A Christmas Traditions Engagement D2

A CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS ENGAGEMENT
Written by
Jake Helgren
DRAFT #2
1/10/23
Current Revisions by
Jake Helgren, January 2023.
The Ninth House, LLC

7141 Santa Monica Blvd. #223
West Hollywood, CA 90046
PH: 512.297.5958
EM: jake.helgren@gmail.com
FADE IN:
1 EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE SNOWSCAPE - DAY 1
A beautiful wintry snowscape as we ROLL OPENING CREDITS over:
2 INT. WINTER CHALET - VARIOUS LAY-OUTS - DAY 2
-- various cross-cultural lay-outs staged in a snow-covered

chalet, a number of which we will come to learn later on...
3 EXT. LOS ANGELES CITYSCAPE - DAY 3
-- before we soar over a sunny, bright Los Angeles cityscape.
4 EXT. BEVERLY HILLS STREETS - DAY 4
SHOPPERS shop on the busy streets of Beverly Hills...
5 EXT. GALLERIA - DAY 5
-- and soak in holiday wonderland DISPLAYS at the galleria.
6 EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY 6
A cute office building sits in the heart of Los Angeles...
7 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - RECEPTION - DAY 7
-- as SONNY KRAVITZ (35), a pretty, driven, perfectionist,

saunters in past a marquee that reads LOS ANGELES TRAVEL +
LEISURE MAGAZINE, passing the RECEPTIONIST with a smile...
SONNY
Good morning!
Before she can finish, she is intercepted by her brassy boss,

GENEVIEVE, who carries two coffees, offering one up to her:
GENEVIEVE
Sonny! My star writer-editor! And a
triple shot espresso with a splash
of peppermint for my world traveler-
Sonny takes the coffee cup, a suspicious look upon her face.
2.
SONNY
Morning Genevieve. What is it you
want that I’m going to say no to?
GENEVIEVE
Aww! What makes you say it’s a no?
Sonny LAUGHS as they travel down the hall to Sonny’s office.
SONNY
Because you NEVER bring me coffee
unless you want me to do something
I really don’t want to do...
GENEVIEVE
Ugh. That’s not true.
Sonny stops for a moment. Sips her coffee. Smiles thinly.
SONNY
Costa Rica during hurricane season
when you promised no tropical
storms and then I got stuck in one?
(beat, Genevieve winces)
Or how about the Alaskan cruise you
made me go on after I told you I
get sea sick easily and you claimed
Alaskan cruises are MUCH smoother?
Genevieve doesn’t know what to say. Sonny continues to her

office as Genevieve follows...
8 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - SONNY’S OFFICE - DAY 8
Sonny goes to her desk as Genevieve stands opposite her...
GENEVIEVE
Listen. I ONLY want to reward you.
All you’ve done with your bestie’s
Gals Gone Global Travel show this
year has tripled female subscribers-
-and the Christmas in Cabo trip you
two took last year is STILL a hit.
That resort is COMPLETELY booked
this year--and the run-off has
EVERY nearby resort booked as well.
They’re all in a rush to offer all
the ladies activities YOU inspired.
SONNY
Wow. That’s amazing. I honestly had
no idea so many women would even be
traveling together for the holidays-
3.
GENEVIEVE
Are you kidding? Daughters and moms
are booking like crazy, and we’re
even helping sponsor a widows group
retreat...plus, they’re all using
that hashtag you used on that trip.
SONNY
Really? It was a silly hashtag.
GENEVIEVE
Who cares? It stuck! And now the
resorts are calling and asking how
we can partner for other seasonal
themed stays, too, AND asking how
to recreate everything you did for
the spot...not to mention, the Gals
Gone Global network exec called and
said they want to team again asap.
SONNY
Wow. Bree didn’t tell me all that.
GENEVIEVE
I’m not sure if she even knows yet,
but between our magazine and their
network, we really have something
here. We want to keep it going, and
this is a thank you to aid in that.
Genevieve sets a RED ENVELOPE on Sonny’s desk. She opens it.

Inside is a card and a BONUS CHECK. Sonny looks up, stunned.
SONNY
A bonus?
GENEVIEVE
And an incentive to stay, partially
paid by all of our new subscribers.
SONNY
This is amazing. Thank you so much.
(off Genevieve’s look)
But wait. Any ulterior needs here?
Beat. Genevieve smiles big. Sonny SIGHS. Knows there’s more.
GENEVIEVE
So I KNOW you said you were going
back home for the holidays year--
SONNY
And remember, we agreed: that I’m
not working this year. You SWORE.
4.
GENEVIEVE
Technically what I swore to was
that I wouldn’t ask you to TRAVEL
this year for the holidays...
SONNY
But we’re a travel magazine, so if
I’m not traveling what’s the catch?
GENEVIEVE
The catch is you have ALL these new
subscribers who are YOUR new fans,
and I’m sure they would love to see
what you’re doing over the holidays-
SONNY
I’m playing Gin Rummy Over Spiced
Rum with my father, and watching
Christmas movies with my stepmom.
No one wants a story about that.
GENEVIEVE
Okay. What about a fabulous ladies’
staycation with Bree for New Year’s
Eve then? I’m just saying--we need
SOMETHING over the holiday break to
give your new fans what they want--
SONNY
But doesn’t that defeat the entire
purpose of YOUR promise I’d finally
have the holidays off for once?
GENEVIEVE
(crosses arms, smiles big)
Okay. Maybe consider that check a
no strings attached Thank You bribe
to keep up your fan following then.
SONNY
No strings attached bribe? You are
literally contradicting yourself.
GENEVIEVE
See? You totally get it! I just
knew you’d understand. And I know
you will come up with something
spectacular. Look forward to it!
Genevieve then zips out as Sonny SIGHS. Slumps and SIPS her
coffee. Then smiles at the fat check again. She hops on her
laptop. Scrolls down their company SOCIAL and sees 86,324
likes. Then types in the hashtag: #LadiesLitCaboChristmas. A
long feed of PHOTOS of women appears...TONS. Sonny CHUCKLES.
5.
9 EXT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - NIGHT 9
Later that evening, a decorated house as a CAR pulls up...
10 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 10
Sonny finishes in a decorative kitchen as the front door

opens with a voice ringing throughout:
BREE (O.S.)
Sonny?! You home yet?
SONNY
Yup! In the kitchen...
BREE FERRIS (35), darling and spritely, flits dramatically in

carrying GROCERIES and a bottle of white wine. Pulls it out.
Plops it down, stress all over her pretty face.
BREE
Open this. Immediately.
SONNY
...to celebrate our spot being a
huge hit?
BREE
Oh yes! Our travel spot...
(beat, all smiles now)
Isn’t it amazing?! Ratings for the
show are through the roof thanks to
you. They even gave me a promotion.
SONNY
Bree, that’s amazing...!
BREE
Yeah. They’re going to GIVE me the
show. Like no other hosts--JUST me:
Gals Gone Global with Bree Ferris.
Sonny finishes pouring their glasses and holds up in CHEERS.
SONNY
CONGRATS! Cheers to you, and to my
big fat holiday bonus...why didn’t
we ever try to team up before now?
BREE
Seriously! I had no idea how much
people would love how silly we are.
They CHEERS as they both drink Bree suddenly frowning again.

6.
BREE (CONT'D)
Wait--NO. This isn’t a celebration.
I brought wine cause I’m losing my
mind. I think Jarod wants to break
up, and I’m totally freaking out.
SONNY
Break up with you? Why??
BREE
I had to cancel our entire vacation
overseas. My boss wants a proposal
on her desk by New Year’s Eve for
how I’m planning to host the show.
She wants a travel itinerary, and a
budget, AND a comprehensive list of
ladies’ travel activities on top.
Sonny frowns.
SONNY
Why can’t you work on it overseas?
BREE
You know Jarod. He wants to tour
all day, every day. I tried to see
if we could cut our trip in half
and just go until Christmas Day and
then come back, but instead he
canceled the entire thing and said
he needs time to “think about us”.
Sonny takes another swig of wine, feeling stressed for her.
SONNY
What’s to think about? I thought
you said you thought he got you--
BREE
A ring? I KNOW he did. I saw it on
his bank statements by accident...
(beat, SIGHS)
Okay, fine, on purpose--but because
I had to know. Sonny, he said he
may go home to Chicago now--if he
goes to Chicago and has too much
time to think, what if he ends it?
Sonny shakes her head.
SONNY
Bree, Jarod loves you. You two are
fine. He’s not going to dump you.
7.
BREE
How do you know? We’ve been having
issues since I started traveling
all the time for the show and he
said my promotion is only going to
make it worse, and that “how dare I
travel all year without him,” then
cancel the one trip we’d planned.
SONNY
I mean he kinda has a point, right?
BREE
Sonny, I need help! What do I do?
SONNY
I don’t know. Maybe you need to
show some compromise...and maybe
you should just propose to him.
BREE
Propose to him?? HE has the ring!
SONNY
Or at least present an environment
where he WANTS to propose to you.
Did you think about what YOU want
to propose for your travel show?
BREE
Actually, yes. I thought I’d pitch
SoCal Ladies’ Excursions for season
one--spas, retreats, hikes all over
SoCal. That way I’d always be close
to home while we plan the wedding.
SONNY
Great idea. Keep travel close to
home. That’s a good way to do it.
(beat, then realizes)
Wait, that’s it! Travel FROM home.
That’s my story...
BREE
(scoffs)
Sonny, hello! You were helping me?
SONNY
--and now we can help each other. I
have the perfect idea to get Jarod
back into your good graces in time
for the PERFECT holiday engagement.
Sonny smiles big, and Bree has no clue but grins big, anyway.
8.
11 EXT. LOS ANGELES CITYSCAPE - DAY 11
The next day...
GENEVIEVE
(prelap)
A World-Class Christmas from home?
12 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 12
Sonny is at a projector, Genevieve seated as Sonny reveals a

collage there that says “A WORLD-CLASS CHRISTMAS FROM HOME”.
SONNY
Yup. Experiencing twelve beautiful
Christmas cultures from around the
world, right in your very own home.
GENEVIEVE
Who travels to their own home?
SONNY
Look. Before I was born, my parents
went to Ireland on their honeymoon
right after Christmas. My mother
always talked about how magical
that trip was--and that’s where she
first learned about their “Women’s
Christmas”: a day in Ireland after
the holidays where men have to take
over the cooking and the chores,
and fulfill all the woman’s needs--
GENEVIEVE
(leans back, smiling big)
Now you have my attention.
SONNY
Growing up, it became a fun
tradition in our home, too...so how
about we feature an article about a
bunch of these traditions--twelve
to be exact--and bring them into
homes across America. It’s a fun-
filled way for people to feel like
they traveled, without traveling.
Sonny skims through some of the FUN IMAGES before she shrugs.
GENEVIEVE
Okay. I mean, I’m starting to feel
something, but how do we sell this
without it coming across as cheap?
9.
SONNY
(beat, thinks on this)
How about it also being the perfect
lead-up to a very romantic holiday
proposal at a sweet, snowy chalet?
Genevieve’s eyebrows raise inquisitively. She likes all this.
GENEVIEVE
Wait. Is that part of the artcile?
SONNY
Maybe? I’m doing all of this in
part for Bree--we’re hopeful we can
set the stage for her boyfriend to
propose to her come Christmas Eve.
GENEVIEVE
Travel show hostess with the most-
ess Bree Ferris getting engaged??
Now that is the Christmas gift in
your story that keeps on giving...
SONNY
Okay. But we don’t even know for
sure a proposal is happening so no
promises until I can ask for that.
Genevieve smiles from ear to ear. She stands. Squeezes Sonny.
GENEVIEVE
Fine. I still love the idea of this
world-class Christmas from home. We
can make it part of our “traveling
on a budget” holiday special...
SONNY
Great! It’s going to be fantastic,
I promise you.
GENEVIEVE
I should hope so. Excited to see
it, and I will let you get to it.
Genevieve smiles. Sonny smiles back.
13 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY 13
Sonny heads back down the hallway, calling on her cell...
SONNY
Paulette. Hi.
Blue (mm/dd/yyyy) 10.
14 INT. WINTER CHALET - KITCHEN - DAY 14
Sweet PAULETTE KRAVITZ is busy prepping dinner with a smile.
PAULETTE
Sonny, hello dear. Are you looking
for your father? Think he’s in back
getting more wood for the fire...
Right then, her father CLIFF enters with a bundle of wood in

his grip, chilly from the cold air outside as Paulette puts
the cell phone in speaker mode:
PAULETTE (CONT'D)
Oh, here he is--
(beat, then to Cliff)
It’s Sonny!
CLIFF
Hey, sweetie! When you coming home?
15 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - SAME (INTERCUT AS NEEDED) 15
SONNY
Hey, dad--I’ll probably head out
tomorrow, only--how would you guys
feel if I brought some of the old
gang home with me for the holidays?
Cliff and Paulette exchange a look. Paulette nods. Smiles.
CLIFF
Sure, sweetie! You know we have
plenty of room now that we retired
the B&B. Who would you wanna bring?
SONNY
Bree definitely wants to come, and
maybe Jarod, too? We’d love to set
up some fun Christmas-around-the-
world festivities for my new story.
PAULETTE
Ahh! We’d LOVE that. And anything
we can do to help, we’re in. Plus, *
what better place for you kids to *
reunite than where all of you met? *
Cliff smiles and squeezes on Paulette as she nods as well.

