- 2 hours ago
Christmas at the Plaza (2019) [Full Movie] [Full Series]Full EP - Full
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:11It's the most wonderful time of the year
00:00:16With the kids jingle belling
00:00:20And everyone telling you
00:00:22Be of good cheer
00:00:23It's the most wonderful time of the year
00:00:31It's the happiest season of all
00:00:37With those holiday greetings
00:00:40And gay happy meetings
00:00:41When friends come to call
00:00:44It's the happiest season of all
00:00:50There'll be parties for hosting my palace
00:00:53For toasting and caroling out in the snow
00:00:56There'll be scary ghost stories
00:00:59And tales of the glories
00:01:01Of Christmases long, long ago
00:01:04It's the most wonderful time of the year
00:01:13Laurel, be careful, you'll spill your cocoa
00:01:17Merry Christmas
00:01:18Good morning, welcome to the plaza
00:01:20Oh, here, let me help you with that
00:01:24Oh, thanks
00:01:28May I assist you with your baggage?
00:01:30I don't have any, I'm here to see Amanda Clark
00:01:33Oh, well, check 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 gonna 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
00:01:51So, 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
00:01:59I'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
00:02:31Hi, Dennis
00:02:32Hi
00:02:33It's all set
00:02:34We fly out at 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 you won't be home for Christmas this year?
00:02:49Surprisingly well
00:02:50She's gonna go on that Caribbean cruise
00:02:51She always wanted to
00:02:54Dennis, I'm gonna have to call you back
00:02:57Who leads a ladder just standing around?
00:03:00I do
00:03:02Oh, oh no
00:03:03Um, hang on
00:03:05Good idea
00:03:08I'm so sorry
00:03:09I didn't know you were up there
00:03:11Must have been an important phone call
00:03:18I was talking to my boyfriend
00:03:21Well, with boyfriends you get an automatic free pass
00:03:23Just maybe watch where you're going next time, huh?
00:03:27Or maybe put up a sign next time
00:03:29Like that one?
00:03:41Hey, Merry Christmas
00:03:43One 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
00:03:53Good morning
00:03:54How may I help you?
00:03:55Theater tickets?
00:03:57No, 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
00:04:11Our head concierge
00:04:13Hi
00:04:13Hi
00:04:14Anything you need
00:04:15He's here to help
00:04:17Isn't that right, Kenny?
00:04:18That's right, Amanda
00:04:22Ms. Clark
00:04:25This way
00:04:33This is where I think we should place the installation
00:04:38I must tell you
00:04:41We are all very eager to see what you have in mind
00:04:45Christmas traditions are very important to us here
00:04:53And 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
00:05:09A 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
00:05:45I deal in facts
00:05:48Facts
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
00:05:56That just makes it easier, then
00:06:07Our records room is this way
00:06:11All 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
00:06:24It shouldn't be very difficult
00:06:36Wow
00:06:37Yes, isn't it something
00:06:39Most of these are pre-internet, so 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
00:06:57Well, I'll leave you to it
00:06:59Which ones are the Christmas files?
00:07:02I have no idea
00:07:04You mean they're not categorized?
00:07:06Well, no, that's why you're here
00:07:10Miss Clark, Amanda
00:07:12Amanda
00:07:14Going 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
00:07:25Uh, 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?
00:07:37There 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
00:07:50Surprise
00:07:51You two know each other?
00:07:54We've met
00:07:56Well, that's good
00:07:57Because you'll be working together this Christmas
00:08:08What are you supposed to be looking for?
00:08:10Christmas
00:08:13What kind of Christmas?
00:08:15Uh, like celebrations
00:08:17Events, photographs
00:08:18Anything that connects the plaza to the holiday season
00:08:21What is that?
00:08:22To create an historic installation
00:08:24Celebrating the legacy of Christmas at the plaza
00:08:28Oh, like a museum
00:08:29Yeah, like a museum
00:08:32You do that for a living?
00:08:34Yeah, I have degrees in anthropology, urban archaeology
00:08:37And social genealogical studies
00:08:40You should be careful
00:08:41One more degree, you have a fever
00:08:43I think that if people respect the past
00:08:45It helps them understand the present
00:08:47You know what they say about people who hang on to the past
00:08:52They're afraid of the future
00:08:55I don't think that's true
00:09:01Can you not touch anything, please?
00:09:05Sorry
00:09:06In historic terms, we call this an artifact
00:09:09In New York terms, we call this a newspaper
00:09:12Don't you have trees to put up?
00:09:16Well, I thought we were supposed to be working together
00:09:18We are, and if I need you, I'll call
00:09:22Okay
00:09:23Enjoy your artifacts
00:09:42Do you think I was rude to him?
00:09:43No
00:09:44No, he sounds pushy, overbearing, and full of himself
00:09:47Is 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
00:09:57Speaking 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
00:10:07You've been dating for how long?
