Arnold’s Christmas

At the Sunset Arms boarding house, Arnold draws the name of Mr. Hyunh for the Secret Santa gift exchange. He notices that Mr. Hyunh seems particularly sad during the Christmas season and wants to get him a meaningful gift. This sets Arnold on a path to learn more about Mr. Hyunh's story and find a special gift for him.

Arnold visits Mr. Hyunh, who shares his emotional story of fleeing Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon. He explains how he had to give up his infant daughter Mai to American soldiers to keep her safe. The story reveals his long-standing hope to find and reunite with her in the United States.

Having arrived in the United States as a refugee, Mr. Hyunh searches for his missing daughter Mai in Hillwood, but has been unsuccessful for twenty years. He remains overcome with despair, still holding onto hope that they will one day reunite. Arnold becomes determined to help him find Mai as a heartfelt Christmas mission.

Arnold asks his best friend Gerald to help find Mai before Christmas Eve. They devise a plan to gather information from a busy public records employee who might have her details. Their goal is to locate Mai and reunite her with Mr. Hyunh in time for Christmas.

Arnold and Gerald agree to do the city employee's unfinished Christmas shopping in exchange for help accessing records. They focus on finding the last item on the list, a pair of brand-name snow boots, essential for completing their task and moving closer to finding Mai.

Helga, who has been secretly stalking Arnold, receives a pair of the coveted snow boots from her parents as a Christmas gift. She hesitates about giving them up, as they symbolize love from her neglectful parents and are a rare treasure, creating internal conflict over her next move.

Realizing Arnold’s mission, Helga decides to give her snow boots to the city employee to help find Mai. She approaches him just as he is leaving work, convinces him to track down Mai, and forfeits her precious gift for the sake of her heartwarming desire to help Arnold.

Thanks to Helga’s help, Mr. Hyunh and Mai are reunited just in time for Christmas. Their touching reunion fills the scene with joy, symbolizing hope, love, and the healing power of the holiday season. Arnold watches on, overwhelmed by the emotional moment.

Arnold is surprised that the reunion occurred in time, but Gerald explains to him that it was a Christmas miracle, perhaps a sign of a Christmas angel watching over them. This moment emphasizes the theme of miracles and the magic of Christmas giving.

Helga, standing outside the building in her socks after leading Mai there, listens to the heartfelt reunion. She quietly whispers 'Merry Christmas, Arnold,' feeling a deep sense of fulfillment and hope. Her quiet gesture underscores her caring nature and unspoken feelings.