional who makes impartial judgments
based on true merit.
If you didn't make the cut, you only have yourself to blame.
So I didn't make the cut.
I don't know. I haven't looked at the ballots yet.
I'll be calling the finalists later tonight.
Have a merry Christmas, Miss Walker!
(Horns honking)
Maureen! I thought you ladies would be halfway through
your game of cutthroat poker by now.
But then we would've missed the show.
What are you talking about?
You weren't supposed to see that.
(Laughing)
Hello, brother!
Hello!
Looks like all those tap classes Mom made you take
finally paid off.
Yeah, yeah.
Ham, Canadian bacon. What's the difference?
Nice of you to finally join us.
Hey, Dad hasn't seen this, has he?
You flaunting your lame moves for all of Boston?
(Laughing)
Still not funny.
- David! - I guess he has.
Hey, Dad, I'm...
Late again.
Take over for your brother
before he scares away all the customers.
About the auditions...
I don't wanna talk about it. I don't wanna hear about it.
I don't wanna see it.
All I wanna see is you helping out here
when you're not going to school or studying, OK?
OK.
Go on.
Yeah.
- Two colas. - Yeah.
He's not in a good mood.
He hasn't been in a good mood
since the city council's decision
to let the Death Star put us out of business.
So that's why you did it.
- Did what? - The Santa thing.
I heard the prize is $10,000,
which is about what the lawyer said the appeal would cost.
Desperate times.
Dad's put everything he has into fighting this thing.
Just don't get his hopes up, OK?
'Cause he's already resigned
to having to close this place down on Christmas Eve.
I don't think I made it past the first round,
so there you go.
Good. Because the sooner we can all accept
that this place is closing, the sooner Dad can deal with it.
David, you remember how hard it was for him
to move on after Mom died.
And losing Moretti's
is like losing another family member.
Yeah.
(Cellular ringing)
Yo!
"Yo"? That's how you answer your phone?
Is this Jennifer Walker?
Yes, I'm calling to let you know
you made it to the choreography round,
after which I'll be crowning the Santa
based on our audience votes.
Really?
Tomorrow, 4:00. Please don't be late.
Oh, uh, tomorrow?
I'm sorry. Is that a problem for you, Mr. Moretti?
No, I'll be there...
with my tap shoes on.
Yes, three of our hottest contestants in this round.
(Phone ringing)
You did see the news? Fantastic!
(Sighing)
Yes, um, David Moretti did make the cut.
(Phone ringing)
You're sending a reporter?
Um, that's fantastic. I will save you a prime spot.
Where is he?
You have 2 hot guys in front of you
and you're worried about the time?
Where is David Moretti?
He called and said he might be a bit late.
I can't stand lateness.
If he is not here in 2 minutes, he's cut.
He is the reason all of these people came out.
You can't do that.
Yeah? Watch me.
Wow! You are so cold.
You know what? It's kind of hot, like a corporate dominatrix.
(Imitating whip cracking)
(Sighing)
Why are you here?
Mr. Hillridge couldn't make it,
so I decided to be his eyes and ears.
That's sweet.
Are you still getting your hair cut here?
I thought I asked you to go to Christophe in Beacon Hill.
He's really good.
I just haven't had time.
Hi, Neal.
Marissa, I didn't even recognize you
underneath the poof.
That's so funny.
Wow, look at that! Quite a crowd, huh?
I can't believe the publicity we're getting.
I can. You're a marketing genius.
I'm here! I'm here!
Just on time. Get up there.
Hey, I'm really glad you got to look past yesterday morning.
Oh, no, don't thank me.
If it were up to me, you wouldn't be here.
Well then, I'm glad it's not up to you.
(Cheering)
♪ Yeah ♪
5, 6, 5, 6, 7, 8.
♪ I've been watching you all night, night, night, night ♪
♪ 'Cause, girl, you look so right, right, right, right ♪
♪ Let's see you get it down, down, down, down ♪
♪ I feel the pressure mount, mount, mount... ♪
(Cheering)
(Cheering and applauding)
And now for the question-and-answer section.
We want to know why you guys think
you should be South Boston Mall's sexy Santa.
Because...
I'm a hunk...
(Cheering and laughing)
With a heart.
Because Boston...
shouldn't be deprived of this...
for one minute longer.
My mom used to say...
"Christmas is about family."
And I know a lot of families
are going through a tough time right now.
And to be honest, my family's having a hard time too.
And if I can be Santa
and bring joy into those families' lives
while helping my own...
I would be more than honored to be a part of it.
(All): Aw!
Thank you.
(Cheering)
OK, people of South Boston Mall,
we want you to cheer as loud as you can
for the man that you want crowned.
(Cheering)
(Louder cheering)
(Loud cheering)
Well, well, it appears we have a tie.
Let's try this again.
(Man): Just like a truckload of tar.
(Man laughing)
And I couldn't believe it 'cause Mario has got...
You look like a kid who just lost his bike.
- But no, there it is. - Mm-hmm.
So what could possibly make you so upset
that you're late for a second night in a row?
- Dad, I need to talk to you. - Aw, you didn't win.
We can't all have a face like this and abs like these.
Don't worry. I'll get you to the gym, introduce you to the twins.
A little family reunion, OK? Next year.
(Laughing)
I thought you were done with that.
Yeah, Dad, we really need to talk.
It's OK, I forgive you.
The sooner you forget about that stupid competition, the better.
- Right. Hmm? - Huh?
- Focus. Focus on your studies. - Right.
Get your EMT training. Get into med school.
Become the first doctor in the family.
One, two, three, huh?
Yeah.
(Man): Tonight, the first-ever
South Boston Mall sexy Santa was crowned.
♪ I feel the pressure mount, mount, mount... ♪
They chose that poor sap over you?
Dad...
And the winner is David Moretti!