00:10:09Two years next week
00:10:10Exactly
00:10:11And 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
00:10:20Doesn't mean...
00:10:21Let's try over there
00:10:24I'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're gonna face it, Jess, you're stuck in a dead-ed relationship
00:10:35For your information, Dennis has made a commitment
00:10:38He's taking me to meet his parents, in Florida
00:10:41Really?
00:10:42Mm-hmm
00:10:42We fly out on Christmas Eve
00:10:44Ah!
00:10:44Mm-hmm
00:10:46Uh, back there
00:10:47Yeah
00:10:47Whose idea was that?
00:10:49What do you mean?
00:10:50Well, to meet the parents
00:10:51I don't know
00:10:52Well, who bought the tickets? Was it Dennis or the parents?
00:10:55What difference does it make?
00:10:57Maybe none, but if Dennis bought the tickets, it means that he's serious about a relationship
00:11:01If his parents bought the tickets
00:11:06Oh, 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
00:11:14Thank you
00:11:15Oh, you're welcome
00:11:16See you soon
00:11:34Sorry
00:11:35Sorry, I had to get the funding application in for next year
00:11:39The university committee is being impossible as usual
00:11:43Is 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 gonna be there
00:11:51He's the committee chair, and I'm hoping to get a word with him
00:11:55Who 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's just so much material in the archives, I 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 gonna finish by the deadline
00:12:10I think taking this project might have been a big mistake
00:12:13What do you have to do to get a drink around here?
00:12:20Dennis?
00:12:20Yeah?
00:12:22About the trip
00:12:23To see your parents
00:12:26Yeah?
00:12:30Nothing
00:12:31Never mind
00:12:32No
00:12:35No
00:13:20Miss 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.
00:13:45That 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's a girl I used to know.
00:14:04Anyway, 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.
00:14:14I promised her I'd get her her own someday.
00:14:17Did you?
00:14:20No, no.
00:14:21Life gets in the way sometimes, you know.
00:14:25But if you want to borrow that for your project.
00:14:29Actually, 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.
00:14:53Anyway, I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
00:15:09Looks 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.
00:15:39Seriously?
00:15:41I'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,
00:15:54the 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.
00:16:06And you too, Nick Pirelli.
00:16:10Oh, hey.
00:16:11How about a souvenir?
00:16:15Think of it as an early Christmas present.
00:16:21Merry Christmas.
00:16:26Merry Christmas.
00:16:30Merry Christmas.
00:16:48I'm sorry.
00:16:50Miss Clark's in the middle of a very important call.
00:16:53Is there anything I can help you with?
00:16:55No, thank you.
00:16:56I need to speak with her myself.
00:16:57Oh, wait.
00:17:04Beautiful, isn't it?
00:17:05I think this year's tree topper is my favorite.
00:17:08I mean, Finielle d'Abre.
00:17:10Miss Clark prefers we use a proper name.
00:17:13I'm supposed to bring it downstairs to the decorating team,
00:17:15but I kind of like keeping myself.
00:17:17It is beautiful.
00:17:20You said this year's?
00:17:22Reginald showed me a photograph with a different tree topper.
00:17:25How many have there been?
00:17:27I 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.
00:17:35It's a tradition.
00:17:37I'll tell Miss Clark you're here.
00:17:39Uh, no, that's okay.
00:17:40Don't bother her.
00:17:42All right.
00:17:43Well, do you want me to give her a message for you?
00:17:45Yes, please.
00:17:47Tell her...
00:17:49Tell her I found our Christmas story.
00:17:56So that's a dozen cherry tomatoes, three almonds, one bottle of champagne.
00:17:59Pink, of course, Miss Thompson.
00:18:01Will there be anything else?
00:18:02My pleasure.
00:18:04Good morning, Miss Cooper.
00:18:05How can I help you today?
00:18:06Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
00:18:08It doesn't show signs of stopping.
00:18:11And I brought some corn for popping.
00:18:14The lights are turned way down low.
00:18:17Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
00:18:20When we finally kiss goodnight.
00:18:23How I'll hate going out in the storm.
00:18:26But if you really hold me tight.
00:18:30All the way home I'll be warm.
00:19:00The fire is slowly dying.
00:19:11And put one more in that corner over there.
00:19:13Needs a little Christmas.
00:19:19This is Nick.
00:19:20Nick, it's me.
00:19:22Alicia?
00:19:23Hi, how are you?
00:19:24Uh, I'm fine.
00:19:26Been a while.
00:19:28I know, too long.
00:19:30Something I could do for you?
00:19:31I heard you were decorating the plaza.
00:19:34It's amazing, congratulations.
00:19:36Thanks.
00:19:37I would love to come and see it.
00:19:39Maybe we could grab a drink after.
