ANNOUNCER AUNT_GRACE BETTY BLIZZBY BOBBIN CLEMENTINE ELFMAN ELF_1 EVERYONE FERRIS GIRL GIRLS GIRLS_2 GRANDMA_JELLI HARRIS IAN JENNY JIMMY LITTLE_MACKENZIE LOLA MACKENZIE MOXIE SALVATION_ARMY_SANTA SANAT SANTA SUZIE TAYLOR TAYLORS_ANSWERING_MACHINE TOM TOWNSPERSON VOICE WILSON CLEMENTINE Don't you look dazzy this morning. Hi girls. GIRLS Hi. GIRL Hey Clem. CLEMENTINE Good morning. GIRLS 2 Morning. CLEMENTINE I'll see you guys after work. CLEMENTINE Merry Christmas! BLIZZBY Clementine! You're early, interns don't usually show up till nine. CLEMENTINE What? When there's new trampolines that need fixing? BLIZZBY Ah well, we've got another problem to deal with. CLEMENTINE A problem? BLIZZBY Ahuh, look. FERRIS The thing is the zing in these balls is too much. CLEMENTINE I see. ELF 1 I guess we'll have to scrap that whole batch. CLEMENTINE Unless. What if we cut these in half and attached them to the bottom of shoes? BOBBIN I don't follow. CLEMENTINE Well, cut in half is half the bounce, and for kids that play hoop, that's the perfect amount of spring in their step. ELF 1 Well done, Clem. CLEMENTINE Thanks, Blizzby. BLIZZBY Good work today Clem. Interns don't usually invent new products. CLEMENTINE Well, the way I see it, a problem is just a snowball waiting for a target. BLIZZBY Maybe that's why word gets around. VOICE Look, it's Santa. SANTA Clementine? CLEMENTINE Later guys. SANTA I heard you did a good job today. You march to your own glockenspiel Clementine. CLEMENTINE Thank you, sir. My Mom says that if we had a snowflake for every new idea that I chased, we'd have an avalanche on our hands. SANAT That's why I'm here today. Uh shall we go to my office and have a little chat? CLEMENTINE I'd love that. SANTA As you know, getting around the world in one night isn't easy. The further my sleigh gets from Northpole's magic, the more power we need. CLEMENTINE Well, you do log in a lot of Frequent Flyer miles. SANTA Which is why we built the power stations. Without these points of magic around the globe, my journey would be impossible. So, Clementine, what would you say to another special mission? CLEMENTINE I'd be totally iced. SANTA Well. There's a woman down south who's at a crossroads. She's inherited one of our stations an old hotel that's gone dark. CLEMENTINE Vermont. I hear it's beautiful this time of year. SANTA If its magic isn't lit up by Christmas Eve…well, I think you know what's at stake here. CLEMENTINE How much does she know? SANTA Nothing. CLEMENTINE How much can I tell her? SANTA I'm afraid she's going to have to come to certain realizations herself. Needless to say, this will be the greatest challenge you've ever faced. CLEMENTINE I'm honored, sir. And I'm in. SANTA Her name is Mackenzie Warren. MACKENZIE Pretty but no… This I can sell. 18 carat. Worth more melted down - something to think about. That's interesting. Lola, would you mind standing up? Early 16th Century, Elizabethan, in really good condition LOLA Oh, that's not for sale, Mackenzie. MACKENZIE I understand your hesitancy. And you'll excuse me for saying, but if there's one thing I've learned in my 20 years of appraising estates and property…these are just things. A month from now you'll be living in Boca Raton, swimming and playing golf. And this antique chair could be collecting dust in the corner, or pay your country club dues for a year. TOM Maybe you're right. MACKENZIE Holding on to the past keeps us from moving forward. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today's a gift. That's why they call it the present. Oh… Now there's your kitchen makeover in Boca. SALVATION ARMY SANTA Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas folks, Merry Christmas! MACKENZIE Good morning, Ed. SALVATION ARMY SANTA Morning Mackenzie. MACKENZIE Here you go. Bagel, light cream cheese, coffee black. SALVATION ARMY SANTA You're the best. MACKENZIE Merry Christmas. SALVATION ARMY SANTA Merry Christmas. MACKENZIE I'm available 24/7, night or day. Okay, thank you. TAYLOR Nice work on the Campbell Estate. That's why you're our #1. You can talk people out of anything. MACKENZIE Thank you. I think. TAYLOR Keep it up, you'll be the new me. That needs water. MACKENZIE It's plastic. TAYLOR Any plans for the holidays? MACKENZIE Not really. Just going inventory for the New Year's Day Auction. TAYLOR I envy you. I have a minivan full of relatives coming in. If you ask me, Santa has the right idea - only visit people once a year. Christmas party in the conference room. You coming? MACKENZIE And catch up with people I haven't seen in twenty minutes? Of course. MACKENZIE Can I help you? ELFMAN Miss Warren? MACKENZIE Yes. ELFMAN Peter Elfman, Esquire. We spoke on the phone about your Aunt's estate? MACKENZIE Oh yes, of course. Please come in. I'm Mackenzie. ELFMAN Thank you. Nothing like the smell of a plastic Christmas tree. MACKENZIE Would you like some coffee? ELFMAN Oh, that would be lovely. MACKENZIE Cream and sugar? ELFMAN Ah… Just black. ELFMAN Just moving in? MACKENZIE No, I haven't gotten around to unpacking quite yet. ELFMAN How long have you lived here? MACKENZIE A year. I move a lot for work. Six times in the last eight years, so I have mastered the art of living out of boxes. ELFMAN Sounds like you haven't found a place you can call home yet. MACKENZIE Well, let's just say I'm better at appraising homes than I am living in them. Please… sit down. ELFMAN Oh, thank you. MACKENZIE Here you go. ELFMAN Ah, thank you. MACKENZIE Why are you getting in touch now? It's been almost a year that my Aunt passed away. ELFMAN Yes, it's taken us this long to organise her things. MACKENZIE She always was a free spirit. ELFMAN You two were close? MACKENZIE Very, for a while. I use to go to her Inn when I was a little girl every Christmas. I loved that place…and my Aunt Grace most of all. ELFMAN It's my guess the feeling was mutual. She left you an early Christmas gift. The Northern Lights Mountain Inn. MACKENZIE She left me the Inn? ELFMAN Indeed she did. MACKENZIE Why me? I haven't spoken to her in a lifetime. ELFMAN Be that as it may, she chose you. Papers' quite