Yay! Great!
(Cheering)
Freak out.
(Laughing)
I know you don't approve,
but that's why I came here to tell you...
It's not that I don't approve. I just don't get it.
I thought you were done doing crazy stuff like that.
I'm worried it'll interfere with school.
Well, it's only for a few weeks,
and $10,000 goes a long way
towards books and tuitions and stuff.
I hope you didn't do this for Moretti's.
David, I just spent my entire life savings
trying to fight these guys all year.
I don't wanna see you do the same thing.
Come on, take that money. Put it in the bank.
We can't win. OK?
OK.
OK?
OK.
OK. Oh...
(Laughing softly)
Ah!
Hey!
So you won, huh?
(Laughing)
I did. I don't know how, but I did.
Because you're gorgeous. That's why.
Thank you, sister.
Guys, I don't wanna get Pop's hopes up,
but Moretti's has been in this family for 3 generations.
How do we not do everything possible not to save it?
You're right.
We have to fight.
To the bitter end.
To Moretti's.
(All): To Moretti's.
Hi!
Hey!
I really enjoyed our dance.
Aw, thanks. You're... you're Britney, right?
Yeah.
Oh man! Come on!
I think you just hit an artery.
You haven't been Santa for 24 hours,
and already, you're acting like a diva.
I'm not being a diva. I just need that leg.
Listen, I'm gonna tell you a secret.
Fashion is pain, so suck it up.
♪ Let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
♪ Hey, hey, let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
♪ The day's gettin' closer ♪
♪ Are you gettin' ready for it? ♪
♪ Oh ♪
♪ So much anticipation ♪
♪ Lots of decorations to get ♪
5, 6, 7, 8.
♪ The houses are aglow ♪
♪ And we're playin' ♪
♪ In the snow tonight ♪
♪ Well, all right ♪
♪ We've come together this time of year ♪
♪ Get your voice, we're all here ♪
♪ Hey, hey, let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
♪ Friends and family far and near ♪
♪ Get your voice, we're all here ♪
♪ Hey, hey, let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
♪ Let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
♪ Hey, hey, let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
♪ Let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
David, look over here.
That's it. One more. That's it.
♪ Hey, hey, let me hear your Christmas cheer ♪
Hey, Henry, when you go to swing,
make sure to keep your front shoulder down.
And for the love of Pete...
(Whispering): Don't tell anyone you're a Yankees fan.
Thanks, Santa.
Boom, uptown! There you go.
(Grunting)
Thanks, Santa.
- Have a good one, man. - You too.
- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas!
I see you finally found someone to talk to
on your level.
Well, kids love me.
I'm sure it has nothing
to do with the fact that you're just a big kid yourself.
Tell me what's wrong with being a big kid.
There you are. I've been looking all over for you.
Sorry, I've just been watching David wrap up a sale.
Neal McCormick, VP of strategy, Hillridge Enterprises.
David Moretti, Santa, South Boston Mall.
Well, hey, thanks for helping Jennifer
make this promotion such a success.
She keeps up this momentum,
she'll be sure to move to corporate.
Hey, are we about done here?
We're gonna be late for our reservations.
Oh yeah, we can probably wrap stuff up. Let's go!
All right. Nice to meet you.
Sure.
OK, so I want you to go right home. Get some rest.
OK.
Tomorrow's a big night for all of us.
OK.
(Engine starting)
(Car driving away)
(Crowd exclaiming)
(♪ Dance beat ♪)
(Crowd clapping rhythmically)
(Whistling)
Show time.
♪ I hear the bells, bells, bells... ♪
(Man): Ladies and gentlemen, South Boston Mall
proudly presents sexy Santa and the reindeer dancers!
(Cheering)
♪ Go, go, go ♪
♪ I hear the bells, bells, bells ♪
♪ Through the snowy night ♪
♪ The Christmas lights, lights shinin' bright ♪
♪ The gifts, wrapped, all stacked up so high ♪
♪ Snow fallin' down, it's just about midnight ♪
♪ Got our stockings up on the fireplace ♪
♪ Everybody's waitin' for the chimney shake ♪
♪ I hope we catch a glimpse of Santa comin' down ♪
♪ Don't forget to leave the milk and cookies out ♪
♪ We got a tree shining ♪
♪ All the lights are hangin' now ♪
♪ We've got the fire burnin', speakers bumpin' to the sound ♪
♪ It's Christmas time, baby, it happens once a year ♪
♪ So wrap it, wrap it up, and get those presents over here ♪
♪ I hear the bells, bells, bells through the snowy night ♪
♪ The Christmas lights, lights shinin' bright ♪
♪ The gifts, wrapped, all stacked up so high ♪
♪ Snow fallin' down, it's just about midnight ♪
♪ Bells, bells, bells through the snowy night ♪
♪ The Christmas lights, lights shinin' bright ♪
♪ The gifts, wrapped, all stacked up so high ♪
♪ Snow fallin' down, it's just about midnight ♪
(Cheering)
Whoo! Yeah!
(Woman): Whoo-hoo! Whoo!
That was so good!
Huh?
Did you see those crowds? They loved you.
No, they loved us. Come on.
Oh!
You two were so good.
Oh, thank you.
Good work, girls!
Thank you.
You were amazing!
(Laughing)
Uh, you should get yourself cleaned up
and get out there for photographs.
There's already a huge line.
You got it, boss.
(Dog yapping)
(Camera clicking)
Have a good one.
Wow! Jennifer, you are doing a fantastic job.
Mr. Hillridge would be sufficiently impressed.
Really? Have you heard anything
about how we're doing compared to the other malls?
New Haven's doing a petting zoo right inside the mall.
And Paramus hired a couple of twin stars
to do a concert series.
But don't be concerned about other malls.
Be concerned with what's happening here.
You got lots of people in the mall.
Isn't that a good thing?
