A Christmas Miracle

everyone says

there's nothing quite like christmas

in the city,

but it's been a long time

since mommy lived here in denver.

So... I forgot what it's like.

It's so big.

It is big.

And I know it's not exactly like savannah,

but it's gonna feel like home in no time, okay?

Do I have to go to winter camp?

We've talked about this before, tyler.

With mommy starting her new job,

I think it's a great way for you to find new friends

before your school starts in January.

Okay...

Let's make a deal.

If you give this a chance,

I promise to make this the best christmas ever.

What do you say?

That's my tiger.

So what do you think?

What? Is there something about them

you don't like?

I don't know, marcus.

I guess I was hoping for a little more pop.

They popped for me.

Thanks, barry.

Good morning!

Would you like a mini tree for your desk?

Ah... I don't really have a desk, but...

Sure.

Merry christmas.

Thank you.

you're welcome.

Emma...

Yes?

Oh, you've been here barely a week,

but it looks like you're settling in nicely.

I need you to print out my--

phone sheet?

It's already on your desk, valerie.

Along with your iced coffee-- two creams.

Well, you certainly are a breath of fresh air.

Come with me.

As you know,

December is one of our busiest months

here at "daily lifestyle magazine."

yes, the head of hr

explained to me

that the magazine's christmas issue

is the top seller.

That it is.

And this year,

the pressure to deliver a real page-turner

is at an all-time high.

But you've worked on staff before,

so you know the drill.

Yes.

After taking time off to raise my son,

I freelanced occasionally

for the local newspaper in savannah.

I know you're a tad overqualified

for executive assistant,

but there might be

a junior staff position available come January...

If you play your cards right.

Wow...

That would be incredible.

I am ready to do whatever I can to make that happen.

While you glance over your phone sheet,

would you mind if I pass out

the rest of the mini-trees

that I got for everyone in the office?

You really are a charmer, aren't you?

Well, I just...

I guess it's my way

of trying to keep

my small-town spirit alive in the big city.

Don't let me stop you.

Hi. I'm emma. Valerie's new assistant.

Merry christmas.

knock-knock.

- who's there? - -emma sanderson.

I don't think we've met.

How are you?

Marcus welsh.

And as your typical mondays go around here,

I'd say that I am fair.

Well, I just wanted to drop by and say hello

and give you a little something that brightens your desk.

Oh, thanks...

But I'm not exactly a ho-ho-ho type of guy.

Seriously?

Come on.

What's there not to love about christmas?

Well...

First off, let's start with tighter deadlines,

higher expectations,

and a lump of coal in our stockings

if we fail to deliver.

Last year,

I had to photograph the 12 days of christmas...

In three days.

That must have been quite the challenge,

but I bet it made quite the spread.

Are you always such a big ray of sunshine?

I don't know.

Are you ever one?

I'm sorry.

It's just my day started off a little bumpy

with my lifestyle editor.

-Valerie? -Yeah.

I'm her new executive assistant.

I started Monday.

I see.

In that case, I'll give this back to you,

because you are going to need it a lot more than I will.

What is that supposed to mean?

I bet by Friday,

you will be answering the phone, "bah humbug."

and I bet I'll surprise you.

emma?

Merry christmas.

Merry christmas.

She's awfully chipper.

Yeah.

As you're all aware,

our christmas issue

is responsible for boosting subscribership.

Unfortunately,

the last three years

have seen those numbers fall significantly,

which is why I'm concerned

that these pitches that I've been reading

just don't pack the punch to turn those numbers around.

I completely agree with you, miss hennessy,

which is why I invited you down here

to let the staff know

the direction you'd like to be heading.

I'm looking for something that is truly unique.

Something new. Something fresh.

Something captivating.

We need a real page-turner.

How about we do a story about a celebrity

heading back to their old hometown

to spend christmas with their folks?

We did that in 2012.

How about a piece

about christmas traditions around the world?

Maybe as a feature,

but it's not special enough for a cover story.

For our cover story,

we need something that sings of christmas.

Of family.

Of tradition.

I need a story

that is going to melt people's hearts.

And I am confident that you will deliver.

Of course.

Okay, then.

I need everyone in my office bright and early

with something truly inspiring.

how did tyler's day go?

So far, a bit on the quiet side,

but I'm sure he'll warm up.

Hey, ty.

-How was your day? -Okay, I guess.

Come on...

I think we can do better than that.

Why don't you try telling me

what was your best and worst part of the day?

-Best? -Uh-huh.

You picking me up.

The worst, you dropping me off.

I walked into that one, didn't I?

A little bit.

How about we turn that around

and we go meet aunt nancy for a little holiday cheer?

Good?

-Thank you. -Bye.

look, mom-- he's really good.

He is, isn't he?

Aunt nancy!

Folks call him "santa dean."

I'm always amazed at the talent this city brings out.

I got you both a little treat.

Aw, thank you.

Roasted chestnuts.

Oh...

So... How are you two settling in?

So far, as well as expected.

Thank you so much for helping us find a home.

I'm just thrilled

that you decided to pursue your career in journalism again.

What finally pushed you to take the leap?

Well, after my divorce,

I realized that

if I had any hope

of teaching tyler to follow his dreams,