00:19:43Hey, listen, I'm really busy right now, I gotta go.
00:19:46Oh, alright.
00:19:47Well, Merry Christmas.
00:19:49Yeah.
00:19:50Yeah, Merry Christmas.
00:19:51Merry Christmas.
00:20:21Merry Christmas.
00:20:22Merry Christmas.
00:20:24Merry Christmas.
00:20:39Merry Christmas.
00:20:42Merry Christmas.
00:20:46I thought you were leaving.
00:20:47I 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 finialed opera every Christmas for over a hundred
00:21:00years?
00:21:01Uh, what?
00:21:02Oh, tree topper.
00:21:03Ah, I did not know that.
00:21:05Yeah.
00:21:05Each 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?
00:21:13Signed 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?
00:21:20Yeah, who knows?
00:21:23Nick, this is a major find.
00:21:26Each of these tree toppers represents an artist with an individual story.
00:21:29The cultural importance of the passage of time represented by the artisanal craftsmanship
00:21:34in this room is simply staggering.
00:21:36They make really nice Christmas ornaments, too.
00:21:39Are 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.
00:21:51And look for Christmas.
00:22:02So why history?
00:22:04What do you mean?
00:22:05Well, you obviously love it, but where's the attraction?
00:22:08I think it's important to understand the way politics and social mores have impacted
00:22:11events throughout time.
00:22:13Come on, that sounds like a classroom lecture.
00:22:15What's the real reason?
00:22:19The real reason?
00:22:20Yeah.
00:22:25Please.
00:22:31My 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.
00:22:38I never knew where we were going to be or what was going to happen.
00:22:43It'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?
00:22:52When you can't depend on the future, there's something kind of comforting about the past.
00:22:57You 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.
00:23:28I mean, this place means a lot to me.
00:23:31To all of us.
00:23:33Thank you, Reginald.
00:23:35Hey, look at this.
00:23:36What 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.
00:24:06Good thing.
00:24:33Yeah, so I don't know.
00:24:35So 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.
00:24:44And Nick found some incredible photographs from 1922.
00:24:48Nick?
00:24:49Pushy, overbearing Nick.
00:24:51Oh, it 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.
00:24:58Mm-hmm.
00:25:00Alone.
00:25:03I know what you're thinking,
00:25:04and you can stop thinking it.
00:25:06There's nothing going on between Nick and me except Christmas.
00:25:10Oh, gotta go.
00:25:12Santa's finished feeding the reindeer,
00:25:13and he hates it when his elves are late.
00:25:15Sorry about lunch.
00:25:16I'll grab a candy cane at work.
00:25:17No.
00:25:17Hey, did you ever find out if Nick was single?
00:25:21I don't care.
00:25:22Okay.
00:25:23I believe you.
00:25:24Do you believe you?
00:25:26Mm-hmm.
00:26:07I don't care.
00:26:32Hi.
00:26:33Tell me you're not wearing that.
00:26:36Why not?
00:26:37You forgot.
00:26:42The faculty Christmas party.
00:26:45Of course I didn't forget.
00:26:47I was just getting ready.
00:26:49Come on in.
00:26:50I'll only be a minute.
00:26:52I'll be a minute.
00:26:53I'll be a minute.
00:26:55I'll be a minute.
00:26:56I'll be a minute.
00:26:56I'll be a minute.
00:26:56How's your project going?
00:26:58It's actually pretty exciting.
00:27:00I think I might have a mystery on my hands.
00:27:02Uh-huh.
00:27:03Every year since 1907, the tree in the lobby of the plaza has had a different finial d'abra.
00:27:10A what?
00:27:11A tree topper.
00:27:13Oh.
00:27:13Uh, interesting.
00:27:14That's not the interesting part.
00:27:16Look at the picture on the table.
00:27:18The top one.
00:27:20The Christmas tree?
00:27:21See?
00:27:22See?
00:27:22No tree topper.
00:27:24Fascinating.
00:27:25Isn't it?
00:27:26What happened to the tree topper and why that year?
00:27:29I don't know.
00:27:29Jess, we're gonna be late.
00:27:32Okay.
00:27:33I'm ready.
00:27:35Choose.
00:27:41Right.
00:27:42Meet you in the car.
00:27:43Come on, sir.
00:27:45Come on, sir.
00:27:49Come on, sir.
00:27:52Come on, sir.
00:27:52Come on, sir.
00:27:53Come on, sir.
00:28:00Come on, sir.
00:28:01Come on, sir.
00:28:01Come on, sir.
00:28:01Come on, sir.
00:28:01Come on, sir.
00:28:01Come on, sir.
00:28:02Come on, sir.
00:28:02Come on, sir.
00:28:02Come on, sir.
00:28:03Come on, sir.
00:28:10Come on, sir.