Well, at the rate he's going,
that lineup's about, what, 3 hours long?
When do we close?
Three hours.
People standing in line can't spend money.
See you after work, OK?
OK.
Well, it looks like somebody had a rough year. Smile.
(Camera clicking)
David.
Just wait one little second.
What?
Twenty seconds per customer. That's the plan.
We're competing with malls with double our revenue.
But it's Christmas. Look at her.
Exactly. We have to exceed our last year's holiday sales.
People in line cannot spend money.
(Sighing)
Santa has all the time in the world for you.
So now tell me what happened to that little wing of yours.
I crashed my bike on the sidewalk.
Next time you're riding a bike and you get scared,
think of me and I'll be watching over you.
Really? Thank you, Santa. You're the best.
Nah, you're the best. Get out of here.
So sweet.
Why would you do that?
I know, I know. I'm a terrible Santa.
No, one day, she's gonna grow up
and realize there is no Santa.
I don't understand it.
How does someone who's so clearly against
the spirit of the holiday be in charge of promoting it?
Don't take it personally, OK?
Jen didn't exactly have the best home life.
And it's like you said in your audition.
Christmas is about family,
and the holiday's just a reminder of what's missing.
It's too bad.
(Whistle blowing)
Mwah!
Hey!
Good.
Speed it up, Santa.
I'm going as fast as I can.
It's not fast enough.
Are you never satisfied?
I'll be satisfied when I win my promotion.
Smile.
I am smiling.
Like you mean it.
It hurts.
What's wrong? Sit down.
Sit down here.
Can't breathe.
Are you all right? Just sit down for a second.
Oh my God! Are you OK?
Senior down in Santa's Village. Someone call 911.
- Call 911. - Roger that. I'm on it.
Security's on its way.
OK, hang on.
All right, she has no pulse.
- Oh my God! - Come on.
Come on.
Oh my God!
Oh!
Did I die and go to heaven?
Close. You're at the South Boston Mall.
And an ambulance is on its way.
I'm in no rush.
OK.
(Siren beeping)
I had no idea you were getting your EMT certification.
There's a little something called conversation.
You ask me a question about my life,
I ask questions about yours and so on and so forth.
OK, great.
Mrs. Clark, you're in good hands, OK?
I know.
You may wanna do some tests for a concussion.
I'll help you with that Christmas shopping
when you're ready.
It's a promise.
Hmm!
Where are you going?
Hey, would you punch me out, OK?
I'll make up the hours tomorrow, I promise.
(Exhaling)
Dr. McSexy.
I think I'm in love.
(Siren wailing)
(Knocking on door)
Is that David?
No, Mrs. Clark.
It's Jennifer Walker, director of marketing and promotions
from South Boston Mall.
We met yesterday.
Don't take it personally.
She hopes everyone who comes through the door is him.
You know, he spent all night with her here.
Really?
Now he's all she wants to see.
I don't blame her. He is one hot Santa.
Yeah. Look, Mrs. Clark,
I just wanted to make sure you were doing all right.
Oh, I'll be a lot better
when I can get out of this hospital bed
and then see Sexy in action.
(All laughing)
(Door opening)
Jennifer. What are you doing here?
Don't you have a sales report to obsess over
or a holiday temp to fire?
Is that what you really think of me?
Actually, I think you're one of the more interesting,
complicated and yes, at times,
infuriating women I've ever met.
Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work.
Those sales reports aren't going to obsess over themselves.
No, they won't.
And don't be late.
Mr. Hillridge himself
is coming to check out the show.
Hmm!
Mrs. Clark kept talking about the pretty girl
that came to visit her this morning.
I knew we should've cut your hair.
Not me, smart ass. You.
I think, deep down inside,
you might actually be... wait for it...
a nice person.
There's no secret warm-and-fuzzy Jennifer.
I see a girl that eats her meals here.
No time to go out and eat.
And laughs hard when she's with the Jeremies.
They should be a stand-up routine.
And loves this mall.
OK, I've been working here since I was 17.
Of course I've developed relationships and routines
with people, but that's just, you know, a means to an end.
- Admit you love it. - No.
"I love it."
Stop.
Do you really want that promotion?
I mean, this place
isn't gonna be remotely the same without you.
Why do you even care? You'll be long gone.
Besides, I've trained Marissa perfectly to take over
when I go to corporate.
Whoo! I feel like a Christmas present.
♪ Da, da, da, da, da ♪
Yeah, I could see that.
(Marissa laughing)
Just be on your best behavior, OK?
And that means...
Twenty seconds per customer. I get it, I get it.
Excuse me. Thanks.
There we go.
- The line's always busy, sir. - Afternoon, ladies.
Welcome.
Thank you, Britney.
Have a merry Christmas. Goodbye.
Sir, I'd like you to meet David Moretti.
Hi.
Nice save out there, David.
I'm just doing what I can.
I see you got quite the crowd.
Oh, that's all part of Jen's brilliant publicity strategy.
Yeah, and I make sure they do not linger on my lap too long
so they can get out there
and spend their hard-earned money at your mall.
You better be sure to keep this one happy, Jennifer.
He's your golden Christmas goose.
Yes, sir.
Nice to meet you, David.
You heard the guy.
Goose.
It seems like everything's running smoothly. Nice job.
So are we in the running?
You've moved up to 4th place.
That's great, right?
It's a little more complicated than that.
I'm afraid there's more than just a promotion on the line.
What are you talking about?
I've decided to close the lowest-producing malls
after the first of the year.
And as of right now, yours is, well, in the line of fire.
Sir, but we've improved so much.
Even if you're up 20%,
you're still way behind the rest in terms of gross profit.
This little promotion of yours is giving it a nice bump,
but it's just a bump.
Unless you come in number one, we're shutting you down.
Mr. Hillridge, you can't.
