♪
(snoring)
(sigh)
(thump)
(sigh)
Stuart.
(water running)
The three C's of Belford Advertising.
Creativity, commitment--
Confidence?
Is it confidence?
It's--
No, it's--
Confidence.
In five years, I would love to see myself
as Senior Vice President of Marketing.
(sigh)
That's my dream.
Hey, no running.
Good morning.
(toy duck squeaks)
Good morning.
Morning.
Auntie Penny, would you please hold your niece
for just a moment?
Oh.
Thank you.
Well, okay, umm.
Thank you.
Morning.
Could you?
I just, don't wanna mess up my suit..
Sure.
You got in late last night.
I was exhausted but I got some great shots.
Big-horned sheep, bobcats.
So, you-you got what you needed?
Yeah, yeah, I don't have to go anywhere
till after the new year.
Promise.
Hey, Taylor!
Good morning, sunshine!
Hey, doesn't auntie Penny look nice today?
Beautiful.
Thank you, Taylor.
That's cause auntie Penny
has a very important job interview for her work.
For her promotion.
I don't think she knows what promotion means, hun.
Have a cookie.
Oh, Bryan and I are gonna pick up the tree today, hun.
I know it's our thing, but Chad and Taylor were asking
and I've been travelling and you have your job interview today.
Or we can go later, Penny.
No, no it's two weeks till Christmas.
We should get a tree, right?
You sure?
Yes, I'm sure, I'm sure.
Oh, I forgot to tell you,
my parents are coming over tonight.
Really?
I know, I'm sorry hun,
they called when I was boarding the airplane.
(sigh)
This stupid coffee maker always sticks!
Hey, breathe.
I don't have time to breathe!
♪
Hey, you're gonna get the promotion.
You're the most talented person I know
and I am not just saying that because I'm your kid sister.
(garbage disposal rumbling)
Fourth time's a charm, Is that what they say?
Something like that.
Yeah.
Stuart, could you please do that later.
Yeah.
Hey, woah, woah, mister, mister.
Bryan could you please get that from him.
Penny, would you mind?
Yeah.
Chad!
Hi, here you want some?
You don't want any?
♪
Okay.
(sigh)
Oh, thanks.
Good luck.
I gotta go, I'm late.
♪
Okay.
♪
Five minutes late, it's only five.
Five is better than ten, stay positive, Penny.
♪
Excuse me, sorry, excuse me.
Sorry, sorry.
Good morning.
♪
(breathing heavily)
Sorry, I'm late.
I was in the wrong room.
(nervous chuckle)
♪
Have you ever considered a plastic tree?
(laughs)
Nope.
Why not?
It's clean, packs up in a little box.
The kids are happy and there's no mess.
How many things can you say that about?
It's gotta be real for me.
And it has to be a Douglas Fir.
Alright.
This is the one.
(phone rings)
You gonna answer that phone or what?
Yeah, it's Jack from that Anchorage Wildlife Center.
I don't care if it's Jack Frost
either answer the phone or pick up the tree.
Hey Jack.
They did not even crack a smile.
I am not getting this promotion.
Oh, Pen, you don't know that.
First of all, I was late.
I'm so sorry about Baby Sarah and the carrots this morning.
It's fine.
It won't be much longer, the house is almost ready.
I like having you guys there.
Stu's been travelling so much lately
to finish his wildlife book
and I feel like I'm alone half the year.
It's really nice having family around.
Looks like Santa's really busy today.
Mm.
Yup!
Lots of Christmas wishes.
Look, I know how important his book is, it's his dream.
Yeah and you're his biggest fan.
Absolutely, it's why I took the job at the agencies
so I could help support us, so he could go do it.
But I am struggling.
Three years into this job
and not once has the security guard even said hello to me.
I mean, just look at that.
Gillingham's.
There's just no charm.
No hook.
Creativity?
See, if I had that account I bet you,
I could sell a million artificial trees
for Gillingham's.
I'll bet you could.
Another trip?
I mean, you just got back last night.
Yeah, I know, but--
Can you afford it?
No.
But if I get these reindeer shots in Alaska,
my book is finally done and I can start getting it out there.
This could be huge for us.
(sigh)
These trips were so much easier when Penny
and I took them together.
And more fun.
And she was brilliant at marketing your stuff.
Yeah, she was great.
Then we decided she would take this advertising job.
So you could finish your book.
Yeah, and I have to finish it.
Look, somebody had to be the breadwinner.
We made a great team.
How am I gonna tell her?
How is up to you but I would do it as soon as possible.
Like, now.
Nic, have you ever thought how different your life would be
if you made other choices?
We all have those thoughts every once in a while, right?
I suppose but I can't imagine my life without Bryan and the kids.
But you know what I mean,
the paths we take and what might have been.
(phone ringing)
Oh, it's Stu.
Hey Stu.
Everything okay?
Well, no, it's just something came up.
Uhh Jack, from the Wildlife Center up in Alaska just called.
The uhh, the reindeer started their migration.
♪
You promised me.
I know, I know, but--
But I have to get up there if there's any chance
of photographing them for my book.
Just, when do you have to leave?
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I know, I know, I know but
It's now or never.
Look, I should be back before Christmas.
Should be?
Well, I mean--
I just, you know what, I have to go I'm at the mall
with Nicki and her kids and I'll just see you at the house.
Okay.
Bye.
Another trip?
Can you even believe that?