11.
SONNY
Okay, great! I’m ordering a bunch
of stuff today that I’ll need to
have overnighted there for the spot-
-just a few special holiday treats
I can’t pick up here in the city...
CLIFF
Sounds festive and fun. You bet,
sweetie...I don’t suppose Mr. Bravo
will be making an appearance, too?
SONNY
No, dad. Kip’s not coming. Just us.
Cliff and Paulette share a frown, as Sonny forces a smile...
16 EXT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT 16
That night, Sonny’s SUV pulls into the drive by Bree’s car.
Sonny gets out, all smiles. Pulls out CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS as
though she’s been shopping. She eyes a car down the street,
then finally shrugs it off and heads up and into the house.
17 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - FOYER - NIGHT 17
Sonny enters the foyer, calling out toward the den...
SONNY
So strange, there’s a car parked on
the street that looks just like--
18 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - DEN - CONTINUOUS 18
SONNY
--Kip’s car...
Sonny turns the corner to see Bree there sipping cider with
KIP BRAVO (35), her tall, handsome, smiling ex-boyfriend.
SONNY (CONT'D)
Kip. You’re here. In my house. Why?
KIP
Aw. Sonny. So nice to see you, too.
Kip steps up to her. They awkwardly hesitate. Bree scoffs.
BREE
It’s fine. We’re human. We can hug.
12.
Sonny and Kip hug each other briefly, then create a distance.
BREE (CONT'D)
Sorry, I should have told you
earlier today but I invited Kip.
SONNY
To my house...
BREE
AND on our trip.
SONNY
...on our TRIP?
KIP
I haven’t agreed yet, but I’m here
and willing to hear everyone out.
Sonny GULPS. Stares at Bree through slightly gritted teeth.
SONNY
Can I see you over here real quick?
19 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - FOYER - NIGHT 19
Sonny pulls Bree into the foyer, her eyes wide with horror.
BREE
I’m sorry, Sonn. We need all hands
ondeck! Jarod refused the invite to
your parents, and Kip might be our
only hope in getting him out there.
SONNY
You invited my EX to my parents’
place for Christmas? Seriously?
Bree shrugs nonchalantly.
BREE
You literally met him out at their
bed and breakfast three years ago.
It’s not like it’s some novel idea.
SONNY
--spending Christmas with my EX is
more certainly a novel idea, Bree.
BREE
Maybe not in a cute lil’ Christmas
movie, it wouldn’t be?
13.
SONNY
Bree, you know how back in college
we agreed we wanted to visit every
country before we turned fifty?
BREE
(smiles big, nods)
Yes...
SONNY
That’s going to hard to do when you
don’t make it to FIFTY.
BREE
Oh, don’t be so dramatic. You said
it yourself--Jarod and I are meant
to be together. Do you want your
issues with his bestie to be the
reason my relationships fails, too?
Sonny stares at Bree through small slits, her eyes tiny orbs.
Bree frowns a sweet, pathetic frown. Sonny fumes. Concedes.
SONNY
Fine. But I need an exclusive on
you engagement for the magazine.
Bree’s jaw drops, irritated. She thinks. Dramatically SIGHS.
BREE
Co-exclusive your magazine and the
travel show, and you have a deal.
Sonny finally exhales, and holds out her hand. They shake.
20 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - DEN - NIGHT 20
Sonny and Bree return to the den, where Kips sits on a few
holiday pillows upon the couch. Sonny shakes her head.
SONNY
Don’t do that. Don’t sit on my
holiday pillows.
KIP
I bought you these holiday pillows.
SONNY
So stop flattening them already.
Kip CHUCKLES as he stands and fluffs the pillows once again..

14.
KIP
There. Look, I’d love to see things
work out with you and Jarod but
this is exactly what I DON’T want
to spend my holidays doing. I have
a VERY busy farm to get back to...
Kip starts to head out. Bree blocks him.
BREE
Kip! You promised to hear us out.
Kip stops. Bree throws a look at Sonny, who resigns herself.
SONNY
Look. I have an idea that I think
will assist in Jarod doing what he
originally wanted to this Christmas-
KIP
Which is?
SONNY
Propose to Bree.
KIP
How’d you know that?
SONNY
He asked me about her ring size.
BREE
He did??!
SONNY
Sshh.
(then, back to Kip)
I’m willing to play nice and get
along in order to help them, okay?
KIP
Okay. I’m listening. Go for it.
SONNY
I have an idea for us to create a
Christmas-Traditions-from-around-
the-globe since they missed their
trip. Fun traditions we can all
participate in together to get them
back TOGETHER, come Christmas Eve.
KIP
Mmmm. Not a bad idea, only--how do
you know it’s going to work?
15.
BREE
Her parents’ place is where we met.
The nostalgia alone is a win. Plus,
you know how much Jarod loves snow.
Kip crosses his arms, defensive yet playful.
KIP
And what if we have plans already?
Maybe Jarod and I are going on a
trip to Cabo like YOU two did last
year. I hear there’s TONS of single
ladies traveling there this year...
Bree’s jaw drops. Sonny crosses her arms, knowing he’s lying.
SONNY
Lies.
KIP
Okay. What do you get out of this?
(beat, Sonny hesitates)
And don’t tell me you’re turning it
into one of your story schemes. I’m
not aiding and abetting this self-
delusion that everything in your
life doesn’t revolve around work.
Sonny clears her throat. Looks at Bree, whose eyes plead...
SONNY
All I truly care about right now is
getting them back together, okay?
KIP
(beat, eyeing her, then)
Fine. I’ll try to convince Jarod to
come but ONLY if your stepmom makes
holiday beignets. When do we leave?
Bree finally CHEERS aloud, and Sonny exhales with relief as

she and Kip share a last glance, both annoyed yet intrigued.
A week later, the mountainside is covered with white snow...
22 EXT. LAKESIDE - DAY 22
Sonny’s SUV heads out across the snowy, beautiful lakeside...

16.
23 EXT. WINTER CHALET - DRIVEWAY - DAY 23
The SUV finally pulls up to the darling winter chalet as

Cliff and Paulette head out front to join them. Sonny and
Bree crawl out of the SUV, and head over to give hugs...
CLIFF
There’s my little girl, looking as
young as the day she flew the coop.
SONNY
Please just don’t tell me you still
have my old retainer in a shadow
box in my bedroom...
CLIFF
You know, when we used to run the B
and B we had some guests who really
thought retaining your retainer was
a great memory to keep hold of...
Sonny and Bree wince as Paulette hugs Bree tight.
PAULETTE
And Bree, look at you. We just LOVE
watching your show. You are like
the Katie Couric of women’s travel!
BREE
Aww, Paulette. That is a HUGE
compliment, and I accept it gladly,
right alongside my Outstanding
Travel Host Daytime Emmy...
They LAUGH as Cliff hugs Bree, and Sonny hugs Paulette now.
CLIFF
If Bree’s getting an Emmy, we gotta
get this a travel writing award...
BREE
Do they even have those?
CLIFF
They do! Edward Stanford Award, and
I’ve already put in a few calls...
Sonny LAUGHS, swatting her dad as he helps with suitcases...
PAULETTE
So! What’s on the agenda, then? I
thought Jarod was coming with...?
17.
SONNY
It’s a long story, we’ll share more
over dinner, but YES--he is coming
supposedly, tomorrow--and with Kip.
Cliff and Paulette freeze, staring back at Sonny in surprise.
SONNY (CONT'D)
And NO. We are not back together,
and YES, he is the same pain in my
rear as he was a year ago when we
broke up. But we needed his help--
BREE
-and we promised him your beignets.
Paulette LAUGHS as they continue up, Paulette overjoyed now.
PAULETTE
Alright! An assortment of holiday
beignets for the ol’ gang I can do.
Paulette is thrilled as they head up the house and inside...
24 EXT. WINTER CHALET - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT 24
Later that evening, the chalet is twinkling with lights...
25 INT. WINTER CHALET - DINING ROOM - NIGHT 25
In the dining room, Cliff and Paulette finishes putting out

dinner as Sonny and Bree sit, working in a notebook planner.
PAULETTE
You also got a bunch of deliveries
that came in this morning as well--
CLIFF
Yeah, what is all that?
SONNY
It’s what we’re putting on over the
holiday. Bree can’t take Jarod on
their trip across the globe now, so
instead we’re bringing a bit of
Christmas around the world HERE...
PAULETTE
Ooh. I’m excited to see all of it!
You can have the covered deck if
you want to set anything up there?
18.
BREE
That’s a great idea! Thank you.
CLIFF
So why isn’t Jarod with you again?
BREE
Basically my promotion screwed up
our trip, and Jarod is feeling a
bit wishy washy about proposing now-
-we need to convince him otherwise.
CLIFF
Oh. Okay, then. I didn’t realize we
were planning an engagement party--
SONNY
Dad, let’s not get ahead of
ourselves. At this point we just
need to get them talking in the
same room...
PAULETTE
Oh. And so you needed Kip’s help
getting him here, didn’t you...
SONNY
Exactly.
CLIFF
Well I can’t say I’m not a bit
happy to see Kip. We miss him.
SONNY
Dad, don’t get any bright ideas.
Kip and I are done. This trip is
strictly business, and on that note
Kip doesn’t need to KNOW any of my
business. So not one word about the
story I’m doing around this, okay?
Everyone shares a slight look of fear. Sonny finally smiles.
SONNY (CONT'D)
And thank you so much for making
dinner, Paulette...smells great.
PAULETTE
Okay, then. Bon appetit!
Everyone starts eating. Sonny feigns everything is just fine.

19.
26 EXT. WINTER CHALET - DEN - NIGHT 26
Later that night, Sonny, Cliff and Paulette decorate the tree
and drink cocoa. Bree sits on her laptop, clearly frustrated.
Sonny sees and comes to join her, over her shoulder...
SONNY
You look flustered. What’s up?
BREE
It’s just--this new season one show
proposal. I keep coming up with a
bunch of names but nothing sticks.
Sonny thinks about it for a second, coming to her quickly...
SONNY
How about Ladies on the Wild Wild
West Coast?
Bree looks up, and grins ear to ear. They CHEERS their cocoa.
BREE
It’s perfect.
27 EXT. LAKESIDE - DAY 27
The next day, Kip’s SUV drives along the snowy lakeside...
Sonny and Bree finish hanging a banner reading “WELCOME TO

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD!” between two REINDEER’s antlers
as Kip’s vehicle pulls up to the front of the chalet...
BREE
They’re here! He actually came!!
Kip crawls out, heads around, and pulls cute, outspoken JAROD
ROJAS (35) from the car, blindfolded with a HOLIDAY BANDANA.
JAROD
Okay, okay--where are we, man?
SONNY
Really? You blindfolded him??
JAROD
Is that Sonny??
20.
Jarod recognizes her voice, his face twisted as he pulls off

the blindfold and sees Bree and Sonny there, soaking it in.
Jarod turns to Kip, clearly annoyed with him. Folds his arms.
JAROD (CONT'D)
You told me we were going somewhere
to kick it, eat junk food, and sit
in a hot tub surrounded by snow!!
KIP
Yup. That’s exactly why we’re here.
BREE
Kip! You weren’t supposed to
blindfold him. Babe, I’m sorry.
KIP
He wouldn’t have come otherwise.
BREE
It is great to see you, though.
Bree goes to Jarod, and admittedly he’s happy to see her too,
as they hug each other. But he clearly still looks perturbed.
JAROD
Babe. It’s good to see you, too,
but what is all? Welcome to
Christmas Around the World??
BREE
Well, since we couldn’t take out
trip, we brought our vacay here.
JAROD
I’m sorry...you did what?
KIP
Yeah. Sonny’s idea, apparently.
SONNY
At least it’s good to see ONE of
you. And look. My parents are super
stoked to have us all back here for
the holidays...we hope you’ll stay.
Jarod thinks about this, Bree’s eyes pleading wit him...
JAROD
I still don’t get what all this is.
BREE
Twelve Christmas traditions from
around the globe.
(MORE)
21.
BREE (CONT'D)
We have a whole week planned. It’ll
be just like the first time we met
here three years ago. We met RIGHT
here on this lawn when this place
was still open for business.
They look around, absorbing the memory. Sonny and Kip, too.
JAROD
Was a good ski weekend, admittedly.
But it’s going to be impossible to
recreate, especially considering
the current circumstances, babe.
BREE
Listen. I’m not asking for anything
other than a chance to make it up
to you. I know how much you wanted
to go on that trip, and I promise
you we still will--and soon, okay?
Beat. Sonny steps in, throwing a genuine smile at him, too.
SONNY
But hey--for now, at least give
this one a chance? We have some
real fun stuff lined up for us--AND
my parents are cooking up a STORM.
Jarod throws Kip another look, and SIGHS with exasperation.
JAROD
Only because I’m starving, and I
love the bedsheets here--I’ll give
this a shot for a day. But I’m
still reserving the right to go to
Chicago later in the week. Okay?
BREE
Fair. A little time for us to work
things out is all I’m asking for...
Jarod nods appreciatively as he and Kip grab their suitcases.

Bree squeezes Sonny’s hand, overjoyed he is giving this a go.
Sonny turns and snaps a PHOTO of the banner, then a selfie of
them in front of the banner when Kip glances over, noticing.
SONNY
Hey. We got this in the bag, okay?
Bree smiles and nods nervously as Kip and Jarod head up, Kip
throwing her a small look as he has overhead and whispers...
22.
KIP
You think? We’ll see.
They turn and head up into the chalet, past the big banner.
29 INT. WINTER CHALET - DEN - DAY 29
A moment later, Sonny and Bree lead Kip and Jarod into the
den. Cliff and Paulette enter from the kitchen to greet them.
CLIFF
Ahh! Look who it is!! My boys!!
Cliff goes in to hug them as Sonny shakes her head, annoyed.
SONNY
Nope. Not your boys.
KIP
Good to see ya, Cliff. Did you lose
weight since I saw you last? You
look great.
CLIFF
I did! Seven pounds in six months,
young man. At this point I’ll be
looking like you in no time...
PAULETTE
(hugs him with)
Welcome back, Kip. I got your old
room ready, with an ultra-light
bedspread, just the way you like.
KIP
Aww, Paulette, you’re the best.
Sonny doesn’t look how all this love is going down as Jarod
goes in to hug them, too.
JAROD
Good to see you both. Something
smells delicious in the kitchen.
CLIFF
I made a pork and green chile stew,
your fave, spicy like you like it!
JAROD
Awww. Maybe this week won’t be so
bad after all.
They LAUGH as Sonny throws the men a look.

23.
SONNY
Wow. Didn’t know we had so many
treats in store for the boys...
CLIFF
Well we haven’t seen these guys in
a long while. And you ladies said
you wanted to show ‘em a good time!
Cliff and Paulette drag them off as Sonny gives Bree a look.
Later that night, they are all eating Cliff’s pork stew...
JAROD
Just as delicious as I remember it.
CLIFF
Ahh. I’m so glad you still like it.
Jarod goes in for more as Sonny and Kip both reach for the
same bottle of wine. Kip’s hand reaches it first, and he nods
politely and refills her glass. Then refills his own.
SONNY
Thank you.
BREE
You know what? I think we were
sitting literally in the same
chairs the first night we all had
dinner together three years ago...
Paulette scopes out the formation, surprised as she nods.
PAULETTE
You know? I think you’re right.
We’re only missing the crazy couple
from Seattle who came to snowboard.
SONNY
Oh yeah. Jeff and Gina! We actually
kept in touch on social. They love
going to the places I write about--
they call them their Sonny Escapes.
KIP
Aww. A Sonny Escape. What an idea.
Kip snickers. Sonny throws him a look.

