Table Read

The Jew Who Saved Christmas - Act 3

43 min
Dec 22, 2024over 1 year ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

This is a comedic scripted audio drama, not a B2B podcast. It's a fictional narrative about Bernie, a Jewish woman who accidentally hijacks Santa's Christmas delivery after he crashes at her house. The episode follows her journey delivering presents across Alaska with Santa, learning lessons about accepting help, believing in herself, and the importance of community.

Insights
  • Self-reliance taken to extremes can sabotage personal and professional relationships; accepting help is a strength, not weakness
  • Perfectionism and fear of judgment often drive people to isolate rather than collaborate, creating worse outcomes
  • Redemption and second chances require vulnerability and admitting mistakes to those you've let down
  • Community and teamwork can accomplish what individuals cannot, even in seemingly impossible situations
Topics
Personal accountability and self-awarenessTeamwork and collaborationFamily relationships and communicationPerfectionism and imposter syndromeRedemption narrativesHoliday traditions and cultural identity
Companies
Spirit Airlines
Bernie works as a flight attendant for Spirit Airlines in the episode's epilogue set one year later
Apple
Mentioned as an example of outsourced toy manufacturing by elves who previously made toys themselves
J.K. Rowling
Referenced by Bernie as a cultural touchstone when comparing herself to a 'Jewish goblin'
Quotes
"I didn't listen. I didn't accept your help because that's what I do. I've been doing it my whole life."
Bernie
"You made my eyes bloodshot and wide open. You did that."
Santa
"I've delivered Christmas alone since its dawn and I never realized how lonely it could be."
Santa
"The truth is, I don't believe in myself."
Bernie
Full Transcript
Soundtow welcomes you back to the North Pole. I hope you've California sobered up and can remember what happened in our previous episode. But if not, jolly old St. Nick will egg jog your memory. After a rocky start delivering Christmas, not to mention breaking out of TSA prison, Bernie started to get the hang of stealing my identity. Christmas was going off without a hitch. But as I continued on my journey of Jewish weed themed miracles, the sleigh's autopilot accidentally got turned back on. Bernie and I were lured back to the North Pole by the elves who were not jolly. Ho ho ho ho ho ho. But Bernie, like a typical Jew, refused to admit defeat. That wasn't written, that was just Jim. That was just a game, but I couldn't have said it anyway. But Bernie, like a typical Jew, refused to admit defeat. She evaded Santa's helpers and stole the sleigh. I tagged along stuck in a munchie themed miracle and we took off in hopes that Bernie could be the Jew who saved Christmas. Like a typical Jew, all that is the funniest thing. For the record, it is in this screen. I really like that line. Episode 3. Exterior night sky, Oregon PST. The wind whips through Santa and Bernie's hair as Santa chomps at clouds. Mmm, cotton candy. Careful, you don't want to gain the 420-20. Or in my case, 50. Oh god, what a rush. Did you see me own that take off? I didn't know you were going to be there and I still just went for it. I could see how you get hooked on this every year. What do we got left? Santa hands Bernie the magical scroll, which is now covered in chocolate goo. Bernie Jewish Mothers the list by licking her finger and wiping goo away. Am I reading this wrong? It seems like there's hardly any deliveries in this area. Santa looks over at the list and with a mouth full of cheese swipes, the naughty list appears and is massive. Whoa, all these kids are on the naughty list? Santa nods again, hyper-focused on finishing the cheese crumbs in his beard. So they just don't get presents? Cole. Santa holds up a honking piece of black coal. That's literally worse than not getting anything. Who even decides who's bad or good? An algorithm. Do you even consider what these kids have gone through? How this is going to affect them? That's some self-fulfilling prophecy bullshit. You know, maybe I wouldn't constantly fuck up if my family didn't anticipate me constantly fucking up. What even is considered naughty? Like, what did Chase Byron do that was so bad? She clicks the name and the description pops up. Hold 1500 people to kill themselves online. Okay, yeah, that one's pretty bad. But maybe he's from a broken home or having a hard time or just needs someone to believe in him. Bernie goes off on a tirade