I mean, he just got back yesterday.
Well, can't you just ask him not to go?
It's a lose-lose.
If he doesn't go then I feel terrible for holding him back
and him not finishing his book, and then if he does go
then I don't get my husband until Christmas
and he may even miss it.
It just makes me crazy sometimes
I just wish I'd never gotten married.
(lights buzzing)
That's weird.
Yeah.
Must be a storm out there.
I was hoping for some snow but be careful what you wish for.
♪
She's not even ticklish, look at her!
Tickle her!
(squealing)
Sure is a beauty this year, son.
Thanks, dad.
The tree is where Christmas begins.
You have the angel, Chad?
Oh yeah, wow!
♪
Now Uncle Stuart?
(laughs)
It's umm, it's a tradition in this house
that Auntie Penny puts the angel on the tree.
Why?
(laughing)
Well, Chad.
Did I ever tell you that your Auntie Penny
and I met each other at the Olde Christmas Tree lot?
No.
We were both buying trees,
Douglas Fir's, and I looked over and there she was.
And we've been buying Douglas Firs together every year since.
Well, except-except this Christmas.
This Christmas is different.
This Christmas was bit of a challenge for traditions.
Here you go, Auntie Penny.
Thank you, Chad.
♪
Okay are we, ready?
All: One, two, three!
(lights buzzing)
(ornaments jingle)
Careful, Penny!
Woah!
Penny! Penny!
(moaning)
Stu?
♪
Stu?
Nic?
Bryan, where are you guys?
♪
What is going on?
♪
Who are these people?
♪
(beeping)
(sigh)
(line ringing)
(speaking Spanish)
Hello?
(speaking Spanish)
Um, yes, can I-can I please talk to Stuart?
(speaking Spanish)
Hello, hello?
(phone ringing and vibrating)
Paula?
Hello?
Ummm, Ms. Atwell?
Yes?
Are you on your way?
I can't stall for much longer.
What?
Everyone's waiting.
Waiting for what?
Who is every--
Your presentation.
Ms. Atwell, we really don't have time for this.
I have a presentation?
Please just come to work.
♪
Cold, cold.
It's cold.
♪
What?
♪
Oh.
(car beeps)
(laughs)
♪
In my spot?
Really?
Excuse me.
Good morning, Miss Atwell.
Good morning.
There's someone parked in my spot,
so I left my car in the loading dock.
I'll have it taken care of right away, Miss Atwell.
Thank you.
Uhh, it's a-a Jaguar.
Of course, Miss Atwell.
♪
My cubicle is a mess.
I'm-I'm sorry.
I'll clean it right away.
Do I know you?
I'm Arden Maxwell.
Intern.
There you are!
Should we go?
We should go.
So umm, what's this presentation?
Very funny.
Is that what your wearing?
I always wear this for work.
♪
Ms. Atwell?
Coming into your office?
My office.
♪
I think I just umm, I just need to sit down for a second.
Your notes.
Dark roast in a white mug.
Any questions?
What day is it?
December thirteenth.
And, you are?
My name is Paula.
Paula.
And you know me?
Yes, I know you.
I'm your personal assistant.
Who am I?
You're Penny Atwell.
Senior Vice President of Marketing.
Okay.
Are you feeling okay?
You look as white as a sheet and not in a good way.
(dialing)
(line ringing)
(speaking Spanish)
I've gotta go now.
But the presentation.
Family emergency.
You know what I'm talking about?
Excuse me, excuse me.
I've been here almost a year
and this morning she acts like she doesn't even know me.
Doesn't surprise me.
Well they don't call her the Barracuda for nothing.
♪
(bell dings)
It's a little bit tight so maybe you wanna go up to a,
maybe a half size.
Cause then at least maybe we can fit it.
There you are.
Hey, what are you doing here?
I need to talk to you.
Okay, I am just with a customer right now.
Right, like, please.
Okay, yup, uhh, sorry, it's my sister.
She never comes down here.
Nic!
Yeah!
Yeah, it must be important.
Uhh, could you just give us one quick sec.
Thank you.
Over here.
What's going on?
I am having the craziest day of my life.
Okay, well just calm down.
Okay.
Breathe just tell me about it.
So, first I wake up and Stu's gone and then I think,
well maybe he went to Alaska but there's-there's no sign of him
at all in the house.
It's like he doesn't even exist, Nic.
And then I try to call him--
Could you just stop for one second?
Who is Stu?
Stu, my husband, Stu.
(laughs)
Your husband?
What are you talking about, Pen?
You're not even married.
Of course I am married, Nic,
you were the maid of honor at my wedding.
My ring, it must have- must have slipped off.
Oh.
Penny, penny.
You are embarrassing me.
Just, you know what, call Bryan, I'm sure he'll know.
I couldn't find his number in my book.
Who-who's Bryan?
♪
What?
Your husband.
I don't have a husband.
Okay Pen, what is going on with you?
No, no, no, no, no!
Penny?
Your kids, what about your kids?
My kids?
I gotta go.
Okay, Penny!
Penny!
Well, hello Penny.
How did you know my name?
Oh, I know many things about you, dear.
Oh wait, you are--
you're the lady at the mall.
In the--
In the Santa line.
So, how's it working out?
How is what working out?
Your wish.
My wish?
You made that wish in the Santa line
that you'd never married Stu.
So I granted it for you.
You're welcome.
Okay lady, who are you?