24.
SONNY
What is that supposed to mean?
BREE
(smiles, butts in with)
--what it MEANS is we have LOTS of
little Sonny Escapes from home to
show you all week long, starting
tomorrow at ten AM in the kitchen.
We’re making holiday rice pudding
just like they do up in Sweden.
JAROD
Sweden? That was supposed to be our
first stop.
BREE
And when we go for real, I bet the
rice pudding will be even better.
Bree smiles softly at Jarod, who finally cracks a thin smile.
JAROD
It IS a cute idea, but you’re not
off the hook just yet, alright?
Jarod goes back to eating as Bree smiles gratefully to Sonny,

who then looks at Kip, who throws a look back in a face-off.
31 EXT. DOWNTOWN STREETS - DAY 31
The streets are snowy and bright as SHOPPERS shop downtown...
Sonny is pouring up four mugs of coffee in the kitchen with a

bunch of RICE PUDDING INGREDIENTS already spread out across
the counter as Bree and Jarod enter and Sonny looks up with:
SONNY
Morning! Are we ready to take
Stockholm by storm and put the
puddin’ in the rice pudding?
Bree and Jarod are less than amused as they accept coffee...
BREE
This will be cuter after coffee.
SONNY
Jarod, is Kip up already or what? I
told everyone ten AM on the button.
25.
JAROD
Oh yeah. Think he’s been up for a
bit. Went for a dip in the hot tub.
Sonny’s jaw drops as she looks to the backyard, fuming...
33 EXT. WINTER CHALET - BACKYARD TERRACE - DAY 33
Sonny exits to the terrace as Kip crawls out of the hot tub,
looking very hunky as he dries off. Sonny tries to ignore it.
KIP
Morning!
SONNY
Excuse me, sir. Everyone’s waiting
inside Rice pudding day, remember?
KIP
Oh. You could’ve started without
me. Was just taking a quick dip.
SONNY
Start without you? Hello, Kip! You
agreed to help with Bree and Jarod?
KIP
And I will. But I’m also on holiday
vacation here, so conversely you’ll
have to work around my morning
meditations--in the ol’ tub here.
Sonny scoffs, shaking her head and crossing her arms.
SONNY
Is this gonna be a thing every day?
KIP
...morning meditations usually are.
SONNY
Really? Okay. Enjoy your vacation.
KIP
Look. I’m out, and going to get
ready. Okay?
Kip starts to head past as she spins around to face him with:
SONNY
Kip. Can we at least agree on
working TOGETHER to keep Bree and
Jarod together?
26.
KIP
Of course...I’m all about that.
SONNY
Okay, great. Thank you.
Sonny turns and heads in, Kip watching her go with a smile.
A bit later, we see water, rice and salt boiling on the stove
and then milk and sugar going in, then looking thicker later.
Bree and Jarod whisk eggs and sugar, then Sonny adds to the
rice mixture as she turns to Bree and Jarod with a smile as
she pulls out a single almond and holds it up to them both.
SONNY
As Swedish tradition would have it,
whomever receives this lucky almond
in their pudding is next to marry!
Jarod shakes his head, amused, and giddy Bree bounces up and
down as Sonny drops the almond on top and goes back to the
counter, watching where the almond went as she sneakily
buries it in, then pops a few toothpicks in it, three green
and a single red, putting the red one where the almond went --
before she goes and places the rice pudding into the fridge.
She turns back to Jarod and Bree, who stand there waiting as
Sonny grabs her phone and takes some SNAPSHOTS of it all...
JAROD
Now what?
SONNY
Now we wait for it to cool.
A BIT LATER -- Kip enters, looking fresh and showered as he

goes to make himself a coffee. Sonny is working on her story,
staring as the title “THE 12 TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS”, on her
laptop at the table, as Bree and Jarod eat scrambled eggs...
SONNY (CONT'D)
So nice you decided to join us.
Kip passes by and Sonny quickly closes her laptop so Kip

can’t see what she’s working on as she points to his mug.
SONNY (CONT'D)
That was yours, but it’s cold now.
Kip reaches into the freezer. Throws a few ice cubes in it.
27.
KIP
Great. You know I love cold brew.
Kip sips it down as Sonny scowls and goes back to work. Kip
then peers into the fridge and spots the rice pudding there.
KIP (CONT'D)
Mmm! This looks ready to eat!
BREE
Yay! I’m ready to get that ALMOND.
Kip pulls out the rice pudding, quickly pulling out the
toothpicks and sprinkling cinnamon across the top as Sonny
looks up from her article, GASPING as she rushes over...
SONNY
You took out the toothpicks!!
KIP
I did. It’s rice pudding. Not pie.
SONNY
Kip, can I borrow you for a moment?
Sonny marches out as Kip shrugs to Bree and Jarod. Follows.
35 INT. WINTER CHALET - DINING ROOM - DAY 35
Sonny and Kip enter the adjoining dining room. She whispers.
SONNY
I put a red toothpick where the
lucky almond was in the pudding!
KIP
Why?
SONNY
Because we are TRYING to make this
engagement happen. What good is the
almond if the couple we want to get
engaged doesn’t GET the almond??
KIP
Oops. I didn’t know.
SONNY
Well you WOULD have, if you’d been
on time for intel like I asked you.
28.
KIP
You saw me take the rice pudding
out of the fridge and didn’t stop
me, did you? Or what was it that
was distracting you? Was it--work?
Sonny crosses her arms. Gives him a look.
KIP (CONT'D)
You promised NO work, no schemes.
SONNY
Okay, fine. If you’ll be on time, I
promise I will refrain from doing
anymore work. Do we have a deal?
KIP
Yes. Fine. Now can we have pudding?
Kip smiles sweetly, and Sonny shakes her head in dismay.
They head back into the kitchen, Sonny and Kip going over as:
SONNY
Time to see who gets the almond!
Sonny makes each of them a bowl of pudding as she quickly,

discreetly, sticks ANOTHER almond into one bowl, Kip’s eyes
widening as he mouths “now there’s two!” before Sonny goes
and gives the bowl to Jarod. Then she gives Bree another as
she and Kip sit down at the counter opposite them, smiling.
SONNY (CONT'D)
Smaklig måltid!
(beat, everyone confused)
Which is bon appetit in Swedish.
BREE
Oh. Cute! Smaklig måltid!
They all start to eat as Bree fishes around her pudding, and
Sonny suddenly CRUNCHES down on an almond, her eyes widening
as everyone looks up, Kip knowing what it is. Sonny swallows.
BREE (CONT'D)
Wait. Did you just crunch on the--?
SONNY
Just a piece of--undercooked rice.
29.
Jarod and Bree continue, and Jarod finally feels something in

his mouth, and he pulls it out, showing everyone the almond!
BREE
Yay!!! You got it, babe! That is
very good luck for us, you know?
Jarod can’t help but LAUGH and shrug as Bree hugs him, then
pecks his cheek before he crunches down on the almond, too.
Sonny and Kip continue eating as they finally share a glance.
KIP
So what’s next on our big globe-
trotting holiday agenda, then?
BREE
Well tonight we are doing a
Wigilia, which is a traditional
Polish Christmas Eve dinner.
JAROD
Of course. Poland. Our second stop.
KIP
Awesome. I love Polish sausages.
SONNY
Sorry, but traditionally the Polish
holiday dinner is all vegetarian,
so my dad went to town to get us a
bunch of yummy veggies for tonight.
KIP
Wait. What? If I’d known that, I
would’ve brought up produce from
the farms. We have so much from the
fall harvest, we’ve been taking
stuff to food banks once a week.
BREE
Aww! Sweet. But speaking of produce-
-how fun is this...in another fun
Polish tradition, next we are going
to put fruit up on the tree...!
KIP
(beat, grimaces with)
You know, as fun as that sounds, I
need to go to town for a few last
minute Christmas gifts before that
next dump of snow comes in...
(Sonny throws a look)
Why don’t you come with me?
(MORE)
30.
KIP (CONT'D)
I don’t remember all the good
places and it might be nice to give
these two a chance to have some
alone time...
Bree smiles, loving the idea. Sonny concedes in a thin grin.
37 EXT. DOWNTOWN GIFT SHOP - DAY 37
A bit later, at a darling gift shop somewhere downtown...
38 INT. DOWNTOWN GIFT SHOP - DAY 38
Kip sniffs some candles, about to put one in his basket as

Sonny steps up and sniffs another of the same kind.
KIP
My mom will love this one.
SONNY
Nope. Your mom likes rustic, earthy
scents. Pine needles, log cabins,
and sage splendor. This is pumpkin
cheesecake. It’s way too sweet.
KIP
You have a good memory. I thought
she liked pumpkin spice, though...
SONNY
Pumpkin spice and cheesecake are
two very different scents.
(beat, grabs a GREEN ONE)
Here. Go for this one. Holiday
sage. She’ll love this.
Kip finally nods, believing her. He takes it. They continue.
SONNY (CONT'D)
How are your parents, anyway?
KIP
Good. Skiing in Mammoth until the
26th, so they won’t come down for a
visit to the farm until after that.
SONNY
You didn’t want to go skiing?
KIP
Not with them. Way too competitive.
31.
SONNY
Oh please. You’re SO competitive.
You literally race your own dogs.
KIP
Exactly. But some days I’m faster
than my dogs. My parents are better
skiers so why would I ever compete?
SONNY
Touché. How are Duke and Hazzard,
by the way? Miss their furry faces.
KIP
In dire need of a winter groom if
you’re looking to get them a gift.
SONNY
(LAUGHS, then)
Noted. Well I have no idea what to
get my folks. They have EVERYTHING
they need, including candles.
KIP
Huh. How about a trip back to that
winery they always talk about down
in Temecula where they first met?
SONNY
(beat, smiles back)
That’s actually a pretty good idea.
A bit later, Sonny and Kip walk down the street together...
SONNY
And how’s life on the farm lately?
KIP
Everything’s great. Finally built
in beehives we’re excited about...
SONNY
Oh! I remember how much you were
wanting to do that. How fun. That
must be keeping you quite busy...
KIP
Not as busy as you, off traveling
and galavanting the whole world.
32.
SONNY
Oh, here we go again. How my travel
job is the reason for our break up.
KIP
Whoa. It wasn’t the travel. It was
you and Bree staying in Cabo last
year way past when you promised and
and missing Christmas with my
family the very first year we were
supposed to spend it with them.
Sonny stops. Turns to him, frustrated now.
SONNY
We were only staying ONE extra day.
KIP
Which resulted in you guys getting
stuck there in that tropical storm.
If you’d left when you should’ve--
SONNY
I said I’m sorry a thousand times.
How was I supposed to know our trip
was going to go viral and become a
HIT for Bree’s show and my column?
Just so happened to be a huge step
in both of our careers, you know--
I’m sorry if that threatened you.
KIP
I wasn’t threatened, Sonny. I was
just tired of competing with your
job for some of your time is all.
SONNY
That’s rich, considering the fact
you own your own business, make
your own hours, and work around the
clock. You literally never stop.
KIP
Yeah, only I get to walk home, and
sleep in the same bed every night.
SONNY
A FREEZING one, since those firey
insides can’t handle warm blankets.
33.
KIP
You never used to complain. In
fact, if I recall, you’d steal the
entire bedspread and double it over
yourself just to give an extra
layer of warmth to that icy cold
heart of yours.
They both stare each other in the eyes. Sonny finally LAUGHS.
SONNY
You’re the worst but that was good.
KIP
Thanks. Been working on it awhile.
They continue down the street, shaking heads with LAUGHTER.
Back at the chalet, Bree and Jarod put shiny APPLE and ORANGE
ornaments upon a HOLIDAY TREE on the back terrace...
JAROD
So why the apples and oranges?
BREE
The Polish used to only put apples
up on their trees as a reminder of
the Garden of Eden, but now it’s
all kinds of stuff. Candies, nuts--
so after this we are going to make
some string ornaments of all that.
Jarod smiles. Turns to Bree.
JAROD
Garden of Eden, huh?
BREE
Yup. And though Eve may have made a
mess of things with the apple, she
deserved a bit of redemption, no?
Jarod looks at her curiously and LAUGHS, shaking his head.
JAROD
I’m glad you did this, but I AM
still upset, you know? I know it
was impossible for you to go on a
three week vacation with your boss’
demands for this proposal, BUT we
were planning this for a LONG time.
34.
BREE
I KNOW. And honestly, if we hadn’t
been able to postpone and at least
get most of our money back, I
would’ve pushed back harder, but
what was I supposed to do? Quit?
JAROD
Of course not. I know how much you
love your job, and you’re great at
it--I just want to make sure we are
on the same page if we are really
considering the next chapter, okay?
BREE
Of course. You and me both.
They both hug, and Bree is clearly hoping he’ll come around.
41 EXT. WINTER CHALET - BACKYARD TERRACE - NIGHT 41
Later that evening, the terrace tree is darling and lit up...
BREE (PRELAP)
I swear I didn’t peek!
The group is gathered around, LAUGHING and finishing dinner

as Jarod looks at Bree accusingly, then turns to Paulette.
JAROD
And you kept an eye on her the
whole time?
PAULETTE
Of course! I’ve been in here since
I planted that little green straw.
KIP
What about this one?
Kip gestures to Sonny, whose jaw drops. Paulette nods.
PAULETTE
Neither of them has any clue.
CLIFF
So you’re telling us that whichever
single lady pulls the green straw
from under the tablecloth will be
the next to get married?
35.
The ladies all nod.
JAROD
Okay, but what if it’s different
than who got the almond earlier?
BREE
Then maybe it’s a double wedding.
Bree dances her eyebrows as Sonny glares back, then they both
get up and go to the empty tables, staring at the tablecloth.
Sonny goes and takes an empty seat, and Bree takes another
across from her. After a moment, Sonny gets up and runs
around the table, and Bree runs around and takes her chair.
After a moment, they nod to each other and both look under
the table as -- Bree grins ear to ear and pulls out the green
straw, Jarod’s eyes widening as everyone else CHEERS aloud.
SONNY
Here, let me get a photo real quick-
Jarod suspiciously gets up and goes to all the other chairs,

