- 3 months ago
Christmas at the Plaza (2019) is a heartwarming holiday romance about love, friendship, and the magic of the season. The story follows a dedicated event planner who teams up with a charming guest at a luxury hotel to create a perfect Christmas celebration. Along the way, they discover the joy of giving, the importance of kindness, and the magic of unexpected connections. Filled with festive cheer, laughter, and warm moments, Christmas at the Plaza is a delightful holiday tale for the whole family.
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Christmas at the Plaza, Christmas at the Plaza 2019, holiday movie, Christmas romance, family film, romantic comedy, festive film, heartwarming story, feel good movie, uplifting story, story about love, story about kindness, story about friendship, winter movie, story about giving, Hallmark movie, cozy film, Christmas story, 2019 film, full movie, movie scenes, positive message, cheerful movie, lighthearted romance, holiday classic, story about happiness, romantic holiday film, emotional story, story about joy, Christmas magic, family friendly film
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FunTranscript
00:00:00It's the most wonderful time of the year
00:00:16With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer
00:00:24It's the most wonderful time of the year
00:00:29It's the happiest season of all
00:00:36With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings when friends come to call
00:00:43It's the happiest season of all
00:00:50There'll be parties for hosting my spouse
00:00:53Excuse me
00:00:54Oh my
00:01:07Oops
00:01:10Laurel, be careful. You'll spill your cocoa
00:01:15Merry Christmas
00:01:18Good morning. Welcome to the plaza
00:01:20Oh, here, let me help you with that
00:01:24Oh, thanks
00:01:26May I assist you with your baggage?
00:01:30Well, I don't have any. I'm here to see Amanda Clark
00:01:33Oh, well checked at the concierge
00:01:35I hope you've made an appointment
00:01:36She's a very busy lady this time of year
00:01:38Actually, I'm going to be working here
00:01:40Oh, really?
00:01:41Yeah, I'm doing research for the plaza about...
00:01:44Oh, Christmas!
00:01:45Oh, you've heard?
00:01:46Yes, yes, we've been talking about it for weeks
00:01:48We're all very excited about that
00:01:50Oh, good
00:01:50So, now why don't you hold on to that?
00:01:54There may be more hot cocoa ahead
00:01:56Thank you
00:01:57I'm Jessica Cooper
00:01:58I'm Reginald Brookwater
00:02:01Head Bellman at your service
00:02:03So you're here to study our grand lady
00:02:06The plaza provided a grant to the university
00:02:08And I'm the archival historian in charge of the project
00:02:11You have a very impressive title
00:02:13I'm not as important as it sounds
00:02:15I wouldn't be so sure of that
00:02:17You know what we say around here
00:02:18What do you say around here?
00:02:20Nothing unimportant ever happens at the plaza
00:02:23Hi, Dennis
00:02:32Hi
00:02:33It's all set
00:02:34We fly out of JFK on Christmas Eve
00:02:35This is so exciting
00:02:37I can't wait to meet your parents
00:02:38I just hope they're not disappointed
00:02:40Why would they be disappointed?
00:02:42Because their son is dating somebody
00:02:43Who's using her PhD to study Christmas trees
00:02:46How did your mom take the news
00:02:47That she won't be home for Christmas this year?
00:02:49No, excuse me
00:02:49Surprisingly well
00:02:50She's gonna go on that Caribbean cruise
00:02:51She always wanted to
00:02:52Dennis, I'm gonna have to call you back
00:02:56Who leads a ladder just standing around?
00:03:00I do
00:03:01Oh, oh no
00:03:03Um, hang on
00:03:05Good idea
00:03:06I'm so sorry
00:03:09I didn't know you were up there
00:03:10Must have been an important phone call
00:03:13I was talking to my boyfriend
00:03:20Well, with boyfriends you get an automatic free pass
00:03:23Just maybe watch where you're going next time, huh?
00:03:26Or maybe put up a sign next time
00:03:28Like that one?
00:03:30Like that one?
00:03:41Hey, Merry Christmas
00:03:42One suit, sponged and pressed for Mr. George Kaplan
00:03:47Room 796
00:03:48Anything else?
00:03:50Of course, Mr. Kaplan
00:03:51My pleasure
00:03:52Good morning
00:03:54Uh, how may I help you?
00:03:55Theater tickets?
00:03:56No, thank you
00:03:57Dinner reservations
00:03:58No, I
00:03:59You need car service
00:04:00Actually, I'm looking for
00:04:01Here you are
00:04:02And right on time, too
00:04:04I like punctuality
00:04:05It shows character
00:04:06Good morning, Ms. Clark
00:04:07Amanda
00:04:08Amanda, thank you
00:04:10And I see you've met Kenny, our head concierge
00:04:13Hi
00:04:13Hi
00:04:14Anything you need
00:04:15He's here to help, isn't that right, Kenny?
00:04:18That's right, Amanda
00:04:18Ms. Clark
00:04:23This way
00:04:26This is where I think we should place the installation
00:04:38I must tell you
00:04:40We are all very eager to see what you have in mind
00:04:45Christmas traditions are very important to us here
00:04:50And what better place to honor the legacy of Christmas at the Plaza than our historic Oak Room
00:05:03About that, I was hoping you could give me some idea of what you're really looking for
00:05:07I was thinking a sort of museum-art gallery combination
00:05:14You know, panels and pedestals
00:05:18And of course, there will be an opening night party with champagne
00:05:21That's not quite what I mean
00:05:22When I'm developing an archival history presentation, I like to have some kind of point of view
00:05:28You know, like a through line or a
00:05:31A Christmas story
00:05:32Well, not exactly a
00:05:34That sounds perfect
00:05:35What does?
00:05:36We need a Christmas story
00:05:38And since you're the expert, I'm going to let you come up with one
00:05:42I'm not really a story person
00:05:46I deal in facts
00:05:47Facts
00:05:49Yes
00:05:50You see, the thing about history is you don't have to make anything up
00:05:53The story's already happened
00:05:55That just makes it easier, then
00:05:59Our records room is this way
00:06:10All you have to do is go through the hotel files
00:06:14There are plenty of references to Christmas parties
00:06:18And tree lighting, carol singing, special holiday events
00:06:23It shouldn't be very difficult
00:06:26Wow
00:06:36Yes, isn't it something
00:06:39Most of these are pre-internet
00:06:41So they haven't been scanned or digitally preserved
00:06:44These are the original files
00:06:47How far back does all of this date?
00:06:49I don't really know
00:06:50But I don't think anything would have been thrown out
00:06:53So it could be over a hundred years worth
00:06:56Well, I'll leave you to it
00:06:59Which ones are the Christmas files?
00:07:02I have no idea
00:07:03You mean they're not categorized?
00:07:07Well, no
00:07:07That's why you're here
00:07:09Miss Clark
00:07:11Amanda
00:07:12Amanda
00:07:13Going through all these records could take a year at least
00:07:17Well, you certainly don't have a year
00:07:20Opening night of the display is planned for December 15th
00:07:24Uh, but that's only three weeks away
00:07:27Oh, I know
00:07:29But fortunately, you won't have to do it all alone
00:07:33You'll be coordinating with our Christmas decorator
00:07:35Christmas decorator?
00:07:36There he is now
00:07:38Mr. Pirelli, I'd like you to meet someone
00:07:40This is Jessica Cooper
00:07:42She's in charge of the history of Christmas at the Plaza display
00:07:46Jessica Cooper
00:07:47Nick Pirelli
00:07:48Surprise
00:07:49Surprise
00:07:51You two know each other?
00:07:54We've met
00:07:55Well, that's good
00:07:57Because you'll be working together this Christmas
00:07:59What are you supposed to be looking for?
00:08:10Christmas
00:08:11What kind of Christmas?
00:08:15Uh, like celebrations, events, photographs
00:08:18Anything that connects the plaza to the holiday season
00:08:21What is that?
00:08:22To create an historic installation celebrating the legacy of Christmas at the plaza
00:08:26Oh, like a museum
00:08:29Yeah, like a museum
00:08:31You do that for a living?
00:08:34Yeah, I have degrees in anthropology, urban archaeology, and social genealogical studies
00:08:38But be careful, one more degree, you'll have a fever
00:08:42I think that if people respect the past, it helps them understand the present
00:08:47You know what they say about people who hang on to the past
00:08:49They're afraid of the future
00:08:53I don't think that's true
00:08:56Can you not touch anything, please?