You can call me Jayne.
That's Jayne with a "Y" in the middle.
And what is--
All this wish stuff?
Well, I fulfill Christmas wishes.
That's what I do.
And now, right now, you're it.
Or to use your advertising vernacular, "you're the client".
(laughs)
I mean, Santa does very well by the kids
but grown-ups have wishes too.
Okay, Christmas wishes for grown-ups?
Oh yeah, I've done wishes
for grandmas, college students, politicians.
Lots of those.
Once I had this blind baton twirler--
Yeah, I have to go.
(chimes)
How did you do that?
Oh, you know.
No, I don't.
(doorbell chimes)
♪
Okay, seriously, where is my husband?
You never met Stuart in this world.
You got what you wanted.
No commitments, no obligations, nothing holding you back.
And my sister?
The wish affects other people too.
Your sister and Bryan met
because you and Stuart introduced them.
Right?
So if you never met Stuart in this world,
then Nicky never met Bryan.
(groans)
I think I'm starting to get a headache.
Oh, I think I might have something for that.
No, no, no you gotta cancel the wish.
There's no going back now, honeybunch.
This is your world.
You're wealthy, single, successful.
Enjoy yourself.
What?
(chimes)
♪
Ms. Atwell?
Is everything all right?
Yeah, yeah, can you come in Paula,
I have to tell you something.
Umm.
This is going to be difficult to understand.
I can try.
I think I'm living in a Twilight Zone.
You know, like an alternate reality
where everything is just turned upside down.
That's not what I thought you were gonna say.
I made a wish.
(nervous laughter)
And it came true.
I wished that I was never married.
I didn't mean it, I just said it.
But you're not married.
But I--
I was.
For six years.
You never told me that.
Well, now you know.
And he is gone.
And I don't know what to do.
Permission to speak freely?
Please.
Ms. Atwell, I'm the only personal assistant
you've ever had.
And I've never known you to admit that you
"don't know what to do".
I've never admitted that?
Never.
You're the Barracuda.
Barracuda?
Cold-blooded.
Ferocious.
You're the envy of everyone who works at this company.
Now, I don't know this ex of yours,
I've never met the man.
But I say, cut the shackles of your past,
embrace your new freedom.
At some point you gave to turn the page.
Turn the page.
That's what you told me when Warren and I broke up.
I did?
You said it was gonna be one of the best things
that's ever happened to me.
And it was.
You told me, it would give me very much needed "me time".
You even did the air quotes.
Me time.
Repeat after me.
I have a new life.
I have a new life?
Not a question.
I have a new life.
I will seize the day.
There you go!
You've got it!
Old Penny is gone and new shiny Penny is about to emerge.
Thank you.
I feel a bit better.
Only a bit?
You know what always makes me feel better?
What's that?
♪
Maybe just some soft curls, some volume.
You know, confidence.
♪ I am waking up ♪
♪ Outside of the garden way is covered in snow ♪
♪ Cause it's Christmas time ♪
♪ Good morning sun (Good morning sun) ♪
♪ Today is special (special) ♪
♪ I am waking up♪
Confidence.
♪ Outside of the garden way is covered in the snow ♪
♪ 'Cause it's Christmas time ♪
♪
Good morning, Ms. Atwell.
Good morning, Paula.
Nine days till Christmas
and it's finally starting to look like it.
♪
Merry Christmas.
Here you go.
Can't have Christmas without candy canes.
We-we love candy canes, Ms. Atwell.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah, they're refreshing!
Great!
Candy canes!
Just go with it.
Merry Christmas!
Here you go.
Merry Christmas, guys!
Don't forget you have Gillingham at nine.
The department store Gillingham's?
Andrew Gillingham, the meet and greet.
He wants to re-brand.
The notes are in your office.
Hey, how do you feel about
an Ugly Christmas Sweater Day for the entire office?
Seriously?
Avery.
I'm not bothering you, am I?
No, I have Gillingham at nine.
Christmas Orange, nice.
Yeah, I uhh, I find them comforting this time of year.
Relaxes me.
Are you stressed out?
This Gillingham account.
I uhh, I really hope he goes with us.
I do too.
Yeah, I gave this account to you, Penny, because, well,
no one can sell this agency better than you can.
Thank you.
This could be huge for us, Penny.
Avery.
Relax.
Enjoy your Clementine, I'm the barracuda, remember?
He is putty in my hands.
♪
Mr. Gillingham.
Penny Atwell.
Andrew Gillingham, pleasure.
I'm a pleasure too.
I mean--
I mean, my pleasure.
Pleasure's all mine.
Shall we sit down?
Sure.
No after you.
No, no after you.
No after you.
(giggles)
Okay.
♪
(breathes out)
I like your name.
Penny.
Is it short for Penelope?
Just Penny, like the coin.
Okay, Penny-like-the-coin.
I'll make a wish.
What?
You know, like pennies in a fountain for good luck?
Oh, right.
(nervous laughter)
Right.
So, you're here to re-brand.
That is the plan.
You inherited Gillingham's, a family department store.
I did, but contrary to popular belief, I work very hard.
I have no doubt, Mr. Gillingham.
Please, Andrew.
Andrew.
Since you took over the company,
sales have been trending downward, unfortunately.
I see a few reasons, can I being frank?
The model for Gillingham's has become a dinosaur.
Extinct.
Dated.
No, I get it.