looking under the tablecloth as Cliff and Kip LAUGH while
Sonny takes a PHOTO of Bree holding up the green straw...
PAULETTE
Boo. He thinks we cheated.
They LAUGH as Bree goes to Jarod. They hug each other tight.
Later that night, snow falls down upon the Christmas banner.
44 INT. WINTER CHALET - KITCHEN - NIGHT 44
Sonny helps dry the dishes as Cliff washes them and Paulette
cleans the countertops after dinner. Cliff peeks over, seeing
that everyone else is gone now as he shrugs and nudges her.
CLIFF
Hey. Is it just me, or is there a
little something-something still
brewing there between you and Kip?
SONNY
Definitely just you, dad.
PAULETTE
Definitely NOT just your father.
36.
SONNY
No. You two are terrible together.
I mean you’re great, just terrible
together when it’s about me.
CLIFF
(they LAUGH, then)
That’s not true.
SONNY
Really? How about prom when one of
you distracted me so the other
could make sure there was nothing
suspect in my overnight bag...?
They look at each other, and Paulette points at Cliff.
PAULETTE
...I was wrangled into that one by
him. I knew you were squeaky clean.
It’s fine. We’ll make him pay for
it when we have Women’s Christmas.
CLIFF
(they LAUGH, he SIGHS)
So now I’m the bad guy. Of course.
SONNY
Not the bad guy. Just the nosy one.
CLIFF
What do you expect? You never told
us what happened between you two.
You were great, then after last
Christmas it was suddenly over...
Sonny SIGHS. She turns to them, and finally concedes.
SONNY
I told you I was going to Santa
Barbara to see his family last year
for Christmas and missed it. He was
very upset, and said he needed a
little break from us. I had just
been stuck in that three day storm,
and I was emotional, and upset, and
told him to take forever so he did.
It’s my fault...I don’t blame him.
45 INT. WINTER CHALET - SITTING ROOM - CONTINUOUS 45
In the adjoining sitting room nearby, Kip is about to turn

the corner but freezes, overhearing this as he eavesdrops.
37.
46 INT. WINTER CHALET - KITCHEN - SAME 46
CLIFF
Aww, honey. I love you, but--
PAULETTE
You really screwed that one up.
They can’t help but LAUGH. Sonny shrugs.
SONNY
Yeah, but it was for the best. He
was always upset, giving me grief
about how much I had to travel...
CLIFF
You didn’t ever try to travel less?
SONNY
Why should I have to change my life
and travel less to appease him??
CLIFF
I’m just saying--all relationships
are a compromise, and maybe you
could have traveled a bit less...
PAULETTE
--and maybe he could’ve gone with
her a bit more??
Cliff shrugs a nod, believe Paulette is right. Sonny smiles.
SONNY
Exactly. Thank you, Paulette.
CLIFF
Okay, but did you ever ask him?
Sonny SIGHS, knowing he’s right.
47 INT. WINTER CHALET - SITTING ROOM - SAME 47
Kip has overheard this, too, frowning at the realization that

he could have compromised, too, as Sonny rounds the corner...
SONNY
Kip! You scared me...
KIP
Sorry...I just--came for some tea?
38.
SONNY
Oh, sure. Ask dad to make you one.
Sonny is about to pass, still lost in thought. Kip stops her.
KIP
Hey...you ladies really didn’t
stage the green straw earlier?
SONNY
Nope. I thought since they already
won one earlier, it’d be a luck of
the draw, and not too on the nose.
KIP
You know you sat where the straw
was first, then gave it up to Bree.
SONNY
Yeah...but I guess the person who
was meant to get it in the end did.
Sonny smiles and finally passes him, headed out as Kip turns
and sadly watches her go...
48 INT. WINTER CHALET - SONNY’S ROOM - NIGHT 48
Sonny comes out of her bathroom, ready for bed as she sits on
her bed, watching it snow outside. Picks up her cell phone.
She scrolls through some old photos, and finally pulls up an
old photo of the four of them: Sonny, Kip, Bree and Jarod.
It’s from two years ago, all of them on the lawn. She smiles
thinly, remembering back, before she falls back onto her bed.
The next day, Sonny, Bree, Kip and Jarod are convened on the
back terrace together, Sonny and Bree each taking off a snow
boot as the guys sit drinking coffee and shaking their heads.
JAROD
Is this really a Czech Republic
Christmas tradition, or are you
just playing with us now?
SONNY
Of course it’s real! Here, let’s
get selfie with our lucky boots.
Sonny and Bree hold up their lucky boots and screenshot the
moment, and Kip clocks this but gives her benefit of doubt.
39.
BREE
We just have to each remove a boot,
and the idea is for to turn away
from the door, throw it over one
shoulder and for it to land closest
to and pointing toward the door...
Kip and Jarod exchange a look. Kip snickers.
KIP
Wait, and let me guess. Whichever
lands the best is anotehr sign of
who is getting married next, huh?
SONNY
Exactly.
JAROD
Wow. Really knocking us on the head
with this whole marriage luck thing-
Bree frowns as Sonny scowls playfully, lifting her boot with:
SONNY
...and would you rather us choose a
better target for our boot to land?
Kip and Jarod’s eyes both widen as they shake their heads...
KIP
The door, please! Go on. Have at
it. This oughtta be real good.
Sonny and Bree smile and both turn their backs to the door,
lifting the boots up, and on:
SONNY
One, two--
They both throw their boots as Cliff appears in the doorway:
CLIFF
You guys want your eggs scr--AGH!
Cliff dodges the flying boots, ducking inside the chalet as

the boots fly in toward him, Sonny and Bree turning to see
both of their boots have disappeared inside the house as:
Cliff appears again, barely having dodges the two boots.
CLIFF (CONT'D)
Close call.
SONNY
Sorry, dad.
40.
KIP
And I’d love scrambled, thanks!
Sonny throws him another look as Bree smiles ear to ear with:
BREE
Best out of two?
Sonny LAUGHS as they both go to take off their second boots.
BREE (CONT'D)
Ready?! One, two, three!
Sonny and Bree both throw their boots, which again fly into
the house with a THWACK as Cliff HOWLS somewhere inside...
CLIFF
Ouch! Now that one hurt.
Sonny and Bree’s eyes widen as Sonny goes to dismantle her

cell. Bree feigns innocence, wanting to change gears fast.
BREE
Sorry Cliff! How about we pull
cherry twigs now?
SONNY
Yeah. Great idea.
Sonny and Bree go over to join the guys as the terrace table.
JAROD
So what’s all this? More bits from
our third stop?
SONNY
Yup. This is another tradition from
the Czech Republic, and one of the
last in our marriage-luck series...
JAROD
...but it’s just a bundle of twigs.
BREE
Not just any twigs. Cherry blossom
twigs. The idea is you pick a twig,
put it in a mason jar with water,
and if it blooms by Christmas Eve--
KIP
--then you’re next to get married.
BREE
--or married within a year but yes.
41.
SONNY
Go on. You guys go ahead. Pick one.
Bree and Jarod both reach for different ones. Then both go in
for the same one. They pull it out, and put it into a small
selection of mason jars, then Kip reaches out for one, too.
SONNY (CONT'D)
What?
KIP
Aren’t we pulling one, too?
(beat, off Sonny’s look)
Like each our own, of course.
Sonny shrugs. They reach, their fingers landing on the SAME

one. Sonny releases it for Kip, fingers brushing. He smiles.
SONNY
You take that one. All yours.
Sonny quickly grabs another. Kip plops his twig into a mason
jar, and Sonny into another before she snapshots the line-up.
KIP
Okay, then. What’s next?
BREE
Our last stop was Thessaly--and in
their grand tradition, we must burn
cedar branches over a fire tonight
and see which one burns fastest...
SONNY
--only I couldn’t find real cedar
branches in the city, so it looks
like we might have to scour out and
try to find some around here.
This sparks Kip’s interest as he smiles big.
KIP
Oh. Right. Kinda like our first
time here when we ran out of the
firewood and had to go forging for
some--it was the guys versus gals.
We shall beat you this time, too.
Sonny isn’t surprised Kip is making this a competition.
SONNY
Is that so, Bravo? Fine. You’re on.
Sonny’s eyes slit into thin orbs, challenge on. Bree frowns.
42.
50 EXT. FORESTED AREA - DAY 50
A bit later, Sonny and Bree head through the forest, Sonny on
a mission as Bree nearly gets smacked by a swinging branch...
BREE
Whoa--hey, can you slow down? You
almost backhanded me with that
branch, and where are we going? We
passed two cedar trees already...
SONNY
I know where the perfect cedar
sits. And this time we’re going to
chop those boys down to size.
BREE
Hey. Let’s keep our eye on the
prize here, alright? I am trying to
get Jarod to propose, and you have
a story to write about all of this.
SONNY
I know, I just--he really bugs me.
BREE
Does he, though? Seems like the two
of you still have a lil’ something.
SONNY
(stops, turns to her)
We do NOT. That’s what my dad said.
Why does everyone keep saying that?
BREE
I’m only saying it’s obvious there
is something there, but how do you
know what it is if you don’t try?
SONNY
We DID try. And it didn’t work out.
(beat, then)
Let me ask you something. What are
you and Jarod going to do when you
have kids? Are you gonna stop and
drop your travel show to be a mom?
BREE
No. I’ll take maternity leave like
a normal human being, then go back
when we feel situated enough. Plus
Jarod has always said he wants to
be a stay-at-home dad for awhile.
He wants a break to work from home.
43.
Sonny LAUGHS.
SONNY
Wow. Feels like you guys have it
all figured out. Kip and I never
really talked about that kinda
stuff. We only ever argued about
what we WEREN’T willing to do...
BREE
Well, maybe you should...--’ve. I’m
just saying--he’s here now. It’s
not too late to really try to talk.
Sonny thinks about this with a SIGH, looking off -- as her

eyes light up when she sees the beautiful cedar tree ahead.
SONNY
Ooh! There it is! Let’s go.
51 EXT. FORESTED AREA - DAY 51
In another area of the woods, Kip and Jarod collect branches.
KIP
Look how dry these hidden ones are.
They’re gonna fizzle down so fast.
JAROD
Just can’t stand to lose, can you?
KIP
This is a challenge we’re finally
getting to play here, is it not?
JAROD
Seems like everything with you and
her is still a small challenge...
KIP
Me and Sonny? What do you mean?
JAROD
Come on. You didn’t just come up
for me and Bree and you know it.
You wanted to see if Sonny still
has feelings, and now you know she
does, so you’re back to playing the
same games that broke you up the
first time.
KIP
What are you talking about?
44.
JAROD
Her parents love you. You bait her.
You get her attention. You pick.
It’s just what you do.
KIP
I pick?
JAROD
You know you pick...just admit it.
You pick because you still have
feelings for her, and you’re still
making her pay for what she did--
but wasn’t you giving up enough?
KIP
Me giving up? Seriously...? You are
the one who’s been considering NOT
proposing to the girl you love...
JAROD
Hey. But I came, though, didn’t I?
I’m still here, giving this a shot--
Sonny may have screwed up, man, but
you’re still the one who ran away.
Jarod shrugs and goes back to collecting wood as Kip frowns.
KIP
Fine. Duly noted, but hey--on the
off chance you DO decide to pop the
big question, snuck this outta your
house with me when I picked you up
the other day...
Kip pulls a RING BOX from the inside pocket of his jacket.
Jarod can’t help but smile a little, shaking his head...
JAROD
Man. Where did you even find this??
KIP
It was literally sitting on your
desk. You’re not good at hiding.
Kip shakes his head as Jarod LAUGHS, smiling down at the box.
Later that night, Bree and Jarod assort BRANCHES at the table
by the fire as Sonny mantles her phone onto the fire to video
it -- and Kip appears over her shoulder with a thin smile.
45.
KIP
We making a fireside Boomerang?
Sonny looks up over her shoulder, a bit caught in the act.
SONNY
Look. It’s not work if I mantle a
phone and hit a button. I’m still
enjoying these moments, am I not?
KIP
Okay, but IS it work?
SONNY
(beat, pulls phone down)
Fine. No phone. And what’s with the
inquisition?
(beat, he shrugs)
May I remind you I was very present
when we were dating...I never
worked when you and I traveled.
KIP
You did everywhere else. And I felt
like you were only doing it for me.
Ever think about doing it for you?
Sonny stares back at him, and finally smiles in surrender.
SONNY
You know, you have a point. It was
kinda nice to just enjoy traveling
for once. Not have to make it work.
Beat. Kip smiles, enjoying this little truce.
KIP
Okay. And I’ll admit traveling with
a travel editor had its perks, too.
You always knew the best sites to
see, all the best food and I always
really enjoyed you knew JUST enough
of a foreign language to get by...I
always loved hearing your accents.
SONNY
Merci beaucoup.
Kip smiles back at her as they join the others, Jarod bummed.
JAROD
A lot of ours are wet, man. They’re
not going to burn fast, if at all.
46.
Kip looks down at the ugly collection of jagged, wet branches

next to the ladies, which are pretty, dry, and well-trimmed.
Kip frowns. Looks to Sonny, who is grinning big back at him.
KIP
Okay, fine. You ladies win. Your
branches look a lot better, too.
Sonny and Bree high five as Sonny winks. Holds up the bundle.
SONNY
Thank you. And you guys are welcome
to take from ours, so we all have a
fair shot at winning this thing.
Kip and Jarod exchange a look. Jarod nods. They accept them.
A BIT LATER -- the quartet sits by the fire, watching the