This is strictly confidential,
not to be discussed with anyone on staff.
We have over 900 people working at this mall.
This mall's the largest employer in the community.
Couldn't we discuss this?
Come in first, and there won't be anything to discuss.
(Engine starting)
(Car driving away)
All of my friends are going to be so jealous
that I'm gonna be on national TV.
OK, you do know that Good Morning Boston
is a regional show, right?
Yeah.
OK.
Where is David?
(Siren wailing in distance)
(Sighing)
(Cellular ringing)
Yo!
Where are you?
Good morning to you too, Miss Walker.
You have to be on in 30 minutes. What is your ETA?
Well, someone locked their...
Let me guess. Your bike.
I could take a bus.
No, that'll take too long. I'll send you a car.
Why don't you come pick me up yourself?
Look, a taxi would be quicker.
Well, you remember what Mr. Hillridge said
about keeping me happy.
(Sighing)
I'll be right there.
Make me happy.
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪
♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪
♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪
Get in.
I see you had no problem finding the place.
Are you kidding me?
My mom and I had our first apartment
right around the corner.
See that place there?
That is where I beat up Tommy Callahan
because he wouldn't let the girls play
in the street-hockey game.
You beat up boys?
Mm-hmm.
No!
(Laughing)
I see nothing's changed.
♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪
So, Sexy, tell us, what was going through your head
when Mrs. Clark passed out right in front of you?
I wasn't really thinking. I was more reacting.
And when she came to, all I could think about was
I didn't want her grandkids not to have her for Christmas.
(Women): Aw!
And Britney, you get to be in this guy's arms every night.
You're the luckiest girl in Boston.
I know.
Hmm! And I saw you guys on opening night.
And you guys have such amazing chemistry together.
Does that translate off stage?
Well...
Oh, I don't kiss and tell.
Uh-huh!
(Cheering)
All right. When we come back,
exotic pets and the people who love them.
Ooh, like reindeer.
Yeah.
(Man): And we're clear.
(Sighing)
Nice to meet you.
Oh, a pleasure.
Really, nice to meet you.
Thank you. Nice plug, Moretti.
Huh?
I'll see you tonight.
Wait, wait, I gotta go to Moretti's.
I gotta do lunch service.
Why don't you ask Britney for a ride?
'Cause Britney gets lost in the shoe department at Macy's.
Fine.
So this is your place.
Yes.
This was my dad's favorite place.
I think he even took me here once or twice.
No kidding. Well, what's his name?
Maybe I served him or something.
That's unlikely. He... he left when I was 5.
Well, my son the star.
You saw it.
Of course. You're a local hero.
Oh! Dad, this is Jennifer Walker.
My dad.
Hi! His boss.
- Oh! You poor thing. - Yeah.
If anyone can understand
how difficult a job that is, it's me.
(Laughing)
Come on inside. We'll make you a pizza.
Um, you know what? I can't.
I have to get back to work. But thank you.
You can't do anything
that's not scheduled in your BlackBerry? Nothing?
I don't take no for an answer.
Come on.
It's true. He doesn't take no for an answer.
- You have no choice. - OK, he doesn't take no.
Um, I'd love to help. I just have to get back to work.
Come on, do something that's not planned for once.
That is the woman from the mall
David was complaining about.
No, I believe the words he used were "unlikable bi..."
Uh, well, he sure seems to like her now.
OK, what kind of pie do you like to make, huh?
Um, I actually... That's sweet, but I'm OK.
I don't eat pizza. It's like carbs.
When I was a kid, I'd get pepperoni.
- Ah, purist! I like that. - Mm-hmm.
David, get an apron.
You're gonna learn how to toss dough.
Oh, no, David, I...
He's the boss, so just do it.
OK. Oh!
(Clearing throat)
Ready?
I think so.
OK.
Flick the wrist then let go.
Flick the wrist and then let go.
It's not too hard.
Oh!
(Laughing)
Sorry.
No, it's good.
You're using too much arm and not enough wrist.
Gentle, gentle.
See?
Hmm!
Gentle.
Yeah.
(Screaming)
(David and father laughing)
(Laughing)
(Grunting)
Hey, uh, sorry. Pop can get pretty persistent at times.
No, don't apologize. He seems sweet.
I'm glad he cares so much.
Yeah.
(Laughing)
So that must be your mom.
Yes, it is. She loved Christmas.
She made this giant feast every year.
It certainly sounds like a better Christmas
than I had growing up.
Chinese takeout and a bottle of wine.
The wine was for my mom, not me.
So is that the plan this year?
Chinese takeout, bottle of wine with Mom?
Uh, yes to the Chinese takeout.
No to the mom.
She died when I was 17.
I'm sorry, Jen.
But nobody should spend Christmas alone.
It's just another day. It's not a big deal.
Are those yours?
Yes, I need to study whenever I can.
So you what? You work for your family.
Mm-hmm.
You go to school and you moonlight at our mall.
Yeah.
I had no idea you were that ambitious.
Hmm! Because when you first met me,
you thought I was a bike messenger.
So I'm not really giving you that much stock
in your powers of perception.
Mm-hmm.
What's that?
That is a big corporation
trying to put us out of business.
Come here.
To make room for that beacon of steel and glass.
How can they do that?
Money.
That's how they got the other local merchants
to give up the fight.
We're the only holdouts.
But we're running out of time.
So you're not closing Christmas Eve.
Not if I can help it.
This building has been around forever.
I'm trying to get it designated a historical landmark.
Hmm!
You think that's gonna work?
Oh, it's gotta work.
I have just enough money for one last appeal.
And the city council votes on Christmas Eve. 10:00 a.m.
So that's why you took the Santa job.
No, I did it for all the pretty girls and free meals.
Ah!
(Both laughing)
Hey, listen, um, Pop doesn't know about the appeal.