of justice. Yeah, you know what? This is exactly what is wrong with this world. Cancel culture. It's as old as time and stuff. As Bernie stands on her soapbox, Santa, mid-lollipop lick, freezes. His eyes spring open. We enter and an ugly Christmas sweater unravels, turning into the dangling tzatzit of Tali. Amonora's seventh candle gets lit and Benjamin's floating head appears. Miracle seven! Feel all the feels and get reclaimed! We zoom out of Santa's eye as Bernie finishes her rant. Have you ever heard of catch more bees with honey? Hurt people hurt people when they go low we go high? Bernie notices Santa's bottom lip quivering. Santa erupts into a fit of tears. Why are you crying? You're right. You're so right. You're right. Who am I to judge? I'm not perfect. I'm a monster. Oh no. PMS miracle. Great. Hey look. Bernie moves all of the kids on the naughty list to the nice list. We can make this right. Time will slow down just enough so that we can deliver Christmas to everyone. But in order to make that happen, I need you to keep your shit together. Can you do that? Santa emotionally nods. Great. Then let's give these little delinquents a Christmas they won't forget. Smash 2. Interior Portland family home later. Bernie has the Santa hat on delivering presents. Santa sees a framed family Christmas photo. It's so wholesome. He erupts into tears. The upstairs lights flash on. Bernie grabs Santa and ushers him to the chimney before they get caught. Interior Seattle Boat House later. Bernie sets presents down under the tree. She sees a little kid's drawing left for Santa. Bernie hands it to him. It's just too damn wholesome. He erupts into tears. Bernie heavy sighs. Interior British Columbia farmhouse later. When Bernie finishes checking the list twice, she discovers Santa isn't there. She creeps up the stairs and finds Santa in a child's bedroom. The kid is asleep, cuddled up with their golden retriever. Santa looks from the hallmark card moment over to Bernie. Don't. Santa erupts into tears. Smash back to exterior night sky later. You just couldn't keep it together, could you? No. Well luckily we only have Alaska left and they'll probably mistake your whaling for a wolf. Bernie's stomach growls. Good thing Alaska's small. I'm starving. Did Munchie Santa clean house or are there any snacks left? Oh great. So your body's shaming me too? Everyone talks about my big round belly like it doesn't hurt. Well it hurts. I am being a hundred percent right now and I tell you that I genuinely cannot wait for the next miracle. Santa's eyes spring open. We enter and emerge in the desert. The star of Bethlehem shines bright above a manger until it becomes a flame that lights a menorah's eighth and final candle. Benjamin's floating head appears. Miracle eight, your star of David. We zoom out of Santa's eye. Maybe there's a nibble in the sack, a Christmas orange perhaps? Bernie stretches to feel around the sack. She realizes it's completely empty. I know not a ton of people live in Alaska but there's legit nothing in here. Bernie gets up, hands Santa the reins and puts her entire body inside the bag. Like actually nothing. No presents. What do we do? Do we call the elves? Do they like magically refill it or something? Bernie rejoins Santa. Hello, emo Santa. What's the plan here? Santa smiles a weird smug grin. He leans against the sleigh like Don Juan. Me. You what? I'm the plan. I'm Santa. I'm not following. You have a way to get more presents? I am the presents. Santa kicks his feet on the dash. Oh, these kids don't need toys. They need me. I am Christmas and my presents will be their present. You dig? No. You're saying you're not going to give them gifts. You're just going to... I actually do not understand the second part of the plan. Santa plucks the hat from Bernie's head and wears it way too far back like a hipster beanie. Oh, Bernie, Bernie, Bernie, you are not Santa and therefore cannot use your human jello brain to comprehend the greatness that is me. Okay, I get it. You've gone through another miracle. You're douche, Santa. Awesome. What's awesome is this. Santa pulls a full Christmas ham from behind Bernie's ear. Oh my God. Is that ham? Was that really in my ear? You put a ham in a Jewish person's canal. Now, imagine that in a kiddos' bedroom. I've woken them up from a deep slumber. I allow them to post it on Instagram. They're the flyest kid in class, thanks to me. Okay, so just to get this straight, you want to sneak into a minor's private bedroom, startle them awake with meat magic and then have them post