branches burn. Bree shivers, curled up beside Jarod. He puts
an arm around her. Sonny shivers, too. A few inches away, Kip
moves closer to her, but is too nervous to put an arm around
her so instead, he pulls off his BEANIE and YANKS it gently
over Sonny’s head playfully. She LAUGHS. They share a smile.
53 INT. WINTER CHALET - SONNY'S ROOM - NIGHT 53
Later, Sonny works on her laptop, throwing her head back with
an exhausting SIGH as Bree pops her head in with a smile.
SONNY
Hey.
BREE
I just wanted to thank you for all
this. It’s been so much fun being
back here, and I think Jarod is
really having a wonderful time...
SONNY
You’re welcome. I honestly wish
this story wasn’t even a thing and
I could just enjoy all of us being
here again with no pressures. I’ve
barely had a second to work on it,
and Kip is really starting to think
I’m doing something sus out here.
BREE
Umm...because you are. You should
come clean like I did with Jarod.
SONNY
You told Jarod??
47.
BREE
I’m not going to LIE or withhold
info to my future fiance. But look,
he ALSO said he doesn’t think it’s
his business or place to tell Kip,
so this is all on you now, anyway.
SONNY
I mean, I understand Kip’s issue
with me working all the time. And I
want to be more present. I just
wish there was a way I had time to
write plus all the organizing AND
enjoy it at the same time, too...
Sonny exhales as Bree thinks about how she can maybe help...
Downtown is bustling with holiday SHOPPERS the next morning.
Cliff pulls a breakfast casserole out of the oven as Sonny

and Paulette sit there watching him. Bree and Jarod enter,
Kip following a short moment later behind them...
BREE
Mmm. Something smells amazing.
PAULETTE
Cliff’s been in the kitchen since
sun-up making a holiday breakfast
feast for Women’s Christmas today.
JAROD
Women’s Christmas?
SONNY
You wanna take this one, pops?
CLIFF
Sure. Women’s Christmas is
something Sonny’s mom learned about
in Ireland, which she was thrilled
to make a tradition in our house...
JAROD
Dare I even ask?
48.
CLIFF
We’re at mercy of the ladies today.
Anything they want, we must do. And
that means one of you can get over
here and start chopping this fruit,
while the other makes a fresh pot
of coffee because I need another.
Kip and Jarod share a look as Sonny, Bree and Paulette smile.
SONNY
In Ireland, Women’s Christmas
traditionally takes place on
January 6th, but here--it’s today.
Sonny smiles and holds up HOLIDAY APRONS for Kip and Jarod as
the doorbell RINGS. Bree grabs Sonny’s arm, pulling her off.
BREE
That’ll be more holiday helpers!
56 EXT. - WINTER CHALET - FRONT PORCH - DAY 56
Sonny and Bree open the front door to see a handsome couple
bearing Christmas gifts: Bree’s organized, polished brother
JONATHAN FERRIS (32), and cute fashion stylist VICTOR (32).
SONNY
Jonathan, Victor! Oh my gosh. Hi!
VICTOR
What’s the saying? The more the
merrier? Or is it the mostest is
merriest? I can never remember...
They LAUGH as they all exchange hugs.
JONATHAN
Sonny, it’s so good to see you...
SONNY
I know. I miss our Sunday brunches
ever since you moved to Venice...!
JONATHAN
(then, hugging Bree)
And you know, I see you way too
much on Facetime and TV, but hi.
More LAUGHTER as Sonny pulls back, still surprised by this.
SONNY
I can’t believe you guys are here.
49.
JONATHAN
Well my sister called late last
night and said you were in dire
need of some professional help--
VICTOR
--and we couldn’t find anyone like
that on this short of a notice so
instead you get us.
SONNY
You mean you didn’t have any fancy
holiday parties lined this week...?
VICTOR
Oh we did. But when Bree said Kip
was here and you were putting on
some weird, worldly extravaganza,
we just couldn’t say no. Full
disclosure is we’re half here to
help, and half here for the drama.
More LAUGHTER as Bree squeezes Sonny’s arm...
BREE
And I talked to your folks--they’re
totally fine with our new arrivals.
SONNY
Well thank you, only--I’m not sure
what exactly we need help with...
BREE
You said it last night, so they’re
here to help with your top secret
story. Jonathan, you are the best
party thrower we know, so you will
help us with the festivities; and
Victor, you are the most selfie-
savvy fella I’ve ever met, so you
are to document well, EVERYTHING,
starting with me and Sonny putting
up this beautiful holly on the
wreath just like they do in Ireland-
Bree pulls out some holly from a bag. Hands some to Sonny...
SONNY
Oh. We’re really doing this...
Sonny and Bree dress the wreath with holly. Bree looks back.
BREE
Hello? Photos, please?
50.
VICTOR
(pulls out his phone with)
Oh! Right. Saaaay Hashtag Caboes
Lit Ladies Christmas!
Victor snaps photos as they put holly up, Jonathan wincing.
JONATHAN
Ooph. Even it out a little on the
left? It’s clumpy like your baking.
Bree throws a look as Jonathan over her shoulder, then smiles

at the camera as they finish and then Bree nudges Sonny with:
BREE
Now real quick--let’s get a pic.
Bree and Sonny both look at the camera, smiling as he SNAPS.
JONATHAN
So why the Irish tradition today?
Bree turns back to the guys, who collect their bags to enter.
BREE
Because today is Women’s Christmas,
and we call ALL the shots. So come
inside, boys. You have LOTS to do.
Bree smiles, grabbing Sonny and pulling her back inside as

Victor turns to Jonathan with a look.
VICTOR
What did you get us into?
JONATHAN
Would you rather be going to bingo
night in Pomona with your parents?
VICTOR
Oh, I’m so happy to be here...!
They then follow the ladies in, closing the door behind them.
57 EXT. WINTER CHALET - DEN - DAY 57
They head through the foyer into the den as Victor chirps:
VICTOR
So are we getting paid for this?
51.
BREE
Of course. I got you guys first
class tickets to Maui.
JONATHAN
That was back in May...
BREE
I know. And it wasn’t either of
your birthdays, so consider that an
early payment for helping us.
You’re welcome.
Jonathan and Victor share a look as Bree CHUCKLES and they --
58 INT. WINTER CHALET - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS 58
-- enter the kitchen, where the men are all hard at work
making breakfast as Paulette POPS a bottle of champagne.
PAULETTE
God bless Ireland. I love women’s
Christmas. Who wants a mimosa?
Later that afternoon, Jonathan and Victor are checking out

the BINDER of activities left for the week as Sonny and Bree
sift through a half dozen boxes, looking for:
BREE
Here! Found the candles.
SONNY
Perfect. You think we have enough?
BREE
I think we can get by with these.
JONATHAN
Okay, so what do we have left here?
I see you’ve got a list of twelve.
SONNY
Yup. Five down, and seven to go.
BREE
And the rest need to be supreme,
which is why you two are here.
(goes into Aussie accent)
(MORE)
52.
BREE (CONT'D)
Tonight we’re doing the Down Under
tradition of caroling by
candlelight downtown, and tomorrow
we need to turn this backyard into
a night out in the Philippines...
JONATHAN
Says we’re also doing Italy’s
tradition of wearing colorful
underwear...?
VICTOR
Bellissimo! I have tons, but I know
exactly which ones I’m gonna wear.
They all give Victor a look. Sonny turns back to Jonathan.
JONATHAN
And we have to create a feast?
BREE
Her parents will help with that.
The only thing we need is for you
guys to help us distract the men
for the rest of the day so that
Sonny can get her work done--
Sonny throws Bree a look this time...
SONNY
And by work, she means I have to go
downtown to find a good spot to ask
permission for caroling tonight.
BREE
(beat, playing along)
Exactly. What she said.
Jonathan and Victor share a look, unconvinced as Kip exits

with a hand towel over his forearm and carrying a tray of HOT
COCOA MUGS with cinnamon stir sticks and whipped cream.
KIP
I come bearing hot cocoa for the
ladies, and for our new arrivals.
BREE
Why thank you, Kip.
Kip offers them up as the ladies each take one. Jonathan

takes one with a grateful nod, as Victor shakes his head.
VICTOR
I’m good, thanks.
53.
JONATHAN
Mmm. These are yummy. Is that Irish
cream in there?
VICTOR
Okay, I’ll have one.
Victor takes one as they all drink. Kip turns to Sonny with:
KIP
I also put a little peppermint in
yours, just the way you like it.
Kip winks at Sonny, who smiles appreciatively back at him.
SONNY
Thanks, Kip. That’s very sweet.
A bit later, Sonny enters the den with her jacket on as Kip,
Cliff, and Jarod make ornaments from cute materials as Bree
and Paulette watch, Jonathan and Victor sitting to join them.
SONNY
Oh wow, they’ve got you guys making
ornaments now, huh?
JAROD
Yes and mine’s going to be THE best
ornament hanging from the tree.
BREE
That’s right, babe. You’re killing
it.
His ornament isn’t good. In fact, it’s busted. Victor winces.
VICTOR
Yeah, like--literally killing it.
Jonathan elbows Victor and forces a smile. Jarod smiles back.
SONNY
Alright, I’ll be back in awhile...
KIP
Wait, where are you going?
SONNY
Into town to find a place for
caroling...
54.
KIP
Oh, well I should take you, then.
SONNY
Why?
KIP
You had a mimosa at breakfast, and
an Irish cream cocoa an hour ago.
SONNY
Yeah...over a period of hours and
hours, and tons and tons of food.
CLIFF
Responsibility first, sweetie.
Cliff smiles as Sonny looks at Kip, who smiles big back.

Sonny looks at Bree, who shrugs, not know what to do...Sonny
finally caves and concedes with a thin smile.
SONNY
Fine. Let’s go.
A bit later, Sonny and Kip are walking downtown as Sonny’s

phone RINGS and she looks down and sees Genevieve’s name.
SONNY
I need to take this real quick.
KIP
Okay. I’ll pop ahead and see what I
can find down near the little park.
Kip nods as Sonny moves to the side of the street. Answers.
SONNY
Genevieve. Hi.
62 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY 62
Genevieve heads down the hallway, talking on her cell phone.
GENEVIEVE
Merry merry! How’s our story?
SONNY
I’m--working on it. I just haven’t
a lot of time to write much yet...
55.
GENEVIEVE
If you can write a four page column
about an African safari WHILE on
safari, I don’t see the problem...
SONNY
It’s just--Kip is here and doesn’t
know I’m working, and to be honest
the whole thing feels icky now.
GENEVIEVE
Wait. Your ex is up on the lake
with you? I’m totally confused.
SONNY
--Bree’s soon-to-be fiancé also
happens to be Kip’s best friend. We
met while they were up here skiing.
GENEVIEVE
Oh. Got it. So now you’re romancing
instead of writing is what I hear--
SONNY
No, I’m not romancing. I don’t have
feelings for Kip anymore...
GENEVIEVE
So then why do you care if he cares
whether you’re working or not...?
SONNY
Look. He only agreed to come if I
promised not to work up here.
GENEVIEVE
Will he be gone before you finish
the piece?
SONNY
I don’t know...maybe? Probably.
GENEVIEVE
Then tell him you wrote it after he
left if he ever asks. No harm, no
foul.
SONNY
You want me to just lie to him?
GENEVIEVE
I think you’ve already been lying
to him. And if there’s no feelings,
what does it really matter, anyway?
56.
Sonny looks ahead as Kip waves happily back at her down the
street, beckoning her to come down and join him from afar.
Sonny forces a sad smile and waves back, feeling very bad.
A MOMENT LATER -- she joins Kip at a cute, snow-covered spot.
KIP
I think this is the place, right?
SONNY
Yeah, it’s--really perfect.
KIP
Are you okay?
SONNY
Yeah. I’m fine. Thanks.
KIP
Come. Let’s turn the frown upside
down. I’ll buy you a lemon scone,
warmed up just the way you like.
Kip wraps an arm around her and Sonny can’t help but smile as
they head off and toward the local coffee shop.
63 EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE SNOWSCAPE - NIGHT 63
The mountainside is twinkling with lights among the snow...
64 EXT. DOWNTOWN STREETS - PARK AREA - NIGHT 64
-- as we hear the sounds of O HOLY NIGHT resonating as we now

see a throng of TOWNSPEOPLE gathering around a multitude of
candles, Jonathan and Victor passing out candles to passersby
as Sonny, Bree, Kip, Jarod, Cliff and Paulette are lined up
in a quaint, perfectly lit area of the darling park area...
SONNY
O Holy Night, the stars are
brightly shining, it is the night
of our dear Savior’s birth...
BREE
Long lay the world in sin and error
pining Till he appear’d and the
soul felt its worth...
BREE & SONNY

A thrill of hope the weary soul
rejoices, For yonder breaks a new
and glorious morn!
57.
GROUP
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the
angel voices, Oh night divine, Oh
night when Christ was born,
Oh night divine, Oh night divine
As the group finally comes to a finish, Sonny glances over to

Kip, who stares back at her with a sweet smile, and she knows
there’s still something she can no longer deny between them.
A BIT LATER, Bree takes selfies with FANS who recognize her --
as Cliff and Paulette say hi to friend, Sonny and Kip nearby.
KIP
(in Australian accent)
I thought we were gonna sing the
carols with an Aussie accent...?
SONNY
Oh you did, did you? That’s not how
they sing them, either. But your
accent is oddly good, Bravo. Were
you an Aussie in a former life?
KIP
(still in accent)
Would that make me sexier, mate?
SONNY
Ooh. Say crikey!
Kip throws her a look, shaking his head adamantly.
KIP
Absolutely not...
(beat, then smiles)
Crikey, it’s almost Christmas!
They begin to LAUGH as Sonny puts her arm in his, not even
realizing she’s doing it. They share a look as she turns red,
about to pull it out, but he holds on tight. She smiles.
The next day, the mountainside is bright, cheerful and clear.
66 INT. WINTER CHALET - FOYER - DAY 66
Bree drags Jarod downstairs, where Cliff and Paulette are

putting on their jackets to leave as well...Jarod stalls.
58.
JAROD
What’s up? Where are we going now?
BREE
Into town to help Cliff and
Paulette shop for tomorrow’s feast.
PAULETTE
I hear our theme is Dinner in Paris-
-so we’re making roast turkey with
chestnut stuffing and baked apples--
CLIFF
--as well as gratin dauphinois and
this famous French veggie ragout.
JAROD
Wow. We have to wait until tomorrow
to eat this? I’m starving already.
BREE
Good. We’ll have lunch in town
then, too.
JAROD
Why does it feel like you’re trying
to get me out of the house?
CLIFF
Trust me. Always better NOT to ask.
They LAUGH as they leave. Jonathan finally peeks out. Smiles.
67 INT. WINTER CHALET - DINING ROOM - DAY 67
Jonathan enters the dining room, where Victor makes a simple

breakfast of bagels and fruit as Sonny enters with a BOX...
SONNY
Are they gone now?
JONATHAN
They’re gone and the stage is ours.
Sonny smiles as Victor pulls out his cell phone, remembering:
VICTOR
Oh! And check it out. I got some
AMAZING photos of the caroling by
candlelight last night...
Victor shows Sonny the photos as she smiles, more excited how
cute she and Kip look rather than thinking about her story.
59.
SONNY
Aww. These are really nice.
Kip suddenly appears over their shoulder, checking them out.
KIP
Oh yeah. Those are super PRESH.
Sonny CHUCKLES at Kip, who goes to make himself a bagel, too.
KIP (CONT'D)
What’s all this in these boxes?
JONATHAN
We are creating the PERFECT date
night for Bree and Jarod. And if
he’s gonna ask her to marry him,
tonight would be the night.
VICTOR
You hear that, Kip? Feel free to
put the bug in your bestie’s ear.
Kip looks at all eyes on him. Sonny comes to his defenses.
SONNY
Now, now--Jarod is big boy. Let’s
not force anything. We’re just here
to set the mood, make some magic,
and give them the vacation they
never got. The rest is up to them.
Kip smiles at her appreciatively, happy she’s not pushing it.
Later, Jonathan decorates a Christmas trees on the terrace as

Victor hangs a mistletoe over the entry, while Sonny and Kip
place lanterns in a trail from the house up to the terrace...
KIP
This is gonna be nice, I think. And
much more environmentally friendly
than flying lanterns turn out to be-
SONNY
Yup! And speaking of, I started
using those dissolvable laundry
detergent sheets you recommended. I
like them. They work just the same.
Kip stalls from placing the lanterns, his eyebrows furrowed.