clear on that. MACKENZIE I can't believe it. That was so kind of her. But what am I going to do with a hotel in the middle of nowhere? ELFMAN When was the last time you were there? MACKENZIE Second grade? ELFMAN I'm afraid it's lost a star or two in the guidebooks since then. MACKENZIE Well, I suppose I'll have to sell it. I guess there's a realtor up there I could call. ELFMAN Why don't you go up there and take a look at the place first? Seeing something in person can open your eyes to all sorts of possibilities. MACKENZIE Well, you've given me a lot to think about. ELFMAN Don't take too long. There's a large tax bill due at the first of the year. Uncle Sam may have a beard, but he's no Santa Claus. Well… Merry Christmas. MACKENZIE Merry Christmas. LITTLE MACKENZIE Hurry! Aunt Grace! Hurry! AUNT GRACE I'm coming... Slow down, Mackenzie. Slow down Mac, you're missing the treats along the way. LITTLE MACKENZIE Look at the ornament! It's glowing! AUNT GRACE That's my favorite of all. TAYLORS ANSWERING MACHINE "It's Taylor. Whatever you have to say, say it in five seconds." MACKENZIE Taylor? It's Mackenzie. I'm going out of town for a few days, but I'll be back for the auction. Merry… Christmas. MACKENZIE Hello? IAN Hi. MACKENZIE Are you the realtor? IAN Thankfully, no. HARRIS Harris Hanover. MACKENZIE I'm Mackenzie Warren, my Aunt Grace owned. IAN The Northern Lights Mountain Inn. MACKENZIE You know it then. IAN Every nook and cranny. HARRIS It's not an English Muffin, Ian. I tried for years to get Grace to sell. That money-pit is a tear-down waiting to happen. IAN I couldn't disagree more. MACKENZIE I guess it's my money-pit now. HARRIS And you're not the country innkeeper type. MACKENZIE No. Actually I'm the Director of Acquisitions at Carlisle's New York. HARRIS Oh. Then you know the value of a good piece of property. Inside and out. IAN Will you hand me the Allen wrench there? HARRIS What? MACKENZIE Here you go. IAN Thanks. You know your wrenches. MACKENZIE W.G. Allen filed the patent for the original in 1909. It brought in five figures at auction. IAN What can you tell me about the compound sliding miter saw? MACKENZIE Not a lot. IAN Too bad, I was about to propose. HARRIS Mackenzie, the Inn is a relic. Except for your aunt's annual Christmas party…the place has been pretty much empty for years. On the bright side, I do have a prospective buyer who is interested in taking it off your hands "As Is." IAN She's not selling it "As Is." What I mean is…just spruce it up a little, you'll get a better price. HARRIS Better yet, you sell it right now, you'd be done with it. IAN Then the new "buyer" tears it down? This is a landmark. HARRIS It's progress. IAN It's the history of our town. HARRIS Don't listen to him. He's averse to making money. MACKENZIE Maybe I should see it first. HARRIS Of course. Give me a call when you do. MACKENZIE I will. It was nice to meet both of you. HARRIS Nice to meet you too. IAN I'm done. HARRIS You fix it? IAN No. I recommend you tearing it down and buying a new one. IAN Hey. I'll walk you to your car. MACKENZIE Oh, it's ten feet away. IAN We'll walk slowly. I apologize for him, he's always been pushy. And annoying. But he's my brother, so I put up with him. Ian Hanover. MACKENZIE Mackenzie Warren. IAN Is that Mrs. Warren or Miss? MACKENZIE Are you asking me if I'm married? IAN Nope, just a small town conversation. MACKENZIE It's Miss. CLEMENTINE We've got a mission, Randy. MACKENZIE It hasn't changed at all… Well, maybe a little… Okay, maybe a lot. WILSON Hello? Welcome to the Northern Lights Mountain Inn. MACKENZIE Thank you. WILSON Here, let me take that for you. MACKENZIE Okay. Thank you. WILSON The Inn was established in 1820 as MACKENZIE as a home away from home. WILSON So you've stayed with us before? MACKENZIE A long time ago WILSON Oh my goodness. Mackenzie! You may not remember me, Wilson? MACKENZIE Wilson! Of course I remember you. Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't recognize you. WILSON Well I have gotten dramatically better looking over the years. MACKENZIE Oh I couldn't agree more. WILSON Grace's lawyer said you might show up. I'm glad you did. MACKENZIE Me too. It's so quiet. WILSON Yes. Well, we've lost some staff. Vacationers prefer the new resorts in town these days. And the locals may love this place, but they sleep in their own beds. MACKENZIE Wilson, are you saying that I'm the only guest? WILSON You're not a guest. You're family. Now would you like a little look around before I show you to your room? MACKENZIE Oh, I would love that, yes. WILSON Grace kept on top of things, but the last few years…well, we fell a little behind. Well, it's an old place and it's seen a little wear and tear. MACKENZIE I see Aunt Grace's collections are still intact. WILSON She acquired everything from hats to hammers. If it was quirky and fun, she just had to have it. MACKENZIE Oh these bookends could bring in a pretty penny. WILSON I suppose. They were there long before me. MACKENZIE No, maybe, no, kitsch. Pretty but worthless. WILSON You used to like to read beside that lamp. MACKENZIE Shows you what I knew back then. WILSON Just an old lamp, but worth isn't always a number, is it? MACKENZIE It is in my world. MACKENZIE I remember when this room used to be full of people and laughter. WILSON And music like a Christmas symphony. MACKENZIE Oh, Aunt Grace's favorite Christmas ornament. I remember that spinning. WILSON Spinning yes, quite correct. BETTY Mackenzie? MACKENZIE Betty, you're still here! You look wonderful. BETTY Thank you, dear. MACKENZIE I see you're still wearing your famous Christmas sweaters. BETTY A different one everyday. I'm happy to make you one. MACKENZIE Oh no. I wouldn't want you to go to all that trouble. BETTY No. No. No trouble at all. MACKENZIE Oh Betty… Where's the rest of the staff? WILSON Just us now. MACKENZIE You two take care of this whole place? WILSON Let's just say that it keeps us young. And on that note… let's show you to your room. MACKENZIE I've missed you , Aunt Grace. MACKENZIE Shouldn't we take the elevator? WILSON No! BETTY