Gillingham's not only lacks an identity
in a very overcrowded marketplace,
it lacks a strong online presence
and the internet is where it's at.
So, you can continue to be a department store
who has a malt shop in the basement
and sells self-cleaning ovens.
Or you can expand your customer base by offering them
a state of the art, integrative online shopping experience.
Have you ever thought of a Gillingham's app?
Tell me more.
It's time, Andrew.
A new Gillingham's for a new generation.
Seize the day.
Hmm.
I'm very impressed, Penny-like-the-coin.
(laughs)
Thank you.
Umm, well, before deciding to sign with us.
Sold.
Let me tell you a little bit about our--
I do not need to think about it, I'll sign.
You had me at basement malt shops and self-cleaning ovens.
(laughs)
Great, thank you.
I don't know what you said in there, Penny, but well done.
Let me show you our studio.
♪
Feeling a little flushed?
It's been a long week.
TGIF, Ms. Atwell.
Lucky me, I get to go home to an empty house.
(knocking)
Mood Indigo, eight-thirty.
Frances broke up with Rupert, again.
I know, right?
Okay, see you tonight.
Paula?
Yes?
Who was that?
Julie Reidel, Finance.
I know her?
Friday Night is your night with the girls.
Usually on Friday Nights, Stu
and I stay in and watch a movie.
It's a whole new world.
♪
(laughing)
That's such a lie, you knew it was coming.
You know Penny, I must admit, I've never seen you like this.
No.
What do you mean?
You're just like a different person.
Well, maybe it's the holiday spirit.
That's it!
It's the holiday spirit.
Yeah., I like that.
The usual, Ms. Atwell.
Oh, the usual, thank you.
You should try these, they're to die for.
Is that Susan, do you think?
I've been staring at her.
I don't know if she changed her hair color.
Oh.
Stu would love those.
Stu?
Who is Stu?
A friend.
News to me.
And speaking of "news"--
Okay, yeah.
We've been dying to know,
what is Andrew Gillingham really like?
Seriously, details, please.
Mmm.
He's umm, a successful, good-looking man.
Charming.
That's an understatement.
Okay, what about most eligible bachelor in town?
Penny, come on, more.
I'm married.
To my work.
Mmm.
Right.
Yeah.
And besides, he's a client.
Mhhm, yup!
Uh-huh!
Keep me company.
So, have you ladies done your Christmas shopping yet?
Oh no, I'm so behind.
No, I never have enough time at Christmas.
Thanks for bringing that--
I know, if somebody could just
bottle spare time and sell it, they'd make a fortune, I swear!
You could bottle it and then tuck it back in the closet
when you don't need it anymore.
Spare time for the woman on the go.
Put it under the tree.
Give it to everyone you know.
It's like better than shoes.
Way better.
♪
Andrew: Appreciate you meeting me here, Penny.
It sounded urgent.
Penny: When I get a flash of inspiration,
I like to share it right away.
This is Gillingham's as we have known it for the last 60 years.
We not only wanna transform Gillingham's
but we wanna transform the way people shop,
the way they think.
And we wanna do it at the busiest time of year.
Christmas.
It's certainly busy for us.
Andrew, what comes to mind when you think of Christmas?
Christmas trees.
Mistletoe and garland, lights and decorations, shortbread.
Well, what if I told you, you could get all of those things,
at the highest quality, in one single purchase.
I'd say that would be a huge time saver.
Precisely.
Two words: Instant. Christmas.
Today's families are always on the go.
Life moves fast.
The holidays even faster.
No one has time anymore.
So, we wanna offer you everything you could possibly
need for Christmas in one single box.
Christmas in a box.
Gillingham's is the home of the "one stop Christmas shop."
In store or online, get it at Gillingham's.
The Christmas tree, the mistletoe, the garland,
the wrapping paper,
even Christmas baking is included;
Gillingham's famous shortbread.
We don't sell shortbread.
You will.
What kind of tree is this?
Fiber optic.
It's the most cutting edge,
modern tree for the 21st century family.
Our research shows that fifty percent of American households
prefer artificial trees to the real thing.
We believe if positioned cleverly
we can increase our share of the market.
I love it, but it's eight days till Christmas.
There's no time to--
No, of course not this is all for next year's season,
but I would like to put out a teaser
on all our social media platforms on Christmas day.
From Gillingham's, it says
"We are here, we're re-branding,
we have a surprise for you and we will see you in the new year.
When these are done well, they can go viral in an instant
and generate more hashtag traffic
than rush hour on the I-90.
Oh, translation, a lot of people are going to see this promotion
in a very cost effective and media savvy way.
♪
Brilliant.
This is cause for a celebration.
Dinner at Amici's.
Perfect, I have no plans.
I mean, I hear it's nice.
Have a good time.
Six o'clock.
Penny for your thoughts.
(laughs)
I must confess, Andrew that
I've never eaten food like that before.
The chef is a friend, very talented.
Yeah that--
Alaskan salmon was incredible.
It was a beautiful dinner.
All around.
You know, Alaska is a beautiful place.
I've actually been there a couple of times with my hu--
Umm, it's just stunning you know, the wildlife, landscape.
Do you know there's eight national parks in Alaska?
I love Alaska.
It has some of the largest oil fields in North America.
Did you know that?
I've met some great businessmen from up there
and we have made a lot of money together.
Oh, I see.
Well umm, this is me.