it without parental consent, documenting the evidence of everything I just stated? Santa nods enthusiastically. We're going to get arrested again. Santa gets distracted by his reflection in the side mirrors. He likes what he sees. Bernie grabs the list. What are these kids asked for? Bernie swipes the list looks like a maze mess with delivery error messages flashing over multiple names. Oh my God. I gave the nice kids gifts to the naughty kids. How do we get more gifts? Wrap this. Santa blows her a kiss. Oh my God. Oh my God. I just ruined Christmas for the entire state of Alaska, the suicide capital of America. Okay, there's got to be something we can do. We could break into a mall. Santa brushes his long hair and puts it into a man bun. Steal some gifts. The elves can replace them later. Alaska's small. It shouldn't be a big thing. Want to see a big thing? No. What is that? My **** I'm talking about. Jim. Santa. No. What about cute IOU notes with very specific promises so they know Christmas is real just like a little late? Santa Claus doesn't owe the children. They owe Santa for being an icon. Yeah, dude. Not helpful. Can Gaston Santa be quiet for a minute so I can think of a way to fix this giant mess I've made? Santa stands up, chest puffed out. How dare you talk to the king of peace that way? Okay, that's Jesus. Um, we could rob a candy place or a closed toy store. Does this thing have GPS? Bernie looks at the dials on the sleigh. Bernadette? Santa puts his hands on her shoulders. The weight of him calms her slightly. I have a plan. You do? I do. Bernie sighs with relief. Christmas gets delivered the way it's supposed to. By Santa and Santa alone. Santa shoves Bernie out of the sleigh. Bernie is shocked and barely has time to gasp as she tumbles through the night sky. She screams as she gains speed. She looks up to see Santa giving the old chintlick **** you gesture. But he doesn't realize that gold magic escaped his fingertips and is flying towards Bernie. Bernie loses consciousness, but just in time the magic from Santa's flick slows Bernie down. She softly lands atop a roof flat on her back. Exterior rooftop Alaska continuous. Bernie's safe for a moment until she starts to slide down the icy slope. She hits the ledge and tumbles off. Luckily her legs get tangled in the string lights and her body dangles upside down. She smacks into someone's living room window. Her shirt gets pulled over her head and her exposed bra flashes a couple sipping coffee. Bernie knocks on the window. A little help. Exterior ANC airport Alaska early morning. Bernie waves goodbye at the jarred couple as they drive away from departures. Thank you and sorry. Bernie enters the automatic doors and walks up to Interior's Spirit Airlines check and counter continuous. Bernie hands the spirit liaison her ID. First ticket to Chicago, please. The liaison scans Bernie's ID. She pauses and looks up to Bernie. She tries not to give anything away, but it's clear something's up. Um, excuse me just one second. The liaison disappears with Bernie's ID. Bernie checks her phone. Five new messages from Rami flash before her. Distracted, Bernie doesn't see TSA security and police approaching. They grab her wrists and cuff her off. Hey, hey, what are you? What's happening? Ma'am, you're on the no fly list. Merry Christmas. Bernie is dragged out of sight. Clarice? Friends. Silence of the land. Yeah, what's up? Interior interrogation room later. Bernie sits alone. A cup of stale coffee, her only company. She tries to get TSA's attention. Hello? I have to pee. You can't just... It's been an hour. I have rights. Alaska is still America, right? A TSA agent enters with a phone. He offers it to Bernie. Is this a lawyer? Don't I get to pick my own? Why won't you tell me the rules? The TSA agent leaves and Bernie slowly puts the phone to her ear. Hello? Bernie, it's me. It's Gimbal. Gimbal? From the airport. No, no, I know who you are. You're the reason I'm in here. What, he conagloat? Well, there's no need. Congratulations. I'm finally getting mine. I'm at rock bottom. Enjoy with Slap. Don't hang up. I'm not calling to salt your cash. I'm calling to get you out of there. Why? Santa. Santa? Santa! I don't know. I don't know what you were doing with him or why he chose a jag off to Bernie like you to do it with, but I know this. When I saw what I saw, it erased 20 years of torment. I had been right all along. It's real. I let everyone convince me I was crazy. But thanks to you, I know I'm not. Wow. A lot to unpack there, but I'm crazy or not. I don't