00:09:04Sorry
00:09:05In historic terms, we call this an artifact
00:09:08In New York terms, we call this a newspaper
00:09:10Don't you have trees to put up?
00:09:16Well, I thought we were supposed to be working together
00:09:17We are, and if I need you, I'll call
00:09:20Okay
00:09:22Enjoy your artifacts
00:09:24Do you think I was rude to him?
00:09:43No
00:09:44He sounds pushy, overbearing, and full of himself
00:09:46Is he single?
00:09:48I don't know, why?
00:09:50Ask him if he likes almost famous musical theater actors
00:09:53I'm in the market for my next ex-boyfriend
00:09:56Speaking of bad relationships, uh, how's Dennis?
00:10:01Cass, don't start
00:10:03Let's try here
00:10:04You know I'm right
00:10:06You've been dating for how long?
00:10:09Two years next week
00:10:10Exactly, and that finger is still bare
00:10:14And I'm okay with that
00:10:15Of course you are, because you're afraid of commitment
00:10:16You know, just because you took one psychology course in school doesn't mean...
00:10:21Let's try over there
00:10:22I've watched it happen
00:10:25Every time a guy gets serious, you bail
00:10:27That's why your relationship with Dennis has lasted this long
00:10:30You're afraid of commitment, and he's afraid to commit
00:10:32You know, face it, Jess
00:10:33You're stuck in a dead-ed relationship
00:10:35For your information, Dennis has made a commitment
00:10:38He's taken me to meet his parents
00:10:40In Florida
00:10:41Really?
00:10:42We fly out on Christmas Eve
00:10:44Mm-hmm
00:10:45Uh, back there
00:10:47Yeah
00:10:47Whose idea was that?
00:10:48Ugh, what do you mean?
00:10:50Well, to meet the parents
00:10:51I don't know
00:10:52Well, who bought the tickets?
00:10:54Was it Dennis or the parents?
00:10:55What difference does it make?
00:10:57Maybe none
00:10:58But if Dennis bought the tickets, it means that he's serious about a relationship
00:11:01If his parents bought the tickets...
00:11:04Oh, gotta go
00:11:08I am filling in as one of Santa's elves in the park
00:11:10And it takes me 20 minutes to get into those tights
00:11:13Thank you
00:11:15Oh, you're welcome
00:11:16See you soon
00:11:17Sorry
00:11:35Sorry, I had to get the funding application in for next year
00:11:39The university committee is being impossible as usual
00:11:42Is that hot cider?
00:11:44It was, 20 minutes ago
00:11:46Don't forget, we have the faculty Christmas party a week Thursday
00:11:49Franklin Collins is going to be there
00:11:51He's the committee chair and I'm hoping to get a word with him
00:11:54Who knew clinical biology could be so exciting?
00:11:57Who knew?
00:11:58How's your project going?
00:11:59I'm not sure yet
00:12:01There was just so much material in the archives
00:12:03I don't even know where to begin
00:12:04And if by some miracle I did know where to begin
00:12:07There's no way I'm going to finish by the deadline
00:12:09I think taking this project might have been a big mistake
00:12:14What do you have to do to get a drink around here?
00:12:20Dennis?
00:12:21Yeah?
00:12:22How about the trip?
00:12:24To see your parents?
00:12:26Yeah?
00:12:30Nothing
00:12:31Never mind
00:12:32I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:34I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:35I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:36I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:37I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:38I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:39I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:40I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:41I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:42I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:43I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:44I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:45I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:46I don't think I'm going to get a drink around here
00:12:47Oh, my God.
00:13:17Miss Cooper, you need anything?
00:13:24No, thank you, Reginata.
00:13:27I'm still trying to figure this all out.
00:13:29What, Christmas giving you some trouble, isn't it?
00:13:32There's just so much material here.
00:13:34I don't know where to start.
00:13:36Well, maybe I can help you here.
00:13:38You want some history of Christmas at the plaza?
00:13:43There you go.
00:13:44That was taken in 1968.
00:13:49That's you?
00:13:50Yeah, this was after the Thanksgiving Day parade.
00:13:53We'd just come in for high tea.
00:13:55See, everybody dressed up in those days.
00:13:58Who were you with?
00:14:00There was a girl I used to know.
00:14:01Anyway, I remember she loved the Christmas tree topper that year.
00:14:09It was her favorite color.
00:14:11It was bright blue, diamonds all around it.
00:14:15I promised her I'd get her her own someday.
00:14:17Did you?
00:14:18No, no.
00:14:22Life gets in the way sometimes, you know.
00:14:25But if you want to borrow that for your project.
00:14:28Actually, I don't think this is my project.
00:14:32I beg your pardon?
00:14:33Yeah, I don't think this is going to work out after all.
00:14:36I need to go talk to Amanda.
00:14:38You're not thinking of quitting, are you?
00:14:40It's probably for the best.
00:14:42Well, I hope you'll reconsider.
00:14:45Opportunities like this don't come along every day.
00:14:48Nobody regrets the ones they take, just the ones they don't.
00:14:52Anyway, I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
00:15:10Looks beautiful.
00:15:12Thanks.
00:15:14Plaza has so much great history, I figure it deserves the best, huh?
00:15:18So you're not the only one who respects the past.
00:15:22Look, Nick, I'm sorry.
00:15:25About what I said yesterday, I know you were just trying to help.
00:15:29Don't worry about it.
00:15:32So you're done for the day?
00:15:35Actually, I've decided to step away from the project.
00:15:40Seriously?
00:15:40I'm going to talk to the university about finding a replacement.
00:15:44That's too bad.
00:15:46I mean, I know Amanda will be really disappointed.
00:15:49I know, and I feel awful about it, but like you said, the plaza deserves the best, and I just,
00:15:56I don't think I'm the right person for this project.
00:16:00I'm sorry to hear that.
00:16:02It was nice to meet you, Jessica Cooper.
00:16:04And you too, Nick Pirelli.
00:16:10Oh, hey.
00:16:12How about a souvenir?
00:16:15Think of it as an early Christmas present.
00:16:16Merry Christmas.
00:16:20Merry Christmas.
00:16:25Merry Christmas.
00:16:27Merry Christmas.
00:16:27i'm sorry miss clark's in the middle of a very important call is there anything i can help you
00:16:54with no thank you i need to speak with her myself i'll wait beautiful isn't it i think this year's
00:17:06tree topper is my favorite i mean finiel dabre miss clark prefers we use a proper name i'm supposed
00:17:13to bring it downstairs to the decorating team but i kind of keep it myself it is beautiful
00:17:18you said this year's reginald showed me a photograph with a different tree topper
00:17:25how many have there been i guess as many as there have been christmas trees at the plaza
00:17:29and they've had a christmas tree here at the hotel ever since it opened in 1907
00:17:34it's a tradition i'll tell miss clark you're here uh no that's okay don't bother her
00:17:41all right well do you want me to give her a message for you yes please tell her
00:17:47tell her i found our christmas story
00:17:51so that's a dozen cherry tomatoes three almonds one bottle of champagne pink of course miss
00:18:00thompson will there be anything else my pleasure good morning miss cooper how can i help you today
00:18:06let it snow let it snow let it snow let it snow it doesn't show signs of stopping and i brought
00:18:12some corn for popping the lights are turned way down low let it snow let it snow let it snow
00:18:20when we finally kiss goodnight how i'll hate going out in the storm but if you really hold me tight
00:18:29all the way home all the way home i'll be warm the fire is slowly dying and my dear we're still
00:18:37goodbye but as long as you love me so let it snow let it snow let it snow
00:18:44please don't worry about this flurry we're warming our bungalow just listen for santa
00:18:58going ho ho ho let it snow let it snow let it snow
00:19:02and put one more in that corner over there needs a little christmas
00:19:13who's nick nick nick it's me alicia hi how are you uh fine been a while i know too long
00:19:29something i could do for you i heard you were decorating the plaza it's amazing congratulations
00:19:35thanks i would love to come and see it maybe we could grab a drink after
00:19:40hey listen i'm i'm really busy right now i gotta go oh all right well merry christmas
00:19:49yeah yeah merry christmas
00:19:51yes
00:20:00so
00:20:33Hey.
