Christmas in Mississippi

Thanks for the ride.

And just who are you trying to catch...

under the mistletoe this year?

White berries mean mistletoe, red berries mean holly.

You of all people should know that!

I thought I was picking you up at the airport tomorrow.

I caught an earlier flight, so...

I figured I'd surprise you.

Oh, that's my kind of surprise, welcome home, Holly!

Good to see you, Momma.

I can't believe you're really here!

I know, and for two full weeks this time.

It's a Christmas miracle. What are you carrying in this thing?

This cannot be good for your back, and take that jacket off.

You're gonna cook in that down here.

Okay, okay!

I thought I'd get more of the tree decorated...

before you got here.

But I guess we'll just have to finish decorating it together.

Sounds perfect.

You must be hungry.

I was just about to take lunch...

over to the festival volunteers at Jones Park.

You want to give me a hand?

Yeah, of course.

Got it all packed up in the kitchen.

Sure you don't want to put this up, just in case?

That should be the last of it.

I can't believe you still have this pickup.

Of course I do.

It was your father's pride and joy.

I thought I was his pride and joy.

You were... he loved you just as much as he loved his truck.

I cannot wait for you to see what they've done at the park.

I'm excited. You're gonna love it.

You ready? Yeah, let's do it.

Okay.

Hold on.

You gotta be kidding me.

Holly? Hey, Mr. McGuire!

It's so good to see you!

Well, your momma said you were comin' home for Christmas.

She was real excited, talks about you nonstop.

That does not surprise me.

I think the mailman knows my shoe size.

You bringing your famous fruit stand back this year?

Festival wouldn't be the same without it.

Yep, yep, it'll be there. Good.

I just got my location assignment.

Right next to your momma's stand.

Is she here? Yeah.

Hello, Caroline.

Stuart.

Just harvested a new crop of sweet potatoes at the farm.

Put some aside for you.

Aw... that's mighty kind of you.

Well, I did have a selfish motivation.

You promised me a slice...

of the best sweet potato pie in the county.

Well, then... a promise is a promise.

What's up, Hollywood! Benny!

Good to see you!

Nice to have you back! We missed you 'round here!

I missed you, babe.

Hey, is that the brisket?

I am so sorry, we've been working since 5:00 AM...

and I'm starving.

How long does it take to set everything up?

Well, between the trees, the stands and the lights...

I'd say about a couple of weeks. It's a massive set-up.

Right outside, we got a bunch of little elves.

Well, do you guys need some help?

Oh, yes, we sure could use some help.

I'll let the boss man know you offered.

Mm-mm, oh, this is made with love.

Later, Hollywood!

Are my eyes deceiving me... or is that Holly Hart?

Hi, Mike.

I didn't know you were in town.

I didn't tell you.

It's been a long time. Did you miss me?

Oh, I can't say that I have.

You stayin' with your momma?

Maybe.

Is uh-- is her number still the same?

Why would you need to call it?

As soon as you ask me to.

Hah, you're delusional.

You still want to volunteer at the festival, right?

Yeah.

Oh, lucky you... I happen to be the project supervisor.

How about I start you off tomorrow morning...

8:00 AM, bright and early?

Sounds great.

You know, they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder.

You sure you didn't miss me a little bit?

Let's give it a couple more years.

Those boys sure do have an appetite, cleaned me right out.

All set?

You didn't tell me the festival was being run...

by my ex-boyfriend.

Did I forget to mention that?

I know, he broke your heart.

He didn't break my heart, he just--

But it would do you both a lot of good...

if you can just try to mend fences while you're back.

Give him a chance, maybe you'll see a new side of him.

Hm?

Let's go.

- Smile. - I am smiling.

No, you're squinting.

Well, I'm blinded by your beauty... and slightly the sun.

Perfect.

Did you get my good side?

They're all good.

Let me see it. No!

Let me see it. No! You'll shake it.

No.

You know what? Fine. I don't wanna see it.

Oh... Merry Christmas.

Well, I figured since you'd be joining me on campus soon...

you should start dressing the part.

Look, I know this distance hasn't been easy...

but once we're in the same place...

it'll be a whole new beginning for us.

Do you like it?

I love it.

Here... hold it up.

I want to take a picture.

Yay! What size is this?

Stop.

I brought you some fresh blankets.

Not that you'll need them.

Next few nights are supposed to be some warm ones.

Thanks, Momma.

Oh, who's this?

I found Rudolph here downtown.

Hm, he's got a lot of miles on him.

I bet he means a lot to someone out there.

I know... I was gonna put a picture online...

see if I could find his owner.

In fact... here, strike a pose.

One, two, three.

All right, little guy...

let's see if we can't get you home for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you, Uncle, and God save you!

Bah humbug!

Christmas a humbug? You can't mean that, I'm sure.

I do mean it! What did I miss?

Nothing, it just came back from commercial. You're good.

Oh, good.

No butter?

It's for the tree.

You're making me watch a movie and not eat popcorn?

This one's for you.

Thanks, Momma.

You know, it's only the two of us for Christmas.

It's okay if the tree doesn't have a popcorn string.

It's tradition.

Yeah, I know, I just thought you might want to take a break...

from decorating and just relax and watch the movie.

Holly, for me, decorating the house for Christmas...

isn't a chore.

It's something I look forward to.

It is Christmas... like when I hang your stocking.

I remember how you'd always sneak downstairs...

while your father and I were asleep and open yours.

Or when I make a wreath...

takes me back to the time when my momma first taught me how.

I cherish every moment.

Good evening, sir.

I bet it's really something when it's all lit up, huh?

It is. People used to come from all over to see the show.

Used to? Why did they stop?

Hurricane... almost five years ago.

There was a storm surge, and the entire town was underwater.

This will be the first Winter Festival since then.

Oh my.

Huh... well, they appear to have made quite a recovery.

Yeah.

Marvelous little town. I've enjoyed my stay.

Are you visiting your family for the holidays?

No, just a bit of business.

Oh, where are my manners? Alden Kriss.

Holly. Holly! Wow.

Aptly named for the holidays. Yeah, nice to meet you.

I see you've met our Santa Claus.

Mr. Kriss volunteered to be the man of the hour...

during the light show.

Well I wish I had known sooner, before I trimmed my beard.

I think we have a fake one that came with your costume.

Okay.

Well, I'm looking forward to it, and nice to meet you.

Very nice to meet you. Okay.

Thanks, Mr. Kriss.

I didn't think you were gonna show up.

I keep my promises.

Let's start next door.

Lead the way.

So, the town turned this place into municipal storage...