The Angel Tree

There's a place called Pine River

high up in the mountains where Christmas is celebrated

with an incredible tradition.

Every holiday season,

the Angel Tree appears overnight in the town square.

And then the magic begins.

People write down their wishes and hang them on the tree

and a mysterious benefactor known only as Angel

helps make those wishes come true.

No one knows who this Angel is.

All they know is that if they need help

putting Christmas dinner on the table

or a new pair of skates to join the hockey team,

the Angel Tree comes through for them.

And I know the magic is real because I saw it work

for my best friend, Matthew.

Hey, Matthew.

Matthew, come on.

It's up, come on.

I can't go right now, Rebecca.

It's the middle of breakfast rush.

Dad'll kill me.

Rush?

Really?

Come on, it'll only take a couple minutes.

Besides, this is important.

Buck says I beat ya.

Five says you don't.

Pay up.

You really think it'll work, McBride?

I know it will.

Besides, can you think of any other way

to save your dad's business

or convince mine that moving us all to Georgia

is the worst idea he's ever had.

But it's just a tree.

It's not just a tree.

It's the Angel Tree.

So, get wishing.

I wish I could stay in Pine River forever.

When you're young, nothing seems impossible at Christmas.

And the magic of the Angel Tree

is that it brings people together

to make the impossible possible.

The Angel Tree and the whole town came through for Matthew

and his family.

The diner was saved.

And to this day, the Angel Tree goes up

in Pine River every Christmas,

just waiting to make wishes come true.

I know what you're gonna say.

- You don't like sappy, but... - I actually love it.

- You do? - I do.

All of his Angel Tree stuff, this really happens?

Yeah, every single Christmas.

And that year the Angel Tree

actually did save Matthew's diner.

It was amazing.

So what happened with your wish

about your family staying in Pine River?

I just, I didn't want to end the article with the fact

that the Angel Tree actually didn't grant me my wish.

We wound up moving the next week.

Just thought it kind of killed the vibe.

Oh.

Okay.

We're gonna launch our new app on Christmas day.

I would like you to do a follow-up piece on the Angel Tree.

You know, prodigal daughter returns to small town

and confronts mysterious wish granter

about Christmases past, et cetera, et cetera.

You'll make it better than what I just said.

No, no, no, I can't.

I can't go back there.

I haven't been back in over 20 years.

Okay, look, if you can find out who Angel is

and deliver this article,

not only will I feature it on the main page and the new app,

I will also give you that column

that you've always been asking for.

What?

You're gonna give me my own column?

I would.

Wait, hold on.

What's the catch?

No catch.

You'll get to write the stories

that you've always wanted to write,

but only if you get the scoop

and you deliver on this Angel Tree article.

What do you say?

Guess I'm going back to Pine River.

I can't believe how cold it is out there, Mom.

And are you seeing these trees?

Yeah well,

they don't call it Pine River for nothing.

Ah, Cassie!

Welcome.

Come on in.

Oh, it's so cold out here.

Hi, Mimi.

Come on.

Can't believe it, you're finally here.

Me too.

We get to stay here for two whole weeks.

I'm so excited.

Oh, your house is so cute.

It's just like the photos you posted.

Oh, I want to see the garden.

Maybe you can show me those roses you planted.

I know it'll be all snowy, but.

Oh, we got you something.

Oh, my favorite.

You remembered.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Well, can't believe you finally made it back

to Pine River to visit your old auntie.

Old?

Oh, come on.

Got more energy than I do and I've got four gallons

of coffee running through my veins at all times,

plus didn't we just see you two months ago in LA?

I know, but now you're actually here.

So why don't we go into the kitchen

and crack open this amazing taffy?

Mm.

Let's do it.

Well, I'm just impressed you actually talked your mom

into coming back to Pine River.

It wasn't me, it was her boss.

She's here on assignment.

Yeah.

My editor asked me to do a follow-up piece

on the Angel Tree.

Which I just loved, hon.

Thank you.

We're here to find out who Angel is.

Well, good luck with that one, kiddo.

Folks in this town have been trying to figure out

who's behind the Angel Tree for over 40 years,

but crafty old Angel always manages to keep their secret.

You mean to tell me no one knows who it is?

Oh, there have been plenty of theories,

but none of them have ever really stuck.

I'm just excited to finally see the Angel Tree.

Oh, it used to be your mom's favorite part of the holiday.

Emphasis on used to be.

You don't like the Angel Tree?

It's not like I don't like it.

It's just that, I don't know,

it's not all it's cracked up to me.

Um, a magical tree that grants wishes

isn't all it's cracked up to be?

You know what?

You got me, I'm being a Grinch.

I'm sorry.

Sorry, if you like it I like it.

Is the tree up yet?

Not yet, but it will be soon.

And then you're gonna get a Pine River Christmas

you'll never forget.

Both of you will.

So it's really straightforward.

You just take the orders, write the orders down on the pad,

stick it in the window, ring the bell.

Got it?

Mm hm.

Y'know, taking orders is going to require

you to actually speak to other humans.

You think you can handle that?

Mm hm.

I guess that'll have to do.

Well, that new coffee roaster's ready,

so I'm gonna go grind the beans.

You got the counter?

Yeah?

Mm hm.

Mm hm.

These are my friends.

Hi everyone.

Rebecca, Cassie, this is Liz and John Miller

from over at the Ready Mart.

Mornin'.

Aren't you just as cute as can be?

And this very fine gentlemen is Claude.

Ladies.

Hi, nice to meet you.

It is so nice to meet you guys.

Mimi has told me all about your squad.

Oh, you hear that?

You're my squad now.

Squad, huh?

I like it.

I could use a refill.

You know what?

I could use some coffee to.

What can I get you?

Just a refill of coffee for the table please.

Sure.

What kind?