00:20:46I thought you were leaving.
00:20:48I might have been a bit hasty.
00:20:50Well, that's great.
00:20:51Yeah, that's good.
00:20:54What changed your mind?
00:20:56Well, did you know the Plaza has had a different finial d'Abra every Christmas for over a hundred years?
00:21:01Uh, what?
00:21:02Oh, Tree Topper.
00:21:03Ah, I did not know that.
00:21:05Yeah, each one is handmade and unique to that specific year.
00:21:08I did not know that either.
00:21:09This one, for example, is from 1949.
00:21:12See here?
00:21:14Signed by the artist, making it a priceless piece of socio-historic memorabilia.
00:21:17Who knows how many more of them are hidden away inside these boxes?
00:21:21Yeah, who knows?
00:21:22Nick, this is a major find.
00:21:26Each of these Tree Toppers represents an artist with an individual story.
00:21:30The cultural importance of the passage of time represented by the artisanal craftsmanship in this room is simply staggering.
00:21:36They make really nice Christmas ornaments, too.
00:21:38Are you just going to stand there or are you going to help?
00:21:43What would you like me to do?
00:21:47Grab a box.
00:21:48And look for Christmas.
00:21:53Okay.
00:22:02So why history?
00:22:04What do you mean?
00:22:04Well, you obviously love it, but where's the attraction?
00:22:08I think it's important to understand the way politics and social moors have impacted events throughout time.
00:22:13Come on, that sounds like a classroom lecture.
00:22:16What's the real reason?
00:22:19The real reason?
00:22:20Yeah.
00:22:25Please.
00:22:25My dad was in the diplomatic corps, so we moved around a lot when I was young.
00:22:35There was always a different town, a different school.
00:22:39I never knew where we were going to be or what was going to happen.
00:22:43That's pretty tough on a little kid.
00:22:45I started studying history.
00:22:47Felt safe.
00:22:49Because you always knew exactly what was going to happen next?
00:22:51When you can't depend on the future, there's something kind of comforting about the past.
00:22:58You still feel that way?
00:23:02Sometimes.
00:23:04Oh, I took the liberty of bringing you some fresh coffee.
00:23:08You've been down here for hours.
00:23:13Thank you, Reginald.
00:23:14I guess we lost track of time.
00:23:16Well, the grand lady reveals her secrets slowly, doesn't she?
00:23:20Huh?
00:23:21By the way, I'm glad you changed your mind.
00:23:25And I believe the work you're doing here is very important.
00:23:29I mean, this place means a lot to me.
00:23:32To all of us.
00:23:33Thank you, Reginald.
00:23:35Hey, look at this.
00:23:37What is it?
00:23:37I found one.
00:23:41It's beautiful.
00:23:43Ooh, that is magnificent, isn't it?
00:23:46Look at the fine work around the edges there.
00:23:49Takes years to learn that.
00:23:50That makes five we found so far.
00:23:52Yeah, only 10,000 more boxes to go through.
00:23:55Well, good thing there are two of you.
00:24:05Good thing.
00:24:06Yeah, so everyone else.
00:24:09Yeah, so I don't know, so what?
00:24:35It's New York!
00:24:37You look great.
00:24:38Right?
00:24:39Yeah.
00:24:40It's like stepping into a time machine in there.
00:24:42Every box I open is another piece of history, and Nick found some incredible photographs
00:24:47from 1922.
00:24:48Nick?
00:24:49Pushy, overbearing Nick.
00:24:50Oh, that wasn't really his fault.
00:24:52I overreacted.
00:24:53He's actually a very nice guy.
00:24:55Really?
00:24:56And you two are working together?
00:24:58Mm-hmm.
00:24:59Mm-hmm.
00:25:00Alone.
00:25:01I know what you're thinking, and you can stop thinking it.
00:25:06There's nothing going on between Nick and me except Christmas.
00:25:09Oh, gotta go.
00:25:11Santa's finished feeding the reindeer, and he hates it when his elves are late.
00:25:14Sorry about lunch.
00:25:15I'll grab a candy cane at work.
00:25:16Uh-uh.
00:25:17Hey, did you ever find out if Nick was single?
00:25:19Uncle?
00:25:20I don't care.
00:25:21Okay.
00:25:22I believe you.
00:25:23Do you believe you?
00:25:24Mm-hmm.
00:25:25�gm.
00:25:26Mmm.
00:25:27Uh-uh.
00:25:29Mole purchased.
00:25:30Do you believe you?
00:25:33Don't.
00:25:34I don't reallyago until Nick didn't make an hour to come see her in ì• ...
00:25:38m-m-m...
00:25:42Let's go.
00:26:12Let's go.
00:26:18Hi.
00:26:19Tell me you're not wearing that.
00:26:36Why not?
00:26:37You forgot.
00:26:41The faculty Christmas party.
00:26:45Of course I didn't forget.
00:26:46I was just getting ready.
00:26:48Come on in.
00:26:49I'll let you be a minute.
00:26:56How's your project going?
00:26:57It's actually pretty exciting.
00:26:59I think I might have a mystery on my hands.
00:27:01Uh-huh.
00:27:02Every year since 1907, the tree in the lobby of the plaza has had a different finial d'abra.
00:27:09A what?
00:27:10A tree topper.
00:27:11A tree topper.
00:27:12Oh.
00:27:13Interesting.
00:27:14That's not the interesting part.
00:27:15Look at the picture on the table.
00:27:17The top one.
00:27:19The Christmas tree?
00:27:21See?
00:27:22No tree topper.
00:27:23Fascinating.
00:27:24Isn't it?
00:27:25What happened to the tree topper and why that year?
00:27:28I don't know.
00:27:29Jess.
00:27:30We're gonna be late.
00:27:31Okay.
00:27:32I'm ready.
00:27:33Choose.
00:27:35Right.
00:27:37Meet you in the car.
00:27:42Meet you in the car.
00:28:12There's Franklin Collins.
00:28:17Come on.
00:28:18Let's go say hello.
00:28:19Uh, love to.
00:28:22Evening, Mr. Collins.
00:28:25Oh, Dennis!
00:28:27Well, I'm glad you made it.
00:28:29This is Dennis Park, one of our newest faculty members.
00:28:33I read your paper, Dennis.
00:28:35It was interesting.
00:28:37Very interesting.
00:28:38I'd like to talk to you some more about it.
00:28:39That would be great, sir.
00:28:45This is my, uh, Jessica Cooper.
00:28:48How do you do?
00:28:49Well, a pleasure to meet you, Jessica.
00:28:51You probably know most of the people here.
00:28:53I'm not...
00:28:54Oh, well, Jessica's an alum.
00:28:55Sociology and anthropology.
00:28:58What are you doing these days, dear?
00:29:00Jessica's working on a very important archival research project.
00:29:05Oh, on what subject?
00:29:06A history of the finial daubers at the plaza.
00:29:09Finial daubers?
00:29:12Uh, isn't that Christmas ornaments?
00:29:14That's right.
00:29:15How interesting.
00:29:18It's actually an important study from a cultural and historic point of view.
00:29:22That's good.
00:29:32Of course it is, dear.
00:29:37So, Dennis, uh, tell me.
00:29:38What are your plans?
00:29:39Uh, well, I have a little bit more work to do on this paper, but, uh...
00:29:40Oh, no.
00:29:41I think this draft that you did...
00:29:42I think it's...
00:29:43I think it's a great job.
00:29:45I think it's a great job.
00:29:46...I think it's a great job.
00:29:47Oh, no.
00:29:48I think it's a great job.
00:29:49Oh, no.
00:29:50I think it's a great job.
00:29:51I think it's a great job.
00:29:52And it's a great job.
00:29:53I think it's a great job.
00:29:54So, Dennis, tell me.
00:29:55What are your plans?
00:29:56Uh, well, I have a little bit more work to do on this paper, but...
00:29:57Oh, no, I think this draft that you did is...
00:29:59Ah, Jessica, did you have to bring up that whole Christmas decorations thing?
00:30:16Why?
00:30:16It's just I'm trying to impress Collins, and it doesn't sound very academic.
00:30:21Well, they asked.