think you're going to be able to get me out of airport prison. I'm pretty sure leaving a hole in the roof of O'Hare made me a terrorist. There is no hole. What? The hole repaired itself. Magically. I don't understand. And the brutally attacked officers? Don't remember a thing. Can cast. So. Yeah. So you're telling me all of the evidence of us being arrested is just what? Magically erased? Oh no. I'm sorry. I had to burn some security footage and blackmail an air marshal. My God. What's the nicest, most illegal thing anyone's ever done for me? I didn't do it for you. I did it for him. Bernie doesn't know what to say. She doesn't know what to believe. The phone goes dead. The door to the room swings open. All right. You've been cleared. Free to go. Bernie shakes her head in disbelief. She pauses as she passes the agent. This experience made me realize how unsafe our country really is. Thank you for your service. Bernie salutes the TSA agent and exits. Interior airplane later. Bernie is in flight as the captain comes over the loudspeakers. We are officially out of our ascent and the seat belt sign is off so you're free to walk about the cabin. It's Christmas morning so I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas to you and yours. The Christmas wishes devastate Bernie. The plane hits some turbulence. The woman next to Bernie jumps grabbing the armrest. Ah. Sorry. I'm a terrible player. Me too. Bernie realizes she's actually at ease in the air. Not at all afraid. She looks out the window at the dark sky and is surprised to see Santa. No one else notices him. Santa stands on the bed of the sleigh shouting, I'm the king of the world. We travel through the airplane window into Santa's eye. We enter and all goes dark. A menorah with eight candles dwindling down finally burns out. We zoom out of Santa's eye and back to Bernie. Bernie watches Santa's eyes roll into the back of his head. With no one steering the sleigh it hits the side of the plane. The plane's engine explodes upon impact. The sleigh falls off disappearing beneath the clouds. Folks, we've lost an engine. We need to make an emergency landing back at A and C. Please buckle your seat belts and remain seated for our descent. We're all gonna die! Bernie gives one last look out the window. Santa. Exterior A and C arrivals later that morning. Bernie takes a deep breath and dials Rami. It goes to voicemail. Hey, Rami. It's me. I'm in Alaska. It's a long story, but the point is I'm not going to make it home in time to clean up. I know what you're gonna say. I should have let you help with the cleanup and the party and my entire life. I just, I really wanted to do it on my own. And big surprise to you, no one. I couldn't. Can't. Anyway, um, you were right. I'm a disaster. I'll look for a new place when I get back. Mom and dad have dealt with me long enough. So have you. Honestly, so have I. Bernie cuts herself off when she sees Vixen standing in the loading zone like a taxi. Bernie hangs up and approaches. Vixen? No! You can stress about that one. What are you doing here? Where's Santa? Vixen gestures her head to her back. You want me to ride you like a common mule? Vixen blows and nods, a little girl tugs on her busy mother's shirt and points at Vixen having a horse convo with Bernie. It's Alaska, honey. It happens. I can't go with you, Vix. You're in this mess because of me, and if I get more involved, I'll just make it worse. Vixen bites Bernie. Ow! I'm serious. I'm a walking plank. I try to take initiative. I try to take charge, and everyone just ends up wishing I didn't. I'm going to save them the trouble. I'm going home. Bernie tries to leave, but Vixen bites her shirt. Vixen yanks Bernie backwards, lifting Bernie onto Vixen's back in one-fill swoop. When Bernie lands, Vixen makes a she-so-heavy whore sound. Okay, that's rude. Vixen, Vixen, let me down. I'm not like a horse girl, and I've already tested my limits enough today! Vixen takes off and Bernie holds on for dear life. Exterior, random glacier. You liked it the first time. Exterior, random glacier, later. Vixen gently lands as Bernie's frozen bod falls to the ice. Blitzon grabs a blanket with his horse teeth and drapes it over Bernie. Bernie pats him on the head and makes her way to the sleigh. Santa has passed out cold. Bernie nervously takes his pulse. Please be okay. Santa's pulse beats to the rhythm of jingle bells. I think that's a good sign. Bernie leans into Santa. I know you're done with the eight miracles, but I really need one more, okay? Please wake up. Santa stays