No! MACKENZIE No elevator. Got it. BETTY Goodnight, dear. MACKENZIE Goodnight, Betty. Goodnight, Wilson. CLEMENTINE Atta boy Randy… Whoa! What a nice town CLEMENTINE Nice landing, Randy. I love the new four-legged touchdown. You'll be nice and warm in here. I'll check back in, in the morning. Goodnight. WILSON Hello? CLEMENTINE Oh, hi. You must be Wilson? WILSON And you must be Clementine! We've been waiting for you. Did you bring any luggage? CLEMENTINE Just carry-on. WILSON How was your trip? CLEMENTINE Great. I caught a little turbulence over the Arctic Circle! Brr… WILSON Hot Snocoa coming up. CLEMENTINE Great. WILSON Follow me. CLEMENTINE Has she checked in yet? WILSON Oh yes, indeed. CLEMENTINE Santa? I'm in. MACKENZIE Good morning. WILSON Good morning, Mackenzie. This is Clementine… my grand-niece. Her parents are working, so she'll be staying with us for the holidays. CLEMENTINE Hi. MACKENZIE Well, as someone who used to spend Christmases here when I was a little girl, I promise you're going to love it. CLEMENTINE I already do. MACKENZIE You have the shiniest hair. CLEMENTINE Thank you. It's egg nog shampoo. MACKENZIE Sounds sticky CLEMENTINE It's real popular where I'm from. MACKENZIE And where's that? CLEMENTINE Up north. MACKENZIE Canada? CLEMENTINE A little north of that. More like Canada-Adjacent. BETTY Would you like to join us for breakfast? MACKENZIE Oh, no. Coffee will be fine. CLEMENTINE We were just saying how sad it would be if this place had to close. WILSON I suppose I could always find another job. I'm not that old. BETTY Still, it wouldn't be the same. MACKENZIE Wha… I thought the sound system was broken. WILSON It is. MACKENZIE Good morning. IAN Morning, Mac. MACKENZIE Actually nobody calls me that…at least not anymore. IAN It's too bad. I like it. MACKENZIE What happened? IAN The wiring in this place is just about shot. MACKENZIE Umm, this is awkward. IAN What is? MACKENZIE Well…I hope you don't think I hired you yesterday. IAN Nnnope. I didn't MACKENZIE Then…what are you doing here? IAN Don't worry, I'm not here for you. I'm here for the Inn. MACKENZIE You do know "The Inn" is an inanimate object. IAN Not to me. I've always looked after this place. In fact, your Aunt and I were really good friends. She meant a lot to me. So my contractor and I, we lend a hand when we can. MACKENZIE Contractor? IAN Yeah. She's outside, shoveling snow. MACKENZIE Look, I hope you don't think that I don't appreciate all of this because I do but after I've seen all the work that this place needs, I think it's best I take your brother up on his offer. IAN You mean, sell it and have them tear it down. MACKENZIE Maybe they'll put something better in its place. IAN Yeah sure, like a condo development. Maybe…maybe a strip mall. VOICE Daddy! IAN Hey. Mackenzie, this is my contractor Jenny. MACKENZIE It is a pleasure to meet you, Jenny. IAN It's Christmas break. Which, when you're a single Dad, means instant work crew. Not to mention, this is her favorite place in the world. MACKENZIE It was mine too at your age. JENNY What about now? MACKENZIE Well… JENNY Do you have kids? MACKENZIE Ah…no. JENNY A husband? MACKENZIE No, no husband. IAN Jenny, why don't you run and get your stuff… Go on. JENNY Excuse me. Do you have a pet? MACKENZIE No. JENNY House plants? MACKENZIE Plastic. JENNY A car? MACKENZIE It's leased. JENNY Leased? Commitment-problems. IAN Sorry about the interrogation. My old contractor was much ah…quieter. MACKENZIE It's okay. She's adorable. IAN Yeah. She's a really good kid. And persistent. And by persistent I mean relentless. MACKENZIE It's not that I have a commitment problem per se. IAN Well, you didn't hear that from me. MACKENZIE I,I, I move around a lot for work. And well, when you don't stay in one place, you have to give up a things… IAN Like relationships, dogs, cats and plants. That must be hard. MACKENZIE I'm used to it. JENNY This is a thank you. MACKENZIE For what? JENNY My Dad says you're going to fix this place up and turn it back to the way it used to be. IAN Sorry. JENNY He said it used to be magical. MACKENZIE Yes. It was. IAN Actually sweetie, I think Mac has decided to let the place go and move on. JENNY You mean the Inn's not going to be here anymore? IAN Well, it depends on who buys it. MACKENZIE I know it seems unimaginable not coming back to a place you love. But there will be so many other special places you'll go to. JENNY Places as special as this? MACKENZIE You know what. Keep this, and you'll always remember it here. JENNY Thank you. But I could ever forget this place. Ever. MACKENZIE Bye. MACKENZIE Harris? This is Mackenzie Warren. Hold off on that prospective buyer. I'm going to fix this place up first. MACKENZIE Gang. Betty. Wilson. Oh can I talk to you for a moment. I've decided to make a commitment to the Inn. CLEMENTINE You're keeping it! MACKENZIE No. But I am going to fix it up so the next owner thinks twice before tearing it down. Now I'm only here until Christmas, so this will have to be fast and furious. Wilson, do you know any handymen in town other than Ian Hanover? WILSON Why would you want someone else? He's the best. BETTY Not to mention good looking. And dependable. He's raised his little Jenny since his wife died. MACKENZIE She died? BETTY When the girl was just a baby. WILSON You won't do better than Ian. MACKENZIE I'm sure you're right. I just got the sense he might be too attached to this place. CLEMENTINE But isn't that a good thing? MACKENZIE Not in my experience. If we want to get this done, we've got to forget about the past and not get caught up in memories of what this once was… Now I've googled resorts in town and it's obvious that this place needs some updating. WILSON Well, you know what this place has that the other places don't? Charm. MACKENZIE You know what those places have that this place doesn't? Guests. WILSON Ouch! MACKENZIE First thing we need to do is inventory what needs to be fixed. And then figure out what we can live without. CLEMENTINE Great. Would you mind If I shadowed you? I'm considering a career in Hotel Management. MACKENZIE