60.
KIP
Wait wait wait. That was recent.
You saw that where? In my story?
Sonny winces, totally busted. Kip grins big, arms crossed.
KIP (CONT'D)
You don’t follow me anymore. Spill.
SONNY
Fine. I did watch your stories a
time or two from Bree’s phone--but
only because I’d had some wine and
was against my better judgment.
KIP
Eh. No harm, no foul. I’m flattered
you think of me when you have wine.
(beat, exhales with)
Also, admittedly I still read your
column...it’s become quite the hit.
SONNY
Well thank you, and I should hope.
I’ve definitely put in the time,
and traveled more than I’d like.
Kip nods, knowing how hard she works as they go back to work.
KIP
You did invite on a few work trips
I probably could’ve tried to go on
with you, ya know...I didn’t have
to go every time, but I guess I
could’ve at least gone sometimes.
Beat. Sonny glances over with a small smile.
SONNY
I appreciate that. And I’ll admit,
I should learn to say no a little
more. Travel has taken a toll over
the last year, to say the least.
The bigger the hits, the higher the
expectations and harder the work.
KIP
I can’t imagine. But didn’t you
always say you wanted to take time
off once you’d checked off Europe?
Write a travel companion guidebook?
61.
SONNY
Yeah, you’re right. And I guess I
did check that off this summer.
(beat, smiles at him with)
Good catch, by the way...
KIP
...not that I was counting.
Kip winks back at her, and they both LAUGH as they finish
placing the lanterns and turn to the backyard.
SONNY
I think we’re about finished here.
KIP
Only thing we’re missing is music.
They share a smile.
69 EXT. WINTER CHALET - DRIVEWAY - DUSK 69
Later at dusk, the holiday lights come on, illuminating as

the others return...Cliff, Paulette, Bree and Jarod head up
to the house with a number of grocery bags and head inside.
70 INT. WINTER CHALET - FOYER - DUSK 70
As they enter, they see Sonny, Kip, Jonathan and Victor all
dressed nicely and waiting for them as the others step in to
collect the grocery bags from them all. Cliff smiles big.
CLIFF
Wow. You all look fantastic.
SONNY
Thank you. Now we’ll take these off
your hands, because you all need to
head up to get changed, please.
Jarod looks at Kip, playfully accusing as Kip takes his bags.
JAROD
What is all this?
KIP
You heard our hostess. Go. Change!
Bree is giddy as they all LAUGH and head up, and she gives
Sonny the FIRE finger and makes a ttsszz sound, leaning in.
62.
BREE
I’m so excited!
71 INT. WINTER CHALET - DEN - NIGHT 71
A bit later, Jonathan and Victor are ready and waiting as

Bree and Jarod step into a romantic, twinkling lit den...
JONATHAN
Follow us right this way.
Jonathan and Victor lead Bree and Jarod, arm in arm, toward
the dining room as Cliff and Paulette file in behind them,
all of them looking polished now as Sonny and Kip finally
creep in behind them, Kip offering his arm for her to take.
Sonny tucks her arm into his and they smile, following them --
-- through the dining room, covered in pillar candles leading

them out through the side patio doors --
The group heads around the side into the backyard, revealing
a beautiful, glowing trail of lanterns all the way back to
the back terrace, which twinkles with magical lights as a
romantic version of FIRST NOEL plays on the loud speakers...
SONNY
Welcome to the Philippines annual
tradition: our lantern festival.
Bree and Jarod head all the way back onto the terrace...
A small bar with champagne and charcuterie and fruits has

been set up around glowing candlelight, a makeshift dance
floor now in the center as Jonathan takes Victor to dance.
Cliff smiles and immediately spins Paulette onto the floor,

and Jarod turns to Bree, a sweet smile on his face as he
takes her and pulls her in close, whispering into her ear:
JAROD
Babe. This is beautiful. Thank you.
BREE
Don’t thank me. Thank the dream
team.
63.
Jarod looks over and smiles at Sonny and Kip mouthing “thank
you”, as they both smile back. Kip finally turns to Sonny...
KIP
Shall we?
SONNY
...I thought you’d never ask.
Kip spins Sonny onto the dance floor, at first a bit distant -
- but as they dance, they get lost around the others; lost in
the song and in each other, back into feelings still there.
Kip finally pulls her ever closer, and they dance to the song
as we finally see Cliff and Paulette nearby, who are smiling.
AWHILE LATER -- Cliff, Paulette, Jonathan and Victor clink

CHAMPAGNE glasses as they snack at one table set up, as Bree
and Jarod feed each other finger foods at the bar, LAUGHING.
By the fire, Sonny and Kip watch them, trying to stay warm.
KIP
Well I think tonight was a success.
If we don’t get a proposal after
this, Jarod doesn’t deserve her.
SONNY
We both know they’re perfect for
each other.
KIP
What do you think went wrong with
us? Why is it so hard for us to
communicate?
Sonny thinks about it. Shrugs.
SONNY
Honestly, I think we both have such
big personalities, but since we
also wanted to please each other so
badly all the time, we often left
too many feelings unsaid.
KIP
I wasn’t looking for a relationship
when we met, and I wasn’t expecting
to get so crazy over you so fast. I
think I was tougher on you than you
needed...
64.
SONNY
Or maybe I did need that, but just
didn’t want to hear it until it was
too late. I wasn’t expecting to
meet you, either, especially as my
career was really starting to take
off. I didn’t want jeopardize that.
KIP
And maybe it’s good you didn’t at
the time. Everything happens for a
reason.
SONNY
Yeah, but I never gave you a real
apology for missing last Christmas
with your family. I came up with
every excuse in the book, lying to
myself that it wasn’t my fault--but
it was, and I’m really sorry, Kip.
KIP
Thank you for that. And if it’s any
consolation, my family still really
loves you, too.
Sonny smiles, and they share a sweet look. After a second,

Sonny spots Victor, who is now snapping photos of lanterns.
SONNY
Will you excuse me for a second?
Kip nods and Sonny goes to Victor, standing in front of him.
SONNY (CONT'D)
Ya know what? No more photos. Let’s
just enjoy our world-class holiday.
Victor smiles and shrugs, tucking his phone away and going as
Sonny soaks in the scene, for once just happy to be present.
The next day, it looks like it’s going to snow again soon...
75 INT. WINTER CHALET - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY 75
Sonny wears a silly holiday PAJAMA set as she pops from door
to door, sliding notes under each one before she finally
lands as the last door and it opens to reveal Bree there, who
is also already wearing a darling holiday pajama set as well.
65.
SONNY
Oh! You don’t need one of these.
BREE
I was just going to come look for
you. I need to talk you, but not
here...downstairs in your room.
Sonny nods, and Bree slips out, closes the door, leaving...
76 INT. WINTER CHALET - SONNY'S ROOM - DAY 76
Downstairs in Sonny’s room, Bree closes the door anxiously

and reaches into her pocket. Pulls out a little black box.
BREE
I think I’m just gonna ask Jarod to
marry me first. What do you think?
Sonny’s eyes light up.
SONNY
You got him a ring, too?!
BREE
Sssh! Of course I got him a ring. I
picked it out ages ago. Right after
I found out he’d bought one for me.
SONNY
Right. The accident.
BREE
Focus, please. What should I do??
SONNY
I think you should do what your
heart tells you to do, right?
BREE
Is that really what YOU would do?
SONNY
Focus, please. This isn’t about me.
This is about you and Jarod. Do you
want to ask him, or are you just
impatient now for him to ask you?
BREE
I just feel like--I’m ready, and I
don’t care which one of us does it.
66.
SONNY
Bree, that is sweet, and if last
night was any indication, I’d say
the candy is in the stocking. You
can’t go wrong. Follow your heart.
BREE
Okay, well--I don’t want to steal
the moment he originally planned.
Maybe I give him to tomorrow night?
SONNY
I think that’s a wonderful idea.
BREE
Okay, great. Wait--how’s the story?
Did you make any headway yesterday?
SONNY
(exhales, shakes her head)
No. And honestly, I don’t think
it’s going to happen. I can’t lie
to Kip anymore. There’s just--
BREE
Something still between you.
(beat, Sonny nods)
Wow. Finally admits it. As if it
wasn’t obvious already to us all.
What are you going to do, then?
SONNY
I don’t know. Hope my boss doesn’t
fire me for not delivering?
Beat. Bree thinks about this a second, and frowns. Hugs her.
BREE
Hey. You’ll figure it out. And I
think you making such a sacrifice
for Kip--maybe you guys have a real
shot this time, ya know??
Sonny nods back with a thin smile, knowing Bree is right.
A few moments later, they head through toward the den as Kip
suddenly lands at the bottom of the stairs in a tiny tank,
colorful HOLIDAY BOXERS and tall HOLIDAY SOCKS. He shivers.
BREE
Okay. That wasn’t the assignment.
67.
Bree passes him, headed back upstairs. Sonny shakes her head
with a small LAUGH.
KIP
What? The note you left under said
join us for Italy’s famous holiday
tradition of colorful underwear...
SONNY
You clearly didn’t finish it. At
the bottom it notes: for warmth and
tact, feel free to wear colorful
pajamas or sleepwear over the top.
KIP
Ahh. You know what? I missed that.
But I don’t have anything else...
Sonny LAUGHS and shakes her head.
SONNY
Come with me. Maybe I can help you.
78 INT. WINTER CHALET - SONNY'S ROOM - DAY 78
A moment later, Sonny waits as Kip exits her bathroom all

decked out now in a silly holiday pajama set himself as he
spins around and opens his arms. She LAUGHS and nods.
KIP
How do I look?
SONNY
Bellissimo.
They share a sweet smile.
Sonny and Kip head back down the hallway toward the den as
Kip looks around before discreetly whispering to Sonny, not
realizing Victor is suddenly behind them in red thermals...
KIP
By the way, I talked to Jarod this
morning--and between us, I think an
eagle plans to land tomorrow night.
SONNY
Oh. A shiny Gold Eagle?
68.
KIP
Yup.
SONNY
Okay, then. Well, I really hope he
beats our Snow Bunny to the punch.
KIP
Is that like a thing?
SONNY
I’m way ahead of you, and I do
believe she’s waiting for the Gold
Eagle to fly in and swoop her up.
Kip nods as they land by the stairs, realizing Victor is

walking behind them as he passes by, cradling a coffee mug.
KIP
Where’d you come from? Did you--
hear any of that?
VICTOR
Heard it ALL. Understood none. Your
secret language is safe with me.
Victor slides past them Sonny shrugging as she gestures...
SONNY
Is it just me or does he kinda
remind you of--
KIP
Elf on a shelf? Totally.
VICTOR (O.S.)
I heard and understood that!
Sonny and Kip wince, then can’t help but snicker in silence.
Sonny and Kip enter, where Cliff and Paulette look adorable
in matching ONESIES, Jonathan in green thermals to match
Victor and Jarod in a pair of Bree’s silky red pajamas...
Kip and Jarod see each other, both CACKLING as Sonny absorbs
the look of the crazy crew drinking coffee by the fireplace.
SONNY
Thank you everyone, for helping us
celebrate colorful under attire in
honor of Italy’s holiday tradition.
69.
PAULETTE
And in honor of the occasion, I
even made sweet sugar glaze Italian
Christmas cookies.
Paulette extends a platter. Sonny and Kip each take one. Eat.
SONNY
Paulette, this is delicious.
CLIFF
But let’s not get so full, guys! We
have a French holiday feast tonight-
PAULETTE
--and did I hear King’s Cake is on
the menu?
SONNY
That’s right. In one of our final
worldly traditions, we will finish
the feast with a King’s cake,
normally not served until six days
AFTER the New Year, but which we
celebrate early this year, AND in
which this little charm will hide.
Sonny reveals a cute, tiny French PORCELAIN FEVE charm lady.
JAROD
Let me guess. Good luck in marriage
if you locate it within the cake,
or your mouth if it gets that far?
They all LAUGH as Sonny shakes her head.
SONNY
Close, but no. Whomever gets hold
of the famous lucky charm, or fève
as it’s known in French, gets to
choose his or her holiday Prince.
BREE VICTOR
(to Jarod, who nods) (to Jonathan, who nods)
We got this! We’re totally gonna get it.
SONNY
And until then, it’s time to make a
festive French holiday feast!!
The whole gang is in the kitchen putting together a feast...