comatose. Santa, I am so sorry I did this to you. You didn't come to my house for a reason. Why would Christmas be about me? I hijacked your holiday because J.K. Rowling was right. I'm a Jewish goblin, but I swear to you, I will get you home to the right people for the job so they can help you. I should have just done that in the first place. Bernie picks up the damaged radio. Hello? Elves? Sotnik? Do you copy? Do you read? Static. Hello, it's Bernie. Mayday. We need help, please. More static. Bernie throws down the radio. She thinks for a moment and looks to the reindeer. Guys? I need you to take us back to the pole. The magic gags stare blankly at her. Come on! You know the way you've been doing this for billions of years. Bixen snorts. That's wrong. Please, just get him home. Do it for him. I know you can do it. Your actual magic. Please save Santa, okay? Just get him home, okay, Dasher? Come on, dancer, prancer. The reindeer start to trot. Bernie sits up a little straighter. She realizes she's triggering them by saying their names. Undasher. Undancer. Unprancer. And Bixen. Un-Karl. Un-Michael. Un-Something. John. Jinglehammer. I don't know. Please just go. Cupid, Marcus, and Blitzen, you guys are being annoying. You know what I mean, just come on. Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike, Ralph, Johnny, move your ass! The reindeer, who have paused to stare at Bernie with disdain, roll their eyes and wiggle their butts. You're gonna do it, aren't ya? The reindeer gallop and take off into the dark morning sky. To the pole! Interior, exterior, the real North Pole later. In Coco's Tavern, the elves sit in silence, slamming down Eggnog. Hit me! The bartender pours another nod. Breaking the melancholy, Bernie runs through the doors once again, she's dressed like a Christmas idiot. Hi, I'm back. I was on a plane and Santa crashed it, and then he ran out of miracles and I think it blew his system because now he's ketatonic and the sleigh's all messed up and the flying fawns got me here, okay? Now we need your help! Bernie squads as she catches her breath. The elves don't react. Hello? Elves? Did you hear me? Santa needs you! He needs us? Why? Your tartan-tush can do it all alone, right? The rest of the elves... You're here! That's what I thought. Are you drunk? So I had a little par-um-um-um-um. It was a rough night, Bernie Gold. Sotnik, please. I know tonight was rough because of me, but there are bigger issues at hand here. Santa's a wreck, the sleigh's damaged and we ran out of presents. Don't you think we already know that? How? We have eyes everywhere. Ever heard of Elf on a shelf? Heroto pulls out a magical device that shows security footage from hidden cameras, placed in the eyes of elves on their shelves from around the world. We focus in on footage of a person using the toilet. I wish parents wouldn't put them in the bathroom. If you know about this, then why aren't you doing something? If I recall, you didn't seem to chimp-need us when you turned off autopilot and stole the sleigh. Bernie's about to argue but stops. You're right. The elves weren't expecting this. They don't know how to react. I didn't listen. I didn't accept your help because that's what I do. I've been doing it my whole life. Bernie reflects, taking a moment to herself. My best friend filled out a job application so I'd stop stalling. Do you think I thanked her? The elves don't know if it's rhetorical. Pressure to answer? No! I pushed her away because I wanted her to think that I was capable of doing it on my own. I'm not. Or how about my parents and shitty sister offering to help throw a family party? Did I use it as an opportunity to bond and spend quality time together? The elves still don't know if she wants them to respond. No, it won't. Of course not. I shut them out because I'd rather prove that they should have had faith in me in the first place. And why wouldn't they? I've only botched every other social event I've been in charge of. And those examples are just from the past 24 hours. Bernie sits down. Defeated. Yeah. I really wanted to believe that when the real life Santa Claus showed up at my house on a night when I really needed it, he was there to prove that I could finally be trusted, depended on, believed in. And then you guys came on the radio and you echoed all of the things I'd been running from. And I wanted so badly to show you and everyone else that you were all wrong about me. But the thing is, I knew you weren't. And I took Christmas hostage anyway. And for what? It doesn't matter if Eve or my parents