00:30:23Anyway, he wants to see the rest of my research, but he's totally behind my proposal.
00:30:28He actually told me he's going to personally resubmit it to the committee himself.
00:30:32Can you believe it?
00:30:32That's great.
00:30:33Isn't it?
00:30:34Yeah.
00:30:35Wow, I mean, good party, right?
00:30:40You having fun?
00:30:41Actually, I'm a little tired.
00:30:43It's been a long day, and I'm...
00:30:45Oh, of course.
00:30:46I'm sorry.
00:30:48You've been at work all day.
00:30:49I should have thought of that.
00:30:51You want to go home?
00:30:53Would that be okay?
00:30:54Absolutely.
00:30:55Absolutely.
00:30:55I'll call you a car.
00:31:02I would go with you, but I really got to seal this deal with Collins.
00:31:05Oh, of course.
00:31:07You don't mind, do you?
00:31:09Me?
00:31:10No.
00:31:11Not at all.
00:31:13Thanks for understanding.
00:31:13How was your night?
00:31:32I've had better.
00:31:38Do you like Christmas songs?
00:31:39I could play one for you if you like.
00:31:40Maybe it'll cheer you up.
00:31:42Thanks.
00:31:42Thanks.
00:31:43Do you want anything special for Christmas?
00:31:48I'm going to go meet my boyfriend's parents.
00:31:50Oh, sounds serious.
00:31:52I'm not sure about that.
00:31:54Where is he right now?
00:31:56Back at that party.
00:31:59Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
00:32:03You know what?
00:32:03Maybe I'm overreacting.
00:32:04I mean, it's not like you made me walk home.
00:32:07True.
00:32:07True.
00:32:08What if Cassidy's right?
00:32:10About what?
00:32:11What if I really am afraid of commitment?
00:32:12I mean, this is my usual pattern.
00:32:14I fall for a guy.
00:32:15He gets serious.
00:32:16I get nervous.
00:32:17I break it off.
00:32:18Cassidy's your boyfriend?
00:32:20No, Dennis is my boyfriend.
00:32:22Who's Cassidy?
00:32:23She's an elf.
00:32:26You know what?
00:32:27I changed my mind.
00:32:28I don't want to go home right now.
00:32:29I don't blame you.
00:32:30So, where to now?
00:32:37Happy holidays.
00:32:39Happy holidays.
00:32:39I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
00:32:56Just like the ones I used to know
00:33:04Miss Cooper.
00:33:06Miss Cooper.
00:33:08Good evening.
00:33:09Everything all right?
00:33:10I guess so.
00:33:11You're working late.
00:33:13Oh, well, sometimes I just like to stick around
00:33:16till everybody goes home at night
00:33:17or gets tucked into bed upstairs
00:33:19and then I just listen for a while.
00:33:22To what?
00:33:25To the sound of the grand lady sleeping.
00:33:28She snores sometimes, you know.
00:33:40What are you doing here?
00:33:42I'm having some trouble with the lights.
00:33:46Oh.
00:33:47Seems okay to me.
00:33:49Yeah, well, it's my first time decorating the plaza.
00:33:51It's kind of a game changer for my business.
00:33:53I don't want okay.
00:33:54I want perfect.
00:33:58Well, I better make my rounds.
00:34:02Good night, folks.
00:34:04Good night.
00:34:07What are you doing here?
00:34:08I need to find a missing tree topper.
00:34:10The one from 1969.
00:34:12There's still a lot of boxes to go through down there.
00:34:16A little overdressed for the records room?
00:34:19I was at a Christmas party.
00:34:21Must have been a nice party.
00:34:23You look great.
00:34:24Oh.
00:34:28So, how was the food?
00:34:31I always eat too much of those things.
00:34:33Oh, I didn't actually get any.
00:34:35You didn't get any?
00:34:36Why not?
00:34:38Bad timing.
00:34:39Huh.
00:34:42Well, if you're still hungry,
00:34:44and all places stays open late,
00:34:47I was going to go get something to eat.
00:34:49I grabbed some dinner.
00:34:49That's very nice of you, Nick.
00:34:53Really.
00:34:53But, um, the thing is...
00:34:55I know.
00:34:56I know.
00:34:57You have a boyfriend.
00:34:59Still got to eat.
00:35:02I feel about Italian.
00:35:07Well, it was my dad's business originally.
00:35:09Mostly party rentals.
00:35:10But when I took it over,
00:35:11I focused on Christmas.
00:35:13That's where the real money is.
00:35:15But between you and me,
00:35:17I do it for free.
00:35:18You love it that much?
00:35:20Oh, yeah.
00:35:20A house like a blank canvas to me.
00:35:22And there's that moment
00:35:23when you gather the family out front,
00:35:24you flip the switch,
00:35:25and the whole thing lights up
00:35:26with the look on their faces.
00:35:28That's Christmas.
00:35:29You decorate for your family, too?
00:35:31Mm-hmm.
00:35:32It's a mob scene.
00:35:33I got three brothers and two sisters,
00:35:35and they're all married,
00:35:35and they've all got kids.
00:35:36So, pressure's on.
00:35:37What about you?
00:35:39Anybody special?
00:35:41There was a couple years ago,
00:35:43but it didn't work out.
00:35:45Happens.
00:35:50So, what's your boyfriend do?
00:35:52Dennis?
00:35:53Mm-hmm.
00:35:53He's in clinical research
00:35:54at the university.
00:35:55Impressive.
00:35:56He's a very intelligent man.
00:35:58You're no slight yourself
00:35:59with all those degrees
00:36:00at the end of your name.
00:36:02I don't know about that.
00:36:05You're kidding me, right?
00:36:07When I first started out at university,
00:36:10I had all these really lofty goals,
00:36:12you know?
00:36:12I wanted to use my education
00:36:15to speak to the human condition,
00:36:16help people understand history,
00:36:18and make it relevant in their lives.
00:36:21Maybe make a difference in the world.
00:36:24And?
00:36:25And here I am,
00:36:28cataloging Christmas ornaments.
00:36:32Oh, I'm sorry.
00:36:33That's...
00:36:34I didn't...
00:36:35I didn't mean it to come out like that.
00:36:37I'm sorry.
00:36:38It's fine.
00:36:39It's fine.
00:36:39Don't worry about it.
00:36:41But you shouldn't be so hard
00:36:42on yourself, though.
00:36:43I know.
00:36:43I just always thought
00:36:45I'd be doing something
00:36:46more important with my life.
00:36:48I get that.
00:36:49But think about it this way.
00:36:51The storage room
00:36:52in the basement of the plaza.
00:36:54Imagine how many Christmas memories are there,
00:36:57just tucked away in all those boxes.
00:36:59You're part of that history now.
00:37:00And you're gonna bring happiness
00:37:02to who knows
00:37:03how many people this Christmas.
00:37:06What's more important than that?
00:37:07This is me.
00:37:26Hey. Nice place.
00:37:32Thanks. My mom and dad were in real estate, so I got it when they retired.
00:37:37I see a big blank canvas.
00:37:39In case you haven't noticed, I've been a bit busy lately, so I'm sorry I haven't quite gotten around to decorating out here yet.
00:37:47Well, if you need some help, I got a guy.
00:37:56Hmm. Does he have any references?
00:38:01Not in my whole life.
00:38:03I'll think about it.
00:38:06Good night.
00:38:07Good night.
00:38:26Good night.
00:38:42Good night.
00:38:45We've divided it into decades from the turn of the 20th century to now.
00:39:11Each section features photos of the ten tree toppers with stories about the artists,
00:39:15and we include a brief history of that decade's most important Christmas events at the plaza.
00:39:21Wedding, party, celebrity guests.
00:39:24Jessica, I must tell you, I'm impressed.
00:39:27This is wonderful. It's the perfect balance of history and Christmas.
00:39:34Go back, please.
00:39:37Of course.
00:39:38There, stop there.
00:39:40What's that?
00:39:41That's the one I couldn't find.
00:39:43There's no record of there having ever been a tree topper in 1969.
00:39:48That's impossible.
00:39:49It's a hotel tradition.
00:39:51That's what I thought, but...
00:39:52We can't have a gap in the hotel Christmas timeline.
00:39:56It makes us appear incompetent.
00:39:59I'm not sure what I can do about it.