He's too proud to ask for help.
That's very noble of you, David.
It's not noble. It's family.
It's what you're supposed to do.
(Cellular chiming)
Oh no! No, no, I forgot!
I'm late.
Pop's just about to fire up a pizza.
I'm sorry, I can't cancel this.
Thank you.
(Door opening)
So, when's the wedding?
(Door closing)
Me and her?
(Laughing softly)
Besides, she's got a boyfriend. Some corporate bigwig.
Your mom had a boyfriend when we first met.
I'm just saying.
(Woman laughing)
(♪ Joy to the World on stereo ♪)
Hey.
Oh, hey!
Sorry. The taping went later than I thought.
Well, we only have 45 minutes for lunch now.
I ordered you a caprese salad.
Oh.
I've got a meeting with the lawyers at 2:00.
We're settling on some condos in South Carolina.
I thought Hillridge only invested
in commercial real estate.
Our business plans adapt
whenever there's good opportunities.
(Sighing)
Hey, did, uh, did Hillridge say anything to you
about shutting down the lowest-producing malls?
Neal! Why didn't you tell me?
I'm responsible for the jobs and the lives of 900 people.
I can't even imagine the effect it'll have on South Boston
if we closed.
It's not gonna happen.
What about the petting zoo in New Haven
or the tween concert series in Paramus?
I can't compete with that.
The petting zoo in New Haven was a P.R. disaster
after one of the donkeys escaped
And those tweens, they had to cancel.
Jen, my dear.
You are gonna win that promotion.
You're gonna come in number one.
You're gonna get out of that dump.
You're gonna work with me in corporate.
It's not a dump, Neal.
It's just a figure of speech.
So, I was thinking, um,
I usually celebrate Christmas with my parents in Aspen.
Why don't you come?
We've been together for over a year
and you've never introduced me to them.
Well, they can be a little hard on newcomers,
but, um, I think it's time.
I have an idea.
What if we do something fun and romantic for once,
like a pizza-making course together, just the two of us.
It'll be great.
Well, don't be ridiculous.
I mean, Aspen is the place to be over the holidays.
I don't wanna upset my parents.
Don't be silly.
I wasn't thinking. I was more reacting.
Well, when she came through, all I could think about was
I don't want her grandkids to spend Christmas without her.
Really happy our sales are up.
The Santa promotion is working really well,
so we're happy.
Have a good night. Hey!
Hey.
OK, you either had a Scarface moment
or you need some dandruff shampoo, pronto.
No, that's just flour from David's restaurant.
What? You had lunch with David? Dish!
OK, calm down. I didn't have lunch with David.
I dropped him at the pizza place and then I had lunch with Neal.
Oh.
Tonight was our best show, yet.
♪ ...get those presents over here ♪
♪ I hear bells through the snowy night... ♪
Dip!
Oh my god! You like him!
David?
Please!
Anyway, Neal invited me to Aspen
to have Christmas with his family.
Wow! Christmas with the Stepfords, how fabulous!
Well, I'd love to hear you bash my boyfriend,
but we really need to be analyzing these numbers,
instead of my love life.
Why, I thought we were kickin' ass.
I've just been going over the latest figures,
and it looks like we've plateaued.
I really need to keep up the traffic.
I'm sure we'll get a bump from the television appearance today.
Yes, but is he on Twitter? Is he on Facebook?
We can't just keep relying on what we've done in the past.
We really need to push until we're number one.
You know, if we weren't best friends,
I'd start to be a little offended
that you're so desperate to get this promotion
and get away from us.
If you could just do your job, please...
Yes, boss.
Hey.
What are you still doing here?
Had the guys at Jamba Juice
put this in the refrigerator.
I hope you don't mind cold pizza.
Are you kidding me?
My mom used to work nights.
Cold pizza for breakfast was a Walker staple.
But I can't.
I know, I know. The carbs, the carbs.
But think of Leo when he finds out
that you threw away a perfectly good Moretti's pizza.
- You wouldn't. - Oh, I would.
I absolutely would, yeah.
And you don't want to be on the receiving end of Leo's wrath,
believe me.
Fine.
Mmm!
So this is what I've been missing out on all these years.
Amongst other things, yes.
I'm not that uptight, OK?
I once ate an entire vat of butter-cream frosting
from the food-court bakery
on one of Marissa's dares.
Shut up!
And this one time, I drove the getaway car
when the Jeremys decided to T.P.
Marissa's jerky ex-boyfriend's prized Camaro.
Does Hillridge realize
that he has a criminal mastermind working for him?
(Both chuckling)
You should smile more.
(♪ O Christmas Tree ♪)
Do you hear that?
♪ ♪ ♪
Hear what?
That.
Come on!
Come on.
(Sighing)
This is what's making all the noise.
♪ ♪ ♪
How do you turn it off?
I don't know.
But do you want to go for a spin?
I... I thought Britney was your dance partner.
Britney's a great kid.
But Britney is just a kid.
♪ You can tell me anything, yeah... ♪
Come on.
No, no, no.
This is happening.
No! Let me...
♪ 'Cause I love you for you ♪
♪ Take me as I am ♪
♪ So I hope you understand ♪
♪ I'm gonna love you the same way ♪
♪ As if you were mine ♪
♪ As if I'm always there ♪
♪ The same way ♪
♪ As if you were home to me ♪
♪ Home to me ♪
♪ And I will never leave... ♪
Jen, I'm sorry. That wasn't...
♪ So much of myself ♪
♪ No, this heart won't belong to anyone else ♪
I... I can't do this.
Wait. Jennifer!
(Scoffing)
Neal!
What are you doing here?
Well, I heard what you said about being romantic,
so I decided to come down here
and whisk you away for a little midnight bite,
maybe a hard-earned drink.
That sounds fantastic.
Let me just go freshen up, OK?