Alright then, you're hired. CLEMENTINE You know what we can't live without? A Christmas tree. Or two. MACKENZIE Okay, you're in charge of trees. CLEMENTINE Perfect. I promise to go out on a limb for you. MACKENZIE Oh, I see what you did there. MACKENZIE Do you like to make lists? CLEMENTINE Oh! Like a Naughty and Nice list? MACKENZIE I was thinking a list of things wrong with the Inn. CLEMENTINE Sounds like a short list. MACKENZIE Elevator. CLEMENTINE Check... I got it. MACKENZIE How did Aunt Grace manage this place to make it look so easy. CLEMENTINE Well, Christmas in the heart - puts Christmas in the air. MACKENZIE How many fixes on that list? CLEMENTINE Sixty-four must-dos. MACKENZIE Make that Sixty-five. WILSON You look beat. MACKENZIE Beat and overwhelmed. WILSON Can I get you anything? MACKENZIE Yes, Ian Hanover's number? WILSON Oh, don't bother. He never answers his phone. MACKENZIE How does he get any business? WILSON You'll just have to go and see him. CLEMENTINE You used to go the Inn as a little kid? MACKENZIE Every Christmas. My Dad travelled a lot for work. The holidays were his busiest time of the year, so he'd send me out here to spend Christmases with my Aunt Grace. CLEMENTINE What about your Mom? MACKENZIE She wasn't really in the picture. CLEMENTINE I'm so sorry. MACKENZIE I loved it here. It was the happiest time of my life…for a while anyway. CLEMENTINE What changed? MACKENZIE Well one year, I had the strangest dream, that I went to this magical city. I was so sure that it was real. My Dad became convinced that Aunt Grace was a bad influence, too eccentric… I guess I did sound pretty crazy. CLEMENTINE And you never went back? MACKENZIE No. CLEMENTINE Why not? MACKENZIE I grew up. SUZIE Hello! Can I help you? CLEMENTINE Look how pretty that wreath would look on the doors of the Inn? SUZIE The Inn? MACKENZIE Yes… SUZIE Then that means you're Mackenzie. Your Aunt talked about you often. I miss her. Are you still putting on the big Christmas Eve party? We all so look forward to it every year. MACKENZIE No, I'm afraid not. Actually I'm selling the Inn. SUZIE What a shame. That Inn meant a lot to this town. But, ah…Merry Christmas anyway. CLEMENTINE Merry Christmas. MACKENZIE Merry Christmas. JIMMY Samples! Samples? CLEMENTINE Absolutely! JIMMY You live around here? CLEMENTINE Just visiting. MACKENZIE I'll be at the sawmill. CLEMENTINE Okay. JIMMY Cool hat. CLEMENTINE Yeah. Yours too. You get it up North? JIMMY Yep. CLEMENTINE Dazzy. JIMMY Yeah. Real dazzy. MACKENZIE Hello? MACKENZIE Hello? Hello? IAN Oh, hey! MACKENZIE Hey. I would have called, but I heard you don't answer your phone. IAN Now where did you hear that? Ah, let me guess…Wilson. IAN Yes Wilson, she's here. Yes and yes. He and Betty outta open a match-making business. MACKENZIE This is an amazing workshop. IAN It's more of a home/office. We live right next door. MACKENZIE It's beautiful… IAN Thank you. I kinda like restoring old stuff. Taking something that's forgotten and giving it a second life. MACKENZIE Early 1900's…I could get you a good price for this. IAN But then I couldn't use it. MACKENZIE But you could use the money to buy a better one. IAN But I like that one. MACKENZIE You really do get attached to things. IAN Thank you. MACKENZIE Anyway, I'm here because… IAN Yeah. You want me to fix up the Inn. MACKENZIE Wilson? IAN No, I figured you'd spend a night in the place and you'd come to your senses and wanna keep it. MACKENZIE I'm not keeping it, but I don't want to see it torn down. IAN Well, If my brother sells it, it will be torn down. MACKENZIE But if we bring it back to the way it was, whoever buys it won't want to. IAN They will if they have no attachment to it. MACKENZIE It so happens that talking people out of things is what I'm good at. IAN Well, you're also good at talking people into things. I'm in. MACKENZIE You're available? IAN Yep. Wide open. MACKENZIE Great. And your rates? IAN Well, I wouldn't mind that stack of mahogany in the basement. MACKENZIE And? IAN And you can throw in some of Betty's cooking. MACKENZIE I was thinking more along the lines of money. IAN Nah, I'm good there. MACKENZIE Oh. CLEMENTINE Look who I found taking all the free samples. JENNY Hi Mac! IAN She doesn't really like to be called Mac. MACKENZIE Actually, it's, it's starting to grow on me. JENNY Dad, this is Clementine. IAN Nice to meet you. CLEMENTINE Likewise. IAN So glad you changed your mind about the Inn. MACKENZIE Well, let's just say you put a wrench in my plans. IAN Start tomorrow? MACKENZIE Deal. And bring your contractor along. IAN Hey, you in? JENNY I don't work cheap. IAN I, on the other hand, do… IAN The rest are on their way. MACKENZIE The rest of what? IAN Clementine said you wanted 20 Christmas trees. CLEMENTINE What? Oh, that's a 2 and that's a smiley face. Sorry. MACKENZIE It's okay. They're pretty. And they smell better than plastic. CLEMENTINE Yes. And there is no such thing as too many Christmas trees. MACKENZIE True. CLEMENTINE And this place needs all the Christmas it can get. IAN Ready? CLEMENTINE Yeah. JENNY You know, there are elves here. MACKENZIE Elves. Of course. MACKENZIE Broken elevator, grandfather clock that won't chime, even the ice machine doesn't work. IAN We'll get to that. MACKENZIE Well, did I mention the linoleum in the laundry room is curling up? IAN I'll rip it out. There's hardwood underneath. MACKENZIE It would be quicker if you nailed it down. IAN It's linoleum. You know, you can't use a crayon on the Mona Lisa. MACKENZIE See, I told you he's too attached to this place. WILSON I remain neutral. However, you don't see stucco ceilings on the Sistine Chapel. IAN Well-put, Wilson. MACKENZIE We're going to need paint. And a lot of it. WILSON There's paint in the basement. Let me…You know, I've done a room or two in my day. MACKENZIE Thanks, Wilson. The kitchen could use a once-over. BETTY That is my turf. MACKENZIE Thank you, Betty. Anyone like to tackle the Game Room? IAN Alright. I, I guess I'll tack down that linoleum. MACKENZIE Oh…on second thought, um, rip it out. MACKENZIE Hey… What're you watching? JENNY "Polariffic!" It's the #1 show in Northpole! MACKENZIE This place never looked so good. CLEMENTINE Well, you know, I wish I could take all the credit, but this kid's in the snowzone. JENNY I help my Dad out all the time. MACKENZIE He is very lucky to have you. JENNY But I think he's lonely. MACKENZIE You know, I grew up without a Mom too. JENNY What happened to yours? MACKENZIE She left. When I was a baby. JENNY Why? MACKENZIE I don't know. I guess she didn't think she'd be a very good mother. But I had my Dad. And Aunt Grace. CLEMENTINE And now you have us. MACKENZIE Well! Aunt Grace always did like games. JENNY Me too! CLEMENTINE Me three. What kind? MACKENZIE Oh. My favorite game was the Ribbon Game. On Christmas Eve, Aunt Grace would take a ribbon and she would string it all through the hotel and I would chase it to see where the ribbon led… JENNY And where did it lead? LITTLE MACKENZIE Aunt Grace, where does the ribbon lead? AUNT GRACE If you don't slow down, you'll miss it. MACKENZIE You know, I don't remember. JENNY Can we do it? MACKENZIE Oh goodness. I wouldn't know where to begin. And we have a lot of work ahead of us. On the other hand, there's a lot of snow out front that needs to be moved around. I'll race you. WILSON I miss a spot? I did all the cracks CLEMENTINE Yes, but I think you're missing something. CLEMENTINE It's a little trick I learned at the Guild of Colors. WILSON I like your style, girl. CLEMENTINE Okay. Keep him nice and warm MACKENZIE All right! Let's get a hat. CLEMENTINE I like it. JENNY Yeah. MACKENZIE All right. No snowman is complete until he has a top hat. Okay, what do we think? This one, or that one. CLEMENTINE That one right there. That one exactly. JENNY That one right there. That one exactly. IAN All right. We ran out of carrots. MACKENZIE There you go. Nice thinking. HARRIS Nice snowman. I can't see it helping much though. Maybe another 50 cents onto the purchase price. MACKENZIE We were just… CLEMENTINE Having a little fun. HARRIS I don't mean to be a scrooge, but ah…clock's ticking. MACKENZIE He's right. I don't know what I was thinking. This place is never going to get finished. CLEMENTINE But, I mean we're making so much progress. MACKENZIE We're building a snowman. And unless he does plumbing and electrical, we're wasting our time. CLEMENTINE We already have someone who does all of that. And more. And he won't melt. MACKENZIE Clementine…I appreciate what you and Wilson are trying to do here. But there's no room in my life for Ian, or even a snowman right now. CLEMENTINE Well, you could make room. MACKENZIE I'm struggling just to fix up this inn. Let alone myself… CLEMENTINE Northpole? Come in Northpole… ELF 1 Santa. It's clementine for you. SANTA Clementine, how goes it? CLEMENTINE Operation Rekindles underway. I know I'm supposed to help Mackenzie help herself but, I need more help. Is there anyone up there you can spare? SANTA Sorry Clem, we need all elves on deck up here. There are those who live down south…They're right in your neighborhood. CLEMENTINE You know, I might just know a guy… who knows a guy… CLEMENTINE Jimmy, Hi. Are you busy tonight? JIMMY You asking me out? CLEMENTINE Not "out." "In." Like the Inn. JIMMY Oh, so a working date? CLEMENTINE More work than date. JIMMY I will be there. CLEMENTINE Great. MACKENZIE Good morning. SUZIE Oh, hope you don't mind. We came to say goodbye to the old place. CLEMENTINE And for some of Betty's biscuits! MACKENZIE Oh, not at all. Make yourselves at home. JIMMY I can't remember not spending Christmas here. MACKENZIE I know what you mean. My last special memory of Christmas was in this place too. CLEMENTINE Here, have some coffee. MACKENZIE Thank you. Um…good. Thank you. CLEMENTINE Yeah. Sit, join us. MACKENZIE Oh, wish I could. But I'm going to take these and go. Listen, did you hear any weird sounds last night? CLEMENTINE Weird sounds? Nope, slept like a log. Probably raccoons. MACKENZIE It sounded like hammering. CLEMENTINE Raccoons with hammers. It happens. Here, some extra for Ian. MACKENZIE Thank you, Clem. IAN I smell biscuits. MACKENZIE Those sconces weren't on the list. IAN Finally got 'em all working. I think they complete the room. MACKENZIE They're pretty. You know with your skills you could earn a lot in the city. IAN I tried that. Not a good fit. Besides, I have everything I need here. So what's next? MACKENZIE Oh, and thank you for fixing the clock. IAN Oh, I didn't fix the clock. MACKENZIE It's working. IAN Wasn't me. MACKENZIE Onward. MACKENZIE Snowflake-shaped ice? Impressive. IAN Well. I appreciate that you think I have these skills, but no again. MACKENZIE So, how are you with elevators? IAN Apparently pretty good. Going up? MACKENZIE How'd you do that? IAN I didn't. WILSON Let's give them a little more time together. MACKENZIE Oh IAN How bad is this…stuck on an elevator with a pretty girl. MACKENZIE I can't do this. IAN Can't do what? MACKENZIE Get involved. I'm. I'm leaving in a few days. IAN But you're here right now. MACKENZIE The thing is…I'm on a path. And this would be a left turn. IAN Ah, maybe it's a "right" turn. MACKENZIE Trust me, it's easier if things are just business. That way no one gets hurt when it ends. IAN So…you're worried about the end before you've even begun? MACKENZIE You don't understand. IAN I'd like to. CLEMENTINE Ughh…Looks like we miscalculated. MACKENZIE The last relationship I had ended because I moved. And the one before that. That's what I do. I move. IAN You mean, you run. MACKENZIE I've built my entire life around my career. IAN Yeah, and your career is getting rid of people's pasts. Which I, you know, it's okay, I guess. But what about you? You said the happiest time of your life was here… Look, whether it's me or not me, you can't live your life as a moving target. The moment is now. Don't miss it. MACKENZIE I'm sorry. I can't. CLEMENTINE Yes, Santa…my ice is totally cracked. But don't worry, I've got a plan. CLEMENTINE Are you okay? MACKENZIE I have a lot of decisions to make. CLEMENTINE You know, I always make my best decisions while walking. CLEMENTINE Such