00:28:17there's franklin collins come on let's go say hello uh love to
00:28:24evening mr collins oh dennis well i'm glad you made it
00:28:30this is uh dennis park one of our newest faculty members i read your paper dennis
00:28:36it was interesting very interesting i'd like to talk to you some more about it
00:28:40that would be great sir thank you
00:28:45this is my uh jessica cooper how do you do well a pleasure to meet you jessica you probably
00:28:53know most of the people here i'm not oh well jessica's an alum sociology and anthropology
00:29:00what are you doing these days dear jessica's working on a very important archival research
00:29:05projects oh on what subject a history of the finial dabras at the plaza finial dabras isn't
00:29:14that christmas ornaments that's right how interesting it's actually an important study from a cultural
00:29:21and historic point of view that's good of course it is dear
00:29:44so dennis uh tell me what are your plans uh well i have a little bit more work to do
00:29:49on this paper
00:29:50oh no i think this draft
00:30:08ah jessica did you have to bring up that whole christmas decorations thing
00:30:15why it's just i'm trying to impress collins and it doesn't sound very uh academic well they asked
00:30:22anyway he wants to see the rest of my research but he's totally behind my proposal he actually told
00:30:29me he's gonna personally resubmit it to the committee himself can you believe it that's great
00:30:33isn't it yeah wow i mean good party right you having fun actually i'm a little tired it's been a
00:30:43long
00:30:44day and i'm oh of course i'm sorry you've been at work all day i i should have thought of
00:30:50that
00:30:51you want to go home would that be okay absolutely
00:30:57i'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 you don't mind do you me no not at all thanks for understanding
00:31:31how was your night i've had better
00:31:38do you like christmas songs i could play one for you if you like maybe it'll cheer you up
00:31:41thanks
00:31:46do you want anything special for christmas i'm gonna go meet my boyfriend's parents
00:31:50oh sounds serious i'm not sure about that where is he right now back at that party
00:31:59jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way you know what maybe i'm overreacting i mean it's
00:32:05not like you made me walk home true what if cassidy's right about what
00:32:11what if i really am afraid of commitment i mean this is my usual pattern i i fall for a
00:32:15guy
00:32:15he gets serious i get nervous i break it off
00:32:18cassidy's your boyfriend no dennis is my boyfriend
00:32:21who's cassidy she's an elf
00:32:26you know what i changed my mind i don't want to go home right now
00:32:29i don't blame you so where to now
00:32:38happy holidays
00:32:49i'm dreaming of a white christmas just like the ones i used to know
00:33:05miss cooper good evening everything all right i guess so you're working late oh well sometimes
00:33:14i just like to stick around till everybody goes home at night or gets tucked into bed upstairs
00:33:19and then i just listen for a while to what to the sound of the grand lady sleeping
00:33:30she snores sometimes you know
00:33:40what are you doing here i'm having some trouble with the lights
00:33:47oh seems okay to me yeah well it's my first time decorating the plaza
00:33:51it's kind of a game changer for my business so i don't want okay i want perfect
00:33:59well i better make my rounds good night folks good night
00:34:07what are you doing here i need to find a missing tree topper i went from 1969 there's
00:34:12there's still a lot of boxes to go through down there a little overdressed for the records room
00:34:18uh i was at a christmas party must have been a nice party you look great
00:34:25oh thank you
00:34:29so how was the food i always eat too much of those things
00:34:33oh i didn't actually get any you didn't get any why not bad timing
00:34:41huh well if you're still hungry and all places stays open late
00:34:46i was gonna go get something to eat i'll grab some dinner
00:34:50that's very nice of you nick really but um the thing is
00:34:55i know i know you have a boyfriend still gotta eat
00:35:02i feel about italian
00:35:07well it was my dad's business originally mostly party rentals but when i took it over
00:35:11i focused on christmas that's what the real money is
00:35:15but between you and me i do it for free
00:35:18you love it that much oh yeah a house like a blank canvas to me
00:35:22and there's that moment when you gather the family out front you flip the switch and the
00:35:25whole thing lights up with the look on their faces
00:35:28that's christmas you decorate for your family too
00:35:31mm-hmm it's a mob scene i got three brothers and two sisters and they're all married and
00:35:35they've all got kids so pressure's on
00:35:37what about you anybody special
00:35:41there was a couple years ago but it didn't work out
00:35:45happens
00:35:50so what's your boyfriend do
00:35:52dennis he's in clinical research at the university
00:35:55impressive
00:35:56he's a very intelligent man
00:35:58you're no slouch yourself with all those degrees at the end of your name
00:36:02i don't know about that
00:36:06you're kidding me right
00:36:08when i first started out at university i had all these really lofty goals you know
00:36:12i wanted to use my education to speak to the human condition
00:36:16help people understand history and make it relevant in their lives
00:36:20maybe make a difference in the world
00:36:24and
00:36:25and
00:36:27here 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
00:36:38it's fine don't worry about it
00:36:41but you shouldn't be so hard on yourself though
00:36:42i know i just
00:36:44always thought i'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 in the basement of the plaza
00:36:54imagine how many christmas memories are there
00:36:56just tucked away in all those boxes
00:36:59you're part of that history now
00:37:01and you're gonna bring happiness to
00:37:03who knows how many people this christmas
00:37:06what's more important than that
00:37:25this is me
00:37:29hey
00:37:30nice place
00:37:32thanks
00:37:33my mom and dad were in real estate so i got it when they retired
00:37:36i see a big blank canvas
00:37:39in case you haven't noticed i've been a bit busy lately
00:37:42so i'm sorry i haven't quite gotten around to decorating out here yet
00:37:47well
00:37:49if you need some help
00:37:51i got a guy
00:37:58does he have any references
00:38:01none of my whole life
00:38:03i'll think about it
00:38:05goodnight
00:38:07goodnight
00:38:09goodnight
00:38:11I don't know.