(Sighing)
Jen!
Neal.
I, uh, I didn't know she had company.
Oh, we were actually just gonna go out
for a bite of real food.
OK. Well, uh, tell her I'll see her tomorrow.
You know what, David? You're doing a wicked job here.
Thanks.
In fact, I'm pretty confident
that Jennifer will win that promotion in corporate,
where she and I will be working side by side.
Well, I hope she gets everything she wants.
She will.
In fact, I'm gonna ask her to move in with me at Christmas.
And I'd really appreciate it if you didn't do anything
to stand in our way.
I would never stand in her way.
It's good to hear.
After all, you're nothing more
than a little Christmas eye candy
that everybody's gonna fill up on
and get sick of as soon as Christmas is over.
David?
Was there something else? We were just leaving.
No. No.
Have a good night.
(Chuckles)
(Talking, indistinct)
Loraine, get me New York.
Mr. Hillridge.
Hi. I just wanted to show our latest numbers.
I'll take a look at these when I get a sec. Thanks.
Uh, transfer it to my office, Lorrain.
Our lawyers will set up a numbered company
and take care of all the paperwork.
Thank you.
- Jennifer! - Hi.
Uh, did we have a lunch date?
No, no, no. I just came by to drop off the newest reports,
to show Mr. Hillridge how profitable our mall's becoming.
Well, great.
(Telephone ringing)
Was that Councilman Quinn?
What was going on in there?
Uh, well, I can't really talk about it.
But it could elevate the whole Hillridge brand.
I gotta jump on a call right now,
but, uh, I'll see you tomorrow night for date night.
OK.
(Telephone ringing)
(Cars honking)
I've been eating here every week for 30 years.
You guys are like family.
I can't believe you're closing Christmas Eve.
Don't count us out just yet, OK?
The city council's not making the final vote till the 24th.
We may have a few tricks up our sleeves. Hmm?
Ah.
Where's boss lady tonight?
How should I know?
You haven't introduced a girl
to the family in years.
You must really like this one.
I don't introduce girlfriends to you,
because you're like vultures, you rip...
See? Now she's your girlfriend.
No, you took what I said and spun it around.
♪ David and Jenny sitting in a tree ♪
♪ K-I-S-S-I-N-G ♪
(Both laughing)
Pops, they're pickin' on me again.
What? What's up, Pop.
I just got a call from the attorney,
the one you hired to file the appeal.
I, uh, I can explain.
It's all right.
It's OK.
But all that money just went down the drain.
City council denied the appeal.
What do you mean? Our hearing was scheduled
for the morning of Christmas Eve.
They had an emergency meeting.
They're not even gonna hear the appeal.
So they're not even gonna listen to us?
I'm gonna go down there
and explain to them what they're doing.
Son, I really appreciate what you're trying to do,
but it's over.
It's over.
Mr. Hillridge?
Jennifer, what can I do for you?
I really need to speak with you about something.
I know! You wanna make sure I saw your latest figures.
Uh, no. Actually, it's about Archfield Towers.
Archfield Towers.
I thought saving the jobs of 900 people at South Boston Mall
was your number-one priority.
It was, but...
It is.
You'd be glad to know I've looked over your reports.
You've now officially moved up to 2nd place.
We have?
We don't have anything else to discuss, do we?
Uh, no, sir.
Good.
Because you don't get to first by taking your eye off the ball.
It's not like telling him will change anything.
Don't you think David should know he's working
for the very corporation he's trying to fight?
If I tell David, he might quit and that's not acceptable
when we're one week away from Christmas Eve
and when we're one spot away from being number one.
I don't get you anymore, Jen.
David's family is losing their livelihood,
and all you stand to lose is a stupid promotion.
I mean, have you really gotten that cold?
It's more complicated than that, Marissa.
Then let me simplify it for you, OK?
Tell David before you become someone I don't know
or like at all.
(Man): For about 10 years.
(Jeremy): 10 years? Let me know if you need fashion tips.
- I would love one. - Here you go.
Hey, David, have you seen Jennifer?
No.
Who is she and what did she do to you?
(Jennifer): OK, thanks.
If you want my advice,
tell her how you feel.
before things get too weird
and you enter that purgatory known as the friend zone.
(Jeremy): Give me a call.
I absolutely will.
That's fantastic. Would you like a drink?
Yes, thanks.
Maybe you should take your own advice.
David, what are you doing here?
You have to be on in 5 minutes.
I know, but I found something out today
that put everything into perspective
and I really need to talk to you.
Yeah, I did too. There's something you should know.
I know you have a boyfriend
and I know you're on this corporate path
that probably doesn't include someone like me.
Someone like you?
David, anybody would be lucky to have someone like you!
They denied our request for an appeal.
What? I thought they weren't voting until Christmas Eve.
Councilman Quinn ordered an emergency meeting today.
Councilman Quinn.
They didn't even let us argue our case
and then I couldn't go through life
if I didn't do the same for you.
- David, I need to... - Jen...
You have to admit you felt something when we kissed.
I know I felt it.
I felt it like a ton of bricks.
I mean, I've never, ever met anyone
who excites me or frustrates me as much as you do.
I wanna give this a shot.
David, I don't know how to tell you this.
Hillridge is behind Archfield Towers.
He's the reason your family is going out of business.
Wait, wait. What?
I'm sorry.
Yeah, but you know Hillridge. You could talk to him, right?
I can't. My hands are tied.
(Scoffing)
You knew about this all along?
No!
(Stammering)
I introduced you to my family!
How could you do that?
You don't understand.
You're right, I don't understand anything about you.
I quit.
You can't.
Really? Watch me.
No, it's in your contract.
Hillridge will sue you if you walk out voluntarily.
You'll lose everything!
I already have.
(Sighing)
(♪ Deck the halls ♪)
It's like watching one of those creepy, robotic Santas
in the department store windows.