or even Santa believes in me. Because the truth is, I don't believe in myself. This was hard to say. Bernie looks up at the elves who have tears streaming down their faces. So I'm here to give you the reins because he needs you. The world needs you. There's still time! Or there isn't. I have zero grasp on how the time stuff works, but I know this. If anyone can get the job done, it's you puppet-looking laborers. And I think it's time for the elf to get off the goddamn shelf and get to work to save Christmas! The elves are pumped up by Bernie's speech. They flip where they stand, hopping on each other's heads and shoulders, knowing that Christmas is finally in the right hands. Bernie creeps out the door. Bernie turns around, confused. Where in the pear tree do you think you're going? Somewhere I can be out of your hair and not ruin things further. Did you not hear my big speech? Sotnik crosses to Bernie and climbs on a stool so he's level with her. You got us into this Christmas, and you're not going to stick around to do your partridge? Look, I know what you're doing, and it's really nice, but I don't need a pity invite. It's not pity. We're going to need a miracle to pull this off in time, and I hear your holiday has a few of those, don't they? Yeah, eight, but... It's a lot! I know you're kind of frugal, but... It's a lot! I know you're kind of frugal, but you think you could share? Because we need all the help we can get. Sotnik puts out his elf hand. Bernie pauses thinking before she smiles and grabs his four fingers to shake. Count the stingy bitchin'! Montage! Cue a rock and roll Christmas song while Bernie and the elves get to work. In the town square, the elves' fork lift passed out Santa out of the sleigh, put him on a stretcher, and march him into a spa called the manger. In the barn, the elves are at work fixing the sleigh and grooming the reindeer as Bernie oversees. You might want to add a safety feature so it's harder to turn off the autopilot. Just a suggestion! At the manger spa, Santa is observed by elves. They watch from behind glass as maple syrup is administered through a long IV tube into Santa's veins. They hold their breath, but Santa remains unconscious. At the toy warehouse, the elves work over a conveyor belt. They're assembling LOL dolls one by one. Bernie grabs one of the dolls and submerges it into water. The once new doll now appears to be wearing lingerie. Bernie looks over at an elf with judgment and he gives her a pervy smile. At the manger spa, Bernie checks in on Santa, who is now in a room covered in mistletoe. One by one, each elf kisses Santa on the lips and waits for him to awaken. Bernie leans over to one of the elves. How is this sobering him up? True love's kiss! Mrs. Claus didn't do the trick. Bernie sighs at the madness. At the toy warehouse, Bernie takes inventory. They're short gifts and elf leads Bernie to a vault stocked with wall-to-wall electronics. They have all the big boy toys. Bernie looks to the elf, impressed. We used to make them ourselves, but now we outsource! Apple really is everywhere. Bernie checks the missing presents off the list. At the manger spa, Santa is in a sauna where instead of steam, powdered sugar fills the room. Exterior town square, end of montage. All of the elves have formed an assembly line and are passing each other wrapped gifts to put into the fresh sleigh. Sotnik is checking the gifts off. 200,001, 200,002! Alaska is ready to be delivered! The elves jump in glee, celebrating as they do by hopping and bopping all over the town. They hug Bernie. We did it! The elves run towards Santa, who is back to the Santa we all know and love. He's a sober Santa. Bernie is forgotten and awkwardly stands alone as the elves surround the man in red. Why don't you never wake up? You were stiffer than a chewy chestnut! Thank God you're alive! Now you can deliver Christmas! Yay! Christmas is saved! We love you, Santa Claus! Santa gets in the sleigh, puts on his hat, tightens his gloves and gets ready to take off, but he stops suddenly looking around. Bernie? Bernie Gold? The elves part and expose Bernie, who is trying to hide in the back. Oh, hey! So glad you're feeling better. Good luck and sorry. Are you ready? Huh? You are joining me, aren't you? Me? You want me to come? Wait, like you're gonna drop me off on the way or... Well, if it's alright by you, I could use a hand finishing the job. But I don't understand, aren't you furious with me? Well, I guess I should be furious, but not with you. I don't follow. You see, Bernie, I've been