00:40:02With something, I hope.
00:40:03This is your problem, Jessica.
00:40:08You need to fix it.
00:40:18So, why don't you just fake it?
00:40:20Go buy some other tree topper and paint it.
00:40:22Who's gonna know?
00:40:23I can't believe you're asking me that question.
00:40:25I'm gonna know.
00:40:26I'm a historian, Cassidy.
00:40:27I search for the truth.
00:40:29I'm not gonna lie about something as important as Christmas.
00:40:33You know I'm not really an elf, though, right?
00:40:36Sorry.
00:40:37I think Nick's starting to rub off on me.
00:40:39Nick again?
00:40:40Two Cocos, please.
00:40:42He gave me a Christmas pep talk at dinner the other night.
00:40:44It helped a lot.
00:40:45How nice for you.
00:40:47Make mine a double.
00:40:48You know, this isn't fair.
00:40:50What do you mean?
00:40:50I mean, I'm out here terminally single, and you've got two guys all to yourself.
00:40:55I don't have two guys, Cass.
00:40:57I have a boyfriend, and I have a co-worker.
00:41:01Uh, so Nick's just your co-worker.
00:41:04That's all.
00:41:05Uh-huh.
00:41:05And have you told your boyfriend about your co-worker?
00:41:08Well, no.
00:41:10It hasn't come up in this conversation.
00:41:12Hmm.
00:41:13Right there.
00:41:14Honestly, Cassidy, the way your mind works...
00:41:17Oh, do you want this receipt, or can I have it?
00:41:20My accountant says that I can deduct Christmas-related beverages as research.
00:41:29What?
00:41:41Hi.
00:41:42Jessica, guess what?
00:41:44They approved my grant.
00:41:46Oh, that's wonderful news, Dennis.
00:41:48I'm so happy for...
00:41:49Listen, I got an important question I want to ask you.
00:41:51Okay.
00:41:52Not over the phone.
00:41:53Meet me at Crawford's.
00:41:54Six o'clock.
00:41:55All right.
00:41:56Great.
00:41:57See you then.
00:42:05I thought I might find you down here.
00:42:07You okay?
00:42:09Look at this.
00:42:10Receipt?
00:42:11In 1969, the Plaza Tree didn't have a Phenille d'Abra.
00:42:14Really?
00:42:15Nobody seems to know why.
00:42:18Our full Christmas boutique received from the Plaza Hotel.
00:42:22Yeah.
00:42:22It's for the treetopper they ordered that year, but they didn't put it on the tree.
00:42:26Well, maybe they didn't get it.
00:42:27Or maybe it's still there.
00:42:30We're sorry.
00:42:31The number you have reached...
00:42:32Number's out of service.
00:42:33Well, they used to be down in the East Village.
00:42:38We're here to go check it out, see if they're still in business.
00:42:40It's been so long.
00:42:41It's probably a waste of time.
00:42:43Well, you want to find that missing Phenille d'Abra, don't you?
00:42:46I gotta meet with some suppliers down there anyways.
00:42:48Come on.
00:42:52Phenille d'Abra.
00:42:52Hey, what are you waiting for?
00:42:57Christmas?
00:43:14Whoa, look at this one.
00:43:16Look at the detail work.
00:43:18It must have taken them days to set this up.
00:43:19That is beautiful.
00:43:21Come on, let's take a picture.
00:43:22Give me your phone.
00:43:23No, it's okay.
00:43:24Come on.
00:43:25Christmas only comes once a year.
00:43:41Chestnuts.
00:43:43Come on.
00:43:47Don't you just love roasted chestnuts?
00:43:49Believe it or not, I've never had any.
00:43:51Seriously?
00:43:52I actually didn't think they were a real thing.
00:43:54I thought they were just from that song.
00:43:56Well, you are in for an authentic Christmas tree.
00:43:59Two, please.
00:44:02Why did we park so far away?
00:44:05Did we?
00:44:06We've been walking for blocks.
00:44:08Well, yeah, but then we got to see the skaters of 30 Rock and the merry-go-round at Bryant Park
00:44:11and the Christmas windows and the big Christmas tree.
00:44:12If I didn't know better, I'd say you did this on purpose.
00:44:16Hey.
00:44:17The store.
00:44:18The plaza tree topper.
00:44:20I knew I heard this story before.
00:44:39It's part of my family history.
00:44:41Back when my grandpa used to own the business, we buy most of the stuff.
00:44:45But back in the day, I had an uncle who worked here.
00:44:48He used to design and build everything by hand.
00:44:51So this would have been a really important commission for him.
00:44:53Well, how so?
00:44:54Well, the plaza would usually sell replicas of their annual tree topper in the gift shop.
00:44:59So that would have been a big boost for the family business.
00:45:01You said would have been?
00:45:03What happened?
00:45:04Nobody really knows.
00:45:05Apparently, my uncle just lost interest and didn't finish it.
00:45:09But do you know why?
00:45:10No.
00:45:11He stopped designing and never made another Christmas decoration.
00:45:15He quit the whole family business.
00:45:18No.
00:45:19That's him.
00:45:24Our Brookwater.
00:45:26Yep.
00:45:27That's my uncle.
00:45:29How long has he been gone?
00:45:31Gone?
00:45:32No, he's not gone.
00:45:33You mean your uncle's still alive?
00:45:37Yeah.
00:45:38I thought you knew.
00:45:39Uncle Reggie works at the plaza.
00:45:43Reginald Brookwater?
00:45:45Right.
00:45:45He's the head bellman.
00:45:52Can we go?
00:45:55We need to talk.
00:46:03So, how'd you find out?
00:46:08Your nephew told me.
00:46:09He showed me some of your other pieces.
00:46:11You're a wonderful artist.
00:46:13What exactly are you looking for?
00:46:16Your tree topper.
00:46:17The one you started to make in 1969.
00:46:20I was hoping maybe you still had it for my Christmas at the Plaza display.
00:46:24I'm afraid not.
00:46:25Well, could you draw one for me?
00:46:27I mean, based on your original design, of course.
00:46:29That was a long time ago.
00:46:31I left that life behind me.
00:46:33I understand that, but I really need it to complete the archive.
00:46:36Otherwise, we're missing an important part of the history of...
00:46:39Miss Cooper, I really appreciate what you're trying to do here, but I can't help you.
00:46:42Now, if you'll excuse me, we have a full hotel this week.
00:46:56So, what are you going to do?
00:46:57Well, I can't force the man to make me a Christmas ornament.
00:47:00I guess I'll just have to tell Amanda that we're missing one, and that's all there is to it.
00:47:04Think she's going to be okay with that?
00:47:06I doubt it.
00:47:06She doesn't strike me as somebody who sees failure as an option, but I just don't know what else to do.
00:47:11Well, why don't we drown your sorrows in a big plate of linguine and clams?
00:47:17I can't.
00:47:18Oh, come on. It doesn't have to be linguine.
00:47:20No, I mean, I have dinner plans with...
00:47:22Ah, Dennis. Got it.
00:47:24Yeah. He said he's got something very important to talk to me about.
00:47:28Well, you want to get in the way of that.
00:47:32Nick.
00:47:32Okay. Don't worry about it. See you later.
00:47:41Jessica, any progress on our missing finial dog?
00:47:49Actually, Amanda, I'm not having much luck. I thought I'd located it, but I...
00:47:52Well, I have faith in you. I know you don't want to let me down.
00:47:56Or the plaza.
00:47:58No, of course not. But there's not...
00:47:59So I can safely assume that you will continue your search until you find it.
00:48:04Excuse me.
00:48:05Okay. No pushing. No shoving.
00:48:27Everybody gets a chance to see Santa.
00:48:30Here you go.
00:48:31Hey, I'll be right back. Stay in line, or we'll get on the naughty list.
00:48:37Just kidding.
00:48:41Hi.
00:48:42Thought I'd stop by for inspection on the way.
00:48:45It's new.
00:48:46Oh, very nice. What's the occasion?
00:48:49Dinner with Dennis. He said he's got something important he wanted to ask me.
00:48:52Well, what do you think it is?
00:48:54I don't know.
00:48:56Do you think he's going to ask you to marry him?
00:48:58Cassidy, that's the last thing I think he's going to do.