I know. I've never seen David this crushed before.
Trust me, I tried when I first met him.
At least you can sleep easy,
knowing you did the right thing by telling him.
Marissa, what's the point?
I mean, we're so different, it'll never work.
(Giggling)
I'm gonna miss you.
Ah!
(Dancers chattering)
Hi.
It's so sad.
Like the last day of camp.
Oh, don't, don't.
I'll see you around the neighborhood.
Hey, and don't forget about
those community college classes we talked about.
I won't.
Listen.
Underneath her tough exterior,
Jen really does have a heart.
I know, but it's buried pretty deep.
Hey, hear her out. It's not as bad as it seems.
And besides, it's Christmas,
and everyone deserves a little charity at Christmas.
Yeah, but Jen doesn't believe in Christmas.
(Giggles)
Remember?
Marissa said, uh, to come get my check from you.
You were worth every penny.
Glad I could help advance corporate greed.
That's not what I meant.
David....
I hope you have a merry Christmas.
I hope when you get everything you want...
that it was all worth it.
Me to.
(Siren in distance)
(Sighing)
You know, I've worked here my entire life.
I'm gonna look forward
not coming home at night covered in flour.
(Chuckling)
I feel like they've taken our Christmas.
Oh, come on, baby. No, no, no.
Come on. What did Mama always say, hmm?
(All 3): A good Christmas isn't about gifts, it's about...
Family! And nobody can take that away from us, OK?
So instead of dwelling on all we lost this year,
let's count our blessings on all we still have, huh?
A beautiful, healthy family.
Another baby on the way.
(Chuckling)
You OK?
I just don't understand
how Hillridge could take Moretti's away from us
and to not even give it a 2nd thought.
And to think, Dad, I was part of that machine.
Well, you couldn't have known anything about it.
Don't beat yourself up over it.
Well, is that the only thing bothering you?
Jennifer.
Hmm!
You told me she said she didn't know anything about it
and that she was brutally honest in the past.
Why would she lie about this now?
People say things to get what they want.
Hmm... I find it hard to believe
that it's all about the bottom line for her.
You know, Jennifer may have a tough exterior, but...
I thought she was a real sweetheart.
(Ringing)
(Beep)
Jennifer Walker.
Jennifer.
Mr. Hillridge.
Did I catch you at a bad time?
Uh, no, this is a perfect time.
I just finished going over the numbers.
You've really outdone yourself, Jennifer.
Your holiday revenue is up 25%. I don't know how you did it.
Wait, does this...
Congratulations, yes.
You are my new V.P. of Marketing.
Next year, you'll be working with me at corporate.
You're kidding. We're number one?
Yes.
Uh, there's just one more thing.
I'm gonna need you to spearhead the closing of the mall first.
Excuse me?
Don't worry, H.R. will be in touch
about setting up exit interviews.
Wait, you said that if we came in number one
the mall would be safe.
Those numbers aren't sustainable,
not without Christmas, not without our Santa.
Look, Mr. Hillridge, these are good people.
They need their jobs.
We will do a final inventory January 31st
before making the announcement.
We gotta keep everyone on their toes.
No, sir! Please just...
Look, don't let this overshadow
what you've accomplished, Jennifer.
You've given yourself the best Christmas present possible.
We'll celebrate at the party tonight.
See you then.
(Beep)
Merry Christmas to me.
Is that Kate? She's getting so big.
8 years old. Can you believe it?
She made me take her to see Santa about 5 times.
I think she's starting to discover boys.
Heaven help me.
Hey, Jen.
Congratulations on the promotion!
- Whee! - We hate to see you go.
But what an exciting Christmas surprise.
Um, I hope you don't mind,
but David invited us
to the Moretti closing party tonight.
Oh, um, no!
Go, please, by all means.
I mean, have fun.
I have to stay with the suits all night.
Listen, we know you already have on
that boring, black dress,
but now that you're the V.P. of marketing,
we thought you should have something
with a little more fab factor.
(Marissa): Ta-da!
(All laughing)
God! That's gorgeous, but...
(Chuckling)
What? What's wrong?
I'm... I'm just really gonna miss you guys.
Aw, Jen! We're family.
And, hey, even though you're moving downtown,
does not mean you can't come here
and help me kill a dozen Cinnabon every now and then.
(Giggles)
Hmm...
Promise?
Yeah. Come here.
♪ Love and laughter ♪
Aw! Group hug! Group hug!
♪ What comes after Christmas candles lose their glow? ♪
♪ Where's the spirit of the season ♪
♪ Celebrated long ago? ♪
♪ Why can't there be ♪
♪ A Christmas carol ♪
♪ Sung in your heart ♪
♪ The whole year through? ♪
♪ Look all around you ♪
♪ To discover... ♪
Merry Christmas. Welcome to the party.
Is that the Grinch
or Jennifer Walker trying to sneak by Santa?
Hi, Jim.
I guess I deserve that, huh?
Look, if it means anything,
I feel really bad about how I treated you.
(Sighing)
I appreciated that.
I, uh, miss all my old friends at the mall.
But, hey, I hear congratulations are in order.
Looks like you got everything you wanted for Christmas.
(Car honking)
Thanks, Jim.
(♪ Jazz ♪)
(All chattering)
I've been trying to call you all day.
Where have you been? Congratulations!
Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
You got what you always wanted, a promotion to corporate.
Why aren't you celebrating?
They're closing the mall, Neal.
How can I celebrate,
knowing the people that helped me get my promotion
will be out of jobs by the new year?
It's collateral damage.
Don't worry. They'll find something else.
You knew?
I know everything that happens at Hillridge.
Come on, babe. Be happy!
Besides, you're not the only one celebrating a promotion.
Really?
You are looking at the new senior V.P. of Strategy.