(car beeps)
I had a wonderful night.
Yeah.
Me too, thank you so much for dinner.
♪ Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree ♪
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
This is my favorite Christmas carol.
Mine too.
Hmm.
Isn't it funny?
All our talk about trees and Instant Christmas.
It's like they knew the exact song to sing.
Somebody's trying to tell us something, Penny.
♪ Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree ♪
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
(clapping)
I'm really glad we're on the same page, with the campaign.
We make a good team.
♪
Andrew, what are you doing?
Too soon?
No, I mean yes.
'Is it me?
No, you're great.
You have the whole checklist.
But you're a client.
You're right.
I shouldn't have crossed the line.
We just have to be--
Professional.
I understand.
I'm married.
You're married?
Yes, I mean, no.
I mean, I was, and now I'm not, and it's just--
It's complicated?
It's complicated.
I understand.
Boundary is very clear, Penny.
I'm the client.
Thank you.
And you still have feelings for your ex-husband.
I completely understand.
In my experience, ex-husbands can be tricky.
You never know when they're going to pop up.
They can be, what's the word?
A challenge.
Well, I still had a wonderful evening.
Thank you.
As did I, Penny-like-the coin.
(giggles)
(engine starting)
I like challenges.
Pardon me.
No problem.
♪
Carl, it looks amazing.
Thank you.
Just a little to the left, yep, that looks great.
Ms. Atwell, I need to speak with you.
Yeah.
The photographer just canceled.
Canceled?
He had to go to Singapore, I don't know all the details.
Okay, okay, we can fix this.
I don't see how.
Logan was the best.
Six days 'til Christmas.
I called all the other agencies,
and no one's available on such short notice.
We need someone with an eye.
A keen visual style.
And great interpersonal skills.
Do you know a photographer like that?
(laughs uncomfortably)
♪
There you are.
♪
(bell jingle)
(lens shutter)
(knocking)
Hi, the door was open.
Yes, it's right over there on the table.
I'm sorry?
The package.
I made some changes.
I'm sure she'll be really happy with them.
Yeah, no, I'm not-I'm not actually here for that.
Oh, what are you here for?
I'm sorry, I'm on a bit of deadline here.
Hmm, always the hard worker.
Excuse me?
No, I was just talking to myself.
Well, miss, if I can do anything--
(giggles)
That's funny?
You just called me miss.
What am I supposed to call you?
You don't know me?
Um, am I supposed to?
No.
No, we've never met.
I'm Penny Atwell, Senior VP of marketing
at Belford Advertising.
Stuart Fischer, president and CEO
of Stuart Fischer Photography.
Nice to meet you.
I'm also Vice-President and secretary.
I can see that.
I'm sorry, but is there something--
I-I'm here to offer you a job.
(sigh)
No thank you.
Great.
Did you just say no thank you?
You work for Belford.
Pretty high end advertising firm.
But I just cannot take another corporate gig right now.
W-Why not?
You have to.
Mrs. Atwell--
Miss.
Miss, Miss Atwell, I don't have to do anything.
My plate is really full right now.
And no offense, but I'm just tired of these corporate gigs.
It's not what I want to be doing.
I know, I know, but--
I appreciate you coming here
but I do have to get back to these photos.
Stu, I need the best and that's you.
What makes you say that?
Well, let's just say, I'm a fan.
The photo shoot is a national campaign.
If you change your mind, you know where to find me.
I love that photo.
♪
(bells jingle)
♪
(phone ringing)
Stuart: Miss Atwell, you got yourself a photographer.
♪
Hey Penny.
(clears throat)
Oh, hi Andrew.
Hi Andrew.
I'm excited about this.
Me too.
It looks very festive.
(laughs)
Thank you.
And we have a top-notch photographer.
Stuart?
Yes, Andrew?
I can't quite make out the fiber optic trees in the background.
They're out of focus.
Oh yeah, that's intentional.
Intentional?
Yeah I'm using this lens at the widest F- stop to reduce
the depth of field, so the focus of the image
is the mysterious box with the new logo.
Why are we advertising these trees if we can't see them?
Well, you get a sense of them, it's, you know, a teaser.
Part of the mystery.
I'm not paying for mystery.
He's micromanaging again.
What are you waiting for get in there.
But how do I--
You tell me, you're the Senior VP of marketing.
The first C of Belford Advertising.
Creativity.
I thought it was commitment.
I can certainly keep everything in focus if you prefer,
but the eye will wander.
This way, we're telling the viewers, "look over here,
this is what I want you to see.
The new Gillingham's."
With the suggestion of something in the background.
Right.
A bit of a mystery.
Wet the consumer's appetite.
Don't give away everything.
It's just a teaser.
What's in the box? We'll find out next year.
You know what, why don't you take a look in the monitor.
Yeah.
Let us know what you think.
♪
What do you think?
Works great for the teaser.
Andrew?
Sure, sounds good to me.
Great.
Let's do it.
♪
Good job.
Thank you.
♪
Great day.
Oh hey, Miss Atwell.
I didn't realize you were still here.
Workaholic.
Guilty.
(laughs)
I'll second that.
One more day and we're all done.
Yeah, I guess so.
Do you need help with that?
No-no-no, I'm alright.
You know what, four hands are better than two.
Okay, thanks.
My studio's just a couple blocks away.
I like to walk everywhere I can.
I know.
I mean, me too.
♪
I thought you handled your client really well today.