00:49:01No! It makes sense.
00:49:03Almost your two-year dating anniversary, you're going to meet his parents.
00:49:07You think?
00:49:08I do!
00:49:09See what I did there?
00:49:11And if he does, I will officially take back every bad thing I've ever said about him.
00:49:16Aren't we kind of jumping to conclusions here?
00:49:19Maybe. But maybe not.
00:49:20Who knows?
00:49:22This might just be one of the best nights of your life.
00:49:33Well, here you are.
00:49:36Hi.
00:49:38How was your day?
00:49:39Actually, I'm having one of the...
00:49:40That's great. Okay, so listen.
00:49:43I've been trying to figure out the right way to ask you this for a while now, so I'm just going to come right out and say it.
00:49:52Jessica, I trust you more than anyone I've ever known.
00:49:56So I would like to ask you if you would work with me on my research project for next year.
00:50:14What?
00:50:16I told you I got the grant, so you could give up that Christmas project and we could work together instead. Wouldn't that be great?
00:50:23That's what you wanted to ask me?
00:50:26To write a paper with you?
00:50:30Well, yeah. What did you think?
00:50:35Something else.
00:50:39Like what?
00:50:42Something I thought I didn't want.
00:50:47Jessica, you're not really making any sense.
00:50:51No.
00:50:53I suppose I'm not.
00:50:55Excuse me.
00:50:56Where are you going?
00:50:58I think I need some fresh air.
00:51:02I don't know.
00:51:32Hey.
00:51:41So, how was your dinner?
00:51:44I don't want to talk about it.
00:51:47Okay.
00:51:48Then we won't talk about it.
00:51:50Does your offer still send?
00:51:52I mean, about the linguine?
00:51:55I got a better idea.
00:51:58I know a place that serves up a good old-fashioned Christmas spirit.
00:52:01They're open all night.
00:52:12So, you want to talk about it yet?
00:52:14Not really, no.
00:52:16Okay.
00:52:17It was all my fault.
00:52:18I jumped to conclusions.
00:52:19I don't want to marry Dennis yet anyway.
00:52:22You don't?
00:52:23No.
00:52:23How are you supposed to know if you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody after only two years?
00:52:28Well, I've heard it's been done in only two weeks.
00:52:34Yeah, here we are.
00:52:35Nick, this is beautiful.
00:52:48This must have taken you days.
00:52:51Don't you ever get tired of Christmas decorating?
00:52:54Nah.
00:52:56Look up there.
00:52:57See, some jobs I do for money, and some jobs I do for love.
00:53:06See the white star?
00:53:09That's how you can tell I did this one for love.
00:53:11Oh, I almost forgot.
00:53:17I have an extra one you can use.
00:53:24What's this for?
00:53:26I'm about to find out.
00:53:31Nicky, you're late.
00:53:33I know, Ma.
00:53:34Sorry, it was working.
00:53:35Hello.
00:53:36Hi.
00:53:37Ma, this is Jessica.
00:53:38Jessica, this is my mom.
00:53:39Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Farrelly.
00:53:41Call me Lana.
00:53:42Everybody else does.
00:53:44You've got your sweaters on.
00:53:46Great.
00:53:47Well, come on in.
00:53:47We've got work to do.
00:53:49Oh, thanks.
00:53:51What is all this?
00:53:52Oh, it's just a little something my family puts together every year.
00:53:55Do our Christmas shopping early, and wrap all the presents to give to a couple of local charities
00:54:00so everybody gets Christmas.
00:54:01Wow, that's really nice.
00:54:04Everybody.
00:54:05Hey.
00:54:06Everybody.
00:54:07Look who finally showed up.
00:54:09Hi.
00:54:10Mickey.
00:54:11Mickey.
00:54:12Hi.
00:54:13And this is Jessica.
00:54:14Mickey.
00:54:15Hey.
00:54:15Jessica, this is everybody.
00:54:17Hi, Jessica.
00:54:18Hi.
00:54:19Okay, you get to work.
00:54:21Jessica, come with me.
00:54:24Have fun.
00:54:25Hi.
00:54:26Welcome to Cookie Command Center.
00:54:32We wrap all these up and take them over to the veterans' home on Clark Street.
00:54:36You do this every year?
00:54:38Oh, it's no big deal.
00:54:40We have so much, it seems like the right thing to do.
00:54:44So, how do you and my Nikki know each other?
00:54:47Oh, we've been kind of working together at the plaza.
00:54:50Oh.
00:54:51Only work?
00:54:53We're just friends.
00:54:55Well, you must be a pretty special friend.
00:54:58My son hasn't brought anybody home for Christmas in years.
00:55:01Not since he and Alicia...
00:55:02Well, in years.
00:55:06It's okay.
00:55:07He told me about her.
00:55:09Oh.
00:55:10Did he tell you she broke his heart?
00:55:14How's it going in here?
00:55:17Well, don't expect any miracles.
00:55:18I haven't made cookies since I was a kid.
00:55:21They say it's like riding a bike.
00:55:22You never really forget how.
00:55:25Okay, everybody.
00:55:27It's showtime.
00:55:29How do we have to?
00:55:31Oh, come on, Nikki.
00:55:32You know it's a family tradition.
00:55:34Let's go.
00:55:35Come on, let's do this.
00:55:37I'm sorry about this.
00:55:39What's a tradition?
00:55:42I saw three ships come sailing in
00:55:45On Christmas Day in the morning
00:55:55And now you know why I married him.
00:55:58Okay.
00:55:59Our final singer in this year's Christmas karaoke will be...
00:56:05Jessica.
00:56:06Jessica.
00:56:06No, I can't.
00:56:09Really, I'm not good at this sort of thing.
00:56:11Oh, Nikki.
00:56:12Why don't you help her?
00:56:14All right.
00:56:15All right.
00:56:16All right.
00:56:26Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
00:56:31Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
00:56:35Hey!
00:56:36Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
00:56:40Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
00:56:45You did that on purpose.
00:56:52I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about.
00:57:10You break the vote, so Jessica and I have to sing together.
00:57:12Oh, Nikki, what a terrible thing to accuse your mother of doing.
00:57:16Shame on you.
00:57:17Okay.
00:57:20Night, Mom.
00:57:25I had such fun tonight.
00:57:28I hope we'll see you again during the holidays.
00:57:30But I imagine you have plans.
00:57:33Actually, I do.
00:57:34You don't seem very happy about it.
00:57:38You know what, Lana?
00:57:39I'm not.
00:57:41Well, Christmas isn't just about cookies and sing-alongs.
00:57:45It's also about reflecting on the past year,
00:57:48where we are, where we're going.
00:57:51Maybe this is that kind of Christmas for you.
00:57:59Merry Christmas.
00:58:00Merry Christmas.
00:58:01Merry Christmas.
00:58:04Sorry about that.
00:58:17My family gets a little crazy sometimes.
00:58:19Are you kidding?
00:58:20I loved them.
00:58:22My mom really liked you, too.
00:58:23I could tell.
00:58:24She made me feel pretty special.
00:58:26She said you hadn't brought anybody home for Christmas in a long time.
00:58:31Let me guess.
00:58:31She mentioned Alicia.
00:58:35Just once.
00:58:38My mom talks too much sometimes.
00:58:42Alicia and I were engaged
00:58:44until she decided there was no real future with a guy who decorates Christmas trees.
00:58:49I'm sorry.
00:58:51It's all right.
00:58:52I should be grateful, I guess.
00:58:54That's a very healthy attitude.
00:58:55Well, she dumped me at Christmas.
00:58:59So every year, instead of thinking about it, I decorated.
00:59:02Nothing like a heartbreak to really help your business take off.
00:59:12Uh-oh.
00:59:13What is it?
00:59:14Looks like we gotta take a detour.
00:59:16How about now?
00:59:25Still off.
00:59:28I don't get it.
00:59:30Fuses are all working.
00:59:31The bulbs are all fine.
00:59:35Ah, wait a sec.
00:59:37Primary connective conductor system isn't achieving maximum wattage polarity due to an oxygen breach.
00:59:42I'm sorry?
00:59:44Somebody pulled out the plug.
00:59:45Oh.
00:59:50It's beautiful, Nick.
00:59:52Thanks.
00:59:54You know, this place used to be a nightclub.