doing Christmas the same way for over 1,686 years. Turns out, wasn't just the sleigh that was riding on autopilot. Then you came along and drugged me. You made my eyes bloodshot and wide open. You did that. I did? Oh, yes, Bernie. It was you who told that little girl about the jolly side of divorce. Oh, it's so good when parents destroy their children. I...that was it. I would have just given her a toy and erased her memory of me ever being there. But you, you connected with her and helped more than any gift ever could. I didn't think it was that big a deal. And how about that party? I never stopped to partake in the jubilance. I'm usually watching the fun from outside a frosted window. I forgot how it felt to be included in a Christmas celebration. I clearly have enough time to indulge every now and then. Do you? I still don't understand how the time thing works. It has to be daytime in Alaska by now. Winter solstice! And as for the naughty list, the very reason we ran out of gifts for the children... Bernie bows her head in shame. You made me realize that I have been too harsh a judge. You believed in the naughty kids in a way I didn't. And now, because of you, they'll have a real shot at being nice because someone showed them some Christmas kindness. Bernie smiles. I've delivered Christmas alone since it's dawn and I never realized how lonely it could be. I'd really like to finish this year's delivery with you. I guess even Santa needs a little help. Or a lot! Alpha holds up his hands and they are blistered and bleeding. Santa holds out his hand to Bernie. What do you say? One last ride? I'd be honored. Santa helps Bernie up into the sleigh. Wait! Bernie! We have one last gift. The elves march over a long blue box with a silver bow. Happy Chachaca! With your track record, I am so nervous about what this is going to be. Bernie opens the kit. Inside is a fitted blue crushed velvet suit with a star of David embroidered on the back. Bernie is surprised and touched. Now, come make Christmas look good! Exterior, dark winter solstice morning sky Alaska. A Christmas song plays as Santa and Bernie in her new fit fly past a welcome to Alaska sign. The sleigh flies over a mining town built into a mountainside with carts and copper decorating the scene. The echoes of children waking up to Christmas miracles follow the sleigh. Mom! Santa came while we were sleeping! Look at all the toys! The sleigh passes over a frozen lake where an ice fisherman sees them and is stunned. The sleigh continues over a quaint railroad town. Wow! I didn't think I was going to get anything this year. Thanks mom! Oh, that wasn't me. Mom! I didn't get you anything! The sleigh flies through the magical northern lights and grazes by national parks. Finally, the sleigh passes over a reservation with fur hanging and dog sleds rigged and ready. This is the best Christmas ever! I love you, neat new! Alaskan voices of gratitude and love start to overlap and fill the air. Santa's sleigh makes a U-turn and heads into the rising sun. Alaska's Christmas has been delivered. Exterior, Bernie's parents' house, front porch, Christmas day. Santa and Bernie stand awkwardly at her front door. Bernie tucks some curls behind her ear. I had a really nice time, Santa. Oh, me too. I'm really glad I went to the wrong house and that I didn't check the list twice. I'm really glad you didn't turn out to be a Christmas-themed murderer. So, oh, are we supposed to laugh, my bad? They laugh. So, you really liked having me tag along? Do bet your boots! Does that mean I can come again next year? Oh, no. Okay, I better go face to music. My family went to lunch, but I doubt there's enough bagels and locks in the world to buy me time to clean up before they get home, and then to sell me. Bernie, what you did last night would make every family in the world proud to have you as a member. Bernie smiles and turns her back to Santa as she fuzzes with her keys. Yeah, well, my parents aren't going to believe the whole, I went on a Christmas adventure with Santa, excuse, so. Bernie turns around and Santa is gone. That's rude. Bernie looks up at the sky and waves to a blip of red whizzing by. She takes a deep breath and enters her home. Interior Bernie's parents' house living room continuous. It's worse than she remembered. The fireplace is in shambles, there's broken glass, soot and food splattered everywhere. Santa's boot imprints are etched into the carpet. It's bad. Bernie enters the closet to grab a broom. When she hears her family unlock the front door, Bernie braces herself. Oh