Really?
Yeah, clients have ideas,
and you have to be delicate, and smart.
Smart the way you approached it.
And you obviously have a great eye.
Thanks, but I was really just winging it.
Kinda new to all of this.
Really?
Never heard an executive say that.
You seem so confident.
Wow look, Douglas fir.
Reminds me of the old Christmas tree lot on Christmas Eve.
Oh yeah, Where they do the big Nutcracker display
and they take all the trees and--
-- decorate all the trees that they haven't sold.
Yeah I go every year.
It's a Christmas Eve tradition.
Me too.
Oh yeah?
Mhm.
Maybe I'll see you there.
It's in four days.
(laughing)
I'm surprised you know this is a Douglas fir.
You really know your trees.
I had a friend once who knew a lot about them.
It's good to have friends who remind us of the little things
that make us feel happy.
So often they're right in front us.
That's what I love about my nature photography.
One please, Charlie.
Thanks.
When I'm out there, in Alaska or Georgia, or wherever,
and I capture that moment a Kodiak catches her first salmon,
or a falcon feeds her nestlings, there's nothing like it.
Sounds wonderful.
Why don't you do more of that?
I'd love to.
It's just not practical.
Birds and rock formations don't pay bills.
Well, I say listen to your heart, Stu.
When you stop listening, it stops making noise.
What?
Is that funny?
No, it's just no one else calls me Stu.
Just you.
Oh well, I don't have to.
No, no I don't- I don't mind.
♪
I, uh, I should really get going.
Oh, are you sure?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I have some work I have to do,
and, um please, um--
Is everything okay?
Yeah, yeah, everything's fine.
Everything's fine.
Thank you so much.
Yeah.
Have a great night, okay?
♪
So she comes in and she asks for a gemstone Christmas present.
So I'm thinking birthstone - December birthstone.
That's turquoise and zircon, and tanzanite,
but those are all blue.
So then I'm thinking something red and green,
Christmas colors, right?
Penny, are you even listening to me?
I'm sorry.
Did you hear any of that?
No.
Where are you?
You've been like that since you got here.
I know.
What's going on?
Okay, spill it.
Okay.
The photo shoot went really well.
That's great.
And?
And I met a man.
Penny, that's amazing.
So tell me more.
He's the photographer.
Hm.
It's not really like you to get involved in an office romance.
We went for a walk together.
It was really nice.
And then all of a sudden he got distant and
I don't know if it's something that I said, or did
or if I'm just really out of practice with this stuff.
Maybe he could sense the attraction
and just really wanted to keep it professional.
Yeah.
Yeah, maybe.
Speaking from experience, huh, Nic?
Me?
No.
Come on, it's your turn to spill it.
Nothing to spill.
Yeah, right.
What do you want me to say?
I've got suitors, and prospects,
and a man who serenades me under my terrace?
Come on, Pen, you're the dreamer.
I am a realist.
And?
And I just haven't met the right guy I guess.
And I don't really know that I ever will.
I'm not so sure about that, Nic.
I see a handsome man in your future...
(laughs)
I see a snowman.
Enough about that.
I wanna hear more about your photographer.
♪
Hello Penny.
Oh hi.
You again.
I got you a present.
Aw.
I know this has been a challenging time for you.
And it is five days before Christmas
so it's the least I could do.
You shouldn't have, but thank you.
Why do people do that?
I mean, what's up with that Christmas tradition?
What tradition?
Shaking the present.
You know, shaking the present here.
Shaking the present there.
Shake, shake, shake.
It's chocolates.
I can tell it's chocolates.
I'm not pleased with you, Penny.
I can't help it.
I'm a good guesser.
No, Penny.
Truth be told, the Boss is a little ticked off with me too.
What boss?
You know.
Why?
You ruined the wish.
Stop doing that.
It freaks me out.
Did you hear what I said?
You ruined the wish.
How did--
How?
By seeking him out.
You were supposed to live your life without Stuart.
I did that for a little bit.
It was okay.
But I missed Stu, and now he's back.
This was not part of the wish.
And now thanks to you, I have to fix the mess you made.
How is this a mess?
I'm getting to know my husband all over again.
And maybe, just maybe, getting a second chance
to fall in love with him.
How often does that happen in a lifetime?
I gave you the gift of a Christmas wish.
Don't shake it so much.
♪
Hi. Stu?
It's Penny.
I was thinking of coming by your studio tomorrow
to look at the shots.
Yeah?
These are wonderful images, Stu.
Thanks.
Gillingham is going to love them.
I mean look at these.
You created mystery from fiber optics, it's magical.
We are gonna sell a million trees.
Well, It's hard to mess up with such great lenses.
Stop it.
You're always so modest.
Always?
Always.
(laughs)
Oh, how'd that get in there?
When did you take that?
You know what?
Tomorrow I think we really go to town on the secret
of the Christmas in a box.
That's why I'm ordering those macro lenses.
So we can really emphasize the mystery.
What about using your fog machine
to create a dreamy wintry atmosphere?
That's a great idea.
Yeah.
Have we worked together before?
(laughs)
This shortbread is amazing.
Oh, that's my sister.
She's always been the Christmas baker.
Christmas cookies, Christmas shortbread, Christmas fruitcake,
which you don't like.
How do you know I don't like Christmas fruitcake?
Who does?
These are really pretty, Stu.
Thanks.
They're more than pretty.
They tell a story.