00:38:41I don't know.
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.
00:39:35Go 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.
00:39:47That'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.
00:39:53In the hotel Christmas timeline, it makes us appear incompetent.
00:39:59I'm not sure what I can do about it.
00:40:02Well, something, I hope.
00:40:05This is your problem, Jessica.
00:40:07You 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.
00:40:28I 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.
00:40:46How nice for you.
00:40:47Make mine a double.
00:40:48You know, this isn't fair.
00:40:50What do you mean?
00:40:51I mean, I'm out here terminally single,
00:40:53and 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, it hasn't come up in this conversation.
00:41:12Hmm.
00:41:13Right there.
00:41:14Honestly, Cassidy, the way your mind works...
00:41:18Oh, do you want this receipt, or can I have it?
00:41:20My accountant says that I can deduct
00:41:21Christmas-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.
00:41:51Not 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.
00:42:11Receipt?
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,
00:42:24but 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.
00:42:35Well, they used to be down in the East Village.
00:42:38We're here to go check it out,
00:42:39see if they're still in business.
00:42:40It's been so long.
00:42:42It's probably a waste of time.
00:42:43Well, you want to find that missing Phenille d'Abra,
00:42:44don't you?
00:42:46I gotta meet with some suppliers down there anyways.
00:42:48Come on.
00:42:51Phenille d'Abra.
00:42:56What 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.
00:44:08Oh, yeah, but then we got to see the skaters of 30 Rock
00:44:10and the merry-go-round at Bryant Park
00:44:11and the Christmas windows and the big Christmas tree.
00:44:13If I didn't know better, I'd say you did this on purpose.
00:44:16Hey, look at the store.
00:44:34Ah-ha, the Plaza Tree Topper.
00:44:37I knew I heard this story before.
00:44:39It's part of my family history.
00:44:40Back when my grandpa used to own the business,
00:44:43we 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
00:44:57of 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.
00:45:06Apparently, my uncle just lost interest and didn't finish it.
00:45:09Do you know why?
00:45:10No.
00:45:11We 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.
00:45:26Yeah.
00:45:27That's my uncle.
00:45:29How long has he been gone?
00:45:31Gone?
00:45:32No, he's not gone.
00:45:34You 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.
00:45:52Going down?
00:45:55We need to talk.
00:46:05So, how'd you find out?
00:46:07Your nephew told me.
00:46:09He showed me some of your other pieces.
00:46:11You're a wonderful artist.
00:46:14What exactly are you looking for?
00:46:16Your tree topper.
00:46:17The one you started to make in 1969.
00:46:19I 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.
00:46:43Now, if you'll excuse me, we have a full hotel this week.
00:46:56So, what are you gonna 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.
00:47:04You think she's gonna be okay with that?
00:47:05I 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
00:47:11do.
00:47:14Well, why don't we drown your sorrows in a big plate of linguine and clams?
00:47:17I can't.
00:47:18Come on, it doesn't have to be linguine.
00:47:20No, I mean, I have dinner plans with...
00:47:22Ah, Dennis.
00:47:23Got it.
00:47:24Yeah.
00:47:24He 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.
00:47:33Don't worry about it.
00:47:34See you later.
00:47:43Jessica!
00:47:45Any progress on our missing Phenial Jabra?
00:47:49Actually, Amanda, I'm not having much luck.
00:47:51I thought I'd located it, but I...
00:47:53Well, I have faith in you.
00:47:54I know you don't want to let me down.
00:47:56Or the plaza.
00:47:58No, of course not.
00:47:59But there's not...
00:47:59So I can safely assume that you will continue your search until you find it.
00:48:04Excuse me.
00:48:24Hey, no pushing, no shoving.