my god! Bernie, get out here! Bernie re-enters the living room and is shocked to see the place immaculate. Fresh latkes are plated on the table, gelt bags and gifts line the mantle that is completely intact. Hanukkah decorations out of a Kardashian theme party take over the room. It's warm, inviting and lovely. Bernie's whole family is in disbelief. Fran has tears in her eyes. Did you do all of this by yourself? I had a little help. Happy Hanukkah. I'm so happy you're home and I'm so sorry for everything. It was an accident honey, could have happened to anyone. Rami rolls her eyes. What are you wearing? Bernie in her velvet suit shuts Rami up by throwing her arms around her and embracing her in a hug. I should have let you help with the party. You're really good at this stuff and I want to do more things together. I love you. Rami is uncomfortable but lets a tiny bit of affection in. I'll call Gary and tell him to bring the rest of the kids over. Tell them it's a Hanukkah miracle! You don't know how correct that statement actually is. Bernie takes a bite out of a latke when she sees Rami about to eat a chocolate chip cookie. Bernie runs over to knock it out of her sister's hands. Everyone looks at her in shock. Those have... peanuts. Bernie dumps the cookies in the trash. A little later, Bernie's extended family plays dreidel. They spin, spin, spin, laugh, eat and be merry. Fran lands on Gimmel. Gimmel all your money. You cheated, Bubby! It's okay Sam, I've got more gelt. Spare me. Bernie heads to the garage. Suddenly the front door busts open. It's Eve. She's still in her pajamas and looks like she's had a rough night. Eve frantically runs into the living room, still catching her breath. Bernie's missing! Eve paces, frenetically spilling her guts. The last time I spoke to her was nine hours ago and she was not answering her phone. She was off with some bearded Zeus who I know is not her uncle. Sorry I need to get my fucking glasses. Okay. The last time I spoke to her was nine hours ago and she was not answering her phone. She was off with some bearded Zeus who I know was not her uncle. Mark and TSA told me she got arrested and I logged on to her account and said she was on a flight and made an emergency landing in Alaska. The family stares at Eve in confusion. Oh, wait, wait, wait. I think I get what's going on here. Bernie tried to do that weird Alaska prank on me too, but I didn't fall for it because I'm not an idiot. Bitch. Why aren't you doing anything? Didn't you hear what I said? Bernie's in trouble. Eve looks up in shock at Bernie who has re-entered the living room. Eve runs to Bernie and wraps her arms around her. Bernie, you're alive! Thank God! The family watches them with judgment. Well, now that that's settled, Eve? Care to spin? The girls break their hug and Eve takes her place with the family. She spins the dreidel. None give a damn! Watch that dreidel spin, spin, spin! We pan off of the family delight to the mantle. A mention of Bench's eyes suddenly spring to life, glowing like the elf on the shelf did. Bernie feels the gaze and stares at the doll. It winks at her. She jumps, laughter and ignorant bliss drown out the scene. Chiron, one year later. Interior, O'Hare, Christmas Eve. The airport is once again decked with holly. Bernie and Eve, both sporting the Spirit Airlines flight attendant uniform, are on the moving walkway. Eve has been timing Bernie's speech. We ask that you make sure that all carry on luggage is stowed away safely during the flight. While we wait for take off, please take a moment to review the safety data card in the front. Nope. Really good. We ask that you make sure that all carry on luggage is stowed away safely during the flight. If you need to take off, please take a moment to review the safety data card in the seat pocket in front of you. Three minutes! It's a new record. Yes! You're going to nail your first flight. Couldn't have done it without you. I know. We did it together. Bernie and Eve arrive at a checkpoint and show their badges to Agent Gimble, who winks at Bernie as she passes. Eve notices the exchange. You too, Smashing! Yeah. Bernie and Eve reach a fork. They pause to say goodbye. Wish me luck. Luck is just destiny in disguise. Stop quoting your psychic. Sorry, pastor. Merry Christmas, Bernie. Eve walks away and Bernie looks up through the glass roof of O'Hare Airport and into the sky. We see a plane take off and moments later, if you squint hard enough, a sleigh. Merry Christmas. The end. Yeah! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.