This is what I was talking about last night.
Following your passions.
You have a real gift.
I really love this picture.
Right? Right?
That's one of my favorites.
Yeah!
Have you ever thought about publishing a book?
How did you know?
That's a dream of mine.
To publish a book on wildlife photography.
Can I be honest?
Yeah, please.
♪
What if I told you that I'm not who you think I am?
I'm not Penny Atwell, Senior VP of marketing.
I'm not even an executive.
I'm just an insecure copywriter with big dreams.
I woke up one day in this new world.
Successful, with a corner office, an assistant,
and a fancy car.
And I don't know how I got here.
And I can't find my way back to my old life.
(sigh)
I know exactly what you mean.
You do?
Yeah.
I ask myself all the time "how did I end up here?"
The paths we take.
Sometimes I wonder if my life would be different
if I'd made other choices.
I mean, we all feel like frauds on some level, right?
Imposters.
Like we're not good enough.
We just keep pretending.
(phone rings)
Oh, sorry, I have to get this.
This is the lenses for tomorrow.
It's a special order.
I gotta go.
I gotta go to the office.
I'll see you at the shoot tomorrow.
Yeah.
Hello?
♪
Penny.
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Yeah.
We are waiting on the lenses, which should be here any minute.
And I can assure you, it will be well worth the wait.
I hope so.
I don't like paying people to sit around.
Yeah.
Hey.
Any updates?
Yeah, he's en route.
Thank goodness.
Hey.
Yeah?
You're doing great, Penny.
I think all you have to do is breathe.
What I need is to--
Breathe.
(deep breath)
Okay, I did that.
Stuart: Okay, now smile.
Penny: What?
Stuart: Smile and breathe.
Breathe and smile.
Anyone order a case of Cook macro lenses?
Stuart: Finally!
I'm so sorry, man.
Had to call in a few favors...
It's okay.
Bryan?
Bryan.
It's you.
Bryan, you're here.
Oh my gosh.
It's so good to see you!
Ummm, it's great to see you too.
She's so excited about her work, isn't she?
Man, I should be late more often.
Uh, Penny this is Bryan.
Bryan owns--
The best little camera store on the East side.
Everyone knows that.
They do?
Hey everyone!
Can I have your attention please!
Gather around.
Ooh.
Yes, I'm wearing an ugly Christmas sweater.
Seemed that everyone missed the memo today
that it was ugly Christmas sweater day.
That's fine, I'm over it.
But a memo you don't want to miss
is our annual Christmas party tomorrow December 23rd.
And back by popular demand is our raffle.
And this year, with the suggestion of Ms. Atwell,
all the funds raised will be donated
to the Christmas Charity Foundation.
And can we please show some appreciation to Paula?
Who wins the prize for the most beautiful
ugly Christmas sweater I've ever seen.
(clapping)
Thank you.
You're gonna go, right? You're gonna go, yeah?
Should be quite the shindig, Andrew.
I hope you can make it.
Guess I should go.
Yeah.
Wouldn't miss it for the world.
♪
I cannot believe you brought me to this.
Parties are not my thing, they're your thing.
You look beautiful.
Thank you.
Besides, there are plenty of single men here.
Is that lobster?
I don't know.
Yeah, I'm gonna be right back.
(laughs)
♪
Penny, Penny!
Oh, Hi Avery.
Congratulations!
The teaser looks fantastic.
I've never seen happier clients.
Thank you.
And the way you worked with Andrew...
He told me of all his input.
I'm really impressed with how you listened to his ideas.
And realized them of course.
So smile.
Enjoy the holidays.
As you should.
Merry "Instant Christmas"!
Merry Christmas.
"Instant Christmas."
It's brilliant.
How did you come up with it?
I just thought of it "instantly".
(laughing)
♪
Excuse me, Gentlemen.
Ms. Atwell.
Paula.
Oh, you look amazing.
Well, thank you.
I'm selling tickets for the Christmas raffle.
How many would you like?
Put me down for $100 worth.
Alrighty then.
I recommend the "Christmas in the Caribbean" prize.
It's the perfect romantic getaway for two.
♪
He breathes and smiles, and smiles and breathes.
If he doesn't notice me in the next ten seconds,
it's not meant to be.
♪
Hey.
Hey you.
So this is the way advertisers do Christmas.
Very nice.
Hey, do you have room in your purse for this?
I'm serious.
So good.
This is my sister, Nicky.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
Thanks for the invite, Penny.
So glad you're here.
Bryan, this is my sister Nicky.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Hi.
Is that lobster?
Yeah, it is.
Would you like to go and get some?
I'd love to.
Okay.
Interesting.
Match made in heaven.
Argh! Argh! Argh!
(giggles)
Or in Maine.
(laughs)
I umm,
I wanted to follow up on what we talked about the other night.
Okay.
I've been meaning to tell you something.
I have been wanting to tell you so much.
♪
Meeting you has been wonderful and unexpected.
The last few days I've felt inexplicably drawn to you.
Not completely inexplicable, I hope?
What I mean is, I don't know how I'm gonna say this,
so I'm just going to say it, but I'm getting--
Stu-aart!
Sorry I'm late.
You look so handsome tonight.
Lily, this is Penny Atwell.
The fake tree lady.
I've heard so much about you.
I just love artificial trees.
Lily is my fiancé.
Nice to meet you, Penny.