00:59:57Really?
00:59:58Uh-huh.
00:59:58It's called the Persian Room.
01:00:00It's one of the most elegant places in the city.
01:00:02Sinatra used to sing here.
01:00:04Who?
01:00:06You're kidding, right?
01:00:07A little.
01:00:09And this place right here, this used to be the dance floor.
01:00:12My grandparents met here.
01:00:14Really?
01:00:15Mm-hmm.
01:00:16It was Christmas Eve.
01:00:18She was a nurse, and he was away on shore leave.
01:00:21And he asked her to dance.
01:00:23Like this.
01:00:25And they danced together all night.
01:00:27And when the sun came up, they made a promise to each other that when he got back from the war, they would never be apart again.
01:00:35And they kept that promise the rest of their lives.
01:00:38And so I come here every year on Christmas Eve, and I have a glass of champagne in their honor.
01:00:44That's a very special Christmas tradition.
01:00:49Look, I know you don't like to think about the future, but what are you doing on Christmas Eve?
01:00:57Nick.
01:00:57I'm sorry.
01:00:58I'm sorry.
01:00:59I'm sorry.
01:01:00I thought...
01:01:00You're a wonderful person, really, but I can't do this.
01:01:06I'm sorry.
01:01:07I have to go.
01:01:07I have to go.
01:01:31Uh, sorry, we're closed.
01:01:40Uncle Reggie, what are you doing here?
01:01:43I came to find something.
01:01:45Oh, yeah? What?
01:01:47You gonna let me in or you gonna make me stand out here in the cold all night?
01:01:50Uh, sorry.
01:01:51Well, you've done some nice work here, Jeremy.
01:02:03Thanks, Uncle Reggie.
01:02:05Yeah.
01:02:06I mean, the place looks pretty good.
01:02:13I'm glad you like it.
01:02:17Well, look, look at that.
01:02:19My old workbench is still here.
01:02:23Yeah, Dad liked it.
01:02:24Said it reminded him of you.
01:02:26It's our internet order desk now.
01:02:28Well, that is something.
01:02:30Yeah.
01:02:31Could you give me a hand?
01:02:33Yeah, just put it.
01:02:35Well, okay.
01:02:40What are we doing?
01:02:46I'm opening a doorway to the past.
01:02:51Doorway to the past?
01:02:52Yes.
01:02:53And the past shall set us free.
01:03:00What's in there?
01:03:02Well, I told you I had to pick something up here.
01:03:04Yes.
01:03:08Here we go.
01:03:13What is that?
01:03:14Oh, this is a little bit of unfinished business.
01:03:24Oh, wow.
01:03:25How long has that been in there?
01:03:30Oh, close to 50 years.
01:03:35Do me a favor.
01:03:37Put on a big pot of hot coffee and crank up some Christmas music and leave me be for a couple hours.
01:03:46Okay.
01:03:47You've got some work to do.
01:03:55And alternate the larger and smaller panels along the outside, so it creates a flow-through.
01:04:01Don't forget to leave some room for a couple trees.
01:04:05Hi.
01:04:06Hi.
01:04:07I wasn't sure you'd be here.
01:04:11We're a team, right?
01:04:13At least I thought so.
01:04:15Nick.
01:04:16Just let me finish.
01:04:18About the other night, I didn't mean for that to happen.
01:04:23That's not true.
01:04:23I meant for that to happen, but I was out of line, and I'm sorry.
01:04:27No, Nick.
01:04:28I'm sorry, too.
01:04:29Look.
01:04:32I'd be lying if I said I didn't care about you.
01:04:34I do, but Dennis and I have been together almost two years.
01:04:39I'm going to go to Florida to meet his parents.
01:04:43Sounds fun.
01:04:46The thing is, I'm in a relationship, and I can't let my feelings for you get in the way.
01:04:55Mine either, huh?
01:04:57Nick, don't say that.
01:04:58I'm sorry.
01:05:00I just, I promised myself I wouldn't be a sore loser, and I guess that's a little easier said than done.
01:05:10I should get back to work.
01:05:15Wait.
01:05:15I still have your Christmas sweater.
01:05:24Better keep it.
01:05:25I hear it gets cold in Florida at night.
01:05:38Dennis.
01:05:38My parents have arranged a car to pick us up at the Miami airport, and then we'll meet them for dinner at this...
01:05:45Oh, oh, oh.
01:05:47Sorry.
01:05:48That's okay.
01:05:49Dennis, you said you had something you wanted to talk about.
01:05:53Right.
01:05:55The thing is, I was thinking about the other night.
01:05:58What about it?
01:05:59I was thinking about...
01:06:01why you left.
01:06:03If you don't want to write the paper with me, I understand.
01:06:08It's not about the paper.
01:06:10It's not.
01:06:19Who bought the tickets?
01:06:21What do you mean?
01:06:22For a trip to Florida.
01:06:24Who bought the plane tickets?
01:06:26My parents.
01:06:27It's only fair.
01:06:28It was their idea.
01:06:29Why?
01:06:29Why?
01:06:33Dennis.
01:06:36You're a very nice guy.
01:06:38You're smart, and I know you mean well, but...
01:06:41I need more than that.
01:06:47What kind of more?
01:06:50We've been together two years.
01:06:52Almost two years.
01:06:54Right.
01:06:55Almost two years.
01:06:57I thought I didn't want a commitment because that meant thinking about the future, and that was scary.
01:07:03But I've seen what the future can look like, and I'm not scared anymore.
01:07:10Are you talking about marriage?
01:07:15I don't know exactly what I'm talking about, Dennis.
01:07:19But whatever it is, I know it's not this.
01:07:25Wait.
01:07:27Are you breaking up with me?
01:07:28I'm not sure there was anything to break up.
01:07:32Are you sure about this?
01:07:34I am.
01:07:42I'm...
01:07:42I'm sorry.
01:07:44I...
01:07:44I guess I always knew this was going to happen.
01:07:48I just...
01:07:48I didn't want to admit it.
01:07:50Take care of yourself, Dennis.
01:07:53You too.
01:07:55Merry Christmas.
01:07:56Merry Christmas.
01:07:58Merry Christmas.
01:07:58Merry Christmas.
01:08:26Merry Christmas.
01:08:27Merry Christmas.
01:08:27Merry Christmas.
01:08:28Merry Christmas.
01:08:30Merry Christmas.
01:08:30Merry Christmas.
01:08:31Merry Christmas.
01:08:34Oh, Miss Cooper.
01:08:37I have a package for you.
01:08:40It was left here sometime last night with your name on it.
01:08:44I didn't see a card or anything.
01:08:52I know who sent it.
01:08:56Oh, I thought maybe you'd like it.
01:08:58But you said...
01:09:00I did.
01:09:01I stopped making things like that a long time ago.
01:09:04You never said why you quit.
01:09:08Gloves.
01:09:09It was 1969.
01:09:16Her name was Marie, and I was going to marry her.
01:09:19And I was making the treetopper that year in her honor, and I was going to propose to
01:09:25her on Christmas Eve on Christmas Eve, but her parents didn't approve of us.
01:09:29For me, actually.
01:09:31And so they thought of me as someone who made Christmas decorations, and what kind of life
01:09:36could I provide for their daughter?
01:09:38And so they made us stop seeing each other.
01:09:42And every time I looked at that thing, it reminded me of her, and I couldn't throw it away.
01:09:48So I hid it and tried to forget about it, like it never even existed at all.
01:09:54And you never made anything again?
01:09:55Well, my heart wasn't in it anymore.
01:09:59You know, I made things with love, I guess, and I guess I just stopped believing in that.
01:10:06So why are you giving this to me?
01:10:11Working at the Plaza all these years, I've seen honeymooners and newlyweds and proposals
01:10:18and weddings, and then watching this Christmas, you and Nick together, I thought,
01:10:25maybe one shouldn't give up on love.
01:10:29How can we be in love?
01:10:31Nick and I barely know each other.
01:10:33We just met.
01:10:34Yes, but you met him at this hotel, and you know what we say around here.
01:10:41Nothing unimportant ever happens at the Plaza.
01:10:48And run another string of lights through there.
01:10:53I don't want the place to sparkle.
01:10:55Nick.
01:10:59Alicia.
01:11:04What are you doing here?