00:48:27Everybody gets a chance to see Santa.
00:48:30Here you go.
00:48:33Hey, I'll be right back.
00:48:35Stay 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.
00:48:48What's the occasion?
00:48:49Dinner with Dennis.
00:48:50He 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!
00:49:02It 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?
00:49:18Maybe, but maybe not.
00:49:21Who knows?
00:49:22Cassidy, this might just be one of the best nights of your life.
00:49:29Well, here you are.
00:49:36Hi.
00:49:38How was your day?
00:49:39Actually, I'm having with the...
00:49:40That's great.
00:49:41Okay, 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
00:49:47going to come right out and say it.
00:49:53Jessica, I trust you more than anyone I've ever known.
00:49:58So I would like to ask you...
00:50:06I 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
00:50:21instead.
00:50:21Wouldn't that be great?
00:50:23That's what you wanted to ask me?
00:50:27To write a paper with you?
00:50:29Well, yeah.
00:50:31What 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?
00:51:00I think I need some fresh air.
00:51:03I think I need some fresh air.
00:51:38Hey.
00:51:41So, uh, where's 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?
00:51:56I got a better idea.
00:51:58I know a place that serves up a good old-fashioned Christmas spirit.
00:52:01And they're open all night.
00:52:13So, you want to talk about it yet?
00:52:14Not really, no.
00:52:16Okay.
00:52:17Well, you can change your mind.
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
00:52:26two years?
00:52:28Well, I've heard it's been done in only two weeks.
00:52:34Yeah, here we are.
00:52:43Oh, wow.
00:52:46Nick, this is beautiful.
00:52:48This must have taken you days.
00:52:51Don't you ever get tired of Christmas decorating?
00:52:55Nah.
00:52:56Look up there.
00:53:02See, 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.
00:53:14Oh, I almost forgot.
00:53:17I have an extra one you can use.
00:53:24What's this for?
00:53:26I tried 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.
00:53:55We do our Christmas shopping early and wrap all the presents to give to a couple of local charities so
00:54:00everybody 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.
00:54:10Hi.
00:54:10Nicky.
00:54:11Nicky.
00:54:12Hi.
00:54:12And this is Jessica.
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.
00:54:30Welcome 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?
00:54:37Oh, it's no big deal.
00:54:40We have so much, it seems like the right thing to do.
00:54:45So, how do you and my Nicky 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...
00:55:05Well, in years.
00:55:06It's okay.
00:55:07He told me about her.
00:55:10Did he tell you she broke his heart?
00:55:14How's it going in here?
00:55:16Well, 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, Nicky.
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.
00:56:08No, I can't.
00:56:09Really, I'm not good at this sort of thing.
00:56:11Oh, Nicky, why don't you help her?
00:56:14All right.
00:56:15All right.
00:56:17All right.
00:56:19All right.
00:56:20All right.
00:56:26Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.
00:56:30Oh, 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.
00:57:05You did that on purpose.
00:57:07You did that on purpose.
00:57:15You did that on purpose.
00:57:16You did that on purpose.
00:57:16Okay.
00:57:19Okay.
00:57:20Okay.
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.
00:57:35You don't seem very happy about it.
00:57:38You know what, Lana?
00:57:39I'm not.
00:57:40Well, Christmas isn't just about cookies and sing-alongs.
00:57:44It's also about reflecting on the past year, where we are, where we're going.
00:57:51Maybe this is that kind of Christmas for you.
00:57:59Merry Christmas.
00:58:15Sorry 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.
00:58:30Let me guess.
00:58:32She mentioned Alicia.
00:58:34Just once.
00:58:37My mom talks too much sometimes.
00:58:42Alicia and I were engaged
00:58:45until 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.
00:58:56Well, 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've got to take a detour.
00:59:23How 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.
00:59:46Oh.
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.
01:00:02Hmm.
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.
01:00:28And when the sun came up, they made a promise to each other that when he got back from the
01:00:32war,
01:00:33they would never be apart again.
01:00:35And they kept that promise the rest of their lives.
01:00:39And 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.
01:00:58I'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'm sorry.
01:01:13I'm sorry.
01:01:14I can't do this.
01:01:20I can't do this.
01:01:36Uh, 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 are you gonna make me stand out here in the cold all night?
01:01:50Uh, sorry.
01:01:53Well, you've done some nice work here, Jeremy.
01:02:04Thanks, Uncle Reggie.
01:02:05Yeah.
01:02:08I mean, the place looks pretty good.
01:02:13I'm glad you like it.
01:02:17Well, look! Look at that. My old workbench is still here.
01:02:23Yeah, Dad liked it. Said 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, uh, put it, well...
01:02:36Oh, uh, huh.
01:02:41Whew.
01:02:42Huh.
01:02:45Uh, what are we doing?
01:02:48I'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?