Yeah, yeah, I umm,
Stu has done a terrific job for us this week.
See Stuart, you should be doing more corporate photography.
You're good at it.
Dad would be so impressed.
♪
Lily is a cruise director.
She just got back from two months in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ole.
Stuart loves to travel for work too, right?
I wouldn't call that work.
Let's face it, birds and rock formations don't pay bills.
Well, I say follow your heart.
Excuse me.
♪
Stuart has a fiance.
And?
She seems nice.
She is.
He's your ex-husband, isn't he?
It all makes sense now.
No wonder you have feelings for him.
Oh, this is good.
This is priceless, Penny.
I told you ex's were tricky.
If you'll excuse me I wanna be by myself.
Well, if you ever want to talk?
♪
What happened to you at the party last night?
You just disappeared.
There's something you don't know about me.
Okay.
I used to be a very different person.
I didn't know what I had and how much I loved it.
And that's gone now.
Okay.
(phone rings and vibrates)
(sigh)
It's okay.
I'm sorry.
Umm, I have a date.
What?
Yeah.
Now?
Yeah.
On Christmas Eve?
Yes.
But, you know what, I don't have to go.
No, no, no, no, no! This is great!
Is it Bryan?
Yes.
(nervous laughter)
Oh, I've just never met anyone like him,
and I have you to thank for that.
I mean, It's like we had this instant connection,
and I just feel like I've known him for--
You're whole life.
Yeah.
Okay so happy for you!
Uh-huh but we can talk about all of this stuff tomorrow.
Absolutely.
And we are gonna have a great day.
Oh!
Have a good night.
Thank you.
Yeah!
Okay.
I will tell you all about it.
Yeah!
Have fun!
(sigh)
♪
Pretty, isn't it?
I mean, for something that isn't real.
Wow, you got some nerve.
I tried to warn you.
Well you know what, I'm done with this wish.
You can take it back.
It's not that easy.
You don't just snap your fingers--
What do you mean it's not that easy, you granted me a wish
And now you can take it back.
Have you ever tried returning something, Penny?
You have to stand in line,
you have to have the original packaging, the receipt --
I am the original packaging!
I am the receipt!
I want my old life back.
My old job.
My messy house.
I miss Stu.
I miss Stu, so please can you tell me how to get back to him?
I'm sorry honey, but the boss says maybe another time.
Then I guess, I'm just gonna have to tell him the truth.
About what?
About this.
About the wish.
Everything.
I know exactly where to find him.
You can try but he's not gonna believe you.
Watch me,
♪
I'm so excited to see this famous Nutcracker display.
Yeah, it's right up there.
Douglas fir.
You and your trees.
That's cute.
This doesn't belong there.
♪
Stuart we should go, it's starting.
I'll be there in a sec.
Okay, but hurry.
Okay.
There you are.
What are you doing here?
Christmas Eve tradition, right?
(laughs)
I just wanted to see you again.
I didn't think you'd ever want to see me again.
Is everything okay?
Did the footage turn out?
Oh yeah, It's great.
I mean, I don't know if I want to be involved
in the campaign anymore but--
Why?
Instant Christmas?
It's just not real.
Christmas isn't something you can take out of a box
and put away in a closet.
It's more than decorations and trees and cookies.
It's the spirit.
It's tradition.
Being with people you love.
You can't put that in a box.
I think you might be right.
(laughs)
Lily: Stuart!
You should see this!
Listen Stu, I--
Penny--
You go.
No, you go.
About the party.
I really wanted to tell you, but I was just,
I was so confused--
I know.
I know this is gonna to sound strange
but when I first met you, when you first came to the studio.
I felt like--
somehow I've-I've known you.
Like I've always known you.
It's crazy, right?
Not at all.
It's like, it's like déjà vu.
Come on Stuart!
Do you love her?
She has a good heart.
And you're going to marry her.
I am.
(laughs)
Of course you are.
I wouldn't expect anything less.
That's what I love about--
No, it's okay.
I'm sorry.
No, please don't be sorry.
You're following your heart.
And can you just promise me something?
Yeah.
If I never see you again.
Don't forget me.
I promise.
♪
I found this.
Merry Christmas.
♪
Merry Christmas.
♪
Maybe if it were another time, another place.
Yes, another time.
♪
(inhales deeply)
Another time, another place!
Another time, another place.
♪
Another time, another place.
♪
I got you, I got you.
Penny?
Penny.
Hey, Penny.
You fell, you okay?
I'm home.
♪
Merry Christmas, Nic!
Merry-woah--
Merry Christmas!
Wow!
Merry Christmas, Taylor!!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Chad.
Merry Christmas.
Awww!
Bryan.
(laughing)
Merry Christmas!
I'm so glad you're okay.
(phone ringing)
Your phone?
Here.
Hello?
Yeah.
Really?
Thanks.
That was work.
I got the promotion.
(cheering)
I'm so happy for you, babe.
Thank you, thank you.
Yeah, I'm not gonna take it.
What?
Well, you're going to Alaska tomorrow, right?
Yeah.
I thought I'd come with you.
You've got to finish your book,
and you need full-time management
to put together your book tour,
market the book both here and overseas.
Do you know anyone who could do that kind of job?
I do, Auntie Penny!
That's right!
(laughing)
Merry Christmas.
♪
What was the change of heart?
My real Christmas wish came true.
And what was that?
I love you, Stu.
I love you, Penny.
♪