a beautiful night. MACKENZIE Did you hear that? Sounds like a horse… CLEMENTINE Certainly horse like. Let's go see. MACKENZIE That's not a horse. That's a Clem, what's going on here? CLEMENTINE You know what's going on. You've been in this seat before. Trust me. CLEMENTINE You ready? MACKENZIE I think so. CLEMENTINE Come on, Randy. MACKENZIE Whoa. CLEMENTINE Welcome back to Northpole, Mackenzie. MACKENZIE So it wasn't a dream. CLEMENTINE I'd say more like a field trip. MACKENZIE It was all real… CLEMENTINE Was and is. MACKENZIE I have so many questions. CLEMENTINE Ask away. I'm all ears. MACKENZIE You are. CLEMENTINE This is the Guild of Bounce and Spring. One of the 12 Guilds where we make all the toys for Christmas. MACKENZIE It's amazing. CLEMENTINE It's home. MACKENZIE You grew up here? CLEMENTINE Oh, we don't really grow up here. You see, age is just a number. Most of us don't even keep track, really. MACKENZIE Ooh. I like that idea. I guess living in Northpole has its benefits. CLEMENTINE So does working for Santa. Carlisle's might be the top auction house. But Santa is the top toy distributor on the planet. Not to mention, a legend. MACKENZIE Do you work in Santa's P.R. department? CLEMENTINE No. Santa doesn't need P.R.. It's more like word of mouth. MACKENZIE Clem, why did you bring me here? CLEMENTINE You see a long time ago, you stopped believing. Don't worry, it happens to the best of you. The magic of Christmas can mean everything to a kid. But time passes and they start to forget and suddenly it becomes another day. It's places like your Aunt's Hotel that keep Christmas alive. It's more than just an Inn. People count on it to be there, year after year. A place with memories and traditions. And magic. But that magic has gone out. Your Aunt kept it alive, and she chose you to bring it back to life. MACKENZIE Me? I don't know anything about magic. CLEMENTINE This snow's magic... Give it a try. MACKENZIE Oh, Clem. This wasn't me. It's this place. It's the snow. CLEMENTINE You know, when your aunt first started at the Inn, she was just like you. Hesitant, a little out of her comfort zone. But she learned along the way. Trust me I have a very reliable source. MACKENZIE Santa? SANTA Mackenzie, good to see you again. MACKENZIE You remember me? SANTA My dear, I watched over your entire childhood. And I've been holding onto this for you. MACKENZIE "Dear Mac, Don't ever stop believing. Because I believe in you. Love Aunt Grace." SANTA Each innkeeper must find the magic in their own way. Grace did. And you can do it too. CLEMENTINE You can do this, Mackenzie. MACKENZIE I can do this… SANTA That's great. This is more important than you know. Back to work. CLEMENTINE So many toys, so little time. What are you thinking? MACKENZIE Well, I'm thinking I should call my boss and tell her there's been a change in plans. MACKENZIE Good morning all! BETTY Good morning. IAN That looks suspiciously like a Christmas sweater. MACKENZIE Made by the best. BETTY Thank you my dear. And it's a perfect fit. IAN Did you hit your head on something? MACKENZIE Something. MACKENZIE Look, I know I might have seemed a bit stressed the past few days. IAN No, no, no. Really… WILSON No, no, no. Really… BETTY No, no, no. Really… MACKENZIE But we're done with that. Because I'm keeping the Inn. EVERYONE Oh my! Oh my god! MACKENZIE We're going to restore it back to what it was and we're going to throw a Grand Reopening party on Christmas Eve. IAN I like where you're going with this. CLEMENTINE Me too. It's so quiet. MACKENZIE Well, it's only a few days until Christmas. So we'll have to get started right away. MACKENZIE Right after we demolish these pancakes! CLEMENTINE I like that. IAN Careful, you might lose your finger. CLEMENTINE Perfect treats, Betty. JENNY This is fun. IAN More ornaments. Aunt Grace may have been a hoarder. CLEMENTINE Well. You can never have too many ornaments. MACKENZIE Jenny, speaking of ornaments, I want to show you something. This was my Aunt Grace's favorite ornament. It used to spin… Oh boy. That brings back memories. The last time I did this I was your age. JENNY What happened to all the Christmases since then? MACKENZIE I guess I lost my way a little. JENNY Cocoa, it always makes me happy. MACKENZIE Thank you, Jenny. CLEMENTINE Department of Good Deeds, we've got another kind act… MOXIE Wow, somebody's sure racking up the good deeds. CLEMENTINE It's going to look great, Jenny. CLEMENTINE It's on! JENNY Mackenzie, is she an Elf? MACKENZIE You didn't hear it from me. CLEMENTINE Everybody. One… MACKENZIE You think we got enough decorations? IAN Well, you have enough presents. MACKENZIE Okay. Just two more left. I think I'll put one right here. TOWNSPERSON Haven't missed one of those for over fifty years. MACKENZIE Well, we hope to see you this Christmas Eve too! MACKENZIE Aunt Grace, she sure did touch a lot of lives. IAN Including mine. The Inn's a big part of this town, and everyone in it. MACKENZIE No pressure there. IAN We can handle it. MACKENZIE I don't know if it's the holidays and the Christmas spirit, but this town and the people in it...are very special. SUZIE Guys. Are the rumors true? IAN Rumors, what rumors? SUZIE The Northern Lights Christmas Party's back on. MACKENZIE Yes, Suzie. It's back on. SUZIE Great. I'll spread the news. Oh! By the way, you guys make a great couple. IAN The downside of a small town, nosey neighbors. We should get back. IAN Betty…that was delicious. Thank you. Delicious meal. MACKENZIE You guys should spend the night. No reason to go out in the snow. IAN Hey. How's a sleepover sound? Huh? JENNY Sleepover! IAN Yeah. MACKENZIE And we sure have enough rooms, don't we Wilson? WILSON Oh, that we have. MACKENZIE "Happy Christmas to all. And to all a good night." JENNY Mac? You're not like your Mom. You would make a very good mother. MACKENZIE Thank you, Jenny. Get some sleep. Goodnight. JENNY Goodnight. IAN Well. Like I said, she's relentless. But hardly ever wrong. MACKENZIE Goodnight. IAN Goodnight. MACKENZIE Taylor. Merry Christmas. TAYLOR Where are you? You don't sound like yourself. MACKENZIE