01:03:01Well, I told you I had to pick something up here.
01:03:07Yes.
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.
01:03:28How long has that been in there?
01:03:30Oh, close to 50 years.
01:03:35Do me a favor.
01:03:37Do 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
01:03:45couple hours.
01:03:46Okay.
01:03:48I've got some work to do.
01:03:55And alternate the larger and smaller panels along the outside, so it creates a flow through.
01:04:02Don't forget to leave some room for a couple trees.
01:04:05Hi.
01:04:06Hi.
01:04:06Hi.
01:04:08I wasn't sure you'd be here.
01:04:10Well, we'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.
01:04:31Look, I'd be lying if I said I didn't care about you.
01:04:34I do.
01:04:35But Dennis and I have been together almost two years.
01:04:39I'm going to go to Florida to meet his parents.
01:04:44Sounds fun.
01:04:46The thing is, I'm in a relationship and I can't let my feelings for you get in the way.
01:04:54Well, mine either, huh?
01:04:57Nick, don't say that.
01:04:59I'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
01:05:05than done.
01:05:09I should get back to work.
01:05:15Wait.
01:05:19I still have your Christmas sweater.
01:05:24You better keep it.
01:05:25I hear it gets cold in Florida at night.
01:05:38Dennis.
01:05:39My parents have arranged a car to pick us up at the Miami airport.
01:05:43And 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?
01:05:58I was thinking about why you left.
01:06:05If 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.
01:06:18Who bought the tickets?
01:06:20What do you mean?
01:06:22For a trip to Florida.
01:06:23Who bought the plane tickets?
01:06:26My parents.
01:06:27It's only fair.
01:06:28It was their idea.
01:06:29Why?
01:06:34Dennis.
01:06:36You're a very nice guy.
01:06:37You're smart and I know you mean well, but I 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.
01:07:04But 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.
01:07:26Are you breaking up with me?
01:07:29I'm not sure there was anything to break up.
01:07:32Are you sure about this?
01:07:34I am.
01:07:42I'm...
01:07:43Sorry, I...
01:07:46I guess I always knew this was gonna happen.
01:07:47I 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.
01:07:57Merry 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.
01:09:13It was 1969.
01:09:15Her name was Marie, and I was going to marry her.
01:09:19And I was making the treetopper that year in her honor,
01:09:23and I was going to propose to her on Christmas Eve,
01:09:26but her parents didn't approve of us.
01:09:30For me, actually.
01:09:31And so they thought of me as someone who made Christmas decorations,
01:09:35and what kind of life could I provide for their daughter.
01:09:38And so they made us stop seeing each other.
01:09:42Every time I looked at that thing, it reminded me of her.
01:09:46I couldn't throw it away, so I hid it and tried to forget about it like it never even existed
01:09:53at 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,
01:10:14I've seen honeymooners and newlyweds and proposals and weddings,
01:10:19and then watching this Christmas, you and Nick together,
01:10:24I thought maybe one shouldn't give up on love.
01:10:29How can we be in love?
01:10:30Nick and I barely know each other. We just met.
01:10:34Yes, but you met him at this hotel.
01:10:36And 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 want the place to sparkle.
01:10:57Nick.
01:11:01What are you doing here?
01:11:06When I heard your voice the other day, it brought back so many memories,
01:11:09so I thought I'd come and say hi.
01:11:11Well, hi.
01:11:13How are you doing?
01:11:15Exhausted.
01:11:15I just finished a really intense Spain class.
01:11:18You've done a great job here, Nick.
01:11:19It's beautiful.
01:11:21Thanks.
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.
01:11:35Missed us.
01:11:44Hey, what are you doing?
01:11:46What 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.
01:11:55I know.
01:11:56I'm sorry, but I think that's where I should stay.
01:12:01If you know what, I gotta get back to work.
01:12:04Merry Christmas.
01:12:11Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
01:12:20Let your heart be light.
01:12:28From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.
01:12:41Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow.
01:12:55Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
01:13:25The plaza has many stories to tell, especially around the holidays.
01:13:31And this year, with this wonderful history of Christmas display,
01:13:37we hope to share some of them with all of you.
01:13:40Please welcome the very talented historian who put all of this together for us.
01:13:47Jessica Cooper.
01:13:55Thank you so much.
01:13:58Such an honor to have been entrusted with the legacy of the Plaza Hotel.
01:14:02But I also want to acknowledge another very important part of that legacy.
01:14:07My wonderful friend, Reginald Brookwater,
01:14:10who generously brought us a long-lost piece of history from a Christmas past.
01:14:24Christmas is a time for celebration.
01:14:37But also, maybe, a time for reflection, too.
01:14:42Not just the history of all of this,
01:14:45but the history of all of us.
01:14:47These beautiful decorations are an important part of the holidays.