70.
Paulette has Bree and Jarod helping with the king cake cream
cheese and pecan filling while she makes the batter.
Cliff is working on his ragout chopping veggies, and Jonathan

and Victor work on putting together a fresh holiday Sangria.
Meanwhile, Kip chops potatoes for the au gratin as Sonny

works on the cheese mixture to go with it.
AWHILE LATER -- Paulette finishes putting sprinkles on the

king’s cake, as the gang CHEERS their glasses of Sangria in
the adjoining den space...
Later, the entire group sits down to dinner at the table mid-
meal, LAUGHING and cutting up, having a great time. Sonny and
Kip share a long, meaningful look, sat next to each other.
PAULETTE
Okay, how about we around the
table, and everyone tells us their
FAVORITE Christmas memory?
JONATHAN
Oh that’s easy for us--
JONATHAN (CONT'D) VICTOR

Christmas in Colorado. Christmas in Costa Rica!
JONATHAN (CONT'D)
Wait, what? Breckenridge was way
better. We skied, had hot toddies,
and fell asleep by the fireplace
every night--
VICTOR
NO. You skied, I FELL. And you had
toddies, but I don’t like whiskey.
Costa Rica was the PERFECT holiday.
We swam, we hiked,
JONATHAN
Oh yeah, where I woke up with a
spider the side of my face resting
ON my face? Thanks a lot, Santa.
Laughter around the table as Bree finally interjects with:
BREE
It’s called karma, Jonathan. For
leaving me at home with mom and
grandma for two years in a ROW.
71.
JONATHAN
What? We were honeymooning.
More LAUGHTER as Paulette turns to Bree.
PAULETTE
Okay, Bree. You go, then.
BREE
I mean, I think it’s safe to say my
fave Christmas was two years ago,
when we came here and met these two-
AWWs around the table as Bree squeezes Jarod and Sonny and
Kip share another smile.
JAROD
I concur!
CLIFF
And what about you, dear?
PAULETTE
I think my favorite would be my
last one I had with my mom. We knew
it would be, so we made it count.
Paulette looks a bit emotional as Cliff smiles at his wife.
CLIFF
I mean, might had to have been our
first Christmas with this one here.
(gestures to Sonny)
Sonn was born in early February so
she was about ten months at the
time I guess, and we just couldn’t
get her to look away from the tree,
or anything with lights. She wanted
to grab and hold onto ‘em so bad...
(more LAUGHING, then)
Man, she got hold of a strand one
day when your mom was carrying you
downstairs, and she yanked down the
entire strand AND the garland right
off the bannister. But wow. It was
the best, her waddling around that
house, chasing those little lights.
Cliff smiles big, endeared by this story as Kip shrugs with:
KIP
That’s funny. My parents said I
loved the lights as a baby, too.
Only I kept trying to EAT them.
72.
More LAUGHTER as Sonny decides to ask Kip.
SONNY
And what was your favorite holiday?
KIP
I don’t know. I had so many growing
up, they start to blur, or maybe
the best is still yet to come...
(glances at Sonny, then)
But--two years ago when we first
came here, definitely one to beat.
SONNY
I agree. Though this one admittedly
is giving some stiff competition.
JAROD
I’ll cheers to that, and Jonathan’s
HIT holiday Sangria. Salut!
Everyone holds up theirs drinks in a CHEERS.
A BIT LATER, Cliff lands the King’s cake onto the table, and
then offers Kip the cutting and serving utensil as the head.
CLIFF
Would you like to do the honors?
KIP
Yessir.
Kip begins to slice the cake, taking small plates nearby to

pass the slices down one by one. He gets to the end, and
passes a slice to Sonny before slicing his own piece of cake.
VICTOR
Okay, but what if one of us eats
the charm by accident?
JONATHAN
Chew carefully, dear.
They all start to eat their cake, Sonny finally GASPING as

she uses her fork to pull out and then holds up the CHARM.
Everyone Oohs and Aah’s as Victor folds his arms, playful.
VICTOR
This was rigged. I want a redo.
PAULETTE
No, no--I put the charm in there
myself. No one knew where it was.
73.
BREE
(nudges Sonny with)
I guess someone needs to pick her
Prince Charming now. Who’ll it be?
Sonny looks around. Sees a NUTCRACKER on the table. Grabs it.
SONNY
Merry Christmas, sweet Prince!
Everyone LAUGHS as Kip’s jaw drops, Sonny kissing the

nutcracker as everyone CLAPS and Jarod shakes his head.
JAROD
Ay maldito, Bravo. You cursed.
More LAUGHTER as Kip shrugs, sitting back in his chair as

Sonny LAUGHS and puts the nutcracker away, clasping his hand.
SONNY
I’m kidding. And I’m so sorry,
Nutcracker Prince...but another
Charming Prince stole this cold
little heart quite some time ago.
Aww’s all around as Kip smiles big, squeezing Sonny’s hand as

Victor makes a sweet, pouty face.
VICTOR
Awww. Presh.
More LAUGHTER around the room as Sonny and Kip share a look.
83 EXT. WINTER CHALET - SIDE TERRACE - NIGHT 83
Later that night, they pick up their dishes in the dining

room as Sonny’s phone RINGS and she looks at the caller ID.
SONNY
Excuse me, I need to take this...
Sonny steps out onto the terrace and answers with:
SONNY (CONT'D)
Hey Genevieve.
GENEVIEVE (O.S.)
Merry almost Christmas! I think you
know why I’m calling...
74.
84 INT. GENEVIEVE’S HOUSE - NIGHT (INTERCUT AS NEEDED) 84
Genevieve is having a glass of wine herself while she works.
SONNY
Yeah, and unfortunately, Gen, I
can’t in good conscience finish
this story you’re asking for.
GENEVIEVE
Why? What happened?
SONNY
You know how much my career means
to me. And you know how hard I work
to keep you and our subscribers
happy, but--at some point I need to
think about my happiness, too...
GENEVIEVE
What does this story have to do
with that?
SONNY
It has nothing to do with it, and
everything all at the same time.
GENEVIEVE
How much spiked eggnog have ya had,
dear? You don’t make a lick of
sense.
SONNY
(CHUCKLES, then)
For once, I’m thinking clearer than
ever. I only hope you can find a
way to forgive me and not fire me.
Sonny is playful at the end, but serious...Genevieve SIGHS.
GENEVIEVE
Sonny, you’re the best writer on
this staff. You were my first hire.
I am SO proud of the work we’ve
done, and I would never fire you
over you putting your needs first.
I don’t suppose Bree’s engagement
is at least perhaps in the cards?
SONNY
I don’t think so, Gen. I think Gals
Gone Global is officially snowed in
for the rest of the holidays.
75.
GENEVIEVE
Okay, okay. Just--give me something
great for New Year’s instead, okay?
SONNY
Okay. You got it. That I can
promise. Might even have a little
travel book proposition to come to
you with in the New Year as well.
GENEVIEVE
Book proposition? Now I’m listening-
They both LAUGH a little.
GENEVIEVE (CONT'D)
Look. I’m proud of you for finding
a work-life balance. Heavens knows
I never learned that, and sometimes
I’m bullish and need to be said no
to, so--thank you for the reminder.
SONNY
Thanks for understanding. Really.
GENEVIEVE
Alright. You go get back to that
spiked cider and have a very Merry
Christmas, alright?
SONNY
Thanks, Genevieve. Merry Christmas.
Sonny hangs up and turns, shivering as Kip steps out to check

on her with his jacket. He wraps it around her as she smiles.
KIP
You must be freezing.
SONNY
Thank you.
KIP
Is everything okay?
SONNY
Everything is perfect.
KIP
Okay...are we gonna stay out here
all night?
Sonny LAUGHS and shakes her head as he shivers. They run in.
76.
Back in the den, Bree, Jarod, Jonathan and Victor wrap gifts
around the coffee table...Sonny calls out to her father.
SONNY
Dad, do you need help in there?!
CLIFF (O.S.)
Please don’t! Your stepmom’s in
here wrapping gifts right now in
the sitting room as we speak!!
SONNY
Okay, gotcha! Loud and clear.
They head into the den as Kip checks out candles and jewelry.
KIP
What are we wrapping, guys?
BREE
Gifts for our mother and our grams.
Jonathan is stopping by tomorrow to
drop them off at the house on their
way back from Victor’s parents’...
SONNY
Oh, wait. Where did they go?
JONATHAN
(scoffs)
They’re in CABO.
Sonny’s eyes widen as Bree CHUCKLES, shaking her head.
SONNY
Seriously?! They went to Cabo??
BREE
Yup. Down there trying to recreate
our iconic trip from last year.
SONNY
Wow. Good for them. Well Jonathan
and Victor, we’ll be sad to see you
go but it’s been great having you
for some of our worldly traditions.
JONATHAN
Yes! This has been a total treat,
so thank you for having us...
Victor suddenly realizes as he pulls out his phone...

77.
VICTOR
Oh yes, and Sonny, let me airdrop
these photos to you for your little
article before I forget...
The room goes awash wish silence for a moment. Kip’s head
cocks as he sees all eyes on him, and knows he’s been had. He
turns to Sonny, confused.
KIP
Little article?
VICTOR
Oops. I need to use the bathroom.
Victor gets up and bolts. Annoyed, Jonathan follows him...
SONNY
Kip, look. I was going to tell you,
but then I decided it was better to
just not do the article at all, so
I’m not doing it. That’s why I was
talking to my boss for so long just
now...I told her I couldn’t do it
and she said it’s fine...that I can
do a New Year’s Eve piece instead--
BREE
Oh! That’s wonderful! Isn’t it??
KIP
Not really. You made this decision
now? Two weeks after you promised
me you weren’t doing work up here?
SONNY
Listen, Kip. Things are different
now. When I first said that to you,
I didn’t really care whether or not
you knew if I was doing an article.
We’re broken up, and I didn’t think
it was your business. And honestly,
I probably would’ve said anything
that might help you convince Jarod
to come up. Bree is my best friend.
KIP
(beat, to Jarod with)
And I assume you knew about this?
JAROD
I didn’t know it was such a touchy
subject. Is it that big of a deal?
78.
KIP
It actually is because she promised
me. And this is literally the kinda
stuff you used to pull that split
us up in the first place, Sonny...
Kip shakes his head, not knowing how to handle this.
SONNY
I’m sorry, Kip, but I just put my
column and my job on the line for
YOU--because I still love you. And
sorry I lied, but what else do you
want from me? Can’t change it now.
Kip frowns, feeling bad but is torn. He looks up. SIGHS.
KIP
But see, that’s it. You haven’t
really changed, Sonny. It’s not
that you lied two weeks ago. It’s
that you pulled me back in and had
me fall for you all over again, but
all the while you were doing what
you do best--prioritizing work over
the person you love. It just feels
like last Christmas all over again,
and I feel like a fool again, too.
Sonny doesn’t know what to say as he turns and heads out.

Sonny doesn’t know what to say as Bree steps up to her...
A bit later, it’s begun to snow outside as Kip heads out with
his suitcase, headed off to his car as Sonny peers outside...
87 INT. WINTER CHALET - SONNY'S ROOM - NIGHT 87
Sonny sits on her bed later, staring out at the falling snow.
She shakes her head with a frown, then falls onto her pillow.
CHYRON: CHRISTMAS EVE
The next day, a fresh coat of snow covers the mountainside...

79.
Victor loads up their suitcase in the trunk as Sonny, Bree

and Jarod hug Jonathan goodbye near the front door...
BREE
Merry Christmas, little brother. I
will see you New Year’s Eve...?
JONATHAN
Party at your place! I cannot wait.
We will be there...
BREE
--AND you will be there early to
help set up.
Jonathan SIGHS and nods in surrender as Victor comes up to

hug them goodbye, Jonathan moving on to hug Sonny next...
JONATHAN
Hey. Everything will work itself,
and if not, we’ll have lots of
champs waiting for you at Bree’s.
SONNY
(LAUGHS, then)
Thanks, Jonathan. For everything.
(beat, then hugs Victor)
And you, too, Victor.
VICTOR
Hey, I’m sorry for being THAT guy
who spilled the beans about your
article...that kinda behavior is
usually reserved for Jonathan.
Everyone knows this is a lie as Jonathan rolls his eyes.
JONATHAN
Come on, let’s go already...
VICTOR
Bye, guys! Merry Christmas!
BREE & SONNY JAROD

Merry Christmas!! Merry Christmas!
Once they’re off down the driveway, Bree turns to Sonny...
BREE
You need anything from downtown?
We’re gonna go grab some things for
tomorrow before everything closes--
80.
SONNY
Thought my dad said we had
everything?
JAROD
Butter. Almost out of butter. Too
many recipes call for it, ya know.
Sonny is too depressed to catch the look Bree darts at Jarod.
SONNY
Kay. No, I’m good, thanks. Be safe!
Sonny waves at them as she watches them head off. Heads in.
Sonny heads into the kitchen, where Cliff and Paulette sit at
the counter and have coffee after breakfast.
PAULETTE
Hey, sweetie. How you doing?
SONNY
Fine, I suppose. Guess you should
know better than to bring your work
OR your ex home for the holidays,
huh?
Sonny CHUCKLES as she pours herself up a mug of tea nearby.
CLIFF
Sonn, you didn’t do anything with
mal intent. You can’t be so hard on
yourself for doing the best ya can.
SONNY
But did I do the best I could? I
kinda failed on both counts. I
dropped my story, and Kip dropped
me. Again.
PAULETTE
Kip’s hurt right now, that’s all--
it’s not too late to work it out.
SONNY
Paulette, I appreciate your eternal
optimism, but we walked into this
week our first time seeing each
other post break-up, on the brink
of a big blow-up--which happened. I
don’t really see us bouncing back.
81.
CLIFF
Whoa whoa whoa. But that’s not the
Sonny I know. The Sonny I know is
tough as nails, puts a hundred
percent into everything she does,
and perseveres every single storm.
Even the biggest tropical ones...!
Sonny finally smiles thinly, walking around and pecking her

dad’s cheek with a small smile.
SONNY
I’m tired, dad. And maybe not the
same Sonny you used to know
anymore.
Sonny forces a smile and heads out, Cliff and Paulette both
frowning as they watch her go.
91 EXT. BED & BREAKFAST - DAY 91
At a bed & breakfast across town, Kip loads his suitcase up

into the trunk as he hears:
JAROD (O.S.)
You forgot something at the house.
Kip looks up to see Bree and Jarod there, with two GIFT BAGS.
KIP
Hey...
BREE
It’s your cherry twigs mason jar.
And also your gift from us.
JAROD
It’s actually a grooming gift card
for the dogs. They need it. Badly.
Kip can’t help but CHUCKLE.
KIP
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
(beat)
Either of yours blossom anything?
BREE
Not yet. Maybe you’ll have better
luck than we did.
KIP
Maybe.
82.
An awkward pause of silence as Bree looks at Jarod, pleading.
JAROD
Well it’s a bummer you can’t stick
around to finish those traditions,
man. We light the Yule log tonight.
Apparently originated as a British
tradition, so I was fully expecting
you to come in hot with an accent--
More LAUGHTER as Kip exhales, still a bit torn. He SIGHS.
KIP
Yeah. I just don’t think it’s a
good idea. And I should probably
get back down to Calabasas, anyway--
the dogs must be itching for what’s
in their stockings by now I’m sure.
BREE
Look, we don’t want to meddle in
your business with Sonny, but I
just thought you should know she
struggled the entire time she’s
been here with doing that story--
and I know it was because of you.
KIP
I don’t see how it changes anything-
BREE
But it absolutely does. Last year
when we got stuck in Cabo, it was
actually my idea to stay the extra
day. I pushed Sonny into staying,
the same way her boss pushed her
into doing this article. You can’t
blame her for being a good friend.
KIP
That was the problem, though. Work
and friends always came before the
boyfriend when it came to Sonny...
BREE
Okay, but this time you weren’t
together. She didn’t owe you
anything. And sure she lied, but
did you give her any other choice?
Kip doesn’t have a response now. Bree stays sweet, but firm.
83.
BREE (CONT'D)
You say Sonny hasn’t changed, but
you’re the one came in between her
and her job once again--so all I’m
saying is maybe there’s more than
one person responsible. And all I
know now is Sonny wants to work it
out, just like last time...but do
you? Because if all you want is for
her to pay for what she did, wasn’t
giving up the first time enough--?
Kip stands there, zero response as he realizes she’s right.
Later, Sonny sits on one of the backyard playscape swings as