01:11:06When I heard your voice the other day, it brought back so many memories, so I'm glad I'd come and say hi.
01:11:11Why?
01:11:13How are you doing?
01:11:15Exhausted.
01:11:15I just finished a really intense Spain class.
01:11:17You've done a great job here, Nick.
01:11:19It's beautiful.
01:11:20Thanks.
01:11:22This is going to open up so many possibilities for you.
01:11:25I hope so.
01:11:27I have always been very proud of you.
01:11:30You know?
01:11:33Missed you, Nick.
01:11:35Miss us.
01:11:36Hey, what are you doing?
01:11:47What does it look like?
01:11:49At least we've been over for a long time.
01:11:52I know, but that's in the past.
01:11:54I know.
01:11:56I'm sorry, but I think that's where I should stay.
01:12:01I feel like I gotta get back to work.
01:12:04Merry Christmas.
01:12:06Merry Christmas.
01:12:08Merry Christmas.
01:12:09Have yourself a merry little Christmas
01:12:19Let your heart be light
01:12:25From now on
01:12:31Our troubles will be out of sight
01:12:35Through the years
01:12:44We all will be together
01:12:48If the fates allow
01:12:53Hang a shining star
01:13:00Up on the highest bar
01:13:06And have your seat
01:13:13A merry little Christmas
01:13:19The plaza has many stories to tell
01:13:29Especially around the holidays
01:13:31And this year
01:13:32With this wonderful
01:13:34History of Christmas display
01:13:36We hope to share some of them
01:13:39With all of you
01:13:40Please welcome
01:13:42The very talented historian
01:13:45Who put all of this together for us
01:13:47Jessica Cooper
01:13:49Thank you so much
01:13:57Such an honor to have been entrusted
01:14:00With the legacy of the plaza hotel
01:14:02But I also want to acknowledge
01:14:04Another very important part of that legacy
01:14:06My wonderful friend
01:14:08Reginald Brookwater
01:14:10Who generously brought us
01:14:12A long lost piece of history
01:14:13From a Christmas past
01:14:15Christmas is
01:14:25Christmas is
01:14:33A time for celebration
01:14:35But also
01:14:38Maybe a time for reflection
01:14:40Too
01:14:40Not just the history of all of this
01:14:44But the history of all of us
01:14:46These beautiful decorations
01:14:49Are an important part of the holidays
01:14:51But
01:14:52I don't think it's the decorations
01:14:54That make Christmas memories
01:14:56It's the decorating
01:14:58It's the coming together
01:15:01To put up a tree
01:15:02Hang some lights
01:15:04Make cookies
01:15:05Even sing Christmas songs
01:15:06Sometimes badly
01:15:09I
01:15:11I
01:15:11I guess what I'm trying to say is
01:15:14It's not just what we do
01:15:16That makes the holidays special
01:15:18It's
01:15:18It's what we are to each other
01:15:21And it's what's in our hearts
01:15:23That makes us all a part
01:15:25Of the history of Christmas
01:15:26Thank you
01:15:29Thank you
01:15:38Oh, Miss Cooper, thank you.
01:16:06No, don't thank me, thank you.
01:16:08Oh, thank you for giving me back my art.
01:16:12I called my nephew this morning and I'm going to start making Christmas decorations again.
01:16:18That's the best gift you could have given me.
01:16:21Great speech, kiddo.
01:16:32Excuse me.
01:16:35Reggie.
01:16:37Marie.
01:16:38I was hoping to find you.
01:16:40What are you doing here?
01:16:42How did you...
01:16:43I read in the paper that they were having a party about the history of Christmas tree toppers.
01:16:51I thought I'd take a chance.
01:16:54I hoped you'd be here.
01:16:56Oh.
01:16:57Was that going to be mine?
01:17:06Yeah.
01:17:08It's beautiful.
01:17:09It sure is.
01:17:11That was a nice speech.
01:17:39Uh, I'm glad you could make it.
01:17:41I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
01:17:43You're alone?
01:17:45Uh, yeah.
01:17:46I thought maybe you'd bring your friend.
01:17:48Who?
01:17:50Come on, Nick.
01:17:52You know who.
01:17:53What are you talking about?
01:17:54Uh, I saw you kiss her the other day.
01:17:58Right in that room.
01:17:59Oh, you saw...
01:18:02You saw that?
01:18:03No, no, no, no, no.
01:18:04It's okay.
01:18:05It's no big deal.
01:18:06No, no, really.
01:18:06It's no big deal.
01:18:08That was Alicia.
01:18:08That was my ex.
01:18:10She heard I was here and she was trying to...
01:18:12I told her I wasn't interested and she left.
01:18:17Jess, I thought you understood how I felt about you.
01:18:23I'm sorry.
01:18:24No, no, no.
01:18:25I shouldn't be the one apologizing.
01:18:26You have a boyfriend.
01:18:29Actually, I don't.
01:18:32But what about Dennis?
01:18:33Dennis and I just came to the end of our relationship.
01:18:39Well, it's not because of me, I hope.
01:18:41No.
01:18:43Because of me.
01:18:46Congratulations.
01:18:47Thanks.
01:18:52Look, it's Christmas.
01:18:54It's an emotional season for a lot of people and we just met.
01:18:59Maybe we should take a step back and take a breath, get some perspective.
01:19:05Yeah, sure.
01:19:06Uh-huh.
01:19:08I guess, uh, let's do that.
01:19:10Let's...
01:19:11Let's...
01:19:12I-I better go in my reindeer's dog park.
01:19:19Huh.
01:19:23Merry Christmas, Jessica.
01:19:24Jessica, you've done a remarkable job.
01:19:38Everyone is having such a wonderful time.
01:19:40Almost everyone.
01:19:44And what are you doing for the holiday?
01:19:58Actually, I've had a sudden change of plans.
01:20:01My mom's still on her cruise, so I'm...
01:20:03I'm gonna go skiing with my friend and her family for Christmas.
01:20:07Well, I hope you have a nice time.
01:20:09I prefer my eyes in a martini glass.
01:20:11I wish you would reconsider our offer.
01:20:16The plaza could use a permanent historian.
01:20:20I appreciate that, but I...
01:20:22I'm gonna put my degrees to use another way.
01:20:25I'm taking a teaching position at a school down in the village.
01:20:29Investing in the future.
01:20:31Well done.
01:20:32This is for you, from all of us.
01:20:38Merry Christmas.
01:20:39Thank you, Kenny.
01:20:40Merry Christmas.
01:20:41Merry Christmas.
01:20:55Sad to see her go, Miss Clark.
01:21:00It's Christmas, Kenny.
01:21:02You may call me Amanda.
01:21:08Thank you, Amanda.
01:21:13I'll go back to work now, Miss Clark.
01:21:32I'll go back to work now.
01:21:42And I'll go back to work now, Miss Clark.
01:21:46And I'll go back to work now.
01:21:47Go.
01:21:48The whole tree comes here.
01:21:49It's so nice to see her go.
01:21:50It's in the world.
01:21:50So we'll go back to work now.
01:21:51I'll go back to work now, Miss Clark.
01:21:52be right down hi hey I'm almost ready I appreciate this so much gas you sure I'm not imposing with
01:22:20my family forget about it the more the merrier besides I can't have my bestie spending Christmas
01:22:26alone oh any word for Nick no nothing I guess stepping back a bit meant saying goodbye well
01:22:35you're better off without him besides it's obvious that you can decorate a house on your own
01:22:40huh the outside it looks great I mean it's a little over the top but I'm an elf what do I know
01:22:46I didn't decorate the outside what
01:22:49if you didn't do this then who did
01:23:12is this a private tradition or can anybody join please
01:23:35tell me how did you get all those lights on my house without me knowing about it
01:23:44kid me I decorated the plaza hotel this year house a piece of cake
01:23:48show me again where your grandparents danced
01:24:02so does this mean you're free for Christmas
01:24:13what do you have in mind
01:24:16house full of family there's gonna be presents and food and a lot of noise though so you gotta
01:24:21be really into Christmas to enjoy it
01:24:23I could give it a try if it doesn't work out we should think of the future
01:24:29there's always next Christmas Christmas after that
01:24:33Christmas after that
01:24:36Christmas Christmas Christmas
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