01:14:51But I don't think it's the decorations that make Christmas memories.
01:14:57It's the decorating.
01:15:00It's the coming together to put up a tree,
01:15:03hang some lights, make cookies, even sing Christmas songs.
01:15:08Sometimes badly.
01:15:12I guess what I'm trying to say is,
01:15:14it's not just what we do that makes the holidays special.
01:15:18It's what we are to each other.
01:15:22And it's what's in our hearts that makes us all a part of the history of Christmas.
01:16:04oh miss cooper thank you no don't thank me thank you thank you for giving me back my art
01:16:11now i called my nephew this morning and i'm gonna start making christmas decorations again
01:16:17oh that's the best gift you could have given me great speech kiddo thank you
01:16:32excuse me reggie marie i was hoping to find you what are you doing
01:16:42how did you i i read in the paper that they were having a party about the history of
01:16:49christmas tree toppers and thought i'd take a chance i hoped you'd be here
01:17:01was that going to be mine
01:17:06yeah it's beautiful
01:17:10it sure is
01:17:35how's a nice speech thank you uh i'm glad you could make it
01:17:41i wouldn't miss it for the world you're alone uh yeah i thought maybe you'd bring your friend
01:17:50who come on nick you know who so what are you talking about i saw you kiss her the other
01:17:57day
01:17:57right in that room
01:18:01oh you saw you saw that no no no no no it's okay it's no big deal no no really
01:18:06it's no big deal
01:18:08that was alicia that was alicia that was my ex she heard i was here and she was trying to
01:18:13i told her i wasn't interested and she left
01:18:17yes i thought you understood how i felt about you
01:18:23i'm sorry
01:18:24no no no i shouldn't be the one apologizing you have a boyfriend
01:18:29actually i i don't
01:18:31what about dennis
01:18:33dennis and i
01:18:35i just
01:18:37came to the end of our relationship
01:18:39well that'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
01:18:53it's christmas it's a
01:18:55emotional season for a lot of people and we just met
01:18:59maybe we should take a step back and you know take a breath get some perspective
01:19:04yeah sure uh-huh
01:19:08let's uh let's do that
01:19:11let's
01:19:16i better go in my reindeer's dog park
01:19:19hey christmas jessica
01:19:34jessica
01:19:35you've done a remarkable job
01:19:38everyone is having such a wonderful time
01:19:42almost everyone
01:19:56and what are you doing for the holiday
01:19:59actually i've had a sudden change of plans my 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 i prefer my eyes in a martini glass
01:20:13i wish you would reconsider our offer the plaza could use a permanent historian
01:20:19thank you i appreciate that but i
01:20:22i'm gonna put my degrees to use another way
01:20:24i'm taking a teaching position at a school down in the village
01:20:29investing in the future
01:20:31well done
01:20:34this is for you from all of us
01:20:37merry christmas
01:20:39thank you kenny
01:20:40merry christmas
01:20:57sad 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
01:21:24next time
01:21:27and
01:21:38you
01:21:39you
01:21:40Let's go.
01:22:10Be right down.
01:22:13Hi.
01:22:13Hey.
01:22:14I'm almost ready.
01:22:15I appreciate this so much, Cass.
01:22:18Are you sure I'm not imposing?
01:22:20With my family, forget about it.
01:22:22The more the merrier.
01:22:23Okay.
01:22:23Besides, I can't have my bestie spending Christmas alone.
01:22:27Oh.
01:22:28Any word from Nick?
01:22:29No, nothing.
01:22:31I guess stepping back a bit meant saying goodbye.
01:22:35Well, you're better off without him.
01:22:37Besides, it's obvious that you can decorate a house on your own.
01:22:41Huh?
01:22:41The outside.
01:22:42It looks great.
01:22:43I mean, it's a little over the top, but I'm an elf.
01:22:45What do I know?
01:22:46I didn't decorate the outside.
01:22:49What?
01:22:50Ugh.
01:23:08If you didn't do this, then who did?
01:23:30Is this a private tradition, or can anybody join?
01:23:34Please.
01:23:39Tell me, how did you get all those lights on my house without me knowing about it?
01:23:45Kid me?
01:23:46I decorated the Plaza Hotel this year.
01:23:48House is a piece of cake.
01:24:00Show me again where your grandparents danced.
01:24:11So does this mean you're free for Christmas?
01:24:15What do you have in mind?
01:24:17A house full of family.
01:24:19There's going to be presents and food and a lot of noise, though, so you've got to be
01:24:21really into Christmas to enjoy it.
01:24:23Oh.
01:24:24I could give it a try.
01:24:26If it doesn't work out?
01:24:28We should think of the future.
01:24:30There's always next Christmas.
01:24:32Christmas after that?
01:24:34Only Christmas after that.
01:24:47We'll see you next time.
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