Bree exits to see her there, and heads up to join her.
BREE
Hey. How ya doing?
SONNY
Good. Just soaking in that mountain
morning sun.
BREE
It’s after noon.
SONNY
Is it? Hmm. Kinda nice to not feel
like I’m on some deadline for once.
BREE
Yeah. I can imagine.
SONNY
So. We didn’t need butter, did we?
BREE
Nope.
SONNY
Did you talk to him?
BREE
We did. Don’t know if it did any
good. Looked like he’s heading out,
but I did try...
SONNY
Thanks, Bree. You’re a good friend
when we’re not getting in trouble.
84.
They both LAUGH. Bree squeezes her.
BREE
And thank you. Jarod and I are good
now, and that’s because of YOU.
Sonny smiles. Bree exhales. Looks around her.
BREE (CONT'D)
Wow. I can’t believe your parents
left up this playscape after they
retired. They don’t have guests or
families coming in anymore...
SONNY
Yeah. I asked them a couple years
ago when they retired. Dad said
they were keeping it up just in
case any grandchildren popped up.
BREE
(LAUGHS, then)
Wow. That sounds like your dad...I
mean, you still think about kids?
SONNY
(beat, shrugs)
I haven’t much lately. I mean, of
course I’ve thought about it, and I
thought about it a lot more when I
met Kip, but you can’t have kids
traveling all the time. As we both
know, there’s lots we can’t do.
BREE
But we figure it out, right? We’re
women. We endure child labor, so
there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
They both LAUGH, then Bree continues...
BREE (CONT'D)
Plus, it’d be even easier to stay
home for awhile if you decided to
take some time off to write that
book you used to talk about doing.
SONNY
True. I brought the book idea up to
Genevieve, too. She’s into it. It’s
something to start thinking about,
but--we just struck gold with all
these new fans, I mean how are Gals
Gone Global if I’m stuck at home?
85.
BREE
They’re fans of ours, NOT just the
places, so--what if we kept up the
traveling together? I could propose
to the network that you join me--we
call it Gals Gone Global: Ladies of
the Wild Wild West Coast Edition.
Sonny LAUGHS. Smiles.
SONNY
Not a bad idea...Genevieve did say
your network wants to partner again-
BREE
We can even make it a podcast. The
fans live for our travel stories.
Plus, you could plan the book out
while we’re on the road...
SONNY
Yeah. I think that sounds perfect.
They share a smile, then Bree stands and pulls Sonny up, too.
BREE
Alright. Now we need to get back
inside, get warm, and FINISH these
traditions already, yeah?
SONNY
Ugh. I guess so...
BREE
That’s the Christmas spirit! Your
stepmom is in there making a yule
log cake, plus we have to BURN the
yule log, and fill the stockings--
Sonny nods as Bree continues, locking arms as they head in...
Later that night, we hear the story being told inside...
SONNY
The burning of the Yule log goes
back to medieval times. It was a
Nordic tradition adopted not only
by the UK, but also Germany, France
and parts of Scandinavia, too...
86.
In the den, Sonny and Bree sit by the fire, Jarod nearby as
Cliff and Paulette sit across the den, on the couch. They are
all having hard ciders, sipping them by the fireplace as they
watch a beautiful YULE LOG burn inside the crackling fire.
BREE
They used to start with an ENTIRE
tree, and then the remains of the
previous year’s tree would be saved
to burn the following year, bit by
bit over the 12 days of Christmas.
JAROD
So maybe we need to make sure to
save some of it for next year...
Bree looks back at Jarod, who smiles. Squeezes her shoulder.
CLIFF
Maybe I’m going to get us a whole
tree now to start doing it right.
They all LAUGH as Paulette frowns.
PAULETTE
Speaking of doing it right, I must
say--my chocolate Yule sponge cake
turned out to be more like a sponge
pudding, unfortunately--but it
tastes really good so there’s that.
More LAUGHTER as Jarod holds up his cider.
JAROD
I just want to say--no complaints
whatsoever to Cliff and Paulette.
Thank you for hosting us again...
BREE
I concur! Cheers!
They all hold up their drinks in a CHEERS, then drink.
CLIFF
It’s our pleasure. Any time, every
year if you like. We’re both here.
PAULETTE
So wait--what are our last two
traditions? Aren’t we at ten??
Bree gives Sonny a nervous look.

87.
BREE
I suppose we should, huh?
SONNY
Yes! Let’s open our stockings,
then.
Sonny passes stockings to Cliff and Paulette as Bree and

Jarod, who have had stockings put up recently as well, both
exchange each other’s. Bree smiles up at Jarod, anxious.
BREE
Jarod, why don’t you go first?
JAROD
No, no--you go first.
Bree GULPS. Smiles and nods, pulling out a small RING BOX
from the stocking. She nearly GASPS, standing up in terror as
Jarod gets onto his knee in front of the fire, smiling up...
JAROD (CONT'D)
Sonny told me about this Germanic
legend that on Christmas Eve, only
the pure of heart can see that the
rivers will flow with wine and the
trees bear down fruit. Animals will
speak, mountains will open to show
the gems inside them; and bells can
be heard ringing beneath the seas.
Bree barely mouths “beneath the seas” - she knows this well.
JAROD (CONT'D)
Bree Ferris, no matter where we are-
-at home, or over the ocean--that’s
how the world feels when I’m with
you. Every day, just like Christmas
Eve. And all I know is that I never
want to spend another one without
you, so--will you please marry me?
Tears have filled Bree’s eyes, Sonny with Cliff and Paulette
as Sonny holds back tears, too, as Bree nods vehemently with:
BREE
Yes, of course I’ll marry you!!
They hug and kiss, Jarod spinning her around happily as he

puts the RING on her finger, and she gushes staring at it.
BREE (CONT'D)
Okay, okay--open yours.
88.
Jarod smiles. Opens his. Pulls out his GOLD WEDDING BAND.
BREE (CONT'D)
I guess if you know the Germanic
legend, then you must also know the
about the gold ring in a stocking.
Jarod smiles softly, nothing more to be said as Bree puts it

on his finger, and they both turn show the others, who CHEER
and step up to see their rings, Bree looking over Sonny’s
shoulder as she hugs her, nudging her as Sonny turns to see:
Kip walks up to hug them, too, hugging Bree and then Jarod.
KIP
Congratulations, you two.
JAROD
Thanks, man.
BREE
Thanks, Kip.
Kip turns to Cliff and Paulette, who smile, Sonny shocked.
SONNY
You came back...
KIP
Of course. The Best Man couldn’t
miss seeing his best friend’s
engagement, now could he?
There is LAUGHTER all around as everyone smiles back at Kip.
Sonny and Kip step outside into the cold in their jackets,
heading over to the back terrace...
KIP
So...
SONNY
So.
Kip stops at the top of the stairs, turning to Sonny with:
KIP
Telling Jarod to put the ring in
the stocking as part of the event--
pretty smooth move, Kravitz.
89.
SONNY
Well I must admit I had a little
help. Thanks for being a great
informant, Bravo.
KIP
We make a not-so-bad team when
we’re on the same side, yeah?
Sonny CHUCKLES softly. Nods.
SONNY
Yeah.
KIP
But ya know, I didn’t just come
back to witness the engagement...
SONNY
You didn’t?
KIP
Nope. I also came back to tell you
I’d really like you to submit that
story about the twelve traditions--
SONNY
Yeah? Why is that?
KIP
Because I can’t have you skipping
that and then having to work on
some New Year’s piece, when we
should really just be enjoying Bree
and Jarod’s crazy party instead...
SONNY
Oh really? So now you and I are
going to Bree’s New Year’s Party
together?
KIP
...if you’ll have me.
(beat, takes her hands)
I’m sorry, Sonny. You may have made
a tiny mistake again, but I reacted
poorly again. It was the same silly
action/reaction as before. And all
I really want us to do is start
over. The new me, and the new you,
who are open, and honest, and--
Sonny finishes his sentence with:

90.
SONNY
--prioritize each other’s needs.
(beat, Kip smiles)
I one hundred percent agree.
They both share a small smile. Kip shrugs.
KIP
So what now, then?
SONNY
Well, I hope you’ll stay for the
rest of Christmas Eve. Apparently
we have some tasty Yule log sponge
pudding to eat later, I hear--
(Kip LAUGHES, then)
--plus, I really don’t want to miss
another Christmas with you, Kip.
KIP
That makes two of us, then.
They both smile, about to kiss, when Kip’s eyebrows furrow.
KIP (CONT'D)
Wait. Did I miss the last tradition-
-there were supposed to be twelve??
SONNY
Nope. You didn’t miss it. The last
tradition is actually an American
one, and it’s hanging right above
us right now as we speak...
Kip looks up, and they spot the mistletoe hanging above them.
He looks back down at Sonny with a mischievous grin.
KIP
Wow, you’re good...
SONNY
You, too. You totally knew that was
there.
Kip’s jaw drops playfully, Sonny LAUGHING as Kip comes in,

kissing her sweetly and passionately as we soar up over their
heads, past the mistletoe and into the snowy mountain skies
and into happily ever after as we...
FADE TO BLACK.

A Christmas Traditions Engagement D2

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A Christmas Traditions Engagement D2

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A CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS ENGAGEMENT

The Ninth House, LLC

1 EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE SNOWSCAPE - DAY 1

A beautiful wintry snowscape as we ROLL OPENING CREDITS over:

2 INT. WINTER CHALET - VARIOUS LAY-OUTS - DAY 2

-- various cross-cultural lay-outs staged in a snow-covered

3 EXT. LOS ANGELES CITYSCAPE - DAY 3

-- before we soar over a sunny, bright Los Angeles cityscape.

4 EXT. BEVERLY HILLS STREETS - DAY 4

SHOPPERS shop on the busy streets of Beverly Hills...

5 EXT. GALLERIA - DAY 5

-- and soak in holiday wonderland DISPLAYS at the galleria.

6 EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY 6

A cute office building sits in the heart of Los Angeles...

7 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - RECEPTION - DAY 7

-- as SONNY KRAVITZ (35), a pretty, driven, perfectionist,

Before she can finish, she is intercepted by her brassy boss,

Sonny LAUGHS as they travel down the hall to Sonny’s office.

Sonny stops for a moment. Sips her coffee. Smiles thinly.

Genevieve doesn’t know what to say. Sonny continues to her

8 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - SONNY’S OFFICE - DAY 8

Sonny goes to her desk as Genevieve stands opposite her...

Genevieve sets a RED ENVELOPE on Sonny’s desk. She opens it.

Beat. Genevieve smiles big. Sonny SIGHS. Knows there’s more.

9 EXT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - NIGHT 9

Later that evening, a decorated house as a CAR pulls up...

10 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 10

Sonny finishes in a decorative kitchen as the front door

BREE FERRIS (35), darling and spritely, flits dramatically in

Sonny finishes pouring their glasses and holds up in CHEERS.

They CHEERS as they both drink Bree suddenly frowning again.

Sonny takes another swig of wine, feeling stressed for her.

Sonny shakes her head.

11 EXT. LOS ANGELES CITYSCAPE - DAY 11

The next day...

12 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY 12

Sonny is at a projector, Genevieve seated as Sonny reveals a

Genevieve’s eyebrows raise inquisitively. She likes all this.

Genevieve smiles from ear to ear. She stands. Squeezes Sonny.

Genevieve smiles. Sonny smiles back.

13 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY 13

Sonny heads back down the hallway, calling on her cell...

14 INT. WINTER CHALET - KITCHEN - DAY 14

Sweet PAULETTE KRAVITZ is busy prepping dinner with a smile.

Right then, her father CLIFF enters with a bundle of wood in

15 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - SAME (INTERCUT AS NEEDED) 15

Cliff and Paulette exchange a look. Paulette nods. Smiles.

Cliff smiles and squeezes on Paulette as she nods as well.

Cliff and Paulette share a frown, as Sonny forces a smile...

16 EXT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT 16

17 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - FOYER - NIGHT 17

Sonny enters the foyer, calling out toward the den...

18 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - DEN - CONTINUOUS 18

Kip steps up to her. They awkwardly hesitate. Bree scoffs.

Sonny GULPS. Stares at Bree through slightly gritted teeth.

19 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - FOYER - NIGHT 19

Bree shrugs nonchalantly.

Bree’s jaw drops, irritated. She thinks. Dramatically SIGHS.

20 INT. KRAVITZ RESIDENCE - DEN - NIGHT 20

Kip CHUCKLES as he stands and fluffs the pillows once again..

Kip starts to head out. Bree blocks him.

Kip stops. Bree throws a look at Sonny, who resigns herself.

Kip crosses his arms, defensive yet playful.