About that I have some news. TAYLOR Well, I have bigger news. You've been tapped to run the London Office. MACKENZIE What? TAYLOR The crown jewel of Carlisle's You've been working for this your whole life. And now it's here. Of course you'd have to leave everything behind, but that's what you're good at. MACKENZIE Taylor, that's an amazing offer but I, I, I can't. TAYLOR Very funny. I'm going to need you on a plane to London by Christmas. Okay, well I gotta go. Another horrendous holiday party awaits. MACKENZIE Well, wait. MACKENZIE Come in. CLEMENTINE Hi. I made you an extra one. MACKENZIE Thanks, Clem. CLEMENTINE Yeah. Is something wrong? MACKENZIE I just got offered a job I have been working my whole life for. CLEMENTINE But... I thought you already took the job of a lifetime. You know, the guy in the suit. MACKENZIE This is someone else in a suit. The thing is, I can decorate trees and clean shelves, but that doesn't make magic. What if I can't figure out what does? I'd be letting down so many people, the town, Aunt Grace, Betty and Wilson. I'd be letting down Santa. CLEMENTINE But you won't let them down. MACKENZIE I hope your right. CLEMENTINE Night. MACKENZIE Goodnight. MACKENZIE Good morning. IAN I know what that is. MACKENZIE No you don't. IAN Yeah. Yeah, it's a new wood chisel. Thanks. MACKENZIE Did you see me buy it? IAN Maybe. MACKENZIE You fixed the lights. IAN And the music. MACKENZIE Oh no. IAN Must have tripped a breaker. Don't go anywhere. MACKENZIE I won't. MACKENZIE Taylor, I've already given you my answer. TAYLOR Which I don't accept. This is nothing more than Holiday Syndrome. Old memories, new presents. Talk to me when you're surrounded by torn wrapping paper and fruitcake crumbs. MACKENZIE Fine., I'll write it down, hold on. Flight 17, yes Gate 43... got it. Okay, thanks. IAN It's worse than I thought. The whole panel's shot. MACKENZIE How long will it take to fix. IAN Well, at least a week, if I can get the parts. MACKENZIE So we've got a Grand Re-Opening in three days and we don't have any electricity? IAN You going somewhere? MACKENZIE No, it's just a...it's a job offer in London. IAN And you're leaving on Christmas. MACKENZIE That's when the flight leaves. IAN With you on it. MACKENZIE No. IAN Pick up and move. You warned me. I should have known better than put my heart on the line. MACKENZIE Na... IAN My brother. Perfect timing. Tell him you're ready to sell. I'll be back tomorrow to pull out that panel. MACKENZIE Harris. What no, you're not, you're not interrupting anything. ANNOUNCER And live from Northpole, this just in... Tomorrow night Santa starts loading his sleigh, just two days to go until the big day! Meanwhile come get in the spirit it the Deer's Ears for "Sno*coa Sunday." That's right, this Sunday at the Deer's Ears. We're expecting a lot of people to come out. So be sure to show up early. CLEMENTINE Mackenzie? MACKENZIE I don't know what made me think I could do this. I've messed things up with Ian. And now the Northern Lights Mountain Inn doesn't even have lights. Lets face it, whatever magic my aunt had, I don't CLEMENTINE You may not realize it, but you're really good at this. And you can't give up now. MACKENZIE Maybe the next owner will get it right. CLEMENTINE The next owner... MACKENZIE According to Harris, he's agreed to keep the place open. And keep Betty and Wilson on. What more could we ask for? CLEMENTINE You. MACKENZIE I'm sorry, Clem. Please put the word out that the Grand Re-Opening is off. HARRIS Well, as you can see, it's a, it's a very fair offer. MACKENZIE Ian... IAN Sorry to interrupt the big sale. MACKENZIE No y our not. IAN Just getting the panel and I'll be out of your hair. MACKENZIE Excuse me. MACKENZIE I'm sorry how we left things. IAN Me too. Two different worlds, I guess. MACKENZIE Not so different. IAN A small town guy with an old truck, and a big city exec? Good luck, Mackenzie. HARRIS Second thoughts? MACKENZIE I guess I've... grown attached. HARRIS It'll pass. CLEMENTINE I can't believe I failed. I was supposed to help her find her way. WILSON Missions are funny. They don't always work out the way you think. CLEMENTINE But this one was so important. WILSON I had a special mission once. I was a little older than you are when Santa told me about a new hotel owner that needed some help. CLEMENTINE Grace? WILSON After a while you don't know if the mission is over or if it's still going on. It just kind of gets mixed up with life. So you see, Clementine, sometimes the mission's only over when you say it's over. CLEMENTINE Wilson. I'm going polar. WILSON That's my girl. SANTA How goes it down south? CLEMENTINE Unless I figure something out soon, you may have to re-route your entire flight plan. How can you get someone to see what they can't? SANTA You have to give them the opportunity to think it through for themselves. CLEMENTINE And if they don't come around? SANTA Then you be their light in the darkness. CLEMENTINE Snow M.G. I can help light the way? SANTA As bright as you want. CLEMENTINE Thanks Santa. GRANDMA JELLI Clementine! What brings you here? CLEMENTINE I need to help someone see the light. GRANDMA JELLI Of course, my dear. We have just the thing. CLEMENTINE I knew you would. And By the way, do you have any ribbon? WILSON We're sorry to see you go. MACKENZIE I'm going to miss all of you very much. BETTY Your favorite. MACKENZIE Thank you Betty. WILSON You might use these in London. They were your Aunt's skates. MACKENZIE How thoughtful, Wilson. JENNY This is a gift for your next Christmas tree. MACKENZIE Oh...I love it, Jenny. Thank you IAN So you don't forget this place. MACKENZIE It's beautiful. But I could never forget this place. Or any of you. CLEMENTINE Mackenzie, all this time you've compared yourself to your Aunt. When really you shouldn't. Because no two snowflakes are ever alike. MACKENZIE Thanks. CLEMENTINE This is just a little something I picked up in Canada Adjacent. It's not worth much, but... MACKENZIE Actually Clem... It's priceless. MACKENZIE How would you like to play a game? MACKENZIE Whoa. Jenny, slow down. JENNY