Hillridge rewards resourcefulness.
Resourcefulness?
Mm-hmm.
Is that what you call brokering deals
with corrupt politicians?
Hillridge would never invest in residential real estate.
You bribed the councilman, didn't you?
We needed him to kill
the merchant's appeal
in order to push the Archfield Towers development through.
Yeah.
Jen, we both did what we had to do to get our promotion.
Don't look at me like that.
Well, maybe I don't like what I see anymore.
I guess you call that collateral damage.
Welcome, everyone.
To Hillridge Enterprises annual executive holiday gathering.
But my first order of business tonight
is to congratulate our newest vice president,
Jennifer Walker.
(Cheering)
She's a long-time employee,
having started out here as a floater at the age of 17.
And her victory was made possible
by a brilliant re-branding of our holiday business model,
with the success of her South Boston Santa.
Jennifer, a few words.
(Applause)
Oh! Well done!
Congratulations!
(Sighing)
Christmas was nothing more to me
than one of the biggest retail opportunities of the year.
But as someone very wise said...
Christmas isn't about sales reports or profits.
It's about family.
And since I really have none to speak of,
the people of South Boston Mall
have become my family.
And collateral damage or not...
I can't just sit back
and celebrate the destruction of that family.
I'm sorry. I can't do this.
(Man): Jennifer!
Jennifer.
Jennifer. Do you have any idea what you're doing?
You close South Boston Mall
and I'll go public with your backroom deals.
You don't wanna play that game with me.
You should be proud, sir.
I learned from the best.
And while you're at it,
find a new home for Archfield towers.
Doesn't fit in the neighborhood.
Merry Christmas.
(Car honking)
Taxi!
Jennifer? Are you OK?
Yeah.
No, I... I can't get a cab
and I have to get to Old Town before Christmas Eve is over.
Well, hold on. I'll help you.
Why would you help me?
I... I probably ruined your Christmas.
You can't ruin my Christmas!
Christmas is about family, remember?
(Whistling)
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Merry Christmas.
Moretti's Pizza.
(♪ Jingle Bells ♪)
(Woman): I tried that!
Hi, there!
(Chuckling)
You must be David's brother!
Yes, younger and sexier.
You know, next year I will be in charge of hiring sexy Santa.
So you wanna give me a little preview
of what you got goin' on in there?
I don't think you can handle what I got goin' on in here.
Is that right?
That one.
(♪ Jazz ♪)
My mom's making me a Christmas Tofurkey tomorrow.
You wanna come by?
I'll bring the soy eggnog.
You read my mind.
Great minds think alike.
♪ I think about the day ♪
There you go.
♪ The first time that we kissed in the rain... ♪
Hey, big guy.
Hey, um, got an early Christmas present for you.
And you don't need to thank me.
So, I want you to take this
and I want you to put this towards
opening Moretti's in a new location.
(Chuckling)
I've had a good run, son.
Don't worry about your old man.
I've lived through a lot worse and I'm still here.
Keep it and you put it down as down payment for med school.
(Chuckles)
It's what your mom would've wanted.
(Sighing)
Well, it's almost midnight.
Wanna help me take down the Moretti's sign?
Thought it might look nice hanging over the couch.
I can't.
(Chuckles)
I've lost so much lately, I don't...
I don't think I could dismantle the place.
Sorry, Pop.
(Sighing)
Jen! Why aren't you celebrating your promotion?
Some things are more important
than what's listed on your 10-year plan.
Marissa, I'm sorry I've been such a bad friend
these past few months.
Hey! We're best friends.
Forget it! Come here!
(Giggling)
Where's David?
He went home.
So should you.
Don't mind him.
You want David?
Yeah.
Follow me.
(Giggles)
There he is.
What are you doing here?
I turned down the promotion.
Why?
I honestly didn't know
Hillridge was behind Archfield Towers until recently.
But I should have told you immediately.
I know, but I didn't want to make the same mistake again.
So when I found that Hillridge bribed Councilman Quinn
with a condo in South Carolina...
(Sighing)
I told him he wasn't gonna get away with it.
You did all this for Moretti's?
I did it because it's the right thing to do.
Ah...
And I did it for you.
What? So...
Could you just let me speak or I'll never get this out, OK?
We got off on the wrong foot.
The wrong planet, actually.
Um...
You bring out something in me that I have never felt before.
I used to think that Christmas was just another day.
I don't want to spend another Christmas alone at home.
I want to spend it with family.
I want to spend it with you.
OK, you can speak now.
Stop telling me what to do.
Stop packing.
Stop packing, stop packing, stop packing!
David, what's going on?
Well, thanks to Jen, we are saving Moretti's!
(Cheering)
♪ Evergreen tips... ♪
Isn't that great?
Hi!
How can that be?
We'll explain everything.
♪ If I'll sleep ♪
(Chuckling)
All right. Grab that.
OK.
♪ Under the Christmas tree ♪
On three. One, two, three!
Ta-da!
(Laughing)
♪ Fa la la la la la ♪
♪ It's a beautiful world ♪
♪ We're all here... ♪
- So I have a question. - Hmm?
Now that I've saved the restaurant,
does that mean I get to cut to the front of the pizza line?
♪ Warming by an open fire ♪
Merry Christmas, Jennifer.
♪ Open fire ♪
Merry Christmas, Santa.
♪ And now we're making angels out of silver wire ♪
♪ Silver wire ♪
♪ Beautiful world ♪
(Both laughing)
♪ It's a beautiful world ♪
♪ Fa la la la la ♪
♪ It's a beautiful world ♪
♪ And we're all here ♪
♪ Your winter skin ♪
♪ Warming by an open fire ♪
♪ Open fire ♪
♪ And now we're making angels out of silver wire ♪
♪ Silver wire ♪
♪ Beautiful world ♪
♪ It's a beautiful world ♪