I can't! I want to see where the ribbon leads. MACKENZIE You're too fast! JENNY Grab a cookie, MACKENZIE Oh. Good choice. AUNT GRACE Oh, slowdown little one. MACKENZIE Okay. Hold it. Wait, wait. Stop. What do you see. JENNY Nothing . Just snowflakes. MACKENZIE Exactly. As you're running down the path of life, don't forget to stop and look at the snowflakes, because they're not all the same. Can you find the one that's different? JENNY Look!! Ya wanna go? MACKENZIE Ah.. Ya-ah! JENNY This is awesome. This is so much fun. JENNY We're right back to where we started? MACKENZIE Exactly. Happiness isn't a destination. It's a journey along the way. MACKENZIE You guys knew all along what aunt Grace was trying to teach me, didn't you? WILSON With a little help from Northpole. MACKENZIE But that would make you a... MACKENZIE Wilson! You too? BETTY Nope. Just an Elf-Wannabe. IAN What did I miss? MACKENZIE Just me discovering what's been in front of me the whole time. IAN And what is that? MACKENZIE Everything. IAN Wow. You should say goodbye more often. MACKENZIE This isn't goodbye... It's hello. HARRIS I thought you were leaving. MACKENZIE Harris, I can't sell this place. HARRIS You signed a contract. MACKENZIE Contracts can be broken. HARRIS Mackenzie, this deal's done. My buyer's taking possession tomorrow night. MACKENZIE Tomorrow night? But that's Christmas Eve. HARRIS Well, that's when he's flying in. And you know he's anxious to get his hands on the place. MACKENZIE Well, I'll have to change his mind. HARRIS Good luck with that. I mean, I haven't met him in person, but I can tell you that from our phone conversations, he's very determined. MACKENZIE Well if there's one thing I'm good at, it's talking people out of things. CLEMENTINE Or into them. Now can we please get ready for the party tomorrow night? MACKENZIE I thought you cancelled it? CLEMENTINE You may have had your doubts, but I always had faith in you. MACKENZIE So... We're throwing a party without any lights, power, or food. And I may not even be the owner. CLEMENTINE Exactly. MACKENZIE I like your attitude Clementine. When this Inn was built, there was no electricity, no heater, no refrigerator, no elevator... IAN So...not that different from now. MACKENZIE And yet people still came. And even though we don't have a single guest, a single paying guest... The Northern Lights is overbooked with two things that matter most...friendship and love. So I say, forget the list. Forget about the owner. We have a party to throw and the only must-do is fun! HARRIS I haven't seen this place so alive in years. IAN Well, we could always use another hand. I have a toolbelt with your name on it, in the truck. Literally. MACKENZIE You wore a toolbelt? IAN Yeah. We used to work together. Before he got that real estate license. HARRIS Who do you think taught him how to drywall? JENNY One-two-three... MACKENZIE One-two-three... MACKENZIE Yeah. Oh, where'd you go? JIMMY It's been a while since I've been up north. CLEMENTINE Oh really? Um... You should come and visit. JIMMY I will. MACKENZIE Taylor, thanks for calling me back. Look, I'm sorry, but I'm not coming to London. In fact I'm not coming back to Carlisle's at all. TAYLOR Okay. How much egg nog have you had? MACKENZIE The thing is, instead of being the new you...I'd rather be the new me. TAYLOR I hope you know what you're giving up. MACKENZIE Oh, but I'm getting so much more. IAN I think Aunt Grace would be proud. MACKENZIE I think so too. MACKENZIE Are those Christmas Lights? IAN Headlights! MACKENZIE Looks like we have guests. MACKENZIE I don't think we have enough candles. CLEMENTINE Don't worry, I've got something even better. But I'm going to need your help, Jenny. JENNY Me? CLEMENTINE Yes. Come with me. Okay, take a handful and throw it as high as you can. JENNY Where'd you get this stuff? CLEMENTINE I'll show you one day. MACKENZIE Mr. Elfman? ELFMAN My dear, you've done wonders with this place. MACKENZIE Mr. Elf...man. HARRIS Mackenzie, it's him. He's about to touch down and he doesn't sound pleased. MACKENZIE Thank you. MACKENZIE This is Mackenzie Warren. VOICE So what's all this about having a change of heart? MACKENZIE You're right, it's highly unprofessional, and I know that we had an agreement... VOICE Have an agreement. MACKENZIE Please, It's just sometimes it takes a little time to see somethings clearly. Like to discover new friends you never expected to find. And how amazing it is to be part of a family. And to finally meet someone who makes you laugh and remember what's truly important. I don't know why it's taken me so long, but I've finally figured out where I belong, and it's right here. VOICE So you're saying your mind's made up? MACKENZIE That's right. VOICE Well, that's all I wanted to hear. MACKENZIE Santa...you're the buyer? CLEMENTINE Location, location, location. MACKENZIE I don't understand. SANTA You had to make a true commitment. And you did. Not only did you save the Inn. You've saved Christmas. And what I couldn't tell you was the magic you've restored here, it's going to power my sleigh tonight, as it does in outposts around the world. So...as the new Innkeeper of the Northern Lights Mountain Inn, you have my deepest gratitude. MACKENZIE Thank you, Santa. And let's go with "Mac." SANTA Well done, Clementine. You are a rising star. CLEMENTINE A rising star. I love the sound of that, Santa. SANTA Well, I've got a big trip tonight. And thanks to you, It'll be a journey that I can make just fine. Now look behind you. When the magic's restored, the hotel is too... SANTA Hello, Jenny. JENNY Santa? SANTA You never know where the next innkeeper's coming from. I've heard she's done some very Good Deeds. Merry Christmas, Jenny. JENNY Merry Christmas. CLEMENTINE I knew you could do it, Mac. MACKENZIE Thank you, Clem. CLEMENTINE Merry Christmas. MACKENZIE Merry Christmas. CLEMENTINE Come on Jenny. We`ve got a party to go to. SANTA HoHoHoHoHo. Merry Christmas. HoHoHoHo. IAN What's going on out here? MACKENZIE If I told you, you'd probably think I as crazy. IAN Maybe I like crazy. MACKENZIE Maybe I do too.